PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE XC.
SOCIAL °ROGRAMMES MAKING GOOD PROGRESS .................... 1
APPOINTMENT OF ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE .................. 3
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT HONG KONG ........................... 3
BACKING STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER ............................ 4
74 SU ILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER .................... 6
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS HAVE AMPLE CHANCES FOR PROMOTION ....... 7
TALK ON GREEN PAPER OK SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT ........ 5
TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW .................................................. 9
PASSING-OUT PARADE FOR PRISON OFFICERS .................... o
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
1
SOCIAL PROGRAMMES MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN LONDON LAST NIGHT HONG KONG WAS WITHIN SIGHT OF OVERCOMING THE SOCIAL DEFICIENCIES IMPOSED ON IT BY HISTORY.
ADDRESSING THE DIPLOMATIC AND COMMONWEALTH WRITERS ASSOCIATION IN LONDON, HE SAID THAT THE MASSIVE PROGRAMMES IN HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SECURITY WERE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AND HE EXPECTED THE TARGETS TO BE ACHIEVED IN SIX YEARS.
THE MOST PRESSING PROBLEM, HE SAID, HAD BEEN HOUSING. BUT WITH THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME NOW IN TOP GEAR THE PROBLEM OF HOUSING AS IT NOW EXISTS SHOULD BE BEHIND US BY 1983/84.
NEXT TO A LIVELIHOOD AND HOUSING, EDUCATION WAS NEXT PRIORITY, HE SAID, AND THE AIM HERE WAS TO BUILD A PUBLIC SECTOR OF EDUCATION THAT WOULD CATER FOR ALL UP TO THE END OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL.
+BY 1971 SUFFICIENT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION TO BE UNIVERSAL, FREE AND COMPULSORY. THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN PUSHED FORWARD AND NEXT YEAR, SEPTEMBER 1978, THE JUNIOR SECONDARY COURSE WILL ALSO BECOME UNIVERSAL AND FREE, AND A YEAR LATER WILL BE MADE COMPULSORY,+ HE SAID.
IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR, HE ADDED, THE OPPORTUNITIES WERE FOR 17.9 PER CENT OF THE AGE GROUP- BY 1981 THE FIGURE WOULD BE 23 PER CENT AND, UNDER CURRENT PLANS, 27 PER CENT BY 1986.
SIR MURRAY TOLD THE ASSOCIATION THAT MEDICAL ATTENTION IN HONG KONG WAS RELATIVELY GOOD AND, DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF A NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS AVAILABLE TO ALL AND PROVIDED AT A LOWER COST TO PATIENTS THAN IN BRITAIN.
MAJOR NEW PROJECTS BETWEEN NOW AND 1983, HE ADDED, INCLUDED THREE MAJOR HOSPITALS OF OVER 1,200 BEDS, PLUS A WHOLE STRING OF CLINICS.
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY FROM A +REFUGEE CITY+ TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING INDUSTRIAL AND TRADING TERRITORIES. +ITS PEOPLE ENJOY A STANDARD OF LIVING WHICH IS HIGH BY ASIAN STANDARDS AND WHICH IS IMPROVING.*
IN HIS WIDE RANGING SPEECH, SIR MURRAY ALSO SPOKE ON THE POLICE, ICAC AND HONG KONG’S TEXTILES.
ASKED WHETHER HE FELT THAT HE HAD HAD NO OPTION BUT TO DECLARE A PARTIAL AMNESTY, THE GOVERNOR SAID: +N0, IT WAS A MOMENT OF VERY CONSIDERABLE DANGER. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC FEELING AT THE TIME IN FAVOUR OF PART OF THE CASE OF THE POLICE AND THE TOTAL UNITY OF OPINION SUBSEQUENTLY ACHIEVED, I AM SURE, WAS BASED ON A SENSE OF FAIRNESS OF THE AMNESTY.+
/IN ANSWER TO .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
2 -
IN ANSWER TO ANOTHER QUESTION AS TO WHETHER THE PRESENCE OF BRITISH TROOPS IN HONG KONG WAS A FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO STABILITY, SIR MURRAY SAID HE BELIEVED THEIR PRESENCE WAS OF IMPORTANCE, BUT HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE USE OF THE GARRISON WAS NOT CONTEMPLATED AT THE TIME.
EARLIER, SIR MURRAY SAID HE HAD NO FEAR FOR THE FUTURE OF ICAC AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS OPERATION.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1974, HE SAID, THE ICAC HAD CHANGED MUCH IN HONG KONG THAT MANY HAD REGARDED AS UNCHANGEABLE. + ITS OBJECTIVE WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A REVOLUTION IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES TO CORRUPTION.*
SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED GREAT SYMPATHY FOR THE MAJORITY OF HONEST MEN WHO MAKE UP THE POLICE FORCE WHICH, HE SAID, HAD ACHIEVED MUCH DESPITE THE UNSETTLING EFFECT ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES HAD HAD ON THE HONEST MEN IN THE FORCE.
+YOU CAN ALSO IMAGINE THE RESENTMENT OF THE HONEST AS EACH NEW COURT CASE RELEASED DIRECT OR INDIRECT CRITICISM ON THE FORCE AS A WHOLE,* HE ADDED.
THE FORCE WAS NOW PERFORMING ITS DUTY IN AN EXEMPLARY MANNER, HE SAID. +NEVERTHELESS, RECENT EVENTS HAVE REVEALED MAJOR PROBLEMS OF MORALE, DISCIPLINE AND COMMUNICATION AND MUTUAL CONFIDENCE AT ALL LEVELS, WHICH MUST NOW BE CAREFULLY AND SYMPATHETICALLY STUDIED AND CORRECTED.
+IT WILL BE MY MAJOR CONCERN IN THE NEXT YEAR TO SEE THAT THIS IS DONE,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO SAID IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION THAT THE AMNESTY HAD NOT HARMED RELATIONS WITH CHINA IN ANY WAY.
IN HIS ADDRESS, HE HAD NOTED THAT SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS REMAINED EXCELLENT. + INDEED IN THE 30 YEARS THAT I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED WITH ANGLO-CHINESE RELATIONS, I HAVE NEVER KNOWN THEM TO BE BETTER.*
THIS ALSO APPLIED TO RELATIONS WITH CHINA ABOUT HONG KONG, SIR MURRAY SAID, CITING AS EXAMPLES CHINA’S SPECIAL EFFORTS TO SUPPLY MORE WATER TO HONG KONG AND CHINA’S RECENT INVESTMENTS IN BANKS, RETAIL BUSINESS, REAL ESTATE AND SOME INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
+1 THINK THIS PICTURE OF BUSY COMMERCIAL NORMALCY IS ONE FROM WHICH WE CAN TAKE CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILE TRADE, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE TERMS WHICH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY WAS DEMANDING OF HONG KONG +ARE UNPRECEDENTEDLY HARSH AND COMPLETELY OUT OF LINE WITH PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS.*
HE SAID THE TALKS WERE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG AS THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES EMPLOY HALF OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE AND PROVIDE ABOUT HALF OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WAS MUCH AT STAKE, AND NOT ONLY FOR HONG KONG, BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT *WHILE FAILURE TO REACH AGREEMENT COULD BE DIRE, SO TOO COULD BE THE WRONG SORT OF AGREEMENT.*
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
APPOINTMENT OF ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE *******
A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON. SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE ICAC.
THE COMMITTEE TO BE CALLED +ICAC COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE* WOULD COMPRISE: DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, THE HON. Q.W. LEE, THE HON. MRS. JOYCE SYMONS, THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE, THE HON. R.H. LOBO, DR. THE HON. R.L. HUANG AND A LAW OFFICER.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF UMELCO AND AN OFFICER OF THE ICAC WILL SERVE AS JOINT SECRETARIES.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE ARE:
* TO MONITOR AND WHERE IT CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE TO REVIEW THE HANDLING BY THE ICAC OF COMPLAINTS BY ANYONE AGAINST THE ICAC AND OFFICERS OF THE ICAC.
* TO IDENTIFY ANY FAULTS IN ICAC PROCEDURES WHICH LEAD OR MIGHT LEAD TO COMPLAINTS, AND,
* WHEN IT CONSIDERS APPROPRIATE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ICAC OR, WHEN CONSIDERED NECESSARY, TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE TERM OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE IS FROM TODAY (DECEMBER 1, 1977) TO DECEMBER 31, 1978.
THE COMMITTEE IS TO SUBMIT A SUMMARY OF THE CASES IT HAS CONSIDERED TO THE GOVERNOR SIX MONTHS AFTER ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND ANNUALLY THEREAFTER.
DUKE OF KENT TO VISIT HK * * * *
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE DUKE OF KENT, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD, WILL VISIT HONG KONG TO OPEN A BRITISH INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION ON MARCH 6, 1978.
HRH WILL SPEND THREE DAYS IN HONG KONG AND THEN TRAVEL ON TO MANILA AND SINGAPORE.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
4
BANKING STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER
******
,NG DEPOSITS AT THE END OF OCTOBER 1977 STOOD AT MILLION, COMPRISING 312,105 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, g8 317 MILLION 'N TIME DEP0SITS AND 519,879 MILLION IN SAVINGS L/C r U O I I O •
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF OCTOBER.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES RELEASED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY (THURSDAY) GIVE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH.
LIABILITIES
1. DEPOSITS
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD
3. OTHER LIABILITIES
ASSETS
1. CASH
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD » (I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM ( II) TIME DEPOSITS
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES 1 (I) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD
4. INVESTMENTS s
( I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
5. OTHER ASSETS s ( I) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD
$ MILLION
50,301
35,494
11,262
TOTAL LIABILITIES 97,057
935
IMS 28,502 5,614 34,116
34,303 17,918 52,221
3,618 98 3,716
5,503 566 6,069
TOTAL ASSETS 97,057
/AVERAGE LIQUIDITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING THE MONTH
44.28%
MONEY SUPPLY
MONTH ENDED 31ST OCTOBER 1977
$ MILLION
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A)
(I) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 5,487
(II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 528 6,015
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS
AND NOTES (B) 935
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NON-
BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - CO 5,080
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D) 12,105
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) - (E) 17,185
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 18,317
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 19,879
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G) - (H) 55,381
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/6
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
MORE BUILDING PLANS PPROVED IN OCTOBER
* * *
A TOTAL OF 74 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED IN OCTOBER BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 69 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THIS BROUGHT TO 669, THE NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
OF THE 74 NEW PLANS APPROVED, 19 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 22 FOR KOWLOON AND 33 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A SCHOOL AT THE JUNCTION OF LA SALLE ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, A CHILDREN’S CENTRE AT TAI PO, A SUPERMARKET AT SAI KUNG, A CHAPEL AT CORNWALL STREET AND A RECREATIONAL GROUND AT CHI FU FA YUEN ESTATE.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $163.31 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $185.03 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1976.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO 156,733 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 103,272 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 53,461 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 44 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SCHOOL EXTENSION AT WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, A NAUTICAL STUDIES BUILDING AT HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, A LECTURE HALL COMPLEX AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A BUDDHIST HALL AT MA WAN.
THIRTY-NINE- NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, A CHURCH AT KWUN TONG AND A POWER STATION AT AP LEI CHAU.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 27 BUILDINGS.
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/7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS HAVE AMPLE CHANCES FOR PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT
* * K* O
WITH THE GRADUAL EXPANSION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DOCTORS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE WILL HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROMOTION AND ADVANCEMENT PROVIDED THEY +DO NOT SUCCUMB TO THE LURE OF PRIVATE PRACTICE.+
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (MEDICAL), DR. S.F. LAM, SAID THIS TODAY IN A TALK TO THE LIONS CLUB OF CASTLE PEAK.
SPEAKING ON THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE DEPARTMENT, DR. LAM POINTED OUT THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE RENUMERATION THAT IS PAID TO DOCTORS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE AND WHAT SOME OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS COULD EARN IN PRIVATE PRACTICE.
+THIS DISCREPANCY WHICH APPEARS TO BE WIDENING IS CAUSING US SOME CONCERN,* HE SAID.
IN HIS PERSONAL OPINION, HE SAID, THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CAUSES WHY DOCTORS LEAVE THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
+H0W TO BRIDGE THIS GAP AND NOT UPSET THE WHOLE SALARY STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IS AN INTRIGUING PROBLEM THAT NEEDS THE GENUS OF A MILTON FRIEDMAN PLUS THE GUILE OF A WILBER SMITH,* HE SAID.
+BE THAT AS IT MAY, WE ARE LOOKING INTO WAYS AND MEANS OF BRIDGING THIS GAP AND WE HOPE TO COME UP WITH SOME WORKABLE SOLUTION,* HE ADDED.
ON THE QUESTION OF ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, DR. LAM SAID ALL SERVICE UNITS WOULD LIKE A LARGER SLICE OF THE FINANCIAL CAKE.
+WHEN THIS IS APPORTIONED THE DIFFICULTY BEGINS AS TO HOW IT SHOULD BE DIVIDED TO MEET THE VARIOUS NEEDS OF THE SERVICE, BEARING IN MIND THAT EACH AND EVERY DISCIPLINE CAN MAKE OUT JUST AS STRONG A CASE AS TO WHY THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN MORE,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, DR. LAM SAID THERE WERE CERTAIN PRINCIPLES WHICH WERE USED AS GUIDELINES.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT WE ARE A SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND OUR FIRST AIM IS TO SEE THAT THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE CATERED FOR” THE URGENCY IS DETERMINED BY THE IMPORTANCE TO LIFE AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE AFFLICTED BY THE AILMENT.*
/FOR EXAMPLE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
8
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, PRIORITY MUST BE GIVEN TO TREATING THE COMMON EMERGENCIES LIKE ACUTE APPENDICITIS AND PERFORATED DUODENAL ULCERS RATHER THAN SOME HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED SURGERIES WHICH BENEFIT ONLY A FEW.
DR. LAM SAID GOVERNMENT DOCTORS HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO PROVIDING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE WHICH THEY COULD BE PROUD OF.
+UNFORTUNATELY LIKE MOST THINGS, THE GOOD THAT THEY HAVE DONE IS SUBMERGED BY THE UNWARRANTED BAD PUBLICITY BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE MISDEEDS OF A FEW,+ HE SAID.
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NOTE TO EDITORSi
TALK ON GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL JELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, WILL SPEAK AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING 3F THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH AT HONG KONG HOTEL AT 1 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR. SWEETMAN WILL SPEAK ON THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT.
COPIES OF HIS SPEECH IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION TOMORROW A-TERNOON IN G.I.S. NEWS ROOM, 6/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1977
9
NOTE TO EDITORS*
FIRST MEETING OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD * X K
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IS TO HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL ADDRESS THE MEETING WHICH STARTS A7 4.30 P.M.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY BOARD IS MR. PETER NG WHO IS THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER.
IT WILL BE THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF INAUGURAL MEETINGS OF THE SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WAS HELD EARLIER THIS WEEK.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE INAUGURAL MEETING. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE PRESS. A GOVERNMENT VAN AM2088 WILL LEAVE nT 3.00 P.M. TOMORROW FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM TUEN MUN.
PASSING-OUT PARADE FOR PRISON OFFICERS * * * * *
A PASSING-OUT PARADE FOR THREE PRISON OFFICERS AND 100 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WILL BE HELD AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3).
DR. J.H. YAP, CONSULTANT DENTAL SURGEON IN-CHARGE OF THE DENTAL SERVICE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL INSPECT THE PARADE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PARADE. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE AT 10 A.M. SHARP ON SATURDAY FROM THE PRISONS HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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4
PRH 7
n-Rpffii IgisI lai ifel
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS PROPOSED ............ 1
TWELVE MORE RATING AREAS IN NT SPECIFIED ......;......... 2
POLICY IN COMPENSATING THOSE AFFECTED BY NT DEVELOPMENT EXPLAINED .....................................*............ 3
SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME MAY PROVIDE INCENTIVE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR ............................... 5
NEW FIRE STATION FOR AIRPORT............................. 6
BALANCED MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME .................. 7
ANCIENT JAR TO BE HANDED OVER TO GOVERNMENT FOR CONSERVATION ............................................ 9
CAPACITY OF MUK WU PUMPING STATION TO BE INCREASED ...... 10
ALLEGATIONS ON TAX REFUNDS NOT TRUE ..................... 11
SHA CALLS FOR CLOSER INTERNATIONAL TIES BETWEEN STUDENTS ................................................ 12
NT SLAUGHTER HOUSE FEES REVISED ......................... 13
BIG WAVE BAY ROCK CARVINGS BECOME FIRST OFFICIAL ANCIENT MONUMENT................................................. 14
TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETS .................. 15
INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE ................... 16
CLOSURE OF THEATRE LANE ................................. 16
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
1
FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS PROPOSED
******
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKMEN WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1977, IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO PAY MEDICAL EXPENSES RELATED TO TREATMENT FOR INJURIES SUFFERED BY THEIR EMPLOYEES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS NO LEGISLATIVE PROVISION ENTITLING AN INJURED WORKMAN TO MEDICAL CARE OR MAKING THE EMPLOYER RESPONSIBLE FOR SUCH EXPENSES
UNDER THE BILL, AN INJURED WORKMEN WILL BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM MEDICAL EXPENSES ACTUALLY INCURRED UP TO A MAXIMUM CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF $10 EACH DAY FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AND $20 EACH DAY FOR IN-PATIENT CARE IN A HOSPITAL.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED THAT AN INJURED WORKER SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE INJURY BY WHICH TIME HE SHOULD EITHER BE CURED OF HIS INJURY OR BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR PERMANENT INCAPACITY.
+THE PROPOSALS, IF ENACTED, WILL ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY FULLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION NO. 17 (WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (ACCIDENTS) CONVENTION) IN RESPECT OF ARTICLE 9.+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HE DISCLOSED THAT A STUDY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT INJURY BENEFITS IN SEVEN NEIGHBOURING ASIAN COUNTRIES SHOWED THAT ALL OF THEM PROVIDED MEDICAL CARE AND ALLIED BENEFITS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, EITHER AS AN EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY OR THROUGH INSURANCE SCHEMES TO WHICH EMPLOYERS WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +IF EMPLOYERS HERE WERE TO BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES, HONG KONG WOULD BE PLACED IN A COMPARABLE POSITION WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS.*
/2......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
2
TWELVE MORE RATING AREAS IN NT SPECIFIED * * K *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS SPECIFIED TWELVE FURTHER RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS IS THE FIFTH PHASE OF A PROGRAMME EXTENDING RATING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE ORDER COVERING THIS IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
COMMENTING ON THE ORDER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID IT WAS PROPOSED TO C4ARGE RATES IN THESE ADDITIONAL AREAS FROM APRIL 1, 1978.
THE AREAS ARE
AREAS F5-7 — AN AREA IN THE VICINITY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM SAN TIN TO HUNG SHU I KIU, KAM TIN/SHEK KONG AND LAU FAU SHAN.
AREA G5 — AN AREA AROUND TAI PO MARKE ' INCLUDING HONG LOK TSUEN.
AREA H5 -- YING PUN (ON FAN KAM ROAD).
AREA J3 -- SHEUNG SHU I, PING CHE AND KJU TUNG.
AREA K2 — AN AREA AROUND TUEN MUN INC-UDING LAM TEI.
AREAS L4-5 — AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF SHA TIN.
AREA M5 — AN AREA SOUTH OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD INCLUDING
RENNIES MILL.
AREAS N2-3 — NAM WAI AND NAM SHAN/SHA KCK MEI, BOTH IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE AREAS INCLUDE VIRTUALLY ALL PARTS OF THE MAINLAND NEW TERRITORIES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED TO BE DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING AT THE PRESENT TIME.
HOWEVER, AS AND WHEN DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE IN PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES OUTSIDE THESE AREAS THEY MAY BE FURTHER EXTENDED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE EXEMPTION FROM RATING OF VILLAGE HOUSES IN CERTAIN DESIGNATED AREAS, WHICH HAS APPLIED TO THE PREVIOUS PHASES, WILL ALSO APPLY TO THESE NEWLY SPECIFIED AREAS.
COPIES OF THE PLANS OF THE NEWLY SPECIFIED RATING AREAS MAY BE SEEN AT THE OFFICE OF RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT 1, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (ENQUIRERS SHOULD ASK FOR EITHER MR. B.J.C. WOODROFFE OR MR. PANG TSAN-WING), OR AT THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT
OFF ICE.
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/3
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
3
POLICY IN COMPENSATING THOSE AFFECTED BY NT DEVELOPMENT EXPLAINED
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPENSATION POLICIES IN ACQUIRING LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE.
HE SAID THE QUESTION OF THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID FOR THE RESUMPTION OF LAND AND THE EXCHANGE SYSTEM REQUIRED REVIEW AND WAS NOW BEING EXAMINED BY A SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS AND MARKET TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES INVOLVED A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVING TO MOVE.
TWO YEARS AGO, HE SAID, JUST OVER 6,000 PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES TO MAKE .<AY FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THIS YEAR, ABOUT 12,000 PEOPLE WOULD BE MOVED AND NEXT YEAR, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES WOULD BE DISTURBED AND WHOSE HOMES WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED WOULD BE ABOUT 50,000, HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT IN MOVING THESE PEOPLE, THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE WAS THAT NO PERSC. DISPLACED BY THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SHOULD BE RENDERED HOMELESS.
+THOSE PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING IN BUILDINGS WHICH WERE SURVEYED IN 1964 ARE WHEREVER POSSIBLE GIVEN DIRECT ACCOMMODATION IN OUR NEW HOUSING ESTATES.
+THOSE WHO OCCUPY BUILDINGS PUT UP SINCE 1964 AND WHICH WERE SURVEYED IN 1976 ARE GIVEN ACCOMMODATION IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA,* HE ADDED.
+FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LOSE THEIR HOMES, THERE MUST BE HOUSING,* HE STRESSED.
FOR FARMERS INVOLVED IN LAND RESUMPTION, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS FROM THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ASSESSED THE VALUE OF A WIDE VARIETY OF STANDING CROPS WITH PAINSTAKING CARE.
+FIELDS, WELLS AND PINE TREES MUST BE MEASURED^ THE PRICE OF CHICKENS MUST BE ESTABLISHED AND ROOM LEFT FOR AGGRIEVED FARMERS TO QUESTION WHETHER ASSESSMENTS MADE WERE CORRECT- WE MUST BE READY TO CHANGE IF THEY ARE NOT.*
AS FOR THE VILLAGER WHOSE VILLAGE HOUSE HAS TO BE REMOVED, HE SAID, A NEW HOUSE IS BUILT FOR HIM WHICH IS ABOUT FIVE TIMES BIGGER THAN THE ONE HE HAS TO LEAVE.
/AS FOR THS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
+AS FOR THE LANDOWNER, THIS YEAR WE ARE RESUMING SOMETHING LIKE 16 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF LAND, ABOUT 370 ACRES, WHICH WOULD BE A LARGE AREA BY ANY STANDARDS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
+AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CASH COMPENSATION, AN EXCHANGE SYSTEM WAS DEVISED IN 1960 AND CASH COMPENSATION RATES HAVE BEEN INCREASED DURING THE LAST YEARS,+ HE SAID.
ON THE NEW TERRITORIES POPULATION, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE LATEST ESTIMATES, IT WOULD BE AROUND 2.17 MILLION BY 1986 - DOUBLING THE 1976 FIGURE IN 10 YEARS.
HE SAID THAT IN 1976, THE FIGURE WAS 945,000 COMPARED WITH 91,000 IN 1911.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DRAWN UP PLANS WHICH SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD HAVE ALL THE NECESSARY COMMUNITY INGREDIENTS FOR A FULL AND SATISFYING LIFE -TOWN HALLS, SWIMMING POOLS, CLINICS AND HOSPITALS, SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SPORTS AND PLAYING FIELDS.
+THESE ARE THE MATERIAL BUILDINGS TO PROVIDE A GREATLY ENRICHED LIFE FOR THE PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF MR. AKERS-JONES’ SPEECH, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE G. I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
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/5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
5
SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH MAY PROVIDE INCENTIVE FOR * * * * *
BENEFIT SCHEME
PRIVATE SECTOR
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED LEAD IN INTRODUCING THE SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME AND THE PROVISION FOR CONTRACTING OUT OF IT MAY PROVIDE THE INCENTIVE FOR PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES TO COME UP WITH COMPETITIVE SCHEMES.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF SUCH A +SEMI-VOLUNTARY+ CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME WAS ONE OF THE PROPOSALS DRAWN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED RECENTLY.
HE NOTED THAT THE REASON BEHIND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE +CONTRIBUTORY+ FACTOR IS NOT ONLY TO PROTECT A CONTRIBUTOR FROM SUFFERING A SUDDEN DRAIN ON HIS SAVINGS OR HIS WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION IN TIMES OF PROLONGED SICKNESS OR INJURY, BUT ALSO TO MAKE BENEFITS PROPORTIONAL TO THE RATE OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S CONTRIBUTIONS.
+IF WE MAINTAIN THE SAFETY NET PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREVENTING PEOPLE FROM FALLING BELOW SUBSISTENCE LEVEL. THE MOST WE CAN DO OUTSIDE THIS PRINCIPLE IS TO HAVE A SCHEME OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WILL ATTRACT THOSE WHO WANT TO PROTECT THEIR FAMILIES FROM A DROP TO THAT LEVEL, AND TO RECEIVE BENEFITS BEARING A REALISTIC RELATIONSHIP TO THEIR PREVIOUS EARN INGS,+ HE SAID.
EXPLAINING THE PROS AND CONS OF A CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME, MR. SWEETMAN SAID SUCH A SCHEME WOULD NEED FIRSTLY LARGE OFFICES AND COMPARATIVELY HIGHLY PAID STAFF TO OPERATE AND HONG KONG IS PARTICULARLY EXPENSIVE IN BOTH SPACE AND SALARY LEVELS FOR SUCH WORK.
+SECONDLY, SOPHISTICATED CONTROL MEASURES HAVE TO BE INTRODUCED AND ENFORCED FOR COLLECTING DUES AND COERCING THOSE RELUCTANT TO CONTRIBUTE - WHETHER THEY BE EMPLOYERS OR EMPLOYEES.
+THIRDLY, SUCH SCHEMES ENTAIL COLLECTING MONEY WITH ONE HAND AND PAYING IT OUT WITH THE OTHER AFTER A PROPORTION HAS SLIPPED INTO THE BUREAUCRAT’S POCKETS TO KEEP HIM ALIVE AND IN BUSINESS.+
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT ANY SCHEME WHICH INVOLVED THE RECIPIENT GETTING MONEY OBTAINED FROM TAXES PAID BY SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD SURELY BE MORE EFFICIENTLY RUN IF IT WERE FINANCED OUT OF GENERAL REVENUE.
ON WHETHER THE SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME SHOULD BE VOLUNTARY OR COMPULSORY, MR. SWEETMAN SAID: + IF VOLUNTARY IT MAY TEND TO ATTRACT MERELY THE SICKLY AND THE PRUDENT, WILLING ONES, WHO CAN INSIST ON JOINING - UNLESS THEY ARE SEDUCED BY OFFcRS OF BETTER BENEFITS UNDER A COMPANY SCHEME, AND A VOLUNTARY SCHEME WOULD ENTAIL FAR FEWER PROBLEMS OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT THAN WOULD A COMPULSORY SCHEME.+
/HOWEVER, HE......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
- 6 -
HOWEVER, HE NOTED IF IT WERE COMPULSORY, THERE WOULD BE LESS FEAR THAT SOME EMPLOYERS WOULD PRESSURE THEIR EMPLOYEES TO KEEP OUT OF THE SCHEME.
+IT WOULD, ON THE OTHER HAND, LEAD TO LESS ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS FOR THE EMPLOYERS, WHO, IF IT WERE VOLUNTARY, WOULD HAVE TO KEEP TRACK OF THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO WERE COMING AND GOING, THOSE WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING OR FREEZING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, THOSE WHO HAD CONTRACTED OUT UNDER A PERMITTED PRIVATE SCHEME, AND THOSE WHO HAD NEVER CONTRIBUTED AT ALL.+
ON THE RATE OF CONTRIBUTIONS, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE GREEN PAPER HAD BEEN MODEST BECAUSE WE MUST NOT SCARE AWAY FOREIGN CAPITAL BY VERY HIGH RATES BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, ONE WOULD ONLY GET THE BENEFITS THAT ONE HAD PAID FOR.
HE HOPED THAT BEFORE LONG CLEAR ACTUARIAL ADVICE COULD BE SOUGHT ON WHAT BENEFITS THE PROPOSED RATE OF TWO PER CENT PLUS TWO PER CENT WOULD BE ABLE TO PAY FOR.
+THE LACK OF SOME STATISTICS PARTICULARLY REGARDING THE MORBIDITY RATES, THAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF WORKERS WHO ARE OFF SICK FOR VARIOUS LENGTHS OF TIME, WILL MAKE SUCH ACTUARIAL CALCULATIONS RATHER DIFFICULT TO MAKE, PARTICULARLY AS THIS SCHEME DOES NOT APPLY BEFORE THE STATUTORY 36 DAYS OF ORIGINAL COVER FOR SICKNESS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE NOR UNTIL SIX MONTHS AFTER THE PERSON JOINS THE SCHEME,+ HE ADDED.
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NEW FIRE STATION FOR AIRPORT H M M
A NEW FIRE STATION WILL BE BUILT COPE WITH THE RECENT EXPANSION OF THE
AT KA I TAK AIRPORT TO AIRPORT.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WERE INVITED TODAY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.
JHE STATION WILL BE A TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE OCCUPYING A a JpnoT AB°UT 700 SQUARE METRES OFF THE LINK TAXIWAY AT THE A In rUn I #
'J COULD ACCOMMODATE SEVEN FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES ?T?ALrcC,A oJLL INCLUDE STAND-BY ACCOMMODATION FOR STAFF,’ A GARAGE, A LECTURE ROOM, CANTEEN AND WATCH TOWER.
MR. PETER CHUNG, CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY THAT WORK ?BoJ¥EELP|?EiCJoSTHSDTOBECoSp^T"BRU4R’' "EXT Y“R ““ ’'°ULD TAKE
+ON COMPLETION, THE NEW STATION WILL TEMPORARY ONE WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO STORE AND MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP OF THE NEW
REPLACE THE EXISTING MAKE WAY FOR THE FOAM STATION,+ HE SAID.
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/7
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
- 7
BALANCED MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HONG KONG’S MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME MUST BE GEARED TOWARDS A
9
HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND SPECIAL AREAS.
BALANCED PROVISION OF THE BASIC PRIMARY A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SOPHISTICATION IN
+WE MUST AVOID SOME OF THE PITFALLS OF OVER-SOPHISTICATION AND UNBALANCED UTILISATION OF RESOURCES THAT ARE EVEN AT THIS MOMENT OCCURRING IN SOME OF THE MORE ADVANCED COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
np THONG WAS SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECT OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DURING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY THIS EVENING.
HP POINTED OUT THAT TREMENDOUS STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN RECENT YEARS WITH NEWER AND MORE EFFICIENT
MACHINES BEING INSTALLED IN $JGANTIC ESTABLISHMENT E
GEARED TO REFINED TREATMENT OF ILLNESSES.
+WHILE IN THEMSELVES SUCH ADVANCES ARE TO BE WELCOMED WE SHOULD ALSO BE CONCERNED AT THE GENERAL PICTURE WHICH PRESENTS AN INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE MEDICAL INDUSTRY WHICH MAY BE ENGAGED NOT SO MUCH IN THE PROMOTION OF HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE BUT IN THE UNLIMITED APPLICATION OF DISEASE TECHNOLOGY TO A COMPARATIVELY SMALL PROPORTION OF POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES,* HE SAID.
+THE DESIRE OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TO GO DEEP INTO ACADEMIC THEORIES AND RESEARCH IS ENTIRELY UNDERSTANDABLE BUT UNFORTUNATELY THIS COULD MEAN THAT MANY A TIME THE CLINICIAN TENDS TO LOOK MORE FOR EXCEPTIONAL CLINICAL CONDITIONS WHERE THE MOST SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY CAN BE APPLIED BUT WHICH MAY BE WHOLLY IRRELEVANT TO THE SPECIFIC COMMUNITY PROBLEMS,* DR. THONG SAID.
IN THE MORE ADVANCED COUNTRIES, THIS TREND HAS MEANT AN INCREASING EXPENDITURE AND SPECIALISED RESOURCES ON THE COMPARATIVE FEW.
+INSTEAD OF WIDENING THE EASE OF MEDICAL EXPENDITURE BY WIDER POPULATION COVERAGE THE SPECIALISED CLINICAL PEAK HAS KEPT OR RISING HIGHER AND HIGHER AND THE HEALTH SERVICES WOULD THEREFORE TEND TO BE DIRECTED MORE AND MORE TOWARDS THE FEW THAT MAY HAVE BEEN SELECTED NOT SO MUCH BY SOCIAL JUSTICE BUT BY THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ITSELF.*
DR. THONG SAID THAT THE KEY TO THE WHOLE SITUATION, IN HIS OPINION, WAS TO GEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN SUCH A WAY THAT THERE IS A BALANCED PROVISION OF THE BASIC PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SOPHISTICATION IN SPECIAL AREAS.
+ON THE ONE HAND THERE IS A NEED TO MAINTAIN AND CONSOLIDATE THE GAINS WE HAVE SC FAR MADE BY FURTHER IMPROVING AND STRENGTHENING THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
/ON THE OTHER .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
+0N THE OTHER HAND, IT MAY BE JUSTIFIABLE TO UNDERTAKE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SOPHISTICATION IN THE SERVICE IN SELECTED AREAS ESPECIALLY IN THOSE THAT SUPPORT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES.*
DR. THONG NOTED THAT SUCH DEVELOPMENTS WILL, OF COURSE, HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY PLANNED BEARING IN MIND THE BENEFITS THAT ARE TO BE GAINED AND WHICH SHOULD PREFERRABLY BE FOR THE MANY RATHER THAN FOR THE FEW.
+ONLY IN THIS WAY CAN WE AVOID SOME OF THE PITFALLS OF OVERSOPHISTICATION AND UNBALANCED UTILISATION OF RESOURCES THAT ARE EVEN AT THIS MOMENT OCCURRING IN SOME OF THE MORE ADVANCED COUNTRIES,* HE ADDED.
DR. THONG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S APPROACH IN HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT HAS THUS FAR PRODUCED WORTHWHILE RESULTS BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
THE HIGH STANDARD OF HONG KONG’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IS BORNE OUT VERY CLEARLY NOT ONLY BY THE PATTERN OF DISEASES BUT BY INDICES OF HEALTH SUCH AS THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE, AT 13.8 PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS, AND THE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE, AT 0.18 PER 1,000 TOTAL BIRTHS, WHICH ARE COMPARABLE TO THE MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
DR. THONG SAID HONG KONG HAD ARRIVED AT A STAGE WHERE GENERALLY MAJOR EPIDEMICS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES WHICH WERE STILL PRESENT IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD WERE UNDER CONTROL OR ERADICATED.
DREADED DISEASES SUCH AS SMALLPOX AND RABIES HAVE BEEN PRACTICALLY NON-EXISTENT SINCE THE EARLY 195OS WHILE CHOLERA, POLIOMYELITIS, DIPHTHERIA AND INDIGENOUS MALARIA AND CHILDHOOD DISEASES SUCH AS TETANUS NEONATORUM AND WHOOPING COUGH ARE PRACTICALLY DISEASES OF THE PAST.
+THIS PICTURE IS ALL THE MORE SIGNIFICANT IF WE WERE TO CONSIDER THAT IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD AND EVEN AMONG OUR IMMEDIATE NEIGHBOURS SOME OF THESE DISEASES STILL OCCUR EITHER IN ENDEMIC OR EPIDEMIC FORMS.
+THE UNFORTUNATE THING IS THAT ONE SELDOM STOPS TO APPRECIATE THE RESULTS OF PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE SINCE THESE ARE EXPRESSED USUALLY BY THE ABSENCE OF SICKNESS AND CASES, AND ANYTHING THAT IS ABSENT IS NATURALLY FORGOTTEN,* HE SAID.
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/9
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ANCIENT JAR TO BE HANDED OVER TO GOVERNMENT FOR CONSERVATION *****
THE ANCIENT STONEWARE JAR, FOUND BY VILLAGERS AT SH1U HANG TSUEN IN TUEN MUN SOME MONTHS AGO, WILL BE OFFICIALLY HANDED OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSERVATION AT A CEREMONY ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5).
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO IS THE AUTHORITY FOR ANTIQUITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL RECEIVE THE JAR FROM MR. LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE.
MR. AKERS-JONES WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF MERIT TO THE FOUR VILLAGERS WHO DISCOVERED THE JAR, WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A FINE EXAMPLE OF A LATE TANG DYNASTY FUNERAL URN.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE SHIU HANG TSUEN VILLAGE OFFICE AT 10.45 A.M. ON MONDAY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
TRANSPORT FOR THE PRESS WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM2088, WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM TUEN MUN.
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/10.....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 197?
10
CAPACITY OF MUK WU PUMPING STATION TO BE INCREASED * * * *
WORK WILL BEGIN SOON TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE MUK WU PUMPING STATION IN SHEUNG SHUI.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED TODAY BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT WILL INVOLVE THE INSTALLATION OF THREE ADDITIONAL PUMPS EACH CAPABLE OF DELIVERING 186,000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER A DAY AT THE PUMPING STATION. THESE PUMPS WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY ONES INSTALLED THERE LAST YEAR WHEN CHINA AGREED TO GIVE ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLIES TO HONG KONG.
THE WORK WOULD BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, SAID TODAY THAT THE WORK FORMED PART OF STAGE II OF THE EAST RIVER SCHEME, WHICH WAS BEING DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES FROM CHINA ON A PERMANENT BASIS AND OBTAIN THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS FROM THE RIVER INDUS SOURCE.
+A NEW AQUEDUCT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE DIRECT DELIVERY TO PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR VIA THE NAM CHUNG TUNNEL WILL BE BUILT BY EARLY 1980,+ MR. TUCKER SAID.
+THIS WILL PROVIDE THE MUCH NEEDED INCREASE IN DELIVERY CAPACITY AND GREATER OPERATIONAL FLEX IB ILITY.+
MEANWHILE, TENDERS WILL SOON EE INVITED FOR THE LAYING OF FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS IN THE TSUEN WAN/KWA I CHUNG AREA AS PART OF THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
THE WORK WHICH EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE WILL CONSIST OF THE LAYING OF ABOUT 10,030 METRES OF MAINS RANGING IN SIZE FROM 100 TO 500 MM IN DIAMETER.
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/11 ......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
ALLEGATIONS ON TAX REFUNDS NOT TRUE *****
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS THAT THE 70,000 TAX REFUND CASES DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF 1976/77 WERE NECESSARY BECAUSE OF ERRORS OR MISTAKES MADE ON THE PART OF THE DEPARTMENT.
REFERRING TO A RECENT STATEMENT ON TAX REFUNDS BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE STATEMENT HAD BEEN MISCONSTRUED BY SOME SECTIONS OF THE PRESS WHICH ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO, THROUGH IGNORANCE OF THE LAW, HAVE OVERPAID TAXES AND ARE UNAWARE THAT THEY ARE ENTITLED TO REFUNDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, + WHILST IT MUST BE CONCEDED THAT A VERY FEW MISTAKES ARE MADE IT IS NOT TRUE TO SAY THAT THE 70,000 REFUNDS IN 1976/77 WERE ISSUED IN ORDER TO CORRECT ERRORS.
+THE MAJORITY OF REFUNDS OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF VOLUNTARY ELECTIONS, MADE BY TAXPAYERS, TO BE PERSONALLY ASSESSED - THEREBY OBTAINING RELIEF FROM TAX AT THE STANDARD RATE, THROUGH THE GRANTING OF PERSONAL ALLOWANCES.+
HE SAID TAX IS ASSESSED AT THE STANDARD RATE IN THE FIRST INSTANCE ON BUSINESS PROFITS, PROPERTY AND INTERST, BUT THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE PERMITS A TAXPAYER TC ELECT FOR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT AT ANY TIME UP TO TWO YEARS AFTER THE END OF THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
OF THE 70,000 REFUNDS REFERRED TO ABOVE NEARLY 46,000 RELATED TO PERSONS WHO HAD TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE BENEFITS OF PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.
IN ADDITION, OVER 5,500 REFUNDS WERE MADE TO PROPERTY OWNERS CLAIMING OWNER-OCCUPIER EXEMPTION OR VACANCY RELIEF AFTER THE ISSUE OF PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS- NEARLY 6,000 BUSINESSES OBTAINED REFUNDS ARISING OUT OF RELIEF FOR BUSINESS LOSSES, ETC.- AND MORE THAN 11,000 SALARIES TAX PAYERS OBTAINED REFUNDS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, FOR EXAMPLE, BY VIRTUE OF MARRIAGE, OR THE BIRTH OF A CHILD DURING THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
WITH REGARD TO THE SUGGESTION THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE OVER-TAXED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE WISHES TO ASSURE THE PUBLIC THAT OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT MAKE EVERY ENDEAVOUR TO ENSURE THAT TAXPAYERS ARE ASSESSED IN THE CORRECT AMOUNTS DUE UNDER THE LAW - NO MORE AND NO LESS.
FURTHERMORE, ANY TAXPAYER WHO DISAGREES WITH, OR DOES NOT UNDERSTAND, AN ASSESSMENT MADE UPON HIM, NOT ONLY HAS THE PROTECTION OF A RIGHT OF APPEAL - TO THE COURTS IF NEEDS BE -BUT IS ALSO WELCOME TO CALL OR WRITE FOR A FULL EXPLANATION OF HIS CASE.
/ALL NOTICES OF
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
12 -
ALL NOTICES OF ASSESSMENT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT CONTAIN A STATEMENT OF THE TAXPAYER’S RIGHTS OF OBJECTION AGAINST THE ASSESSMENT AND ALSO GIVE DETAILS OF THE ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO WHICH ENQUIRIES MAY BE ADDRESSED.
ADDITIONALLY, THE DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS WRITTEN IN LAYMAN’S TERMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF +THE MAN IN THE STREET*- AND THESE ARE READILY AVAILABLE AT ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S RECEPTION COUNTERS. THE PAMPHLETS ARE WRITTEN IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
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CALL FOR CLOSER INTERNATIONAL TIES BETWEEN STUDENTS ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) IT WAS HIS WISH TO SEE CLOSER INTERNATIONAL LINKS BETWEEN STUDENTS BEING ESTABLISHED IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AND SPORT SEEMED TO BE AN EXCELLENT WAY OF ACHIEVING THIS.
MR. LI WAS SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TWO-DAY SCHOOLS’ INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING ASIAN INVITATION CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE NEWLY OPENED TAI WAN SHAN SWIMMING POOL IN HUNG HOM.
THE CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE BEING HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ SPORTS COUNCIL WHICH IS RECEIVING FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
WELCOMING COMPETITORS FROM INDONESIA, MACAU, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES AND SINGAPORE, AS WELL AS HONG KONG, MR. LI SAID: +FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS’ SPORTS COUNCIL HAS MADE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF SCHOOLS’ INTERNATIONAL SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
+THIS CAN BE SEEN BY THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL TEAMS SENT ABROAD FOR COMPETITIONS AND THE NUMBER OF VISITORS WHO COME HERE. THROUGH THIS CONSTANT PARTICIPATION, OUR STUDENTS CONTINUE TO MAKE FRIENDS AND TIES OF GOODWILL.*
MR. LI SAID TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT REGIONS TO COME TOGETHER THROUGH SPORT WAS WORTHY OF SUPPORT AND +THE GOVERNMENT HERE WILL, THEREFORE, CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS’ INTERNATIONAL EVENTS SUCH AS WE HAVE HERE TODAY.*
A TOTAL OF 190 COMPETITORS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE 36 RACES WHICH WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GRADES - BOYS JUNIOR, BOYS SENIORGIRLS JUNIOR AND GIRLS SENIOR. RACES WILL BE HELD TODAY FROM 2 30 P.M. TO 6 P.M. AND TOMORROW FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
- 13 -
N.T. SLAUGHTER-HOUSE FEES REVISED *****
FEES FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S MEAT INSPECTION SERVICE AT PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ™ BE INCREASED FROM TODAY TO REDUCE THE BURDEN OF OPERATING COSTS WHICH FALL ON THE PUBLIC.
ACCORDING TO THE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES (NEW TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1977 PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THE INSPECTION FEES WILL BE RAISED FROM Si.20 TO e2.S0 FOR ANY BOVINE ANIMAL AND FROM SO.60 TO Si.80 FOR ANY OTHER ANIMAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE FEES HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE NOVEMBER 1^71 AND THE REVISION WOULD AFFECT ONLY TWO PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
R1C PIJRP0SE CF THE INCREASE IS TO BRING FEES INTO LINE WITH RISING OPERATING COSTS INCURRED BY THE USD, SO THAT THE MEAT INSPECTION SERVICE PROVIDED AT THE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG WILL NO LONGER BE SUBSIDISED FROM PUBLIC FUNDS + HE ADDED.
THE SERVICE WAS OPERATED AT A DEFICIT OF S440,000 IN 1976/77 AND ONLY A +NEAR BREAK-EVEN* POINT WOULD HAVE BEEN REACHED IF THE FEES HAD BEEN AT THE NEW LEVELS.
A DECISION ON THE NEW SCALE OF FEES WAS REACHED AFTER CONSULTATIONS WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE VARIOUS MEAT-MERCHANT ASSOCIATIONS INVOLVED AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TWO SLAUGHTER-HOUSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CHANGE WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE LITTLE OR NO EFFECT ON RETAIL PRICES, SINCE THE ADDITIONAL COST WAS Mlf IMAL IN RELATION TO THE OVERALL VALUE OF EACH ANIMAL.
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/14......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977 *
14 -
BIG WAVE BAY ROCK CARVINGS BECOME FIRST OFFICIAL ANCIENT MONUMENT * K K K K
HONG KONG NOW HAS ITS FIRST OFFICIAL ANCIENT MONUMENT, WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THAT THE ANCIENT ROCK CARVINGS AT BIG WAVE BAY HAVE BEEN DECLARED A MONUMENT UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
+THIS IS A BIG EVENT FOR HONG KONG,+ DR. SOLOMON BARD, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS SECTION, SAID TODAY. +THE FIRST STEP HAS NOW BEEN TAKEN TO PROTECT LEGALLY THE TERRITORY’S ANCIENT AND HISTORIC HER I TAGE.+
DR. BARD SAID THAT THE BIG WAVE BAY CARVINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE ONE OF THE SIX KNOWN SETS OF CARVINGS IN THE HONG KONG TERRITORY.
+THEY ARE VERY FINE CARVINGS OF GEOMETRIC AND ZOO-MORPH IC DESIGNS ON A VERTICAL PORTION OF THE ROCK OVERLOOKING THE BAY. IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE CARVINGS ARE MORE THAN 2,000 YEARS OLD AND WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE EARLY INHABITANTS OF THIS REGION FOR SOME RITUALISTIC PURPOSE.+
ALL THE ROCK CARVINGS ARE AT PRESENT TEMPORARILY PROTECTED BY WIRE CAGES AND IT IS PLANNED IN FUTURE TO ERECT MORE PERMANENT PROTECTIVE STRUCTURES AND AT THE SAME TIME DISPLAY THEM TO THE PUBLIC BY AN EASIER APPROACH AND EXPLANATION NOTICES.
+THE DECLARATION OF THE BIG WAVE BAY CARVINGS AS A MONUMENT GIVES THEM LEGAL PROTECTION AGAINST ALL FORMS OF INTERFERENCE,+ SAID DR. BARD.
+THIS ACTION WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SIMILAR DECLARATION FOR THE OTHER ROCK CARVINGS, AND IT IS HOPED THAT OTHER STRUCTURES AND ITEMS WILL SOON OFFICIALLY BECOME MONUMENTS UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES ORDINANCE.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE BIG WAVE BAY CARVINGS WILL BE AMONG THOSE ON DISPLAY IN THE EXHIBITION, +ANCIENT ROCK CARVINGS OF HONG KONG+. THERE WILL EE A PRESS PREVIEW OF THE EXHIBITION AT 5.30 P.M. TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY IN STAR HOUSE, TSIM SHA TSUI. DR. EARD TOGETHER WITH THE CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM, MR. BRIAN PEACOCK, AND OTHER MUSEUM STAFF WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PREVIEW TO ANSWER PRESS QUESTIONS AND GIVE FURTHER INFORMATION.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
- 15 -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETS ******
THE NEWLY-CREATED TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TODAY HELD ITS FIRST MEETING AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
IT WAS THE SECOND OF A SERIES OF INAUGURAL MEETINGS OF THE SEVtN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS SET UP LATE LAST MONTH. THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HELD ITS FIRST MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK.
BEFORE TODAY’S MEETING STARTED THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, ADDRESSED THE BOARD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG.
AT THE MEETING MR. NG WELCOMED THE MEMBERS AND OUTLINED THE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD.
HE SAID, +IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF OUTSIDERS LIVING HERE, IT IS IMPORTANT TO INVOLVE MORE CLOSELY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN,+
MR. NG SAID THE ADVICE TO BE OBTAINED FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMB ERS WOULD REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELDS OF SPORTS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL PROMOTION.
+l AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION, WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE THE NEW TOWN A MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE IN,+ HE ADDED.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD COMPRISES EIGHT UNOFFICIAL MEMBRERS DRAWN FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THEY ARE MR. CHAN YAT-SUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK- MR. LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE- MISS MARY-LOUISE BEYNS, SOCIAL WORKER- MR. CHEUNG KAM-HUNG, A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN- MR. CHOW MAN-PING, SCHOOL HEADMASTER- MR. LAU CHI-YUEN, A MANUFACTURER- MR. LEUNG KUEN, VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE- AND MR. TANG TUNG-CHIU, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
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/16......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1977
- 16 -
INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE
******
A TWO-WEEK, FULL-TIME TRAINING COURSE FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOPS SUPERVISORS WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 9, 1978 AT THE HONG
COLLEGE.
KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’
KNOWN AS THE +BLOCK COURSE+, IT IS ORGANISED COLLEGE AND WILL PROVIDE TOGETHER WITH A STUDY OF
RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ NECESSARY TRAINING FOR THE PARTICIPANTS EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE COURSE INCLUDE EMPLOYMENT AS A TRADE OR A WORKSHOP INSTRUCTOR AND SKILLS IN TRADE, PREFERABLY WITH SECONDARY TECHNICAL OR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL EDUCATION.
THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE CHINESE, BUT SOME ENGLISH TERMINOLOGY WILL BE USED. THE COURSE FEE IS $60.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE HK TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 17, 1977.
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CLOSURE OF THEATRE LANE
*****
THEATRE LANE AT ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM JANUARY 1, 1978 TILL THE COMPLETION OF THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PEDDER STATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WILL BE MAINTAINED AND VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE PROPERTIES IN THEATRE LANE CAN BE MADE VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. SUITABLE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED AT THE JUNCTION.
A NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) STIPULATES THAT ANY PERSON MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE TRAFFIC ALTERATION MUST SEND HIS CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
THE CLAIMS MUST REACH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE RE-OPENING OF THE LANE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE AREA AFFECTED CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE’ THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD= AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), GROUND FLOOR, 205A DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN 9.33 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON ANY DAY OTHER THAN SATURDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DOUBLE TRACKING WORK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND UNIVERSITY STATION TO BEGIN SOON ...................................... 1
TENDERS INVITED FOR REFURBISHING LION ROCK TUNNEL .......... 2
EXTRA HANDS TO HANDLE CHRISTMAS MAIL ....................... 3
BRANCH OFFICE FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE IN SAI KUNG ... 4
PRISON OFFICERS HAVE AN IMPORTANT MISSION TO FULFIL ........ 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG........................... 6
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS JOIN YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN SILVER JUBILEE CONCERT ............................................ 6
FIRING PRACTICE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ....................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977 '
1
DOUBLE TRACKING OF RAIL TO BE EXTENDED TO UNIVERSITY STATION * * * *
WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY ON THE DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY FROM SHA TIN TO A POINT NEAR THE UNIVERSITY STATION AT MA LIU SHU I.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE INVITED BY THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
THE WORK WILL CONSIST OF THE LAYING OF A SINGLE TRACK OF THREE AND A QUARTER KILOMETRES, THE RECONSTRUCTION OF AN EXISTING K.C.R. BRIDGE OVER THE FO TAN NULLAH, THE WIDENING OF TWO EXISTING BRIDGES WITHIN THE FO TAN AREA, THE CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
MR. LEUNG MIN-SUN, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE RAILWAY DIVISION, SAID THAT THE WORK FORMED THE FIRST PHASE OF TRACK WIDENING BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TAI PO MARKET.
WORK WOULD BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE DOUBLE TRACKING WORK BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND SHA TIN WAS NOW VIRTUALLY COMPLETE.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TRACK WIDENING WORK BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TAI PO MARKET, PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAIN SERVICES WOULD BE GREATLY IMPROVED.
MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR NEW SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION HAS BEGUN.
THE STATION, WHICH WILL RIVAL THE HUNG HOM TERMINUS IN DESIGN AND FACILITIES, FORMS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE REDEVELOPMENT. IT AIMS TO COPE WITH THE EXTRA RAIL TRAFFIC RESULTING FROM THE GROWTH OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
MR. LEUNG SAID THAT IN THE FIRST STAGE THE NUMBER OF TRACKS PASSING THROUGH THE STATION WOULD BE INCREASED FROM THREE TO FOUR.
HE SAID THAT TWO MORE COVERED ISLAND PLATFORMS WOULD ALSO BE BUILT TO PERMIT MORE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO TRAINS, AND IMPROVE PASSENGER SAFETY BY SEGREGATING THEM FROM THE TRACKS.
IN THE NEXT STAGE, CONCRETE PODIUM EXTENDI TRACKS.
A NEW STATION WILL BE BUILT ON A REINFORCED NG OVER THE PLATFORMS AND RAILWAY
MR. LEUNG SAID THAT THE STATION CONCOURSE WOULD BE LARGE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE 2,600 PASSENGERS AND WOULD PROVIDE FACILITIES TO RIVAL THOSE AVAILABLE AT HUNG HOM.
IT WOULD INCORPORATE BOOKING AND STATION-MASTER OFFICES, A PUBLIC RESTAURANT AND BAR, A BOOKSTALL, A MINI-BANK AND A CANTEEN AND CHANGING ROOMS FOR K.C.R. STAFF.
THE NEW STATION COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE COMMISSIONED TOWARDS THE END OF 1979.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977
- 2 -
LION ROCK TUNNEL TO BE REFURBISHED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE REFURBISHING OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE WORK COMPRISES MAINLY THE SEALING OF TUNNEL LEAKAGES, CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS SHAFTS, REPROVISION OF SECONDARY LINING AND IMPROVEMENTS OF THE TWO APPROACH ROADS.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACT WORKS, THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D. WILL CARRY OUT ALTERATIONS TO THE EXISTING VENTILATION AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
MR. ROBIN SAUNDERS, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION, SAID TODAY THAT THE WORK WOULD BEGIN SOME TIME BETWEEN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
ON COMPLETION, THE STANDARDS OF THE EXISTING TUNNEL WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED.
MR. SAUNDERS POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE PERIOD OF RENOVATION, TRAFFIC WOULD BE DIVERTED TO THE NEW SECOND LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (N.J.) DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE ON BEHALF OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.
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/3
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 197?
3
POST OFFICE GEARS UP FOR CHRISTMAS MAIL
******
THE POST OFFICE IS MUSTERING EXTRA MANPOWER AND FACILITY TO COPE WITH THE RUSH OF CHRISTMAS MAIL.
ABOUT 130 TEMPORARY WORKERS AND 25 TEMPORARY POSTAL OFFICERS ARE BEING DEPLOYED IN VARIOUS SECTIONS AND COUNTERS OF THE POST OFFICE TO MEET THE SEASONAL PRESSURE, AND NINE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WILL BE USED TO CONVEY CHRISTMAS MAIL.
FROM EARLY THIS MONTH TO THE EVE OF CHRISTMAS, STAFF OF THE POST OFFICE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE LEAVE EXCEPT ON VERY URGENT CASES, SO THAT THE SEASONAL GOODWILL GREETINGS CAN BE DELIVERED IN TIME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID : +OUR BWWFS CAN BE MADE A LITTLE LIGHTER IF ONLY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD REMEMBER NOT TO LEAVE THEIR CHRISTMAS POSTING TO THE LAST MINUTE.
+THEY WILL HELP NOT ONLY THE POSTMEN BUT ALSO THEMSELVES, BY ENSURING THAT THEIR LETTERS ARE PROPERLY STAMPED AND ADDRESSED AND THAT PARCELS ARE PROPERLY PACKED,+ HE ADDED.
EACH YEAR SOME THREE MILLION LETTERS ARE UNDELIVERABLE BECAUSE THE ADDRESSES ARE INSUFFICIENT OR INCORRECT.
AS IN PAST YEARS, THE LATEST POSTING DATES FOR OVERSEAS CHRISTMAS MAIL ARE PUBLICISED WELL IN ADVANCE IN POST OFFICES, IN THE PRESS AND BROADCAST OVER THE RADIO.
MEANWHILE, THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN KEPT BUSY HANDLING THE UPSURGE IN LETTERS AND PARCELS DESTINED FOR OVERSEAS.
LAST DECEMBER, ABOUT 35.5 MILLION ITEMS OF MAIL WERE HANDLED BY THE POST OFFICE -- AN INCREASE OF OVER 11 MILLION ITEMS AS COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE MONTHLY VOLUME.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977
4
BRANCH OFFICE FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE IN SAI KUNG * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS EXTENDING ITS LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO RESIDENTS IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH THE OPENING OF A BRANCH OFFICE THERE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5).
THE NEW OFFICE IN THE BRANCH OFFICE OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, IN MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG NEW TOWN WILL OPERATE EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY.
IT WILL HELP JOB-SEEKERS TO FIND SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS EMPLOYERS IN THEIR STAFF RECRUITMENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE OFFICE WAS BEING SET UP AS A RESULT OF THE GROWING NEED FOR THE SERVICE IN SAI KUNG.
HE REMINDED THOSE REGISTERING FOR EMPLOYMENT TO BRING THEIR IDENTITY CARD AND A RECENT PHOTOGRAPH.
+AS FOR EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO USE THIS SERVICE,* HE SAID, +ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO TELEPHONE THE SAI KUNG OFFICE AT 3-2813793 ON MONDAYS AND THURSDAYS. ON OTHER DAYS THEY CAN TELEPHONE THE SAN PO KONG OFFICE IN KOWLOON AT 3-265121-4.+
THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE WILL OPERATE ON THIS TEMPORARY BASIS FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER WHICH CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO EXTEND THE HOURS OF WORK, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977
5 -
ROLES OF A PRISON OFFICER
* * * * *
PRISON OFFICERS HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT MISSION TO FULFIL — ONE THAT REQUIRES A GREAT DEAL OF PATIENCE, TACT AND SOMETIMES SYMPATHY, AND OF COURSE DISCIPLINE.
DR. J.H. YAP, CONSULTANT DENTAL SURGEON IN-CHARGE OF THE DENTAL SERVICE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SAID THIS IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE PRISON OFFICERS TAKING PART IN THE PASS INGOUT PARADE TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE NOTED THAT HIGH WALLS, BARS AND LOCKS ALONE WILL NOT TURN CONVICTS INTO LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
+YOUR EXAMPLE AND LEADERSHIP ARE QUALITIES REQUIRED TO HELP GUIDE THEM TO BE GOOD CITIZENS. YOU HAVE TO HAVE PATIENCE AS WELL AS FIRMNESS,+ HE SAID, STRESSING THAT THEY ARE NOT ONLY CUSTODIANS BUT ALSO CONSULTANTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EVERY INMATE THAT LEAVES A PRISON IS SUPPOSED TO BE A PERSON +REBORN+ — WITH HIS BAD TRAITS ELIMINATED OR SUPPRESSED — AND WITH A DESIRE TO BE A GOOD CITIZEN AND A GOOD NEIGHBOUR IN HIS OWN COMMUNITY.
+IF YOU SUCCEED IN RECREATING SOME SUCH CITIZENS YOU WILL HAVE DONE WELL AND ALL PEACE-LOVING CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY WILL BE PROUD OF YOU,+ HE ADDED.
THREE PRISON OFFICERS AND 103 ASSISTANT OFFICERS TOOK PART IN TODAY’S PASSING OUT PARADE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977 - 6 -TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWUN TONG *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KWUN TONG FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) UPON THE COMPLETION OF DRAINAGE WORKS IN KWUN TONG ROAD.
STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY, TRAFFIC IN SHING SHUN ROAD BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE REVERTED TO TWO-WAY.
HOWEVER, TRAFFIC IN THE SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN KWUN TONG ROAD AND SHING SHUN ROAD WILL REMAIN ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME,.KMB ROUTES 2A, 6D, 13A, 89, 209 AND 211 TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM KWUN TONG ROAD, TURNING LEFT INTO SHING SHUN ROAD TO GAIN ACCESS TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF SOCIAL AVENUE BETWEEN CHOI HUNG ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES FROM 9 A.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) FOR 10 DAYS TO FAC ILITIATE CABLE LAYING WORKS BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0
YOUTH ORCHESTRA TO TAKE PART IN SILVER JUBILEE CONCERT
*******
MUSIC TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND LOCAL SCHOOLS WILL JOIN MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND YOUTH CHOIR IN A SPECIAL SILVER JUBILEE CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL CONCERT PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON DECEMBER 13 AT 8 P.M.
THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE THE FIRST LOCAL PERFORMANCE OF BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S +WELCOME ODE+, WHICH WAS SPECIALLY WRITTEN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND COMPLETED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, JUST A FEW MONTHS BEFORE THE COMPOSER’S DEATH.
MISS AMY WONG, A MUSIC STUDENT FROM CHUNG CHI COLLEGE, WILL BE THE SOLOIST WITH THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA IN MOZART’S +CORONATION+ CONCERTO AND TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WILL COMBINE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAMME WITH A PERFORMANCE OF HAYDN’S +NELSON+ MASS.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1977
7
FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FOUR M?SNTHi|A£n?H.“'LL TAKE PLACE AT CASTL£ PEAK RANGE 0N
A__. PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE PPArTir£N ™E RED FLAGS ARE FLY,NG DURING THE TIME OF FIRING rn Au I l Ct. •
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE;
DATE HOURS
DECEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 4 P.M.
DECEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 4 P.M.
DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRADE STATISTICS TO GO METRIC ON JANUARY 1, 1978 . 1
NEW AIRCRAFT GUIDING LIGHT SYSTEM ................ 2
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN FOR BOAT PEOPLE ............. 3
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE TO OPEN NEW BRANCH....... 4
RECORD NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISIT CAREERS EXHIBITION . 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN AND NGAU CHI WAN . 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
1
TRADE STATISTICS TO GO METRIC ******
HONG KONG’S TRADE STATISTICS WILL SOON GO METRIC AND BE RECLASSIFIED TO BRING THEM IN LINE WITH THOSE OF ITS MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE CHANGES WOULD TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1978.
+TO GIVE IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TIME TO STUDY THE NEW REGULATIONS, A REVISED EDITION OF THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED IN MID-DECEMBER,* HE ADDED.
THE NEW LIST WILL REPLACE THE JANUARY 1974 EDITION WHICH IS BASED ON THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION, REVISED 1.
THE NEW EDITION INVOLVES A CHANGEOVER TO THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION, REVISED 2, IN LINE WITH A UNITED NATIONS RECOMMENDATION THAT IT BE ADOPTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BY COUNTRIES COMPILING EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS.
THE CHANGE WILL ENHANCE THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S PUBLISHED TRADE STATISTICS BECAUSE FINER COMMODITY BREAKDOWNS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE REVISED COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LIST OF THE NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST.
THE UNITS OF QUANTITY USED IN TRADE DECLARATIONS AND PUBLISHED TRADE STATISTICS WILL ALSO BE CHANGED FROM THE EXISTING BRITISH SYSTEM TO THE METRIC SYSTEM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE UNITS OF QUANTITY TO BE USED ARE SPECIFIED AGAINST EACH COMMODITY ITEM IN THE COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION LIST. +THIS CHANGEOVER TO THE METRIC SYSTEM WILL FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF TRADE STATISTICS.*
BECAUSE THE CHANGES IN COMMODITY CLASSIFICATIONS AND UNITS OF QUANTITY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, THE REVISED COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION AND METRIC UNITS OF QUANTITY MUST BE FOLLOWED IN COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATIONS FOR ALL SHIPMENTS MADE ON AND AFTER THAT DATE.
+IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE URGED TO MAKE SURE THAT EMPLOYEES RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATIONS FULLY UNDERSTAND THESE CHANGES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NEW REVISED EDITION OF THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRES LATER THIS MONTH.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
2
NEW AIRCRAFT GUIDING LIGHT SYSTEM ******
A SEQUENCED STROBE LIGHTING SYSTEM HAS BEEN PUT INTO OPERATION AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO IMPROVE VISUAL GUIDANCE OF AIRCRAFT LANDING AT NIGHT AND IN POOR VISIBILITY.
THE SYSTEM CONSISTING OF 12 STROBE LIGHTS WAS BROUGHT INTO USE AFTER EXTENSIVE TESTS RECENTLY BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
EACH OF THE STROBE LIGHTS HAS A LIGHTING INTENSITY OF 13,700 LUMENS AND IS INSTALLED IN SERIES ON ROOFTOPS OR HIGH GROUND. THE LIGHTS ARE ANGLED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY GIVE OPTIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT TO THE PILOTS BUT MINIMAL INTERFERENCE TO RESIDENTS.
THE FIRST OF THESE LIGHTS IS LOCATED AT TAT CHEE AVENUE IN YAU YAT CHUEN AND THE LAST IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AT A POINT OPPOSITE THE AIRPORT.
THESE LIGHTS FLASH TWICE A SECOND IN SEQUENCE, PROVIDING A DIRECTIONAL RIPPLING LIGHT EFFECT TOWARDS THE RUNWAY.
THIS WILL HELP PILOTS TO FLY THE CURVE ALONG THE APPROACH PATH WHERE THEY HAVE TO DEPEND ENTIRELY ON EYE SIGHT. BEFORE ENTERING THIS SECTOR, PILOTS CAN DEPEND ON THE INSTRUMENT GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR APPROACH.
THE SYSTEM, BUILT AT A COST OF OVER 3500,000, IS TRIGGERED ON OR OFF BY RADIO SIGNALS FROM THE CONTROL TOWER AT THE AIRPORT.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ACTIVATED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH EITHER THE LOW OR THE HIGH INTENSITY APPROACH LIGHTS TO RUNWAY 13.
THEY WILL SUPPLEMENT THE LOW INTENSITY OMNI-DIRECTIONAL RED LIGHTS OR THE HIGH INTENSITY UNI-DIRECTIONAL WHITE LIGHTS WHICH HAVE BEEN IN USE FOR MANY YEARS AS VISUAL GUIDANCE FOR PILOTS FLYING THE RIGHT-TURN ONTO RUNWAY 13 IMMEDIATELY AFTER OVERFLYING KOWLOON CITY.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
- 3 -ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN FOR BOAT PEOPLE ******
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WITH THE AID OF THE MARINE POLICE, WILL MOUNT A RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR THE FLOATING POPULATION BETWEEN DECEMBER 6 AND 16.
DURING THIS PERIOD, STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL TRAVEL ON MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES TO VARIOUS BOAT PEOPLE AREAS WITHIN THE HONG KONG WATERS TO PROVIDE DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING SERVICES.
POLICE LAUNCHES WILL ALSO VISIT EACH LOCATION THE DAY BEFORE THE VISIT TO CONVEY THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE THROUGH A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE OBJECT OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE FLOATING POPULATION OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH RABIES AND TO ADVISE THEM OF THE NEED TO VACCINATE AND LICENSE THEIR DOGS.
+RABIES IS A VIRUS DISEASE AFFECTING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS ’ SYSTEM OF WARM BLOODED ANIMALS, INCLUDING MAN AND DOGS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+THE DISEASE IS EXTREMELY PAINFUL AND CAN BE FATAL. ONCE SYPMTOMS DEVELOP, IN MAN OR ANIMALS, THERE IS NO SURE CURE,+ HE ADDED.
HE ADVISED THE FLOATING POPULATION TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE FORTHCOMING VISITS TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES IN THE INTEREST OF THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR PETS.
THE DATES AND PLACES OF VISITS ARE AS FOLLOWS I-
DATE PLACE
DECEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) STANLEY, PO TOI, PO TO 1 0
DECEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) KAU SAI, LEUNG SHUEN WAN
DECEMBER 8 (THURSDAY) TAI 0
DECEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) ABERDEEN
DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY) TAP MUN
DECEMBER 13 (TUESDAY) SAI KUNG
DECEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) KAT 0
DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) MA WAN, CASTLE PEAK
DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) TAI PO, TAI MEI TUK
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A
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
4
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE TO OPEN NEW BRANCH ******
A NEW BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO HAVE A MORE READY ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
THE BRANCH OFFICE, IN MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, IS MANNED BY STAFF WHO HAVE AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT AND THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE WORKING HOURS OF THE OFFICE ARE FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 5.15 P.M. FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. ROBERT UPTON AND THE DESIGNATED SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. COLIN BOSHER, AS WELL AS OTHER LOCAL DIGNITARIES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MR. UPTON SAID TODAY THE BRANCH OFFICE WOULD FUNCTION ALONG THE LINES OF A CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WITH A PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE. +IT ALSO INCORPORATES A LABOUR DEPARTMENT LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE BRANCH, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN SAI KUNG DISTR ICT.
+AS THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE IS LOCATED IN ONE OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME REHOUSING BLOCKS IN SAI KUNG TOWN, RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT NEED NOT GO TO AS FAR AS THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAN PO KONG TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS AND AIR COMPLAINTS ON GOVERNMENT MATTERS, TO FIND A JOB OR EVEN TO SEEK ADVICE ON DOMESTIC PROBLEMS,+ MR. UPTON SAID.
OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE BRANCH OFFICE WILL INCLUDE CONSULTATION, STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, REVENUE COLLECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT FORMS AND PAMPHLETS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE AT 63, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY).
A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2133, WILL LEAVE AT 9.30 A.M. TOMORROW FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST. OFFICE TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM THE NEW BRANCH OFF ICE.
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/5
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
5
RECORD NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISIT CAREERS EXHIBITION ******
MORE THAN 113,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS '78 EXHIBITION - A RECORD HIGH.
AND TO MARK THIS RECORD ACHIEVEMENT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS WENT TO THE EXHIBITION SITE SPECIALLY TO GREET THE 100,000TH VISITOR — A FORM 4 STUDENT FROM THE MU KUANG ENGLISH SCHOOL. THE COMMISSIONER’S WIFE, MRS. WILLIAMS, PRESENTED HIM WITH A PEN SET. LATER, MR. WILLIAMS PRESENTED EACH EXHIBITOR WITH A COMMEMORATIVE BANNER.
THE 10—DAY EXHIBITION WHICH WAS HELD AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM CLOSED AT 6.30 P.M. TODAY (SUNDAY).
COMMENTING ON THE ATTENDANCE FIGURE, MR. WILLIAMS SAID : +THE RESPONSE IS OVERWHELMING. I THINK IT IS WORTH THE EFFORT AND MONEY SPENT ON THE PROJECT BY THE PEOPLE CONCERNED.
+0F COURSE IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE GREATEST CREDIT GOES TO THE MANY ORGANISATIONS WHICH TOOK PART. WITHOUT THEM THE EXHIBITION WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.
+1 AM GLAD THAT THIS YEAR WE HAD MORE PARTICIPANTS — A TOTAL OF 26, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
+THIS SHOWS THAT MORE AND MORE PRIVATE CONCERNS HAVE COME TO REALISE THE WORTHINESS OF THE PROJECT AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE.
+THE REPEATED SUCCESS OF THIS EVENT OVER THE YEARS REFLECTS ITS POPULARITY.
+OUR HOPE IS TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ORGANISING THE EVENT AND MAKE IT BETTER AND EVEN MORE INFORMATIVE.*
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/6
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1977
6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN AND NGAU CHI WAN
K * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ARRANGEMENTS AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).
VEHICLES TRAVELLING WESTBOUND ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO WILMER STREET AND EASTERN STREET.
APART FROM FRANCHISED BUSES, VEHICLES TRAVELLING EASTBOUND ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL ALSO BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO EASTERN STREET.
ALSO STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY, THE SECTION OF OLD CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD IN NGAU CHI WAN WHICH IS CURRENTLY ONE-WAY EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC AND ONLY CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE IT.
OTHER VEHICLES SHOULD USE THE NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WHICH WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO WAYS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP IN THESE TWO AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT LIKELY .......................... 1
NEW SAI KUNG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE OPENS TODAY ........... 2
SHIU HANG VILLAGERS THANKED FOR REPORTING THEIR FIND OF AN ANCIENT URN............................................. 3
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR ................. 4
SIXTEEN +SPECIAL+ CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE THIS SATURDAY .... 5
CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
1
MORE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT LIKELY *****
IN THE CONTINUING MOVE TO DIVERSIFY HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO ATTRACT MORE INVESTMENT FROM OVERSEAS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ACCORDING TO MR. ROY PORTER, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, SEVERAL MORE EUROPEAN FIRMS ARE CONSIDERING SETTING UP SOPHISTICATED INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
MR. PORTER SAID THIS YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) ON HIS RETURN FROM A THREE-WEEK INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION TO 'WEST GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND BRITAIN.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER MR. EDMUND CHEUNG. THE MISSION ALSO TOOK PART IN A SEMINAR IN ZURICH WHICH WAS JOINTLY HOSTED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS AND THE SWISS TRADE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. PORTER WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY)
AT 3 P.M. IN THE 14TH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN OCEAN CENTRE, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO ATTEND.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
2
NEW SAI KUNG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE OPENS TODAY ******
A NEW CITY-DISTRICT-STYLE BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE CAME INTO OPERATION THIS (MONDAY) MORNING TO PROVIDE A MORE READILY AVAILABLE SERVICE TO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 63, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN INCORPORATES A SUB-CFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICE HOURS OF THE NEW OFFICE ARE FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 5.15 P.M. FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS AND 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
APART FROM PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE, IT ALSO DEALS WITH STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT FORMS AND PAMPHLETS, AND REVENUE COLLECTION.
IT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER (DESIGNATE}, MR. COLIN BOSHER, CHAIRMEN OF THE SAI KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES, MR. LAU KOON-SANG AND MR. YAU KEI, AND OTHER LOCAL DIGNITARIES.
MR. BOSHER SAID THE OPENING OF THE NE J BRANCH OFFICE MARKED AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND SAI KUNG RESIDENTS.
+WITH THE NEW BRANCH CENTRALLY LOCATED IN SAI KUNG TOWN, LOCAL RES IDENTTS NEED NOT GO TO AS FAR AS SAN PC KONG FOR OUR SERVICES,* HE ADDED.
/3......
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
3
FOUR VILLAGERS THANKED FOR REPORTING THEIR FIND OF AN ANCIENT JAR ******
FOUR SHIU HANG VILLAGERS IN TUEN MUN WERE TODAY OFFICIALLY THANKED FOR THEIR PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS IN REPORTING QUICKLY THEIR DISCOVERY OF AN ANCIENT STONEWARE JAR.
THEIR ALERTNESS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR FIND HAS LED TO THE PRESERVATION OF A FINE EXAMPLE OF A LATE TANG DYNASTY FUNERAL URN.
AT A CEREMONY THIS MORNING, THEIR PUBLIC-SPIRITEDNESS WAS REWARDED AS THEY EACH RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.
THE RECIPIENTS ARE MR. LEE CHI-HANG AND MR. NG HOK-CHONG, BOTH STUDENTS, MR. CHU MING-TAK, A WORKMAN, AND MR. TSE SHU-CHOI, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE OF SHIU HANG TSUEN.
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE ANCIENT JAR WAS OFFICIALLY HANDED OVER BY MR. LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, TO MR. AKERS-JONES, WHO IS THE AUTHORITY FOR ANTIQUITIES IN THE NEW TERRITOR IES.
THE INITIAL DISCOVERY WAS MADE BY THE TWO STUDENTS WHO FOUND BROKEN PIECES OF A JAR AT A CUT EARTH BANK IN SHIU HANG TSUEN IN OCTOBER.
FURTHER SEARCH REVEALED ANOTHER JAR, INTACT, AND WITH THE HELP OF A WORKMAN, THIS WAS EXTRACTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY TAKEN INTO THE CUSTODY OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS SECTION FOR IMMEDIATE CONSERVATION TREATMENT.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE MR. BRIAN WILSON, CHAIRMAN CF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, DR. SOLOMON BARD, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS SECTION, AND MEMBERS OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, DR. BARD URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO HELP SAFEGUARD ANCIENT RELICS AND MAKE THEM AVAILABLE FOR THE EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT OF EVERYONE.
HE SAID ALL RELICS AS DEFINED IN THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE - OBJECTS PRODUCED BEFORE THE YEAR 1800 - WERE THE PROPERTY OF THE GOVERNMENT FROM THE MOMENT OF THEIR DISCOVERY.
+IN THE LONG RUN, IT IS DESIRABLE FOR PEOPLE TO REALISE THAT THEIR OWN FREE MOTIVATION AND GOODWILL IN THE COMMON INTEREST CAN EE THE MOST EFFECTIVE JAY OF FURNISHING OUR MUSEUMS WITH OBJECTS CF HISTORICAL AMD ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST,+ HE SAID.
DR. BARD DESCRIBED THE RECENT DISCOVERY OF THE TANG DYNASTY URN IN TUEN MUN AS AN EXAMPLE OF SUCH A PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION.
/THE UBN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
THE URN WILL IN DUE COURSE FORM AN IMPORTANT ITEM IN HONG KONG’S MUSEUM COLLECTIONS, HE ADDED.
+IF YOU FIND WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS AN ANCIENT OBJECT OR YOU KNOW WHERE ONE CAN BE FOUND, PLEASE REPORT THIS TO ME ON TEL. 3-684670, OR TO YOUR DISTRICT OFFICE,* DR. BARD SAID.
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ANNUAL SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A FULL-SCALE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES ON ALL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES.
THE SURVEY WHICH IS CARRIED OUT ANNUALLY IN DECEMBER PROVIDES NOT ONLY DETAILED STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE AND TRENDS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, BUT ALSO A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE DIRECTORY OF ESTABLISHMENTS FOR SUBSEQUENT SAMPLE ENQUIRIES.
SURVEY CARDS HAVE BEEN SENT TO SOME 42,000 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. MANAGEMENTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THE CARDS WITH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS AT DECEMBER 5, 1977, AND RETURN THE CARDS PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID REPLY ENVELOPE NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 12.
AT THE SAME TIME THE DEPARTMENT IS MAKING ENQUIRIES ABOUT EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN SOME 35,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESSES’ WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES’ RESTAURANT AND HOTEL BUSINESSES’ AND A VARIETY OF OTHER TRADES AND SERVICES.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALS TO MANAGEMENTS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY. HE STRESSED THAT THE PROMPT RETURN OF SURVEY CARDS TO THE DEPARTMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS.
THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1977
5
+SPECIAL+ CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE
*****
MOTORISTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF BUYING +SPECIAL+ NUMBERS FOR THEIR CARS THIS WEEKEND WHILE AT THE SAME TIME HELPING LOCAL CHAR IT IES.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. IN THE LECTURE ROOM SOUTH OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK.
SIXTEEN NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC. THEY ARE:
BB22 1000 BM28 BG1
BR600 9398 BB30 AB100
BB3388 HK82 AA9000 BK33
BR6996 HK8686 AA123 BJ88
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
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CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.30 A.M. AND 6 A.M. DAILY FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 7 - Q) TO FACILITATE THE SURVEYING WORKS ON THE FLYOVER.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD SHOULD TURN LEFT INTO ARGYLE STREET, AND U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD. TO CNT-R WATERLOO ROAD.
FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE ALONG WATERLOO ROAD, CROSS ARGYLE STREET AND ENTER PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL EE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO DIVERSIFY INDUSTRY 1
OVER 104,000 STUDENTS TOOK ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST ....
2
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW .....................
GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.............
PRESS CONFERENCE ON RTHK’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
YAN CHAI hospital FOR DIVERSIFYING ITS' btKvICES
........................
PAMPHLET ON WORKERS’ LEAVES .....................
OVERSEAS ENGINEERS VISIT LOK ON PAI DESALTER .........
4
5
6
7
7
8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
1
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES ITS EFFORTS TO DIVERSIFY INDUSTRY *****
THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUED ITS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR INDUSTRY AS HONG KONG REELED FROM THE SHOCK OF THE EEC TEXTILES RESTRAINT AGREEMENT, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. ROY PORTER SAID TODAY.
MR. PORTER WHO RETURNED HERE LAST SUNDAY FROM A THREE-WEEK INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION TO EUROPE ALSO TOLD THE PRESS CONFERENCE THAT THERE WAS NO DIRECT CONNECTION BETWEEN HIS MISSION AND THE TEXTILES RESTRAINTS.
+ IT WAS PART OF A CONTINUING PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING FOR SOME YEARS - AND WHICH WE ARE PLANNING TO INTENSIFY IN THE FUTURE.*
HE AGREED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CUTBACK IN TEXTILES ADDED A NEW ELEMENT OF URGENCY TO THE PROGRAMME.
THE LATEST MISSION LED BY HIM VISITED GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND BRITAIN.
MR. PORTER SAID HIS MAIN PURPOSE IN GOING TO EUROPE ON THIS OCCASION WAS TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE SWISS TRADE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
THE 'SEMINAR, WHICH WAS HELD IN ZURICH, WAS OPENED BY SWISS AMBASSADOR BETTSCHART, AND WAS ATTENDED BY SOME 70 SWISS INDUSTRIALISTS - A REMARKABLY GOOD TURNOUT IN>MR. PORTER’S VIEW.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION TO THE SEMINAR WAS HEADED BY
MR. T.K. ANN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. IN ADDITION TO MR. PORTER, OTHER DELEGATES INCLUDED MR. JAMES WU, MR. GEORGE BLOCH AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TDC, MR. LEN DUNNING.
+SWISS INDUSTRIALISTS WERE SURPRISED AND, I THINK, IMPRESSED BY THE PICTURE OF A MODERN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SOCIETY WE PRESENTED TO THEM,* SAID MR. PORTER. +1 BELIEVE THE SEMINAR TO HAVE BEEN WELL WORTHWHILE,* HE ADDED.
WHILE IN EUROPE MR. PORTER, ASSISTED BY MR. EDMOND CHEUNG, AN ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT A SEMINAR TO THE STUTTGART CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY 30 GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS.
IN ADDITION, HE VISITED 10 COMPANIES IN GERMANY, SIX IN SWITZERLAND AND SIX IN THE UK.
/HE ALSO HELD ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
- 2 -
HE ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BIRMINGHAM CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE - PROBABLY THE MOST INFLUENTIAL CHAMBER IN THE UK AS FAR AS THE LIGHT AND MEDIUM HEAVY ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES ARE CONCERNED.
AMONG THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS WHICH MR. PORTER DISCUSSED IN DETAIL WITH EUROPEAN COMPANIES ARE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POWDER METALLURGY PLANT- THE MANUFACTURE OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS, ROBOT MECHANICAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT, WELDING MACHINES, ELECTRICAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS, GENERATORS, ELECTRONIC CLOCKS, WATCHES AND FASTENING SYSTEMS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
+IT IS OF COURSE PROBABLE THAT SOME OF THE PROJECTS WILL NOT MATERIALISE*, HE CAUTIONED, +WHILE OTHERS WILL TAKE SEVERAL YEARS TO DO SO. SOME, HOWEVER, REPRESENT INVESTMENTS WHICH WILL BE MADE ALMOST IMMEDIATELY IF WE CAN MEET THE COMPANY’S REQUIREMENTS FOR GOOD SITES AND, IN SOME CASES, FOR THE RIGHT PARTNERS.*
ONE OF THE COMPANIES WHICH MR. PORTER VISITED IN GERMANY HAS ALREADY SENT A REPRESENTATIVE TO HONG KONG TO SEARCH FOR A SUITABLE SITE. +ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES IS AT THIS MOMENT OUT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOWING HIM WHAT IS AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.
IN MR. PORTER’S VIEW, IT WILL BE MANY YEARS BEFORE THE BALANCE BETWEEN TEXTILE AND NON-TEXTILE PRODUCTS IS SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGED^
+ IT IS A MATTER OF PROPORTION,* HE EXPLAINED, +THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY HAS SUCH A VERY LARGE BASE. BUT TH IS.SHOULD NOT HIDE THE FACT THAT WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION OF DIVERSIFICATION AND OVERALL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.*
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OVER 104,000 PUPILS TOOK ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST
SAT
MORE THAN 104,000 PRIMARY 6 PUPILS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON
FOR THE FIRST ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST (A.A.T ) AT 277 CENTRES
THROUGHOUT HONG KONG. 1 J ' CENTRES
THE TEST BEGAN AT 2 P.M. WITH THE PAPER ON NUMERICAL REASONING. PUPILS WERE ALLOWED 45 MINUTES TO FINISH THE PAPER
paperS j.^.h^o^-pX"-’ T00K THE VERBAL reasoning
FIVE DISTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION CENTRES WERE SET UP FOR ouEinoNGBmsGANj™SsUE» s™e?s?EPUTIES T° collect an° return
/SPECIAL .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR THE TEST CENTRES AT SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING, SHEUNG SHUI, SHA TAU KOK, LANTAO AND CHEUNG CHAU. THESE CENTRES HAD THE QUESTION BOOKS AND ANSWER SHEETS DELIVERED AND COLLECTED BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE (ISLANDS) AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
MR. KENNETH C.P. LEE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION) SAID, +UNLIKE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, THE A.A.T. IS NOT AN EXAMINATION FOR SELECTION, AND HAS NO SYLLABUS.
+GENERALLY IT HAS NO DIRECT EFFECT ON AN INDIVIDUAL PUPIL’S ALLOCATION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE, BECAUSE UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, A PUPIL’S CHANCES OF BEING ALLOCATED TO A SECONDARY SCHOOL OF HIS CHOICE DEPEND ON HIS PERFORMANCE IN HIS OWN SCHOOL.
+INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECOND TERM OF PRIMARY 5 AND THOSE FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND TERMS OF PRIMARY 6 ARE WEIGHTED, COMPUTERISED AND PUT INTO AN ORDER OF MERIT WITHIN THE SCHOOL. ALLOCATION IS BASED MAINLY ON THIS ORDER OF MERIT. PERFORMANCE IN THE A.A.T. IS USED TO SCALE AND CONVERT THESE INTERNAL ASSESSMENT^ SO THAT AFTER CONVERSION, THE INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS OF DIFFERENT SCHOOLS MAY BE PUT INTO AN ORDER OF MERIT BY 24 SCHOOL NETS IN THE WHOLE TERRITORY.
+TH IS’ ORDER OF MERIT BY NET IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE BANDS AND ALLOCATION WILL START FROM THE FIRST BAND TO THE SECOND AND SUBSEQUENT BANDS UNTIL ALL PUPILS IN THE NET ARE ALLOCATED A JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE ACCORDING TO THEIR CHOICES,+ MR. LEE SAID.
INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS FOR THE SECOND TERM OF THE PRIMARY 5 OF THE 1976-1977 YEAR HAVE BEEN COMPUTERISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT INTERNAL ASSESSMENTS OF PRIMARY 6 PUPILS OF THE CURRENT YEAR ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 1978, FOR THE FIRST TERM AND MAY 15, 1973, FOR THE SECOND TERM.
MR. LEE SAID: +IT IS HOPED THAT RESULTS OF ALLOCATION WILL BE PUBLISHED BY MID-JULY, 1978 AND IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE DATES WHICH I HAVE JUST MENTIONED ARE OBSERVED TO AVOID DELAY IN THE PUBLICATION OF ALLOCATION RESULTS.+
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/4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
4
UNOFFICIALS TO RAISE 18 QUESTIONS IN LEGCO TOMORROW ******
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO RAISE A TOTAL OF 18 QUESTIONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG IS TO ASK THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO HIS DECISION TO PROSECUTE ONLY ONE PERSON (AN EX-POLICEMAN) IN THE POLICE/ICAC INCIDENT AT HUTCHISON HOUSE ON OCTOBER 28.
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IS TO RAISE A QUESTION ON WHETHER GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER WITHDRAWING AND RE-DESIGNING THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED 50 CENTS COINS IN ORDER TO MINIMISE POSSIBLE CONFUSION BETWEEN THEM AND THE 10 CENTS COINS IN CIRCULATION.
REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL APPOINT A COMMISSION TO ENQUIRE INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE DEATH OF MR. LIU PING-HON AND THE HON. T.S. LO WILL RAISE A QUESTION ON WHY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. WAS PERMITTED TO INSTALL AN AUTOMATIC TURNSTILE FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELLING BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD AT 50 CENTS A TRIP INSTEAD OF THE STATUORY ADULT FARE OF 40 CENTS.
THE OTHER QUESTIONS ARE RELATED TO SOCIAL SERVICES, ILLUMINATION OF ROADS, SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME, AND POLLUTION.
DURING TOMORROW’S SITTING, FOUR BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 197.7, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, 'THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977 AND THE LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1977.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL 1976-77 WILL BE TABLED IN THE COUNCIL.
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/5
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
5
GOVERNMENT TAKES STEPS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT CP INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW COURSE ON SKILLS ANALYSIS.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE STARTED LAST MONTH UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE COMMONWEALTH FUND FOR TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION AND THE GUIDANCE OF MR. DOUGLAS SEYMOUR, AN HONORARY RESEARCH FELLOW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND.
MR. SEYMOUR SAID THAT THE AIM OF THE COURSE WAS TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT AND PROCEDURE OF SKILLS ANALYSIS TO HONG KONG INDUSTRIES. ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF SKILLS ANALYSIS, MR. SEYMOUR SAID WAS THAT A NEW FACTORY WORKER TRAINED UNDER A PROGRAMME DRAWN UP THROUGH SKILLS ANALYSIS SHOULD BE ABLE TO REACH THE STANDARD OF AN EXPERIENCED WORKER AT BETWEEN 50 AND 60 PER CENT OF THE TIME THAN IF NOT TRAINED UNDER THIS PROGRAMME.
+ INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVED QUALITY IN GOODS PRODUCED WILL FOLLOW BECAUSE THE NEW WORKER IS THOROUGHLY TRAINED. REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS CAN ALSO BE EXPECTED WHEN WORKERS ARE TRAINED IN THE QUICKEST AND SAFEST .'.AY OF WORKING,* HE ADDED.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE HAS ORGANISED A COURSE SOLELY ON SKILLS ANALYSIS 'WHICH USED TO EE ONLY PART OF A GENERAL TRAINING FOR INTEND ING, TECHNI CAL TEACHERS.
+PART IC IPANTS IN THE COURSE ARE TRAINED IN THE METHODS CF IDENTIFYING TRAINING NEEDS, TO DESIGN SCHEMES OF TRAINING FOR INDUSTRIAL TASKS AND IN THE METHODS OF ORGANISING TRAINING OF ITS EVALUATION,* MR. SEYMOUR EXPLAINED.
THERE ARE 18 PARTICIPANTS, SIX OF THEM ARE LECTURERS OF THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING SIMILAR COURSES IN FUTURE. THE OTHER 12 ARE FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LARGE LOCAL FIRMS.
FOR FOUR WEEKS, PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO ATTEND LECTURES, TUTORIALS AND TO CARRY CUT PRACTICAL EXERCISES, THE MOST IMPORTANT BEING A WEEK-LONG INDUSTRIAL EXERCISE IN WHICH THEY ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY THE TECHNIQUES THEY HAVE LEARNED AT THEIR OWN PLACE OF WORK.
TO GIVE THE COURSE ITS HONG KONG SETTING, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING CF THE UNIVERSITY GF HONG KC'.G AND PERSONNEL OR TRAINING MANAGERS OF LOCAL FIRMS ARE INVITED TO GIVE LECTURES. LECTURERS FROM THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ _EG_ ARE ALSO ON HAND TO ASSIST MR. SEYMOUR.
/HR. SEYMOUR .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBEB 6, 1977
MR. SEYMOUR WILL ALSO BE HELPING THE COLLEGE TO BUILD UP A CURRICULUM AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY ON SKILLS ANALYSIS, AND TO SET UP A LIBRARY.
+HOPEFULLY THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE COLLEGE, A CENTRE OF EXPERTISE ON SKILLS ANALYSIS WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL INDUSTRIES,* MR. SEYMOUR SAID.
MR. SEYMOUR WILL BE LEAVIVG HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH BUT WILL RETURN NEXT MARCH FOR TWO WEEKS CF CONSULTATIONS WITH PARTICIPANTS OF THE COURSE.
HE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO MEET VARIOUS MANAGEMENT BODIES DURING HIS SECOND VISIT.
- 0 -
NOTE TO EDITORS
RTHK TO CELEBRATE ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE ******
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN ITS STUDIO AT BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON AT 12.30 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF PROGRAMMES THAT HAVE BEEN LINED UP TO CELEBRATE RTHK’S GOLDEN JUBILEE NEXT YEAR.
THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE A HONG KONG OPEN-AIR DRAWING COMPETITION WHICH IS TO BE HELD IN CONNECTION WITH RTHK’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME +CASTOR AND POLLUX* AND A GOLDEN JUBILEE SLOGAN COMPETITION.
THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
- o - -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
7
SNT PRAISES DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR DIVERSIFYING THEIR SERVICES ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY PRAISED THE DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR THEIR FORESIGHT IN DIVERSIFYING THEIR SERVICES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL’S ANNUAL +D(RECTORS’ CUP+ FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT AT YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND IN TSUEN WAN, MR. AKERS-JONES DESCRIBED THE SPORT EVENT AS A RESPONSE TO THE MULTIPLE LOCAL NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID: +FOR A FAST DEVELOPING NEW TOWN WHICH IS UNDER CONSTANT PRESSURES FROM URBANISATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION, RECREATION AND SPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.*
HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT THE DIRECTORS OF THE HOSPITAL HAD GRADUALLY BRANCHED OUT THEIR ACTIVITIES, FROM THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES TO OTHER FORMS OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
+TODAY, WE HAVE COME TO WITNESS THE GOOD WORK OF YAN CHAI IN THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN,* HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES DOTTED THE EYES OF A DRAGON AND CUT THE RIBBONS TO MARK THE OCCASION BEFORE HE KICKED OFF THE TOURNAMENT.
IN THE TOURNAMENT, 12 FOOTBALL TEAMS WILL BE PLAYING MATCHES DURING THE COMING TWO MONTHS TO VIE FOR THE +DIRECTQRS’ CUP*.
-----o------
PAMPHLET ON WORKERS’ LEAVES * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A NEW PAMPHLET EXPLAINING THE LAW GOVERNING REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND PAID ANNUAL LEAVE UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WHICH COVERS ALL MANUAL WORKERS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR MONTHLY EARNINGS AND NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH.
THE PAMPHLET, PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND DESIGNED FOR EASY REFERENCE FOR BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, INCORPORATES THE CONTENTS OF TWO PREVIOUS PAMPHLETS - +THE GUIDE TO THE PROVISIONS FOR REST DAYS,* AND +THE GUIDE TO THE PROVISIONS FOR HOLIDAYS WITH PAY.*
IN ADDITION, IT GIVES A SIMPLE BUT CONCISE GUIDE TO THE NEW PAID ANNUAL LEAVE LEGISLATION WHICH IS DUE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, NEXT YEAR.
THE PAMPHLET IS NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
0 - -
/8
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1977
8
OVERSEAS ENGINEERS VISIT DESALTING PLANT
* * *
SOME 40 ENGINEERS WHO RECENTLY ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON DESALINATION AND WATER RE-USE IN TOKYO THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER, THE BIGGEST PLANT OF ITS TYPE IN WORLD.
ACCOMPANYING THEM WAS MR. LAU TO-HIN, GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER (DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D.
THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED ON THE OPERATIONAL FEATURES OF THE DESALTER BY MR. E.J. EVANS, SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER OF LOK ON PAI DESALTER.
MR. EVANS POINTED OUT THAT SINCE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE DESALTER HAS PRODUCED ITS DESIGNED DAILY OUTPUT OF 181,800 CUBIC METRES (40 MILLION GALLONS) OF FRESH WATER EVERY DAY.
THE TOKYO CONGRESS WAS SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATION (IDEA), OF WHICH HONG KONG IS A MEMBER, AND THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY OF JAPAN (MITI).
TWO SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT THE CONGRESS.
THEY ARE MR. WU YU-NGONG, CHIEF MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DESALTING) AND MR. PAU MAN-YUK, SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER (DESALTING), OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
<?' ;
SOME 400 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, WEST GERMANY, CANADA AND A NUMBER OF MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES, ATTENDED THE MEETING DURING WHICH THEY EXCHANGED THEIR LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERIENCE ON DESALINATION.
o - -
PRH 7
IgisI lofel
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DETAILS OF NEW HK-EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED ... 1
ATTORNEY GENERAL EXPLAINS DECISION ON HUTCHISON HOUSE INCIDENT ......................................... 2
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ........... 4
DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION IK ADVANCED STAGE ........................... 4
LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOL I DAT I ON)(AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO ............................ 8
NEW ID-CENT COIN TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1979-80 .... 10
REASON FOR INSTALLING 50-CENT TURNSTILE AT YAUMATI FERRY PIER ...................................... 11
POLICE TO RE-EXAMINE DEATH OF LIU PING-HON ...... 11
BILL TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS FOR INJURED WORKERS . 12
AMENDMENTS TO FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE PROPOSED .............................. 13
REPORT ON LABOUR LAWS AND CONDITIONS IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES ....................................... 14
DATE OF HEARING IN MAGISTRATE’S COURT EXPLAINED . 14
LEGAL DEPARTMENT EXAMINING UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS .................................. 15
SLLEGAL GAMBLING ACTIVITIES REDUCED ............. 16
ADEQUATE MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS ................................... 17
NEED TO DIVERSIFY AND PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS .. 18
/CALL FCR MORL.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
CONTENTS
PAGE NC.
CALL FOR MORE GENEROUS PAYMENTS TO DEPENDANTS OF THOSE KILLED IN WAR ..................................... 19
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME ......................... 20
COMMITTEE TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES .................................................. 20
DUST CONTROL MEASURES AT CONSTRUCTION SITES ............ 21
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR NON-COMMERCI AL PRIVATE CLUBS CONSIDERED ............................................. 22
STREET LIGHTING PLANS FOR CHUNG HOM KOK ................ 22
NIGHT LIGHTING OF ROAD WORKS ........................... 23
HIRAMS HIGHWAY MANNED DURING PEAK HOURS ................ 24
LAND FOR OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING .................... 24
HK TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL .......... 25
TWO BILLS PASSED ....................................... 25
RECREATIONAL CENTRE FOR SAI KUNG ....................... 26
CALL FOR MORE PLAY AND RECREATION FOR STUDENTS ......... 27
RTHK TO INTRODUCE NEW PROGRAMME ON HK LAWS
28
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
1
DETAILS OF NEW HK-EEC TEXTILES AGREEMENT RELEASED ******
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED DETAILS OF THE NEW TEXTILES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT, WHICH WAS INITIALLED IN BRUSSELS AT THE END OF LAST WEEK, WAS EXAMINED BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AT A MEETING HELD YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON. THE BOARD ADVISED THAT, PENDING FORMAL RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT, HONG KONG SHOULD IMPLEMENT ITS PROVISIONS ON A DE FACTO BASIS FROM JANUARY 1, 1978.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD ISSUED A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS EARLIER TODAY ADVISING THE TRADE OF DETAILS OF THE AGREEMENT AND CALLING FOR SHIPMENT RETURNS IN RESPECT OF ITEMS BEING BROUGHT UNDER RESTRAINT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
MEANWHILE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE NEW 1978 LIMITS FOR THE FOUR ITEMS WHICH HAVE FACED THE BIGGEST CUTBACK (COTTON FABRICS, WOVEN TROUSERS, WOVEN SHIRTS AND KNITTED BRIEFS) HAD BEEN APPLIED IN 1976, IT WOULD HAVE COST 8,500 JOBS AND ABOUT $390 MILLION IN EXPORT EARNINGS.
THE DAMAGING IMPACT OF THESE CUTS WILL NOT, HOWEVER BE FELT SO KEENLY IN THE SHORT TERM. THIS IS BECAUSE 1977 HAS BEEN A POOR YEAR FOR EXPORTS TO THE EEC, WITH TRADE IN THESE FOUR ITEMS RUNNING AT ABOUT THE MAXIMUM LEVEL IT WILL BE ALLOWED TO REACH IN 1978.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN, HOWEVER, THAT THE DAMAGE IS REMOVED. WHAT IS LOST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR TRADE TO GROW AS THE MARKET RECOVERS, WHICH IT IS SHOWING SIGNS OF DOING, AND THEREFORE FOR JOE OPPORTUNITIES IN THESE SECTORS TO INCREASE.
THIS APPLIES NOT ONLY TO THE CATEGORIES WHICH HAVE FACED THE MOST SEVERE CUTBACKS, BUT ALSO TO MOST OTHER MAJOR ITEMS IN CLOTHING EXPORTS TO THE EEC. LIMITS AND GROWTH RATES FOR THESE FROM 1978 ONWARDS ARE WELL BELOW THOSE TO WHICH HONG KONG COULD LEGITIMATELY HAVE ASPIRED UNDER THE RULES OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
AND, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED, THE EEC AGREEMENT RUNS FOR FIVE YEARS SO THE EFFECTS WILL BE OF LONG DURATION.
ALL IN ALL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE DAMAGE IS SOMEWHAT LESS THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN THE CASE IF THE ORIGINAL EEC PROPOSALS HAD BEEN FORCED UPON US.
THE CONSEQUENCES IN TERMS OF THE GROWTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY ARE DIFFICULT TO PREDICT. BUT IF OTHER MARKETS AND OTHER INDUSTRIES CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR THE LOSS IN GROWTH POTENTIAL IN SALES OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO THE EEC, THE GROWTH IN OUR GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
o -------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
- 2 -
ATTORNEY GENERAL EXPLAINS DECISION ON HUTCHISON HOUSE INCIDENT
* X * * *
THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY STRESSED TODAY HIS DECISION TO PROSECUTE ONLY ONE PERSON IN THE HUTCHISON HOUSE INCIDENT ON OCTOBER 28 WAS NOT BASED UPON POLITICAL OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BUT UPON THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HOBLEY SAID, +ON THE MATERIAL PUT BEFORE ME BY THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS, I COULD NOT HAVE DECIDED OTHERWISE
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, IN THE DISCHARGE OF HIS CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY IN RELATION TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE CRIMINAL LAW, ACTED WHOLLY INDEPENDENTLY.
+HE IS NOT SUBJECT TO DIRECTIONS FROM ANYONE, INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR.
+THIS FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT OF OUR CONSTITUTION IS DESIGNED TO THAT A~ ATT0RNEY GENERAL IS FREE OF INFLUENCE AND EXTRANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS ONE WAY OR THE OTHER,+ HE ADDED.
MR. HOBLEY SAID HE WAS ANXIOUS TO ANSWER THE QUESTION ON THE INCIDENT NOW RATHER THAN LATER FOR TWO REASONS.
+FIRSTLY, I KNOW THAT MY DECISION IN THE MATTER HAS AROUSED PUBLIC CONCERN. THIS IS BECAUSE IT SEEMS ON ITS FACE TO RUN COUNTER TO FACTS WHICH TO MANY WHO ARE NOT FULLY FAMILIAR WITH THE DETAILS SEEM OBVIOUS AND INCONTROVERTIBLE.
+SECONDLY, PEOPLE WHOSE VIEWS COMMAND PUBLIC ATTENTION HAVE CONSEQUENTLY PORTRAYED MY DECISION IN AN UNFORTUNATE WAY, WHICH WOULD PREJUDICE RESPECT FOR THE LAW.+ HE SAID.
MR. HOBLEY ALSO EMPHASISED THAT NOTHING BE REGARDED AS CONSTITUTING, EITHER DIRECTLY COMMENT WITH RESPECT TO THAT CASE.
HE NOW SAID SHOULD OR INDIRECTLY, ANY
EXPLAINING THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO
__________________________________________ HIS DECISION ON THE INCIDENT, MR. HOBLEY SAID THE REPORT OF THE POLICE INVESTIGATION PRESENTED A FAIRLY CLEAR PICTURE OF THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED BETWEEN ABOUT NOON AND SOME 20 MINUTES LATER ON THAT DAY.
+THE PICTURE IS BUILT ON STATEMENTS FROM OFFICERS OF THE ICAC AND MEMBERS OF THE PRESS,+ HE SAID.
/HE POINTED OUT .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 197?
3
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE THREE OFFENCES MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED ON THAT OCCASION WERE: TAKING PART IN AN UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY- ASSAULT OF ONE DEGREE OR ANOTHER- AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE.
HE SAID THE OFFENCE OF PARTICIPATING IN AN UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY INVOLVED MORE THAN MERE PRESENCE.
+ IT INVOLVES, AND I EMPHASISE THE WORDS, ’TAKING PART' IN AN UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY.
MR. HOBLEY SAID THE CASE OF A PERSON WHO ACTUALLY PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY BY FIGHTING, THREATENING OR EVEN SHOUTING ENCOURAGEMENT PRESENTED NO DIFFICULTY AS HIS INTENTION TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OR CONTINUANCE OF THE UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY WAS CLEAR.
BUT HE SAID THE CASE OF A PERSON WHO WAS MERELY PRESENT WITHOUT PARTICIPATING ACTIVELY WAS MORE DIFFICULT BECAUSE ALTHOUGH HIS PRESENCE MAY IN FACT GAVE SOME ENCOURAGEMENT, THE CROWN HAD STILL TO ESTABLISH THAT HE WAS PRESENT WITH THE INTENTION OF ENCOURAGING THE FORMATION OR THE CONTINUANCE OF THE ASSEMBLY.
MR. HOBLEY POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS WERE ABLE TO PICK OUT FROM THE NUMEROUS AVAILABLE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENTS, A NUMBER OF PERSONS AS HAVING VARIOUS DEGRESS OF RESEMBLANCE TO KNOWN POLICE OFFICERS,THAT STANDARD OF IDENTIFICATION FELL SHORT OF BEING SUFFICIENT ON ITS OWN TO SUPPORT THE INSTITUTION OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE IDENTIFICATION OF A PERSON AS A PARTICIPANT IN CRIME MERELY FROM A PHOTOGRAPH OR FILM. TAKEN AT THc SCENE WAS NOT ADEQUATE UNLESS THE 1 DENT IFICAT I Ok FROM THE PHOTOGRAPH WAS CERTAIN AND +THAT .AS i.OT THE CASE HERE,* HE ADDED.
MR. HOBLEY SAID THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS IN THIS INCIDENT DID NOT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE SORT OF INFORMATION WHICH WAS OFTEN AVAILABLE TO THEM IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIME, AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND ANY POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS ABLE, OR WILLING, TO IDENTIFY ANY FELLOW OFFICER AS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT.
+SC THE REPORT SUBMITTED TO ME BY THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS, CONTAINED, SAVE IN ONE CASE, NO EVIDENCE AT ALL AS TO THE IDENTITY OF THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENTS AND NO ADMISSIBLE EVIDENCE EVEN AS TO WHO WAS PRESENT,* MR. HOBLEY REMARKED.
IN THAT CASE, HE SAID, ONLY A PERSON VAS CONSIDERED TO EE SUFFICIENTLY IDENTIFIABLE AS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO THE INVESTIGATORS TO WARRANT HIS BEING PUT ON AN IDENTIFICATION PARADE AS A SUSPECT.
+THAT MAN APPEARS IN A NOW WELL-KNOWN PHOTOGRAPH PULLING THE TIE OF AN ICAC OFFICER.
+ WHEN THIS SUSPECT WAS PUT ON AN IDENTIFICATION PARADE, HE WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY ANY OF THE THREE ICAC OFFICERS WHO BELIEVED THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO RECOGNISE HIV AGAIN,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. P.B. WILLIAMS, WILL LEAVE THE SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN MARCH 1978 ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE. HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. J.N. HENDERSON.
MR. HENDERSON IS 48. HE HAS BEEN IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SERVICE SINCE MARCH 1962, HAVING SERVED AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN KENYA FROM 1953 TO 1962.
SINCE HIS TRANSFER TO HONG KONG, HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF SENIOR POSTS IN VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE FINANCE AND ESTABLISHMENT BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SINCE SEPTEMBER 1973.
MR. HENDERSON IS MARRIED WITH THREE CHILDREN.
MR. WILLIAMS WILL HAVE COMPLETED 25 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BY THE TIME HE LEAVES IN MARCH 1978.
HE FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS A CADET OFFICER IN 1953 AND ROSE THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS TO THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, STAFF GRADE A IN AUGUST 1975.
HE HAS HELD MANY SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS INCLUDING DEFENCE SECRETARY, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION BEFORE HIS PRESENT POST AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION IN ADVANCED STAGE
* * * *
THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION OF THE PROPOSED JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE AND A REQUEST FOR ITS REGISTRATION WOULD BE SUBMITTED SHORTLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. DAVIES SAID ONCE THE SOCIETY WAS REGISTERED, ENROLMENT OF MEMBERS WOULD START IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THEN TO PROCEED TO ELECTIONS OF OFFICE BEARERS BY SECRET BALLOT.
HE SAID THE DRAFT CONSTITUTION PROVIDED FOR REPRESENTATION AT UNIT LEVEL, UP TO DISTRICT LEVEL AND FROM THERE TO THE GOVERNING BODY.
♦PROVISION IS ALSO INCLUDED SO THAT AT THE UNIT LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES WILL CONSIST OF ONE NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER, ONE CONSTABLE, AND ONE FURTHER MEMBER OF EITHER RANK,+ HE ADDED.
/VR. DAVIES NOTED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 197?
5
MR. DAVIES NOTED THAT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ASSOCIATION WOULD DEPEND UPON THE SUPPORT BY THE RANK AND FILE AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH MEMBERS HAVING JOINED, EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE AND TO PLAY A PART IN ITS MANAGEMENT.
THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND THE HON. WONG LAM SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.
IN HIS SPEECH,FATHER MCGOVERN APPEALED TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PROPOSED ASSOCIATION TO START OUT POSITIVELY.
+IT IS EASY TO BE AGAINST THINGS -- AGAINST THE ICAC, AGAINST AUTHORITY, AGAINST EVEN THE BLACK LOOKS OF THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID. +IT IS MUCH HARDER TO BUILD UP, HARDER TO BE POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE.*
HE HOPED THAT THROUGH THE HELP OF THE ASSOCIATION, EACH MEMBER OF THE RANK AND FILE WILL GET BACK +HIS LEGITIMATE CONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF, IN THE FORCE HE SERVES AND IN THE PUBLIC HE SERVES.*
HE CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE IN HIMSELF WHEN HE KNOWS HE IS
DOING A COMPETENT AND PROFESSIONAL JOB AND NO ONE ELSE CAN DO THIS FOR HIM ALTHOUGH THE ASSOCIATION BY ITS SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT CAN HELP HIM.
IF THE ASSOCIATION CAN ACHIEVE THIS FOR ITS MEMBERS, IT
WILL NOT BE LONG UNTIL THE PUBLIC WILL RESPOND AND SHOW APPRECIATION OF A WELL DONE JOB AND RESPECT FOR THE MAN WHO IS DOING IT, FATHER MCGOVERN SAID.
HE OFFERED SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION DRAFTERS, POINTING OUT THAT 90 PER CENT OF THE CAUSES OF FAILURE OF STAFF ASSOCIATIONS CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO FAILURE OF DEMOCRACY WITHIN THEM.
DEMOCRACY MUST BE SAFEGUARDED IN THE CONSTITUTION OF AN ASSOCIATION BY CLEAR AND STRINGENT RULES CONCERNING SECRET BALLOTS, HE SAID.
ALL ASSOCIATIONS HAVE A SECRET BALLOT FOR THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. THERE SHOULD BE SUCH A BALLOT ALSO FOR ANY QUESTION CONCERNING NAMED PERSONS, EVEN AT COMMITTEE LEVEL, AS WELL AS FOR VOTES CONCERNING MAJOR MATTERS OF POLICY, HE SUGGESTED.
+OTHERWISE THE ’FACE’ OF INDIVIDUALS WILL PREVAIL OVER THE GOOD OF THE ASSOCIATION.*
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT TO DEMOCRACY, AN ASSOCIATION MUST TAKE ALL POSSIBLE STEPS TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN ITS WORK. +THE MINIMUM FOR ALL MEMBERS IS THAT THEY TAKE THE TROUBLE TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE. OTHERWISE A SMALL GROUP CAN TAKE OVER CONTROL OF AN ASSOCIATION.*
/THIS SILSNT .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
6
THE SILENT MAJORITY MUST MAKE THE EFFORT TO BE HEARD IN ELECTIONS AND POLICY MAKING DECISIONS AND TO HELP THIS, METHODS SUCH AS A POSTAL BALLOT WITH SUITABLE SAFEGUARDS MUST BE SET UP.
ANOTHER METHOD SOMETIMES USED TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IS TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CONSECUTIVE YEARS ANY INDIVIDUAL MAY SERVE ON THE COMMITTEE, HE ADDED.
FATHER MCGOVERN POINTED OUT A PARTICULAR DIFFICULTY IN A POLIC. ASSOCIATION. HE SAID THS SYSTEM OF DEFERENCE TO THOSE OF HIGHER RANK OR GREATER SENIORITY IS NECESSARY IN THE WORKING LIFE OF A DISCIPLINED ORGANISATION, BUT WOULD KILL THE ASSOCIATION AT THE FIRST MEETING.
+IN AN ASSOCIATION EVERY MEMBER WHO PAYS HIS DUES IS OF COMPLETELY EQUAL STANDING WITH EVERY OTHER MEMBER. THIS IS PARTICULARLY VITAL IN ELECTIONS,* HE STRESSED. IF IT HAPPENS THAT A MOST RECENTLY RECRUITED CONSTABLE IS JUDGED TO BE MOST SUITABLE, +WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR, THAT MOST RECENTLY RECRUITED CONSTABLE GETS THE VOTE*.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO THE SILENT MAJORITY IN THE FORCE + TO JOIN THE ASSOCIATION, TO WORK FOR IT, TO VOTE FOR THE BEST LEADERS, WD TO USE THE ASSOCIATION NOT ONLY TO REMEDY GRIEVANCES BUT TO ■J ILD UP WHATEVER HAS BEEN KNOCKED DOWN.*
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS COMPRISED THE LARGEST NUMBER IN THE FORCE AND IT WAS FAIR AND REASONABLE THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR OWN ASSOCIATION, SIMILAR TO THE OTHER THREE FOR THE OTHER RANKS.
IT WILL BE REASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONS WITH THE UPPER RANKS, AND PARTICULARLY THE TOP LEADERSHIP OF THE FORCE, WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE EVEN FURTHER, HE ADDED.
WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AMNESTY, IT IS THE WISH OF THE COMMUNITY THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE FORCE SHOULD FROM NOW ON WORK IN UNISON TO IMPROVE LAW AND ORDER. THE WAY IS NOW ALSO CLEAR FOR ALL OF THEM TO JOIN HANDS, WITHOUT BEING OVERSHADOWED BY MUTUAL DISTRUST OR PERSONAL ANXIETIES, TO TRANSFORM THE IMAGE OF THE FORCE
THERE IS MUCH PUBLIC GOODWILL FOR THEM, WHO ARE AFTER ALL MAINLY HONG KONG MEN AND WOMEN, HE SAID. +IT IS UP TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE FORCE BY THEIR SENSE OF SELF-DISCIPLINE AND RESPONSIBILITY, AND THEIR VERY ACTIONS IN CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES, TO RETAIN THE GOODWILL, SUPPORT AND RESPECT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.*
MR. WONG LAM SUPPORTED THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW ASSOCIATION WHICH, HE SAID, WILL NARROW THE GAP BETWEEN THE RANK AND FILE AND THE VERY SENIOR OFFICERS.
AT PRESENT BECAUSE OF THE RANK STRUCTURE, THEY CANNOT BY-PASS THEIR IMMEDIATE SUPERIORS WHEN THEY WISH TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS. +THIS SORT OF THING IS NATURALLY ESSENTIAL WHEN CARRYING OUT POLICE FUNCTIONS, BUT IN THE SPHERE OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IT MUST HAVE SERIOUS DISADVANTAGES,* HE SAID.
/HE ALSO POINTED ....
.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
- 7 -
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE NEW ASSOCIATION, IT SHOULD BE MUCH EASIER FOR SENIOR OFFICERS WHO WISH TO ASCERTAIN THE VIEWS OF THE RANK AND FILE ON A PROCEDURAL STEP OR A PARTICULAR MATTER TO OBTAIN FROM THE ASSOCIATION A CONCENSUS WHICH IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THEM.
HE BELIEVED THERE WILL BE BETTER COMMUNICATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR RANKS, WHILE THE ASSOCIATION WILL BECOME AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE RANK AND FILE TO MAKE SUBMISSIONS ON ANY MATTER WITH WHICH THEY ARE DISSATISFIED.
♦THIS WILL DEFINITELY POLICE FORCE WHICH IN TURN THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND SAID.
HELP TO RAISE THE MORALE OF THE WILL CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO ORDER AND OF PUBLIC STABILITY,* HE
IN REPLY , FORCE GENERALLY ENCOURAGEMENT TO
MR. DAVIES SAID THEIR REMARKS ABOUT THE POLICE AND THE BILL IN PARTICULAR WOULD BE A SOURCE OF
THE FORCE AND TO THE PROPOSED ASSOCIATION.
HE WOULD CERTAINLY SEE THAT THE CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS OF FATHER MCGOVERN,-BASED ON SUCH LONG AND WIDE EXPERIENCE, WERE PASSED ON TO THOSE WHO WERE ENGAGED IN FORMING THE ASSOCIATION.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
. 8 -
LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCC
* * * K *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO TRY TO ACHIEVE A SENSIBLE BALANCE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT NOT ONLY INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS CONCERNED BUT ALSO THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE IN ANY MATTER AFFECTING PERSONS WHOSE INTERESTS ARE AS POLARISED AS LANDLORDS AND TENANTS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, SAID THIS TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
MR. SCOTT SAID THE AIM OF THE BILL WAS TO PERMIT SMALL RENT INCREASES FOR CONTROLLED DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC TENANCIES IN PRE-WAR BUILDINGS AND TO REGULATE THE PERIODIC RENT INCREASES PERMITTED IN DOMESTIC TENANCIES IN POST-WAR BUILDINGS CONTROLLED UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION.
ON PRE-WAR PREMISES, MR. SCOTT SAID THE BILL PROVIDED FOR INCREASES IN PERMITTED RENTS IN SUCH BUILDINGS OF THE ORDER OF 16.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC TENANCIES AND 32 PER CENT FOR NON-DOMESTIC TENANCIES, BRINGING PERMITTED RENTS TO STANDARD RENT PLUS 200 PER CENT IN THE CASE OF THE FORMER AND TO STANDARD RENT PLUS 500 PER CENT FOR THE LATTER.
+THESE PERCENTAGE FIGURES APPEAR VERY HIGH, BUT IT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND THAT THEY ARE BASED ON RENT LEVELS OBTAINING IN 1941, SOME 36 YEARS AGO,+ MR. SCOTT SAID.
+IN MONEY TERMS, BY COMPARISON, THE PROPOSAL WOULD MEAN AN AVERAGE INCREASE OF THE ORDER OF $20 PER MONTH IN THE CASE OF A DOMESTIC UPPER TENEMENT FLOOR, AND OF $110 PER MONTH FOR A NON-DOMESTIC GROUND TENEMENT FLOOR.
+WHERE SUBLETTING OCCURS IN DOMESTIC TENEMENT FLOORS IT IS USUAL TO FIND THREE OR FOUR FAMILIES SHARING, SO THAT THE INCREASE IN RENT PER FAMILY WOULD BE SOME $5 TO $7 PER MONTH ONLY.+
MR. SCOTT SAID TENANCIES WHICH WOULD EE AFFECTED INCLUDED 6,500 TENEMENT FLOORS, 500 FLATS AND 3,000 NON-DOMESTIC TENEMENT FLOORS.
FOR OVER 20 YEARS UP UNTIL 1976, PERMITTED RENTS REMAINED UNALTERED AND, AS A RESULT, THEY NOW STOOD AT AROUND ONE FIFTH OF FAIR MARKET RENTS.
+THE SMALL INCREASE PROPOSED WOULD BRING RENTS UP TO ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF FULL MARKET RENTS,+ HE SAID.
/TURNING TO .....
'.'■'EDN5SDAY, DiCEMBER 7, 1977
TURNING TO POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES, MR. SCOTT SAID THE BILL PROPOSED A FURTHER REDUCTION IN THE FACTOR REGULATING THE BIENNIAL RENT INCREASES CF SUCH PREMISES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE FACTOR WAS A PROPORTION OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAIR MARKET RENTS AND CURRENT RENTS AND IT COULD BE VARIED TO REGULATE THE RATE AT WHICH RENTS WERE PERMITTED
TO INCREASE.
+IF THE FACTOR WERE TO REMAIN CONSTANT, AND ASSUMING OTHER CONDITIONS DID NOT ALTER SIGNIFICANTLY, THE BIENNIAL INCREASES EXPRESSED AS THEY ARE AS A PERCENTAGE OF RENT PAID WOULD BECOME PROGRESSIVELY SMALLER AND THE GAP BETWEEN CURRENT RENTS AND FAIR MARKET RENTS COULD NEVER BE CLOSED,* MR. SCOTT SAID.
A FACTOR OF FIVE WAS APPROVED IN 1973 AND IT WAS REDUCED TO FOUR IN 1975.
+IT IS NOW CONSIDERED THAT THE FACTOR SHOULD BE FURTHER REDUCED FOR OTHERWISE THE PROCESS OF NARROWING THE GAP BETWEEN REGULATED MARKET LEVEL RENTS WOULD SLOW DOWN PERCEPTIBLY.
+THIS WOULD BE PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE IN THE CASE OF PREMISES FIRST BROUGHT INTO CONTROL IN 1970.
♦THE REDUCTION IN THE FACTOR TO THREE WOULD MAKE THE PROPOSED INCREASES GENERALLY SIMILAR, IN MONEY TERMS, TO THE INCREASES OF 1974 AND 1976.+
MR. SCOTT SAID FROM THE LANDLORDS’ VIEWPOINT THE REDUCTION OF THC FACTOR NOW PROPOSED WOULD FURTHER CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN CONTROLLED AND OPEN MARKET RENTS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE TENANTS WERE PROTECTED BY THE OVER-RIDING RESTRICTION WHICH LIMITS INCREAStS IN RENTS TO NOT MORE THAN 21 PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RENT, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF RELATIVELY FEW LUXURY FLATS AND HOUSES AND IN PRACTICE, AVERAGE INCREASES HAD IN THE PAST BEEN GENERALLY LESS THA.. THE 21 PER CENT MAXIMUM.
+TENANTS WILL ALSO CONTINUE TC HAVE SECURITY OF TENURE PROVIDED BY THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
/1O......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977-
- 10
NEW 10-CENT COIN TO BE INTRODUCED IN 1979-80
* * * K
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE A NEW 10-CENT COIN IN 1979-80 PROVIDED THAT THE STORAGE CAPACITY NECESSARY TO COPE WITH THE CHANGE-OVER IS AVAILABLE, THE HON. FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ON POSSIBLE CONFUSION BETWEEN THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED 50-CENT COIN AND THE 10-CENT COIN IN CIRCULATION.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THERE WERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO, AND THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT PROPOSE TO WITHDRAW OR REDESIGN THE NEW 50-CENT COIN.
+THE QUEEN’S PROFILE IS DIFFERENT, THE 50-CENT COIN IS LARGER AND IT IS, OF COURSE, MARKED AS A 50-CENT COIN IN CHINESE CHARACTERS AND IN ENGLISH,+ HE SAID, ADDING, +BUT ANY DISTINGUISHABILITY PROBLEMS WILL ONLY BE TEMPORARY IN VIEW OF OUR INTENTION TO INTRODUCE A REDESIGNED 10-CENT COIN.*
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AS THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED THAT ALL CENT DENOMINATION COINS SHOULD BE MADE OF NICKEL BRASS AND THAT THE DOLLAR SERIES BE MADE OF CUPRO-NICKEL, IT FOLLOWED THAT THE OLD 50-CENT CUPRO-N ICKEL COIN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BY A COIN MADE OF NICKEL BRASS.
REFERRING TO ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE TO ISSUE A SMALLER DOLLAR COIN, HE SAID, +HAD THE NEW DOLLAR COIN BEEN INTRODUCED BEFORE THE 50-CENT COIN WAS CHANGED FROM CUPRONICKEL TO NICKEL BRASS THERE COULD HAVE BEEN CONFUSION BETWEEN THE NEW DOLLAR COIN AND THE OLD 50-CENT COIN.+
+IT WAS, THEREFORE, DECIDED TO REPLACE THE 50-CENT COIN BEFORE THE SMALLER DOLLAR COIN WAS INTRODUCED,* HE EXPLAINED.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE NEW DOLLAR COIN WOULD BE ISSUED IN AUGUST 1978, SAYING: +0N REFLECTION, PERHAPS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO INTRODUCE THE DOLLAR COIN FIRST- BUT WE SHALL NEVER KNOW AS COIN IDENTIFICATION AND DISTINGUISHABILITY PROBLEMS THAT STEM FROM A PIECEMEAL RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMME TEND TO SURFACE ONLY WHEN NEW COINS ARE PUT INTO CIRCULATION.
+YET IT WOULD BE IMPRACTICAL TO INTRODUCE ALL CHANGES AT THE SAME TIME.
+THE MAIN PROBLEM IS ONE OF FINDING SUFFICIENT SECURE STORAGE SPACE TO HANDLE THE NEW COINS AS THEY ARRIVE FROM THE MINT AND SPACE TO HOLD THE OLD COINS AS THEY ARE WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION PRIOR TO SELLING THEM OFF FOR THEIR SCRAP METAL
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/11 ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
11
REASON FOR INSTALLING 50-CENT TURNSTILE AT HK YAUMATI FERRY PIER ******
THE IDEA TO INSTALL A 5O-CENT TURNSTILE FOR FERRY COMMUTERS TRAVELLING BETWEEN JUBILEE STREET AND JORDON ROAD WAS TO ENABLE PASSENGERS IN A HURRY TO GO THROUGH WITHOUT ANY DELAYS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. T.S. LO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. JONES SAID THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY INTRODUCED THE 50-CENT TURNSTILE ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS WITHOUT REDUCING THE NUMBER OF 40-CENT TURNSTILES FOLLOWING REQUESTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
+ALTHOUGH, HOWEVER, THIS ACTION WAS TAKEN IN GOOD FAITH AND IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC DEMAND, IT HAS SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN WITHDRAWN BECAUSE IT WAS FOUND TO CONTRAVENE THE TERMS OF THE COMPANY’S FRANCHISE.*
MR. JONES NOTED THAT CONSIDERABLE DELAYS WERE EXPERIENCED BY PASSENGERS AT THE TURNSTILES, WHERE FOUR 1O-CENT PIECES HAD TO BE INSERTED AND IT HAD NOT BEEN FEASIBLE TO DESIGN TURNSTILES CAPABLE OF TAKING THE FLANGED 20-CENT COINS OR OF GIVING CHANGE FOR A 50-CENT COIN.
HE SAID: +CHANGE COUNTERS HAVE BEEN SET UP AT THE TERMINALS, BUT AGAIN QUEUES HAVE BEEN FORMING AT THESE COUNTERS.*
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POLICE COMMISSIONER RE-EXAMINING DEATH OF LIU PING-HON
******
THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT CONSIDER IT APPROPRIATE TO APPOINT A COMMISSION TO INQUIRE INTO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH OF MR. LIU PING-HON, THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY SAID TODAY.
REPLYING A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HOBLEY SAID HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING PUBLIC INTEREST, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAD ASKED THE DIRECTOR OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION TO RE-EXAMINE THE MATTER WITH A VIEW TO SEEING WHAT FURTHER INQUIRIES, IF ANY, COULD BE MADE.
MR. HOBLEY ADDED: +IN VIEW OF THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISION, IT IS RIGHT THAT I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT I DID NOT CONSULT HIM IN REACHING MY CONCLUSION THAT THE MATERIAL SUBMITTED WITH THE REPRESENTATIONS WHICH I RECEIVED FROM THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO WARRANT AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY.*
/12......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
12
BILL TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS FOR INJURED WORKERS INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO
* * K *
A BILL TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS FOR INJURED WORKMEN WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND READING OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1977, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS SAID ITS MAIN AIM WAS TO ENSURE THAT WHEN WORKERS SUFFERED INJURIES AT WORK, THE MEDICAL EXPENSES INVOLVED WERE MET BY THEIR EMPLOYERS.
HE SAID: +AT PRESENT OUR LEGISLATION MAKES NO PROVISION FOR THIS, ALTHOUGH SOME GOOD EMPLOYERS MEET SUCH EXPENSES AS A NORMAL RESPONSIBILITY.
+BUT IN MOST CASES,* MR. WILLIAMS SAID, +INJURED WORKMEN GO TO GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WHERE THE FEES, ALTHOUGH VERY SIGNIFICANTLY SUBSIDISED, ARE MET BY THE WORKMEN THEMSELVES.*
HE SAID THE BILL ESTABLISHED A LIABILITY BY EMPLOYERS TO PAY WORKMEN’S MEDICAL EXPENSES.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD, INCIDENTLY, ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY FULLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION NO.17, HE ADDED.
MR. WILLIAMS REVEALED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD MADE A STUDY OF THE STANDARDS ADOPTED IN SEVEN NEIGHBOURING ASIAN COUNTRIES, TO PROVIDE INJURY BENEFITS FOR WORKERS -- IN JAPAN, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.
THE STUDY SHOWED THAT ALL SEVEN COUNTRIES PROVIDED MEDICAL CARE AND ALLIED BENEFITS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, EITHER AS AN EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY OR THROUGH INSURANCE SCHEME TO WHICH EMPLOYERS WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
+THE PROPOSAL WOULD THEREFORE PLACE HONG KONG IN A COMPARABLE POSITION WITH ITS NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN THIS FIELD,* HE SAID.
MR. WILLIAMS POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL DOES LIMIT THE EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY TO A MAXIMUM CLAIM BY WORKERS OF MEDICAL EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT AT THE RATE OF $1Q EACH DAY FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AND $20 EACH DAY FOR IN-PATIENT CARE IN HOSPITAL.
HE SAID: +THESE RATES HAVE BEEN ARRIVED AT AFTER A STUDY OF THE PRESENT CHARGES MADE IN GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND IN SEVEN PRIVATE HOSPITALS.*
HE ADDED THAT THE RATES WOULD BE REVISED WHEN NECESSARY BY RESOLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE INJURED WORKMAN WOULD ALSO BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE INJURY.
/BY THIS TIMS...
-VEDN3SDAY, DECZMB3R 7, 1977
- 15 -
+BY THIS TIME,+ SAID MR. WILLIAMS, +HE SHOULD EITHER HAVE RECOVERED FROM HIS INJURY OR BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR PERMANENT INCAPACITY.+
THE BILL ALSO SETS OUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH EMPLOYERS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM LIABILITY, THE MANNER IN WHICH A WORKMAN MAY BRING A CLAIM AGAINST EMPLOYER FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES, THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND WORKMEN OVER MEDICAL EXPENSES..MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, AND THE MEANS BY WHICH A WORKMAN MAY RECOVER MEDICAL EXPENSES FROM THE EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO DISCHARGE HIS LIABILITY.
THE DEBATE SON’THE BILL WAS LATER ADJOURNED.
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AMENDMENTS TO FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE PROPOSED
* * * *
A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE FACTORIES AND UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE HAVE BEEN PROPOSED.
INDUSTR IAL
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS FOURFOLD.
THE FIRST WAS TO MAKE THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE COVER THE NEW GRADE OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENIST IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND TO CHANGE THE TITLE OF THE HEAD OF FACTORY INSPECTORATE FROM LABOUR OFFICER (INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS) TO CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR.
THE SECOND WAS TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF ’INDUSTRIAL
UNDERTAKING’ TO COVER THE LOADING, UNLOADING OR HANDLING OF GOODS AT AN AIRPORT TO COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION NO.90.
THE THIRD, MR. WILLIAMS SAID, WAS TO INCLUDE ANY UNDERTAKING WHICH IS NOT CARRIED ON BY WAY OF TRADE OR FOR PURPOSES OF GAIN, EXCEPT A REGISTERED SCHOOL, INTO THE SCOPE OF THE ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF CHILD EMPLOYMENT.
THIS AMENDMENT, MR. WILLIAMS POINTED OUT, WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG TO COMPLY FULLY WITH INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTION NO. 5.
FOURTHLY THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WILL EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO EMPLOY TEMPORARY CONSULTANTS AS AND WHEN REQUIRED TO ACCOMPANY FACTORY INSPECTORS AND GIVE ADVICE ON TECHNICAL AND OTHER ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY. THESE TEMPORARY CONSULTANTS WOULD BE UNDER THE SAME RESTRAINTS AS ANY PUBLIC OFFICER AND WOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM DIVULGING INFORMATION GAINED DURING THE COURSE OF INSPECTIONS.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
14 -
REPORT ON LABOUR LAWS AND CONDITIONS IN SIX SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES ******
A REPORT ON LABOUR CONDITIONS AND LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS OF SIX SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES WAS BEING PREPARED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. P.E. WILLIAMS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, MR. WILLIAMS SAID THE REPORT WAS BEING PREPARED BY TWO OFFICERS, ONE FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICE BRANCH, THE OTHER A LABOUR OFFICER, WHO VISITED THAILAND, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, KOREA AND THE PHILIPPINES BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 19 AND NOVEMBER 18 THIS YEAR.
DURING THEIR VISITS, THEY COLLECTED UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON LABOUR LEGISLATION AND PRACTICE AS WELL AS SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS IN THESE COUNTRIES AND THE INFORMATION GATHERED WILL BE USED TO REVISE AND EXTEND THE SCOPE OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DOCUMENT ON THESE COUNTRIES.
MR. WILLIAMS SAID THE REPORT WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
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DATE OF HEARING IN MAGISTRATE’S COURT EXPLAINED ******
THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF A DEFENDANT IN A MAGISTRATE’S COURT AND THE DATE FIXED FOR THE HEARING OF THE CASE WHEN THE PROCEEDINGS ARE DEFENDED IS ONE MONTH.
THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT.
MR. HOBLEY SAID, +THERE IS NO APPRECIABLE DIFFERENCE IN THE TIME WHICH ELAPSES AS BETWEEN A CASE IN WHICH BAIL IS GRANTED AND A SUMMONS CASE.+
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO CUSTODIAL CASES WHERE THE USUAL PERIOD BETWEEN THE DEFENDANT’S FIRST APPEARANCE AND TRIAL IS 14 DAYS OR LESS.
ON CASES WHERE THE DEFENDANT IS REMANDED IN CUSTODY AND CASES WHERE BAIL IS GRANTED, MR. HOBLEY SAID THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE RECORDS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THESE CASES.
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/15......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
- 15 -
LEGAL DEPARTMENT EXAMINING UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ******
TWO OFFICERS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ARE EXAMINING UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN CHINESE NEWSPAPERS SO THAT DETAILED INVESTIGATION OF MORE BLATANT CONTRAVENTIONS CAN BE UNDERTAKEN.
THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. HOBLEY SAID, +THIS EXAMINATION IS NOW ALMOST COMPLETE, WHEN WE SHALL ADVISE THE POLICE WHICH COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED WITH A VIEW TO POSSIBLE PROSECUTION.
+IF PROSECUTIONS ARE ULTIMATELY INSTITUTED, I HOPE THAT THEY WILL SERVE TO REMIND ALL CONCERNED OF THE LAW',+ HE ADDED.
MR. HOBLEY ALSO NOTED THAT IN THE PAST FIVE MONTHS, THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION HAD LODGED WITH THE POLICE COMPLAINTS SPREADING OVER 220 ISSUES OF 29 DIFFERENT NEWSPAPERS ALLEGING ALTOGETHER MORE THAN 1,700 CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ORDINANCE, THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENT ORDINANCE, OR BOTH.
HE SAID, +THE VERY NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED FROM THIS ONE SOURCE SINCE THE MIDDLE OF JULY SHOWS THE IMPRACTICABILITY OF THEIR EVEN TRYING TO DO S0.+
+EACH ADVERTISEMENT WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED FIRST, TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THE COMPLAINT IS WELL-FOUNDED.
+THE FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION OF THE WELL-FOUNDED COMPLAINTS IS TIME-CONSUMING BECAUSE IT INVOLVES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TRANSLATIONS, CERTIFICATION OF THE ACCURACY OF TRANSLATIONS AND THE OBTAINING OF PARTICULARS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NEWSPAPERS CONCERNED AND THE IDENTITY OF THE ADVERTISER,+ HE ADDED.
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/1o.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
16
ACTIVITIES OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING OPERATORS REDUCED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT THE VARIOUS KINDS OF BETS NOW OFFERED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND THE PROVISION IN THE NEW GAMBLING ORDINANCE HAD REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY THE ACTIVITIES OF ILLEGAL OPERATORS TAKING BETS ON HORSE RACING, THE HON. SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LI SAID THOUGH BETS OFFERED BY THE CLUB WITH HUGE DIVIDENDS MIGHT ATTRACT PUNTERS, NO EVIDENCE WAS AVAILABLE ON WHICH IT COULD BE CONCLUDED THAT THESE BETS POSITIVELY ENCOURAGING NEW GAMBLERS.
WERE
OF
HE SAID: +1 MUST EMPHASISE THAT THE PRE-DOMINANT EFFECT THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BETS INTRODUCED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS BEEN TO DIVERT PREVIOUSLY VERY EXTENSIVE ILLEGAL GAMBLING INTO A CONTROLLED LEGALISED SYSTEM.
+AS ILLEGAL OPERATORS GIVE DISCOUNT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO OFFER NOT ONLY THOSE TYPES OF BETS ALREADY HANDLED BY ILLEGAL OPERATORS BUT ALSO THOSE ,-.H ICH THEY CANNOT ACCEPT BECAUSE OF THE ATTRACTIVE CDDS.+
- o - - - - .
/17.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
1?
ADEQUATE MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO APPL ICANT ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED A THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF WORK TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DO NOT HAVE THEIR APPLICATIONS TURNED DOWN.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT.
EXPLAINING THE SYSTEM, MR. LEE SAID WHEN AN APPLICATION WAS RECEIVED IN A SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT, THE FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE APPLICANT WERE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED BY A WELFARE ASSISTANT. THE INFORMATION WAS THEN ASSESSED BY A PRINCIPAL WELFARE ASSISTANT TO DETERMINED THE ELIGIBILITY OF ANY AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE TO WHICH THE APPLICANT WAS ENTITLED.
THE ASSESSMENT WAS AGAIN CHECKED AND AUTHORISED BY THE SUPERVISOR OF THE FIELD UNIT AT THE RANK OF SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER.
+ THIS THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF WORK IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND ADEQUATE TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DO NOT HAVE THEIR APPLICATIONS TURNED DOWN.
+IF THE APPLICANT IS NOT SATISFIED, HE IS ENCOURAGED TO APPROACH THE SUPERVISOR OF THE FIELD UNIT DIRECT. HE CAN ALSO APPEAL TO ME PERSONALLY,* MR. LEE EXPLAINED.
MR. LEE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO A PROPOSAL IN THE GREEN PAPER FOR SOCIAL SECURITY THAT AN APPEAL BOARD BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE AN AVENUE OF APPEAL AGAINST A DECISION TAKEN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH REGARD BOTH TO ELIGIBILITY AND TO THE AMOUNT PAYABLE.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM THE HON. T.S. LO EARLIER, MR. LEE ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS WERE WELL AWARE OF THE NEED TO SHOW COMPASSION AND COURTESY TO ALL CLIENTS.
+ALL OFFICERS, BOTH TRAINED AND UNTRAINED, HAVE TO TAKE AN ORIENTATION COURSE WHEN THEY JOIN THE DEPARTMENT AND FOR THOSE WHOSE WORK BRINGS THEM INTO CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, THE INSTRUCTOR ALWAYS STRESSES THE NEED TO SHOW COMPASSION AND COURTESY TO ALL CLIENTS, PARTICULARLY AS MANY OF THOSE WHO SEEK HELP ARE IN DISTRESS OR SUFFERING FROM STRAIN OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER,* HE EMPHASISED.
+THOSE MEMBERS OF MY STAFF WHO HAVE ARDUOUS DUTIES TO PERFORM, PARTICULARLY IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SECURITY, WHERE MORE THAN 120,000 CASES ARE BEING HANDLED ACTIVELY, ARE ALSO REMINDED BY THEIR SUPERVISORS FROM TIME TO TIME EXHORTING THEM OF THE NEED TO TAMPER FIRMNESS WITH FAIRNESS AND KINDNESS,* MR. LEE ADDED.
+HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +IT HAS TO BE REALISED THAT THESE FRONT-LINE WORKERS HAVE AN INVESTIGATIVE FUNCTION TO PERFORM WHICH IS TO PREVENT ABUSE OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE CONDUCIVE TO SMOOTH RELATIONSHIPS WITH UNSUCCESSFUL OR
DIFFICULT APPLICANTS.*
/18......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
18
NEED TO DIVERSIFY AND PRODUCE MORE HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS
*****
HONG KONG WILL NEED TO DIVERSIFY AND PRODUCE MORE SOPHISTICATED AND HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES IN ORDER TO MEET ITS CHALLENGES OF INTENSIFIED COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING MANUFACTURING COUNTRIES AND THE GROWING PROTECTIONISM IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.
THE HON. S.L. CHEN SAID THIS WHEN HE TABLED THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1977 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. CHEN SAID IN ORDER TO PROVIDE INCREASED TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES, THE CENTRE BEGAN TO MOVE IN A NEW DIRECTION WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY BASED SERVICES.
AS A RESULT, HE SAID THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRE WERE MORE SELECTIVE AND MORE CAREFULLY GEARED TO INDUSTRIAL ASPECTS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND THERE WAS A SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF THE CENTRE’S TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, INDUSTRIAL CONSULTANCY AND ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SERVICES, WHICH WAS MATCHED BY AN INCREASED RESPONSE FROM INDUSTRY.
HE NOTED THAT DURING THE YEAR THE CENTRE CONDUCTED COURSES FOR NEARLY 6,500 PARTICIPANTS AND COMPLETED 117 CONSULTANCY AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS.
THE TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICES OF THE CENTRE WERE ALSO STRENGTHENED. +PLANS WERE DEVELOPED DURING THE YEAR FOR SETTING UP A PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION UNIT WHICH WOULD BE REGARDED AS A PROTOTYPE FOR SEVERAL SIMILAR UNITS TO BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE CENTRE ON TOPICS WHICH DESERVE HIGH PRIORITY IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT,* MR. CHEN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CENTRE ACTED AS A CO-ORDINATING BODY FOR THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL INFORMATION CENTRE WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF OTHER OGANISAT IONS AND HAS FORMULATED ITS THIRD FIVE-YEAR PLAN COVERING THE PERIOD 1977/82 WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING INDUSTRY WITH SHARPLY INCREASED TECHNOLOGICAL SERVICES.
♦GIVEN THE SUPPORT OF GOVERNMENT AND THE CONTINUED CO-OPERATION OF INDUSTRY,* MR. CHEN SAID, +1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THE CENTRE WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY A EVEN MORE EFFICIENT ROLE IN THE PRODUCTIVITY MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.*
/19......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
19 -
CALL FOR MORE GENEROUS PAYMENTS TO DEPENDANTS OF THOSE KILLED IN WAR * * * *
THE HON. T.S. LO HAS URGED THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE TO EXERCISE GENEROSITY AND TO RECONSIDER THE SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS TO DEPENDANTS OF THOSE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR. LO SAID THE PRESENT PAYMENT SCHEDULE MADE LIFE VERY DIFFICULT TO ANYONE WHO HAD TO RELY ON THESE PAYMENTS ALONE TO ACHIEVE A REASONABLE STANDARD OF LIVING.
MR. LO SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT FAIRLY GENEROUS INCREASES HAS BEEN MADE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT NOTED THAT THE SOCIETY DID OWE A SUBSTANTIAL OBLIGATION TO THOSE WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG.
+WE SHOULD ENSURE AT LEAST THAT THEIR DEPENDANTS ARE LOOKED AFTER REASONABLY WELL,+ HE SAID.
IN REPLY THE ACTING SOLICITOR GENERAL, THE HON. DAVID BOY SAID HE FELT SURE THE WAR MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE WOULD ACCEPT MR. LO’S REMARKS IN THE SPIRIT HE INTENDED.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE MEETING ON DECEMBER 14 TO REV IE* THE LEVEL OF PAYMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND.
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/2O.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
20
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME * * * *
TEN PER CENT OF THE PUPILS IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME AS COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF 13 PER CENT IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+HOWEVER, IN TERMS OF SCHOOLS -- 34 PER CENT OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING COMPARED WITH 70 PER CENT OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS,* HE ADDED.
DR. THONG POINTED OUT THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME WAS A VOLUNTARY AND CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME AND IT WAS UP TO THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED TO ENCOURAGE MORE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE.
+ALSO,* HE ADDED, + AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IS THE EASY ACCESS TO OTHER SOURCES OF MEDICAL CARE IN BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.*
ON THE QUESTION OF THE LOWER ENROLMENT IN THE OVER 10 AGE GROUP, DR. THONG SAID THAT AS CHILDREN GREW OLDER, THE INCIDENCE OF ILLNESS AMONG THEM TENDED TO GET LOWER.
+IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT MOST PARENTS WILL BE LESS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO ENROLL THEIR CHILDREN IN THE SCHEME,* HE SAID.
COMMITTEE TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES
******
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION BOARD HAD SET UP ITS OWN INTERNAL SELECTION COMMITTEE TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR SITES ON INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THE COMMITTEE WAS CHAIRED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND COMPRISED GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, AN UNOFFICIAL AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CORPORATION.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION ON EACH APPLICATION IS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD ITSELF WITH WHICH THE FINAL DECISION RESTS.
/21 ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
21
MEASURES OF DUST CONTROL AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TRYING FOR SOME TIME TO CONTROL THE PROBLEM OF DUST CAUSED BY CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES BY REQUIRING CONTRACTORS TO ADOPT A NUMBER OF MITIGATING MEASURES, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. JONES SAID, CONTRACTORS WERE REQUIRED TO SPRAY WATER ON ACCESS TO SITES TO PREVENT DUST FROM RISING AND TO SWEEP AWAY MUD AND DUST DROPPED BY CONTRACTORS’ VEHICLES ON ROADS NEAR THE SITE SO AS TO MINIMISE THE CREATION OF DUST CLOUDS BY OTHER PASSING VEHICLES.
FURTHERMORE, THEY HAD TO COVER THE TOPS OF EARTH-CARRYING VEHICLES WITH CANVAS TO PREVENT SOIL FROM SPILLING ONTO THE ROAD AND DUST FROM BEING BLOWN INTO THE AIR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MR. JONES ADDED.
+IN ADDITION, AT SOME LOCATIONS SUCH AS TUEN MUN, ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO RE-ROUTE EARTH-CARRYING VEHICLES AWAY FROM DENSELY POPULATED AREAS- AND CONTRACTORS AT THESE PLACES ARE ALSO BEING REQUIRED TO SPRAY THE SURFACE OF SOIL STOCKPILES WITH BITUMEN TO PREVENT DUST FROM SPREADING.*
CONCEDING THAT IT WAS NOT EASY TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL THESE MEASURES, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF SUB-CONTRACTORS, MR. JONES NOTED THAT PROSECUTIONS WERE BROUGHT AGAINST THOSE WHO CREATED A SERIOUS NUISANCE.
+FURTHERMORE, IN THE MOST FLAGRANT CASES OF ABUSE, THE CONTRACTOR’S LICENCE TO DISPOSE OF EARTH FILL CAN BE CANCELLED,+ HE SAID.
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/22......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
22
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR NON-COMMERC I AL PRIVATE CLUBS CONSIDERED
* * * *
THE HON. FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HE WOULD CONSIDER THE QUESTION OF DISPENSING WITH PROPERTY TAX ON BUILDINGS USED FOR PRIVATE RECREATION AND NOT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. S.L. CHEN, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT HE WOULD CONSULT THE WORKING PARTY WHICH HAD BEEN EXAMINING FOR SOME TIME THE REPORT OF THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE
ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE.
•i) . ■
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED THAT CLUBS NOT DEEMED
TO BE CARRYING ON A- BUSINESS SHOULD BE TREATED ON A SIMILAR BASIS TO OWNERS OF PRIVATE RESIDENCES AND SHOULD BE EXEMPT FROM PROPERTY TAX.
+CLUBS WHICH ARE DEEMED TO BE CARRYING ON A BUSINESS ARE LIABLE TO PROFITS TAX BUT ARE ALREADY, IN EFFECT EXEMPT FROM PROPERTY TAX,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH MR. CHEN DID NOT GIVE ANY REASON FOR HIS SUGGESTION, HE WOULD STILL CONSIDER IT.
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STREET LIGHTING PLANS FOR CHUNG HOM KOK
* * * *
STREET LIGHTING WILL BE EXTENDED FROM REPULSE BAY TO THE CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD JUNCTION FROM JUNE NEXT YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. MCDONALD WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, ABOUT STREET LIGHTING ON ROADS LEADING TO THE STANLEY AND TAI TAM AREA.
IN ADDITION TO THE STREET LIGHTING BETWEEN REPULSE BAY AND THE CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD JUNCTION, MR. MCDONALD SAID A PROPOSAL HAD BEEN MADE TO EXTEND THE SYSTEM TO STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD. HE SAID THE PROPOSAL HAD BEEN SUBMITTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE 1978/79 STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME, AND IF APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE, THESE WORKS WOULD BE PUT IN HAND IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
MR. MCDONALD SAID IT WAS NOT PRESENT POLICY TO LIGHT RURAL ROADS WHERE LITTLE DEVELOPMENT EXISTS UNLESS TRAFFIC CONSIDERATIONS CAN JUSTIFY THE PROVISION.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, THERE ARE NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO INSTALL LIGHTING ON THE TAI TAM ROAD AS THE AREA BETWEEN CHAI WAN ROAD AND STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD IS LARGELY UNDEVELOPED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
25
NIGHT LIGHTING OF ROAD WORKS
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT ALTHOUGH PRESENT REGULATIONS GIVE THE NECESSARY PROTECTION TO THE PUBLIC, THESE ARE BEING CHANGED IN LINE WITH THE LATEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS TO PROVIDE FOR AN IMPROVED STANDARD OF LIGHTING.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF NIGHT LIGHTING OF ROAD WORKS, MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT ♦THE ROAD TRAFFIC (LIGHTING AND GUARDING OF ROAD WORKS) REULATIONS PRESCRIBE THE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC FROM THE EFFECTS OF ROAD WORKS.
♦THERE IS ALSO A SAFE ROAD WORKING CODE WHICH ILLUSTRATES THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS AND LIGHTING AT WORKS SITES.+
BUT MR. MCDONALD SAID UNFORTUNATELY NOT ALL CONTRACTORS COMPLY IN ALL CASES WITH THE LAID DOWN STANDARDS.
HE SAID THAT IN DECEMBER 1976 THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE STARTED CARRYING OUT NIGHT PATROLS IN AN ATTEMPT TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS.
HE SAID THAT SINCE APRIL POLICE HAVE ACCOMPANIED THESE PATROLS.
HOWEVER, MR. MCDONALD SAID STAFF RESOURCES ARE NOT UNLIMITED AND CONSEQUENTLY PATROL VISITS TO EACH SITE ARE NOT CARRIED OUT FREQUENTLY ENOUGH TO ENSURE COMPLETE AND CONTINUING COMPL IANCE.
MR. MCDONALD SAID IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO RELY, TO SOME EXTENT, ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONTRACTORS TO PROPERLY LIGHT THEIR WORKS SITES.
/2A......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
- 24 -
HIRAMS HIGHWAY MANNED DURING PEAK HOURS * * * *
DURING PEAK HOURS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THERE IS ALWAYS ONE, AND SOMETIMES TWO, POLICE PATROL CARS IN THE CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AND HIRAMS HIGHWAY AREA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER C. WONG.
APART FROM DOING WHAT THEY COULD TO ASSIST TRAFFIC FLOW GENERALLY AND DEALING WITH VEHICLES WHICH BREAK DOWN, OFFICERS FROM THESE PATROLS WERE INSTRUCTED TO DIRECT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AT THE JUNCTION OF THESE TWO ROADS WHEN THE SITUATION WARRANTS IT, MR. JONES SAID.
+THERE ARE SOMETIMES HOLDUPS OF TRAFFIC TURNING RIGHT FROM HIRAMS HIGHWAY TOWARDS KOWLOON ALONG CLEARWATER BAY ROAD BUT, GIVEN OTHER PRIORITIES FOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE MANPOWER, THEY ARE NOT YET CONSIDERED TO BE SUFFICIENTLY SERIOUS TO JUSTIFY THE STATIONING OF AN OFFICER PERMANENTLY AT THIS POINT TO CONTROL TRAFFIC.*
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LAND FOR OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY AGREED TO ALLOCATE LAND IN BUTTERFLY VALLEY TO THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION FOR A PILOT SCHEME OF OFF-STREET DRIVER TRAINING, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ALEX WU ON GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO REDUCE INCONVENIENCE AND POLLUTION CAUSED BY LEARNER DRIVERS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS, MR. JONES SAID THE IDEAL SOLUTION WOULD BE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT OFF-STREET SITES WHERE LEARNER DRIVERS COULD AT LEAST UNDERTAKE THEIR BASIC TRAINING.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, SUCH SITES WERE DIFFICULT TO FIND AND THERE WERE MANY COMPETING CLAIMS FOR THEIR USE.
HE NOTED THAT THE INDOOR DRIVING TRAINING CENTRE OPERATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT COULD HELP SOLVE PART OF THE PROBLEM.
+ THIS TRAINING HELPS TO KEEP LEARNERS OFF THE ROAD UNTIL THEY HAVE ACQUIRED SOME COMPETENCE IN HANDLING A VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN SHOWN TO PRODUCE DRIVERS OF ABOVE AVERAGE STANDARD,* HE SAID.
MR. JONES ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE CENTRE OPENED IN 1974, MORE THAN 11,000 TRAINEES HAD RECEIVED BASIC INSTRUCTION AND THE NUMBER'S OF APPLICANTS WERE STEADILY INCREASING.
THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION WAS RUNNING A SIMILAR FACILITY AT MARSH ROAD IN WAN CHAI, HE ADDED.
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/25....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
25
HK TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 * * * *
A BILL DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE COUNCIL TO SPEED UP THE RECRUITING READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF RECEIVED ITS SECOND TODAY.
MOVING THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID THE BILL ALSO WAS DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE COUNCIL TO INTRODUCE A NEW STAFF RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEME.
THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
0 --------
TWO BILLS PASSED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED TWO BILLS INTO LAW TODAY.
THESE WERE THE POLICE FORCE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977 AND THE LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1977.
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THESE WERE THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT BILL 1977, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1977.
/26......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
26
RECREATIONAL CENTRE PLANNED FOR SAI KUNG
* * * *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH CLUB IS PLANNING TO SET UP A RECREATION CENTRE -- INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION -- AND A CAMPING CLUB IN SAI KUNG TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THOUSANDS OF CAMPERS, HIKERS AND WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO IS THE CLUB’S HONORARY PRESIDENT, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A BALL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CLUB.
HE SAID THE CLUB’S COMMITTEE WOULD BE DISCUSSING THESE ’AMBITIOUS PLANS’ WITH THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE RECREATION CENTRE, HE SAID, WILL PROVIDE SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR SEA ACTIVITIES.
AND, THE CAMPING CLUB IS PLANNED TO CATER FOR THE RAPIDLY GROWING INTEREST IN HIKING AND CAMPING AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE WHO COME TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND IN PARTICULAR SAI KUNG, FOR RECREATION AND ADVENTURE, HE ADDED.
+1 AM SURE THAT WHATEVER THE HONG KONG YOUTH CLUB DOES, IT WILL DO WELL, AND ENCOURAGE AMONGST ITS YOUNG MEMBERS A DESIRE FOR THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS IN WHATEVER THEY DO AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AT ALL TIMES,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE PAST
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CLUB AND DESCRIBED THE STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION DEMONSTRATED CONSISTENTLY BY THE CLUB OVER THE PAST YEARS IN ITS NUMEROUS AND WELL ATTENDED ACTIVITIES AS +SIGNS OF GROWTH AND HEALTH+.
HE ADDED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO LESS THAN 8,000 PARTICIPANTS IN THE VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS, AND THE NUMBER OF ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD COME FORWARD TO HELP IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE CLUB HAD STEADILY INCREASED. /
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/27......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
- 27 -
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION URGES MORE PLAY AND RECREATION FOR STUDENTS
*****
AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. ARTHUR BROWN, TODAY CALLED FOR GREATER ATTENTION TO PLAY OR LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPING A BALANCED PERSONALITY WHEN HE ADDRESSED STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS AT THE JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE LOK SIN TONG SCHOOLS.
+1 REALLY BELIEVE THAT MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DON’T GET ENOUGH PLAY, AND WHILE I CAN SEE WHY THIS HAPPENS FOR BUSY ADULTS, THERE IS NO EXCUSE IN THE CASE OF THE YOUNG,+ HE SAID.
+WE ALL NEED TO DEVELOP A BALANCED PERSONALITY,* HE STRESSED, +THE ABILITY TO RELAX, DETERMINATION, AND THE QUALITY OF LEADERSHIP. THESE QUALITIES ARE ALL HELPED IN DEVELOPMENT BY THE WAY WE SPEND OUR LEISURE, IN OTHER WORDS, OUR PLAY OR RECREATION.+
HOWEVER, MR. BROWN POINTED OUT, THIS DID NOT MEAN HARD WORK WAS UNDESIRABLE. +TO ENJOY PLAYING, YOU HAVE TO EARN IT BY WORKING HARD,* HE SAID.
HE THOUGHT THAT BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS HERE POSSESSED THAT ABILITY TO WORK HARD, AND BECAUSE OF IT HONG KONG WAS IN SUCH A GOOD POSITION TODAY, TO COMPETE IN TRADE WITH MUCH LARGER NATIONS WITH FAR GREATER RESOURCES.
+WHAT IS NEEDED AS WELL, IS ACTIVE PLAY OR ACTIVE RECREATION,+ HE CONTINUED. +TO LEAD A REALLY WELL-BALANCED LIFE, WHATEVER OUR AGE, WE NEED TO WORK HARD, PLAY HARD IN REALLY ACTIVE ACTIVITIES AND ALSO SAVE A LITTLE TIME FOR THE MORE PASSIVE RELAXING PLEASURES OF T.V. OR A BOOK, OR SOME MUSIC TO LISTEN TO.+
THE MOST OBVIOUS THING FOR STUDENTS, HE SAID, WAS TO JOIN A SCHOOL SOCIETY WHICH WOULD HELP THEM TO DEVELOP A HOBBY OR THE NEW COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB GROUPS WHICH WOULD PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOTS OF INTERESTING ACTIVITIES.
MR. BROWN TOLD TEACHERS NOT TO GIVE CHILDREN TOO MUCH HOMEWORK.
+MOST CHILDREN ARE LEARNING TOO MUCH AT SCHOOL ANYWAY, SO THERE REALLY IS NO NEED FOR TOO MUCH HOMEWORK AND IT REALLY DOES DO THE CHILD HARM.*
ADDRESSING HIMSELF TO PARENTS, MR. BROWN SA IDs +PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE THAT YOUR CHILDREN GET SOME TIME TO THEMSELVES TO ENJOY THEMSELVES, IT WILL PAY GREAT DIVIDENDS IN LATER LIFE. TRY TO GET THEM, DURING THAT TIME, TO DO SOMETHING ACTIVE AND ENJOYABLE, AND DON’T MAKE TOO MUCH FUSS OVER THEIR HOMEWORK, IF THEY SEEM TO FINISH IT TOO QUICKLY.*
HOMEWORK, HE SAID, OF HOURS.
SHOULD NOT TAKE MORE THAN A COUPLE
IN CONCLUSION, MR. BROWN EXHuRTED TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND TO TAKE AN INTEREST IN WHAT CHILDREN DO IN THEIR LEISURE HOURS AT HOME.
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/28......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1977
28
NCTE TO EDITORS:
RTHK TO INTRODUCE NEW PROGRAMME ON HONG KONG LAWS * * * * *
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 P.M. AT BROADCASTING HOUSE, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON TO INTRODUCE A NEW TELEVISION PROGRAMME -- +THIS IS THE LAW+.
IN THIS 3O-MINUTE PROGRAMME, THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE HONG KONG LAWS WILL BE EXPLAINED TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN A LIGHT, SIMPLE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD FORMAT.
THE PROGRAMME IS A CO-PRODUCTION OF RTHK AND HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY. IN EACH PROGRAMME, THERE WILL BE TWO DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LAW SOCIETY PRESENT FOR DISCUSSION.
THE SERIES WILL HAVE 13 EPISODES.
MR. DONALD KERR, DEPUTY DIRECTOR Or BROADCASTING, AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH THE NEW PROGRAMME WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR FIRST STAGE OF COASTAL FLYOVER IN NORTH POINT ................................................ 1
S16M COMPOSTING PLANT TO BE BUILT IN CHAI WAN .............. 2
LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO INTRODUCE MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE 3
TIPS ON FIRE SAFETY AT HOME ...............................
NOVEMBER WEATHER - SUNNIER, COOLER AND DRIER THAN USUAL .. 6
EARLY SUSPENSION OF TRAM SERVICES ON SATURDAY .............. 7
CALL FOR MORE ACTIVE EFFORTS TO REHABILITATE CANCER PATIENTS ................................................... 8
CARING COMMUNITY - VITAL TO THE ELDERLY .................... 9
SHA TO VISIT PO LEUNG KUK’S NO. 1 COLLEGE ................. 10
BRAILLE WATCHES FOR TWO BLIND TELEPHONE OPERATORS ......... 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
FIRST CONTRACT FOR NORTH POINTCAUSEWAY BAY COASTAL FLYOVER SIGNED * * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY LET A PRELIMINARY CONTRACT FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE $230 MILLION COASTAL FLYOVER BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT.
THE CONTRACT FOR OVER $10 MILLION IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 390-METRES SEAWALL, THE RECLAMATION OF THE NORTH-EASTERN CORNER OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER AND CERTAIN REPROVISION WORK. IT WAS AWARDED TO NISHIMATSU CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
MR. T.S. NG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID THAT WORK ON THE CONTRACT WOULD START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
+REPROVIS ION ING OF EXISTING FACILITIES INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TWO-STOREY DEPOT BUILDING FOR THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON THE NEW RECLAMATION, AND PROVISION OF A VEHICULAR RAMP FOR OFF-LOADING OF REFUSE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
+0N COMPLETION, SUFFICIENT SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PART OF STAGE ONE OF THE COASTAL ROUTE, KNOWN AS HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, AT THE EASTERN END OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON ANCHORAGE.*
MR. NG ADDED THAT STAGE I OF THE CORRIDOR WHEN COMPLETED WILL PROVIDE A HIGH CAPACITY COASTAL ROUTE LINKING CAUSEWAY BAY WITH NORTH POINT.
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Z2 ...
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
- 2
$16M COMPOSTING PLANT FOR CHAI WAN H H H K
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY LET A $16 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE BUILDING OF HONG KONG’S FIRST COMPOSTING PLANT IN CHAI WAN.
THE CONTRACT COVERS FOUNDATIONS AND SUPERSTRUCTURE WORKS AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WORKSHOP AND STORE BUILDING, AND COMPOST STOCK-PILING AREA TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS. IT WAS AWARDED TO KUMAGAI-GUMI CO. LTD.
MR. K.C. WONG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT THE NEW PLANT WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL AT THE END OF 1978, WOULD INITIALLY BE CAPABLE OF DISPOSING OF 240 TONNES OF FACTORY AND DOMESTIC REFUSE A DAY.
THE COMPOSTING PLANT WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF ABOUT 9,300 SQUARE METRES ON RECLAIMED LAND AT SUN YIP STREET OFF CHAI WAN ROAD.
MR. WONG SAID THAT THE NEW PLANT REPRESENTED A MAJOR STEP IN THE P.W.D.’S EFFORTS TO DEVELOP BETTER AND MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF DISPOSING OF REFUSE.
+THE MECHANISED COMPOSTING PROCESS IS A RELATIVELY NEW SYSTEM OF REFUSE DISPOSAL WHICH IS BECOMING MORE WIDELY USED IN ADVANCED COUNTRIES AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IS BEING INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
+IT WILL SUBSTANTIALLY BOOST OUR PRESENT FACILITIES AND ALONG WITH THE EXISTING INCINERATOR AT KENNEDY TOWN, WILL ENABLE US TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH HONG KONG ISLAND’S REFUSE UNTIL WELL INTO THE ’80S.+ MR. WONG SAID.
AT PRESENT, SOME 760 TONNES OF REFUSE ARE COLLECTED EACH DAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND. OF THESE 620 TONNES ARE BURNT AT KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR WHILE THE REST IS DUMPED AS FILL AT P.W.D. CONTROLLED TIPS. THE NEW PLANT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ACCEPT DOMESTIC, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE, INCLUDING BULKY REFUSE.
PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND FOR BUILDING A SECOND PULVERISING AND COMPOSTING PLANT TO BE LOCATED AT SHA TIN.
MR. WONG SAID THAT THE COMPOST PRODUCED AT THESE PLANTS WOULD BASICALLY BE DISPOSED OF AS LAND FILL, BUT SOME MIGHT BE USED AS TOP SOIL FOR RESTORING BORROW AREAS AND QUARRIES AND FOR TURFING.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
a>
LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO INTRODUCE MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EXHIBITION VAN WILL BE USED TO PROVIDE THE FIRST MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO JOB SEEKERS.
THE THREE-TON TRUCK WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED INTO A LARGE COVERED PLATFORM WILL CALL AT SAU MAU PING HOUSING ESTATE BETWEEN DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY) AND 16 (FRIDAY) TO DISPLAY ALL KINDS OF JOB INFORMATION.
JOB-SEEKERS CAN BROWSE THROUGH LISTS OF VACANCIES AND ASK LABOUR DEPARTMENT STAFF FOR REFERRAL AND PLACEMENT SERVICES WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF*CHARGE.
SUITABLE JOB-SEEKERS WILL BE REFERRED TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS FOR SELECTION INTERVIEW.
THE +MOBILE SERVICE* WILL OPERATE AT THE CAR PARK OF SAU MAU PING ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING FROM 4 P.M. TO 7.30 P.M. ON DECEMBER 12, BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 7.30 P.M. FROM DECEMBER 13 TO 15 AND FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON DECEMBER 16.
TO MARK THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS SERVICE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS AND THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG, MR. EDDIE LAMB WILL ATTEND THE INAUGURATION OF THE SERVICE ON MONDAY.
COMMENTING ON THE NOVEL IDEA OF THE MOBILE JOB PLACEMENT SERVICE, THE HEAD OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA SAID: +THE SERVICE IS BEING MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH A GENEROUS SUBSIDY FROM THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG AND THE ASSISTANCE OF ONE OF ITS ROTARIANS IN DESIGNING 20 DISPLAY BOARDS.
+ IT IS MEANT TO COMPLEMENT OUR EXISTING SERVICES IN EIGHT BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND ALSO REPRESENTS OUR EFFORTS TO REACH OUT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BY BRINGING THE SERVICE ALMOST TO THEIR DOOR STEP.*
MRS. SOO REMINDED THOSE REGISTERING WITH THE MOBILE OFFICE TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AS MOST EMPLOYERS INSIST ON THIS REQUIREMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE INAUGURATION OF THE MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AT SAU MAU PING HOUSING ESTATE AT 4 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).
A NINE-SEATER VAN WILL TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO SAU MAU PING ESTATE. IT WILL BE PARKED BEHIND THE Y.M.C.A. BUILDING IN TSIM SHA TSUI, AND WILL LEAVE AT 2.30 P.M.
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/4
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
4
TIPS ON FIRE SAFETY AT HOME *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO FOLLOW A FEW SIMPLE RULES SO THAT THE THOUSANDS OF FIRES THAT OCCUR AT HOMES EACH YEAR COULD BE ELIMINATED.
+HOME FIRE PROTECTION IS EASY TO LEARN AND REMEMBER - MOST OF IT, AFTER ALL, IS ONLY COMMON SENSE,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
+ALTHOUGH IT IS UNWISE TO LEAVE CHILDREN ON THEIR OWN, ESPECIALLY FOR LONG PERIODS, IT IS A FACT OF MODERN LIFE THAT THIS ON OCCASIONS BECOMES UNAVOIDABLE. WHERE THIS IS SO, DO TAKE THE TROUBLE TO ENSURE THAT ALL MATCHES AND LIGHTERS ARE OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND NEVER LEAVE ITEMS SUCH AS CANDLES BURNING,* HE ADVISED.
SOME TERRIBLE TRAGEDIES HAD OCCURRED BECAUSE CHILDREN HAD BEEN ABLE TO GET HOLD OF MATCHES WHILE THEIR PARENTS HAVE BEEN OUT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT FROM AN EARLY AGE TO KNOW THAT FIRE NOT ONLY HURTS BUT ALSO KILLS.*
WITH THE ARRIVAL OF COOLER AND DRIER WEATHER, HE SAID, THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS WHEN USING PORTABLE HEATERS IN THEIR HOMES AND PLACES OF WORK.
+PORTABLE HEATERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHICH BURN KEROSENE, SHOULD BE PUT IN A POSITION WHERE THEY CANNOT BE KNOCKED OVER BY PLAYING CHILDREN. FURTHERMORE, THEY SHOULD BE PLACED SUFFICIENTLY FAR AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, SUCH AS CURTAINING OR BEDDING, TO PREVENT THEM CATCHING ALIGHT.
+BEFORE SWITCHING ON OR LIGHTING A HEATER, MAKE SURE THERE IS NOTHING ON IT OR NEAR IT WHICH COULD EE SET ON FIRE,* HE SAID.
ACCORDING TO RECORDS, SOME OF THE MOST DAMAGING FIRES IN HONG KONG BROKE OUT AS A RESULT OF ELECTRICAL FAULTS CAUSED BY BAD MAINTENANCE OR NO MAINTENANCE AT ALL.
WIRING COULD DETERIORATE OVER THE YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, AND PERIODIC CHECKS BY A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN WERE ESSENTIAL FOR SAFETY. CORDS AND APPLIANCES SHOULD BE KEPT IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION AND REPLACED WHEN FRAYED OR WORN.
+IF TOO MANY ELECTRICAL ITEMS ARE PLUGGED INTO ONE SOCKET, THE WIRING COULD EASILY BECOME OVERHEATED AND FIRE BREAKS OUT, ESPECIALLY DURING PERIODS OF LOW HUMIDITY.
/♦REMEMBER .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
- 5
+REMEMBER THAT ELECTRIC LIGHT BULBS CAN GET VERY HOT AND CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO SEE THAT THEY CANNOT COME INTO CONTACT WITH CURTAINS OR DECORATIONS AT FESTIVAL TIMES.
+IF YOU, OR MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, SMOKE CIGARETTES, DO NOT FORGET THAT THOUSANDS OF FIRES OCCUR IN HONG KONG EACH YEAR AS A RESULT OF CARELESS DISPOSAL OR HANDLING OF LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES. MAKE SURE CIGARETTE ENDS ARE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSING OF THEM, PREFERABLY IN AN ASH TRAY. NEVER SMOKE IN BED.
+HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE ITEMS SUCH AS KEROSENE, LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, OIL AND PAINTS SHOULD BE STORED WELL AWAY FROM SOURCES OF HEAT. NEVER FILL A KEROSENE STOVE WHEN IT IS STILL BURNING.
+WI TH THESE FEW TIPS ON FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME AND BY A LITTLE EFFORT OR CARE, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR HOME FREE OF THE RISK OF FIRE. FAULURE TO TAKE THE TROUBLE CAN - AND OFTEN DOES - LEAD TO DISASTER,* HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AS PART OF THE CURRENT FIRE PREVENTION DRIVE, FIRE OFFICERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTING HOME FIRE SAFETY PAMPHLETS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE ON HONG KONG SIDE TOMORROW (FRIDAY), BEGINNING AT 9 A.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
6
NOVEMBER — SUNNIER, COOLER AND DRIER THAN USUAL * * * *
LAST MONTH WAS SUNNIER, COOLER AND MUCH DRIER THAN USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THERE WERE THREE DAYS WITH MEASURABLE RAIN AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE TOTAL RAINFALL OF 6.1 MM REPRESENTED ONLY 14 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER.
DUE TO THE VERY DRY CONDITIONS, FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE ON 29 DAYS DURING THE MONTH.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE THE FIRST OF JANUARY THIS YEAR REACHED 1672.1 MM WHICH IS 22 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE.
THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH WAS 29.1 DEGREES C, RECORDED ON THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER. THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 13.6 DEGREES C,WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 29.
A SPELL OF FINE WEATHER FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE MONTH WAS BROKEN ON NOVEMBER 14 AS TYPHOON KIM ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
HOWEVER, WHEN KIM MOVED OUT OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON NOVEMBER 16, THE WEATHER QUICKLY IMPROVED AND THE REST OF THE MONTH REMAINED FINE AND DRY EXCEPT FOR NOVEMBER 24 WHEN SOME LIGHT RAIN WAS EXPERIENCED.
THREE WEAK COLD FRONTS PASSED HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 1, 8 AND 27 BUT THEY DID NOT CAUSE ANY RAIN OR BIG FALLS IN AIR TEMPERATURE.
HOWEVER, THE NORTHERLY WINDS BEHIND THEM HELPED TO MAINTAIN THE FINE AND DRY WEATHER.
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/7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
7
EARLY SUSPENSION OF TRAM SERVICES ON SATURDAY
* * *
TRAM SERVICES WEST OF WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED SHORTLY AFTER 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO ALLOW TRAM TRACK DIVERSION IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WHICH IS NECESSITATED BY CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PEDDER STATION.
THE LAST TRAMS OPERATING TO AND FROM AREAS WEST OF WAN CHAI WILL DEPART FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE TERMINI AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
WESTBOUND
SHAU KEI WAN TO WESTERN MARKET NORTH POINT TO WHITTY STREET NORTH POINT TO WESTERN MARKET HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN 10.35 P.M. 10.37 P.M 10.47 P.M. 10.30 P.M. 10.42 P.M. 10.53 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY HAPPY VALLEY EASTBOUND TO WHITTY STREET
TO WESTERN MARKET
KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.04 P.M.
WHITTY STREET TO NORTH POINT 11.12 P.M.
WHITTY STREET TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.09 P.M.
WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN 11.15 P.M.
WESTERN MARKET TO NORTH POINT 11.20 P.M.
WESTERN MARKET TO HAPPY VALLEY 11.17 P.M.
THE TRAM SERVICE BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND WILL EE AUGMENTED SO AS TO OPERATE EVERY FOUR MINUTES AFTER 10.35 P.M. FROM SHAU KEI WAN. IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL TRAM SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED AFTER 10.35 P.M. BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WAN CHAI (JOHNSTON ROAD) AT A FREQUENCY OF EVERY FIVE MINUTES.
NORMAL TRAM SERVICES WILL BE RESUMED ON THE MORNING OF SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).
/8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
8
REHABILITATION OF CANCER PATIENTS URGED *******
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, HAS CALLED FOR MORE CONSCIOUS AND ACTIVE EFFORTS BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES, BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, TO REHABILITATE PATIENTS WHO HAVE BEEN TREATED FOR CANCER DISEASES.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY THIS EVENING, HE SAID THE FACT THAT MANY PATIENTS HAVE BEEN TREATED AND SURVIVED THE PROVERBIAL FIVE YEARS IS A TRIBUTE TO THE ADVANCE IN THE TREATMENT OF THIS DISEASE.
+FOR THESE SURVIVORS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE QUALITY OF THEIR LIVES MUST BE IMPROVED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE WITHIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THIS CAN ONLY COME ABOUT IF SOME CONSCIOUS AND ACTIVE EFFORTS ARE MADE TO REHABILITATE THE PATIENTS,* HE SAID.
DR. THONG, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY, POINTED OUT THAT THE ACTUAL METHODS OF REHABILITATION WILL VARY WITH DIFFERENT CASES AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE CITED THE EXAMPLE OF PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM CANCER OF THE THROAT WHICH, IF TREATED ADEQUATELY, HAS A GOOD PROGNOSIS.
UNFORTUNATELY, HE SAID, THESE PATIENTS HAVING THEIR VOICE BOX REMOVED LOST THEIR ABILITY FOR NORMAL SPEECH.
+BE THAT AS IT MAY, WITH ADEQUATE REHABILITATIVE SPEECH THERAPY THEY ARE ABLE TO REGAIN THE ABILITY TO PHONATE AND THOUGH THEY MAY NOT BE AS VOCAL AS BEFORE, THEY CAN WITH DILIGENT PRACTICE MAKE THEMSELVES UNDERSTOOD,* HE SAID.
DR. THONG SAID A PATIENT WITH BREAST CANCER WHO HAS HAD TO HAVE HER BREAST REMOVED ALONG WITH THE TUMOR WILL BENEFIT IMMENSELY FROM POST-OPERATIVE EXERCISES IN THE FORM OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY.
+THESE WILL HELP HER TO REGAIN MOBILITY OF THE SHOULDER GIRDLE OF THE SIDE INVOLVED AND TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF THE TRAUMA DUE TO SURGERY,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR SAID ALTHOUGH THE REHABILITATIVE ASPECT OF CANCER HAS NOT BEEN EMPHASISED OR GIVEN MUCH PUBLICITY, IN FACT A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITIES IS BEING CARRIED OUT AND A LOT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
+THERE IS OF COURSE ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF THE SERVICES AND IT IS MY FERVANT HOPE THAT THE SOCIETY WILL REMAIN IN THE FOREFRONT IN THE BATTLE AGAINST CANCER AND TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THOSE WHO SURVIVE THIS TERRIBLE DISEASE,* HE ADDED.
DR. THONG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND DEVOTION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER DISEASES.
/9......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
9
CARING COMMUNITY - VITAL TO THE ELDERLY ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY AND MAKING PUBLIC ITS INTENTION TO DO MORE FOR THEM WILL SERVE TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP A +POSITIVE, HELPFUL AND RESPECTFUL* ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE OLD.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE CHEUNG CHUK SHAN COLLEGE, MR. LEE NOTED THAT THIS WAS MORE IMPORTANT THAN JUST THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER BECAUSE ONLY WHEN THE YOUNG PEOPLE ACQUIRED THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE COULD THERE BE A HOPE TO HAVE A COMMUNITY WHICH 'CARES’.
MR. LEE SAID: +IT HAS OFTEN BEEN EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COULD ONLY ACT AS THE ’FORMAL PROVIDERS’ OF SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, WHILE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH SERVICES MUST RELY ON THE ASSISTANCE OF A ’CARING COMMUNITY’.+
MR. LEE SAID THAT YOUNG PEOPLE BEING THE ENERGETIC MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY COULD BE THE BASIC STRATA UPON WHICH TO SET ABOUT FOSTER ING THE CONCEPT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SERVICES THAT THE COMMUNITY COULD PARTICIPATE IN PROVIDING FOR OLD PEOPLE INCLUDED HOME HELP SERVICE WHICH RENDERED DOMESTIC HELP FOR THOSE WHO COULD NOT DEPEND ON THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, AND SERVICES IN THE FORM OF HOME MANAGEMENT, PERSONAL CARE, PREPARATION OR DELIVERY OF MEALS, LAUNDRY AND ESCORTING FOR MEDICAL CONSULTATION.
APART FROM THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES, MR. LEE SAID THAT YOUNG PEOPLE COULD ALWAYS ASSIST IN RUNNING SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE OLD PEOPLE SUCH AS GAMES DAY, OUTINGS AND BIRTHDAY PARTIES ORGANISED BY SOCIAL CLUBS AND SOCIAL CENTRES.
+IN CASE YOU FIND THAT YOU ARE NOT ATTRACTED TO THESE TYPES OF SERVICE, YOU CAN ALWAYS FIND MEANS TO SHOW YOUR INTEREST IN OLD PEOPLE’S WELFARE BY PAYING THEM VISITS AT THEIR HOMES. EVEN HELPING THEM ACROSS THE ROAD, OR SHOWING THEM THE WAY, OR BEING HELPFUL WHEN HELP IS NEEDED, ARE GESTURES THAT WILL WARM THEIR HEARTS.+
FOR OLD PEOPLE LIVING WITHIN THE FAMILY, MR. LEE EMPHASISED THAT THEY DESERVED EQUAL, IF NOT MORE, CARE AND ATTENTION.
+LIVING UNDER THE SAME ROOF, YOU ARE GIVEN THE BEST OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPRESS YOUR CONCERN AND RESPECT,+ HE ADDED.
/turning .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
TURNING TO THE GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR. LEE SAID THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THESE PROPOSALS WAS TO PROMOTE OLD PEOPLE’S WELL-BEING BY PROVIDING SERVICES THAT WOULD ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST FAMILIES TO CONTINUE LOOKING AFTER THEIR ELDERS AND TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THOSE WHO NEED INSTITUTIONAL CARE.
+SUCCESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROGRAMME WHICH AFFECTS THE WELFARE OF NINE PERCENT OF THE POPULATION WILL DEPEND VERY MUCH ON, AS IN THE CASE OF OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES, COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
+ IN THE BROADEST TERMS, MOST SERVICES PROPOSED WILL ACT AS SUPPORT OR REINFORCEMENT FOR FAMILY UNITS FACED WITH BOTH FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL STRAINS OF LOOKING AFTER ELDERLY MEMBERS,* HE ADDED.
- - 0
NOTE TO EDITORS
SHA TO VISIT PO LEUNG KUK’S NO. 1 COLLEGE
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI, WILL VISIT THE PG LEUNG KUK’S NO. 1 COLLEGE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE COLLEGE, SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, OPERATES 28 CLASSES FROM FORM ONE TO UPPER FORM SIX AND HAS OVER 1,000 STUDENTS.
DURING HIS VISIT, MR. LI WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MR. CHENG ENG-KUAN, CHAIRMAN OF PO LEUNG KUK AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE KUK’S BOARD.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.45 P.M. AT THE COLLEGE, PC KONG VILLAGE ROAD, TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON.
/II
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1977
-11
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO BLIND TELEPHONE OPERATORS TO RECEIVE BRAILLE WATCHES * * * * *
TWO BLIND TELEPHONE OPERATORS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL EACH RECEIVE A WATCH WITH A BRAILLE FACE.
THEY WILL RECEIVE THEIR WATCHES FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. TOM GARNER, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10.30 A.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT 32, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE TWO RECEPIENTS, MR. YAN SUN-PING AND MR. MOK HING-WAH, HAVE BEEN SERVING IN THE DEPARTMENT FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS AND BOTH ARE WORKING AT MA PO PING PRISON ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE WATCHES WERE DONATED BY THE CITIZEN WATCH COMPANY UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION OF WHICH MR. GARNER IS THE VICE CHAIRMAN.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
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PRH 7
F-K 1» IGISI ITO
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FULL-DAY WATER SUPPLIES FOR CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR ............................................ 1
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR TSI NG YI .. 2
WATERGEL EXPLOSIVES PLANT ....................... 3
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR SEPTEMBER ............... 4
PUBLIC URGED TO POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS ........ 5
QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE NOT HIGH ... 5
NEW FULL TIME PRE-TECHNICAL COURSE UNDER WAY .... 7
IMPROVING QUALITY OF ADULT EDUCATION COURSES STRESSED .. 8
TWO NT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS MEET ............ 9
CAS TO HOLD ANNUAL SPORTS DAY ON SUNDAY ........ 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
1
FULL-DAY WATER SUPPLIES FOR CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR *****
WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE TO BE RELAXED ON CERTAIN DAYS OVER THE COMING CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY THERE WILL BE FULL-DAY SUPPLY ON CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) AND DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD NEXT YEAR THERE WILL BE NO RESTRICTIONS FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE DAYS BEGINNING FROM LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE (FEBRUARY 6).
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. BILL TUCKER, SAID WITH THE RESULTS ACHIEVED BY THE OVERALL EFFORTS OF EVERYONE IN SAVING WATER, IT WAS FELT THE RESTRICTIONS COULD BE RELAXED DURING THESE TWO FESTIVE OCCASIONS WITHOUT SERIOUSLY REDUCING OUR STORAGE CAPACITY.
HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED AGAINST BEING OVER-OPTIMISTIC AND SAID THAT WATER SHOULD STILL BE USED SPARINGLY AS THERE ARE SOME DRY MONTHS TO GO BEFORE THE WET SEASON AND EVEN THEN THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OF RAINFALL.
THE PRESENT STORAGE CAPACITY IS 168.6 MILLION CUBIC METRES AS AGAINST 254.2 MILLION CUBIC METRES THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
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/2.....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
2
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR TSI NG Yl
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $60 MILLION TO DEVELOP THE CENTRAL AND NORTH-EASTERN PARTS OF TSING Yl ISLAND FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, AS WELL AS FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME.
ABOUT 20.5 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE PRODUCED BY CUTTING THE HILLS AND RECLAIMING THE SEA BY MID-1980 FOR VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE LAND TO BE FORMED AT CENTRAL TSING YI IS EARMARKED FOR ROADS AND DRAINS AND FOR THE THIRD PHASE OF CHEUNG CHING ESTATE TO HOUSE ANOTHER 26,700 PEOPLE.
THE SOUTHERN PART OF TSING Yl BAY WILL BE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A TOWN CENTRE, GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, OPEN SPACE, A PIER AND FERRY CONCOURSE.
THE LAND FORMATION AND RECLAMATION WORKS, TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS, WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT TWO-AND--A-HALF YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY THE SCHEME WAS AN IMPORTANT ONE AS IT WOULD CATER FOR THE EXPECTED GROWTH OF THE ISLAND.
MR. HAYES SAID THAT TO FAC IL I TATE LAND FORMATION AND RECLAMATION, ABOUT 2,100 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 2,424 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND WOULD HAVE TO BE RESUMED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, FENCES, WELLS, WATER PIPES AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS, PIG BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.
THIRTY-THREE TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 49 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WILL ALSO HAVE TO BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.
+THE DISPLACED FAMILIES, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN TSUEN WAN OR TSING Yl, AND THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A LOCAL TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA,* HE SAID.
+ IN ADDITION,* HE SAID, +ALL THESE FAMILIES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCE.*
LAND OWNERS INVOLVED IN THE LAND RESUMPTION WILL BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS, HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
WATERGEL EXPLOSIVES PLANT M * * K
THE GOVERNMENT, WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, HAS DECIDED TO AUTHORISE THE BUILDING OF A WATERGEL EXPLOSIVES PLANT ON STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PLANT WILL BE A SMALL ONE DESIGNED TO SUPPLY HONG KONG’S OWN NEEDS OF THIS NEW-TYPE CARTRIDGE EXPLOSIVE. ITS MAXIMUM ANNUAL OUTPUT WILL ONLY BE BETWEEN 2,000 - 3,000 TONNES. LAST YEAR THE QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES OF ALL TYPES USED IN HONG KONG WAS ABOUT 3,200 TONNES.
THE SITE CHOSEN IS CONTAINED AND SHELTERED ON THREE SIDES BY HILLS IN THE NORTH, EAST AND SOUTH, THUS ENSURING THAT PEOPLE LIVING IN KOWLOON ARE IN NO DANGER. IT IS OVER TWO MILES FROM HONG KONG ISLAND. THE SITE IS ADJACENT TO THE AREA ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE WHERE THE BRITISH SERVICES HAVE STORED AMMUNITION AND EXPLOSIVES FOR MANY YEARS AND WHERE STRICT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALREADY IN FORCE.
THE SITE MEETS ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SAFETY STANDARDS WITHOUT AFFECTING ANY OTHER PART OF HONG KONG.
+CARTRIDGED WATERGEL HAS EXCELLENT SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS AND IS ALREADY FAMILIAR TO THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGES TO BE GAINED IN COSTS AND IN PROMPT AVAILABILITY BY MANUFACTURING THIS EXPLOSIVE LOCALLY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WITH THE REDUCTION OF THE GARRISON, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE FOR THE SERVICES TO MAKE UNDERGROUND STORAGE SPACE AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT WHICH IS ALREADY EXTENSIVELY UTILISED AND WHEN CERTAIN ADDITIONAL FACILITIES ARE COMPLETE THE STORAGE OF GOVERNMENT EXPLOSIVES ON GREEN ISLAND WILL BE UNNECESSARY.
OUTPUT FROM THE WATERGEL PLANT CAN BE PLANNED TO MEET LOCAL REQUIREMENTS ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS AND IT WILL HELP TO REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF BUFFER STOCKS WHICH NOW HAVE TO BE HELD. ISSUES WILL ALSO BE MADE DIRECT FROM STONECUTTERS ISLAND AVOIDING ANY TRANS-SHIPMENT THROUGH GREEN ISLAND.
+VARIOUS USES HAVE BEEN PROPOSED FOR GREEN ISLAND, BUT ITS SHORES ARE STEEP AND ROCKY AND THE SURROUNDING CURRENTS SOMETIMES DANGEROUS. IT IS WITHOUT FRESH WATER AND MUCH OF THE ISLAND HAS TO BE RESERVED FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT USE. THE LIGHTHOUSE AND SIGNAL STATION FOR EXAMPLE WILL REMAIN UNDER MARINE DEPARTMENT CONTROL AND THE DEPARTMENT IS EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF USING THE ISLAND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, FOR EXAMPLE A MARINE TRAINING SCHOOL. IT IS ALREADY A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND IT IS INTENDED TO RETAIN IT AS SUCH, PROVIDING AT THE SAME TIME A VISUAL AMENITY AT THE WESTERN APPROACH TO HONG KONG’S HARBOUR.*
/TENDERS FOR .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
TENDERS FOR THE PLANT WILL BE CALLED FOR SHORTLY FROM TWO INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES, NOBELS EXPLOSIVES LIMITED, A SUBSIDIARY OF IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES OF BRITAIN AND E.l. DUPONT DE NEMOURS OF THE UNITED STATES.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SET UP AND OPERATE THE PLANT TO COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT SAFETY AND SECURITY REGULATIONS AT ALL TIMES.
0 - -
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR SEPTEMBER SHOW $148.6 MILLION DEFICIT *****
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, 1977, SHOW A DEFICIT OF $148.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF S97.6 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $371.1 MILLION FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $397.5 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE, AT $663.5 MILLION, WAS $94.9 MILLION MORE THAN IN SEPTEMBER, LAST YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $514.9 MILLION, WERE $43.9 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
/5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
5
POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS *****
THE POST OFFICE TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT DECEMBER 21 IS THE DEADLINE FOR POSTING OF LOCAL MAIL FOR DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THAT POSTING OF LOCAL MAIL ITEMS AFTER THIS DATE COULD NOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS DAY.
MEANWHILE, MAIL DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIODS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 TWO DELIVERIES
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25 NO DELIVERY
BOXING DAY, DECEMBER 26 ONE DELIVERY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 ONE DELIVERY
NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1 NO DELIVERY
MONDAY, JANUARY 2 ONE DELIVERY
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 27 AND NEW YEAR’S DAY. HOWEVER, COUNTER FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON AT 32 POST OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ON BOXING DAY (DECEMBER 26) AND JANUARY 2 (MONDAY) WHICH ARE GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
- 0 ---------
QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE NOT HIGH *****
FIXING THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR ’OLD AGE ALLOWANCE’ AT 70 IS NOT HIGH BECAUSE OLD PEOPLE BELOW 70 WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ’OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT’ OF $100 A MONTH TO THEIR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, MRS. ROSE GOODSTADT, HEAD OF THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE PENINSULA LIONS CLUB MEETING THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, MRS. GOODSTADT NOTED THAT THE AMOUNT OF OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT AND THAT OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE ARE IDENTICAL AS PROPOSED IN THE TWO GREEN PAPERS PUBLISHED RECENTLY - ONE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE OTHER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT.
/+THE ONLY .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
+THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT IS PAYABLE TO OLD PEOPLE WHO ARE IN FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WITH THE QUALIFYING AGE BEING SET AT 60, WHILE THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WHICH IS NON-MEANS-TESTED IS PAYABLE TO ALL OLD PEOPLE OF 70 OR ABOVE,+ SHE STRESSED.
MRS. GOODSTADT POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM CASH ASSISTANCE TO OLD PEOPLE, MEASURES TO HELP SOLVE THEIR HOUSING PROBLEM AND THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL CARE AND ATTENTION WERE IMPORTANT.
ON CASH ALLOWANCE, SHE SAID THAT THE TWO GREEN PAPERS HAD PROPOSED TO PROVIDE FURTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO OLD PEOPLE TO MEET ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ARISING FROM OLD AGE.
+AN OLD PERSON AGED 60 OR ABOVE, WHO IS WITHOUT INCOME, UNABLE TO WORK, AND HAS NO CHILDREN TO RELY ON, WILL BE ENTITLED TO, ON TOP OF HIS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OF $200 PLUS $63 RENT ALLOWANCE A MONTH, A MONTHLY OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT OF $100.
+IF HE IS PERMANENTLY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HE WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT OF $100 TO HIS MONTHLY PAYMENT AFTER THE FIRST 18 MONTHS.+
ON THE QUESTION OF HOUSING, SHE SAID THAT ONLY 18 PERCENT OF THE OLD PEOPLE WERE AT PRESENT LIVING^LONE AND AGED 60 OR OVER, AND 26 PER CENT OF THOSE IN TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS WERE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS AGREED THAT OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS, PROVISION WOULD BE MADE FOR 10,000 ELDERLY PERSONS IN ONE AND TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS TO BE REHOUSED IN PUBLIC HOUSING MAINLY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF 5,000 HOSTEL PLACES.+
THE GREEN PAPER ALSO PROPOSED TO RELAX THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS SO AS TO ALLOW UNRELATED ELDERLY PERSONS EXPRESSING A WISH TO LIVE TOGETHER TO APPLY JOINTLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE WAITING LIST, SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES, MRS. GOODSTADT NOTED THAT NEEDY OLD PEOPLE PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO WERE WITHOUT SUPPORT OF FAMILY MEMBERS MIGHT HAVE TO ENDURE VARYING DEGREE OF HARDSHIP, OR MIGHT HAVE TO RESORT TO INSTITUTIONAL CARE.
+PERSONAL SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDE DOMESTIC HELP, PREPARATION OF MEALS, LAUNDRY AND ESCORTING FOR MEDICAL CONSULTATION. FOR THE ELDERLY INFIRM, HOME HELP SERVICE WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PERSONAL CARE SUCH AS HELPING THEM TO COMB THEIR HAIR, WASH THEIR FACE AND GET THEM DRESSED.+
AS THIS SERVICE WAS AT PRESENT PROVIDED AT A LIMITED SCALE, SHE CONTINUED, THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSED TO EXPAND IT FROM THE EXISTING 20 HELPERS TO 80 IN TWO YEARS AND BY THAT TIME, ABOUT 800 ELDERLY PERSONS WOULD BE ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM IT.
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/7
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
7
NEW FULL-TIME PRE-TECHNICAL COURSE UNDER WAY * * * *
EIGHTY STUDENTS ARE ATTENDING A NEW, ONE-YEAR, FULL-TIME, PRE-TECHNICAL COURSE AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THE COURSE DESIGNED FOR FORM 3 SCHOOL LEAVERS WITH A TECHNICAL BACKGROUND, PREFERABLY FROM PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, WAS INTRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THE GROUP WAS SELECTED FROM OVER 250 APPLICANTS WHO TOOK AN ENTRANCE EXAMINATION WHICH TESTED THEM IN THREE SUBJECTS — TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MATHEMATICS, ENGLISH, AND TECHNICAL DRAWINGS. THE SELECTED 80 CANDIDATES ARE RECEIVING TRAINING AT THE INSTITUTE IN TWO BATCHES OF 40 EACH, SAID MR. ALICK FONG YAN, THE ACTING PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE.
OUT OF THE 80 STUDENTS, 60 ARE FROM PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND THE REMAINING 20 ARE FROM SECONDARY MODERN OR PRACTICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, HE ADDED.
THE COURSE COVERS BOTH THEORY AND PRACTICAL CLASSES LEADING TO A PRE-TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE. A TYPICAL FIVE-DAY WEEK RUNS INTO 30 HOURS -- 10 HOURS DEVOTED TO WORKSHOP TRAINING AND 20 HOURS TO THEORY IN GENERAL SUBJECTS OF THE LEVEL OF FORM 4.
THE PRACTICAL TRAINING INCLUDES ELECTRICAL AND MACHINE WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE. TRAINING IS GIVEN IN RADIO, ELECTRIC INSULATION, ELECTRIC REPAIRS AND DOMESTIC APPLIANCES AS WELL AS IN SUCH MACHINE JOBS AS LATHE WORK, PLANING AND SHAPING, PNEUMATIC CONTROL, AND WELDING.
+THERE IS AN EXAMINATION AT THE END OF THE YEAR’S TRAINING,* MR. FONG YAN SAID. +THOSE WHO PASSED CAN TAKE UP APPRENTICESHIP AND CONTINUE THEIR TECHNICAL EDUCATION EITHER BY DAY-RELEASE OR EVENING STUDIES.*
FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO ARE ALREADY WELL EQUIPPED WITH CRAFT KNOWLEDGE, HE SAID, THE COURSE WOULD PROVIDE A DOOR TO TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
COMMENTING ON THE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS, MR. FONG YAN SAID: +THE COURSE IS INTENSIVE AND REQUIRES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ACADEMIC ABILITY. THE THEORY CLASSES ARE IN ENGLISH, AND STUDENTS WHO ARE POOR AT ENGLISH, POSE A PROBLEM SOMETIMES.*
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/6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
- 8 -
IMPROVING QUALITY OF ADULT EDUCATION COURSES STRESSED ******
+ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ASPECT OF THE EDUCATIONAL SCENE IN HONG KONG IS THE READINESS WITH WHICH STUDENTS OF ALL AGES ARE WILLING TO APPLY THEMSELVES TO THEIR STUDIES,* SAID MR. JOHN WINFIELD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSES OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL.
MR. WINFIELD SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN STRIVING +TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE COURSES* OFFERED WITHIN BUDGET LIMITATIONS.
+WHAT WE EVENTUALLY HOPE TO DO INA MODEST WAY, IS TO IMPROVE OUR COURSES BY EXTENDING THE CONTACT HOURS AND BY FINDING THE RIGHT SORT OF MANPOWER AND FACILITIES TO ENABLE US TO BOTH BROADEN AND ENRICH OUR CURRICULUM,* HE SAID.
+WE WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO STRESS THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS MUCH MORE, FOR INSTANCE AND BECAUSE A SUBJECT LIKE CHEMISTRY CAN ONLY BE DONE EFFECTIVELY WHEN IT IS BASED ON APPROPRIATE PRACTICAL WORK, THIS MEANS WE MUST HAVE ACCESS TO SCHOOL LABORATORIES IN THE EVENINGS.*
HE ADDED: +1 AM PARTICULARLY KEEN THAT OUR PLANS WILL COME TO FRUITION BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES WHO ARE WILLING TO PURSUE THE EQUIVALENT OF A FULL-TIME EDUCATION IN THE EVENINGS, DESERVE ONLY THE BEST.*
HOWEVER, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SAID THAT WITH IMPROVED DAY-TIME EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, THERE WOULD BE LESS NEED THAN AT PRESENT FOR SOME OF THE COURSES THAT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION WAS PROVIDING IN THE EVENINGS AT THE EQUIVALENT OF THE FORM 1-3 LEVEL.
+IT MAY WELL BE THAT WITH BETTER DAY-TIME OPPORTUNITIES A DEMAND FOR AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT RANGE OF PART-TIME OPPORTUNITIES WILL EMERGE,* HE POINTED OUT.
+PERHAPS THE EMPHASIS WILL BE NOT SO MUCH ON BASIC GENERAL EDUCATION BUT ON SPECIALISED AND PERSONAL FORMS OF CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION, MORE IN LINE WITH THE ADULT EDUCATION SERVICES PROVIDED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM,* HE SAID.
AT THE CEREMONY, MRS. WINFIELD DISTRIBUTED PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES TO THE STUDENTS.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
- 9 -
TWO NT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS MEET K * * *
ANOTHER TWO NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS HELD THEIR FIRST MEETING THIS AFTERNOON.
TODAY’S MEETINGS OF THE SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS WERE THE THIRD AND FOURTH IN A SERIES OF INAUGURAL MEETINGS OF THE SEVEN N.T. DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, ATTENDED BOTH MEETINGS TO MEET THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
THE MEETINGS WERE CHAIRED RESPECTIVELY BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. G.A. HIGGINSON, AT LEK YUEN COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHA TIN, AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. COLIN BOSHER, AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
MR. HIGGINSON TOLD HIS BOARD THAT THE TIME WAS NOW RIGHT FOR THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN SHA TIN.
+IT WILL PRIMARILY REPRESENT THE LOCAL VIEWS OF THE NEW TOWN COMMUNITY, AND WILL THUS COMPLEMENT THE ROLE OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE IN RESPECT OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION,+ HE SAID.
ON THE BOARD ARE EIGHT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS DRAWN FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THEY COMPRISE RURAL LEADERS, A SCHOOL HEADMASTER, A DOCTOR, A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AND TWO SENIOR STAFF OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
AFTER THE MEETING THE BOARD MEMBERS WENT ON A TOUR OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN TO SEE ITS DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING THE LEK YUEN AND WO CHE ESTATES, THE FOTAN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND THE NEW RACE COURSE.
AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEETING,
MR. BOSHER SAID THAT BY INTRODUCING THE BOARD INTO SAI KUNG, IT GAVE THE DISTRICT EQUAL IMPORTANCE AND PRESTIGE AS ONE OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN.
IT ALSO ENSURES THAT EQUAL ATTENTION WILL BE GIVEN TO SAI KUNG IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL AMENITIES AND IN THE GENERAL ADVANCEMENT AND WELL BEING OF THE DISTRICT, HE ADDED.
+IN ALL THESE THINGS, WE WOULD DEFINITELY NOT WISH TO BE LEFT BEHIND,* MR. BOSHER SAID.
ON HIS BOARD ARE 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WHO REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL AND COMMERCIAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE -THREE HEADMASTERS, AN ARCHITECT, A METALLURGICAL SCIENTIST, A DOCTOR AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL BUSINESS MANAGERS AND DIRECTORS.
+WITH SUCH AN ACCUMULATION CONFIDENT THAT WE ARE QUALIFIED WITHIN OUR TERMS OF REFERENCE,*
OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE, I AM TO HANDLE ANY PROJECT OR PROBLEM HE SAID.
- - 0
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1977
10
NOTE TO EDITORS:
CAS ANNUAL SPORTS DAY * * * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPORTS DAY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL.—
THE EVENTS OF THE DAY ARE ORGANISED WITH THE ASS(STANCE“OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE THE INVITATION RELAY IN WHICH TEAMS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CIVIC ORGANISATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE.
THE WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES BY THE C.A.S. COMMISSIONER, MR. ROGER LOBO.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL.
- 0 -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE LAND TO BE FORMED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN ......................................................... i
HK’S SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL TAKING SHAPE ................... 2
RESULTS OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AUCTION .................... 3
BOAT PEOPLE URGED TO BEWARE OF RABIES ....................... 4
CONTRACT FOR BUILDING NEW RHKAAF HEADQUARTERS ............... 5
WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE TO HOLD OPEN DAY ... 6
TEMPORARY DIVERSION IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD ..................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND TO BE FORMED IN TUEN MUN # X * X
THE GOVERNMENT WILL DEVELOP AN AREA NORTH OF BUTTERFLY BEACH IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE SITES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE LAND FORMAT ION,WHICH IS PART OF A $77 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN, WILL ALSO PROVIDE A SITE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 80,000 PEOPLE BY THE EARLY 1980’S.
IT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS EARLY NEXT YEAR AND COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1979.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG, SAID TODAY PART OF THE LAND WHEN DEVELOPED WOULD BE SOLD FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
+THIS WILL HELP FURTHER BOOST THE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH THAT IS ALREADY ADVANCING RAPIDLY IN THE NEW TOWN,+ HE SAID.
MR. NG SAID ABOUT 3.4 HECTARES OF PRIVATE LAND, MOST OF WHICH WERE USED FOR AGRICULTURE, WOULD BE RESUMED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, WELLS, IRRIGATION SUMPS AND FENCES, TOGETHER WITH EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO CULTIVATORS, PIG BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.
SEVENTY-ONE TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 193 OTHER ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED, HE ADDED.
+FAMILIES WHO ARE FOUND ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING, AND THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN TUEN MUN.
+ALL THE FAMILIES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCE,* HE SAID.
MR. NG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PROPERTY OWNERS INVOLVED IN THE LAND RESUMPTION WOULD BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS.
MEANWHILE, IN SHA TIN, THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ANOTHER 238 SQUARE METRES OF LAND AT HUNG MUI KUK IN ORDER TO FACILITATE WORK WHICH IS ALREADY UNDERWAY ON A $4.6 MILLION ROAD INTERCHANGE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
THE ROAD INTERCHANGE, WHEN COMPLETED BY EARLY 1979, WILL PROVIDE A VITAL TRAFFIC LINK TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN. IT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO LINK UP WITH A PLANNED DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WHICH WILL RUN INTO SHA TIN.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY NO STRUCTURES OR FAMILIES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE LAND RESUMPTION.
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/2......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
2
HK’S SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL TAKING SHAPE
******
HONG KONG’S SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT A SITE NEAR THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL IN LAI CHI KOK.IS TAKING SHAPE.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE MULTI-STOREY PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, OCCUPYING SEVEN ACRES OF LAND AND OVERLOOKING LAI CHI KOK BAY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1980.
THE HOSPITAL WAS DESIGNED AS A MULTI-LEVEL PROJECT LEAVING AS MUCH SPACE AS POSSIBLE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. GREATER PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR RECREATIONAL, OCCUPATIONAL AND PHYSIOTHERAPIC ACTIVITIES THAN IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL BECUASE OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF MENTAL PATIENTS.
FOOTBALL PITCH AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF ABOUT $64 MILLION, THE NEW HOSPITAL WILL HAVE ONE 11-STOREY WARD BLOCK FOR MALE PATIENTS AND ONE EIGHT-STOREY WARD BLOCK FOR FEMALE PATIENTS. THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 34 WARDS WITH 1,304 BEDS.
THE TWO BLOCKS WILL BE LINKED WITH A FOUR-STOREY CLINICAL AND SERVICE BUILDING BY A SYSTEM OF SUBWAYS, THUS LEAVING AS MUCH GROUND AS POSSIBLE FOR LANDSCAPING.
PROVISIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO INCLUDE A COVERED LINK WITH THE ADJACENT NURSES’ TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS TO FACILITATE STAFF MOVING ABOUT IN INCLEMENT WEATHER.
THE NEW HOSPITAL WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS EASING THE PRESSURE ON EXISTING FACILITIES AT CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL AND PROVIDE ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE.
THE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, THE FIRST MENTAL HOSPITAL IN HONG KONG, WAS BUILT OVER A DECADE AGO. IT HAS AMPLE SPACE USED AS GARDENS AND GROUNDS FOR PATIENTS TO RELAX AND EXERCISE. THE HOSPITAL IS ONE OF THE INSTITUTIONS OF ITS KIND SET UP IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AFTER THE PACIFIC WAR. IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS IN U.K. AS AN ACCREDITED TEACHING AND TRAINING HOSPITAL, AND LEADING PSYCHIATRISTS FROM OVERSEAS HAVE REGULARLY VISITED IT.
WITH THE RAPID GROWTH IN POPULATION IN RECENT YEARS AND THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR HOSPITAL BEDS INCLUDING THOSE FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, THE MEDICAL WHITE PAPER, PUBLISHED IN 1974, RECOMMENDED A SECOND MENTAL HOSPITAL BE BUILT TO COPE WITH THE NEED.
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/3......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
- 3
RESULTS OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AUCTION * * * *
AT AN AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, 16 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS FETCHED A TOTAL OF $497,000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.
THE AUCTION, HELD IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 1000 GO FOR THE HIGHEST BID OF $81,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER BD22 WAS SOLD FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $65,000 AND THE LOWEST WAS $5,500 FOR BR6996.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES:
BB3388 BG1 9398 BR600
BB30 BJ88 HK82
$56,000 $46,000 $40,000 $25,000 $25,000 $24,500 $22,500
BM28 BK33 AA123 AA9000 HK8686 AB 100
$21,000
$20,000 $20,000 $19,000 $18,000 $9,000
hrr ieTeL«UI?BERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES ^G™IEah2t ak.THE NAME 0F THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS Ur THt AUCTION.
c SALE, THE 35TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
SWSTHE T0TAL AH0UNT 0F H0NE¥ RE4LISE°s™
/4
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
4
BOAT DWELLERS URGED TO BEWARE OF RABIES * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS URGED BOAT DWELLERS OF THE FISHING COMMUNITY TO BEWARE OF RABIES AND TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE.
A SPOKESMAN OF. THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE FISHING COMMUNITY SHOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO HAVE THEIR DOGS LICENSED AND IMMUNISED AGAINST THE DISEASE DURING THE RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH IS AIMED AT THE FLOATING POPULATION, WAS LAUNCHED ON DECEMBER 6 WITH THE HELP OF THE MARINE POLICE. IT WILL END ON DECEMBER 16.
IN THE CAMPAIGN, THE MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES CARRY STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO VARIOUS BOAT PEOPLE AREAS WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS TO PROVIDE DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING SERVICES.
POLICE LAUNCHES WILL ALSO VISIT EACH LOCATION THE DAY BEFORE TO CONVEY THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES THROUGH A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM.
IN THE PAST FOUR DAYS, THE CAMPAIGN TEAM HAS VISITED SEVEN BOAT PEOPLE AREAS AND WILL CALL AT SEVEN MORE LOCATIONS IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE OBJECT OF THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS OF THE FLOATING POPULATION OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH RABIES AND TO ADVISE THEM OF THE NEED TO VACCINATE AND LICENSE THEIR DOGS.
+RABIES IS A VIRUS DISEASE AFFECTING THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF WARM BLOODED ANIMALS, INCLUDING MAN AND DOGS,+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦THE DISEASE IS EXTREMELY PAINFUL AND CAN BE FATAL. ONCE SYMPTOMS DEVELOP, IN MAN OR ANIMALS, THERE IS NO SURE CURE,+ HE ADDED.
HE ADVISED THE FLOATING POPULATION TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE VISITS TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES IN THE INTEREST OF THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THEIR PETS.
/THE DATES .....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
- 5 -
THE DATES AND PLACES OF PERIOD ARE AS FOLLOWS
VISITS FOR THE REST OF THE CAMPAIGN
DATE PLACE
DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY) TAP MUN
DECEMBER 13 (TUESDAY) SAI KUNG
DECEMBER 14 (WEDNESDAY) KAT 0
DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) MA WAN, CASTLE PEAK
DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) TAI PO, TAI MEI TUK
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR AUXILIARY AIR FORCE
*****
A CONTRACT FOR THE NEW Sil.5 MILLION HEADQUARTERS FOR THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AT KAI TAK WILL BE SIGNED ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).
THE SIGNING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT 10.30 A.M.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE NOT LATER THAN 10.15 A.M. SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR CAMERAS.
MR. H.M. CHUI, ACTING CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW AFTER THE SIGNING CEREMONY.
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/6....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
6
ANNUAL OPEN DAY OF WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL OPEN DAY ON DECEMBER 13 FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE CENTRE AT 487, KWUN TONG ROAD, KWUN TONG.
THE CENTRE WAS BUILT IN 1968 WITH A GRANT FROM THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND INCORPORATION. IT PROVIDES SPECIALISED AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES TO THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, BLIND, DEAF AND MENTALLY RETARDED.
IN ADDITION TO TRAINING FACILITIES, THE CENTRE ALSO OFFERS SOCIAL, MEDICAL AND PLACEMENT SERVICES TO ENABLE A HANDICAPPED PERSON TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT AND REGAIN AN INDEPENDENT LIVING.
THE CENTRE HAS 340 PLACES - 120 IN PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING, 100 IN VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND 120 IN SHELTERED WORKSHOP.
PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS AVAILABLE TO TRAINEES BETWEEN 14 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE. THIS INCLUDES EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL TRAINING FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF HANDICAP AND PRACTICAL TRAINING IN METAL WORK, WOODWORK, TAILORING, SEWING, AND GENERAL HANDICRAFTS.
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS FOR TRAINEES OF OVER 16 YEARS OF AGE. THIS INCLUDES PRINTING, MECHANICS, RADIO AND TELEVISION REPAIRS, INDUSTRIAL SEWING AND MACHINE KNITTING.
A SHELTERED WORKSHOP IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED WHO ARE WILLING TO DO A DAY’S WORK SUCH AS SOCK-KNITTING, BOOK-BINDING, GARMENT-MAKING AND ASSEMBLING.
APART FROM GROUP AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE TRAINEES, THE CENTRE ALSO PROVIDES CASEWORK COUNSELLING, JOB PLACEMENT AND NURSING SERVICES. OTHER BENEFITS FOR THE TRAINEES INCLUDE FREE LUNCH, TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AND INCENTIVE PAYMENT FOR THOSE ATTENDING TRAINING OR SHELTERED WORK.
/7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1977
7
CASTLE PEAK ROAD TEMPORARY DIVERSION K * X H X *
THE TEMPORARY DIVERSION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AROUND THE NEWLY-BUILT SAM SHING HUI BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).
A NEW SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD PASSING UNDER THE SAM SHING HUI BRIDGE WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY DIVERSION.
- - 0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TWO DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
TH^ PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS
DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 5 P.M.
DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 5 P.M.
- - o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR FIRST TEN MONTHS THIS YEAR 1
OVER $26 MILLION FROM LOTTERIES FUND FOR WELFARE PROJECTS 5
STAGE EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING FOR TSUEN WAN AUDITORIUM ... 7
UN CHAU TSAI SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT ................................................. 8
DEMONSTRATION MUSIC CONCERTS FOR SCHOOLS .................... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
1
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR FIRST TEN MONTHS THIS
YEAR * * * * *
HONG KONG EXPORTED $28,372 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS DURING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR- IMPORTS WERE $39,460 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $7,986 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY, DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 6.1 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 11.1 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS UP BY 9.4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO
ITS TEN MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS: JAN.-OCT. 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAN.-OCT. 1976 (HK$ MN)
U.S.A. 9,295 11,165 + 1,870 + 20.1%
F.R. OF GERMANY 3,226 2,849 - 377 - 11.7%
UNITED KINGDOM 2,663 2,344 - 319 - 12.0%
JAPAN 1,186 1,138 49 - 4.1%
AUSTRALIA 1,146 1,038 98 - 8.5%
CANADA 1,168 965 - 203 - 17.4%
SINGAPORE 642 730 + 89 + 13.8%
NETHERLANDS 592 591 1 - 0.1%
SWEDEN 576 502 75 - 13.0%
SWITZERLAND 533 461 72 - 13.5%
DECLINES WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SEVERAL MAJOR
MARKETS. HOWEVER, THIS DROP WAS MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE GROWTH IN EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, MAINLY OF A 15 PER CENT INCREASE IN CLOTHING, 37.1 PER CENT IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS AND 28.1 PER CENT IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES.
/AN ANALYSIS OF .....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
2
AN ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED AS FOLLOWS!
JAN.-OCT. 1976 (HK$ MN)
JAN.-OCT. 1977 (HK$ MN)
INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN)
PERCENTAGE CHANGE
CLOTHING 11,855 11,227 - 628 - 5.3%
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 3,905 4,937 +1,033 + 26.5%
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS) 3,355 4,207 + 852 ♦ 25.4%
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2,551 2,136 - 415 — 16.2%
PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC 1,229 AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,688 + 459 + 37.4%
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES OF METAL (MAINLY HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT OF BASE METALS AND LOCKS, PADLOCKS AND KEYS OF BASE METAL) 685 792 + 107 ♦ 15.6%
DESPITE THE PESSIMISTIC OUTLOOK IN EXPORT DEMAND FOR CLOTHING AND TEXTILES, EXPORT SALES OF SEVERAL MAJOR COMMODITIES REMAINED BUOYANT. THEY ARE PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (+$554 MILLION OR +37.7%), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (+ $181 MILLION OR + 47.7%)WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+ $361 MILLION OR + 38.4%).
/THE CHANGE IN......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
3
THE CHANGES BELOW:
IN IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARIZED
JAN.-OCT, 1976 (HK$ MN) , JAN.-OCT. 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 7,587 9,215 + 1,628 + 21.5%
CHINA 6,270 6,454 + 184 + 2.9%
U.S.A. 4,412 5,020 + 608 + 13.8%
TAIWAN 2,490 2,673 + 183 + 7.3%
SINGAPORE 2,124 2,418 + 295 + 13.9%
UNITED KINGDOM 1,516 1,764 + 248 + 16.4%
SOUTH KOREA 1,322 1,354 + 32 + 2.4%
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,072 1,178 + 106 + 9.9%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 921 1,031 + 110 + 11.9%
AUSTRAL IA 750 780 + 30 + 4.1%
IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WENT UP NEARLY BY ONE -FIFTH BECAUSE OF
INCREASING IMPORTS OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+ $336 MILLION OR
+ 127.5%), MACHINERY OTHER THAN ELECTRIC (+ $178 MILLION OR + 23.8%), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+ $161 MILLION OR + 15.2%) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+$298 MILLION OR + 63.1%).
SUPPLY FROM CHINA ATTAINED A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 2.9 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (+ $137 MILLION OR + 57.0%), CRUDE ANIMALS AND VEGETABLES MATERIALS, N.E.S. (NOT ELSEWHERE STATED) (+ $105 MILLION OR + 42.0%) AND CLOTHING (+ $103 MILLION OR + 40.9%).
INCREASES OF IMPORTS FROM U.S.A. WERE MAINLY ACCOUNTED FOR BY A REMARKABLE 643.4 PER CENT INCREASE IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND 100.8 PER CENT IN TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTE.
/THE FOLLOWING TABLE .....
SUNDAY, DECBffiER 11, 1977
THE FOLLOWING COMMODITY SECTIONS: TABLE SHOWS THE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAN.-OCT. 1976 (HK$ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HKS MN)
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY 11,046 11,674 + 628 + 5.7%
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, AND DIAMONDS)
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 6,268 7,579 + 1,311 + 20.9%
FOOD AND LIVE AN IMALS 5,428 5,906 + 478 + 8.8%
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS) 4,031 5,240 + 1,209 + 30.0%
CHEMICALS 2,838 2,962 + 124 + 4.4%
CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE EXCEPT FUEL (MAINLY TEXTILE FIBRES) 2,811 2,730 — 81 — 2.9%
IMPORTS OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+ $572 MILLION OR + 94.9%)
AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+ $569 MILLION OR + 16.3%) INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, REFLECTING STRONG DEMAND FOR CAPITAL GOODS.
OTHER INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+ $469 MILLION OR + 26.8%), NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES, N.E.S. (+ $411 MILLION OR + 18.8%) AND PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (+ $243 MILLION OR + 11.1%).
DUE TO THE SLUGGISH DEMAND FOR EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, THERE WAS A DECLINE IN IMPORT VALUES OF TEXTILE FIBRES (- $296 MILLION OR - 16.9%), TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (- $302 MILLION OR - 5.4%).
FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS THIS YEAR, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN WENT DOWN BY $116 MILLION OR 9.4 PER CENT. HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS TO SEVERAL ASIAN MARKETS GAINED CONSIDERABLY, WITH RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA INCREASING BY $253 MILLION OR 43.2 PER CENT, SINGAPORE (+ $105 MILLION OR + 14.1%), SOUTH KOREA (+ $65 MILLION OR + 20.4%).
/INCREASES IN .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
5
INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS WERE MAINLY RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+ $150 MILLION OR + 29.2%), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+ $96 MILLION OR + 59.0%) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+ $86 MILLION OR + 129.8%).
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE TRADE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER, 1977 AS FOLLOWS:
(1973 • 100)
VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 184 135 136
IMPORTS 155 135 115
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (I.E. EXPORT PRICES OVER IMPORT PRICES) FOR SEPTEMBER WAS 100.
(NOTE: ALL VALUE FIGURES WERE ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST MILLION DOLLAR).
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OVER $26 MILLION FROM LOTTERIES FUND FOR WELFARE PROJECTS
* * * *
OVER $26 MILLION FROM FOR VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE YEAR.
THE LOTTERIES FUND HAS BEEN EARMARKED PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID: +0F THIS AMOUNT, ABOUT $8 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON REHABILITATION SERVICES, $2 MILLION ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, $9 MILLION ON GROUP AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, $7 MILLION ON FAMILY SERVICES, $220,000 ON SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AND SOME WILL BE USED TO MEET ANY CONTINGENCIES DURING THE YEAR.+ onrilT0\REHABILITATIOfJ SERVICES, 75 PER CENT OF THE GRANT WILL BE SPENT ON SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED. THE REST OF THE SUM WILL BE USED IN SERVICES FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, THE DEAF AND THE BLIND.
/AS FOR THE GRANT .....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
6 -
+AS FOR THE GRANT FOR GROUP AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, ALLOCATIONS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND WILL BE USED FOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE SETTING UP OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TURNING TO THE $7 MILLION GRANT FOR FAMILY SERVICES, HE NOTED THAT MORE THAN $6 MILLION WOULD BE USED FOR THE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT ON CHILD CARE SERVICE WHILE THE REST OF THE SUM WOULD BE FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUNNING CHILDREN’S HOMES.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT SO FAR THIS YEAR, MAJOR CAPITAL GRANTS APPROVED FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND INCLUDE $1.5 MILLION TO THE MONGKOK KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING OF THE PROPOSED SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE.
+ANOTHER $1.5 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOTTED IN LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY AND $1 MILLION TO THE SIK SIK YUEN TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TWO HOMES FOR THE AGED.
+ABOUT $1.3 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN.
+THE PO LEUNG KUK, THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION AND THE CARITAS WILL EACH SET UP AN EXPERIMENTAL CENTRE FOR THE SEVERELY NENTALLY RETARDED WITH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN $1.34 MILLION GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND,+ HE ADDED.
TODAY, MORE THAN 183 WELFARE AGENCIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1965. UP TILL THE END OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE TOTAL INCOME OF THE FUND AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $108 MILLION. OF THIS, MORE THAN $90 MILLION HAD BEEN APPROVED FOR 570 PROJECTS INITIATED BY THESE ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG.
REFERRING TO THE SOURCES OF INCOME FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND IN THE PAST YEARS THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT ABOUT 46 PER CENT HAD BEEN PROCEEDS FROM LOTTERIES SALES, 20 PER CENT FROM PROCEEDS FROM MARK VI, FIVE PER CENT FROM AUCTIONS OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS, 11 PER CENT FROM FORFEITURE OF UNCLAIMED PRIZE MONEY AND THE REST FROM ACCRUED INTEREST, REFUNDS OF GRANTS AND REPAYMENT OF LOANS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE FUND WOULD BE ENTERTAINED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: CAPITAL SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES- RECURRENT GRANTS OF LIMITED DURATION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS-CAPITAL LOANS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES- AND GOVERNMENT CAPITAL PROJECTS WITHIN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICES EXCEPT PROJECTS IN SUPPORT OF STATUTORY DUTIES AND GENERAL MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
7
STAGE EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING FOR TSUEN WAN AUD I TOR I UM
* * K *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF STAGE EQUIPMENT AND LIGHTING FOR THE TSUEN WAN MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM.
A P.W'.D. SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE STAGE LIGHTING REQUIRED INCLUDED FLOODLIGHTS, SPOTS LIGHTS, FOLLOW-SPOTS, DIMMER UNITS AND A LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR THEATRICAL PLAYS, CHINESE OPERA AND POP MUSIC SHOWS.
THE EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED BACKSTAGE INCLUDES ELECTRICALLY OPERATED HOISTING GEAR, A STEEL FRAMED ACOUSTIC REFLECTOR AND REMOVABLE ORCHESTRA TIERING, SAFETY CURTAIN AND A COUNTER WEIGHT SYSTEM.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE $23 MILLION AUDITORIUM AT THE CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
ON COMPLETION IN THE AUTUMN OF 1979, THE 1,500 SEAT AUDITORIUM WILL PROVIDE TSUEN WAN WITH THE MUCH NEEDED VENUE FOR THE INCREASING NUMBER OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TOWN.
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/8
i
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977 - 8 -
UN CHAU TSAI SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED FOR TAI PO DEVELOPMENT * * * *
NEARLY ALL OF THE 85 FAMILIES WHO ARE TO MOVE IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THE CLEARANCE OF THE UN CHAU TSAI SQUATTER AREA HAVE NOW BEEN ALLOCATED SITES AT YUE KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY, SAID TODAY THAT ONLY FIVE FAMILIES HAD YET TO BE REGISTERED FOR ALLOCATION. +1 EXPECT THEM TO DO SO IN THE NEXT DAY OR TWO,+ HE SAID.
+MEANWHILE, THE MAJORITY OF THE UN CHAU TSAI PEOPLE ARE HAPPILY AND BUSILY DOING THEIR PARTITIONING IN THEIR NEW HOMES THEMSELVES. SO IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT THE PROBLEMS OF THE REMOVAL IN THE FIRST PHASE ARE NOT GOING TO BE TOO DIFFICULT AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT WE CAN COMPLETE THE FIRST PHASE OF THE REMOVAL WITHOUT TOO MUCH TROUBLE,+ HE ADDED.
MR. OXLEY SAID SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 4,000 AND 4,500 PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO BE MOVED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE INTERCHANGE SECTION OF THE SHATIN TO TAI PO COASTAL ROAD. +THIS ROAD IS VITAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO AS A MODERN MARKET TOWN. THE NEW TOWN WILL BE DEVELOPING OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS WITH AN ULTIMATE POPULATION OF 220,000 PEOPLE,+ HE POINTED OUT.
+WE HAVE DIVIDED THE CLEARANCE UP INTO FIVE PHASES — THE FIRST PHASE STARTS THIS MONTH AND THE LAST PHASE WILL BE COMPLETED, HOPEFULLY, BY MAY NEXT YEAR.+
MR. OXLEY SAID THAT ALL THE ELIGIBLE SQUATTERS HAD BEEN OFFERED EITHER PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY HOUSING. +THE PROBLEM IS THAT WE DON’T HAVE ANY PERMANENT HOUSING AT THE MOMENT BUT WE CAN OFFER PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING IN PLACES LIKE SHATIN, TUEN MUN OR TSUEN WAN,+ HE SAID.
+S0 FAR ONLY ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT OF THOSE OFFERED THIS ALTERNATIVE HAVE ACCEPTED PERMANENT HOUSING ELSEWHERE. THE REMAINING 92 PER CENT WISH TO STAY IN TAI PO BECAUSE THEY HAVE FAMILY OR BUSINESS CONNECTIONS IN TAI PO OR THEIR CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL HERE,+ MR. OXLEY EXPLAINED.
+THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN TAI PO WILL BE READY IN EARLY 1980. THAT IS THE FIRST OF SEVERAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND THE UN CHAU TSAI PEOPLE WHO WILL BE MOVING INTO TEMPORARY HOUSING WILL OF COURSE BE OFFERED PERMANENT HOUSING AT THAT TIME.+
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/9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1977
9
DEMONSTRATION MUSIC CONCERTS SCHEDULED IN SCHOOLS *****
TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE HAS ARRANGED A SERIES OF DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS IN HONG KONG TO BE PERFORMED BY ACCOMPLISHED MUSICIANS.
THE FIRST DEMONSTRATION CONCERT IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 17 AT THE HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL. THE OTHER CONCERTS — ALSO ON A +TRIAL-RUN* BASIS — WILL BE HELD IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEFORE MARCH 1978.
AT THE CONCERTS, THE PERFORMERS WILL EXPLAIN THE MUSIC AND THE INSTRUMENTS THEY PLAY. STUDENTS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CONCERTS BY JOINING THE PLAYERS IN SINGING.
IN NOVEMBER, A CIRCULAR WAS ISSUED TO ALL SCHOOLS INVITING THEM TO INDICATE WHETHER THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HAVING THE DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
+THE RESPONSE FROM THE SCHOOLS TO THE NEW VENTURE WAS VERY ENTHUSIASTIC,* SAID MR. GORDON SIU, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR.
SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN THE CONCERTS MAY APPLY TO THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, 9TH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-283257 OR 5-779007.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ........ 1
SECOND REPORT OF 1976 BY-CENSUS PUBLISHED .... 2
DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS RETURNS . 3
EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES ....... 4
MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PRAISED ............... 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN BROADCAST DRIVE AND SAI KUNG ............................................ 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
1
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY LET A $5.3 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AT KAI TAK.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT, INCLUDING OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS, IS ESTIMATED AT $11.5 MILLION.
THE CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY IS FOR THE HEADQUARTERS THREE-STOREY BUILDING AND WAS AWARDED TO KAM WO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
MR. H.M. CHUI, ACTING CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, SAID THAT THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE R.H.K.A.A.F.’S HEADQUARTERS WOULD BE USED AS AIRCRAFT SERVICING BAYS, AND THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS FOR OFFICES, A DORMITORY, RECREATION AND STORAGE AREAS.
THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1,900-SQUARE-METRE HELICOPTER HANGAR LINKED TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE HEADQUARTERS BLOCK.
UNDER THE TERMS OF CONTRACT, AIRCRAFT REFUELLING FACILITIES, DEPARTMENTAL VEHICLE PARKING AND DANGEROUS GOODS STORAGE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE OTHER WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT INCLUDE DISPERSAL AREA FOR THE R.H.K.A.A.F.’S FLEET OF HELICOPTERS AND FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT TO BE PROVIDED UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT HANDLED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.
IT WILL HAVE PARKING FOR SIX HELICOPTERS AND TWO FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT AS WELL AS AN ILLUMINATED HELICOPTER LANDING PAD.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE SUFFICIENT ROOM FOR VISITING HELICOPTERS FROM THE R.A.F., THE ARMY AND OTHER SERVICES.
THE NEW HEADQUARTERS AND DISPERSAL AREA ARE BEING BUILT ON A SITE OF ABOUT 3.24 HECTARES ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE KAI TAK NULLAH EXTENSION AND SOUTH OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD ENTRANCE.
- o ----------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
GRAPHIC GUIDE TO HK BY-CENSUS 1976 * K * *
THE SECOND REPORT OF THE 1976 BY-CENSUS COMPILED EY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY).
IT IS NOW ON SALE AT $5 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE REPORT, ENTITLED +HONG KONG BY-CENSUS 1976: A GRAPHIC GUIDE+, CONTAINS 29 COLOURED CHARTS AND GRAPHS WHICH ILLUSTRATE WITH DESCRIPTIONS IN ENGLISH AMD CHINESE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE HONG KONG POPULATION, SUCH AS AGE AND SEX, MARITAL STATUS, EDUCATION AND WORKING STATUS.
IT ALSO REVEALS FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE COMPOSITION AND MOVEMENT OF HOUSEHOLDS.
IN ADDITION, THE REPORT ALSO SHOWS THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE WORK FORCE BY INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, HOURS OF WORK, AND GIVES AN INDICATION ON HOW PEOPLE ARE HOUSED AND HOW HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS DISTRIBUTED.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR. DAVID WHITELEGGE, SAID, +IT IS DESIGNED FOR THE GENERAL READERS AND COVERS, IN GRAPHIC FORM AND BROAD TERMS THE WHOLE RANGE OF BY-CENSUS INFORMATION. COMPARATIVE GRAPHS AND CHARTS OF THE 1971 CENSUS ARE GIVEN IN THE REPORT WHERE THIS IS POSSIBLE.
+AS WITH THE FIRST PUBLISHED REPORT OF THE BY-CENSUS - THE BASIC TABLES, WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR -DETAILED ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE BY-CENSUS ARE NOT ATTEMPTED IN THIS REPORT. THESE WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE MAIN REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN 1978,+ HE EXPLAINED.
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/3
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS RETURNS *#***#
MR. DAVID JORDAN, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, RETURNED TO HONG KONG YESTERDAY (SUNDAY).
MR. JORDAN HAS SPENT NEARLY SIX WEEKS IN BRUSSELS DURING THE HONG KONG/EEC TEXTILES NEGOTIATIONS IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AS WELL AS DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
FROM BRUSSELS MR. JORDAN WENT TO GENEVA TO ATTEND THE OPENING SESSION OF THE MEETING OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE OF THE GATT. AT THE RESUMED MEETING THIS WEEK, MR. PETER TSAO, COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN GENEVA, WIL REPRESENT HONG KONG.
MR. LAWRIE MILLS, DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND HONG KONG’S CHIEF NEGOTIATOR IN BRUSSELS, RECENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE NEGOTIATING TEAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. JORDAN AND MR. MILLS WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL START AT 4.30 P.M.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES
******
A TOTAL OF 264,143 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, THE FIGURE REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF ONE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 266,810 PERSONS EMPLOYED IN THESE TRADES IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT 37,880 WERE WORKING IN WHOLESALE, 131,990 IN RETAIL AND 94,270 IN IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES.
THE SURVEY ALSO RECORDED THAT 116,580 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, AN INCREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT OVER JUNE 1977, AND 9.9 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN SEPTEMBER AND JUNE 1977 AND A COMPARISON BETWEEN THEM ARE AS FOLLOWS
PERSONS ENGAGED IN JUNE 1977 PERSONS ENGAGED IN SEPT 1977 CHANGE OF SEPT 1977 OVER JUNE 1977
PERSONS %
WHOLESALE 37,650 37,880 + 230 + 0.6
RETA IL 133,780 131,993 -1,790 — 1.3
IMPORT/EXPORT 95,380 94,270 -1,113 — 1.2
RESTAURANTS/ CAFES AND BARS 97,890 99,450 +1,560 + 1.6
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 17,020 17,140 + 120 + 0.7
TOTAL 381,713 380,730 - 980 — 3.3
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4
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
- 5 -
MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PRAISED * * * *
THE ACTING PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG, MR. EDDIE LAME, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AS A +VERY GOOD MEDIA+ FOR BUILDING A COMMUNICATIONS ERIDGE BETWEEN MANUFACTURERS AND THE WORKING CLASS IN KWUN TONG.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WHICH IS CARRYING OUT A FIVE-DAY JOE PLACEMENT SERVICE IN THE CAR PARK OF THE SAU MAU PING WELFARE ESTATE BUILDING ALONG WITH THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG.
MR. LAMB SAID THERE WERE NEARLY 600,000 PEOPLE IN INDUSTRIAL KWUN TONG AND BELIEVED IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IF RESIDENTS COULD WORK WITHIN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, WHO SPOKE IN CHINESE, SAID THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT COULD NOT BY ITSELF CREATE JOBS.
+IT ACTS ONLY AS A GO-BETWEEN AND ITS SUCCESS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON EMPLOYERS NOTIFYING IT OF VACANCIES AND JOB-SEEKERS REGISTERING THEMSELVES WITH IT,+ HE SAID.
MR. WILLIAMS REPEATED HIS CALL TO EMPLOYERS TO RECRUIT THROUGH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO SAVE MONEY IN ADVERTISING AND TIME IN SCREENING LETTERS OF APPLICATION.
THE MOBILE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WILL BE OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 10 A.M, AND 7.30 P.M. TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. IT WILL CLOSE AT 2 P.M. ON FRIDAY.
/6
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1977
- 6 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN BROADCAST DRIVE AND SAI KUNG
*****
THE SOUTHWEST BOUND SECTION OF BROADCAST DRIVE BETWEEN FESSENDEN ROAD AND MARCONI ROAD IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DUE TO SUBSIDENCE OF THE ROAD FOLLOWING A WATER MAIN BURST.
THE CLOSURE IS EXPECTED TO LAST ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE REPAIRS TO THE BURST WATER MAIN, THE ROAD AND OTHER AFFECTED SERVICES.
FESSENDEN ROAD IS NOW RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHEAST BOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHWEST BOUND WHILE THE ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND SECTION OF BROADCAST DRIVE BETWEEN FESSENDEN ROAD AND MARCONI ROAD IS RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE OPEN AREA EAST OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT SAI KUNG TOWN FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15). THE NEW ARRANGEMENT IS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP IN THE TWO AREAS TO INDICATE THE ARRANGEMENTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
$600 MILLION PAID OUT IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OVER PAST SIX YEARS ................................................. 1
SEA RESCUE HEROES TO RECEIVE AWARDS ....................... 2
HONG KONG FREE OF MANY INFECTIOUS DISEASES ................ 3
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES IN PRIVATE SECTOR .................................................... 4
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO HOLD MOUNTAIN RACE ............ 5
MAC MEMBERS TO VISIT TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION ............... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
1
$600 MILLION PAID OUT IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OVER PAST SIX YEARS
******
OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS, ABOUT 250,000 PEOPLE HAVE CASH PAYMENT AMOUNTING TO $600 MILLION UNDER THE PUBLIC SCHEME, SAID MR. LU YU-HUA, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
RECEIVED ASSISTANCE DIVISION
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF LION ROCK, HE SAID THAT THESE FIGURES DID NOT INCLUDE THE 75,000 CASES FOR DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES WHICH PROVIDE A SMALL PENSION AIMED AT HELPING THE DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY AND REDUCE THE BURDEN ON THEIR FAMILIES.
AS THIS HUGE EXPENDITURE CAME FROM PUBLIC FUNDS AND THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WAS INTENDED TO HELP THOSE WHO WERE LEAST ABLE TO HELP THEMSELVES, MR. LU SAID: +WE HAVE TO SET STANDARDS TO GOVERN THE LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION.
+IN CONSIDERING THIS, WE NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES, THE LEVEL OF WAGES AND THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE POOR FAMILIES.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT IF THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE WAS SET AT TOO HIGH A LEVEL, IT WOULD TEND TO FOSTER DEPENDENCY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE RECIPIENTS’ BASIC NEEDS WOULD NOT BE MET IF THE AMOUNT WAS SET TOO LOW.
+IF RULES ARE NOT PROPERLY LAID DOWN AND ENFORCED, SOME PEOPLE MIGHT TAKE ADVANTAGE, THUS GIVING RISE TO FRAUD. IF THEY ARE TOO STRICTLY APPLIED, THEY WOULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND TEND TO BECOME TOO HARSH.+
TURNING TO THE IMPROVEMENT ON THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT RECENTLY PUBLISHED, MR. LU SAID THAT THE PROVISION OF AN ’OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT’ OF $100 TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS AGED 60 AND ABOVE UNTIL THEY COULD QU/LIFY FOR THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AT 70 SHOULD BE MOST WELCOME.
+FOR A 60-YEAR-0LD PERSON WHO CANNOT MAKE A LIVING, HE IS NOW ENTITLED TO $180 OF BASIC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE A MONTH WHICH WILL BE INCREASED TO $200 IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, PLUS ANOTHER $63 A MONTH AS RENT. IF THIS PROPOSAL IS ACCEPTED, THEN WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL, HE WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANOTHER $100 AS AN OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT, MAKING A TOTAL OF $363 A MONTH.*
WITH REGARD TO THE 'LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT’ GIVEN TO THOSE DEPENDENT ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 18 MONTHS, MR. LU SAID THAT DIFFERENT VIEWS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ON THE 18-MONTH PERIOD.
/FURTHERMORE, SOME .
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
2
+FURTHERMORE, SOME PEOPLE FEEL THAT A MONTHLY ADDITION TO THE BASIC ALLOWANCE WILL CREATE DEPENDENCY AND SUGGEST THAT THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED BY A REGULAR EXTRA ALLOWANCE ONCE AFTER A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME.+
ON THE QUESTION OF ’INCENTIVE TO SELF-HELP’ WHICH IS APPLIED TO THOSE WHO HAVE SMALL EARNINGS, MR. LU SAID THAT ONLY HALF OF THEIR EARNINGS, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 3200 A MONTH, WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN THEIR MONTHLY ENTITLEMENT WAS BEING ASSESSED.
+SOME PEOPLE TAKE THIS TO MEAN AN INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF BASIC ALLOWANCE, WHILE SOME FEEL THAT IT MIGHT BE UNFAIR TO THOSE WHO CANNOT MAKE EVEN SMALL EARNINGS. OTHERS CONSIDERED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO DEDUCTION AT ALL IF THE INCOME FALLS BELOW A CERTAIN AMOUNT,* HE ADDED.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
SEA RESCUE HEROES TO RECEIVE AWARDS * * * K *
FORTY-EIGHT PEOPLE, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOL BOYS, WILL RECEIVE COMMENDATIONS AND AWARDS FOR THEIR GALLANTRY IN SEA RESCUES DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15).
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30 A.M. IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S EXAMINATION HALL ON THE TENTH FLOOR OF RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
HONG KONG FREE OF MANY INFECTIOUS DISEASES
*****
HONG KONG HAS BEEN RENDERED FREE OF MANY INFECTIOUS DISEASES WHICH WERE MAJOR KILLERS IN THE PAST BY EFFECTIVE CONTROL MEASURES AND BY THE GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL HYGIENE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. S.H. LEE, IN A TALK TO THE LIONS CLUB OF SOUTH KOWLOON THIS AFTERNOON.
DR. LEE SAID THE ACHIEVEMENT IS ALL THE MORE REMARKABLE WHEN CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE SAID THE EXIGUOUS WATER SUPPLIES DURING THE WATER RESTRICTION PERIOD, THE INSANITARY CONDITION IN CERTAIN AREAS WHERE SANITARY FACILITIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE HIGH DENSITY OF THE POPULATION IN THE URBAN AREAS MAKE HONG KONG VULNERABLE TO INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
+HOWEVER, DESPITE THESE CONDITIONS WE HAVE BEEN ABLE NOT ONLY TO BRING THE MAJOR KILLERS OF THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES UNDER CONTROL, BUT ALSO ERADICATE CERTAIN COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES WHICH IN THE PAST HAD CAUSED THOUSANDS OF LIVES,+ HE SAID.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE NOTED, THE INCIDENCE RATE OF DIPHTHERIA HAS FALLEN FROM 70.3 PER 100,003 POPULATION IN 1959 TO 0.02 IN 1973 WITH ONLY TWO CASES REPORTED IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WHILE THE NOTIFICATION RATE OF TUBERCULOSIS HAS DROPPED FROM 697.2 PER 130,030 POPULATION IN 1952 TO 178.4 IN 1976.
MANY OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES, SUCH AS POLIO, CHOLERA AND SMALLPOX, HAVE BEEN ERADICATED, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, DR. LEE WARNED THAT WITH THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AS A TOURIST AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSIT CENTRE THE RISK OF AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE BEING BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG BY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL IS ALL THE TIME PRESENT.
HE SAID THERE IS ALWAYS THE THREAT CF RE-APPEARANCE OF CHOLERA IN HONG KONG IN VIEW OF THE PRESENCE CF SUCH DISEASE IN SOME NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
DR. LEE CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OF VIGILANCE AGAINST THIS AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CERTAIN GASTRO-INSTESTINAL GROUPS OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES ARE STILL ENDEMIC IN HONG KONG AND IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE SIMPLE RULES OF PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION EE ADHERED TO.
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S ; IDE RANGE OF IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME WILL EE STRENGTHENED TO ENSURE THAT EVERY NEW BORN CHILD IS IMMUNISED AGAINST THE COMMON CHILDHOOD DISEASES.
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/A
TUESDAY, DECEMEER 13, 1977
4
EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES IN PRIVATE SECTOR ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING AN EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
LETTERS AND QUESTIONAIRE FORMS FOR THE SURVEY, WHICH IS CARRIED OUT QUARTERLY, HAVE BEEN SENT TO CONSTRACTORS SEEKING INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED AT EACH SITE UNDER THEIR CHARGE AS AT DECEMBER 15, 1977.
SURVEY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH CARRYING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL VISIT THESE SITES FROM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY (DECEMBER 15 - 17) TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALS TO CONTRACTORS AND THEIR SITE STAFF FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY.
INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTORS OR SITES WILL EE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL EE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TAELES.
ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORDS, A TOTAL OF 60,643 MANUAL WORKERS WERE ENGAGED AT VARIOUS WORK SITES IN MID-SEPTEMBER 1977. OF THESE 32,279 WERE INVOLVED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE CURRENT SURVEY MAY EE DIRECTED TO MR. CHAN TUNG-WAH, STATISTICIAN (INDUSTRY) AT 5-444674.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
5
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO HOLD MOUNTAIN RACE * * * H *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS THIRD ANNUAL CROSS MOUNTAIN RACE IN FANLING, THE NEW TERRITORIES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OVER 360 FIRE OFFICERS AND CIVILIAN STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE EIGHT-MILE RACE WHICH WILL START AT ROUTE ONE OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND FINISH AT THE FANLING FIRE STATION. THE HILLS COVERED IN THE ROUTE INCLUDE RAZORBACK MOUNTAIN AND CORPS RIDGE.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL SET OUT IN FOUR GROUPS. THE WOMAN COMPETITORS AND THOSE OVER 40 WILL LEAVE THE STARTING POINT AT 10.30 A.M. AND THE REST IN THREE BATCHES AT 15 MINUTES INTERVALS THEREAFTER.
THE OVERALL CHAMPION WILL BE AWARDED THE LANE’S TROPHY DONATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. M.K. LANE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE RACE WHICH WILL START AT ROUTE ONE OPPOSITE THE ENTRANCE TO THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL FARM AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW. THE WINNER IS EXPECTED TO CROSS THE FINISHING LINE AT THE FANLING FIRE STATION ABOUT NOON.
A GOVERNMENT VAN ..ILL TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE STARTING POINT. IT WILL LEAVE NORTH POINT FIRE STATION AT 8.30 A.M. TOMORROW AND RETURN TO THE STATION AT ABOUT 2 P.M. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. H.F. CHUI WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
/6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1977
6
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AN INSIGHT INTO FIRE FIGHTING FOR TSUEN WAN MAC
******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ARRANGED A TOUR OF THE TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF FOUR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
A SERIES OF SIMILAR VISITS BY M.A.C. REPRESENTATIVES TO THEIR LOCAL FIRE STATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ALSO BEING ORGANISED EY THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES AS PART OF THE CURRENT HONG KONG-WIDE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN.
ON EACH TALK ON FIRE
OF THESE VISITS, THEY WILL BE GIVEN A COMPREHENSIVE PREVENTION AND A DEMONSTRATION ON FIRE-FIGHTING.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY THE VISIT TO TSUEN WAN
INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER FIRE STATION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 P.M.
A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2388, W SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 2.15 P.M. BACK FROM TSUEN WAN.
ILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM TO TAKE NEWSMEN TO AND LATER
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TEXTILE TALKS BETWEEN HK, NORWAY AND SWEDEN SUSPENDED ....... 1
OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES TO CONTINUE ........... 2
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS ....................................... 3
NEW TYPHOON SHELTER FOR CHEUNG CHAU ......................... 5
REMINDER ON WORKERS HOLIDAY ................................. 6
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO OPEN NEW OFFICE OF MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR ............................................... 7
ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ....... 7
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS .................... 8
MAC REPRESENTATIVES VISIT TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION ............ 9
DONATIONS TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ....................... 10
SECTION OF TAI WAI ROAD DESIGNATED PLB RESTRICTED ZONE .... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield Hoyse, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
1
TEXTILE-TALKS BETWEEN HK, * *
NORWAY AND SWEDEN SUSPENDED * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, SAID TODAY THAT THE TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TWO HONG KONG TEAMS AND DELEGATIONS FROM NORWAY AND SWEDEN HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED. THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE FUTURE OF THE CURRENT TEXTILE AGREEMENTS WHICH EXPIRE ON DECEMEER 31 OF THIS YEAR.
+THIS SUSPENSION HAS COME ABOUT BECAUSE THE NORWEGIAN AND SWEDISH DELEGATIONS WERE DEMANDING LARGE REDUCTIONS - IN ONE CASE BY 76 PER CENT - ON CURRENT RESTRAINT AND TRADE LEVELS FOR 1978. THE AVERAGE REDUCTIONS THEY ARE SEEKING VARY BETWEEN 20 PER CENT AND 40 PER CENT,+ MR. MILLS SAID.
MR. MILLS EXPLAINED THAT THE MFA DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR REDUCTIONS IN RESTRAINT LEVELS AND ALTHOUGH THE GENEVA DOCUMENT AGREED IN JULY OF THIS YEAR PROVIDES FOR REASONABLE DEPARTURES FROM PARTICULAR ELEMENTS OF THE MFA IN PARTICULAR CASES, + THE NORWEGIAN AND SWEDISH DEMANDS ARE SO FAR FROM REASONABLE AS TO MAKE ANY PROGRESS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS IMPOSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE*.
+PREVIOUS NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY AND SWEDEN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HELD IN A SPIRIT OF EQUITY WITH GIVE AND TAKE ON BOTH SIDES BUT THE PRINCIPLES OF THE MFA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN STRICTLY ADHERED T0+, MR. MILLS ADDED.
+1 AM THEREFORE EXTREMELY SORRY TO SEE OUR TRADING PARTNERS IN SCANDINAVIA ASKING FOR SUCH EXTREMELY PROTECTIONIST MEASURES*.
+AS THINGS NOW STAND, THE POSSIBILITY OF UNILATERAL IMPORT MEASURES BY NORWAY AND SWEDEN CANNOT BE RULED OUT*, MR. MILLS SAID.
+WE JUST CANNOT AGREE TO NEGOTIATE RESTRAINTS BELOW CURRENT LEVELS OF TRADE WHICH WOULD SET PRECEDENTS FAR WORSE THAN THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED HONG KONG/EEC TEXTILE AGREEMENT.*
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD HAS BEEN KEPT FULLY INFORMED OF THE SITUATION. IT HAS ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NOT CONSIDER NEGOTIATING WITH NORWAY AND SWEDEN ON THE BASIS OF THESE REQUESTED REDUCTIONS.
+WE HAVE PROPOSED BOTH TO NORWAY AND TO SWEDEN A TEMPORARY THREE MONTH EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO THE TRADE AND TO GIVE THE TWO NORDIC COUNTRIES A PERIOD FOR FURTHER REFLECTION UPON THE IMPLICATIONS OF UNILATERAL ACTION ON THEIR PART NOT JUST IN THE CONTEXT OF TEXTILES BUT IN RESPECT OF WORLD TRADE AS A WHOLE.
+WE HAVE ALSO MADE CLEAR THAT THE TWO HONG KONG TEAMS ARE READY TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS WITH NORWAY AND SWEDEN AT ANY TIME EITHER IN HONG KONG OR IN EUROPE*, MR. MILLS EMPHASISED.
THE NORWEGIAN DELEGATION LEFT HONG KONG THIS EVENING TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH OTHER SUPPLIERS IN THE REGION. THE SWEDISH DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO LEAVE AT THE END OF THE WEEK.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977 - 2 -
OVERALL EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR YOUTH TO CONTINUE X H X * X
ALTHOUGH THE GREEN PAPER ON PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE FOCUSED ONLY ON YOUNG PEOPLE 'AT RISK’ OR ’POTENTIALLY DELINQUENT’, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONTINUING THE OVERALL EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES FOR YOUTH GENERALLY, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE PAST AND PRESENT DIRECTORS OF TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR. LEE SAID THAT SUCH SERVICES HAVE EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS AND THERE IS NO SUGGESTION THAT THIS EXPANSION WILL NOT CONTINUE.
+ THE VERY FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN SUCH SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION IN THIS FIELD MAKES IT NECESSARY TO CONSIDER PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST UNLIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM THE PRESENT SERVICES. THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO DO NOT COME FORWARD TO ENJOY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMMUNITY ARE IN FACT THOSE WHO NEED SUCH SERVICES MOST.+
THEREFORE, HE CONTINUED, THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSES THE USE OF ’REACHING OUT’ APPROACH IN WHICH A SOCIAL WORKER IDENTIFIES THE INDIVIDUALS WHO NEED TO BE HELPED, OFFERS THEM SPECIAL ASSISTANCE, AND INTERESTS THEM IN COMING FORWARD TO ENJOY WITH THEIR PEERS IN THE COMMUNITY ALL THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES WHICH EXIST FOR THEIR BENEFIT.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE AGE RANGE OF SIX TO 20 YEARS ARE TAKING PART IN SOME FORM OF ORGANISED YOUTH OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THEIR SPARE TIME, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THIS PROPORTION WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE IN FUTURE YEARS THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORT OF THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
QUOTING EXAMPLES ON THE INCREASING PROVISION OF ORGANISED YOUTH AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, MR. LEE SAID THAT MEMBERSHIP OF BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES HAD INCREASED, SINCE 1973, BY 48 PER CENT AND 44 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY TO 37,000 AND 11,500= THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL HAD DOUBLED ITS MEMBERSHIP FROM 100,000 TO OVER 200,000 IN TWO YEARS’ AND YOUTH GROUPS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD INCREASED THEIR MEMBERSHIP BY 47 PER CENT SINCE 1973 FROM 9,000 TO NEARLY 13,000 IN JULY THIS YEAR.
SINCE THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974, HE ADDED, IT HAD CATERED FOR INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE YEAR BY YEAR FROM 57,000 IN 1974/75 TO 192,000 LAST YEAR WITH +EVERY EXPECTATION OF DOUBLING OR EVEN TREBLING THAT NUMBER THIS YEAR AND NEXT.+
/+THE SUMMER .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
- 3 -
+THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS NOW ATTRACTING SOME TWO MILLION PARTICIPANTS OVER ITS THREE-MONTH PROGRAMME EVERY YEAR AND IT IS EXPECTED TO EXPAND THESE ACTIVITIES IN THE COMING YEARS. ALSO, THE SOCIAL WELFARE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ORGANISED ACTIVITIES FOR OVER 70,000 YOUNG PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS EACH YEAR,* HE ADDED.
TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT 150 ACRES MORE OPEN SPACE HAD BEEN DEVELOPED SINCE 1973 INTO PARKS, RECREATION GROUNDS AND AMENITY AREAS, MAKING A TOTAL OF SOME 1,250 ACRES FOR HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, 135 NEW FOOTBALL PITCHES, COURTS AND GAMES AREAS HAVE BEEN OPENED, AND A TOTAL OF THREE OUTDOOR STADIA, FIVE INDOOR GAMES HALLS AND TEN SWIMMING POOLS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.
HOWEVER, DESPITE ALL THESE, THE DIRECTOR SAID THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PROPORTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHOSE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND PROBLEMS CANNOT, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, BE FULLY MET BY THE BASIC SERVICES.
+THESE YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD REQUIRE PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE TIMELY GUIDANCE AND HELP SPECIFICALLY TO THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS OF VARIOUS KINDS IN THEIR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO REDUCE THEIR CHANCE OF TURNING DELINQUENT.*
MR. LEE SAID THAT THE MAIN PROPOSALS DRAWN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE CONCENTRATED ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, SOCIAL WORK AMONG UNATTACHED YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
0
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS
******
THE +CLEAN YOUR CITY/COUNTRYSIDE* GROUPS WHO HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING TO REDUCE THE LITTER PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WILL EXTEND THEIR SCOPE OF WORK TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES AND THEY HAVE ADOPTED A NEW NAME - +COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS* (CYC’S).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING THE CLUBS’ ACTIVITIES SAID NEARLY 10,009 STUDENTS HAD APPLIED TO JOIN THE CYC’S SINCE THE RECRUITMENT DRIVE BEGAN IN M ID-NOVEMBER.
/THE AIM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
4
THE AIM OF THE CYC’S IS TO STIMULATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THEIR ENVIRONMENT BY KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN- BECOMING WELL INFORMED IN COMMUNITY MATTERS- CONTRIBUTING TO VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS- CO-OPERATING WITH OTHER CIVIC GROUPS IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY- AROUSING CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG FELLOW CITIZENS AND SETTING AN EXAMPLE BY THEIR OWN ACTIONS.
THE CYC’S WILL BE INVOLVED IN SUCH COMMUNITY WORK AS HELPING FIRE VICTIMS- LOOKING OUT FOR FIRE HAZARDS- DISTRIBUTING LEAFLETS AND REPORTING COMMUNITY PROBLEMS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, DISPLAYS, ENTERTAINMENT, PLAYS, COMPETITIONS, TALKS, AND VISITS TO FACTORIES, CIVIC ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 4 TO FORM 3 CAN BECOME MEMBERS OF THE CYC’S. ALL STUDENTS HAVE TO DO IS TO ENROL WITH THEIR FORM MASTERS, OR TO FORM A GROUP OF ELEVEN FROM AMONG THEIR FRIENDS IN CLASS AND THEN ELECT A GROUP LEADER WHO WILL ASK THEIR FORM MASTER TO COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM AND RETURN IT WITH COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS, TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CYC UNIT, ROOM 515G, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
AFTER REGISTRATION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE TO EVERY MEMBER OF THE CYC’S A BADGE AND A MEMBERSHIP CARD BEARING A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE HOLDER AND THE MEMBERSHIP NUMBER.
IN ADDITION TO THE FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE LIONS CLUBS HAVE SHOWN KEEN INTEREST IN THE NEW CYC’S BY DONATING $250,003 TO GET THE NEW MOVEMENT OFF TO A GOOD START.
MR. F.K. LI, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, SAID IN THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE C.Y.C. MAGAZINE: +YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE NOW TAKING A KEEN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND IT IS GOOD TO HAVE YET ANOTHER AVENUE BY WHICH THIS INTEREST CAN BE EXPRESSED.
+l BELIEVE THAT WHILE THE CLUBS WILL CATER FOR STUDENTS OF WIDELY DIFFERENT INTERESTS, THERE WILL BE ONE FUNDAMENTAL GOAL -TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A CHANCE TO BECOME WELL INFORMED ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY AND ALSO TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IT.+
AND MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SAID: +IT IS VERY GRATIFYING THAT IN RECENT YEARS SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE RECOGNISED THAT THEY HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY AND THAT THEIR EDUCATION IS NOT CONFINED TO SCHOOL LEARNING.
+IT IS GOOD THAT YET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS IS BEING PROVIDED AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL FIND THAT HELPING THE COMMUNITY IS FUN.+
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
- 5 -
NEW TYPHOON SHELTER FOR CHEUNG CHAU * * * * *
A NEW MO MILLION TYPHOON SHELTER AT CHEUNG CHAU, ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE, WILL SOON BE CONSTRUCTED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE TYPHOON SHELTER WILL CONSIST OF THREE BREAKWATERS OF ABOUT 600 METRES, 320 METRES AND 230 METRES LONG RESPECTIVELY.
ASSOCIATED WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIRTEEN MOORING DOLPHINS TO STABILISE CRAFT SHELTERING DURING TYPHOONS AND FOUR LIGHT BEACONS TO MARK THE FAIRWAY TO THE FERRY PIER.
THE SHELTER WILL MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SHELTERED ANCHORAGE IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN APPROACHES TO HONG KONG HARBOUR.
THE ORIGINAL PROPOSED TYPHOON SHELTER, WHEN FIRST GAZETTED, WAS CONSIDERED TOO SMALL BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S VIEWS INTO CONSIDERATION AND AFTER FURTHER SITE INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN WORK, HAS AMENDED THE LAYOUT OF THE BREAKWATERS IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE GROSS AREA OF SHELTERED ANCHORAGE FROM 46.5 HECTARES TO ABOUT 63 HECTARES.
WORKS ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN APRIL NEXT YEAR AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1981.
THE PROJECT WILL CONSIST OF TWO SEPARATE CONTRACTS. THE FIRST IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE THREE BREAKWATERS AND WILL TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE. THE SECOND WILL ENABLE RUBBLE MOUNDS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND WILL TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
- 6
REMINDER ON WORKERS HOLIDAY
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE DAY OF THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL (WHICH FALLS ON DECEMBER 22 THIS YEAR), AND CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) HAS ALTERNATIVELY BEEN APPOINTED AS ONE OF THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND WORKERS MUST BE GIVEN EITHER ONE OF THESE TWO DAYS OFF.
MR. WILLIAMS EMPHASISED EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED
THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE
TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 22,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE THE EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIM 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE BEFORE GIVING HIM AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652= KWUN TONG 3-898520= TSUEN WAN 12-422096= TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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/7......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
7
TOPLEY TO OPEN NEW OFFICE OF MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WILL OPEN THE NEW OFFICE OF THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR ON THE NINTH FLOOR, ARTS CENTRE, IN WAN CHAI TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CONCERT GIVEN BY YOUNG MUSICIANS.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR AND HIS STAFF. IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF REHEARSAL ROOMS WHICH WILL BE USED FOR ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS, MASTER CLASSES, MUSIC SEMINARS AND OTHER TRAINING PURPOSES.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW OFFICE IS 5-283257.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF THE ARTS CENTRE AND THE SPECIAL CONCERT AT 4 P.M. IN THE RECITAL HALL, UPPER BASEMENT, ARTS CENTRE.
THE FIRST TWO ROWS OF SEATS IN THE RECITAL HALL HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ******
THIRTEEN RURAL AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM LANTAU AND LAMMA ISLANDS, CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU WILL SIT TOGETHER AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEWLY-CREATED ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL SPEAK AT THE MEETING - THE FIFTH IN A SERIES OF INAUGURAL Meetings of the seven new territories district advisory boards.
THE 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HAVE BEEN APPOINTED FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SETTING UP THE SEVEN BOARDS BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER.
THE MEETING TO BE CHAIRED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11.15 A.M. AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, CENTRAL.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING.
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/8......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
- 8 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS * * * *
THE NEWLY APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CONTROLS AND CUSTOMS, MR. DOUGLAS JORDAN, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
MR. JORDAN, WHO HAS 43 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE BRITISH CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, BEGAN A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT LAST MONTH.
A TOTAL OF 18 PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE AFTER SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING THE THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE.
THE PARADE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. AMONG THE 150 GUESTS WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, THE COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, OTHER HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND OVERSEAS CONSULATES.
THE PARADE MUSIC WILL BE PROVIDED BY A GURKHA BAND OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS.
THIS IS THE THIRD PASSING-OUT PARADE OF INSPECTORS HELD SINCE THE TITLE WAS CHANGED FROM PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE RECRUITS A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW IN RELATION TO SMUGGLING, NARCOTICS AND REVENUE PROTECTION, AND INCLUDE TRAINING IN JUDO, THE USE OF FIRE-ARMS AND METHODS OF SEARCHING ON LAND AND SEA AND AT HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PARADE WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11.15 A.M. ON SATURDAY.
A GOVERNMENT COACH AM 5606 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER BETWEEN 8.45 A.M. AND 9 A.M. ON SATURDAY TO TAKE GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PRESS TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL, AND LATER RETURN THE PARTY TO KOWLOON.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977
- 9 -
TSUEN WAN M.A.C. REPRESENTATIVES VISIT FIRE STATION ******
REPRESENTATIVES OF FOUR TSUEN WAN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TODAY GAINED AN INSIGHT INTO THE BASIC PROCEDURES OF PREVENTING FIRE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND HOW TO USE FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT MORE EFFICIENTLY DURING THEIR VISIT TO TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION.
IN THE HOUR-LONG VISIT, FIRE OFFICERS GAVE THEM COMPREHENSIVE TALKS WHICH EMPHASISED THE FACT THAT FIRE HAZARDS COULD ARISE SIMPLY THROUGH CARELESSNESS AND THOUGHTLESSNESS BOTH IN THE ORDINARY HOUSEHOLD AND THE PUBLIC AREAS WITHIN BUILDINGS.
LATER, THE M.A.C. REPRESENTATIVES WATCHED A DEMONSTRATION ON THE EFFECTIVE USE OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND RUBBER HOSES, AND OTHER SAFETY PROCEDURES THAT SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE BREAKING OUT.
THEY WERE GIVEN FIRE-PREVENTION POSTERS AND PAMPHLETS WHICH THEY WOULD HELP DISTRIBUTE WITHIN THEIR BUILDINGS.
THE REPRESENTATIVES WILL ALSO PASS ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE TO FELLOW COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS WELL AS TO ENLIST THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL RESIDENTS IN MAKING THE BUILDINGS A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
TODAY’S VISIT WAS ONE OF A SERIES ARRANGED BY VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES FOR M.A.C. REPRESENTATIVES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO LEARN FIRE PREVENTION PROCEDURES FROM THEIR LOCAL FIRE STATIONS.
THE VISITS FORM PART OF THE CURRENT HONG KONG-WIDE CAMPAIGN WHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THEIR VULNERABILITY TO FIRE IN A CROWDED MULTI-STOREY BUILDING.
THE REPRESENTATIVES ON TODAY’S VISIT CAME FROM THE M.A.C.S OF YAU LUEN LAU, DANG FAT MANSION, WING TING LAU AND WING LUNG LAU IN CENTRAL TSUEN WAN.
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/-IO........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1977 - 10 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
+CHRISTMAS GIFTS+ FOR VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
******
EIGHT VOLUNTARY DONATIONS+ AMOUNTING DEPARTMENT ON FRIDAY
ORGANISATIONS WILL BE TO MORE THAN 3100,000 (DECEMBER 16).
RECEIVING +CHRISTMAS FROM THE PRISONS
THIS SUM. A RECORD, WAS RAISED LAST MONTH DURING THE DEPARTMENT’S +JUBILEE+ AUTUMN FAIR AT STANLEY, WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION, CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB, HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL, HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS, SALVATION ARMY, HONG KONG DISCHARGED PRISONERS’ AID SOCIETY, PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUND AND THE PRISONERS’ WELFARE DONATIQu ACCOUNT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 P.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 32, 01 KWAN ROAD, TENTH FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
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MINI-BUS BAN ON SECTION OF TAI WAI RD * * * *
THE SECTION OF TAI WAI ROAD IN SHA TIN FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 125 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING ON THIS SECTION OF ROAD FOR PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE JUNCTION.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
nuitt SHUNTING FACILITIES PLANNED FOR NT ................... 2
ELECTRICITY FOR KOWLOON TSAI SQUATTER AREA ................. 3
48 PEOPLE COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY IN SEA RESCUES ............. 4
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO BE EXTENDED TO TAIWAN ............... 4
HK TEACHER AWARDED SERVICE MEDAL BY MANCHESTER TEXTILE INSTITUTE .................................................. 5
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW TSING Yl FIRE STATION .............. 6
APPLICATIONS FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH RECREATION FUND .......... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FEI NGOR SHAN AREA AND KING’S ROAD........................................................ 7
[Typographical errors in the original document]
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1577
CONCERTED EFFORTS TO SOLICIT PUBLIC OPINION ON SOCIAL SECURITY GREEN PAPER ******
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO SOLICIT PUBLIC OPINION ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SICKNESS, INJURY AND DEATH BENEFIT SCHEME PROPOSED IN THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL SECURITY DEVELOPMENT.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF CASTLE PEAK THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, SAID THAT THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE BEFORE A WHITE PAPER IS PUBLISHED DEPEND TO A GREAT EXTENT ON THE OPINIONS AND ARGUMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC.
♦ THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IS PLAYING A LEADING ROLE IN THIS OPERATION. HIS DEPARTMENT HAS SENT COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER AND EXPLANATORY PAMPHLETS TO 232 TRADE UNIONS, 12 MIXED UNIONS OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, 293 EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND OTHER INTERESTED ASSOCIATIONS. WHEN THEIR OPINIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, THEY WILL EE DISCUSSED WITH THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD,+ MR. SWEETMAN EXPLAINED.
THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED, HAD ALSO BEEN CONCERNED THROUGH ITS NETWORK OF CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS WHO WOULD CONSULT DISTRICT LEADERS AND MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE PUBLIC.
+THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CARRYING OUT A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY AMONG BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WHICH WILL HELP TO OBTAIN A CLEARER PICTURE OF THEIR ATTITUDES ON WHAT THEY EXPECT THE GOVERNMENT TO DO IN THE WAY OF PROVIDING THEM WITH SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS. +
MR. SWEETMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CONSULTING THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND WOULD EE CONSIDERING THE PROPOSALS OF THE GREEN PAPER IN THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
+SO, WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE VOLUNTARY SECTOR’S COMMENTS INCLUDING THOSE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE TOO CAN ADVISE THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ON REACTIONS TO THESE PROPOSALS,* HE ADDED.
ON THE WORKERS’ RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSALS TO INTRODUCE THIS SCHEME, MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT THE IMMEDIATE REACTION APPEARED TO BE FAVOURABLE. HOWEVER, HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THROUGH INADEQUATE STUDY ON THE IMPLICATIONS, PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE THE MISCONCEPTION THAT THEY WOULD GET SOMETHING FOR NOTHING FROM THE SCHEME.
/♦THIS IS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
2 -
+THIS IS BY NO MEANS THE CASE - AND EVEN THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT OFFERS TO PAY THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE SCHEME, THE ACTUAL MONEY WILL OF COURSE STILL HAVE TO COME FROM THE TAXPAYERS WHETHER THEY JOIN THE SCHEME OR NOT.
+APART FROM THIS, THE WORKERS CAN ONLY RECEIVE UNDER THIS SCHEME BENEFITS THE TOTAL OF WHICH DOES NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTIONS - THUS A HEALTHY WORKER JOINING THE SCHEME FOR MANY YEARS MUST EXPECT, IN RETURN FOR THE PROTECTION IT HAS GIVEN HIM IN CASE HE WENT SICK, TO SEE HIS CONTRIBUTIONS BEING PAID OUT TO HIS LESS FORTUNATE SICK OR INJURED FELLOW-WORKERS.+
IN OTHER WORDS, HE CONTINUED, A PERSON’S CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD NOT BE ’INDIVIDUALLY FUNDED’.
+IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED IN SOME QUARTERS THAT HONG KONG’S WORKERS ARE NOT WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH A SYSTEM WHEREBY THEY ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE BENEFITS OF THEIR FELLOW-WORKERS, AND IT IS UP TO THOSE WHO THINK OTHERWISE TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE,+ HE ADDED.
MR. SWEETMAN SAID THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE GREEN PAPER OR A SIMPLE EXPLANATORY PAMPHLET SUMMARISING THE MAIN PROPOSALS AT THE VARIOUS PUBLIC ENQUIRY OFFICE COUNTERS.
MORE SPORTING FACILITIES PLANNED FOR THE NT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
HE SAID THESE FACILITIES WOULD INCLUDE SPORTING STADIA, RUNNING TRACKS, SOCCER PITCHES, SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND SWIMMING POOLS.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY OF THE SILVER JUBILEE SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND IN TSUEN WAN.
HE SAID ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE PAST HAD BEEN THE PROVISION OF SUITABLE VENUES FOR STAGING SPORTING EVENTS.
+YOU CAN SEE HERE TODAY THAT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND IS BEING GREATLY IMPROVED -- AND FLOODLIGHTING WILL SOON BE A REALITY SO THAT A GREATER USE CAN BE MADE OF THIS STADIUM.+
/♦THE GOVERNMENT
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
5
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL EE PROVIDING MANY OUTLETS FOR SPORT AND RECREATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES -- BUT IT IS UP TO ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS YOUR OWN TO SEE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY UTILISED,* HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND PUPILS TAKING PART IN EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE N.T. SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
+THIS,* HE SAID, +IS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR TIME AND ENERGY INTO BRINGING HEALTHY AND VIGOROUS ACTIVITY TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION.*
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ENJOYING THEMSELVES IN SUCH A HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE WAY.
+THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL STUDENTS AND THEIR ENTHUSIASM REFLECTS THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF THE ORGANISATION OVER THE LAST_25 YEARS AND THE INTEREST AND SUPPORT IT HAS GENERATED AMONG HEADMASTERS, TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE ADDED.
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ELECTRICITY FOR KOWLOON TSAI. SQUATTER AREA * * * * *
AN ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME TO SUPPLY POWER TO ABOUT 3OQ HOUSEHOLDS OF 2,000 PEOPLE IN THE CHIU YUEN, WAN SHAN ROAD AND YUNG KWONG LANE SQUATTER AREAS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE SCHEME, A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE OFFICE OF THE CHIU YUEN FIRE PREVENTION COMMITTEE, AT LUNG CHI STREET, KOWLOON TSA I.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE JOINTLY OFFICIATED BY DR. P.H. HASE, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (SHAM SHU I PO), MR. R.A. PEDDER, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION ENGINEER, AND MR. C. STEELE, SENIOR COMMERCIAL ENGINEER, BOTH OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
LATER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SQUATTERS WILL PRESENT BANNERS TO THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POWER COMPANY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AS A TOKEN OF THEIR APPRECIATION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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A
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
48 PEOPLE COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY
IN SEA RESCUES
******
TWO 15-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLBOYS ARE AMONG 48 CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE COMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. MALCOLM ALEXANDER FOR THEIR BRAVERY IN SAVING 15 LIVES AT SEA DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
THE GROUP, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES EIGHT MARINE OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF JUMBO RESTAURANT WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE RESCUE FOLLOWING THE EXPLOSION IN ABERDEEN HARBOUR ON APRIL 6, RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY FROM MR. ALEXANDER AT A CEREMONY THIS MORNING.
AMONG OTHER RECIPIENTS WERE MEMBERS OF THE YAUMATI AND STAR FERRY COMPANIES AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR. ALEXANDER PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RECIPIENTS AND SAID THEIR ACTIONS INDICATED NOT ONLY GREAT COURAGE, BUT ALSO PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS OF A VERY HIGH ORDER, AND CONCERN FOR THOSE IN TROUBLE.
+THEY DID WHAT WAS NECESSARY DESPITE THE PERSONAL RISK INVOLVED,* MR. ALEXANDER SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ALL THE RESCUERS, WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS, ACTED SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN THE INCIDENTS IN WHICH THEY WERE INVOLVED OCCURRED, AND +AS THEY PLUNGED INTO THE WATER, THERE CAN HAVE BEEN ONLY ONE THOUGHT UPPERMOST IN THEIR MINDS - TO SAVE THE LIVES OF THOSE IN DISTRESS.*
ON RESCUERS AT THE ABERDEEN EXPLOSION WHICH RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF THREE MARINE OFFICERS AND INJURY TO MANY OTHERS, MR. ALEXANDER SAID THE COURAGE AND FORTITUDE THEY DISPLAYED IN THE RESCUE GAINED THEM THE ADMIRATION OF THEIR COLLEAGUES AND WAS A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES.
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SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO TAIWAN * * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT SPElDPOST SERVICE WOULD BE EXTENDED TO TAIWAN FROM JANUARY 3, 1978.
+ INITIALLY THE SERVICE WILL ONLY EE AVAILABLE TO TAIPEI BUT IT WILL SUBSEQUENTLY EE EXTENDED TO OTHER MAJOR CITIES IN TAIWAN,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
TAIWAN WILL BE THE NINTH TERRITORY TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS AVAILABLE. THE OTHER EIGHT COUNTRIES ARE AUSTRALIA, BELGIUM, BRAZIL, FRANCE, JAPAN, THE NETHERLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
MEANWHILE, THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SPEEDPOST CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG NEXT MARCH.
THE CONFERENCE, TO BE HOSTED BY THE POST OFFICE, WILL CONS ID£Rr WAYS AND MEANS OF EXTENDING THE RANGE OF SPEEDPOST FACILITIES AND OF EXTENDING THE SERVICE TO EVEN MORE DESTINATIONS.
- 0 -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
5
HK TEACHER AWARDED MANCHESTER TEXTILE SERVICE MEDAL ******
MR. W.T. WAN, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TEXTILES, KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, IS THE FIRST CHINESE TO BE AWARDED THE SERVICE MEDAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE IN MANCHESTER IN RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICES TO THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THE MANCHESTER INSTITUTE IS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATION WHICH IS RUN BY CHARTERED TEXTILE TECHNOLOGISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AND IS RECOGNISED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT.
CURRENTLY, MR. WAN IS SERVING AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE’S HONG KONG SECTION COMMITTEE AND HELPS THE HONG KONG TEXTILE INDUSTRY TO KEEP ABREAST OF MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD. HE WAS ALSO INSTRUMENTAL IN DEVELOPING THE SECTION INTO ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIVE WITHIN THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE.
AT THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MR. WAN, ASSISTED BY A GRADUATE TEACHER, TWO ASSISTANT LECTURERS, AND TWO WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS, PREPARES 93 FULL-TIME STUDENTS FOR A TWO-YEAR TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA IN KNITWARE MANUFACTURE AND A TWO-YEAR CERTIFICATE IN KNITTING MECHANICS. MR. WAN, HIMSELF A KNITTING SPECIALIST, TEACHES KNITTING TECHNOLOGY AND SUPERVISORY STUDIES.
IN ADDITION TO THE 90 FULL-TIMERS, THE INSTITUTE TRAINS 60 PART-TIME STUDENTS (ONE FULL DAY AND TWO EVENINGS A WEEK) FOR BOTH COURSES AND ANOTHER 120 BOYS FOR A SEPARATE EVENING COURSE OF THREE DAYS A WEEK. evtNiNfa LUUKbt
THE FIRST BATCH OF 27 TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA HOLDERS LEFT THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN JULY 1977, AND ALMOST ALL OF THEM ASSISTED BY MR. WAN, HAVE FOUND JOBS IN KNITTING AND KNITWARE FACTOR IES.
FOR THE TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA AT THE INSTITUTE,THE STUDENT, USUALLY A FORM 5 LEAVER, UNDERGOES JOE TRAINING FOR ONE YEAR AFTER WHICH HE IS PROMOTED AS A TECHNICIAN. THE MECHANICS COURSE GENERALLY TAKES FORM 3 LEAVERS.
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/6 ...
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
- 6
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW TSING Yl FIRE STATION
******
THE NEW $1.8 MILLION TSING Yl FIRE STATION WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION IN JUNE THIS YEAR WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FR IDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. TANG YUEN-PUI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MR. TANG WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO 20 MEMBERS OF THE TSING Yl TONG CIVILIAN FIRE SQUAD WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FIRE FIGHTING TRAINING COURSE ORGANISED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SQUAD WAS FORMED TO LOOK AFTER THE FIRE SAFETY ASPECTS OF TSING Yl TONG, AND TO SERVE AS A FIRST STRIKE-FORCE IN CASE OF A FIRE BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO MEET SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR. CHUI HUNG-FAT AT 2.30 P.M. AT KWAI CHUNG FIRE STATION, TAI LIN PAI ROAD WHERE TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE THEM TO TSING Yl FIRE STATION.
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APPLICATION FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH RECREATION FUND
******
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM VOLUNTARY AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS FOR GRANTS FOR THE YEAR 1978-79 FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION..
SET UP IN 1970, THE FUND IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO PROJECTS WHICH WILL HELP TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND ENCOURAGE THE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE BY YOUNG PEOPLE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1, MA TAU KOK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, KOWLOON, NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 1978.
FUND ALLOCATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JULY, 1978.
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/7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1977
7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FEI NGOR SHAN AREA AND KING’S ROAD *****
A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN FEI NGOR SHAN AREA ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) FROM 10 A.M. TO NOON TO FACILITATE THE ANNUAL ROUND FEI NGOR SHAN RUN.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* THE SECTION OF FEI NGOR SHAN ROAD FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE ONE-WAY SECTION TO JAT’S INCLINE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC'
* JAT’S INCLINE FROM FEI NGOR SHAN ROAD TO GOOD HOPE SCHOOL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC^ AND
* THE SECTION OF SHA TIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND JAT’S INCLINE WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
MEANWHILE, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED IN KING’S ROAD FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE CABLE LAYING WORKS.
THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND PAN HOI STREET AND THAT OF KING’S ROAD AND THE EASTERN PART OF SHIPYARD LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY ZONE FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THE CLEARWAY ZONE WILL ALSO APPLY TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. ANO FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS IN THESE AREAS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAW OF WORKERS ANNUAL LEAVE EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 1, 1978 . 1 GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1978 AND 1979 ....................... 2 PWD INVITES TENDERS FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM .......... 4 WORK OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PRAISED ................. 5 MORE THAN 100 NEEDED TO FILL FIREMAN POSTS ............... 6 ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING ...... 7 RTHK TO HOLD CHRISTMAS PARTY.............................. o
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
1
LAW ON WORKERS ANNUAL LEAVE EFFECTIVE FROM NEXT YEAR ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TODAY (FRIDAY) DREW ATTENTION TO THE LAW PROVIDING SEVEN DAYS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS WHICH COMES INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1.
HE SAID ALL WORKERS COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE (ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH) WHO HAVE COMPLETED A YEAR’S SERVICE WITH AN EMPLOYER BEFORE JANUARY 1 WOULD BE ENTITLED TO ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY WITHIN THE FOLLOWING 12 MONTHS.
MR. WILLIAMS, WHO WAS SPEAKING TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH AT THE HONG KONG HOTEL, SA IDs +THE SPIRIT IS TO GIVE ALL EMPLOYEES A BREAK OF SEVEN DAYS FROM WORK TO ENABLE THEM TO REST AND TO RECHARGE THEIR BATTERIES.
♦NEEDLESS TO SAY ANY ENACTMENT IN LAW IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE SPIRIT IN WHICH IT IS MADE.+
MR. WILLIAMS SAID THAT AFTER EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAD EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT SHUTTING DOWN A PLANT FOR SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS WOULD AFFECT PRODUCTION AND THAT NOT ALL EMPLOYEES WOULD WISH TO TAKE ALL THEIR ANNUAL LEAVE IN ONE GO, THE NEW LAW HAD BEEN AMENDED TO PERMIT THE COMBINATION OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE WITH STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR REST DAYS TO FORM A TOTAL OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
♦THE BREAK IS BASED ON SEVEN DAYS OF CONTINUOUS LEAVE FOR EVERY COMPLETED YEAR OF SERVICE,* HE EXPLAINED.
+THOSE WHO HAD NOT COMPLETED THIS SERVICE SHOULD RECEIVE IT PRO RATA,+ HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, IF AN EMPLOYER PREFERS TO SHUT DOWN AN ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF GIVING EVERY EMPLOYEE SEVEN DAYS OFF THEN THOSE WHO DO NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE OF SHORTER SERVICE SHOULD NEVERTHELESS BE PAID FOR THOSE DAYS OF SHUT-DOWN WHICH ARE COUNTED AS ANNUAL LEAVE.
♦IF A SHORTER PERIOD OF ANNUAL LEAVE IS COMBINED WITH STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR REST DAYS TO MAKE UP A TOTAL OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS, THEN ANY LEAVE BALANCE, PROVIDED IT HAS ALREADY BEEN EARNED, SHOULD BE CREDITED TO THE EMPLOYEE AND HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE IT AT SOME OTHER TIME DURING THE YEAR.+
»
REFERRING TO PUBLIC DEBATES IN THE PRESS AND ELSEWHERE
MR. WILLIAMS SAID MANY VIEWS WERE EXPRESSED, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT WORKERS DID NOT WANT LEAVE BUT WANTED EXTRA PAY- THAT WIVES PREFERRED HUSBANDS AT WORK- AND THAT IF SO MANY WORKERS WERE OFF AT THE SAME TIME, THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD BE OVERWHELMED AND SO ON.
♦THERE MAY WELL BE SOME REASON BEHIND THESE VIEWS BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN, THE GENERAL CONCENSUS IS THAT WORKERS WANT THEIR LEAVE — AND FURTHERMORE IF WE DO NOT MAKE PROGRESS IN THESE AND OTHER SOCIAL FIELDS WE LEAVE OURSELVES OPEN TO CONSIDERABLE MORAL AND POLITICAL CRITICISM,* HE SAID.
/MR. WILLIAMS ALSO
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
2
MR. WILLIAMS ALSO REFERRED TO PRESS REPORTS ALLEGING THAT WORKERS, BECAUSE OF IGNORANCE, HAD BEEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR ENTITLEMENT TO HOLIDAY PAY.
HE SAID: +IT IS THE PRACTICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO REMIND, THROUGH THE PUBLIC MEDIA, ALL EMPLOYERS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND ALL EMPLOYEES OF THEIR ENTITLEMENT JUST A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO EACH STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
+PAMPHLETS EXPLAINING THE PROVISIONS OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND REST DAYS ARE READILY AVAILABLE AND HAVE ALREADY BEEN WIDELY DISTRIBUTED.+
HE ADDED THAT A NEW PAMPHLET ON REST DAYS AND HOLIDAYS HAD BEEN ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
+IN THIS PAMPHLET, REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND PAID ANNUAL LEAVE ARE SEPARATELY SET OUT AND EXPLAINED SO THAT THERE CAN BE NO CONFUSION ABOUT THESE PROVISIONS,* HE SAID.
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1978 AND 1979
******
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) CONTAINS DETAILS OF THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS TO BE OBSERVED IN 1978 AND 197® EXCLUDING SUNDAYS, THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 17 HOL IDAYS FOR BOTH itAno.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL NEXT YtAR FALLS ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1978, AND, AS USUAL TH£V DAY AFTER THE FESTIVAL IS A GAZETTED PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THE FULL LIST OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1978 IS:
* EVERY SUNDAY
* THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY MONDAY, JANUARY 2
* LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
* THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3
* THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
* GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 24
* THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SATURDAY, MARCH 25
* EASTER MONDAY MONDAY, MARCH 27
* CHING MING FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY, APR IL 5
* THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN FRIDAY, APRIL 21
* TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JUNE 10
/•THE FIRST WEEK-DAY ..
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
* THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY SATURDAY, JULY 1
* THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST MONDAY, AUGUST 7
* THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST, WHICH SHALL BE LIBERATION DAY MONDAY, AUGUST 28
THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
* CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10
* CHRISTMAS DAY MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
* THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1979 s * EVERY SUNDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26
* THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY MONDAY, JANUARY 1
* THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR MONDAY, JANUARY 29
K THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR TUESDAY, JANUARY 30
* THE FOURTH DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31
* CHING MING FESTIVAL THURSDAY, APRIL 5
* GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 13
* THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SATURDAY, APRIL 14
* EASTER MONDAY MONDAY, APRIL 16
* THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN SATURDAY, APRIL 21
* TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 33
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY MONDAY, JULY 2
* THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST MONDAY, AUGUST 6
* THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST WHICH SHALL BE LIBERATION DAY MONDAY, AUGUST 27
* THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
* CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
* CHRISTMAS DAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25
* THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY o- WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
4
PWD INVITES TENDERS FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MORRISON HILL INDOOR STADIUM, NOW NAMED QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, IN WAN CHAI.
THE 12-STOREY COMPLEX IS BEING BUILT ON A NEARLY 3,000 SQUARE METRE SITE BETWEEN 01 KWAN ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
IT WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTING FACILITIES FOR BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND FACILITATE OTHER IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES.
MR. K.M. TSENG, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WOULD START IN EARLY FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATE IN 1979.
+THE FOUNDATION WORK FOR THE STADIUM IS PROGRESSING WELL AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.*
MR. TSENG SAID THAT THE STADIUM WOULD PROVIDE A MAJOR NEW SPORTING CENTRE FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN.
+IT WILL HAVE FACILITIES FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY SPORT— FROM TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON TO ATHLETIC AND GYMNASTIC EVENTS.
+IN ADDITION TO TRAINING ROOMS, LECTURE AND COMMITTEE ROOMS, IT WILL HAVE WARM-UP GYMNASIUMS AND CHANGING ROOMS AS WELL AS HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITING TEAMS,* HE SAID.
ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE COMPLEX, SAID MR. TSENG, WOULD BE A LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE STADIUM WITH SEATS FOR NEARLY 3,500 SPECTATORS.
THE STADIUM WOULD HAVE A CENTRAL ARENA OF ABOUT 290 SQUARE METRES, WHICH WILL TAKE UP THE THIRD TO FIFTH FLOORS OF THE 12-STOREY BUILDING.
+THE HOSTELS WILL OCCUPY THE UPPER FLOORS WHILE THE LOWER FLOORS WILL PROVIDE SUCH FACILITIES AS WARM-UP GYMS, TABLE TENNIS PRACTISING HALLS, CHANGING ROOMS AND SHOWERS, AS WELL AS CONFERENCE ROOMS,* HE SAID.
IN THE BASEMENT, ANOTHER LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE HALL WOULD BE PROVIDED ALONG WITH THREE SQUASH COURTS AND MORE FACILITIES FOR TABLE TENNIS.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE STADIUM WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
5
WORK OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PRAISED *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS PRAISED TODAY FOR THEIR PROMPT ACTION IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE MANY FIRES THAT OCCURRED ON TSING Yl ISLAND SINCE A FIRE STATION WAS ESTABLISHED THERE IN 1965.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TSING Yl FIRE STATION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE ON THE ISLAND, MR. TANG YUEN-PUI SAID THE STOPPING OF THESE FIRES COULD ONLY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE PROMPT EFFICIENCY OF THE FIRE SERVICES WITH THE AID OF RESIDENTS AND THE CIVILIAN FIRE PREVENTION SQUADS ON THE ISLAND.
THE NEW TSING Yl FIRE STATION WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION IN JUNE THIS YEAR WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MR. TANG.
+WHEN YOU CONSIDER FIRE FIGHTING, FIRE PREVENTION, FIRST AID AND ANY OTHER CALAMITY THAT MIGHT ARISE, WE MOST CERTAINLY HAVE A FIRE SERVICE THAT IS SURPASSED BY NONE,+ MR. TANG SAID.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES) MR. A.J. JONES WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE CEREMONY SAID THE NEW FIRE STATION COST OVER $2 MILLION TO BUILD AND ITS STAFFING, MAINTENANCE AND PROVISIONING WOULD REQUIRE AN ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION.
+SUCH COMMITMENT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF TSING Yl WITH ITS INDUSTRY, DEVELOPMENT AND A STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT - AND WE IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTEND TO PLAY OUR FULL ROLE IN AFFORDING THE PROTECTION AND AID WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SAFETY AND CARE OF ALL PEOPLE WHETHER THEY BE RESIDENTS, WORKERS OR VISITORS TO TSING Yl,+ MR. JONES SA ID.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. TANG PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 20 MEMBERS OF THE TSING Yl TONG CIVILIAN FIRE PREVENTION SQUAD WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FIRE FIGHTING COURSE ORGANISED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SQUAD WAS FORMED TO LOOK AFTER THE FIRE SAFETY ASPECTS OF TSING Yl TONG ON THE ISLAND AND TO SERVE AS A FIRST STRIKE-FORCE IN CASE OF A FIRE BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
6 _
WANTED OVER 100 FIREMEN
M M * M
MORE THAN 100 PHYSICALLY FIT YOUNG MEN ARE REQUIRED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO FILL VACANCIES IN THE RANK OF FIREMAN.
THEY WILL BE TRAINED FOR GENERAL FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE DUTIES.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30, HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYE SIGHT.
APART FROM BEING ABLE TO SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE AND READ AND WRITE CHINESE, THEY SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
THE STARTING SALARY FOR A FIREMAN IS $1,210 AND THE MAXIMUM IS $1,770.
ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 1 P.M. DAILY FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY (DECEMBER 19-22) AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RECRUITMENT CENTRES:
* HONG KONG - HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION, HARBOUR ROAD-
* KOWLOON - TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, CANTON ROAD,
KWUN TONG FIRE STATION, KWUN TONG ROAD- OR
* NEW TERRITORIES - TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, TAI CHUNG ROAD.
THE APPLICANT SHOULD BRING ALONG HIS IDENTITY CARD, DOCUMENTS PROVING HIS RESIDENTIAL AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND A DULY COMPLETED FORM (G.F. 340) WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.
HE SHOULD ALSO BRING ALONG A PAIR OF GYM SHOES AND SHORTS FOR USE IN THE STRENGTH TEST AT THE RECRUITMENT CENTRES.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
7 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING * * * *
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND THE POSSIBLE PROVISION OF SWIMMING POOL FACILITIES FOR YOUTH ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WERE AMONG THE ITEMS DISCUSSED IN THE FIRST MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
CHAIRED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG, THE INAUGURAL MEETING SAW MEMBERS FREELY EXCHANGE VIEWS ON HOW BEST TO CATER FOR THEIR GROWING NEED FOR RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY FACILITIES ON LANTAU, CHEUNG CHAU, LAMMA AND PENG CHAU ISLANDS.
BEFORE THE BOARD GOT DOWN TO BUSINESS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THANKED THE BOARD MEMBERS FOR THE TIME THEY WOULD DEVOTE IN WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS AN IMPORTANT TASK.
MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE DIFFERENT GEOPRAPHY OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WOULD CALL FOR A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS THE FIFTH IN A SERIES OF INAUGURAL MEETINGS OF THE SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS.
SITTING ON THE BOARD WERE 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AS WELL AS LOCAL TRADE AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
IN THE MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED WAYS TO PROMOTE WITHIN THE DISTRICT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THROUGH EACH COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS.
THE SCHEME INVITES YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS THAT AIM AT PROMOTING THEIR PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING SOCIAL BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1977
NOTE TO EDITORS
RTHK TO HOLD CHRISTMAS PARTY
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. BRIAN WILSON= THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING-DESIGNATE, MR. DONALD KERR= AND FILM STAR, MISS SIU FONG-FONG WILL ATTEND A CHRISTMAS PARTY ORGANISED BY RTHK’S +YOUTH CALL* PROGRAMME AT CAUSEWAY BAY ROAD SPORTS CENTRE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18).
THEY WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR A 40-FEET TALL CHRISTMAS TREE.
PROGRAMMES OF THE PARTY, WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 7 P.M., INCLUDE AN ICE CARVING COMPETITION, SINGING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS BY A CHOIR OF 230, AND PERFORMANCES BY A STRING ORCHESTRA AND A WIND AND ENSEMBLE ORCHESTRA.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PARTY. THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY.
- - 0 -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN ENDS IN SUCCESS ...................... 1
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO BE REORGANISED ................ 4
TWO CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $100 MILLION TO BE SIGNED ON TUESDAY .................................................. 4
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CHECK ON PUBLIC PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT ............................................... 5
SPACE FRAME ROOF FOR INDOOR GAMES HALL IN ABERDEEN .......... 6
CROWN LAND FOR SALE ......................................... 7
EXTENSION OF SUBMARINE OUTFALL OFF KAI TAK RUNWAY PROPOSED .................................................... 8
LAM TIN DRIVING TEST CENTRE TO MOVE TO NEW OFFICE ........... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
1
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN ENDS IN SUCCESS
******
THE RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN MOUNTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS ENDED SUCCESSFULLY WITH MORE THAN 24,000 DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE DURING THE SEVEN-MONTH CAMPAIGN PERIOD AS COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL FIGURES OF 13,000.
IN ADDITION, 25,365 DOG LICENCES WERE ISSUED AND DOGS DESTROYED DURING THE PERIOD.
3,327 UNWANTED
DISCLOSING THE FIGURES TODAY, MR. M.H. WONG, THE CAMPAIGN CONTROLLER SAID THAT HE WAS GLAD THAT DOG OWNERS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE CAMPAIGN TO IMMUNISE THEIR PETS AGAINST RABIES WHICH WAS OFTEN FATAL ONCE SYMPTOMS DEVELOPED.
THE CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN MAY THIS YEAR ON A DISTRICT BY DISTRICT BASIS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES INCLUDING OUTLYING ISLANDS.
IT WAS EXTENDED EARLIER THIS MOffTH TO COVER THE FLOATING POPULATION WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS. THE TWO-WEEK DRIVE AIMED AT BOAT DWELLERS WAS COMPLETED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
MR. WONG SA IDs +ALTHOUGH IT HAS NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO COVER EVERY CORNER, NEARLY ALL THE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN OUR EFFORTS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH RABIES AND TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS OF EACH DISTRICT ADDITIONAL DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING SERVICES.*
+MUCH CREDIT SHOULD GO TO THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE IN PROMOTING THE CAMPAIGN,* HE ADDED.
MR. WONG STRESSED THAT THE BATTLE AGAINST RABIES WAS A CONTINUING ONE. +IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF DOG OWNERS TO VACCINATE THEIR DOGS EVERY THREE YEARS AND RENEW THE LICENCES ANNUALLY.*
THE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE 21 CENTRES OPERATED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
/HONG KONG ISLAND .....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1.7, 1977
- 2
HONG KONG ISLAND
1. VICTORIA ROAD GOVERNMENT KENNELS MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
VICTORIA ROAD, POKFULAM. 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M.
2. GARDEN ROAD CENTRE MON.
COTTON TREE DRIVE, WED. 8.30 A.M. - 12 NOON
NEAR PEAK TRAM TERMINUS. FRI. 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
3. WANCHAI KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. MON. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
2B, O’BRIEN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
4. HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD MON. 1.30 P.M. - 3.30 P.M. DISTRICT KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN.
MORRISON HILL ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
5. SHAU KEI WAN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. TUES. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
135,SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
6. NORTH POINT KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. TUES. 1.30 P.M. - 3.30 P.M MARBLE ROAD, NORTH POINT.
7. SHEK-0 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, 1ST WED. OF EACH MONTH SHEK-0 VILLAGE. 9 A.M. - 11.30 A.M.
8. STANLEY KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. 1ST WED. OF EACH MONTH STANLEY MAIN STREET. 1 P.M. - 3 P.M.
KOWLOON
1. SUNG WONG TOI GOVERNMENT KENNELS MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
102, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD. 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M
2. TAI KOK TSUI CENTRE OPPOSITE 30 HOI KING STREET.
TUES. 8.30 A.M. - 12 NOON
THUR. 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. SAT. 8.30:A.M. - 1 P.M.
3. SHAMSHU1P0 KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN.
88,~ Y~0 CfiAU STREET, SHAM SHUI PO. THUR.
8.30 A.M. - 11.30 A.M.
4. YAUMATEI KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. THUR. 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. SAIGON STREET.
5. GOOD VIEW MANSION FRI. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
NO. 12 YUET WAH STREET, 1 P.M. - 3.30 P.M.
KWUN TONG.
6. TAI HOM VILLAGE KAI FONG ASSN. SAT. 8.30 A.M. - 11 A.M. 3A SUN HING ROAD, TAI HOM VILLAGE, WONG TAI SIN.
/NSW TERRITORIES .....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
~5
NEW TERRITORIES
1. SHAT IN GOVERNMENT KENNELS TAI WAI, SHA TIN.
MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M.
2. SHEK WU HUI GOVERNMENT KENNELS MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
MAN KAM ROAD, SHEUNG SHUI. 2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M.
3. TSUEN WAN CENTRE MON. AND SAT. 9.30 A.M. - 12 NOON
NEAR 62-68 TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
4. CASTLE PEAK BAY CENTRE TUES. AND THUR. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON AT REAR OF CASTLE PEAK POLICE STATION, CASTLE PEAK.
5. YUEN LONG CENTRE TUES. TO FRIDAY 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
6. SHATIN CENTRE MON. AND WED. 9 A.M. - 11.45 A.M.
SHATIN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, PAI TAU VILLAGE, SHA TIN.
7. TAI PO CENTRE, WED. 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO.
NO SERVICES ARE PROVIDED DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DOGS OVER THE AGE OF THREE MONTHS SHOULD BE LICENSED. THE LICENCE FEE IS $5 EACH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND $15 IN KOWLOON, AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
4
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO BE REORGANISED ******
THE NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, MR. DOUGLAS JORDAN, SAID TODAY THE SERVICE WAS ON THE THRESHOLD OF A PROCESS OF REORGANISATION.
MR. JORDAN WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 18 PROBATIONARY CUSTOMS INSPECTORS AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THE REORGANISATION WOULD IN TIME +AFFECT EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, ENHANCING YOUR CAREERS, STRENGTHENING THE ALREADY STRONG SERVICE WHICH YOU HAVE JOINED, AND IMPROVING THE CONTRIBUTION WE MAKE TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL LIFE OF HONG KONG+.
HE TOLD THE INSPECTORS THAT THE REORGANISATION WAS THE REASON HE HAD BEEN RECRUITED TO THE SERVICE.
MR. JORDAN LAID EMPHASIS ON THE ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK OF THE'1 SERVICE WHICH HE SAID HAD +AN OUTSTANDING RECORD+. HE POINTED OUT TO THE PROBATIONARY INSPECTORS THAT THEY WILL BE PROTECTING YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE AGAINST THE INSIDIOUS PEOPLE WHO MAKE PROFIT FROM DRUG TRAFFICKING.
MR. JORDAN JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT LAST MONTH AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CONTROLS AND CUSTOMS. HE IS ON CONTRACT FOR THREE YEARS AND BRINGS WITH HIM 40 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE HIGHLY RESPECTED BRITISH CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.
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NOTE TO EDITORS!
TWO CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $100 MILLION TO BE SIGNED ON TUESDAY *****
TWO IMPORTANT CONTRACTS, WORTH MORE THAN $100 MILLION, WILL BE SIGNED IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).
THE SIGNING OF THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE SOUTHERN APPROACHES TO THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 9.30 A.M.
AND AT 11 A.M., THE SECOND CONTRACT FOR THE NEW BEACON HILL RAILWAY TUNNEL WILL BE SIGNED.
OFFICERS OF THE P.W.D. WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH INTERVIEWS ON BOTH THE PROJECTS.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE EACH CEREMONY TO ALLOW TIME TO SET UP THEIR CAMERAS.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
5
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT SPOT CHECKS ON PUBLIC PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT SPOT CHECKS ON PUBLIC PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING CENTRES DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD TO ENSURE FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID HOTELS, DEPARTMENT STORES, CINEMAS, THEATRES, RESTAURANTS, NIGHT CLUBS ATO OTHER PLACES WHERE THE PUBLIC WERE LIKELY TO CONVERGE IN LARGE NUMBERS WOULD COME UNDER SCRUTINY.
HE SAID DURING THESE CHECKS FIRE OFFICERS WOULD PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE MEANS OF ESCAPE, FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND COMMON AREAS TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE NOT OBSTRUCTED.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE MANAGEMENTS OF ALL PUBLIC PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION AGAINST FIRE DURING THE FORTHCOMING FESTIVE PERIOD.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF DEPARTMENT STORES TO DEVISE A METHOD OF SAFETY DISPOSAL OF ALL EMPTY CARTOONS AND INFLAMMABLE PACKAGING MATERIALS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FIRE DANGER THIS YEAR WAS HIGHER THAN PAST YEARS BECAUSE OF THE UNUSUALLY DRY SPELL AND CALLED ON THE MANAGEMENTS OF PUBLIC PLACES TO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES:
* ENSURE THAT ALL STAFF INCLUDING THOSE ON TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT KNOW THE LOCATIONS AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT’
* BOTH EXIT AND EXIT SIGNS MUST NOT BE OBSTRUCTED AND ALL EXIT ROUTES MUST BE FREE FROM ANY OBSTRUCTION AT ALL TIMES-
* ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL WIRING SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS-
* AVOID PUTTING FLIMSY DECORATIONS NEAR LIGHT BULBS-
* PROVIDE PLENTY OF ASH TRAYS AND BAN SMOKING IN STORE ROOMS- AND
* +FULL HOUSE* SIGNS SHOULD BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
- 6 -
SPACE FRAME ROOF FOR ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED APPLICATIONS FROM QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS TO TENDER FOR THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND ERECTION OF A +SPACE FRAME+ TYPE ROOF STRUCTURE FOR AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.
THE BUILDING WILL BE 62.5 METRES LONG, 28.5 METRES WIDE AND 12 METRES HIGH.
IT WILL HAVE A CENTRAL GAMES AREA ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE TWO BASKET BALL COURTS OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS AND A PERMANENT GRANDSTAND FOR THREE HUNDRED SPECTATORS.
THERE WILL BE A STAGE AND DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES AT ONE END SO THAT THE HALL CAN ALSO BE USED AS A THEATRE.
SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS FOR THE ROOF WILL BE EXPECTED TO SHOW THAT THEY HAVE TRAINED STAFF WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE INSTALLATION OF THIS TYPE OF STRUCTURE EITHER IN HONG KONG OR ABLE TO COME TO HONG KONG AT SHORT NOTICE.
APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO SUBMIT INFORMATION SHOWING THAT THEY ARE THE ACCREDITED AGENTS OF INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THIS FORM OF STRUCTURE AND THAT THEY ARE THEMSELVES ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG WITH PERMANENT OFFICES AND WORKSHOP ACCOMMODATION.
THEY WILL BE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE TYPE OF STRUCTURE THEY CAN OFFER TOGETHER WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF OTHER PROJECTS ALREADY COMPLETED.
APPLICATIONS TO TENDER FOR THIS PARTICULAR JOB, AND ALSO FOR INCLUSION ON A LIST OF SPECIALISTS SUITABLE FOR EXECUTING SIMILAR WORK ON FUTURE PROJECTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, NOT LATER THAN FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30).
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED +APPLICATION TO TENDER FOR A SUB-CONTRACT FOR THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND ERECTION OF SPACE FRAME AND ROOF FOR INDOOR GAMES HALL ABERDEEN.+
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
7
CROWN LAND FOR SALE *****
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE P.WU).’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT AT AN AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON JANUARY 17, 1978, AT 2.30 P.M.
THE FIRST SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 1,550 SQUARE METRES AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING HOTEL USE. TT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SITES TO BE SOLD IN THE AREA.
ANOTHER SITE ALSO INTENDED FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USES, IS LOCATED AT GRANVILLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. IT HAS AN AREA OF 485 SQUARE METRES.
THE THIRD LOT, SITUATED BETWEEN TAI YIP STREET AND WEI YIP STREET, KWUN TONG, MEASURES ABOUT 1,078 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE LAST LOT WITH AN AREA OF 566 SQUARE METRES AT SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, ABERDEEN IS ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED AND THE SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES 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.
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/8....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1977
8
EXTENSION OF SUBMARINE OUTFALL OFF KAI TAK RUNWAY PROPOSED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO EXTEND THE EXISTING SEWAGE SUBMARINE OUTFALL AT THE SEAWARD END OF KAI TAK RUNWAY.
THE PROPOSED 2OO-METRE EXTENSION WILL HAVE TWO BENEFITS.
FIRST, THE EXTENDED OUTFALL WILL BE FITTED WITH DIFFUSERS WHICH WILL PROVIDE FOR IMPROVED DILUTION AND DISPERSION OF THE SEWAGE THUS IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN THE AREA.
IN ADDITION, THE IMPROVED DILUTION AND DISPERSION WILL PREVENT THE CONGREGATION OF BIRDS AT THE END OF THE RUNWAY.
DISTURBANCE OF BIRDS FEEDING AT THE SEWER OUTFALL BY AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS OFTEN RESULTS IN THE BIRDS SCATTERING AND FLYING AT RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL IN THE FLIGHT PATH.
THIS CREATES A POTENTIAL HAZARD OF BIRD STRIKES ON AIRCRAFT.
EXTENSION OF THE SEWER OUTFALL FURTHER INTO THE SEA WILL TEND TO RESTRICT BIRD MOVEMENTS BENEATH THE FLIGHT PATH.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE OUTFALL WILL AFFECT AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 7.7 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE PLAN OF THE AFFECTED AREA MAY BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD- OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING- HONG KONG SIDE, AND KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1OTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON SIDE.
ANYONE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED OUTFALL EXTENSION, OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT IS INVITED TO SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION OR CLAIM TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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LAM TIN DRIVING TEST CENTRE TO MOVE TO NEW OFFICE
******
THE LAM TIN DRIVING TEST CENTRE AT BLOCK 17, LAM TIN ESTATE, WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO UNIT 13 OF BLOCK 19, ON TIN STREET, LAM TIN ESTATE FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).
CANDIDATES SCHEDULED FOR DRIVING TESTS AT THE LAM TIN CENTRE ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 19 SHOULD REPORT TO THE NEW OFFICE AT THE DATE AND TIME ORGINALLY ALLOCATED.
THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE OF TEST DATE AND TIME.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONTINUES TO GROW ............. 1
ANNUAL SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL REVIEW ................... 3
NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA IN WESTERN PROPOSED ............... A
TAXPAYERS URGED TO SUBMIT TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES EARLY ..................................................... 5
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COIN AVAILABLE ................................................. 6
BOOK ON BIRDS IN HONG KONG ............................... 7
CALL FOR EARLY RETURN OF EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CARDS .......... 8
NEW IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST AVAILABLE FOR SALE .................................................. 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
1
DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONTINUES TO GROW *****
THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES CONTINUES TO GROW AND THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS USING FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS THIS YEAR HAS REACHED A RECORD HIGH.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, OVER 1,140 MILLION PASSENGERS WERE CARRIED IN BUSES, FERRIES, TRAMS AND THE RAILWAY DURING THE TEN-MONTH PERIOD.
THIS SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 91.7 MILLION PASSENGERS OR 8.7 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF 1976. MOST OF THE INCREASE WAS ON FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES. THE THREE MAJOR BUS COMPANIES ARE NOW CARRYING 2.9 MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY COMPARED TO 2.6 MILLION IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY, WITH A FLEET OF 1,712 BUSES INTRODUCED 10 ADDITIONAL ROUTES DURING THE YEAft-AND NOW CARRIES AN AVERAGE OF 2.2 MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY ON 158 ROUTES. THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS INCREASED BY 13.3 PER CENT COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE 10 NEW ROUTES INCLUDE FIVE SERVING NEW HOUSING ESTATES, INCLUDING CHEUNG CHING, LAI YIU AND TAI HING.
IN ADDITION, THE FREQUENCY AND CARRYING CAPACITY HAVE BEEN INCREASED ON 17 ROUTES SERVING EXISTING HOUSING ESTATES. THE 16 EXPRESS COACH SERVICES NOW CARRY AN AVERAGE OF 31,400 PASSENGERS PER DAY: 3,300 USE THE TWO AIRPORT COACH SERVICES. ONE NEW COACH ROUTE CONNECTING STAR FERRY AND LAI YIU WAS INTRODUCED DURING THE YEAR.
THE DAILY AVERAGE TOTAL MILEAGE RUN BY K.M.B. BUSES IS 200,000, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 5.3 PER CENT OVER SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY WITH A FLEET OF 744 BUSES HAS INTRODUCED FOUR NEW ROUTES DURING THE YEAR AND NOW CARRIES AN AVERAGE OF 654,000 PASSENGERS A DAY ON 70 ROUTES.
PASSENGER VOLUME HAS SHOWN A 4.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR DUE MAINLY TO THE INCREASED USE OF LARGER CAPACITY BUSES. IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON EIGHT ROUTES INCLUDING THE ONE TO WAH FU ESTATE.
THE DAILY AVERAGE TOTAL MILEAGE RUN BY THE COMPANY’S BUSES IS 70,200, REPRESENTING A DECLINE OF 2.5 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
DEMAND FOR THE CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES CONTINUES TO GROW AND THE 14 ROUTES JOINTLY OPERATED BY K.M.B. AND C.M.B. NOW CARRY 347,700 PASSENGERS A DAY.
/TRAFFIC on......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1b, 1977
- 2 -
TRAFFIC ON THE TWO ALL-NIGHT CROSS HARBOUR SERVICES AND THE RECREATION ROUTE BETWEEN SHA TIN AND ABERDEEN HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE. A NEW CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND SHA TIN IS BEING PLANNED IN ANTICIPATION OF THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE.
ON LANTAU ISLAND, THE NEW LANTAU BUS COMPANY WITH A FLEET OF 45 BUSES NOW CARRIES AN AVERAGE OF 5,500 PASSENGERS A DAY. ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TRAFFIC INCREASES BY 87 PER CENT TO 10,300. TOTAL DAILY AVERAGE MILEAGE RUN AT 2,600 IS AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ON THE STAR FERRY COMPANY’S SERVICES FROM CENTRAL TO TSIM SHA TSUI AND HUNG HOM HAS REMAINED STEADY AT 137,400 PASSENGERS A DAY. THE CENTRAL TO HUNG HOM ROUTE HAS SHOWN AN IMPROVED RATE OF INCREASE OVER THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS.
ALTHOUGH FARES WERE INCREASED IN JULY THIS YEAR, TRAFFIC ON THE 14 CROSS HARBOUR PASSENGER FERRY SERVICES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WENT DOWN BY ONLY 2.7 PER CENT (AS COMPARED WITH AN EIGHT PER CENT DECLINE FOR THE SAME PERIOD. OF 1976 OVER 1975). THESE SERVICES NOW CARRY 317,000 PASSENGERS PER DAY.
HOVERFERRY SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY DURING OFF-PEAK HOURS IN THE KWUN TONG TO CENTRAL ROUTE. THE USE OF THE SHAU KEI WAN TO CENTRAL HOVERFERRY SERVICE REMAINED STEADY SINCE ITS RESUMPTION FROM OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLES CARRIED ON THE THREE CROSS HARBOUR VEHICULAR ROUTES INCREASED BY 6.5 PER CENT AND THEY NOW-CARRY 10,000 VEHICLES A DAY.
FOLLOWING THE FARE INCREASE, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED BY HONGKONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED WENT DOWN BUT TRAFFIC OVER THE PAST TEN MONTHS HAS SHOWN A 6.1 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF 1976. THE NUMBER OF AVERAGE DAILY PASSENGERS DURING THIS PERIOD WAS 368,000.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE 4,350 PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE NOW CARRYING AN AVERAGE OF 1.7 MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY. THIS PASSENGER VOLUME INCLUDES THE EIGHT ’MAXICAB’ ROUTES OPERATING ON HONG KONG ISLAND WHICH CONTINUE TO PROVE POPULAR. THE 54 ’MAXICABS’ NOW CARRY 16,200 PASSENGERS A DAY, REPRESENTING A 51 PER CENT INCREASE IN PASSENGER VOLUME OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE AVERAGE DAILY MILEAGE RUN FOR THE LAST 10 MONTHS IS 9,800, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 56 PER CENT.
THE FIRST BATCH OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS COMMENCED OPERATION IN OCTOBER 1976 s 738 ARE NOW OPERATING IN THE RURAL AREAS TO THE NORTH OF TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
THERE ARE NOW 120,577 REGISTERED PRIVATE MOTOR CARS COMPARED TO 113,665 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR. THE INCREASE IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORK HAS CONTINUED TO STIMULATE DEMAND FOR GOODS VEHICLES AND THERE ARE NOW 42,071 GOODS VEHICLES -REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 16.7 PER CENT IN THE LAST YEAR.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
3
ANNUAL SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL REVIEW
* * *
ROAD SAFETY PATROLS OVERSEE THE SAFETY OF MORE THAN 150,000 STUDENTS AND EVERY YEAR AT THEIR REVIEW THE PROUD BOAST IS MADE THAT NO YOUNGSTER HAS EVEN BEEN KILLED, MAIMED OR EVEN SUFFERED THE SLIGHTEST INJURY WHEN UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A PATROL.
DR. RICHARD BUTLER, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, SAID THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE 13TH ANNUAL REVIEW OF SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS, HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT STADIUM, AT WHICH HE TOOK THE SALUTE.
PATROLS FROM 105 SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 4,500 WERE REPRESENTED AT THE CEREMONY.
DR. BUTLER SAID: +OVER THE 10 YEARS THAT I HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG I HAVE SEEN THE PATROLS MORE THAN DOUBLE IN STRENGTH FROM A MEMBERSHIP OF 2,000 IN 1968 TO THEIR PRESENT LEVEL.
+EVERY YEAR AT THIS REVIEW THE PROUD BOAST IS MADE THAT NO ACCIDENT HAS EVER OCCURRED WHERE AND WHEN THE PATROLS ARE ON DUTY.
+THIS YEAR IS NO EXCEPTION AND I CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE MAINTENANCE OF YOUR UNBLEMISHED RECORD. LONG MAY IT CONTINUE.*
HE PRAISED THE POLICE IN HELPING TO TRAIN +YOU HIGHLY DISCIPLINED YOUNG PEOPLE* AND SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING FOR WHICH THE COMMUNITY OWED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE A GREAT DEBT.
DR. BUTLER SAID HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF AN EXPANSION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.
+AT PRESENT THE COSTS OF UNIFORMS FOR THE PATROLS ARE PROVIDED BY THE STUDENTS AND CLEARLY THIS MUST BE A DETERRENT TO ESTABLISHING PATROLS IN SCHOOLS WHERE THE STUDENTS’ PARENTS HAVE BELOW AVERAGE INCOMES,* HE SAID.
+IT SEEMS JUSTIFIABLE TO SPEND PUBLIC FUNDS TO HELP PROVIDE UNIFORMS IN SUCH INSTANCES AND I WOULD SUPPORT DOING SO.*
DR. BUTLER SAID A FLEET OF 10,000 BUSES, MINI-BUSES AND TRAMS ON OUR ROADS CARRIED FIVE MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY AND WERE INVOLVED, IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1977, IN 900 ACCIDENTS.
HE CONTRASTED THIS WITH THE FACT THAT A FLEET OF 140,000 TAXIS, PUBLIC CARS, MOTOR CYCLES AND PRIVATE CARS, CARRYING LESS THAN TWO MILLION PEOPLE A DAY IN 1977, WAS INVOLVED IN 2,500 ACCIDENTS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
+IS IT NOT CLEAR THAT PURELY FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF ROAD SAFETY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE ITS CITIZENS TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
+YOU WILL CONCLUDE THAT COLLECTIVE PASSENGER MOVEMENT REDUCES COSTS, CONGESTION AND CARNAGE,* HE REMARKED.
c --------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
4
NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA IN WESTERN PROPOSED # * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A NEW CARGO HANDLING AREA IN WESTERN TO REPLACE THE PRESENT ONE WHICH WILL DISAPPEAR WHEN THE WESTERN RECLAMATION IS COMPLETED.
A BREAKWATER SIMILAR TO THE ONE AT THE WAN CHAI CARGO HANDLING BASIN IS TO BE BUILT IN VICTORIA HARBOUR AT SHEK TONG TSUI TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR BOTH THE DISPLACED CARGO HANDLERS AND FOR A NEW WHOLESALE MARKET TO REPLACE THE KENNEDY TOWN MARKET.
THE BREAKWATER, TOGETHER WITH THE WALL RETAINING THE RECLAMATION, WILL PROVIDE 842 METRES OF WATERFRONT AREA WITH SUFFICIENT BREAK-UP SPACE TO FORM A SELF-CONTAINED +CONTROLLED CARGO-HANDLING AREA+.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS ABOUT 2.77 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA AFFECTED MAY BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
ANYONE OBJECTING TO THE PLAN OR HAVING A CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT CAN LODGE THEIR OBJECTION OR CLAIM WITH THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
0
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
- 5 -
LODGE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES EARLIER - TAXPAYERS TOLD x x x X x
AN INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS COULD MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES IF THEY LODGED THEIR CERTIFICATES, WITH THEIR DEMAND NOTES, SOME THREE OR FOUR WEEKS BEFORE THE DUE DATE FOR; PAYMENT OF THEIR TAX.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT TAXPAYERS SENDING IN THEIR TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES AT ANY TIME UP TO ONE MONTH BEFORE THE DUE DATE WOULD NOT SUFFER LOSS OF INTEREST.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID t +EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT VERY MANY TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS SEND IN THEIR CERTIFICATES AND DEMAND NOTES JUST A FEW DAYS BEFORE THEIR TAX IS DUE, WITH CASH OR A CHEQUE FOR THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE FACE VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATES AND THE ACTUAL TAX DUE.
+THIS MEANS THAT A REFUND HAS TO BE MADE TO THEM, AFTER THE NECESSARY CALCULATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE, IN RESPECT OF THE INTEREST ACCRUED ON THE CERTIFICATES SURRENDERED.+
HE DESCRIBED THE ABOVE PROCEDURE AS ’A SOURCE OF INCONVENIENCE AND DELAY FOR BOTH THE TAXPAYER AND THE DEPARTMENT’.
+BY SENDING IN THEIR TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, WITH THEIR DEMAND NOTES, SOME THREE OR FOUR WEEKS AHEAD OF THE DUE DATE, THEY WILL ALLOW THE COLLECTION OFFICE TIME TO MAKE ALL NECESSARY CALCULATIONS AND TO ADVISE THEM WELL BEFORE THE DUE DATE OF THE EXACT AMOUNT REMAINING DUE, FOR SETTLEMENT BY CASH OR CHEQUE,*
HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE CERTIFICATES LODGED MORE THAN A MONTH BEFORE THE DUE DATE COULD ONLY EARN INTEREST UP TO THE DATE OF SURRENDER.
THE DEPARTMENT’S TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES SECTION WILL BE FACING A VERY BUSY PERIOD AS INCREASING NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ARE PURCHASING TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES NOWADAYS, AND MANY SALARIES TAX DEMAND NOTES BEGIN TO FALL DUE IN MID-JANUARY , 1978.
IN THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS, ENDING NOVEMBER 30, TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO THE VALUE OF 117.5 MILLION DOLLARS HAVE BEEN PURCHASED, COMPARED WITH 60.1 MILLION DOLLARS WORTH IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
CERTIFICATES MAY BE BOUGHT BY TAXPAYERS FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT EITHER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THEIR BANKERS.
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/6
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
6 -
GOLD COIN APPLICATION FORMS AVAILABLE
* * X X
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COIN WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT ALL BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND THE MERCANTILE BANK LTD.
THE FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THREE WEEKS UNTIL JANUARY 7 WHEN APPLICATIONS CLOSE.
THE NUMBER OF THE YEAR OF THE HORSE GOLD COINS WILL BE STRICTLY LIMITED TO NOT MORE THAN 30,000. OF THESE NOT MORE THAN 10,000 PROOFS WILL BE STRUCK.
THE OBVERSE SIDE OF THE COIN CARRIES A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN AND THE REVERSE DEPICTS THE HORSE.
THE COIN IS MADE OF 22 CARAT GOLD AND HAS A STANDARD WEIGHT OF 15.976 GRAMMES AND A DIAMETER OF 28.4 MILIMETERS.
EACH COIN HAS A FACE VALUE OF $1,000 AND THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED VERSION WILL BE SOLD AT THIS PRICE. THE PROOF QUALITY COINS WHICH HAVE A FROSTED RELIEF ON A MIRROR BACKGROUND FINISH ARE PRICED AT $1,500.
THE COIN WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PRESENTATION CASE AND ACCOMPANIED BY A DESCRIPTIVE BOOKLET.
MEANWHILE, SCORES OF FORMS HAVE BEEN FILLED IN BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE EXPRESSING INTEREST IN A GOLD COIN COLLECTORS CABINET.
THE PROTOTYPE CABINET WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM PUBLIC DISPLAY AT THE END OF DECEMBER AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE WHETHER DEMAND JUSTIFIES LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION.
THE CABINET HAS 14 WELLS TO ACCOMMODATE SCREW TOP PLASTIC COIN CONTAINERS AS WELL AS A RECESS FOR THE BOOKLETS WHICH ACCOMPANY EACH COIN.
GOLD COINS MARKING THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON (1976), THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE (1977) AND THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO THE TERRITORY IN 1975 HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED.
GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO ISSUE A $1,000 GOLD COIN EVERY YEAR UNTIL THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CYCLE OF 12 ANIMALS IS COMPLETE.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
7
BOOK ON BIRDS IN HK
* K *
HONG KONG IS HOME TO 400 DIFFERENT SPECIES OF BIRDS AND THE ONE PERCHED ON YOUR WINDOW SILL COULD BE THE MOST COMMON OR THE RAREST IN THE TERRITORY.
TO HELP PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SUBJECT THE GOVERNMENT HAS JUST PUBLISHED A BOOK, IN ENGLISH, ENTITLED +A COLOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG BIRDS*.
WRITTEN BY CLIVE VINEY AND CONTAINING 48 PAGES OF FULL-COLOUR BIRD ILLUSTRATIONS BY KAREN PH ILL IPPS, THE BOOK IS A USEFUL GUIDE FOR BIRD WATCHERS. IT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE AT 520 EACH.
THE 122—PAGE BOOK CONTAINS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON THE KIND OF BIRDS THAT ARE TO BE FOUND AROUND HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. IT ALSO GIVES DETAILS OF WHERE THEY LIVE AND THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN RARE SPECIES ARRIVE FROM THE NORTH FOR THE WINTER.
THE BOOK ALSO ADVISES INTERESTED BIRD WATCHERS ON WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT TO USE ON EXPEDITIONS, HOW TO BEHAVE, AND TO IDENTIFY EACH BIRD BY ITS KNOWN CHARACTERISTICS - COLOURING, SIZE AND BEHAVIOUR. THE BIRDS HAVE BEEN SEPARATED INTO FAMILIES WITH GENERAL NOTES TO DESCRIBE EACH SPECIES.
THE AUTHOR, CLIVE VINEY, HAS LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS AND IS AN AVID BIRD WATCHER. IT TOOK HIM A YEAR TO COLLATE INTO ITS PUBLISHED FORM ALL THE INFORMATION HE HAS GATHERED THROUGH THE YEARS.
KAREN PH ILLIPPS IS A PAINTER WHO SPECIALISES IN BIRDS AND OTHER SUBJECTS OF INTEREST TO NATURE LOVERS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
8
CALL FOR EARLY RETURN OF EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CARDS * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED THE MANAGEMENTS OF SOME 20,000 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH HAVE NOT YET FURNISHED THEIR EMPLOYMENT RETURNS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER THIS YEAR, TO DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID REMINDERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THESE ESTABLISHMENTS AND NOTED THAT PROMPT RETURN OF THE COMPLETED EMPLOYMENT ENQUIRY CARDS WOULD FACILITATE THE EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS.
ENQUIRY CARDS WERE FIRST MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS ON DECEMBER 2. MANAGEMENTS WERE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE CARDS WITH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS AT DECEMBER 5, AND TO RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 12.
THE FULL SCALE MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT SURVEY NOW IN PROGRESS COVERS SOME 42,033 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS. INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY WILL PROVIDE NOT ONLY BENCHMARK DATA FOR THE ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYMENT LEVELS AND TRENDS BUT ALSO AN UP-TO-DATE DIRECTORY OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CONDUCTING SAMPLE SURVEYS IN THE SUBSEQUENT QUARTERS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ENQUIRIES ARE ALSO BEING MADE ABOUT EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN THE IMPORT/EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS, HOTELS AND OTHER SELECTED TRADES AND SERVICES.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO ALL SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY.
HE STRESSED THAT INFORMATION FURNISHED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES.
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/9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1977
9
NEW IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST NOW AVAILABLE * * *
A NEW EDITION OF THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS NOW AVAILABLE ON SALE AT Sil A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST, WHICH WOULD BE EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, CONTAINED SOME CHANGES IN COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION AND A CHANGEOVER TO METRIC UNITS OF QUANTITY.
THE NEW LIST IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE ITS EFFECTIVE DATE IN ORDER TO GIVE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE TO COMPLETE TRADE DECLARATIONS, TIME TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE CHANGES.
UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS ARE REQUIRED TO LODGE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE DECLARATIONS OF ALL ARTICLES IMPORTED INTO, OR EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG.
THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF COUNTRIES AND COMMODITIES PUBLISHED IN THE NEW IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST, AND THE APPROPRIATE CODE NUMBERS LISTED AGAINST THESE CLASSIFICATIONS, ARE TO BE USED FOR COMPLETING TRADE DECLARATION FORMS ON AND AFTER JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
$1OM RESEARCH VESSEL TO REPLACE CAPE ST. MARY .............. 1
SWD’S FOURTH COMMUNITY HALL OPENS .......................... 2
EVENING COURSES ON CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE ............ 3
EXAMS FOR LOCAL MASTERS’ CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY RESUMED .................................................... 4
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE AT HANG HAU ................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1977
$1OM FISHERIES RESEARCH-VESSEL TO REPLACE CAPE ST. MARY
X * X *
A $10 MILLION FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL IS BEING BUILT IN ■HONG KONG FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
THE 129-F00T (39.32 METRE) COMBINATION SEINER/TRAWLER WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE THE PRESENT RESEARCH VESSEL, CAPE ST. MARY, WHICH HAS BEEN CONDUCTING A SERIES OF ACOUSTIC SURVEYS OF THE NORTHERN AREA OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THE NEW VESSEL, YET TO BE NAMED, IS BEING CONSTRUCTED BY CHUNG WAH SHIPBUILDING AND ENGINEERING CO. LTD. AT YAU TONG BAY. IT IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO SERVICE IN MID-1979.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT CAPE ST. MARY WAS BUILT IN 1951 AS A SIDE-TRAWLER AND HAS BEEN USED AS A RESEARCH VESSEL IN SOUTH AMERICA, WEST AFRICA AND HONG KONG.
PRESENT RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS CALL FOR A MORE VERSATILE TYPE OF CRAFT, CAPABLE OF STAYING AT SEA FOR LONGER PERIODS AND MORE SUITED TO MEET THE CONDITIONS PREVALENT IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. ACOUSTIC EQUIPMENT, PROVIDED BY THE SOUTH CHINA SEA PROGRAMME, WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE CAPE ST. MARY TO THE NEW VESSEL.
THE NEW SHIP WILL HAVE A CRUISING RANGE OF 8,000 MILES AND AN ENDURANCE OF 30 DAYS. ITS COMPLEMENT WILL CONSIST OF 17 CREW AND FIVE SCIENTISTS WHO WILL HAVE ONBOARD FACILITIES OF TWO LABORATOR I ESONE FOR FISH HANDLING AND THE OTHER FOR HYDROGRAPHIC STUDIES - AND TWO FISH TANKS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 2,000 CUBIC FEET (56 CUBIC METRE). IT WILL ALSO BE FITTED OUT WITH THE LATEST NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, INCLUDING SATELLITE NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OTHER FEATURES OF THE VESSEL INCLUDE A +LOADED DISPLACEMENT* OF ABOUT 850 TONS, A +CONTROLLED PITCH* PROPELLER, +MULTI-VANE RUDDER AND FIXED NOZZLE+ AND IT WILL CRUISE AT 11 KNOTS.
AS FOR ACCOMMODATION, IT WILL CONSIST OF 25 BERTHS ON THE THREE DECKS, ALL FORWARD, LEAVING A CLEAR AFTERDECK FOR CATCH HANDLING.
THE ACOUSTIC SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE CAPE ST. MARY HAVE BEEN DELAYED BECAUSE OF MECHANICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VESSEL. THE SURVEYS WERE DESIGNED TO LOCATE AND DETERMINE THE SEASONAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ABUNDANCE OF PELEG IC FISH STOCKS FOR IDENTIFICATION FOR MID-WATER TRAWL ING.
o
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1977
2
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OPENS FOURTH COMMUNITY HALL *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL. THE FOURTH TO BE COMPLETED AS PART OF A PROJECT AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, OFFICIALLY OPENS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR. BROOK BERNACCHI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, ATTENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MR. THOMAS LEE, ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND AREA COMMITTEES.
THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, SITUATED AT CHAI WAN ROAD NEAR YUE HING HOUSE, HING WAH ESTATE, STARTED OPERATION IN JUNE THIS YEAR. IT HAS SINCE SERVED AS A FOCAL POINT OF GROUP AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES FOR THE ESTATE WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 30,000.
APART FROM PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH DIRECT SERVICES SUCH AS GUIDANCE FOR PRE-SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TUITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, STAFF OF THE HALL ALSO ENGAGED THEMSELVES IN ACTIVE LIAISON WORK WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
FACILITIES OF THE HALL, WHICH INCLUDE A STAGE, CHANGING ROOMS AND A CONFERENCE ROOM, ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO YOUTH GROUPS, RELIGIOUS BODIES AND OTHER CIVIC ORGANISATIONS.
TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 8 P.M.
PRIZES FOR WINNERS OF THE CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION RUN BY THE COMMUNITY HALL WILL ALSO BE GIVEN OUT DURING THE SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL AT 5 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY). IT IS LOCATED AT CHAI WAN ROAD, NEAR YUE HING HOUSE, HING WAH ESTATE.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1977
EVENING COURSES ON CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE
******
SHORT EVENING COURSES ON ASPECTS OF CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE WILL COMMENCE ON JANUARY 3, 1978 AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON AND QUEEN’S COLLEGE.
THE COURSES ARE ON CHINESE PAINTINGS, POETRY, CALLIGRAPHY, MANDARIN AND OTHER AREAS OF CHINESE STUDIES, AND WILL BE FOR THREE MONTHS DURATION. L
ORGANISED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THESE CLASSES WILL BE HELD UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES IN ADDITION TO THE THREE-YEAR GENERAL ARTS COURSE WHICH IT HAS HELD FOR MANY YEARS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATES.
APPLICANTS FOR THESE COURSES ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE SUBJECTS AND AN ADEQUATE CHINESE STANDARD TO BENEFIT FROM THE COURSE. THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE CANTONESE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON OR BEFORE THURSDAY (DECEMBER 22).
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1977
4 -
EXAMINATIONS FOR LOCAL MASTERS’ CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY RESUMED ******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE EXAMINATIONS FOR LOCAL MASTERS’ CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY HAVE BEEN RESUMED.
AS A SPECIAL MEASURE TO REDUCE THE CANDIDATES’ EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENINGS FROM 5.30 7.30 P.M. EACH MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY DURING
EXAMINATIONS MAY BE ARRANGED BY CALLING AT THE CENTRE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, 10TH FLOOR, RUMSEY STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING.
P.M. TO
JANUARY 1978.
EXAMINATION STREET MULTI-
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REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE AT HANG HAU * * * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS AT HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA FOR THREE DAYS BETWEEN DECEMBER 28 AND 30.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DURING THESE DAYS.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARD BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
ALL PERSONS LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
S78M CONTRACT FOR NEW BEACON HILL RAILWAY TUNNEL ... 1
MORE AND BETTER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, SAYS HAYE .. 3
S23M ROAD CONTRACT SIGNED .......................... 4
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ............................. 5
SIR DENYS TO RE-DEDICATE VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL .... 6
SWD OPENS FIRST COMMUNITY HALL ON HONG KONG ISLAND . 7
YUEN LONG AND TAI PO DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS TO HOLD MEETING ............................................ 8
NEW BOOK ON TEMPLES ON SALE ........................ 9
FUN FOR THE HANDICAPPED ........................... 10
SEMINAR ON PAINTING ............................... 10
GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENTS CLINICS TO REMAIN OPEN DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ................................ 11
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ..................... 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
1
NEW BEACON HILL RAILWAY TUNNEL
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $78 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BEACON HILL RAILWAY TUNNEL.
THE CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TO AOKI CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. OF JAPAN.
AT A CEREMONY AT MURRAY BUILDING, THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD, SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, WHILE MR. HIROYOSHI AOKI, PRESIDENT OF AOKI CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD., SIGNED FOR THE CONTRACTOR.
MR. STEAD SAID THAT THE NEW 2.3 KM DOUBLE TRACK TUNNEL WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED TO THE WEST OF THE EXISTING SINGLE TRACK TUNNEL WHICH IT WILL REPLACE.
THE PRESENT TUNNEL HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE 1910 AND ACCOMMODATES THE LAST SECTION OF SINGLE TRACK RAILWAY BETWEEN HUNG HOM AND SHA TIN.
MR. STEAD SAID THAT THE ROUTE FOR THE NEW TUNNEL HAD BEEN CHOSEN TO IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY AND, BY FLATTENING THE GRADIENT FROM SHA TIN STATION, TO SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE RAILWAY, PARTICULARLY FOR GOODS TRAFFIC.
THE NEW TUNNEL WILL BE ABOUT SEVEN METRE HIGH AND JUST OVER TEN METRE WIDE, ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS THE TWO LION ROCK ROAD TUNNELS.
MR. STEAD SAID THAT THE HEIGHT IS SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW FOR THE POSSIBLE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE K.C.R.
+THE TUNNEL WILL BE LINED THROUGHOUT WITH CONCRETE WHICH WILL VARY FROM A THICKNESS OF 550 MM NEAR THE ENTRANCE TO 300 MM OVER MOST OF ITS LENGTH, WHERE THE TUNNEL WILL PASS THROUGH SOLID ROCK.+
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO TAKE TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS, HE SAID.
CONTRACTS WILL BE CALLED SOON FOR THE BUILDING OF THE APPROACHES TO THIS NEW GATEWAY TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND FOR THE SUPPLY OF NECESSARY RAILS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT $97 MILLION.
/A UNIQUE FEATURE .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
- 2 -
A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE PROJECT WILL BE A PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE INSIDE THE TUNNEL AT THE POINT WHERE IT PASSES OVER ANOTHER TUNNEL CARRYING WATER FROM THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR.
ONLY ONE METRE WILL SEPARATE THE TWO TUNNELS AT THIS POINT.
THE BRIDGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE LOADS AND VIBRATION FROM RAIL TRAFFIC BEING TRANSMITTED TO THE WATER TUNNEL.
MR. STEAD ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE TRACK WITHIN THE TUNNEL WILL BE SET IN CONCRETE, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR THE BALLAST AND SLEEPERS USED IN CONVENTIONAL TRACK.
+AS WELL AS OCCUPYING LESS SPACE AND HENCE REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE TUNNEL, THIS FORM OF TRACK IS ALSO EXPECTED TO SHOW SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS IN MAINTENANCE COSTS,* HE SAID.
SUITABLY QUALIFIED FIRMS WILL SHORTLY BE ASKED TO APPLY FOR INVITATIONS TO TENDER FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THIS CONCRETE TRACK.
THE TUNNEL HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE P.W.D. WHO WILL ALSO SUPERVISE ITS CONSTRUCTION ON BEHALF OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
3
MORE AND BETTER EDUCATION, SAYS HAYE M * * *
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY AND PRIZE-GIVING AT THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR.COLVYN HAYE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, DEFENDED THE HONG KONG SCHOOL SYSTEM WHICH IS OFTEN CRITICISED AS BEING STATIC, CONSERVATIVE AND OLD-FASHIONED.
+N0 SCHOOL SYSTEM IS PERFECT,* MR. HAYE SAID, +BUT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG IS FUNDAMENTALLY SOUND AND MOVING IN THE RIGHT GENERAL DIRECTION.*
THE GREEN PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION COULD BE SUMMED UP IN TWO WORDS, MR.HAYE SAID: +MORE+ AND +BETTER+.
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL WAS TO BUILD ON THE EXISTING SYSTEM AND EXTEND THE RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY, WHILE IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, MR. HAYE DECLARED.
PAYING PARTICULAR TRIBUTE TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YUEN LONG SCHOOL, MR. HAYE SAID THAT IT WAS AN IMPRESSIVE MONUMENT TO THE DEDICATION AND HARD WORK OF THE PRINCIPAL AND STAFF.
IT WAS A MODEL SCHOOL IN MANY RESPECTS. IT WAS ANYTHING BUT STATIC,CONSERVATIVE AND OLD-FASHIONED.TEN MINUTES IN A SCHOOL SUCH AS THIS SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO CONVINCE ANY CRITICS OF THE SYSTEM GENERALLY.
ALTHOUGH THE YUEN LONG SCHOOL HAD A COMPARATIVELY RECENT HISTORY, IT DEMONSTRATED WHAT COULD BE DONE WITH ENERGY, ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION.
MR. HAYE TOLD PRIZE WINNERS AND GRADUATES OF THE SCHOOL THAT THEY HAD BEEN WELL EDUCATED TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF A COMPETITIVE SOCIETY.
HE ADVISED SCHOOL LEAVERS TO LOOK FOR FURTHER EDUCATION IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
+NOT EVERYBODY CAN BE A LAWYER, A DOCTOR, OR A DENTIST,* MR. HAYE SAID.
THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WILL DEPEND ON ITS TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGISTS.
+THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A PLACE FOR THE PROFESSIONS BUT YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WILL BE NEEDED IN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE,* HE ADDED.
MRS. HAYE PRESENTED THE PRIZES AT THE CEREMONY.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
4 -
SOUTHERN APPROACH ROADS TO AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE CONTRACT SIGNED * * * X M *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY LET A $23 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTHERN APPROACH ROADS TO AP LEI CHAU BR IDGE.
THE CONTRACT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE $60 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE PROJECT, WAS AWARDED TO FOOK LEE CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. AND WAS FORMALLY SIGNED AT THE P.W.D. HEADQUARTERS THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
MR. S. BARDEN, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, WHO SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, SAID THAT THE WORK WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 900-METRE-L0NG ROAD, A SLIP ROAD AND A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY ON AP LEI CHAU.
WORK FOR THE CONTRACT WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. BARDEN SAID: +THE SOUTHERN APPROACH ROADS WILL BE TIMED FOR COMPLETION AT THE SAME TIME AS THE BRIDGE AND THE NORTHERN APPROACH ROADS, SO THAT THE WHOLE SCHEME CAN BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC BY MID-1979.+
+0N COMPLETION,+ HE SAID, +THE APPROACH ROADS ALONG WITH THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE AP LEI CHAU HOUSING ESTATE AND ABERDEEN WHILE THE SLIP ROAD, MEASURING 270 METRES IN LENGTH, WOULD LINK AP LEI CHAU VILLAGE WITH THE SOUTHERN APPROACHES TO THE BRIDGE.
+T0 FACILITATE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS, A SUBWAY WILL BE BUILT NEAR THE AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG SCHOOL. FOOTPATHS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SLIP ROAD AND ALONG THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE MAIN ROAD,+ HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS UNDERWAY ON THE $32 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE AND ITS NORTHERN ROAD CONNECTIONS IN ABERDEEN.
THE 23O-METRE-LONG BRIDGE, WHICH WILL CARRY TWO TRAFFIC LANES, WITH A CAPACITY OF ABOUT 1,500 VEHICLES PER HOUR, WILL BE THE FIRST TO LINK HONG KONG WITH ONE OF ITS OFFSHORE ISLANDS.
MR. BARDEN POINTED OUT THAT THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE AND THE $280 MILLION ABERDEEN TUNNEL, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID-1980, WILL ALSO PROVIDE A FAST AND DIRECT ROAD LINK FROM AP LEI CHAU TO THE NORTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND VIA THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, AND THENCE THROUGH THE CROSS HARBOUR TENNEL TO KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
0 -------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
- 5 -
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW * * * *
THE HON. SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI WILL MOVE A MOTION AT TOMORROW’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THAT HONG KONG TIME SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE SET AT GMT PLUS 8 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
MR. LI WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION DURING WHICH THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE HON. JAMES WU, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE AND THE HON. WONG LAM WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
DURING QUESTION TIME THE UNOFFICIALS WILL ASK 19 QUESTIONS.
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL RAISE TWO QUESTIONS — ONE ON EEC-HK TEXTILE AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENTS.
THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER REVIEWING THE OVERALL SITUATION OF BOAT SQUATTERS AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY TO MONITOR ALL PROGRAMMES OF THE THREE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATIONS IN VIEW OF THEIR +TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE+ IN THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY ON CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
MR. BREMRIDGE WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL ARRANGE FOR A RAPID TRANSLATION OF PRIVATE HIRE CARS INTO LICENSED TAXIS, AND A SUBSEQUENT SHARP INCREASE IN THE GRANT OF NEW TAXI LICENCES TO MEET DEMAND.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED INCLUDE THOSE ON WATER STORAGE SITUATION, THE CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES, THE POSSIBILITY OF INSCRIBING ON THE PROPOSED NEW $1 AND 10-CENT COINS THEIR RESPECTIVE DENOMINATIONS IN CLEAR ARABIC NUMERALS, AND THE PERFORMANCE OF TRAFFIC WARDENS.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON SEVEN BILLS, THE OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS WILL SPEAK ON FOUR OF THESE BILLS. THESE ARE THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1977, AND THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS BILL 1977.
TWO OTHER BILLS — THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 — WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
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/6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
6
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR DENYS WILL RE-DEDICATE VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL
******
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL RE-DEDICATE THE VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 22) AT 11.30 A.M.
A NEW TIME CAPSULE WITH AN ESTIMATED LIFE OF AT LEAST 10,000 YEARS WILL BE LODGED IN THE PLINTH OF THE MEMORIAL.
THE CONTENTS OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER WILL BE PLACED IN THE CAPSULE TOGETHER WITH CONTEMPORARY ITEMS INCLUDING SOME OF THOSE PRODUCED TO MARK THE SILVER JUBLIEE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II.
THE MEMORIAL WILL BE RELOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF MOUNT DAVIS ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD IN WESTERN DISTRICT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/7.....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
7 -
FIRST COMMUNITY HALL ON THE ISLAND OPENS
*******
URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR. BROOK BERNACCHI, SAID TODAY HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY HALLS TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING WITH CONVENIENT ASSEMBLY PLACES FOR MEETINGS, DISCUSSIONS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
MR. BERNACCHI ALSO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ASSUMING A MAJOR ROLE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORK.
+IT IS THROUGH THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE ESTATE THAT THE RESIDENTS COULD BUILD UP A SPIRIT OF MUTUAL RESPECT, CONCERN AND CO-OPERATION - ALL AIMED TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COHESIVE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
ON THE TASK UNDERTAKEN BY THE ESTATE COMMUNITY WORKERS, MR. BERNACCHI SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT BE AN EASY JOE TO INVOLVE RESIDENTS, WITH VASTLY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND WAYS OF LIFE, TO ADAPT TO THE NEW SURROUNDINGS.
THE HING WAH COMMUNITY HALL IS THE FOURTH ONE RECENTLY COMPLETED AS PART OF A PROJECT AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THE OTHER THREE ARE LOCATED AT LEK YUEN, LEI MUK SHUE AND LAI KING ESTATES.
APART FROM PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH DIRECT SERVIES SUCH AS GUIDANCE AND TUITION FOR STUDENTS, STAFF OF THE COMMUNITY HALLS ALSO ENGAGED THEMSELVES IN ACTIVE LIAISON WORK WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
FACILITIES OF EACH HALL, WHICH INCLUDE A STAGE, CHANGING ROOMS AND CONFERENCE ROOM SUITABLE FOR HOLDING EXHIBITIONS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES, ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO YOUTH GROUPS, RELIGIOUS BODIES AND OTHER CIVIC ORGANISATIONS.
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/8
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
8 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWO NT DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS TO HOLD FIRST MEETING TOMORROW
* K * *
THE LAST TWO INAUGURAL MEETINGS OF A SERIES FOR THE SEVEN NEWLY CREATED NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WILL START ITS MEETING AT 10 A.M. AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WILL MEET AT 11.15 A.M. AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL ATTEND BOTH THE MEETINGS AND ADDRESS THE MEMBERS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER BOTH MEETINGS.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN AM 2088 WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 9.15 A.M. TOMORROW. THE VAN WILL TAKE THE PRESS PARTY FIRST TO TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND THEN TO YUEN LONG. DI STR ICT OFFICE.
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/9
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
9
NEW BOOK OPENS UP TEMPLES
******
A NEW BOOK IN ENGLISH ON THE TEMPLES OF HONG KONG HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE NOW FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND LEADING BOOK SELLERS AT 520 PER COPY.
ENTITLED +TH1S IS HONG KONG: TEMPLES+, IT IS THE FIRST IN A NEW SERIES AND THE FIRST BOOK ABOUT TEMPLES FOR MANY YEARS TO BE PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH FOR NON-CHINESE READERS.
THE AUTHOR, JOYCE SAVIDGE, SPENT FIVE MONTHS VISITING TEMPLES ALL OVER HONG KONG, TALKING TO TEMPLE KEEPERS, PRIESTS AND WORSHIPPERS.
THERE ARE SOME 600 TEMPLES IN HONG KONG. HALF ARE BUDDHIST, ABOUT 200 ARE TAOIST AND THE REST ARE A MIXTURE OF BOTH. THESE LAST TEMPLES ARE THE ONES GENERALLY FREQUENTED BY THE PUBLIC. BUT EVEN SO GETTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE, OR ANY OTHER KIND OF TEMPLE, WAS NOT EASY.
+1 FOUND THAT INITIALLY CHINESE PEOPLE WERE VERY RELUCTANT TO TALK ABOUT THEIR BELIEFS+, SAID MRS. SAVIDGE. +1 THINK THIS IS VERY SAD. I THINK THEY FEEL THAT WESTERNERS WILL THINK THEM OLD-FASHIONED OR SUPERSTITIOUS.
IT WAS DIFFICULT TO GET ANYTHING OUT OF THEM+.
ONCE SHE WENT INTO THE SUBJECT MORE DEEPLY, SAID MRS. SAVIDGE, SHE FOUND THAT THIS RELUCTANCE BEGAN TO LESSEN AND YOUNGER PEOPLE WERE MORE WILLING TO SPEAK ABOUT THEIR BELIEFS.
+IN CONTRAST TO WESTERN FORMS OF WORSHIP I FOUND THERE WAS A DEFINITE INFORMALITY ABOUT TEMPLE WORSHIP. ANYBODY CAN GO IN AT ANY TIME, FIND A SPACE AND PRAY.+
DURING HER VISITS TO TEMPLES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS, MRS. SAVIDGE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A PHOTOGRAPHER AND THE 123-PAGE BOOK IS PACKED WITH MORE THAN 130 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF TEMPLES, GODS AND DEITIES.
IN HER RESEARCH SHE WAS GREATLY ASSISTED BY THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE - IN PARTICULAR BY MR. LEUNG MAN-WAI WHO WAS, AT THE TIME THE BOOK WAS BEING WRITTEN, TREASURER, BUT HAS NOW RETIRED.
APART FROM HER VISITS MRS. SAVIDGE CARRIED OUT EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND IN THIS SHE WAS AIDED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, TAOIST AND BUDDHIST ORGANISATIONS AND NUMEROUS MONASTERIES.
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/1C
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
FESTIVE FUN FOR THE HANDICAPPED ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ORGANISING A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR TRAINEES OF THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF PO LEUNG KUK, MRS. KITTY SIU HON-SUM, ALONG WITH PARENTS OF THE TRAINEES, WILL ATTEND THE PARTY STARTING FROM 2.33 P.M. AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG.
VOLUNTEERS FROM SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND ABERDEEN BAPTIST CHURCH WILL PERFORM DANCES, ACROBATICS, AND A STAGE DRAMA DURING THE OCCASION.
THE KAI CHI CENTRE PROVIDES BOTH DAY AND RESIDENTIAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR 140 MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN AGED FROM SIX TO 15, WHILE THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, WITH A CAPACITY OF 255, OFFERS SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF DISABLEMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR TRAINEES OF THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE TOMORROW AT 2.33 P.M. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG.
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SEMINAR ON PAINTING
*****
A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PAINTING WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 1 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23), AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
ORGANISED BY THE ART SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE SEMINAR AIMS TO INTRODUCE NEW APPROACHES IN TEACHING METHODS AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT. IT WILL _____
ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ART TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE- IDEAS AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
MR. KWOK CHIU-LEUNG, INSPECTOR (ART), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL INTRODUCE THE SPEAKERS AT THE SYMPOSIUM. TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS TO BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, WILL CENTRE AROUND THE USE OF COLOUR, FIGURES, AND FANTASY.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1977
11
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS *****
SIX GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS (DECEMBER 25, 26 AND 27).
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND THE SHAU KEI WAN ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND- THE KWUN TONG ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, THE YAU MA TEI ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC AND THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON- AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, TSUEN WAN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT
*****
THE SECTION OF NEW STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 8 AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 10 P.M. AND 6 P.M. DAILY FROM DECEMBER 25 TO DECEMBER 29.
THIS TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE SLOPE REMEDIAL WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS '..'ILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG TIME STAYS AT GMT +3 .................................. 1
GOVERNOR RETURNING ON DECEMBER 30 ............................... 3
LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED . 3
STAR FERRY COMPANY’S ROYALTY WAIVED ............................. 7
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL ..................... 8
WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS BILL PASSED .................... 10
HK NOT RESTRICTED IN TALKS WITH E.E.C........................... 12
MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT TO BE EXTENDED ......................... 13
DESIGN OF NEW $1 COIN FINALISED ................................ 13
WATER RESTRICTIONS GENERALLY OBSERVED .......................... 15
BILL TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS RECEIVES UNOFFICIALS’ SUPPORT ........................................... 16
QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY ............... 17
EFFORT MADE IN KEEPING WORKERS INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS ........ 19
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT CAREFULLY PLANNED TO COPE WITH RACING AT SHATIN ...................................................... 20
EXTENDING DUTIES OF TRAFFIC WARDENS BEING CONSIDERED ........... 21
REHOUSING POLICY APPLIES TO BOAT DWELLERS ...................... 22
/NON-PROFIT .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
NON-PROFIT MAKING CLUBS ELIGIBLE FOR RATE RELIEF SCHEME ........ 23
MEASURES TO REDUCE WAITING TIME FOR X-RAY EXAMINATIONS ......... 24
MONITORING OF TV PROGRAMMES .................................... 25
CROWD CONTROL AT FOOTBALL MATCH ................................ 25
DUTY-FREE BRANDY FOR CHRISTMAS ................................. 26
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS AMENDING LAW ON POSTING OF ILLEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS ................................................. 26
POLICE PATROLS IN COUNTRY PARKS ................................ 27
NO AVERAGE TIME FOR SUMMONS PROCEEDINGS ........................ 27
FIVE BILLS PASSED ........................................... 28
YUEN LONG AND TAI PO DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS HOLD FIRST MEETINGS ....................................................... 29
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
1
HONG KONG TIME STAYS AT
******
GMT +8
HONG KONG TIME STAYS AT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVED
GMT +8 TODAY.
THROUGHOUT THE
YEAR, THE
MOVING A MOTION FOR THE
ADOPTION OF GMT +8 AS
ONE TIME
SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON. F.K. LI, SAID THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CLEARLY INDICATED A GENERAL PREFERENCE FOR GMT +8.
PUBLIC REACTION ON THE TIME SYSTEM WAS OBTAINED BY INVITING COMMFNT TO GPO BOX 10,000- BY SOUNDING THROUGH THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT- AND BY ASKING HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR VIEWS IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS AND DEALINGS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
SUPPORT FOR GMT +8 WAS ALSO REFLECTED IN OPINIONS VOICED IN AND THROUGH THE CHINESE PRESS, MR. LI POINTED OUT.
+1 HAVE THEREFORE CONCLUDED THAT THE RETENTION OF GMT +8 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR REPRESENTS THE GENERAL WISH OF OUR COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
ON THE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, MR. LI SAID ABOUT 73 PER CENT WAS FOR THE RETENTION OF GMT +8
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WITH 11 PER CENT FOR GMT +9, 12 PER CENT FOR A DUAL TIME SYSTEM AND THE REMAINDER HAVING NO PREFERENCE.
HE SAID THAT THE SURVEY TOOK THE FORM OF QUESTIONNAIRES AND INTERVIEWS WITH ABOUT 2,500 RESPONDENTS IN SEPTEMBER AND 2,200 IN NOVEMBER.
HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS FOR THE NOVEMBER SURVEY WERE DRAWN FROM THE LIST INTERVIEWED IN SEPTEMBER AND THE OTHER HALF WERE NEW RESPONDENTS.
+THIS WAS DONE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR COMPARISON BETWEEN OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE SAME GROUP AT TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND FOR COMPARISON OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY TWO DIFFERENT GROUPS,+ MR. LI ADDED.
ON THE RETURNS MADE TO GPO BOX 10,000, HE SAID THE RESPONSE IN THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER CONSISTED OF ABOUT 51,000 REPRESENTATIONS IN THE FORM OF LETTERS, CARDS, NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS AND PRINTED SLIPS.
THESE INCLUDED AN ANONYMOUS LETTER CLAIMING THAT MANY PRINTED FORMS WERE FILLED IN BY ONE PERSON OR GROUP OF PERSONS BY TAKING NAMES AND ADDRESSES FROM THE TELEPHONE DIRECTORY.
/+THERE WERE ABOUT ....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
2
+THERE WERE ABOUT 45,000 SUCH FORMS, A LARGE NUMBER OF WHICH APPEARED TO BE FILLED IN AND SIGNED IN THE SAME HANDWRITING, AND ALL EXCEPT 240, WERE IN FAVOUR OF GMT +9 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR,* MR. LI SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A SMALL RANDOM SAMPLE OF 45 WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SELECTED FOR CHECKING AND ALL 45 PERSONS CONTACTED DISCLAIMED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THE RETURN, AND +IN FACT, TWO OF THEM DIED OVER SIX MONTHS AGO.+
+THE VALIDITY OF THESE RETURNS IS THEREFORE DOUBTFUL,* MR. LI REMARKED.
OF THE REMAINING 6,000 RETURNS, REPRESENTING NEARLY 13,000 INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS, INCLUDING SOME LARGE ORGANISATIONS, SOME 65 PER CENT EXPRESSED A PREFERENCE FOR GMT +8 AS HONG KONG TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
MR. LI SAID: +THOUGH THE RETURNS TO GPO BOX 10,000 FAVOUR GMT +9 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, I AM AFRAID WE CANNOT PUT TOO MUCH WEIGHT ON THIS SURVEY BECAUSE OF THE DOUBTS ON 45,000 PRINTED FORMS.*
TURNING TO THE REACTION FROM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID IT WAS MORE VARIED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS AND THEIR DEALINGS WITH DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY.
+HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +THESE RETURNS ALSO SHOW A GENERAL PREFERENCE FOR GMT +8 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR - 50 PER CENT AS OPPOSED TO 38 PER CENT IN FAVOUR OF DUAL TIME AND 12 PER CENT IN FAVOUR OF GMT +9.+
TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE AND THE HON. WONG LAM ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION.
MR. BREMRIDGE SAID HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE LARGE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG’S CHINESE PREFERRED GMT +8.
+1 THUS FIND NO DIFFICULTY IN SUPPORTING THEIR PREFERENCE, WHICH IN MY OPINION, HAS BEEN WELL ESTABLISHED.
+1 MUST ALSO NOTE THE ADVANTAGE TO MANY OF PRESENTING IN HONG KONG, THE SAME TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AS THAT IN CANTON,* HE- SAID.
MR. WONG LAM SHARED MR. BREMRIDGE’S VIEW AND SAID: +ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPOUNDED THEIR VIEWS, BOTH IN ENGLISH PRESS AND IN OTHER MEDIA, THAT GMT +9 SHOULD BE ADOPTED, I MUST SAY THAT FROM MY OWN PERSONAL CONTACTS WITH PEOPLE IN EVERY SECTOR OF THIS COMMUNITY, I HAVE GAINED THE IMPRESSION THE SILENT MAJORITY PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO SUCH PRACTICAL CONSIDERATION, SUCH AS THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER, AND WOULD ALSO PREFER GMT +3 AS THE TIME SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG.*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 3 -
NOTE TO EDITORS
GOVERNOR RETURNING ON DECEMBER 30
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 30 AFTER SIX WEEKS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
SIR MURRAY WILL BE ACCOMPANI ED BY LADY MACLEHOSE.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY MACLEHOSE ARE DUE TO RETURN BY BA888 ON DECEMBER 30, E.T.A. 1755 HOURS.
- - 0 -
LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOL IDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
THE MAJORITY OF THE UNOFFICIALS WELCOMED AND SUPPORTED THE BILL AS +STRIKING A SENSIBLE BALANCE*.
ONLY ONE UNOFFICIAL, REV. THE HOU. PATRICK MCGOVERN, OPPOSED IT.
OPPOSING THE BILL AT THE RESUMED DEBATE, FATHER MCGOVERN SAID IT WOULD CONTINUE TO UNDO THE LIMITED MEASURE OF RENT CONTROL WHICH TOOK YEARS OF PUBLIC CLAMOUR TO PUSH THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE.
+1 HAVE SAID IT BEFORE AND I SAY IT AGAIN NOW, THERE IS NO SUCH THING IN HONG KONG AS A FAIR MARKET RENT. ALSO, IN SO FAR AS THE MARKET IS FREE IT IS UNFAIR TO THE TENANT,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN SUPPORTING PAPERS GIVING THE GOVERNMENT’S ARGUMENTS FOR THE BILL, THE WORDS +FAIR MARKET RENT* OCCURRED 13 TI’"ES, AND THE WORDS *rREE MARK—T . _ T* T>. ICE, IN A CONT—XT jHErtc 1 . ..AS USED AS IF IT JAS THE SAME AS THE FORMER.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS IMBALANCE DETWEEN DEMAND FOR PRIVATE HOUSING AND SUPPLY OF HOUSING AT RENTS ..HIGH TENANTS CAN AFFORD BECAUSE OF SCARCITY OF BUILDING LAND. +IT MUST THEREFORE REMAIN CONTROLLED IF IT IS TO BE EVEN PARTLY FAIR TO THE TENANT.*
FURTHERMORE THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAVE HAD THEIR CHANCE BUT THIS WAS SO ABUSED BY +RAPACIOUSLY RAISING RENTS THAT THEY BROUGHT RENT CONTROL OK THEIR OWN HEADS.* +1 HAVE .'IC REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD DE ANY DIFFERENT IF THEY GOT THE CHANCE AGAIN,* HE SAID.
THE SECTOR MIGHT HAVE A FUNCTIO' I'. BUILDING EXPENSIVE OFFICES AND LUXURY HOUSING FOR EXECU. IVES DU1 i /EL THEN THE COST OF THESE EXPENSIVE OFFICES AND FLATS ..AS BEILS PASSED ON TO CUSTOMERS.
/FATHER I.ICGOVERN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
4
FATHER MCGOVERN WAS CONCERNED CONTROL COULD BE REMOVED UNTIL THE SAME AS +THE SO-CALLED FAIR MARKET
THAT STEP BY STEP RENT
ACTUAL RENT PAID WOULD BE THE
RENT.+
*WE WILL BE BACK TO THE INTOLERABLE SITUATION WHICH MADE RENT CONTROL NECESSARY — THE SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST IN THE FREE-FOR-ALL WARFARE OF THE CONCRETE JUNGLE, BACKED, AS WAS THEN COMMONLY BELIEVED, BY GOVERNMENT BY THE RICH FOR THE RICH.+
EVEN IF THE 21 PER CENT CEILING REMAINS AT THE END OF THE PROCESS, HE ADDED, IT IS TOO HIGH FOR THE ORDINARY TENANT WHOSE REAL WAGES ARE NOT GOING UP TO THIS MUCH- AND EVEN IF THEY ARE, THERE IS NO REASON WHY ALL THE INCREASE SHOULD GO INTO THE POCKET OF THE LANDLORDS INSTEAD OF TO IMPROVING HIS STANDARD OF LIVING.
HE WARNED OF A +TEMPTING POSSIBILITY* IF RENTS WERE TO CONTINUE TO RISE UNREASONABLY’ +THE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES IS DERIVED FROM THE UNFAIR MARKET RENT. IF THAT UNFAIR MARKET RENT CONTINUES TO RISE, THEN ASSESSMENTS WILL NECESSARILY RISE. IT WOULD THEN BE POSSIBLE, WITHOUT CHANGING THE POUNDAGE, TO HAVE A TIDY RISE IN RATES WHICH WILL OF COURSE BE PASSED ON TO THE TENANT.
+1 MERELY MENTION THIS AS A POSSIBLE STRAW IN THE WIND WHICH MIGHT BLOW ON SOME UNWARY TENANT’S BACK, EVEN A TENANT IN PUBLIC HOUSING WHOSE ASSESSMENT IS BASED ON THE SAME UNFAIR MARKET RENT,* HE SAID.
FATHER MCGOVERN SAID HE HEARD ONE OF THE REASONS FOR ALLOWING A MORE RAPID RISE IN RENTS WAS THAT IT WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE NEW STARTS IN PRIVATE HOUSING AND THUS REDRESS THE IMBALANCE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND. +THE PRIVATE SECTOR NEEDS NO SUCH ENCOURAGEMENT. AS DEVELOPERS, LANDLORDS AND SPECULATORS KNOW, NEW RENTALS DO NOT COME UNDER THE PRESENT CONTROLS. THE ONLY ONES TO BENEFIT FROM THIS BILL WILL BE THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY MADE THEIR PACKET,* HE SAID.
THE HON. PETER C. WONG SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL. HE SAID IT WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY ECONOMISTS THAT RENT CONTROLS WERE TEMPORARY MEASURES AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO RESTRICT RENTS AT ARTIFICIAL LEVELS PERMANENTLY. +SUCH MEASURES SHOULD BE RELAXED OR ABANDONED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.*
ON PRE-WAR PREMISES, MR. WONG SAID THE AVERAGE RENT NOW PAYABLE WAS ROUGHLY ONE-FIFTH OF THE FAIR MARKET RENT.
*IN THE FACE OF RISING PRICES, IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND JUSTIFICATION FOR CONTINUING INDEFINITELY, AT THE EXPENSE OF OWNERS, THE SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS CONFERRED BY THIS ORDINANCE ON TENANTS OF PRE-WAR PREMISES.*
THE INCREASES INTRODUCED BY THE BILL WHICH HE CONSIDERED FAIR AND REASONABLE, MIGHT ALSO STRENGTHEN THE LANDLORDS’ INCENTIVE TO MAINTAIN THEIR PREMISES IN A PROPER STATE OF REPAIR, HE ADDED.
ON POST-WAR PREMISES, MR. LONG SAID THE CONTROL LEGISLATION HAS REMAINED IN FORCE WITH ONLY MINOR CHANGES SINCE THE END OF 1969.
/♦UNDER .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
5
+UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY DESIRABLE TO FURTHER CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN CONTROLLED AND OPEN MARKE7 RENTS.+ +THE PROPOSED INCREASES ARE IN NO WAY EXCESSIVE,* HE SAID, +AND SHOULD NOT ENTAIL HARDSHIP ON THE PART OF THE TENANTS OR ADVERSE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES TO THE COMMUNITY.*
THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG ALSO SPOKE BRIEFLY ON THE BILL, POINTING OUT THAT A PREPONDERANT MAJORITY OF THE UNOFFICIALS WELCOMED AND SUPPORTED IT: +AS THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING HAS OBSERVED, THE INTERESTS OF LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ARE POLARISED, AND I SHALL SAY NO MORE THAN THAT THE PROPOSALS IN OUR VIEW STRIKE A SENSIBLE BALANCE,* HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY FATHER MCGOVERN, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT SAID IT WAS A CONFUSION OF THE ISSUES TO ALLEGE THAT PROPOSALS TO INCREASE CONTROLLED RENTS WOULD LEAD TO A GENERAL RISE IN MARKET LEVEL RENTS AND THEREBY PROVE INFLATIONARY.
+THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. CONTROLLED RENTS ARE BELOW MARKET LEVEL RENTS. THE PROPOSALS BEFORE MEMBERS COULD AT MOST MEAN AN INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX OF NOT MORE THAN HALF PER CENT FOR FAMILIES SPENDING UP TO 33,000 A MONTH,* MR. SCOTT SAID.
HE ALSO REFUTED THE SUGGESTION THAT THE AVERAGE FACTORY WORKER IS GOING TO BE SEVERELY AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSALS IN THE EILL.
MR. SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT OVER 44 PER CENT OF OUR POPULATION, WHICH MUST INCLUDE A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF FACTORY WORKERS, LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE RENTS OF WHICH ARE WELL BELOW THE AVERAGE LEVEL IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THOSE RENTS WERE IN NO WAY AFFECTED BY THIS BILL AND THE AVERAGE TENANT IN HONG KONG PAID ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF HIS INCOME AS RENT.
MR. SCOTT SAID THERE WAS A FALLACY IN FATHER MCGOVERN’S REMARKS ON THE 21 PER CENT CEILING.
+THE FALLACY LIES IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE TENANT SPENDS THE WHOLE OF HIS INCOME ON RENT.
+0F COURSE, HE DOES NOT. TAKING. HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE GIVEN BY THE REV. MCGOVERN, AND USING THE AVERAGE FIGURE OF 15 PER CENT OF INCOME GOING TO RENT WHICH I MENTIONED EARLIER, OF THE INCREASE OF 21 PER CENT IN '..'AGES, THREE PER CENT WOULD GO IN RENT AND 13 PER CENT WOULD REMAIN AT THE DISPOSAL OF THE TENANT,* HE SAID.
MR. SCOTT SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER BELIEVED IN A COMPREHENSIVE AND TOTALLY RESTRICTIVE RENT CONTROL SYSTEM.
+RENT CONTROL IN HONG KONG IS INTENDED TO DEAL WITH RELATIVELY SHORT-TERM SITUATIONS ARISING FROM THE CYCLICAL NATURE OF BUILDING ACTIVITY, AND IS INTRODUCED WHEN HOUSING SUPPLY OSCILLATES FROM REASONABLE PLENTY TO INSUFFICIENCY.*
/HE NOTED .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
6
H“ NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ONLY TRIED TO MAINTAIN THE BALANCE BETWEEN CREATING AM ENVIRONMENT Or SECURITY FOR THE TENANTS AND A REASONABLE RETURN FOR LANDLORDS ON THEIR INVESTMENT.
+ON THAT POINT, I WAS RECENTLY INFORMED BY A PROMINENT BANKER THAT, ASSESSED AT CURRENT PRICES AND RENTALS, THE RETURN IS ABOUT SIX PER CENT ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED. THIS CAN HARDLY BE CALLED EXCESSIVE,* HE ADDED.
MR. SCOTT ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL PROPOSES AN INCREASE IN CONTROLLED RENTS WHICH WOULD HAVE.NO EFFECT ON THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PREMISES AND THEREFORE OF ITSELF CANNOT LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN RATES.
, t
HE EXPRESSED GRATITUDE FOR THE +LUC ID AND BRIEF* SUPPORT OF THE BILL BY MR. PETER WONG AND MR. OSWALD CHEUNG.
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/7 • • o o o
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 7 -
LEGCO WAIVES STAR FERRY COMPANY’S ROYALTY
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED A MOTION WAIVING THE STAR FERRY COMPANY’S ROYALTY PAYMENTS FOR THE YEARS 1977 TO 1979.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SUMS PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY IN RESPECT GF ITS REVENUE FROM ADVERTISING ON PIERS FOR THE YEARS 1974 TC 1979 HAS ALSO BEEN WAIVED.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID THE COMPANY HAD APPLIED FOR EITHER A WAIVER OF ROYALTY FOR 1977 OR FOR AN INCREASE IN FARES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE LEVEL OF PROFIT.
AFTER PAYMENT OF ROYALTY AND TAXES, HE SAID, THE COMPANY EXPECTED TO MAKE A PROFIT OF ONLY ABOUT $1.5 MILLION IN 1977, COMPARED WITH ABOUT $2.1 MILLION IN 1976, MAINLY BECAUSE OF FURTHER INCREASES IN OPERATING COSTS AND A CONTINUING DECLINE IN PASSENGER NUMBERS ON ITS MAIN ROUTE BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT.
+AFTER CAREFULLY EXAMINING THE COMPANY’S ACCOUNTS AND ITS PROJECTIONS OF COSTS AND REVENUE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONCLUDED THAT SOME AMELIORATION IS NECESSARY AND THAT IT WOULD BE EETTER TO FOREGO ROYALTY THAN TO AGREE TO AN INCREASE IN FARES,+ MR. JONES SAID.
THE EFFECT OF WAIVING THE ROYALTY, HE ADDED, SHOULD BE TO ALLOW THE COMPANY TO MAKE ROUGHLY THE SAME LEVEL OF PROFITS IN 1977 AS IN 1976.
+AS FOR THE FUTURE, PROFITS CAN EE EXPECTED TO DECLINE IN 1973 AND IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A LOSS v. ILL EE INCURRED IN 1979,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE WAIVING OF THE COMPANY’S ROYALTY PAYMENTS UNTIL THE END OF 1979 BROUGHT THE STAR FERRY COMPANY INTO LINE WITH THE HONG KONG YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES, NONE OF WHICH WERE NOW REQUIRED TO PAY ROYALTY.
MR. JONES SAID IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO WAIVE THE CHARGE PAYABLE BY THE COMPANY FOR REVENUE FROM ADVERTISING ON PIERS BECAUSE THE BENEFITS OF WAIVING THE ROYALTIES WOULD EE COMPLETELY NEGATED IF THIS CHARGE WERE TC BE IMPOSED.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, THE -A IV ING OF THE ROYALTY WOULD LEGALLY RENDER THE COMPANY LIABLE TC PAY THE GOVERNMENT 80 PER CENT OF ITS REVENUE FROM ADVERTISING ON PIERS.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL
*****
DEBATE ON THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH SEEKS TO PROTECT WOMEN AND GIRLS AGAINST EXPLOITATION FOR PROSTITUTION, RESUMED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
FIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, AND WERE ASSURED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, THAT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THEIR SUGGESTIONS RELATING TO THE ACTION THEY THOUGHT SHOULD EE ASSOCIATED WITH POLICE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW.
THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG SAID IT HAD GIVEN THE UNOFFICIALS MUCH CONCERN AND A LARGE GROUP OF THEM HAD SPENT LONG HOURS IN STUDYING ITS CONTENTS AND IMPLICATIONS AND IN DISCUSSING IT AMONG THEMSELVES AND WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
+BEYOND A CERTAIN LIMIT, I THINK ONE CANNOT LEGISLATE FOR PEOPLE’S SEXUAL LIVES' WE CAN ONLY SET CERTAIN MINIMUM STANDARDS ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED: +WE HAVE SET OUR FACE AGAINST THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN FOR SEXUAL PURPOSES AND AGAINST VICE-ESTABLISHMENTS CARRIED ON UNDER A THIN VENEER OF PROBITY ... PIMPS AND BAWDS WHEN CONVICTED WILL FIND THAT THE TARIFF WILL HAVE GONE UP.
+NOR WILL WE TOLERATE RAPE OR THE PROCUREMENT OF WOMEN BY THREAT, FORCE, FALSE PRETENCES OR THE USE OF DRUGS, NOR THE DEFILEMENT OF YOUNG GIRLS AND THEIR ENTICEMENT INTO PROSTITUTION.
+WE HAVE NOT HOWEVER THOUGHT IT RIGHT TO CHANGE THE LAW ON UNNATURAL OFFENCES, NCR INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR IT,+ HE ADDED.
IN HIS SPEECH, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN POINTED OUT THAT EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS FOR PROSTITUTION WAS VERY OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH TRIAD ACTIVITY.
HE HOPED THAT WITH THE PASSING OF THE BILL, POLICE EFFORTS AND EFFECTIVENESS WOULD EE REINFORCED SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE WORST EXCESSES OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT IN ORGANISED PROSTITUTION.
+CF THE SEVERAL THOUSAND GIRLS WHO ARE REPORTED MISSING EVERY YEAR, THERE IS AS YET NO EXACT FIGURE OF HOW MANY OF THEM ARE LURED, CAJOLED OR COERCED INTO PROSTITUTION. HOWEVER THE FIGURE IS NOT INSIGNIFICANT.
+YOUNG GIRLS WHO HAVE RUN AWAY FROM HOME ARE THE PRINCIPAL TARGETS. THROUGH VARIOUS PLOYS AND PRACTICES, WHICH COULD GO AS FAR AS GANG-RAPING, THE VICTIMS THROUGH SHOCK FEAR, AND SHAME ARE REDUCED TO A STATE WHERE THEY BECOME INCAPABLE OF REFUSING TO OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE TRIAD GANG.+ HE SAID.
/THE HON. MRS. KWAN
WEDNESDAY, DECJMBEH 21, 1977
- 9 -
THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SOME YOUNG GIRLS MISSING FROM HOME WERE KNOWN TO BE DETAINED AGAINST THEIR WILL BY OPERATORS OF ILLEGAL BROTHELS.
SHE STRESSED THE NEED FOR PROTECTING MISSING GIRLS AS WELL AS GIRLS UNDER 16 AND THE DEFECTIVES FROM BEING LED OR FORCED INTO PROSTITUTION BY HEAVIER PENALTIES.
SHE REITERATED HER PLEA FOR EARLY INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO OBVIATE THE NEED FOR RAPE VICTIMS TO DISCLOSE THEIR NAMES AND PAST SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR SO AS TO ENCOURAGE MORE REPORTS AND THUS DETER SUCH CRIMES. SHE ALSO ASKED THAT WOMEN POLICE BE MADE AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES TO DEAL WITH SUCH REPORTS, AT LEAST AT FIRST.
SHE SUGGESTED A NEW PROCEDURE UNDER WHICH A TRAINED SOCIAL WORKER FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN THE POLICE QUESTION AND SCREEN YOUNG GIRLS ARRESTED DURING RAIDS ON BARS, MUSIC PARLOURS AND OTHER SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS.
AT PRESENT, SHE POINTED OUT, THE POLICE IN PRACTICE ONLY REFER A GIRL TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IF THEY CONSIDER SHE NEEDS CARE AND ATTENTION OR SHE OR A MEMBER OF HER FAMILY REQUESTS THAT THIS BE DONE.
LAST YEAR, 4,300 YOUNG GIRLS WERE ARRESTED DURING POLICE RAIDS, BUT ONLY A MERE 472 OF THEM WERE REFERRED.
+IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THESE GIRLS WERE AT RISK AND THUS NEEDED SPECIAL COUNSELLING OR CARE AND ATTENTION.* THEIR TYPE IS DIFFICULT TO CONTACT IN THE MORE TRADITIONAL WAYS AND SOCIAL WORKERS ARE MAKING AN EFFORT IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS TO IDENTIFY THOSE WITH PROBLEMS AND HELP THEM IN THEIR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.
AS THE EXTENSION OF THIS TYPE OF OUTREACH PROGRAMME HAS BEEN PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, +IT SEEMS A VERY SHORT-SIGHTED AND EXTRAVAGANT POLICY THAT, AFTER POLICE RAIDS LAST YEAR, ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THESE GIRLS WERE REFERRED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH COULD EITHER WORK WITH THEM OR REFER SOME OF THEM TO THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED,* SHE SAID.
REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT HOPED SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD ALSO COME INTO ACTION TO HELP THOSE GIRLS AND WOMEN DISPLACED FROM VICE ESTABLISHMENTS ONCE THE AMENDING LEGISLATION CAME INTO FORCE.
SHE ALSO URGED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR HIS CASE WORKERS TO REHABILITATE THEM.
+IF A FORM IV SCHOOL GIRL GIVES UP STUDYING TO EARN 33,000 PER MONTH FROM HER ’MEN FRIENDS’, A POSITIVE EFFORT MUST BE MADE TO TRAIN THESE GIRLS AND WOMEN TO EARN THEIR LIVING IN A DIFFERENT aiAY.
/♦UNLESS .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 10 -
+UNLESS REHABILITATION OF THESE WOMEN AND GIRLS INTO SOCIETY TAKES PLACE THEY WILL STILL BE EXPLOITED AND ABUSED,+ SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS NO EASY TASK AND WILL REQUIRE MUCH PATIENT COUNSELLING BOTH OF THE GIRLS AND THEIR FAMILIES. SHE FURTHER URGED THAT THIS ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM BE THOROUGHLY CONSIDERED BY THOSE CONCERNED IN THE COMMUNITY.
SHE BELIEVED THAT THE BILL WOULD DO MUCH TO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF STAMPING OUT THE SLAVERY OF WOMEN. +PROSTI TUT ION IS A DENIAL OF THE BASIC HUMAN RIGHT OF EVERY WOMAN OVER HER OWN PERSON AND HER OWN PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS,* SHE SAID.
THE HON. WONG LAM SUPPORTED THE BILL AND POINTED OUT THAT ANY LEGISLATION DEALING WITH PROSTITUTION MUST BE PARTICULARLY AIMED AT THOSE WHO BENEFIT FROM THE EMPLOYMENT OF PROSTITUTES AND MUST DEFINITELY BE ENFORCEABLE.
HE BELIEVED THAT MANY PROSTITUTES WERE COMPELLED BY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO ENTER THE PROFESSION AND A NUMBER OF YOUNG GIRLS WERE PROBABLY MISLED BY IGNORANCE.
+HENCE THE SOLUTION DOES NOT NECESSARILY LIE IN ARRESTING AND IMPRISIONING THEM.* GOVERNMENT SHOULD AIM AT MEASURES AGAINST THOSE PERSONS WHO, FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL GAIN, COMPEL OR ENTICE OTHERS INTO PROSTITUTION, HE SAID, AND HE WAS GLAD THAT IT WAS MAKING AN EFFORT IN THIS DIRECTION.
HE AGREED WITH THE VIEW THAT THE POLICE IN TAKING ACTION AGAINST PROSTITUTES DID NOT OBTAIN RESULTS WHICH WERE COMMENSURATE WITH THE TIME AND EFFORT MADE, BUT HE DID NOT THINK THE POLICE WERE TO BE BLAMED. +IT IS REALLY THE STATE OF THE LAW, UP TO NOW.+ HE SAID.
MR. WONG SAID IT WAS THEREFORE OF SOME URGENCY THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION BE AMENDED TO ALLOW THE POLICE TO ACHIEVE GREATER RESULTS IN TAKING ACTION, AND HE SUPPORTED THE INCREASE IN PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE PERSONS WHO BENEFIT FROM PROSTITUTION.
------0 ------
WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS BILL PASSED * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS BILL, WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEW PENSIONS SCHEME AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD SUPERVISING IT.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. RON BRIDGE, ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE NEW SCHEME AS AMENDED WOULD PROVIDE A RANGE OF BENEFITS WHICH COULD NOT BE PROVIDED MORE EFFECTIVELY BY ANY OTHER SIMILAR TYPE OF SCHEME.
/at ties cc?::ittee......
,WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
11
AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, MR. BRIDGE MADE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS. THESE CONCERNED!
* THE PROTECTION OF WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS FROM BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS WHETHER BANKRUPTCY OCCURS IN HONG KONG OR ELSEWHERE"
ALLOWANCE FOR SUMS DUE TO CONTRIBUTORS TO BE SET OFF AGAINST SUMS DUE FROM THEM-
* ALLOWANCE FOR DIVORCED OR WIDOWED FEMALE OFFICER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE SCHEME WHEN SHE REMARRIES, WITH HER CONTRIBUTIONS RETURNED AND THE RETENTION OF SUCH RIGHTS AS MIGHT ACCRUE TO HER CHILDREN-
* A CLARIFICATION THAT RETROSPECTIVE CONTRIBUTIONS BY A FEMALE OFFICER ARE ALLOWED ONLY FOR THE PERIOD OF HER PENSIONABLE SERVICE- AND
* THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD TO INCLUDE TWO MEMBERS WHO ARE NEITHER SERVING NOR RETIRED PUBLIC OFFICERS AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION SHOULD BE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD EX-OFFICIO.
MR. BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME HAS HAD AN INDEPENDENT ACTUARIAL ASSESSMENT BY THE UK GOVERNMENT ACTUARY, WHO AND SOME OF HIS SENIOR STAFF, HAVE AN +UNRIVALLED COMBINATION OF LONG EXPERIENCE IN COMMERICAL INSURANCE FIRMS WITH SPECIALIST EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC SECTOR PENSION SCHEMES WHICH ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.+
+l AM CONFIDENT, THEREFORE, THAT WE HAVE HAD THE BEST POSSIBLE INDEPENDENT ACTUARIAL ASSESSMENT AND THAT, AS A RESULT, THE SCHEME IS WELL DESIGNED TO MEET ITS PURPOSE,+ MR. BRIDGE SAID.
THE HON. Q.W. LEE, WHO COVENED AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS TO STUDY THE BILL, ALSO SPOKE IN THE RESUMED DEBATE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE SCHEME IS ITS RELATIVE SIMPLICITY IN THAT THE METHOD OF CALCULATING THE BENEFITS PAYABLE TO THE WIDOW AND CHILDREN OF A DECEASED CONTRIBUTOR WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE METHOD OF CALCULATING AN OFFICER’S OWN SERVICE PENSION.
HE SAID THIS WOULD MAKE IT MUCH EASIER FOR CONTRIBUTORS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS TO UNDERSTAND. HE OUTLINED THE IMPROVED FEATURES OF THE NEW SCHEME AS FOLLOWS:
* THE CALCULATION OF BENEFITS TO BE BASED ON FINAL SALARY OR PENSION-
* THE INCLUSION IN THE SCHEME OF MALE JUNIOR RANKS AND WIDOWED AND DIVORCED FEMALE OFFICERS- AND
X THE EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD FOR WHICH A CHILD REMAINS ELIGIBLE UP TO THE AGE OF 23 WHERE HE OR SHE IS RECEIVING FULL-TIME EDUCATION.
MR. LEE WAS GLAD THAT THE POINTS SUGGESTED BY THE AD HOC GROUP IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WERE RECOGNISED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO INCORPORATE THE SUGGESTIONS.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 12 -
HK NOT RESTRICTED'IN TALKS WITH E.E.C. H W H H
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS IN NO WAY INHIBITED BY ITS CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS NOR WERE WE RESTRICTED IN THE CONDUCT OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMISSION.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WAS ONE OF THE E.E.C. MEMBERS WHICH INSISTED ON DISCRIMINATORY MEASURES AGAINST HONG KONG AND WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE BITTERNcSS FELT BY THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS BY CONSUMERS IN E.E.C. COUNTRIES WHO WERE THUS DEPRIVED OF CERTAIN GOOD QUALITY HONG KONG PRODUCTS.
TURNING TO ANOTHER PART 0- MR. TIEN’S QUESTION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +BEFORE AND DURING THESE PROTRACTED NEGOTIATIONS wITH THE E.E.C. WHICH WAS ACTING WITHIN A MANDATE HANDED DOWN BY THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THE GOVERNOR PERSONALLY HAD INTERVIEW’S WITH SEVERAL MINISTERS IN SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER. +
HE NOTED THAT THE VARIOUS EXCHANGES, WRITTEN AND ORAL, WHICH TOOK PLACE HAD THREE OBJECTIVES.
+FIRST, TO ENSURE THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT UNDERSTOOD THE EXTENT TO WHICH HONG KONG WAS BEING DEPR IVED OF ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE MULTI-FIBRE AGREEMENT (..HIGH IN ITSELF IS A DEROGATION OF OUR MOST FAVOURED NATIONS’ RIGHTS OF ENTRY UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE).
♦SECONDLY, TO ENSURE THAT HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE COMMISSION’S NEGOTIATING MANDATE FOR OUR GROWTH PROSPECTS AND FOR OUR NEGOTIATING POSITION VIS-A-VIS OTHER IMPORTING COUNTRIES.
♦THIRDLY, TO PROTEST TO HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT BOTH AS THE METROPOLITAN POWER AND AS AN INFLUENTIAL MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY AT THE HIGHLY DISCRIMINATORY NATURE OF THE TREATMENT BEING METED OUT TO US.+
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT HE COULD SEE LITTLE POINT NOW IN MAKING A FURTHER PROTEST BUT lr Tr. _ UNCFFICIALS WISHED, HE SHOULD CERTAINLY SEE THAT THEIR FEELINGS CF DISMAY WERE FORMALLY CONVEYED TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
MFA TO BE EXTENDED FOR FOUR YEARS * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, HAS REVEALED THAT THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) WOULD BE EXTENDED FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YtARS, UNTIL THE END OF 1981.
ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ABOUT THE CONCLUSIONS REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE MFA IN THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT), MR. JORDAN SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS REACHED ON DECEMBER 14 FROM HONG KONG’S POINT VIEW.
HE SAID THE OTHER MOST IMPORTANT ONE WAS THAT +MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE SOLUTIONS TO TEXTILE TRADE PROBLEMS UNDER THE MFA INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF JOINTLY AGREED REASONABLE DEPARTURES FROM PARTICULAR ELEMENTS OF THE MFA IN PARTICULAR CASES.+
- 0 -
DESIGN OF NEW 01 COIN FINALISED
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE DESIGN OF THE NEW ONE DOLLAR COIN BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE HAD BEEN FINALISED AND HE DID NOT THINK THE PUBLIC WILL FIND IT HARD TO IDENTIFY THE NEW COIN.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION EY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER INSCRIBING ON THE PROPOSED NEW $1 AND 10 CENT COINS THEIR RESPECTIVE DENOMINATIONS IN CLEAR ARABIC NUMERALS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE READY IDENTIFICATION.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE INSCRIPTION AND MOTIF ON BOTH SIDES OF THE NEW DOLLAR COIN WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THE PRESENT ONE EXCEPT THAT THE LATEST EFFIGY OF THE QUEEN WOULD BE USED.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TC CONFUSE IT WITH ANY CENT DENOMINATION COIN BECAUSE IT v.OULD BE LARGER IN DIAMETER- WEIGH MORE THAN THE 50 CENT COIN- CARRY A DIFFERENT MOTIF AND ITS COLOUR WOULD BE DIFFERENT BECAUSE IT ..'CL'LD BE MADE OF CUPRO-NICKEL INSTEAD OF NICKEL BRASS, THE METAL FROM WHICH THE CENT DENOMINATION COINS ARE MADE.
HE NOTED THAT IT WOULD ALSO EE DIFFICULT T3 CONFUSE THE ONE DOLLAR COIN .. ITH EITHER THE T..0 OR FIVE DOLLAR COINS.
♦THE DOLLAH
WSDNSSDAY, D3Cd.:3ER 21, 1977
14
♦ THE DOLLAR COIN .ILL BE ROUND, ..'HEREAS THE TWO DOLLAR COIN HAS 12 SCALLOPS AND THE FIVE DOLLAR COIN HAS 10 SIDES. IN ADDITION, THE DOLLAR COIN W ILL ZE LIGHTER IN .'.EIGHT THAN BOTH THE TWO DOLLAR AND FIVE DOLLAR COINS, AND ITS DIAMETER SILL BE 25.5 M", COMPARED WITH 28 MM FOR THE TWO DOLLAR COIN, AND 31 MM FOR THE r IVE DOLLAR COIN.*
AS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE NEW 10 CENT COIN, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THIS HAD NOT YET BEEN FINALISED BUT ONE OF THE DESIGNS UNDER CONSIDERATION WAS SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH HE THOUGHT MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAD IN MIND.
REPLY ING TO ANOTHER QUESTION FROM THE HON. Q.'W. LEE ON THE SHORTAGE OF 13 CENT COINS, MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING CIRCULATION OF 13 CENT COINS WAS ABOUT 2,133 METRIC TONS OR 463 MILLION COINS, - ABOUT 133 PER HEAD OF THE POPULATION.
+WITH SO MANY 10 CENT COIN IN CIRCULATION, IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A REAL SHORTAGE,* HE SAID. M
HE NOTED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT REPORTS OF SHORTAGES COMING SO CLOSE TO THE CHINESE NEW' YEAP FESTIVAL HAD LED TO HOARDING OF THESE COINS OR IT MIGHT BE THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF 13 CENT COINS TENDED TO BE PUT AWAY FOR A RAINY DAY AND THEN FORGOTTEN. '
+THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN EE DONE IMMEDIATELY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF 10 CENT COINS IN CIRCULATION, BUT WE HAVE CONTINGENCY PLANS IN HAND SHOULD THE POSITION BECOME CRITICAL,* HE SAID.
1
HE EXPLAINED THAT ONE OF THE PURPOSES OF INTRODUCING THE. 23 CENT COIN WAS TO DISPLACE 13 CENT COINS, SO THAT WHEN THE x PRESENT COIN ..AS REPLACE' EWER NEW COINS WOULD BE NEEDED.
+ UN-OPTU!'ATELY, THIS HAS NOT WORKED OUT AS WELL AS THE COINAGE REVIEW CC MITTEE ARD THE GOVERNMENT HOPED AND THERE HAS BEEN NO REDUCTION 1'1 THE NUMBER OF 13 CENT COINS IN CIRCULATION’ IM -AC”, THE '.UMBER HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT 21 MILLION SINCE THE 20 CERT COIN ..AS FIRST INTRODUCED IN AUGUST 1975,+ HE. SAID.
+IT SEEMS THAT THE PUBLIC STILL NOT FULLY ACCUSTOMED TC TH^' 23 CENT COINS . I Th THE RESULT THAT RATHER MORE 13 CENT COINS ARE BEING USED IN T- ANSACTI O'. ’. I'. RECENT MONTHS THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNS “HAT RATHER MORE USE IS BEING "ADE OF THE 23 CENT COINS AND, HOPEFULLY, THIS SHOULD E D .“UALlY LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN THE DE'-'AND FOR 13 CENT CD-I'S,* HE A-DED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
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WATER RESTRICTIONS GENERALLY OBSERVED BY CONSUMERS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED THAT THE EXISTING WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING GENERALLY OBSERVED BY CONSUMERS, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LI FOOK-WO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT WITH THE MULTITUDE OF HIGH RISE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG, EACH OF WHICH HAD A ROOF STORAGE TANK, THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE STORED WATER OUTSIDE THE SUPPLY PERIODS WAS EVER PRESENT.
+CONTROL OF SUPPLY FROM THESE TANKS CAN ONLY EE EFFECTED WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENTS,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LETTERS WERE WRITTEN TO INDIVIDUAL MANAGEMENT BODIES AND AN APPEAL WAS MADE AS PART OF GENERAL PUBLICITY TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN OBSERVING THE PRESCRIBED HOURS OF SUPPLY.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE PRESCRIBED •OURS OF SUPPLY BY A WRITTEN INSTRUCTION, THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE RESTING WITH THE CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OF EACH DEPARTMENT.
IN ANSWER TO ANOTHER QUESTION ABOUT THE PRESENT WATER STORAGE SITUATION, MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT RESERVOIR STORAGE ON DECEMBER 19 WAS 193.7 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 41,953 MILLION GALLONS (INCLUDING HIGH ISLAND).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT OF WATER TO BE SUPPLIED FROM CHINA FOR THE 1977/7S SUPPLY PERIOD WAS 104.1 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 22,933 MILLION GALLONS.
THE DESALTER, HE ADDED, WAS IN FULL PRODUCTION WITH AN AVERAGE DAILY RATE OF 0.182 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 40 MILLION GALLONS.
+WITH THE CONTINUATION OF THE CURRENT LEVEL CF RESTRICTION AND ASSUMING NO SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL IN THE DRY SEASON IT IS ESTIMATED THAT STORAGE ON MAY 1, 1978 WILL BE ABOUT 152.3 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 33,530 MILLION GALLONS WHICH WILL ONLY BE SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE STORAGE REQUIRED THEN TO MAINTAIN A FOUR-HOUR DAILY SUPPLY FOR THE SUBSEQUENT PERIOD SHOULD A DROUGHT OCCUR NEXT SUMMER,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 16 -
BILL TO PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS RECEIVES UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FROM UNOFFICIALS *****
A BILL WHICH WILL PROVIDE FURTHER BENEFITS TO INJURED WORKERS RECEIVED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FROM THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THE DAILY RATES OF MEDICAL EXPENSES PAYABLE BY EMPLOYERS UNDER THE BILL WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND WOULD BE REVISED AS NECESSARY.
HE SAID THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WOULD BE ANOTHER VERY BENEFICIAL STEP FORWARD FOR THE WELFARE OF HONG KONG’S WORKFORCE AND THUS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
THE HON. WONG LAM SAID, THE UNOFFICIALS SUPPORTED THE BILL +AS WE FEEL THAT THE VARIOUS AMENDMENTS PROPOSED WILL CERTAINLY MEET AN URGENT NEED AND WILL FILL SOKE OF THE LOOPHOLES IN THE EXISTING LABOUR LEGISLATION.*
- AT THE SAME TIME,* HE ADDED, +WE WELCOME THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OF AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.*
HE SAID THE VIEWS OF THE AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL, WERE SUPPORTED BY UNOFFICIALS AND WERE BROADLY AS FOLLOWS:
* THE PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE AN EMPLOYER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED BY A WORKMAN WHO IS INJURED DURING THE COURSE OF HIS EMPLOYMENT IS REASONABLE. AT PRESENT, THE MEDICAL EXPENSES INCURRED BY A WORKER ARE EITHER SETTLED BY THE WORKER HIMSELF OR ARE WAIVED BY THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL CONCERNED, IN WHICH CASE IT IS REALLY THE TAXPAYERS WHO FOOT THE BILL FOR HIS EMPLOYER. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY UNFAIR.
* IT IS REASONABLE IN PRINCIPLE TO STIPULATE CLEARLY AN EMPLOYER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR, AND THE CONDITIONS RELATING TO, A WORKMAN’S MEDICAL EXPENSES, AND TO PRESCRIBE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE EMPLOYER MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM GIVING CASH REIMBURSEMENT.
* THE PROPOSAL THAT, IN THE EVENT OF DISPUTE OVER THE LIABILITY TO PAY MEDICAL EXPENSES OR THE AMOUNT OF THE MEDICAL EXPENSES, THE WORKMAN OR THE EMPLOYER MAY APPLY TO TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE DISPUTE IS ALSO VERY APPROPRIATE.
* WE ENTIRELY AGREE THAT IF AN EMPLOYER FAILS TO PAY MEDICAL EXPENSES TO HIS WORKMAN 21 DAYS AFTER SUCH PAYMENT IS DUE, THE WORKMAN MAY SEEK TO RECOVER THE MEDICAL EXPENSES AS A CIVIL DEBT IN THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL.
/ALSO SPEAKING .
WEDNESDAY, DECSl.iBER 21, 1977
17
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING SAID: +THE AMOUNT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES THAT CAN BE REIMBURSED ANE THE PERIOD OF TIME FOR CLAIMING REIMBURSEMENTS AS PROPOSED IN THE BILL ARE CONSIDERED REASONABLE AND ACCEPTABLE IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.+
+HOWEVER.+ "HE ADDED, +IT IS IMPORTANT THAT REGULAR REVIEWS
OF THOSE BENEFITS SHOULD EE CARRIED OUT BY THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED.+
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QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM DUE FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1979, WOULD BRING +SUBSTANTIAL BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND TO OUR YOUNG SPORTSMEN IN PARTICULAR.+
SPEAKING AT THE STADIUM’S FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY, SIR DENYS SAID THE COMMUNITY OWED A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THE DONORS TO THE ROYAL VISIT COMMEMORATIVE FUND IN WHICH $10 MILLION WAS RAISED FOR THIS $42 MILLION PROJECT.
HE SAID THESE DONORS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE MAIN CREDIT FOR BRINGING THIS EXCITING PROJECT TO LIFE.
SIR DENYS NOTED THAT APART FROM THE $10 MILLION RAISED BY THE ROYAL VISIT FUND THE COST OF THE PROJECT WILL BE MET FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COIN, WHICH WAS MINTED TO MARK THE QUEEN’S VISIT, AND FROM CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY SIR DENYS ROBERTS:
+IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THIS INDOOR STADIUM, WHICH, WITH HER MAJESTY’S CONSENT, WILL BE NAMED +THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM+.
+AS LONG AGO AS 1962, THE IDEA WAS FIRST CONCEIVED OF AN INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND. BUT IT WOULD PROBABLY STILL BE NO MORE THAN AN AMBITIOUS PLAN, BUT FOR THE GENEROSITY OF A NUMBER OF PUBLIC SPIRITED CITIZENS, LED BY SIR SH1U-KIN TANG, SIR RUN RUN SHAW, MR. LI DAK-SUM, MR. PONG DING-YUEN AND MANY OTHERS, WHO CONTRIBUTED MOST GENEROUSLY TO A FUND TO COMMEMORATE THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN 1975. THIS FUND AMOUNTS TO OVER $10 MILLION, ALL OF WHICH WILL BE DEVOTED TO THIS PROJECT. THIS ACT OF GENEROSITY HAS PROVIDED THE IMPETUS WHICH HAS TRANSFORMED A PROJECT INTO REALITY.
/♦SINCE
^j3)N3SDAY, D3CS.3ER 21, 1977
- 18 -
+SINCE 1975, THE CONCEPT OF THE STADIUM HAS UNDERGONE VARIOUS CHANGES, AS THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL HAVE EXPANDED THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION OF SPORTING FACILITIES.
+INSTEAD OF BEING A CENTRE FOR SPORT ONLY, THE STADIUM WILL ALSO INCLUDE FACILITIES WHICH WILL ENABLE EXHIBITIONS, TRADE SHOWS AND ENTERTAINMENTS TO BE STAGED HERE. THIS WILL HELP TO MEET THE HEAVY EXPENSE OF RUNNING SUCH A STADIUM AND WILL GREATLY ENLARGE ITS USEFULNESS TO THE COMMUNITY.
+WHEN THE STADIUM IS COMPLETED, BY THE END OF 1979, IT WILL CONSIST OF AN ARENA SEATING 3,000 PEOPLE, A GAMES PRACTICE AREA, VARIOUS SPORTS COURTS, ANCILLARY TRAINING AND CHANGING FACILITIES AND A TOWER BLOCK OF HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR TEAMS VISITING HONG KONG FOR COMPETITIONS, WHETHER AT THE STADIUM OR ELSEWHERE.
+THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH ITS CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE AND MARKED SUCCESS IN ADMINISTERING SIMILAR FACILITIES, WILL MANAGE IT.
+THE STADIUM IS EXPECTED TO COST A TOTAL OF ABOUT $42 MILLION. APART FROM THE $10 MILLION RAISED BY THE ROYAL VISIT COMMEMORATIVE FUND, THE COST WILL BE MET FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF THE COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COIN, WHICH WAS MINTED TO MARK THE QUEEN’S VISIT, AND FROM CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
♦ THE COMMUNITY OWES A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THE DONORS TO THE ROYAL VISIT COMMEMORATIVE FUND, TO WHOM SHOULD BE GIVEN THE MAIN CREDIT FOR BRINGING THIS EXCITING PROJECT TO LIFE.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE STADIUM WILL BRING SUBSTANTIAL BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND TO OUR YOUNG SPORTSMEN IN PARTICULAR.
+IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.+
0
/19
, I
0
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
19
SIGNIFICANT EFFORT MADE IN KEEPING WORKERS INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS
* ft * ft *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS, SAID TODAY THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY PUT SIGNIFICANT EFFORT IN KEEPING THE WORKFORCE INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS TO WORKERS’ BENEFITS.
HE SAID THAT APART FROM THE STANDARD PUBLICITY EFFORT THROUGH TELEVISION, RADIO AND THE PRESS HIS DEPARTMENT REGULARLY PROVIDED MANY SPEAKERS FOR ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN LABOUR AND RELATED MATTERS.
HE WAS REPLYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING WHO ASKED WHETHER GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE EFFECTIVE STEPS TO KEEP HONG KONG WORKERS INFORMED OF THEIR RIGHTS.
MR WILLIAMS SAID HIS DEPARTMENT PRODUCED A WIDE RANGE OF GUIDES AND BOOKLETS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE EXPLAINING LABOUR LEGISLATION IN SIMPLE TERMS.
+THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE AND ARE AVAILABLE AT OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICES,* HE SAID.
+ABOUT $500,000 WILL BE SPENT ON THESE PUBLICATIONS NEXT YEAR,* HE ADDED.
MR. WILLIAMS SAID THE DEPARTMENT FROM TIME-TO-TIME STAGED FULL SCALE PROMOTIONAL EXHIBITIONS AND CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS THE MACHINERY GUARDED EXHIBITION IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND THE CAREERS EXHIBITION PRESENTED EARLIER THIS MONTH.
*1 WILL EXPECT ALL THESE SERVICES TO EE EXPANDED GRADUALLY, AND OUR PLANNED PROGRAMME OF OPENING NEW BRANCH OFFICES WILL ALSO HiLP TO MAKE THIS KIND OF INFORMATION EVEN MORE READILY AVAILABLE,* MR. WILLIAMS SAID.
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120 .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT CAREFULLY PLANNED TO COPE W UH S’WDAY RACING AT SHAT IN
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE MATTERS OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BEFORE THE DECISION WAS TAKEN TO ALLOW SUNDAY RACING AT SHATIN, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, MR. JONES SAID THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE ROAD AND RAIL COMMUNICATIONS TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED TRAFFIC AND THE TIME OF RACE MEETINGS TO AVOID CONFLICT WITH OTHER RECREATIONAL TRAFFIC WERE CAREFULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
MR. JONES SAID THE RACE COURSE WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY OF 35,000 AND, AS NO MORE THAN 1,000 CAR PARKING SPACES WOULD BE PROVIDED AND ALLOCATED, THE MAJORITY OF THOSE ATTENDING WOULD NEED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GET THERE.
HE NOTED: +THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY, WHOSE SHATIN RACE COURSE STATION WILL BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 1978, AND THE BUS COMPANIES, WILL BETWEEN THEM BE ABLE TO CARRY 28,000 PASSENGERS TO THE COURSE AND 33,003 HOME AFTERWARDS.
+ THE CAPACITY OF THE ROAD SYSTEM ..ILL ALSO BE IMPROVED NEXT YEAR WITH THE OPENING OF THE SECOND TUBE OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND ITS ASSOCIATED ROAD WORKS, AND IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ROADS .'.ILL BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE BALANCE OF RACEGOERS USING OTHER MEANS OF TRANSPORT, AS '..ELL AS OTHER TRAFFIC,* MR. JONES SA ID.
REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION CONCERNING TAXIS RAISED BY THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE, MR. JONES SAID THAT PROGRAMME FOR CONVERTING PUBLIC HIRE CARS TO TAXIS WAS PROCEEDING AS RAPIDLY AS THE RESOURCES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT PERMIT.
HE SAID: +THEY SHOULD ALL BE CONVERTED BY EARLY JULY 1978 AND, FROM MAY ONWARDS, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO RESUME THE AGREED POLICY FOR THE DIRECT ISSUE OF FURTHER URBAN TAXI LICENCES.
BY THEN THERE WILL BE OVER 7,300 TAXIS AVAILABLE.*
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/21 .
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
21
EXTENDING DUTIES OF TRAFFIC WARDENS CONSIDERED
******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO TRAFFIC aARDENS TO UNDERTAKE CERTAIN OTHER TASKS NOW PERFORMED ENTIRELY EY TRAFFIC POLICE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ROGER LOBO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. JONES SAID THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WAS VERY MUCH IN FAVOUR OF EXTENDING THE DUTIES OF TRAFFIC WARDENS IN SO FAR AS THIS WAS POSSIBLE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT TRAFFIC WARDENS ARE PERFORMING A USEFUL ROLE AND APART FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DUTIES OF CONTROLLING PARKING, THEY ARE ALREADY DIRECTING TRAFFIC IN SOME PLACES.
MR. JONES ALSO NOTED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TRAFFIC WARDENS HAS ALREADY BEEN INCREASED AND RECRUITMENT IS STILL GOING ON TO BRING IT UP TO STRENGTH.
+ONCE THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED, THE ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE FURTHER ENLARGED AND RECRUITMENT WILL CONTINUE,+ HE SAID.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG ABOUT RECENT ACCIDENTS IN WHICH TWO STUDENTS WERE KILLED AFTER FALLING OFF CROWDED BUSES WHICH THEY WERE TRYING TO BOARD, MR. JONES SAID THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WOULD BE TAKING UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES THE POSSIBILITY OF POSTING MORE QUEUE REGULATORS AT THE BUSIER BUS STOPS WHICH WERE NOT YET CONTROLLED DURING RUSH HOURS.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO STEP UP ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS GENERALLY AND ADDITIONAL FUNDS ARE BEING REQUESTED FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
+AN INCREASE IN THE SUBVENTION TO THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION IS ALSO BEING SOUGHT TO ASSIST THE ASSOCIATION TO FORM MORE SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS,+ MR. JONES ADDED.
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/22
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
22 -
REHOUSING POLICY APPLIES TO BOAT DWELLERS * * * * *
ACCOMMODATION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY OFFERED TO DWELLERS IN BOATS WHICH ARE EITHER AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES OR CONSIDERED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TC BE IN SUCH A CONDITION THAT THEY MAY BE RENDERED HOMELESS AT SHORT NOTICE, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THIS WAS CONSISTENT WITH EXISTING POLICY IN REGARD TO REHOUSING OTHER GROUPS SUCH AS ROOFTOP SQUATTERS, TENEMENT DWELLERS AND LAND SQUATTERS.
MR. SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER REVIEWING THE OVERALL SITUATION OF BOAT SQUATTERS WITH A VIEW TO MEETING THE VARIOUS SPECIAL NEEDS AND THE PROBLEMS OF THIS PARTICULAR GROUP FOR REHOUSING AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE THEIR ASSIMILATION INTO THE COMMUNITY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY FAMILIES AMONG THESE VARIOUS GROUPS, WHO WERE NOT AFFECTED BY PUBLIC WORKS OR EMERGENCIES, WERE LIVING IN UNSATISFACTORY LIVING CONDITIONS.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TRIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THESE GROUPS IN AS BALANCED AND EQUITABLE A WAY AS IT CAN,+ MR. SCOTT SAID.
AS FAR AS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND MEDICAL SERVICES WERE CONCERNED, MR. SCOTT SAID BOAT SQUATTERS HAD ACCESS TO ALL THESE SERVICES ON LAND.
+THEIR NEEDS FOR THESE SERVICES DO NOT APPEAR TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM LAND DWELLERS, AND THEY ARE THEREFORE, TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
+IT IS APPRECIATED THAT BOAT SQUATTERS HAVE THEIR OWN PARTICULAR BACKGROUND IN HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC TERMS, BUT IT IS NOT CONSIDERED THAT THIS JUSTIFIES SPECIAL PRIORITY IN RELATION TO THE OTHER GROUPS I HAVE MENTIONED,+ MR. SCOTT SAID.
/23
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 23 -
MEASURES TO CUSHION INCREASE IN RATEABLE VALUE OF NON-PROFIT MAKING RECREATIONAL CLUES *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY OUTLINED THE MEASURES GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE TO CUSHION THE EFFECT OF THE INCREASE IN THE RATEABLE VALUE OF NON-PROFIT MAKING SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL CLUBS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID TO RECTIFY THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE INCREASE, +NON-PROFIT MAKING SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL CLUBS ARE ELIGIBLE, ALONG WITH ALL OTHER PREMISES, FOR THE GENERAL SCHEME OF RELIEF WHICH I ANNOUNCED IN THE BUDGET EARLIER THIS YEAR.+
UNDER THIS SCHEME OF RELIEF, HE SAID, THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN 1977-78 WOULD NOT BE MORE THAN ONE THIRD ABOVE THE RATES PAYABLE BY HIM IN 1976-77.
+SO IN THE EXTREME CASE AT THE UPPER END OF THE RANGE, WHERE THE RATEABLE VALUE FOR THE CLUB CONCERNED HAS INCREASED TWENTY-FOLD THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF INCREASE IN THE RATES PAYABLE IN 1977-78 IS ONLY 3345,+ HE POINTED OUT.
+THIS INCREASE SPREAD AMONGST THE CLUB’S PRESENT MEMBERSHIP, AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 55 CENTS PER MEMBER FOR THIS YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
AND FOR 1978-79, HE SAID, THE RATES PAYABLE IN 1977-78 FOR THIS PARTICULAR CLUB WOULD FURTHER INCREASE BY ABOUT $460.
+EVEN WHEN THE SCHEME OF RELIEF CEASES TO APPLY IN 1979-80, THE AMOUNT OF RATES PAYABLE- BY EACH MEMBER OF A CLUB IS UNLIKELY TO AMOUNT TO MORE THAN A SMALL FRACTION OF MEMBERS’ MONTHLY BILLS,* HE NOTED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON FOR INCREASE IN RATEABLE VALUE WAS THAT THE PREVIOUS VALUATIONS WERE BASED ON AN OUT-DATED FORMULA.
+THIS FORMULA WOULD HAVE PRODUCED VALUES WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN GENERALLY OUT OF LINE WITH THE VALUES OF OTHER CATEGORIES OF PREMISES. FURTHERMORE, IT WOULD ALSO HAVE PRODUCED VALUES AS BETWEEN ONE CLUB AND ANOTHER WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE ADEQUATELY REFLECTED THE VARIETY OF FACILITIES PROVIDED,* HE SAID.
+THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION THEREFORE ADOPTED A NEW APPROACH WHICH HAS RECENTLY BEEN UPHELD IN AN APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL,+ HE ADDED.
/24
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 24 -
GOVERNMENT TAKING MEASURES TO REDUCE WAITING TIME FOR X-RAY EXAMINATIONS * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG, SAID THAT BOTH SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM MEASURES ARE BEING INSTITUTED TO REDUCE WAITING TIME FOR SPECIAL X-RAY EXAMINATIONS AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
DR. THONG WAS REPLYING TO QUESTIONS ON X-RAY SERVICES BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
HE SAID IN THE IMMEDIATE SHORT-TERM ACTIVE CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SESSIONS WITHIN THE PRESENT FACILITIES WHICH +SHOULD REDUCE THE WAITING TIME TO A CONSIDERABLE EXTENT.+
AT THE SAME TIME, STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES IN MAJOR INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG POLYCLINIC, THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL, HE SAID.
+IN FACT, THE FACILITIES AT SOUTH KWAI CHUNG POLYCLINIC SHOULD BE OPERATIONAL BY EARLY NEXT YEAR AND GIVEN THE RESOURCES THE OTHER FACILITIES SHOULD ALSO BE IN USE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS, WHICH WILL FURTHER IMPROVE THE SITUATION,+ HE ADDED.
DR. THONG EXPLAINED THAT SPECIAL X-RAY EXAMINATIONS PRESENTLY CARRIED OUT IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS FALL GENERALLY INTO TWO CATEGOR IES.
THE FIRST CATEGORY RELATES TO CASES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED URGENT FOR DETERMINING THE DIAGNOSIS SO THAT APPROPRIATE TREATMENT COULD BE STARTED.
+FOR SUCH CASES, THERE IS NO WAITING TIME,+ HE SAID.
THERE ARE CERTAIN CASES WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF THE ATTENDING DOCTOR, SHOULD UNDERGO FURTHER EXAMINATIONS FOR MORE DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS AND CONFIRMATION OF THE CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND FOR FOLLOW-UP AT CERTAIN INTERVALS.
FOR SUCH CASES, THERE IS A PRIORITY SCHEDULE AND DEPENDING ON THE INDIVIDUAL CASE THERE MAY BE ON THE AVERAGE A WAITING TIME OF ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL WHILE THE WAITING TIME FOR QUEEN MARY AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITALS IS MUCH LESS, HE SAID.
+1 MIGHT ADD THAT THIS PICTURE IS GENERALLY TRUE ALSO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,* SAID DR. THONG.
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/25
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 25 -
MONITORING OF TV PROGRAMMES
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TELEVISION STANDARDS CONTROL OFFICERS HAS RECENTLY BEEN INCREASED FROM SIX TO NINE AND WHEN THE THREE VACANCIES HAVE BEEN FILLED THIS SHOULD ENABLE THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY TO INCREASE ITS MONITORING COVERAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS. KWAN KO SIU-WAH.
+1 AM NOT ABLE TO SAY WHAT PERCENTAGE COVERAGE THIS WOULD AMOUNT TO AS THE COMBINED OUTPUT OF THE THREE STATIONS IS INCREASING AND AS THE TELEVISION STANDARDS CONTROL OFFICERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO DIRECT AND ADVISE THE STATIONS ON PROGRAMME STANDARDS,+ MR. LI SAID.
THE AIM OF THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY BOARD IS A COMPREHENSIVE MONITORING OF ALL PROGRAMMES, MR. LI POINTED OUT, BUT THIS WOULD REQUIRE A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT CF MANPOWER.
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CROWD CONTROL AT FOOTBALL MATCH ******
THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION IN ORDER TO TRY TO ENSURE AS ACCURATE A FORECAST OF LIKELY ATTENDANCE AS POSSIBLE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. HENRY HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CROWD CONTROL AT A RECENT FOOTBALL MATCH AT BOUNDARY STREET STADIUM, MR. DAVIES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT ENTIRELY SATISFIED WITH THE CROWD CONTROL AT THAT MATCH BECAUSE THE SIZE OF THE CROWD WAS SUBSTANTIALLY GREATER THAN THE ADVANCE ESTIMATE OF AN ATTENDANCE OF 7,030 BY THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
+IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES THE ORIGINAL DETACHMENT OF POLICE FOR CROWD CONTROL DUTIES HAD TO SEEK REINFORCEMENT. THESE WERE PROVIDED BY THE RESERVE UNIT WHICH WAS STANDING BY,+ HE SAID.
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/26
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
26
DUTY-FREE BRANDY FOR CHRISTMAS * * *
THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT PASSENGERS ARRIVING FROM MACAU DURING THE TWO DAYS FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 26 AND 27), MAY BRING INTO HONG KONG DUTY FREE ONE BOTTLE OF PORTUGUESE BRANDY OF NOT MORE THAN ONE LITRE INSTEAD OF THE ONE-QUART BOTTLE OF GRAPE WINE NORMALLY ALLOWED.
- - 0 - -
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS AMENDING LAW ON POSTING OF ILLEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING TO AMEND EXISTING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE THAT THE +PERSON OR ORGANISATION SEEKING TO BENEFIT FROM THE POSTING OF ANY ILLEGAL ADVERTISEMENT* BE MADE LIABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. JONES SAID IT WAS NOT EASY TO ENFORCE THE EXISTING LAW, WHICH PROVIDED FOR CONTROL OVER THE POSTING OF HANDBILLS AND OTHER ADVERTISING MATERIAL IN PUBLIC PLACES BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF IDENTIFYING THE PERSONS WHO ACTUALLY PUT UP THE SIGNS AND POSTERS.
HE SAID THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HOUSING AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS ALL MADE EFFORTS WITHIN THEIR RESOURCES TO REMOVE ILLEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS.
HOWEVER, MR. JONES SAID, THESE ACTIVITIES HAD ONLY A LIMITED EFFECT ON THE PROBLEM, AS IN MANY CASES NEW ADVERTISEMENTS APPEARED ALMOST AS SOON AS THE OLD ONES /.ERE REMOVED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
POLICE PATROLS IN COUNTRY PARKS * * * * *
POLICE PATROLS IN COUNTRY PARKS WERE ALWAYS INCREASED AT WEEKENDS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS- THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. DAVIES SAID THE POLICE PROTECTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC USING COUNTRY PARKS IN THE SAME WAY THAT PROTECTION WAS PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT MEANS OF PROTECTION IN COUNTRY PARKS WAS BY POLICE PATROLS ON FOOT AND IN VEHICLES.
MR. DAVIES SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ALSO PROVIDED FOREST GUARDS TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC AND TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COMPLY WITH THE COUNTRY PARKS REGULATIONS.
+THEY ALSO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF POLICE OFFICERS TO ANY SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES THEY OBSERVED DURING THEIR PATROLS,+ MR. DAVIES ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR POLICING COUNTRY PARKS ARE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW BY THE POLICE AND THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS DEPLOYED ON PATROL DUTIES IS INCREASED AS AND WHEi. THE NEED ARISES.
- - 0 - -
NO AVERAGE TIME FOR SUMMONS PROCEEDINGS
*****
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE MEANINGFUL AVERAGE TIME TAKEN IN DEALING WITH THE WHOLE RANGE OF OFFENCES WHERE SUMMONS PROCEDURE WAS ADOPTED.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ON THE AVERAGE TIME IN CASES DEALT WITH BY SUMMONS IN MAGISTRATES COURTS.
MR. HOBLEY SAID THE QUESTION RELATED TO THE WHOLE OF THE CONSIDERABLE RANGE OF OFFENCES IN RELATION TO WHICH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS WERE TAKEN BY SUMMONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SUMMONSES ARE ISSUED ON COMPLAINT BY POLICE OFFICERS, AND ALSO BY OFFICERS OF MOST OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
HE SAID IF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS COULD DIRECT ATTENTION TO PARTICULAR OFFENCES, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CERTAINLY PROVIDE SUCH INFORMATION AS MAY BE AVAILABLE.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 28 -
FIVE BILLS PASSED * * * *
FIVE BILLS COMPLETED THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY AND BECAME LAW.
THEY WERE THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977 AND THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS BILL 1977.
TWO BILLS - THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 -WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1977
- 29 -
YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HOLDS FIRST MEETING ******
COMPREHENSIVE PLANS ARE TO BE DRAWN UP FOR 1978-79 ON CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS ON MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND LOCAL PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS IN THE YUEN LONG MARKET TOWN.
AT ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY, THE NEWLY-CREATED YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD SET UP TWO SUB-COMMITTEES CHARGED WITH THE TASK OF FORMULATING THE PLANS.
THE PLANS WILL FORM THE BASIS OF WORK FOR THE BOARD DURING THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, THE TWO SUB-COMMITTEES WILL WORK ON AN INFORMAL BASIS WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND, WHO IS THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, SAID: +THE PLANS WILL THEN EE PUT TO THE FULL BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENDORSEMENT IN MARCH AS WELL AS FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.+
THEREAFTER, MR. CARTLAND SAID, THE BOARD WILL MEET REGULARLY TO MONITOR PROGRESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS PROGRAMMES AND TO CONSIDER MATTERS RELATING TO YET ANOTHER MAIN ITEM OF INTEREST - THE PUBLIC WORK PROGRAMME.
AT THE MEETING, THE BOARD MEMBERS ALSO LOOKED AT THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR YUEN LONG TOWN.
SITTING ON THE BOARD WERE 15 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS REPRESENTING A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
EARLIER TODAY, THE TAI PC DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD ALSO CONVENED ITS FIRST MEETING UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY.
MR. -OXLEY BRIEFED THE MEMBERS ON THE DISTRICT’S LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRESS AND SAID A LARGE NUMBER OF WORK ITEMS COSTING THE GOVERNMENT A TOTAL OF ABOUT 0284,300 HAD BEEN COMPLETED SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR.
FURTHER ITEMS, INCLUDING REPAIRS TO TRACKS, BUILDING MOTORABLE BRIDGES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER SUPPLY IN REMOTE VILLAGES, ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT BEFORE THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR BEGINS, HE SAID.
TODAY’S TWO MEETINGS COMPLETED THE SERIES OF INAUGURAL MEETINGS FOR THE SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS SINCE THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS WERE GAZETTED LATE LAST MONTH.
BOTH MEETINGS WERE ATTENDED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, jHO BRIEFLY ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS.
0
GIS
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RELEASE OF ARMY LAND TO HK GOVERNMENT....................... 1
SIR DENYS REDEDICATES VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL ............... 1
RESULTS OF LABOUR FORCE SURVEY ............................. 4
LOWER COST OF LIVING IN NOVEMBER ........................... 5
NEW YEAR’S DAY IS A STATUTORY WORKERS’ HOLIDAY ............. 7
DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON POST-FORM 3 REPORT .......... 8
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRANTS FROM MUSIC FUND ............ 9
ROUTE CHANGE FOR CROSS-HARBOUR BUS NO. 103 ................. 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
1
RELEASE OF ARMY LAND TO HK GOVERNMENT * * * * *
AT THE REQUEST OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS HAVE AGREED THAT LYEMUN BARRACKS (72 ACRES), SHAM SHU I PO CAMP (12 ACRES), BOWRING CAMP IN NEW TERRITORIES (17 ACRES) AND TUDOR COURT IN KOWLOON (1 ACRE) WILL BE RELEASED BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AS SOON AS THE REPROV IS ION I Ng CF ESSENTIAL FACILITIES ELSEWHERE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE UNITS OF HM FORCES WHICH CURRENTLY OCCUPY THE AREAS TO BE RELEASED WILL BE RELOCATED IN AREAS ALREADY OCCUPIED BY THE GARR ISON.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL MEET THE ESTIMATED COST (HKS158 MILLION) OF THE ESSENTIAL REPRCVISION, AND WILL ALSO MEET THE COST (HK$58 MILLION) OF A NUMBER OF CAPITAL WORKS FOR THE GARRISON .vHICH ARE ADDITIONAL TO THOSE PROVIDED FOR BY THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1, 1976.
THE EFFECT OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE TO CONCENTRATE THE GARRISON’S FACILITIES AND IMPROVE ITS OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY, AND TO RELEASE LAND IN THE URBAN AREAS TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE SITE AT LYEMUN WILL BE USED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME. THE LAND AT SHAM SHU I PO WILL ALLOW A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO EE MADE IN THE TOWN PLANNING OF THE AREA.
THIS FURTHER AGREEMENT DOES NOT AFFECT THE EXISTING DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
- 0 - -
SIR DENYS REDEDICATES VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL
*****
A TIME CAPSULE SIMILAR TO THE ONE UNEARTHED LAST SEPTEMBER DURING THE DISMANTLING OF THE VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL WAS PLACED IN THE PLINTH OF THE MEMORIAL WHEN IT WAS REDEDICATED TODAY BY THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DENYS ROBERTS.
THE CEREMONY, BEFORE AN AUDIENCE OF INVITED GUESTS, MARKED THE END OF QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS IN HONG KONG.
IN A SPECIAL MESSAGE INCLUDED IN THE NEW CAPSULE THE QUEEN
SAID:
+| WAS MOST INTERESTED TO LEARN OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE TIME CAPSULE IN THE QUEEN VICTORIA DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL OF 1897.
/+THE ERECTION
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 1977
2 -
+THE ERECTION OF THE MEMORIAL ON A NEW SITE AND THE PLAN TO PLACE A NEW CAPSULE IN IT IS AN IMAGINATIVE CEREMONY TO MARK THE END OF SILVER JUBILEE YEAR IN HONG KONG.
+IT GIVES ME MUCH PLEASURE TO SEND MY WARM GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES TO THE PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.+
IN ADDITION TO THE CONTENTS OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER THE NEW CAPSULE INCLUDED COPIES OF THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND WAH KIU YAT PAO, A COPY OF THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE SOUVENIR PROGRAMME, HONG KONG’S QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUE WITH COVER, A FULL SET OF CURRENT HONG KONG COINS, A 1977 HONG KONG STREET GUIDE AND PHOTOGRAPHS AND A MAP SHOWING THE MEMORIAL IN ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION ALONG WITH A DESCRIPTION OF ITS HISTORY.
THE CONTENTS OF THE CAPSULE FIRST PLACED IN THE MEMORIAL TO MARK QUEEN VICTORIA’S DIAMOND JUBILEE WERE ON DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY, STAR HOUSE, KOWLOON UNTIL LAST TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).
THEY INCLUDED CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH OR CHINESE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS AND COINS OF THE PERIOD.
IN A SHORT CEREMONY OF REDEDICATION OF THE MEMORIAL AT THE JUNCTION OF MOUNT DAVIS ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD SIR DENYS SAIDs
+ IT SEEMED APPROPRIATE TO REPLACE THE TIME CAPSULE AND I THEREFORE DECIDED THAT A NEW AND LARGER CAPSULE CONTAINING BOTH THE ORIGINAL CONTENTS AND ITEMS RELATED TO 1977 AND TO THE SILVER JUBILEE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED.+
SIR DENYS PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO HAD HELPED PRESERVED THE CONTENTS OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINER AS WELL AS MAKING A NEW CAPSULE AND COLLECTING AND PREPARING THE PRESENT DAY OBJECTS TO BE PLACED INSIDE.
SPECIAL THANKS WENT TO THE CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY, MR. BRIAN PEACOCK, PROFESSOR DOUGLAS PAYNE AND PROFESSOR ANTONY REYNOLDS OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND TO THE GOVERNMENT ARCHIVIST MR. IAN DIAMOND WHO PREPARED THE DESCRIPTION OF THE HISTORY AND DISCOVERY OF THE ORIGINAL TIME CAPSULE.
EXPERTS SAY THE ARGON GAS FILLED CAPSULE COULD LAST 10,000 YEARS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR DENYS’ SPEECH DELIVERED AT THE REDEDICATION CEREMONY:
+THE VICTORIA ROAD MEMORIAL WAS ERECTED AT ITS ORIGINAL SITE AT THE EASTERN END OF VICTORIA ROAD IN 1897, TO MARK QUEEN VICTORIA’S DIAMOND JUBILEE. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BRIEF CEREMONY IS TO REDEDICATE THE MEMORIAL AT ITS NEW SITE HERE, AT THE JUNCTION OF VICTORIA ROAD AND MOUNT DAVIS ROAD. IT WILL ALSO MARK THE END OF HONG KONG’S CELEBRATIONS IN HONOUR OF QUEEN ELIZABETH I I’S SILVER JUBILEE.
/+WHEN THE .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
3 -
+WHEN THE MEMORIAL WAS BUILT IN 1897, A TIME CAPSULE WAS INSERTED IN THE PLINTH CONTAINING NEWSPAPERS AND COINS OF THE PERIOD. THIS CAPSULE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN 1903, SINCE WHEN IT REMAINED UNDISTURBED TILL 16 SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, WHEN THE MEMORIAL WAS DISMANTLED FOR REMOVAL TO THIS SITE.
+IT SEEMED APPROPRIATE TO REPLACE THE TIME CAPSULE, AND I THEREFORE DECIDED THAT A NEW AND LARGER CAPSULE, CONTAINING BOTH THE ORIGINAL CONTENTS, AND ITEMS RELATED TO 1977 AND TO THE SILVER JUBILEE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II, SHOULD BE CONSTRUCTED.
+THIS TASK HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY MR. BRIAN PEACOCK, CURATOR OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY, WITH THE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE OF PROFESSOR DOUGLAS PAYNE AND PROFESSOR ANTONY REYNOLDS OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
+THE CONTENTS OF THE ORIGINAL CAPSULE, WHICH AFFORD A FASCINATING GLIMPSE OF HONG KONG’S PAST, HAVE BEEN ON DISPLAY FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS IN THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MAKING THESE FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE PURPOSE.
+WE HAVE ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENTS COPIES OF AN ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPER OF TODAY’S DATE, A SET OF CURRENT HONG KONG COINS, A FIRST-DAY COVER OF THE HONG KONG SILVER JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUE, THE SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME AND A 1977 HONG KONG STREET GUIDE (WHICH IS, PERHAPS, A SOMEWHAT EPHEMERAL ITEM). THERE IS ALSO A DESCRIPTION OF THE HISTORY, AND OF THE DISCOVERY, OF THE TIME CAPSULE, PREPARED BY MR. IAN DIAMOND, THE GOVERNMENT ARCHIVIST.
+IN ADDITION, HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II HAS GRACIOUSLY SENT US A MESSAGE TO MARK THIS OCCASION. A COPY OF ITS TEXT HAS BEEN INSERTED IN THE CAPSULE. THE QUEEN’S MESSAGE IS AS FOLLOWS!
’I WAS MOST INTERESTED TO LEARN OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE TIME CAPSULE IN THE QUEEN VICTORIA DIAMOND JUBILEE MEMORIAL OF 1897. THE ERECTION OF THE MEMORIAL ON A NEW SITE AND THE PLAN TO PLACE A NEW CAPSULE IN IT IS AN IMAGINATIVE CEREMONY TO MARK THE END OF SILVER JUBILEE YEAR IN HONG KONG.
’IT GIVES ME MUCH PLEASURE TO SEND MY WARM GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES TO THE PRESENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG.’
+IT NOW GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE IN INSERTING THE CAPSULE IN THE MONUMENT AND REDEDICATING THE MEMORIAL TO THE DIAMOND JUBILEE OF QUEEN VICTORIA AND THE SILVER JUBILEE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II.+
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/4
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
LABOUR FORCE SURVEY * * * *
THERE WERE 80,000 UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO A SAMPLE LABOUR FORCE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN THAT MONTH.
THIS REPRESENTED 4.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE IN HONG KONG.
THESE FIGURES COMPARED WITH 88,000 OR 4.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1976 AND 86,000 OR 4.5 PER CENT IN MARCH 1977.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS EXPLAINED TODAY THAT IN THE SURVEY THE PEOPLE TAKEN TO BE UNEMPLOYED WERE THOSE AGED BETWEEN 14-64 AND WERE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT, OR THOSE HAD WORKED FOR LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE SEVEN DAYS PRIOR TO THE SURVEY DATE, BUT WERE LOOKING FOR WORK.
THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT THE DEFINITION OF ♦UNEMPLOYMENT* VARIED IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, +UNEMPLOYED+ INCLUDED PEOPLE WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND WHO REALLY HAD NOT HAD MUCH OF A CHANCE TO PICK UP A JOB- WHO HAD JUST TAKEN UP WORK- WHO HAD TEMPORARILY BEEN LAID OFF WORK- WHO WERE AVAILABLE FOR WORK, BUT WHO WERE NOT ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NONE TO BE HAD.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE JULY 1977 FIGURE FOR THE UNITED STATES WAS 6.9 PER CENT.
+ADJUSTING, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE LATEST HONG KONG FIGURE TO THE U.S.A. BASIS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG WAS REPRESENTED BY A FIGURE OF 3.2 PER CENT,* HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT OWING TO SAMPLING FLUCTUATIONS, THE DIFFERENCE OF 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT BETWEEN MARCH AND SEPTEMBER DID NOT PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT INDICATION THAT THERE WAS ANY ACTUAL CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT SIMILAR INFORMATION ON UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT REGULAR SIX-MONTHLY INTERVALS. THE NEXT LABOUR FORCE SURVEY WOULD BE HELD IM MARCH NEXT YEAR.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
5
LOWER COST OF LIVING IN NOVEMBER
* * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX(A) FOR LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER) WAS 118, DOWN BY TWO POINTS, AND l::DEX(B) WAS 119, DOWN BY ONE POINT COMPARED WITH THOSE IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFF DECREASED BY THREE POINTS IN C.P.I.(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN C.P.I.(E).
DUE TO INCREASED SUPPLY, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED. ON THE OTHER HARD, RISES WERE RECORDED IN THE RETAIL AVERAGE PRICE OF SALT-..ATER FISH DESPITE STABLE SUPPLY, AND OF FRESH-WATER FISH DUE TO IRREGULAR SUPPLIES.
AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING-PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES, THE AVERAGE PRICE OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ROSE. MOVEMENTS IN RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FCOT..EAR WENT UP BY THREE POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I.(A) AND C.P.I.(L). THIS WAS DUE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR SOME OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS AS SOME SHOPS STOPPED THEIR DISCOUNT SALES DURING THE MONTH.
A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR HOUSING IN C.P.I.(B) VS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR HOUSING MAINTENANCE.
HIGHER PRICES FOR MEDICINES AND JEWELLERY PUSHED THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS UP BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I.(B).
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS AND SERVICES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE C.P.I.(A) IS EASED Ci. ^EIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN O400-$l,499 A MONTH AND C.P.I.(B) BETWEEN -1,500-02,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1073/74.
/THE SECTION .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
- 6
THE SECTION INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1977 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1976 ARE INDICATED EELOW
C.P.I.(A) C.P.I.(B)
SECTION NOV. 76 OCT. 77 NOV. 77 NOV. 76 OCT. 77 NOV.
FOODSTUFFS 199 116 113 119 116 114
HOUS ING 117 126 126 117 125 126
FUEL AND LIGHT 132 136 136 131 135 135
ALCOHOL IC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 131 137 137 128 133 133
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 100 190 103 190 99 102
DURABLE GOODS 107 119 113 195 107 107
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 122 125 125 119 121 122
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 113 116 116 118 121 121
SERV 1CES 126 133 133 126 133 133
ALL-ITEMS 113 120 118 114 120 119
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF WORKERS’ HOLIDAY
V * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT JANUARY 1 IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE HOLIDAY WHICH FALLS ON A SUNDAY NEXT YEAR IS LIKELY ALSO TO BE A REST DAY FOR MANY EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: +IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, AN EMPLOYER MUST GRANT HIS EMPLOYEES ANOTHER REST DAY BECAUSE THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT A REST DAY SHALL BE IN ADDITION TO ANY STATUTORY HOLIDAY.*
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY MAY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE THE EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIM 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE BEFORE GIVING HIM THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638= KOWLOON WEST 3-201652= KWUN TONG 3-398520= TSUEN WAN 12-422096= TUEN MUN 12-818443 EXT. 82 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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/8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
8 -
DEADLINE DRAWS NEAR FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON POST-FORM 3 REPORT * * * *
THE DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE REPORT OF THE WORKING PARTY ON SELECTION AND ALLOCATION FOR POST-FORM 3 EDUCATION IS DRAWING NEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ..HEN THE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 9, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, HAD INVITED PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE REPORT TO EE SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY DECEMBER 31.
MR. TOPLEY HAD-SA ID ON PUBLISHING THE REPORT THAT THE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS MADE BY THE WORKING PARTY WERE MOST RELEVANT TO THOSE OF THE GREEN PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION PUBLISHED AT THE SAME TIME.
THE 26-MEMBER WORKING PARTY, CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, CONSISTED OF HEADS AND TEACHERS OF SCHOOLS OF ALL KINDS AND OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE REPORT AND HAS NOT DONE SO, IS INVITED TO WRITE TO:
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION,
ATTENTION: SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (PLANNING),
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,
LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR,
HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1977
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR GRANTS FROM MUSIC FUND % & n ¥; H
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR. GORDON SIU, TODAY INVITED MUSIC ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS AND SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM A FUND SET UP I TH DONATIONS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE FUND IS AIMED AT DEVELOPING MUSICAL SKILLS AND INTEREST AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG. THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IS PROVIDING THREE SUCCESSIVE ANNUAL GRANTS OF $630,003 TO PROVIDE WORKING CAPITAL ARD ..ILL LATER PROVIDE A FURTHER $10 MILLION TC ESTABLISH A TRUST FUND.
REQUESTS FOR AN ALLOCATION ..'ILL EE CONSIDERED ON THE BASIS OF COVERAGE AND EXTENT OF THE BENEFIT OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IN RELATION TO THE SUM REQUIRED, MR. SIU SAID.
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS WILL BE PROCESSED BY THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AND CONSIDERED BY A VETTING COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, ..HO IS THE CUSTODIAN OF THE FUND.
DETAILS OF THE CRITERIA FOR GRANTS AND APPLICATION FORMS (MA/8) ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE ON THE NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD EE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE BEFORE JANUARY 31, 1978.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-233257.
- - 0 - -
ROUTE CHANGE FOR CROSS HARBOUR BUS 103
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NO. 133 BETWEEN LOK FU AUD POKFIELD ROAD HAS BEEN ALTERED IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE JOURNEY TIME.
THE ROUTE WILL NOW RUN VIA HENNESSY ROAD, QUEENSWAY, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, ICE HOUSE STREET AND CHATER ROAD ON JOURNEYS TO POKFIELD ROAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPART. .E..T SAID THAT THE RE-ROUTING IS TEMPORARY AND WOULD EE IN EFFECT FC.'-. NOT MORE THAN 12 MONTHS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SECOND PHASE OF TUI MIN HOI DEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO BEGIN SOON ..................................................... 1
ELEVATED ROAD ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION PROPOSED ........ 2
NEW WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION LAW NOW IN FORCE .............. 3
TWO LABOUR MPS TO VISIT HONG KONG NEXT MONTH ............. 3
CLOSURE OF ACCESS ROAD’S EXIT IN POK FU LAM............... 4
FIRING PRACTICE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ..................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
1
SECOND STAGE DEVELOPMENT OF TUI MIN HOI AREA IN SAI KUNG *****
WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY ON THE SECOND STAGE OF A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR THE TUI MIN HOI AREA OF SAI KUNG.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED TODAY BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
MR. BOSCO KEOWN, SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, SAID THAT THE WORK FORMED PART OF A MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AIMED AT PROVIDING BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS FOR SOME 350,000 PEOPLE IN EIGHT DIFFERENT RURAL AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
IT WOULD INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF ABOUT SIX HECTARES OF LAND, LARGELY RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA, THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 890-METRE-L0NG SEAWALL AND ASSOCIATED ROADS, DRAINS AND SEWERS.
+ABOUT 1.3 HECTARES OF THE LAND FORMED WILL BE FOR VILLAGE-TYPE HOUSING. THE REST WILL BE USED AS SITES FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, AN ABATTOIR, A SAND DEPOT AND OTHER FACILITIES,+ MR. KEOWN SAID.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.
UNDER THIS STAGE, ALMOST 10 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AS WELL AS HOMES FOR FISHERMEN.
LAND WILL 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 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 ABATTOIR.
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 PHASE OF THE FISHERMEN’S HOUSING PROJECT HAS ALSO BEEN EARMARKED AS A POSSIBLE SITE FOR A KINDERGARTEN.
FOR RECREATION, FIVE AREAS HAVE BEEN ALLOTTED FOR LOCAL OPEN SPACE, INCLUDING ONE OFF THE FUTURE COASTAL ROAD WHICH IS INTENDED FOR A MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING WOODED AREA BETWEEN SAI KUNG AND SAI KUNG CAMP WILL BE RETAINED AS A NATURAL OPEN SPACE FOR RECREATION.
------o ------ /2......................
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
2
ELEVATED ROAD ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION PROPOSED
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD AN ELEVATED ROAD ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION LINKING THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH WAI YIP STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
IT IS PART OF THE TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM WHICH WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE EAST-WEST ROUTE FROM KWUN TONG TO HUNG HOM VIA THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD.
THE ELEVATED ROAD WILL BE ABOUT 800 METRES IN LENGTH AND WILL HAVE DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS WITH RAMPS TO WAI YIP STREET AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD AND A LINK TO THE ELEVATED ROADWAY IN KWUN TONG ROAD BEING BUILT BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
UNDER THE PROJECT, PARTS OF WAI YIP STREET WILL ALSO BE WIDENED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT GROUND LEVEL. ROADWORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT AT GROUND LEVEL NEAR THE SPOT WHERE THE ELEVATED ROAD CONNECTS WITH THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD.
TO FACILITATE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS THE PROJECT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A FOOTBRIDGE OVER WAI YIP STREET WITH A RAMP TO TAI YIP STREET.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE GIVING NOTICE OF AN ORDER TO BE MADE UNDER THE STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE FOR THIS PROJECT.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR OBJECTIONS WILL BE NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 23, 1978 AND ANY CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE MADE BY FEBRUARY 23, 1978.
MEANWHILE, WORKS ON OTHER PROJECTS UNDER THE TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM, WHICH IS ALSO KNOWN AS ROUTE 3, ARE PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.
THEY INCLUDE THE SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE, THE WU HU INTERCHANGE AND THE EAST KOWLOON WAY.
WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED ON ONE OF THE ROADS WHICH WILL CONNECT WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION WITH A THIRD INTERCHANGE AT THE EASTERN END OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD. CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THIS INTERCHANGE WILL BEGIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
THE WHOLE ROUTE 3 SCHEME IS SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN 1980.
--------o - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
- 3 -
NEW WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION LAW NOW IN FORCE *****
A NEW LAW PROVIDING WORKERS WITH MEDICAL BENEFITS IN CASE OF INJURIES SUFFERED AT WORK COMES INTO EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1977, WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEDNESDAY, REQUIRES EMPLOYERS TO PAY MEDICAL EXPENSES RELATED TO TREATMENT FOR INJURIES SUFFERED BY THEIR EMPLOYEES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT.
UNDER THIS LAW AN INJURED WORKMAN IS ENTITLED TO CLAIM MEDICAL EXPENSES ACTUALLY INCURRED UP TO A MAXIMUM CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF $10 EACH DAY FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT AND $20 EACH DAY FOR INPATIENT CARE IN A HOSPITAL, AND HE CAN CLAIM SUCH MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE INJURY.
THE DAILY RATE OF MEDICAL EXPENSES WILL BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND WILL BE REVISED AS NECESSARY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT A STUDY HAD BEEN MADE OF THE STANDARDS ADOPTED IN SEVEN NEIGHBOURING ASIAN COUNTRIES — JAPAN, THAILAND, MALAYSIA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA. THE STUDY SHOWED THAT THESE COUNTRIES ALL PROVIDED MEDICAL CARE AND ALLIED BENEFITS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER, EITHER AS AN EMPLOYER’S LIABILITY OR THROUGH INSURANCE SCHEMES TO WHICH EMPLOYERS WERE REQUIRED TO MAKE CONTRIBUTIONS.
THE NEW LAW NOW PLACES HONG KONG IN A COMPARABLE POSITION WITH ITS NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN THIS FIELD, HE ADDED.
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LABOUR MPS TO VISIT HONG KONG ******
TWO LABOUR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. BRYAN DAVIES (ENFIELD NORTH) AND MR. JOHN CARTWRIGHT (GREENWICH-WOOLWICH EAST) WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON JANUARY 2 FOR A TEN-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT.
DURING THEIR STAY, THE MPS WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AS WELL AS THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THEIR ITINERARY ALSO INCLUDES VISITS TO FACTORIES, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND SHA TIN NEW TOWN. THEY WILL HAVE PLENTY OF FREE TIME TO MEET PEOPLE AND GO TO PLACES THEY WISH TO SEE ON THEIR OWN.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE PRESS BEFORE THEY LEAVE HONG KONG ON JANUARY 12.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. DAVIES AND MR. CARTWRIGHT ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE ON JANUARY 2 BY FLIGHT BA 870 (E.T.A. 6.55 P.M.).
- 0 -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1977
- 4 -
CLOSURE OF ACCESS ROAD’S EXIT IN POK FU LAM * * *
THE SOUTHERN EXIT OF THE ACCESS ROAD OPPOSITE THE JUNCTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD AND MOUNT DAVIES ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC PERMANENTLY FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 26).
THE ARRAGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE SMOOTHER TRAFFIC FLOW IN POK FU LAM ROAD.
VEHICLES USING THE ACCESS ROAD CAN CONTINUE TO USE EXISTING NORTHERN OPENING BOTH FOR EXIT AND ENTRANCE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----0------
FIRING PRACTICE * * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SIX DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DATE HOURS•
JANUARY 3 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
JANUARY 4 (WEDNESDAY) 3.30 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
JANUARY 9 (MONDAY) 8.33 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
JANUARY 10 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
JANUARY 12 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY) 3.33 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MORE LAND TO BE FORMED IN SHA TIN ........................ 1
VISION AND SPEECH SCREENING SERVICES TO BE EXPANDED TO
COVER ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS ................................ 2
GOVERNMENT CALL I GRAPH I ST IS MORE THAN A SCRIBE ....... 3
TSUEN WAN’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME FOR 1978 .... 4
LAI CHI KOK TO HAVE NEW FERRY PIER ....................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1977
1
MORE LAND TO BE FORMED IN SHA TIN ******
LAND WILL BE FORMED IN THE CENTRAL AREAS OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN AS PART OF THE NEW TOWN STAGE I DEVELOPMENT.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT HAVE BEEN INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. IT INVOLVES BULK EXCAVATION, FILLING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT HALF A KILOMETRE-LONG DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROAD WITH FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAY.
ASSOCIATED WORKS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE ROAD BRIDGES, FOUR SUBWAYS, ONE FOOTBRIDGE AND RETAINING WALLS.
MR. KWEI SEE-KAN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF P.W.D.’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, SAID THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
ON COMPLETION, HE SAID, IT WOULD PROVIDE ABOUT 6.8 HECTARES OF LAND FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USE AND 3.9 HECTARES FOR OPEN SPACE.
A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAS ALREADY BEEN PLANNED IN THE AREA.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WORKS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, ON BEHALF OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF P.W.D.
o -------
/2
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1977
- 2 -
EXPANSION OF SCREENING SERVICES TO PUPILS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES TO PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS UNDER A PROGRAMME RECOMMENDED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT.
AS FROM THIS ACADEMIC YEAR, AUDIOMETRIC VISION AND SPEECH SCREENING AND GROUP TESTING SERVICES ARE GRADUALLY EXPANDED TO COVER ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS. ABOUT 175,000 CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE THESE SERVICES THIS YEAR.
MR. K.H. CHAN, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED THESE SCREENING SERVICES AS MOST BENEFICIAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN.
HE SAID: +THEY ARE AIMED AT IDENTIFYING PUPILS WITH SPEECH, HEARING AND VISION IMPAIRMENT, LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS SO THAT REMEDIAL STEPS CAN BE TAKEN AT AN EARLY STAGE BEFORE PROBLEMS DEVELOP INTO EDUCATIONAL HANDICAPS FOR THE CHILD.
+VISION AND HEARING TESTS ARE GIVEN TO PRIMARY 1 CHILDREN. SPEECH SCREENING IS CONDUCTED IN PRIMARY 3 TO IDENTIFY CHILDREN WHOSE SPEECH IS NOT FULLY DEVELOPED AT THE AGE OF 8 OR 9. GROUP TESTS ARE GIVEN TO PRIMARY 1 AND ALSO TO PRIMARY 3 CHILDREN TO IDENTIFY THEIR LEARNING DIFFICULTIES AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.
+OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SPECIALLY TRAINED FOR SUCH WORK, WILL VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH TESTING EQUIPMENT. CHILDREN WHO ARE SUSPECTED OF HAVING PROBLEMS WILL BE GIVEN A MORE DETAILED INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT AT THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRES,+ HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1977
5
GOVERNMENT CALL I GRAPH I ST IS MORE THAN A SCRIBE
* * * *
IF YOU DROP BY AT THE PRESS ROOM OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE GREETED BY A STRANGE SING-SONG VOICE READING ALOUD OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASES IN CHINESE ITEM AFTER ITEM.
THE RECITATION CAN BE HEARD MORE OFTEN WHEN IMPORTANT AND VOLUMINOUS NEWS IS RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IT COMES FROM THE HEAD OF A TABLE WHERE MR. FAN FOOK-CHEUNG, SENIOR CALL I GRAPH I ST OF THE DEPARTMENT SITS.
MR. FAN IS ALSO A PROOF-READER AND A +WALKING COMPUTER*. HE KNOWS A GOOD MANY DIFFICULT, SPECIAL TERMS AND CAN RECALL THE NAMES OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THEIR POSTINGS AT THE DROP OF THE HAT.
WITH 32 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT BEHIND HIM, MR. FAN IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW PIONEERS IN OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION IN CHINESE AND HAS WITNESSED ITS CHANGE-OVER FROM CONVENTIONAL HAND WRITTEN SCRIPT TO TYPE SETTING.
MR. FAN’S SERVICE DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 194OS. +MY DUTIES IN THOSE DAYS WERE VARIED, RANGING FROM COPYING CHINESE TRANSLATION ON STENCIL, MINOR TRANSLATION WORK AND CARRYING OUT OTHER CLERICAL DUTIES,* HE RECALLED.
AFTER WORKING FOR 10 YEARS ON HIS OWN, MR. FAN NOW HAS A TEAM OF 10 CALL I GRAPH I STS AND ASSISTANT CALL I GRAPH I STS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DUTY OF A CALL I GRAPH I ST IS NOT MERELY TO TRANSFER TRANSLATED OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS TO STENCIL, BUT ALSO TO PROOF-READ EACH WORD CAREFULLY TO ENSURE THERE ARE NO MISTAKES. +BY READING OUT ALOUD, IT IS EASIER FOR ME TO SPOT MISTAKES,* MR. FAN EXPLAINED.
+CAREFULNESS IS ESSENTIAL IN OUR JOB. EVEN A MISPLACED COMMA WOULD CHANGE THE ENTIRE MEANING OF A PRESS RELEASE,* HE ADDED.
HIS DEVOTION TO WORK WAS RECOGNIZED IN 1971 WHEN HE WAS AWARDED THE B.E.M. IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT ABOUT 80 CALL I GRAPH I STS IN ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MOST OF THEM ARE ATTACHED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE HOMES AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ANOTHER CALL I GRAPH I ST, MRS. CHAO LAI SOK-YING OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, HAS ALSO SEEN MUCH CHANGE IN THE WORK OF A GOVERNMENT CALL I GRAPH I ST.
/♦AS MORE AND MORE
SATURDAY, DECDffiER 24, 1977
4 -
+ AS MORE AND MORE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE NOW BI-LINGUAL, THE CALL I GRAPH I STS HAVE BEEN GIVEN A MUCH HEAVIER WORKLOAD AND HAVE A SPECIAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE SPEEDY DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.+ MRS. CHAO SAID.
CALLIGRAPHISTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO HAVE A WIDE KNOWLEDGE OF CHINESE CULTURE. THEY MUST BE ABLE TO WRITE DIFFERENT CHINESE SCRIPTS NEATLY, AND OFTEN, UNDER GREAT PRESSURE.
IN RECENT YEARS THE CHINESE VERSIONS OF IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE PUBLIC, DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL REPORTS AND REPORTS OF VARIOUS INQUIRY COMMISSIONS WERE TYPED AND PROOF-READ BY MRS. CHAO’S TEAM OF CALLIGRAPHISTS, A RESPONSIBILITY NOT MANY WOULD ENVY.
BUT, SUCH A RESPONSIBILITY DOES NOT FRIGHTEN OFF THOSE LIKE MR. FAN. HE TAKES IT WITH A SING-SONG.
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TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE FORMULATES CAMPAIGN FOR 1978 ******
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR. DAVID TSUI, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER (TOWN MANAGEMENT), HAS DRAWN UP A PROGRAMME FOR NEXT YEAR’S FIGHT AGAINST CRIME CAMPAIGN FOR THE DISTRICT.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE OPERATED THROUGH THE SIX AREA COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE WHICH WAS FORMED IN MARCH LAST YEAR WITH THE AIM OF APPEALING TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
LAST YEAR’S PROGRAMME WAS A MARKED SUCCESS WITH THE RESULT THAT CRIME IN THIS DISTRICT HAS LEVELLED OFF.
MR. TSUI SAID THESE AREA COMMITTEES - TWO IN TSUEN WAN AND FOUR IN KWAI CHUNG - HAD BEEN GIVEN THE TASK OF TACKLING THE PROBLEM AT GRASS ROOT LEVELS BY IDENTIFYING CRIME ’BLACK SPOTS’ IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS.
HE SAID • +THEY HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING MAINTAIN PUBLIC ORDER IN THE NEW TOWN.+
+BY INVOLVING LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES IN DEALING WITH CRIME IN HOUSING ESTATES, SCHOOLS AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS, THESE COMMITTEES ARE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WELL WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND RECEIVE FROM THEM VALUABLE FEEDBACK ABOUT CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AND POTENTIAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.+
/♦AND BECAUSE OF .....
SATURDAY, DECDffiER 24, 1977
- 5
+AND BECAUSE OF THE GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH THE POLICE, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE TOWN MANAGEMENT OFFICES, THE COMMITTEES ARE ALWAYS ABLE TO SECURE THEIR IMMEDIATE ACTION IN WIPING OUT SUCH ACTIVITIES.*
THE TAI WOR HAU FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME SUB-COMMITTEE, SET UP JUST A MONTH AFTER THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE WAS FORMED, IS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF THE LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES, WHICH HAVE, THROUGH INCREASED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PROVED EFFECTIVE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
MR. TSUI SAID IN ADDITION TO COMBATING CRIME BY IDENTIFYING BLACK SPOTS IN RURAL AREAS, THE DISTRICT COMMITTEES HAD DONE MUCH TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC IN CRIME PREVENTION AND TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS AGAINST POTENTIAL CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
+FILM SHOWS AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND ANTI-DRUG EDUCATION, AND VISITS TO POLICE STATIONS FOR STUDENTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE ARRANGED AT REGULAR INTERVALS WITH THE HELP OF THE POLICE,* HE SAID.
+THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE ENCOURAGED A GREATER INVOLVEMENT BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN HELPING US TACKLE THE CRIME PROBLEM.*
APART FROM EDUCATING THE PUBLIC, MR. TSUI POINTED OUT THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE HAD BEEN MAINTAINING CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING LOCAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO PREVENT CRIMES.
HE SAID i +WE HAVE AT PRESENT A NUMBER OF PROJECTS IN MIND AND SOME ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY. WHEN ALL THESE ARE IMPLEMENTED, PUBLIC ORDER IN THE NEW TOWN WILL BE ABLE TO IMPROVE EVEN FURTHER.*
+THESE PROJECTS INCLUDE APPEALS FOR THE SETTING UP OF NIGHT DEPOSIT SAFES BY LOCAL BANKS, STREET LIGHTING FOR CRIME BLACK SPOTS AND THE STAGING OF A FIVE-MONTH FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN TO PUBLICISE THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST CRIMES.*
MR. TSUI DISCLOSED THAT A SUM OF $10,000 HAD BEEN OBTAINED FOR THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN LAST MONTH.
+PROGRAMMES OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE A QUIZ FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A DEBATE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A FIGHT CRIME SLOGAN AND SIGN BOARD COMPETITION, A PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY AND A WINTER CAMP FOR LOCAL YOUTHS AND WORKERS,* HE CONTINUED.
+IT WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED BY A GRAND FINALE IN THE FORM OF A LARGE-SCALE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE PARTICIPATED BY ALL CONCERNED.*
A CO-ORDINATING SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY TSUEN WAN’S TOWN OFFICER, MR. BENJAMIN TANG, WAS SET UP IN AUGUST THIS YEAR TO GIVE ADVICE ON THE CAMPAIGN, MR. TSUI ADDED.
o --------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1977
6
NEW FERRY PIER FOR LAI CHI KOK * * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY FERRY PIER AND WALKWAY AT LAI CHI KOK.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. H.R.A. CHAMBERLAIN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S PORT WORKS DIVISION, SAID THAT THE NEW PIER WOULD REPLACE THE EXISTING BERTHING POINT ALONGSIDE THE SEAWALL AT MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.
HE SAID THAT THE PRESENT BERTHING POINT WAS UNSATISFACTORY DURING THE SUMMER WHEN THE SOUTH-WESTERLY MONSOON CAUSED STRONG WAVE ACTION ALONGSIDE THE SEAWALL.
THE NEW PIER, WHICH WILL OPERATE WITH A PONTOON, WILL BE SITED AWAY FROM THE SEAWALL WHERE WAVE ACTION IS LESS SEVERE.
1977 -- 1978
MERRY HAPPY
CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR
++ + ++ + ++ +♦+ + + + ++ + ♦ + + + + 444 +++444+++ 444 + + + + + THE
DIRECTOR
EDITORS AND ALL THE STAFF OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES EXTEND TO ALL READERS OF THE DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN THE WARMEST GREETINGS OF THE SEASON AND EVERY GOOD WISH FOR THE COMING YEAR + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
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G G III S S
G III S
G GGG III SSSSSS
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G G III S S
GGGGGG 111 SSSSSS 1 1 1 1 1
MMMMMMM MMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMM
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GRANTS FOR PROMOTING SPORTS AND RECREATION IN TSUEN WAN ........................................................ J
MORE DISABLED PLACED TO WORK IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER .... 2
THERE IS MORE TO THE JOB OF A POSTMAN THAN MEETS THE EYE ........................................................ 2
SKID RESISTANCE OF ROAD SURFACE IN HAPPY VALLEY TO BE IMPROVED ................................................ 4
PROPOSALS TO ALTER SECTION OF FU TEI AU ROAD ............... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1977
1
GRANTS FOR PROMOTING SPORTS AND RECREATION IN TSUEN WAN
******
THE NEWLY-CREATED TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAS RECOMMENDED TWO GRANTS TOTALLING NEARLY $72,000 FOR PROMOTING SPORTS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
THE RECOMMENDATION WAS MADE AT THE RECENTLY-CONVENED FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD WHICH HAS 20 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS REPRESENTING A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD HAVE VOTED FOR A GRANT OF $31,400 TO THE TSUEN WAN RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR A PILOT SCHEME DESIGNED TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN FIVE MAJOR AREAS.
THE ASSOCIATION, CONSISTING OF 21 RECREATION AND SPORTS BODIES, ORGANISES AND CO-ORDINATES NEARLY ALL MAJOR DISTRICT-WIDE RECREATION AND SPORTS COMPETITIONS.
THE EXPENDITURE FOR THE SCHEME WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SCHEME WILL FEATURE A MAJOR RECREATION AND SPORTS DEMONSTRATION, INCLUDING A SERIES OF RECREATION AND SPORTS EVENTS OF GYMNASTICS, BALL GAMES AND OTHER SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR THE PUBLIC AT SUITABLE VENUES.
TO FOSTER A LOCAL COMMUNITY SPIRIT, COMPETITIONS IN FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TABLE-TENNIS AND OTHER SPORTS GAMES WILL BE HELD.
THE SECOND GRANT, AMOUNTING TO $40,500, HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED TO THE TSUEN WAN CULTURAL AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION TO HELP STRENGTHEN ITS PROMOTION WORK ON CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTR ICT.
THIS ASSOCIATION HAS FOUR COMMITTEES DEALING WITH PROMOTION ON MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCING AND CULTURAL INTEREST.
THE GRANT RECOMMENDED IS TO BE USED FOR AN INTERIM PROGRAMME THAT INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION AND STAFF, AS WELL AS THE ORGANISATION OF A SERIES OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES COVERING CONCERTS, PLAYS, DANCING PERFORMANCES AND PUBLIC LECTURES.
ON A LONGER TERM BASIS, IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT EACH OF THE FOUR PROMOTION COMMITTEES NOW REVIEW ITS WORK AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING ITS FUTURE EXPANSION.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMME OF TRAINING, PROMOTION AND COMPETITIONS IN THE CULTURAL FIELD SHOULD BE PLANNED AND A MASTER PROGRAMME FOR ALL THE FOUR COMMITTEES SHOULD BE CO-ORDINATED AND SUBMITTED FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1977
MORE DISABLED FIND WORK * * * *
A TOTAL OF 82 DISABLED PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PLACED TO WORK BY THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.
THEY INCLUDED 11 BLIND, 21 DEAF, 35 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, EIGHT EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AND SEVEN MENTAL RETARDATES.
MR. CHAN SHIU-WING, THE OFF ICER-1N-CHARGE OF THE UNIT, SAID THE STEADY RISE IN PLACEMENT FIGURES SHOWED THAT EMPLOYERS WERE GRADUALLY ACCEPTING THE FACT THAT DISABLED PERSONS WOULD BE GOOD WORKERS ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN PLACED ON A JOB SUITED TO THEIR ABILITY AND QUALIFICATIONS.
THOSE WHO FOUND WORK DURING THE LAST TWO MONTHS ARE WORKING MOSTLY IN ELECTRONICS FACTORIES AS ASSEMBLING WORKERS WHILE OTHERS ARE EMPLOYED AS CLERKS, MESSENGERS AND TELEPHONE OPERATORS.
THEY RECEIVE A MONTHLY PAY AVERAGING 3650 OR A DAILY RATE RANGING FROM 318 TO 326.
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THERE IS MORE TO THE JOB OF A POSTMAN THAN MEETS THE EYE
X K * * *
OFFICE WORKERS IN A CENTRAL COMMERCIAL BUILDING WOULD PROBABLY MISS SOMETHING IF MR. YICK MING FAILED TO APPEAR ON ANY DAY OF THE WEEK DURING OFFICE HOURS.
FOR THEY HAVE GROWN SO ACCUSTOMED TO MR. YICK’S ROUTINE CALL, BRINGING THEM GOOD TIDINGS.
THE 49-YEAR-OLD POSTMAN IS BETTER KNOWN TO OFFICE WORKERS IN CENTRAL AS MING SUK (UNCLE MING).
MR. YICK STARTS HIS FIRST MAIL DELIVERY EARLY EACH MORNING AND MAKES ANOTHER TRIP IN THE AFTERNOON EXCEPT ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. HE DELIVERS ABOUT 1,603 POSTAL ITEMS ON EACH TRIP AND DURING HIS LIFE AS A POSTMAN,HE HAS WALKED THOUSANDS OF MILES WITH A HEAVY LOAD OF MAIL ON HIS BACK OFTEN UNDER THE BLAZING SUN OR IN A DOWNPOUR.
/IT IS 3Y NO MEAN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1977
IT IS BY NO MEANS AN EASY TASK, BUT MR. YICK HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR 25 YEARS.
MR. YICK, WHO JOINED THE POST OFFICE AT THE AGE OF 24 SAID: +MAIL DELIVERY IN THOSE DAYS COVERED SEVERAL AREAS, BUT I CARRIED LESS POSTAL ITEMS THEN AND WAS NOT BOTHERED BY THE TRAFFIC.
+SOMETIMES, I EMPTIED MY MAIL BAG JUST BY WALKING FROM ONE ROOFTOP TO ANOTHER AS THE BUILDINGS WERE CONNECTED AT THE ROOFTOPS.+
HE EXPLAINED THAT LETTER BOXES ON THE GROUND FLOOR WERE UNCOMMON IN THE 195OS- THERE WERE NO LIFTS AND HE HAD TO CLIMB FLIGHTS OF STAIRS, SOMETIMES BY GROPING THEIR WAY BECAUSE OF POOR LIGHTING, TO DELIVER THE LETTERS.
ON THE SURFACE, NO QUALIFICATION SEEMS TO BE NECESSARY TO BE A GOOD POSTMAN, SAVE A THICK SOLE AND A BROAD SHOULDER.
BUT THE 700 POSTMEN IN HONG KONG WOULD DISAGREE. ACCORDING TO MR. YICK, THERE ARE TWO MORE QUALIFICATIONS WHICH STAND OUT PROMINENTLY - ALERTNESS AND GOOD MEMORY.
+WHAT WOULD YOU DO WHEN CHASED BY DOGS IN RURAL AREAS OR WHEN HELD UP BY ROBBERS DURING MAIL DELIVERY?* HE ASKED.
+WHEN FACED BY SUCH UNEXPECTED EVENTS, YOU’VE GOT TO KEEP YOUR WITS AND STAY COOL,+ HE SUGGESTED.
+GOOD MEMORY WILL HELP YOU TO DELIVER LETTERS TO THE RIGHT ADDRESS SHOULD IT OR THE NAME ON THE ENVELOPE BE INSUFFICIENT OR INCORRECT.*
BUT THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN MEETS THE EYE.
APART FROM THEIR ROUTINE DUTY, POSTMEN MAY EE ASKED TO READ LETTERS FOR THE ILLITERATE, OR TO SHOW THEM HOW TO SIGN THE RECEIPT SLIP OF A REGISTERED LETTER.
THE LOT OF THE POSTMEN IS SOMEWHAT BETTER TODAY.
THERE ARE LIFTS IN THE BUILDINGS, LETTER BOXES ARE WELL PLACED, AND BEST OF ALL, THEIR WALK UNDER THE SUN HAS BEEN CUT DOWN BECAUSE OF HIGH RISE TENEMENT BUILDINGS, WHICH ALSO REDUCE THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE.
BUT WHAT IS THE MOST SATISFYING PART OF THE JOE?
MR. YICK REPLIED: +WHEN YOU SEE SOMEONE IS EXPECTING YOUR ARRIVAL ANXIOUSLY, YOU REALISE HOW IMPORTANT YOU ARE, AND THIS IS VERY SATISFYING.*
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/A
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1977
4
SKID RESISTENCE OF ROAD SURFACE TO BE IMPROVED
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO IMPROVE THE SKID RESISTENCE OF THE ROAD SURFACE AT THE JUNCTION OF BLUE POOL ROAD AND BROOM ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY NEXT WEEK.
THE WORK, INVOLVING THE LAYING OF AN ANTI-SKID SURFACE ON BLUE POOL ROAD, WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27) AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE FOUR DAYS TO COMPLETE.
DURING THIS PERIOD, TRAFFIC SIGNALS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION TO MAINTAIN SINGLE LANE TRAFFIC.
A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE WORK WOULD REQUIRE SURFACE PREPARATION BY SAND BLASTING.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, APPROPRIATE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE NOISE AND DUST NUISANCE.
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PROPOSALS TO ALTER SECTION OF FU TEI AU ROAD
*****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO ALTER THE ALIGNMENT AND WIDTH OF A SECTION OF FU TEI AU ROAD IN SHEUNG SHU I.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE PROPOSALS ALSO INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A FOOTPATH.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED CHANGES CAN BE SEEN AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG OR AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, 101, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON OR AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS SO AS TO REACH HIM NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 23, 1978, WHILE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION MUSI BE MADE BY FEBRUARY 23, 1978.
ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SPECIFY THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING AND THE INTEREST OF THE PERSON MAKING THE CLAIM IN THE PROPERTY AND THE MANNER IN WHICH THE PROPERTY WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING. THE CLAIM MUST ALSO SPECIFY AN ESTIMATE OF THE PECUNIARY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO THE PROPERTY WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE CAUSED BY THE UNDERTAK ING.
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PRH 7
|gis| |f itfe|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ATTORNEY GENERAL PROPOSES TO MOVE AMENDMENTS TO CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL................................ 1
P.W.D. LOOKING FOR CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT FEASIBILITY STUDY OF FIXED CROSSING TO LANTAU .............. 3
WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION ON AIDS IN SCIENCE TEACHING ... 4
BADGE OF PRIDE FOR CYC MEMBERS ................. 5
REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS . 6
NEW OFFICE FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT ................................... 6
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE AT RENNIE’S MILL SCHOOL ......................................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
1
ATTORNEY GENERAL PROPOSES TO MOVE AMENDMENTS TO CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL
* * * * *
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY, PROPOSES TO MOVE A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SITTING ON JANUARY 11 NEXT YEAR.
THE EFFECTS OF THESE AMENDMENTS WILL BE :
(I) THE PROVISIONS DEALING WITH HOMOSEXUALITY WILL BE OMITTED ALTOGETHER SO THAT THE LAW ON THIS SUBJECT WILL REMAIN AS AND WHERE IT IS (IN THE OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSON ORDINANCE)-
(II) THE DEFINITION OF VICE ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE DELETED, BUT A NEW SUBSECTION WILL BE ADDED TO THE BILL UNDER WHICH NO PREMISES, VESSEL OR PLACE WILL BE TREATED AS A VICE ESTABLISHMENT UNLESS IT IS WHOLLY OR MAINLY USED BY TWO OR MORE WOMEN FOR PROSTITUTION OR WHOLLY OR MAINLY USED FOR ORGANISING OR ARRANGING PROSTITUTION. IN ADDITION, THE WORDING OF OTHER PROVISIONS, WHERE VICE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REFERRED TO, WILL BE ALTERED TO STRESS THAT IT IS THE KEEPING OF PREMISES, VESSELS OR PLACES AS VICE ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH IS OBJECTIONABLE-
(III) PREMISES USED IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED IN (II) WILL ACCORDINGLY BE A VICE ESTABLISHMENT UNDER THE LAW EVEN THOUGH IT WAS USED ON ONE OCCASION ONLY. HOWEVER, THE RELEVANT CRIME IS THAT OF KEEPING : TO ESTABLISH KEEPING, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO SHOW AN INTENTION TO USE PREMISES AS A VICE ESTABLISHMENT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME - USE ON ONE OCCASION ONLY MAY BE SUFFICIENT IF THERE IS OTHER EVIDENCE SHOWING THE INTENTION TO CARRY ON USING THE PREMISES FOR THAT PURPOSE. IT WILL, HOWEVER, OFTEN BE NECESSARY, IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH THE INTENTION, TO PROVE SOME ELEMENT OF CONTINUITY OF USE-
(IV) THE VARIOUS OFFENCES DEALT WITH WILL ALSO BE RE-GROUPED, PARTICULARLY TO HIGHLIGHT THOSE GROUPS OF OFFENCES DEALING WITH THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN AND THE USE OF PREMISES FOR ILLICIT SEXUAL ACTIVITY. THIS WILL NECESSITATE CHANGING THE POSITION AND NUMBERING OF THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, AND IN THE SUB-HEADINGS USED-
(V) THE PROVISION DEALING WITH ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO RAPE WILL BE OMITTED AND RELIANCE WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE TO EE PLACED ON THE GENERAL LAW AS TO ATTEMPT TO COMMIT OFFENCES-
/(VI) THE PRESUMPTION,
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
2
(VI) THE PRESUMPTION, IN THE SECTION DEALING WITH CAUSING OR ENCOURAGING THE PROSTITUTION OF A GIRL UNDER 16, THAT THE GIRL IS UNDER THAT AGE WILL BE DELETED AND A NEW SUBSECTION REQUIRING CORROBORATION WILL BE ADDED TO THE SECTION DEALING WITH THE OFFENCE OF CONTROLLING A WOMAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL INTERCOURSE OR PROSTITUTION-
(VII) THE MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT FOR A NUMBER OF OFFENCES WILL BE REDUCED, BUT THE MAXIMUM TERM FOR CAUSING THE PROSTITUTION OF A WOMAN WILL BE INCREASED FROM FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS- AND
(VIII) THE SECTION OF THE CRIMES ORDINANCE DEALING WITH INCEST WILL BE FURTHER AMENDED TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR THE FATHER, GRANDFATHER OR BROTHER OF A GIRL UNDER 16 TO INCITE THE GIRL TO HAVE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE WITH HIM. THIS WILL FILL A GAP IN THE LAW. GIRLS OF 16 OR OVER ARE ALREADY ADEQUATELY PROTECTED AGAINST SUCH INCITEMENT.
AN AD HOC GROUP COMPOSED OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS BEEN STUDYING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION AND BEEN HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SINCE EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL WAS RESUMED AT THE LAST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21) AND FIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SPOKE IN SUPPORT.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
3
CONSULTANTS WANTED FOR FEASIBILITY STUDY OF FIXED CROSSING TO LANTAU * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING OVERSEAS AS WELL AS LOCALLY FOR SUITABLY QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A FIXED CROSSING TO LINK LANTAU ISLAND WITH THE MAINLAND.
THE PROPOSED CROSSING WILL BE A BRIDGE AND/OR TUNNEL SYSTEM FROM LANTAU VIA THE ISLANDS OF MA WAN AND TSI NG Yl TO THE MAINLAND AT TSUEN WAN. THE LONGEST CROSSING WILL BE FROM MA WAN TO TSI NG Yl, WHICH IS SLIGHTLY HORE THAN 1,500 METERS.
THE CONSULTANTS’ INVESTIGATION WILL ALSO INCLUDE AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM OF CONNECTING ROADS ON THE ISLANDS AND THE MAINLAND.
MR. STANLEY BARDEN, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER OF P.W.D. SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE SPECIALISED NATURE OF THE PROJECT INVOLVING LONG SPAN BRIDGES WITH HIGH WATER CLEARANCE AND POSSIBLY ALSO AN IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INVITE INTERESTED CONSULTANTS TO MAKE A PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION WITH A VIEW TO ASSESSING THEIR SUITABILITY TO UNDERTAKE THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT.
HE SAID PRESENTATIONS WOULD THEN BE INVITED FROM A SHORT LIST OF THOSE CONSIDERED MOST ELIGIBLE TO UNDERTAKE THE WORK.
THE DEADLINE FOR LODGING PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSIONS IS AT THE END OF JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
MR. BARDEN SAID THAT THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE EXTENSIVE LIAISON WORK WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES FOR WHICH LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL IF THE AMBITIOUS WORK PROGRAMME IS TO BE MET.
IN ADDITION TO DESCRIBING THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE, THE CONSULTANTS IN THEIR PRE-QUALIFICATION SUBMISSION WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW THAT THEIR ORGANISATION OR, IN THE EVENT OF A GROUP SUBMISSION, ONE OR MORE OF THE MEMBERS MAKING UP THE GROUP IS ON THE APPROVED P.W.D. LIST OF CONSULTANTS AND HAS A LOCAL PRESENCE IN HONG KONG.
THE CONSULTANTS OR A MEMBER OF THE GROUP ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO HAVE CARRIED OUT CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS IN HONG KONG.
THE SUCCESSFUL CONSULTANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE IN THE INVESTIGATION INTO DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF CONSTRUCTION OF IMMERSED TUBE TUNNELS, LONG SPAN BRIDGES WITH HIGH WATER CLEARANCE AND MAJOR HIGHWAY/BRIDGE PROJECTS.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN LONDON LAST MONTH THAT A DECISION ON WHETHER TO GO AHEAD WITH THE FIXED CROSSING PROJECT IS LIKELY TO BE MADE IN EARLY 1979 AFTER THE CONSULTANTS HAD SUBMITTED HIS REPORT.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
4
WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION ON AIDS IN SCIENCE TEACHING
* K * *
A TWO-DAY +WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION ON AIDS IN THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE,* HAS JOINTLY BEEN ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION.
IT WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 29 AND 30) AT THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE, IN SHAM SHUI PO.
THE AIM OF THE WORKSHOP IS TO ACQUAINT THE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND USE OF HOME-MADE SCIENCE EQUIPMENT. ON DISPLAY IN THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HOME-MADE AND COMMERCIALLY PRODUCED APPARATUS, BOOKS, SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES AND VISUAL EDUCATION MATERIALS.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE WORKSHOP WILL COMPRISE SIX ILLUSTRATED TALKS AND THREE PRACTICAL SESSIONS.
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 2,000 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS WILL PARTICIPATE.
MRS. LOUISE MOK, DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MR. S.Y. CHENG, PRINCIPAL OF THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE WILL OPEN THE WORKSHOP ON THURSDAY, AT 9.45 A.M. IN THE SCHOOL HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.45 A.M. ON THURSDAY AT HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE, 250, NAM CHEONG STREET, SHAM SHUI PO.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
5
BADGE OF PRIDE FOR CYCS
* * * *
YOUNGSTERS AT HONG KONG’S PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MAY SOON BE WONDERING WHY FELLOW STUDENTS ARE PROUDLY SHOWING OFF DISTINCTIVE SILVER, RED AND BLACK BADGES ABOUT THE SIZE OF A 90 CENTS COIN.
MADE OF ALUMINIUM THE BADGES BEARING STYLIZED CYC INITIALS TO INDICATE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLUS A LION’S HEAD ARE BEING ISSUED TO THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS OF THE NEW COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS.
, THE LION SYMBOLISES THE ENTHUSIAM WHICH ORGANISERS HOPE THE CYCS WILL DEVOTE TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
EACH OF THE BADGES IS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENROLMENT CARD BEARING THE HOLDERS NAME, PHOTOGRAPH, MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND THE CYC LOGO.
A CYC SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY: +WEARERS OF THE BADGE ARE EXPECTED TO SET AN EXAMPLE TO FELLOW STUDENTS AND THE PUBLIC BY TAKING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO ASSIST PEOPLE IN TROUBLE AND TO HELP MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: +BY JOINING THE CYCS ALREADY THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE DEMONSTRATED A COMMENDABLE WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO HELP OTHERS.
+WE HOPE THAT STUDENTS SEEING SCHOOLMATES WEARING THE NEW BADGE WILL RECOGNISE THE OUTSTANDING MERIT IT SYMBOLISES AND THAT MANY WILL THEMSELVES BE INSPIRED TO JOIN THE CYC’S.+
THE CYCS WILL BE MOUNTING A VIGOROUS YEAR ROUND SERIES OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES BUT ANYONE IN NEED OF HELP WHO SEES A CYC BADGE WEARER CAN BE CERTAIN OF IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE.
THE RANGE OF THE CLUBS’ ACTIVITIES WILL EXTEND FROM HELPING THE DISABLED AND ASSISTING OLD PEOPLE TO AIDING DISASTER VICTIMS.
ANY STUDENTS WISHING TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB SHOULD ASK HIS OR HER TEACHER FOR INFORMATION.
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/6
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
6
REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS
*****
THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IS ORGANISING ONE-DAY COURSES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY FOR THE BENEFIT OF PHYSICS TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PHYSICS DEPARTMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION IS CONDUCTING ONE-DAY REFRESHER COURSES FOR PHYSICS TEACHERS ON DECEMBER 29 AND 30 ON +WAVES+ AND +ATOMIC PHYS ICS.+ THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT THE SCIENCE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY IN SHATIN AND WILL INCLUDE A DEMONSTRATION OF IONIZATION CHAMBER, SCINTILLATION COUNTER, NEUTRON GENERATOR, AND MEASUREMENT OF GAMMA ENERGY.
FOR LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION IS HOLDING ON DECEMBER 29 A FULL-DAY COURSE AT THE WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH PREPARATION WORK FOR SCIENCE TEACHING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS FOR SCIENCE (FORMS 1-3). THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ONE-DAY COURSE ON JANUARY 19, 1978 AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS.
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NEW OFFICE FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT *****
THE KWUN TONG BRANCH OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT WILL OPERATE IN ITS NEW OFFICE ON THE 9TH FLOOR OF MORNING LIGHT BUILDING, 9 HONG MING ROAD, KWUN TONG FROM JANUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.
THE PRESENT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 83 HONG NING ROAD WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 30.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE BRANCH OFFICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED - 3-447820 FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES AND 3-448467 FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTOR.
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HOURS OF WORK AND REST DAYS OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS EMPLOYED IN INDUSTRY.
/7.....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1977
7
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE AT RENNIE’S MILL SCHOOL * * * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS AT RENNIE’S MILL SCHOOL FOR PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY FOR TWO DAYS ON JANUARY 3 AND 4, 1978.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON THE TWO DAYS.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN AND WARD BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
ALL PERSONS LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE THAN S70M APPROVED FOR COUNTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT .... 1
SITE INVESTIGATION OF NORTH LANTAU ........................ 2
PIG BREEDERS HELP TO PRODUCE BETTER QUALITY PORK .......... 3
GROWTH OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN TSUEN WAN ............ 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
- 1 -
MORE THAN $7OM APPROVED FOR COUNTRY PARK DEVELOPMENT * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED NEARLY $71 MILLION IN RECURRENT AND NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY PARKS IN HONG KONG OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.
A SUM OF $46.4 MILLION IN NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WILL BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF 11 MAJOR MANAGEMENT CENTRES AND SIX SUB-CENTRES WITH ASSOCIATED FACILITIES. THE REMAINDER OF THE SUM WILL BE RECURRENT ON FULL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THE CENTRES AtID COUNTRY PARKS, PUBLICITY, AND THE PROMOTION OF COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT BY APRIL 1981 THER PARKS, PRINCIPALLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COUNTRY PA 1976, COUNTRY PARKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED IN SH KAM SHAN, ABERDEEN AND TAI TAM AND A SPECIAL A AT TAI PO KAU. TWO COUNTRY PARKS IN SAI KUNG A GAZETTED.
WILL BE 19 COUNTRY
KS BOARD IN AUGUST ItG MUN, LION ROCK, E|A WAS DESIGNATED IE ALSO CURRENTLY
OTHER AREAS INCLUDED IN THE MASTER PLAN ARE SCHEDULED FOR PLOVER COVE, PAT SIN, LANTAU (NORTH AND SOUTH) TAI LAM/PAT HEUNG, TAI MO SHAN, MA ON SHAN, CAPE D’AGUILAR, CLEAR WATER BAY, SOUTH LAMMA AND NORTH LAM TSUEN.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS, WHO IS ALSO THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY, SAID TODAY THAT COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AND POSITIVE STEPS WERE NECESSARY TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S REMAINING COUNTRYSIDE FROM THE HAZARDS OF FIRE AND DESPOILATI ON.
THE NUMBER OF VISITOR-DAYS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S MANAGED AREAS ALSO INCREASED FROM ABOUT 509,000 IN 1970/71 TO 1.86 MILLION IN 1975/76 AND 2.5 MILLION IN 1976/77. THE NUMBER OF VISITORS IS ESTIMATED TO RISE BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT ANNUALLY DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
THE CAPTIAL EXPENDITURE APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE INCLUDES $14.15 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 11 MAMAGEMENT CENTRES- $4.2 MILLION FOR THE SIX SUB-CENTRES- $1.5 MILLION FOR OPEN AIR PARKING AREAS- $8.13 MILLION FOR FIRE LOOKOUTS, PAVILIONS, PUBLIC TOILETS, CONCESSIONAIRE KIOSKS, HAWKER STANDS AND PREFABRICATED OFFICES- $10.75 MILLION FOR ROADS AND EQUIPMENT-AND $7.62 MILLION FOR MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR BUILDING THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
MR. NICHOLS SAID THAT THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME IS TO CONSERVE THE COUNTRYSIDE AS A NATIONAL ASSET FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC.
/THE COUNTRY PARKS .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
2 -
THE COUNTRY PARKS WILL BE ADMINISTERED FROM MANAGEMENT CENTRES WHOSE MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR BARBECUE AND PICNIC AREAS, HIKING PATHS AND CAMPSITES.
+OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE PROVIDING FIRST LINE FIRE FIGHTING CREWS, KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN, AS WELL AS ASSISTING IN THE EDUCATION IN THE USE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE- AND PREVENTING MISUSE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE BY ENFORCING COUNTRY PARKS REGULATIONS.
THE PROGRAMME HAS ALREADY STARTED, AND SITE FORMATION IS CURRENTLY UNDER WAY AT KEI LING HA AND HOI HA MANAGEMENT SITES, IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
-----o------
SITE INVESTIGATION OF NORTH LANTAU K * H K
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO CARRY OUT A MAJOR SITE INVESTIGATION ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF LANTAU ISLAND.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.
MR. WONG WAN-MING, ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, SAID THE INVESTIGATION, COVERING THE AREA BETWEEN THE KAP SHU I MUN CHANNEL AND TUNG CHUNG, WOULD BEGIN IN FEBRUARY AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE INVESTIGATION, HE SAID, FORMED THE FIRST STEP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING THE NORTH LANTAU COAST.
RESULTS OBTAINED WOULD BE USED TO COMPILE COMPREHENSIVE SOILS INFORMATION IN THE AREA NECESSARY FOR DETAILED ENGINEERING STUDIES.
THE SOIL EXPLORATION HAS BEEN PLANNED AND THE CONTRACT WILL BE SUPREVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D.
------0--------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
- 3 -
BETTER QUALITY PORK THROUGH CROSS-BREEDING
*****
LOCAL PIG BREEDERS ARE NOW ABLE TO SUPPLY BETTER QUALITY PORK TO CONSUMERS — THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF EXPERTS OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WHO ARE ENGAGED IN PIG ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SERVICES WHICH FULLY UTILISE THE POTENTIAL OF GENETICALLY SUPERIOR BOARS.
UNDER AN EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE PIG QUALITY OF THE LOCAL PIG INDUSTRY, EXPERTS AT TA KWU LING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION CENTRE HAVE FOR MANY YEARS SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION ON LOCAL PIGS WITH SEMEN COLLECTED FROM HIGH PEDIGREE BREEDS OF LARGE WHITE AND LANDRACE WHICH WERE SPECIALLY INTRODUCED TO HONG KONG FROM BRITAIN AND AUSTRALIA FOR CROSS-BREEDING PURPOSE.
EXPERTS COLLECT SEMEN FROM IMPORTED PIGS AT TA KWU LING ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION CENTRE AND EXAMINE THE SEMEN BY CHECKING THE SPERM ACTIVITY, DENSITY AND FOR ABNORMALITIES.
THE SEMEN IS THEN DILUTED AND STORED AT A TEMPERATURE OF BETWEEN 15 AND 20 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR USE. THE DILUTED SEMEN IS ALSO DELIVERED TO CASTLE PEAK, SAI KUNG AND SILVER MINE BAY ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SUB-CENTRES.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE CENTRE SAID THAT THE VIABLE PERIOD OF COLLECTED SEMEN IS ABOUT THREE DAYS. THE PROCESS TO INSEMINATE SOW IS SIMPLE, QUICK AND ECONOMICAL.
THE LARGE WHITE AND LANDRACE BREEDS HAVE BETTER MEAT QUALITY, HIGHER FOOD CONVERSION RATE WHILE THE LOCAL PIGS SHOW A HIGHER CONCEPTION RATE, ARE MORE PROLIFIC AND MORE ADAPTABLE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS.
THE SCHEME HAS PROVED TO EE SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR AMONG LOCAL PIG BREEDERS SO MUCH THAT 10,000 ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SERVICES WERE PERFORMED LAST YEAR.
THE DEMAND FOR THIS SERVICE IS ON THE INCREASE, AND DURING THE LAST FOUR MONTHS, OVER 4,000 REQUESTS WERE RECEIVED.
IN ADDITION, LARGE WHITE AND LANDRACE PIGS WERE SOLD TO PIG BREEDERS AT A SUBSIDIZED PRICE FOR BREEDING. MORE THAN 700 HEADS WERE SOLD LAST YEAR, AN ALMOST 100 PERCENT INCREASE OVER THE 1975 FIGURE.
0 -------
/A......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
4
GROWTH OF COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN TSUEN WAN * * * *
RURAL COMMITTEES IN TSUEN WAN SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT
IN RECENT YEARS, NEW COMMUNITY IN THE DISTRICT TO DEAL WITH SOCIAL SCOPE OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES.
HAVE FOR LONG BEEN PLAYING A OF THE FAST-GROWING NEW TOWN.
ORGANISATIONS HAVE SPRUNG UP PROBLEMS THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE
THESE ORGANISATIONS, LIKE THE RURAL COMMITTEES, PROVIDE USEFUL VENUES THROUGH WHICH THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH MORE CONTACTS AND INVOLVE MORE RESIDENTS IN GETTING AT THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEMS.
THEY INCLUDE THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES (ADVISORY) COMMITTEE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND CULTURAL AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
WITH HEAVY LOCAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION, THEY ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY FACILITIES, THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND CRIME PREVENTION.
♦THESE ORGANISATIONS DID NOT JUST SPRING UP AT RANDOM BUT WERE, LIKE THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SYSTEM FOR URBAN AREAS, A DIRECT RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE SOCIAL SYSTEM AS A RESULT OF HIGH-DENSITY LIVING, INDUSTRIALISATION AND IDEAS FROM THE WORLD OUTSIDE HONG KONG,+ THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER (TOWN MAMAGEMENT), MR. DAVID TSUI, SAID.
MR. TSUI POINTED OUT THAT THEIR FORMATION WAS NOT TO REPLACE THE RURAL COMMITTEES WHICH CONTINUED TO PROVIDE A VALUABLE SERVICE IN THEIR PARTICULAR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY, BUT TO DEAL WITH THE EXISTENCE OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS OUTSIDE THEIR SCOPE.
♦ IN ADDITION, IT HELPS TO ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN THE NEW TOWN AND PROMOTE THE RAPID GROWTH OF A LOCAL IDENTITY,+ HE SAID.
THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES (ADVISORY) COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN MARCH LAST YEAR, IN WHICH LOCAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES SAT IN MAJORITY AND DISCUSSED WITH OFFICIAL MEMBERS ABOUT THE RECREATION AND AMENITY NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN AS A WHOLE.
THEIR WORK INCLUDED ADVISING ON THE CONTENT AND LAYOUT OF PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS, SPONSORING A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN SOME OF THE OLDER TOWN SQUARES IN CENTRAL TSUEN WAN, AND PUTTING FORWARD SUGGESTIONS ON THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN THE 019.2 MILLION MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM FOR TSUEN WAN.
/THE MUTUAL AID .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1977
5
THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE SYSTEM IN TSUEN WAN HAS EXPANDED RAPIDLY. WITH THE FIRST SET UP FOUR YEARS AGO, THE NUMBER OF MAC’S HAS MUSHROOMED TO OVER 150, AND THERE ARE AT LEAST A DOZEN MORE IN THE FORMATION STAGE.
THROUGH BETTER ORGANISED MANAGEMENT, THE MAC’S HELP BRING ABOUT A MORE COHERENT NEIGHBOURHOOD AND BETTER SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
APART FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY PATROLS, THEY ORGANISE A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING PICNICS, SPORT GAMES, VARIETY SHOWS AND CHESS COMPETITIONS.
A VIVID EXAMPLE THAT REFLECTS THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF THE MAC SYSTEM WAS THE MOBILISATION OF VOLUNTEERS OF THE KWAI HING ESTATE BLOCK 5 MAC TO ASSIST IN REMOVING DEBRIS FROM THE SQUATTER AREA OF KWAI SHING CIRCUIT IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
AS REGARDS AREA COMMITTEES, THERE ARE NOW SIX IN THE NEW TOWN TWO IN TSUEN WAN AND FOUR IN KWAI CHUNG — IN WHICH BOTH OFFICIALS AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES DISCUSS VARIOUS NEEDS OF THEIR AREAS.
RECENT IDEAS DISCUSSED HAVE INCLUDED TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT, BLACK-SPOT CLEANUPS, PAVEMENT REPAIR AND TREE PLANTING, AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES.
ON THE FIGHT-CRIME SIDE, A FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME COMMITTEE WAS FORMED EARLY LAST YEAR AND HAS ALREADY TURNED UP POSITIVE RESULTS BY INVOLVING VERY CLOSELY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
ONE WAY IN WHICH THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ABLE TO INVOLVE LOCAL PEOPLE WAS BY CO-OPTING THEM TO A SERIES OF SUB-COMMITTEES WHICH ARE GIVEN THE TASK OF TACKLING THE PROBLEM AT GRASS-ROOT LEVEL BY IDENTIFYING BLACK SPOTS IN PARTICULAR AREAS.
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES HAVE NOW BEEN INVOLVED IN THESE SUB-COMMITTEES DEALING WITH CRIME IN THE HOUSING ESTATES, SCHOOLS AND INDUSTRIAL AND RURAL AREAS.
-----0------
gis| |aife|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
$1.5 MILLION COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES ............................................. 1
PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES HANDLED ONE MILLION ENQUIRIES AND CASES IN FIRST TEN MONTHS THIS YEAR ............ 2
SIX YOUNG MUSICIANS AWARDED GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP . 3
NEW BUS TERMINUS FOR KWAI CHUNG .................... 3
NEW LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE ’HOT LINE’ ............ 4
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT .......... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1977
1
$1.5 MILLION COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIMES
******
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARDS RECEIVED MORE THAN 600 APPLICATIONS DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1977 — A DECREASE OF 233 CASES OR 27 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN ITS FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR. ROBERT WEI, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, SAID THAT THE DECREASE WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A DECLINE IN INCIDENCES OF PERSONAL INJURIES RESULTED FROM VIOLENT CRIME ALONG WITH A GROWING AWARENESS ON CRIME PREVENTION.
WHILE THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS INDICATED A DOWNWARD TREND, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION DROPPED ONLY SLIGHTLY TO $1.5 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH $1.6 MILLION LAST YEAR. THE BIGGEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $16,000 WAS MADE TO THE DEPENDANTS OF AN UNLICENSED HAWKER WHO DIED IN A FIGHT OVER A MONEY DISPUTE.
THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DUR.ING THE YEAR COVERED 17.2 PER CENT OF THE 3,619 CASES OF REPORTED CRIMES OF VIOLENCE INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURIES.
AMONG THE 623 APPLICATIONS, 65 PER CENT OF THE CASES INVOLVED ASSAULT AND WOUNDING, WHILE ROBBERY AND BURGLARY TOOK UP 27 PER CENT.
ALTHOUGH NO APPLICATION FOR COMPENSATION WAS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR FOR INJURIES CAUSED BY LAW ENFORCING OFFICERS, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD CONVENED TWICE TO SETTLE TWO CASES CARRIED OVER FROM THE PRECEDING TEAR.
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME, WHICH GRANTS COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS SUFFERING FROM PERSONAL INJURIES IN CRIMES OF VIOLENCE OR INJURIES CAUSED BY WEAPONS USED BY PUBLIC OFFICERS IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES, HAS BEEN GENERALLY RECOGNISED AS AN EFFICIENT WAY OF PROVIDING CASH ASSISTANCE SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1973.
THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED BY A PENAL OF BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND IS PAID OUT FROM PUBLIC FUNDS THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
IN CASES WHERE THE VICTIM WAS KILLED OR SUFFERED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF CRIME PREVENTION OR MAKING SUCH ATTEMPTS, THE BOARDS ARE EMPOWERED TO INCREASE COMPENSATION UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 100 PER CENT.
/WHQi ASSESSING......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1977
2
WHEN ASSESSING PAYMENT, ACCOUNT IS ALSO TAKEN OF ANY SHARE OF RESPONSIBILITY WHICH THE VICTIM HAS TO BEAR FOR HIS INJURY WITH THE POSSIBILITY THAT HIS COMPENSATION WOULD BE REDUCtD OR HIS APPLICATION REJECTED ALTOGETHER'.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES OF THE SCHEME HAS OFTEN BEEN KEPT UNDER REVIEW TO REDUCE THE TIME REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING AN APPLICATION, AND REVISED SYSTEM OF OBTAINING FACTUAL REPORTS ON INCIDENTS OF CRIME DIRECT FROM POLICE DIVISIONS INSTEAD OF FROM CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS WAS INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER 1976.
-----o------
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION CENTRES HANDLED A MILLION ENQUIRIES ******
THE 22 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HAVE HANDLED NEARLY ONE MILLION ENQUIRIES AND CASES DURING THE 13-MONTH PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
THESE CONCERNED GENERAL ENQUIRIES, STATUTORY DECLARATIONS AND COMPLAINTS. THE CENTRES, WHICH ARE SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, ALSO DISTRIBUTED OVER A MILLION FORMS AND BOOKLETS.
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, A TOTAL OF 824,185 ENQUIRIES WERE RECEIVED. SOME OF THE POPULAR SUBJECTS CONCERNED GOVERNMENT JOBS OR VACANCIES, APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, TECHNICAL EDUCATION, LOCATION OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS, AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND AIDS.
THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES HANDLED 132,135 CASES, 93.2 PER CENT OF WHICH WERE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS. MATTERS OF STATUTORY DECLARATION CONCERNED APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS, REGISTRATION OR POST REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE, AND EMIGRATION.
THERE WERE ALSO CASES OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS WHICH NEEDED FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS. DURING THE PERIOD, 2,794 COMPLAINTS WERE DEALT WITH.
APART FROM THESE, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES ALSO ATTENDED TO PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND DISPUTES WHICH INVOLVED GIVING ADVICE, THE INTERPRETATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY OR LEGAL MATTERS AND MEDIATION.
AS REGARDS THE DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS AND BOOKLETS, THERE WAS A GREAT DEMAND FOR ENROLMENT FORMS FOR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND APPLICATION FORMS FOR GOVERNMENT POSTS.
ANOTHER ENQUIRY SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS MANNED ROUND THE CLOCK DURING TYPHOONS, CONCERNS STORM INFORMATION.
THIS SERVICE WAS IN OPERATION ON EIGHT OCCASIONS DURING THE 10—MONTH PERIOD, AND A TOTAL OF 23,444 ENQUIRIES WERE HANDLED.
-----o------
/5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1977
5
SIX MUSICIANS GET FIRST GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP
******
SIX YOUNG MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE FIRST GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THEY WILL LEAVE FOR BRITAIN EARLY IN JANUARY TO STUDY AT THE GUILDHALL SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND DRAMA.
THE SIX TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE, SAID MR. GORDON SIU, MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, ANNOUNCING THE SCHOLARSHIPS TODAY.
+THREE ARE YOUNG PLAYERS RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. THE OTHER THREE ARE STUDENTS.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER TO COVER A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 2.30 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30) IN G. I.S. THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR WILL INTRODUCE THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS.
0 - -
NEW BUS TERMINUS FOR KWAI CHUNG
******
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE BUILDING OF A NEW BUS TERMINUS IN KWAI CHUNG TO SERVE THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
MR. ROBIN SAUNDERS, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (N.T.) DIVISION, SAID THAT THE WORK INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-DAY BUS TERMINUS, A 300-METRE-L0NG SERVICE ROAD AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE NEW BUS TERMINUS WOULD BE SITUATED NORTH OF THE CONTAINER BERTH IN KWAI CHUNG, HE SAID.
+0N COMPLETION,+ MR. SAUNDERS SAID, +THE BUS TERMINUS WILL SERVE THE NEARBY TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AS WELL AS THE ADJOINING INDUSTRIAL AREA NOW BEING DEVELOPED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (N.T.) DIVISION ON EEHALF OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1977
NEW LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE +HOT-LINE+ * * * *
THE AFTER OFFICE HOURS TELEPHONE +HOT-LINE+ FOR URGENT CONSULTATIONS WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE ON EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE MATTERS WILL BE CHANGED TO 5-755900 AS FROM JANUARY 1.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER, TSUI TIM-FOOK, SAID THE MAN BEHIND THIS TELEPHONE WILL BE MR. NG PING-TIM WHO WILL TAKE OVER FROM SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR. CHAN SIU-TUNG.
SAID MR. TSUI: +THIS AFTER OFFICE HOURS SERVICE SHOULD BE USED ONLY FOR URGENT CONSULTATIONS ON EMERGENCY MATTERS.
+ORD INARY CONSULTATIONS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE THROUGH DISTRICT LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICES DURING NORMAL HOURS,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED ON JANUARY 2 (MONDAY), A GENERAL HOLIDAY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF :
* WAN CHAI AND YAU MA TEI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, AND PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE WHICH WILL OPEN CONTINUOUSLY”
* MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES WHICH WILL OPEN
FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 1.30 A.M. ON THE NEXT DAY” AND
* VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WHICH WILL .
OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON THAT DAY.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK-SWEDEN TO RESUME TEXTILE TALKS IN JANUARY .................. 1
GOVERNOR AND LADY MACLEHOSE RETURNING TOMORROW ................ 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER ........................ 2
BUILDING PLANS FOR NOVEMBER ................................... 4
SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR OPENS SHEK LEI NURSERY ................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
1
HK-SWEDEN TO RESUME TEXTILE TALKS In JANUARY *****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY THAT HONG KONG WILL LIMIT ITS EXPORTS TO SWEDEN OF A WIDE RANGE OF TEXTILE AND CLOTHING PRODUCTS DURING THE PERIOD JANUARY 1 TO MARCH 31, 1978.
MR. CHAN RECALLED THAT TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN TWO HONG KONG TEAMS AND DELEGATIONS FROM NORWAY AND SWEDEN WERE SUSPENDED EARLIER THIS MONTH BECAUSE HONG KONG COULD NOT ACCEPT THE LARGE REDUCTIONS DEMANDED BY THE TWO SCANDINAVIAN DELEGATIONS ON CURRENT RESTRAINT AND TRADE LEVELS.
HOWEVER, MR. CHAN SAID, HONG KONG HAD PROPOSED TO BOTH NORWAY AND SWEDEN TEMPORARY RESTRAINT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THREE MONTHS IN AN EFFORT TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO THE TRADE AND TO GIVE THE TWO NORDIC COUNTRIES A PERIOD FOR FURTHER REFLECTION.
+WE HAVE TODAY RECEIVED CONFIRMATION FROM THE SWEDISH GOVERNMENT THAT THEY ARE PREPARED TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS WITH HONG KONG IN JANUARY AND THAT, IN THE MEANTIME, THEY HAVE NO OBJECTIONS TO THE TEMPORARY RESTRAINT ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED BY HONG KONG,+ MR. CHAN SAID.
DETAILS OF THE TEMPORARY RESTRAINT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER TODAY OR TOMORROW IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS.
MR. CHAN SAID THAT NO RESPONSE HAD YET BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE NORWEGIAN GOVERNMENT TO HONG KONG’S PROPOSALS FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINT ARRANGMENTS FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS. +1 HOPE TO HEAR FROM THEM VERY SOON,+ MR. CHAN ADDED.
- - 0 - -
GOVERNOR AND LADY MACLEHOSE RETURNING TOMORROW
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTER SIX WEEKS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
SIR MURRAY WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY MACLEHOSE ARE DUE TO RETURN BY BA888 TOMORROW (FRIDAY), E.T.A. 1755 HOURS. THERE WILL BE NO PRESS INTERVIEW ON THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL BUT A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED. TELEVISION AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE ARRIVAL TIME. G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
0 - -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
- 2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER * * * *
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR LAST MONTH (NOVEMBER) WAS $3,055 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $4,325 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $869 MILL ION,ACCORD ING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER, THE FIGURES REPRESENTED INCREASES OF $155 MILLION OR 5.3 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $48 MILLION OR 1.1 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND A DECREASE OF $28 MILLION OR 3.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
AS AGAINST THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, THE FIGURES SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $264 MILLION OR 9.5 PER CENT FOR EXPORTS, $623 MILLION OR 16.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $51 MILLION OR 6.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS (SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER) AS AGAINST THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR ALSO SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 1.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 8.2 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 6.7 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1976 TO NOVEMBER 1977, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASES BY 8.5 PER CENT, 12.2 PER CENT AND 10.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD.
THE FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES:
SEPTEMBER- SEPTEMBER- INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS NOVEMBER 1977 NOVEMBER 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8,939 8,776 + 163 + 1.9
IMPORTS 12,348 11,407 + 941 + 8.2
RE-EXPORTS 2,589 2,426 + 163 ♦ 6.7
SAME MONTH NOVEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST YEAR 1977 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,055 2,791 + 264 + 9.5
(% OF TOTAL (77.9%) (77.3%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 4,325 3,702 + 623 + 16.8
RE-EXPORTS 869 817 ♦ 51 ♦ 6.2
(% OF TOTAL (22.1%) (22.7%)
EXPORTS)
/LAST MONTH .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
NOVEMBER OCTOBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1977 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,055 2,900 + 155 + 5.3
(% OF TOTAL (77.9%) (76.4%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 4,325 4,277 + 48+1.1
RE-EXPORTS 869 897 28 - 3.2
(% OF TOTAL (22.1%) (23.6%)
EXPORTS)
CALENDAR YEAR JAN.- JAN.- INCREASE OR
TO-DATE NOVEMBER 1977 NOVEMBER 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 31,427 29,537 + 1,890 + 6.4
(% OF TOTAL (78.0%) (78.4%)
EXPORTS)
IMPORTS 43,785 39,227 + 4,558 + 11.6
RE-EXPORTS 8,855 8,116 + 739 + 9.1
(% OF TOTAL (22.0%) (21.6%)
EXPORTS) DECEMBER 1976 DECEMBER 1975 INCREASE OR
TO TO
LAST 12 MONTHS NOVEMBER 1977 NOVEMBER 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 34,519 31,829 + 2,690 + 8.5
IMPORTS 47,851 42,665 + 5,186 + 12.2
RE-EXPORTS 9,666 8,742 ♦ 924 + 10.6
-----0------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
4 -
BUILDING PLANS FOR NOVEMBER
*****
A TOTAL OF 55 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED IN NOVEMBER BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 60 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THIS BROUGHT TO 724, THE NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED FOR THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
OF THE 55 NEW PLANS APPROVED, 29 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON
HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 19 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A PIER AT DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU ISLAND, A HOME FOR THE AGED AT TAI PO, AND TWO ELECTRICTY SUBSTATIONS AT YUEN LONG AND TAI LAM CHUNG.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $370.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $162.18 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 307,412 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 235,281 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 72,131 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 43 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SCHOOL AT TAI CHEONG STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, AN ELECTRICTY SUB-STATION AND STAFF QUARTER AT ABERDEEN, A SOCIAL CENTRE- AT YUEN LONG AND A MEMORIAL HALL AT TAI PO.
FIFTY-NINE NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A NEW SCHOOL AT KWAI CHUNG AND A CHURCH AT SHA TIN.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 33 BUILDINGS.
0 -------
/5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1977
5
SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR H * X *
OPENS SHEK LEI NURSERY XXX
REASONABLE CHILD CARE SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO POORER FAMILIES AT SHEK LEI AND SHEK YAM ESTATES AND THE NEARBY YAU MA HOM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WHEN TWO SUBVENTED NURSERIES IN TSUEN WAN ARE COMPLETED.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, STATED THIS TODAY AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL’S TUNG PAK YING CHILD CARE CENTRE AT SHEK LEI ESTATE.
♦IN RECENT YEARS, TSUEN WAN HAS DEVELOPED INTO AN IMPORTANT NEW TOWN. WITH A DRASTIC INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FACTORY BUILDINGS AND HOUSING ESTATES, MANY HOUSEWIVES WITH CHILDREN ARE NOW COMING OUT TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT.
♦TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE IN THE AREA, THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, APART FROM RUNNING THE TUNG PAK YING CHILD CARE CENTRE WHICH IS NOW OPENED, WILL SET UP ANOTHER NURSERY AT SHEK YAM ESTATE IN THE NEAR FUTURE,+ MR. LEE SAID.
HE SAID THAT RESIDENTS WILL GREATLY BENEFIT.. FROM THE SETTING UP OF THE TWO CHILD CARE CENTRES, EACH WITH 100 PLACES AND EQUIPPED WITH MODERN FACILITIES.
MR. LEE ALSO PRAISED THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR THEIR EFFORT IN EXTENDING THIS FORM OF WELFARE SERVICE AND EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO MR. JOHN TUNG FOR HIS GENEROUS DONATION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST AND THE CURRENT YEAR’S EXPENDITURE OF THE SHEK LEI NURSERY.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
APPOINTMENTS TO METRICATION COMMITTEE ....................... 1
HK SIGNS MFA AGREEMENT ...................................... 2
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST ....................................... 2
Y.H. KAN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION 3
LAW ON PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1 .. 4
REASONS FOR NOT PRESERVING KCR STATION BUILDING EXPLAINED . 5
ADJUSTMENT OF ONE SECOND IN HONG KONG TIME .................. 7
CLOSURE OF BROADCAST DRIVE .................................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
1
APPOINTMENTS TO METRICATION COMMITTEE
*****
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HAS MADE A NUMBER OF APPOINTMENTS TO A NEW METRICATION COMMITTEE, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE PROFESSOR S.Y. KING, HEAD OF THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
ALSO APPOINTED ARE MR. PAUL T.S. YIN, DIRECTOR OF DAH CHUNG INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED, WHO IS NOMINATED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION- MISS OPHELIA CHEUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL- MR. CECIL S.O. CHAN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES- MR. M.C.R. TALAMO, DIRECTOR OF HUTCHISON BOAG ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED, NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS- MRS. SUSAN YUEN, NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION- AND DR. J.C. WRIGHT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
THE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR TWO YEARS COMMENCING JANUARY 1, 1978.
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HAS ALSO APPOINTED AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, (V ICE-CHAIRMAN)-THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE:
(I) TO BE THE FOCAL POINT OF LIAISON ON ALL MATTERS CONCERNING METRICATION-
(II) TO COLLECT, COLLATE AND DISSEMINATE INFORMATION, BOTH OF A TECHNICAL NATURE AND OTHERWISE, RELATING TO METRIC USAGE GENERALLY OR TO DEVELOPMENTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES-
(III) TO ADVISE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS ON ALL ASPECTS OF METRICATION-
(IV) TO ADVISE AND ENCOURAGE INDIVIDUAL SECTORS IN THE FRAMING OF THEIR PROGRAMMES AND TIMETABLE FOR METRICATION, WITH A VIEW TO SECURING COHERENT SECTORAL OR INDUSTRY-WIDE PROGRAMMES-
(V) TO CO-ORDINATE METRICATION PUBLICITY- AND
(VI) TO LIAISE WITH BOARDS AND SIMILAR BODIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE A CHANGE TO THE METRIC SYSTEM HAS BEEN ACHIEVED OR IS IN PROCESS.
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/2......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
2
HK SIGNS MFA AGREEMENT * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR. DAVID JORDAN, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HONG KONG HAS SIGNED THE PROTOCOL EXTENDING THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT FOR FOUR YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1978.
THE MFA PROVIDES THE MULTILATERAL FRAMEWORK FOR HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AGREEMENTS WITH OTHER PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES. THE AGREEMENTS ALREADY REACHED WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY COVER MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING.
- - o - -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST * * * *
COPIES OF A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO TODAY’S (FRIDAY) DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN CONTAINING A LIST OF HONG KONG RECIPIENTS ON NEW YEAR HONOURS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE PRESS BOXES, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THIS EVENING.
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION. THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 7 A.M. TOMORROW ONWARDS OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS OR FOR INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THEIR CAREERS OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
- - o - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
Y.H. KAN RE-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION * * * * * ,
THE ACTING GOVERNOR HAS RE-APPOINTED MR. Y.H. KAN AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS FROM MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR.
MR. KAN WAS APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES ADVISORY COUNCIL WHEN IT WAS SET UP EARLY IN 1973 AND HE WAS LATER APPOINTED AS FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN FEBRUARY, 1974. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION AND MR. KAN WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD THAT APPOINTMENT ALSO.
COMMENTING ON MR. KAN’S RE-APPOINTMENT AS CHAIRMAN OF THESE IWO COMMISSIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS MOST GRATEFUL TO MR. KAN FOR HIS SERVICES TO THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY DURING THE PAST FIVE EVENTFUL YEARS.
HE ADDED: +1 AM SURE MR. KAN’S RE-APPOINTMENT FOR A FURTHER IWO YEARS WILL BE GREATLY WELCOMED BY ALL CONCERNED IN THE MARKET.+
/4
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
4
LAW ON PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE NEW LAW PROVIDING SEVEN DAYS PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS COMES INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1.
+ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH WHO HAVE COMPLETED A YEAR’S SERVICE WITH ONE EMPLOYER BY DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR ARE ENTITLED TO PAID ANNUAL LEAVE DURING 1978,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SEVEN DAYS ANNUAL LEAVE WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS TO WHICH WORKERS ARE ALREADY ENTITLED BY LAW.
+HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +THE LAW HAS BEEN MADE FLEXIBLE SO THAT A COMBINATION OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE WITH STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR REST DAYS TO FORM A TOTAL OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS IS ALLOWED PROVIDED THIS HAS BEEN AGREED TO BY BOTH PARTIES.
+IN SUCH A CASE, THE BALANCE OF THE ANNUAL LEAVE CAN THEN BE GRANTED AS INDIVIDUAL PAID HOLIDAYS TO BE FIXED BY THE EMPLOYER IN CONSULTATION WITH THE EMPLOYEE.+
+IN GRANTING THE ANNUAL LEAVE,+ THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, +AN EMPLOYER MUST GIVE AT LEAST 14 DAYS NOTICE OF THE TIME APPOINTED FOR HIS EMPLOYEE TO TAKE HIS LEAVE.
+0N TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, AN EMPLOYEE MUST BE GIVEN PRO RATA ANNUAL LEAVE PAY EXCEPT WHERE HIS RELEVANT PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT IS LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, OR IF HE IS DISMISSED FOR MISCONDUCT AND HIS RELEVANT PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT IS LESS THAN 12 MONTHS.
+APART FROM THESE CIRCUMSTANCES PAYMENT IN LIEU OF LEAVE IS PROHIBITED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO KEEP RECORDS OF ANNUAL LEAVE TAKEN BY HIS STAFF AND TO POST A NOTICE OF ANY INTENTION TO CLOSE DOWN HIS BUSINESS TEMPORARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GRANTING ANNUAL LEAVE TO HIS EMPLOYEES.
IN SUCH AN EVENT, ANY EMPLOYEE WHO HAS NOT COMPLETED ONE YEAR’S SERVICE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY FOR THE PERIOD OF THE SHUT DOWN, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE PROVISIONS OF REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND PAID ANNUAL LEAVE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND C.D.O. OFFICES.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
5
REASONS FOR NOT PRESERVING KCR STATION BUILDING EXPLAINED ******
THE DECISION NOT TO PRESERVE THE FORMER KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION BUILDING SHOULD BE VIEWED AGAINST THE URGENT DEMONSTRABLE PUBLIC NEED FOR ADDITIONAL AND BETTER CIVIC CULTURAL FACILITIES, PARTICULARLY IN KOWLOON.
THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS GIVEN IN A LETTER BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT TO THE HONG KONG HERITAGE SOCIETY TODAY TURNING DOWN THEIR PETITION, SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR ON JULY 29, FOR PRESERVING THE WHOLE OF THE OLD BUILDING.
THE LETTER, SENT ON THE DIRECTION OF THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID THE POINTS RAISED IN THE PETITION HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, WHOSE DECISION WAS THAT THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST WOULD BEST BE SERVED BY NOT PRESERVING THE FORMER KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY STATION BUILDING.
+THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ALSO REJECTED THE REQUEST FOR AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY ON, OR COMPREHENSIVE RE-EXAMINATION OF, THE CURRENT DRAFT PLAN FOR THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA AND, IN PARTICULAR, OF THE PROPOSED LOCATION OF A PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS ON THE SITE OF THE MARINE POLICE STATION+ THE LETTER STATES.
IT SAYS THESE DECISIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN HAVING REGARD TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS, THE PRINCIPAL ONES BEING:
* THE CLEAR AND URGENT PUBLIC NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CIVIC CULTURAL FACILITIES IN KOWLOON- AND
* THE LACK OF SCOPE FOR RESITING THE CULTURAL COMPLEX ON THE SCALE ENVISAGED AND IN A MANNER WHICH IS APPROPRIATE TO ITS IMPORTANCE, BECAUSE OF EXISTING PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS.
THE LETTER GOES ON: +THE EFFECTS OF THESE CONSTRAINTS HAVE NOT BEEN FULLY RECOGNISED AND ARE IN SOME CASES IGNORED IN THE DIAGRAMMATIC LAYOUT ACCOMPANYING YOUR PETITION.
+FOR EXAMPLE THE PLANETARIUM (WHICH IS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION) HAS BEEN RELOCATED IN THIS LAYOUT IN AN AREA WHICH INCLUDES PART OF THE SITE FOR THE PROPOSED PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS.
+THE RESERVES FOR THE UNDERGROUND SERVICES HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
+THE CULTURAL COMPLEX SITE PROPOSED IN THIS LAYOUT IS TOC CRAMPED TO PERMIT THE LARGE OPEN SPACES REQUIRED IN THE PLANNING BRIEF OR FOR THE CONCERT HALL AND MUSEUM TO BE LARGE ENOUGH TO MEET REQUIREMENTS.
+NOR, AS THIS LAYOUT ALLOWS FOR BUILDING ALL ALONG THE SALISBURY ROAD FRONTAGE FROM NATHAN ROAD TO THE FORMER RAILWAY STATION BUILDING, ARE THERE ANY BREAKS TO ALLOW VIEWS OF THE HARBOUR+.
/AS TOR RENOVATING
FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1977
6
AS FOR RENOVATING AND ADAPTING THE FORMER RAILWAY STATION BUILDING FOR CULTURAL USES, THE REPLY POINTS OUT THAT THIS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED AND, ALTHOUGH THE BUILDING COULD BE CONVERTED AT CONSIDERABLE COST FOR CERTAIN LIMITED USES, IT COULD NOT PROVIDE AN AUDITORIUM OR OTHER FACILITIES OF A HIGH STANDARD.
+CONTRARY TO WHAT IS SUGGESTED IN THE PETITION*, THE LETTER CONTINUES, +PLANNING FOR THE CULTURAL COMPLEX IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE.
+THE PRESENT DESIGN OF THE COMPLEX ON THIS IMPORTANT SITE WOULD BE TOTALLY CHANGED BY THE RETENTION OF THE FORMER RAILWAY STATION.
+ IT IS THE VIEW BOTH OF GOVERNMENT AND OF THE URBAN COUNCIL THAT A SCHEME WHICH INCLUDES THIS BUILDING WOULD RESULT IN A LESS PLEASING AND LESS PRACTICAL CULTURAL COMPLEX*.
MOREOVER, IT WOULD TAKE ONE-AND-A-HALF TO TWO YEARS TO REDESIGN THE COMPLEX, A DELAY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED +FOR THIS MUCH NEEDED FACILITY*.
THE LETTER SAYS THAT THE PRINCIPAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE PUBLIC OF THE RAILWAY STATION BUILDING IS FELT TO BE ITS FAMILIARITY AS A LANDMARK. IT STATES THAT THIS ROLE WILL BE ASSUMED IN DUE COURSE BY THE NEW CULTURAL COMPLEX.
AS FOR CRITICISM OF LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT PLANS PRODUCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, THE LETTER SAYS THAT THIS TOOK NO ACCOUNT OF EXISTING PROCEDURES PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE.
+IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE PROCEDURES, DRAFT PLANS ARE EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT OR OBJECTION AND ARE PUBLICISED TO ENSURE THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE DRAFT PLAN AND OF THEIR RIGHT TO COMMENT ON OR OBJECT TO IT.
+ALL OBJECTORS TO DRAFT TOWN PLANS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS WHICH CAN BE SUPPLEMENTED IF NECESSARY BY PERSONAL APPEARANCES BEFORE THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
+THIS PROCEDURE WAS ADOPTED IN THE PROCESSING OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND, AS A RESULT OF PUBLIC COMMENTS AND OBJECTIONS RECEIVED, SEVERAL ASPECTS OF THE DRAFT PLAN HAVE SINCE BEEN AMENDED*.
THE CONVENING OF AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY WOULD DUPLICATE WORK WHICH IS ALREADY BEING DONE AND WOULD USURP THE STATUTORY FUNCTIONS OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
REGARDING THE SITE FOR A PROPOSED PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS, THE REPLY SAYS THAT +A PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS COULD NOT BE SITED AT THE BOTTOM OF NATHAN ROAD, AS SUGGESTED IN YOUR PETITION, SINCE THIS WOULD GENERATE SERIOUS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WHICH COULD NOT BE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED*.
+THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS EVALUATED THE COMPETING DEMANDS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACE AT TSIM SHA TSUI AND HAS DECIDED THAT THE OPEN SPACE SHOULD BE SITED ELSEWHERE*, THE LETTER CONCLUDES.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1977
7
ADJUSTMENT OF ONE SECOND IN HONG KONG TIME ******
THE USUAL SIX-PIP TIME SIGNALS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY 8 A.M. ON NEW YEAR DAY (SUNDAY) BUT
WILL NOT BE BROADCAST AT WILL RESUME AT 8.15 A.M. OBSERVATORY SAID TODAY.
ON THAT DAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL
THIS IS TO ENABLE A IN A DELAY OF ONE SECOND
CORRECTION TO BE APPLIED WHICH WILL RESULT TO THE RESUMED TIME SIGNALS, HE EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS CORRECTION AROSE FROM THE FACT THAT THE TIME SCALE NOW IN USE, KNOWN AS CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (UTC), WAS BASED ON THE ATOMIC TIME SCALE WHICH PROVIDED A MORE PRECISE AND UNIFORM SECOND THAN THAT DERIVED FROM THE RATE OF ROTATION OF THE EARTH MEASURED BY ASTRONOMICAL MEANS.
+IT HAS BEEN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED THAT UTC WOULD NOT DIFFER FROM ASTRONOMICAL TIME BY MORE THAN NINE-TENTHS OF A SECOND,* HE SAID.
+ THIS CORRECTION OF ONE SECOND, CALLED A LEAP-SECOND, IS ANALOGOUS TO THE LEAP YEAR WHICH EVERYONE IS FAMILIAR WITH. THE LAST CORRECTION OF ONE SECOND WAS MADE ON JANUARY 1, THIS YEAR.*
----o-------
CLOSURE OF BROADCAST DRIVE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE SOUTHWEST BOUND SECTION OF BROADCAST DRIVE BETWEEN FESSENDEN ROAD AND MARCONI ROAD WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ANOTHER WEEK AS ROAD REPAIR WORKS IN THE AREA HAVE NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED.
THE REPAIR WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT BECAUSE OF THE SUBSIDENCE OF THE ROAD FOLLOWING A WATER MAIN BURST ON DECEMBER 23.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, FESSENDEN ROAD IS RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHEAST BOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHWEST BOUND WHILE THE ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND SECTION OF BROADCAST DRIVE BETWEEN FESSENDEN ROAD AND MARCONI ROAD IS RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 --------
PR 33 400003S
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Friday, December 30, 1977
EMBARGOED rRffS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NE?/Si?APERS, NEWS AGENCIES, BROADCASTING STATIONS:________________________
The following announcement regarding* the New Year Hcnours List is being made simultaneously in London at 235Q hours G.M.T. on December 30•
Publication is permitted in Long Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday), December 31, but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification•
The news may be broadcast from 7.00 a.m. onwards over the local radio and television stations tomorrow (Saturday)•
On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.
/new ym..........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Eriday, December 30, 1977
- 2 -
ICT TAUl HONOURS LIST
******
Knight JSacl telor
Dr* the Honourable Chung Sse-yuen, C.B .E., J.P.
Dr. Chung has a long and distinguished career as an industrialist and in the amount of time he has devoted to the public service.
He first served on the Legislative Council in 1965, lias been Senior Unofficial Member of the Council since 1974 and a member of f.
Executive Council since 1972.
He has rendered outstanding service to the community, notably in higher technical education and the development of productivity and management skills. .’.e is Chairman of the Polytechnic Board cf Governors and the Productivity Council, and past or present member of many other boards ana committees.
C.I.T.C-. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George) The Honourable David Akers—Jones, jJ•JL-.
Mr. Akers- Jone s joined the Hong Xcng Government as an Administrative Officer in 1957$ following four years service in Malaya.
He has spent the larger part of his time in Hong Kong in the New Territories Administration and lias been Secretary for the New Territories since April, 197'+.
He is a hardworlcing and sympathetic administrator, sensitive to the needs of those with whom he lias to deal, and much respected, particularly by the people of the New Territories.
C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George)
The Honourable David Wylie McDonald, J.P.
Mr. McDonald joined the Hong Kong Government in 1'955 as an Architect. lie was appointed Principal Government Architect in 1972, Director of Building Development in 1973 and Director of Public Works in 1974-/As......................................................
Friday, December 30, 1977
- 3 -
As Director of Public Works he is the Chief Executive of one of the largest Government Departments, with overall responsibility for the efficient implementation of an extremely large and varied programme of public works and development.
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British Empire)
Mrs. Elsie Elliott
Mrs. Elliott lias been an elected member of the Urban Council since 1963. She plays a prominent part in Council affairs and is an active member of a number of Council committees.
Mrs. Elliott has for many years devoted much of her time to the improvement of the circumstances of the less well-off members of Hong Kong society. Her record of public service includes the ViceChairmanship of the Hong Kong Samaritans and Presidency of the Hong Kong Council of Women.
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British Empire)
Mr, Guy Mowbray Sayer
Mr. Sayer was Chairman of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from April 1972 to August 1977 when he left Hong Kong on retirement.
He was one of the leading members of the Heng Kong business community, a member of Legislative Council in 1973/74 and of Executive Council from July 1974 until August 1977-
He was actively involved in community work, particularly the Red Cress, Community Chest and University of Hong Kong.
/O.B.E. .......
Friday, December 30, 1977
- 4” -
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Cham Siu-leun, M.B.E., J.P.
Mr. 'Cham lias a lone and .distinguished record of community service. He has played a leading role in the organisation of recreation and sports programmes, including precessions for the Festival of Hong Kong, the Royal Visit in 1975 and Silver Jubilee Procession, and sponsorship of sporting teams and events.
He has made a significant contribution to the scouting movement, and is a keen supporter of cultural events, particularly Cantonese opera.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Miss Lydia Dunn, J.P.
Miss Dunn has had a highly successful career in a very competitive field.
She has played a leading part in the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Ready-to-Wear Festivals, was a member of the Committee of Enquiry into the Hong Kong Telephone Co., and is a member of a number of other boards and oomiattees, including the Textiles Advisory Board, Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation and Hong Kong Management • •
Association.
Miss Dunn has been an Unofficial Member of Legislative Council since September 1976.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Barrie Charles Gano
Mr. Gane joined the U.K. Diplomatic Service in 1960/ Following service in Laos, Sarawak, Warsaw, Uganda and London, he has been attached to Headquarters, British Forces in Hong Kong since June 1977 •
/O.B.E
Friday, December 30, 1977
- 5 - '
O.3.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Ho Sin-hang, M.B.E.
Founder and Chairman of the Hang Seng Bank, Mr* Ho is an
influential leading member of Hong Kong’s business community. He has also rendered invaluable assistance to the Chinese University of Hong Kong over the years, and established a charitable foundation which
contributes generously to community projects.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. David Sherbrooke Whitelegge, J.P.
Mr. Whitelegge joined the Hong Kong Government in 1959 following service in Malaya* He has served in a wide variety of administrative posts, including Chief Assistant Secretary for Chinese Affairs, Deputy District Commissioner and District Commissioner', for the New Territories, and Deputy Defence Secretary.
He has been Commissioner for Census and Statistics since July 1973.
O.B.E.(H) (Officer Order of the British Empire) (Honorary)
Mr. Lee Man-chiu
Mr. Lee has been a valued adviser to the Department of Trade, Industry and Customs for many years. He lias been a member of the Trade and Industry Advisory Board since 1970 and of the Rice Advisory Committee since 1975*
Mr. Lee is a senior member of one of the largest business firms in Hong Kong.
/O.B.E.(H) .......
Friday, December 30, 1977
O.B.E.(h) (Officer Order of the British Enroire) (Honorary)
The Honourable Wong Lam, _J.Pj
Mr. L'ong has been an Unofficial Member of Legislative Council since September 197$•
He has worked for Kowloon Motor Bus Company for over 30 years daring which he has played a leading part in the development and maintenance of good relations between management and staff, and improvements in staff welfare.
Mr. Wong has also been very active in voluntary public work and is a prominent member of the community in Kwun Tong. He is active in the promotion and organisation of recreation and sport, scouting, road safety and trades union affairs.
I.S.O. (imperial Service Order)
lie. David Hampton
Mr. Hampton joined the Prisons Department as a Prisons Officer in 1947. Me was promoted through the ranks to Senior Superintendent of Prisons in 1971 > and was appointed the first Inspector of Prisons in 1974*
Mr. Hampton carried out his duties in an exemplary fashion over a long and distinguished career.. _ He proceeded, on retirement in September 1977*
I.S.O. (imperial Service Order)
Air. Lao Mou-chi, J.P.
Mr. Lao joined the Labour Department as an Assistant Labour Officer in 1951. He was promoted through the ranks to Assistant Commissioner of Labour in 1973*
Mr. Lao has comprehensive experience *>f the work of the Department and lias played an important role in recent years in assisting in the preparation and implementation of many items of labour legislation.
/I.S.O. .......
Friday, December JO, 1977
• -*•
I.S.U. (imperial Service Order)
, * . • . _ 'A • • •' •
Hr. Douglas Alexander Hcish
Bir. Neish joined the Customs and Excise Service in 1951, after service in the Prisons Department. He was promoted tc-Superintendent in 1968. . .............................•
Throughout his long service Mr. Neish has worked tirelessly and made a valuable contribution to the work of-the Service. He proceeds on retirement in 1976.
Bj.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Dr. Charm Hoi-sang
Dr. Charm became a Director of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in 1974, and was Chairman of tne Beard of Directors for the year 1976/77. Under his chairmanship the Croup undertook significant- expansion- of• its activities in the medical, education, youth and- other welfare- fields.
M.B.E. (BZember Order, of the British fepire)
Jdrs. Frances Hsiung
Mrs. Hsiung served in the Trade, Industry and Customs Department for 21 years. She retired with the substantive rani: of Principal Trade Officer in June 1977-
ltrs, fsiun^, made an outstanding and sustained contribution to the operation and development of the Department and rose to the acting rank of Assistant Director during her last t iq jq&xs of service^ r.
M.B.E. (l.fo.aber Order of t British Empire)
Hrs. .<axinu Li Kwok, J.P.
Mrs. Kwok became a Director of the Po Leung Kuk in 1974, and. was • * / •• • •
Chairman of the Board of Directors for the year 1976/77 • As Chairman, Mrr. Kwok was actively invelved in the planning of a number of social ’ 1 . . .
• • • • /welfare ........
Friday, December 30, 1977
. ~ 8. -
welfare schemes, in particular a Holiday Camp at Pak Tam Chung. Mrs. Kwok also takes a leading part in'the activities of the
T.J.C.A. and long Kong Family Planning Association.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British .hipire)
Rev. Canon Ernest William Lunn Martin
Canon Martin has spent more than 60 years serving the people of Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Following a period at St. John’s Hall, he taught at St. Stephen’s College, There he became principal in 1926. He re-established the college after the war, and following three rears in Malaya, returned to Hong Kong as Chaplain of St. John’s College, where he lias had a re cable influence on students and others for ever 20 years. * *
M.B.E. (Member Order of the, British Empire)
Mr. Jack Alec Wallace, J.P.
Following service in the Royal Navy, with the Crown Agents, and in Malaya, Mr. Wallace joined the Hong Kong Government as a Mechanical Engineer in 19&5< He was promoted in 1970 to Principal Government Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, the most senior post in his discipline in the P.W.D.
Ilr. Wallace has rendered outstanding service to the Government in an important field over many years. He is due to retire in 1978.
li.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Woo Ting-sang
Mr. Woo served as an Assistant Agricultural Officer with the Government from 1946 to 1965* Since 1951 he has been associated with the Kadoorie Agricultural lid Association (K.A.A.A.), and since his retirement from the Government he lias bec-n responsible for maintaining all the K.A.A.A. activities, including the Kadoorie Experimental I'arm.
/Over........
Friday, December 30, 1977
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Over the past 37 years Mr. Woo lias devoted himself whole-heartedly to the betterment of the local farming community.
• * V? \ •-M.B.E.(H) (Member Order of the British ..tapiro) (Honorary)
Mr. Pang Chun-hoi
Mr. Pang has been a member of the Labour Advisory Board since 1965. In this capacity he has been associated with, and made a significant contribution to the improvement in labour legislation effected in recent years.
M.B.E.(H) (Member Order of the British Empire) (Honorary) Rev. Sik Chi-cheung
The Reverend Sik took her ^aths in Nanking in 1929- Since /
1946 as Headmistress and Supervisor of the Tai Kwong Middle School in
*
Tai Po, she has successfully expanded and raised the standards of the school, which today has more than 900 pupils.
The Reverend Silo is also a prominent member of many boards and committees concerned with welfare matters, particularly in Tad Po District.
H.B.E.(H) (Member Order of the British .Umpire) (Honorary) Mr. Tang Wing-cheung
Mr. Tang is a leading Cantonese <?pera artiste and actor. He commands a very wide following.
For many years Mr. Tang has distinguished himself by his work for fund raising campaigns for charitable purposes, particularly for victims of natural disasters. He has also made a significant contribution tc the organisartefcon and development of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong.
• • /B.E.M. ........
Friday, December 30, 1977
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B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Chan Yiu
Mr. Chan joined the Ko.vlocn Canton Railway in 1941 • Ke is now in charge of the foundry Shop" of the Railway workshops,, responsible for supervising all casting wrk for rolling stock and other government • . departments.
The present excellent efficiency of the Foundry Shop is "evidence . , t . ... - .
of the high quality of his work over the years.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Miss Serena. Cheng; Kai-ming ‘ *-
Since 1951 Miss Cheng has looked after the affairs of the Nursing Board and Midwives Board. She is a highly efficient organiser and mest conscientious in the performance of her duties.
B.B.,i. (British Empire M.edall
Mr. Cheung Chpi-c-iei
Mr. Cheung joined the Government in 1952. he lias spent his career in community development and liaison work with t..e home Affairs Department. Mr. Cheung has always maintained the highest standards. He has been in charge of’the'Home Affairs -Department’s Publicity Unit since 1972.
B.3. M. (British Empire Medal).
Mrs, Ip Yung
Mrs. Ip has been employed on office cleaning and messenger duties in the Waterworks Office for 26 years. Throughout this time she has carried out her duties in an exemplary fashion. Mrs. Ip is much admired and respected by all her colleagues.
,/b.e.m. ......
Friday, December 30, 1977
- 11 -
(British Empire Medal)
Ky.ok-xzah
-•h?. Lam joined the Urban Services Department as a Motor Driver in 1947* Ue was promoted through the ranks and appointed Overseer in 1972. He now works in Yuen Long, and is Chairman of the U.S.D. Kowloon Workers Union, and village representative of Sun Wai Village in San Tin.
E.E.H. (Dritis-. Empire Medal)
Mr. Lau Ohec.if--fai
Mr. Lau lias worked in the Judiciary us a Clerk since 1953* He has at all times given excellent service.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)-
Mr. Li Wan
Mr. Li is a Field Assistant in the Country Parks Division of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department. He has worked for the Government for over 30 years, during which he has carried out his duties in an exemplary fashion ami made a significant contribution to the development of recreational facilities on Eong Kong Island.
B.E.I1. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Li Yuk
Mr. Li is an Office Assistant in the Education Department. He joined ihe Government as a Caretaker in 193$, and worked at Kin George V School for many years, before being transferred to Perth Street Government Primary School in 195$« He has carried out his duties in an exemplary fashion over many years.
Friday, December 30, 1977
- 12 -
B.E.M, (British Empire Medal)
. Ng (?M-ban
Hr. Ng has worked in the Government Information Services f*r more than 30 years, over 24 years in the Accounts Office. He is an exceptionally industrious and loyal officer, whose conduct and performance are exemplary.
B.E.M. (British .Empire "ledal)
Mr. Tam Han-yiu
Mr. Tam has been a icmber of the clerical service for over 28 years, all of it spent in the Social Welfare Department. Ho was promoted to Clerical Officer I in 19o5> axid is in charge of the General Registry in Social Welfare Department eadquarters. ile is a hardworlhng, dependable, loyal member of the government service.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Wan Leung
Mr. Wan is a “cad Estate Caretaker ;ith the Housing Department. He has an outstanding record of loyalty, efficiency and devotion to duty, and has set ah excellent example for many years. He is greatly respected by all his colleagues.
Q.P.M. (Queer?s Police Medal)
Hr. David Austin Chapman, C.P.M.
Mr. Chapman has served in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for over 28 years. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 1974.
He has spent a large part of his service concerned with the management, and control of finances and general logistical support for the Force. Mr. Chapman’s long service has been distinguished by a high level of loyalty, conscientiousness and efficiency.
Zq.p..”, .........
Friday, December 30, 1977
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Q.P.M. (Queen’s Police Medal).
Mr. hiichael 7ilton Cheney,. C.P.M.
Mr. Cheney has served in the Royal Eon 7 Kong Police Force for over 25 years. He was promoted to Chief Superintendent in 197$« His service has been characterised by outstanding devotion to duty and . professional ability of the highest order.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Philip Davies
Mr. Davies joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as an Inspector in 1957, and was promoted to Superintendent in 1971• He has served in various branches of the Force with the utmost dedication and loyalty, always setting the best possible example to others.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Leung Yiu-lun
Mr. Leung joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1952 as a Sub-Inspect or. He retired with the rank of Chief Inspector in February 1977.
He spent most of his service in the Few Territories District, and his last post was Sub-Divisional Inspector, Sha Tin... In- this, post Mr. Leung made a noteworthy contribution to the satisfactory resolution of many problems associated with clearances and other operations connected with the development of Sha Tin new town.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr., Ng Cheuk-yee
Mr. Ng joined the Hong Kong Police Reserve as a.Constable in 1954. He was promoted t#< Superintendent of Police (Aux.il iary) in 1974*
/Mr. Ng’s ........
Friday, December 30, 1977
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Mr. Ng’s service has been distinguished by conspicuous devotion to duty, willingness to accept responsibility and loyalty tc both superiors and subordinates.
C.P.M. (Colonial_ Police Medal)
Mr. Jack Trotman
Hr. Trotman joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as an Inspector in 1957. He was promoted bo Superintendent in 1971 - Mr. TrotnAn has maintained a consistently high standard in both conduct and work over the years in a series of difficult and demanding assignments.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Ifr. Fong Sang
Mr. Fong joined the Hong Kong Fire Brigade as a Fitter in 194$• He is now a Principal Fireman.
Throughout his 31 years service Mr. Fong., as played a major part in maintaining the high mechanical standards required of- Lie Fire Services vehicles and equipment, and made a major contribution to the saving of life and property.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr, Li Kam-wing
Principal Fireman Li has served with the Hong Kong Fire Services for 30 years. During the whole of his service his performance has been of a high standard, and he has shown^outstanding courage and determination in countless dangerous situations over the years.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal}
Mr. Li Kwok-choi
Mr. Li has served with the Hong^Kong Fire Services for 20 years. He was promoted to Divisional Officer in 1973-
Li........
Friday, December 30, 1977
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Mr. Li has served in all sections of the service, and throughout has demonstrated determination, devotion to duty and courage. His leadership and skill have been responsible for the saving of many
lives and much property at countless fires and emergencies.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Pong He-e
Principal Fireman Pong has served with the Fire Services Marine Division for over 23 years.
Eis performance lias been of a high standard and an example to all. His skill as coxswain in handling fire bo- ts has been a major factor in saving lives and property in fires and other emergencies.
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Won^ Bick
Principal Fireman Wong Bick has 27 years loyal and steadfast service to his credit.
His conduct and performance of his cuties, often in the face of considerable personal danger, have been exemplary, and earned him promotion to his present rani: in 1973•
Badge of Honour
Mrs. Chan Ma May-york
Mrs. Char is Chairman of the Chinese Women’s Club and an active voluntary worker in ."’.any fields of social welfare.
Mr. Cho Hung^thu
Mr. Cho lias been Chairman of the Sookunpoo Kaifong Association since 1971 and prominent in many community projects.
Mrs. Anna Chui
Mrs. Chui is a committee member of several community organisations and an active social worker in the field of youth work for more than 20 years.
/ilr. George ilsueh....
Friday, December 30, 1977
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Mr. George Hsueh
Hsueh is President of the Catholic Diocesan School Board and a keen supporter of cultural and recreational activities for young people.
Mr. Lau K.;un-sang
l.lr. Lau is Cnairr. an of the Sai Kung Rural Committee and a well-known supporter and organiser of youth activities* Mr. Lo Chun-sing
Mr. Lo is a well-known community leader in Wanchai, and has supported many civic and welfare projects.
Mr. Wong Chun-wai
Mr. Wong has been Chairman of the Sai Kung North Rural Committee since i960 and is a keen supporter of community projects. ;.!r. Yiu Kai-hang
Mr. Yiu lias been a member of the Executive Committee of the Cheung Chau Rural Committee since i960 and has worked tirelessly for the well-being of the community.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK’S POLICE FORCE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD SAYS LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR ....................................... 1
APPLICATIONS FOR AIRPORT HIRE CAR SERVICE ................... 2
SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE IN OCTOBER DIGEST OF STATISTICS .... 3
FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1977
1
HK’S POLICE FORCE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD — SAYS LEGILATIVE COUNCILLOR ******
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR. ROGER LOBO, SAID TODAY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WAS ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE WORLD.
+OVER THE YEARS, THIS FORCE HAS WITHSTOOD MANY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS AND IN THE RECENT PAST, DESPITE WHAT PESSIMISM AND SCEPTICISM HAS BEEN PUBLISHED LOCALLY AND ABROAD, LET ME REITERATE HERE AND NOW THAT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AND FINE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES,* HE SAID.
MR. LOBO WAS SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION PARADE OF 634 POLICE OFFICERS, THE LARGEST SINGLE TURNOUT EVER, AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN. THE GRADUATING GROUP INCLUDED 53 WOMEN.
MR. LOBO TOLD THE NEW OFFICERS THAT MUCH WOULD BE EXPECTED OF THEM WHEN THEY JOINED THEIR COLLEAGUES IN POLICE DUTIES.
+ BY VIRTUE OF YOUR ROLE IN UPHOLDING LAW AND ORDER IN HONG KONG AND ALL THE RESULTANT RAMIFICATIONS THAT ENSUE FROM PROTECTING AND SAFE-GUARDING SOCIETY, YOU MUST REFLECT AND EPITOMISE SELFDISCIPLINE, RESTRAINT AND COMMONSENSE AT ALL TIMES, WHETHER AS A BODY CORPORATE OR INDIVIDUALLY.
+YOU MUST ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG EXPECT HIGH STANDARDS FROM THEIR POLICE FORCE EVEN THOUGH SIMILAR HIGH STANDARDS ARE NOT ALWAYS OBSERVED ELSEWHERE IN SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
MR. LOBO SAID IT WAS SAD THAT ONE OFTEN HEARD MORE
ABOUT THE DOINGS OF THE BLACK SHEEP THAN ABOUT THE MAJORITY IN ALL RANKS OF THE FORCE WHOSE HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND RESILIENCE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO MAKING HONG KONG ONE OF THE MOST LAW ABIDING CITIES OF ITS SIZE IN THE WORLD.
HE IMPRESSED ON THE GRADUATES THAT THEY MUST NEVER USE THE POWERS VESTED IN THEM FOR SELFISH REASONS OR PERSONAL GAIN, OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WEAK AND LESS AFFLUENT.
+IN THIS WAY, YOU WILL BE LIVING UP TO THE HIGH STANDARDS EXPECTED OF YOU AND PLAYING YOUR PART IN MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL ITS CITIZENS,* HE SAID.
MR. LOBO WARNED THE OFFICERS THAT THEIR TASK WOULD NOT BE EASY, BUT +BY MEETING AND TACKLING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WITH IMPARTIALITY, HUMAN UNDERSTANDING AND THE COURAGE OF YOUR OWN CONVICTIONS, YOU WILL NOT ONLY GENERATE GOOD RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC WHOM YOU SERVE, BUT WILL PRESERVE, MAINTAIN AND PROJECT THE HIGH REPUTATION OF A MODERN AND EFFICIENT POLICE FORCE.*
/he also called
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1977
- 2 -
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE OFFICERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, EDUCATORS, THE NEWS MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC +TO BE" AT ALL TIMES CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT WE MUST ALL LIVE TOGETHER.+
♦WHILST WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN LIVES TO LIVE AND OUR SPECIFIC WORK IN THE COURSE OF OUR DAILY LIVES WE MUST ENDEAVOUR TO FOSTER A COMMON BOND OF FRIENDSHIP, GOOD UNDERSTANDING AND MUTUAL RESPECT,+ MR. LOBO SAID.
-----o------
APPLICATIONS FOR AIRPORT HIRE CAR PASSENGER SERVICE , * * * *
APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED EARLY NEXT YEAR FOR A CONTRACT HIRE CAR PASSENGER SERVICE BASED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD NOW APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT FOR INCLUSION ON A LIST OF CONTRACTORS SUITABLE FOR OPERATING HIRE CAR PASSENGER SERVICES.
HE SA IDj +THEY SHOULD SUBMIT INFORMATION SHOWING THAT THEY ARE WELL ESTABLISHED, WITH ADEQUATE, PERMANENT OFFICE AND VEHICLE SERVICING ACCOMMODATION, AND THAT THEY HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS OR RELATED FIELDS.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTRACT INVOLVED THE EXCLUSIVE GRANTING BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION OF THE DESIGNATED PARKING AREAS AND TWO TICKETING KIOSKS AT THE AIRPORT TO PERMIT THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT TO OPERATE A HIRE CAR PASSENGER SERVICE BASED AT THE AIRPORT.
THE OPERATOR WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF VEHICLES MAINTAINED IN FIRST-CLASS CONDITION, REGISTERED AND LICENSED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AS PRIVATE CARS FOR HIRE AND IN SUFFICIENT NUMBER TO MEET ANTICIPATED DEMAND. THIS SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 15 VEHICLES ON STAND-BY AT THE AIRPORT FROM NOON TO 6 P.M. DAILY.
- 0 -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1977
- 3 -
OCTOBER DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE * * * * *
THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON INDUSTRIAL CONCENTRATION AND PRODUCT SPECIALISATION OF 22 PROMINENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
IT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $6 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE SPECIAL ARTICLE IN THE DIGEST IS THE THIRD IN THE SERIES OF SPECIAL REVIEWS PRESENTING ANALYTICAL DATA OF THE 1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DEGREE OF ACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN A SPECIFIED INDUSTRY SECTOR COULD BE EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF THE PERCENTAGE CONTRIBUTION MADE TO TOTAL SALES BY THE SECTOR’S LARGEST PRODUCERS.
+PRODUCTION SPECIALISATION,* HE SAID, +DENOTES THE EXTENT TO WHICH PRODUCERS OF A SPECIFIED INDUSTRY SECTOR ARE SPECIALISED IN MAKING PRODUCTS REGARDED AS PRIMARY TO THE INDUSTRY IN QUESTION.*
HE ADDED THAT THESE WERE TOPICS WORTHY OF FURTHER RESEARCH REGARDING THE STRUCTURE OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THE FIRST TWO ARTICLES IN THE SERIES WERE THE +SALIENT FEATURES OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES* IN THE JULY 1975 ISSUE OF THE MONTHLY DIGEST AND THE +AN INTER-INDUSTRY COMPARISON OF STRUCTURAL RATIOS AND FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY* IN THE JANUARY 1976 ISSUE.
THESE ARTICLES WERE INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT THE BASIC REPORTS OF THE CENSUS (VOLUMES I AND II), THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
0 -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1977
4
FIRING PRACTICE ft ft ft ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SIX DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES AREs
DATE JANUARY 3 (TUESDAY) JANUARY 4 (WEDNESDAY) JANUARY 9 (MONDAY) JANUARY 10 (TUESDAY) JANUARY 12 (THURSDAY) JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY) HOURS 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. . - ■ • »"• ■ 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M. 0 - I - ■ ,(11 .<■ :■ UO" 18 ■■