DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TOPLEY AIMS FOR QUALITY IN EDUCATION .................. 1
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS TO CLEAN UP LAI CHI WO BEACHES . 3
MORE POWER, SPEED AND EFFICIENCY PLANNED FOR GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES ................................................ 4
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN AREA ............................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1977
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TOPLEY AIMS FOR QUALITY IN EDUCATION * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS FULLY COMMITTED TOWARDS ACHIEVING ITS TARGET OF PROVIDING SUFFICIENT SUBSIDISED PLACES FOR A THREE-YEAR COURSE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS FOR ALL PRIMARY VI LEAVERS FROM 1978, AND IN FORMS IV AND V FOR 40 PER CENT OF THE 15-16 AGE GROUP AS EARLY AS PRACTICABLE.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY REITERATED THAT THE QUICKEST WAY OF ENSURING THAT EVERY PRIMARY VI LEAVER OBTAINED AN AIDED FORM I PLACE WAS BY +BUYING+ SOME ADDITIONAL PLACES IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS AS AN INTERIM MEASURE. BUT HE STRESSED THAT THE ULTIMATE AIM MUST BE TO PROVIDE AS MANY PLACES AS POSSIBLE IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS.
+THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED BY THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL ALSO PERMIT THE PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION OF TEMPORARY EXPEDIENTS INCLUDING THE PHASING OUT OF FLOATING CLASSES AND EXTENDED DAY IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.
THE CURRENT BUILDING PROGRAMME PROVIDES FOR 83 SECONDARY SCHOOL PROJECTS - GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING -TO BE COMPLETED BY 1981. MOST OF THEM WILL BE IN THE NEW TOWNS AND IN DEVELOPING AREAS.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS THUS ENSURING THAT THERE WILL BE GOOD SCHOOLS IN PLACES WHERE THE CHILDREN WILL BE LIVING. AT THE SAME TIME IT IS MAINTAINING STANDARDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SECONDARY EDUCATION,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF FORM I BOUGHT PLACES IN BOTH PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS WAS LIKELY TO INCREASE FROM THE PRESENT FIGURE OF 30,595 TO 34,050 IN 1977-78 AND TO 40,525 IN 1978-79. IT WAS LIKELY TO DECREASE TO 37,495 IN 1979-80 AND TO 31,715 IN 1980-81.
BUT THE DECREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BOUGHT PLACES IN FORMS I TO III WOULD BE A GRADUAL ONE.
IN FACT, THE NUMBER OF FORMS I TO III BOUGHT PLACES WAS LIKELY TO RISE FROM THE CURRENT FIGURE OF 73,320 TO 82,041 IN 1977-78, TO 93,505 IN 1978-79 AND TO 99,750 IN 1979-83. IT WOULD THEN DECLINE TO 98,185 IN 1980-81.
WHILE THE NUMBER OF FORMS I TO III BOUGHT PLACES IN PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WOULD DECLINE, THE NUMBER OF SUCH PLACES IN PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS WOULD IN FACT INCREASE.
+THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO ANY PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WHICH PLAN TO CHANGE INTO AN INCORPORATED ENTITY TO BE OPERATED ON A NON-PROFIT-MAKING BASIS,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
APPLICATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF PER CAPUT GRANT AS NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE SAME WAY AS THE EXISTING NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIVATE SCHOOLS ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM, PROVIDED THAT THEY MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTAINING SUCH STATUS AND ALSO MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1977
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LATEST STATISTICS (SEPTEMBER 1976) SHOW THAT THERE ARE 231 PRIVATE SECONDARY DAY SCHOOLS - 77 NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND ISA-INDEPENDENT. OF THESE, 95 ARE PART IC I PAT I NG IN THE THREE-YEAR BOUGHT PLACES SCHEME. THIRTY-SIX OF THE 95 ARE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS AND F l-TY-NINE ARE PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDE NEARLY HALF OF THE THREE-YEAR BOUGHT PLACES. THESE SCHOOLS RECEIVE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF PER CAPUT GRANT.
ANOTHER 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE ALSO NON-PROFIT-MAKING, WILL BECOME FULLY SUBSIDISED IN SEPTEMBER 1978. AT PRESENT THESE SCHOOLS RECEIVE SALARY AND CAPITATION GRANTS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THEIR FORM I STUDENTS PAY THE STANDARD FEE OF 340 PER MONTH.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE FIVE OTHER ASSISTED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THESE SCHOOLS ARE IN RECEIPT OF CLASSROOM ALLOWANCE AND SALARY SUPPLEMENTATION FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. TOPLEY SAID HE WAS CARRYING OUT GOVERNMENT POLICY TO ENSURE THAT THE OVERALL POLICY AIMS IN THE EXPANSION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION 'WERE ACHIEVED.
MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WOULD BE NO SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FROM 1978 ONWARDS, PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COULD CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION IN THE +BOUGHT PLACES+ SCHEME.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE POLICY OUTLINED IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER WAS EVENTUALLY TO REDUCE THE EXTENT OF THE BUYING OF PLACES IN PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS THROUGH CONTINUATION OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME IN THE AIDED AND PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SECTORS.
THE DIRECTOR RECALLED THAT IN 1970 WHEN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FIRST APPROVED THE PROPOSAL FOR THE BUYING OF PLACES AT FORMS I TO III LEVEL, IT WAS STATED THAT THESE PLACES SHOULD BE BOUGHT IN SUITABLE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, THUS INDICATING THAT SCHOOLS WOULD HAVE TO BE SELECTED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME. THUS, THE DEMAND THAT ALL PRIVATE SCHOOLS, IRRESPECTIVE OF STANDARDS, BE INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME COULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED. MR. TOPLEY STRESSED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF USING PUBLIC FUNDS WISELY AND OF GUIDING PARENTS IN THE CHOICE OF SCHOOLS.
MR. TOPLEY AGAIN STRESSED THAT HE PERSONALLY LOOKED FORWARD TO A CONTINUING DIALOUGE WITH THE PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AND THEIR ASSOCIATIONS TO MEET AND OVERCOME PROBLEMS AND DIFFERENCES. IN FACT, THE DIRECTOR PERSONALLY CHAIRS THE QUARTERLY MEETINGS OF THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS ADVISORY BOARD.
ON APRIL 19, MR. TOPLEY HAD AN INFORMAL MEETING WITH MR. M.T. CHENG OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION. THIS FOLLOWED A LENGTHY MEETING ON APRIL 4 BETWEEN MR. CHENG AND THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. BASIL BOARD.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1977
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS TO CLEAN UP LAI CHI WO BEACHES * * * *
THE BEACHES AT LAI CHI WO OFF SHA TAU KOK WERE A LOT CLEANER FOLLOWING A fWO-DAY ASSAULT BY 45 MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
SIR MURRAY ARRIVED AT THE BEACH YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) AND HAD JOINED THE YOUTHS IN CLEANING UP ONE OF THE BEACHES THERE.
THIS MORNING AT 10.30 A.M. THE GOVERNOR AGAIN ROWED ASHORE ON HIS DINGHY TO HELP WHEN HE SAW THE YOUNGSTERS STARTING WORK AT ANOTHER BEACH.
SIR MURRAY WAS MET AT THE BEACH BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JAMES SO- DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR. CLIVE OXLEY- SENIOR URBAN SERVICES OFFICERS- POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (FRONTIER), MR. Y.Y. LEE AND FIVE RURAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES LED BY MR. LAU YUM-MAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE.
SHORTLY AFTER A BRIEF CHAT WITH THE WELCOMING PARTY, THE GOVERNOR GOT DOWN TO WORK. HE WAS JOINED BY OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THE RURAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES.
THE EXERCISE TODAY LASTED ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS UNDER THE BLAZING SUN, AND THE GOVERNOR NOTED THE CHEERFULNESS OF THE YOUNGSTERS WHEN HE HEARD THEM SINGING.
THE WHOLE OPERATION SINCE YESTERDAY GATHERED SEVERAL TONS OF RUBBISH FROM ABOUT TWO MILES OF BEACHES. IT MARKED THE END OF THE MONTH-LONG CLEAN UNGAZETTED BEACH CAMPAIGN IN WHICH MORE THAN 300 YOUTHS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE CLEAN YOUR CITY GROUPS AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, TOOK PART.
IN APPRECIATION OF THE ENTHUSIASM AND CIVIC MINDEDNESS OF THE YOUNGSTERS, THE GOVERNOR LATER TREATED THEM TO A PICNIC LUNCH.
AT ONE STAGE OF THE CLEANING UP EXERCISE, SIR MURRAY NOTED THE SIGNS OF THE BURNING OF FIRE CRACKERS AND TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO POINT OUT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU OF THE DANGERS OF SETTING OFF FIRE CRACKERS NEAR TREES.
SIR MURRAY ASKED MR. LAU TO INFORM VILLAGERS OF SHA TAU KOK THAT THE BURNING OF FIRE CRACKERS WAS ILLEGAL AND THAT IT WAS POSING A THREAT TO THE VEGETATION.
HE SAID THAT SHA TAU KOK WAS A RESPONSIBLE VILLAGE AND INVITED MR. LAU TO PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS IN OVERCOMING THE PROBLEMS OF FIRE CRACKER BURNING. SIR MURRAY ALSO INDICATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THESE PROPOSALS WITH THE AREA’S RURAL COMMITTEE LATER THIS YEAR.
MR. LAU, THANKED THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS ADVICE AND ASSURED THAT A MEETING OF HIS COMMITTEE WILL BE SUMMONED TO PUT FORWARD SUGGESTIONS.
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MORE POWER, SPEED AND EFFICIENCY PLANNED FOR GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD AT LEAST EIGHT NEW LAUNCHES IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR TO MODERNISE AND EXPAND THE GOVERNMENT’S FLEET OF VESSELS.
IT IS COMMITTED TO SPENDING $11,670,000 ON SIX NEW REPLACEMENT LAUNCHES AND TWO ADDITIONAL ONES, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CRAFT UNDER ITS MAINTENANCE CARE TO 183.
MR. P.J. WU, SENIOR MARINE OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD, ESTIMATED THAT THE MAJORITY OF GOVERNMENT VESSELS ARE BETWEEN FIVE AND 20 YEARS OLD. ABOUT 10 PER CENT ARE LESS THAN FIVE YEARS OLD AND A FEW OVER 30 YEARS OLD.
IT IS THE CHIEF FUNCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD TO MAINTAIN THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE FLEET OF MECHANISED AND NON-MECHANISED VESSELS. MANY OF THE OLDER CRAFT HAVE LOST THEIR USEFULNESS BECAUSE OF THE DEMAND FOR SPEED, POWER AND EFFICIENCY TO MEET MODERN AND CONSTANTLY CHANGING REQUIREMENTS.
ONE OF THE EXAMPLES OF CHANGING NEEDS IS THE MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES. ABOUT ONE IN FOUR OF ITS LAUNCHES IS PRE-WAR BUILT. THESE OLDER LAUNCHES ARE CHARACTERISED BY THEIR WOODEN HULLS AND THE LACK OF SHIP-BOARD FACILITIES, MAKING THEM INCONVENIENT FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK PATROL DUTIES AT SEA, MR. WU EXPLAINED.
A PROTOTYPE HARBOUR LAUNCH, DESIGNED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, WILL MAKE UP FOR THESE DEFICIENCIES AND WILL BE BUILT WHEN FUNDS ARE APPROVED. IT WILL INCORPORATE SUCH FACILITIES AS LIVING ACCOMMODATION AND A KITCHEN WHICH ARE NON-EXISTENT IN MOST POLICE LAUNCHES IN USE.
FIRE BOAT NO. 3 COMMISSIONED TO THE ABERDEEN FIRE STATION IN 1951 ALSO OUTLIVED ITS FUNCTIONS IN THAT FAST CHANGING FISHING VILLAGE. THE NEED TO RETIRE THE BOAT, WHICH IS TOO SMALL AND ILL-EQUIPPED, HAS BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE PRESENCE OF A BIG OIL DEPOT, THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC POWER STATION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF ABERDEEN AND AP LI CHAU AND INCREASED POPULATION.
IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl, A NEW DEMAND IS DICTATED BY THE ESISTENCE OF THE CONTAINER PORT NOW SERVED BY SOME OF THE LARGEST AND MOST SOPHISTICATED SHIPS AFLOAT AND THE INDUSTRIALISATION OF TSING Yl. AS A RESULT A $6 MILLION FIRE BOAT ESPECIALLY DESIGNED TO MEET ANY FIRE CONTINGENCY WILL BE BUILT ONCE FUNDS ARE MADE AVAILABLE.
MR. WU EXPLAINED THAT ORDINARY FIRE BOATS ARE LESS EFFECTIVE IN FIGHTING A FIRE AT A TERMINAL BECAUSE OF THE STACKING OF CONTAINERS UP TO A FEW STOREYS HIGH AND THE VERY HIGH FREEBOARD OF THU® GENERATION CONTAINERSHIPS.
ANOTHER REQUIREMENT IS AN ANTI-OIL POLLUTION LAUNCH FOR USE IN SHALLOW WATERS. AS CONVENTIONAL CRAFTS CANNOT WORK IN SHALLO*. WATERS IN THE EVENT OF AN OIL SLICK APPROACHING A BEACH, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SPEND ABOUT $530,000 TO BUILD A SHALLOW DRAUGHT ANTI-POLLUTION BOAT TO DEAL WITH THIS MENACE.
MR. WU SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF YEARS BEFORE THE NEW BOATS COULD BE PUT INTO SERVICE BECAUSE OF TENDER PROCEDURES AND THE TIME TAKEN TO DO THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION *ORK.
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1977
5
WATER CUT M * *
WATFR SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNsJ ™ FOR Five HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 3 TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
AFFECTED WILL BE THE WESTERN MARKET AND PREMISES IN BONHAM STRAND WEST WING LOK STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SUTHERLAND STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND MORRISON STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEw ALLOCATION SYSTEM FOR FORM I PLACES IN 1978 ........ 1
.MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY BEGINS .................................................. 2
SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER RETIRES ........................ 2
1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REPORT VOLUME II ON SALE NOW ............................................ 3
NEw BOX JUNCTION IN KOWLOON ........................... 4
WATER CUT IN SAU MAU PING AREA ......................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1977
NEW ALLOCATION PROCEDURES FOR FORM I IN 1978
******
MORE THAN 109,280 PUPILS WHO ARE NOW IN PRIMARY V IN 1,200 SCHOOLS a ILL PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW ALLOCATION SYSTEM FOR FORM I PLACES. AS THESE PUPILS WILL BE PRIMARY VI LEAVERS IN JULY 1978, THEY WILL TAKE PART IN THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST IN DECEMBER 1977.
THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THIS TEST IS TO MONITOR AND SCALE SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS. THE TEST WILL CONSIST OF MACHINE MARKED MULTIPLE CHOICE PAPERS - ONE ON VERBAL REASONING AND ONE ON NUMERICAL REASONING.
MR. KENNETH LEE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION, SAID TODAY THAT THE HEADS OF ALL PAHTICIPATING SCHOOLS WERE BEING INFORMED OF THE SCHOOL NETS FOR THE ’NEW ALLOCATION SYSTEM. THE SCHOOL HEADS WERE INVITED TO SEND ANY GENERAL COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ON THE NETS TO MR. LEE BEFORE MAY ’26.
MR. LEE SAID IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THERE SHOULD BE 24 SCHOOL NETS UNDER THE SAME NUMBER OF DISTRICT COUNCILS. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE COUNCILS SHOULD WORK UNDER A CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THESE NETS WERE BY NO MEANS FINAL AND WOULD ONLY BE FINALISED IN JANUARY OR FEBRUARY 1978 IN TIME FOR ACTUAL ALLOCATION IN JULY OF THAT YEAR. +THEREAFTER THEY WILL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY,+ MR. LEE SAID.
+T0 ENSURE THAT THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST ITEMS ARE OF GOOD QUALITY, A SERIES OF PRE-TESTS WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 9 TO 13. THE PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE PRE-TESTS ARE FROM PRIMARY VI AND HAVE BEEN CHOSEN ON A RANDOM BASIS. THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THESE PRE-TESTS WILL NOT AFFECT THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION RESULTS,* MR. LEE STATED.
AN ITEM ANALYSIS OF THE PRE-TESTS’ RESULTS WILL BE DONE BY COMPUTER. BASED ON THIS ANALYSIS, GOOD ITEMS WILL BE RETAINED AND A SECOND SERIES OF PRE-TESTS WILL BE HELD IN JUNE.
SPECIMEN ITEMS WILL THEN BE PREPARED AND DESPATCHED TO SCHOOLS IN JULY OR AUGUST FOR THE INFORMATION OF TEACHERS.
MR. LEE SAID : +T0 BE FAIR TO ALL PRIMARY VI PUPILS WHO WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL TEST IN DECEMBER 1977, PRACTICE QUESTIONS WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH OF THEM IN NOVEMBER THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL HEADS.*
HE FELT THAT SOME PRACTICE WAS NECESSARY BUT PERFORMANCE WOULD NOT NECESSARILY IMPROVE IK' PROPORTION WITH THE AMOUNT OF FURTHER PRACTICE.
/a ....
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1977
2
MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY BEGINS * * * * *
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY GOT UNDERWAY TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES, IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SURVEY WERE SENT OUT TWO WEEKS AGO TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, MR. WARNER YEH, CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO HELP IN THE SURVEY BY SUPPLYING THE INFORMATION REQUIRED SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY UNDER THEIR EMPLOY’ THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY UNDER TRAINING’ THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES EXISTING IN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS- AND A FORECAST OF THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL VACANCIES AVAILABLE BY MAY 1978.
MR. YEH STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES ONLY WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
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SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER RETIRES
******
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, TODAY (MONDAY) PRESENTED A RETIREMENT GIFT (A RADIO/CASSETTE TAPE RECORDER) TO MR. LEUNG MAN-WAI, A SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICER, WHO IS RETIRING AFTER 36 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. LEUNG FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN NOVEMBER 1941 AS A TEMPORARY CLERK. IN NOVEMBER 1946, HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CLERK CLASS VI B IN THE JUNIOR CLERICAL SERVICE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO CLERK CLASS II IN THE GENERAL CLERICAL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 1951, TO CLERK CLASS I IN MARCH I960 AND TO HIS PRESENT POST IN JULY LAST YEAR.
DURING HIS 36 YEARS WITH THE GOVERNMENT, MR. LEUNG HAS BEEN WITH THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ALL THE TIME.
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1977
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1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION REPORT VOLUME II ON SALE NO1*'
* * *
VOLUME II OF THE REPORT ON THE 1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, COMPILED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
ALSO AVAILABLE IS VOLUME I WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
VOLUME I CONTAINS SUMMARIZED STATISTICS AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CENSUS OPERATION AND METHODS WHILE VOLUME II PROVIDES FURTHER BREAKDOWNS OF THE CENSUS RESULTS IN FIVE PARTS AS FOLLOWSs-
PART I FOOD, BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO, MINING AND QUARRYING, ELECTRICITY AND GAS.
PART 2 TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL, LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR.
PART 3 WOOD PRODUCTS, FURNITURE, PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING. -
PART 4 CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, RUBBER PRODUCTS, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS.
PART 5 BASIC METALS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS AND OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, TOGETHER WITH SUMMARIES FOR ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THE PRICES PER COPY ARE: $6 FOR PART 1, 39 FOR EACH PARTS 3 AND 4, AND $17 FOR EACH OF PARTS 2 AND 5. THE PRICE FOR VOLUME I IS $30.
IN RELEASING VOLUME II OF THE CENSUS REPORT, A SPOKESMAN OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CENSUS WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF ALL LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, SOME 30,542 MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN OPERATION DURING 1973, ENGAGING 713,688 PERSONS. THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TOGETHER SOLD $31,520 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS OR INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INCURRED $6,323 MILLION AS LABOUR COST, AND PRUCHASED $21,377 MILLION WORTH OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, FUELS, WATER, ELECTRICITY AND INDUSTRIAL SERVICES. GROSS OUTPUT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS VALUED AT $31,961 MILLION AND THE VALUE ADDED BY MANUFACTURING PROCESS AT $11,544 MILLION. THE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, IN TERMS OF VALUE ADDED, WERE TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, PLASTICS; FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, AND PRINTING AND PUBLISHING.
TWO ARTICLES, DESCRIBING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES ON THE BASIS OF THE CENSUS RESULTS, WERE PUBLISHED IN THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS OF JULY 1975 AND JANUARY 1976. FURTHER ENQUIRES ABOUT THE 'CENSUS RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-444734.
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1977
NEW BOX JUNCTION IN KOWLOON
******
A BOX JUNCTION WILL BE INTRODUCED AT JHE JUNCTION OF WATERLOG ROAD, DURHAM ROAD AND RUTLAND QUADRANT TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENi SAID THAT THE BOX JUNCTION, AIMED AT IMPROV I NG TRAFFIC FLOW IN Fh_ AREA WOULD COME INTO EFFECT AT 10 A.M. TOMORROW.
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 4) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT
LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOo^ BETWEEN SAU MAU PATH AND HIU KWONG oTRcET, 42 TO 45, SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
IN SAU MAU PING ROAD INCLUDING BLOCK NOS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST DISTRICT RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW ............................................... 1
TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS FOR TSING Yl ISLAND ............. 4
MCINNES APPOINTED COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES .......... 5
FINAL READING OF APPROPRIATION BILL .................... 5
FIRST ANNUAL N.T. TAXI INSPECTION ...................... 6
LICENCE FOR H.K. COMMODITY EXCHANGE .................... 6
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF CANTON ROAD .................... 7
WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN ... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
FIRST DISTRICT RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTS TOMORROW * * * *
A SERIES OF RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WILL BE MOUNTED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES STARTING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT SHAU KEI WAN.
STATING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. H.L. ROBERTSON EXPLAINED THAT THE OBJECT OF THE CAMPAIGNS WAS TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH RABIES AND TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO VACCINATE AND LICENSE THEIR DOGS.
+THE RECENT DEATH FROM RABIES OF A GURKHA SOLDIER IN HONG KONG AFTER HE HAD BEEN BITTEN BY A DOG IN NEPAL DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE VERY SERIOUS NATURE OF THIS DISEASE.
+DESPITE THE FACT THAT THIS WAS AN IMPORTED CASE AND THAT IT WILL NOT ENDANGER THE LOCAL POPULATION, THE GENERAL PUBLIC MUST BE MADE AWARE OF THIS DISEASE AND OF THE NEED TO HAVE THEIR DOGS VACCINATED AND LICENSED.+ HE ADDED.
ORGANIZED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE FIRST ANTI-RABIES DISTRICT DRIVE WILL BE HELD BETWEEN WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY (MAY 4 AND 6) IN SHAU KEI WAN.
TO ENABLE SHAU KEI WAN RESIDENTS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISEASE, LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED GIVING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF RABIES AND THE CONTROL MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PREVENT THE RE-INTRODUCTICN OF RABIES INTO HONG KONG.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE CONTROL OF STRAY DOGS, STRICT QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED ANIMALS AND THE VACCINATING AND LICENSING OF LOCAL DOGS.
A DOG VAN WILL TOUR SHAU KEI WAN AND STAFF WILL USE A PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM TO CONVEY THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE TO THE RESIDENTS.
DURING THE PERIOD, THREE TEMPORARY DOG INOCULATION CENTRES WILL BE SET UP TO MAKE IT EASY FOR DOG OWNERS TO TAKE THEIR DOGS FOR INOCULATION AND LICENSING. IN ADDITION, ALL UNWANTED DOGS CAN ALSO BE TAKEN TO THESE CENTRES FOR DISPOSAL.
THESE CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT:
1. JUNCTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND TAI ON STREET (AT SIDE OF SAI WAN HO MARKET)
2. 306-310, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, (AT SIDE OF HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORP.)
3. JUNCTION OF KAM WAH STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST (IN FRONT OF KAM WAH STREET REST GARDEN NEAR TRAM TERMINUS)
TUESDAY, MAY J, 197"
2 -
HOWEVER, MR. ROBERTSON EMPHASISED THAT NONE OF THE MEASURES UNDERTAKEN DURING THIS CAMPAIGN WERE UNUSUAL, THEY WERE ALL PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME MOUNTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
+THE COLLECTION OF STRAY DOGS IS ALSO A CONTINUOUS OPERATION AND THE AVERAGE MONTHLY CAPTURE RATE IS IN THE REGION OF 1,000, OF WHICH 80-90 PER CENT ARE DESTROYED,* HE POINTED OUT.
MR. ROBERTSON ALSO REVEALED THAT THE CAMPAIGN WOULD BE EXTENDED TO QUARRY BAY, NORTH POINT, CAUSEWAY BAY AND SO ON UNTIL ALL HONG KONG ISLAND HAD BEEN COVERED. THEN IT WOULD EVENTUALLY BE HELD THROUGHOUT KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE CAMPAIGNS WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT MONTHLY INTERVALS.
+DURING THE INTERVALS BETWEEN DISTRICT DRIVES, NORMAL DOG CONTROL ACTIVITIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT,* HE SAID.
APART FROM THIS, FACILITIES FOR LICENSING AND VACCINATION OF DOGS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING CENTRES:
HONG KONG ISLAND
1. VICTORIA ROAD GOVERNMENT KENNELS VICTORIA ROAD, POKFULAM.
2. GARDEN ROAD CENTRE COTTON TREE DRIVE, NEAR PEAK TRAM TERMINUS.
3. WANCHAI KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN.
2B,0’BRIEN ROAD, WANCHAI.
4. HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD DISTRICTS KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. MORRISON HILL ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY
5. SHAD KEI TON KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN 135 SHAU KEI ’.TAN ROAD.
MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M
MON.)
WED.) 8.30 A.M. - 12 NOON
FRI.) 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
MON. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
MON. 1.30 P.M. - 3.30 P.M.
TUE. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
6. NORTH POINT KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. TUE. 1.30 P.M. - 3.30 P.M. MARBLE ROAD, NORTH POINT.
7. SHEK-0 RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, 1ST WED. OF 9 A.M. - 11.30 A.M. SHEK-0 VILLAGE. EACH MONTH
8. STANLEY KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN. 1ST WED. OF 1 P.W. - 3 P.M. STANLEY MAIN STREET. EACH MONTH
/KOWLOON......
TUESDAY, MAY J, 1977
KOWLOON
1. SUNG WONG TOI GOVERNMENT KENNELS 102, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD.
2. TAI KOK TSUI CENTRE OPPOSITE 30 HOI KING STREET.
3. SHUMSHUIPO KAI FONG WELFARE ASSN 88 YU CHAU STREET, SHAM SHU I PO.
4. YAUMATEI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSN. SAIGON STREET.
5. GOODVIEW MANSION NO. 12 YUET WAH STREET, KWUN TONG.
6. TAI HOM VILLAGE KAI FONG ASSN. 3A SUN HING ROAD, TAI HOM VILLAG WONG TAI SIN.
MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.hJ
TUE. 8.30 A.M. - 12 NOON
THUR. 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 8.30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
THUR. 8.30 A.M. - 11.30 A.M.
THUR. 1 P.M. - 4 P.M.
FRI. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
1 P.M. - 3.30 P.M.
SAT. 8.30 A.M. - 11 A.M.
NEW TERRITORIES
1. SHAT IN GOVERNMENT KENNELS MON. TO FRI. TAI WAI, SHA TIN.
SAT.
9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
2 P.M. - 5 P.M.
9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M.
2. SHEK WU HUI GOVERNMENT KENNELS MAN KAM ROAD, SHEUNG SHU 1. MON. TO FRI. 9 A.M. -2 P.M. 1 P.M. - 5 P.M.
SAT. 9 A.M. - 12.30 P.M.
3. TSUEN WAN CENTRE NEAR 62-68 TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN. MON. AND SAT. 9.30 A .M. - 12 NOON
4. CASTLE PEAK BAY CENTRE AT REAR OF CASTLE PEAK POLICE STATION, CASTLE PEAK. TUE. AND THUR. 9 A.M. - 12 NOON
5. YUEN LONG CENTRE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE. TUE. TO FRI. 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
6. SHAT IN C'ENTRE MON. SHAT IN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, PAI TAU VILLAGE, SHATIN. AND WED. 9 A.M. - 11.45 A.M.
7. TAI PO CENTRE, TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE OFF IC HEUNG SZE WU1 ST., TA 1 PC. W E D, p u i 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.
NO SERVICES ARE PROVIDED DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DOGS OVER THE AGE OF THREE MONTHS SHOULD BE LICENSED. THE LICENCE FEE IS 55 EACH FOR DOGS hN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND $15 FOR DOGS IN KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND LOCAL VESSELS.
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
4
TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS FOR TSING Yl ISLAND ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD TWO NEW SERVICE RESERVOIRS ON TSING Yl ISLAND TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR BOTH FRESH AND SALT WATER FROM DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND.
TENDERS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TSING Yl DEVELOPMENT WATER SUPPLY WILL BE CALLED THIS MONTH.
MR. LAU JONG-MING, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE WOULD BEGIN IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT FIFTEEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THAT THE FRESH WATER RESERVOIR WOULD HAVE A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 13,600 CUBIC METRES, wHILE THE SALT WATER RESERVOIR WOULD HAVE A CAPACITY OF 1,500 CUBIC METRES.
THE RESERVOIRS WOULD BE SITED ON A HILL SIDE, SOUTH OF A NEW ROAD OPPOSITE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.
MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO INVITED TENDERS FOR A FRESH WATER TRUNK MAINS FROM TUEN MUN TO TAI SHANG WAI.
THE MAINS, WHICH WILL RUN ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL BE 14,300 METRES IN LENGTH.
MR. LAU SAID THAT THE MAINS WOULD CARRY POTABLE WATER TO CATER FOR THE GROWING DEMAND FROM YUEN LONG AND PROVIDE SUPPLY TO THE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF TAI SHANG WAI.
THIS WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
-----o------
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
- 5 -
APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, MR. J.B. SELWYN, WILL LEAVE THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN AUGUST ON COMPLETION OF HIS AGREEMENT.
MR. SELWYN CAME TO HONG KONG TO WORK IN THIS FIELD IN JANUARY 1972 AND TOOK UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT WHEN THE POST OF COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES WAS CREATED A YEAR LATER.
HE WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR. U.A. MCINNES, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, WHOSE PROMOTION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.
MR. MCINNES, AGED 44, SERVED IN ZAMBIA FROM 1958 TO 1970 AND HELD APPOINTMENTS RANGING FROM DISTRICT OFFICER TO ECONOMIST AND UNDER SECRETARY IN CHARGE OF THE BUDGET OFFICE.
HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1971 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES IN APRIL 1974.
MR. MCINNES IS MARRIED AND HAS ONE SON.
-------0
APPROPRIATION Bl-L TO RECEIVE THIRD READING * * * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 WILL COMPLETE ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DURING QUESTION TIME THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER IT WILL CONSIDER MOUNTING A WATER SAVING CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
IT WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE LATEST POSITION OF THE CLAIMS OF TYPISTS, STENOGRAPHERS AND DEMARCATORS FOR IMPROVED CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
OTHER ISSUES TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS INCLUDE THE PROGRESS OF THE FIXED TRAFFIC PENALTIES SYSTEM, ADEQUACY OF TYPHOON SHELTERS, INSPECTION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS, POSTAGE RATES FOR PRINTED PAPERS, CONTROL OF OPTICAL SHOPS AND OPTICIANS, AND FACILITIES FOR BROADCAST RECEPTION INSIDE THE LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS.
THERE WILL ALSO EE QUESTIONS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF INDUSTRIAL SPACE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE EX-NAVAL DOCKYARD SITE AND CRITERIA FOR GRANTING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
THREE BILLS WILL EE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL. THEY ARE THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) EILL 1977, THE INDUSTRIAL AND REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
6 -
FIRST ANNUAL N.T. TAXI INSPECTION * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED OWNERS OF NeW TERRITORIES TAXIS THAT THEIR VEHICLES MUST BE MECHANICALLY INSPECTED AS A PRE-REQUISITE TO RE-LICENSING.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FIRST SUCH INSPECTIONS WERE DUE IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
HE SAID: -^RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING VEHICLE INSPECTION APPOINTMENTS RESTS WITH THE OWNERS. NO LETTERS WILL BE SENT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OWNERS COULD MAKE APPOINTMENTS no TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THEIR CURRENT LICENCES BY CALLING IN PERSON AT THE VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTR-IN LONG YUET STREET, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.
- - 0 - -
LICENCE FOR H.K. COMMODITY EXCHANGE LTD.
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT HAD APPROVED THE APPLICATION BY THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE. LIMITED FOR A LICENCE TO OPERATE A COMMODITY EXCHANGE.
THE LICENCE IS A CONTINUOUS ONE, SUBJECT TO REVIEW AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS.
- - 0 - -
/?
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1977
7
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF CANTON ROAD
******
THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND SALISBURY ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 5).
AT THE SAME TIME, NO RIGHT TURNS FROM HAIPHONG ROAD AND PEKING ROAD INTO CANTON ROAD WILL BE ALLOWED.
THE ARRANGEMENTS, LASTING ABOUT SIX MONTHS, AIM TO FACILITATE ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP AND TRAFFIC POLICEMEN WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY, KW'UN TONG AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 5).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY EAST POINT ROAD BETWEEN GREAT GEORGE STREET AND JAFFE ROAD, CANNON STREET, WATERFRONT ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET AND THE NORTH SIDE OF HENNESSY ROAD INCLUDING KELLET ISLAND.
IN KW'UN TONG, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN CHA KWO LING ROAD, AND YAU TONG ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 8, YAU TONG ESTATE.
IN TSUEN WAN, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN WO Yl HOP ROAD BETWEEN LAI SHU ROAD AND SHING MUN ROAD.
ON THE SAME DAY, WATER SUPPLY TO RENNIE’S MILL AND HANG HAU .■.ILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 13.30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT FLOW TESTS IN THE AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPROPRIATION BILL PASSED AT LEGCO ................... 1
MAXIMUM FINE FOR ILLEGALLY EMPLOYING CHILDREN UNDER 14
DOUBLED ................................................ 4
REDUCE WATER CONSUMPTION CALL .......................... 5
INCLUSION OF BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS IN
EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY WELCOMED BY UNOFFICIALS ......... 6
ICC,OOO SQ. PT. OF INDUSTRIAL SPACE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR .. 9
MORE SITES FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR CENTRAL ........ IC
GOVERNMENT TO RAISE LOAN FROM A.D.B. FOR HOUSING PROJECT IN SHA TIN ............................................ I*
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO MR. BRAY ..................... 12
NEARLY 19,000 TICKETS ISSUED UNDER FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM .. 13
KWUN TONG-CENTRAL HOVERFERRY SERVICE ................. I2*
H.K.’S POSTAGE RATES FOR PRINTED MATTER VERY LOW ...... 15
BILLS PASSED .......................................... 15
NEW TYPHOON SHELTERS FOR CHEUNG CHAU AND TUEN MUN ..... 16
INSPECTIONS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS ........................ I7
SURVEY OF PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY ....................... 17
MARCH BANKING STATISTICS .............................. 13
58 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH ................... 20
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
APPROPRI AT I ON BILL PASSED AT LEGCO * * * * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 COMPLETED ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE, TWO UNOFFICIALS FURTHER COMMENTED ON THE BILL. THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND THE HON. JAMES WU ’TOUCHED ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS IN THE FACE OF WORLD PROTECTIONISM, STIFF COMPETITION FROM SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN, SCHOOL DROP-OUTS WiD PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DISCRETIONARY GRANT.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO MAKE AVAILABLE WHATEVER RESOURCES AND FUNDS THAT WERE NECESSARY TO STABILISE THE PRICE OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION, SURVEY THE POTENTIAL OF NEW INDUSTRIES, ASSIST SMALLER FACTORIES IN THEIR DESIGN CAPABILITY AND TO IMPROVE THE DUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS, STRENGTHEN OUR TRADE PROMOTION EFFORTS WORLDWIDE, AND GENERALLY TO KEEP OUR PRODUCTIVITY AHEAD OF RISING COSTS. 4
I
AS EXPONENTS OF THE FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM, HE SAID, HON^ -KONG INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN HAD NEVER BEEN OVERAWEDTR AFRAID OF COMPETITION.
+YET IT WOULD BE A MATTER OF SIMPLE PRUDENCE IF WE AVOID ANY SENSE OF COMPLACENCY, AND INSTEAD STRIVE EVEN MORE THAN EVER TC ACCELERATE HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL AND ECONOMIC GROWTH,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID, HE WAS +DISTURBED+ BY THE GOVERNMENT’S +BLITHE+ STATEMENT THAT THE CONSISTENTLY HIGHER GROWTH RATES OF SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN IN THE EXPORT OF MANUFACTURED GOODS WERE +NOT NECESSARILY A CAUSE FOR CONCERN.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXPORT OF HONG KONG GOODS TO THE UNITED STATES LAST YEAR INCREASED BY 56 PER CENT OVER TmAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR. SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN HAD INCREASED THEIRS EY 83.5 PER CENT AND 69.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IN 1971, HONG KONG RANKED SECOND AMONG ASIAN COUNTRIES IN TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, BUT LAST YEAR, HONG KONG’S RANK DROPPED TO FIFTH PLACE FOLLOWING JAPAN, TAIWAN, INDONESIA AND SOUTH KOREA, HE SAID.
+WITHOUT A DOUBT, HOWEVER, HONG KONG HAD PERFORMED WELL IN 1976 AND ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD /•■£ BELITTLE OUR OWN ACHIEVEMENT. NEVERTHELESS WE SHOULD STILL BE ASKING OURSELVES SERIOUSLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS v.HETHER OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE WOULD BE BLUNTED BY THE GATHERING MOMENTUM OF THE KOREAN AND TAIWAN EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMIES,* HE SAID.
MR. JAMES WU VOICED SIMILAR CONCERN AND HE FELT THAT NOT ENOUGH RESOURCES HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE A? INDUSTRY IN ITS VITAL ROLE OF PROTECTING OUR ACCESS TO TRADITIONAL EXPORT MARKETS AND PROMOTING INVESTMENT DIVERSIFICATION AND SOPHISTICATION IN OUR INDUSTRY.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, MAY **, 1977
- 2 -
HE NOTED THAT LESS PROV IDED COR INDUSTRIAL HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF FOR SALE TO PROSPECTIVE
THAN HALF A MILLION DOLLARS HAD BEEN INVESTMENT PROMOTION WHEREAS THERE WERE DOLLARS WORTH OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATE INVESTORS.
IN THE MIDST OF GROWING PROTECTIONISM, MR. WU SUGGESTED EXPANDING AND STRENGTHENING THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS DIVISIONS AND THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROMOTION BRANCHES BY INJECTING MORE FUNDS.
+ IF, AS WE WERE TOLD, THE SCATTERED AND PIECE-MEAL EFFORTS IN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION ARE GETTING RESULTS, ..HAT VAST IMPROVEMENTS THERE COULD BE BY ORGANISED AND CO-ORDINATED EFFORTS.
+THEREFORE, WE SHOULD ALLOCATE MORE MONEY IN THIS
PARTICULAR DIRECTION AND I REMAIN CONVINCED THAT THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IS NECESSARY FOR COMMON GOOD AND THAT MORE PROVISIONS UNDER nEAD 26 SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO PREPARE FOR ITS EARLY FORMAT I ON,+ HE SAID.
ON EDUCATION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID THERE WERE STILL SEVERAL THOUSAND CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE, PARTICULARLY AMONG CHILDREN FROM FISHING FAMILIES WHO WERE NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL.
HE CALLED ON THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO INDICATE THE NUMBER OF DROP-OUTS OR PREMATURE LEAVERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND WHETHER THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE MEASURES ADOPTED TO REDUCE SUCH NUMBER.
+APART FROM HANDICAPPED CHILDREN,+ MR. CHEONG-LEEN ASKED, +WILL IT EE TOO MUCH TO EXPECT THAT THERE WILL BE A 99.9 PER CENT PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS.+
IN REPLY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID THE 1976 CENSUS DATA INDICATED THAT 98 PER CENT OF CHILDREN AGED 6-11 WERE IN SCHOOL.
+THIS IS ALREADY A HIGH FIGURE. IMPROVEMENTS BEYOND THIS LEVEL ARE VERY HARD TO ACHIEVE AND REWARDS TO EFFORT ARE LIKELY TO BE L0W.+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS HARD TO FIND THE THOSE WHO MAY NEVER HAVE BEEN TC SCHOOL. A BOAT-TO-BOAT SEARCH IS NOT THE ANSWER.
LAST FEW, PARTICULARLY HOUSE-TO-HOUSE OR
MR. TOPLEY REVEALED, HOWEVER, THAT A CAMPAIGN WAS TORELAUNCHED LATER THIS MONTH TO DRA.. THE hTTENTION OF ALL PARENTS, SPECIFICALLY IN THE FISHING AND ..'ATER-BORNE COMMUNITIES, TO THE FULL AVAILABILITY OF FREE PRIMARY PLACES AND TO THE FACT THAT PARENTS MIGHT BE PROSECUTED IF THEY DID NOT SEND THEIR PRIMARY AGED CHILDREN TO SCHOOL OR IF THEY PREVENTED THEM FROM ATTENDING CLASSES AT ANY STAGE OF THE SIX-YEAR COURSE.
/HE ALSO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
3
HE ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THOSE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH WERE IN DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT a I Th INDIVIDUALS IN THOSE PARTS OF THE COMMUNITY WHOSE CHILDREN FOR SOME REASON MIGHT NOT BE AT SCHOOL WITH A VIE.. TO MAKING USE OF THEIR RESOURCES TO REMIND PAkcNTS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
+AS REGARDS PRIMARY AGE CHILDREN DISCONTINUING THEIR SCHOOLING, I HAVE PREVIOUSLY STATED IN THIS COUNCIL THAT WE HAVE A SYSTEM EY WHICH HEADMASTERS INFORM US OF CASES ..'HERE THEY BELIEVE THAT A CHILD HAS DISCONTINUED SCHOOLING.
+SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS FOLLOW UP THESE CASES. SOME CHILDREN ARE FOUND TO HAVE LEFT HONG KONG, THERS TURN OUT TO BE OVER-AGED OR PROVE UNTRACEABLE. THE PARENTS OF THE REST ARE PERSUADED TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL,+ MR. TOPLEY EXPLAINED.
ON DISCRETIONARY GRANTS FOR DENTURES AND SPECTACLES UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, MR. CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THESE TWO ITEMS MORE READILY AVAILABLE THROUGH WIDER PUBLICITY.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE 1973 UP TO THIS MONTH, 277 PERSONS HAD BEEN GIVEN DISCRETIONARY GRANTS FOR DENTURES AND 121 PERSONS FOR THE COST OF SPECTACLES UNDER THE PUBLIC ARS(STANCE SCHEME.
♦BEARING IN MIND THAT ,.E HAVE ABOUT 49,ODD PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CLIENTS AT PRESENT, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE DISCRETIONARY GRANT HAS BEEN EITHER HIGHLY DISCRETIONARY OR THAT NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT ITS EXISTENCE, ESPECIALLY IN REGARD TO DENTAL CARE AND SPECTACLES,+ HE SAID.
PERHAPS, HE ADDED, THE TIME HAD COME TO IMPROVE UPON THESE TWO PARTICULAR ITEMS UNDER THE GRANT BY MAKING THEM MORE READILY AVAILABLE THROUGH WIDER PUBLICITY AND BY ADAPTING THEM TO THE NEEDS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN WHOSE FAMILIES WERE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CLIENTS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE DENTAL CARE ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR, SHOULD NOT EE LIMITED TO DENTURES ONLY BUT SHOULD ALSO BE EXTENDED TO EXTRACTIONS AND FILLINGS.
0 --------
/4......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
MAXIMUM FINE FOR ILLEGALLY EMPLOYING CHILDREN UNDER 14 RAISED *****
THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR ILLEGALLY EMPLOYING CHILDREN UNDER 14 IN INDUSTRY WILL BE RAISED FROM $5,000 TO $13,000 UNDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE, SAID THAT, ALTHOUGH ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN DID NOT TAKE PLACE ON A LARGE SCALE, IT STILL EXISTED DESPITE RIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE WENT ON: +IT AROUSES CONSIDERABLE CRITICISM ABROAD AND RENDERS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT THE WORK OF OUR TRADE NEGOTIATORS, BECAUSE IT IS USED AS A BASIS FOR THE FALLACIOUS ARGUMENT THAT HONG KONG USES CHEAP CHILD LABOUR TO ACHIEVE COMPETITIVE PRICES,*
+SUCH CHARGES WILL BE PARTICULARLY DAMAGING TO HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AND TRADING INTERESTS IN THE YEAR AHEAD WHEN SEVERAL MAJOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS ARE DUE TO BE RE-NEGOTIATED.+
MR. PRICE EXPLAINED THAT HE HAD MADE THESE REGULATIONS TO MAKE CLEAR THAT +GOVERNMENT REGARDS THE ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN AS SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE, IS DETERMINED TO ERADICATE IT, AND REGARDS SUCH OFFENCES AS BEING PARTICULARLY SERIOUS.*
+IT IS HOPED,* HE SAID, +THAT THE DOUBLING OF THE MAXIMUM FINE WILL LEAD TO THE COURTS TAKING A MORE SERIOUS VIEW OF OFFENCES AGAINST THE REGULATION AND IMPOSING FINES AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN HAS BEEN THE GENERAL PRACTICE IN THE PAST.*
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO +SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WITH SOME PRIORITY* THE INCLUSION IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE OF A CLAUSE BANNING THE EMPLOYMENT OF ANY CHILD, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED.
HE SAID THAT THERE WERE TWO BASIC REASONS FOR PROHIBITING THE EMPLOYMENT IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING OF CHILDREN, WHO ARE DEFINED AS PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 14 YEARS.
+THE FIRST IS BECAUSE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY. THE SECOND AND THE MORE IMPORTANT REASON IS SOCIAL UNDESIRABILITY,* HE ADDED.
DR. CHUNG ASKED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO PONDER OVER THE ISSUE ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN NOT ONLY IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS BUT MORE WIDELY INCLUDING SERVICE INDUSTRIES AND OTHER TRADES.
/♦AS THE .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, ’977
5
+AS THE LAW STANDS THERE ARE MANY ANOMALIES,* HE SAID, POINTING OUT THAT A SHOE-MAKER OR A TAILOR WHO USES NO POWER MACHINERY AND EMPLOYS LESS THAN 20 PERSONS COULD LEGALLY EMPLOY CHILDREN DESPITE THE APPALLING WORKING CONDITIONS.
HE ADDED: +IF IT IS SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR CHILDREN TO BE EMPLOYED IN FACTORIES, SHOULD IT NOT BE EQUALLY SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR CHILDREN TO BE EMPLOYED IN OTHER TRADES WHOSE WORKING CONDITIONS ARE NOT BETTER OR EVEN WORSE THAN THOSE IN FACTORIES.*
DR. CHUNG SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT THERE WERE SOME CASES IN WHICH CHILDREN COULD BE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED, PARTICULARLY ON PART-TIME BASIS, WITHOUT SOCIAL OBJECTION.
+ONE POSSIBLE WAY TO REMOVE SUCH ANOMALIES,* HE SAID, +IS
TO INCORPORATE IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE A CLAUSE PROHIBITING THE EMPLOYMENT OF ANY CHILD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESS PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED.*
DR. CHUNG SAID IT WAS RECOGNISED THAT THE PROBLEM OF EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN MIGHT NOT EE SO EASILY RESOLVED. NEVERTHELESS, IT WAS AN IMPORTANT SOCIAL ISSUE. HE URGED THAT GOVERNMENT SERIOUSLY CONSIDER IT WITH SOME PRIORITY.
------o--------
WATER SITUATION
*****
DAVID MCDONALD, THIS YEAR AND URGED
PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON.
THE DIRECTOR OF . ____
TODAY WARNED OF POSSIBLE WATER RESTRICTIONS ~ THE PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY TO START SAVING wATER.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT PRESENT STORAGE LEVELS WERE MARGINALLY SATISFACTORY FOR THIS TMMz OF YEAR BUT +IF THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL DURING THIS MONTH IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCz RESTRICTIONS IN SUPPLY.*
MR MCDONALD SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO IMPRESS ON CONSUMERS THE IMPORTANCE OF REDUCING CONSUMPTION AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST POSSIELc SHORTAGES.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN ABOUT THE PRESENT WATER STORAGE POSITION.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR RESERVOIR STORAGE STOOD AT 34,300 MILLION GALLONS OR ABOUT HALF OF TOTAL CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 45,200 MILLION GALLONS OR 67 PER CENT OF CAPACITY AT THE SAME TIME LAST YcAR.
ON OCTOBER 1 LAST YEAR, HE SAID, THE RESERVOIRS W<Rz_ 96 PER CENT FULL. +HAD THERE BEEN AVERAGE YIELD AND^DEMAND SINCE THEN THE STORAGE WOULD NO'.. HAVE BEEN AROUND 43,30-MILLION GALLONS OR 64 PER CENT OF CAPACITY,* HE SAID.
/6.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
6 -
INCLUSION OF BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS IN EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY WELCOMED BY UNOFFICIALS
*****
THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY BILL, WHICH AIMS TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
EARLIER, SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON. ALEX WU SAID THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, UNDER WHICH PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, WERE NO LONGER ADEQUATE BECAUSE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, THE EXAMINATIONS WERE USED AS MUCH FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS AS FOR THE PURPOSES OF OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT.
MR. WU NOTED THAT THE BILL HAD BEEN FAVOURABLY RECEIVED BY THE UNOFFICIALS.
HOWEVER, HE WAS ASKED EY AN AD HOC GROUP SET UP EY THE UNOFFICIALS TO COMMENT ON SOME ASPECTS OF THE BILL.
FIRSTLY, HE SAID, IT WAS HOPED THAT THE PLANNING FOR THE NEW AUTHORITY WOULD INCLUDE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO AVOID INTERRUPTION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF VARIOUS EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS AT PRESENT RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SECONDLY, MR. WU CONTINUED, THE UNOFFICIALS TRUSTED THAT THE VALUABLE ASSISTANCE GIVEN FOR MANY YEARS EY STAFF OF THE UNIVERSITIES, OTHER INSTITUTIONS, AS WELL AS SOME INDIVIDUALS, WOULD CONTINUE AFTER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR RUNNING THE EXAMINATIONS HAD BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY.
THIRDLY, MR. WU SAID, IT WOULD EE NECESSARY TO SEEK OVERSEAS RECOGNITION OF THE EXAMINATIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE AUTHORITY AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO DELAY IN OBTAINING THIS.
+FOURTHLY, NO ONE WISHES TO SEE THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY TURN INTO A BUREAUCRATIC ’TOP-HEAVY’ MACHINE EMPLOYING TOO MANY SENIOR STAFF AND DUPLICATING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
+IN THIS RESPECT, THE MONITORING FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED,+ HE SAID.
MR. WU SAID HE WAS SURE THE PUBLIC WOULD BE PLEASED TO SEE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AS WELL AS NON-GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONALISTS AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
+THE PRESENCE OF OUTSIDE REPRESENTATIVES WILL, I HOPE, ENCOURAGE THE AUTHORITY TO BEAR IN MINE THE NEED FOR A FLEXIBLE APPROACH,* HE ADDED.
/REV. THE HON.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
7
REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT, SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, ALSO WELCOMED THE INCLUSION IN THE AUTHORITY OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNIC, POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS.
+l BELIEVE IT IS ESSENTIAL WE RECOGNISE THAT OUR EDUCATION POLICY IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC CONCERN, NOT ONLY FOR ACADEMIC ESTABLISHMENTS BUT ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKINGS,* SHE SAID.
SHE THOUGHT THE BILL WAS LONG OVERDUE AND RECALLED THAT SUCH AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY WAS FIRST MOOTED IN THE MARSH-SAMPSON REPORT IN 1963 AND RECOMMENDED IN THE 1965 WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION.
IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, SHE SAID, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD DONE GOOD SERVICE IN AMALGAMATING THE SYLLABUSES AND EXAMINATIONS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
♦WITH THIS INDEPENDENT EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY THERE WILL BE A FIRST-CLASS OPPORTUNITY TO RATIONALISE FURTHER OUR EXAMINATION SYSTEM,* SHE NOTED.
SHE ASKED THAT SCHOOLS EE GIVEN ADEQUATE NOTICE OF ANY CHANGES.
+CLEARLY THERE HAS BEEN GOOD COOPERATION AND LIAISON BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE SETTING UP OF THIS AUTHORITY, AND I BELIEVE THAT EACH OF THESE BODIES WILL ASSIST IN MAKING THE CHANGE-OVER SMOOTH AND SATISFACTORY.
+SCHOOLS, I KNOW, LOOK FOR THE IRONING OUT OF CERTAIN ANOMALIES EETWEEN THE PRESENT TWO UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS CONCERNING THE SUBJECTS EXAMINED AND THE LENGTH OF THEIR SYLLABUSES, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO THE COURSES LEADING TO THE H.K.
CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
+THE AUTHORITY WILL BE ABLE TO STUDY THESE PROBLEMS IN DEPTH,* REV. BENNETT SAID.
IN REPLY TO THE COMMENTS MADE BY MR. WU THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY ASSURED THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER THAT THERE wOULD BE NO DIFFICULTY IN CONTINUING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS. REGARDING OVERSEAS RECOGNITION OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS, HE SAID +APPRCPR I ATE STEPS .. I_L BE TAKEN DIRECTLY THE TIME COMES TO MAINTAIN THIS RECOGNITION*.
/HE POINTED .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
8
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED MACHINERY OF THE AUTHORITY WAS ON STRICTLY FUNCTIONAL LINES AND THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF STAFF WERE ’SEVERELY PRACTICAL’, MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUTHORITY WOULD INCLUDE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS, AND ITS BUDGET SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY.
♦APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST A BUREAUCRATIC TCP-HEAVY MACHINE HAVE THUS BEEN BUILT IN,+ HE SAID.
♦THE APPROVAL OF SYLLABUSES BY THE AUTHORITY WILL EE AN ENABLING STEP TO BRING GREATER CO-ORDINATION INTO OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IN DUE COURSE.+
IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE, AN AMENDMENT UNDER CLAUSE 3 WAS MADE TO ENABLE ANY PUBLIC OFFICER TO BE APPOINTED WITHOUT INCREASING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
MR. TOPLEY EXPLAINED THAT GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUTHORITY WAS DESIRABLE, + BEAR I NG IN MIND THE DECISIONS WHICH MUST BE TAKEN REGARDING THE FINANCIAL POLICY OF THE AUTHORITY AND ALSO THE PROPOSED FEE-REMISSION ARRANGEMENTS.
+IT MAY THUS BE APPROPRIATE FOR AN OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO BE APPOINTED TO THE AUTHORITY,+ HE SAID.
0
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
- 9
100,000 SQ. FT. OF INDUSTRIAL SPACE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL HAVE ABOUT 130,000 SQUARE FEET OF SPACE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR IX ITS SHEK KI3 MEI FACTORIES.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. JONES SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE RECENT APPROVAL OF FURTHER SITES FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO BUILD FLATTED FACTORIES, THE AUTHORITY HOPED TO PRODUCE AN ADDITIONAL 100,003 TC 150,003 SQUARE FEET OF FLATTED FACTORY SPACE PzR ANNUM FROM 1979 ONWARDS.
REFERRING TO THE PRODUCTION BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERABLY HARDER TO ESTIMATE.
THE BEST GUESS THAT COULD BE MADE NOW OF THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE WOULD BE ABOUT NINE MI-LION SQUARE FEET IN 1977, 12 MILLION IN 1973, 15 MILLION IN 1979, 11 MILLION IN I960 AMD 12 MILLION IN 1981, MR. JONES SA ID.
BY WAY OF COMPARISON, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PREVIOUS HIGHEST RATE OF AVAILABILITY OF FACTORY SPACE WAS 10.8 MILLION SQUARE FEET IN 1972, WHICH WAS AN EXCEPTIONAL YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT PROJECTED FIGURES WERE BASED ON ESTIMATzS OF EXISTING VACANT LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION, TOGETHER WITH FURTHER SPACE LIKELY TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN BUILDINGS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IN BUILDINGS WHICH COULD BE BUILT ON INDUSTRIAL LAND ALREADY SOLD, OR WHICH WAS LIKELY TO BE SOLD, IN TIME FOR BUILDING TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
HE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE FIGURES WERE BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THERE WOULD BE A STEADY RATE OF BUILDING OVER THE PERIOD AND THAT DEVELOPERS WOULD BUILD TO THE MAXIMUM.
WHETHER THIS WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN, HE SAID, WOULD LARGELY DEPEND ON THE DEMAND FOR FACTORY SPACE.
THE SECRETARY ADDED THAT STAGES I AND II OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WOULD PROVIDE ABOUT 4.8 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF LAND (NOT ACCOMMODATION) OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS FOR SALE TO INDUSTRIES THAT COULD NOT OPERATE IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS.
+FURTHER AREAS OF LAND MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES, DEPENDING ON WHETHER WORTHWHILE PROPOSALS ARE MADE FOR OPERATIONS THAT COULD SIGNIFICANTLY UPGRADE THE TECHNOLOGY OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY,+ HE SAID.
- 0 -----------
/-!0........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
10
MORE SITES FOR DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR CENTRAL
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY THAT MORE SITES FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED IN CENTRAL UNDER A NEW ZONING PLAN FOR THE DISTRICT.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WHO ASKED FOR DETAILS ON THE UP-TO-DATE PLANS FOR THE USE OF THE EX-NAVAL DOCKYARD OFF COTTON TREE DRIVE AND ARSENAL STREET.
MR. MCDONALD SAID NO CHANGES WERE BEING PROPOSED TO THE ZONING OF THE EX-NAVAL DOCKYARD SITE WHICH HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL USE, AS WELL AS LOCAL OPEN SPACE AT THE EAST OF THE SITE.
MR. MCDONALD SAID A SITE OF ABOUT 5,700 SQUARE METRES HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT DIRECTLY OVER ADMIRALTY STATION.
♦PRELIMINARY PLANNING LAYOUTS INDICATE FOUR OTHER LARGE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL SITES WHICH ARE INTENDED TO BE SOLD FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.
♦THE COMPLEX OF BUILDINGS WILL CENTRE ONTO A PEDESTRIAN PODIUM WHICH WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE WEST ACROSS COTTON TREE DRIVE TO CENTRAL AND TO THE SOUTH ACROSS QUEENSWAY TO THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA,+ HE SAID.
+A LARGE PART OF THE SITE IS CURRENTLY BEING USED AS A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS SITE AND WILL NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT UNTIL 1980,+ HE ADDED.
IN' REPLY TO A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION FROM MR. CHEONG-LEEN, MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT THE NEW ZONING PLAN WAS READY BUT SOME INVESTIGATIONS WERE IN HAND TO LOOK AT POSSIBLE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FACILITIES RELATED TO THE ADMIRALTY STATION.
♦THIS MAY MAKE A SLIGHT REVISION TO THE LAYOUT, BUT
IT SHOULD BE READY IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.+
THE FOUR ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL/RESI DENT I AL SITES WOULD BE READY FOR DEVELOPMENT IN 1980 BUT THEY COULD BE SOLD EARLIER WITH DEFERRED POSSESSION, HE SAID.
- - - - 0
/11 .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
11
GOVERNMENT TO RAISE ANOTHER LOAN FROM A.D.3.
FOR HOUSING PROJECT IN SHA TIN
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE RAISING OF A USS2O.5 MILLION LOAN FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK TO FINANCE A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE COST OF THE SHA TIN URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HOUSING) PROJECT.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO HOUSING ESTATES FOR SOME 61,000 PEOPLE AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES, FOUR PRIMARY AND FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE TWO ESTATES, A GENERAL HEALTH CLINIC, A DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX FOR ONE OF THE HOUSING ESTATES.
AUTHORITY FOR RAISING THE LOAN WAS SOUGHT UNDER A MOTION TO AMEND THE FIRST AND SECOND SCHEDULES TO THE LOANS (ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK) ORDINANCE IN THE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT HE REGARDED THE TERMS OF THE LOAN AS SATISFACTORY.
THE LOAN, TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS CURRENCIES EQUIVALENT IN TOTAL TO US$20.5 MILLION, WOULD BE REPAYABLE OVER 13 YEARS FROM JULY 1, 1980 AT A RATE OF INTEREST OF 8.7 PER CENT PER ANNUM CHARGEABLE ON THE AMOUNT OF THE LOAN WITHDRAWN AND OUTSTANDING FROM TIME TO TIME.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE A COMMITMENT CHARGE OF 0.45 PER CENT, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD LOAN NEGOTIATED FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
THE FIRST, FOR US$21.5 MILLION, WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SEA WATER DESALTING WORKS AT LOK ON PAI. THE SECOND, FOR US$20 MILLION, WAS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE I OF THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
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/12......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977.
12
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO MR. ERAY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, PAID TRIBUTE TO MR. DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EEFORE IT ADJOURNED TODAY.
THE MEETING WAS THE LAST ATTENDED BY MR. ERAY BEFORE HE TAKES UP THE POST OF HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON.
+HIS TASK AS COMMISSIONER WILL ONLY BE FOR A FEW YEARS, SO HIS ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG AND PERHAPS EVEN FROM THIS COUNCIL IS ONLY TEMPORARY, SO THIS IS NOT A VALEDICTORY,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE THANKED MR. ERAY FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNCIL AS COMMISSIONER FOR NEW TERRITORIES AND SECRETARY COR HOME AFFAIRS.
+THESE ARE FAST MOVING AREAS WHERE ENERGY, ORIGINALITY AND A CERTAIN PERSONAL TOUCH ARE NECESSARY AND THESE QUALITIES HE HAS DISPLAYED IN FULL,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
+HE WILL CERTAINLY HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THEM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE IT WILL BE HIS TASK TO SUSTAIN A GREAT FUND OF GOODWILL THAT UNDOUBTEDLY EXISTS FOR HONG KONG THERE.
+1 AM SURE THAT HONG KONG CAN BENEFIT FROM A SKILFUL AND FRANK PRESENTATION OF THE FACTS IN THE RIGHT WAY TO THE RIGHT PEOPLE AT THE RIGHT TIME.
+HONG KONG HAS A STRONG CASE AND IT WILL BE MR. BRAY’S TASK TO PRESENT IT,+ HE ADDED.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. S.Y. CHUNG, ALSO EXTENDED ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, THEIR BEST WISHES TO MR. BRAY.
HE ALSO ASSURED HIM THAT HE WOULD HAVE EVERY SUPPORT FROM ALL THE UNOFFICIALS IN HIS NEW ASSIGNMENT.
0 - - - -
/13......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
NEARLY 19,003 TICKETS ISSUED UNDER FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM * * * * *
THE FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN TRAFFIC OFFENCES WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR HAS BEEN GENERALLY SUCCESSFUL SO FAR, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON. PETER C. WONG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: +THE NEW SYSTEM DOES APPEAR TO HAVE GOT OFF TO A GOOD START.+
DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF OPERATION OF THE FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM, HE SAID, A TOTAL OF 18,924 TICKETS WERE ISSUED.
HE SAID THAT AMONG THE 74 OFFENCES LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) ORDINANCE, THE FIGURES FOR THE TOP FOUR WERE:
* SPEEDING, THAT IS, EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT BY MORE THAN 13 MILES PER HOUR -- 5,013=
* SPEEDING, THAT IS, EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT BY 10 MILES PER HOUR OR LESS -- 1,313=
* DISOBEYING TRAFFIC SIGNS — 2,997= AND
* PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS IN RESTRICTED AREAS ” 2,176.
MR. THORNTON SAID FEWER THAN 1,003 TICKETS WERE ISSUED IN RESPECT OF EACH OF THE OTHER OFFENCES IN THE SCHEDULE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE FIGURES HAD BEEN UNDOUBTEDLY INFLUENCED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE STEPS TAKEN BY THE POLICE TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME IN PHASES.
+FCR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS ONLY TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICERS OF THE RANK OF SERGEANT OR ABOVE WERE PERMITTED TO ISSUE TICKETS- _ FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS ALL TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICERS WERE PERMITTt TO DO THIS, AND THE THIRD STAGE UNDER WHICH ALL UNIFORM BRANCH POLICE OFFICERS MAY BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE SCHEME HAS JUST RECENTLY BEGUN, HE SAID.
+THE POLICE ARE CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME WITH CARE.+ THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL ADDED.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977.
14
KWUN TONG — CENTRAL HOVERFERRY SERVICE *****
THE HOVERFERRY SERVICE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED ON APRIL 18, FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, OFFERS A MUCH IMPROVED SERVICE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE HOVERFERRY SERVICE ON THIS ROUTE, HE SAID, REDUCED THE JOURNEY TIME FROM 36 MINUTES TO 15.
MR. JONES SAID THAT PASSENGER DEMAND FOR THE KWUN TONG --CENTRAL FERRY SERVICE WAS AT A PEAK BEFORE 9.30 A.M. AND AFTER 5 P.M.
+DURING THE OFF-PEAK PERIODS FEWER THAN 200 PASSENGERS WERE BEING CARRIED EACH HOUR AND THIS REPRESENTED A VERY UNECONOMIC USE OF LARGE FERRY VESSELS,+ HE SAID.
MR. JONES SAID THAT SHOULD THE PUBLIC REACTION TO THE CHANGE BE UNFAVOURABLE, THE HCVERFERRY SERVICE WOULD NOT BE MADE PERMANENT.
THE SECRETARY AGREED THAT THE HOVERFERRY FARE wAS HIGHER.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MINE THAT + THE KWUN TONG — NORTH POINT FERRY CONTINUES TO RUN AS BEFORE AND THAT, TOGETHER WITH CONNECTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IT OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO CENTRAL AND TO OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND.+
-----0------
/15
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977.
15
H.K
S POSTAGE RATES FOR PRINTED MATTER VERY LOW
*****
HONG KONG’S INTERNAL POSTAGE RATES AND OVERSEAS SURFACE RATES FOR PRINTED PAPERS IN ABSOLUTE TERMS ARE VERY LOW, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. T.S. LO IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: +TAKEN ON THEIR OWN THESE PRINTED PAPER SERVICES OPERATE AT A LOSS.+
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE A VALID COMPARISON BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OTHER COUNTRIES, +BUT, AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THE MAJORITY OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION (UPU) DO NOT HAVE PRINTED PAPER RATES WHICH ARE RELATIVELY LESS THAN HONG KONG’S.+
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE UPU DID NOT REGULATE INTERNAL POSTAGE RATES. ALTHOUGH HONG KONG AND SOME OTHER COUNTRIES HAD A SINGLE PRINTED PAPER RATE, OTHERS HAD COMPLICATED RATE STRUCTURES WHICH PROVIDE FOR DIFFERENT CLASSES OF PRINTED PAPERS AND SOME, SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, HAD NO SEPARATE RATE FOR PRINTED PAPERS.
AS TO THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID, HONG KONG’S POSTAGE RATES FOR PRINTED MATTER WERE CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PERCENTAGES OF THE FULL LETTER RATE LAID DOWN BY THE UPU.
HE SAID THAT FROM AN EXAMINATION OF THE RATE STRUCTURE OF 153 COUNTRIES, HONG KONG’S POSTAGE CONCESSION IN PERCENTAGE TERMS FOR PRINTED PAPERS WAS IN LINE WITH THE MAJORITY OF THE UPU’S MEMBER COUNTRIES.
0 -------
BILLS PASSED * * * *
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 PASSED ITS COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
ALSO PASSED WERE THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY BILL 1977, THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE +STAR+ FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE FERRIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER'S BILL, THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
0
/16......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
16 -
NEW TYPHOON SHELTERS FOR CHEUNG CHAU AND TUEN MUN
******
NEW TYPHOON SHELTERS ARE TO EE BUILT AT CHEUNG CHAU AND TUEN MUN AND ANOTHER TWO ARE PLANNED AT YAU MA TEI, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HENRY HU WHO ASKED WHETHER IT WAS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ANCHORAGES FOR SMALL BOATS AND VESSELS LOST THROUGH RECLAMATION.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THE CHEUNG CHAU SHELTER WAS ALREADY IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1979.
THE TUEN MUN SHELTER WHICH FORMED PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WAS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN 1930.
TOGETHER THEY WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 72 HECTARES OF SHELTER ANCHORAGE.
+IN ADDITION TO THESE TWO, IT IS PLANNED TO RECLAIM THE EXISTING YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER AND TO PROVIDE TwO NEW SHELTERS NEARBY AND IF THIS SCHEME IS APPROVED, THE TOTAL SHELTERED AREA TO BE PROVIDED CAN BE ADJUSTED TO MEET FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.
+T0 ASSESS THESE REQUIREMENTS THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE IS CARRYING OUT ANOTHER REVIEW TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE TREND TOWARDS CONTAINERISATION WHICH IS HAVING AN EFFECT ON THE TYPE AND NUMBER OF CRAFT USING TYPHOON SHELTERS,* SAID MR. MCDONALD.
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/17......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
- 17 -
INSPECTION OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS * * * * *
PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INSPECTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ABOUT FIVE TIMES A YEAR FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TCPLEY, SAID TODAY.
FOR PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, HE ADDED, THE FIGURE wAS SOMETHING LIKE THREE VISITS A YEAR.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT: +THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF VISITS PAID TO ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL DEPENDS PARTLY ON THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARISE DURING THE YEAR AND PARTLY ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE SCHOOL WELCOMES ASSISTANCE IN ATTEMPTING TO IMPROVE ITS STANDARDS.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT THE INSPECTIONS OF PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS COULD EE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES -- VISITS TO CHECK ON THE EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHOOLS AND VISITS TO ASSIST THE SCHOOLS IN PROFESSIONAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE CURRICULUM.
HE SAID THAT WELL OVER HALF THE VISITS WERE MADE FOR THE LATTER PURPOSE.
THIS CATEGORY OF VISIT, HE ADDED, INCLUDED ADVISING INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS, ASSISTING WITH NEW CURRICULUM PROJECTS, AND FINDING WAYS CF ASSISTING SCHOOLS TO MAKE THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES.
0 - -
SURVEY OF PRACTICE CF OPTOMETRY
******
A SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED AMONG THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED IN THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ALEX WU AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID PRIOR TO CONSIDERING THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REGULATING THE PRACTICE CF OPTOMETRY, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT RELIABLE AND BASIC INFORMATION ON THE SUBJECT BE COLLECTED.
THIS INCLUDED THE NUMBER OF FIRMS AND PERSONS INVOLVED, THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.
+HOPEFULLY WITH THE COOPERATION OF ALL CONCERNED SUFFICIENT DATA SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF THE YEAR SO THAT A MEANINGFUL ASSESSMENT MAY BE MADE,+ DR. THONG SAID. a
AT PRESENT, HE ADDED, THERE WAS NO LEGISLATION REGUL1TING THE PRACTICE OF OPTOMETRY. f
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/18......
WEDNESDAY MAY 4, 1977
- 18
MARCH BANKING STATISTICS
******
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF MARCH STOOD AT $45,547 MILLION, COMPRISING $10,634 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $17,961 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $16,952 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF MARCH.
THE FOLLOWING TAELE RELEASED EY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY GIVES A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS
AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH
LIABILITIES ^MILLION
1. DEPOSITS 45,547
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 29,029
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 8,364
TOTAL LIABILITIES $82,940
ASSETS
1. CASH 892
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD:
(I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 23,124
(II) TIME DEPOSITS 3,523
------ 26,647
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES:
( I) HONG KONG 31,341
(II) ABROAD 14,455
45,496
4. INVESTMENTS:
( I) HCNG KONG 3,299
(II) ABROAD 74
3,373
/OTHER .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY A, 1977
19
5. OTHER ASSETS:
(I) HONG KONG 3,856
(II) ABROAD 2,676
6,532
TOTAL ASSETS $82,940
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH 43.75 PER
MONEY SUPPLY
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A) (I) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 4,947
(II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 537
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS
AND NOTES (B)
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NONBANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) —(C)
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D)
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION I) (C) +(D) -(E)
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F)
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED DANKS (G)
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G)-(H)
CENT
MILLION
5,484
892
4,592
10,634
15,226
17,961
16,952
50,139
/20 ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1977
20
58 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH * * * *
A TOTAL OF 58 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN MARCH, COMPARED WITH 54 FOR FEBRUARY.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 28 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 17 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A NUMBER OF 24 STOREYS OR MORE APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL BUILDINGS AT WAN CHAI, NORTH POINT, AND KENNEDY TOWN, AND A THREE-STOREY MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SAME MONTH, 81 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION, INCLUDING A SOCIAL CENTRE AT YUEN LONG, THREE PETROL FILLING STATION AT KING’S ROAD, JAVA ROAD AND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, AND A HOTEL BUILDING BETWEEN MARSH ROAD AND JAFFE ROAD.
THE TOTAL MARCH AMOUNTED THE SAME MONTH
DECLARED COST OF THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN TO $276 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $146 MILLION FOR LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO 243,874.3 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 117,494.7 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 126,379.6 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 63 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AT BOUNDARY STREET, A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE BUILDING AT CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AND A HOLIDAY INN BUILDING AT SAI KUNG.
THE B.0.0. ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 37 BUILDINGS IN MARCH.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COURSE ON USE OF RADAR FOR SENIOR COXSWAINS OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES .................................................... 1
NEW HK HARBOUR PLAN NOW AVAILABLE ........................
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ................ 3
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG .......................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1977
1
COURSE ON USE OF RADAR EQUIPMENT * * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S NAUTICAL TRAINING SCHOOL W ILL INSTALL RADAR EQUIPMENT IN THE LECTURE ROOM SO AS TO FACILITATE TRAINING ON THE USE OF RADAR EQUIPMENT FOR ITS FLOATING STAFF.
EQUIPPED WITH SUCH KNOWLEDGE, COXSWAINS OF GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES FITTED WITH A RADAR WILL BE ABLE TO SAIL WITH ADDITIONAL SAFETY IN CONDITIONS OF LOW VISIBILITY.
+THERE WILL BE LESS CHANCE OF ACCIDENT IN DARKNESS AND IN FOGGY WEATHER, ESPECIALLY IN EARLY SPRING WHEN VISIBILITY IS OFTEN REDUCED TO ONLY A FEW METRES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE COURSES WILL BE ATTENDED BY SENIOR COXSWAINS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO WORK ON VESSELS FITTED WITH RADARS.
IT WILL BEGIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TRAINING EQUIPMENT IS INSTALLED AT THE TRAINING SCHOOL, LOCATED WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD IN CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
THE INITIAL STAGE OF INSTALLATION HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND A LEAD-IN PIPE HAD BEEN PUT UP ON THE ROOF OF THE SIX-STOREY DOCKYARD BUILDING.
+THE DISC-SHAPED SCANNER OF THE RADAR, CALLED ’MARINE PATHFINDER’, WILL BE MOUNTED ON THE ROOFTOP WHILE THE DISPLAY SCREEN WILL BE SET UP INSIDE ONE OF THE CLASSROOMS OVERLOOKING THE HARBOUR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE RADAR SET, HE EXPLAINED, WAS ACQUIRED FROM THE HARBOUR PATROL VESSEL WHICH HAD A NEW ONE.
AS WITH PREVIOUS COURSES HELD BY THE NAUTICAL TRAINING SCHOOL, THE RADAR COURSE WILL BE OFFERED TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHOSE STAFF HAVE USE FOR THE SPECIAL TRAINING.
♦ THE SCHOOL ALSO ORGANISES OTHER IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR STAFF OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT STAFF,* THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THIS YEAR, THE SCHOOL PLANS TO PROVIDE 19 FULL-TIME COURSES FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S OWN STAFF. THESE COURSES ARE AT VARIOUS LEVELS AND ARE FOR BOTH DECK HANDS AND ENGINE ROOM RATINGS.
♦WITH THE EXCEPTION OF INITIAL TRAINING CLASSES FOR NEW ENTRANTS, ALL COURSES AIM TO TRAIN THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS ON GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES, TO HELP THEM TO OBTAIN HIGHER SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION,* THE SPOKESMAN SA ID.
/♦TRAINEES
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1977
2
+TRAINEES ARE FIRST TAUGHT EASIC KNOWLEDGE, SUCH AS LIFESAVING AND FIRE-FIGHTING. FURTHER TRAINING IS GIVEN ON COASTAL NAVIGATION, SEAMANSHIP, PILOTAGE, SIGNALLING, CRAFT MANOEUVRING, AND MARINE ENGINEERING.
+THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THEIR TRAINING IS COMPREHENSIVE AND BALANCED AND AT THE SAME TIME UNDERTAKEN AT PROGRESSIVE STAGES,* HE ADDED.
THE COURSES LAST FROM TWO WEEKS TO TWO MONTHS AND ON AVERAGE EACH IS ATTENDED BY TWENTY STUDENTS.
ON COMPLETION, THEY ARE GIVEN AN EXAMINATION, SET BY THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS OF A STANDARD COMPARABLE TO THAT OF OUTSIDE ESTABLISHMENTS.
- - 0 - -
NEW H.K. HARBOUR PLAN ON SALE K * * *
A NEW AND ATTRACTIVE EDITION OF THE HONG KONG HARBOUR PLAN IS NOW AVAILABLE AT $1 PER COPY AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION DESK, 102 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL OR GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THE PLAN HAD INCORPORATED MANY CHANGES THAT WERE MADE LAST YEAR AND INCLUDES SPEED RESTRICTIONS ON THE VARIOUS FAIRWAYS.
THE PLAN CONTAINS INFORMATION, SUCH AS THE POSITIONS OF BUOYS AND SPEED LIMITS IN THE HARBOUR AND ON THE FAIRWAYS AS RECENTLY RE-ESTABLISHED, INCLUDING THE NEW NORTHERN AND NORTH GREEN ISLAND FAIRWAYS.
- - 0
/3
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1977
- 3 -
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
******
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED WILL OPERATE A SPECIAL FERRY SERVICE TO JOSS HOUSE BAY ON MAY 9 AND 10 IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THIS YEAR THE FESTIVAL FALLS ON TUESDAY, MAY 10, AND LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO GO TO JOSS HOUSE BAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE GODDESS TIN HAU, PATRON SAINT OF SEAFARERS.
TRIPLE-DECK FERRIES WILL BE USED ON THE SPECIAL SERVICE.
THE FIRST FERRY WILL LEAVE WANCHA I FERRY PIER AT 10 A.M.
ON MONDAY, MAY 9, FOLLOWED BY SAILINGS AT TWO-HOURLY INTERVALS UNTIL 4 P.M.
THE SERVICE WILL RESUME AT 8 P.M. THE SAME DAY AND CONTINUE OVERNIGHT UNTIL 2.45 P.M. ON TUESDAY.
THE LAST FERRY TO LEAVE JOSS HOUSE BAY FOR WAN CHAI WILL SAIL AT 3.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 10.
--------0 - - - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWAI CHUNG * * * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M.
TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE EXISTING CUL-DE-SAC NAMED LAI FONG STREET IN KWAI CHUNG AREA 10D WILL BE EXTENDED TO LINK UP WITH SHING FONG STREET AND WILL BE ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE.
THIS AIMS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MOTORISTS.
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ONE WEEK PAID ANNUAL LEAVE PROPOSED FOR WORKERS ............ 1
SPECIAL COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO STUDY LAND PRODUCTION AND IDENTIFY NEW AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT ......................... 2
GOVERNOR INSPECTS REMEDIAL WORKS ON PUBLIC HOUSING SLOPES 3
RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN RECEIVES TREMENDOUS RESPONSE ... 5
FINE ON TOUTING AT KAI TAK AIRPORT DOUBLED ................. 6
MANY WILL WATCH TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION AT YUEN LONG 7
CHAI WAN HING WAH ESTATE HAS A NEW AMBULANCE STATION ....... 8
SHORT COURSE OFFERED ON TOOL AND DIE MAKING................. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977 1 -
PAID ANNUAL LEAVE PROPOSED
* * H X *
ALL MANUAL WORKERS, AND NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING LESS THAN $2,000 A MONTH, WILL BE ENTITLED TO PAID ANNUAL LEAVE IF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE IS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) STIPULATES THAT ALL EMPLOYEES WILL BE ENTITLED TO SEVEN DAYS ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY AFTER SERVING 12 MONTHS WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER.
IN EVERY 12 MONTHS THE EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS’ ABSENCE FROM WORK WITH PAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CONSECUTIVE DAYS ARE COMPRISED WHOLLY OF ANNUAL LEAVE OR PARTLY ALSO OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS AND REST DAYS.
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.
ON TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT, PRO RATA ANNUAL LEAVE PAY MUST BE PAID TO THE EMPLOYEE EXCEPT WHERE HIS RELEVANT PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT IS THEN LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, OR 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 WOULD BE PROHIBITED.
THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO KEEP RECORDS OF ANNUAL LEAVE TAKEN BY HIS STAFF AND TO POST NOTICE OF ANY INTENTION TO CLOSE DOWN HIS BUSINESS TEMPORARILY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GRANTING ANNUAL LEAVE TO HIS EMPLOYEES. IN SUCH 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.
COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR. IAN PRICE SAID THAT IT WOULD ALLOW EMPLOYEES A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF LEAVE SO THAT THEY COULD RECUPERATE FROM THE STRESSES AND STRAIN OF WORK.
♦ IT WILL ALSO IMPROVE CONDITIONS OF WORK IN INDUSTRY AND LABOUR RELATIONS GENERALLY AND GIVE WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES MORE TIME TOGETHER.
ON THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE BILL, MR. PRICE SAIDi + IN THE CASE OF MONTHLY PAID WORKERS, THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF WAGE BILL PAID BY EMPLOYERS EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE ANNUAL LEAVE IS GIVEN BY ROTATION AND REPLACEMENT WORKERS ARE ENGAGED.
♦ IF ALL EMPLOYERS ENGAGED REPLACEMENT WORKERS, IT IS CALCULATED THAT THE ADDITION TO THE WAGE BILL WOULD BE IN THE REGION OF 2.3 PER CENT.
♦ SOME EMPLOYERS, ESPECIALLY AMONG ESTABLISHED COMPANIES, ARE ALREADY PROVIDING ANNUAL LEAVE ENTITLEMENT TO THEIR EMPLOYEES IN TERMS MORE GENEROUS THAN IS BEING PROPOSED. NO ADDITIONAL COSTS WOULD BE ADDED TO THE WAGE BILLS OF THESE EMPLOYERS.+
- - - - 0 - - - /2..........................
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO STUDY LAND PRODUCTION
******
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO STUDY LAND PRODUCTION AND TO IDENTIFY NEW AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THE COMMITTEE IS THE ONE MENTIONED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS SPEECH DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE IS THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. D.J.C. JONES, AND THE MEMBERS INCLUDE THE HON. LI FOOK-WO AND THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, BOTH OF WHOM SPOKE VIGOROUSLY ON INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE DEBATE. MR. LI IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.
THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. D. AKERS-JONES- THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. D.G. JEAFFRESON- THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. D.W. MCDONALD, AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. A.T. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE REQUIRE IT TO ASSESS PRESENT LAND PRODUCTION, IDENTIFY WHERE NEW LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT COULD BE PRODUCED ON THE MAINLAND, ADVISE ON THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF DEVELOPING THESE AREAS AND FINALLY TO RECOMMEND WHICH AREAS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IN DETAIL. GENERALLY LAND INVOLVING SERIOUS CLEARANCE PROBLEMS IS TO BE AVOIDED AND THE MAIN AREAS PLANNED FOR COUNTRY PARKS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE STUDY.
THE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING VERY SHORTLY AND IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ITS REPORT IN LATE JULY.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
3
GOVERNOR INSPECTS PUBLIC HOUSING SLOPES
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON MADE A THREE-HOUR INSPECTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING SLOPES BEING RECONSTRUCTED AS A RESULT OF THE LANDSLIP ENQUIRY REPORT RELEASED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
SIR MURRAY SAW SLOPES IN EIGHT HOUSING AREAS IN KOWLOON AND AT TSUEN WAN. HE VISITED THE REMAINING SLOPES BEING RECONSTRUCTED UNDER THE $30 MILLION REMEDIAL PROGRAMME DURING A TOUR OF THE CHAI WAN AREA LAST WEEK.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS TOUR TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, AND P.W.D. PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER MR. BRYAN O’RORKE, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF SETTING UP THE NEW OFFICE OF P.W.D. WHICH WILL ACT AS A +WATCHDOG+ OVER THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL SLOPES IN HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT WORK ON THE SLOPES WAS WELL ADVANCED MR. O’RORKE SAID THE WORK INVOLVED THE REMOVAL OF THE UPPER THREE METRES OF FILL FROM THE SLOPES, THEN REPLACING AND RECOMPACTING IT TO THE STRICT STANDARDS LAID DOWN BY THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF EXPERTS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT ALL THE WORK NECESSARY TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF MUD AVALANCHES ON THE SLOPES WOULD BE FINISHED BEFORE THE ONSET OF HEAVY RAIN.
+ACTUALLY THIS POSSIBILITY HAS ALREADY BEEN LARGELY ELIMINATED,* HE SAID. +NEARLY ALL THE LOOSELY-COMPACTED SURFACE MATERIAL WHICH POSED A POSSIBLE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REMOVED AND RECOMPACTING IS NOW UNDERWAY, TOGETHER WITH THE INSTALLATION OF NEW DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
+AFTER THE REMOVAL OF THE LOOSE FILL, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PANEL OF EXPERTS, WE ARE COVERING MUCH OF THE EXPOSED SURFACE WITH CHUNAM PLASTERING WHILE WE RECOMPACT THE REST, WORKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE SLOPE TO THE TOP.
+AS THE WORK-FRONT MOVES UP THE SLOPE INCLINE, WE REMOVE THE TEMPORARY CHUNAM PLASTERING TO CARRY OUT THE RECOMPACT I NG.+
+THIS MEANS THAT THROUGHOUT THE REMAINING STAGES OF THE EXERCISE, VIRTUALLY ALL THE SLOPE SURFACES WILL EITHER HAVE BEEN SAFELY RECOMPACTED OR WILL BE COVERED WITH WATERPROOF CHUNAM PLASTERING,* MR. O’RORKE SAID. +S0 UNTIL ALL THE RECOMPACTING IS COMPLETE, ONLY THE SMALL AREA OF SURFACE ACTUALLY BEING WORKED ON WILL BE EXPOSED.*
MR. O’RORKE ADDED, +IN THE VERY UNLIKELY EVENT OF OUR GETTING ABNORMALLY HEAVY RAINS OF THE TYPE ASSOCIATED WITH MUD AVALANCHES BEFORE THE NORMAL TIME AT THE HEIGHT OF THE WET SEASON, WE’LL COVER THESE EXPOSED AREAS WITH PLASTIC SHEETING TO ENSURE THERE IS NO DANGER OF MUD-AVALANCHE.*
/SIR MURRAY’S
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
4
SIR MURRAY’S TOUR ENDED AT SAU MAU PING, WHERE RECOMPACTING OF SLOPES IS WELL ADVANCED.
SPEAKING AT THE END OF HIS INSPECTION, SIR MURRAY STRESSED THE SCOPE OF THE WORK NOW IN PROGRESS.
HE SAID THAT APART FROM THE ELEVEN SLOPES BEING RECONSTRUCTED BECAUSE THEY MIGHT AFFECT TENANTS, WORKS OF VARYING TYPES WERE BEING CARRIED OUT ON 30 OTHER SLOPES.
+ALTOGETHER, 41 SLOPES ARE BEING DEALT WITH IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
+0F THESE, 18 (INCLUDING THE 11 AFFECTING TENANTS) ARE BEING COMPLETELY REBUILT- 16 ARE BEING COVERED WITH CHUNAM- AND THE REST ARE BEING REPAIRED TO A MINOR EXTENT.
+1 ’VE JUST BEEN LOOKING AT THE SLOPES THAT I LOOKED AT SIX WEEKS AGO,+ SAID SIR MURRAY, +AND IT’S PERFECTLY OBVIOUS THAT VERY CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT IN SOME INSTANCES UNFORESEEN ENGINEERING PROBLEMS HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED — SUCH AS CONCEALED BOULDERS, AND THESE HAD LED TO UNAVOIDABLE DELAYS. BUT THE P.W.D. WAS CONFIDENT THAT ALL THE WORKS NECESSARY TO MAKE THE SLOPES SAFE COULD BE CARRIED OUT IN TIME.
IN THE INSTANCE OF THE SLOPE BEHIND BLOCK NINE AT SAU MAU PING WHICH FAILED LAST AUGUST, ENGINEERS HAD RUN INTO THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM.
BUT THEY HAD MADE UP THE LOST TIME, AND NOW EXPECTED TO HAVE ALL THE COMPACTION WORK NECESSARY FOR T.HE SLOPE’S SAFETY COMPLETED BY ABOUT THE END OF THE MONTH.
-------o ------- /5
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
5
RABIES PREVENTION DRIVE IS GREAT SUCCESS
*****
+THE GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN ON WEDNESDAY HAS BEEN TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL,+ THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS, SAID TODAY.
MR. NICHOLS VISITED ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION/LI CENS I NG CENTRES IN SHAU KEI WAN TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW THE CAMPAIGN WAS PROGRESS ING.
COMMENTING ON THE RESPONSE OF THE PUBLIC TO THE CAMPAIGN, HE SAID: +SO MANY SHAU KEI WAN RESIDENTS AND EVEN PEOPLE FROM OTHER URBAN DISTRICTS HAVE TAKEN THEIR DOGS TO THE MOBILE CENTRES FOR INOCULATION THAT IN TWO TO THREE DAYS WE HAVE USED UP A SUPPLY OF VACCINE WHICH WOULD NORMALLY BE ADEQUATE FOR THREE TO FOUR MONTHS.+
MR. NICHOLS REVEALED THAT SUPPLIES OF THE ANTI-RABIES VACCINE AT THE SHAU KEI WAN CENTRES RAN OUT TODAY BUT HE SAID THAT AN URGENT S.O.S. HAD BEEN MADE TO SPAIN, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND THE UNITED STATES FOR FRESH SUPPLIES.
SAID MR. NICHOLS, +A SUPPLY OF VACCINE EQUIVALENT TO THE NUMBER OF DOSES WE WOULD USE IN AN AVERAGE YEAR IS AT THIS MOMENT BEING AIR-LIFTED TO HONG KONG FROM SPAIN.+
♦THE THREE MOBILE UNITS AT SHAU KEI WAN ARE DUE TO BE WITHDRAWN TODAY, BUT IN FAIRNESS TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF DOG OWNERS WHO STILL WANT TO HAVE THEIR ANIMALS INOCULATED, MOBILE UNITS IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL CONTINUE OPERATION ONCE THE NEW SUPPLY ARRIVES,* HE ADDED.
MR. NICHOLS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO BUILD UP SUPPLIES OF ANTI-RABIES VACCINE IN HONG KONG SO AS TO GEAR UP FOR THE HEAVY PUBLIC DEMAND.
0 -------
/6
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
6 -
HEAVIER PENALTIES FOR TOUTING AT AIRPORT
******
PENALTIES FOR TOUTING AT KAI TAK AIRPORT HAS BEEN INCREASED.
ACCORDING TO THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, THE FINE HAS BEEN RAISED FROM S5OO TO $1,000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE. FOR A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE THE PENALTY WILL BE A FINE OF 32,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE AMENDED REGULATIONS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR. BRIAN KEEP, SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENTS OF TOUTING AT THE AIRPORT DIMINISHED CONSIDERABLY, THERE WERE STILL SEVERAL CASES EACH MONTH.
+THESE ARE, OF COURSE, DAMAGING TO THE TOURIST INDUSTRY AND THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG GENERALLY AS SEEN BY VISITORS. THE PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE HAS BEEN AT THE LEVEL OF 3500 FOR MANY YEARS PAST AND IT HAS NOT BEEN AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT TO THIS NUISANCE.+
THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD ALLOW THE COURTS TO IMPOSE HEAVIER PENALTIES AS APPROPRIATE, HE SAID.
MR. KEEP ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A WORKING PARTY, COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TOURISM FIELD, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG HOTELS ASSOCIATION, AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AGENTS, HAD STUDIED THE PROBLEM OF TOUTING.
THE WORKING PARTY STRONGLY FELT THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO INCREASE THE PENALTY IN ORDER TO MINIMISE TOUTING, PARTICULARLY FOR HABITUAL OFFENDERS.
k
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
- 7 -
TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION IN YUEN LONG
******
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO WATCH A COLOURFUL PROCESSION TO BE HELD IN YUEN LONG NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 10) TO MARK THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE PROCESSION IN YUEN LONG STADIUM AT 12 NOON.
THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION, WHICH TAKES PLACE ANNUALLY, IS IN HONOUR OF TIN HAU, THE GODDESS OF HEAVEN, PROTECTRESS OF SEAFARERS. IT IS ORGANIZED BY THE SHAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.
THE PROCESSION WILL FEATURE LION DANCES, CHIU CHAU FOLK DANCES, FLAG PROCESSIONS, UNICORN DANCES AND FLORAL CARS SPONSORED BY 30 ORGANISATIONS.
IT WILL TAKE ONE AND A HALF HOUBS TO PASS THROUGH THE STADIUM WHERE IT WILL BE WATCHED BY HUNDREDS OF OFFICIAL GUESTS AND LARGE CROWDS OF SPECTATORS. THE ROUTE OF THE PROCESSION TO THE STADIUM IS EXPECTED TO BE LINED WITH ONLOOKERS.
THE PROCESSION WILL FORM UP AT THE EASTERN BUS TERMINUS, REACHING THE STADIUM BY 12 NOON.
AFTER LEAVING THE STADIUM, IT WILL MAKE ITS WAY TO THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAI SHUE HA FOR RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES.
BECAUSE OF THE CROWDS, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE YUEN LONG AREA ON TUESDAY. PEOPLE INTENDING TO WATCH THE PROCESSION ARE ADVISED TO REACH YUEN LONG NOT LATER THAN 11.30 A.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM. SPECIAL BADGES FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM.
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/8
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1977
8 -
AMBULANCE STATION FOR CHAI WAN * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY HAD ANOTHER AMBULANCE STATION ADDED TO ITS LIST WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW ONE IN HING WAH ESTATE, CHAI WAN.
THE NEW STATION WAS OPENED JOINTLY BY MESSRS. SHING TING-PONG AND SO CHING, CHAIRMEN OF THE EASTERN CITY DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEE NO. 9 AND NO. 10, AT A CEREMONY THIS MORNING.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR. SO DESCRIBED THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW STATION AS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND ITS MODERN AND EFFICIENT AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
SITUATED AT CHIN HING HOUSE, THE STATION OCCUPIES AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,700 SQ. FT.
THERE ARE A KITCHEN, A MESS, BARRACK ROOMS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON THE GROUND FLOOR. THE MEZZANINE FLOOR IS USED AS AN OFFICE AND A STORE ROOM.
ABOUT 20 AMBULANCE PERSONNEL AND THREE AMBULANCES ARE STATIONED THERE.
0 - -
SHORT COURSE ON TOOL AND DIE
******
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL OFFER A SHORT COURSE ON TOOL AND DIE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THE TWO-EVENING COURSE IS TO BE CONDUCTED EY MR. R.G. BARBER, A SPECIALIST ON TOOL AND DIE MAKING FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE WILL TALK ON ^DEVELOPMENTS IN PRESS TOOL MANUFACTURE*.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD ON MAY 30 (MONDAY) AND MAY 31 (TUESDAY) FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M.
THE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION IS ENGLISH, WITH CHINESE TRANSLATIONS WHERE NECESSARY. THERE WILL BE FILM SLIDES AND PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATIONS.
EMPLOYED TOOL AND DIE SUPERVISORS WITH ADEQUATE SECONDARY EDUCATION ARE INVITED TO ENROL IMMEDIATELY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SAME ADDRESS ON OR BEFORE MAY 19.
0
PRH 7
F-K
IgisI hrnial
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SURVEY OF PELAGIC FISH RESOURCES COMPLETED ............... 1
FIRE SERVICES TO RECRUIT OVER 60 FIREMEN .................. 2
ADVICE TO WORSHIPPERS ON TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS .. 3
MANUAL ON JOB STANDARDS IN ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY ........... 3
ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION VERY POPULAR ....................... 4
C.A.D. OFFICER TO ATTEND AIR SERVICES TALKS IN LONDON ... 5
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF SHANGHAI STREET ................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
1
SURVEY OF PELAGIC FISH RESOURCES ******
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS JUST COMPLETED A SURVEY OF THE PELAGIC FISH RESOURCES IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THE SURVEY FORMS PART OF A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME TO EVALUATE PELAGIC FISH RESOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING INCREASES IN THE FUTURE LOCAL DEMAND FOR FOOD FISH.
THE RESEARCH VESSEL, CAPE ST. MARY, MADE A TOTAL OF THREE TRIPS COVERING A DISTANCE OF 1,500 NAUTICAL MILES, TO THE TRADITIONAL FISHING GROUNDS OF THE HONG KONG FLEET.
ON THE FIRST TWO VOYAGES, RESEARCH OFFICERS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WERE JOINED BY CONSULTANTS FROM THE SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATING PROGRAMME.
THE SURVEY CONCENTRATED IN WATERS OF 50 TO 100 METRES DEEP.
ON OCCASION, HOWEVER, IT WAS EXTENDED TO BEYOND THE EDGE OF THE CONTINENTAL SHELF TO GAIN PRELIMINARY KNOWLEDGE OF RESOURCES IN THE DEEPER AREAS WHICH WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE INVESTIGATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SOPHISTICATED ACOUSTIC EQUIPMENT, WHICH WAS FITTED ON THE RESEARCH VESSEL RECENTLY, MADE POSSIBLE A DETAILED STUDY OF THE TOTAL WATER COLUMN, SHOWING AMONG OTHER THINGS A PREDOMINANCE OF PLANKTONIC LAYERS SPECIALLY BETWEEN SUNSET AND SUNRISE.
SCHOOLS OF PELAGIC FISH (JUVENILE ANCHOVIES), OCCUPYING AN AREA OF SEVERAL SQUARE MILES, WERE DETECTED IN WATERS BETWEEN 50 AND 65 METRES DEEP, INDICATING A CONSIDERABLE RESOURCE.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THAT NO INFORMATION ON THE QUANTITY OF THE FISH COULD BE OBTAINED DUE TO LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH VESSEL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE DEEPER AREAS, SOUND SCATTERING LAYERS PROBABLY OF FISH ORIGIN WERE ALSO DETECTED AT 200-250 METRES AND THIS WOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED IN FUTURE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SURVEY WOULD BE REPEATED IN THE SUMMER AND AGAIN IN THE AUTUMN WHEN HYDROGRAPHIC CONDITIONS WERE DIFFERENT.
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/2.....
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
2
FIRE SERVICES TO RECRUIT OVER 60 FIREMEN ******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS YOUNG AND PHYSICALLY FIT MEN TO JOIN
INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM THE RANK OF FIREMEN.
MORE THAN 60 MEN WILL BE RECRUITED TO FILL THE PRESENT VACANCIES AS WELL AS THOSE WHICH WILL ARISE IN THE NEAR FUTURE WHEN NEW FIRE STATIONS ARE COMPLETED.
THE RECRUITS 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, BE ABLE TO SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE, AND READ AND WRITE CHINESE. THEY SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS OR MORE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.
ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 8 P.M. DAILY FROM MAY 9 “ 13 AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RECRUITMENT CENTRES I
HONG KONG ISLAND - HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION, HARBOUR ROAD,
KOWLOON - TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, CANTON ROAD,
KWUN TONG FIRE STATION, KWUN TONG ROAD AND
NEW TERRITORIES - TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, TAI CHUNG ROAD.
HE SHOULD BRING ALONG HIS IDENTITY CARD, DOCUMENTS PROVING HIS RESIDENTIAL AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND A DULY COMPLETED FORM (G. F. JLO) WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT
OFF ICE.
THE STARTING SALARY FOR A FIREMAN IS $1,120 AND THE MAXIMUM IS $1,635.
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/3.....
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
3
TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS
ADVICE TO WORSHIPPERS
******
THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE TIN HAU TEMPLE IN JOSS HOUSE BAY NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 10) IN CELEBRATION OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL - AN ANNUAL EVENT IN HONOUR OF THE PATRON GODDESS OF SEAFARERS.
AS THE ONLY WAY OF GETTING TO JOSS HOUSE BAY IS BY SEA, PEOPLE ARE WARNED OF THE DANGER OF OVERLOADING OF VESSELS.
MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES WILL BE ON PATROL IN THE VICINITY TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON CRAFT OPERATING THERE. OPERATORS OF OVERLOADED VESSELS ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
THE POLICE ALSO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETS AND THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS OR DISCHARGE FIREWORKS.
MEANWHILE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT APPEALED TO ALL TIN HAU FESTIVAL WORSHIPPERS TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION TO GUARD AGAINST FIRES.
‘ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DUE TO CARELESS HANDLING OF JOSS-STICKS, CANDLES AND BURNING PAPERS, THE FESTIVAL OFTEN ENDED UP AS ONE OF THE WORST DAYS FOR FIRES.
HE URGED ALL THOSE VISITING TEMPLES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS OR THE COUNTRYSIDE TO EXERCISE MORE CARE AND TAKE EVERY STEP TO PREVENT THE SLIGHTEST RISK OF STARTING A FIRE.
HE ADVISED SMOKERS AND WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE SURE THAT CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES WERE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSING THEM AND TO SEE THAT ALL CANDLES, JOSS-STICKS AND BURNING PAPERS WERE TOTALLY PUT OUT BEFOHE LEAVING THE AREAS.
- - 0 - -
MANUAL ON JOB STANDARDS IN ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY *****
A MANUAL ON JOB STANDARDS COMPILED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.
IT COSTS $5 A COPY AND IS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
THE AIM OF THE MANUAL IS TO INTRODUCE TO THE PUBLIC THE GENERAL ACCEPTABLE STANDARD FOR SKILLS IN PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
IT WILL ALSO ASSIST COMPANIES IN DRAWING UP PROPER TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND IN ASSESSING THEIR WORKFORCE AS WELL AS TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS IN PLANNING COURSES.
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
- 4 -
ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION VERY POPULAR ******
THE ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION, BEING HELD AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN, IS VEST POPULAR.
KNOWN AS CANCER AWARENESS '77, THE EXHIBITION HAS ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF VISITORS SINCE IT WAS OPENED THREE DAYS AGO.
IT WILL REMAIN OPEN TOMORROW, THE LAST DAY OF THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION.
SINCE THE ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED EARLY LAST MONTH, EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON AND PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN WILL END WITH AN EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE BETWEEN MAY 18 AND 21.
THE EXHIBITION IS DESIGNED FOR THE PUBLIC TO LEARN ALL ABOUT CANCER, THE NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, AND ASSISTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF MEDICAL BODIES.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND WARNING AND SYMPTOMS OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF CANCER.
THERE ARE FILM SHOWS, SLIDES, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHAT CANCER IS ALL ABOUT.
ADMISSION TO THE EXHIBITION IS FREE, AND THE ORGANISERS WILL BE ON HAND TO EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE THE VARIOUS ITEMS OF EXHIBITS.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1977
5 -
C.A.D. OFFICER TO ATTEND AIR SERVICES TALKS IN LONDON ******
THE CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MR. NORMAN LATHAM, HAS LEFT FOR LONDON TO ATTEND TWO AIR SERVICES TALKS.
THE FIRST MEETING, WHICH BEGINS ON MONDAY (MAY 9), IS TO UPDATE AIR SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND INDIA. IT WILL LAST FOR A WEEK.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE FINAL ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR A NEW UK/US AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT, BEGINNING ON MAY 16.
- - o - -
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF SHANGHAI STREET
******
THE SECTION OF SHANGHAI STREET BETWEEN MAN MING LANE AND WING SING LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 9).
THIS IS TO FACILITATE URGENT RECONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THAT SECTION OF THE ROAD.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MOVE TO ELIMINATE USE OF TEMPORARY BEDS AT Q.M.H............ 1
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL .................. 2
SEMINAR ON WORLD TEXTILE TRADE TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG ... 3
WATER CUT IN WAN CHAI AREA .................................. 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1977.
• - 1 -
MOVE TO ELIMINATE USE OF TEMPORARY BEDS AT Q.M.H. * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS TO MAKE USE OF ADDITIONAL BEDS IN TWO GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN AN EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THE USE OF TEMPORARY BEDS AT THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE ALLOCATION OF EXTRA FUNDS WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO BRING A FURTHER 106 BEDS INTO USE AT THE NEW CENTENARY BUILDING OF THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AND TO CONVERT 90 BEDS AT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE CONVALESCENT BEDS. IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL TO RECRUIT MORE STAFF, INCLUDING DOCTORS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THE POLICY IN THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS NEVER TO REFUSE ADMISSION TO THE HOSPITAL IF THIS IS REQUIRED ON MEDICAL GROUNDS.
THIS, HE SAID, CONTRIBUTED TO A SITUATION WHERE PERMANENT BEDS BECAME INADEQUATE AND TEMPORARY BEDS HAD TO BE PUT UP IN THE WARDS SO THAT NO ONE REQUIRING IN-PATIENT TREATMENT HAD TO BE TURNED AWAY.
AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, THE DAILY NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS AT ABOUT 150 HAS RESULTED IN BETWEEN 80 AND 100 TEMPORARY BEDS BEING USE AT ANY ONE TIME.
+THESE TEMPORARY BEDS CREATE CONSIDERABLE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS, AND WE ARE DETERMINED TO ELIMINATE THE USE OF THESE BEDS BY ADOPTING VARIOUS MEASURES TO ACCOMMODATE CONVALESCENT PATIENTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WITH THE USE OF 196 EXTRA BEDS AT TUNG WAH AND GRANTHAM HOSPITALS TO ACCOMMODATE CONVALESCENT PATIENTS FROM QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, IT WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS ELIMINATING TEMPORARY BEDS AT THIS MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL.
THE REGIONALISATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, WILL ENSURE THE OPTIMUM USE OF FACILITIES, PARTICULARLY HOSPITAL BEDS, WITHIN THE WHOLE SYSTEM OF MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN EACH REGION.
IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE 1977/78 BUDGET ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR THE CONVERSION OF THE BUDDHIST HOSPITAL AND THE POK 01 HOSPITAL TO DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS TO SUPPORT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL RESPECTIVELY.
/WITH REGARD
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1977
2
WITH REGARD TO HONG KONG ISLAND, THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME INCLUDES DESIGNATING SPECIFIC CONVALESCENT WARDS AT THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL, THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL AND THE SANDY EAY CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL TO SUPPORT THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE EXTRA BEDS TO BE PROVIDED AT TUNG WAH AND GRANTHAM HOSPITALS WILL EXCEED THE DAILY AVERAGE NUMBER OF TEMPORARY BEDS IN USE IN THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
HOWEVER, THIS IS THOUGHT DESIRABLE AS IT PROVIDES CAPACITY TO ALLOW THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY UNITS AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL TO ADMIT PATIENTS FOR TEACHING PURPOSES AND TO ALLOW FOR THE TIME TAKEN TO ARRANGE FOR DISCHARGES AND TRANSFERS BEFORE PATIENTS ARE ADMITTED.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL, NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE SECTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD BETWEEN THE SHELL DEPOT AND THE ENTRANCE TO THE ANDERSON QUARRY BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 10).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
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/3
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1977.
- 3 -
SEMINAR ON WORLD TEXTILE TRADE K H * *
A FIVE-DAY SEMINAR ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES OPENS IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (MONDAY), WITH OFFICIALS FROM 12 COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES ATTENDING.
THE SEMINAR, ENTITLED +INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCES TO THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT*, IS SPONSORED BY THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT.
THOSE ATTENDING ARE MAINLY COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AS WELL AS COUNTRIES IN THE REGION WHICH ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH BUT ARE MEMBERS OF THE MULTI-FIBRt ARRANGEMENT (MFA).
THESE ARE BANGLADESH, GHANA, HONG KONG, INDIA, JAMAICA MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, THE PHILIPPINES, SOUTH KOREA AND THAILAND.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR IS TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS AN OPPORTUNITY OF EXCHANGING VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA AND THE TEXTILE TRADE IN GENERAL.
OTHERS ATTENDING ARE OFFICIALS OF THE GATT, UNCTAD AND ESCAP.
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, WILL OPEN THE SEMINAR AT 3.30 P.M. IN THE ORIENTAL ROOM OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION CENTRE.
THERE WILL BE THREE SPEAKERS FROM HONG KONG. THEY ARE MR. LAWRENCE MILLS AND MR. JOHN CHAN, OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND MR. JACK TANG, A MANUFACTURER AND A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE OFFICIALS FROM UNCTAD, MR. S.A. ABBAS, AND GATT, MR. M. SAL IE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE ORIENTAL ROOM ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION CENTRE.
IT WOULD BE APPRECIATED IF YOUR REPRESENTATIVE COULD ARRIVE SOME MINUTES BEFORE THE OPENING WHICH IS AT 3.15 P.M. TOMORROW (MONDAY). T.V. AND RADIO CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE 20 MINUTES OR SO EARLIER SO THAT iHEY CAN SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT WELL BEFORE THE START OF THE CEREMONY.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY’S PRC, MR. GERRY XAVIER, .vILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST YOUR REPRESENTATIVE.
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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1977.
_ 4 -
WATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY IC) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MARSH ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, FLEMING ROAD AND THE NORTH SIDE OF HENNESSY ROAD. I
- - o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SITE FOR MAJOR TEACHING HOSPITAL AND POLYCLINIC SOON TO BE FORMED AT SHA TIN .................................. 1
MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL TO BE SIGNED TOMORROW .......................................... 2
SENIOR OFFICIAL LEAVES FOR LONDON FOR AIR TALKS .......... 2
APRIL WAS SUNNIER, DRIER AND MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL ... 3
DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES TO MEET THE MEDIA ............. 4
S.W.D. DIRECTOR WILL LAY FOUNDATION STONE FOR OLD PEOPLE’S HOME .......................................... 4
TOPLEY OPENS INVITATIONAL HARDCOURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT VICTORIA PARK ......................................... 5
WATER INTERRUPTION IN KWUN TONG .............. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
1 -
SITE FORMATION FOR SHA TIN HOSPITAL TO BEGIN SHORTLY K H M
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN SITE FORMATION AT SHA TIN ON JUNE 1 FOR A MAJOR REGIONAL TEACHING HOSPITAL AND POLYCLINIC TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TOWN AND THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITE FORMATION CONTRACT, WORTH $16.3 MILLION, WAS FORMALLY SIGNED IN THE PWD’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TODAY WITH THE SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR, GAMMON (HONG KONG) LTD.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR. GEORGE CHIEN, SAID TODAY THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN MID-1979.
+THE WORK WILL INVOLVE RECLAIMING SOME 24.5 HECTARES ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF TIDE COVE FOR THE MODERN MEDICAL CENTRE,* HE SAID.
MR. CHIEN ADDED THAT OVER A MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILL MATERIALS WOULD BE NEEDED FOR THE RECLAMATION PROGRAMME.
THE TARGET DATE FOR THE COMMISSIONING OF THE 1,200 BED HOSPITAL IS 1982.
MR. CHIEN SAID THAT THE NEW HOSPITAL WOULD PROVIDE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND ALL THE APPROPRIATE GENERAL AND SPECIALIST FACILITIES FOR THE PEOPLE OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WAS ALSO PLANNED THAT THE HOSPITAL PROVIDE CLINICAL TEACHING FACILITIES FOR THE STUDENTS OF THE PROPOSED MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
+AS PROPOSED IN THE MEDICAL WHITE PAPER,* MR. CHIEN SAID, +THE HOSPITAL WILL HAVE ABOUT 750 ACUTE GENERAL BEDS, 250 FOR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, 100 FOR THE TREATMENT OF GERIATRICS AND 100 MATERNITY BEDS.*
IN ADDITION TO THE FULL RANGE OF GENERAL CLINIC TREATMENT, THE NEW POLYCLINIC WILL OFFER OUT-PATIENT SPECIALIST SERVICES AND TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS BEFORE AND AFTER ANY HOSPITALIZATION.
o --------
___/?
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
2
SIGNING OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR ABERDEEN TUNNEL *****
THE MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
MR. GORDON SAPSTEAD, P.W.D.’S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, WILL SIGN THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND GIVE DETAILS OF THE PROJECT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. IT WILL BE HELD AT 11 A.M. IN THE P.W.D. CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD. TELEVISION AND RADIO CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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SENIOR OFFICIAL TO REPRESENT HK IN LONDON AIR SERVICES TALKS
*****
MR. DAVID T.K. WONG, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON TONIGHT TO REPRESENT HONG KONG INTERESTS AT THE SIXTH ROUND OF THE AIR SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES.
MR. NORMAN LATHAM, CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, WHO LEFT ON SATURDAY, WILL ALSO BE ON THE HONG KONG TEAM.
WHILE IN LONDON, MR. WONG WILL ALSO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE U.K. CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY ON PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING AIRLINE TARIFF FILINGS AFFECTING HONG KONG.
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/3
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
APRIL - SUNNIER, DRIER AND MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL iiiSSS
THE MONTH OF APRIL WAS SUNNIER, DRIER AND MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 24.2 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.4 DEGREES AND THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 22.2 DEGREES WERE ALL THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH WHILE THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 80 PER CENT WAS THE FIFTH LOWEST ON RECORD IN ANY APRIL.
THE DRY CONDITIONS WHICH BEGAN IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR CONTINUED TO PREVAIL LAST MONTH. DURING THESE SIX MONTHS, THE TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AMOUNTED TO ONLY 75.9 MM.
THIS REPRESENTED 21 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE RAINFALL AND RANKED THE SECOND LOWEST FOR THE SAME PERIOD SINCE 1884.
AS A RESULT OF THE DROUGHT, FARMERS, FLOWER GROWERS AND FISH BREEDERS SUFFERED LOSSES. LARGE STRETCHES OF FARM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING LANTAU ISLAND, WERE ABANDONED DUE TO THE LACK OF IRRIGATION WATER.
IN SPITE OF THE RED FI RE DANGER WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE MONTH, THERE WERE STILL NUMEROUS HILL FIRES, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO AREAS OF VEGETATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
APART FROM SOME CLOUDY PERIODS, CONDITIONS DURING THE FIRST EIGHT DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE GENERALLY FINE, SUNNY AND MILD. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 17.6 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 1 WAS THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER FROM APRIL 9 TO 21 WAS MAINLY CLOUDY WITH LESS THAN NORMAL SUNSHINE DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF A HUMID AIRSTREAM FROM THE EAST OF HONG KONG. PATCHES OF FOG WERE REPORTED IN THE HARBOUR APPROACHES ON THE MORNINGS FROM APRIL 13 TO 16 AND THE LOWEST VISIBILITY RECORDED AT WAGLAN ISLAND WAS 200 METRES.
THE MONTH’S MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 31.8 DEGREES CELSIUS, RECORDED IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 25, WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR APRIL.
NEARLY ALL THE MONTH’S RAINFALL FELL ON THE LAST THREE DAYS. ALTHOUGH THE RAIN HAD RELATIVELY LITTLE EFFECT ON THE WATER STORAGE SITUATION, THE FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE RELIEVED WHEN SPRING FARMING AND TRANSPLANTING OF CROPS BECAME POSSIBLE.
DURING THE MONTH, THERE WERE NO AIRCRAFT DIVERSIONS FROM KAI TAK AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION AND NO STRONG MONSOON WARNINGS WERE ISSUED.
0 -------
/4
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE NEW DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. W.D.A. TUCKER, WILL ATTEND A ROUTINE +MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 12).
I
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HOME FOR THE AGED
M * * M
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HOME FOR THE AGED OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON, AT NOON TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE HOME, WHEN COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS’ PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 232 OLD PEOPLE.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CEREMONY. IS SITUATED AT WAN TAU STREET, TAI PO.
TIME, WILL BE ABLE TO
THE HOME FOR THE AGED
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1977
5
TOPLEY OPENS H.K. INVITATIONAL HARDCOURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS * * *
+IT IS THE AMATEUR GAME WHICH DEVELOPS THE STARS OF TOMORROW AND WE MUST NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MOUNTING SUFFICIENT AMATEUR TOURNAMENTS TO FOSTER A CONTINUING INTEREST IN TENNIS,+ THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID THIS AFTERNOON WHEN HE OPENED THE HONG KONG INVITATIONAL HARDCOURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT VICTORIA PARK.
MR. TOPLEY WELCOMED TO HONG KONG PLAYERS FROM SIX ASIAN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES COMPETING IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
HE SAID: +OVER THE YEARS HONG KONG HAS SEEN OVERSEAS AMATEUR PARTICIPANTS PLAY IN THE HONG KONG OPEN HARDCOURT CHAMPIONSHIPS AND IN ASIAN TOURNAMENTS HOSTED BY HONG KONG, BUT THIS YEAR THE HONG KONG LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION DECIDED TO MOUNT AN INVITATIONAL HARDCOURT CHAMPIONSHIP AND ENCOURAGED AS MANY COUNTRIES AS POSSIBLE IN THIS REGION TO COMPETE.+
THE RESPONSE WAS VERY PLEASING AND HE WAS SURE THAT SOME VERY FINE TENNIS WOULD BE SEEN IN THESE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
MR. TOPLEY THANKED THE ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR ORGANISING AND SPONSORING THE TOURNAMENT.
HE CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS, SPONSORS AND PLAYERS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID RECENTLY LOCAL PLAYERS OF BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND BADMINTON HAD HSMEfTfCED MUCH FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF PARTICIPATING AGAINST PLAYERS WHOSE SKILL AND DEDICATION HAD MADE THEM LEADING PLAYERS NOT ONLY IN ASIA BUT IN SOME CASE IN THE WORLD.
------. 0 - - - -
WATER CUT
X s-z «
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN CHA KWO LING ROAD AND YAU TONG ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 9, YAU TONG ESTATE.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY
WWCOBAY, MAY 10, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO
WORK ON ABERDEEN TUNNEL BEGINS ............................ 1
OVER 280,000 BENEFIT FROM YOUTH OPPORTUNITY SCHEME ........ 3
DEVELOPMENT OF TAI 0 ...................................... 5
GREATER DEMAND FOR HOMES FOR THE AGED ..................... 6
-A
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
1
WORK ON ABERDEEN TUNNEL BEGINS * * * *
WORK BEGAN TODAY ON ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS EVER AWARDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT — THE MASSIVE $280 MILLION ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
™IN-TUBE TUNNEL — THE FIRST TO BE DRIVEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND — WILL RUN NEARLY TWO KILOMETRES THROUGH THE HEART OF MIDDLE GAP BETWEEN THE 426-METRE PEAKS OF MOUNT CAMERON AND MOUNT NICHOLSON TO PROVIDE A THREE-MINUTE EXPRESS LINK BETWEEN HAPPY VALLEY AND ABERDEEN.
DETAILS OF THE SCHEME WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY BY THE P.W.D.’S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR. GORDON SAPSTEAD, AT THE OFFICIAL SIGNING OF THE MAIN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH SOME $184 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO ABERDEEN TUNNEL JOINT VENTURE — A NEWLY FORMED CONSORTIUM OF FOUR FIRMS REPRESENTING FRANCE, HONG KONG, SWEDEN AND WEST GERMANY.
THEY ARE SOCIETE FRANCA ISE D’ENTERPRISES DE DRAGAGES ET DE TRAVAUX PUBLICS, GAMMON (H.K.) LTD., SVENSKA ENTREPENAD AB SENTAB, AND HOCHTIEF A.G. FUR HOCH UND TIEFBAUTEN.
MR. SAPSTEAD SAID THE TUNNELLING WORKS WOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE AND A HALF YEARS AND IT UAS EXPECTED TO OPEN TO TRAFFIC BY THE END OF 1980.
+THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF A MAJOR TRUNK ROUTE, WHICH WILL ULTIMATELY LINK UP WITH TUEN MUN ROAD AND TSUEN WAN BY-PASS, AND SHOULD ENABLE MOTORISTS TO DRIVE FROM TUEN MUN TO ABERDEEN IN JUST ABOUT 40 MINUTES,* HE SAID.
+THIS IS AN EXCITING AND HIGHLY CHALLENGING VENTURE,* HE ADDED, +AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT IT HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE HANDS OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST TUNNEL ENGINEERS.
+THE PROJECT IS MADE ALL THE MORE DRAMATIC BY THE FACT THAT INSTEAD OF CONTRACTING FOR ONE DUAL-LANE TUBE AND THEN EXTENDING TO TWO TUNNELS LATER, AS WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED, WE HAVE DECIDED TO GO AHEAD WITH THE ENTIRE TWIN-TUBE PROJECT.*
WITH EACH TUNNEL BUILT TO COPE WITH A TRAFFIC FLOW OF SOME 2,400 VEHICLES AN HOUR, THE PROJECT WOULD NOT ONLY PROVIDE A SPEEDY NORTH-SOUTH ACCESS THROUGH THE HEART OF HONG KONG ISLAND, BUT SHOULD ALSO ABSORB ALL THE TRAFFIC GENERATED ON THE ISLAND’S RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SOUTH SIDE, HE SAID.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TWIN TUNNELS, WORK IS PROCEEDING ON AN INTERCHANGE SYSTEM AT WONG CHUK HANG OUTSIDE THE TUNNEL’S SOUTHERN PORTAL, ALONG WITH A $85 MILLION EXTENSION OF THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AT THE NORTHERN HAPPY VALLEY END.
, r-xHT THE.....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
2 -
+WITH THE BURGEONING GROWTH OF INDUSTRIAL AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AT ABERDEEN , THE NEED FOR A HIGH CAPACITY ROAD LINK CONNECTING ABERDEEN TO THE NORTH SIDE OF HONG KONG HAS LONG BEEN A MATTER OF HIGH PRIORITY,* MR. SAPSTEAD SAID.
+THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL, UPON COMPLETION, NOT ONLY REDUCE THE TRAVELLING TIME BUT ALSO HELP RELIEVE THE LONGSTANDING TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE NARROW AND WINDING POKFULAM ROAD IN THE WEST AND STUBBS ROAD AND REPULSE BAY ROAD IN THE EAST.*
THE TWIN-TUBE SYSTEM WILL DRIVE 1,900 METRES THROUGH MOUNT NICHOLSON FROM A POINT WITHIN THE COLONIAL CEMETERY IN HAPPY VALLEY. ACCESS FROM THE NORTH WILL BE VIA THE DUAL-LANE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION AND WILL PASS ALONG THE LINE OF MORRISON HILL ROAD AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD TO THE TUNNEL’S NORTHERN PORTAL.
IN THE SOUTH, A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE WILL BE BUILT AT WONG CHUK HANG TO LINK THE TUNNEL WITH WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND FEED TRAFFIC DIRECTLY TO ABERDEEN AND REPULSE BAY.
P.W.D. ENGINEERS ESTIMATE THAT IT WOULD TAKE ONLY THREE MINUTES THROUGH THE TUNNEL TO TRAVEL FROM ONE SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND TO THE OTHER.
WHEN THE CONSORTIUM START THE ACTUAL TUNNELLING, THEY WILL BE GUIDED BY THE PILOT TUNNEL ALREADY DRIVEN ALONG THE ALIGNMENT OF THE MAIN TUNNEL ALMOST FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER. FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS ENGINEERS OF MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, IN CLOSE ASSOCIATION WITH THE P.W.D. HAVE BEEN DRILLING AND BLASTING A 85 6 MILLION PILOT TUNNEL THROUGH MOUNT NICHOLSON TO DETERMINE WHETHER ROCK AND SOIL CONDITIONS DEEP WITHIN THE MOUNTAIN WOULD BE SUITABLE TO BUILD A TUNNEL HIGHWAY.
MR SAPSTEAD SAID THAT MOST OF THE WALLS OF THE TWIN TUBES WOULD BE LINED WITH CONCRETE 600 MM THICK -- THE SAME THICKNESS OF THE LINING IN LION ROCK TUNNEL. IN SOME PARTS THE LINING WOULD BE INCREASED TO 800MM, AND STEEL ARCH RIBS INSTALLED AS AN ADDED SUPPORT.
EXCAVATION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY DRILLING WITH PNEUMATIC JACKHAMMERS AND BLASTING, WITH THE WORKS PROGRAMME CALLING FOR TWO +BLAST+ PER DAY.
MR. SAPSTEAD SAID THE CONSORTIUM WOULD BE TAKING SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS WITH ITS EXPLOSIVES — USING A LARGE NUMBER OF DELAY DETONATORS TO REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES SET OFF IN EACH BLAST.
\ ------o-------
/?....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
3
OVER 280,000 BENEFIT FROM YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME ******
A SCHEME WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE OPPORTUNITIES OF REALISING PROJECTS WHICH THEY HAVE DRAWN UP TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY HAS BENEFITED MORE THAN 280,000 PEOPLE SINCE ITS FIRST INTRODUCTION IN LATE 1974.
ENTITLED THE YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES SCHEME, IT IS SPONSORED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THROUGH ITS COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS.
MR. LAM KWOK-WAN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (OPERATION), SAID SO FAR 249 PROJECTS HAD BEEN COMPLETED UNDER THE SCHEME IN WHICH OVER 6,800 VOLUNTEERS WERE INVOLVED.
ANY YOUTH GROUP RECOGNISED BY A SCHOOL, A YOUTH AGENCY OR AN INSTITUTION CAN SUBMIT THEIR PROPOSALS FOR PRELIMINARY SCREENING BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER AND THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT. THE SCHEME IS ALSO OPEN TO GROUPS WHICH ARE NOT YET RECOGNISED BY SCHOOLS OR AGENCIES PROVIDED THEY HAVE THE APPROVAL OF C.Y.O.
ALL THE PROPOSED PROJECTS SELECTED BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER AND THE LOCAL SELECTION COMMITTEE WILL THEN GO THROUGH ANOTHER SELECTION COMMITTEE IN THE S.W.D. HEADQUARTERS.
MR. LAM EXPLAINED THAT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSALS WAS BASED ON YOUTH INVOLVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, INNOVATION, FEASIBILITY AND OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES.
EACH SUPPORTED PROJECT IS ENTITLED TO A GRANT OF NOT MORE THAN $2,000. BEFORE THE PROJECT STARTS THE GROUP WILL BE ALLOCATED HALF OF THE SUM- THE BALANCE WILL BE PAID WHEN THE PROJECT IS HALF WAY THROUGH AND ON SUBMISSION OF AN INTERIM REPORT TO THE C.Y.O.
DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT, THE VOLUNTEERS MAY SEEK ADVICE FROM LOCAL CIVIC ORGANISATIONS OR THE C.Y.O.. BUT THEY MUST CARRY OUT THE PROJECT THEMSELVES.
MR. LAM POINTED OUT THAT THROUGH THIS PROCESS, YOUNG PEOPLE’S DESIRE FOR INDEPENDENCE WOULD BE CHANNELLED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
+FURTHERMORE, THEY WILL DEVELOP THE SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND LEARN TO COOPERATE WITH OTHERS,+ HE ADDED.
NORMALLY, A PROJECT IS REQUIRED TO BE FINISHED BETWEEN THREE AND SIX MONTHS AT THE END OF WHICH AN EVALUATION REPORT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE GROUP TO THE C.Y.O. TOGETHER WITH ALL RECEIPTS, A FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL EXPENDITURE, MINUTES OF MEETINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.
/AMONG THE .....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
- 4
AMONG THE SUPPORTED PROJECTS ARE SERVICES FOR BOAT PEOPLE, PUBLICATIONS AND FILM PRODUCTION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME, CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN RURAL AREAS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
MR. LAM SAID THAT VERY OFTEN A PROJECT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE AFTER THE INITIAL SPONSORSHIP BY THE S.W.D. BECAUSE A LOCAL CIVIC ORGANISATION OR AN INSTITUTION REALISING THE VALUE OF THE PROJECT MIGHT DECIDE TO TAKE UP SPONSORSHIP.
ONE SUCH SCHEME WAS THE +FEMALE FACTORY WORKERS’ PROJECT* LAUNCHED IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT.
THIS PROJECT AIMS TO PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, ORGANISED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING TALKS, INDOOR-OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSES FOR FACTORY GIRLS. THE EMPHASIS IS ON HELPING THEM TO ORGANISE THEMSELVES AND TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY GROUP LIFE. MANY OF THE YOUTHS ORGANISING SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE FACTORY WORKERS.
MR. LAM SAID THE PROJECT WAS SO SUCCESSFUL THAT IT HAD NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO SEVEN FACTORIES IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT WITH THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE SIR ROBERT HO-TUNG CHARITABLE FUND. *■
MEANWHILE, APPLICATIONS FOR THE SIXTH ROUND OF THE SCHEME HAVE BEEN CLOSED.
MR. LAM STRESSED THAT APPLICATIONS WHICH WERE TURNED DOWN MIGHT NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY UNWORTHINESS, ADDING THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE VERY SELECTIVE BECAUSE ONLY $100,000 WAS SET ASIDE FOR THE SCHEME EACH YEAR.
HE HOPED THAT CIVIC ORGANISATIONS OR INSTITUTIONS WOULD HELP THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN TURNED DOWN TO CARRY OUT THEIR PROJECTS AND IF POSSIBLE, CONTINUE TO SPONSOR THE TRULY WORTHWHILE PROJECTS.
/ 5.....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
- 5 -
DEVELOPMENT OF TA I 0
* * * M
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL START THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TA I 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND AS A RURAL TOWNSHIP THIS MONTH WITH THE COMMENCEMENT OF A LAND FORMATION PROGRAMME ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE EXISTING VILLAGE.
THE DEVELOPMENT IS PART OF AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE BETTER HOMES AND FACILITIES FOR NEARLY 350,000 PEOPLE IN THE RURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE P.W.D.’S ACTING GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR. KENNETH KWOK, SAID TODAY THAT +AS WITH THE NEW TOWNS, THE AIM IN THE RURAL AREAS IS TO PROVIDE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT WITH ALL THE BASIC FACILITIES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES, ONLY ON A SMALLER SCALE.*
-►THIS MEANS THE PROVISION OF SCHOOLS AND CLINICS, COMMUNITY HALLS AND SHOPPING CENTRES AS WELL AS HOUSING.*
THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS CO-ORDINATING THE PROGRAMME, TODAY LET A S3.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN TAI 0 TO WING FAI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
MR. KWOK SAID THE WORKS INVOLVE THE FORMATION OF ABOUT SIX HECTARES OF LAND, CONSTRUCTION OF HALF A KILOMETRE OF ROAD, AND ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES OF STORMWATER AND FOUL WATER DRAINS.
+FILL MATERIAL WILL BE USED TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF WATERLOGGED LOW-LYING LAND AROUND THE EXISTING VILLAGE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF TA I 0 CREEK.*
+SITES WILL BE PROVIDED ON ABOUT HALF THE AREA FOR VILLAGE AND RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING TO REHOUSE 3,000 PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN SUB-STANDARD ACCOMMODATION IN TAI 0,+ MR. KWOK SAID.
+THE REST OF THE AREA WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR WORKSHOPS, A VILLAGE HALL, KINDERGARTEN, MARKET, POLICE POST AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.*
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------ /6
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1977
6
GREATER DEMAND FOR HOMES FOR THE AGED
* * * *
THERE IS A GREATER DEMAND NOW IN HONG KONG FOR MORE HOMES FOR THE AGED AS PEOPLE NO LONGER FAVOUR THE IDEA OF LARGE FAMILIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE TODAY AT THE FOUNDATION-STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HOME FOR THE AGED OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
MR. LEE COMMENDED THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LOK SIN TONG FOR THEIR CONCERTED EFFORTS AND ENTHUSIASM TO SERVE THE ELDERLY OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE NINE-STOREY HOME, WHEN COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS’ TIME, WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE 232 OLD PEOPLE, 84 OF WHOM NEED SPECIAL CARE AND ATTENTION.
TO ASSIST THE LOK SIN TONG IN THIS PROJECT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO MEET PART OF THE BUILDING COST.
MR. LEE SAID THAT HIS STAFF WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO HELP IF FURTHER ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEPARTMENT WAS NEEDED.
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prh"7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
H.K.’S PERSONAL TAXATION SYSTEM ONE OF THE LOWEST IN
FIRST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TAI PO ........................... 4
AIR MAIL SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA DISRUPTED .................... 4
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM ................................. 5
PART-TIME EVENING COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ..... 6
WOMEN’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION STRESSED 7
REMOVAL OF CHATER ROAD BUS STOPS'........................... 13
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO AND YUEN LONG AREAS . 13
f, ' ’ I ■
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
HONG KONG’S PERSONAL TAXATION SYSTEM
******
HIGH TAX THRESHOLDS AND LOW EFFECTIVE TAX RATES HAVE MADE HONG KONG’S PERSONAL TAXATION ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD.
THIS WAS POINTED OUT TODAY BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WHEN HE COMMENTED ON HONG KONG’S PERSONAL TAXATION SYSTEM.
HE RECALLED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH HAD PROPOSED INCREASES IN CHILD ALLOWANCES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $2,500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $5,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON, SUBJECT TO A CLAW-BACK PROVISION OF 20 PER CENT. SUBSEQUENTLY, DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD REDUCED THE CLAW-BACK TO 15 PER CENT TO FURTHER BENEFIT TAXPAYERS, PARTICULARLY THE LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +QUITE APART FROM THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCES, THE BASIC ALLOWANCES OF $10,000 FOR SINGLE TAXPAYERS AND $20,000 FOR MARRIED TAXPAYERS ARE STILL THE HIGHEST TAX THRESHOLDS WHEN COMPARED, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH THOSE IN SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+IN SINGAPORE, THE PERSONAL TAX THRESHOLDS, CONVERTED TO HONG KONG DOLLARS, ARE $5,750 FOR A SINGLE AND $7,650 FOR A MARRIED PERSON WHILE THOSE IN MALAYSIA ARE $4,220 AND $6,330-AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, $6,350 AND $16,100.
+AS POINTED OUT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS SPEECH WINDING UP THE 1977/78 BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH, THE TAX SYSTEM IN ALL THESE COUNTRIES IS NOT ONLY SHARPLY PROGRESSIVE, BUT REACHES VERY HIGH EFFECTIVE RATES.
+BY CONTRAST, IN HONG KONG THE RATES APPLICABLE TO OUR SCHEDULAR SYSTEM RISE FROM FIVE PER CENT ON THE FIRST PLATFORM OF $10,000 OF NET CHARGEABLE INCOME TO 30 PER CENT ABOVE THE FIFTH PLATFORM OF $10,000 AND THE OVERALL EFFECTIVE RATE IS LIMITED TO ONLY 15 PER CENT OF GROSS INCOME.
+THUS, THE EFFECTIVE RATE OF TAX FOR A MARRIED TAXPAYER WITHOUT CHILDREN WILL BE ZERO PER CENT AT INCOMES OF $25,000 AND BELOW, INCREASING TO ONLY 2.13 PER CENT AT $36,000- TO 5.14 PER CENT AT $48,000- TO 8.33 PER CENT AT $60,000, THE MAXIMUM RATE OF 15 PER CENT NOT BEING REACHED UNTIL $90,000.+
/♦CRITICS CF .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
2
♦CRITICS OF HONG KONG’S PERSONAL TAXATION SYSTEM WHO SUGGEST THAT IT OPERATES HARSHLY AGAINST THE LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME GROUPS ARE THEREFORE BEING LESS THAN FAIR,+ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THIS MEANS THAT A SINGLE PERSON EARNING UP TO S12,5OO A YEAR, OR A MARRIED PERSON EARNING UP TO $25,000 A YEAR, WILL NO LONGER PAY SALARIES TAX.+
THEREAFTER, FOR EVERY DOLLAR OF INCOME IN EXCESS OF $12,500 IN THE CASE OF A SINGLE PERSON AND $25,000 IN THE CASE OF A MARRIED PERSON, THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE WILL BE REDUCED (+CLAW-BACK+) BY 15 CENTS UNTIL THE ALLOWANCE IS ELIMINATED. THIS POINT IS REACHED WHEN A SINGLE PERSON’S YEARLY INCOME REACHES $29,167 AND WHEN A MARRIED PERSON’S INCOME REACHES $58,334, ALTHOUGH OF COURSE THE TAXPAYER CONTINUES TO RECEIVE THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $10,000 IF HE IS SINGLE AND $20,000 IF MARRIED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO GAVE THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND .BETTER THE ARITHMETIC OF THE ASSESSMENT FOR SALARIES TAX:
EXAMPLES OF THE CALCULATION OF SALARIES TAX WITH THE INCREASED ALLOWANCES
EXAMPLE 1 SINGLE PERSON EARNING $22,000 A YEAR
SALARY $22,000
LESS SINGLE ALLOWANCE ' 12,500
9,500
ADD S +CLAW BACK+ (15% OF $9,500) 1,425
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $10,925
TAX THEREON $ 592
NOTE: (ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THEREFORE $2,500 - $1,425 - 81,075)
/EXAMPLE 2 .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 3 -
EXAMPLE 2 MARRIED PERSON, WITH NO CHILDREN, EARNING 840,000 A YEAR
SALARY $40,000
LESSi MARRIED ALLOWANCE 25,000
$15,000
ADD: +CLAW BACK+ (15% OF $15,000) 2,250
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $17,250
TAX THEREON $ 1,225
NOTE: (ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THEREFORE $5,000 - $2,250 ■ $2,750)
EXAMPLE 3 MARRIED PERSON WITH ONE CHILD, EARNING $45,000 A YEAR
SALARY $45,000
LESS: MARRIED ALLOWANCE 25,000
$20,000
ADD: +CLAW BACK+ (15% OF $20,000) 3,000
$23,000
LESS: CHILD ALLOWANCE (AS INCREASED) 4,000
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $19,000
TAX THEREON $ 1,400
NOTE: ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THERfFORE $5,000 -83,000 - $2,000)
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A
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
H.K.’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TAI PO * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL SIGN LEASE DOCUMENTS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) WITH THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FIRST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TAI PO.
THE SIGNING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT NOON AT THE RECEPTION CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN CENTRAL.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT 11.40 A.M. TO GIVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
0 - -
AIR MAIL SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA DISRUPTED * * * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT COULD NOT ACCEPT REGISTERED AIR MAIL LETTERS AND PARCELS FOR AUSTRALIA, CHRISTMAS ISLAND, COCOS (KEELING) ISLAND, NEW HEBRIDES AND TUVALU BECAUSE OF CONTINUING SUSPENSION OF ALL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM AUSTRALIA.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS IN AUSTRALIA AND SUSPENSION OF ALL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THAT COUNTRY, AIR MAIL SERVICES HAD BEEN INTERRUPTED SINCE LAST FRIDAY (HAY 6).
MAIL FOR NEW ZEALAND, HOWEVER, IS BEING DESPATCHED TWICE WEEKLY ON WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS BY AIR NEW ZEALND FLIGHTS, HE ADDED.
+SUITABLE ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE WHEN AIR MAIL SERVICES ARE RESUMED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 5 -
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE SECOND STAGE OF A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEM DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH THE MOUNTAIN OF REFUSE GENERATED BY THE RAPID GROWTH OF HONG KONG.
TENDERS ARE BEING CALLED FOR THE SUPPLY, ERECTION AND COMMISSIONING OF A HIGH DENSITY SOLID WASTE BALING PLANT AT SAI TSO WAN, EAST KOWLOON.
THIS PLANT, THE FIRST ONE IN HONG KONG, WILL BALE 600 TONNES OF REFUSE A DAY.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MR. WONG KWOK-CHOY, TODAY DESCRIBED +HIGH DENSITY BALING AS A PROCESS WHEREBY REFUSE IS COMPACTED IN A HYDRAULIC PRESS INTO BALES ABOUT ONE AND A HALF CUBIC METRES IN VOLUME, EACH WEIGHING ABOUT ONE AND A HALF TONNES.+
+THEY ARE VERY SUITABLE FOR TRANSPORT BY LAND OR SEA TO CONTROLLED TIPPING SITES.*
+ANOTHER ADVANTAGE IS THAT THE SOLID WASTE IS REDUCED TO ABOUT ONE-FOURTH ITS ORIGINAL VOLUME, WHICH MAKES TRANSPORT THAT MUCH EASIER,* MR. WONG SAID.
EARLIER THIS YEAR THE P.W.D. LET A $21.25 MILLION CONTRACT IN CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG’S FIRST PULVERISING AND COMPOSTING PLANT AT CHAI WAN.
THE COMPOSTING PROCESS INVOLVES THE TREATMENT OF SOLID WASTE THROUGH GRADUAL DECOMPOSITION INTO HYGIENICALLY SAFE, INERT AND INOFFENSIVE MATERIAL.
THIS METHOD OF WASTE DISPOSAL DOES NOT PRODUCE ANY ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION AND THE COMPOSTED WASTES MAY BE USED AS INTERMEDIATE AND FINAL COVER MATERIAL IN CONTROLLED TIPPING OPERATIONS.
NEARLY $52 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO PLANTS. BOTH THE COMPOSTING AND THE BALING PLANTS SHOULD BE IN OPERATION IN THE LATTER HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
AT PRESENT SOME 4,000 TONNES OF REFUSE ARE COLLECTED IN HONG KONG EACH DAY. AND THIS IS LIKELY TO RISE TO ABOUT 7,500 TONNES BY 1985.
MR. WONG SAID, +TOGETHER WITH EXISTING FACILITIES, NEW. PLANTS WHICH INCLUDE A NEW INCINERATOR AT KWAI CHUNG, AND ANOTHER COMPOSTING PLANT AT SHA TIN WILL ENABLE US TO DEAL EFFECTIVELY WITH HONG KONG’S REFUSE UNTIL WELL INTO THE EIGHTIES.*
/THE NEW .....
i i
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 6 -
THE NEW PLANTS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO ACCEPT DOMESTIC, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL WASTE.
ALONG WITH THE CHAI WAN COMPOSTER, THE SAI TSO WAN BALING PLANT FORMS PART OF AN OVERALL 1Q-YEAR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN-FOR HONG KONG WHICH WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE P.W.D.’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MAUNSELL’S CONSULTANTS ASIA.
MR. WONG SAID +PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS ARE THAT UNIT COSTS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL BY COMPOSTING AND BALING ARE GENERALLY LOWER THAN B? INCINERATION, THE PROCESSES ARE SANITARY AND DO NOT CREATE POLLUTION PROBLEMS.+
IN BOTH THE COMPOSTING AND BALING PROCESSES, THE BULK REDUCTION IN VOLUME OF THE TREATED WASTE ALSO RESULTS IN LOWER TRANSPORT COSTS AND ENABLES MORE ECONOMICAL USE TO BE MADE OF LANDFILL SITES.
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PART-TIME EVENING COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES *****
THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR PART-TIME EVENING CLASSES WHICH WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER.
A TOTAL OF 65 COURSES ARE AVAILABLE. THESE INCLUDE COURSES AT CRAFTSMAN LEVEL, THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION OF WHICH IS CHINESE, AND COURSES AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL, WHICH ARE TAUGHT MAINLY IN ENGLISH.
FIELDS COVERED INCLUDE CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM, MARINE AND FABRICATION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE MAY 23. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AS WELL AS THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 7 -
WOMEN’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION STRESSED * * * *
+WOMEN HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE SHAPING OF AN EDUCATION SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE RELATIONSHIP OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO GENERAL EDUCATION,* MR. ANDREW KINGWELL, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TOLD THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE SOROPTIMIST CLUB TODAY.
MR. KINGWELL, WHO IS THE ADVISER ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION, SAID THAT WOMEN WERE MORE INFLUENTIAL IN THE HOME THAN MEN AND COULD INFLUENCE AND ADVISE THEIR CHILDREN ON THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT +INDUSTRY NEEDS WOMEN AT ALL LEVELS IN INCREASING NUMBERS AS THERE ARE MANY EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE FOR THE WELL-TRAINED AND EDUCATED GIRL SCHOOL LEAVERS AND WOMEN GRADUATES.*
WOMEN, HE SAID, COULD DO MUCH +TO HELP IN A NUMBER OF SUBTLE WAYS TO COMBAT SOCIAL PREJUDICE AND THE INSATIABLE DEMAND FOR WHITE-COLLAR JOBS FROM SCHOOL LEAVERS. THERE SHOULD NO LONGER BE A FEELING OF FAMILY DISGRACE IF THEIR SONS TAKE UP BLUE-COLLAR OCCUPATION- ALSO WOMEN CAN HELP BREAK DOWN THE TRADITIONAL ATTITUDES WHICH MUST PREVENT MANY WOMEN FROM FOLLOWING A WORTHWHILE- CAREER IN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.*
ALL COURSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE AVAILABLE TO GIRLS OR YOUNG WOMEN.
BUT, HE SAID, THE AVAILABILITY OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS FOR GIRLS IN SCHOOLS WHICH HAD FACILITIES WERE DEPENDENT UPON TWO MAIN FACTORS - PARENTAL AND PUPIL CHOICE AS WELL AS ORGANISATIONAL PROBLEMS.
+1 AM SURE, HOWEVER, THE DIFFICULTIES IN SOLVING THE SECOND PROBLEM WOULD BE OVERCOME-BY THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES PROVIDED THERE IS SUFFICIENT PRESSURE FROM THE PARENTS AND PUPILS. THUS ONCE AGAIN WE SEE THAT THE WOMEN OF HONG KONG, MOTHERS AND THEIR DAUGHTERS, HAVE A GREAT PART TO PLAY IF THEY WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIRLS,* MR. KINGWELL SAID.
TO APPRECIATE THE VAST RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF BOTH SEXES IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD, IT WAS NECESSARY TO STUDY THE LIST OF DISCIPLINES COVERED BY THE FOUR EXISTING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.
+THERE ARE 15 DEPARTMENTS LISTED IN THE LATEST POLYTECHNIC PROSPECTUS AND SOME OF THEM ARE MULTI-DISCIPLINED AND MORE ARE PLANNED. TECHNICAL SUBJECTS WILL BE TAUGHT IN ELEVEN DEPARTMENTS IN THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES BY THIS SEPTEMBER,* MR. KINGWELL SA ID.
TECHNICAL SUBJECTS ARE NOW BEING TAUGHT AT ALL LEVELS IN SOME SCHOOLS AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE CURRICULUM. MORE WILL BE DONE IN THIS DIRECTION QUITE SOON IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE POLICY LAID DOWN IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER.
/♦TEACHERS EAVE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 8 -
+TEACHERS HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE TRAINED IN THE NEW TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE TO TEACH IN OUR SCHOOLS THE SUBJECTS OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH IS NEW IN HONG KONG. A GOOD START HAS BEEN MADE AND MORE WILL BE DONE. I SHOULD, HOWEVER, MAKE IT CLEAR THAT AT SCHOOL LEVEL TECHNICAL SUBJECTS ARE TREATED AS PART OF THE GENERAL EDUCATIONAL PROCESS,+ THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID.
GENERALLY SPEAKING IT WAS THE EDUCATOR’S JOB TO PROVIDE A PERSON WHO WAS MORE READILY TRAINABLE AND IT WAS INDUSTRY’S PRIME RESPONSIBILITY TO DO ITS OWN TRAINING.
+ INDUSTRIALISTS,* HE SAID, +CAN AND DO EXPECT TO BE ABLE TO EMPLOY EDUCATED YOUNG PEOPLE. HAVING SAID THIS, IT IS CLEAR THAT IT IS A NECESSITY IN AN INDUSTRIALISING SOCIETY SUCH AS HONG KONG THAT THE GENERAL EDUCATION SYSTEM SHOULD PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A KNOWLEDGE AND AN APPRECIATION OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS. THIS AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY MUST BE SPREAD THROUGHOUT OUR SOCIETY THUS ESTABLISHING A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION AND THE WORLD OF WORK.*
THERE ARE NINE GOVERNMENT AND FOUR AIDED SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS WHICH ACCOMMODATE ALTOGETHER ABOUT 7,000 STUDENTS. SEVERAL NEW SCHOOLS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND A NUMBER OF OTHERS ARE BEING PLANNED.
+APART FROM SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, A LARGE NUMBER OF GRAMMAR-TYPE SECONDARY SCHOOLS OFFER TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS IN THEIR CURRICULA, THOUGH NOT NECESSARILY UP TO HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION LEVEL,* MR. KINGWELL SAID.
SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS NORMALLY PROVIDE FIVE YEARS OF GENERAL SECONDARY EDUCATION, ALTHOUGH SOME OF THESE SCHOOLS ALSO HAVE SIXTH FORMS.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID: +ONE OF THE AIMS OF A SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL IS TO DEVELOP IN THE STUDENTS AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL AND INDUSTRIAL WORLD IN WHICH WE LIVE. ON COMPLETION OF THE FIVE-YEAR COURSE THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS COMMENCE THEIR CAREERS IN A WIDE VARIETY OF FIELDS INCLUDING PROFESSIONAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL OCCUPATIONS. SOME ENROL ON FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME COURSES IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR IN THE POLYTECHNIC. SOME OF THE MORE ABLE STUDENTS GO INTO FORM 6 BEFORE PROCEEDING TO A UNIVERSITY.*
THERE ARE EIGHT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF 5,840 PLACES. FIVE OTHER SUCH SCHOOLS ARE EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR ARE IN THE PLANNING STAGE AND THE TARGET IS TO PROVIDE SOME 10,003 SUCH PLACES BY 1930.
/+PREVOCATIONAL .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
- 9 -
+PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS,* HE SAID, +PROVIDE THREE YEARS OF EDUCATION LEADING FROM PRIMARY SCHOOL MAINLY TO APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES OR DIRECT TO EMPLOYMENT.*
SPEAKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, MR. K INGWELL SAID THAT MUCH WOULD DEPEND UPON THE ATTITUDES AND THE IMAGE THAT TECHNICAL EDUCATION COULD CREATE FOR ITSELF.
+THE ATTITUDES OF THE PUBLIC, PARENTS, EDUCATORS AND, LAST BUT NOT LEAST, INDUSTRIALISTS ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT,* THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR EMPHASISED.
SOCIETY MUST ACCORD TO TECHNICALLY QUALIFIED PEOPLE EQUAL PRIDE OF PLACE WITH THOSE WHO QUALIFY FOR THE MORE ORTHODOX OR MORE ACADEMIC PROFESSIONS AND, AS MR. KINGWELL PUT IT, +PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, INDUSTRY MUST BE PREPARED TO CHANGE ITS SALARY STRUCTURES AND PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES TO ACCOMMODATE THE OUTPUT OF GRADUATES FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.*
HE STRESSED: +IF-HONG KONG IS TO HOLD ITS OWN, INDUSTRY GENERALLY (NOT JUST IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD) MUST BE PREPARED TO PAY THE PRICE FOR A BETTER EDUCATED AND TRAINABLE WORK FORCE. INDUSTRY AND HONG KONG GENERALLY WILL OBTAIN ITS REWARD OR DIVIDEND BY BEING ABLE TO 'TRADE UP’ AND TO PRODUCE A BETTER ARTICLE MORE EFFICIENTLY AND TO COPE WITH A WIDER RANGE OF PRODUCTS.
+OF COURSE, OUR SCHOOLS MUST NEVER FORGET THAT SOME FORM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN ALL EDUCATION. OUR UNIVERSITIES MUST RECOGNISE THE NEWER TECHNICAL SUBJECTS (SUCH AS ENGINEERING SCIENCE) FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS.*
IN CONCLUSION THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR STATED THAT IN ORDER FOR SKILLED CRAFTSMEN, TECHNICIANS AND ENGINEERS TO GAIN PARALLEL RECOGNITION WITH OTHER PROFESSIONS, HONG KONG NEEDED THE HELP AND UNDERSTANDING OF WOMEN +TO ENCOURAGE AND SUSTAIN THE NATURAL AMBITION OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE (INCLUDING THE GIRLS) TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN OUR INDUSTRIALISING SOCIETY.*
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/IO......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977
10 -
REMOVAL OF CHATER ROAD BUS STOPS
*****
THREE BUS STOPS OUTSIDE SWIRE HOUSE IN CHATER ROAD WILL BE MOVED TO A BUS BAY OUTSIDE THE STATUE SQUARE ON FRIDAY (MAY 13).
THEY ARE THE STOPS FOR ROUTES 20, 20A AND 17.
HOWEVER, PASSENGERS INTENDING TO BOARD CMB ROUTES 10 AND 10A CAN STILL DO SO AT THE STOPS OUTSIDE SWIRE HOUSE.
THE CHANGES ARE NECESSARY DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CHATER STATION.
COMMENTING ON THE CHANGES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BUS STOPS OUTSIDE THE STATUTE SQUARE WITH A WIDER PAVEMENT COULD PROVIDE BETTER QUEUING FACILITIES.
HE ASKED PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN CROSSING OR PASSING THROUGH CHATER ROAD WHERE MTR TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO AND YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON Friday (may 13) to enable the water supplies department to ' CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS IN THE AREAS.
IN SHAM SHU I PO, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, PRATAS STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, WING LUNG STREET, UN CHAU STREET, HING WAH STREET AND CHEUNG FAT STREET, INCLUDING FAT TSEUNG STREET, FUK WING STREET AND TONKIN STREET.
IN YUEN LONG, TWO AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED.
THE FIRST IS BOUNDED BY TAI TONG ROAD, MAIN NULLAH, HOP YICK ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, INCLUDING MA TIN TSUEN WHILE THE OTHER IS IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN TAI YUK ROAD AND THE LEI TSUEN WO BEAN-CURD STICK FACTORY, INCLUDING SHU I PIN TSUEN, SHU I NGAU LING COTTAGE RESETTLEMENT AREA, LAM HAU AND SHAN HA TSUEN.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAND GRANT SIGNED FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ........... 1
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT 2
ANTI-RABIES VACCINE — NEW SUPPLY ARRIVED ................. 3
CROWN LAND SALE .......................................... 4
P.L.3. RESTRICTION ON LAI KING HILL ROAD ................. 4
WATER CUT AT SO UK ESTATE AND YUEN LONG AREA ............. 5
FIRE SERVICES HOLD 25TH PASSING-OUT PARADE ............... 5
,'CZ/.A 2W ' E JrtT
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1977
1
LAND GRANT SIGNED FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE * * * *
DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TOOK ANOTHER STRIDE FORWARD TODAY WITH DOCUMENTS SIGNED FOR A GRANT OF ABOUT 55.8 HECTARES OF LAND IN TAI PO HOI NORTH TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.
IT MEANS THE CORPORATION WILL NOW BE ABLE TO SUB-LEASE INDIVIDUAL LOTS TO SELECTED INDUSTRIALISTS AS FORMED LAND BECOMES PROGRESSIVELY AVAILABLE.
CONDITIONS OF THE PRIVATE TREATY GRANT WERE SIGNED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CORPORATION, MR. LI FOOK-WO, AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY HELP BROADEN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE AND CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO ITS EXPORTS.
HE SAID THERE WILL BE 10,000 TO 15,000 JOBS CREATED DEPENDING ON THE TYPES OF INDUSTRIES FINALLY SELECTED BY THE CORPORATION.
THE CORPORATION IS REQUIRED TO RECLAIM AND FORM A TOTAL OF ABOUT 76 HECTARES OF LAND INCLUDING THE AREA GRANTED, OF WHICH ABOUT 38 PER CENT WILL BE HANDED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ROADS, PEDESTRIAN WAYS, SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT USES.
THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CATERS FOR LAND-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH CANNOT OPERATE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND HELPS UPGRADE LOCAL INDUSTRIES TECHNOLOGY.
THE CORPORATION ESTIMATES THAT THE SCHEME WILL ATTRACT POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT EXCEEDING SI,000 MILLION-3225 MILLION IN LAND, ABOUT 3450 MILLION IN BUILDINGS AND A FURTHER $325 MILLION IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORPORATION SAID THE ANNUAL MINIMUM PRODUCTION BY THE SUB-LESSEES IS EXPECTED TO AMOUNT TO $1,000 MILLION OR ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL GROSS MANUFACTURED OUTPUT IN 1973.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, LAND FORMATION FOR STAGE ONE OF THE INDUSTR lAll ESTATE IS WELL UNDERWAY AND ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF SITES ARE (ALREADY FORMED FOR SUB-LEASING.
THE CORPORATION IS NEGOTIATING WITH SIX SELECTED APPLICANTS WHOSE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES CONFORM MOST CLOSELY WITH ITS SELECTION CRITERIA.
+THIS(FOLLOWS OUR CAREFUL SCREENING OF THE APPLICATIONS, MOSTLY FROM LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS, WHICH WE HAVE RECEIVED SINCE WE ANNOUNCED LAST DECEMBER THE BASIC TERMS FOR SUB-LEASES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/HE SAID .....
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1?77
2
HE SAID FURTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE SELECTED AS MORE FORMED SITES BECOME AVAILABLE.
LOTS ON STAGE ONE OF THE ESTATE WILL BE SUB-LEASED FOR PERIODS UP TO 15 YEARS AT A PREMIUM OF 345 PER SQUARE FOOT.
SUB-LEASES ARE ONLY OFFERED FOR THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED BY THE APPLICANTS AND AGREED BY THE CORPORATION, AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOTS IS RESTRICTED TO A PLOT RATIO OF 2.5 AND CANNOT BE UNDERLET.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CONTRACTS WILL BE LET SHORTLY FOR THE SITE FORMATION OF STAGE TWO, THE SERVICE RESERVOIR, THE IMPROVEMENTS OF TING KOK ROAD AND ESTATE ROADS.
HE SAID THAT SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FURTHER LOAN FUNDS BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE CORPORATION IS TO PROCEED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN YUEN LONG.
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CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS RATING AND VALUATION DEPT.
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SPENT TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING THE OFFICES OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR. RAYMOND FRY, COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, HE FIRST CALLED AT THE SUB-OFFICES IN NEW MERCURY HOUSE IN WAN CHAI WHERE HE MET OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND SAW WORK IN PROGRESS IN THE VARIOUS URBAN RATING DIVISIONS AND THE DIVISION WHICH HANDLES LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS.
SIR DENYS LATER VISITED THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AT THE BOTTOM OF GARDEN ROAD. THERE HE MET SOME OF THE SENIOR STAFF AND WAS BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
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/3....
THURSDAY, !<AY 12, 1977
3
ANTI-RABIES VACCINE -- NEW SUPPLY ARRIVED
* * * * *
A FRESH BATCH OF ANTI-RABIES VACCINE ARRIVED AT KAI TAK AIRPORT THIS AFTERNOON FROM SPAIN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FRESH BATCH COMPRISING FOUR THOUSAND DOSES WOULD BE SUFFICIENT FOR THE SHAUKEIW'AN CAMPAIGN TO RECOMMENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR ONE DAY.
THE TWO CENTRES TO BE IN OPERATION TOMORROW ARE LOCATED AT THE SIDE OF SAI WAN HO MARKET AND AT THE JUNCTION OF KAM WAH STREET AND SHAUKEIWAN MAIN STREET EAST (IN FRONT OF KAM WAH STREET REST GARDEN).
THIS WOULD COMPLETE THE PROJECTED IMMUNISATION DRIVE IN SHAUKEIWAN WHICH WAS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AT THE END OF LAST WEEK OWING TO UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SHAUKEIWAN DRIVE HAD BEEN PLANNED AS A PILOT SCHEME OF THE HONG KONG-WIDE RABIES AWARENESS PROGRAMME AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EVALUATE THE RESULT OF THE SHAUKEIWAN EXERCISE BEFORE ANNOUNCING THE SUBSEQUENT PHASES OF THE PROGRAMME.
HE SAID THAT THE DECISION ON THE NEXT PHASE WOULD BE REACHED NEXT WEEK, DEPENDING UPON RESULTS ACHIEVED SO FAR AND THE EXPECTATION OF FURTHER SUPPLIES OF ANTI-RABIES VACCINE BEING MADE AVAILABLE OVER THE NEXT WEEK.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE NORMAL IMMUNISATION FACILITY IN THE DEPARTMENT’S PERMANENT CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL CONTINUE SO LONG AS EXISTING SUPPLY HOLDS OUT.
HE EXPRESSED SATISFACTION AT THE +SPEED+ OF THE PUBLIC’S REACTION TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
HE SAID THE EXTENT OF THE DEMAND CREATED BY THE PUBLIC FOR THE SHAUKEIWAN EXERCISE EXCEEDED THE EXPECTATION. +HOWEVER, WE DO NOT WANT TO GIVE THE PUBLIC THE IMPRESSION OF IMMEDIATE URGENCY IN THIS PROGRAMME,+ HE ADDED.
+RABIES IS NOT EXISTING IN HONG KONG, THE LAST RECORDED CASE WAS IN 1955,+ HE SAID.
+OUR OBJECT IN THIS EXERCISE IS TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THE EVER PRESENT THREAT AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN MINIMISING THE DANGER OF THE DISEASE BEING RE-INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG,+ HE WENT ON.
+THEREFORE, DOG OWNERS IN OTHER AREAS SHOULD NOT BE CONCERNED TO RUSH TO OUR SPECIALLY PROVIDED FACILITY IN THE TARGET AREA TO QUEUE FOR HOURS AND OVERBURDEN OUR STAFF OUT OF A SENSE OF PAN IC,+ HE SAID.
+THEY SHOULD WAIT TO BE INFORMED OF OUR SUBSEQUENT TARGET AREA AND THE TIME-TABLE WE WILL ESTABLISH FOR THE OPERATION, SO THAT WHEN THE CAMPAIGN REACH THAT DISTRICT, THEY CAN GO ALONG AT THEIR CONVENIENCE TO GET THEIR DOGS INOCULATED,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
- 0 -
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1977
CROWN LAND SALE * * *
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON JUNE 7 AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 P.M. BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.
TWO OF THEM, SITUATED AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, HAVE BEEN EARMARKED FOR NON-1NDUSTR I AL PURPOSES. THEY MEASURE 2,656.5 AND 92.9 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ANOTHER LOT, MEASURING 590.2 SQUARE METRES IS SITUATED BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND LOWER LASCAR ROW. IT HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
THE FOURTH LOT AT HORIZON DRIVE, CHUNG HOM KOK, MEASURING 804.4 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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P.L.B. RESTRICTION ON LAI KING HILL ROAD
* * * * *
THE SECTION OF LAI KING HILL ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH THE ACCESS ROADS TO BLOCKS 2 AND 7 OF LA I KING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BECOME A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MAY 14).
THE RESTRICTION, WHICH WILL BE IN OPERATION 24 HOURS DAILY, IS AIMED AT REGULATING PLB ACTIVITIES AT THE SECTION OF THE ROAD IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE POSTED FOR THE GUIDANCE OF PLB DRIVERS.
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/5.....
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1977
- 5 -
* * *
WATER CUT
WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF SO UK ESTATE IN SHAM SHU I PO AND PART OF YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MAY 14) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN YUEN LONG, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, NULLAH, ON NING ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD, INCLUDING KIK YEUNG TSUEN, FUNG CHI TSUEN, WING NING TSUEN AND HANG TAU.
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF FIREMEN
* * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS 25TH PASSING-OUT PARADE AT ITS TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, ON SATURDAY (MAY 14).
CAPTAIN R.L. GARNONS-WILL I AMS, CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE, ROYAL NAVY HONG KONG, WILL INSPECT THE.PARADE.
ON PARADE WILL BE 21 ASSISTANT STATION OFFICERS AND 105 FIREMEN WHO HAVE COMPLETED SIX MONTHS’ BASIC TRAINING AND ONE SQUAD OF FIRE OFFICERS AND TWO SQUADS OF FIREMEN WHO ARE STILL UNDER TRAINING.
AT THE END OF THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL COMMENCE AT 10.30 A.M. ON SATURDAY AT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ........ 1
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL ................................ 2
39 DISABLED FOUND WORK IN APRIL ........................... 3
CREDITORS OF H.K. RESORT CO ASKED TO PROVE THEIR DEBTS . 3
GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION FOR H.K.’S SPORTS TEAMS ........ 4
QUEEN THANKS GOVERNOR FOR BIRTHDAY GREETINGS .............. 5
RAILWAY AREA PLAN AMENDMENT ............................... 5
PRESS CONFERENCE ON FREE PRIMARY PLACES ................... 6
TRAM SERVICES MAY BE INTERRUPTED .......................... 6
DISPLAY OF ADVERTISEMENTS AT AIRPORT ...................... 7
ANNUAL DINNER OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ................... 7
WATER CUT IN KAM TIN ...................................... 8
N. T.A. HEADQUARTERS TO MOVE .............................. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES KO***
A BILL, AIMED AT CONTROLLING THE IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
KNOWN AS THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES BILL 1977, IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
IF ENACTED, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IS REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN A REGISTER OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES IN TWO PARTS. PART I WILL LIST AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNCONDITIONALLY AND PART II WILL LIST THOSE WHICH HAVE BEEN REGISTERED SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE DIRECTOR.
•UNDER THE BILL, A LICENCE MUST BE HELD FOR THE IMPORTATION, SALE OR SUPPLY OF REGISTERED PESTICIDES AND A PERMIT FOR THE IMPORTATION, SALE, SUPPLY OR POSSESSION OF THOSE WHICH ARE UNREGISTERED.
HOWEVER, LICENCES WILL NOT BE REQUIRED BY FARMERS, HORTICULTURISTS AND HOUSEHOLDERS WHO LEND, EXCHANGE, OR SUPPLY REGISTERED PESTICIDES TO EACH OTHER ON A NON-COMMERCI AL BASIS OR POSSESS SUCH FOR THEIR OWN USE.
TO ENABLE A SMOOTH INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW
LEGISLATION AND AN UNINTERRUPTED FLOW OF PESTICIDES TO THE USERS, TRADERS (EXCEPT SOME IMPORTERS) WILL BE GIVEN A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE TO APPLY FOR THEIR LICENCES.
IF THE BILL IS PASSED REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE TO CONTROL THE LABELLING, PACKAGING AND HANDLING OF PESTICIDES.
LABELS WILL THEN BE REQUIRED TO INDICATE THE NAME AND STRENGTH OF EACH PESTICIDE, THUS ENABLING FARMERS TO MAKE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THEM AND FACILITATING TREATMENT IN CASES OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING.
CONTROL OF PACKAGING WILL HELP PREVENT PESTICIDES BEING SOLD IN SUCH UNSUITABLE CONTAINERS AS BEER OR SOY SAUCE BOTTLES, WHILE CONTROL OF HANDLING WILL PREVENT THEM FROM BEING STORED OR SOLD WHERE THERE IS A RISK OF CONTAMINATION OF FOOD STUFFS.
COMMENTING ON THE BILL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS TO FACILITATE SAFER AND MORE PROPER USE OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES, MOST OF WHICH ARE HIGHLY TOXIC AND POISONOUS CHEMICALS.
/ HE POINTED . .
2 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES WERE CONTROLLED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE.
THIS ORDINANCE IS BASICALLY ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ADVISED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE ADMINISTRATIVELY MORE CONVENIENT IF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES WOULD CONTROL AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES UNDER A SEPARATE ORDINANCE.
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COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL * * * * *
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977, WHICH EMPOWERS THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR THE PROPOSED NAME OF AN INTENDED COMPANY, OR A NEW NAME FOR AN EXISTING COMPANY, TO BE RESERVED FOR THREE MONTHS UPON PAYMENT OF A FEE, WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO GIVE THE REGISTRAR POWER TO ORDER A COMPANY TO CHANGE ITS NAME IF, BY MISTAKE, IT HAS BEEN REGISTERED BY A NAME WHICH CONTRAVENES ANY PROVISIONS RELATING TO COMPANY NAMES.
SECTION 20 OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, PROHIBITS THE REGISTRATION OF A COMPANY BY A NAME WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO THAT BY WHICH AN EXISTING COMPANY IS ALREADY REGISTERED OR SO NEARLY RESEMBLES THAT NAME AS TO BE CALCULATED TO DECEIVE, OR WHICH CONTAINS THE WORDS +BUILDING SOCIETY+.
THIS SECTION ALSO PLACES RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF NAMES CONTAINING CERTAIN WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS SUCH AS +CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, + +ROYAL+, + IMPERIAL*, +CHARTERED+, +BRITISH+, +TRUST+, +MASS TRANSIT*.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT FOR SOME YEARS THE REGISTRAR HAS OPERATED AN INFORMAL RESERVATION SYSTEM.
+IF AN ENQUIRY AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE COMPANY NAME IS MADE, AND THE NAME IS AVAILABLE, THE REGISTRAR NOTIFIES THE APPLICANT AND UNOFFICIALLY RESERVES THE NAME FOR TWO MONTHS,* HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY STATUTORY BASIS, THIS RESERVATION COULD BE CHALLENGED, AND FOR THIS REASON THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS NOT ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY.*
THE AMENDING BILL PROVIDES FOR A FEE OF $20 TO BE CHARGED FOR EACH ENQUIRY REGARDING RESERVATION AND THE RESERVATION PERIOD MAY, UPON PAYMENT OF A $10 FEE, BE EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER THREE MON'THS.
IF PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON A DAY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE. ADEQUATE PRIOR NOTICE OF THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PROFESSIONS.
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
39 DISABLED PLACED TO WORK IN APRIL
* * * * *
THIRTY-NINE DISABLED PEOPLE WERE PLACED TO WORK BY THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH.
AMONG THE DISABLED EMPLOYED, THREE WERE BLIND, 19 DEAF, THREE MENTALLY RETARDED, THREE EX-MENTAL PATIENTS, TEN CRIPPLED AND ONE EX-TB PATIENT.
EIGHTEEN OF THEM WERE EMPLOYED AS ASSEMBLERS IN ELECTRONIC FACTORIES AND THE OTHERS WERE ENGAGED IN A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES SUCH AS PACKERS, TYPISTS AND TELEPHONE OPERATORS.
WITH REGARD TO THEIR SALARY, 24 WERE EMPLOYED ON DAILY RATE RANGING FROM $16 TO $22, WHILE ONE WAS PAID ON PIECE-RATE BASIS. THE SALARY OF THE OTHERS AVERAGED $550 A MONTH.
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HONG KONG RESORT CO. LTD.
CREDITORS ASKED TO PROVE THEIR DEBTS
*****
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF THE HONG KONG RESORT COMPANY LIMITED, MR. P. JACOBS, TODAY ASKED CREDITORS OF THE COMPANY TO PROVE THEIR DEBTS ON OR BEFORE MAY 24, 1977.
HE SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE HIM TO OBTAIN THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF CREDITORS AND THE AMOUNTS OF THEIR CLAIMS, SO THAT HE COULD CONTINUE HIS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BEST AVAILABLE INFORMATION BEFORE HIM.
CREDITORS SHOULD LODGE THEIR CLAIMS WITH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR AT SUTHERLAND HOUSE, 10TH FLOOR. 3. CHATER ROAD.
MR. JACOBS SAID: +IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REASONS GIVEN TO MR. JUSTICE LI FOR AN ADJOURNMENT OF THE PETITION AT A HEARING ON MAY 3, 1977, NEGOTIATIONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED WITH INTERESTED PARTIES, WHICH, IF THEY REACH A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION WILL BE OF BENEFIT TO THE COMPANY, ITS CREDITORS AND SHAREHOLDERS.+
THE CASE WILL BE HEARD AGAIN ON MAY 31, 1977.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
GOVERNMENT HOUSE RECEPTION FOR H.K.’S SPORTS TEAMS
M * * M #
THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS AND SOCCER TEAMS WHICH EXCELLED THEMSELVES IN INTERNATIONAL MATCHES TWO MONTHS AGO WERE OFFICIALLY RECEIVED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AND LADY MACLEHOSE AT A RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN HONOUR OF THEIR TRIUMPHANT PERFORMANCES.
ALSO AT THE RECEPTION WERE MR. F.K. LI, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS- MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES-MR.KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION- MR. M.C. CASWELL, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER, (PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECREATION AND SPORT UNIT) AND SOME CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS.
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE CHATTED WITH THE TWO TEAMS AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ABOUT THE HISTORY OF +PING PONG* AND THE DIET OF ATHLETES.
THE TABLE TENNIS TEAM SWEPT AWAY SIX OUT OF SEVEN GOLD
MEDALS AT STAKE IN THE FOURTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD IN MARCH AT GUERNSEY, BRITAIN. IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, THE MEN’S TEAM CLINCHED PROMOTION TO GROUP A.
THE SOCCER TEAM ALSO BROUGHT HONOURS FOR HONG KONG BY SMASHING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP OF THE ASIAN GROUP ONE WORLD SOCCER CUP ON MARCH 12 IN SINGAPORE. HONG KONG BEAT SINGAPORE ONE NIL IN THE GROUP’S FINALS.
HONG KONG WILL NOW PLAY THE WINNERS OF THE OTHER THREE ASIAN GROUPS -- IRAN, SOUTH KOREA AND KUWAIT — AND AUSTRALIA OF THE OCEANIA GROUP, IN THE CONTINUING ELIMINATION ROUNDS TO QUALIFY FOR WORLD CUP FINALS IN ARGENTINA NEXT YEAR.
BEFORE THE RECEPTION ENDED, THE CAPTAIN OF THE SOCCER TEAM MR. WU KWOK-HUNG, AND THE VICE-CAPTAIN, MR. KWOK KA-MING PRESENTED SIR MURRAY WITH AN AUTOGRAPHED BANNER AND FOOTBALL.
ON RECEIVING THE FOOTBALL, SIR MURRAY SAID JOKINGLY: +IF MY OLD SCHOOL SEES ME WITH THIS ROUND FOOTBALL, I WOULD BE EXPELLED FROM THE OLD BOY’S ASSOCIATION.* (SIR MURRAY WAS EDUCATED AT RUGBY).
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
- 5 -
QUEEN THANKS GOVERNOR FOR BIRTHDAY GREETING MESSAGE ******
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HAS THANKED THE GOVERNOR AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR MESSAGE OF GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE OCCASION OF HER MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY ON APRIL 21.
IN A TELEGRAM TO THE GOVERNOR TODAY, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS SAIDs *1 AM COMMANDED TO CONVEY HER MAJESTY’S SINCERE APPRECIATION AND THANKS TO YOU AND TO ALL WHO ASSOCIATED THEMSELVES WITH YOUR MESSAGE OF LOYAL GREETINGS ON THE OCCASION OF HER MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY.+
RAILWAY AREA PLAN * * * *
AN AMENDMENT HAS BEEN MADE TO THE RAILWAY AREA PLAN FOR THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE +RA ILWAY AREA+ IS THE AREA WITHIN WHICH LAND MAY BE RESUMED OR EASEMENTS IN, UNDER OR OVER LAND MAY BE CREATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AND INCIDENTAL TO THE RAILWAY.
A SUBSTITUTE PLAN SHOWING THE AMENDMENT HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE LAND OFFICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE.
THE PLAN INCORPORATES A MINOR BOUNDARY AMENDMENT IN THE VICINITY OF THE P. AND 0. BUILDING, NOS. 21 TO 23 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
COPIES OF THE SUBSTITUTE PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED FREE OF CHARGE DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, GROUND FLOOR- AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR AT ANY OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
6
PRESS CONFERENCE ON FREE PRIMARY PLACES
******
NOTE TO EDITORS :
DETAILS OF A CAMPAIGN TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF ALL PARENTS, SPECIFICALLY THOSE IN THE FISHING AND WATER-BORNE COMMUNITIES, TO THE FULL AVAILABILITY OF FREE PRIMARY PLACES WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 16) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY. ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY), MR. DAVID LEUNG.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THIS PRESS CONFERENCE.
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TRAM SERVICES MAY BE INTERRUPTED *****
TRAM SERVICES MAY BE SLIGHTLY INTERRUPTED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) NIGHT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT.
IF ALL PREPARATORY WORKS FOR A TRAM TRACK DIVERSION IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, NEAR PEDDAR STREET, CAN BE COMPLETED ON SCHEDULE BY NOON TOMORROW, THE EXISTING EAST BOUND TRAMS WILL BE JOINED UP WITH THE NEW RAILS FROM OUTSIDE THE P. AND 0. BUILDING TO ALEXANDRA HOUSE AT NIGHT.
IF THIS WORK GOES AHEAD IT WILL NECESSITATE THE SUSPENSION OF WEST BOUND TRAM SERVICES BEYOND WAN CHAI DISTRICT AFTER 10.50 P.M. LIMITED SERVICES WILL STILL BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY.
HOWEVER, IF THE WORK ON THE DIVERSION HAS TO BE POSTPONED ALL TRAM SERVICES WILL OPERATE AS USUAL.
. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT IN CASE THE WEST BOUND TRAM SERVICES ARE STOPPED DETAILS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED OVER THE RADIO.
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/ 7 . . . .
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977
DISPLAY OF ADVERTISEMENTS AT AIRPORT * * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE RIGHT TO DISPLAY ADVERTISING MATERIALS AT VARIOUS PROMINENT POSITIONS AT THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LEVELS OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.
THE GENERAL ADVERTISING CONCESSION IS FOR THREE YEARS FROM AUGUST 1.
THE ADVERTISING MATERIALS WILL BE MOUNTED IN SHOWCASES, DISPLAY AREAS, SIGN PANELS AND WALL DISPLAYS.
ACCORDING TO A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), TENDER APPLICATIONS MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 27.
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ANNUAL DINNER OF IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
******
MORE THAN 600 STAFF AND GUESTS ATTENDED THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT THE PEARL CITY RESTAURANT THIS EVENING (FRIDAY) — THE FIRST SINCE THE MERGING OF THE IMMIGRATION AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENTS.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR WAS THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS WHO PROPOSED A TOAST TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND PRESENTED THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. DEREK READMAN, WITH A FAREWELL GIFT. MR. READMAN WILL BE RETIRING SHORTLY AFTER 29 YEARS OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, PRESENTED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO 41 OFFICERS FOR OUTSTANDING WORK DURING THE YEAR, PARTICULARLY IN DETECTING FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. HE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO WELCOME THE STAFF OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE INTO THE NEW DEPARTMENT.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1977 - 8 -
WATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KAM TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MAY 14) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO SHEK KONG AIRPORT, INCLUDING WING LUNG WAI, SHING MUN SAN TSUEN, TAI HONG WAI, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU I TAU TSUEN AND FUI SHA WAI.
0
N.T.A. HEADQUARTERS TO MOVE
* * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL MOVE TO ITS NEW OFFICES OVER THE WEEKEND AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN 01 MAN ESTATE, KOWLOON.
IT WILL START OPERATING FROM MONDAY (MAY 16) ON THE FIFTH FLOOR AND HALF OF THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE FIFTH FLOOR INCLUDES OFFICES FOR THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DEPUTY SECRETARIES AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT.
THE N.T.A.’S CIVILIAN INFORMATION UNIT WILL ALSO MOVE TO THE NEW OFFICES FROM THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES AT THE NEW N.T.A. HEADQUARTERS IS 3-0502480.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE N0-
SAU MAU FING LANDSLIDE COMPENSATION FUND APPROVED ... 1
WARNING AGAINST USE OF EXPLOSIVES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN FISHING ...........................................
AIR MAIL SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA RESUMED ................. 2
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF FIRE OFFICERS ..................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5’233191
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1977
1
SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE COMPENSATION FUND APPROVED *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS APPROVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A $10 MILLION FUND TO MEET CLAIMS FOR EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION FROM VICTIMS OF THE 1976 AND 1972 LANDSLIDES AT SAU MAU PING.
IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD CONTROL THE FUNDS.
SINCE THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN FEBRUARY TO ACCEPT AN OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE LANDSLIDES AND TO PAY EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION TO THE VICTIMS, 206 CLAIMANTS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WHICH IS ASSISTING THEM WITH THE PREPARATION OF THEIR CLAIMS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CLAIMS WERE ALREADY REACHING THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, AND ONCE THE CLAIMS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED AND AGREED UPON BY THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IT WOULD MAKE PAYMENT TO THE CLAIMANTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
+UNTIL ALL CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND EXAMINED, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE WITH ANY ACCURACY THE EXPENDITURE WHICH WILL BE INVOLVED,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, ON THE BASIS OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE 206 CLAIMS SO FAR RECEIVED -- 19 OF WHICH HAVE LATER BEEN WITHDRAWN, — IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT A SUM OF ABOUT $10 MILLION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO SETTLE THE CLAIMS, HE ADDED.
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH CLAIMS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE CLAIMANTS AS TO THE BONA F IDES OF THEIR CLAIMS, AND FOR ENGAGING A SOLICITOR FOR THE PURPOSES OF PREPARING A CLAIM FOR DAMAGES.
ON RECEIPT OF THE CLAIM, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD EXAMINE AND CONFIRM THAT THE CLAIMANT WAS THE PERSON ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THE EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION.
IF A SETTLEMENT WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE CLAIMANT’S SOLICITOR AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD ARRANGE FOR THE COMPENSATION TO BE PAID. IF NO SETTLEMENT COULD BE REACHED, HOWEVER, THE CLAIM WOULD EE REFERRED TO AN INDEPENDENT BOARD OF ARBITRATION APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
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/2
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1977
2 -
WARNING AGAINST USE OF EXPLOSIVES OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN FISHING *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO USE EXPLOSIVES OR TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN F ISHING.
THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR A FINE OF $2,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS AGAINST ANY PERSON WHO IS FOUND IN BREACH OF THE LAW.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE PRACTICE OF USING SUCH TOXIC SUBSTANCES AS TEA-SEED CAKE OR EXTRACTS FROM THE R„OOT OF A SHRUB COMMONLY KNOWN AS +YUE TANG+ IS BANNED BECAUSE IT INDISCRIMINATELY KILLED ALL SIZES OF FISH AS WELL AS OTHER MARINE ORGANISMS.
+THIS HAS SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE AS WELL AS UPSETTING THE ECOLOGICAL BALANCE HE SAID.
COMMERCIAL F ISHER IES OF THE INSHORE WATERS,
+FURTHERMORE, THE USE OF EXPLOSIVES IS DANGEROUS AND CAN KILL OR CAUSE SERIOUS BODILY INJURIES TO NEARBY SWIMMERS OR SK IND'IVERS. +
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE MATTER SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE IF ANYONE WITNESSED THE OFFENCE BEING COMMITTED.
AIR MAIL SERVICES TO AUSTRALIA RESUMED
*****
THE POST
, OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT AIR MAIL SERVICES TO ™ ?JUfu Hm ».C0C0S <KEELING) 'SL4NI>- NE“ HEERIDES
.,nDM,PA,LY A,R SERVICES TO NEW ZEALAND HAVE ALSO RETURNED TO NORMAL.
mav rAnR MAIL SERVICES TO THOSE AREAS HAD BEEN DISRUPTED SINCE $ D^E T0 INDUSTRIAl- ACTION BY AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS IN
COUNTRY THE SUSPENSION OF ALL FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THAT
/3
4
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1977
- 3 -
PASSING OUT PARADE OF FIRE OFFICERS ******
THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE, ROYAL NAVY HONG KONG, CAPTAIN R.L. GARNONS-WILLIAMS, TOLD THE FIREMEN TAKING PART IN A PASSING OUT PARADE TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE TRAINING THEY RECEIVED, WAS DESIGNED TO BRING OUT IN THEM COURAGE, FITNESS, TEAMWORK AND PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE.
HE WAS ADDRESSING 21 OFFICERS AND 105 FIREMEN WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A 26-WEEK BASIC COURSE AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THAT, AS A NAVAL OFFICER, HE WAS VERY AWARE OF THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH A FIRE IN A MODERN WARSHIP, THE SPEED AT WHICH IT COULD SPREAD, THE HAVOC IT COULD GENERATE AND THE DIFFICULTIES IT COULD CAUSE TO THE FIRE FIGHTERS.
+YOUR PROBLEMS ARE VERY SIMILAR TO OURS, DEMANDING THE SAME HIGH DISCIPLINE, EXCELLENT TRAINING AND DEDICATION IN YOUR OWN CORPS,+ CAPTAIN GARNONS-WILLIAMS NOTED.
+YOUR TRAINING HERE HAS GIVEN YOU THE KNOWLEDGE, CONFIDENCE AND FITNESS, BUT ONLY YOU CAN ADD THE COURAGE AND DETERMINATION THAT YOU WILL SURELY NEED,+ HE ADDED.
ALSO ON PARADE TODAY WERE ONE SQUAD OF OFFICERS AND TWO SQUADS OF FIREMEN STILL UNDER TRAINING.
AFTER THE PARADE, THE 25TH TO BE HELD AT THE SCHOOL, CAPTAIN GARNONS-WILLIAMS WATCHED A FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION GIVEN BY THE NEWLY QUALIFIED FIREMEN.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
OLD HONG KONG MAP RESTORED ............................... 1
TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE ............................... 2
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN AREAS ................. 3
COLLECTION OF PRIVATE G.C.E. CANDIDATES ADMISSION FORMS 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 15,1977
OLD HONG KONG MAP RESTORED
* * * *
A TATTERED MAP SHOWING HOW VICTORIA LOOKED LIKE 110 YEARS AGO HAS BEEN RESTORED BY THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE.
THE MAP MEASURES 10-1/2 FEET BY 3-1/2 FEET. DRAWN AT A SCALE OF 160 FEET TO AN INCH, IT SHOWS IN DETAIL THE TOPOGRAPHY, STREETS AND MAJOR BUILDINGS OF THE AREA BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND KENNEDY TOWN IN 1867.
IT IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY THE SURVEY DEPARTMENT OFFICERS — PREDECESSORS OF THE CARTOGRAPHERS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE MAP THEY DREW HOWEVER IS NOTICEABLY DIFFERENT FROM CURRENT iMAPS DRAWN BY THEIR MODERN COUNTERPARTS. THE COASTLINE AT THAT TIME WAS ALMOST WHERE THE TRAM TRACK LIES AT PRESENT AND THE SLOPES OF THE HILLS WERE YET TO BE CUT BACK TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR DEVELOPING THE BUSY CENTRAL DISTRICT.
EVEN THOUGH IT WAS HONG KONG MORE THAN A CENTURY AGO, SOME PROMINENT LANDMARKS AT THAT TIME ARE STILL FAMILIAR TO US: THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, CENTRAL POLICE STATION, FLAGSTAFF HOUSE AND THE STEEP, CURVING ICE HOUSE STREET.
OTHERS, THOUGH LONG SINCE FADED FROM LIVING MEMORY, ARE STILL WITH US IN THE NAME OF A ROAD OR A STREET. WONG NE I CHUNG VILLAGE, OCCUPYING A LARGE STRETCH OF FLAT LAND TO THE SOUTH-EAST OF THE RACE COURSE, IS NOW BLOCKS OF CONCRETE FLATS.
A FEW, LIKE THE ROYAL MINT, LOCATED BY THE SEA AT EAST POINT, ARE NOW BURIED DEEP SOMEWHERE IN BOOKS ON HONG KONG'S EARLY HISTORY.
THE OLD MAP ITSELF WAS KEPT IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS BRIEFLY PUT ON SHOW AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY IN 1975 WHEN IT AROUSED WIDE PUBLIC INTEREST.
AS THE MAP WAS TOO WORN BY THE YEARS TO BE ABLE TO BE KEPT PROPERLY, IT WAS HANDED TO THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE LAST YEAR FOR RESTORATION AND RETENTION.
+THE ORIGINAL SKETCH WAS DRAWN ON TRACING PAPER, HAND-COLOURED WITH TINTED INKS, AND MOUNTED ON CARTRIDGE PAPER AND LINEN,+ SAID MR. A.I. DIAMOND, ARCHIVIST OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE. +IT WAS CRUMBLING INTO BITS AND PIECES WITH THE SMALLEST NO BIGGER THAN THE SIZE OF A FINGER NAIL.+
+THE TRACING WAS METICULOUSLY TAKEN OFF AND THE SEVERAL HUNDRED SEPARATE PIECES OF THE MAP WERE SET FLATLY ON NEW CARTRIDGE PAPER BY TECHNICIANS WHO HAVE HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN REPAIRING OLD DOCUMENTS,* HE SAID.
/+THET WERE .....
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1977
2 _
+ THEY WERE THEN FITTED TOGETHER LIKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE, ONLY THAT THE AMOUNT OF PATIENCE AND SKILL PUT INTO THE WORK WAS MANY TIMES MORE DEMANDING.
+TC BE ABLE TO DO THE JOB WELL, THE TECHNICIANS HAVE TO KNOW THE SHRINKAGE RATE OF THE PAPERS USED AND MUST BE ABLE TO MATCH THE GRAIN OF THE DIFFERENT FRAGMENTS.
+THE FINISHED WORK WAS THEN REMOUNTED ON LINEN AND COVERED BY A LAYER OF TRANSPARENT SILK GAUZE WHICH PREVENTS FLAKING AND CRACKING AND HELPS TO PROTECT THE SURFACE.+
THE RESTORED MAP IS NOW KEPT IN THE MAIN STORE ROOM OF THE OFFICE AT A CONSTANT TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT 18 DEGREES CELSIUS AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 60 PER CENT.
+IF THE HUMIDITY IS TOO LOW, THE PAPER WILL BECOME BRITTLE, BUT IF IT IS TOO HIGH, IT WILL TURN SOFT AND BECOME MOULDY,* MR. DIAMOND ADDED.
ALSO KEPT IN THE SPECIAL STORE-ROOM ARE OTHER TESTIMONY OF HONG KONG’S EARLIER DAYS WHEN LIFE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION WERE MUCH SIMPLER.
ONE OF THE OLDEST IS A LETTER BOOK OF THE FIRST POLICE MAGISTRATE, DATED 1844-46, WHICH CONTAINS CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN HIM AND THE THEN COLONIAL SECRETARY ON VARIOUS MATTERS INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POLICE FORCE IN HONG KONG.
THE ARCHIVES OF ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ARE ALSO KEPT THERE FOR POSTERITY. THESE ARE INTERESTING BECAUSE THEY INCLUDE A MARRIAGE REGISTER OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN MACAU, DATED 1838, WHICH WAS LATER TRANSFERRED WITH OTHER DOCUMENTS TO HONG KONG.
+RECORDS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE FOR SAFE-KEEPING JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE OLD,* MR. DIAMOND POINTED OUT.
+DOCUMENTS ARE SELECTED FOR PRESERVATION ONLY IF THEY MEET CERTAIN VALUE CRITERIA.*
REFERRING TO THE RECENTLY RESTORED MAP, HE SAID IT WAS NOT ONLY AN ACCURATE AND UNIQUE RECORD OF THE DISTANT PAST BUT ALSO THE OLDEST ORIGINAL MAP THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE HAD IN ITS POSSESSION.
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TEMPORARY STREET CLOSURE
*****
THE CUL DE SAC OF CHI MAN STREET IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 17), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CLOSURE WOULD BE FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS TO ALLOW SITE FORMATION WORKS THERE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1977
WATER CUT * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG AND KAM TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 17) TO ENABLE THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IN YUEN LONG IS BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, FUNG CHEUNG STREET, HOP YICK ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, NULLAH, WAH NING PATH AND TAI YUK ROAD, INCLUDING YAU SAN STREET, HONG LOK STREET AND YUEN LONG POLICE STATION.
AFFECTED AREA IN KAM TIN IS BOUNDED BY KAM TIN ROAD, LAM KAM ROAD, FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN WING LUNG WAI AND SHEK KONG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, INCLUDING SHING YUEN, TSOI YUEN TSUEN, SHEK KONG, WONG TOI SHAN, WING NING LEI, WONG TOI SHAN HA WAI, SAN LUNG WAI, CHUK HANG, HA CHE AND SHEK KONG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL.
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COLLECTION OF PRIVATE G.C.E. CANDIDATES ADMISSION FORMS ******
PRIVATE CANDIDATES’ ADMISSION FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAM I NAT I ON, JUNE 1977,ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S EXAMINATIONS DIVISION (EXTERNAL EXAMINATION) SAID PRIVATE CANDIDATES SHOULD COLLECT THEIR DOCUMENTS ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION POSTED TO THEM RECENTLY.
+IF ANY PRIVATE CANDIDATE HAS NOT RECEIVED SUCH A NOTIFICATION OR IS NOT FREE ON THE SPECIFIED DATE, HE SHOULD CALL IN PERSON, BRINGING HIS HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD WITH HIM, AT THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON BETWEEN MAY 23 AND 25 TO COLLECT THESE DOCUMENTS DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS,+ HE SAID.
ANY PRIVATE CANDIDATE WHO FAILS TO COLLECT HIS ADMISSION FORM BY MAY 26 WOULD BE REGARDED AS HAVING WITHDRAWN HIS ENTRY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
I
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS .................................................... 1
SPECIAL WATER SITUATION REPORT ............................. 3
ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN TO END THIS WEEK ...................... 3
LEGCO MEETING ON WEDNESDAY ................................. 4
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AREA ................................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
1
ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS * * * M
SOME PARENTS IN HONG KONG ARE DEPRIVING THEIR CHILDREN OF THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY. +THESE PARENTS ARE NOT ONLY DISREGARDING THE LAW BUT ARE ALSO STOPPING THEIR CHILDREN FROM ENJOYING A BRIGHTER FUTURE,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR WAS LAUNCHING A CAMPAIGN TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF ALL PARENTS, SPECIFICALLY THOSE IN THE FISHING AND WATER-BORNE COMMUNITIES TO THE FULL AVAILABILITY OF FREE PRIMARY PLACES AND TO THE FACT THAT PARENTS MIGHT BE PROSECUTED IF THEY DID NOT SEND THEIR PRIMARY AGE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL OR IF THEY PREVENTED THEM FROM ATTENDING CLASSES AT ANY STAGE OF THE SIX-YEAR COURSE.
THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE 1971 GIVES THE DIRECTOR POWERS TO ENFORCE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE WHERE PARENTS APPEAR TO BE UNNECESSARILY WITHHOLDING THEIR CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE FROM SCHOOL. THESE POWERS ARE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTOR ONLY AFTER A CAREFUL INVESTIGATION OF THE FAMILY’S CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD. WHEN AN ATTENDANCE ORDER IS MADE, PARENTS HAVE THE RIGHT OF APPEAL TO A SPECIALLY CONSTITUTED BOARD OF REVIEW.
ANY PARENT WHO WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE FAILS TO COMPLY WITH AN ATTENDANCE ORDER SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $500 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS.
SO FAR IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO SERVE ONLY TWO ATTENDANCE ORDERS.
IN MAY LAST YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SERVED THE TWO ATTENDANCE ORDERS ON THE FATHER OF SEVEN CHILDREN IN THE HO MAN TIN AREA OF KOWLOON. THE ORDERS WERE SERVED AFTER THE PARENT HAD REFUSED TO ACCEPT THE ADVICE OF OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS TO SEND HIS EIGHT-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND SIX-YEAR-OLD SON TO SCHOOL. THE TWO CHILDREN WERE FOUND AT HOME LOOKING AFTER A YOUNGER BROTHER AND THREE YOUNGER SISTERS WHILE THEIR FATHER AND MOTHER WERE ABSENT. THE ELDEST SON, AGED 9, WAS ATTENDING SCHOOL. OFFERS OF HELP BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WERE ALSO TURNED DOWN BY THE PARENTS.
A BOARD OF REVIEW WHICH MET LAST AUGUST CONFIRMED THE TWO ATTENDANCE ORDERS AND THE PARENTS COMPLIED WITH THE ORDERS BY SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER 1976, THE BEGINNING OF THE PRESENT ACADEMIC YEAR. FOUR CHILDREN OF THAT FAMILY ARE NOW ATTENDING PRIMARY CLASSES.
EVER SINCE THE DIRECTOR WAS GIVEN POWERS IN 1971 TO ENFORCE PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, THE PARENTS OF 770 CHILDREN WERE PERSUADED TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL OR HAD RETURNED THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL OF THEIR OWN ACCORD, 58 WERE FOUND PLACES IN SCHOOL BY EITHER THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OR AREA STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND 681 WERE OVER-AGED, UNTRACEABLE OR HAVE LEFT HONG KONG.
/THE ACTUAL .....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
2
THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE 6-11 AGE GROUP NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL IS NOT KNOWN. BUT THE 1976 BY-CENSUS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 11,650 CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP WERE NOT ATTENDING SCHOOL. 1,160 WERE BELIEVED TO BE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 3,100 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, 3,490 IN KOWLOON AND 3,900 IN THE FISHING AND WATER-BORNE COMMUNITIES.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED, HOWEVER, THAT SINCE THE BY-CENSUS WAS CONDUCTED DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS, THE STATISTICS MAY EXAGGERATE THE SITUATION.
♦NEVERTHELESS,* MR. TOPLEY SAID, +1 WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL THESE CHILDREN IN SCHOOL. I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO URGE THESE PARENTS TO BE GOOD CITIZENS OF HONG KONG BY SENDING THEIR PRIMARY AGE CHILDREN TO SCHOOL.
+ALL CHILDREN WHO ARE SIX YEARS OLD BY SEPTEMBER SHOULD BE IN PRIMARY 1 AT THE START OF THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.
+CHILDREN IN THE 6-11 AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT ATTENDED SCHOOL SHOULD APPLY FOR ADMISSION NOW.+
NEEDY CHILDREN ARE GIVEN A TEXTBOOK AND STATIONERY GRANT OF $30 A YEAR.
ANY PARENTS WHO ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES IN GAINING ADMISSION FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS OR THE SUB-OFFICES IN HONG KONG KOWLOON, THE ADDRESSES OF WHICH ARE GIVEN IN A LEAFLET BEING DISTRIBUTED AS PART OF THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN.
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, AND, OF COURSE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
APART FROM STATING THAT ONE OF THE AIMS OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN IN THE PRIMARY AGE GROUP ARE IN SCHOOL, THE LEAFLET ALSO GIVES ADVICE TO PARENTS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, THE MESSAGE IN THE LEAFLET WILL BE DRIVEN HOME IN AN ADVERTISEMENT TO BE TELEVISED ON THE CHINESE CHANNELS OF THE TV STATIONS. SLOGANS IN CHINESE WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST BY RADIO STATIONS.
THE STREET THEATRE RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WILL BE-STAGINfr A NUMBER OF SHOWS AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN.
MR. TOPLEY THANKED THE HEADS OF PRIMARY DAY SCHOOLS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE ARRANGEMENT THROUGH WHICH THEY PASS INFORMATION TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGARDING CHILDREN WHO THEY SUSPECT MAY HAVE DISCONTINUED SCHOOLING.
+WITH THEIR HELP, MY STAFF AND OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TRACE MANY OF THE PUPILS AND TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIONS SPEEDILY,* THE DIRECTOR SAID.
/3....
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MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
3
SPECIAL WATER SITUATION REPORT
******
THE P.W.D.’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL PUBLISH SPECIAL WATER SITUATION REPORT EACH DAY GIVING DETAILS OF THE WATER STORAGE POSITION SO AS TO IMPRESS ON CONSUMERS THE NEED TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTE.
I
MR. TOM TOMLINSON, THE P.W.D.’S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, SAID TODAY THE SITUATION REPORTS WOULD BE PUBLISHED EVERY DAY AS FROM TODAY (MONDAY) IN CONJUNCTION WITH WEATHER FORECASTS ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
+THE DAILY REPORT WILL GIVE THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF WATER IN STORE IN ALL RESERVOIRS WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS CORRESPONDING PERIOD SO AS TO KEEP THE GENERAL PUBLIC UP-TO-DATE WITH THE POSITION,+ HE SAID.
+WE HOPE THAT BY PUBLISHING THESE FIGURES PEOPLE WILL BE MADE MORE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND WILL TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO MINIMISE CONSUMPTION,+ HE ADDED.
MR. TOMLINSON SAID THAT AT NINE O’CLOCK THIS MORNING THE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE RESERVOIRS STOOD AT 31,655 MILLION GALLONS WHICH WAS 47 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STORAGE CAPACITY.
THIS COMPARES WITH 43,396 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR WHEN THE RESERVOIRS WERE 64.4 PER CENT FULL.
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ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN TO END THIS WEEK
*****
THE MONTH-LONG ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN WILL END THIS WEEK WITH A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE OPENED IN THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18).
THE ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION IS ONE OF A SERIES HELD ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
KNOWN AS CANCER AWARENESS '77, THE EXHIBITIONS HAVE ATTRACTED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VISITORS SINCE THE CAMPAIGN STARTED EARLY LAST MONTH.
THE EXHIBITION IS DESIGNED FOR THE PUBLIC TO LEARN ALL ABOUT CANCER, THE NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, AND ASSISTED BY.THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF MEDICAL BODIES.
THE EXHIBITION FEATURES FILM SHOWS, SLIDES, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS WHICH AIM TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHAT CANCER IS ALL ABOUT.
ADMISSION TO THE EXHIBITION IS FREE, AND THE ORGANISERS WILL BE ON HAND TO EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE THE VARIOUS ITEMS OF EXHIBITS.
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
4
LEGCO MEETING ON WEDNESDAY M * * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WATER WHEN THE COUNCIL MEETS ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18).
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT FOR A STATEMENT ON THE CONTRIBUTION THE DESALTING PLANT WILL MAKE TO HONG KONG’S WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OVER THE 12 MONTHS ENDING APRIL 30, 1978.
SHE WILL ALSO ASK TO WHAT EXTENT THIS CONTRIBUTION WILL REDUCE THE PROBABILITY OF RESTRICTIONS HAVING TO BE IMPOSED IF RAINFALL DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS IS BELOW AVERAGE.
ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL, THE HON. T.S. LEUNG WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THE EXISTING CONTROLS OVER WATER WASTAGE ADEQUATE AND, IF NOT, WOULD THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER INTRODUCING MORE EFFECTIVE MEASURES.
THE HON. KO SIU-WAH WILL ENQUIRE WHETHER PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS HAS BEEN SATISFACTORY SO FAR.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS CONCERN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HONG KONG PASSPORTS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES. INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, DEMOLITION OF THE CHINA ENGINEERS BUILDING AND THE PRESENT POSITION ON THE PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A PHARMACY COURSE EITHER IN ONE OF THE UNIVERSITIES OR IN THE POLYTECHNIC.
EIGHT BILLS, INCLUDING THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES BILL 1977, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL.
DEBATE WILL BE RESUMED ON TWO BILLS -- THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE INDUSTRIAL AND REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
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MONDAY, MAY 16, 1977
- 5 -
WATER CUT
* K * *
WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PARTS OF YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
ONE OF THE AREAS AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN FUNG CHEUNG STREET AND SAN TIN, AND KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND KO PO, INCLUDING FUNG CHEUNG STREET, HOK SE STREET, YEUNG UK TSUEN, SHEK TONG TSUEN, TUNG SHING LEI, SHA PO TSUEN, WA YAN MO FAN TSUEN, POK WAI. LONG HA, SHEUNG SAN WAI, SAN TIN SAN WAI, WO SHANG WAI, MAI PO SAN TSUEN, TSING LUNG TSUEN, SAN LUNG TSUEN, FAN TIN TSUEN, ON LUNG TSUEN, YAN SHAU WAI, TUNG CHAN WAI AND WING NIN TSUEN.
ALSO AFFECTED IS THE AREA BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD AND MAIN NULLAH, INCLUDING ON HONG ROAD, FUNG NIN ROAD, WAH NING PATH, MA TIN TSUEN, SHU I TSUI LO WAI AND HUNG TSO TIN TSUEN.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OPENING OF FLYOVER AT MID-LEVELS ........................ 1
REPAIR WORK ON TWO HISTORICAL LANDMARKS COMPLETED ... 2
REPORT ON FIRST QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY ............... 3
JORDAN ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY ....................... 4
WATER CUT IN CHAI WAN, YUEN LONG AND PING SHAN AREAS . 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1977
1
OPENING OF FLYOVER AT MID-LEVELS
*****
THE FIRST OF FIVE FLYOVER COMPLEXES DESIGNED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO OVERCOME TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY (MAY 20).
THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ROBINSON ROAD/CASTLE ROAD JUNCTION WHICH ARE NOW COMPLETED WILL ALLOW MOTORISTS TO DRIVE QUICKLY AND EASILY THROUGH A FORMER MAJOR BOTTLENECK.
WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED ON TWO OTHER KEY PARTS OF THE $34 MILLION MID-LEVELS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME, THE GARDEN ROAD ROUND-ABOUT AND THE QUEENSWAY FLYOVER. SHORTLY, TENDERS WILL BE CALLED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLYOVER COMPLEXES AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF ROBINSON ROAD WITH GLENEALY AND ROBINSON ROAD WITH OLD PEAK ROAD.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, MR. C.K. CHOW, SAID TODAY IT IS EXPECTED THAT ALL THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1979.
MR. CHOW SAID:+THE ROBINSON ROAD IMPROVEMENTS ACTUALLY INCORPORATE TWO FLYOVERS, ONE TO TAKE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM CONDUIT ROAD TO ENTER THE EASTBOUND OR WESTBOUND LANES IN ROBINSON ROAD, THE OTHER TO TAKE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC IN ROBINSON ROAD OVER CASTLE ROAD.
+N0 CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PRESENT BUS PRIORITY SYSTEM WEST OF THE JUNCTION, BUT THE STOP FOR EASTBOUND BUSES HAS BEEN MOVED ONTO THE FLYOVER.+
THE GARDEN ROAD ROUND-ABOUT COMPLEX IS THE NEXT SCHEME SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION. IT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELEVATED ROADS LINKING THE NORTH BOUND LANE OF GARDEN ROAD WITH MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, AND ANOTHER CONNECTING THE EASTBOUND LANE OF ROBINSON ROAD WITH MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
THE GARDEN ROAD COMPLEX SHOULD BE READY BY THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
CONSTRUCTION HAS ALSO STARTED ON THE QUEENSWAY FLYOVER IN CENTRAL WHICH WILL RUN FROM GARDEN ROAD OPPOSITE THE HILTON HOTEL TO QUEENSWAY NEAR THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CARPARK.
+THE NEW FLYOVER WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK FOR TRAFFIC FROM GARDEN ROAD TURNING RIGHT INTO QUEENSWAY AND WILL INCORPORATE A NETWORK OF FOOTBRIDGES FOR SAFE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING OVER GARDEN ROAD, QUEENSWAY, MURRAY ROAD AND-COTTON TREE DRIVE,* MR. CHOW SAID.
P.W.D. ROAD PLANNERS EXPECT THE QUEENSWAY FLYOVER TO BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN LATE 1978.
/THE REST
TUESDAY, KAY 17, 1977
- 2 -
THE REST OF THE SCHEME TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
IN MID-LEVELS INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERIES OF ELEVATED ROADS AT THE CRITICAL ROBINSON ROAD JUNCTIONS WITH OLD PEAK ROAD AND GLENEALY, AS WELL AS PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AND WIDENING OF PARTS OF ROBINSON ROAD.
MR. CHOW SAID P.W.D. PLANNERS HAD PAID SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SCHOOL TRAFFIC IN THE AREA AND ADEQUATE SETTING DOWN BAYS AND GRADE SEPARATED CROSSING FACILITIES WOULD BE PROVIDED ALONG WITH U-TURN FACILITIES.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT BOTH THESE PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1979.
• - - - 0 -----
REPAIR WORK ON TWO HISTORICAL LANDMARKS COMPLETED ******
THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT SOK KWU WAN, SOUTH LAMMA, AND THE TUNG CHUNG FORT ON LANTAU ISLAND HAVE BEEN GIVEN A FACELIFT UNDER A GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME TO REPAIR THREE HISTORICAL LANDMARKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
REPAIR WORK ON THE THIRD HISTORICAL LANDMARK, THE HAU WONG TEMPLE AT TUNG CHUNG, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SHORTLY.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, ISLANDS, MR. THOMAS CHAN, SAID THAT A +RE-OPENING+ CEREMONY OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE WOULD BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE TEMPLE IS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD AND RECORDS SHOW THAT IN 1898 IT WAS ONE OF THE FEW STRUCTURES IN WHAT IS NOW THE BUSY FISHING VILLAGE OF SOK KWU WAN.
THE TEMPLE IS USED QUITE EXTENSIVELY AND PARTICULARLY AT THE TIME OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL WHEN A LARGE NUMBER OF JUNKS CONGREGATE IN SOK KWU WAN.
THE TUNG CHUNG FORT, WITH ITS SIX OLD CANNONS POINTING OUT TO SEA, HAS LONG BEEN A HONG KONG ATTRACTION FOR HISTORIANS AND TOURISTS.
IT WAS FIRST BUILT IN 1817 AS A PROTECTION AGAINST THE PIRATES WHO TERRORISED THE COASTLINE AT THAT TIME.
MR. CHAN POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE REPAIR WORK AN ATTEMPT HAD BEEN MADE TO USE AS MUCH ORIGINAL STONES AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE’HISTORY AND ORIGINAL APPEARANCE OF THE FORT COULD BE MAINTAINED.
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/3....
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1977
. 3 -
REPORT ON FIRST QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A REPORT ON THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEYS.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN APRIL. DURING THE SURVEY, SOME 630 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND THEIR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
THE RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE +WEARING APPAREL+ AND +TEXTILES+ INDUSTRIES HAD EXPERIENCED SOME DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES HAD EXPERIENCED FAIR IMPROVEMENT.
FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, SOME UNCERTAINTY EXISTED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, WHILE THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY WERE MORE CONFIDENT OF AN UPTURN. STRONG BUSINESS CONFIDENCE WAS ALSO DISPLAYED BY MOST OTHER ECONOMIC SECTORS.
COMMENTING ON THE SURVEY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DATA, WHICH WERE OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO FACILITATE A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS, HE SAID, THE FIRMS WERE ASKED TO COMPARE THE QUARTER JUST PAST WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND THE FORTHCOMING ONE. THEY SHOULD INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, A CERTAIN ECONOMIC VARIABLE HAD BEEN +UP+, +SAME+ OR +DOWN+.
THE SPOKESMAN THANKED THOSE WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN THE SURVEY, FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS AND STATISTICAL TABLES ON VARIOUS ECONOMIC VARIABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
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A
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1977
. 4 -JORDAN ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY * * * *
MR. D.H. JORDAN HAS TAKEN OVER THE POST OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY DURING THE ABSENCE OF MR. C.P. HADDON-CAVE WHO LEFT HONG KONG LAST WEEKEND ON LEAVE.
MR. HADDON-CAVE IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ABOUT THE Ml DOLE OF JULY.
0
WATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN, YUEN LONG AND PING SHAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MAY 19) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN CHAI WAN, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY BLOCKS 1-15 CHAI WAN ESTATE, SAN HA STREET, TAI PENG VILLAGE, CALTEX PETROL FILLING STATION AND SUN YIP STREET, INCLUDING LITTLE SAI WAN AND CAPE COLLISON CAMP.
IN YUEN LONG, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, MAIN NULLAH, ON NING ROAD, SAI TAI STREET AND KUK TING STREET, INCLUDING TUNG LOK STREET, FOOK TAK STREET, FOOK HONG STREET, SHAU FU STREET AND TAI KIU TSUEN.
IN PING SHAN, THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND PING HA ROAD, INCLUDING PING SHAN SAN TSUEN, KIU TAU WAI, PING SHAN HANG MEI TSUEN, PING SHAN HANG TAU TSUEN, PING SHAN POLICE STATION, TONG HANG TSUEN, FUK LO TSUEN. LAU FAU SHAN, FUNG KONG TSUEN, NGAU HOM TSUEN, SAN HING TSUEN, SHA KWONG WAI TSAI AND SHA KWONG WAI.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPEAL TO PREVENT WATER WASTAGE ........................... 1
WELFARE AGENCIES ENCOURAGED TO SET UP MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES ..................................................... 3
REGULATIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS’ EYES ........................ 5
USE OF PRIVATE CARS MAY BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE ............. 6
FARES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ................................. 7
HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION IN POLYTECHNIC UNDER CONSIDERATION ............................................... 8
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO MR. PRICE ........................ 9
LANDLORDS OF CLOSED BUILDINGS SHOULD ASSIST TENANTS ........ 13
WEATHER BROADCASTING SERVICE ............................. 11
CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED ... 11
GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN CONSTANT DIALOGUE .. 12
MARTIAL ARTS FORM PART OF GOVERNMENT RECREATIONAL PROGRAMME .................................................. 12
EPCOM SUB-COMMITTEE MEMBERS LOOK AT STREAM POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN N.T............................................. 13
BILLS PASSED ............................................... 14
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AREA ................................ 14
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
..BDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1977
APPEAL TC PREVENT WATER WASTAGE * > > r W >
iHE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENLISTING THE AID OF A ..IDE RANGE OF CIVIC A.<D GOVERNMENT BODIES IN A + GF,ASS—R0CT5+ APPEAL TO PREVENT aATER .-.ASTAGE, AS THE THREAT OF RESTRICTIONS GREa VCRE IMMINENT.
HE SAID SUCH BODIES CCU-D MAKE AN IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ..ATE.- CONSERVATION EFFORT BY DIRECT CONTACTS ,. I TH A >. IDE -ANGE OF PEOPLE.
MR. MCDONALD EMPHASISED THE l"=ORTA\T ROLE OF THESE BODIES IN THE +SAVE WATER+ EFFORT .-.HILE REPLYING TC QUESTIONS BY TriE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING DURING THIS AFTERNOON’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEET I NG.
'•i.R. LEvNG HAL ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT EXISTING CONTROLS OVER WATER WASTAGE TO EE NOT, IF IT aOULD CONSIDER INTRODUCING MORE
CONSIDERED THE
ADEQUATE, AND IF EFFECTIVE. ASL'F.ES.
I
MR. MCDONALD SAID THE CONTROL OF wA$TE IL TnE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ITSELF ,vAS THE RESPONSIEILITY OF THE P.^.D.’S .»AT-ft .-.wftKS .vASTE DETECTION UNIT, a’HICH CONDUCTED programmed tests through :t TriE ..HOLE SYSTEM "L DETECT LEAKAGE. r.E SAIL THESE MEASURES ..ERE CONSIDERED TC BE ADEQUATE.
HOWEVER, THE CONTROL OF aASTAGE ARISING FROM CARELESS uSE OR MISUSE OF /.ATER BY THE PUBLIC a AS PRIMARILY A MATTER OF EDUCATION.
+ AS SUCH, .VASTAGE IS VERY MUCH IL THE CONSUMERS’ HALL'S,* HE SAID.
LAST a'EEK THE P.... L. ’ S DIRECTOR OF /.ATER SUPPLIES HAD SOUGHT THE HELP 0" THE L'EaS MEDIA IL LRGIiLG THE PUBLIC TO CONSERVE a’ATER, ALL IN INDICATING EVERYDAY MEALS BY /.hICH CONSUMPTION COULD EE REDUCED.
A FURTHER EFFORT ..AS i-:0.. GE ING ’MADE TO ATTACK THE -RUBLE' AT THE GRASS—ROOTS ~£VEL .» IT> THE EL- OF VARIOUS CIVIC ALL GOVERNMENT EODIES.
+A-3 ?. CACHES -AVE BEE’. ADE TC KAIFCLGS, ’•’UTU.-_ A.'L CC’VM ITTEEo AND VII_AGE REPRESELTATI,ES, ^S . hS GO v E- i ~
BODIES S^CH AS THE HOUSING AND HC’-’E A“r~l-’o LERA-T/E .TS, ENLISTING THEIF AID ”C BETA IN VOLUL’APY C-OPErATICL I' A/D IL I NG ..ASTAGE,* HE SAIL,
*AS -AR AS EL7'-CE'E.“ IS CZ'GE-LE:, AC’ICL ..ILL EE TA-.E . AGAINST CFFENDERS U\LE’ "HE --£»(£'. . B- Th£ ATE.-aCRKo ORDINANCE.
EDNZSDAX, XAY 18, 1977
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♦ THE STAFF OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ALERTED TC THE NEED FOR VIGILANCE, AND THE PUBLIC’S ASSISTANCE HAS ALSO BEEN REQUESTED IN ERINGING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S NOTICE ANY INSTANCES OF WASTAGE.*
MR. MCDONALD SAID THE PROSECUTION UNIT’S ACTIVITIES HAD INCREASED LATELY AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT SECONDMENT TO IT OF ADDITIONAL STAFF.
+FOR THE PRESENT,* HE SAID, +THESE CONTROLS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ADEQUATE -- ALTHOUGH THEY ARE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REV IE.-..*
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ASKED BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUE THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, MR. MCDONALD TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE OPERATIONS OF THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER WOULD HALVE THE SEVERITY OF POSSIBLE WATER RESTRICTIONS DURING THE NEXT DRY SEASON.
HE SAID THAT IF RAINFALL DURING THE SUMMER aAS NINE PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE — AS FORECAST BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY — SUPPLY WOULD BE LIMITED TO ABOUT 16 HOURS A DAY THROUGHOUT THE DRY SEASON.
+WITH0UT THE DESALTER CONTRIBUTION, RESTRICTIONS DURING THE DRY SEASON WOULD BE MORE SEVERE, «ITH SUPPLY BEING REDUCED TO ABOUT EIGHT HOURS PER DAY,* HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING APRIL 33, 1973 THE DESALTER COULD CONTRIBUTE 10,730 MILLION GALLONS TO HONG KONG’S OVERALL z.ATER RESOURCES.
IN REPLY TO A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION ABOUT FUTURE PLANS FOR INCREASING THE CAPACITY GF THE DESALTER, MR. MCDONALD SAIDt +IN DUE COURSE THE INTENTION WOULD EE TO INCREASE THE PRESENT DESALTER UNIT FROM A 40 '’ILL ION GALLON PER DAY OUTPUT TO A 63 MILLION GALLON PER DAY OUTPUT.*
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
WELFARE AGENCIES ENCOURAGED TO SET UP MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES *****
„ HAS N0T EEEN T0° SATISFACTORY IN THE REGISTRATION
CP/R'VATc CHILD CARE CENTRES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS Lxc, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN Rc’LY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. KO SIU-WAH ABOUT THE PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS, e'r. LEE SAID: +OUT OF THE °O SUCH CENTRES WHICH HAVE APPLIED FCR REGISTRATION, ONLY 33 OF THEM ..ILL EE ABLE TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH. THIRTY-ONE CENTRES BEING GROSSLY UNSUITABLE AND BASICALLY UNREG ISTRABLE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO CLOSE.
+THE OTHERS ARE STILL MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR PREMISES TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE.*
MR. LEE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT AS FAR AS CHILD CARE CENTRES RUN BY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS WERE CONCERNED, PROGRESS HAD BEEN SATISFACTORY.
ALL THE 100 CHILD CARE CENTRES IN THIS CATEGORY HAD APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE, HE SAID. IT WAS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 81 WOULD HAVE COMPLETED REGISTRATION BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
+THE OTHERS ARE ACTIVELY MAKING ALTERATIONS TO THEIR PREMISES WITH FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTS,+ HE ADDED.
ANSWERING ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MISS KO CONCERNING THE PROBLEMS OF CHILDREN BEING DISPLACED BY THE CLOSURE OF SUBSTANDARD NURSERIES, THE DIRECTOR ASSURED THAT +WHEN WE TAKE ACTION AGAINST ANY OF THE CENTRES WHICH MUST BE CLOSED DOWN, OUR SOCIAL WORKERS WILL LOOK INTO THE INDIVIDUAL CASES OF CHILDREN INVOLVED AND DISCUSS WITH THE PARENTS ABOUT THE NEED FOR PLACEMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.*
+IN CASES WHERE NO SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT CAN BE MADE BY THEIR PARENTS AND WHERE A CHILD IS IN NEED OF CARE OR PROTECTION, TEMPORARY INSTITUTIONAL CARE WILL BE PROVIDED,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE DISCLOSED THAT DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WELFARE AGENCIES WOULD BE SETTING UP NEW NURSERIES WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE LOTTERIES FUND AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO PROVIDE 1,100 NEW PLACES, ’-'AKI NG A TOTAL OF 11,000 PLACES PROVIDING CHILD CARE SERVICE.
IN ADDITION, WELFARE AGENCIES ..ERE BEING ENCOURAGED TO SET UF MORE CENTRES AS PREMISES IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES BECOME AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY
18, 1977
4 .
+ THIS WILL TO SOME EXTENT MEET THE DEMAND FOR SERVICE CREATED BY THE CLOSURE OF THE UNREG ISTRAELE CENTRES, WHICH ARE USUALLY RATHER SMALL CENTRES, EACH CATERING FOR AN AVERAGE 'OF 10 CHILDREN,* MR. LEE SAID.
+1 FURTHER UNDERSTAND FROM THE CHILD CARE CENTRE INSPECTORATE THAT MANY PARENTS, INSTEAD OF SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SUB-STANDARD NURSERIES, ARE NOW USING KINDERGARTENS OR THE SERVICES OF CHILD-MINDERS AND BABY-SITTERS. ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS WILL HELP TO EASE THE DEMAND CREATED BY THE CLOSURE OF THE UNREG ISTRABLE CHILD CARE CENTRES.*
IN THE MEANTIME, MR. LEE SAID HE HAD DISCUSSION WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE ON A PROF '.AL TO INVITE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO ESTABLISH NON-PROF ” MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING NURSERIES IN BOTH PRIVATE AND 'UBLIC BUILDINGS TO CATER FOR CHILDREN OF WORKING MOTHERS WHO A E ABLE AND WILLING TO PAY AN ECONOMIC FEE FOR THE SERVICE.
+ALTHOUGH NO SUBVENTION SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR SUCH NURSERIES, CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO ASSIST THESE PROJECTS WITH GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TOWARDS THEIR INITIAL CAPITAL OUTLAV N THE GROUND THAT wHILE NO SUBSIDY ON RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS JUSTIFIED, THERE IS A SOCIAL REASON FOR US TO ASSIST IN THE . TTING UP OF A GOOD CHILD CARE SERVICE FOR WORKING MOTHERS,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
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REGULATIONS;'fc PROTECT WORKERS’ EYES * •* *****
EMPLOYERS IN FUTURE WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SUITABLE PROTECTION FOR THE EYES OF WORKERS IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES UNDER NEW REGULATIONS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE NEW LAW, WHICH CARRIES WITH IT A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 FOR AN EMPLOYER AND $2,000 FOR AN EMPLOYEE FOR ANY BREACHES, REQUIRES EMPLOYERS TO KEEP PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN GOOD CONDITION AND WORKERS TO REPORT ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR DEFECT OF THE EQUIPMENT.
BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED IS PROPERLY AND FULLY USED.
IN MOVING THE MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE NEW LEGISLATION — THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EYES) REGULATIONS 1977 — THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE SAID THAT ACCIDENTS TO EYES WERE ALL TOO FREQUENT, AND IN RECENT YEARS THE NUMBER OF WORKERS WHO HAD RECEIVED EYE INJURIES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT HAD RISEN ANNUALLY BY ABOUT 12 PER CENT FROM 600 IN 1973 TO 836 IN 1976.
SAID MR. PRICE: +FORTUNATELY NONE OF THESE WERE FATAL.
+HOWEVER, ANY EYE INJURY, EVEN A TRIVIAL ONE, IS HIGHLY UNPLEASANT, AND SEVERE INJURY TO BOTH EYES CAN RESULT IN A 100 PER CENT LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.
+IT WAS WITH THESE FACTORS IN MIND THAT I DECIDED TO MAKE THESE REGULATIONS TC REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE SUITABLE PROTECTION FOR THE EYES OF WORKERS IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES KNOWN TO BE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS TO THE EYES,+ HE SAID.
MR. PRICE ADDED THAT APPROVED SPECIFICATIONS FOR EYE PROTECTORS, EYE SHIELDS AND FIXED SHIELDS WILL SOON EE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THESE SPEC IFI CAT IONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT 90 DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION.
IN SUPPORTING THE MOTION, THE HON. JAMES W'U FELT THAT THE MESSAGE OF THE REGULATIONS SHOULD EE BROUGHT TC THE SHOP-FLOOR FOR THE CONSTANT ATTENTION AND REMINDER OF BOTH THE MANAGEMENT AND IN PARTICULAR, THE WORKERS, BY THE USE OF COLOURFUL POSTERS.
HE SAID EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT ALL TOO OFTEN, WORKERS DID NOT BOTHER TO USE OR WEAR PROTECTIVE GEARS BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT ACCUSTOMED TC THEM, THEREBY RESULTING IN TRAGIC ACCIDENTS THAT COULD NEVER BE REMEDIED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
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USE OF PRIVATE CARS MAY BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE *****
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. PETER LEEDS. SAID TODAY THAT THE PRIVATE CAR WOULD REMAIN PART OF THE TRANPORT SYSTEM, AS IT WAS IN MANY CASES A NECESSARY MEANS OF TRANSPORT.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST IN THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL, MR. LEEDS SAID THAT AT PRESENT PRIVATE CARS TOOK UP ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE ROAD SPACE AND THE PROJECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE WERE BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT THIS ALLOCATION WOULD REMAIN ABOUT THE SAME.
HE SAID THAT IN CUR CONGESTED CONDITIONS THIS WAS NOT A BAD SHARE, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD EE NECESSARY TO REGULATE THE USE OF THE ROADS MUCH MORE THAN HAD BEEN NECESSARY IN THE PAST.
+IT IS A STRAIGHT FORWARD ECONOMIC QUESTION OF MAKING THE BEST USE OF A COMMODITY WHICH IS IN SHORT SUPPLY,+ HE SAID.
MR. LEEDS POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST TEN YEARS THE NUMBER Or VEHICLES HAD INCREASED EY 93 PER CENT WHILE THE ROAD MILEAGE HAD GONE UP BY ABOUT 15 PER CENT.
HE SAID THAT WITHIN THE MAIN URBAN AREA THE OPPORTUNITY FOR INCREASING THE CAPACITY OF THE ROADS, EXCEPT aHERE RECLAMATION FRO?-THE SEA WAS POSSIBLE, WAS OBVIOUSLY LIMITED UNLESS THE COMMUNITY wAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT WHOLESALE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY TO '-AKE /.AY FOR NEW ROADS, AND THIS SEEMED HIGHLY UNLIKELY NOR DESIRABLE.
IMPROVEMENTS rtOULD OF COURSE BE MADE, AND HE SAID THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAD AN IMPRESSIVE PROGRAMME BUT THE BASIC FACT REMAINED THAT WITHOUT RESTRAINT THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES aOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE FASTER THAN THE ROAD CAPACITY.
MR. LEEDS SOUNDED A NOTE OF WARNING SAYING THAT WHILE PRIVATE MOTORING WOULD REMAIN IT WOULD BECOME MORE RESTRICTIVE AS TO WHERE AND WHEN VEHICLES MAY BE USED AND IT WAS LIKELY TO BECOME MORx EXPENSIVE.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
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FARES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTROLLING THE FARES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, BUT IT HAS DECIDED AGAINST DOING SO ON THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. JONES SAID THAT PUBLIC LIGHT EUSES WERE A NON-FRANCHISED FORM. OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
+ THEY COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER AND I MIGHT ADD ALSO WITH LARGE BUSES, AND ARE PERMITTED TO VARY THEIR ROUTES AND FREQUENCIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ESTIMATE OF THE DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES,* HE ADDED.
TO CONTROL FARES, MR. JONES SAID, WOULD, IN EFFECT, MEAN DENYING THE COMPETITIVE NATURE OF THIS FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WITH ITS FLEXIBLE ROUTES AND WITH PASSENGERS BEING GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF BEING PICKED UP OR SET DOWN AT ANY POINT.
+ THE FACT IS THAT COMPETITION AMONG PLB’S IS NORMALLY SUFFICIENT TO ENSURE A REASONABLE UNIFORMITY OF FARES,* HE SAID. +IT IS ONLY IN PERIODS OF VERY HIGH DEMAND THAT FARE LEVELS CAN BE PUSHED HIGHER.*
MR. JONES EXPLAINED THAT WHAT THIS AMOUNTED TO WAS NO MORE THAN THE OPERATION OF NORMAL MARKET FORCES AND, IN THAT RESPECT, WAS NO DIFFERENT FROM THE FIXING OF THE PRICES OF VEGETABLES OR FISH.
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DEVISE A SCHEME FOR CONTROLLING THE FARES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME RETAINING THE FLEXIBLE NATURE OF THEIR OPERATIONS.
+GIVEK THE NATURE OF THE BUSINESS, IT WOULD NOT BE DIFFICULT TO DEVISE MEANS TO CIRCUMVENT ANY CONTROLS AND THEY WOULD THEREFORE NOT BE EASILY ENFORCEABLE,* HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
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HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION IN POLYTECHNIC UNDER CONSIDERATION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE POLYTECHNIC THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION •wITHIN THE POLYTECHNIC TO PROVIDE PARA-MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO IN REPLY TO A QUESTION EY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. HO SAID WITH THIS IN VIEW THE POLYTECHNIC HAD COMMENCED RECRUITMENT OF A SUITABLE EXPERT TO PLAN THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A NEW HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION.
+THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IS ALSO WORKING ON OUR REQUIREMENT FOR PHARMACISTS OVER THE NEXT 13 YEARS.+
HOWEVER, HE ADbED: +GCVERNMENT INTENDS TO SEEK THE VIEWS
OF THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THOSE OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ON THE BEST wAY OF MEETING THIS REQUIREMENT BEFORE COMING TO ANY FINAL DECISION IK THE MATTER.*
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WEDNESDAY, HAY 18, 1977
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GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO MR. PRICE
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON PAID TRIEUTE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE WHO WILL RETIRE SHORTLY AFTER 12 YEARS SERVICE aITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
SPEAKING IK THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT MR. PRICE’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ADVANCING LABOUR LEGISLATION AND IMPROVING THE WELFARE OF THE LABOUR FORCE HAD BEEN SO GREAT THAT A SHORT SPEECH COULD NOT POSSIBLY COMPRISE AN ADEQUATE TRIBUTE.
+ <>HETHER THE FIELD IS INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OR LABOUR RELATIONS, MR. PRICE HAS MADE A DECISIVE PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION, AND WILL LEAVE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE THAN HE FOUND IT,+ HE SAID.
+THESE WIDE-RANGING AND CAREFULLY THOUGHT-OUT REFORMS THAT HE HAS INTRODUCED COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT HIS EXPERT KNOWLEDGE, QUIET DETERMINATION AND COMPLETE DEDICATION.*
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, DR. THE HON.
S. Y. CHUNG ALSO PRAISED MR. PRICE FOR THE +VALUABLE+ CONTRIBUTIONS HE HAD GIVEN IN BRINGING ABOUT +SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ALMOST TWO MILLION WAGE AND SALARY EARNERS
OF THIS COMMUNITY.*
DR. CHUNG SAID THAT WHEN MR. PRICE CAME TO HONG KONG FROM MALAYSIA IN 1965, HE BROUGHT WITH HIM A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IK THE SPECIALIST FIELD OF WORKMEN’S WELFARE AND EEMEFITS.
+HIS EXPERTISE IN THIS FIELD WAS PARTICULARLY USEFUL TO US IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS WHEN MUCH EMPHASIS HAS BEEK PUT IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF OUR LABOUR LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.
+DURING THESE MANY YEARS HE HAS HELPED TO FORMULATE AND IMPLEMENT WHAT I THINK MAY REASONABLY BE DESCRIBED AS FAIR EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES .
+IF SOME OF THESE LEGISLATION NAY NOT HAVE BEEN UNIVERSALLY WELL RECEIVED CUTSIDE THIS COUNCIL, THIS IS UNDERSTANDABLE, AS LABOUR LEGISLATION BY ITS NATURE IS CONTROVERSIAL.*
DR. CHUNG ALSO CREDITED The CORT I S31 ONER FOR +A GREAT VOLUME OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, a I TH THE LAUDABLE AIM OF ENSURING THAT THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT br UR-WORK FORCE, PARTICULARLY THE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS, ARE MADE "TH ADEQUATE AND REASONABLY SAFE.*
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
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LANDLORDS OF CLOSED BUILDINGS SHOULD ASSIST TENANTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFERED TO TENANTS AND WORKERS AFFECTED ENGINEERS BUILDING IN KWUN TONG THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID TODAY
VARIOUS KINDS OF ASSISTANCE
by the Closure of the china
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT,
REPLYING TO A QUESTION .BY DR. THE HON. HENRY HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD QUITE PROPERLY CONFINED ITS ASSISTANCE TO ADVISING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF OTHER INDUSTRIAL PREMISES IN THE EAST KOWLOON AREA, OFFERING MEDIATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AND PROVIDING ADVICE REGARDING ALTERNATIVE JOES TO THOSE WORKERS WISHING TO SEEK THEM.
HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY SAID THAT WHEN A DANGEROUS INDUSTRIAL BUILDING HAD TO EE CLOSED, THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ASSISTING TENANTS MUST LIE WITH THE LANDLORD.
+ THIS IS BECAUSE THE BUILDING IS O.vNED BY HIM AND HE HAS CONTRACTED TO ACCOMMODATE THE TENANTS IN IT IN RETURN FOR ThEIR PAYMENT OF RENT.
+S0, IN THIS SORT OF CASE, THE GOVERNMENT’S CHIEF CONCERN MUST BE TO SEE THAT THE LANDLORD FULFILS HIS RESPONS I B IL I T IES TO HIS TENANTS,+ HE SAID.
IT WAS NOT RIGHT, MR. JONES SAID, THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RELIEVE HIM OF THESE RESPONSIEILITIES, AT THE EXPENSE OF THE TAXPAYERS, AND, BY SC DOING, TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO EVADE SIMILAR RESPONSIBILITIES IN TrE FUTURE.
HE ADDED THAT IK THE CASE OF THE CLOSURE OF THE CHINA ENGINEERS BUILDING, THE LANDLORD HAD OFFERED ALL THE DISPLACED TENANTS ASSISTANCE IN REMOVING THEIR FACTORY EQUIPMENT AND IN PROVIDING TEMPORARY STORAGE FOR SUCH EQUIPMENT.
+HE HAS ALSO ASSISTED 7HE TENANTS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION TO ENABLE THEM TO RESTART THEIR OPERATIONS,* MR. JONES SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
WEATHER EROADCASTING SERVICE * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL CESERVATCRY .-.ILL EE CONDUCTING TEST BROADCASTS TC DETERMINE THE TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY OF A SEPARATE AND CONTINUOUS BROADCAST OF TIME SIGNALS AND WEATHER INFORMATION AIMED AT INTRODUCING AN EXPERIMENTAL WEATHER EROADCASTING SERVICE LATER THIS YEAR.
TH Io WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION EY THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. CHEUNG HAD ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER ESTABLISHING A CONTINUOUS SERVICE BROADCASTING ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS LANDSLIDES, FIRES AND OTHER ACTUAL OR IMPENDING DANGERS, ROAD CONDITIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION CF WHICH TIMELY DISSEMINATION IS ESSENTIAL.
MR. LI SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO SAY NOW aHETHER THIS SERVICE SHOULD BECOME PERMANENT OR COVER THE SCOPE ENVISAGED EY MR. CHEUNG UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TC ASSESS WHETHER THIS EXPERIMENTAL SERVICE WOULD ATTRACT SIGNIFICANT AUDIENCES AND WHETHER IT MIGHT DUPLICATE SOME OF THE SERVICES NOW PROVIDED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
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CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED
*****
ACTION BY THE POLICE AND BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAS RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE AMOUNT OF CRIME COMMITTED IN HOUSING ESTATES AND PLAYGROUNDS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. KC SIJ-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES I THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 2,353 COMPARED WITH A QUARTERLY AVERAGE CF 3,190 FOR 1976. A 26 'ER CENT DROP.
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS IMPROVEMENT TC THE PROVISION OF 20 NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNITS AND 33 REPORTING CENTRES IN ESTATES.
MR. DAVIES ADMITTED, HOWEVER, T.-.AT CRIME IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PLAYGROUNDS IN THOSE AREAS HAD NOT BEEN SUFFICIENTLY CONTAINED.
■ +CRIME WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED TC BE SUFFICIENTLY CONTAINED IN AN AREA WHEN IT HAS BEEN ERADICATED,* HE ADDED.
REPLYING T3 ANOTHER QUESTION ABOUT FURTHER STRENGTHENING' THE POLICE PRESENCE IN HOUSING ESTATES, NF. DAVIES REITERATED THAT + IT IS NECESSARY TO CONCENTRATE DUR EFFORTS ON THE AREAS OF GREATEST NEED.*
DNESDAY, MAY 18, 1977
GOVT. AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN CONSTANT DIALOGUE * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL ..ELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSTANTLY IN DIALOGUE WI TH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN ALL AREAS OF SOCIAL WELFARE, INCLUDING SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPONSOR, OR SUPPORT THE SPONSORING OF A SEMINAR ON YOUTH SERVICES DURING 1977-73 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A MORE COHERENT, MORE MEANINGFUL AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE DIALOGUE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH ARE ACTIVE IN PROVIDING DEVELOPMENTAL, REHABILITATION AND PREVENTIVE SOCIAL SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
+THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE REGULARLY ORGANISES SEMINARS ON SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS WHICH ARE OF CONCERN TO THE COMMUNITY,+ MR. LEE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATES IN SUCH SEMINARS BY PROVIDING PAPERS AND SPEAKERS AND EY MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS TO DISCUSSIONS. IF THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES PROPOSES TO HOLD A SEMINAR ON SERVICES FOR YOUNG °EOPLE, GOVERNMENT WILL NO DOUBT SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE IN THE USUAL MANNER.+
- - 0
MARTIAL ARTS
PART OF GOVT. RECREATIONAL PROGRAMME
******
MARTIAL ARTS ALREADY FORM PART OF THE PROGRAMME IN THE GOVERNMENT’S PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND SPORT AND, OF THE YOUTH ACTIVITIES RUN IN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH CENTRES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+TAI KIK (TAI CHI), WHICH IS THE MOST COMMON AND POPULAR FORM OF MARTIAL ARTS PRACTISED IN HONG KONG, IS AMONG THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED AND PROMOTED EY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION EY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER HAD ASKED: +.. ILL GOVERNMENT TAKE STEPS TO INCLUDE GENUINE MARTIAL ARTS ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE BROAD FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURE?*
IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, MR. LI REVEALED, A TOTAL OF 143 TAI. CHI CLASSES WERE ORGANISED .. I TH OVER 25,300 PARTICIPANTS. THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAD RECENTLY EXTENDED ITS ACTIVITIES TO OTHER FORMS OF MARTIAL ARTS AND SINCE DECEMBER 1976, 11 COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED WITH OVER 533 -ART IC I PANTS.
FURTHERMORE, THERE ARE NO.. OVER 27 ARTIAL ARTS CLASSES BEING RUN IN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH CE .TRES BY THE SOCIAL aELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH OVER 503 PARTICIPANTS.
WEDNESDAY, YAY 18, 1977
EPCOY SUB-COMMITTE
MEMBERS
LOOK AT STREAM POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN N.T
*****
MEMBERS OF THE WATER AND LAND POLLUTION SUB-COMM ITTEE OF EPCCK LED BY THEIR CHAIRMAN. MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, WENT TO SHEUNG SHU I AND TA KWU LING THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO LOOK AT STREAM POLLUTION PROBLEMS AND SOME OF THE WORK BEING DONE TO ALLEVIATE THEM.
AFTER A SHORT BRIEFING BY THE TAI PC DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY, THE PARTY MADE* THEIR FIRST STOP AT THE VACATED
TANNERY SITES BY THE RIVER SUTLEJ IN SHEUNG SHU I.
THE TANNERY STRUCTURES THERE HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND THE
GROUND HAS BEEN LEVELLED AND COVERED BY A LAYER OF SOIL. THE RIVER ITSELF, PREVIOUSLY HEAVILY POLLUTED BY TANNERY WASTE, HAS BEEN GIVEN A. THOROUGH CLEAN-UP BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THERE IS HARDLY ANY BAD SMELL, ALTHOUGH IT STILL HAS A PROBLEM FROM PIG WASTE.
PLANS ARE IN HANE TO TURN THE CLEARED LAND, wH I CH IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEAR COMMUNITY AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES, INTO PUBLIC HOUSING SITES.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE MOVED ON NEXT TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S PIG BREEDING CENTRE IN TA KWU LING WHERE THE DEPARTMENT IS TRYING OUT DIFFERENT METHODS OF DISPOSING RIG WASTE AND MAKING USE OF IT AS FERTILISER.
ONE COMMON METHOD IS TO COLLECT THE PIG WASTE IN A BUNKER-LIKE SUMP TO LET IT MATURE AND TURN INTO MANURE.
PIG BREEDERS, PART ICULARLY* THOSE WHO ARE ABOUT TO LAY CUT THEIR FARMS, ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE THESE BUNKERS AND NOT TO LET THEIR PIG WASTE DISCHARGE INTO STREAM COURSES.
ANOTHER METHOD BEING TRIED OUT IS A SIMPLE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM CONSTRUCTED INEXPENSIVELY AND MORE SUITABLE FOR BIGGER PIG FARMS.
AFTER LEAVING THE BREEDING CENTRE, THE PARTY MADE A FINAL INSPECTION OF PART OF THE STREAM COURSE OF THE RIVER INDUS wHERE THE WATER IS HEAVILY CONTAMINATED BY ANOTHER POLLUTING SOURCE- — DYEING WORKS SET UP BY THE RIVER’S BANK.
THE USD IS ABOUT TO LAUNCH A TWO TO THREE MONTHS CLEAN-UP PROGRAMME TO RESCUE THE RIVER AND EXPECTS TO REMOVE SOME 40,033 BASKETS OF SOLID WASTE FROM THE RIVER COURSE.
THE EPCOM SUB-COMMITTEE .•.ERE ACCOMPANIED ON THEIR VISIT THIS MORNING BY OFFICIALS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT’S ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. THEY WERE LATER JOINED BY THE USD DEPUTY DIRECTOR (N.T.), MR. H.S. GREwAL AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR. C.T. WONG.
0 - -
*>EDNxSDAY, MAY 18, 1977
THE
THE
BILLS PASSED * * * *
L^G%^lnv-?^n^'l|THT^-C?rTJ-I’^3TAGE AND THIRD READING in isLkT I Vc COUNCIL Tnlo AFTERNOON.
THEY WERE THE LEGAL PRACTITIONERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1077 i\-> INDUSTRIAL AND REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977. “
0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
OFF
WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PARTS OF YUEN LONG WILL EE TURNED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) TO ALLOW WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS THER-
ArFxCTED ARE THOSE PREMISES IN TAI TONG ROAD MAIN NULLAH, A.mD TAI TONG ROAD, INCLUDING TIN lL TSUEN, MUK KIU TAU TSUEN sHUI TSUI LO WAI, HUNG TSO TIN TSUEN, SHU I TSUI SAN TSUEN NAN. HANG, TAI TONG TSUEN AND PAK SHA TSUEN.
ALsO AFFECTED 7, ILL BE THOSE PREMISES IN ON NING ROAD, AN MAIN NULLAH, INCLUDING TAI KIU ROAD, WANG CHAU ROAD, YCUNG UK SAN TSUEN, WANG CHAU, YEUNG UK TSUEN, LAY UK TSUEN, TUNG TAU TSUEN AND FUK HING TSUEN.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE NEW 5O-CENT COIN IN AUGUST . 1
LITTER SQUADS IN ACTION .............................. 2
ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX NEARING COMPLETION .. 3
ABERDEEN TUNNEL EARTH BREAKING CEREMONY .............. 4
EUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU ............... 4
WIDENING OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD .... 5
PUBLIC FILM CENSORSHIP ADVISORY GROUP SUPPORTS CURRENT
FILM CENSORSHIP DECISIONS ............................ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ............................................ 8
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AREA .......................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE NEW 5O-CENT COIN IN AUGUST
* * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE PRESENT CUPRO-NICKEL 5O-CENT COIN WILL BEGIN TO DISAPPEAR FROM USE AS FROM AUGUST WHEN A NEW SMALLER AND LIGHTER COIN WILL BE ISSUED TO REPLACE IT.
THE NEW COIN, WHICH IS CIRCULAR, BRASS.
IS BEING MINTED IN NICKEL-
THE DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS OF THE NEW COIN WERE ADOPTED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1973 COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE ROYAL MINT IN LONDON - ONE OF THE WORLD’S FOREMOST AUTHORITIES ON THE DESIGN OF COINAGE SYSTEMS.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW AND EXISTING 50-CENT COINS ARE:
NEW EX 1ST 1 NG
DIAMETER 22.5 MM 23.6 MM
THICKNESS 1.72 MM 1.78 MM
WE IGHT 4.92 GRMS 5.83 GRMS
EDGE MILLED MILLED
ALLOY NICKEL-BRASS CUPRO-NICKEL
THE PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN ON THE OBVERSE OF THE COIN WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THAT ON THE NEW $5, $2 AND 20-CENT COINS INTRODUCED IN 1975 AND 1976. THIS IS DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE APPEARING ON 1O-CENT AND FIVE-CENT COINS AT PRESENT IN CIRCULATION AND WILL ASSIST IDENTIFICATION.
NEXT YEAR A NEW $1 COIN WILL BE ISSUED. IT WILL BE CIRCULAR, SMALLER AND LIGHTER THAN THE COIN AT PRESENT IN CIRCULATION AND WILL BEAR THE NEW PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN BUT OTHERWISE WILL BE SIMILAR IN APPEARANCE TO THE PRESENT COIN.
REDESIGN AND REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT 10-CENT COIN IS CURRENTLY UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION BUT NO DATE HAS YET BEEN SET FOR ITS INTRODUCTION.
THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1973 TO EXAMINE HONG KONG’S COINAGE, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF INCREASING DEMAND FOR COINS AND RISING MINTING AND STORAGE COSTS BUT ALSO BECAUSE OF MOUNTING CRITICISM THAT COINS IN USE WERE TOO HEAVY AND CUMBERSOME.
/2....
1
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
2 -
LITTER SQUADS IN ACTION
******
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS TAKEN TO ENFORCE EXISTING LITTER LAWS IN A FURTHER THE PUBLIC TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.
NEW MEASURES
BID TO ENCOURAGE
SINCE MID-MARCH, USD STAFF HAVE BEEN ENGAGED OF +BLITZ+ OPERATIONS.
IN A SERIES
SPECIAL SQUADS, EACH COMPRISING TWO OR THREE MEMBERS, HAVE BEEN SENT TO BLACKSPOTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN AN EFFORT TO CRACK DOWN ON OFFENDERS.
UNLIKE PREVIOUS ANTI-LITTER DRIVES, MORE THAN ONE SQUAD IS TAKING PART IN ANY ONE OF THE BLITZ OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO RAM HOME THEIR PRESENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE UNIFORMED LITTER WARDENS ARE EQUIPPED WITH WALKIE-TALKIE RADIOS TO ENABLE THEM TO REACH BLACKSPOTS QUICKLY.
SUMMONSES ARE BEING ISSUED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND NOTICES ARE BEING SERVED ON SHOP OWNERS IF THEY ARE FOUND LITTERING THE STREETS.
THE USD HAS BEEN VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE LITTER PROBLEM AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THESE BLITZ TACTICS WILL PRODUCE A STRONGER DETERRENT EFFECT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A SITE VISIT IN THE HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN AREAS TO SEE HOW THESE BLITZ SQUADS OPERATE HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR TOMORROW (FRIDAY). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MANDARIN THEATRE AT MA TAU WEI AT 9.30 A.M. USD OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ANY INQUIRIES AND GIVE ANY ASSISTANCE WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED.
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/3
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
- 3 -
ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX NEARING COMPLETION ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION OF THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC SHORTLY.
THE $11 MILLION COMPLEX WAS BUILT BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL WITH MOST OF THE COST BEING MET BY AN ANONYMOUS DONATION OF $10 MILLION.
THE COMPLEX HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO OLYMPIC STANDARDS AND WILL BE SUITABLE FOR STAGING INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING COMPETITIONS.
IN ADDITION, SPECIAL FACILITIES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED INCLUDING SLOPING RAMPS TO ENSURE THEIR EASY ACCESS TO THE SWIMMING POOLS.
THE COMPLEX HAS TWO MAIN POOLS, EACH 50 METRES IN LENGTH, TWO SMALLER POOLS OF 12 METRES BY 18 METRES, A DIVING POOL, A TRAINING POOL AND A PADDLING POOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE COMPLEX IS THE HEATING INSTALLED IN ONE OF THE MAIN POOLS TO ALLOW AROUND-THE-YEAR SWIMMING.
A SPECTATOR STAND FOR EIGHT HUNDRED PEOPLE AS WELL AS CHANGING ROOMS AND STAFF QUARTERS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
THERE IS ALSO COVERED PARKING SPACE FOR FORTY CARS.
THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE HAS CONSTRUCTED A NEW ROAD TO PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS FROM SHAM WAN ROAD TO THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
WELFARE ROAD, WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE COMPLEX, HAS BEEN WIDENED TO FURTHER FACILITATE THE MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE POOLS.
FOOTPATHS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THESE ROADS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PEDESTRIANS.
-------0---------- A
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
ABERDEEN TUNNEL EARTH BREAKING CEREMONY
******
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AN EARTH BREAKING CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE HELD AT WONG CHUK HANG TOMORROW (MAY 20) AT 11.30 A.M.
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. H.D. STEAD, WILL BREAK A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE TO CELEBRATE THE START OF WORK ON THE $184 MILLION PROJECT.
PRESS FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WISHING TO COVER THE CEREMONY. TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CAR PARK OF MURRAY BUILDING IN GARDEN ROAD AT 11 A.M. SHARP. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE P.W.D.’S CAR PARK NOT LATER THAN 10.45 A.M.
-------o---------
BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU
******
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE GUEST OF HONOUR AT AN ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO BE HELD ON CHEUNG CHAU NEXT MONDAY (MAY 23).
THE FESTIVAL - ALWAYS HELD ON THE SIXTH DAY OF THE FOURTH MOON OF THE CHINESE CALENDAR - IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE TO PLACATE THE SPIRITS OF THOSE KILLED BY PIRATES IN THE PREVIOUS CENTURIES.
THE +TA CHIU+ PROCESSION, AS IT IS KNOWN, WILL START AT 2 P.M. FEATURING LION DANCES, SHRINES AND FLOATS.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A MAD SCRAMBLE FOR BUNS FIXED TO HIGH TOWERS, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY NIGHT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. SPECIAL BADGES FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE NEWS ROOM AT THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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/5.....
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1577
WIDENING OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD *****
TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN THE CONGESTED WAN CHAI AREA ARE EXPECTED TO BE GREATLY IMPROVED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE WORK ON THE WIDENING OF TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE ROAD WIDENING WAS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN THE AREA WHICH INCLUDED THE RECONSTRUCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE STUBBS ROAD/QUEEN’S ROAD EAST JUNCTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD WERE AT PRESENT IMPORTANT ROAD LINKS FOR TRAFFIC PROCEEDING TOWARDS THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL FROM THE WAN CHAI AREA.
♦THE ROADS ARE NOW HEAVILY USED AND BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE TRAM TRACKS ALONG MORRISON HILL ROAD AND TIN LOK LANE, ONLY TWO TRAFFIC LANES ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUSES AND OTHER CARS.
+THE AIM IS TO WIDEN THE EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS SO AS TO PROVIDE TWO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC LANES IN EACH DIRECTION IN ADDITION TO THE TRAM TRACK,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, A SIGNAL CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION OF TIN LOK LANE AND WAN CHAI ROAD TO CATER FOR PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.
TO MAKE WAY FOR THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, TWO BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS AT NOS. 370-372, HENNESSY ROAD AND NOS. 2-4, TIN LOK LANE ARE REQUIRED TO BE DEMOLISHED. THE BUILDINGS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH PROPER RESUMPTION PROCEEDINGS IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS ARE COMPENSATED AT THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTIES WHILE ALL OCCUPIERS HAVE BEEN OFFERED COMPENSATION, ABOUT £20 PER SQUARE FOOT OF LIVING SPACE AND £40 PER SQUARE FOOT OF BUSINESS ACCOMMODATION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADVANCE PAYMENT SCHEME.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE OCCUPIERS WILL BE PAID HALF THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION UPON SIGNING THE UNDERTAKING TO LEAVE THE PREMISES AND THE OTHER HALF WILL BE GIVEN TO THEM AFTER THEY HAVE LEFT THE PREMISES.
IN ADDITION, ALL DOMESTIC TENANTS HAVE ALSO BEEN OFFERED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
/OF THE ....
THURSDAY, MAY 19./I977
6 -
OF THE 28 FAMILIES LIVING IN THE BUILDINGS, 26 OF THEM HAVE ACCEPTED THE OFFER OF COMPENSATION AND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND HAVE ALREADY MOVED OUT. IT IS HOPED THAT AN AGREEMENT COULD BE REACHED WITH THE REMAINING TWO FAMILIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
OF THE SIX COMMERCIAL SHOPS AND TWO WORKSHOPS IN THE BUILDINGS, THE OPERATORS ARE ALSO URGED TO ACCEPT THE OFFER MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND TO MOVE OUT OF THE PREMISES WITHOUT DELAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THEY WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION OFFERED TO THEM, THEY WERE ENTITLED TO PUT UP THEIR CLAIMS UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.
+ACCEPTING THE OFFER OF COMPENSATION MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PROHIBIT OR PREJUDICE THEIR RIGHT UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE TO CLAIM FOR ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION, EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE VACATED THE PREMISES.
+THIS CLAIM FOR ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND IF THE AMOUNT CANNOT BE AGREED BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES, THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL WHICH IS AN INDEPENDENT BODY, FOR DETERMINATION OF FINAL COMPENSATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CLEARANCE OF THE BUILDINGS, SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE ON MAY 18 HAD BEEN POSTPONED TO AUGUST 24 TO GIVE THE OCCUPIERS A FURTHER GRACE PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS TO MAKE THEIR REMOVAL ARRANGEMENT, EXCEPT FOR THE BUILDING AT NO. 370, HENNESSY ROAD, WHICH WAS IMMEDIATELY REQUIRED FOR CARRYING OUT PERMANENT STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS TO STABILISE THE ADJACENT BUILDING.
BY EXTENDING THE DEADLINE OF THE CLEARANCE TO AUGUST 24, THE OCCUPIERS WOULD HAVE ENJOYED A FREE RENT PERIOD OF MORE THAN SIX MONTHS, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT THE WIDENING OF THE TIN LOK LANE AND MORRISON HILL ROAD WAS AN IMPORTANT ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WHICH MUST EE CARRIED OUT ACCORDING TO THE WORKING SCHEDULE. ANY FURTHER DELAY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT WOULD NOT BE IN THE INTEREST OF THE FUEL IC AS A WHOLE, HE CONCLUDED.
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1 THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
* * , « 1 ' - 7 -
PUBLIC FILM CENSORSHIP ADVISORY GROUP SUPPORTS CURRENT FILM CENSORSHIP DECISIONS ******
THE MAJORITY OF THE PUBLIC MEMBERS OF THE FILM CENSORSHIP ADVISORY GROUP WHO HAVE BEEN SITTING WITH THE PANEL OF FILM CENSORS FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS SUPPORTS THE DECISIONS OF THE PANEL.
STATING THIS TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND FILMS SAID THAT THIS WAS A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT BASED ON A STUDY OF THE ADVICE RECEIVED BY HIM FROM MEMBERS OF THE GROUP DURING THAT PER IOD.
HE SAID THAT AFTER THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE ADVISORY GROUP’S WORK, ONLY THIS MOST GENERAL CONCLUSION COULD BE DRAWN. HOWEVER, QUARTERLY CHECKS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT AND POSSIBLY BY THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR’S OPERATION, MORE SPECIFIC TRENDS MIGHT BE APPARENT AS A RESULT OF THE PUBLIC ADVICE BEING GIVEN.
THE FILM CENSORSHIP ADVISORY GROUP STARTED WORK ON FEBRUARY 1 THIS YEAR, AFTER 96 PERSONS HAD BEEN ENROLLED AS VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PART IN THIS EXPERIMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICE. WITH THE HELP OF THE TEN CITY DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE GROUP WAS MADE AS REPRESENTATIVE AS POSSIBLE AND MEMBERS INCLUDED BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, DRAWN FROM A WIDE VARIETY OF DISTRICTS,’ BACKGROUNDS AND OCCUPATIONS.
AT EACH FILM VIEWING SESSION ORGANISED BY THE PANEL OF FILM CENSORS, THE COMMISSIONER INVITES THREE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP TO ATTEND - INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ATTENDING FILM SHOWS ABOUT TWICE A MONTH - AFTER WHICH THE MEMBERS ARE ASKED TO RECORD THEIR GENERAL COMMENTS IN WRITING AS TO WHETHER THE FILM SHOULD BE PASSED, PASSED WITH CUTS, OR BANNED, AND WHETHER IT IS SUITABLE OR UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN. THIS ADVICE IS GIVEN BY GROUP MEMBERS PRIOR TO THEIR BECOMING AWARE OF THE PANEL’S OWN DECISION.
DURING THE THREE MONTHS, FEBRUARY TO APRIL, 135 FILMS .*ERE SCREENED BY THE PANEL AND A TOTAL OF 244 REPORTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY GROUP WERE RECEIVED IN RESPECT OF THESE FILMS.
OF THE 135 FILMS SCREENED, 92 WERE CONSIDERED BY THE PANEL TO BE UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN AND WERE PASSED BY THE PANEL ON CONDITION THAT THEY WERE SO ADVERTISED. EIGHTY PER CENT OF THE PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT AT THE SCREENINGS AGREED WITH THE PANEL’S VIEWS. FORTY THREE FILMS WERE CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES AND NINETY SIX PER CENT OF THE PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT SUPPORTED THIS DECISION.
SIXTY SEVEN OF THE FILMS PASSED DURING THE PERIOD wERE PASSED WITH CUTS AND MORE THAN HALF OF THE PUBLIC MEMBERS PRESENT ON THESE VIEwINGS SHARED THE GENERAL VIEWS OF THE PANEL IN RESPECT OF THE NEED FOR SUCH CUTS.
/8
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1977
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE LEFT TURN FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM TONG SHU I ROAD INTO JAVA ROAD WOULD BE BANNED FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS.
SOUTHBOUND MOTORISTS IN TONG SHU I ROAD WHO WISH TO TURN INTO JAVA ROAD ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA KING’S ROAD AND SHU KUK STREET.
THE ARRANGEMENTS AIM TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF JAVA ROAD.
ALSO FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW, THE EASTBOUND LANES OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
TRAFFIC USING THESE LANES AT PRESENT WILL BE DIVERTED ONTO THE OLD CARRIAGEWAY OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WHICH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL PROCEED AS AT PRESENT.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 -------
WATER CUT * * *
’ WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PARTS OF YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. Oh. SATURDAY (MAY 21) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS THERE.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ON NING ROAD, KUK TING STREET, YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, INCLUDING YUEN LONG OLD TOWN, TUNG TAU TSUEN, TAI WAI, YING LUNG WAI, SAI PIN WAI AND SHAN PUI.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE PREMISES IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TAN KWAI TSUEN ROAD, INCLUDING HUNG UK TSUEN, TAN KWAI TSUEN, SHEK PO .TSUEN, LEI UK TSUEN, SAI SHAN TSUEN, SAN UK TSUEN, LO UK TSUEN, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND TSEUNG KONG WAI.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUNNELLING WORK BEGINS TODAY ON $370 MILLION ABERDEEN
TUNNEL .................................................... 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES REMAINED STABLE LAST MONTH ... 3
SIR MURRAY TO GO ON LOCAL LEAVE ........................... 3
LAND SOON TO BE FORMED FOR A NEW HOUSING ESTATE IN
SHA TIN.................................................... 4
MARINE DEPARTMENT TO BRING WATER TO REMOTE VILLAGES 4
TRAM SERVICES TO BE SUSPENDED EARLY TOMORROW NIGHT .. 5
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS MOVE TO 01 KWAN ROAD 6 LAST THREE DAYS TO ENROL FOR PART-TIME TECHNICAL
COURSES ................................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
1
TUNNELLING BEGINS ON NEW +GATEWAY TO SOUTH HONG KONG ISLAND* ******
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD SAID TODAY THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WOULD PROVIDE A VITAL NEW GATEWAY TO THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND FURTHER STIMULATE THE RAPID GROWTH OF THE AREA.
SPEAKING AT A GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY MARKING THE START OF TUNNELLING WORKS FOR THE $370 MILLION PROJECT, HE SAID THE TUNNEL SHOULD OPEN UP NEW DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT ABERDEEN, WITH QUICK AND EASY ACCESS TO THE BUSINESS HEART OF HONG KONG.
+DURING THE PAST DECADE,* HE SAID, +WE HAVE SEEN MANY IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND SUCH AS THE LARGE HOUSING ESTATES AT WAH FU AND ABERDEEN, THE GROWTH OF FACTORIES AT WONG CHUK HANG AND RECENTLY THE OCEAN PARK.
+ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS GENERATE RAPID TRAFFIC GROWTH WHICH CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED BY THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM. AND BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULT TERRAIN, FURTHER WIDENING OF STUBBS ROAD, WONG NE I CHONG ROAD OR POKFULAM ROAD WOULD NOT BE ECONOMICALLY POSSIBLE.*
THE SOLUTION, HE SAID, WAS THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL — ONE OF THE BIGGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
+WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN 1980 THIS HIGH CAPACITY ROAD LINK WILL ENABLE MOTORISTS TO TRAVEL FROM ONE SIDE OF THE ISLAND TO THE OTHER IN A MATTER OF TEN MINUTES,* HE SAID.
THE TUNNEL — THE FIRST TO BE DRIVEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND — WOULD RUN NEARLY TWO KILOMETRES THROUGH THE HEART OF MIDDLE GAP BETWEEN THE PEAKS OF MOUNT CAMERON AND MOUNT NICHOLSON.
+IT WILL HAVE TWO TUBES, EACH ACCOMMODATING TWO LANE, AND WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE 2,400 VEHICLES IN EACH DIRECTION IN AN HOUR,* SAID MR. STEAD.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TUNNEL, WORK IS ALSO UNDERWAY ON THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION WHICH WILL LINK UP THE NORTHERN PORTAL OF THE TUNNEL NEAR THE HAPPY VALLEY RACE COURSE WITH THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE WANCHAI WATERFRONT ROAD SYSTEM.
/♦IN THE .....
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
2
+IN THE SOUTH, THE TUNNEL WILL LINK UP WITH WONG CHUK HANG ROAD WITH A THREE-LEVEL INTERCHANGE AT THE ROAD JUNCTION.
♦THIS INTERCHANGE WILL FORM THE SUBJECT OF ANOTHER CONTRACT TO COMMENCE NEXT YEAR,+ MR. STEAD SAID.
THE MAIN CONTRACT OF ABOUT $184 MILLION FOR THE TUNNEL’S CONSTRUCTION WAS AWARDED BY THE P.W.D. LAST WEEK TO ABERDEEN TUNNEL JOINT VENTURE — A NEWLY FORMED CONSORTIUM OF FOUR FIRMS REPRESENTING FRANCE, HONG KONG, SWEDEN AND WEST GERMANY.
THEY ARE SOCIETE FRANCA ISE D'ENTREPRISES DE DRAGAGES ET DE TRAVAUX PUBLICS, GAMMON (HONG KONG) LTD., SVENSKA AB SENTAB, AND HOCHTIEF A.G. FUR HOCH UND TIEFBAUTEN.
MR. STEAD SAID THAT NONE OF THESE FIRMS WERE NEW TO HONG KONG. +THEY HAVE ALL, EITHER SINGLY OR IN OTHER CONSORTIA, UNDERTAKEN VARIOUS MAJOR ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN HONG KONG, AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL IMPLEMENT THIS CONTRACT TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS AND WITH EQUAL SUCCESS.+
THE HONG KONG BRANCH MANAGER OF DRAGAGES, MR. P. HAMON, POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN THEM THE MEMBERS OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL JOINT VENTURE HAD A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN GOVERNMENT TUNNELLING CONTRACTS IN HONG KONG.
DRAGAGES HAD DRIVEN BOTH THE LION ROCK TUNNELS, AND SENTAB/GAMMON THE PLOVER COVE SCHEME TUNNELS. HOCHTIEF HAD JOINED THESE COMPANIES IN A JOINT VENTURE OF THE SAME FOUR PARTNERS AS THOSE INVOLVED IN THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL JOINT VENTURE TO DO THE TUNNELLING FOR THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME. THE CONSORTIUM WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN TUNNELLING FOR THE MASS TRANSIT.
+THE EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE VARIOUS TUNNELS WILL ENABLE THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL JOINT VENTURE TO PERFORM SUCCESSFULLY THIS NEW CONTRACT,+ HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR APRIL * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) FOR APRIL, 1977 WERE BOTH 117, EACH BEING THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE OVERALL FOODSTUFFS INDEX REMAINED THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH FOR BOTH INDEXES (A) AND (B). INCREASES IN PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, RESTAURANT MEALS AND LIVE POULTRY WERE LARGELY OFFSET BY DECREASES IN PRICES OF FISH OF ALL KINDS, EGG AND PORK.
INCREASES OF ONE POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR DURABLE GOODS AND SERVICES IN BOTH INDEX (A) AND INDEX (B) OWING TO HIGHER PRICES FOR HARDWARE, IRONMONGERY, CUTLERY AND OPTICAL GOODS AND INCREASED CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
THE INDEXES FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS ROSE BY ONE POINT EACH IN INDEX (A) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES FOR SOME ITEMS OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S UNDERCLOTHING, TOILET REQUISITES AND FRESH FLOWERS.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ADVANCED BY ONE POINT IN INDEX (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER HOUSING CHARGES.
HOWEVER, THE EFFECT OF THESE INCREASES ON THE +ALL-ITEMS+ INDEX WAS SMALL.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
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GOVERNOR TO GO ON LOCAL LEAVE ******
THE GOVERNOR WILL TAKE LOCAL LEAVE FROM MAY 21 TO 29.
SIR DENYS ROBERTS HAS BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR FOR THIS PERIOD.
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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
4 -
LAND FORMATION FOR HOUSING PROJECT IN SHA TIN
* * *
LAND FORMATION WORK WILL START SHORTLY IN THE HEART OF SHA TIN VALLEY TO PROVIDE SITE FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WILL HOUSE 15,000 PERSONS.
THE LAND FORMED WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PART OF A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD, ASSOCIATED ROAD JUNCTIONS, LOCAL ROADS, A TRUNK SEWER AND DRAINS TO SERVE THE GROWING COMMUNITY IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE LAND FORMATION, AT PAK TIN AND TAI WAI, INVOLVES THE RESUMPTION OF 76,253 SQUARE METERS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 1,051 SQUARE METERS OF PRIVATE BUILDING LAND. ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESUMPTION WAS NECESSARY TO MAKE LAND AVAILABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE ITS MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SHA TIN.
+SITE FORMATION WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN JULY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN TWELVE MONTHS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE 462 DOMESTIC STRUCTURES COMPRISING 431 FAMILIES, AS WELL AS 602 OTHER ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.
THE FAMILIES, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING IN SHA TIN, WHILE THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A LICENSED AREA, ALSO IN SHA TIN, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, TREES, GRAVES, BONE POTS, PIPES, FENCES AND WELLS, AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS.
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REMOTE VILLAGES HIT BY DROUGHT TO GET HELP
X * X * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE SPECIAL WATER SUPPLY SERVICES TO TWO REMOTE VILLAGES ON HIGH ISLAND WHICH ARE SUFFERING FROM THE CURRENT DROUGHT.
THE VILLAGES ARE TUNG AH AND SHA KIU WHICH HAVE A COMBINED LAND POPULATION OF 170. VILLAGERS THERE DEPEND ON THE WELLS FOR WATER. THEY ARE NOW DRIED UP.
STARTING MONDAY (MAY 23), MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH NO. 31
WILL CARRY 1,500 GALLONS OF WATER FOUR TIMES A WEEK TO THE VILLAGES WHICH WERE GIVEN THREE INFLATABLE TANKS BY THE ARMY EARLY THIS MONTH.
s
BOTH THESE VILLAGES ARE INACCESSIBLE BY LAND TRANSPORT AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES — THREE TIMES A WEEK TO TUNG AH, AND ONCE A WEEK TO SHA KIU.
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FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
- 5 -
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TRAM SERVICES * * * *
TRAM SERVICES WEST OF WAN CHAI AREA WILL STOP EARLIER TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SERVICE, BEGINNING FROM
11 P.M., WILL ENABLE DIVERSION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE TRAM TRACK IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL NEAR PEDDER STREET. THE DIVERSION OF THE TRAM TRACK WILL FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF • MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PEDDER STATION.
LIMITED TRAM SERVICES WILL BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WAN CHAI, INCLUDING HAPPY VALLEY AFTER 11 P.M.
THE LAST TRAMS TO LEAVE THEIR RESPECTIVE TERMINI FOR DESTINATIONS WEST OF WAN CHAI ARE:
SHAU KEI WAN TO WESTERN MARKET 10.10 P.M.
NORTH POINT TO WHITTY STREET 10.07 P.M.
NORTH POINT TO WESTERN MARKET 10.23 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN 10.03 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY TO WHITTY STREET 10.14 P.M.
HAPPY VALLEY TO WESTERN MARKET 10.30 P.M.
THE LAST TRAMS TO LEAVE THEIR RESPECTIVE TERMINI FOR
DESTINATIONS EAST OF WAN CHAI ARE:-
WESTERN MARKET TO NORTH POINT 10.50 P.M
WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN 10.50 P.M
WHITTY 1 STREET TO NORTH POINT 10.42 P.M
NORMAL TRAM SERVICES WILL BE RESUMED ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) MORNING.
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1977
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS MOVE ******
fifthTaTo^vt?0RT department HEADQUARTERS WILL MOVE TO THE _!a.I”AND SIXTH FLOORS OF GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD WITH (MAY 23)* THE TELEPHONE NUMBER WILL BE
CHANGED TO 5-756541.
KONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE WILL REMAIN IN ITS PRESENT ^CATION ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND MEZZANINE FLOOR OF NO. 2 MURRAY ' KUAD.
THF PAPk?rrSrcT-o°Vh?rnLS0 N0TE THAT THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF .,E PARKING METER TELEPHONE COMPLAINTS SECTION WILL BE CHANGED * I TH EFFtCT FROM 8 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 23).
THE NEW NUMBERS TO DIAL ARE: 5-723246 OR 5-725623 FOR
ABOUT METERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND 5-724171 OR 5-720424 FOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT METERS IN KOWLOON.
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APPLICATION FOR PART-TIME COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ******
THERE ARE THREE MORE DAYS LEFT FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR PART-TIME EVENING CLASSES AT THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
APPLICATION FOR THE COURSES, WHICH WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER, WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY (MAY 23).
A TOTAL OF 65 COURSES ARE AVAILABLE. THESE INCLUDE COURSES AT CRAFTSMAN LEVEL, OF WHICH THE .MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IS CHINESE, AND COURSES AT TECHNICIAN LEVEL, WHICH ARE MAINLY TAUGHT IN ENGLISH.
FIELDS COVERED INCLUDE CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AS WELL AS THE TSEUN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WATER SUPPLIES FOR PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS SUSPENDED . 1
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY F.S.D. IN CASE OF WATER RESTRICTION ......................................... 3
WORK ON MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH . 4
SWIMMERS URGED TO OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY RULES ........ 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT MA LIU SHU I ................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1977
1
WATER SUPPLIES FOR PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS SUSPENDED ******
WATER SUPPLIES FOR PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS AND DISPLAY FOUNTAINS ARE TO BE SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT IN VIEW OF THE GROWING THREAT OF WATER RESTRICTIONS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE P.W.D.’S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT . WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON SAID THAT AS THERE HAD BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE RESERVOIR STORAGE LEVELS, MAINS SUPPLY FOR NON-ESSENTIAL USES COULD NO LONGER BE MAINTAINED.
+FOR THE SAKE OF FURTHER ECONOMY, IT HAS THEREFORE
BEEN DECIDED TO WITHDRAW SUPPLIES EXTENDED ON A CONCESSIONARY BASIS FOR SUCH FACILITIES AS PRIVATE POOLS, MODEL BOAT PONDS, DISPLAY FOUNTAINS AND GARAGES,* HE SAID.
+THE WITHDRAWAL OF THESE CONCESSIONS,* HE SAID, +WILL NOT DIRECTLY AFFECT THE GENERAL PUBLIC.*
MR. TOMLINSON SAID THAT CONCESSIONARY SUPPLIES TO PUBLIC POOLS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS WOULD BE MAINTAINED FOR THE TIME BEING, BUT HE WARNED THAT THESE TOO COULD BE TERMINATED AT SHORT NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE OVERALL STORAGE POSITION.
+THE LITTLE RAIN WE’VE HAD IN THE PAST FEW DAYS HAS HAD VERY LITTLE IMPACT ON THE RESERVOIRS, AND IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOW FOR EVERYONE TO MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT NOW TO CUT DOWN ON CONSUMPTION AND AVOID WASTE,* HE STRESSED.
AT NINE O’CLOCK THIS MORNING, THE RESERVOIRS HELD ONLY 31,097 MILLION GALLONS OR 46.2 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 42,550 MILLION GALLONS OR 63.2 PER CENT AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
MR. TOMLINSON SAID CONCESSIONARY SUPPLIES FOR STREET WASHING WERE ALSO BEING CURTAILED FOR MAXIMUM ECONOMY.
+INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO SWITCH TO WELL AND STREAM WATER FOR WASHING STREETS AND TO CUT DOWN ON THE USE OF MAINS WATER FOR THIS PURPOSE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
MAINS WATER FOR CLEANSING OF PLAYGROUNDS, MARKETS, HAWKER BAZAARS AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WOULD ALSO BE DRASTICALLY CUT BACK WITH MORE USE BEING MADE OF WATER FROM WELLS AND STREAMS.
MR. TOMLINSON EMPHASISED THAT WHILE THESE MEASURES WOULD LEAD TO CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS, HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD TO RELAX ITS EFFORTS TO ECONOMISE ON WATER CONSUMPTION.
/+IN FACT .....
SATURDAY, FAY 21, 1?77
- 2 -
+IN FACT EVEN GREATER VIGILANCE IS REQUIRED NOW TO AVOID WASTAGE. EVERY ONE HAS A PART TO PLAY. IT IS ONLY BY A TOTAL COMMUNITY EFFORT THAT THE THREAT OF SEVERE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE MINIMISED,* HE SAID.
MR. TOMLINSON SAID STAFF OF THE P.W.D.’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ALERTED TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO POSSIBLE LEAKAGES AND THE NEWLY EXPANDED PROSECUTIONS UNIT WAS STEPPING UP ITS ACTIVITIES TO CLAMP DOWN ON WATER WASTERS.
THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, ALSO OPERATED REPORTING CENTRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WHERE PEOPLE COULD REPORT INSTANCES OF WASTAGE OR LEAKS AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT SO THAT PROMPT ACTION COULD BE TAKEN.
THE NUMBER TO CALL ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS 5-726311, AND 3-948261 FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEANWHILE, VARIOUS OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO TAKING ACTIVE STEPS TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTAGE.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY BEGUN A CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE ITS TENANTS TO AVOID WASTAGE AND NOTICES AND POSTERS WERE BEING PUT UP AT ALL COMMUNAL WASH AREAS AND BATHROOMS IN OLDER ESTATES AS A FURTHER REMINDER TO RESIDENTS TO USE WATER SPARINGLY.
MAINTENANCE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE MAKING SYSTEMATIC CHECKS OF ALL COMMUNAL TAPS TO ENSURE THAT ANY DEFECTS WERE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY.
ESTATE STAFF WERE ALSO CONDUCTING FREQUENT PATROLS OF WASH AREAS TO EDUCATE TENANTS AND TO ENSURE THERE WAS NO WASTAGE OR ILLEGAL TAPPING.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ALSO CUTTING DOWN ON CONSUMPTION OF MAINS WATER BY SWITCHING TO WELL AND STREAM WATER FOR WATERING OF PUBLIC GARDENS AND AMENITY AREAS, AS WELL AS FOR STREET WASHING.
MAINS WATER TO MODEL BOAT PONDS IN RECREATIONAL AREAS HAVE ALREADY BEEN STOPPED, AND ALL FOUNTAINS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL WILL STOP PLAYING FROM MAY 25.
CONTINGENCY PLANS HAVE ALSO BEEN DRAWN UP TO MOVE SEEDLINGS TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS FROM NURSERIES DEPENDING ON MAINS WATER TO NURSERIES WATERED FROM WELLS AND-STREAMS.
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1977
- 3 -
MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY F.S.D. IN CASE OF WATER RESTRICTION ******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT FIRE PARTICULARLY DURING THE CURRENT DRY SPELL.
THE APPEAL CAME AFTER A RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT WATER RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED FROM JUNE 1 IF THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL RAINFALL BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID : +ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO USE SEA WATER WHEREVER POSSIBLE IN FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATIONS IN CASE THERE IS WATER RESTRICTION.*
+SPECIAL UNITS CONSISTING OF A MAJOR PUMPING APPLIANCE AND A HOSE-LAYING LORRY WILL BE SET UP TO RELAY WATER FROM THE NEAREST SUPPLY POINT, SUCH AS THE SEAFRONT, TO THE FIRE SCENE,* HE SAID.
FIRE BOATS WILL BE MOBILISED TO PUMP SEA WATER INTO LAND PUMPS SO THAT WATER CAN BE RELAYED TO THE SCENE OF FIRE.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH A LIST OF WATER MAINS WHICH WILL BE ON 24-HOUR SUPPLY IN CASE FRESH WATER HAS TO BE USED.
+AT THE SAME TIME,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, +MINIMUM QUANTITY OF WATER WILL BE SPENT IN MAINTAINING AND TESTING OF ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT SO AS TO AVOID WASTAGE.*
IN ORDER TO KEEP UP THE EFFICIENCY OF FIREMEN, ONLY SEA WATER WILL BE USED FOR THE DAILY FIRE DRILLS IN STATIONS.
+THE PRESENT DRY WEATHER MEANS THERE IS A GREATER LIKELIHOOD OF FIRE UNLESS THE PUBLIC IS PREPARED TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS,* HE STRESSED.
HE REITERATED THAT CARELESSLY DISCARDED LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES WERE MAJOR CAUSES OF FIRE IN HONG KONG AND ASKED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE SURE THAT THESE WERE PROPERLY OUT BEFORE DISPOSING OF THEM.
+LESS FIRE SAVES MORE WATER,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +EVERY GALLON OF WATER USED IN FIRE-FIGHTING IS A GALLON LESS IN THE RESERVOIRS.*
A
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1977
WORK ON MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS CALLED TENDERS FOR AN EIGHTSTOREY COMPLEX IN MORRISON HILL, WAN CHAI, WHICH WILL BECOME THE NERVE CENTRE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S DENTAL SERVICE.
THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE, AS IT IS TO BE CALLED, WILL BE SITUATED BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND 01 KWAN ROAD ADJACENT TO THE TANG CHI NGONG SPECIALIST CLINIC.
THE P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR. EDWIN WONG, SAID TODAY: +THE BUILDING WILL ACCOMMODATE A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR DENTAL NURSES, A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC, DENTAL SURGERIES AS WELL AS FACILITIES TO REPROVISION THE EXISTING DENTAL HEADQUARTERS IN THE WAN CHAI DENTAL CLINIC AT KENNEDY ROAD.+
+CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED TWELVE MONTHS LATER.+
+THE SUBSTRUCTURE CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT IS NOW ALMOST COMPLETE, AND THE TENDERS WE ARE NOW INVITING ARE FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE,* MR. WONG SAID.
WHEN THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE BUILDING EARLIER THIS YEAR, HE SAID IT HAD A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN HONG KONG’S DENTAL CONSERVATION SERVICE WHICH IS JUST GETTING INTO ITS STRIDE.
THIS CENTRE, SIR MURRAY SAID WILL TRAIN THE DENTAL NURSES AND DENTAL HYGIENISTS WHO WILL STAFF THE DENTAL CONSERVATION SCHEME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
SIR MURRAY ALSO PRAISED THE PHILANTHROPHY OF SIR SHIU-KIN TANG WHO HAD GENEROUSLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE COST OF THE CENTRE.
IN RECOGNITION OF SIR SHIU-KIN TANG’S DONATIONS THE DENTAL NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC WILL BE NAMED AFTER HIM.
MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO CALLED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL STAFF QUARTERS AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE P.W.D.* CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR. P. CHUNG, SAID THE NEW BLOCK WOULD BE BUILT IN THE HOSPITAL COMPOUND, IN THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF THE SISTERS’ QUARTERS BLOCK.
+ THE NEW 20-ST0REY BUILDING
CAR PARKING PODIUM MARRIED STAFF.*
PROVIDE
WHICH WILL BE OVER A FOUR-FLOOR A TOTAL OF EIGHTY QUARTERS FOR
MR. CHUNG SAID WORK AND WOULD TAKE 20 MONTHS
ON THIS PROJECT WOULD START IN MID-JULY TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1977
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SWIMMERS URGED TO OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY RULES ******
SWIMMERS ARE URGED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO BASIC SAFETY RULES WHEN BATHING AT BEACHES.
THE PLEA FOLLOWS TWO DROWNING INCIDENTS LAST WEEKEND.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY: +ONE OF THESE BASIC RULES IS NOT TO RELY ON SWIMMING AIDS SUCH AS RUBBER DINGHIES AND FLOATS, PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE NOT A STRONG SWIMMER.
+ONE NEVER KNOWS WHETHER OR WHEN THE DINGHY WOULD LOSE ITS BOUYANCY. AND SHOULD IT SLIP OUT OF GRASP OR FLOW OUT OF REACH, THE SWIMMER MAY SUDDENLY FIND HIMSELF IN DEEP WATER AND HAVING TO STRUGGLE BY HIMSELF TO SHORE.+
OTHER PRECAUTIONS WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN ARE:
* TRY NOT TO ENTER WATER UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY SOMEONE ELSE, PARTICULARLY IN PLACES WHERE THERE ARE NO LIFE-GUARDS-
* NEVER ENTER WATER IF THE RED FLAG IS HOISTED-
* NEVER ENTER WATER ON A FULL OR EMPTY STOMACH OR WHEN TIRED-
* NEVER GO OUT OF DEPTH UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENT THAT YOU CAN MAKE THE DISTANCE IN SAFETY- AND
* NEVER WEAR MASKS OR SNORKELS UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED TO USE THEM.
LAST YEAR, 26 PEOPLE WERE DROWNED AT GAZETTED BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT MA LIU SHU I
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE RAILWAY LEVEL-CROSSING AT MA LIU SHU I WILL BE CLOSED FROM TIME TO TIME BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 5 A.M. FROM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY (MAY 24 - 27) NEXT WEEK.
THE ARRANGEMENTS AIM TO FACILITATE THE DEMOLITION OF THE TEMPORARY STEEL OVERHEAD BRIDGE IN THE AREA.
TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE ON THE SPOT TO DIRECT TRAFFIC.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUPIL PARTICIPATION -- A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE EDUCATION PROBLEM ............................................ 1
SOCIAL STUDIES EXHIBITIONS AT THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ........ 2
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE PROVE POPULAR ................................................ 3
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AREA .................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
1
A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE EDUCATION PROBLEM
******
CHILDREN IN THE SIX TO 11 AGE GROUP WHO DO NOT ATTEND PRIMARY SCHOOL MAY BE ENCOURAGED TO DO SO BY NEW TEACHING METHODS ALLOWING GREATER DEGREE OF PUPIL PARTICIPATION.
THE NEED TO PUBLICISE PRIMARY EDUCATION AND TO MAKE IT MORE INTERESTING AND STIMULATING WAS HIGHLIGHTED IN TODAY’S (SUNDAY) RTHK +IN PERSPECTIVE+ DISCUSSION PROGRAMME ON +THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION+.
THE PANEL TAKING PART IN THE DISCUSSION INCLUDED MR. DAVID LEUNG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY)- MR. YEUNG SUM, EDUCATION ACTION GROUP RESPRESENTATIVE= MR. LAM KA MAN, SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVE- MR. LUK TSANG YUEN, SUPERVISOR, FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS AND MR. WONG CHI CHING, GUEST COMMENTATOR.
THEY ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY THE BASIC REASON WHY PARENTS KEEP THEIR CHILDREN AT HOME INSTEAD OF SENDING THEM TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
FREQUENT ABSENCE AT SEA WAS THOUGHT TO BE A MAJOR REASON PREVENTING FISHERMEN FROM SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
MR. LUK TSANG YUEN POINTED OUT THAT THE RELATIVELY EARLY RETIREMENT AGE OF SOME FISHERMEN FURTHER COMPLICATED THE ISSUE BY PUTTING THE BURDEN OF EARNING THE FAMILY LIVELIHOOD ONTO WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
FOR THE POPULATION AT LARGE, THE PANEL THOUGHT THAT IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE HUSBANDS AND WIVES HAD TO GO OUT TO WORK, OLDER CHILDREN WERE FREQUENTLY RELIED UPON TO LOOK AFTER YOUNGER BROTHERS AND SISTERS, THUS DEPRIVED OF THE CHANCE OF RECEIVING EDUCATION.
THE EXPENSES REQUIRED FOR SENDING A CHILD TO SCHOOL, SUCH AS TRANSPORTATION FEES AND MONEY FOR UNIFORMS BECAME A DETERRENT FACTOR WHEN SEVERAL CHILDREN OF THE FAMILY REACHED SCHOOL AGE.
LACK OF INTEREST IN SCHOOL LIFE MIGHT EE ANOTHER LESS APPARENT, BUT NEVERTHELESS DOMINANT REASON FOR SCHOOL DROP-OUTS. MEMBERS OF THE PANEL THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE CAUSED EITHER BY THE LOW INTELLIGENCE LEVEL OF THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES, THE DULL TEACHING METHOD, OR EVEN THE LARGE PROPORTION OF ENGLISH TEACHING MATERIAL USED IN CHINESE PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
CONCERNING THIS ASPECT, MR. DAVID LEUNG SAID THAT THE TEACHING METHOD IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN SHIFTING TO ONE IN WHICH THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES TOOK A MORE ACTIVE PART, THUS THE LEARNING PROCESS BECAME MUCH MORE INTERESTING AND LIVELY.
NARROWING DOWN THE SCOPE OF THE DISCUSSION, MR. LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CONCENTRATING THEIR EFFORTS ON THE PROBLEM OF SCHOOL DROP-OUTS, AND WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, STAFF OF THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE’DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN ABLE TO BRING THE TRACEABLE ONES BACK TO SCHOOL.
/HOWEVER.......
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
- 2 -
HOWEVER, DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGES, THIS KIND OF DETAILED INVESTIGATION COULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT TO A LIMITED EXTENT, AND EVEN IF MANPOWER RESOURCES COULD BE INCREASED, THOSE CHILDREN WHO HAD NEVER RECEIVED ANY SCHOOLING WOULD STILL REMAIN A PROBLEM.
THE PANEL AGREED THAT PUBLICISING THE ADVANTAGES OF
PRIMARY EDUCATION AND AT THE SAME TIME PERSUADING PARENTS TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WOULD HELP ELIMINATE SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION.
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Social studies exhibitions at three secondary schools
* * * * *
THREE OF THE 15 MONITORED SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES ON A TRIAL BASIS ARE MAKING PREPARATIONS TO HOLD EXHIBITIONS ON THIS SUBJECT AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND EARLY NEXT MONTH.
ANOTHER 28 SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
THE THREE SCHOOLS WHICH WILL MOUNT EXHIBITIONS ARE KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG, TAK NGA SCHOOL IN YAU YAT CHUEN AND MUNSANG COLLEGE IN KOWLOON CITY.
THE EXHIBITIONS, TO BE MOUNTED BY FORMS 1 AND 2 PUPILS, WILL INCLUDE MODELS, MAPS, CHARTS AND PROJECTS OF VARIOUS KINDS RELATING TO THE TOPICS IN THE SYLLABUS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO SEE THE EXHIBITIONS.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL WILL BE OPENED BY THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS. LOUISE MOK, AT 10.30 A.M. ON MAY 28. IT WILL REMAIN OPEN THE FOLLOWING DAY AND WILL CLOSE AT 4.30 P.M. ON MAY 30.
THE ONE-DAY EXHIBITION AT TAK NGA SCHOOL WILL BE HELD FROM 10 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. ON MAY 29.
MRS. MOK WILL ALSO OPEN THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION AT MUNSANG COLLEGE AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 4.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER --------------- THE OPENING CEREMONIES AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL
AT 10.30 A.M. ON MAY 28 AND AT MUNSANG COLLEGE
AT 9.30 A.M. ON JUNE 4.
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/3
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
- 3 -
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE PROVE POPULAR ******
A GROUP OF ELDERLY MEN AND WOMEN TAKE A CALCULATED STEP FORWARD, SLOWLY SWING THEIR EXTENDED FRAGILE ARMS FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND BRING THEM TO REST. THEY START THE MOVEMENTS AGAIN CHANGING THE PATTERN BUT KEEPING THE TEMPO AND GRACE OF TAI CHI CHUAN OR SHADOW BOXING.
ONE CAN OBSERVE THIS EARLY MORNING RITUAL -- SOMETIMES JOINED BY THE YOUNG AND THE MIDDLE-AGED -- THROUGHOUT VARIOUS PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN HONG KONG. IT IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING AND MOST POPULAR RECREATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED AND PROMOTED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN THE TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE, THE SERVICE HAS ORGANISED MANY TAI CHI CLASSES AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER EVENTS SUCH AS OUTINGS, SPORTS AND GAMES FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 327,378 PEOPLE -- INCLUDING THE HANDICAPPED — OF ALL AGES.
DESPITE ITS RELATIVELY BRIEF HISTORY, THE ACTIVITIES IT PROVIDES ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR.
IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77 A TOTAL OF 192,382 PEOPLE JOINED THE PROGRAMMES ORGANIZED BY THE SERVICE, AN INCREASE OF 42 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE OF 134,996, OR 92 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.
THE SERVICE CAME INTO BEING IN OCTOBER 1974 AS A RESULT OF GROWING AWARENESS IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY — NOT ONLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE AT WORK BUT ALSO THE OLDER PEOPLE.
HENCE THIS NEW GOVERNMENT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SET ABOUT ITS AIMSs-
* TO PROVIDE A STRUCTURE FOR OVERALL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL RECREATION AND SPORT ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY BASED ON DISTRICTS”
* TO ASSESS DISTRICT NEEDS IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT FIELD AND TO CO-ORDINATE A DISTRICT POLICY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DISTRICTS” AND
* TO PROMOTE TO THE FULLEST POSSIBLE EXTENT PHYSICAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN EACH DISTRICT, ENCOURAGING WIDE PARTICIPATION.
IN ITS FIRST YEAR-AND-A-HALF OF OPERATION SIX DISTRICTS WERE. SERVICED BY A RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER. THESE DISTRICTS WERE KWUN TONG, SHAM SHU I PO, WONG TAI SIN, HONG KONG EAST, HONG KONG WEST AND YUEN LONG.
SINCE THEN ALL 11 OTHER DISTRICTS -- WAN CHAI, HONG KONG SOUTHERN, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON CITY, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND CUTLYING ISLANDS — HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
- 4 -
EVERY POSSIBLE ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO PROVIDE AS WIDE A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES AS POSSIBLE. COMPETITIONS AND COACHING CLINICS IN THE POPULAR GAMES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN ALL DISTRICTS. THE LESS POPULAR SPORTS SUCH AS DIVING, WATER POLO AND ROLLER SKATING HAVE ATTRACTED PARTICIPANTS EAGER TO LEARN A NEW SKILL.
MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE ENJOYED OUTINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND ANOTHER POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITY HAS BEEN THE FAMILY CAMP.
MORE RECENTLY THE 9.7 HECTARES SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, EQUIPPED WITH THE TRAPPINGS OF MODERN CONVENIENCES AND GAMES FACILITIES FOR BOTH THE ABLE AND DISABLED, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY PRINCESS ALEXANDRA DURING HER VISIT HERE IN FEBRUARY.
TO FURTHER ATTEST TO ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME, THE SERVICE HAS TRAINED 3,000 VOLUNTEERS AS COACHES, REFEREES AND LEADERS TO ASSIST IN RUNNING VARIOUS PROGRAMMES. THESE TRAINED VOLUNTEERS ARE EMPLOYED ON AN HOURLY PAID BASIS BY THE SERVICE AND THE MANPOWER IS THUS AVAILABLE TO RUN A WIDE DISTRICT BASED
I PROGRAMME.
THESE PROGRAMMES COVER, IN ORDER OF POPULARITY, THE FOLLOWING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES: CAMPING AND EXPEDITIONS, TAI CHI CLASSES, EXCURSIONS AND HIKING, ATHELETICS, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, SWIMMING, GAMES DAYS, MARTIAL ARTS, TABLE TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL, FITNESS PROGRAMMES, DANCES, HARBOUR CRUISES FOR THE AGED, WALKATHONS, BADMINTON, GYMNASTICS, TENNIS, ROLLER SKATING, DIVING COURSE, WATER POLO, CANOEING, AND HANDBALL.
MOST OF THOSE TAKING PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES ARE BETWEEN 16 AND 24 YEARS OF AGE. AGES CATERED FOR RANGE FROM 10 TO 66.
WHERE CAN THE SERVICE GO FROM HERE?
+EVERY ONE HAS A RIGHT TO ENJOY HIS LEISURE TIME AND TAKE PART, IF HE SO DESIRES, IN SPORTS AND RECREATION PROGRAMMES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE SAID.
+JUST AS IN OTHER GAMES OR ACTIVITIES, PEOPLE HAVE TO BE TAUGHT THE SKILLS WHICH ALLOW THEM TO ENJOY LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES.
+FIRST YOU MUST LEARN TO SWIM OR LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS BEFORE YOU CAN TAKE PART WITH FULL ENJOYMENT IN THE ACTIVITY. SO THIS IS ONE AREA WHICH MUST BE EXPANDED TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND.
+MORE AND MORE COACHING CLASSES IN SPORTS AND GAMES CONDUCTED BY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED COACHES MUST BE ORGANISED AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
+GREATER PROVISION FOR RECREATION WILL DEFINITELY HAVE A FAR-REACHING EFFECT ON IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG,+ HE' SAID.
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/5
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1977
- 5 -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO PARTS OF YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) TO ALLOW THE WATER ’ SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS THERE.
SOME OF THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN PING HA ROAD AND FUI SHA WAI INCLUDING TONG YAN SAN TSUEN.
THE OTHER AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, »
FUNG CHEUNG STREET, HOP YICK ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, MAIN NULLAH, WAH NING PATH AND TAI YUK ROAD INCLUDING YAU SAN STREET, HONG LOK STREET AND YUEN LONG POLICE STATION.
I
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WATER RESTRICTIONS ALMOST A CERTAINTY ...................... 1
FEWER PEOPLE OUT OF JOB — LABOUR FORCE SURVEY .............. 2
REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS ......................... 3
MARINE LAUNCH SUPPLIES WATER TO REMOTE VILLAGES ............ 3
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO STRENGHTEN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION DRIVE ............................................ 4
ACTIVITY APPROACH BEING USED IN 273 PRIMARY CLASSES ........ 5
ANOTHER CONTRACT SIGNED FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN SHA TIN .................................................... g
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG AND SHAM SHUI PO AREAS .............. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
1
WATER RESTRICTIONS ALMOST A CERTAINTY
M » X K KK
HONG KONG IS STILL HEADED TOWARDS WATER RESTRICTIONS DESPITE THE RAINFALL OF THE PAST FEW DAYS, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON SAID TODAY.
♦UNFORTUNATELY THE WEEKEND RAINFALL, UP TO 9 A.M. TODAY, ADDED LITTLE MORE THAN THE EQUIVALENT OF ONE DAY’S CONSUMPTION TO OUR RESERVOIRS,+ HE SAID.
♦THE YIELD WAS DISAPPOINTINGLY LOW.+
MR. TOMLINSON SAID THAT THE YIELD ON SATURDAY WAS 110 MILLION GALLONS, AND ON SUNDAY 179 MILLION GALLONS.
THE AMOUNT OF WATER IN STORAGE WAS NOW 31,108 MILLION GALLONS -OR ONLY ABOUT 46.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL RESERVOIR CAPACITY.
+AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR, OUR RESERVOIRS HELD 42,649 MILLION GALLONS — OR 63.3 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPACITY,* MR. TOMLINSON SAID.
EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. TUCKER, WARNED THAT UNLESS THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RAINFALL IN THE CATCHMENT AREAS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO IMPOSE LIMITED RESTRICTIONS ON SUPPLY IN ORDER TO CONSERVE WATER.
AT THE TIME MR. TUCKER INDICATED THAT THE INITIAL RESTRICTIONS WOULD APPLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10 P.M. AND 6 A.M., BUT THEY WOULD BE EXTENDED UNLESS THE SITUATION IMPROVED.
MR. TUCKER SAID TODAY THAT AN ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE AT THE END OF THIS WEEK ON WHETHER OR NOT RESTRICTIONS WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE AS PREDICTED.
HE REPEATED HIS APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTE.
HE SAID INSTANCES OF WASTE COULD BE REPORTED AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY OR NIGHT BY RINGING 5-726311 ON HONG KONG ISLAND. OR 3-948261 IN KOWLOON.
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/2
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
- 2 -
LABOUR FORCE SURVEY
******
THERE WERE 86,000 UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN HONG KONG IN MARCH. ACCORDING TO A SAMPLE LABOUR FORCE SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN THAT MONTH.
THIS REPRESENTED 4.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE IN HONG KONG.
THESE FIGURES COMPARED WITH 109,000 OR 5.6 PER CENT IN MARCH 1976 AND 88,000 OR 4.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1976.
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 WHO 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 A JOB= WHO HAD JUST, BUT ONLY JUST, TAKEN UP WORK- WHO HAD TEMPORARILY, BUT ONLY 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 1976 FIGURES 7.9 PER CENT
CONNECTION, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE DECEMBER FOR THE UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE AND 5.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
+ADJUSTING, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE LATEST HONG KONG FIGURE TO THE U.S.A. BASIS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION HERE WAS REPRESENTED BY A FIGURE OF 3.5 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THERE WAS EFFECTIVELY NO CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF UNEMPLOYMENT OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THERE WERE, HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT REDUCTIONS IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND IN THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS BETWEEN MARCH 1976 AND MARCH 1977.
THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT SIMILAR INFORMATION ON UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT REGULAR SIX-MONTHLY INTERVALS. THE NEXT LABOUR FORCE SURVEY IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
- 3 -
REDUNDANT TEACHERS REGISTERED FOR PLACEMENT ******
nr.„™E EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE TODAY BEGAN REGISTERING REDUNDANT TEACHERS AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE OF UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES IN SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS
JO 5 P*M’ 144 TEACHERS HAD PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR Ktb I oI RAT I ON.
ALL TEACHERS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED IN WRITING THAT THEY MUST REGISTER BY 5 P.M. ON MAY 27 (FRIDAY). WKII,NS ™AT
MR. TANG YAN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SAID THAT HE WOULD DO HIS BEST TO PLACE
ALTERNATIVE POSTS IN OTHER SUBSIDISED PRIMARY
cSIMtirISent FR0H THE 0PENING Of NEW
MR. TANG SAID THAT AS FROM JUNE 1 HIS PLACEMENT SERVICE WOULD START REFERRING REDUNDANT TEACHERS TO THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF OTHER SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT.
HE ANTICIPATED THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THE TEACHERS CONCERNED WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF JULY.
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MARINE LAUNCH SUPPLIES WATER TO REMOTE VILLAGES * * * *
VILLAGERS IN REMOTE TUNG AH ON HIGH ISLAND, SAI KUNG, WERE GREATLY RELIEVED WHEN MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH NO. 31 CALLED THIS MORNING.
THE LAUNCH, CARRYING SOME 1,500 GALLONS OF FRESH WATER FOR THE USE OF THE VILLAGERS, TODAY MADE ITS FIRST SPECIAL TRIP TO HELP THEM TIDE OVER THE CURRENT DROUGHT.
MARINE DEPARTMENT STAFF BORROWED ABOUT 120 YARDS OF FIRE HOSE FOR THE SPECIAL OPERATION, AS THE DEEP-DRAUGHT LAUNCH COULD NOT GET CLOSE ENOUGH TO SHORE TO UNLOAD THE WATER.
THE WATER WAS PUMPED INTO INFLATABLE TANKS GIVEN TO THE VILLAGE BY THE ARMY EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE 170 RESIDENTS OF TUNG AH AND NEARBY SHA KIU HAD BEEN DEPENDING ON WELL WATER AND A STREAM HALF AN HOUR AWAY FOR THEIR WATER SUPPLY.
THE WELLS HAVE DRIED UP LONG TIME AGO AND THE WATER IN THE STREAM HAS FAST DWINDLED.
THE RAIN OVER THE WEEKEND HELPED A LITTLE TO BRING SOME RELIEF BUT THE WATER IS STILL. TOO MUDDY TO EE GOOD FOR DRINKING.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO CARRY WATER TO THE TWO VILLAGES BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH INACCESSIBLE BY LAND TRANSPORT. TUNG AH WILL RECEIVE WATER THREE TIMES A WEEK AND SHA KIU ONCE A WEEK.
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It
D.C. AND I. TO STRENGTHEN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION DRIVE ******
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS TO HAVE A NEW GRADE OF OFFICER AS PART OF ITS PROGRAMME TO STRENGTHEN ITS DRIVE TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY.
CALLED INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION PROJECT OFFICERS, THE MEN TQ BE APPOINTED WILL P'ROBABLY HAVE GRADUATED IN INDUSTRIAL, ELECTRICAL, ’ MECHANICAL OR PRODUCTION ENGINEERING, HAVE HAD 10 YEARS’ INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND WILL HAVE A SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY GAINED IN A SENIOR MANAGERIAL POSITION.
THESE OFFICERS WILL COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING STAFF IN THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALREADY EMPLOYED IN THE WORK OF PROMOTING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY, WHOSE NUMBERS MUST BE INCREASED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE TECHNIQUES OF PROMOTION MUST ALSO BE EXPANDED AS THE SERVICING DEMANDS OF WOULD-BE INVESTORS WERE INCREASING IN COMPLEX ITY.
THE NEW OFFICERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HELP PLAN PROMOTION MISSIONS, TRAVEL OVERSEAS WITH THESE MISSIONS AND ATTEND TO THE FOLLOW-UP WORK GENERATED BY THEM. THEY WILL DEAL EXTENSIVELY WITH INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS RESULTING FROM THESE MISSIONS OR BY OTHER MEANS.
THIS WOULD INCLUDE LIAISING WITH, AND ASSISTING, THE MANAGEMENT OF OVERSEAS OR LOCAL INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS MAKING FEASIBILITY STUDIES WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP NEW PRODUCTION FACILITIES HERE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TYPE OF INVESTMENT DECISION WHICH WAS INVOLVED IN ESTABLISHING HIGHER TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIES REQUIRED VERY DETAILED PRELIMINARY STUDIES WHICH, IN SOME CASES, MIGHT TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THROUGHOUT THAT PERIOD, HE SAID, THE COMPANIES CONCERNED WERE IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
+IT FOLLOWS, THEREFORE, THAT MANY OF THE ENQUIRIES GENERATED IN, SAY 1975 AND 1976, WILL STILL BE ON THE +ACTIVE+ LIST IN 1977 AND 1978 WHEN ADDITIONAL OVERSEAS MISSIONS ARE BEING MOUNTED. THESE ADDITIONAL MISSIONS WILL ALSO GENERATE A SIGNIFICANT -THOUGH UNPREDICTABLE - NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES WHICH WILL RAPIDLY INCREASE THE FOLLOW-UP WORKLOAD,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO MAKE LOCAL COMPANIES MORE AWARE OF INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO INVEST IN NEW PROJECTS, OFTEN IN CO-OPERATION WITH OVERSEAS COMPANIES, IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE, RAISE THE STANDARD OF TECHNOLOGY AND FURTHER DIVERSIFY LOCAL INDUSTRY.
HE ADDED: +WORK ALREADY DONE IN THIS DIRECTION HAS RESULTED IN SOME EXCELLENT JOINT VENTURE ARRANGEMENTS BUT THE DEPARTMENT BELIEVES THAT MORE EMPHASIS NEEDS TO BE GIVEN TO IT THAN PRESENT STAFF RESOURCES ALLOW.+
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/5....
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
5
ACTIVITY APPROACH BEING USED IN 273 PRIMARY CLASSES
M * * H
ABOUT 10,000 PRIMARY PUPILS IN 273 CLASSES IN 38 GOVERNMENT, AIDED AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE ENJOYING THEIR LESSONS MORE AND MORE IN AN INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE THROUGH THE ACTIVITY APPROACH, A SCHEME LAUNCHED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE IN SEPTEMBER 1972.
+THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IS GRADUALLY BEING ACCEPTED BY MORE PRIMARY TEACHERS AS A MEANS OF IMPROVING TEACHING IN THE CLASSROOM.* SAID MRS. RUBY LAU, PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER (PRIMARY), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IS THAT OF A FRIEND HELPING THE PUPILS TO FIND OUT FOR THEMSELVES RATHER THAN A MERE INSTRUCTOR.
TO ENABLE MORE PRIMARY TEACHERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE BASIC INFORMATION AND SKILLS REQUIRED IN ADOPTING THE SCHEME, THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE IS CONDUCTING FOUR INTRODUCTORY COURSES FOR TEACHERS.
THE FIRST OF THE TWO-DAY COURSES BEGAN TODAY AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE IN TANNER ROAD, NORTH POINT.
+IT IS EXPECTED THAT 240 PRIMARY TEACHERS WILL ATTEND THE FOUR COURSES, THE LAST OF WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MAY 31 AND JUNE 3,+ MRS. LAU SAID.
SHE ADDEDs +PRIORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO TEACHERS FROM SCHOOLS INTENDING TO ADOPT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN SEPTEMBER 1977.+
APART FROM THESE INTRODUCTORY COURSES, OTHER IN-SERVICE COURSES ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH ARE HELD DURING THE YEAR. FOR EXAMPLE, A COURSE ON +TOPIC WORK* IS FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS WHO ARE ALREADY USING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN CLASS.
/6
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN SHA TIN ANOTHER CONTRACT SIGNED
******
THE PUBLIC WBRKS DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED ANOTHER CONTRACT FOR THE NEW $175 fILL ION PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN.I
THE CONTRACT! WORTH ABOUT $3.3 MILLION, IS FOR THE SUPPLY OF THREE LARGE AIR BLOWERS AND HAS BEEN AWARDED TO THE BRITISH FIRM OF COMPAIR INDUSTRIAL LTD., WHOSE LOCAL AGENT IS HUTCHISON-BOAG ENGINEERING LTD.
THE CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS MORNING BY MR. J.W. BURTON, DIRECTOR OF COMPAIR AND MR. WONG KWOK-CHOY, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE’S CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE NEW SEWAGE PLANT WILL EE BUILT JUST NORTH OF THE NEW RACECOURSE AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN ON 17 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND.
THE STAGE ONE CONSTRUCTION, WHICH IS BEING PARTLY FINANCED BY A $95 MILLION LOAN FROM THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, WILL INVOLVE SETTLING AND AERATION TANKS AND AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.
MR. WONG SAID THAT WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE PLANT WOULD SERVE THE NEW TOWN’S ENTIRE POPULATION OF SOME 500,000.
THE PLANT’S CONSTRUCTION TIMETABLE HAS BEEN GEARED TO KEEP PACE WITH VARIOUS STAGES OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, AND IN FACT IT WILL BE RACING AHEAD OF INITIAL POPULATION INCREASE, HE SAID.
BY THE TIME IT IS COMMISSIONED IN 1980 POPULATION OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN SHOULD BE STANDING AT AROUND 150,000 WHILE THE SEWAGE WORKS WOULD BE CAPABLE OF SERVING SOME 230,000 PEOPLE, HE SAID.
THE TREATMENT WORKS WOULD BE ABLE TO TREAT MORE THAN 102,000 CUBIC METRES OF RAW SEWAGE A DAY, SAID MR. WONG.
+THE MAXIMUM SEWAGE FLOW TO THE PLANT FOR FULL TREATMENT WILL BE 3.6 CUBIC METRES PER SECOND — A TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN TREATMENT CAPACITY OVER OUR EXISTING PLANTS.+
THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY WATSON (HONG KONG) CHARTERED CIVIL ENGINEERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE GOVERNMENT, UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE P.W.D. CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1977
7
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN YUEN LONG AND SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT WATER PIPES THERE.
IN YUEN LONG, THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN HUNG SHU I KIU AND SAN TIN MARKET, PING HA ROAD AND LAU FAU SHAN ROAD BETWEEN PING SHAN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND LAU FAU SHAN MARKET, TIN SAM ROAD BETWEEN HUNG SHU I KIU AND PING HA ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD AND WONG NAI TUN, INCLUDING YUEN LONG TOWN- KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND PAT HEUNG POLICE STATION, FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN PAK HEUNG POLICE STATION AND FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, AND KAM SHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND LIN FA TEI, SHEUNG TSUEN.
IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE IN PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL DOCTOR’S QUARTERS AT LAI KING HILL ROAD, LAI KING ESTATE, KAU WAH KENG, KAU W'AH KENG SAN TSUEN, LAI YUEN AMUSEMENT PARK, CHUNG SHAN TERRACE AND SITE OF PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AT LAI CHI KOK. AS A RESULT OF THE PIPE CONNECTION WORK, POOR WATER PRESSURE MAY BE EXPERIENCED IN KWAI CHUNG AREA.
ON THE SAME DAY (WEDNESDAY), WATER SUPPLY TO TWO OTHER PARTS OF YUEN LONG WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
ONE OF THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HOP YICK ROAD AND MAIN NULLAH, INCLUDING TA I KI LING, KONG TAU TSUEN, NGA YIU TAU AND TONG TAU PO.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES IN KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN KAM SHEUNG ROAD AND WING LUNG WAI, INCLUDING KAM SHEUNG ROAD, TSZ TONG TSUEN, KO PO, KAM TSIN WAI, KONG HA WAI, TIN SHAM TSUEN, YUEN KONG TSUEN, YUEN KONG SAN TSUEN, TAI WO, CHEUNG PO, HO PUI, MA ON KONG, SHUI LAU TIN, SHUI TSAN TIN, NGAU KENG TSUEN, LIN FA TEI, SHEUNG TSUEN SHUI LO AND SHEUNG TSUEN.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
"r •• *********
LATEST ISSUE OF PROPERTY REVIEW SHOWS ACTIVE MARKET IN 1976 .......................................................... 1
TSIM SHA TSUI CLOCK TOWER TO BE RETAINED TEMPORARILY 3
OVER >77 MILLION IN UNREPORTED PROFITS DISCOVERED BY INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ................................... 4
S.W.D. ORGANISES YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ........................ 6
TRADE DISPUTE AMICABLY SETTLED ............................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
A
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
1
PROPERTY REVIEW 1977 * * *
THE PROPERTY REVIEW 1977 WAS RELEASED TODAY BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION. IT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $40 A COPY.
COMMENTING ON THE REVIEW, THE COMMISSIONER, MR. RAYMOND FRY, SAID THAT, AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE PUBLICATION CONTAINS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ON THE PROPERTY SITUATION IN HONG KONG, AND SHOULD BE OF INTEREST TO THOSE INVOLVED IN OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE LOCAL PROPERTY MARKET.
THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW HAS BEEN FURTHER EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MORE OF THE DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE BUILDING ACTIVITY IS INCREASING AT A RAPID PACE.
THE REVIEW SHOWS THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS VERY ACTIVE DURING 1976 AND, EXCEPT GENERALLY IN THE CASE OF OFFICES, INCREASES IN RENTALS AND PURCHASE PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR MOST CLASSES, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASES BEING IN RESPECT OF FLATTED FACTORIES.
THE SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION IMPROVED SLIGHTLY WITH 15,500 UNITS COMPLETED IN 1976, AND UNITS WERE TAKEN UP AT A FASTER RATE. COMPLETIONS ARE EXPECTED TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY TO 23,500 UNITS IN 1977 AND COULD WELL EXCEED 28,000 IN 1978.
FOLLOWING THE RECOVERY OF THE ECONOMY, THE AMOUNT OF VACANT SHOP SPACE DWINDLED TO SLIGHTLY OVER ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET, WHICH IS A REDUCTION OF 37 PER CENT OVER 1975, INDICATING A GREATLY IMPROVED DEMAND FOR SUCH ACCOMMODATION. VACANCIES IN PRIME POSITIONS IN THE MAIN TOURIST CENTRES REMAINED AT A PARTICULARLY LOW LEVEL. TOTAL SUPPLY FOR THE YEAR WAS 1.16 MILLION SQUARE FEET, AND AN INCREASED SUPPLY OF OVER 1.5 MILLION SQUARE FEET PER YEAR IS FORECAST FOR 1977 AND 1978.
IN REGARD TO OFFICE ACCOMMODATION THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURE IS THE RECORD TAKE-UP OF SPACE FOR THE YEAR AT 2.3 MILLION SQUARE FEET, IT WAS MORE THAN TWICE THE AMOUNT TAKEN UP IN 1975. NEVERTHELESS, BECAUSE OF HIGH VACANCIES AT THE END OF 1975 (2.7 MILLION SQUARE FEET) THERE WAS STILL SOME 2.5 MILLION SQUARE FEET VACANT AT THE END OF THE YEAR. THE HIGH VACANCY POSITION HAS ALSO AFFECTED COMPLETIONS WITH OCCUPATION PERMITS BEING ISSUED FOR ONLY 2.2 MILLION SQUARE FEET, AS COMPARED WITH 2.7 MILLION SQUARE FEET IN 1975. THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE MOVEMENT IN RENTS FOR GRADE A ACCOMMODATION, BUT FURTHER REDUCTIONS WERE NOTED IN RESPECT OF LESS ATTRACTIVE BUILDINGS AND THOSE OUTSIDE THE MAIN COMMERCIAL CENTRES.
/ON THE ....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
- 2 -
ON THE INDUSTRIAL SCENE, A SIGNIFICANT FEATURE IS THE FORECAST OF NINE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF FLATTED FACTORY ACCOMMODATION FOR 1977, AND 12 MILLION SQUARE FEET FOR 1978, AGAINST AN ACTUAL SUPPLY OF 2.9 MILLION SQUARE FEET IN 1976. ALTHOUGH 1.7 MILLION SQUARE FEET WAS LYING VACANT IN DECEMBER 1976, MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF THIS WAS IN RESPECT OF PREMISES COMPLETED ONLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. EFFECTIVE DEMAND FOR SUCH SPACE CONTINUES AT A HIGH LEVEL.
GENERALLY, SUBJECT TO ANY UNFORESEEABLE SET-BACKS> THE REVIEW SEES 1977 AS A VERY ACTIVE YEAR FOR PROPERTY DEVELOPERS, AND EFFECTIVE DEMAND FOR ALL CATEGORIES OF PROPERTIES. EXCEPT PERHAPS FOR THE POORER, LESS WELL LOCATED OFFICES, CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE MAINTAINED OR INCREASED.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MAIN STATISTICS FOR THE YEARS 1975 TO 1977 AND FORECAST FIGURES FOR 1978s-
DOMESTIC (UNITS) 1975 1976 1977 1978
SUPPLY IN YEAR 14,530 15,425 23,560 28,580
BUILT IN YEAR AND VACANT AT DECEMBER 4,860 4,305 — —
SHOPS (THOUSAND SQ.FT.)
SUPPLY IN YEAR 1,097 1,157 1,590 1,578
TOTAL VACANT AT DECEMBER 1,732 1,094* — .
OFFICES (THOUSAND SQ.FT.)
SUPPLY IN YEAR 2,674 2,170 2,866 2,863
TOTAL VACANT AT DECEMBER 2,704 2,548+ •
MISC. COMMERCIAL (THOUSAND SQ. FT.)
SUPPLY IN YEAR 1,088 1,122 1,109 1,010
TOTAL VACANT AT DECEMBER 1,622 1,600 — —
FLATTED FACTORIES (THOUSAND SQ • FT.)
SUPPLY IN YEAR 2,219 2,871 8,858 11,992
Total vacant at December 1,842 1, 680++ — —
/SJO&Gg.....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
- 3 -
STORAGE (THOUSAND SQ.FT.)
SUPPLY IN YEAR 1,009 1,228 1,860 2,583
TOTAL VACANT AT DECEMBER 435 196
NOTE i FIGURES RELATE TO ALL RATED AREAS.
% 48% RELATES TO SHOP SPACE COMPLETED IN 1976.
+ 42% RELATES TO OFFICE SPACE COMPLETED IN 1976.
+•*• 80% RELATES TO FLATTED FACTORY SPACE COMPLETED IN 1976.
TSIM SHA TSUI CLOCK TOWER TO BE RETAINED TEMPORARILY
HMM*
AFTER CONSIDERING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, THE GOVERNOR HAS COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT IT WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO RETAIN THE FACADE OF THE OLD RAILWAY STATION AT TSIM SHA TSUI AS ITS PRESERVATION WOULD INTERFERE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CULTURAL COMPLEX. THE LATTER WILL MEET AN URGENT PUBLIC NEED.
NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNOR HAS DIRECTED THAT THE CLOCK TOWER ITSELF SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR THE TIME BEING, AND MAINTAINED AT THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPENSE. ITS FUTURE CAN BE DECIDED AT A LATER DATE, WHEN THE CULTURAL COMPLEX HAS BEEN COMPLETED. AND PEOPLE CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER OR NOT THE CLOCK TOWER BLENDS WITH THE CULTURAL COMPLEX.
THE FACADE AND THE REMAINDER OF THE OLD RAILWAY STATION BUILDING WILL BE DEMOLISHED IN ORDER THAT WORK CAN PROCEED WITHOUT DELAY ON THE CULTURAL COMPLEX. THE CLOCK TOWER LIES ON THE BOUNDARY OF THE CULTURAL COMPLEX AND CAN, THEREFORE, BE LEFT UNDISTURBED FOR THE PRESENT.
THE CULTURAL COMPLEX WILL INCLUDE A MUSEUM, AN ART GALLERY, A PLANETARIUM, TWO AUDITOR I A, LECTURE ROOMS AND REHEARSAL ROOMS. A LARGE FOUNTAIN WILL FORM PART OF THE DESIGN.
THE MUSEUM AND THE ART GALLERY WILL BE HOUSED IN SEPARATE BUILDINGS. THE TWO AUDITORIA WILL SEAT 2,500 AND 1,000. THE PLANETARIUM WILL ACCOMMODATE 500.
-----o------- A
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
4 -
OVER $77 MILLION IN UNREPORTED PROFITS DISCOVERED BY INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ******
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT HAS UNCOVERED 82 CASES INVOLVING MORE THAN $77 MILLION IN UNREPORTED PROFITS DURING . THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR — 67 PER CENT MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. ANTHONY AU-YEUNG, THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE LIONS CLUB OF LION ROCK LUNCHEON MEETING.
+THE FIGURE REPRESENTED AN AVERAGE UNDERSTATEMENT OF $940,000 PER CASE, WHICH IS SOMETHING LIKE 78 PER CENT OF THE PROFITS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RETURNED. IN OTHER WORDS ONLY 22 PER CENT OF THE TRUE PROFITS HAVE BEEN RETURNED PRIOR TO INVESTIGATION (BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT),+ MR. AU-YEUNG SAID.
THE TAX FIDDLE ADOPTED BY DISHONEST TAXPAYERS RANGED FROM SOMETHING SIMPLE SUCH AS PADDED WAGE BILLS TO MORE SOPHISTICATED SCHEME OF TAX EVASION, HE SAID.
ONE VERY COMMON FORM OF EVASION PRACTISED IN HONG KONG IS UN-RECORDED DRAWINGS FROM ACCOUNTS.
+WHATEVER THE FORM IT TAKES TAX EVASION IS A COMMUNAL SIN WHICH OUGHT TO BE STRONGLY DISCOURAGED. ONE COMMON FEATURE IN ALL TAX EVASION CASES IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUFFERS A LOSS OF REVENUE WHICH IS ANOTHER WAY OF SAYING THAT THE EVADER MANAGES TO MAKE HIS FELLOW CITIZENS PAY SOMETHING THAT OUGHT TO HAVE COME OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET,+ MR. AU-YEUNG SAID.
+IT MUST BE APPRECIATED THAT SETTLING A BACK DUTY CASE IS A PAINSTAKING, TIME CONSUMING AND OFTEN FRUSTRATING EXERCISE REQUIRING A HIGH DEGREE OF SKILL BECAUSE IN ORDER TO GET AT THE REAL FACTS OF THE MATTER, IT INVARIABLY INVOLVES GOING BEYOND THE TAXPAYER’S BUSINESS DOCUMENTS AND HAVING ACCESS TO HIS PRIVATE FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS AS WELL.
+SINCE SO MUCH FURTHER LIABILITY HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY INQUIRIES OF THE REVENUE, ITS CONCLUSION IS OBVIOUS THAT MUCH STILL REMAINS TO BE DONE TO COMBAT TAX EVAS ION.+
THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE LOST THROUGH TAX EVASION IN HONG KONG COULD NOT BE DEFINITELY KNOWN, BUT TAX EVADERS COVER A VERY BROAD SPECTRUM OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
/ALMOST .....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
- 5 -
ALMOST EVERY PROFESSION AND EVERY SELECTION OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS REPRESENTED AND IT WOULD BE MISLEADING TO SINGLE OUT ANY ONE CLASS, MR. AU-YEUNG SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PROFITS ARISING FROM ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES WERE ASSESSABLE TO TAX IF THESE ACTIVITIES WERE OF SUCH A NATURE THAT THEY WOULD CONSTITUTE A TRADE OR BUSINESS.
+WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED INSTANCES OF MASSIVE EVASION BY THESE ACTIVITIES AND I BELIEVE THE REVENUE LEAK IN THIS DIRECTION MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL,+ HE SAID.
MR. AU-YEUNG EMPHASISED THAT THE TAX LAW, AS AMENDED IN 1975, IMPOSES HEAVY MONETARY FINES AND PENALTIES FOR BREACHES OF STATUTORY TAX OBLIGATIONS WHICH INCLUDE THE MAKING OF INCORRECT RETURNS AND FAILURE TO FILE RETURNS.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM 100 PER CENT TO 300 PER CENT OF THE TAX EVADED SO AS TO PROVIDE A STRONGER DETERRENT EFFECT. IN SOME WILFUL EVASION CASES, SUCH AS THOSE OF FRAUDULENT CLAIMS OR FALSE RETURNS, THE OFFENDERS COULD BE SENT TO PRISON.
IN 1976-77, THREE CASES INVOLVING WILFUL INTENT TO EVADE TAX WERE SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED IN THE COURTS AND THE ACCUSED WERE CONVICTED.
IN ADDITION TO PAYING A SUBSTANTIAL FINE AND PENALTY, TWO WERE SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT THOUGH SUSPENDED FOR A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS.
A MORE LENIENT VIEW WOULD BE TAKEN OF THOSE WHO VOLUNTARILY APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT FOR A FULL DISCLOSURE OF THEIR MISDEEDS THAN THOSE WHO WERE PICKED UP AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATION, MR. AU-YEUNG SAID.
+WHILE I BELIEVE A GREAT MAJORITY OF TAXPAYERS HAVE MADE HONEST RETURNS, IT IS A PRACTICAL CERTAINTY THAT THERE IS STILL CONSIDERABLE LEAKAGE OF TAX DUE FROM THE LESS SCRUPULOUS MINORITY,* HE ADDED.
TO REDUCE THE EVASION OF TAX, THE DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN VARIOUS MEASURES INCLUDING WIDE-SPREAD PUBLICITY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO NOTIFY THE TAX AUTHORITY OF THEIR TAX LIABILITY- SIMPLIFIED FORM OF RETURNS-PERIODICAL NOTIFICATIONS IN THE PRESS- ISSUE OF GUIDELINE TO ACCOUNTANTS AND INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INVESTIGATION BRANCH.
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1977
6
SUMMER TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTH LEADERS K K M M M
A TRAINING CAMP, SPONSORED BY THE YOUTH WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR 36 YOUTH LEADERS IN JULY.
THE TRAINING CAMP, TO BE HELD AT PATS IN RANGE, KOWLOON PEAK AND TAI PO DISTRICT, AIMS TO AROUSE THE INTEREST OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND TO FOSTER SELF-CONFIDENCE AND ENDURANCE THROUGH SUCH ACTIVITIES. IT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE ’AK INALLIANCE’, A SELF-PROGRAMMING YOUTH GROUP OF THE YOUTH WORK UNIT.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE BASIC INSTRUCTIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS ON ROCK CLIMBING, USE OF MAPS AND COMPASSES, ORIENTEERING, CAMPCRAFTS AND PHYSICAL TRAINING.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHARGED $15 PER PERSON.
YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED TO TAKE PART ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE YOUTH WORK UNIT AT THE KOWLOON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405, NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE OF APPLICATION IS JUNE 25.
-------o----------
TRADE DISPUTE SETTLED
M * * * *
THE TRADE DISPUTE AT THE FIRST NATIONAL TRADING CO. LTD. IN KWAI CHUNG WAS AMICABLY SETTLED YESTERDAY THROUGH THE CONCILIATION EFFORTS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
IT AROSE FROM A CHANGE IN THE WAGE RATE FOR 32 WORKERS IN THE FACTORY’S WEAVING SECTION.
»
THE DISPUTE CAME TO AN END AFTER A JOINT MEETING BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND THE WORKERS WHICH WAS ARRANGED AND CHAIRED BY OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
AS A RESULT OF THE MEETING, THE TWO PARTIES CAME TO AN AGREEMENT ON THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF WORK.
IN ADDITION, THE MANAGEMENT HAD AGREED TO GIVE THE WORKERS $200 EACH AS EX-GRATIA PAYMENT. »
ALL 32 WORKERS HAVE NOW RESUMED WORK.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
INCREASE IN MEANS TEST LIMITS FOR LEGAL AID NEXT MONTH .... 1
FACTORY OWNERS URGED TO RETURN INDUSTRY CENSUS FORMS .......... 2
CONTROL OF OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS SOON ...................... 3
44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL ........................... 4
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN LAM TIN ESTATE ................ 5
INTERNATIONAL AND HONG KONG PORT SIGNALS FACT SHEET AVAILABLE ..................................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
1
INCREASE IN MEANS TEST LIMITS FOR LEGAL AID
M M K
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGAL AID (ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS) REGULATIONS. WHICH PRESCRIBE THE METHOD OF ASSESSING THE DISPOSABLE INCOME AND CAPITAL OF APPLICANTS FOR AID AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THEY . WILL BE LIABLE TO PAY TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, DEPENDING ON THEIR FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
THIS FOLLOWS A RESOLUTION THAT WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RECENTLY INCREASING THE MEANS TEST LIMITS FOR APPLICANTS FOR LEGAL AID FOR CIVIL (NON-CRIMINAL) CASES.
THE NEW LIMITS AND THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS REGULATIONS WILL BOTH COME INTO EFFECT NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
PERSONS WITH A MAXIMUM DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $1,000 PER MONTH AND A DISPOSABLE CAPITAL NOT EXCEEDING $10,000 WILL BE FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID UNDER THE NEW LIMITS. UNTIL NOW, THE LIMITS HAVE BEEN $700 MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME AND $4,000 DISPOSAL CAPITAL.
A LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THIS MEANT MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID SO THAT ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG WOULD COME WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME.
HE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT IN ASSESSING THE DISPOSABLE INCOME AND CAPITAL OF APPLICANTS FOR AID VARIOUS ALLOWANCES WERE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT LEGAL AID LEGISLATION, SO THAT PEOPLE WITH REAL MONTHLY INCOMES MUCH IN EXCESS OF $1,000 OR WITH REAL CAPITAL ASSETS OF OVER $10,000 MIGHT BE FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID.
FURTHERMORE, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WITH THE AMENDMENTS TO THE ASSESSMENT OF CONTRIBUTIONS REGULATIONS MANY OF THE LESS WELL-OFF AIDED PERSONS WHO WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO PAY GRADUATED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WILL PAY EITHER NO CONTRIBUTIONS AT ALL OR SMALLER CONTRIBUTIONS.
FOR EXAMPLE, AT PRESENT A LEGALLY-AIDED PERSON WITH A MONTHLY DISPOSABLE INCOME OF $500 AND A DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF $3,000 HAVE TO PAY CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALLING $1,440 ($840 IN RESPECT OF INCOME AND $600 OUT OF HIS DISPOSABLE CAPITAL).
AFTER JUNE 1, HE WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY CONTRIBUTION AT ALL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ORDER TO AVOID FINANCIAL HARDSHIP TO THOSE LEWfcLLY AIDED PERSONS WHO WERE REQUIRED TO PAY PRESCRIBED CONTRIBUTIONS, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD NORMALLY ALLOW THESE TO BE PAID BY INSTALMENTS SPREAD OVER A PERIOD OF TIME.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
- 2 -
HE ADDED THAT CIVIL LITIGATION WAS A VERY COSTLY AFFAIR.
EVEN THE SIMPLEST, SHORT DEFENDED HIGH COURT ACTION WOULD PROBABLY COST A PERSON WHO DID NOT HAVE LEGAL AID $15,000 OR MORE, SOMETIMES VERY MUCH MORE, FOR HIS OWN LAWYERS’ FEES.
MOREOVER. THE PROCEDURE IN SUCH CASES WAS TOO COMPLICATED TO ENABLE A LAYMAN TO CONDUCT HIS OWN CASE WITHOUT THE SERVICES OF • A SOLICITOR AND A BARRISTER.
ACCORDINGLY, MANY PEOPLE IN THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP WHO UNTIL NOW HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO AFFORD THE HIGH COST OF LITIGATION COULD TURN TO THE LEGAL AID SCHEME FOR ASSISTANCE AND OBTAIN THE BEST AVAILABLE LEGAL REPRESENTATION AT LITTLE OR NO COST TO THEMSELVES.
APPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL AID FOR CIVIL CASES MAY BE MADE AT THE OFFICES OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ON THE 18TH FLOOR OF SINCERE COMPANY BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL.
IF BY REASON OF SERIOUS INFIRMITY OR GOOD CAUSE A PERSON WISHING TO APPLY FOR LEGAL AID IS UNABLE TO GO IN PERSON TO THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE, AN AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE, SUCH AS A CLOSE RELATIVE OF THE APPLICANT, CAN MAKE THE APPLICATION ON HIS OR HER BEHALF.
FACTORY OWNERS URGED TO RETURN INDUSTRY CENSUS FORMS
M * * *
INDUSTRIALISTS WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED THEiR QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE 1976 CENSUS OF INDUSTRY ARE URGED TO DO SO WITHOUT DELAY AND RETURN THE FORMS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
FROM RECORDS KEPT BY THE DEPARTMENT, IT APPEARS THAT A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE FAILED TO RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES BY THE CLOSING DATE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO THOSE CONCERNED WITH THIS CENSUS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE SUPPORT OF INDUSTRIALISTS WAS ESSENTIAL TO PRODUCING TIMELY STATISTICS ON INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE. AND THIS IN TURN WOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS ORDER, 1977, ALL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN RECEIPT OF THE CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE ARE REQUIRED TO FURNISH DATA RELATING TO EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COST, MATERIAL PURCHASES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES, SALES AND WORK DONE, STOCKS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 1976, OR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS NOT LATER THAN MARCH 31, 1977.
IN CASE OF ANY DIFFICULTY, INDUSTRIALISTS MAY CONTACT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-444716 SO THAT THE DEPARTMENT COULD ARRANGE FOR AN OFFICER TO CALL ON AND OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THEM.
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/3
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
- 3 -
CONTROL OF OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE INTRODUCING CONTROL OYER THE USE OF OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS WITHIN THE TERRITORIAL WATERS . OF HONG KONG.
UNDER THE UNITED KINGDOM’S DUMPING AT SEA ACT 1974 (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1975, WHICH WAS EXTENDED TO HONG KONG LAST YEAR, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS THE POWERS TO REQUIRE THE USERS OF OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS INTENDED FOR DEPOSIT IN HONG KONG WATERS TO OBTAIN A LICENCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THESE LICENSING PROCEDURES WAS TO RESTRICT THE USE OF SUCH CHEMICALS TO THOSE PRODUCTS THAT WERE OF LOW TOXICITY TO MARINE LIFE.
ALTHOUGH MANY NEW METHODS ARE BEING DEVELOPED, THE USE OF MODERN LOW TOXICITY CHEMICALS PRESENTS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEALING WITH OIL SPILLS AND THIS IS LIKELY TO BE SO FOR SOME YEARS TO COME, HE ADDED.
AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL LICENCE THOSE OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS APPROVED BY THE UNITED KINGDOM DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY’S WARREN SPRING LABORATORY AS BEING SUITABLE FOR OIL SPILL CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AT SEA, ON COASTAL WATERS AND BEACHES.
AN INITIAL LIST OF WARREN SPRING LABORATORY APPROVED OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS WILL BE PUBLISHED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT NEXT MONTH. IT WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1978.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WOULD BE SETTING UP ITS OWN TESTING FACILITIES FOR THESE CHEMICALS AND DRAW UP ITS OWN LIST OF OIL DISPERSANT CHEMICALS TO REPLACE THE +INTERIM MEASURE*.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1979. ONLY PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN THE LIST WILL THEN BE ALLOWED TO BE USED WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN APPROVED FOR USE BY THE WARREN SPRING LABORATORY.
0
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
4
44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL
M * * M M *
THE TOTAL DECLARED COSTS OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN APRIL AMOUNTED TO $119.16 MILLION, ACCORDING TO FIGURES ISSUED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 122,668.5 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 99,257.2 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 23,411.3 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
PLANS FOR A 46-STOREY APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT A PRIME SITE ON WAN CHAI RECLAMATION BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD, A 33-STOREY APARTMENT BUILDING AT GARDEN TERRACE, A 31-STOREY APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL BUILDING AT FERRY STREET, A CHURCH/KINDERGARTEN AT TAI PO AND A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AT TSI NG Yl ISLAND WERE AMONG 44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE.
OF THESE PLANS APPROVED DURING THE MONTH, 11 WERE FOR PROJECTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 11 FOR KOWLOON AND 22 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 46 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING ONE SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT FUK TSUN STREET, A SWIMMING POOL AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE SPORTS CENTRE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A SCHOOL/ APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.
THIRTY-SEVEN COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION LAST MONTH. THEY INCLUDED A SCHOOL OF SIX STOREYS AT NAM CHEONG STREET, A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AT SHA TAU KOK, A CONTAINER FREIGHT STATION AT KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL AND A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND SHOPPING CENTRE AT WO Yl HOP ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 28 BUILDINGS.
- - 0
4. i/ a* .» I 'i '< h
<•: a’JcIwi
* r
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1977
-5-
REGI STRATI ON TEAM TO OPERATE IN LAM TIN ESTATE *****
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN LAM TIN ESTATE FOR RESIDENTS AND PERSONS LIVING
• NEARBY FOR FIVE DAYS FROM MAY 30 (MONDAY).
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS 11 YEARS OF AGE FOR\JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS. THEY SHOULD REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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INTERNATIONAL AND HONG KONG PORT SIGNALS * * * *
THE FACT SHEET ON INTERNATIONAL AND HONG KONG PORT SIGNALS, WHICH HAS BEEN SOLD OUT RECENTLY, IS NOW ON SALE AGAIN. IT IS OBTAINABLE AT $1 A COPY FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION DESK AT 102, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
THE FACT SHEET IS IN FULL COLOUR ANDIS OF INTEREST TO LOCAL MASTERS.
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।
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WATER RESTRICTIONS FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY .................. 1
WORK ON CHEUNG CHAU RECREATION GROUND TO BE SPEEDED UP 5
FIVE MORE DESIGNATED TRADES TO BE SPECIFIED SOON ........ 6
FRY TO ATTEND PAN-PACIFIC CONGRESS OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS IN CANADA .................................... 7
REDUCED TRAIN FARES FOR STUDENTS DURING SUMMER VACATION 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
1
WATER RESTRICTIONS FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY ft ft ft ft ft
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT WATER RESTRICTIONS WOULD COME INTO FORCE NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
HE SAID SUPPLIES WOULD BE CUT OFF AT 10 P.M. AND RESTORED AT 6 A.M. EACH DAY, WITH THE AIM OF ACHIEVING A 10 PER CENT SAVING IN DEMAND.
MR. TUCKER WARNED THAT FURTHER RESTRICTIONS WOULD BECOME NECESSARY IF THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT SOON IN OUR RAPIDLY-FALLING RESERVOIR STORAGE LEVELS.
+THE APPROVED INITIAL RESTRICTIONS ARE MILD, AND SHOULD NOT CAUSE GREAT HARDSHIP TO ANYONE,* HE SAID.
+BUT THERE IS EVERY LIKELIHOOD THAT RESTRICTIONS WILL BECOME MORE SEVERE FAIRLY QUICKLY IF WE DO NOT GET SOME GOOD RAINFALL SOON ON OUR WATER CATCHMENT AREAS — AND UNLESS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INCREASE THEIR EFFORTS TO CUT DOWN ON CONSUMPTION AND AVOID WASTE.*
MR. TUCKER STRESSED THAT THE DECISION TO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN ONLY AFTER A VERY CAREFUL ASSESSMENT OF THE SITUATION. +WE HAVE NOW REACHED A STAGE WHERE IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE TO POSTPONE RESTRICTIONS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID t +EARLIER THIS MONTH, WHEN I ANNOUNCED THE PROBABILITY THAT WATER RESTRICTIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE IMPOSED EARLY IN JUNE, I ROUGHLY ESTIMATED THAT IF WE GOT BETWEEN 150 AND 200 MM (6 TO 8 INCHES) OF GOOD RAINFALL ONTO OUR CATCHMENT AREAS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH, WE WOULD BE ABLE TO POSTPONE THE IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS.
+THAT MUCH RAINFALL, IF IT HAD ALL GONE INTO OUR RESERVOIRS, WOULD HAVE ADDED SOME 3,000 TO 4,000 MILLION GALLONS TO OUR STORAGE.
+IN THE EVENT, IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS WE HAVE RECEIVED A FAIR BIT OF RAINFALL, BUT VERY LITTLE INDEED HAS BEEN FALLING WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT FALL.
+MOST OF IT HAS COME IN THE URBAN AREAS, AND VIRTUALLY NONE OF IT HAS ACTUALLY REACHED OUR RESERVOIRS.
+AS A RESULT, IN THE WEEKS SINCE I MADE MY ANNOUNCEMENT, THE TOTAL RAINFALL YIELD TO OUR RESERVOIR STORAGE HAS BEEN A MERE 833 MILLION GALLONS,* HE SAID.
AS AN EXAMPLE, MR. TUCKER POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE HEAVY DOWNPOURS ON THE MORNING OF TUESDAY THIS WEEK (MAY 24), THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S GAUGES RECORDED A HEALTHY 72.6 MM OF RAIN.
/BUT AT .....
2
WTRSDAX, MAY 26, 1977
BUT AT PLOVER COVE, WHICH IS HONG KONG’S BIGGEST OPERATIONAL RESERVOIR, ONLY 4 MM WERE RECORDED — WHICH MEANT PRACTICALLY NOTHING IN TERMS OF STORAGE.
MR. TUCKER ADDED i + IT SHOULD ALSO BE REMEMBERED THAT HONG KONG HAD JUST BEEN THROUGH ITS WORST DROUGHT FOR SOMETHING LIKE 90 YEARS, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE GROUND WAS LITERALLY BONE DRY.
♦THEREFORE MOST OF THE RAINFALL DURING THE MONTH WAS ABSORBED INTO THE SOIL AND DID NOT EVEN BEGIN TO SEEP INTO THE RESERVOIRS.
♦THE END RESULT HAS BEEN THAT WE SIMPLY DID NOT GET ENOUGH WATER IN THE RESERVOIRS TCi AVO ID_RESTR ICTIONS,*
THIS MORNING THE RESERVOIRS HELD ONLY 31,141 MILLION GALLONS, OR 46.2 PER CENT OF THEIR FULL STORAGE CAPACITY — FAR BELOW THE 42,157 MILLION GALLONS OR 62.6 PER CENT RECORDED AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
MR. TUCKER SAID i +THIS MEANS THAT IF WE CONTINUE TO CONSUME WATER AT THE PRESENT RATE, AND FAIL TO GET VERY GOOD RAINFALL YIELDS THIS SUMMER — WHICH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS PREDICTED WILL BE A DRY ONE — WE WILL BE TAKING A GREAT RISK OF VERY SEVERE RESTRICTIONS DURING THE DRY WINTER TO COME.
♦IN FACT, AS THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WCRKS POINTED OUT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK, SUPPLIES COULD BE LIMITED TO 16 HOURS A DAY THROUGHOUT THE WINTER EVEN IF WE GET ALL THE RAINFALL FORECAST BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
♦IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CAREFULLY HUSBAND OUR LIMITED RESOURCES NOW SO THAT WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN STORAGE TO SEE US THROUGH THE WINTER, WHEN WE CANNOT DEPEND ON ANY SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL,+ HE SAID.
MR. TUCKER SAID THAT, AS IN PAST YEARS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO MAINTAIN A 24-HOUR SUPPLY TO INDUSTRIAL ZONES BECAUSE OF THEIR SPECIAL IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
THE INDUSTRIAL ZONES WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE FULL WATER SUPPLY DURING THE RESTRICTION HOURS ARE
HONG KONG
A. WONG CHUK HANG
NORTH BOUNDED BY YIP KAN STREET AND TONG BIN LANE
EAST BOUNDED BY YIP FAT STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HEUNG YIP ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY ABERDEEN POLICE STATION
/B. quarby BAY
THURSDAY, MX 264 .1977
- 3 -
B. QUARRY BAY
(A) INDUSTRIAL AREA ON BOTH EAST AND WEST SIDE OF WESTLAND ROAD.
(B) INDUSTRIAL AREA ON THE NORTH, EAST AND WEST SIDE OF SHIPYARD LANE.
C. CHAI WAN
I
(A) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY HONG MAN STREET, NING FOO STREET AND KUT SHING STREET.
(B) INDUSTRIAL AREA BOUNDED BY SUN YIP STREET AND ON YIP STREET.
KOWLOON
D. CHEUNG SHA WAN
NORTH BOUNDED BY CHING CHEUNG ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TSAP FAI STREET
KWONG CHEONG STREET AND
CHEUNG SHA WAN PATH
SOUTH BOUNDED BY LAI CHI KOK ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY KOM TSUN STREET AND CHEUNG MOU STREET
E. SAN PO KONG
NORTH BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY SZE MEI STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY SHEUNG HEI STREET AND
TSEUK LUK STREET
/y. KWUN TONG
THUBSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
- 4 -
F. KWUN TONG
NORTH BOUNDED BY KWUN TONG ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY KING YIP STREET
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HOI BUN ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET WEST BOUNDED BY SHUN YIP STREET
NEW TERRITORIES
6. CHAI WAN KOK
NORTH BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TAI CHUNG ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HARBOUR FRONTAGE WEST BOUNDED BY MILESTONE 10
H. TSUEN WAN
NORTH BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY TEXACO ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY TEXACO ROAD
WEST BOUNDED BY MA TAU PA STREET, LUEN YAN STREET AND KWAN MUN HAU STREET
I. KWAI CHUNG
NORTH BOUNDED BY WO YI HOP ROAD
EAST BOUNDED BY WO YIP HOP ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD
SOUTH BOUNDED BY TAI LIN PAI ROAD WEST BOUNDED BY KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CHEUNG WING STREET
/J. THEN MUN
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
5 -
J. TUEN MUN
NORTH BOUNDED BY ROAD D5 (NEW ROAD) EAST BOUNDED BY RIVER CHANNEL
SOUTH BOUNDED BY HUNG CHEUNG ROAD WEST BOUNDED BY PILLAR POINT ROAD
MR. TUCKER SAID IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT INDIVIDUAL FACTORIES OUTSIDE THE MAIN INDUSTRIAL ZONES WOULD BE GREATLY AFFECTED BY THE RESTRICTIONS BECAUSE MOST, IF NOT ALL, HAD CONSIDERABLE WATER STORAGE FACILITIES TO TIDE THEM OVER THE NIGHT-TIME CUT.
+IN ANY EVENT, WE HAVE ASKED THE INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS TO CONTACT US IF ANY DIFFICULTY IS EXPERIENCED BY THEIR MEMBERS SO THAT SOME ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE WORKED OUT,+ HE SAID.
- - - - 0------
CHEUNG CHAU RECREATION GROUND ******
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE CHEUNG CHAU RECREATION GROUND MAY BE SPEEDED UP FOLLOWING THE SUBSIDENCE OF A SMALL PART OF THE SURFACE AND AN EARTH BANK ON LAND FORMED TO EXTEND THE EXISTING RECREATION AREA.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT MR. W.T. MOK, SAID TODAY THAT THE GROUND HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER ABOUT 10,000 SQUARE METRES BY EXCAVATING SURROUNDING EMBANKMENTS AND RECLAIMING FORMER TERRACED AGRICULTURAL LAND.
+THE AREA WHICH HAS SUBSIDED IS ABOUT 100 SQUARE METRES OF THE NEW MINI-SOCCER PITCH BUILT ON THE FORMED LAND,* MR. MOK SAID.
+A SIMILAR AREA OF CHUNAM SURFACING ON THE TEMPORARY EARTH BANK ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE RECREATION GROUND FAILED DUE TO THE PRESSURE OF UNDERGROUND WATER.
+ IN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT, SPECIAL SURFACE AND SUB-SURFACE DRAINS WILL BE INSTALLED AND RETAINING WALLS WILL BE BUILT AROUND THE SITE,* HE SAID.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE SECOND STAGE ARE BEING DRAWN UP AND TENDERS WILL BE CALLED IN JULY.
+BUT IN VIEW OF WHAT HAS HAPPENED,* MR. MOK SAID, +SOME WORK THAT WE WERE GOING TO DO IN THE SECOND STAGE ON THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL NOW BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.*
AN INVESTIGATION CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THAT THE SUBSIDENCE COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY RAIN WATER DRAINING INTO TWO PONDS AND AN OLD AGRICULTURAL DITCH FROM THE TERRACED FARMLAND THAT HAS BEEN RECLAIMED.
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/6 ....
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
6
FIVE MORE DESIGNATED TRADES TO BE SPECIFIED SOON ******
THE TRADES OF ELECTRICIAN, MACHINIST, FITTER, TOOL AND DIE MAKER, AND INSTRUMENT MECHANIC MAY SOON BE SPECIFIED AS DESIGNATED TRADES UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE.
THIS WILL BRING TO 28 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DESIGNATED TRADES.
THIS ADVANCE NOTICE WAS GIVEN BY MR. HORACE KNIGHT, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING), IN A LUNCHEON TALK TO THE PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CLUB TODAY.
HE REVEALED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WILL BE ADVISING THE GOVERNOR TO DESIGNATE THESE TRADES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
IN THE MEANTIME, MR. KNIGHT URGED EMPLOYERS ENGAGED IN THESE TRADES TO TAKE ON YOUNG PERSONS FOR TRAINING AND TO MAKE USE OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK PROVIDED IN THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE BY VOLUNTARILY REGISTERING THE CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
HE SAID: +MORE SPECIFICALLY I WOULD LIKE TO SOLICIT YOUR SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION IN PROMOTING APPRENTICE TRAINING IN THESE AND OTHER TRADES WITHIN YOUR OWN ORGANISATIONS.+
MR. KNIGHT POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WERE 400 CONTRACTS OF APPRENTICESHIP IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES AND 1,200 IN DESIGNATED TRADES REGISTERED UNDER THE ORDINANCE SINCE SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CONTRACTS REGISTERED WAS STILL A FAR CRY FROM INDUSTRY’S TOTAL ANNUAL NEED OF ABOUT 6,000 ADDITIONAL CRAFTSMEN AND 2,500 ADDITIONAL TECHNICIANS.
+1 AM SURE I DO NOT NEED TO TELL YOU THAT THE TRAINING OF SKILLED MANPOWER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A COMPANY IS AS MUCH A FUNCTION OF MANAGEMENT AS ANY OTHER NOR TO REMIND YOU THAT IT IS ALSO ONE WHICH UNFORTUNATELY IS MOST OFTEN OVERLOOKED,+ HE CONTINUED.
+IF THE PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IS THE ULTIMATE GOOD OF INDUSTRY, THAT IS, THAT OUR INDUSTRIES WILL GET THE SKILLED MANPOWER THEY NEED TO SURVIVE IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX AND COMPETITIVE SITUATION, THEN INDUSTRY CORPORATELY, EMPLOYERS INDIVIDUALLY AND YOU ESPECIALLY MUST CO-OPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO SEE TO IT THAT THAT PURPOSE IS ACHIEVED.
♦WITH YOUR CO-OPERATION I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE SHALL OVERCOME ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS AND LONG-STANDING PROBLEMS CONFRONTING INDUSTRY, THAT OF SHORTAGE OF KEY SKILLED MANPOWER,+ SAID MR. KNIGHT.
/ON THE
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
- 7 -
ON THE ORDINANCE ITSELF MR. KNIGHT SAIDt +IT CAN BE SAID TO HAVE BEEN THE OUTCOME OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND CAREFUL DELIBERATIONS OVER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN FIVE YEARS, FIRST BY THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND SUBSEQUENTLY BY ITS SUCCESSOR, THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEE ON APPRENTICESHIP.
+AS MAJOR EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS SUCH AS THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE EMPLOYERS FEDERATION OF HONG KONG ARE REPRESENTED ON THE ABOVE BODIES, IT MAY ALSO BE SAID THE ORDINANCE REFLECTS THE COMBINED ADVICE OF INDUSTRY TO THE GOVERNMENT ON APPRENTICESHIP LEGISLATION.
•►MOREOVER, THE ORDINANCE IS ALSO THE OUTCOME OF SIX YEARS’ RESEARCH AND EXPERIENCE BY THE STAFF OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN DEVELOPING AN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME THAT WAS MOST SUITED TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND IN GAINING THE VOLUNTARY ACCEPTANCE OF THE SCHEME BY EMPLOYERS.
+IT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE TREMENDOUS ADVANCE MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION, PARTICULARLY IN THE BUILDING OF NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES,+ MR. KNIGHT SAID.
SUMMING UP, HE SAID THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO BOTH PROMOTE AND REGULATE THE TRAINING OF APPRENTICES IN THE VITAL TRADES.
0
FRY OFF TO CANADA TO ATTEND PAN-PACIFIC CONGRESS OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS ******
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. R.A. FRY, LEFT TODAY FOR VANCOUVER, CANADA TO ATTEND THE NINTH PAN-PACIFIC CONGRESS OF REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS, VALUERS AND COUNSELLORS.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. FRY.
MR. FRY, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS, WILL PROCEED ON VACATION LEAVE AFTER ATTENDING THE CONGRESS.
DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR. C.M. STEWARD, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, WILL ACT AS COMMISSIONER.
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/8
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1977
- 8 -
REDUCED TRAIN FARES FOR STUDENTS DURING SUMMER VACATION * * * M
HALF-FARE TRAIN TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE URBAN AREAS TO ORGANISE PICNICS AND OUTINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, MR. REG GREGORY, SAID THE REDUCED FARE WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR STUDENTS IN RURAL DISTRICTS TO VISIT THE CITY MORE FREQUENTLY.
+THIS WILL ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN SERVICES AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND TO ENJOY THE AMENITIES LACKING IN THE NEW TERR ITOR IES.+
THE CONCESSION FARES, HE ADDED, WOULD BE INTRODUCED ON THE KCR BRITISH SECTION FOR TWO MONTHS FROM JULY 4 UP TO AND INCLUDING AUGUST 31, SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF CONDITIONS.
ORDINARY HALF-FARE +CHILD+ TICKETS, OVERPRINTED WITH THE WORD +STUDENT+, WILL BE SOLD FOR TRAIN JOURNEYS FROM N.T. STATIONS TO MONG KOK OR THE HUNG HOM TERMINAL, AND VICE-VERSA.
ONLY RETURN TICKETS FOR ORDINARY CLASS, VALID FOR THE DATE ISSUE, WILL BE SOLD. THESE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON WEEKDAYS ONLY, AND NOT ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. "
NO REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IN RESPECT OF UNUSED RETURN PORTIONS OF THE TICKETS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
STUDENTS OVER-RIDING THE STATIONS FOR WHICH THEIR HALF-FARE TICKETS WERE SOLD WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY HALF-FARE PLUS 50 PER CENT FOR THAT PORTION OF THE JOURNEY FOR WHICH THEY DO NOT HOLD TICKETS.
STUDENTS FOUND TRAVELLING IN THE FIRST CLASS COACHES WITH ORDINARY CLASS HALF-FARE TICKETS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE FULL FARE OF THE HIGHER CLASS PLUS 50 PER CENT LESS THE ORDINARY CLASS HALF-FARE. . - . '
PURCHASERS OF HALF-FARE STUDENT TICKETS MUST SHOW TO THE RAILWAY BOOKING CLERK AND, WHEN REQUESTED, TO THE TICKET INSPECTORS ON THE TRAINS, DOCUMENTS CERTIFYING THAT THEY ARE BONA FIDE STUDENTS EMPLOYED ON FULL TIME STUDY.
IF SUCH DOCUMENTS DO NOT BEAR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE HOLDERS, HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS MUST ALSO BE PRODUCED FOR INSPECTION.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSAL TO CONVERT PUBLIC HIRE CARS TO TAXI ............... 1
FORMAL STATUS FOR CONSUMER COUNCIL PROPOSED ................ 2
BILL TO UPDATE THE SALE OF GOODS ORDINANCE ................. 3
BETTER WAGE PROTECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS PROPOSED 4
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO SUBSIDISE 1,000 OR MORE ADDITIONAL
CHILD CARE PLACES EACH YEAR ................................ 5
CARTRIDGE OPERATED FIXING TOOLS REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 1 ..................................................... 7
PHASE TWO OF RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BEGINS .............. 8
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1977 .................. 10
SECOND STAGE OF DISTRIBUTOR ROAD PROJECT IN TUEN MUN TO BEGIN SOON ................................................ 12
NOTICES OF HEAVY RAIN ..................................... 12
HOTELS ASSOCIATION TO BRIEF VISITORS ON WATER SHORTAGE .. 13
BILL TO STRENGTHEN CONTROL OVER IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS ................................................. 1*
REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS COMPLETED .............. 14
EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS .................... 15
NEW TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT .... 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI ........................ 16
SECRETARY FOR N.T. TO OPEN NEW SCHOOL ..................... 16
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 17
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 1 -ABOLITION OF PUBLIC HIRE CARS PROPOSED *****
AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY TO ABOLISH THE PUBLIC (HIRE) CAR AND TO ALLOW PUBLIC (HIRE) CAR OWNERS TO CONVERT THEIR VEHICLES TO TAXIS ON PAYMENT OF A FIXED PREMIUM OF $75,000.
PAYMENT OF THE PREMIUM WILL BE BY AN INITIAL INSTALMENT OF ‘ $50,000 AND A SUBSEQUENT INSTALMENT OF $25,000 NOT LATER THAN 12 MONTHS AFTER REGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE AS A TAXI.
THE AMENDING LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS THE ROAD TRAFFIC AMENDMENT (NO. 2) BILL 1977, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO GIVE AUTHORITY FOR THE MAKING OF REGULATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMITS BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR THE USE OF PRIVATE CARS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS FOR HIRE OR REWARD.
THE ISSUE OF CONTRACT HIRE CAR PERMITS. APART FROM ENABLING EXISTING ILLEGAL CONTRACT HIRE +PAK PAI+ OPERATORS TO LEGALISE THEIR OPERATIONS, WOULD ALSO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE FOR PUBLIC CAR OPERATORS WHO DO NOT WISH TO CONVERT THEIR VEHICLES TO TAXIS.
THE PERMITS WOULD NOT ALLOW PRIVATE CAR DRIVERS TO TOUT OR TO USE A CAR AS A +PIRATE TAXI+.
THE PROPOSED FEE FOR A CONTRACT HIRE CAR PERMIT IS $500 PER ANNUM OR $175 FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS DEPENDING ON THE PERIOD OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE.
IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE ILLEGAL USE OF VEHICLES, THE NEW BILL INCLUDES STRINGENT SANCTIONS AGAINST OWNERS WHO USE OR ALLOW THEIR VEHICLES TO BE USED ILLEGALLY TO PLY FOR HIRE, OR OPERATE OR ALLOW THEM TO BE OPERATED, AS HIRE CARS WITHOUT A PERMIT.
THE SANCTIONS PROPOSED WOULD INCLUDE IMPOUNDING THE VEHICLE AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE LICENCE.
A SIGNIFICANT FEATURE OF THE PROPOSED SANCTIONS IS THE CREATION OF A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL TO HEAR ALL CASES RELATING TO THE INTENDED SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE LICENCES.
A PANEL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD BE APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. TWO MEMBERS FROM THIS PANEL WOULD THEN BE APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO SERVE ON A TRANSPORT TRIBUNAL TO BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. THE PROCEEDINGS WOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IF THE BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEW REGULATIONS WOULD BE INTRODUCED WITHOUT DELAY TO EFFECT THE CONVERSION OF PUBLIC CARS DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 1977. AT PRESENT THERE ARE 1,324 PUBLIC CARS.
HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT TENDERS FOR A LIMITED NUMBER OF NEW TAXI LICENCES WOULD BE CALLED FOR EARLY IN JUNE 1977.
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 2 -
FORMAL STATUS FOR CONSUMER COUNCIL
******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED A BILL THAT PROPOSES TO PROVIDE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WITH CORPORATE STATUS UNDER ITS OWN ORDINANCE.
THE CONSUMER COUNCIL BILL 1977 WILL ALSO PROTECT MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE COUNCIL, AND MEMBERS OF ITS COMMITTEES, FROM PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR ACTS DONE ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL.
WHEN THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974, A TIME WHEN PRICES WERE RISING RAPIDLY DURING A PERIOD OF HIGH INFLATION, IT WAS AS AN INFORMAL BODY IN ORDER TO ENABLE IT TO BEGIN WORK QUICKLY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEN THE COUNCIL HAS DEVELOPED ITS ROLE IN A FLEXIBLE IT IS NOW CONSIDERED THAT IT SHOULD BE FORMALLY WHICH IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO EARLIER WHILE IT WAS
SINCE MANNER AND CONSTITUTED
STILL EVOLVING.
THE BILL DOES NOT PROPOSE ANY CHANGES IN THE ROLE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS IT DOES TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS OF GOODS AND
SERVICES.
THE COUNCIL’S FUNCTIONS, HOWEVER, DO NOT EXTEND TO GOODS AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY COMPANIES SUCH AS THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES WHOSE OPERATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY, NOR TO THOSE SERVICES SUPPLIED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REASON FOR THIS BEING TO AVOID DUPLICATION. ALSO, UNDER THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR HAS THE POWER, BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE COUNCIL, TO REMOVE ANY GOODS OR SERVICES FROM ITS JURISDICTION.
AS REGARDS THE COUNCIL’S FINANCES, THE BILL LAYS DOWN PROVISIONS TO REFLECT THE EXISTING PRACTICE AND ADDS NO NEW BURDEN ON THE COUNCIL EXCEPT THE OBLIGATION TO PRODUCE AN ANNUAL REPORT AND TO SUBMIT IT TOGETHER WITH ANNUAL ACCOUNTS TO THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/5
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977
* * * *
BUYERS OF GOODS WILL BE GIVEN BETTER PROTECTION IN RELATION TO THE TITLE TO AND QUALITY AND FITNESS OF THE GOODS PURCHASED UNDER THE SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE BILL, BASED ON THE UNITED KINGDOM’S SUPPLY OF GOODS (IMPLIED TERMS) ACT 1973, SEEKS TO UPDATE THE SALE OF GOODS ORDINANCE RELATING TO CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED IN A CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF GOODS.
THE MAIN CHANGE TO THE EXISTING LAW IS TO RESTRICT THE FREEDOM OF THE PARTIES TO EXCLUDE BY AGREEMENT THE STATUTORY WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS IN CONTRACTS FOR THE SALE OF GOODS.
WHEN THE ORDINANCE IS AMENDED, IN EVERY CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF GOODS THERE IS AN IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THE PART OF THE SELLER THAT HE HAS A RIGHT TO SELL AND THAT THE GOODS ARE FREE FROM ANY CHARGE NOT OTHERWISE DISCLOSED TO THE BUYER.
WHERE THE SELLER HAS A LIMITED TITLE, HE MUST LET IT Be KNOWN TO THE BUYER.
WHERE THE SALE OF GOODS IS BY DESCRIPTION, THE GOODS MUST CORRESPOND WITH THAT DESCRIPTION EVEN IF THE GOODS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED FOR SALE AND WERE SELECTED BY THE BUYER.
WHERE THE SELLER SELLS GOODS IN THE COURSE OF A BUSINESS, THERE IS AN IMPLIED CONDITION THAT THE GOODS SUPPLIED ARE OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, THAT IS, FIT FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY ARE COMMONLY BOUGHT. BUT THERE IS NO SUCH CONDITION IF BEFORE THE CONTRACT IS MADE DEFECTS IN THE GOODS ARE DRAWN TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BUYER OR DEFECTS WHICH OUGHT TO BE APPARENT TO THE BUYER ON THE EXAMINATION OF THE GOODS.
WHERE A BUYER LETS A SELLER KNOW THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE GOODS ARE REQUIRED AND SHOWS THAT HE RELIES ON THE SELLER’S SKILL OR JUDGEMENT, THERE IS AN IMPLIED CQNDIT I ON.THAT THE GOODS SUPPLIED ARE REASONABLY FIT FOR THAT PURPOSE, WHETHER OR NOT THE PURPOSE IS ONE FOR WHICH THE GOODS ARE COMMONLY SUPPLIED. THE SELLER WILL NOT BE BOUND IF HE IS ABLE TO SHOW THAT THE BUYER DID NOT RELY OR IT WAS UNREASONABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES TO RELY ON HIM.
IN A CONSUMER SALE, THAT IS, WHERE THE SELLER SELLS GOODS IN THE COURSE OF A BUSINESS AND THE GOODS ARE BOUGHT FOR PRIVATE USE OR CONSUMPTION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO TITLE, MERCHANTABLE QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PURPOSE CANNOT BE EXCLUDED BY AGREEMENT. AND IF THERE IS A TERM TO THAT EFFECT IT WILL NOT BE VALID.
IN ANY CONTRACT FOR THE SALE OF GOODS, A TERM IN THE CONTRACT EXEMPTING THE SELLER FROM THE OBLIGATION OF THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS WILL BE UNENFORCEABLE IF IT IS SHOWN THAT TO ALLOW THE SELLER TO RELY ON THE EXEMPTION CLAUSE WOULD BE UNFAIR OR UNREASONABLE.
THE ABOVE IMPLIED CONDITIONS AND WARRANTIES MAY BE VARIED OR EXCLUDED IN A CONTRACT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL SALE OF GOODS.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 4 -
BETTER WAGE PROTECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS PROPOSED *****
WORKERS IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ARE TO BE GIVEN BETTER WAGE PROTECTION UNDER A BILL PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1977.
IMPOSES A VICARIOUS LIABILITY ON ALL PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS, NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTORS AND SUPERIOR SUB-CONTRACTORS TO PAY WAGES OWED TO SUB-CONTRACTORS’ EMPLOYEES IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT IN PAYMENT OF WAGES BY THEIR SUB-CONTRACTORS.
THIS VICARIOUS LIABILITY WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO MONTHS* UNPAID WAGES OWED TO WORKERS ON THE SITE.
UNDER THE BILL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE OWED WAGES MUST NOTIFY THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR OR NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTOR OF THEIR WAGE CLAIMS IN WRITI NG WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE WAGES BECOMING DUE.
THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR MUST, IN TURN, NOTIFY ANY SUPERIOR SUB-CONTRACTOR TO THE DEFAULTING SUB-CONTRACTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THE EMPLOYEES’ NOTICE OF WAGE CLAIMS.
THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER WHO IS A SUB-CONTRACTOR TO SUPPLY HIS EMPLOYEES WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE • PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR OR NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTOR AND OF EVERY SUPERIOR SUB-CONTRACTOR WITHIN SEVEN DAYS ON RECEIPT OF A WRITTEN REQUEST.
THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR, NOMINATED SUB—CONTRACTOR OR SUPERIOR SUB-CONTRACTOR WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECOVER ANY MONIES PAID OUT IN WAGES FROM THE DEFAULTING SUBORDINATE CONTRACTOR AS A CIVIL DEBT.
HE CAN ALSO CLAIM CONTRIBUTION FROM OTHERS LIABLE OR DEDUCT, BY WAY OF SET-OFF, THE AMOUNT PAID BY HIM FROM ANY SUM DUE TO A SUB-CONTRACTOR WITH WHOM HE HAS ENTERED INTO A SUB-CONTRACT.
COMMENTING ON THE BILL, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi + IN ESSENCE, THE BILL GIVES LEGISLATIVE BACKING TO A PRACTICE WHICH IS ALREADY IN EXISTENCE AMONG THE BETTER CONTRACTORS. ACCORDING TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT RECORDS, MORE THAN HALF THE NUMBER OF WAGE CLAIM DISPUTES BETWEEN SUB-CONTRACTORS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES DURING NOVEMBER 1968 TO APRIL 1974 WERE SETTLED BY THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTORS ASSUMING THE VICARIOUS LIABILITY OF THEIR SUBCONTRACTORS AND PAID WAGES TO THE WORKERS.+
+THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,* HE ADDED, +RECENTLY INTRODUCED A ’FAIR WAGES’ CLAUSE TO THEIR ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING CONTRACTS UNDER WHICH THE PWD MAY MAKE PAYMENT FOR WAGE CLAIMS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FROM MONIES DUE TO A CONTRACTOR IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT OF PAYMENT OF WAGES TO CONTRACTORS’ EMPLOYEES ENGAGED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.*
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
5
GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO SUBSIDISE 1,000 OR MORE ADDITIONAL CHILD CARE PLACES EACH YEAR *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (FRIDAY) AFFIRMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUBSIDY FOR 1,000 OR MORE ADDITIONAL CHILD CARE PLACES EACH YEAR AS LONG AS THERE IS A DEMAND FOR SUCH A SERVICE.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH, HE NOTED THAT SINCE 1966, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SUBSIDISING NURSERIES FOR CHILDREN OF LOW INCOME FAMILIES WHERE THERE WAS INADEQUATE CARE AT HOME BECAUSE MOTHERS HAVE TO WORK OR BECAUSE OF OTHER SOCIAL REASONS.
+A TOTAL OF 11,000 PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES ARE RECEIVING SUBSIDY AND IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION AMOUNTS TO $16 MILLION. IN ADDITION, THE LOTTERIES FUND MAKES SUBSTANTIAL GRANTS TO SUCH SUBVENTED CENTRES,+ HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE DIRECTOR CONTINUED, THE BASIC COST OF MAINTAINING A CHILD IN A NURSERY RUN BY A VOLUNTARY AGENCY IS ESTIMATED AT $200 A MONTH. WITH THE PARENT’S MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION OF $60 AND THE AGENCY’S $10, THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION AMOUNTS TO $130 PER CHILD PER MONTH. FOR THOSE CENTRES OPERATING IN THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, RENT AND RATES ARE ALSO PAID FOR.
+IN MOST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND IN ALL COMMUNITY CENTRES AND ESTATE WELFARE BUILDINGS THERE ARE NURSERIES RUN BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. ABOUT 1,100 NEW PLACES WILL BE SET UP THIS YEAR AT THE KWAI SHING, 01 MAN, TAI HING AND CHEUNG CHING ESTATES.
+MEANWHILE, PREMISES HAVE ALSO BEEN RESERVED IN THE ESTATES SOON TO BE COMPLETED, SUCH AS LAI YIU, PAK TIN, LAI KING AND WO CHE,+ MR. LEE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE DIRECTOR SAID: + IF WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN IN CARE, SURELY THE SUB-STANDARD CENTRES WHICH CANNOT COMPLY WITH THE BASIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENT MUST CEASE TO EXIST.
+HOWEVER, FOR THOSE WHICH CAN REACH THE ACCEPTABLE
STANDARD AND OFFER A REASONABLE SERVICE, PARENTS WILL BE WILLING TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN EVEN AT A HIGHER FEE, IN THE SAME WAY AS THEY USE THE PRIVATE KINDERGARTENS.*
MR. LEE SAW NO REASON WHY PRIVATE NURSERIES CANNOT STAY IN BUSINESS AND NEW CENTRES COME INTO BEING LIKE PRIVATE KINDERGARTENS WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION, THE MOST IMPORTANT AND BASIC ONES BEING THAT THESE PLACES MUST BE SAFE STRUCTURALLY AND IN RELATION TO FIRE PRECAUTIONS.
/IN THE .....
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 6 -
IN THE MEANTIME, MR. LEE SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN IN DISCUSSION WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE ABOUT INTERESTED VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS SETTING UP, WITH THE HELP OF THE LOTTERIES FUND, NON-PROFIT-MAKING AND SELF-SUPPORTING NURSERIES IN THE URBAN AREA TO CATER FOR THOSE WHO WOULD BE ABLE AND WILLING TO PAY AN ECONOMIC FEE FOR THE SERVICE.
+BY THE END OF MAY, ABOUT 120 CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL HAVE COMPLETED REGISTRATION WHILE THE OTHERS WHICH HAVE APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION ARE IN THE PROCESS OF MAKING ALTERATIONS TO THEIR PREMISES IN ORDER TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF PUBLIC WORKS AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.+
FOR CHILDREN INVOLVED IN CENTRES WHICH MUST CLOSE, MR. LEE SAID THAT HIS SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD LOOK INTO THE INDIVIDUAL CASES AND DISCUSS WITH PARENTS ABOUT THE NEED FOR PLACEMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.
+IN CASES WHERE NO SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT CAN BE MADE BY THEIR PARENTS AND WHERE A CHILD IS IN NEED OF CARE OR PROTECTION, TEMPORARY INSTITUTIONAL CARE WILL BE PROVIDED,♦ HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE LEGISLATION TO CONTROL CHILD CARE CENTRES, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT IN THE PAST, INSTANCES OF NEGLECT, ABUSE AND EVEN DEATH HAD OCCURRED IN SOME GROSSLY SUB-STANDARD CENTRES AND THE CONDITIONS IN SOME OTHERS WERE DETRIMENTAL TO THE CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN FEBRUARY 1975 AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH EXPERIENCED OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND PROFESSIONAL CHILD WELFARE WORKERS.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE WAS TO BE IN THREE STAGES FROM JUNE 1976 WITH ONE YEAR’S GRACE FOR STAGE ONE IN ORDER THAT CHILD CARE CENTRES, BOTH SUBVENTED AND PRIVATE, WOULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO COMPLY WITH THE VERY BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION.
+THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE IS TO ENSURE, IN THE INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN IN CARE, THAT SUCH CENTRES ARE SAFE AND THAT THE SERVICE PROVIDED IS UP TO AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD.+
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/7
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 7 -
CARTRIDGE OPERATED FIXING TOOLS REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE JULY 1
* * * M
REGULATIONS CONTROLLING THE USE OF CARTRIDGE OPERATED FIXING TOOLS WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE TOOLS, A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE TO DRILLING, ARE WIDELY USED FOR FASTENING ATTACHMENTS TO WALLS AND CEILINGS, AND HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF 41 ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING FOUR FATAL ONES SINCE 1973.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID MOST OF THE ACCIDENTS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE OPERATORS HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED IN THE USE OF THESE TOOLS.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) REGULATIONS 1977, APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MARCH IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS ON A CONTRACTOR OR PROPRIETOR AND THE OPERATOR OF THESE TOOLS.
THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS ARE :
* ONLY TOOLS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS MAY BE USED IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING0
X AN OPERATOR OF A TOOL MUST NOT BE UNDER 18, AND MUST HOLD A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR0
* ONLY CARTRIDGES WHICH MEET THE MANUFACTURERS’ SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE USED WITH A PARTICULAR TOOL-
* A SUITABLE STRONG BOX, WITH A LOCK, MUST BE PROVIDED FOR THE TOOL- AND THE BOX MUST CONTAIN AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ON THE CARE AND OPERATION OF THE TOOL-
* THE TOOL MUST BE USED IN A PLACE WHICH IS SUITABLY LIT AND SAFE AND WHERE THERE IS NO FLAMMABLE VAPOUR- AND
* A PROPRIETOR OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING OR A CONTRACTOR IN CONSTRUCTION WORK WHO COMMITS AN OFFENCE, HE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND IF AN OPERATOR COMMITS AN OFFENCE, HE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,000.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 8 -
PHASE TWO OF RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN BEGINS ******
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S DOG INOCULATION TEAMS WILL MOVE TO ANOTHER DISTRICT NEXT WEEK AT THE START OF THE SECOND PHASE OF THE RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (MAY 30 AND 31) THREE MOBILE ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION CENTRES WILL BE SET UP AT QUARRY BAY, NORTH POINT AND TAI HANG.
A TOTAL OF 19 OTHER INOCULATION CAMPAIGNS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON A DISTRICT BY DISTRICT BASIS ARE SCHEDULED FOR THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID : +IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE PREVIOUS TREMENDOUSLY SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN AT SHAU KEI WAN, WE HAVE DECIDED TO MAKE THE INOCULATION DRIVE A CYCLICAL OPERATION CARRIED OUT AT THE RATE OF ONE DISTRICT PER WEEK.+
FOR OPERATIONAL CONVENIENCE HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS HAVE BEEN DIVIDED INTO 20 CAMPAIGN DISTRICTS.
+WE PLAN TO EXTEND OUR SERVICE TO ONE NEW DISTRICT EACH WEEK. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF OCTOBER,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED t +WE HAVE ALSO MADE IT A RULE THAT THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS WILL BE HELD ON THE FIRST TWO WORKING DAYS OF THE WEEK. WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT DOG OWNERS IN THE CAMPAIGN DISTRICT ARE GIVEN ENOUGH TIME TO GET THEIR PETS LICENSED AND INOCULATED.+
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED j +MOP UP TEAM WILL RETURN TO THE CAMPAIGN AREA LATER IN THE WEEK TO CLEAN OUT ALL UNLICENSED AND UN INOCULATED DOGS.+
NEXT WEEK’S INOCULATION CAMPAIGN IN QUARRY BAY, NORTH POINT AND TAI HANG WILL BE SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN SHAU KEI WAN WITH TEMPORARY LICENSING AND INOCULATION CENTRES SET UP AT CENTRAL POINTS IN THE AREAS.
THESE CENTRES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY.
IN ADDITION TO A LICENSING AND INOCULATION SERVICE ALL UNWANTED PETS CAN ALSO BE_BROUGHT TO THE MOBILE UNITS FOR DISPOSAL.
/THS CENT IBS....
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 9 -
THE CENTRES WILL BE LOCATED AT THE s
(1) JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND FINNIE STREET.
(2) JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND NORTH POINT ROAD. (AT SIDE OF HANG SENG BANK).
(3) JUNCTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD AND WUN SHA STREET.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID t +AS WAS ANNOUNCED EARLIER, THE INOCULATION DRIVES WILL COVER ALL DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND BEFORE THEY ARE EXTENDED TO KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT ALL PERMANENT CENTRES WILL CONTINUE THEIR NORMAL SERVICE DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD. SHOULD PEOPLE HAVE ANY QUERIES THEY SHOULD TELEPHONE THEIR CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
THE CAMPAIGN SCHEDULE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND IS AS FOLLOWS :
DISTRICT TIME
CAUSEWAY BAY, HAPPY VALLEY AND WAN CHAI JUNE 6 AND 7
CENTRAL, MID-LEVEL AND SHEUNG WAN JUNE 13 AND 14
WESTERN DISTRICT AND KENNEDY TOWN JUNE 20 AND 22
ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG JUNE 27 AND 28
CHAI WAN, SHEK 0 AND STANLEY JULY 4 AND 5
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/10.....
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 10
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1977
*******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING APRIL 1977. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR APRIL WAS $2,618 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $4,129 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $719 MILLION.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY TO APRIL 1977 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976 OF 7.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 15 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 4.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1976, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $183 MILLION OR 7.5 PER CENT IN EXPORTS, $661 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $60 MILLION OR 9.1 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, APRIL 1977 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1977, SHOWED INCREASES OF $291 MILLION OR 12.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND $197 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS DECLINED BY $44 MILLION OR 5.8 PER CENT. EXPORTS ARE NOW SHOWING NORMAL RECOVERY FROM THE SEASONALLY LOW FEBRUARY/MARCH LEVELS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM MAY 1976 TO APRIL 1977 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 28.1 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 22.1 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 19.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES :-
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
FEB. - APR. FEB. - APR. INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1977 $ MN. DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7,199 IMPORTS 11,440 RE-EXPORTS 2,142 APR IL SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1977 $ MN. 1976 DECREASE $ MN. $ MN. % 6,695 + 503 + 7.5 9,950 +1,490 +15.0 2,041 + 101 + 4.9 APRIL INCREASE OR 1976 DECREASE S MN. $ MN. % /DOMESTIC
•
' ' 'Z’V1'. ’ . ✓ v 4 i' ■ • ' . ’• •
A ‘ •» '
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 11 w
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,618 2,434 + 183 +7.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (78.4%) (78.7%)
IMPORTS 4,129 3,469 + 661 +19.0
RE-EXPORTS 719 659 + 60+9.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.6%) (21.3%) •
APRIL MARCH INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1977 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,618 2,327 + 291 +12.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (78.4%) (75.3%)
IMPORTS 4,129 3,932 + 197 + 5.0
RE-EXPORTS 719 763 - 44 - 5.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (21.6%) (24.7%).
JAN. - APR. JAN. - APR. INCREASE OR
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1977 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9,888 9,278 + 611 + 6.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (76.8%) (77.0%)
IMPORTS 15,271 13,186 +2,085 +15.8
RE-EXPORTS 2,982 2,771 + 211 + 7.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.2%) (23.0%)
MAY 1976 MAY 1975
TO TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS APRIL 1977 APRIL 1976 DECREASE
$ ' MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 33,240 25,948 +7,292 +28.1
IMPORTS 45,378 37,151 +8,227 +22.1
RE-EXPORTS 9,139 7,631 +1,508 +19.8
o-
1 • /12
• * • J . 1 . .. ■ . ' '1
.. •; • • • . . ’ •« . •
FRIDAY, 1-iAY 27, 1977
- 12 -
PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD PROJECT IN TUEN MUN WORK ON SECOND STAGE TO BEGIN SOON ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO START WORK SHORTLY ON THE SECOND STAGE OF A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD PROJECT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WHICH IS DESIGNED TO SPEED UP TRAFFIC BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG.
THE DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WILL CONNECT THE TUEN MUN ROAD LINK WITH THE EXISTING DUAL CARRIAGEWAY NORTH OF THE NEW TOWN.
ON COMPLETION BY MAY NEXT YEAR, THE $5.9 MILLION ROAD PROJECT WILL COMPLETE THE IMPROVED TRAFFIC ROUTE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG THROUGH TUEN MUN.
WORK ON THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE PROJECT IS WELL UNDERWAY. THE SECOND STAGE WILL INVOLVE THE RESUMPTION OF 3,413 SQUARE METERS OF BUILDING AND GARDEN LAND IN TUEN MUN SAN HUI.
ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID NO FAMILY WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION.
HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE BUILDINGS ON THE LAND TO BE RESUMED, FOUR TEMPORARY NON-DOMESTIC STRUCTURES ON CROWN LAND WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED. THESE STRUCTURES COMPRISE A CAR SHED, A WATCHMAN SHED AND TWO STOREROOMS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL OFFER TO THE LAND OWNER THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE DOCUMENTS. COMPENSATION WOULD ALSO BE PAID FOR FLOWERS AND FRUIT TREES.
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NOTICES OF HEAVY RAIN ******
DURING THIS YEAR’S WET SEASON THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ISSUING NOTICES TO COVER PERIODS OF PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN AND WHEN MORE RAIN IS EXPECTED.
AS IN THE CASE OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE, TEMPORARY SHELTERS WILL BE OPEN TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE LIVING IN SQUATTER AREAS.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, IF NECESSARY, TO THE NEWS MEDIA FOR BROADCASTING BY RADIO AND TV STATIONS IN THE NORMAL WAY. WHEN THE LIKELIHOOD OF FURTHER PROLONGED RAIN HAS PASSED AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE MADE.
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/13
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 13 -
HOTELS ASSOCIATION TO BRIEF VISITORS ON WAT^R SHORTAGE
THE HONG KONG HOTELS ASSOCIATION HAS MET TO DISCUSS WHAT STEPS IT CAN TAKE TO ADVISE VISITORS ON THE WATER SITUATION AND TO REQUEST THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION.
IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE ASSOCIATION IS DRAWING UP A PUBLICITY PLAN WHICH WILL EXPLAIN THE REASONS FOR THE WATER SHORTAGE AND SUGGEST WAYS IN WHICH HOTEL GUESTS CAN ECONOMISE ON THEIR CONSUMPTION.
COMMENTED MR. W.E. COLLARD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ASSOCIATION, +NATURALLY THE VISITORS ARE GOING TO BE SURPRISED WHEN THEY LEARN THAT HONG KONG IS BACK ON WATER RESTRICTIONS. THEY MIGHT EXPECT INCONVENIENCE IN OTHER, LESS DEVELOPED TOURIST CENTRES, BUT MOST OF THEM HAD GAINED THE IMPRESSION THAT HONG KONG CONQUERED ITS WATER PROBLEMS YEARS AGO.+
+HOWEVER, THE UNPREDICTABILITY OF GLOBAL WEATHER CONDITIONS IN RECENT YEARS HAS PREPARED THEM FOR ALMOST ANYTHING, WHEREVER THEY GO, AND THEY WILL QUICKLY APPRECIATE THAT WE ARE SIMPLY TRYING TO COPE WITH A VERY SEVERE DROUGHT THAT AFFECTS NOT
ONLY HONG KONG BUT MUCH OF THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REG ION.+
+THE MAIN THING IS TO SHOW THEM THAT WE ARE CONCERNED FOR
THEIR INTERESTS, THAT WE ARE DOING OUR BEST TO COPE WITH THIS SITUATION AS A UNITED COMMUNITY AND THAT THEY, AS VISITORS, CAN PLAY THEIR PART.+
PUBLICITY MATERIALS PROPOSED BY THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDE STICKERS FOR HOTEL BATHROOMS AND FOR GLASSWARE ON DINING TABLES. THE LATTER WILL EXPLAIN THAT WATER WILL ONLY BE SERVED TO DINERS ON REQUEST.
IN CONSULTATION WITH THE ASSOCIATION, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IS PLANNING AN ILLUSTRATED LEAFLET OFFERING HELPFUL HINTS TO THE VISITORS ON WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER.
HOTEL GUESTS WILL BE ASKED TO ENSURE THAT THEY TURN
OFF TAPS AFTER USE, NOT TO WASH, OR TO RINSE THEIR TEETH UNDER A RUNNING TAP, TO TAKE A SHOWER RATHER THAN A BATH AND TO ESTABLISH A ROUTINE WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR THE HOURS OF RESTRICTION DRAWN TO THEIR ATTENTION BY THE HOTEL MANAGEMENT.
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/1A.....
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
14
PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL ******
AN AMENDING BILL AIMED AT PLUGGING CERTAIN LOOPHOLES IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THE BILL, ENTITLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR THE IMPORTATION OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS AND FOR THEIR LANDING AND REMOVAL.
THE BILL, WHICH IS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY, WILL ALSO EXTEND THE CURRENT RESTRICTION ON THE IMPORTATION BY LAND AND SEA TO THE IMPORTATION BY AIR OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS FROM ANY DISEASE INFECTED PLACE.
REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS COMPLETED
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE TODAY COMPLETED ITS REGISTRATION OF REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS. WHEN REGISTRATION CLOSED AT 5 P.M. THE NUMBER REGISTERED STOOD AT 442.
MR. TANG YAN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE, SAID THAT LAST WEDNESDAY WAS THE BUSIEST DAY WHEN 208 TEACHERS TURNED UP AT HIS OFFICE.
MR. TANG SAID: +1 WISH TO EXPRESS MY APPRECIATION TO THE TEACHERS CONCERNED FOR THEIR PATIENCE AND CO-OPERATION WITH ME AND MY COLLEAGUES.
+1 SHALL BE MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY TO REFER THEM TO THE MANAGEMENTS OF OTHER SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTMENT.
+1 HOPE TO COMPLETE THIS TASK BY THE END OF JULY.*
MR. TANG ALSO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND LOOKED FORWARD TO THEIR CONTINUED CO-OPERATION IN HELPING THE REDUNDANT TEACHERS.
0---------
/15
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 15 -
EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS * * * *
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL OFFER A TWO-YEAR EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FROM PRACTISING OR INTENDING PART-TIME TEACHERS.
THE COURSE, BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER, IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN EVENING PART-TIME TEACHERS ENGAGED IN FURTHER EDUCATION OR THOSE WISHING TO TAKE UP EVENING PART-TIME TEACHING. THE AIM OF THE COURSE IS TO RAISE THE GENERAL STANDARD OF PART-TIME TEACHING IN HONG KONG.
THE COURSE PROVIDES A STUDY OF PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF TEACHING. IN ADDITION TO THEORETICAL STUDIES, EMPHASIS WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON PRACTICAL TEACHING. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES ONE EVENING PER WEEK.
THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENTRY TO THE COURSE ARE A GOOD COMMAND OF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH AND PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WITH SUITABLE TECHNICAL OR ACADEMIC QUALIF I CAT IONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, H.K. FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY JUNE 11, 1977.
------0-------
NEW TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT *****
A NEW AND LARGER TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD WILL START OPERATION IN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FROM MONDAY (MAY 30).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE NEW SWITCHBOARD, WHICH CARRIES A CAPACITY OF 24 EXCHANGE LINES AND 120 EXTENSIONS, WOULD PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK CONNECTING WITH ALL THE SECTIONS IN THE HEADQUARTERS AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT REMAINS THE SAME (5-456065). HOWEVER, TO ENSURE AN EVEN BETTER SERVICE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, PEOPLE WISHING TO ENQUIRE ABOUT IMMIGRATION MATTERS SHOULD DIAL 5-436374 EXT. Ill, 112 OR 113 WHICH ARE SPECIALLY ASSIGNED FOR THE ENQUIRIES SECTION LOCATED ON 15TH FLOOR, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING.
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/16
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 16 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI
-X-X-X-X-X
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN
YAU MA TEI FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 30) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN NATHAN ROAD AND GASCOIGNE ROAD DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
FROM THAT DAY, PAK HOI STREET BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND GASCOIGNE ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. THE LEFT TURN FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD INTO NATHAN ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED.
AN URBAN CLEARWAY (FRANCHISED BUSES EXEMPTED) WILL BE IMPOSED IN KANSU STREET BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.
IN ADDITION, A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY WILL BE IMPOSED
ON THE APPROACH ROAD TO METHODIST COLLEGE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH GASCOIGNE ROAD EXTENDING NORTHWARDS FOR A DISTANCE OF 10 METRES, BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0
SECRETARY FOR N.T. TO OPEN PRIMARY SCHOOL
******
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN A PRIMARY SCHOOL AT LEK YUEN, SHA TIN, ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) AT 3 P.M.
HE WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PR IMARY SCHOOL.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/17
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1977
- 17 -
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE NEXT MONTH ON 17 DAYS.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF THE FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES AREt
DATE
JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY) JUNE 2 (THURSDAY) JUNE 3 (FRIDAY) JUNE 7 (TUESDAY) JUNE 8 (WEDNESDAY) JUNE 9 (THURSDAY) JUNE 10 (FRIDAY) JUNE 15 (WEDNESDAY) JUNE 16 (THURSDAY) JUNE 17 (FRIDAY) JUNE 22 (WEDNESDAY) JUNE 23 (THURSDAY) JUNE 24 (FRIDAY) JUNE 27 (MONDAY) JUNE 28 (TUESDAY) JUNE 29 (WEDNESDAY) JUNE 30 (THURSDAY)
HOURS
8.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.00 A.M. - 2.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 11.59 P.M
8.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.00 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 5.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 11.59 P.M
8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 6.00 P.M.
8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
8.00 A.M. - 4.00 P.M.
8.00 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.
- - o -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG’S MAY RAINFALL — NO CAUSE FOR SONG AND DANCE ..................................................... 1
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RESURFACING ................ 4
MID-LEVELS ROAD RE-OPENED ................................. 5
HONG KONG REGIMENT FOUNDATION DAY DINNER .................. 5
WATER CUT IN REPULSE BAY AREA ............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
HONG KONG’S MAY RAINFALL — NO CAUSE FOR SONG AND DANCE *******
WHEN THOSE VIOLENT THUNDERSTORMS HIT YOUR DISTRICT AND YOU CAN’T SEE A FOOT BEYOND YOUR WINDOW FOR THE TORRENTIAL RAIN AND . THE SHEET LIGHTNING IS CRACKLING LIKE TIN FOIL, DON’T GO DANCING IN THE STREETS AND ASSUMING HONG KONG’S WATER SHORTAGE IS OVER.
CHANCES ARE THAT THE STREETS ARE BONE DRY A COUPLE OF MILES AWAY AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S WATER ENGINEERS ARE PRAYING FOR RAIN AT THE TERRITORY’S MAIN RESERVOIRS.
THAT’S BEEN THE RATHER CRUEL IRONY OF HONG KONG’S RAIN PATTERN OVER THE PAST FOUR OR FIVE WEEKS.
THUNDERSTORMS HAVE DUMPED UP TO 70 MM (2-3/4 INCHES) OF RAIN IN ONE HIT — STRIKING HONG KONG ISLAND AND URBAN KOWLOON YET COMPLETELY MISSING THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S VITAL TARGET, THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR. AND EVEN ON THE ISLAND ITSELF, RAINSTORMS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO CONTRARILY SOAK ABERDEEN AND WONG NE I CHONG AND ONLY SPATTER POK FU LAM.
BEHIND ALL THE THUNDER AND LIGHTNING THE FACT REMAINS THAT HONG KONG RECEIVED ONLY 211.9 MM (8 INCHES) OF RAIN UP TO MAY 24, COMPARED WITH A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 279 MM (11 INCHES).
THIS TENDS TO BEAR OUT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S PREDICTION THAT HONG KONG’S RAINFALL THIS YEAR COULD BE AS MUCH AS 10 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE. AND THAT’S WHY, IN THE MIDST OF APPARENT STORM RELIEF, WATER RESTRICTIONS HAVE HAD TO BE IMPOSED. MOST OF THE RAIN WE’VE HAD SO FAR HAS SIMPLY NOT BEEN FALLING IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
A GOOD CASE IN POINT IS THE HEAVY STORM THAT STRUCK HONG KONG ISLAND ON THE MORNING OF MAY 24. THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S RAIN GAUGES RECORDED A HEALTHY 72.6 MM (2.8 INCHES), BUT IN THE CATCHMENT OF HONG KONG’S BIGGEST OPERATIONAL RESERVOIR, PLOVER COVE, THE YIELD WAS ABOUT AS EFFECTIVE AS A DROP IN A BUCKET.
AS THE P.W.D.’S PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON, BLUNTLY PUT IT: +IN TERMS OF BENEFIT TO THE CATCHMENT THE YIELD WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING. THE RAIN GAUGE AT PLOVER COVE RECORDED ONLY 4 MM, WHILE IT WAS RAINING CATS AND DOGS IN THE URBAN AREAS. »
+THE TOTAL CONTRIBUTION ON MAY 24 TO THE DEPLETED RESERVES IN ALL CATCHMENT AREAS WAS ONLY 278 MILLION GALLONS — NOT MUCH MORE THAN AN AVERAGE DAY’S CONSUMPTION.+
THE FOLLOWING RAINS DID NO BETTER. ON MAY 26, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RECORDED A MINISCULE 0.5 MM, WHILE 60 MM (2.3 INCHES) WAS RECORDED AT TAI TAM, AND EVEN THEN THE SAME FICKLE DISTRIBUTION WAS APPARENT — ONLY 23 MM (0.9 INCH) IN THE POK FU LAM AREA AND 12 MM (0.4 INCH) AT ABERDEEN. AND AGAIN, THE CRITICAL PLOVER COVER AREA RECEIVED VIRTUALLY NOTHING AT ALL.
/OVER .....
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
2
OVER THE ENTIRE MONTH OF MAY RAINFALL OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF THE MAJOR CATCHMENT AREAS WAS ONLY HALF THAT RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. AMID ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AND TORRENTIAL RAIN, LIKE THE MAY 24 DELUGE, THE FACT REMAINED THAT THE RESERVOIRS STILL HELD ONLY ABOUT 46.4 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 63.1 PER CENT AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. W.D.A. TUCKER, HONG KONG DID GAIN SOMETHING FROM THE MAY RAINS. CATCHMENTS COLLECTED SOME 681 MILLION GALLONS IN ADDED WATER, AND, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT A REDUCTION OF OVERALL CONSUMPTION DURING THE LATTER PART OF THE MONTH, THE TERRITORY WAS ACTUALLY ABOUT 900 MILLION GALLONS BETTER OFF.
+BUT WELCOME AS THIS WAS, IT FELL FAR SHORT OF THE REQUIRED TARGET OF 3,000 MILLION GALLONS,* MR. TUCKER SAID. +WE SIMPLY DID NOT GET ANYWHERE NEAR AS MUCH AS WE NEEDED TO STAVE OFF RESTRICTIONS.*
ON TOP OF THAT, THERE WAS THE QUESTION OF SOIL MOISTURE DEFICIT. WITH THE TERRITORY HAVING JUST BEEN THROUGH ITS WORST DROUGHT FOR ABOUT 90 YEARS, HONG KONG’S SURFACE WAS LITERALLY BONE DRY. AND LIKE A HUGE RUMPLED SHEET OF BLOTTING PAPER IT NEEDED TO SOAK UP A VAST AMOUNT OF WATER BEFORE A FULL SATURATION LEVEL WOULD ALLOW NATURAL SEEPAGE INTO THE CATCHMENTS. THIS PROCESS ROBBED US OF SOMETHING LIKE 75 MM OF THE INITIAL RAINS.
THROUGHOUT ITS 136-YEAR HISTORY, HONG KONG HAS FACED WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS RANGING FROM HAVING JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE ENDS MEET TO STRICT EMERGENCIES WHICH, AS IN 1902 FOR EXAMPLE, INVOLVED A SEVERE DROUGHT IN WHICH THE SUPPLY WAS CUT TO ONE HOUR A DAY AND WATER WAS BROUGHT IN FROM MAINLAND CHINA BY BOAT. AGAIN, IN 1929 WATER WAS IMPORTED FROM THE WEST RIVER NEAR MACAU AND FROM SHANGHAI.
AS FAR BACK AS 1938 THERE WAS LEGISLATION TO RESTRICT AND STRICTLY CONTROL THE SUPPLY OF WATER' AND DURING THE 1963 DROUGHT AND THE 1967 CRISIS, CONSUMERS WERE EVENTUALLY RESTRICTED TO A FOUR-HOUR SUPPLY ON EVERY FOURTH DAY.
BUT THE HISTORY OF THE CONTINUING STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE FRESHWATER SERVICE GOES BACK AS FAR AS I860, SOME 20 YEARS AFTER THE TERRITORY’S BIRTH AS A BRITISH COLONY. HONG KONG THEN, AS THINGS STAND TODAY, HAD A HEALTHY THOUGH ERRATIC AVERAGE RAINFALL — THE ACTUAL ANNUAL YIELD DEPENDING ON THE VAGARIES OF THE SUMMER MONSOONS — BUT NO SIZEABLE LAKE OR RIVER.
UNDER SIR HERCULES ROBINSON, GOVERNOR FROM 1859 TO 1865, THE GOVERNMENT ASSUMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING A PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY AND A RESERVOIR WAS BUILT AT POK FU LAM TO PIPE FRESH WATER TO CENTRAL DISTRICT. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF A POPULATION INCREASE, DEMAND FOR WATER OUTSTRIPPED THE SUPPLY BEFORE THE PROJECT WAS EVEN COMPLETED, SO ANOTHER RESERVOIR WAS CONSTRUCTED AT TAI TAM — AND THAT SAME SYNDROME, CONTINUING POPULATION PRESSURE AND A SCARCITY OF ADEQUATE CATCHMENT AREAS, HAS DOGGED EFFORTS TO BEAT THE WATER PROBLEM EVER SINCE.
/NO LESS......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
3
NO LESS THAN 18 MAJOR RESERVOIRS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND AS EACH HAS GONE +ON STREAM* THE BURGEONING POPULATION HAS PUSHED THE DEMAND FOR WATER ONE STEP AHEAD OF CAPACITY. FOR EXAMPLE, IN 1968 THE TERRITORY’S SUPPLY DEPENDED ON 16 LAND-BASED RESERVOIRS HOLDING A TOTAL OF 17,000 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER. THEN +PEOPLE PRESSURE* PUSHED THE DEMAND FOR WATER UP TO SOMETHING LIKE 80,300 MILLION GALLONS A YEAR.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SUBSEQUENTLY BUILT THE PLOVER COVE SCHEME, THE WORLD’S FIRST SEABED RESERVOIR, WHICH, BY 1973, HAD GATHERED A FRESHWATER STORAGE CAPACITY OF 51,000 MILLION GALLONS.
AFTER THAT CAME THE WORLD’S BIGGEST DESALINATION PLANT, THE LOK ON PAI FLASH EVAPORATOR, CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 40 MILLION GALLONS OF FRESH WATER A DAY. AND SINCE THEN. WORK ON A SECOND MAMMOTH SEABED RESERVOIR AT HIGH ISLAND HAS PROMISED ANOTHER VITAL 60,000 MILLION GALLONS OF FRESH WATER — BUT HIGH ISLAND IS JUST ABOUT TO BEGIN IMPOUNDING, OR STORING WATER, AND WITH THIS YEAR’S RAINFALL THE WAY IT IS ....
WATER SUPPLIES FROM CHINA’S KWANGTUNG AUTHORITIES, INITIATED IN 1964 AND INCOMING AT RATES INCREASING TO THEIR CURRENT LEVEL OF 24,000 MILLION GALLONS A YEAR, HAVE CERTAINLY HELPED THE SITUATION.
THE LATEST SUPPLY PERIOD RUNS OUT THIS COMING JULY, BUT WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS ARE CONFIDENT THAT THE AGREEMENT WILL CONTINUE, AND THAT SUPPLY WILL BE RESUMED AS USUAL ON OCTOBER 1.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS MONTH, WATER SUPPLIES DIRECTOR MR. TUCKER INDICATED THAT ASIDE FROM EXISTING RESERVOIR STORAGE, HONG KONG’S FUTURE EXPANSION OF ITS- WATER SUPPLY HINGED ON DESALINATION, WITH PROPOSED NEW DESALTERS UNDER STUDY. IN FACT, LAND HAS ALREADY BEEN SET ASIDE AT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AS A POSSIBLE FUTURE DESALINATION SITE.
MR. TUCKER SAID HIGH ISLAND WAS DEFINITELY HONG KONG’S LAST MAJOR CONVENTIONAL RESERVOIR — THERE SIMPLY ISN’T A SUITABLE CATCHMENT AREA LEFT FOR ANOTHER PROJECT OF ITS SIZE. THERE WERE SOME MINOR UNDEVELOPED CATCHMENT AREAS STILL AVAILABLE, AND THESE MIGHT BE EXPLOITED, IF ECONOMICALLY VIABLE, BY 1982. AFTER THAT, THE TERRITORY’S WATER STORAGE CAPACITY WILL BE AT THE MERCY OF THE MONSOON RAINS.
AND WHILE HONG KONG’S WATER CONSUMPTION THIS YEAR STANDS AT AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 265 MILLION GALLONS A DAY, OR 96,725 MILLION GALLONS A YEAR, WATER SUPPLIES EXPERTS PREDICT THAT IT WILL INCREASE BY ABOUT SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM IN THE FUTURE. THAT REPRESENTS AN ADDED INITIAL 15 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY EACH YEAR FROM NOW ON.
BUT THEN, HONG KONG’S WATER SUPPLY ENGINEERS, LIKE THOSE IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES, WOULD BE INDULGING IN PIPEDREAMS IF THEY THOUGHT THEY COULD SOLVE THE TERRITORY’S WATER PROBLEMS ENTIRELY. THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION JUST CANNOT BE ENVISAGED. BUT THAT’S NOT TO SAY THE TERRITORY IS EVER LIKELY TO RUN DRY.
/WATER .....
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
4
WATER RESOURCES AND THEIR RELATION TO SUPPLY ARE BASED ON COMPUTED SCENARIES COVERING SOMETHING LIKE A 5OO-YEAR SEQUENCE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT EXISTING AND FUTURE STORAGE CAPACITIES, PAST RAINFALL PATTERNS AND ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND. IT’S NOT SO MUCH A CASE OF SAYING +AT THIS RATE WE WON’T HAVE A WATER PROBLEM BY.........+ BUT FAR MORE REALISTIC TO ESTIMATE THE +LOWEST
RISK* — THE BEST THAT CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE WATER IS ON TAP FOR THE LONGEST PERIOD POSSIBLE DURING PROLONGED DRY SPELLS WITH THE AID OF EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS.
AND HONG KONG’S NOT THE ONLY AREA FACING CURRENT AND FUTURE WATER PROBLEMS. THERE HAVE BEEN SERIOUS DROUGHTS THIS SPRING FROM SOUTH CHINA TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. IN ASIA ALONE, TAIWAN IS ON RESTRICTED WATER SUPPLY AND SEVERE DROUGHTS ARE AFFECTING VIETNAM, MALAYSIA, INDONESIA, INDIA AND SRI LANKA. AND ON TOP OF THAT, THE UNITED NATIONS HAS JUST THIS YEAR BEGUN TO WARN THE WORLD THAT WATER, OR THE LACK OF IT, WILL HAVE REPLACED ENERGY AT THE TOP OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS TABLE BY THE YEAR 2000.
AT A RECENT WATER SUPPLIES CONFERENCE IN BUENOS AIRES, THE FIRST OF ITS TYPE EVER HELD, DELEGATES WERE TOLD THAT ALREADY TODAY, 1,200 MILLION PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD LACK PROPER DRINKING WATER, AND 25,000 PEOPLE DIE EVERY DAY OF WATER-RELATED ILLNESSES.
ARGENTINA’S UNDER-SECRETARY FOR WATER RESOURCES, LUIS JUAREGUY, SUMMED UP THE GROWING CONCERN WHEN HE SAID* +THE NOTION THAT DRINKING WATER IS A NATURAL AND INEXHAUSTIBLE RESOURCE IS ON THE WAY OUT.+
SO, IF THE CURRENT HONG KONG DROUGHT IS NOT ENOUGH TO AROUSE PUBLIC CONCERN FOR WATER CONSERVATION AND CONSUMER CONSTRAINT, NEXT TIME YOU POUR A DRINK OF WATER AND USE HALF A GALLON OF THE PRECIOUS LIQUID TO WASH THE GLASS OUT, CONSIDER THE YEAR 2000.
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RESURFACING * * * * *
WORK HAS BEGUN ON RESURFACING PART OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO IMPROVE THE SKID RESISTANCE OF THE ROAD SURFACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE WORKS WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT A WEEK’S TIME.
BASICALLY, HE SAID, THE WORKS WOULD INVOLVE REMOVING THE TOP LAYER OF THE EXISTING ROAD SURFACE THEN SAND BLASTING IT TO REMOVE GREASE AND OIL BEFORE APPLYING A SPECIAL ANTI-SKID MATERIAL IMPORTED FROM CHINA.
+ALTHOUGH THIS SHOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THE SKID RESISTANCE OF THE ROAD SURFACE, MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE WHEN USING THE FLYOVER.
+SPEEDING IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS, AND NO AMOUNT OF ROAD ENGINEERING WILL TOTALLY ELIMINATE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS IF MOTORISTS THEMSELVES DO NOT KEEP WITHIN SAFETY LIMITS,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS AN ADDED MEASURE LARGE SIGNS ADVISING MOTORISTS TO SLOW DOWN HAD BEEN PLACED ON EACH OF THE APPROACHES TO THE BEND ON THE FLYOVER.
0 -
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
MID-LEVELS ROAD RE-OPENED
******
AS THE SECTION OF CASTLE ROAD BETWEEN CONDUIT ROAD AND ROBINSON ROAD HAS NOW BEEN RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC, THE DOWNWARD JOURNEY BY MAXICAB ROUTE NUMBER 3 FROM PO SHAN ROAD TO CENTRAL AFTER 4.45 P.M. WILL NO LONGER BE DIVERTED WEST VIA KOTEWALL ROAD.
FROM MONDAY (MAY 30) THIS PARTICULAR SERVICE WILL OPERATE VIA CONDUIT ROAD, CASTLE ROAD AND ROBINSON ROAD TO ALBANY ROAD.
- - 0 -
HONG KONG REGIMENT FOUNDATION DAY DINNER * * * *
TO MARK THE 123RD ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL HOLD A DINNER AT THE OFFICERS’ MESS, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR.
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, LT. GEN. SIR JOHN ARCHER, WILL ALSO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 8.15 P.M. ON MONDAY. PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE WELCOME TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1977
- 6 -
WATER CUT
HMM
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF FLATS IN THE REPULSE BAY AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON MONDAY (MAY 30) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT A WATER MAIN IN THE AREA.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE NOS. 1-45 AND NOS. 2-28 REPULSE BAY ROAD.
- - - - 0-------"
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PLEA TO INDUSTRIALISTS TO SAVE WATER ...................... 1
IMPROVEMENTS TO RAILWAY TRACKS AT FO TAN .................. 2
THE BUILDING OF SHA TIN COMMUNITY ......................... 3
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST .... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1977
PLEA TO INDUSTRIALISTS TO SAVE WATER
*****
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, TODAY MADE A SPECIAL APPEAL TO ALL INDUSTRIALISTS TO PLAY A FULL AND LEADING PART IN THE COMMUNITY’S EFFORT TO SAVE WATER.
+ALTHOUGH, AS IN PAST YEARS, STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE ESSENTIAL NEEDS OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE NOT AFFECTED, INDUSTRY AS A MAJOR CONSUMER OF WATER HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT PERIOD,+ HE SAID.
MR. TUCKER EMPHASISED THAT EVEN THOUGH FACTORIES IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE WATER RESTRICTIONS COMING INTO EFFECT ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1), THIS DID NOT RELIEVE THEM OF THEIR DUTY TO ECONOMISE ON CONSUMPTION AND AVOID WASTE.
+ INDEED, THE OPPOSITE IS TRUE. THE COMMUNITY WILL RIGHTLY EXPECT INDUSTRIALISTS TO DO THEIR BIT AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL,+ HE SAID.
MR. TUCKER SAID LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL INDUSTRIAL BODIES ENLISTING THEIR CO-OPERATION AND SUGGESTING WAYS IN WHICH INDUSTRIALISTS COULD HELP CONSERVE WATER.
+WE HAVE ALSO SET UP A +HOT LINE+ ON WHICH INDUSTRIALISTS WHOSE PREMISES ARE LOCATED OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRIAL ZONES CAN CONTACT US IF THEY EXPERIENCE ANY DIFFICULTY DURING THE HOURS OF RESTRICTION, EVEN THOUGH THERE SHOULD BE FEW, IF ANY. PROBLEMS SINCE MOST INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE AMPLE WATER STORAGE FACILITIES TO TIDE THEM OVER THE NIGHT.
+IN ANY EVENT, INDUSTRIALISTS MAY CALL 5-225011 EXT. 2808 IF THEY HAVE ANY QUERIES.*
MR. TUCKER SAID THERE WERE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH INDUSTRIALISTS COULD ECONOMISE ON THE USE OF WATER.
+THEY COULD FOR INSTANCE REDUCE WATER PRESSURES TO THE MINIMUM PRACTICAL LEVEL AND USE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT WHICH ECONOMISE IN THE USE OF WATER.
+THEY SHOULD ALSO DETERMINE WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH UNIT OF PRODUCTION AND INTRODUCE CONTROL CHECKS ON USAGE IF THEY HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE S0,+ HE SAID.
+AND IN ALL CASES IT IS IMPORTANT THAT REGULAR LEAKAGE TESTS ARE MADE PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO CONCEALED PIPING TO AVOID WASTE. CHECKS SHOULD ALSO BE MADE FOR OVERFLOWING TANKS, WORN TAP WASHERS AND OTHER POSSIBLE DEFECTS.+
MR. TUCKER ALSO URGED FACTORY OWNERS TO EDUCATE THEIR EMPLOYEES IN SAVING WATER.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1977
- 2 -
IMPROVEMENTS TO RAILWAY TRACKS AT FO TAN *****
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HAS INTRODUCED THE USE OF HEAVIER RAILS AND CONCRETE SLEEPERS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EXISTING TRACKS AND REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS.
THIS MEASURE WILL NOT ONLY ENSURE BETTER TRAIN SAFETY BECAUSE OF THE MORE STABLE TRACKS, IT WILL ALSO ENABLE PASSENGERS TO HAVE A SMOOTHER AND MORE COMFORTABLE JOURNEY.
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF K.C.R., MR. REGINALD GREGORY, SAID TODAY THAT THE IMPROVED NEW TRACKS WOULD BE MADE UP OF RAILS OF 54 KG. PER METRE, PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE SLEEPERS AND A DOUBLE LAYER OF BALLAST.
THE NEW STANDARD HAS BEEN INITIALLY APPLIED TO THE RAILWAY SIDINGS IN FO TAN WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON FRIDAY (MAY 27), MR. GREGORY SAID. AT A COST OF $2.5 MILLION, THE SIDINGS WILL ENABLE OIL FROM CHINA TO BE UNLOADED FROM FREIGHT TRAINS THROUGH A SPECIALLY CONSTRUCTED GANTRY DIRECTLY INTO THE ADJACENT STORAGE TANKS.
MR. GREGORY POINTED OUT THAT THE CONCRETE SLEEPERS, TO BE CAST LOCALLY, COULD HAVE SIX TIMES THE LIFE OF WOODEN SLEEPERS AND THE HEAVIER RAILS WOULD LAST MORE THAN TWICE AS LONG AS THE EXISTING RAILS OF 43 KG. PER METRE.
BECAUSE OF THE LONGER LIFE OF SLEEPERS AND RAILS, THE MAINTENANCE COSTS IS ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED, HE ADDED.
+THE NEW TRACKS ARE BEING ADOPTED PROGRESSIVELY TO REPLACE EXISTING TRACKS WHEN THEY BECOME DUE FOR RENEWAL OR, IN SOME INSTANCES, WHEN IT IS FOUND THAT THEY CAN GIVE A BETTER SERVICE BEFORE DOUBLE TRACKING IS IMPLEMENTED,+ HE SAID.
+IT WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX YEARS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING 33.5-KILOMETRE TRACK FROM HUNG HOM TO LOWU WITH THESE NEW RAILS AND SLEEPERS.
♦ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT TO THE TRACKS IS TO DO AWAY WITH JOINTS AND INSTEAD TO HOLD THE SECTIONS TOGETHER BY WELDING. THIS REMOVES THE BUMPS ON THE TRACK AND LETS THE TRAIN GLIDE RATHER THAN JOLT ALONG.
♦ALSO THE METHOD OF FASTENING THE TRACK TO THE SLEEPERS HAS BEEN IMPROVED BY A NEW SYSTEM WHICH IS FAR LESS EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN.
♦FLEXIBLE PLASTIC INSERTS ARE PLACED BETWEEN THE RAIL AND THE SLEEPERS AND BETWEEN THE RAIL AND THE FASTENER TO ACT AS SOME SORT OF SHOCK-ABSORBER, SO THAT PASSENGERS CAN HAVE A STILL BETTER RIDE AND THE PASSAGE OF THE TRAIN WILL BE QUIETER,+ HE SAID.
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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1977
THE BUILDING OF SHA TIN COMMUNITY *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY SPOKE OF THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SHA TIN BUT SAID +THERE IS MORE TO DO THAN JUST TO BUILD THE TOWN AND FILL IT WITH PEOPLE.+
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON WHEN HE UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT PRIMARY SCHOOL IN LEK YUEN, SHA TIN.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID STRANGERS HAD TO BE TURNED INTO FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS AT EVERY STAGE IN THE GROWTH OF THE COMMUNITY OF SHA TIN.
+WE HAVE TO BRING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS INTO A COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE THOSE BONDS, WHICH TURN FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS INTO A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND ENRICHMENT OF THEIR DAILY LIVES,+ HE SAID.
THE BUILDING OF A COMMUNITY IS NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR BOUGHT WITH MONEY, HE SAID.
+IT SPRINGS FROM A CONSCIOUS RECOGNITION OF THE RESPONSIBILITY WE ALL HAVE FOR THE WELFARE OF OUR FELLOW MEN.
+1 THEREFORE WELCOME THE OPENING OF THE SCHOOL NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE PARTICIPATION OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN PROVIDING EDUCATION IN THE NEW TOWN, BUT BECAUSE IT IS A SIGN OF YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE WIDER OBJECTIVES OF BUILDING THE COMMUNITY IN SHA TIN,-*- HE SAID.
EACH WEEK, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, THE NEW TOWN GROWS AND WITHIN A SHORT TIME, THE BUILDINGS WHICH ARE GOING UP WILL BE FILLED WITH PEOPLE. IN EIGHT YEARS, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WILL RISE FROM 50,000 TO 500,000.
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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1977 4 -
' TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST *****
IN ORDER TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS i-
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (MAY 30). VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER LUN FAT STREET FROM QUEEN’S ROAD EAST. THE SECTION OF LUN FAT STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND JOHNSTON ROAD WILL BECOME A CUL-DE-SAC OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO AND FROM JOHN||PN ROAD.
BTH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. TUESDAY (MAY 31), VEHICLES WILL NOT ITTED TO ENTER QUEEN’S ROAD EAST FROM SHIP STREET. THE OF SHIP STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND JOHNSTON
LL BECOME A CUL-DE-SAC OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO AND FROM JOHNSTON ROAD.
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON JUNE 4, VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER MCGREGOR STREET AND TAI YUEN STREET FROM QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON JUNE 13, VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER LI CHIT STREET FROM QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL LAST UNTIL ABOUT THE END OF AUGUST.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DRINKING WATER SHOULD BE BOILED .............. 1
MORE DOCTORS TO MAN GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS . 2
LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES EXPAND AREA OF ACTIVITIES ......................................... 3
+MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION ........................... 4
BROADCASTS OF JOBS FOR SEAMEN ...................... 4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MONG KOK .................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
1
ALL DRINKING WATER SHOULD BE BOILED ******
WHEN WATER RESTRICTIONS BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1), IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE TO BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER, PARTICULARLY WATER THAT HAS BEEN STORED IN CONTAINERS SUCH AS TANKS, BUCKETS OR BINS, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON, SAID TODAY.
+ALTHOUGH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE TAKING EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE PURITY OF THE SUPPLY SUCH AS INCREASING CHLORINATION AND INTENSIFYING THE MONITORING OF QUALITY AT SERVICE RESERVOIRS AND CONSUMERS TAPS, THERE IS ALWAYS A SLIGHT RISK OF CONTAMINATION AT TIMES WHEN THE SUPPLY IS TURNED OFF,* HE SAID.
BUT MR. TOMLINSON EMPHASIZED THAT +A GENERAL DETERIORATION IN THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARD OF BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY IS NOT EXPECTED.+
EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT RECEPTACLES USED TO STORE WATER FOR DRINKING ARE CLEAN AND KEPT COVERED, HE SAID.
+NORMAL HOUSEHOLD PLASTIC WARE IS QUITE SAFE AND SATISFACTORY FOR SUCH USE, BUT ANY INTERNALLY PAINTED CONTAINERS SHOULD BE AVOIDED.+
MR. TOMLINSON ALSO POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE RESTRICTIONS +TAP WATER MAY, AT PARTICULAR TIMES, BE SOMEWHAT DISCOLOURED AND COULD CONTAIN SOME SEDIMENTS.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THIS IS UNAVOIDABLE AND IS DUE TO THE DISTURBANCE OF RUSTY DEPOSITS IN THE MAINS. HOWEVER, THE DISCOLOURATION IS QUITE HARMLESS TO HEALTH.*
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2
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
MORE DOCTORS TO MAN GOVT. OUTPATIENT CLINICS
******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS TAKING FURTHER STEPS TO EXPAND FACILITIES AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND OF PATIENTS SEEKING OUTPATIENT TREATMENT.
BEGINNING JUNE 1, ADDITIONAL DOCTORS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ' TO MAN OUTPATIENT CLINICS DURING EVENING HOURS AND ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
AT PRESENT, 10 OUTPATIENT CLINICS ARE OPERATING EVENING SESSIONS FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. AND SIX CLINICS ARE OPEN ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M.
THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS AT THESE CLINICS WILL BE INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT OR DOUBLED SO THAT MORE PATIENTS CAN BE SEEN AND TREATED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ADDITIONAL DOCTORS WILL BE POSTED TO THE EVENING CLINICS AT ABERDEEN, VIOLET PEEL, SHAUKIWAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KWUN TONG, ROBERT BLACK, YAU MA TEI AND LI PO CHUN IN KOWLOON AND LADY TRENCH IN TSUEN WAN.
ALL THE SIX OUTPATIENT CLINICS OPERATING ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS — VIOLET PEEL, SHAUKIWAN, KWUN TONG, ROBERT BLACK, YAU MA TEI AND LADY TRENCH — WILL HAVE MORE DOCTORS ATTENDING TO PATIENTS.
IN 1976, THE NUMBER OF ATTENDANCES AT OUTPATIENT CLINICS TOTALLED MORE THAN 12 MILLION WHILE THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED HOSPITALS DEALT WITH SOME 600,000 CASES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ATTENDING DOCTORS AT THESE CLINICS IT WAS HOPED THAT THE PRESSURE ON CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS AT THE VARIOUS MAJOR GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED HOSPITALS WOULD BE RELIEVED TO SOME EXTENT.
HE AGAIN URGED RESIDENTS NOT TO CONFUSE CASUALTY SERVICE, WHICH IS FOR TREATING EMERGENCY CASES, WITH GENERAL OUTPATIENT SERVICE PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
HE SAID QUITE A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE CASES SEEN AT CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SEEN AT THE OUTPATIENT CLINICS, WHICH ARE SET UP IN ALMOST EVERY DISTRICT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
+NON-EMERGENCY CASES TURNING UP AT THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENT WOULD DELAY TREATMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION,* HE STRESSED.
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES
K X K *
THE LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING ITS AREA OF ACTIVITIES WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NETWORK OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS RECRUITED FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
APART FROM PROVIDING REGULAR LIBRARY SERVICES, THE UNIT’S MOBILE LIBRARY VANS ARE FAST BECOMING THE FOCAL POINTS FROM WHERE A HOST OF COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED. FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNGSTERS LIVING IN REMOTE AREAS.
MANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN MADE POSSIBLE SINCE THE RECRUITMENT OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS FROM AREAS NEAR STRATEGICALLY LOCATED LIBRARY STATIONS, AND THE UNIT IS LOOKING FOR MORE RECRUITS TO HELP FURTHER EXPAND ITS SERVICES.
MR. WONG PAK-CHUEN, OFF ICER-1N-CHARGE OF THE LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES UNIT, SAID TODAY THAT YOUTH AND CHILDREN PROGRAMMES -- SUCH AS GAMES RALLIES, WORK CAMPS, PICNICS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS, VARIOUS COMPETITIONS AND WORK PROJECTS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED THROUGH THE YEAR WITH MORE EVENTS INCLUDED IN THE SUMMER MONTHS.
+NEW ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DELIVERING BOOKS TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS AND SERVICES FOR THE AGED AND CHILDREN’S HOMES WILL ALSO BE RUN IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR. WONG SAID HIS UNIT WAS ALSO APPROACHING RURAL COMMITTEES AND VILLAGE ELDERS TO NEGOTIATE THE LOAN OF THEIR PREMISES OR YOUTH CENTRES FOR ONE OR MORE DAYS A WEEK SO AS TO IMPROVE LIBRARY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
+THERE ARE SOME 40 SUCH PREMISES SCATTERED ALL OVER THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH, WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL VOLUNTEERS, CAN BE TURNED INTO PART-TIME YOUTH CENTRES.
+WE NOW HAVE PERMISSION TO USE SIX OF THEM AND THEY ARE PROVING TO BE A BIG HELP BECAUSE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED THERE ARE NO LONGER BEING DISRUPTED BY BAD WEATHER.
+WE ARE ALSO STOCKING THESE CENTRES UP WITH BOOKS AND MAGAZINES SO THAT NEARBY CHILDREN CAN HAVE READING MATERIAL ALL THE TIME.
+WHEN WE HAVE ENOUGH MANPOWER AND VOLUNTEERS, WE WILL FURTHER DEVELOP THIS PROGRAMME AND MAKE USE OF AS MANY OF THESE HALLS AND CENTRES AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, BOOK-LENDING AND OTHER LIBRARY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE UNIT’S VANS CONTINUE TO BE POPULAR AMONG CHILDREN AND YOUTHS ALIKE, AND THE LATEST REGISTERED MEMBERSHIP HAS TOPPED 3,400.
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
4
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION
*****
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS, WILL ATTEND A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2).
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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BROADCASTS OF JOBS AVAILABLE TO SEAMEN
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS REMINDED SEAMEN THAT JOBS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES THROUGH THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE ARE BROADCAST OVER THE CHINESE SERVICE OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE BROADCASTS ARE MADE SHORTLY AFTER 11 P.M. DAILY, EXCEPT SATURDAYS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED BROADCASTING TIME AVAILABLE NOT ALL THE VACANCIES COULD BE BROADCAST.
DESPITE THIS, HE ADDED, THE BROADCASTS DID GIVE UNEMPLOYED SEAMEN A GOOD INDICATION OF EMPLOYMENT PROSPECT FROM DAY TO DAY.
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1977
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN MONG KOK Hmm#
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING CHUN Yl LANE IN MONG KOK FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE ARRANGEMENT AIMS TO PROMOTE SAFETY FOR STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOLS ALONG CHUN Yl LANE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
756,300 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY LAST MARCH ..................................................... 1
ALIGNMENT OF CHEUNG CHAU TYPHOON SHELTER WILL BE INVESTIGATED .............................................. 2
GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTES $13 MILLION TO NEW CLINICAL
PATHOLOGY BUILDING ......................................
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW ........................ 4
GOVERNOR TO OPEN ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION OF RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE ......................................... 5
DOUBLE-DECKER TRIAL RUN ON LANTAU ISLAND FOUND PROMISING ................................................. 6
TELEPHONE LINK EXTENDED BY RADIO TO REMOTE PORT SHELTER ISLANDS ........................................... 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON ......................... 8
PASSING OUT PARADE OF NEW PRISON OFFICERS ............... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
I
- 1 -
EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING * * *
INDUSTRY DROPS SLIGHTLY * *
A TOTAL OF 756,300 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AS AT MARCH 15, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED A DECLINE OF ABOUT 17,400 PERSONS OR 2.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 773,700 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DECEMBER 1976.
INDUSTRIES WHERE DECREASED EMPLOYMENT OCCURRED INCLUDED GARMENTS, COTTON WEAVING, ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, HANDBAGS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 698,800 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1976, HOWEVER, MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1977 WAS HIGHER BY 57,500 PERSONS OR 8.2 PER CENT.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST INDUSTRY GROUPS REMAINED WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
A COMPARISON OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN DECEMBER 1976 AND
MARCH 1977 ARE GIVEN BELOW :
CHANGE OF MARCH 1977 OVER DEC. 1976
PERSONS PERSONS PERSONS
INDUSTRY ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN ENGAGED IN PERSONS %
GROUP MARCH 1976 DEC. 1976 MARCH 1977 ENGAGED CHANGE
WEARING APPAREL 249,883 265,913 259,380 -6,533 -2.5
TEXTILES 114,973 115,912 110,144 -5,768 -5.0
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES 67,224 88,057 85,828 -2,229 -2.5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 66,485 76,994 77,156 ♦ 162 +0.2
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 58,221 69,781 68,635 -1,146 -1.6
LEVEL
MAIN INCREASES AND DECREASES AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR BETWEEN DECEMBER 1976 AND MARCH 1977 ARE AS FOLLOWS :
/CHANGE OF
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1977
2
PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1976 PERSONS ENGAGED IN DEC. 1976 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1977 CHANGE ( OVER 3F MARCH 1977 DEC. 1976
INDUSTRY SECTOR PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
WOOL KNITTING 18,127 16,789 17,842 +1,053 +6.3
MANUFACTURING NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED INDUSTRIES 4,200 5,074 5,773 + 699 ♦13.8
JEWELLERY AND ARTICLES RELATED 6,040 7,328 7,800 ♦ 472 * ♦6.4
GARMENTS 200,482 211,098 205,633 -5,465 -2.6
COTTON WEAVING 31,756 32,769 28,354 -4,415 -13.5
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 51,881 70,998 68,490 -2,508 -3.5
HANDBAGS 10,284 13,139 11,796 -1,343 -10.2
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, NOT ELSEWHERE
CLASSIFIED 24,806 29,252 28,412 - 840 -2.9
DETAILED FIGURES OF EMPLOYMENT BROKEN DOWN BY OTHER INDUSTRY
GROUPS OR INDUSTRY SECTORS ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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CHEUNG CHAU TYPHOON SHELTER *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TODAY ADVISED THAT THE ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION PUT FORWARD BY THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE FOR THE ALIGNMENT OF THE BREAKWATERS OF THE PROPOSED CHEUNG CHAU TYPHOON SHELTER SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND GAZETTED.
THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S PROPOSAL FOR THE BREAKWATERS WOULD ENCLOSE A GREATER AREA OF THE WEST BAY OF CHEUNG CHAU. THE SUGGESTION WAS PUT FORWARD BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE WHO FELT THAT THE PROPOSED TYPHOON SHELTER WOULD CONFINE THE WATERS OF THE BAY AND THUS SPOIL THE ENVIRONMENT OF CHEUNG CHAU WHICH DEPENDS COMMERCIALLY ON ITS POPULARITY AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION.
A DECISION WILL BE MADE ON THE FINAL ALIGNMENT OF THE BREAKWATERS WHEN THE COST AND FEASIBILITY OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S PROPOSAL HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING FOR KWONG WAH HOSPITAL GOVT. TO ALLOCATE OVER $13M IN CAPITAL OUTLAY ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO ALLOCATE MORE THAN $13 MILLION IN CAPITAL OUTLAY TO ENABLE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL TO CONSTRUCT A CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING WHICH WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF PATHOLOGY SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR TRAINING LABORATORY TECHNICIANS FOR THE ACUTE HOSPITAL.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST $17 MILLION, THE BALANCE TO BE MET BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS THROUGH ITS FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN ANNUALLY RECURRENT SUBVENTION AMOUNTING TO $1,870,000 TO MEET THE COST OF EXTRA STAFF NEEDED TO MAINTAIN THE EXPANDED SERVICES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1979.
THE 10-ST0REY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR KWONG WAH HOSPITAL TO EXPAND ITS EXISTING X-RAY DEPARTMENT, DISPENSARY STORE, INSTRUMENT STORE AND MEDICAL RECORDS OFFICE.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR ESTABLISHING A PHYSIOTHERAPY UNIT, AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNIT, A MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE AND AN ADDITIONAL ORTHOPAEDIC WARD.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING AT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL IS IN KEEPING WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH REG IONALI SAT I ON PLAN, THE OBJECT OF WHICH IS TO SECURE A MORE EVEN USE OF BEDS AVAILABLE IN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED HOSPITALS.
UNDER THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME, INTRODUCED AS FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, KWONG WAH HOSPITAL NOW SERVES AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR WEST KOWLOON, PROVIDING THE REGION WITH ALL MAJOR SPECIALIST SERVICES.
APART FROM IMPROVING SERVICES AT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO APPROVED EXTRA FUNDS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR BRINGING INTO USE ADDITIONAL BEDS AT THE NEW CENTENARY BUILDING OF THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AND GRANTHAM HOSPITAL.
THE 106 ADDITIONAL BEDS TO BE CENTENARY BUILDING AND THE 90 BEDS HOSPITAL FOR CONVALESCENT PATIENTS CONGESTION AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
BROUGHT INTO USE AT THE TO BE CONVERTED AT GRANTHAM WOULD HELP EASE THE
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
4
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW
******
ADULT FERRY FARES FOR MOST OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES WILL BE INCREASED FROM 30 CENTS TO 40 CENTS FROM JULY 1, IF A MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (SERVICE) ORDINANCE IS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS, IF APPROVED, WILL ALSO BRING THE CHARGE FOR A MONTHLY TICKET UP FROM $12 TO $16.
DURING QUESTION TIME, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 14 QUESTIONS.
DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG WILL ASK FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCUBRED ALONG THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IN THE PAST THREE YEARS AND WHAT STEPS THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE TO URGENTLY IMPROVE DRIVING SAFETY THERE.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE HIGHER RATE OF VACATION LEAVE FOR OVERSEAS OFFICERS COMPARED WITH LOCAL OFFICERS OF EQUIVALENT RANK WILL BE SOUGHT BY THE HON. T.S. LO.
DR. THE HON. HENRY HU WILL ENQUIRE WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE AMENDING LEGISLATION FOR THE CONFISCATION OF THE ASSETS OF CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS WHICH ARE HELD BY THEIR NEAR RELATIVES AND NOMINEES.
A QUESTION ABOUT RAISING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION OF FUTURE PERMITTED TEACHERS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF EDUCATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS WILL BE ASKED BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT.
THE HON. WONG LAM IS TO ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER REACHING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY TO REDUCE THE RATE TOLLS IT COLLECTS FROM MOTORISTS IN VIEW OF THE COMPANY’S ABILITY TO REPAY ITS INVESTMENT LOAN LATER THIS YEAR.
OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROTECTION OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS, WATER SUPPLY TO SHEK 0, ESSENTIAL SERVICES OF NEW TOWNS, LIGHTS ON CONTAINER LORRIES AND RECRUITMENT OF CORONERS.
NINE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL WHILE DEBATE ON NINE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
- 5 -
GOVERNOR TO OPEN RECREATION AND SPORT EXHIBITION
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE THIS FRIDAY (JUNE 3) AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
THE EXHIBITION WILL EXPLAIN THE WORK OF THE SERVICE AND FEATURE MANY OF ITS PAST ACTIVITIES. IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JUNE 4 AND 5).
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXHIBITION, A SEMINAR ON SPORT AND RECREATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG WILL BE ORGANISED AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON.
A GYMNASTIC DISPLAY WILL TAKE PLACE AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN FRONT OF QUEEN’S PIER ON SUNDAY MORNING, FROM 10 A.M. TO 12.30 P.M.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN OCTOBER, 1974, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAS ORGANISED A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR OVER 320,000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
IT HAS INCREASED ITS DISTRICT OFFICES FROM SIX TO 17 AT PRESENT, COVERING HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO MEET THE TREMENDOUS PUBLIC DEMAND FOR PARTICIPATION IN ITS ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS i
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE’S SECOND ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL ON FRIDAY.
THERE WILL BE A PRELIMINARY PRESS BRIEFING AT 3.30 P.M. AND A PREVIEW OF THE EXHIBITION AT 3.45 P.M.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT 4.30 P.M.
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TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1977
6
DOUBLE-DECK BUS TEST RUN PROVES SUCCESSFUL ON LANTAU ISLAND
*****
A TEST RUN WITH A DOUBLE-DECK BUS ON LANTAU ISLAND HELD YESTERDAY (MONDAY) WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF P.W.D., POLICE TRAFFIC BRANCH AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT INDICATED THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING DOUBLE-DECK BUSES TO LANTAU ISLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF NO. 415, MARITIME TROOP FROM STONECUTTERS ISLAND WHO TRANSHIPPED A CMB DOUBLE-DECK BUS BY A LANDING CRAFT TO AND FROM SILVERMINE BAY, THE BUS WAS USED IN EXTENSIVE TESTS ALONG THE SOUTH LANTAU ROAD BETWEEN MUI WO AND TAI 0 AND COMPLETED THE TRIALS SUCCESSFULLY ON GROUNDS OF BOTH ROAD SAFETY AND HEIGHT STABILITY.
THE BUS BALLASTED WITH ALMOST A HUNDRED SAND BAGS AND A PARTY OF 25 OFFICIALS WHO TOGETHER SIMULATED A FULLY LOADED BUS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY TESTS CONDUCTED ON STARTS ON STEEP GRADIENTS, MANOEUVREABILITY AROUND TIGHT CORNERS AND GENERAL HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS PROVED SUCCESSFUL.
+THE LOW FLOOR LEVEL OF DOUBLE-DECK BUSES WAS FOUND TO BE PARTICULARLY WELL SUITED TO LANTAU ISLAND IN GIVING GREATER VEHICLE STABILITY AND A SMOOTHER PASSENGER RIDE.
+THE DOUBLE-DECK VEHICLE CHOSEN FOR THE TEST RUN WAS ONE OF THE STANDARD CMB BUSES USED ON SUBURBAN SERVICES TO THE PEAK, MID-LEVELS, SHEK 0 AND BRAEMAR HILL AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND THESE BUSES ARE SLIGHTLY SHORTER AND NARROWER THAN THE EXISTING SINGLE-DECK BUSES USED BY THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY ON LANTAU ISLAND.
+HENCE, NO DIFFICULTIES OF VEHICLE SIZE WERE EXPERIENCED OVER ANY SECTION OF THE ROUTE DURING THE TEST RUN,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BEFORE A REGULAR SERVICE OF DOUBLE-DECK BUSES IS INTRODUCED ONTO THE ISLAND, OVERHANGING TREE BRANCHES HAVE TO BE TRIMMED AND THE FIRST SECTION OF THE ROAD WORKS BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA AND TONG FUK VILLAGE NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED, PROBABLY EARLY IN 1978.
♦THE TEST RUN THEREFORE INDICATED THE LIKELY INTRODUCTION OF REGULAR DOUBLE-DECK SERVICES TO THE ISLAND INITIALLY BETWEEN MUI WO AND TONG FUK WHICH WILL PROVIDE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED CARRYING CAPACITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO THE ISLAND TRAVELLING TO AND FROM PUI 0, CHEUNG SHA AND TONG FUK,+ HE SAID.
♦ULTIMATELY, IT IS INTENDED TO TO SHEK PIK AND TAI 0 ON COMPLETION WORKS ON THE ISLAND.*
EXTEND THE DOUBLE-DECK OPERATION OF THE FURTHER STAGES OF ROAD
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IT IS HOPED THAT BY A BETTER UTILIZATION OF THE EXISTING FLEET OF SINGLE-DECK BUSES USED AS INTERCHANGE FOR THE DOUBLE-DECK SERVICE, IMPROVED FACILITIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL AREAS OF THE ISLAND INCLUDING LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TRAVELLING TO THE NGONG PING MONASTERY.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
7
RADIO TELEPHONE LINK FOR REMOTE N.T. ISLETS
* * * * *
TWO REMOTE PICNIC SPOTS IN PORT SHELTER - HITHERTO UNCONNECTED WITH THE REST OF SAI KUNG EXCEPT BY A 40-MINUTE BOAT TRIP - ARE NOW LINKED BY RADIO TELEPHONES WITH A POLICE POST IN HIGH ISLAND.
THE RADIO TELEPHONE LINK PROVIDES A MUCH-NEEDED COMMUNICATION FACILITY TO SUMMON HELP IN THE EVENT OF A MISHAP ON THE TWO ISLETS - KAU SAI CHAU AND YIM TIN TSAI.
THE PLACES HAVE BEEN A POPULAR SPOT FOR WEEKEND TRIPPERS AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS WHO FLOCK THERE FOR HIKING, PICNICKING AND SWIMMING.
AT THE REQUEST OF THE VILLAGERS, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ARRANGED FOR TWO RADIO TELEPHONE SETS FROM THE POST OFFICE TO BE INSTALLED, ONE EACH ON KAU SAI CHAU AND YIM TIN TSAI.
+ IN THE PAST, IF THERE WERE MISHAPS ON THE ISLETS, THE ONLY WAY TO GET HELP WAS TO TAKE A 40-MINUTE BOAT TRIP TO SAI KUNG AND MAKE A PHONE CALL FROM THERE,+ SAID MR. LEO KWAN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, SAI KUNG.
+THIS IS MOST INCONVENIENT AND TIME-CONSUMING,* HE SAID.
WITH THE RADIO TELEPHONE LINK, HE SAID, THE PROBLEM NO LONGER EXISTS- AN S.O.S. MESSAGE CAN BE SENT OFF WITHIN SECONDS TO THE HIGH ISLAND POLICE POST.
ON KAU SAI CHAU, THE RADIO TELEPHONE IS AT THE KAU SAI PUBLIC SCHOOL MANNED BY THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR. MA WING-TOR. ON YIM TIN TSAI, IT IS IN A CHURCH AND IS OPERATED BY THE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE, MR. CHAN KWAI-SAN.
MR. KWAN SAID SINCE THEY WERE INSTALLED THREE WEEKS AGO, THE RADIO TELEPHONES HAD NOT YET BEEN USED.
+LET’S HOPE THEY WILL NEVER BE USED,* HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1977
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD BETWEEN MA HANG CHUNG ROAD AND MA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ENABLE ROADWORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
ACCESS TO AFFECTED PREMISES WILL BE MAINTAINED THROUGH SAN SHAN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, A NUMBER OF ROADS IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK AREAS WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION THERE.
CANTON ROAD BETWEEN NAM TAU STREET AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY FROM NAM TAU STREET TO ARGYLE STREET, NAM TAU STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY FROM SHAM CHUN STREET TO CANTON ROAD, AND SHAM CHUN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY FROM ARGYLE STREET TO NAM TAU STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS
# K # K* *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
EIGHTY-TWO OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE PASSING OUT AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY THIS SATURDAY (JUNE 4).
THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. J.B. HAWTHORNE, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 11 A.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
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