DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
3348 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON NEW TOWNS THIS YEAR ............ 1
TSUEN WAN SITE WILL TURN INTO RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE AND PARK ............................................ 2
MORE PEOPLE VISITED CHINA BY TRAIN FOR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ............................................... 3
TEMPORARY WATER CHARGE COLLECTION CENTRES SET UP IN NT .. 3
I
WORK ON EAST KOWLOON WAY WILL START SOON ................... 4
WATER INTERRUPTION IN MONG KOK ............................. 4
CONTRIBUTIONS WANTED FOR SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORY OF HONG KONG ....................................................... 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD ........ 5
■MORE URGED TO USE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE .............. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
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GOVT. SPENDING $348M. ON DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN NEW TOWNS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING A STAGGERING $348 MILLION THIS YEAR FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE THREE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
THIS COMPARES WITH $328 MILLION SPENT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE FIGURES WERE GIVEN TODAY BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES (DEVELOPMENT), MR. JOHN TODD, DURING A TOUR OF THE NEW TOWNS BY 18 COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
MR. TODD SAID HE WOULD EXPECT A LOT MORE TO BE SPENT OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS.
+A BIG SLICE OF NEXT YEAR’S SPENDING WOULD BE SPENT ON PUBLIC HOUSING, BUT A LOT WOULD ALSO GO INTO DEVELOPING THE NEW TOWNS INTO BALANCED AND SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITIES.
+NEW SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT, LAND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR NEW FACTORIES TO GO UP TO CREATE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED AND ROAD NETWORKS WILL BE IMPROVED TO CATER FOR THE FAST-EXPANDING POPULATION IN THE THREE NEW TOWN AREAS WHICH IS FORECAST TO RISE TO A COMBINED TOTAL OF SOME 780,000 PEOPLE NEXT YEAR,+ HE SAID.
MR. TODD ALSO TOLD THE VISITING GROUP THAT LARGE AREAS OF LAND WOULD BE OPENED UP FOR INDUSTRIES IN THE NEW TOWNS -SOME 60 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
+THERE WILL BE 12.2 HECTARES AT TUEN MUN, 27.68 HECTARES AT SHA TIN AND 16.10 HECTARES AT TSUEN WAN, EXCLUDING THE TSING Yl DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
HEADED BY THE CHAMBER CHAIRMAN, MR. L.W. GORDON, THE GROUP REPRESENTED A WIDE SECTION OF COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN HONG KONG.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR. TODD, THEY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY TOURING TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN AND SEEING FOR THEMSELVES THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS IN THE AREAS.
ON THEIR WAY TO TUEN MUN FROM TSUEN WAN, THEY SAW THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY PROJECT CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH WAS WELL UNDERWAY.
DURING THE TOUR, THE GROUP HAD A WORKING LUNCH WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT ISLAND HOUSE, TAI PO, AND WERE LATER BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.
/ +AFTER THE......
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
AFTER THE TOUR, MR. GORDON COMMENTED s +l AM PERSONALLY EXTREMELY IMPRESSED AND INTERESTED BY WHAT I HAVE SEEN TODAY.+
+l AM SURE THAT I SPEAK FOR THE OTHER CHAMBER MEMBERS IN THE GROUP IN EXPRESSING OUR WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE NEW TERR ITORIES.
+THE DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, ENCOURAGES CONFIDENCE, IN BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS, IN THE CONTINUED PROGRESS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE AND PARK TO BE BUILT AT TSUEN WAN
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE AND DEVELOP A PARK ON A 36-HECTARE SITE AT TSUEN WAN.
THIS WAS THE AREA PROPOSED FOR A PRIVATELY SPONSORED CHILDREN’S PARK.
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL MADE THIS DECISION TODAY AFTER CONSIDERING THE PLAN PUT FORWARD BY A TSUEN WAN BUSINESSMAN, MR. SAUNDERS, TO DEVELOP THE TSO KUNG TAM VALLEY AS AN INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PARK IF SUFFICIENT LOCAL AND OVERSEAS DONATIONS COULD BE RAISED TO FUND IT.
THE GOVERNMENT AGREES THAT THE AREA IS SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES SINCE IT IS VERY CLOSE TO A DENSELY-POPULATED PART OF TSUEN WAN.
BUT IT CONSIDERS THAT THE NEED IS URGENT, THAT IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MEET IT- ACCORDINGLY WORK WILL START THIS YEAR.
THE DEVELOPMENT WILL CONSIST OF THE CONSTRUCTION ON SOME OF THE SITE OF A RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE SIMILAR IN CHARACTER TO THAT WHICH IS OPERATING IN SAI KUNG.
THIS WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES TO STAY IN THE PARK AND TAKE PART IN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES UNDER EXPERT SUPERVISION AND TO USE IT AS A CENTRE FOR EXPLORING THE HILLS AND WOODS OF TAI MO SHAN.
THE REST OF THE PARK WILL BE LANDSCAPED TO PROVIDE PARKS AND PAVILIONS AND CONSULTANTS WILL BE EMPLOYED TO ADVISE ON WHAT FURTHER AMENITIES COULD BE INCLUDED.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
3
MORE PEOPLE VISIT CHINA FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR
*****
THERE WAS A MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO CHINA BY TRAIN FOR THEIR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.
ACCORDING TO THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, MR. REGINALD GREGORY, A TOTAL OF 130,668 PEOPLE VISITED CHINA DURING THE 12-DAY PERIOD FEBRUARY 7 TO 18. THIS WAS AN INCREASE OF 10.5 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND 26 PER CENT OVER 1975.
ON FEBRUARY 16, TWO DAYS BEFORE THE NEW YEAR DAY, 19,425 PEOPLE WENT TO CHINA BY TRAIN, THE HIGHEST ON RECORD ON ANY ONE DAY IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE LUNAR NEV.' YEAR.
ON THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR (FEBRUARY 18 TO 21) 25°,030 TICKETS WERE SOLD FOR VARIOUS DESTINATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
EXTRA TRAINS WERE ARRANGED FOR PASSENGERS AND PICNICKERS AND ON THE BUSIEST DAYS, THE NORMAL TIMETABLE OF 40 TRAINS WERE INCREASED TO 58.
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TEMPORARY WATER CHARGE COLLECTION CENTRES * * * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SET UP TWO TEMPORARY COLLECTION CENTRES AT SHEUNG SHU I AND FAN LING FOR THE COLLECTION OF WATER CHARGES FOR THE THIRD PERIOD OF 1976 TO FACILITATE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
THE SHEUNG SHU I COLLECTION CENTRE WILL BE LOCATED AT THE SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE AT SHEK WU HUI AND WILL OPERATE ON MARCH 7 AND 8 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY).
THE FAN LING COLLECTION CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT LUEN WO HUI AND WILL OPERATE ON MARCH 9 AND 10 (WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY).
BUSINESS HOURS OF BOTH CENTRES WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICTS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES WHICH ARE SPECIALLY PROVIDED FOR THEIR CONVENIENCE.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977 - 4 -
EAST KOWLOON WAY
X X- X
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO START WORK ON ANOTHER STAGE OF A MAJOR $300 MILLION ROAD SCHEME DESIGNED TO CUT TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND URBAN KOWLOON.
THE LATEST PROJECT TO GET UNDERWAY IS A 1,200-METRE ELEVATED ROADWAY OVER CHATHAM ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD TO LINK TWO MAJOR INTERCHANGES AT HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN.
TENDERS FOR THE ELEVATED ROADWAY, KNOWN AS EAST KOWLOON WAY, ARE NOW BEING INVITED.
MR. CHOW CHE-KING, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE. CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE ROADWAY WOULD START IN JUNE FOR COMPLETION IN ABOUT TWO AND A HALF YEARS TIME.
HE SAID EAST KOWLOON WAY WOULD HAVE FOUR LANES FOR TRAFFIC. AND WOULD PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT ROUTE BETWEEN KAI TAK AIRPORT AND HUNG HOM.
AS PART OF THE CONTRACT, THE SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WO CHUNG STREET AND HOK YUEN STREET WOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED AND WIDENED TO ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANES OF EAST KOWLOON WAY, HE SAID.
EAST KOWLOON WAY FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ROUTE 3 ~ A SIX-KILOMETRE HIGH-CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND HUNG HOM WHICH PARTLY RUNS UNDER THE AIRPORT RUNWAY VIA A 1,300-METRE TUNNEL.
THE TUNNEL LINK IS STRUCTURALLY COMPLETE AND WORK IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY ON THE TWO INTERCHANGES — SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE AT TO KWA WAN AND WU HU INTERCHANGE IN HUNG HOM — WHICH FORM A VITAL PART OF THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
EAST KOWLOON WAY, THE ELEVATED ROADWAY BETWEEN THOSE TWO INTERCHANGES, IS THE LAST LINK IN THE WESTERN APPROACHES.
A SERIES OF SAFE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS ALSO UNDERWAY ON ANOTHER ROAD TO CONNECT WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION WITH A THIRD INTERCHANGE TO BE BUILT AT THE EASTERN END OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
THE WHOLE ROUTE 3 SCHEME IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1980.
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'.-.ATER CUT X X X X
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF BE SUSPENDED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM TO ALLOW A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST TO
PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL 1_A..':. ON THURSDAY (MARCH 3) EE CARRIED OUi.
__THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, LARCH STR xc T, WALNUT xTkcci, Lc.L)t~ C ~ i_ I x x Th Ex T, TUNG CHAU
STREET, TONG MEI ROAD, FUK TSUI. STREET, PINE STREET, IVY STRE-T AND EEECH STREET, INCLUDING FIR STREET.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
5
SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORY OF HONG KONG * * * *
MR. GORDON BELL, DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE FOR SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION HONG KONG, HAS ASKED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMPILATION OF THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE SCIENTIFIC DIRECTORY OF HONG KONG.
THE FIRST THREE EDITIONS WERE COMPILED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION IN 1964, 1968 AND 1974 RESPECTIVELY.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PROVIDE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION RELEVANT TO SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EFFORTS UNDERTAKEN LOCALLY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE AND FACILITATE THEIR CO-ORDINATION.
THE FOURTH EDITION WILL HAVE TWO SECTIONS: (1) A LIST OF SCIENTISTS (DEFINED AS THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN SCIENTIFIC WORK OR ITS APPLICATIONS, OR POSSESS SPECIALISED, SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE AND WHO, WHEN CALLED UPON, WOULD BE PREPARED TO ADVISE OR ACT AS CONSULTANTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS) AND (2) A LIST OF SCIENTIFIC FACILITIES INCLUDING LIBRARIES.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN INITIALLY DISTRIBUTED TO GOVERNMENT SCIENTIFIC SERVICES, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNIC, OTHER POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES AND LOCAL INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS KNOWN TO BE ENGAGED IN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL WORK.
IN ORDER THAT THE FOURTH EDITION CAN CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TOWARDS PROVIDING USEFUL SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION IN HONG KONG, BROAD REPRESENTATIVE COVERAGE IS NECESSARY. THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE WHOLEHEARTED PARTICIPATION OF THE CONTRIBUTORS. MR. BELL URGED SCIENTISTS AND HEADS OF ORGANISATIONS WITH SCIENTIFIC FACILITIES IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED COPIES OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO OBTAIN THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD, ROYAL OBSERVATORY (TEL. 3-677173 EXT. 23).
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL AND BUTTERFLY VALLEY INTERCHANGE WILL BE CHANGED FROM A DERESTRICTED ROAD TO A RESTRICTED ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 M.P.H. FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5).
THE IMPOSITION OF THE WORKS IN THIS ROAD SECTION
RESTRICTION IS TO ENABLE ROAD IMPROVEMENT TO BE CARRIED OUT.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 1977
6
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SCHEME TO EXPAND * * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED HEADMASTERS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.
HE MADE THIS PLEA AT THE SEVENTH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE HONG KONG WESTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB.
HE SAID ANY STUDENT WHO HAD PROBLEMS CONCERNING HIMSELF. HIS FAMILY OR SCHOOLWORK OR A TEACHER WHO HAD COME ACROSS ANY STUDENT WITH EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIOURAL OR SOCIAL PROBLEMS SHOULD APPROACH THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
FOR SCHOOLS WITH NO SOCIAL WORKERS ASSIGNED TO THEM, HE CONTINUED, CASES SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE FAMILY SERVICES OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHEN SUCH A SERVICE WAS REQUIRED.
THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS IN 1974, MR. LEE SAID.
+WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS, STUDENTS ARE BEING HELPED TO SOLVE THEIR MANY PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS, TO IMPROVE THEIR BEHAVIOUR BOTH IN AND OUT OF SCHOOLS AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING INFLUENCED BY OR JOINING CRIMINAL ELEMENTS,* HE EMPHASISED.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION, MR. LEE CONTINUED, THE SERVICE HAD BEEN MAKING STEADY PROGRESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LAST SCHOOL YEAR, THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAD INCREASED FROM FIVE TO 10 WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF 12,000 PUPILS. IN THE PRESENT YEAR, ANOTHER 17 SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF 19,000 PLACES HAD BEEN SELECTED TO JOIN THE SERVICE.
AS FOR THE PLANS TO STRENGTHEN THE SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD EMPLOY ADDITIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS FOR THE 1977/78 SCHOOL YEAR THUS INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS PROVIDED WITH THIS SERVICE FROM 17 TO 85.
+IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, EIGHT AGENCIES ARE ALREADY PROVIDING SIMILAR SERVICE TO 99 SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF OVER 80,000 PUPILS. THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE AGENCIES TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES TO COVER MORE SCHOOLS,* HE ADDED.
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PRH 7
lEISl If Mil
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN BUDGET ................................................. 1
FIRST PHASE OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME LAUNCHED .......... 5
SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH IN GDP FORECAST .................. 7
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR GARDEN ESTATE IN TAI PO ............ 8
PUBLIC SPENDING TO INCREASE BY 20.5 PER CENT NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR ......................................... 9
WIDER SCOPE OF WELFARE ASSISTANCE BEING CONSIDERED .... 11
$40 MILLION SURPLUS BUDGETTED ........................ 12
ONE-FIFTH OF OVERALL SPENDING ALLOCATED TO EDUCATION SERVICES ............................................
$457 MILLION TO BE SPENT NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR ON NEW TOWN INFRASTRUCTURE ................................... 15
FUNDS TO BE PROVIDED FOR COMMUNITY NURSING AND
REGIONALISATION SCHEMES OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT .. 16
LAW AND ORDER SERVICES TO BE STRENGTHENED ............. 17
WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY BEING DRAFTED ......... 18
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TALKS ON HIS BUDGET PROPOSALS ..... 19
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY RELEASED ........ 22
1977-73 VALUATION LIST TO BE DECLARED TOMORROW ........ 24
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON +WALK FOR A MILLION* . 25
WATER INTERRUPTION IN TSUEN WAN AND CHAI WAN .......... 25
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
1
FOUR TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED
******
FOUR SETS OF TAX CONCESSION PROPOSALS CONCERNING GENERAL RATES, PERSONAL TAXATION, STAMP DUTIES AND ESTATE DUTY WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, PRESENTED THE 1977-78 BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THAT THE TOTAL COST OF THESE PROPOSALS TO THE REVENUE IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD BE ABOUT $127 MILLION, THUS REDUCING ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM $8,412 MILLION TO $8,285 MILLION.
HE ADDED THAT AS ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $8,245 MILLION, THIS WOULD LEAVE HIM WITH A SMALL SURPLUS OF $40 MILLION.
+S0, EFFECTIVELY, I AM STILL BUDGETTING FOR A BALANCE,+ HE SAID.
GENERAL RATES
MR. HADDON-CAVE ANNOUNCED THAT THE TOTAL RATES PAYABLE IN THE URBAN AREAS IN 1977-78 WOULD BE 11-1/2 PER CENT OF RATEABLE VALUES (THAT IS, 7-1/2 PER CENT GENERAL RATE, PLUS FOUR PER CENT URBAN COUNCIL RATE), COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT 18 PER CENT (THAT IS, 12 PER CENT GENERAL RATE PLUS SIX PER CENT URBAN COUNCIL RATE).
HE ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE GENERAL RATE PERCENTAGE FOR TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG (NEW TERRITORIES) BE 11 PERCENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SEVEN ADDITIONAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WERE BROUGHT INTO ASSESSMENT IN APRIL 1976 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY A GENERAL RATE OF SEVEN PER CENT.
THEY ARE YUEN LONG, TAI PO, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, LUEN WO MARKET/ON LOK TSUEN AND SHEK WU HUI.
+THE PROPOSED SCHEME OF RELIEF WILL COST SOME $46 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR. REVENUE FROM GENERAL RATES IN THE 1977-78 IS, THEREFORE, NOW PUT AT $721 MILLION, THAT IS, AN INCREASE OF 16.8 PER CENT ONLY OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77, COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF 18.7 PER CENT OVER THE FOUR YEARS 1973-74 TO 1976-77,+ HE SAID.
+ALL THIS MEANS THAT, FOR THE GENERALITY OF RATEPAYERS, THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE FOR 1977-78 WILL BE ABOUT 15 PER CENT. ON AVERAGE, THE REVISED RATES IN 1977-78 WILL MEAN ONLY A VERY SMALL INCREASE IN THE TOTAL COST OF ACCOMMODATION : THE INCREASE WILL BE BETWEEN 1.17 PER CENT AND 2.31 PER CENT OF MARKET RENTALS, INCLUSIVE OF RATES, FOR THE BULK OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC UNITS.+
/ THE FINANCIAL .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 2
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT HIS PROPOSAL WAS THAT, IRRESPECTIVE OF INCREASES IN RATEABLE VALUES, THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN 1977-78 SHOULD NOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THE RATES PAID BY HIM IN 1976-77 , AND THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN 1978-79 SHOULD NOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THE RATES PAID BY HIM IN 1977-78.
HE ADDED THAT A MOTION ASKING THE COUNCIL TO MAKE A RESOLUTION UNDER SECTION 18 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE GIVING EFFECT TO THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE PUT TO THE COUNCIL ON MARCH 31.
+THIS MEANS THAT DEMAND NOTES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER WILL BE ISSUED A FEW DAYS LATER THAN USUAL,+ HE SAID.
PERSONAL TAXATION
REGARDING PERSONAL TAXATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HIS PROPOSAL WAS TO RETAIN THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $10,000 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $20,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON, BUT TO SUPPLEMENT EACH WITH AN ALLOWANCE OF $2,500 AND $5,000 RESPECTIVELY, WHICH WOULD BE REDUCED BY 20 PER CENT OF THE AMOUNT BY WHICH THE TAXPAYER’S INCOME EXCEEDS THE SUPPLEMENTED BASIC ALLOWANCE UNTIL THE POINT WAS REACHED WHERE THE ENTIRE SUPPLEMENT DISAPPEARED.
+IN OTHER WORDS, 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, 20 CENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE WILL BE RECOVERED, OR CLAWED BACK, UNTIL THE ALLOWANCE IS ELIMINATED AND THE TAXPAYER SIMPLY ENJOYS THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $10,000 OR $20,000 AS THE CASE MAY BE,+ HE EMPHASISED.
IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, HE DISCLOSED, TAXPAYERS WITH INCOMES OF ABOUT $3,000 PER MONTH WOULD RECEIVE THE GREATEST BENEFIT.
HE ADDED THAT THIS PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF REMOVING 45,000 SMALL TAXPAYERS FROM THE TAX NET, KEEPING OUT A FURTHER 10,000 WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BECOME LIABLE FOR PROVISIONAL TAX FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1977-78 AND BRINGING SOME RELIEF TO SALARIES (AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT) TAXPAYERS IN THE LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME RANGES.
IN ADDITION TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE SOME RELIEF TO PERSONS WITH FAMILIES. AS THIS WOULD NOT BE SO EXPENSIVE IN TERMS OF REVENUE, THERE WOULD BE NO NEED TO PROVIDE FOR A CLAW-BACK.
+1 PROPOSE, THEREFORE, THAT THE ALLOWANCE FOR THE FIRST CHILD SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $3,000 TO $4,000- FOR THE SECOND CHILD FROM $2,500 TO $3,000- AND FOR THE THIRD CHILD FROM $1,500 TO $2,000.+ HE SAID.
/ HE -TENT .
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 3 -
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE NUMBER OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS AND POTENTIAL SALARIES TAXPAYERS BENEFITING FROM THE INCREASES WOULD BE ABOUT 192,000. OF THESE ABOUT 55,000 WOULD BE COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM THE SALARIES TAX NET. THE NUMBER OF PERSONAL ASSESSMENT TAXPAYERS AFFECTED WOULD BE ABOUT 18,000 AND 5,000 RESPECTIVELY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COST TO THE REVENUE IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1977-78 OF THESE TWO PROPOSALS WOULD BE $64 MILLION- AND, FOR THE SAME GROUP OF TAXPAYERS, AND ASSUMING THEIR INCOMES WERE UNCHANGED, THE COST WOULD BE $38 MILLION IN 1978-79 WHEN ONLY ONE SET OF ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCES — ON PROVISIONAL TAX FOR 1977-78 — WOULD BE INVOLVED.
STAMP DUTIES
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HIS THIRD SET OF REVENUE PROPOSALS INVOLVED, FIRST, THE ELIMINATION OF FIVE ARCHAIC HEADS FROM THE SCHEDULE TO THE STAMP ORDINANCE AT A COST OF ONLY $30,000, BUT THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL PROFESSIONS WOULD BE SPARED SOME INCONVENIENCE.
THE FIVE HEADS ARE : HEAD 7, AGREEMENT OF SERVICE WITH A CORPORATE BODY- HEAD 17, COMPRADORE NOTE- HEAD 33, LETTER OF ALLOTMENT- AND HEADS 35 AND 51, ASSIGNMENT OF LETTERS OF PATENT AND TRADE MARKS.
+AND SECONDLY, AS A FURTHER EARNEST OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROMOTE HOME OWNERSHIP, I PROPOSE THAT THE CONCESSIONARY RATES OF DUTY ON CONVEYANCES OF LOW VALUE PROPERTIES PROVIDED FOR UNDER HEAD 19(1) OF THE SCHEDULE, SHOULD APPLY TO PROPERTIES OF $100,000 AND $175,000 RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH $75,000 AND $150,000 AT PRESENT,+ HE STATED.
+THIS IS TO SAY, ON PROPERTIES UP TO $100,000 ONLY THE FIXED CHARGE OF $20 WILL BE LEVIED AND ON PROPERTIES UP TO $175,000 THE AD VALOREM RATE OF ONE PER CENT. THE COST TO THE REVENUE IN 1977-78 WILL BE $12 MILLION.*
+AT THE SAME TIME,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +THESE NEW PLATFORMS WILL HAVE TO BE EXTENDED TO HEAD 53(1), VOLUNTARY DISPOSITIONS INTER VIVOS- AND, ALSO, I PROPOSE TO REMOVE THE ANOMALOUS BIAS AGAINST THE GIFT ELEMENT IN VOLUNTARY DISPOSITIONS INTER VIVOS AT A TOTAL COST TO THE REVENUE OF $3 MILLION.
+THIS LIFTING OF THE PLATFORMS BY 33-1/3 PER CENT AND 16-2/3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY MEANS THAT, AT PRESENT DAY PRICES 80 PER CENT OF ALL RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WILL BE AFFECTED, COMPARED WITH 70 PER CENT AFFECTED BY THE PRESENT PLATFORMS. A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER WILL MAKE THESE CONCESSIONS EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1.+
/ ESTATE DUTY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
ESTATE DUTY
ALTHOUGH THE ESTATE DUTY CONTINUES TO MAKE A MOST USEFUL CONTRIBUTION TO THE REVENUE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THOUGHT THAT THE EXEMPTION LIMIT SHOULD BE RAISED FROM $300,000 SET IN 1974 TO $400,000 FOR THE ESTATES OF PERSONS DYING AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION.
+THIS WILL ALSO HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING THE LOWER STEPS IN THE SCHEDULE MORE LOGICAL AND WILL REMOVE FROM THE TAX NET ABOUT 50 ESTATES A YEAR,* HE POINTED OUT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE LIMIT ON FUNERAL EXPENSES SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $5,000 TO $10,000 AND THE FURTHER LIMITATION OF 2-1/2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF THE ESTATE ALLOWABLE FOR FUNERAL EXPENSES SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.
+THE COST TO THE REVENUE OF THIS, MY FOURTH SET OF REVENUE PROPOSALS, IN A FULL YEAR WILL BE ABOUT $1.8 MILLION,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO WATER CHARGES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOW IN A POSITION TO PROPOSE A CHANGE TO THE PRESENT WATER PRICING SYSTEM, HE DID NOT INTEND TO DO SO YET, FOR THE NOTIONAL COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS OF THE WATERWORKS AUTHORITY WOULD SHOW AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $49 MILLION AT MARCH 31, THIS YEAR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS TRUE THAT THIS WAS LARGELY BROUGHT FORWARD FROM 1974-75 AND 1975-76 WHEN THE AUTHORITY EARNED SURPLUSES OF $22 MILLION AND $40 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A MERE $100,000 IN 1976-77.
+ IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT, ON PRESENT CHARGES, THERE MIGHT WELL BE A DEFICIT AS HIGH AS $85 MILLION CONVERTING THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $49 MILLION AT MARCH 31, 1977 INTO AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT AT MARCH 31, 1978 OF $36 MILLION,* HE INDICATED.
+THIS ACCUMULATED DEFICIT IS EXPECTED TO RISE TO $300 MILLION BY MARCH 31, 1981. THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION, THEREFORE, OF A REVISION OF WATER CHARGES BEING DELAYED INDEFINITELY FOR, TAKING ONE YEAR WITH ANOTHER, THE AUTHORITY MUST PAY ITS WAY.*
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
5 -
INITIAL BUILDING PROGRAMME UNDER HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BEGINS *********
SITES WITH A POTENTIAL CAPACITY ON DEVELOPMENT OF 35,000 FLATS OR SO IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AND THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW PROCEEDING WITH THE FIRST PHASE OF AN INITIAL BUILDING PROGRAMME OF 7,200 FLATS ON FIVE OF THESE SITES, SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.
REVEALING THIS IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE 7,200 FLATS WOULD BEGIN WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AND SO THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78 PROVIDED FOR THE TRANSFER, FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE INTO THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND, OF AN INITIAL SUM OF $102.5 MILLION.
HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD AGREED TO BE THE GOVERNMENT’S AGENT FOR DESIGNING, BUILDING AND SELLING THE FLATS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID: +THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAS NOW BEEN DEVISED TO ASSIST HOUSEHOLDS WHOSE MONTHLY INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED $3,500 AND WHO, ADDITIONALLY, SATISFY CERTAIN OTHER CRITERIA OF ELIGIBILITY TO BECOME HOME OWNERS.
+THESE HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ABLE TO BUY FLATS AT COST, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS OF SALE, INSTEAD OF AT OPEN MARKET VALUE AND THE GOVERNMENT IS ARRANGING A PACKAGE OF SUITABLE MORTGAGE FACILITIES TO ENABLE THEM TO MEET THE DEBT REPAYMENTS,+ SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
+BEFORE WE REACH THE STAGE OF INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME, IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PRICE THE FLATS, TO WORK OUT THE PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS FOR SELLING THEM AND TO MAKE ADEQUATE CONVEYANCING ARRANGEMENTS.*
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE WORKING PARTY SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST JULY WITH THE TASKS TO CO-ORDINATE THE EFFORTS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN PLANNING THE PRODUCTION OF FLATS FOR SALE” TO WORK OUT A PRACTICAL SCHEME OF MORTGAGE FACILITIES AND TO DECIDE HOW, AND BY WHOM, SUCH A SCHEME SHOULD BE MANAGED, WOULD NOW NEED TO ENTER INTO FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO DETERMINE UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS AND TO WHAT EXTENT THEY WOULD BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE SUITABLE MORTGAGE FINANCE.
+WHEN WE REACH THE STAGE WHERE THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING FINALISED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL NEED TO APPOINT A CENTRAL AGENCY OF SOME KIND TO VET APPLICATIONS FOR MORTGAGE LOANS,* HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ORIGINAL INTENTION WAS TO SELL THESE FLATS ONLY TO PERSONS ALREADY LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SO AS TO MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS MORE IN NEED OF LOW-RENT ACCOMMODATION TO MOVE IN, BUT SUBSEQUENTLY, THE EMPHASIS SHIFTED TO THE PROMOTION OF HOME OWNERSHIP AS A DESIRABLE, SOCIAL OBJECTIVE IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
/ ON PUBLIC
WEDNESDAY, :^CH 2, 1977
- 6
ON PUBLIC HOUSING AS A WHOLE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS FROM 1977-78 TO 1980-81, ACCOMMODATION FOR A FURTHER 770,500 PERSONS IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED, REPRESENTING TWO AND A HALF TIMES THE ADDITION TO THE HOUSING STOCK IN THE FOUR YEARS FROM 1973-74 TO 1976-77.
THESE INCLUDE AN ESTIMATE OF 10,500 FLATS, PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 52,000 PERSONS, TO BE BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER PHASES I AND II OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
HE SAID, +WORK ON FURTHER ESTATES WILL BE IN PROGRESS AT THE END OF 1980-81 FOR COMPLETION IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. SO WE CAN EXPECT THAT, BY 1984, ADEQUATE HOUSING WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEET A VERY LARGE PROPORTION OF THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS.+
ON THE PROBLEM WHICH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS TO FACE IN RECONCILING, ON THE ONE HAND, THE NEED FOR RENTS TO COVER ALL COSTS AND, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE MEANS OF ITS TENANTS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXAMINED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS AND. AS A RESULT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN MIND PUTTING TO THE AUTHORITY A PACKAGE OF REVISED FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD HAVE THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES.+
THEY ARE: FIRST, TO RELIEVE THE AUTHORITY OF ITS INORDINATELY LARGE DEBT LIABILITY TO THE GOVERNMENT WHICH IT IS UNABLE TO DISCHARGE, AND TO GIVE IT A RATIONAL CAPITAL BASE- SECONDLY. TO ENSURE THAT THE AUTHORITY CAN DISCHARGE ITS STATUTORY OBLIGATION TO MEET RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON ITS ESTATES FROM RENT INCOME AND PREMIA FOR COMMERCIAL TENANCIES- AND, THIRDLY, TO PERMIT THE AUTHORITY TO BE MORE FLEXIBLE IN DETERMINING RENTS, HAVING REGARD TO TENANTS’ ABILITY TO PAY, TO RENTS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND TO SUCH FACTORS AS LOCATION AND QUALITY OF ACCOMMODATION.+
DURING 1977-78, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ESTIMATED THAT IT WOULD SPEND ABOUT $302 MILLION ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EXISTING BUILDING PROGRAMME FOR RENTED ACCOMMODATION, OF WHICH ABOUT $175 MILLION, OR NEARLY 60 PER CENf, WOULD BE MET FROM BORROWINGS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, AND THE BALANCE FROM THE AUTHORITY’S OWN FUNDS.
+THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID, +WOULD CONTINUE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THOSE ESTATES ON WHICH PLANNING HAD ALREADY STARTED WHEN THE NEW HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS FORMED AND EXPECTS TO SPEND $131 MILLION ON THEM DURING 1977-78.
+ BUT THE DRAFT ESTIMATES ENVISAGE, OVER AND ABOVE THIS SUM, THE EXPENDITURE OF $96 MILLION ON COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO ENSURE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
/7
a, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
» - 7 -
SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH IN GDP FORECAST ****** THERE WILL BE A SEVEN PER CENT INCREASE THIS YEAR IN HONG KONG’S REAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, INCLUDING STOCK CHANGES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, PREDICTED IN HIS BUDGET TODAY.
FORECASTING HONG KONG’S SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, MR. HADDON-CAVE WARNED: +FURTHER GROWTH WILL BE CONSTRAINED BY THE GROWTH IN THE LABOUR FORCE AND IN PRODUCTIVITY,* AS IT IS ACCEPTED THAT THE ECONOMY REACHED FULL CAPACITY DURING 1976.
HE NOTED THAT THE LABOUR FORCE WAS UNLIKELY TO GROW MUCH MORE THAN THREE TO FOUR PER CENT AND THE MAXIMUM THAT COULD BE EXPECTED FOR PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH WAS ANOTHER THREE TO FOUR PER CENT.
+THIS SUGGESTS, THEREFORE, A CEILING FOR 1977 OF BETWEEN 6 AND 8 PER CENT.*
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID CONSUMER PRICES THIS YEAR WOULD BE INFLUENCED BY THE EXPECTED ACCELERATION OF WORLD PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS. HE DID NOT THINK THAT THERE WOULD BE FURTHER PROTECTION FROM A STRENGTHENING HONG KONG DOLLAR.
FOR LOCALLY DETERMINED PRICES, HE ADDED, THE MORE RAPID INCREASE IN PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WOULD ALSO EXERT SOME UPWARD PRESSURE.
+1 EXPECT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN 1977 WILL BE ON AVERAGE FIVE TO SIX PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR 1976, WITH FOOD PRICES ABOUT FOUR PER CENT HIGHER (THOUGH THIS WILL DEPEND ON THE SUPPLY POSITION),* HE SAID.
ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPECTED AN INCREASE IN DEMAND SOME 20 TO 30 PER CENT HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR’S OUTPUT.
HE SAID IT SEEMED LIKELY THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EXCESS DEMAND EQUAL TO ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE INDUSTRY’S CAPACITY.
+BECAUSE THE ESTIMATES FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR ARE MORE REALISTIC, I BELIEVE PRESSURES ON COSTS ARE MORE LIKELY THAN SHORTFALLS BECAUSE OF CROWDING OUT BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE ADDED.
IN THE MEDIUM TERM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SOUNDED A NOTE OF WARNING THAT THE RAPID RECOVERY IN WORLD TRADE LAST YEAR WAS EXPECTED TO SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY DURING THIS AND THE NEXT YEAR.
/HE POINTED
8 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
HE POINTED OUT THE RECOVERY IN THE MAJOR INDUSTRIALISED ECONOMIES STARTED AT A TIME WHEN INFLATION RATES WERE HIGH AND, FROM A FEAR OF INFLATION, THESE COUNTRIES WERE MORE LIKELY TO ENGAGE IN POLICIES MORE RESTRICTIVE IN TERMS OF EXPANSION.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE FUTURE GROWTH OF HONG KONG DEPENDED ON THE TRADE POLICIES PURSUED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF COUNTRIES TO WHICH IT EXPORTED.
UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.HE SAID, WHEN A MEMBER INTRODUCED IMPORT RESTRICTIONS, THEY SHOULD BE APPLIED TO IMPORTS FROM ALL SOURCES.
+SOME MEMBER COUNTRIES WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THIS RULE SO THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS COULD BE APPLIED ON A SELECTIVE BASIS. THIS IS AN IDEA WHICH HOLDS CONSIDERABLE DANGERS FOR HONG KONG,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WARNED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE FURTHER CAUTIONED THAT IF EVER THERE WAS A YEAR IN WHICH BUDGETARY POLICY MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE CONTEXT
OF THE PERIOD TO FOLLOW, IT WAS 1977/78.
- - 0 - -
GARDEN ESTATE HOMES FOR 6,000 IN TAI PO *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD TO A PLAN TO CONVERT MORE THAN 50 HECTARES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AT TAI PO INTO A GARDEN ESTATE PROVIDING 2-STOREY HOMES FOR 6,000 PEOPLE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY SIGNED THE LEASE CONDITIONS FOR LAND WITH THE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY WHICH WILL UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT.
THE SITE, AT HONG LOK YUEN, TWO MILES NORTH OF TAI PO ON TAI PO/FANLING ROAD, WILL BE DEVELOPED BY LUEN SANG FAT ENTERPRISES CO., LTD. ONE OF THE COMPANY’S DIRECTORS, MR. Y.W. LEE, SIGNED THE DOCUMENTS WITH MR. AKERS-JONES.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD TAKE PLACE ON A VERY BEAUTIFUL RURAL SITE.
+EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO PRESERVE THE NATURAL SETTING OF THE AREA,+ HE SAID. WHEN COMPLETED THE ESTATE WILL PROVIDE FIRST CLASS HOUSING FOR THE MANAGERIAL LEVEL WHO WILL BE ATTRACTED TO THE DISTRICT BECAUSE OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO, PARTICULARLY THE NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LEASE THE COMPANY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SPEND A TOTAL OF $30 MILLION ON DEVELOPING THE SITE WITHIN THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS.
THIS HAD TO BE SPENT IN THREE STAGES — $15 MILLION IN THE FIRST FOUR YEARS, A FURTHER $10 MILLION IN THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS AND THE FINAL $5 MILLION IN THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH YEARS.
HE SAID THERE WOULD EE LIMITED COMMERCIAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS AS WELL AS COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH AS A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
9
TOTAL SPENDING NEXT YEAR UP BY OVER 20 PER CENT
******
THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78 PROVIDE FOR TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $8,245 MILLION - AN INCREASE OF $1,402 MILLION OR 20.5 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1976-77 OF $6,843 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID TODAY.
+ IN REAL OR CONSTANT PRICE TERMS, THE INCREASE BUDGETTED FOR 1977-78 IS 15 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH EIGHT PER CENT IN THE REVISED ESTIMATES FOR 1976-77 AND ABOUT ONE PER CENT IN 1975-76,+ THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID.
THE PROPOSED ESTIMATES COMPRISE $6,236 MILLION FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING $100 MILLION FOR ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS OF AN UNAVOIDABLE NATURE ARISING DURING THE YEAR, AND $2,009 MILLION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE PATTERN OF EXPENDITURE PROVIDED FOR IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78 IS AS FOLLOWS s GENERAL SERVICES (INCLUDING LAW AND ORDER) WILL ABSORB 20.2 PER CENT ($1,670 MILLION) OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE- ECONOMIC SERVICES 8.2 PER CENT ($680 MILLION)- COMMUNITY SERVICES 20.3 PER CENT ($1,670 MILLION- SOCIAL SERVICES 39.3 PER CENT ($3,243 MILLION) (EXCLUDING EXPENDITURE ON HOUSING WHICH IS FINANCED OUTSIDE THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FROM THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S OWN RESOURCES), AND ALL OTHER SERVICES 12 PER CENT ($982 MILLION).
THE PROPOSED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF $2,009 MILLION IS MADE UP OF $833 MILLION FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, OTHER THAN NEW TOWNS AND HOUSING, $631 MILLION FOR NEW TOWNS AND HOUSING AND $545 MILLION FOR ALL OTHER COMPONENTS. THE LATTER FIGURE INCLUDES $88 MILLION FOR CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS FOR EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES AND $158 MILLION FOR DEPARTMENTAL SPECIAL EXPENDITURE.
PERSONAL EMOLUMENT AND ALLOWANCES (NOT ON-COSTS) AT $2,421 MILLION ACCOUNT FOR 39 PER CENT OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF $2,160 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT IN 1976-77, AND AN AVERAGE OF 41 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID : +1 THINK WE SHOULD TAKE 40 PER CENT AS A GUIDELINE FOR PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS, BUT WHETHER IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY WILL ENABLE US TO CONTROL INCREASES IN THE APPROVED ESTABLISHMENT AS SUCCESSFULLY IN THE FUTURE AS IN THE RECENT PAST REMAINS TO BE SEEN.+
DEPARTMENTAL OTHER CHARGES AT $991 MILLION HAVE BEEN KEPT TO 15.9 PER CENT OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF $851 MILLION OR 15.8 PER CENT IN 1976-77 AND AN AVERAGE OF 16.9 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS.
/ MR. HADDCN-CAVE .....
WEDNESDAY, I'ARGH 2, 1977
10 -
MR. HADDON-CAVE CONSIDERED THAT DEPARTMENTAL OTHER CHARGES TO BE KEPT AT OR BELOW 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WAS REFLECTION OF THE CONTINUED CONCERN OF DEPARTMENTS WITH COST EFFICIENCY.
RECURRENT SUBVENTIONS INCLUDING THOSE FOR THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ACCOUNT FOR $1,589 MILLION OR 25.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATES OF $1,407 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT IN 1976-77 AND AN AVERAGE OF 26.6 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE YEARS.
+OVERALL, TAKING RECURRENT AND CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS TOGETHER, MORE THAN A FIFTH OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IS DISBURSED BY SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS AND IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT A NEW BRANCH IN THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT WAS SET UP THIS YEAR SPECIFICALLY TO' COVER SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, AND THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WILL BE TAKING A VERY CLOSE LOOK AT ALL THE LARGER ORGANISATIONS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS,+ SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
HONG KONG’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE COST OF ARMEP FORCES STATIONED HERE WILL BE $281 MILLION OR 3.4 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN 1977-78, COMPARED WITH 3.2 PER CENT IN 1976-77 AND 1.6 PER CENT IN 1975-76, THE LAST YEAR OF THE PREVIOUS DEFENCE AGREEMENT.
ON THE BROAD TRENDS OF PATTERN OF EXPENDITURE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID OVER THE THREE YEARS FROM 1973-74 TO 1975-76, THE PATTERN WAS RATHER DIFFERENT WITH GENERAL SERVICES ABSORBING ONLY 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE, BUT COMMUNITY SERVICES ABSORBING AS MUCH AS 26 PER CENT, LARGELY BECAUSE EXPENDITURE ON WATER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PEAKED IN THOSE YEARS.
+IN 1976-77, THE PATTERN SHIFTED AGAIN, WITH ItffiEASED EXPENDITURE ON LAW AND ORDER PUSHING THE SHARE OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE ABSORBED BY GENERAL SERVICES UP FROM 16 PER CENT TO NEARLY 20 PER CENT, AND THE SHARE ABSORBED BY COMMUNITY SERVICES DECLINED TO 21 PER CENT.+
+GIVEN THE INCREASES IN EXPENDITURE PROVIDED FOR IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78, THE PATTERN OF EXPENDITURE BY GROUPS OF SERVICES IS NOT UNSATISFACTORY, BUT WE MUST NOT -BE COMPLACENT ABOUT THE COST OF GENERAL SERVICES AND THE VARIOUS SERVICES IN THE RESIDUAL GROUP, FOR WE MUST MAXIMISE OUR EFFORTS IN RESPECT OF ECONOMIC, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL SERVICES.+ SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
-------o-------
/11
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 11 -
PROPOSAL TO LOWER AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE,TODAY SUGGESTED THAT SOME PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TQ LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, HE RECALLED THAT HE *AD SUGGESTED LAST YEAR THAT A REVIEW SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT +TO ESTABLISH WHERE THE NEED FOR CONTINUING TO EXPAND SOCIAL SERVICES, APART FROM CASH PAYMENTS TRULY LIES+.
SUCH A REVIEW, HE SAID, WAS BEING CONDUCTED IN RESPECT OF PROPOSALS FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOR PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
+A REVIEW OF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMMES IS ALSO TO BE CARRIED OUT AND WILL COVER NOT ONLY ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONS, BUT ALSO THE EXTENT TO WHICH VULNERABLE GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE FURTHER ASSISTED WITH CASH PAYMENTS.+
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: +THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR EXPENDITURE OF $433 MILLION ON SOCIAL WELFARE IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77 OF $368 MILLION.*
THE FIGURE, HE SAID, WAS 5.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN 1977-78.
HE INDICATED THAT THE PROVISION FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $425 MILLION, WHILE ESTIMATED RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AT $280 MILLION, ACCOUNTED FOR NEARLY TWO-THIRDS OF THIS PROVISION. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF $39 MILLION OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77.
THIS PROVISION, HE WENT ON, ALSO INCLUDED THE $68 MILLION FOR SUBVENTIONS, AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT ON THE 1976-77 REVISED ESTIMATE.
REFERRING TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING ON NOVEMBER 30, LAST YEAR, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES DECLINED BY A NET 10 PER CENT, FROM 55,500 TO 50,100.
+1 WOULD HAVE EXPECTED A FURTHER NET DECLINE IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES DURING 1977-78, BUT FOR THE EXTENSION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILITY TO YOUNG PERSONS AGED 15 TO 17 WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED FAMILY MEMBERS, AND TO ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED ADULTS BETWEEN 18 AND 55 WHO, HAVING RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR OVER TWO YEARS, HAVE BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR A MONTH,* HE SAID, +THIS EXTENSION WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, THIS YEAR.*
CN TEZ
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
12
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE CONTINUED, DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY CASES INCREASED DURING THE YEAR ENDING ON NOVEMBER 30, 1976 BY OVER 10 PER CENT FROM 63,700 TO NEARLY 70,700.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT A fUflh'HER INCREASE WAS EXPECTED IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, LARGELY BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF APPLICANTS FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES FOR WHICH ALL PERSONS AGED 75 AND OVER WERE ELIGIBLE.
+PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE FOR AN AVERAGE MONTHLY CASELOAD DURING 1977-78 OF 74,700,+ HE SAID.
0
$40 MILL 101# SURPLUS IN GENERAL REVENUE FORECAST ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT WOULD BE IN SURPLUS IN 1977-78 BY $167 MILLION BEFORE ALLOWING FOR HIS TAX CONCESSION PROPOSALS AND $40 MILLION AFTER ALLOWING FOR THEM.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID : +THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT SHOWS A DEFICIT OF $44 MILLION BEFORE AND $171 MILLION AFTER ALLOWING FOR MY TAX CONCESSIONS.*
THIS DEFICIT OF $171 MILLION ARISES FROM THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DEFICIT AND OTHER SMALL DEF IC ITS OUTS IDE THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE DEFICIT WOULD BE FINANCED FROM DRAWINGS ON THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND OTHER HONG KONG DOLLAR RESERVES AND WOULD INVOLVE TRANSFERRING HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FROM PUBLIC SECTOR TO THE'NON-BANK PRIVATE SECTOR.
+THIS WILL BE INFLATIONARY, BUT ONLY TO A VERY SMALL EXTENT AND WILL BE TANTAMOUNT TO THE PUBLIC SECTOR HAVING A NEUTRAL IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY IN MONETARY TERMS,* HE SAID. +1 AM SURE THIS IS RIGHT FOR 1977-78, PARTICULARLY AFTER THIS YEAR’S UNEXPECTED SURPLUS IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR BETWEEN $800 MILLION AND $900 MILLION WHICH WILL HAVE HAD A SMALL DEFLATIONARY EFFECT.
+TAKING THE TWO YEARS TOGETHER, THE EFFECT OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR’S OUT-TURN WILL HELP TO MAINTAIN THE EXTERNAL PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE ECONOMY AT A TIME WHEN IT HAS BEEN OPERATING NEAR FULL CAPACITY AND WHEN IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO,* SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. "
<■ -------0--------
/13.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 13
WIDER PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN 1977/78 ******
MORE MONEY WILL BE SPENT ON EDUCATION IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE INDICATED THAT THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR EXPENDITURE OF Si,658 MILLION ON EDUCATION IN 1977/78, REPRESENTING 20.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE.
THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN 1976/77 STOOD AT $1,453 MILLION.
THE FIGURE OF Si,658 MILLION FOR 1977/78 IS MADE UP OF $1,507 MILLION FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ON SUBVENTIONS AND BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND $151 MILLION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON PRIMARY EDUCATION WAS TO PROVIDE A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (6-11).
+THIS OBJECTIVE IS ALREADY MORE THAN PROVIDED FOR,+ HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT, ON THE BASIS OF THE 1971 CENSUS, THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE WOULD BE 500,000 BY THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
+TAKING NO ACCOUNT OF VACANT CLASSROOMS, THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS AT 621,000 IS WELL IN EXCESS OF THE NUMBER IN THE AGE GROUP.
+ESTIMATED TOTAL ENROLMENT AT 537,000 IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS AND 85,000 IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS ALSO EXCEEDS THE NUMBER IN THE AGE GROUP FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED THAT THIS DID NOT MEAN NEW PRIMARY SCHOOLS WOULD NOT BE OPENED, FOR +THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT NO CHILD WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL AN UNREASONABLE DISTANCE TO ATTEND PRIMARY SCHOOL*.
WITH THE SHIFT OF POPULATION TO THE NEW TOWNS AND OTHER DEVELOPING AREAS, HE CONTINUED, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF NEW PLACES IN THESE AREAS AND THE DRAFT ESTIMATES ENVISAGED THAT SOME 12,240 NEW PLACES WOULD BE SO PROVIDED.
/ CN SPECIAL .....
.TDDNESDAT, MARCH 2, 1977
14 -
ON SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DISCLOSED THAT 3,700 MORE PLACES IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL CLASSES WOULD BE PROVIDED DURING 1977/78 TO BRING THE TOTAL UP TO 15,870 BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
+ALTHOUGH THIS IS STILL SOME WAY FROM THE APPROVED TARGET OF 18,400 PLACES, SPECIAL EDUCATION IS A DIFFICULT FIELD,+ HE EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT THE DRAFT ESTIMATES MADE PROVISION FOR REDUCTIONS IN SOME CLASS SIZES, FOR IMPROVING TEACHER-CLASS RATIOS TO RECOGNISE THE PROBLEMS OF TEACHING HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, FOR PROVIDING PROMOTION PROSPECTS FOR TEACHERS SIMILAR TO THOSE IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS AND FOR INTRODUCING ALLOWANCES FOR TEACHERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR QUALIFICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.
TURNING TO THE CONTINUING EXPANSION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE DRAFT ESTIMATES SOUGHT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FORM I PLACES IN 1977/78 FROM THE PRESENT 63,300 TO 74,500.
FOR CHILDREN WISHING TO PROCEED BEYOND FORM III, THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 1,500 PLACES IN FORMS IV AND V, INCREASING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH PLACES TO 39,500 BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE OF SOME 1,300 PLACES IN FORM VI, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER TO 11,200.
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT TO AUGMENT THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME, BUILDING WORK ON 15 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL START DURING 1977/78 AND 32 NEW ONES WILL BE COMPLETED.
REFERRING TO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE TOTAL ENROLMENT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WAS EXPECTED TO BE THE EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT 4,520 FULL-TIME STUDENTS, AN INCREASE OF 2,200 OVER LAST SEPTEMBER.
THIS INCLUDES A FOURTH TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, EXPECTED TO OPEN THIS SEPTEMBER WITH AN INITIAL INTAKE OF 720 FULL-TIME STUDENTS. IN ADDITION, WORK ON A FIFTH INSTITUTE AT KOWLOON TONG WILL BEGIN DURING 1977/78.
AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID
THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO ACHIEVE TARGETS OF 8,850 STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITIES AND 9,850 FULL-TIME STUDENTS (INCLUDING EVENING STUDENTS) AT THE POLYTECHNIC BY 1977/78.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
OVER 260 ACRES OF LAND TO BE FORMED
IN NEW TOWNS * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO SPEND ABOUT $457 MILLION IN 1977-78 ON THE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS TO DEVELOP NEW TOWNS WHERE 264 ACRES OF LAND INCLUDING 47 ACRES FOR INDUSTRIAL USE WILL BE FORMED IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY.
JN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: +THIS INFRASTRUCTURE COMPRISES THE FORMATION OF LAND FOR BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, THE PROVISION OF ROADS, SERVICES AND WATER SUPPLIES AND THE BUILDING OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES.*
HE SAID DURING 1976-77, $297 MILLION WOULD HAVE BEEN SPENT ON SUCH WORKS IN THE NEW TOWNS AND COMPARABLE FIGURES FOR THE MARKET TOWNS AND RURAL TOWNSHIPS WERE $7 MILLION IN 1976-77 AND $43 MILLION IN 1977-78.
THE AMOUNT OF LAND FORMED IN THE NEW TOWNS IN 1976-77 WILL TOTAL 119 ACRES, OF WhlCH 22 ACRES WOULD BE FOR INDUSTRY.
IN THE MARKET TOWNS AND RURAL TOWNSHIPS ONLY EIGHT ACRES WILL HAVE BEEN FORMED IN 1976-77 BUT, IN 1977-78, 114 ACRES WILL BE FORMED OF WHICH FIVE ACRES WILL BE INDUSTRIAL LAND.
THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WHERE A TOTAL OF 79 ACRES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND WILL HAVE BEEN FORMED BY MARCH 1978.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VARIOUS NEW TOWNS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN WOULD STILL BE ON THE PROVISION OF MORE LAND IN TSI NG Yl AND ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE OLD TOWN.
+THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN IS LESS ADVANCED, AND THE EMPHASIS THERE WILL STILL BE ON THE PROVISION OF LAND AND BASIC ENGINEERING SERVICES TO PERMIT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
+A UNIQUE FEATURE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN IS THE SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT OF PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WHO ARE FORMING LARGE AREAS OF LAND FOR THE GOVERNMENT.
+IN RETURN,* SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, +THE DEVELOPERS WILL RETAIN SOME OF THE LAND THEY HAVE FORMED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO SAID THAT ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT WORKS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN PROMINENCE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN. WHERE DEVELOPMENT ON STAGE IB WOULD BE WELL UNDER WAY THIS YEAR, WITH INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUING INTO THE SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT OF
STAGE I I
/16 .
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 16 -
MORE TO BE SPENT ON- MEDICAL SERVICES ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TODAY PROPOSED AN INCREASE IN THE ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL SERVICES IN 1977-78 TO IMPLEMENT THE FIRST STAGE OF THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND A PILOT SCHEME FOR COMMUNITY NURSING.
THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDE FOR EXPENDITURE OF $781 MILLION ON MEDICAL SERVICES COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77 OF $662 MILLION. THIS REPRESENTS 9.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN 1977-78.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WOULD FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF PATIENTS BETWEEN HOSPITALS AND THUS IMPROVE THE UTILISATION OF BEDS AND OTHER HOSPITAL FACILITIES.
+TO ENABLE SUCH TRANSFERS TO BE MADE, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE THE NEW STANDARD CHARGE OF $5 A DAY FOR THIRD-CLASS MAINTENANCE IN ALL GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME.+
+TO THIS END,+ HE SAID, +PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE TO BRING THE POK 01 AND BUDDHIST HOSPITALS ON A FULL DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS SO THAT THEIR CHARGE MAY BE BROUGHT INTO LINE.+
ON THE PILOT SCHEME FOR COMMUNITY NURSING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THIS IMPORTANT SERVICE HAD BEEN PIONEERED BY CERTAIN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH SOME SUCCESS AND IT WAS APPROPRIATE THAT SUPPORT SHOULD NOW BE GIVEN FROM PUBLIC FUNDS.
+THE PILOT SCHEME WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE DURING THE NEXT THREE YEARS WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS SERVICE.+
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT PLANNING WOULD CONTINUE IN 1977-78 ON THE SHA TIN HOSPITAL AND, WITH THE HELP OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, ON THE NEW MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCHOOLS.
+CONS(DERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THE BUILDING OF A NEW BLOOD COLLECTION AND TRANSFUSION CENTRE, AND THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE GIVING FURTHER THOUGHT TO THE NEED OF A THIRD NURSES TRAINING "SCHOOL,* SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
------0 ------ ,
/17....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 17 -
GOVT. TO SPEND MORE ON LAW AND ORDER SERVICES ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY/JHE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY PROPOSED FURTHER INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON LAW AND ORDER SERVICES IN 1977-78 WITH THE INTENTION OF CREATING MORE POSTS IN THE POLICE FORCE.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PROVIDED FOR EXPENDITURE OF $952 MILLION ON LAW AND ORDER SERVICES IN 1977-78, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77 OF $791 MILLION.
THE PROPOSED ESTIMATES FOR THESE SERVICES REPRESENT 11.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN 1977-78.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID: +THE POLICE FORCE WILL COST $658 MILLION IN 1977-78. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF $110 MILLION, OR 20 PER CENT, OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77 OF $548 MILLION, AND IS ACCOUNTED FOR MAINLY BY OUR INTENTION TO CREATE SOME 1,400 ADDITIONAL POSTS AND TO MAINTAIN THE FORCE AT OR NEAR FULL STRENGTH.
+IF THESE POSTS ARE APPROVED, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FORCE WILL EXCEED 21,800, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 2,500 POSTS OVER THE ESTABLISHMENT APPROVED IN THE 1976-77 ESTIMATES.*
HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF VIOLENT CRIMES APPEARED TO BE FALLING FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, AND THE GROWTH RATE OF SERIOUS CRIMES GENERALLY ALSO SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN CONTAINED WITH THE HELP OF INCREASED MANPOWER.
+A SUSTAINED EFFORT IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO REDUCE CRIME FURTHER AND THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO EMPLOY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO THIS END.+
-----o-------
/13.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 18 -
MAJOR INVESTMENT IMPLICATIONS OF TRANSPORT STUDIES ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THERE WERE TWO TRANSPORT STUDIES WHICH HAD +MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC INVESTMENT* OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET FOR 1977/78, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE FIRST WAS THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY, COMPLETED AT A COST OF $10 MILLION LAST NOVEMBER AND DESIGNED TO FORECAST THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR, AND SUPPLY OF, TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR BOTH PASSENGERS AND FREIGHT OVER THE NEXT 15 YEARS.
A WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY IS NOW BEING DRAFTED IN THE LIGHT OF THE CONSULTANTS’ FINDINGS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INDICATED THAT THE IMPLICATIONS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE COULD BE OF THE ORDER OF $12,000 MILLION.
THE SECOND STUDY, WHICH IS ABOUT TO START, CONCERNS THE LONG TERM FUTURE OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
MEANWHILE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, THE FACILITIES ON THE EXISTING RAILWAY WERE BEING IMPROVED. TO FACILITATE DOUBLE TRACKING, THE ENTIRE TRACK WILL BE REBALLASTED IN STAGES, AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TUNNEL THROUGH BEACON HILL WILL BEGIN IN 1977/78.
AT THE SAME TIME, WORK ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY INTERCHANGE STATION AT KOWLOON TONG IS IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF PLANNING.
REFERRING TO THE HIGHWAYS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IT WOULD REGAIN MOMENTUM IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, WITH CONTRACTS ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS HAVING BEEN LET IN 1976/77.
EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED TO BE $255 MILLION IN 1977/78 COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976/77 OF $215 MILLION, AND WILL RISE TO $460 MILLION IN 1980/81.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
- 19 -TELEVISION TALK ON BUDGET BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY *****
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE TALK BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY BROADCAST TONIGHT: -
GOOD EVENING,
THIS AFTERNOON I PRESENTED MY SIXTH BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL - THE BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1977-78.
I WAS ABLE TO REPORT THAT THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS AT THE END OF THIS YEAR WILL SHOW A SURPLUS OF AT LEAST $600 MILLION, RATHER THAN THE DEFICIT OF OVER $300 MILLION I BUDGETTED FOR. THIS SURPLUS WILL BE ADDED TO OUR RESERVES WHICH WILL, THEREFORE, BE IN A HEALTHIER STATE THAN FOR SEVERAL YEARS. THIS WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR US TO COPE WITH ANY SHORT TERM DIFFICULTIES WE MAY ENCOUNTER IN THE FUTURE, FOR SHORT TERM DIFFICULTIES SHOULD NOT THROW US OFF COURSE- ALTHOUGH WE MUST ALWAYS ADJUST TO SERIOUS RECESSIONS IN WORLD TRADE.
THERE ARE TWO REASONS FOR THIS RATHER UNEXPECTED SURPLUS IN 1976-77: FIRST, ALTHOUGH TOTAL EXPENDITURE WILL BE NEARLY $6,900 MILLION OR 13-1/2 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1975-76, IT WILL BE LESS THAN I BUDGETTED FOR. THIS IS BECAUSE PROGRESS ON CAPITAL PROJECTS HAS NOT PROCEEDED AS FAST AS I HAD EXPECTED AND, ALSO, CONTRACT PRICES HAVE BEEN LOWER THAN ANTICIPATED. SECONDLY, WE HAVE ENJOYED BETTER REVENUE YIELDS THAN I EXPECTED A YEAR AGO LARGELY BECAUSE OF THE SPEED WITH WHICH OUR ECONOMY RECOVERED FROM THE RECESSION FROM MID-1975 ONWARDS.
THUS IN 1976 OUR ECONOMY EXPANDED BY NO LESS THAN 16 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, THAT IS TO SAY, IN TERMS OF THE OUTPUT OF GOODS AND SERVICES. THIS MEANT THAT, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING WAS 33 PER CENT HIGHER, AND REAL WAGES WERE 16-1/2 PER CENT HIGHER, THAN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE RECESSION IN MARCH 1975. UNEMPLOYMENT GENERALLY BY THE END OF 1976 HAD BEEN REDUCED TO ITS NORMAL LEVEL OF ABOUT 4-1/2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LABOUR FORCE.
SO WE FARED WELL IN 1976, BUT LET US NOT FORGET THAT EXPORTS, EMPLOYMENT AND REAL WAGES, HAVING REACHED A PEAK IN 1973, SLUMPED DRAMATICALLY FOR 18 MONTHS IN 1974 THROUGH TO MID-1975. OUR ESTIMATES OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT REFLECT THIS: AFTER INCREASING BY 14 PER CENT IN 1973, THE ECONOMY GREW VERY SLOWLY IN 1974 AND 1975. AS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES MUST BE GEARED TO SUCH FLUCTUATIONS, THE BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED IN 1975-76. THIS WAS PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RAPIDITY OF OUR ADVANCE IN 1976 FOR WE WERE VIRTUALLY INFLATION FREE AND SO ABLE TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF SUCH RECOVERY OF WORLD TRADE AS TOOK PLACE.
yrssoioN......
WEDNESDAY, "A.O: 2, 1977
- 20 -
THE QUESTION NOW IS: HOW CAN WE VIEW THE NEXT FOUR YEARS? I THINK WE MAY SAFELY ASSUME THAT THE FLUCTUATIONS OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS ARE SAFELY BEHIND US. WE CANNOT EXPECT SUCH A RAPID RATE OF GROWTH IN 1977 AS IN 1976, BUT THE OUTPUT OF GOODS AND SERVICES AS MEASURED BY THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT SHOULD INCREASE BY ABOUT 7 PER CENT - AND THIS I WOULD REGARD AS MOST SATISFACTORY. CONSUMER PRICES WILL INCREASE A LITTLE FASTER THIS YEAR - PERHAPS BY AS MUCH AS 6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE INCREASE OF 3-1/2 PER CENT DURING 1976. BY WORLD STANDARDS THE INCREASE IN PRICES IN 1976 WAS A COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCE AND REFLECTED IN PART THE EXTERNAL STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR. AFTER 1977 THE LIKELY COURSE OF THE WORLD ECONOMY ON WHICH WE ARE SO DEPENDENT IS NOT CLEAR, EUT UNDUE WORRY IS NOT CALLED FOR AT THIS STAGE. I SUGGEST ALSO THAT WE ARE A LITTLE LESS VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL FORCES THAN WE USED TO BE SINCE THE PATTERN OF OUR EXPORTS IS BECOMING MORE DIVERSIFIED AND THERE ARE THE BENEFITS ACCRUING FROM THE EMERGING FINANCIAL SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY.
IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND OF SATISFACTORY RESERVES, FAST RECOVERY IN 1976 AND A FORECAST OF CONTINUING GROWTH INTO 1977 THAT I PREPARED THE 1977-78 BUDGET. AFTER CONSIDERING OUR REVENUE PROSPECTS, I DECIDED THAT WE COULD INCREASE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE BY ABOUT 15 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GOODS AND SERVICES, OR BY 20 PER CENT IN PURELY MONEY TERMS. IF WE ACTUALLY MANAGE TO DO THIS WE SHALL HAVE MADE UP FOR THE DELIBERATE SLOW DOWN IN 1975-76 AND THE SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE IN 1976-77. CERTAINLY, I BELIEVE WE CAN AFFORD THE EXPENDITURE I HAVE BUDGETTED FOR OF $8,245 MILLION BECAUSE REVENUE IS ESTIMATED AT $8,412 MILLION. AND, INDEED, I FELT ABLE TO CONSIDER CERTAIN TAX CONCESSIONS WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE DESIRABLE IN THEIR OWN RIGHT FOR SOCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS.
BUT TO LOOK AT THE EXPENDITURE SIDE OF THE BUDGET FIRST: NEARLY 40 PER CENT OR OVER $3,200 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON OUR SOCIAL SERVICES INCLUDING HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL WELFARE. THIS IS 20 PER CENT MORE THAN WE SHALL SPEND THIS YEAR AND WILL ENABLE US, FOR EXAMPLE, TO COMPLETE NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION IN 1977-78 FOR NEARLY 109,000 PEOPLE AND OTHER ESTATES WILL BE IN THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR COMPLETION IN LATER YEARS. A START WILL ALSO BE MADE ON THE BUILDING OF 7,200 FLATS FOR SALE UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME. MORE THAN 12,000 PRIMARY PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN NEW SCHOOLS, MAINLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, AND A FURTHER 3,700 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL CLASSES. THE BUILDING OF 15 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE STARTED AND 32 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE COMPLETED-AND, OF COURSE, OUR INTENTION TO PROVIDE EVERY PRIMARY SIX LEAVER WITH A PLACE IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WILL BE ACHIEVED ON TIME, THAT IS TO SAY, BY SEPTEMBER 1978. AND IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE a ILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED ADULTS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
/ .. 20 E3 CENT
WEDNESDAY, KAHCH 2, 1977
21
ANOTHER 20 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE OR $1,670 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON IMPROVING AND DEVELOPING THOSE SERVICES AND WORKS SO ESSENTIAL TO THE ORDINARY LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY SUCH AS WATER SUPPLIES, VARIOUS CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS, FIRE SERVICES, ROADS AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES. THIS IS 16 PER CENT MORE THAN WE SHALL SPEND THIS YEAR.
AN AREA OF INTEREST TO US ALL IS LAW AND ORDER. HERE WE SHALL BE SPENDING NEXT YEAR NEARLY $1,000 MILLION OR NEARLY 12 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET. THIS IS 20 PER CENT MORE THAN WE SHALL HAVE SPENT THIS YEAR. AMONG OTHER THINGS, THIS INCREASE WILL ENABLE US TO EXPAND THE POLICE FORCE BY 1,400 MEN AND WOMEN AND MAINTAIN THE FORCE AT OR NEAR FULL STRENGTH. THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENT CRIME.
THE REVENUE ESTIMATES SHOW THAT WE SHALL BE COLLECTING ABOUT $170 MILLION MORE THAN WE SHALL NEED TO FINANCE THESE VAST EXPENDITURE PROGRAMMES. AND I SAY VAST BECAUSE LET US NOT FORGET THAT IN THE LAST YEAR OF THE 1960S WE SPENT A MERE ONE QUARTER OF WHAT WE ARE PLANNING TO SPEND IN THE COMING YEAR. BUT, GIVEN THE SATISFACTORY STATE OF OUR RESERVES, I PROPOSED THIS AFTERNOON THAT W'E SHOULD FOREGO ABOUT $130 MILLION WORTH OF NEXT YEAR’S REVENUE IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN TAX CONCESSIONS AND REFORMS.
IN THE FIRST PLACE, I PROPOSED A RELIEF SCHEME FOR RATEPAYERS WHO, DESPITE THE REDUCTION IN THE TOTAL CHARGE FROM 18 PER CENT TO 11-1/2 PER CENT, WILL BE FACED WITH A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN RATES BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN RATEABLE VALUES.
SECONDLY, I PROPOSED IMPROVED BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCES AND CHILD ALLOWANCES FOR SALARIES AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT TAXPAYERS. THE EFFECT WILL BE TO REMOVE 60,900 TAXPAYERS FROM THE TAX NET AND ANOTHER 150,000 MAINLY AT THE LOWER END OF THE TAX RANGE WILL ENJOY SOME BENEFIT. THOSE TAXPAYERS ON ABOUT 3,000 DOLLARS A MONTH WILL ENJOY THE GREATEST BENEFIT.
THIRDLY, I PROPOSED THAT THE MINIMUM SIZE OF ESTATE LIABLE TO ESTATE DUTY SHOULD BE RAISED FROM $300,000 TO $400,000.
AND, FINALLY, I PROPOSED THAT CONCESSIONARY RATES OF STAMP DUTY SHOULD APPLY TO MORE PROPERTIES THUS FURTHER ENCOURAGING PEOPLE IN THE LOWER INCOME RANGES TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN HOMES.
SC THERE IT IS: THAT IS THE BUDGET FOR THE COMING YEAR. I BELIEVE IT WILL ENABLE US TO PROCEED WITH OUR PROGRAMMES WITH ALL DUE SPEED WHILE, AT THE SAME TIME, PROVIDING CERTAIN TAXPAYERS WITH A MEASURE OF RELIEF. I BELIEVE ALSO THE BUDGET IN NO WAY PUTS AT RISK AND, INDEED, WILL HELP TO SECURE THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR ECONOMY IN 1977 AND IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S HOPE THAT THE BENEFITS OF OUR PROSPERITY WILL BE WIDELY ENJOYED.
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/22 ....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
22
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING JANUARY 1977. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR JANUARY WAS $2,690 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $3,832 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $841 MILLION.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1976 TO JANUARY 1977 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1975 TO JANUARY 1976 OF 20.2 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 18.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 22.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1976, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $108 MILLION OR 4.2 PER CENT IN EXPORTS, $595 MILLION OR 18.4 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $111 MILLION OR 15.2 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, JANUARY 1977 COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1976, SHOWED DECREASES OF $402 MILLION OR 13.0 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND $234 MILLION OR 5.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY $29 MILLION OR 3.6 PER CENT.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 1976 TO JANUARY 1977 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 37.5 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 27.9 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 25.7 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING
TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES:
LATEST 3 MONTHS NOVEMBER 1976 TO JANUARY 1977 NOVEMBER 1975 TO JANUARY 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
3 MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8,573 7,130 +1 ,443 +20.2
IMPORTS 11,599 9,774 +1 ,825 + 18.7
RE-EXPORTS 2,470 2,012 + 458 +22.8
/ SAME MONTH .....
2, 197?
5-ME MONTH last year JANUARY 1977 JANUARY 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,690 (76.2%) 2,582 (78.0%) + 108 + 4.2
IMPORTS 3,832 3,236 + 595 +18.4
RE-EXPORTS (x of total exports) 841 (23.8%) 730 (22.0%) + 111 +15.2
LAST MONTH JANUARY 1977 DECEMBER 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S MN. $ MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (.% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,690 (76.2%) 3,092 (79.2%) - 402 -13.0
IMPORTS 3,832 4,066 - 234 - 5.8
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 841 (23.8%) 812 (20.8%) + 29 + 3.6
LAST 12 MONTHS FEBRUARY 1976 TO JANUARY 1977 FEBRUARY 1975 TO INCREASE OR JANUARY 1976 DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. £
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 32,737 23,806 +8,930 +37.5
IMPORTS 43,888 34,302 +9,586 +27.9
RE-EXPORTS 9,039 7,188 +1,851 +25.7
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, KAHCH 2, 1Q77
24
DECLARATION OF 1977-78 VALUATION LIST
*****
THE VALUATION LIST FOR 1977-78 WILL BE DECLARED BY THE (’HURSDAY)^ RATIfJ“ ANE VALUATION, MR. R.A. FRY, TOMORROW
THE LIST COVERS 28 AREAS OF HONG KONG HITHERTO SPECIFIED rCR RATING, INCLUDING EIGHT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NEWLY BROUGHT INTO RATING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY OF EXTENDING RATING FURTHER IN THE NE* TERRITORIES.
THE VALUATION LIST FOR 1977-78 IS THE LARGEST EVER, COMPRISING 287 VOLUMES CONTAINING SOME 450,000 ASSESSMENTS WITH A TOTAL RATEABLE VALUE OF ABOUT 39,150 MILLION.
FOLLOWING THE DECLARATION, THE LIST WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, MR. F. CRABB WHO, AS COLLECTOR OF RATES, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF RATES AND FOR PAYING THE URBAN COUNCIL ITS RATE.
THE LIST WILL BE ON DISPLAY DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS FOR A PERIOD OF 21 DAYS COMMENCING ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5) AT THE OFFICE OF THE COLLECTOR OF RATES IN HANG CHONG BUILDING, 5 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, 2ND FLOOR, ROOM 202.
COMMENTING ON THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DURING THIS PERIOD OF 21 DAYS ANY PERSON WHO DISAGREES WITH AN ENTRY OR OMISSION OF A TENEMENT IN OR FROM A LIST, OR THE RATEABLE VALUE ASSESSED, MAY SERVE ON THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION A PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE LIST.
ANY SUCH PROPOSAL MUST BE IN THE SPECIFIED FORM (R20A).
COPIES OF SUCH FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AT 1 GARDEN ROAD (TEL. 5-249021) AND NEW MERCURY HOUSE, 17TH FLOOR, 22 FENWICK STREET, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 5-281424).
WHEN A PROPOSAL IS MADE TO ALTER AN ENTRY IN THE VALUATION LIST, THE COMMISSIONER WILL HAVE THE ASSESSMENT RE-EXAMINED BY A SENIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICER, WHO wILL ALSO SIGN THE NOTICE OF DECISION. IF THE PERSON WHO MADE THE PROPOSAL IS NOT PREPARED TO ACCEPT THIS DECISION hE/SHE MAY LODGE AN APPEAL WITH THE LANDS TR IBUNAL.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PERSONS DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR ASSESSMENTS AND INTENDING 70 LODGE A PROPOSAL ARE INVITED TO FIRST GET IN TOUCH WITH THE VALUER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE AREA IN WHICH THE PREMISES ARE SITUATED, WHEN ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE WILL GLADLY EE GIVEN. GENERALLY, ENQUIRIES IN THIS RESPECT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO NEW MERCURY HOUSE BUT THOSE IN RESPECT OF PREMISES SITUATED IK THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE MADE AT 1 GARDEN ROAD.
IT WAS EMPHASISED THA-, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LODGING OF A PROPOSAL OR AN APPEAL, R^TES -JST EE PAID BY THE DUE DATE. IN THE CASE OF RATE DEMANDS -C= THE SECOND QUARTER 1977 THIS MEANS THAT PAYMENT MUST BE ’•'AO . 1 '• THE END OF APRIL- ANY SUCH PAYMENTS MADE AFTER THE END OF APR I . WILL EE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE. HOWEVER, IF THE RATEA'.E -_„E IS SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCED, AN ADJUSTMEN- ..ILL BE «DE EFFECTIVE "ROM -»P - I L 1, 1977.
/25......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1977
25
KOWLOON WALK FOR A MILLION TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE KOWLOON +WALK FOR A MILLION* WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, MARCH 6.
PO LAM ROAD, THE UNNAMMED LINK ROAD BETWEEN SAU MAU PING ROAD AND ANDERSON ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF ANDERSON ROAD BETWEEN THE UNNAMED LINK ROAD AND PO LAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7.33 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JUNK BAY ROAD FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO SAU MAU PING ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR THE WALKERS.
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARR I AGEWAY.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED MOTORISTS IN RENNIE’S MILL, KO CHIU ROAD, SHUNG SHUN STREET, KO FAI ROAD, CHA KWO LING ROAD, YAU TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND TO GIVE WAY TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE WALK.
POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE TRAFFIC.
0 - -
WATER CUT X X X
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 4) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI CHUNG ROAD, THE SEAFRONT AND PUN SHAN STREET, INCLUDING CHAI WAN KOK STREET.
ON THE SAME DAY, WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M.
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN WORK IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE NOS. 395-399 CHAI WAN ROAD, ALL FACTORY BUILDINGS IN ON YIP STREET AND SUN YIP STREET, CHAI WAN RECLAMATION CLASS II LICENSED AREA NOS. 3 AND 4, THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY DEPOT AND THE CALTEX OIL CO. LTD.
- - 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN CIVIL SERVICE ...................... 1
DETAILS OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME TO BE ANNOUNCED .......... 2
HYDROGRAPHIC STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT BY MARINE DEPARTMENT NEAR CASTLE PEAK BAY ........................... 2
LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR OVER 1,000 UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS ................................................... 3
WATER CUT ................................................. 3
EIGHTY-THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE COMPLETED BY 1981 .. 4
JANUARY BANKING STATISTICS ................................ 5
MAIL RECOVERED FROM SUNKEN FERRY .......................... 7
TOURISTS ON BOARD QE2 LINER SEE CHINESE DANCE PERFORMANCE 7
SEMINAR ON TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICS ............... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON ........................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
inUHSDAY, MtuiCH 3, 1977
1
SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN CIVIL SERVICE * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. I.R. PRICE, WILL RETIRE FROM THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE ON MAY 30.
MR. PRICE, AGED 56, WAS IN THE MALAYAN CIVIL SERVICE FOR 14 YEARS, WHERE HIS FINAL APPOINTMENT WAS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
HE CAME TO HONG KONG AS A SENIOR Lnr-uvrY OFFICER IN 1965 AND WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IN 1968, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND MINES IN 1971 AND COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND MINES IN 1973. HE WAS APPC INTED AN OFFICIAL
MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1974 AND WAS AWARDED THE CBE IN 1976.
MR. PETER B. WILLIAMS, PRESENTLY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION WILL BE POSTED AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR! IN SUCCESSION TO MR. PR ICE.
MR. WILLIAMS, AGED 50, JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1953 AND HAS SERVED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF POSTS, INCLUDING ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO THE POLICE FORCE, DEFENCE SECRETARY AND ESTABLISHMENT OFFICER. HE HAS SERVED AS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.
MR. I.M. LIGHTBODY WILL BE POSTED AS SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION. MR. LIGHTBODY, AGED 55, IS AT PRESENT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. MR. LIGHTBODY JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1946, AND DURING HIS 30 YEARS’ SERVICE HAS OCCUPIED MANY SENIOR POSTS, INCLUDING ESTABLISHMENT OFFICER, DISTRICT COMMISSIONER NEW TERRITORIES, COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, COMMISSIONER FOR RESETTLEMENT, DEFENCE SECRETARY AND SECRETARY FOR HOUSING. HE IS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND WAS AWARDED THE CMG IN 1974.
MR. A.J. SCOTT, PRESENTLY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, WILL BE POSTED AS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING.
MR. SCOTT AGED 43, WAS APPOINTED TO THE FIJI CIVIL SERVICE IN 1958, AND HIS FINAL APPOINTMENT THERE WAS CONTROLLER OF ORGANISATION AND ESTABLISHMENTS, AFTER WHICH HE LEFT TO JOIN THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE.
HIS FIRST POSTING WAS AN ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AND AFTER A SPELL AS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1973. HE IS AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE POST OF SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL BE FILLED BY MR. R.G.B. BRIDGE, AGED 44, AT PRESENT DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY.
MR. BRIDGE JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1957, AND HAS SERVED IN THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, THE FORMER LANDS BRANCH OF THE SECRETARIAT AND AS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT COLONIAL SECRETARY (ESTABLISHMENT) AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE FROM 1971 TO 1976.
------0 ------- /2 ...
THURSDAY, MARCH J, 1977
2
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WILL BE HELD AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE G. I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MR. IAN LIGHTBODY, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. DONALD LIAO, DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, URBAN COUNCILLOR, AND MR. YEUNG KAI-YIN, ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY ON HOME OWNERSHIP.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE. COPIES OF A BACKGROUND BRIEF ON THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PRESS REPRESENTATIVES AT 2.30 P.M., HALF AN HOUR BEFORE THE START OF THE CONFERENCE.
--------------(J -----------------
WARNING TO FISHERMEN AND SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A NAVIGATIONAL WARNING TO FISHERMEN AND SMALL CRAFT OPERATORS SAILING IN OR NEAR CASTLE PEAK BAY TO AVOID INTERFERING WITH HYDROGRAPHIC STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT THERE.
THEY ARE ASKED TO GIVE A WIDE BERTH TO VESSELS AND RIGS WHICH WILL BE STATIONED THERE TO UNDERTAKE THE STUDIES FOR THE DESIGN OF A TYPHOON SHELTER FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
FROM 8 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5) THREE VESSELS WILL BE ANCHORED BETWEEN PEARL ISLAND AND EAST BROTHER ISLAND.
TO RECORD THE WAVE EFFECTS AND FLOW CURRENT, TWO INSTRUMENTED MOORED RIGS WILL BE LAID IN OR NEAR CASTLE PEAK BAY FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS, FROM MARCH 23 TO OCTOBER 5.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY URGED ALL VESSELS, IN PARTICULAR FISHING CRAFT, TO EXERCISE CARE AND CAUTION WHEN NAVIGATING IN THE VICINITY OF THE MOORINGS AND THEY SHOULD, IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES, GO ALONGSIDE THE BUOYS.
THEIR CO-OPERATION IS REQUIRED TO ENSURE THAT THE STUDIES CAN BE PROPERLY CARRIED OUT.
THE TYPHOON SHELTER FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED SOMETIME IN 1980.
THURSDAY, MARCH J, 1977
- 3 -
LICENTIATE EXAM. FOR OVER 1,000 UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS ******
MORE THAN 1,000 UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS HAVE PAID THEIR FEES IN ORDER TO SIT FOR PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 15.
THE FIRST OF THE THREE-PART EXAMINATION WILL'BE A MULTIPLECHOICE QUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE, AND CANDIDATES MAY ANSWER THE QUESTIONS IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE.
THE SECRETARY OF THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL, MR. I.A.S. YOUNG, SAID THAT UP TO 5 P.M. YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY), A TOTAL OF 1,029 CANDIDATES HAD PAID UP FEES FOR PART I OF THE EXAMINATION.
AT THE REQUEST OF A NUMBER OF CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT YET PAID, HE SAID, LATE PAYMENT OF FEES WOULD BE ACCEPTED UP TO NOON ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5).
MR. YOUNG ADDED THAT CANDIDATES SUCCESSFUL IN PART I OF THE EXAMINATION WOULD BE ADVISED IN WRITING WHEN TO PAY FEES FOR PART II, THE PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH PAPER, TO BE HELD ON APRIL 15.
HE REITERATED THAT THIS WOULD BE A SIMPLE TEST OF PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT CANDIDATES’ COMMAND OF THE LANGUAGE IS ADEQUATE TO DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS PRESCRIPTIONS, STATUTORY FORMS, CLINICAL CASE NOTES, REPORTS AND REFERRALS.
+IT WILL NOT GO OUTSIDE THE PROFESSIONAL FIELD OR SEEK TO TEST GENERAL COMPETENCE IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE,+ HE SAID.
PART III OF THE EXAMINATION, AN ORAL TEST ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE WHICH CAN BE TAKEN IN EITHER LANGUAGES, WILL BE HELD IN JULY.
------o-------
WATER CUT
* * *
A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED STRETCHES FROM ALDRICH STREET TO SUN SING STREET AND FROM SHAUKIWAN ROAD TO THE SEAFRONT, INCLUDING FU TAU WAT VILLAGE, TSIN SHU I MA TAU VILLAGE AND ALDRICH VILLAGE.
ON THE SAME DAY, SEA WATER FLUSHING SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, KOWLOON, WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 14 HOURS FROM 10 A.M. TO ENABLE REPAIR WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON THE DISCHARGE PIPE OF A PUMPING STATION AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD, FAT KWONG STREET, SHEUNG LOK STREET, SHEUNG SHING STREET, TIN KWONG ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, PEACE AVENUE, WATERLOO ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD.
------0 ------ /4.............................
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1977
PLANNING OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS
******
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT), MR. DEREK HOGAN, TODAY OUTLINED THE STEPS REQUIRED TO PUT TOGETHER AN EDUCATION BUILDING PROGRAMME. THESE INCLUDED PLANNING THE NUMBER AND TYPES OF SCHOOLS NEEDED, THEIR LOCATION, DESIGN AND FINANCING.
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON.
MR. HOGAN RECALLED THE MASSIVE BUILDING PROGRAMMES OF THE FIFTIES AND SIXTIES WHICH RAISED THE NUMBER OF PRIMARY PLACES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS TO OVER 600,000.
TURNING TO THE PRESENT SITUATION, MR. HOGAN REFERRED SPECIFICALLY TO THE NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWNS WHERE MANY SCHOOLS WOULD BE BUILT IN THE COMING YEARS. IN MOST CASES THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT AS PART OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE CONTRACTS THUS PRODUCING ECONOMIES OF TIME AND MONEY. THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS THEMSELVES, HOWEVER, WOULD HAVE A HIGH STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION, WITH MORE AND LARGER SPECIAL ROOMS THAN THE STANDARD SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
THE CURRENT PROGRAMME OF 83 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT BETWEEN APRIL 1976 AND SEPTEMBER 1981, HE SAID, WOULD PRODUCE A TOTAL OF 94,000 ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
ALTHOUGH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF PROVIDING A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY PLACE FOR EVERY CHILD HAS ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED, HE SAID, THERE REMAINED A NEED FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE FOR CHILDREN GOING TO LIVE IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN AREAS OF SHORTAGE.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1977/78 CONTAINED TEN ESTATE PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THE OPENING OF THESE NEW CLASSES OR SCHOOLS WOULD BE BALANCED, HE POINTED OUT, BY CLOSURES ELSEWHERE.
PLANNING FOR THE NEXT SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME WAS ALREADY WELL ADVANCED, HE SAID. THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROGRAMME WOULD BE TO PROVIDE PLACES IN FORMS IV AND V FOR 40 PER CENT OF CHILDREN IN THE 15-16 AGE GROUP. THIS WAS ONE OF THE 1974 WHITE PAPER AIMS.
MR. HOGAN EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE USE MADE OF SCHOOLS AFTER THEY HAD BEEN BUILT. HERE THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PREFESS IONAL QUALITIES OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENTS AND TEACHERS WERE VITAL.
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/5
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1977
5
JANUARY BANKING STATISTICS * * * *
BANKING DEPOSITS AS AT THE END OF JANUARY 1977 STOOD AT $44,211 MILLION, COMPRISING $10,626 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS. $17,439 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $16,146 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AS AT THE END OF JANUARY.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES RELEASED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY GIVES A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH: -
LIABILITIES $ MILLION
1. DEPOSITS 44,211
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 27,990
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 8,294
TOTAL LIABILITIES 80,495
ASSETS
1. CASH
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD:
I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS II) TIME DEPOSITS
958
21,821
3,780
25,601
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES:
HONG KONG ABROAD
29,934
13,673
43,607
4. INVESTMENTS:
HONG KONG
ABROAD
3,249
80
3,329
/OTHER ASSETS
THURSDAY, MARCH J, 1977
6 -
5. OTHER ASSETS:
(I) HONGKONG 3,710
(II) ABROAD 3,290 7,000
TOTAL ASSETS 80,495
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH MONEY SUPPLY 1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A) (1) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 4,812 (II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 507 2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES (B) 3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - (C) 4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D) - 5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) - 6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G) = (H) 0---- 44.29 PER CENT MONTH ENDED JANUARY 31, 1977 $ MILLION 5,319 958 4,361 10,626 (E) 14,987 17,439 16,146 48,572 /7
THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 1977
MAIL RECOVERED FROM SUNKEN FERRY
******
THE POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT REGRETS TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE MAIL DESPATCH FROM CHEUNG CHAU TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) WENT DOWN WITH THE FERRY WHICH SANK AFTER A COLLISION NEAR HEI LING CHAU.
THE MAIL WAS RECOVERED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MARINE DEPARTMENT DIVERS, BUT UNFORTUNATELY MOST OF THE ADDRESSES HAVE BEEN RENDERED ILLEGIBLE BY IMMERSION IN THE SEA.
THE MAIL CONTAINED IN THIS DESPATCH WOULD HAVE BEEN POSTED AT CHEUNG CHAU BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 3.45 P.M. YESTERDAY. ALL ITEMS WITH READABLE ADDRESSES WILL BE PUT IN COURSE OF TRANSMISSION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ITEMS WITHOUT ADEQUATE ADDRESSES WILL BE TREATED AS UNDELIVERABLE AND RETURNED TO THE SENDERS.
ALL REGISTERED ARTICLES CONTAINED IN THE DESPATCH HAVE BEEN RECOVERED WITH ADDRESSES IN READABLE CONDITION, AND THEY WILL BE DESPATCHED TO THE ADDRESSEES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
-----o------
CHINESE DANCES PERFORMED BY STUDENTS ON BOARD QE2 *****
A GROUP OF 40 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS GAVE AN HOUR-LONG PERFORMANCE OF CHINESE FOLK AND CLASSICAL DANCES ON BOARD THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II TONIGHT.
THIS WAS ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IT WAS THE SECOND TIME SUCH A PERFORMANCE WAS STAGED ON BOARD THE LUXURY LINER IN HONG KONG.
A SIMILAR PERFORMANCE BY ANOTHER GROUP OF STUDENTS TOOK PLACE IN 1975 WHEN QE2 ARRIVED IN HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME ON A ROUND-THE-WORLD CRUISE.
THE STUDENTS WHO PERFORMED TONIGHT CAME FROM FIVE SCHOOLS — SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, TAK CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL, MANSFIELD COLLEGE, BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL AND TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS LEE CHING DEA MEMORIAL COLLEGE.
PRIOR TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, THE STUDENTS TOURED THE LINER AND WERE GUESTS AT A DINNER GIVEN BY THE CAPTAIN.
THURSDAY, MARCH J, 1977
- 8 -
SEMINAR ON TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICS
*****
ABOUT 120 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICS ON SATURDAY, AT THE CHUNG CHI COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE SIMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF EDUCATION.
AS THE AIM OF THIS SEMINAR IS TO INTRODUCE INNOVATIONS IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF PHYSICS, TEACHERS TAKING PART IN THE SEMINAR WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
MR. T.C. CHENG, DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS. A SELECTION OF PHYSICS EQUIPMENT AND MODELS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.
-----o------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KOWLOON
* * * *
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS IN BOTH CARRIAGEWAYS ALONG THE SECTION OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD BETWEEN TUNG CHAU STREET AND CHERRY STREET BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT.
THE RESTRICTION, WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT AT 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 5), IS INTENDED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN TAI KOK TSUI ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONE.
ALSO FROM SATURDAY, THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY IN MA TAU WEI ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED FOR A SHORT DISTANCE IN ORDER TO REDUCE CONGESTION ON THAT SECTION OF THE ROAD NEAR FAT KWONG STREET.
THE HOURS OF OPERATION WILL REMAIN THE SAME, THAT IS, BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 10 A.M. AND BETWEEN 4 P.M. AND 7 P.M.
NO VEHICLES, OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND PLB DRIVERS.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE CLEARWAY RESTRICTION. A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND WILL BE SET UP ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF GILLIES AVENUE BETWEEN HOK YUEN STREET AND PAK KUNG STREET.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME TO GET OFF GROUND EARLY NEXT YEAR ..............................
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS LAST DECEMBER SHOW $152 MILLION
SURPLUS
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS PREDICTS GOOD TIMES AHEAD FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ...........
GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN TO PUBLIC ON SUNDAY
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY LEAVES FOR UNITED STATES ON INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION
ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ...........
TEACHERS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ASSURED JOBS ..........
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING DIALOGUE WITH PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON +WALK FOR A MILLION* ANNOUNCED .............
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NEW OPENING HOURS FOR 'BUS ONLY’ LANES IN MID-LEVEL
THREE GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL
THIS MONTH ...............
NSTITUTES HOLD OPEN DAYS
11
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ORGANISES LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION ............................
FIRING PRACTICE ON CASTLE PEAK RANGE TO BE CANCELLED ... 12
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
1
GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME
******
THE WORKING PARTY ON HOME OWNERSHIP HOPED TO TAKE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FORWARD TO THE STAGE WHERE APPLICATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD BE INVITED SOME TIME IN EARLY 1978 FOR THE PURCHASE OF FLATS UNDER THE SCHEME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT WHICH HE GAVE AN OUTLINE OF THE SCHEME, MR. HADDON-CAVE, WHO CHAIRS THE WORKING PARTY, POINTED OUT THAT THE BASIC FRAMEWORK OF THE SCHEME HAD BEEN WORKED OUT.
THE INTENTION OF THE SCHEME, HE SAID, WAS TO HELP THE LOWER MIDDLE INCOME GROUP TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES ON TERMS THEY COULD AFFORD.
HE SAID THAT THE FIRST SITES HAD BEEN CHOSEN AT ABERDEEN, CHAI WAN, LAI CHI KOK, HO MAN TIN (NEAR 01 MAN ESTATE) AND SHA TIN.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION TO BE ITS AGENT FOR DESIGNING, BUILDING AND SELLING THE FLATS AND, AS A FIRST STEP, HAS PRODUCED DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS, TOGETHER WITH ESTIMATES OF COSTS, IN RESPECT OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD PRODUCE ABOUT 7,200 FLATS BY 1979/80 ON THESE SITES.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS COMMISSIONED SEVERAL FIRMS OF PRIVATE ARCHITECTS TO PRODUCE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THESE SITES.
EACH FLAT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A KITCHEN, TOILET FACILITIES AND A BALCONY. THE SMALLER FLATS ARE LIKELY TO BE OPEN PLAN AND THE LARGER ONES SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO SEPARATE BEDROOMS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE COST OF THESE FLATS WILL NOT BE KNOWN UNTIL CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN LET BUT, ON THE BASIS OF ORDERS OF COSTS NOW KNOWN TO THE WORKING PARTY, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE FLATS MIGHT BE SOLD WITHIN A PRICE RANGE OF ABOUT $80,000 TO $140,000.
AS TO ELIGIBILITY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE FLATS WERE INTENDED FOR THOSE FAMILIES WHO HAD A TOTAL COMBINED INCOME OF BELOW $3,500 A MONTH AND WHO HAD BEEN LIVING IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS. EXISTING TENANTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS WILL NOT HAVE TO SATISFY THE NORMAL CRITERIA AND WILL BE TREATED AS A SPECIAL CATEGORY WITH SOME PRIORITY.
/ON THE .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
2
ON THE SUBJECT OF MORTGAGE FINANCE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE WORKING PARTY HAD ENVISAGED THAT FUNDS WOULD BE PROVIDED MAINLY BY THE COMMERCIAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LENDING DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT’S NOMINATED FLAT BUYERS ON TERMS WHICH HAVE YET TO BE THE SUBJECT OF FORMAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
THE WORKING PARTY IS ALSO PLANNING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MORTGAGE INSTITUTION, TO BE WHOLLY OWNED BY THE GOVERNMENT, TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ON-LENDING TO THE EXTENT NEEDED TO SUPPLEMENT THE COMMERCIAL BANKS FUNDS, BUT THIS INSTITUTION MAY NOT NEED TO BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION AND, EVEN IF BROUGHT INTO OPERATION WILL NOT COMPETE WITH THE COMMERCIAL BANKS FOR FUNDS.
THE BASIC MORTGAGE TERMS WHICH THE WORKING PARTY HAD IN MIND WERE s-
K DOWN PAYMENT - A MINIMUM OF $10,000 OR 10 PER CENT --------------- OF THE SALE PRICE, WHICHEVER IS THE HIGHER-
* MATURITY - 15 YEARS*
K INTEREST - TO BE SET INITIALLY BETWEEN EIGHT ----------- AND NINE PER CENT A YEAR, FOR FIXED PERIODS OF THREE, FIVE OR SEVEN YEARS, SUBJECT TO PERIODIC REVIEW AND TO ANY ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD MINIMISE THE RISK TO THE MORTGAGOR OF FLUCTUATIONS IN MONTHLY PAYMENTS.
REFERRING TO THE POSSIBLE SITUATION WHERE THE OPEN MARKET VALUES OF THESE FLATS WOULD BE CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN THE SALE PRICE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO INTRODUCE CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE.
DETAILS HAD YET TO BE FINALISED, HE SAID, BUT WHAT THE WORKING PARTY HAD IN MIND WAS A FIVE YEAR TIME LIMIT WITHIN WHICH THE OWNER WISHING TO SELL HIS FLAT WOULD BE OBLIGED TO SELL IT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AT THE PRICE HE ORIGINALLY PAID. IF THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT EXERCISE THE BUY-BACK OPTION THE OWNER WOULD BE FREE TO SELL THE FLAT ON THE OPEN MARKET.
AS REGARDS CONSTRUCTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND HAD BEEN CREATED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 5, 1977. THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1977-78 PROVIDE FOR $102.5 MILLION TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM GENERAL REVENUE INTO THE FUND IN ORDER TO MEET EXPENDITURE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FLATS-FOR-SALE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME. PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE FLATS WILL BE CREDITED TO THE FUND.
/THUS, .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
- 3 -
THUS, CHANNELLING BACK THE MONEY FROM THE SALE OF FLATS INTO THE FUND, HE CONTINUED, WOULD MEAN THE SPEEDY RECOVERY OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES WHICH COULD BE USED TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INCREASING STOCK OF HOUSING. WHEN DEMAND HAS BEEN SATISFIED THESE RESOURCES WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEET OTHER COMMUNITY NEEDS.
+WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE NOW,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +IS FOR CONTRACTS TO BE LET AND CONSTRUCTION TO PROCEED, FOR SELLING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE FINALISED AND FOR SUITABLE MORTGAGE FACILITIES TO BE DEVISED.+
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED AN EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME PROPOSED BY THE WORKING PARTY TO INVITE BIDS FROM PRIVATE ESTATE DEVELOPERS FOR SEVERAL ADDITIONAL SITES TO BUILD FLATS FOR SALE AT FIXED PRICES.
THIS EXPERIMENT WILL INDICATE WHETHER PRIVATE DEVELOPERS CAN KEEP PRODUCTION COSTS (AND PROFITS) DOWN TO A POINT WHERE HOUSEHOLDERS EARNING LESS THAN $3,500 A MONTH CAN AFFORD TO BUY SUCH FLATS ON THE SPECIAL MORTGAGE TERMS TO BE OFFERED.
0 -
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR DECEMBER 1976 ******
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER 1976 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $152 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $72 MILLION IN DECEMBER 1975.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN A SURPLUS OF $61 MILLION FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $37 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
GROSS EXPENDITURE AT $563 MILLION WAS $90 MILLION MORE THAN IN DECEMBER 1975.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $715 MILLION WAS $170 MILLION MORE THAN THE SAME MONTH IN 1975, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED RECEIPTS FROM DUTIES, INTERNAL REVENUE, MOTOR VEHICLE TAXES AND LAND SALES.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977 - 4 -
’GOOD TIMES AHEAD FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY’, SAYS P.W.D. DIRECTOR *****
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, THIS EVENING PREDICTED A BRIGHT YEAR FOR HONG KONG’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRY STOOD ON THE THRESHOLD OF A PERIOD OF INTENSE ACTIVITY AND HE URGED BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS TO BRACE THEMSELVES FOR THE PRESSURES WHICH WOULD ACCOMPANY THE ON-COMING CONSTRUCTION BOOM.
+THERE ARE, AS A ONCE-POPULAR SONG SAID, ’GOOD TIMES COM I NG’+ HE TOLD A DINNER MEETING OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS. +THE TEST WILL BE WHETHER OR NOT THE INDUSTRY CAN MEET ALL THE DEMANDS WHICH WILL BE MADE UPON IT.+
MR. MCDONALD SAID THERE HAD BEEN A RESURGENCE OF INTEREST IN BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS EVIDENCED BY THE HIGH NUMBER OF PLANS FOR NEW PRIVATE BUILDINGS APPROVED LAST YEAR BY THE P.W.D.’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE. THESE AMOUNTED TO 723,37 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1975.
COUPLED TO THIS, VARIOUS LARGE SCALE PROJECTS SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WERE ALREADY IN FULL SWING, AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO BE PRESSING AHEAD WITH ITS OWN CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME. HE SAID.
ANOTHER FACTOR WHICH AUGURED WELL FOR THE FUTURE WAS THE VERY LARGE CONCENTRATION OF CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE NOW IN HONG KONG -- PROBABLY THE GREATEST EVER, HE SAID.
ENGINEERS RECRUITED BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION HAD BROUGHT WITH THEM VALUABLE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM OTHER PARTS IN THE WORLD AND MORE SKILLED STAFF HAD BEEN IMPORTED BY ESTABLISHED CONSULTANT FIRMS.
IN ADDITION, NEW CONSULTANT FIRMS WERE OPENING OFFICES IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
+MY OWN DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN RECRUITING FROM ABROAD QUITE A LARGE NUMBER OF ENGINEERS AND MEN OF ASSOCIATED PROFESSIONS OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS,+ HE ADDED.
MR. MCDONALD EMPHASISED HOWEVER THAT RECRUITMENT OF OVERSEAS EXPERTISE DID NOT MEAN THAT HONG KONG COULD IGNORE ITS OWN CAPABILITY TO PRODUCE QUALIFIED ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS AND CONTRACTORS.
HONG KONG’S EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS EACH YEAR TURNED OUT A LARGE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED YOUNG PEOPLE MANY OF WHOM WERE EAGER TO SUPPLEMENT THEIR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS WITH PROFESSIONAL AND PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.
/+THE PRACTICAL .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
5
+THE PRACTICAL TRAINING OF THESE ASPIRANTS IS IN THE HANDS OF PROFESSIONALS LIKE YOURSELVES,+ MR. MCDONALD TOLD THE INSTITUTION, +AND THIS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING WILL BE BUT ONE OF THE PRESSURES WHICH FALL UPON YOU AS PART OF THIS PROCESS OF ACHIEVING HONG KONG’S AIMS.+
THERE WOULD BE OTHER PRESSURES THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE FACED, SUCH AS THOSE FROM CLIENTS — BOTH GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE — PUSHING FOR EARLY DESIGNS, SUBMISSION AND APPROVAL OF PLANS, AND SPEEDY COMPLETION OF PROJECTS.
+YOU MUST SQUARE YOUR SHOULDERS TO BEAR THESE PRESSURES WHICH WILL BE APPLIED DURING THE ON-COMING PERIOD OF INTENSE ACTIVITY,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD ALSO URGED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS TO APPLY MORE OF THEIR TALENTS AND ABILITY IN THE ART OF CREATIVE DESIGN.
TOO OFTEN IN THE PAST, HE SAID, STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS HAD ALLOWED THEMSELVES TO BE REGARDED AS MERE CALCULATORS. BUT, WITH THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION TO BE TACKLED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, HONG KONG WOULD NEED MANY MORE CAPABLE DESIGNERS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WOULD HAVE AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY.
+OPPORTUNIT IES WILL ARISE FOR ENGINEERS WORKING EITHER INDEPENDENTLY OR IN CO-OPERATION WITH ARCHITECTS TO PRODUCE WORKS OF IMAGINATIVE STRUCTURAL CONCEPT.
+THOSE OF YOU WHO GRASP THE OPPORTUNITIES WILL GAIN NOT ONLY PERSONAL SATISFACTION FROM THE ACHIEVEMENT BUT ALSO GIVE HONG KONG A MUCH NEEDED BOOST IN THE STANDARD OF DESIGN,+ SAID MR. MCDONALD.
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GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE OPENING TO PUBLIC ******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ONCE AGAIN HAVE THE CHANCE TO SEE THE AZALEAS IN FULL BLOOM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 6).
THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON THAT ENJOY THE FLOWERS WHICH ARE AT OF THE YEAR.
HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAY TO ENABLE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO THEIR COLOURFUL BEST AT THIS TIME
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE AZALEA SHOW AT THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND MORE VISITORS ARE EXPECTED THIS YEAR.
VISITORS ARE REQUESTED TO ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE AND LEAVE BY THE SIDE GATES SO THAT ALL CAN ENJOY THE FLOWERS WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS.
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT ONLY THE GARDENS WILL BE OPEN AND THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.
SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL EE PRESENT AND VISITORS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
6
U.S. FIRMS TO DISCUSS SETTING UP FACTORIES IN H.K.
*****
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. ROY PORTER, LEAVES FOR THE UNITED STATES THIS WEEKEND FOR TALKS WITH THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES OF SOME THIRTY AMERICAN FIRMS ABOUT THE ADVANTAGES OF SETTING UP FACTORIES IN HONG KONG.
THE DISCUSSIONS WILL TAKE PLACE MAINLY IN LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND DALLAS OVER A PERIOD OF THREE WEEKS.
THE APPOINTMENTS WITH THESE FIRMS WERE FINALISED BY AN ADVANCE PARTY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OFFICIALS WHICH LEFT FOR THE UNITED STATES LAST MONTH, PAVING THE WAY FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRST OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION THIS YEAR.
MR. PORTER, WHO WILL LEAD THE MISSION, MEETS THE ADVANCE PARTY IN LOS ANGELES ON MONDAY.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN ORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE US CONSULATE-GENERAL, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, LEADING BANKS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
AS IN PREVIOUS VENTURES THE AIM OF THE MISSION IS TO VISIT SELECTED FIRMS TO DISCUSS WITH TOP EXECUTIVES THE SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES WHICH WOULD ACCRUE TO THEIR COMPANIES FROM MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG. THE MISSION WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF PROMOTING THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
AMERICAN INTERESTS AT PRESENT ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF ALL DIRECT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY. +THERE ARE VERY GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT,* SAYS MR. PORTER, WHO POINTS OUT THAT MANY AMERICAN INDUSTRIES HAVE PARTICULAR RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG’S PRESENT STATE OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAYS THAT IN ELECTRONICS AND ENGINEERING PARTICULARLY, AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL KNOWLEDGE COULD BE MOST VALUABLE TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
HE FURTHER POINTS OUT THAT THE BENEFITS OF THIS TYPE
OF INVESTMENT ARE TWO-WAY. BY WITH A PLANT IN HONG KONG, U.S. THEIR SALES AND THEIR PROFITS.
COMPLEMENTING THEIR HOME PRODUCTION COMPANIES WILL BE ABLE TO INCREASE
TWO OTHER MISSIONS ARE PLANNED BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR LATER THIS YEAR, ONE TO SWITZERLAND AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY IN JUNE AND THE OTHER TO CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE AND TORONTO IN OCTOBER.
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/7......
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
7
ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN
******
A MONTH-LONG ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN IS TO BE LAUNCHED IN APRIL TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC WHAT CANCER — HONG KONG’S NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE -- IS ALL ABOUT.
THE CAMPAIGN, IN THE FORM OF EXHIBITIONS, IS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, ASSISTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF MEDICAL BODIES.
CANCER AWARENESS ’77, AS THE CAMPAIGN IS TO BE CALLED, DEALS WITH THE VARIOUS FORMS OF CANCER, PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY SAID THAT USING THE TECHNOLOGY WE HAVE TODAY CANCER COULD BE CURED IF ONLY PEOPLE KNEW THE WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS AND SAW A DOCTOR EARLY.
+EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT BRINGS ABOUT A FAR GREATER CHANCE OF CURE, AND THIS IS WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THIS CAMPAIGN,* HE ADDED.
CANCER AWARENESS ’77 WILL ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PROTECT THEIR HEALTH. BY USING MOVIES, SLIDE SHOWS, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS, IT WILL TEACH BASIC HEALTH PRINCIPLES CONCERNING CANCER AND ALSO WAYS TO HAVE A BASICALLY HEALTHY LIFE STYLE.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 5, WITH AN EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL. THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL, EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD AT TSIM SHA TSUI, KWUN TONG, CAUSEWAY BAY, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
- 8 -
AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ASSURED JOBS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ABOUT 272 NEW CLASSES WOULD BE OPENED IN NEW AND DEVELOPING AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR STARTING SEPTEMBER, 1977.
MR. LAM TAT-LAU, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY) SAID: +THESE CLASSES WILL BE IN SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TOWNS, IN THE NEW ESTATES IN OTHER DEVELOPING AREAS AND IN AREAS WITH SHORTAGES OF AIDED PLACES.
+AS A RESULT OF A GRADUAL MOVEMENT OF POPULATION TO THE NEW AREAS COUPLED WITH A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE APPROPRIATE PRIMARY AGE GROUP, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO PHASE OUT 368 SERIOUSLY UNDER-UTILIZED CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER.+
THIS MEANS A NET REDUCTION OF ONLY 96 CLASSES AND A PLACEMENT SERVICE WILL BE REACTIVATED IN MID-MAY TO HELP TEACHERS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THE REDISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION. THE SERVICE WILL BE HEADED BY MR. TANG YAN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER.
+JUDGING FROM THE SUCCESS OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT TEACHERS FROM CLASSES WHICH CLOSE WILL BE ABSORBED BY SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES ARISING FROM THE OPENING OF NEW CLASSES, RETIREMENT AND OTHER NORMAL WASTAGE,+ MR. LAM SAID. THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL SPONSORS, WHO MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE SUCCESS OF THE SERVICE IN PREVIOUS YEARS, IS AGAIN EXPECTED.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977 9 -
CONTINUING DIALOGUE WITH PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS ******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TONIGHT DESCRIBED AS +VERY IMPORTANT+ THE REGULAR MEETINGS HE HAD WITH THE HONG KONG PRIVATE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION AND THE TWO OTHER MAJOR ASSOCIATIONS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS THROUGH THE PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATIONS ADVISORY BOARD.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID THE SERIOUS DISCUSSION OF IMPORTANT MATTERS WHICH OFTEN RESULTED IN CHANGES FOR THE BETTER GAVE HIM GREAT SATISFACTION.
MR. TOPLEY AGAIN EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE PART PLAYED BY PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND WHICH THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY IN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
+1 LOOK FORWARD TO A CONTINUING DIALOGUE WITH YOUR ASSOCIATION AND YOUR SCHOOLS, A DIALOGUE TO WHICH I ATTACH VERY GREAT IMPORTANCE,* HE SAID.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR. TOPLEY WENT TO ST. CLARE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL WHERE HE OPENED AN EXHIBITION OF STUDY PROJECTS ON THE SCHOOL’S 5OTH ANNIVERSARY.
HE SAID ST. CLARE’S HAD PLAYED A LEADING PART IN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG EVER SINCE ITS FOUNDATION IN 1926 BY THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THE PAST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SCHOOL +WILL PROVIDE THE SPUR TO GREATER THINGS IN THE FUTURE THAT LIES AHEAD*.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KOWLOON WALK FOR A MILLION ******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE KOWLOON +WALK FOR A MILLION* WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 6).
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, LEI YUE MUN ROAD BETWEEN JUNK BAY ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD, KAI TIN ROAD BETWEEN LEI YU MUN ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD, AND JUNK BAY ROAD BETWEEN KAI TIN ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON SUNDAY.
PO LAM ROAD, THE UNNAMED LINK ROAD BETWEEN SAU MAU PING ROAD AND ANDERSON ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF ANDERSON ROAD BETWEEN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED LINK ROAD AND PO LAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF JUNK BAY ROAD FROM LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO SAU MAU PING ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED MOTORISTS IN RENNIE’S MILL, KO CHIU ROAD, SHUNG SHUN STREET, KO FAI ROAD, CHA KWO LING ROAD, YAU TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND TO GIVE WAY TO PARTICIPANTS OF THE WALK.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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MID-LEVEL +BUS ONLY* LANES OPERATION HOURS TO BE CHANGED
*****
THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE +BUS ONLY* LANES ALONG CAINE ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD (WESTBOUND) AND PARK ROAD AND ROBINSON ROAD (EASTBOUND) WILL BE CHANGED NEXT WEEK.
THE OPERATION HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 9 P.M. INSTEAD OF 7 A.M. TO 11 P.M.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE CHANGES WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM 7 A.M. ON MONDAY (MARCH 7).
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
11
OPEN DAYS OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
*****
THREE GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL HOLD THEIR OPEN DAYS THIS MONTH.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO SEE STUDENTS AT WORK IN THE WORKSHOPS OF THESE INSTITUTES, THE ADDRESSES OF WHICH AND THE OPENING HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWSs-
NAME
DATE AND TIME
MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI)
KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG)
KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (25 HIU MING STREET, KWUN TONG)
MARCH 6, FROM 2 P.M. TO 6 P.M.
MARCH 13 TO 18, FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
MARCH 25, FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 6 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENTS COVERED.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 1977
12
LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION IN TSUEN WAN ******
A DESIGN COMPETITION ON 200 LANTERNS IS BEING ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AS AN ACTIVITY TO MARK THE LANTERN FESTIVAL.
THE 200 LANTERNS, PRODUCED BY THE LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS, WILL BE PUT UP FOR JUDGING AT A DISPLAY TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO STREET, TSUEN WAN.
THE TOWN OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. BENJAMIN TANG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISPLAY WHICH STARTS AT 7.30 P.M.
DURING THE DISPLAY, WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN ON SUNDAY EVENING, A PANEL OF JUDGES WILL DECIDE ON THE BEST DESIGNED LANTERNS AND THE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE CULTURAL INTEREST PROMOTION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE DISPLAY AND COMPETITION.
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FIRING PRACTICE ******
FIRING PRACTICE ON CASTLE PEAK RANGE, PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 7, HAS BEEN CANCELLED, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW RULES INTRODUCED TO RECOGNISE HOLDERS OF OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCES .......................................... 1
LAST YEAR WAS THE BUSIEST YEAR EVER FOR FIREMEN ........... 2
TAI PO’S POPULATION TO MUSHROOM............................ 3
WATER CUT IN ABERDEEN ..................................... 3
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO ATTEND CONFERENCE IN ACCRA .... 4
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1977
- 1
NEW RULES ON OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCES ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED REVISED RULES REGARDING THE DIRECT ISSUE OF FULL HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCES TO HOLDERS OF OVERSEAS DRIVING LICENCES.
FROM MONDAY (MARCH 7) THE HOLDERS OF DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED IN COUNTRIES WHERE IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE DRIVING TESTS CONDUCTED BY THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED ARE OF A COMPARABLE STANDARD TO THOSE IN HONG KONG MAY BE GRANTED A FULL HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE WITHOUT A TEST AFTER COMPLETING THE NECESSARY FORMALITIES AND ON PAYMENT OF THE PRESCRIBED FEES.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE REVISED POLICY THE PREVIOUS DISTINCTION MADE BETWEEN THOSE APPLICANTS WHO HOLD OVERSEAS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND THOSE WHO HOLD HONG KONG DOCUMENTS HAS BEEN ABOLISHED.
THE OVERSEAS LICENCES THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED INITIALLY IN THE NEW SCHEME INCLUDE THOSE ISSUED IN BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CANADA, MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN AND A NUMBER OF WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES BUT OTHER COUNTRIES WOULD BE ADDED AS APPROPRIATE TO THE APPROVED LIST AS INFORMATION ON THEIR DRIVING TEST STANDARDS IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THEIR ACCEPTABILITY.
IN SOME CASES, WHERE APPLICANTS ARE UNABLE TO FURNISH ADEQUATE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO REFER BACK TO THE OVERSEAS ISSUING AUTHORITY CONCERNED FOR VERIFICATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS POLICY CHANGE HAD BEEN DECIDED LAST YEAR AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH UMELCO ARISING FROM COMPLAINTS FROM HOLDERS OF HONG KONG PASSPORTS.
THE CHANGE HAD BEEN FORECAST BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN ANSWER TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTION ASKED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER ON APRIL 27 LAST YEAR.
IT WILL AVOID FURTHER ADDITIONS TO THE LONG WAITING LIST FOR DRIVING TESTS AND WILL HELP THE INCREASING NUMBER OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO BECOME QUALIFIED DRIVERS IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND WISH TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WHEN THEY RETURN.
HE ADDED THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS AT ANY TIME DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS HELD A LICENCE ISSUED BY ONE OF THE COUNTRIES ON THE APPROVED LIST COULD NOW APPLY FOR A HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE WITHOUT TEST. THIS INCLUDED THOSE WHO NOW MEET THE REQUIREMENTS BUT WHOSE APPLICATIONS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REJECTED FOR NOT BEING IN POSSESSION OF AN OVERSEAS TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1977
2
1976 — BUSIEST YEAR FOR FIREMEN ******
1976 WAS THE BUSIEST YEAR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS EVER EXPERIENCED.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY, THE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 9,383 FIRE CALLS DURING THE YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 27 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
OF THE TOTAL, 2,454 WERE GRASS FIRES, 1,184 DOMESTIC FIRES, 484 VEHICLE FIRES AND 23 SHIP FIRES. THERE WERE 394 FIRES ASSOCIATED WITH FACTORIES AND 112 WITH FACTORIES IN DOMESTIC PREMISES.
FORTY-TWO PEOPLE DIED AS A RESULT OF FIRE AND 587, INCLUDING 41 FIREMEN, WERE INJURED. IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 720 PEOPLE WERE RESCUED BY FIREMEN FROM FIRES AND OTHER CALAMITIES AND HUNDREDS MORE WERE LED TO SAFETY FROM POTENTIAL DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
JANUARY WAS THE BUSIEST MONTH FOR FIREMEN WHEN 1,454 FIRES OF VARIOUS MAGNITUDE WERE DEALT WITH, FOLLOWED BY NOVEMBER WITH 1,068 FIRES.
THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE PATTERN OF CAUSES OF FIRES LAST YEAR. CARELESSNESS IN THE HANDLING OR DISPOSAL OF LIGHTED CIGARETTES, MATCHES AND JOSS-STICKS (3,433 CALLS) AND DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL UNITS (1,632 CALLS) ACCOUNTED FOR ALMOST 54 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CAUSES.
OTHER COMMON CAUSES OF FIRES INCLUDED OVERTURNED KEROSENE STOVES AND OIL LAMPS (344), CHILDREN PLAYING WITH MATCHES (311), UNATTENDED COOKING STOVES, HEATERS AND IRONS (246) AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (172).
THERE WERE 52 CASES OF SUSPECTED ARSON RESULTING IN TEN DEATHS AND 30 PEOPLE BEING INJURED.
DURING THE YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CALLED UPON TO DEAL WITH 3,574 SPECIAL SERVICE INCIDENTS IN WHICH 316 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 1,349 INJURED.
THESE INCLUDED BRIEF LIFT FAILURES, HANGING, LANDSLIDES, HOUSE COLLAPSES, DROWNING, MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
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/3.....
SAIUKUAT, MARCH b, 197/
- 3 -
POPULATION BOOM IN TAI PO
*****
PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS IN TAI PO WOULD SWELL THE TOWN’S PRESENT POPULATION OF 40,000 TO 100,000 IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
LOOKING EVEN FURTHER AHEAD, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE PLANNED EVENTUAL POPULATION OF TAI PO WAS 220,000 PEOPLE - FIVE AND A HALF TIMES THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN THE TOWN.
IN FACT, HE SAID, THE PROGRESS WAS ALREADY BEING REFLECTED IN PROPERTY VALUES IN TAI PO, WHICH HAVE RISEN 25 PER CENT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.
+THE FACT THAT TAI PO IS RELATIVELY FREE OF CRIME AND HAS A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IS ALSO ATTRACTING MORE AND MORE YOUNG FAMILIES TO THE TOWN,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY IN WHICH HE UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE’S NEW $500,000 TWO-STOREY OFFICE.
HE SAID THE FURTHER LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR TAI PO WOULD BRING GREATER PROSPERITY AND AMENITIES, BUT IT WOULD ALSO BRING DIFFICULTY AND DISRUPTION.
+BUT I AM SURE THAT THIS CAN BE KEPT TO THE MINIMUM AND RESOLVED THROUGH MUTUAL CO-OPERATION AND WE RELY VERY MUCH ON THE RURAL COMMITTEE TO ACHIEVE THIS,* HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, SINCE IT WAS FORMED IN 1959, HAD MADE SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS IMPROVING THE WAY OF LIFE OF THE PEOPLE OF TAI PO.
+NOW BECAUSE OF THE VAST DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE TAKING PLACE IN TAI PO, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE COMMITTEE SHOULD HAVE AN OFFICE OF ITS OWN.
+1 BELIEVE THAT WITH THE OPENING OF THIS OFFICE, THE RURAL COMMITTEE WILL PROVIDE AN EVEN GREATER SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN ABERDEEN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. FROM MONDAY (MARCH 7) TO ENABLE STAFF OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A FRESH WATER TEE AT TIN WAN STREET AT THE JUNCTION OF SHEK PAI WAN ROAD.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TIN WAN HILL ROAD, KA WO STREET, TIN WAN CLOSE, TANG FUNG STREET, NOS. 43-103 SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, NOS. 1-20 TIN WAN STREET AND NO. 25 HING WO STREET.
0 - -
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1977 - 4 -
TOPLEY TO ATTEND SEVENTH COMMONWEALTH EDUCATION CONFERENCE ******
HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT THE SEVENTH COMMONWEALTH EDUCATION CONFERENCE IN ACCRA, GHANA, FROM MARCH 8 TO 18 BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.
THE DIRECTOR WILL BE PARTICIPATING AS A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION FOLLOWING PAST PRACTICE.
BEFORE HE LEAVES BY AIR FOR ROME TOMORROW EVENING ON HIS WAY TO ACCRA, MR. TOPLEY WILL LEAD THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TEAM IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S +WALK FOR A MILLION* IN KOWLOON ON SUNDAY MORNING.
DURING MR. TOPLEY’S ABSENCE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. COLVYN HAYE, WILL ACT AS DIRECTOR.
THE CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DELEGATES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND TO REVIEW COMMONWEALTH CO-OPERATION IN EDUCATION.
THE MINISTERS WILL JOIN THEIR DELEGATIONS AT THE START OF THE SECOND WEEK DURING WHICH THE CONFERENCE THEME - +THE ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION* - WILL BE DISCUSSED.
PREVIOUS CONFERENCES WERE HELD IN KINGSTON, JAMAICA (1974) CANBERRA (1971), LAGOS (1968), OTTAWA (1964), NEW DELHI (1962) AND OXFORD (1959).
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FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE ON CASTLE PEAK RANGE BETWEEN 8.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON MARCH 10 (THURSDAY).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF THE PRACTICE.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1977
KAI TAK AIRPORT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
*****
SAFETY MEASURES EMPLOYED AT KAI TAK AIRPORT FOR THE BENEFIT OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL AIRCRAFT ARE OF AN EXTREMELY HIGH STANDARD AND ARE AMONGST THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
IN PARALLEL WITH MANY OTHER MAJOR AIRPORTS IN THE PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE FACILITIES FOR THE SAFE LANDING AND TAKE OFF OF AIRCRAFT, THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT CONFORM TO THE CODES OF PRACTICE AND REGULATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITIES.
ONE SUCH STEP TAKEN IS THE PROVISION OF RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES OPERATED BY THE AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT WHICH PROVIDES A HIGHLY TRAINED UNIT OF PERSONNEL, EQUIPPED WITH A SOPHISTICATED RANGE OF EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE ANY INCIDENT WHICH MAY OCCUR TO BE DEALT WITH SPEEDILY, EFFECTIVELY AND COMPETENTLY.
THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, MR. KEN SMITH, SAID THAT THE PRESENCE OF THE CONTINGENT DID NOT MEAN THAT THE AIRPORT WAS UNSAFE.
+A FIRE CONTINGENT IS ONE OF THE VITAL UNITS THAT HAVE TO BE STANDING BY AT ANY AIRPORT, EVEN THE SAFEST ON EARTH.
+OUR RESCUE AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT IS NOT ONLY SOPHISTICATED AND OF HIGH STANDARD, IT ALSO MEETS THE REQUIREMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION,* HE SAID.
THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OF THE AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT, MR. HARRY WORTHINGTON, EXPLAINS THE OPERATION OF HIS UNIT.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OPERATIONAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRPORT FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE RESTS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, ALTHOUGH ITS PERSONNEL ARE PROVIDED AND ADMINISTERED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTINGENT HAS A COMBINED MARINE AND LAND ESTABLISHMENT OF 120 PERSONNEL WHO ARE REQUIRED TO ENGAGE IN A WIDE VARIETY OF TRAINING EXERCISE EVERY DAY TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARED TO COPE WITH ANY EMERGENCY WHICH MAY ARISE.
THE CONTINGENT IS DEPLOYED AT TWO FIRE STATIONS SITUATED AT EITHER END OF THE RUNWAY, WHICH ENSURES A MINIMUM ATTENDANCE TIME TO INCIDENTS. BOTH STATIONS HAVE DIRECT COMMUNICATION FACILITIES WITH THE AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER TO ENSURE RAPID TRANSFERENCE OF INFORMATION FROM AND TO THE SITE OF THE INCIDENT.
/THERE ARE .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1977
2
THERE ARE TEN FIRST-LINE APPLIANCES WHICH INCLUDE FOAM TENDERS, DRY POWER TENDERS, AND A RESCUE VESSEL. IF THERE IS ANY NEED FOR REINFORCING APPLIANCES, THESE ARE READILY AVAILABLE FROM THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND.
FOR AN INCIDENT OCCUR ING IN THE SEA SURROUNDING THE RUNWAY, A SEA RESCUE VESSEL IS PERMANENTLY ON STATION AND CAN BE DISPATCHED WITHIN SECONDS TO AN INCIDENT. IT IS ADDITIONALLY EQUIPPED WITH FACILITIES FOR NON-AMBULANT CASUALTIES.
THIS ENABLES COMFORT AND FIRST AID TREATMENT TO BE GIVEN PRIOR TO DESPATCH TO HOSPITAL SHOULD THIS BE NECESSARY.
THERE ARE ALSO TWO INFLATABLE RUBBER CRAFT FITTED WITH HIGH-POWERED OUTBOARD ENGINES WHICH ARE EXTREMELY USEFUL IN SEA RESCUE WORK BY VIRTUE OF THEIR SPEED AND MANOEUVRABILITY.
MEMBERS OF THE CONTINGENT WORK SET SHIFTS TO ENABLE A 24-HOUR AVAILABILITY OF RESCUE FACILITIES.
TRAINING GIVEN INCLUDES COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING EXERCISES, THEORETICAL LECTURES, INSTRUCTIONAL FILM SHOWS, EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNIQUE OF AIRCRAFT FIREFIGHTING AND RIGOROUS PHYSICAL TRAINING. AT REGULAR INTERVALS SIMULATED FIRE SITUATIONS ARE PREPARED TO ACCUSTOM PERSONNEL TO HOT FIRE CONDITIONS.
COMMUNICATION EXERCISES WITH THE AIRPORT CONTROL TOWER ARE ALSO A REGULAR TRAINING FEATURE.
SHOULD A REQUIREMENT ARISE, DIVERS ARE AVAILABLE. THEY ARE TRAINED REGULARLY TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD.
+THE CRITERION OF ANY AIRPORT FIRE UNIT IS TO REACH AN INCIDENT IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME, WITH A WELL EQUIPPED AND HIGHLY TRAINED CREW, AND TO DEAL COMPETENTLY WITH ANY SITUATION,* MR. WORTHINGTON SAID. +AND WE, AT KAI TAK FIRE CONTINGENT, ARE INTENSELY PROUD KNOWING WE CAN ACHIEVE THIS.
+WE ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE LOOK-OUT FOR ANY EQUIPMENT EMBODYING NEWER TECHNIQUES IN FIREFIGHTING AND TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE LATEST TRAINING METHODS. WE ALSO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH OTHER AIRPORT AUTHORITIES AND IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS OFFICERS ARE SENT OVERSEAS TO STUDY NEW METHODS,* HE SAID.
THROUGHOUT 1976 THE CONTINGENT WAS ALERTED ON 204 OCCASIONS, QF WHICH 94 WERE RELATED TO BAD WEATHER AND 110 TO AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS, MOSTLY OF A MINOR NATURE.
MR. WORTHINGTON ADDED THAT THE CHANCE OF A MAJOR AIRCRAFT INCIDENT OCCURRING IS EXTREMELY UNLIKELY. +BUT, SHOULD THIS HIGHLY (MIKELY EVENT OCCUR, THE KAI TAK FIRE CONTINGENT CAN SAY WITH confidence THAT WE ARE READY.*
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1977
- 3
RECORD PRINT-RUN FOR NEW YEARBOOK
* * * * *
THE NEW GOVERNMENT YEARBOOK — HONG KONG 1977 — GOES ON SALE TOMORROW (MONDAY) WITH MORE THAN 130 COLOUR PICTURES, FRESH MAPS AND A VARIETY OF OTHER NEW FEATURES IN BOTH THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS.
FOR MANY YEARS A BEST SELLER, THE BOOK IS PRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THIS YEAR A RECORD NUMBER OF 35,000 COPIES ARE BEING PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER. THE PRICE REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $15.
THE FIRST CHAPTER THIS YEAR IS A REVIEW OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, ILLUSTRATED BY COLOUR CHARTS. THE CHAPTER SHOWS HOW THE POPULATION EXPLOSION AND OTHER FACTORS CAUSED HONG KONG TO EXPAND FROM ENTREPOT TO INDUSTRIAL PRODUCER, AND HOW THE PRESENT-DAY FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCENE HAS EVOLVED FROM A CHANGEOVER THAT WAS ORIGINALLY DICTATED BY NECESSITY.
IN THE OTHER 21 CHAPTERS ARE THOUSANDS OF THE MOST UP-TO-DATE GENERAL FACTS AND FIGURES ON HONG KONG, RANGING FROM THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED BY DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE NUMBER OF GOATS SLAUGHTERED AT THE ABBATOIRS OR THE NUMBER OF CONCERTS HELD AT THE CITY HALL DURING THE YEAR. IT IS A DETAILED WORK OF REFERENCE THAT IS A PACESETTER IN ITS FIELD IN THAT IT PRESENTS THE INFORMATION IN A READABLE FORM WHICH IS ENLIVENED BY THE SECTIONS OF COLOUR PICTURES. THE LAYOUT OF THESE SECTIONS HAS BEEN CHANGED IN THIS EDITION AND A DIFFERENT STYLE OF TYPE HAS BEEN USED FOR THEIR HEADINGS — AND THE CHAPTER HEADINGS -- IN ORDER TO GIVE THE BOOK A NEW LOOK.
FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING, THE BOOK WAS AGAIN EDITED BY JOYCE SAVIDGE, A SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER WITH GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, AND IT WAS DESIGNED BY ARTHUR HACKER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR WITH GIS. THE CHINESE EDITION WAS PRODUCED BY A TEAM OF TRANSLATORS FROM HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEADED BY PAULINE LEE. ALL THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN BY GIS PHOTOGRAPHERS.
THE NEW MAPS — AT THE BEGINNING AND THE END — WERE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THIS EDITION BY CARTOGRAPHERS AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. THEY FOLLOW THE LATEST THINKING IN MODERN MAP PRODUCTION AND THE RELIEF MAP AT THE FRONT OF THE BOOK WAS DESIGNED BY YOUNG CARTOGRAPHERS WHO HAD RECENTLY RETURNED FROM STUDYING CARTOGRAPHY IN THE NETHERLANDS.
HONG KONG 1977 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE. DURING THE WEEK IT WILL GO ON SALE AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND LEADING BOOKSHOPS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 6, 1977
SURVEY ON H.K.’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1977 *****
A RECENT SURVEY ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS SHOWED THAT THE OVERALL OVERSEAS DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1977.
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WAS DESIGNED TO COLLECT OPINIONS FROM MANUFACTURERS ON THE BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THIS YEAR.
THE STUDY COVERED 752 ESTABLISHMENTS EACH OF WHICH ENGAGED 20 OR MORE PERSONS. THEY WERE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM 10 MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND WITH EMPHASIS ON LARGER CONCERNS.
MANUFACTURERS WERE OPTIMISTIC ON THE UNITED STATES MARKET, THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN REAL DEMAND BEING 14 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR. MARKET PROSPECTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM APPEARED LESS FAVOURABLE AND THE VOLUME OF EXPORTS TO THIS DESTINATION MIGHT REGISTER A DECLINE. ON THE OTHER HAND, PROSPECTIVE SALES TO WEST GERMANY WOULD PROBABLY REMAIN AT ROUGHLY THE SAME LEVEL AS THAT OF 1976.
MOST MANUFACTURERS WERE APPARENTLY NOT INCLINED TO RAISE THEIR PRICE QUOTATIONS BEYOND A SMALL MARGIN. CONCURRENTLY, MANUFACTURERS DID NOT FORESEE ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PRICES OF MOST RAW MATERIALS OR IN WAGE RATES.
AS REGARDS INVESTMENT, THE INCREASE IN PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND FACTORY SPACE PLANNED FOR 1977 WOULD PROBABLY BE LESS THAN THAT ACHIEVED IN 1976. NEVERTHELESS, THE EXPECTED RATE OF 11 PER CENT FOR EXPANSION IN PRODUCTION CAPACITY AND EIGHT PER CENT IN FACTORY SPACE WERE STILL IMPRESSIVE. '
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION (TEL. 5-444734) OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
- - o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NOS.
CROWN LAND SALES WITHIN NEXT SEVEN MONTHS ................... 1
EXHIBITION ON SAFE WORKING OF MACHINES ORGANISED BY LABOUR
DEPARTMENT .................................................. 2
MORE EXHIBITIONS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN NEW TERRITORIES ................................................. 3
A QUARTER OF A MILLION PREMISES INSPECTED LAST YEAR FOR FIRE SAFETY ................................................. 4
TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE INTERRUPTED ON SUNDAY FOR ESSENTIAL
WORKS ........................................................ 5
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG CHUK HANG .................. 5
DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY ... 6
HING WAH ESTATE HAS NEW DAY NURSERY ......................... 6
WATER INTERRUPTION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ...................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
1
CROWN LANDS SALE
*****
MORE THAN 105,800 SQUARE METRES OF CROWN LAND WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE DURING THE NEXT SEVEN MONTHS BY THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.
THIS WILL COMPRISE 76,526 SQ. M. OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LAND, 21,062 SQ. M. OF NON-1NDUSTRI AL LAND, 6,156 SQ. M. OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AND 2,050 SQ. M. OF LAND FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT AND MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS.
MR. IVOR STANTON, THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF LANDS AND SURVEY, SAID TODAY THREE OF THE LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 7,440 SQ. M. WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL TOMORROW.
+THIS INCLUDES A SITE OF ABOUT 2,600 SQ. M. IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AREA FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING SHOP, OFFICE, HOTEL OR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS,+ HE SAID.
THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST SITE IS THE FOURTH OF A NUMBER OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SITES IN THE AREA TO BE SOLD BY THE LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.
OTHER LOTS TO BE SOLD AT TOMORROW’S AUCTION INCLUDE A 2,517 SQ. M. PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOT OFF CAPE ROAD IN CHUNG HOM KOK, AND AN INDUSTRIAL SITE OF ABOUT 2,323 SQ. M. AT AH KUNG NGAM ROAD IN SHAU KEI WAN.
MR. STANTON SAID THAT FOUR OTHER LOTS WOULD BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION ON MARCH 18, COMPRISING 12,837 SQ. M. OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LAND AND 2,634 SQ. M. FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.
BOTH OF THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOTS ARE LOCATED IN CHUNG HOM KOK — ONE OF THEM OCCUPYING SLIGHTLY OVER 10,000 SQ. M. OFF CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD.
ONE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SITES IS LOCATED AT AH KUNG NGAM IN SHAU KEI WAN AND THE OTHER OFF SZE SHAN STREET IN SAM KA TSUEN, KOWLOON.
ANOTHER 29 SITES ARE INCLUDED IN THE LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT’S SALES FORECAST FOR THE SIX MONTHS BEGINNING APRIL 1.
THESE INCLUDE 61,172 SQ. M. FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, 18,462 SQ. M. FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USE, 2,050 SQ. M. FOR PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT AND MULTI-STOREY CARPARK DEVELOPMENT, AND 1,200 SQ. M. FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
DATES OF SALE WILL BE ADVERTISED IN THE NEWSPAPERS AND IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AT A LATER STAGE.
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/2......
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
2
OPENING OF MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO STAGE A LARGE SCALE EXHIBITION TO SHOW FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS HOW TO GUARD AGAINST DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WORKING OF MACHINERY.
THE 1O-DAY EXHIBITION AT THE SOUTHERN CONCOURSE OF THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM, HIGHLIGHTS THE NEW FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1.
IT WILL BE OPENED BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, ON FRIDAY (MARCH 11).
THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE A WIDE RANGE OF MACHINE GUARDS AND SAFE OPERATING METHODS. THERE WILL BE WORKING MODELS, DEMONSTRATIONS, FILMS AND SLIDE SHOWS.
COMMENTING ON THE STAGING OF THE EXHIBITION, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. DAVID LIN, SAID THERE HAD BEEN A GROWING CONCERN WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE INCREASINGLY HEAVY TOLL OF ACCIDENTS AT WORK IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID: +IN 1976, 12 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND NEARLY 10,000 WERE INJURED BY POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY ALONE.
+BECAUSE OF THE USE OF UNGUARDED OR INADEQUATELY GUARDED MACHINES WE LOSE ON AVERAGE THE LIFE OF ONE WORKER EVERY MONTH IN ADDITION TO 27 WORKERS BEING INJURED EVERY DAY.
+IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THESE APPALLING FIGURES, GOVERNMENT ENACTED THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS LAST AUGUST TO SAFEGUARD PEOPLE WORKING AT AND OPERATING MACHINES OR PLANTS.
+1 CANNOT OVER EMPHASISE THE DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WORKING WITH UNGUARDED OR INADEQUATELY GUARDED MACHINERY. THESE MACHINES CAN MAIM OR EVEN KILL.+ HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY, EXCEPT ON THE FIRST DAY WHEN IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. ADMISSION IS FREE.
INVITATION LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS, TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, WORKERS UNIONS AS WELL AS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING SCHOOLS.
DURING THE EXHIBITION, OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO OFFER INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MACHINERY GUARDING AND A SPECIALLY PRODUCED HANDBOOK ON THE GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE.
SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS OF THE EXHIBITION CAN ALSO BE ARRANGED FOR WORKER GROUPS BY REQUEST; MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE (TEL. NO. 3-689458).
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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
- 3 -
MORE MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IN N.T.
******
THREE MORE MOBILE EXHIBITIONS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WILL BE STAGED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THIS MONTH.
. THESE FOLLOW THE SUCCESSFUL SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS HELD IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES IN JANUARY WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 7,600 PEOPLE.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE EXHIBITIONS IS TO BRING HOME TO RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES THE CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.
ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL TOUCH ON, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE GENERATION GAP, FAMILY PLANNING, THE CHOICE OF CAREERS, WAYS TO HANDLE PROBLEM CHILDREN, AND HOW WORKING MOTHERS SHOULD LOOK AFTER THEIR CHILDREN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE EXHIBITIONS IN JANUARY AT LEI MUK SHUE AND YUEN LONG DREW THE KEENEST RESPONSE FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WITH 4,150 AND 2,200 VISITORS RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THE EXHIBITIONS AT SHEK LEI, FAN LING AND SHEUNG SHU I WERE ATTENDED BY A TOTAL OF ABOUT 1,300 PEOPLE.
+T0 CO—INC IDE WITH THESE EXHIBITIONS, THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ORGANISED THREE FAMILY OUTINGS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO THE OCEAN PARK UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE PARK,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THESE OUTINGS, AIMED AT FOSTERING BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN, BROUGHT HAPPY MEMORIES TO 225 UNDERPRIVILEGED OR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WHO ARE UNDER THE CARE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THIS MONTH, THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CASTLE PEAK SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, LUTHERAN YOUTH CENTRE IN LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN AND AT LIONS YOUTH CENTRE IN TA I PO.
+DURING THESE EXHIBITIONS, A SOCIAL WORKER WILL BE ON TO ANSWER QUERIES IN CONNECTION WITH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROBLEMS OF INDIVIDUALS OR THEIR FAMILIES,* THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED.
THE PROJECT IS A JOINT EFFORT OF 13 SCHOOLS AND WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IS CO-ORDINATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
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AT THE THE
HAND AND
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
4
F.S.D. INSPECTS SOME 250,000 PREMISES LAST YEAR ******
THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT MADE NEARLY 250,000 INSPECTIONS OF ALL TYPES OF PREMISES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IN 1976, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY.
THE FIGURE (247,467) WAS 54 PER CENT UP OVER THE TOTAL FOR
1975.
COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTED FOR ALMOST 60 PER CENT OF THE INSPECTIONS, WITH 120,313 RELATING TO MEANS OF ESCAPE AND 27,050 CONCERNING VARIOUS OTHER HAZARDS.
APART FROM INVESTIGATING THESE COMPLAINTS, STAFF OF THE BUREAU CARRIED OUT 12,950 REGULAR VISITS TO BUILDINGS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR EXITS WERE FREE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS.
DURING THE YEAR, MORE THAN 53,400 INSPECTIONS OF FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES AND 7,530 INSPECTIONS OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY WERE UNDERTAKEN.
INSPECTIONS RELATED TO THE MANUFACTURE AND STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS TOTALLED 7,287.
THERE WERE CLOSE TO 13,100 VISITS RELATED TO RESTAURANTS, NIGHT CLUBS, SCHOOLS, FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, CINEMAS, DANCE HALLS, TIMBER YARDS AND NEON SIGNS.
ALTOGETHER 174 FIRES WERE INVESTIGATED IN DEPTH BY FIRE OFFICERS.
OVER 1,940 INSPECTIONS WERE MADE ON VEHICLES USED FOR CONVEYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND 1,920 INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT ON CHILD CARE CENTRES.
THE NUMBER OF PLANS RECEIVED AND PROCESSED IN RESPECT OF NEW BUILDING PROJECTS WAS 7,544.
OFFICERS OF THE BUREAU CONDUCTED 162 FIRE PREVENTION LECTURES ON THE RUDIMENTS OF FIRE FIGHTING FOR STUDENTS AS WELL AS STAFF OF PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD, 9,705 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WERE ISSUED AND 1,874 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT RESULTING IN FINES AMOUNTING TO OVER $1.05 MILLION BEING IMPOSED IN RESPECT OF VARIOUS CONTRAVENTIONS OF FIRE REGULATIONS.
0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
5
TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION OF TRAIN SERVICES
*****
RAIL SERVICES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE WHOLE DAY ON MARCH 13 (SUNDAY) TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF A SECOND RAILWAY TRACK NORTH OF BEACON HILL TUNNEL, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HOWEVER, SERVICES NORTH OF SHA TIN WILL OPERATE NORMALLY ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE.
MR. REGINALD GREGORY, GENERAL-MANAGER OF KCR, SAID TODAY THE SUSPENSION WAS NECESSARY AS A BRIDGE WHICH CARRIED THE RAILWAY HAD TO BE MOVED FROM ITS EXISTING POSITION TO A LOCATION ALONGSIDE, ONTO THE ALIGNMENT OF THE NEW TRACK.
MEANWHILE, THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL STRENGTHEN ITS BUS SERVICES TO AND FROM SHA TIN ON THAT DAY TO MEET THE DEMAND OF PASSENGERS.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG CHUK HANG
*****
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN WONG CHUK HANG FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 9).
ON THAT DAY, YIP FAT STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND AND THE SECTION OF HEUNG YIP ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH YIP FAT STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN YIP FAT STREET AND HEUNG YIP ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND AND THE UNNAMED ROAD ADJOINING THE EASTERN SECTION OF YIP FAT STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/6
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
- 6 -
MEET THE MEDIA * * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (MARCH 10), STARTING AT 3 P.M.
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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SWEETMAN TO OPEN DAY NURSERY * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN. WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HING WAH DAY NURSERY ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 9) AT 3.30 P.M.
THE NURSERY, OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IS SITUATED ON THE ROOF TOP OF ON HING HOUSE OF THE HING WAH ’ ESTATE, CHAI WAN.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1977
7
WATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 9) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE NOS. 20-62 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, NOS. 1-21D AND 2-44 STANLEY STREET, NOS. 1-49 AND 2-76 WELLINGTON STREET, AND NOS. 1-31B AND 2-16 WYNDHAM STREET.
PREMISES ON D’AGUILAR STREET, WO ON LANE, LAN KWAI FONG, ON HING STREET AND ON LAN STREET WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER $38 MILLION SALARIES GRANT TO ASSISTED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ........................................ 1
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ................................. 1
TWO NEW ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES TO BE DELIVERED TO K.C.R. ON FRIDAY ............................................... 2
P.W.D. CHIEF TECHNICIAN RETIRES AFTER 28 YEARS SERVICE . 3
WATER CUT IN YUEN LONG .................................. 4
’’LUCKY” CAR NUMBERS UP FOR SALE ....................... 4
BUS COMPANIES CARRIED RECORD NUMBER OF PASSENGERS IN 1976 ..................................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
1
$38.4 MILLION FOR SALARIES GRANT TO ASSISTED PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS M M M
THE SALARIES OF ALL APPROVED TEACHERS IN THE 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AT THE START OF A FURTHER STAGE OF THE PHASED CONVERSION OF THESE SCHOOLS TO FULLY SUBSIDISED STATUS UNDER THE CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE PROVISION OF $38,422,000 HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE 1977-78 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE TO MEET THIS COMMITMENT.
AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE TO TEACHERS IN THESE ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS IS 75 PER CENT OF EACH TEACHER’S ACTUAL SALARY ENTITLEMENT. THE REMAINING 25 PER CENT IS PAID BY THE SCHOOL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DRAFT ESTIMATES ALSO PROVIDED FOR EXPENDITURE OF $3,207,000 AS CAPITATION GRANT FOR THE 36 SCHOOLS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
HE SAID THAT THE FINAL STAGE OF THE PHASED CONVERSION WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1978, WHEN THE SCHOOLS WILL BE GIVEN ALL THE OTHER GRANTS UNDER THE CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE CONVERSION SCHEME WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON DECEMBER 18, 1974.
------ 0_---------
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED X M *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON JULY 8, 1976 ON TANG LUNG-BIU, NGA I WAI-WOON ALIAS NG WAI AND LI SHING ALIAS LI CHUEN-MAN SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN EACH CASE.
ALL OF THEM WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LI CHEUK-KWAI.
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/2
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
- 2 -
SHIPMENT OF TWO LOCOMOTIVES DUE ON FRIDAY ft ft ft ft ft
A SHIPMENT OF TWO NEW DIESEL ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ON FRIDAY (MARCH 11).
THE AMERICAN-MADE LOCOMOTIVES WILL BE UNLOADED IN THE HARBOUR AND TRANSPORTED BY A BARGE TO THE KOWLOON TERMINUS (HUNG HOM) FROM WHERE A FLOATING CRANE WILL BE USED TO LIFT THEM TO THE RAILWAY SIDING.
THE LOCOMOTIVES, EACH OF WHICH IS OF 2,000 HORSE POWER, ARE GENERALLY SIMILAR TO THE LAST LOCOMOTIVE BOUGHT FROM THE SAME AMERICAN MANUFACTURER IN 1974. THEY WILL TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF THE TWO DIESEL ONES PURCHASED IN 1954.
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KCR, MR. REGINALD GREGORY, SAID THE NEW LOCOMOTIVES WOULD HAVE A MORE SPACIOUS CABIN FOR THE DRIVING CREW AND THE FACILITY OF ENABLING A DRIVER OF ONE UNIT TO CONTROL THE SECOND.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THEY HAD BIGGER FUEL TANKS AND FASTER ACCELERATION.
+THEIR WEIGHT HAS BEEN INCREASED TO 98 TONS TO ENSURE THAT THE GREATEST PROPORTION OF THE AVAILABLE HORSE POWER OF THE LOCOMOTIVES CAN BE USED UNDER SLIPPERY CONDIT IONS,+ HE POINTED OUT.
HE ADDED THAT TO IMPROVE THE UTILISATION OF THE LOCOMOTIVES, AND THOSE OF A SIMILAR TYPE, A SPARE BOGIE WAS ALSO BEING SUPPLIED WHICH WOULD ENABLE REPAIRS TO TAKE PLACE ON A UNIT EXCHANGE BASIS AND SO REDUCE THE TIME A LOCOMOTIVE NEEDS TO BE OUT OF ACTION UNDER REPAIR.
MR. GREGORY SAID AFTER THE UNITS HAD LANDED AT THE TERMINUS, THEY WOULD BE TAKEN TO THE RAILWAY WORKSHOPS AT HO TUNG LAU AND ’ WOULD BE CHECKED TO ENSURE THAT +THEY ARE COMPLETE AND SAFE TO OPERATE AND, AFTER A FEW DAYS TRIAL RUNNING IN NORMAL SERVICE, WILL BE MORE FULLY INTRODUCED INTO OPERATION WHEN A NEW TIMETABLE IS INTRODUCED LATER THIS MONTH.+
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE DELIVERY OF THE LOCOMOTIVES. HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD FIRST TELEPHONE THE STATION MASTER (TEL. 3-646321 EXT. 234) ON THAT DAY (MARCH 11) TO FIND OUT THE APPROXIMATE TIME OF THE DELIVERY.
TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
- 3 -
CHIEF TECHNICIAN OF P.W.D. RETIRING
* * * M * *
MR. CHU SHEUNG-KWAN, CHIEF TECHNICIAN OF THE MAINTENANCE BRANCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, WILL RETIRE LATER THIS YEAR AFTER 28 YEARS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS HE HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG CENTRAL DISTRICT INCLUDING GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
MR. CHU FIRST JOINED THE P.W.D. IN JUNE 1948 AS A FOREMAN III AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PROMOTED TO FOREMAN I I AND LATER TO FOREMAN I.
HE WAS LATER PROMOTED TO CLERK OF WORKS AND TO HIS PRESENT POST OF CHIEF TECHNICIAN LAST YEAR.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, MR. K.R. BOYCE, THE P.W.D.’S GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE SURVEYOR, WILL PRESENT HIM WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. IT WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE MAINTENANCE BRANCH OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, NEW MERCURY HOUSE, FENWICK STREET, HONG KONG. ■ i
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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
4
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY IN YUEN LONG WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON MARCH 10 (THURSDAY) TO ALLOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN TAI YUK ROAD AND LEI TSEUNG WO’S 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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SPECIAL NUMBERS FOR SALE
* * *
MOTORISTS WILL HAVE A RARE OPPORTUNITY OF PURCHASING A VERY SPECIAL NUMBER AT AN AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MARCH 12).
THE AUCTION OF SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER 10 PLUS FOURTEEN OTHER NUMBERS WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. IN THE LECTURE ROOM (SOUTH) OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK.
THE 14 OTHER NUMBERS WHICH WILL BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ARE s
AK 555 BM 58 AP 2
AP 303 BB 21 BG 2121
BG 80 AT 8 BK 6000
BK 66 4567 BL 8
BK 200 8998
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSE OF BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 1977
- 5 -
BUS COMPANIES CARRY RECORD NUMBER OF PASSENGERS M M M M
THE THREE BUS COMPANIES, THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS, THE CHINA MOTOR BUS AND THE LANTAU BUS COMPANIES, NOW CARRY AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 2.6 MILLION PASSENGERS PER DAY — AN ALL-TIME RECORD.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, THE THREE BUS COMPANIES LAST YEAR CARRIED A TOTAL OF 948.69 MILLION PASSENGERS, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 97.65 MILLION OR ABOUT 11.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC BUS USERS WAS DUE TO + IMPROVED SERVICES AND LARGER OPERATING FLEETS+.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS LAST YEAR CARRIED A RECORD 716.43 MILLION PASSENGERS, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT OVER THE TOTAL FOR 1975.
THE COMPANY NOW HAS A FLEET OF 1,700 BUSES, AN INCREASE OF NINE PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR FIGURE. THE CARRYING CAPACITY HAS RISEN BY 10 PER CENT MAINLY DUE TO THE DELIVERY OF MODERN HIGH-CAPACITY DOUBLE DECKERS.
SOME 200 +JUMBO+ BUSES HAVE BEEN ORDERED AND ARE SCHEDULED FOR DELIVERY THIS YEAR.
LAST YEAR THE COMPANY, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, INTRODUCED 16 NEW BUS ROUTES, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ROUTES OPERATED TO 150. THE NUMBER OF EXPRESS COACH SERVICES INCREASED AND THE 150 ROUTES NOW CARRY OVER 30,000 PASSENGERS PER DAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY CARRIED SOME 230.57 MILLION PASSENGERS, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT OVER 1975.
AS AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THE COMPANY’S FLEET TOTALLED 702 VEHICLES OR AN INCREASE OF 11.6 PER CENT (75 BUSES) OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR. SOME 100 NEW BUSES ARE ON ORDER.
THE 44 BUSES (AN INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR) ON LANTAU ISLAND CARRIED SOME 1.7 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1976, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OVER 1975.
PASSENGER TRAFFIC ON THE ISLAND IS USUALLY HEAVY ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DURING WHICH THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED EXCEEDED THOSE OF WEEKDAYS BY 150 PER CENT.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE REVEALED .... 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN H.K. FASHION SHOW IN TOKYO .................. 2
PREPARATIONS FOR MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION NEARING COMPLETION ................................................... 3
BALANCED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR LANTAU, PENG CHAU AND CHEUNG CHAU .............................................. 4
OVER 316 MILLION SUBSIDY FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES .............. 6
WATER CUT .................................................... 7
NEW AEROGRAMMES ON SALE NEXT WEEK ............................ 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
- 1 -
APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS MAKING PREPARATION TO DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SUBMITTED AFTER THE EXTENDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME COMES INTO OPERATION ON APRIL 1.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AT A DINNER RECEPTION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT KAIFONG ASSOCIATION TONIGHT.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRINCIPLE BEHIND THE EXTENDED SCHEME WAS TO HELP ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE BETWEEN 15 AND 55, WHO WERE WITHOUT WORK, TO QUICKLY BECOME SELF-SUFFICIENT AGAIN AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM DEVELOPING A SENSE OF DEPENDENCY.
HE LISTED THE GENERAL PROCEDURES TO BE EFFECTIVE FROM NEXT MONTH.
THEY ARE:
* APPLICANTS MUST HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR TWO YEARS AND APPLY IN PERSON AT THEIR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT.
* APPLICANTS MUST REGISTER WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITHIN THREE DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF APPLICATION FOR PA.
* APPLICANTS MUST BE FOUND TO BE GENUINELY IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND THEY SHOULD NOT REJECT JOBS ARRANGED FOR THEM BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WITHOUT REASONS.
* IF APPLICANTS FAIL TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR ONE MONTH AFTER THE DATE OF APPLICATION, THEIR MONTHLY ENTITLEMENT WILL START FROM THE FIRST DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH. HOWEVER, ENTITLEMENT OF ASSISTANCE TO MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILIES WILL BEGIN FROM THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
* APPLICANTS MUST RE-AFFIRM THEIR UNEMPLOYMENT STATUS AT THE LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT EVERY MONTH AND RE-REGISTER WITH THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR EMPLOYMENT EVERY THREE MONTHS.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO DISCLOSED THAT A SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM WOULD BE SET UP IN THE DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT THOROUGH AND REGULAR INVESTIGATION ON SOME OF THE CASES IN ORDER TO PREVENT ABUSES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD BEEN DEVISED NOT ONLY TO ENSURE THAT FAMILIES WOULD NOT FALL BELOW A LEVEL NECESSARY FOR BASIC SUBSISTENCE BUT ALSO TO STRENGTHEN THE SAFEGUARD AGAINST ABUSES.
/+AT PRESENT......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
- 2 -
+AT PRESENT, ABOUT 50,000 FAMILIES TOTALLING 130,000 PEOPLE ARE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE EVERY MONTH, THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE 70,000 PEOPLE WHO ARE GETTING THE INFIRMITY AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES,* HE SAID.
THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME HAD, DURING THE PAST SIX YEARS, FULLY DEMONSTRATED ITS VALUE AND EFFECTIVENESS IN HELPING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF POVERTY IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
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GOVERNOR TO OPEN H.K. FASHION SHOW IN TOKYO K * X M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG BY AIR THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 13) FOR TOKYO TO OPEN THE +HONG KONG FASHION COLLECTIONS 1977+ SHOW THERE ON MARCH 14. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE.
THE FASHION SHOW, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WILL BE STAGED AT TOKYO’S IMPERIAL HOTEL AND IS AIMED AT SHOWING THE VERY BEST OF HONG KONG’S TOP FASHION DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TALENT.
ATTENDING THIS MAJOR FASHION PRESENTATION IN TOKYO WILL BE A DELEGATION OF HONG KONG’S LEADING GARMENT MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS WHO WILL SHOW THEIR NEW SAMPLE RANGES DURING THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION AT THE IMPERIAL HOTEL.
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MARCH 15.
THE SHOW IN TOKYO FOLLOWS THE CURRENT READY-TO-WEAR FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG, WHICH NOW IN ITS TENTH YEAR, HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR FASHION GARMENTS. THE LARGEST CONTINGENT OF OVERSEAS BUYERS ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL HERE HAS NORMALLY BEEN FROM JAPAN. IT IS THEREFORE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE FESTIVAL TO JAPAN THIS YEAR.
JAPAN IS THE NINTH LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG EXPORTS OF NON-FUR CLOTHING WITH PURCHASES LAST YEAR TOTALLING MORE THAN $318 MILLION. MOREOVER, IT IS THE TOP BUYERS OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED FUR PRODUCTION WITH LAST YEAR’S PURCHASES AMOUNTING TO ABOUT $97 MILLION.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
1
PREPARATIONS FOR MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION NEARING COMPLETION M * * X K
PREPARATIONS FOR THE MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM ARE WELL IN HAND.
THE EXHIBITION, DUE TO OPEN ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 20 (SUNDAY).
IT WILL HIGHLIGHT THE NEW FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS WHICH COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A WIDE RANGE OF MACHINE GUARDS WORKING MODELS, DEMONSTRATIONS, FILMS AND SLIDE SHOWS.
THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF AN OVERALL CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE GUARDING FOR ALL DANGEROUS MACHINE PARTS IN INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE CASUALTY FIGURES ARISING FROM INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY DR. THE HON S.Y. CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND HON. PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG tcEsEVIungPA.0N FR,DAV <MARCH U> at the kowloon rail
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
- - 0 - -
A
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
BALANCED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR LANTAU, PENG CHAU AND CHEUNG CHAU * * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A PLAN TO GIVE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR REDEVELOPMENT FACELIFT TO THE ISLANDS OF LANTAU, CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. DAVID TSUI, SAID TODAY THAT WORK WAS TO BEGIN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY ON RESHAPING CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO AND TAI 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND AS BALANCED SELF-CONTAINED RURAL TOWNSHIPS.
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS WOULD NOT ENCROACH ON THE NATURAL, PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT OF THE ISLANDS BUT WOULD CONCENTRATE ON IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS PROVIDING AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE FOR THOSE IN THE URBAN AREAS +WHO WEARY OF LIVING IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS*.
MR. TSUI TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE VICTORIA LIONS CLUB THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD EARMARKED MORE THAN $60 MILLION IN THIS YEAR’S ESTIMATES TO COVER THE COSTS OF SITES AND THEIR FORMATION FOR THE PROGRAMME.
MR. TSUI GAVE THIS RUNDOWN ON THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS DRAWN UP BY GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS.
LANTAU • AT MUI WO, WORK IS TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER ON A $20 MILLION PROJECT TO PROVIDE THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH INCLUDES !-
M A $9 MILLION FERRY CONCOURSE INCORPORATING A BUS TERMINAL, TAXI AND PRIVATE CAR RANK, A CAR PARK AND NEW FERRY PIER TO ACCOMMODATE TWO TRIPLE DECK FERRIES.
* COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL SITES NEAR THE FERRY PIER AS WELL AS RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING FOR 1,200 PEOPLE.
MR. TSUI SAID THAT THE PLAN ALSO CALLED FOR PROVISION OF VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING AND WORK SHOP AREAS IN THE MUI WO VALLEY AS WELL AS ROADS AND FOOTPATHS FROM THE FERRY PIER TO THE VALLEY.
+AT TAI 0,+ HE SAID, +WORK WILL BEGIN SOON TO PROVIDE A SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING TO GIVE NEW HOMES TO 3,000 PEOPLE - MOST OF THEM BOAT SQUATTERS AND LAND SQUATTERS LIVING IN UNHYGENIC AND UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS.
MR. TSUI SAID THAT THE COST FOR THE ENGINEERING WORKS WAS ABOUT $22.5 MILLION.
/♦APART FROM .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
5
+APART FROM THESE, SITES WILL ALSO BE FORMED FOR PRIVATE VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT SO THAT TAI 0 CAN EXPAND NATURALLY.
+HAND IN HAND WITH PROVISION OF RURAL HOUSING IS THE NEED TO PROVIDE RELATED COMMUNITY FACILITIES LIKE SCHOOLS, MARKETS, COMMUNITY CENTRES, MINI-SOCCER PITCHES. ALL THESE FACILITIES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE TAI 0 DEVELOPMENT PLAN.+
CHEUNG CHAU i DEVELOPMENT WILL CATER FOR A POPULATION OF 38,000 COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT FIGURE OF ABOUT 30,000.
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL PROVIDE «-
* AN EXTENSIVE RATIONALIZATION OF THE WATERFRONT THROUGH RECLAMATION TO ALLOW THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROMENADE AND A COASTAL ROAD.
* THE SETTING UP OF GREEN BELT AREAS TO PREVENT OVER-DEVELOPMENT.
* RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING OF THREE TO FOUR STOREYS FOR 5,000 PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN SUBSTANDARD CONDITIONS ON THE ISLAND.
* THE PROVISION OF WORK SHOPS AND VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING AREAS SO THAT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES ARE BEING PROVIDED FOR.
MR. TSUI SAID THE FIRST STAGE OF THE CHEUNG CHAU DEVELOPMENT PLAN WOULD START LATER THIS YEAR WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING FOR 1,200 PEOPLE IN THE FIRST STAGE, RECLAMATION FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIES TO RE-ACCOMMODATE THE PRESENT BOAT-BUILDING AND REPAIRING YARDS, A CENTRAL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN AND AN INCINERATOR FOR SOLID WASTE, A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND VILLAGE TYPE HOUSES.
HE SAID THE TOTAL COST OF THE SITE FORMATION WOULD BE AROUND $18.4 MILLION WITH THE SITES READY IN TWO YEARS TIME.
MR. TSUI SAID THAT WHILE PLANS AND FUNDS HAD NOT BEEN FINALLY APPROVED FOR PENG CHAU DEVELOPMENT, IT WOULD BE ALONG SIMILAR LINES TO THAT IN LANTAU AND CHEUNG CHAU.
MR. TSUI SAID : +WHILST THE MAGNITUDE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE RURAL TOWNSHIPS CAN IN NO WAY BE COMPARED WITH THE NEW TOWNS OR MARKET TOWNS, THEY DO NEVERTHELESS OFFER A VERY ATTRACTIVE WAY OF LIFE WHICH CANNOT BE FOUND EASILY IN HIGHLY URBANISED DEVELOPMENT. THE RURAL TOWNSHIPS PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE FOR THOSE WHO WEARY OF LIVING IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.+
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/6.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
6
OVER $16 MILLION SUBSIDY FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR OVER $16 MILLION TO SUBSIDIZE NON-PROFIT-MAKING CHILD CARE CENTRES IN ADDITION TO GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HING WAH DAY NURSERY OPERATED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
THE NEW DAY NURSERY, ACCORDING TO MR. SWEETMAN, IS THE 71ST GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED DAY NURSERY AND THE 92ND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRE.
+MORE SIMILAR CENTRES WILL BE OPENED IN THE YEARS AHEAD AS IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ALLOW 1,000 NEW DAY NURSERY PLACES TO BE OPENED EACH YEAR FOR FAMILIES WHO FOR FINANCIAL OR SOCIAL REASONS NEED TO HAVE THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER.+
MR. SWEETMAN STRESSED THAT CHILD CARE CENTRE WAS NOT A ’PARKING METER’ FOR CHILDREN, NEITHER WAS IT A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN WERE STUFFED WITH FACTS AND FIGURES AND PREMATURELY FORCED TO PRACTISE WRITING CHARACTERS.
+THE MAIN PURPOSE, THEREFORE, IS TO FOSTER THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT NAMELY THE PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL ASPECTS OF THE VERY YOUNG CHILDREN. LEARNING THROUGH PLAY WITH DUE CONSIDERATION TO INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IS THE ESSENCE.+
MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN BASIC STANDARDS PERTINENT TO THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNDER SIX WOULD BE COMPLIED WITH IN CHILD CARE CENTRES.
+FROM NOW ON, ALL CENTRES THAT REGULARLY RECEIVE MORE THAN FIVE CHILDREN OF THE UNDER SIX FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARE MUST COME FORWARD TO REGISTER WITH MY DEPARTMENT.
+THIS SHOULD GIVE PARENTS MORE CONFIDENCE IN SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO CHILD CARE CENTRES NO MATTER THEY ARE SUBVENTED OR PRIVATE- WHETHER IT IS A CRECHE, NURSERY, PLAYGROUP OR PLAYCENTRE.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE ORDINANCE ALSO HELPS TO PROMOTE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE,+ HE SAID.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1977
WATER CUT MM*
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 11) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, CHERRY STREET, TONG MEI ROAD, FUK TSUN STREET, LIME STREET, LARCH STREET AND WALNUT STREET, INCLUDING ASH STREET, OAK STREET, PINE STREET, BEECH STREET, ELM STREET, IVY STREET AND ANCHOR STREET.
- - 0 - -
NEW AEROGRAMMES ON SALE NEXT WEEK * # * *
AEROGRAMMES BEARING A NEW STAMP DESIGN WILL BE PLACED ON SALE FROM TUESDAY (MARCH 15), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE DENOMINATION OF THE NEW STAMP DESIGN IS 60 CENTS, THE POSTAGE RATE FOR AEROGRAMMES TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD, AND IT FEATURES A DRAGON IN LIGHT BLUE COLOUR ON A DARK BLUE BACKGROUND.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES ON THAT DAY FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THE NEW AEROGRAMMES HAND POSTMARKED.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FEWER PEOPLE USE CROSS-HARBOUR FERRIES ........................ 1
KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO HOLD OPEN DAY ............... 2
BUSINESS EDUCATION COUNCIL COURSES MAY BE ADOPTED AT POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES .......................... 3
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION EXHIBITION IN KWUN TONG ................. 4
WATER CUT IN CENTRAL AND KOWLOON CITY ......................... 4
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ..................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977
1
FEWER PEOPLE USE CROSS-HARBOUR FERRIES ******
THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ACROSS HONG KONG HARBOUR BY FERRIES LAST YEAR DROPPED BY NEARLY 12 MILLION WHILE PASSENGER TRAFFIC ON THE OUTLYING DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES ROSE BY SOME 1.3 MILLION COMPARED WITH 1975.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, A TOTAL OF 169.5 MILLION PASSENGERS USED THE 17 CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES LAST YEAR. WHEN COMPARED A DROPHOFF7?4RPERFCENT:5 M,LL'°N ,N 1975’ TH,S ^PRESENTED
OF THE TOTAL, 118.8 MILLION PASSENGERS WERE CARRIED BY VESSELS OF THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (HYF) WHILE THE REMAINDER USED THE +STAR+ FERRY COMPANY.
ni,_ SAME TIME’ 16,5 M,LLI°N PEOPLE PATRONISED HYF’S
OUTLYING DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES, AN INCREASE OF 8.9 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE OF 15.2 MILLION IN 1975.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE OUTLYING DISTRICT FERRY SERVICES HAD CONTINUED TO EXPAND. HOWEVER, THE DISPARITY IN THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS ON WEEKDAYS COMPARED TO THE HEAVY DEMAND ON HOLIDAYS AND AT WEEKENDS +PRESENTS A DIFFICULT PROBLEM IN BOTH MEETING THIS DEMAND AND IN HAVING AN ECONOMICALLY UTILISED FLEET*, HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED ON THE HYF CROSSHARBOUR SERVICES LAST YEAR DROPPED BY 2.5 MILLION COMPARED WITH 1975. A TOTAL OF 3.5 MILLION VEHICLES WERE CARRIED BY THE THREE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICES. A FOUR PER CENT DECREASE IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THE YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1975 WAS RECOVERED IN THE FINAL QUARTER WITH THE RE-OPENING OF THE NORTH POINT TO KOWLOON CITY SERVICE. AS A RESULT, THE COMPANY CARRIED ABOUT THE SAME NUMBER OF VEHICLES AS IN 1975.
AT PRESENT, THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY PROVIDES 39 SERVICES, COMPRISING ONE COASTAL, THREE VEHICULAR, 13 CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGER AND 22 OUTLYING DISTRICT SERVICES.
THE COMPANY HAS A FLEET OF 89 VESSELS COMPRISING 40 DOUBLE-DECK FERRIES, EIGHT TRIPLE-DECK FERRIES, 11 WATER 'BUSES’, 13 WATER ’TAXIS’, FIVE HOVERFERRIES, 12 VEHICULAR FERRIES AND A SPECIAL 397-SEATER DELUXE FERRY SUITABLE FOR OPEN WATERS.
/THROUGHOUT
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977
2
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE COMPANY CONTINUED ITS EFFORTS TO USE HIGH SPEED FERRIES AND REORGANISE ITS SERVICES TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING PATTERN OF TRAVEL CAUSED BY THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE COMPANY CONTINUED TO APPLY OPERATING ECONOMIES BY REDUCING LATE NIGHT SAILINGS AND, TO ACHIEVE BETTER USE OF VESSELS, SOME VESSELS FROM CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES WERE DIVERTED TO OUTLYING DISTRICTS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
1976 ALSO SAW A DECREASE OF 4.7 PER CENT IN THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC FOR THE +STAR+ FERRY COMPANY WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE FOR 1975.
OF THE 50.7 MILLION PASSENGERS CARRIED BY THE +STAR+ FERRY DURING THE YEAR, 96.7 PER CENT USED THE EDINBURGH PLACE TO TSIM SHA TSUI ROUTE. THE REMAINING 1.7 MILLION PATRONISED THE EDINBURGH PLACE TO HUNG HOM SERVICE WHICH RESUMED OPERATION IN NOVEMBER 1975.
THE HUNG HOM SERVICE OPERATES UNDER A TEMPORARY LICENCE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. THE LICENCE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WHEN THE FUTURE OF THE SERVICE WILL BE REVIEWED.
THE COMPANY CURRENTLY OPERATES A FLEET OF 10 VESSELS WITH AN OVERALL CARRYING CAPACITY OF 5,643.
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OPEN DAY OF KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ******
THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL HOLD ITS OPEN DAY NEXT WEEK.
STARTING FROM SUNDAY (MARCH 13), THE SCHOOL IN HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, WILL OPEN ITS DOORS FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. DURING WHICH TIME VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE STUDENTS AT WORK IN WORKSHOPS.
THE OPEN DAY WILL END ON MARCH 18 (FRIDAY).
THIS IS THE SECOND OF THREE GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO HOLD THEIR OPEN DAYS THIS MONTH.
THE FIRST BY THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WAS HELD LAST SUNDAY.
ANOTHER ONE, BY THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 25 (FRIDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENTS COVERED.
0 -------
THURSDAY, RARCH 10, 1977
3
BUSINESS EDUCATION COUNCIL COURSES MAY BE ADOPTED AT POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES *****
THE CHIEF OFFICER OF THE BUSINESS EDUCATION COUNCIL IN LONDON, MR. J.E. SELLARS, IS IN HONG KONG EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITY OF OFFERING THE COUNCIL’S COURSES TO STUDENTS AT THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AT MORRISON HILL AND KWAI CHUNG FROM-SEPTEMBER 1978.
MR. SELLARS IS HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLYTECHNIC ON DEVISING AND VALIDATING COURSES LEADING TO THE COUNCIL’S AWARDS OF CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS.
PROPOSALS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF MODULES FOR COMMERCIAL STUDIES HAVE ALSO BEEN DISCUSSED.
THE COUNCIL’S CHIEF OFFICER, WHO ARRIVED HERE ON MARCH 5, HAS MET BUSINESSMEN, BANKERS, CHARTERED SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATORS, CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
YESTERDAY, MR. SELLARS HAD A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. LI FOOK-KOW. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC, DR. KEITH LEGG.
APART FROM VISITING THE POLYTECHNIC AND TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, MR. SELLARS HAS BEEN TO A BANK AND A NUMBER OF FIRMS. HE ALSO HAD TALKS WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, MR. S.F. BAILEY.
BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG ON SUNDAY EVENING, THE CHIEF OFFICER WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
HIS VISIT WAS ORGANISED BY THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BUSINESS EDUCATION COUNCIL, LONDON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MR. SELLARS WILL BE PLEASED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM PRESS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN ROOM 35 OF THE GOVERNMENT TRAINING DIVISION, LEE GARDENS, 2ND FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 11 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 12). THE POLYTECHNIC DIRECTOR, DR. KEITH LEGG AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. DANIEL WATERS WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED.
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A
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977
4
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION EXHIBITION ******
A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION HAS BEEN LINED UP FOR RESIDENTS OF KWUN TONG STARTING ON SUNDAY (MARCH 13).
MR. HENRY AU, HEAD OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT- MR. LEUNG CHIN-MAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER FOR KWUN TONG AND MR. LAU MAN-LUNG, PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG LION’S CLUB WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 3 P.M.
THE SERIES, CO-ORDINATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE FOR KWUN TONG, IS A JOINT EFFORT OF 11 ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL TOUCH ON SEX EDUCATION, FAMILY PLANNING, PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP, SIBLING RELATIONSHIP, HOME SAFETY AND NUTRITION.
DURING THE CEREMONY, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS COMPETITIONS ORGANISED TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION. THERE WILL ALSO BE FOLK DANCE, STAGE PLAY AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST FOR THREE DAYS.
IN ORDER TO INTRODUCE TO MORE RESIDENTS THE CONCEPT AND SIGNIFICANCE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOVED TO THE VARIOUS ESTATE WELFARE BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD IN LAM TIN (MARCH 20 - 23), SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) (MARCH 27 - 30). SAU MAU PING (SOUTH) (MARCH 31 - APRIL 2) AND NGAU TAU KOK (APRIL 3 - 6).
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WATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICTS WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M.
ON SATURDAY (MARCH 12).
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS IN THE AREAS.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED IN CENTRAL ARE BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FROM GARDEN ROAD TO POTTINGER STREET AND THE SOUTH SIDE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO ICE HOUSE STREET.
IN KOWLOON CITY, THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET, WATERLOO ROAD AND SOARES AVENUE, INCLUDING PEACE AVENUE, LIBERTY AVENUE, VICTORY AVENUE, HOMANTIN STREET AND HOMANTIN HILL ROAD.
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1977
5
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
K M M M
THE SECTION OF KENT ROAD BETWEEN CORNWALL STREET AND SOMERSET ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TEMPORARILY FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA DURING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF CORNWALL STREET.
THE RE-ROUTING WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 12).
ON SUNDAY (MARCH 13) THE WEST-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AT THE WEST SIDE OF PEDDER STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.15 A.M. AND 5.45 A.M. IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE DEMOLITION OF THE OLD GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND THE POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE TRAFFIC.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS MAR HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY ......... 1
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AROUND GARDEN ROAD .......... 2
GOVERNMENT STEPS UP FOUR-PRONG ATTACK ON DRUG ABUSE ........ 3
SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION INCREASED FROM 317M TO S68M IN SIX YEARS .................................................. 4
MORE NEW ROADS SOON TO BE BUILT FOR NORTH TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG ...................................................... 6
REWARDING CAREER IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT NOW OPENS 7
HONG KONG STUDENT WINS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP .. 8
CAS GIVES TALK ON MOUNTAINEERING ........................... 9
EDUCATION DIRECTOR ATTENDS QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL SPEECH DAY ................................................ 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 1 -
SAD STORY BEHIND SUCCESS
* * * *
BEHIND HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY, THERE LAY A SET OF SAD STATISTICS IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS SAID DR. S.Y. CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS OPENING A MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM.
ADDRESSING SEVERAL HUNDRED INVITED GUESTS, DR. CHUNG SA IDs ♦DURING THE PAST 25 YEARS, HONG KONG HAS GONE THROUGH A MOST TRIUMPHANT PERIOD OF INDUSTRIALISATION AND HAS BECOME AN INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED INDUSTRIAL CITY.+
♦HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +BEHIND THIS SUCCESSFUL STORY THERE LIES A SET OF SAD STATISTICS. EVERY YEAR A RISING NUMBER OF MEN AND WOMEN ARE SUFFERING FROM INJURIES THROUGH INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
♦QUITE A SIZABLE PROPORTION OF THESE ACCIDENTS RESULTED IN PERMANENT DISABILITY OF VARYING DEGREES AND QUITE A NUMBER OF THEM WERE EVEN FATAL,+ HE ADDED.
DR. CHUNG SAID THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG (BOTH FATAL AND NON-FATAL) ROSE ALARMINGLY FROM 27,200 IN 1971 TO 45,100 LAST YEAR. HE ESTIMATED 70 PER CENT OF THESE ACCIDENTS CAME FROM FACTORIES AND OF THEM NEARLY 40 PER CENT WERE MACHINERY ACCIDENTS.
♦THIS RATE OF MACHINERY ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG IS VERY HIGH INDEED AND IS ALMOST DOUBLE THAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,+ HE SAID. ♦AS A RESULT, THERE IS NATURALLY A GROWING CONCERN IN BOTH INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT OVER THIS HIGH PROPORTION OF MACHINERY ACCIDENTS.+
HE WENT ON: +IN AN ATTEMPT TO MINIMISE THESE ACCIDENTS AND TO SAFE-GUARD THE HEALTH OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS, A NEW SET OF FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS FOR THE GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY WAS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE LAST YEAR AND WILL COME INTO EFFECT NEXT MONTH.+
DR. CHUNG SAID THAT HE HAD ALWAYS HELD THE VIEW THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE POSITIVE AND USEFUL ASSISTANCE TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN FACTORIES AND SHOULD TRY TO AVOID THE NEGATIVE AND PENAL APPROACH.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY HAPPY TO SEE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TAKING THE INITIATIVE IN MOUNTING A MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION.
DR. CHUNG CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION WHICH RUNS FROM MARCH 11 TO 20.
Xearlier the
2 -
EARLIER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THIS 1O-DAY EXHIBITION AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS THERE WAS A PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CENTRE IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE IN CANTON ROAD.
HE INVITED PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO VISIT THE CENTRE AND ENROL IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COURSES THERE.
MR. PRICE SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS NOT AN ISOLATED EFFORT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BUT REPRESENTED A CONTINUING CAMPAIGN TO HAMMER HOME TO EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING SAFETY CONSCIOUS.
IN 1973, THE DEPARTMENT ORGANISED A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXHIBITION AND IN RECENT YEARSIT HAD UTILISED A MOBILE EXHIBITION VAN TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
******
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN GARDEN ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 A.M. ON MARCH 14, 15 AND 16.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO TRAVEL FROM UPPER ALBERT ROAD TO GARDEN <OAD ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA THE FLYOVER ADJACENT TO ST. JOSEPH’S HURCH, KENNEDY ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE AND THE GARDEN ROAD OUNDABOUT.
THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN COTTON TREE DRIVE AND KENNEDY ROAD WILL Bi CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO TRAVEL FROM COTTON TREE DRIVE TO KENNEDY ROAD ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA MACDONNELL ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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’3..............
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 3-
WAR ON DRUG ABUSE TO CONTINUE
******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, TODAY (FRIDAY) REASSURED THAT THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE WOULD CONTINUE DESPITE ENCOURAGING EVIDENCE THAT HONG KONG HAS CONTAINED THE PROBLEM.
SPEAKING AT THE LION’S CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING, MR. DAVIES SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD ALREADY CEASED TO BE A CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING, BUT HE NOTED THAT ILLICIT TRAFFICKING TO MEET LOCAL DEMAND PERSISTED.
IN HIS REASSURANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT +WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN TO STAMP OUT THIS SOCIAL EVIL,+ MR. DAVIES OUTLINED THE FOUR-PRONG ATTACK — LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF ADDICTS, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION.
ON LAW ENFORCEMENT, MR. DAVIES REVEALED THAT NOT WITHSTANDING THE SEVERITY OF PENALTIES HANDED DOWN BY THE COURTS, THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO ACQUIRE THE POWER TO REQUIRE THE SURRENDER AND RETENTION OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FROM SOME PERSONS IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
+WE ARE STILL CONTINUING TO REVIEW EXISTING LEGISLATION WITH A VIEW TO STRENGTHENING IT FURTHER,+ MR. DAVIES SAID.
CONCERNING THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS, MR. DAVIES DISCLOSED THAT HONG KONG NOW TREATED ABOUT TWICE AS MANY PEOPLE A YEAR AS IT DID FOUR YEARS AGO.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY ADDED THAT IT COST THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT $27 MILLION A YEAR FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.
THERE IS NOW AN ANNUAL CASELOAD OF ABOUT 20,000. ABOUT 6,500 ADDICTS AT ANY ONE TIME ARE UNDERGOING VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION AT THE VARIOUS CENTRES AND CLINICS AND A FURTHER 6,000 ARE RECEIVING AFTER CARE, HE SAID.
ON PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION, MR. DAVIES SAID THAT THE TARGET OF THE DRIVE WAS DIRECTED TOWARDS YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE 15 TO 24 AGE GROUP WHO ARE PARTICULARLY PRONE TO BAD SOCIAL INFLUENCES.
HE CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT IN THESE EFFORTS AND ALSO URGED THEM TO ASSIST THE ADDICTS IN RETURNING TO SOCIETY TO LEAD A NORMAL LIFE BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO SEEK TREATMENT AND OFFERING THEM SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT.
REFERRING TO INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, MR. DAVIES PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR JOINT ACTION AS +OUR DRUG PROBLEM IS NOW IMPORTED, IT CANNOT BE SOLVED BY INTERNAL MEANS ONLY.+
0
A . . . .
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FOR VOLUNTARY WELFARE SERVICES
******
SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION HAS INCREASED FROM $17 MILLION IN 1971 TO $68 MILLION IN 1977 AT AN AVERAGE COMPOUND RATE OF 26 PER CENT ANNUALLY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE WORKSHOP ON SUBVENTION POLICY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT, THERE WERE 87 VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS RECEIVING SUBVENTIONS AND FOUR OTHER AGENCIES WERE BEING CONSIDERED FOR NEW SUBVENTION.
MR. LEE NOTED THAT SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION ALLOCATED TO VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WERE IN THE FORM OF ’DISCRETIONARY GRANTS’ FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS : GREATER FREEDOM FOR INITIATIVES AND PIONEERING THAN WOULD BE THE CASE WHEN OPERATING UNDER A DEFICIENCY GRANTS= THE RETENTION OF INCENTIVE TO RAISE FUNDS FROM THE PUBLIC AND TO PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR ECONOMY.
HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED, THE ONLY STRINGS ATTACHED TO DISCRETIONARY GRANTS WERE THAT THEY MUST BE FOR SERVICES SUPPORTED UNDER THE FIVE YEAR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THAT AGENCIES MUST NOT PAY THEIR STAFF MORE THAN GOVERNMENT OFFICERS FOR SIMILAR WORK.
TURNING TO HOW THE ONE-LINE VOTE OF SUBVENTION IS DETERMINED, MR. LEE SAID : +EVERY YEAR THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE YEAR PLAN IS REVIEWED AND BEARING IN MIND THE NEEDS OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR UNDER THE PLAN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE DETERMINES A WORKING FIGURE AS TENTATIVE PROVISION FOR THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE REQUIRED IN THE FOLLOWING FINANCIAL YEAR.
♦ THIS FIGURE IS BASED ON THE TOTAL SUBVENTIONS APPROVED FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, ADJUSTED TO ALLOW FOR KNOWN INCREASES IN COSTS, FOR EXAMPLE, SALARY REVISIONS, IF ANY, BASED ON A RECENT CIVIL SERVICE PAY INCREASE, ANNUAL SALARY INCREMENTS, INCREASE IN RENT AND RATES, AND FOR THE ESTIMATED COST OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.*
HE EXPLAINED THAT SINCE THE ONE-LINE VOTE HAD TO BE ASSESSED AND AGREED ON BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE FINANCE BRANCH AS WELL AS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, IT INVOLVED A LENGTHY PROCESS.
+MOREOVER, BECAUSE THE FUNDS HAD TO BE APPROVED IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUDGET, THE ACTUAL PROVISION FOR THE ONE-LINE VOTE CAN ONLY BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH, AND ALTHOUGH WE ATTEMPT TO GIVE AGENCIES AN ACCURATE FORECAST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE ON WHAT THEY ARE LIKELY TO GET, WE CANNOT GO FIRM UNTIL FUNDS ARE ACTUALLY VOTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* HE ADDED.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 5 -
THE DIRECTOR STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH FUNDS WERE BEING VOTED ANNUALLY, THERE WOULD BE A GENERAL ASSURANCE CF CONTINUITY OF SUBVENTION PROVIDED THE SERVICE WAS STILL REQUIRED AND A SIMILAR STANDARD BEING MAINTAINED.
+IF ANY SERVICE IS BECOMING REDUNDANT AND THEREFORE LIKELY TO LOSE SUBVENTION SUPPORT, THERE ARE ALMOST CERTAINLY TO BE DISCUSSIONS ON HOW THE SERVICE SHOULD BE CUT LONG BEFORE THE EXERCISE COMES ALONG,+ HE SAID.
ON THE ALLOCATION OF SUBVENTIONS, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT NOT ONLY WOULD IT BE GOVERNED BY THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY BY THE CAREFUL AND PAINSTAKING DELIBERATIONS CF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EACH CASE.
+THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON ALLOCATION, CONSISTING OF SEVEN UNOFFICIAL AND TWO OFFICIAL MEMBERS, MET NINE TIMES TO CONSIDER 160 PAPERS DECIDING ON INDIVIDUAL SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIcS= THEY ALSO CONSIDERED APPEALS FROM AGENCIES AGAINST ORIGINAL AMOUNTS RECOMMENDED. THEIR DECISIONS WERE NOT TAKEN WITHOUT CAREFUL SCRUTINY IN ALL CASES,+ HE ADDED.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 6 -
NEW ROADS FOR NORTH TSUEN WAN - KWAI CHUNG
WORK IS TO START SOON ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE NEW ROADS AND DRAINS IN NORTH TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A $16.6 MILLION PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE ROAD NETWORKS AND DRAIN AND SEWAGE FACILITIES TO SERVE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
IT INVOLVES THE RESUMPTION OF SOME 44,836 SQUARE METERS OF LAND MOST OF WHICH IS AGRICULTURAL LAND, AND ONE MONTH’S .NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY NORTH TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG WAS BEING RAPIDLY DEVELOPED UNDER A SCHEME WHICH INCLUDED LAND FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WORK WAS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME TO PROVIDE ROAD CONNECTIONS AND STORM-WATER DRAINS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEARBY CHEUNG SHA ESTATE AND A SITE FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF VILLAGES.
THE LAND TO BE RESUMED IS REQUIRED FOR THE SECOND PHASE TO BUILD MORE PUBLIC ROADS AND DRAINS AS WELL AS A SECOND SITE FOR THE REPRO VISIONING OF VILLAGE HOUSES, HE SAID.
HE SAID 219 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE RESUMPTION, WHICH INCLUDED 127 DOMESTIC STRUCTURES HOUSING 57 FAMILIES.
+THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN KWAI CHUNG AND THOSE NCT ELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACES IN A LICENSED AREA,+ HE SAID.
+EX-GRATIA REHOUSING ALLOWANCE WILL ALSO BE PAID TO FAMILIES RECOMMENDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,+ HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, TREES, FLOWERS AND BAMBOOS AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO CULTIVATORS, AS WELL AS FOR FENCES, WELLS AND WATER TANKS.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 7 -
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STARTS RECRUITMENT DRIVE
******
MANY JOBS OFFER EXCITEMENT, BUT VERY FEW AFFORD THE CHANCE TO MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD DAY IN AND DAY OUT LIKE THAT OF AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, ON THE EVE OF A RECRUITMENT DRIVE.
+A CAREER IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT,+ MR. ROWLANDS SAID, +PROVIDES INCREASING SCOPE FOR AMBITIOUS YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO WISH TO ENJOY A VARIED CAREER WITH A STRONG INTERNATIONAL FLAVOUR.*
THE JOB CALLS FOR MAKING FREQUENT CONTACT WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT, BRITISH EMBASSIES, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENTS, INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES, AIRLINES AND SHIPPING COMPANIES.
APART FROM THESE, THE WORK INVOLVES IMMIGRATION CONTROL, THE ISSUE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISAS, INVESTIGATIONS, ADMINISTRATION AND NOW, COMPUTER SYSTEMS.
+IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS TO JOIN PASSENGER LINERS COMING TO HONG KONG,+ MR. ROWLANDS SAID. +THERE ARE ALSO OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING.*
HE CALLED ON YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING AND REWARDING CAREER TO JOIN THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
VACANCIES FOR A NUMBER OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER POSTS WILL BE ADVERTISED IN A LEADING ENGLISH NEWSPAPER TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MARCH 21.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING AN ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER AT WORK AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 8 -
HONG KONG STUDENT WINS 3,000 POUNDSSTERLI NG ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP * * * #
A HONG KONG STUDENT HAS WON A 3,000 POUNDSSTERLI NG SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED BY THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC, LONDON.
THE 1976 WINNER, JUST ANNOUNCED BY THE ASSOCIATED BOARD, IS MISS WINNIE WU WING-YUN, A FORM V STUDENT OF ST. STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE.
THIS IS THE 17TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR THAT THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED ANNUALLY AND JOINTLY TO INDIA AND HONG KONG HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY A HONG KONG STUDENT.
EVERY YEAR SEVEN SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATED BOARD FOR STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE BRITAIN. EACH SCHOLARSHIP IS TENABLE FOR THREE YEARS AT ONE OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC IN LONDON.
EACH AWARD AMOUNTS IN ALL TO ABOUT 3,000 POUNDS STERLING , WHICH INCLUDES TUITION FEES, A GRANT OF 500 POUNDSSTERL I NG A YEAR TOWARDS LIVING EXPENSES AND A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COST OF A PASSAGE BACK HOME AT THE END OF THE COURSE.
MISS WU WAS AWARDED THE LICENTIATE DIPLOMA IN PIANOFORTE PERFORMING AT THE RECENT EXAMINATIONS AND IT WAS ON THE gASIS OF THIS RESULT THAT SHE WAS SELECTED BY THE VISITING PANEL OF EXAMINERS FROM LONDON FOR SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD.
MISS WU FIRST TOOK PIANO LESSONS AT THE AGE OF FIVE AND HER PRESENT TEACHER IS MISS KATHERINE G. HUANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNER MAY BE OBTAINED EITHER FROM MISS HUANG (TEL. 5-461748) OR THE PUPIL’S PARENTS (TEL. 5-772890).
.-----------------------------------o---------------------------------------
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 9 -
TALK ON MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TECHNIQUES !#****
THE ’DOS AND DON’TS’ OF MOUNTAINEERING WILL BE HAMMERED HOME TO A GROUP OF MOUNTAINEERING ENTHUSIASTS AT A TALK TO BE GIVEN BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE TALK, HELD AT THE REQUEST OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME, IS DESIGNED TO KEEP 50 LOCAL EXPEDITION INSTRUCTORS AND ASSESSORS OF THE SCHEME ABREAST OF THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN MOUNTAINEERING, LEADERSHIP AS WELL AS MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND SEARCH.
MR. JOHN FORTUNE, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND MR. CHENG SUNG NGAR, A CAS SENIOR TRAINING OFFICER WHO RECEIVED ADVANCED TRAINING IN MOUNTAINEERING IN BRITAIN LAST YEAR, WILL BE THE SPEAKERS.
FOLLOWING THE TALK, THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF MOUNTAINEERING GEAR AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT BY THE CAS.
THE TALK WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE IN ARGYLE STREET (NEXT TO KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE TALK AND DISPLAY OF MOUNTAINEERING GEAR. FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED TO COVER THE DISPLAY ONLY, PLEASE BE AT THE CENTRE NOT LATER THAN NOON. A CAS TRAINING OFFICER, MR. NG YIU LUN, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 1977
- 10 -
DIRECTOR PRAISES SCHOOL * * * * *
MR. COLVYN HAYE, ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL WHEN HE ADDRESSED PUPILS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS AT THE SCHOOL'S SPEECH DAY.
HE TOLD THE PUPILS THAT THEY WERE VERY LUCKY TO BE IN SUCH A GOOD SCHOOL AND HE CONGRATULATED THE PRINCIPAL AND STAFF ON THE REPUTATION THE SCHOOL HAD ACQUIRED AS A PACE-MAKER IN ACADEMIC AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE DIRECTOR DREW PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE POPULARITY OF THE SCHOOL WITH PARENTS SEEKING ENTRY FOR THEIR CHILDREN, ITS EXCELLENT ACADEMIC RECORD AND THE GREAT VARIETY OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITH WHICH THE SCHOOL WAS ASSOCIATED.
THE PLACE OF THE SCHOOL IN SOCIETY WAS ASSURED BY ITS GREAT INVOLVEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY AND ITS EXTRAORDINARILY ACTIVE PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION.
IN GENERAL, MR. HAYE ADDED, GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, OF WHICH QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL WAS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE, HAD BEEN ABLE TO DO PIONEER WORK IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW METHODS, ATTITUDES AND DIRECTIONS COVERING THE WHOLE FIELD OF EDUCATION.
+IN A VERY REAL SENSE, OUR SCHOOLS PROVIDE THE FUTURE LEADERS FOR EDUCATION AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.+ MR. HAYE SAID.
DURING THE CEREMONY MRS. HAYE PRESENTED PRIZES.
EAR ILER IN THE DAY THE DIRECTOR WENT TO THE HONG KONG STADIUM WHERE HE DISTRIBUTED TROPHIES TO WINNERS IN DIVISION II OF THE ANNUAL INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCATION.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR. HAYE THANKED THE ORGANISERS AND CONGRATULATED THE WINNERS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES .... 1
DEMANDS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE GROW ............................ 2
HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL CHIEF TO VISIT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ..................................................... 3
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................................... 3
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TRAIN SERVICES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON ................................................... 4
HIGH PRICE PAID FOR SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NO. 10 ........... 4
DR. THONG HOLDS INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION .......................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5^233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
1
FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM FOR THE N.T.
K K H M *
THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL SOON HAVE ITS FIRST MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM WHICH WILL BE BUILT IN TSUEN WAN TO PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES FOR THE INCREASING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE RURAL AREAS.
WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH ON THE $19.2 MILLION PROJECT FOR WHICH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IS DONATING $10 MILLION. THE REMAINING COST WILL BE MET BY GOVERNMENT.
THE AUDITORIUM, CAPABLE OF SEATING 1,500 PEOPLE, WILL BE SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL, BUT THERE WILL BE MODIFICATIONS TO MAKE IT MORE SUITABLE FOR CHINESE DRAMA PERFORMANCES.
COMPLETE WITH MODERN STAGE AND SOUND EQUIPMENT, AIR-CONDITIONING, AND DRESSING AND REHEARSAL ROOMS, IT WILL SERVE AS A GOOD VENUE FOR CONCERTS, DRAMAS AND CHINESE OPERAS.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TONIGHT (SATURDAY) SPOKE OF THE PROJECT WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL TO MARK THE START OF A FUND-RAISING DRIVE BY THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION. HE LATER WATCHED A DRAMA PERFORMANCE SPONSORED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
MR. AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT THE PERFORMANCE WAS TO TAKE PLACE AT THE SCHOOL HALL AND SAID +1 BELIEVE IF THERE WERE A BETTER-EQUIPPED PLACE, YOUR WORK COULD ACHIEVE EVEN BETTER RESULTS.*
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THIS NEED AND WAS PROCEEDING TO BUILD AN AUDITORIUM ON A 62,835 SQ. FT. SITE NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY BUILDING. PILING WORK IS EXPECTED TO START SOMETIME NEXT MONTH, HE ADDED.
+CONSTRUCTION OF THIS AUDITORIUM WILL PROCEED WITH ALL SPEED AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE PROJECT WILL BE READY FOR USE BY THE AUTUMN OF 1979,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING VARIOUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, TOGETHER WITH SIMILAR ORGANISATIONS IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
2
DEMANDS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE GROW
* * * *
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD A BUSY YEAR LAST YEAR, RESPONDING TO A TOTAL OF 145,520 CALLS, ABOUT 15 PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
OF THE TOTAL, 118,134 (82 PER CENT) WERE EMERGENCY CALLS, INCLUDING MATERNITY CASES.
THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS CARRIED ALSO INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, FROM 152,816 IN 1975 TO 177,624 LAST YEAR.
ALTHOUGH THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED PER DAY WAS ABOUT 400, THIS FIGURE WAS FAR EXCEEDED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CALLS IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD WAS 516, ACHIEVED ON MAY 26.
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OPERATES A FLEET OF 99 AMBULANCES AND HAS AN ESTABLISHMENT OF ABOUT 640.
A NEW AMBULANCE STATION AT THE HING WAH ESTATE IN CHAI WAN WAS BROUGHT INTO SERVICE IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, BRINGING TO 10 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DEPOTS AND STATIONS NOW IN OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE NORMALLY TWO AMBULANCES IN MOST FIRE STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREA.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SA IDs +THE NUMBER OF CALLS HAS BEEN RISING BY ABOUT 15 PER CENT ANNUALLY DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS AND TO COPE WITH THE CONTINUING GROWTH IN DEMAND, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO EXPAND THE AMBULANCE FLEET AND TO BUILD MORE AMBULANCE DEPOTS.
A NUMBER OF PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY IN EITHER CATEGORY A OR B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. THESE INCLUDE AN AMBULANCE DEPOT EACH FOR TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, TSING Yl, CHEUNG SHA WAN, NGAU CHI WAN, QUARRY BAY AND ABERDEEN.
MEANWHILE, A TWO-STOREY DEPOT AT WO YIP HO ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG IS GRADUALLY TAKING SHAPE.
UPON COMPLETION IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, IT WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN BOTH KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN AREAS.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
5
HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL CHIEF TO VISIT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN, WILL VISIT THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, AT ITS OPEN WEEK ON MARCH 14 (MONDAY), AT 2.30 P.M. TO PROMOTE APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING AND BETTER UTILISATION OF THE FACILITIES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
MR. TIEN WILL BE SHOWN AROUND THE INSTITUTE BY MR. LINCOLN LIEU, PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY MR. HORACE KNIGHT, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING), MEMBERS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD AND EXECUTIVES OF VARIOUS GARMENTS ASSOCIATIONS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT.
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NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
*****
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MARCH 15) WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLS AT THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD AND THE JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND LEI MUK ROAD.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM WO Yl HOP ROAD INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD- RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD INTO LEI MUK ROAD AND LEFT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM LEI MUK ROAD INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
THE MEASURES ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE TWO JUNCTIONS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MOTORISTS.
A...
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SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
4
INTERRUPTION OF TRAIN SERVICES
M * * *
RAIL SERVICES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THE WHOLE DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF A SECOND RAILWAY TRACK NORTH OF BEACON HILL TUNNEL.
HOWEVER, SERVICES NORTH OF SHA TIN WILL OPERATE NORMALLY ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE.
THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF SERVICES IS NECESSARY AS A BRIDGE WHICH CARRIED THE RAILWAY HAS TO BE MOVED FROM ITS EXISTING POSITION TO A LOCATION ALONGSIDE, ONTO THE ALIGNMENT OF THE NEW TRACK.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL STRENGTHEN ITS BUS SERVICES TO AND FROM SHA TIN TOMORROW TO MEET THE DEMAND OF PASSENGERS.
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AUCTION OF SPECIAL NUMBERS REALISES $396,200
* * M M
AT AN AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, 15 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS FETCHED A TOTAL OF $396,200 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 10 GO FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $206,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER, 8998, WAS SOLD FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $35,000, WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 FOR BM58.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES :
AP2 $25,000 BG80 $11,000
BL8 $23,000 BK200 $10,500
AT8 $21,000 4567 $10,000
AK555 $13,000 BK6000 $ 8,000
BK66 $12,500 AD303 $ 5,000
BB21 $11,200 BG2121 $ 4,000
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 32ND ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $5,598,232.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 1977
5
DR. THONG HOLDS INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION
* * * M
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, HELD AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION WITH MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION ON MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
DURING A RECEPTION YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) GIVEN IN HIS HONOUR BY THE ASSOCIATION, DR. THONG SPOKE OF THE NEED TO ESTABLISH MORE FIRM LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS AT EVERY LEVEL.
+ON MY PART, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT EVERYONE WORKING WITHIN THE SERVICE I REGARD AS A MEMBER OF A LARGE FAMILY, AND AS SUCH WE SHOULD REGARD EACH OTHER’S PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES AS OUR OWN AND TRY TO HELP EACH OTHER TO OVERCOME THEM,* HE SAID.
DR. THONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE COULD SOMETIMES BE DISAGREEMENTS EVEN AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS, BUT THE IMPORTANT THING WAS THAT +WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET AND COMMUNICATE OPENLY, EFFECTIVELY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL IN THE SERVICE.*
THE DIRECTOR SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN INVITED TO THE RECEPTION WHICH HE REGARDED AS A GESTURE OF UNITY AMONG FELLOW PROFESSIONALS.
THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH WAS FORMED EIGHT MONTHS AGO, HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 741, WHICH IS 93 PER CENT OF ALL GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND DENTISTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, DR. W.Y. PAU, SAID THE ASSOCIATION WOULD DO ALL IT COULD TO BETTER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND DENTISTS, THUS IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1977.
QUEEN'S COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE M M M M
THE QUEEN, IN HER COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE THIS YEAR, SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTACTS BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS.
♦CONTACTS BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS WILL ALWAYS BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE,+ SHE SAID, +BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE REINFORCED BY FRIENDSHIP AND THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WITH COMMON INTERESTS CAN WE MAKE THE COMMONWEALTH LINK BOTH STRONG ENOUGH, AND SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE, TO MEET SUCCESSFULLY THE PROBLEMS WE TODAY MUST FACE TOGETHER.+
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE QUEEN’S MESSAGEi
♦I AM GLAD THAT THE DATE FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF COMMONWEALTH DAY SHOULD HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN MY SILVER JUBILEE YEAR. IT WILL BE AN IMPORTANT REAFFIRMATION OF OUR FAITH IN THE COMMONWEALTH IF THE PEOPLE OF SUCH DIVERSE COUNTRIES AND TRADITIONS ARE ABLE TO JOIN, ON THE SAME DAY EVERY YEAR, IN REMEMBERING THE OBJECTIVES WHICH WE ALL SHARE.
♦TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, I BECAME HEAD OF THE COMMONWEALTH. DURING THOSE YEARS, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE MORE OF THOSE COUNTRIES THAN MOST PEOPLE. I HAVE MADE COUNTLESS FRIENDS AND I HAVE LEARNED MUCH FROM THE RICH VARIETY OF THEIR LIFE.
♦THE COMPLEX TAPESTRY OF THE COMMONWEALTH HAS MANY THREADS. IN JUNE, THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT WILL HOLD THEIR CONFERENCE, AND IT IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN OF THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHED BY MEMBER COUNTRIES TO THE COMMONWEALTH THAT THIS CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE EVERY TWO YEARS. I WAS ESPECIALLY PLEASED THAT IT WAS DECIDED TO HOLD THE 1977 CONFERENCE IN LONDON AT THE TIME OF MY SILVER JUBILEE.
♦IN BETWEEN THESE CONFERENCES, OFFICIALS MEET TO DISCUSS COMMON PROBLEMS AND WAYS OF CO-OPERATION AND A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF VALUABLE WORK IS DONE BY THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT. EQUALLY SIGNIFICANT IS THE WORK OF ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE INDEPENDENT OF GOVERNMENTS. WITH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION, PROFESSIONAL BODIES EXCHANGE PERSONNEL, POOL IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE AND STRIVE TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS EVEN HIGHER. VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALSO MADE BY ASSOCIATIONS CONCERNED WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, WELFARE, THE ARTS, SPORT AND MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES.
/♦CONTACTS .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
SUNDAY, MAHCH 13, 1977
+CONTACTS BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS WILL ALWAYS BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE, BUT ONLY WHEN THEY ARE REINFORCED BY FRIENDSHIP AND THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WITH COMMON INTERESTS CAN WE MAKE THE COMMONWEALTH LINK BOTH STRONG ENOUGH, AND SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE, TO MEET SUCCESSFULLY THE PROBLEMS WE TODAY MUST FACE TOGETHER.+
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SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A REGULAR QUARTERLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK SITES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
RESULTS OF THIS SURVEY, WHICH COVERS MANUAL WORKERS ONLY, WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO A REPORT WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE EMPLOYMENT OF MANUAL WORKERS IN WORK SITES UNDER THE CHARGE OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN DECEMBER 1976, A TOTAL OF 48,760 WORKERS WERE RECORDED, OF WHICH 29,650 WERE ENGAGED AT WORK SITES IN PRIVATE SECTOR.
LETTERS AND SURVEY FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO CONTRACTORS, SEEKING INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT EACH SITE UNDER THEIR CHARGE AS AT MARCH 15.
DURING THE PERIOD MARCH 15 - 17, SURVEY OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WILL VISIT THE SITES TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED SURVEY FORMS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO CONTRACTORS AND THEIR SITE STAFF FOR CO-OPERATION IN SUPPLYING THE INFORMATION REQUIRED.
THE INFORMATION OBTAINED, HE SAID, WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE USED ONLY FOR COMPILATION OF STATISTICAL
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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1977
- J -
SIR DENYS TO ATTEND SPRING RECEPTION * * * *•
THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SPRING RECEPTION TO BE GIVEN BY THE HOME AFFA TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT CITY HALL RESTAURANT.
WILL ATTEND THE IRS DEPARTMENT
THE GUESTS INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND URBAN COUNCILS, REPRESENTATIVES OF VOLUNTARY BODIES. CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEES, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS KAIFONG LEADERS
DURING THE RECEPTION, SIR DENYS WILL PROPOSE A TOAST FOR THE OCCASION.
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. AUGUSTINE KAM CHUI, AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE THE GUESTS
THE RECEPTION WILL START AT 5.30 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE
EVENT
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GOVERNOR OFF TO TOKYO TO OPEN H.K. FASHION SHOW *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR TOKYO TO OPEN THE +HONG KONG FASHION COLLECTIONS 1977+ SHOW THERE TOMORROW (MONDAY). HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY LADY MACLEHOSE.
THE FASHION SHOW, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WILL BE STAGED AT TOKYO’S IMPERIAL HOTEL AND IS AIMED AT SHOWING THE VERY BEST OF HONG KONG’S TOP FASHION DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TALENT.
THIS SHOW FOLLOWS THE READY-TO-WEAR FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG THIS YEAR, WHICH HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE MAJOR ANNUAL EVENTS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET FOR FASHION GARMENTS. THE LARGEST CONTINGENT OF OVERSEAS BUYERS ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL HERE HAS NORMALLY BEEN FROM JAPAN. IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE FESTIVAL TO JAPAN THIS YEAR.
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON TUESDAY (MARCH 15).
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SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1977
4
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN WAH FU ESTATE *****
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN WAH FU ESTATE FOR RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY FOR FIVE DAYS FROM MARCH 21 (MONDAY).
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS OF 11 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS. THEY SHOULD REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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JOHN CHAN LEAVES FOR MFA TALKS * * * *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (SPECIAL DUTIES) OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. JOHN CHAN, LEAVES THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING FOR GENEVA TO ATTEND THE GATT TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH RESUMES ON MARCH 16 (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA).
THE MFA IS A SET OF RULES AND GUIDELINES AGREED UPON BY MORE THAN 50 GOVERNMENTS TO ENABLE INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES TO BE CARRIED OUT IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.
MR. PETER TSAO, HONG KONG’S CHIEF TRADE NEGOTIATOR, MAY JOIN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION AT A LATER STAGE.
THE WEDNESDAY MEETING IS THE SECOND TO BE HELD IN GENEVA. THE FIRST, HELD IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, WAS INCONCLUSIVE.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OPENS 21 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AS TEMPORARY STUDY PLACES .......................... 1
TRAINING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FOR HONG KONG’S EXPANDING CLOTHING INDUSTRY ................................................... 2
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO RAISE 12 QUESTIONS IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY ............................... 3
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN HUNG HOM ANNOUNCED ........ 3
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE ....................... 4
MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION DRAWS 13,000 VISITORS SO FAR ........................................................ 5
AEROGRAMMES WITH NEW STAMP DESIGN GO ON SALE TOMORROW ... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
1
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OPENS 58 TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS ******
FIFTY-EIGHT CLASSROOMS IN 21 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WILL BE OPENED IN THE EVENINGS AS TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY PUPILS WHO LIVE IN OVERCROWDED DOMESTIC PREMISES AND NEED A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 2,610 PLACES WOULD BE AVAILABLE NIGHTLY ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY, EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
PUPILS WHO USE THE STUDY ROOMS WILL BE SUPERVISED BY TEACHERS.
THE STUDY ROOMS WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM TOMORROW TO MID-JULY 1977. THEY WILL ALLEVIATE TO SOME EXTENT THE DEFICIENCY IN STUDY FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THESE FACILITIES WOULD MEET A PRESSING SHORT-TERM NEED, ESPECIALLY BEFORE AND DURING THE MID-SUMMER EXAMINATIONS SEASON.
THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THIS TEMPORARY SCHEME IS $83,300, OF WHICH $50,000 IS A GRANT FROM THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND TO COVER THE-COST OF-THE NECESSARY SUPERVISORY STAFF. THE REMAINING $33,300 IS TO BE MET FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S VOTE TO PAY OTHER CHARGES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE USE OF THE TEMPORARY FACILITIES WOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE EXTENT OF LONG-TERM DEMAND FOR STUDY ROOM PLACES. THE INFORMATION OBTAINED WOULD BE MOST VALUABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR FUTURE PLANNING OF SUCH FACILITIES.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHERE THE TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS ARE TO BE PROVIDED:
NUMBER OF
HONG KONG NAMES OF SCHOOLS STUDY ROOMS
SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 4
NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
JAVA ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 1
LUI KEE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
HOLLYWOOD ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
LI SING GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 2
SIR ELLIS KADOORIE (WESTERN) GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
KENNEDY TOWN POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
/Kowloon .....
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
2 -
NUMBER OF
KOWLOON NAMES OF SCHOOLS STUDY ROOMS
FUK WING STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 1 SHEK KIP MEI GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 SO UK NORTH GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 LI CHENG UK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 1 TAI HANG TUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 TONG MEI ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 4 JORDAN ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 HUNG HOM GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 KAI TAK GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 LOK FU GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 MA TAU CHUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3 WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL 3
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H K TRAINING COUNCIL CHAIRMAN TOURS TECHNICAL INSTITUTE *****
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN, TODAY (MONDAY) URGED EMPLOYERS IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO MAKE USE OF THE WELL EQUIPPED FACILITIES AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES BY SENDING THEIR TRAINEES AND APPRENTICES AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS TO ATTEND THE PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES.
MR. TIEN MADE THE'APPEAL WHEN HE WAS TOURING THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT ITS OPEN WEEK WITH A PARTY OF ABOUT 20 MEMBERS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD AND EXECUTIVES OF VARIOUS GARMENT ASSOCIATIONS.
HE STRESSED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE INDUSTRY IS ENTERING INTO THE REGION OF HIGH QUALITY AND SOPHISTICATION IN THE WORLD MARKET.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST MANPOWER SURVEY BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, HE SAID, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY NEEDED TO TRAIN SOME 600 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES AND SOME 100 CRAFT APPRENTICES EACH YEAR.
THE TOURING PARTY WHICH INCLUDED MR. HORACE KNIGHT, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING) WAS GUIDED ROUND THE INSTITUTE’S CLOTHING DEPARTMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE, MR. LINCOLN LIEU.
THE PARTY WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WELL EQUIPPED FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE INSTITUTE ESPECIALLY THE SEWING AND CUTTING WORKSHOPS AND THE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME CLASSES WHICH ARE HELPING THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO TRAIN MANPOWER AT THE CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS.
THE INSTITUTE WHICH OFFERS A CERTIFICATE COURSE IN CLOTHING MANUFACTURE AIMS TO TRAIN MARKER MAKERS, PATTERN MAKERS AND SUPERVISORS FOR THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
THERE IS ALSO A SEWING MACHINE MECHANIC COURSE FOR TRAINING MECHANICS TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SEWING MACHINE AND PRESSING EQUIPMENT.
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MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
3
LEGCO MEETING ON WEDNESDAY ******
THE HON. MISS KO SIU-WAH, WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 16) WHETHER IT CONSIDERS DESIRABLE TO RAISE FURTHER THE INCOME CRITERIA GOVERNING THE MEANS TEST FOR LEGAL AID IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS TO MAKE IT MORE READILY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
THIS IS ONE OF 12 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
BEV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT WILL ASK WHAT MEASURE OF CONTROL DOES GOVERNMENT EXERCISE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD AND WHETHER IT CONSIDERS SUCH CONTROL ADEQUATE TO ENSURE THAT THE SUBVENTIONS ALLOCATED ARE USED TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY STANDARDS OF SERVICE.
OTHER QUESTIONS RAISED CONCERN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TRAFFIC, HILL FIRES AND SUBSTITUTE DRUGS AND MEDICINES.
THREE NEW BILLS ARE ALSO SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED AT THE MEETING. THEY ARE THE' LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977-THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
DEBATE WILL BE RESUMED ON TWO BILLS, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE TRADE UNIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON * * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 16) THE RIGHT TURN MOVEMENT FROM WUHU STREET INTO TAKU STREET WOULD BE BANNED.
THIS IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC CONDITION AT THE JUNCTION OF WUHU STREET, MA TAU WEI ROAD AND TAKU STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP THERE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
4
SECTIONS OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD TO BE CLOSED ******
SEVERAL SECTIONS OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD ARE TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE — A VITAL LINK IN A $300 MILLION ROAD SCHEME DESIGNED TO CUT TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND URBAN KOWLOON.
THE INTERCHANGE IS BEING BUILT IN TO KWA WAN BY THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND IS PART OF A SIX-KILOMETRE HIGH-CAPACITY ROUTE LINKING KWUN TONG AND HUNG HOM VIA A 1,300-METRE TUNNEL UNDER THE AIRPORT RUNWAY.
DR. NIP KAM-FAN, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS WORKS BRANCH, SAID TODAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE PROGRESSING WELL AND WERE REACHING A STAGE WHERE IT WOULD BECOME NECESSARY TO CLOSE SEVERAL MINOR ROAD SECTIONS TO ENABLE THE WORKS TO PROCEED.
AFFECTED WILL BE A SMALL SECTION OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD BETWEEN MA TAU KOK ROAD AND SAN SHAN ROAD WHICH WILL BE CLOSED FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR TO NOVEMBER 30, 1978. AT THE SAME TIME THE SECTION BETWEEN SAN SHAN ROAD AND MA HANG CHUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM JUNE 1, 1977 TO MAY 31, 1978.
ANOTHER SECTION OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD BETWEEN MOK CHEONG STREET AND MA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM AUGUST 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR.
DR. NIP SAID THE SECTION BETWEEN SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND MOK CHEONG STREET, WHICH IS ALREADY CLOSED, WOULD REMAIN CLOSED UP TO THE END OF THE YEAR. HOWEVER, VEHICULAR ACCESS TO EXISTING RUN-INS WOULD BE MAINTAINED, HE SAID.
DR. NIP SAID THE CLOSURES WOULD NOT HAVE MUCH EFFECT ON TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA AS THE SECTIONS WERE NOT HEAVILY USED.
+VEHICULAR ACCESS TO AFFECTED PREMISES ALONG THE SECTIONS WILL NOT BE DENIED FOR MORE THAN SIX MONTHS AT ANY ONE TIME AND EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO CAUSE THE LEAST INCONVENIENCE TO THEM AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WOULD BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS OF THE TEMPORARY CLOSURES.
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MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1977
5
MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION *****
THE MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 13,000 VISITORS SINCE IT WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC LAST FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
THE VISITORS COMPRISED MAINLY FACTORY PROPRIETORS, MANAGERS OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND WORKERS AS WELL AS STUDENTS AND LECTURERS FROM TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
MOST VISITORS WHEN INTERVIEWED AT THE SITE EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE EXHIBITION.
SAID ONE FACTORY PROPRIETOR : +1 FIND THE EXHIBITION VERY HELPFUL. IT PROVIDES ME WITH TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF HOW MY MACHINES CAN BE EFFECTIVELY GUARDED WITHOUT AFFECTING PRODUCTION.+
A FACTORY WORKER SAID THE MOCK-UP ACCIDENTS WERE QUITE IMPRESSIVE AS IT MADE HIM REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF USING MACHINE GUARDS.
THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS THE NEW FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS WHICH WILL .COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1. IT WILL CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER SIX DAYS BEFORE IT CLOSES AT 7 P.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 20). ADMISSION IS FREE.
NEW AEROGRAMMES ON SALE TOMORROW * * * *
AEROGRAMMES BEARING A NEW STAMP DESIGN WILL BE PUT ON SALE FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE DENOMINATION OF THE NEW STAMP DESIGN IS 60 CENTS, THE POSTAGE RATE FOR AEROGRAMMES TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD, AND IT FEATURES A DRAGON IN LIGHT BLUE COLOUR ON A DARK BLUE BACKGROUND.
SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES TOMORROW FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THE NEW AEROGRAMMES HAND POSTMARKED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1977
CONTENTS page NO.
RECORD_NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELLED EY PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAST YtAR
FEBRUARY WAS COLDER, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN USUAL .............. 2
PO LEUNG KUK OPENS NURSERY IN LEK YUEN ESTATE .................. 3
WATER INTERRUPTION IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND MONG KOK ............ 3
CITY AND GUILDS OFFICIAL HAVING DISCUSSIONS IN HONG KONG ... 4
IMPROVED BUS SERVICE FOR KOWLOON CITY ... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1977
1
PUBLIC TRANSPORT CARRIES OVER 5.5 MILLION
*****
PASSENGERS DAILY
SOME 5.72 MILLION PASSENGERS WERE CARRIED EVERY DAY BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR - AN ALL-TIME RECORD.
OF THESE, 2.59 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT TRAVELLED BY BUSES-1.6 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT BY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES- 638,000 OR 11 PER CENT BY TAXIS AND PUBLIC HIRE CARS- 508,000 OR NINE PER CENT BY FERRIES- 350,000. OR SIX PER CENT BY TRAMS AND 34,000 OR LESS THAN ONE PER CENT BY TRAINS.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT IN TERMS OF CAPACITY AND FREQUENCIES OPERATED, THE NETWORK OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WHICH CARRIED ALMOST SIX MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY +EXCEEDS ALL KNOWN RECORDS IN UTILISATION AND VIABILITY.*
+HONG KONG+, HE WENT ON, +PRIDES ITSELF ON HAVING ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.*
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PASSENGER GROWTH RATE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT RIDERSHIP AVERAGED EIGHT PER CENT OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS.
AND OVER 80 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION RELY UPON THE VARIOUS FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO MEET THEIR DAILY TRAVEL NEEDS. 9
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT LAST YEAR SAW A CONSOLIDATION OF THE TRENDS, FIRST ESTABLISHED IN 1973, OF A SUBSTANTIAL SWITCH TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ESPECIALLY BUS SERVICES.
THIS WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY IMPROVED SERVICES AND LARGER OPERATING FLEETS, HE ADDED. ALTOGETHER, 22 NEW ROUTES WERE INTRODUCED AND OVER 60 SERVICES HAD INCREASED FREQUENCIES DURING 1976.
ON TRANSPORT FARES LEVELS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT DID NOT ANTICIPATE ANY INCREASES IN BUS FARES THIS YEAR ALTHOUGH FARES MIGHT RISE ON WALLAH-WALLAH BOATS AND POSSIBLY MINIBUSES. THE RECENT RISE IN OIL PRICES WAS UNLIKELY TO JUSTIFY THE SUGGESTED TAXI FARE INCREASE.
/2
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1977
2
FEBRUARY - COLDER, SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN USUAL *****
FEBRUARY WAS COLDER AND MUCH SUNNIER AND DRIER THAN USUAL BECAUSE OF THE PREDOMINANCE OF AN INTENSE ANTICYCLONE OVER NORTH CHINA.
THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF THE MONTH — 69 PER CENT — WAS THE FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR ANY FEBRUARY WHILE THE TOTAL. RAINFALL OF 3.2 MM REPRESENTED ONLY SEVEN PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE.
THE WEATHER WAS GENERALLY COLD AND CLOUDY WITH OCCASIONAL LIGHT RAIN OR DRIZZLE DURING THE FIRST NINE DAYS OF THE MONTH.
THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE ON EACH DAY FROM JANUARY 30 TO FEBRUARY 5 WAS LOWER THAN 10 DEGREES CELSIUS AND THE MEAN DAILY TEMPERATURE FOR THIS PERIOD WAS THE LOWEST FOR ANY COLD SPELL LASTING SEVEN OR MORE DAYS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY DURING THE PAST 30 YEARS.
THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE FOR THE MONTH WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 3 WHEN IT DROPPED TO 6.8 DEGREES CELSIUS.
THE WEATHER THEN BECAME FINE AND SUNNY WITH A SIGNIFICANT FALL IN THE HUMIDITY ON FEBRUARY 10 FOLLOWING THE ARRIVAL OF A REPLENISHMENT OF COLD BUT DRY AIR FROM THE NORTH THE DAY BEFORE. TEMPERATURES ALSO FELL RAPIDLY AND THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 6.8 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED AGAIN IN THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 10.
DURING THE FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS, THE WEATHER REMAINED MAINLY FINE AND SUNNY ALTHOUGH TWO WEAK COLD FRONTS PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG ON FEBRUARY 14 AND 20 AND CAUSED A SLIGHT FRESHENING OF THE WINDS FROM THE NORTH AND SOME TEMPORARY CLOUDINESS.
FOR THE LAST FIVE DAYS OF THE MONTH, WINDS TURNED TO THE EAST AND SOUTHEAST DUE TO A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE FROM AN ANTICYCLONE OVER THE PACIFIC WHICH EXTENDED SOUTHWESTWARD TO COVER SOUTH CHINA AND THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
AT THE SAME TIME, AIR TEMPERATURE ROSE STEADILY TO REACH A MAXIMUM OF 25.4 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 25, WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.
THE HUMID AIRSTREAM FROM THE PACIFIC ALSO CAUSED WIDESPREAD FOG ALONG THE COASTAL AREAS ON FEBRUARY 26 TO 28. VISIBILITY WAS REDUCED TO 100 METRES AT WAGLAN ISLAND AND 200 METRES AT CHEUNG CHAU ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 28 AND AS A RESULT, TWO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON THAT DAY.
DUE TO THE DRY CONDITIONS, FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE DURING MOST OF THE MONTH AND FROST WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 2.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1977
3
NEW NURSERY IN LEK YUEN ESTATE ******
PARENTS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO CHILD CARE CENTRES SHOULD FIRST FIND OUT IF THE CENTRES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WHEN HE OPENED THE PO LEUNG KUK LEK YUEN NURSERY TODAY.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTRODUCED THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE IN A BID TO CONTROL AND IMPROVE THE SERVICES OF ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES AS MORE AND MORE CHILDREN WERE IN NEED OF SUCH SERVICE.
+THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN CARED FOR IN SUCH CENTRES WILL RECEIVE A SERVICE THAT IS OF POSITIVE BENEFIT TO THEM PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY,* HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND, THE DIRECTOR SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROPOSED IN ITS SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE-YEAR PLAN THAT SUBVENTION SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO EXPERIENCED CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATIONS TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES AND THAT 1,000 NEW SUBSIDISED NURSERY PLACES WOULD BE PROVIDED EVERY YEAR.
+1 AM SURE THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WILL MARK A NEW PHASE FOR THE CHILD CARE SERVICE IN HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
MR. LEE PRAISED THE PO LEUNG KUK FOR PROVIDING CHILD CARE SERVICE IN THE DENSELY-POPULATED ESTATES. THE LEK YUEN NURSERY IS THE TENTH CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATED BY THE PO LEUNG KUK.
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WATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND MONG KOK IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (MARCH 17) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN WESTERN DISTRICT, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, SOUTH LANE, HILL ROAD, DES VOUEX ROAD WEST AND WESTERN STREET.
IN MONG KOK, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, NATHAN ROAD, SOY STREET AND FA YUEN STREET, INCLUDING NELSON STREET, SHAN TUNG STREET, TUNG CHOI STREET, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1977
4
CITY AND GUILDS OVERSEAS HEAD VISITS HONG KONG ******
THE HEAD OF THE OVERSEAS DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE, MR. W.H. BENTLEY HAS BEEN HAVING DISCUSSIONS ON THE INSTITUTE’S FUTURE OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG IN VIEW OF THE MANY CHANGES IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION THAT ARE TAKING PLACE HERE.
MR. BENTLEY, WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON MARCH 9, HAS MET SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE PRINCIPALS OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, AND DR. KEITH LEGG, DIRECTOR OF THE (HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, WHO ACTS AS THE CITY AND GUILDS LOCAL SECRETARY FOR EXAMINATIONS.
MANY STUDENTS AT THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES SIT THE CITY AND GUILDS EXAMINATIONS.
SINCE HIS ARRIVAL, MR. BENTLEY HAS VISITED THE POLYTECHNIC, THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND DENTAL LABORATORIES OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
HE HAS ALSO MET MR. S.F. BAILEY, SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN CITY AND GUILDS SCHEMES AND EXAMINATIONS.
THIS MORNING MR. BENTLEY VISITED THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH IS NEARING COMPLETION AT CHEUNG SHA WAN. IN THE AFTERNOON HE WENT ON A TOUR OF THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
TOMORROW HE WILL VISIT THE FAR EAST FLYING AND TECHNICAL SCHOOL LIMITED FOR A MEETING WITH MR. H.K. WATT, THE PRINCIPAL, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF STAFF.
HE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THE SAME EVENING TO RETURN TO LONDON.
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IMPROVED BUS SERVICE FOR KOWLOON CITY
*****
ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO PROVIDE A MORE CONVENIENT BUS SERVICE PENETRATING THE RESIDENTIAL AREA IN KOWLOON CITY.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM MONDAY, MARCH 21, KMB ROUTE 2D OPERATING BETWEEN PAK TIN ESTATE AND CHUK YUEN WOULD BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA NGA TSIN WAI ROAD AND CARPENTER ROAD IN THE KOWLOON CITY AREA. THIS SERVICE IS OPERATED DAILY AT A BASIC 10-MINUTE FREQUENCY.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE RE-ROUTING, ADDITIONAL BUS STOPS WILL BE DESIGNATED IN NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, TAK KU LING ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, TUNG TSI NG ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSAL TO RAISE INCOME CRITERIA FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS .................................................. 1
HONG KONG WILL EXPERIMENT WITH STANDARD TIME THIS SUMMER 2
ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR ROAD LINK BETWEEN NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND .............. 3
OVERALL SAFETY STANDARDS OF BUS OPERATION ARE SATISFACTORY 4
WAITING TIME FOR DRIVING TESTS IS NOT LENGTHENING ............ 5
DRUGS SUPPLY IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IS CONSTANTLY MONITORED .................................................... 6
TAXPAYER IS GETTING GOOD VALUE FOR SUBVENTIONS TO SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES ............................................. 7
MORE BARBECUE PITS FOR PUBLIC USE ........................... E
LEGCO APPROVES FUNDS ON ACCOUNT FOR INTERIM USE .............. 9
RECKLESS CYCLISTS FACE PROSECUTION ......................... ID
EXISTING SET-UP OF SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE IS FUNCTIONING WELL ........................................................ 11
THE NEXT TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE SCHEDULED
FOR MAY ..................................................... 12
LEIGHTON ROAD ’BUS ONLY’ LANE OPENS EARLIER TO OTHER TRAFFIC ..................................................... 13
C.A.D. OFFICERS ATTEND OVERSEAS PRECISION APPROACH RADAR COURSE ...................................................... 13
TWO BILLS COMPLETE THIRD READING ........................... 14
WATER INTERRUPTION IN CHAI WAN AND SHAM SHU I PC ............ 14
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
1
PROPOSAL TO RAISE INCOME CRITERIA FOR LEGAL AID
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO RAISE THE INCOME CRITERIA FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS AND THE PASSING OF THE NECESSARY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGAL AID ORDINANCE.
LEGAL AID CRITERIA IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, HOWEVER, WILL NOT CHANGE.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. KO SIU-WAH.
MISS KO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED IT DESIRABLE TO RAISE FURTHER THE INCOME CRITERIA GOVERNING THE MEANS TEST FOR LEGAL AID IN BOTH CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS SO AS TO MAKE IT MORE READILY AVAILABLE.
IF APPROVED, LEGAL AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH A DISPOSABLE INCOME NOT EXCEEDING 31,030 A MONTH (AS COMPARED WITH 3700 PER MONTH AT PRESENT) AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL OF NOT EXCEEDING 313,000 (AS COMPARED WITH 34,000 AT PRESENT), SIR DENYS SAID.
♦IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ALTER THE INCOME CRITERIA FOR LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS,* HE ADDED.
LEGAL AID FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISPOSABLE INCOME NOT EXCEEDING 31,500 PER MONTH AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL NOT EXCEEDING 310,000.
/2......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
2
GMT PLUS 8 FOR HONG KONG THIS SUMMER ******
THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH GIVES THE EFFECT OF MAINTAINING HONG KONG STANDARD TIME (GMT PLUS 8) THROUGHOUT THIS SUMMER TO SEE WHAT PERMANENT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE, PASSED ITS THIRD AND FINAL READING AND BECAME LAW TODAY.
EARLIER, DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID THE UNOFFICIALS SUPPORTED THE BILL ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT A DEBATE WCULD TAKE PLACE LATER THIS YEAR TO DECIDE ON A PERMANENT TIME SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG.
+THE UNOFFICIALS AGREED TO THE PROPOSAL CF GOVERNMENT THAT SINCE WE HAD TRIED GMT PLUS NINE IN THE WINTER OF 1973, WE SHOULD HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE OF GMT PLUS EIGHT IN THE NEXT SUMMER BEFORE COMING TO A FINAL CONCLUSION,* DR. CHUNG SAID.
+THIS WOULD MEAN THAT BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER 1977 WE WOULD RETAIN THE HONG KONG STANDARD TIME, THAT IS GMT PLUS EIGHT, INSTEAD OF CHANGING TO SUMMER TIME, THAT IS GMT PLUS Nl NE.+
AS A RESULT OF THIS EXPERIENCE, HE SAID, THE COUNCIL WOULD REASSESS PUBLIC OPINION AND HAVE AN OPEN DEBATE AND A FREE VOTE TO DECIDE WHETHER HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A FIXED STANDARD TIME THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR OR SHOULD RETURN TO A DUAL TIME SYSTEM.
+ BY DECLARING A FREE VOTE ON THIS ISSUE LATER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT IS IMPLYING THAT IT IS TAKING A NEUTRAL STAND AND HAS NO STRONG VIEWS ON THE MATTER,* HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
3
WORK ON ABERDEEN TUNNEL TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH
******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY WORK ON THE MULT I-MILLI ON DOLLAR ABERDEEN TUNNEL wCULD BEGIN NEXT MONTH FOR COMPLETION IN 1980.
HE SAID THE TUNNEL WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT ROAD LINK BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND HAPPY VALLEY AND CONSIDERABLY EASE THE PRESSURE ON EXISTING ROUTES BETWEEN THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND, INCLUDING THE ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HANG ROAD, WONGNEICHONG GAP ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD.
IN THE MEANTIME, HE SAID, IMPROVEMENT WORKS WERE ALREADY IN HAND AT THIS KEY JUNCTION AND THESE SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS’ TIME.
+THESE WORKS INCLUDE FURTHER ALTERATIONS TO THE TRAFFIC ISLANDS AND THE WIDENING OF THE TAI HANG ROAD AND UPPER STUBBS ROAD APPROACHES TO THE ROUNDABOUT,+ HE SAID.
TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLS, HE ADDED, MAY ALSO BE INCLUDED TO REGULATE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE JUNCTION.
MR. MCDONALD WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER INTERIM MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION BEFORE THE COMPLETION OF ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
MR. MCDONALD SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS NOW UNDERWAY WERE NOT MEANT TO BE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. NOR WOULD THE PROVISION OF A FLYOVER SOLVE THE PROBLEM AS THE NORTHBOUND LANES OF WONGNEICHONG GAP ROAD AND LOWER STUBBS ROAD WERE ALREADY CARRYING CLOSE TO THEIR MAXIMUM CAPACITY AT MORNING PEAK PERIODS.
+ IN FACT, CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR A FLYOVER IN ROADWAYS OF SUCH LIMITED WIDTHS WOULD CREATE SERIOUS OBSTRUCTIONS RESULTING IN FAR GREATER CONGESTION AND COULD NOT THEREFORE BE CONSIDERED UNTIL AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE HAS BEEN PROVIDED,* HE SAID.
+ANOTHER ROUTE AND THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WHICH WILL BECOME THE MAJOR ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH SHORES OF HONG KONG ISLAND, THUS RELIEVING THE WONGNEICHONG GAP ROUTES,* HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. P.G. WILLIAMS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS ON MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SIGNS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, MR. MCDONALD SAID THE M.T.R. CORPORATION MUST OBTAIN WRITTEN CONSENT FOR ERECTING ANY SIGN OR ADVERTISEMENT OTHER THAN THOSE ILLUSTRATING OR DESCRIBING THE WORKS IN PROGRESS OR BEARING THE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND NATURE OF BUSINESS OF CONTRACTORS AND SUE-CCNTRACTORS.
ALL REQUESTS MADE SO FAR BY OR DISPLAY OF SIGNS INTENDED FOR OF THE PUBLIC HAD BEEN APPROVED,
THE CORPORATION FOR THE ERECTION THE CONVENIENCE OR INFORMATION SAID MR. MCDONALD.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
4
BUSES INSPECTED BEFORE SERVICE * * * *
ALL PUBLIC BUSES ARE INSPECTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BEFORE THEY ENTER SERVICE AND AT REGULAR INTERVALS THEREAFTER, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THAT BUS COMPANIES WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO SATISFY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT THAT THEIR MAINTENANCE FACILITIES WERE ADEQUATE AND HE WAS SO SATISFIED AT THE PRESENT TIM-.
+FURTHERMORE, THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO DRIVERS ON METHODS OF OPERATION IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY ARE ALSO KNOWN TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND ARE DISCUSSED BETWEEN THE COMPANIES AND THE DEPARTMENT,* MR. JONES SAID.
HE WAS REPLYING TC THE HON. LYDIA DUNN WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO REVIEW THE OVERALL SAFETY STANDARDS OF OPERATION OF ALL PUBLIC BUS COMPANIES IN VIEW OF THE SEK KONG BUS CRASH WHICH KILLED SIX PEOPLE LATE LAST MONTn.
MR. JONES SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT THIS ONE ACCIDENT, SERIOUS AS IT WAS, REQUIRED AS DRASTIC A PROCEDURE AS A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE OVERALL SAFETY STANDARDS OF OPERATION OF ALL PUBLIC OMNIBUS COMPANIES.
HE REVEALED THAT THE BUS CONCERNED WAS A NEW ONE, SPECIALLY PURCHASED FOR ROUTE 51, THE ROUTE CROSSING ROUTE TWSK.
+IT wAS FIRST LICENSED ON JUNE 18, 1976 AND WENT INTO REGULAR SERVICE ON THAT ROUTE ON AUGUST 1, 1976. SINCE THEN AND UNTIL THE ACCIDENT IT HAD HAD A REGULAR THREE WEEKLY INSPECTION AND SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDED TESTING AND ADJUSTING THE BRAKES IF REQUIRED,* HE SAID.
THE LAST SUCH TEST THE ACCIDENT.
WAS HELD ON FEBRUARY 6 -- 19 DAYS BEFORE
THE POLICE ENQUIRY INTO THE CAUSES OF THE ACCIDENT, MR. JONES SAID, WAS AS YET NOT COMPLETED AS THE FINAL OPINIONS OF ONE OR TWO TECHNICAL EXPERTS WERE STILL AWAITED.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, HE HAD ASKED THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO REVIEW THE DEPLOYMENT OF BUSES AND INSTRUCTION GIVEN TO DRIVERS, ON KM3 ROUTE 51 IN PARTICULAR, BUT ALSO ON ALL OTHER HILLY ROUTES IN HONG KONG.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
5
WAITING TIME FOR DRIVING TESTS
******
THE WAITING TIME FOR DRIVING TESTS FLUCTUATES MARGINALLY FROM TIME TO TIME BUT IT IS NOT PROGRESSIVELY LENGTHENING, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, MR. JONES EXPLAINED THAT THE WAITING TIME FOR ROAD DRIVING TESTS VARIED ACCORDING TO THE CLASS OF VEHICLE ON WHICH CANDIDATES WERE BEING TESTED.
+THE LONGEST WAIT IS FOR PRIVATE CARS, BEING EIGHT MONTHS IN HONG KONG AND TEN MONTHS IN KOWLOON,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN AN EFFORT TO SHORTEN THE WAITING TIME, SEVEN NEW DRIVING EXAMINERS WERE RECRUITED LAST YEAR BUT THREE MORE VACANCIES HAD STILL TO BE FILLED.
HOWEVER, MR. JONES ADDED THAT SUCH WAS THE DEMAND FOR TESTS THAT THE WAITING TIME HAD NOT BEEN SHORTENED.
+ THIS IS PARTLY BECAUSE THE PASS RATE FOR PRIVATE CAR ROAD TESTS IS AS LOW AS 28 PER CENT,+ HE SAID. +AND THIS MEANS THAT SOME 52 PER CENT OF ALL CANDIDATES TESTED ARE REPEATERS.+
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT EVEN WHEN THE FACILITIES FOR TESTING WERE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED, THIS WOULD ONLY SERVE AS AN INCENTIVE FOR MORE CANDIDATES TO COME FORWARD AND THAT MANY OF THEM WERE NOT ADEQUATELY PREPARED FOR THE TEST.
+ALTHOUGH, THEREFORE, EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO FILL THE EXISTING VACANCIES FOR DRIVING TEST EXAMINERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I CANNOT HOLD CUT MUCH HOPE OF A GREAT DEAL OF IMPROVEMENT IN THE WAITING TIME FOR PRIVATE CAR TESTS,+ HE CONCLUDED.
MR. JONES ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE SOME 95,033 CANDIDATES WAITING FOR TESTS, OF WHOM 72,530 WERE FOR PRIVATE CARS AND AS MANY AS 236,000 TESTS WERE CONDUCTED LAST YEAR.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
- 6 -
CONTROL AND USAGE OF DRUGS IN GOVT. HOSPITALS MONITORED
*******
THE CONTROL AND USAGE OF DRUGS FN MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IS CONSTANTLY MONITORED EY A SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEE SET UP AT EACH OF THE HOSPITALS TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE STOCKS ARE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG, SAID THIS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS AFTERNOON IN REPLY TC QUESTIONS EY THE HON. PETER C. WONG.
DR. THONG SAID THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOSPITAL, HEADS OF VARIOUS UNITS AND A SENIOR PHARMACIST.
IN THE CLINICS, HE SAID, A STANDARD FORMULARY OF THE COMMON DRUGS IS USED, WHICH AGAIN SERVES TC ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MEDICINE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE.
DR. THONG SAID THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF STOCK CONTROL OVER MEDICINE IS SATISFACTORY, THOUGH THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
IN ORDER TO FIND OUT THE AREAS IN WHICH FURTHER IMPROVEMENT CAN EE MADE, AN ORGANISATION AND METHODS SURVEY IS BEING CARRIED OUT, RESULT OF WHICH IS EXPECTED LATER THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR STRESSED THAT THE PRESCRIBING OF MEDICINES IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ATTENDING DOCTOR WHO WILL PRESCRIBE THE MOST APPROPRIATE MEDICINE FOR HIS PATIENT.
HE SAID SOMETIMES AN ALTERNATIVE EFFECTIVE MEDICINE MAY BE PRESCRIBED, BUT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF USING A LESS EFFECTIVE SUBSTITUTE.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION EY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING CONCERNING DOCTORS LEAVING GOVERNMENT SERVICE, DR. THONG SAID 67 DOCTORS HAVE RESIGNED IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS FOR PERSONAL AND OTHER REASONS, SUCH AS GOING INTO PRIVATE PRACTICE, EMIGRATION, OR TRANSFER TO THE UNIVERSITY OR OTHER HOSPITALS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
7
CONTROL OVER MANAGEMENT OF SUEVENTED ORGANISATIONS ******
THE MEASURES GF CONTROL WHICH THE GOVERNMENT EXERCISES OVER THE ANAGEMENT OF SUEVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN THE SOCIAL SERVICE FIELD VARY .. I TH THE SAS IS OF SUBVENTION, THAT IS, WHETHER THE SUBVENTION IS Or. A DEFICIENCY GRANT OR DISCRETIONARY GRANT BASIS.
Tn IS NAS STATED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. LI FOOK KCW, IN REPLY TC A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. LI SAID ALL AIDED SCHOOLS UNDER THE CODES WITH FOUR MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS WERE SUEVENTED ON A BASIS.
OF AID TOGETHER
DEFICIENCY GRANT
EXPENDITURE OF THESE SCHOOLS, HE WENT ON, WAS EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED THROUGH CODES OF AID APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUT MANAGEMENT WAS LEFT TC THE SCHOOL COUNCILS.
NR. LI NOTED THAT FOR DEFICIENCY GRANT HOSPITALS, MANAGEMENT INCLUDING FINANCIAL CONTROL .<AS EXERCISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OR AN EQUIVALENT BODY OF THE HOSPITAL ON WHICH GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES SAT AS EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.
+THE BUDGETS FOR THESE HOSPITALS ARE APPROVED BY THEIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES AND THEY HAVE TO BE ADHERED TO UNLESS AUTHORITY TO VARY EXPENDITURE IS GIVEN EY THE COMMITTEE,* HE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT OTHER HOSPITALS AND SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS .. zRE ASSISTED ON A DISCREilONARY GR A ।. i BASIS.
+GOVERNMENT EXERCISES LITTLE CONTROL DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE ORGANISATIONS,* HE NOTED.
HOWEVER, MR. LI STRESSED THAT ANY SIGNIFICANT SURPLUS IN ONE YEAR wAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT wHEN THE SUBSEQUENT YEAR’S SUBVENTION WAS CONSIDERED.
TURNING TC THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, MR. J TOLD COUNCIL THAT THE AMOUNT OF GRANT ALLOCATED ..AS DECIDED CH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (U.P.G.C.).
+ONCE THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC RECEIVE THEIR GRANT, IT IS PRIMARILY THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTROL EXPENDITURE, SUBJECT TO THE GUIDANCE FROM THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ON' STANDARDS.*
THE SECRETARY ADDED ’HAT THE U.P.G.C. RECEIVED REGULAR REPORTS FROM THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC AMD MIGHT ..ARK .-El- THAT IT MIGHT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY UNJUSTIFIABLE DEVIATION FRC> THEIR PREVIOUSLY SJE.'ITT^j PLANS A >i I. AKI.c I i S
RECOMMENDATIONS FCR TH^ NEXT -_-CK—uRAilT 130.
/CN£ AVENUE .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
8
ONE AVENUE OF CONTROL, HE SAID, WAS THAT THE SUBVENTION RULES GOVERNING SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FIELD +WILL BE AUGMENTED, IF EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOT ADEQUATE, TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE RECORDS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE ORGANISATIONS*.
REFERRING TO MISS BENNETT’S QUERY OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED SUCH CONTROL ADEQUATE TO ENSURE THAT THE SUBVENTIONS ALLOCATED WERE USED TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY STANDARDS OF SERVICE, MR. LI ADMITTED THAT HE HAD SOME DIFFICULTY BECAUSE +IRRESPECTIVE OF THE STANDARDS ACHIEVED, THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT+.
+HOWEVER,* HE SAID, + l FEEL I CAN SAY THAT IN GENERAL THE TAXPAYER IS GETTING GOOD VALUE IN RETURN FOR THE SUBVENTIONS TO SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES.*
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MORE BARBECUE PITS FOR PUBLIC USE
******
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE A FURTHER 300 BARBECUE PITS FCR PUBLIC USE WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE HON. E.H. NICHOLS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER PROVIDING MORE BARBECUE PITS IN ORDER TO DISCOURAGE INDISCRIMINATE LIGHTING OF BARBECUE FIRES.
MR. NICHOLS SAID THERE WERE ALREADY 1,380 BARBECUE PITS PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC USE. OF THESE 280 WERE PUT IN DURING THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MR. LEUNG, HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE 90 FULL TIME PATROL STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT ENFORCING COUNTRYSIDE PROTECTION LEGISLATION. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE 147 STAFF AUTHORISED TO CARRY OUT ENFORCEMENT WORK ANCILLARY TO THEIR OTHER DUTIES.
*AT TIMES OF HIGH FIRE RISKS, PATROL STAFF ARE ASSISTED, AT WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, BY 40 CAS CADETS,* HE SAID.
+AS GOVERNMENT’S COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT SERVICES ARE EXTENDED, ADDITIONAL POSTS ARE INCLUDED. THIRTY-TWO SUCH STAFF WILL BECOME AVAILABLE PRIOR TO THE NEXT FIRE SEASON COMES.*
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
LEGCO APPROVES FUNDS * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION TO ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO DRAW ON FUNDS ON ACCOUNT FOR EXISTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE START OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR ON APRIL 1 AND THE ISSUE OF THE GENERAL WARRANT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE EARLY IN MAY.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT THIS YEAR, AS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL WAS TO BE EXTENDED INTO APRIL AND MAY TO ALLOW UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS MORE TIME TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR 1977-78.
+THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE WILL THEREFORE NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL EARLY MAY,+ MR. JEAFFRESON SAID.
THE FUNDS ON ACCOUNT SOUGHT UNDER EACH EXPENDITURE HEAD HAVE BEEN DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULES WHICH HAVE BEEN AGREED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL, HE SAID.
THE MOTION ALSO SOUGHT THE APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL TO ENABLE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO DIRECT THAT CERTAIN RECEIPTS, CONSISTING OF FEES AND CHARGES, BE APPROPRIATED-IN-AID AND USED TO OFFSET EXPENDITURE INSTEAD OF BEING CREDITED TO GENERAL REVENUE DURING THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE VOTE ON ACCOUNT.
THE APPROPRIATIONS-IN-AID SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED IN 1976-77.
/1O
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
10
MANY CYCLISTS PROSECUTED FOR RECKLESS RIDING
* * * *
THERE WERE 1,278 PROSECUTIONS OF CYCLISTS LAST YEAR, 308 OF WHICH WERE FOR NEGLIGENTLY RIDING A BICYCLE, THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. THORNTON AGREED THAT RECKLESS CYCLISTS DID CONSTITUTE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES AND OTHER PEOPLE.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE VIEW OF THE TRAFFIC POLICE THE MAIN PROBLEMS EXISTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND, IN PARTICULAR, TAI PO AREA EXTENDING TO PLOVER COVE AND BRIDES POOL.
THESE ARE POPULAR PICNIC SPOTS DURING WEEKENDS AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT IN TA I PO A NUMBER OF BICYCLE HIRE SHOPS DID A THRIVING BUSINESS HIRING BICYCLES MAINLY TO YOUNGSTERS ON THEIR WAY TO AN OUTING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THERE ARE SEVERAL ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS ALONG TING KOK ROAD IN THE VICINITY OF STEEP INCLINES,* MR. THORNTON SAID.
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE HAD ASKED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO ERECT WARNING SIGNS ADVISING CYCLISTS TO DISMOUNT AND WALK WHEN NEGOTIATING THESE HILLS.
+ACTION IS IN HAND ALTHOUGH THE SIGNS ARE NOT YET IN PLACE,* HE SAID.
MR. THORNTON ADDED THAT SUBJECT TO OTHER COMMITMENTS, THE POLICE PUT OUT A SQUAD OF TRAFFIC POLICEMEN TO ADVISE AND WARN CYCLISTS IN THIS AREA OF THE DANGER TO THEMSELVES AND OTHERS OF RIDING BICYCLES RECKLESSLY.
+THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER (TRAFFIC) HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE TO DO ALL THEY CAN TO ADVISE AND WARN CYCLISTS WHO DO NOT CONTROL THEIR MACHINES PROPERLY,* THE SOLICITOR GENERAL SAID.
/11 .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977 11 -
NO CHANGE IN SCOPE OF SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS AT PRESENT FOR EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF THE COMMITTEE FOR SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION WHICH HAS BEEN FUNCTIONING WELL, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES SAID TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE STEPS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE COMMITTEE INTO THAT OF AN INSTITUTE OR COUNCIL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
MR. JONES SAID THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE WERE BROAD AND COMPREHENSIVE AND ITS MEMBERSHIP COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.
+THE COMMITTEE, AS AT PRESENT CONSTITUTED, FULFILLS THE FUNCTION OF REVIEWING THE NEED IN HONG KONG FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND PROGRAMMES AND CONCENTRATING EFFORT WHERE IT IS MOST NEEDED,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+WE POSSESS NO HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND CANNOT BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. BUT IN SOME FIELDS, FOR EXAMPLE TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY AND TYPHOON STUDIES, BOTH OF WHICH ARE VERY RELEVANT TO HONG KONG, WE ARE RECOGNISED AS HAVING A SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE.
+THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO ABLE TO ADVISE WHERE HELP CAN BE SOUGHT FROM OVERSEAS IF ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEM ARISES,* HE ADDED.
FURTHERMORE, MR. JONES SAID, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WAS AVAILABLE TO GIVE ADVICE AS FAR AS OUR INDUSTRIES WERE CONCERNED. AS A RESULT OF MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S QUESTION, MR. JONES SAID HE HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE WHO HAS AGREED TO INVITE SOMEONE FROM THE CENTRE TO JOIN THE COMMITTEE.
HE ADDED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE WAS RECENTLY SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND WAS BEING PRINTED. WHEN IT IS READY HE WOULD ARRANGE FOR IT TO BE TABLED IN THE COUNCIL FOR THE INFORMATION OF MEMBERS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
12
T.O.E.F.L. TEST * * * *
THE NEXT TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (T.O.E.F.L.) WILL BE HELD ON MAY 21.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED EXAMINATION ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE IN MAY, ENTRY FOR THIS TEST WOULD BE CONFINED TO THOSE CANDIDATES WHO WERE IN URGENT NEED OF T.O.E.F.L. SCORES.
+ONLY CANDIDATES WHO CAN PRODUCE WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM AN OVERSEAS COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY TO TAKE THE TEST WILL BE REGISTERED,* HE SAID.
COPIES OF THE BULLETIN OF INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE EXAMINATION DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1OTH FLOOR, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON- OR THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, BONAVENTURE HOUSE, 2ND FLOOR, 91, LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG- OR THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, 408, J. HOTUNG HOUSE, 4TH FLOOR, 5/15 HANKOW ROAD, KOWLOON.
CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE.
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS IN PERSON, TOGETHER WITH THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT, AND TWO RECENT AND IDENTICAL PHOTOGRAPHS (2-1/2” X 2”), TO THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 13TH FLOOR, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. FROM MARCH 21 TO 25.
NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
THE TEST FEE OF HK$95 PER CANDIDATE MUST BE PAID ON OR BEFORE MARCH 28, 1977 AT THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE, EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
FEES MAY BE PAID BY CROSSED CHEQUE PAYABLE TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SENT THROUGH THE POST TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
13
LEIGHTON ROAD ’BUS-ONLY’ LANE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE ’BUS-ONLY’ LANE ALONG THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN MATHESON STREET AND CANAL ROAD EAST WILL BE CHANGED LATER THIS WEEK.
STARTING ON FRIDAY (MARCH 18), THE NEW OPERATING HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 9 P.M. INSTEAD OF 7 A.M. AND 11 P.M.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE CHANGE.
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C.A.D. OFFICERS TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSE
*****
TWO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS II OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MR. JOSEPH TANG CHI-PANG AND MR. EDMUND WONG MING-CHEONG, HAVE LEFT FOR NEW ZEALAND ON A MONTH LONG TRAINING COURSE.
THEY WILL ATTEND THE PRECISION APPROACH RADAR COURSE FROM MARCH 21 TO APRIL 7 AT THE AERONAUTICAL COLLEGE, CHRISTCHURCH, FOLLOWED BY TWO WEEKS OF PRACTICAL TRAINING.
THE COURSE IS ARRANGED THROUGH THE NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 1977
14
BILLS PASSED * * *
THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE TRADE UNIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 PASSED THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THREE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST READING. THEY ARE THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977. THE MONEY LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
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WATER CUT
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND SHAM SHU I PO IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 18) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN CHAI WAN, THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE NO. 399 CHAI WAN ROAD, NOS. 8-12 ON YIP-STREET, NOS. 1-9 SUN YIP STREET, INCLUDING CALTEX SERVICE FILLING STATION, CHINA MOTOR BUS GARAGE AND CHAI WAN RESITE AREA.
IN SHAM SHU I PO, THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YU CHAU WEST STREET, WING HONG STREET, KWONG SHING STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, HING WAH STREET, FUK WING STREET, CHEUNG WAH STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND KWONG CHEONG STREET, INCLUDING TSAP FAI STREET, UN CHAU STREET AND FUK WA STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON USE OF VICTORIA BARRACKS .................................................... 1
GOVERNOR MAKES SPOT VISITS TO FILL SLOPES UNDER REPAIR ... 2
MORE SCHOOL CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN FLOWER GROWING COMPETITION ................................................. 3
PRIME SHA TIN SITE SUCCESSFULLY BID BY CHINACHEM GROUP ... 4
EFFICIENT USE OF PAPER INTRODUCED ........................... 5
MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION ATTRACTS BIG CROWD ............ 6
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSE IN U.K. ... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1977
1
COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON USE OF VICTORIA BARRACKS *****
A SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, ON
THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON THE PLANNING OF THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA WHICH IS DUE TO BE RELEASED BY THE ARMY IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1978/79.
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING TO BE MEMBERS OF
THE COMMITTEE WHICH IS TO BE KNOWN AS THE VICTORIA BARRACKS PLANNING COMMITTEE s -
* MR. SZETO WAI (CHAIRMAN), AN ARCHITECT AND ENGINEER WHO
WAS A MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR ALMOST NINETEEN YEARS. HE WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR SEVEN YEARS AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS"
* DR. S.M. BARD, WELL-KNOWN LOCAL ARCHAEOLOGIST AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS SECTION OF THE U.S.D."
* MR. GEORGE C.TSO, A DEVELOPER AND MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD"
* MR. WILLIAM CHAN, A BARRISTER AND MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD"
* PROFESSOR K.C. LYE, PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG"
* MR. G.R. ROSS, A PROMINENT LOCAL BUSINESSMAN" AND
* MR. D.W. MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE IS MR. G.L. MORTIMER, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE COMMITTEE IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ITS PROPOSALS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1977 AND IS TO BEAR IN MIND : -
(A) THE NEED TO REDEVELOP IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ADD TO THE AMENITY AND APPEARANCE, AS WELL AS TO THE COMMERCIAL GROWTH, OF THE CENTRAL AREA OF HONG KONG"
(E) THE USE OF THE AREA AS A WHOLE SHOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF ITS VALUE, AND ENSURE THAT ITS ACQUISITION FROM THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE RESULTS IN A REASONABLE DIRECT OR INDIRECT RETURN TO PUBLIC REVENUE" AND
(C) A RECOMMENDATION TO RETAIN ANY OF THE PRESENT BUILDINGS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY PROPOSALS FOR USE WHICH ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND COMPATIBLE WITH (A) AND (B) ABOVE.
/THE
COMMITTEE .....
- 2 -
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1977
THE COMMITTEE MAY CALL FOR ANY ASSISTANCE IT REQUIRES FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND FROM ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR FROM ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE BODY.
THE COMMITTEE AIMS TO PUBLISH ITS BROAD PROPOSALS AT THE END OF MAY THIS YEAR FOLLOWING WHICH THE PUBLIC WILL BE GIVEN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS UNTIL AUGUST 1 IN WHICH TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS.
AFTER THAT THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO BE IN A POSITION TO SUBMIT ITS FINAL PROPOSALS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1977.
GOVERNOR SEES REMEDIAL WORKS ON FILL SLOPES * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY VISITED A NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS TO SEE PROGRESS ON REMEDIAL WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT ON FILL SLOPES FOLLOWING THE SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE REPORTS PUBLISHED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
SIR MURRAY WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, ffi. DAVID MCDONALD, AND MR. BRYAN O’RORKE, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER APPOINTED TO SET UP THE NEW P.W.D. OFFICE WHICH WILL ACT AS A +WATCHDOG+ OVER THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL SLOPES IN HONG KONG.
DURING THE TOUR, SIR MURRAY WAS BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CRASH REMEDIAL PROGRAMME BEING UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE SLOPES BEFORE THE COMING WET SEASON.
THE $30 MILLION PROGRAMME INCLUDES MAJOR RECONSTRUCTION WORK, AND THE RECOMPACTING OF THE SURFACE OF 11 SLOPES IN NINE PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS TO THE RIGOROUS STANDARDS SET BY THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF EXPERTS — AS WELL AS A RANGE OF MORE GENERAL WORKS SUCH AS DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS.
SIR MURRAY SAID AFTER HIS TOUR THAT HE CONSIDERED THAT THE WORK ON THE SLOPES WAS PROCEEDING +EXTREMELY SAT ISFACTORILY+.
+WE ARE ABSOLUTELY DETERMINED TO GET THESE SLOPES RIGHT BEFORE THE HEAVY RAINS COME,+ HE SAID.
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/3....
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1977
MORE SCHOOL CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN FLOWER GROWING COMPETITION * * * *
A RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, LEUNG TIN VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL, HAS BECOME THIS YEAR’S SECTION CHAMPION OF THE TEFTH ANNUAL URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW.
TSUNG HIM SCHOOL, LEUNG TIN VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL AND FUNG KAI PUBLIC SCHOOL WHICH WON THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES IN LAST YEAR’S SHOW, SUCCEEDED IN MAINTAINING THE THREE TOP POSITIONS. BUT FOR THIS YEAR, TSUNG HIM SCHOOL AND LEUNG TIN VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL CHANGED PLACES AS THE GRENHAM CUP AND A $100 PRIZE ARE AWARDED TO LEUNG TIN VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL.
TSUNG HIM SCHOOL, LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION, S AWARDED $30 WHILE FUNG KAI PUBLIC SCHOOL WHICH MAINTAINED THIRD PLACE, IS AGAIN AWARDED $20.
SIXTEEN OTHER RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE HIGHLY COMMENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE JUDGING PANEL WHO EARLIER THIS MONTH VISITED 59 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS — AN INCREASE OF THREE COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
THE $50 FIRST PRIZE FOR ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WENT TO KWONG YUET TONG LO PAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE SECOND PRIZE OF $30 TO FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL, AND THE: $20 THIRD PRIZE TO KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION SCHOOL.
TEN OTHER URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTRIES IN THE SCHOOL CHILDREN FLOWER Gf:OWING COMPETITION 1977, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT III SUPPORT OF THE URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECORDS OF THIS FLOWER GF'OWING COMPETITION WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY WITH THE 10TH URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW AT CITY HALL MEMORIAL GARDEN AND EXHIBITION HALL, LOW BLOCK FROM MARCH 18 TO 20 1977.
MRS. PETER CHAN PO-FAN, WIFE OF AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, WILL PRESENT THE GRENHAM CUP TO LEUNG TIN VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL AND DISTRIBUTE PRIZES TO THE WINNING SCHOOL AT 5.:$0 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE EXHIBITION HALL
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY COVERED. COPIES OF A FULL LIST OF PRIZE WINNERS ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
0
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1977
4
GROUP OF COMPANIES HEADED BY CHItlACHEM WINS SHA TIN LAND TENDER
* # K K
FOUR COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CHINAGHEM GROUP WERE TODAY ANNOUNCED AS THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS FOR A PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR. J.D. JOHNSTON, SAID THE COMPANIES WERE THE WORLD REALTY LIMITED, ALL BEST WISHES LIMITED, HIM FOOK COMPANY LIMITED AND THE CHEE SHEUNG INDUSTRY AND GODOWN COMPANY LIMITED.
THE 12,200 SQUARE METRE SITE IS TO BE DEVELOPED AS A HIGH-QUALITY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AT THE HEART OF SHA TIN’S TOWN CENTRE, MR. JOHNSTON SAID.
+WE DISPOSED OF THE LOT UNDER THE LAND EXCHANGE TENDER PROGRAMME AND A ’TWIN’ ADJOINING SITE WHICH W LL BE DEVELOPED ALONG SIMILAR LINES IS ALSO BEING DISPOSED OF IN THIS MANNER.
+IN FACT, TENDERS FOR THE SECOND LOT CLOSE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).*
MR. JOHNSTON SAID THAT THE TWO SITES, WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, WOULD FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TOWN CENTRE.
+EACH WILL HAVE A FOUR-LEVEL PODIUM, PROVIDING CAR PARKING AND COMMERCIAL ARCADES SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE OCEAN TERMINAL.
+0N EACH PODIUM WILL BE FOUR RESIDENTIAL TOWER BLOCKS WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
+THE SALE CONDITIONS STIPULATE THAT THE SITES ARE TO BE DEVELOPED TO A DETAILED CONTROL PLAN DRAWN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANNERS.
+ THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE GOVERNMENT HAS DISPOSED OF LAND SUBJECT TO SUCH A DETAILED CONTROL PLAN IN THE SALES CONDITIONS BUT IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SITES TO BE DEVELOPED IN LINE WITH THE HIGH STANDARDS OF THE TOWN CENTRE LAYOUT.*
THURSIAY, MARCH 17, 1977
5
PREVENTION OF PAPER WASTE
* * * *
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT WHICH USES SOME 400 TONS OF PAPER EVERY YEAR FOR OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS IS DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO PREVENT WASTAGE.
IN ORDER TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF EVERY SHEET OF PAPER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED THE STANDARD +A SERIES- SIZE PAPER.
THEY ARE A-ZERO WHICH IS EQUAL TO A FULL SHEET OF 33 INCHES BY 46.8 INCHES- A-ONE WHICH IS JUST HALF THE SIZE OF THE A-ZERO-AND A-TWO WHICH IS HALF OF A-ONE, PRESERVING "HE PROPORTION THAT EACH FOLD IS ONE HALF OF THE OTHER.
+BY INTRODUCING THIS SYSTEM, WE HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MINIMISING WASTAGE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SUCCESS, HE ADDED, WAS ALSO DUE TO THE CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+WE DO NOT HAVE MUCH LEFT OVER IN ODD SIZES WHICH WE CANNOT MAKE USE OF,* HE POINTED OUT.
HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED, IF THERE WERE LEF"OVERS, THEY WOULD BE STOCKED AND SOLD TO SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS IN JANUARY EVERY YEAR. THE AMOUNT INVOLVED IS BETWEEN 60 AND70 TONS /.ND IS MAINLY FROM TR IMMINGS.
+IF WE COMPARE THIS FIGURE WITH THE 2,400 TONS OF PAPER WE USE EVERY YEAR, IT MEANS ONLY ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF IT ARE GOING TO WASTE, IF THAT IS THE RIGHT WORD.*
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE SO CALLED PAPER WASTE COULD BE REPULPED TO PRODUCE SECOND GRADE PAPER SUCH AS THE ONES USED FOR WRAPPING.
+AS FOR HOW MUCH WE CAN GET FROM THESE S/LES,* HE WENT ON, + IT REALLY DEPENDS ON THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND SITUATION BUT WE ARE NORMALLY OFFERED ABOUT $1,200 PER TON.*
HE ADDED: +ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL GO INTO GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL REVENUE WHICH AGAIN SHOWS THAT PAPER WASTE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE WHAT ITS NAME IMPLIES.*
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/6......
THURSDAY MARCH 17, 1977
6 -
MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION ATTRACTS BIG CROWD KOK*
MORE THAN 25,000 PEOPLE HAVE FLOCKED TO SEE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EXHIBITION ON MACHINERY GUARDING XT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM SO FAR.
THE EXHIBITION WHICH CLOSES ON SUNDAY EVENING IS OPEN - • DAILY FROM 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M.
SAID A LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICER AT THE E<HIBITI ON SITE: +THE VISITORS ARE MAINLY FACTORY PROPRIETORS AMD INDUSTRIAL WORKERS SOME OF WHOM ARRIVED IN ORGANISED GROU’S HEADED BY THEIR FACTORY MANAGEMENTS.
+WE ARE HEARTENED BY THIS OVERWHELMING RESPONSE AND ARE SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE REACHED THE TARGETED PUBLIC.
+HOWEVER, WE WILL NOT BE COMPLACENT AND WILL CONTINUE TO PRESS HOME OUR SAFETY MESSAGE TO THE INDUSTRIA. SECTOR THROUGH EDUCATION AND ADVICE BY OUR INSPECTORATE STAFF AND OTHER PUBLIC ITY.+
ENQUIRIES FOR GROUP VISITS TO THE EXHIBITION CAN BE MADE DIRECT TO THE EXHIBITION STAFF AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS ON TELEPHONE 3-644934.
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IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO ATTEND TRAINING COURSE IN U.K.
K K H KK
FOUR SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WERE TODXY BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. J. M. ROWLANDS ON THE EVE OF THEIR DEPARTURE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE THEY WILL ATTEND A THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE ON IMMIGRATION AND MANAGEMENT.
THEY ARE MESSRS. CHUI KWONG-SHING, LOH KW3NG-YAN, CHEUNG KWOK-SHUM AND CHEUNG KAI-WOON.
PRIOR TO THEIR TRAINING IN THE UNITED KIN3D0M, THE OFFICERS WILL VISIT SOME INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS IN EURO’E TO SEE HOW IMMIGRATION CONTROL IS EXERCISED.
MR. ROWLANDS SAID: +THE TRAINING ARRANGEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN EUROPE FORM PART OF OUR PROGRAMME FOR ’REPARING IMMIGRATION SERVICE OFFICERS TO FILL SENIOR POSTS.+
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, KARCH 18, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
$4.6 MILLION INTERCHANGE Of. LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO. PROVIDE TRAFFIC LINK TO SHA TIN .............................. 1
THREE RETAIL SHOP SPACES AT KAI TAK AIRPORT AVAILABLE FOR RENT THROUGH PUBLIC TENDER ................................... 2
MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ........................................ 2
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS ......................... 3
TWO-DAY EXHIBITION ON PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE OPENS TOMORROW IN WAN CHAI ................................... 3
ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA DONATES VISUAL COMMUNICATION
SYSTEM TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YCUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE ...................................................... 4
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF DONATE BLOOD TO RED CROSS ......... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1977
1
$4.6 MILLION INTERCHANGE FOR SHA TIN *****
WORK IS TO START SOON ON A $4.6 MILLION ROAD INTERCHANGE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD THAT WILL PROVIDE A VITAL TRAFFIC LINK TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT, WHICH IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HIGHWAYS OFFICE (NEW TERRITORIES), IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE INTERCHANGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO LINK UP WITH A PLANNED DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WHICH WILL RUN INTO SHA TIN.
WORK ON THIS PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO RESUME JUST ON 70,000 SQUARE FEET OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND TO MAKE WAY FOR THE INTERCHANGE PROJECT, AND ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION OF THE LAND WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
HE ADDED THAT THE ROAD PROJECT WOULD BRING GREAT TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AREA.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PROJECT WOULD:
* IMPROVE ACCESS TO NEW DEVELOPMENT AREAS ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IN THE VICINITY OF THE INTERCHANGE.
* AVOID SEVERE DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC ALONG LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
* COPE WITH THE PLANNED OPENING OF THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ONLY ONE FAMILY WAS INVOLVED IN THE CLEARANCE AND THEY WOULD BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE DISTRICT, IF ELIGIBLE.
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION WOULD ALSO BE PAID TO OWNERS OF A RESTAURANT AND A SHOP AFFECTED.
+THE CLEARANCE WILL ALSO INVOLVE PAYMENTS OF COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, PINE TREES, MISCELLANEOUS IMPROVEMENTS SUCH AS WELLS, IRRIGATION PIPES AND FENCES AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR CULTIVATORS,* HE ADDED.
/a
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1977
2
AIRPORT RETAIL SHOP SPACES FOR RENT * * * *
THREE GENERAL RETAIL SHOP SPACES AT THE DEPARTURE LEVEL OF KAI TAK AIRPORT ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT THROUGH PUBLIC TENDER.
TWO SHOPS OF ABOUT 350 SQUARE FEET EACH ARE LOCATED IN THE NEW EXTENSION TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING. THE TENANCIES ARE FOR THREE YEARS BEGINNING ON OR ABOUT MAY 15.
THE THIRD SHOP, OCCUPYING 375 SQUARE FEET IN THE EXISTING TERMINAL BUILDING, IS FOR A FIXED PERIOD OF ONE YEAR FROM MAY 1, THEREAFTER THE SHOP WILL BE ON MONTH-TO-MONTH TERMS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS IT HAS TO BE DEMOLISHED TO ALLOW FOR MODIFICATIONS IN THE TERMINAL.
ITEMS PERMITTED FOR SALE AT THESE PREMISES MAY INCLUDE PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT, RADIO AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, CHINESE ARTS AND CRAFTS, TOILETRIES, COSMETICS, PERFUMES, TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES, CONFECTIONARY, TOYS, OUTFITTERS AND EMBROIDERED GOODS, OR COMPANY’S OWN BRANDED OR MANUFACTURED GOODS.
A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) STATES THAT TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TENDER EOARD BEFORE 12 NOON ON APRIL 1.
TENDERERS ARE REQUIRED TO BID SEPARATELY FOR EACH OF THE SHOPS.
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MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY ********
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN APRIL 4 AND 15.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD FOR THE INDUSTRY, MR. HO SAI-CHU, CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO COOPERATE BY PROVIDING INFORMATION SO THAT PLANS CAN BE FORMULATED TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER NEEDS.
MR. HO STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ON.Y IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL SITE OR FIRM.
THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH IN ITS SERIES, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF TIE LABOUR, CENSUS AND STATISTICS AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS.
THE SURVEY WILL COVER ALL ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION SITES AND THE CONTRACTOR FIRMS CONCERNED.
ESTATE DEVELOPERS AS WELL AS ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS AND CONSULTING ENGINEERS FIRMS WILL ALSO BE SURVEYED.
QUESTIONNAIRES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE BEING SENT TO CONSTRUCTION FIRMS, AND INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT EACH OF THEM TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1977
- 3 -
H.K. YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE SECOND HONG KONG YOUTH CULTURAL AND ARTS COMPETITIONS AT A CEREMONY TO 3E HELD AT THE CONCERT HALL, CITY HALL, AT 2.30 P.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 20).
THE COMPETITIONS, SPONSORED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY LOCAL KAIFCNG ASSOCIATIONS, LIONS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, Y’S MEN’S CLUBS, PENINSULA JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, ROTARY CLUE AND 30 OTHER VOLUNTARY BODIES.
THE AIM OF THE COMPETITIONS IS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC INTEREST, PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUTH SECTOR, IN THE STUDY OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, THEREBY ENHANCING THE STANDARD OF CHINESE IN HONG KONG.
THE COMPETITIONS INCLUDE CHINESE ESSAY WRITING, CHINESE SPEECH, TRANSLATION, DEBATE, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING.
AMONG THE JUDGES ARE PROFESSORS, SENIOR LECTURERS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND RENOWNED SCHOLARS, WRITERS AND JOURNALISTS.
THIS YEAR, THE COMPETITIONS ARE WELL-RECEIVED BY VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY AND WARMLY SUPPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF SCHOOLS. THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 5,300 YOUNGSTERS PARTICIPATING IN THE SIX EVENTS AND THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THIS EVENT.
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EXHIBITION ON PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE
******
A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION ON +PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE* WILL BE HELD AT THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE AT 44, Ol KWAN ROAD WAN CHAI THIS WEEKEND.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, FOLLOWS THE SUCCESSFUL ONE HELD AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL EARLIER THIS YEAR WHICH ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF SPECTATORS.
IT AIMS TO SHOW THE PUBLIC THE WORK ON REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS -- PROBATION SERVICE, THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE AFTERCARE SERVICE.
FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITION .'.ILL BE CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS AND HANDICRAFTS MADE BY RESIDENTS OF THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE EXHIBITION /.ILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 13 A.M.
TO 6 P.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 1977
VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR LABOUR DEPT
*****
THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA WILL DONATE A VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE FURAMA HOTEL ON MONDAY (MARCH 21).
THE VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WHICH COSTS MORE THAN 55,000 WILL COMPRISE A TRANSPARENCY COPY MAKER AND TWO PORTABLE OVERHEAD PROJECTORS.
THE EQUIPMENT WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE WORK OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE IN DISSEMINATING UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION VISUALLY TO WOULD-BE SCHOOL LEAVERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE VICTORIA ROOM OF THE FURAMA HOTEL AT 1 P.M. ON MONDAY. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESENTATION.
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT STAFF DONATE BLOOD
******
THE MOBILE UNIT OF THE RED CROSS BLOOD COLLECTION TEAM COLLECTED 13 UNITS OF BLOOD FROM STAFF OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
AMONG THE PEOPLE WHO DONATED BLOOD WAS MR. KEN KIERNAN, DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY, WHO IS NOW JUST ONE SHORT OF HIS 40 Tri DONATION.
MR. KIERNAN HAS DONATED BLOOD TO THE RED CROSS ON 13 OCCASIONS IN BRITAIN AND 26 IN HONG KONG. HE /.ILL BE PRESENTED WITH A CERTIFICATE FROM THE RED CROSS ON HIS NEXT DONATION WHICH WILL EE HIS 40TH.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES HONG KONG TEAM ON ITS VICTORIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ............. 1
HONG KONG OFFICIALS TO TAKE PART IN AIR TALKS IN LONDON . 2
EMPLOYERS REMINDED THAT CHING MING IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY .................................................... 3
EXHIBITION ON PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE ........... 4
MAIN BUILDING CONTRACT FOR TSIM SHA TSUI PLANETARIUM WILL BE SIGNED TOMORROW ......................................... 5
MAIL TO FIJI ISLANDS AND NEW ZEALAND LOST AT SEA ........... 5
TWO ROADS IN KOWLOON WILL BE AFFECTED BY MTR WORKS ......... 6
WATER INTERRUPTION IN MID LEVELS ........................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
1
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES H.K. TEAM ON ITS VICTORIES IN COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS *****
THZ GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, HR, DENIS BRAY, HAVE SENT CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES TO THE HONG KONG TAELE TENNIS TEAM NC>. TAKING PART IN THE FOURTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN GUERNSEY, BRITAIN, FOLLOWING ITS VICTORIES YESTERDAY.
IN HIS MESSAGE, SIR MURRAY SAID : +CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAMS ON YOUR VICTORIES FOR HONG KONG IK THE CHAMPIONSHIPS.*
MR. BRAY SAID IN HIS MESSAGE, +CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR OUTSTANDING SUCCESS FOR HONG KONG. BEST WISHES FOR THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LATER THIS MONTH.+
H.K. OFFICIALS OFF TO LONDON FOR AIR TALKS ******
MR. DAVID T.K. WONG, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, AND MR. B.D. KEEP, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AV Im i ION, LcF i HONG KONG TOI. luhT rOR LONDON rOR CONSULTATIONS ON VARIOUS CIVIL AVIATION MATTERS ..ITH THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE PROBLEM; OF AIR CARGO RATES.
FOLLOWING THE CONSULTATIONS, THEY WILL PROCEED TO WASHINGTON AS PART OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION TO NEGOTIATE A NEW AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN BRITAIN AMD THE UNITED STATES.
THE FORTHCOMING ROUND OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE THE FIFTH IN THE CONTINUING SERIES AND WILL DEAL, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH AIR LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED STATES.
FOLLOWING THE NEGOTIATIONS MESSRS. WONG AND KEEP .•.ILL PROCEED TO MONTREAL TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPECIAL AIR TRANSPORT CONFERENCE ORGANIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE DISCUSSING PROBLEMS OF CAPACITY, TARIFF RATES AND ENFORCEMENT AND MON-SCHEDULED TRAFF IC.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
2
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR CHAI WAN
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK NEXT MONTH ON THE FIRST STAGE OF A $10 MILLION SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND PARK AT CHAI WAN.
TENDERS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR THE SITE FORMATION WORKS ON A TWO-HECTARE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD AND SUN YIP STREET.
TENDERS FOR THE MAIN CONTRACTS WILL BE CALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR AND THE SWIMMING COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BY THE MIDDLE OF 1979.
THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR. PHILIP CHEUK, SAID THE POOL COMPLEX WOULD BE AMONG THE LARGEST IN HONG KONG, CATERING FOR SOME 5,000 SWIMMERS AT ANY ONE TIME.
IT WOULD COMPRISE EIGHT POOLS - A MAIN POOL, A SECONDARY POOL, THREE TEACHING POOLS, A DIVING POOL, A CHILDREN’S POOL AND A PADDLING POOL.
+ THE MAIN POOL AND DIVING POOL HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO OLYMPIC STANDARDS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL NOW BEING BUILT,+ HE SAID.
+ONE SPECIAL FEATURE WILL BE THE ACCESS FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO ENABLE THEM TO ENTER AND LEAVE THE COMPLEX SAFELY AND CONVENIENTLY,* HE ADDED.
+OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, REFRESHMENT CAFE, A COVERED STAND FOR SPECTATORS AND COVERED PARKING FACILITIES.+
THE PARK, HE SAID, WOULD PROVIDE A LUSH GREEN BELT SURROUNDING THE SWIMMING COMPLEX AND PROVIDE A PLEASANT LEISURE AREA FOR NON-SWIMMERS AS WELL AS PLAY FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN.
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/3......
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
5
CHINS MING FESTIVAL — A STATUTORY HOLIDAY
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT TUESDAY (APRIL 5), THE DAY OF THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
MR. PRICE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE APPLIED TO ALL EMPLOYEES WHEREVER THEY WORK.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 32,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO EE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE THE EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIM 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE BEFORE GIVING HIM AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY EE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.
COMPLAINTS OR ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-235638= KOWLOON WEST 3-231652= K.vUN TONG 3-893523= TSUEN WAN 12-422096= YUEN LONG 12-760261 EXT. 82= AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 63.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
k
EXHIBITION ON PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE IN N.T.
******
A FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION ON PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE 'WILL EE HELD AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN FROM MONDAY (MARCH 21).
MR. J./,. HAYES, TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TSUEN WAN, MR. F.W. ELACKWELL, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG MAGISTRATES ASSOCIATION AND MR. CHAN PO-FONG, A CIVIC LEADER, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 4 P.M.
THE EXHIBITION FOLLOWS THE SUCCESSFUL ONES HELD IN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG.
ORGANISED BY THE PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE EXHIBITION AIMS TO SHOW THE PUBLIC THE WORK ON REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS - THE PROBATION SERVICE, THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE AFTERCARE SERVICE.
THE EXHIBITION FEATURES SLIDE SHOWS, CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOON AND HANDICRAFTS MADE BY RESIDENTS OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
DURING THE CEREMONY, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS CF QUIZ AND CROSSWORD PUZZLES COMPETITIONS ORGANISED FOR THE VISITORS TO THE PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 4 P.M. TO 9.30 P.M. ON MONDAY" 10 A.M. TO 9.30 P.M. ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AND 13 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON THE LAST DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES ON MONDAY (MARCH 21) AT 4 P.M.
/5
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
5
PLANETARIUM CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY
******
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE MAIN BUILDING CONTRACT FOR THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PLANETARIUM AT TSIM SHA TSUI WILL EE FORMALLY SIGNED IN THE "ORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 13.33 A.M. ON MONDAY
your representatives are cordially INVITED TO ATTFND thf SIGNING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE ARCH ITECTURAl nFFirr CONFERENCE ROOM, 12TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING,' GARDEN ROAD.
MR. JOSEPH LEI, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT WILL
K^"a»S.the G0VERNHEnT
SIGN THE
AVAILABLE FOR
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MAIL LOST IN SHIP MISHAP
******
OVER 133 BAGS OF MAIL, POSTED IN HONG KONG AND DESTINED FOR THE FIJI ISLANDS AND NE.. ZEALAND, WERE LOST FOLLOWING THE GROUNDING OF THE VESSEL, M.V. HONG KONG SURETY, IN HEAVY SEAS OFF THE NORTHWEST COAST OF AUSTRALIA, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE VESSEL, ..HICH SAILED FROM HONG KONG Cl. FEBRUARY 6, CARRIED 38 BAGS OF MAIL FOR THE FIJI ISLANDS, POSTED HERE BETWEEN JANUARY 13 AND FEBRUARY 5, AND 64 BAGS GF MAIL FOR NEW ZEALAND POSTED BETWEEN JANUARY 28 AND FEBRUARY 5.
ALL ATTEMPTS TO REFLOAT THE VESSEL FAILED AND IT WAS ABANDONED.
IN VIE..' OF THIS, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIL MUST NOW BE REGARDED AS LOST.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 1977
6
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON
*******
PARTS OF TWO ROADS IN KOWLOON ARE TO EE CLOSED TEMPORARILY STARTING FROM NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 21) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
A SECTION OF MIDDLE ROAD, STRETCHING FROM A POINT TWO METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THE WEST SIDE OF NATHAN ROAD RUNNING WESTWARDS FOR A DISTANCE OF 28 METRES, WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT 13 WEEKS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY MARINER STATION WALLS.
STARTING FROM THE SAME DAY, THE JUNCTION OF PITT STREET AND THE EAST SIDE OF NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR TWO WEEKS FOR WORK CN ENTRANCES TO WATERLOO STATION.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS.
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ATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MID LEVELS '..ILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON MONDAY (MARCH 21) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT A WATER MAIN IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL EE ALL THE PREMISES IN PRINCE’S TERRACE, REDNAXELA TERRACE, CHICC TERRACE, YING FAI TERRACE, NOS. 22-23 MOSQUE STREET, NOS. 78-82 PEEL STREET AND NOS. 15-31 SHELLEY STREET.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
GOVERNOR TC OPEN EXHIBITION ON TUEN MUN r * H * * k *
DETAILS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE 03,500 MILLION TUEN MUN -IE.-. TOWN SCHEME WILL GO ON PUBLIC SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME NEXT MONTH AT A MAJOR EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT THE HOH FUK TONG SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN ON APRIL 6.
IT WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 13 A.M. TO 7 P.M. EACH DAY FROM APRIL 7 TO 16.
THE EXHIBITION WILL COVER ALL FACETS OF THE NEW TOWN PROJECT FROM THE PLANNING STAGE TO WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN COMPLETED.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE MODELS, MAPS, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMS AND COMPREHENSIVE LAYOUT PLANS DETAILING HOW THE ONCE QUIET FISHING PORT WILL EE TRANSFORMED INTO A THRIVING MODERN METROPOLIS OF SOME 533,333 PEOPLE BY THE MID-’EIGHTIES.
THE EXHIBITION IS THE SECOND TO EE STAGED BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (N.T.D.D.) WHICH WAS SPECIALLY SET UP IN 1973 TO EUILD HONG KONG’S THREE NEW TOWNS AT TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN.
THE FIRST EXHIBITION, HELD IN MARCH LAST YEAR, FOCUSSED ON SHA TIN HEW TOWN AND ATTRACTED MORE THAN 73,033 VISITORS.
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR. J.R. WHITAKER, SAID TODAY THE FIRST EXHIBITION NOT OHLY ATTRACTED a IDE INTEREST BUT ALSO LED TO MANY REQUESTS FOR SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS THE OTHER NEW TOWNS.
+T0 MEET THIS GROWING INTEREST WE ARE NOW GOING TO SHOW WHAT IS BEING PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN AND HOW THESE PLANS ARE TO BE TRANSLATED INTO REALITY,* HE SAID.
MR. WHITAKER SAID THAT TUEN MUN JAS EEING DEVELOPED I.’. A SERIES OF BALANCED PACKAGES DESIGNEE TC EE SELF-CONTAINED, .. I TH ALL THE NECESSARY FACILITIES SUCH AS SCHOOLS, CLINICS, OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES TO CATER FOR ITS POPULATION AT EACH STAGE OF IiS GROWTH.
/♦WORK IS .........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
2 -
+W0RK IS NOW PROGRESSING ON « WIDE FRONT,+ HE SAID, +AND WE HAVE REACHED A STAGE WHERE MANY OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS ARE EEGINNING TO TAKE SHAPE.
+PROMINENT AMONG THESE ARE THE FIRST STAGE OF TAI HING ESTATE, THE RECLAMATION PROGRAMME AND THE 3300 MILLION THEN MUN ROAD PROJECT -- WHICH EARLY NEXT YEAR ,<ILL PROVIDE A DIRECT, 15-MINUTE LINK BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN.*
MR. WHITAKER SAID PHASE I OF THE TAI HING ESTATE, NOW NEARING COMPLETION EY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, WAS THE FIRST OF SEVEN +NEW GENERATION+ ESTATES TO BE BUILT IN TUEN HUN. THE FIRST OF ITS 24,000 RESIDENTS WERE EXPECTED TO MOVE IN WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
+SOME 344,000 PEOPLE — ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE TOWN’S EVENTUAL POPULATION — '..ILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,* HE SAID, +WHILE ANOTHER 132,000 WILL LIVE IN PRIVATE HOUSING RANGING FROM HIGH-RISE DEVELOPMENTS TO VILLAS SURROUNDED EY OPEN GROUNDS.
+THE PLAN IS TO MAKE EACH OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES A SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY WITH SHOPS, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND A FULL RANGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
MR. WHITAKER SAID ABOUT HALF OF THE NEW TOWN WOULD BE BUILT ON LAND RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA.
+ALTOGETHER SOME 240 HECTARES OF NEW LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE SITES FOR HOUSING, INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
+ALREADY ALMOST 93 HECTARES HAVE BEEN FORMED AND SERVICED AND WORK IS PROGRESSING WELL ON RECLAIMING ANOTHER 72 HECTARES,* HE SAIL.
+ IK ADDITION, MANY FACTORIES ARE MOVING INTO THE NE* TC*N.
AT PRESENT, 12 FACTORIES HAVE SET UP OPERATIONS IN TUEN MUN AND 21 MORE ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.*
MR. WHITAKER SAID THAT AS TUEN MUN’S GROWTH WOULD DEPEND LARGELY ON INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT, PLANNERS WERE AIMING AT PROVIDING THE FACILITIES TO ATTRACT A FULL RANGE OF INDUSTRIES.
+WE ENVISAGE THAT SOME 125,000 PEOPLE WILL BE EMPLOYED IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES IN THE NEW TOWN EY THE MID-’EIGHTIES,+ HE SAID.
SOME 126 HECTARES OF LAND HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY AND OTHER LAND HAD BEEN SET ASIDE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRY.
+DETAILS OF ALL THESE DEVELOPMENTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ..ILL BE FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITION TO GIVE BOTH THE PRESENT POPULATION OF TUEN HUN -- AND PEOPLE WHO MAY EVENTUALLY LIVE THERE — A CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT IS PLANNED FCR THE TUEN MUN OF TOMORROW,* SAID MR. ..'HITAKER.
/ONS SECTION .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
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ONE SECTION WOULD EXPLAIN TO VISITORS THE BACKGROUND OF PROBLEMS ARISING FROM HONG KONG’S MASSIVE POPULATION GROWTH SINCE THE WAR, AND THE ROLE OF THE NEW TOWNS IN SOLVING THESE PROBLEMS.
A SELECTION OF MAPS WOULD OUTLINE THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS, GENERAL LAND USE, PROPOSED LEISURE AREAS AND ROAD NETWORKS AND THE SETTING OF THE TOWN CENTRE WHICH WOULD PROVIDE THE FOCUS OF THE TOWN’S SOCIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
+WE’LL ALSO SHOW THE PROVISIONS BEING MADE FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE TRANSPORT WITHIN THE NEW TOWN AND ROAD AND FERRY LINKS WITH THE REST OF HONG KONG, AND ALL THE MODERN SERVICES WHICH WILL EE PROVIDED IN SHORT EVERYTHING THAT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WITH A COMPLETE AND HAPPY LIVING ENVIRONMENT.*
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DIA SCHEME UNDER REVIE* * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS AT PRESENT REVIEWING THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES SCHEME WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN INSTITUTIONS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OLD PEOPLE SERVICES PROMOTION COMMITTEE.
MR. SWEETMAN SAID THAT TO ENSURE THAT OLD PEOPLE COULD LEAD A HAPPIER LIFE, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO PREPARING A COSTED PROGRAMME PLAN FOR THE ELDERLY AND PROMOTING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND COUNSELLING SERVICES OF ALL KINDS FOR OLD PEOPLE.
HE NOTED: +AS HONG KONG IS NOW DEVELOPING INTO A HIGHLY INDUSTRIALISED CITY WITH A SWIFT TEMPO OF LIFE, THE YOUNGER GENERATIONS TEND TO OVERLOOK THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY. AS A RESULT, THE SENIOR CITIZENS MIGHT FEEL THAT THEY HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN.*
SENIOR CITIZENS, HE CONTINUED, HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE PROSPERITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
+THEY DESERVE OUR RESPECT, CARE AND ATTENTION,* HE ADDED.
/k
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* •,' f '
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
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OPENING OF COMMUNITY HALL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE
K fc * * #
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL FORMALLY OPEN ITS COMMUNITY HALL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, NEXT MONTH.
THE HALL IS ONE OF FIVE COMPLETED RECENTLY UNDER A NEW PROJECT AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. THE OTHER FOUR ARE IN LEI MUK SHUE, LAI KING, HING WAH AND KWAI SHING ESTATES.
THREE OF THE HALLS ARE ALREADY IN OPERATION WHILE THE OTHER TWO ARE EXPECTED TO BE OPENED AS SOON AS THE NECESSARY STAFF ARE MADE AVAILABLE.
MR. LAM KWOK-WAN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (OPERATION) OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, SAID THAT THE PURPOSE OF SETTING UP COMMUNITY HALLS WAS TO PROVIDE A PLACE IN AN ESTATE WHERE RESIDENTS COULD COME TOGETHER AND PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
+THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES,* MR. LAM SAID, +WE HOPE THAT RESIDENTS WILL LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND ALSO TO BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN.+
ULTIMATELY, RESIDENTS MIGHT BE MOTIVATED TO TRY TO SOLVE SOME PROBLEMS PREVALENT IN THEIR COMMUNITY, HE ADDED.
MR. LAM POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD CREATE A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND, IN TURN, IT WOULD HELP BUILD A MORE COHESIVE AND STABLE SOCIETY WHICH WAS WHAT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WAS ABOUT.
THE PRESENT POLICY IS TO PROVIDE A COMMUNITY HALL FOR EACH HOUSING ESTATE WITH A POPULATION OF 20,900 TO 50,000.
IN ADDITION TO THE FIVE WHICH WERE COMPLETED RECENTLY, TWO ARE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN YUE WAN AND TAI HING. SITES HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVIDED IN SHEK YAM, KWAI FONG, PAK TIN, LAI YIU AND WO CHE ESTATES AND WORK WILL START SHORTLY.
MR. LAM SAID THAT MANY OF THESE COMMUNITY HALLS WERE EXPECTED TO EE READY IN 1977-78.
EACH OF THEM CONSISTS OF A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS A STAGE, CHANGING ROOMS AND A CONFERENCE ROOM, TOTALLING ABOUT 4,990 TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET IN AREA.
YOUTH GROUPS, RELIGIOUS BODIES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS CAN MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES IN THEIR ESTATES, FREE OF CHARGE, TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS, THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AND PARTIES.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE COMMUNITY HALLS ARE FROM 9 A.M. TO 10 P.M., MONDAY TO FRIDAY. FOR SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, THE HOURS WILL BE ADJUSTED TO SUIT REQUIREMENTS.
MR. LAM EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS THE INTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT TO SET UP FOR EACH HALL AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPRISING AS ITS MEMBERS REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RESIDENTS, THE HOUSING MANAGER AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE HALL CAN BE UTILISED IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY.
SUNDAY, MAPCH 20, 1977
- 5 -TANG SHIU KIM SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL ******
SIR SHIU-KIN TANG IS CELEBRATING HIS 76TH BIRTHDAY TOMORROW (MONDAY) WITH A GENEROUS DONATION TOWARDS THE COST OF BUILDING A GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT MORRISON HILL.
HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE REALISATION OF THIS PROJECT IS J4 MILLION.
SIR SHIU—KIN IS WELL KNOWN FOR THE VERY GENEROUS SUPPORT HE HAS GIVEN IN A WIDE FIELD OF PUBLIC, SOCIAL AND CHARITABLE WORK IN HONG KONG. THE PRESENT DONATION IS A FURTHER ACT OF SUCH GENEROSITY.
THE TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, AS IT IS TO BE KNOWN, WILL BE BUILT ON A 4,300 SQUARE METRE SITE IN Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE NEW SCHOOL IS BEING BUILT TO REPROVISION VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHICH CURRENTLY OCCUPIES PREMISES IN NEARBY WOOD ROAD.
THIS NEW GOVERNMENT SCHOOL WILL BE OF SIMILAR DESIGN TO THAT OF THE HA KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. IT WILL COMPRISE 24 CLASSROOMS, 16 SPECIAL ROOMS AND A HALL.
TENDERS WILL BE CALLED THIS SUMMER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING. WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER 197c AND TO BE COMPLETED BY APRIL 1979. AFTER COMPLETION THE PREMISES OF THE TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE PUPILS AND STAFF OF VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL. THE FIRST INTAKE OF GIRLS INTO THE NEW CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE IN 1979.
THE WOOD ROAD PREMISES TO BE VACATED BY VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN 1979 WERE ORIGINALLY BUILT rOR GOVERNMENT AT COST BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION IN 1937. THEY ..ERE FIRST OCCUPIED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE SCHOOL, WHICH IN 1947 BECAME THE HCNG KONG TECHNICAL COLLEGE. WHEN THE COLLEGE (NOW THE HCNG KONG POLYTECHNIC) '■'OVED TO ITS NEW PREMISES IN HUNG HOM IN 1957 THE WOOD ROAD PREMISES WERE T..KEN OVER BY VICTORIA technical SCHOOL.
THE WOOD ROAD PREMISES WILL EE USED EVENTUALLY AS AN ANNEX OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHICH ALREADY RUNS EVENING CLASSES IN THE BUILDING. SOME OF THE ACCOMMODATION WILL ALSO BE USED EY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
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/6
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
6
MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION, A GREAT SUCCESS * * * * *
HONG KONG’S FIRST FULL-SCALE MACHINERY GUARDING EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS HAS PROVED A GREAT SUCCESS.
WHEN THE EXHIBITION FINALLY CLOSED ITS DOORS TO VISITORS AFTER A RUN OF 10 DAYS, A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 38,009 PEOPLE HAVE FILED PASSED THE ADMISSION GATE.
JUDGING FROM THE RANGE OF FAVOURABLE COMMENTS FROM SOME OF THE VISITORS INTERVIEWED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT STAFF MANNING THE EXHIBITION, IT HAS PROVED TO BE A MOST WELCOMED SHOW FOR INDUSTRIALISTS.
ONE FACTORY PROPRIETOR COMMENTED: +THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SHOULD CONSIDER STAGING MORE EXHIBITIONS OF THIS NATURE, PERHAPS ON A SMALLER SCALE, WHENEVER A NEW SET OF SAFETY REGULATIONS IS ENACTED.+
ANOTHER FACTORY MANAGER POINTED OUT: +IT IS MUCH EASIER FOR ME TO UNDERSTAND THE LAW BY VISITING THE EXHIBITION THAN BY READING THE REGULATIONS.+
AN INDUSTRIAL WORKER SAID THAT HE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE OPERATION OF MACHINERY AFTER VISITING THE EXHIBITION WHILE A STUDENT FROM A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE COMMENTED THAT HE FOUND THE EXHIBITION HIGHLY EDUCATIONAL AND ADDED THAT HE HAD NOT REALISED PREVIOUSLY THAT THE SAFETY STANDARDS REQUIRED IN LOCAL INDUSTRY WERE SO HIGH.
MR. T.K. CHAN, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SAID: +1 THINK WE HAVE HIT THE TARGET AUDIENCE AND BROUGHT THE SAFETY MESSAGE ACROSS TO LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS.
+FOR THOSE INDUSTRIAL PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE MISSED THE CHANCE OF VISITING THE EXHIBITION THEY ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO VISIT OUR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE IN THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES WHERE W'E HAVE A PERMANENT DISPLAY.
+0N THE OTHER HAND INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN OUR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING COURSES CONDUCTED AT THE CENTRE PERIODICALLY.
+IF THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO TAKE TIME OUT TO VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE WE CAN ALWAYS SEND THEM OUR EXPLANATORY MATERIAL SUCH AS OUR HANDBOOK ON GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY AND OTHER LEAFLETS.
+F INALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE NEW FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS ON APRIL 1.
+UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, OFFENDERS COULD BE FINED FOR NOT ADEQUATELY GUARDING DANGEROUS PARTS OF THEIR MACHINERY AND FOR NOT USING MACHINE GUARDS PROVIDED.*
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SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 1977
- 7
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE
* * * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE FOR RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY FOR FOUR DAYS FROM MARCH 28.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS OF 11 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
THEY SHOULD REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
'..'ATER CUT
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WjLL pc TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (MARCH c2) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGni
LEAKAGE TEST.
The PRcMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE ON THE EAST SIDE OF JAFFE -nin -AST POINT ROAD, CANNON STREET, WATERFRONT EC Au, PzRCjVAL STREET^' AND THE NORTH SIDE OF HENNESSY ROAD, INCLUDING KELLETT island’
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BUILDING WORK ON PLANETARIUM WILL BEGIN THIS MONTH ........ 1
REMOTE SAI KUNG VILLAGE CAN NOW BE REACHED BY TELEPHONE . 2
RECORD NUMBER OF VEHICLES USED LION ROCK TUNNEL ........... 3
HOW THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCE WORKS ..................................................... 4
TECHNIQUES OF PASSING CAREERS INFORMATION TO YOUTHS EXPLAINED ................................................. 6
LAST FEW DAYS TO INSPECT 1977-78 VALUATION LISTS ......... 7
DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY ................................................. 7
UK EDUCATION EXPERTS WILL LEAD SEMINAR ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT ............................................... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON AND KWAI CHUNG ........... 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
1
WORK ON PLANETARIUM TO BEGIN THIS MONTH ******
THE MAIN BUILDING WORKS FOR HONG KONG’S NEW PLANETARIUM WILL BEGIN BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH, ft
A $13.2 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT WAS SIGNED TODAY IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN MURRAY BUILDING.
CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, MR. JOSEPH LEI, WHO FORMALLY SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, SAID HE EXPECTED THE COMPLEX TO EE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE PLANETARIUM, WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE PROPOSED TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL CENTRE, IS BEING BUILT BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, WHICH IS FINANCING THE PROJECT. •
THE CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A LARGE SEMI-CIRCULAR SKY THEATRE AND A TWO-STOREY ANNEX.
IT WAS AWARDED TO THE TECHNIC CONSTRUCTION CO., WHICH WON THE CONTRACT IN COMPETITION WITH 11 OTHER LOCAL FIRMS.
MR. LEI SAID FOUNDATION WORKS COSTING NEARLY $2 MILLION HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED ON THE 7,600 SQUARE METRE PLANETARIUM SITE WHICH IS ON PART OF THE FORMER KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TERMINUS AT TSIM SHA TSUI.
+THIS IS THE FIRST PROJECT OF ITS KIND EVER UNDERTAKEN DY THE P.W.D.,+ HE SAID, +AND IT HAS REQUIRED A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK.
+WE HAVE HAD TO DO DETAILED STUDIES OF SOME 15 PLANETARIA IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, ER I TA IN AND GERMANY TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD.+
THE DOMINANT FEATURE OF THE BUILDING WOULD BE THE• LARGE, EGG-SHAPED DOME STRUCTURE HOUSING THE SKY THEATRE, WHERE AUDIENCES OF BETWEEN 350 AMD 400 WOULD MAKE IMAGINARY TRIPS TO THE PLANETS.
+ONE INTERESTING FEATURE HAS BEEN ADDED BY SETTING THIS RATHER STRIKING DOME WITHIN A SHALLOW POOL, TO GIVE A PLEASANT ’FLOATING’ EFFECT TC THE ..HOLE STRUCTURE,+ HE SAID.
FORMING THE ’YOLK’ OF THE EGG-SHAPED STRUCTURE WOULD EE THE SKY THEATRE ITSELF, IN THE SHAPE OF A CIRCULAR DOME WITH A 23—METRE DIAMETER PROJECilON SCREEN CN ..HIGH PLANETS AND CONSTELLATIONS WOULD DE SHOWN IN THEIR NATURAL CONFIGURATIONS.
/THD TSDATRD
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
- 2 -
THE THEATRE WOULD BE LOCATED CN AN UPPER LEVEL, SURROUNDED BY A GALLERY OVERLOOKING A LARGE EXHIBITION AREA FOR DISPLAYS ON ASTRONOMY, EARTH SCIENCES AND ASTRO-NAVIGATION.
DIRECTLY UNDER THE SKY THEATRE WOULD EE THE CONTROL ROOM STUDIOS, WORKSHOPS AND OFFICES.
MR. LEI SAID THE OTHER MAIN FEATURE OF THE PLANETARIUM WOULD BE A TWO-STOREY RECTANGULAR BUILDING EMBRACING THE EGG-SHAPED DOME, .. I TH SUCH FACILITIES AS A LARGE FIRST-FLOOR RESTAURANT AND A LECTURE HALL .JTH SEATS FOR AN AUDIENCE OF 233 CN THE GROUND FLOOR.
ORDERS HAD ALREADY BEEN PLACED V.'ITH A GERMAN FIRM FOR THE MAJOR PART OF THE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING A SOPHISTICATED PLANETARIUM STAR-PROJECTOR, THE PROJECTION DOME AND VARIOUS SPECIAL-EFFECTS PROJECTORS.
THESE WOULD BE DELIVERED FOR INSTALLATION WHEN THE BUILDING WORKS HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE.
MR. LEI SAID THE PLANETARIUM WOULD FILL AN IMPORTANT RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL NEED.
------o-------
TELEPHONE LINK FOR REMOTE NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES K * K *
THE COMMUNICATIONS GAP FOR A REMOTE NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE WAS CLOSED A LITTLE FURTHER TODAY WHEN THE FIRST TELEPHONES BEGAN OPERATING IN TA I LONG, THE EASTERN MOST VILLAGE IN SAI KUNG.
ONE OF THE FIRST CALLS FROM TAI LONG WAS MADE BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR. LEO KWAN, WHO WAS MAKING A REGULAR VISIT TO THE AREA.
THE THREE TELEPHONES IN TA I LONG, WHICH ARE OPERATED THROUGH THE JUST OPENED TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AT KO TONG, WENT INTO ACTION AT 2 P.M.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. ROBERT UPTON, SAID LATER, +APART FROM THE OBVIOUS ADVANTAGES FOR THE VILLAGERS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TELEPHONE SERVICE IN TA I LONG WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE MANY WEEKEND TRIPPERS AND HOLIDAY MAKERS WHO FLOCK TO THE AREA FOR HIKING AND PICNICKING.
+IN THE PAST, WHEN THERE HAVE BEEN MISHAPS, THERE WAS A FORTY MINUTE WALK TO THE NEAREST TELEPHONE TO SUMMON HELP.
+WITH TAI LONG AND SAI WAN NOW BOTH CONNECTED TO THE NEW EXCHANGE, THIS PROBLEM WILL NO LONGER EXIST.*
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/5.....
MONDAY, MARCH 21,
1977
3
OVER FIVE MILLION VEHICLES USE LION ROCK TUNNEL
******
A RECORD 5.18 MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE. TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED A 17.4 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1975 AND BROUGHT THE OVERALL TOTAL SINCE THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL IN 1967 TO 34.75 MILLION.
PRIVATE CARS MADE UP 73.59 PER CENT OF LAST YEAR’S TRAFFIC, WITH HEAVY AND MEDIUM VEHICLES CONS I TUT I NG 15.68 AND 13.73 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE UPSURGE IN THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC THROUGH THIS IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN URBAN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN WAS CAUSED BY THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEK YUEN ESTATE AND OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS AS WELL AS RECLAMATION WORK FOR THE NEW RACE COURSE IN SHA TIN.
MORE LORRIES ARE USING THE FROM MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SITES
TUNNEL, BRINGING EARTH EXCAVATED TO THE DUMPING AREA IN SHA TIN.
AT THE SAME TIME, FOUR MORE NEW TERRITORIES RURAL BUS ROUTES VIA THE TUNNEL WERE INTRODUCED DURING THE YEAR. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BUS TRIPS THROUGH THE TUNNEL STOOD AT 185,922, AN INCREASE OF 163 PER CENT OVER 1975.
THE TOTAL REVENUE FROM TUNNEL TOLL LAST YEAR WAS $6.14 MILLION COMPARED WITH 34.29 MILLION IN 1975.
1976 WAS ALSO A BUSY YEAR FOR THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, WITH 18,218,330 VEHICLES PASSING THROUGH IT, REGISTERING A 19.1 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
REVENUE FROM THE TOLLS, WHICH RANGE FROM TWO TO 20 DOLLARS A VEHICLE, AMOUNTED TO >113,354,303.
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/4
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
4
WORKINGS OF PERSONAL ALLOWANCES FOR K * » MX *
SALARIES TAX EXPLAINED
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY EXPLAINED HOW A SALARIES TAX ASSESSMENT (AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT) IS ARRIVED AT AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE PROPOSED NEW SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ON MARCH 2, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PROPOSED, AMONG OTHER TAX CONCESSIONS, A SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $2,500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $5,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON WHICH WILL BE REDUCED AS THEIR INCOME RISES.
THIS MEANS THAT A SINGLE PERSON EARNING UP TO $12,500 OR A MARRIED PERSON EARNING UP TO $25,000 A YEAR WILL NO LONGER PAY SALARIES TAX.
HOWEVER, FOR EVERY DOLLAR OF INCOME IN EXCESS OF THE $12,500 IN THE CASE OF A SINGLE PERSON AND $25,000 IN THE CASE OF A MARRIED PERSON, THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WILL BE REDUCED BY 20 CENTS UNTIL THE ALLOWANCE IS ELIMINATED AND THE TAXPAYER SIMPLY RECEIVES THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $10,000 OR $20,000 AS THE CASE MAY BE.
THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE WILL BECOME NIL WHEN A SINGLE PERSON’S YEARLY INCOME REACHES $25,000 AND WHEN A MARRIED PERSON’S YEARLY INCOME REACHES $50,000.
TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND BETTER THE ARITHMETIC OF THE ASSESSMENT, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT GAVE THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES i
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
(BASIC + SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES) ------------
$ 9,500
ADD s REDUCTION (20 PER CENT OF $9,500) $ 1,900
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $11,400
TAX THEREON $ 640
NOTE 8 (ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THEREFORE $2,500 - $1,900 - $600)
***********
/EXAMPLE 2......
MONDAY, MAUCH 21, 1977
- 5 -
EXAMPLE 2.
EXAMPLE 3.
MARRIED PERSON, WITH NO CHILDREN, EARNING $40,000 A YEAR
SALARY t $40,000
LESS i MARRIED ALLOWANCE , $25,000
(BASIC + SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES) -------------
$-15,000
ADD : REDUCTION (20 PER CENT OF $15,000) $ 3,000
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $18,000
TAX THEREON $ l»300
NOTE s (ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THEREFORE $5,000 - $3,000 » $2,000)
MARRIED PERSON, WITH ONE CHILD, EARNING $45,000 A YEAR
SALARY : $45,000
LESS t MARRIED ALLOWANCE $25,000
(BASIC + SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES) ------------
$20,000
ADD : REDUCTION (20 PER CENT OF $20,000) $ 4,000
$24,000
LESS s CHILD ALLOWANCE (AS INCREASED) $ 4,000
NET CHARGEABLE INCOME $20,000
TAX THEREON $ 1,500
NOTE x (ACTUAL SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE IS THEREFORE $5,000 - $4,000 - $1,000)
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MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
6
TECHNIQUES OF PASSING CAREERS INFORMATION TO YOUTHS K * # M * * M
THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING A WIDER RANGE OF TECHNIQUES TO PUT ACROSS INFORMATION ON CAREERS TO YOUNG PEOPLE WAS STRESSED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA LUNCHEON AT THE FURAMA HOTEL WHERE HE RECEIVED ON BEHALF OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE A DONATION OF A SET OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, COMPRISING TWO PORTABLE OVERHEAD PROJECTORS, A TRANSPARENCY MAKER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.
MR. HENDERSON SAID: +THE BASIC INTENTION- IN ANY CAREERS INFORMATION SERVICE IS TO BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE THE AVAILABLE CHOICES OF LONG-TERM EMPLOYMENT. THIS CHOICE IS BECOMING BEWILDERINGLY WIDER, MORE SPECIALISED, AND INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED.
AS A RESULT, HE ADDED, IT WAS BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT THAT +WE DEVELOP A MORE VARIED AND WIDER RANGE OF TECHNIQUES TO PUT ACROSS THIS VITAL INFORMATION.*
SPEAKING OF THE WORK OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, MR. HENDERSON SAID IT HAD BEEN ENGAGED IN A PROGRAMME TO CONVEY UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION TO STUDENTS AND HELP THEM MAKE OCCUPATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DECISIONS AND TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD OF WORK.
+THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE,* MR. HENDERSON EXPLAINED, +WAS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR PERSONALITY, INTERESTS AND TALENTS.*
REFERRING TO THE VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, MR. HENDERSON SAID IT WOULD BECOME AN INVALUABLE PART OF THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE’S INFORMATION DISSEMINATION EQUIPMENT.
WITH THIS DONATION, HE ADDED, THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OFFICERS WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE CAREERS INFORMATION IN VISUAL FORM TO STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES.
- - o -
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
7
VALUATION LISTS FOR 1977-78 ON DISPLAY UNTIL FRIDAY
******
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE DISPLAY PERIOD OF THE NEW VALUATION LISTS FOR 1977-78, WHICH HAVE BEEN ON DISPLAY AT THE TREASURY SINCE MARCH 5, WILL EXPIRE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 25).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE COLLECTOR OF RATES MUST MAKE THE LISTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR A PERIOD OF 21 DAYS, DURING WHICH ANY PERSON MAY TAKE AN EXTRACT THEREFROM.
HE ADDED: +DURING THIS PERIOD ANY PERSON WHO DISAGREES WITH AN ENTRY OR OMISSION OF A TENEMENT IN OR FROM A LIST, OR THE ASSESSED RATEABLE VALUE, MAY SERVE ON THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION A PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE LIST.
+THE PROPOSAL MUST BE MADE IN THE SPECIFIED FORM (R2OA), COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AND AT CITY DISTRICT OFF ICES.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THOSE WHO WISH TO LODGE THEIR PROPOSALS SHOULD DO SO PROMPTLY AND WITHIN THE STIPULATED 21-DAY PERIOD AS NO EXTENSION OF TIME WOULD BE ALLOWED.
HE EMPHASISED THAT PROPOSALS RECEIVED AFTER MARCH 25 WOULD NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
----o------
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION
*****
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE ON THURSDAY (MARCH 24), ’ STARTING AT 3 P.M.
ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL EE THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR. J.B. HAWTHORNE.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY THE MEETING. TV CREWS HAVE AMPLE TIME TC SET
INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SC THAT THEY UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
----0------
MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977 - 8 -
TWO U.K. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS CONDUCT SEMINARS M M M M M
TWO VISITING CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL ADDRESS NEARLY 160 HEADS OF SCHOOLS, MEMBERS OF THE MAIN COMMITTEE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE LECTURE THEATRE OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY ARE PROFESSOR P.H. TAYLOR, DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY, AND MR. R.H.F. DALTON, SENIOR LECTURER IN CHARGE, COMMONWEALTH COURSES, OF THE SAME UNIVERSITY.
PROFESSOR TAYLOR WILL SPEAK ON +CURRICULUM INNOVATION AND THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL* - THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL AS A CURRICULUM INNOVATOR WILL BE EXPLORED, ALONG WITH THE CONTRADICTIONS THAT ARE INHERENT IN INNOVATING IN ANY INSTITUTIONAL SETTING- SOME BASIC PRINCIPLES WILL BE ENUMERATED AND THEIR STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS EXAMINED.
THE OTHER LECTURE TO BE GIVEN BY MR. DALTON WILL BE ON ♦QUALITY IN THE CLASSROOM - THE ROLE OF THE PRINCIPAL*. INCLUDED IN HIS TALK WILL BE A BRIEF SURVEY OF CONTEMPORARY THOUGHT- EDUCATIONAL PLANNING AS A REFLECTION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY- THE ROLE AND INDEPENDENCE OF THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL-THE PRINCIPAL AS AN ADMINISTRATOR- RELATIONS WITH TEACHERS-QUALITY IN THE CLASSROOM- THE PRINCIPAL AND HIS COMMUNITY-AND THE PRINCIPAL AS A THINKER AND PHILOSOPHER.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THEIR VISIT, WHICH IS AT THE INVITATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, IS TO CONDUCT AN EIGHT-DAY SEMINAR ON CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTORS AND MEMBERS OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
THIS SEMINAR WILL BEGIN ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 23) AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 INSPECTORS AND SOME STAFF FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
THE SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE +CURRICULUM AND THE SCHOOL: INFLUENCES AND CONSTRAINTS-+ +DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW CURRICULA-* +THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE INSPECTOR-* AND +IN-SERVICE EDUCATION: TOWARDS A NEW APPRAISAL.*
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE TWO LECTURES TO SCHOOL HEADS TOMORROW AND THE EIGHT-DAY SEMINAR BEGINNING ON MARCH 23 COVERED. (BOTH OF THESE FUNCTIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION).
ON ALL NINE DAYS THE TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 A.M. AND END AT 1 P.M.
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MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1977
9
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND EMBANKMENT ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN 11.55 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND 5.33 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 23), TO FACILITATE THE WORKS ON THE DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE RAILWAY BRIDGE ACROSS BOUNDARY
STREET
IN ADDITION, SAI YEE STREET BETWEEN FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, AND BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN SAI YEE STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD WILL EE REROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TEMPORARILY.
AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURE, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD, YUEN NGA I STREET, EMBANKMENT ROAD AND THEN BOUNDARY STREET WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD GOING TO TAI HANG TUNG MAY TURN INTO TUNG CHAU STREET FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND THEN TO TAI HANG TUNG ROAD VIA BOUNDARY STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, TRAFFIC FROM TAI HANG TUNG ROAD GOING TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD MAY GO WESTBOUND OK BOUNDARY STREET AND THEN TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD VIA SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND YUEN NGA I STREET.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE AREA AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE POSTEL TO INDICATE THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT LEARNER DRIVERS a'OULD BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING KWAI HOP STREET, KWAI CHUNG, FROM 13 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 23).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITION.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN ♦
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DETAILS OF RELIEF SCHEME FOR RATEPAYERS .................... 1
MR. IAN LIGHTBODY APPOINTED EXCO MEMBER ................... 2
11,000 CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES WILL BE SUBVENTED BY END OF 1977-78 ................................................. 3
CHIEF SECRETARY TO PRESENT PRIZES AT THE CLOSE OF INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS ............................. 4
PRIVATE CANDIDATES FOR H.K.C.E.E. REMINDED TO COLLECT ADMISSION FORMS ............................................ 4
SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN YAU TONG HAS STARTED WORK .. 5
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAY DAYS DURING EASTER WILL BE ADVANCED 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
1
RATES PAYABLE IN 1977-78 * * M * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS PROPOSED THE INTRODUCTION OF A RELIEF SCHEME TO HELP RATEPAYERS WHO MAY BE PARTICULARLY AFFECTED BY REVALUATION OF THEIR PREMISES. THE SCHEME APPLIES IN ALL. CASES WHERE THE INCREASED RATES PAYABLE IN 1977/78 ARE SUBSTANTIALLY ABOVE THOSE PAYABLE IN 1976/77.
UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME REVEALED BY THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ON MARCH 2, THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN 1977/78 SHOULD NOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THE RATES PAID BY HIM IN 1976/77 AND THE MAXIMUM INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE IN 1978/79 SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THOSE PAID IN 1977/78.
FOR A PREMISES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE OF $3,000 IN 1976/77, THE MAXIMUM INCREASE IN RATES OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR PAYABLE UNDER THE PROPOSED RELIEF SCHEME WOULD NOT BE MORE THAN $15 A MONTH IN 1977/78 AND $20 A MONTH IN 1978/79.
FOR A RATEPAYER WHOSE PREMISES’S RATEABLE VALUE IN 1976/77 IS $7,200, THE MAXIMUM INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR WOULD NOT EXCEED $36 IN 1977/78 AND $48 IN 78/79.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE RELIEF SCHEME FOR PRE-WAR RENT-CONTROLLED PREMISES, SHOULD APPLY BEYOND 1978/79 FOR SO LONG AS IT TAKES TO BRING TOTAL RATES UP TO THE FULL CHARGE. THIS MEANS THAT IN EACH SUCCESSIVE YEAR, THE AMOUNT PAYABLE WILL NOT EXCEED BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THE AMOUNT PAYABLE IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING YEAR.
ON AVERAGE, THE MAXIMUM INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR FOR A PRE-WAR DOMESTIC UNIT WHERE RENT PAYABLE APPROXIMATES PERMITTED RENT, WOULD BE $4.72 A MONTH IN 1977/78, $6.29 IN 1978/79 AND $8.39 IN 1979/80.
IN 1977/78, OVER 100,000 RATEPAYERS WILL ENJOY RELIEF UNDER THE SCHEME PROPOSED AND ABOUT 12,000 IN 1978/79, LEAVING ONLY SOME' 8,000 PRE-WAR RENT-CONTROLLED PREMISES IN 1979/80 WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY RELIEF UNDER THE EXTENDED SCHEME.
FOR THE GENERALITY OF RATEPAYERS, THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE FOR 1977/78 WILL BE ABOUT 15 PER CENT AND SOME 75,000 RATEPAYERS OR ABOUT ONE IN SIX WILL ACTUALLY PAY LESS RATES IN 1977/78 THAN THEY PAID IN 1976/77.
IN ANNOUNCING THE SCHEME, MR. HADDON-CAVE MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE SCHEME WILL OPERATE BY REFERENCE TO TOTAL RATES PAYABLE, BUT THE REVENUE FOREGONE WILL BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GENERAL RATE, NOT THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE. THE COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE FOUR PER CENT URBAN COUNCIL RATE PROPOSED FOR 1977/78.
/AMENDMENTS .....
2
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
AMENDMENTS TO THE RATING ORDINANCE TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN DUE COURSE BUT, MEANWHILE, A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER WILL BE NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE SCHEME FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1977.
THE PROPOSED SCHEME OF RELIEF WILL COST SOME $46 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR. REVENUE FROM GENERAL RATE IN 1977/78 IS, THEREFORE, NOW PUT AT $721 MILLION - AN INCREASE OF 16.8 PER CENT ONLY OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1976/77 COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF 18.7 PER CENT OVER THE FOUR YEARS FROM 1973/74 TO 1976/77.
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EXCO APPOINTMENT K * X* K
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAD APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. I.M. LIGHTBODY AS AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 12.
MR. LIGHTBODY, WHO IS AT PRESENT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, WILL BE TAKING OVER FROM MR. P.B. WILLIAMS AS SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION ON APRIL 1.
MR. LIGHTBODY WILL SUCCEED MR. F.K. LI AS AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL ON MR. LI’S DEPARTURE FOR A SHORT LEAVE. MR. LI WILL?SUCCEED MR. D.C. BRAY AS SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, AND THEREFORE AS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON HIS RETURN ON MAY 5.
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ZJ
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
5
OVER 11,000 SUBVENTED PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES BY END OF 1977-78 ******
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBVENTED PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED THE 11,000 MARK BY THE END OF THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY MRS. IRENE SIH, CHILD CARE CENTRES INSPECTOR OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF KOWLOON EAST ROTARY CLUB TODAY.
+FOR THE YEAR 1977-78, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT NINE NEW SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL BE OPENED, AND 11 EXISTING ONES WILL EXPAND THEIR CAPACITY,+ SHE SAID.
MRS. SIH SAID THERE HAD BEEN COMMENTS THAT THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS WERE TOO STRICT TO COMPLY WITH AND THAT MANY OF THE CENTRES MIGHT HAVE TO CLOSE DOWN, LEADING TO A SHORTAGE OF PLACES.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THIS POSSIBLE PHENOMENA AND HAS ALREADY TRIED TO INCREASE THE NURSERY PLACES BY SUBVENTING THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN OPENING NEW CHILD CARE CENTRES,* SHE EXPLAINED.
THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WAS IMPLEMENTED ON JUNE 1 LAST YEAR FOR ADOPTION BY PHASES AND WILL BE FULLY EFFECTIVE ON JUNE 1, 1979. REGULATIONS WERE DRAWN UP JOINTLY BY THE FIRE SERVICES, HOUSING, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, PUBLIC WORKS AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS AND WERE AIMED AT SETTING UP A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICE FOR THE PROMOTION OF ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN UNDER CARE.
MRS. SIH SAID IN THE INITIAL PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE, THERE HAD BEEN CRITICISM THAT THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE INVOLVED TOO MANY DEPARTMENTS AND WAS TOO COMPLICATED.
+HOWEVER,* SHE SAID, +IF WE CONCERN OURSELVES WITH THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN, WE SHALL SURELY AGREE THAT THE CERTIFICATION FROM FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS OR HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS ESSENTIAL.*
SHE DISCLOSED THAT 160 CHILD CARE CENTRES -- 91 SUBVENTED CENTRES AND 69 PRIVATE CENTRES — HAD APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION AND INSPECTORS WERE BUSY PROCESSING THEM.
SHE CALLED ON THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OPERATING ANY CHILD CARE CENTRE TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT 21, HOSPITAL ROAD, SAI YING PUN.
o -------
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
4
CHIEF SECRETARY TO PRESENT PRIZES
AT CLOSE OF INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS * * * *
THE FINALS OF THE ANNUAL INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT STADIUM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 24).
AT THE END OF THE COMPETITIONS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF VARIOUS EVENTS.
ABOUT SEVEN THOUSAND STUDENTS FROM 102 SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S EVENTS. AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE ATHLETES ARE GRADED UNDER THREE DIVISIONS.
EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY ARE FOR DIVISION ONE. EVENTS IN THE SECOND AND THIRD DIVISIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN HELD AND PRIZES DISTRIBUTED.
AMONG THE FIELD EVENTS ARE LONG JUMP, SHOT PUT, DISCUS AND JAVELIN.
TRACK EVENTS WILL INCLUDE 100 AND 200 METRES SPRINTS, MEDIUM AND LONG DISTANCE RACES, HURDLE AND RELAY RACES.
THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS FROM THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP AT THE STADIUM TO CHEER THEIR SCHOOL TEAMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED. THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4.45 P.M.
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CANDIDATES REMINDED TO COLLECT EXAMINATION ADMISSION FORMS * # * *
PRIVATE CANDIDATES FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ARE REMINDED TO COLLECT THEIR ADMISSION FORMS, CANDIDATES’ INSTRUCTIONS AND TIMETABLES AT THE TIME SPECIFIED IN THE NOTIFICATIONS POSTED TO THEM.
THE SECRETARY OF THE EXAMINATION BOARD SAID! +ANY PRIVATE CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION BY MARCH 30 SHOULD CALL IN PERSON AT THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GROUND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON FROM 9.00 A.M. TO 5.00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, MARCH 31 TO COLLECT THESE DOCUMENTS.
♦THEY SHOULD BRING WITH THEM THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND THE ENTRY FEE RECEIPTS.*
/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 1977
YAU TONG SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT BEGINS OPERATION
* * M * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S NEW SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN YAU TONG, WHICH WAS OPENED LAST SATURDAY, HAS BEGUN RECEIVING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES.
LOCATED AT BLOCK 24 OF THE YAU TONG ESTATE THE UNIT, THE 26TH OF ITS KIND, HAS TAKEN OVER SOME OF THE CASES IN KWUN TONG WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY HANDLED BY THE LAM TIN FIELD UNIT.
THE LAM TIN FIELD UNIT NOW COVERS THE AREAS OF LAM TIN ESTATE, LAM TIN VILLAGE, KWUN TONG (LEI YU MUN ROAD) ESTATE AND MA YAU TONG.
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EARLY PAY DAYS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS *******
PEOPLE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND/OR THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES WHOSE PAY DAYS FALL WITHIN THE EASTER HOLIDAYS WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THEIR MONEY EARLIER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE POST OFFICES, TREASURY OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ENABLE RECIPIENTS TO CASH THEIR VOUCHERS EARLIER.
THOSE WHOSE PAY DAYS FALL ON APRIL 8, 9, 10 AND 11 WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT THEIR MONEY ON APRIL 2, 4, 6 AND 7 RESPECTIVELY.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SEE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS .. 1
KOWLOON CITY CDO MOVES TO MA TAD KOK ROAD..................... 2
HIGHER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES RECORDED LAST MONTH ............ 3
CO-OPERATION REQUESTED FOR INDUSTRY CENSUS ................... 4
ROADS IN YAU MA TEI TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR MTR WORKS ......... 5
WATER INTERRUPTION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND KOWLOON TONG ... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1977
TOP GOVT. OFFICIALS SEE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS ******
TEN TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY SPENT THE WHOLE DAY SEEING FOR THEMSELVES THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR DEVELOPMENTS OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN AND THE FAST GROWING MARKET TOWN OF YUEN LONG.
THEY WERE GIVEN A FULL BRIEFING ON PROGRESS AS WELL AS THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN TRANSFORMING THE AREAS INTO MODERN TOWNS FOR A COMBINED ESTIMATED POPULATION OF OVER 1.1 MILLION BY 1980.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN THE THREE NEW TOWNS ALONE WILL COST THE GOVERNMENT AN ESTIMATED $457 MILLION IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE PARTY COMPRISED THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. R. BUTLER- SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. L.M. DAVIES- DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. K.G.B. BRIDGE- DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. E.P. HO- DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. J.N. HENDERSON- DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. W.C. BELL- DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. H.S. GREWAL-ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. D. HOGAN- PRINCIPAL MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER, DR. C.Y. SAM- AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR. RICHARD LAI.
THIS MORNING, THEY JOINED THE REGULAR PASSENGERS ON A 15-MINUTE NORMAL HOVERFERRY RUN FROM CENTRAL TO TSUEN WAN TO START THEIR DAY-LONG TOUR.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD- THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR. J.R. WHITAKER, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR. J.D. JOHNSTON.
THE OFFICIAL PARTY SPENT THE NEXT HOUR OR SO SEEING THE PROGRESS AND DISCUSSING SOME OF THE PROBLEMS OF HONG KONG’S FASTEST GROWING NEW TOWN.
TSUEN WAN, ALREADY A WELL-ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL TOWN OF NEARLY 500,000 PEOPLE, WILL HAVE A PLANNED POPULATION OF MORE THAN 900,000 BY MID-80S.
THE TOUR THEN TOOK THE PARTY TO THE LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN WHERE, FROM THE TOP OF THE ESTATE BUILDING, THEY LOOKED AT THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN WHICH WOULD BOOST THE POPULATION THERE BY MORE THAN 20,000 IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. »
THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THEY SAW INCLUDED THE FIRST STAGE OF THE WO CHE ESTATE, WHICH WAS DUE TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR PROVIDING MORE THAN 2,000 FLATS FOR ABOUT 10,000 PEOPLE.
/THE SECOND .....
- 2 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2J, 1977
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT, DUE FOR COMPLETION AT . THE END OF NEXT YEAR, COMPRISES A COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE WITH SHOPS, LIBRARY, A SCHOOL FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, COMMUNITY HALL, YOUTH CENTRE, CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND 4,500 SQUARE FEET OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITY SPACE AROUND A TERRACED GARDEN.
BEFORE THEY WENT TO YUEN LONG, THE PARTY HAD A WORKING LUNCH WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT ISLAND HOUSE IN TAI PO, WHERE THEY VIEWED THE PROGRESS ON THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT.
IN YUEN LONG, THEY WERE TOLD WORK WAS TO START SOON ON THE FIRST STAGE OF A PLAN TO TRANSFORM YUEN LONG INTO A MARKET TOWN OF 90,000.
THE FIRST STAGE, COSTING $30 MILLION, WOULD INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF EXISTING ROADS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ONES, DRAINAGE WORKS, A LARGE BUS TERMINUS, AND A PART OF A HOUSING ESTATE THAT WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE HOMES FOR ABOUT 3,500 PEOPLE.
THE LAST STOP OF THE TOUR WAS IN TUEN MUN WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED ALONG SIMILAR LINES TO SHA TIN.
LIKE SHA TIN, TUEN MUN HAS A POPULATION OF AROUND 50,000 WHICH WILL GROW TO HALF A MILLION BY THE MID-80S WITH A 70 PER CENT PUBLIC HOUSING COMPONENT.
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NEW ADDRESS FOR KOWLOON CITY C.D.O.
******
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY) WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT PREMISES IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO NO. 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD THIS WEEKEND.
OCCUPYING THE FIRST AND PART OF THE GROUND FLOORS OF THS MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THE NEW OFFICE WILL START OPERATING FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 26).
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. /3....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1977
3
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY ******
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR FEBRUARY 1977 WAS 118, THREE POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY SIX POINTS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH WATER FISH, PORK, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES ADVANCED AS A RESULT OF HEAVY DEMAND DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AND A REDUCTION IN SUPPLIES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ROSE BY FOUR POINTS, MAINLY BECAUSE OF TEMPORARY HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE FOUR-POINT RISE IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASED CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ADVANCED BY ONE POINT OWING TO HIGHER ELECTRICITY CHARGES FOLLOWING INCREASED COST OF FUEL OIL.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR THE OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR FEBRUARY 1977 WAS 118, THREE POINTS HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTH RECORD.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY FIVE POINTS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH WATER FISH, PORK, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES ADVANCED AS A RESULT OF HEAVY DEMAND DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AND A REDUCTION IN SUPPLIES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ROSE BY THREE POINTS, MAINLY BECAUSE OF TEMPORARY HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE TWO-POINT RISE IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASED CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ADVANCED BY ONE POINT OWING TO HIGHER ELECTRICITY CHARGES FOLLOWING INCREASED COST OF FUEL OIL.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR THE OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1977
4
1976 CENSUS OF INDUSTRY UNDER WAY K * # * #
AS A FOLLOW-UP TO THE 1973 CENSUS OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A CENSUS OF INDUSTRY FOR THE YEAR 1976.
THE CENSUS IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS ORDER 1977 MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER THE CENSUS ORDINANCE.
THE CENSUS COVERS ACTIVITIES IN MINING, QUARRYING, MANUFACTURING, AND THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY AND GAS. ITS MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WHICH WILL BE OF USE TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES IN ARRIVING AT DECISIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES.
INFORMATION SOUGHT INCLUDES EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COST, MATERIAL PURCHASES AND OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES, SALES AND WORK DONE, STOCKS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN SENT TO SOME 7,500 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH COMPRISE ALL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 100 OR MORE PERSONS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE SMALLER CONCERNS. STATISTICS COLLECTED FROM THE SAMPLE WILL BE GROSSED UP SO THAT THEY ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OVERALL TOTALS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED FOR THE COOPERATION OF MANAGEMENTS OF THE SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE CENSUS.
IN ORDER TO PERMIT PROMPT PROCESSING AND EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS, INDUSTRIALISTS ARE REQUESTED TO HAVE THE FORMS COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN CASE OF ANY DIFFICULTY, INDUSTRIALISTS CAN APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AND A CENSUS OFFICER WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE FORMS.
INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THIS CENSUS WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CENSUS ORDINANCE, FIGURES SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1977
5
ROAD CLOSURES
*****
PARTS OF ARTHUR STREET AND MAN MING LANE IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS STARTING FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 26) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF ENTRANCES TO WATERLOO STATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
THE SECTION OF ARTHUR STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MAN MING LANE RUNNING SOUTHWARDS FOR ABOUT 12 METRES AND THE PART OF MAN MING LANE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ARTHUR STREET RUNNING EASTWARDS FOR ABOUT FIVE METRES ARE TO BE CLOSED DURING THIS PERIOD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WILL BE MAINTAINED.
WATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY. TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND KOWLOON TONG IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (MARCH 25).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND WAN CHAI ARE THOSE IN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, ICE HOUSE STREET, MURRAY ROAD, QUEENSWAY, LAMBETH WALK, HARCOURT ROAD, AND ARSENAL STREET, INCLUDING FENWICK STREET PIER, AND HONG KONG RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED IN KOWLOON TONG ARE BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, HEREFORD ROAD, LA SALLE ROAD, AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, INCLUDING EARL STREET, BOUNDARY STREET, HO TUNG ROAD, OXFORD ROAD, FLINT ROAD, CHESTER ROAD, DERBY ROAD, LANCASHIRE ROAD, CAMBRIDGE ROAD, MORAY ROAD, SELKIRK ROAD, HAMPSHIRE ROAD, DURHAM ROAD, AND WILTSHIRE ROAD.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
KEEN RESPONSE FROM AMERICAN FIRMS TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION ..................... 1
WORK OF VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICES GOES ON EXHIBITION ........ 2
JOBS FOR SEAMEN BROADCAST ON RADIO .......................... 3
HOLIDAY TRAVELLERS URGED TO APPLY EARLY FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS ..................................................... 3
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EMPLOYMENT SURVEY GETS UNDERWAY . 4
GRADUATION OF PRISONS OFFICERS .............................. 4
SECTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED .............
WATER INTERRUPTION IN KOWLOON CITY ON SATURDAY .............. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1977
1
KEEN RESPONSE FROM U.S. c I RMS TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL INVESTME'. PROMOTION MISSION
******
THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF UNITED STATES COMPANIES W ILL BE COMING TO HONG KONG NEXT WEEK TO CARRY OUT FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF THE ADVANTAGES OF SETTING U? FACTORIES HERE.
FIVE MORE ARE EXPECTED IN APRIL AND MAY TO BE FOLLOWED LATER BY OTHERS.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. ROY PORTER, WHO HAS JUST RETURNED FROM A VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES WHERE HE HAD CONDUCTED AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION.
MR. PORTER BELIEVES THAT THE THREE-WEEK MISSION WILL PROVE TO BE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL THAT HAS YET GONE FROM HONG KONG TO THE UNITED STATES.
HE SOUNDED A NOTE OF CAUTION, HOWEVER, IN SAYING THAT ALTHOUGH THE PROSPECTS LOOKED GOOD, + NO MISSION CAN BE SAID TO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL UNTIL NEW PRODUCTION LINES HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG. AND THAT CAN TAKE AS LONG AS TWO YEARS.+
THE MISSION VISITED LOS ANGELES, SAN FRANCISCO AND DALLAS, CALLING ON 24 COMPANIES IN THOSE CITIES. IT wAS PRECEDED BY A PILOT MISSION LED BY MR. PETER LO, PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, WHO IS HEAD OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION BRANCH. MR. LO WAS ASSISTED BY MRS. JENNY WALLIS, ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE U.S. SECTION OF THE BRANCH.
MR. PORTER ATTRIBUTED THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS, THE CHIEF ONE BEING THE PROFESSIONAL APPROACH AND THE SHEER HARD WORK PUT INTO IT.
+MISSION OF THIS TYPE ARE NOW VERY COMMON, PARTICULARLY IN THE UNITED STATES,+ HE SAID. +THE MORE IMPORTANT COMPANIES ARE RECEIVING MANY APPROACHES AND ARE CONSEQUENTLY BECOMING WARY OF THEM. SO EVEN TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE TOP DECISION MAKERS YOU HAVE TO SHOW THAT YOU HAVE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK AND KNOW PRECISELY WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT.*
+THE PROFESSIONALISM OF THE HONG KONG APPROACH WAS COMMENTED UPON FAVOURABLY SEVERAL TIMES,* SAID MR. PORTER, +BUT WE ARE NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT IT. ON EACH MISSION WE LEARN SOMETHING NEW AND HAVE TO USE THE EXPERIENCE TO IMPROVE ON OUR TECHNIQUES.*
/MN. PONTER .....
THURSDAY, MARCH 2^, 1977
2
MR. PORTER SAID THAT HE AND HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE TO PUT A LOT OF HARD WORK INTO FOLLOWING UP THE INTEREST GENERATED EY THE MISSION AND PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO COMPANIES CARRYING OUT FEASIBILITY STUDIES REGARDING THE MANUFACTURE OF SUCH GOODS AS VEHICLE AIR-CONDITIONERS, OVENS, THERMOSTATIC CONTROLS, PRESSURE VESSELS, ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, COFFEE PERCOLATORS, HAND TOOLS, ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION PRESSES AND WELDING EQUIPMENT.
+ IF WE DON’T OBTAIN NEW INVESTMENT FROM THE MISSION I SHALL BE MOST SURPRISED,* SAID MR. PORTER, +AND IT CERTAINLY WON’T BE FOR WANT OF TRYING.*
-----o------
EXHIBITION ON VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE ******
AN EXHIBITION AIMED AT INTRODUCING THE CONCEPT OF VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL BE HELD AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE IN CAUSEWAY ROAD THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 26) BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 5 P.M.
THE EXHIBITION IS SO DESIGNED TO ENLIST STUDENTS’ SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THEIR LEISURE HOURS.
ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE FOR EASTERN DISTRICT AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, THE EXHIBITION IS A JOINT EFFORT OF 13 YOUTH SERVICE GROUPS.
FEATURED IN THE EXHIBITION WILL BE CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS, FILM AND SLIDE SHOWS. ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL TOUCH ON SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN THE COMMUNITY, CONCEPT OF VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE, SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, AND THE WORK OF THE 13 YOUTH GROUPS.
MR. LAM KWOK-WAN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER’ .MRS. LOUISE MOK, PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER’ MR. LAM WING-CHEUNG, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR EASTERN, AND MR. FREDERICK LEE, DIRECTOR OF ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10 A.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR
PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE FUNCTION AT QUEEN’S COLLEGE THIS SATURDAY.
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/3
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1977 - > -
BROADCAST OF JOBS FOR SEAMEN
******
JOBS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT CATEGORIES THROUGH THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ARE BROADCAST OVER THE CHINESE SERVICE OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE,SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT THE BROADCASTS WERE MADE SHORTLY AFTER 11 P.M. DAILY, EXCEPT SATURDAYS.
HE EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT DUE TO THE LIMITED BROADCASTING TIME AVAILABLE NOT ALL THE VACANCIES COULD BE BROADCAST.
+IN VIEW OF THIS, A TRIP TO THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE MAY BE ADVISABLE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EARLY APPLICATION FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS URGED ******
LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO TRAVEL TO CHINA OR MACAU DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL OR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ARE URGED TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS NOW SO AS TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT EARLY APPLICATION WAS ADVISABLE AS LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WENT TO CHINA AND MACAU DURING THESE PERIODS EVERY YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MORE AND MORE HONG KONG PEOPLE TENDED TO SPEND THEIR LONG HOLIDAYS OUTSIDE HONG KONG THESE DAYS.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE TEN-DAY PERIOD OF THE LAST CHINESE NEW YEAR (FEBRUARY 15 TO 24), A TOTAL OF 610,000 TRAVELLERS, INCLUDING TOURISTS, PASSED THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTROL POINTS.
THIS REPRESENTED SOME SIX PER CENT OF LAST YEAR’S TOTAL TRAFFIC OF 13.6 MILLION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HIGHEST FIGURE RECORDED IN A SINGLE DAY WAS 72,000 ON FEBRUARY 21, ABOUT THREE TIMES THE NORMAL DAILY FIGURE OF 25,330.
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A......
THURSDAY,-MARCH 24, 1977
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS SECTORS
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES- IMPORT/EXPORT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES- BANKING AND INSURANCE ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER SELECTED TRADES AND SERVICES.
THIS SURVEY REFERS TO THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND THE RESULTS WILL INDICATE EMPLOYMENT CHANGES SINCE DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
SURVEY CARDS HAVE BEEN MAILED TO ABOUT 45,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE VARIOUS SECTORS COVERING ALL THE LARGE CONCERNS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE SMALLER ONES.
MANAGEMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ASKED TO FILL THE CARDS WITH THE NUMBER OF PERSONS EMPLOYED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AT THE DATE INDICATED ON THE CARDS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS HAS APPEALED TO MANAGEMENTS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND TO RETURN THEM PROM°TLY TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER EMPHASISED THAT THE PROMPT RETURN OF SURVEY CARDS TO THE DEPARTMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS.
THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL EE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES.
- 0 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS
*****
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SEVENTY-EIGHT OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE PASSING OUT AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 26).
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. D.W. MCDONALD WILL INSPECT THE PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 11 A.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHEP TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 1977
5
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD ******
THE SECTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD EETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND_YEN CHOW STREET WILL EE CLOSED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED EISES FROM 11.55 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY^ TO 5.33 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 26).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE ERECTION OF MAIN BEAMS OF THE FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS LAI CHI KOK ROAD AT PEI HO STREET.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL EE DIVERTED TO CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD THROUGH NAM CHEONG STREET AND YEN CHOW STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS .»ILL EE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
■■.ATER CUT
* *
WATtR SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY ILL EE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (MARCH 26) TO ENAELE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY CUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY BOUNDARY STREET, LA SALLE ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, INVERNESS ROAD, DUMBARTON ROAD AND JUNCT' ROAD, INCLUDING GRAMPIAN ROAD, SAU CHUK YUEN ROAD AND COLLEGE SCAD."’
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RESULTS OF UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS’ PART I LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ANNOUNCED .................................. 1
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR CHING MING ............................................. 2
MAIL FROM ABANDONED SHIP SALVAGED ..................... 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR ADVERTISING DISPLAYS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT TERMINAL ...................................... 4
DEPUTY SWD DIRECTOR WILL PRESENT PRIZES AT CARITAS HOUSE .................................................. 5
120 CAS RECRUITS COMPLETE BASIC TRAINING COURSE ....... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1977
- 1-
171 PASS PART I OF LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS ******
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL COUNCIL TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 171 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS.
A TOTAL OF 1,129 CANDIDATES SAT FOR THE MULTIPLE-CHOICEQUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON MARCH 15.
CANDIDATES WHO FAILED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RE-SIT THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION NEXT YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE RESULTS, THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE, MR. IAN YOUNG SAID THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE RESULTS AS A MUCH HIGHER PASS RATE HAD BEEN HOPED FOR AND HAD BEEN PREPARED FOR.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF THE EXAMINATION BEING DESIGNED TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES FOR EXTERNSHIPS AND THE GRANT OF THE LMCHK (LICENCE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG).
MR. YOUNG EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN OVERALL PASS CANDIDATES HAD TO ACHIEVE A PASS MARK IN EACH OF THE FIVE SECTIONS OF THE PAPER WHICH DEALT WITH PSYCHIATRY AND MEDICINE, PAEDIATRICS, SURGERY, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY, AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
COMMENTING ON CRITICISMS BY SOME CANDIDATES CONCERNING CERTAIN TRANSLATION ERRORS IN THE PAPER, MR. YOUNG SAID THE MAJORITY OF QUERIES RAISED BY CANDIDATES DURING THE EXAMINATION WERE, IN FACT, OPINIONS ON THE CHINESE TRANSLATION.
THE QUERIES HAD ARISEN BECAUSE THE PAPER WAS BILINGUAL AND THE CANDIDATES HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF COMPARING BOTH VERSIONS, HE SAID.
MR. YOUNG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE ONLY THREE TRANSLATION ERRORS IN THE PAPER, AND THESE WERE CORRECTED DURING THE EXAMINATION.
+CANDIDATES WERE GIVEN ADDITIONAL TIME AT EVERY EXAMINATION CENTRE TO MAKE UP FOR TIME LOST IN DEALING WITH QUERIES AND THIS IN NO WAY AFFECTED THE RESULTS,* HE SAID.
+THE EXAMINATION HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR CANDIDATES TO SHOW THAT THEY HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR OWN INTEREST AND THAT OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.
* - - 0 - -
/ 2
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1977
- 2 -
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENT IN N.T.
FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL
*****
LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE WO HOP SHEK, SANDY RIDGE AND TSUEN WAN CEMETERIES DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON TUESDAY, APRIL 5 THIS YEAR.
TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THESE AREAS, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT HEARSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES, BETWEEN 5 A.M. AND 8 P.M. ON MARCH 27, APRIL 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 AND 17.
TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN LAM KAM ROAD AND FANLING ROUNDABOUT WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND ON SUNDAY. APRIL 3, AND TUESDAY, APRIL 5, FROM 8 A.M. UNTIL SUCH TIME AS IT BECOMES POSSIBLE TO REVERT TO NORMAL TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FLOW.
THIS ONE-WAY SYSTEM MAY ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED ON MARCH 27, APRIL 8, 9, 10, 11 AND 17, DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION.
DURING THE ROAD RE-ROUTING, MOTORISTS MAY PROCEED TO KOWLOON VIA THE FOLLOWING ROUTES: FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD, LUK KENG ROAD, TING KOK ROAD AND INTO TAI PO ROAD- FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT ALONG TAI PO ROAD AND INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SHEUNG SHU I CROSS- AND FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT ALONG TAI PO ROAD AND THEN TURN INTO FAN KAM ROAD TO KAM TIN AND THEN THROUGH ROUTE TWISK TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD OR THROUGH LAM KAM ROAD TO TAI PO ROAD.
VISITORS TO SANDY RIDGE, LO WU, ARE ADVISED THAT NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WITH CLOSED AREA PERMITS, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MAN KAM TO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SAN FUNG AVENUE IN SHEUNG SHU I.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED NOT TO PROCEED TO THESE AREAS BY PRIVATE CAR AS PARKING SPACES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED IN SHEUNG SHU I TOWN AND ADEQUATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND LO WU WILL BE AVAILABLE.
THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE TSUEN WAN CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES OR EMERGENCY VEHICLES ON APRIL 3 AND 5 AND ON ANY OTHER DAY WHEN THE TRAFFIC SITUATION WARRANTS IT.
SINGLE LANE NOSE-TO-TAIL PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED UNDER POLICE SUPERVISION, ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD.
/SPECIAL BUS .....
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1977
- 3 -
SPECIAL BUS SERVICES WILL BE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AT TAI PO ROAD ROAD TO FANLING ROUNDABOUT.
ARRANGED DURING THE CLOSURE OF FROM THE JUNCTION OF LAM KAM
WILL BE NO SERVICE ON ROUTE NO.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS THERE --------
70 FROM SHEUNG SHU I TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY BETWEEN 7.50 A.M. AND
3 P.M. BUT JOURNEYS FROM SHEUNG SHU I TO YUEN LONG ON ROUTE NO. 77 AND FROM YUEN LONG TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY ON ROUTE NO. 50 WILL BE AUGMENTED BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 2.48 P.M. WHEN ROUTE NO. 70 IS NOT OPERATING.
SERVICES ON ROUTE NO. 73 WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AFTER 7.44 A.M. AT MAN KAM TO (SAN UK LING) AND 8.20 A.M. AT TAI PO MARKET UNTIL NORMAL TRAFFIC RESUMES.
ROUTE NO. 73A WILL BE INTRODUCED TO OPERATE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND MAN KAM TO (SAN UK LING) AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AT A 20-CENT FLAT FARE.
AS SEVERE CONGESTION IS EXPECTED TO OCCUR ON TAI PO ROAD, MOTORISTS GOING TO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ROUTE TWISK OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTES AND TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO WAIT OR TO BE PARKED ON ANY MAIN ROAD AND THOSE FOUND ILLEGALLY PARKED WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
+LOST+ MAIL SALVAGED
******
THE OWNERS OF THE M.V. HONG KONG SURETY HAVE INFORMED THE POST OFFICE THAT THE MAIL WHICH THEY HAD EARLIER REPORTED AS BEING LOST WAS IN FACT SALVAGED BY THE MASTER BEFORE THE SHIP WAS ABANDONED IN HEAVY SEAS OFF THE NORTHWEST COAST OF AUSTRALIA ABOUT A WEEK AGO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THAT THE MAIL, DESTINED FOR THE FIJI ISLANDS AND NEW ZEALAND, WAS SAID TO HAVE BEEN SUBSEQUENTLY HANDED OVER TO THE POST OFFICE AT SURABAYA, INDONESIA.
♦WE ARE AWAITING FURTHER INFORMATION FROM THE INDONESIAN POSTAL AUTHORITIES AS TO THE CONDITION OF THE MAIL,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE MAIL WOULD BE FORWARDED ON ITS DESTINATION BUT INEVITABLY THERE WOULD BE SOME DELAY.
I 4 ...
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 1977
- 4 -
GENERAL ADVERTISING RIGHTS AT KAI TAK
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE RIGHT TO DISPLAY ADVERTISING MATERIALS AT VARIOUS PROMINENT POSITIONS IN THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LEVELS OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.
THE GENERAL ADVERTISING CONCESSION IS FOR THREE YEARS FROM JUNE 1.
THE ADVERTISING MATERIALS WILL BE MOUNTED IN SHOWCASES, DISPLAY AREAS, SIGN PANELS AND WALL DISPLAYS.
THE DISPLAYS AND THE SIGNS MUST BE OF BACK-LIT TYPE, AND TENDERERS SHOULD STATE THE APPROXIMATE POWER CONSUMPTIONS, THE SIZE AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DISPLAY ITEMS, AND THE METHOD OF DISPLAYING.
THE SHOWCASES, WALL DISPLAYS AND SIGN PANELS ARE TO BE PROVIDED, INSTALLED, OPERATED AND MAINTAINED BY THE TENDERER TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE VARIOUS SIGNS WILL NOT INTERFERE OR CONFLICT WITH THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ERECTED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
ILLUSTRATIONS OF ALL PROPOSED DISPLAYS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE TENDER DOCUMENTS FOR APPROVAL BY THE DIRECTOR.
ACCORDING TO A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), TENDER APPLICATIONS MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 15.
_ _ 0 - -
- 5 -
SWEETMAN TO OFFICIATE AT PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ******
WINNERS OF VARIOUS COMPETITIONS, ORGANISED BY THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT CARITAS HOUSE, CAINE ROAD, AT 3 P.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 27).
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, AND THE HEAD OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, MR. HENRY AU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
APART FROM THE PRIZE PRESENTATION, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS.
THE MONTH-LONG INTER-CENTRE COMPETITION AIMS TO STIMULATE THE INTEREST OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN ACTIVITIES THAT ARE CURRENTLY BEING PROMOTED IN THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH CENTRES. THEY INCLUDE JUDO, ORIENTEERING, COOKING, FOLK DANCE, BOOK-MARK DESIGN, FASHION DESIGN AND DR*=»S> .
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE FUNCTION COVERED.
- - - - 0---
C.A.S. PASSING-OUT PARADE
*****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS 13TH PASSING-OUT PARADE AT ITS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE IN ARGYLE STREET ON SUNDAY (MARCH 27).
THE COMMISSIONER, MR. WOO PAK-CHUEN, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE.
TAKING PART WILL BE 120 RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE BASIC TRAINING COURSES IN FOOT DRILL, FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE AND CIVIL DEFENCE SUBJECTS.
MR. WOO WILL ALSO AWARD SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 20 C.A.S. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
THE C.A.S. BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS ON BICYCLE TECHNIQUE, MOUNTAIN RESCUE WORK AND MOTOR CYCLE TECHNIQUE WILL BE STAGED.
THE RECRUITS, SOME OF THEM WOMEN, WILL BE POSTED TO
VARIOUS CAS UNITS FOR FURTHER OPERATIONAL TRAINING AND ACTIVE DUTY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE WHICH BEGINS AT 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (MARCH 27) AT THE C.A.S. KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PWD ADOPTS NEW PRISON CELL DESIGN ........... 1
OVER 1,000 NEW PLACES PROVIDED IN SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HOUSING ESTATES ................... 3
SCHOOLS URGED TO PLACE LESS EMPHASIS ON TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS ................................. 5
COMPANY REGISTRY FEES TO BE REVISED .......... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
1
P.W.D. DESIGNS PRISONS WITHOUT BARS
* K * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INTRODUCING A NEW FEATURE IN THE DESIGN OF PRISONS WHICH WILL OFFER GREATER SECURITY — WITHOUT THE USE OF BARS ON WINDOWS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, AT A GRADUATION PARADE FOR 78 PRISON OFFICERS AT STANLEY.
THE FIRST PENAL INSTITUTION IN THE URBAN AREAS TO FEATURE THE NEW SYSTEM, HE SAID, WOULD BE THE KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE AT LAI CHI KOK WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR TO HOUSE 980 INMATES.
AMONG THE NEW INNOVATIONS INCORPORATED IN THE SCHEME WAS A SPECIAL CELL DESIGN IN WHICH +ISLANDS+ OF CELLS WERE SITED IN THE CENTRE OF EACH FLOOR WITH A PASSAGEWAY ALL ROUND BETWEEN THE CELLS AND THE EXTERNAL WALLS.
+THUS PRISONERS, WHILE RECEIVING THE BENEFIT OF LIGHT AND AIR FROM WINDOWS, HAVE NO DIRECT ACCESS TO THEM. BARS ACROSS WINDOWS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED, SECURITY BEING ACHIEVED BY THE DESIGN OF THE WINDOWS THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.
EACH OF THE +ISLANDS* OF CELLS WOULD BE DIVIDED BY A SERVICE PASSAGE WHICH WOULD HOUSE ALL BUILDING SERVICES SO THAT FAULTS IN THESE COULD BE ATTENDED TO WITHOUT THE NEED TO EVACUATE THE CELLS, HE ADDED.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THE KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE HAD BEEN DELIBERATELY SITED IN THE URBAN AREA IN ORDER TO PERMIT THOSE HELD ON REMAND TO HAVE EASIER ACCESS TO LEGAL COUNSEL AND TO FACI.ITATE VISITS BY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.
+ADEQUATE VISITING FACILITIES ARE IMPORTANT AND ALL NEW INSTITUTIONS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED WITH THIS IN MIND,* HE SAID. VISITING FACILITIES IN EXISTING ESTABLISHMENTS WERE ALSO BEING IMPROVED.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THE PAST YEARS HAD SEEN MANY CHANGES IN THE CONCEPT OF PRISON DESIGN AND TO KEEP ABREAST OF LATEST DEVELOPMENTS P.W.D. STAFF HAD VISITED AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE UNITED KINGDOM TO SEE AND DISCUSS THE LATEST IMPROVEMENTS WITH PRISON AUTHORITIES THERE.
THERE WERE STILL A FEW INSTITUTIONS IN OLD BUILDINGS DESIGNED SOME TIME AGO WHEN HONG KONG’S OVERALL POPULATION AND ITS PRISON POPULATION WAS MUCH SMALLER, BUT THE OVERCROWDED SITUATION WAS BEING REMEDIED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, HE SAID.
/A NUMBER
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
2
A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS WERE ALREADY BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE P.W.D. ON BEHALF OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING A NEW CENTRE AT LAI KING WITH STAFF QUARTERS AND ROOM FOR 260 INMATES WHICH WOULD REPLACE THE FORMER STANLEY TRAINING CENTRE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
IN ADDITION A NEW MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK FOR 480 INMATES HAD BEEN APPROVED AND SHOULD BE READY IN 1980.
MR. MCDONALD SAID HE ALSO HOPED TO OBTAIN APPROVAL IN THE COM I MG MONTHS TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAFF QUARTERS AT SHA TSUI FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, AND THE REBUILDING OF STANLEY PRISON.
MR. MCDONALD SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING EXPANDING ITS INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES FOR HELPING PRISONERS TO LEARN NEW SKILLS.
IN ONE OF THE INSTITUTIONS, HE SAID, PRISONERS WERE ALREADY MAKING FIBRE GLASS FURNITURE FOR THEIR CENTRE AS PART OF A +SELF-HELP+ SCHEME.
HE SAID INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OF PRISONERS WAS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE REHABILITATION PROCESS, AND INVOLVED MANY DIFFERENT TRADES, INCLUDING TAILORING, SILK-SCREENING, PRINTING, SHOE-MAKING, CARPENTRY, LAUNDERING, METAL WORK, RATTAN AND BAMBOO WARE, AS WELL AS FIBRE GLASS WORK.
MR. MCDONALD CONGRATULATED THE GRADUATING OFFICERS FOR ACHIEVING THE HIGH STANDARD REQUIRED OF THEIR PROFESSION WITH ITS WIDE-RANGING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND URGED THEM TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH MORALE WITHIN THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.
- - - - 0 ---------
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
3
NEW PLACES IN SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES ******
AT LEAST 1,094 NEW PLACES IN SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PROVIDED FOR CHILDREN IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
SOME 194 PLACES ARE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH EXPANSION OF SUBVENTED CENTRES NOW ALREADY OFFERING SUCH SERVICES, ANOTHER 900 PLACES WILL BE CREATED IN CENTRES WHICH ARE TO OPEN THEIR DOORS IN THE COMING YEAR.
TWO OF THE NEW CENTRES ARE LOCATED IN KWAI SHING ESTATE. OTHERS ARE IN 01 MAN, TAI HING, PAK TIN, CHEUNG CHING, LAI KING AND LAU FOU SHAN.
FOR THOSE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES WHO ARE INTERESTED IN CHILD CARE WORK, PREMISES SPECIALLY RESERVED FOR NURSERIES ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT SOME EXISTING HOUSING ESTATES AND THOSE SOON TO BE COMPLETED.
THEY ARE AT LAI YIU, SHEK LEI, SAU MAU PING, TAI HING, CHEUNG CHING, PAK TIN, SHEK KIP MEI (RE-DEVELOPMENT) AND SHUN LEE TSUEN ESTATES."
AGENCIES WHO WANT TO EXTEND THEIR SERVICE TO THESE PLACES CAN ASK FOR DETAILS FROM THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
MEANWHILE, THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT TWO MONTHS LEFT FOR EXISTING CHILL CARE CENTRES TO REGISTER WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IF THEY WANT TO MAKE USE OF THE PERIOD OF GRACE ALLOWED FOR MEETING THE IEW STANDARDS.
BEFORE MAY 31 THEY CAN STILL REGISTER IN THE FIRST INSTANCE ON SATISFYING CERTAIN MINIMUM STANDARDS. THEY WILL THEN BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT TIME TO BRING THEIR ESTABLISHMENT UP TO THE REQUIRED FULL STANDARDS.
BY THE END OF THIS MONTH (MARCH), THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A TOTAL OF 234 APPLICATION FORMS TO PROSPECTIVE CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WITH SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS WERE AT THAT TIME PROCESSING 164 APPLICATIONS.
OF THE 164 APPLICANTS, 36 HAVE ALREADY BEEN ISSUED WITH CERTIFICATES BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, 24 BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND 85 BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. NINETEEN HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
/ALL HAVE
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
4
ALL HAVE TO BE ISSUED WITH FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATES IN ADDITION TO CERTIFICATES OF BUILDING SAFETY BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, OR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN THE CASE OF THOSE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, BEFORE THEY ARE CONSIDERED FOR FINAL REGISTRATION BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
+THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE NECESSARY BECAUSE THE PEOPLE BEING LOOKED AFTER IN THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN,+ SAID MISS NANCY CHOW, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
+BEFORE A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PREMISES INTENDED TO BE USED AS A CHILD CARE CENTRE MUST NOT ONLY ITSELF BE FIRE SAFE, ITS NEIGHBOURS ALSO MUST NOT BE OF HIGH FIRE RISK, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS, WORKSHOPS AND DANGEROUS GOODS STORES,+ SHE SAID.
MISS CHOW CALLED ON ALL EXISTING CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS WHO INTEND TO BRING UP THEIR STANDARDS BUT WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IN THEIR APPLICATION WITHOUT DELAY.
IF THEY HAVE DIFFICULTIES THEY CAN ASK FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT 21, HOSPITAL ROAD IN SAI YING POON.
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
- 5 -
LESS EMPHASIS ON TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS * * * * M
SCHOOLS SHOULD PLACE LESS EMPHASIS ON TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS AND INSTEAD SHOULD SATISFY PUPILS’ NEEDS BY FINDING OUT THEIR ABILITIES AND DEVELOPING THEM, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING SAID THIS MORNING WHEN HE DELIVERED THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE CONFERENCE ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN EDUCATION AT THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO ABOUT 450 PARTICIPANTS, MR. HO SAID SUCH AN ATTITUDE IMPLIED A REDUCTION IN THE QUANTITY OF ORAL TEACHING AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE TEACHER INTO A GUIDE AND FRIEND.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THE ORGANISATION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE WAS THAT THE SCHOOL MUST REMEMBER THAT EDUCATION WAS AN UNENDING PROCESS.
+SCHOOL LIFE IS MERELY ONE PART OF THE PUPIL’S LIFE AND WHEN HE LEAVES SCHOOL EDUCATION WILL NOT CEASE. THE SCHOOL MUST THEREFORE FIT IN WITH THE BACKGROUND OF THE PUPILS, MUST BEAR IN MIND THE IMPORTANT ECONOMIC FEATURES OF THE COMMUNITY, AND MUST SEE TO IT THAT THE PUPILS DO NOT FEEL CUT OFF FROM THE LIFE OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
+THE SCHOOL MUST BE MERELY ONE PART OF THE PUPIL’S WORLD, AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD MUST BE VERY MUCH MORE CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH SCHOOL. BUT BEYOND THIS EACH PUPIL MUST BE SENT OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH A SET OF ABIDING INTERESTS,DETERM I NED TO CONTINUE THE EDUCATION WHICH HAS BEEN BEGUN AT SCHOOL AND GENUINELY INTERESTED IN AND AWARE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND HIM,* THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID.
TURNING TO PRIMARY EDUCATION, MR. HO SAID THAT PART OF THE TEACHERS’ TASK WAS TO DISCOVER, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, WHAT EXPERIENCES THE CHILDREN HAD IN PRE-SCHOOL YEARS AND WHAT WAS THE NATURE OF THEIR EXPERIENCES IN OUT-OF-SCHOOL HOURS.
HE ADDED s +THEY WILL SEEK TO PROVIDE WITHIN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT A WAY OF LIVING THAT WILL SUPPLEMENT THESE EXPERIENCES AND WILL ENSURE FULL DEVELOPMENT OF POTENTIAL CAPACITY, THE ACQUISITION OF SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE THE CHILDREN FIND NECESSARY AT THE STAGE TO WHICH THEY HAVE DEVELOPED, AND SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AS MEMBERS OF A GROWING COMMUNITY.*
SPEAKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF TEACHERS, MR. HO POINTED OUT THAT THEY WERE AT THE GRASS-ROOT LEVEL OF THE SYSTEM.
+IN SPREADING AND EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW IDEAS AND APPROACHES THEY HAVE AN INDISPENSABLE PART TO PLAY IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL,* HE SAID.
/THE INITIATIVE
SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 1977
6 -
THE INITIATIVE AND ENERGY OF SCHOOL HEADS AND THEIR STAFF WERE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS.
+AIMS, METHODS AND ATTITUDES TO EDUCATION , TO BE OF REAL WORTH, ARE ALWAYS IN COURSE OF EVOLUTION AND COMPARATIVE VALUES ARE CONTINUALLY CHANG I NG,+ MR. HO SAID.
THE AIM OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE TO DEVELOP TO THE FULL THE POTENTIALITIES OF EVERY CHILD, IN ACCORD ALWAYS WITH THE GENERAL GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY.
+TO MY MIND,+ MR. HO SAID, +THE WIDER ENDS BEFORE US CANNOT BE REACHED WITHOUT DEVELOPING IN THE CHILDREN CERTAIN GENERAL ATTRIBUTES - BASIC SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES AND HABITS.+
WITHOUT BASIC SKILLS CHILDREN WOULD LACK THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THEIR FURTHER EDUCATION AND THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE PARTICIPATION IN LIFE.
WITH AND THROUGH KNOWLEDGE CHILDREN WOULD BE ABLE TO REACH DECISIONS AND SOLVE PROBLEMS.
MR. HO SAID THAT AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF THE DUTIES OF CITIZENSHIP- RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS, BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS OF OTHERS- AND THE ABILITY TO APPRAISE OLD AND NEW IDEAS WERE AMONG THE ATTRIBUTES WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL TO A PREPARATION FOR LIVING A FULL AND USEFUL LIFE.
-----o------
COMPANIES REGISTRY REVISES OUTDATED FEES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED A REVISION OF VARIOUS OUTDATED FEES LEVIED BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY.
THE NEW FEES UNDER THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES INCORPORATION ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, WHEREAS THE INCREASED FEES UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE AND THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ORDINANCE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM MAY-1.
ANNOUNCING THE PROPOSED INCREASES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID SOME OF THESE FEES HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED FOR MANY YEARS AND THE EXERCISE WAS AIMED AT BRINGING THEM MORE IN LINE WITH PRESENT DAY VALUES.
HE SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE THERE HAD BEEN NO REVISION OF FEES SINCE 1955.
FULL DETAILS OF THE NEW FEES AND CHARGES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE SHORTLY.
- - - - 0 ----
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1977
APPLICATION FOR EXTENDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME STARTS NEXT MONTH ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED PERSONS
BETWEEN 15 AND 55 NEXT MONTH.
MR. LAW CHI-KIN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO BRING THE INCOME OF A SINGLE ELIGIBLE PERSON OR A FAMILY UP TO A LEVEL WHERE ESSENTIAL NEEDS SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING COULD BE MET WITHOUT SUFFERING HARDSHIP.
REFERRING TO THE EXTENDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, HOWEVER, MR. LAW SAID: +APPLICANTS, WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR TWO YEARS, MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT THEIR NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT.
+THEY WILL THEN BE REFERRED TO THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHO WILL REGISTER THEM FOR JOBS.
+IF THE APPLICANTS FAIL TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR ONE MONTH AFTER THE DATE OF APPLICATION, THEIR MONTHLY ENTITLEMENT WILL START FROM THE FIRST DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH.*
FAMILY MEMBERS, WHO ARE OVER THE AGE OF 15 AND UNDER 55, THUS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AT PRESENT, ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT.
+THEY MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO BE INCLUDED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AS PART OF THE HOUSEHOLD WHEN CALCULATING ENTITLEMENT AFTER APRIL 1,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE COST OF ACCOMMODATION IS COVERED SEPARATELY BY A RENT ALLOWANCE- WHERE THERE ARE SPECIAL EXPENSES, FOR EXAMPLE, THE COST OF A MEDICALLY APPROVED DIET, DISCRETIONARY PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE.*
TURNING TO THE SCALE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, MR. LAW SA IDs +THE PRESENT RATE IS $180 A MONTH FOR A SINGLE PERSON WHEREAS FOR A FAMILY, $130 FOR EACH OF THE FIRST THREE MEMBERS, $105 FOR EACH OF THE NEXT THREE AND $80 FOR THE SEVENTH MEMBER AND SO ON. ON TOP OF THIS, A RENT ALLOWANCE IS ALSO PAID AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO MEET ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE.
/♦FOR .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1977
2
+FOR EXAMPLE, IF A FAMILY CONSISTS OF FIVE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS WITH NO INCOME AND THE RENT IT HAS TO PAY IS $150 A MONTH, THEN THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE PAID TO THE FAMILY IS $750 A MONTH. IF THIS FAMILY HAS A TOTAL INCOME OF $350, THEN THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE WILL BE $400.+
A LEAFLET ON THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME - THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS “WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE EXTENSION TO COVER THE ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED BETWEEN 15 AND 55, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR THE INFORMATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE 26 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS ARE ALSO LISTED IN THE LEAFLET.
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE URBAN AREA, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
WATER CUT
* * * X
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHUNG HOM KOK AREA ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON TUESDAY (MARCH 29) TO 6 A.M. THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE ON CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD, HORIZON DRIVE AND CAPE ROAD, INCLUDING CHUNG HOM KOK CHESHIRE HOME.
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1977
3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING FEBRUARY 1977. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR FEBRUARY WAS $2,254 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $3,379 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $659 MILLION.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1976 TO FEBRUARY 1977 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1975 TO FEBRUARY 1976 OF 21.3 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 16.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 16.0 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1976, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $505 MILLION OR 28.9 PER CENT IN EXPORTS, $395 MILLION OR 13.2 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $23 MILLION OR 3.6 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, FEBRUARY 1977 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1977, SHOWED A DECREASE OF $435 MILLION OR 16.2 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS; THIS DECLINE BEING IN TIME WITH THE NORMAL SEASONAL MOVEMENT FOLLOWING CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. IMPORTS DECLINED BY $453 MILLION OR 11.8 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY $181 MILLION OR 21.6 PER CENT.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM MARCH 1976 TO FEBRUARY 1977 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 36.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 26.1 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 23.5 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES:
LATEST 3 MONTHS DECEMBER 1976 TO FEBRUARY 1977 DECEMBER 1975 TO FEBRUARY 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN'. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8,036 ‘ 6,624 + 1,412 + 21.3
IMPORTS 11,276 9,657 + 1,618 + 16.8
RE-EXPORTS 2,312 1,992 + 320 + 16.0
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR FEBRUARY 1977 FEBRUARY 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,254 (77.4%) 1,749 (73.3%) + 505 +28.9
IMPORTS 3,379 2,983 + 395 +13.2
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 659 (22.6%) 636 (26.7%) + 23 +3.6
/LAST MONTH ....
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1977
4
LAST MONTH FEBRUARY 1977 JANUARY 1977 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,254 (77.4%) 2,690 (76.2%) - 435 - 16.2
IMPORTS 3,379 3,831 - 453 - H.8
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 659 (22.6%) 841 (23.8%) - 181 - 21.6
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN. - FEB. 1977 JAN. - FEB. INCREASE OR 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 4,944 (76.7%) 4,332 (76.0%) + 613 + 14.1
IMPORTS 7,210 6,219 + 990 + 15.9
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 1,500 (23.3%) 1,366 (24.0%) + 134 + 9.8
LAST 12 MONTHS MARCH 1976 TO FEBRUARY 1977 MARCH 1975 TO INCREASE OR ’ FEBRUARY 1976 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 33,242 24,283 + 8,959 +36.9
IMPORTS 44,283 .35,131 + 9,152 +26.1
RE-EXPORTS 9,062 7,339 + 1,722 +23.5
-------o--------- /5
5
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 1977
ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION STARTS NEXT MONTH 0*0
CANCER DISEASES, WHICH HAVE I OF LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN HONG A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS TO BE HELD APRIL AND MAY.
N RECENT YEARS TOPPED THE LIST KONG, WILL BE FEATURED IN IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS DURING
THE EXHIBITIONS ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, ASSISTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF MzDICAL BODIES.
CANCER AWARENESS ’77, AS THE EXHIBITION IS CALLED, WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND WARNINGS AGANST THE SYMPTOMS OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF CANCER.
THERE WILL BE FILM SHOWS, SLIDES AND ILLUSTRATIONS TO HELP MEMBERS OF CANCER IS ALL ABOUT.
, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHAT
CREATORS OF THE DISPLAYS ARE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL HEAL"H TEAM OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. THE TEAM CONSISTS OF SIX YOUNG WOMEN WHO HAVE TAKEN LEAVE FROM THE IF SCHOOLING AND JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR CNE AND HALF YEARS OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY SAID CANCER AWARENESS *77 UAS DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PROTECT THEIR HEALTH.
HE EXPLAINED THAT WITH THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AVAILABLE TODAY CANCER COULD BE CURED IF ONLY PEOPLE KNEW THE WARNING SIGNS AND SAW A DOCTOR EARLY.
THE ANTI-CANCER CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN WITH A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL ON APRIL 5 AND 6, WHICH WILL THEN MOVE ON TO CAUSEVAY BAY, TSIM SHA TSUI, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWUN TONG AND MACAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE WORLD CHRISTIAN FEDERATION, 33 GRANVILLE ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 2 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH -30, WHEN DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
PRM 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE AMENITIES AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN . 1
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CRITICISES SAN PO KONG FACTORY
OWNERS AND WORKERS FOR IGNORING FIRE DANGER WARNINGS ... 2
SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES RECORDED ........ 3
WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY AREA ............................ 4
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON TO KWA WAN ROAD ............ 5
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO VISIT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL ... 5
FEBRUARY BANKING STATISTICS RELEASED ...................... 6
UNOFFICIALS TO COMMENT ON BUDGET PROPOSALS ON WEDNESDAY 7
EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS GENERALLY ACCEPT PRINCIPLE OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE FOR WORKERS ............................. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977 1 -
MORE AMENITIES AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR TSUEN WAN * * *
EFFORTS WILL BE STEPPED UP IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO PROVIDE MORE AMENITIES AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN TSUEN WAN TO MAKE THE FAST-GROWING NEW TOWN A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE TO LIVE IN.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. JAMES HAYES, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A LUNCH PARTY HE HOSTED FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS TODAY.
MR. HAYES SAID WORK ON THE $19.2 MILLION MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM IN TSUEN WAN WOULD START NEXT MONTH AND BE READY FOR USE IN 1979 TO PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES FOR THE INCREASING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA.
OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS, HE SAID, INCLUDED A SPORTS GROUND IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IN SOUTH KWAI CHUNG, THE CONVERSION OF THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND TO A 10,000-SEAT STADIUM, THE TSO KUNG TAM RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE WHICH WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN 1978-79, AND THE CONVERSION OF THE 60-ACRE GIN DRINKERS BAY REFUSE TIP TO AMENITY USE.
+ IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A COUNTRY CLUB WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS, AND THERE WILL BE ADDITIONS TO THE FAMOUS MONASTERY BELT IN NORTH TSUEN WAN, WITH ITS PRIVATELY-PROVIDED RECREATIONAL AMENITIES,* HE SAID.
MR. HAYES SAID THAT WITH ALL THESE PROJECTS, TOGETHER WITH MANY MORE MINOR AMENITIES, +THE NET RESULT WILL BE THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN WHICH WILL BECOME A MORE ATTRACTIVE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND BRING UP YOUNG FAMILIES.*
IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, HE SAID SOME NEW GOVERNMENT-BUILT AMENITIES WERE COMPLETED TO MATCH THE +MASS OF CONCRETE* THAT HAD GONE UP IN TSUEN WAN.
+THESE INCLUDE A TSUEN WAN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, THREE COMMUNITY HALLS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND A NUMBER OF OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
BY THE +MASS OF CONCRETE*, MR. HAYES WAS REFERRING TO THE THREE NEW HOUSING ESTATES AND SOME MAJOR ADDITIONS TO EXISTING ONES WHICH HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR 100,000 PERSONS.
+IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THESE YEARS HAVE SEEN THE COMPLETION OF 22 NEW COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS (WITH 382 FLOORS) AND 41 NEW FACTORY BUILDINGS (WITH 258 FLOORS), WITH MANY OTHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION,* HE ADDED.
ON THE COMMUNITY-BUILDING SIDE, MR. HAYES FELT THERE WAS THE NEED FOR AN INCREASING INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING AND MANAGING THE NEW TOWN.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
- 2 -
OVER 100 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ISSUED AFTER VISIT TO SAN PO KONG FACTORIES ********
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY CRITICISED A NUMBER OF FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS IN SAN PO KONG FOR FAILING TO KEEP THE COMMON MEANS OF ESCAPE IN THEIR BUILDINGS FREE OF OBSTRUCTION DESPITE AN ADVANCE NOTICE OF AN INSPECTION VISIT TO THE AREA LAST WEEK BY FIRE OFFICERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED THE RESULT OF THE INSPECTION AS +DEPLORABLE+.
HE POINTED.OUT THAT SAN PO KONG HAD IN FACT A BAD RECORD AS FAR AS THE NUMBER AND SEVERITY OF FIRES WERE CONCERNED.
DURING THE EXTENSIVE TWO-DAY INSPECTION, MORE THAN 20 FIRE OFFICERS CALLED ON 240 FACTORIES IN TSAT PO AND PAT TAT STREETS.
THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE COMMON MEANS OF ESCAPE IN THE MAJORITY OF THESE FACTORIES WERE OBSTRUCTED EITHER BY RAW MATERIAL OR FINISHED PRODUCTS.
OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY THE OFFICERS INCLUDED UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS OR EXTENSIONS, OBSTRUCTION TO FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS AND THE USE OF LIFT LOBBIES OR CENTRAL COMMON CORRIDORS AS STORAGE AREAS.
AS A RESULT, 115 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES HAVE TO BE ISSUED AND 30 SUMMONSES TAKEN OUT AGAINST THE FACTORIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE ABATEMENT NOTICES PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THEM.
SINCE THE AREA INSPECTION SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED EARLY THIS YEAR, VISITS HAVE BEEN MADE TO FACTORIES IN WONG CHUK HANG AND KWAI CHUNG WITH ENCOURAGING RESULTS.
IN THESE BUILDINGS, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE SUSTAINED PUBLICITY HAD ACHIEVED ITS OBJECTIVE WITH PEOPLE RESPONDING TO IT, THE SPOKESMAN COMMENTED.
+HOWEVER, THE REAL VALUE OF THESE INSPECTIONS RELIES MUCH ON THE GOODWILL OF THE OCCUPIERS OR OWNERS OF A BUILDING.
♦OUR INTENTION IS TO HAVE CLEAR AND UNOBSTRUCTED MEANS OF ESCAPE AND FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND EASILY REACHED.
+AS FIRE LOSSES IN INDUSTRY USUALLY MAKE UP THE GREATER PROPORTION OF TOTAL FIRE LOSSES IN ANY YEAR IN HONG KONG, WE ONLY HOPE THAT THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS WILL COME TO ACCEPT THAT SAFETY FROM FIRE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT IN VIEW OF THE MOST UNSATISFACTORY SITUATION FOUND IN SAN PO KONG, OFFICERS OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, TO BE SUPPORTED BY PERSONNEL FROM THE OPERATIONAL UNITS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WOULD BE CARRYING OUT FURTHER INSPECTIONS OF THE AREA SHORTLY.
+DETAILS OF THE FORTHCOMING VISIT WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE,+ HE ADDED.
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977 ■
5
SLIGHT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF VEHICLES ******
THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REGISTERED IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR STOOD AT 191,746 — AN INCREASE OF 1.98 PER CENT OVER 1975, THOUGH FAR BELOW THE 1973 ALL-TIME HIGH OF 202,953.
ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, 1976 WAS A RECORD YEAR IN TERMS OF REGISTRATION OF GOODS VEHICLES, WITH 6,986 NEW ENTRIES RECORDED.
THIS BROUGHT THE OVERALL FIGURE OF GOODS VEHICLES TO 36,553 AS COMPARED WITH 31,660 IN 1975.
THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY DUE TO WORKS ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND MAJOR PUBLIC PROJECTS WHICH REQUIRED A LARGE FLEET OF GOODS VEHICLES.
DURING THE YEAR, THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS CONTINUED TO DROP TO 113,665, COMPARED WITH 114,260 IN 1975.
HOWEVER, WITH THE ECONOMY BACK ON ITS FEET, THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS ROSE TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. NEW REGISTRATIONS IN THE LAST QUARTER EXCEEDED THE NUMBER OF CARS TAKEN OFF THE ROAD BY 633.
THUS, THE UNUSUAL SITUATION BETWEEN 1974 AND 1976 WHEN, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WAS ON THE DECREASE, CHANGED DURING THE LATTER HALF OF LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE DECLINE IN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS IN THESE YEARS WAS CONFINED TO MOTOR CARS AND MOTOR CYCLES WHILE THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES CONTINUED TO RISE.
AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 21,285 MOTOR CYCLES AND SCOOTERS ON THE ROAD, COMPARED WITH 22,290 IN 1975.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NUMBER OF TAXIS STOOD AT 4,994, 240 MORE THAN IN 1975. THE INCREASE WAS DUE TO THE INTRODUCTION LAST OCTOBER OF A NEW TAXI SERVICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
UNDER THE FIRST STAGE OF THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR TAXI SERVICES, 240 LICENCES WERE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE YEAR FOR VEHICLES PERMITTED TO PLY FOR HIRE IN THE NORTHERN AND MORE RURAL PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MORE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES, UP TO A TOTAL OF 750, WILL BE ISSUED THIS YEAR.
AS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, THE FIGURE ROSE FROM 4,307 IN 1975 TO 4,346 LAST YEAR.
/THE NUMBER .....
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
4
THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HIRE CARS ALSO GREW FROM 1,283 IN 1975 TO 1,322.
AT THE SAME TIME, IN THE NUMBER OF BUSES,
AN INCREASE OF 209 WAS RECORDED
I -M.t
THE TOTAL TO 3,919.
THE TOTAL REVENUE FROM VEHICLE LICENCE FEES AND REGISTRATION TAX AMOUNTED TO $283.8 MILLION LAST YEAR ~ $67.9 MILLION UP ON THE 1975 FIGURE.
OF THIS, $91.8 MILLION WAS FROM THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX AND $192 MILLION FROM LICENCE FEES AND OTHERS.
-----0------
WATER CUT * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 30) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LAN FONG ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD, FOO NING STREET AND PERCIVAL STREET FROM HENNESSY ROAD TO LEIGHTON ROAD.
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/5
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
5
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON TO KWA WAN ROAD * * * *
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON TO KWA WAN ROAD BETWEEN MOK CHEONG STREET AND SAN MA TAU STREET ON SATURDAY (APRIL 2).
FROM 10 A.M. ON THAT DAY, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP ON THE ROAD TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS AND TO LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 10 A.M. AND BETWEEN 4 P.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY.
THE RESTRICTIONS ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ALONG THAT SECTION OF TO KWA WAN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 - -
DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO VISIT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL
******
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL TOUR THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL TOMORROW AFTERNOON (TUESDAY) ON AN INSPECTION VISIT.
AS ONE OF THE THREE HOSPITALS IN THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL PROVIDES FREE MEDICAL AND NURSING CARE FOR THE POOR AND THE SICK IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE HOSPITAL WAS BUILT IN 1911 AND LATER EXTENDED IN SIX PHASES TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC. THE EXTENSION PROJECT STARTED IN 1956 AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1965. IT NOW COMPRISES 28 WARDS WITH A TOTAL OF 1,542 BEDS.
ACCOMPANIED BY DR. CHARM HOI-SANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND MR. WILLIAM MA, CHAIRMAN OF THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL SUB-COMMITTEE, MR. WALDEN WILL INSPECT THE VARIOUS FACILITIES OF THE HOSPITAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS WILL ARRIVE AT THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL, WATERLOO ROAD AT 3.30 P.M.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
6
FEBRUARY BANKING STATISTICS K * M *
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY STOOD AT $45.3*7 MILLION, COMPRISING $11,274 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $17,490 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $16,583 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OP LAST MONTH.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES RELEASED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY GIVES A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH: -
LIABILITIES
$MILL I ON
1. DEPOSITS 45,347
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 28,465
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 8,471
TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 82,283
ASSETS
1. CASH
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD:
(I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 21,804
( I I) TIME DEPOSITS 3,754
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES:
(I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
30,818
14,157
4. INVESTMENTS:
( I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
3,257
80
5. OTHER ASSETS:
( I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
3,955
3,354
TOTAL ASSETS
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH
1,104
25,558
44,975
3,337
7,309
$82,283
43.89 PER CENT
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
7
money SUPPLY
SMILL I ON
1 . LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN ([)CUCOMMERCIA^ BANK ISSUES (II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES
2 LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL AND NOTES (B)
5,386
558
TENDER COINS
5,944
1,104
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - C
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D)
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) - (E)
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F)
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G)
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2)
(E) + (F) + (G) = (H)
4,840
11,274
16,114
17,490
16,583
50,187
------o----------
BUDGET DEBATE RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY
******
THE BUDGET DEBATE WILL BE RESUMED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 30) WHEN SEVEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. r,v,AL
THE DEBATE WILL BE CONTINUED ON THURSDAY WITH EIGHT MORE UNOFFICIALS SPEAKING.
SPEAKERS ON HON. ROGER LOBO, CHEONG-LEEN, THE AND DR. THE HON.
WEDNESDAY WILL BE THE HON. Q.W. LEE THE THE HON. JAMES WU, THE HON. HILTON HON. LI FOOK-WO, THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE HARRY FANG.
ON THURSDAY THE UNOFFICIAL SPEAKERS WILL BE THE HON
KO SIU-WAH, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN, THE HON. SL CHEN
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, DR. THE HON. HENRY HU, REV. THE HON
PATRICK MCGOVERN, THE HON. WONG LAM AND DR. THE HON. S.Y* CHUNG
BEFORE THE START OF THE DEBATE, THE HON. T.S. LO WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT IF IT IS YET IN A POSITION TO MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT THE DEATH OF MRS. PONG CHEUNG SHING-HA WHICH OCCURRED IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL IN JULY LAST YEAR
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/8
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
8 -
PRINCIPLE OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE
GENERALLY ACCEPTED BY FOUR MAIN EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS * * * * * *
THE PHILOSOPHY THAT A WORKER NEEDS SEVEN DAYS’ CONSECUTIVE LEAVE A YEAR TO RECHARGE HIS BATTER IES' HAS SO FAR GONE UNCHALLENGED SINCE THE SUBJECT WAS MENTIONED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE TODAY (MONDAY) WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION AT A LUNCHEON HELD AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL.
EXPLAINING THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE CONCEPT OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, HE SAID IT WAS SIMPLY THAT EVERY EMPLOYEE SHOULD RELAX FOR SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS EACH YEAR WITHOUT CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OF PAY SO THAT HE COULD RECHARGE HIS BATTERIES AND RETURN TO WORK PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY REFRESHED.
MR. PRICE SAID: +IN EARLY OCTOBER 1976 I CONSULTED THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE FOUR MAIN EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS. I SENT THEM FOR THEIR VIEWS AN INFORMAL DRAFT BILL PREPARED FOR THE PURPOSE OF STIMULATING DISCUSSION ON HOW THE PRINCIPLE OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE COULD BE PUT INTO EFFECT BY WAY OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
+THIS DOCUMENT SUCCEDED ADMIRABLY IN ITS OBJECTIVE AND I RECEIVED MANY IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS ~ SOME CONTRADICTORY AND MANY IGNORING THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY WHICH I HAVE STATED EARLIER, BUT NONE CHALLENGING IT.
+ALTHOUGH IN GENERAL THE PRINCIPLE OF PAID ANNUAL LEAVE WAS ACCEPTED BY THE FOUR ASSOCIATIONS, THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE CRITICISM OF THE DETAILS AS ORIGINALLY DRAFTED, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF THE CONCEPT OF SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS’ ANNUAL LEAVE,+ MR. PRICE ADDED.
HE SAID CONSULTATIONS CONTINUED AND THAT IT WAS NOT UNTIL MARCH 3 THAT HE RECEIVED THE JOINT VIEWS OF THE FOUR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS.
HE REITERATED THAT HIS CURRENT THINKING WAS THAT SEVEN DAYS’ PAID ANNUAL LEAVE SHOULD BE GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES IN RESPECT OF EACH PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT TO BE FIXED BY THE EMPLOYER AFTER CONSULTATION WITH HIS EMPLOYEES, AND THAT THE SEVEN CONSECUTIVE DAYS SHOULD BE TAKEN EN BLOCK, OR PARTLY COUPLED WITH STATUTORY HOLIDAYS OR REST DAYS IN WHICH CASE THE BALANCE OF THE ANNUAL LEAVE SHOULD BE GRANTED LATER AS INDIVIDUAL PAID HOLIDAYS.
/PAYMENT
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1977
- 9 -
PAYMENT FOR THE ANNUAL LEAVE, THE COMMISSIONER SAID, SHOULD BE ON THE SAME RATE AS ORDINARY WAGES AND NO PAYMENT WOULD BE ALLOWED IN LIEU OF GRANTING SUCH ANNUAL LEAVE.
AS A TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT, HE ADDED, THERE WOULD BE A CLAUSE IN THE DRAFT BILL TO STATE THAT ALL EMPLOYEES UNDER A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT WOULD, ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, BE DEEMED TO HAVE COMPLETED 12 MONTHS’ CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT AND HENCE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANNUAL LEAVE DURING THE 12 MONTHS OF 1978.
- - o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REGIONALISATION OF MEDICAL SERVICES BEGINS ON FRIDAY .. 1
SOME 45,000 PROPOSALS FOR REDUCING THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES RECEIVED .......................................... 2
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ................... 3
FIREMEN TO MAKE RETURN VISIT TO SAN PO KONG .............. 4
EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT SCHOOLS IN NEW
TERRITORIES .............................................. 5
A SECTION OF WATER STREET TO BE CLOSED FOR A FORTNIGHT. 6
WATER INTERRUPTION IN THE PEAK AREA ...................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
- 1 -
MEDICAL AND HEALTH REGIONALISATION PLAN TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON FRIDAY * * * *
A MEDICAL AND HEALTH REGIONALISATION PLAN IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED ON FRIDAY (APRIL 1) TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AND STANDARDS OF MEDICAL CARE IN GENERAL AND TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING AT THE MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS IN PARTICULAR.
FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES, MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS — HONG KONG ISLAND, EAST KOWLOON AND EAST NEW TERRITORIES, WEST KOWLOON, AND WEST NEW TERRITORIES. EACH REGION WILL BE SERVED BY A REGIONAL HOSPITAL, ONE OR MORE DISTRICT HOSPITALS AND A NUMBER OF SPECIALIST CLINICS AND GENERAL CLINICS.
A REGIONAL HOSPITAL IS A MAJOR ACUTE HOSPITAL EQUIPPED TO TREAT PATIENTS REQUIRING A HIGH LEVEL OF SPECIALIST CARE.
A DISTRICT HOSPITAL IS AN IMPORTANT LINK IN THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME. IT PROVIDES THE BASIC HOSPITAL SERVICES, REFERRING PATIENTS TO THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE MORE SPECIALISED LEVEL OF TREATMENT AND RECEIVING PATIENTS BACK FROM THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE LATER STAGES OF THEIR TREATMENT.
THIS TWO-WAY FLOW OF PATIENTS, EXPLAINED A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WOULD ENSURE THAT PATIENTS ARE GIVEN THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF HOSPITAL CARE WITHOUT OVERLOADING THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
+ THE OBJECT OF REGIONALI SAT ION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +IS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE RESOURCES AND FACILITIES WITHIN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED SECTORS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN EACn REGION AND TO CONCENTRATE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE AREAS THAT NEED THEM MCST.+
THREE REGIONAL OFFICES WILL BE SET UP TO ADMINISTER, PLAN AND COORDINATE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN EACH REGION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AS THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME INVOLVED SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, IT WAS NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE A UN IFOR' SCALE OF HOSPITAL MAINTENANCE CHARGES FOR GENERAL WARD PATIENTS IN BOTH GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
+THIS IS TO FACILITATE A MORE EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF PATIENTS BETWEEN THE TWO SYSTEMS OF HOSPITAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
AS FROM FRIDAY, A STANDARD FEE OF $5 PER DAY WOULD THEREFORE BE CHARGED BY GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND BY THOSE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS PART ICI PAT I NG IN THE SCHEME, EXCEPT THE TUNG wAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO BE FREE.
------o--------
/2.....
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
2
OBJECTIONS AGAINST NEW RATEABLE VALUES ******
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED SOME 45,003 VALID PROPOSALS FOR REDUCING THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES ASSESSED FOR 1977-78 AT THE CLOSE OF THE OBJECTION PERIOD ON MARCH 25.
COMMENTING ON THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS REPRESENTED ONLY 10 PER CENT OF THE 450,000 ASSESSMENTS INCLUDED IN THE NEW LISTS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS THREE MONTHS IN WHICH TO DEAL WITH PROPOSALS, AND RATEPAYERS ARE UNLIKELY TO START RECEIVING NOTICES OF DECISION FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. THE PROPOSALS WILL NOW BE SORTED AS TO BLOCKS, STREETS AND DISTRICTS AND THE VALUATIONS RE-EXAMINED BY DISTRICT VALUERS IN THE LIGHT OF ANY NEW RELEVANT FACTS TO WHICH ATTENTION HAS BEEN DRAWN. WHEN THIS EXAMINATION IS COMPLETED CASES WILL BE CONSIDERED BY AN OFFICER NOT BELOW THE RANK OF SENIOR RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR, WHO WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION.
+IF DISSATISFIED WITH THE DECISION, A RATEPAYER MAY APPEAL TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL, AND THIS HAS TO BE DONE WITHIN 21 DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF DECISION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +N0 APPEAL IS POSSIBLE UNLESS A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN SERVED AND A NOTICE OF DECISION ISSUED.*
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED RATEPAYERS THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LODGING OF A PROPOSAL OR APPEAL, RATES MUST BE PAID AND, IF NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE, THE COLLECTOR OF RATES WOULD ADD A SURCHARGE. IF THE RATEABLE VALUE IS SUBSEQUENTLY REDUCED ANY RATES OVERPAID WILL BE REFUNDED.
------o-------
/5
5
SPECIAL TRAINS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL * * * * * M
ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN KOWLOON AND WO HOP SHEK ON APRIL 3 (SUNDAY) AND APRIL 5 (TUESDAY) TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN COMMUTERS DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL PERIOD.
ON APRIL 3, EIGHT SPECIAL TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION (HUNG HOM) BETWEEN 6.59 A.M. AND 4.51 P.M. AND THE SAME NUMBER OF SPECIAL TRAINS WILL DEPART FROM WO HOP SHEK FOR KOWLOON BETWEEN 8.29 A.M. AND 6.31 P.M.
ON APRIL 5, ELEVEN SPECIAL TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION (HUNG HOM) BETWEEN 6.13 A.M. AND 4.55 P.M. WITH THE SAME NUMBER OF SPECIAL TRAINS DEPARTING FROM WO HOP SHEK FOR KOWLOON BETWEEN 7.30 A.M. AND 6.20 P.M.
THERE IS NO ADVANCE BOOKING OF TICKETS BUT CONCESSION TICKETS VALID FOR THE DATE OF ISSUE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT KOWLOON STATION ON BOTH DAYS AT THE FOLLOWING CHARGES
ORDINARY CLASS RETURN ORDINARY CLASS SINGLE
KOWLOON TO WO HOP SHEK ADULT $2.60 •
CHILD 1.30
KOWLOON TO LO WU ADULT $3.20 —
(FOR SANDY RIDGE) CHILD 1.60
WO HOP SHEK TO KOWLOON ADULT $1.30
CHILD — 0.65
AS PART OF THESE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, THE ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL NOT STOP AT MONG KOK STATION TO PICK UP PASSENGERS AND NO REGULAR NORTHBOUND PASSENGER TRAINS WILL STOP AT THE STATION BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND 1.30 P.M.
MONG KOK PASSENGERS ARE REQUESTED TO GO TO KOWLOON STATION (HUNG HOM) WHERE MONTHLY TICKET HOLDERS WILL BE PERMITTED TO BOARD TRAINS WITHOUT EXTRA CHARGE.
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, MR. REGINALD GREGORY SAID TODAY THAT TRAINS FROM KOWLOON TO THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD PROBABLY BE FULL BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 3 P.M. AND TRAINS TO KOWLOON BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 9 P.M.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT ADDITIONAL TRAINS MIGHT BE RUN IN THE LATE EVENINGS IF DEMAND WARRANTED AND THE LOCAL STATION MASTERS WOULD GIVE ADVICE ON THE TIMINGS OF THESE TRAINS.
TRAINS AND TIMINGS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION AND CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PASSENGERS ARE ASKED TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY RAILWAY STAFF AND THE POLICE IN FORMING ORDERLY QUEUES AND TO READ CAREFULLY NOTICES DISPLAYED AT KOWLOON STATION.
0 - -
4
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
FIREMEN TO PAY SECOND VISIT TO SAN PO KONG
OFFICERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT SAN PO KONG AGAIN ON THURSDAY (MARCH 31) TO INSPECT INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE AREA.
THE VISIT WILL BE THE SECOND IN TWO WEEKS. IT FOLLOWS THE ONE MADE LAST WEEK DURING WHICH THE CONDITIONS IN THESE BUILDINGS WERE FOUND TO BE UNSATISFACTORY.
MORE THAN 60 OFFICERS WILL CARRY OUT THE INSPECTIONS ON THURSDAY. THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE LARGEST CONTINGENTS EVER DEPLOYED IN A SINGLE OPERATION.
COMMENTING ON THE MOVE, A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID, +IF WE FIND ANYTHING IN A FACTORY THAT CONSTITUTES A FIRE HAZARD OR CAUSES OBSTRUCTION TO THE COMMON MEANS OF ESCAPE, SUCH AS STAIRCASES AND EXITS, WE WILL GIVE THE OWNER A VERY SHORT PERIOD TO HAVE THEM REMOVED. FAILING TO DO SO THE OWNER WILL BE PROSECUTED AND THE GOODS CONF ISCATED.+
FIRE OFFICERS WILL MAKE STREET BROADCASTS IN THE AREA TOMORROW ABOUT THEIR FORTHCOMING VISIT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE INSPECTIONS ON THURSDAY. YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MOBILE COMMAND UNIT OUTSIDE THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES NOT LATER THAN 9.45 A.M.
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/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT N.T. SCHOOLS ' • *****
THREE ^EMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WENT TO THE NEW TERRITORIES^ IS MORNING TO VISIT THREE SCHOOLS.
THE GROUP - MR. HENRY LIM, MR. WONG WAN-TIN AND PROFESSOR M.A. BRIMER - SPENT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR AT THE SHA TIN PUBLIC SCHOOL, AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL.
THE SCHOOL, FOUNDED IN 1954, BEGAN WITH EIGHT CLASSROOMS AND IN 1961 SIX MORE CLASSROOMS WERE ADDED. RUN Bl-SESSIONALLY, THE SCHOOL HAS AN ENROLMENT OF 744.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR. TANG YAN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, NEW TERRITORIES (EAST), THE GROUP THEN WENT TO TAI PO TO VISIT THE TAI KWONG MIDDLE SCHOOL, WHICH IS ONE OF THE 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS SCHEDULED TO BECOME FULLY AIDED.
THE SCHOOL, WHICH BEGAN OPERATION IN 1962, IS WITHIN THE PREMISES OF TAI KWONG YUEN AT THE FOOT OF KAM SHAN. IT HAS 961 PUPILS IN 21 CLASSROOMS. »
THE SCHOOL IS NOTED FOR ITS VARIOUS EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. ITS CHINESE FOLK DANCE GROUP AND THE SCHOOL BAND ARE WELL KNOWN IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT.
AFTER 45 MINUTES AT THE SCHOOL, THE GROUP PROCEEDED TO THE TUNG YUEN SCHOOL, A TYPICAL SMALL RURAL SCHOOL WITH TWO CLASSROOMS AND AN ENROLMENT OF 26 PUPILS.
THE SCHOOL, SITUATED IN A SMALL VILLAGE HIGH UP ON A HILL, IS AIDED. OPENED IN 1949, THE SCHOOL HAS A RAIN SHELTER, A SPECIAL FEATURE IN RURAL SCHOOLS OF THIS TYPE. IT WAS ONLY IN RECENT YEARS THAT A MOTOR TRACK WAS BUILT CONNECTING IT TO TING KOK ROAD, THE MAIN TRUNK ROAD ALONGSIDE TOLO HARBOUR.
THE BOARD MEMBERS SPENT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR IN THE SCHOOL.
AT ALL THREE SCHOOLS, THE GROUP HAD TALKS WITH THE HEADS AND SOME TEACHERS. THEY ALSO CHATTED WITH SOME PUPILS.
THE TOUR - THE THIRTEENTH IN THE CURRENT SERIES - IS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, SPECIAL SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION.
TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1977
6 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WATER STREET
*****
THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE SECTION OF WATER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 1).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS ON THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-------0-----------
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES AT THE PEAK WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 33).
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO FACILITATE WORKS TO Be CARRIED OUT BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE NOS. 60-66, MOS. 130, 104 AND 110-116 PEAK ROAD NO 30 PLUNKETT’S ROAD, NOS. 11-57, 32-36 Ai\D 44 PLANTATION ROAD, NOS. 1-10 POLLOCK’S PATH, NOS. 26-37 SEVERN ROAD AND RADIO HONG KONG MOUNT GOUGH TRANSMITTING STATION.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT URGED TO INCREASE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCE .......................................... 1
HONG KONG NEEDS AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ...... 4
GOVERNMENT ASKED TO IMPROVE ADMINISTRATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES ........................................ 8
CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT HONG KONG’S CONTINUING EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS ....................................... 10
REPEATED CALL FOR SETTING UP A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ... 13
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WELCOMED ........................ 15
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS SHOULD BE GIVEN BETTER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER PROSPECTS .................... 17
LEGCO APPROVES REGULATIONS TO CONTROL THE USE OF CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS ....................... 19
WATERLOO/NATHAN ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED FOR SIX HOURS . 21
BILLS PASSED .......................................... 22
WATER INTERRUPTION IN SHAM SHUI PO .................... 22
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
GOVT. URGED TO INCREASE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCE
* * * *
THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCES — WHICH FORMED PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PACKAGE OF TAX CONCESSIONS — SHOULD BE INCREASED, THE HON. Q.W. LEE SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR. LEE SAID IT WAS THE MAJORITY VIEW OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER INCREASING THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE FOR A SINGLE PERSON TO A LEVEL BETWEEN S3,500 AND $4,000, INSTEAD OF $2,500 AND THAT FOR A MARRIED COUPLE TO BETWEEN $7,000 AND $8,000, INSTEAD OF $5,000.
+IF NEED BE, THE CLAW-BACK COULD BE INCREASED TO A SLIGHTLY HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF, SAY, 25 PER CENT,+ HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AGREED THAT THE PRESENT LEVEL OF BASIC ALLOWANCE --WHICH STANDS AT $10,000 -- SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT PUBLIC VIEWS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES WERE NOT MUCH OF AN IMPROVEMENT IN REAL TERMS, BASED ON THE ARGUMENT THAT THE GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX HAD ADVANCED BY SOME 37 PER CENT FROM AN AVERAGE OF 142.7 FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED MARCH 1973 TO AN AVERAGE OF 195.6 FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 1976.
+THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT RATE OF INFLATION AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO DISPOSE OF THIS ARGUMENT TOO LIGHTLY BECAUSE OF ITS EFFECT ON THE VALUE OF THE BASIC ALLOWANCES IN REAL TERMS,+ MR. LEE OBSERVED.
IN PROPOSING THE INCREASE IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES, MR. LEE NOTED THAT HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES REALISED THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN DECIDING THE QUANTUM OF A TAX-FREE ALLOWANCE WAS ITS EFFECT ON REVENUE YIELD.
+WE ALSO REALISE THAT TO FIX ITS LEVEL PURELY ON THE CURRENT COST OF LIVING COULD GIVE RISE TO SERIOUS AND COMPLICATED PROBLEMS.
+HOWEVER, WE HOPE IN CONSIDERING OUR SUGGESTION THAT GOVERNMENT WILL BEAR IN MIND THE WEIGHT OF INDIRECT TAXATION ON THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS,+ HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE LOWER INCOME GROUP, WERE PLEASED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD PROPOSED SOME ADJUSTMENTS BY INTRODUCING A SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCE, QUALIFIED BY A CLAW-BACK PROVISION.
+ THIS IS CERTAINLY A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.+
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
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MR. LEE P04-NTED OUT THAT IN CALCULATING INCOME TAX, A TAX-FREE ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE DEDUCTED FOR THE TAXPAYER’S SUBSISTENCE.
HE REFERRED TO A PRINCIPLE LAID DOWN IN THE SECOND REPORT OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE TAXATION OF PROFITS AND INCOME (ALSO KNOWN AS THE RADCLIFFE COMMISSION) WHICH STATED THAT +THERE SHOULD BE NO INCOME TAX LEVIED UPON ANY INCOME WHICH IS INSUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE ITS OWNER WITH WHAT HE REQUIRES FOR SUBSISTENCE.+
BY SUBSISTENCE, MR. LEE EXPLAINED, THE COMMISSION MEANT +AN INCOME LARGE ENOUGH TO EQUIP AND SUSTAIN A HEALTHY AND EFFICIENT CITIZEN, NOT MERELY TO KEEP HIM ALIVE.+
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGET IN GENERAL TERMS, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASE IN APPROPRIATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN ALL MAJOR FIELDS AND THE REDUCTION OF THE TAX BURDEN FOR THE' MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS WERE THE BUDGET’S OBVIOUS FEATURES.
THESE FEATURES, HE CONTINUED, REFLECTED THE EFFICIENT WAY IN WHICH THE BUDGET WAS PREPARED.
+ IF COMMENTS WHICH WE HEAR FROM VOCAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CAN BE TAKEN AS A MEASURE OF PUBLIC OPINION, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE FOUND THE 1977/78 BUDGET GENERALLY SATISFACTORY,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED IN VARIOUS QUARTERS OVER +THE INFLUENCE OF OUR CRITICS, BOTH HERE AND ABROAD, WHO FEEL THAT WE ARE EITHER NOT DOING ENOUGH FOR OUR OWN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OR THAT WHAT WE ARE DOING IS NOT BEING DONE IN THE RIGHT WAY.*
HONG KONG, HE SAID, SHOULD WELCOME CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS WHATEVER THEY MIGHT BE AND WHEREVER THEY MIGHT COME FROM AS +WE DO NEED THEM TO BETTER SERVE OUR PEOPLE.*
+BUT I HOPE THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR AFFAIRS WILL TAKE PRIDE IN HAVING HONG KONG UNDER THEIR CARE, SEEING WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY MANAGED TO ACHIEVE; THAT DESPITE OUR MANY PROBLEMS WE ARE STILL ABLE TO EARN FOR OURSELVES AMONG THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF LIVING AND PER CAPITA INCOME IN ASIA TODAY,* HE STRESSED.
IN THIS CONTEXT, MR. LEE SAID IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT NOT TO ACCEPT THAT THE SOCIAL POLICIES LAID DOWN BY THE GOVERNOR TO IMPROVE THE +QUALITY OF LIFE* AND THE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICIES FORMULATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO IMPLEMENT THEM +ARE THOSE BEST SUITED TO OUR PRESENT AND PROSPECTIVE FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES, WHICH ARE REALLY UNIQUE TO HONG KONG.*
IF CRITICS OF HONG KONG FELT OTHERWISE, HE WENT ON, THEN THE MORE FREQUENT EXCHANGE OF VISITS BETWEEN LONDON AND HONG KONG SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS RECONCILING ANY DIFFERENCES IN VIEWS.
/IN THIS .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
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IN THIS RESPECT, MR. LEE WELCOMED, ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, THE RECENT VISIT OF TWO SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE TO ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH HONG KONG’S UP-TO-DATE SITUATION AT FIRST HAND.
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT STATESMEN AROUND THE WORLD HAD BEEN CHASING AFTER A SOCIETY AS NEAR PERFECTION AS REALITY PERMITTED.
IN DOING SO, GOVERNMENTS OF ALL SHADES HAD BEEN HARD PUT TO FIND A PANACEA FOR PROBLEMS THAT KEPT CROPPING UP IN SOCIETY, HE NOTED, ADDING THAT OFTEN SOLUTIONS COULD ONLY BE FOUND BY STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN REALISM AND IDEALISM.
+HONG KONG, I BELIEVE, HAS SO FAR BEEN ABLE TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE. WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO CARRY IDEALISM TOO FAR LEST IT CREATES MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT IS MEANT TO SOLVE.
+WE MUST AGREE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHEN HE ONCE SAID THAT ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF BUDGETARY POLICY IS TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND OF THE FISCAL SYSTEM ON THE INTERNAL COST/PRICE STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY, ON PRIVATE INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND ON MONETARY ENVIRONMENT,+ MR. LEE OBSERVED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
4
ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ADVOCATED ******
THE HON. JAMES WU TODAY AGAIN CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO PROMOTE HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE +OUR CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY*.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. WU SAID THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE IN THE FORM OF A HIGH-POWERED CO-ORDINATING, PLANNING AND PERHAPS ESSENTIALLY AN ADVISORY BODY.
THE COUNCIL, HE CONTINUED, SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESEARCH INTO AND MONITORING OF ECONOMIC TRENDS, MARKET CONDITIONS, INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, PROVISION OF LAND AND INFRASTRUCTURE, MANPOWER NEEDS AND TRAINING, TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT, EXPORT PROMOTION AND CREDIT FINANCE, AMONG OTHERS.
MR. WU INDICATED THAT PROGRAMMES OF STUDY AND PLANNING PROPOSALS ON ALL ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE PURSUED FOR THE INFORMATION AND ADVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO WOULD STILL HAVE THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCIAL CONTROL DECISIONS TO MAKE AS TO HOW BEST HONG KONG COULD BENEFIT FROM SUCH PROPOSALS.
HE WENT ON: +SUCH INFORMATION AND ADVICE, WHEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC EVENTUALLY, MIGHT ALSO HELP TO CHANNEL THE LARGE AMOUNT OF SPECULATIVE MONEY NORMALLY PRESENT IN HONG KONG INTO MORE PRODUCTIVE USE AND INVESTMENT, INSTEAD OF ALLOWING IT TO PLAY HAVOC IN OUR LAND, STOCK AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS.
+NEEDLESS TO SAY, SUCH A STEP COULD ONLY BE OF HELP IN OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO WOO FOREIGN INVESTMENTS INTO INDUSTRIES OF GREATER SOPHISTICATION AND HIGH TECHNOLOGICAL CONTENT.*
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAD BEGUN TO DENY THAT IT WAS PURSUING A COURSE OF LAISSEZ FAIRE IN ITS ATTITUDE TOWARDS HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
+INDEED,* HE ADDED, +IT APPEARS TO BE PARTICIPATING DIRECTLY IN THIS ASPECT, INSTEAD OF JUST PLAYING A SUPPORTING ROLE IN THE PAST.*
WHILE ON THIS THEME OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR. WU POINTED OUT THAT THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF SOUTH KOREAN EXPORTS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED ONLY WITH +GREAT PUSH AND ENCOURAGEMENT BY ITS GOVERNMENT*.
REFERRING TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, HE CAUTIONED THAT THERE WAS LITTLE TO BE COMPLACENT ABOUT.
/+THE?3 .....
WEDNESDAY, .’-(ASCH JO, 1977
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+THERE IS EVERY SIGN THAT OUR EXPORT GROWTH IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1977 IS SLOWER THAN THAT OF LAST YEAR, AND THAT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FIVE PER CENT INCREASE IN EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES COMPARED WITH JANUARY LAST YEAR, THERE ARE REDUCTIONS IN OUR EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY, JAPAN AND PARTICULARLY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA,+ HE EXPLAINED.
MR. WU EMPHASISED THAT WITH GROWING PROTECTIONISM IN HONG KONG’S MARKETS AND SEVERE UNDER-CUTTING FROM ITS COMPETITIVE NEIGHBOURS, MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS HERE WERE FINDING IT INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN ENOUGH ORDERS TO SUSTAIN INCREASING OVERHEADS.
+WE ARE LOSING MANY ORDERS AT THE LOWER END OF OUR PRODUCTION LINES.
+THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF OUR FLEXIBILITY IN UTILISING THE FACTORS FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION SUCH AS LABOUR, PLANT AND OTHER FACILITIES (AS WAS THE CASE IN THE LAST +DENIM BOOM+) DO NOT PRESENT THEMSELVES TOO OFTEN.
+INDEED, AS SOON AS OUR COMPETITORS CATCH UP WITH OUR INNOVATIONS, WE IMMEDIATELY SUFFER FROM THE DISADVANTAGES OF HIGHER WAGES AND HIGHER OVERHEADS,+ MR. WU SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, MR. WU UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE FOR MORE INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR AUCTION TO MEET URGENT DEMANDS AND TO ABSORB THE HUGE SUMS OF SPECULATIVE HOT MONEY THAT HAD DRIVEN PRICES BEYOND THE REACH OF MANY GENUINE USERS.
TO ILLUSTRATE HIS POINT, MR. WU SAID THE AVERAGE PRICE FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND AUCTIONED IN 1975 WAS $139 PER SQUARE FOOT BUT THAT FOR 1976 HAD SOARED TO $389 PER SQUARE FOOT, RISING 2.8 TIMES IN ONE YEAR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, HONG KONG WOULD STILL DEPEND HEAVILY ON EXPORTS OF LIGHT INDUSTRIAL CONSUMER GOODS, COMMONLY MANUFACTURED IN HIGH-RISE GENERAL-PURPOSE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, WHICH WERE STILL UNDER-PROVIDED.
CONSIDERING THE PHENOMENAL INCREASES IN RENTS AND LAND PRICES, AS COMPARED TO THE LESS SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN WAGES AND MATERIAL COSTS, MR. WU SAID HE WOULD ESTIMATE THAT SOME FIVE TO SIX PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT MANUFACTURING COSTS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO RENTS AND RATES — AN UNACCEPTABLE FIGURE BY ANY STANDARD.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS THIS HEAVY INCREASE IN OVERHEAD COSTS THAT WOULD OFFSET ANY GAIN IN PRODUCTIVITY, AND THAT THE EFFECT OF LAND PRICES ON HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT +MUST BE FULLY ASSESSED AND CONTAINED.+
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JC, 1977
6 -
+THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAS SET UP AN AD-HOC COMMITTEE TO STUDY THIS MATTER AND WE HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO NOT OVERLOOK THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM AND SEEK TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE REMEDIES,+ HE NOTED.
ON THE QUESTION OF WATER CHARGES, MR. WU SUGGESTED THAT BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE TO RAISE CHARGES ON WATER FOR INDUSTRIAL USE, THE WHOLE MATTER SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AS TO ITS EFFECTS AND POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAD EARLIER WARNED OF THE DANGERS OF INCREASING THE COST OF WATER FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.
THE FEDERATION, HE CONTINUED, HAD DEMONSTRATED THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WATER AS A PRODUCT COST-FACTOR IN MAJOR INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, SUCH AS IN THE DYEING, BLEACHING AND FINISHING, METAL FINISHING, KNITTING, WEAVING AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES.
SOME 80 PER CENT OF INDUSTRIAL WATER WAS CONSUMED BY THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY — A VITAL LINK IN THE VERTICAL SET-UP OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.
+THE COMBINED EXPORTS OF THESE INDUSTRIES ACCOUNT FOR 50 PER CENT OF OUR EXPORT REVENUE AND THEREFORE PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.
+THE CHAIN FROM YARN TO GARMENT WOULD BE BROKEN IF THE DYEING AND FINISHING INDUSTRY WAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY A DECISION TO INCREASE WATER CHARGES, AS MANY FACTORIES MIGHT FIND IT NECESSARY TO MOVE ELSEWHERE,+ MR. WU SAID.
TURNING TO DIVIDENDS WITHHOLDING TAX AND UNDISTRIBUTED DIVIDENDS TAX, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER HOPED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD BE CONVINCED BY THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION AGAINST THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TWO TAXES IN QUESTION, AND WOULD +PUT THE MATTER TO REST*.
MR. WU NOTED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIONS WERE THAT THE TWO TAXES WOULD INTERFERE WITH JUDICIOUS AND SOUND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BY COMPANY DIRECTORS, AND DISCOURAGE RE-INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH AND PROVISION OF NEW JOBS.
ON THE SUBJECT OF RATES, MR. WU PROPOSED THAT AS A MEASURE OF RELIEF FROM HARDSHIPS AND DIFFICULTY, THE 33-1/3 PER CENT INCREASE IN RATES SHOULD BE REDUCED TO A MAXIMUM OF 25 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
HE QUERIED WHY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALLOW ITSELF AN INCREASE OF AS MUCH AS 33-1/3 PER CENT IN RATES SINCE IT HAD ALLOWED LANDLORDS A 10 PER CENT INCREASE IN RENTALS PER YEAR.
HE WENT ON : +IT HAS TO BE NOTED THAT RENTAL IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE INFLATION OF COST OF LIVING AND PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG AND THAT RATING OF PREMISES ON THE BASIS OF VACANT POSSESSION WOULD NOT HELP THE SITUATION.+
HOWEVER, MR. WU SAID WHILE THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT NOT HAVE SUCCEEDED IN CONVINCING MOST PEOPLE ON THE FAIRNESS OF ITS METHOD OF ASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES FOR PREMISES, ITS PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE POUNDAGE, FROM 18 PER CENT TO 11-1/2 PER CENT, AT LEAST +ALLEVIATED TEMPORARY DISGRUNTLEMENT IF NOT LONG TERM FEAR*.
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGET IN GENERAL TERMS, MR. WU FELT THAT PUBLIC OPINION HAD, BY AND LARGE, BEEN GIVEN SOME CONSIDERATION WHEN GOVERNMENT FORMULATED ITS BUDGET PROPOSALS.
+THIS CAN ONLY HELP TO ENCOURAGE BETTER COMMUNICATION AND TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY,'* HE OBSERVED.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
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BETTER MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES ADVOCATED
* * * *
THE HON. ROGER LOBO TODAY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN ITS SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE +ADEQUATE AND EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT OF ITS MANY BRANCH OFFICES IN THE FIELD.+
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LOBO NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD NOW 131 BRANCH OFFICES, SUB-OFFICES AND OTHER UNITS ALL BUT A FEW DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE PUBLIC WITH MANY OF THEM RESPONSIBLE ONLY FOR ONE PARTICULAR SERVICE.
HE URGED THAT EARLY STEPS BE TAKEN +T0 CONSOLIDATE AND DECENTRALISE THE DEPARTMENT WITH A VIEW TO OFFERING IN EACH DISTRICT A COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE FOR THE PUBLIC UNDER ONE ROOF.
♦ NOT ONLY WOULD SUCH A SERVICE GREATLY HELP BEWILDERED PEOPLE SEEKING ASSISTANCE BUT SHOULD ALSO LEAD TO IMPROVED COORDINATION, GREATER EFFICIENCY AND, HOPEFULLY IN THE LONG-TERM, SOME SAVINGS IN ANNUALLY RECURRENT CHARGES WITH THE DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.
MR. LOBO, WHO HAD SERVED ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR 10 YEARS, ALSO NOTED THAT RECENTLY INCREASING WORKLOAD THRUST UPON MEMBERS IN EXAMINING APPLICATIONS FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR SUBVENTIONS WAS MAKING THE TASK OF THE COMMITTEE EVEN MORE ONEROUS.
HE ASKED THAT THE PROCEDURE FOR DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTIONS BE REVIEWED AND SUGGESTED SOME METHODS OF SPREADING THE WORKLOAD FOR THE COMMITTEE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
MR. LOBO WELCOMED THE MOVE TO ESTABLISH A NEW BRANCH IN THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT TO WATCH OVER SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GROWING COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG. (IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO SPEND $430 MILLION ON SOCIAL WELFARE COMPARED WITH $55 MILLION IN 1971-72.)
MR. LOBO STRESSED THAT THERE SHOULD BE STRICTER CONTROL OVER ALL SUCH ORGANISATIONS, NOT ONLY SHOULD THEY BE FINANCIALLY ACCOUNTABLE BUT THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE QUALITY OF SERVICES THEY PROVIDED.
IN SUPPORTING THE BILL, MR. LOBO, HOWEVER, SPOKE UP FOR THE AGED AND PLEADED FOR MORE AID TO THEM.
/+! THINK
WEDNESDAY, KA3CH JO, -'077
9
+1 THINK IT IS TRUE TO SAY THAT MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE AT THE MOMENT ARE NOT GIVEN ANY ASSISTANCE EVEN IN THE WIDEST SENSE OF THE WORD,* HE SAID.
+WE SHOULD PERHAPS FIRST OF ALL CONSIDER WHETHER THE PRESENT QUALIFYING AGE FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE IS REALISTIC TODAY WHEN STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY IN HONG KONG OF WOMEN IS 73, AND OF MEN ONLY 68.
+TO SET THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR THE ALLOWANCE AT 75 DOES, I BELIEVE, DEFEAT THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED, NAMELY, TO MEET AT LEAST PART OF THE FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE SOME DEGREE OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AND THUS BE ENCOURAGED TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY RATHER THAN OPTING FOR INSTITUTIONAL CARE,* MR. LOBO SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT BECAUSE THE ELDERLY LIVING IN INSTITUTIONS WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE ALLOWANCE, ONLY 72 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF THOSE WHO HAVE REACHED 75 DID IN FACT RECEIVE IT.
MR. LOBO ALSO URGED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO ASSISTING THIS +VULNERABLE GROUP* BY WAY OF EXTENDING SUPPORT TO EXISTING HOMES AND HOSTELS FOR THEM AND FINANCING SIMILAR NEW INSTITUTIONS SO THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO ENJOY THEIR DECLINING YEARS IN REASONABLE COMFORT AND UNDER GOOD CARE.
HE ESTIMATED THAT AT LEAST 7,000 INDIVIDUAL UNITS WOULD BE NEEDED, NOT INCLUDING UNITS FOR HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY POPULATION.
AND, FOR THOSE LIVING IN HOMES OR HOSTELS, THE COUNCILLOR URGED THAT SOME FORM OF ALLOWANCE BE GIVEN TO THEM.
ON THE SUBJECT OF HOUSING, MR. LOBO SUGGESTED THAT AS THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WAS NOW GETTING OFF THE GROUND, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET ITS GOALS HIGHER.
HE DESCRIBED THE PLANS TO BUILD 30,000 FLATS OVER A SIX-YEAR PERIOD AS SOMEWHAT CONSERVATIVE, AND ADDED THAT THE + IMAGI NAT IVE+ SCHEME SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE EXISTING FLATS OF 400 TO 600 SQ. FT. IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR IN BUILDINGS IN THE MAIN PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
THIS WOULD EXPEDITE HOME OWNERSHIP AND BRING GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE TOGETHER IN RESOLVING WHAT STILL REMAINS THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
10
NEED FOR H.K. TO CONTINUE DIVERSIFYING ITS PRODUCTS AND MARKETS * * * *
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN TODAY UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO KEEP ON DIVERSIFYING ITS PRODUCTS AND MARKETS TO REMAIN ABREAST WITH ITS COMPETITORS.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. CHEONG-LEEN EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE EXPORT GROWTH OF TWO OF HONG KONG’S MAIN COMPETITORS, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN.
HE SAID SOUTH KOREA WAS AIMING FOR A HIGHER EXPORT TARGET THIS YEAR, PARTIALLY THROUGH USING ITS LOW WAGE STRUCTURE TO PRODUCE GOODS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF HONG KONG FOR DISTRIBUTION IN +OUR KEY EXPORT MARKETS*.
RECALLING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S WARNING THAT THERE WAS THE DANGER OF A SLOWDOWN IN WORLD TRADE TOWARDS NEXT YEAR, MR. CHEONG-LEEN FELT IT SHOULD NOT BE COMPLACENTLY ASSUMED THAT HONG KONG’S TRADE PERFORMANCE THIS YEAR WOULD BE AS GOOD AS LAST YEAR.
AS PART OF HIS PACKAGE TO FURTHER BOOST HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT ITS LAND USE POLICY SHOULD BE CONTINUALLY GEARED TO THE NEEDS OF INDUSTRY FOR MORE LAND AND TO THE CURBING OF EXCESSIVE LAND SPECULATION.
+ INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO INSTALL MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY, AND GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE MORE GENEROUS DEPRECIATION RATES FOR NEW MACHINERY,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE COMMITTEE FOR SCIENTIFIC CO-ORDINATION COULD BE RE-MODELLED INTO A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL WITH A WIDER REPRESENTATION FROM INDUSTRY SC AS TO TAKE A MORE ACT’ E PART IN MEETING THE TECHNOLOGICAL NEEDS OF INDUSTRY THROUGH PLoEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE CONTINUED, MIGHT ALSO ENCOURAGE OR EVEN INITIATE MORE SURVEYS TO EVALUATE EXPANDING OR POTENTIALLY NEW INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, AND TO PROJECT THE GROWTH OF SUCH INDUSTRIES INTO THE 1980’S.
WHILE THINKING THAT SUPERFICIALLY HONG KONG IS NOT DOING TOO BADLY IN VIEW OF THE EXPECTED SURPLUS OF SOME $850 MILLION BY THE END OF THE YEAR, MR. CHEONG-LEEN DOUBTED WHETHER THERE WAS STILL A BALANCED EXPANSION IN THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FOR SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE FACE GF SERIOUS UNDER-SPENDING BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
/on pub:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
11
ON PUBLIC HOUSING, MR. CHEONG-LEEN FELT THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKS I AND I I BLOCKS — BUILT OVER 20 YEARS AGO AND HOUSING 460,000 PEOPLE — SHOULD BE ACCELERATED AND, IF POSSIBLE, COMPLETED WITHIN A 13-12 YEAR PERIOD INSTEAD OF 15-20 YEARS FROM NOW.
HE SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WHICH, HE THOUGHT, MUST BE PUT ON A +PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE BASIS*.
REFERRING TO THE PROPOSED FIVE-YEAR LIMIT WITHIN WHICH AN OWNER WISHING TO SELL HIS FLAT WOULD BE OBLIGED TO SELL IT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MR. CHEONG-LEEN WONDERED WHETHER THIS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS TO AVOID ABUSE AND SPECULATION.
AS TO MEDICAL SERVICES, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER SAID THE SHORTAGE OF HOSPITAL BEDS AND THE LONG QUEUES AT GOVERNMENT CLINICS REFLECTED THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION.
HE WONDERED WHETHER THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAD, APART FROM THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, GIVEN THOUGHT TO INTRODUCING MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES SO THAT HOSPITAL STAFF AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS CAN +CONSCIOUSLY LOOK FOR WAYS TO REDUCE COSTS, SAVE MONEY, IMPROVE PERFORMANCE AND GIVE BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC*.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL SERVICE COULD BE EXPANDED SO THAT AT LEAST 50 PER CENT OF THE PATIENTS WERE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT PRESENT MAKE UP ONLY 15 PER CENT OF PATIENTS AT GOVERNMENT DENTAL CLINICS, THE OTHER BEING CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO SUGGESTED THAT FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFIED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO REIMBURSE THEM WITH A PORTION OF THE EXPENSES INCURRED IN BUYING SPECTACLES AND OBTAINING PRIVATE DENTAL CARE.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN ASKED FOR A STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF FIVE YEARS OF POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG BY THE EARLY 1980’S.
ON THE QUESTION OF TAX ALLOWANCES, HE REITERATED THAT THE DEPENDENT PARENTS ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE REINSTATED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. CHEONG-LEEN CONTINUED, COULD REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF ABUSE BY REQUIRING THE DEPENDENT PARENT TO SIGN A STATUTORY DECLARATION DISAVOWING THE MORE COMMON ABUSES TO THE SCHEME.
/+AS GOVC'.?'-ENT
WEDNESDAY, MA3CH 50, 1977
- 12 -
+AS GOVERNMENT PROVIDES LITTLE BY WAY OF SOCIAL SECURITY FOR THE AGED,+ HE ADDED, +THE DEPENDENT PARENTS SCHEME IS IN LINE WITH THE BEST IN CHINESE TRADITION AND CUSTOM AND SHOULD BE ACCEPTED AND PRESERVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.+
REFERRING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STILL USED 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL BUDGET AS A GUIDELINE FOR PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS AND ALLOWANCES.
+PERHAPS THIS PERCENTAGE FIGURE COULD BE LOWERED IN TIME AS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BECOME MORE MECHANISED AND LARGER SUMS OF MONEY ARE SPENT ON COMPUTER I SAT I ON,+ HE SAID.
ON THE POLICE FORCE, HE FELT THAT SINCE IT WAS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT FULL ESTABLISHMENT THIS YEAR, IT WAS NECESSARY TO +PROGRESSIVELY RAISE THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARD OF NEW RECRUITS AND TO ACHIEVE BETTER RESULTS IN REDUCING THE CRIME RATE THROUGH MORE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION*.
AS TO THE +DEADWOOD+ IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WERE +VOLUNTARILY+ OR COMPULSORILY RETIRED ON GROUNDS OF INEFFICIENCY FROM 1971 TO APRIL 1976 WAS 29, OR AN AVERAGE OF SIX A YEAR.
+QUITE OFTEN, IT MAY TAKE AS LONG AS A YEAR TO HAVE A CIVIL SERVANT RETIRED ON GROUNDS OF INEFFICIENCY.
+THE QUESTION IS HOW MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN EFFICIENCY IS POSSIBLE UNDER THE EXISTING COMPLEX SYSTEM OF +VOLUNTARY+ OR COMPULSORY RETIREMENT,+ MR. CHEONG-LEEN OBSERVED.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
- 13 -
ESTABLISHMENT OF A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE URGED *****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY URGED TO TAKE IMMEDIATE AND POSITIVE ACTION IN SETTING UP A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED AND MORE CONSISTENT ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS.
THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, MAKING THE APPEAL IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID HE WAS FRUSTRATED TO LEARN THAT NO DEFINITE PLANS HAD BEEN FORMULATED FOR SUCH A COMMITTEE WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPLIED TO HIS QUESTION IN THE COUNCIL IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED IT WAS A COMMON PRACTICE IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM, AND ADOPTED IN MANY DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT TERRITORIES, FOR SUCH A COMMITTEE TO BE SET UP BY PARLIAMENT.
THE OBJECT OF THIS COMMITTEE, HE WENT ON, WAS TO SCRUTINISE THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORTS, QUESTION HIM AND THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, AS WELL AS DRAWING THEIR OWN CONCLUSION FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION.
♦COULD NOT A SIMILAR PROCEDURE BE FOLLOWED IN HONG KONG ....?+ HE ASKED.
MR. LI NOTED THAT UNDER THE PROCEDURE, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL INSTEAD OF BEING SENT TO THE GOVERNOR DIRECT.
THE REPORT COULD THEN BE PASSED TO A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MADE UP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WITH THE OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE.
THE COMMITTEE’S TASK, MR. LI ELABORATED, WOULD BE THE EXAMINATION OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS AND THOSE OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, AS WELL AS LOOKING MORE CLOSELY AT SPECIFIC POINTS RAISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT.
HE ADDED THAT THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT COULD THEN BE SENT WITH THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHO WOULD ENSURE THAT THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS WERE ACTED ON.
♦I WOULD ENVISAGE THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD IN TIME BUILD UP A BODY OF FISCAL CASE PRECEDENTS WHICH SHOULD HELP TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVED AND MORE CONSISTENT ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS.+ MR. LI SAID.
ON THE +DISAPPOI NT I NG UNDERSPEND ING+ IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES DURING THE CURRENT AND LAST FINANCIAL YEARS, MR. LI COMMENTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, HAVING MISCALCULATED FOR TWO YEARS THE ABILITY OF THE DEPARTMENTS TO SPEND ON PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS, HAD NOW PRODUCED MORE MODEST FIGURES FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
14 -
+UNLESS IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO REORGANISE THE PHASING OF THE WORKS PROGRAMMES, I WOULD ANTICIPATE THAT THE 1977/78 ESTIMATED FIGURES MAY STILL PROVE TO BE TOO HIGH.
+IF THIS SHOULD BE THE CASE, ONCE AGAIN THE OUTCOME IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT WILL, WITH A FURTHER WAVE OF THE WIZARD’S WAND, BECOME ANOTHER HUGE SURPLUS,+ HE OBSERVED.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER NOTED THAT IN ITS FORECAST FOR FUTURE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ESTIMATED CERTAIN OF ITS EXPENDITURE FIGURES ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT THERE WOULD BE DEFICITS IN PRECEDING YEARS.
+WHILST I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS ALREADY ADJUSTED THESE FIGURES TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT HIS PREVIOUS DEFICITS HAVE TURNED INTO SURPLUSES, I SUGGEST THAT HE SHOULD ALSO REVIEW HIS BUDGETARY STRATEGY, AND PERHAPS REVISE SOME OF THE GUIDELINES HE HAS ADOPTED TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OF BUDGETARY POLICY.*
MR. LI SAID WHERE THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE SHOWED AN INCREASE FOR A PARTICULAR HEAD OVER THE CURRENT YEAR’S ESTIMATES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY GENERALLY MENTIONED THE INCREASE IN MONETARY TERMS.
IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF THIS COULD ALSO BE STATED IN REAL TERMS, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES, MR. LI UNDERSCORED THE NEED FOR THESE AGENCIES TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL THEIR FUNDS, WHETHER FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE OR PRIVATE DONORS.
HE SAID THIS WAS ESSENTIAL AS HE BELIEVED THAT THE ABILITY OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SPEND HAD REACHED A SATURATION POINT AND THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RELY ON THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO CARRY OUT A GREATER PROPORTION OF THE NEW COMMITMENTS IN HONG KONG’S SOCIAL PROGRAMMES.
ON THE SUBJECT OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, MR. LI SAID HE FULLY AGREED WITH THE VIEW THAT THE CONCEPT OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WAS A RIGHT ONE FOR HONG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT THE RESPONSE TO THE FIRST ESTATE AT TAI PO WAS_ QUITE ENCOURAGING. PLANS WERE NOW UNDER WAY, HE CONTINUED, FOR THE SECOND ESTATE NEAR YUEN LONG AND, TO ENABLE CONSTRUCTION WORK TO BEGIN THIS YEAR, A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND WOULD BE SOUGHT.
MR. LI SAID THE DEMAND FOR OTHER FUTURE ESTATES MIGHT WELL BE SUCH THAT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION -- OF WHICH He IS CHAIRMAN — WOULD HAVE TO APPROACH GOVERNMENT FOR MORE FUNDS EARLIER THAN ANTICIPATED.
+IF THAT SHOULD BE THE CASE, THE SITUATION COULD ONLY BE VIEWED AS EXCEPTIONALLY AUSPICIOUS FOR OUR ECONOMY,* HE NOTED.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
- 15 -
BREMRIDGE GIVES SOME TIPS ON MARKETING HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ******
THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE TODAY WELCOMED THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE GOVERNMENT’S MOVES TOWARDS BETTER AND CHEAPER MORTGAGE FACILITIES, BUT WARNED THAT PRODUCTION WITHOUT MARKETING WAS ONLY A +PARTIAL PROCESS+.
SPEAKING ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT IN PURCHASING A FLAT BUYERS WOULD CONSIDER MANY OTHER FACTORS APART FROM THE COST OF THE UNIT.
+IN THE SALE OF FLATS, LANDSCAPING, FINISH, SECURITY, POSITION, AMENITIES, AND EVEN FACE, WILL BE OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE TO BUYERS, FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HOME IS ALMOST CERTAINLY THE LARGEST FINANCIAL DECISION IN THE LIVES OF MOST MEN AND WOMEN. COST IS BY NO MEANS THE ONLY CRITERION, THOUGH IT IS A LARGE ONE,+ HE NOTED.
MR. BREMRIDGE DESCRIBED AS +REMARKABLE+ THE HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE LOW COST GOVERNMENT HOUSING TO THE GREAT MAJORITY OF OUR POPULATION BY THE MID-1980’S.
HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT BY THE EARLY 1980’S IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO BE MORE IMAGINATIVE ABOUT RENTAL LEVELS, STANDARDS, AND VARIOUS OPTIONS WHEN THE WAITING LISTS BECAME SHORTENED.
+MUCH MORE VARIETY WILL BE NEEDED,* MR. BREMRIDGE SAID, +AND MANY NEW EXPERIMENTS WILL BECOME NOT ONLY POSSIBLE BUT NECESSARY ONCE THE SAD WAITING LISTS FINALLY SHORTEN.*
ON THE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, MR. BREMRIDGE REGRETTED THAT NO MENTION WAS MADE IN THE BUDGET FOR IMPROVEMENT IN GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY.
+1 THINK THAT IT IS A PITY THAT DESPITE PROGRESS PARTICULARLY BY' THE UNDER-STAFFED MANAGEMENT UNIT WITH THE FIRST DEVELOPMENT PLAN, MORE HAS NOT BEEN DONE OVER THE PRODUCTION OF ANNUAL OPERATING PLANS, OVER MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES, OVER INTRODUCTION OF MORE MODERN SYSTEMS OF BUDGETARY CONTROL, OVER THE RECRUITMENT OF MORE FULLY QUALIFIED ACCOUNTANTS - MANY MORE - OVER BETTER JOB DEFINITIONS= AND SO ON AND SO FORTH,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR. BREMRIDGE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S APPARENT WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/3S7B3RING TC .....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
- 16 -
REFERRING TO THE SECURITIES COMMISSION, MR. BREMRIDGE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES WAS TO INCREASE FROM 21 TO 31, BUT WAS DISAPPOINTED TO FIND THAT 19 OF THEM WERE NON-EXECUTIVfS.
J
HE BELIEVED;THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE THAN 12 OFFICERS ACTUALLY ENGAGED IN THIS IMPORTANT FIELD +IN VIEW OF THE LARGE AND GROWING FINANCIAL IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG, THE ENORMOUS TURNOVER OF THE FOUR STOCK EXCHANGES, AND THE NEED FOR HIGHER STANDARDS.*
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT RECRUITING IS UNDOUBTEDLY DIFFICULT, HE ASKED FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT THE INCREASE IN ESTABLISHMENT WOULD CONTINUE.
ON TAXATION, MR. BREMRIDGE SAID THAT AS HE HAD STATED IN HIS SPEECH DURING LAST YEAR’S BUDGET DEBATE, THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE DID NOT ACCEPT THE VIEWS OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON DIVIDEND WITHHOLDING TAX, UNDISTRIBUTED PROFITS TAX, AND ACCOMPANYING ESOTERICA.
+1 AM DELIGHTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE GRACE AND GOOD HUMOUR WITH WHICH THIS REVERSAL HAS, AT ANY RATE, APPARENTLY BEEN TAKEN. IT IS, I AM SURE, A WISE DECISION. THERE IS MUCH VIRTUE IN SIMPLICITY,* HE SAID.
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/17......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
- 17 -
CALL FOR BETTER INCENTIVES FOR GOVT. DOCTORS * * * *
DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLORE WAYS OF ATTRACTING AND KEEPING EXPERIENCED DOCTORS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BY OFFERING BETTER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER PROSPECTS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR. FANG SAID HE WAS CONVINCED THAT INADEQUATE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES COUPLED WITH POOR CAREER PROSPECTS LIE AT THE ROOT OF MANY RESIGNATIONS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
HE PUT FORWARD SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS TO OVERCOME THE SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED DOCTORS IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE PLAN FOR REG IONALISI NG MEDICAL SERVICES.
DR. FANG SAID: +THERE MUST BE MANY QUALIFIED DOCTORS WHO DO NOT WISH TO MAKE A CAREER IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BUT WHO WOULD BE WILLING TO SERVE ON CONTRACT FOR, SAY, FIVE TO TEN YEARS.+ THE SAME TERMS, HE SAID, COULD BE OFFERED TO DOCTORS WHO HAVE RETIRED FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE BUT WHO WISH TO BE RE-EMPLOYED WITHOUT HAVING TO HAVE THEIR PENSION FROZEN AS AT PRESENT.
AS TO THE ADEQUACY OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, DR. FANG SAID: +IF ALL DOCTORS ON THE PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT WERE TO BE OFFERED PAID STUDY LEAVE OVERSEAS AFTER, SAY, THREE YEARS OF SERVICE, IT WOULD BE A REAL INCENTIVE FOR LOCAL DOCTORS TO JOIN AND REMAIN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.+
HE SAID AT PRESENT OFFICERS IN THE MAJOR SPECIALTIES, FOR EXAMPLE, MEDICINE AND SURGERY, WERE REQUIRED TO SHOULDER THEIR OWN EXPENSES FOR OVERSEAS TRAINING AND WERE ONLY REFUNDED WHEN THEY PASSED THEIR EXAMINATIONS.
+THIS IS A VERY SHORT-SIGHTED POLICY AND DOES NOT HELP TO PROMOTE THEIR SENSE OF LOYALTY,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH EXAMINATIONS WERE NOW HELD LOCALLY FOR A NUMBER OF POST-GRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS, THIS COULD NOT REPLACE OVERSEAS TRAINING, THE AIM OF WHICH WAS TO BROADEN THE DOCTOR’S HORIZON AND TO ENABLE HIM TO KEEP ABREAST WITH MODERN TRENDS.
+ALL BRANCHES OF MEDICINE ARE LIVING SCIENCES AND THEY NEED REGULAR NURTURING IF OUR STANDARD OF HEALTH CARE IS TO MOVE AHEAD,+ HE SAID.
DR. FANG FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THOSE DOCTORS WHO HAVE OBTAINED POST-GRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS, EITHER LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS, SHOULD PROCEED AUTOMATICALLY TO THE RANK OF SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER. HE THOUGHT THE DOCTOR’S SITUATION WAS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO CALL FOR EXCEPTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, AS WERE DONE WITH THE ICAC, IN THE MATTER OF GOVERNMENT SALARY SCALES AND GRADINGS.
/ON GOTZ'
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JC, '<>77
- 18 -
ON GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PROVIDE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ON A REGIONAL BASIS, DR. FANG SAID HE WAS SURE THE PUBLIC WOULD APPRECIATE A FURTHER STATEMENT ON THE POLICY, ITS IMPLICATIONS AND HOW IT WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES.
HE EMPHASISED THAT REGIONALISATION PROPOSALS MUST BE A PLAN OF ACTION RATHER THAN A PAPER EXERCISE AND THAT EACH REGIONAL HOSPITAL MUST HAVE A FULL COMPLEMENT OF STAFF AND FACILITIES TO DISCHARGE ITS ROLE AS A MAJOR HOSPITAL.
HE ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SAY WHETHER IT WOULD IMPLEMENT ANY OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON ACCIDENT SERVICE BY AN EXPERT CALLED IN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1971/72.
REFERRING TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, DR. FANG POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS VERY ABLY OPERATED, IT WAS STILL BY AND LARGE ESSENTIALLY A TRANSPORT SERVICE.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE PAST YEAR, 2,811 CASES WERE CERTIFIED DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT THE HOSPITALS.
+EVEN ASSUMING THAT 50 PER CENT OF THESE CASES WERE ALREADY DEAD WHEN THE AMBULANCE ARRIVED, THIS STILL LEAVES SOME 1,400 CASES OR ABOUT FOUR A DAY WHOSE LIVES MIGHT HAVE BEEN SAVED IF EMERGENCY TREATMENT COULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THE SCENE AND EN ROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL BY MORE ADEQUATELY TRAINED AMBULANCE STAFF,+ HE SAID.
+SUCH STAFF SHOULD BE ABLE TO CONTACT REGIONAL HOSPITALS DIRECT BY RADIO SO THAT THEY CAN SEEK A DOCTOR’S ADVICE AS NECESSARY ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PATIENT ON THE SPOT. THE COST INVOLVED IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY TELE-COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC TRAINING SHOULD NOT BE TOO GREAT AND SHOULD BE WELL WORTHWHILE IN TERMS OF LIVES SAVED,* HE ADDED.
ON COMMUNITY NURSING, DR. FANG SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE SERVICE WAS ESSENTIAL, PARTICULARLY WHEN HOSPITAL BEDS WERE STILL IN SHORT SUPPLY.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER PLANS NOW FOR TAKING ON THIS SERVICE ITSELF, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, SO THAT ACTION COULD BE TAKEN AS SOON AS A DECISION WAS MADE TO CONTINUE WITH THE SERVICE.
ON GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, DR. FANG SAID IT WOULD SEEM SENSIBLE TO ALLOW SOME FLEXIBILITY IN THE APPLICATION OF THE RULE THAT SALARIES FOR THEIR STAFF SHOULD NOT BE MORE FAVOURABLE THAN GOVERNMENT SALARIES FOR COMPARABLE WORK.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN GENERAL COULD NOT COMPETE WITH GOVERNMENT IN TERMS OF FRINGE BENEFITS AND CAREER PROSPECTS SO THAT THEY HAD REAL DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING HIGH CALIBRE STAFF.
+PERHAPS THE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED COULD BE GIVEN SOME DISCRETION IN THIS AREA,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 33, 1977
- 19 -
CONTROL ON CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 1 ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED NEW REGULATIONS TO CONTROL THE USE OF CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS.
THE REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
MOVING THE MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) REGULATIONS 1977, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID THAT CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS WERE WIDELY USED AS AN EASY METHOD OF FASTENING ATTACHMENTS TO WALLS AND CEILINGS, AND PROVIDED A SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE ALTERNATIVE TO DRILLING.
+THEY ARE MAINLY USED IN THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND IN THE INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONERS AND ELECTRICAL FIXTURES,* HE SAID.
+SINCE 1973,+ MR. PRICE CONTINUED, +THERE HAVE BEEN 41 REPORTED ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING FOUR FATAL ONES, ARISING FROM THE USE OF CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS.
+THESE ACCIDENTS OCCURRED MAINLY BECAUSE THE OPERATORS HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY TRAINED AND THEREFORE DID NOT APPRECIATE THE POSSIBLE HAZARDS ARISING FROM THE INCORRECT USE OF THIS TYPE OF TOOL.
+SO, IT WAS DECIDED TO DRAFT A SET OF REGULATIONS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE TO CONTROL THEIR USE,+ MR. PRICE SAID.
MR. PRICE SUMMARISED THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS AS FOLLOWS:
* ONLY TOOLS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS MAY BE USED IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING-
* AN OPERATOR OF A TOOL MUST NOT BE UNDER 18 YEARS-OLD, AND MUST HOLD A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN A FORM APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR- AND MUST NOT USE A TOOL WHEN HE DISCOVERS A FAULT OR DEFECT, BUT MUST REPORT IT TO THE PERSON EMPLOYING HIM-
* ONLY CARTRIDGES WHICH MEET THE MANUFACTURERS’ SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE USED WITH A PARTICULAR TOOL-
* A SUITABLE STRONG TOOL BOX, WITH MEANS FOR LOCKING, MUST BE PROVIDED FOR A TOOL WHEN IT IS NOT REQUIRED-AND THAT THE TOOL BOX MUST CONTAIN A COPY OF THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE GIVING INFORMATION 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 PROPPJSTCH .
WEDNESDAY, MARCH JO, 1977
20 -
* A PROPRIETOR OF AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING OR A CONTRACTOR IN CONSTRUCTION WORK WHO COMMITS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF 35,000 AND IF AN OPERATOR COMMITS AN OFFENCE, HE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,000.
MR. PRICE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT TWO LOCAL AGENTS LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE OF APPROVED CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS WERE PREPARED TQ ORGANISE TRAINING COURSES FOR OPERATORS, AND WOULD ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN AN APPROVED FORM.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
- 21 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF WATERLOO ROAD/NATHAN ROAD JUNCTION
******
THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 2) TO 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY (APRIL 3) IN ORDER TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
AS A RESULT, BOTH EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC IN WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE BETWEEN 9 P.M. AND MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (APRIL 2).
FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 A.M., ALL WESTBOUND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND YIM PO FONG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED EITHER VIA WYLIE ROAD TO GASCOIGNE ROAD OR VIA YIM PO FONG STREET AND ARGYLE STREET TO TONG Ml ROAD.
ALL EASTBOUND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO WATERLOO ROAD FROM TONG Ml ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AND THE RIGHT TURNS AT RECLAMATION STREET/ WATERLOO ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET/WATERLOO ROAD JUNCTIONS WILL BE BANNED. DUNDAS STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET.
ALL SOUTHBOUND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AT ARGYLE STREET/NATHAN ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TONG Ml ROAD, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WHICH WILL OPERATE BY WAY OF NATHAN ROAD, PORTLAND STREET, MAN MING LANE TO REJOIN NATHAN ROAD. MAN MING LANE BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND PORTLAND STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
THE FOLLOWING BUS SERVICES WILL BE DIVERTED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY AND 6 A.M. ON SUNDAY:-
* KMB ROUTES NO. 3, 7, 7A AND 70 TRAVELLING WESTBOUND ALONG WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WYLIE ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD AND JORDAN ROAD TO NATHAN ROAD AND JORDAN ROAD FERRY.
* KMB ROUTES NOS. 3, 7, 7A AND 70 ON OUTWARD JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NATHAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD.
* KMB ROUTES NO. 1, 1A, 2, 3C, 4, 4A, 6, 6C, 9, 13 AND 71 AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES NO. 102, 104, 105, 112 AND 122 TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ALONG NATHAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DUNDAS STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, PORTLAND STREET AND MAN MING LANE TO REJOIN NATHAN ROAD.
* KMB ROUTES NO. 2E, 12, 30, 36B AND 50 TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ALONG SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WATERLOO ROAD, PORTLAND STREET AND MAN MING LANE TO REJOIN NATHAN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE ROAD SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AND TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO HELP GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 1977
- 22 -
BILLS PASSED * * * *
THREE BILLS RECEIVED THEIR THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND BECAME LAW TODAY.
THEY WERE THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, THE MONEY-LENDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
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WATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 1) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE KUK WEST STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND YU CHAU WEST STREET, INCLUDING WING HONG STREET, WING MING STREET, TAI NAM WEST STREET AND WAI MAN VILLAGE.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT URGED TO EXERCISE MORE INFLUENCE ON MARKET FORCES .................................................... 1
INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN HOMES FOR THE AGED, SUGGESTS DR. HU ....'............................ 4
PROTECTION OF HONG KONG TEXTILE EXPORTS TO E.E.C. SOUGHT .................................................... 6
HONG KONG MUST PLAN ITS OWN ECONOMIC DESTINY, SAYS MR. CHEN ............................................. 7
CALL FOR MORE FUND FOR SOCIAL SERVICES ................... 10
PRESENT VEHICLE TAX SYSTEM CRITICISED .............. 13
GOVERNMENT URGED TO RE-INTRODUCE DEPENDENT PARENT'S ALLOWANCE ............................................ 15
PLEA TO HEED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ SUGGESTIONS ......... 17
MACHINERY GUARDING REGULATIONS COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW ................................................. 20
LEGCO APPROVES PROPOSALS ON RATES ........................ 21
WALLA-WALLA FARES TO GO UP TOMORROW ...................... 23
CAREERS EXHIBITION A SUCCESS ............................. 24
MAN WAH LANE REOPENS TO TRAFFIC .......................... 24
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL ............... 25
WATER CUT IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND SHAM SHUI PO ........... 25
FIRE DANGER NOTICES SERVED ON SAN PO KONG FACTORY OWNERS ................................................... 26
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
GOVT URGED TO EXERCISE MORE INFLUENCE ON MARKET FORCES
******
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXERCISE MORE INFLUENCE ON MARKET FORCES, ESPECIALLY wHEN THEY AFFECT THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE.
THIS WAS SUGGESTED EY THE HON. LYDIA DUNN DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MISS DUNN SAID SHE FULLY SUPPORTED THE VIEW THAT A FREE COMPETITIVE SYSTEM ALLOCATED RESOURCES MOST EFFICIENTLY AND MAXIMISED REAL INCOMES.
HOWEVER, SHE WONDERED IF HONG KONG COULD SIMPLY AFFORD TO RESPOND TO EVENTS +AS WE MOVE INTO THE LATE 70S AND 80S, AS OUR ECONOMY DIVERSIFIES AND AS WE BECOME MORE AND MORE INFLUENCED BY THE DESTABILISING FORCES OF THE WORLD’S MONETARY SYSTEM*.
WHILE REALISING THAT HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES WERE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE OF ITS COMPETITORS, MISS DUNN FELT SHE HAD GENUINE DOUBTS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN LAND SALE, PARTICULARLY FOR INDUSTRY, AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
SHE SAID THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD ADMITTED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN UNABLE SO FAR TO DEVISE A LAND PRODUCTION PROGRAMME. THIS MEANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HAVE A PROGRAMME OF PRODUCTION OF LAND FOR SALE, SHE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SHE WENT ON, SEEMED TO HAVE ADMITTED THAT LAND FOR SALE WAS SIMPLY EQUAL TO + WHAT IS LEFT OVER AFTER PUBLIC USES HAVE BEEN SATISFIED FROM CLEARANCES, RESUMPTIONS AND RECLAMATIONS*.
+WHAT WORRIES ME IS THAT THIS APPROACH IMPLIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT REGARDS SUCH LAND AS SIMPLY AN ASSET FOR SALE FOR REVENUE PURPOSES. YET LAND IS A VITAL FACTOR OF PRODUCTION,* MISS DUNN EMPHASISED.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER FELT THAT IN VIEW OF THE RESTRICTED USER CONDITIONS, THE CONCEPT OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES COULD NOT FILL THIS NEED.
+WE NEED A MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF LAND, WITH THE NEEDS OF THE PRIVATE AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC SECTORS BEING PROPERLY CATERED FOR,* SHE SAID.
ON MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, MISS DUNN ENDORSED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S POLICY OF USING THE RESOURCES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND TO SMOOTH OUT +SHCRT-TERM WAYWARD AND ERRATIC FLUCTUATIONS* IN THE EXCHANGE RATE, BUT NOT TO ACT AGAINST THE +UNDERLYING TREND*.
/N0NSTHEI3S3.......
THURSDAY, MARCH J1, 1977
2
NONETHELESS, SHE HOPED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD CONSIDER MORE CAREFULLY WHETHER THE STRENGTHENING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR BY SOME NINE PER CENT AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR OVER THE PAST 14-15 MONTHS REFLECTED THE REALITIES OF HONG KONG’S TRADING SITUATION.
+AND EVEN IF IT DOES, FOR THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION IN OUR TRADE DEFICIT LAST YEAR, IS SUCH A STRONG CURRENCY CONDUCIVE TO OUR MAINTAINING THE GROWTH OF OUR EXPORTS IN 1977?+ SHE ASKED.
MISS DUNN OBSERVED THAT AS THE TRADING ENVIRONMENT OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS DID NOT SEEM TOO FAVOURABLE IN HER VIEW, SHE WAS WORRIED AT THE PROSPECT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR CONTINUING TO BE THE THIRD STRONGEST CURRENCY IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX.
THE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND ITS PROFIT MARGINS WOULD BE DAMAGED, FOR THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS ON COSTS OF CHEAPER IMPORTS TOOK TIME TO WORK THROUGH THE SYSTEM, SHE ELABORATED.
IN THIS CONTEXT, MISS DUNN SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE +UNDERLYING TREND* OR, RATHER, THE TREND’S IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE ECONOMY.
+HE SHOULD NOT RELY TOO HEAVILY ON THE THEORY THAT THE FLEXIBILITY GF COSTS AND PRICES SHOULD ENABLE US TO ADJUST TO GIVEN EXCHANGE RATE.
+THIS MAY BE TRUE IN THE LONG RUN BUT, MEANWHILE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE TO EARN THEIR LIVING,* SHE SAID.
IN MISS DUNN’S VIEW, THE SUBSTANTIAL RESERVES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND SHOULD BE DEPLOYED MORE AGGRESSIVELY TO MODIFY THE +UNDERLYING TREND* PARTICULARLY IF THE TREND WAS OVER-INFLUENCED BY TECHNICAL AND MONETARY FACTORS.
SHE ALSO THOUGHT THAT LOCAL INTEREST RATES SHOULD BE KEPT MORE CLOSELY IN LINE WITH INTEREST RATES ABROAD THAN THEY HAD BEEN, AT TIMES, IN THE PAST.
+THIS IS LARGELY A MATTER FOR THE BANKS BUT, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IS AT STAKE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE BANKS TO ADJUST INTEREST RATES WHENEVER MONEY FLOWS EXERT EXCESSIVE INFLUENCE ON THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET.*
TURNING TO THE UNDERSPENDING IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, MISS DUNN SAID SHE FELT OBLIGED TO TAKE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO TASK FOR HIS FAILURE, YET AGAIN, TO MEET THE EXPENDITURE HE BUDGETTED FOR ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT IN 1976/77.
SHE ASKED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO STATE THE REASONS FOR THE UNDERSPENDING AND INDICATE THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF EACH.
/+IN PARTICULAR
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THURSDAY, KARCH J1, 1977
1
+IN PARTICULAR,+ SHE CONTINUED, +1 SHOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT PROPORTION IS DUE TO OVER-ESTIMATION OF CONTRACT PRICES- WHETHER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS SATISFIED THAT THE DEPARTMENT MAINLY CONCERNED — THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT — IS ADEQUATELY STAFFED AND ORGANISED FOR ITS VAST RESPONSIBILITIES- AND WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE BUREAUCRATIC SYSTEM IS AT FAULT IN ANY WAY.*
MISS DUNN ALSO SOUGHT AN ASSURANCE FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE EXPENDITURE BUDGETTED FOR IN 1977/78 IN CAPITAL ACCOUNT OF OVER $2,000 MILLION WAS MORE REALISTIC.
SHE ADDED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY A MORE DEFINITIVE DEFENCE OF THE PROVISION SOUGHT FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, PARTICULARLY BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER ALSO ASKED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHAT ARRANGEMENTS EXISTED IN THE FINANCE BRANCH OR ELSEWHERE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
SHE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS- OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD BE TOLD WHAT THE INTERNAL MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS WERE AND BE PERIODICALLY ADVISED OF THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED.
COMMENTING ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ECONOMIC FORECASTS FOR 1977, MISS DUNN INDICATED THAT SHE DID NOT THINK THAT THE DRAMATIC SURGE IN HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS +SHOULD LEAD US TO BE TOO CONFIDENT EVEN ABOUT THE CURRENT YEAR+.
THE
TERMS IN
FORECAST GROWTH OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN REAL 1977 OF SEVEN PER CENT WAS QUITE HIGH, SHE NOTED.
+ AT SEVEN PER CENT IT IS EQUAL TO OUR TREND GROWTH AND DEPENDS, INEVITABLY, ON A VARIETY OF ASSUMPTIONS*.
DESPITE THESE RESERVATIONS, MISS DUNN STRESSED THAT SHE COULD NOT FAULT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGETARY STRATEGY FOR 1977/78.
SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND HIS STAFF FOR THE +CLARITY AND PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET SPEECH AND RELATED DOCUMENTS* WHICH, SHE STRESSED, WERE AN IMPORTANT EXAMPLE OF OPEN GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
0 --------
A
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
EXTENSION OF INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME ADVOCATED
******
DR. THE HON. HENRY HU TODAY ADVOCATED THE EXTENSION OF THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME TO INCLUDE PEOPLE IN HOMES FOR THE AGED AND SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT THEIR NEED FOR A PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WAS JUST AS GREAT AS THOSE LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY.
DR. HU SAID THAT SINCE THE SCHEME ..AS NON-MEANS-TESTED, HE WAS OF THE OPINION THAT AGE SHOULD BE THE ONLY CRITERION FOR Eligibility.
HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY THAT SOME CONSIDERATION MIGHT EE GIVEN TO LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE.
WHILE WELCOMING THE INCREASED BENEFITS IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES AS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, DR. HU WAS CRITICAL OF THE PROVISION OF 368 MILLION FOR SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN 1977-78.
ALTHOUGH IT SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 312 MILLION OVER THE FIGURE Or THE CURRENT YEAR, HE SAID, IT WAS +UNHEALTHILY INADEQUATE.+
HE ESTIMATED THAT NO LESS THAN 313 MILLION WOULD HAVE TO BE SPENT ON EXISTING SERVICES AND ON THE IMPLEMENTION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE, +LEAVING A MEAGRE 32 MILLION FOR EXPANSION PURPOSES.*
+ THIS AMOUNT IS RIDICULOUSLY INADEQUATE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMITTED NEW PROJECTS FOR THE YEAR 1977-78, LET ALONE THE RESUMPTION OF PROJECTS WHICH HAVE BEEN ABANDONED DURING THE YEARS OF RECESSION,* HE SAID.
DR. HU EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT SALARIES PAID TO WORKERS IN SUBVENTED WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY AND CONTINUITY OF SERVICE IN THESE ORGANISATIONS, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT +TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY IN PAYING THE FULL SALARIES OF WORKERS IN ALL SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, WHICH SHOULD BE EQUAL TO THE SALARIES OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE IF THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES ARE COMPARABLE.*
HE ALSO ASKED THAT PROVISION EE MADE FOR ADJUSTING THEIR SALARIES WHENEVER CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE THEIR ADJUSTED.
TURNING TO HOUSING, DR. nU WAS DELIGHTED TO LEARN THAT T- = GOVERNMENT WAS PROPOSING TO INVITE PRIVATE REAL-ESTATE D-VELCPER3 TO JOIN WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF THE HOME" OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
/HC.VDV,
THURSDAY, KARCH ’1, 1'77
- 5 -
HOWEVER, PLATS.
HE WAS SOMEWHAT CONCERNED ABOUT THE PRICE FOR THESE
-r-., .tIT 13 r-'C3T IM?Cf*TANT THAT THE PRICE SHOULD BE FIXED AT A REALISTIC LEVEL,* HE SAID.
DR. HU FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT + THE LAND COST FOR THIS PURPOSE SHOULD BE DETERMINED AT THE MINIMUM RESERVE PRICE LEVEL AND NOT ITS MARKET PRICE, OTHERWISE, THE MEANINGFULNESS OF THIS SCHEME WOULD HAVE BEEN DEFEATED.*
AS TO THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY THE'lR OWN FLATS AND HAVE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, DR. HU SUBMITTED THAT NO MORE THAN 15 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL FAMILY INCOME SHOULD BE SPENT ON RENT.
HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY A STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON THE POSSIBILITY OF ALLOWING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO HAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY IN DETERMING RENTS, +HAVING REGARD TO THE TENANT’S ABILITY TO PAY AND TO OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS THE LOCATION AND QUALITY OF THE ACCOMMODATION.*
HE SUGGESTED THAT RENT PAYMENT COULD BE GN A SLIDING SCALE ACCORDING TO INCOME LEVEL, OR A RENT REBATE SYSTEM AS PRACTISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
ON EDUCATION, DR. HU WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, PARTICULARLY IN SPECIAL AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.
HOWEVER, HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION WAS IGNORED AND HE MAINTAINED THAT SUCH EDUCATION WAS PART AND PARCEL OF THE WHOLE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, HE WELCOMED THE PROVISION FOR IMPLEMENTING THE FIRST STAGE OF THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME AND THE PROVISION FOR THE SUBVENTION OF THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, INITIALLY FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
HE HOPED THAT THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD SEE FIT TO PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION 0- THIS WORTHY PROJECT.
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THURSDAY, MARCH ; . 1?"
6 -
PROTECTION OF HK TEXTILE EXPORTS TO EEC SOUGHT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY URGED TO SEEK REASSURANCE FROM BRITAIN THAT IT WILL PLAY NO PART IN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S MATTERS WHICH +ADVERSELY, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, UNFAIRLY AFFECT HONG KONG*.
THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. TIEN EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT PRESS REPORTS THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS SAID TO BE A PARTY TO THE EEC PROPOSAL FOR A MORE RESTRICTIVE MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA).
HE NOTED THAT THE EXISTING MFA WAS, IN THE VIEW OF TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES, ALREADY A RESTRICTIVE INSTRUMENT.
ACCORDING TO PRESS REPORTS, MR. TIEN SAID EEC WANTED TO MAKE THE MFA MORE RESTRICTIVE, THUS MAKING THE FRAMEWORK FOR FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS EVEN MORE UNFAVOURABLE TO EXPORTING COUNTRIES.
HE SAID: +IF THESE REPORTS ARE ACCURATE, AND THERE APPEARS TO BE NO REASON TO SUGGEST THAT THEY ARE NOT, THEY WOULD SEEM TO UNDERMINE THE VERY POSfTIVE, HELPFUL AND ENCOURAGING REMARKS MADE EY SIR PETER CAREY, A SENIOR CIVIL SERVANT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.*
SIR PETER, WHO VISITED HONG KONG RECENTLY, EMPHASISED THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE U.K. AND HONG KONG AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE U.K. GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT IN MATTERS RELATING TO COMMERCIAL RELATIONS, REGARD WOULD BE HAD TO THIS SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP.
MR. TIEN SAID: +THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG IS ENTITLED TO REASSURANCE FROM HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT THAT IT WOULD PLAY NO PART IN THE EEC IN MATTERS WHICH ADVERSELY, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, UNFAIRLY AFFECT HONG KONG= AND INDEED IT SHOULD BE EXPECTED TC GO FURTHER EY DEFENDING HONG KONG IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES.*
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER ALSO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE POSITION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE MFA AND AN ASSESSMENT AS TO WHAT PROGRESS WOULD LIKELY BE MADE IN THE DISCUSSIONS IN GENEVA LEADING TO THE RENEWAL OF THE MFA, WHICH EXPIRES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THERE WAS AN ELEMENT OF CRYSTAL BALL GAZING IN MAKING FORECASTS OF THIS NATURE, HE SAID.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SPELL OUT ANY FACTS AND INFORMATION IT HAD WHICH COULD RE-ASSURE THE TRADING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG SO AS TO RESTORE AND MAINTAIN BUSINESS CONFIDENCE.
MR. TIEN DISCLOSED THAT HONG KONG’S DELEGATE TC THE 23RD COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN CANADA IN SEPTEMBER INTENDED TO PROPOSE THAT A TOPIC ENTITLED +INTERNATIONAL TRADING AGREEMENT* EE INCLUDED IN THE AGENDA SC THAT THE RECENT EVENTS SURROUNDING THE AUSTRALIAN AND CANADIAN ACTIONS IN INTRODUCING TARIFF QUOTAS IN ONE CASE AND SUPERSEDING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS IN THE OTHER, COULD EE DISCUSSED IN AN OPEN ^CPUM.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
- 7
H.K. MUST PLAN ITS OWN ECONOMIC DESTINY, SAYS CHEN ******
HONG KONG SHOULD MAKE A START, HOWEVER MODEST, IN PLANNING ITS OWN ECONOMIC DESTINY, THE HON. S.L. CHEN SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID HE DID NOT DOUBT THAT +OUR POLICY OF ALLOWING INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP FREELY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SHORT-TERM MARKET DEMANDS HAS SERVED US WELL UP TO NOW*.
BUT HE ADDED: +WE COULD NOT SURELY AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT AND CONTINUE TO THINK THAT WE COULD ALWAYS ENJOY THE GOOD FORTUNE OF THE PAST*.
MR. CHEN SAID THAT WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY COMMENTED ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC FUTURE IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, HE STRUCK A NOTE OF CAUTION THAT AFTER THE RAPID RECOVERY OF 1976 THE OUTLOOK WAS CLOUDED WITH UNCERTAINTIES.
+WE WERE REMINDED ONCE AGA.IN THAT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH .-.AS STILL VERY MUCH DEPENDENT ON EXTERNAL FACTORS OVER WHICH WE HAVE NO CONTROL, SUCH AS THE POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE COUNTRIES TO WHICH WE EXPORT,* HE SAID.
+ THIS PROMPTED ME TO ASK MYSELF THE QUESTION WHETHER WE IN HONG KONG HAD ANY FORM OF STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLANNING AT ALL, WHETHER WE PLAY A DELIBERATE ROLE IN DECIDING OUR OWN FUTURE, OR WHAT DIRECTION WE SHOULD GO IN ORDER THAT WE HAVE A FUTURE,* HE ADDED.
MR. CHEN SAID THERE SEEMED TO BE SOME SORT OF PLANS IN OPERATION, SUCH AS EFFORTS TO ATTRACT OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS IN HIGH TECHNOLOGICAL INDUSTRIES, INDUSTRIAL LAND POLICY, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION AND INVESTMENT IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION, BUT THERE WAS NO MASTER PLAN WHICH LINKED THEM ALL.
HE STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF ANY PLAN FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPENDED LARGELY ON THE AVAILABILITY OF MANPOWER POSSESSING THE RIGHT SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE.
+IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE BOTH AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE MANPOWER SUPPLY NEEDED TO ACHIEVE OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES AND A REALISTIC AND PRACTICAL PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MANPOWER ..HiCH IS OUR ONLY AND MOST VALUABLE ASSET,* HE SAID.
TO ACHIEVE THE FIRST AIM, MR. CHEN SAID, +WE MUST HAVE RELIABLE MANPOWER FORECASTING TO PROVIDE OUR POLICY MAKERS WITH A RATIONAL BASIS ON WHICH TO TAKE DECISIONS ON EDUCATION AND OTHER AREAS OF THE ECONOMY, AND FOR INDUSTRIALISTS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, TO PLAN THEIR INVESTMENTS AND EXPANSION.*
OHUXSDA’.', MARCH 51, 1979
- 8 -
SUCH FORECASTS, HE ADDED,COULD BE FURTHER REFINED BY BEING COMPARED AGAINST NOT MERELY PAST EMPLOYMENT£RENDS BUT ALSO THE PLANNED GROWTH RATES OF THE REAL PRODUCTS THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES.
+MANPOWER PLANNING,* MR. CHEN CONTINUED, +CANNOT BE DIVORCED FROM EDUCATION PLANNING, WHETHER TECHNICAL OR GENERAL. THE FORMER MUST REFLECT THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE LATTER MUST BE THE OUTCOME OF AND BASED ON THE FORMER.*
HE FORESAW THAT THE PROVISION OF THREE YEARS SUBSIDIZED SECONDARY EDUCATION BY 1980 WOULD HAVE A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON THE FUTURE MANPOWER SITUATION.
+BY THEN THERE WILL ALSO BE SUBSIDIZED PLACES IN FORMS 4 AND 5 FOR 40 PER CENT OF THE FORM 3 LEAVERS,* HE SAID.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, FROM 1980 ONWARDS THE BULK OF THE 60 PER CENT OF THOSE FORM 3 LEAVERS WHO DO NOT PROCEED TO FURTHER SUBSIDIZED EDUCATION .vOULD THEORETICALLY ENTER EMPLOYMENT.
BUT WHAT IS MORE LIKELY TO HAPPEN IS THAT MOST OF THE PARENTS, WITH SAVINGS FROM THE EXTRA THREE YEARS SUBSIDIZED EDUCATION, WOULD DO EVERYTHING TO PUT THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH FORMS 4 AND 5 IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE LONG TERM EFFECT ..OULD BE THAT MOST YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD NOT START WORK UNTIL THEY REACH 17 OR OVER, AND MANY, AFTER COMPLETING SECONDARY EDUCATION, WOULD AIM AT WHITE-COLLAR JOBS AND BE RELUCTANT TC ENTER INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT. THE SHORT TERM EFFECT WOULD BE THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY WOULD EE STARVED OF FRESH MANPOWER FOR TWO YEARS, HE SAID.
HE WARNED THAT HONG KONG WOULD HAVE A SITUATION WHERE INDUSTRY WOULD BE COMPETING WITH PRIVATE EDUCATION FOR FORM 3 LEAVERS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WOULD HAVE TO COMPETE WITH PRIVATE SCHOOLS FOR STUDENTS.
HE URGED INDUSTRY TC PREPARE FOR THIS EVENTUALITY BY OFFERING ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVES, SUCH AS FURTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND MAKING INDUSTRIAL WORK MORE INTERESTING AND SATISFYING.
+WHEN TALKING ABOUT DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLED MANPOWER AT ALL LEVELS, TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING MUST BE CONSIDERED AND PLANNED AS AN INTEGRAL WHOLE AND NOT ISOLATION ONE FROM ANOTHER,* MR. CHEN CONTINUED.
HE SAID THAT THE PRESENT SITUATION WAS NOT SATISFACTORY AND THAT THE TWO IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT WERE OUT OF BALANCE AS SEEN FROM THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION FAR CUT-PROPORTIONING THAT FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
THURSDAY, MARCH J1, 1977
- 9 -
TO PRODUCE THE NECESSARY SKILLED MANPOWER, TECHNICAL EDUCATION MUST BE SUPPLEMENTED BY ADEQUATE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, HE SAID.
♦OTHERWISE,* HE SAID, +WE WOULD BE TURNING OUT ONLY HALF FINISHED PRODUCTS WHICH WOULD NOT DO EITHER THE GRADUATES OR INDUSTRY ANY GOOD.*
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TWO
MR. CHEN FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT
CLOSELY RELATED ASPECTS OF MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT BE VESTED IN ONc. ORGANISATION SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT EE SUBJECT TO DEPARTMENTAL
DIFFERENCES.
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD BE IN KEEPING WITH WORLD TREND AND WOULD R-Fl ECT THE IMPORTANCE HONG KONG ATTACHED TO MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND INSPIRE CONFIDENCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
+OUR FUTURE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL DEPEND ON OUR ABILITY TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED TECHNICAL MANPOWER,* MR. CHEN SAID.
+SUCH DEMAND MUST EE RELIABLY ASSESSED, AND WHEN
POSSIBLE, THE ASSESSMENTS SHOULD BE LINKED WITH FORWARD ECONOMIC PLANNING.
+THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER MUST BE REGARDED AS A VITAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND PLANNED AND EXECUTED WITHOUT LET OR HINDRANCE.*
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/10.....
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
10 -
CALL FOR MORE FUNDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
******
WITH A MORE BUOYANT HONG KONG ECONOMY, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RID ITSELF OF THE CONSERVATISM SO CHARACTERISTIC OF ITS BUDGETARY EXERCISES IN THE PAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, THE HON. KO SIU—WAH SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS KO CENTRED HER SPEECH ON FOUR POINTS -- LARGER ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE NEED TO PROVIDE +ELOCK GRANTS* FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT, EXTENSION OF THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE AND A CHANGE IN GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION POLICY TOWARDS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
ON ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, SHE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER MORE PROVISIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FOR SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES, TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CUT BACK IN RECENT YEARS IF THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IMPROVED EVEN BETTER THAN PROJECTED.
SHE NOTED THAT THE BUDGET FOR 1977-78 REPRESENTED A 20.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THAT FOR 1976-77 AND THAT THE PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE STAYED AT ABOUT 43 PER CENT, AS WERE THE CASE DURING THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE METHOD THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADOPTED TO FINANCE ITS SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, PARTICULARLY THE COSTS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE EXPANSION.
SHE SAID THIS WAS IMPORTANT AS HONG KONG +IS NOW BEGINNING TO HAVE SOCIAL PROJECTS AND PLANS WHICH EXTEND OVER NOT JUST FIVE, BUT 10 OR EVEN MORE YEARS.*
MISS KO DESCRIBED AS +ESPECIALLY WORRYING* THE QUALIFICATION IN THE 1976 REVIEW OF THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG +THAT THE INCLUSION OF ANY PARTICULAR PROJECT OR ACTIVITY IN THE PLAN DOES NOT OF ITSELF CONVEY ANY GUARANTEE OF IMPLEMENTATION*.
SHE CONTENDED THAT THE PRESENT PRACTICE OF LOOKING AT ONLY ONE YEAR AT A TIME SHOULD BE CHANGED.
SHE SAID SHE WAS NOT ASKING FOR A LARGER SHARE OF THE REVENUE FOR SOCIAL WELFARE, BUT +FOR A CHANGE IN OUR BUDGETARY POLICY TO ENSURE THAT OUR SOCIAL GCALS ARE NOT THWARTED BY THE ECONOMIC VICISSITUDES OR THE UNDERSPENDING IN A PARTICULAR YEAR*.
/AS THZ
THURSDAY, .’-n.-.O" j-l, '"77
1 1 -
AS THE ABILITY OF THE ECONOMY TO FINANCE PROGRAMMES OR POLICIES VARIED FROM YEAR TO YEAR, DEPENDENT AS IT WAS ON A NUMBER OF UNPREDICTABLE FACTORS, MISS KO CONTINUED, MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WERE NOT UNNECESSARILY DELAYED BECAUSE OF ECONOMIC CONSTRAINTS OVER A CERTAIN PERIOD.
TO AVOID SUCH UPS AND DOWNS AND TO ENSURE THAT STEADY PROGRESS RESULTED FROM THE SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, SHE PROPOSED THAT EXPENDITURE RELATED TO THE EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SHOULD EE TIED TO A MORE STEADY SOURCE THAN THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT.
+ l WOULD SUGGEST THAT AS WE ARE NOW DRAWING UP A LIST OF PROGRAMME PLANS ON REHABILITATION, ON THE ELDERLY AND ON YOUTH, WE SHOULD ENSURE THEIR IMPLEMENTATION BY ALLOCATING ’BLOCK GRANTS’ FOR EXPENDITURE, ESPECIALLY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, FOR NEW PROJECTS ACCORDING TO THE VERY CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND PRACTICAL PROGRAMME PLANS,* SHE SAID.
MISS KO POINTED OUT THAT THE ’BLOCK GRANT’ IDEA HAD LONG BEEN PRACTISED IN FINANCING BOTH CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, NOT FOR A SINGLE YEAR, BUT OVER A LONGER PERIOD.
SHE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT A LIST OF DESIRED SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES BE DRAWN UP, FOLLOWED BY THE VOTING OF A DEFINITE SUM FOR THE EXPANSION OVER A CERTAIN PERIOD.
IN DECIDING ON THE SIZE OF THIS VOTE, THE PROJECTED INCOME FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED, SHE SAID.
+l MUST STRESS THAT IN PROPOSING THIS, I AM NOT TRYING TO DETACH OUR SOCIAL PROGRESS FROM ECONOMIC REALITY.
+ l AM PROPOSING A METHOD OF BRINGING THE BUDGETARY POLICY MORE IN LINE WITH OUR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OUR DETERMINATION TO IMPLEMENT THE SOCIAL PROGRAMMES WHICH WE HAVE EITHER ADOPTED OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ADOPTING,* MISS KO EMPHASISED.
TURNING TO THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME, MISS KO WELCOMED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL OF LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THIS LIMIT SHOULD FIRST BE LOWERED TO 70 AND EVENTUALLY 65.
SHE FELT THAT IF THE SCHEME REMAINED NON-MEANS-TESTED, IT SHOULD INCLUDE THOSE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE.
THURSDAY, 7 , "> —
- 12 -
AT PRESENT, THOSE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CAN APPLY FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE IF THEY REACH THE AGE LIMIT, ..HILE THOSE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE CANNOT.
■'ISS KO THOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT HAD YET TO DEFINE THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY, AND TO ASSESS THE ..AYS IN *HICH T.-.E PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE +CAN BEST WORK TOGETHER TO HELP PROVIDE OLD PEOPLE «.ITH A SATISFACTORY QUALITY OF L IFE + .
FURTHERMORE, SHE FELT THAT SINCE TnE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR THREE YEARS, IT WAS ALSO TIME TO REVIE* ITS EFFECT IVENESS AND BRING IT CLOSER TC ACHIEVING ITS OBJECTIVES OF MEETING THE ADDITIONAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY INFIRM.
ON SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST RECOGNISE THE + INDISPUTABLE VALUE* OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND SUBVERT TC THE FULL THE COSTS WHICH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INCURRED IN EXPANDING THEIR SERVICES.
+ THE PRACTICE OF UNDERPAYING STAFF EMPLOYED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES MUST BE STOPPED,* SHE SAID, +NOT MERElY BECAUSE OF THE INJUSTICE OF SUCH PRACTICES, BUT IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION THESE DEDICATED WORKERS -.AKE IN PROMOTING-THE WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY.*
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
- 13 -
PRESENT VEHICLE TAX SYSTEM UNFAIR, SAYS REV. MCGOVERN * * * * *
REVEREND THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVISE A SIMPLE VEHICLE TAX SYSTEM WHICH WOULD FAVOUR THE SMALL VEHICLE AND DISCOURAGE THE BIGGER ONES.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REV. MCGOVERN SUGGESTED A SCHEME BASED ON ARITHMETIC PROGRESSION FOR SMALL CARS FROM ABOUT 600 C.C. TO 1,530 C.C. AND THEREAFTER, GEOMETRIC PROGRESSION TO FRIGHTEN OFF THE +SPACE-EATING, FUME-SPEWING MONSTERS*.
HE SAID THE PRESENT SYSTEM, UNDER WHICH ONE HAD TO PAY RELATIVELY MORE TAX FOR A SMALL VEHICLE BUT RELATIVELY LESS TAX FOR A BIG ONE, +WOULD ONLY MAKE SENSE SOMEWHERE IN THE BURROWS OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND+.
ACCORDING TO REV. MCGOVERN, THE OWNER OF A +METAL MONSTER* OF 6,750 C.C. PAYS A TAX OF ABOUT 22 CENTS PER C.C. AND THE OWNER OF A MODEST UTILITY, SPACE-SAVING, SMALL FAMILY CAR PAYS FROM 35 CENTS FOR THE BIGGEST IN THE CATEGORY TO 58 CENTS FOR A SMALLER 600 C.C. CAR.
+MOST RIDICULOUS OF ALL IS THE PERPETUAL PLIGHT OF THE MOST ECONOMIC OF ALL ROAD USERS, THE PLUMBER OR OTHER MAINTENANCE MAN WHO CAN ONLY GET FROM A PLACE TO ANOTHER IN TIME BY USING A MODEST TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE, TAKING UP PERHAPS ONE QUARTER OR ONE SIXTH OF THE ROAD SPACE OF A SMALL CAR.
+IN THE PRESENT UPSIDE-DOWN LOGIC THIS UNFORTUNATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PRIVATE TRANSPORT HEAP PAYS $1.75 TAX PER C.C. FOR A 133 C.C. MOTOR-CYCLE — A RATIO OF JUST EIGHT TIMES MORE PER C.C. THAN THE OWNER OF THE METAL MONSTER,* REV. MCGOVERN SAID.
HE PRAISED THE GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, FOR GIVING A RESPITE TO THE +MUCH BATTERED OWNER OF A PRIVATE VEHICLE .... FROM FURTHER BASHING* AND HOPED IT WOULD USE THE RESPITE TO RECTIFY THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF VEHICLE TAX.
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUES OF PROPERTY, THE REV. MCGOVERN SAID IT WAS +EASED ON UNREALITY.*
TWO TERMS KEEP RECURRING, HE SAID, ONE IS +FREE MARKET RENT* AND THE OTHER +FAIR MARKET RENT*.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A FREE MARKET PRESUPPOSED A FREE PLAY AND BALANCE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND. BUT THAT DOES NOT EXIST IN HONG KONG WHERE THE DEMAND FOR HOUSING FAR EXCEEDS THE SUPPLY, REV. MCGOVERN SAID.
THURSDAY, MARCH JI, 197'’
14 -
HE ADDED THAT RENT CONTROL FOR MOST ORDINARY SIZED DOMESTIC PREMISES ALSO EXCLUDED THE REALITY OF A FREE MARKET.
AS REGARDS A FAIR MARKET, THE REV. MCGOVERN SAID +LANDLORDS IN HONG KONG ARE AS A CLASS, BY AND LARGE, THE MOST RAPACIOUS HIGHWAY ROBBERS IN OUR COMMUNITY.
+IN VIEW OF THE GREED OF LANDLORDS AS A WHOLE, THERE IS NO SUCH THING IN HONG KONG AS A FAIR RENT. ANY VALUATION THEREFORE BASED ON THIS CONCEPT IS EASED ON UNREALITY.
+EVEN IF THE NEW ASSESSMENT, MODIFIED BY THE REDUCED POUNDAGE AND BY THE 33-1/3 PER CENT LIMIT, HAPPENED, TEMPORARILY, TC COME CUT AS THE RIGHT ANSWER FOR THE WRONG REASONS, IT IS ENTIRELY WRONG TO MY MIND, THAT THE LANDLORD CAN PASS ON THE INCREASE TC THE ALREADY OVERBURDENED TENANTS.
+1 DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAN BE DONE THIS YEAR, BUT BEFORE "HE NEXT REASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES, I URGENTLY REQUEST GC.ERNMENT TO FIND A FAIRER SYSTEM BASED NOT ON IMAGINERY CONCEPTS WHICH DO NOT EXIST, BUT ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL REALITY OTHER TriAN THE REALITY OF THE GREED OF LANDLORDS,+ HE SAID.
ON THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN CHILD ALLOWANCES, REV. MCGOVERN WELCOMED THE MOVE AS +AN INDICATION OF A SOCIALLY DESIRABLE POLICY.*
THOUGH HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AMOUNT WAS NOT REALLY AN INCREASE BUT MERELY CAUGHT UP WITH THE COST OF LIVING, REV. MCGOVERN ADDED THAT ANYTHING WHICH HELPS TO EASE THE BURDEN OF THOSE WITH FAMILIES AND THEREBY HELPS TC PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN FAMILY LIFE WAS AN INDICATION OF A SOCIALLY DESIRABLE POLICY.+
HE SAID WEAK OR STRONG FAMILY LIFE AFFECTED A MULTITUDE OF OTHER FACTORS IN SOCIETY RANGING FROM EDUCATION TO HONESTY — THE MOST POSITIVE FORM OF ANTI-CORRUPTION.
+ IN A BUDGET CONTEXT A STRONG FAMILY LIFE CAN SAVE MIL-IONS OF DOLLARS OF FUTURE EXPENDITURE ON POLICE, ICAC AND PRISONS, TO MENTION ONLY A FEW AREAS.
+IT IS ALSO THE SUREST GUARANTEE OF AN HONEST HARDWORKING WORKFORCE WHICH WILL INCREASE PRODUCT IV ITY, WHETHER WE Tri I Nr CF THE WORKFORCE AS AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS CF THE CIVIL SERVICE, OR MANAGEMENT, OR THE FACTORY FLOOR,+ HE SAID.
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/i 5
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
- 15 -
GOVT. URGED TO RE-INTRODUCE DEPENDENT PARENT’S ALLOWANCE ******
THE HON. WONG LAM TODAY URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO RE-INTRODUCE THE DEPENDENT PARENT’S ALLOWANCE.
HE MADE THE APPEAL DURING RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
BASED ON THE DATA SUPPLIED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. WONG ESTIMATED THAT BY ADOPTING THE ORIGINAL $2,000 DEPENDENT PARENT’S ALLOWANCE, THE LOSS TO REVENUE WOULD BE ROUGHLY ONLY BETWEEN S8 TO $12 MILLION.
+THIS SHOULD HAVE LITTLE SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON OUR BALANCE OF PAYMENTS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, IT WOULD BE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO 20 PER CENT OF OUR TAXPAYERS AND WOULD SATISFY THE EXPRESSED WISHES OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC,+ HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT IN 1973/74 THE GOVERNMENT ABOLISHED THE ALLOWANCE MAINLY ON THE GROUNDS OF +ABUSE+ AND +INEQUITY DUE TO TERRITORIAL LIMITATION*.
MR. WONG SAID, +ABUSE OR MISINFORMATION ON TAX RETURNS WAS MERELY A TECHNICAL PROBLEM. THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE FOR ANY kTnd OF TAX SYSTEM WAS THAT IT SHOULD MEET ACTUAL NEEDS.*
HE SAID THERE WOULD OF COURSE BE CERTAIN DISHONEST PEOPLE BUT HE BELIEVED THEY WERE OF A LIMITED NUMBER.
+WE SHOULD LOOK FOR WAYS TO DEAL WITH THIS SMALL NUMBER OF BAD APPLES, BUT SHOULD NOT THROW OUT THE BABY WITH THE BATH WATER,* HE ADDED.
MR. WONG POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE EXTENSIVE USE OF COMPUTER SERVICES THERE SHOULD NOW BE BETTER WAYS TO DETECT CASES OF MISINFORMATION THAN THREE OR FOUR YEARS AGO.
ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES, HE ADDED, SUCH AS IN DEFINING ♦DEPENDENT PARENTS* AND IN REQUIRING THE TAXPAYER TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER HIS BROTHERS OR SISTERS HAD MADE SIMILAR CLAIMS, SHOULD NOT BE TOO DIFFICULT TO SOLVE.
REFERRING TO INEQUITY DUE TO TERRITORIAL LIMITATION MR. wONG BELIEVED THAT THE NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS AFFECTED WAS VERY SMALL.
MR. WONG SAID, WHEN THE GOVERNMENT ABOLISHED THE DEPENDENT PARENT’S ALLOWANCE, THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WAS RAISED FROM 37,003 TO $10,000. THE INCREASE ALREADY TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE NEED TO SUPPORT PARENTS.
/+HOJEV3R,
THURSDAY, 1lA~CH ’1, 1977
- 16 -
+HOWEVER, SINCE THEN, THE COST OF LIVING HAS RISEN AND IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT NOWADAYS THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $10,003 ^OULD BE ADEQUATE ONLY FOR ONE’S PERSONAL NEEDS AND THAT THE ELEMENT FOR PARENTS’ SUPPORT HAS ALREADY DISAPPEARED,* HE SAID.
TAKING THE $180 PER MONTH BASIC RATE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AS THE BASIS FOR CALCULATION, MR. WONG SAID, THE ALLOWANCE SHOULD B" $2 160 A YEAR. BUT THE ORIGINAL ALLOWANCE OF $2,003 COULD BE ADOPTED FOR THE SAKE OF CONVENIENCE IN CALCULATIONS.
CN THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE, MR. WONG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE IT TO AT LEAST $4,300.
HE SAID THAT THE INCREASE SHOULD HINGE ON THE RISE IN THE COST OF LIVING.
+ IF THERE IS A BIG INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING BUT THE BASIC ALLOWANCE REMAINS THE SAME, IT WOULD AMOUNT TO INCREASED TAXATION IN ANOTHER FORM,* HE ADDED.
SINCE THE BASIC ALLOWANCE WAS RAISED IN 1973/74 FROM 37,033 TO $10,033, MR. WONG SAID, THE COST OF LIVING INDEX HAD RISEN FROM AN AVERAGE OF 138.8 IN 1972 TO AN AVERAGE OF 195.6 IN 1976, A RISE OF MORE THAN 40 PER CENT.
THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE, HE SAID, SHOULD ALSO BE CORRESPONDINGLY INCREASED TO AT LEAST $4,003.
MR. WONG ADDED THAT THE FIGURE WAS STILL A RELATIVELY CONSERVATIVE ONE BECAUSE IT DID NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT TWO OTHER FACTORS: A FURTHER INCREASE IN THE COST Or LIVING SINCE THE END OF 1976 AND THE INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM TAX RATE FROM 2.5 PER CENT TO 5 PER CENT, WHEN THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WAS RAISED TO $10,030, WHICH ALREADY RESULTED IN SOME INCREASE IN SALARIES TAX.
AS TO CHILD ALLOWANCE, MR. WONG AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT IT SHOULD BE INCREASED. HOWEVER, IN LINE WITH FAMILY PLANNING, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE SCALE BE SLIGHTLY REVISED, THAT IS $5,303 FOR THE FIRST CHILD, $3,000 FOR THE SECOND CHILD AND $1,000 FOR THE THIRD CHILD, AND THE REST UNCHANGED.
+THIS SUGGESTION DOES NOT AIM AT FORCING PEOPLE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN THEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE BUT MERELY ENCOURAGES THEM TO HAVE BETTER FAMILY PLANNING IF POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
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/17
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
17
PLEA TO HEED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ SUGGESTIONS * H * *
THE GENERAL FEELINGS OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY PROPOSALS WERE TODAY SUMMED UP BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, WITH A PLEA TO THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THEIR SUGGESTIONS.
WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE ON BEHALF OF THE UNOFFICIALS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR. CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE UNOFFICIALS WERE NUMEROUS, BUT THEY GENERALLY GROUPED UNDER SIX MAJOR HEADINGS: BUDGETARY STRATEGY AND FINANCING POLICYTRADE, INDUSTRY AND ECONOMY- SOCIAL WELFARE AND MEDICAL SERVICES-HOUSING AND EDUCATION- CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND TAXATION.
DR. CHUNG DESCRIBED TAXATION AS POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SUBJECT IN ANY BUDGET DEBATE, AND ECHOED THE VIEWS OF THE MAJORITY OF UNOFFICIALS CONCERNING SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PROPOSED A MAXIMUM SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF $2,500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $5,000 FOR A MARRIED PERSON WITH A +CLAW-BACK+ OF 20 PER CENT.
DR. CHUNG, HOWEVER, MADE A COUNTER SUGGESTION THAT THE MAXIMUM SHOULD BE PEGGED TO THE INCREASE IN THE COST OF LIVING SINCE MARCH 1973 WHEN THE PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WAS LAST RAISED. THIS WOULD MEAN $4,000 AND $8,000 FOR A SINGLETON AND MARRIED PERSON RESPECTIVELY.
UNDER DR. CHUNG’S PROPOSAL, THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE WILL BE EXTENDED TO A SINGLETON WITH AN ANNUAL INCOME OF UP TO $34,000 AND A MARRIED PERSON WITH AN ANNUAL INCOME OF UP TO $68,000 AS OPPOSED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S RECOMMENDATION OF UP TO $25,000 AND $50,000 RESPECTIVELY.
ALTHOUGH THIS PROPOSAL WOULD INCUR SOME LOSS OF REVENUE, DR. CHUNG STRESSED THAT THE UNOFFICIALS FELT THAT IT WAS NOT +UNREASON-AELE+ AND DESERVED +SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION* BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
SHOULD THE PROPOSAL BE UNACCEPTABLE TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNOFFICIALS COULD GET TOGETHER TO WORK OUT A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE FORMULA.
DR. CHUNG ALSO REPEATED THE STRONG PLEA MADE BY HIS TWO UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES TO BRING BACK THE DEPENDENT PARENT’S ALLOWANCE BECAUSE +THE CHINESE, BOTH IN ACCORDANCE WITH TRADITION AND CUSTOM, LOOK AT THE NEED TO SUPPORT A DEPENDENT PARENT AS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN SUPPORTING A WIFE.*
ON THE QUESTION OF RATES AND RATEABLE VALUES, DR. CHUNG SUPPORTED REV. MCGOVERN’S ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE BASIC FORMULA USED BY GOVERNMENT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF RATEABLE VALUES.
THURSDAY, MARCH J1, 1977
18
+ HE ARGUES WITH CONSIDERABLE LOGIC THAT, AS RATES ARE NO LONGER A PAYMENT FOR SERVICES RENDERED BUT NOW A FORM OF INDIRECT TAXATION, IT IS NOT FAIR TO PUT THE BURDEN SOLELY ON THE OCCUPIERS OF PREMISES,+ DR. CHUNG SAID.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER SAID THAT MR. JAMES WU ALSO ARGUED THAT SINCE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOWED LANDLORDS A 10 PER CENT INCREASE IN RENTALS PER YEAR, WHY SHOULD IT ALLOW ITSELF AN INCREASE OF AS MUCH AS 33-1/3 PER CENT IN RATES. MR. WU BELIEVED THAT A REDUCTION TO A 25 PER CENT MAXIMUM INCREASE FOR THE FIRST YEAR WOULD PROVIDE A MEASURE OF RELIEF FROM HARDSHIP AND DIFFICULTY.
DR. CHUNG OBSERVED THAT THE REAL BASIC CAUSE OF PUBLIC RESENTMENT OVER THIS ISSUE WAS THE INCREASE FROM BETWEEN 60 PER CENT AND 80 PER CENT TO OVER 100 PER CENT IN THE RATIO OF RATEABLE VALUE TO ACTUAL RENTAL.
HE HOPED THAT CLARIFICATION WOULD BE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE GENUINE FACTORS WHICH HAVE LED TO SUCH A SHARP INCREASE IN RATEABLE VALUES OF PREMISES, THUS HELPING THE PUBLIC BETTER UNDERSTAND THE COMPLEXITIES OF THIS PARTICULAR EXERCISE.
REFERRING TO THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, DR. CHUNG EXPRESSED +DISAPPOINTMENT+ OVER THE GOVERNMENT’S LACK OF ANSWER TO THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS MADE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, AND LOOKED FORWARD TO A +POSITIVE+ REPLY.
HE REPEATED MR. F.K. LI’S CALL FOR THE SETTING UP OF A PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD EXAMINE THE ACCOUNTS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ENFORCE A SYSTEM OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS AND TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT SPECIFIC POINTS RAISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT.
ON HOUSING AND EDUCATION, DR. CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT HOME OWNERSHIP +FOSTERS A SENSE OF BELONGING AND REINFORCES SOCIAL STABILITY*.
+IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHERE MANY PEOPLE LOOK AT IT AS A TRANSIENT CENTRE,* HE SAID, +THESE CONSIDERATIONS ARE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE FOR OUR CONTINUED SURVIVAL.*
HOWEVER, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE DUE NOTICE OF THE SUGGESTION MADE BY MR. JOHN BREMRIDGE ON MARKETING THE PROJECT.
DR. CHUNG SAID HONG KONG’S FUTURE WELL-BEING ALSO DEPENDED ON THE ONLY RESOURCE IT HAS — MANPOWER.
HE EMPHASISED THAT HONG KONG MUST FULLY DEVELOP THIS RESOURCE THROUGH MORE INTEGRATED EDUCATION PLANNING AND MORE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5', 1777
- 19 -
IN HIGHLIGHTING THE POINTS RAISED ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND MEDICAL SERVICES BY HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, DR. CHUNG ASKED WITH A CHALLENGE WHO COULD NOW SAY WITH JUSTIFICATION THAT HONG KONG HAD NOT BEEN PUTTING SUFFICIENT EMPHASIS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE WAS REFERRING TO THE MASSIVE INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE IN THIS FIELD FROM ONLY *55 MILLION IN 1971-72 TO OVER $430 MILLION IM 1977-78 OR ALMOST EIGHT TIMES AS MUCH AFTER ONLY SIX YEARS.
DR. CHUNG, HOWEVER, JOINED HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES IN CALLING FOR +SYMPATHETIC+ CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS POLICY IN THE PROVISION OF CAPITAL FUNDS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE EXPANSION IN ORDER TO AVOID STOP-GO PLANNING AND TO ENSURE STEADY PROGRESS IN OUR SOCIAL PROGRAMMES.
HE ALSO ADVOCATED LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE FROM 75 TO 70 AND EVENTUALLY TO 65, AND THE REMOVAL OF THE PRESENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OLD PEOPLE IN INSTITUTION CARE.
REFERRING TO MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. CHUNG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO THE PROPOSALS PUT FORTH BY DR. HARRY FANG WHO, HE SAID, GAVE +A MOST VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO THE PROBLEMS OF OUR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.*
+THE HIGH TURNOVER OF DOCTORS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE IS NO SECRET AND IF THE STANDARD OF OUR MEDICAL SERVICES IS TO BE IMPROVED, A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM MUST BE FOUND AND FOUND QUICKLY,* HE SAID.
ON MATTERS OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND THE ECONOMY, DR. CHUNG SAID MOST UNOFFICIALS WERE +FAR FROM HAPPY* WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND AND SALES POLICY, WHICH IS A VITAL FACTOR OF PRODUCTION.
HE INDICATED THAT BECAUSE OF A LACK OF A LONG-TERM LAND SALES POLICY THE RESULT WAS THAT LAND PRICES'HAD BECOME UNREALISTICALLY HIGH.
DR. CHUNG QUOTED AN EXAMPLE WHICH,HE SAID, SHOWED THE +TREMENDOUS DISADVANTAGE* IN HONG KONG’S EXPORT-ORIENTcD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS FAR AS CAPITAL AND PRODUCTION COSTS WERE CONCERNED AS A RESULT OF THE UNREALISTICALLY HIGH LAND PRICES.
+1 AM SURE A LARGE NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SUPPORT THE CALL OF MR. JAMES WU AND MISS LYDIA DUNN THAT WE NEED A MORE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO THE PRODUCTION AND USE OF LAND WITH A VIEW TC CATERING PROPERLY FOR THE NEEDS OF BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTORS,* HE SAID.
DR. CHUNG ALSO SPOT-LIGHTED THE PROBLEMS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY CLOTHING AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS IN VIEW OF THE UNILATERAL ABROGATION OF BI-LATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS BY HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS, AND THE COMPETITION FROM THE MAIN RIVALS, SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN.
THURSDAY, MARCH J1, '977
-RO-
HE SUPPORTED MR. FRANCIS TIEN’S REQUEST FOR A RE-ASSURANCE FROM HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT THAT IT SHOULD NOT ONLY PLAY NO PART IN THE EEC IN MATTERS WHICH ADVERSELY OR UNFAIRLY AFFECT HONG KONG BUT SHOULD DO MORE TO DEFEND AND SAFEGUARD HONG KONG’S INTERESTS.
LOOKING AT THE 1977-78 BUDGET AS A WHOLE, HOWEVER, DR. CHUNG SAID ALL THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WERE IN GENERAL SUPPORT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSALS THOUGH SOME ACADEMICS AND OTHERS HAD DESCRIBED IT AS DULL, UNEXCITING AND UNIMAGINATIVE.
HE PRAISED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR HIS +FI NE PERFORMANCE* IN PRESENTING THE BUDGET.
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MACHINERY GUARDING REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE FROM TOMORROW
*****
FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS WERE TODAY REMINDED THAT THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS 1976 WILL COME INTO FORCE TOMORROW (APRIL 1).
THE REGULATIONS WHICH AIM TO BRING ABOUT A SAFER INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT FOR WORKERS, GIVE GUIDANCE ON THE GUARDING OF DANGEROUS MACHINERY.
THEY SPECIFY DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY OR PLANT WHICH NEED EFFECTIVE GUARDING, AND DESCRIBE FIVE METHODS OF GUARDING, WHICH CAN BE ADOPTED.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, OFFENDERS COULD BE FINED FOR NOT ADEQUATELY GUARDING DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINERY OR FOR NOT USING MACHINE GUARDS.
MR. DAVID LIN, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, SAID: +THESE REGULATIONS WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND TIME WAS ALLOWED FOR PROPRIETORS TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THEIR MACHINES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH PROPER GUARDING.
+DURING THIS TIME OUR INSPECTORATE TO EDUCATE EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE PUBLICITY,* HE ADDED.
STAFF HAS BEEN HELPING
NEW LAW BY TRAINING AND
TO HELP PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS, AN EXPLANATORY HANDBOOK IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE HAS BEEN PRINTED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
- 21 -
LEGCO APPROVES PROPOSALS ON RATES
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A RESOLUTION UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE, GIVING EFFECT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S THREE-FOLD PROPOSALS ON RATES -- OUTLINED IN HIS BUDGET STATEMENT
IN MOVING THE MOTION FOR THE RESOLUTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT HIS FIRST PROPOSAL — A REDUCTION IN THE GENERAL RATES FROM 12 TO 7-1/2 PER CENT FROM APRIL 1, 1977 -- WAS RELATED TO THE RECENT REVALUATION.
HE NOTED THAT RATEABLE VALUES FOR 1977-78 WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN THE CURRENT VALUATION LIST BECAUSE +RATEABLE VALUES ARE BASED ON MARKET RENTS AND EXISTING RATEABLE VALUES WERE ASSESSED IN 1972 WHEN RENTS WERE MUCH LOWER THAN THEY ARE TODAY+.
+GIVEN THE REVALUATION, SINCE REVENUE FROM RATES FOR 1977-78 SEEMED LIKELY TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN FOR 1976-77, I CAME TO THE CONCLUSION, WHICH I ANNOUNCED ON 5TH JANUARY LAST IN THIS COUNCIL, THAT I WAS IN A POSITION TO PROPOSE A REDUCTION IN THE PERCENTAGE CHARGE.
+IN LINE WITH THE POLICY OF ACHIEVING A STEADY GROWTH IN GENERAL RATE REVENUE, I AM SATISFIED THAT THE 4.5 PERCENTAGE POINTS REDUCTION IN THE GENERAL RATE IS JUSTIFIED AND IN THE PUBLIC’S INTEREST,+ HE SAID.
ON HIS SECOND PROPOSAL WHICH SEEKS TO REDUCE THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE BY TWO PERCENTAGE POINTS FROM SIX TO FOUR PER CENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INDICATED THAT SINCE APRIL 1, 1973 THE URBAN AREAS HAD BEEN CHARGED THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL RATE.
HE SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE AT SIX PER CENT WAS CALCULATED TO YIELD SUFFICIENT REVENUE TO MEET THE COUNCIL’S BUDGETTED NET EXPENDITURE IN 1973-74.
THIS PERCENTAGE RATE, HE WENT ON, HAD YIELDED SUFFICIENT REVENUE FOR THE COUNCIL’S NET EXPENDITURE SINCE THEN.
+GIVEN THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES FROM THE 1976 REVALUATION THE COUNCIL HAS RECOMMENDED AND IT IS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL RATE BE SET AT FOUR PER CENT,+ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE EFFECT OF THESE TWO PROPOSALS .<OULD EE TO REDUCE THE TOTAL RATES CHARGED IL THE URBAN AREAS FROM 18 TO 11-1/2 PER CENT CF THE RATEABLE VALUES.
HE SAID: +AS A RESULT, THE TOTAL RATES PAYAELE WILL, IN SOME CASES, ACTUALLY EE LESS.
THURSDAY, MARCH J1, 1977
- 22 -
+REDUCTIONS WILL BE ENJOYED BY A PROPORTION OF RATEPAYERS IN MOST CLASSES, BUT MAINLY BY THOSE IN SMALL FLATS, SHOPS AND MISCELLANEOUS COMMERCIAL PREMISES, FACTORIES AND STORAGE PREMISES AND BY THE RATEPAYERS IN SOME 1,000 OR SO PRE-WAR PREMISES.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THEN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN HIS THIRD PROPOSAL: REDUCTION IN THE GENERAL RATE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN A wAY AND TO AN EXTENT COMPARABLE TO THAT PROPOSED FOR THE URBAN AREAS.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL, THE GENERAL RATE PERCENTAGE FOR TSUEN WAN/KWA I CHUNG FOR 1977-78 WOULD BE REDUCED FROM 18 TO 11 PER CENT AND THE CORRESPONDING GENERAL RATE PERCENTAGE FOR THE SEVEN AREAS, NAMELY YUEN LONG, TAI PO, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, LUEN WO MARKET/ON LOK TSUEN AND SHEK WU HUI, BROUGHT INTO ASSESSMENT FROM. APRIL 1 LAST, WOULD BE SEVEN PER CENT.
THE RATE CHARGE FOR THE NEW AREA -- SAI KUNG -- BROUGHT INTO ASSESSMENT FROM APRIL 1, THIS YEAR WOULD BE 5.5 PER CENT.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE TOTAL YIELD FROM THE GENERAL RATES FOR 1977-78, APPLYING THESE NEW PERCENTAGES TO THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES, WAS ESTIMATED AT $767 MILLION.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD SIGNED THE NECESSARY REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER UNDER THE REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE, THEREBY GIVING EFFECT TO THE SCHEME OF RELIEF FOR RATEPAYERS PROPOSED IN HIS BUDGET.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN 1977-78, IRRESPECTIVE OF INCREASES IN RATEABLE VALUES, SHOULD NOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 ?ER CENT OF THE RATES PAID BY HIM IN 1976-77..
IN ADDITION, THE RATES PAYABLE BY A RATEPAYER IN I978-79 SHOULD NOT INCREASE BY MORE THAN 33-1/3 PER CENT OF THE RATES PA ID BY HIM IN 1977-78.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
- 2? -
WALLA-w'ALLA fare increase
******
THE PRIVATE HIRE CHARGES FCR WALLA-WALLAS WILL EE INCREASED WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE INCREASES VARY FROM 25 PER CENT FOR BIG BOATS LICENSED T"> CARRY MORE THAN 53 PASSENGERS TO 31 PER CENT FOR SMALL EOATS LICENSED TO CARRY UP TO 33 PASSENGERS.
THE HIRE PERIODS HAVE BEEN REVISED AND HAVE NOW BEEN SET AT PERIODS OF 23 MINUTES FROM 43 MINUTES UPWARDS.
THE FARE FOR THE LATE NIGHT WALLA-.vALLA SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AND QUEEN’S PIER HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED FROM il TO 31.53.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE NEW RATES WERE INTRODUCED FOLLOWING LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS . I TH THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MOTOR BOATS ASSOCIATION, AND A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE PROFITABILITY OF THE OPERATION OF WALLA-wALLAS.
THEY TAKE INTO ACCOUNT HIGHER WAGES AND OPERATING COSTS AND THE DROP IN BUSINESS FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.
THE LAST TIME THAT THE WALLA-WALLAS INCREASED THEIR FARES WAS JUST OVER THREE YEARS AGO.
THE NEW FARE SCALES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PERIOD OF HIRE
BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY UP TO 30 PASSENGERS
BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY BETWEEN 30 AND 50 PASSENGERS
BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY MORE THAN 50 PASSENGERS
1. ANY PERIOD
NOT EXCEEDING
43 MINUTES $13 $17 ^20
2. ANY PERIOD
BETWEEN 40
MINUTES AND
ONE HOUR $20 $26 $30
3. EACH SUBSEQUENT
PERIOD OF 20
MINUTES OR
PART THEREOF 37 S8 $13
(RATE PER MINUTE: 34 CENTS 42 CENTS 53 CENTS)
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THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
2U
CAREERS EXHIBITION ON WHEELS
******
HUNDREDS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TODAY (THURSDAY) FLOCKED TO THE KING GEORGE V SCHOOL IN KOWLOON TO SEE A CAREERS EXHIBITION ON WHEELS.
ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE TWO-DAY EXHIBITION AIMS TO DISSEMINATE UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION TO WOULD-BE SCHOOL LEAVERS.
IT FEATURES A DISPLAY OF CAREERS LITERATURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS AND CARTOONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GOVERNMENT, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
THE VISUAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM RECENTLY DONATED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA IS BEING PUT TO GOOD USE DURING THE EXHIBITION.
REOPENING OF MAN WAH LANE TO TRAFFIC
*****
THE NORTHERN SECTION OF MAN WAH LANE BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. OK SATURDAY (APRIL 2).
THIS FOLLOWS THE COMPLETION OF THE ENTRANCE AND VENTILATION SHAFT FOR THE FUTURE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WESTERN MARKET
STAT IC
AS THE WIDTH OF THE CARRIAGEWAY AVAILABLE FOR TRAFFIC WILL BY ONLY 12 FEET, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN URGED DRIVERS OF VEHICLES OF OVER TWO TONS TO AVOID USING MAN WAH LANE AS MUCH AS °OSSIBLE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
25
PASSING-CUT PARADE OF H.K. SEA SCHOOL
* * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. FRED WATSON, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT A PASSING-CUT PARADE AT THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL IN STANLEY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
HE WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE GRADUATES
WHO WILL SOON BE LEAVING THE SCHOOL FOR SERVICE AT SEA WITH THE MERCHANT NAVY.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION, MR. WATSON AND A NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED GUESTS WILL TOUR THE SCHOOL TO SEE THE STUDENTS IN VARIOUS TRAINING SESSIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30 A.M. A SCHOOL OFFICIAL WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
WATER CUT
* * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 2) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS IN THE AREAS.
IN WESTERN DISTRICT, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY MORRISON STREET, WING LOK STREET, THE SOUTH SIDE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SUTHERLAND STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
IN SHAM SHU I ?0, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY CHEUNG FAT STREET, PO ON ROAD, PRATAS STREET, UN CHAU STREET, TONKIN STREET AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, INCLUDING SHUN KING ROAD, FAT TSEUNG STREET AND a I NG LUNG STREET.
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F
THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 1977
26 -
43 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ISSUED TO SAN PO KONG FACTORY OWNERS * * * * *
OFFICERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TURNED UP IN FULL FORCE TODAY TO INSPECT THE COMMON MEANS OF ESCAPE IN FACTORIES IN SAN PO KONG AREA.
THE INSPECTION FOLLOWS THE ONE MADE LAST WEEK WHEN MOST OF THE BUILDINGS INSPECTED WERE FOUND TO BE IN UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS.
OVER 130 MEN TOOK PART IN TODAY’S OPERATION WHICH LASTED FOR MORE THAN SEVEN HOURS.
ALTOGETHER 16 FACTORY BUILDINGS WERE INSPECTED RESULTING IN THE ISSUE OF 40 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ON THE SPOT. ANOTHER 36 ABATEMENT NOTICES MAINLY RELATING TO STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS WILL BE ISSUED LATER.
IN ADDITION, SUMMONS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN OUT AGAINST A FACTORY OWNER FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE ABATEMENT NOTICE PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON HIM.
THE OFFICERS WILL CONTINUE THE INSPECTION IN THE AREA TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
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