DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW LAND SOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT SUGGESTED .............. 1
NEW INDEPENDENT SALARIES COMMISSION REQUIRED ............ 3
VARIETY AND DIVERSITY OF SCHOOLS ENCOURAGED ............. 4
IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS STRESSED ... 7
CALL FOR SETTING UP OF RESEARCH COUNCIL ................. 9
HELP SMALL FACTORY OPERATORS ............................ 11
PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR NEEDED TO REDUCE INCONVENIENCE TO PUBLIC BY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ......................... 14
WARNING OF A POSSIBLE MANPOWER SHORTAGE ................. 16
SPECIAL ZONE PROPOSED FOR DYEING AND FINISHING MILLS .... 17
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS ........................................... 19
NEW AREAS IN NT BROUGHT UNDER PROPERTY TAX NET........... 20
LABOUR DEPARTMENT MOVES TSUEN WAN S'JB-OFFICE .......... 21
ALL SUSPENDED POSTAL SERVICES BACK TO NORMAL ............ 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LUGARD ROAD ....................... 22
WATER CUT ............................................... 22
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
1
NEW LAND SOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT SUGGESTED
******
SENIOR UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, SAID TODAY THAT HONG KONG COULD ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT FROM THE PLAINS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND BY RESITING THE AIRPORT OFF THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU.
LEADING OFF THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR. CHEUNG SAID THE ARGUMENT ABOUT THIS LAND SOURCE IS THAT IT WOULD BE +HIDEOUSLY EXPENSIVE* TO RESUME THE PLOTS WITHIN THE PLAINS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL WELL-POPULATED AND ALL THE LAND IS PROBABLY IN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP AND THE NECESSITY TO PRESERVE GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND.
♦YET WITHIN THE LAST 25 YEARS I HAVE SEEN THE CONVERSION OF RICE FIELDS TO ECONOMICALLY MORE PRODUCTIVE CROP AND VEGETABLE FARMS, TO NURSERIES FOR PLANTS AND FLOWERS, TO FISH PONDS, TO CHICKEN BATTERIES AND PIG PENS, AND GRADUALLY TO COTTAGE FACTORIES-THE PROGRESSION IS RELENTLESS, AND IN MY JUDGMENT, IRREVERSIBLE, AND IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT IS BEST TO TAKE THE BULL BY THE HORNS,+ MR. CHEUNG SAID.
HOWEVER, MR. CHEUNG SAID HE DID NOT ADVOCATE THAT THE GOVERNMENT NECESSARILY PROCEED BY THE USUAL LAYOUT AND RESUMPTION.
+BUT GIVEN THAT WE DECIDE IT IS DESIRABLE TO TURN AGRICULTURAL LAND TO RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO SIT DOWN AND THINK VERY HARD ON HOW BEST IT WOULD BE TO BRING ABOUT SUCH CONVERSION, ON TERMS THAT ARE FAIR TO THE PRESENT OWNERS,* HE SAID.
ON THE SECOND LAND SOURCE, MR. CHEUNG SAID IT WOULD BE A ♦DIRECT AND DOUBLE* BENEFIT RESULTING FROM A DECISION TO BUILD A NEW AIRPORT OFF THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU.
MR. CHEUNG SAID IF IT IS SITED AS PRESENTLY CONTEMPLATED, IT WILL FREE KAI TAK FOR BUILDING, AND A +NOT INCONSIDERABLE* HECTARAGE OF PRIME LAND WILL BE RELEASED FOR BUILDING, ESPECIALLY IF FURTHER RECLAMATION IS CARRIED OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RUNWAY.
♦SECONDLY,♦ HE SAID, +IT WILL FREE KOWLOON FROM THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDING HEIGHTS, FROM THE REMOVAL OF WHICH GOVERNMENT CAN RECEIVE SUBSTANTIAL PAYMENTS OF PREMIA.*
MR. CHEUNG FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE TWO SOURCES OF CAPITAL REVENUE TO BE DERIVED FROM MOVING THE AIRPORT WILL BE MORE THAN THAT REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND FURBISHING OF THE NEW ONE.
♦AND THE OPTIMUM DATE FOR STARTING THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION MAY BE 1982, WHEN THE MTR IS FINISHED,+ MR. CHEUNG SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE RECENT CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA SEEM TO HIM TO WARRANT AN EARLIER DECISION AND AN EARLIER DATE OF COMPLETION THAN CONTEMPLATED.
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MR. CHEUNG ALSO EXPRESSED CONCEFN THAT THE DEMAND FOR ADMINISTRATORS, TECHNOLOGISTS, MANAGERS, AND PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE WOULD BEFORE TOO LONG EXCEED THE SUPPLY THAT THE PRESENTLY PLANNED EXPANSION IN TERTIARY PLACES WOULD MEET.
REFERRING TO THE WHITE PAPER ON DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, MR. CHEUNG SAID THAT IN THE FIELD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION, HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD KEEP FIRMLY IN MIND THAT WHERE QUALITY EXISTS IN SOME SCHOOLS, IT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND NURTURED, AND NOT BUR ED FOR THE SAKE OF UNIFORMITY AND EASE OF ADMINISTRATION.
♦FOR IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANCE TO TAKE THE TROUBLE AND SPEND THE MONEY ON TRAINING TOMORROW'S LEADERS, AS IT IS TO TURN OUT GOOD POLICE CADETS ON WHOM, WE ALL AGREE, LARGE SUMS OF MONEY ARE SPENT,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEUNG ALSO SAID THE UNOFFICIALS WERE AWAITING WITH GREAT INTEREST THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS ON HOUSING AND LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND ON THE MACHINERY FOR SETTLING PAY AND STRUCTURE PROBLEMS.
ON RECREATION, MR. CHEUNG CALLED FOR +MASSIVE INCREASES* IN THREE SORTS OF FACILITIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE -- SQUASH COURTS, YOUTH HOSTELS IN COUNTRY PARKS AND SAILING, ROWING AND CANOEING CENTRES, TOGETHER WITH THE NECESSARY DINGHIES, BOATS AND CANOES.
MR. CHEUNG ALSO THANKED FOR THE GOVERNOR FOR THE ACHIEVEMENTS HE AND HIS GOVERNMENT HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT IN HIS TENURE OF OFFICE, AND SAID ALL THESE HAD BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT VIOLATING +OUR BASIC CONCEPTS OF POLICY: REASONABLE TAXATION, MINIMAL INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, A FREE PRESS, THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF PRODUCTIVE WORK, AND JUST RECOGNITION AND REWARD OF THE INDUSTRIOUS
+AND AS A DIPLOMATIST FROM THE WORLD’S HARDEST AND FINEST SCHOOL (LACKING ONLY, BUT THANKFULLY, THE CUTTING LOGIC OF SOME OF ITS VETERANS) YOU HAVE RESOLUTELY MADE IT YOUR TASK TO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WITH THE FRUITS FOR ALL TO SEE AND TO TAKE HEART.
♦SELDOM HAVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD SUCH GOOD CAUSE TO THANK A GOVERNOR FOR THE ACHIEVEMENTS HE AND HIS GOVERNMENT HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT IN HIS TENURE OF OFFICE, TO EE THANKFUL FOR THE FABRIC, WORKS, PLANS AND POLICIES IN BEING, AND THE HOPES FOR TOMORROW.*
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
NEW INDEPENDENT SALARIES COMMISSION REQUIRED ******
IN INCIDENTS OF INDUSTRIAL ACTI3N BY CIVIL SERVANTS, IT IS MOST UNSATISFACTORY, AS IT IS THE PRESENT PRACTICE, TO REFER AGGRIEVED PARTIES TO THE SENIOR STAF- OF THEIR OWN DEPARTMENTS, DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG SAID IN THE .EGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THIS IS SO FROM THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE OFFICERS’ POINT OF VIEW. +THE DEPARTMENT HAS THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF NOT ONLY IDENTIFYING ITSELF WITH THE ’MANAGEMENT’ BUT MUST ALSO BE SEEN TO BE LOYAL TO ITS OWN STAFF. THERE IS BOUND TO BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST HERE,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE GROWING COMPLEXITIES AND SOPHISTICATION OF OUR SOCIETY ANO THE COMMUNITY’S ASPIRATIONS TOWARDS THE BETTER THINGS IN LIFE, THE GOVERNMENT, AS A GOOD EMPLOYER, MUST ENSURE THAT BASIC SALARY SCALES AND THE STRUCTURE OF A PARTICULAR CLASS OF OFFICERS OR DIFFERENT RANKS WITHIN IT, REMAIN APPROPRIATE FOR THE DUTIES INVOLVED.
HE FELT THAT A BETTER MACHINERY TO RESOLVE STAFF DISPUTES OVER PAY AND CAREER PROSPECTS IS URGENTLY REQUIRED, MORE PARTICULARLY SINCE STRIKE ACTION OR WORK TO RULE WOULD BRING HARDSHIP TO NEEDY FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO RELY ON THE SERVICES IN QUESTION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT SINCE THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE AND INTERNAL RELATIVITIES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE NOW SOMEWHAT OUT OF PHASE, A NEW INDEPENDENT SALARIES COMMISSION COMPRISING EXPERTS KNOWLEDGEABLE IN HONG KONG, SHOULD NOW BE APPOINTED TO LOOK INTO THE SERVICE ACROSS THE BOARD.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NEED FOR A STANDING COMMITTEE TO ACT AS WATCHDOG, PERHAPS ALONG THE LINES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON SUPERSCALE SALARIES.
DR. FANG WELCOMED THE IMPROVED ELIGIBILITY FOR HOUSING FOR GOVERNMENT DOCTORS WHICH HE THOUGHT WOULD PERSUADE SOME OF THEM TO STAY LONGER.
+IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE GOOD HOUSING COMMANDS SUCH A HIGH PREMIUM, A SCHEME TO ENA3LE DOCTORS AND OTHER ELIGIBLE OFFICERS, IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE AND SEX, TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN ACCOMMODATION WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS RETAINING EXPERIENCED STAFF WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT ALSO DO WELL TO OBTAIN INSURANCE COVER FOR ITS DOCTORS WHOSE PROFESSION IS MORE VULNERABLE TO CLAIMS OF MALPRACTICE THAN ALMOST ANY OTHER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENT OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF PROVIDES IN CASES OF LITIGATION IS DEPENDENT ON THE CULPABILITY OF THE OFFICER INVOLVED.
THIS ELEMENT OF UNCERTAINTY IS OBVIOUSLY WORRYING TO THE STAFF, HE SAID, UPON WHOM WE RELY FOR AN ADEQUATE MEDICAL SERVICE.
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HONG KONG MAY NOT HAVE THE ABSURD SITUATION LIKE IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT THE TENDENCY TOWARDS INCREASING LITIGATION CANNOT BE DISCOUNTED.
THE PREMIUM INVOLVED, WHICH WOULD COVER UNLIMITED LIABILITIES, SHOULD AMOUNT TO NO MORE THAN 2250,000 A YEAR. +SET AGAINST THE TIME SPENT BY LEGAL OFFICERS IN DEFENDING ANY CLAIMS AND THE AMOUNTS SPENT IN FINAL SETTLEMENT, SUCH A SMALL INVESTMENT SEEMS EMINENTLY WORTHWHILE,♦ HE ADDED.
LET THERE BE VARIETY AND DIVERSITY OF SCHOOLS — MISS BENNETT ******
SCHOOLS, PARTICULARLY THOSE RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SHOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THEIR OWN CHARACTERISTICS, THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+D0 NOT LET US PRETEND THAT AT THE END OF THE DECADE ALL SCHOOLS ARE GOING TO BE EQUAL,+ SHE SAID, +LET US REJOICE RATHER THAT THERE WILL BE VARIETY AND DIVERSITY.
+IF WE DESIRE OUR SCHOOLS TO BE ALL THE SAME WITH NO ENCOURAGEMENT TO INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE AND BRILLIANCE, WE SHALL BE DESTROYING THE NATURAL HONG KONG ABILITY TO EXCEL.+
SHE SUPPORTED THE GIVING OF SPECIAL GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE NEW CURRICULA IN CERTAIN SUBJECTS, AND FURTHER URGED THAT EACH SCHOOL RUN BY A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION BE ENCOURAGED TO EXCEL IN AT LEAST ONE PARTICULAR FIELD.
SHE THOUGHT THAT CHARGING TONG FAI HAS ENABLED THE AIDED SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW SUGGESTIONS WITHOUT HAVING TO BE DELAYED BY BUREAUCRACY, AND THE BENEFITS OF THIS TO THE STUDENTS ARE APPRECIATED BY THE PARENTS.
AS THESE BENEFITS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN THE SENIOR SECTION OF A SCHOOL, SHE ASKED THAT TONG FAI IN FORMS IV TO VI BE KEPT AND BE INCREASED WHEN NECESSARY. SHE ALSO URGED THAT AIDED SCHOOLS BE ALLOWED TO RETAIN FLEXIBILITY AND FREEDOM TO SPEND RECURRENT GRANTS WITHIN REASONABLE LIMITS.
REGARDING THE ABOLITION OF TONG FAI IN FORMS I TO III, MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT THAT A SCHEME HAS YET TO BE WORKED OUT WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE VOLUNTARY BODIES, BY WHICH THE CHILD DOES NOT HAVE TO PAY ANY EXTRA CHARGES AND YET THEY HAVE THE FREEDOM TO RUN THEIR SCHOOLS ON THEfR OWN LINES WITH THEIR OWN EMPHASIS.
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SHE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF SEARCHING FOR THE CORRECT BALANCE OF FREEDOM AND CONTROL. +TO REMOVE ALL INITIATIVE AND OPPORTUNITY TO BE DIFFERENT WOULD DOWNGRADE ALL AIDED SCHOOLS TO A CATEGORY OF SCHOOL INFERIOR TO AND UNABLE TO COMPETE WITH GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS A STATED POLICY OF FREE EDUCATION, CHILDREN WHO RECEIVE THIS EDUCATION STILL HAVE TO BUY THEIR OWN TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY UNLESS THEY ARE POOR AND IN PRIMARY SCHOOL OR THEIR PARENTS ARE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASS I STANCE.
MOST SCHOOLS ALSO REQUIRE SOME FORM OF SCHOOL UNIFORM WHICH IS NOT FREE. BECAUSE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ABOLITION OF TONG FAI IN FORMS I TO III COULD NOT BE MADE IN TIME FOR THE PRESENT SCHOOL YEAR, CHILDREN IN AIDED SCHOOLS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO PAY THIS SUBSCRIPTION.
MISS BENNETT ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EMPLOY MORE EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS TO TEST SLOW-LEARNING CHILDREN AND TO DISCOVER THE REASONS FOR THEIR SLOWNESS.
AT THE MOMENT ONLY 220 SLOW-LEARNERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE OR 3.3 PER CENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SLOW-LEARNER POPULATION ARE ACCOMMODATED IN SPECIAL CLASSES. THE PERCENTAGE OF SLOW-LEARNERS IN EACH AGE GROUP HOWEVER MAY WELL BE 13 PER CENT.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT VERY LITTLE HAS BEEN DONE AMONG THE SLOW-LEARNING CHINESE CHILDREN AND HOPED THAT THE UNIVERSITIES WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THEIR DISABILITIES IN LEARNING THE CHINESE LANGUAGE.
MISS BENNETT WAS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF TEACHING THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE SCRIPT IN HONG KONG WHICH IS NOT USED AT THE UNITED NATIONS.
SHE HOPED TO BE ASSURED THAT THE EXPERTS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE ACTIVELY RESEARCHING INTO THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE, TOGETHER WITH A STUDY OF WHY CHILDREN ARE SLOW IN LEARNING TO READ AND WRITE THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE.
SPEAKING FROM HER EXPERIENCE AS A FORMER CHILD-CARE CENTRE SUPERVISOR, MISS BENNETT SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT CHILD-CARE WORKERS TAKE INTEREST IN THEIR JOB AND ARE HELPED TO MAKE IT A CAREER.
SHE THEREFORE THOUGHT THE PROPOSALS TO LOWER THE BASIC EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR CHILD-CARE WORKERS NEED FURTHER CONS I DERATION.
BY ASKING FOR COMPLETION OF FORM V WITH A MINIMUM OF TaO SUBJECTS AT GRADE E HOWEVER, MANY STUDENTS COMPLETING FORM V WITHOUT THE FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE E REQUIRED FOR MANY CAREERS WILL BE ABLE TO TURN TO CHILD-CARE CENTRES FOR A GOOD CAREER AND CAN LOOK FORWARD TO BECOMING A SUPERVISOR, WHICH REQUIRES A SIMILAR MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION.
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SHE HOPED THAT MORE CAREERS ADVISORY CENTRES CAN SOON BE ESTABLISHED TO ATTRACTVTHE RIGHT PEOPLE TO WORK FOR THE YOUNG AND THE HANDICAPPED.
SHE ALSO ASKED THAT THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE HANDICAPPED BE PUT IN OPERATION SOONER AND THAT THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WORK FASTER. IN JUNE THIS YEAR, SHE SAID, 1,504 SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN WERE KNOWN TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. BESIDES, OVER A THOUSAND MORE MENTALLY RETARDED CITIZENS WERE IN NEED OF TRAINING.
QUOTING THE DISTRICT OF KWUN TONG, MISS BENNETT DREW ATTENTION TO EXISTING INADEQUATE FACILITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND SICK IN HONG KONG.
THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN OPEN FOR NEARLY FIVE YEARS AND IS NOW INSUFFICIENT DUE TO RAPID INCREASE IN POPULATION. THIS POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN FIVE YEARS FROM THE PRESENT 640,000 TO SOME 840,000.
+ THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER AGREES THAT A SECOND HOSPITAL IS NEEDED, BUT DOES NOT KNOW WHERE IT WILL BE BUILT OR BY WHOM,* SHE SAID. +AT LEAST FIVE YEARS ARE NEEDED FROM THE FIRST DRAFT PLANS TO THE OPENING OF A HOSPITAL. THE SITUATION MAY BE WORSE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEARBY WHICH WILL HAVE A FUTURE POPULATION OF A QUARTER OF A MILLION,* SHE ADDED.
MISS BENNETT FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THIS NEED FOR MORE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN KWUN TONG HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MORE LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY, SUCH AS COULD EE FOSTERED BY ESTABLISHING TOWN HALLS IN THE URBAN AREAS, IN ADDITION TO THE SETTING UP OF SCHOOLS NETS AND REGIONALISATION OF MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
+AS OUR POPULATION GROWS AND MATURES, I THINK THE TIME IS COMING TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPATION AND RESPONSIBILITY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL,* SHE ADDED.
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IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS STRESSED *****
PROFICIENCY IN LANGUAGE AND IMPROVEMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM IN REALISING OUR AIMS IN EDUCATION, THE HON. ALEX WU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE STRESSED THAT HE WAS NOT IN ANY SENSE A REACTIONARY BUT HE BELIEVED THAT WE MAY HAVE OVER-REACTED TO THE NEEDS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY TO THE EXTENT OF UNDERRATING SOME OF THE OLD ACADEMIC VIRTUES. BROAD PERSPECTIVES ARE AS MUCH NEEDED BY TECHNOLOGICAL MAN AS BY HIS ANCESTORS, HE SAID.
IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, W‘E HAVE POSSIBLY THE TWO MOST SUBTLE AND EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGES, DEPENDENT FOR THE RICHNESS OF THEIR EXPRESSION ON LONG AND VIVID LITERATURES.
+FOR BOTH LANGUAGES, THERE IS A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THEIR FUNCTION AS THE SOUNDS AND SYMBOLS OF UTILITARIAN COMMUNICATION, AND THEIR POWER, DEPENDING ON THE APPRECIATION OF LITERATURE AND HISTORY, TO CONVEY IDEAS BY IMAGERY AND ALLUS ION,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR BI-LINGUAL SOCIETY THAT IDEAS CAN BE CONVEYED ACCURATELY AND EFFECTIVELY, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN OUR TWO LANGUAGES.
THE FORMS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT WE ARE DEVELOPING CALL FOR AN INCREASING ABILITY TO UNDERSTAND, TO DISCUSS AND TO COMMUNICATE IN NOT NECESSARILY FAMILIAR CONCEPTS, HE EXPLAINED.
CONFIDENCE IN OUR LEGAL SYSTEM TOO DEMANDS EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND RECENTLY WE HAVE HAD TO MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN THE COURTS.
IN A WIDER SENSE, THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE TO THE FULL POWER OF LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT IN HONG KONG BECAUSE WE ARE ALMOST ENTIRELY DEPENDENT ON OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS, MORE ESPECIALLY SO FOR OUR INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
FURTHERMORE, IN OUR ROLE AS AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD AND IN OUR RELATIONS WITH CHINA, WHICH CAN LEAD TO EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FOR US AS +A POWERHOUSE OF ENTERPRISE AND INVENTION*, COMMUNICATION WILL BE A MAJOR ASSET DEPENDENT ABOVE ALL UPON LANGUAGE.
MR. WU THOUGHT THAT AS AN IMMEDIATE TASK WE SHOULD MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO IM°ROVE THE COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS OF OUR TRAINEE TEACHERS AS FAR AS THAT CAN BE DONE AT SUCH A LATE STAGE OF THEIR EDUCATION.
+AT THE SAME TIME,* HE SAID, +WE MUST ADDRESS OURSELVES TO THE A=PRECI AT ION OF LANGUAGE AS THE MEDIUM OF IDEAS AND THE EXPRESSION OF CULTURE AND GIVE IT THE STATUS WHICH IT DOES NOT NOW HAVE IN OUR SCHOOL.*
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MR. WU WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSITION STATED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION THAT +THE CONTENT AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE SUCH AS WOULD PROMOTE GREATER ADAPTABILITY, PROFICIENCY IN A WIDE RANGE OF TECHNICAL SKILLS, BROAD PERSPECTIVES, AND THE CAPACITY TO THINK LOGICALLY AND TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY.*
MR. WU SAID THESE AIMS, AND THE FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION SUMMARISED IN THE WHITE PAPER WHICH INCLUDED +A SENSE OF MORAL AND SOCIAL VALUES* AND AN APPRECIATION OF CULTURE, HAD ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BEEN ADVOCATED BY HIM IN THE COUNCIL.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT HIS SUGGESTIONS A YEAR AGO FOR A POLICY ON SUBSIDIES FOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND POSSIBLY AN ARTS COUNCIL TO PREVENT OVERLAPPING OF EFFORT, HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN UP.
+THE NEED IS BECOMING URGENT. WE HAVE THE ARTS CENTRE AND WE HAVE THE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED AND PROMOTED PROGRAMMES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
+ IT DOES NOT TAKE MUCH PERCEPTION TO SEE THAT THERE IS ALREADY SOME OVERLAPPING AND PERHAPS EVEN SOME WASTE,♦ HE SAID.
PUBLIC SUBSIDY OF THE ARTS IS RECOGNISED AS A NECESSITY IN THE MOST ADVANCED SOCIETIES AND IS CERTAINLY REQUIRED IN HONG KONG WHERE SPACE FOR PERFORMANCE OR EXHIBITION IS SCARCE AND EXPENSIVE, AND WHERE THE COST OF BRINGING IN INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS MAY BE PROHIBITIVE ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS.
WE MUST AVOID COMPETITION BETWEEN DIFFERENT BODIES WHO EACH, IN SOME WAY, ENJOY A FORM OF PUBLIC SUBSIDY.
THAT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO OUR INTEREST AND WITH THE INCREASING PUBLIC FACILITIES BECOMING AVAILABLE, WE SHOULD BE PREPARED TO AVOID IT, AND TO MAXIMISE OUR RESOURCES IN THIS FIELD.
THE PROMOTION OF THE ARTS IS AN EXPENSIVE MATTER IN HONG KONG, +WE MUST BE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING THE UTMOST VALUE FOR OUR MONEY IN TERMS OF QUALITY AS WELL AS QUANTITY,* HE SAID.
MR. WU AGREED WITH THE GOVERNOR THAT OUR ABILITY TO PLAN AHEAD AND TO REALISE OUR AMBITIONS DEPENDS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR ECONOMY.
HE ALSO WELCOMED THE GOVERNOR’S CONTINUED CONFIDENCE THAT ONE OF THE TWO DISQUIETING FACTORS IN OUR ECONOMY -- EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION -- CAN BE RESTORED TO A HEALTHY BALANCE WITH EARNINGS BY NATURAL ECONOMIC FORCES.
+ l WOULD BE RELUCTANT,* HE SAID, +TO SEE US RESORT TO MORE DIRECT ATTEMPTS TO REGULATE BEHAVIOUR IN THE ECONOMIC FIELD.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR’S REVIEW OF OUR DEVELOPMENT INTO THE 1980’S WAS BASED ON SENSIBLE COSTING AND ON PROGRAMMES WE ARE INITIATING NOW.
THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE A FEW YEARS AGO WHEN OUR FORWARD PLANNING aAS - MATTER C- COPING a I TH ONE CRISIS AFTER ANOTHER.
WE CAN NOW HOWEVER TAKE INITIATIVES ABOUT WHAT SORT OF
A COMMUNITY WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IN TEN YEARS TIME, MR. WU SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
CALL FOR SETTING UP OF RESEARCH COUNCIL
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THE HON. JAMES WU, PROPOSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODA'Y THE SETTING Up OF A HONG KONG RESEARCH COUNCIL TO RESEARCH INTO THE MANY IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE COMMUNITY.
MR. WU SAID HONG KONG NEEDS SUCH A COUNCIL BECAUSE +AS HONG KONG’S POPULATION GROWS AND THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS BECOME MOPE COMPLEX, PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS BECOME LESS APPARENT, AND USUALLY BEYOND THE APPREHENSION AND INTUITION OF EVEN THE MOST CAPABLE AND EXPERIENCED*.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE RESEARCH COUNCIL BE CONSTITUTED WITH MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDING THE ACTIVITIES, INITIALLY AT LEAST, AND SERVICED BY OFFICERS FROM THE SECRETARIAT.
+UNDER THE COUNCIL WOULD BE THREE COMMITTEES, VIZ SOCIAL STUDIES COMMITTEE, ECONOMIC STUDIES COMMITTEE AND TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES COMMITTEE, WHICH IN TURN WOULD HAVE SUB-COMMITTEES OR SPECIALIST PANELS.*
MR. WU ADDED THAT THE COUNCIL COULD POSSIBLY START WITH A FUND OF $5-10 MILLION ANNUALLY TO BE DIVIDED EQUALLY INTO THE THREE AVENUES OF APPLIED RESEARCH, AND WOULD INVITE PROSPECTIVE RESEARCHERS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS WHICH WOULD BE VETTED, AND IF APPROVED, MONITORED AND THE RESULTS EVALUATED BY THE SPECIALIST PANEL AND LATER THE COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL.
+DEPENDING UPON THE NATURE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE PROBLEM, EACH PROJECT WOULD PROBABLY COST FROM $20,000-100,000 OR MORE, LASTING FROM THREE MONTHS TO A YEAR OR TWO,+ MR. WU SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S UNIVERSITIES HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CONDUCT MUCH ACTIVITIES DUE TO A LACK OF FUNDS.
+AS A RESULT, ACADEMICS RETREAT FURTHER TO THEIR IVORY TOWER, AND STUDENTS ARE DEPRIVED OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ASSIST IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH THROUGH WHICH THEY COULD LEARN THE PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THEIR DISCIPLINE, AND DEVELOP THE ATTITUDE AND TECHNIQUES IN INVESTIGATORY WORK,* MR. WU SAID.
+SINCE RESEARCH HAS BECOME SUCH A PART OF THE LEARNING PROCESS IN MODERN DAYS, IT FOLLOWS THAT TO BE DEPRIVED OF THIS IMPORTANT TRAINING IS TO HAVE MISSED A FULLER EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT IN THE GRADUATE’S SUBSEQUENT PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND CAREER, NOT TO SAY HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOCIETY,* HE ADDED.
+PERHAPS THIS IS ONE REASON WHY A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF OUR GRADUATES ENDS UP IN GOVERNMENT AND TEACHING WORK WITH SO FEw PROPERLY TRAINED OR EQUIPPED TO ENTER COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WHERE LONG-TERM PROSPECTS ARE ATTRACTIVE.*
7EDNESDAY, K0V3-B2R 1, 1978
10
MR. WU SAID HE HAS CONSULTED THE PROPOSAL WITH THE VICE CHANCELLORS OP THE UNIVERSITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, AND ALL OF THEM EXPRESSED UNANIMOUS SUPPORT AND APPROVAL.
+GIVEN HONG KONG’S MOSTLY SMALL MANUFACTURING FIRMS ENGAGED IN INDUSTRIES THAT ARE RELATIVELY SKILL INTENSIVE BUT TECHNOLOGICALLY INADEQUATE OR INSIGNIFICANT , THE NEED FOR JOINT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TO ACHIEVE INCREASED SOPHISTICATION IS ALL THE MORE GREATER, IF WE WERE NOT TO BE LEFT BEHIND.
+ INDEED, THIS PILOT SCHEME COULD HELP TO POINT THE WAY TO A MORE APPROPRIATE INVESTMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR DEVELOPMENT, AS HAS BEEN PROVEN TIME AND AGAIN IN THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPING ECONOMIES, AS WELL AS IN ADVANCED COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
MR. WU ALSO SPOKE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, SAYING THAT HE WAS +SOMEWHAT PUZZLED* BY THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY’S RECOMMENDATION THAT CHINESE BE DELECTED AS A COMPULSORY SUBJECT FOR ADMISSION TO THE HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION.
+THIS CERTAINLY WOULD NOT HELP TO IMPROVE THE RECOGNISED DEFICIENCY OF OUR STUDENTS TO COMMUNICATE IN WRITTEN CHINESE,* HE SAID.
♦POLITICS AND EMOTIONS ASIDE,* HE SAID, +CHINESE TODAY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS A BRIDGE OF LEARNING FOR THE VERY RICH LEGACY IN THE CHINESE PHILOSOPHICAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND AS AN INDISPENSABLE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMUNITY AND THE BUSINESS WORLD.
+PEOPLE WHO HAVE A KNOWLEDGE IN ENGLISH BUT WITH HIGH PROFICIENCY IN WRITTEN CHINESE TODAY COMMAND GOOD REMUNERATIONS EVERYWHERE AND THIS SHOULD POINT THE WAY THAT EVEN FOR PRAGMATIC AND MATERIALISTIC REASONS, CHINESE HAS ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE IN OUR EVERYDAY LIFE PRESENT AND FUTURE,* HE EMPHASISED.
ON LAND PRODUCTION, MR. WU SAID WE NOW SEEM TO BE IN A SITUATION IN WHICH +T00 MUCH CHEAP MONEY IS CHASING AFTER TOO FEW LAND, OR ANYTHING IN SHORT SUPPLY, RANGING FROM FLATS, SHARES TO TAXI LICENCES, AND SPECULATIVE MANIPULATIONS, BIG OR SMALL, BECOME THE ORDER OF THE DAY*.
MR. WU SAID THIS SITUATION IS VERY FERTILE BACKGROUND FOR INFLATION AND SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT DEVISE WAYS AND MEANS TO CHANNEL SUCH IDLE CAPITAL INTO MORE PRODUCTIVE USE IN HELPING TO PRODUCE MORE LAND.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
11
SMALL FACTORY OPERATORS NEED HELP *****
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPT MORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HELPING SMALL FACTORY OPERATORS SOLVE THEIR ACCOMMODATION PROBLEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT FACTORY BUILDING PROGRAMME CATERS MAINLY FOR OPERATORS OF SQUATTER FACTORIES WHOSE STRUCTURES ARE DEMOLISHED IN CLEARANCE OPERATIONS.
+THERE IS NO PLAN TO HELP SMALL-SCALE FACTORIES IN NONINDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WHICH GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO SEE RELOCATED INTO INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AS A MATTER OF LONG-TERM POLICY,+ HE SAID.
NOT MANY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS EITHER ARE INTERESTED IN BUILDING FACTORY BLOCKS WITH SMALL INDIVIDUAL UNITS.
HE THOUGHT THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, WITH ITS SKILLED SUPERVISORY STAFF AND 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE COULD HELP BY EXPANDING ITS FACTORY ESTATE PROGRAMME. AT THE POLICY LEVEL, THE PLANNING AND ALLOCATION OF SUCH ACCOMMODATION COULD BE ENTRUSTED TO A BODY SUCH AS THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION OR A NEW SMALL INDUSTRIES CORPORATION.
ON THE GENERAL PROBLEM OF SPIRALLING LAND COSTS AND SPECULATION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IMPOSE CONDITIONS ON FUTURE LAND SALES TO DISALLOW REASSIGNMENT WITHIN FIVE YEARS, UNLESS FULL PAYMENT IS MADE OR THERE ARE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO MADE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE COMPLETE REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS.
TO ENSURE THAT DRUG-ADDICTED OFFENDERS ARE GIVEN EVERY CHANCE OF PROPER TREATMENT, HE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR MAGISTRATES TO CALL FOR AND CONSIDER SUITABILITY REPORTS ON EVERYONE OF THEM BEFORE IMPOSING SENTENCE TO SEE WHETHER THEY ARE SUITABLE FOR SENDING TO TREATMENT CENTRES. THE AFTERCARE PERIOD FOR THOSE WHO RELAPSE AND RETURN TO THESE CENTRES SHOULD ALSO BE INCREASED FROM ONE TO THREE YEARS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE.
AN EXPANDED PRISONS PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE WILL HELP PRISONERS, PARTICULARLY PERSISTENT OFFENDERS, IN THEIR REHAB IL I TAT I ON.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS PUT FORWARD BY MR. CHEONG-LEEN COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS. THESE WOULD IMPROVE ON EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS OR FORESTALL FUTURE DIFFICULTIES.
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12
AS REGARDS OUR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR. CHEONG-LEEN RAISED FOUR POINTS:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION
SINCE ITS DELIBERATIONS ARE OF WIDESPREAD INTEREST AND CONCERN TO OUR INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY, MR. CHEONG-LEEN ASKED IF IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE COMMITTEE TO ISSUE AN INTERIM REPORT TO SEEK PERTINENT PUBLIC COMMENTS.
LAND PRODUCTION
TOP PRIORITY WOULD HAVE TO BE GIVEN TO OPENING UP NEW AREAS, SUCH AS JUNK EAY TO MEET EXPECTED SHORTFALL IN THE EARLY 1980’S. THE PRESENT TOP HEAVY ENVIRONMENT BRANCH COULD BE DIVIDED INTO TWO - A TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, AND A TOWN PLANNING AND RESOURCES BRANCH. THE LATTER WOULD CONCENTRATE ON LAND USE, LAND PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT.
TRANSPORT
THE SETTING UP OF THE SEPARATE TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCH WOULD HELP IN THE PLANNING AND TIMELY DEVELOPMENT OF OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES. TRANSPORT WILL BE A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN OUR CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH IN FUTURE YEARS.
JOINT VENTURES
HONG KONG WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE JOINT VENTURES UNDERTAKEN BY A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL FIRMS WITH VARIOUS STATE ORGANISATIONS IN CHINA. IT IS TOO EARLY TO ASSESS HOW MANY HONG KONG WORKERS WILL BE AFFECTED. THE GOVERNMENT AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR SHOULD BEGIN NOW TO REVIEW THE VARIOUS OPTIONS WHICH COULD BE OPEN AS AND WHEN SUCH INDUSTRIAL CHANGES GATHER MOMENTUM.
TURNING TO OUR COMMUNITY PROBLEMS, MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAD THESE COMMENTS:
COMMUNITY BUILDING POLICY COMMITTEE
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE TO BE SEEN TO BE WORKING FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND FOR THE WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS IN EACH DISTRICT. IT IS NOW TIME TO EXPAND THE COMMUNITY BUILDING POLICY COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO GIVE IT WIDER PERSPECTIVE.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
THIS PROGRAMME COULD BE A YEAR-ROUND ONE WITH EMPHASIS ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE ENERGIES AND IDEALS CF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BE HARNESSED TO HELP THE ELDE-LY, THE INFIRM, THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED AND THE NEEDY.
T.'3D::3SDaY, NOVEMBER 1, 1976
13
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD
NEXT YEAR HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS AS THE +INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD*. MR. CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON THE U.N.’S ♦DECLARATION OF TH; RIGHTS OF THE CHILD* THROUGH ITS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND OTHER CHANNELS. HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SET UP A TELEPHONE HOT LINE FOR THOSE WHO~ WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
IT WOULD BE USEFUL TO APPOINT AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO OVERSEE AND CO-ORDINATE CULTURAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THERE IS ALSO A CASE FOR APPOINTING A DEPUTY DIRECTOR TO CO-ORDINATE ALL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S OBSERVATIONS ON OUR SOCIAL SERVICES WERE:
HOUS ING
THE HOUSING PROBLEM WILL TAKE MANY YEARS TO RESOLVE. ALTHOUGH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EFFORTS WOULD STABILISE DOMESTIC RENTS FOR OUR LOWER INCOME GROUPS. THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SHOULD EE EXPANDED AND THE CURRENT INCOME CEILING FOR APPLICANTS RAISED TO S4,OQO. HOUSING FOR CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE EVENTUALITY OF THEIR RETIREMENT. IT IS DESIRABLE TO HOUSE OUR POLICEMEN IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND NOT SEGREGATE THEM FROM THE COMMUNITY.
CHILD CARE CENTRES
THE URBAN COUNCIL COULD PERHAPS EXPAND ITS SCOPE TO PROVID" SUBVENTED NURSERIES AND CRECHES IN THE URBAN AREAS, ESPECIALLY FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IN INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS AND HOUSING ESTATES, TO COMPLEMENT THE WORK OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES
MODERN PAEDIATRIC FACILITIES IN HONG KONG ARE SHOCKINGLY INSUFFICIENT. THE NEW SHATIN HOSPITAL WHICH WILL SERVC AS A TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE NEW MEDICAL SCHOOL, SHOULD INCLUDE A MODERN GENERAL PAEDIATRIC WING FOR RESEARCH AND TEACHING PURPOSES. FOR THE QUEEN MARY HOSP'TAL AND THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, A MODERN PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL SHOULD BE BUILT, FOR EXAMPLE, AT THE SITE 2- THE OLD MENTAL HOSPITAL AT HIGH STREET.
jctc
SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE
THE DISAPPOINTING ENROLMENT FIGURE FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YE'AR COULD PERHAPS BE IMPROVED BY MAKING PARTICIPATION IN THE SERVICE FREE AND COMPULSORY. IN THE WORDS OF THE REPORT OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE, +WHATEVER THE REASONS, TO DENY CHILDREN ACCESS TO ECONOMICAL MEDICAL TREATMENT, EVEN BY DEFAULT, CAN SCARCELY BE JUSTIFIED.+
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, WHERE THERE HAS BEEN A GROWING TENDENCY FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, MR. CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT ANOTHER SALARIES COMMISSION BE APPOINTED TO REVIEW wHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE IT MET SEVEN YEARS AGO AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE. HE HOPED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ICAC ON ACCOUNTABILITY WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED DOWN TO AS LOw A SUPERVISORY LEVEL AS IS PRACTICABLE.
HE WELCOMED THE IMPROVING DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR CRIME-FIGHTING EFFORTS AND DREW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO PREVENT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM JOINING THE TRIADS WHILE IN SCHOOL OR IN THEIR TEENS.
HE ALSO WELCOMED THE NEW AGREEMENT TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF EAST RIVER WATER TO HONG KONG AND THE PRESENT STATE OF SI NOBRITISH RELATIONS. HE HOPED THE FLOW OF IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA aOULD BE KEPT WITHIN SUSTAINABLE LIMITS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SOJOURNING IN HONG KONG WOULD BE KEPT AT ANY ONE TIME TO A FIXED NUMBER.
PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR NEEDED TO REDUCE INCONVENIENCE TO °UBLIC BY CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS *****
A SENIOR OFFICIAL SHOULD BE ASSIGNED TO CO-ORDINATE THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO REDUCE THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY THESE PROJECTS TO THE PUBLIC.
THIS OVERALL PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR IS NEEDED, THE HON. LI FOOK-WC SAID, AS THERE ARE SO MANY MASSIVE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE, AND EQUALLY NUMEROUS PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES UNDERWAY OR BEING PLANNED.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON, MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT WHILE GENUINE ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN M-DE TO MINIMISE THE EXTENT AND DURATION OF INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY CONSTRUCTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN T-E NEW TOWNS AND BY T-.E MA-S TRANSIT RAILWAY, THERE a AS AP-APELTLY LITT-E CO-' ?(NATION IN MOST OF THE OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS.
♦MANY OF -iESE U' Z"■T-KINGS, FCR EXAMPLE, REO.IRE OPENINGS TO BE MADE 'N THE *A I OA1S - E "• ACTION. • - CH a-E A CONSTANT SOURCE OF ANNOYANCE AND INCCNVENIE CE TO DRIVERS, COMMUTERS AND PEDESTRIANS -L..LE.
' , ..CV.j.. _u_. * , ST •-
‘WHILE IT WOULD BE TOLERATED, IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY WORKS, THESE UNSIGHTLY OPENINGS IN BUSY STREETS ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT ASSOCIATED WITH GOVERNMENT PROJECTS DR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN ON THE DRAWING BOARD *OR A LONG TIME,* HE SAID.
WITH A BIT OF FORESIGHT, ACTION EY THE PARTIES CONCERNED COULD BE CO-ORDINATED. THIS RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING CLOSER LI A ISON BETWEEN THEM WOULD BE THAT O' THE PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR.
ANOTHER ASPECT WHICH HE SAID WE CANNOT IGNORE IF WE ARE TO IMPLEMENT SUCCESSFULLY ALL OUR FUTUR DEVELOPMENTS IS OUR ABILITY TO HAVE LAND AVAILABLE WHEN T IS NEEDED.
HE FULLY AGREED WITH THE GOVERN R’S STATEMENT THAT PRODUCTION OF LAND MUST CONTINUE TO E ONE OF OUR HIGHEST PRIOR IT IES.
AN AVERAGE OF SOME 230 HECTARES IS EXPECTED TO BE PRODUCED EACH YEAR BET EEN NOW AND 1983-84 FO PUBLIC HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL AND NON-INDUSTRI AL USE. BEYOND THAT, ENOUGH LAND HAS STILL TO BE FOUND TO MEET OUR NEEDS.
DESPITE THE WELCOMED ATTEMPTS TO FIND NEW LAND IN NORTH LANTAU, JUNK BAY, THE EASTERN SIDE OF SHA TIN COVE, LITTLE SAI WAN AND CERTAIN OTHER PLACES, THE AREA OF LAND TO BE FORMED AND MADE AVAILABLE EACH YEAR WILL REMAIN RELATIVELY SMALL. + IT IS THUS ESSENTIAL THAT ANY LAND PRODUCED BE USED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT,+ HE SAID.
WITH CAREFUL PLANNING AND PHASING, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE, HE THOUGHT, TO REDUCE CONSIDERABLY THE LEAD TIME WHICH IS REQUIRED BEFORE UNDEVELOPED LAND CAN BE FORMED WHICH AT PRESENT, ON AVERAGE, IS IN EXCESS OF FOUR YEARS.
OTHER POINTS WHICH MIGHT ALSO BE EXAMINED ARE EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR ALLOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL SITES, THE ACTUAL SIZES OF SITES ALLOCATED FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, RULES GOVERNING THE MODIFICATION OF LEASE CONDITIONS, AND THE AREA OF INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SPACE ESTIMATED TO BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
ASSUMING THAT MORE LAND CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE, MR. LI FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE ALLOCATION OF PRIORITIES AND METHODS OF DISPOSAL.
WHILE IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRI ATE IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTERFERE a I TH THE NATURAL FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND, MR. LI THOUGHT IT IS PERFECTLY PROPER FOR IT TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THAT LAND IS AVAILABLE WHEN NEEDED FOR PROJECTS WHICH ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY.
+AS WE EXPAND FROM THE CITY INTO NEW AREAS, UTILISING LAND WHICH WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE ACCESSIBLE OR AVAILABLE, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE PREVIOUS LACK OF OVERALL CC-ORDI NAT IC WHICH GAVE RISE TO SO MAVV PROBLEMS WILL NOT REPEAT ITSELF.
+THE COMMUNITY DESERVES A GREAT DEAL CREDIT FOR ITS PATIENCE IN HAVING 70 PUT UP * I TH SO MUCH INCONVEN IENCE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND IT WOULD BE MOST UNFAIR TO EXPECT OUR PEOPLE TO UNDERGO THE SAME EXPERIENCE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
16
WARNING OF A POSSIBLE MANPOWER SHORTAGE
* * * r * W
THE HON. T.S. LO WARNED THE GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, OF A POSSIBLE MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THE NEXT FIVE OR SIX YEARS.
MR. LO REFERRED TO THE LIST OF MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS DESCRIBED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS.
THESE INCLUDED THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE MOTORWAY LINKING VICTORIA WITH SHAU KEI WAN, THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, THE WESTERN CORRIDOR, THE DOUBLE TRACKING AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, THE SECOND HALF OF THE TUEN MUN ROAD, THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS, THE SHA TIN/TAI PO MOTORWAY AND THE COMPLETION OF THE MASSIVE M.T.R. PROJECT, THE TOTAL COST OF WHICH IN PRESENT DAY TERMS WILL WELL EXCEED $13,009 MILLION.
THIS INTENSE ACTIVITY WILL TAKE PLACE WHEN ENORMOUS EFFORTS WILL BE PUT INTO THE CONSTRUCTION EACH YEAR OF PUBLIC HOUSING FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE.
♦ EVEN ASSUMING THAT OUR ECONOMIC GROWTH DURING THE PERIOD WILL REACH 9 PER CENT PER ANNUM COMPOUND, IS THE GOVERNMENT SURE THAT THERE WILL BE NO MANPOWER SHORTAGE FOR ALL THIS ACTIVITY, PARTICULARLY WHEN ONE BEARS IN MIND THE FACT THAT DURING THIS PERIOD THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD NOT BE IDLE7+ MR. LO ASKED.
♦SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER WILL MEAN SPIRALLING COSTS AND ALL OUR ESTIMATES FOR ALL THE PROJECTS DRAMATICALLY EXCEEDED. MOREOVER, THESE SPIRALLING COSTS WILL SERIOUSLY AFFECT OUR FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNING EXPORT INDUSTRIES SO THAT WE WILL BECOME EVEN LESS COMPETITIVE ABROAD.
♦ THE RESULTANT MAL-EFFECT ON OUR ECONOMY AS A WHOLE WILL CERTAINLY OUTWEIGH ANY TEMPORARY PSYCHOLOGICAL BOOST ARISING FROM THE FRENZIED SPENDING SPREE.
+IN THE LONG TERM EVERYONE MAY SUFFER,+ HE SAID.
HE ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE ANY ESTIMATES ON THE AVAILABILITY AND REQUIREMENTS OF MANPOWER FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS AND SUGGESTED THAT BEFORE WE REACH A POINT CF NO RETURN, THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT SERIOUSLY CONSIDER SPACING OUT OUR P.W.D. PROGRAMME.
♦BESIDES, TO SPACE OUT OUR ACTIVITIES SO "S TO EXTEND BEYOND THE NEXT FIVE TO SIX YEARS MIGHT WELL HELP TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM A SURFEIT 0' MANPOWER AFTE0 T.-E MID 8O’S,+ HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
17
SPECIAL ZONE PROPOSED FOR DYEING AND FINISHING MILLS
******
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO DESIGNATE A SPECIAL ZONE TO GROUP TOGETHER DYEING AND FINISHING MILLS, PERHAPS IN A REMOTE PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION AND TO FACILITATE THE SUPPLY OF UNTREATED WATER FOR THEIR USE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. TIEN PUT IN PERSPECTIVE THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THESE FACTORIES.
♦WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WHEN SOME OF THESE MILLS WERE FIRST ESTABLISHED, THEY WERE NOT LOCATED IN CROWDED OR THICKLY POPULATED AREAS,+ HE SAID. SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENTS SOMEHOW CHANGED THEIR ENVIRONMENT SO THAT THEY ARE NOW IN HIGHLY DEVELOPED AREAS, +SOME EVEN WITH HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS OVERLOOKING THEIR ONCE TOWERING CHIMNEY-STACKS.+
HE AGREED THAT POLLUTION SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO CONTINUE OR FURTHER AGGRAVATED. MOST OF THE MILLS ARE AT PRESENT SITUATED IN FLATTED FACTORY BUILDINGS AND THE CHEMICALLY CONTAMINATED EFFLUENTS, OBNOXIOUS FUMES AND SMOKE FROM THEIR BOILER OPERATIONS ARE AMONG THE CAUSES OF POLLUTION.
HOWEVER, TO CONTROL THEM AND TO IMPROVE UPON EXISTING CONDITIONS REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF SUITABLE EQUIPMENT WHICH ARE FAIRLY EXPENSIVE. THERE IS ALSO THE COST INVOLVED IN RUNNING AND OPERATING SUCH EQUIPMENT.
THIS ADDITIONAL COST MAY WELL PROVE TO BE TOO HEAVY A BURDEN FOR THESE MILLS WHICH ARE COMPARATIVELY WEAK FINANCIALLY BECAUSE OF THEIR SMALL PROFIT MARGIN.
THEY, HOWEVER, PLAY AN INDISPENSABLE PART IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY AS THEY PROVIDE SERVICE AND SUPPORT TO THE GARMENT MAKING SECTOR.
♦THE CLOSURE OF SUCH MILLS WILL MEAN THAT THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY WILL LOSE MUCH OF THE SERVICE AND SUPPORT IT NEEDS TO BE VERSATILE, FLEXIBLE AND COMPETITIVE AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CONSEQUENCES TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WILL BE VERY SERIOUS INDEED,♦ MR. TIEN SAID.
A PROBABLE SOLUTION IS TO PERMIT EXISTING MILLS TO MAINTAIN BUT NOT TO EXCEED THEIR PRESENT LEVEL OF POLLUTANT DISCHARGE WHILE SUBJECTING NEW PLANTS TO STRICT CONTROL.
THIS MR. TIEN DISMISSED, AS THE FORMULA COULD BLOC. EFFECTIVELY ANY FURTHER GROWTH, DEFEAT THE VERY PURPOSE OF CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT UPO EXISTING CONDITIONS, AND CREATE A PRIVILEGED CLASS OF AGING MILLS WITH NO INCENTIVE FOR FURTHER EXPANSION OR TO RENOVATE.
AS DYEING AND FINISHING MILLS ARE, BY THEIR VERY NATURE, BULK USERS OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF INDUSTRIAL WATER WHICH TAKES UP A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF THEIR OPERATING COSTS, HE THOUGHT A WAY SHOULD EE FOUND FOR THEM TO USE'UNTREATED WATER TO CUT DOWN COSTS.
BY GROUPING ALL OF THEM IN A SPECIAL ZONE AS HE PROPOSED, ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPLYING SUCH UNTREATED WATER, FOR EXAMPLE FROM EAST RIVER WHICH IS USUALLY UNINTERRUPTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, COULD BE MADE.
POLLUTION WILL ALSO EE LESS OF A HAZARD TO THE POPULATION AND WILL EE AT A PLACE WHERE IT CAN BE EFFECTIVELY AND COLLECTIVELY DEALT WITH.
SUCH A ZONE COULD BE LEASED TO APPLICANTS ON SUCH TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS WOULD DISCOURAGE LAND SPECULATION SO THAT ONLY DYEING AND FINISHING MILLS WOULD BE ATTRACTED TO MOVE IN.
MR. TIEN HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THOSE CONCERNED WILL PUT THEIR MINDS TOGETHER TO EXAMINE WHETHER SUCH A SCHEME IS FEASIBLE AND WORTHWHILE.
IF IT IS CONSIDERED PRACTICABLE, HE HOPED IT WOULD EE MADE KNOWN TO THE INDUSTRY SO AS TO ENABLE THE PRESENT OPERATORS TO WORK OUT THEIR OWN TIME-TABLE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS
* * * >
SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG HAVE RESPONDED ■. ARMLY TO RECENT CAMPAIGNS INVOLVING COMMUNITY SERVICE AND THIS ENCOURAGES THE HOPE THAT WHEN THE STUDENTS GRO* UP THEY WILL BE MUCH MORE SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS, 14?. HO NGA-MING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL) SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF RAIMONDI COLLEGE, HE CITED AS EXAMPLES THE PART STUDENTS PLAYED IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN, KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN, FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME AND KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGNS.
+THE GREAT VALUE OF THESE COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES, BESIDES THEIR IMPORTANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG, IS THAT THEY MAKE OUR ADOLESCENTS MORE AWARE OF THEIR COMMUNITY AND ITS PROBLEMS,* MR. HO SAID.
THROUGH THESE CAMPAIGNS, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT INCULCATED IN CITIZENS A GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY AND A WILLINGNESS TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ITS PROBLEMS.
MR. HO ALSO SPOKE ON TWO GENERAL PRINCIPLES WHICH HE CONSIDERED WERE FUNDAMENTAL TO SECONDARY EDUCATION.
THE FIRST WAS THAT A SECONDARY SCHOOL MUST REALISE ITS FIRST DUTY WAS TO THE PUPILS AS INDIVIDUALS, AND HELP THEM TO SATISFY THEIR NEEDS, TO FIND OUT AND DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES.
FURTHER, THE SCHOOL SHOULD REDUCE THE QUANTITY OF ORAL TEACHING AND ENCOURAGE THE PUPILS TO LEARN THROUGH DOING AND THE EXERCISE CF THEIR OWN INITIATIVE, MR. HO SAID.
THE SECOND IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE TO BEAR IN MIND WAS THAT EDUCATION IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT SCHOOLS MUST KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD SO THAT PUPILS WOULD GRADUATE FROM SCHOOL WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN AND AWARENESS CF WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THEM.
MR. HO SAID ONE OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS SECOND PRINCIPLE WAS WHAT WAS OFTEN TERMED +EDUCATION FOR CITIZENSHIP.*
+IT IS THE DUTY OF THE SCHOOL TO TRAIN GOOD CITIZENS WHO SHOULD EE NOT ONLY WELL INFORMED BUT ALSO ACCURATELY INFORMED AS REGARDS CURRENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, WHO SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN BELONG TG TO THE COMMUNITY CF WHICH THEY ARE MEMBERS, AND WHO, A'.. E -LL, SHOULD HAVE A <EE’ SENSE C" CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY,* E . ID.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, i<?78 - 23 -
S?W ARCAS IN NT BROUGHT UNDER PROPE’T* 'AX NET - * * > #. * *
been brought
,NT0 •. si wml
-L ISISII’IS
announced today.
the 12 NEW AREAS ARE:-
* AREAS F5-7 -- AN AREA IN THE VICINITY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM SAN TIN TO HUNG SHU I KlU, KAN TIN-SHEK KONG AND LAU FAU SHAN’
* AREA G5 -- AN AREA AROUND TAI PO MARKET, INCLUDING HONG LOK TSUEN’
* AREA H5 — YING PUN (ON FAN KAM ROAD)-
* AREA J3 -- SHEUNG SHU I, PING CHE AND KWU TUNG-
* AREA K2 -- AN AREA AROUND TUEN MUN, INCLUDING LAM TE I -
* AREAS L4-5 — AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF SHA TIN-
# AREA M5 — AN AREA SOUTH OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, INCLUDING RENNIE’S MILL- AND
* AREAS N2—3 — NAM WAI AND NAM SHAN/SHA KOK MEI, BOTH IN
SA I KUNG DISTRICT.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ASSESSOR, PROPERTY TAX (TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-761635, EXTENSIONS 30, 32, 35 OR 36), OR BY SITING TC THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, BOX 132, GENERAL. POS" OFFICE, HONG KONG.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
- 21 -
LABOUR DEPARTMENT MOVES TSUEN WAN SUB-OFFICE ******
THE SUB-OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT, NOW LOCATED IN THE CHARTERED BANK BUILDING IN SHA TSUI ROAD, TSUEN WAN WILL MOVE TO THE FIFTH FLOOR OF SHING WAH BUILDING AT 31 SHING FONG STREET, KWAI CHUNG ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4).
THE OFFICE, WHICH SERVES THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, IS BEING MOVED FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS IN THE AREA WHERE MORE FACTORIES ARE BEING BUILT AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS ARE TAKING PLACE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE NEW OFFICE WILL BE 12-298983 FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTOR AND 12-298747 AND 12-298137 FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES.
THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE HOURS OF WORK AND REST DAYS.
ALL SUSPENDED
POSTAL SERVICES BACK TO NORMAL ******
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE BACKLOG OF MAIL WHICH ACCUMULATED DURING THE INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE HAS BEEN CLEARED AND THE SUSPENDED SERVICES WILL NOW BE RESUMED.
THESE SERVICES ARE THE INLAND PRINTED PAPERS AND OVERSEAS SURFACE LETTERS AND PRINTED PAPERS, THE REGISTRATION AND INSURED SERVICES AND INLAND PARCELS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THAT THE BACKLOG WHICH ACCUMULATED CONSISTED OF INLAND MAIL AND SOME INCOMING AIRMAIL. THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE OPERATED NORMALLY THROUGHOUT THE DISPUTE AND OUTGOING AIRMAIL SERVICES WERE NOT GREATLY AFFECTED.
HE SAID THAT PROVIDED CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR GREAT BRITAIN WERE POSTED BY TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 2) IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO DESPATCH THEM IN TIME FOR DELIVERY BY CHRISTMAS. ORIGINALLY, THE PUBLISHED LATEST DATE WAS NOVEMBER 1.
THE POST OFFICE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT AIRMAIL SERVICE TO lcRAFL WHICH WAS SUSPENDED DUE tC A POSTAL STRIKE IN THAT COUNTRY HV NOW RESUMED. ’ '
ALL AIR LETTER AND PARCEL MAIL FOR ISRAEL WILL NOW BE ACCEPT^ FOR POSTING AS THE POSTAL STRIKE HAS ENDED. " " “
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1978
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LUGARD ROAD
******
THE SECTION OF LUGARD ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 27 AND 28 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3) FOR ABOUT 12 MONTHS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE CLOSURE IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE STRUCTURES ALONG LUGARD ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
WATER CUT * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN AND TSZ WAN SHAN wILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS CN FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN CHAI WAN THE AREA BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN AH KUNG NGAM ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD, HONG MAN STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET AND CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA SECTION A WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY.
THE AREA IN TSZ WAN SHAN, BOUNDED EY TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, WAN WAH STREET, SHUNG WAH STREET AND SHEUNG FUNG STREET, INCLUDING BLOCKS 1 TO 32 TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT FRIDAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
I
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
STABLE TAX RATES AND FISCAL POLICIES ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC PROGRESS ........................................... 1
USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS EMPHASISED .................................................. 3
CALL FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ...................................... 5
DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE LAND IN N.T. SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED ................................................. 7
PROBLEMS OF REGIONALISATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ................................................. 9
GOVERNMENT SHOULD GUIDE INDUSTRY IN DIVERSIFICATION ....... 11
IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY EMPHASISED ................. 13
GOVERNMENT URGED TO PROMOTE SELF-HELP CO-OPERATIVES ........ 15
MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER ...................... 16
NEW GOODS VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE READY FOR USE SOON ....................................................... 17
LADY MACLEHOSE TO OPEN PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S AUTUMN fair ....................................................... 18
CHEQUE PRESENTATION FOR SQUASH RACKET COMPLEX ............. 19
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
1
STABLE TAX RATES AND FISCAL POLICIES ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC PROGRESS ******
WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN OUR STABLE TAX RATES AND STABLE FISCAL POLICIES IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO REALISE ECONOMIC PROGRESS WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE. THE RESULT OF THIS STABILITY IS OBVIOUS FROM OUR HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE, THE HON. LYDIA DUNN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SHE SAID SHE WOULD EVEN SAY THAT THE STABLE TAX RATES IN THE PAST, AND PARTICULARLY THIS DECADE, HAVE POSITIVELY ENCOURAGED ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND HAVE GENERATED SUFFICIENT REVENUE FOR AN EXPANDING PUBLIC SECTOR.
IN ADDITION TO THE MAINTENANCE OF STABLE TAX RATES, MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THREE OTHER PRE-CONDITIONS FOR OUR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN PURSUING ECONOMIC PROGRESS WITH SOCIAL JUSTICES ADEQUATE CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND A MORE TRUSTING AND DIVERSE GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PUBLIC.
SHE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE GROWTH OF EXPENDITURE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR. SHE POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN THE PERIOD 1971 TO 1978 PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS HAS INCREASED BY 150 PER CENT AND THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR HAS BEEN INCREASED BY ONE-THIRD. IT SHOULD, SHE BELIEVED, BE HELD AT THIS LEVEL AND NOT ALLOWED TO GROW FURTHER.
♦WHATEVER MAY BE TRUE IN THEORY, IN PRACTICE THERE TENDS TO BE SOMETHING SACROSANCT ABOUT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE. SO, TO AVOID HAVING TO CUT PUBLIC EXPENDITURE BACK IN A CRISIS SITUATION, WE SHOULD ENSURE THAT ITS GROWTH IS PROPERLY MONITORED AND CONTROLLED,* SHE SAID.
SHE FELT THAT THE SIGNS OF +OVERHEATING+ IN OUR ECONOMY CAN BE MORE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE DEMAND OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR THAN THE GOVERNMENT SEEMS PREPARED TO ADMIT.
ALTHOUGH THE EXISTING IMBALANCE BETWEEN DOMESTIC SECTOR AND EXPORT SECTOR ACTIVITY CANNOT LAST FOREVER, IF IT PERSISTS FOR TOO LONG THE ADJUSTMENT PROCESS IS BOUND TO BE PAINFUL. MISS DUNN ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE, BY THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, AND THE WAY IT MANAGES THE ECONOMY, THAT THE PROCESS IS NO MORE PAINFUL THAN NEED BE, NOTING THAT WE MUST REMAIN EXTERNALLY COMPETITIVE TO EARN OUR LIVING.
SHE FURTHER URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE EFFECTIVE PROCEDURES FOR REGULAR EVALUATION AND REVIEW OF ITS POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES, BECAUSE NOT ALL OF THEM, EVEN IF THEY ARE BASED ON VALID ASSUMPTIONS, CAN BE PERFECTLY CONCEIVED AT THE OUTSET, AND CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FOREVER CHANGING.
THE CIVIL SERVICE TOO HAS BEEN UNDER CONTINUOUS PRESSURE DUE TO OUR MASSIVE PROGRAMMES, SHE NOTED. SHE WAS NOT SO SURE THAT THE PRESSURE GENERATED ON IT BY THESE PROGRAMMES WILL EASE OFF WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR OR FIVE YEARS, AS WAS ENVISAGED BY THE GOVERNOR._SHE FEARED A BREAKDOWN IN MORALE AS A RESULT AND THAT WE WIL^. NOT HAVE A +CONFIDENT, ALERT AND REALLY EXPERIENCED CIVIL SERVICE* IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME JUST WHEN THE NEED FOR SUCH A SERVICE WILL BE CRITICAL.
THU3SD„Y, IJCV3I32R 2, 1°78
2 -
SHE THOUGHT EXPERIENCED OFFICERS IN THEIR PRIME SHOULD EE DISSUADED FROM DEPARTING WHEN THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO DO SO AND ASKED THAT ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS BE POSTED TO VARIOUS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO GAIN AN ALL ROUND TRAINING.
SHE ALSO FELT THAT THE PRESSURE TO COPE WITH EXPANSION HAS MADE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS LESS ALERT TO DISCONTENT WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE. SHE CALLED FOR THE ENTIRE CIVIL SERVICE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS BE STRENGTHENED AND IMPROVED TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS EFFECTIVE DIALOGUE BETWEEN GROUPS OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SYSTEM OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN OFFICIALS AND THE PUBLIC IS ALSO NOT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT MIGHT BE, RESULTING IN DISCONTENT, MISS DUNN SAID.
SHE SUPPORTED OUR UNIQUE SYSTEM OF ADVISORY BODIES BUT DISAPPROVED THE ATTITUDE OF SOME OFFICIALS WHO CANNOT ACCEPT ANY FORM OF CRITICISM AND AS A CONSEQUENCE ARE SUSPECTED OF NOT BEING PREPARED TO RECOMMEND FOR APPOINTMENT TO THEIR COMMITTEES ANYONE WHO IS KNOWN TO BE CRITIC.
+THIS KIND OF ATTITUDE UNDERMINES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SYSTEM.* FURTHERMORE, SHE SAID, AS LONG AS RESPONSIBLE CRITICS ARE EXCLUDED FROM BEING INVOLVED IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS, THEY WILL NOT BE EXPOSED TO, OR GAIN AN UNDERSTANDING OF, THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE AND, IN THE END, BECOME DIEHARD, AND EVEN SOMEWHAT IRRATIONAL.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE SAME APPLIED TO REPRESENTATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, WHICH ARE OFTEN CONTEMPTUOUSLY DISMISSED. ALTHOUGH IT IS TRUE THAT MANY COMPLAINTS ARE INSTIGATED BY MINORITY PRESSURE GROUPS ON RELATIVELY TRIVIAL MATTERS, IT WOULD BE WRONG TO DISMISS ALL COMPLAINTS AS TRIVIAL, SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN REFERRED TO A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TO A NEWSPAPER IN WHICH HE ADMITTED THAT SOME OFFICIALS DO NOT RESPOND TO PUBLIC OPINION BECAUSE +THE PRESSURE TO ACT QUICKLY (IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) MAY SIMPLY NOT ALLOW TIME TO CONSULT PEOPLE SATISFACTORILY,* THUS LENDING CREDENCE TO HER POINT THAT THE PRESSURE OF EXPANSION FORCES SOME OFFICIALS TO BECOME CARELESS OF PUBLIC OPINION.
SHE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE HEED OF HISTORY, BOTH PAST AND RECENT, AND NOT TO INTERPRET PUBLIC SILENCE AS INDICATIVE OF PUBLIC SATISFACTION IN ALL THINGS.
+IT IS IMPORTANT, THEREFORE, THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE BROUGHT INTO THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS-* SHE SAID, +IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT CARE IS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT POLICY DECISIONS ARE MADE ON THE BASIS OF VALID ASSUMPTIONS, AND IT IS VITAL THAT OFFICIALS AT ALL LEVELS ARE WILLING TO TALK, WILLING TO LIST , ■'LLING TO AGREE AND JUST OCCASIONALLY WILLING TO AD-V'T 7--’ THEY 700 CAN MAKE MISTAKES AND THAT OTHERS MAY HAVE BETTER sD MORE RELEVANT IDEAS.*
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
3
USE OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS EMPHASISED *******
MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC STILL HAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS ONLY ATTACHING SUPERFICIAL IMPORTANCE TO THE CHINESE LANGUAGE, THE HON. WONG LAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+SOME PEOPLE EVEN HAVE THE MISCONCEPTION, OR PERHAPS IT IS NO MISCONCEPTION, THAT SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS READ THE CORRESPONDENCE COLUMNS IN ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS WHILE JUNIOR OFFICIALS READ THOSE IN CHINESE NEWSPAPERS. IT FOLLOWS THAT ONLY COMPLAINTS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH PAPERS WOULD CARRY ANY WEIGHT.*
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MANIFESTED ITS DESIRE TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC OPINION, HOWEVER, IF IT DOES NOT ATTACH DUE EMPHASIS TO THE LANGUAGE OF THE MASSES, THERE WILL BE AN EVEN WIDER COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN IT AND THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
THIS IS UNDESIRABLE IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHERE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE IS NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE CIVIL SERVANTS TO SPEAK CANTONESE ON ALL APPROPRIATE OCCASIONS, SUCH AS WHEN MAKING PUBLIC STATEMENTS AND ANSWERING ENQUIRIES.
MR. WONG ALSO FELT THAT MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO HELP MIDDLEINCOME FAMILIES, WHO ARE AT A DISADVANTAGE WHETHER IN TAXATION OR HOUSING.
THESE PEOPLE ARE THE PRIME MOVERS OF HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE LOCAL SOCIETY IS NO LESS THAN THAT OF THE WEALTHY OR THE LOWER INCOME GROUP, HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, A FAMILY WITH A TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME OF OVER $2,850 IS INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION. ALTHOUGH THEIR DEMAND IS MODEST, THEY HAVE TO SPEND AS MUCH AS ONE-THIRD OF THEIR INCOME IN RENT. AS THE PRICE OF PRIVATE TENEMENTS IS NOW SO HIGH AS TO BE OUT OF THEIR REACH, THEIR ONLY ALTERNATIVE IS TO PROLONG THE PERIOD OF PAYMENT. BUT EVEN IF THEY C4N AFFORD TO PAY THE DOWN PAYMENT AND THE PROFITS OF SPECULATORS WHO PUSH UP THE PRICES, THEY STILL HAVE TO PAY, FOR THE NEXT TEN YEARS OR SO, MONTHLY INSTALMENTS OF OVER 31,000, OR' EVEN $2,000, WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RENTAL.
UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, MR. WONG SAID, WHEN COMPARED WITH THOSE WHO HAVE A LESSER INCOME BUT ARE ACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THEIR LIVING STANDARD IS LAGGING BEHIND, RESULTING IN ANOTHER KIND OF ’INCOME BEING INCOMMENSURATE WITH STANDARD OF LIVING.’
HE THOUGHT IT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO HAVE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT HOUSING POLICY TOWARDS THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE.
ALTHOUGH THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DOES OFFER SOME HELP, THERE IS STILL A FIXED INCOME BRACKET FOR ELIGIBLE BUYERS AND THE NUMBER OF FLATS AVAILABLE IS LIMITED.
/3E a.LS0........
THURSDAY, riOVElESR 2, 1?7£
HE ALSO THOUGHT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE POLICY TOWARDS THE CALCULATION OF THE INCOME CEILING FOR PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICANTS WHOSE INCOME, AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION WAS BELOW BUT AFTER A WAIT SOMETIMES OF SEVERAL YEARS, EXCEEDS THE CEILING. THIS CAN BE DONE, FOR EXAMPLE, BY ALLOWING THEIR INCOME TO EXCEED THE CEILING BY A PRE-FIXED PERCENTAGE.
NOT ONLY WILL THESE PEOPLE’S DISAPPOINTMENT BE MINIMISED, NO GREAT ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFICULTIES WILL ARISE, HE SAID.
HE THOUGHT THAT A NEW SALARIES COMMISSION, THE NECESSITY FOR WHICH HE HAD ALREADY SUGGESTED LAST YEAR, BE APPOINTED TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE STRUCTURE AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE WHOLE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE REVIEW SHOULD ALSO COVER CASES IN WHICH THERE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN EXCESSIVE STAFF INCREASE. HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT, SOME PEOPLE HAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE IS A FAIRLY LARGE NUMBER OF REDUNDANT STAFF IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND QUOTED THE POSSIBLE EXAMPLE OF HOUSING MANAGERS.
HE THOUGHT THAT THE GOVERNMENT POLICY ON THE CIVIL SERVICE SHOULD IN FUTURE AIM AT BETTERING CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, IMPROVING QUALITY, AND ENHANCING EFFICIENCY, INSTEAD OF MERELY INCREASING STAFF AS A MEASURE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.
HE SUPPORTED THE WORK OF THE ICAC WHICH HE COMPARED TO A +STRONG DETERGENT USED TO CLEAN UP CORRUPTION AND OTHER RELATED MALPRACTICES.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE IMPRESSION OF THE ICAC GRINDING TO A HALT AFTER THE ICAC-POLICE CONFLICT LAST YEAR IS WRONG. THE IMPRESSION, HE EXPLAINED, IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ICAC PROSECUTIONS, LESS DRAMATIC OPERATIONS AND LIMITED PUBLICITY.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE COMMISSION GIVE GREATER PUBLICITY TO THE WORK OF ITS COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION DEPARTMENTS IN AN EFFORT TO SECURE THE CO-OPERATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
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CALL FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES ******
THE SENSE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE FORMULATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES SHOULD GO FURTHER, TO INCLUDE ALSO A SENSE OF PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING FOR THEIR EXECUTION, DR. THE HON. RAYSON HUANG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT TAKES THE LEAD IN LAUNCHING A PROPOSAL, SUCH AS A GREEN PAPER EXPLORING POLICY FORMULATION, AND AFTER TAKING PUBLIC COMMENTS INTO CONSIDERATION IT ISSUES THE FINAL DIRECTIVES IMPLEMENTING AGREED PROGRAMMES.
+BUT GOVERNMENT MUST ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE FULL AND REGULAR CONSULTATION IN BETWEEN, SO THAT THE DETAILS OF PLANNING AND THE METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION CAN BE UNDERSTOOD.
+IT SHOULD ALSO USE ITS ADVISORY BODIES COMPREHENSIVELY RATHER THAN SELECTIVELY, SINCE THEIR TRUE ROLE IS CONSULTATIVE TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT, RATHER THAN THAT OF WATCHDOG, TO QUESTION DECISIONS AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN MADE,+ HE SAID.
DR. HUANG NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIVENESS TO PUBLIC NEED AND PUBLIC OPINION HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY MATCHED BY A PUBLIC RESPONSIVENESS IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, AS CAN BE SEEN FROM THE LIVELY DEBATES AND EXPRESSIONS OF VIEWS BY THE PUBLIC ON VARIOUS GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS.
IN THIS REGARD, HE SAID, THE GREEN PAPERS HAVE BY AND LARGE SUCCEEDED IN THEIR OBJECTIVES AND IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FROM OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT ARE HEEDED AND MANY ARE TAKEN UP, ONE VERY GOOD AND TIMELY EXAMPLE BEING THE WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION WHICH HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED.
DR. HUANG POINTED OUT THAT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON THE EFFORTS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE. THIS MEANS THAT THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THAT OF THE OFFICIALS AND THEIR STAFF WHO SERVE ITS AIMS WILL BE LARGER.
BESIDES, THE INTENTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT ARE OFTEN MEASURED AT MORE THAN ONE LEVEL - FROM THE ATTITUDES OF THE DEPARTMENTS IN FORMULATING POLICIES AND THE WAYS IN WHICH THESE ARE TO BE PUT INTO EFFECT, THROUGH TO OFFICIAL IMPLEMENTATION AT THE GRASS-ROOT LEVEL WHERE CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE IS MADE.
IN VIEW OF THIS, HE SAID, EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO ACHIEVE GREATER RAPPORT WITH THE COMMUNITY WITH CORRESPONDING CHANGES IN ADMINISTRATIVE STYLE.
/SOLE CHANGS....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
6
SOME CHANGE IN THE STYLE OF APPROACH SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED WITHIN THE LOWER RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE — THE LEVEL AT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MAKES ITS IMMEDIATE AND DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
IT IS HERE THAT A SPIRIT OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY MUST BE FURTHER BUILT UP, AND BE SEEN TO EXIST, RATHER THAN AN ATTITUDE OF RULING BY EDICT AS HAS BEEN ALLEGED FROM TIME TO TIME.
+WHILE I DO NOT DOUBT THE GOOD INTENTIONS OF OUR HARD-WORKING OFFICERS MANY OF WHOM HAVE SERVED LONG AND WELL, IT WOULD BE WELL TO REMIND THEM FROM TIME TO TIME THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE IS THERE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
IN HIS VIEW, THE FUNCTION OF A CIVIL SERVANT IS NOT MERELY TO ADMINISTER AGREED PROGRAMMES- HE SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO TRANSMIT THE VIEWS HE RECEIVES FROM THE PEOPLE HE SERVES.
DR. HUANG THEREFORE ADVOCATED THAT THE MACHINERY WHICH ENSURES THAT GOVERNMENT INTENTIONS ARE PROMULGATED TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE MATCHED BY CORRESPONDING MACHINERY TO RELAY THE VIEWS OF THE SERVING OFFICERS, FORMED OUT OF THEIR PUBLIC CONTACTS, BACK TO THE TOP.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
7
DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE LAND IN N.T. SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED
******
WELL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPLEMENT ITS OWN EFFORTS IN LAND PRODUCTION, THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN MR. YEUNG’S VIEW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT FULLY EXPLORED THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT POSSIBILITIES OF PRIVATE LAND, PARTICULARLY MARGINALLY PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MOREOVER, HE SAID, WHEN THE GOVERNMENT ALLOWS MODIFICATION OF THE TERMS OF A CROWN LEASE FOR DEVELOPMENT, IT EXACTS A CHARGE OF ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE EXPECTED FUTURE PROFIT OF THE DEVELOPMENT FROM THE OWNER AS PREMIUM.
+AS A RESULT, LAND SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT IS IN SHORT SUPPLY AND COMMANDS A HIGHER PRICE.
+WHEN THERE IS SO MUCH LAND WHICH IS READILY DEVELOPABLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE ARGUMENT THAT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH LAND FOR HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS UNTENABLE,* HE SAID.
MR. YEUNG FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, EVEN IN THE TIME OF THE LATE SIR ALEXANDER GRANTHAM, HAS RECOGNISED THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO THE PROVISION OF HOMES AND FACTORIES FOR THEMSELVES.
THIS WAS BORNE OUT BY THE UNPRECEDENTED RATE OF GROWTH OF OUR INDUSTRY AND PROVISION OF HOUSING BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE BUILDING OF THE NEW COMMUNITIES IN THE TOWNS OF YUEN LONG, TAI PO, SHEUNG SHU I AND FAN LING.
HE THOUGHT IT WAS PROPER TO EXTEND THE LAYOUT PLANS OF THE OLD OR MARKET TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO STIMULATE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT, AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND A BETTER PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AS PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS.
ONE OF THE MANY AREAS WHICH COULD BE ZONED FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT, HE ADDED, IS THE EXPANSE OF WASTE AND UNCULTIVATED LAND FROM YUEN LONG TO AU TAU.
HE WELCOMED THE REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN ON RESUMPTION OF URBAN LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH HE THOUGHT WAS A BIG STEP FORWARD IN ENABLING SPEEDY LAND PRODUCTION AND IN PROVIDING JUST AND EQUITABLE COMPENSATION TO THOSE WHO ARE DEPRIVED OF THEIR LAND.
HE URGED, HOWEVER, THAT A SPEEDY SOLUTION BE FOUND TO THE DISPARITY OF TREATMENT BETWEEN THE RESUMPTION OF LAND WITHIN A LAY-OUT, AND OF LAND IMMEDIATELY OUTSIDE IT.
/’.'/HILE HS
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
8
WHILE HE AGREED THAT IT MAY BE RIGHT FROM THE ANGLE OF DESIGN AND CITY PLANNING THAT A LARGE BLOCK OF LAND IS OFFERED TO ONE DEVELOPER, THIS HAS THE UNDESIRABLE EFFECT OF CREATING AN UNINTENTIONAL ECONOMIC MONOPOLY WHICH IS SOCIALLY INEQUITABLE APART FROM GIVING RISE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ABUSE OF POWER AND CORRUPT PRACTICES, HE SAID.
MR. YEUNG THOUGHT THAT THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS, WHICH ARE AT PRESENT CHARTING THEIR OWN COURSE ACCORDING TO LOCAL SENTIMENT AND NEED, WILL HAVE TO BE CO-ORDINATED BY A CENTRAL ORGAN SO THAT THEY MAY WORK IN UNISON TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL WITH MINIMUM DUPLICATION OF ENERGY AND FINANCE.
IN ORDER TO BE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE, THEY WILL REQUIRE THE CO-OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING THEM WITH:
* INFORMATION, PARTICULARLY ADVANCE INFORMATION ON ANY NEW MAJOR PROPOSAL AFFECTING THEIR DISTRICTS,
* FOLLOW-UP ACTION ON THEIR DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS, AND
* FULL FINANCIAL BACKING.
HE ALSO NOTED THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND SUCCESS OF THESE ADVISORY BOARDS AND THE FACT THAT VARIOUS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ARE BEING HELD FREQUENTLY IN ALL THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS.
MR. YEUNG WELCOMED THE MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH HE SAID SHOWED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SERIOUS ABOUT IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF THE PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES JUST AS THE URBAN DWELLERS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FURTHER CONSTRUCT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR MULTI-LANE ROAD AND DOUBLE-TRACK RAIL LINKING TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, FAN LING, TAI PO AND SHA TIN, TO COPE WITH THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THE NEW TOWNS AND THE ENVISAGED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET TOWNS.
HE ALSO SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN STIMULATING CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES, AND IN DEVELOPING THE COUNTRY PARKS.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF WELL EQU I PED HOSTELS AND CAMP SITES FOR LONGER STAY IN THE OPEN. FOR EXAMPLE, A FOUR-DAY EXCURSION FOR PEOPLE IN EMPLOYMENT ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE ATTRACTED SEVERAL TENS OF THOUSAND OF APPLICANTS, MANY MORE THAN COULD BE COPED WITH.
♦IT IS LIKELY THAT THIS TREND OF DEMAND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW WITH INCREASING SPEED AND VOLUME. IN THIS AREA PRIVATE ENTERPRISES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES MAY WELL BE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO MEET THIS ACUTE NEED,+ HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
9
PROBLEMS OF REGIONALISATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT
******
THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WHICH HAS GREATLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE RAPID AND SMOOTH DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG, MAY BE ERODED BY REGIONALISATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
REGIONALISATION IMPLIES EMPOWERING THE REGIONAL OFFICES TO CO-ORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN HIS REGION AND TO EVALUATE THE AGENCIES’ STANDARD OF SERVICES AND TO RECOMMEND SUBVENTIONS. THESE FUNCTIONS, BY SUBJECTING THE AGENCIES TO A SUBORDINATE, DEPENDENT POSITION, MAY ERODE THEIR EXISTING EGALITARIAN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT, HE EXPLAINED.
FURTHERMORE, A WELFARE AGENCY, IF IT IS TO WORK CLOSER WITH THE REGIONAL OFFICES, WILL HAVE TO GIVE MORE AUTONOMY TO ITS BRANCH OFFICES IN ASSESSING WELFARE NEEDS AND IN PLANNING SERVICES.
THIS MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL BY THE HEADQUARTERS, THUS ADVERSELY AFFECTING ITS INTEGRITY AND IDENTITY, RESULTING IN RESISTANCE TO THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME.
ON LOSING CONTROL, THE HEADQUARTERS MIGHT ALSO KEEP FOR ITSELF MOST OF THE FUNDS IT RAISED, REQUIRING THE BRANCH OFFICES TO DEPEND FULLY ON GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS. ADDITIONAL ROLES AND DUTIES WILL ALSO BE DEMANDED OF THE BRANCH OFFICE STAFF. THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE ANTICIPATED BY THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE TRAINING.
ANOTHER IMPLICATION OF REGIONALISATION DR. HO NOTED IS THE NEED TO ADOPT A MORE RATIONAL AND CONSISTENT SYSTEM OF DISTRICT BOUNDARIES BY DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. UNDER THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, EACH DEPARTMENT DISPENSES ITS SERVICES WITHIN ITS OWN BOUNDARIES. HUMAN PROBLEMS BEING MULTI-DIMENSIONAL IN NATURE, REQUIRE A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH, HE SAID.
APART FROM THESE PROBLEMS, WHICH HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORESTALL, DR. HO SUPPORTED THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME. +IT WILL ENHANCE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY AND, MORE IMPORTANT, IT WILL ENABLE THE PLANNING OF SERVICES TO BE MORE ATTUNED TO LOCAL NEEDS AND PREFERENCES.+
TURNING TO MANPOWER PLANNING FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, DR. HO SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE TACKLED ON TWO FRONTS — OBTAINING OPTIMUM DEPLOYMENT OF EXISTING PERSONNEL AND INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS.
/H3 POINTED
THURSDAY, WJVaCEH 2, 1978
- 10
HE POINTED OUT THAT DIFFERENT WELFARE FUNCTIONS AND NEEDS REQUIRE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL JOB COMPETENCE AND EXPERIENCE. MATCHING THE TWO REQUIRES AN ACCURATE ANALYSIS OF THE CONTENT AND DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY INHERENT IN EACH JOB. FURTHERMORE, OPPORTUNIT IES SHOULD BE BUILT IN FOR PROGRESSION FROM ONE CAREER LADDER TO ANOTHER UPON FURTHER TRAINING.
+ IN THIS CONNECTION, A NEUTRAL ACCREDITATION BODY FOR PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK TRAINING MAY BE OF IMMENSE VALUE,* HE SAID.
AS TO INCREASING THE SOURCES OF SOCIAL WORKERS, DR. HO POINTED OUT THAT THE LENGTH AND CONTENT OF TRAINING COURSES SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE, TO SUIT THE TASKS TO BE PERFORMED. +THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES MUST FIT THE NEEDS OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICE GOALS,* HE SAID. IN ADDITION, EACH CURRICULUM SHOULD HAVE ITS OWN TRAINING OBJECTIVES SO THAT A WIDE SPREAD OF SOCIAL WORKERS MAY BE TRAINED TO MAN DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROGRAMMES.
+A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING WILL ENSURE A REASONABLY HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE, WITHOUT WHICH THE VALUE OF A QUANTITATIVE EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WILL BE GREATLY DIMINISHED,* HE SAID.
DR. HO WELCOMED THE DECLINING INCIDENCES OF DRUG ABUSE AND VIOLENT CRIME. HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT SUCCESS IN SOCIAL REHABILITATION IS ASSESSED IN THE END, NOT BY THE NUMBER OF TREATMENT AND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS BUILT, BUT BY THE EVENTUAL RE-INTEGRATION OF REFORMED ADDICTS AND PRISONERS INTO THE COMMUNITY, +AND IN THEIR ABILITY TO LEAD A NEW WAY OF LIFE IMBUED WITH DIGNITY, SECURITY AND CONSTRUCTIVENESS.♦
ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS OF ACHIEVING THIS IS TO ASSIST THEM IN SECURING EMPLOYMENT. HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE PEOPLE IN ADDITION TO THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, FOR THEY TOO EXPERIENCE A CERTAIN FORM OF DISABILITY, A SOCIAL DISABILITY. PROGRAMMES OF VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE, TRAINING, PLACEMENT AND COUNSELLING SHOULD BE STEPPED UP. GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE WOULD GO A LONG WAY IN DEMONSTRATING THEIR WORTH TO THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS, HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
GOVERNMENT SHOULD GUIDE INDUSTRY IN DIVERSIFICATION ******
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GUIDE INDUSTRY TO DIVERSIFY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION RATHER THAN TO LET THEM PROCEED ON THEIR OWN AS IN THE PAST, THE HON. ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
ALTHOUGH THIS IS NOT IN LINE WITH THE TRADITIONAL GOVERNMENT PRACTICE OF +NON-INTERFERENCE+, HE THOUGHT THIS KIND OF +INTERFERENCE+ WOULD BE MOST WELCOMED BY INDUSTRY.
IF THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT DO THIS, THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG WOULD SUFFER, BECAUSE OUR ECONOMIC SECURITY DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE COMPETENCE OF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
WITHOUT PREJUDICING THE FINDINGS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT DIVERSIFICATION WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S STRONG BACKING AND GUIDANCE WILL PROCEED AT A MUCH SLOWER PACE AND WILL PREVENT US FROM COPING EFFECTIVELY WITH THE MANY PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM THE CHANGING ATTITUDES IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS.
HE ALSO SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL FOR THE FORMATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ALONG THE LINES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TO FACILITATE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION.
BEFORE LAUNCHING OUR DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMME, WE WOULD HAVE TO STUDY CAREFULLY WHAT TYPES OF NEW INDUSTRIES WE WANT TO INTRODUCE AND WHAT TYPES OF EXISTING INDUSTRIES WE SHOULD FURTHER EXPAND IN ORDER TO INCREASE OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE WORLD MARKET, HE SAID.
THE INDUSTRIES WE SHOULD EMPHASISE ARE THOSE TECHNOLOGYINTENSIVE RATHER THAN LABOUR-INTENSIVE ONES, SUCH AS THOSE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF RAW MATERIALS, MANUFACTURE OF MACHINE TOOLS, INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT, OFFICE MACHINES, AND SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.
TWO PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE SPEED AND EFFECTIVENESS OF DIVERSIFICATION ARE LAND AND MANPOWER.
MR. LEE REGRETTED THAT THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT POLICY ON THE SALE OF INDUSTRIAL LAND HAS RETARDED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT THE SPEED OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. THE HIGH PRICE OF LAND HAS THWARTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDIUM AND SMALL INDUSTRIES AND DETERRED FOREIGN INVESTMENTS.
HE SUPPORTED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE FOR LAND PRODUCTION AND FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WAYS AND MEANS TO ENSURE THAT THOSE DIRECTLY ENGAGED IN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION CAN OBTAIN THE LAND AND FACTORY SPACE THEY WANT AT REASONABLE PRICES.
/.9HILE THE......
THURSDAY, N0VEL33R 2, 1978
12
WHILE THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN DOING QUITE WELL IN THE TRAINING OF QUALIFIED CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EXISTING INDUSTRIES, HE FELT THAT IT SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHICH TYPES OF INDUSTRIES ARE TO BE ENCOURAGED IN ORDER TO HAVE SOME IDEA AS TO WHAT TECHNICAL PERSONNEL WE NEED TO TRAIN.
MR. LEE APPROVED OF THE WORK DONE BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRES AND SUPPORTED THE SETTING UP OF TRAINING CENTRES FOR OTHER INDUSTRIES. FOR THIS, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE EXPERIENCE GAINED IN SETTING UP THE FIRST TWO CENTRES
HE ALSO ENDORSED OF THE EXISTING APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEME AND FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT NOW PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE TRAINING OF TECHNICAL PERSONNEL ABOVE THE TECHNICIAN LEVEL TO COPE WITH INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION.
HE AGREED THAT BENEFITS FOR THE BULK OF OUR WORKERS SHOULD BE IMPROVED BUT AT THE SAME TIME ASKED THAT THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE ENTREPRENEURS WHO HAVE INVESTED THEIR MONEY AND ENERGY AT THEIR OWN RISKS BE NOT FORGOTTEN.
LIKE MANY INDUSTRIALISTS, HE SAID, HE WAS CONCERNED THAT SOME OF THE RECENT LABOUR LEGISLATIONS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AND ENFORCED IN A RATHER RUSH MANNER AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT APPEARS TO HAVE TURNED A DEAF EAR TO THE ARGUMENTS OF INDUSTRIALISTS AFFECTED BY THOSE LEGISLATIONS.
WHILE MORE BENEFITS SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR OUR WORKERS AS OUR SOCIETY PROGRESSES AND PROSPERS, THESE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO INCREASE TOO RAPIDLY. +IN THE LONG RUN, THIS WOULD DAMPEN THE ENTHUSIASM OF OUR INDUSTRIALISTS WHICH IN TURN WOULD AFFECT THE WELL-BEING OF THE WORKERS,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT WATER CHARGES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED, ALTHOUGH THE COST OF OBTAINING WATER FROM CHINA HAS INCREASED.
BESIDES REMOVING THE APPREHENSION OF LOCAL INDUSTRY, IT HAS ALSO BEEN A GREAT RELIEF TO FAMILIES WHO SHARE ONE WATER METER, WHOSE CONSUMPTION OF WATER INEVITABLY EXCEEDS 14 UNITS IN A PERIOD CF FOUR MONTHS FOR WHICH A HIGHER FEE IS CHARGEABLE.
HE HOPED THIS UNFAIR ’PENALTY’ ON THESE FAMILIES WOULD BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN ANY INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES IS CONTEMPLATED IN THE FUTURE.
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/13
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
13
IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY EMPHASISED »*»#*»
THE NEEDS AND POTENTIAL OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN PLANNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG. NOT ONLY IS IT IMPORTANT IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, IT IS ALSO A GROWTH INDUSTRY AND A NEW DIMENSION IS BEING ADDED WITH THE HIGH PRIORITY NOW ATTACHED TO TOURISM IN CHINA, THE HON. DAVID NEWBIGGING SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID DURING THE LAST DECADE. OUR EARNINGS FROM TOURISM HAVE AVERAGED OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP. THIS YEAR, DESPITE THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE VISIBLE DEFICIT, IT IS STILL EXPECTED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF OVER 60 PER CENT TOWARDS IT.
IN THE LAST DECADE, OUR EARNINGS GREW AT AN AVERAGE OF SOME 12 PER CENT PER ANNUM. IT GREW BY AS MUCH AS 20 PER CENT III THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE CURRENT YEAR AND THIS GROWTH IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE.
FURTHERMORE. THE SCALE OF THE INDUSTRY, WHICH CONTRIBUTES 7.5 PER CENT OF OUR GDP. CAN BE APTLY ILLUSTRATED BY A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME CF OVER $3 BILLION, AND THE ACTUAL 1977 EXPENDITURE BY TOURISTS OF S3.8 BILLION.
HE FELT THAT OUR OTHER SOURCES OF INVISIBLE EARNINGS, SUCH AS BANKING AND INSURANCE, SHOULD ALSO BE QUANTIFIED AND THE ROLE OF THE IMPORTANT SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN OUR ECONOMY UNDERSTOOD, PARTICULARLY AS WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A RAPID INCREASE IN THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT.
IN OUR VISIBLE ECONOMY, MR. NEWBIGGING CAUTIONED THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSTANTLY ALIVE TO TWO AREAS IF WE ARE NOT TO BE IMPEDED IN OUR PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE SOCIAL BENEFITSI INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, WHICH NEED TO BE HANDLED WITH SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING, AND INFLATION, WHICH MUST BE DEALT WITH FIRMLY.
IN OUR INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, WE CANNOT RISK A SITUATION WHERE LABOUR BECOMES ALIENATED FROM THE INDUSTRY WHICH DEPENDS ON IT. ♦WE MUST ENSURE THAT ’MANAGEMENT* AND ’LABOUR* — REMEMBERING THAT SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS IS A TWO WAY STREET — IN BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS. CONCENTRATE ON PROVIDING THE INCENTIVES AND MOTIVATION WHEREBY PEOPLE WANT TO WORK RATHER THAN FEELING THEY HAVE TO WORK.*
♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION,* HE SAID, ♦WHICH IS GROWING UP IN A VERY DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT AND FOR WHOM MUCH WIDER HORIZONS ARE OPENING UP.*
HE SENSED A FEW WARNING SIGNS OF OUR INFLATION RISING AT A RATE WHICH WOULD MAKE US FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
/if it.....
THURSDAY, N0V2.BER 2, 1978
- 14 -
IF IT IS NOT RECOGNISED AND CONTAINED, OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION AND THEREFORE THE VITAL FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE ’ENGINE ROOM’ OF OUR ECONOMY- NAMELY, OUR INDUSTRIAL AND EXPORT BASE, COULD BE UNDERMINED, HE SAID.
ABROAD, OUR PROBLEM IS TO COMPETE IN AN INCREASINGLY PROTECTIONIST WORLD AND THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY,
WHILE OUR RECORD IS EXCELLENT, WE MUST CONTINUE TO FIND WAYS TO SUSTAIN OUR PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH. THE TWO KEYS TO IMPROVEMENT, WHICH ARE INTER-DEPENDENT AND SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN TANDEM, ARE THE UPGRADING OF OUR INDUSTRIAL SKILLS AND ATTRACTING NEW INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, HE SAID.
UPGRADING OUR SKILLS WILL NOT ONLY HELP TO IMPROVE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR EXISTING INDUSTRIES, IT WILL ALSO ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENT AND HELP US MOVE UP THE SCALE OF TECHNOLOGY, HE THUS SUPPORTED OUR EXPANDING TECHNICAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
ORGANISED PROMOTION OF NEW INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, ON THE OTHER HAND, COMPARED WITH EXPORT PROMOTION, HAS DONE LESS WELL IN THE PAST AND HE WELCOMED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, WHAT IS ABSOLUTELY CLEAR IS THAT A VITAL INGREDIENT IN MOST INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT DECISIONS IS A SUPPLY OF GOOD LAND AT ECONOMIC PRICES AND IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES THIS POSES ACUTE PROBLEMS. HE THEREFORE WELCOMED THE HIGH PRIORITY GOVERNMENT WAS ACCORDING TO LAND PRODUCTION.
FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED. IF WE ARE TO SUCCEED IN OUR EXPORT PROMOTION, IT IS VITAL THAT THE CLOSEST CO-OPERATION AND CONSULTATION SHOULD EXIST BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. HE HOPED THE FORTHCOMING ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN IN WHICH THE GOVERNOR IS TO PARTICIPATE WILL PROVE TO BE A GOOD EXAMPLE OF WHAT SUCH CO-OPERATION CAN ACHIEVE.
MR. NEWBIG6ING WELCOMED THE CONFIDENT VIEW OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE EXPRESSED IN THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS WHICH HE SAID WAS A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT NOT ONLY TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, ♦BUT ALSO TO THOSE WHO INVEST HERE AND BUY FROM US AND TO THE MANY OTHERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SECURITY AND PROSPERITY.^
HE ALSO FOUND THE EXCELLENT STATE OF SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS REFERRED TO BY THE GOVERNOR ENCOURAGING SINCE ♦THE POLITICAL STABILITY OF HONG KONG IS FUNDAMENTAL TO ITS CONTINUED SUCCESS,♦ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT WHILE WE OFTEN HEAR ABOUT LINKS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA AND BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT +GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRITAIN ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND NEITHER BRITAIN NOR HONG KONG SHOULD TAKE THEM FOR GRANTED.♦
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
- 15 -
GOVERNMENT URGED TO PROMOTE SELF-HELP CO-OPERATIVES ******
WELL-DIRECTED AND WELL-PLANNED SELF-HELP PROJECTS SHOULD BE PROMOTED TO AVOID THE TENDENCY OF PEOPLE DEPENDING TOO MUCH ON THE GOVERNMENT TO DO EVERYTHING FOR THEM.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE HON. ANDREW SO KWOK-WING SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD DIRECT ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS EDUCATING PEOPLE, GIVING THEM A VOICE IN FORMULATING THOSE POLICIES CONCERNING THEM AND INITIATING THEM INTO PROGRAMMES WHICH WOULD LIFT THEM TO A BETTER LEVEL OF LIVING THROUGH THEIR OWN EFFORTS.
MR. SO POINTED OUT THAT AS MATERIAL NEEDS ARE INCREASINGLY SATISFIED, PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL WANT A NEW SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE. SOME WILL PURSUE SELF-FULFILMENT AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT. OTHERS WILL SATISFY PERSONAL INTERESTS IN OTHER FIELDS, SUCH AS BECOMING VOLUNTEERS IN COMMUNITY, SELF-HELP AND CO-OPERATIVE PROJECTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN PROMOTING THESE PROJECTS, BY DIRECT PARTICIPATION, MORAL SUASION, LEGISLATION, AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
BY PROVIDING SPACE, TAX CONCESSION, TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSIST VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP CO-OPERATIVE CHILD CARE CENTRES, HOMES FOR THE AGED AND CO-OPERATIVE OWNERSHIP OF INDUSTRIAL SHARES.
SELF-HELP CO-OPERATIVES NOT ONLY CONTRIBUTE TO PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND INCOME DISTRIBUTION, MR. SO EXPLAINED, +EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS THE ROLE THEY CAN PLAY IN EVOLVING A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IN WHICH PEOPLE HAVE THE ATTITUDES AND OUTLOOK FAVOURABLE TO DEVELOPMENT.*
WITH THEIR CHARACTERISTIC MEMBER OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL, SELF-HELP CO-OPERATIVES CAN ALSO DEAL RAPIDLY WITH EMERGING CHANGES IN PUBLIC ATTITUDES, SUCH AS INCREASING DEMAND BY THE LABOUR FORCE FOR MORE INVOLVEMENT IN DECISIONS RELATING TO THEIR WORK. THIS IS WHERE THE CO-OPERATIVES, THE EXISTENCE OF WHICH HINGES ON A NEGOTIATED APPROACH, HAVE THEIR ADVANTAGE. FURTHERMORE, BY NATURE, THEY ARE IDEALLY SUITED TO EXTENSIVE COMMUNICATION FLOWS AND WOULD HELP IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH THOSE PEOPLE WHO FEEL ISOLATED.
MR. SO ALSO SUGGESTED A SCHEME OF ’EMPLOYMENT ADJUSTMENT’ BY WHICH SURPLUS LABOUR CAN BE DEPLOYED IN TIMES OF STRUCTURAL RECESSION, SUCH AS WOULD PROBABLY OCCUR WITH THE IMPOSITION OF QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON OUR TEXTILE PRODUCTS, AND INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF COTTON.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, AN ENTERPRISE WITH SURPLUS LABOUR WOULD LOAN SOME OF ITS EMPLOYEES TO ANOTHER ENTERPRISE WHICH HAS A LABOUR SHORTAGE. THIS WILL BENEFIT BOTH OF THEM AS WELL AS THE WORKERS WHO WILL ALSO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL SKILLS, ALTHOUGH THEY WILL BE INCONVENIENCED BY THE CHANGE OF JOB AND PLACE OF WORK.
/hr. SC ......
AX1UXUXUA1, 1>/O
16
MR. SO THOUGHT THAT IN ADDITION TO GREATER SECURITY OF EMPLOYMENT, WORKERS SHOULD HAVE A PACKAGE OF EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHICH SERVE AS SOME SORT OF SOCIAL SECURITY. SOME OF THESE BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED UNDER LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT BY THE EMPLOYERS AS THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY COSTS.
IN DRAWING UP THIS PACKAGE, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG AND OTHER FACTORS, INCLUDING JUSTICE, PACE OF DEVELOPMENT, COST OF LIVING, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, EMPLOYMENT SITUATION, PRICE STABILITY BALANCE OF EXPENDITURE, OVERSEAS MARKET COMPETITION AND INDUSTRIAL HARMONY.
MR. SO POINTED OUT THAT HIS SUGGESTIONS ON THESE THREE SUBJECTS WOULD IN THE LONG TERM ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO PLAY A GREATER PART IN RELEASING THE ENERGIES, TALENT AND IDEALS OF ALL PEOPLE AND CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS BUILDING A BETTER HONG KONG.
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MONEY SUPPLY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER * X X X
THE MONEY SUPPLY CONTINUED TO GROW IN SEPTEMBER, BUT A SMALL PART OF THE INCREASE IS DUE TO A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS, WHICH HAVE GONE UP FROM 74 IN MAY TO 77 IN AUGUST AND TO 80 IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
IN SEPTEMBER, NOTES AND COIN AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS (Ml) WAS 3.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST, AND 30 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1977.
M2 IN SEPTEMBER (Ml PLUS TIME DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) WAS 2.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST, AND 30 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1977.
IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS Ml HAS BEEN GROWING RATHER FASTER THAN M2 — THIS MAY HAVE RESULTED FROM THE RELATIVELY LOW RATE OF INTEREST AVAILABLE ON DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS.
COMPARING THE AVERAGE FOR THE PERIOD JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1978, WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1977, TO SMOOTH OUT SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE FIGURES, Ml SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 27.4 PER CENT AND M2 AN INCREASE OF 28.7 PER CENT.
THE LARGEST CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY IN SEPTEMBER CAME FROM LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR $1,630 MILLION OF THE INCREASE OF $1,780 MILLION.
AN ANALYSIS OF BANK LENDING AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1978 SHOWS AN INCREASE OF 9 PER CENT IN BANK LENDING SINCE THE END OF JUNE 1978.
THERE WAS LITTLE CHANGE IN LOANS TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: THE GREATER PART OF THE INCREASE WAS SEEN IN LOANS TO BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (+11.4 PER CENT), TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS INCLUDING BANKS (+17 PER CENT) AND TO PERSONAL AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS (+12.1 PER CENT).
THIS LARGELY CONTINUES THE TREND OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS, EXCEPT FOR A SLOW DOWN IN THE RATE OF GROWTH OF LOANS TO MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WHICH MAY BE DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
NEW GOODS VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE READY FOR USE SOON ******
t ' THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S $6 MILLION GOODS VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE BEING BUILT ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION WILL BE READY FOR OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE NEW CENTRE WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT FOR THE INSPECTION OF GOODS VEHICLES AND WILL HAVE EIGHT SEMI-AUTOMATED INSPECTION LANES IN A LARGE HALL CAPABLE OF HANDLING OVER 200 INSPECTIONS A DAY.
APART FROM AN INSPECTION HALL, THE CENTRE WILL HAVE AN OFFICE BLOCK, A STORE HOUSE, A PUBLIC WAITING ROOM, A LECTURE ROOM AND A CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE INSPECTION LANES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH VARIOUS MODERN TESTING DEVICES SUCH AS HYDRAULIC-PNEUMATIC PIT JACK, STEERING/ SUSPENSION WEAR DETECTOR, HEADLIGHT TESTER, ROLLER BRAKE TESTER AND HYDRAULIC LOAD SIMULATOR. THEY WILL ENABLE THE INSPECTION OF A VEHICLE TO BE COMPLETED IN 40 MINUTES.
THE NEW INSPECTION PROCEDURES WILL ELIMINATE THE ROAD TEST AND WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR STAGES - THE FIRST TWO CONCENTRATING ON THE BODY AND ENGINE- AND THE THIRD AND FOURTH ON THE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
MR. COLIN TULLY, MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID » +0N COMPLETION OF THE CENTRE, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE EXISTING ANNUAL INSPECTIONS TO COVER ALL GOODS VEHICLES, WHICH NUMBER 45,906 AT PRESENT, AND ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 48,000 BY 1979 AND 53,000 BY 1980.+
♦HOWEVER, OUR ULTIMATE AIM IS TO EXAMINE EVERY VEHICLE ONCE A YEAR TO ENSURE THAT ALL VEHICLES ARE KEPT IN A ROADWORTHY CONDITION. UNROADWORTHY VEHICLES POSE A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC. AND SHOULD BE KEPT OFF THE ROAD,+ HE SAID.
THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF TAXIS AND THEIR TARIFF METERS WHICH ARE CHECKED EVERY SIX MONTHS. IT ALSO INSPECTS ALL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC OMNIBUSES AS WELL AS ALL MINIBUSES.
IN ADDITION, MECHANICAL CHECKS ARE CARRIED OUT ON ALL NEW OMNIBUSES, GOODS VEHICLES, USED IMPORTED VEHICLES AND NEW MODELS CF PRIVATE CARS PRIOR TO THEIR REGISTRATION AND LICENSING. VEHICLES REPORTED TO BE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSING POSSIBLE DANGER ON THE ROAD ARE ALSO CHECKED.
THERE ARE NOW FOUR VEHICLES EXAMINATION CENTRES - ONE IN TSUEN WAN, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TWO IN KOWLOON.
/the total.....
THURSDAY, N0V333R 2, 15.78
18
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES INSPECTED ROSE FROM 48,520 IN 1976 TO 56,453 IN 1977 AND TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD, THE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING THREE NEW MULTI-LANE VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES, SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE KOWLOON BAY GOODS VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG RESPECTIVELY.
♦WHEN THESE CENTRES ARE COMPLETED, THE INSPECTION PROGRAMME WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE, INITIALLY, OLDER PRIVATE CARS,+ W. TULLY SAID.
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LADY MACLEHOSE TO OPEN PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S AUTUMN FAIR *****
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL OPEN THE 26TH ANNUAL AUTUMN FAIR OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT AT NOON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4) ON THE SPORTS FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON.
THE FAIR IS ORGANISED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO VARIOUS CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, AS WELL AS THE PRISONERS AND PRISON OFFICERS WELFARE
THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 30 STALLS IN THE FAIR SELLING A WIDE RANGE OF PRISON VOCATIONAL AND HOBBY CLASSES PRODUCTS.
THE FAIR WILL ALSO FEATURE A PARACHUTING DISPLAY BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PARACHUTE CLUB, A GYMNASTIC SHOW BY PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTORS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND MUSIC BY THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
ADMISSION TO THE FAIR IS FREE, BUT A CHARGE OF $2 WILL BE MADE FOR THE SOUVENIR PROGRAMME. REFRESHMENT STALLS AND A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE PRISON GATE AND BEHIND THE BUS STOP OUTSIDE THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN TUNG TAU WAN ROAD.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ALSO TAKE ROUTE 6 BUSES WHICH OPERATE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND STANLEY PRISON.
THE FAIR WILL CLOSE AT 6 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S AUTUMN FAIR ON THE SPORTS FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON. THEY ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE BEFORE 11.45 A.M. ON SATURDAY AND SHOULD CONTACT MR. RAYMOND LEUNG AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1978
19
CHEQUE PRESENTATION FOR SQUASH RACKET COMPLEX ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) PRESENT A CHEQUE FOR >250,000 TO THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION TOWARDS THE COST OF BUILDING A COMPLEX OF SIX SQUASH COURTS AT ISLAND SCHOOL.
THE MONEY COMES FROM THE GOVERNOR’S SPECIAL FUND FOR RECREATION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR. P.G. WILLIAMS, WILL PRESENT TO THE ASSOCIATION A CHEQUE FOR A SIMILAR AMOUNT.
THE PRESENTATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SQUASH RACKET COMPLEX NOW NEARING COMPLETION AT ISLAND SCHOOL, BORRETT ROAD, AT 4.30 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE CHEQUE PRESENTATIONS TOMORROW AT ISLAND SCHOOL, BORRETT ROAD. THOSE COVERING THE FUNCTION SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT PRESS OFFICER,AT THE SCHOOL AT 4.20 P.M.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND SOCIAL CENTRE IN THEN MUN ....................................... 1
$250 MILLION ROAD AND DRAINAGE PROJECT FOR SHEK WU HUI/ FAN LING ................................................. 2
GOVERNMENT TO SPEND $5.5 BILLION ON TUEN MUN NEW TOWN
DEVELOPMENT .............................................. 3
INTEREST PAYMENT TO HOLDERS OF GOVERNMENT BONDS .......... 4
CERTIFICATES FOR CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS ................... 4
S.H.A. PRESENTS $250,000 CHEQUE FOR SQUASH COURT COMPLEX .................................................. 5
—✓
CAS TO HOLD 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE ...................... 5
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHA TIN AMBULANCE DEPOT .............. 6
IMPROVING MEAT HYGIENE ................................... 6
LANDS TRIBUNAL MOVES TO CENTRAL DISTRICT ................. 7
PWD TO HOLD FUN FAIR ON SUNDAY ........................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE
9
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
1
GOVERNOR OPENS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND SOCIAL CENTRE IN TUEN MUN * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY OPENED THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND SOCIAL CENTRE IN TUEN MUN WHICH WAS BUILT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW COMPLEX, SIR MURRAY SAID IT WOULD SERVE AS +A MEANS OF ENCOURAGING UNDER ONE ROOF BOTH SOUND EDUCATION, AND A MEETING PLACE WHERE NEW RESIDENTS CAN BE HELPED TO GET TO KNOW THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND TO BECOME PART OF THE NEW COMMUNITY*.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND SOCIAL CENTRE IN TUEN MUN TODAY:
+1 AM MOST GRATEFUL FOR YOUR INVITATION TO OPEN THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND SOCIAL CENTRE.
+AS A PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IT WILL BE IN THE MODERN TREND, SINCE THE WHITE PAPER ENVISAGES PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS BEING AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME IN THE 80’S. SINCE SO MANY PUPILS OF PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE OF ABOVE-AVERAGE ABILITY, I HOPE THEY WILL HAVE SOME SENIOR SECONDARY PLACES AND THUS INCREASE THE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITY THEY OFFER.
♦IN ACTING ALSO AS A SOCIAL CENTRE IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE FULLER USE OF THE PREMISES AND FACILITIES THIS BUILDING OFFERS, AND THUS ENABLE THE SCHOOL TO PLAY A LARGER PART IN THE LIFE OF THIS NEW COMMUNITY, A PART IN WHICH WHOLE FAMILIES, INSTEAD OF ONLY STUDENTS, CAN SHARE.
♦BY PIONEERING THE FIRST OF SUCH OMNIBUS BUILDINGS AT TUEN MUN, I AM SURE MR. MARDEN HAS CORRECTLY INTERPRETED THE NEEDS OF DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS, AND HAS FOUND A MEANS OF ENCOURAGING UNDER ONE ROOF BOTH SOUND EDUCATION, AND A MEETING PLACE WHERE NEW RESIDENTS CAN BE HELPED TO GET TO KNOW THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND TO BECOME PART OF THE NEW COMMUNITY.
♦BEFORE UNVEILING THE PLAQUE I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE MARDEN FAMILY AND CARITAS ON THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION THEY ARE MAKING. I WISH THIS BUILDING AND ALL WHO STUDY AND MEET IN IT EVERY SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS, AND HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING IT OPEN.+
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
- 2 -
$250 MILLION ROAD AND DRAINAGE PROJECTS FOR SHEK WU HUI-FAN LING *******
THE GOVERNMENT IS ABOUT TO IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AS WELL AS ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT FAN LING AND SHEK WU HUI AT A COST OF $250 MILLION.
ENGINEERING WORK ON THE FIRST PART OF THE SCHEME WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S TAI PO AND FAN LING PROJECT MANAGER, MR. BERNARD NEWMAN, SAID TODAY THE PROGRAMME FORMED PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S $2.2 BILLION PLAN TO TURN FAN LING AND SHEK WU HUI INTO MODERN TOWNSHIPS FOR 170,000 PEOPLE.
HE SAID IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS WOULD BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT.
♦THE FIRST PART OF THE UPCOMING PROGRAMME WILL IMPROVE EXISTING SECTIONS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB AND TAI PO ROADS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FAN LING ROUNDABOUT TO DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS,* HE SAID.
♦THERE WILL ALSO BE PROVISION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX SUBWAYS, FOUR OF WHICH AROUND THE FAN LING ROUNDABOUT, AND A FOOTBRIDGE FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.*
MR. NEWMAN SAID THE FULL PROGRAMME WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY FROM TAI PO TO FAN LING.
THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WILL REQUIRE THE RESUMPTION OF 46,902.1 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND, 185.2 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND AND 27.9 SQUARE METRES OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGE LAND. TWO MONTHS’ NOTICE OF THE LAND RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER JOHNSON, SAID TODAY THAT DISPLACED FAMILIES, DEPENDING ON THEIR ELIGIBILITY WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN FAN LING.
GENUINE CULTIVATOR-FAMILIES MAY OPT FOR A RESITE TOGETHER WITH AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000, BUT WILL FORFEIT THEIR PRIORITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, HE SAID.
AS THE LAND TO BE RESUMED LIES WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SHEUNG SHUI/SHEK WU HUI/FAN LING OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, LANDOWNERS AFFECTED WILL BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVES OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ON LETTER B TERMS AND/OR CASH COMPENSATION.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT TO COST $5.5 BILLION *****
REVISED ESTIMATES SHOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $5.5 BILLION TO DEVELOP TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WAS TOLD TODAY.
THE NEW FIGURE WAS GIVEN DURING ONE OF SIR MURRAY’S REGULAR VISITS TO TUEN MUN TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENT WORKS. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, l*R. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG, AND THE P.W.D. PROJECT MANAGER, MR. STANLEY BARDEN.
DURING A BRIEFING SESSION WITH SIR MURRAY, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS POINTED OUT THAT THE LAST ESTIMATE OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON THE NEW TOWN PROJECT WAS ABOUT $4 BILLION, BUT THE LATEST ESTIMATE TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE CHANGING VALUE OF MONEY AND AMENDMENTS TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT TUEN MUN.
THE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, FOR EXAMPLE, NOW ENVISAGES A NEW TOWN AREA OF 1,180 HECTARES WITH AN ULTIMATE POPULATION CF 529,000 PEOPLE.
OTHER POINTS RAISED AT THE BRIEFING WEREs
* ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED FOR THE NEW TOWN EXTENSION INTO SIU LAM AND SO KWUN WAT. RESULTS INDICATE THE POSSIBILITY OF OBTAINING ABOUT 40 NET HECTARES OF LAND, FORMED AFTER BORROW OPERATIONS, AND SUFFICIENT TO HOUSE 30,000 PEOPLE IN LOW-RISE DEVELOPMENT.
* APPROXIMATELY 110 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE SO FAR BEEN FORMED COMPLETE WITH SERVICES SUCH AS WATER, ROADS AND DRAINS IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THE NULLAH. NEARLY 50 HECTARES ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.
* IN THE MAIN CASTLE PEAK BAY 16 HECTARES HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR RES IDENT IAL/COMMERCI AL DEVELOPMENT EAST OF THE MAIN TUEN MUN ROAD THROUGH THE TOWN.
* TO THE WEST OF THE ROAD LINE, THE RECLAMATION OF SOME 30 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, 13 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IS NEARING COMPLETION.
* ANOTHER MAJOR CONTRACT FOR FORMATION OF 22 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE TOWN MAINLY FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND FOR THE TRAINING OF THE RIVER IS CONTINUING SATISFACTORILY.
* SCHOOLS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ARE BEING BUILT IN PACE WITH HOUSING CONSTRUCTION. IN TAI HING, THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WHILST.CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE REACHED ROOF LEVEL. OTHER FACILITIES SUCH AS A POLICE POST, A FIRE STATION, MARKET AND A LIBRARY HAVE ALSO BEEN COMPLETED IN THE ESTATE.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
4
INTEREST PAYMENT TO GOVERNMENT BONDS HOLDERS *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT INTEREST AT 6-1/2 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE PAID TO HOLDERS OF GOVERNMENT BONDS ON NOVEMBER 24.
WILL BE MADE 0N SURRENDER OF INTEREST COUPONS AT THE
atA? queen^s°roadEcentral°NG AND SHAN6HAI BANK,NG corporation
THE GOVERNMENT BONDS FOR REPAYMENT IN 1980.
WHICH WERE ISSUED IN 1975 ARE DUE
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CERTIFICATES FOR CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO 22 CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS WHO HAVE JUST FINISHED A SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
IN THEIR ASSIGNMENT, THE VOLUNTEERS, AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 29 COMING FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE, HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR FREE TIME TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICERS PROVIDE TREATMENT TO YOUNG OFFENDERS PLACED ON PROBATION.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW AT THE FURAMA HOTEL, VI CTOR I ANA ROOM.
AT THE CEREMONY, THE DEPARTMENT’S CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, MRS. LAU NG HO-YEE, WILL GIVE A TALK ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE FUNCTION ON SATURDAY AT 2.30 P.M. AT FURAMA HOTEL, VICTOR I ANA ROOM.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
5
SHA PRESENTS CHEQUE FOR SQUASH COURT COMPLEX *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, TODAY PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $250,000 TO THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION TOWARDS THE COST OF A SIX-COURT COMPLEX BEING BUILT BY THE ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ISLAND SCHOOL.
THE SUM COMES FROM THE GOVERNOR’S SPECIAL FUND FOR RECREATION.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR. P.G. WILLIAMS, ALSO PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THE SAME AMOUNT ON BEHALF OF HIS CLUB.
THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $2.5 MILLION, IS NEARING COMPLETION. IT WILL BE KNOWN AS THE ISLAND SQUASH RACKETS CLUB.
ON COMPLETION, THE COURTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY CLUB MEMBERS AND ISLAND SCHOOL STUDENTS AS WELL AS BY THE PUBLIC FOR TRAINING AND COACHING COURSES ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO NOMINATE UP TO 50 YOUNG PLAYERS OF POTENTIAL AT A TIME AS FULL MEMBERS OF THE CLUB FREE OF CHARGE.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
CAS TO HOLD 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE *****
..... Zee.^^!TARY F0R H0ME ABAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. LI FOOK-KOW C ATE AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS AT THE VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 5).
MR. LI WILL INSPECT AND ADDRESS THE PARADE.
THE ‘NSPECTION, THERE WILL BE MARCH AND DRILL DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE C.A.S. CADET CORPS AS WELL AS DISPLAY OF CADET TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES AND A VARIETY SHOW.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 9 A.M. AND END AT NOON.
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6
TENDERS INVITED FOR BUILDING SHA TIN AMBULANCE DEPOT
******
SHA TIN IS TO GET A NEW AMBULANCE DEPOT SOON. PILING WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED, AND TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING ARE BEING INVITED TODAY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE DECISION TO BUILD THE NEW DEPOT WAS TAKEN TO MEET THE RISING DEMAND FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS, A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: +AND, OF COURSE, WITH THE VAST DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN DEMAND CAN BE EXPECTED TO INCREASE EVEN MORE.*
THE DEPOT WILL BE BUILT ON A 2,060 SQUARE METRE SITE DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE NEW SHA TIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
OF STANDARD DESIGN, THE TWO-STOREY DEPOT WILL ACCOMMODATE FOUR AMBULANCES, DUTY AND SERVICE ROOMS, OFFICES, A DINING AND RECREATION ROOM, BARRACK FOR THE STAFF ON DUTY AND ABLUTION FACILITIES.
ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A STORE, AIR COMPRESSOR ROOM, UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK, FUELLING PUMP STATION AND A VEHICLE WASHING BAY.
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IMPROVING MEAT HYGIENE * * * *
THE SLAUGHTERING OF PIGS IS NOW A FULLY MECHANISED PROCESS AND A SIMILAR SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR CATTLE IN 1979, MR. BRIAN WILSON, DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE FIRST INAUGURATION OF THE GOVERNMENT ABATTOIRS BUTCHERS’ ASSOCIATION.
MR. WILSON SAID THAT IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE SKILL, EFFICIENCY AND WELFARE OF BUTCHERS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS SENT MASTER BUTCHERS OVERSEAS TO STUDY MODERN METHODS OF ANIMAL SLAUGHTER.
+THE DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY INTRODUCE AN INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE FOR ASSISTANT BUTCHERS, WITH THE OBJECT NOT ONLY OF IMPROVING THEIR SKILLS BUT ALSO OF DEVELOPING THEIR CAREER PROSPECTS,+ HE ADDED.
MR. WILSON ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BUTCHERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF MEAT HYGIENE.
+WITH THE INCREASING AMOUNT OF MEAT IN THE ORDINARY DIET, IT BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THIS FRESH MEAT IS FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. AVOIDING CONTAMINATION OF MEAT IN THE PROCESS OF BUTCHERY IS PART OF THE JOB.+
THE BUTCHERY GRADE WAS FIRST CREATED IN 1968 WHEN THE PRESENT KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR WAS COMPLETED.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
7
LANDS TRIBUNAL MOVES TO CENTRAL * X * * * *
THE LANDS TRIBUNAL WILL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MOVE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, TO ITS NEW PREMISES AT CENTRAL FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JUDICIARY SAID FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) THE REGISTRAR OF THE TRIBUNAL WILL HANDLE AT ITS NEW OFFICE THE FOLLOWING:
* ALL INTERLOCUTORY APPLICATIONS MADE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL RULES-
M ALL REFERENCES EITHER BY A CLAIMANT OR BY THE CROWN UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, CAP. 276- PUBLIC RECLAMATIONS AND WORKS ORDINANCE, CAP. 113- CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, CAP. 124, FORESHORES AND SEA BED ORDINANCE, CAP. 127- STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE, CAP. 130- AND HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTION) ORDINANCE, CAP. 301- AND
* ALL APPEALS UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE RATING ORDINANCE, CAP. 116, AND THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (REDEVELOPMENT OF SITES) ORDINANCE, CAP. 337.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
- 8 -
PWD FAIR ON SUNDAY * * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO HOLD ITS SECOND FUN FAIR AT THE GARDEN ROAD OPEN-AIR CARPARK NEXT TO MURRAY BUILDING ON SUNDAY.
THOUSANDS OF P.W.D. STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP AT THE FAIR WHERE SOME 30 STALLS WILL PROVIDE A LARGE VARIETY OF GAMES FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FUN FAIR ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. G.N. VAN LANGENBERG, SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE OVERWHELM I NG SUCCESS OF THE FIRST FUN FAIR HELD IN NOVEMBER 1976, IT WAS DECIDED THAT A DEPARTMENTAL FUN FAIR SHOULD BE HELD EVERY ALTERNATE YEAR TO PROVIDE THE STAFF OF THE P.W.D. AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH A DAY OF FUN.
+THE AIM IS TO DRAW STAFF FROM ALL THE P.W.D. OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES SCATTERED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO A FOCAL POINT WHERE, IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FUN AND RELAXATION, THEY COULD GATHER TO ENJOY A DAY WITH THEIR COLLEAGUES AND THEIR FAMILIES,+ HE SAID.
+IT IS ON OCCASIONS SUCH AS THIS THAT OPPORTUNITIES ARISE FOR RENEWING FRIENDSHIPS PARTICULARLY WITH THOSE ONE RARELY HAS THE CHANCE OF MEETING. THESE GATHERINGS ALSO GO A LONG WAY TO FOSTERING GOODWILL AND UNITY AMONG THE STAFF. +
THE PROGRAMME OF THE FAIR WILL INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS TO BE STAGED BY ARTISTES FROM HK-TVB AND RTHK. OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL CONSIST OF SONGS BY +HONG KONG ELVIS+, JOHNNY MA, FOLK DANCES BY SCHOOLS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP, STREET THEATRE SHOW BY G.I.S., FASHION BY ROOTES CO. LTD. AND CATWALK PRODUCTION, AND SAN MIGUEL BEER DRINKING COMPETITION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A P.W.D. STAFF TALENT SHOW.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A RAFFLE DRAW BY MISS HONG KONG 1978 WINNIE CHAN.
THE FAIR WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE WIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTORS FOLLOWING AN OPENING ADDRESS BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND AND THE CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE P.W.D. FAIR. IT WILL BE HELD FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 5) AT THE GARDEN ROAD OPEN-AIR CARPARK NEXT TO MURRAY BUILDING.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1978
- 9 -
FIRING PRACTICE TIMETABLE REVISED
******
FIRING PRACTICE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON NOVEMBER 6, 9 AND 10 HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED.
THE REVISED TIMETABLE OF FIRING PRACTICE FOR NOVEMBER IS AS FOLOWSs
DATE HOURS
NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
NOVEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
NOVEMBER 14 (TUESDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M.
NOVEMBER 15 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M.
NOVEMBER 16 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M.
NOVEMBER 20 (MONDAY) 12 NOON - 4.30 P.M.
NOVEMBER 28 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 30 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SOCIAL CENTRES ESSENTIAL TO THE ELDERLY ................. 1
SWD THANKS VOLUNTEERS FOR PROBATIONERS .................. 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT DISTRICT OFFICES OF SWD ............... 3
ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE TO OPEN IN SHA TIN . 4
CHIEF SECRETARY OPENS SALVATION ARMY WEEK ............... 5
TIME TABLES OF MERCHANT SHIPPING EXAMINATIONS ........... 6
KEEP BATHROOMS PROPERLY VENTILATED ...................... 7
FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE ............................................ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ..................................... 8
WATER CUT
8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
1
SOCIAL CENTRES ESSENTIAL TO THE ELDERLY ******
A SENIOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SAID TODAY OLD PEOPLE’S SOCIAL CENTRES ARE OF'GREAT VALUE IN ENABLING THE ELDERLY TO MAINTAIN THEIR SOCIAL LIFE AND OBTAIN A SENSE OF FULFILMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LUTHERAN CENTRE FOR THE AGED AT CHOI HUNG ESTATE, MRS. ROSE GOODSTADT, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ELDERLY SERVICES DIVISION, SPOKE OF THE VARIOUS ROLES THAT SOCIAL CENTRES PLAY IN ENRICHING THE LIVES OF OLD PEOPLE.
+APART FROM SERVING AS CONVENIENT FOCAL POINTS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES, THE CENTRES ALSO PROVIDE OPPORTUNIT IES AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE ELDERLY TO TAKE PART IN SERVICES FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.
MRS. GOODSTADT SAID SUCH ORGANISED VOLUNTARY SERVICE IS NOT ONLY A MEANINGFUL OCCUPATION FOR RETIRED PEOPLE BUT THE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS WOULD ALSO HELP DISPELL THE FEELING OF ISOLATION AND FILL THE PSYCHOLOGICAL VACUUM EXPERIENCED BY A MAJORITY OF THE AGING POPULATION.
+VOLUNTARY SERVICES BY THE ELDERLY, IF ADEQUATELY DEVELOPED, CAN BECOME AN ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTION IN WELFARE SERVICES,* SHE ADDED.
CITING EXAMPLES, MRS. GOODSTADT SAID TEAMS OF OLD PEOPLE FROM EXISTING SOCIAL CENTRES ARE NOW ENGAGED IN VALUABLE SERVICES RANGING FROM INTEREST GROUPS FOR YOUNGSTERS, TUTORIAL CLASSES FOR STUDENTS, VISITS TO HOSPITALS AND AGED HOMES TO HOME HELP SERVICE FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
+THE NEED FOR THESE CENTRES BECOME MORE APPARENT AS SOCIAL CHANGES AND OTHER PRESSURES BRING ABOUT THE BREAKDOWN OF TRADITIONAL FAMILY TIES, THUS COMPELLING MORE OLD PEOPLE TO LOOK OUTSIDE FOR LEISURELY PURSUITS AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES,* SHE SAID.
MRS. GOODSTADT NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR THIS KIND OF FACILITY, AND THE LONG-TERM GOAL OF SETTING UP A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR EVERY 20,000 OF THE POPULATION, HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY PUBLISHED LATE LAST YEAR.
SHE THANKED THE LUTHERAN CHURCH — HONG KONG SYNOD FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN THIS SERVICE. IT HAS BEEN OPERATING ANOTHER SOCIAL CENTRE IN WONG TAI SIN SINCE 1974.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
2
SWD THANKS VOLUNTEERS FOR PROBATIONERS
*****
TWENTY-ONE CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS WERE TODAY REWARDED FOR HELPING THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICERS TO PROVIDE TREATMENT AND CARE TO YOUNG PROBATIONERS IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
AT A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON AT FURAMA HOTEL, THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION, MR. CARLOS LEUNG, PRESENTED EACH OF THEM WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICES.
THE VOLUNTEERS, FROM VARIOUS WALKS OF LIFE, HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH ASSIGNMENT UNDER THE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS WHICH WAS INTRODUCED TWO YEARS AGO AS A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT.
THEY ARE ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 29. THE GROUP INCLUDES STUDENTS, CLERKS, SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS, COMPUTER OPERATOR, SHIPPING SUPERVISOR, LAND INSPECTOR AND WOMAN POLICE INSPECTOR.
IN THANKING THE VOLUNTEERS, PRINCIPAL PROBATION OFFICER, MR. PETER LIN, PRAISED THEM FOR THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN JOINING THE SCHEME AND GIVING UP THEIR FREE TIME TO HELP YOUNG PROBATIONERS THROUGH TUITION, SOCIALISATION AND ADVICE.
AT PRESENT, 13 OTHER VOLUNTEERS ARE CARRYING OUT THEIR ASSIGNMENT WITH PROBATION OFFICERS, AND ANOTHER 59 HAVE JUST UNDERGONE AN ORIENTATION COURSE AND ARE AWAITING ASSIGNMENT.
AT THE CEREMONY, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST, MRS. LAU NG HO-YEE, ALSO GAVE A TALK ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENTS.
MRS. LAU SAID YOUNG OFFENDERS WERE FOUND TO BE CHARACTERISTICALLY BACKWARD SOCIALLY AND INTELLECTUALLY.
SHE SAID THEY USUALLY TEND TO COME FROM POOR HOMES WITH PARENTS WHO DO NOT EXERCISE ADEQUATE SUPERVISION AND SOME OF THEM HAVE SHOWN TO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN ADJUSTING TO SCHOOL LIFE OR THEIR PLACE OF WORK BEFORE THEY COMMITTED AN OFFENCE.
MRS. LAU SAID THAT YOUNG OFFENDERS SHOULD BE GUIDED AND INFLUENCED BY A MODEL OF PROPER BEHAVIOUR IN ORDER TO CORRECT THEIR OLD WAYS.
IN THIS RESPECT, SHE SAID, THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS MAY BE INVALUABLE.
SHE SUGGESTED CERTAIN PREVENTIVE MEASURES WHICH INCLUDE REMEDIAL EDUCATION SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO SHOW AN EARLY SIGN OF MAL-ADJUSTMENT IN SCHOOL, AS WELL AS EDUCATING ADOLESCENTS IN PARENTHOOD AND CHILD-HANDLING.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR TO VISIT DISTRICT OFFICES OF SWD *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT TWO DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO THE PROVISION OF DIRECT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SIR MURRAY WILL TOUR THE EASTERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT AND THE HONG KONG DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION, BOTH ON THE 7TH FLOOR OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT BEFORE 10.15 A.M. ON MONDAY.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
4
ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE TO OPEN IN SHA TIN ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN AN ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE IN SHA TIN TO SERVE AS ANOTHER FOCAL POINT OF ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE FAST-GROWING NEW TOWN.
THE CENTRE AT SHA TIN TSUNG TSIN SCHOOL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON NOVEMBER 14. INITIALLY IT WILL PROVIDE 16 COURSES FOR ADULTS AT EVENINGS RANGING FROM HOBBY PURSUIT TO LANGUAGE STUDIES.
IT WILL OPEN FROM 7.30 P.M. TO 9.30 P.M. EVERY EVENING FROM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY EXCEPT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FOR PEOPLE AGED 18 AND ABOVE. ALL COURSES PROVIDED ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
MR. CHAN CHUEN-AH, AN EDUCATION OFFICER IN THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT SAID MORE COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO CATER FOR VARIOUS INTERESTS OF RESIDENTS IN SHA TIN.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT A SURVEY IS NOW UNDERWAY TO DETERMINE THE INTERESTS OF RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND MORE THAN 5,000 QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE RESIDENTS SEEKING THEIR VIEWS ON THE KIND OF COURSES THEY WOULD PREFER.
THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN CENTRE WILL BRING TO 16, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING A PROPER OUTLET FOR ADULTS TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME IN THE EVENING.
THE CENTRE, THE FOURTH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IS ALSO IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY FACILITIES IN DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS.
THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN 1955, HAS PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR.
THE EXISTING 15 CENTRES HAVE A COMBINED REGISTERED MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 47,000 AND THEY PROVIDE ABOUT 50 KINDS OF ACTIVITIES.
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/5....
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
- 5
CHIEF SECRETARY OPENS SALVATION ARMY WEEK ******
MOST PEOPLE ASSOCIATED THE SALVATION ARMY WITH ITS CHEERFULNESS AND UNREMITTING EFFORTS TO HELP AND SAVE ANYONE IN DISTRESS - THE DOWN AND OUTS, THOSE WHO NO ONE ELSE BOTHERED ABOUT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR. JACK CATER, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY WEEK AT OCEAN TERMINAL, MR. CATER SAID PEOPLE KNEW TOO THAT MANY SEA-GOING FOLK HAD BEEN GRATEFUL TO FIND A HAVEN ON SHORE IN A STRANGE PORT- WHEN THEY SAW THE SALVATION ARMY HOSTEL SIGN THEY KNEW THAT THEY HAD FOUND SHELTER AND KINDNESS.
♦OTHERS ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE REASON TO BLESS THE ARMY FOR TRACING MISSING RELATIVES — THE SALVATION ARMY CONTINUES TO SEARCH, AND SO OFTEN SUCCESSFULLY, WHEN OTHER AGENCIES HAVE GIVEN UP,+ MR. CATER SAID. +YET OTHERS ONLY REMEMBER THE SALVATION ARMY WHEN THEY WISH TO DISPOSE OF UNWANTED CLOTHES OR FURNITURE.*
MR. CATER SAID THE SALVATION ARMY WAS TO BE FOUND IN MANY PARTS OF THIS TERRITORY- IT OPERATED 15 CORPS CENTRES, EIGHT NURSERIES, SEVEN KINDERGARTENS, FIVE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND FOUR HOMES FOR THE AGED, IN ADDITION TO CRECHES, YOUTH CENTRES, A BOYS’ HOME AND A GIRLS’ HOME. THERE WAS A SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR NEARLY 1,000 CHILDREN AT TZE WAN SHAN AND A YOUTH CAMP AT MA WAN.
SOON, A NEW HOME FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WOULD COME INTO BEING AT LAI KING, SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO LOOK AFTER 100 RESIDENTIAL YOUNG FOLK AND ALSO TO PROVIDE DAY CARE TRAINING PROGRAMMES. THIS NEW HOME WOULD REPLACE THE ONE ON CHEUNG CHAU.
EXTENDED NURSERY SERVICES WERE PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR, IN PARTICULAR AT WO CHE IN SHA TIN AND THERE WOULD ALSO BE INCREASED PLACES IN THE HOMES FOR THE AGED.
+CLEARLY, HERE IN HONG KONG, MEMBERS OF THE ARMY WELL AND TRULY LIVE UP TO GENERAL BRAMWELL BOOTH’S CLAIM THAT SALVATIONISTS ARE ’THE SERVANTS OF ALL’,* MR. CATER SAID.
MR. CATER SAID THE SALVATION ARMY WEEK WAS INTENDED TO TURN A SPOTLIGHT ANNUALLY ON THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG COMMAND OF THE SALVATION ARMY. FOR ONE WEEK EACH YEAR THE ARMY HELD A SERIES OF PUBLICITY EVENTS TO ENSURE THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WERE MADE AWARE OF THE SERVICES CARRIED OUT: CARRIED OUT WITH SUCH A QUIET AND DEDICATED EFFICIENCY THROUGHOUT ALL THE REST OF THE YEAR.
+AND PERHAPS I SHOULD HAVE SAID ’THROUGHOUT ALL THE YEARS’ BECAUSE THIS YEAR MARKS THE 48TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S PRESENCE IN HONG KONG,* MR. CATER SAID. FOR NEARLY HALF A CENTURY THEY HAD WORKED HERE IN OUR COMMUNITY FOLLOWING THEIR WELL-KNOWN SLOGAN: ’WHERE THERE’S NEED, THERE’S THE SALVATION ARMY’.
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/6....
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
6
TIME TABLES OF MERCHANT SHIPPING EXAMINATIONS *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE TIME TABLES OF VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN THE MERCHANT NAVY WHICH WILL BE HELD IN 1979.
EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS MASTERS AND FIRST MATES WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 8, FEBRUARY 19, JUNE 25, AUGUST 13 AND OCTOBER 1- WHILE THOSE FOR SECOND MATES WILL TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 22, APRIL 23, MAY 14, JULY 16, SEPTEMBER 3, OCTOBER 15 AND DECEMBER 10.
APPLICATIONS FOR ANY OF THESE EXAMINATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS IN PERSON ON THE MORNING OF ANY FIRDAY AT LEAST TEN DAYS BEFORE THE DATE OF EXAMINATION.
CANDIDATES FOR TRAWLER MASTER EXAMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON ANY OF THE ABOVE DATES PROVIDED THAT APPLICATION HAS BEEN MADE ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE.
EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS EXTRA MASTER WILL BE HELD IN JANUARY AND JULY AND INTENDING CANDIDATES SHOULD GIVE AT LEAST TWO MONTHS NOTICE.
EXAMINATIONS FOR FIRST AND SECOND CLASS MARINE ENGINEERS WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION IN PERSON AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE DATE OF THE EXAMINATION THEY WISH TO ATTEND.
THOSE WHO HOLD NATIONAL CERTIFICATES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING OR OTHER Qt^LIF ICAT IONS ON WHICH EXEMPTION FROM SOME PART OF THE EXAMINATION MAY BE CLAIMED, AND CANDIDATES FOR FIRST OR SECOND CLASS ENGINEER COMBINED CERTIFICATE, SHOULD APPLY AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EXAMINATION DATE.
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO OBTAIN EXTRA FIRST CLASS ENGINEER CERTIFICATE, EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN JANUARY AND JULY.
ALL EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE EXAMINATION CENTRE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AT RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, 10TH FLOOR, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
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/7 ...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
- 7 -
KEEP BATHROOMS PROPERLY VENTILATED
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT VENTILATION IN BATHROOMS WHEN USING WATER HEATERS BURNING GAS FUEL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES MADE THE APPEAL WITH THE ADVENT OF COOL WEATHER WHEN MORE PEOPLE USE HOT WATER FOR BATHING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +DESPITE REPEATED WARNINGS, ACCIDENTS STILL OCCUR EACH YEAR AS A RESULT OF PEOPLE USING WATER HEATERS IN BATHROOMS WITHOUT PROPER REGARD TO VENTILATION.
+THESE ACCIDENTS ARE FATAL AT TIMES BECAUSE THE VICTIMS MAY DIE FROM SUFFOCATION.*
HE NOTED THAT THESE MISHAPS OFTEN OCCUR IN OLDER BUILDINGS WHICH HAVE NO PROPER VENTILATION FOR SUCH EQUIPMENT OR IN POORLY VENTILATED CUBICLES WHERE GAS HEATERS ARE INSTALLED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOOD AIR FLOW IN A ROOM WHERE A HEATER IS IN USE CAN BE MAINTAINED BY KEEPING A WINDOW OR DOOR OPEN OR BY INSTALLING A DOOR LOUVRE OR VENTILATION CHUTE.
*GAS APPLIANCES SHOULD ALSO BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED.
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FIRE SERVICES DIRECTOR TO ATTEND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. FRED WATSON, WILL LEAVE FOR SINGAPORE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING TO ATTEND THE 10TH GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION OF ASIA.
THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE BEGINS ON MONDAY.
,..n NATl0NAL FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION AIMS TO CREATE
AND MAINTA IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY RELATIONS AMONG FIRE CHIEFS
*SIA, T° RRGM0TE THE STUDY OF TECHNIQUE AND MEASURES FOR
*-IFE AND PR0PERTY FROM FIRE AND DISASTER AS WELL AS IS ™StiA,?GE KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION ON THE FIRE SERVICE AND THUS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIRE SERVICES IN ASIA.
WATS0N WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8) tvtNINb.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1978
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE SECTION OF EASTERN STREET BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND SECOND STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHA TIN AND THE MID-LEVEL WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO FACILITATE WORK BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN SHA TIN, PREMISES AT SHEUNG WO CHE, HA WO CHE, FO TAN TSUEN, THE SHA TIN RACE COURSE, HO TUNG LAU AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR TEN HOURS FROM 8 P.M. ON MONDAY.
IN THE MID-LEVEL, THE AREA BOUNDED BY LYTTELTON ROAD, BABINGTON PATH, OAKLANDS PATH INCLUDING BREEZY PATH, PO YUEN LANE, BREEZY TERRACE, 12 TO 30 BONHAM ROAD, 6A TO 10 PARK ROAD, HONITON ROAD AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STEADY GROWTH IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE .................. 1
MTR COMPENSATION FURTHER IMPROVED TO OVERCOME HARDSHIP 3
CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO TEACHERS ................................................. 4
EXPERT FROM U.K. TO CONDUCT PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSE HERE . 5
’TENDER’ TREATMENT FOR CROWN LAND ........................ 6
VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP REMOTE NT BEACH .................... 7
1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF CAS CADET CORPS .................... 8
TWO MORE INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR SALE AT TUEN MUN ......... 9
TUEN MUN FESTIVAL OPENS TOMORROW ........................ 10
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
- 1 -
STEADY GROWTH IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE *****
HONG KONG’S SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE HAS GROWN STEADILY DURING THE PAST FEW DECADES AND NOW IT HAS OVER 110,000 PUPILS UNDER ITS CARE.
THE FIRST PROPERLY INTEGRATED SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1925 WITH A FULL-TIME MEDICAL OFFICER AND A SMALL NUMBER OF STAFF WORKING UNDER THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
THE TEAM THEN PROVIDED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN 31 SCHOOLS, CONVENTS AND INSTITUTIONS.
SIX YEARS LATER, THE SERVICE WAS PLACED UNDER THE MEDICAL AUTHORITY AND MEDICAL OFFICERS WERE GAZETTED AS INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE. EVER SINCE, THE SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE HAS BEEN THE CONCERN OF BOTH THE EDUCATION AND MEDICAL AUTHORITIES.
STEADY PROGRESS CONTINUED TO BE MADE AS ADDITIONAL STAFF BECAME AVAILABLE, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT PRESSED AHEAD WITH PLANNING CLINIC? IN SCHOOLS.
AFTER THE PACIFIC WAR THE GOVERNMENT RESTORED ITS WHOLLY OPERATED SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE, GRADUALLY EXTENDING ELIGIBILITY TO SUBSIDISED SCHOOLS AND FINALLY TO PRIVATE ONES.
THE SCHEME SUFFERED ITS SETBACK IN 1955 WHEN THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO SUSPEND THE SCHEME DUE TO OTHER COMMITMENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE HEAVY INFLUX OF REFUGEES WITH CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE AND AN UNUSUALLY HIGH BIRTH RATE SINCE THE END OF THE WAR.
THE ENROLMENT IN THE SERVICE AT THAT TIME WAS WELL OVER 50,000 PUPILS AS AGAINST THE SCHOOL POPULATION OF ABOUT 250,000. IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT TO KEEP PACE WITH THE DEMAND AN ADDITIONAL 75 MEDICAL OFFICERS AND A SAME NUMBER OF DENTISTS WITH SUPPORTING STAFF AND FACILITIES WOULD BE NEEDED.
IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE GOVERNMENT RELUCTANTLY FROZE THE SCHEME AND COMMISSIONED A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVE PLANS.
IN 1956 A WORKING PARTY WAS APPOINTED TO EXAMINE EXISTING FACILITIES IN THE LIGHT OF A PROPOSED SCHEME INVOLVING PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS. FOR VARIOUS REASONS THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNABLE TO ACCEPT ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1956 WORKING PARTY.
/.v’TZ?.
2
SUNDAY, N0V2L32H 5, 1978
AFTER FURTHER YEARS OF STUDY, THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE PROVISIONAL ADVISORY BOARD WAS APPOINTED IN 1962 TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE TO INVOLVE PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
IN 1964 THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD WAS FORMALLY CONSTITUTED AS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY.
SINCE THEN, THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AND ENROLMENT ROSE AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF FIVE PER POrULAK tNKVl f(VE yEARS tq mqre lw>000 pup)LS FRQM
CENT A YEAR IN THE ABOUT 740 SCHOOLS.
MORE THAN 200 IN THE SCHEME WITH AND THE GOVERNMENT
PRIVATE MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ARE PARTICIPATING EACH ENROLLED PUPIL PAYING ONLY 35 A YEAR CONTRIBUTING $30 PER PUPIL.
THE SCHEME DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ECONOMICAL MEDICAL TREATMENT TO SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM PRIMARY 1 TO FORM 3 IS TO COMPLEMENT THE EXTENSIVE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
3
MTR COMPENSATION FURTHER IMPROVED TO OVERCOME HARDSHIP
*****
THE GOVERNMENT, TO HELP EASE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP CAUSED TO SHOP OPERATORS AND OTHER BUSINESSES BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, HAS INTRODUCED A NEW COMPENSATION SCHEME TO OFFSET BUSINESS LOSSES.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WOULD ALLOW BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OR TEMPORARY ALTERATION OF A STREET TO MAKE PERIODIC OR STAGED CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION ON AN EX-GRATIA BASIS WHILE WORK IS IN PROGRESS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS BEING INTRODUCED BECAUSE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE ONLY ALLOWS BUSINESSES TO MAKE ONE CLAIM FOR LOSSES AND PREVENTS THEM FROM MAKING CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ESTIMATED FUTURE LOSSES.
+DESPITE THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ADVANCE COMPENSATION SCHEME IN 1976, IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT A FURTHER SCHEME IS REQUIRED TO ENABLE SHOP OPERATORS SUFFERING HARDSHIP TO MAKE PERIODIC CLAIMS,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT APPLIES ONLY TO PECUNIARY LOSSES AS SET OUT IN ITEM FOUR OF PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE AND THAT ALL PAYMENTS WOULD BE EX-GRATIA BECAUSE THEY FELL OUTSIDE THE TERMS OF THE ORDINANCE.
BUSINESSES WISHING TO MAKE CLAIMS FOR PERIODIC PAYMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
INFORMATION SUPPORTING EACH CLAIM SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT SET OUT IN SECTION 21(1) OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CLAIMS WOULD NORMALLY ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS.
HOWEVER, CLAIMS MIGHT BE CONSIDERED, AT THE GOVERNMENT’S DISCRETION, IF THEY WERE MADE FOR A SHORTER PERIOD WHICH ENDED A FINANCIAL YEAR AND WHICH WERE SUPPORTED BY ACCOUNTS MADE UP TO THAT DATE.
COMPENSATION PAID UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN ASSESSING ANY FUTURE STATUTORY CLAIM AND CLAIMANTS WOULD EE REQUIRED TO SIGN AN UNDETAKING AUTHORISING A DEDUCTION OF ANY EX-GRATIA PAYMENT.
BUSINESS OPERATORS REQUIRING FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT SHOULD CONTACT THE NEAREST CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR IN THE CASE OF TSUEN WAN, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFF ICE.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
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CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE PROVIDES GUIDANCE TO
TEACHERS
******
SCHOOL TEACHERS CAN OBTAIN GUIDANCE AND ADVICE CONCERNING THE TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTRE, WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1974, WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH THE CHINESE SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP STUDENTS’ PROFICIENCY IN CHINESE LANGUAGE.
REFRESHER COURSES AND SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED REGULARLY BY THE CENTRE FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS AT ITS TWO OFFICES IN BONHAM ROAD AND MA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THESE GATHERINGS AIM TO HELP TEACHERS DEVELOP EFFECTIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES AS WELL AS TO HELP THEM GA IN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT AND THE SYLLABUS.
THE CENTRE ORGANISED 57 CLASSES IN 1976/77 FOR 1,964 TEACHERS. IN 1977/78, 55 CLASSES WERE HELD WITH AN ATTENDANCE OF 2,098.
WORKSHOPS ARE ALSO ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE REFRESHER COURSES SO THAT THEY CAN DEVISE PROJECTS TO BE TRIED OUT IN CLASS.
THE CENTRE ALSO ACTS AS A RESOURCE CENTRE TO COLLECT TEACHING METHODS AND MATERIAL, AND TO ADAPT THEM TO SUIT HONG KONG STUDENTS.
IN THIS CONNECTION, A TEACHING PACKAGE HAS RECENTLY BEEN JOINTLY DESIGNED BY THE CENTRE AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO HELP TEACHERS WITH THE TEACHING OF CHINESE IN LOWER PRIMARY CLASSES.
THE PACKAGE CONTAINS SUPPLEMENTARY READING SHEETS, A TEACHER’S HANDBOOK AND A SERIES OF COLOURED PICTURES THAT ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO FEATURE EVENTS AND OBJECTS FAMILIAR TO HONG KONG STUDENTS.
TEACHERS CAN VISIT THE DISPLAY ROOMS AT THE CENTRE’S TWO OFFICES WHERE TEACHING AIDS, SUCH AS COLOUR SLIDES AND TAPES, ARE EXHIBITED.
IN ADDITION, A LANGUAGE LABORATORY AND A RECORDING ROOM ARE BEING SET UP AT THE KOWLOON OFFICE.
THE CHINESE SECTION SENDS INSPECTORS REGULARLY TO SCHOOLS TO GIVE ADVICE AND TO CARRY OUT EXPERIMENTAL PROJECTS WITH THE l£LP OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS.
A CHINESE SUPPLEMENTARY READING SCHEME WAS SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTED BY THE SECTION RECENTLY IN BEL IL IOS PUBLIC SCHOOL AND CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL.
A JOINT EXHIBITION OF THE TEACHING MATERIAL USED IN THE SCHEME WAS HELD LAST JULY AND WAS VISITED BY MORE THAN 500 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
/IN ADDITION.....
SUNDAY, NOVaffiER 5, 1978
- 5 -
IN ADDITION, THE SECTION REGULARLY ISSUES PAMPHLETS FREE OF CHARGE TO TEACHERS TO KEEP THEM INFORMED OF NEW TRENDS IN TEACHING AND TO HELP THEM IN SELECTING TEXTBOOKS AND TEACHING MATER I AL.
A BOOKLET ENTITLED +BULLETIN OF CHINESE STUDIES+ IS PUBLISHED REGULARLY TO ALLOW TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES AND VIEWPOINTS.
THE SECTION IS ALSO INVOLVED IN REVIEWING CHINESE TEXTBOOKS WITH THE AIM TO COMPILE A RECOMMENDED BOOK LIST FOR SCHOOLS. IT ALSO PROVIDES A GUIDELINE TO PUBLISHERS TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEXTBOOKS.
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EXPERT FROM U.K. TO CONDUCT PHYSIOTHERAPY COURSE HERE ******
A BRITISH EXPERT IN PHYSIOTHERAPY IS IN HONG KONG AT THE INVITATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A ♦PHYSICAL FAC ILITATION+ COURSE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PHYSIOTHERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL.
SHE IS MISS A.J. GUYMER, WHO IS THE CLINICAL TUTOR AT THE WESTMINSTER HOSPITAL IN LONDON WITH MORE THAN 20 YEARS PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE SPECIALISED FIELD OF PHYSIOTHERAPY.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO SECURE MISS GUYMER’S EXPERT SERVICE THROUGH THE COMMONWEALTH FUND FOR TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION.
MISS GUYMER WILL SPEND FOUR MONTHS HERE TEACHING OUR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS THE MODERN TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICAL FACILITATION WHICH WILL HELP PATIENTS RECOVERY FULLY IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.
ONE OF HER MAIN ASSIGNMENTS IS TO ASSESS THE NEED FOR IMPROVED PHYSICAL FACILITATION AND TO TEACH A UNIFIED SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT FOR ACUTE CONDITIONS, FOLLOWED BY INTENSIVE THERAPY THROUGH TO CONTINUING SELF-CARE.
SIXTEEN PHYSIOTHERAPISTS FROM GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS TRAINING COURSE. THEY HAVE BEEN CHOSEN BY A SELECTION PANEL ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR TEACHING ABILITY, ADAPTABILITY AND GOOD CLINICAL PRACTICE.
• SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
S' - 6 -
’TENDER’ TREATMENT FOR CROWN LAND * * * *
A NEW TENDERING SYSTEM IS MAKING SOME VALUABLE CROWN LAND SITES AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES.
SINCE THE NEW SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL SEVEN SITES HAVE BEEN LET BY TENDER IN A NUMBER OF PRIME LOCATIONS.
THESE HAVE INCLUDED A 2,416-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF HOI YUEN AND SHING YIP STREET, KWU.N TONG- A 4,2OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT PAK TIN STREET, SHEK KIP MEI AND 350 SQUARE METRES IN NEW MARKET STREET, CENTRAL.
THE ACTING GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, D.M. SCOTT-WILL, SAID THAT THE NEW METHOD OF DISPOSING OF CROWN LAND ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES HAD BEEN WORKING SMOOTHLY FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
+S0 FAR WE HAVE LET SEVEN SITES BRINGING A TOTAL OF ABOUT S3 MILLION TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE,* SAID MR. SCOTT-WILL.
+THE IDEA IS TO UTILISE LAND THAT HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR SOME PERMANENT USE, BUT WILL NOT BE REQUIRED IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
+THIS WAY THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER CAN HAVE THE BENEFIT OF THE LAND FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, AND THE GOVERNMENT DERIVES SOME INCOME.
+THE TENANCIES ARE FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS, AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY. USUALLY THE MINIMUM PERIOD A COMPANY CAN EXPECT TO HAVE USE OF THE LAND IS 15 MONTHS, BUT CERTAIN SITES MAY BE AVAILABLE TO THEM FOR A LONGER PERIOD,* HE SAID.
MR. SCOTT-WILL ADDED THAT THE USE OF THE LAND WAS RESTRICTED TO STORAGE AND SIMILAR PURPOSES, AND SITES ALREADY LET WERE NOW BEING USED TO STORE A VARIETY OF ITEMS, INCLUDING BUILDING MATERIALS, SCRAP METAL, AND NEW VEHICLES.
HE ALSO SAID THAT USUALLY SINGLE-STOREY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES WERE ALLOWED ON UP TO 50 PER CENT OF THE AREA.
THE NEXT SITE TO BE OFFERED IS 6,000 SQUARE METRES AT YUET LUN STREET, LAI CHI KOK WHICH ALSO HAS A MARINE FRONTAGE.
OTHER SITES BECOMING AVAILABLE DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS INCLUDE HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI- NING FOO STREET, CHAI WAN AND AN AREA ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
MR. SCOTT-WILL SAID THAT ALL THE SITES WOULD BE ADVERTISED IN THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS, BUT THAT IF ANY COMPANY WAS INTERESTED THEY COULD BE PLACED ON THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE’S MAILING LIST AND WOULD BE KEPT INFORMED OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SITES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
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/7 ...
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
7
VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP REMOTE NT BEACH * * * X
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE SPREAD TO THE REMOTE PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (SUNDAY) WHEN A GROUP OF 150 ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERS CLEARED UP THE PICNIC SPOTS ON TUNG PING CHAU.
THE OPERATION BEGAN AT 9 A.M. WHEN THE CLEANING PARTY — COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AND COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS AND STAFF OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT — WAS TAKEN TO TUNG PING CHAU BY ARMY CRAFT.
ON ARRIVAL, THE PARTY HEADED BY MR. WONG CHUN-WAI, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO SIX DISTRICTS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND MR. ANTHONY COOPER, ASSISTANT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER. IMMEDIATELY GOT DOWN TO WORK. THEY WERE JOINED BY MEMBERS OF THE RURAL SERVICE GROUP OF HONG KONG TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF LITTER WAS COLLECTED IN THE SIX-HOUR CLEAN-UP.
IN APPRECIATION OF THE EFFORTS OF THE PARTICIPANTS, THE ORGANISERS TREATED THEM TO A LUNCH ON THE BEACH.
THE OPERATION IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF +KEEP YOUR DISTRICT CLEAN* ACTIVITIES ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE TAI PO SIX DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TAI PO OFFICE.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE, MR. WONG YUN-WING SAID TODAY THE ISLAND WAS CHOSEN TO START THIS SERIES OF CLEAN-UPS BECAUSE OF ITS GROWING POPULARITY AS A SCENIC PICNIC SPOT FOR HOLIDAYMAKERS.
+THIS DISTRICT-WIDE DRIVE IS TO PUBLICISE THE CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGE, AND WE HOPE THAT THROUGH ORGANISED ACTIVITIES WE CAN AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.* MR. WONG SAID.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, AN ESSAY CONTEST AND KEEP BUILDINGS AND SHOPS CLEAN COMPETITIONS. INITIAL RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING.
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/8
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
8
1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF CAS CADET CORPS * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SAID TODAY THE WORK OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS, NOW WITH MORE THAN 1,800 MEMBERS, IS INDEED MEANINGFUL TO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE OF THE C.A.S. CADET CORPS AT THE VICTORIA PARK, MR. LI SAID THAT IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, THE CADETS HAVE ASSISTED IN FLAG-DAYS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS, HELPED THE MEDICAL STAFF OF OUR LADY MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL IN NURSING CARE WITHIN THE WARDS AND PROVIDED CROWD CONTROL SERVICE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALKS FOR A MILLION.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THERE ARE OTHER OUTSTANDING SERVICES SUCH AS REGULAR VISITS TO HOMES FOR THE AGED, ORGANISING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND PARTICIPATING IN THE HILL FIRE PREVENTION, KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN AND FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGNS.
+PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE ARE THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE CADETS TO THE POLICE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER AND THE CADETS’ ENTHUSIASM IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
MR. LI COMPLIMENTED ALL C.A.S. CADETS FOR WORKING DILIGENTLY AND TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN C.A.S. ACTIVITIES.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES AND ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED FOR THE CADETS TO ENABLE THEM TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND BE OF ASSISTANCE TO OTHERS.
EARLIER MR. LI TOOK THE SALUTE FROM THE CADETS ON PARADE.
THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AT VICTORIA PARK TODAY ALSO INCLUDED DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE C.A.S. CADET CORPS AND A VARIETY SHOW.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
- 9
TWO MORE INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR SALE AT TUEN MUN ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SELL TWO MORE INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN SITES IN TUEN MUN IN THE SAME AREA OF THE INDUSTRIAL SITE WHICH WAS SOLD LAST WEEK.
THE TWO SITES — ONE MEASURING 1,813 SQUARE METRES AND THE OTHER 3,695 SQUARE METRES — WILL BE SOLD BY TENDER TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. VICTOR LEUNG, SAID TODAY THAT LAST WEEK’S AUCTION, AT WHICH A SIMILAR SITE WAS SOLD FOR $45.5 MILLION, HAD AROUSED A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST AMONG HOLDERS OF EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS.
+THE TWO SITES ARE JUST NEAR THE LOT SOLD BY AUCTION AND WILL FORM PART OF THE GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.+
TENDERS FOR THE SMALLER SITE WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 17, WHILE THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SECOND SITE IS NOVEMBER 24.
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/10
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1978
10 -
TUEN MUN FESTIVAL OPENS TOMORROW * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST TUEN MUN FESTIVAL TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL WILL START AT 9 P.M. AT TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND ON TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND END WITH A GRAND CARNIVAL ON NOVEMBER 12.
THOUSANDS OF TUEN MUN RESIDENTS, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND RURAL LEADERS WILL ATTEND THE FESTIVAL WHICH IS ORGANISED WITH THE AIM OF BUILDING UP THE COMMUNITY OF TUEN MUN TO INSTIL A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING.
THE OFFICIAL OPENING TOMORROW WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING POPULAR ARTISTS FROM TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD. OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE A SERIES OF CONCERTS BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE BRASS BAND.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DRAMA AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, A FILM SHOW, FOOTBALL MATCHES AND VARIOUS COMPETITIONS. AT THE SAME TIME A +TUEN MUN ART EXHIBITION '78+ WILL BE HELD DAILY FROM TOMORROW TO NOVEMBER 11 AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE IN TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL TOMORROW AT 9 P.M. AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND ON HEUNG SZE WU I ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
AM RADIO SERVICE TO OPERATE ON NEW FREQUENCIES ....... 1
NEW WHOLESALE MARKETS IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND WESTERN RECLAMATION .........................................
GOVERNOR SHOWS KEEN INTEREST IN THE WORK OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ................................... J
TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND TO OPEN TOMORROW ....... 3
SNT OPENS TUEN MUN FESTIVAL .......................... 4
MR. NEIL HENDERSON PRAISES LABOUR TRIBUNAL ........... 5
CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES ON SALE SOON ......... 5
TENDERS BEING INVITED TO OPERATE ADVERTISING SCHEME ON TRAIN ............................................. 6
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS .......................... 7
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
1
AM RADIO SERVICE TO OPERATE * * * * *
ON NEW FREQUENCIES *
HONG KONG’S AM (MEDIUM WAVEBAND) RADIO BROADCASTING SERVICES WILL OPERATE ON A NEW SET OF FREQUENCIES FROM NOVEMBER 23 IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AGREEMENT REACHED AT AN INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION (ITU) CONFERENCE IN GENEVA.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HONG KONG TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY SAID THE NEW FREQUENCIES ALLOCATED TO HONG KONG ARE WITHIN THE TUNING BAND OF ALL RADIO SETS DESIGNED TO RECEIVE MEDIUM-WAVE BROADCASTS. IN FACT, LISTENERS WILL FIND MOST OF THE NEW POSITIONS ON THEIR RECEIVER DIALS QUITE CLOSE TO THE PRESENT ONES AND IN THE SAME ORDER.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE CHANGES WILL NOT AFFECT THE FM RADIO AND TV BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES.
THE FREQUENCY CHANGES TO BE INTRODUCED ARE AS FOLLOWSs-
STATION LANGUAGE OLD FREQUENCY NEW FREQUENCY/WAVELENGTH
RTHK 3 ENGLISH 545 KHZ 567 KHZ/529 METRES
COMMERCIAL RADIO 2 CHINESE 610 KHZ 675 KHZ/444 METRES
RTHK 1 CHINESE 640 KHZ 783 KHZ/383 METRES
COMMERCIAL RADIO 1 CHINESE 850 KHZ 864 KHZ/347 METRES
COMMERCIAL RADIO ENGLISH 1050 KHZ 1044 KHZ/287 METRES
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE RE-ALLOCATION OF MEDIUM WAVE BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF AM RECEPTION BY MINIMISING RADIO INTERFERENCE IN ASIA AND EUROPE. THE PLAN WAS WORKED' OUT AT AN ITU CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN LATE 1975 AND THE DELEGATES ALL AGREED TO IMPLEMENT IT ON NOVEMBER 23, 1978.+
+ IN OTHER WORDS, ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 23, HONG KONG JUST AS OTHER TERRITORIES IN ASIA AND EUROPE WILL BE OPERATING ON THE NEW AM FREQUENCIES ALLOCATED TO THEM. IF ALL NATIONS REPRESENTED AT THIS CONFERENCE COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT BETTER RADIO RECEPTION WILL RESULT.*
+HOWEVER,* THE SPOKESMAN WARNED, +THERE ARE AT LEAST 40 OTHER STATIONS THROUGHOUT ASIA AND EUROPE USING THE SAME FREQUENCIES AS OURS. IF SOME OF THESE DO NOT CHANGE ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 23 WE MIGHT GET SOME INTERFERENCE. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL BE IRONED OUT IN THE FOLLOWING FEW WEEKS.*
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
2
NEW WHOLESALE MARKETS FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN AND WESTERN RECLAMATION
******
NEW WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEXES, ESTIMATED TO COST ALMOST $300 MILLION, ARE BEING PLANNED FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN AND WESTERN RECLAMATION.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S COMPLEX FOR THE WHOLESALE MARKETING OF VEGETABLES, FRUIT, FRESHWATER FISH, POULTRY AND EGGS IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $243 MILLION WHILE THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION COMPLEX FOR THE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH IS EXPECTED TO COST ABOUT $43 MILLION.
THE NEW MARKETS ARE EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY 1984 AND WILL REPLACE EXISTING AND TEMPORARY MARKETS AT CHEUNQ SHA WAN AND <E|4NEDY TOWN.
A FIRM OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM IS BEING COMMISSIONED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A NINE MONTH’S SURVEY INTO EXISTING WHOLESALE MARKETING PRACTICES AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MODERN MARKETING SYSTEMS TO BE UTILISED IN THE NEW COMPLEXES.
THE FIRM, MODERN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT LTD., WILL INCLUDE IN ITS REPORT TRANSPORT MOVEMENTS IN RELATION TO TRADING HOURS AS </ELL AS ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS FOR MECHANISED HANDLING OF INCOMING CONSIGNMENTS BY SEA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS, AND THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MODERN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT LTD., MR. K.E. BOOTH, WILL SIGN THE CONSULTANCY CONTRACT AT THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 11.30 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SIGNING CEREMONY.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
3
GOVERNOR SHOWS KEEN INTEREST IN THE WORK OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WAS THIS (MONDAY) MORNING GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES DURING HIS VISIT TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND TWO OF ITS DISTRICT OFFICES.
AFTER A BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, THE GOVERNOR WENT ON AN INSPECTION TOUR AT THE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY AND FAMILY SERVICES OFFICES AT CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING.
AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT, SIR MURRAY CHATTED WITH OLD PEOPLE APPLYING FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REDUCED TO 70 FROM 75.
HEAD OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION, MR. CHENG KWAN-KUEN, EXPLAINED THE PRESENT CASELOAD AT THAT OFFICE, COMPRISES ABOUT 820 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 5,000 WELFARE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 3,700 APPLICATIONS FOR THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE. THE PEOPLE APPLYING FOR THE VARIOUS ALLOWANCES ARE BETWEEN 70 AND 74.
AT THE HONG KONG DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION, THE GOVERNOR ENQUIRED ABOUT THE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO VARIOUS TYPES OF FAMILY SERVICES CASES.
SIR MURRAY WAS ACCOMPANIED THROUGHOUT THE VISIT BY MR. LEE-THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (GENERAL), MR. STEPHEN LAW- AND THE NEWLY-APPOINTED REGIONAL OFFICER, HONG KONG ISLAND, MR. KWOK KA-CHI.
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GOVERNOR TO OPEN TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OPEN THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND AT 131 POKFULAM ROAD AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
SIR MURRAY WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING WHICH HOUSES THE TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED BLIND CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OPERATED BY THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND AND A VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND, RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND.
PART OF THE BUILDING WILL BE USED AS DORMITORY FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED BLIND TRAINEES.
THE CENTRE WAS BUILT WITH DONATIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND OTHER WELFARE FUNDS.
TWO COACHES HIRED BY THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND WILL BE LEAVING QUEEN’S PIER FOR THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE AT 2 P.M. TOMORROW. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER ITS OPENING CAN MAKE USE OF THIS TRANSPORT FACILITY.
4 MONDAY, NOVEJ.3SR 6, 1978
SNT OPENS TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING DESCRIBED THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL AS A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN, AND FORECAST THAT IT WOULD BECOME A REGULAR EVENT IN THE LIFE OF THE TOWN AND THE HALF MILLION PEOPLE WHO WILL EVENTUALLY LIVE IN IT.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HIS REMARKS PRECEDED A LIVE TELECAST OF THE SPECTACULAR
VARIETY SHOW ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 1,000 GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS — AND WATCHED BY AN AUDIENCE OF ABOUT 2 MILLION PEOPLE ON THE POPULAR TVB PROGRAMME +ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT*.
BEFORE HE OFFICIALLY ’SWITCHED ON’ THE NINE-DAY FESTIVAL, FR. AKERS-JONES SAID, THE FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED WITH TWO MAIN OBJECTIVES. FIRSTLY, IT AIMS AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN CULTURE AND RECREATION TO PAVE THE WAY FOR OPTIMUM UTILISATION OF THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SOON TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN.
SECONDLY, IT AIMS AT BUILDING UP THE COMMUNITY AND TO INSTILL A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING THROUGH THE INVOLVEMENT OF RESIDENTS IN ORGANISING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVAL.
+SEEING ALL THE PROGRAMMES PLANNED AND THE RESIDENTS’ FAVOURABLE RESPONSE, I CAN SAY THAT THE OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED TO SATISFY EVEN THE HIGHEST EXPECTATION.
+THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL BELONGS TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN AND I AM SURE IT WILL BECOME A REGULAR EVENT IN THE LIFE OF THE TOWN AND ITS PEOPLE,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
THE FESTIVAL OPENS UNTIL SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF DAILY ACTIVITIES COSTING MORE THAN $200,000. THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $50,000 OF ITS FUNDS TO FINANCE THE FESTIVAL.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAMME INCLUDE A SERIES OF CONCERTS BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG UNITED CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE BRASS BAND.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DRAMA AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, A FILM SHOW AND FOOTBALL MATCHES AS WELL AS COMPETITIONS IN DRAMA, SINGING AND DANCING.
THE FESTIVAL WILL END WITH A GRAND CARNIVAL AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. OSWALD CHEUNG.
EARLIER TODAY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR. LAU WONG-FAT JOINTLY OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL — THE ’TUEN MUN ART EXHIBITION! 78’. THE EXHIBITION FEATURES MORE THAN 200 EXHIBITS AND OPENS DAILY AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE UNTIL SATURDAY.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
5
MR. NEIL HENDERSON PRAISES LABOUR TRIBUNAL ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL WHEN HE VISITED ITS OFFICES IN MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI TODAY.
MR. HENDERSON SAID THAT HE APPRECIATED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRIBUNAL’S WORK WHICH COMPLEMENTED THE CONCILIATION SERVICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
SINCE ITS INCEPTION ON A TRIAL BASIS IN 1973, THE TRIBUNAL’S CASE-LOAD HAS DOUBLED. IN THE FIRST YEAR, IT HEARD 1,106 CLAIMS BY 2,667 CLAIMANTS. IN 1977-78, THE FIGURE HAD RISEN TO 2,613 CLAIMS AND 4,499 CLAIMANTS. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRIBUNAL HAD GROWN CORRESPONDINGLY AND IT NOW HAS FOUR PRESIDING OFFICERS.
DURING HIS VISIT, MR. HENDERSON MET THREE OF THE PRESIDING OFFICERS AND OTHER STAFF AND ALSO ATTENDED THE HEARING OF A CASE.
THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL, A BRANCH OF THE JUDICIARY, IS INDEPENDENT AND PROVIDES A QUICK, INEXPENSIVE, INFORMAL MEANS OF SETTLING MONETARY CLAIMS ARISING FROM BREACHES OF CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT OR THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
PROCEEDINGS ARE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE, TO SUIT THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PARTIES AND THAT THERE IS NO LEGAL REPRESENTATION BY EITHER SIDE.
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CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES ON SALE SOON
*****
CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10).
THE AEROGRAMME, WHICH SHOWS A JUNK UNDER FULL SAIL FRAMED WITHIN THE OUTLINE OF A CHURCH BELL SURROUNDED BY HOLLY, WILL COST 10 CENTS EACH. THE DESIGN WAS PRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT ARTISTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID IT IS A CONVENIENT WAY TO USE CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES TO SEND SEASONAL GREETINGS ABROAD.
+THEY COMBINE BOTH A PERSONAL LETTER AND A GREETING AND CAN BE SENT TO ANY PART OF THE WORLD AS FIRST CLASS AIRMAIL FOR ONLY 60 CENTS,+ HE SAID.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
6
TENDERS BEING INVITED TO OPERATE ADVERTISING SCHEME ON TRAIN AND AT HUNG HOM STATION ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS INVITING TENDERS TO OPERATE AN ADVERTISING SCHEME THROUGH THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS IN HUNG HOM STATION AND ON ITS COACHES.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO OPERATE THE SCHEME FOR TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 15, 1978, AND BE PERMITTED TO BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS TEN MINUTES PER HOUR, EACH NOT EXCEEDING ONE MINUTE.
HE IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING MUSIC THROUGH THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AT HUNG HOM STATION OUTSIDE THE COMMERCIAL TIME SLOT AND INSTALLING THE PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS ON COACHES FOR SAME PURPOSES.
EACH TENDERER IS REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT $3,000 WITH THE TREASURY AS A PLEDGE OF THE BONA Fl DES OF THEIR INTEREST. DEPOSITS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE UNSUCCESSFUL TENDERERS.
THE COMPLETED TENDER FORM ALONG WITH THE DEPOSIT RECEIPT MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES AND BE PLACED AT THE TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN GATE OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT OIL STREET, NORTH POINT BEFORE 9 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 15.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ABOUT THIS SCHEME ARE OBTAINABLE FROM KCR’S GENERAL OFFICE OF THE TRAFFIC DIVISION ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION.
THIS ADVERTISING SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED BY KCR TWO YEARS AGO TO MAKE FULL USE OF ITS PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM AT HUNG HOM STATION WHICH IS ALSO USED TO BROADCAST ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT RAILWAY TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS INCLUDING THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIMES OF TRAIN AND SALE OF TICKETS.
THE ADVERTISING SCHEME FOR COACHES IS ALSO DESIGNED TO PROVIDE TRAIN PASSENGERS WITH SOFT BACKGROUND MUSIC OUTSIDE THE SPECIFIED COMMERCIAL TIME SLOTS.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1978
- 7 -
BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NOS. 6, 8, 10, 12 AND 14 LI SING STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS WERE FIRST INSPECTED IN 1^69.
A RECENT INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THEIR GENERAL CONDITION HAD DETERIORATED CONSIDERABLY. IN PARTICULAR, NEW MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT WALL WAS NOTED AND MANY AREAS OF EXTREMELY POOR BRICKWORK WERE LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE BUILDINGS. THE STRUCTURAL TIMBERS WERE FOUND TO BE ROTTEN IN MANY PLACES.
AS THERE IS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE THE CLOSURE AND DEMOLITION OF THESE BUILDINGS IS NECESSARY.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 4 WERE POSTED TODAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
CONTENT PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND ............. 1
BRITISH CONSULTANTS STUDY WHOLESALE MARKETING PRACTICES IN H.K.................................................... 2
KCR TO ACQUIRE NEW MACHINE FOR TRACK MAINTENANCE ......... 4
S.W.D.’S COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR YOUTH OUTLINED ........... 5
MR. F.K. LI TO ATTEND CHARITY SHOW........................ 6
WATER CUT................................................. 6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
1
GOVERNOR OPENS TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY OPENED THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE BLIND — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG PROVIDING FORMAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY RETARDED BLIND CHILDREN.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE, SIR MURRAY SAID IT SIGNIFIES THE BEGINNING OF REHABILITATION WORK ON A SYSTEMATIC BASIS FOR BLIND PERSONS SUFFERING FROM MULTIPLE HANDICAPS.
♦THIS CENTRE OFFERS FINE VOCATIONAL FACILITIES AND SOPHISTICATED PROGRAMMES. I HAVE NO DOUBT IT WILL DEMONSTRATE CONVINCINGLY TO EMPLOYERS AND THE PUBLIC THAT BLIND PEOPLE CAN POSSESS MORE ABILITIES THAN THEIR APPARENT HANDICAPS,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE THREE-STOREY CENTRE WHICH WAS BUILT WITH DONATIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, AND OTHER WELFARE FUNDS, IS A JOINT VENTURE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND AND THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BL IND.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE TODAY.
♦I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE THIS AFTERNOON TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE.
♦THE NEED FOR FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY RETARDED AND BLIND PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAS LONG BEEN FELT. IN THE PAST THE CARE OF YOUNG PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM A COMBINATION OF BLINDNESS AND MENTAL RETARDATION WAS MAINLY PROVIDED BY THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND, BUT UNDER A RESTRICTED PROGRAMME.
♦THIS CENTRE, A JOINT VENTURE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND AND THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG PROVIDING FORMAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR MENTALLY RETARDED BLIND CHILDREN. IT SIGNIFIES THE BEGINNING OF REHABILITATION WORK ON A SYSTEMATIC BASIS FOR BLIND PERSONS SUFFERING FROM MULTIPLE HANDICAPS.
♦THIS CENTRE OFFERS FINE VOCATIONAL FACILITIES AND SOPHISTICATED PROGRAMMES. I HAVE NO DOUBT IT WILL DEMONSTRATE CONVINCINGLY TO EMPLOYERS AND THE PUBLIC THAT BLIND PEOPLE CAN POSSESS MORE ABILITIES THAN THEIR APPARENT HANDICAPS. GIVEN THE RIGHT NUMBER OF THE RIGHT JOBS, MOST DISABLED PERSONS OF WHATEVER AGE CAN BE HELPED TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY INTO SOCIETY.
♦ I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND ON THIS MAGNIFICENT PROJECT.
♦ I HAVE ALWAYS APPRECIATED THE PIONEERING AND SUCCESSFUL ROLE ASSUMED BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN THESE MATTERS AND THIS CENTRE IS INDEED AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.
♦ I NOW HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN DECLARING THE POKFULAM TRAINING CENTRE OPEN.+
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
2
BRITISH CONSULTANTS STUDY WHOLESALE MARKETING PRACTICES IN H.K. ******
A FIRM OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY INTO EXISTING WHOLESALE MARKETING PRACTICES IN HONG KONG.
THE RESULTS OF THE NINE MONTHS’ SURVEY WILL BE INCORPORATED IN PLANNING NEW WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEXES, ESTIMATED TO COST ALMOST $300 MILLION AT CHEUNG SHA WAN AND THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. TED NICHOLS, WHEN HE SIGNED A $1 MILLION CONSULTANCY CONTRACT WITH THE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MODERN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT LTD., MR. K.E. BOOTH.
THE NEW MARKETS ARE EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL IN 1984 AND WILL REPLACE EXISTING AND TEMPORARY MARKETS AT CHEUNG SHA WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN.
THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPLEX FOR THE WHOLESALE MARKETING OF VEGETABLES, FRUIT, FRESHWATER FISH, POULTRY AND EGGS IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $243 MILLION WHILE THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION COMPLEX FOR THE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH IS EXPECTED TO COST ABOUT $43 MILLION.
MODERN MATERIALS MANAGEMENT LTD. OF BAS INGSTROKE, HAMPSHIRE, WAS THE CONSULTANCY FIRM INVOLVED IN THE REDESIGNING AND TRANSFER OF THE NEW CONVENT GARDEN MARKET AT NINE ELMS.
IN HONG KONG, THE FIRM WILL BE REQUIRED, WITHIN ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, TO PREPARE LAYOUT DRAWINGS SHOWING A TYPICAL INDIVIDUAL TRADER’S PREMISES AS WELL AS THE TOTAL MARKET AND SITE LAYOUTS, INDICATING ACCESS AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS.
EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE FIRM WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN INTERIM REPORT ON THE CHEUNG SHA WAN MARKET. THE REPORT WILL COVER THE CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS OF EACH OF THE TRADES AS WELL AS PROVIDING ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTIONS ON HANDLING AND STORAGE SYSTEMS SUITABLE FOR EACH TRADE.
A SIMILAR REPORT FROM THE CONSULTANTS ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION MARKET PROJECT WILL BE MADE IN MID-1979.
THE REPORTS WILL ALSO COVER DETAILS SUCH AS THE PATTERN OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS TO MATCH ESTABLISHED TRADING HOURS AND ACCESS MANOEUVERING SPACE COUPLED WITH THE REQUIRED FACILITIES FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING.
/OTxEa POINTS.....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
3
OTHER POINTS TO BE COVERED BY THE CONSULTANTS INCLUDEi-
* TO PREPARE ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS FOR MECHANISED HANDLING OF INCOMING CONSIGNMENTS BY SEA AND ESTABLISH PIER LAYOUTS
* TO PREPARE OVERALL LAYOUTS SHOWING THE MARKETS AND THEIR LOCATION ON THE SITES TOGETHER WITH ACCESS DETAILS AND FEATURES OF EACH OPERATIONAL ELEMENT WITHIN THE TOTAL MARKET COMPLEXES- AND
M DEFINE BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
AT THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY TODAY MR. NICHOLS SAID THAT THIS WAS A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD IN THE PLANNING PROCESS.
♦ IT IS A STEP MANY OF US HAVE LOOKED FORWARD TO OVER A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS. A STEP OF PROVIDING HONG KONG WITH MODERN EFFICIENT MARKETS COMPLETE WITH THE FACILITIES THAT WHOLESALERS REQUIRE TO PROVIDE THE HONG KONG CONSUMER WITH THE QUALITY OF PRODUCE HE REQUIRES AT THE RIGHT PRICE,♦ MR. NICHOLS SAID.
/4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
4
KCR TO ACQUIRE NEW MACHINE FOR TRACK MAINTENANCE *****
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL SOON ACQUIRE A SI.2 MILLION TAMPING MACHINE WHICH WILL PUT IT ON A PAR IN RAIL MAINTENANCE WORK WITH THE WORLD’S MOST MODERN RAILWAY AUTHORITIES.
AN ORDER FOR THIS MACHINE WHICH WILL GREATLY SPEED UP AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RAILWAY TRACK MAINTENANCE WORK HAS BEEN PLACED WITH AN AUSTRIAN MANUFACTURER FOR DELIVERY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE ONE-MAN OPERATED MACH I NE,WHI CH RESEMBLES A LOCOMOTIVE IN APPEARANCE, IS CAPABLE OF DETECTING AND ADJUSTING ANY DEVIATION BOTH HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY ON ALIGNMENT OF THE RAILWAY LINE AS IT TRAVELS ALONG THE TRACK AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 400 METRES AN HOUR.
THE RAILWAY CHIEF CIVIL ENGINEER OF K.C.R., MR. CHUNG KWOK-SANG SAID THE MACHINE WILL GREATLY REDUCE THE TIME AND EXPENDITURE ON TRACK MAINTENANCE AS A NIGHT’S WORK BY THIS MACHINE WOULD REQUIRE 30 MEN TWO WEEKS TO FINISH IT UNDER THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT.
+THE MACHINE IS ALSO NECESSARY FOR THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF K.C.R. AS IT CAN MAINTAIN THE TRACK TO THE MUCH HIGHER STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF TRAINS AT SPEEDS OF 120 KM AN HOUR WHEN THEY ARE OPERATED ELECTRICALLY,* MR. CHUNG SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER MERIT OF THE MACHINE IS THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF THE RAILWAY LINE, NOW FOUR TIMES A YEAR, WILL BE REDUCED TO TWICE EVERY YEAR, DUE TO THE BETTER AND MORE CONSISTENT QUALITY OF WORK ACHIEVED BY THE MACHINE.
+THIS, COUPLED WITH THE TIME SAVED IN ACTUAL TRACK MAINTENANCE, WILL ENABLE A GREATER UTILISATION OF THE RAILWAY LINE, BOTH FOR PASSENGER AND FREIGHT TRAFFIC,* MR. CHUNG SAID.
THE MACHINE WEIGHING ABOUT 25 TONS IS TO BE MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO K.C.R.'S SPECIFICATIONS WITH A SPECIALLY BUILT-IN NOISE-PROOF FEATURE.
IT IS EQUIPPED WITH PRECISION INSTRUMENT TO DETECT ANY DEVIATION WITH AN ACCURACY UP TO 1 MM. AS IT TRAVELS ALONG THE TRACK ANY DEVIATION INCLUDING SETTLEMENT OR MISALIGNMENT DETECTED IS IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED.
THIS IS DONE BY POWERFUL EQUIPMENT IN THE MACHINE TO JACK UP THE TRACK, AND LEVEL IT BACK TO THE DESIRED ALIGNMENT, LEVEL AND SUPER-ELEVATION.
THE ACTION OF THE TAMPING UNITS OF THE MACHINE IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF A VIBRATOR USED AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE. THEY TAMP THE TRACK FOUNDATION TO A CONSISTENT PRE-DETERMINED DEGREE OF CONSOLIDATION TO GIVE THE TRACK GOOD RIDING QUALITY.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
5
S.W.D.’S COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR YOUTH OUTLINED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN YOUTH PROGRAMMES GEAR.ED TO DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND THE ABILITY TO MAKE CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF LEISURE.
ADDRESSING 800 GRADUATES AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CHIU CHOW SCHOOL THIS AFTERNOON, MR. LEE SPOKE OF THE PERSONAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OFFERED BY VARIOUS SERVICE PROJECTS ADMINISTERED UNDER THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
♦ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FRIENDSHIP GATHERINGS, INTEREST GROUPS, MASS ACTIVITY FUNCTIONS AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROJECTS SERVE TO FOSTER AN INDIVIDUAL’S DEVELOPMENT THROUGH HUMAN INTERACTION,+ HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE GENERAL FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL CENTRES, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES, MR. LEE HIGHLIGHTED TWO SPECIFIC PROGRAMMES WHICH HE CONSIDERED TO BE OF SPECIAL VALUE FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS.
♦THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME, WHICH PROVIDES CASH GRANTS AND PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE FOR GROUPS TO IMPLEMENT SERVICE PROJECTS OF THEIR CHOICE, HAS GONE A LONG WAY IN STIMULATING INNOVATIVE IDEAS AND AROUSING YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONSCIOUSNESS OF PROBLEMS IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME, SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1974, HAD GRANTED A TOTAL OF $455,000 FOR 393 PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY 14,600 VOLUNTEERS, WHO, THROUGH PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, CAME TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT THE PRESENT AND FUTURE SOCIAL NEEDS.
+FURTHERMORE, THESE PROJECTS HAVE BENEFITED 610,000 FELLOWCITIZENS, AMONG WHOM WERE THE HANDICAPPED, THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN, INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE WORKERS, THE MARITIME AND RURAL POPULATION,* HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION TO THIS EXPERIENCE-ORIENTED SCHEME, MR. LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SPONSORS A NUMBER OF SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS WHICH PLACE EQUAL EMPHASIS ON YOUTH INITIATIVE AND INVOLVEMENT.
+WITH PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND MATERIAL ASSISTANCE FROM DEPARTMENTAL STAFF, THESE SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS, FORMED BY YOUNG PEOPLE SHARING COMMON INTERESTS AND OBJECTIVES, ARE ABLE TO PROMOTE SOCIAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
BY ASSUMING A SELF-PROPELLING ROLE, HE NOTED, THE YOUTH GROUPS COULD ALSO DEVELOP THEIR SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE.
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A
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1978
6
MR. F.K. LI TO ATTEND CHARITY SHOW ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. F.K. LI, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY AT THE PO LEUNG KUK’S FUND-RAISING CHARITY SHOW AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEE THEATRE.
THE SHOW, WHICH WILL BE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE KUK, WILL FEATURE A CANTONESE OPERA BY THE CHO FUNG MING OPERA TROUPE.
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WATER CUT * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW ( WEDNESDAY) TILL 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HOI YUEN ROAD, HOI BUN ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET AND HUNG TO ROAD, INCLUDING WAI YIP STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG ROADS TO GO COMPUTER.............................. 1
EDUCATIONAL COURSES FOR ADULT PRISONERS .................... 3
TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN ................................................. 4
HUNG HUM CAR PARK TO BE RE-OPENED........................... 4
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES ................................. 5
PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE BY-ELECTION ...................... 7
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG...................................... 7
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
1
HONG KONG ROADS TO GO COMPUTER
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE INSTALLATION OF A COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR HONG KONG ISLAND.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST TODAY, THE ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR. FONG CHUN-NAM, SAID THAT A SIMILAR SYSTEM HAD BEEN IN OPERATION IN WESTERN KOWLOON FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
MR. FONG SAID THE COMPUTER HAD PROVED VALUABLE IN MAKING MORE ECONOMICAL USE OF THE ROAD SYSTEM. THE METHOD CURRENTLY USED ON HONG KONG ISLAND WAS NOT AS EFFICIENT.
+THE LINKED SIGNAL SYSTEM PRESENTLY BEING USED ON HONG KONG HAS THE WEAKNESS THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO CALCULATE THE FIXED TIME CO-ORDINATION PLANS ON THE BASIS OF PAST RATHER THAN CURRENT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, WITH NO PROVISION FOR ADJUSTING SIGNAL SETTINGS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF MOMENTARY FLUCTUATIONS IN TRAFFIC FLOWS,+ HE SAID.
+WITH THE HELP OF A COMPUTER, A WELL DESIGNED SCHEME COULD OVERCOME THE DEFICIENCY, RESULTING IN MORE EFFICIENT ROAD USE.*
MR. FONG ALSO REVEALED THAT THE P.W.D. WAS CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE STUDY ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
+THE AIM OF THIS STUDY IS TO DERIVE A NETWORK WHICH WOULD INCLUDE CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND TRAFFIC DETECTORS TO MONITOR TRAFFIC FLOW AND TO ENABLE THE SPEEDY DETECTION OF INCIDENTS AND CONGESTION,* HE SAID.
+THE NETWORK WOULD ALSO PROVIDE CHANGEABLE SIGNS TO ALTER SPEED LIMITS, DIVERT OR STOP TRAFFIC AND CLOSE LANES TO GIVE EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.
+SUCH A SYSTEM IS LIKELY TO BE INSTALLED ALONG THE WHOLE WATERFRONT FROM WEST TO EAST AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL NORTH TO SOUTH ROUTE.*
MR. FONG ALSO DETAILED OTHER ROAD DEVELOPMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, INCLUDING THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL- THE ELEVATED ROAD LINKING POKFULAM ROAD WITH THE WATERFRONT VIA HILL ROAD- THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD FROM HILL ROAD TO RUMSEY STREET- AN ELEVATED ROAD FROM HILL ROAD TO HARCOURT ROAD- A NEW COASTAL ROAD FROM VICTORIA PARK TO NORTH POINT- THE STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER AND AN INTERCHANGE AT THE JUNCTION OF ROBINSON ROAD AND GLENEALY.
2
.,'SD’JESDAY, K0VZ.O3R c, 1978
♦WE ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF WIDENING GARDEN ROAD BY THE ADDITION OF ONE UP LANE,+ HE SAID.
ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND MR. FONG SAID THERE WERE PLANS TO EXTEND WONG CHUK HANG ROAD ALONG ABERDEEN WATERFRONT TO JOIN SHEK PAI WAN ROAD.
THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WAS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION AND THERE WERE PLANS TO WIDEN THE ROAD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB AND DEEP WATER BAY.
ALSO UNDER CONSIDERATION WAS A NEW ROUTE, POSSIBLY A TUNNEL LINKING REPULSE BAY AND DEEP WATER BAY.
♦ALL IN ALL, WE HAVE PLANS TO IMPROVE THE WHOLE HIGHWAY SYSTEM ON HONG KONG BUT WE ARE VERY MUCH LIMITED OF COURSE BY RESOURCES, BOTH FINANCIAL AND MANPOWER,* HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
3
EDUCATIONAL COURSES FOR ADULT PRISONERS ******
ADULT PRISONERS ARE PROVIDED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTAIN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL LEVEL WHILE SERVING THEIR SENTENCES IN PRISONS.
EDUCATIONAL COURSES ARE ORGANISED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ASSIST PRISONERS TO BROADEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND OUTLOOK AND TO ACQUIRE A SKILL ON WHICH THEY CAN RELY TO MAKE A LIVING ON THEIR RELEASE.
THE SCHOOLMASTER OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, MR. LEE TO-KING, SAID THESE COURSES BROADLY ARE DIVIDED INTO TUITION AND CORRESPONDENCE COURSES.
THE TUITION COURSES ARE CONDUCTED BY QUALIFIED TEACHERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON A PART-TIME BASIS.
THEY PROVIDE AN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION TO INMATES ON FOUR SUBJECTS — ENGLISH, CHINESE, ARITHMETIC AND SOCIAL STUDIES.
THESE COURSES ARE OFFERED TO PRISONERS AND INMATES IN STANLEY, CHI MA WAN, MA PO PING, PIK UK, TONG FUK, TAI LAM, SHA TSUI AND HEI LING CHAU.
IN STANLEY PRISON, COURSES ON ADVERTISING DESIGN AND MANDARIN ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
ATTENDANCE TO THESE COURSES IS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PRISON SUPERINTENDENT.
WHEN PERMISSION IS GRANTED, THE PRISONERS MUST SIT FOR AN ASSESSMENT TEST TO ENABLE THE TEACHERS TO DIVIDE THEM INTO CLASSES ACCORDING TO THEIR EDUCATIONAL STANDARD.
+NORMALLY, THE NUMBER OF PRISONERS REQUESTING TO ATTEND THESE COURSES FAR EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE,* MR. LEE SAID.
+TO CATER FOR SUCH NEED,CELL STUDY COURSES IN THE FORM OF CORRESPONDENCE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE AT STANLEY PRISON, SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE, PIK UK PRISON AND VICTORIA RECEPTION CENTRE.
+AT PRESENT, NINE SELECTIVE SUBJECTS ON CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES, VEHICLE MAINTENANCE, CHINESE HISTORY, AND CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY ARE OFFERED,* HE ADDED.
THESE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES START WITH A BRIEFING BY THE TUTOR AND THEN THE PRISONERS ARE LEFT ON THEIR OWN TO STUDY THE SUBJECT ACCORDING TO PRE-SET GUIDELINES.
+OF COURSE THEY MAY REQUEST TO MEET THE TEACHERS TO DISCUSS THEIR INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS.*
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE CELL STUDY COURSES ARE MORE SUITABLE FOR LONG-TERM PRISONERS TO PROVIDE THEM A RELIEF FROM MENTAL STRAIN AND TO KEEP THEM OCCUPIED.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 254 PRISONERS ATTENDED TUITION COURSES AND 258 TOOK THE CELL STUDY COURSES.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
4
TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SHA TIN ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SOON BE INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN RAPIDLY GROWING SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE TOTAL AREA INVOLVED IS 31 HECTARES AND FORMS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE SITE FORMATION WILL PROVIDE:
* 14.7 HECTARES OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING-
* 1.3 HECTARES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING-
* 10 HECTARES FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTI TUT IONAL AND COMMUNITY USES- AND
* FIVE HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL USES.
A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE ACCOMMODATION TO BE PROVIDED FOR SOME 46,000 PEOPLE IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND 22,600 PEOPLE IN PRIVATE HOUSING.
.V
THE PRIVATE HOUSING, SAID THE SPOKESMAN, WOULD BE MAINLY IN THE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF THE NEW TOWN.
ENGINEERING WORKS WILL INCLUDE BORROWING MATERIAL FROM THREE AREAS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF SECTIONS OF PRIMARY AND DISTRICT DISTRIBUTOR ROADS, INTERNAL ACCESS ROADS, A TRUNK SEWER AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE AND FOUL SEWERS.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE TWO SUBWAYS, FIVE BOX CULVERTS, A FOOTBRIDGE, PART OF A RIVER WALL AND ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS.
IT IS HOPED THAT WORK WILL START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D.
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HUNG HOM CAR PARK TO BE RE-OPENED
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE HUNG HOM CAR PARK WILL BE RE-OPENED FROM SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11) AND ITS OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT MOTORISTS WILL NOT BE ADMITTED INTO THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE THESE HOURS BUT MOTORISTS LEAVING THE CAR PARK BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 7 A.M. CAN PAY THEIR PARKING CHARGES ON EXIT AT THE TICKET COLLECTING BOOTH.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
5
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES
******
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES DURING THE TWO WORLD WARS.
THE WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH WILL BE SIMPLIFIED WITH NO RELIGIOUS SERVICE, BAND, OR GUARD OF HONOUR DUE TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
IT IS INTENDED TO RESUME THE TRADITIONAL SERVICE AT THE CENOTAPH IN FUTURE YEARS AS SOON AS CONDITIONS PERMIT.
AMONG THOSE LAYING WREATHS AT THE CENOTAPH WILL BE THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE- THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR GEOFFREY BRIGGS- THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL R.M.F. REDGRAVE- THE DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, BRIGADIER D.T. CRABTREE- THE COMMANDER RAF, THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE HONG KONG, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMANDING OFFICERS’ COMMITTEE, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MERCHANT NAVY, COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UNITS AND EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS.
SIR MURRAY WILL ARRIVE AT 10.18 A.M. AND WREATH-LAYING WILL BEGIN AT 10.20 A.M. THE WHOLE CEREMONY IS EXPECTED TO END AT 10.35 A.M. BY WHICH TIME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND SERVICE OFFICERS WHO WISH TO LAY WREATHS AT THE CENOTAPH MAY DO SO.
AT 10.58 A.M. SIR MURRAY WILL ATTEND A REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL IN THE COURSE OF WHICH THE TRADITIONAL TWO-MINUTE SILENCE WILL BE OBSERVED.
EARLIER ON THE SAME DAY, A BRIEF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 A.M. AT THE CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANIC GARDENS.
THE GOVERNOR, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES AND THE SERVICE COMMANDERS WILL LAY WREATHS THERE. THEY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, CHINESE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, AND CHINESE MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES WILL ALSO BE HELD AT STANLEY FORT AND SEK KONG GARRISON CHURCH AT 10.40 A.M. AND 10.55 A.M. RESPECTIVELY.
/at the.....
.TBDNSSWf, N0VEB2R 8, 1978
6
AT THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL IN KING’S PARK, A SPECIAL SERVICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 6 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
CENOTAPH CEREMONY
THERE WILL BE A PRESS POSITION AT THE NORTH-EASTERN SIDE OF THE OUTER PERIMETER OF THE CENOTAPH. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE ADVISED TO HAVE WITH THEM IDENTIFICATION CARDS OR VISITING CARDS. PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TV CAMERAMEN ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE TELE-LENSES. G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA.
ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL SERVICE
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE CATHEDRAL BEFORE THE CHURCH SERVICE BEGINS. NO PHOTOGRAPHING WILL BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE CATHEDRAL.
CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL CEREMONY
EDITORS ARE ADVISED THAT REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE ROPE CORDON AROUND THE CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANIC GARDENS. THEY CAN STAND EITHER ON THE EAST OR WEST SIDE OF THE ROPE CORDON, BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STAND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE MEMORIAL ARCH.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED, IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED ACCOMMODATION, TO OBSERVE THE DIRECTION OF POLICE OFFICERS ON DUTY.
MEMORIAL SERVICES AT SEK KONG, STANLEY FORT AND BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL
THE PRESS ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SERVICES
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1978
7
PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE BY-ELECTION
*****
PENG CHAU VILLAGERS ARE GOING TO THE POLLS THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO ELECT NEW OFFICIALS TO FILL SIX SEATS OF KAIFONG REPRESENTATIVES ON THEIR RURAL COMMITTEE.
THE RURAL COMMITTEE HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 18 WHICH INCLUDES THREE VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND 15 KAIFONG REPRESENTATIVES. THE SIX SEATS FELL VACANT LAST YEAR.
THE BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD AT THE PENG CHAU CHI YAN PUBLIC SCHOOL, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY SECRET BALLOT. POLLING WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND THE COUNTING OF VOTES WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 P.M.
THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE BY-ELECTION IS THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG.
THERE ARE 21 CANDIDATES AND THE ELECTORATE CONSISTS OF 979 LOCAL VILLAGERS WHO ARE HEADS OF FAMILIES WITH MORE THAN TEN YEARS’ RESIDENCE ON THE ISLAND.
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS ON TWO MORNINGS FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND FRIDAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED TOMORROW IS BOUNDED BY HOI YUEN ROAD, HUNG TO ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET AND HOW MING STREET. ON FRIDAY, THE SAME AREA WILL AGAIN BE AFFECTED INCLUDING TSUN YIP LANE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CYCLE PATH NETWORK FOR THE + NEW+ NEW TERRITORIES ............ 1
TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED ............................ 2
ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL NEARING COMPLETION ................ 3
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ........................ *
AIRPORT +OPEN DAY+ FOR KOWLOON CITY COMMUNITY LEADERS ........ 5
CROWN LAND SALE TO BE HELD IN THE MORNINGS ................... 5
CHINESE CULTURAL SHOWS ....................................... 6
SECURITY GUARDS FOR WHOLESALE MARKETS ........................ 6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
1
CYCLE PATH NETWORK FOR THE +NEW+ NEW TERRITORIES ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING A SERIES OF CYCLE PATHS IN THE DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WILL +ADD AN ENTIRELY NEW DIMENSION TO SAFE TRAVEL+, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY.
HE DESCRIBED THE DEVELOPMENT AS ONE WHICH WILL +DELIGHT THE YOUNG AND ALL THOSE WHO ENJOY AND USE Bl CYCLES.+
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE KOWLOON ZONTA CLUB TODAY, MR. AKERS-JONES SA IDs +ALTHOUGH PLANNED TO MAKE THE ROADS SAFER, MORE EFFICIENT IN CARRYING THEIR TRANSPORT LOAD, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE CYCLE TRACKS WILL ADD AN ENTIRELY NEW DIMENSION TO SAFE TRAVEL AND, INCIDENTALLY, TO RECREATION.+
SHA TIN, HE SAID, WILL HAVE CYCLE PATHS THAT WILL LOOP AROUND THE TOWN AND OVER AND UNDER ROAD JUNCTIONS AND ALLOW RESIDENTS TO CYCLE BETWEEN THEIR HOMES AND OFFICES, FACTORIES AND SCHOOLS.
CYCLISTS WILL HAVE THEIR SEPARATE TRACKS ON THE COASTAL ROAD CONNECTING SHA TIN AND TAI PO, HE ADDED. +AND ALREADY STRETCHING OUT FROM TAI PO ALONG THE NEW ROAD BEING BUILT TO THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE YOU CAN SEE A CYCLE TRACK TAKING SHAPE.+
MR. AKERS-JONES DISCLOSED THE GOVERNMENT’S CYCLE PATH PROGRAMME IN A DETAILED REVIEW OF IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS IN THE +NEW+ NEW TERRITORIES.
AMONG THE MAJOR PLANS FOR A NEW TRANSPORT NETWORK TO SERVE THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS ARE:
* TUEN MUN HIGHWAY —• THE SECOND STAGE, COMPLETING THE SIX-LANE HIGHWAY, WILL BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS’ TIME"
* SHA TIN/TAI PO COASTAL ROAD — THE FIRST PHASE OF FOUR LANES IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1981, AND, LIKE THE TUEN MUN ROAD, IT WILL LEAVE THE OLD TAI PO ROAD FREE TO CARRY LOCAL TRAFFIC. THE NEW ROAD WILL BEND AROUND TAI PO TO THE SOUTH AND TO THE NORTH AND FROM THERE ON THE REST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BE STEADILY IMPROVED-
* NEW DIRECT LINKS BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED AND ARE PLANNED-
* TSUEN WAN BY-PASS CUTTING ACROSS TSUEN WAN BAY, IS TO BE BUILT IN TWO STAGES AND COMPLETED BY MID-1983. THIS WILL PROVIDE AN AREA OF RECLAIMED LAND TO ENABLE SOME ESSENTIAL REPLANNING OF TSUEN WAN-
/* HAIL......
THURSDAY, M0VH.33R 9, 1978
2
* RAIL TRANSPORT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS ASSUMING GROWING IMPORTANCE. A NEW TWIN TRACK TUNNEL AND ELECTRIFICATION, RESIGNALLING AND REALIGNMENT WILL ALL BE FINISHED BY THE END OF 1981. SERVICES WILL BE RESCHEDULED AND GREATLY INCREASED TO PROVIDE AN INNER SUBURBAN SERVICE TO SHA TIN (FO TAN) AND AN OUTER SUBURBAN SERVICE TO TAI PO AND SHEUNG SHUI-
* EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN WILL BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF 1982 WITH FIVE STATIONS IN THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN AREAS- AND
* TUEN MUN’S +EPTROW+ - EXCLUSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT RIGHT OF WAY. WHETHER IT IS TRACKED OR TRACKLESS, LIGHT TRAINS OR BUSES, THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN SHOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE MORE FREELY AND THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS BE FREE FROM THE NOISE, BUSTLE AND SMOG OF STREAMS OF TRAFFIC.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE BUILDING OF A COMPREHENSIVE NEW NETWORK OF COMMUNICATIONS - BY ROAD AND RAIL - WAS ONE ASPECT OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT DESERVED MORE ATTENTION.
THIS ASPECT, HE POINTED OUT, ALSO FORMED AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE NEW TOWN CONCEPT +SO THAT ALL THE DEVELOPING TOWNS HAVE FREE-FLOWING TRAFFIC ARTERIES*.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE FABRIC IS NOW TAKING SHAPE OF THE NEW COMMUNITIES THE GOVERNMENT IS CREATING FOR THE 2.5 MILLION PEOPLE WHO WILL BE LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY THE MID-EIGHTIES.
+WHAT IS NOT REALISED IS THAT A FOREST OF STEEL PILES HAVE ALREADY BEEN DRIVEN INTO THE RED EARTH OF RECLAMATION UPON WHICH THE HOUSING ESTATES WILL BEGIN TO GROW DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
+THERE WILL BE VAST AREAS OF SCAFFOLDING, STEEL AND CONCRETE, HOMES FOR SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE AT TSUEN WAN, TSING Yl, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG, FAN LING, SAI KUNG, CHEUNG CHAU, MUI WO AND TAI 0.
+YES, ALL THESE PLACES, ALL AT ONCE,+ HE ADDED.
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TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED
X * X X X
INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 4-1/2 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.
HE SAID THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ONE PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION ON TUESDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE SIMILARLY RAISED TO 4-1/2 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
3
ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL NEARING COMPLETION
******
THE $5 MILLION ABERDEEN INDOOR GAMES HALL, WHICH IS THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND EXTENSION, IS NEARING COMPLETION.
WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE HAS VIRTUALLY BEEN COMPLETED AND CONTRACTORS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ARE NOW PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES.
THE PROJECT, JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SIR YUE-KONG PAO, IS LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND OCEAN PARK ROAD.
IT HAS A CENTRAL GAMES AREA CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING TWO BASKETBALL COURTS OR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS OR THREE VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND A PERMANENT GRANDSTAND FOR 3OO SPECTATORS.
THERE ARE STAGE AND DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES AT ONE END SO THAT THE HALL CAN ALSO BE USED AS A THEATRE OR MEETING PLACE.
MR. JOHN LAINE, PROJECT ARCHITECT, SAID THAT ONE FEATURE OF THE GAMES HALL WAS THAT IT HAD A +SPACE FRAME+ TYPE ROOF STRUCTURE.
THE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TYPE OF ROOF, HE ADDED, WAS THAT IT WAS LIGHTER THAN AN ORDINARY ROOF AND LARGE CLEAR SPANS COULD BE FORMED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS WITHOUT INTERMEDIATE COLUMNS.
MR. LAINE SAID THAT THE GAMES HALL WOULD BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THE END OF THE YEAR. IT IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED IN JANUARY.
THE ADJACENT FULL SIZE FOOTBALL PITCH, WHICH IS THE SECOND STAGE OF THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND EXTENSION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR.
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/4
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
- 4 -
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE
******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE FOUR SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 12.15 P.M., 12.31 P.M., 12.57 P.M. AND 1.10 P.M. RESPECTIVELY.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS TO CARRY PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION.
IN ADDITION, K.C.R. WILL RE-ROUTE TWO OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 4.31 P.M. AND 6.16 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
THE TIME-TABLE OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A K.C.R. SPOKESMAN REMINDED RACE-GOERS THAT THEY SHOULD BOOK THEIR TICKETS FOR THESE SPECIAL TRAINS AT THE VARIOUS OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE TIME SCHEDULES OF NORMAL TRAINS OPERATING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU STATIONS BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ON SATURDAY HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY ADJUSTED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS FOR THIS PERIOD ARE AS FOLLOWS:
FROM KOWLOON STATION: 11.09 A.M., 12 NOON, 1.31 P.M., 2.19 P.M., 2.50 P.M., 3.54 P.M., 5.10 P.M., 6.28 P.M., 7.14 P.M., 8.13 P.M., 8.56 P.M., 9.31 P.M., AND 11.03 P.M.
FROM LO WU: 10.52 A.M., 11.51 A.M., 12.51 P.M., 1.43 P.M., 3 P.M., 3.38 P.M., 4.14 P.M., 5.17 P.M., 6.38 P.M., 7.53 P.M., 8.33 P.M. AND 9.49 P.M.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
5
AIRPORT +OPEN DAYS* FOR KOWLOON CITY COMMUNITY LEADERS ******
A SERIES OF VISITS TO KAI TAK AIRPORT BY KOWLOON CITY COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL START TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT.
TOMORROW’S VISIT IS THE FIRST OF A SEVEN-DAY PROGRAMME ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY) FOR KAIFONG MEMBERS, SCHOOL HEADMASTERS AS WELL AS YOUTH AND SOCIAL WORK LEADERS OF THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL SEE FOR THEMSELVES HOW THE AIRPORT FUNCTIONS AND HOW THE MANAGEMENT TACKLES THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS BY TAKING STRICT MEASURES TO MINIMISE NOISE POLLUTION.
THE VISITORS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON BASIC RULES FOR SAFETY OPERATIONS OF AIRCRAFT AND ON REGULATIONS GOVERNING KITE FLYING IN HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THEIR COMMUNITY LEADERS, RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY WOULD UNDERSTAND THE AIRPORT OPERATION BETTER AND APPRECIATE THAT ALL PRACTICAL STEPS ARE TAKEN TO MINIMISE ANY ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS.
♦FURTHERMORE, WE HOPE THAT PARENTS IN THE DISTRICT WILL REALISE THE DANGERS OF KITE FLYING TO AIRCRAFT SAFETY AND RESTRICT THEIR CHILDREN FROM THIS ACTIVITY IN THE AIRPORT VICINITY,* HE SAID.
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CROWN LAND SALE TO BE * * *
HELD IN THE MORNINGS *
CROWN LAND AUCTIONS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH NEXT YEAR WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MORNING INSTEAD OF AFTERNOON AS AT PRESENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, SAID TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND — ONE AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND THE OTHER AT KUNG LOK ROAD IN KWUN TONG — WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE IN THE NEXT AUCTION ON MONDAY.
THE AUCTION, TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE, WILL BEGIN AT 11 A.M.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE AUCTION TIME HAD TO BE CHANGED AS THE CITY HALL THEATRE HAD BEEN HEAVILY BOOKED FOR THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
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/6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1978
6
CHINESE CULTURAL SHOWS ******
A SERIES OF 21 CHINESE CULTURAL SHOWS WILL BE PRESENTED JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AT EDINBURGH PLACE EVERY SATURDAY BETWEEN 2.30 P.M. AND 3.30 P.M. STARTING FROM NOVEMBER 11 TO MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
THIS NEW JOINT VENTURE WILL BE STAGED ON THE G.I.S. MOBILE STREET THEATRE AND WILL FEATURE SEVERAL WELL-KNOWN CHINESE CULTURAL GROUPS COMPRISING THE FUKIEN STILTS OPERA, THE FUKIEN GLOVE PUPPETS, THE CANTONESE ROD PUPPETS, THE FUKIEN STRING PUPPETS AS WELL AS CHINESE FOLK SONGS AND DANCES.
THE FUKIEN STILTS OPERA WILL PERFORM AT THE OPENING SHOW THIS SATURDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CHINESE CULTURAL SHOW TO BE HELD AT EDINBURGH PLACE AT 2.30 P.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
COPIES OF THE PROGRAMME SHOWING THE DATES AND THE PERFORMING GROUPS OF THE CHINESE CULTURAL SHOWS ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE PRESS BOXES FOR YOUR REFERENCE.
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SECURITY GUARDS FOR WHOLESALE MARKETS
* * * *
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES AND MARKETING) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR. A.K. MURRAY, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF SECURITY GUARDS OF THE FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS AT CHEUNG SHA WAN VEGETABLE MARKET.
THE TWO ORGANISATIONS RECENTLY LAUNCHED A RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR SECURITY GUARDS IN VIEW OF THE GROWTH OF THE WHOLESALE MARKETS. PREVIOUSLY THE MARKETS WERE PATROLLED BY WATCHMEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF SECURITY GUARDS OF THE FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT CHEUNG SHA WAN VEGETABLE MARKET. TRANSPORT FOR THE PRESS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1.45 P.M. FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978
contents PAGE NO
TAX ALLOWANCE FOR DEPENDENT PARENTS TO BE RE-1NTRODUCED ... 1
NEW ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS APPOINTED ............... 2
MODIFYING CLASS STRUCTURE TO REDUCE STUDENT MOVEMENT .......... 3
LAND OFFICE FEES REVISED....................................... 3
TAI PO TO GET NEW BUS TERMINUS ................................ 4
ROAD PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION ................................. 4
MR. THOMAS LEE PRAISES WORK OF SCOUTS ......................... 5
COURSE FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS ....................... 5
POSTAL AIRMAIL ITEM TO GHANA DELAYED .......................... 6
SUBMARINE SEWER PIPELINES IN CENTRAL .......................... 6
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978
1
TAX ALLOWANCE FOR DEPENDENT PARENTS TO BE RE-INTRODUCED * M * * *
A BILL PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF TAX CLAIMS FOR DEPENDENT PARENTS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS FOLLOWS AN UNDERTAKING GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN APRIL TO INTRi jUCE AN AMENDING BILL +LATER THIS YEAR+ CONTAINING PROPOSALS FOR SUCH AN ALLOWANCE TO BE EFFECTIVE FROM THE 1979/80 YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1978 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE TWO-DAY SITTING ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY OF NEXT WEEK.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE PROPOSALS WERE«
(I) THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE GRANTED IN RESPECT OF A TAXPAYER’S PARENTS (INCLUDING THE PARENTS OF THE TAXPAYER’S SPOUSE) WHO WERE PERMANENT RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG AND
(A) WERE EITHER OVER 60 YEARS OF AGE OR WERE ELIGIBLE FOR A DISABILITY ALLOWANCE-AND
(B) WERE EITHER IN RECEIPT OF $1,200 A YEAR IN CASH FROM THE TAXPAYER OR HAD LIVED RENT-FREE WITH THE TAXPAYER FOR NOT LESS THAN 6 MONTHS IN THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT-
(II) THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE GRANTED IRRESPECTIVE OF THE PARENTS’ INCOME-
(III) THE TERM +PARENT+ WOULD INCLUDE PERSONS BY WHOM THE TAXPAYER WAS LEGALLY ADOPTED AND STEP-PARENTS-
(IV) THE ALLOWANCE IN RESPECT OF ANY PARENT WOULD BE GRANTED TO ONE TAXPAYER ONLY. WHERE MORE THAN ONE TAXPAYER WAS ENTITLED TO CLAIM THE ALLOWANCE IN RESPECT OF A PARENT, THE CLAIMANTS WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN THEMSELVES WHICH OF THEM WAS TO CLAIM- AND
(V) THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE A FLAT $4,000 PER PARENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FROM
APRIL 1, 1979, FOR 1978-79 FINAL ASSESSMENT AND 1979-80 PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENT WOULD COST AN ESTIMATED $60.7 MILLION DURING THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR AND $37.5 MILLION A YEAR THEREAFTER. THERE WOULD ALSO BE ADDITIONAL STAFF COSTS TO ADMINISTER THE SCHEME, HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978
2
NEW ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS APPOINTED K H K * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. TOM GARNER, TODAY ANNOUNCED THE PROMOTION OF MR. CHAN WA-SHEK TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS — THE NUMBER THREE POST IN THE DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL OPERATIONAL MATTERS.
MR. CHAN, AGED 48, JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS A WARDER 27 YEARS AGO AND WAS PROMOTED TO OFFICER RANK IN 1956. HE HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS AND IN 1966 BEGAN TO SPECIALISE IN THE TRAINING OF YOUNG OFFENDERS.
HIS FIRST OPERATIONAL COMMAND WAS AS THE CHIEF OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SHEK PIK TRAINING CENTRE, NOW THE SHA TSUI DETENTION CENTRE.
MR. CHAN ALSO HELPED TO INTRODUCE THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DEPARTMENT. AFTER A SPELL AS THE SECOND IN COMMAND IN STANLEY PRISON AND AS THE SUPER INTENDENT-1N-CHARGE OF TAI LAM TREATMENT CENTRE, HE BECAME THE PRINCIPAL OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY.
IN 1976, MR. CHAN WAS POSTED TO THE HEADQUARTERS WHERE HE CONCENTRATED HIS WORK ON YOUNG OFFENDERS AND DRUG ADDICTS. HE WAS GIVEN TEMPORARY APPOINTEMENT TO HIS PRESENT POST IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
DURING HIS CAREER, MR. CHAN HAS ATTENDED A NUMBER OF COURSES ON SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK.
IN 1972 HE ATTENDED THE MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING COURSE AT THE PRISONS SERVICE STAFF COLLEGE IN ENGLAND, AND LATER OBTAINED A POST SECONDARY COLLEGE DIPLOMA IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AT THE SHUE YAN COLLEGE IN HONG KONG.
LAST YEAR, HE TOOK A MASTER DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, SPECIALISING IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CORRECTIONS.
MR. CHAN HAS VISITED PRISON DEPARTMENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE U.S.A. AND AUSTRALIA AND, IN 1974, HE REPRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER AT A SEMINAR ON PLANNING AND POLICY FOR CRIME CONTROL HELD AT THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY IN CANBERRA.
HE WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL PRISONS SERVICE MEDAL IN 1969, AND THE CLASP IN 1976.
MR. CHAN IS MARRIED WITH TWO SONS.
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MODIFYING CLASS STRUCTURE TO REDUCE STUDENT MOVEMENT ****.*
AVOIDING STUDENT MOVEMENT FROM SCHOOL TO SCHOOL WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR FACTORS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DECISION IN MODIFYING THE CLASS STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AIDED AND NON-PROFIT MAKING SCHOOLS WITH THE MOST CAPABLE PUPILS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH, HE SAID THESE SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO BENEFIT BY BEING ABLE TO PLAN THEIR ACTIVITIES AND MAINTAIN THEIR TRADITION.
UNDER THE MODIFIED STRUCTURE, THESE SCHOOLS WILL HAVE FIVE CLASSES EACH OF FORMS 1 TO 5. PRESENTLY, THERE ARE SIX CLASSES EACH FROM FORMS 1 TO 3, AND FOUR EACH IN FORMS 4 AND 5.
+SO CHANGING THE CLASS STRUCTURE IN ITSELF WILL PROVIDE BETTER SCHOOLING FOR MORE PEOPLE, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION, MAKE AVAILABLE MORE SENIOR SECONDARY PLACES AND CAUSE LESS MOVEMENT OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL TO SCHOOL,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
CONCERNING SCHOOLS THAT WILL NOT BE MODIFIED, HE SAID SOME ELIGIBLE STUDENTS MAY OF COURSE HAVE TO MOVE TO OTHER SCHOOLS FOR FORM IV. THERE WILL, HOWEVER, BE OTHERS WHO MAY NOT PROCEED TO SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLING.
+NOT EVERYONE AFTER COMPLETING THEIR JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION WILL HAVE THE APTITUDE OR INCLINATION TO CONTINUE, AND TO THIS END WE HAVE MADE PROVISIONS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES TO CATER TO THEIR NEEDS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
MR. TOPLEY ALSO SPOKE ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF FINANCIAL AID TO THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 1979, ALL PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SCHOOLS WHICH ARE SUITABLE AND WILLING WILL BE BROUGHT BY STAGES WITHIN THE FULL SCHEME OF ASSISTANCE, HE SAID.
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LAND OFFICE FEES REVISED
******
THE FEES OF CERTAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LAND OFFICE CF REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN REVISED TO MEET INCREASED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
THE REVISION INCREASES THE FEES FOR COLOURING A PLAN WHICH NOW RANGE FROM $2 TO $50. PREVIOUSLY THE FEES RANGE FROM $1 TO
THE FEE FOR CERTIFYING A PHOTOSTATIC COPY HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED FROM $5 TO $10.
AT THE SAME TIME THE FEE FOR THE REGISTRATION OR SUBMISSION FOR FILING OF DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF AN OWNERS INCORPORATION IN A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $5 TO $10.
THE FEE FOR INSPECTING THE REGISTER OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 31 TO $2 WHILE THAT FOR OBTAINING A CERTIFICATE IN RELATION TO A COPY OR EXTRACT OF ANY REGISTER HAS GONE UP FROM $5 TO $10.
0 /u_
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978 .
<4
TAI PO TO GET NEW BUS TERMINUS *******
WORK ON A NEW BUS TERMINUS FOR CENTRAL TAI PO IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ON COMPLETION, THE SCHEME WILL CATER FOR THE MUCH NEEDED OFF-STREET BUS TERMINUS FACILITIES AND WILL SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN TAI PO.
THE WORK COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-BAY BUS TERMINUS OF ABOUT 0.5 HECTARE IN AREA, A BUS CANTEEN/REGULATOR’S OFFICE AND THE ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
TENDERS WERE INVITED TODAY AND WORK WILL START IN JANUARY 1979. IT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE THE WORK.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (N.T.) DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
ROAD PROJECT NEARS END
*****
WORK ON THE LAST STAGE OF WIDENING POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN THE WEST ENTRANCE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND POKFIELD ROAD BUS TERMINUS, WILL BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THIS IS THE FINAL SECTION IN THE OVERALL SCHEME TO WIDEN THE WHOLE LENGTH OF POK FU LAM ROAD INTO A FOUR-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED TRAFFIC NEEDS.
INITIALLY, THE 620-METRE SECTION WILL BE WIDENED TO FOUR LANES FOR MOST OF ITS LENGTH. HOWEVER, FOR THE SECTION FRONTING THE UNIVERSITY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING BUILDINGS, THE ROAD WILL BE WIDENED TO THREE LANES ONLY, AND WORK ON THE FOURTH LANE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE DEMOLITION OF THESE BUILDINGS IN ABOUT 1982.
A NEW ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE WATER WORKS INSTALLATIONS AT ELLIOT FILTERS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED NEAR THE POKFIELD ROAD BUS TERMINUS.
TENDERS FOR THIS STAGE OF WORK WERE INVITED TODAY. CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY 1979 AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (HONG KONG) DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978
5
MR. THOMAS LEE PRAISES WORK OF SCOUTS ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE TUI'S EVEN INC PRAISED THE SCOUTS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG KOWLOON iRc?n2nAu^2Rn,TS W0RK IN HELP|NG YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS AND PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE.
__ -ril;?RS'£KJNG AT AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR NEW SCOUT COUNCILLOR'S OF THE KOWLOON REGION, MR. LEE SAID THAT THROUGH ITS VAR Ion'S TRAINING ACTIVITIES, SCOUT MOVEMENT N HONG KONG HAD BFFN miwr SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELD o“ cOwJnITY SERVICE^
SAID THE WORK OF THE KOWLOON REGION. FOR EXAMPLE HAD RFFM EXPANDING RAPIDLY, HAVING UNDER ITS WING MORE THAN 160 SCOUT GROUPS WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 10,000 SCOUTS.
+1 AM SURE THAT NEW SCOUT COUNCILLORS PROSPER,* HE SAID.
UNDER THE CONTINUED ABLE LEADERSHIP OF THE , THE WORK OF THE KOWLOON REGION IS TO FURTHER
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COURSE FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS
******
TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS ARE INI VI TED TO APPLY FOR THE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE WHICH WILL COMMENCE EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE COURSE, OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INSTRUCTORS AND SUPERVISORS TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY TEACHING DUTIES.
FROM THE COURSE THEY WILL ALSO LEARN METHODS OF TEACHING AND STUDY EDUCATION THEORY AND PSYCHOLOGY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, AND COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY NOVEMBER 20. THE ADDRESS OF THE COLLEGE IS 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1978
6
POSTAL AIRMAIL ITEM TO GHANA DELAYED
*****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT AIRMAIL ITEMS TO GHANA POSTED AFTER OCTOBER 12 HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO DELAY DUE TO TEMPORARY CLOSURE FOR REPAIRS OF THE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT ACCRA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ADVISED THE PUBLIC NOT TO POST AIRMAIL LETTERS AND PARCELS FOR GHANA UNTIL AFTER NEXT WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15) WHEN THE AIRPORT IS EXPECTED TO BE RE-OPENED.
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TWO SUBMARINE SEWER PIPELINES PROPOSED ******
AS PART OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT SEWERAGE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO LAY TWO SUBMARINE SEWER PIPELINES WITHIN AN AREA OF 3.3 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED IN CENTRAL.
THE TWIN SUBMARINE OUTFALLS WILL ENABLE THE SEWAGE TO BE DISCHARGED, AFTER PRELIMINARY TREATMENT, INTO THE MAIN TIDAL STREAM IN VICTORIA HARBOUR FOR ADEQUATE DILUTION AND DISPERSION.
THE OUTFALLS WILL BE PROTECTED BY RUBBLE WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN THE EXISTING SEABED LEVELS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANYONE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORM T|ON SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG i T TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW REGULATIONS TO CLEAR WAY FOR MINI-CINEMAS ......... 1
GOVERNMENT LABORATORY EXPANDING ....................... 1
ACTION AGAINST WATER THIEVES STEPPED UP ............... 3
EMPLOYMENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES ...................... 4
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN...................... 5
MAX I CAB ROUTE 2 TO RESUME OPERATION.................. 6
FIRING PRACTICE ....................................... 6
WATER CUT IN SHA TIN .................................. 6
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
1
NEW REGULATIONS TO CLEAR WAY FOR MINI-CINEMAS ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO INTRODUCE A NEW SET OF REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT TO PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MINI-CINEMAS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS DECISION FOLLOWED STUDIES BY A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY, THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, FIRE SERVICES AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT A CINEMA OR CINEMAS, WHETHER ON THE SAME LEVEL OR NOT, SHOULD BE PERMITTED IN A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OF MIXED OCCUPANCY.
HOWEVER, IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY, VARIOUS LIMITATIONS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED. FOR EXAMPLE, CINEMAS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN A BUILDING WITH CERTAIN OTHER OCCUPANCIES SUCH AS A REPAIR GARAGE, PETROL STATION, GODOWN OR WAREHOUSE, FACTORY, SCHOOL OR CHILD CARE CENTRE, NOR WOULD THEY NORMALLY BE ALLOWED IN THE BASEMENT OF A COMPOSITE BUILDING.
FOR CINEMAS WITH TOTAL CAPACITY EXCEEDING 2,OOO, THE EXISTING REGULATIONS STILL APPLY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, THE PROPOSALS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE +GUIDELINES FOR CINEMAS PERMITTED IN COMPOSITE BUILDINGS+ AS ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IN JULY 1978.
WHERE A CONFLICT ARISES WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS, THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS THEREOF SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR A MODIFICATION OR MODIFICATIONS AS PROVIDED FOR UNDER SECTION 168 OF THE REGULATIONS.
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GOVERNMENT LABORATORY EXPANDING
******
THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY IS EXPANDING ITS SERVICES ON A CONSIDERABLE SCALE TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE EXPANSION WHICH IS FORGING AHEAD ON ALL FRONTS INCLUDES A 25 PER CENT INCREASE IN STAFF, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SECTION, THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL OFFICE AND LABORATORY SPACE AND THE ACQUISITION OF MORE SOPHISTICATED SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT.
2
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
THE INCREASE IN ESTABLISHMENT TO ABOUT 150 OFFICERS HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND RECRUITMENT EXERCISES ARE NOW IN PROGRESS.
THE STAFF EXPANSION HAS INVOLVED A RE-STRUCTURING AT THE HIGHER LEVELS AND RESULTED IN THE PROMOTIONS OF ONE LOCAL OFFICER TO THE POST OF CHIEF CHEMIST, SIX OTHERS TO THE SENIOR PROFESSIONAL GRADE AND ADVANCEMENT FOR SEVERAL TECHNICAL STAFF.
THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, DR. A.J. NUTTEN SAID: +THE EXTRA STAFF ARE REQUIRED TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING WORKLOAD INCLUDING COMPLETELY NEW COMMITMENTS AND TO FILL NEW POSTS CREATED IN THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SECT ION.+
+THE NEW SECTION IS DESIGNED TO CENTRALISE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH PREVIOUSLY UNDERTAKEN BY INDIVIDUAL UNITS OF THE LABORATORY,+ DR. NUTTEN SAID.
THE NEW SECTION WILL REVIEW EXISTING METHODS FOR_EXAMINI NG FOOD, DRUGS AND OTHER COMMODITIES, PROBE INTO APPLICATION OF NEW METHODS, AND COLLECT AND COLLATE ESSENTIAL DATA.
TO HELP KEEP PACE WITH THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY HAS RECENTLY ACQUIRED AN ADDITIONAL 6,000 SQ. FT. OF LABORATORY SPACE IN THE ADMINISTRATION BLOCK OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AT OIL STREET, NORTH POINT.
IT IS HOPED THAT CONVERSION OF THE AREA,WHICH WILL BE DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY.
AS PART OF THE EXPANSION THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY HAS ACQUIRED A FLAMELESS ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER FOR USE IN DETERMINING METALS IN TRACE CONTENTS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHS WITH A BUILT-IN PROCESSOR AND FACILITY FOR A PRINT-OUT OF RESULTS.
THE SPECTROPHOTOMETER HAS A VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS SUCH AS IN FOOD STANDARD AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL WORK, WHILE THE CHROMATOGRAPH IS MAINLY USED FOR ASSAYING OF PHARMACEUTICALS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS.
ADDITIONALLY, IT IS HOPED TO ACQUIRE A SCANNING ELECTRONIC MICROSCOPE AND A MASS SPECTROMETER/GAS CHROMATOGRAPH WHICH WILL ENABLE TRACES OF MATERIALS TO BE PRECISELY IDENTIFIED AND DETERMINED.
THE MICROSCOPE USES AN ELECTRON BEAM INSTEAD OF LIGHT TO SCRUTINISE MATERIALS AND HAS A HIGH MAGNIFYING POWER UP TO SEVERAL THOUSAND TIMES THE ACTUAL SIZE OF THE SPECIMEN. THERE IS NO DESTRUCTION OF THE SPECIMEN AND THIS IS OF PARTICULAR VALUE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE WHERE PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE FOR COURT PURPOSES IS VITAL.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
- 3 -
ACTION AGAINST WATER THIEVES STEPPED UP
******
THE PROSECUTION UNIT OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS STEPPED UP ITS WAR AGAINST WATER THIEVES AND RACKETEERS.
THE UNIT WILL INCREASE ITS NUMBER OF DAILY PATROLS, ESPECIALLY IN SQUATTER AREAS, IN A BID TO STOP PEOPLE FROM TAKING WATER FROM THE MAINS ILLEGALLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT WARNED THAT ANY PERSON SUMMONSED FOR BREACHING THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS COULD BE FINED, ON CONVICTION, A MAXIMUM OF S5,OOO.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID RECENTLY THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS OF PEOPLE APPROACHING AND SOLICITING SQUATTER RESIDENTS FOR MONEY IN RETURN FOR ILLEGAL WATER CONNECTIONS TO THEIR HUTS.
+PEOPLE SHOULD REALISE THAT THEY RISK HEAVY FINANCIAL LOSS IF THEY ARE CAUGHT AND SUMMONSED FOR VIOLATING THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS,+ HE EMPHASISED.
AS AN EXAMPLE, HE CITED A TOTAL OF 66 SUMMONSES WERE RECENTLY TAKEN OUT AGAINST A GROUP OF RESIDENTS IN A KOWLOON SQUATTER AREA FOR CARRYING OUT ILLEGAL INSTALLATIONS AND DRAWING WATER WITHOUT A METER. ALL OF THEM WERE CONVICTED AND FINED.
PEOPLE ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE BY REPORTING TO THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE APPROACHED BY PEOPLE OFFERING TO MAKE ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS FOR THEM.
♦ THEY CAN REPORT BY DIALLING 3-948261 EXTENSION 297,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, THE PROSECUTION UNIT HAS ISSUED NEARLY 800 SUMMONSES AGAINST PEOPLE FOR VIOLATING THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 750 SUCCESSFUL CONVICTIONS, AND FINES TOTALLED MORE THAN $313,000.
THE OFFENCES INCLUDED MAKING ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS TO WATER MAINS, USING WATER WITHOUT A METER AND WASTING WATER.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
4
EMPLOYMENT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES
******
THE NUMBER OF MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES CONTINUED TO RISE TO 67,971 IN SEPTEMBER 1978, ACCORDING TO A RECENT EMPLOYMENT SURVEY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIGURE REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 291 WORKERS OR 3.4 PER CENT OVER JUNE 1978. COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1977 THE INCREASE WAS 7,331 WORKERS OR 12 PER CENT.
THERE WERE 1,210 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN OPERATION IN SEPTEMBER, OF THESE 361 WERE SITES OF THE PUBLIC WORKS AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 27,533 WORKERS, AN INCREASE OF 822 OR THREE PER CENT OVER JUNE 1978.
EMPLOYMENT AT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION SITES RECORDED A DECREASE OF TWO PER CENT TO 7,275 WORKERS IN SEPTEMBER 1978.
DURING THE PERIOD JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 1978, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS ENGAGED AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT TO 33,163.
DETAILED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
SEPTEMBER 1977 JUNE 1978 SEPTEMBER 1978
TENDER ING AUTHORITY SITES IN OPERATION MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED SITES IN OPERATION MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED SITES IN OPERATION MANUAL WORKERS ENGAGED
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 281 16,580 318 19,708 310 20,065
HOUS 1 NG DEPARTMENT 30 4,244 54 7,003 51 7,468
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY 23 6,937 28 7,405 29 7,275
PRIVATE SECTOR 814 32,879 803 33,564 820 33,163
TOTAL 1,148 60,640 1,203 67,680 1,210 67,971
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
5
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN ******
THE DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WILL KICK OFF TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2 P.M. WITH A ROAD SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL FEATURE A SONG DEDICATION PROGRAMME TO BE COMPERED BY DISC JOCKEY JOE CHAN AND BROADCAST LIVE BY RTHK e
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN IN THE PROGRAMME DEDICATE SONGS TO THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES STARTING AT 2.30 P.M.
IN ADDITION, JOE CHAN WILL ALSO JOIN POP MUSIC SINGERS ALBERT AU, AND DRAGON KING LEE, AND THE TITTLE TATTLE BAND IN GETTING THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE ACROSS TO PEOPLE.
BALLOONS AND LEAFLETS WITH ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE WILL BE HANDED OUT AT THE PLAYGROUND.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN - KWAI CHUNG ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE, MR. CHAN MAN-FONG SAID TODAY: +WE WILL TRY TO BRING HOME THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE TO PEOPLE OF OUR DISTRICT THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES LIKE THE ROAD SAFETY DAY AS WELL AS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.+
MR. CHAN ADDED: +IN ADDITION TO THE LIVE BROADCAST ON SUNDAY WE HAVE ALSO PLANNED A SPECTACULAR MOTOR CYCLE DEMONSTRATION BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TEAM, PUPPET SHOWS AND A ROAD SAFETY DRAMA BY THE HONG KONG REPERTORY THEATRE.+
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICERS WILL ALSO VISIT PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TC GIVE ROAD SAFETY TALKS TO STUDENTS.
IN ADDITION ROAD SAFETY PATROLS WILL EDUCATE PEDESTRIANS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CROSSING ROAD IN SAFETY AT ZEBRA CROSSINGS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE ROAD SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2 P.M.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1978
6
MAXICAB ROUTE 2 TO RESUME OPERATION
******
MAX I CAB ROUTE 2 FROM CENTRAL TO OLD PEAK ROAD WHICH WAS SUSPENDED AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE OF A SECTION OF TREGUNTER PATH WILL RESUME OPERATION FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13) AFTERNOON.
THIS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE OPENING OF A TEMPORARY NEW ROAD ADJACENT TO TREGUNTER PATH TO TRAFFIC IN A ONE-WAY WESTBOUND DIRECTION FROM 11.30 A.M. ON MONDAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE HOURS
NOVEMBER 14 (TUESDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M
NOVEMBER 15 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M
NOVEMBER 16 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. - 10 P.M
WATER CUT * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE STOPPED FOR TEN HOURS FROM 8 P.M. ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13) TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN CONNECTION WORK.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE AT SHEUNG WO CHE. HA WO SnIVERS1?YN6fSHONJ'kONG?ECOURSE- "° L‘U AN° ™E CH'NES£
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BUS AND TRAM PRIORITY SCHEME BECOMES PERMANENT ......... 1
DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT FOR SCHOOLS ................ 2
SNT ATTENDS SCOUT RALLY ................................ 3
CONDUIT ROAD BACK TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC NEXT MONTH ........ 4
TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OFFER COMMERCIAL COURSES .......... 4
PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE BY-ELECTION .................. 5
REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT TAP MUN ..................... 5
[This page is blank in the original document]
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2
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1978
IN THE WESTBOUND DIRECTION, CAR JOURNEY SPEEDS INCREASED BY 53 PER CENT IN THE MORNING PEAK, 12 PER CENT IN THE OFF PEAK AND 33 PER CENT IN THE AFTERNOON PEAK.
THE MORE PROMINENT IMPROVEMENT IN THE MORNING PERIOD COULD BE EXPLAINED BY THE FACT THAT ANY REDUCTION IN VEHICLE FLOW, THOUGH MARGINAL, UNDER A NEAR SATURATED CONDITION WOULD TEND TO PRODUCE A PROMINENT EFFECT IN CONVERTING A SLUGGISH TRAFFIC MOVEMENT INTO A SMOOTH-FLOWING TRAFFIC STREAM.
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DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT FOR SCHOOLS ******
A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT HAS BEEN PRODUCED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO TEACH STUDENTS ABOUT THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE.
THE KIT WAS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE 500 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG WILL SOON EACH RECEIVE A SET OF THE KIT FREE-OF-CHARGE.
THE KIT, WHICH TOOK SIX MONTHS TO DESIGN AND PRODUCE, CONTAINS THE ANNUAL NARCOTICS REPORT, ANTI-DRUG LEAFLETS, A SET OF COLOUR SLIDES WITH COMMENTARY, A CASSETTE TAPE ON DRAMA, AND FOUR FOLDERS CONTAINING DETAIL INFORMATION ON THE MANY FACETS OF HONG KONG’S DRUG PROBLEM, THE WORK BEING DONE TO TACKLE IT, TEACHING INSTRUCTIONS FOR TEACHERS AND EXERCISES FOR STUDENTS.
AN ACAN SPOKESMAN SAID THE KIT, WRITTEN IN CHINESE, WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO BE USED BY SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHERS FROM FORM 1 TO FORM 3.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH DRUG EDUCATION HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SYLLABUS FOR SOME YEARS, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF TEACHING AIDS WAS PROVIDED FOR THEM.
+WE BELIEVE THIS KIT WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR INCENTIVE TO TEACHERS IN TEACHING THEIR STUDENTS ABOUT THE SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE,+ HE SAID.
THE DESIGN AND CONTENTS OF THE KIT ARE BASED ON THOSE SUBMITTED BY SOME SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS ENTRIES TO THE DRUG EDUCATION TEACHING KIT DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH WAS HELD BY ACAN AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT LATE LAST YEAR.
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. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1978
5
SNT ATTENDS SCOUT RALLY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THERE HAS BEEN GROWING INTEREST IN SCOUTING IN THE FAST-DEVELOPING NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS GROWING INTEREST, HE SAID, IS TAKING PLACE AT A TIME WHEN NEW COMMUNITIES ARE BEING DEVELOPED IN THE NEW AND EXPANDING TOWNS AND WHEN NEW NEEDS HAVE TO BE MET AND NEW FACILITIES PROVIDED.
MR. AKERS-JONES MADE THIS REMARK WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 1978 NEW TERRITORIES SCOUT RALLY AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND.
HE SAID MORE AND MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOW FINDING SCOUTING +AN EXCELLENT MEANS TO TRAIN THEMSELVES FOR A FULL PART IN ADULT LIFE.+
+THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN SCOUTING, THEY FIND SATISFACTION AND FULFILMENT IN ACTIVITIES WHICH PROVIDE BOTH EXCITEMENT AND OPPORTUNITY TO WIN RECOGNITION FOR ACHIEVEMENT.*
IN HIS SPEECH, MR. AKERS-JONES REITERATED HIS SUGGESTION THAT THE N.T. REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION SHOULD SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO PLAN A PHASED EXPANSION PROGRAMME OF SCOUTING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THIS WAS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH SCOUTING MUST DEVELOP AND THE RESOURCES IN LAND AND BUILDING REQUIRED TO MEET THIS DEMAND.
+ IT IS ONLY BY PLANNING AHEAD IN A SYSTEMATIC MANNER THAT THE SCOUT MOVEMENT WILL MEET THE CHALLENGE BROUGHT ABOUT BY RAPID DEVELOPMENT,* HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1978
CONDUIT ROAD BACK TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC NEXT MONTH
*****
MID-LEVELS RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN +VERY CO-OPERATIVE+ AND ♦UNDERSTANDING* OVER THE SPECIAL CONDUIT ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORK BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY DESPITE THE UNAVOIDABLE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED, MOTORISTS HAD BEEN PATIENT.
♦UNDERSTANDABLY, WORK OF THIS NATURE IN AREAS SUCH AS MID-LEVELS MUST HAVE SOME EFFECT ON THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. IT IS A HEAVILY BUILT-UP AREA,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
NOW, THERE IS ONLY ABOUT A MONTH TO GO BEFORE CONDUIT ROAD IS AGAIN OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
♦WE ARE ON TARGET,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN, +AND AROUND THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER THE ROAD SHOULD REVERT TO TWO-WAY.+
WORK ON THE UPPER GLENEALY PART OF THE GLENEALY-ROBINSON ROAD FLYOVER BEGAN IN JUNE.
THE NEW FLYOVER WILL CONSIST OF AN ELEVATED ROAD SPANNING ABOUT 130 METRES OVER THE INTERSECTION.
A TWO-LANE BRIDGE STRUCTURE OVER GLENEALY VALLEY IS ALSO BEING BUILT TO PROVIDE A NEW EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY FOR ROBINSON ROAD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE END RESULT WILL BE THAT TRAFFIC IN THIS AREA WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE MUCH MORE FREELY.+
TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OFFER COMMERCIAL COURSES *****
THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN MORRISON HILL AND KWAI CHUNG ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR A NUMBER OF HALF-YEARLY EVENING COMMERCIAL COURSES.
THE COURSES ON AUD10-TYPI NG, BUSINESS MACHINES, PITMAN’S SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING WILL BE HELD FROM MID-JANUARY TO MAY 1979.
THE TUITION FEES RANGE FROM <J60 TO S100 PER COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE TWO INSTITUTES FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AND 7 P.M. TO 8 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS- AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE RELEVANT INSTITUTE ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 24.
THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS AT 6 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AND THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1978
5
PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE BY-ELECTION *******
SIX PENG CHAU VILLAGERS WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) ELECTED TO SERVE THEIR RURAL COMMITTEE AT THE BY-ELECTION HELD AT THE CHI YAN PUBLIC SCHOOL ON PENG CHAU.
ELECTED TO FILL THE SIX VACANT SEATS OF KA I FONG REPRESENTATIVE ARE MR. LAM WAI-KEUNG, MR. CHAN SUEN, MR. LEE KEUNG, MR. WONG MAN-LEUNG, MR. WONG HOI-LAM AND MR. SHUM CHI-KWONG.
THE DAY-LONG BY-ELECTION WAS HELD BY SECRET BALLOT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE RETURNING OFFICER.
THERE WERE 21 CANDIDATES AND THE ELECTORATE CONSISTED OF 979 LOCAL VILLAGERS WHO ARE ALL REGISTERED HEADS OF FAMILIES WITH MORE THAN TEN YEARS’ RESIDENCE ON PENG CHAU.
— o
REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT TAP MUN * * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATION AT THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE OF TAP MUN FOR TWO DAYS ON NOVEMBER 20 AND 21.
DURING THESE TWO DAYS, REGISTRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS BETWEEN 11 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS AND HOLDERS OF JUVENILE CARDS TO REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS ON REACHING 18 YEARS OF AGE.
PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS AND TO REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MEMBERS OF PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE TOUR MAJOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS ...................................... 1
PROPERTY SURVEY ON CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU.............. 4
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CYC MOVEMENT ....... 5
GRADUATION OF STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS .................. 6
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHUI PO AND SHEK KIP MEI ............... 6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1978
1
MEMBERS OF PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE TOUR MAJOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS *****
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE SPENT THE WHOLE DAY TODAY VISITING SOME OF THE MAJOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS BEING BUILT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
ALSO IN THE TOUR PARTY WERE SOME UMELCO MEMBERS.
THE TOUR, LED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WAS ARRANGED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE AIM OF THE TOUR WAS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE AT FIRST HAND PROGRESS ON VARIOUS PROJECTS. IT ALSO ENABLED THEM TO STUDY WORKS NOW UNDERWAY AND THE SITES OF PROPOSED NEW PROJECTS IN PREPARATION FOR THIS YEAR’S SECOND REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE (P.W.S.C.) COMPRISES THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. HADDON-CAVE (CHAIRMAN), MR. JOHN BREMRIDGE, W. ROGER LOBO, MR. JAMES WU, MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. LI FOOK-WO, MR. FRANCIS TIEN, MR. S.L. CHEN, MISS LYDIA DUNN, DR. HENRY HU, MR. LEUNG TAT-SHING, THE REV. PATRICK MCGOVERN, MR. PETER C. WONG AND THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD. THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE IS MR. FUNG KWOK-KEUNG OF THE FINANCE BRANCH.
EACH YEAR THE SUB-COMMITTEE HOLDS TWO MEETINGS TO REVIEW PROGRESS ON PROJECTS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND TO CONSIDER NEW ITEMS FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROGRAMME.
THE UMELCO MEMBERS TAKING PART IN THE TOUR TODAY WERE MR. WONG LAM, MR. CHARLES YEUNG, DR. HO KAM-FAI AND MR. ANDREW SO.
MEMBERS OF THE P.W.S.C. AND UMELCO WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD- THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. WILLIAM BELL- THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD- THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR. JOHN AITKEN- THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. W.D.A. TUCKER- THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR. EDDIE SHORT- THE TECHNICAL SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. JOHN MARSHALL- THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, MR. BARRY WIGGHAM AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. K.Y. YEUNG.
THE TOUR BEGAN IN THE MORNING WITH A VISIT TO THE $60 MILLION AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE.
WORK ON THE BRIDGE. WHICH HAS TWO TRAFFIC LANES WITH A CAPACITY OF 1,500 VEHICLES PER HOUR, STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. IT IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY NEXT YEAR WHILE THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN APPROACH ROADS ARE PLANNED FOR COMPLETION AT THE SAME TIME AS THE BRIDGE.
/THE 23O-METRE-LONG
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1978
2.
THE 23O-METRE-LONG BRIDGE ALSO CARRIES A WATER MAIN AND OTHER ESSENTIAL UTILITIES TO SERVE THE PEOPLE ON AP LEI CHAU WHERE A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 19,000 IS NOW BEING BUILT.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE SOUTHERN PORTAL OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, ONE OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS ROAD PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN BY THE P.W.D.
THE EXTENSIVE GROUTING OPERATION AT THE SOUTHERN PORTAL IS NEARING COMPLETION AND TUNNELLING IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN SOON.
AT THE NORTHERN PORTAL, TUNNELLING WORK HAS PROGRESSED ABOUT 300 METRES IN THE NORTH-BOUND TUNNEL AND ABOUT 100 METRES IN THE SOUTH-BOUND TUNNEL.
WORK HAS ALSO BEGUN ON THE WONG CHUK HANG INTERCHANGE WHICH WILL LINK THE TUNNEL TO WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, PROVIDING SMOOTH ACCESS FOR TRAFFIC FROM BOTH REPULSE BAY AND ABERDEEN.
THE WHOLE PROJECT, COSTING $306 MILLION, AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1980.
IS NOW ON SCHEDULE
THE GROUP THEN DROVE TO KOWLOON WHERE THEY STOPPED AT THE 591 MILLION HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM.
THE VISITORS WERE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WORK ON THE +1NVERTED-PYRAMID+ STRUCTURE. SO FAR THE FRAME OF THE ROOF HAS BEEN ERECTED AND POSITIONED AND ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF THE WORK ON THE SUPERSTRUCTURE HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
THE STADIUM, WITH A MAXIMUM SEATING CAPACITY OF 12,030
IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1981.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE PARTY VISITED SHA TIN WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY MR. BRIAN O’RORKE, PROJECT MANAGER, ON VARIOUS PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEW TOWN.
A TOTAL OF 16 PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME PROJECTS ESTIMATED TO COST MORE THAN $700 MILLION ARE IN HAND.
AMONG THEM IS THE SHA TIN PERMANENT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS IN THE EASTERN PART OF SHA TIN. IN THE MEANTIME, SEWAGE IN THE AREA IS BEING TREATED AT THE INTERIM SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
ALSO STARTED IS THE FOUNDATION WORK ON THE $282 MILLION SHA TIN HOSPITAL AND POLYCLINIC.
IN ADDITION, THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, CAPABLE OF HOUSING 15,000 PEOPLE, IS BEING BUILT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WHILE FOUNDATION WORK ON PHASE ONE OF SAN TIN WAI ESTATE, ANOTHER HOUSING DEPARTMENT PROJECT, IS IN PROGRESS.
THE TOUR PARTY LATER WENT TO THE MUK WU PUMPING STATION WHERE WORK ON THE EAST RIVER WATER SUPPLY SCHEME IS RACING AHEAD TO CATER FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA.
/THEY SHOWED......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1978
- 3 -
THEY SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE WORK WHICH INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL BALANCE TANK AT THE SOUTH BANK OF SHUM CHUN RIVER.
THE FUNCTION OF THE TANK IS TO MAINTAIN A STEADY WATER FLOW BETWEEN SHUM CHUN AND MUK WU PUMPING STATION.
PILING WORK FOR THE TANK HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND WORK ON THE PUMPING STATION THAT HOUSES FOUR ADDITIONAL PUMPSETS IS IN PROGRESS.
THE WHOLE PROJECT IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION NEXT YEAR BEFORE THE ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLIES BEGIN ON OCTOBER 1.
THE PARTY ENDED THE DAY’S TOUR BY VISITING TAI PO.
AT TAI PO, THE PROJECT MANAGER, MR. B.H. NEWMAN, GAVE A DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE THERE.
MR. NEWMAN SAID THAT TAI PO, WITH A POPULATION OF 25,000 AT PRESENT, WOULD BE DEVELOPED INTO A NEW TOWN FOR 220,000.
THE DEVELOPMENT, HE ADDED, WOULD EE COMPLETED IN LATE 1980’S AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $2,200 MILLION, EXCLUDING WATER SUPPLY SERVICES, AT APRIL 1978 PRICES.
AMONG THE WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE MOMENT ARE RECLAMATION FOR THE TOWN CENTRE, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND THE ASSOCIATED SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.
ON TRANSPORT, MR. NEWMAN SAID, TAI PO WOULD EVENTUALLY BE LINKED TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN BY A NEW TRUNK ROAD WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY BE EXTENDED TO YUEN LONG. THE EXISTING ROAD CONNECTING TAI PO WITH FAN LING WOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED.
♦WITHIN THE TOWN,* HE ADDED, +A NETWORK OF ROAD IS PLANNED TO SERVE INDIVIDUAL PLANNING AREA.+
TURNING TO RECREATION, MR. NEWMAN SAID THAT AN ADEQUATE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES LINKED TOGETHER BY A CYCLE AND FOOTWAY SYSTEM WAS BEING PLANNED.
MOREOVER, A SPORTS STADIUM, SWIMMING POOLS AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WOULD BE BUILT AT THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF TAI PO.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1978
4
PROPERTY SURVEY ON CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU
* * * * *
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FORMS OF REQUISITION FOR PARTICULARS OF TENEMENTS WILL BE SENT TODAY (MONDAY) TO OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF ABOUT 3,000 PROPERTIES ON CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE FORMS IS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE OCCUPATION AND RENTAL PARTICULARS OF PREMISES ON THESE TWO ISLANDS.
RECIPIENTS OF THE FORM ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY RENTAL PARTICULARS OF THE PREMISES FROM 1973 ONWARDS ON THE ENCLOSED SUPPLEMENTARY FORM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT MORE OF THESE FORMS WOULD BE SENT TO OWNERS OF PROPERTIES ON OTHER ISLANDS SUCH AS LANTAU AND LAMMA OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
HE SAID THAT THE ISSUE OF THESE FORMS RESULTED FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY OF EXTENDING RATING TO THE DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
PREPARATORY WORK IS NOW WELL UNDER WAY FOR THE FINAL PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES THE MORE DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING OUTLYING ISLANDS. IT WAS PROPOSED THAT RATES WOULD BECOME PAYABLE IN THESE ISLANDS IN APRIL 1980.
THE SPOKESMAN DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE FORMS INCLUDING THE SUPPLEMENTARY ONE, ARE SPECIFIED FORMS ISSUED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE RATING ORDINANCE, AND THAT IT IS IN THE RECIPIENT’S INTEREST TO RETURN THEM FULLY AND CORRECTLY COMPLETED WITHIN THE 28 DAYS ALLOWED.
ANYONE IN DOUBT AS TO HOW TO COMPLETE THE FORMS SHOULD CALL AT, OR TELEPHONE. THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT 1 GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL: 5-249021 EXT. 71 OR 05) WHERE ASSISTANCE WILL GLADLY EE GIVEN.
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/5
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1978
5
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CYC MOVEMENT * * * * *
STUDENTS FROM PRIMARY 4 TO FORM 7 ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AIMED AT EXPLAINING THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MOVEMENT AND ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO BECOME C.Y.C. MEMBERS.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO A JUNIOR DIVISION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND A SENIOR DIVISION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
ANY NUMBER OF DESIGNS MAY BE SUBMITTED BY A STUDENT, BUT THEY SHOULD BE SELF-EXPLANATORY AND WORDING KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
THERE IS NO RESTRICTION IN THE PRESENTATION OF THE POSTER. HOWEVER, ORIGINALITY OF IDEAS AND DESIGN ARE REQUIRED. ALSO IT IS PREFERABLE THAT THE POSTER SHOULD CREATE AN IMAGE WITH WHICH THE CYC MEMBERS CAN IDENTIFY.
COMPETITORS SHOULD BEAR IN MIND THAT THE CYC IS AN ORGANISATION OF CONCERNED YOUNG CITIZENS WORKING TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN, TO BECOME WELL-INFORMED IN COMMUNITY MATTERS, TO CONTRIBUTE TO VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROJECTS, TO AROUSE CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG FELLOW CITIZENS AND TO SET AN EXAMPLE BY THEIR OWN ACTIONS.
ENTRIES FOR THE JUNIOR DIVISION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ON A SHEET OF DRAWING PAPER MEASURING 11-1/2 BY 16-1/2 INCHES- WHILE THAT FOR THE SENIOR DIVISION SHOULD MEASURE 16-1/2 BY 23-3/8 INCHES.
JUDGING WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPOSED OF EXPERIENCED ART AND CRAFT EDUCATIONISTS.
EACH DIVISION WILL HAVE A FIRST PRIZE OF $300 IN BOOKS AND STATIONERY TOKENS, A SECOND PRIZE OF $250 AND A THIRD PRIZE OF $200.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH SCHOOLS AND SHOULD REACH THE CYC SECRETARIAT AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 515 G, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
/6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1978
6
GRADUATION OF STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
* * * *
TEN STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS WILL GRADUATE FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S PHYSIOTHERAPY TRAINING SCHOOL ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AFTER COMPLETING A THREE-YEAR TRAINING COURSE.
A GRADUATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE SCHOOL IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL ON THURSDAY, WHEN DR. S.F. LAM, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND MRS. LAM WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE GRADUATES.
THE TRAINING OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS HAS NOW BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE INSTITUTES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, WHICH WILL ALSO RUN OTHER PARAMEDICAL TRAINING COURSES SUCH AS OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, RADIOGRAPHY, AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNIQUE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GRADUATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GYMNASIUM, PHYSIOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT, BLOCK DI, QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AT 3.15 P.M. ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
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WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO AND SHEK KIP MEI ******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET, LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND WONG CHUK STREET INCLUDING APLIU STREET, YU CHAU STREET, KI LUNG STREET, TAI NAM STREET AND SHEK KIP MEI STREET.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15) MIDNIGHT A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEK KIP MEI WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SIX HOURS.
THE PREMISES IN SHEK KIP MEI TO BE AFFECTED ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF TAI HANG SAI STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD, INCLUDING SHEK KIP MEI POLICE STATION AND QUARTERS, BLOCKS 1 TO 7 OF UPPER SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE AND BLOCK 9 OF TA I HANG TUNG ESTATE.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
if
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
contents PAGE NO.
CALL FOR GREATER CO-OPERATION AMONG TV STATIONS.... 1
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT A MUST FOR WORKERS PROTECTION .......................................... 3
SEVENTH CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS SATURDAY............ 4
RADIO STATIONS READY FOR FREQUENCY CHANGE............ 5
OFFICIALS TO SPEAK AT LEGCO RESUMED DEBATE TOMORROW. 6
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO OFFICIATE AT SCHOOL SPEECH DAY.................................................. 6
SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF RETIRING................... 7
WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO........................... 7
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
1
CALL FOR GREATER CO-OPERATION AMONG TV STATIONS ******
THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD HAS AGAIN CALLED FOR GREATER CO-OPERATION AMONG HONG KONG’S TELEVISION STATIONS AS A MEANS TO COMBAT SPIRALLING OPERATIONAL COSTS IN THE INDUSTRY.
THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY AND HIS STAFF WOULD BE HAPPY TO FOLLOW UP AND ASSIST IN ANY INITIATIVES IN THIS DIRECTION FROM THE TELEVISION STATIONS, THE BOARD STATES IN ITS PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1977 TO JUNE 1978.
♦WE APPRECIATE THAT SUCH CO-OPERATION WOULD, INITIALLY AT LEAST, INVOLVE THE SUBORDINATION OF SOME OF THE STATIONS’ INDIVIDUAL AIMS AND AMBITIONS TO A COMMON CAUSE, BUT AS THAT COMMON CAUSE COULD ULTIMATELY BE IN THE INTERESTS OF THE VIEWING PUBLIC, WE SUGGEST THAT SUCH CO-OPERATIVE APPROACH IS AT LEAST WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION - ALTHOUGH WE ARE IN NO DOUBT OF THE REAL AND FORMIDABLE DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED,+ IT SAYS.
THE BOARD NOTES WITH CONCERN THAT, DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, SPIRALLING OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE STATIONS HAD OUTSTRIPPED THE INCREASE IN TOTAL ADVERTISING REVENUES TO THE POINT WHERE OVERALL, THE TELEVISION INDUSTRY HAD FOUND ITSELF IN A NET LOSS SITUATION.
THE BOARD HAD HOPED THAT THE LICENSEES BY WORKING TOGETHER IN CERTAIN LONG-TERM ASPECTS OF THEIR PLANNING MIGHT MANAGE TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM.
♦WE NOW REPORT WITH REGRET THAT NOT ONLY HAS THERE BEEN NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE SITUATION, BUT THE GAP BETWEEN INCOME AND EXPENDITURE HAS CONTINUED TO WIDEN AT AN ALARMING RATE AND THE OVERALL FINANCIAL DEFICIT IN THE INDUSTRY IS NOW VERY LARGE INDEED.♦
IT ADDS i +EVEN MORE DISTURBINGLY, WE CAN PRESENTLY SEE NO GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THERE WILL BE ANY IMPROVEMENT IN THIS SITUATION IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.♦
THE BOARD IS CONVINCED THAT LOCAL PRODUCTION COST FACTORS WERE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNTOWARD UPWARD SPIRALLING OF COSTS.
IT OBSERVES THAT TELEVISION IS CLEARLY AN EXPENSIVE OPERATION, AND IN HONG KONG THIS COSTLINESS IS AGGRAVATED BY THE FACT THAT, UNLIKE OTHER PLACES WHERE NETWORKS INCLUDE MANY STATIONS, ALL STATIONS IN HONG KONG MUST THEMSELVES COMPLETELY ABSORB THE TOTAL COST OF ANY PROGRAMMES THEY PRODUCE INSTEAD OF BEING ABLE TO SHARE THE BURDEN AMONGST AFFILIATED STATIONS.
/+THIS IS .....
TUESDAY, NOYrJIBER 14, 1978
2
♦THIS IS A FACTOR THAT WILL ALWAYS AFFECT TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS IN HONG KONG AS IT IS UNLIKELY THAT OVERSEAS MARKETS CAN BE DEVELOPED FOR OUR LOCAL PRODUCTIONS TO ANY EXTENT WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY CHANGE THE POSITION,* IT SAYS.
ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR, THE BOARD SAYS, WOULD APPEAR TO BE THE ELEMENT OF COMPETITION IN THE STAFFING OF THE STATIONS.
AS TELEVISION IS STILL A COMPARATIVELY YOUNG INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, THERE HAS BEEN INSUFFICIENT TIME TO BUILD UP A RESERVOIR OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF TALENT ADEQUATE TO MEET AN EXPANDING SITUATION.
♦THIS HAS PRODUCED A SITUATION IN WHICH STAFF COSTS, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS RELATED TO LOCAL PRODUCTION, HAVE DOUBLED AND EVEN TRIPLED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.♦
OTHER LESSER CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS WERE COMPETITION FOR THE PURCHASE OF TRANSMISSION RIGHTS FOR MAJOR OVERSEAS EVENTS AND FOR IMPORTED MATERIAL. ■
THE REPORT ALSO UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE THE BOARD ATTACHES TO THE QUESTION OF THE SHARE-HOLDING AND MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF THE ENFRANCHISED TELEVISION BROADCASTING COMPANIES.
IT IS OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE, THE BOARD STATES, THAT THE LICENCES TO OPERATE TELEVISION STATIONS ARE AWARDED ONLY AFTER THE MOST CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE CHARACTER AND GENERAL SUITABILITY OF THE ORGANISATIONS WHO SEEK THEM.
♦WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THIS WAS THE CASE WITH THE (THEN) THREE EXISTING LICENCEES WHO HAD ALL BEEN ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE SATISFACTORILY AT THE TIME OF THE ISSUE OF THEIR LICENCES THAT THEY WERE COMPANIES WITH BROADLY-BASED LOCAL SHAREHOLDINGS, THAT THEY HAD ACCESS TO ACCEPTABLE SOURCES OF FINANCE, THAT THERE WAS NO REPRESENTATION OF INCOMPATIBLE OR CONFLICTING INTERESTS WITHIN THE COMPANIES AND THAT THEY WOULD BRING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANIES A DEMONSTRATED DEGREE OF RELEVANT EXPER IENCE.+
IT ADDS t +WE CONSIDER THAT IT IS OF EQUAL AND FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW SHOULD ENSURE THAT THESE SAME DESIRABLE CONDITIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WILL OBTAIN THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF THE COMPANY’S FRANCHISE AND THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR ANY MAJOR DEGREE OF CONTROL OF THE COMPANIES TO PASS INTO THE HANDS OTHER THAN THOSE INTO WHICH IT WAS ENTRUSTED EXCEPT WITH PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT.+
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
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OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT A * * * *
MUST FOR WORKERS PROTECTION * *
MANUAL WORKERS TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT OVERSEAS WERE TODAY REMINDED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES BY ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT WITH THEIR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS AND HAVE THE CONTRACT ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE THEY LEAVE HONG KONG.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA, WARNED THAT A WORKER WHO FAILED TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN CONTRACT WOULD FIND HIMSELF IN A DISADVANTAGEOUS POSITION IN CASE OF A DISPUTE.
♦INDEED,+ SHE SAID, +VERBAL AGREEMENTS WHICH USUALLY MAY NOT ADEQUATELY COVER ALL ASPECTS OF EMPLOYMENT ARE ALWAYS A SUBJECT OF CONTENTION.
♦MOREOVER, THE ABSENCE OF AN ATTESTED CONTRACT WOULD, TO A GREAT EXTENT, IMPEDE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHEN IT IS CALLED UPON TO INTERVENE IN THE EVENT OF A DISPUTE,+ MRS. SOO ADDED.
MRS. SOO EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT UNDER THE CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PRESENT OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR ATTESTATION.
WRITTEN CONTRACTS DULY ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT ONLY CLEARLY DEFINE THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH THE CONTRACTING PARTIES, BUT ALSO ENSURE THE REASONABLENESS OF THE TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
♦ALL CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT OF MANUAL WORKERS MUST INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, DETAILS OF REMUNERATION, NATURE AND HOURS OF WORK, ENTITLEMENT TO REST DAYS AND PAID HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL TREATMENT, PAYMENT OF WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENTS AND PROVISION FOR DEPENDANTS.
♦AS A DOUBLE SAFEGUARD TO PROTECT THE WORKERS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD, PRIOR TO ATTESTING A CONTRACT, REQUIRE AN EMPLOYER TO NOMINATE A PERSON PERMANENTLY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO FURNISH A BOND OR SIGN A GUARANTEE FOR THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACT BY THE EMPLOYER,+ MRS. SOO ADDED.
MRS. SOO ADVISED WORKERS WHO WISHED TO TAKE UP OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT TO CONSULT THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE PROPER COURSE TO FOLLOW AT 99 QUEENSWAY, OR TELEPHONE 5-281035.
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A ..
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
SEVENTH CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS SATURDAY ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION, WHICH HAS BEEN DRAWING THOUSANDS OF YOUNG VISITORS FOR THE PAST YEARS, OPENS AGAIN AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM ON SATURDAY, (NOVEMBER 18).
CAREERS '79, THE SEVENTH TO BE STAGED, WILL BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AND WILL BE ON DAILY BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 6.30 P.M. UNTIL NOVEMBER 27.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE AIM CF THE EXHIBITION WAS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INFORMATION TO HELP THEM CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENT, ABILITY, INTEREST AND TEMPERAMENT.
PARENTS, MR. HENDERSON ADDED, MAY ALSO FIND THE INFORMATION USEFUL IN GUIDING THEIR CHILDREN TO A WISE CHOICE OF A CAREER.
THERE WILL BE 25 ORGANISATIONS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT TAKING PART THIS YEAR. A STAND ON +EDUCATION FOR YOUR CAREERS* WILL BE PUT UP BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, EACH EXHIBITOR WILL DISPLAY IN HIS STAND INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF WORK, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS TO EACH POST, TRAINING FACILITIES AND PROSPECTS IN THE FIELD. TO HELP VISITORS RETAIN WHAT THEY SAW AT THE EXHIBITION, ALL THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS HAVE PREPARED PAMPHLETS FOR DISTRIBUTION.
PAST RECORDS SHOW THAT THE EXHIBITION IS BOTH LIVELY AND COLOURFUL BUT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS YEAR EXHIBITORS WILL BE PUTTING ON AN EVEN BETTER DISPLAY WITH MORE AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT. THERE WILL ALSO BE STAFF PRESENT AT EACH STAND TO GIVE ON THE SPOT EXPLANATION AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
ONE NOTABLE FEATURE IN THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION WILL BE THE’ EMPHASIS ON TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN EACH OCCUPATION OR CAREER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SEVENTH CAREERS EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT THE HUNG HOM RAIL TERMINUS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 18) AT 9.30 A.M.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
5
RADIO STATIONS READY FOR FREQUENCY CHANGE *****
THE TWO LOCAL RADIO STATIONS ARE ALL SET FOR THE CHANGE OF AM (MEDIUM WAVE) BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 23.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CHANGE HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND BOTH RTHK AND COMMERCIAL RADIO ARE MAKING REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS ABOUT THE NEW FREQUENCIES THAT THEY WILL BE OPERATING ON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY TODAY REITERATED THAT THE CHANGE WHICH AIMS AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF AM RECEPTION BY MINIMISING RADIO INTERFERENCE IN ASIA AND EUROPE IS MINIMAL TO HONG KONG.
+THE POSITIONS OF THE NEW FREQUENCIES ARE QUITE CLOSE TO THE EXISTING ONES ON AN AM RADIO RECEIVER’S TUNING DIAL AND THE FIVE CHANNELS ARE IN THE SAME ORDER AS AT PRESENT,* HE ADDED.
THE NEW FREQUENCIES OF THE FIVE AM CHANNELS ARE RTHK-3 (ENGLISH) 567 KHZ, COMMERCIAL RADIO-2 (CHINESE) 675 KHZ, RTHK-1 (CHINESE) 783 KHZ. COMMERCIAL RADIO-1 (CHINESE) 864 KHZ AND COMMERCIAL RADIO (ENGLISH) 1044 KHZ.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +THE PLAN TO REALLOCATE AM BROADCASTING FREQUENCIES WAS WORKED OUT AT THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION’S CONFERENCE IN 1975 WITH THE AID OF COMPUTERS WHICH ALSO TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THE FUTURE REQUIREMENTS PUT UP BY EACH MEMBER STATE IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS.
THE REALLOCATION WAS NECESSITATED BY THE LIMITATION ON THE EXTENT OF THE MEDIUM WAVE BAND AND THE HUGE NUMBER OF RADIO STATIONS OPERATING WITHIN IT WHICH IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF INTERFERENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLAN AGREED UPON AT THE ITU CONFERENCE WOULD MINIMISE INTERFERENCE AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RECEPTION IF EVERY MEMBER STATE REPRESENTED IN IT SWITCHES TO THE NEW ALLOCATED FREQUENCIES ON NOVEMBER 23.
HE SAID THERE ARE AT LEAST 40 STATIONS THROUGHOUT ASIA AND EUROPE USING THE SAME FREQUENCIES AS OURS, AND IF SOME OF THEM DID NOT CHANGE ON THAT DATE WE MIGHT GET SOME INTERFERENCE.
BUT HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THIS COULD BE IRONED OUT IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
6
OFFICIALS TO SPEAK AT LEGCO RESUMED DEBATE TOMORROW
* * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS RESUMES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SEVEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO THE POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES TWO WEEKS AGO.
LEADING OFF THE RESUMED DEBATE WILL BE THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, FOLLOWED BY THE HON. DEREK JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT- THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS- THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING- THE HON. LEWIS DAVIS, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY- THE HON. EDWARD NICHOLS, DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES- AND THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16),SEVEN OTHER OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL SPEAK. THEY ARE DR. THE HON. THONG KAH-LEONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES- THE HON. THOMAS LEE, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE- THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR-THE HON. LI FOOK-KOW, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS- THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS, SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE- THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE HON. JACK CATER, CHIEF SECRETARY.
DURING THE SITTING ON WEDNESDAY, FOUR BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL. THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1978, LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
ON THE SAME DAY, FIVE BILLS WILL ENTER THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE READ FOR THE THIRD TIME. THESE BILLS ARE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL BILL 1978, HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (EXEMPTION) BILL 1978.
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO OFFICIATE AT SCHOOL SPEECH DAY
******
MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE JOINT SPEECH DAY OF TUNG WAH SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 11 A.M. AT THE CITY HALL.
ON THE SAME DAY, MR. T.L. LAM, ACTING SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS AND SERVICES), WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE HOI PA STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL AT HOI PA STREET IN TSUEN WAN AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENTS.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1978
7
SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF RETIRING
******
FIVE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL RETIRE SHORTLY FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE AFTER A TOTAL OF 140 YEARS’ SERVICE.
THE RETIRING MEMBERS ARE: MR. LAU MING, SENIOR SUPPLIES OFFICER- MR. LAM CHUNG-PAK, SUPPLIES OFFICER, MR. NG WING-SHEUNG, ASSISTANT SUPPLIES OFFICER- MR. LAU KAM, ARTISAN I AND MR. CHAN BIU-SHEUNG, LABOURER.
THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR. F.J. YOUNG, WILL PRESENT THEM WITH RETIREMENT GIFTS ON BEHALF OF THEIR COLLEAGUES AT A CEREMONY ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AT 4 P.M. IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CANTEEN, TOP FLOOR, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE RETIREMENT GIFT PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AT THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CANTEEN, TOP FLOOR, OIL STREET. NORTH POINT.
- 0 -
WATER CUT IN SHAN SHU I PO ******
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL EE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE ..ATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, POPLAR STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND «ONG CHUK STREET INCLUDING APLIU STREET, YU CHAU STREET, KI LUNG STREET, TAI NAM STREET AND MAPLE STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSED DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER COUNTRIES ......................................... 1
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED INTO LAW 3
INDUSTRIAL LAND SALE CONDITIONS REVIEWED ..................... 5
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SPEAKS ON REFUGEE PROBLEM ............. 7
NT DEVELOPMENT AREAS BEING EXTENDED .......................... 9
14 NEW ESTATES OPENED SINCE 1973 ............................. H
STEPS TAKEN TO IMPROVE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING ............ 13
BILL TO FACILITATE WORK OF LANDS TRIBUNAL ................... 15
PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL ................................... 16
GOVERNMENT INTERESTED IN PROMOTING CO-OPERATIVE PROJECTS . 17
PROJECT CO-ORDINATION TEAM FOR N.E. KOWLOON PLANNED ......... 18
NORTH POINT-KOWLOON CITY VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BECOMES PERMANENT.................................................... 20
FIVE BILLS PASSED ........................................... 20
PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE UNDERTAKES MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS .................................................... 21
DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM THREE LEAVERS .............. 22
MTR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO..................... 23
LADY MACLEHOSE TO OPEN CAREERS EXHIBITION .................. 24
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG....................................... 24
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
PROPOSED DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
* ft ft ft ft *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE LEVEL OF THE PROPOSED DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE AT $4,000 PER PARENT COMPARES VERY FAVOURABLY WITH SIMILAR ALLOWANCES IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
SPEAKING ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL TO RE-'NTRODUCE THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, TRE ALLOWANCE IS THE EQUIVALENT OF LESS THAN $1,000 PER PARENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND IN SINGAPORE IT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT $1,500 PER PARENT.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED LEVEL OF ALLOWANCE IS BASED ON THE EXISTING ALLOWANCE FOR A FIRST CHILD, AND THE ALLOWANCE NOW PROPOSED IS NON-MEANS TESTED AND IS PAYABLE IN FULL IRRESPECTIVE OF THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER OF THE MAINTENANCE OF THE DEPENDENT PARENT.
♦A PARENT WILL BE REGARDED AS BEING MAINTAINED IF HE RESIDES WITH A TAXPAYER RENT-FREE FOR NOT LESS THAN SIX MONTHS, OR IF THE TAXPAYER CONTRIBUTES NOT LESS THAN $1,200 A YEAR IN CASH TOWARDS HIS MAINTENANCE,.* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED ALLOWANCE IS MUCH MORE GENEROUS THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE BECAUSE THE NEW SCHEME DOES NOT PROVIDE FOR ABATEMENT AND WHERE THE COST TO THE TAXPAYER OF MAINTAINING HIS PARENT IS LESS THAN $4,000 A YEAR, THE FULL ALLOWANCE WILL STILL BE ALLOWED.
REFERRING TO CRITICISM ON THE PROPOSED AGE CRITERION OF 60 OR ABOVE, HE SAID IT HAS BEEN ARGUED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO AGE CRITERION AT ALL, OR, IF AN AGE CRITERION IS NECESSARY, IT SHOULD BE PEGGED AT A LEVEL TO RELATE TO THE RETIREMENT AGE OF CIVIL SERVANTS OF 55 OR EVEN 45.
HE EXPRESSED DOUBT OVER THE RELEVANCE OF THE RETIREMENT AGE OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE ALLOWANCE AS SUCH, WHICH IS NOT DIRECTED AT CIVIL SERVANTS.
' HE SAIDi *IN ANY CASE, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS TO EXTEND THEIR SERVICE BEYOND THE RETIREMENT AGE OF 55, AND IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF CASES, THOSE WHO DO RETIRE AT 55 ARE IN RECEIPT OF A PENSION OR HAVE ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT.*
MR. HADDON-CAVE FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE IMPOSITION OF AN AGE CRITERION IS IN PART TO BOLSTER THE CONCEPT OF MAINTENANCE AND IN PART TO REDUCE THE COST TO THE REVENUE.
♦TO REMOVE THE AGE LIMIT ALTOGETHER WOULD ENTAIL A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FORGONE REVENUE. THIS WOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE ON BUDGETARY GROUNDS,* HE SAID.
/IN ADDITION, ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
2 -
IN ADDITION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE IS SATISFIED THAT THE SELECTION OF THE QUALIFYING AGE OF 60 DOES REFLECT THE GENERAL RETIREMENT AGE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND IT IS ALSO IN LINE WITH THE LIMITS IMPOSED IN OTHER COUNTRIES WITH SIMILAR PROVISIONS FOR ALLOWANCES TO RECOGNISE DEPENDENCY.
ON THE SUGGESTIONS TO REMOVE THE CONDITION THAT THE PARENT MUST BE A PERMANENT RESIDENT IN HONG KONG, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID SUCH REMOVAL WOULD MAKE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ADMINISTER THE SCHEME.
+IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF ABUSE AND TO LIMIT THE COMMISSIONER’S MONITORING ROLE TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM,-i- HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROPOSED ALLOWANCE WILL EFFECTIVELY REDUCE THE TAX LIABILITY OF THOSE WITH DEPENDENT PARENTS, THE EXTENT OF THE RELIEF BEING DETERMINED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYER.
HE NOTED THAT THE TAX THRESHOLD OF A MARRIED TAXPAYER WITH TWO CHILDREN AND TWO DEPENDENT PARENTS WILL BE PUSHED UP FROM 131,000 A YEAR TO OVER $38,000, AND THE TAX LIABILITY OF SUCH A TAXPAYER WILL BE REDUCED BY NEARLY 79 PER CENT, OR $412 , ON A SALARY OF $40,000 A YEAR- BY OVER 50 PER CENT, OR $887 ON A SALARY OF $50,000 A YEAR- AND BY NEARLY 37 PER CENT, OR $1,350, ON A SALARY OF $60,000 A YEAR.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PROPOSED THAT THE ALLOWANCE SHOULD APPLY TO 1978-79 FINAL ASSESSMENTS AND 1979-80 PROVISIONAL ASSESSMENTS.
THE LOSS OF REVENUE WILL BE ABOUT $61 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1979-80 AND $37.5 MILLION A YEAR THEREAFTER, IN ADDITION TO THE COST OF ADMINISTRATION REQUIRED TO ADMINISTER THE SCHEME, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/J
. / WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
3
& *
$T DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED INTO LAW *****
.1
THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 WHICH SEEKS TO PROVIDE FUTHER PROTECTION TO DEPOSITORS WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO SAIDi
♦THE UNOFFICIALS BELIEVE THAT ITS ENACTMENT WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE FURTHER PROTECTION TO DEPOSITORS BUT ALSO ALLOW THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE MORE ADEQUATELY THE OPERATIONS OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.*
MR. LI ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE UNOFFICIALS ARE FULLY AWARE THAT THE LIQUIDITY POSITION OF SUCH COMPANIES WILL NOT BE, BY ITSELF, A GENUINE SAFEGUARD IF THE COMPANIES ENGAGE IN UNSOUND BUSINESS PRACTICES.
♦A SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION IS THEREFORE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL, ESPECIALLY AS SHORT-TERM CLAIMS BY BANKS ON THESE COMPANIES ARE NOT TO RANK AS LIQUID ASSETS,* HE SAID.
MR. LI PERSONALLY FELT THAT THE LIQUIDITY RATIO REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPANIES SHOULD, OF NECESSITY, BE LOWER THAN THAT OF A BANK. EVEN IN THE CASE OF THE BANKS, HE AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT THE LIQUIDITY POSITION NEEDS TO BE RE-EXAMINED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THIS COULD BE DONE AT THE SAME TIME AS THE DEFINITIONS OF LIQUID ASSETS AND THE MINIMUM PROPORTION OF DEPOSIT LIABILITIES FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ARE RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. LI RECALLED THAT EARLY IN NOVEMBER 1973 HE HAD ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO REGULATE FINANCE COMPANIES IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE. HE HAD MADE VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS AND VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE PRESENT LEGISLATION DEALS WITH THE FILING OF MONTHLY RETURNS BY THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND THE REQUIREMENT OF A MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIO.
HE WAS SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTED HOWEVER THAT IT HAS TAKEN FOUR YEARS AND EIGHT MONTHS SINCE HE MADE THE SUGGESTION, BEFORE THE SUBMISSION OF MONTHLY RETURNS IS TO BE MADE A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT.
♦I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A RELATIVELY SIMPLE EXERCISE WELL WITHIN THE CAPACITY OF OUR LEGAL DRAFTSMEN,* MR. LI SAID, ALTHOUGH HE APPRECIATED THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN ATTEMPTING TO SPECIFY A MINIMUM LIQUIDITY RATIO WHICH CANNOT BE DETERMINED ARBITRARILY.
ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLOR, THE HON. ANDREW SO ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL.
WHILE HE SUPPORTED IT WHOLE-HEARTEDLY, HE SUGGESTED THAT IN ORDER TO FURTHER PROTECT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND TO ENSURE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECTOR ADEQUATELY SERVICES THE NEEDS OF OUR GROWING ECONOMY, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD AT A LATER STAGE CONSIDER INTRODUCING AN INSURANCE PROGRAMME.
/THIS PROGRAMME .
’.VTjDMESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 19?8 k -
THIS PROGRAMME WOULD REQUIRE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AS WELL AS BANKS TO BE INSURED WITH A GOVERNMENT INSURANCE FUND TO BE SET UP AGAINST POSSIBLE LOSS IN CASE THEY WIND UP OR DISSOLVE THEIR BUSINESS.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES OR BANKS WILL PAY ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DEPOSIT INSURANCE FUND.
IN REPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THE DELAY IN PUTTING FORWARD THE PROPOSALS FOR DETAILED PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS LARGELY DUE TO A GREAT DEAL OF TIME SPENT IN VERY DETAILED AND TECHNICAL DISCUSSIONS BOTH ABOUT THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED AND THEIR DETAILED APPLICATION.
HE AGREED WITH MR. LI COMPLETELY THAT IT SHOULD BE A RELATIVELY SIMPLE EXERCISE TO PROVIDE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF MONTHLY RETURNS BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AS A STATUTORY REQUIREMENT, BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT IN SO DOING, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS A DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF THOSE COMPANIES.
♦HOW FAR IS IT RIGHT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT THAT RESPONSIBILITY IF IT DOES NOT HAVE THE POWER TO ENSURE THAT ALL IS WELL IN THE COMPANIES?* HE ASKED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT TOWARDS PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS HAS CHANGED SINCE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE WAS PASSED TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO.
+AND WE NOW ACCEPT - AFTER LONG DISCUSSIONS WITH THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE A DUTY TOWARDS THE LARGER DEPOSITOR, AS WELL AS THE SMALLER.
♦I DO NOT SAY THAT WE ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ULTIMATE REPAYMENT OF DEPOSITS, LARGE OR SMALL. BUT WE ACCEPT THAT WE NEED TO SUPERVISE THE ATTITUDES OF ALL INSTITUTIONS WHICH TAKE DEPOSITS, LARGE OR SMALL.
♦THAT IS THE GENERAL SOCIAL INTEREST AND IS CONSISTENT WITH OUR EMERGENCE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE,♦ HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID THAT IN THE COMING MONTHS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE LOOKING AT THE LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENTS AND THE DEFINITION OF LIQUID ASSETS, FOR LICENSED BANKS AS WELL AS FOR REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
♦THESE REQUIREMENTS AND DEFINITIONS MUST BE COMPLEMENTARY, IF NOT IDENTICAL, AND SO MUST BE EXAMINED TOGETHER,+ HE SAID.
ON MR. SO’S SUGGESTION TO SET UP AN INSURANCE FUND TO PROTECT DEPOSITORS WITH BOTH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, l«. HADDON-CAVE SAID THIS SUGGESTION RAISES MANY DIFFICULT QUESTIONS ON THE EXTENT OF THE INSURANCE COVERAGE AS WELL AS BASIS OF THE INSURANCE PREMIUM TO BE CHARGED.
/5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
5
INDUSTRIAL LAND SALE CONDITIONS REVIEWED
TO MEET PRESENT DAY NEEDS ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING SELLING INDUSTRIAL LAND WITH CONDITIONS TO MEET ALL THE NEEDS OF PRESENT DAY INDUSTRY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE, MR. JONES SAID THERE SEEMED TO BE AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR GROUND FLOOR SPACE AND FOR FLOOR LOADINGS AND CEILING HEIGHTS TO ACCOMMODATE HEAVIER MACHINERY.
♦WE ARE THEREFORE CONSIDERING, AS AN EXPERIMENT, SELLING SOME INDUSTRIAL LAND WITH CONDITIONS REQUIRING THE LOWER FLOORS TO BE BUILT WITH SPECIALLY HEAVY LOADING AND HIGHER CEILINGS,+ MR. JONES SAID.
SIMILARLY, HE SAID, THE SALE OF SOME LOTS WITH A REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE SMALL FACTORY UNITS, WHICH WOULD HELP MEET THE PROBLEMS OF SMALL SCALE OPERATORS IS ALSO BEING CONSIDERED.
♦IN THE CONTEXT OF OUR LAND PRODUCTION PROGRAMME,♦ MR. JONES EMPHASISED, +1 AM PARTICULARLY CONCERNED NOT ONLY THAT SUFFICIENT LAND SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO INDUSTRY BUT THAT IT SHOULD BE SOLD IN WAYS THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.♦
MR. JONES ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN GIVING CONSIDERABLE THOUGHT TO THE SUBJECT OF INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF USABLE LAND FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.
THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION HAS CARRIED OUT A VERY USEFUL STOCKTAKING OF WHAT ALL OUR CURRENTLY PLANNED PROJECTS ADD UP TO IN TERMS OF THE SIZE AND TIMING OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES, HE SAID. AND, THE COMMITTEE HAS INAUGURATED STUDIES INTO POSSIBLE NEW DEVELOPMENTS STRETCHING WELL INTO THE EIGHTIES.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION IS ALSO, AS PART OF ITS WIDE RANGING ACTIVITIES, STUDYING IN DEPTH THE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LAND POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION AND THE EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR ECONOMY, HE ADDED.
♦PROGRESS IS BEING MADE AND I WOULD HOPE THAT SOME HELPFUL RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH CAN BE ACTED UPON, WILL EMERGE IN THE COURSE OF 1979,* HE SAID.
MR. JONES SAID THAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO STRENGTHEN THE STRATEGIC PLANNING CAPACITY OF THE LANDS DIVISION OF THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH TO ASSIST IN MAKING THE EARLY DECISIONS WHICH ARE VITAL TO ENSURE A CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF LAND SUPPLIES.
/MR. JCN3S
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER '5, 1978
6
MR. JONES EMPHASISED THAT THE PRESENT DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, WOULD BE PRODUCING LAND FOF ALL PURPOSES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS AT A GREATER RATE THAN /T ANY OTHER TIME IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY.
♦DETAILED STUDIES ARE ALSO IN HAND WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR AN ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH LANTAU WHEN THIS IS NEEDED - AND THE MACHINERY WILL BE THERE TO KEEP ALL OPTIONS UNDER CONTINUING REVIEW,♦ HE SAID.
MR. JONES ASSURED THAT THE STUDIES INCLUDED THE ENG 11 EERING FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK AND ALL THE CONSEQUENCES OF SO DOING, INCLUDING THE FUTURE USE OF THE LAND WHICH WOULD THEN BE RELEASED AT KAI TAK, POSSIBLE FURTHER RECLAMATIONS AND SO ON.
TURNING TO LAND ADMINISTRATION, MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT’S PROCEDURES FOR SELLING LAND IN ORDER TO REDUCE SPECULATION AND TO ENSURE THAT LAND WAS USED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE HAD BEEN KEPT UNDER REVIEW.
HE SAID THE TERMS FOR THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUM FOR EXPENSIVE SITES WERE AMENDED A FEW MONTHS AGO TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASED DOWN PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, AND ♦THE WHOLE QUESTION OF INSTALMENTS OF PREMIA IS NOW BEING FURTHER EXAMINED.*
ON POLLUTION, MR. JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING THE FORM OF CONTROLS WHICH SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON BOTH OLD AND NEW POLLUTING INDUSTRIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF CERTAIN LIMITED AREAS WOULD BE STARTED SHORTLY TO SEE WHETHER THE INTRODUCTION OF POLLUTING INDUSTRIES WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE.
IF SO, HE SAID, THOSE AREAS WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE A SPECIAL VALUE FOR INDUSTRIES SUCH AS DYEING FACTORIES — AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY FOR HONG KONG.
ON TRANSPORT, MR. JONES SAID THE WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY WOULD SHORTLY BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE WHITE PAPER WOULD CONTAIN EVIDENCE OF THE VERY CONSIDERABLE PLANNING EFFORT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS PUTTING INTO THIS VITAL FIELD AND OF THE VERY SIGNIFICANT NEW DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO COME TO FRUITION IN THE EIGHTIES, HE ADDED.
♦AT PRESENT, + MR. JONES SAID, +WE ARE IN THE DARaEST HOUR BEFORE THE DAWN BUT, WITHIN TWO YEARS FROM NOW WHEN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND ITS ASSOCIATED ELEVATED ROAD CONNECTIONS ARE OPEN, WE SHOULD BEGIN TO SEE SOME REAL IMPROVEMENTS.+
/7........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
7
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY SPEAKS ON REFUGEE PROBLEM
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT IT WOULD NOT BE REALISTIC AT PRESENT TO IMPOSE A FIXED LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES HERE AT ANY ONE TIME, ALTHOUGH HONG KONG CERTAINLY IS NOT ABLE TO COPE WITH MANY MORE REFUGEES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED POLICY DEBATE, MR. DAVIES DESCRIBED THE REFUGEE PROBLEM AS A +FAST MOVING SCENE+, WITH SOME DISTURBING RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS IN CONSTANT DIALOGUE WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR).
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AGREEMENT AT PRESENT IS THAT HONG KONG ALLOWS VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO LAND HERE AS PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORT AND AGAINST A GUARANTEE BY THE UNHCR TO FIND THEM PERMANENT HOMES ELSEWHERE.
+WE ACCEPT SUCH PERSONS BOTH IN OVERSEAS SHIPS WHICH HAVE RESCUED THEM, AND IN WHICH HONG KONG IS THE FIRST PORT OF CALL, AS WELL AS IN CASES WHERE REFUGEES ARRIVE HERE DIRECT FROM VIETNAM IN SMALLER LESS SEAWORTHY VESSELS,* HE SAID.
+THE UNHCR CARE FOR THESE PEOPLE WHILST THEY ARE HERE AND WE ARE MOST GRATEFUL TO THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR DOING SO,* HE ADDED.
ON THE WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, W. DAVIES SAID THE NUMBER OF CASES PRESENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION IS HIGHER THAN ANY TIME DURING THE LAST 12 MONTHS AND IS ABOUT EQUAL TO THE HIGHEST CASE-LOAD OF THE PAST TWO YEARS.
MR. DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT PRESENT INVESTIGATIONS INCREASINGLY TEND TO BE CONCERNED WITH THE ’SATISFIED CUSTOMER’ TYPE OF CORRUPTION AND THESE ARE LESS DRAMATIC, AND THEREFORE LESS NEWSWORTHY, THAN THOSE DEALING WITH SYNDICATED CORRUPTION.
♦THESE CASES ARE COMPLEX AND COMPLICATED AND THEY FREQUENTLY PRESENT FAR GREATER DIFFICULTIES FOR THE ICAC INVESTIGATORS THAN DO CASES IN OTHER CATEGORIES,* HE SAID.
MR. DAVIES ADDED THAT THE COMMISSION’S PREVENTION AND EDUCATION ARMS CONTINUE TO LENGTHEN AND EXPAND. +AGAIN, THEY ARE NOT THE SORT OF ACTIVITIES WHICH ATTRACT THE ATTENTIONS OF THE NED IA VERY OFTEN.*
HE SAIDi +EVEN SO, MEMBERS CAN BE ASSURED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO SLACKENING OF IMPETUS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION! THE ICAC REMAINS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, A MOST POTENT FORCE.*
/TURNING .....
vnarrcsDAY, ncvsmber 15, 1978
8
TURNING TO THE WORK OF THE POLICE FORCE, MR. DAVIES SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE EFFORTS AND SUCCESS OF THE POLICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WERE APPRECIATED BY THE PUBLIC.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE THRUST OF POLICE OPERATIONS IS BEING CONSTANTLY REFINED AND REDIRECTED TO MEET NEW CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENTS AS THEY OCCUR.
AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THE ACTIVITIES OF TRIADS ARE THE SUBJECT OF CLOSE INVESTIGATION AND COVERAGE BY THE POLICE AND THERE ARE ALSO FURTHER PLANS TO BRING GREATER PRESSURE ON TRIADS.
THESE INITATIVES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED IN THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND A PROPOSAL FOR THE AMENDMENT OF LEGISLATION WILL BE PUT TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL SHORTLY, HE SAID.
♦AT THE SAME TIME,+ HE SAID, +A SMALL OFFICIAL GROUP IS BEING ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE MORE COMPREHENSIVELY, THAN HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE, THE COUNTER MEASURES WHICH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE TAK ING.♦
ON PROPOSALS FOR HOUSING THE POLICE, MR. DAVIES SAID THE PROVISION OF HOUSING FOR ALL JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS IS NOW AN ACCEPTED POLICY, PARTLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND PARTLY IN DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS, THOUGH INEVITABLY THE POLICY WILL TAKE TIME TO IMPLEMENT.
♦FURTHER, A SCHEME FOR ALLOCATING HOUSING IN PUBLIC ESTATES FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS IN ALL DISCIPLINED SERVICES, WHO ARE APPROACHING RETIREMENT, HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED. THE FIRST ALLOCATION WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT YEAR AND WILL ENABLE THE OFFICERS TO RETAIN THIS ACCOMMODATION AFTER RETIREMENT^ HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE CORRECTIVE AND TREATMENT PROGRAMMES OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, MR. DAVIES SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING TWO PROPOSALS: FIRST TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF AFTERCARE SERVICES TO INCLUDE THOSE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE SENTENCED TO PRISON- AND SECONDLY, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, AT POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE LAW IN RESPECT OF ADDICTS GENERALLY, AND ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED TWO OR MORE SENTENCES.
MR. DAVIES ADDED THAT THE ENCOURAGING RESULTS FROM DETENTION CENTRES AND TREATMENT CENTRES ARE BEING MAINTAINED, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE WRONG TO PAINT TOO ROSY A PICTURE OF THE RESULTS OF THESE PROGRAMMES, OR OF THE LONG TERM WORK HABITS, OR PROSPECTS, OF THOSE WHO ARE RELEASED FROM PRISON INSTITUTIONS.
♦THE CIVIL SERVICE FOR ITS PART PROVIDES A SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR SOME OF THEM AND IN APRIL THERE WERE ABOUT 170 EX-PRISONERS AND 450 ADDICTS IN EMPLOYMENT IN VARIOUS CAREFULLY SELECTED DEPARTMENTS AND JOBS,+ HE SAID.
0--------
/9
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
- 9
NT DEVELOPMENT AREAS BEING EXTENDED ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY STARTED WORK ON EXTENDING THE ORIGINAL PLANNING BOUNDARIES ON MANY OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES IN REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE CITED, AS EXAMPLES OF THE EXTENSION PROGRAMME, SHA TIN, WHERE THE BULLDOZERS HAVE ALREADY STARTED CUTTING INTO THE HILLSIDES OPPOSITE THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN NORTHWARDS TO WU KWAI SHA, AND TUEN MUN, WHERE SIMILAR WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE ERODED HILLS BETWEEN TAI LAM AND SO KWUN WAT OR THE EXTENSION OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID SIMILAR WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT AT +MANY OTHER PLACES TOO LONG TO LIST+.
REFERRING TO THE SUGGESTION BY A NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO MAKE MORE PRESENT USE OF THE PRIVATE LAND RESERVES IN THE AGRICULTURAL AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SOUNDED A NOTE OF CAUTION ON THE IDEA.
WHILE HE AGREED WITH THE SUGGESTION OF MR. CHARLES YEUNG THAT ♦WE SHOULD LOOK AROUND PERHAPS EVEN MORE THOROUGHLY AND PLAN AND EXTEND TOWNS LIKE YUEN LONG, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SURROUNDING LAND HAPPENS TO BE LYING LARGELY ABANDONED AND WASTE,♦ HE NEVERTHELESS DOUBTED WHETHER IT WOULD BE WISE TO EXTEND OURSELVES EVEN FURTHER TO DEVELOP EVEN MORE LAND WITH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS STRETCHED AS IT IS.
HE ADDEDi +LET US PLAN, BY ALL MEANS, AND DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN ROLL THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FORWARD, FOR HOUSING, FOR INDUSTRY, AND THE OTHER NEEDS OF THE FUTURE AS RESOURCES, IN THE BROADEST SENSE OF THE WORD, BECOME AVAILABLE TO DO SO.+
HE ALSO CAUTIONED AGAINST SEEING AREAS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND +AS AN EASY WAY OUT TO THE REMOVAL OF TEMPORARY FACTORIES FROM THE PATH OF PERMANENT DEVELOPMENT.
♦THERE MAY BE ODD CASES WHERE THIS CAN BE DONE, BUT WHOLESALE AND HAPHAZARD RESITING OF LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF SQUATTER INDUSTRIES CAN SURELY NOT COMMEND ITSELF AS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION,+ HE SAID.
♦YUEN LONG DRAINS INTO DEEP BAY, WHERE WE ALREADY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE OYSTER INDUSTRY.
+TAI PO DRAINS INTO TOLO HARBOUR, WHERE WE ARE SPENDING ENORMOUS SUMS OF MONEY ON SEWAGE TREATMENT TO ARREST POLLUTION.
/♦IF ’.7E SIMPLY....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 19?8
10
♦IF WE SIMPLY RESITE SQUATTER FACTORIES, HOW CAN WE THEN PREVENT OTHER FACTORIES FROM JOINING THEM AND ALL THE CONGLOMERATION OF SQUATTER STRUCTURES THAT WOULD GO WITH THIS KIND OF UNCONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT? I REPEAT, SURELY WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS?*
MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DEVELOPING NOT SIMPLY THREE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, BUT 11 TOWNS ALL AT ONCE.
♦ OF COURSE, THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NEW TOWNS IS MORE SPECTACULAR BUT DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT THE OTHER TOWNS ARE, IN THEIR WAY, NO LESS IMPORTANT,♦ HE ADDED.
IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, HE SAID, THAT THE UNOFFICIALS’ SUGGESTION TO MAKE MORE USE OF AGRICULTURAL LAND HAD TO BE EXAMINED.
MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO WARNED HOLDERS OF OLD LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS THAT IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CANCEL THE PRIORITY RIGHTS THEIR ENTITLEMENTS NORMALLY RECEIVE UNLESS THEY TAKE UP THEIR OPTION WHEN LAND BECOMES AVAILABLE.
HE SAID AT THE MOMENT, TOO MANY OWNERS WERE HOLDING ON TO THEIR EXCHANGE LETTERS AND WERE NOT PRESENTING THEM WHEN LAND IS ADVERTISED FOR EXCHANGE.
IT SHOULD BE THEORETICALLY POSSIBLE TO EXTINGUISH ALL EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS - LETTER B - OUTSTANDING AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, BY THE END OF MARCH, 1981.
♦ I SAY THEORETICALLY BECAUSE, FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, TOO MANY EXCHANGE OWNERS ARE HOLDING ON TO THEIR EXCHANGE LETTERS, AND ARE NOT PRESENTING THEM FOR EXCHANGE WHEN LAND IS ADVERTISED FOR EXCHANGE,* HE SAID.
♦ I HAVE TO ADVISE THESE OWNERS THAT UNLESS THEY TAKE UP THE OPTION WHEN AN EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CANCEL THE PRIORITY THESE OLD EXCHANGE RIGHTS NORMALLY ATTRACT UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF CALCULATION.*
HE NOTED THAT THE PRINCIPAL FINDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE SET UP TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF COMPENSATION FOR LAND RESUMED IN TOWN BOUNDARIES HAD BEEN ACCEPTED AND IMPLEMENTED.
HE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAD NOW APPROVED PROPOSALS REGARDING COMPENSATION FOR LAND OUTSIDE THE TOWN BOUNDARIES AND HE WOULD SHORTLY BE DISCUSSING THESE WITH THE IEUNG YEE KUK.
ON THE SEVEN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THEY HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE BOARDS HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND HAVE GIVEN ADVICE AS TO HOW FUNDS, AMOUNTING TO $3.7 MILLION, SHOULD BE SPENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND RECREATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
/+THEY ARE .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
11
♦THEY ARE BEGINNING TO TAKE A LIVELY HAND IN LOCAL AFFAIRS,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
HE HOPED THAT WHEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WERE RE-ORGANISED AND STRENGTHENED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE ABLE TO RESPOND MORE READILY TO LOCAL DEMANDS AND WOULD ACHIEVE A MUCH HIGHER STANDARD OF URBAN MANAGEMENT THAN IN THE PAST.
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING NEW TOWNS, AND REPLANNING THE OLD SO THAT THEY PROVIDE A SATISFYING LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND THE PEOPLE WITHIN THEM FIND WORK AND ENJOYMENT AND TAKE PRIDE IN THEM.
♦HOPEFULLY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARDS WILL BE THE INSTRUMENT WHEREBY PUBLIC SERVANTS AND PRIVATE CITIZENS WILL WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THIS COMMOM PURPOSE,♦ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO SPOKE ON THE SETTING UP OF NEW COUNTRY PARKS WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS A ♦REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT*. ♦LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME THERE WERE ONLY FIVE SUCH PARKS.♦
♦ NOW THERE ARE 15 IN ALL HONG KONG COVERING 130 SQUARE MILES AND VISITED BY TWO MILLION PEOPLE LAST YEAR,* HE SAID.
HE AGREED THAT MORE CAMP SITES AND HOSTELS ARE NEEDED, AND SAID CAMP SITES ARE EASIER TO PROVIDE WHILE HOSTELS ARE MORE COSTLY AND TAKE TIME TO PLAN AND BUILD.
THE PO LEUNG KUK, HE SAID, IS BUILDING ONE SUCH HOSTEL IN SAI KUNG.
♦ BUT IT IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH AND I HOPE THAT OTHER ORGANISATIONS WILL FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.
♦ IF SPONSORS COME FORWARD WITH PRIVATE FUNDS THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESPOND WITH EQUAL ENTHUSIASM TO FIND A SUITABLE SITE,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
-------o ---------
14 NEW ESTATES OPENED, 48,500 FLATS PROVIDED SINCE 1973, SAYS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING ******
FOURTEEN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES NAVE BEEN OPENED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, PROVIDING 48,500 MORE FLATS FOR TENANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY'S BUILDING PROGRAMME IS ACCELERATING SO FAST THAT THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WILL SEE THE COMPLETION OF 186,000 FLATS, OR ALMOST FOUR TIMES THE PRODUCTION OF THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS.
/THIS WAS .
• • •
’VEDtHSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
12
THIS WAS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, WHO WAS SPEAKING IN THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE.
COMMENTING ON ARGUMENTS PUT FORWARD BY TWO UNOFFICIAL NEMBERS, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND THE HON. WONG LAM, FOR CONSIDERATION FOR PEOPLE ABOVE INCOME LIMITS FOR RENTED PUBLIC HOUSING OR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, MR. SCOTT SAIDt +UNFORTUNATELY, WE CANNOT TAKE ON ALL DESIRABLE OBJECTIVES SIMULTANEOUSLY AND PRIORITIES HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED, BOTH WITHIN THE PROGRAMME UNDER DISCUSSION, IN THIS CASE HOUSING, AND AS BETWEEN OTHER MAJOR PROGRAMMES.
♦THE FIRST PRIORITY HAS FOR MANY YEARS BEEN THE PROVISION OF SUBSIDISED RENTED HOUSING FOR THE LOWEST INCOME GROUP, AND IT MUST SO CONTINUE.
♦THE SECOND, RELATIVELY NEW PRIORITY, IS THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
♦WE CANNOT, FOR THE PRESENT, CONSIDER EXTENDING THESE PRIORITIES.*
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE ALERT TO THE NEED FOR EXPANSION OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SHCEME AND TO THE RELATIVE BALANCE IN PROVIDING RENTED AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.
ON MR. WONG LAM’S POINT THAT SOME FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST ARE OVER THE INCOME LIMIT WHEN THEIR NUMBERS FINALLY COME UP, MR. SCOTT SAIDt +THIS IS VERY DISAPPOINTING, BUT WE HAVE TO DETERMINE INCOME CRITERIA AND STAND BY THEM IN ORDER THAT THOSE IN GREATEST NEED RECEIVE FIRST ATTENTION, UNTIL IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXTEND OR VARY THE PRIORITIES.
♦RAISING THE INCOME LIMIT INCREASES THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS AND MEANS THAT PEOPLE INSIDE THE LIMIT HAVE TO WAIT LONGER WHILE PEOPLE WITH HIGHER INCOMES ARE, AS IT WERE, BROUGHT BACK INTO THE QUEUE.*
HE SAID THAT SINCE 1963, AS A RESULT OF REGULAR REVIEWS, THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED INCOME HAD INCREASED AT A MUCH FASTER RATE THAN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, AND THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL WAGES.
AS A RESULT, THE NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS HAD GONE UP FROM 89,000 IN 1973 TO 223,000 IN 1976.
CONCERNING STAFFING ON ESTATES, MR. SCOTT SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD INCREASED STAFF ON FORMER RESETTLEMENT ESTATES TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF MANAGEMENT. ITS GENERAL POLICY WAS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN SATISFACTORY MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS AS AGAINST EFFICIENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE NEEDED TO DO THE JOB.
-------0----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
13
STEPS TAKEN TO IMPROVE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AND EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE BY THE DEPARTMENT TO EMPHASISE THE USE OF THE LANGUAGE AS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION IN DAILY LIFE, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. TOPLEY WAS REPLYING TO THE VARIOUS POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS AND AIMS, HE SAID, WERE REFLECTED IN RECENT REVISIONS OF SUGGESTED SYLLABUSES, IN STEPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TEXTBOOKS, AND IN THE PREPARATION OF MORE EFFECTIVE TEACHING AIDS.
♦ IN THE FOREFRONT OF THIS MOVEMENT IS THE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE WHICH HAS BEEN RUNNING REGULAR IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1974,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE TEACHING OF SIMPLIFIED CHINESE CHARACTERS, HE SAID THAT AS LONG AS THE TRADITIONAL SCRIPT REMAINED THE NORMAL METHOD OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IN OUR COMMUNITY, IT WOULD BE MOST UNWISE, AND INDEED BE DOING A GREAT DISSERVICE TO THE PUPILS, TO STOP TEACHING IT IN THE SCHOOLS.
SIMPLIFIED CHARACTERS, HE SAID, WOULD MORE CONVENIENTLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY INDIVIDUALS WHO FOUND A NEED FOR THIS SPECIFIC SKILL.
ON REMARKS BY THE HON. JAMES WU ON THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO CHANGE THE REGULATIONS OF THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID THE AUTHORITY’S BASIC CONSIDERATION WAS TO KEEP ENTRY RESTRICTIONS TO A MINIMUM.
♦SINCE THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION MAY BE TAKEN EITHER IN ENGLISH OR IN CHINESE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO HAVE OBTAINED IN THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION AT LEAST GRADE E IN EITHER LANGUAGE.
♦IN MAKING THESE EXAMINATION REGULATIONS THE AUTHORITY HAD NO INTENTION OF PRESCRIBING WHAT SUBJECTS SCHOOLS SHOULD TEACH IN THEIR COURSES, SINCE THE AUTHORITY DID NOT CONSIDER THAT THE DETERMINATION OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM WAS ONE OF ITS FUNCTIONS.
♦HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE MATTER, THE EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY WILL BE REVIEWING ITS EARLIER DECISION IN THE NEAR FUTURE. NEVERTHELESS, IT IS ESSENTIAL IN THE FIELD OF CURRICULUM PLANNING AND ITS LATER IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FORM OF CLASSROOM TEACHING THAT WE MUST DIRECT OUR EFFORTS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE COMPETENCE OF OUR PUPILS IN THE USE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE.
/+FIMALLY, .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
14 -
♦FINALLY, I SHOULD MENTION THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS TAKING A LIVELY INTEREST IN THE WHOLE QUESTION OF LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY, AND I SHALL CONTINUE TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THE BOARD TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,♦ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
ON THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH, HE SAID, THE MATTER WAS BEING REVIEWED BY AN ENGLISH ADVISER WHO WAS WORKING IN CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE TEAM NOW PLANNING THE NEW COURSE OF TEACHER TRAINING MENTIONED IN THE WHITE PAPER.
♦IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, POSTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR THE TEACHING OF LANGUAGE SKILLS, IN ADDITION TO THOSE FOR THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE. IT IS THE INTENTION TO GIVE MUCH ATTENTION IN BOTH PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE COURSES TO DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY IN LANGUAGE AND IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
♦IN ORDER TO IMPROVE PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH AMONG GRADUATE TEACHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS OF EDUCATION, BOTH UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNIT IN EACH OF THE SCHOOLS OF EDUCAT I ON.+
ON THE PROPOSAL TO ABOLISH TONG FAI, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT IT WAS PARTLY BECAUSE CHILDREN WERE STILL REQUIRED TO BUY THEIR OWN TEXTBOOKS, STATIONERY AND UNIFORMS THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED THAT THIS FEE AS WELL AS TUITION FEES IN FORMS I - III SHOULD BE ABOLISHED IN THE VAST MAJORITY OF SCHOOLS.
ABOLITION OF TONG FAI WOULD MEAN A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE CAPITATION GRANT WHICH WOULD ENABLE ALL AIDED SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE WHAT THEY CONSIDER ESSENTIAL AND DESIRABLE.
NO CHANGE, HE ADDED, WAS BEING CONTEMPLATED REGARDING THE PRESENT TONG FAI ARRANGEMENTS IN FORMS IV - VI.
/15......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
BILL TO FACILITATE WORK OF LANDS TRIBUNAL INTRODUCED ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 WHICH CONTAINS CHANGES IN THE LAW INTENDED TO FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE TRIBUNAL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE LANDS TRIBUNAL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974 FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION ARISING UNDER VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND TO HEAR AND DETERMINE RATING APPEALS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, SAID IT WAS GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT THE TRIBUNAL HAD WORKED WELL AND WAS ACHIEVING SATISFACTORILY THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH IT WAS SET UP.
♦HOWEVER,* HE SAID, +THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PAST FEW YEARS HAS BROUGHT TO LIGHT THE NEED FOR SEVERAL AMENDMENTS TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE.*
MR. THORTON SAID ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS RELATES TO A SECTION OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES THAT DECISIONS OF THE TRIBUNAL ARE FINAL EXCEPT FOR A RIGHT OF APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL ON A POINT OF LAW.
♦THIS AMENDMENT CONCERNS ONLY THE PROCEDURE OF SUCH APPEALS AND PROVIDES FOR APPEALS TO BE BY WAY OF THE SIMPLER CASE STATED PROCEDURE RATHER THAN UNDER THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT,♦ MR. THORNTON SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE AMENDMENT IN FACT CONFIRMS THE ORIGINAL INTENTION.
MR. THORNTON SAID OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION EMPOWERING THE TRIBUNAL TO CORRECT ANY ERRONEOUS FINDINGS OF FACT WHICH MAY APPEAR IN THE TRIBUNAL’S DECISIONS.
♦THE CONSEQUENCES OF ADOPTING A WRONG FIGURE OR MATHEMATICAL ERROR CAN, OF COURSE, BE SERIOUS AND THIS CLAUSE WILL ENABLE ANY ERRORS OF THIS KIND TO BE SIMPLY CORRECTED BY THE TRIBUNAL WITHIN ONE MONTH OF THE DECISION EITHER IN ITS OWN MOTION OR ON THE APPLICATION OF EITHER PARTY TO THE PROCEEDINGS,* HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
- 16 -
PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL * * * * *
A BILL SEEKING TO EXTEND THE GOVERNOR’S POWER UNDER THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE IN GRANTING, AT HIS DISCRETION, RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE RETIRED COMPULSORILY OR REMOVED FROM OFFICE, WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS SAID UNDER THE EXISTING SECTION 7 OF THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE, DISCRETIONARY GRANT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS IS PROVIDED ONLY WHEN AN OFFICER IS RETIRED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST OTHERWISE THAN AS A PUNISHMENT.
HOWEVER, WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR, COLONIAL REGULATIONS WERE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE AWARD OF COMPULSORY RETIREMENT AS A PUNISHMENT, EITHER WITH, OR WITHOUT, OR WITH REDUCED PENSION BENEFITS.
+THIS NEW FORM OF PUNISHMENT IS NEEDED IN CASES WHEN DISMISSAL WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS WOULD BE TOO SEVERE OR WHEN RETIREMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, OTHERWISE THAN AS A PUNISHMENT, WOULD BE TOO GENEROUS,* MR. ROWLANDS SAID.
AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE AMENDEMENT OF COLONIAL REGULATIONS, HE EXPLAINED, THERE IS A NEED TO INCLUDE SUCH A PROVISION IN THE PENSIONS ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITH MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IN DEALING WITH SUCH CASES.
THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
17
GOVERNMENT INTERESTED IN PROMOTING CO-OPERATIVE PROJECTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO BE INTERESTED IN THE PROMOTION SELF-HELP CURATIVE PROJECTS WHETHER THEY ARE TARGETTED TOWARDS ECONOMIC OR SOCIAL AIMS OR BOTH.
rlo™IS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE HON. TED NICHOLS, IN REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFfCIAL MEMBER, THE HON. ANDREW SO, IN THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THE BENEFITS ACCURING FROM MEMBERSHIP OF EITHER THE CO-OPERATIVE OR THE CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT,+ MR. NICHOLS SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG IS NOW MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF AGE AND IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS A WAY OF LIFE PARTICULARY FOR MANY OF THE PRIMARY PRODUCERS.
HE SAID AT PRESENT THE LIVES OF NEARLY 100,000 PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE BENEFITED BY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT.
THERE ARE 130 CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES PROVIDING ECONOMIC SERVICES RANGING FROM MARKETING TO THE PROVISION OF CREDIT FACILITIES TO ABOUT 48,000 TO 50,000 FARMERS, FISHERMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THE MOVEMENT ALSO INCLUDES 24 CO-OPERATIVES WHICH AIM AT PROVIDING SOCIAL AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR SOME 2,000 FAMILIES OR MORE THAN 8,000 PERSONS IN SELF-HELP HOUSING PROJECTS FOR PRIMARY PRODUCERS.
IN A MORE GENERAL FIELD, MR. NICHOLS SAID, THERE ARE 253 CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF WHICH ONLY FOUR ARE CONCERNED WITH THRIFT AND LOAN ACTIVITIES AND THE REMAINING 249 SOCIETIES PROVIDE PRIMARILY SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THEIR MEMBERS AND FAMILIES TOTALLING 35,000 PEOPLE.
TURNING TO THE CREDIT UNION MOVEMENT, MR. NICHOLS SAID THIS MOVEMENT WAS YOUNGER, HAVING COME INTO LEGAL EXISTENCE ONLY 10 YEARS AGO. AT PRESENT THERE ARE 55 CREDIT UNIONS WITH SOME 10,500 ►EMBERS DRAWN FROM ASSOC I ATIONAL, EMPLOYMENT AND RESIDENTIAL LINKAGES.
♦THE CREDIT UNION CONCEPT SEEKS TO ESTABLISH AGENCIES FOR THRIFT AND PERSONAL CREDIT, TO CHANNEL MEMBERS’ SAVINGS INTO PRODUCTIVE AND USEFUL UNDERTAKINGS AND TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF CREDIT TO MEMBER IN TIME OF NEED,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978 '
PROJECT CO-ORDINATION TEAM FOR N.E. KOWLOON PLANNED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERING THE SETTING UP OF A PROJECT CO-ORDINATION TEAM FOR THE NORTH EAST KOWLOON AREA ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DURING THE RESUMED ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT FROM THE INFORMATION DRAWN FROM STUDIES CARRIED OUT BY THIS TEAM AND FROM EXPERIENCE GAINED HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO ESTABLISH THE BASIS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF FURTHER CO-ORDINATING TEAMS TO COVER OTHER AREAS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, HE INDICATED THAT CO-ORDINATION COULD BE EXPECTED TO SHOW ITS GREATEST EFFECT ON PUBLIC SECTOR WORKS.
MR. MCDONALD WAS REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. LI FOOK-WO.
IN HIS SPEECH IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NR. LI REFERRED TO THE HEADWAY MADE IN DEVELOPMENT. BUT HE SUGGESTED THAT MUCH MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE HAD THERE BEEN BETTER OVERALL CO-ORDINATION OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS AND HAD THERE BEEN MORE LAND AVAILABLE.
MR. MCDONALD RECALLED THAT IN 1971-72, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT LET 357 CONTRACTS FOR PUBLIC CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS. IN 1977-78, 658 WERE LET, AN INCREASE OF 84.5 PER CENT.
♦IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY FACTORS WHICH HAVE HAD LIMITING EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMENT AND ALTHOUGH THE ACTIONS OF A PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR MIGHT HAVE HAD SOME BENEFICIAL EFFECTS I DOUBT THAT HE COULD HAVE MADE ANY MEANINGFUL IMPRESSION ON THE VOLUME OF WORKS EXECUTED,♦ HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE COUNCIL TO THE SIZE CF THE CO-ORDINATING TASK.
IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, HE SAID, NOT ONLY CATEGORY A ITEMS BUT CATEGORY B, D AND E ITEMS, URBAN COUNCIL BLOCK VOTE PROJECTS, PROPERTY SERVICES AGENCY PROJECTS, PROJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REPROVISIONING OF MILITARY INSTALLATIONS, WORKS CARRIED OUT ON OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTAL VOTES, PUBLIC HOUSING, CLEARANCE PROGRAMMES RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT WITH THEIR ATTENDANT COMMITMENTS FOR RE-HOUSING AND GENERAL BUILDING AND ENGINEERING MAINTENANCE WORKS ALL HAVE TO BE BROUGHT WITHIN THE CO-ORDINATOR’S AMBIT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF ALL PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WERE ALREADY CO-ORDINATED BY P.W.D. PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAMS ESTABLISHED TO DEVELOP THE NEW TOWNS AND OTHER AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND FURTHER EXPANSION OF THIS FORM OF MANAGEMENT WOULD OCCUR. IN ADDITION, A FAIRLY LARGE TEAM CO-ORDINATED ALL ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS.
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7SDNSSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
19
♦HOWEVER, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT OVER 2OO P.W.D. OFFICERS ARE CURRENTLY ENGAGED SOLELY ON MANAGEMENT AND CO-ORDINATION ASPECTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECTS AND THESE PROJECTS COVER CLEARLY DEFINED AREAS OF TOTALLY RELATED ELEMENTS,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
♦IN THE NEW TOWNS THE AREAS BEING DEALT WITH ARE COMPARATIVELY CLEAR AND DEVELOPMENT CAN BE MOULDED TO A PRE-CONCEIVED PROGRAMME BUT THIS CANNOT BE READILY ACHIEVED IN THE URBAN AREAS WHERE DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED OVER MANY YEARS AND WHERE REDEVELOPMENT IS NECESSARILY FRAGMENTED.♦
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT WAS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO CO-ORDINATE.
CITING AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT DURING 1977-78, 810 APPROVALS OF PLANS FOR PROPOSED NEW PRIVATE BUILDINGS WERE GIVEN BUT THIS GAVE NO TRUE INDICATION OF WHEN OR IF THESE APPROVED PROJECTS WOULD PROCEED.
♦APPROVALS ARE VALID FOR TWO YEARS AND IT IS FAIRLY COMMON, IN CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS, FOR DEVELOPERS TO CHANGE THEIR MINDS ON THE FORM AND TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT AND NEW REPLACEMENT APPLICATIONS ARE SUBMITTED,♦ HE ADDED.
♦THE NEAREST WE CAN GET TO KNOWING WITH ANY DEGREE OF CERTAINTY WHEN A PRIVATE PROJECT WILL COMMENCE AND IN WHAT FORM IS WHEN THE DEVELOPER APPLIES FOR CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORKS BUT AS THE WORKS MUST THEN START WITHIN THREE MONTHS IT IS ALREADY TOO LATE TO SATISFACTORILY MESH INTO A CO-ORDINATED PROGRAMME.+
MR. MCDONALD CONTINUED THAT THE FLEXIBILITY WHICH MUST THEREFORE BE GIVEN TO PRIVATE DEVELOPERS INEVITABLY AFFECTED SUCH THINGS AS UTILITIES AND OTHER SERVICES AND OF COURSE MEANT ROAD OPENINGS.
HE SAIDi +AT ANY GIVEN DATE THERE IS LIKELY TO BE ABOUT 2,500 OPENINGS IN ROADS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
♦ALTHOUGH ALL APPLICATIONS FOR THESE OPENINGS ARE PROCESSED THROUGH CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES THERE ARE UNFORTUNATELY QUITE FREQUENT EMERGENCY OR UNFORESEEN MAINTENANCE WORKS REQUIRED WHICH MAKE IT NECESSARY TO OPEN ROADWAYS EVEN IN AREAS WHERE SURFACE REINSTATEMENT WORKS HAVE ONLY RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED.+
IN CONCLUSION, MR. MCDONALD EMPHASISED THAT THE OVERALL CO-ORDINATION OF EVERY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN HONG KONG +IS A GIGANTIC TASK AND IS FAR BEYOND THE CAPABILITY OF ANY ONE CO-ORDINATOR OR EVEN OF ONE CO-ORDINATING GROUP*.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THIS DID NOT MEAN THAT THE CONCEPT OF GENERAL CO-ORDINATION WAS NOT FAVOURED.
♦IN FACT, CONSIDERATION IS CURRENTLY BEING GIVEN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROJECT CO-ORDINATION TEAM FOR THE NORTH EAST KOWLOON AREA ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS,* HE SAID.
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20
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
NORTH POINT VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BECOMES PERMANENT
X X X X X X
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY GAVE ITS APPROVAL TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO MAKE PERMANENT THE VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND KOWLOON CITY OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
INTRODUCING THE MOTION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS DECISION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID THE ROUTE HAS BEEN OPERATING UNDER A TEMPORARY LICENCE SINCE 1976 AND HAS PROVED POPULAR, CARRYING SOME 50,000 VEHICLES A MONTH AND MAKING A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO OVERALL CROSS-HARBOUR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
+GIVEN THE INCREASING CONGESTION IN THE AREA OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IT IS ONLY SENSIBLE TO MAINTAIN FACILITIES OF THIS TYPE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE TUNNEL FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THEM,* MR. JONES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE MOTION WAS INTRODUCED WITH THE CONSENT OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
BILLS PASSED X X X X
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THESE WERE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL BILL 1978, HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCT IONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (EXEMPTION) BILL 1978.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
21
PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE UNDERTAKING MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
******
THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE HAS BEGUN TO UNDERTAKE MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL CO-ORDINATION IN A NUMBER OF PRODUCTIVITY RELATED ISSUES.
IN HIS STATEMENT ON THE CENTRE’S WORK DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, CHAIRMAN OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE HON. S.L. CHEN MENTIONED THREE SUCH ACTIVITIES WHICH HE SAID +MARKED THE BEGINNING OF AN ATTEMPT TO TACKLE PRODUCTIVITY ISSUES ON THE BASIS OF AN INDUSTRY SECTOR WHERE THE IMPACT IS LIKELY TO BE GREATER THAN IF CONFINED TO INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISES.*
THESE WEREi
* ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INFORMATION CENTRE FOR INDUSTRY SERVICE. THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ACTED AS A PLANNING BODY AND FOLLOWING CONSULTATIONS WITH INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS, A PROPOSAL WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION-
* ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROGRAMME OF INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE ITS PRODUCTIVITY AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE. THIS WAS DONE IN RESPONSE TO THE INDUSTRY’S REQUEST AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS- AND
* UNDERTAKING A SERIES OF STUDIES, INCLUDING ONE ON THE FOUNDRY INDUSTRY, IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR AN IMPROVED ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT DIVERSIFICATION OF INDUSTRY. A COPY OF THE FINAL REPORT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION FOR ITS INFORMATION.
MR. CHEN POINTED OUT THAT DESPITE THESE ACTIVITIES THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE’S EFFORTS IN PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRISES HAD NOT BEEN REDUCED.
A TOTAL OF 180 CONSULTANCY AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECTS WERE UNDERTAKEN IN 1977-78, COMPARED WITH 149 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THERE WAS A SLIGHT REDUCTION IN THE LEVEL OF TRAINING ACTIVITIES BUT, BECAUSE THERE WAS A GREATER DEGREE OF SELECTIVITY AND A STRONGER BIAS TOWARDS MORE TECHNOLOGICAL AND SPECIALISED SUBJECTS, THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS PER TRAINING COURSE INCREASED FROM 22 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 27, AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS INCREASED FROM 6,426 TO 6,633.
THE CENTRE ALSO EXPANDED ITS RANGE OF TECHNICAL SERVICES DURING THE YEAR. NEW SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ELECTRONICS UNIT AND A TECHNICAL INFORMATION UNIT. TWO BI-LINGUAL QUARTERLY BULLETINS, ON PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY AND FURNITURE TECHNOLOGY, WERE PUBLISHED AND WERE VERY WELL RECEIVED.
/LOOKING
WNSSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1973
- 22 -
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE, MR. CHEN WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WILL PLAY A GREATER ROLE IN PROVIDING THE MUCH NEEDED TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND TO RESPOND TO THE MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
♦WITH TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM U.N. AGENCIES, THE CENTRE WILL BE SETTING UP A HEAT TREATMENT UNIT IN THE COMING YEAR, AND PLANS ARE BEING DEVELOPED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SERVICES UNIT TO DEAL WITH PRODUCTIVITY RELATED ISSUES,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT GIVEN THE NECESSARY SUPPORT, THE CENTRE WILL BECOME AN EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENT OF TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH IN THE 1980’S.
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DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM THREE LEAVERS ft M ft ft
MR. KEN TOPLEY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TODAY CALLED ON FORM THREE LEAVERS TO CHOOSE CAREFULLY WHEN CONSIDERING FURTHER STUDIES IN ORDER TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN CANTONESE AT THE JOINT SPEECH DAY OF TUNG WAH SECONDARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 1,400 STUDENTS FROM SEVEN SCHOOLS.
♦STUDENTS SHOULD FIRST FIND OUT WHERE THEIR INTERESTS LIE AND WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING BEFORE CHOOSING THE NEXT STEP TO BE TAKEN,♦ MR. TOPLEY SAID. +IN THIS WAY THEY CAN MAKE FULL USE OF WHAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR THEM IN THE EDUCATION WHITE PAPER.+
STUDENTS WHO NEED ADVICE AND GUIDANCE IN MAKING THEIR DECISIONS COULD ALWAYS APPROACH THEIR TEACHERS OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
LISTING OUT THE DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM THREE LEAVERS, MR. TOPLEY SAID MANY OF THEM COULD GO ON TO RECEIVE SUBSIDISED SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION AND LATER ON TERTIARY EDUCATION, WHILE OTHERS COULD CHOOSE TO ENTER TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
THOSE WHO TAKE ON JOBS AFTER FORM THREE COULD, IF THEY WISH, CONTINUE WITH THEIR STUDIES IN SUBSIDISED EVENING SCHOOLS.
MR. TOPLEY PRAISED THE TUNG WAH GROUP FOR ITS EFFORTS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, ESPECIALLY FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION WITH THE OPERATION OF 19 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS. HE ALSO NOTED THE GROUP’S INVOLVEMENT IN FURTHER EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS.
LATER MR TOPLEY PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE GRADUATES AND AWARDS TO WINNERS OF ACADEMIC AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
23 -
MTR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHU I PO *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SEVERAL STREETS IN SHAM SHUI PO AREA FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17) IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
FROM THAT DAY, URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS FOR ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE IMPOSED BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 10 A.M. AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY IN THE SECTIONS OF YU CHAU STREET, YEE KUK STREET AND HAI TAN STREET BETWEEN KWEI LIN STREET AND YEN CHOW STREET, AS WELL AS THE SECTION OF WONG CHUK STREET BETWEEN TAI NAN STREET AND YU CHAU STREET.
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WILL ALSO BE IN FORCE IN THE SECTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN TONKIN STREET AND A POINT 60 METRES WEST OF FAT TSEUNG STREET FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY.
FROM 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS IN A SECTION OF TONG CHAU WEST STREET FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EXTENDING 15 METRES NORTHWARDS.
MEANWHILE, CERTAIN TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE FOLLOWING STREETS!
* TAI NAN STREET BETWEEN SHEK KIP MEI STREET AND WONG CHUK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUNTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND-
* KI LUNG STREET BETWEEN SHEK KIP MEI STREET AND WONG CHUK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND"
* KI LUNG STREET BETWEEN WONG CHUK STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND- AND
* THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC IN YEN CHOW STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO HAI TAN STREET.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM THE SAME TIME ON FRIDAY, THE LEARNER DRIVER PROHIBITION ON CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE LIFTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
HOWEVER, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL STILL BE RESTRICTED FROM ENTERING COTTON PATH.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO (HIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1978
NOTE TO EDITORS:
LADY MACLEHOSE TO OPEN CAREERS EXHIBITION X * X * X X
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL OPEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SEVENTH CAREERS EXHIBITION AT HUNG HOM RAIL TERMINUS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 18) AT 9.30 A.M. AS THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAS CANCELLED ALL HIS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK BECAUSE OF FLU.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
WATER CUT IN KWUN TONG X X X X X
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY KA LOK STREET, SHU I WO STREET, HIP WO STREET AND YUET WAH STREET INCLUDING TSZ LOI LANE, PING SHING LANE AND BLOCK NOS. 1-11 WO LOK ESTATE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INFLATIONARY THREAT VERY REAL — SAYS FINANCIAL SECRETARY ................................................... 1
NEW STANDING BODY TO REVIEW CIVIL SERVICE ................... 4
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC ......... 6
MASSIVE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ............................ 9
REGIONALISATION OF SWD WILL NOT AFFECT GOVERNMENTVOLUNTARY SECTOR RELATIONSHIP .............................. 10
MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT AGE REQUIREMENT TO BE EXTENDED TO NON-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ...................................... 12
STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS GRADUATE .......................... 14
PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS FOR CAUSEWAY BAY ........................ 15
CROWN LAND SALE ............................................ 15
WATER CUT .................................................. 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
■1
INFLATIONARY THREAT VERY REAL - SAYS FINANCIAL SECRETARY * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE,SA ID TODAY THERE WAS A VERY REAL THREAT THAT AN INFLATIONARY SITUATION WAS NOW DEVELOPING IN HONG KONG.
WINDING UP THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE INFLATIONARY THREAT WAS DUE FIRST TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM HAD BEEN OPERATING THROUGH THE DEPRECIATION OF THE EXCHANGE RATE-AND SECONDLY, TO AN IMBALANCE BETWEEN THE SUPPLY OF, AND DEMAND FOR, REAL RESOURCES, PARTICULARLY IN CERTAIN SECTORS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST 20 MONTHS OF BETWEEN 18 AND 19 PER CENT HAD HELPED THE EXPORT SECTOR TO IMPROVE ITS COMPETITIVENESS, BUT THE DOMESTIC PRICE INCREASES WE HAVE SO FAR EXPERIENCED HAD BEEN REALLY VERY MODEST.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE RATE OF INCREASE IN IMPORT PRICES AND THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF CONSUMER GOODS WHICH SUGGESTED THAT INCREASES IN IMPORT PRICES MIGHT NOT ALWAYS BE MATCHED IN FULL BY INCREASES AT THE RETAIL LEVEL.
+NEVERTHELESS, WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO ASSUME THAT AN ADJUSTMENT PROCESS WHICH HAS BEEN RELYING HEAVILY ON A DEPRECIATION OF THE EXCHANGE RATE CAN GO ON WORKING RELATIVELY PAINLESSLY.
♦ THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO IN PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, WHEN DOMESTIC SECTOR ACTIVITY IS SO STRONG THAT OFFSETTING COST INCREASES ARE ALLIED WITH A DIVERSION OF RESOURCES AWAY FROM THE EXPORT SECTOR TO MEET DOMESTIC DEMAND AT A TIME WHEN EXPORTS ARE BECOMING MORE COMPETITIVE IN FOREIGN EXCHANGE TERMS,+ HE SAID.
♦BUT WHAT IS REALLY WORRYING ME, AND OBVIOUSLY SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS TOO, IS THE PRESENT IMBALANCE IN THE SUPPLY CF, AND DEMAND FOR, REAL DOMESTIC RESOURCES OF LAND, LABOUR AND CAPITAL.*
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT THAT DEMAND WAS OUT-RUNNING AVAILABLE SUPPLY WITH THE RESULT THAT PR ICES WERE BEING COMPETITIVELY BID UP AND RETAINED IMPORTS WERE GROWING TWICE AS FAST AS DOMESTIC EXPORTS. THE IMBALANCE WAS PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE IN THE CASE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, AS THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT PRIVATE SECTOR DEMAND FOR NE* PROPERTY WAS YET BEING SATISFIED.
:UBSDAY, N0VS3ER
HE SAID CONSENTS TO DEVELOPERS TO COMMENCE WORK WERE 16 PER CENT HIGHER IN TERMS OF FLOOR AREA IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE LABOUR AND MATERIAL COST INDEX WAS ACCELERATING AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S TENDER PRICE INDEX HAD BEEN PUSHED UP 23 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS THIS YEAR BY DEMANDS ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
HE SAID THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS NOW TAKING ABOUT HALF THE TOTAL OUTPUT OF THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, COMPARED WITH 42 PER CENT IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF LAST YEAR AND AN AVERAGE OF 39 PER CENT OVER THE FOUR YFAR PERIOD 1973 TO 1976.
HE SAID AN EXCESS OF DEMAND FOR OVER SUPPLY OF REAL RESOURCES WAS CONTRIBUTING TO THE HIGH GROWTH RATE OF THOSE COMPONENTS OF G.D.P. CATERING FOR DOMESTIC DEMAND, NAMELY, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE AND GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION.
♦HOWEVER, WITH THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE ENJOYING DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING, IT IS INESCAPABLE THAT THE RELATIVELY HIGHER GROWTH RATES IN THOSE SECTORS MUST SLOW DOWN SO THAT RESOURCES CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE EXPORT SECTOR AND THE SEVERITY OF THE ADVERSE TRADE BALANCE (LIKELY TO BE OF THE ORDER OF $7 BILLION IN 1978) CAN BE DIMINISHED,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT FOR AS LONG AS INTEREST RATES REMAINED RELATIVELY LOW AND THE BANKS AND DEPOSITS-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO ACCOMMODATE THE DEMAND FOR LOANS, THE EXCESSIVE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND WAS BEING ENCOURAGED.
+ IT IS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT THE GROWTH OF THE MONEY SUPPLY HAS BEEN SUCH A MATTER OF CONCERN IN RECENT WEEKS,* HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY OF WHICH THE BROADER DEFINITION INCLUDES CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION AND ALL BANK DEPOSITS IN THE HANDS OF THE PUBLIC RECENTLY HAD BEEN SO FAST AS TO INDICATE AN EXCESSIVE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, IN THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, THE GROWTH RATE OF BANK LOANS TO MANUFACTURING FELL FROM 14.4 PER CENT TO 1.6 PER CENT, BUT IT INCREASED FROM 5.3 PER CENT TO 11.4 PER CENT FOR TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, FROM 14.1 PER CENT TO 20.6 PER CENT FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND FROM FIVE PER CENT TO 12.2 PER CENT TO INDIVIDUALS FOR PRIVATE AND BUSINESS PURPOSES WHICH OBVIOUSLY IN PART FOR SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES IN THE STOCK AND PROPERTY MARKETS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT THE BEST LENDING INTEREST RATES 'WERE ADJUSTED UPWARDS FOUR TIMES THIS YEAR AND THESE HIGHER INTEREST RATES WERE CONSISTENT *ITH THE REQUIREMENT 0“ THIS DEVELOPMENT S.TUATION.
T;'TTR5EA7, MOVZMBEB 16, 197?
HE EXPECTED THAT A DAMPENING DOWN OF THE DEMAND RESULTING FROM HIGHER INTEREST RATES WILL SLOW DOWN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY AND, IN DUE TIME, THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WILL STRENGTHEN.
MR. HADDON-CAVE ALSO PREDICTED THAT THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GENERAL PRICE LEVEL AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX THIS YEAR WILL NOT EXCEED SIX PER CENT, WHILE THE INCREASE IN THE PRICES CF INVESTMENT GOODS THIS YEAR WILL EE ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT.
THE UNIT VALUE INDEX OF IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES WAS ONLY 1.1 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WHILE THE NOMINAL DAILY WAGE RATES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS WERE EIGHT PER CENT HIGHER IN MARCH THIS YEAR THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1977.
ON OTHER MATTERS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE PROPOSAL FOR A HONG KONG RESEARCH COUNCIL SHOULD BE LEFT TO BE EXAMINED BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION.
HE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE ON WHETHER THE EXTENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S EXISTING INVOLVEMENT IN ASSISTING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES SHOULD BE WIDENED AND ENHANCED, HOW THIS WAS TO BE ACHIEVED, AND THE COSTS AND BENEFITS INVOLVED.
♦THESE TERMS OF REFERENCE ENCOMPASS AN EXAMINATION OF THE NEED FOR CO-ORDINATED RESEARCH AND THE GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN IT,+ HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO WARNED THAT AN UPDATING AND RESTRUCTURING EXERCISE ON WATER CHARGES WAS INEVITABLE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW WORKING ON THE FINAL DETAILS CF A NEW AND VERY CAREFULLY DESIGNED TARIFF WHICH SOUGHT TO RECONCILE FISCAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS AND WHICH WOULD BE INTRODUCED SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.
CONCLUDING THE DEBATE MR. HADDON-CAVE PAID TRIBUTE TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THE TIME AND ENERGY THEY DEVOTE, AND THE WISDOM THEY BRING TO, THE DISCHARGE OF PUBLIC BUSINESS AND THE CARE WITH WHICH THEY HANDLE COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND HELP THOSE WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
NEW STANDING BODY TO REVIEW CIVIL SERVICE *******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS, ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO SET UP WITHOUT DELAY A REVIEW BODY, OR SOME FORM OF COMMISSION, ON A STANDING BASIS TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE CLASS STRUCTURE AND SALARY SCALES OF THE WHOLE CIVIL SERVICE, EXCEPTING DIRECTORATE POSTS.
MR. ROWLANDS SAID THE NEW MACHINERY NEEDED TO BE SET UP QUICKLY, AND TO BE CONTINUOUSLY AVA ILABLE. + IT SHOULD PROVIDE CLEAR AND AGREED CHANNELS FOR THE STAFF SIDE TO PRESENT AND ARGUE THEIR VIEWS,* HE SAID.
♦ITS ADVICE SHOULD BE EXPERT AND IMPARTIAL, AND SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.♦
MR. ROWLANDS SAID THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSULTED SHORTLY ON THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND NEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW STANDING BODY, ADDING: ♦! HOPE THAT IT WILL THEN BE POSSIBLE TO PUT FIRM PROPOSALS TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR.*
HE BELIEVED THAT WITH GOODWILL ALL ROUND THE NEW STANDING BODY WOULD PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF KEEPING SALARY SCALES AND CLASS STRUCTURES UNDER REVIEW AND OF RECOMMENDING CHANGES WHENEVER THE NEED AROSE.
IN SETTING UP THIS NEW BODY, HE SAID, WE WOULD HAVE TAKEN A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS IMPROVING STAFF RELATIONS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE - FOR PRACTICALLY ALL MAJOR DISPUTES, AND CERTAINLY ALL DISPUTES INVOLVING INDUSTRIAL ACTION, HAD CONCERNED THOSE PAY AND STRUCTURE MATTERS WHICH IT WAS PROPOSED TO INCLUDE IN ITS TERMS CF REFERENCE.
♦HOWEVER, IT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE ARE NOW SUCH THAT A THOROUGH REVIEW WILL NECESSARILY TAKE TIME.*
MR. ROWLANDS SAID THE PRESENT CLASS STRUCTURE AND SALARY SCALES WERE BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1971 SALARIES COMMISSION. THESE HAD SERVED US WELL BUT INEVITABLY AS THE YEARS PASSED AND CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGED THE NEED TO REVIEW THEM GREW STRONGER.
HE SAID AS DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG HAD POINTED OUT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR SETTLING PAY AND STRUCTURE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE WERE NO LONGER EFFECTIVE. +THEY MAY WELL HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATE WHEN THE SERVICE WAS SMALLER AND LESS COMPLEX, WHEN STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WERE FEWER AND LESS ACTIVE, AND WHEN MANAGEMENT WAS STILL ABLE TO TAKE MOST DECISIONS WITH LITTLE OR NO CONSULTATION WI’H STAFF,* MR. PC^LANDS SAID.
THURSDAY, MCVSMBSF In,
♦BUT MOST PEOPLE WOULD AGREE THAT THESE DAYS ARE GONE FOREVER, AND THAT OUR PRESENT AD HOC ARRANGEMENTS NEED TO BE REPLACED QUICKLY BY COMPREHENSIVE MACHINERY INCORPORATING AGREED PROCEDURES FOR THE HANDLING OF PAY AND RELATED CLAIMS.*
MR. ROWLANDS SAID IT WAS THOSE STAFF WHO THREATENED OR TOOK INDUSTRIAL ACTION WHO ATTRACTED ATTENTION. THE PUBLIC H^ARD LITTLE CF ALL THE OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS, SOME 115,000 OR SO, WHO WERE NOT CURRENTLY PRESSING A PAY CLAIM, NOR THREATENING THE COMMUNITY WITH INDUSTRIAL ACTION.
♦ I AM SURE IT WILL BE AGREED THAT WE MUST LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF THIS GREAT SILENT MAJORITY, SOME OF WHOM ARE DELIBERATELY REFRAINING FROM ANY ACTION WHICH MIGHT EMBARRASS THE COMMUNITY IN THE EXPECTATION THAT WE SHALL NOT OVERLOOK THEIR NEEDS.
♦ THIS MEANS, I SUGGEST, THAT WE SHOULD NOT REVIEW THE SALARY SCALES OF STAFF WHO ARE THREATENING INDUSTRIAL ACTION WITHOUT AT THE SAME TIME BEING PREPARED TO REVIEW THE SALARY SCALES OF THE SILENT MAJORITY.*
ON THE CURRENT REVIEW OF POLICIES FOR THE HOUSING OF CIVIL SERVANTS, MR. ROWLANDS SAID WORK ON THE REVIEW ITSELF WAS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE. HOWEVER, THE PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW WAS TO FORM A BASIS FOR CONSIDERING IMPROVED FORMS OF ASSISTANCE TO CIVIL SERVANTS AND THIS HAD REGRETTABLY PROVED A MORE DIFFICULT TASK THAN EXPECTED, NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF THE UPWARD TREND IN PROPERTY COSTS AND MORE RECENTLY IN INTEREST RATES.
♦INEVITABLY, THIS HAS HAD A BIG IMPACT ON THE ARITHMETIC OF POSSIBLE SCHEMES OF ASSISTANCE AND WHILE WE ARE CONTINUING TO SEARCH FOR APPROPR IATE SOLUTIONS I MUST WARN THAT THE WAY AHEAD MAY BE NEITHER QUICK NOR EASY.*
ON THE SUBJECT OF STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS., MR, ROWLANDS BELIEVED THE AIM SHOULD BE TO DEVELOP THEM INTO MORf- EFFECTIVE INSTRUMENTS FOR RESOLVING MATTERS WHICH WERE WITHIN THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT’S AUTHORITY.
ON GOOD STAFF MANAGEMENT HE SAID THERE WAS CLEARLY MUCH THAT REQUIRED TO BE DONE *AND DONE WITH DESPATCH*. SOME OF THE MEASURES NOW BEING STUDIED WOULD NECESSARILY BE MEDIUM OR LONG TERM IN THEIR EFFECT, BUT THERE WERE THREE PARTICULAR MEASURES WHICH WE COULD AND SHOULD ADOPT NOWj
* *F IRST, WE SHOULD ATTACH MUCH GREATER WEIGHT TO SKILLS IN STAFF MANAGEMENT WHEN ASSESSING AN OFFICER’S SUITABILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT TO ANY POST OR RANK HAVING MANAGEMEf.’ RESPONSIBILITIES. I PROPOSE TO IMPLEMENT THIS FORTHWITH.
* +SECOND, WE SHOULD GIVE GREATER WEIGHT TO THE °ROVISIO': OF AN ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT CAPABILITY WHEN CONSIDERING THE DEPARTMENTAL PRO°OSALS FOR EXPANSION OR REORGANISATION.
* *THIRD, GREATER WEIGHT SHOULD BE GIVE’ TO THE SUBJECT
OF STAFF MANAGEMENT IN ALL RELEVANT DEPARTMENTAL -N7 CENTRAL TRA IN ING COURSES.*
URSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 197?
THESE THREE MEASURES, MR. ROWLANDS SAID, SHOULD BETWEEN THEM HAVE A CONSIDERABLE AND EARLY IMPACT THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE.
MR. ROWLANDS SAID DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS THE BURDEN OF WORK FALLING ON THE PUBLIC SERVICE HAD EXPANDED ENORMOUSLY AS WE CARRIED THROUGH THE MULTIFARIOUS PROGRAMMES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND MEETING RISING AND RIGHTFUL EXPECTATIONS.
HE SAID: +WHILE THIS EXPANSION AND THESE AIMS HAVE BEEN NECESSARY AND RIGHT AND HAVE ENJOYED WIDE SUPPORT THEY HAVE UNDOUBTEDLY PUT A VERY SEVERE STRAIN ON THE MIDDLE AND UPPER MANAGEMENT LEVELS THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE. IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT GOOD STAFF RELATIONS AND GOOD MAN-MANAGEMENT HAVE SOMETIMES SUFFERED.+
0
GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC *****
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS BETWEEN IT AND THE PUBLIC AND HAS PUT MUCH TIME AND EFFORT INTO THIS AREA OF ACTIVITY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED POLICY DEBATE, MR. LI SAID THAT THERE CAN BE NO COMPLACENCY IN THIS FIELD AND THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
+ INDEED, AN IMPORTANT AND CONTINUING TASK MUST BE TO KEEP OUR PERFORMANCE UNDER REVIEW: CONSTANTLY TO SEEK AND TO IMPLEMENT WAYS OF IMPROVING OUR PRESENT SYSTEM SO THAT WE MAY ACHIEVE GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS AND RIGHTFUL ASPIRATIONS OF OUR COMMUNITY, IN ORDER THAT THESE MAY BE PROPERLY GAUGED AND TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE DECISIONS VITALLY AFFECTING THE COMMUNITY’S WELL-BEING, ARE TAKEN,+ MR. LI SAID.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE NOT ONLY ARE, BUT ARE SEEN TO BE, A GOVERNMENT WHICH CARES,+ HE ADDED.
MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S TASKS IN THE COMING MONTHS WILL BE TO STRENGTHEN THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF ADVISORY BODIES, TO WIDEN REPRESENTATION ON THESE COMMITTEES, TO BRING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AND TRY TO INVOLVE MORE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS.
IN REPLY TO THE HON. WONG LAM’S REMARK THAT MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES ONLY SUPERFICIAL IMPORTANCE TO ANYTHING WRITTEN IN CHINESE, PARTICULARLY IN THE CORRESPONDENCE COLUMNS OF NEWSPAPERS, MR. LI SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND GOES TO A GREAT DEAL CF TROUBLE TO MINIMISE IT.
PCRTAXE.....
7i:U?3DAY, r.’OV^MBHR 16., 1978
7
♦THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MEDIA IN HONG KONG, AND ESPECIALLY THE CHINESE MEDIA, IS WELL UNDERSTOOD: IT IS, OF COURSE, VITAL TO ANY ENDEAVOUR TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND IN THE PROMOTION OF BETTER UNDERSTAND ING,♦ MR. LI SAID.
TOUCHING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG, MR. LI SAID THAT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS PLAN TO BUILD SOME 70 PUBLIC SQUASH COURTS, 31 IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 39 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICE CADET CORPS ARE PLANNING TO SET UP TWO WATER ACTIVITIES CENTRES IN SAI KUNG AND A PROJECT IS BEING PLANNED AT TAI MEI TUK IN TOLO HARBOUR TO ESTABLISH A COMPREHENSIVE WATER SPORTS CENTRE WHICH WILL PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES CATERING FOR ALL KINDS OF WATER SPORTS, HE SAID.
♦IF FUNDS CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE SOON, ALL THREE CENTRES SHOULD BE READY FOR USE WITHIN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS,+ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO ACTIVITIES, MR. LI POINTED OUT THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT BUT IS THE CULMINATION OF A CONTINUING YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMME.
HE SAID: +BOTH GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUN RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, TO ENABLE BOTH YOUNG AND OLD TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME JOYFULLY AND FRUITFULLY.
MR. LI ALSO REVEALED THAT THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION INTENDS TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR THE SECOND TIME DURING THE NEXT CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. +IF IT AGAIN PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS, WE SHALL INCORPORATE IT INTO THE YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES AS A SECOND HIGHLIGHT TO THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.+
MR. LI ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION BRANCH IS CONDUCTING A MANAGEMENT STUDY OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH WITH A VIEW TO STREAMLINING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MANY SPHERES OF CULTURAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES UNDER HIS RESPONSIBILITY.
IN THE FIELD OF CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR. LI SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO EXPANDING THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERING GIVING GREATER ASSISTANCE TO VOLUNTARY BODIES ENGAGED IN THE PROMOTION OF MUSIC AND ITS APPRECIATION SUCH AS THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
MR. LI AGREED WITH THE HON. ALEX WU’S VIEW THAT THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THIS FIELD AND ADDED THAT HE WOULD GIVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION TO HIS PROPOSAL CONCERNING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ARTS COUNCIL.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
8
MASSIVE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
******
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON.
K.L. THONG, TODAY OUTLINED A MASS IVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR HOSPITAL AND SPECIALIST FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE COMPLETION OF FOUR MAJOR HOSPITALS WITH 1,200 TO 1,400 BEDS EACH DURING THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS WERE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE THREE EXISTING REGIONAL HOSPITALS AND OTHER HOSPITALS IN THE WHOLE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THIS AFTERNOON.
DR. THONG SAID THESE PROJECTS WOULD INCUR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE EXCEEDING $2,200 MILLION WITH THE SUBSEQUENT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $1,600 MILLION BY 1987 AT PRESENT DAY PRICES.
IN REPLY TO UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN’S SUGGESTION FOR A PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL, DR. THONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE ALREADY SPECIALIST PAEDIATRIC UNITS ATTACHED TO THE THREE REGIONAL HOSPITALS — QUEEN MARY, QUEEN ELIZABETH AND PRINCESS MARGARET.
THESE SPECIALIST FACILITIES, HE SAID, WERE PROVIDING A GOOD AND EFFICIENT SERVICE WHICH TO A LARGE EXTENT HAD CONTRIBUTED TO VERY LOW INFANT AND CHILD MORTALITY RATES, AND COMPARED VERY FAVOURABLY WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
DR. THONG SAID THAT A FEASIBILITY STUDY WILL BE UNDERTAKEN SOON IN CONNECTION WITH A PROPOSAL TO UPDATE PAEDIATRIC AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
PLANS FOR A MODERN AND UP-TO-DATE PAEDIATRIC UNIT HAS ALSO BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE NEW SHA TIN HOSPITAL, HE ADDED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GENERAL TREND IN MEDICINE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD IS TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF SPECIALIST FACILITIES BEING ATTACHED TO GENERAL HOSPITALS RATHER THAN TO CATER FOR SUCH SERVICES IN SEPARATE SPECIALIST HOSPITALS.
ON THE PROVISION OF MORE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN EAST KOWLOON MENTIONED BY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE M. BENNETT, DR. THONG SAID THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY ENDORSED THE DEPARTMENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUILDING A MAJOR HOSPITAL IN JORDON VALLEY.
THIS HOSPITAL IS ENVISAGED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE MID-1980S SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS.
THURSDAY, KCV33HR l6, 1978
9
IN THE MEANTIME, VARIOUS PROJECTS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH FACILITIES IN EAST KOWLOON ARE IN THE PIPELINE. THESE INCLUDE A LARGE CLINIC CATERING FOR DAY PATIENTS IN 1980, A $45 MILLION HEALTH CENTRE BY 1981/82, A POLYCLINIC AT HAMMERHILL ROAD IN THE SAME YEAR, A GENERAL CLINIC AT LAM TIN IN 1982 TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER POLYCLINIC AT KWUN TONG LATER.
♦WITH ALL THESE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES,+ SAID DR. THONG, +1 AM CONFIDENT THAT MEDICAL AND HEALTH NEEDS IN THIS AREA WILL BE MET SATISFACTORILY.+
TURNING TO THE SUPPLY OF DOCTORS, THE DIRECTOR SAID APART FROM THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AUGMENTING THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S OUTPUT, THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION SCHEME FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS WILL PROVIDE A FURTHER SOURCE OF SUPPLY.
HE SAID THAT SO FAR 150 CAND(DATES HAVE PASSED THE PRESCRIBED EXAMINATIONS AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AFTER COMPLETION OF THEIR EXTERNSHIP NEXT YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT RECENT MEASURES ON HOUSING ALLOWANCE FOR DOCTORS AND THE CREATION OF MORE SENIOR POSTS TO RECOGNISE HIGHER LEVELS CF RESPONSIBILITY SHOULD ENCOURAGE MORE MEDICAL OFFICERS TO STAY LONGER IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER SUGGESTION BY MR. CHEONG-LEEN TO TURN THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME INTO A FREE AND COMPULSORY ONE, DR. THONG SAID HE DID NOT THINK IT WOULD HELP ACHIEVE THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME.
HE SAID IF THE SCHEME WERE TO EE MADE COMPULSORY IT WAS QUITE CONCEIVABLE THAT THE ENROLMENT MAY EE INCREASED ON PAPER BUT IT DID NOT NECESSARILY FOLLOW THAT THE ACTUAL ATTENDANCE AT DOCTORS CLINIC WILL PROPORTIONATELY INCREASE.
♦THE MERE INCREASE IN ENROLMENT WITHOUT ACTUAL PARTICIPATION BY THE STUDENTS WOULD APPEAR TO DEFEAT THE OBJECTIVE, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT PUBLIC FUNDS MAY BE EXPENDED FOR SERVICES NOT ACTUALLY RENDERED,+ HE SAID.
♦I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THE $5 CONTRIBUTION FOR A WHOLE YEAR IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG TODAY CANNOT BE BY ITSELF A PROHIBITIVE FACTOR IN INFLUENCING THOSE PARENTS OR CHILDREN WHO WOULD WISH TO JOIN THE SCHEME,+ HE ADDED.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1973
REGIONALISATION OF SWD WILL NOT AFFECT GOVERNMENT-VOLUNTARY SECTOR RELATIONSHIP ******
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, TODAY STRESSED THAT THE FORTHCOMING REGIONALISATION OF HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT AFFECT THE EXISTING VALUABLE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
REPLYING TO POINTS RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID IT WOULD ONLY ENTAIL CHANGES IN THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATIONAL SIDE, WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUBVENTIONS, AS WELL AS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CENTRALISED IN ITS HEADQUARTERS.
MR. LEE SAID REGIONALISATION WAS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF A GENERAL RE-STRUCTURING OF THE DEPARTMENT AIMED AT IMPROVING ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE OPERATIONAL ARM OF THE DEPARTMENT IS DIVIDED INTO SIX CENTRALISED DIVISIONS COVERING THE VARIOUS FIELDS OF SERVICES.
UPON REGIONALISATION FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR, RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION IN ALL THESE FIELDS WILL BE DECENTRALISED TO 11 DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO FOUR REGIONAL OFFICERS, HE SAID.
THE REGIONAL OFFICERS WILL LIAISE CLOSELY WITH THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN THEIR REGIONS, WHILE THERE WILL BE STAFF IN EACH DISTRICT OFFICE SPECIFICALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR LIAISON AND EVALUATION WORK IN VARIOUS FIELDS, HE SAID.
WITH THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDING INCREASING SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTIONS EACH YEAR, MR. LEE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING PROPER SPENDING OF THIS MONEY, AND PROCEDURES ALREADY EXIST FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF SUBVENTED WELFARE SERVICES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AS THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUBVENTIONS WILL NOT BE REG IONALISED, THE MAIN CHANGE IN THE FUTURE WILL BE THAT REPORTS MADE ON INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTARY CENTRES BY FIELD STAFF WILL BE CHANNELLED THROUGH REGIONAL OFFICERS RATHER THAN, AS NOW, THROUGH DIVISIONAL HEADS IN HEADQUARTERS.
+IN OTHER WORDS, AFTER REGIONALISATION WE SHALL EE ABLE TO MONITOR MORE EFFECTIVELY THE USE THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES MAKE OF FUNDS THAT ARE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, BUT THERE IS NOTHING IN THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME ITSELF THAT WILL UNDERMINE ’HE VERY VALUABLE PARTNERSHIP THAT EXISTS AT PRESENT BETWEEN THE GOVE-NMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR,* HE SAID.
ON THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE FOUR REGIONS AND 11 DISTRICTS, HE SAID THE DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN BASED ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS INTO WHICH URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE DIVIDED.
/RHP—-::;;?, 70
THURSDAY, N'OVHI'BER 16, 1978
11
REFERRING TO MANPOWER PLANNING IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD, MR. LEE SAID STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO INCREASE THE OUTPUT OF TRAINED WORKERS AND TO DEPLOY TRAINED PERSONNEL ONLY IN JOBS REQUIRING SOCIAL WORK SKILLS, WITH A. VIEW TO REDUCING THE PRESENT SHORTFALL.
OPPORTUNITIES IN TRAINING WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE PROGRESSION FROM ONE CAREER STREAM TO ANOTHER, HE SAID.
WITH REGARD TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS, MR. LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSIDERED CAREFULLY THE MANY VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE PROPOSED RELAXATION OF THESE QUALIFICATIONS.
+IT SHARES THE VIEW OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT FORM III IS A REALISTIC LEVEL WHICH WOULD EASE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED IN RECRUITING, AND ESPECIALLY IN RETAINING STAFF WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE NEED FOR CHILDREN TO BE ADEQUATELY LOOKED AFTER,+ HE SAID.
IT WOULD ALSO ENABLE FORM III SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO ARE TRULY INTERESTED IN CHILD CARE TO HAVE A CAREER IN THIS FIELD AFTER SUITABLE TRAINING, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR. LEE STRESSED THAT FORM III IS PROPOSED TO BE THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION AND THAT ANY CHILD CARE CENTRE WOULD BE AT LIBERTY TO EMPLOY EXCLUSIVELY PERSONS WITH FORM V ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO CALCULATE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBVENTIONS ON THE BASIS OF USING FORM V GRADUATES FOR THIS WORK, HE ADDED.
ON CAREER PROSPECTS FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS, HE SAID IF THE PROPOSAL WAS APPROVED AND IMPLEMENTED, TRAINING COURSES WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WITH FORM III QUALIFICATIONS, WHICH, TOGETHER WITH A SUITABLE PERIOD OF WORKING EXPERIENCE, COULD EE DEEMED TO BE EQUIVALENT TO FORM V EDUCATION, THUS ENABLING SUITABLE CHILD CARE WORKERS TO BECOME SUPERVISORS IN DUE COURSE.
AS REGARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CENTRAL REGISTRY FOR THE DISABLED, MR. LEE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE SYSTEM IN OPERATION BY 1978-79 AS ORIGINALLY INTENDED, BUT THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WOULD EE DONE TO ENSURE IT BECOMES FUNCTIONAL WITHOUT UNDUE DELAY.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD EXAMINED THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL AND RECOMMENDED THAT, IN VIEW OF THE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF RECORDS INVOLVED, IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE TO EXPLORE THE USE OF A COMPUTER.
ANY PROPOSAL TO USE A COMPUTER NECESSARILY INVOLVES CAREFUL INVESTIGATION TO ENSURE THAT THE NEED CAN EE DEMONSTRATED AND THAT AN APPROPRIATE SYSTEM CAN BE DEVISED, AND THIS WILL INEVITABLY TAKE TIME, HE SAID.
/12
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
12
MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT AGE REQUIREMENT TO BE EXTENDED TO NON-INDUSTRI AL SECTOR ft ft ft ft
PREPARATORY WORK ON LEGISLATION TO EXTEND THE MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT AGE OF 14 TO THE NON-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IS WELL IN HAND AND IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO ENACT IT NEXT YEAR, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON, SAID TODAY. THIS, HE ADDED, WOULD MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION BY HONG KONG TO THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE CHILD.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE, MR. HENDERSON SAID THIS MOVE WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY THE RAISING OF THE MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT AGE IN ALL SECTORS TO 15 IN LATE 1980. IT WOULD BE MADE POSSIBLE BY DEVELOPMENTS IN SECONDARY EDUCATION MAKING NINE YEARS OF EDUCATION COMPULSORY.
TURNING TO OTHER ITEMS OF LEGISLATION, MR. HENDERSON SAID WORK IS IN PROGRESS TO RAISE THE WAGE CEILING IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE FROM $2,000 A MONTH TO $5,000, ALTHOUGH A LOWER FIGURE WOULD APPLY FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE MAXIMUM FIGURE FOR SEVERANCE PAY.
♦THIS* HE SAID, +WILL EXTEND THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THIS ORDINANCE TO THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONG KONG’S WAGE AND SALARY EARNERS.*
REFERRING TO THE ANNUAL LEAVE LEGISLATION BROUGHT INTO FORCE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, MR. HENDERSON SAID ON THE WHOLE IT HAD WORKED WELL AND ALREADY HAD A HIGHER DEGREE OF SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE THAN HE WOULD HAVE EXPECTED.
HOWEVER, THERE WERE SOME AMBIGUITIES WHICH CAME TO LIGHT IN PRACTICE AND SOME MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION WOULD BE PROPOSED FOR ENACTMENT BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
WITH REGARD TO WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE WORKING PARTY THAT WAS SET UP IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR TO REVIEW THE ORDINANCE HAD NEARLY FINISHED ITS TASK AND WOULD BE SUBMITTING ITS REPORT NEXT MONTH.
ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WERE LIKELY TO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF THE ORDINANCE TO COVER ALL EMPLOYEES AND THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE.
SEVERAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF ASSESSING COMPENSATION TO ENSURE THAT ALL RELEVANT FACTORS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN ASSESSING AN INJURED EMPLOYEE’S LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY WERE ALSO ENVISAGED.
/T'.VO CTHEH
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
- 13 -
TWO OTHER LIKELY PROPOSALS WERE THAT AGE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF COMPENSATION AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE MAXIMUM LIMITS OF COMPENSATION.
♦WHETHER ALL THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS ARE PROCEEDED WITH DEPENDS ON FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION, BUT I WOULD HOPE TO BRING AT LEAST SOME OF THEM TO THIS COUNCIL NEXT YEAR,+ MR. HENDERSON SAID.
ON THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION SCHEME, HE SAID UNFORESEEN PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED IN DRAWING UP THE NECESSARY STATUTORY REGULATIONS AND IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY FOR HIM TO PROPOSE FURTHER AMENDMENTS, THOUGH IT WOULD IN NO WAY ALTER THE OBJECTIVES OF COMPENSATING SILICOTIC CASES UNDER THE TERMS OUTLINED WHEN HE INTRODUCED THE LEGISLATION.
REFERRING TO THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, MR. HENDERSON REVEALED THAT, FOLLOWING CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE TRAINING COUNCIL’S BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD AND THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY, IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD RECOMMEND THE DESIGNATION OF SEVERAL MORE TRADES WHICH WERE COMMON TO BOTH INDUSTRIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
SINCE 1977, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF APPRENTICES REGISTERED UNDER THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE HAS RISEN FROM ABOUT 3,500 TO ABOUT 6,000 THIS YEAR.
HE HOPED THAT THE APPOINTMENT OF FURTHER TRAINING BOARDS AND COMMITTEES TO CATER FOR THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1979.
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/1A......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
14
STUDENT PHYSIOTHERAPISTS GRADUATE ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. S.F. LAM, TODAY URGED GRADUATES OF THE GOVERNMENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL TO RETURN TO THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANISATIONS AND HELP BUILD UP A MEDICAL SERVICE WHICH IS CATERED TO THE NEEDS OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
♦THE GRASS IN YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S PASTURE IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER,♦ HE TOLD THOSE WHO MIGHT BE THINKING OF GOING OVERSEAS AFTER GRADUATION.
DR. LAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE 12TH PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ GRADUATIONCEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON. LATER HE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 10 GRADUATES — SIX FROM GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, ONE FROM THE BRITISH RED CROSS, ONE FROM POK 01 HOSPITAL AND TWO FROM THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL.
HE SAID THE TREND UP TO 1974 WAS THAT SOME 30 TO 50 PER CENT OF OUR TRAINED THERAPISTS LEFT HONG KONG ANNUALLY TO LOOK FOR GREENER PASTURE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
HOWEVER, SINCE 1976 MOST OF THE GRADUATES OF THE GOVERNMENT PHYSIOTHERAPIST TRAINING SCHOOL HAVE ELECTED TO STAY IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE OR IN THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH SPONSORED THEIR TRAINING, HE SAID.
♦THUS TODAY HONG KONG IS BEGINNING TO REAP THE BENEFITS FROM THE SETTING UP OF ITS OWN TRAINING SCHOOL,♦ DR. LAM SAID.
HE SAID TODAY’S GRADUATION CEREMONY WAS A RATHER SPECIAL OCCASION IN THAT IT MARKED THE CHANGEOVER OF THE TRAINING FROM THE SCHOOL TO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE.
THOUGH THE ADMINISTRATION AND ACADEMIC TEACHING HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE POLYTECHNIC, SAID DR. LAM, GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, BOTH ITS STAFF AND FACILITIES, WERE STILL VERY CLOSELY LINKED WITH THEIR TRAINING.
♦FOR IT IS IN OUR GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS THAT THE STUDENTS WILL GET THE GREATER PART OF THEIR PRACTICAL CLINICAL TRAINING,♦ HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
15
PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS FOR CAUSEWAY BAY
* * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD A SYSTEM OF PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS AT THE JUNCTION OF YEE WO STREET, PENNINGTON STREET AND SUGAR STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAIDt +THE SUBWAYS AIM TO PROMOTE TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ELIMINATE THE DISRUPTION TO VEHICULAR FLOW CAUSED BY PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS.*
THE MOVE FOLLOWS RECENT TRAFFIC SURVEYS WHICH INDICATE THAT SERIOUS PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC CONFLICT EXISTS AT THE ROAD JUNCTION.
THE PROPOSED SUBWAYS WILL EXTEND ACROSS SUGAR STREET, YEE WO STREET AND PENNINGTON STREET. PARTS OF THE ALIGNMENTS AND WIDTHS OF THE THREE STREETS WILL ALSO BE MODIFIED.
NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED UNDERTAKING WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THE CLOSING DATE FOR OBJECTION WILL BE DECEMBER 17, 1978 AND ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST BE LODGED BY JANUARY 17, 1979.
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CROWN LAND SALE XXX
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE AT AN AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON DECEMBER 11 AT 11 A.M.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE SITUATED IN KOWLOON WHILE THE THIRD ONE IS ON THE ISLAND. ALL THREE LOTS ARE INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
IN KOWLOON, THE TWO LOTS TO BE SOLD ARE LOCATED AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND 287-289 RECLAMATION STREET, MEASURING 2,350 SQUARE METRES AND 156 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
THE ISLAND LOT IS AT QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WITH AN AREA OF 861 SQUARE METRES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1978
16
WATER CUT ft ft ft
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES' IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND TAI HANG WILL BE STOPPED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 18) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY 12-70 AND 17-55 LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD, YIK KWAN AVENUE, LI KWAN AVENUE AND FUK KWAN AVENUE, INCLUDING TIGER BALM GARDEN, CHUN FAI TERRACE AND LAI SING BUILDING.
IN ADDITION. SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO, CHEUNG SHA WAN, MONG KOK, AND YAU MA TEI DISTRICTS BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD AND WEST CF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY LINE WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 1 P.M. ON SATURDAY TO 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY.
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF .INTAKE CULVERT EXTENSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION, STAGE I.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OCTOBER RAINFALL WAS FIVE TIMES MORE THAN NORMAL ........ 1
AP LEI CHAU TO HAVE TWO RESERVOIRS ...................... 2
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR AUGUST .......................... 2
STUDENTS GOING OVERSEAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION ......... 3
SUBMARINE OUTFALL PLANNED FOR KWUN TONG ................. 4
LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT OPENED ... 5
AMENDMENT TO TWO ORDINANCES PROPOSED ................... 6
RESTRICTIONS ON GOODS VEHICLES ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD .................................................... 6
FIRING PRACTICE ......................................... 7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
1
OCTOBER RAINFALL WAS FIVE ft ft ft ft
TIMES MORE THAN NORMAL ft ft
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RECORDED 501.4 MM OF RAIN LAST MONTH — FIVE TIMES MORE THAN NORMAL AND THE FOURTH HIGHEST FOR OCTOBER.
OF THIS FIGURE MORE THAN HALF (284.8 MM) WAS RECORDED ON OCTOBER 17, THE HIGHEST DAILY RAINFALL FOR ANY OCTOBER SINCE 1923.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR TO THE END OF LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 2,521.9 MM COMPARED WITH THE NORMAL FIGURE OF 2,182.3 MM FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OBSERVATORY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE RAINFALL OF 2,102 MM BETWEEN MAY AND OCTOBER LIES WITHIN THE RANGE OF 1,800 - 2,200 MM AS PREDICTED IN ITS WEATHER BULLETIN AT THE BEGINNING OF MAY.
THE MONTH WAS ALSO THE MOST WINDY IN RECENT YEARS BECAUSE OF THE INTENSE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE OVER CHINA COMBINED WITH THREE TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 13.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ON OCTOBER 30 WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE EVER RECORDED IN OCTOBER.
DURING THE MONTH THERE WERE EIGHT TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC. FOR THREE OF THEM — TYPHOON LOLA, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM NINA AND TYPHOON RITA — TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS WERE HOISTED IN HONG KONG.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH THERE WERE HEAVY SHOWERS AND STRONG EASTERLIES ASSOCIATED WITH TYPHOON LOLA. HOWEVER, THE WEATHER GRADUALLY IMPROVED AS LOLA WEAKENED AND CROSSED HAINAN ON OCTOBER 2. A COLD FRONT PASSED HONG KONG IN THE EARLY MORNING OF OCTOBER 5 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. CONDITIONS IMPROVED ON OCTOBER 7 AND THE FOLLOWING SEVEN DAYS WERE FINE AND DRY.
ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, OCTOBER 10, A TOTAL OF 150 FIRES WERE REPORTED DESPITE THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNINGS ISSUED BY THE OBSERVATORY.
THE APPROACH OF NINA ENDED THE FINE AND DRY WEATHER AND CONDITIONS BECAME CLOUDY ON OCTOBER 15. HEAVY RAIN SET IN DURING THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON AND PERSISTED UNTIL THE EVENING OF OCTOBER 17. THE HEAVIEST DOWNPOUR OCCURRED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 3 A.M. ON OCTOBER 17 WHEN THE OBSERVATORY RECORDED 105.2 MM OF RAINFALL. CONDITIONS BEGAN TO IMPROVE ON OCTOBER 18 AND MAINLY FINE WEATHER WAS AGAIN EXPERIENCED FROM OCTOBER 21 UNTIL OCTOBER 27. VERY DRY CONDITIONS WERE EXPERIENCED FROM OCTOBER 28 UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH AND THE LAST TWO DAYS WERE BRILLIANTLY FINE.
DURING THE MONTH 19 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. A THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 5 AND A HEAVY RAIN WARNING ON OCTOBER 17.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
2
TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AP LEI CHAU RESERVOIRS * * * * * *
WORK IS TO BEGIN SHORTLY ON THE AP LEI CHAU FRESH AND SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS TO COPE WITH DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROJECT INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 20,000 CUBIC METRE RESERVOIR, A 1,500 CUBIC htTRE SALT WATER RESERVOIR AND A 680-METRE-L0NG ACCESS ROAD AT THE WESTERN PART OF AP LEI CHAU.
IT ALSO INCLUDED THE LAYING OF ABOUT 4,000 METRES OF FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS, HE ADDED.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF A SCHEME, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION, TO PROVIDE FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND WHERE INTENSIVE PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IS TAKING PLACE.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 19 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR AUGUST * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 1978, SHOW A SURPLUS OF $28.3 MILLION, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $168.7 MILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $2.9 MILLION FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $222.5 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE, AT $761.5 MILLION, WAS $90.7 MILLION MORE THAN IN AUGUST, 1977.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS, AT $789.8 MILLION, WERE $287.7 MILLION MORE THAN FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
[This page is blank in the original document]
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
4
SUBMARINE OUTFALL PLANNED FOR KWUN TONG
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD A SUBMARINE OUTFALL FOR THE PROPOSED NEW SCREENING PLANT IN KWUN TONG AND TO ENABLE EFFLUENT TO BE DISCHARGED INTO THE HARBOUR’S TIDAL STREAM FOR DISPERSION.
THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL, SAID A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN, WOULD BE WITHIN THE LIMITS OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 12.8 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED OFF. XING YIP STREET, KWUN TONG.
•F' • •• l
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTIFICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE NOTICE CALLS ON ANYONE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL, OR ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT, TO SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
THIS MUST BE DONE WITHIN TWO MONTHS OF THE GAZETTE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH THE RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA INVOLVED ALSO CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS*
* PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG-
* CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND
* CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
C
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
5
LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION, AMBULANCE DEPOT OPENED ******
MR. FRANCIS TIEN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DESCRIBED THE PROVISION OF A NEW FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT IN KWAI CHUNG AS +A FURTHER STAGE IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTAL FACILITIES IN THIS AREA.+
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE LEI MUK SHUE FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT TODAY.
♦THESE PREMISES SERVE TO INDICATE THAT GOVERNMENT IS NOT NEGLECTING THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES WHICH EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY HAS A RIGHT TO EXPECT, THAT THE SAFETY AND CONCERN OF OUR PEOPLE IS KEPT TO THE FORE AND IN TIMES OF NEED AND EMERGENCY PROPERLY TRAINED PERSONNEL AND ESSENTIAL APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT ARE READY TO PROVIDE AID AND ASSISTANCE,+ MR. TIEN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE BUILDINGS ARE UNIQUE AS THEY ARE THE FIRST COMBINED FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT THAT HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND BUILT IN HONG KONG.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE BUILDINGS AND THE EQUIPMENT IS $6.2 MILLION AND IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE ANNUAL RECURRENT COST WILL BE $2.4 MILLION.
MR. TIEN SAID THESE COSTS SERVED TO EMPHASISE THE INCREASING FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE WHICH THE PROVISION OF ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY SERVICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG REQUIRED.
♦WHEN WE SEE THE CONSTANTLY EXPANDING RATE OF DEVELOPMENT NOW TAKING PLACE WE CAN READILY APPRECIATE WHY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURE NOW TOTALS $140 MILLION PER ANNUM,♦ MR. TIEN ADDED.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES) MR. ALAN JONES, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY SAID THE PREMISES HAD BEEN PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICE TO THE AREA FOR ALMOST FIVE MONTHS.
♦THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THESE PREMISES HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN ENABLING FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES TO REACH SOME LOCATIONS WITHOUT TOO MUCH DELAY,♦ HE SAID.
DUE TO VERY SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS, MR. JONES NOTED, FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES ARE STILL BEING DELAYED IN ARRIVING AT INCIDENTS WHEN HAVING TO TRAVERSE LEI MUK SHUE ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD DURING DAY TIME.
HOWEVER, HE ADDEDi +BE ASSURED, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO OVERCOME THESE DIFFICULTIES AND WE SHALL MEET OUR COMMITMENT AND DUTY TO BRING AID AND COMFORT TO THE COMMUNITY.*
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978 6 -
AMENDMENT TO TWO ORDINANCES PROPOSED *****
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO UPDATE THE LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE ADJOURNMENT OF JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS DURING THE THREAT CF A TROPICAL STORM WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (ADJOURNMENT DURING GALE WARNINGS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 SEEKS TO MAKE THE DURATION OF A GALE WARNING DEPEND UPON THE TIMES AT WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ISSUES OR CANCELS SUCH WARNING RATHER THAN UPON THE VISUAL DISPLAY OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL.
IT ALSO ENABLES THE INTRODUCTION OF TECHNICALLY CORRECT TERMINOLOGY TO DESCRIBE GALE WARNING SIGNALS.
ANOTHER BILL WHICH AMENDS THE PARTITION ORDINANCE IS ALSO PROPOSED.
THE AMENDMENTS SEEK TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR CONSENT OF MORTGAGEES WHERE COURT PROCEEDINGS ARE INSTITUTED IN RESPECT OF A PROPERTY.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +SUCH A RESTRICTION WHICH IS OPEN TO ABUSE IS UNNECESSARY BECAUSE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IS ALREADY GIVEN TO MORTGAGEES BY OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.* ---------------------------------o-------
RESTRICTIONS ON GOODS VEHICLES ALONG CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 19) TWO SECTIONS OF THE CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL GOODS VEHICLES FOR FIVE HOURS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD (EASTBOUND) BETWEEN KwUN TONG ROAD AND FEI NGO SHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO THESE VEHICLES FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M., WHILE THE WESTBOUND SECTION BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND ANDERSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2 P.M. TO 7 P.M.
GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS WHO WISH TO USE THESE SECTIONS OF THE ROAD DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS MUST OBTAIN THE RELEVANT CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE PERMITS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS MAY APPLY FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE (SAI KUNG) AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THE AREA
7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1978
FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON EIGHT DAYS NEXT MONTH (DECEMBER).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:
DECEMBER DATE HOURS 8.30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
1 (FRIDAY)
DECEMBER 6 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.
DECEMBER 8 (FRIDAY) 9 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.
DECEMBER 11 (MONDAY) ■ 8 A.M. — 4 P.M.
DECEMBER 13 (WEDNESDAY) 9 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.
DECEMBER 14 (THURSDAY) 9 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.
DECEMBER 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8. 30 A.M. -- 5 P.M.
DECEMBER 21 (THURSDAY) 8. 30 A.M. — 5 P.M.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS CAREERS EXHIBITION .................... 1
THREEFOLD RELATIONSHIP OF A SCHOOL HEAD .................. 2
FLYING KITE NEAR AIRPORT IS DANGEROUS .................... 4
RECRUITMENT OF AMBULANCEMEN .............................. 5
MORE SERVICE RESERVOIRS TO BE BUILT ........................ 6
RECLAMATION IN LEI YUE MUN PROPOSED ........................ 7
SNT URGES SCOUTS TO EXPLORE MOUNTAINS ...................... 8
INSPECTION OF CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT ..................... 9
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................................... 11
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT .................................. 11
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
1
LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS CAREERS EXHIBITION
M * * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE TODAY (SATURDAY) PRAISED THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ITS WORK IN HELPING THE YOUTH OF HONG KONG WHEN SHE OPENED THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS, HUNG HOM.
~ LADY MACLEHOSE WHO WAS REPRESENTING THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WHO IS ILL, SAID SINCE 1968 THE SERVICE HAD PLAYED A VERY'ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE OF CAREER. TO INTRODUCE TO THEM AT AN EARLY STAGE A CORRECT ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK AND TO ADVISE THEM ON SUITABLE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
SHE ADDED t *TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES THE SERVICE PROVIDES YEAR-ROUND GUIDANCE AND HELP BY HANDLING ENQUIRIES, DISTRIBUTING PAMPHLETS AND LEAFLETS, AND HOLDING SEMINARS AND MOBILE EXHIBITIONS.
♦THEY ALSO DELIVER CAREERS TALKS TO SCHOOLS AND GROUPS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS- AND A CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE HAS RECENTLY BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE BETTER CAREERS FACILITIES.♦
LADY MACLEHOSE POINTED OUT THAT CAREERS ’79 EXHIBITION WAS THE SEVENTH OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, AND OVER THE YEARS THOUSANDS HAD EMBARKED ON TRAINING COURSES OR CAREFULLY SELECTED CAREERS AS A RESULT.
SHE SAID CHOOSING A CAREER WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS A PERSON HAD TO MAKE IN LIFE AND THE EXHIBITION WAS DESIGNED TO SHOW THE WIDE RANGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN ALL SPHERES OF WORK IN HONG KONG, TOGETHER WITH THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS, SALARIES AND PROSPECTS.
SHE ADDED THAT THE EXHIBITION WAS INTENDED ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN SCHOOL WHO HAD STILL TO DECIDE ON A CAREER, BUT IT WAS ALSO OF INTEREST FOR THOSE ALREADY WORKING WHO WISHED TO MAKE A CHANGE.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, PAID TRIBUTE TO MAJOR EMPLOYERS IN COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE SERVICES FOR SHOWING INCREASING CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION, IN PARTICULAR, IN THEIR CHOICE OF A CAREER.
HE SAID I ♦THEY SEE THE NEED TO CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND THE WORLD OF WORK, AND THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MEETING THIS NEED.
♦BY STAGING A CAREERS EXHIBITION ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, WE HOPE TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE ABOUT TO LEAVE SCHOOL, WITH A STIMULUS TO START LOOKING INTO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WITH A VIEW TO SELECTING A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR PERSONALITY AND ABILITIES,♦ HE ADDED.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
2
THREEFOLD RELATIONSHIP OF A SCHOOL HEAD * * * * *
MR. HO NGA-MING, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), TODAY (SATURDAY) SPOKE ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE HEAD OF A SCHOOL WITH HIS STAFF, HIS PUPILS AND THE PARENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, H?. HO SAID IN ORDER TO RAISE A SCHOOL TO ITS GREATEST POSSIBLE ACHIEVEMENT, A SCHOOL HEAD REQUIRED THE CO-OPERATION OF A CAPABLE STAFF WHO UNDERSTOOD HIS PLANS, INTERPRETED THEM INTELLIGENTLY AND WORKED CLOSELY WITH HIM.
♦CLOSE AND HARMONIOUS CO-OPERATION WILL BE BEST SECURED BY FULL AND FRIENDLY DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN HEAD TEACHERS AND STAFF, AND BY THE RECOGNITION OF THE TEACHERS’ LIBERTY TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS AND DISCUSS MATTERS WITH THEIR LEADER,♦ HE SAID.
IT IS THE DUTY OF THE HEAD OF A SCHOOL TO FORM AN IMPARTIAL JUDGEMENT OF EACH TEACHER, AND TO DECIDE THE POSITION WHERE HE COULD PERFORM BEST, AT THE SAME TIME TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION AS FAR AS POSSIBLE'HIS PERSONAL PREFERENCE.
♦BUT IT MUST BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE SCHOOL ARE THE PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION,♦ MR. HO SAID.
CRITICISMS AND SUGGESTIONS, ALTHOUGH DISTASTEFUL, WERE OFTEN NECESSARY, AND SHOULD BE FRANKLY ACCEPTED BY BOTH SIDES AS AMONG THE MOST IMPORTANT OF A HEAD’S FUNCTION, HE SAID. THE HEAD SHOULD ALSO NOTE THAT A LITTLE GENEROUS AND TIMELY PRAISE WHERE IT WAS DUE WOULD ALSO HELP.
MR. HO SUGGESTED THAT STAFF MEETINGS SHOULD BE HELD REGULARLY, IN WHICH TEACHERS COULD BE MADE TO FEEL THEY WERE COLLEAGUES, AND NOT MERE SUBORDINATES, AND IN WHICH THEY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
♦IN THIS WAY THE COLLECTIVE ABILITY OF THE STAFF IS POOLED, IDEAS ARE EXCHANGED, CRITICISMS ARE MADE, AND PROPOSALS EITHER ADOPTED, REJECTED OR POSTPONED.^ HE SAID.
AS FOR THE RELATIONSHIP WITH PUPILS, MR. HO SAID THAT A HEAD WHO WISHED TO EARN THE RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE OF THE PUPILS SHOULD DELIBERATELY SET HIMSELF THE TASK OF KNOWING EVERY PUPIL BY NAME.
IT WOULD ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO A CHILD’S SELF-RESPECT AND WOULD MATERIALLY AFFECT HIS ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE SCHOOL AND THE HEAD.
/ANOTHER 5UGGESTIC:;
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
5
ANOTHER SUGGESTION PUT FORWARD BY MR. HO WAS THAT THE HEAD SHOULD HAVE CONTACT WITH THE CLASSES — A PROFITABLE AND SOMETIMES ILLUMINATING EXPERIENCE FOR THE HEAD.
♦IN THIS WAY DETAILS OF CLASS MANAGEMENT AND PECULIARITIES IN TEACHING ARE SOMETIMES REVEALED WHICH DO NOT SHOW UP DURING A MERE EXAMINATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN,+ HE SAID.
OTHER CONTACTS WITH PUPILS INCLUDE GIVING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO A RETARDED OR DIFFICULT CLASS, OR AN EXPERIMENTAL CLASS- DEVOTING SOME TIME TO THE LOWER AND PARTICULARLY THE LOWEST CLASS WHERE THE FOUNDATIONS ARE BEING LAID- AND PAYING ATTENTION TO THE HIGHEST CLASS BECAUSE IT WAS INCUMBENT UPON THE HEAD TO MAKE THE FINAL STAGE OF SCHOOL LIFE AS PROFITABLE AND EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE FOR THE STUDENTS.
TURNING TO RELATIONSHIP WITH PARENTS, MR. HO SAID A HEAD WHO WISHED TO MAINTAIN A WELL-RUN SCHOOL SHOULD SECURE NOT ONLY THE GOODWILL BUT ALSO THE ACTIVE CO-OPERATION OF THE PARENTS OF HIS PUPILS. HE SHOULD SHOW COURTESY, EQUANIMITY AND COURAGE WHEN DEALING WITH PARENTS, HE SAID.
♦PARENTS NOT INFREQUENTLY HAVE OCCASION TO VISIT THE SCHOOL, AND IT IS WELL TO HAVE A SPECIFIED TIME DAILY OR WEEKLY FOR SUCH VISITS,♦ MR. HO SAID.
SCHOOL SPEECH DAYS, OPEN DAYS AND SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT WERE ALSO VIEWED AS OCCASIONS TO BRING TOGETHER HEADS, TEACHERS, PARENTS AND PUPILS.
SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDES SCOPE AND OUTLET FOR DISPLAYING THE PUPILS’ ABILITY IN MUSIC, ELOCUTION AND ACTING, AND GENERALLY AROUSED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST AMONG PARENTS.
♦THEY PROVIDE A FIRST-RATE MEANS OF BRINGING IN PARENTS AND FRIENDS, OF INTERESTING THEM IN THE WORK, AND POPULARISING THE SCHOOL,♦ MR. HO SAID.
♦IN SHORT, TO BE ON A FOOTING OF FRIENDLY INTERCOURSE WITH THE PARENTS AND TO SHOW A FRANK RECOGNITION OF THEIR CLAIMS AND DESIRES IS A SURE MEANS OF STRENGTHENING A HEAD’S INFLUENCE IN THE SCHOOL AND OF ENHANCING THE SCHOOL’S USEFULNESS IN THE LOCALITY,+ HE CONCLUDED.
DURING THE CONFERENCE THERE WERE ALSO GROUP DISCUSSIONS CONDUCTED BY MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND OTHER SPECIALISTS. TOPICS DISCUSSED INCLUDED THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL HEAD IN CURRICULUM INNOVATION, HOW TO PROMOTE OUTSIDE READING IN CHINESE, SCHOOL INTERNAL ASSESSMENT, SOME TECHNIQUES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING, RECENT TRENDS IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING, AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
FLYING KITE NEAR AIRPORT IS DANGEROUS
******
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY) AND A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE JOINTLY LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY DRIVE TO MAKE PEOPLE MORE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF FLYING KITE WITHIN THE FIVE-KILOMETRE RADIUS OF THE AIRPORT.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, LETTERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO SEEK THEIR HELP IN SPREADING THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
THIS IS SUPPLEMENTED BY A TELEVISION FILM, VISITS TO THE AIRPORT, AND BROADCASTS THROUGH RADIO, TV YOUTH PROGRAMME AND THE MOBILE STREET THEATRE.
THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISERS ALSO URGED PARENTS TO REFRAIN THEIR CHILDREN FROM FLYING KITES WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE RESTRICTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY THE 5-KM AIRPORT RADIUS WHICH COVERS MOST PARTS OF THE KOWLOON PENINSULA AND THE NORTHEAST SECTION OF HONG KONG ISLAND. THE DISTRICTS WHICH LIE RIGHT UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH OF THE AIRCRAFT INCLUDE SHAM SHU I PO, KOWLOON TONG AND KOWLOON CITY.
HE ALSO DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC THAT UNDER THE NEW AIR NAVIGATION (OVERSEAS TERRITORIES) ORDER 1977, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $9,000 OR IMPRISONMENT OF TWO YEARS.
♦KITES ARE OFTEN SPOTTED BEING FLOWN FROM THE KOWLOON TSAI PARK, OVER WHICH MOST OF THE AIRCRAFT COMING DOWN OR TAKING OFF HAVE TO PASS — AND THE RISKS INVOLVED THUS CAN BE IMAGI NED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SOME MONTHS AGO, A KITE WAS FOUND WOUND ROUND THE TAIL-PLANE OF A BOEING 707 JUST AS IT WAS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FROM KAI TAK. AS A RESULT, THE PLANE HAD TO RETURN TO THE APRON TO REMOVE THE KITE. THIS INCIDENT CAUSED AN HALF-HOUR DELAY TO THE AIRCRAFT.
IN BUSY AREAS, KITE STRINGS CAN POSE A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND MOTOR CYCLISTS TOO.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
5
RECRUITMENT OF AMBULANCEMEN ft ft ft ft ft
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A TWO-WEEK RECRUITMENT EXERCISE STARTING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 20) TO FILL ABOUT 200 VACANCIES IN THE POST OF AMBULANCEMEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LARGE NUMBER OF VACANCIES WAS DUE TO THE DELIVERY OF NEW AMBULANCES AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE AMBULANCE DEPOTS.
THREE MOBILE RECRUITING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND YOUNG MEN BETWEEN 18 AND 30 YEARS OF AGE ARE INVITED TO APPLY.
THE POST CARRIES A SALARY RANGING FROM $1,315 TO $1,925.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SETTING UP OF MOBILE CENTRES WAS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS.
THE CENTRES WILL OPERATE ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. FOR TWO WEEKS. APPLICANTS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS WHEN CALLING AT THE CENTRES.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE MOBILE CENTRE WILL BE AT WONG CHUK HANG ON NOVEMBER 20- TIN WAN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 22- WAH FU ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 24- HARBOUR ROAD NEAR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER ON NOVEMBER 27- CHAI WAN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 29- AND LEE CHUNG STREET, CHAI WAN ON DECEMBER 1.
IN KOWLOON, THE MOBILE CENTRE WILL CALL AT LAM TIN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 20- TSUI PING ROAD, KWUN TONG ON NOVEMBER 22- LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 24- TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 27- CHOI HUNG ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 29- AND LOWER PAK TIN ESTATE ON DECEMBER 1.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE AT KWAI SHING CIRCUIT ON NOVEMBER 20- YEUNG UK ROAD, TSUEN WAN ON NOVEMBER 22- LEK YUEN ESTATE ON NOVEMBER 24- TING KOK ROAD NEAR TAI PO FIRE STATION ON NOVEMBER 27- OUTSIDE FAN LING FIRE STATION ON NOVEMBER 29- AND YUEN LONG ESTATE ON DECEMBER 1.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
6
MORE SERVICE RESERVOIRS TO BE BUILT ******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN. ITS CONTINUING EFFORT TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO VARIOUS AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG HAS COMPLETED FIVE SERVICE RESERVOIRS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.
THEY ARE THE HATTON ROAD SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE SECOND LION ROCK HIGH LEVEL FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR IN KOWLOON AND THE THREE FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS IN TONG HANG, SHA TIN NORTH AND TUEN MUN EAST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COSTING $30 MILLION, THE FIVE SERVICE RESERVOIRS HAVE A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 35,000 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
MR. LEUNG TAT-MING, CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION), SAIDi ♦IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, FOUR MORE SERVICE RESERVOIRS WILL BE COMPLETED.
♦THEY INCLUDE THE TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS BEING BUILT ON TSI NG Yl TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR BOTH FRESH AND SALT WATER FROM DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND.+
IN ADDITION, 15 FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS - TWO ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND 13 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - ARE BEING DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
ALSO AT THE DESIGN STAGE ARE FOUR SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS ALL OF WHICH WILL BE BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
7
RECLAMATION IN LEI YUE MUN PROPOSED ******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO RECLAIM AN AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED OF ABOUT 1.34 HECTARES AT SAM KA TSUEN SHELTERED ANCHORAGE ADJACENT TO LEI YUE MUN VILLAGE.
THE RECLAIMED LAND IS INTENDED TO BE USED AS SITES FOR A MULTI-STOREY CAR/LORRY PARK, MARKET, LATRINE AND BATHHOUSE, REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AND A PROMENADE.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL, RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND ROAD WORKS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN YESTERDAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANYONE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM THE GAZETTE DATE OF NOTICE.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
/8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
- 8
SNT URGES SCOUTS TO EXPLORE MOUNTAINS
* X X X X *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED SCOUTS TO EXPLORE HONG KONG’S NUMEROUS MOUNTAINS AND ISLANDS FOR THEIR OWN BENEFITS.
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG SCOUTS ASSOCIATION’S ISLANDS DISTRICT COUNCIL SILVER JUBILEE CEREMONY, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID i +HONG KONG IS A PLACE OF MANY MOUNTAINS AND ISLANDS, USE THE TIME WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG TO CLIMB THEM AND VISIT THEM.
♦YOUR IMAGINATION WILL GROW, YOUR MINDS WILL BE REFRESHED AND YOUR BODY WILL BE STRENGTHENED.*
MR. AKERS-JONES RECALLED THAT SCOUT ACTIVITIES IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT STARTED WITH ONE GROUP BEFORE THE WAR. THE CHEUNG CHAU SCOUT HEADQUARTERS WAS SET UP IN 1957 TO MEET THE NEED OF INCREASING SCOUT ACTIVITIES. IN I960, IT WAS RE-TITLED THE SCOUTS ASSOCIATION - ISLANDS DISTRICT COUNCIL.
SINCE THEN, THE ISLANDS SCOUTS HAVE GROWN TO 10 GROUPS WITH 15 TROOPS, TOTALLING ABOUT 500 SCOUTS INCLUDING 30 SEA SCOUTS FROM THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED EIGHTH NEW TERRITORIES SEA SCOUTS (OPEN GROUP).
THE COUNCIL MOVED TO ITS HEADQUARTERS NEAR THE PEAK PLAYGROUND IN 1977. *1 UNDERSTAND THAT THE PREMISES HAVE BEEN FULLY UTILISED AND HAVE BEEN FOUND A SUITABLE PLACE FOR SCOUT GATHERING AND TRAINING.
♦I AM ALSO GLAD TO LEARN THAT THERE WOULD BE TWO MAJOR SCOUT ACTIVITIES - A CAMPING EXERCISE FOR THE EIGHTH NEW TERRITORIES SEA SCOUTS (OPEN GROUP) AT PENG CHAU AT THE END OF NOVEMBER AND A CAMPING EXERCISE FOR ALL THE ISLANDS SCOUTS AT SOUTH LANTAU DURING CHRISTMAS.*
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORT OF THE ISLANDS SCOUT LEADERS IN THE PROMOTION OF SCOUT ACTIVITIES.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY THEIR ACTIVE PART IN THE FURTHERANCE OF THIS MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY,* SAID MR. AKERS-JONES.
AT THE CEREMONY MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO PRESENTED LONG-SERVICE bEDALS TO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WITH 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
/o......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
9
INSPECTIONS OF CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT ******
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT WILL CARRY OUT A SERIES OF EXERCISES IN VARIOUS HILLY AND COUNTRYSIDE AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 20) TO SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25) AS PART OF ITS BIENNIAL INSPECTION.
THE INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE FROM THE U.K. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, SQUADRON LEADER, JOHN VERNON, R.A.F. WILL CONDUCT THE INSPECTION OF THE EXERCISES.
THE EXERCISES WILL INCLUDE CROSS-COUNTRY EXPEDITION, NIGHT NAVIGATION, MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE, AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF MOUNTAIN AND CLIFF RESCUE TECHNIQUES. THEY WILL BE HELD ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING LANTAU ISLAND.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXERCISES WILL BE A CLIFF RESCUE DEMONSTRATION AT TAI TAU CHAU NEAR SHEK 0 ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CLIFF RESCUE DEMONSTRATION BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT AT TAI TAU CHAU NEAR SHEK 0. THE EVENT WILL START FROM 10.30 A.M. ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO MEET C.A.S. TRAINING OFFICER, MR. LIU CHI-KEUNG, AT C.A.S. HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 9.30 A.M.
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/10......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FOUR DAYS NEXT WEEK.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWSi
DATE HOURS
NOVEMBER 20 (MONDAY) 12 NOON - 4.30 P.M.
NOVEMBER 28 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
NOVEMBER 30 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1978
11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 20), TWO SECTIONS OF ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THE SECTIONS INVOLVED ARE CANTON ROAD BETWEEN SALISBURY ROAD AND HAIPHONG ROAD, AND PEKING ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND A POINT ON PEKING ROAD.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIOD.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 10, THE SECTION OF WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN THE JUNCTIONS OF LAI YIP STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.30 A.M. AND 5.30 A.M. DAILY TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT WORK.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE KWUN TONG ROAD AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 20) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE EASTERN SIDE OF KING’S ROAD. LAU SIN STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD AND BOAT STREET, INCLUDING OIL STREET, FOOK YUM ROAD, KING WAH ROAD AND WA&G ON ROAD.
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PR 39
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Saturday, November 18, 1978
SPEECH BY LADY MACLEHOSE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF CAREERS ’79 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My husband has asked me to say how sorry he is not to be present himself and how much importance he attaches to the work of the . Employment Advisory Service - shown in this exhibition.
This is the seventh exhibition of this kind organised by the Labour Department, and over the years thousands have embarked on training courses or carefully selected careers as a result.
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions a person has to make in life. This exhibition is therefore designed to show the wide range of job opportunities available in all spheres of work in Heng Kong, together with the necessary entry qualifications, salaries and prospects. It is intended especially for young people in school who have still to decide on a career, but for those already in employment and who wish to make a change, this exhibition will also be of interest.
/The Youth Employment .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
2 -
The Youth Employment Advisory Service of the Labour Department has, since 1968, played a very active role in helping young people to make an informed choice of career, to introduce- to them at an early stage a correct attitude towards work and to advise them on suitable training and employment opportunities. To achieve these objectives, the Service provides year-round guidance and help by handling enquiries, distributing pamphlets and leaflets, and holding seminars and mobile exhibitions. They also deliver careers talks to schools and groups of young people in various organisations; and a Careers Information Centre has recently been established to provide better careers facilities.
Last year’s exhibition was visited by over 100,000 people. I hope that young people, parents and teachers will make-use of this exhibition to- discover for themselves the wide spectrum of jobs open to school leavers. %
I congratulate the Youth Employment Advisory Service for their efforts in setting up this exhibition and now have pleasure in declaring the Careers ’79 exhibition open.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TOP LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSION TO VISIT JAPAN ................ 1
SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG URGES INDUSTRIALISTS TO HELP FIGHT DRUG PROBLEM ............................................. 2
NEW COMMANDER FOR ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT................ 3
THIRD REPORT OF 1976 BY-CENSUS NOW ON SALE...............
NAVIGATIONAL BEACON IN SAI KUNG .......................... 5
AREA NEEDED FOR SEAWALL FOUNDATION ....................... 5
PHASE II OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME .... 6
WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND MONG KOK ................... 6
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
1
TOP LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN UNDERWAY * * * *
SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN TODAY (SUNDAY) LEFT FOR JAPAN WHERE HE WILL LEAD A HIGH LEVEL HONG KONG ECONOMIC MISSION TO BOOST TWO-WAY TRADE AND ATTRACT MORE JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
SIR YUET-KEUNG WAS ACCOMPANIED BY TWO MISSION MEMBERS, ffi. T.K. ANN AND MR. MICHAEL SANDBERG. THEY WILL BE JOINED IN TOKYO BY THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MISSION — SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, SIR YUE-KONG PAO, MR. DAVID NEWBIGGING, MR. LEN DUNNING OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND MR. DAVID JORDAN, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE TODAY SIR YUET-KEUNG OUTLINED THE FOUR MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION. HE SAID THEY WEREi
M TO INCREASE JAPANESE AWARENESS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL"
* TO EXPLORE JOINTLY THE OPPORTUNITIES EXISTING HERE FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT BY JAPANESE COMPANIES AND THE ACQUISITION OF JAPANESE TECHNOLOGY BY HONG KONG COMPANIES-
M TO ENCOURAGE THE EXPANSION OF TWO-WAY TRADE- AND
* TO FOSTER GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN JAPAN AND HONG KONG AT A SENIOR LEVEL IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
THE MISSION’S PROGRAMME BEGINS TOMORROW (MONDAY) WITH GROUP MEETINGS WITH PROMINENT JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS FOLLOWED BY A MEETING WITH THE JAPAN FOREIGN TRADE COUNCIL.
ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 21) THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE JOINED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE FOR TWO DAYS OF HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENTS INCLUDING A MEETING WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, MR. FUKUDA. THE GROUP IS ALSO EXPECTED TO SEE THE FOREIGN MINISTER, MR. SONODA, THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR. KOMOTO, AND THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, MR. USHIBA.
SIR MURRAY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON THURSDAY A DAY BEFORE THE MISSION CONCLUDES ITS VISIT.
(NOVEMBER 23)
THE ECONOMIC MISSION — THE HIGHEST LEVEL GROUP OF ITS KIND EVER ASSEMBLED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG ABROAD — IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
INDUSTRIALISTS CAN HELP FIGHT DRUG ABUSE — SAYS SIR SZE-YUEN M M M
SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIALISTS TO HELP TACKLE THE DRUG PROBLEM BY OFFERING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO REHABILITATED ADDICTS SO THAT THEY MAY START A NEW LIFE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN AT MORSE PARK, SIR SZE-YUEN ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR WORKERS SO AS TO DIVERT THEIR ATTENTION FROM DRUGS.
HE REFERRED TO A SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT’S CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ADDICTS WHICH REVEALED THAT OUT OF 31,000 ADDICTS INTERVIEWED 17,000 OF THEM, OR 55.6 PER CENT, WERE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS.
HE SAIDi ♦THIS HAS A SERIOUS IMPLICATION BECAUSE HONG KONG’S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING DEPENDS LARGELY ON ITS INDUSTRIAL GROWTH.
♦THE SPREAD OF DRUG ABUSE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECT THE PRODUCTIVITY OF OUR LABOUR FORCE, NOT TO MENTION ALL OTHER HUMAN MISERIES AND SOCIAL DISORDER IT MAY INCUR.♦
HE SAID THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT, IN PARTICULAR ITS SAN PO KONG SUB-DISTRICT, WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN HONG KONG WITH MORE THAN 4,200 FACTORIES EMPLOYING SOME 80,000 WORKERS.
♦THE NEED TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE IN THIS DISTRICT, THEREFORE, CANNOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED,♦ SIR SZE-YUEN SAID.
THE WONG TAI SIN DRIVE, WHICH WILL RUN FOR FOUR WEEKS, IS THE LAST OF THREE INTENSIVE, DISTRICT-LEVEL CAMPAIGNS ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN CONJUNCTION WITH DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS THIS YEAR.
IT IS ALSO THE BIGGEST ONE SINCE 1973 WHEN ACAN LAUNCHED ITS FIRST DISTRICT-LEVEL CAMPAIGN IN TSEUN WAN.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY, OVER 10,000 YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE ’TELEMATCH’ GAMES AND FUN FAIR.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD MORE THAN 70 EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY EVENTS WILL BE HELD.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
3
NEW COMMANDER FOR ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDWARD PEPPER, 40, TO SUCCEED LIEUTENANT COLONEL PETER GREGSON AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
LIEUTENANT COLONEL PEPPER HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED AN ASSIGNMENT AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON.
HE WAS COMMISSIONED INTO THE ROYAL TANK REGIMENT IN I960 AND HAS SINCE SERVED IN GERMANY AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. INCLUDING NORTHERN IRELAND. HE HAS ATTENDED BOTH THE STAFF COLLEGE AND NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE.
HE IS MARRIED AND HAS FOUR CHILDREN.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL GREGSON, WHO WAS APPOINTED COMMAND I NG OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT IN APRIL, 1976, IS BEING POSTED TO NATO HEADQUARTERS IN TURKEY. HE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 29.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
4
THIRD REPORT OF 1976 BY-CENSUS PUBLISHED
M * * *
THE THIRD REPORT OF THE 1976 BY-CENSUS WHICH SHOWS THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF LABOUR FORCE IS PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE REPORT, ENTITLED *HONG KONG BY-CENSUS 1976i TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT TABULATIONS* WAS COMPILED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IT COMPRISES THREE VOLUMES COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE MARINE POPULATION.
THE REPORT CONTAINS TABLES TO ILLUSTRATE THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION IN EACH TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT, SUCH AS AGE, SEX, MARITAL STATUS, EDUCATION AND OCCUPATION.
IT ALSO SUMMARISES THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE LABOUR FORCE BY INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, HOURS OF WORK, AND PROVIDES INFORMATION ON WAYS PEOPLE ARE HOUSED, THEIR HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME.
IN ADDITION, MAPS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE TERTIARY PLANNING UNITS ARE INCLUDED IN EACH VOLUME.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR. C.C. GREENFIELD, SAID, *AS WITH THE LAST TWO REPORTS OF THE BY-CENSUS — THE BASIC TABLES AND THE GRAPHIC GUIDE, WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY — DETAILED ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE BY-CENSUS ARE NOT ATTEMPTED IN THIS REPORT*.
♦THESE WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE MAIN REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED LATER THIS YEAR,* HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE AT >170 PER SET — $50 FOR VOLUME 1, S50 FOR VOLUNE 2 AND $70 FOR VOLUME 3.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
NAVIGATIONAL BEACON IN SAI KUNG
******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO PROVIDE A LIGHT BEACON ON A PATCH OF ROCK TO THE SOUTH OF TIU CHUNG CHAU’ IN SAI KUNG TO IMPROVE NAVIGATIONAL SAFETY IN THE AREA.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM NOVEMBER 16.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, FIRST FLOOR.
AREA NEEDED FOR SEAWALL FOUNDATION * * *
THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES AN AREA OF ABOUT 0.47 HECTARES OF SEA BED AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR TO BUILD ADDITIONAL FOUNDATIONS FOR THE SEAWALL FRONTING THE PROPOSED ABERDEEN RECLAMATION.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN LAST FRIDAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM NOVEMBER 17.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, FIRST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1978
6 -
PHASE II OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ft ft ft ft
THE SCHEME TO RELIEVE PRESENT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN PARTS OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WILL ENTER THE SECOND PHASE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ABOUT 1,400 METRES OF CARRIAGEWAY WOULD BE WIDENED TO DUAL TWO-LANE STANDARD ROAD WITH FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.
A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY WOULD ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED AT TSANG LAN SHUE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SECTION OF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD AFFECTED BY THE WORK IS BETWEEN CLEARWATER BAY APARTMENTS AND ANDERSON ROAD.
TENDERS FOR THE WORKS ARE TO BE INVITED SOON. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND THE WORK SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DIVISION OF THE P.W.D. HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft ft
FRESH WTAER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND MONG KOK WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 21) TO FACILITATE WORK BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN CAUSEWAY BAY THE SUPPLY WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON TUESDAY.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY GREAT GEORGE STREET, SUGAR STREET, AND THE NORTH SIDE OF YEE WO STREET, INCLUDING CHI ON BUILDING, ISLAND HOTEL, HONG KONG BUILDING, HANG LUNG CENTRE, PLAZA HOTEL, PEARL CITY MANSION, GREENFIELD MANSION AND GREAT GEORGE BUILDING.
IN MONG KOK, PREMISES IN 800-947 CANTON ROAD, TAK CHEONG LANE, TAK CHEONG STREET, TUNG ON STREET, KAM FONG STREET, 1-1A WATERLOO ROAD, 1-22 PITT STREET, 2-6 DUNDAS STREET AND 1-4 SOY STREET, WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON THAT DAY.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
$1.4 MILLION PAID OUT AS COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE ......................................... 1
ASSISTANT BANKING COMMISSIONER REQUIRED ................... 2
STUDENTS ADVISED AGAINST EXPERIMENTS AT HOME ............... 3
HONG KONG DIGEST OF STATISTICS PUBLISHED .................. 4
TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA .................. 4
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE ...................... 5
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY REPORT ........................... 6
CAREERS EXHIBITION DRAWS BIG CROWD ......................... 7
SHA TIN INDUSTRIAL LAND AUCTION TOMORROW ................... 8
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING TO VISIT WORK SITES ................ 9
WATER CUT................................................... 9
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
- 1 -
fl.4 MILLION PAID AS COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE
******
THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT.INJUR IES COMPENSATION BOARDS RECEIVED 582 APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF INJURIES ARISING FROM CRIMES OF VIOLENCE DURING THE YEAR 1977-78.
• COMPENSATION PAID OUT TOTALLED $1.4 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $1.5 MILLION IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN HIS FIFTH ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR. ROBERT W.N. WEI, SAID NO CLAIM WAS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR IN RESPECT OF INJURIES CAUSED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR DUTIES.
MR. WEI SAID THE 582 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 41 CLAIMS OR 6.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE FIGURES OF THE PRECEDING YEAR.
HE ATTRIBUTED THE DECREASE TO THE FACT THAT A NUMBER OF VICTIMS WERE SIMPLY NOT INTERESTED, BEING AWARE OF THEIR SOCIALLY DISAPPROVED CONDUCT OR WAY OF LIFE LEADING TO THEIR OWN INJURIES.
IN CERTAIN FATAL CASES, HE SAID, THERE WERE NO SURVIVING RELATIVES COMING FORWARD TO MAKE A CLAIM.
MR. WEI SAID THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED COVERED 12.2 PER CENT OF THE 4,779 CASES OF REPORTED CRIMES OF VIOLENCE INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURIES. OF THESE APPL(CATIONS, ROBBERY AND BURGLARY CASES MADE UP 34 PER CENT WHILE ASSAULT AND WOUNDING CASES REPRESENTED 56 PER CENT.
THE BIGGEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $22,400 WAS AWARDED TO THE DEPENDANTS OF A WOMAN KILLED IN A ROBBERY CASE WHILE DEFENDING HERSELF AND PROTECTING HER SON.
THE $1.4 MILLION AWARDED BRINGS TO $6.24 MILLION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAID OUT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME IN 1973.
UNDER THE SCHEME, COMPENSATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON A CLAIM BASIS BY SIMPLE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES. THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION IS DETERMINED BY A PANEL OF BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, AND IS PAID OUT FROM PUBLIC FUNDS THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
WHERE THE VICTIM WAS KILLED OR SUFFERED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF CRIME PREVENTION OR MAKING SUCH ATTEMPTS, COMPENSATION MAY BE INCREASED BY THE BOARD UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 100 PER CENT.
IN MAKING AN AWARD, ACCOUNT IS ALSO TAKEN WHEREVER NECESSARY OF SUCH FACTORS AS THE VICTIM’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE CRIME OR HIS INJURY, HIS CONDUCT PRECEDING AND DURING THE INCIDENT, AS WELL AS HIS CHARACTER OR HIS WAY OF LIFE.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
2
ASSISTANT BANKING COMMISSIONER REQUIRED
* * * * ft *
THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING FOR A NEW ASSISTANT BANKING COMMISSIONER TO HEAD THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DIVISION OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING.
HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A NEW SYSTEM OF SUPERVISION ENACTED UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1978 WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT LAST WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15). THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES DETAILED MONTHLY RETURNS BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE REQUIRED AS WELL AS INSPECTION OF BOOKS OF THESE COMPANIES.
ANNOUNCING THE POST TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, W. COLIN MARTIN, SAID: +1 AM LOOKING FOR A MAN WHO IS WELL EXPERIENCED IN A BANK OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN, PREFERABLY, BOTH OVERSEAS AND LOCAL FINANCIAL CENTRES.♦
CANDIDATES FOR THIS POST ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE FROM A HONG KONG OR BRITISH UNIVERSITY OR EQUIVALENT OR AN APPROPRIATE RECOGNISED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION- AT LEAST EIGHT YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE APPROPRIATE FIELD AND PREFERABLY BETWEEN THE AGE OF 35 AND 40.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE APPOINTED ON PROBATION (FOR LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY) OR ON AGREEMENT (FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CANDIDATES) FOR TWO AND A HALF YEARS WITH GRATUITY OF 25 PER CENT OF GROSS BASIC SALARY. THE MONTHLY SALARY IS FIXED AT $12,400.
APPLICATIONS TO THIS POST MUST REACH THE SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION, ROOM 416, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), FOURTH FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD BEFORE MONDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
3
STUDENTS ADVISED AGAINST EXPERIMENTS AT HOME *****
SECONDARY STUDENTS INTENDING TO CARRY OUT ANY KIND OF EXPERIMENT AT HOME INVOLVING THE USE OF CHEMICALS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR SCIENCE TEACHERS FIRST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION
EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT ADVISED TODAY.
HE SAID IT HAD BEEN NOTED RECENTLY THAT SOME LOCAL SCIENCE PUBLICATIONS ADVOCATED MANY CHEMISTRY EXPERIMENTS TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO BE PERFORMED AT HOME.
♦SOME OF THESE EXPERIMENTS ARE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS — THEY EITHER INVOLVE THE USE OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS OR GENERATE REACTIONS WHICH ARE VIOLENTLY EXPLOSIVE.
♦SUCH HAZARDOUS EXPERIMENTS SHOULD BY NO MEANS BE DONE BY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT HOME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS EXPERIMENTS, HE CONTINUED, THE ONLY PROPER PLACE IS THE SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY WITH QUALIFIED SUPERVISORY STAFF IN ATTENDANCE.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO ISSUED A GENERAL CIRCULAR TO HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADVISING THEM TO DRAW THEIR STUDENTS’ ATTENTION TO THE DANGER OF HOME EXPERIMENTS.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
4
HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF * * *
STATISTICS PUBLISHED *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PREPARED A NEW PUBLICATION ENTITLED ,+HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS* TO PROVIDE A WIDE SPECTRUM OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG IN BOTH THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FIELDS.
THE NEW PUBLICATION, TO BE PUBLISHED ANNUALLY, CONTAINS 262 TABLES UNDER 18 SECTIONS COVERING STATISTICS ON POPULATION, TRADE, INDUSTRY, FINANCE, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, LAW AND ORDER*
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE LAST PUBLICATION OF THIS KIND WAS THE COMPENDIUM +HONG KONG STATISTICS 1947-67.♦
♦THE PRESENT PUBLICATION IS OF COMPARABLE COMPREHENSIVENESS AND A TEN-YEAR COVERAGE IS PROVIDED WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO CATER FOR PLANNING AND RESEARCH WORK WHICH REQUIRES LONGER SERIES,+ HE ADDED.
THE PUBLICATION IS NOW OBTAINABLE AT $60 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
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NOTE TO EDITORSi
TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER TO MEET THE MEDIA
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. A.T. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, WILL ATTEND A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 23) IN THE G. I.S. THEATRE FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
THIS IS PART OF A SERIES ARRANGED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO ENABLE NEWSMEN TO MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND QUESTION THEM ABOUT THEIR WORK.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
RADIO AND TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
5
SPECIAL TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE * * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE THREE SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO SHA TIN RACE-COURSE FOR THE NIGHT RACES ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM AT 5.28 P.M., 6.04 P.M. AND 6.52 P.M.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS TO CARRY PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION. THE FIRST WILL LEAVE THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 10.45 P.M., 20 MINUTES AFTER THE RACE, WHEREAS THE OTHERS WILL LEAVE AT 10.58 P.M., 11.11 P.M. AND 11.24 P.M.
IN ADDITION, K.C.R. WILL RE-ROUTE TWO OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 9.11 P.M. AND 9.53 P.M.
THE RUNNING TIME OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS IS 20 MINUTES AND THEIR TIME-TABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A K.C.R. SPOKESMAN SAID MOTORISTS GOING TO THE RACES SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RE-OPENED. THE RATE OF PARKING IS $0.5 PER HOUR.
HE ALSO REMINDED THAT PEOPLE GOING TO THE RACE-COURSE SHOULD BOOK THEIR TICKETS IN ADVANCE FOR THESE SPECIAL TRAINS AT OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
THE SCHEDULES OF NORMAL TRAINS OPERATING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU STATIONS BETWEEN 3 P.M. AND 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY EVENING HAVE BEEN RE-ARRANGED TO KEEP A PROPER BALANCE OF THE DEMANDS OF REGULAR dOMMUTERS AND RACE-GOERS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. THE REVISED TIMETABLES OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS FOR WEDNESDAY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
I
FROM KOWLOON STATION: 3.06 P.M., 4.04 P.M., 5.00 P.M.,
5.42 P.M., 6.25 P.M., 7.00 P.M.,
7.30 P.M., 8.12 P.M., 9.00 P.M. AND 10.30 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION: 3.31 P.M., 4.29 P.M., 5.26 P.M.,
6.26 P.M., 7.11 P.M., 8.15 P.M. AND 9.02 P.M.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
6
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY REPORT
******
HONG KONG'S ECONOMY EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVED THIRD QUARTER THIS YEAR OVER THE SECOND QUARTER AND FURTHER ADVANCEMENT IN THE COMING QUARTER IS EXPECTED, A QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS-DEPARTMENT IN OCTOBER REVEALED.
THE SURVEY SUGGESTS THAT IN THE MANUFACTURING DIVISION ALL INDUSTRIES REPORTED BETTER PERFORMANCE IN THE THIRD QUARTEft, PARTICULARLY IN 'FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO’, 'FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’ AND 'WATCHES AND CLOCKS' SECTORS.
THE OVERALL VIEW IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS THAT THE FOURTH QUARTER WILL BRING FURTHER ADVANCES. ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ IS ESPECIALLY CONFIDENT WHILE THERE MAY BE A MARGINAL DECLINE IN 'PLASTICS’.
AS REGARDS THE NON-MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, NEARLY ALL SECTORS REPORTED ADVANCES IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THE SURVEY INVOLVED ABOUT 700 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES WHICH FORM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY. THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1978 AND THEIR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DATA, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASCIALLY INTENDED TO FACILITATE A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
APART FROM A LIMITED NUMBER OF QUESTIONS REQUIRING ANSWERS IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS, HE ADDED, THE FIRMS WERE ASKED TO COMPARE THE QUARTER JUST PAST WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND, SIMILARLY FOR THE FORTHCOMING ONE.
THEY ONLY HAD TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, A CERTAIN VARIABLE WAS ’UP’, ’SAME’ OR 'DOWN'.
HE THEREFORE CAUTIONED THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, CONSIDERABLE RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS, AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS, AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE PROBABLY AFFECTED CONSIDERABLY BY SEASONALITY.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
7
CAREERS EXHIBITION DRAWS BIG CROWD
* * * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE FLOCKING BY THEIR THOUSANDS TO SEE THE CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE KOWLOON RAIL TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM.
BY 3 P.M. THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON A COUNT OF MORE THAN 30,000 VISITORS HAD FILED PASS THE ADMISSION GATE SINCE THE OPENING ON SATURDAY.
THE EXHIBITION, CAREERS ’79, HAS A VARIETY OF ATTRACTIVE DISPLAYS IN A TOTAL OF 25 STANDS PUT UP BY EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT. IT ALSO PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS INFORMATION ON VARIOUS TRADES AND PROFESSIONS.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE STAFF PRESENT TO EXPLAIN AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ON DIFFERENT TRADES AND PROFESSIONS. FOR SOME THERE IS EVEN A COMPUTER TO HELP THEM EXPLORE THEIR CAREER’S INCLINATION.
ACCORDING TO A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN AT THE SITEi +IT IS GENERALLY FELT THAT THE QUALITY OF THE DISPLAYS, BOTH IN RESPECT OF CAREERS INFORMATION AND PRESENTATION, IS VERY HIGH THIS YEAR WITH EXHIBITORS USING 60-INCH TV SCREENS, SLIDE PROJECTORS AND ALL SORTS OF SOPHISTICATED AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT.
♦THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT HAS ITS PRINTING MACHINE RUNNING ALL DAY PRODUCING A PRINTED PROGRAMME FOR THE EXHIBITION WHILE THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY STAND PUTS ON AN IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY CF ITS ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY SYSTEM. THE DAH CHONG HONG STAND ALSO HAS A LIVELY DISPLAY OF A RANGE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMPANY.
♦ANOTHER OUTSTANDING FEATURE OF THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION IS THE LARGE AMOUNT OF HAND-OUT MATERIALS. ALL EXHIBITORS HAVE BEEN VERY GENEROUS IN GIVING HAND-OUTS ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREERS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANISATIONS.
♦THE JOINT STAND STAGED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GIVES OUT INTRODUCTORY BOOKLETS ON VARIOUS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND VARIOUS COURSES ORGANISED BY THE POLYTECHNIC.
♦JUDGING FROM THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE SO FAR, WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL HAVE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION AGAIN THIS YEAR,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL REMAIN OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 6.30 P.M. WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
- 8 -*
SHA TIN INDUSTRIAL LAND AUCTION TOMORROW
*****
A 3,040-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN’S-FIRST LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA AT FO TAN WILL BE PUT UP FOR AUCTI ON-TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE AUCTION, SCHOOL AT 11 A.M., ESTATE SURVEYOR OF
TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR. ROGER THOMPSON, SENIOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PRIME SITE IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE NEW TOWN AND HAS GOOD ROAD ACCESS TO KOWLOON BY THE SHA TIN TRUNK ROAD AND CLOSE TO THE FO TAN RAILWAY STATION.
IT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF 54,910,000 TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN 30 CALENDAR MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, AND HAS A PLOT RATIO OF 9.5 WHICH ALLOWS, UNDER NORMAL ClRCUMSTANCES, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 14-STOREY BUILDING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
OFFICERS OF THE PUBLICITY UNIT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST PRESS MEMBERS AND INTERVIEWS CAN BE ARRANGED WITH OFFICERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AFTER THE AUCTION, IF REQUIRED.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1978
9
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING TO VISIT WORK SITES ft ft ft ft ft ft
MR. DAVID STEAD, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WILL INSPECT A NUMBER OF WORK SITES ON HONG KONG ISLAND TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS P.W.D. PROJECTS.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY CHIEF ENGINEERS OF VARIOUS OFFICES CONCERNED.
AMONG THE SITES TO BE VISITED WILL BE THE ROBINSON ROAD/OLD PEAK ROAD/GLENEALY JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS, CANAL ROAD EXTENSION AND ABERDEEN TUNNEL (NORTH PORTAL).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT OF INE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT TO P.W.D. WORK SITES TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT FACILITY SHOULD TELEPHONE 6. I.S. ENQUIRY DESK, $-232721, GIVING THEIR NAMES AND THE NAMES OF THEIR ORGANISATIONS.
A NINE-SEATER VAN, AM 2063, WILL LEAVE THE OPEN CARPARK OUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AT 9 A.M. SHARP OFFICERS FROM THE P.W.D.’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS ON MIDNIGHT TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 21 AND 22) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED FROM MIDNIGHT TUESDAY IS BOUNDED BY CHA KWO LING ROAD, KO FAI ROAD, SHUNG TAK WAI, TUNG YUEN STREET AND SHUNG SHUN STREET INCLUDING YAN YUE WAI. ON WEDNESDAY THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY CHA KWO LING ROAD, SZE SHAN STREET, SHUNG SHUN STREET AND YAN YUE WAI INCLUDING LEI YUE MUN VILLAGE.
MEANWHILE, WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY PATERSON STREET, KINGSTON STREET, CLEVELAND STREET AND FOOD STREET, INCLUDING CHI ON BUILDING, ISLAND HOTEL AND THE CALTEX SERVICE FILLING STATION ON GLOUCESTER ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR MORE JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND BETTER TRADE BALANCE................................................. 1
MR. JACK CATER APPOINTED DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR .............. 2
AM FREQUENCY CHANGE EFFECTIVE ON THURSDAY .................... 2
TRADE STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN ........................ 3
237 BUILDING PROPOSALS RECEIVED .............................. 4
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS P.W.D. WORK SITES ........................................................ 5
CAMPING COURSE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS ............. 6
TENDERS INVITED FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND ......... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ......................................... 7
WATER CUTS ................................................... 7
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
1
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR MORE JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND BETTER TRADE BALANCE
*****
HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN IS HOPING TO ATTRACT GREATER JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND IS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BOOST SALES OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS TO JAPAN.
THE AIMS OF THE MISSION WERE OUTLINED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE FEDERATION OF ECONOMIC ORGANISATIONS, THE KIEDANREN, IN TOKYO TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME CHANGE IN THE BALANCE OF TRADE BETWEEN JAPAN AND HONG KONG. IN 1973 OUR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WERE FIVE AND A HALF TIMES OUR EXPORTS TO YOU. LAST YEAR THEY WERE EIGHT TIMES AS GREAT. THIS YEAR IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE BALANCE WILL BE NINE TO ONE IN YOUR FAVOUR.+
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT WHILE ABOUT A QUARTER OF OUR IMPORTS COMES FROM JAPAN IT IN TURN TOOK ONLY FOUR PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS.
HOWEVER SIR MURRAY ADDED: +WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT JAPAN HAS LONG BEEN A MAJOR SOURCE OF SEMI-MANUFACTURES, CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FOR HONG KONG AND THAT SO MANY JAPANESE LIVE AND WORK THERE.♦
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS AN OPEN MARKET AND JAPANESE EXPORTERS HAVE COMPETED VERY SUCCESSFULLY WITH OTHER SUPPLIERS TO HONG KONG’S ADVANTAGE.
♦BUT WHY HAS THERE BEEN SO LITTLE TRADE IN THE OTHER DIRECTION? HONG KONG’S EXPORTERS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN FINDING MARKETS ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHY HAVE THEY SO FAR FAILED HERE? THE FACT IS THAT DESPITE THE REMOVAL OF NEARLY ALL YOUR FORMAL IMPORT RESTRICTIONS OUR EXPORTERS FIND THE JAPANESE MARKET VERY DIFFICULT TO PENETRATE.♦
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT COUNTRIES WHERE JAPANESE INVESTMENT IS CONCENTRATED SHOW A MUCH BETTER IMPORT PERFORMANCE IN JAPAN THAN HONG KONG.
♦IF IT IS THEREFORE A FACT THAT EXPORT PERFORMANCE TO THE JAPANESE MARKET IS LINKED TO THE LEVEL OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN THE EXPORTING COUNTRY, THEN WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT THERE WILL BE MORE DIRECT INVOLVEMENT BY JAPAN IN THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL SCENE.♦
THE GOVERNOR SUGGESTED THAT INVESTMENT OR JOINT VENTURES IN HONG KONG COULD BE PROFITABLE TO JAPAN, WOULD ASSIST HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT AND TEND TO ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE IN TRADE. HE SAID THE MISSION WAS THEREFORE SEEKING THE CO-OPERATION OF JAPANESE INDUSTRY AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
♦IN CONSIDERING MY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE EXPANSION OF INVESTMENT AND TRADE, THE EXCELLENT STATE OF ANGLO-CHINESE RELATIONS OVER HONG KONG AND THE CONFIDENCE CREATED IN HONG KONG BY FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH CHINA, SHOULD BE RELEVANT TO THE JUDGEMENT OF JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN. I AM SURE THAT HONG KONG HAS NEVER BEEN A SOUNDER INVESTMENT.+
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
2
MR. JACK CATER APPOINTED DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR. JACK CATER, HAS BEEN APO INTED DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO NOVEMBER 23 DURING THE ABSENCE OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
SIR MURRAY WHO LEFT YESTERDAY TO JOIN A HONG KONG ECONOMIC MISSION IN TOKYO, WILL RETURN ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
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AM FREQUENCY CHANGE EFFECTIVE ON THURSDAY ******
PEOPLE WHO RELY ON THEIR MEDIUM-WAVE BAND RADIO CLOCKS TO WAKE THEM UP ARE ADVISED TO USE OTHER MEANS TO BUZZ THEM AWAKE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 23) MORNING WHEN ALL FIVE LOCAL AM RADIO CHANNELS WILL SWITCH TO THE NEW FREQUENCIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY EXPLAINED THAT IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO PRE-SET THE TUNING DIAL OF AN ORDINARY RADIO TO THE NEW FREQUENCIES.
+UNLESS YOU TUNE TO A VHF/FM BEFORE YOU GO TO SLEEP - USE AN ALARM CLOCK,+ HE SAID. +THE VHF SERVICES ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES.+
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ONCE THE RADIO STATIONS START BROADCASTING ON THE NEW MEDIUM-WAVE FREQUENCIES ON THURSDAY, PEOPLE CAN EASILY TUNE INTO ANY OF THE FIVE AM CHANNELS WHICH ARE IN THE SAME ORDER ON A RADIO’S TUNING DIAL AS AT PRESENT.
THE NEW FREQUENCIES OF THE FIVE AM CHANNELS ARE RTHK-3 (ENGLISH) 567 KHZ, COMMERCIAL RADIO-2 (CHINESE) 675 KHZ, RTHK-1 (CHINESE) 783 KHZ. COMMERCIAL RADIO-1 (CHINESE) 864 KHZ AND COMMERCIAL RADIO (ENGLISH) 1044 KHZ.
THE CHANGE IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF AM RECEPTION BY RE-ALLOCATING THE MEDIUM-WAVE FREQUENCIES OF ALL RADIO STATIONS IN ASIA AND EUROPE.
THE NEW FREQUENCY PLAN WAS WORKED OUT AT THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE DURING WHICH ALL DELEGATES AGREED TO IMPLEMENT IT ON NOVEMBER 23.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
- 3 -
TRADE STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED QUARTERLY EXTERNAL TRADE FIGURES ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1978.
THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING EACH SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY ITEM OF THE PRESENT TRADE CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRY OF WHICH THE COMMODITY IS A PRINCIPAL PRODUCT.
THE FIGURES SHOW THAT THE FOUR INDUSTRY GROUPS HAVING THE HIGHEST CONTRIBUTIONS TO DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES, AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS. THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 75 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN BOTH THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERS.
INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE HIGHEST IN BEVERAGES, FOOTWEAR, AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, BEING 46 PER CENT , 37 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1978.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED IN MINING AND QUARRYING (-36 PER CENT), TOBACCO (-34 PER CENT), AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (-18 PER CENT), AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-17 PER CENT).
ON IMPORTS, TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES, CHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, FOOD, METAL PRODUCTS, AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRIES TOGETHER TOOK UP AN IMPORTANT SHARE OF THE TOTAL IMPORTS VALUE — 59 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER AND 58 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE HIGHEST INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE FOUND IN MINING AND QUARRYING (39 PER CENT), PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, INCLUDING PRINTING AND PUBLISHING, (23 PER CENT), AND WEARING APPAREL (21 PER CENT).
MARKED DECREASES OCCURRED IN FORESTRY AND LOGGING (-14 PER CENT), AND TOBACCO (-13 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
4
237 BUILDING PROPOSALS RECEIVED
*****
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 237 BUILDING PROPOSALS BETWEEN JULY AND THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE NUMBER WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN FOR THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS.
DURING THE SAME THREE-MONTH PERIOD THE B.O.O. DEALT WITH NO FEWER THAN 3,294 PLANS, A P.W.D. SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THIS WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE 3,198 PLANS HANDLED DURING THE PREVIOUS QUARTER,* HE SAID.
AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER THE B.O.O. WAS PROCESSING 1,144 PLANS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS DIVISION OF THE B.O.O. ANSWERED 47 EMERGENCY CALLS SINCE JULY THIS YEAR.
THE CALLS RELATED TO DAMAGE BY FIRE, DEFECTIVE CONCRETE, DEFECTIVE DRAINS AND DEFECTIVE ADVERTISING SIGNS.
CLOSURE ORDERS AFFECTING 75 BUILDINGS — 43 ON HONG KONG
ISLAND, 16 IN KOWLOON AND 16 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — WERE OBTAINED
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD, B.O.O. STAFF ALSO INSPECTED 249 BUILDINGS WHICH HAD BEEN CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION SINCE THE END OF JULY 1975.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
5
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT VISITS PWD WORK SITES
******
THE ROBINSON ROAD-OLD PEAK ROAD-GLENEALY JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE MID-LEVELS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, ARE MORE THAN HALF COMPLETE.
THE IMPROVEMENTS CONSIST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLYOVER COMPLEXES AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF ROBINSON ROAD WITH GLENEALY AND ROBINSON ROAD WITH OLD PEAK ROAD.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE WORK SITES INSPECTED TODAY BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD.
MR. STEAD WAS PLEASED WITH THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
OTHER WORK SITES VISITED INCLUDED THE CANAL ROAD EXTENSION AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL BOTH OF WHICH HAVE MADE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS. HE ALSO SAW THE NEW CATTLE DRESSING LINE AT KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR WHICH WAS INSTALLED RECENTLY BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE.
THE NEW DRESSING LINE IS ABLE TO HANDLE UP TO 60 CARCASSES AN HOUR ON A CONTINUOUSLY MOVING OVERHEAD CONVEYOR BELT SYSTEM.
THE DAY’S TOUR ENDED WITH A VISIT TO THE HILL ROAD FLYOVER NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE PROJECT, INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 660-METRE ELEVATED ROAD AND THE RE-ALIGNMENT OF A SECTION OF HILL ROAD, IS MAKING SATISFACTORY PROGRESS.
ON COMPLETION IN AUGUST 1955, THE £25 MILLION FLYOVER WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN POK FU LAM AND WESTERN DISTRICT. IT WILL ALSO HELP EASE THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT MID-LEVELS.
ACCOMPANYING MR. STEAD ON HIS TOUR TODAY WERE DR. Y.L. CHOI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE- MR. A.W. OLIVIER, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE DIVISION OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE AND M?. K.Y. HO, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (H.K.) DIVISION, HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
6
CAMPING COURSE FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS *******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A THREE-DAY COURSE ON LIGHT WEIGHT CAMPING FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 27 TO 30 AT SAI KUNG.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE COURSE WILL BE GIVEN LECTURES ON CAMP ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT, MOUNTAIN SAFETY, MAP AND COMPASS READING, CAMP CRAFT AND CHOICE OF CAMPING EQUIPMENT.
♦THE COURSE WILL REQUIRE PARTICIPANTS TO STAY OVERNIGHT AT DIFFERENT CAMPSITES IN ORDER TO GAIN ACTUAL FIELD EXPERIENCE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS INTERESTED IN THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THEIR HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 6.
♦AS THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR THE COURSE WILL BE LIMITED TO 35, PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE IN POSSESSION OF FIRST AID QUALIFICATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF CROWN LAND ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS BY WAY OF RENT FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 5,900 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING VEHICLES.
CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS AT NOON ON DECEMBER 8, 1978.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE SAID THE TENANCY WAS FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF 12 MONTHS, AND THEREAFTER MONTHLY.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-26702899 (ENGLISH) OR 3-884111 EXTENSION 353 (CANTONESE).
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7
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1978
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF TSUNG MAN STREET BETWEEN TUNG SING STREET AND THE ABERDEEN ZONE ELECTRIC SUB-STATION WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES IN THE ROAD, STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
THE CLOSURE IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO ENABLE CABLE INSTALLATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE BETWEEN THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM QUEENSWAY AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO KENNEDY ROAD WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP IN THESE AREAS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUTS * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND TAI PO WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 23) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN CENTRAL, THE AREA BOUNDED BY JUBILEE STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, WING WO STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL INCLUDING WING KUT STREET, GILMAN STREET, GILMAN’S BAZAAR, WING ON STREET, TUNG MAN STREET AND HING LUNG STREET WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
THE AREA IN TAI PO, BOUNDED BY KWONG FUK ROAD AND TING KOK ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND TAI PING RUGS AND CARPETS LTD. INCLUDING TAI PO OLD MARKET, SAN WAI TSAI AND CHUK HANG WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SIX HOURS FROM THURSDAY MIDNIGHT.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
26 MAXICAB ROUTES FOR KOWLOON .............................. 1
SHA TO OPEN MONG KOK WEEK .................................. 2
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER ...................... 3
SCIENCE CENTRE FOR TEACHERS ................................ 5
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ................................. 5
WATER CUT................................................... 6
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978
1
26 MAXICAB ROUTES FOR KOWLOON ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM REGISTERED OWNERS OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FOR THE RIGHT TO OPERATE 26 MAX ICAB ROUTES IN KOWLOON.
THESE ROUTES, THE FIRST FOR KOWLOON, WILL BE GROUPED INTO EIGHT SEPARATE PACKAGES WITH FARES RANGING FROM $1 TO 50 CENTS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ON THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORM ENTITLED ♦APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS MAXICAB ROUTES*.
THESE FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24) FROM EITHER THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, SIXTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, HONG KONG OR FROM THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, NINTH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED MAIL TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, SIXTH FLOOR, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, HONG KONG BY 5 P.M. ON DECEMBER 7, 1978.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSIDERED.
THAT LATE APPLICATIONS WOULD NOT BE
THE MAXICAB ROUTES WILL SERVE HOMANTIN, WATERLOO HILL, KOWLOON TONG, KING’S PARK RISE, TAI WAN SHAN, YAU YAT CHUEN, TUNG TAU TSUEN, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON CITY FERRY, KAI TAK AIRPORT AIR CARGO TERMINAL AND PASSENGER TERMINAL, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN COTTAGE, TSZ WAN SHAN, CHOI HUNG, FUK WAH CHUEN, JORDAN VALLEY, SAN PO KONG, KWUN TONG FERRY, CHA KWO LING FERRY, LAM TIN, SAM KA TSUEN FERRY, KO CHIU ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, HUNG HOM FERRY, AND JORDAN ROAD FERRY.
FULL DETAILS OF THE MAXICAB ROUTES IN KOWLOON WILL BE CONTAINED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AFTER THE KOWLOON ROUTES ARE PROCESSED AND INTRODUCED, ANOTHER 20 ROUTES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND THEN BACK TO KOWLOON FOR ANOTHER 20 ROUTES BEFORE FINALLY INTRODUCING ABOUT 30 ROUTES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978
2 -
SHA TO OPEN MONG KOK WEEK TOMORROW ******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. F.K. LI WILL DECLARE MONG KOK WEEK OPEN AT 7.15 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, KOWLOON.
THE MONG KOK WEEK, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (MONG KOK) AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY BODIES AND KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING CONTINUOUS PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS.
A NINE-DAY PROGRAMME OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF THE PUBLIC. SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE A GRAND PROCESSION, A CHILDREN'S GAMES DAY, MUSICAL NIGHT, JOUSTING EVENTS AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A MARATHON RACE.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THERE WILL BE GURKHA FOLK DANCE, OPEN-AIR CONCERT, GYMNASTIC DISPLAY, CHIU CHOW FOLK DANCE, ARMY DOG SHOW AND COMICAL FOOTBALL MATCH.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MONG KOK WEEK WHICH WILL BE OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. F.K. LI, AT 7.15 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
TWO IDENTIFICATION BADGES FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES, ISSUED BY THE MONG KOK WEEK ORGANISING COMMITTEE, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN G.I.S. BOXES LATER TODAY. REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REQUESTED TO WEAR THESE BADGES WHEN COVERING THE FUNCTION.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978
3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER ******
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR LAST MONTH (OCTOBER) WAS 13,806 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $5,605 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $1,238 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
THE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE MONTH WAS $561 MILLION.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1978 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 25.6 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 38.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 41.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1977.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER IN 1977, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $905 MILLION OR 31.2 PER CENT IN EXPORTS, $1,327 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $341 MILLION OR 38.1 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES (OCTOBER 1978 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1978) SHOWED INCREASES OF $69 MILLION OR 1.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $100 MILLION OR 1.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $38 MILLION OR 3.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 1977 TO OCTOBER 1978 COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 14.4 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 24.8 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 29 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES I- INCREASE OR DECREASE
LATEST 3 MONTHS AUG.-OCT. 1978 AUG.-OCT. 1977
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11,558 9,200 +2,358 ♦25.6
IMPORTS 16,349 11,781 +4,568 ♦38.8
RE-EXPORTS 3,634 2,561 +1,073 ♦41.9
TRADE BALANCE -1,157 -20 -1,137
- 4 - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978 1
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR OCTOBER 1978 OCTOBER 1977 INCREASE OR DECREASE
* MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,806 2,900 ♦ 905 ♦31.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.4%) (76.4%)
IMPORTS 5,605 4,277 ♦1,327 +31.0
RE-EXPORTS 1,238 (24.6%) 897 + 341 ♦38.1
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.6%)
TRADE BALANCE - 561 - 480 - 81
OCTOBER SEPTEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1978 1978 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 3,806 3,736 + 69 ♦ 1.9
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.4%) (75.7%)
IMPORTS 5,605 5,505 ♦ 100 ♦ 1.8
RE-EXPORTS 1,238 (24.6%) 1,200 (24.3%) ♦ 38 ♦ 3.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS)
TRADE BALANCE - 561 - 569 + 8
JAN.-OCT. JAN.-OCT. INCREASE OR
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1978 1977 DECREASE
S MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 32,564 28,372 ♦4,192 ♦14.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.5%) (78.0%)
IMPORTS 49,703 39,460 +10,243 ♦26.0
RE-EXPORTS 10,563 (24.5%) 7,986 ♦2,577 ♦32.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (22.0%)
TRADE BALANCE -6,576 -3,102 -3,474
NOV. 1977 NOV. 1976
TO TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS OCT. 1978 OCT. 1977 DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 39,196 34,255 +4,942 +14.4
IMPORTS 58,944 47,227 ♦11,717 *24.8
RE-EXPORTS 12,406 9,615 +2,791 +29.0
TRADE BALANCE -7,342 -3,357 -3,985
o- /$ ....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978
- 5 -
SCIENCE CENTRE FOR TEACHERS
******
A SCIENCE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS HAS RECENTLY BEEN SET UP IN THE TANNER ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT.
THE CENTRE, ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE SUBJECTS AND FACILITATING TEACHERS IN THEIR WORK.
THE CENTRE WILL ALSO HELP IMPROVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCIENCE TEACHERS AND BETWEEN THE TEACHERS AND STAFF OF THE EDUCATION To KEEP THE TE,CH”S ,l*ow"’0N THE
A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ARE BEING PLANNED IN THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS.
THE FIRST WORKSHOP ON THE DESIGN OF HOME-MADE APPARATUS HAS BEEN HELD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS DURING WHICH PARTICIPANTS TRIED THEIR HAND AT ASSEMBLING SOLAR CELLS.
SIMILAR WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON UNTIL FEBRUARY 14, NEXT YEAR.
-----o------
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24) A TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 4-20 DURING 7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT DAILY TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS.
DURING THE RESTRICTION, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES ARE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS ON THAT ROAD SECTION.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO WARN DRIVERS.
-----o------
/6
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1978 6 -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 24) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN WESTERN, THE SUPPLY TO HOUSE NOS. 2-62A BELCHER’S STREET, NOS. 1E-1M AND 32-34 SANDS STREET, NOS. 16-30 AND 29-39 NORTH STREET, NOS. 12A-12G AND 41A-43 IN SMITHFIELD AND NOS. 1A-1C AND 1-3 ROCK HILL STREET, INCLUDING COLLINSON STREET WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON FRIDAY.
IN KWUN TONG, THE AREA BOUNDED BY HUNG TO ROAD, HOI YUEN ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET INCLUDING TSUN YIP STREET WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SIX HOURS FROM FRIDAY MIDNIGHT.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FUTURE WATER SUPPLY UNDER STUDY .......... 1
PLAY SAFE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION............................... 3
HONG KONG TRADE FOR JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1978 ................ 5
CHEUNG CHAU REDEVELOPMENT .................................... 9
SNT TO OPEN SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND ........................... 10
S.W.D.’S SERVICES FOR YOUTH ................................. 10
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ...................................... 11
ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO GYMNASTIC COMPETITION .............. 11
PRISONS DEPARTMENT PASSING-OUT PARADE ....................... 12
WATER CUT.................................................... 12
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
1
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FUTURE WATER SUPPLY UNDER STUDY ******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES AIMED AT IDENTIFYING ALL POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FUTURE SUPPLY AND TO EVALUATE THEIR WORTH IN TERMS OF RELIABILITY AND COST.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LION’S CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN.
THE STUDIES, HE SAID, INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL RESERVOIR STORAGE, DESALTING OF WATER BY THERMAL AND OTHER MEANS AND RESEARCH INTO THE TREATMENT OF WATER OF SUB-STANDARD QUALITY.
+WHAT WILL BE REVEALED BY THESE STUDIES REMAINS TO BE SEEN, BUT OVERLYING THEM ALL IS THE CONSIDERATION BEING GIVEN BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO PROVIDING EVEN FURTHER SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CH INA,+ MR. TUCKER SAID.
+THIS IS A POSSIBILITY WHICH IS OF PRIME IMPORTANCE, BUT THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES WILL REQUIRE A MAJOR SCHEME, BECAUSE AFTER 1982 THE INCREMENTAL QUANTITIES OF ADDITIONAL WATER REQUIRED WILL BE GREAT AND NOT CAPABLE OF BEING DRAWN THROUGH THE PRESENT EAST RIVER-SHUM CHUN SYSTEM.+
IN VIEW OF THE ESCALATING COSTS, MR. TUCKER STRESSED THAT •♦FUTURE SCHEMES ARE UNLIKELY TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL WATER AT CHEAPER COST*.
HE ADDED THAT CAPITAL INVESTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE SUBSTANTIAL AND THE COSTS OF OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE AS FACILITIES EXPAND.
♦ IN SPITE OF THIS, THE AVERAGE BILL FOR THE HOUSEHOLDER AT PRESENT IS ONLY 20 CENTS PER DAY,+ HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER, AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INDICATED IN HIS SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16), THERE IS AN OVERALL DEFICIT IN THE WATERWORKS ACCOUNTS AND THIS IS PROJECTED TO PERSIST. HENCE A REVISED TARIFF IS OVERDUE AND WILL PROBABLY BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR.+
TURNING TO NEW PROJECTS, MR. TUCKER SAID, UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT PRESENT ARE COMPLETELY NEW SUPPLY SYSTEMS TO SERVE THE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, YUEN LONG AND TSI NG Yl WHILE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WORKS ARE IN HAND TO IMPROVE THE WATER SUPPLY TO POK FU LAM, STANLEY AND REPULSE BAY.
CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN SOON ON NEW SYSTEMS FOR THE FEI NGO SHAN AREA AND FOR AP LEI CHAU.
+T0 MEET THE FUTURE EXPANSION OF THE NEW TOWNS TOGETHER WITH THE SMALLER MARKET AND RURAL TOWNS, FURTHER WATER SUPPLY PROPOSALS ARE BEING FORMULATED,+ HE SAID.
/+’i73 ALSO. • • • •
THURSDAY, ’v’OV-UBSR 23, 1978
- 2 -
♦WE ALSO HAVE IN HAND WORKS TO IMPROVE AND EXTEND SALT WATER FLUSHING SUPPLIES IN MANY AREAS.♦
MR. TUCKER WENT ON TO DESCRIBE THE BASIC FUNCTION OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WHICH, HE ADDED, IS TO COLLECT, STORE, PURIFY AND DISTRIBUTE POTABLE WATER AND TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE NEW RESOURCES AND INSTALLATIONS TO MAINTAIN A SATISFACTORY STANDARD OF WATER SUPPLY.
ON THE QUALITY OF WATER SUPPLY, HE SAID THAT AFTER PURIFICATION AT THE TREATMENT WORKS THE FINAL SUPPLY CONFORMS TO STRINGENT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF QUALITY RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
MR. TUCKER POINTED OUTi +TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF THESE STANDARDS OF WATER QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SUPPLY SYSTEM, THE SYSTEM IS CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED BY CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF WATER SAMPLES TAKEN AT INTAKES, STORAGE RESERVOIRS, TREATMENT WORKS, SERVICE RESERVOIRS, DISTRIBUTION MAINS AND CONSUMERS’ TAPS.
♦OVER 4,000 SUCH SAMPLES ARE LABORATORY TESTED EVERY MONTH, SOME 1,000 BEING TAKEN FROM CONSUMERS’ TAPS CHOSEN AT RANDOM.+
REFERRING TO WATER STORAGE, MR. TUCKER SAID THAT WHEN THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME IS INAUGURATED BY THE GOVERNOR NEXT WEEK, IT WILL BECOME HONG KONG’S 18TH IMPOUNDING RESERVOIR, ADDING A FURTHER 274 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF STORAGE, ALMOST DOUBLING THE TOTAL AVAILABLE STORAGE CAPACITY.
THE DIRECTOR ALSO TOUCHED ON SOURCES OF WATER — RAINFALL, CHINA WATER AND THE LOK ON PAI DESALTING PLANT.
HE SAIDt +DESALTING IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES IN THAT IT IS COMPLETELY WITHIN OUR POWER TO DECIDE WHEN WE WANT TO PRODUCE WATER FROM IT.
♦THE DESALTER IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR RESOURCES, BUT IT WILL NOT BE RUN IN PLACE OF ALTERNATIVE CHEAPER SOURCES OF SUPPLY THAT CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE.
♦IT IS REQUIRED TO OPERATE AS CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATE AND, AS OUR SYSTEM IS STILL DEPENDENT TO A LARGE EXTENT ON RAINFALL, WE MUST BE ABLE TO REACT TO SHORT TERM DEFICIENCIES BY DESALTER OPERATION.♦
TO ENSURE THE AVAILABILITY OF THE DESALTER, MR. TUCKER POINTED OUT. TRAINED STAFF MUST BE AVAILABLE AND READY TO RECOMMISSION IT AS AND WHEN NECESSARY.
THE LONG AND COMPLEX PROCESS OF PUTTING THE DESALTER INTO
MOTHBALLS IS CURRENTLY IN HAND AND WILL LAST WELL INTO 1979.
STAFF NOT ENGAGED ON THE MAINTENANCE PRIOR TO MOTHBALLING ARE EMPLOYED IN EFFICIENCY STUDIES AT THE DESALTER AND IN OTHER JOBS WITHIN THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
THURSDAY, U0V3SBER 23, 1978
3
— *WE ARE UTILISING THEIR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS IN APPROPRIATE FIELDS RELATED TO THEIR NORMAL WORK IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF DEFICIENCIES IN ESTABLISHMENT,* SAID NR. TUCKER.
♦LONGER TERM POSSIBILITIES FOR THE1R EMPLOYMENT ARE STILL UNDER STUDY BUT BY HAVING TRAINED OPERATIVES FULLY AND EFFECTIVELY EMPLOYED AND AVAILABLE FOR REGROUPING FOR THEIR ORIGINAL DUTIES WE HOPE TO ENSURE THAT THE DESALTER WILL BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE THE FLEXIBILITY WHICH IS NOT OBTAINABLE FROM OTHER RESOURCES.♦
HOWEVER, IT MUST BE REMEMBERED, HE SAID, THAT WITHOUT IT LAST YEAR THE WATER RESTRICTIONS WOULD HAVE ^AR MORE SEVERE.
-----0------
PLAY SAFE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION ******
WITH THE ONSET OF THE COOL SEASON, THE GOVERNMENT’S SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS CAMPAIGN WILL CONCENTRATE ON PROMOTING SAFETY IN THE POPULAR WINTER RECREATION OF CAMPING, HILL WALKING AND CYCLING.
CHAIRMAN OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, MR. CHAM SIU-LEUN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY), *WE SHALL FOCUS ON CAMPING, HILL WALKING AND CYCLING BECAUSE THESE ACTIVITIES CAN EASILY CAUSE MISHAPS IF ONE DOES NOT TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
♦TO BRING HOME THE ’PLAY SAFE’ MESSAGE, WE HAVE PRODUCED SHORT FILMS, LEAFLETS AND POSTERS TO HIGHLIGHT THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OF THESE THREE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES.*
URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR. HOWARD YOUNG, A VETERAN CAMPER WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON CAMPING, TODAY SUGGESTED SOME SAFETY HINTS TO CAMPERS.
♦WHEN ONE HAS DECIDED TO GO CAMPING, THE FIRST THING TO DO IS TO PLAN THE DURATION OF THE STAY, WHAT EQUIPMENT TO TAKE AND THE AMOUNT OF FOOD NEEDED,♦ HE SAID.
♦WATCH OUT FOR SUDDEN CHANGES IN WEATHER CONDITIONS. DON’T GO CAMPING WHEN THE THUNDERSTORM WARNING IS IN FORCE OR A TYPHOON SIGNAL IS UP.
♦ESPECIALLY DURING THE DRY SEASON, WHEN THE RED FIRE DANGER SIGNAL IS HOISTED, IT IS ADVISABLE TO USE DRY PROVISIONS INSTEAD OF LIGHTING FIRES.♦
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, MR. YOUNG REMINDED THE CAMPERS TO KEEP CALM AND SEND SOMEONE TO THE NEAREST POINT (PREFERABLY THE POLICE STATION) FOR HELP.
/*1 Pi • • • ■ .
THURSDAY, HCj>V3MBSR 23, 1978 - 4 - !
♦LEAFLETS INTRODUCING BASIC KNOWLEDGE IN CAMPING ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, YOUTH CENTRES AND THE G.I.S. PUBLICITY AND MARKETING SUB-DIVISION OFFICE,* MR. YOUNG ADDED.
HILL WALKING IS ANOTHER POPULAR LEISURE PURSUIT. BUT ALL TOO OFTEN PEOPLE TAKE TO THE HILLS WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPMENT AMD DO NOT HEED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
MR. JACK TUCKER, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON MOUNTAINEERING, POINTED OUT THAT ROUTE PLANNING AND PROPER EQUIPMENT ARE OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE IN HILL WALKING.
♦BEFORE GOING HILL WALKING. ONE MUST PLAN THE ROUTE AND INFORM THEIR FAMILIES ABOUT THE ROUTE WELL IN ADVANCE*, MR. TUCKER SAID.
LISTENING TO RADIO WEATHER BROADCASTS BEFORE STARTING THE JOURNEY WILL HELP TO DECIDE ON THE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED.
♦A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS IS ESSENTIAL TO PROTECT THE ANKLES AND FEET AND TO PREVENT BLISTERS, WEAR GOOD THICK SOCKS AND MAKE SURE THE BOOTS ARE WELL FITTED,* HE ADDED.
IN THE COURSE OF THE JOURNEY, IT IS ALWAYS SAFE TO KEEP THE WHOLE TEAM TOGETHER, ^WALKING ALONE IS DANGEROUS,* MR. TUCKER WARNED.
IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS, MR. TUCKER ADVISED THAT DECISIONS MUST BE MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND ONE SHOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE NATURE OF THE INJURY- TIME AVAILABLE BEFORE DARK-THE WEATHER- STATE OF THE PARTY AND ITS MORALE- THE NEAREST POINT FOR ASSISTANCE- WHICH WAY TO MOVE THE INJURED, IF ABSOULTELY NECESSARY, AND HAVE HIM PROPERLY SECURED AND, WHO IS TO BE SELECTED TO DELIVER A MESSAGE AND SET THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE IN OPERATION.
REGARDING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON CYCLING. MR. YOUNG, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON CYCLING, URGED CYCLISTS TO OBEY TRAFFIC RULES LIKE OTHER MOTORISTS.
THERE WERE ABOUT 600 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING BICYCLES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
I
♦DON’T RIDE ON BUSY ROADS EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY BE A PROFICIENT CYCLIST,* HE CAUTIONED.
♦CYCLING IS FUN BUT CARELESSNESS AND NEGLIGENCE OF TRAFFIC RULES ARE PREDOMINANT CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.♦
IT IS ADVISABLE TO PUT ON SPORTSWEAR — TIGHT TROUSERS AND SPORT SHOES, IF POSSIBLE. IF NOT, THEN ENSURE THAT THE TROUSERS OR JEANS WILL NOT BECOME TANGLED IN THE BICYCLE CHAIN.
TO THOSE WHO HIRE BICYCLES, MR. YOUNG REMINDED THEM TO CHECK THE CONDITION OF THE BICYCLE, ENSURE THAT THE BRAKES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION, TYRES FULLY INFLATED, FRONT AND REAR LAMPS WORKING PROPERLY, BELL AND REFLECTOR WELL POSITIONED.
♦IT’S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY+, MR. YOUNG REMARKED.
-------o ------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
5
HONG KONG TRADE FOR JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1978 ******
HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE VALUE FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS THIS YEAR STOOD AT $82,180 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 21 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1977, ACCORDING TO TRADE FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
IMPORTS ROSE BY 25 PER CENT TO 344,098 MILLION, EXPORTS BY 13 PER CENT TO $28,758 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 32 PER CENT TO $9,324 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE AS FOLLOWSi-
JAN.-SEPT.77 (HK$ MN) JAN.-SEPT.78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 10,035 11,060 +1,025 +10%
F.R. OF GERMANY 2,575 3,012 + 437 +17%
UNITED KINGDOM 2,100 2,636 + 536 +26%
JAPAN 1,002 1,223 + 221 +22%
AUSTRALIA 949 1,044 + 96 +10%
CANADA 870 911 ♦ 40 + 5%
SINGAPORE 645 750 + 105 ♦16%
THE NETHERLANDS 538 634 + 96 +18%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 419 494 ♦ 76 +18%
NIGERIA 300 451 + 151 +50%
THE RISE IN
EXPORTS TO U.S.A. WAS MAINLY DUE TO AN IN ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($4,587 ♦13 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($532 MILLION, +51 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($705 MILLION, +14 PER CENT).
INCREASE
MILLION,
HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE RECORDED IN EXPORTS OF RADIO RECEIVERS ($447 MILLION, -38 PER CENT) AND PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS ($913 MILLION, -3 PER CENT).
INCREASED EXPORTS TO F.R. OF GERMANY IS DUE TO THE RISE IN SHIPMENTS OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($1,805 MILLION, +18 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($125 MILLION, +133 PER CENT).
/for teg......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
- 6 -
FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, EXPORTS OF APPAREL ROSE BY 30 PER CENT IN VALUE TO $1,351 MILLION. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN SALES OF TEXTILE FABRICS ($272 MILLION, +25 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($161 MILLION, +97 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING EQUIPMENT ($142 MILLION, +51 PER CENT).
EXPORTS TO JAPAN WERE BOOSTED BY CLOTHING ($348 MILLION, +20 PER CENT)AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($81 MILLION, +81 PER CENT).
AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOWi
JAN.-SEPT.77 (HK$ MN) JAN.-SEPT.78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 10,155 11,243 .,088 ♦11%
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 4,247 4,725 + 478 ♦11%
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,405 2,138 ♦ 733 ♦52%
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,063 2,003 60 - 3%
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,955 1,963 ♦ 9
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 1,247 1,510 ♦ 263 +21%
BY COMMODITY, PROMINENT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN EXPORTS OF ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($11,243 MILLION, +11 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($1,765 MILLION, +61 PER CENT), HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL AND NON-ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($549 MILLION, +32 PER CENT), TRAVEL GOODS AND HANDBAGS ($653 MILLION, +24 PER CENT) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOR COMPUTERS ($519 MILLION, +38 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, EXPORTS OF RADIO RECEIVERS ($1,100 MILLION, - 3 PER CENT) AND PROFESSIONAL SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT ($94 MILLION, -29 PER CENT).
/THE CHANGES......
THURSDAY, N0V3JBSR 23, 1978
7 -
THE CHANGES AS FOLLOWS:
IN IMPORTS FROM
10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED
JAN.-SEPT.,77 (HK$ MN) JAN.-SEPT.78 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
JAPAN 8,221 10,117 +1,896 +23%
CHINA 5,702 7,312 +1,610 +28%
U.S.A. 4,428 5,460 +1,032 +23%
TAIWAN 2,375 2,919 + 544 +23%
SINGAPORE 2,172 2,317 + 145 ♦ 7%
UNITED KINGDOM 1,568 2,002 + 435 +28%
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,049 1,457 + 408 +39%
SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 922 1,388 + 465 +50%
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,177 1,251 + 74 +6%
AUSTRALIA 698 917 + 220 +32%
IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT, DUE MAINLY TO A RISE IN TEXTILE FABRICS ($1,359 MILLION, + 22 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($892 MILLION, + 32 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES ($864 MILLION, + 37 PER CENT) AND ROAD VEHICLES ($612 MILLION, + 60 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM CHINA WERE REGISTERED IN TEXTILE FABRICS ($780 MILLION, + 89 PER CENT), PETROLEUM PRODUCTS ($529 MILLION, + 67 PER CENT), APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES ($404 MILLION, + 35 PER CENT) AND FOOD ITEMS SUCH AS LIVE ANIMALS ($854 MILLION, + 5 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT ($513 MILLION, + 18 PER CENT), MEAT ($353 MILLION, + 24 PER CENT) AND CEREALS ($302 MILLION, + 14 PER CENT).
A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS REGISTERED IN THE IMPORTS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($524 MILLION, + 70 PER CENT) FROM THE U.S. INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES ($676 MILLION, + 27 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($458 MILLION, + 13 PER CENT) AND VEGETABLES AND FRUIT ($404 MILLION, + 25 PER CENT).
IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN WERE BOOSTED BY TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS ($1,170 MILLION, + 12 PER CENT) WHILE THE INCREASE FROM SINGAPORE WAS DUE MAINLY TO MORE IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($117 MILLION, + 83 PER CENT).
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS:
/manujactubkd......
mUKSUAI, JiOVEKBHR 23, Vj'lC
- 8 -
JAN.-SEPT.77 JAN.-SEPT.78 INCREASE PERCENTAGE (HKS MN) (HKS MN) (HK$ MN) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS AND
DIAMONDS) 10,533 14,216 ♦3,684 +35%
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT 6,867 8,606 ♦1,739 ♦25%
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMAL CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 5,288 5,897 ♦ 609 ♦12%
MISCELLANEOUS
MANUFACTURED ARTICLES
(MAINLY WATCHES AND
CLOCKS, ARTICLES
OF APPAREL) 4,383 5,983 +1,600 +37*
CHEMICALS AND
RELATED PRODUCTS 2,666 3,287 ♦ 620 +23%
RAPID INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND CONSUMER GOODS. INCLUDING PEARLS, SEMI-PRECIOUS AND PRECIOUS STONES ($2,913 MILLION, +71 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($2,108 MILLION, +38 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL ($1,428 MILLION, +41 PER CENT).
IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($2,688 MILLION, +23 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES ($1,005 MILLION, +44 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT ($870 MILLION, +47 PER CENT) ALSO ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY.
HOWEVER, A-7SLIGHT DROP OCCURRED IN IMPORTS OF COFFEE. TEA. COCOA AND SPIKES ($158 MILLION, -33 PER CENT).
AS REGARDS RE-EXPORTS, THERE WERE INCREASED DEMANDS FROM JAPAN ($1,644 MILLION, +64 PER CENT), SINGAPORE ($999 MILLION, ♦31 PER CENT), INDONESIA ($930 MILLION, +31 PER CENT), U.S.A. ($881 MILLION, +41 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN ($848 MILLION, +37 PER CENT).
THE GOODS RE-EXPORTED WERE MAINLY PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES ($1,281 MILLION, +52 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS ($642 MILLION, +22 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS ($543 MILLION, ♦52 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($462 MILLION, +26 PER CENT) AND ROAD VEHICLES ($206 MILLION, +79 PER CENT).
THE TRADE INDEX NUMBERS FOR AUGUST, 1978 (1973-100) WERE RELEASED AS FOLLOWSf
VALUE UNIT VALUE QUANTUM INDEX INDEX INDEX
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 247 140 176
IMPORTS 217 144 151
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX FOR AUGUST WAS 97. ---------------------------- 0 -----
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
- 9 -
CHEUNG CHAU REDEVELOPMENT * M * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSTRUCT A 1O-METRE-WIDE PROMENADE ALONG CHEUNG CHAU WAN TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS ON CHEUNG CHAU.
THE SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, MR. LO CHAI-WAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECTION OF THE PROMENADE FROM THE SOUTH OF THE EXISTING FERRY PIER TO NAM WAN WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A $55.5 MILLION DEVELOPMENT +PACKAGE+ FOR THE ISLAND TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
♦THE PROMENADE WILL CATER FOR PEDESTRIANS, SERVICE AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
♦IT WILL EVENTUALLY START FROM PAK TAI TEMPLE AND GO ALL THE WAY ROUND THE WESTERN AND SOUTHWESTERN COASTLINE OF THE ISLAND,* SAID MR. LO.
CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT ♦PACKAGE*, MR. LO SAID IT WOULD PROVIDE 3,000 PEOPLE WITH A RURAL TYPE HOUSING ESTATE OF THREE TO FOUR STOREYS HIGH.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MODERN TWO-STOREY GOVERNMENT MARKET WITH FACILITIES FOR COOKED FOOD STALLS AS WELL AS SITES FOR VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING.
ENGINEERING WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL INVOLVE A RECLAMATION OF FOUR HECTARES OF LAND SOUTH OF THE EXISTING FERRY PIER.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. VICTOR YUNG, SAID THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD REQUIRE THE RESUMPTION OF 1,379 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 216 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND.
MR. YUNG SAID MOST OF THIS LAND HAD ALREADY BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH LAND EXCHANGES WITHIN THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL TOWN WITH POSSESSION OF SITES DEFERRED UNTIL THE LAND IS FORMED UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT +PACKAGE* WORKS.
OWNERS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND WILL BE OFFERED LAND EXCHANGES AT A RATIO OF 5l2 WHILE OWNERS OF BUILDING LAND WILL BE OFFERED A FOOT-FOR-FOOT LAND EXCHANGE.
ONE TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURE OCCUPIED BY A FAMILY WILL BE CLEARED. THE FAMILY, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING OR MAY OPT FOR A RESITE ON CHEUNG CHAU ALONG WITH AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000.
IN ADDITION, THREE OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES PRESENTLY USED AS BOATYARDS WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED, MR. YUNG SAID.
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/10....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
- 10 -
SNT TO OPEN SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A NEW SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN THIS SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
THE NEW SPORTS GROUND MARKS A MAJOR EFFORT BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO PROVIDE SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE NEW COMPLEX, COSTING NEARLY $100,000 AND COVERING AN AREA OF 2,500 SQUARE METRES TO THE EAST OF, AND NEIGHBOURING, LEK YUEN ESTATE, HAS TWO TENNIS COURTS, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK AND TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A SKATEBOARD PERFORMANCE AND VOLLEYBALL AND TENNIS DEMONSTRATIONS BY LOCAL GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE NEW SPORTS GROUND AT SHA TIN. IT WILL START AT 9.45 A.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25). PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9 A.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM SHA TIN.
0
S.W.D.’S SERVICES FOR THE YOUTH * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOLD YOUNG ATHLETES TO MAKE FULL USE OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE YOUTH TO HELP DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS.
HE WAS ADDRESSING PARTICIPANTS AT THE OPENING OF THE 14TH ATHLETIC MEET OF THE CHIU SHEUNG SCHOOL AT THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION STADIUM.
MR. LEE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT IS RUNNING SEVEN COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTRES, EIGHT COMMUNITY CENTRES AND NINE COMMUNITY HALLS WITH PROGRAMMES GEARED TO DEVELOP YOUNG PEOPLE’S LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS, SPIRIT OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE YOUTH, HE SAID, ARE PROVIDED IN VARIOUS FORMS, INCLUDING YOUTH GROUPS, INTEREST GROUPS, MASS ACTIVITIES AND YOUTH VOLUNTARY WORK SCHEMES.
♦I HOPE EACH OF YOU WILL MAKE GOOD USE OF OUR YOUTH SERVICES AND PARTICIPATE IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES PROVIDED DURING YOUR LEISURE HOURS,+ HE TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
11
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THE SECTION OF GLENEALY BETWEEN ROBINSON ROAD AND CONDUIT ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 P.M. TO 7 A.M. ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 24 AND 25) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FLYOVER BETWEEN GLENEALY AND ROBINSON ROAD.
ACCESS FOR VEHICLES TO ROBINSON GARDEN APARTMENTS, HOWEVER, WILL BE MAINTAINED,
MEANWHILE, DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, THE SECTION OF CONDUIT ROAD BETWEEN HORNSEY ROAD AND CASTLE ROAD WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. DRIVERS REQUIRING ACCESS TO CONDUIT ROAD MAY USE EITHER KOTEWALL ROAD OR HORNSEY ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE TO GYMNASTIC COMPETITION ft ft ft ft
STUDENTS HAVE RESPONDED ENTHUSIASTICALLY TO A GYMNASTIC COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND SOME 200 ENTRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE VARIOUS EVENTS.
THE COMPETITION, COMPRISING A MINI-MEET AND A TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE MINI-MEET WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 20 AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
EVENTS IN THE MINI-MEET INCLUDE VAULTING AND COMPULSORY AND VOLUNTARY FLOOR EXERCISES. THERE WILL BE ONE SECTION FOR GIRLS AND ANOTHER FOR BOYS.
LAST YEAR 180 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THE MINI-MEET.
THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 8 AND 9, 1979, IN THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
FOR BOYS, THE EVENTS WILL INCLUDE FLOOR EXERCISE, VAULTING, HORIZONTAL BAR AND PARALLEL BAR- AND FOR GIRLS THERE WILL BE FLOOR EXERCISE, VAULTING, HORIZONTAL BAR AND BALANCE BENCH.
ENTRIES ARE STILL OPEN FOR THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE CLOSING DATE IS JANUARY 13, 1979.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1978
12
NOTE TO EDITORS!
PRISONS DEPARTMENT PASSING-OUT PARADE ******
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT ITS STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
TAKING PART IN THE PARADE WILL BE SOME 70 RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR INITIAL TRAINING.
THE DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL MANAGER (PRISONS INDUSTRIES), hfi. T. COLLINSON WILL TAKE THE SALUTE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH STARTS AT 11 A.M. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A PRESS VAN WILL LEAVE GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 10.15 A.M.
- 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE STOPPED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HIGH STREET, EASTERN STREET, FIRST STREET AND WESTERN STREET, INCLUDING A SECTION OF POKFULAM ROAD FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO HIGH STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
contents page NO.
UMELCO ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO BE SECONDED TO FCO . 1
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED ......... 2
FURTHER TEXTILE TALKS WITH THE USA AND THE EEC ......... 3
GOVERNOR TO INAUGURATE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME ........ 4
FIRST MAXICAB FRANCHISE ................................ 4
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO FO TAN INDUSTRIAL SITES ........ 5
FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SHA TIN RACES .................................................. 6
FLYOVER TO LINK TAI KOK TSUI WITH SHAM SHUI PO ......... 7
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS URGED ............. 8
REVISED ZONING PLAN FOR SHEK KIP MEI ................... 8
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO TAIWAN EXTENDED ................... 9
INSTALLATION FOR MUI WO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS ......... 9
TENDERS CALLED FOR ROAD WORK ........................... 10
FIRING PRACTICE CANCELLED .............................. 10
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
UMELCO ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO BE SECONDED TO FCO *******
MR. PATRICK WILLIAMSON, THE ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF UMELCO OFFICE, IS BEING SECONDED TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (FCO) IN LONDON IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO WORK AS THE HEAD OF THE HONG KONG SECTION IN THE HONG KONG AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT.
THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME AN OFFICER FROM THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE HAS WORKED IN THE FCO.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE CLOSER WORKING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE FCO AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR. WILLIAMSON, AGED 37, WAS FIRST APPOINTED TO THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1964. HE SERVED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT PRIOR TO TAKING UP HIS PRESENT POST IN MAY LAST YEAR.
THE NEW ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF THE UMELCO OFFICE WILL BE MR. MAURICE SARGANT, AGED 49. HE JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1950 AS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND IS CURRENTLY A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE SECURITY BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
/2
2
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FROM TODAY (NOVEMBER 24) THE ANNUAL RATE OF TAX FREE INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 3.24 PER CENT TO 5.04 PER CENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE 42 CENTS PER MONTH ON $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER OF THE CERTIFICATES IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
+INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF THE CERTIFICATE IS REPAID IN CASH,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NEW RATE APPLIES TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978, WHEN THE RATE WAS 3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM, WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT THAT RATE.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 19, 1975 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 17, 1977 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 4.2 PER CENT AND THOSE ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 17, 1977 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AT 3 PER CENT, BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLESt-
$1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED NOVEMBER 24, 1978, DECEMBER 24, 1978 AND JANUARY 24, 1979 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON FEBRUARY 27, 1979, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWSi-
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 24, 1978 TO FEBRUARY 23, 1979,
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH - $12.60
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 24, 1978 TO FEBRUARY 23, 1979,
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.20 PER MONTH - $ 8.40
ON $1,000, JANUARY 24, 1979 TO FEBRUARY 23, 1979,
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.20 PER MONTH - $ 4.20
INTEREST ACCRUED $25.20
INTEREST ACCRUED IS ROUNDED OFF TO $26 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES (FOURTH SERIES) RULES.
- - 0 - -
/3
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
- 3 - '
FURTHER TEXTILE TALKS WITH THE USA AND THE EEC
******
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE WOULD BE LEAVING WITH A HONG KONG DELEGATION ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 26) FOR FURTHER TEXTILE TALKS IN WASHINGTON AND BRUSSELS.
(
♦THESE TALKS WILL BE A CONTINUATION OF THOSE WE HAVE BEEN HAVING WITH THE UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES AND WITH THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES DURING THE COURSE OF THIS YEAR ON THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF OUR TWO BILATERAL TEXTILE RESTRAINT AGREEMENTS WITH THEM,* MR. MILLS SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE FIRST +TEXTILE YEAR* OF EACH OF THE AGREEMENTS ENDS ON DECEMBER 31. THE HONG KONG TEAM WOULD BE SEEKING TO +CLEAR THE DECKS* SO THAT ALL OUTSTANDING ISSUES WHICH WERE MAINLY OF A TECHNICAL NATURE, WOULD BE SETTLED BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND TEXTILE YEAR ON JANUARY 1, 1979.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE MR. JUSTIN YUE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, TEXTILES CONTROLS DIVISION- MR. P.C. LEUNG, PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN DIVISION AND MR. K.C. KWONG, TRADE OFFICER.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE JOINED IN WASHINGTON BY W. R.B. CROWSON, COUNSELLOR (HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS) AND IN BRUSSELS BY MR. C.B. BURGESS, MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MEMBER STATES, AND MR. NICHOLAS YEK, FIRST SECRETARY.
MR. MILLS WILL ALSO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR. DENIS BRAY.
MR. MILLS SAID THAT HE WOULD ALSO BE SEEING MR. PETER TSAO, COUNSELLOR, HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN GENEVA FOR AN UP-TO-DATE BRIEFING ON THE MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND MIGHT STAY ON IN GENEVA IF THESE APPEAR TO BE REACHING A CONCLUSION BY DECEMBER 15.
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4
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
NOTE TO ED ITORS1
GOVERNOR TO INAUGURATE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 27) AT 10.30 A.M.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY. OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORT FACILITY PROVIDED AS ONLY VEHICLES WITH SPECIAL PASSES OR MARKING LABELS WILL BE ALLOWED TO GO THROUGH THE BARRIER.
THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CARPARK (JUTSIDE THE RECEPTION OFFICE OF MURRAY BUILDING,. GARDEN ROAD, NOT LATER THAN 8.25 A.M. THREE VANS, NOS. AM2110, AM2O65 AND AM2081, WILL LEAVE AT 8.30 A.M. SHARP.
OFFICERS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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FIRST MAXICAB FRANCHISE
* X X *
THE OPERATOR OF MAX I CAB ROUTES 1, 2 AND 3 WILL BE AWARDED A THREE-YEAR FRANCHISE BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE FROM DECEMBER 1.
THE OFFICIAL SIGNING OF THE FRANCHISE, THE FIRST TO BE AWARDED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO A MAXICAB OPERATOR, WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 01 KWAN ROAD AT 2.45 P.M. TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR. JOHN SHEARMAN, CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WILL SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, AND MR. YUEN CHIU WILL SIGN ON BEHALF OF SUPER PEAK P.L.B. COMPANY, OPERATOR OF MAXICAB ROUTES 1, 2 AND 3.
THE COMPANY IS OPERATING THE THREE ROUTES ON AN +EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO OPERATE* BASIS, AND THE FRANCHISE IS BEING AWARDED TO ALLOW THE COMPANY TO OPERATE ON A MORE FORMALLY LEGAL BASIS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON WHY A FRANCHISE WAS NOT AWARDED EARLIER WAS BECAUSE THE MAX I CAB ROUTES IN QUESTION WERE BEING RUN ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS.
+THE FRANCHISE IS TO MAKE THESE ROUTES PERMANENT IN THE LEGAL SENSE,* HE SAID.
/NOTE .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
5
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE SIGNING OF THE FRANCHISE TODAY (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS. GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 Ol KWAN ROAD. THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE l»LACE AT 2.45 P.M. MR. T. HAHN OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO FO TAN INDUSTRIAL SITES
K * * X
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO PRIME INDUSTRIAL SITES AT FO TAN FROM HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. ROGER THOMPSON, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAIDt +THIS IS THE FIRST SALE BY TENDER OF INDUSTRIAL SITES AT FO TAN AND LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT HOLDERS HAVE SHOWN A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN THEM.
+THE TWO SITES ARE NEAR AN INDUSTRIAL SITE SOLD BY AUCTION LAST TUESDAY AT $892 PER SQUARE FOOT.
+SIX MORE SITES IN FO TAN WILL BE SOLD BY TENDER BEFORE THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
THE FIRST SITE HAS AN AREA OF 1,850 SQUARE METRES AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $2,990,000 WITHIN 30 CALENDAR MONTHS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE SECOND SITE MEASURES 2,159 SQUARE METRES AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $3,490,000 FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
TENDERS FOR BOTH SITES CLOSE ON DECEMBER 15.
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/6.....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
6
FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SHA TIN RACES * * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE FOUR SPECIAL PASSENGER TRAINS TO THE SHA TIN RACE-COURSE STATION ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 25) AND SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 26).
THESE SPECIAL NON-STOP TRAINS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON STATION, HUNG HOM AT 12.15 P.M., 12.31 P.M., 12.57 P.M. AND 1.10 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AND AT 11.49 A.M., 12.40 P.M., 1.05 P.M., AND 1.29 P.M. ON SUNDAY.
ON THE RETURN JOURNEY, THERE WILL BE FOUR SPECIAL TRAINS TO CARRY PASSENGERS BACK FROM THE RACE-COURSE STATION TO KOWLOON STATION.
IN ADDITION, K.C.R. WILL RE-ROUTE ON SATURDAY TWO OF ITS SCHEDULED TRAINS VIA THE RACE-COURSE STATION AT 4.31 P.M. AND 6.42 P.M. TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
THE TIME-TABLE OF THESE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS AND THE JOCKEY CLUB’S OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
A K.C. R. SPOKESMAN ADVISED MOTORISTS TO MAKE USE OF THE HUNG HOM STATION MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC. THE RATE OF PARKING IS 50 CENTS AN HOUR.
HE ADDED THAT THE TIME SCHEDULES OF NORMAL TRAINS OPERATING BETWEEN KOWLOON AND LO WU STATIONS BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND 11 P.M. ON THE TWO DAYS HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY ADJUSTED. THE REVISED TIMETABLE OF THE SCHEDULED TRAINS FOR THIS PERIOD ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ON SATURDAY FROM KOWLOON STATION:
11.09 A.M., 12 NOON, 1.31 P.M., 2.19 P.M.,
3.07 P.M., 3.54 P.M., 5.07 P.M., 5.38 P.M.,
6.54 P.M., 7.46 P.M., 8.32 P.M., 9.21 P.M., AND 11.00 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION:
10.52 A.M., 11.51 A.M., 12.51 P.M., 1.43 P.M.,
3.00 P.M., 3.38 P.M., 4.35 P.M., 5.48 P.M., 6.52 P.M., 7.25 P.M., 8.27 P.M. AND 9.28 P.M.
ON SUNDAY FROM KOWLOON STATION:
11.13 A.M., 12.15 P.M.. 1.12 P.M., 2.02 P.M.,
2.54 P.M., 3.57 P.M., 5.00 P.M., 6.29 P.M.,
7.15 P.M., 7.54 P.M., 8.35 P.M., 9.45 P.M.
AND 11.00 P.M.
FROM LO WU STATION:
11.05 A.M., 11.57 A.M., 12.52 P.M., 1.58 P.M.,
2.53 P.M., 3.39 P.M., 4.23 P.M., 5.24 P.M.,
6.35 P.M., 7.50 P.M., 8.33 P.M., AND 9.25 P.M.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
- 7 -
FLYOVER TO LINK TAI KOK TSUI WITH SHAM SHU I PO
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR ON A FLYOVER WHICH WILL LINK TAI KOK TSUI WITH SHAM SHU I PO.
THE 500-METRE-LONG ELEVATED ROAD, WHICH FORMS THE SECOND STAGE CF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, WILL RUN ALONG TUNG CHAU STREET FROM YEN CHOW STREET TO TAI KOK TSUI ROAD WHERE IT WILL LINK UP WITH ANOTHER SECTION OF FLYOVER NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE FLYOVER WILL HAVE THREE TRAFFIC LANES IN EACH DIRECTION.
TWO RAMPS WILL ALSO BE BUILT AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE FLYOVER TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AND FROM THE CHEUNG SHA WAN AND LAI CHI KOK AREAS, INCLUDING THE SHAM SHU I PO FERRY CONCOURSE.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WERE INVITED BY THE P.W.D. TODAY (FRIDAY).
DR. Y.L. CHOI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 22 MONTHS.
+THE ENTIRE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SCHEME CALLS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER FROM THE JUNCTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD AND FERRY STREET IN THE SOUTH TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD IN THE NORTH,+ HE SAID.
+ON COMPLETION, IT WILL PROVIDE A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR HIGHWAY SERVING THE MAJOR TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS BETWEEN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND WEST KOWLOON.+
DR. CHOI ADDED THAT THE SECTION OF THE FLYOVER TO BE CONSTRUCTED WOULD PROVIDE BY ITSELF A VERY DESIRABLE BY-PASS FOR TRAFFIC TRAVELLING THROUGH THE CONGESTED TAI KOK TSUI AND SHAM SHU I PO AREAS.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN DESIGNED, AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED, BY THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, ON BEHALF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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/8
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
8
CO-OPERATION OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS URGED
*****
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. BASIL BOARD, TODAY (FRIDAY) MADE AN APPEAL TO TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO FOSTER GREATER CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING FOR THE BENEFIT OF STUDENTS DURING THEIR FORMATIVE SCHOOL YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK NO. 1 COLLEGE SPEECH DAY, MR. BOARD SAID THAT PUPILS NEEDED NOT ONLY THE DOUBLE ENCOURAGEMENT OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS BUT THAT PARENTS AND TEACHERS ALSO NEEDED EACH OTHERS’ ACTIVE SUPPORT AS WELL.
HOME AND SCHOOL VISITS, BY INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS AND PARENTS,HE ADDED,WERE VITAL IN DEALING WITH THE WELFARE OF CERTAIN CHILDREN.
♦OF COURSE, THIS ITSELF REQUIRES THE DEVOTION OF TIME AND ENERGY — TIME AND ENERGY WHICH COULD BE SPENT ON OTHER USEFUL BUT LESS PERSONAL ACTIVITIES. BUT I AM CONVINCED THAT THE BUILDING OF THESE RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE FOUND IMMENSELY VALUABLE.
♦AND IT IS NOT JUST THE PUPILS WHO WILL BENEFIT- THE PARENTS WILL RESPOND TO THE ASSURANCE OF A CARING SCHOOL, AND THE TEACHERS WILL FIND THEIR EFFORTS WORTHWHILE AND REWARD ING,+ MR. BOARD SAID.
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REVISED ZONING PLAN FOR SHEK KIP MEI
* * * *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A REVISED DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR SHEK KIP MEI, INCORPORATING ONE AMENDMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID TODAY (FRI DAY) THAT UNDER THE AMENDMENT, PARTS OF THE AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF NAM CHEONG STREET AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, FORMERLY ZONED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY, AND GREEN BELT USES, HAD BEEN REZONED FOR RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A) PURPOSES. THE SITE WAS NOW EARMARKED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME, HE ADDED.
THE AMENDED PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION UNTIL DECEMBER 14 AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD- THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SHAM SHU I PO), 299-303 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE ALSO ON SALE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AT $5 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $25 FOR A COLOURED ONE.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS AND SUGGESTED ALTERNATIONS TO THE PLAN SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY BEFORE DECEMBER 14, 1978.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
9
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO TAIWAN EXTENDED # * * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT FROM DECEMBER 1 THP SPEEDPOST SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TAIWAN WILL BE EXTENDED TO'INCLUDE SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE ITEMS.
THE SERVICE IS AT PRESENT AVAILABLE TO FIVE MAJOR CITIES IN TAIWAN. THEY ARE KAOHSIUNG, KEELUNG, TAICHUNG, TAINAN AND TAIPEI SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO THESE CITIES ARE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT DAY AFTER POSTING.
MEANWHILE,A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE INTRODUCED TO SWITZERLAND IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AS A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE SERVICE.
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INSTALLATION FOR MUI WO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS
* M * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) INVITED TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MACHINERY FOR THE PROPOSED MUI WO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THREE SCREW PUMPS, TWO MECHANICALLY RAKED SCREENS AND A DISINTEGRATOR, FOUR SCRAPERS FOR SEDIMENTATION TANKS AND AN ELECTRICAL AND CONTROL SYSTEM.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK WILL BEGIN IN APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED, AND WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED. BY THE DRAINAGE WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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/1O ..
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1978
10
TENDERS CALLED FOR ROAD WORK * * * *
TENDERS WERE INVITED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR ENGINEERING WORK ON A DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WHICH FORMS PART OF THE FAN LING AND SHEK WU HUI DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW ROAD, MEASURING ABOUT 2.4 KILOMETRES, WOULD BE A MAJOR LINK BETWEEN THE FUTURE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD NEAR WO HOP SHEK AND THE SHEK WU HUI TOWNSHIP.
HE SAID THAT IT WOULD BE A DUAL, TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY COMPLETE WITH FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACK.
THE CONTRACTS ALSO INCLUDES SIX PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST SUBWAYS, ONE PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE FOOTBRIDGE AND THE TRUNK DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS ALONG THE ROAD.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED, AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED, BY THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D.
FIRING PRACTICE CANCELLED * * * *
THE FIRING PRACTICE FOR THIS MONTH WHICH WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON NOVEMBER 28, 29 AND 30 HAS BEEN CANCELLED. ’
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CREDIT-UNIT STUDY PROGRAMMES ................................ 1
SNT OPENS SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN .......................... 2
STRESS MUST BE ON HUMAN VALUES, SAYS CHIEF SECRETARY ........ 3
ABERDEEN SEWAGE PLANT IN OPERATION NEXT MONTH ............... 4
BALANCED EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ......................... 5
MONG KOK WEEK MARATHON RACE ................................. 6
NEW SAN TIN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE OPENS .................... 7
WATER CUT.................................................... 7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
1
CREDIT-UNIT STUDY PROGRAMMES ft ft ft ft ft
THE INTRODUCTION OF CREDIT-UNIT STUDY PROGRAMMES, SOME OF WHICH HAVE BEEN PROVISIONALLY RECOGNISED BY THE TECHNICIAN EDUCATION COUNCIL (TEC) IN BRITAIN, IS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN HONG KONG’S TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE 197O’S, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. DANIEL WATERS SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR. WATERS WAS-SPEAK I NG AT THE OPENING OF THE STUDY CONFERENCE ON THE PLANNING OF TECHNICIAN STUDY PROGRAMMES AT CERTIFICATE/ DIPLOMA LEVEL AT THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON DIVERSE DATES BETWEEN NOW AND DECEMBER 12.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY OVER 60 TECHNICAL TEACHERS FROM THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES — HAKING WONG, MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND LEE WAI LEE.
THE PROGRAMME COMPRISES SELF-CONTAINED STUDY UNITS WHICH CAN BE SEPARATELY ASSESSED AND, IF THE PROGRAMME IS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED, IT WILL COUNT FOR A CREDIT TOWARDS A STUDENT’S AWARD.
MR. WATERS SAID ALTHOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS NOT YET FULLY UNDER WAY IN HONG KONG, IT WAS INTENDED THAT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVER WHO HAD COMPLETED UNITS IN HIS PREVIOUS SCHOOL AND HAD BEEN AWARDED FULL CREDITS WOULD BE GIVEN EXEMPTIONS FOR THESE SUBJECTS WHEN HE ENROLLED FOR A RECOGNISED COURSE IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
+ONE NEW ASPECT OF THE TEC SYSTEM IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF STUDY PROGRAMMES ARE CONSTRUCTED IN LEARNING UNITS WHICH CAN BE ASSEMBLED IN VARIOUS COMBINATIONS AND PACKAGES TO GIVE TO STUDENTS PRECISELY THE KNOWLEDGE NEEDED FOR A CHOSEN CAREER.
+THIS GIVES THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROGRESS BEYOND THEIR INITIAL OBJECTIVE, SAY, FROM CERTIFICATE TO DIPLOMA BY SIMPLY TAKING ADDITIONAL UNITS WHENEVER IT SUITS THEM,+ MR. WATERS SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THESE TEC AWARDS COULD PROVE VALUABLE STEPPING STONES 70R STUDENTS WISHING TO GO FURTHER.
ALSO, TEC CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS ARE ACCEPTABLE TO BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS FOR ADMISSION OR TRANSFER TO DEGREES AND OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION WORK. THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG ALREADY HAVE SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POLYTECHNIC.
THE TEC HAS PROVISIONALLY RECOGNISED THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES’ CERTIFICATE AND DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES IN BUILDING STUDIES AND IN CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDIES.
+WE ARE PLANNING TO SEEK RECOGNITION OF MORE TECHNICIAN PROGRAMMES FROM THE COUNCIL FOR SEPTEMBER, 1979,+ MR. WATERS SAID.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
- 2 -
SNT OPENS SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN *****
A 1100,000 MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS GROUND IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN -THE FIRST OF ITS KIND EVER BUILT BY A DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - WAS OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW COMPLEX, MR. AKERS-JONES DESCRIBED THE SPORTS GROUND AS +BOTH AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE AREA AND A REAL CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT IN SHA TIN AND THE FORERUNNER OF THE MAJOR SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES NOW BEING PLANNED BETWEEN THE TOWN CENTRE AND THE RACE COURSE TO MAKE SHA TIN A PLEASANT TOWN FOR YOUNG AND OLD AL IKE.+
THE NEW SPORTS GROUND, COVERING AN AREA OF 2,500 SQUARE METRES TO THE EAST OF, AND NEIGHBOURING, LEK YUEN ESTATE, HAS TWO TENNIS COURTS, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK AND TWO VOLLEYBALL COURTS.
IT MARKS A MAJOR EFFORT BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD TO PROVIDE BETTER RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES FOR THE RAPIDLY INCREASING POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWN.
MR. AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT IT WAS SIGNIFICANT THAT, IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THE BOARD HAD GIVEN PRIORITY TO RECREATION AND SPORT.
♦THIS,* HE SAID, MCCORDS WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR SHA TIN.*
OUTLINING FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS PARTICULAR FIELD, HE SA IDi +NEXT YEAR, WORK WILL COMMENCE ON A LARGE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND A FULL=SIZED TEMPORARY FOOTBALL PITCH BETWEEN WO CHE ESTATE AND THE SHING MUN RIVER AND ON THE SILVER JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BESIDE THE RACE COURSE.
A PARK CONSTRUCTED INSIDE THE NEW RACE COURSE WILL OPEN NEXT MONTH.
♦THE EFFECT OF THIS DEVELOPMENT WILL BE TO PROVIDE SHA TIN WITH THE FIRST STAGE OF THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH ITS COMMUNITY REQUIRES AND, IN PARTICULAR, TO MAXIMISE THE LEISURE TIME, POTENTIAL OF THE SHING MUN RIVER AND THE OPEN SPACE ON BOTH ITS SIDES,* HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES WENT ON TO PRAISE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD FOR ITS IMAGINATION AND RESPONSIVENESS TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
♦THE EFFICIENT PLANNING AND ORGANISATION OF THE RECREATION, CULTURAL AND SPORT SUB-COMMITTEE, UNDER ITS CHAIRMAN, MR. LAU HON-KIT, HAS QUICKLY DEVELOPED THE SITE INTO A VERY USEFUL SPORTS GROUND IN AN IDEAL LOCATION,♦ HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
- 3 -
STRESS MUST BE ON HUMAN VALUES, SAYS CHIEF SECRETARY *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR. JACK CATER, TODAY EMPHASISED THE NEED TO STRESS HUMAN VALUES IN THE LIFE OF HONG KONG.
ADDRESSING STUDENTS OF ST. CATHARINE’S SCHOOL AT THEIR SPEECH DAY, HE SAID, +WE SHOULD PLACE AT THE VERY CENTRE OF OUR THINKING, THE MAKING AND MOULDING OF HUMAN BEINGS.*
MR. CATER, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL’S COUNCIL, REMINDED THE STUDENTS OF THEIR MORAL OBLIGATIONS TO THEMSELVES AND TO OTHERS.
+WE SHOULD TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT OUfiSELVES IN ORDER, TO SEE THAT WE LIVE OUR LIVES BY SOUND AND TESTED MORAL PRECEPTS, SO THAT WE UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT OURSELVES AND SHOW THE PROPER CONCERN AND CONSIDERATION FOR OTHER PEOPLE*.
THAT, HE SAID, MEANT TAKING A FIRM GRASP OF OUR ROLE AS HUMAN BEINGS, OUR DUTIES TO OURSELVES AND TO OTHERS.
+THIS IS WHAT I MEAN BY STRESSING HUMAN VALUES,* HE SAID.
*WE CAN AND WE ALL MUST FIND TIME FOR THIS IF WE ARE TO HAVE THE SORT OF SOCIETY WHICH YOU AND I WANT, AND HONG KONG DESERVES.*
MR. CATER TOLD THE STUDENTS THAT THEY HAD A FIRST CLASS CHANCE AT ST. CATHARINE’S TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES.
*1 KNOW THAT A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO THE SCHOOL AND TO ALL THOSE IN IT IS ENCOURAGED AT EVERY LEVEL,* HE SAID. *YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WIDEN YOUR HORIZON EVEN FURTHER FROM THE WORLD OF YOUR OWN FAMILY AND YOUR SCHOOL FAMILY TO THE WHOLE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG AND, INDEED, THE WORLD BEYOND.*
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/4
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
- 4
ABERDEEN SEWAGE PLANT IN OPERATION NEXT MONTH ******
THE ABERDEEN SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT, WHICH FORMS PART OF A MAJOR SEWAGE SCHEME FOR ABERDEEN,WILL’ COME INTO OPERATION NEXT MONTH.
THE |4.2 MILLION PLANT INCLUDES AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A CONTROL ROOM, A SCREW PUMP CHAMBER, SCREEN CHANNELS AND CIRCULAR GRIT TANKS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE SAIDi +WHEN THE PLANT BEGINS OPERATION, SEWAGE IN ABERDEEN WILL BE ADEQUATELY TREATED BEFORE IT IS DISCHARGED THROUGH A SUBMARINE OUTFALL INTO THE SEA FOR DILUTION AND DISPERSION.*
THE ABERDEEN PLANT IS ONE OF THREE SEWAGE SCREENING AND TREATMENT PLANTS BEING BUILT IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THE OTHER TWO ARE THE AP LEI CHAU SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT STAGE I AND THE DEEP WATER BAY-REPULSE BAY SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL WORKS.
ABOUT HALF OF THE WORK ON THE MAIN SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE AP LEI CHAU STAGE I PLANT, INCLUDING THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND STAFF QUARTERS, HAS SO FAR BEEN COMPLETED AND WORK RELATING TO THE MACHINERY CONTRACT WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.
THE MACHINERY CONTRACT WILL CONSIST OF THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF 11 PENSTOCKS, A COARSE SCREEN, A GRIT REMOVAL SYSTEM, A FINE SCREEN AND A FLOW MEASUREMENT DEVICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ON COMPLETION, SEWAGE FROM AP LEI CHAU PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE PHASE I, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING 19,000 PEOPLE, WILL BE TREATED THROUGH THE MECHANICAL COARSE AND FINE SCREENS AND GRIT REMOVAL DEVICE BEFORE IT IS DISCHARGED VIA THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL INTO DEEPER WATER FOR ADEQUATE DILUTION AND SATISFACTORY DISPERSION.
MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE SUBMARINE OUTFALL AT THE DEEP WATER BAY-REPULSE BAY SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL WORKS IS NEARING COMPLETION WHILE WORK ON THE SEWERS ALONG THE FORESHORE, THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND CONTROL ROOM SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
5
BALANCED EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREPARE THEM FOR A FULL PART IN ADULT LIFE.
TOO OFTEN IN THE PAST, HE SAID, YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE SIMPLY BEEN COACHED TO PASS THEIR EXAMINATIONS.
♦THIS IS, OF COURSE, VERY IMPORTANT,+ HE POINTED OUT.
♦BUT IT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SHOULD ALSO LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR LEISURE TIME BY DEVELOPING YOUR HOBBIES AND YOUR INTERESTS AND BY TAKING PART IN SPORTS AND OTHER OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.♦
MR. TODD SAID THIS AT TSUEN WAN’S JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1OTH ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEETING HELD AT YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM.
HE SAID IT HAS OFTEN BEEN DIFFICULT TO FIND PLACES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
♦THIS REMAINS TRUE IN MANY PLACES TODAY.
♦BUT THE POSITION WILL IMPROVE IN THE FUTURE AS GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL FACILITIES BECOMES A REALITY,+ MR. TODD SAID.
HE CITED THE FORMATION OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF THIS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
HE SAID THE FORMATION OF THIS SERVICE HAS INCREASED THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ALL OVER HONG KONG AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦AND THIS YEAR THEY HAVE ORGANISED AN IMPRESSIVE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS IN TSUEN WAN, OFTEN IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.+
MR. TODD PRAISED THE SCHOOL FOR ITS VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT BY PROVIDING MUCH NEEDED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE AND BY PROVIDING THEM WITH A BALANCED EDUCATION.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED THOSE WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN THE DAY’S EVENTS.
♦I HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE PART IN SUCH ACTIVITIES BOTH WHILE YOU ARE AT SCHOOL AND WHEN YOU LEAVE SO THAT YOU CAN LEAD A FULL LIFE BOTH PERSONALLY AND AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY,* MR. TODD ADDED.
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A......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1978
6
MONG KOK WEEK MARATHON RACE * ft ft *
OVER 5.000 RESIDENTS IN MONG KOK TOMORROW (SUNDAY) ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THREE ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO SYNCHRONISE WITH THE MONG KOK WEEK CAMPAIGN.
A MARATHON RACE, WITH OVER 500 PEOPLE TAKING PART, WILL START AT 8.30 A.M. AT THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND OF QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, MONG KOK.
THE ROUTE INCLUDES SAI YEE STREET, ARGYLE STREET, KADOORIE AVENUE, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.
EACH PARTICIPANT WILL HAVE TO MAKE SIX CIRCUITS IN THE 7-1/2 MILE MARATHON.
THE FIRST 10 TO COMPLETE THE JOURNEY WILL BE GIVEN PRIZES.
AN EXHIBITION ON HUMAN RESOURCES IN MONG KOK DISTRICT WILL OPEN AT 11 A.M. AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND.
THERE WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY OF THE WORK OF, AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY, 19 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES. STAFF FROM THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUERIES FROM VISITORS.
OVER 200 YOUTHS AGED 16 AND ABOVE WILL TAKE PART IN A JOUSTING MATCH AT 2 P.M. AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND. THERE WILL BE SIX EVENTS AND WINNERS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THESE FUNCTIONS WILL BE MISS REGINA LAU, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK) AND MR. CHO SIU-CHUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK WEEK ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK WEEK MARATHON RACE TOMORROW (SUNDAY^ AT 8.30 A.M. AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL PLAYGROUND. OTHER EVENTS OF THE MONG KOK WEEK ARE THE EXHIBITION OF HUMAN RESOURCES OPENING AT 11 A.M. AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, AND A JOUSTING MATCH, ALSO AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, AT 2 P.M.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1976
7
NEW SAN TIN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE OPENS * * * ft * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES TODAY (SATURDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEW OFFICE OF THE SAN TIN RURAL COMMITTEE IN YUEN LONG.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY WHICH ALSO MARKED THE INAUGURATION OF THE 13TH TERM OF THE COMMITTEE’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR. AKERS-JONES PRAISED THE FORMER CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN-MAKING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE A REALITY.
♦ I CONGRATULATE THE FORMER CHAIRMAN,MR. MAN KWAI-CHI AND HIS IWO VICE-CHAIRMEN FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN RAISING THE NECESSARY FUNDS AND STARTING THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK,* HE SAID.
* 1 ALSO CONGRATULATE THE NEW CHAIRMAN AND HIS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON THE COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT.
♦ AND I WISH THEM EVERY SUCCESS DURING THEIR TERM OF OFFICE.*
MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO REFERRED TO THE REMARKS BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN AT THE CEREMONY REGARDING THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA IN SAN TIN AND OTHER MATTERS OF LOCAL INTEREST.
HE ASSURED THAT THESE WOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
♦ I WILL BE ASKING THE DISTRICT OFFICER TO DISCUSS THESE MATTERS FURTHER WITH THE RURAL COMMITTEE IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHAT ACTION COULD APPROPRIATELY BE TAKEN ON THEM,* HE ADDED.
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WATER CUT ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 27) TO FACILITATE WORKS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY HENNESSY ROAD, FLEMING ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND TONNOCHY ROAD, INCLUDING STEWART ROAD, HARBOUR HOTEL AND WAN CHAI POLICE STATION.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, TUNG TAU TSUEN, KOWLOON TONG, LOK FU, WANG TAU HOM, WONG TAI SIN, FUNG WONG TSUEN AND THE UPPER TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR 24 HOURS FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 27) MIDNIGHT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE N0*
APPLICATIONS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR GOLD COIN INVITED ... 1
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ACCEPTS HANDICAPPED STUDENTS .... 2
NEW AIRCRAFT SURVEILLANCE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER ..... 3
WORK ON STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER UNDERWAY ................ *
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL’S SPORTS DAY ................... 5
NO RIGHT TURN ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD .............
WATER CUT ........................................... 6
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
- 1 -
APPLICATIONS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR GOLD COIN INVITED ******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ISSUE A LIMITED QUANTITY OF $1,000 GOLD COINS TO MARK THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE YEAR OF THE GOAT.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE GOLD COIN WILL BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW (MONDAY) FROM ALL OFFICES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND THE MERCANTILE BANK. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 16.
ONLY 10,000 PROOF AND 20,000 UNCIRCULATED COINS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEET WORLD-WIDE DEMAND. EACH COIN HAS A FACE VALUE OF $1,000. THE PROOF COIN WHICH HAS A FROSTED RELIEF ON A MIRROR FINISH BACKGROUND WILL BE SOLD AT $1,500, AND THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN AT $1,000.
THE COIN IS MADE OF 22 CARAT GOLD, WITH A STANDARD WEIGHT OF 15.976 GRAMMES AND A DIAMETER OF 28.4 MM (1.118 INCHES).
THE OBVERSE SIDE BEARS A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN, WHILE THE REVERSE DEPICTS A RAM WHICH IS AN ARTIST’S INTERPRETATION OF A BRONZE RAM-SHAPED OIL LAMP FROM THE WESTERN HAN DYNASTY (206 B.C. - A.D. 24), EXCAVATED IN MAN CHENG, HOPEI, IN 1968.
EACH COIN WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PLASTIC SCREW-TOP CAPSULE AND SUPPLIED WITH A PRESENTATION CASE AND A DESCRIPTIVE BOOKLET.
THE YEAR OF THE GOAT COIN IS THE FOURTH IN A SERIES THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ISSUE TO MARK THE 12 LUNAR YEARS WHICH FALL IN THE WESTERN CALENDAR YEARS 1976 TO 1987.
THE COMING YEAR OF THE GOAT WILL COMMENCE ON JANUARY 28, 1979, AND END ON FEBRUARY 15, 1980. THE GOAT IS, THEREFORE, THE BIRTH ANIMAL FOR ANY CHILD BORN WITHIN THIS PERIOD.
THE GOAT ALSO RULED OVER THE FOLLOWING PERIODS I
FEBRUARY 13, 1907 TO FEBRUARY 1, 1908- FEBRUARY 1, 1919 TO
FEBRUARY 19, 1920- FEBRUARY 17, 1931 TO FEBRUARY 5, 1932- FEBRUARY 5, 1943 TO JANUARY 24, 1944- JANUARY 24, 1955 TO FEBRUARY 11, 1956-FEBRUARY 9, 1967 TO JANUARY 29, 1968.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
2
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ACCEPTS HANDICAPPED STUDENTS *****
THE MODERN APPROACH OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE HANDICAPPED, AS IN OTHER FIELDS OF EDUCATION, IS INTEGRATION, NOT SEGREGATION.
THIS IS THE VIEW OF MR. ROBERT BRAY, PRINCIPAL OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WHICH HAS ACCEPTED SIX MILDLY HANDICAPPED STUDENTS IN ITS PART-TIME EVETFFNG COURSES IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HANDICAPPED STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ENROLLED IN THE INSTITUTE SINCE IT OPENED LAST YEAR.
+IT IS OUR AIM TO PLACE THESE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS IN NORMAL CLASSES WHEREVER POSSIBLE SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE EQUAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFIT FROM INTEGRATING WITH ORDINARY STUDENTS,+ MR. BRAY SAID.
THE SIX HANDICAPPED, COMPRISING FIVE DEAF AND DUMB, AND ONE WITH AN ARTIFICIAL LEFT ARM, ALL WORK IN FACTORIES DURING DAY TIME.
OF THESE, THREE ARE ENROLLED IN A THREE-YEAR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SERVICING COURSE, TWO IN A THREE-YEAR COURSE ON CARPENTRY, JOINERY AND CABINET-MAKING, AND THE REMAINING ONE IN A ONE-YEAR WELDING COURSE.
MR. BRAY SAID THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING THESE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS RECEIVE IN THE INSTITUTE WILL COMPLEMENT THEIR IN-SERVICE EXPERIENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE INDUSTRIES.
HE ADDED THAT DESPITE THEIR PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS, THESE STUDENTS ARE KEEN ON LEARNING AND MIXING WELL WITH ORDINARY STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASS.
ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, THE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS, LIKE THEIR NORMAL COUNTERPARTS, WILL EACH RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CRAFT.
+IF THEY DO WELL IN THE COURSE THEY MAY RECEIVE FURTHER TRAINING TO BECOME TECHNICIANS IN THEIR OWN FIELD OF WORK,+ MR. BRAY SAID.
HE SAID THE INSTITUTE IS PREPARED TO ACCEPT MORE HANDICAPPED STUDENTS AND URGED EMPLOYERS TO RELEASE OR SPONSOR THEIR HANDICAPPED EMPLOYEES TO THE COURSES.
+IF AN EMPLOYER FEELS THAT TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS THROUGH EDUCATION ARE USEFUL TO HIS EMPLOYEES, THEN THE INSTITUTE WILL ACCEPT THEM AS STUDENTS, REGARDLESS Op THEIR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES,+ MR. BRAY SAID.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
3
NEW AIRCRAFT SURVEILLANCE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER *****
A NEW LONG-RANGE ROUTE SURVEILLANCE RADAR CAPABLE OF DETECTING THE POSITION OF AN AIRCRAFT 200 NAUTICAL MILES AWAY HAS RECENTLY BECOME FULLY OPERATIONAL AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS OF TEST RUNS.
THE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER PROVIDES INFORMATION ON AIRCRAFT WITHIN HONG KONG’S AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY AND IS CAPABLE OF UPDATING SUCH INFORMATION TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY RADIO CONTACTS WITH AIRCRAFT.
THE RADAR HAS BEEN SO DESIGNED THAT IT IS MONITORED AND CONTROLLED BY THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THROUGH A REMOTE CONTROL LINK SYSTEM.
THE ROUTE SURVEILLANCE RADAR HAS THE ABILITY TO REJECT UNWANTED SIGNALS FROM GROUND, SEA, RAIN AND OTHER INTERFERENCE.
WITH A DATA UPDATING RATE OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE PER MINUTE, THE RADAR SIGNALS, AFTER PRIMARY PROCESSING AT THE STATION, ARE SENT OVER A MICROWAVE LINK TO THE AIRPORT WHERE THEY ARE FED TO PLAN POSITION INDICATOR RADAR DISPLAYS AT THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE.
STAFF AT THE CENTRE OBTAIN THE AIRCRAFT POSITION INFORMATION FROM THE RADAR SCREEN.
BUILT ON THE SITE OF A PREVIOUS RADAR STATION, THIS RADAR HAS AN UNUSUAL SPECIAL FEATURE WHICH ALLOWS IT TO BE CONVERTED WITHIN 30 MINUTES TO OPERATE IN THE APPROACH MODE AND THUS ACTS AS A BACK=UP FOR THE EXISTING APPROACH SURVEILLANCE RADAR.
THE DISPLAYED RANGE IS THEN REDUCED TO 128 NAUTICAL MILES AND THE DATA UPDATING RATE IS INCREASED TO 10 PER MINUTE BY DOUBLING THE ANTENNA TURNING SPEED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE NEW RADAR WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE LONG RANGE CONTROL OF AIRCRAFT FLYING ON THE AIR ROUTES TO AND FROM HONG KONG.
AT A CLOSER RANGE WITHIN 60 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE AIRPORT, AIRCRAFT DETECTION AND CONTROL ARE DONE THROUGH A HIGH-RESOLUTION APPROACH RADAR ON BEACON HILL.
A SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER PROVIDES FURTHER IDENTIFICATION AND POSITIVE ALTITUDE INFORMATION OF COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT.
ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE AIRPORT IS A PRECISION APPROACH RADAR WHICH CAN PROVIDE GUIDANCE INFORMATION TO ENABLE AIRCRAFT WITHIN 10 NAUTICAL MILES TO LAND DURING POOR VISIBILITY.
♦COMPLEMENTING ONE ANOTHER, THESE RADARS ENSURE A SAFE, EXPEDITIOUS AND ORDERLY FLOW OF THE HONG KONG AIR TRAFFIC,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
4
WORK ON STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER UNDERWAY
* * * *
CAISSON FOUNDATION WORK ON THE STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER IS NOW WELL UNDERWAY JUST TWO MONTHS AFTER THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED.
AT THE WONG NAI CHUNG END OF THE NEW FLYOVER, THE SCENE HAS ALREADY CHANGED DRAMATICALLY, BUT TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA HAS NOT BEEN AFFECTED.
DR. Y.L. CHOI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT HE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR.
♦GOOD WORK IS BEING DONE ON THE CAISSON FOUNDATIONS, AND THE WORK IS MOVING AHEAD VERY SATISFACTORILY^ DR, CHOI SAID.
THE $54.6 MILLION FLYOVER CONTRACT WAS SIGNED EXACTLY TWO MONTHS AGO, AND AT THAT TIME THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT CONSTRUCTION WOULD CAUSE MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC.
THE ALIGNMENT OF THE FLYOVER WAS CHOSEN SO THAT EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS WOULD BE AFFECTED AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ANOTHER 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE 450=METRE-LONG FLYOVER WILL LINK LOWER STUBBS ROAD WITH WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD. THE GROUND LEVEL ROAD WILL BE IMPROVED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ADDITIONAL STRUCTURES TO CARRY TRAFFIC FROM STUBBS ROAD TO THE ROUNDABOUT, AND FROM THE ROUNDABOUT TO WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD.
THE ALIGNMENT IS SUCH THAT IT WILL RUN BESIDE THE EXISTING STUBBS ROAD, CROSS TAI HANG ROAD AND JOIN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD BEYOND THE EXISTING ROUNDABOUT.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
5
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL’S SPORTS DAY ******
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPORTS DAY ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 30) IN THE SPORTS GROUND OF THE HOSPITAL.
THE SPORTS MEET IS THE HOSPITAL’S TRADITIONAL ACTIVITY, DURING WHICH PATIENTS AND STAFF CAN HAVE FUN BY PARTICIPATING IN A SERIES OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS.
MORE THAN 2,000 PEOPLE INCLUDING PATIENTS, STAFF MEMBERS, THEIR FAHILES AND VISITORS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE DAY-LONG EVENT BEGINNING AT 10 A.M.
ABOUT 600 PATIENTS AND HOSPITAL STAFF WILL PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS COMPETITIONS.
TO MAKE THIS YEAR’S SPORTS DAY MORE SUCCESSFUL, GAMES COMPETITIONS IN GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS. THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT, WILL HELP IN THE FUNCTION AND PROVIDE GAMES FACILITIES.
DR. K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL DISTRIBUTE PRIZES TO WINNERS.
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NO RIGHT TURN ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 28) +N0 RIGHT TURN* RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR AREA 30, THE WORLD-WIDE GARDENS AND AREA 10.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING GAPS IN THE CENTRAL RESERVE AT THESE TWO LOCATIONS WILL BE CLOSED, AND A U-TURN FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE CENTRAL RESERVE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, JUST NORTH OF THE TOLL PLAZA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MO~ORISTS.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1978
6
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 28) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY KA LOK STREET, SHU I WO STREET, SHUI NING STREET, HIP WO STREET, KWUN TONG ROAD, HONG NING ROAD AND MUT WAH STREET, INCLUDING FU YAN STREET, YUE MAN SQUARE, TUNG YAN STREET AND YAN 01 COURT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
contents page NO.
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN OCTOBER ......................... 1
THE GOVERNOR INAUGURATES HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME ......... 3
MORE COMPENSATION AWARDED TO INJURED WORKERS .............. 5
GO-AHEAD FOR YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE .................. 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN POK FU LAM ........................ 7
CAREERS EXHIBITION CLOSES ................................. 7
MR. JOHN WALDEN TO VISIT TUNG WAH SCHOOL .................. 8
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ............................... 8
WATER CUT.................................................. 9
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
1
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN OCTOBER * * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES A AND B FOR LAST MONTH (OCTOBER) WERE BOTH 129, UP THREE POINTS AND TWO POINTS RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ADVANCED BY FIVE POINTS IN C.P.I. (A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN C.P.I. (B).
THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS THREE TIMES DURING THE MONTH CAUSED THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH-WATER FISH AND FRESH VEGETABLES TO GO UP.
AS SOME RESTAURANTS AND EATING-PLACES RAISED THEIR PRICES, THE AVERAGE CHARGES FOR MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ALSO WENT UP. HOWEVER, MOVEMENTS IN RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY FOUR POINTS AND THAT FOR DURABLE GOODS, BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR CIGARETTES AND FOR ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, CAMERAS AND OPTICAL GOODS.
A RISE OF ONE POINT WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR IN BOTH C.P.I. (A) AND (B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR SOME ITEMS OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S UNDERCLOTHING. THE INDEXES FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS AND FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES EACH WENT UP BY ONE POINT IN C.P.I. (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR KD IC INES AND HIGHER CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FREE EDUCATION SCHEME FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 STUDENTS BROUGHT THE INDEX FOR SCHOOL FEES DOWN. AS A RESULT, THE INDEX FOR SERVICES DECREASED BY ONE POINT IN C.P. I. (A).
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE C.P.I. (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM HOUSEHOLD SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - SI,499 A MONTH AND THE C.P.I. (B), BETWEEN SI,500 - $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY IN 1973/74.
/the section.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
2 -
THE SECTION INDEXES FOR OCTOBER 1978, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1977, ARE AS FOLLOWS*
SECTIONS C.P. 1. (A) OCT.77 C.P.I. (B)
OCT.78 SEPT.78 OCT.78 SEPT.78 OCT.77
FOODSTUFFS 128 123 116 128 124 116
HOUSING 132 132 126 131 131 125
FUEL AND LIGHT 13* 134 136 133 133 135
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 146 142 137 142 138 133
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 104 103 100 103 102 99
DURABLE GOODS 118 116 110 115 113 107
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 136 136 125 133 132 121
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 124 124 116 128 127 121
SERVICES 138 139 133 140 140 133
ALL ITEMS 129 126 120 129 127 120
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
THE GOVERNOR INAUGURATES HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AS AN EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT BY PEOPLE OF MANY RACES.
SIR MURRAY WAS ADDRESSING A GATHERING OF SOME 400 DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AT THE FORMAL OPENING OF THE $1,350 MILLION WATER SCHEME.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S STORY WAS ONE OF IMPROBABILITIES THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD MADE COME TRUE, BUT THIS IS EXCEPTIONAL EVEN FOR HONG KONG.
+THE SITE OF THIS RESERVOIR DAMS NO NOTABLE RIVER- IS NOT IN THE CENTRE OF A NATURAL CATCHMENT AREA- HAS NOT EVEN ONE END CLOSED BY A NATURAL FEATURE - AND YET IT HAS BEEN MADE INTO THE GREATEST RESERVOIR IN HONG KONG NEARLY DOUBLING OUR STORAGE CAPACITY,* HE ADDED.
ALL THAT IS BEST IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID, RESULTED FROM THE COLLABORATION OF PEOPLE OF MANY RACES.
+WE ARE INAUGURATING TODAY THE WORK OF CHINESE AND EUROPEANS-THE CANTONESE, HAKKA AND HOKLO, ITALIANS AND BRITISH AND SWEDES AND GERMANS AND FRENCH. THEY ALL WORKED TOGETHER, AND WE SEE THEIR SUCCESS,* HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE RESULT COULD NEVER HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE PROFESSIONALISM AND IMAGINATION AND DETERMINATION OF THE ENGINEERS, AND THE EXPERTISE AND HARD WORK OF THE CONTRACTORS AND THEIR WORKFORCE.
+BUT WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THE SIX MILLION CUBIC METRES (15 MILLION TONS) OF SOIL AND ROCK EXCAVATED OR MOVED TO MAKE AND EFFECT THIS COMPLEX, THE 40 KILOMETRES OF TUNNELS COMPLETED AND THE 36 MILLION TONS OF ROCKFILL PLACED- THE NINE PUMPING STATIONS WITH A COMBINED POWER THAT COULD PROPEL A 15,000-TON LINER - WHEN ONE CONSIDERS ALL THIS AND SEES THE RESULT BEFORE US IT SEEMS TO ME YET ANOTHER PROOF, IF PROOF WERE NEEDED, THAT HONG KONG CAN DO IT,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE PROJECT EXHAUSTED THE MAJOR NATURAL WATER POTENTIAL OF HONG KONG.
+THE KWANGTUNG AUTHORITIES HAVE AGREED TO INCREASE THEIR SUPPLY BY 30 PER CENT BY 1981/82 AND WE ARE BUSY CONSTRUCTING WORKS TO TAKE THIS INCREASED SUPPLY. THE AGREEMENT FOR THE INCREASE WILL BE SIGNED OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS IN CANTON,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
+THE KWANGTUNG AUTHORITIES HAVE ALSO AGREED TO CONSIDER WHAT THEY CAN DO TO MEET OUR LONG-TERM REQUIREMENTS.
/+FOR OUR.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2?, 1978
- 4 -
♦FOR OUR PART WE ARE COMPLETING A STUDY OF WHAT ADDITIONAL MINOR CATCHMENT SCHEMES MIGHT BE PRACTICAL.
♦INA YEAR OR TWO WE SHOULD THEREFORE BE ABLE TO SEE OUR WAY MORE CLEARLY. ■
♦MEANWHILE, IF LOCAL RAIN FAILS, LAST WINTER PROVED HOW USEFUL THE DESALTER CAN BE.+
EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH SAID THAT FRESH WATER WILL BE STORED IN THE RESERVOIR BETWEEN THE DAMS TO A HEIGHT OF 61 METRES ABOVE THE SEA.
THE DAMS, MADE OF ROCKFILL, WITH WATERPROOF MEMBRANES OF ASPHALTIC CONCRETE INSIDE TO KEEP THE WATER IN THE RESERVOIR, WERE THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD OF THEIR KIND.
♦UNLIKE THE PLOVER COVE DAM THESE DAMS HAVE HAD TO BE BUILT IN THE DRY ON HARD ROCK FOUNDATIONS, SO THE SEA BED AT EACH DAM SITE HAD TO BE ENCLOSED BY COFFERDAMS TO KEEP THE SEA OUT, PUMPED DRY OF SEA WATER AND EXCAVATED THROUGH SAND AND CLAY DOWN TO BED ROCK, IN PLACES AS MUCH AS 41 METRES BELOW SEA LEVEL, BEFORE WORK ON THE DAM ITSELF COULD BE STARTED,+ HE SAID.
♦AN UNUSUAL FEATURE OF THIS PROJECT IS THE COFFERDAM ON THE SEAWARD SIDE OF THE EAST DAM WHICH HAD TO BE ABLE TO PROTECT THE EXCAVATION THERE FROM THE WORST WAVES AND TIDES THAT TYPHOONS COULD PRODUCE IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE SEAWARD COFFERDAMS AT BOTH ENDS STILL REMAIN SO THAT THEY CAN PROTECT THE DAMS PERMANENTLY FROM THE SEA.+
THE WATER COLLECTED BY THIS SPECTACULAR NEW RESERVOIR, MR. MCDONALD SAID, CAME NOT ONLY FROM THE HILLS IMMEDIATELY AROUND IT, BUT ALSO FROM VALLEYS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE PENINSULA.
HE SAID THAT STREAMS ON THEIR WAY TO THE SEA ARE INTERCEPTED AND WATER SURPLUS TO THE NEEDS OF THE FARMERS AND VILLAGERS WAS DIVERTED THROUGH TUNNELS INTO THE RESERVOIR.
♦FROM THE RESERVOIR, THE WATER TRAVELS THROUGH A MAIN TUNNEL 22 KILOMETRES LONG BENEATH THE HILLS OF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA TO THE TREATMENT WORKS AT SHA TIN AND FROM THERE THE TREATED WATER IS PUMPED ALONG PIPES BENEATH THE ROAD THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNELS AND INTO THE SUPPLY SYSTEM,+ MR. MCDONALD SAID.
♦AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED IN A PROJECT WHERE SO MUCH WAS BEING DONE FOR THE FIRST TIME, DIFFICULTIES HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED, BUT WITH THE INGENUITY WHICH HAS BECOME THE HALLMARK OF OUR ENGINEERS AND CONTRACTORS, THESE HAVE BEEN OVERCOME.+
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/5.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
5
MORE COMPENSATION AWARDED TO INJURED WORKERS ******
THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SUCCEEDED IN RECOVERING $23.5 MILLION IN COMPENSATION LAST YEAR FOR WORKERS INJURED AT WORK OR FOR DEPENDANTS OF THOSE KILLED IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
THE COMPENSATION WAS AWARDED IN 33,675 CASES COMPLETED BY THE UNIT LAST YEAR AS AGAINST $21,791,393 IN 35,111 CASES IN 1976.
ON AVERAGE THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION AWARDED IN A CASE WENT UP FROM $620 IN 1976 TO $700 IN 1977, AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT.
OF THE NUMBER OF CASES COMPLETED, THERE WERE 84 FATAL ONES IN 1977 AS AGAINST 93 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
LAST YEAR THERE WERE 49,854 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING 265 FATAL ONES REPORTED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT COMPARED WITH 45,057 CASES (249 FATAL) IN 1976.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ACCOUNTED FOR THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS (11,916) LAST YEAR, FOLLOWED BY TEXTILE (4,805) AND METAL PRODUCTS (4,177).
ACCIDENTS BY CAUSE AT PLACE OF WORK SHOWED THAT POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY WAS AGAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ALL REPORTED INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, ACCOUNTING FOR 9,376 CASES. THE OTHER CAUSES INCLUDED TRANSPORT, EXPLOSION OR FIRE, HOT OR CORROSIVE SUBSTANCES, ELECTRICITY AND FALLING OBJECTS.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND CALLED ON BOTH THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS TO CONSTANTLY CHECK THEIR MACHINERY. HE POINTED OUT THAT AN INVESTIGATION OF 105 FATAL ACCIDENTS DURING 1977 REVEALED THAT THEY COULD ALL HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS INVOLVED TAKEN APPROPRIATE MEASURES.
IN ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE WORKMEN’S SAFETY, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE PAID 32,540 VISITS TO INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS LAST YEAR IN RESPECT OF THE ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY, HEALTH AND RELATED REGULATIONS PROVIDED IN THE LABOUR LEGISLATION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OFFERED 214 TRAINING COURSES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO 5,679 PEOPLE FREE OF CHARGE. A SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICERS WAS ALSO HELD.
IN ADDITION, THE CENTRE ORGANISED 27 SAFETY TRAINING COURSES FOR THREE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LECTURES WERE GIVEN TO 250 SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THE CENTRE ALSO WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND THE RED CROSS SOCIETY TO PROVIDE FIRST-AID TRAINING COURSES TO WORKERS. DURING THE YEAR, A TOTAL OF 181 PEOPLE WERE QUALIFIED AS FIRST-AIDERS IN SUCH COURSES.
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/6....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
6
GO-AHEAD FOR YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
******
SITE FORMATION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MONTH ON YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE SECOND IN HONG KONG.
THE $467 MILLION PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS AND, WHEN FULLY OCCUPIED WILL PROVIDE JOBS FOR 10,000 WORKERS.
THE ESTATE IS TO BE BUILT ON A 98-HECTARE SITE AT WANG CHAU, NORTH OF THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING MARKET TOWN OF YUEN LONG.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND, TODAY (MONDAY) DESCRIBED THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AS A KEY FACTOR IN THE TOWN’S PLANNED GROWTH FROM ITS PRESENT POPULATION OF 40,000 PEOPLE TO NEARLY 100,000 BY MID-80’S.
♦THE ESTATE AND THE MANY NEW AND EXPANDED FACILITIES IN THE TOWN WILL BE DEVELOPED IN TANDEM TO CONTRIBUTE TO A BALANCED TOWNSHIP WITH ALL THE MODERN FACILITIES.+
THE ESTATE WOULD BE DEVELOPED BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, AND MR. CARTLAND POINTED OUT THAT A MAJOR PORTION OF THE FUNDS WOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND.
HE SAID AFTER PROVIDING FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE, WOULD HAVE ABOUT 72 HECTARES FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.
THE ESTATE
♦WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ESTATE WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH. IT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE RESERVOIR AND AN ACCESS ROAD, A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, A SECOND ACCESS ROAD TO THE ESTATE AND SOME INDUSTRIAL LAND,+ HE SAID.
MR. CARTLAND SAID THESE WORKS WOULD REQUIRE THE RESUMPTION OF 220,161 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND BY DECEMBER 14 THIS YEAR AND OWNERS AFFECTED WOULD BE OFFERED COMPENSATION UNDER CURRENT RATES AND LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS.
EIGHTEEN TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES WILL BE CLEARED AND THE FAMILIES OCCUPYING THEM WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY PUBLIC HOUSING PROVIDED THEY ARE FOUND ELIGIBLE.
♦GENUINE CULTIVATOR FAMILIES MAY OPT FOR A RESITE AND AN EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE OF $5,000,+ MR. CARTLAND SAID.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE FOUR LANES OF POK FU LAM ROAD OPPOSITE CHI FU FA YUEN HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO ONE LANE DURING 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. AND 8 P.M. TO 8 A.M. DAILY TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW INTERCHANGE AT THE ESTATE.
HOWEVER, TWO LANES, ONE NORTHBOUND AND ONE SOUTHBOUND, WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR TRAFFIC DURING PEAK HOURS — 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. DAILY.
NORMAL TRAFFIC WILL RESUME FROM 4 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 1).
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT HARBOUR VIEW STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO FACILITATE PILING WORK FOR THE CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING HARBOUR VIEW STREET FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND ALL DISEMBARKING VEHICLES FROM THE JUBILEE STREET FERRY PIER MUST PROCEED TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL VIA GILMAN STREET. AT THE SAME TIME, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS ADJACENT TO JUBILEE STREET FERRY PIER WILL BE SUSPENDED.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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CAREERS EXHIBITION CLOSES * * * *
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN SUCCESSION, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION ATTRACTED ABOUT 110,000 PEOPLE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. NEIL HENDERSON, SAID AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY TODAY (MONDAY) THE REPEATED SUCCESS OF THE CAREERS EXHIBITION REFLECTED ITS GROWING POPULARITY.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, WOULD CONTINUE TO ORGANISE THE EVENT AND HOPED TO MAKE IT EVEN MORE INFORMATIVE.
DURING A CLOSING CEREMONY, THE 100,0Q0TH VISITOR WAS PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR GIFT BY MRS. HENDERSON.
SHE WAS 15-YEAR-OLD LISA CHEUNG SUK-CHING, FROM THE HOI PING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECONDARY SCHOOL, HO MAN TIN. LISA PLANS TO TAKE UP COURSES AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN THE BUILDING TRADE AFTER COMPLETING HER SECONDARY SCHOOLING.
MR. HENDERSON ALSO PRESENTED SOUVENIR PENNANTS TO PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS.
- - 0
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1976
- 8
MR. JOHN WALDEN TO VISIT TUNG WAH SCHOOL
K M X K *
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN, WILL PAY AN INSPECTION VISIT TO THE WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE, OPERATED BY TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, WAS CONVERTED FROM THE FORMER HOLLYWOOD ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 109 HOLLYWOOD ROAD. THE COLLEGE HAS BEEN NAMED IN HONOUR OF MADAM WONG FUNG LING FOR HER GENEROUS DONATION TOWARDS THE CONVERSION AND EQUIPMENT FUND OF THE COLLEGE.
MR. WALDEN WILL TOUR THE SCHOOL PREMISES AND SEE SOME OF THE CLASSES IN SESSION. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MR. DAKCHISON C.L. YIU, CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE OF TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AND OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND MR. RICKY FUNG, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER MR. JOHN WALDEN’S VISIT TO WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 109 HOLLYWOOD ROAD, CENTRAL.
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BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS * M * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS DECLARED STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF 40-42 TAI NAN STREET, SHAM SHUI PO LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID THAT THESE STRUCTURES ERECTED ON THE ROOF OF THIS BUILDING WERE UNAUTHORISED AND THEY NOT ONLY LACK ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE BUT ALSO OBSTRUCT THE MEANS OF ESCAPE FOR THE MAIN BUILDING, IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 28 WAS POSTED ON NOVEMBER 16.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1978
- 9 -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN AND SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
IN CHAI WAN, THE AREA BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD FROM A KUNG NGAM ROAD TO WAN TSUI ROAD INCLUDING HONG MAN STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET AND CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA SECTION A WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY.
THE AREA IN SHAM SHU I PO, BOUNDED BY CHING CHEUNG ROAD, BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD, KING LAM STREET, YEE KUK STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YU CHAU STREET INCLUDING WING HONG STREET, TAI NAN STREET, WING MING STREET AND WAI MAN VILLAGE WILL HAVE NO WATER SUPPLY FOR SIX HOURS FROM WEDNESDAY MIDNIGHT TO THURSDAY 6 A, M,
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY iOACLEIiOSS, GBE, KCidG, KCVO, AT THE HIGH ISLAND .VATER SCHEME INAUGURATION CEREI40NY, NOV^.IBER 27, 197^
We are here to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Hong
Kong’s story is one of improbabilities that Hong Kong people have made come
true, but this is exceptional even for Hong Kong.
The site of this reservoir dams no notable river; is not in the centre of a natural catchment area; has not even one end closed by a natural feature - and yet it has been made into the greatest reservoir in Hong Kong nearly doubling our storage capacity.
All that is best in Hong Kong results from the collaboration of people of many races. We are inaugurating today the work of Chinese and Europeans: the Cantonese, Hakka and Hoklo, Italians, British, Swedes, Germans and French. They all worked together and we see their success.
The result could never have been achieved without the professionalism and wagination and determination of the engineer^, and the expertise and hard work of the contractors and their workforce.
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But when one considers the 15 million tons of soil and rock excavated or moved to make and effect this complex, the 40 kilometres of tunnels completed; and 36 million tons of rockfill placed; the nine pumping stations with a combined power that could propel a 15,000 ton liner - when one considers all this and sees the result before us it seems to me yet another proof, if proof were needed, that Hong Kcng can do it.
/Transformation
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
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Transformation is the stuff of Hong Kong's daily life. Here this centuries-old anchorage, these valleys settled in the early days of the Ching dynasty, have in their turn been transformed not into something better or worse, but into something completely new, and something essential to the life of Hong Kong.
It is for us to see that the reservoir and its surroundings remain beautiful as well as efficient, and are cared for and protected as the Lees, the Chows, the Mans and the other original settlers cared for their villages, fields and boats.
We wish their descendants prosperity and continuing happiness in the estate built for them in Sai Kung.
This project exhausts the major natural water potential of Hong Kong. The Kwang tung authorities have agreed to increase their supply by 30 per cent by 1981/82 and we are busy constructing works to take this increased supply.
The agreement for the increase will be signed over the next couple of days in Canton. The Kwangtung authorities have also agreed to consider what they can do to meet our long-term requirements. For this we are most grateful.
For our part we are completing a study of what additional minor catchment schemes might be practical. In a year or two we should therefore be able to see our way more clearly. Meanwhile if local rain fails, last winter proved how useful the desalter can be.
In conclusion I would like to congratulate all those who have worked on this project.
Though they are too numerous to mention I would li ,e to say a special word to the Italians at what 1 am sure will be eventually kno»/n as Vianini village. They have been most welcome guests and have left a great monument behind them.
I have now great pleasure in declaring this scheme open.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
CONTENTS
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW ................................. PROMOTION OF MR. ROY HENRY .............................. BUILDING PLANS APPROVED
PRESS CONFERENCE BY H'x’S ECONOMIC MISSION .............. NEW TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT FOR WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT . CHINA WATER AGREFMENT .................................. COLOUR BOOKLET ON MARKET TOWNS ......................... WATER CUT ..____________________________________________
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
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LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW
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UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL RAISE A TOTAL OF 16 QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO STATE THE NUMBER OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG SO FAR THIS YEAR, THOSE WHO ARRIVED IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INTAKE FOR POPULATION PROJECTIONS, HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HOUSING PROGRAMMES.
THE HON. PETER C. WONG WILL ASK TO WHAT EXTENT THE RECENT INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY GOVERNMENT SERVANTS HAS AFFECTED SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE REV. THE HON JOYCE M. BENNETT WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO CLARIFY ITS POLICY REGARDING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO OLD PEOPLE RESIDENT IN INSTITUTIONS IN VIEW OF THE PROBLEMS OF VOLUNTARY BODIES FINANCING THEIR OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES SINCE THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY CAME INTO FORCE.
IN A RELATED QUESTION, THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK WHAT THE CURRENT BACKLOG OF APPLICATIONS IS FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCES AND WHAT ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG QUICKLY.
IN A SEPARATE QUESTION, MR. CHEONG-LEEN WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE STEPS TO ESTABLISH A COUNCIL ON SOCIAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AS RECOMMENDED IN A REPORT PUBLISHED IN 1976.
OTHER QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONCERN THE SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED DISPENSERS IN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED HOSPITALS, SICK LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, TRAFFIC CONDITION IN SHA TIN ON RACE DAYS, STEPS TO ALLEVIATE THE SHORTAGE OF 10 CENTS AND 20 CENTS COINS, POSTAL SERVICE TO ESTABLISHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ABILITY OF EXPATRIATE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS TO READ CHINESE AND SPEAK CANTONESE.
THREE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL 1978, THE JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS (ADJOURNMENT DURING GALE WARNINGS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
FOUR BILLS IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE WILL BE READ FOR THE THIRD TIME. THESE BILLS ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1978, LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
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PROMOTION OF MR. ROY HENRY * * * *
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS APPROVED THE PROMOTION OF MR. ROY HENRY, MVO, OBE, QPM, CPM TO SUCCEED MR. BRIAN SLEVIN AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WHEN THE LATTER RETIRES NEXT YEAR.
MR. HENRY IS AGED 51 AND BEGAN HIS CAREER AS A POLICE CADET IN MALAYA IN 1948. HE WAS APPOINTED A DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENT IN THE SARAWAK CONSTABULARY IN 1956 AND SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME COMMISSIONER. HE SERVED AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IN FIJI FROM 1967 UNTIL 1973, WHEN HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS IN THE RANK OF SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. HE HAS BEEN DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE SINCE 1974 AND HAS ACTED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT MR. SLEVIN WILL PROCEED ON RETIREMENT LEAVE IN MARCH 1979 AFTER SERVING AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR FIVE YEARS.
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BUILDING PLANS APPROVED *****
A TOTAL OF 98 NEW BUILDING PLANS WAS APPROVED LAST MONTH (OCTOBER) BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 87 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THE NEW PLANS APPROVED, 42 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 20 FOR KOWLOON AND 36 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A HOTEL IN SHELTER STREET, A CHURCH -KINDERGARTEN AT SHATIN PASS ROAD, A COLD STORAGE AND FOOD FACTORY IN FO TAN, SHA TIN, SEVEN HOLIDAY CAMPS AT PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG. A LANGUAGE CENTRE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND A FIr£ STATION ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $179.37 MILLION COMPARED WITH $163.31 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED LAST MONTH AMOUNTED TO 165,270.7 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 104,984 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 60,286.7 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 62 NEW PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SCHOOL AND DORMITORIES AT KENNEDY ROAD, SEVEN BLOCKS OF HOLIDAY CAMP AT PAK TAM CHUNG AND AN ELECTRIC SUB-STATION IN TAI LIN PAI ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
A TOTAL OF 49 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WAS CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A TELEVISION TRANSMITTER STATION IN STANLEY, A CINEMA IN SAIGON STREET, A TEMPLE AT MA WAN AND A BUS DEPOT AT TUEN MUN.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ASSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 84 BUILDINGS.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
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NOTE TO EDITORSi
PRESS CONFERENCE BY HK’S ECONOMIC MISSION X K X **•
SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN, LEADER OF THE RECENT HONG KONG ECONOMIC MISSION TO JAPAN, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE. FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 3 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 1).
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THREE MEMBERS OF THE MISSION — MR. T.K. ANN, MR. DAVID NEWBIGGING AND MR. LEN DUNNING.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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NEW TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT FOR WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT
* * * * * *
NEW AND MORE EFFICIENT TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AT LEIGHTON CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE EQUIPMENT — KNOWN AS THE DIRECT-DIALLING-IN SYSTEM — WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON DECEMBER 4.
FROM THAT DAY, ANY PERSON WISHING TO CONTACT WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF AT LEIGHTON CENTRE SHOULD DIAL 5-79OO333 FIRST.
THE OPERATOR WILL THEN GIVE THE CALLER THE DIRECT-DIALLING-IN NUMBER OF THE STAFF MEMBER.
ALSO FROM THE SAME DATE THREE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES. AND FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT WATER ACCOUNT MATTERS, WILL COME INTO OPERATION.
THEY AREi 5-79OO222, 5-79OO223 AND 5-7900224.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW EQUIPMENT WILL, IN THE LONG RUN, ELIMINATE QUEUEING ON LINES AND PREVENT INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
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CHINA WATER AGREEMENT ******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS. MR. DAVID MCDONALD, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT WATER ENGINEER, MR. TOM TOMLINSON, LEFT FOR CANTON TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT REACHED RECENTLY FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER TO HONG KONG BY CHINA.
MR. MCDONALD AND MR. TOMLINSON ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG LATER IN THE WEEK.
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COLOUR BOOKLET ON MARKET TOWNS ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A 36-PAGE FULL COLOUR BOOKLET ON MARKET TOWNS.
THE PUBLICATION DETAILS THE DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR TAI PO, FAN LING, SHEUNG SHU I, SHEK WU HUI, AND YUEN LONG.
MAINLY PICTORIAL AND DIAGRAMMATIC IN CONTENT, THE BOOKLET HAS 48 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, SEVERAL OF WHICH ARE AERIAL.
PRICED AT $10 PER COPY, THE PUBLICATION IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW PUBLICATION, MR. EDDIE SHORT, ACTING DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, SAID THAT MUCH PUBLIC ATTENTION WAS NOW FOCUSED ON DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND IT WAS HIS DEPARTMENT’S INTENTION TO PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE ON THESE ACTIVITIES.
♦THE MARKET TOWNS, WHICH HAVE HISTORICALLY PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE LIFE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, ARE BEING EXPANDED AND DEVELOPED AS BALANCED TOWNSHIPS, AS SELF-CONTAINED AS POSSIBLE.
WITH ALL MODERN BASIC AMENITIES,+ HE SAID.
♦WITH THE DRAWING UP OF THE LATEST PLANS, AND WITH THE COMMENCEMENT OF MANY ENGINEERING PROJECTS, THE SCOPE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREAS HAS GREATLY INCREASED. TO MATCH THIS INCREASE, A NEW PROJECT TEAM HAS ALREADY BEEN CREATED TO OVERSEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO AND FAN LING/SHEUNG SHUI.+
MR. SHORT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT A BOOKLET ON THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN BROUGHT OUT A FEW YEARS AGO WAS NOW BEING REVISED AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT YEAR.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1978
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WATER CUT
M M M
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI AND YUEN LONG WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVERAL HOURS FROM THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 30) TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN WAN CHAI, THE AREA BOUNDED BY HENNESSY ROAD, LUARD ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD AND ARSENAL STREET WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
IN YUEN LONG, THE AREA BOUNDED BY YUEN LONG MAIN ROAD, KUK TING STREET AND ON NING ROAD AND ITS MAIN NULLAH INCLUDING FOOK HONG STREET, FOOK TAK STREET, SHAU FU STREET, TUNG LOK STREET AND TAI KIU TSUEN WILL HAVE NO WATER FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT THURSDAY TO 6 A.M. THE NEXT DAY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPLICATIONS OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS .......................... 1
INDUSTRIAL ACTION — VERY LITTLE EFFECT ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES .................................................. 2
MORE SMALL COINS DELIVERED ................................ 4
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME ................ 5
BILL ON DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE PASSED ................. 7
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE APPLICATIONS ............................ 9
POLICY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY LIVING IN INSTITUTIONS ............................................. 10
SQUATTER FACTORY PAY-OUT INCREASED TO $10 MILLION ........ 10
STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSFERS ............................ 12
NO SHORTAGE OF DISPENSERS ................................ 12
SICK LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ............................ 13
CANTONESE COURSES FOR OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ... 14
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPROVED ........................ 15
STANDARDISING TRAFFIC SIGNS .............................. 16
SHA TIN RACE DAY TRAFFIC ................................. 16
ACAN ENDORSES ANTI-DRUG PROPOSAL ......................... 17
OVERSEAS STUDY ADVICE .................................... 17
SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION SITES ............................. IS
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 2<J, 1978
EXTENSION OF POSTAL DELIVERY IN VILLAGES .................... 19
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF N.T. LIBRARY SERVICES ............... 20
PROPOSED COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AND TRAINING ... 21
NO INTENTION TO PROMOTE HUNTING ............................. 21
SUPPLIER CREDITS FOR MTRC ................................... 22
PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 ............................. 23
BILLS PASSED ................................................ 24
CAUSEWAY BAY STAGE II TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
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IMPLICATIONS OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS * * * * » ft
/^«JME C?,EF SECRETARY, THE HON. JACK CATER SAID TODAY 1^£’?£SDAY1* JHAT ,F ™E LESAL MIGRATION FROM CHINA WERE TO CONTINUE AT THE RATE EXPERIENCED IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THERE WOULD BE AN INCREASE OF 400,000 PEOPLE ON TOP OF THE PRESENT MEDIUM POPULATION PROJECTION OF 5.2 MILLION BY 1986.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. CATER SAID THE ADDITIONAL INCREASE OF 400,000 IMMIGRANTS WAS NOT THAT FAR SHORT OF THE PRESENT POPULATION OF TSUEN WAN.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 72,429 LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ENTERED HONG KONG, INCLUDING 50,249 FROM CHINA. '
CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THE THREE PREVIOUS YEARS WEREi 1975 — 39,142 (21,883 FROM CHINA)- 1976 — 37,563 (16,716 FROM CHINA)- AND 1977 — 42,718 (20,972 FROM CHINA).
MR. CATER SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY TO SAY WHETHER A NEW TREND IN LEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA WAS BEING ESTABLISHED, AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE INCREASE FOR HEALTH. EDUCATION An6 HOUSING PROGRAMMES WERE DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE BECAUSE, *WE DO NOT KNOW THE A6E AND SEX DISTRIBUTION OF THIS HOPEFULLY HYPOTHETICAL INCREASE IN OUR POPULATION.*
HOWEVER. HE SAID, TO ALLOW ON THIS BASIS FOR AN INCREASE OF 400.000 IN POPULATION WOULD INVOLVE ABOUT 2,400 BEDS OR TWO HOSPITALS THE SIZE OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.
__ ON THE IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME, HE SAID THEY OBVIOUSLY DEPENDED ON THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS OF SCHOOL AGE ON ARRIVAL HERE AND ON HOW QUICKLY THE IMMIGRANTS, AS A WHOLE, STARTED PRODUCING CHILDREN.
♦OUR SURPLUS OF PRIMARY PLACES SHOULD THEORETICALLY ENABLE US TO MEET THE EXTRA DEMAND.♦
AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL UP TO THE AGE OF 15, MR. CATER SAID THERE WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY BE A NEED FOR MORE PLACES AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED IMMIGRATION.
ON IMPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING, MR. CATER SAID IF THE IMMIGRANTS HAVE THE TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HONG KONG POPULATION ON AGE AND FAMILY CHARATER 1ST ICS AND ON THE PROPORTION ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ♦WE ESTIMATE 60,000 ADDITIONAL FLATS WOULD BE NEEDED FOR THEM BY 1986*.
♦ON THE BASIS OF THE HOUS ING AUTHOR ITY*S 1979/80 RATE OF 40,000 NEW FLATS A YEAR, THIS IS A FURTHER ONE-AND-A-HALF YEARS’ PRODUCTION.*
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MR. CATER ALSO NOTED THAT THE DAILY AVERAGE OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER WAS 254 A DAY AND FOR NOVEMBER SO FAR 329 A DAY.
♦IF THIS RATE CONTINUES, THEN, THE FIGURES I HAVE GIVEN EARLIER WILL BE EVEN HIGHER AND OF COURSE OUR SOCIAL SERVICES WILL BE UNDER EVEN GREATER PRESSURE,♦ HE ADDED.
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INDUSTRIAL ACTION — VERY LITTLE EFFECT ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES ft ft ft ft ft ft
RECENT INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY A SMALL MINORITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS — APART FROM THE GO-SLOW BY SOME POSTAL OFFICERS IN LATE OCTOBER — HAS HAD VERY LITTLE EFFECT ON GOVERNMENT'S SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR. ROWLANDS SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER C. WONG.
♦IN ONLY THREE DEPARTMENTS OTHER THAN THE POST OFFICE HAS INDUSTRIAL ACTION HAD ANY EFFECT AT ALL,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT THESE WERE*
ft THE GO-SLOW SINCE OCTOBER 27, 1978, BY SOME 75 PER CENT OF POLICE INTERPRETERS HAS TAKEN THE FORM OF REFUSING TO CARRY OUT SOME OF THEIR DUTIES SUCH AS THE TRANSLATION OF CAUTION STATEMENTS"
♦THIS HAS DELAYED SOME COURT CASES,♦ MR. ROWLANDS ADDED.
ft THE REFUSAL OF SOME ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS TO APPROVE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE AGED 70-74 HAS CAUSED SOME DELAY-
J
MR. ROWLANDS SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THE ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS HAVE NOW RESUMED NORMAL WORKING.
ft THE DENTAL TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN TAKING INDUSTRIAL ACTION SINCE NOVEMBER 13. AND THEIR OUTPUT OF DENTAL APPLIANCES HAS BEEN REDUCED BY ABOUT 75 PER CENT. URGENT WORK IS BEING DONE INSTEAD BY PRIVATE LABORATORIES.
FOR THE RECORD, HE SAID, HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT, CONTRARY TO THE IMPRESSION GIVEN BY SOME OF THE NEWS MEDIA, *THE GOVERNMENT NURSES HAVE NOT SO FAR RESORTED TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION.♦
♦THEIR PROTESTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THEIR OWN TIME AND HAVE NOT AFFECTED PATIENTS AT ALL. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE NURSES WILL CONTINUE TO DISPLAY THEIR TRADITIONAL SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THESE MATTERS, IN THE SURE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY WILL HAVE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY OF MAKING REPRESENTATIONS TO THE NEW STANDING REVIEW BODY WHICH I ANNOUNCED IN THIS COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 16,+ MR. ROWLANDS SAID.
'WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
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STANDING REVIEW BODY WOULD BE ASKED TO EXAM imp tuc CAREER AND SALARY STRUCTURE OF ALL STAFF IN ALL DEPARTMENTS ™ THROUGHOUT THE CIVIL SERVICE. utFARTMENTS
THIS WAS HIS MESSAGE TO THOSE STAFF NOW TAKING IMDhstpiai
ACT ON* AND T° ANY 0THERS WH0 MAY BE CONTEMPLATING INDUSTRIAL1 Mw I I ViM •
*NO GROUP OF STAFF NEED HAVE ANY FEAR THAT THEIR CLAIMS Will NOT BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED,* MR. ROWLANDS ADDED. LL
’VEN THE DECISION TO APPOINT A STANDING REVIEW BODY MP saih Sb?;? ■
BODY ,NFL0ENC'"6 ™ STANDING REVIEW
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JSDN3SDAY, N0ViJ<33R 2°, 1978
MORE SMALL COINS DELIVERED mu * »
THE GOVERNMENT THIS YEAR HAD ORDERED 105 MILLION 20-CENT COINS AND 70 MILLION 10-CENT COINS, AND ABOUT HALF OF THESE HAD BEEN DELIVERED, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LI FOOK-WO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID 54.5 MILLION 20-CENT COINS AND 33.3 MILLION 10-CENT COINS HAD BEEN DELIVERED.
♦ALL THE COINS DELIVERED MAY NOT HAVE YET BEEN ISSUED AS 15.7 MILLION 10-CENT COINS AND 18.4 MILLION 20-CENT COINS ONLY ARRIVED IN THE LAST FEW DAYS,* HE ADDED.
ANOTHER 20.5 MILLION 20-CENT COINS AND 16.2 MILLION 10-CENT COINS ARE EXPECTED DURING DECEMBER, AND 30 MILLION 20-CENT COINS AND 30 MILLION 10-CENT COINS EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR.
WHEN THE 1978 ORDERS HAD BEEN DELIVERED AND ISSUED, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, THERE WOULD BE 540 MILLION 10-CENT COINS AND 256 MILLION 20-CENT COINS IN CIRCULATION AND HE HOPED THAT. AS THE COINS ON ORDER WERE ISSUED, THE HOARDS OF SMALL COINS WOULD RUN DOWN.
MR. HADDON-CAVE BELIEVED THAT MANY PEOPLE TEND TO EMPTY THEIR POCKETS IN THE EVENINGS AND THROW THEIR SMALL COINS INTO A DRAWER AND LEAVE THEM THERE.
♦IN ADDITION, TEMPORARY SHORTAGES IN SOME SMALL BUSINESS OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN PLAYED UP BY THE NEWS MEDIA TO A POINT WHICH HAS INDUCED SOME PEOPLE AND COMMERCIAL CONCERNS DELIBERATELY TO BUILD UP HOARDS OF CO INS,♦ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE REASON FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF 20-CENT COINS IN AUGUST 1975 WAS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF 10-CENT COINS NEEDED IN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING 10 CENT MULTIPLES, AND BY THAT TIME THERE WERE 460 MILLION 10-CENT COINS OUTSTANDING.
♦WHEN THIS YEAR’S 10 AND 20-CENT COIN ORDERS HAVE BEEN DELIVERED, THERE WILL BE, IN 10 CENT UNIT TERMS, 1,052 MILLION UNITS AVAILABLE, AN INCREASE OVER AUGUST 1975 OF 129 PER CENT,* HE SAID. *AN INCREASE OF THIS ORDER IS UNUSUALLY LARGE BY ANY STANDARDS.*
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED THE SETTING UP OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL HELP TO ALL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS, OR THEIR DEPENDENTS.
AT THE SAME TIME A BILL SEEKING TO ESTABLISH A FUND FROM WHICH MONEY CAN BE PAID TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS UNDER THE SCHEME AND TO IMPOSE LEVIES ON VEHICLES AND DRIVING LICENCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE FUND WAS ALSO INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THE LEVIES WILL INITIALLY BE $25 PER ANNUM ON A DRIVING LICENCE AND $75 PER ANNUM ON A VEHICLE LICENCE.
INTRODUCING THE PROPOSAL INTO THE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID PAYMENTS UNDER THE SCHEME WOULD BE MADE REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENT.
♦THE ONLY LIMITATIONS ARE THAT THE ACCIDENT MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE, THAT THE INJURIES SUSTAINED ARE SUFFICIENTLY GRAVE TO CAUSE LOSS OF AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ EARNING CAPACITY AND THAT THE CLAIM SHOULD BE MADE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT. THESE ARE OBVIOUS PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FRAUDULENT OR TRIVIAL CLAIMS,* MR. JONES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD BE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, AND CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO THE SETTING UP OF AN ADVISORY BOARD TO ASSIST HIM IN DISCHARGING THIS FUNCTION.
♦THOSE WHO WISH TO CLAIM UNDER THE SCHEME WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE AN APPLICATION, BUT THE POLICE OFFICER INVESTIGATING A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THOSE ELIGIBLE ARE INFORMED ABOUT THE SCHEME.
♦PROCEDURES ARE PROVIDED FOR SUCH THINGS AS CHECKING MEDICAL EVIDENCE OF INJURY AND PROVIDING DISSATISFIED APPLICANTS WITH A MEANS OF APPEAL.+ MR. JONES SAID.
♦ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THOSE BENEFICIARIES WHO SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVE DAMAGES OR OTHER COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE SAME ACCIDENT ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE REPAYMENTS TO THE FUND,+ HE ADDED.
MR. JONES SAID THAT ONCE THE FUND IS ESTABLISHED IT WAS HOPED THAT PAYMENTS FROM IT COULD START TO BE MADE TO VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRING ON OR AFTER MAY 1 NEXT YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT HE HOPED THE SCHEME WOULD BE WELCOMED BY THE PUBLIC AT LARGE BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MODEST, BUT EARLY RELIEF TO EASE THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF VICTIMS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
/CONCERNING.....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
6
CONCERNING LEVY ON VEHICLES, MR. JONES SAID IT WAS INTENDED THAT DRIVING LICENCES SHOULD MAKE UP TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL INCOME OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND AND THAT THE REMAINING ONE-THIRD WOULD BE A CONTRIBUTION FROM GENERAL REVENUE.
♦THE INTENTION BEHIND THIS DIVISION IS THAT THE MOTORIST, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJORITY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, SHOULD MAKE AN IDENTIFIABLE CONTRIBUTION,* HE SAID.
♦THE CONTRIBUTION FROM GENERAL REVENUE, HOWEVER, RECOGNISES THAT THE SCHEME IS A SOCIAL WELFARE MEASURE FOR WHICH THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD HELP TO PAY AND ALSO THAT PEDESTRIAN CARELESSNESS CAUSES, VERY ROUGHLY, ONE-THIRD OF ALL ROAD ACCIDENTS.+ HE ADDED.
FINALLY, MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP A MOTOR INSURERS BUREAU WAS A SEPARATE MATTER ON WHICH NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE ACCIDENT INSURERS’ ASSOCIATION WERE CURRENTLY BEING UNDERTAKEN.
HE SAID THE MOTOR INSURERS BUREAU WAS IN CONTRAST WITH THE PRESENT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME IN THAT THE FORMER AIMED TO ENSURE THAT AN ACCIDENT VICTIM, WHOSE INJURIES AROSE FROM A DRIVER’S NEGLIGENCE, MIGHT RECEIVE FULL COMPENSATION FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE, AT PRESENT, ANOMALIES IN THE INSURANCE SYSTEM PREVENTED HIM FROM SO DOING.
DEBATE ON THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS (ASSISTANCE FUND) BILL 1978 WAS ADJOURNED.
/7
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 7 -
BILL TO ENABLE RE-INTRODUCING DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE PASSED
******
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1978 WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO RE-INTRODUCE THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL, TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG AND THE HON. WONG LAM SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF RE-INTRODUCING THE ALLOWANCE.
BUT DR. FANG SAID IT WAS TOO HARSH TO REQUIRE A PERSON TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, IF HE WAS BELOW 60, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE AND THE CRITERION FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE WAS VERY TIGHTLY DRAWN AND INFLEXIBLE.
TO QUALIFY. THE DISABILITY MUST BE EQUIVALENT TO 100 PER CENT LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY AS ASSESSED UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
♦THIS CRITERION SEEMS TO ME TOO HARSH FOR THE PRESENT PURPOSE SINCE 100 PER CENT DISABILITY IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THERE TO BE A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL DEPENDENT ON SUPPORTING CHILDREN.
♦SOME FORMS OF DISABILITY, PARTICULARLY IF PERMANENT, COULD BE A SUBSTANTIAL DRAIN ON FAMILY RESOURCES EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT EQUIVALENT TO A 100 PER CENT LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY,* HE SAID.
DR. FANG AGREED WITH THE OTHER QUALIFICATIONS STIPULATED FOR THE ALLOWANCE AND THOUGHT ITS AMOUNT WAS ABOUT RIGHT.
ALTHOUGH ON THE FACE OF IT $4,000 MIGHT SEEM GENEROUS, THE ACTUAL MAXIMUM BENEFIT WOULD WORK OUT AT $100 A MONTH, HE SAID.
THE HON. WONG LAM ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE ALLOWANCE.
HE SAID THERE WAS A SAYING IN CHINESE THAT CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT UP AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST THE INSECURITY OF OLD AGE AS GRAIN WAS STORED UP AS A PRECAUTION AGAINST FAMINE.
CHILDREN, HE SAID, WERE DUTY BOUND TO PRACTISE FILIAL PIETY AND SUPPORT THEIR PARENTS AND THOSE DEPRIVED OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO OFTEN HAVE MUCH TO REGRET.
♦BY RE-INTRODUCING THE ALLOWANCE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL IN EFFECT RENDER GREAT ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO DESIRE TO SERVE THEIR PARENTS AND AT THE SAME TIME FURNISH A GOOD EXAMPLE OF ITS RESPECT FOR CHINESE TRADITION AND PUBLIC OPINION.*
-'E3NBSDAY, X0V3.3ER 29, 197?
*>
- 8 -
THE ALLOWANCE WAS ALSO IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE AS IT WOULD INDIRECTLY ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO LIVE WITH THEIR PARENTS, HE ADDED.
MR. WONG AGREED WITH THE AMOUNT OF THE ALLOWANCE WHICH, HE SAID. WAS NOT HIGH COMPARED WITH THE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS OF OTHER COUNTRIES.
HE THOUGHT THE AGE LIMIT SHOULD BE 55 BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE, AND NOT ONLY CIVIL SERVANTS, RETIRED AT THIS AGE.
AS IT WAS A MATTER OF OPINION WHICH AGE WAS THE MOST APPROPRIATE, HE HAD NO OBJECTION TO THE GOVERNMENT SETTING IT AT 60.
IN REPLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT TO TAKE THE CONCESSION FOR THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE ANY FURTHER WOULD OPEN IT UP, ON THE ONE HAND, TO ABUSE AND, ON THE OTHER, TO UNCERTAINTY AS TO WHO IS OR IS NOT DISABLED.
HE SA ID I *T0 EXTEND THAT CONCESSION TO PARENTS WHO ARE PARTIALLY, BUT NOT SEVERLY, DISABLED WITHOUT RESORT TO A MEANS TEST WOULD BE TO GO TOO FAR - AND TO INTRODUCE A MEANS TEST FOR THE PARTIALLY DISABLED WOULD BE TO BREACH THE UNDERLYING CONCEPT OF THE ALLOWANCE.*
BESIDES THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE OBLIGED TO ^INITIATE INQUISITIONS INTO FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES AND, AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE WOULD BE PLACED ON THE COMMISSIONER THE INTOLERABLE BURDEN OF DECIDING WHAT IS, OR IS NOT, DISABLEMENT.*
HE SAID THE PROPER COURSE WOULD BE TO RELATE THIS ALLOWANCE TO ALREADY ESTABLISHED AND READILY IDENTIFIABLE CRITERIA. HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE 100 PER CENT LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY WAS NOT THE ONLY QUALIFICATION FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE.
♦THUS THE CRITERION IS SEVERE, NOT TOTAL DISABLEMENT - AND IT IS THAT CRITERION WHICH HAS BEEN IMPORTED INTO THE BILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE.*
♦FURTHERMORE,* MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT,* IN VIEW OF THE SIMPLICITY OF OUR TAX SYSTEM, THE LIMITATION OF THE CHARGE, AND THE LOW EFFECTIVE TAX RATES, WE CANNOT AFFORD ANY SCHEME OF CONCESSION WHICH WOULD BE COMPLICATED AND ADMINISTRATIVELY EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE.
♦FOR IT IS IMPERATIVE TO RECOGNISE THAT IN TAX MATTERS, THERE IS NO EQUITY IN THAT WHICH IS NOT REASONABLY CAPABLE OF BEING PUT INTO PRACTICAL OPERATION,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
3
OLD AGE ALLOWANCE APPLICATIONS * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HIS DEPARTMENT HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING WORKING OVERTIME BY SOME OF THE STAFF, TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF APPLICATIONS FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LEE SAID THE BACKLOG WAS DUE TO THE INITIAL INFLUX OF NEW APPLICATIONS SINCE THE LOWERING OF THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCES FROM 75 TO 70 YEARS ON OCTOBER 1.
HE SAID SOME OF THE STAFF HAD STARTED WORKING OVERTIME, ALL NEW WELFARE ASSISTANTS WERE ASSIGNED TO PROCESS THESE APPLICATIONS EXCLUSIVELY, AND ANOTHER RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WAS BEING CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL MANPOWER REQUIRED.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE PRESENT OUTSTANDING CASES WOULD BE DEALT WITH IN ABOUT 10 TO 12 WEEKS,* HE SAID.
SINCE OCTOBER 1, MR. LEE SAID ABOUT 54,000 PEOPLE HAD APPLIED FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCES, AND SO FAR 14,000 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN INVESTIGATED.
OF THESE 14,000, HE SAID, ABOUT 8,000 CASES HAVE BEEN ASSESSED REGARDING THEIR ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT, AND ABOUT 7,000 PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED.
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/10.....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
10
POLICY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR ELDERLY LIVING IN INSTITUTIONS ******
THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN OLD PERSON LIVING IN AN INSTITUTION WHO IS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ARE FULLY COVERED BY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT, MR. LEE SAID THE MAXIMUM MONTHLY AMOUNT WHICH AN OLD PERSON IN NEED MIGHT GET THROUGH SOCIAL SECURITY WAS ABOUT $384.
♦THIS AMOUNT COMPRISES, SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY; PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OF UP TO $200 A MONTH, AN OLD AGE ALLOWANCE OR AN OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT OF $100 A MONTH, A LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT OF $250 A YEAR, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, A RENT ALLOWANCE OF UP TO $63 A MONTH,* HE SAID.
WHERE AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME CHARGED A FEE UP TO $200 A MONTH, HE SAID, THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR THROUGH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN THE INDIVIDUAL CASES WHERE THE NEED FOR ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED.
♦IN A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, AN OLD PERSON MAY BE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE $63 AS RENT WHICH CAN AGAIN BE MET BY THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RENT ALLOWANCE,♦ HE SAID.
ON THE PROBLEMS MENTIONED BY MISS BENNETT OF VOLUNTARY BODIES FINANCING THEIR OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES, MR. LEE SAID THERE MIGHT BE INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM TIME TO TIME.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY GENERAL PROBLEMS OF FINANCING THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY FEES, GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION AND THE AGENCIES’ OTHER RESOURCES INCLUDING COMMUNITY CHEST ALLOCATIONS.
♦WHAT IS NEEDED IS A RECONCILIATION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT AVAILABLE TO THE ELDERLY, THE FEES WHICH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SHOULD CHARGE AND THE AMOUNT OF SUBVENTION PAYABLE BY GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF SERVICES BY THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
♦GUIDELINES ON THESE RELATED MATTERS ARE NOW BEING FORMULATED AND I SHALL SHORTLY BE CONSULTING THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ITS VIEWS,♦ HE SAID.
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SQUATTER FACTORY PAY-OUT INCREASED TO $10 MILLION *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED TO NEARLY $10 MILLION THE AMOUNT OF ALLOWANCES IT IS PREPARED TO PAY THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF 22 TSUEN WAN NORTH SQUATTER FACTORIES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO VACATE LAND TO BE USED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THIS FOLLOWS A DECISION TO INCREASE FURTHER, BY AN ARBITRARY ID PER CENT, EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES PAYABLE TO OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SQUATTER FACTORIES WHICH CANNOT BE RELOCATED IN HOUSING AUTHORITY FLATTED FACTORIES BECAUSE OF THEIR TRADE OR SIZE.
.’/3DNESDA", X0V3MB3H 2°, 1°?8
11
THE DECISION MEANS THAT THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SUCH INADMISSIBLE FACTORIES INCLUDED IN THE 1976 SQUATTER CONTROL SURVEY WILL NOW RECEIVE $7,000 FOR COVERED WORKSHOPS OCCUPYING AN AREA OF BETWEEN 50 AND 200 SQUARE FEET, PLUS $38 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SQUARE FOOT INSTEAD OF $34. THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR OPEN WORKING AREAS REMAINS UNCHANGED AT $7 A SQUARE FOOT UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $50,000.
ANNOUNCING THE INCREASE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW RATE WAS AIMED AT FURTHER EASING PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CLEARANCES BROUGHT ABOUT BY PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
HE SAID THE 22 LARGE SQUATTER FACTORIES IN TSUEN WAN NORTH FACING CLEARANCE TO MAKE WAY FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH TSUEN WAN AND FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WOULD BE THE FIRST TO BENEFIT FROM THE INCREASE, WHICH WAS THE SECOND IN THREE MONTHS.
IN AUGUST LAST, FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THE 22 FACTORIES, THE RATE FOR EACH SQUARE FOOT OF COVERED WORKSHOP OVER 200 SQUARE FEET WAS INCREASED BY 70 PER CENT FROM $20 TO $34 AND THE $100,000 CEILING ABOLISHED TO HELP THEM RELOCATE OR MEET SEVERANCE PAY COMMITMENTS IF THEY CLOSED.
♦THESE FACTORIES GAIN HANDSOMELY THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FROM THE TWO INCREASES,+
♦UNDER THE OLD $20-A-SQUARE-F00T RATE, AND THE $100,000 CEILING THEY WERE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ONLY ABOUT $2 MILLION IN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES. NOW THEY STAND TO GET ABOUT $7.3 MILLION MORE.+
THE SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THE GOVERNMENT DECISION TO MAKE A FURTHER INCREASE TO THE ALLOWANCES AS GENEROUS. THE FACTORIES HAD BEEN OPERATING ON CROWN OR AGRICULTURAL LAND WITH MINIMUM OVERHEADS FOR MANY YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN RULED OUT ANY POSSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT ALLOWING THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THE 22 FACTORIES TO RELOCATE THEMSELVES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦MOST OF THE FACTORIES ARE ENGAGED IN DYEING AND BLEACHING, TANNING, ENAMEL-WARE AND SIMILAR TRADES, AND SUCH A MOVE WOULD ONLY AGGRAVATE SERIOUS POLLUTION PROBLEMS CONFRONTING RURAL AREAS, HE SAID.
♦BECAUSE OF THIS VERY REAL HAZARD, THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS HAVE THE CHOICE OF ACCEPTING THE GREATLY INCREASED ALLOWANCES AND EITHER RELOCATING THEMSELVES IN THE URBAN AREA- TAKING UP A SUBSTANTIALLY LESS-POLLUTING TRADE- OR CLOSING DOWN.
♦IF THEY CHOOSE TO CLOSE DOWN, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HELP WORKERS WHO LOSE THEIR JOBS TO FIND ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANY TRADES FACING A MANPOWER SHORTAGE, ESPECIALLY IN TSUEN WAN,+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
12
STAMP DUTY ON SHARE TRANSFERS *****
THE ACTING COLLECTOR OF STAMP REVENUE, MR. V.A. LADD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED COMPANY SECRETARIES AND REGISTERING OFFICERS NOT TO REGISTER ANY TRANSFERS OF SHARES OR MARKETABLE SECURITIES UNLESS THEY ARE DULY STAMPED.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT HAS BEEN SENT OUT TO COMPANY SECRETARIES AND REGISTERING OFFICERS.
UNDER THE STAMP ORDINANCE, TRANSFERS OF SHARES OR MARKETABLE SECURITIES ARE NOT TO BE REGARDED AS DULY STAMPED UNLESS THEY BEAR THE NECESSARY ENDORSEMENTS.
THEY HAD TO BEi
* ENDORSED BY THE COLLECTOR OF STAMP REVENUE TO THE EFFECT EITHER THAT AD VALOREM DUTY HAS BEEN PAID THEREON OR THAT NO AD VALOREM DUTY IS PAYABLE THEREON- OR
* ENDORSED BY THE COLLECTOR OR SOMEONE AUTHORISED BY HIM TO THE EFFECT THAT AD VALOREM DUTY HAS BEEN PAID ON BOTH A SOLD CONTRACT NOTE AND A BOUGHT CONTRACT NOTE, THAT IS, TWO ENDORSEMENTS ARE REQUIRED, EACH FOR THE SELLER AND THE BUYER.
AT PRESENT THE COLLECTOR HAS AUTHORISED ONLY FOUR GROUPS OF PEOPLE TO MAKE THESE ENDORSEMENTS — MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE LIMITED, THE FAR EAST EXCHANGE LIMITED, THE KAM NGAN STOCK EXCHANGE LIMITED AND THE KOWLOON STOCK EXCHANGE LIMITED.
NO SHORTAGE OF DISPENSERS * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON.
K.L. THONG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED HOSPITALS HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED A SHORTAGE OF DISPENSERS.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING. DR. THONG SAID THE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR THE DISPENSER GRADE ARE UP TO FULL STRENGTH IN THESE HOSPITALS.
♦THERE ARE CURRENTLY 15 VACANCIES IN THE DISPENSER GRADE IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE. AND THESE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING FILLED FOLLOWING A RECENT RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR,+ DR. THONG POINTED OUT.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 13 -
SICK LEAVE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVIEW THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS IN REGARD TO THE GRANTING OF ADDITIONAL SICK LEAVE TO CIVIL SERVANTS SUFFERING FROM TUBERCULOSIS AND LEPROSY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. ROWLANDS SAID THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS WHICH SINGLE OUT TUBERCULOSIS AND LEPROSY FOR THE GRANTING OF FURTHER SICK LEAVE ON FULL AND HALF PAY DATED BACK TO 1956 AND 1965 RESPECTIVELY.
MR. ROWLANDS POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE ARGUMENTS FOR RESTRICTING SUCH LEAVE ♦APPEAR NOW TO LACK A CERTAIN LOGIC.+ HE SAID HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO REVIEW THE WHOLE QUESTION.
MR. ROWLANDS ADDED THAT HE WOULD BEAR IN MIND DR. FANG’S SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES WHICH ALSO REQUIRE LONG PERIOD OF CONVALESCENCE.
♦ONE THOUGHT WHICH OCCURS TO ME IS THAT RATHER THAN ATTEMPT TO SPECIFY PARTICULAR DISEASES WE SHOULD BE GUIDED MORE BY THE OPINION OF A MEDICAL BOARD AS TO WHETHER THE OFFICER IS LIKELY TO RETURN EVENTUALLY TO WORK,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 14 -
CANTONESE COURSES FOR OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS *******
IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY THAT ALL OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, EXCEPT THOSE APPOINTED OVER THE AGE OF 40, SHOULD ATTEND FULL-TIME CANTONESE COURSES AND SIT AT LEAST TWO EXAMINATIONS, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. MARTIN ROWLANDS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOR PENSIONABLE OFFICERS, A PASS AT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL WAS A CONDITION OF CONFIRMATION, HE ADDED IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON. LO TAK-SHING.
+SINCE 1963, WHEN PROPER RECORDS FIRST BEGAN TO BE KEPT,* M?. ROWLANDS SAID, +57 SERVING OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS HAVE OBTAINED LANGUAGE QUALIFICATIONS. 12 OF THESE HAVE PASSED THE ADVANCED LEVEL IN CANTONESE- 28 HAVE PASSED THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, AND A FURTHER 17 OFFICERS STILL ON PROBATION HAVE PASSED THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL. THE REMAINING 50 OVERSEAS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS EITHER STUDIED CANTONESE BEFORE 1963 OR WERE APPOINTED TO HONG KONG AFTER THE AGE OF 40.+
ON WRITTEN CHINESE, 16 OVERSEAS OFFICERS HAVE PASSED GOVERNMENT EXAMINATIONS, TWO BEING AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL.
♦I AM UNABLE TO DEDUCE FROM THESE FIGURES HOW MANY OFFICERS ARE CURRENTLY UP TO THE STANDARDS IMPLIED BY THE QUESTION. THIS IS PARTLY BECAUSE, AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS ADVANCE IN THEIR CAREERS, THE INCREASING DEMANDS OF THEIR WORK, COUPLED WITH REDUCED CONTACT WITH NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE, TEND TO RESULT IN THEIR LINGUISTIC FACILITY DECLINING,* MR. ROWLANDS SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE COULD NOT GIVE PRECISE FIGURES, BUT IT WAS A FACT THE THE NUMBERS WERE LESS THAN HE WOULD WISH.
+1 SHALL LOOK INTO THE MATTER TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE BY
WAY OF IMPROVEMENT,* MR. ROWLANDS SAID.
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/15 ....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1976
- 15 -
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPROVED
*******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1978.
THE SCHEDULE OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE FINAL QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR, SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, COVERED A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $27.7 MILLION.
IN BREAKING DOWN THE TOTAL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THATt
* $10 MILLION WAS REQUIRED TO AUGMENT PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS SUBHEADS ON ACCOUNT OF THE 1977 SALARIES REVISION-
* $9.9 MILLION WAS REQUIRED TO COVER THE NET EXPENDITURE OF THE UNALLOCATED STORES ACCOUNT OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT-
* $3.8 MILLION WAS REQUIRED TO MEET WITHDRAWALS BY THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AGAINST PROMISSORY NOTES ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT- AND
* $2.8 MILLION WAS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
♦ THIS SCHEDULE BRINGS THE TOTAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR 1977-78 TO $1,121 MILLION. BUT BECAUSE OF SAVINGS IN OTHER SUBHEADS, ACTUAL TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $8,996.9 MILLION WAS ONLY $752 MILLION MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATES,♦ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD APPROVED ALL THE ITEMS IN THE SCHEDULE.
0
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
16
STANDARDISING TRAFFIC SIGNS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS ALREADY PROGRESSIVELY IMPROVING AND STANDARDISING THE DESIGN AND SIZE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY(WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM, MR. JONES SAID THAT EVENTUALLY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS IN HONG KONG WOULD ACCORD WITH THE NEW INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS LAID DOWN IN THE 1968 UNITED NATIONS VIENNA CONVENTION ON ROADS AND SIGNS.
♦MOST OF THESE SIGNS ARE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEIR MEANING CAN BE EASILY AND QUICKLY RECOGNISED FROM THE SYMBOLS ON THEM AND, WHERE THE USE OF WORDS AND CHARACTERS IS UNAVOIDABLE, THEY HAVE BEEN KEPT TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM,♦ MR. JONES SAID.
♦THE SIZES OF THE SIGNS ARE DETERMINED BY THE OPERATING SPEEDS OF VEHICLES ON THE ROADS WHERE THEY ARE PLACED, SO THAT THE SIGNS CAN BE EASILY SEEN AND UNDERSTOOD BY DRIVERS AND ACTED UPON IN GOOD TIME,+ HE ADDED.
MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC (ROADS AND SIGNS) REGULATIONS THERE ARE TWO SCHEDULES OF TRAFFIC SIGNS.
THE FIRST COVERS THE OLD FASHIONED U.K. SIGNS WHICH ARE BEING PHASED OUT AND THE SECOND COMPRISES THE SET OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED SIGNS WHICH ARE GRADUALLY BEING INTRODUCED AND ARE INSTALLED AT ALL NEW HIGHWAY PROJECTS, HE SAID.
SHA TIN RACE DAY TRAFFIC * * * *
THE RACE DAY TRAFFIC SITUATION IN SHA TIN IS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED AND IF CONDITIONS DO DETERIORATE LATER, FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO EASE THE FLOW, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SAID, +DESPITE AN INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE SINCE THE COURSE WAS OPENED, THERE HAVE BEEN NO TRAFFIC HOLD-UPS AT ANY OF THE ROAD JUNCTIONS IN SHA TIN RACE DAYS.
♦ALTHOUGH IT IS TOO EARLY YET TO DRAW FIRM CONCLUSIONS FROM THIS EXPERIENCE, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TRAVELLING THROUGH SHA TIN ON RACE DAYS ARE SAT ISFACTORY.♦
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
17
ACAN ENDORSES ANTI-DRUG PROPOSAL * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS HAS ENDORSED A PROPOSAL THAT AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAW SHOULD BE MADE WHICH WOULD ENABLE FINES TO BE IMPOSED ON THE CAPTAINS, MASTERS OR OWNERS OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ON WHICH DANGEROUS DRUGS HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY FOUND.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV. THE HON. PATRICK MCGOVERN, MR. DAVIES SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S ADVICE WILL BE SOUGHT IN THE NEAR FUTURE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL.
THE PROPOSAL WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE LAWS OF A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES CONCERNING VESSELS FOUND CARRYING NARCOTIC DRUGS ILLICITLY.
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OVERSEAS STUDY ADVICE * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED STUDENTS WHO INTEND TO STUDY OVERSEAS TO APPROACH THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE APPROPRIATE CONSULATE OR COMMISSION OR OTHER REPUTABLE AGENCIES FOR ADVICE, AND NOT TO RELY SOLELY ON GLOSSY PROSPECTUSES OR ADVERTISEMENTS.
ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HO KAM-FAI AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ABOUT DOUBTFUL ACADEMIC STANDING OF CERTAIN CANADIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR. HO SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO ASSESS THE ACADEMIC STANDING OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS OVERSEAS, + IT STANDS TO REASON THAT ONE SHOULD VIEW WITH CAUTION ANY OVERSEAS SCHOOL WHICH RESORTS TO ADVERTISING IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS WITH A VIEW TO RECRUITING STUDENTS FROM HERE.+
♦THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION HAS FOR MANY YEARS WARNED ALL APPLICANTS SEEKING ADVICE ON STUDY ABROAD TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS IN APPROACHING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES,* MR. HO ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION PROPOSED TO ISSUE ANOTHER CIRCULAR TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS EARLY NEXT YEAR TO ADVISE STUDENTS WHO INTEND TO STUDY OVERSEAS TO SEEK PROPER ADVICE BEFORE DEPOSITING DOWN PAYMENTS TOWARDS REGISTRATION OR TUITION FEES.
/'£
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 18 -
SAFETY IN CONSTRUCTION SITES *****
CONTRACTORS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE BETTER SAFETY MEASURES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN OPERATING LIFTING APPLIANCES AND EXCAVATIONS.
IN A MOTION SEEKING AMENDMENTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1978 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR THE HON. NEIL HENDERSON SAID THE AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO REMEDY CERTAIN DEFICIENCES IN THE ORIGINAL REGULATIONS WHICH HAD COME TO LIGHT IN THE COURSE OF THEIR ENFORCEMENT, AND TO TIDY UP SOME OF THE EXISTING PROVISIONS.
AMONG THE AMENDMENTS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW DEFINITION FOR A +SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD*.
+THIS WOULD NOW MEAN A PLATFORM, CRADLE OR SIMILAR STRUCTURE SUSPENDED BY ROPES OR CHAINS AND CAPABLE OF BEING RAISED OR LOWERED, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE A BOATSWAIN’S CHAIR OR SIMILAR APPLIANCE,* MR. HENDERSON SAID.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT FOR CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE THAT A LIFTING APPLIANCE IS NOT USED UNLESS IT IS ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED AND SECURED- TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS WHEN MORE THAN ONE LIFTING APPLIANCE IS USED FOR TANDEM LIFTS OR WHEN MULTIPLE SLINGS ARE USED OR WHEN SUITABLY DESIGNED POWER DRIVEN LIFTING APPLIANCES ARE USED TO CARRY PEOPLE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT CONTRACTORS WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE MEANS OF ESCAPE IN CASE OF ANY EMERGENCY FOR WORKMEN EMPLOYED IN EXCAVATIONS, SHAFTS, PITS OR TUNNELS, AND TO PROVIDE SUITABLE SAFETY MEASURES AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT WHERE WORKMEN EMPLOYED ON SITES ADJACENT TO WATER ARE EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF DROWNING.
MR. HENDERSON STRESSED THAT THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT FOR WORKERS TO WEAR SAFETY HELMETS IS ALSO EXTENDED TO COVER ANY OTHER PEOPLE WHO MAY ENTER A CONSTRUCTION SITE.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 19 -
EXTENSION OF POSTAL DELIVERY IN VILLAGES *****
DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE WOULD BE PROVIDED TO A FURTHER 344 ESTABLISHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE POSTMASTER GENERAL HOPED TO COMPLETE THIS EXTENSION OF THE DELIVERY SERVICE BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
MR. JEAFFRESON SAID, HOWEVER, THE DATE FOR IMPLEMENTATION DEPENDED ON THE COMPLETION OF THE NAMING OF STREETS AND THE NUMBERING OF HOUSES.
+IT ALSO DEPENDS ON THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL OF THE ADDITIONAL POSTS OF POSTMAN THE POSTMASTER GENERAL HAS REQUESTED,+ HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT 31 ESTABLISHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
20
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF N.T. LIBRARY SERVICES *****
THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE GENERAL RAISING OF PEOPLE’S STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS HAVE OVERTAKEN THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WORKING PARTY SET UP SIX YEARS AGO TO EXAMINE LIBRARY FACILITIES IN RURAL AREAS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS CURRENTLY IN HAND WITH A VIEW TO MAKING FRESH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION BEFORE NEXT YEAR’S ESTIMATES BECAME DUE.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ALEX WU REGARDING THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE TO EQUIP, TO STOCK AND TO PROVIDE OTHER SERVICES IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOCATED $1.1 MILLION TO MEET THE COST OF A BASIC STOCK OF BOOKS FOR THE NEW LIBRARIES PLANNED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES UNTIL 1982.
♦ IT IS ESTIMATED THAT A FURTHER $0.8 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON REPLACING OLD BOOKS AND EXPANDING EXISTING STOCK IN THE PERIOD TO 1983,+ HE WENT ON.
♦ THE EXPENDITURE ON THE PROVISION OF OTHER SERVICES - WHICH I TAKE TO MEAN SUCH FACILITIES AS LECTURES, FILM SHOWS, AND ORGANISED GROUP LIBRARY VISITS AND SO ON - IS NOW RUNNING AT ABOUT $40,000 A YEAR.+
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT, BOTH THE LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE AND THE STANDARDS OF PROVISION FOR LIBRARIES WERE APPROVED IN 1976 ACCORDING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORKING PARTY.
♦ THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN OVERTAKEN BY THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE GENERAL RAISING OF PEOPLE’S STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS,+ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
♦ I AM THEREFORE PLEASED TO REPORT THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS CURRENTLY IN HAND WITH A VIEW TO HAVING THE RESULTS AVAILABLE IN TIME TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE TIME WHEN NEXT YEAR’S ESTIMATES ARE DUE.+
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
21
PROPOSED COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AND TRAINING *****
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MANY OF THE FUNCTIONS ENVISAGED FOR THE PROPOSED COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AND TRAINING FALL WITHIN THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. HO SAID THE REPORT ENVISAGED THAT, IN THE INTERIM, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE COULD ASSUME THE ROLE OF THE PROPOSED COUNCIL.
♦WHILST THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THE NEED TO DEVELOP A VIABLE PATTERN OF SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN HONG KONG AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE STANDARDS, IT REMAINS TO BE CONVINCED THAT, IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, A STATUTORY BODY WITH AN ELABORATE ACCREDITATION MACHINERY IN ONE SPECIFIC SUBJECT AREA CAN BE JUSTIFIED,♦ HE SAID.
♦I BELIEVE IT WILL BE BETTER FOR THESE TASKS TO REMAIN ENTRUSTED TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING, RECONSTITUTED AND STRENGTHENED AS MAY BE NECESSARY,♦ HE ADDED.
NO INTENTION TO PROMOTE HUNTING *****
THE GOVERNMENT NEITHER PROMOTES, NOR DOES IT INTEND TO PROMOTE. HUNTING AS A SPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE HON. TED NICHOLS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING, MR. NICHOLAS SAID HUNTING AT PRESENT RARELY INCONVENIENCED FARMERS BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRAINTS PLACED ON IT BY THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONLY LIMITED AREAS AND SEASONS WERE AVAILABLE FOR HUNTING AND OF THE 450 HOLDERS OF GAME LICENCES ONLY SOME 150 WERE ACTIVE HUNTERS.
MR. NICHOLS ALSO NOTED THAT BIRDWATCHING WAS NOT SUSCEPTIBLE TO CONSTRAINTS. HE SAID THAT APART FROM THE MANY AMATEUR BIRDWATCHERS ENGAGED IN THIS HOBBY AT ALL TIMES OF THE YEAR, THERE WERE ABOUT 200 OR MORE ENTHUSIASTS WHO WERE MEMBERS OF THE BIRD WATCHING SOCIETY AND/OR THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
22 -
SUPPLIER CREDITS FOR MTRC
* * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION TO GIVE AUTHORITY FOR A GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE TO ENABLE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUPPLIER CREDITS, TOTALLING HK$95O MILLION, OFFERED IN RESPECT OF FOUR LARGE CONTRACTS.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE FOUR CONTRACTS FORM 80 PER CENT OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN, INCLUDING SEVEN STATIONS AND CONNECTING TUNNELS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EACH CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED AT FIXED PRICES AND THE SUPPLIER CREDITS IN HONG KONG DOLLARS, SO THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT IN RESPECT OF THE GUARANTEE WOULD BE ENTIRELY FREE FROM EXCHANGE RISKS.
♦THE INTEREST RATES WILL EE COMPETITIVE AND THE SUPPLIER CREDITS WILL BE REPAYABLE OVER A PERIOD OF 8-1/2 YEARS,+ HE ADDED.
THE GUARANTEE BROUGHT THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL GUARANTEE COMMITMENT IN RESPECT OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO HK$7,840 MILL ION.
0
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
- 23 -
PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 * * * * *
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO BRING IN CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE PARTITION ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PARTITION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, THE ACTING SOLICITOR GENERAL, THE HON. DAVID BOY SAID THIS M3ULD ENABLE COURT PROCEEDINGS TO BE INSTITUTED IN RESPECT OF A PROPERTY WITHOUT THE CONCURRENCE OF THE MORTGAGEE, WHETHER HE WAS A MORTGAGEE OF THE ENTIRE PROPERTY OR ONLY A SHARE OF THE PROPERTY.
MR. BOY POINTED OUT THAT UNDER OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE A MORTGAGEE COULD BE ADDED AS A PARTY IN THE PROCEEDINGS IF HIS PRESENCE BEFORE THE COURT WAS CONSIDERED DESIRABLE AND THAT NO ORDER FOR PARTITION COULD BE MADE WHICH WOULD PREJUDICE HIM UNLESS HE WAS MADE A PARTY TO THE PROCEEDINGS.
♦THIS IS CONSIDERED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS TO MORTGAGEES,♦ MR. BOY SAID.
MR. BOY EXPLAINED THAT A MORTGAGEE OF AN ENTIRE PROPERTY IN THE LAND CANNOT LEGALLY BE AFFECTED BY ANY ORDER FOR PARTITION WHICH THE COURT MAY MAKE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, SO THERE WOULD BE NO GOOD REASON WHY PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE ORDINANCE SHOULD DEPEND ON HIS CONSENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE ADDED, A MORTGAGEE OF ONLY A SHARE OF THE PROPERTY COULD BE AFFECTED. +BUT, DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE, A PARTITION WILL NOT NECESSARILY PREJUDICE HIM.+
♦THERE IS NO GOOD REASON, THEREFORE, WHY HE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PREVENT THE INSTITUTION OF PROCEEDINGS SIMPLY BY WITHHOLDING HIS CONSENT — PERHAPS QUITE UNREASONABLY,♦ MR. BOY SAID.
♦NONE OF THE JOINT TENANTS OR TENANTS IN COMMON, INCLUDING HIS OWN MORTGAGOR, IS IN THIS PRIVILGED POSITION,♦ HE ADDED.
MR. BOY ADDED THAT THE BILL WILL ALSO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT ONLY A JOINT TENANT, TENANT IN COMMON OR LEGAL MORTGAGEE OF A TENANT IN COMMON MAY INSTITUTE PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
♦THE VAGUENESS OF EXPRESSION IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE ON THIS ASPECT HAS LED TO SOME DOUBT,♦ MR. BOY SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1978
24
BILLS PASSED * * * *
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THESE WERE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 5) BILL 1978. LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978 AND PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1978.
CAUSEWAY BAY STAGE II TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
*****
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE AS FOLLOWSt-
* THE SECTION OF YUN PING ROAD BETWEEN HYSAN AVENUE AND KAI CHIU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND"
* THE SECTION OF LEE GARDEN ROAD BETWEEN KAI CHIU ROAD AND HYSAN AVENUE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND-
* THE SECTION OF KAI CHIU ROAD BETWEEN YUN PING ROAD AND LEE GARDEN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND-
* PAK SHA ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND-
* LAN FONG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND"
* THE SECTION OF RUSSELL STREET BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND LEE GARDEN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND-
* FOO MING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND- AND
* VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM LEE GARDEN ROAD INTO HYSAN AVENUE.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF YUN PING ROAD BETWEEN HYSAN AVENUE AND KAI CHIU ROAD AS WELL AS PAK SHA ROAD UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
THE MAXICAB STAND IN KAI CHIU ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED AND RELOCATED IN THE SECTION OF YUN PING ROAD BETWEEN PAK SHA ROAD AND KAI CHIU ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONEY SUPPLY DOWN IN OCTOBER ...................... 1
STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE TO START NEXT WEEK ....... 2
SAFEGUARD AGAINST COUNTERFEIT AND SUB-STANDARD MEDICINES ......................................... 3
WINTER MONSOON EXPERIMENT ......................... 4
SCHOOL AND H0ME1 IMPORTANT FACTORS INFLUENCING A PUPIL’S WORK .................................... 5
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ....................... 6
FISHING -- A POPULAR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY ............. 7
D.S.W. TO OPEN 32.5 MILLION HOME FOR THE AGED .... 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .............................. 8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
1
MONEY SUPPLY DOWN IN OCTOBER ******
THE MONEY SUPPLY FELL SLIGHTLY IN OCTOBER, DESPITE A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS FROM 80 THE PREVIOUS MONTH TO 82.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID Ml (NOTES AND COINS AND DEMAND DEPOSITS AT LICENSED BANKS) FELL BY $544 MILLION, OR 2.5 PER CENT, IN OCTOBER- AT THE END OF THE MONTH IT WAS 25 PER CENT ABOVE WHAT IT WAS IN OCTOBER, 1977. M2 (Ml PLUS TIME DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS) ALSO FELL IN OCTOBER, BY $191 MILLION, OR 0.3 PER CENT, TO A LEVEL 27.6 PER CENT ABOVE THAT AT THE END OF OCTOBER, 1977.
IT WAS THE FIRST FALL IN M2 SINCE MARCH, 1977.
THUS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE GROWTH RATE OF BOTH MEASURES HAD FALLEN! AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, Ml HAD BEEN 30.2 PER CENT ABOVE SEPTEMBER, 1977, AND M2 HAD BEEN 30.3 PER CENT UP.
HE SAID THERE APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN A RELATIVE SHIFT IN THE COMPOSITION OF THE MONEY SUPPLY, WITH A FALL IN DEMAND DEPOSITS BEING PARTIALLY OFFSET BY INCREASES IN TIME DEPOSITS AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
+THIS REVERSES THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PREVIOUS FOUR MONTHS, WHEN DEMAND DEPOSITS GREW RELATIVELY FASTER THAN TIME AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT COMPARING THE AVERAGE FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST TO OCTOBER, 1978, WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF 1977, TO SMOOTH OUT SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE FIGURES, Ml SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 27.3 PER CENT AND M2 AN INCREASE OF 28.7 PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG WAS RECORDED IN OCTOBER, WITH THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING RISING BY $2,057 MILLION TO A LEVEL 41.5 PER CENT ABOVE THE LEVEL IN OCTOBER, 1977.
♦THIS INCREASE MAY PERHAPS HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY ANTICIPATION OF THE OCTOBER 30 INCREASE IN BANKS’ BEST LENDING RATE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE INCREASE IN ADVANCES IN OCTOBER WAS FINANCED BY INCREASED BORROWINGS FROM BANKS OUTSIDE HONG KONG, WHICH WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CALCULATION OF THE MONEY SUPPLY- THIS CALCULATION WAS BASED ON DEPOSITS FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR (OTHER THAN BANKS) AT ALL LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
2
STUDENT GUIDANCE SERVICE TO START NEXT WEEK ******
SEVENTY-EIGHT STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A THREE-MONTH TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN WORK NEXT WEEK TO HELP 200,000 STUDENTS IN 350 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH THEIR PROBLEMS.
THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SCHEME, STARTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AIMS TO HELP STUDENTS WITH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THEIR STUDIES, BEHAVIOUR OR FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, AND TO HELP THEM OVERCOME THESE STRESSES.
DURING THE LATTER STAGE OF THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME, THE 78 STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS WERE STATIONED IN PAIRS IN 39 PRIMARY SCHOOLS EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FOR PRACTICAL WORK, SUPERVISED BY STAFF FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND BY EDUCATIONAL COUNCILLORS AND INSPECTORS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION AND STUDENT GUIDANCE SECTION.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WHERE THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS EXCHANGED VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES, AND DISCUSSED PROBLEMS WHICH THEY ENCOUNTERED DURING THEIR PRACTICAL TRAINING IN SCHOOLS.
A CLOSING CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
MR. THOMAS LEE, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND ADDRESS THE GATHERING. MR. HO NGA-MING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), WILL CHAIR THE PROCEEDINGS.
THE HEADS OF THE 350 PRIMARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TOMORROW’S CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS TO COVER TOMORROW’S CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME OF STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 A.M. IN THE HALL OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON. TV CREW PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, HAND-HELD CAMERAS SHOULD BE USED.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
SAFEGUARD AGAINST COUNTERFEIT AND SUBSTANDARD MEDICINES ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION HAS MADE TREMENDOUS STRIDES IN ENFORCING THE REVISED PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC AGAINST COUNTERFEIT AND SUB-STANDARD MEDICINES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR. DR. S.F. LAM, IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE COMMONWEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
HE SAID THE REVISED REGULATIONS, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR FOLLOWING A MAJOR REVIEW BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, WERE ALSO AIMED AT TIGHTENING THE EXISTING CONTROLS ON THE STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES WERE ALSO SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL.
DR. LAM SAID THAT TO ENSURE THESE REGULATIONS WERE PROPERLY ENFORCED THE FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION NOW HAS TO POLICE 2,500 SHOPS SELLING ORDINARY MEDICINES IN ADDITION TO 2,256 REGISTERED WITH THE BOARD AS LISTED SELLERS OF PART II POISONS.
HE SAID THERE WERE NOW ONLY 77 REGISTERED PHARMACIES OFFERING DISPENSING SERVICE IN HONG KONG WITH THE SALE OF POISONS AND ANTIBIOTICS IN THESE ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THE CONTROL OF A REGISTERED PHARMACIST.
HE SAID THIS WAS A RATHER SMALL FIGURE WHICH HE WOULD LIKE ID SEE IMPROVED.
BUT IMPROVEMENT FOR THE TIME BEING HAS TO DEPEND ON PHARMACISTS TRAINED ABROAD — A SITUATION WHICH WAS RATHER DISAPPOINTING, SAID DR. LAM.
♦WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO FACILITATE THE REGISTRATION OF ANY PHARMACIST TRAINED ABROAD IN RECOGNISED INSTITUTIONS WANTING TO WORK IN HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.
DR. LAM EXPLAINED THAT THOSE FROM RECOGNISED INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS WITH THE REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, HAVING SATISFIED MEMBERS OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, ARE REGISTERED AND ALLOWED TO PRACTISE THEIR PROFESSION.
THOSE FROM INSTITUTIONS WHOSE STANDARDS ARE QUESTIONABLE ARE GIVEN AN EXAMINATION AND WHEN FOUND SATISFACTORY ARE REGISTERED AFTER A PERIOD OF EXPERIENCE WORKING IN AN APPROVED INSTITUTION HERE.
♦BY AND LARGE, WITH THE EXPERTISE AND ADVICE OF THE PROFESSIONALS ON THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD, THIS SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION HAS WORKED VERY WELL AND WE ARE BENEFITING FROM THE STEADY STREAM OF TRAINED PROFESSIONAL PHARMACISTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
- 4 -
WINTER MONSOON EXPERIMENT
*****
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HONG KONG WILL PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNATIONAL WEATHER EXPERIMENT CALLED THE WINTER MONSOON EXPERIMENT (OR MONEX) WHICH IS DUE TO BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THIS EXPERIMENT IS ORGANISED BY THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION UNDER ITS GLOBAL ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH PROGRAMME AND IS A MAJOR PART OF A LARGER GLOBAL EXPERIMENT.
THE TWO PRIME OBJECTIVES OF THE WINTER MONSOON EXPERIMENT ARE TO OBTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WINTER MONSOON DYNAMICS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE REALISTIC MODELS FOR WEATHER PREDICTION AND TO ASSESS THE ULTIMATE LIMIT OF PREDICTABILITY OF WEATHER SYSTEMS.
PARTICIPATING MEMBERS OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION WILL INCLUDE AUSTRALIA, BURMA, CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, THAILAND, U.S.A. AND U.S.S.R.
MR. GORDON BELL, DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HONG KONG WILL BE MAKING A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WINTER MONSOON EXPERIMENT, THE FIELD PHASE OF WHICH WILL LAST TILL MARCH 5, 1979.
THE ROYAL NAVY WILL OPERATE A SHIP IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA TO MAKE UPPER-AIR OBSERVATIONS WITH A NAVA ID SOUNDING SYSTEM. THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S NAVAL LIAISON OFFICER. LIEUTENANTCOMMANDER D.C. MURRAY WILL BE THE CHIEF SCIENTIST ON BOARD.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL CONDUCT RECONNAISSANCE RESEARCH FLIGHTS USING AN ISLANDER TO EXAMINE SURGES OF COLD AIR OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THESE FLIGHTS WILL BE CO-ORDINATED BY THE OBSERVATORY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
DR. P.C. CHIN FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS SERVING AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) IN THE EXPERIMENT’S OPERATIONS CENTRE IN KUALA LUMPUR.
MR. PETER LI, SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, HAS BEEN APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION TO HELP INSTALL NAVA ID SOUNDING SYSTEMS IN JAKARTA AND SINGAPORE.
TWO SCIENTIFIC OFFICERS FROM THE MALAYSIAN METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE HAVE BEEN GIVEN TRAINING AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HONG KONG ON DATA PROCESSING TECHNIQUES. MR. SAMUEL CHENG, CHIEF EXPERIMENTAL OFFICER OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, IS NOW IN KUALA LUMPUR FOR TWO WEEKS AT THE INVITATION OF THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION AS A CONSULTANT IN DATA MANAGEMENT.
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THURSDAY, L'OVfflSHR 30, 1978
DAILY FORECASTS ORIGINATED AT THE CENTRAL FORECASTING OFFICE OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE PASSED TO THE OPERATIONS CENTRE AT KUALA LUMPUR, WHERE AN INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC PLANNING TEAM WILL DECIDE WHETHER THE FOLLOWING DAY SHOULD BE DECLARED AN INTENSIVE OBSERVATION DAY FOR WINTER MONSOON. IN THE EVENT THAT SUCH A DECLARATION IS MADE, A VARIETY OF DEDICATED OBSERVATION PLATFORMS SUCH AS RESEARCH AIRCRAFT AND SHIPS WILL BE ACTIVATED.
OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY INCLUDE THE COLLECTION OF WEATHER REPORTS FROM COMMERCIAL SHIPS PLYING THE WINTER MONSOON REGION AND THE TRANSMISSION OF VARIOUS INFORMATION SUCH AS COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT REPORTS, RADAR OBSERVATIONS, AGROMETEOROLOGICAL DATA, RADIATION DATA, PRECIPITATION AMOUNTS AND SPECIAL SYNOPTIC DATA.
MANY HIGH-LEVEL INTERNATIONAL SCIENTISTS ARE NOW GATHERING AT KUALA LUMPUR FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MONEX EXPERIMENT IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1 TO 31.
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SCHOOL AND HOMEi IMPORTANT FACTORS INFLUENCING A PUPIL’S WORK
X X X X X X
THE SCHOOL CLIMATE AND RELATIONSHIP WITH FAMILY MEMBERS ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS AFFECTING A PUPIL’S PERFORMANCE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, MR. N.M. HO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL) SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
PUPILS WERE DOUBTLESSLY INFLUENCED BY THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL PROVIDED, MR. HO SAID. BUT HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE TEACHER WAS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE FACTOR IN THE ENTIRE SCHOOL LIFE OF A PUPIL.
♦A DEDICATED, RESOURCEFUL AND WELL-TRAINED TEACHER CAN KINDLE HIS PUPILS’ ENTHUSIASM, FIRE THEIR IMAGINATION AND BRING OUT THEIR INDIVIDUAL, POTENTIAL QUALITIES,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE FAMILY, MR. HO SAID RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS COULD BE A GREAT HELP OR DETERRENT TO THE PUPILS’ SUCCESSFUL WORK IN SCHOOL.
HE SUGGESTED PARENTS SHOULD HELP THEIR CHILDREN BY SETTING A TONE OF INTERESTED CO-OPERATION BECAUSE MOST PUPILS NEEDED SOME FORM CF ENCOURAGEMENT.
♦MOST SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS NEED FULL ENCOURAGEMENT, WHETHER DIRECT OR IMPLIED, AT A STAGE WHEN THEIR LIFE-PATTERN IS BEING FORMED,+ MR. HO SAID.
APART FROM THE BASIC SKILLS IN READING AND WRITING WHICH THE PUPILS WOULD ALREADY HAVE ACQUIRED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, SECONDARY PUPILS SHOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO GET ON HARMONIOUSLY WITH EACH OTHER, HE ADDED.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
6
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED NO. 466 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID THE FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
RECENT INSPECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT FRESH MOVEMENT HAD OCCURRED IN THE BADLY ERODED LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS.
♦ADDITIONALLY, THE TIMBER FLOORS ARE IN VERY POOR CONDITION. AS IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THERE IS NOW A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 28 WAS POSTED TODAY.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
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FISHING — A POPULAR OUTDOOR ACTIVITY ******
WINTER ANGLERS BEWARE.
THAT IS THE CHILLY CAUTION ISSUED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, FISHING IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS IS A POPULAR OUTDOOR SPORT FOR BOTH TEENAGERS AND ADULTS.
BUT, IT WOULD BE COSTLY.
THERE ARE 17 RESERVOIRS IN ALL WHERE PEOPLE CAN BE SEEN ANGLING AT WEEKENDS. EIGHT ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ONE ON LANTAU WITH THE REST IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FISHING IS NOT YET PERMITTED AT THE NEW HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR, AND FISHING IN THE RESERVOIRS IN THE SUMMER MONTHS IS PROHIBITED BECAUSE IT IS DURING THIS PERIOD THE FISH BREED.
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. WHICH IS THE BEGINNING OF THE FISHING SEASON, SOME 5,000 LICENCES HAVE BEEN ISSUED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
♦THE FIGURE IS GRADUALLY RISING AND WILL MOST PROBABLY. TOP 7,000 BY JANUARY,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT PREDICTED.
LAST SEASON ONLY 4,500 LICENCES WERE ISSUED, AND, ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, THE INTRODUCTION OF WATER RESTRICTIONS AT THAT TIME MAY HAVE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS.
WHILE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WISHES TO ENCOURAGE FISHING, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THERE IS NO ABUSE OF THE REGULATIONS, AND LICENCE HOLDERS ARE REQUESTED TO READ CAREFULLY THE CONDITIONS STIPULATED ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE FISHING LICENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED ENTHUSIASTS THAT THEY MUST STRICTLY OBSERVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS, VIOLATION OF WHICH COULD RESULT IN HEAVY FINES.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, ANYONE CONVICTED OF POLLUTION COULD BE FINED A MAXIMUM OF $10,000 AND JAILED FOR TWO YEARS, AND ANY BREACH OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE ISSUE OF A FISHING LICENCE COULD LEAD TO A FINE OF $2,000.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1978
8
D.S.W. TO OPEN $2.5 MILLION HOME FOR THE AGED *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) OFFICIALLY OPEN THE $2.5 MILLION BUDDHIST PO CHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR AGED WOMEN IN FAN LING, THE NEW TERRITORIES.
CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING 117 PEOPLE, THE PROJECT, FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, DONATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB AND PRIVATE DONATIONS, IS RUN BY THE HEUNG HOI CHING KOK LIN ASSOCIATION.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW AT THE HOME WHICH IS LOCATED AT 3, PAK FUK VILLAGE, NEAR THE FAN LING RAILWAY STATION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BUDDHIST PO CHING CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR AGED WOMEN IN FAN LING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 P.M. THE HEUNG HOI CHING KOK LIN ASSOCIATION WILL PROVIDE TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. COACHES WILL LEAVE FROM THE ASSOCIATION AT 31 WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, AT 1 P.M.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 2) ’NO U-TURN’ RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED FOR THE NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS OF THAT SECTION OF ROAD.
EFFECTIVE FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY, ALL VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM MAKING A ’U-TURN’ AT THE JUNCTIONS OF WATERLOO ROAD AND DURHAM ROAD, HEREFORD ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO BAPTIST COLLEGE.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 2T THE URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION WITHIN THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM A POINT 100 METRES EAST OF TAI LEK HO ACCESS ROAD UP TO A LtNGTH OF ABOUT 150 METRES EASTWARD WILL BE SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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