DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
. JSSUED.BY; GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
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; _ ______ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
(:■ CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS AT OPENING OF LEGCO SESSION:
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OUTLOOK GENERALLY ENCOURAGING BUT IMMIGRATION POSES -SERIOUS ‘THREAT ;..‘.......................... 1
IMMIGRATION 'FIGURE WORRYINGLY HIGH ",............... 4
VIETNAMESE 'REFUGEES AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM.......... 5
OVERALL INFLATIONARY PRESSURE REDUCING' V.Y. j.....'. 7
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHITE PAPER EXPECTED
AT END OF YEAR ........................................ 9
GUANGDONG FOREIGN TRADE DIRECTOR TO VISIT HONG KONG ........ 10
TRIBUTE TO UMELCO........................................... 12
LARGE GARRISON WILL COST MORE .............................. 12
PUBLIC ASSIST IN CRIMINAL ARRESTS .......................... 1J
ICAC MUST MAINTAIN PRESSURE ................................ 16
LAW AND ORDER SERVICES EXPAND .............................. 17
MORE POWER FOR DRUG FIGHTERS ............................... 18
LAND PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND PRODUCTION UNDER REVIEW . 19
WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN CURRENT SESSION ............................................ 20
HIGH PRODUCTION RATE OF FUTS TO BE MAINTAINED............... 22
MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS .................................. 24
DSW LOCKING INTO jlDEQUaCY OF ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES ........ 25
/MORE ECONOMIC .....
MORE ECONOMIC USE OF ROADS URGED .......................... 27
HOME PURCHASE SCHEME PROPOSALS GOING TO EXCO SOON........ 28
GOVT SHOULD FINANCE aiDDITIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES .......................................... 29
new campaign next year to keep hk clean ................... 31
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GOOD PROGRESS IN COMMERCIAL LAW REFORMS .................. 32
WORK OF LEGCO UNOFFICIAL APPRECIATED...................... 33
REPORT ON SUBSIDIES TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS ................ 34
3100 000 YUEN LONG mNTI-DRUG CaMPaIGN TO BE LAUNCHED.......... 35
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ........................................... 35
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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OUTLOOK GENERALLY ENCOURAGING BUT IMMIGRATION POSES SERIOUS THREAT * * *
THE OUTLOOK FOR HONG KONG IS GENERALLY ENCOURAGING, THOUGH THE WAR IN THE PERSIAN GULF AND THE PROBLEM OF IMMIGRATION ARE WORRYING FEATURES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY.
IN HIS ANNUAL REVIEW AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY POINTED TO A SURPRISINGLY BUOYANT AND BALANCED ECONOMY, FINE WORK BY OUR INDUSTRIALISTS, EXPORTERS AND BUILDERS, AND SOLID PROGRESS IN OUR SOCIAL PROGRAMMES COUPLED WITH BUDGETARY STABILITY.
♦THESE TAKEN TOGETHER WITH OUR FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH CHINA AND CONTINUING SUPPORT AND INTEREST FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM FORM A GOOD BASIS FROM WHICH TO FACE THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
HE WAS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, OVER THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE WAR IN THE GULF, AND THE INSIDUOUS THREAT THE PROBLEM OF IMMIGRATION wAS BECOMING TO OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING.
HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE SPEED OF PRODUCTION WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE NEEDS OF THE DECADE TO COME.
♦WHILE I SEE THE SITUATION DEVELOPING IN CHINA AND IN THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC REGION TO BE HIGHLY FAVOURABLE TO HONG KONG, AND TO HOLD A PROSPECT OF BRIGHT OPPORTUNITIES, I AM CONCERNED THAT WE SHOULD HAVE THE FACILITIES - - THAT IS TO SAY THE LAND FOR NEW INDUSTRY, THE ROADS, THE HOUSING — THAT WILL ENSURE THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES CAN BE GRASPED BY HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY BEGAN HIS WIDE-RANGING ADDRESS WITH A REVIEW OF THE ECONOMY WHICH HE SUMMED UP AS +NOT AT ALL BAD+ AND THAT OF OUR BUDGETARY POSITION +DISTINCTLY GOOD+.
EXPORT PROSPECTS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, HE SAID, ARE MUCH BETTER THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT FROM THE OTHERWISE POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMIES OF OUR MAIN MARKETS.
BUT HE CAUTIONED THAT THE WAR IN THE GULF AND THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ASSESSING THE EFFECT IT WOULD HAVE ON OIL SUPPLIES AND PRICES AND THE ECONOMIES OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS, MADE THE FUTURE DIFFICULT TO FORECAST AT THIS TIME.
ALTHOUGH THE LONGER-TERM PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY REMAIN GOOD, SIR MURRAY SAID IMMIGRATION THREATENED IT IN TWO WAYS.
FIRSTLY, THE DILUTION OF THE LABOUR MARKET WAS REDUCING THE GROWTH OF INDIVIDUAL INCOMES. ♦THIS IS GROSSLY UNFAIR TO THE INDIVIDUAL WORKER.♦
SECONDLY, THOUGH IN THE SHORT-TERM IT MAY EE BENEFICIAL TO SOME EMPLOYERS, IT WAS EXTREMELY 7AD I'.' THE LONG-TERM BECAUSE IT REMOVED THE INCENTIVE FCR HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND MOVEMENT INTO MORE SOPHISTICATED AND C-’PITAL INTENSIVE P.’ODUCTIC'..
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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♦IT IS SURELY ON THE LATTER THAT WE HOPE TO BUILD HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF OUR PEOPLE, AND NOT ON A RELAPSE INTO CHEAP LABOUR ENTERPRISES WHOSE PRODUCTS ARE MORE AND MORE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION IN OVERSEAS MARKETS,* HE SAID.
THE PROBLEM OF IMMIGRATION, HE SAID, COULD ONLY BE SOLVED IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS IN GUANGDONG.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT OVER THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR, HONG £ONG HAD HAD TO ABSORB AN ADDITIONAL 91 OOO PEOPLE THROUGH LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA. THIS WAS ON TOP OF THE 178 000 LAST YEAR. ALTHOUGH THE EVASION RATIO IN THE CASE OF ILLEGALS HAD BEEN CUT DOWN FROM SOMETHING LIKE 3.5:1 TO ABOUT 1:1, IT LOOKED LIKE THIS YEAR’S TOTAL FIGURE WOULD BE WORRYINGLY HIGH AND NOT MUCH SHORT OF LAST YEAR’S.
+CLEARLY THE ROOT CAUSE LIES IN THE CURRENT URGE TO REACH HONG KONG, AND THE ONLY LONG-TERM CURE LIES IN DEFLATING THIS URGE AT ITS SOURCE, THAT IS TO SAY IN THE COMMUNES OF GUANGDONG.
+MEANWHILE, OUR UNREMITTING EFFORTS TO INTERCEPT AND RETURN THIS TRAFFIC TO CHINA ARE ESSENTIAL,* HE STRESSED.
ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, SIR MURRAY MADE IT CLEAR THAT HONG KONG WOULD DO ALL IT COULD TO ENSURE THAT THE REFUGEES STILL HERE WERE NOT SWEPT UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL RUG AS FORGOTTEN PEOPLE.
THE EFFORTS MADE AND THE HUMANITY SHOWN IN THIS SMALL OVERCROWDED TERRITORY DESERVE RECOGNITION IN THE ONLY PRACTICAL WAY POSSIBLE — PLEDGES FOR RESETTLEMENT, HE STRESSED.
SIR MURRAY THEN REVIEWED HONG KONG’S MAJOR SOCIAL PROGRAMMES IN HOUSING, EDUCATION, SOCIAL WELFARE , AND MEDICAL SERVICES, AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF IMMIGRATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THEM.
ON HOUSING,^HE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERALL INCREASE CF 65 000 NEW FLATS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, AND HE EXPECTED THIS RATE OF PRODUCTION TO BE MAINTAINED FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS AT LEAST.
EVEN SO, A NEW STUDY WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS WHERE THIS RATE OF COMPLETIONS WAS GETTING US AND WHEN IT WOULD BRING THE CHRONIC PROBLEM OF INADEQUATE HOUSING NEARER A SOLUTION.
IMMIGRATION HAD WORSENED THE POSITION. THE DEMAND ON OUR HOUSING STOCK THAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE MADE BY THE NUMBERS THAT ARRIVED LAST YEAR IS EQUAL TO AT LEAST A FULL YEAR’S BUILDING AT CURRENT RATES, SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦THE LONGER THE INFLUX CONTINUES THE MORE DIFFICULT vWLLL IT BECOME EVER TO CORRECT THE SITUATION.*
ON EDUCATION, SIR MURRAY ANNOUNCED THAT A WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMAPY SERVICES *OULD BE PUBLISHED THIS SESSION, COMPLETING THE SERIES CF .REVIEWS CF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM BEGUN IN 197**.
/HE SAID ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1930
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HE SAID THE CHANGE ACHIEVED ON THE GROUND UP TO JUNIOR SECONDARY FORM III, AND IN PLANNED EXPANSION OF SENIOR EDUCATION UP TC THE MID-80’S, WAS SPECTACULAR AND WAS RADICALLY CHANGING THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
BUT HERE TOO IMMIGRATION HAD CUT IN WITH THE RESULT THAT
*t WOULD BE MARGINALLY SHORT OF THE 1981 FORM IV TARGET OF SUBSIDISED PLACES FOR 60 PER CENT OF THE 15-YEAR-OLD AGE GROUP.
ON SOCIAL WELFARE, SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING WHETHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES ADEQUATELY REFLECT CHANGES IN THE STANDARD OF LIVING FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND WHETHER THE RENT ALLOWANCE WAS REALISTIC.
GENERALLY, HE WARNED THAT THE ADEQUACY OF THE PROVISION IN DEVELOPING PROGRAMMES COULD LOOK RADICALLY DIFFERENT IF THE NORMAL GROWTH OF OUR POPULATION CONTINUES TO BE SWOLLEN BY IMMIGRATION.
SIR MURRAY ALSO WARNED THAT HONG KONG COULD ABANDON ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEVELOPMENTS IF CURRENT IMMIGRATION LEVELS WERE NOT REDUCED.
ON FUTURE MEDICAL PLANS, HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE
1 400-BED HOSPITAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SHA TIN, OTHERS OF SIMILAR SIZE WERE PLANNED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE END OF THIS DECADE AT TUEN MUN AND EAST KOWLOON.
ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS HOPED TO PUBLISH THE WHITE PAPER BY THE END OF THE YEAR. APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION MIGHT THEN BE INTRODUCED IN EARLY 1981, PAVING THE WAY FOR ELECTIONS UNDER A NEW SYSTEM BY PROBABLY THE SPRING OF 1982.
A TENTATIVE PROGRAMME, HE SAID, HAD ALREADY BEEN WORKED OUT PROGRESSIVELY TO SET UP DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS (THOUGH UNTIL ELECTIONS ARE HELD THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD CONSIST OF APPOINTED MEMBERS ONLY).
SIR MURRAY WOUND UP HIS ADDRESS WITH AN APPRAISAL OF THE CONTINUING FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH CHINA.
+SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS ARE NOW SETTLED INTO A PATTERN OF FRIENDLY CO-OPERATION,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT OUR DEALINGS wITH THE MANY OFFICIALS OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC IN HONG KONG CONTINUE TO BE ON A BASIS WHICH IS BOTH POSITIVE AND SATISFACTORY.
HE DISCLOSED THAT GUANGDONG’S DIRECTOR OF TRADE WOULD VISIT HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH, RETURNING A VISIT TO GUANGDONG LAST MAY BY A HONG KONG MISSION LED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN.
AS FOR HONG KONG’S RELATIONS WITH THE UK, SIR MURRAY SAID THESE HAVE BEEN MARKED BY A DEEPENING UNDERSTANDING ON BOTH SIDES.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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IMMIGRATION FIGURE WORRYINGLY HIGH * * *
HONG KONG ABSORBED AN ADDITIONAL 91 □□□ PEOPLE THROUGH LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS CF THE YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
THE NUMBER WAS ON TOP OF THE 178 000 WHO CAME IN LAST YEAR.
AND IT LOOKS AS IF THIS YEAR’S TOTAL FIGURE WILL BE WORRYINGLY HIGH AND NOT MUCH SHORT OF LAST YEAR’S, SIR MURRAY SAID IN HIS REVIEW OF IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS.
♦CLEARLY THE ROOT CAUSE LIES IN THE CURRENT URGE TO REACH HONG KONG, AND THE ONLY LONG-TERM CURE LIES IN DEFLATING THIS URGE AT ITS SOURCE, THAT IS TO SAY IN THE COMMUNES OF GUANGDONG,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
♦MEANWHILE OUR UNREMITTING EFFORTS TO INTERCEPT AND RETURN THIS TRAFFIC TO CHINA ARE ESSENTIAL.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAD GROWN FAST, AND HE CITED FIGURES TO ILLUSTRATE THIS.
ARRESTED EVADED AND ENTERED
1977 1 800 6 600
1978 8 200 28 000
1979 90 000 102 000
1980 56 100 55 000
(JAN - AUG)
AND WITH THE NUMBER OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS ADDED IN, THE EXTRA NUMBERS HONG KONG HAS HAD TO ABSORB FROM IMMIGRATION BECOMES: 31 000 IN 1977- 95 000 IN 1978- 178 000 IN 1979 AND 91 000 FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1980.
SIR MURRAY SAID 85 PER CENT OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMING IN WERE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 30. MOST ARE SINGLE AND PROPORTION OF MALE TO FEMALE IS 3 I 1.
♦THE EDUCATIONAL LEVEL IS USUALLY POOR AND THEY HAVE LITTLE TO OFFER IN SKILLS,* HE SAID.
THEIR PRESENCE, HE ADDED, POSES POTENTIAL PROBLEMS FOR LAW AND ORDER THOUGH THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY. ♦ILLEGAL MOVEMENT ACROSS FRONTIERS INEVITABLY OPERATES WITHIN THE CRIMINAL WORLD.+
SIR MURRAY OUTLINED THE VARIOUS MEASURES.TAKEN LOCALLY TO CONTAIN THE FLOW, INCLUDING DAILY AND NIGHTLY POLICE, ARMY AND NAVY PATROLS AND SOPHISTICATED DETECTION DEVICES, AND GAVE AN INDICATION OF THE DIMENSION OF THE THREAT HONG KONG FACES SHOULD SECURITY EFFORTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE BORDER SLIP.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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HE SAID THAT WHILE HE HAD NO DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF THE MEASURES ON THE CHINESE SIDE, THEY WERE ACTIVE AND WERE BELIEVED TO RESULT IN THE ARREST OF THREE TIMES AS MANY PEOPLE AS BY OUR OWN SECURITY FORCES.
OUT OF EVERY FIVE ATTEMPTING TO PENETRATE THIS SINO/BRITISH SCREEN IT WAS BELIEVED THAT ONLY ONE SUCCEEDED.
♦AND YET IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS 94 OOO DID SUCCEED,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE IMPLICATION IS THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ATTEMPTED TO REACH HONG KONG AND EITHER SUCCEEDED OR WERE ARRESTED MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHING LIKE 450 000 IN ONE YEAR, AND OBVIOUSLY MORE MUST HAVE TURNED BACK UNDETECTED.
♦SO IF THE GUARD SLIPPED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONTIER AND ADJACENT SEABOARD, WE WOULD LITERALLY BE OVERWHELMED BY THIS WAVE OF HALF A MILLION OR MORE THAT HANGS OVER US.
♦THIS IS THE DIMENSION OF THE THREAT,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID.
REFERRING TO THE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT WHILE THE VOLUME HAD, BEEN BROUGHT DOWN IN RESPONSE TO REPRESENTATIONS FROM A PEAK OF 310 A DAY IN DECEMBER 1978 TO AN AVERAGE OF 150 A DAY THIS YEAR, THIS REPRESENTED AN ADDITION OF ABOUT 55 000 A YEAR TO OUR POPULATION. +IT IS FAR TOO MUCH AND SHOULD BE GREATLY REDUCED.♦
THE STREAM OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS, HE EXPLAINED, CONSISTED OF PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN ISSUED PERMITS BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO LEAVE THEIR PLACES OF RESIDENCE FOR EXTENDED VISITS TO HONG KONG.
♦BUT IN PRACTICE AT LEAST 96 PER CENT REMAIN PERMANENTLY IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
GENERALLY, THE LEGAL IMMIGRANTS COMPRISED COMPLETE FAMILY GROUPS, OFTEN WITH SKILLS AND EDUCATION AND NORMALLY WITH FAMILY CONNECTIONS IN HONG KONG. THEIR ABSORPTION WOULD NOT PRESENT A DIFFICULT PROBLEM WERE IT NOT FOR THEIR NUMBERS.
SIR MURRAY ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SECURITY FORCES SAYING ♦THE MOUNTING EFFICIENCY, DETERMINATION AND TECHNICAL SKILL WITH WHICH THEY ATTACKED THIS DISTASTEFUL TASK IS BEYONG ALL PRAISE.+
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VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM
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HONG KONG WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO ENSURE THAT THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES STILL HERE ARE NOT SWEPT UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL RUG AS FORGOTTEN PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE. STRESSED TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ’
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT ON THE BASIS OF PLEDGES ALREADY GIVEN SOME 7 000 OF THE 28 200 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES STILL HERE ARE EXPECTED TO BE RESETTLED OVERSEAS BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
♦HOWEVER, WITHOUT FIRMER PLEDGES FOR NEXT YEAR, THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE RATE OP RESETTLEMENT COULD DROP CONS IDERAc_v HE SAID.
’ /HONG KOI. ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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HONG KONG REALISED THE PLIGHT OF OTHER COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY THAILAND, HE ADDED.
+3UT THE EFFORTS MADE AND THE HUMANITY SHOWN IN THIS SMALL OVERCROWDED TERRITORY, ALSO DESERVE RECOGNITION AND IN THE ONLY PRACTICAL WAY POSSIBLE — PLEDGES OF RESETTLEMENT.+
+THEY ARE AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM, NOT OURS,* HE SAID, POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG STILL HAD 50 PER CENT MORE BOAT REFUGEES THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY OF FIRST ASYLUM.
SIR MURRAY RECALLED THAT LAST YEAR THERE WERE SIGNS THE GENEVA CONFERENCE LAST JULY HAD ACHIEVED ITS IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES CF PERSUADING THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT TO STOP THE ORGANISED OUTFLOW, AND OF SECURING PLEDGES IN MONEY AND RESETTLEMENT PLACES THAT WOULD PROGRESSIVELY RELIEVE TERRITORIES OF FIRST ASYLUM SUCH AS HONG KONG OF THE BURDEN OF THESE REFUGEES.
+ IN FACT, IN MARKED CONTRAST TO ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY COUNTRIES OF RESETTLEMENT TO THE COUNTRIES OF ASEAN, ONLY HALF THE REFUGEES WHO WERE HERE LAST OCTOBER HAVE BEEN RESETTLED,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED HONG KONG’S GRATITUDE FOR THE HELP CF ALL COUNTRIES OF RESETTLEMENT, AND FOR THE WORK DONE BY THE UNHCR AND OUR OWN AND OVERSEAS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
*WE ARE PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL FOR THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTION BY THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND THE UK,+ HE SAID.
THERE HAVE BEEN ARRIVALS DIRECT FROM VIETNAM, HE NOTED, BUT THE NUMBERS WERE NOT GREAT AND WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE UNDERTAKINGS GIVEN AT GENEVA BY THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE UNDER DETENTION SOME ETHNIC CHINESE WHO ORIGINALLY SOUGHT REFUGE FROM VIETNAM AND WERE RESETTLED IN CHINA, BUT SUBSEQUENTLY MADE THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG.
+THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE SHOWN SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PROBLEM, AND THESE PEOPLE ARE GRADUALLY EEING RETURNED TO THEIR PLACES OF RESETTLEMENT,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1989
OVERALL INFLATIONARY PRESSURE REDUCING * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ThE OVERALL INFLATIONARY PRESSURE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD BEEN REDUCING DURING THE YEAR SO FAR.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR DOMESTICALLY GENERATED INFLATION HAD EASED AND IMPORTED INFLATION WAS DAMPENED TO SOME EXTENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980.
HE NOTED THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INFLATION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, THE INDEX OF GENERAL PRICE LEVELS IN 1989 WAS EXPECTED TO AVERAGE ABOUT 14 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1979 INSTEAD OF THE 10 PER CENT FORECAST IN THE BUDGET.
+THIS IS A GENERALLY FAVOURABLE PICTURE, AND IT APPEARS LIKELY THAT THE GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WILL BE SOMEWHAT HIGHER THAN THE BUDGET FORECAST OF NINE PER CENT.
♦BUT THE GROWTH RATE OF PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN 1980 WILL DEPEND ON THE LEVEL OF IMMIGRATION. IF, AS SEEMS LIKELY, IT IS NOT MUCH LESS THAN LAST YEAR, ONCE MORE THE GDP PER HEAD WILL GROW MUCH MORE SLOWLY THAN THE GDP ITSELF,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN THE LAST MONTHS OF 1980 AND INTO 1981, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE GREATEST UNCERTAINTY LAY IN WHETHER THE HIGH GROWTH FATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS COULD BE SUSTAINED.
♦PERHAPS NOT, AND EXPORT ORDER BOOKS ARE REPORTED TO BE GETTING SHORTER. BUT RECESSION IN OUR EXPORT MARKETS AND DEMAND FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS OFTEN DO NOT '•’OVE ON PARALLEL LINES, AND IF THE GROWTH RATES OF IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ARE ANYTHING TO GO BY, EXPORT PROSPECTS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE ARE MUCH BETTER THAN ONE MIGHT EXPECT FROM THE OTHERWISE POOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMIES OF OUR MAIN MARKETS.+
BUT HE CAUTIONED THAT WAR IN THE PERSIAN GULF AND THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ASSESSING AT THIS STAGE WHAT EFFECT IT WOULD HAVE ON OIL SUPPLIES AND PRICES AND THE ECONOMIES OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS, MADE THE FUTURE PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT 70 FORECAST AT THIS TIME.
♦IN THE LONGER RUN, WE SHOULD SEE A RECOVERY IN THE WORLD ECONOMY AND I REMAIN CONFIDENT THAT THE STABILITY OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WILL ENABLE US 70 TAKE FULL BENEFIT FROM THIS.+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE LONGER-TERM PROSPECTS FOR GROWTH OF OUR ECONOMY REMAINED GOOD, IMMIGRATION "HREATENED IT IN TWO WAYS.
FIRST, THE DILUTION OF THE LABOUR MARKET WAS REDUCING THE GROWTH OF INDIVIDUAL INCOMES. +THIS IS GROSSLY UNFAIR TO THE INDIVIDUAL WORKER,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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SECOND, THOUGH IN THE SHORT-TERM IT MIGHT BE BENEFICIAL TO SOME EMPLOYERS, IT WAS EXTREMELY BAD IN THE LONG TERM BECAUSE IT REMOVED THE INCENTIVE FOR HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND MOVEMENT INTO MORE SOPHISTICATED AND CAPITAL INTENSIVE PRODUCTION.
♦IT IS SURELY ON THE LATTER THAT WE HOPE TO BUILD HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF OUR PEOPLE, AND NOT ON A RELAPSE INTO CHEAP-LABOUR ENTERPRISES WHOSE PRODUCTS ARE MORE AND MORE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTION IN OVERSEAS MARKETS,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, SIR MURRAY SAID ITS GROWTH HAD CONTINUED TO BE EXPORT-LED AND IT WAS SATISFACTORY THAT EXPORTS HAD DONE SO WELL DESPITE THE RECESSIONARY STATE OF THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKET. THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR OF 28 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS, WAS REMARKABLE. THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND APPEARED TO BE PICKING UP BUT PROBABLY STILL LAGGED BEHIND THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
RE-EXPORTS HAD GROWN RAPIDLY IN 1980 AS HONG KONG’S RE-EMERGENCE AS A MAJOR ENTREPOT PORT CONTINUED, WITH MUCH OF THE GROWTH ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHINA’S TRADE.
THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN 1980 HAD ALMOST CAUGHT UP WITH THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, PRESUMABLY AS A RESULT OF INCREASED DOMESTIC DEMAND. BUT THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS STILL SLIGHTLY NARROWER THAN FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
SIR MURRAY ALSO NOTED THAT THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE INCREASED FROM 2.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1979 TO 3.2 PER CENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR, AND HE HAD NO DOUBT THE SEPTEMBER FIGURES, WHEN AVAILABLE, WOULD SHOW A CONTINUATION OF THIS TREND.
♦THESE PERCENTAGES BY CURRENT WORLD STANDARDS ARE VERY LOW, BUT THE TREND REFLECTS AN ASPECT; OF ADJUSTMENT THAT PRESSES HARD ON SOME INDIVIDUALS, AND/OF COURSE THE IMPACT IS MADE WORSE BY THE EFFECTS OF IMMIGRATlON,+ TFJE GOVERNOR SAID.
REVIEWING THE PUBLIC FINANCES, SIR MURRAY SAID WHILE IT WAS STILL TOO EARLY TO REACH A CONCLUSION ON THE FINAL OUTTURN, PRESENT INDICATIONS WERE THAT THE BUDGETED SURPLUS WOULD BE EXCEEDED, DUE LARGELY TO THE ESTIMATED INCREASE IN REVENUE FROM LAND SALES.
BUT HE SAID THAT THE EXCESS THAT MIGHT RESULT WOULD BE MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE ESTIMATED INCREASE IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, DUE LARGELY TO THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN SALARIES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
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DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHITE PAPER EXPECTED AT END OF YEAR ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IT IS HOPED THE WHITE PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
HE ADDED THAT APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION MIGHT THEN BE INTRODUCED EARLY IN 1981 TO PAVE THE WAY FOR ELECTIONS UNDER A NEW SYSTEM PERHAPS IN THE SPRING OF 1982.
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR MURRAY SAIDi +T0 MAKE THIS POSSIBLE, A SUBSTANTIAL DEPLOYMENT OF GOVERNMENT MANPOWER WOULD BE NECESSARY, AND A TENTATIVE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN WORKED OUT PROGRESSIVELY TO SET UP DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT BOARDS IN ALL DISTRICTS (THOUGH UNTIL ELECTIONS ARE HELD THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD CONSIST OF APPOINTED MEMBERS ONLY).*
HE SAID THE FIRST STEP WOULD BE TO SET UP A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IN WONG TAI SIN AND A DISTRICT BOARD IN KWUN TONG WHERE THERE IS ALREADY A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
♦SIMILAR STEPS WOULD FOLLOW WE HOPE AT ABOUT THREE MONTHLY INTERVALS IN OTHER URBAN DISTRICTS UNTIL ALL ARE COVERED,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ON THIS TENTATIVE PROGRAMME OF SETTING UP DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND BOARDS, SIR MURRAY REASSURED THE COUNCIL ON TWO POINTS:
* THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES MUST BE OF ADEQUATE CALIBRE AND THE POWERS AND AUTHORITY OF THEIR MEMBERS IN THE DEPARTMENTS THEY REPRESENT MUST BE CLEARLY DEFINED. IN NO DISTRICT WILL THE SETTING UP OF A DISTRICT BOARD BE PROCEEDED WITH UNTIL AN ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IS IN PLACE TO WORK WITH IT.
* THE BOARDS MUST HAVE FUNDS THAT THEY CAN SPEND ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE FOR DEFINED PURPOSES. THIS APPLIES PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE URBAN COUNCIL FUNDS ARE NOT AVAILABLE BUT ALSO TO A LESSER EXTENT IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS TOO, AND THE LATTER COULD BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT INFRINGING URBAN COUNCIL’S PREROGATIVES. THE REAL POWER OF THE BOARDS WILL BE THROUGH THE INFLUENCE THEY EXERT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OFFICIALS AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SOME FINANCIAL RESOURCES OF THEIR OWN.
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW TOO LARGE, TOO COMPLEX AND GEOGRAPHICALLY TOO SPREAD OUT FOR THE OLD SYSTEM OF CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO BE THE COMPLETE ANSWER- IT MUST BE SUPPLEMENTED WITH MORE STRENGTH AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
/+TH^ GREEN .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
10 -
♦THE GREEN PAPER WAS NOT THE FIRST WORD ON THIS SUBJECT AND IT IS CERTAINLY NOT INTENDED TO BE THE LAST. BUT I HOPE THAT WHEN MODIFIED IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC COMMENT, IT WILL ENABLE US TO TAKE A SIGNIFICANT AND PRACTICAL STEP TOWARDS CLOSING THIS GAP BETWEEN PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT AT DISTRICT LEVEL,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO NOTED THAT THE GREEN PAPER HAD PROVOKED THOUGHTFUL COMMENT WHICH HAD BEEN CAREFULLY RECORDED AND STUDIED.
HE SAID DISCUSSION AND CRITICISM HAD FOCUSSED ON WHETHER THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO COMMAND INTEREST, AND ON THE PROPORTION OF ELECTED TO APPOINTED MEMBERS AND WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE DIRECT ELECTION TO DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREAS AS WELL AS THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE NOTED THAT WHILE THERE WAS MUCH SUPPORT FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF ADDING AN ELECTED ELEMENT, THERE WAS ALSO SUPPORT FOR THE RETENTION OF APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP AS WELL.
THERE APPEARED TO BE A VERY LARGE MEASURE OF SUPPORT FOR ELECTIONS ON A CONSTITUENCY RATHER THAN A COLONY-WIDE BASIS, AND IT DID NOT SEEM POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE LOCAL FOCUS AIMED AT BY ANY OTHER MEANS.
♦SOME ADVOCATE RETAINING THE 10 CITY DISTRICT OFFICES RATHER THAN AMALGAMATING TWO DISTRICTS ON EACH SIDE OF THE HARBOUR. TWENTY-ONE HAS GENERALLY BEEN SUPPORTED AS THE RIGHT AGE FOR VOTING RIGHTS THOUGH SOME HAVE ARGUED FOR BOTH HIGHER AND LOWER AGES, AND SOME ALSO FOR EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS. BUT I NOTE A WIDE BAND OF OPINION WHICH CONSIDERS THREE YEARS’ RESIDENCE TOO LITTLE IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG. SOME HAVE ARGUED THERE SHOULD BE MORE STRINGENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES THAN VOTERS,+ SAID SIR MURRAY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE WERE COUNTER PROPOSALS FOR A TWO-TIER ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN THE URBAN AREA WHICH WOULD RETAIN THE EXISTING TERRITORY-WIDE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS BUT WOULD BE AUGMENTED BY SEPARATE ELECTIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARDS WITH WHICH THE CANDIDATES WITH THE MOST VOTES HAVING A SEAT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
HE SAID ALL THESE VIEWS WERE NOW BEING CAREFULLY CONSIDERED.
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GUANGDONG FOREIGN TRADE DIRECTOR TO VISIT HONG KONG * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF FOREIGN TRADE IN GUANGDONG WILL VISIT HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY)'.
THE VISIT FOLLOWS ONE TO GUANGDONG LAST MAY BY A GROUP FROM HONG KONG LED BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN TO SEE HOW HONG KONG AND UNITED K'NGDoM INTERESTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO GUANGDONG’S DEVELOPMENT PLANS.
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, c'R /.PRAY SAID HE BELIEVED THIS CLOSER CO-OPERATICN ON ECONO*' C VAT’EFS WOULD BE WELCOMED BOTH N HONG KCNG AND GUANGDONG.
/SINC-3-ITIS7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
11
SINO-BRITISH RELATIONS WERE NOW SETTLED INTO A PATTERN OF FRIENDLY CO-OPERATION, HE SAID. THIS WAS ALSO TRUE OF THE RELATIONSHIP AS IT AFFECTS HONG KONG AND HE THOUGHT THERE WAS GROWING UNDERSTANDING OF THE POSITIVE PART THAT HONG KONG COULD PLAY IN THIS RELATIONSHIP AND IN OTHER ASPECTS.
+OUR DEALINGS WITH THE MANY OFFICIALS OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC IN HONG KONG CONTINUE TO BE ON A BASIS WHICH IS BOTH POSITIVE AND SATISFACTORY,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THE EXTENT TO WHICH OUR BUSINESSMEN WERE ENGAGING IN COMPENSATION DEALS AND JOINT VENTURES IN CHINA HAD CONSIDERABLY EXPANDED.
HE ALSO HOPED THAT WITH IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS, HONG KONG COULD PLAY AN INCREASING PART IN THE GROWING TOURIST INDUSTRY OF CHINA.
AS THE NEW ECONOMIC POLICIES OF CHINA BECOME CLEARER AND FIRMER SO BUSINESS INTEREST IN CHINA WILL EXPAND, HE SAID. INEVITABLY THIS WILL INCREASE INTEREST IN THE ROLE WHICH HONG KONG CAN PLAY IN THIS PROCESS.
♦ I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT ON THE ONE HAND THIS WILL MEAN THAT
SOME ENTERPRISES NOW IN HONG KONG WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LOWER
LAND AND LABOUR COSTS IN GUANGDONG- ON THE OTHER, THAT FIRMS
AND INDUSTRIES WILL OPEN UP IN HONG KONG WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD NOT HAVE DONE SO,* HE SAID.
+THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS RAPIDLY EVOLVING SITUATION WHICH WE HAVE TO FEAR,* SIR MURRAY SAID, ADDING +BUT NATURALLY IT INVOLVES NEW PROBLEMS AS WELL AS NEW BENEFITS.
♦ IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF GUANGDONG AND FIND WAYS BY WHICH ANY NEW PROBLEMS CAN BE SoWd BY MUTUAL CO-OPERATION. THIS WE ARE DOING.* SIR MURRAY SAID^^^
ON RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM, SIR MURRAY SAID YHESE HAD BEEN MARKED BY DEEPENING UNDERSTANDING ON BOTH SIDES.
THE QUICK RESPONSE TO OUR APPEAL FOR REINFORCEMENTS WAS A CASE IN POINT. SO TOO WAS THE BRISK RESPONSE OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE TO THE EXCLUSION OF CATHAY PACIFIC FROM THE CABOTAGE ROUTE.
♦ OF COURSE IN SO CLOSE A RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS ARE BOUND TO ARISE, BUT THE DEGREE OF MINISTERIAL INTEREST IN AND FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP.* HE SAID. SO TOO HAS THE WORK OF THE ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY GROUP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SIR PAUL BRYAN.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE ECONOMIC BASIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP REMAINS SATISFACTORY, AND THIS IS OBVIOUSLY OF GREAT IMPORTANCE.
+* ITH UK EXPORTS TO HONG KONG THIS YEAR LOOKING AS 1c THEY WOULD TOP 5CO MILLION POUNDS STERLING, AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT INVISIBLE EARNINGS AND OTHER INDIRECT ADVANTAGES TO THE UK, I BELIEVE THE MUTUAL ADVANTAGE OF ’HE REuA’iONSHIP TO BE ON A SOUND BASIS,* HE SAID.
/12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
12 -
TRIBUTE TO UMELCO
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, PAID TRIBUTE TO UMELCO AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WERE FAR TOO FEW OCCASIONS ON WHICH HE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE THEIR WORK THE PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IT DESERVED.
+THIS IS AN OCCASION ON WHICH IT IS MY PLEASURE AND DUTY TO DO S0,+ HE SAID.
+UMELCO IS A UNIQUE INSTITUTION WHICH HAS EVOLVED UNDER IMAGINATIVE AND DEVOTED LEADERSHIP TO PERFORM A VITAL ROLE IN A CONSTITUTIONAL SITUATION WHICH IS ITSELF UNIQUE.
+IT CARRIES AN EVER-INCREASING WORK-LOAD, WHICH REFLECTS THE VIGOUR WITH WHICH IT PERFORMS ITS LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS, THE EVOLUTION OF ITS POSITION AS A COURT OF COUNSEL OR APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC, AS WELL AS THE INCREASING COMPLEXITY AND SCOPE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE TIME DEVOTED BY MEMBERS TO THEIR PUBLIC DUTIES WAS ENORMOUS AND HE WOULD LIKE TO RECORD HIS DEEP PERSONAL DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THEM.
+T0 EASE THEIR LOAD TWO EXTRA HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THEIR NUMBER THIS YEAR. IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE THERE COULD WELL BE ROOM FOR FURTHER ADDITIONS,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR THE TREND TOWARDS UNOFFICIAL CHAIRMANSHIP OF STATUTORY COMMITTEES HAD CONTINUED, WITH MR LO TAK-SHING TAKING OVER AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND MISS LYDIA DUNN OF BOTH THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION AND THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL.
--->0------
LARGER GARRISON WILL COST MORE MM****
SUBSTANTIVE NEGOTIATIONS ON A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT WILL START IN A FEW DAYS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
AND HE WARNED THAT THE GARRISON, UNDER EXCEPTIONAL STRAIN IN INTERCEPTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WOULD COST CONSIDERABLY MORE.
+FROM THE SERIES OF PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS AND CALCULATIONS THAT HAVE TAKEN P<_ACE IT IS CLEAR THAT WE HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT UNDER-CHARGED IN THE PAST AND THAT THE bARR'SON IS GOING TO COST CONSIDERABLY MORE IN FUTURE,* HE SAID.
/EXACTLY HOT ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBEB 1, 1980
EXACTLY HOW MUCH MORE WOULD EMERGE FROM THE COMING NEGOTIATIONS, SIR MURRAY CONTINUED.
HE SAID THE PRESENT HIGH LEVEL OF ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE MAINTAINED INDEFINITELY AND THAT IT HAD BECOME APPARENT THE REDUCTION OF THE GARRISON IN 1976 FROM 6-2/3 TO 4-1/3 MAJOR UNITS HAD BEEN PROBABLY EXCESSIVE.
♦DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE WERE THEREFORE BEGUN IN MARCH WITH A VIEW TO ADDING A FIFTH BATTALION TO THE PERMANENT STRENGTH OF THE GARRISON PROVIDED WE AND HMG COULD AFFORD THE ADDITIONAL COST,+ THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THIS LED TO A RECALCULATION BY THE MINISTRY AND OUR OWN SECURITY AND FINANCE BRANCHES OF WHAT THE COST OF THE GARRISON REALLY WAS, WITH A VIEW TO AGREEING A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
ASSUMING THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL AND IT WAS AGREED A NEW BATTALION SHOULD BE ADDED, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WOULD BECOME OPERATIONAL IN EARLY 1982 AND, IN THE MEANTIME, REINFORCEMENT WOULD CONTINUE AT A LEVEL NECESSARY TO GUARD OUR LAND AND SEA BORDERS.
- - - - 0 ----
PUBLIC ASSIST IN CRIMINAL ARRESTS *****
PUBLIC CO-OPERATION HAS RESULTED IN MORE CRIMINALS BEING ARRESTED BY THE PUBLIC, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR MURRAY, SPEAKING ON THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ATTRIBUTED THIS TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND IMPROVED CIVIC MINDEDNESS.
HE SAID THE PROPORTION OF ARRESTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC ROSE FROM EIGHT PER CENT IN 1978 TO 10 PER CENT IN 1979 AND 12 PER CENT SO FAR THIS YEAR.
♦THIS IS A REMARKABLE AND HIGHLY SATISFACTORY TREND, AND IS AN INDICATION OF THE STEADILY IMPROVING WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE AND PUBLIC,* THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT.
BUT THE NUMBER OF CRIMES COMMITTED BY JUVENILES BETWEEN SEVEN AND 15 YEARS OF AGE HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, HE SAID.
BEFORE THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, HE SAID, IT WAS NORMAL FOR 10 PER CENT OF CRIMES TC BE COMMITTED BY JUVENILES IN THIS AGE BRACKET. BY 1975 THIS PERCENTAGE HAD DROPPED TO SEVEN PER CENT.
♦THIS REMAINED AT ABOUT THIS FIGURE UNTIL 1979 WHEN IT ROSE SUDDENLY TO 11 PER CENT AND IT LOOKS LIKE RISING TO 16 PER CENT THIS YEAR. THIS REVERSAL IN A TREND IN WHICH wE WERE HAVING SUCH OBVIOUS SUCCESS IS BOTH DISTURBING AN' BEWILDERING,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
/HI SAID .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1980
14
HE SAID THAT IT RAN CONTRARY TO THE TREND IN JUVENILE DRUG ADDICTION.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ASKED THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH STUDY OF BOTH THE STATISTICS AND CAUSES OF THIS UPSURGE.
THE GOVERNOR ADDEDi +IT IS HOWEVER INEVITABLE THAT THE ADDITIONAL BURDEN PLACED ON THE POLICE IN CONNECTION WITH ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HAS TO SOME EXTEND DETRACTED FROM THE STRENGTH AVAILABLE FOR ANTI-CRIME DUTIES.
♦THOUGH THERE IS LITTLE STATISTICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND CRIME, IT IS GENERALLY BELIEVED IN THE FORCE THAT A CONNECTION EXISTS. THE FORCE HAS DONE EXTRAORDINARILY WELL UNDER THE DOUBLE BURDEN.*
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO A 10-YEAR PROGRAMME TO EXPAND THE MARINE POLICE FLEET BY 24 VESSELS BECAUSE OF INCREASED COMMITMENTS IN COMBATTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND POLICING HONG KONG’S WATERS.
HE SAID IT WAS ALSO INTENDED TO REPLACE 34 EXISTING VESSELS AND THAT THE MARINE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE TO DEPLOY FAST SMALL BOATS IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS.
SPEAKING ON CRIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE POLICE HAD OVER THE YEARS SUCCESSFULLY REDUCED ROBBERIES — THE CRIME WHICH CAUSES SUCH GENERAL FEAR IN THE POPULATION.
THERE WAS A SHARP INCREASE TO A DAILY RATE OF ABOUT 30 LAST SUMMER, HE SAID.
+THIS WAS AN UNWELCOME SIDE EFFECT OF SUCCESS IN INTERCEPTING DRUGS, FORCING UP THEIR PRICE, AND THUS PRODUCING A CROP OF QUICK CASH CRIME SUCH AS THEFTS FROM VEHICLES, BUT ALSO MUGGING,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE COUNTER MEASURES TAKEN WERE SUCCESSFUL IN CONTAINING AND FIGHTING BACK THE UPSURGE.
ROBBERIES, HE SAID, HAD NOW BEEN REDUCED TO ABOUT 26 A DAY AND OBVIOUSLY MUST BE REDUCED FURTHER BEFORE THERE COULD BE ANY ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.
AS A MEASURE OF POLICE SUCCESS AND EFFORT OVER THE YEARS, THE GOVERNOR SAID THIS FIGURE OF 26 COMPARED WITH A DAILY RATE OF 40 IN 1974.
♦THERE IS ALSO A DISTURBING TENDENCY TOWARDS MORE VIOLENCE AND MORE FREQUENT USE OF FIREARMS. I" IS BY CONCENTRATING ON CRIME PREVENTION THAT THE POLICE HO?E TO REDUCE FURTHER THE NUMBER OP ROBBERIES,* SIR MURRAY CONTINUE?.
HE SAID THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE OP GOVERNMENT/POLICE/PUBLIC WAS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS.
THE POLICE WOULD DEVELOP Th I ALLIANCE THROUGH ITS COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS AND NEIGHBOURHOOD POL IC INC UNITS AND BY MORE EXTENSIVE DEPLOYMENT OF CRIME P- vT N OPP 'CEPS TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC HOW '0 PROTECT THEMSELV-1 6-
/TSLICE PREVENTIVE .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
15 -
POLICE PREVENTIVE METHODS HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING BANK AND GOLDSMITH ROBBERIES PREVALENT IN LATE 1979 AND EARLY THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
ON POLICE EXPANSION AND RECRUITMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE FORCE CONTINUED LAST YEAR’S CONSOLIDATION PHASE BY MAINTAINING AN ANNUAL EXPANSION FIGURE OF FIVE PER CENT.
THE FORCE’S OWN MANAGEMENT CAPACITY HAS BEEN REINFORCED AND A NEW SENIOR CIVIL ADMINISTRATOR EQUIVALENT IN RANK TO A DEPUTY COMMISSIONER APPOINTED, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID LAST YEAR SAW A CONCENTRATION ON IMPROVEMENTS TO WELFARE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHICH WOULD CONTINUE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ALLOCATION SCHEME OF 400 PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS WAS WORKING WELL AND, WITH PLANS FOR BUILDING MORE POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS, THE FORCE’S HOUSING PROBLEM SHOULD BE ALLEVIATED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID 16 OF THE 20 HOLIDAY HOMES NOW AVAILABLE IN MACAU AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE FOR JUNIOR OFFICERS. POLICE CANTEENS AND SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTRES WERE IMPROVED, WITH THE LATTER GREATLY ASSISTED BY PRIVATE DONATIONS.
ON RECRUITMENT, SIR MURRAY SAID ONLY 1 600 JUNIOR OFFICERS WERE RECRUITED IN 1979-80 COMPARED WITH MORE THAN 2 200 IN 1977-78 BECAUSE OF CONSOLIDATION AND REDUCED WASTAGE.
♦THIS HAS PERMITTED THE FORCE TO BE MORE SELECTIVE AND REQUIRE THAT CANDIDATES HAVE FIVE YEARS SECONDARY EDUCATION. THIS IN TURN WILL PERMIT IN FUTURE A LARGER NUMBER OF INSPECTORATE OFFICERS TO BE PROMOTED FROM THE RANKS,* HE SAID.
THERE WERE 174 SUCH PROMOTIONS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS COMPARED WITH 51 IN THE PRECEDING PERIOD, HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO OBTAIN INSPECTORATE CANDIDATES AT MATRICULATION AND DEGREE LEVEL, AND WITH SOME SUCCESS.
♦BUT RAPID EXPANSION HAS LEFT THE FORCE EXCEPTIONALLY YOUNG AND LACK OF EXPERIENCED OFFICERS ESSENTIAL FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM- AND IT HAS BEEN AGGRAVATED BY AN UNACCEPTABLY HIGH EXODUS OF MAINLY EXPATRIATE INSPECTORS AFTER THEIR FIRST TOUR,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE ADDED: +A WORKING PARTY TO ADVISE ON WAYS OF IMPROVING INSPECTORATE WORKING CONDITIONS HAS BEEN SET UP- IN THE SHORT-TERM AND AS A STOPGAP MEASURE ONLY, THE POLICE ARE RECRUITING FROM OVERSEAS ON LIMITED CONTRACTS A NUMBER OF SENIOR INSPECTORS WITH SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL CRIME, TRAINING, AND POSSIBLY SEAMANSHIP.*
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
- 16 -
ICAC MUST MAINTAIN PRESSURE
*****
THE ICAC MUST MAINTAIN UNRELENTING PRESSURE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦GREAT HAS BEEN THE IMPROVEMENT, WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO BEFORE WE CAN BE SATISFIED THAT THERE WILL BE NO RELAPSE,♦ SIR MURRAY SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS OF CORRUPTION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR NOW ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, WHILE THE NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS ABOUT THE POLICE HAD DROPPED BELOw 33 PER CENT AS AGAINST 40 PER CENT, WHICH HAD BEEN THE AVERAGE FOR SOME YEARS.
UP TO AUGUST 31 THIS YEAR, THE COMMISSION HAD RECEIVED ABOUT 1 380 COMPLAINTS OF CORRUPTION COMPARED WITH ABOUT 1 100 FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN 1979.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT FEWER OF THIS YEAR’S COMPLAINTS PROVIDED GROUNDS FOR INVESTIGATION, 220 PEOPLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO COURT COMPARED WITH 180 DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THERE HAD BEEN CERTAINLY NO RELAXATION IN THE EFFORTS OF THE OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT TO BRING OFFENDERS TO JUSTICE, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS WERE MAKING CLEAR THEIR OWN STAND AGAINST CORRUPTION IN RESPONSE TO PERSISTENT EFFORTS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE COMMISSION.
♦ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOUR WHICH WERE ONCE REGARDED AS UNCHANGEABLE ARE GIVING WAY TO NEW VALUES,+ HE SAID.
♦BUT LET US HAVE NO ILLUSIONS- THERE IS STILL TOO MUCH CORRUPTION AND THERE ARE TOO MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL PREPARED TO TOLERATE ITS EXISTENCE,* HE ADDED.
SIR MURRAY ALSO PRAISED THE RETIRING COMMISSIONER, SIR DONALD LUDDINGTOH, FQR HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE ICAC AND SAID IN THIS HE HAD ADDED YET ANOTHER AND VERY SUCCESSFUL CHAPTER TO HIS LONG RECORD OF WISE AND ABLE PUBLIC SERVICE.
J .• i
/17........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1989
17
LAW AND ORDER SERVICES EXPAND *****
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDED WITH FUNDS FOR A NEW MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ON LANTAU TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING PRISON POPULATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF REGULAR PRISONERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE LONG-TERM AND REQUIRING HIGH SECURITY, HAD INCREASED FROM JUST OVER 6 OOO A YEAR AGO TO 6 900.
♦ALTHOUGH THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAS NOT BEEN REQUIRED TO DIVERT SO MUCH OF ITS RESOURCES TO VIETNAMESE BOAT REFUGEES THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEING HELD IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CUSTODY HAS INCREASED SHARPLY,+ HE ADDED.
THEY ARE THE ONES WHO WERE ORIGINALLY FROM VIETNAM BUT SUBSEQUENTLY SETTLED IN CHINA.
TALKING ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT, SIR MURRAY SAID A SECOND INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN AT TAI TAM GAP HAD BEEN OPENED.
THE DETENTION CENTRE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS OF THE 14-20 AGE GROUP HAD CONTINUED TO PROVE MOST EFFECTIVE AND A SECOND DETENTION CENTRE HAD OPENED ON HEI LING CHAU.
HE NOTED THAT 95 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO PASSED THROUGH THE PROGRAMME HAD NOT BEEN RECONVICTED OF ANY OFFENCE IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING RELEASE, AND NEARLY 80 PER CENT HAD NOT BEEN RECONVICTED DURING THE THREE YEARS FOLLOWING RELEASE.
THE FIRST RESULTS OF THE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS EXTENDED IN AUGUST 1977 IN A MODIFIED FORM TO YOUNG ADULTS BETWEEN 21 AND 24 HAVE BEEN EQUALLY ENCOURAGING, HE SAID.
ON THE WORK OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, SIR MURRAY SAID IN THE LAST THREE YEARS IT HAD GROWN BY 20 PER CENT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS REFLECTED THE GROWTH OF TRAVEL, THE EXPANSION OF OVERSEAS TRADE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AND, MORE RECENTLY, +THE DEMANDS OF THE INCREASE IN TRAFFIC OF ALL KINDS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA+.
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THE SERVICE WAS BEING EXPANDED AND MODERNISED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE PROTECTION OF OUR INTERNATIONAL TRADING REPUTATION.
SIR MURRAY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MEMBERS AND CIVILIAN STAFF OF THE SERVICE OUTSIDE THEIR ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK.
♦ THEY COLLECT OVER FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL REVENUE AND THEIR SUCCESS IN THE SUPPRESSION OF COPYRIGHT OFFENCES IN RECENT YEARS HAS BEEN HELD UP AS A MODEL FOR OTHER COUNTRIES, AND HAS RELIEVED HONG KONG Of SOME VOCIFEROUS INTERNATIONAL CRITICISM, HE SAID.
/ON THE......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 198O
- 18 -
ON THE FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES, SIR MURRAY DISCLOSED THAT THERE WERE PLANS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO PROVIDE FOR CONTINUED EXPANSION AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 15 PER CENT PER YEAR.
+ AS HONG KONG HAS EXPANDED SO HAVE THE DEMANDS ON THESE SERVICES,* HE SAID. THE SERVICE HAD TO RESPOND TO AN AVERAGE CF 650 EMERGENCY CALLS A DAY AT PRESENT COMPARED WITH 320 SEVEN YEARS AGO.
HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT IN SPITE OF CONGESTED STREETS, APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES IN THE URBAN AREAS WERE ALMOST ALWAYS ON THE SCENE WITHIN SIX MINUTES OF AN ALARM BEING RECEIVED. '
+FOR THIS SHORT RESPONSE TIME TO BE POSSIBLE THE SERVICE HAS BEEN EXPANDED OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS FROM JUST UNDER 3 500 TO OVER 5 000 MEN OF ALL RANKS WITH A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN FIRE STATIONS AND AMBULANCE DEPOTS AS WELL AS FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID IN HONG KONG’S CROWDED ENVIRONMENT AND LONG DRY WINTER, FIRE POSED A CONSTANT THREAT, AND THERE WERE PARTICULAR HAZARDS OF BOTH HIGH RISE DEVELOPMENT AND SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS.
+THE FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES HAVE MET THESE CHALLENGES EXCEPTIONALLY WELL,* HE REMARKED.
ON FIRE PREVENTION IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, HE MENTIONED THAT SINCE THE EARLY 1970S THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD REQUIRED NEW BUILDINGS OVER A CERTAIN HEIGHT TO BE PROVIDED WITH AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS, AND THE BENEFITS OF THESE WERE NOW BECOMING APPARENT.
♦IT IS HOPEP THAT WITH THE WIDER APPLICATION OF MODERN SYSTEMS AND AS PROPERTY IS REDEVELOPED, THE RISK OF DEVASTATING FIRES IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS WILL CONTINUE TO DECREASE,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT *THE CO-OPERATION OF PROPERTY OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS IS ESSENTIAL.*
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MORE POWER FOR DRUG FIGHTERS MM*
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE MORE LEGISLATIVE POWER IN THE NEAR FUTURE AS PART OF THE CONTINUING BATTLE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE DISCLOSED TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, 81^ MURRAY SAID THREE NEW PIECES OF LEGISLATION, WHICH HAP BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WOULD BE SUBMITTED DURING THE SESSION.
THEY ARE TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS OF DRUG ADDICTS- TO IMPOSE STRINGENT PENALITIES ON SHIPS REp^ATtDLY FOUND TO BE CARRYING DANGEROUS DRUGS INTO HONG KONG- AND TO STRIP CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS OF THEIR PROFITS.
/SIR HURRAY
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
19
SIR MURRAY SAID THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ADDICTION HAD CONTINUED TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
HE NOTED THAT DUE TO THE SUCCESS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN INTERCEPTING SUPPLIES, THE PRICE OF HEROIN IS STILL THREE TIMES THAT OF JUNE LAST YEAR.
+THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE DOING EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO EXPLOIT THIS SITUATION TO FREE ADDICTS FROM THEIR ADDICTION,* HE STRESSED.
OUTLINING THE SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS.REELECTING GROWJNG SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC, SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT AN AVERAGE OF 7 OOO PERSONS NOW ATTENDED THE 22 METHADONE CLINICS DAILY AND ANOTHER 7 000 WERE UNDERGOING OTHER FORMS OF VOLUNTARY OR COMPULSORY TREATMENT, REHABILITATION AND AFTER-CARE.
+COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED ADDICT POPULATION OF ABOUT AO 000 THIS FIGURE OF 14 000 UNDER CARE REPRESENTS GOOD COVERAGE,* HE REMARKED.
ON THE INCIDENCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE’S ADDICTION, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE FIGURE HAD CONTINUED TO DECREASE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BETWEEN 1973 AND 1979, THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE ADMITTED TO PRISONS DEPARTMENT DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES, AND TO THE VOLUNTARY CENTRE AT SHEK KWU CHAU, DECLINED BY 66 PER CENT AND 72 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
♦AT PRESENT MINORS ACCOUNT FOR ONLY FOUR PER CENT OF INMATES IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES AND TWO PER CENT OF THOSE BEING TREATED AT SHEK KWU CHAU,* HE ADDED.
------0 - - - -
LAND PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND PRODUCTION UNDER REVIEW ******
A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM OF LAND PLANNING ADMINISTRATION AND PRODUCTION AND THE ASSOCIATION OF UNOFFICIALS WITH IT IS BEING UNDERTAKEN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HE ATTACHED IMPORTANCE TO THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION, NOW CHAIRED BY MISS LYDIA DUNN, BECAUSE THE HIGH COST OF LAND +DOES US NO GOOD, TO SOME EXTENT CFF-SETTING THE MANY ATTRACTIONS WHICH HONG KONG OTHERWISE OFFERS INVESTORS.*
THANKS TO THE EXERTIONS OF THE LAND AUTHORITIES, SIR MURRAY SAID THE FIGURE OF 120 NET HECTARES HE FORECAST LAST YEAR TO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE UP TO MARCH 31, 1982, HAD BEEN RAISED BY 25 PER CENT TO 150 HECTARES, AND EVEN THIS MIGHT WELL BE EXCEEDED.
+WITH REGARD TO LAND SALES IN 1982/83 A TARGET HAS E£EN SET BY THE COMMITTEE OF 50 HECTARES NET OF PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND 33 HECTARES NET FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE.
/♦THIS DOES .
WEDNESDAY, 0CT0BEP 1, I98O
20
♦THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE 49 HECTARES ADDITIONALLY BEING PRODUCED FOR THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION IN THIS PERIOD.
° + IN ADDITION THE TARGET OF LAND PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC
HOUSING BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH 1983 IS 190 HECTARES GROSS,* HE SAID.
WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION TO BE PUBLISHED IN CURRENT LEGCO SESSION ******
A WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THIS SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IT WILL COMPLETE THE SERIES OF REVIEWS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM BEGUN IN 1974 WITH THE WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY EDUCATION CONTINUING IN 1978 WITH ONE ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
THE GOVERNOR, SPEAKING ON EDUCATION IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), NOTED THAT THE CHANGE ACHIEVED BOTH ON THE GROUND UP TO JUNIOR SECONDARY FORM III, AND IN PLANNED EXPANSION OF SENIOR EDUCATION UP TO THE MID-80‘S, WAS SPECTACULAR AND WAS RADICALLY CHANGING THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
HE RECOGNISED HOWEVER THAT THERE WAS STILL MUCH MORE ROOM FOR MODIFICATION, ADJUSTMENT AND IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITY. ♦NEVERTHELESS WE NOW HAVE A WELL-DEFINED BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH ANY FURTHER CHANGE CAN BE CONSIDERED.
+THIS SHOULD MAKE IT TIMELY TO CONDUCT IN 1981 THE PROMISED OVERALL REVIEW OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM TO EXAMINE THE COHERENCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EDUCATION SERVICE AND THE BALANCE AND PRIORITIES BETWEEN DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT WITH THE AIM OF NINE YEARS FREE, UNIVERSAL AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION NOW REALISED, PRESENT EFFORTS WERE MAINLY DIRECTED TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS A RESULT OF IMMIGRATION WE WOULD BE MARGINALLY SHORT OF THE 1981 FORM IV TARGET OF SUBSIDISED PLACES FOR 60 PER CENT OF THE 15 YEAR-OLD-AGE GROUP.
+BY OUR BEST EFFORT, WE WILL ONLY BE PROVIDING FOR 58 PER CENT, BUT AT 58 700 PLACES, THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 24 700 PLACES OVER 1980,+ HE SAID.
YET, BECAUSE OF THE DECLINE OF THE 15-YEAR-OLD POPULATION AND OUR LARGE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME, THE TARGET OF 60 PER CENT SHOULD BE EXCEEDED BY 1982 AND SHOULD REACH 68 PER CENT BY 1984.
/TC MEET .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
21
TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS, THERE WAS THE BUILDING PROGRAMME OF 130 SCHOOLS, OF WHICH 59 HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY JULY- AND, TO ALLEVIATE THE EFFECTS OF DELAYS, ADDITIONAL FORM IV CLASSES WOULD EE OPERATED IN NEW AND DEVELOPING SCHOOLS AND OPENING OF SOME SCHOOLS WOULD BE ADVANCED BY THE TEMPORARY USE OF BORROWED PREMISES, IN MOST CASES FOR ONLY ONE SCHOOL YEAR.
ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE, SIR MURRAY SAID THE ORIGINAL TARGET FOR THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES FOR SLIGHTLY OVER 40 000 FULL-TIME, PART-TIME DAY AND PART-TIME EVENING PLACES HAD BEEN REVISED TO 43 000 BY 1983/84. A SIXTH INSTITUTE AT TUEN MUN WOULD BE OPENED IN 1985.
HE ADDED THAT ABOUT 5 000 TECHNICIAN COURSE PLACES AT THE POLYTECHNIC WOULD BE TRANSFERRED IN PHASES TO THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OVER A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD BEGINNING NEXT SEPTEMBER TO MAKE ROOM AT THE POLYTECHNIC FOR HIGHER LEVEL WORK.
AS FOR POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, SIR MURRAY SAID BAPTIST AND LING NAM, WHICH ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT’S OFFER OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, HAD BEGUN THEIR NEW TWO-YEAR POST-FORM VI COURSES IN SEPTEMBER.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS HAD AGREED TO ASSESS THE APPROPRIATE AWARDS FOR THE STUDENTS.
IN ADDITION, IN IMPLEMENTING THE 1978 WHITE PAPER, A SCHEME TO SUBVENT PROJECTS IN ADULT EDUCATION OF A RETRIEVAL NATURE RUN BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WAS INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER ON TRIAL FOR ONE YEAR AND WOULD BE EXTENDED NEXT YEAR SHOULD IT PROVE SUCCESSFUL.
REFERRING TO THE PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE SYSTEMS OF SELECTION AND ALLOCATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, SIR MURRAY SAID A WORKING PARTY WOULD REPORT ON THE ALLOCATION PROCEDURE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR AND AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD SHORTLY BE SET UP TO MONITOR THE PROPOSED NEW FORM III ASSESSMENT AND ALLOCATION PROCEDURES.
ON THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS WHICH WERE DIS-ESTABLISHED LAST SEPTEMBER AND NOW ADMINISTERED BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THE REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR Q.W. LEE ON THE APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF PARITY OF SUBSIDY HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING ON HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDED BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, SIR MURRAY SAID THEIR ENROLMENT FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR NOW STARTING WAS EXPECTED TO BE MARGINALLY HIGHER THAN THE TARGET OF 10 330 SET IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER, AT A THREE PER CENT ANNUAL GROWTH RATE.
♦FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT LEAST OF WHICH IS THE INCREASED COST OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION FOR OUR STUDENTS OVERSEAS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED THE UPGC (UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE) TO CONSIDER THE FEASIBILITY OF INCREASING THE ANNUAL GROwTH RATE IMMEDIATELY TO FOUR PER CENT,* HE SAID.
/HE RECOGNISED .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
22
HE RECOGNISED THIS WAS AN INTERIM MEASURE AND NOTED THE CONCERN OF THE COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION THAT TERTIARY EDUCATION FACILITIES MAY PROVE INADEQUATE.
♦AN OFFICIAL REVIEW OF URGENCY,* HE SAID.
1983/84.
IS THEREFORE BEING UNDERTAKEN AS A MATTER
NO PROBLEMS WERE FORESEEN IN FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENTS BY
AS FOR THE POLYTECHNIC, REACHING THE TARGET OF 12 OOO
WITHIN THIS TOTAL, IT HOPED TO START OFFERING SOME COURSES AT DEGREE LEVEL AND TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ON HIGHER LEVEL WORK. DETAILED PROPOSALS, AS FOR THE UNIVERSITIES, ARE ABOUT TO BE MADE BY THE UPGC, SIR MURRAY SAID.
HIGH PRODUCTION RATE OF FLATS TO BE MAINTAINED *****
THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 65 000 NEW FLATS IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS THIS YEAR AND THE GOVERNOR EXPECTS THIS PRODUCTION RATE TO BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND PROBABLY FOR SEVERAL YEARS MORE.
♦WE HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE PROUD OF THESE FIGURES WHICH ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN WE HAVE EVER ACHIEVED BEFORE AND ARE GREATLY TO THE CREDIT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ALIKE,+ THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦NEVERTHELESS WE STILL HAVE TO LOOK SQUARELY AT WHERE THIS RATE OF COMPLETIONS IS GETTING US, AND WHEN IT WILL BRING THE CHRONIC PROBLEM OF INADEQUATE HOUSING NEARER A SOLUTION,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
HE SAID +A NEW STUDY OF THIS OLD PROBLEM+ HAD BEEN UNDERTAKEN AND WOULD SHORTLY BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND IN DUE COURSE, PUBLISHED.
SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT BY THE MID-80’S THERE WOULD STILL BE A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN SHARED, OVERCROWDED NON SELF-CONTAINED, OR OTHERWISE SUB-STANDARD ACCOMMODATION.
IT WAS ALSO ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT FOR MANY YEARS TO COME WE WOULD HAVE TO STRIVE TO IMPROVE ON THE LEVEL OF FLATS PRODUCTION IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS AND PLAN OUR LAND PRODUCTION ACCORDINGLY.
HE SA IDs +THE POSITION HAS BEEN WORSENED BY IMMIGRATION. IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT IMMEDIATELY ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, BUT THE DEMAND ON OUR HOUSING STOCK THAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE MADE BY THE NUMBERS THAT ARRIVED LAST YEAR IS EQUAL TO AT LEAST A FULL YEAR’S BUILDING AT CURRENT RATES.
/+THE LONGER ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
♦THE LONGER THE INFLUX CONTINUES THE MORE DIFFICULT WILL IT BECOME EVER TO CORRECT THE SITUATION. MEANWHILE THE SPREADING SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS AND OVERCROWDING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TELL THEIR OWN TAL&.+
OF THE 65 000 NEW FLATS PRODUCED THIS YEAR, ABOUT 30 000 ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND 35 000, INCLUDING NEARLY 9 000 HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS, BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF SLIPPAGE, THE NUMBER OF FLATS COMPLETED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS A LITTLE ABOVE 32 000, OR 33 000 WHEN ADDING THE HOUSING SOCIETY CONTRIBUTION.
ALTHOUGH THE PUBLIC SECTOR PRODUCTION TARGET SET BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS 35 000 FLATS, THE 33 000 COMPLETIONS ACHIEVED WAS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE OUTPUT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
MEANWHILE THE PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCED OVER 28 600 FLATS, THUS MAKING UP A TOTAL PRODUCTION OF OVER 60 000 FLATS, WHICH WAS BY FAR THE HIGHEST FIGURE FOR THE DECADE.
IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, SIR MURRAY SAID IT WAS APPARENT THAT GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR A GIVEN LEVEL OF CONTRACTS WOULD NOT PRODUCE A SIMILAR LEVEL OF COMPLETIONS BECAUSE OF THE INTERVENTION OF A HOST OF EXTRANEOUS AND OFTEN UNFORESEEABLE FACTORS.
AS A RESULT, CONTRACTS WERE NOW BEING LET TO A LEVEL OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT ABOVE TARGET TO ENSURE THAT AT LEAST 35 000 FLATS WOULD BE COMPLETED EACH YEAR. THIS WOULD SHOW RESULTS FROM 1983/84 ONWARDS, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS OF EXPANDING THE POPULAR HOME OWNERSHIP
LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY SCHEME.
♦BUT THIS WILL NOT AND MUST NOT BE AT THE COST OF RENTED ACCOMMODATION WHICH IS NEEDED SO BADLY FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE CAPITAL OUTLAY OF HOME PURCHASE AND ARE ON THE WAITING LIST, AND THOSE WHO LOSE THEIR HOMES THROUGH CLEARANCE OR NATURAL DISASTER,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE SCHEME WAS FULFILLING, AS INTENDED, A DOUBLE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING HOMES FOR THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD THEM AND RENTED ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT.
OUT OF THE FIRST 10 300 HOUSEHOLDS SO FAR ALLOCATED HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS, ALMOST 5 000 WERE VACATING THEIR PLACES IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, HE SAID.
0
/24......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
24
MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS * * * *
HONG KONG COULD ABANDON ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEVELOPMENTS IF CURRENT IMMIGRATION LEVELS WERE NOT REDUCED, THE GOVERNOR SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦ WE WOULD MAKE VIRTUALLY NO ADVANCE ON PRESENT LEVELS AND IN CRUDE TERMS THE SHORTFALL WOULD BE FOUR MAJOR HOSPITALS, 10 STANDARD CLINICS, 520 DOCTORS AND 3 200 NURSES.+
+THIS,+ SAID SIR MURRAY, +IS YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE SIZE OF THREAT THAT CONTINUED IMMIGRATION AT PRESENT LEVELS REPRESENTS TO STANDARDS THE POPULATION HAS DESERVED AND HAD EVERY RIGHT TO EXPECT, AND THE PROGRESSIVE STRAIN IT IS PLACING ON PUBLIC SERVICES.+
ON FUTURE PLANS, HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE 1 400-BED HOSPITAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SHA TIN, OTHERS OF SIMILAR SIZE WERE PLANNED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE END OF THIS DECADE AT TUEN MUN AND EAST KOWLOON.
BY 1989, HE SAID, WE WOULD HAVE REACHED THE TARGET OF THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF 5.7 BEDS PER 1 000 POPULATION, AND IN CLINICS SEVEN CONSULTING ROOMS PER 100 000 POPULATION — INSTEAD OF 4.4 AND FIVE RESPECTIVELY AT PRESENT.
♦ THE IMPROVEMENT IN SERVICE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAMATIC.
THIS ASSUMED A NORMAL POPULATION GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 1.5 PER CENT.
♦ BUT IF CURRENT IMMIGRATION LEVELS ARE NOT REDUCED, WE CAN ABANDON ANY HOPE OF ACHIEVING SUCH IMPROVEMENTS,+ SAID SIR MURRAY.
SIR MURRAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE SHA TIN HOSPITAL, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1982, WOULD BE NAMED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL BY AGREEMENT WITH HRH, PRINCE CHARLES. THE HOSPITAL, HE SAID WOULD BE COMPLEMENTARY TO A NEW MEDICAL SCHOOL AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
ON OTHER DEVELOPMENTS HE SAIDt
* THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL HAD BEEN COMPLETED, PROVIDING 1 300 BEDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY ILL AND THUS RELIEVING PRESSURE AT THE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL-
* THE SCHOOLS DENTAL CARE SERVICE WAS INITIATED LAST MONTH WHEN THE FIRST SCHOOL DENTAL CLINIC WAS OPENED-
X THE NEW SCHOOL FOR DENTISTS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY- AND,
* THE ACCOMPANYING PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL WAS BEING COMMISSIONED (+1 BELIEVE TAT IT IS A SHOWPIECE BY ANY STANDARD+) AND IN , LITTLE OVER FOUR YEARS, HONG KONG aOULD SEE ITS FIRST BATCH GF LOCALLY TRAINED DENT I STS.
/SIR MURR/.Y...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
< 25 -
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WERE NOW 150 NURSES IN THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE AND THIS NUMBER WOULD BE DOUBLED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE AS WELL AS TO FREE HOSPITAL BEDS.
HE DESCRIBED THE SERVICE AS BEING SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR.
------0------
DSW LOOKING INTO ADEQUACY OF ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS EXAMINING WHETHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCES ADEQUATELY REFLECT CHANGES IN THE STANDARD OF LIVING FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND WHETHER THE RENT ALLOWANCE IS REALISTIC, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE EXAMINATION, HE SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WAS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY HAD BEEN DELAYED FOR LACK OF SUITABLE SITES FOR INSTITUTIONS.
+BUT,+ SAID SIR MURRAY, +IT IS HOPED THAT AT LEAST 5 000 NEW PLACES IN INSTITUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE PROVIDED OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WHETHER IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OR SEPARATELY BUILT HOMES.♦
HE SAID THE SITUATION SHOULD BE EASED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A QUOTA FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE, WHO WOULD BE GIVEN QUICKER ACCESS TO PUBLIC HOUSING.
SIR MURRAY WARNED THAT THE ADEQUACY OF THE PROVISION IN DEVELOPING PROGRAMMES COULD LOOK RADICALLY DIFFERENT +IF THE NORMAL GROWTH OF POPULATION CONTINUES TO BE SWOLLEN BY MASSIVE IMMIGRATION*.
HE SAID THE PROVISION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1980/81 INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, BUT LARGER INCREASES WERE EXPECTED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AS THE WHITE PAPER PROJECTS, PUBLISHED LAST YEAR, WERE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION.
THE DISABILITY ALLOWANCE WAS EXTENDED TO THE PROFOUNDLY DEAF AND THE DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT WAS INTRODUCED FOR PARTIALLY DISABLED PEOPLE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
LAST MONTH, THE RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE WERE RAISED BY 22 PER CENT TO MAINTAIN THEIR PURCHASING POWER.
HE SAID SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE 1977 REHABILITATION WHITE PAPER CONTINUED AND THAT THE FIRST ESSENTIAL WAS TO SPOT HANDICAPS AT AN EARLY STAGE.
/CONSIDERABLE .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
26
CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS, SIR MURRAY SAID, HAD BEEN MADE WITH ESTABLISHING VARIOUS TYPES OF SCREENING AND VETTING, TO DETECT AND IDENTIFY HANDICAPS AMONG CHILDREN, WHICH NOW COVERED 90 PER CENT OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
♦THE NEXT MAJOR STEP,* HE SAID, +WILL BE TO FORM THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF THE HANDICAPPED RECOMMENDED IN THE WHITE PAPER.♦
SIR MURRAY HOPED THIS WOULD BE DONE IN THE COMING YEAR — THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE DISABLED PERSON.
TO INTEGRATE THE HANDICAPPED INTO THE COMMUNITY, A SECTION HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO DEAL WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THEM.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD SET UP A SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO HELP THE DISABLED FIND EMPLOYMENT IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, WHILE THE CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS SHOULD ALSO NOW MAKE IT EASIER TO EMPLOY MORE DISABLED PERSONS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SIR MURRAY SAID THERE WERE 26 000 PLACES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION THIS YEAR, AND IT WAS HOPED THERE WOULD BE 50 000 BY 1985/86 WHICH STILL REPRESENTED A SUBSTANTIAL SHORTFALL BELOW THE 73 000 ♦WHO IT IS CALCULATED MAY NEED SUCH PLACES BY THEN+.
♦ AND THIS TAKES NO ACCOUNT OF THE IMMIGRATION INFLUX,+ HE ADDED.
BUT, SAID SIR MURRAY, PLACES COULD NOT BE PROVIDED UNTIL TEACHERS WITH THE NECESSARY TRAINING WERE AVAILABLE.
PROVISION OF DAY AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WOULD AMOUNT TO 1 740 PLACES NEXT YEAR AND 4 700 IN 1986 — AGAINST A CALCULATED DEMAND OF 7 400 AND 8 200 RESPECTIVELY.
♦ AS THESE FIGURES SHOW,+ SAID SIR MURRAY, +WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, THOUGH AGAINST THE HISTORY OF THE URGENT PRESSURES UNDER WHICH HONG KONG HAS EVOLVED IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT THESE SERVICES HAVE COME LATE IN THE QUEUE.♦
THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION SERVICES WAS VERY DEPENDENT ON TRAINED SUPPORTING PERSONNEL, OF WHICH, SAID SIR MURRAY, *WE ARE EXTREMELY SHORT.*
♦ A DETERMINED EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ESTABLISH COURSES TO PRODUCE THE PEOPLE REQUIRED WHETHER AT THE POLYTECHNIC, UNIVERSITIES OR DIRECTLY BY THE EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS.*
HE SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HAVE A VERY FAVOURABLE REPORT FROM THE UNIVERSITY POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ON THE PROGRESS MADE.
♦ BUT,* HE SAID, +THE FIELD IS WIDE AND IN MANY DISCIPLINES THE BUILD-UP OF THE CADRES REQUIRED IS LIKELY TO PROGRESS OVER AT LEAST THE DECADE RATHER THAN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.*
_ 0 - - - -
/27
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
- 27 -
MORE ECONOMIC USE OF ROADS URGED * * * *
MORE ECONOMIC USE WILL HAVE TO BE MADE OF THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM, AND IF UNAVOIDABLE, THE GROWTH OF VEHICLES IN USE WILL HAVE TO BE CURBED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG WAS EXPERIENCING GROWING ROAD TRAFFIC CONGESTION DESPITE THE RELIEF TO THE ROAD SYSTEM RESULTING FROM THE OPENING OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
SPEAKING ON TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS, HE SAID VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS WERE NOW 40 PER CENT ABOVE THEIR LEVEL THREE YEARS AGO AND PRIVATE CAR REGISTRATIONS 50 PER CENT ABOVE THAT LEVEL.
HE REPORTED SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS BEING MADE IN THE ROAD PROGRAMME. THE COMING YEAR WOULD SEE THE COMPLETION OF MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE EAST KOWLOON CORRIDOR AND FLYOVERS AT CANAL ROAD, STUBBS ROAD AND THE JUNCTION OF POK FU LAM ROAD AND HILL ROAD.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID STARTS WERE BEING MADE ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT, ON THE TAI KOK TSUI SECTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, ON THE COASTAL HIGHWAY FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO, AND ON THE COMPLETION OF THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.
CONSULTANTS, HE SAID, WOULD FINALISE THEIR REPORT ON THE EXPANSION OF CROSS HARBOUR LINKS WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AND CONSULTANTS WERE ALSO PROCEEDING WITH THE DESIGN OF A FIXED CROSSING TO LANTAU AND WOULD SUBMIT THEIR REPORT BY JUNE 1982.
* A STUDY OF A MAJOR NEW ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE COMMISSIONED SHORTLY,* THE GOVERNOR CONTINUED.
BUT HE TOLD COUNCIL MEMBERS THAT IT WOULD BE SOME TIME BEFORE THESE PROJECTS WOULD AFFORD SIGNIFICANT RELIEF TO HONG KONG'S INADEQUATE ROAD SYSTEMS.
+THE REPHASING OF SUCH PROJECTS FROM TIME TO TIME IN RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC NECESSITY HAS UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN PRUDENT, BUT EQUALLY UNDOUBTEDLY THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY IN TERMS OF CONVENIENCE, TIME WASTED, AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IF IT IS ALLOWED TO GO TOO FAR, THE ATTRACTIONS OF HONG KONG TO SOME INDUSTRIAL INVESTORS, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR CONTINUED: +MEANWHILE MORE ECONOMIC USE WILL HAVE TO BE MADE OF THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM, AND IF UNAVOIDABLE THE GROWTH OF VEHICLES IN USE WILL HAVE TO BE CURBED.
+IT IS THE UNENVIABLE TASK OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO WRESTLE WITH THESE COMPLICATED, INTRACTABLE AND CONTROVERSIAL PROBLEMS AKD ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS. I AM SURE WE ALL WISH THE NEW UNTFFICIAL CHAIRMAN, MR T.S. LO, EVERY SUCCESS.*
/TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
28 -
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTY FIGURES HAD DECLINED MARGINALLY AND MUCH GOOD WORK HAD BEEN DONE IN THIS FIELD. BUT, HE SAID, NONE OF US WOULD ACCEPT THIS AS SATISFACTORY.
HE SAID A ROAD SAFETY DIVISION WAS BEING FORMED TO UNDERTAKE MORE SCIENTIFIC IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS AND TO TAKE COUNTER-MEASURES.
ON THE MTR WHICH WAS HAVING A MAJOR EFFECT ON TRANSPORT PATTERNS, THE GOVERNOR SAID A DECISION WOULD BE TAKEN SHORTLY ON WHETHER IT SHOULD BE EXTENDED ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
IN ANY EVENT, HE SAID, THE EFFECT OF THE MTR WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MONITORED CAREFULLY TO ENSURE THAT ALL FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WERE INTEGRATED INTO AN EFFICIENT NETWORK.
HE SAID AGREEMENTS HAD BEEN SIGNED IN FEBRUARY BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MAJOR BUS COMPANIES, INCLUDING PROGRAMMES TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARDS OF SERVICE.
THESE PROGRAMMES INCLUDED THE ACQUISITION OF 420 NEW DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES THIS YEAR AND 640 NEXT, AND IMPROVED MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.
ON FERRIES, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A FERRY SERVICE ORDINANCE LATER THIS YEAR UNDER WHICH NEW FRANCHISES WITH THE MAJOR FERRY COMPANIES WOULD BE DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE FUTURE EFFICIENCY AND VIABILITY OF FERRY OPERATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID THE S2 000 MILLION PROGRAMME TO MODERNISE AND ELECTRIFY THE RAILWAY FROM HUNG HOM TO LO WU WAS NOW WELL UNDER WAY. WORK WOULD BE SEEN INCREASINGLY ON THE GROUND AS MORE CONTRACTS WERE LET ON THE ROUTE OF THE ENTIRE RAILWAY WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 1982.
♦ WHEN THE INTERCHANGE WITH THE MTR AT KOWLOON TONG IS COMPLETED IN APRIL 1982, THE TWO SYSTEMS SHOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THE CONVENIENCE OF OUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT,+ SIR MURRAY ADDED.
------0--------
HOME PURCHASE SCHEME PROPOSALS GOING TO EXCO SOON
X X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROPOSALS FOR THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD SHORTLY BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
SIR MURRAY SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE SCHEME, IF ACCEPTED, MIGHT HAVE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN PHASES DUc TO ITo FAR-REACHING FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS.
BUT HE SINCERELY HOPED A START COULD BE MADE IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
/ON THE .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
- 29 -
ON THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, SIR MURRAY PRAISED THE COMMISSION FOR ITS ARDUOUS AND VERY VALUABLE WORK, FIRST UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF SIR Y.K. KAN AND NOW UNDER SIR S.Y. CHUNG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSION’S REPORT ON IMPROVING CONSULTATIVE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WOULD BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY.
THE REPORT WAS LIKELY TO HAVE GREAT AND LONG-TERM EFFECT AND, ♦ IT OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE BOTH THE FORMAL CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY AND THE INFORMAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN STAFF AND MANAGEMENT,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO NOTED THAT THE COMMISSION HAD IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF OTHER ISSUES FOR ITS NEXT REVIEW. PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT WOULD BE ITS EXAMINATION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF MAKING SERVICE-WIDE PAY ADUSTMENTS.
SINCE THE COMMISSION WAS A PERMANENT AND NOT A TEMPORARY BODY, THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS ABLE TO REVIEW ITS OWN RECOMMENDATIONS AND, IN SOME CASES, IT HAD ALREADY DONE SO.
♦SINCE CLEARLY IT WOULD NOT BE HUMANLY POSSIBLE TO GET SO MANY INTERRELATED RECOMMENDATIONS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT FIRST TIME, AND PARTICULARLY WHEN NEW FACTS ARE BROUGHT TO ITS ATTENTION, THIS CAPACITY TO REVIEW ITS OWN DECISIONS IS LIKELY TO PROVE ONE OF THE GREAT STRENGTHS OF THIS NEW ORGANISATION AND ONE WHICH SHOULD ALLOW THE STAFF SIDE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN IT,* HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY THANKED AND CONGRATULATED THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
♦THE EVER-EXPANDING SIZE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE NEW HONG KONG THAT WE ARE BUILDING PLACES EVER-INCREASING BURDENS ON THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND PARTICULARLY ON ITS MORE EXPERIENCED MEMBERS,+ HE SAID.
♦I AM PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL TO THE SERVICE FOR THE ENTHUSIASM AND DEDICATION WITH WHICH THIS CHALLENGE HAS BEEN MET,+ HE ADDED.
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GOVT SHOULD FINANCE ADDITIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES ******
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACCEPT THE FINANCING OF ADDITIONAL INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES AND"RELATED TECHNICAL EDUCATION AS A CHARGE ON GENERAL REVENUE, BUT WITH TWO PROVISOS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIRST. HE SAID, WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION SHOULD BE IN THE FORM’OF A BLOCK GRANT TO THE TRAINING COUNCIL OR TRAINING AUTHORITY, WHICH WOULD ASSUME A ROLc SIMILAR TO THAT CF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTtE, .0 ACHIEVE MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY.
COMMITMENTS WOULD EE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PERMIT FORWARD PLANNING.
/lui SLCOND......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
THE SECOND PROVISO WAS THAT THE EXISTING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING SCHEMES SHOULD REMAIN INTACT WITH THEIR LEVIES + IF THAT IS THEIR WISH.*
LEGISLATION ON THE FINANCING OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ADVISED ACCEPTANCE OF MOST OF THE RELEVANT RECOMMENDATIONS ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, ONE DIFFICULT QUESTION WAS THE METHOD OF FINANCING.
♦THE TRAINING COUNCIL HAS ADVOCATED A GENERAL LEVY ON EXPORTS OR ON IMPORTS AND EXPORTS- THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION RECOMMENDED THIS SHOULD BE A CHARGE ON GENERAL REVENUE, <■ HE SAID.
SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE IN 1976, HE HAD SPECIFIED 37 TRADES AS DESIGNATED TRADES WHICH RESULTED IN SOME 15 OOO APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS BEING REGISTERED.
ON THE STATE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, +IT
IS NOT SOMETHING WE ARE PROUD 0F.+
BUT THERE WERE WELCOME SIGNS THAT EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS WERE BECOMING MORE CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS HAD BEEN CO-OPERATING MORE CLOSELY WITH THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT PREVENTIVE MEASURES. SOME WORKERS’ ORGANISATIONS, HE ADDED, HAD ALSO BEEN INVOLVED IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+1 HOPE THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE TO HELP TO REDUCE THE PRESENT UNACCEPTABLY HIGH NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,* HE SAID.
ON OTHER LABOUR MATTERS, SIR MURRAY SAID A REPORT OF THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON MATERNITY BENEFITS WAS CIRCULATED EARLIER THIS YEAR TO TRADE UNIONS, MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES.
MOST OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE WELL RECEIVED, HE SAID, AND AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED DURING THIS SESSION.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED TO ALLOW REGULATIONS MADE UNDER IT TO PROVIDE FOR FINES UP TO 850 000.
HE ADDED THAT AMENDING REGULATIONS COVERING INCREASED PENALTIES WILL EE MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL DURING THIS SESSION.
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/?1
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
31 -
NEW CAMPAIGN NEXT YEAR TO KEEP HK CLEAN ******
A NEW KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH PARALLEL ACTION IN THE COUNTRY PARKS, WILL START NEXT OCTOBER.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG WAS CLEANER, NEATER AND MUCH GREENER THAN BEFORE THE FIRST CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED IN 1972, THE STANDARD HAD FALLEN IN THE URBAN AREAS AND WAS UNSATISFACTORY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE UBIQUITY OF CONSTRUCTION WITH ITS ACCOMPANYING MESS AND LITTER WAS PARTLY TO BLAME- SO ALSO WAS THE SHEER VOLUME OF THE PROBLEM OF REFUSE COLLECTION — AN INCREASE OF 46 PER CENT SINCE 1972.
♦BUT CLEARLY,+ SAID SIR MURRAY, +THE CO-OPERATION AND INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC HAS SLIPPED AND I SUSPECT THAT ON THE GOVERNMENTAL SIDE TOO LOW A PRIORITY AND TOO LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE CLEANSING SERVICE.
♦HOWEVER THAT MAY BE, UNLESS WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT HONG KONG WILL SLIP BACK INTO THE DIRTY, UNCARED-FOR APPEARANCE OF A DECADE AGO AND NO ONE WANTS THAT, EITHER FOR OURSELVES OR OUR INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION,* HE SAID.
IN THE NEW CAMPAIGN, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL HAVE NO INTENTION OF SUBSTITUTING PUBLICITY GIMMICKS FOR ACTION.
♦BUT WE DO NEED TO BE SURE THAT WE HAVE THE MEN, MACHINES AND COLLECTION POINTS TO DO THE JOB BETTER- SO AN URGENT REVIEW OF RESOURCES HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
HE CITED, FOR INSTANCE, THAT IT LOOKED AS IF IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SPEND ABOUT $50 MILLION ON NEW EQUIPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦WE ALSO NEED TO CONSIDER WHAT MEASURES COULD REASONABLY BE TAKEN TO ENFORCE THE ANTI-LITTER LAWS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
♦WHEN WE ARE SURE THAT THE GOVERNMENTAL SIDE OF THE OPERATION IS IN BETTER SHAPE, MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO ENLIST THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC,+ HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT PROVIDED THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL PLAYED THEIR PART, HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD PLAY THEIRS.
TURNING TO THE WATER POLLUTION BILL AND WASTE DISPOSAL BILL ENACTED IN THE PAST SESSION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT REGULATIONS NECESSARY BEFORE ACTION COULD MATERIALISE WERE BEING DRAFTED AND WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DURING THE YEAR.
/HE ALSO .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
- 32 -
HE ALSO SAID AN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED THIS SESSION AND THAT DURING THE LAST SESSION THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED TO CONTROL CONSTRUCTION NOISE.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT WORK WAS PROCEEDING ON THE PREPARATION OF A NOISE ABATEMENT BILL BUT THAT IT WAS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER IT WOULD BE READY THIS SESSION.
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GOOD PROGRESS IN COMMERCIAL LAW REFORMS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING BILLS FOR THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO BRING THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH TODAY’S REQUIREMENT, SAID THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS.
SIR MURRAY SAIDi +A THIRD BILL WE WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE WOULD MAKE THE EXCHANGE BANKS ASSOCIATION INTO A STATUTORY BODY.*
HE ALSO NOTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN BRINGING IN LEGISLATION WHICH AIMED PARTLY AT BUILDING UP INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN OUR TERTIARY SECTOR, AND PARTLY IN PROTECTING THE SMALL INVESTOR AND THE CONSUMER.
SIR MURRAY SAID A BILL, ALREADY GAZETTED, WITH SOME 255 CLAUSES PROPOSING TO AMEND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE SECOND REPORT OF THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE, WOULD BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS SOON AS THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS HAD BEEN COMPLETED.
IN ADDITION, WORK ON THE FIRST DRAFT OF TWO BILLS TO UP-DATE THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE IS NOW FAIRLY ADVANCED AND PROVIDED THE PROCESSES OF CONSULTATION ARE REASONABLY SMOOTH, THEY SHOULD BE BEFORE THE COUNCIL IN THE NEW SESSION, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT GOOD PROGRESS HAD ALSO BEEN MADE WITH INSURANCE LEGISLATION. INTERIM LEGISLATION REGARDING PAID UP CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND SOLVENCY MARGINS FOR INSURANCE COMPANIES WOULD BE INTRODUCED VERY SOON.
AS REGARDS THE COMPREHENSIVE BILL ON THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, SIR MURRAY SAID IF THE PRESENT RATE OF PRODUCTION OF THE DRAFT LEGISLATION AND THE CO-OPERATIVE ATTITUDE OF THE INDUSTRY CONTINUES, IT SHOULD ALSO BE BEFORE THE COUNCIL IN THE COMING SESSION.
REVIEWING OTHER PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS, SIR MURRAY SAID PROGRESS WAS MADE WITH DIFFICULT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO CONTROL HIRE PURCHASE, AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTION BILL WAS ALREADY BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
33 -
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN EXPERT ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES WAS EXPECTED TO BE WITH THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT EARLY NEXT MONTH BUT THIS WAS UNLIKELY TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT ENOUGH TIME TO GET THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL TO THE COUNCIL IN THE COMING SESSION.
IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE AIMED AT GETTING MORE COMPREHENSIVE STATISTICS TO IMPROVE OUR MEASUREMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MONETARY SECTOR WILL BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE IN TIME TO ALLOW STATISTICS BEING COLLECTED FROM THE END OF THIS YEAR, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY SAID MUCH OF THIS LEGISLATION WAS GERMANE TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION. THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED A STEADY FLOW OF MEMORANDA ON THE 47 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. +THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS NOW GETTTNG REPORTS EVERY SIX MONTHS ON PROGRESS WITH IMPLEMENTATION,+ HE ADDED.
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WORK OF LEGCO UNOFFICIAL APPRECIATED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO M? LEUNG TAT-SHING WHO HAS RETIRED FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE.
MR LEUNG HAS A VERY LONG RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE, INCLUDING MEMBERSHIP OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
+HE WILL BE PARTICULARLY REMEMBERED IN THIS COUNCIL FOR THE CONTRIBUTIONS HE MADE ON LABOUR AFFAIRS AND ON SOCIAL WELFARE.
♦I KNOW ALL MEMBERS WILL JOIN ME IN WISHING HIM AND HIS WIFE A VERY WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT,* SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON OSWALD CHEUNG SPOKE TO ASSOCIATE THE UNOFFICIALS WITH ALL THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD SAID.
SIR MURRAY ALSO WELCOMED TO THE COUNCIL NEW UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN AND THE HON J.J. SWA INE.
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/34 ......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1980
- J4 -REPORT ON SUBSIDIES TO ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS ******
THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE APPLICATION OF THE PARITY OF SUBSIDY PRINCIPLE TO THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SPENT SEVERAL MONTHS CARRYING OUT THIS REVIEW.
THE REVIEW HAD BEEN REQUESTED BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (ESF) WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE JOINT COUNCIL OF THE PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS, DURING THE COURSE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT ENGLISH SCHOOLS TO THE ESF FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1979.
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR Q.W. LEE, GENERALLY ENDORSED THE TRANSFER ARRANGEMENTS AGREED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ESF EXCEPT FOR A FEW MINOR CHANGES.
THESE CHANGES INCLUDE A NEW METHOD OF CALCULATING THE SALARY ELEMENT OF PER PUPIL GRANT TO THE ESF, TOGETHER WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD IN FUTURE MEET THE ACTUAL CROWN RENT AND RATES FOR THE ESF SCHOOLS. THE EFFECT OF THESE CHANGES ON THE ACTUAL SUBSIDY TO THE ESF WILL BE MINOR.
THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO ASKED TO PUT FORWARD SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE CAPITAL ASSISTANCE TO THE ESF.
ITS RECOMMENDATIONS, WHICH TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CURRENT PRACTICE IN THE LOCAL AIDED SECTOR, ARE THAT, IN GENERAL FOR THE ESF PRIMARY SCHOOLS, A GRANT OF 80 PER CENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ESF, WITH THE ESF CONTRIBUTING 20 PER CENT.
AND FOR THE ESF SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE GOVERNMENT GRANT SHOULD BE 65 PER CENT, WITH THE ESF MEETING THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT.
LOANS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ESF FOR IT TO MEET ITS CONTRIBUTION.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE ESF SHOULD BE GIVEN A SPECIFIC GRANT FOR THE RELIEF OF HARDSHIP CASES. CALCULATED AT 2 PER CENT OF THE ANNUAL PER CAPITA GRANTS FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND AT 3 PER CENT FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, IN RESPECT OF PUPILS ENROLLED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1981. THERE WILL BE BRIDGING ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL THE PUPILS CURRENTLY ENROLLED HAVE LEFT THEIR EXISTING SCHOOLS.
THESE PROPOSALS WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE VOTING OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE MORMAL WAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
LIMITED COPIES OF THE COMMITTEE REPORT, IN ENGLISH, ARE AVAILABLE AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GIS DUTY OFFICER.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, I960
- 35 -
$100 000 YUEN LONG ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED THIS MONTH
*****
A SLOGAN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION IS TO BE HELD IN YUEN LONG TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE DANGERS CF DRUG TAKING.
THE COMPETITION IS PART OF A ONE-MONTH CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGINS ON OCTOBER 17.
IT IS BEING ORGANISED BY YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG COMMITTEE.
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WHICH IS REPRESENTED ON THE COMMITTEE, HAS PROVIDED $100 000 TOWARDS CAMPAIGN EXPENSES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID MORE THAN 50 LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPETITION.
EACH SCHOOL WOULD SELECT THREE WINNERS, WITH BOOK AND STATIONERY TOKENS AS PRIZES.
THE OVERALL WINNER OF THE POSTER COMPETITION WOULD RECEIVE $500 AND THE RUNNERS UP $300 AND $200.
SCHOOLS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR THREE WINNING ENTRIES TO THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE BY OCTOBER 17 FOR FINAL JUDGING. ALL WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE ANT I-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE MOBILE FILM SHOWS, CANTONESE OPERAS AND A FUN-FAIR.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FROM GRAMPIAN ROAD TO CHOI HUNG ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 3).
ALSO FROM FRIDAY, CHOI WAN ESTATE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE OTHER THAN FOR FRANCHISED BUSES.
MOTOR VEHICLES WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORISATION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TERMINUS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
JUNK BAY NEW TOWN UNDER STUDY ................................ 1
HIGHER PAYMENTS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF.......................... 2
SIR PAUL BRYAN VISITS N&7 TERRITORIES ........................ 3
FIRE PATROLS FORMED TC PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY ............. 3
HONG KONG-IN-LONDON FESTIVAL DaNCE GROUP COMMENDED ........... 5
GREATER SUPPORT URGED FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES ................ 5
I
OPENING OF NORTH DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE AT FANLING .............. 6
AIRMAIL TO IRAN AND IRAO SUSPENDED ........................... 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL ............. 7
REMINDER ON SALE ARRANGEMENTS IN SCHOOLS ..................... 7
ROADS CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS
8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, I960
1
JUNK BAY NEW TOWN UNDER STUDY * * * *
A NEW OFFICE HAS BEEN FORMED WITHIN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO DEAL WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW TOWN AT JUNK BAY.
ANNOUNCING THIS MAJOR MOVE TODAY. MR JOHN DON, DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, SAID THAT IN LINE WITH THE OTHER NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICES WITHIN THE PWD, THE NEW OFFICE WOULD BE STAFFED WITH A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL WHO WOULD WORK CLOSELY WITH CONSULTANTS.
♦SOON, CONSULTANTS WILL BE COMMISSIONED TO UNDERTAKE THE VARIOUS SECTOR STUDIES NECESSARY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TOWN PLAN,* MR DON SAID.
♦THEIR STUDIES WILL COVER SUCH DIVERSE FIELDS AS TERRAIN ANALYSIS, GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS, LAND USE AND LAND FORMATION, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE, SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL, THE ENVIRONMENT (INCLUDING MARINE ECOLOGY, POLLUTION AND LANDSCAPE), POPULATION, EMPLOYMENT, AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.+
MR DON SAID THAT THE NEW OFFICE WOULD BE HEADED BY MR B.H. NEwMAN, WHO HAS SERVED AS PROJECT MANAGER IN OTHER NEW TOWNS BEING DEVELOPED BY THE PWD.
MR NEWMAN, COMMENTING ON THE PROJECT, SAID THAT PRESENT INTENTIONS WERE TO DEVELOP A TOWN IN JUNK BAY WITH A POPULATION OF ABOUT 300 000 PEOPLE.
♦BUT THE PLANNING EXERCISE WILL CONSIDER THE FEASIBILITY OF EXTENDING THIS CAPACITY,+ HE ADDED. +JUNK BAY HAS CONSIDERABLE ATTRACTION AS A NEW TOWN BECAUSE OF ITS PROXIMITY TO THE MAIN URBAN AREAS BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS TO BE OVERCOME IN RELATION TO COMMUNICATIONS, SOURCES OF FILL MATERIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS WHICH MAY LIMIT THE ULTIMATE EXTENT OF DEVELOPMENT.
♦BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION AND TOPOGRAPHY OF THE AREA, THE EFFECTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT ON THE HINTERLAND AND THE TOWN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH NORTHEAST KOWLOON AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED IN DETAIL. A STUDY WILL ALSO BE MADE OF THE EXISTING INDUSTRIES AND THEIR COMPATIBILITY WITH AN URBAN DEVELOPMENT,+ MR NEWMAN SAID.
THE DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS. THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM IS BEING TEMPORARILY ACCOMMODATED IN THE OLD SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER’S HOUSE IN BOWEN ROAD BUT WILL MOVE OUT TO JUNK BAY WHEN DEVELOPMENT WORKS START ON THE GROUND.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
- 2 -
HIGHER PAYMENTS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS INCREASED BY OVER 15 PER CENT THE PAYMENT RATES UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND WHICH PROVIDES GRANTS AND LOANS TO PEOPLE IN NEED OF RELIEF AS A RESULT OF FIRE, FLOODING, TYPHOON OR OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS.
THE INCREASED RATES ALSO APPLY TO THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME AS THEIR SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS IS BASED ON THAT OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE INCREASE IN PAYMENT RATES TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE RISING COST OF LIVING, AND CAME INTO EFFECT THIS MONTH.
UNDER THE FUND, HE SAID, THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAYMENTS WHICH ARE FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY, DOMESTIC RE-ACCOMMODATION AND RE-EQUIPMENT EXPENSES, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF VESSELS, AGRICULTURAL LOSS, AND SPECIAL CASES.
FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE DEATH OF A SOLE WAGE-EARNER, THE MAXIMUM GRANT HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $20 000 TO $23 000, COMPRISING $13 800 FOR ONE SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER AND $1 150 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER, HE SAID.
IN THE CASE OF LOSS OF THE HUSBAND OR WIFE WHO IS NOT A WAGE-EARNER AND WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN, THE MAXIMUM DEATH GRANT HAS GONE UP FROM $14 000 TO $16 200, HE ADDED.
THE BURIAL GRANT HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $1 100 TO $1 600.
FOR INJURY GRANTS, PAYMENT IS NOW $160, UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $4 960 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF THE INJURY. THE PREVIOUS MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AMOUNTS WERE $140 AND $4 300 RESPECTIVELY.
THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND WAS INTRODUCED IN 1962 AS THE COMMUNITY RELIEF TRUST FUND AND WAS RENAMED IN 1973. IT IS MANAGED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ACTING ON THE ADVICE OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES BOTH UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198U
3
SIR PAUL BRYAN VISITS NEW TERRITORIES ******
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, SIR PAUL BRYAN, WHO IS ON A PRIVATE VISIT TO HONG KONG, TODAY SAW DEVELOPMENTS IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO NEW TOWNS.
SIR PAUL, WHO WAS ACCOMPANIED BY LADY BRYAN, FIRST HAD A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, EEFORE TRAVELLING TO SHA TIN.
ACCOMPANIED BY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DEVELOPMENT, MR JOSEPH WONG, THE VISITORS WERE TAKEN TO A VANTAGE POINT OVERLOOKING THE NEW TOWN FOR A BRIEFING ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER SHA TIN, DR PATRICK HASE.
FULL DETAILS OF PLANS TO DEVELOP SHA TIN INTO A BALANCED AND SELF-CONTAINED CITY OF 750 000 PEOPLE BY THE END OF THE DECADE WERE OUTLINED.
THEY WERE THEN DRIVEN TO TAI PO WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS NG, AND THE PROJECT MANAGER, .MR JEFF THOMAS.
RECLAMATION PROJECTS WHICH WILL PRODUCE NEW LAND FOR TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENTS WERE POINTED OUT TO THEM. THEY WERE ALSO TOLD THAT THE TOWN WOULD BE LINKED TO SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND KOWLOON BY A NEW COASTAL TRUNK ROAD, WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY BE EXTENDED TO YUEN LONG.
AFTER LUNCH AT ISLAND HOUSE SIR PAUL AND HIS WIFE TRAVELLED TO INTERNATIONAL BUILDING WHERE THEY HAD A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY.
SIR PAUL BRYAN AND LADY BRYAN ARRIVED IN HONG KONG LAST SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 28) FOR A ONE-WEEK VISIT.
TOMORROW THEY WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE IMMIGRATION AND TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS, UMELCO MEMBERS AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN.
------o-------
FIRE PATROLS FORMED TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERTY *****
THE FIRE WATCH SCHEME INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH, AS 26 MORE PATROL TEAMS WERE INAUGURATED TODAY TO HELP PROTECT THE LIFE AND PROPERTY OF SQUATTERS AND VILLAGERS AGAINST FIRE.
THESE NEW TEAMS ARE MADE UP OF VOLUNTEERS FROM SEVEN URBAN AND 19 NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGES, INCLUDING THOSE ON THE OFF-SHORE ISLANDS OF CHEUNG CHAU AND PO TOI.
THEY ARE THE THIRD BATCH OF FIRE WATCH TEAMS FORMED UNDER THE SCHEME IMPLEMENTED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEw TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THEIR TRAINING IS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
4
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 77 TEAMS HAS BEEN FORMED AND THIS, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR ANTHONY CONWAY SAID AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY TODAY, ILLUSTRATES A SIGNIFICANT INTEREST AMONG THE PEOPLE DIRECTLY INVOLVED.
THE FUNCTION OF THE TEAMS IS THREE-FOLD. THEY KEEP A LOOKOUT FOR FIRE HAZARDS- THEY HELP TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF FIRE RISKS AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS THROUGH PRECAUTIONARY MEASURESAND THEY ENSURE PROMPT REPORTING OF FIRES TO THE REGULAR FIRE FIGHTERS.
MR CONWAY POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENCE OF THESE TEAMS, PARTICULARLY IN THE LARGER SQUATTER AREAS, HAD HELPED IN ENSURING THAT DETECTION OF A FIRE IS RELAYED EARLY TO THE FIRE SERVICES. THIS KEEPS FIRE LOSSES DOWN.
♦ALL INFORMATION FROM THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS INDICATES THAT THE AIMS OF THE FIRE WATCH SCHEME ARE BEING MET,+ HE SAID.
IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE NEW PATROL MEMBERS, MR CONWAY SAIDi ♦THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO SERVE ON A FIRE WATCH TEAM IS VERY COMMENDABLE INDEED, AS THIS PARTICULAR SCHEME IS CONSIDERED TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN BRINGING HOME TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THE NEED FOR VIGILANCE AND GOOD FIRE PREVENTION.
♦I FEEL SURE THAT YOUR EFFORTS OVER THE NEXT YEARS AND IN PARTICULAR OVER THE DRY AUTUMN AND WINTER MONTHS ALMOST UPON US, WILL GREATLY ASSIST IN KEEPING FIRE LOSSES AND DAMAGE TO A MINIMAL.+
MR CONWAY LATER JOINED THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MISS ELLE SHUM, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR ARTHUR HACKER, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, IN PRESENTING SOUVENIR PLAQUES TO THE NEW TEAMS.
TODAY’S CEREMONY AT TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION WAS ATTENDED BY SOME 200 GUESTS AND 60 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS FROM THREE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHO WERE VISITING THE STATION AS PART OF THEIR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
FOLLOWING A FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE GUESTS WERE TREATED TO A SPECIAL MOBILE STREET THEATRE PERFORMANCE ILLUSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD FIRE PREVENTION.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
- 5 -
HONG KONG-IN-LONDON FESTIVAL DANCE GROUP COMMENDED ******
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO A DANCE GROUP FROM THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHEUNG SHU I, WHICH RETURNED TO HONG KONG LAST WEEK AFTER ACCLAIMED PERFORMANCES DURING THE HONG KONG-IN-LONDON FESTIVAL.
AT A TEA RECEPTION AT ISLAND HOUSE, MR AKERS-JONES COMMENDED THE GROUP FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL, THE LARGEST PROMOTION THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS STAGED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE GROUP, COMPRISING 18 STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18, REPRESENTED THE HEUNG YEE KUK AT THE FESTIVAL.
THEY TOLD MR AKERS-JONES THAT THEY PERFORMED CHINESE FOLK DANCES DURING THE TWO-DAY FESTIVAL IN LONDON’S BATTERSEA PARK WHEN MORE THAN 200 000 PEOPLE ATTENDED.
THEY ALSO PERFORMED ON BBC TELEVISION.
THE SUPERVISOR OF THE DANCE GROUP, MR WAN CHI-WAI, SAID THE FOLK DANCES WERE A MAJOR ATTRACTION OF THE FESTIVAL.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WERE SELECTED FOR THE LONDON TRIP FROM THE SCHOOL’S DANCE TEAM ESTABLISHED FIVE YEARS AGO.
DANCING IS A POPULAR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY AMONG STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL AND THE TEAM HAS AROUND 50 MEMBERS WHO RECEIVE TRAINING EVERY TUESDAY AND SATURDAY.
THEY HAVE GIVEN MANY PERFORMANCES IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND WON SEVERAL TOP PRIZES IN COMPETITIONS.
------o-------
GREATER SUPPORT URGED FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, TODAY CALLED FOR GREATER SUPPORT BY VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES IN DEVELOPING CHILD CARE SERVICES TO MEET GROWING NEED.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A NURSERY RUN BY THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB, WESTERN DISTRICT, IN AP LEI CHAU, ABERDEEN.
MR LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROVIDING INCREASED SUBVENTIONS EACH YEAR FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE, APART FROM PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDANCE FOR OPERATORS.
GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE IN 1980/81 AMOUNTED TO $32 MILLION, WHICH INCLUDED FUNDS FOR CREATING AN ADDITIONAL 1 000 CHILD CARE PLACES.
♦AT PRESENT, THERE ARE OVER 200 CHILD CARE CENTRES CATERING FOR 16 300 YOUNG CHILDREN,* MR LEE SAID.
/THE SOCIAL .
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, OPERATES AN ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ENGAGED IN MAINTAINING ADEQUATE STANDARDS OF CHILD CARE SERVICE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN ARE CARED FOR BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY.
HE NOTED THAT THE AP LEI CHAU NURSERY, FINANCED BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION, WOULD HELP MEET THE NEED OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
HE PRAISED THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB FOR ITS FORESIGHT IN PLANNING THE PROJECT YEARS AGO IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
- 0 - -
OPENING OF NORTH DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE AT FANLING
******
THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN, WILL OPEN A SUB-OFFICE OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT FANLING ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 4) AT 10.30 AM.
THE NEW OFFICE, SITUATED NEXT TO FANLING MAGISTRACY IN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, WILL PROVIDE DISTRICT OFFICE SERVICES TO THE TOWN’S RESIDENTS.
NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER JOHNSON, AND MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE OPENING AND A RECEPTION TO BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9 AM TO TAKE THE PRESS TO FANLING. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO HELP MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
- - 0 - -
AIRMAIL TO IRAN AND IRAQ SUSPENDED *****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT OWING TO THE LACK OF AIR SERVICES TO IRAN AND IRAQ, AIRMAIL TO THESE COUNTRIES HAS BEEN SUSPENDED.
0 - -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
- ? -TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL ******
SAN FUNG AVENUE IN SHEUNG SHU I , BETWEEN FU HING STREET AND JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 4) FROM 5 TO 6 PM FOR CELEBRATIONS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STANDS IN SAN SHING AVENUE AND SAN HONG STREET AND THE BUS TERMINI OF ROUTES 76 AND 77 ALONG SAN FUNG AVENUE WILL BE SUSPENDED. THE TERMINUS OF ROUTE 79 WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE ONE FOR ROUTE 70.
IN ADDITION, BUS ROUTES 76 AND 77 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FU HING STREET, SAN FAT STREET AND LUNG SUM AVENUE, STOPPING AT FU HING STREET, WHILE ROUTES 73 AND 79 WILL BE OPERATED DIRECTLY ALONG JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
A SPECIAL BUS SERVICE WILL BRING SPECTATORS TO THE VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT FANLING PLAYGROUND BETWEEN 7 AND 10 PM.
IT WILL OPERATE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI (FU HING STREET) AND FANLING SWIMMING POOL AT A FREQUENCY OF EIGHT MINUTES BETWEEN 6.30 PM AND 8 PM FROM SHEUNG SHUI AND 9.30 PM AND 11 PM FROM FANLING. THE FARE WILL BE 50 CENTS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED AND POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
o
REMINDER ON SALE ARRANGEMENTS IN SCHOOLS ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED ALL HEADS OF SCHOOLS THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE CODE OF PRACTICE RELATING TO THE SALE OF SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES.
THIS CODE, FIRST ISSUED IN 1975, STRESSES THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD NOT RESTRICT THE SALE OF SCHOOL BOOKS, UNIFORMS, AND OTHER SUPPLIES TO ONE SUPPLIER AND THAT PRICES FOR SUCH ITEMS SHOULD BE KEPT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
THE CODE ALSO MAKES IT CLEAR THAT PARENTS ARE FREE TO PURCHASE SCHOOL SUPPLIES WHERE THEY THEMSELVES WISH.
IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED TO THE SCHOOL HEADS, THEY WERE ASKED TO HAVE ON PROMINENT AND PERMANENT DISPLAY COMPREHENSIVE PRICE LISTS OF ALL ITEMS FOR SALE IN SCHOOL PREMISES, INCLUDING +TUCK SHOP+ ITEMS. ALL SCHOOLS WERE FIRST ASKED TO DO THIS IN JANUARY 1979.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS CONFIDENT THAT SCHOOL AUTHORITIES wOULD CONTINUE TO ACT RESPONSIBLY BY FOLLOWING THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND BY DISPLAYING THE PRICE LISTS.
------0------- /8...........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1980
- 8 -
ROADS CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS * * * *
LEARNER DRIVER VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM SEVERAL TSZ WAN SHAN ROADS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 4).
THEY ARE SHEUNG FUNG STREET, SHUNG WAH STREET, PO KONG LANE, YUK WAH STREET BETWEEN WAN WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, HONG WAH STREET, AND WAI WAH STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE N<
AUGUST MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ............. 1
TRIBUTE TO RETIRING SOCIAL '..ELFARE DIRECTOR ............ J
FURTHER WORK ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR .................... 4
BRIBERY PREVENTION LAW CLARIFIED ......................... 5
TUEN MUN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SITE FOR TENDER ........... 6
IMPORTANCE OF HAPPY MARITAL RELATIONSHIP ................. 7
COMMENDATIONS FOR BRAVE FIREMEN .......................... 8
400 SWIMMERS TO TAKE PART IN CROSS TOLO HARBOUR RACE .... 9
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES IN SWIMMING MEET ........... 10
YOUNG GYMNASTS INVITED TO COMPETITIONS ................... 10
65 CITIZENS JOIN PROBATIONERS SCHEME ..................... 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON SUNDAY ................................ 12
KOWLOON CITY MAXICAB SERVICE RE-ROUTED ................... 12
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1980
1
AUGUST MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS * * * *
THE MONETARY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR AUGUST 1980, PUBLISHED TODAY, SHOW A CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS, AND ALSO IN TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY.
THERE WAS A MARKED SHIFT IN NEW LENDING IN AUGUST FROM DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BANKS, PARTLY REFLECTING INTEREST RATE MOVEMENTS DURING THE MONTH.
DETAILED FIGURES AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS ARE SET OUT IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE*
MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES - END OF AUGUST 1980 (IN HKSMILLION)
FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)*
AUGUST 1980 JULY 1980 MAY 1980 AUGUST 1979
Ml 24 074 23 345 (*3.1%) 20 950 (*14.9%) 18 449 (+30.5%)*
M2 93 004 90 622 (+2.6%) 80 921 (+14.9%) 68 050 (♦36.7%)*
M3 124 207 120 481 (*3.1%) 111 882 (*11.0%) 88 464 (+40.4%)*
BANKS -
DEPOSITS 85 016 82 847 (+2.6%) 73 367 (*15.9%) 61 352 (+38.6%)*
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HK 76 764 73 722 (*4.1%) 69 916 (♦9.8%) 55 118 (+39.3%)*
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 90.3% 89.0% 95.3% 89.8%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 48.6% 49.3% 48.7% 48.7%
DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES •
DEPOSITS 31 203 29 859 (*4.5%) 30 961 (♦0.8%) 20 414 (+52.9%)
LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HK 24 784 • 23 987 (*3.3%) 21 691 (*14.3%) 11 515 (+115.2%)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO
79.4%
80.3%
70.1%
56.4%
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO +
46.4%
46.2%
43.4%
BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES -
TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY
101 548
97 709 (+3.9%)
91 607 (+10.9%)
66 633 (+52.4%)
* THESE FIGURES ARE RECALCULATED TO EXCLUDE BANKS’ LIABILITIES TO, AND CLAIMS ON, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
+ THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO OBSERVE A MINIMUM LIQUID ASSETS RATIO CAME INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1980.
MONEY SUPPLY
THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION Ml (NOTES AND COINS WITH THE PUBLIC, PLUS DEMAND DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WITH LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY 3.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.6 PER CENT IN JULY.
M2 (Ml PLUS SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, WITH LICENSED BANKS) ROSE BY 2.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST, SLIGHTLY UP FROM A 2.4 PER CENT RISE IN JULY.
M3 (M2 PLUS PUBLIC DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) ROSE BY 3.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST, AFTER RISING BY 1.1 PER CENT IN JULY. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, M3 ROSE BY 11.0 PER CENT.
CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY
TOTAL LOANS IN HONG KONG GREW BY 3.9 PER CENT IN AUGUST, UP FROM A 1.2 PER CENT RISE IN JULY. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, TOTAL LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 10.9 PER CENT, UP FROM AN INCREASE OF 8.3 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.
BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG INCREASED BY 4.1 PER CENT IN
AUGUST, WELL UP FROM A 0.2 PER CENT RISE IN JULY. LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES EXPANDED BY 3.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST, DOWN FROM THE JULY INCREASE OF 4.2 PER CENT. THESE MOVEMENTS PARTLY REFLECTED A FIRMING UP IN MONEY MARKET RATES FROM THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
3
FOREIGN ASSETS
THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF ALL BANKS FELL IN AUGUST BY S5 MILLION, AND THOSE OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ALSO FELL BY $5 MILLION INDICATING AN OUTFLOW OF $10 MILLION FROM THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR COMPARED WITH AN INFLOW OF $26 MILLION IN JULY.
BALANCE SHEET RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG DECLINED IN AUGUST TO 48.6 PER CENT FROM 49.3 PER CENT IN JULY. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO, HOWEVER. ROSE TO 90.3 PER CENT AT THE END OF AUGUST, FROM 89.0 PER CENT AT THE END OF JULY, REFLECTING THE SHARP RISE IN BANK LOANS IN THE MONTH.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE SLIGHTLY TO 46.4 PER CENT IN AUGUST FROM 46.2 PER CENT IN JULY. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO FELL TO 79.4 PER CENT AT THE END OF AUGUST FROM 80.3 PER CENT AT THE END OF JULY.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS WAS UNCHANGED IN AUGUST AT 113. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY ANOTHER FOUR TO 294 AT THE END OF THE MONTH.
TRIBUTE TO RETIRING SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR
* M * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE IS RETIRING LATER THIS MONTH AFTER 28 YEARS OF &ERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
HE IS THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER APPOINTED TO HEAD THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND HAS BEEN ITS DIRECTOR SINCE 1974.
MR LEE BEGAN HIS CAREER IN EVEN BEFORE THE DEPARTMENT CAME
SOCIAL WELFARE WITH THE GOVERNMENT INTO BEING.
SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE OF THE OLD AS AN ASSISTANT PROBATION OFFICER MAJOR DEPARTMENT IN 1958.
HE JOINED IN 1952 THE THEN SECRETARIAT FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS THE OFFICE BECAME A FULL-FLEDGED
IN 1959, MR LEE WAS PROMOTED TO SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER AND IN 1967 TO SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER. THREE YEARS LATER, HE WAS APPONTED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AND PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
/AT A......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
4
AT A DEPARTMENTAL FAREWELL DINNER HELD LAST (THURSDAY) EVENING, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR ERIC HO PAID TRIBUTE TO bfi LEE FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD.
IN HIS LONG ASSOCIATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT, MR HO SAID, GREAT STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH SOCIAL SECURITY AND DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES IN WHICH MR LEE HAS BEEN PERSONALLY INVOLVED.
HE DESCRIBED MR LEE AS A +TRUE PRACTITIONER OF THE SKILLS OF HIS PROFESSION* IN HIS DEALINGS WITH PEOPLE OF WHATEVER STATION.
+HE IS INVARIABLY POLITE, HELPFUL, CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE CF OTHERS AND RECEPTIVE TO ADVICE. NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN HIM LOSE HIS TEMPER, EXCEPT POSSIBLY HIS WIFE,* HE SAID.
HE HAS TAKEN GREAT PAINS TO ESTABLISH CLOSE TIES WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, AT SOME EXPENSE TO HIS PRIVATE LIFE, HE ADDED.
ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR HO PRESENTED HIM WITH A FRAMED CHINESE SCROLL AS A SOUVENIR.
MARRIED WITH TWO SONS AND THREE DAUGHTERS, MR LEE GRADUATED FROM THE LONDON UNIVERSITY WITH A BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE AND LATER OBTAINED HIS BACHELOR AND MASTER DEGREES, BOTH IN SOCIAL WORK, AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO.
HE WAS APPOINTED AN OFFICIAL JUSTICE OF THE PEACE IN 1970, NOMINATED AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1976, AND, IN RECOGNITION OF HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, AWARDED THE COMMANDER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (CBE) IN 1977.
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FURTHER WORK ON WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR
* * X M *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $78 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED ROADWAY FROM TAI KOK TSUI TO SHAM SHU I PO AND ASSOCIATED GROUND LEVEL ROADS.
MR K.C. YEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER, CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE PWD, AND MR JAMES HOLLAND FOR FRANK I CONTRACTORS LTD.
COMMENTING ON THE PROJECT, MR YEUNG SAID IT MARKED THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE OVER $400 MILLION WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE WHEN FULLY COMPLETED A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR HIGHWAY SERVING THE MAJOR TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO WEST KOWLOON.
♦IT WILL BE A VERY DESIRABLE BY-PASS FOR TRAFFIC PASSING THROUGH THE CONGESTED TAI KOK TSUI AND SHAM SHU I PO AREAS,* HE ADDED.
/VORKS UNBER .....
FBIDAT, OCTOBER 3, 1980
5
WORKS UNDER THE CONTRACT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAY RUNNING ALONG TUNG CHAU STREET FROM YEN CHOW STREET AS A CONTINUATION OF THE COMPLETED SECTION OF THE FLYOVER TO THE WEST TAI KOK TSUI ROAD JUNCTION.
TWO RAMPS WILL BE BUILT AT THE NORTHERN END TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AND FROM CHEUNG SHA WAN AND LAI CHI KOK AREAS INCLUDING THE SHAM SHU I PO FERRY CONCOURSE.
♦THE ELEVATED CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE ABOUT HALF A KILOMETRE IN LENGTH AND WILL ACCOMMODATE THREE TRAFFIC LANES IN EACH DIRECTION.
♦THE EXISTING GROUND LEVEL ROADS AT TUNG CHAU STREET WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED TO A NEW ALIGNMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROJECT,♦ MR YEUNG ADDED.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MOUTH AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 28 MONTHS.
THE SCHEME WAS DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MESSRS MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA ON BEHALF OF THE PWD HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
------o------_
BRIBERY PREVENTION LAW CLARIFIED * * * * ft
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, AFFIRMING THE RIGHT OF THE CROWN TO RECOVER BY ORDER OF THE COURTS. UNEXPLAINED ASSETS ACQUIRED BY A CROWN SERVANT BEFORE FEBRUARY 1$, 1974 UPON HIS CONVICTION UNDER SECTION 1D(1)(B) OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) BILL 1980, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, AMENDS THE ORDINANCE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE COURTS CAN INDEED MAKE SUCH ORDERS.
THE BILL WOULD CONFIRM THE VALIDITY OF 13 ORDERS WHICH MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY A RECENT DECISION OF THE COURT OF APPEAL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 12(3), WHICH WAS ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE ON FEBRUARY 15, 1974, PROVIDED THAT A COURT MAY ORDER A PERSON CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE UNDER SECTION 10(1)(B) OF THE ORDINANCE TO PAY THE CROWN CERTAIN PENALTIES, IN ADDITION TO ANY FINE OR TERM OF IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED.
THE INTENTION OF THIS LEGISLATION WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED GAINS OF SUCH CONVICTED PERSONS COULD BE RECOVERED BY THE CROWN.
HOWEVER, IN A RECENT DECISION THE COURT OF APPEAL HELD THAT ORDERS MADE UNDER SECTION 12(3) IN RESPECT OF SECTION 1O(1)(B) OFFENCES ARISING BEFORE FEBRUARY 15, 1974 WERE INVALID.
/+THIS WAS .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
6
♦THIS WAS BECAUSE THE LANGUAGE OF SECTION 12(3) DID NOT INDICATE CLEARLY ENOUGH THAT IT HAD EFFECT IN RELATION TO EARLIER OFFENCES,* HE SAID.
THE TOTAL SUMS PAID, OR PAYABLE, UNDER THE INVALID ORDERS AMOUNT TO ABOUT $30 MILLION.
THE SPOKESMAN DESCRIBED THE BILL AS A MEASURE INTENDED TO PREVENT CONVICTED CRIMINALS FROM RECOVERING PENALTIES WHICH COULD GENERALLY BE REGARDED AS THE FRUITS OF CORRUPT ACTIVITIES.
----0--------
TUEN MUN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SITE FOR TENDER ft ft ft ft
A LARGE SITE IN TUEN MUN FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENT IS BEING OFFERED FOR TENDER TO HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS ISSUED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
DETAILS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THE SITE. SITUATED NEAR BUTTERFLY BEACH AND LUNG MUN ROAD, MEASURES 5.303 HECTARES.
IT CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $216 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN THE PERIOD STATED IN THE SUCCESSFUL TENDER.
THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO BUILD BETWEEN 2 100 AND 2 300 RESIDENTIAL UNITS RANGING BETWEEN 50 AND 80 SQUARE NETRES IN COVERED AREA.
THE TOTAL GROSS RESIDENTIAL FLOOR AREA WILL NOT EXCEED
155 908 SQUARE METRES.
THE UNITS WILL BE SOLD AT A PRICE TO BE FIXED BY THE DIRECTOR
OF HOUSING.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 2, 1981.
DETAILS OF THE TENDER AND TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES.
— 0 —
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1980
- -
IMPORTANCE OF HAPPY MARITAL RELATIONSHIP
*****
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE DISCLOSED TODAY THAT MARITAL CONFLICT CASES WERE ON THE INCREASE, HIGHLIGHTING THE NEED FOR FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAKDOWNS.
IN A TALK GIVEN TO THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG EAST, SHE SAID THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD BEEN DEALING WITH MORE CASES OF MARITAL DISCORD THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
AND THE NUMBER OF DIVORCE CASES HANDLED BY THE SUPREME COURT HAS GONE UP FROM 893 IN 1975 TO 2 018 LAST YEAR, SHE SAID.
BROKEN FAMILIES CAN BREED MANY SOCIAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AND DRUG ABUSE, AND THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE PROVIDING REMEDIAL SERVICES.
HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE BETTER TO PREVENT THAN CURE, MRS DOE SAID, AND FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION THEREFORE COMES IN AS A PREVENTIVE SERVICE WHICH HAS THE LONG-TERM AIM OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE AND INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT AS COUPLES WERE THE NUCLEUS OF THE FAMILY, THEIR MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WOULD NOT ONLY AFFECT THEMSELVES BUT ALSO HAVE BEARING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE CURRENT FAMILY LIFE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THROUGH ITS VARIOUS FORMS OF ACTIVITIES, ATTEMPTS TO STRESS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ADEQUATE PREPARATION BEFORE MARRIAGE AND THE NEED FOR ADJUSTMENTS IN AND ENRICHMENTS OF MARRIED LIFE, SHE SAID.
♦SOME YOUNG PEOPLE TEND TO RUSH INTO MARRIAGE THESE DAYS WITHOUT THOROUGHLY UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF MATRIMONIAL ALLIANCE, AND WE WANT THEM TO REALISE THAT GOOD PREPARATION IS THE SEED OF FUTURE HAPPINESS.+
AS TO NEWLY-WEDS, MRS DOE SAID THERE WAS A COMMON MISTAKE THAT ONCE THEY WERE MARRIED, THEY NEED NOT TRY ANY HARDER, IF AT ALL, TO MAINTAIN HARMONY.
♦MARITAL ADJUSTMENT IS PROBABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT STAGE FOR THE NEWLY-WEDS — A PERIOD WHEN MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT AND ACCEPTANCE HAVE TO PLAY THEIR PART.+
FOR THOSE WHO ARE MARRIED FOR A LONG TIME, MANY WOULD TAKE THINGS /OR GRANTED AND EXCUSE THEMSELVES BY SAYING THEY ARE OLD COUPLES.
♦THE LENGTH OF MARRIED LIFE IS IN NO WAY AN EXCUSE TO LAX IN EFFORTS,♦ SHE SAID.
/8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1980
8
COMMENDATIONS FOR BRAVE FIREMEN
* * * *
A FIREMAN HAS BEEN AWARDED THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVERY IN RESCUING A NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAPPED IN A HOUSING ESTATE FLAT IN A FIRE.
THE FIREMAN, TSUI PUI-LING, 23, WAS INFORMED OF THE AWARD IN A LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
THE LETTER WAS PRESENTED TO HIM BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR FREDERICK WATSON TODAY.
ANOTHER FIREMAN, YU CHUN-ON, 24, WHO TOOK PART IN THE RESCUE, WAS PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES COMMENDATION.
THE RESCUE TOOK PLACE ON OCTOBER 7 LAST YEAR WHEN A FIRE BROKE OUT IN A FLAT ON THE 15TH FLOOR OF BLOCK 32, SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
AT THE START OF THE FIRE, A WOMAN REPORTED TO THE TWO FIREMEN ON THEIR ARRIVAL THAT HER FAMILY WAS TRAPPED IN A ROOM OPPOSITE ON THE FLOOR AND ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE, THEY WENT TO RESCUE THE TRAPPED PEOPLE.
AS ENTRY WAS IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH THE CORRIDOR LEADING TO THE ROOM DUE TO FLAMES AND SMOKE WHICH HAD INTENSIFIED FOLLOWING AN EXPLOSION OF A GAS CYLINDER IN ANOTHER FLAT, THE TWO PROCEEDED TO THE ROOF WHICH WAS ABOUT 46 METRES ABOVE THE GROUND.
USING A FIRE HOSE, FIREMAN TSUI WAS LOWERED TO THE SMOKE-LOGGED FLAT BELOW BY FIREMAN YU. A POLICE CONSTABLE ALSO GAVE ASSISTANCE.
ON REACHING THE FLAT TSUI, WHO FOUND SEVEN PEOPLE IN A STATE CF PANIC, DISCOVERED THAT ESCAPING FROM THE FRONT DOOR WAS IMPOSSIBLE.
WITH CONDITIONS RAPIDLY WORSENING HE DECIDED TO EVACUATE THE SEVEN PEOPLE BY PASSING THEM UP TO HIS COLLEAGUE AND OTHERS ON THE ROOF.
THE DIRECTOR, MR WATSON SAIDi +UNDER THESE MOST FRIGHTENING CONDITIONS AND WITH NO SECURE MEANS OF ASSURING HIS OWN ESCAPE HE CALMLY AND EFFICIENTLY HELD AND PASSED EACH OF THE OCCUPANTS TO THE OUTSTRETCHED ARMS OF HIS COLLEAGUES ABOVE ON THE ROOF.+
0 - -
/9
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, I960
9
400 SWIMMERS TAKING PART IN CROSS TOLO HARBOUR RACE ft ft ft ft
MORE THAN 400 SWIMMERS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE 13TH CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 5).
THE SWIM, ORGANISED BY TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 14, BUT WAS POSTPONED BECAUSE OF BAD WEATHER.
ALL THE SWIMMERS WHO PUT THEIR NAMES DOWN FOR LAST MONTH’S EVENT HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
ENTRANTS INCLUDE LOCAL SWIMMERS AS WELL AS SWIMMING ENTHUSIASTS FROM OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG. THERE ARE 339 ENTRANTS IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND 69 IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION.
THE OLDEST IS AGED 48 AND THE YOUNGEST 12.
A TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN REMINDED CONTESTANTS TO ASSEMBLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE CARPARK BY 9 AM. TRANSPORT WOULD BE PROVIDED TO TAKE THEM TO SHA LAN BEACH WHERE THE RACE WILL START AT 10.30 AM.
THIS YEAR’S RACE WILL TAKE PLACE OVER A 2 400-METRE COURSE FINISHING AT TAI MEI TUK SEA ACTIVITIES CENTRE, BECAUSE THE TRADITIONAL COURSE BETWEEN NAM HANG AND YUEN CHAU TSAI HAS BEEN SHORTENED AS A RESULT OF RECLAMATION WORK FOR NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL ATTEND THE EVENT. MRS AKERS-JONES WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ON SUNDAY. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9 AM TO TAKE THE PRESS TO TAI PO. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO HELP MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
0
/10......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1980
10
GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES IN SWIMMING MEET ft * ft ft
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS SIXTH ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA FOR STAFF AND FAMILIES AT THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THIS EVENT GIVES THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDES ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE CHILDREN.
ABOUT 300 DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER STAFF AS WELL AS THEIR FAMILIES WILL COMPETE IN 27 EVENTS. IN ADDITION, 32 OFFICERS FROM EIGHT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL TAKE PART IN AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL INVITATION RELAY.
THERE WILL BE A SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING DEMONSTRATION BY THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE bEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD AT THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 1.30 TO 6.30 PM. THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG WILL PRESENT PRIZES AT 5.30 PM.
------o-------
YOUNG GYMNASTS INVITED TO COMPETITIONS ft ft ft ft ft
PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD DURING THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. THERE WILL BE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS AND A MINI MEET.
THE EVENTS ARE 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 19 AND 20 THIS YEAR, WHILE THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 19 AND 20.
COMPETITORS MUST NOT BE OVER 13 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR.
A SCHOOL MAY ENTER ONE BOYS AND ONE GIRLS TEAM IN THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND NOT MORE THAN FIVE PUPILS IN THE MINI MEET IN EACH OF THE ITEMS,WHICH WILL INCLUDE FLOOR EXERCISE, VAULTING, HORIZONTAL BAR, PARALLEL BAR AND BALANCE BEAM.
/THE ENTRY......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J, 1980
11
THE ENTRY FEE IS $20 PER TEAM, AND |2 PER ITEM PER PUPIL.
Akin DATE F0R ENTR,ES TO THE MINI MEET IS NOVEMBER 15
AND FOR THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS JANUARY 26. ’
„ TUc°ouve’?ItlFR4NQU,R ,ES SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT MR CHOY WING-CHEUNG
OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 276.
- - 0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
65 CITIZENS JOIN PROBATIONERS SCHEME
******
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE WILL ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 5) OFFICIALLY START A HALF-DAY ORIENTATION COURSE FOR 65 PUBLIC-SPIRITED CITIZENS WHO HAVE XINED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR
PROBATIONERS.
FOLLOWING AN OPENING ADDRESS BY MRS DOE, THE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROBATION SERVICES WHICH WILL PREPARE THEM FOR FUTURE ASSIGNMENTS TO HELP REFORM YOUNG OFFENDERS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE ORIENTATION COURSE, WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY IN THE LECTURE ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
»
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1980
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON SUNDAY *****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN 2 AND 5 AM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 5) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER EXTENSION.
THE RAMP OF THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER LEADING FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE UP-RAMP FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD TO CANAL ROAD EAST FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES.
MOTORISTS LEAVING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL MAY USE THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, WHEREAS THOSE TRILLING ON THE WATERFRONT SECTIONS OF GLOUCESTER ROAD CAN USE THE GROUND LEVEL ROUTES.
AT THE SAME TIME, HONG KONG-BOUND CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NOS. 121 AND 122 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, VICTORIA PARK FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, PERCIVAL STREET AND HENNESSY ROAD.
ALSO ON SUNDAY, FROM 8 AM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING, KWAI HEI STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AT THESE PLACES TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
0 - -
KOWLOON CITY MAXICAB SERVICE RE-ROUTED * * * *
KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTE 15 RUNNING BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY FERRY PIER AND NAM KOK ROAD WILL OPERATE BETWEEN THE FERRY PIER AND KAI TAK AIRPORT (AIR CARGO TERMINAL) FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 5).
THE EXISTING CIRCULAR ROUTE 16 BETWEEN KAI TAK AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL AND THE AIR CARGO TERMINAL WILL STOP TO RUN.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
COI-TENTS PAGE NO,
SUB-OFFICE OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OPENS AT FANLING ........ 1
EXPANSION AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ........................... 2
SENSE OF COMMUNITY IDENTITY BEGINS TO EMERGE IN NORTH DISTRICT ................................................ 3
$10 OOO DONATION FOR COMMUNITY AND SPORTS CENTRE IN TUEN MUN ...................................................... 4
GUANGDONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION TO VISIT HONG KONG . 5
SNT OFFICIATES AT INAUGURATION OF TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION ................................................... 6
SECTION OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD CLOSED .............,........... 7
DISASTER CONTROL TRAINING FOR CAS ........................... 7
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF KIK YEUNG RD ........................ 8
FIRING PRACTICE ON TUESDAY .................................. 8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
1
SUB-OFFICE OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE OPENS AT FANLING * ft * ft *
PLANS ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN NORTH DISTRICT WHICH WILL HOUSE ALL THE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS OPERATING THERE.
THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, MR JIMMY SWEETMAN, SAID THIS TODAY WHEN OPENING A SUB-OFFICE OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT FANLING.
THE NEW OFFICE, WHICH WAS FORMERLY THE FANLING CROWN LANDS SURVEY CAMP, IS SITUATED NEXT TO FANLING MAGISTRACY IN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
IT CONSISTS OF THREE SINGLE-STOREY BUILDINGS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 400 SQUARE METRES.
MR SWEETMAN SAID THE NEW OFFICE WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE IN A MORE CONVENIENT LOCATION THAN HITHERTO.
THE ACCOUNTS, PERMITS AND LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS SECTIONS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD WORK FROM THERE ON A FULL-TIME BASIS, HE SAID.
♦OFFICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED WHERE LAND AND LIAISON STAFF CAN MEET LOCAL PEOPLE TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS, ALTHOUGH UNFORTUNATELY MUCH OF THE LAND AND LIAISON WORK WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO BE CARRIED OUT FROM THE PRESENT OFFICE IN TAI PO FOR THE TIME BE ING.+
PLANS ARE HOWEVER BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN THIS DISTRICT IN DUE COURSE WHICH WILL HOUSE ALL THE MAJOR DEPARTMENTS THAT OPERATE HERE, INCLUDING THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, HE SAID
MR SWEETMAN SAID HE HOPED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THE SUB-OFFICE, WHICH SHOULD SAVE THEM A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND TROUBLE PREVIOUSLY SPENT ON TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE MAIN OFFICE IN TAI PO.
HE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK THE GUESTS PRESENT AND OTHER PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT FOR THEIR CONTINUING CO-OPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS EFFORTS, BOTH WITH REGARD TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW TOWN IN THE AREA AND ITS COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER JOHNSON, AND MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.
THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE IN THE NEW OFFICE, BESIDES HANDLING CROWN RENT MATTERS, WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING WATER CHARGES, RATES, FIXED PENALTY CHARGES AND STAMP DUTY. IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM fo 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
/NORTH DISTRICT .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
2 -
TAI PO
HUI AND
DISTRICT office, which is housed in the former DISTRICT OFFICE, COVERS SHA TAU KOK, SHEUNG SHU I, SHEK WU nui «rw FANLING AND A LARGE PART OF THE BORDER AREA. IT BECAME A SEPARATE dSlNH?TpPrf|™S ADM,N,STRATI0N DISTRICT A YEAR AGO TO STREAMLINE Al/rl I Pi I O I K A I 1 Un •
—- - 0 -
EXPANSION AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES *****
THREE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL BE EXPANDED WITH THE ADDITION OF ANNEXES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO PROVIDE EXTRA PLACES FOR 1 200 STUDENTS AND TO INTRODUCE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR YACHT AND BOAT BUILDING APPRENTICES.
INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME ARE MAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHICH WILL HAVE A WATERFRONT BLOCK FOR ITS MARINE AND FABRICATION COURSE, MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE WHICH WILL HAVE AN ANNEXE CONVERTED FROM THE FORMER VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL, AND LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHICH WILL HAVE A SECOND STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.
AN ANNEXE AT LEE WAI LEE WILL HAVE SPACE FOR ANOTHER 18 CLASSROOMS, SIX SPECIAL ROOMS AND EIGHT WORKSHOPS. THE SIX SPECIAL ROOMS COMPRISE AN APPLIED MECHANICS LABORATORY, AN ACCOUNTING MACHINE ROOM, COMMERCIAL STUDIES ROOM AND MODEL OFFICE, AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS ROOM, CHILD CARE TEACHING ROOM, AND A PROJECT ROOM.
THE EIGHT WORKSHOPS WILL BE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE MECHANICS, VEHICLE BODY REPAIR, MACHINE, BENCH FITTING, PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING, AND FOR ELECTRICAL REPAIR, WIRING AND INSTALLATION.
OTHER ADDITIONS INCLUDE A LIBRARY EXTENSION, LECTURE THEATRE, FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED STUDENTS, AND A TECHNICAL EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE FOR DISABLED STUDENTS.
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS DEVELOPMENT, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE ANOTHER 470 FULL-TIME AND 1 800 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS. MOST OF THE PLACES WILL BE FOR COURSES TRANSFERRED FROM THE POLYTECHNIC.
AT MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF THE FORMER VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL WILL BE CONVERTED FOR NEW USE, AND WILL COMPRISE TEN CLASSROOMS, FOUR WORKSHOPS/ LABORATORIES, STAFF ROOMS, STORES AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
THE TOP FLOOR OF THE BUILDING WILL BE TAKEN UP BY THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE AND WILL HAVE FOUR CLASSROOMS A LANGUAGE LABORATORY AND CONTROL ROOM, A MODEL C"IC- anD COMMERCIAL ROOM, THREE ELECTRICAL AND SCIENCE LABORATORIES A DRAWING OFFICE CLASSROOM, STAFF ROOMS, STORES AND A HALL FOR ASSEMBLY, EXAMINATIONS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
/TENDERS FOR
SATUBDAI, OCTOBER 4, 1980
- 3 -
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PWD ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.
WHEN COMPLETED LATE NEXT YEAR, THE ANNEXE AT MORRISON HILL WILL PROVIDE PLACES FOR ABOUT 600 STUDENTS TO BOOST THE ENROLMENT OF 1 420 STUDENTS AT THE INSTITUTE.
THE WATERFRONT ANNEXE FOR HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL BE A WORKSHOP BUILT ON A 700-SQUARE-METRE SITE, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR THE BUILDING OF TIMBER AND GLASS REINFORCE PLASTIC BOATS.
A MAJOR FEATURE OF THE WORKSHOP WILL BE A WATER TANK - LARGE ENOUGH TO CONTAIN BOATS OF UP TO SEVEN METRES LONG - WHICH WILL BE USED TO TEST THE VIABILITY OF DIFFERENT HULL SHAPES.
THE WORKSHOP WILL ALSO HAVE A TRAVEL HOIST AND WOOD AND b€TAL WORK MACHINES.
A SMALL FIVE-TONNE CAPACITY CRANE WILL BE PROVIDED TO LIFT BOATS IN AND OUT OF THE WATER.
THE MARINE AND FABRICATION COURSE WILL HAVE PLACES FOR MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS AND WHEN THE ANNEXE IS COMPLETED IN ABOUT OCTOBER 1981, PRACTICAL TRAINING FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR YACHT AND BOAT BUILDING COURSES.
-------0 - -
SENSE OF COMMUNITY IDENTITY BEGINS TO EMERGE IN NORTH DISTRICT
******
A CLEAR SENSE OF COMMUNITY IDENTITY AND FOCUS IS BEGINNING TO EMERGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S NORTH DISTRICT ESTABLISHED A YEAR AGO.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS TODAY AT THE DISTRICT’S FESTIVAL GRAND EVENING VARIETY SHOW AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.
+THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND WELCOME BEGINNING TO A PERIOD CF RAPID AND WIDE-RANGING CHANGE WHICH WILL BE TAKING PLACE WITH THE AMALGAMATION OF THE OLD MARKET CENTRES INTO A NEW TOWN OF 200 000 PEOPLE, THE MAJORITY OF WHOM WILL BE STRANGERS TO THE AREA,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
NORTH DISTRICT, INCLUDING THE TOWNS OF SHEUNG SHUI, SHEK WU HUI, TA KWU LING, FANLING AND SHA TAU KOK AN! °ART OF THE BORDER AREA, WAS FORMERLY PART OF TAI PO DISTRICT. IT BECAME A SEPARATE DISTRICT LA'ST OCTOBER TO STREAMLiNE ADMINISTRATION.
/More th as ....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
4
MORE THAN 5 OOO PEOPLE, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES, LOCAL DIGNITARIES AND STUDENTS, ATTENDED THE VARIETY SHOW WHICH WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF A MONTH OF CELEBRATIONS MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE DISTRICT’S ESTABLISHMENT.
NEARLY 2 000 STUDENTS, EACH HOLDING A LANTERN, TOURED THE CENTRAL AREAS OF THE MAJOR TOWNS IN THE DISTRICT BEFORE GATHERING AT FANLING PLAYGROUND TO WATCH THE VARIETY PERFORMANCES.
THE REGIONAL COMMISSIONER NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, M? JIMMY SWEETMAN, AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER JOHNSON, DOTTED THE EYES OF A DRAGON BEFORE THE SHOW BEGAN.
PERFORMANCES INCLUDED CHINESE FOLK DANCES BY FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, SINGING BY TELEVISION ARTISTES, DRAGON AND LION DANCES AND A MAGIC SHOW.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE VARIETY SHOW HAD BEEN +VERY SUCCESSFUL*, WITH A SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF LOCAL PARTICIPATION BY BOTH YOUNG AND OLD, AND SUGGESTED THAT A FESTIVAL OF THIS SORT MIGHT BECOME A REGULAR FEATURE OF THE LIFE OF NORTH DI STR ICT.
HE CONGRATULATED ALL THOSE WHO HAD BEEN CONCERNED WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS, AND THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE EVENT.
THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS INCLUDED A QUIZ CONTEST, A SOCCER TOURNAMENT, A LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION, A LOGO COMPETITION, AND A CHINESE COUPLETS COMPETITION.
NORTH DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD PROVIDED $15 000 FOR THE FESTIVAL, WHICH COST $120 000. THE BALANCE WAS RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
-----0------
$10 000 DONATION FOR COMMUNITY AND SPORTS CENTRE IN TUEN MUN *****
TO MARK THE OPENING OF A NEW BRANCH IN TUEN MUN, THE OVERSEAS TRUST BANK TODAY PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR $10 000 TO THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, TOWARDS THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND SPORTS CENTRE.
THE PRESENTATION WAS MADE BY THE DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER, MR DOMINIC CHEUNG, DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE CENTRE WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, BRINGING UNDER ONE ROOF A RANGE OP FACILITIES INCLUDING A ROLLER SKATING RINK, AN INDOOR SWIMMING POOL, A MULTI-PURPOSE GAMES HALL, A GYMNASIUM, A BOWLING CENTRE, BILLIARDS AND TABLE TENNIS ROOMS, SQUASH COURTS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS.
/OTHER FACILITIES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
- 5 -
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A LIBRARY, A GALLERY, MEETING AND STUDY ROOMS, YOUTH AND ADULT ACTIVITY ROOMS AND OFFICES.
THE 4 359 SQUARE METRE SITE ON WHICH THE CENTRE IS TO BE BUILT WAS GRANTED TO THE YAN Ol TONG BY PRIVATE TREATY. PILING WORK STARTED RECENTLY AND CONSTRUCTION IS TO BEGIN NEXT YEAR. THE CENTRE IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN 1982.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATED $8 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST AND THE LOTTERIES FUND 49 MILLION. THE BALANCE IS EXPECTED TO BE RAISED BY THE SALE OF TONG PROPERTY AND BY PRIVATE DONATIONS.
------0------
GUANGDONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION TO VISIT HONG KONG ,4 X X X
AN ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION FROM GUANGDONG PROVINCE WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM OCTOBER 6 TO 13 AT THE INVITATION OF SIR Y.K. KAN.
THE MISSION WILL BE LED BY MR FENG XUEYAN, DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG FOREIGN TRADE BUREAU. THIS VISIT FOLLOWS THAT BY A TRADE MISSION TO GUANGDONG IN MAY THIS YEAR LED BY SIR Y.K. KAN.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, THE GUANGDONG DELEGATION WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE GUANGDONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION WILL ARRIVE BY THROUGH TRAIN IN KOWLOON STATION AT 11.26 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 6). THE DELEGATION WILL BE MET BY SIR Y.K. KAK.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL EE AVAILABLE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THEIR ARRIVAL. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE ENQUIRY COUNTER, KOWLOON STATION, HUNG HON, AT 11 AM. THEY SHOULD CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORT! TO FACILITATE ENTRY INTO THE RESTRICTED AREA. GIS OFFICER- • ILL .< ,'K HAND TO ASSIST.
/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
6
SNT OFFICIATES AT INAUGURATION OF TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION * * M *
THE FIRST TERM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NEWLY FORMED TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WAS INAUGURATED TODAY.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION, SAID THE CEREMONY WAS SIGNIFICANT BECAUSE IT EMPHASISED THE CHANGE IN THE LONG HISTORY OF TAI PO AS A MARKET TOWN FOR SURROUNDING VILLAGES INTO A MODERN INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE.
IT ALSO DENOTED THE CONSCIOUS DESIRE OF THE PEOPLE OF TAI PO TO BUILD ON THE RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PAST TO MEET THE ARTISTIC NEEDS CF A MODERN URBAN COMMUNITY IN PRESENT-DAY HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
+WE HAVE TO CREATE A TOWN AT TAI PO IN WHICH PEOPLE WILL LOVE TO LIVE, TO WORK AND TO PLAY.
+THIS MEANS THAT WE MUST CARE FOR EVERY ASPECT IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE, BOTH YOUNG AND OLD, FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.*
MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE WELCOMED THE FORMATION OF THE ASSOCIATION AND LOOKED FORWARD TO THE MANY ACTIVITIES IT WOULD ORGANISE FOR THE PEOPLE OF TAI PO NOW AND IN THE YEARS TO COME.
TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED FOUR MONTHS AGO WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD. IT AIMS TO PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURE AMONG THE 100 000 RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
FOUR SUB-COMMITTEES HAVE ALSO BEEN FORMED TO ENCOURAGE MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, A DANCE TROUPE AND A DRAMA GROUP ARE NOW BEING ORGANISED.
THE ASSOCIATION ALSO HAS PLANS TO HOLD CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, COMPETITIONS AND TRAINING CLASS IN DRAMA, PHOTOGRAPHY, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PLAYING AND FLOWER PLANTING.
MANY OF THE ACTIVITIES THE ASSOCIATION IS ORGANISING ARE BEING FINANCED BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, WHICH HAS EARMARKED $100 000 THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
A DRIVE WAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS. SO FAR OVER 600 PEOPLE, MOSTLY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, HAVE JOINED.
MR AKERS-JONES IS PATRON OF THE ASSOCIATION. TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS NG, IS PRESIDENT AND A LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADER, NR CHEUNG CHE-FANG, IS CHAIRMAN.
TODAY’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE HALL OF VALTORTA COLLEGE. A CANTONESE OPERA WAS HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS.
----0----
*
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1980
- 7 -
SECTION OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD CLOSED
*****
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TAI KOK TSUI ROAD BETWEEN POK MAN STREET AND ANCHOR STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SIX WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 7) TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THIS PERIOD, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON TAI KOK TSUI ROAD FROM CHERRY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FOO KWAI STREET, POK MAN STREET, KOK CHEUNG STREET AND CHUNG WUI STREET.
POK MAN STREET BETWEEN FOO KWAI STREET AND KOK CHEUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONEWAY WESTBOUND, KOK CHEUNG STREET ONEWAY NORTHBOUND, AND CHUNG WU I STREET ONEWAY EASTBOUND.
ACCESS TO THE SIDE STREETS WILL BE MAINTAINED. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
DISASTER CONTROL TRAINING FOR CAS * * * *
FOUR SENIOR CIVIL AID SERVICES OFFICERS LEAVE HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR A MONTH’S TRAINING AND A SERIES OF BRIEFING SESSIONS IN AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND.
IN AUSTRALIA, THE GROUP WILL UNDERTAKE A TEN-DAY COURSE IN DISASTER CONTROL AND PLANNING AT THE AUSTRALIAN COUNTER DISASTER COLLEGE IN MT MACEDON, VICTORIA.
THE OFFICERS WILL THEN VISIT STATE EMERGENCY SERVICES ORGANISATIONS IN VICTORIA, NEW SOUTH WALES, QUEENSLAND AND THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES, FOR BRIEFINGS ON EMERGENCY CONTROL OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALIA.
THE GROUP — COMPRISING CAS’ DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (OPERATIONS) MR J.A. FORTUNE- CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR SO YUN-LAM- DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (DEVELOPMENT), MR LEUNG NAI-PANG- AND REGIONAL COMMANDER (KOWLOON), MR LAM SUI-FAN — WILL ALSO STUDY DISASTER CONTROL TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED BY THE SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT.
IN THAILAND, MR FORTUNE WILL DISCUSS WITH ESCAP OFFICIALS IN BANGKOK THE PROGRESS OF DISASTER PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN REGION.
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/8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, I960
8
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTING OF KIK YEUNG RD *****
K IK YEUNG ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 6) FOR ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS. THE RE-ROUTING WILL ALLOW FOR THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS ALONG THE STRETCH OF ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
FIRING PRACTICE ON TUESDAY * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 7) FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED DURING THE TIME OF PRACTICE.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
CASUALTY SERVICE TO BE EXTENDED TO MORE HOSPITALS .... 1
WARNING ON HUNG MING BALLOONS ........................... 2
VOLUNTEERS JOIN SCHEME TO HELP PROBATIONERS ............. 3
PROPER HANDLING OF EARTH-MOVING MACHINES ................ A
CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION ........................ 5
CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM AT NEW RACE COURSE .............. 5
EVERGREEN TREES PLANTED ALONG TAI PO ROAD ............... 6
CONCERT BY 'CHENG' VIRTUOSO ............................. 7
WATER CUT
7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1980
1
CASUALTY SERVICE TO *
BE EXTENDED TO MORE HOSPITALS * ft * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS STRIVING VIGOROUSLY
TO EXPAND ITS CASUALTY SERVICE IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE TREMENDOUS PRESSURE BEING EXERTED BY THE EVER-INCREASING POPULATION ON THIS SERVICE IN ALL REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN THIS SERVICE WERE TWO-PRONGED« TO INCORPORATE A IN EVERY NEW HOSPITAL AND TO EXTEND THE SERVICE
CASUALTY DEPARTMENT IN EXISTING ONES.
SHATIN AND TUEN MUN HOSPITALS WILL EACH BE EQUIPPED WITH FULL CASUALTY SERVICE WHEN THEY BEGIN OPERATION IN 1982 AND 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
THREE OTHER NEW HOSPITALS, IN SHAU KEI WAN, TAI PO AND EAST KOWLOON WILL ALSO PROVIDE CASUALTY SERVICE TOWARDS THE LATTER PART OF THE 1980’S.
MEANWHILE, CONCRETE PLANS ARE IN THE PIPELINE TO EXPAND THE EXISTING CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND. QUEEN MARY hOSPlTAL WILL HAVE AN EXTENDED CASUALTY DEPARTMENT IN ITS REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND ADDED SPACE FOR THE CASUALTY WARD OF TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL IS EARMARKED IN THE NEW ANNEXE OVER THE EXISTING CAR PARK.
IN THE CASE OF GOVERNMENT ASSISTED HOSPITALS, CARITAS WILL SHORTLY BEGIN TO' OPERATE CASUALTY SERVICE ON A LIMITED BASIS. POK 01 AND YAN CHAI HOSPITALS WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ROUND-THE-CLOCK SERVICE WHEN THEIR EXPANSION PROGRAMMES ARE COMPLETED BY 1984.
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +OVER THE YEARS CASUALTY ATTENDANCE FIGURES HAVE SHOWN A STARTLING UPWARD TREND. IN THE LAST DECADE, CASUALTY ATTENDANCE ALMOST TRIPLED, FROM LESS THAN 340 000 IN 1969 TO 880 000 LAST YEAR.*
ON AVERAGE, OVER 2 400 PATIENTS ARE TREATED DAILY IN CASUALTY UNITS, OF WHICH 66 PER CENT ARE DEALT WITH IN THE FOUR MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS. QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL ALONE TAKES ON A LOAD OF ABOUT 700 PATIENTS PER DAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF THE CASUALTY UNIT IS PARTLY DUE TO ABUSE BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
*MANY PEOPLE DO NOT SEEM TO REALISE THAT CASUALTY SERVICE IS SET UP FOR TREATING EMERGENCY CASES. IT IS OFTEN CONFUSED WITH THE GENERAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT CLINICS,* HE SAID.
STATISTICS FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS SHOW THAT ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE CASES AT CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS HAD ONLY MINOR AILMENTS.
AS A REMEDIAL MEASURE TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, A NURSING OFFICER IS USUALLY ASSIGNED TO A CASUALTY WARD TO SCREEN EVERY CASE THAT TURNS UP AND, ACCORDING TO THE DEGREE OF SEVERITY OF EACH CASE, TO DECIDE ON THE PRIORITY OF TREATMENT.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, “>980
2 -
♦ AS A RESULT CASES WHICH ARE NOT URGENT ARE OFTEN KEPT WAITING UNTIL ALL THE EMERGENCY CASES RECEIVE DUE TREATMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
HE ALSO WARNED THAT NON-EMERGENCY CASES AT THE CASUALTY WARDS WOULD ONLY DELAY TREATMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, AND COULD JEOPARDISE OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO VISIT OUTPATIENT CLINICS FOR TREATMENT OF MINOR AILMENTS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO MADE AVAILABLE EVENING SESSIONS AT 14 CLINICS. IN ADDITION, EIGHT CLINICS ARE OPEN ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO SERVE THE PUBLIC. ________
------0 - - - -
WARNING ON HUNG MING BALLOONS
* * * *
ANYONE INTENDING TO TAKE A HUNG MING BALLOON INTO A COUNTRY PARK HAD BETTER THINK CAREFULLY. IF CAUGHT, A 35 000 FINE AND A YEAR IN PRISON COULD RESULT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) HUNG MING BALLOONS (OR HOT AIR LANTERNS) WERE A SCOURGE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING DRY WEATHER AND A WARNING AT THIS TIME WHEN THE LEVEL OF HUMIDITY WAS DROPPING WAS +MOST APPROPRIATE.*
HE SAID IN PAST YEARS RELEASING HUNG MING BALLOONS HAD BEEN PREVALENT IN AUTUMN WHEN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS AT ITS DRIEST. THEY WERE KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR LARGE NUMBERS OF FIRES, MANY IN AREAS FIREFIGHTERS FOUND DIFFICULT TO REACH.
HE SAID MANY BALLOONS WERE RELEASED FOR FUN, AND EACH YEAR LARGE AREAS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE SUFFERED SERIOUS HARM AS A RESULT.
HE SAID IN VIEW OF THE GROWING POPULARITY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE FOR RECREATION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING AN INCREASINGLY SERIOUS VIEW OF A MINORITY WHO STARTED COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
THERE WOULD BE STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO PREVENT HUNG MING BALLOONS FROM BEING TAKEN INTO COUNTRY PARK AREAS.
AND FINES AND IMPRISONMENT COULD ALSO BE IMPOSED IN CASES WHERE THE BALLOONS CAUSED DAMAGE OUTSIDE COUNTRY PARKS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS AT RISK DURING THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO AND FOLLOWING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 17 THIS YEAR.
*0N THE FESTIVAL DAY ITSELF IT IS USUAL FOR THE LARGEST NUMBER OF FIRES TC OCCUR,* HE SAID. +APART FRC:'. < T - “ALLOCNS, CARELESSLY DISCARDED CIGARETTE ENDS AND LIGHTED 7CnES ALSO MAKE A HEAVY TOLL.*
/HE APPEALED .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1980
3
HE APPEALED FOR CO-OPERATION FROM ALL WHO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM NOW ON TO PREVENT FIRES AND TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
MEANWHILE, TAI PO HAS TAKEN A LEAD IN THE CAMPAIGN TO HIGHLIGHT THE FIRE RISK POSED BY HUNG MING BALLOONS.
A LOCAL RESIDENT, MR CHAN WAI-KAI, 29, HAS DESIGNED A POSTER ADVISING THE PUBLIC NOT TO RELEASE BALLOONS BECAUSE THEY ARE DANGEROUS.
HAVE 5EEN PUT UP IM PR0KINENT
+THE THREAT TO THE LOCAL COUNTRYSIDE IS BEING TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FIRE WATCH PATROLS HAD BEEN SET UP IN LAM CHUEN AND PAN CHUNG, HIGH FIRE RISK AREAS.
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS ALSO WRITTEN TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK SEEKING THE CO-OPERATION OF ALL RURAL COMMITTEES AND VILLAGERS TO PREVENT FIRES.
-----0-----
VOLUNTEERS JOIN SCHEME TO HELP PROBATIONERS *****
SIXTY-FIVE PUBLIC-SPIRITED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM PRACTICALLY ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO JOIN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.
THE VOLUNTEERS ATTENDED AN ORIENTATION COURSE THIS AFTERNOON WHICH PREPARED THEM TO WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S PROBATION OFFICERS TO REHABILITATE YOUNG OFFENDERS.
THEY WILL HELP THE PROBATIONERS SOLVE THEIR SOCIAL PROBLEMS THROUGH FRIENDSHIP AND CARE, AT THE SAME TIME AS THEY ARE GUIDED IN PROPER BEHAVIOURAL DEVELOPMENT BY THE REGULAR PROBATION It r I Gt R q •
'N THE ORIENTATION COURSE, THE VOLUNTEERS WERE GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROBATION SERVICE. THEY WILL EE MATCHED LATER WITH PROBATIONERS ACCORDING TO MUTUAL INTEREST.
THEY MAY HELP PROBATIONERS ACQUIRE HEALTHY HOBBIES BY ACCOMPANYING THEM IN RECREATIONAL OR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. OTHERS WHO ARE PROFESSIONALS CAN PROVIDE TUITION OR IMPART KNOWLEDGE IN THEIR FIELD OF SPECIALTY.
AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING BEFORE THE COURSE STARTED, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, WELCOMED THE NE« VOLUNTEERS AND THANKED THEM FOR GIVING UP THEIR FREE TIME TO COKTRIE T- TO THE SCHEME.
/MRS DOE .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1980
4
MRS DOE SAID PROBATION OFFICERS HAD TO MAKE USE OF THEIR SOCIAL WORK KNOWLEDGE, APART FROM STATUTORY SUPERVISION, TO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF REFORMING PROBATIONERS.
+THEY HELP THE OFFENDERS BY WAY OF FRIENDSHIP AND GUIDANCE, AND GIVE THEM THE ENCOURAGEMENT THEY NEED DURING THEIR PROBATION PER IOD,+ SHE SAID.
DURING THEIR REHABILITATION PROCESS, SHE ADDED, THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTES A LOT TOWARDS STRENGTHENING THEIR WILLPOWER TO CHANGE AND ENHANCES THEIR CHANCE OF SUCCESSFUL RE-1NTEGRATI ON INTO SOCIETY.
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PROPER HANDLING OF EARTH-MOVING MACHINES * * * M
EARTH-MOVING MACHINERY, SUCH AS LOADERS AND EXCAVATORS, SHOULD BE OPERATED PROPERLY AND CAUTIOUSLY — OR THE CONSEQUENCES COULD BE FATAL.
THIS WARNING WAS GIVEN TODAY BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF TWO WORKERS AND INJURY TO FOUR OTHERS IN TWO RECENT CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING AN EARTH-MOVER AND A FORK-LIFT TRUCK.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EARTH-MOVING MACHINERY WAS NOW COMMONLY USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. +N0 DOUBT, THEY ARE EFFECTIVE MACHINES IF OPERATED PROPERLY, BUT CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN MISHANDLED.
THE SPOKESMAN CITED THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES:
* RUNNING INTO THE SEA AT RECLAMATION SITES,
* OVERTURNING ON UNSTABLE GROUND AND ON STEEP SLOPES OR WHEN THERE IS IMPROPER BACKING AND SPEEDING.
UNTRAINED PERSONNEL AND RECKLESS DRIVERS ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE MAIN CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
+THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT ONLY PUTTING THEIR OWN LIVES AT STAKE BUT ALSO ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF OTHERS,+ HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, HE URGED ALL BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO ENSURE THAT ONLY TRAINED OPERATORS WERE ALLOWED TO DRIVE EARTH-MOVING MACHINERY OR ANY MOBILE EQUIPMENT ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND TO FORBID THE CARRYING OF PASSENGERS ON SUCH EQUIPMENT.
APART FROM TEACHING THE DRIVERS ALL THE RELEVANT DRIVING SKILLS THEY SHOULD BE EDUCATED TO +ALWAYS PLAY SAFETY FIRST+.
+BOTH CONTRACTORS AND DRIVERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT ALL OPERATING CONDITIONS ON THE SITE ARE SUITABLE FOR THE MACHINE THEY INTEND TO USE BEFORE STARTING WORK,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HE ADDED THAT FORK-LIFT TRUCKS WERE DESIGNED FOR USE ON ^SMOOTH SURFACES, AND SHOULD NOT BE USED ON ROUGH TERRAIN.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, I960
NOTE TO EDITORS
CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, WILL CFFICIALLY OPEN A CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AT 11 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 7).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS BOARD, MISS LYDIA DUNN.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE UNIVERSITY APPOINTMENTS BOARD. IT WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 9.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE STAFF/STUDENT CENTRE OF NEW ASIA COLLEGE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM AT NEW RACE COURSE ******
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, HAS URGED TAI PO RESIDENTS TO GIVE THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO ♦WHATEVER MEASURES MAY BE NECESSARY* TO REDUCE THE POLLUTION OF TOLO HARBOUR.
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING TODAY AT THE 13TH CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM, IN WHICH MORE THAN 400 SWIMMERS TOOK PART.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S EVENT WAS DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS YEARS’ IN TWO RESPECTS.
♦FIRSTLY, WE ARE IN A NEW SITE HAVING HAD TO ABANDON THE OLD ONE BECAUSE OF RECLAMATION AND THE CONSEQUENT DETERIORATION IN WATER QUALITY,♦ HE SAID.
♦SECONDLY, TODAY’S EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION INSTEAD OF THE FORMER ORGANISATION WHICH COVERED THE WHOLE OF THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES.♦
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE TWO CHANGES ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT.
♦FIRSTLY FOR WHATEVER MEASURES MAY BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE POLLUTION OF TOLO HARBOUR.
♦SECONDLY FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE NEW TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN ITS PROJECT TO BUILD A 312 MILLION INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE FOR THE PEOPLE.*
/MB AKERS-JONES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 19&O
- 6 -
MR AKERS-JONES APPEALED TO ALL PEOPLE OF TAI PO TO GIVE THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO THESE OBJECTIVES.
THE NEW COURSE IS FROM SHA LAN BEACH TO THE TAI MEI TUK SEA ACTIVITIES CENTRE, A DISTANCE OF 2 400 METRES. IT HAS REPLACED THE TRADITIONAL 2 OOO-METRE COURSE BETWEEN NAM HANG AND YUEN CHAU TSAI, WHICH HAS BEEN SHORTENED AS A RESULT OF RECLAMATION WORK FOR NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, ATTRACTED 339 ENTRANTS IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND 69 IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION, ABOUT THE SAME NUMBER AS LAST YEAR. THE OLDEST PARTICIPANT WAS 48 AND THE YOUNGEST 12.
THE RACE STARTED AT 10.30 AM AT SHA LAN BEACH, WHERE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS NG, FIRED THE STARTING GUN.
WINNER OF THE MEN’S SECTION WAS MR CHEUNG WAN-CHI WHO FINISHED IN A TIME OF 36 MINUTES 39 SECONDS. THE WOMEN’S SECTION WINNER WAS MISS MAK SIU-PING, WHOSE TIME WAS 42 MINUTES 38 SECONDS. THIS IS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR MISS MAK, AGED 16, WON THE RACE.
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EVERGREEN TREES PLANTED ALONG TAI PO ROAD
* * * *
IN THE RECENT PLANTING SEASON A RECORD NUMBER OF 8 703 EVERGREEN TREES AND TREE SEEDLINGS HAVE BEEN PLANTED ALONG BOTH SIDES OF A TWO-KILOMETRE STRETCH OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR TAI PO KAU GARDEN TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY EYE-PLEASING TREES AND TREE SEEDLINGS OF VARIOUS SPECIES WERE PLANTED ON THE SECTION OF THE ROAD BETWEEN THE APPROACH ROADS OF TAI PO KAU RAILWAY STATION AND THE ’LOOK OUT’.
AS A RESULT OF A WELL-PLANNED LANDSCAPE DESIGN, THE HIGHWAY WILL BE TURNED INTO A SCENIC ROAD AS THE TREES FLOWER IN SEASON A FEW YEARS LATER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AMONG THE NEWLY PLANTED TREES AND TREE SEEDLINGS WERE THE BEAUTIFUL ORNAMENTAL HONG KONG ORCHID TREE AND THE CAMEL’S FOOT TREE AS WELL AS THE POPULAR FLOWERING FLAME-OF-THE-FOREST.
THERE WERE ALSO A NUMBER OF HANDSOME DECIDUOUS JACARANDA TREE THE GRACEFUL EVERGREEN ACACIA TREE, SUNSHINE TREE AND CANDLENUT TREE.
TO BRIGHTEN THE HIGHWAY, A TOTAL OF 3 300 SQUARE METRES OF ROUGH PAVEMENT WERE ALSO TURFED.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO CHILDREN, VILLAGERS AND HOLIDAY MAKERS VISITING TAI PO ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NOT TO DAMAGE THE TREES AND THE TREE SEEDLINGS AS THEY ARE THERE TO CREATE A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
------0 ------ /?............
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1980
- 7 -
CONCERT BY +CHENG+ VIRTUOSO *****
THE WORLD-RENOWNED +CHENG* VIRTUOSO PROFESSOR LIANG TSAI-PING WILL GIVE A LECTURE-DEMONSTRATION CONCERT ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 9) AT 6 PM.
THE CONCERT WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND WILL TAKE PLACE IN ITS WEST KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157-159 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, MONG KOK.
ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
PROFESSOR LIANG WILL EXPLAIN, IN BOTH MANDARIN AND ENGLISH, THE HISTORY OF +CHENG+, A POPULAR CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, AND POINT OUT THE RELATIONSHIP OF THIS INSTRUMENT WITH THE JAPANESE KOTO, KOREAN KAYAKUM AND VIETNAMESE DAN TRAN.
HE WILL ALSO PERFORM TRADITIONAL PIECES AND SELECTIONS CF HIS OWN COMPOSITIONS. THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE +THE SONG OF SILK POUNDING*, +FLOATING LOTUS*, +MUTUAL LONGING*, AND *HIGH MOUNTAIN AND FLOWING STREAM*.
FOR MANY DECADES, PROFESSOR LIANG HAS DEDICATED HIMSELF TO RESEARCH IN AND PERFORMANCE OF THE +CHENG*. HE HAS BEEN ACCLAIMED FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF TRADITIONAL AND IN PARTICULAR ANCIENT CHINESE MUSIC. HE HAS GIVEN MORE THAN 200 CONCERTS TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL EXCHANGE IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTHEAST ASIA AND EUROPE.
HE IS THE FIRST CHINESE MUSICIAN TO STAGE A CONCERT AT CARNEGIE HALL AND LINCOLN CENTRE IN THE USA.
PROFESSOR LIANG HAS RELEASED OVER 30 RECORD ALBUMS AND HIS COMPOSITIONS ARE WELL RECEIVED BY *CHENG*-LOVERS.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN BEACON HILL WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 7) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR REPAIRS.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE ON BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD, ALN* ICK ROAD, WARWICK ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, FESSENDEN ROAD AND MARCONI ROAD.
SUPPLY TO AN AREA OF KOWLOON CITY wILL ALSO BE INTERRUPTED FROM TUESDAY MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, KAI TAK ROAD, CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN STEPPED UP........................... 1
HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS TO RESUME TOMORROW ............................................ 2
S21 MILLION SHA TIN ROAD CONTRACT......................... 3
REGIONAL OFFICERS FDR JSEA SYSTEM ........................ 3
TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS.............. 4
COMMUNI CATION IMPORTANT IN EtiPLOYER-EhiPLOYEE RELATIONS .................................................. 5
SAI KUNG ISLAND TO GET WATER SUPPLY ...................... 6
HO MAN TIN WATER CUT...................................... 6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
- 1 -
ANTI-RABIES CAMPAIGN STEPPED UP * * * *
THE ANTI-RABIES CHECK ON DOGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE STEPPED UP THIS WEEK TO INCLUDE THE URBAN AREAS AND FISHING POPULATION.
STAFF FROM ALL BRANCHES OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ARE BEING DEPLOYED IN THE OPERATION.
SOME 84 COUNTRY PARKS RANGERS, FOREST GUARDS AND OTHER STAFF HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED TO THE ENTRY POINTS TO THE SHEUNG SHU I AREA wHERE AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY DIED OF RABIES LAST WEEK.
MORE THAN 60 STAFF OF THE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS BRANCH wILL BE ASSISTING THE AGRICULTURAL BRANCH STAFF IN DOG CATCHING OPERATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWENTY-FOUR RANGERS AND FOREST GUARDS WILL BE MANNING FOUR CHECK POINTS WITH POLICE ASSISTANCE.
PEOPLE FOUND ATTEMPTING TO TAKE DOGS INTO THE AREA WILL BE TURNED BACK. THOSE FOUND TAKING DOGS OUT OF THE AREA WILL BE SENT TC THE SHEK WU HUI CHECK POINT WHERE THE DOG LICENCE wILL BE VER IF IED.
IF THE LICENCE IS VALID THE DOG WILL EE RETURNED TO ITS OWNER. IF THE DOG IS NOT LICENCED IT WILL BE DETAINED.
WARNING SIGNS ARE BEING SET UP AT THE CHECK POINTS BETWEEN POK SHEK AU AND DILLS CORNER, SOUTH OF YING PUN VILLAGE, NEAR SHEK wU HUI AND NEAR FANLING WAI.
IN THE URBAN AREAS FOUR TEAMS OF DOG CATCHERS WILL BE PICKING UP STRAY DOGS AND DOGS NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF THEIR OWNERS OR HANDLERS.
THESE DOGS WILL BE DETAINED FOR FIVE DAYS AT A GOVERNMENT rvENNEL AND IF NOT CLAIMED WILL BE HUMANELY DESTROYED.
ON WEDNESDAY ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION TEAMS WILL BE OPERATING AT THREE FISH MARKETS AND FISHERIES BRANCH STAFF WILL ENSURE TnAT DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED OFF FISHING VESSELS.
FISH MARKETING ORGANISATIONS SECURITY POSTED AT TAI PO AND SHA TAG KOK TO ENSURE BOATS DO NOT COME ASHORE.
GUARDS * ILL ALSO BE THAT DOGS FROM FISHING
THE INOCULATION TEAMS WILL BE AT ABERDEEN FISH MARKET DAILY FROM 6 AM TO 4 PM- AT CHEUNG SHA WAN MARKET FROM 6 AM TO MIDDAY-AND AT CASTLE PEAK MARKET FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT STRONGLY ADVISED DOG OWNERS TO KEEP THEIR DOGS’ LICENCE AND ThE ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION UP TO DATE.
/HE WARNED .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
2
HE WARNED THAT ANY DOG FOUND ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT A LEASH WOULD BE ROUNDED UP BY THE DEPARTMENT’S DOG CATCHING TEAMS AND DETAINED.
HE ADVISED THAT ALL DOGS SHOULD BE KEPT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE OWNER’S HOME AND IF TAKEN OUT IN THE STREETS IT MUST BE ON A LEASH AND UNDER CONTROL OF THE HANDLER.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THAT ANYONE BITTEN BY A DOG TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY AND REPORT TO THE POLICE.
MEANWHILE, A TOTAL OF 72 PERSONS WITH DOG BITES HAVE COME FORWARD TO THE FIVE GOVERNMENT TREATMENT CENTRES IN THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 4 PM TODAY (MONDAY).
ALL THESE CASES ARE SYMPTOM-FREE. THESE BROUGHT TO 137 THE NUMBER OF CASES ATTENDED TO AT THE FIVE TREATMENT CENTRES AFTER THE ADVICE GIVEN LAST SATURDAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
OF THE 72 DOG BITE CASES, 50 INVOLVED DOGS WHICH ARE KNOWN TO THE PEOPLE BITTEN. FIFTY-SIX OF THE PEOPLE ACCEPTED THE VACCINATION OR TREATMENT OFFERED.
EACH CASE IS CAREFULLY ASSESSED BY THE ATTENDING DOCTOR WHO EXPLAINS THE SITUATION TO THE PATIENT. IT IS UP TO EACH PATIENT WHETHER TO DECIDE TO ACCEPT THE TREATMENT OFFERED.
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HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILES CONSULTATIONS TO RESUME TOMORROW
* * * *
CONSULTATIONS WITH NORWAY ON ARRANGEMENTS TO REPLACE NORWAY’S EXISTING IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN TEXTILE PRODUCTS WILL RESUME IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE LAST ROUND OF TALKS, ADJOURNED WITHOUT AGREEMENT, WAS HELD IN SEPTEMBER.
THE CURRENT CONSULTATIONS FOLLOW A DECISION BY THE GATT COUNCIL IN JUNE THIS YEAR THAT NORWAY’S RESTRICTIONS UNDER ARTICLE XIX WERE INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE GATT. THE COUNCIL MADE A STRONG APPEAL TO BOTH PARTIES TO INTENSIFY THEIR EFFORTS TO REACH A MUTUALLY ACCEPTABLE AGREEMENT.
THE SIX-MEMBER NORWEGIAN DELEGATION IS HEADED BY MR ARNE LANGELAND, DIRECTOR GENERAL, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND SHIPPING. HONG KONG’S DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, MR K.Y. YEUNG.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
3
$21 MILLION SHA TIN ROAD CONTRACT
* * X *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) LET A $21 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE NEAR SHA TIN WAI AND CHAP WAI KON IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT, PART OF STAGE I OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT TWO KILOMETRES OF DISTRIBUTOR ROADS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS.
IT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR S.K. KWEI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PWD AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EXPRESS TRANSPORT AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD.
MR KWEI SAID THAT ON COMPLETION, THESE ROADS WOULD PROVIDE ACCESS TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN WHERE THE SHA TIN TEACHING HOSPITAL AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BUILDING ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE EXTENSION OF AN EXISTING STORMWATER CULVERT NEAR TSANG TAI UK FOR THE SUBSEQUENT FORMATION OF A 5.6-HECTARE SITE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.
WORK WILL START LATER NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO PWD’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
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REGIONAL OFFICERS FOR JSEA SYSTEM
X X X X
A TEAM OF OFFICERS HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO MAINTAIN CLOSE LIAISON ON A REGIONAL BASIS WITH SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE JSEA SYSTEM.
EACH OF THE SEVEN REGIONAL OFFICERS WILL BE LOOKING AFTER ABOUT 60 SCHOOLS, AND THEY WILL BE VISITING THESE SCHOOLS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
PRINCIPALS ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO APPROACH THE RELEVANT REGIONAL OFFICERS ON ANY ENQUIRIES THEY WISH TO MAKE REGARDING THE JSEA SYSTEM.
THE FIRST JSEA SCALING TEST IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 8 AND 9, 1981, WHEN FORM III STUDENTS FROM PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN TESTS IN ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND CHINESE.
/ALL OFFICERS .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
- 4 -
ALL OFFICERS OF THE JSEA SECTION (TEL NO. 5-276339) ARE STATIONED IN BLOCK AA, SECOND FLOOR, VICTORIA BARRACKS.
THE NAMES OF THE REGIONAL OFFICERS ARE LISTED BELOW, AND PRINCIPALS CAN LOCATE THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONAL OFFICERS BY THE CORRESPONDING SCHOOL CODE 1
SCHOOLS RESPONSIBLE
NAME OF OFFICER (IN SCHOOL CODES)
MISS LEE YU-HING 100 - 159, 270 - 299
MR LAW HING-LUN 160 - 269
MR G. SINGH 300 - 359, 590 - 649
MR LEE KWOK-SUNG 360 - 489
MISS MAN PIK—TIN, JANET 490 - 589
MR LI CHE-CHEUNG 650 - 769
MR IEONG IOK-LON 770 - 929, 020 - 089
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TRAINING CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS EARMARKED $8.1 MILLION FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AS CAPITAL AND RECURRENT GRANTS FOR A TRAINING CENTRE PROJECT FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS.
THE LAI YIU ADULT TRAINING CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG, RUN BY THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, HAS STARTED ADMITTING htNTALLY DISABLED PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 40.
OCCUPYING 1 820 SQUARE METRES IN LAI YIU ESTATE, THE CENTRE HAS A CAPACITY FOR 100 ---- 70 IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTION AND 30
IN THE DAY CARE SECTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, THIS (MONDAY) MORNING VISITED THE CENTRE AND INSPECTED ITS FACILITIES, WHICH INCLUDE FOUR LARGE TRAINING ROOMS, DORMITORIES, A MULTIPURPOSE HALL, CANTEEN, SICK BAY AND KITCHEN.
THE CENTRE HAS TAKEN IN 15 TRAINEES AND MR LEE SAW THEM BEING TRAINED IN BASIC SELF-HELP, SIMPLE HANDICRAFT AND WORK HABITS AS PART OF THE REHABILITATION PROCESS.
TRAINING ACTIVITIES ALSO INCLUDE SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES UNDER WHICH THEY ARE TAKEN OUT FOR VISITS TO SUPERMARKETS AND FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS, AS WELL AS SWIMMING, CAMPING AND TOURS TO OCEAN PARK.
/ADMISSIONS TO .....
1
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
- 5 -
ADMISSIONS TO THE CENTRE WOULD BE ARRANGED PROGRESSIVELY AND WOULD BE MAINLY REFERRALS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE PROJECT IS INITIALLY FINANCED BY LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS FOR FOUR YEARS, AFTER WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER GIVING SUBVENTION. CAPITAL COST WAS $1.88 MILLION, WHILE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS $1.56 MILLION PER ANNUM.
COMMUNICATION IMPORTANT IN EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS * * * * *
FAILURE TO GRASP THE HUMAN ASPECTS OF AN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP OFTEN LEADS TO BREAKDOWN OF MUTUAL COMMUNICATION OR UNDERSTANDING, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR DONALD CHAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AT A ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA LUNCHEON MEETING.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT TWO FACTORS WERE CRITICAL FOR THE BASIS OF GOOD HUMAN RELATIONSHIP AT WORK.
FIRST, HE EXPLAINED, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAD TO ACCEPT EACH OTHER WITH FULL AND MUTUAL RESPECT. SECOND, THERE MUST BE ADEQUATE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES.
THE MOST COMMON METHOD OF COMMUNICATION IN AN ORGANISATION WAS THROUGH THE HIERARCHY. THE PROBLEM HERE, HOWEVER, WAS THAT INFORMATION WOULD BE FILTERED AT EACH LEVEL OF THE HIERARCHY. AS A RESULT, TOP MANAGEMENT WAS LIKELY TO LOSE TOUCH WITH EMPLOYEES AT THE GRASS-ROOT LEVEL.
MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE VARIOUS WAYS AND MEANS TO SUPPLEMENT THIS MODE OF COMMUNICATION.
JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, FOR EXAMPLE, WERE FREQUENTLY USED IN LARGE COMPANIES TO FACILITATE A DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE TOP AND THE BOTTOM OF THE ORGANISATION.
JOINT CONSULTATION COULD ALWAYS BE APPROACHED, TO BEGIN WITH, IN THE MORE FLEXIBLE AND LESS FORMALISED MANNER.
IT WAS OFTEN FOUND EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL, FOR INSTANCE, IF THE EMPLOYER COULD START WITH COMMITTEES ON LESS SENSITIVE MATTERS SUCH AS WELFARE, TRANSPORT OR RECREATION.
♦THESE PRACTICES THEREFORE SERVE NOT ONLY AS SUPPLEMENTARY CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION BUT ALSO AS TRAINING GROUNDS FOR WORKERS REPRESENTATIVES WHO AT A LATER DATE COULD FUNCTION IN THE MORE FORMAL JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES,* SAID MR CHAN.
ON THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS, MR CHAN SAID THAT MAINTAINING A VIABLE AND WORKABLE DIALOGUE WITH THEM CONSTITUTED A SALIENT ASPECT OF LABOUR-MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATION.
/TRADE UNIONS .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1980
6
TRADE UNIONS WERE OFTEN READY TO SEEK COMPROMISE AND CO-OPERATE WITH MANAGEMENT, PROVIDED THAT THE MANAGEMENT WAS WILLING TO ACCEPT THEM, GIVE THEM DUE RECOGNITION AND PLACE THEIR MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP ON A CONGENIAL AND EQUAL FOOTING.
+SUCH A PARTNERSHIP IS INSTRUMENTAL FOR PROMOTING AND STABILISING GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS,+ MR CHAN NOTED.
. ... 0 - - —
SAI KUNG ISLAND TO GET WATER SUPPLY
*****
OBTAINING FRESH WATER WILL NO LONGER BE A PROBLEM FOR CAMPERS AND PICNICKERS ON SHARP ISLAND, SAI KUNG.
A WELL AND WATER TANK ARE BEING PROVIDED NEAR HAR MUN BAY BEACH.
THE $19 OOO PROJECT IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS MONTH.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD PROVIDED MONEY FOR THE PROJECT AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WORKS OFFICE DESIGNED AND IS SUPERVISING IT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID HAR MUN BAY WAS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR CAMPING SPOTS IN SAI KUNG. THE PROVISION OF A RELIABLE WATER SUPPLY WAS NECESSARY, HE SAID, TO MEET CAMPERS’ AND PICNICKERS’ NEEDS.
THE ISOLATED LOCATION OF HAR MUN BAY HAS MADE THE WORK DIFFICULT. ALL MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT HAS HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED BY LAUNCH TO THE SITE.
THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT WHEN COMPLETED.
AT THE SAME TIME, AN AQUA PRIVY IS BEING BUILT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THREE MONTHS.
THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE BARBEQUE SITES. CAMP SITES, TABLES AND BENCHES TO MAKE THE BAY A MORE ATTRACTIVE CAMPING AND PICNIC SPOT. ’
HO MAN TIN WATER CUT
* * * *
THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO CARRY OUT WATER MAINS CONNECTION WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY MOK CHEONG STREET TO MA TAU KOK ROAD, AND TO KWA WAN ROAD TO KOWLOON CITY ROAD INCLUDING HOK LINK STREET, TSUN FAT STREET, YIN ON STREET, SHIM LUEN STREET, HUNG WAN STREET, PANG CHING STREET, YING YEUNG STREET, LUN CHEUNG STREET, LUK MING STREET, FUNG Yl STREET AND LUNG TO STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
815 DOG LICENCE FEE ABOLISHED................................ 1
S6OO MILLION SPENT ON DEVELOPMENT OF KAI TAK AIRPORT......... 1
GO-AHEAD FOR PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITIES AT MTR, KCR STATIONS ...................................................... 3
198O’S WILL BE EXCITING DECADE FOR CIVIL SERVICE ............ 4
FOUR QUESTIONS AT LEGCO TOMORROW............................. 5
SWD’S ’’HOTLINE” SERVICE .................................... 6
TWO MPS TOUR NEW TERRITORIES ................................ 7
STUDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S WARD ................... 7
TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST EARNED............................. 8
MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ......................... 8
NEW PRIVATE CARS REGISTERED IN SEPTEMBER..................... 9
SAI KUNG, SHA TIN WATER CUT.................................. 9
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
1
SIS DOG LICENCE FEE ABOLISHED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ABOLISH THE $15 DOG LICENCE FEE.
A SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS HOPED THE ABOLITION OF THE FEE WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES.
+INOCULATION IS DONE AT THE TIME OF LICENSING AND IT IS HOPED THAT BY MAKING LICENSING FREE IT WILL ENCOURAGE MORE DOG OWNERS TO BRING THEIR ANIMALS IN,* HE SAID.
THE ABOLITION OF THE FEE IS INCLUDED IN THE DOGS AND CATS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1980 PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
UNDER THE DOGS AND CATS REGULATIONS IT IS COMPULSORY FOR OWNERS TO LICENSE THEIR DOGS EVERY THREE YEARS. A CONDITION OF THE LICENCE IS THAT THE ANIMAL BE INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WHILE THE FEE HAD BEEN ABOLISHED, THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN A DOG LICENCE ITSELF REMAINED.
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$600 MILLION SPENT ON DEVELOPMENT OF KAI TAK AIRPORT ******
NEARLY $600 MILLION WAS SPENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — AN AVERAGE OF $40 MILLION A YEAR — WITH THE SPENDING REACHING A PEAK OF $88 MILLION IN 1973-74.
THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR B.D. KEEP, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A RECEPTION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION MARKING THE FINAL PHASE OF THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE AIRPORT.
HE SAID THE TERMINAL WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO HANDLE ABOUT 550 PASSENGERS AN HOUR BUT THAT THE PRESENT TERMINAL CAN HANDLE 5 000 PASSENGERS AN HOUR.
+THE ORIGINAL PARKING APRON HAD SPACES FOR 10 AIRCRAFT, THE PRESENT PARKING APRON HAS SPACES FOR BETWEEN 29 AND 33 AIRCRAFT DEPENDING UPON THE SIZE OF THE AIRCRAFT.*
ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE, MR KEEP POINTED OUT THAT, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT WAS THE EXTENSION OF THE RUNWAY WHICH REPRESENTED A GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN AIRCRAFT HANDLING CAPABILITY OF THE AIRPORT AND HAS PERMITTED AIRCRAFT TO FLY FROM HONG KONG TO PLACES AS FAR AS SAN FRANCISCO AND SYDNEY NON-STOP.
/ON THE .
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
. - 2 -
ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AIR CARGO HANDLING BUSINESS, MR KEEP RECALLED THAT WHEN THE EXISTING TERMINAL BUILDING WAS OPENED IT WAS POSSIBLE TO RETURN TO ITS ORIGINAL USE THE CARGO TERMINAL WHICH HAD BEEN BUILT IN I960, AND OPENED INITIALLY AS A TEMPORARY PASSENGER TERMINAL.
♦BY 1966 WE WERE ALREADY IN THE FIRST STAGES OF PLANNING A MAJOR INTEGRATED TERMINAL DEVELOPMENT. THIS TERMINAL SAW COMPLETION IN 1976 WITH THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED BUILDING OVER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AIRPORT,+ HE SAID.
THIS TERMINAL, MR KEEP ADDED, IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST SINGLE BUILDINGS IN THE WORLD DEVOTED TO AIR CARGO AND INTEGRATION OF ALL AIR CARGO HANDLING UNDER ONE ROOF AND HAS ACHIEVED CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIES IN SCALE AND EFFICIENCY.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT WHEN THE FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR ROBERT BLACK, OPENED THE TERMINAL BUILDING IN 1962 THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC THROUGH THE HONG KONG AIRPORT AMOUNTED TO A LITTLE OVER 600 000 PASSENGERS A YEAR.
♦AT THE END OF THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS WE HAD HANDLED FOR THE 12 MONTHS PERIOD WAS 6 300 OQO, AN INCREASE OF 10 TIMES WHICH OVER THE PERIOD IS AN AVERAGE / OF NEARLY 14 PER CENT PER ANNUM,♦ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THE FACT THAT WE HAD NOT ONLY BEEN ABLE TO KEEP PACE WITH THIS GROWTH BUT HAD DONE SO WITHOUT COMPLETELY DISRUPTING THE CONTINUING OPERATIONS OF THE AIRPORT WAS ♦NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT+.
MANY OF THE WORKS DONE OVER THE PAST 18 YEARS, MR KEEP CONTINUED, WERE MAJOR ITEMS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT, FOR EXAMPLE THE EXTENSION OF THE RUNWAY FROM 2 540.90 TO 3 357.95 METRES WAS A SUBSTANTIAL CIVIL ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT Af A CO?i QF OVER $200 MILLION. / '■
MR KEEP ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF VARIOUS AVIA'ION ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND BOARDS, AIRLINE AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND OTHERS WHO PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN 7<E DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
MR D.K. NEWBIGGING, MEMBER OF THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD, UNVEILLED A PLAQUE COMMEMORATING THE 1965-'980 DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
MR NEWBIGGING SAID THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN CIV IL/AV I AT I ON, PARTICULARLY DURING THE LAST 15 'TEARS, HAD HAD A PROFOUND EFFECT ON HONG KONG.
♦ IT HAS HELPED HONG KONG DEVELOF'AS A. BUSLNESS CENTRE AND HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HAS BECOME A CROSS-ROAD FOR BUSINESS AND COMMERCE IN THE FAR EAST, THEREBY ATTRACTING MANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES TO SET UP OPERATIONS HERE AS THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
/♦IT HAS .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
- 3 -
♦IT HAS ASSISTED THE BACKBONE OF OUR ECONOMY — THE MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING INDUSTRIES — PARTICULARLY WHERE SPEED AND TIMELINESS OF DELIVERY ARE IMPORTANT. FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, IN VALUE TERMS, ABOUT 23 PER CENT OF OUR EXPORTS AND 28 PER CENT OF RE-EXPORTS LEFT HONG KONG BY AIR- A HIGH AND INCREASING PROPORTION OF OUR MANUFACTURED GOODS.♦
THE TOURIST INDUSTRY, MR NEWS IGGI NG POINTED OUT. IS ANOTHER VITAL SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY WHICH HAS BENEFITED FROM AND REMAINS HEAVILY DEPENDENT ON AVIATION.
♦THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG HAS MULTIPLIED BY NEARLY SEVEN TIMES SINCE 1965 FROM 9OO 000 TO 6.2 MILLION IN 1979, OF WHICH 72 PER CENT WERE TOUR I STS.+
MR NEWBIGGING ALSO NOTED THAT WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AIRLINKS BETWEEN CITIES IN CHINA AND HONG KONG, IT IS LIKELY THAT HONG KONG WILL INCREASINGLY BENEFIT FROM BEING A GATEWAY TO CHINA AND THIS COULD HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON FUTURE PASSENGER GROWTH.
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GO-AHEAD FOR PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITIES AT MTR, KCR STATIONS * ft * * ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING AHEAD WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAR PARKS AT MTR AND KCR STATIONS TO PROVIDE PARK-AND-RI DE FACILITIES FOR MOTORISTS.
MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE LAYOUTS AT BOTH TSUEN WAN AND KWAI FONG STATIONS ON THE MTR TSUEN WAN EXTENSION.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THESE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE EXTENSION IN LATE 1981 OR 1982.
PROJECTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS AT MTR STATIONS AT CHOI HUNG AND ALSO AT KOWLOON TONG ARE NOW BEING ACTIVELY PROCEEDED WITH. BOTH ARE DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1983.
LARGE CAR PARKS HAVE ALSO BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE INTERCHANGE LAYOUTS AT SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I STATIONS ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
ALL THESE STATIONS ARE UNDERGOING MAJOR RE-DEVELOPMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE MODERNISATION OF THE KCR, AND WILL PROVIDE CONVENIENT TRANSFER POINTS FOR MOTORISTS WISHING TO TRAVEL BETWEEN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE EXISTING URBAN AREAS.
SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR PAUL WILLIAMS SAID* ♦CONSIDERABLE EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO 'CATCH UP’ WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITIES BOTH ON THE MTR AND KCR, BUT CARE HAS TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT DEMAND FOR EXTENSIVE PARKING FACILITIES WILL MATERIALISE IN ORDER TO AVOID CREATING 'WHITE ELEPHANTS’.*
/HE STRESSED .
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
4
HE STRESSED THAT FOR SOME OF THE MORE REMOTE OUTLYING RURAL AREAS WHERE BUS SERVICES ARE NOT ALWAYS CONVENIENT, THE PROVISION CF PARK-AND-RIDE FACILITIES AT MTR STATIONS OR OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGES NEAR THE EDGE OF THE URBAN AREA IS DESIRABLE SO THAT MOTORISTS FROM THESE AREAS MAY BE ENCOURAGED TO LEAVE THEIR CARS AT A STATION ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE MOST CONGESTED AREAS AND COMPLETE THEIR JOURNEY BY MTR.
♦HOWEVER,+ HE WENT ON, + FOR JOURNEYS COMPLETELY WITHIN THE BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS, OUR POLICY IS TO ENCOURAGE TRAVELLERS WISHING TO USE MTR TO GAIN ACCESS TO STATIONS EITHER BY WALKING OR BY USE CF THE MANY FEEDER BUS AND MAXICAB SERVICES WHICH HAVE BEEN PROVIDED, BUT NOT BY USE OF PRIVATE CAR.*
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1980’S WILL BE EXCITING DECADE FOR CIVIL SERVICE I * H M K M
THE 1980’S WILL BE AN EXCITING DECADE OF GROWTH, CHANGE AND CHALLENGE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID THIS WHEN HE OPENED THE CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY).
REFERRING TO THE IMPACT WHICH INCREASED IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA IS HAVING ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, HE SAID t ♦SINCE THE PUBLIC SERVICE IS ALREADY OPERATING AT FULL STRETCH IN CARRYING OUT EXISTING PROGRAMMES, THIS UPSURGE IN OUR POPULATION WILL INEVITABLY CALL FOR AN EVEN GREATER EFFORT BY THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND A CORRESPONDINGLY HIGHER RATE OF ACHIEVEMENT.+
♦A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF YOUNG GRADUATES WILL BE CRUCIAL TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN THE YEARS AHEAD,♦ HE SAID.
HE URGED ALL CUHK STUDENTS TO CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE MERITS CF A CAREER IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
IN RECENT YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED AN AVERAGE OF 210 FRESH GRADUATES ANNUALLY FROM CUHK.
MR ROWLANDS SAID HE SHOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS FIGURE RISE To 300 THIS COMING YEAR, AND RISE LATER TO 400 OR SO.
♦AS A GOOD EMPLOYER WE PRACTISE MODERN STAFF MANAGEMENT bETHODS, WE RECOGNISE THAT MEN AND WOMEN WORK BEST IF THEY ARE TREATED AS INDIVIDUALS, WE LIKE TO GIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND WE REWARD MERIT BY EARLY PROMOTION,♦ HE SAID.
/BE ALSO .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
5
HE ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF *THE PERSONAL SATISFACTION THAT CAN BE GAINED FROM A CAREER SPENT WORKING REALLY HARD FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF ALL WHO LIVE IN HONG KONG, AND OF PERSONALLY PLAYING A PART IN MEETING AND OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES WHICH FACE EVERY CIVIL SERVANT IN HIS WORK.*
THIS YEAR’S CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION IS THE SECOND TO BE ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. LAST YEAR’S EXHIBITION ATTRACTED MORE THAN 2 000 PEOPLE.
------0-------
FOUR QUESTIONS AT LEGCO TOMORROW ft * ft M
FOUR QUESTIONS OF PUBLIC INTEREST WILL BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT TOMORROW’S (WEDNESDAY) COUNCIL MEETING.
DR THE HON HENRY HU WILL ASK GOVERNMENT HOW MANY STRAY DOGS HAD BEEN CAUGHT AND ELIMINATED SINCE THE COUNCIL WAS ADVISED IN AUGUST THAT A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN WAS BEING MOUNTED FOR THIS PURPOSE AND WHAT FORM THE CAMPAIGN HAS TAKEN AND THE FURTHER MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO CONTAIN AND ELIMINATE THE THREAT OF RABIES.
THE HON ANDREW SO WILL ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF THE EXISTING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO INCLUDE VICTIMS OF ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCUR ON EITHER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OR THE PEAK TRAM.
HE WILL ALSO ASK IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER INCREASING THE CIVIL SERVANTS RETIREMENT AGE FROM 55 TO 60.
ON THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION 1979-80, THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT WILL ASK WHY WAS THERE NO ENTRANT FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
THE HON FRANCIS TIEN WILL SPEAK ON 1979 ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
THE HON DEREK NEWBIGGING WILL ALSO PRESENT THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPORT 1979/80 AT THE MEETING.
THREE BILLS — THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO 4) BILL 1980, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, AND THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 — WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING.
THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) BILL 1980 WILL BE INTRODUCED AND MOVED TO COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.
/AN UNOFFICIAL .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
6
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG SECOND READING.
DURING THE MEETING, A THE HON WILLIAM BROWN WILL
THE HON ROGER LOBO WILL INTRODUCE THE KONG (VALIDATION) BILL 1980 FOR FIRST AND
NEWLY APPOINTED UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUE, BE SWORN IN.
-----0------
SWD’S +HOTLINE+ SERVICE
M M M M
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ♦HOTLINE* — 3-432255 — HAS RECEIVED 343 CALLS SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED LAST WEDNESDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) MOST CALLS WERE MADE AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
HE SAID THE CALLS GENERALLY CONCERNED PROBLEMS IN FOUR AREAS — STRAINED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR AND CHILD CARE, REHABILITATION SERVICES AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
IN MOST CASES, THE CALLS WERE SATISFACTORILY DEALT WITH OVER THE TELEPHONE, BY WAY OF GIVING PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE ON FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS, OR EXPLANATION OF WELFARE SERVICES, HE SAID.
IN CASES WHERE LONGER-TERM ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED, HE SAID, CALLERS WERE REFERRED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS IN THEIR DISTRICT FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION.
THE HOTLINE, TO PROVIDE QUICK ASSISTANCE IN URGENT CASES AND FACILITATE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ABOUT WELFARE SERVICES, OPERATES ON A 24-HOUR BASIS.
IT IS PHYSICALLY MANNED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, AND BETWEEN 1 PM AND 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOL I DAYS.
ENQUIRIES AFTER 10 PM ARE MACHINE-RECORDED FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PEOPLE USING THE HOTLINE AFTER 10 PM SHOULD LEAVE THEIR NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS.
SHOULD THERE BE OVERNIGHT CASES WHICH REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION, A REPORT MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION, HE ADDED.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
- 7 -
TWO MPS TOUR NEW TERRITORIES
*****
TWO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR JOHN WAKEHAM AND MR TIMOTHY SAINSBURY, IN HONG KONG FOR A 10-DAY VISIT, TODAY (TUESDAY) WERE SHOWN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR WIVES, THEY MET THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, BEFORE TOURING SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
FROM SUI WO COURT LOOKOUT POINT THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, BRIEFED THEM ON HOW SHA TIN VALLEY IS UNDERGOING RAPID CHANGE FROM A RURAL AREA INTO A WELL-PLANNED NEW TOWN WITH A PROJECTED POPULATION OF 750 000 BY THE END OF THE 1980’S.
THE VISITORS THEN WENT TO WO CHE ESTATE WHERE THEY TOURED THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AND VISITED A FAMILY.
AFTER LUNCH AT ISLAND HOUSE, HOME OF NEW TERRITORIES SECRETARY, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THEY TOURED THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND PLOVER COVE.
LATER, THEY WERE DRIVEN THROUGH FANLING, WHOSE DEVELOPMENT INTO A NEW TOWN OF 200 000 WAS EXPLAINED TO THEM, AND THEN BACK TO HONG KONG ISLAND VIA ROUTE TWISK, TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON.
THE MP’S WILL MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, UMELCO MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND VISIT VIETNAMESE REFUGEE TRANSIT CENTRES.
THEY WILL MEET THE PRESS BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG NEXT MONDAY (OCTOBER 13).
-------0 - -
STUDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT CHILDREN’S WARD
* * * *
AN APPEAL TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SUPPORT BY ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS THE +SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WARD* IN THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM WAS MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR KENNETH TOPLEY, IN A GENERAL SCHOOLS CIRCULAR.
THIS WARD OF 10 COTS IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND THE DONATIONS RECEIVED FROM SCHOOLS ENABLE THE CHILDREN ACCOMMODATED THERE TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE AND ATTENTION WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
♦LAST YEAR, SCHOOLS CONTRIBUTED A SUM OF ABOUT 1271 750 — A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT AND A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED,♦ MR TOPLEY SAID.
HE SINCERELY HOPED THAT SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE SUPPORTED THIS PROJECT FOR OVER 20 YEARS WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THIS WARD BY INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE EFFORTS.
/♦INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
8
♦INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD AGAIN BE LIMITED TO 50 CENTS AND MUST BE ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY. BUT SCHOOLS MAY CONSIDER VARIOUS OTHER WAYS AND MEANS OF RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT THIS PRAISEWORTHY CAUSE,♦ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE SENT, PREFERABLY BY CROSSED CHEQUES PAYABLE TO THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, TO THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (GENERAL) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO THE ASSOCIATION. ENVELOPES SHOULD BE MARKED +ANTI-TB+.
- - - - 0 ----
TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST EARNED ft ft ft ft ft
INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS, BY CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 6-1/2 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPT FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.
HE SAID THAT THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT, AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION LAST SATURDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE INCREASED TO 6-1/2 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.
A NOTICE SIGNED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY UNDER SECTION 28(1) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE TODAY.
- - 0
MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ft * * * *
CONSTRUCTION OF A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH.
A *59 9 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO CHEE CHEUNG HING AND COMPANY LTD.
MR C S LEE CHIEF ARCHITECT OF PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, SAID THE PROJECT* TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 27 MONTHS, COMPRISED THE CONSTRUCTION OF 10 TWO-TO-FOUR STOREY BLOCKS.
♦EIGHT BLOCKS ARE INTER-CONNECTING AND TOGETHER THEY CONTAIN 482 CELLS WITH CLEANING AND DINING AREAS, WORKSHOPS, CLASSROOMS MEDICAL AND DENTAL FACILITIES,♦ HE SAID.
AND
/+THE TWO
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1980
- 9 -
♦THE TWO REMAINING BLOCKS ARE DETACHED FROM THE CELLS UNIT. ONE HOUSES A GYMNASIUM, WORKSHOPS, LAUNDRY AND CENTRAL KITCHEN, AND THE OTHER PROVIDES OFFICES FOR ADMINISTRATION, VISITING FACILITIES, AS WELL AS ACCOMMODATION FOR STAND-BY DUTY STAFF.*
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED, HE ADDED.
THE COMPLEX WILL BE BUILT INSIDE SECURITY WALLS WHICH HAVE JUST BEEN COMPLETED UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT.
-----o------
NEW PRIVATE CARS REGISTERED IN SEPTEMBER * * * ft ft
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED CARS TOPPED 183 000 AT END OF SEPTEMBER, A RISE OF ALMOST 26 000 OR 16.5 PER CENT
THE OVER THE
LAST 12 MONTHS.
THIS COMPARES WITH A RISE OF ABOUT 20 000 DURING 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER, 1979.
THE NUMBER OF NEW CARS REGISTERED DURING SEPTEMBER WAS 2 731, AND THE NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS WHICH LAPSED WAS ‘ * AND BRINGING THE OVERALL
1 342, REPRESENTING TOTAL TO 183 026.
A NET INCREASE OF 1 389
O -
SAI KUNG, SHA TIN WATER CUT ft ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
TO SAI KUNG TOWN WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 AM THE
CUT OFF FOR FOLLOWING DAY
tuc affected AREA COVERS Yl CHUN STREET, SAI KUNG HOI STREET SaFkUNG TAI STREET, SAI KUNG MAIN STREET, PO TUNG SAI KUNG YEE KUK STREET INCLUDING SAI KUNG WING WO STREET, St CHEUHS SWEET? WANS SWEET AND TAK LUNG FRONT AND BACK
PONG ROAD,
STREETS.
ai en cdam q pm am THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, WATER SUPPLY TO a’SSmBe!^"PREMISES lI sSa TIN WILL BE CUT OFF FOR NINE HOURS FOR REPAIRS.
H. woT?heAvilS^ ThJ'Iin Ww2rkHs! I^InS^T
KngTaU1? .JU W BRI DOE' lU^oi ■ aSSUeVk “LeTnIvER SI TY CF HONG KONG.
*----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK — WORLD'S LEADING TOY EXPORTER.......4.......*.............. 1
1979 CLOTHING EXPORTS HIT #20 1J1 MILLION ..................... 2
INOCULATE YOUR DOG AGAINST RABIES ............................. 3
RAIL ACCIDENT COMPENSATION UNDER CONSIDERATION ................ 4
CLINIC EXEMPTION EXTENDED ..................................... 5
BILL ON RECOVERY OF ILL-GOTTEN GAINS .......................... 5
RETIRING AGE TO REMAIN AT 55 .................................. g
EVIDENCE POINTS TO DECLINE IN STANDARDS OF SERVICE
TO TOURISTS ................................................... g
•POOLING' SYSTEM ON ASSETS PROPOSED ........................... 8
ARCHITECT OF HK'S MODERN SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM ................ 9
BILL TO INCORPORATE EVIDENCE (HEARSAY) RULES
IN RULES OF SUPREME COURT ..................................... 9
NEW DEFINITION OF SHIP PROPOSED .............................. 10
CHINESE UNIVERSITY (VALIDATION) BILL .......................
SIX ENTRIES ................................................
SHORT TERM TENANCY TENDERS .................................
2 HOUSES LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS .......................... 12
MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS TO PERFORM WITH PAN ASIA
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA .........................................
WATER CUT...............................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
1 -
HK — WORLD’S LEADING TOY EXPORTER X X * M X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE WORLD’S LEADING TOY EXPORTER.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SIXTH HONG KONG TOY AND GIFT FAIR ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR ALSO NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRY IS THE THIRD LARGEST COMPONENT OF OUR EXPORTS.
SIR MURRAY POINTED OUT THAT THE GROWTH HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL AND PROSPECTS EXCELLENT.
♦OUR TOY EXPORTS INCREASED MORE THAN FOUR-FOLD IN THE LAST DECADE TO OVER $5 000 MILLION LAST YEAR,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT ALREADY THIS YEAR (FIRST SEVEN MONTHS) THE INDUSTRY SCORED A FURTHER 24 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
SIR MURRAY PRAISED THE CONTINUED EFFORTS OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR THE SUCCESS.
♦UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF SIR Y.K. KAN THE COUNCIL’S COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF TRADE PROMOTION HAS TAKEN OUR PRODUCTS TO BUYERS’ DOORSTEPS ALL OVER THE WORLD,♦ HE SAID.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHt
♦IT IS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO COME TO THE HONG KONG TOY AND GIFT FAIR AND TO FIND ONESELF AMONGST HARD-NOSED BUSINESSMEN WHOSE TRADE MUST BE THE ENVY OF EVERY CHILD.
♦THE TOY INDUSTRY IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MANY SUCCESS STORIES. IT IS A SHINING EXAMPLE OF THE SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AND ADAPTABILITY WHICH HAS STOOD US IN SUCH GOOD STEAD OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES.
♦WHAT STARTED AS AN UNLIKELY OFF-SHOOT OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, HAS PROGRESSED TO BECOME THE THIRD LARGEST COMPONENT CF OUR EXPORT INDUSTRY. MORE THAN THIS, HONG KONG HAS BECOME THE WORLD’S LEADING TOY EXPORTER AND THIS IS A POSITION WE INTEND TO RETAIN.
♦GROWTH HAS BEEN PHENOMENAL AND PROSPECTS ARE EXCELLENT. OUR TOY EXPORTS INCREASED MORE THAN FOUR-FOLD IN THE LAST DECADE TO OVER FIVE THOUSAND MILLION DOLLARS LAST YEAR.
♦ALREADY THIS YEAR (FIRST SEVEN MONTHS) THE INDUSTRY HAS SCORED A FURTHER 24 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR. A LARGE PART OF THIS SUCCESS COMES FROM THE CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN OUR TOY MANUFACTURERS AND THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
♦ I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WITH INCREASING SOPH 1STICATION THIS RELATIONSHIP WILL BECOME EVEN CLOSER.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
2
♦THE PLAY THINGS WE SEE HERE TODAY ARE THE PRODUCTS OF AN IMAGINATIVE AND INNOVATIVE INDUSTRY AND A SKILLED WORKFORCE FULLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY AND DURABILITY.
+IT IS OF SOME SIGNIFICANCE THAT THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG THAT THIS WILL IMPLANT AMONGST TOMORROW’S ADULTS, OR THE PARENTS OF TODAY’S CHILDREN, CAN ONLY BE ONE OF A PLACE WHERE QUALITY COUNTS AND WHEN INNOVATION IS REWARDED.
♦THE INDUSTRY HAS ADAPTED ITSELF TO AN INCREASINGLY DISCERNING MARKET AND AT THE SAME TIME HAS KEPT A CAREFUL EYE ON ENSURING THAT THE TOYS WE MAKE ARE SAFE. THIS READINESS TO CHANGE, AND THIS EMPHASIS ON QUALITY AND SAFETY OWE MUCH TO THE CONTINUED EFFORTS OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
♦UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF SIR Y.K. KAN THE COUNCIL’S COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF TRADE PROMOTION HAS TAKEN OUR PRODUCTS TO BUYERS’ DOORSTEPS ALL OVER THE WORLD.
♦THE TOY INDUSTRY HAS SERVED AS AN EXCELLENT AMBASSADOR FOR HONG KONG. I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SALUTE THE INDUSTRY AND TO WELCOME THOSE WHO HAVE TRAVELLED FAR TO VISIT THE FAIR. I AM CONFIDENT THEY WILL FIND WHAT THEY WANT.
♦AND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN I INVITE YOU TO JOIN ME UPSTAIRS IN THE CHUNG SHAN HALL WHERE I WILL DECLARE THE SIXTH HONG KONG TOY AND GIFT FAIR OFFICIALLY OPEN.+
-----0-------
1979 CLOTHING EXPORTS HIT *20 131 MILLION OO*
THE TOTAL VALUE OF CLOTHING EXPORTS GREW BY 28 PER CENT IN 1979, REACHING A RECORD *20 131 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT IN UNIT VALUE AND FIVE PER CENT IN VOLUME OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
DR THE HON FRANCIS Y.H. TIEN SAID THIS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN TABLING THE 1979 ANNUAL REPORTS CF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY.
THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY REMAINED THE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG IN TERMS OF EXPORT VALUE AND LABOUR FORCE, HE ADDED.
DR TIEN, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, REPORTED THAT DURING 1979 THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE WAS ABLE TO EXPAND ITS ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY.
NEW COURSES IN PATTERN MAKING FOR TECHNICIAN TRAINEES AND COURSES IN KNITWEAR PROCESSING AND QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION FOR SERVING PERSONNEL WERE STARTED DURING THE YEAR.
/A TOTAL .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1?8O
3
A ‘ QTAL OF 3 133 TRAINEES COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING IN vadiahc
FUT5ReSSJc?£?l’^'imWCLOTHINGN|ISuSTR?“ST"y' T° UNDERP'"
BUOYANT YEAR ?nINDUSTRY HAD ANOTHER WUUTANT YEAR IN 1979 AND THE NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SISiousMm?” To 82 °°°' *" '“»«SE ” ™ ce.t'ove’ the
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1977. SOME 1 200 YOUNG MFN and WOMEN HAD COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING AT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE AND ENTERED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHERE ln?nM™b?K2E-J0B EXPERI6NI:E before becwihs fully WML lr Itu LKAr lOrlEN.
THEY
THE TRAINEES FROM BOTH CENTRES WERE HIGHLY REGARDED BY i?AnfrpERS °F EMPL0YMENT F*R EXCEEDED THE NUMBER inAiiMccQ AVAILABLE.
THEIR
OF
TO MEET THE DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRY. THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SOOnJ’dR t¥en°ADDEDWAS PLANN,NG T0 BU,LD * SECOND TRAINING CENTRE
- - u - -
INOCULATE YOUR DOG AGAINST RABIES OK*
THE BEST METHOD OF PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF RABIES IS FOR ALL DOG OWNERS TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE HON J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRY HU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT SINCE THE CONFIRMATION CF THE RABIES CASE ON OCTOBER 4, 1 864 DOGS HAD BEEN INOCULATED.
HE SAID THAT DOG CONTROL TEAMS HAD BEEN IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED THAT SAME AFTERNOON IN THE AREA WHERE THE CASE OCCURRED TO EXAMINE EVERY DOG AND DESTROY ALL THOSE NOT INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOGS WERE UNDER PROPER CONTROL.
♦THIS ACTION IS CONTINUING AND UP TO YESTERDAY 400 DOGS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED. ADDITIONALLY AN AREA OF ROUGHLY 20 SQUARE KILOMETRES OF SURROUNDING COUNTRY TOGETHER WITH THE WHOLE CLOSED AREA OF THE BORDER WAS DECLARED AN AREA WHERE NO DOG, OTHER THAN POLICE AND ARMY DOGS, COULD BE MOVED INTO OR OUT EXCEPT WITH A PERMIT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHER IES.+
TWENTY ADDITIONAL DOG CONTROL UNITS HAVE NOW BEEN FORMED AND A FURTHER 30 WOULD SHORTLY BECOME OPERATIONAL.
♦THESE UNITS WILL BE DEPLOYED TERRITORY-WIDE BUT WILL CONCENTRATE IN THE FIRST INSTANCE ON AREAS CLOSE TO THE AFFECTED AREA AND OTHER AREAS OF HIGH PRIORITY INCLUDING AREAS SUCH AS FISH MARKETS WHERE JUNKS CONCENTRATE.+
/TE3 UNITS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, *98C
4
THE UNITS WILL CATCH AND ELIMINATE ALL STRAY DOGS AND WILL ALSO BE EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INOCULATION SERVICES TO DOG OWNERS OUTSIDE THE AFFECTED AREA WHO HAVE NOT AS YET HAD THEIR DOGS INOCULATED.
♦TO ENCOURAGE DOG OWNERS TO BRING FORWARD THEIR DOGS ^OR INOCULATION THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL YESTERDAY ABOLISHED DOG LICENCE FEES,* HE SAID.
MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT SINCE AUGUST 450 STRAY DOGS HAVE BEEN CAUGHT AND ELIMINATED AS A RESULT OF A SPECIAL CAMPAIGN. THIS WAS IN ADDITION TO 1 300 STRAY DOGS CAUGHT DURING THE DEPARTMENT’S NORMAL DOG CONTROL AND INOCULATION ACTIVITIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THE SPECIAL CAMPAIGN WAS CONCENTRATED MAINLY IN THE CLOSED AREA OF THE BORDER AND THE AREAS CLOSELY ADJACENT- THE LAU FAU SHAN AREA AND THE FISH MARKETS WHERE JUNKS WERE CONCENTRATED.
THE CAMPAIGN WAS ACCOMPANIED BY LOCALISED PUBLICITY AND DOG CONTROL UNITS INOCULATED ANY UNINOCULATED DOGS AGAINST RABIES AS WELL AS ELIMINATING STRAYS.
AS A RESULT OF THIS CAMPAIGN, MR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID, 541 DOGS INCLUDING 172 ON JUNKS, WERE INOCULATED IN THESE AREAS BY MOBILE TEAMS. DURING THE SAME PERIOD 2 100 DOGS WERE INOCULATED AT OTHER CENTRES. AT THE SAME TIME PLANS WERE MADE TO DEAL WITH ANY OUTBREAK OF RABIES.
------o-------
RAIL ACCIDENT COMPENSATION UNDER CONSIDERATION * * * *
GOVERNMENT IS CONSIDERING PROVIDING BENEFITS TO VICTIMS OF ACCIDENTS WHICH OCCUR ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE PEAK TRAM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON JOHN TODD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, IT WOULD SEEM INAPPROPRIATE FOR THE EXISTING SCHEME TO FUND SUCH COMPENSATION, HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO.
♦THERE ARE DIFFICULTIES IN EXTENDING A SCHEME BASED ON ROAD TRANSPORT CONDITIONS TO RAIL OPERATIONS WHERE THE CONSIDERATIONS ARE IN MANY WAYS DISSIMILAR,♦ HE POINTED OUT.
♦THESE PROBLEMS ARE BEING STUDIED BY THE DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES CONCERNED SO THAT FIRM PROPOSALS CAN BE PUT FORWARD,♦ NR TODD ADDED.
0 -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
- 5 -
CLINIC EXEMPTION EXTENDED X * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED A RESOLUTION TO EXTEND FOR THREE YEARS FROM JANUARY 1, 1981, THE EXEMPTION OF CERTAIN CLINICS FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO BE UNDER THE CHARGE OF A REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID THERE WERE AT PRESENT 304 EXEMPTED CLINICS EMPLOYING 261 UNREGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
HE SAID THERE WERE 321 EXEMPTED CLINICS WITH 289 UNREGISTERED teDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN 1977.
DR THONG SAID THESE CLINICS HAD BEEN REVIEWED AND WAS NOT FOUND TO HAVE CHANGED SUBSTANTIALLY.
♦THESE CLINICS ARE PROVIDING A USEFUL SERVICE TO MANY AT REASONABLY LOW COST AND THEIR CLOSURE WILL NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST,* HE SAID.
------o ------
BILL ON RECOVERY OF ILL-GOTTEN GAINS X X X *
THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) BILL 1980 WAS PASSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON G.P. NAZARETH, IN EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL, SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE UNEQUIVOCALLY THAT CROWN SERVANTS AND FORMER CROWN SERVANTS COULD BE ORDERED TO DISGORGE ILL-GOTTEN GAINS IN RESPECT OF OFFENCES COMMITTED BEFORE 1974 AND ALSO TO VALIDATE EXISTING COURT ORDERS.
HE SAID THAT UNTIL THIS YEAR IT HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY ALL, INCLUDING THE COURTS, THAT THE ORDER TO PAY TO THE CROWN A SUM NOT EXCEEDING THE VALUE OF THE UNEXPLAINED ASSETS, APPLIED NO LESS TO PRE-1974 OFFENCES, THAN TO POST 1974 OFFENCES.
♦INDEED SOME 14 ORDERS HAVE SINCE 1974 BEEN MADE BY THE COURTS OF PRE-1974 OFFENCES, REQUIRING THE PAYMENT TO THE CROWN OF APPROXIMATELY $30 MILLION,♦ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
6
RETIRING AGE TO REMAIN AT 55 *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PUBLIC INTEREST WOULD BEST BE SERVED BY KEEPING 55 AS THE NORMAL RETIRING AGE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROWLANDS POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS WERE REVISED IN 1975 TO PERMIT, MORE FREELY THAN IN THE PAST, EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE BEYOND THE AGE OF 55 TO OFFICERS ♦WHO ARE EFFICIENT AND ARE NEEDED.+
HE SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW RULES HAS GROWN STEADILY AND ABOUT HALF OF ALL THOSE REACHING 55 ARE CURRENTLY BEING GRANTED EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE, IN MANY CASES UNTIL ABOUT 60.
MR ROWLANDS EXPLAINED THAT THE QUESTION OF INCREASING THE RETIREMENT AGE OF CIVIL SERVANTS FROM 55 TO 60 HAD BEEN CONSIDERED AT GREAT LENGTH AFTER BEING RAISED IN THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN 1965.
HE SAID THAT IN 1974 A PACKAGE WAS PROPOSED BY THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL WHEREBY THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE WOULD BE EXTENDED FROM 55 TO 60, BUT THAT OFFICERS WISHING TO RETIRE PREMATURELY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO FREELY FROM THE AGE OF 45 ONWARDS, INSTEAD OF FROM 50.
HOWEVER, THE PACKAGE WAS NOT ACCEPTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR TWO MAIN REASONS.
♦ FIRST,+ HE EXPLAINED, +IT WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY HAVE LED TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LOSS OF EXPERIENCED OFFICERS THROUGH PREMATURE RETIREMENT. SECOND, IT WOULD HAVE LED TO THE RETENTION IN THE SERVICE OF OLDER OFFICERS WHO WERE NO LONGER PULLING THEIR WEIGHT.*
MR ROWLANDS SAID DISCUSSIONS ON POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE WITH THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.
------o-------
EVIDENCE POINTS TO DECLINE IN * *
STANDARDS OF SERVICE TO TOURISTS * * * *
THERE IS INCREASING EVIDENCE OF A DECLINE IN THE STANDARDS OF SERVICE TO TOURISTS, ESPECIALLY IN THE TREATMENT GIVEN TO VISITORS FROM THIS REGION WHO MAKE UP SOME 65 PER CENT OF TOTAL ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG, THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE HAD MENTIONED LAST YEAR THE CAREFULLY THE REACTIONS OF VISITORS HONG KONG AND, PARTICULARLY, TO THE FORMED THE BACKBONE OF THE INDUSTRY
OF VISITORS’ EXPENDITURE.
NECESSITY TO MONITOR VERY TO THE PRODUCT OFFERED IN PRICES IN SHOPS WHICH STILL , MEASURED BY THE PERCENTAGE
/♦I CHCVLD .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
7
* l SHOULD AGAIN RE-EMPHASISE THE NECESSITY TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE AND THE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENT TO OFFER THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF COURTESY AND SERVICE,* HE SAID.
MR NEWBIGGING WAS SPEAKING AT THE TABLING OF THE 1979-60 REPORT OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
BUT HE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE HOTELS, THE CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT WHOSE DELIBERATIONS WERE LEADING TO IMPORTANT CONCLUSIONS FOR THE FUTURE STAFFING OF HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS IN HONG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW WAS A RECORD FOR HONG KONG’S TOURIST INDUSTRY.
THE TOTAL GROSS EXPENDITURE OF VISITORS HAD INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT OVER THE 1978-79 FIGURE TO $6.4 BILLION, ALTHOUGH THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VISITORS SLOWED DOWN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS POLICY OF +TRADING UP* IN TERMS OF CONCENTRATING ON PER CAPITA EXPENDITURE RATHER THAN ON SHEER NUMBERS OF VISITORS, *SINCE WE ARE CONVINCED THIS IS CORRECT FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S TRAVEL INDUSTRY.*
ON THE VALUE OF TOURISM TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MR NEWBIGGING SAID THE TOURISM SURPLUS ALONE, WHICH AMOUNTED TO $2.57 BILLION DURING THE YEAR, HELPED TO OFFSET 27 PER CENT OF THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT, AFTER TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE EXPENDITURE OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING ABROAD.
THIS FIGURE WAS REVISED DOWNWARDS BY AS MUCH AS 50 PER CENT AS A RESULT OF THE MORE SOPHISTICATED RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A STUDY OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL OF THE COMPARATIVE ADDED VALUE PERFORMANCE OF THE TOURIST INDUSTRY (ABOUT 45 PER CENT) AND OTHER KEY HONG KONG INDUSTRIES ALSO INDICATED THAT THE CONTRIBUTION OF INWARD TOURISM TO THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE WAS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.
HOWEVER, MR NEWBIGGING SAID, THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION WAS NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT THE HARD WORK THAT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE COMING YEAR.
+AND, OF COURSE, WE SHALL BE GREATLY ASSISTED BY THE NEW HOTEL ROOMS COMING ON STREAM IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. SOME SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS AND IN THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR AIRLINES SERVING HONG KONG WILL ALSO BE HELPFUL.
+FURTHERMORE, ADDITIONAL FACILITIES IN HONG KONG TOGETHER WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND IN THE ISLANDS, ALL PROVIDE US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THE SCOPE OF OUR PROMOTIONS AND TO DIVERSIFY OUR PRODUCT,* MR NEWBIGGING ADDED.
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/8 ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, -1980
8
♦POOLING* SYSTEM ON ASSETS PROPOSED
*****
ATTENTION WAS DRAWN IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET SPEECH TO THE COMMENT BY THE THIRD INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE THAT THE NEED TO KEEP TRACK OF INDIVIDUAL ITEMS OF PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE SAKE OF MAKING A BALANCING ALLOWANCE OR CHARGE IN THE EVENT OF A DISPOSAL RESULTED IN RELATIVELY HIGH ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THIS IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO 4) BILL 1980 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE PROPOSED THAT A +POOLING+ SYSTEM SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
SIR PHILIP SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSAL FROM APRIL 1, 1980 BY SUBSTITUTING FOR THE CURRENT SYSTEM FOR GRANTING ALLOWANCES AND IMPOSING CHARGES, THE PROVISIONS TO GRANT ALLOWANCES AND IMPOSE CHARGES ON +POOLS* CF ASSETS, DEFINED IN THE BILL AS +CLASSES OF MACHINERY OR PLANT.*
PROVISION WOULD BE MADE FOR THE EXISTING SYSTEM TO CONTINUE TO APPLY IN ANY CASE WHERE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE POOLING SYSTEM WAS IMPRACTICABLE OR INEQUITABLE, HE SAID.
BUT SHORT OF A DIRECTION FROM THE COMMISSIONER, THE APPLICATION OF THE POOLING SYSTEM WOULD BE MANDATORY.
HE SAID THAT IN CONSIDERING COMMENTS FROM THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, IT HAD BECOME APPARENT THAT THE LIMITATIONS INTENDED TO BE APPLIED TO RESTRICT SALES AND OTHER DISPOSAL PROCEEDS TO THE ORIGINAL COST OF THE ASSETS DISPOSED OF, FOR THE PURPOSES CF THE CALCULATION OF BALANCING CHARGES AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE REDUCING VALUE OF A +POOL*, WERE NOT ADEQUATELY PROVIDED FOR IN THE NEW PROVISION.
AS PRESENTLY DRAFTED, SIR PHILIP SAID IT WOULD ONLY COVER THE POSITION WHERE THERE HAS BEEN A DISPOSAL OF A WHOLE CLASS OF ASSETS AT ONE TIME FOR A SINGLE PRICE.
♦ IT WOULD NOT COVER A LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF ONE ASSET INCURRED DURING THE SAME BASIS PERIOD AS A PROFIT AROSE ON ANOTHER- NOR A SITUATION IN WHICH A BALANCING CHARGE MAY ARISE IN RESPECT OF A ’POOL’ FOLLOWING THE DISPOSAL OF ONE OR MORE ASSETS OUT OF THE ’POOL’ WHILE OTHERS ARE RETAINED IN USE,+ HE SAID.
AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL WILL BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE SO THAT THESE TWO SITUATIONS WOULD BE COVERED, HE ADDED.
c - - - -
/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
• 9
ARCHITECT OF HK’S MODERN SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED THE RETIRING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, AS THE ARCHITECT OF THE MODERN SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
SIR MURRAY PARTICULARLY NOTED THAT THE INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK TRAINING WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1973 UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THIS MARKED A MILESTONE IN THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIAL WORK TRAINING IN HONG KONG AND OWED MUCH TO THE PERSONAL DEDICATION AND IMAGINATIVE APPROACH TO PROBLEMS BY MR LEE.
MR LEE WOULD BE RETIRING AFTER FOUR YEARS MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND 28 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE LAST SIX AS DIRECTOR.
SIR MURRAY COMMENDED MR LEE FOR HIS ASSOCIATION WITH MANY OF THE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, NOTABLY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME, AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER SCHEME.
AS A PLANNER, SIR MURRAY SAID, MR LEE WOULD BE PARTICULARLY REMEMBERED FOR HIS WORK IN INTRODUCING THE REGIONALISATION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
+1 AM SURE ALL MEMBERS WILL JOIN ME IN THANKING MR LEE FOR ALL HIS VALUABLE SERVICE TO HONG KONG, AND IN WISHING HIM AND HIS WIFE A LONG AND HAPPY RETIREMENT,+ THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, THE HON ROGER LOBO SPOKE TO ASSOCIATE THE UNOFFICIALS WITH THE TRIBUTE THE GOVERNOR PAID TO MR LEE.
BILL TO INCORPORATE EVIDENCE (HEARSAY) RULES
IN RULES OF SUPREME COURT ft ft ft ft ft
RULES RELATING TO HEARSAY AND EXPERT EVIDENCE APPEAR IN THE ENGLISH RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT AS PRACTISED IN ENGLAND, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN. THE HON G.P. NAZARETH, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
+THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS PROPOSED THAT A SIMILAR PRACTICE BE ADOPTED HERE,+ MR NAZARETH SAID IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980.
HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE THAT THE HONG KONG RULES ON HEARSAY EVIDENCE, BASED ON THEIR ENGLISH COUNTERPARTS, SHOULD APPEAR IN THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE.
/THIS, MR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
10
THIS, MR NAZARETH POINTED OUT, WOULD ASSIST PRACTITIONERS AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH THE LAW, WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO REFER TO THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT FOR VIRTUALLY ALL MATTERS RELATING TO CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.
AT THE MOMENT THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY OF HEARSAY AND EXPERT EVIDENCE IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS TO BE REGULATED BY RULES MADE UNDER THIS ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
THE BILL, HE EXPLAINED, WOULD REPEAL OR AMEND THE EXISTING RULE MAKING POWERS IN THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE SO THAT THE ADMISSIBILITY OF HEARSAY kJD EXPERT EVIDENCE COULD BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT.
♦IF THE BILL IS PASSED, THE EXISTING EVIDENCE (HEARSAY) RULES WILL BE REVOKED AND APPROPRIATE PROVISION WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT,+ MR NAZARETH SAID.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
- - - - 0 ----•
NEW DEFINITION OF SHIP PROPOSED * * *
A BILL SEEKING TO EXTEND THE APPLICATION OF THE PART OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE DEALING WITH SHIPPING CASUALTIES INVOLVING LOCAL VESSELS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID THAT PART VIII 0“ THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR THE HOLDING OF A MARINE COURT TO INVESTIGATE CASUALTIES AFFECTING SHIPS AND TO INQUIRE INTO CHARGES OF INCOMPETENCY OR MISCONDUCT.
HE SAID IF THE MASTERS, MATES OR ENGINEERS OF THE SHIPS CONCERNED WERE FOUND INCOMPETENT OR GUILTY OF MISCONDUCT BY THE COURT THEIR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY MAY BE CANCELLED OR SUSPENDED.
BUT UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISION THE DEFINITION OF SHIP SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED JUNKS AND MARINE COURTS COULD NOT BE APPOINTED WHEN JUNKS WERE INVOLVED IN A SHIPPING ACCIDENT, M? JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT.
♦HENCE, THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY OF MASTERS OF ANY OF THE VESSELS INVOLVED CANNOT BE CANCELLED BY A COURT,* HE SAID.
TO RECTIFY THIS DEFICIENCY, HE CONTINUED, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1980 WOULD PROVIDE A NEW DEFINITION OF +SHIP+ TO INCLUDE EVERY TYPE OF VESSEL USED IN NAVIGATION.
/The bill .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
11
™E B LL W0ULD ALSO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF +CERT IF I CATE OF e2^oaTENCY+ T0 ,NCLUDE THOSE ISSUED FOR LOCAL VESSELS UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
eiicocuJ C0URT WAS EMPOWERED ONLY TO CANCEL OR
SUSPEND CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY ISSUED UNDER THE MERCHANT
^ssei!sG SeDamedE T0 MASTERS’ MATES AN° e^eers of
OCEAN GOING
-----0------
CHINESE UNIVERSITY (VALIDATION) BILL *****
THE PURPOSE OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ BILL, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (VALIDATION) BILL 1980, IS TO VALIDATE THE CONFERRAL OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LAWS HONORIS CAUSA BY THE UNIVERSITY. THE HON ROGER LOBO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LOBO, MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, NOTED THAT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY HAD FROM TIME TO TIME CONFERRED THIS DEGREE ON PEOPLE WHO IT HAD WISHED TO HONOUR SINCE 1964.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0--------
SIX ENTRIES
* * *
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT SIX STUDENTS FROM GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ENTERED THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION IN 1979-80.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT.
-------0----------
SHORT TERM TENANCY TENDERS
*****
THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE 2 438—SQUARE METRE SITE IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS AND VEHICLES, AND/OR CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT.
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR TWO YEARS AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
/TENDERS FORMS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
- 12 -
TENDERS FORMS, TOGETHER WITH THE NOTICE AND CONDITIONS OF TENANCY, MAY BE OBTAINED FROM CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICES IN MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, 19TH FLOOR AND IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE TWO PLACES.
ALL TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 24.
- - - - 0 ----
2 HOUSES LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS ft ft ft ft ft
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DECLARED NOS. 1 AND 3 HUNG SHING STREET LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE TWO-STOREY VILLAGE TYPE STRUCTURES ON AP LEI CHAU HAD BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE 1972.
A DETAILED INSPECTION HAD BEEN MADE FOLLOWING THE RECENT SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE FIRST FLOOR WOODEN KITCHEN FLOOR OF NO 5 HUNG SHING STREET WHICH HAD TO BE CLOSED UNDER AN EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER.
IT WAS NOTED THAT BOTH PREMISES WERE VERY DILAPIDATED AND THAT THE STRUCTURAL TIMBER HAD DETERIORATED TO A POINT WHERE IT COULD FAIL AT ANY TIME.
ALSO FOUND IN THE
FRACTURES AND STRUCTURAL CRACKS WERE LOADBEARING WALLS WITH PATCHES OF BRICKWORK ERODED AND CRUMBLING.
IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT THE STABILITY OF BOTH PREMISES WOULD BE DOUBTFUL AFTER THE DEMOLITION OF NO 5 HUNG SHING STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON NOVEMBER 5 WERE POSTED TODAY.
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/13
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
- 13 -
MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS TO PERFORM WITH PAN ASIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA *****
THE INSTRUCTORS’ ORCHESTRA OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MUSIC OFFICE, ON INVITATION OF THE PAN ASIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, IS GIVING A CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL THIS SATURDAY.
THE GUEST CONDUCTOR WILL BE MR THOMAS WANG WHILE MR LUI KI-LING WILL BE THE CELLO SOLOIST.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE +LA SCALA DI SETA OVERTURE* BY ROSSINI, +CONCERTO FOR CELLO AND ORCHESTRA OP 104 IN B MINOR* BY DVORAK, +PRELUDE AND DANCE* AND +B0 BO GO* BY YIP WAI HONG, AND +ROMEO AND JULIET* AND +FANTASY OVERTURE* BY TSCHAIKOVSKY.
TICKETS AT $20, $15, $10 AND $5 ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT
THE CITY HALL BOX OFFICE, TOM LEE PIANO CO AND BRANCHES, ALL THE SUB-OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, KARLSEN PIANO AND THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 3-380522.
-------0 - - - -
WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, CARPENTER ROAD AND GRAMPIAN ROAD INCLUDING JUNCTION ROAD, FUK LO TSUN ROAD, LION ROCK ROAD, HAU WONG ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1980
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR,. SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, G.B.E., K.C.M.G., K.C.V.O.,
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY' OF THE HONG KONG TOY FAIR ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
It is always a pleasure to come to the Hong Kong Toy and Gift Fair and to find oneself amongst hard-nosed businessmen whose trade must be the envy of every child.
The toy industry is one of Hong Kong’s many success stories. It is a shining example of the spirit of enterprise and adaptability which has stood us in such good stead over the last two decades.
What started as an unlikely off-shoot of the plastics industry, has progressed to become the third largest component of our export industry. More than this, Hong Kong has become the world’s leading toy exporter and this is a position we intend to retain.
Growth has been phenomenal and prospects are excellent. Our toy exports increased more than four-fold in the last decade to over five thousand million dollars last year.
Already this year (first seven months) the industry has scored a further 24 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
A large part of this success comes from the close collaboration between our toy manufacturers and the electronics industry. I have no doubt that with increasing sophistication this relationship will become even closer.
The play things we see here today are the products of an imaginative and innovative industry and a skilled workforce fully aware /of the .................................................................
2
of the importance of quality and durability.
It is of some significance that the image of Hong Kong that this will implant amongst tomorrow’s adults, or the parents of today’s children, can only be one of a place where quality counts and when innovation is rewardedf .
The industry has adapted itself to an increasingly discerning market and at the same time' has kept a careful eye on ensuring that the toys we make are safe. This readiness to change, and this emphasis on quality and safety owe much to the continued efforts of the Trade Development Council. Under the leadership of Sir Y.K. Kan the Council’s comprehensive annual programme of trade promotion has taken our products to buyers’ doorsteps all over the world.
The toy industry has served as an excellent ambassador for Hong Kong. I take this opportunity to salute the industry and to welcome those who have travelled far to visit the Fair. I am confident they will find what they want.
And now ladies and gentlemen I invite you to join me upstairs in the Chung Shan Hall where I will declare the Sixth Hong Kong Toy and Gift Fair officially open.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SNT TOURS LANTAU AND PENG CHAU.................................. 1
BETTER PROSPECTS FOR HEALTH INSPECTORS ......................... 1
EXHIBITION ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH ........................ 2
SALVATION ARMY LEADER PRAISES PRISONS DEPT ..................... 3
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO JOIN HKCEE IN 1983..................... 3
HIKING SCHEME TO START NEXT MONTH .............................. 4
TAI PO TO FORM DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR ....................... 5
TEMPORARY WAN CHAI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ........................ 6
200 TEMPORARY STAFF SOUGHT ..................................... 7
REST GARDEN PROJECT ............................................ 7
APPLICATIONS INVITED FDR SHA TIN PETROL STATION SITES .......... 8
TEMPORARY CLOSURE .............................................. 8
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
1
SNT TOURS LANTAU AND PENG CHAU * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SPENT THE WHOLE OF TODAY (THURSDAY) MEETING LEADERS OF A DOZEN TOwNS AND VILLAGES ON LANTAU AND PENG CHAU ISLANDS.
MR AKERS-JONES AND THE LEADERS DISCUSSED A RANGE OF SUBJECTS INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
ACCOMPANIED BY ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, MR AKERS-JONES FIRST FLEW TO TA I 0 BY HELICOPTER WHERE HE WAS GREETED BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YU YUEN-HEI.
THEY TOURED LUNG TIN ESTATE, A MAJOR VILLAGE-TYPE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, THE FIRST STAGE OF WHICH WAS COMPLETED EARLY THIS YEAR.
ESTATE RESIDENTS ARE MOSTLY FORMER SQUATTERS FROM NEARBY AREAS. WHEN FULLY OCCUPIED, THE FIRST STAGE OF THE ESTATE WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR 1 300 PEOPLE.
MR AKERS-JONES THEN TOURED SHEK TSAI PO VILLAGE BEFORE GOING ON TO TUNG CHUNG WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, NF CHONG CHU-CHOI, AND SHOWN THE HAU WONG TEMPLE SPORTSGROUND AT PRESENT BEING CONSTRUCTED. HE ALSO SAW THE INTENDED SITES FOR A LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE.
MR AKERS-JONES THEN WENT TO SOUTH LANTAU, VISITING SHU I HAU, TONG FUK AND PUI 0, ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTH LANTAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU YUNG-FUK.
IN THE AFTERNOON, MR AKERS-JONES VISITED CHUNG HAU, LUK TEI TONG, TAI TEI TONG AND PAK NGAN HEUNG, BEFORE GOING BY LAUNCH TO PENG CHAU ISLAND. HE MET THE ISLAND’S RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHING.
HE RETURNED TO HONG KONG IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.
------ 0 -----
BETTER PROSPECTS FOR HEALTH INSPECTORS * * * *
THE PROSPECTS FOR HEALTH INSPECTORS HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER, VR ALAN BRISTOW, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING 57 HEALTH INSPECTORS WHO RECENTLY PASSED THE EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN PUBLIC HEALTH INSPECTION FOR GENERAL OVERSEAS APPOINTMENT CONDUCTED BY THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF HEALTH MR BRISTOW SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS EXPANDING FAST AND MORE AND MORE SENIOR POSTS WOULD BE CREATED.
♦HONG KONG IS GETTING CONGESTED AND YOUR JOB IS A VERY WORTHWHILE ONE IN THAT YOU WILL BE DOING THE PUBLIC A SERVICE IN KEEPING OUR ENVIRONMENT CLEAN,+ HE SAID.
/♦YOUR JCB ...
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
- 2
♦YOUR JOB WILL BE INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING. THE FAVOURABLE TREND IS THAT THERE IS NO REASON WHY YOU CAN’T AIM AT BEING PROMOTED TO THE POST OF A SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR, CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR, SUPERINTENDENT AND OTHER MORE SENIOR POSTS. +
HE TOLD THE HEALTH INSPECTORS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE THEM ADVANCED TRAINING HERE AND OVERSEAS AS THEIR JOB AS A HEALTH INSPECTOR CALLS FOR SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY IN DEALING WITH COMPLICATED HYGIENE PROBLEMS.
------0 - - - -
EXHIBITION ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH ******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS MOUNTING A +HEALTHY NEW GENERATION EXHIBITION* IN KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE NEXT WEEK AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S FAMILY HEALTH CAMPAIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THE THEME WILL BE ON MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH.
APART FROM STATIC DISPLAYS ON ALL ASPECTS OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, THERE WILL BE EDUCATIONAL MOVIES AND SLIDE SHOWS. FREE EDUCATIONAL PAMPHLETS AND BOOKLETS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
IN ADDITION, SPECIAL BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP TO PROVIDE SCREEN TESTS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE. NURSES WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON HEALTH CARE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 13) AND FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF KWUN TONG, MR DAVID K.P. TSUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE +HEALTHY NEW GENERATION EXHIBITION* IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 13).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
THE CENTRE IS AT 17 TSUI PING ROAD OPPOSITE BLOCK 19 OF TSUI PING ESTATE.
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/?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
3
SALVATION ARMY LEADER PRAISES PRISONS DEPT * * * * *
THE VISITING INTERNATIONAL LEADER OF THE SALVATION ARMY, GENERAL ARNOLD BROWN, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED CHI MA WAN AND PRAISED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT FOR ITS EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF THE CAMP WHERE MORE THAN 3 100 ILLEGAL VIETNAMESE IMMIGRANTS ARE BEING ACCOMMODATED.
HE SAID HE HAD BEEN TO MANY SIMILAR CAMPS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD AND THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST HE HAD SEEN.
GEN BROWN WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR T.G. GARNER, SENIOR PRISON STAFF AND SENIOR SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS.
GEN BROWN TOURED THE CAMP AND WATCHED VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ORGANISED BY LOCAL SALVATION ARMY PERSONNEL.
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PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO JOIN HKCEE IN 1983
* * * *
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL BEGIN TO OPERATE SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS IN 1981 AND WILL JOIN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1983, MR T.L. LAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦TECHNICAL AND SPECIAL SUBJECTS OFFERED BY THESE SCHOOLS, SUCH AS ENGINEERING SCIENCE, TEXTILES, FOOD AND RELATED HOTEL SERVICES, ARE EXPECTED TO BE MADE EXAMINABLE BY STAGES IN THE HKCEE, + HE SAID.
MR LAM WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON +THE CHALLENGES OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN THE 8O’S+ JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL AND THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
HE NOTED THAT IN PREPARATION FOR THE HKCEE, PERMISSION WAS GRANTED FOR ALL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO EMPLOY GRADUATE MASTERS IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF TEACHING.
IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR THERE ARE SOME 10 000 STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE 13 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
ANOTHER 12 NEW SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE BUILT STARTING IN 1982, AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT ON THEIR COMPLETION IN 1984 THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WILL RISE TO 22 500.
♦THERE WERE OVER 12 000 APPLICATIONS FROM PRIMARY 6 STUDENTS COMPETING FOR THE 3 000 FORM 1 PLACES AVAILABLE IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WHICH MEANS EVERY FROM 1 SEAT WAS OVERSUBSCRIBED BY FOUR TIMES.
♦THIS SHOWS THAT PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS POPULAR AMONG THE PUBLIC, PARENTS AND STUDENTS,+ MR LAM SAID.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
4
HIKING SCHEME TO START NEXT MONTH * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IS ORGANISING A 14-MONTH HIKING SCHEME STARTING NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER).
THE +CHONG HING HIKING SCHEME* IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE RSS AND SPONSORED BY LIU CHONG HING BANK. IT WILL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY STARTING NEXT MONTH UNTIL DECEMBER 1981.
THERE ARE 16 ROUTES WINDING THROUGH THE MOST SCENIC AREAS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. JOURNEY TIMES RANGE FROM THREE TO SIX HOURS.
THE ROUTES ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR GROUPS, WITH FOUR GRADINGS OF DIFFICULTIES. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE LED BY EXPERIENCED TEAM LEADERS WHO WILL ALSO INTRODUCE TO THE HIKERS THE SCENIC SPOTS ALONG THE ROUTES.
RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR P.H. TAM, SAID THE HIKING SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PART IN REGULAR HIKING TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF +WALK FOR YOUR HEALTH.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SPECIAL FEATURE OF THIS SCHEME WAS TO IMPLEMENT A +MEMBERSHIP SCHEME* TO ENABLE MEMBERS IN A HIKING GROUP TO PLAN OUTINGS TOGETHER WELL IN ADVANCE.
THE SCHEME IS A NEW VENTURE AND MR TAM EXPECTED ABOUT 5 303 PEOPLE WOULD BE REGISTERED AS +MEMBERS+ AND THAT THE WHOLE SCHEME WOULD ATTRACT 40 000 PARTICIPANTS.
TO PROMOTE INTEREST, THOSE WHO COMPLETE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF ROUTES WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A MEDAL. THOSE WITH AN OUTSTANDING RECORD WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SPECIAL OUTING TO BE HELD AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE SCHEME. ON COMPLETION OF THE WALK THEY WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL AWARD.
THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE SCHEME HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR 10 AM ON OCTOBER 26 (SUNDAY) AT THE WAN CHAI GAP PARK.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE HIKING SCHEME ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL OFFICES OF THE RSS. COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED, TOGETHER WITH TWO PHOTOGRAPHS AND AN ENTRY FEE OF $10, TO THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, WING ON CENTRE, 11TH FLOOR.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
5
TAI RO TO FORM DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR * * *
A DRIVE IS BEING LAUNCHED IN TAI PO TO RECRUIT 100 CHILDREN WITH A FLAIR FOR SINGING TO FORM A CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CHOSEN WOULD BE THE DISTRICT'S +MUSIC AMBASSADORS,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THEY WOULD BE REPRESENTING TAI PO IN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT AND WOULD ALSO BE PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING MUSIC AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
ALL TAI PO CHILDREN AGED FROM EIGHT TO 14 ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY BUT THEY WILL FIRST HAVE TO PASS A VOCAL TEST.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS TO JOIN THE CHOIR.
+IT WILL BE A MEANINGFUL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY WHICH WILL DEVELOP THEIR MUSICAL POTENTIAL,* HE SAID.
BESIDES SINGING, THERE WILL BE TRAINING IN INSTRUMENT PLAYING AND MUSIC APPRECIATION. OUTINGS AND VISITS WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED TO MAINTAIN INTEREST.
HE ASSURED THAT JOINING THE CHOIR WOULD NOT AFFECT SCHOOL WORK AS PRACTICE WOULD BE HELD ON SUNDAY AFTERNOONS AT A LOCAL SCHOOL AND ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD MAINLY AT WEEKENDS AND ON HOLIDAYS.
THE CHOIR IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S NEWLY-FORMED ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD. THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL HELP WITH TRAINING.
IT IS PLANNED THAT THE CHOIR WILL GIVE ITS FIRST CONCERT IN SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE BEING SENT TO ALL SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT. THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI KWONG SECONDARY SCHOOL AND THE LION’S CLUB TAI PO YOUTH CENTRE.
0 -
/6
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
- 6 -
TEMPORARY WAN CHAI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIR WORKS IN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AREA.
THE EXIT ROAD LINKING THE TUNNEL WITH HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 9.30 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON OCTOBER 12, 13, 14 AND 29. MOTORISTS CAN USE THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD ON THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NOS. 101, 111, 112, 113, 116, 121 AND 122 FROM KOWLOON WHEN LEAVING THE TUNNEL WOULD BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, VICTORIA PARK FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AND THEN REVERT TO THE NORMAL ROUTES.
THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 9.30 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON OCTOBER 20, 21, 22, 23 AND 28.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO GO TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL CAN USE THE APPROACH ROAD ON THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NOS. 101, 111, 112, 113, 116, 121, 122 AND 170 LEAVING HONG KONG FOR KOWLOON FROM THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WOULD BE DIVERTED VIA THE DOWN RAMP OF CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO CAUSEWAY BAY, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, VICTORIA PARK FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, THE UP RAMP OF THE WATERFRONT APPROACH ROAD TO THE TUNNEL AND THEN REVERT TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTES ON ENTERING THE TUNNEL.
THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 9.30 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON OCTOBER 30.
MOTORISTS CAN USE THE HAPPY VALLEY EXIT ROAD AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTES FROM KOWLOON WHEN LEAVING THE
TUNNEL WOULD BE DIVERTED AS FOLLOWS:
ROUTES 102 AND 106
HAPPY VALLEY EXIT OF THE TUNNEL, CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, HENNESSY ROAD, YEE WO STREET, AND REVERT TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTES.
AIRPORT COACH SERVICE NO. 200
HAPPY VALLEY EXIT OF THE TUNNEL, CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, LEIGHTON ROAD, PENNINGTON STREET, YEE WO STREET, HENNESSY ROAD, AND REVERT TO NORMAL ROUTES.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
------o ------ /7 .................
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
- 7 -200 TEMPORARY STAFF SOUGHT * * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR 200 TEMPORARY STAFF FOR VARIOUS DUTIES.
THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT ONE OF THE 13 BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LES.
THE MONTHLY SALARY IS $1 455 PLUS AN OBNOXIOUS DUTY ALLOWANCE OF 8105.
CANDIDATES SHOULD BE MALE, PREFERABLY UNDER 35 YEARS OF AGE AND WITH AT LEAST PRIMARY 6 EDUCATION.
------o ------
REST GARDEN PROJECT * * * *
A REST GARDEN WILL BE ADDED TO SAU MAU PING MEMORIAL PARK BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE WORK, AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN 8185 000, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO KIN MING AND CO BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE SAID THAT AN AREA MEASURING 610 SQUARE METRES ALONG TSUI PING ROAD HAD BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THE SITE.
THE FACILITIES INCLUDE A PAVILION, FLOWER BEDS, BENCHES AND A STOREROOM.
WORK WILL BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
/8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1980
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR SHA TIN PETROL STATION SITES ******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR TWO SITES IN SHA TIN FOR PETROL FILLING STATIONS.
THE SITES, BOTH IN TAI WAI, MEASURE ABOUT 400 SQUARE METRES EACH. DETAILS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN TODAY SAID LUBRICATING, REPAIRING AND SERVICING FACILITIES FOR VEHICLES WERE EXCLUDED.
SALE CONDITIONS SPECIFY A BUILDING COVENANT OF $500 000 TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN TWO YEARS ON BOTH SITES. ANNUAL RENTAL WILL BE $300.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX IN THE RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 31.
DETAILS AND TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND ISLANDS, SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE * * *
WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT HEARSES OR EMERGENCY VEHICLES BETWEEN 5 AM AND 8 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11 AND 12) TO FACILITATE GRAVE-SWEEPERS VISITING THEIR ANCESTRAL GRAVES IN THE AREA.
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC * *
THE SECTION OF MOUNT KELLETT ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 22 — VIVIAN COURT — WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM THIS SATURDAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEDAN CHAIR RACE.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT 1981 ................................. 1
EXTERNAL TRADE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS .................... 1
STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO PREVENT HILL FIRES ..................... 4
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT RETIRES .................. 5
TEXTILE TALKS SUSPENDED ...................................... 6
SAI KUNG TO HAVE HOLIDAY CASUALTY FACILITIES ................. 6
DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ENDS ON SUNDAY ................... 7
TOWN HALL FOR SAI KUNG ....................................... 7
LECTURES ON CHINESE FOLK SONGS ............................... 8
SEMINAR ON TEACHINS OF SCIENCE ............................... 8
SEAMEN URGED TO REPORT CHANGE OF ADDRESS ..................... 9
CLOSURE OF ROAD IN KWUN TONG ................................. 9
CHEUNG MAN ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ......................... 10
MORE BUSES PUT ON NT MAXICAB ROUTE 88........................ 10
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
- 1
DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT 1981 ft ft * ft *
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE ARMY, PR BARNEY HAYHOE AND THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAVE CONCLUDED A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT, WHICH WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT AGREEMENT SIGNED IN 1975. IT WILL RUN FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS. THEREAFTER IT WILL BE RENEWED ON THE SAME TERMS, OR ON OTHER TERMS AGREED BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OR PERIODS OF FIVE YEARS. THE NEW AGREEMENT HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS OVER SEVERAL MONTHS.
IN THE NEW AGREEMENT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS ITS COMMITMENT TO THE INTEGRITY AND SECURITY OF HONG KONG. A PERMANENT BRITISH GARRISON WILL CONTINUE TO BE STATIONED IN HONG KONG, AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO THE ENLARGEMENT OF THAT GARRISON BY ONE ADDITIONAL INFANTRY BATTALION AND CERTAIN OTHER SMALLER ELEMENTS. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO USE ITS BEST ENDEAVOURS TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY REINFORCEMENTS TO THE GARRISON WHERE BOTH GOVERNMENTS AGREE THAT THEY ARE APPROPRIATE AND NECESSARY.
UNDER THE NEW AGREEMENT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION OF 75 PER CENT TO THE COST OF THE GARRISON. A NEW BASIS OF COSTING HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ENSURE THAT THE JOINT CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE TWO GOVERNMENTS REALISTICALLY COVER THE ACTUAL COST OF THE GARRISON. THIS NEW BASIS OF COSTING AND THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE GARRISON WILL MEAN THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER. SINCE CONTRIBUTIONS WILL IN FUTURE BE BASED ON ACTUAL COSTS, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GIVE AN EXACT FORECAST OF COST TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OF THE GARRISON ON THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW AGREEMENT (1981-82), BUT ACCORDING TO PRESENT ESTIMATES IT IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT 120 MILLION POUNDS. THIS FIGURE WOULD REPRESENT AN INCREASE OF RATHER MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OVER WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE COST OF THE GARRISON AS COMPUTED UNDER THE OLD AND LESS COMPREHENSIVE METHOD.
---------------------o------- EXTERNAL TRADE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS ft ft ft ft ft
THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY 9 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN JULY 1980 COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) IMPROVED SLIGHTLY BY 1 PER CENT. HOWEVER, A MUCH LARGER INCREASE IN VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS (♦ 13%) THAN FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS (♦ 8%). ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT, WITH VOLUME UP BY 37 PER CENT.
/PRICES ARE .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
- 2 -
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF THE GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF DOMESTIC EXPERTS BY COMMODITY ARE ANALYSED AS FOLLOWSI
CHANGES COMPARING JULY 1980 WITH JULY 1979
EXPORT VALUES EXPORT UNIT VALUES EXPORT VOLUMES
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) ♦ 13% ♦ 10% ♦ 3%
TEXTILE FABRICS - 4% ♦ 4% - 8%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD ♦ 8% ♦ 6% + 2%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES ♦ 20% ♦ 8% ♦ 11%
ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS ♦ 12% ♦ 5% ♦ 7%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS ♦ 26% ♦ 11% ♦ 13%
FOOTWEAR ♦ 13% ♦ 14% LESS THAN 0.5%
FETAL MANUFACTURES ♦ 19% ♦ 15% ♦ 3%
FETAL ORES AND SCRAP ♦ 55% ♦ 8% ♦ 44%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS ♦ 44% — 7% ♦ 54%
ALL COMMODITIES + 18% ♦ 9% ♦ 8%
PRICES OF WHICH
EXPORT
THE
CLOCKS
APART FROM WATCHES AND
THE MAJOR COMMODITY
DROPPED BY 7 PER CENT. EXPORT PRICES OF GROUPS INCREASED AT VARYING RATES. FROM „ - .—-...........
TEXTILE FABRICS TO A 15 PER CENT INCREASE FOR METAL MANUFACTURES.
A 4 PER CENT INCREASE FOR
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS NOTED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (♦ 54%), METAL ORES AND SCRAP (♦ 44%) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (♦ 13%). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS (- 8%).
CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY A*E AS FOLLOWSi
/^JtHUES COMPARING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
3
CHANCES COMPARING JULY 1980 WITH JULY 1979
IMPORT IMPORT UNIT IMPORT
VALUES VALUES VOLUMES
FOODSTUFFS ♦ 4% ♦ 8% - 4%
CONSUMER GOODS ♦ 35% • 1% ♦ 36%
FUELS ♦ 39% ♦ 49% - 7%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ♦ 17% ♦ 9% ♦ 7%
CAPITAL GOODS ♦ 22% ♦ 6% ♦ 14%
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 22% ♦ 8% ♦ 13%
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FUELS, THE PRICES OF WHICH JUMPED BY 49 PER CENT, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY CHANGED MODERATELY, RANGING FROM - 1 PER CENT TO ♦ 9 PER CENT.
MOST IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DROPPED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD, BOVINE CATTLE, VEGETABLES AND FRUIT. HOWEVER, LOCAL DEMAND FOR SUGAR, CEREAL& AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS AND LIVE POULTRY INCREASED.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, FOOTWEAR, CLOTHING, PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AND MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FUELS DROPPED BY 7 PER CENT.
THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF VARIOUS KINDS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES SHOWED A MIXED TREND. WHEREAS PURCHASES OF WOOLLEN YARN AND MIXTURES, RAW COTTON AND WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, DEMAND FOR PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS, CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS AND COTTON YARN AND THREAD DROPPED.
AS FOR CAPITAL GOODS, MAJOR INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE MACHINERY, SCIENTIFIC, MEDICAL, OPTICAL, KASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS AND OFFICE MACHINES.
CHANGES IN THE VALUES, UNIT VALUES AND VOLUMES OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE AS FOLLOWS 1
/CHANGES COKPA7.1:13.........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
4
CHANGES COMPARING JULY 1980 WITH JULY 1979
RE-EXPORT VALUES RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUES RE-EXPORT VOLUMES
FOODSTUFFS ♦ 10% ♦ 3% ♦ 7%
CONSUMER GOODS + 54% ♦ 4% ♦ 48%
FUELS ♦ 11% ♦ 47% - 25%
RAW MATERIALS AND
SEMI-MANUFACTURES + 48% ♦ 10% ♦ 35%
CAPITAL GOODS ♦ 36% ♦ 7% ♦ 27%
ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 47% + 7% ♦ 37%
APART FROM FUELS, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF WHICH DECLINED BY 25 PER CENT, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS, RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, AND CAPITAL GOODS ALL SHOWED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES.
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STEPPED-UP EFFORTS TO PREVENT HILL FIRES ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT IS INTENSIFYING ITS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO WARN THE PUBLIC OF THE HIGH RISK OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES PARTICULARLY DURING THE PERIOD OF THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, WHICH IS JUST A WEEK FROM NOW.
FROM TOMORROW, SPECIAL BROADCASTS WILL BE MADE AT REGULAR INTERVALS AT THE HUNG HOM TERMINUS, SHA TIN, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I STATIONS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, APPEALING TO THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN BURNING JOSS STICKS AND OTHER SACRIFICIAL ITEMS AT GRAVE SITES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SAID TODAYi +THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS HAS BEEN A MAJOR CAUSE OF HILL FIRES. THIS MENACE CANNOT BE CONTAINED WITHOUT PUBLIC CO-OPERATION.
♦THROUGH THE BROADCASTS, PICNICKERS AND PEOPLE VISITING GRAVES WILL BE REMINDED OF THE NEED TO OBSERVE THE COUNTRY CODE AND TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL,♦ HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN GAVE THE FOLLOWING ADVICE ON PREVENTING HILL FIRESi ♦DON’T LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPERS UNATTENDED, AND PUT THEM OUT BEFORE LEAVING. A GRAVE SITE. RAISE THE ALARM AT ONCE IF YOU SEE ANY SIGN OF FIRE.+
AS PART OF THE STEPPED-UP EFFORTS. THE MOBILE FILM TEAM OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN BROADCASTING FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGES AT FERRY PIERS AND BUS TERMINALS IN THE URBAN AREAS SINCE EARLY THIS MONTH.
/IN RURAL .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
5
IN RURAL AREAS, SIMILAR BROADCASTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S CIVILIAN INFORMATION TEAM IN ADDITION TO SHOWING FIRE PREVENTION FILMS AND DISTRIBUTING LEAFLETS TO VILLAGERS.
THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE HAS PRODUCED A POSTER DRAWING THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION TO THE HIGH TOLLS OF FIRES DURING THE LAST CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PINPOINTING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM, IT WAS HOPED THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD HEED THE ADVICE MORE READILY.
♦ONLY WITH THEIR SUPPORT CAN WE HOPE TO KEEP THE FIRE LOSSES AND DAMAGE TO A MINIMUM,♦ HE ADDED.
THE POSTER IS NOW ON DISPLAY THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
------0-------
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT RETIRES * * * ft
THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MR DAVID STEAD, WILL GO ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE LATER THIS MONTH AFTER 23 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, MR DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, TODAY PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR — A TIENTSIN CARPET AND A POWER DRILL, ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.
MR MCDONALD RECALLED THAT MR STEAD JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1957 AND WAS POSTED TO THE THEN ROADS OFFICE.
HE WAS PROMOTED WITHIN TWO YEARS TO SENIOR ENGINEER AND ROSE THROUGH THE PORT WORKS OFFICE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE TO BECOME PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT CIVIL ENGINEER IN 1971.
HAVING ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, MR STEAD WAS CONFIRMED IN THAT RANK IN 1975. THIS YEAR HE ACTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS DURING THE ABSENCE OF MR JACK STEAN.
♦IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST THIS YEAR, MR STEAD’S CAREER WAS MARKED BY THE AWARD OF A VERY WELL-DESERVED OBE,+ MR MCDONALD NOTED.
♦NOBODY WHO HAS KNOWN MR STEAD AT ANY TIME DURING THE LAST TWENTY-ODD YEARS WILL THINK OF HIM WITHOUT REMEMBERING HIS ASSOCIATION WITH THE SPORT OF SQUASH AND HIS EFFORTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAME, AND THE PROVISION OF PLAYING FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
MR STEAD HAS BEEN HON SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACQUETS ASSOCIATION FOR MANY YEARS AND HAS SEEN THE GAME GROW ENORMOUSLY IN POPULARITY.
/IN APRIL ••...
| FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
| - 6 -
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, HE MANAGED THE HONG KONG TEAM WHICH WENT TO KUALA LUMPUR FOR THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.
MR MCDONALD REMARKED, *IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT YOU CANNOT GET BLOOD FROM A STONE. YOU CAN, HOWEVER, GET IT FROM A STEAD.*
MR STEAD HA8 GIVEN 90-0DD PINTS OF BLOOD ALTOGETHER, 50 IN HONG KONG. HE PIONEERED THE ORGANISATION OF THE REGULAR RED CROSS BLOOD DONATION VISITS TO PWD — THE NUMBER OF DONORS HAS INCREASED FROM A HANDFUL TO EIGHTY OR MORE.
MR MCDONALD, ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN THE PWD, WISHED MR STEAD AND HIS WIFE, AUDREY, A LONG AND HAPPY RETIREMENT.
- - - - 0-----
TEXTILE TALKS SUSPENDED
*****
A NORWEGIAN DELEGATION VISITED HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 7 TO 10, 1980 BUT WERE UNABLE TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS FOR A BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENT WITH HONG KONG.
THE DELEGATION MAS THUS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED NEGOTIATIONS WITH HONG KONG AND HAS RETURNED TO NORWAY FOR INTERNAL CONSULTATIONS.
THE NORWEGIAN DELEGATION HAS, HOWEVER, GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING TO RENEW CONTACT WITH WONG KONG BEFORE ITS GOVERNMENT TAKES A DECISION ON TRADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1981.
SAI KUNG TO HAVE HOLIDAY CASUALTY FACILITIES ******
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE CASUALTY MEDICAL SERVICES DURING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS.
A MEDICAL OFFICER WILL BE POSTED ON CALL DUTY AT SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT CLINIC IN MAN NIN STREET ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO PROVIDE CASUALTY TREATMENT. THE WORKING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE URGED VILLAGERS AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE, WHICH HAS BEEN PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY THE LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEE.
HE SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE SERVICE WOULD BE INCREASINGLY NEEDED AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WERE SPENDING THEIR HOLIDAYS IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK OR AT LOCAL BEACHES.
THE SERVICE WILL START TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND CONTINUE ON A TRIAL BASIS UNTIL JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.
AN AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE AMBULANCE WILL ALSO BE STATIONED AT THE CLINIC FOR EMERGENCY CASES.
-----0------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, I960
7
DISTRICT ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN ENDS ON SUNDAY * * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ANT I-DRUG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A CEREMONY THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 12) TO MARK THE CLOSE CF THE DISTRICT’S ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), W KARL STUMPF, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR CHAN LING-FUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OCCASION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR PETER LEE, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR EDDY CHAN AND ALL THE VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
THERE WILL BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION AND A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING TOP TV ARTISTES AND LOCAL PERFORMERS.
DURING THE MONTH-LONG INTENSIVE CAMPAIGN, WHICH BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, A WIDE RANGE OF INDOOR AS WELL AS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WERE HELD.
EXHIBITIONS, VARIETY SHOWS, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, FILM SHOWS AND TALKS WERE ORGANISED TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE TO MORE THAN 200 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CARITAS, CAINE ROAD, STARTING AT 3 PM.
TOWN HALL FOR SAI KUNG M * * * M
SAI KUNG IS PLANNING TO HAVE ITS OWN TOWN HALL BY THE MID-1980’S, COSTING AN ESTIMATED $9 MILLION.
THE LOCAL DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAS FORMED A SUBCOMMITTEE TO STUDY DESIGNS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE MONEY FOR THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
THE TOWN HALL WILL BE BUILT IN TWO PHASES ON A 4 322 SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR THE CENTRE OF SAI KUNG.
IN PHASE I AN AUDITORIUM, CHANGING ROOMS AND STORAGE ROOMS WILL BE INCLUDED.
WORK ON THIS PHASE IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY 1982, PROVIDED AGREEMENT ON DESIGN CAN BE REACHED SOON.
/PHASE II .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
PHASE II WILL INCLUDE A LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE.
VARIOUS PLANS FOR THE TOWN HALL HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR COMMENTS.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S ARCHITECT HAS COME UP WITH A PROPOSAL TO BASE THE DESIGN OF THE TOWN HALL ON ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE HALL, STANLEY. THIS IS A LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING CAPABLE OF SEATING 1 000 PEOPLE. TODAY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD VISITED ST STEPHEN’S COLLEGE IN ORDER TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE DESIGN OF THE HALL.
A FINAL DECISION ON THE TOWN HALL DESIGN WILL
WHEN ALL VIEWS HAVE BEEN COLLECTED.
BE MADE
LECTURES ON CHINESE FOLK SONGS ft * ft ft
A SERIES OF FIVE LECTURES ON ^INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE FOLK SONGS* WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S MUSIC OFFICE FROM OCTOBER 15 TO NOVEMBER 12.
THE MUSIC LECTURES, TO BE GIVEN BY MUSICIANS MADAM CHOW MAN SHAN AND MR YEUNG YUK KEUNG, WILL BE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLK SONGS IN CHINESE CULTURE- THE ORIGIN, SCOPE AND INFLUENCE OF THESE SONGS, AS WELL AS COMPOSITION, SINGING AND APPRECIATION OF FOLK SONGS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY DURING THE LECTURES TO WATCH RECORDED TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ON FAMOUS CHINESE FOLK SONGS.
THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT THE MUSIC OFFICE’S EAST KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE. YAN HAU MANSION, 2ND FLOOR, 100 TING FU STREET, NGAU TAU KOK, AT 5.30 PM ON WEDNESDAYS.
ADMISSION IS FREE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 3-411328.
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SEMINAR ON TEACHING OF SCIENCE ft ft ft ft ft ft
MPW SCIENCE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO A SEMim oi "ciE«E TEACH!H« TO BE HELD AT THe GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON OCTOBER 25 (SATURDAY).
THE SEMINAR, TO BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM IS ORGANISED BY fHE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THERE WILL BE A GROUP DISCUSSION AFTER TALKS ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF SCIENCE EDUCATION BY SUBJECT OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
/TOPICS FOR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
9
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE CURRICULUM, TEACHING METHOD, PANEL MEETINGS, TEACHING RECORD, TEACHING PLAN, TESTING AND EVALUATION, TEXTBOOKS, LIBRARY SERVICES, VISUAL AIDS, LABORATORY FACILITIES AND SAFETY.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SCIENCE) NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 15.
SCIENCE TEACHERS WITH ABOUT ONE YEAR’S TEACHING EXPERIENCE ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS SEMINAR.
--------------------0------- SEAMEN URGED TO REPORT CHANGE OF ADDRESS ft ft ft ft
HONG KONG SEAMEN SEEKING FUTURE EMPLOYMENT AT SEA ARE URGED, IN THEIR OWN INTEREST, TO NOTIFY THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE CF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR OTHER PARTICULARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT ANY NOTICE OR OTHER DOCUMENT REQUIRED BY THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITMENT OF SEAMEN’S) ORDINANCE TO BE SENT TO OR SERVED ON THEM COULD BE DELIVERED PROMPTLY WITHOUT DELAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DURING A RECENT SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE SRO ON AVAILABILITY OF HONG KONG SEAMEN FOR FUTURE JOBS AT SEA, 5 600 OF THE 61 000 QUESTIONNAIRES SENT TO THEM WERE RETURNED BY THE POST OFFICE DUE TO INCORRECT ADDRESSES.
A SEAMAN WHO FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF ANY NOTICE OR OTHER DOCUMENT SENT TO AN ADDRESS REGISTERED WITH THE SRO MAY BE CONSIDERED AS INACTIVE AND MAY BE DE-REGISTERED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------0-------
CLOSURE OF ROAD IN KWUN TONG ft ft ft ft
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE ACCESS ROAD LINKING SAU MAU PING ROAD AND ANDERSON ROAD HAD BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD REPAIRS.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
-----0------
/'O.....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1980
10
CHEUNG MAM ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT *****
with MAN R0AD FR0M ,TS action
7JTH LOK MAN ROAD IN CHAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO HEAVY VEHICLES MOND A Y^OCTOrfd ,R VNLADEN “EIGHT) FOR TWO MONTHS FROM 10 AM^ON rVfiVAT \vvlvDtn ) s
THE ROAD SECTION WILL BE CLOSED FOR WORK ON A WATER MAIN. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
MORE BUSES PUT ON NT MAXICAB ROUTE 88 * * * *
TWO ADDITIONAL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL RUN ON MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 88 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SHORT JOURNEYS BETWEEN TSI NG Yl FERRY AND CHEUNG CHING ESTATE VIA CHUNG MEI VILLAGE FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 12).
THE FARE IS Si FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DRIER AND CLOUDIER SEPTEMBER ................................. 1
MPS VISIT REFUGEE CAMP ....................................... 2
NEW HEALTH CENTRE FOR KWUN TONG .............................. 3
CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY .................. 4
GRAVE WORSHIPPERS WARNED AGAINST SWINDLERS ................... 5
WORK OF SALVATION ARMY PRAISED ............................... 6
WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR GETS A CLUBHOUSE ............... 7
SHORT COURSES ON CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE ................ 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI ........................... 8
ROAD CLOSURE ................................................. 9
FIRING PRACTICE
9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
1
DRIER AND CLOUDIER SEPTEMBER
* K KX*
SEPTEMBER WAS DRIER AND CLOUDIER THAN USUAL, WITH RAINFALL TOTALLING 211.6 MM WHICH WAS 119.2 MM BELOW AVERAGE, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID IN ITS MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT TODAY (SATURDAY).
THIS BROUGHT THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO 1 600.9 MM — SOME 23 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL. HOWEVER, HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS WERE 66 PER CENT FULL.
TOTAL SUNSHINE AMOUNTED TO 177.9 HOURS WHICH WAS 13.3 HOURS BELOW NORMAL. IN ADDITION, THE MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OF 1 010.2 MILLIBARS AT SEA LEVEL WAS THE SIXTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR SEPTEMBER.
SEVEN TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA BUT NONE CAME VERY CLOSE TO HONG KONG.
TYPHOON ORCHID, ORIGINATING ABOUT 280 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH SOUTHEAST OF GUAM ON SEPTEMBER 4, PASSED OVER KYUSHU ON SEPTEMBER 11, LEAVING AT LEAST SIX PEOPLE DEAD AND CAUSING DAMAGE IN 23 OF THE 47 JAPANESE PROVINCES. IN SOUTH KOREA, SIX PEOPLE DIED, MOSTLY IN LANDSLIPS, AND MORE THAN 100 FISHERMEN WERE MISSING.
TYPHOON RUTH STRUCK HAINAN DAO (HAINAN ISLAND) ON SEPTEMBER 15 AND REACHED THE COAST OF VIETNAM NEAR HANOI ON SEPTEMBER 16.
RUTH WAS THE WORST TYPHOON TO HIT THANH HOA PROVINCE IN
30 YEARS. AT LEAST 106 PEOPLE WERE KILLED OR MISSING AND ABOUT 500 000 PEOPLE WERE MADE HOMELESS. THE TYPHOON DISSIPATED OVER LAOS ON SEPTEMBER 16 EVENING.
TYPHOON PERCY CROSSED THE SOUTHERN TIP OF TAIWAN CLOSE TO HENGCHUN ON SEPTEMBER 18 AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE IN SOUTHERN TAIWAN AND LAN YU WHERE NINE PEOPLE DIED.
THREE OTHER TROPICAL CYCLONES — TYPHOON SPERRY, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM THELMA AND TYPHOON VERNON — MOVED AWAY INTO THE PACIFIC.
THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON THREE DAYS FROM SEPTEMBER 1 AS AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE LINGERED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST.
NEARLY HALF OF THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL FELL ON THE FIRST TWO DAYS. THE HEAVIEST DOWNPOUR OCCURRED FROM 5 TO 6 AM ON SEPTEMBER 1 WHEN 40.2 MM OF RAIN WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
LANDSLIPS WERE REPORTED AT FINDLAY ROAD ON THE PEAK, WONG TAI SIN AND KWUN TONG. TRAFFIC WAS DISRUPTED BY FLOODING IN PARTS OF EASTERN KOWLOON. SERIOUS DAMAGE WAS CAUSED TO VEGETABLE CROPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/IT BECAME......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
- 2 -
IT BECAME SUNNY AND HOT FROM SEPTEMBER 3 TO 9 ALTHOUGH THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 5 AND 7. THE MONTH’S HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 32.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 8. •-IT WAS FINE AND DRY ON SEPTEMBER 11 TO 13.
WHILE TYPHOON RUTH WAS CENTRED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA THERE WERE STRONG EASTERLY WINDS ON SEPTEMBER 13 TO 14. FREQUENT SHOWERS OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 14 AND PERSISTED THE FOLLOWING MORNING. WEATHER IMPROVED AND WINDS MODERATED AS RUTH CROSSED HAINAN DAO ON SEPTEMBER 15.
WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY AGAIN ON SEPTEMBER 16 AS THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE INTENSIFIED. THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND DRY ON SEPTEMBER 17 TO 18, BUT AS TYPHOON PERCY APPROACHED FROM THE EAST, NORTHERLY WINDS FRESHENED ON SEPTEMBER 18. WINDS ABATED THE NEXT DAY AS PERCY DISSIPATED OVERLAND NEAR SHANTOU (SWATOW).
AN UPPER-AIR DISTURBANCE SOUTH OF HONG KONG BROUGHT THUNDERSTORMS ON SEPTEMBER 22 TO 23 FOLLOWED BY SOME OVERNIGHT SHOWERS ON SEPTEMBER 24.
THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 23 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON SEPTEMBER 27.
TYPHOON RUTH CAUSED SIGNAL NO. 1 TO BE HOISTED AT 10 PM ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND REPLACED BY SIGNAL NO. 3 AT 5.15 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY. ALL SIGNALS WERE LOWERED AT 6.30 AM ON SEPTEMBER 15.
TYPHOON PERCY ALSO CAUSED SIGNAL NO. 1 TO BE HOISTED AT 9.15 AM ON SEPTEMBER 18 AND REPLACED BY SIGNAL NO. 3 AT NOON. THE SIGNAL WAS LOWERED AT 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
DURING THE MONTH TWO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO THUNDERSTORMS ON SEPTEMBER 2.
THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON NINE DAYS DURING THE MONTH.
THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED FIVE TIMES WHILE THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON FIVE SEPARATE DAYS DURING THE MONTH.
— ------o--------—
MPS VISIT REFUGEE CAMP
* * * *
TWO VISITING CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR JOHN WAKEHAM AND MR TIMOTHY SAINSBURY, TODAY (SATURDAY), VISITED THE KAI TAK EAST TRANSIT CAMP TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES CONDITIONS IN A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CAMP.
ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR WIVES, THE TWO MPS WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY MISS DOROTHY LEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CARITAS, AND MR CHENG PUCK-FONG, THE CAMP MANAGER. THEY SPENT ABOUT HALF AN HOUR INSPECTING VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING A CLINIC AND A NURSERY.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE CAMP BY MISS LEE AND MR CHENG.
/NOTE TO .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
- 3 -
NOTE TO EDITORS*
MR WAKEHAM AND MR SAINSBURY, WILL MEET THE PRESS IN THE GIS THEATRE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 13) AT 10.30 AM BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG LATER IN THE DAY.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE. TV CAMERA CREWS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE EARLY TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
------0-------
NEW HEALTH CENTRE FOR KWUN TONG * * X *
A NEW HEALTH CLINIC WILL SOON BE BUILT IN KWUN TONG TO PROVIDE MORE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
THE CLINIC, KNOWN AS YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE, WILL CONSIST OF A FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE, CHEST CLINIC, SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINIC, HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRE, GERIATRIC AND PSYCHIATRIC DAY CENTRES, A PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY, A RADIODIAGNOSTIC UNIT, AS WELL AS PHYSIOTHERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PHARMACY UNITS.
AN ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, A STAFF CANTEEN, KITCHEN, STAFF CHANGING ROOMS AND PARKING SPACES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW CLINIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CLINIC WOULD BE BUILT ON A 5 200-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT CHA KWO LING ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH YAU SHING STREET.
+THE PROJECT WILL BE DEVELOPED IN TWO STAGES,* HE SAID, +STAGE ONE COMPRISES A SEVEN-STOREY MAIN BUILDING AND A SINGLE STOREY LOW BLOCK, THE TOTAL COST OF WHICH WAS CONTRIBUTED BY YUNG FUNG SHEE MEMORIAL CENTRE CHARITY TRUST FUND.
+WORK ON STAGE TWO WILL INVOLVE THE BUILDING OF TWO ADDITIONAL FLOORS FOR A POLYCLINIC ON TOP OF THE LOW BLOCK.* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER FOR COUPLET 10.'! IK 12 MONTHS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PWD ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.
-------0----------
A
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
4
CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY
*****
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 17) IS ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 13 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY. ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE OF THE DAILY EARNINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE WAS REQUIRED TO WORK ON THE HOLIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WAS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WAS TO BE GIVEN AFTER STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY COULD BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY, HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS COULD BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 12-422096- TUEN MUN 12-818443 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.
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/5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
5
GRAVE WORSHIPPERS WARNED AGAINST SWINDLERS K O * * K
GRAVE WORSHIPPERS GOING TO PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ARE ADVISED TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST SWINDLERS SOLICITING EXORBITANT CHARGES FOR EXHUMING HUMAN REMAINS.
IN MAKING THE WARNING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAIDt *N0 SERVICES FOR EXHUMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS ARE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC.
♦NO STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ARE ALLOWED TO CARRY OUT SUCH SERVICES AND IT IS ALSO A CRIMINAL OFFENCE FOR A GOVERNMENT SERVANT TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT ANY ADVANTAGE.
♦APART FROM THAT, NO CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO OPERATE A PAID SERVICE FOR ANY PRIVATE EXHUMATION IN ALL PUBLIC CEMETERIES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE RECALLED THAT A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED EARLY THIS YEAR AGAINST RACKETEERS POSING AS STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OFFERING THE SERVICE AT AN UNREASONABLY HIGH FEE.
ON THE EXHUMATION OF HUMAN REMAINS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE HAD EARLIER ANNOUNCED THAT THE REMAINS OF THOSE INTERRED IN PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN 1973 ARE DUE FOR REMOVAL THIS YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN ARRANGE, THROUGH A FUNERAL PARLOUR OR UNDERTAKER, TO HAVE THE REMAINS OF THEIR ANCESTORS EXHUMED AND EITHER CREMATED OR REBURIED IN AN URN GRAVE IN THE WO HOP SHEK, SANDY RIDGE AND CHEUNG CHAU CEMETERIES.
AN EXHUMATION PERMIT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE AT NO. 6, CHEONG HANG ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED GRAVE VISITORS TO HELP PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAK IN CEMETERIES.
A TOTAL OF 145 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY GRAVE WORSHIPPERS OVER A THREE-DAY PERIOD DURING THE LAST CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
- 6 -
WORK OF SALVATION ARMY PRAISED
* * * *
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES OWED A SPECIAL DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THE SALVATION ARMY.
MR CHUI WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE COMMENCEMENT OF SALVATION ARMY WORK IN TUEN MUN.
♦ GOVERNMENT PLANS AIM AT MEETING BASIC NEEDS IN TERMS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES SUCH AS WATER, ELECTRICITY, ROADS, SCHOOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES,♦ HE SAID.
♦ IT ALSO AIMS TO BUILD UP A SENSE OF BELONGING WITHIN EACH COMMUNITY SO THAT IN TIME PEOPLE WILL FEEL PROUD TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY IN AND BE PART OF THAT COMMUNITY.
♦ IN THIS CONNECTION, WE ARE PARTICULARLY APPRECIATIVE OF THE WORK DONE THROUGH SALVATION ARMY CENTRES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SUCH AS KWAI CHUNG, LAI KING, TAI WO HAU AND NOW IN TUEN MUN.+
MR CHUI SAID. NOT ONLY DID THE SALVATION ARMY RENDER USEFUL COMMUNITY SERVICES IN HELPING THE AGED. THE YOUNG, THE POOR AS WELL AS THE HANDICAPPED, IT ALSO PROVIDED SPIRITUAL SOLACE AND CARE TO THOSE IN NEED.
HE SAID: +THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE, AND WILL BE, RECEIVING NEW RESIDENTS EVERYDAY: ADULTS WHO NEED TO ADJUST THEMSELVES TO A NEW ENVIRONMENT, MIX WITH NEW NEIGHBOURS, SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO NEW SCHOOLS AND TRAVEL A NEW ROUTE IN GETTING TO WORK* AND CHILDREN WHO MUST GET USED TO NEW FRIENDS, NEW TEACHERS, NEW TOYS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
♦ THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN ALL THE HELP AVAILABLE TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO HAPPILY,* HE SAID.
♦ NOT LONG AGO, I LEARNED OF THE VARIOUS PROJECTS PLANNED BY THE SALVATION ARMY THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THE FACT THAT THESE HAVE MATERIALISED SO QUICKLY IN THE NEW TOWN OF TUEN MUN, WITH A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A NURSERY AND A WORSHIP CENTRE, ATTESTS TO THE DEDICATION OF THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS IN HDNG KONG AND THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF THOSE IN COMMAND.
♦ I AM SURE THAT IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE WE WILL SEE MORE PROJECTS UNDER THE ’BLOOD AND FIRES’ EMBLEM.♦
TODAY’S CEREMONY, IN WHICH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR K.W.J. TOPLEY, AND THE SALVATION ARMY’S INTERNATIONAL LEADER, GENERAL ARNOLD BROWN, TOOK PART, WAS HELD AT LAU NG YING PRIMARY SCHOOL, TUEN MUN.
THE SALVATION ARMY IS ALSO CELEBRATING THIS YEAR THE 5QTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMENCEMENT Or ITS WORK IN HONG KONG.
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/7
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
7
WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR GETS A CLUBHOUSE *****
IT IS A WRONG BELIEF BY SOME PARENTS THAT LEARNING MUSIC IS A LUXURY FOR CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR LEE SAID IT WAS A BIASED VIEW TOO THAT CHILDREN LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE TOO VIVACIOUS TO ASPIRE IN MUSIC.
HE POINTED OUT THE FRUITFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, FORMED SEVEN YEARS AGO, WAS A TESTIMONY AGAINST THESE MISCONCEPTIONS.
MR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE CHOIR’S CLUBHOUSE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
HE SAID THE CHOIR, THE FIRST FOR AN URBAN DISTRICT, HAD BEEN PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO DEVELOP INTEREST IN MUSIC AS AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY.
MOST OF THE CHOIR MEMBERS ARE STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND NINE FROM PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN WONG TAI SIN.
THEY UNDERGO REGULAR TRAINING IN GROUPS OF SINGING AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
THE CLUBHOUSE HAS BEEN ACQUIRED FOR THE CHOIR BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND DECORATED WITH A DONATION OF $50 000 FROM THE CHOIR’S HONORARY PRESIDENT, MR MERVYN LAW.
- - 0 - -
SHORT COURSES ON CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE * * * *
SHORT COURSES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CHINESE CLASSICS AND CULTURE WILL BE HELD IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR BY THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION.
♦ THE COURSES, WHICH WILL BE OF 48 HOURS’ DURATION, WILL BE HELD AT EITHER QUEEN’S COLLEGE ON HONG KONG ISLAND OR GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE MAINLY CANTONESE, AND TOPICS WILL INCLUDE TRANSLATION, CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING, CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, MANDARIN, CHINESE LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY, AND CHINESE MEDICINE.
ATTENDANCE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ONE EVENING A WEEK FROM 7.15 PM TO 9.15 PM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FEES FOR EACH COURSE WILL BE S100, HE ADDED.
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSES EACH STUDENT WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE ISSUED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION.
/APPLICATION FORKS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
8
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROMi
(I) ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4/F., 1, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
(II) GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION 42, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
(Ill) EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6/F., 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
(IV) EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS, 3/F., HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT CERTIFICATES AND A CROSSED CHEQUE PAYABLE TO +HONG KONG GOVERNMENT+ SHOULD --------------------------------- EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MA TAU KOK KOK ROAD, KOWLOON, ON OR BEFORE
REACH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 MA TAU OCTOBER 24.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-O3OO85.
TO MR Y.C. WONG OF THE ADULT
------0-------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI * * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN YAU MA TEI FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 14) WITH THE RE-OPENING OF SHANGHAI STREET AS A THROUGH ROUTE.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG SHANGHAI STREET WHICH NOW HAS TO TURN LEFT INTO WING SING LANE OR WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED SOUTHWARDS.
PUBLIC SQUARE STREET BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE RESERVED FOR FRANCHISED BUSES BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM DAILY.
ALSO FROM TUESDAY KMB ROUTE NOS 70 AND 70A ON JOURNEYS TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY WILL PROCEED ALONG WATERLOO ROAD WESTBOUND AND TURN LEFT TO SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND. ROUTE NOS 2E, 12, 30 AND 36B ON SOUTHBOUND JOURNEYS WILL NO LONGER OPERATE VIA DUNDAS STREET, NATHAN ROAD AND PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, BUT WILL PROCEED SOUTHBOUND ALONG SHANGHAI STREET TO JORDAN ROAD.
/9
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1980
ROAD CLOSURE
* *
A SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN THE ROUNDABOUT AT STUBBS ROAD AND ITS JUNCTION WITH BLUE POOL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THE POSITIONING OF BRIDGE BEAMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD/STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY (OCTOBER 14-16).
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
IN KOWLOON, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE ACCESS ROAD LINKING SAU MAU PING ROAD AND ANDERSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
BARRIERS HAVE BEEN SET UP TO INDICATE THE ROAD CLOSURE.
----0------
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 14 AND 15) NEXT WEEK.
IT WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 11 PM ON TUESDAY AND BETWEEN 8 AM AND 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES.
-------o - - - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD REPLACED................. 1
HIGHER PAYMENT RATES FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ......... 2
HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN MELBOURNE FAIR................. 3
EIGHT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS PLANNED FOR THE DISABLED........ 4
GUANGDONG TRADE MISSION LEAVES TOMORROW ................... 5
PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO REGISTER FOR ALLOCATION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ............................ 5
SNT WALKS FOR A GOOD CAUSE................................. 6
CLEANER EMISSION FROM INCINERATORS ........................ 7
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR YUEN LONG ....................... 8
FIFTH NT SWIMMING GALA HELD ............................... 8
PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY TO TAI 0.................. 9
WATER CUT
10
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
1
TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD REPLACED ******
TWO SPECIALIST ADVISORY BOARDS, REPLACING THE FORMER TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD, HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD (TAB), WILL MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME TOMORROW (OCTOBER 13), AND THE INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD (IAB) FIRST MET ON SEPTEMBER 29.
THE RANGE AND DIVERSE NATURE OF THE ISSUES ON WHICH ADVICE HAS BEEN SOUGHT FROM THE TIAB IN RECENT YEARS, TOGETHER WITH THE SIZE AND VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND EXPERTISE REPRESENTED IN ITS MEMBERSHIP, UNDERLINED THE NEED FOR A RESTRUCTURING OF THE TIAB.
THE TAB, WHICH IS TO MEET MONTHLY, WILL ADVISE THE DIRECTOR CF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ON MATTERS AFFECTING HONG KONG’S TRADE, OTHER THAN IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS. MATTERS CONCERNING TRADE IN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
APPOINTMENTS TO THE TAB HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNOR FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. THE MEMBERS ARE i THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON D.K. NEWBIGGING, THE HON ALLEN LEE, MR L. DUNNING, MR D.R.Y. BLUCK, MR JOHN L. BOYER, MR I.R.A. MACCALLUM, WILLIAM K.P. CHAN, DR VICTOR FUNG, MR DANIEL KOO, MR K.B. RATHI, MR A.W. WERNAS, MR T.F. YING AND MR EDMUND K.S. YOUNG.
THE IAB, WHICH EXPECTS TO MEET EVERY TWO MONTHS OR MORE FREQUENTLY AS MAY BE NECESSARY, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING RECENTLY. THE BOARD ADVISES THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ON INDUSTRIAL MATTERS, OTHER THAN LABOUR AND THOSE FALLING WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AND THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB).
THE IDB IS BEING ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE IAB COMPRISES BOTH EX-OFFICIO AND AD PERSONAM APPOINTMENTS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR FOR A ONE-YEAR PERIOD. THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS COMPRISE EITHER THE CHAIRMAN OR PRESIDENT, OR A SENIOR NON-EXECUTIVE MEMBER OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD FOR THE FIRST YEAR IS i THE HON Li FOOK-WO, THE HON ALEX WU SHU-CHIH, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, MR J.L. MARDEN, MR C.K. CHOW, MR DENNIS TING HOK-SHOU, MR MICHAEL K. BROWN, MR DAVID C. DASILVA, MR NGA I SHIU-KIT, MR S.J. OSMOND, MR HARRY PONG, MR HENRY C. RICHARDS AND MR H.C. TANG.
/THE IAB .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
- 2 -
THE I AB, HAVING REGARD TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION (ACD) THAT INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SHOULD BE BETTER ORGANISED AND PURSUED, DECIDED AT ITS FIRST MEETING TO SET UP AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY, TO HANDLE THE DETAILED PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION OF THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES BY THE TICD AND OTHER HONG KONG ORGANISATIONS. THIS SPECIALIST STANDING COMMITTEE IS CALLED THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION COMMITTEE (IPC).
MEMBERSHIP OF THE I PC WILL COMPRISE THE SENIOR EXECUTIVES CF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS THE I AB MAY WISH TO CO-OPT.
THE GOVERNMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION (ACD) THAT THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN CENTRAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEVELOPING OVERALL PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY AND FOR CO-ORDINATING SUCH ACTIVITIES.
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HIGHER PAYMENT RATES FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
******
VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRING THIS MONTH WILL GET 15 PER CENT MORE IN CASH RELIEF UNDER THE +NO FAULT+ TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME (TAVAS).
THIS FOLLOWS A SIMILAR INCREASE IN THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE OF THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND TO WHICH TAVAS PAYMENTS ARE LINKED.
MRS DIANA LEE, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TAVAS SECTION, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE NEW RATE OF BURIAL GRANT IS $1 600 A PERSON.
FOR THE,LOSS OF A SOLE WAGE-EARNER, THE MAXIMUM DEATH GRANT IS NOW |23 000, AND FOR THE LOSS OF HUSBAND OR WIFE WHO IS NOT A WAGE-EAR'NER BUT* I TH CHILDREN, IT IS $16 200, SHE SAID.
THE RATES FOR INJURY GRANTS ARE $160 UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $4 960 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF INJURY, SHE ADDED.
ACCORDING TO MRS LEE, MORE THAN $19.1 MILLION HAVE BEEN PAID OUT SO FAR UNDER THE SCHEME WHICH WAS IMPLEMENTED IN MAY LAST YEAR.
ANOTHER $412 279 HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT TO 106 CASES AND NOW AWAIT COLLECTION AT THE DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID.
/+GRANTS ALREADY......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
- 3 -
♦GRANTS ALREADY MADE WERE PAID TO 470 CASES INVOLVING DEATH, AND TO 4 714 CASES INVOLVING INJURIES WHICH HAVE CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY,* SHE SAID.
MRS LEE SAID PAYMENTS AMOUNTED TO $3.4 MILLION FOR FATAL CASES, AND $15.8 MILLION FOR INJURY CASES, OF WHICH $3.5 MILLION WERE FOR FURTHER PAYMENTS TO THOSE WHO REQUIRED EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.
THE HIGHEST PAYMENT SO FAR IS $25 040 IN ONE FATAL CASE, WHILE OTHER PAYMENTS RANGED FROM $800 TO $21 100, SHE SAID.
AT PRESENT, 326 OTHER APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS SOON, SHE ADDED.
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS NON-MEANS TESTED, PROVIDES QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
PEOPLE INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAN APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT AT THE TAVAS SECTION ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE AT 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL NOS. 5-779421 AND 5-79O365O).
- - 0 ---------
HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN MELBOURNE FAIR
* * M *
THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION STAND AT THE 2ND AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES EXCHANGE FAIR (TRX ’80) - BEING HELD IN MELBOURNE FROM OCTOBER 14 TO 17 - WILL OFFER FACILITIES FOR POTENTIAL AUSTRALIAN INVESTORS IN HONG KONG.
THE PRIMARY AIM OF HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE FAIR IS TO ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS INVOLVEMENT IN HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF DIRECT INVESTMENT OR THE TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY THROUGH LICENSING, SUB-CONTRACTING AND JOINT VENTURES.
THE HONG KONG STAND AT TRX ’80, RUN BY THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT (TICD) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE (HKPC), WILL HAVE THE LATEST INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, PLUS ADVICE AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS AND TECHNOLOGY VENDORS.
LEADING THE MISSION FOR THE HKPC IS ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DR JOHN WRIGHT, AND FOR THE TICD IS ITS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MR C.L. CHU. MR CHU WILL BE PRESENT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THOSE INTERESTED IN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
♦WE HOPE TO COME BACK FROM THIS FAIR WITH CONTACTS AND PROPOSALS THAT WILL OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG TO DIVERSIFY OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY,+ SAID MR CHU.
/THE TICD'S .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 198O
- 4 -
THE TICD’S ROLE IN THE MISSION IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON ALL STATUTORY AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS IN SETTING UP A MANUFACTURING PROJECT IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS ON OUR INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT.
THE HKPC WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND INFORMATIONINDUSTRIAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES- COMPUTER SERVICES- ECONOMIC ANALYSIS- AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER SERVICES, INCLUDING FEASIBILITY, MARKET AND INDUSTRY STUDIES. IT WILL ALSO BE OFFERING CONTACTS WITH HONG KONG PARTNERS IN THE TRANSFER PROCESS AS WELL AS IN LOCAL RECRUITMENT.
EIGHT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS PLANNED FOR THE DISABLED
* ft * *
MORE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE A USEFUL WORKING LIFE IN A SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT AS PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE ANOTHER EIGHT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS CO-ORDINATING PLANS FOR FIVE NEW SHELTERED WORKSHOPS TO BE RUN BY ITSELF AND THREE BY THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
THE NEW WORKSHOPS WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 1 010 PLACES FOR DISABLED PERSONS WHO ARE NOT READY TO GO INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT OPERATES SEVEN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUN NINE, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 1 358 PLACES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE PLANS WERE TO MEET AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR WORKSHOP PLACES OFFERING THE DISABLED PRODUCTIVE AND REMUNERATIVE JOBS IN A SHELTERED ENVIRONMENT.
HE SAID SHELTERED WORKERS WERE PRIMARILY ENGAGED IN ASSEMBLING WORK WHICH COULD BE PART-FINISHED, LABOUR-ADDED OR PACKING UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF TRADE INSTRUCTORS.
MATERIALS AND JOB ORDERS ARE SUPPLIED BY FIRMS AND MANUFACTURERS, HE SAID.
SHELTERED WORKERS INCLUDE MENTALLY RETARDED, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, EX-MENTALLY ILL, BLIND OR MULT I-HAND I CAPPED PERSONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY WERE ASSIGNED TO DIFFERENT WORKSHOP CLASSES ON HANDICRAFT, MACHINE-SEWING OR METAL WORK, ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITIES AND COULD EARN AS MUCH AS $700 A MONTH ON A PIECE-RATE BASIS.
♦IN ADDITION TO WAGES, SHELTERED WORKERS ARE GIVEN INCENTIVE PAYMENTS, FREE LUNCH AND REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVELLING EXPENSES,+ HE ADDED.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND OR WHO HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, SPECIAL BUS SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO TAKE THEM TO AND FROM WORK EVERY DAY.
AS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOP STAFF REGULARLY ORGANISE PICNICS, BARBECUES AND TEA PARTIES.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
5
NOTE TO EDITORS:
GUANGDONG TRADE MISSION LEAVES TOMORROW
******
THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION FROM GUANGDONG PROVINCE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG BY THROUGH TRAIN AT 1 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE MISSION, LED BY MR FENG XUEYAN, DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG FOREIGN TRADE BUREAU WILL BE SEEN OFF AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION BY SIR Y.K. KAN.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER THEIR DEPARTURE. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE ENQUIRY COUNTER, KOWLOON STATION, HUNG HOM AT 12 NOON. THEY SHOULD CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR PASSPORTS TO FACILITATE ENTRY INTO THE RESTRICTED AREA. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - 0
PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO REGISTER FOR ALLOCATION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS AGAIN INVITED ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW SYSTEM OF ALLOCATION OF JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN 1982 FOR THEIR CURRENT PRIMARY 5 PUPILS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS SENT CIRCULARS TO ALL SCHOOLS REMINDING THEM OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM PARENTS IF THEY CHOSE NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME.
THE CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22. THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1976 TO REPLACE THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION IN 1978.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PRIMARY 6 LEAVERS OF A PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A THREE-YEAR FREE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE, AND WOULD HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF CHOOSING THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOL BUT NOT SO FOR NON-PARTICI PANTS.
■•■SCHOOLS NOT TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME SHOULD CLEARLY INFORM PARENTS OF THE CONSEQUENCE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT COULD HELP TO ARRANGE PLACES FOR PUPILS CURRENTLY STUDYING IN PRIMARY 5 OF NON-PARTICI PAT I NG SCHOOLS INTO CTHER PART IC I PAT I NG SCHOOLS AT PARENTS’ REQUEST.
/EXPLAINING THL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
6
EXPLAINING THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A PRIMARY 6 PUPIL’S CHANCES OF BEING ALLOCATED A SECONDARY SCHOOL OF HIS CHOICE DEPEND ON THE SCHOOL’S INTERNAL ASSESSMENT AT THE END OF HIS PRIMARY 5 YEAR AND AT THE END OF THE FIRST AND TOWARDS THE END OF THE SECOND TERM OF HIS PRIMARY 6 YEAR ON ALL SUBJECTS, EXCEPT PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN ALL SCHOOLS AND BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE IN SOME SCHOOLS.
TO ENSURE FAIRNESS, PUPILS OF ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAVE TO SIT THE DEPARTMENT’S ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST, RESULTS OF WHICH WILL BE USED TO SCALE AND CONVERT INTERNAL ASSESSMENT INTO AN OVERALL ORDER OF MERIT.
♦THE ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST IS NECESSARY AS DIFFERENT SCHOOLS MAY HAVE DIFFERENT CURRICULUM AND THE STANDARD OF MARKING OR ASSESSMENT MAY VARY.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE SCHEME THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG IS DIVIDED INTO 24 ♦SCHOOL NETS+ BASED ON THE LOCATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
IN EACH NET IS A COMPARABLE MIX OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, AIDED SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, AND PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SECONDARY GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, HOWEVER, ARE NOT LIMITED TO PARTICULAR NETS.
EACH PRIMARY 6 PUPIL HAS A CHOICE OF UP TO 30 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITHIN HIS NET.
ALL THE PUPILS LISTED IN THE ORDER OF MERIT ARE THEN GROUPED INTO FIVE BANDS AND FED INTO A COMPUTER FOR ALLOCATION OF A PLACE IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL BASED ON PARENTAL CHOICE.
-----0-----
SNT WALKS FOR A GOOD CAUSE * ft ft ft *
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING JOINED A CELEBRITY WALK AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
THE EVENT - 'WALK FOR A GOOD CAUSE’ - WAS PART OP A FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION.
MONEY RAISED IN THE EVENT WILL GO TOWARDS FUNDING THE GIRL GUIDES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING AND ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES.
A TOTAL OF 24 TEAMS OF CELEBRITIES CONSISTING OF 243 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THIS MORNING’S WALK.
MR AKERS-JONES WAS LEADER OF THE ’YAT KIT’ TEAM CONSISTING OF MRS VERONICA CHA, MR PETER PUN, MISS ElEANOR WONG, MR BOB LOCKING, MRS IVY WU, MR SIMON AKERS-JONES, MRS BARBARA RUST, MADAM LEUNG SING-TAK AND MR LAM KlN-MING.
■VALK
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 19SO
- 7 -
THE WALK TOOK THE FORM OF A RELAY ROUND THE STADIUM’S RUNNING TRACK, EACH TEAM MEMBER WALKING 400 METRES.
MORE THAN 10 000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE EVENT WHICH INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY THE JOINT SERVICE PARACHUTE CENTRE, THE POLICE BAND AND CHINESE DANCERS.
-------0 - - - -
CLEANER EMISSION FROM INCINERATORS * * ft ft
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO INSTALL TWO ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK WILL BE INVITED NEXT FEBRUARY FROM PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THESE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS AT THE PLANT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR PWD SAID THAT THE WOULD REMOVE MOST OF THE DUST FROM THE TO THE ATMOSPHERE.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, EMISSION FROM AND THE ENVIRONMENT FURTHER PROTECTED.
HIGH EFFICIENCY EQUIPMENT FLUE GAS PRIOR TO DISCHARGE
THE CHIMNEY WOULD BE CLEAN
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A NOTICE INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM APPROPRIATE CONTRACTORS FOR INCLUSION IN THE PREQUALIFICATION LIST WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST FRIDAY (OCTOBER 10).
ONLY CONTRACTORS OR EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THESE EQUIPMENT WILL BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIST OF PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTORS.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON REQUIREMENTS FOR PREQUALIFICATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF THE NEW EQUIPMENT WOULD START IN 1982 AND BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1983.
THE PROJECT WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PWD.
- - 0 - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
8
SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR YUEN LONG ******
A MULT I-MILL I ON-DOLLAR SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND GARDEN WILL SOON BE BUILT ON A 2.3-HECTARE SITE TO THE SOUTH OF THE YUEN LONG STADIUM IN YUEN LONG.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR PWD SAID THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WOULD BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1982.
HE SAID THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WOULD HAVE A MAIN POOL, A SECONDARY POOL, A TEACHING POOL, A DIVING POOL, A PADDLING POOL, AND A SPECTATOR STAND.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, A LIGHT REFRESHMENT CAFE AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.
THE GARDEN, WHICH IS TO BE BUILT TO THE NORTH OF THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, WILL INCLUDE A PLANTING AND SITTING-OUT AREA, A SHALLOW POOL AND A FOUNTAIN.
IN ADDITION, A TEMPORARY RECREATION GROUND WITH TWO BASKETBALL COURTS AND A SMALL REST GARDEN WILL BE ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE COMPLEX.
------0 ------
FIFTH NT SWIMMING GALA HELD *****
PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS ARE A MAJOR PART OF GOVERNMENT’S PLAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DEPUTY NEW TERRITORIES SECRETARY, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR CHUI WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIFTH NEW TERRITORIES SWIMMING GALA HELD AT KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL.
SOME BASIC REQUIREMENTS WERE NEEDED IN ACHIEVING THIS, HE SAID.
FIRST, MORE SPORTS GROUNDS SHOULD BE PROVIDED. GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN PRIORITY TO PLANS FOR BUILDING ADDITIONAL SPORTS FACILITIES WHICH IT WAS BELIEVED WOULD BE GREATLY INCREASED IN THE COMING FEW YEARS. SWIMMING POOLS, IN PARTICULAR, WOULD BE BUILT IN MANY PARTS OF HONG KONG.
♦AQUATIC SPORTS FACILITIES WILL BE ADEQUATE IN FUTURE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE POPULATION DENSITY OF HONG KONG,* MR CHUI SAID.
SECOND, ACTIVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION BY OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED.
went? .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, ’98c
9
THIS WOULD CREATE NO DIFFICULTY AS YOUNG PEOPLE ACCOUNTED FOR A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION, HE SAID.
MOREOVER, SUSTAINED EFFORTS BY GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST HAD PRODUCED MANY FINE SPORTSMEN AND STIMULATED WIDESPREAD INTEREST IN SPORT AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
THEREFORE, ALTHOUGH INCREASED SPORTS FACILITIES HAD BEEN BUIL", THEY STILL FELL SHORT Oc DEMAND.
third, mr chui went on, a comprehensive expansion plan and
ORGANISATION WERE REQUIRED TO PROMOTE SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE FORMED A FEW YEARS AGO HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ASPECT.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SERVICE WAS RA°IDLY RISING.
THE SERVICE HAD ALSO RECEIVED ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ATHLETES AND COMMUNITY LEADERS. THIS, COUPLED WITH EFFORTS 'N TRAINING AND ORGANISATION HAD ACHIEVED REMARKABLE RESULTS, MR CHUI SAID.
MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN TODAY’S GALA WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND 'HE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS’ SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE RACES WERE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS AND INCLUDED PARTICIPANTS FROM THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DISTPICTS.
-----0------
PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY TO TAI 0 * * *
MORE PRESH WATER WILL BE AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS AT TAI 0 ON LANTAU ON COMPLETION OF A WATERWORK PROJECT NEXT YEAR.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF A 200MM DIAMETER WATERMAIN AT SHEK PIK DAM AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PRESSURE ’ANKS AT KEUNG SHAN AND Yl 0.
ON COMPLETION, IT WILL INCREASE THE DAILY CAPACITY OF TREATED FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TA I 0 FROM 910 CUBIC METRES TC 1 A60 CUBIC "■E^RES.
WORK WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TZ COMPLETE.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1980
WATER CUT * * *
rRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS rROM MIDNIGHT ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KIU KIANG STREET, SHUN NING ROAD, PRATAS STREET UN ^AU ’0NKIN STREET, FUK WING STREET, CASTLE PEAK ROAD,
CAM® STREET AND BLOCKS NO. A, B AND C LEI CHENG UK ESTATE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SIR MURRAY TO VISIT GUANGDONG ............................... 1
GUANGDONG TRADE DELEGATION ENDS WEEK-LONG VISIT......... 1
CHILD HEALTH CENTRES PLANNED FOR KV/UN TONG ................. 1
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS OPENED TO STUDENTS .................. 2
HANDICAPPED IN TSUEN WAN ENCOURAGED TO PLAY SPORT....... 3
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR NEW YORK VISIT .......................... 4
BETTER FACILITIES AT TAI PO PLAYGROUND....................... 4
SOMERSET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION ................................ 4
HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS ........................................ 5
NAM CHEONG STREET TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................... 5
WATER CUT
6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1933
- 1 -
SIR MURRAY TO VISIT GUANGDONG
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT GUANGDONG FROM OCTOBER 19 TO 21. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, AND THE POLITICAL ADVISER, DR DAVID WILSON.
IN GUANGZHOU, SIR MURRAY WILL HOLD DISCUSSIONS ON THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND ON DEVELOPING ECONOMIC RELATIONS
0 - - -
GUANGDONG TRADE DELEGATION ENDS WEEK-LONG VISIT ******
THE ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION FROM GUANGDONG RETURNED TO GUANGZHOU TODAY AFTER A WEEK’S VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF SIR Y.K. KAN.
WHILE IN HONG KONG THE DELEGATION, LED BY MR FENG XUEYAN, DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG FOREIGN TRADE BUREAU, HELD A NUMBER OF DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. THEY ALSO VISITED FACTORIES, TRADE EXHIBITIONS, INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AND A MARKET.
THERE HAD BEEN A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, AND AS A RESULT OF THE VISIT, FIRM CONTACTS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH GUANGDONG OFF ICIALS.
------o-------
CHILD HEALTH CENTRES PLANNED FOR KWUN TONG *****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP THREE MORE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES IN KWUN TONG IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS TO BOOST FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE NEW FACILITIES, TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT NGAU TAU KOK, LAM TIN AND CHA KWO LING, WILL SUPPLEMENT THE SERVICE PROVIDED AT THE EXISTING CENTRES IN KWUN TONG AND YAU TONG.
THESE IMPROVEMENTS WERE DISCLOSED BY DR PATRICK WONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AT THE OPENING OF THE +HEALTHY NEW GENERATION+ EXHIBITION THIS AFTERNOON.
DR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN GREAT IMPROVEMENT IN THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN, WITH THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE DROPPING DRASTICALLY FROM 73.6 TO 13.3 PER 1 003 LIVE BIRTHS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS.
/THIS IS .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 1980
2
THIS IS PARTLY BECAUSE MANY PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMMES IN RECENT YEARS ARE BEING REALISED, HE EXPLAINED. THERE WAS THE INTEGRATION OF FAMILY PLANNING INTO THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE, INTRODUCTION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SCHEME, ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, IN ADDITION TO THE VARIOUS HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION CAMPAIGNS.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION, AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, WAS MR DAVID TSUI, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KWUN TONG).
MR TSUI TOLD GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THAT THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BOTH HAD OBLIGATIONS AND WERE COMMITTED TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT OF KWUN TONG SO THAT A WHOLESOME COMMUNITY COULD FLOURISH.
♦ IN DOING SO, WE ARE DIRECTLY SAFEGUARDING THE INTERESTS CF THE NEW GENERATION,+ HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION IS A STEP TOWARDS THIS GOAL BY MEANS OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON MATERNAL AND CHILD CARE, HE ADDED.
APART FROM STATIC DISPLAYS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, THE EXHIBITION FEATURES EDUCATIONAL MOVIES AND SLIDE SHOWS. VISITORS ALSO RECEIVE FREE EDUCATIONAL PAMPHLETS.
SPECIAL BOOTHS PROVIDE SCREENING TESTS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE AND NURSES ANSWER QUERIES FROM VISITORS ON HEALTH CARE.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL THURSDAY (OCTOBER 16) BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM DAILY.
------0-------
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS OPENED TO STUDENTS
*****
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMP-SITES ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS OR, IF THEY PREFER, DURING WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
♦THESE CAMPS WILL GIVE THEM THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THE OPEN AND ENABLE SCHOOLS TO SUPPLEMENT CLASSROOM THEORY WITH FIELDWORK,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOUR SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL PROVIDE PREMISES AS CAMP-SITES DURING WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
THEY ARE TUNG CHUNG PUBLIC SCHOOL ON LANTAU, KI AO LO WAN FISHERMEN’S SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG NORTH, TAI MEI TUK PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TAI PO, AND PUI CHOI SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG.
EACH SITE CAN ACCOMMODATE 30 CAMPERS, WHO ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE AND COOK THEIR OWN MEALS.
/+SIX DOUBLE-SKATER ..
Monday, October 13, 1980
1
o.tS,X double-seater canoes are available at the three schools SA' kunG AND TAI P0’ AND CAMPERS WITH COMPETENT INSTRUCTORS MAY APPLY TO USE THEM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
..... 1,NcaD5JT'°^ T2 THESE CAMP-SITES IN SCHOOLS, FIVE ORGANISATIONS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDING SIX CAMP-SITES FOR STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 3 AND JULY 10 NEXT YEAR.
THE SITES ARE THE GAUDETE HOUSE ON CHEUNG CHAU OWNED BY CARITAS HONG KONG, THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE AND THE YOUTH CAMP AT WONG YEE CHAU OF THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A., THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION’S SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP CAMPYAT'mAAWAN°UTH CAMP °N LANTAU AND ™E SALVATI0N ARMY’S YOUTH
45
TO
EACH CAMP WILL LAST THREE DAYS AND CAN ACCOMMODATE FROM TO 90 PARTICIPANTS. EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE TO PAY FROM S18 323, DEPENDING ON THE CAMP-SITE THEY CHOOSE.
STUDENTS ATTENDING ANY OF THE OF THEIR PARENTS.
CAMPS SHOULD HAVE THE PERMISSION
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESERVATION, SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT MR FRANCIS CHIU OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, A05 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON TELEPHONE 3-884111 EXT 266.
-------0----------
HANDICAPPED IN TSUEN WAN ENCOURAGED TO PLAY SPORT X X *
A BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FOR HANDICAPPED PLAYERS HAS BEEN INCLUDED IN THE TUSEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
IT INVOLVES THREE TEAMS FROM KOWLOON AND ONE FROM HONG KONG ISLAND.
AT PRESENT, TSUEN WAN DOES NOT HAVE ITS OWN BASKETBALL TEAM FOR THE HANDICAPPED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
HOWEVER, MORE THAN 500 HANDICAPPED PEOPLE FROM SEVEN CENTRES IN TSUEN WAN ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND THE TOURNAMENT.
THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO WATCH OTHER HANDICAPPED PEOPLE PLAY BASKETBALL IN THE HOPE THAT THEY WILL BECOME INTERESTED IN THE SPORT THEMSELVES.
THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5 IN THE KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAMES HALL.
A CHINESE FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCE BY DEAF AND DUMB PEOPLE WILL BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS FIRST HELD LAST YEAR. TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAS PROVIDED 3150 000 FOR THE FESTIVAL AND ANOTHER S50 000 IS EXPECTED TO BE RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
------0-------
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1980
4
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR NEW YORK VISIT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE ACCOMPANIED BY ^iTH?SE^X'bL!7EAVE H0NG K0NG TOMORROW (tSesdJy) for viol I lU Ntw YORK.
IN NEW YORK SIR MURRAY AND THE GOVERNOR THERE MR
bankingESor5JRI?ioS!NTEN,rv DlkNE" oe the hong kons ani>
LADY
A SHORT
HUGH CAREY, SHANGHAI
ta H,S TW0-DAY STAY, SIR MURRAY WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY
• xmwc j?ioi:4D£ development counc 1 l “e
HE WILL RETURN ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 18).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR MURRAY AND LADY MACLEHOSE WILL DEPART ON FLIGHT PA? FTD rnvcDT?uc^°W; PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WISHING TO COVER THEIR DEPARTURE ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ™OEMEXOpKECT?L<S??SENDOrFL^AR?URTEHf ‘pReTrE^^U^eTaJI ertrUES}E?oT?heCAa?rVp™!R r?EtJIJtedA«ea“ RASSP0rts to
-------0 - - - -
BETTER FACILITIES AT TAI PO PLAYGROUND ******
TAI PO PLAYGROUND, NEAR THE JUNCTION OF HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AND WAN TAU STREET, WILL BE REDEVELOPED TO IMPROVE FACILITIES.
THE RUNNING TRACK WILL BE RESURFACED AND IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE LONG AND HIGH JUMP PITS, SPECTATOR STAND AND GATES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PWD ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.
-----o-------
SOMERSET ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
*****
SOMERSET ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND TAKE FOUR MONTHS.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE CF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
-----o-------
/5.....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1980
- 5 -HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS * * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY AND ALL POST OFFICES WOULD BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 17), A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
OFFICES OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED THAT DAY EXCEPT THE CARGO WORKING AREAS IN WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN.
THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL BE OPEN CONTINUOUSLY AND THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL UNIT OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 7.33 AM TO 1.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
-----o------
NAM CHEONG STREET TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SHEK KIP MEI FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 15).
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON NAM CHEONG STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO WOH CHAI STREET EASTBOUND.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON NAM CHEONG STREET, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, MUST TURN LEFT INTO WOH CHAI STREET EASTBOUND.
THE COMPULSORY LEFT-TURN FROM WOH CHAI STREET WESTBOUND INTO NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND WILL BE LIFTED.
-------0----------
/6
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1980 6 -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO SHEUNG SHUI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY.
AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE ALONG i
* TAI PO ROAD, BETWEEN KOWLOON HANG AND SHEUNG SHUI CROSS ROAD-
* CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN TIN SECTION), BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI CROSS ROAD AND LOK MA CHAU-
* FAN KAM ROAD, BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI CROSS ROAD AND CHIU KENG VILLAGE-
* JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, BETWEEN FANLING ROUNDABOUT AND SAN FUNG AVENUE-
* MAN KAM TO ROAD-
* SHA TAU KOK ROAD, BETWEEN FANLING ROUNDABOUT AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET, AND
* PING CHE ROAD, TA KWU LING.
FROM WEDNESDAY MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON THURSDAY, WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL ALSO BE INTERRUPTED.
THE PREMISES ARE IN YU CHAU WEST STREET, WING MING STREET, KWONG SHING STREET, HING WAH STREET, FUK WING STREET, CHEUNG WAH STREET, FUK WAH STREET, WING HONG STREET AND TSAP FAI STREET, AND THE SHAM SHUI PO SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER l4t 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF STAFF CONSULTATION ... 1
INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION BEING INTENSIFIED ...................... 2
SIR JACK ACTING GOVERNOR...................................... 3
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED....................................... 4
COMMISSIONING OF FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL ................... 4
PRINCIPALS MUST SUPERVISE AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK.................. 5
EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE TO FIREMEN ........................... 5
OUTDOOR PAINTING COMPETITION HELD IN FANLING ................. 6
REMINDER ON EMPLOYERS’ OBLIGATIONS .......................... 6
RIGHT TURN BAN ON (JJEEN VICTORIA ST ......................... 7
TRAFFIC CHANGES
7
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1980
GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF STAFF CONSULTATION ****** r ■ ’ * 0
THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT STAFF EXPECT TO BE CONSULTED ON THEIR WELFARE AND EMPLOYMENT, AND TO BE GIVEN A FAIR SHARE OF THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOURS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER SAID TODAY.
♦ I AM TEMPTED TO SAY NOW RECOGNISES THIS — FOR IT wAS NOT ALWAYS THUS, AND THERE WERE AREAS OF NEGLECT AND, INDEED, UNHAPPILY THERE REMAIN TODAY AREAS WHERE THERE IS STILL ROOM FOR SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE HK INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT THIS MORNING, SIR JACK SAID THE DAYS WERE GONE WHEN A ONE-WAY DIRECTIVE FROM MANAGEMENT TO STAFF WOULD BE SUFFICIENT.
♦ GOOD, ENLIGHTENED MAN MANAGEMENT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT, OF COURSE, IN ITSELF: BUT EVEN IF THERE WERE DOUBTS ON THIS SCORE THE NEED FOR IT WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PAST DECADE OR SO,+ HE SAID.
THE CIVIL SERVICE NEARLY DOUBLED IN SIZE FROM AROUND 80 000 IN 1979 TO OVER 140 000 NOW, AND THERE WAS GROWING PRESSURE ON IT AS THE GOVERNMENT EMBARKED ON MORE PROGRESSIVE AND COMPLEX SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRAMMES.
HIGHER EXPECTATION FROM THE PUBLIC COUPLED WITH THEIR CONTINUOUS DEMAND FOR BETTER QUALITY SERVICE HAVE ALSO PUT THE SERVICE UNDER GREAT STRAIN AND THERE HAVE BEEN, AND ARE, SIGNS OF OVER-STRETCH IN SOME AREAS, SIR JACK SAID.
IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ITS STAFF MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES; AND TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS, IT SEEKS ADVICE FROM BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE SAID.
♦ THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNOR ON MATTERS RELATING TO RECRUITMENT, PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL, PROMOTIONS AND DISCIPLINE.
+THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE KEEPS UNDER CO.NSTANT REVIEW THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING RANK AND SALARY STRUCTURES, PAY POLICY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF CIVIL SERVANTS.
♦ AND IMPORTANTLY, CIVIL SERVANTS THEMSELVES HAVE MOST VALUABLE ADVICE TO OFFER ON HOW PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT MAY BE IMPROVED.
♦ TO TAP THEIR ASPIRATIONS AND FEELING, EFFORTS ARE MADE TO STRENGTHEN STAFF CONSULTATION AT ALL LEVELS,* SIR JACK SAID.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1980
2
DEPARTMENTAL CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY HAS BEEN SET UP IN MOST DEPARTMENTS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR STAFF TO VOICE THEIR VIEVmS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THEIR WELFARE AND EMPLOYMENT.
+HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR SENIOR OFFICERS ARE, OF COURSE, ENCOURAGED TO TAKE A PERSONAL INTEREST IN STAFF MATTERS TO SHO* CONCERN FOR THEIR CAREERS AND WELFARE: TO ENSURE THAT STAFF VIEWS ARE KNOWN AND UNDERSTOOD AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN DEPARTMENTS, AND THAT AGREEMENT REACHED WITH STAFF ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THEIR WELFARE ARE IMPLEMENTED EXPEDITIOUSLY.
+ AT THE CENTRAL LEVEL,+ SIR JACK ADDED, +THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL PROVIDES A FORUM FOR DISCUSSION WITH STAFF ON OTTERS AFFECTING THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE.*
♦WITH THE HELP OF THE ADVICE GIVEN BY THESE BODIES, IT MUST EE OUR AIM TO ENSURE THAT PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IS CONTINUOUSLY BEING IMPROVED AND NEW TECHNIQUES INTRODUCED,* HE SAID.
------0-------
INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION BEING INTENSIFIED * * * * *
DETAILS OF PLANS TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION IN HONG KONG WERE REVEALED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR DORWARD SAID: *IN HONG KONG IT IS NOT SO MUCH CAPITAL INVESTMENT AS TECHNOLOGY, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND PERHAPS MARKETING POTENTIAL THAT I FEEL WE SHOULD AIM FOR IN WHAT WE BROADLY REFER TO AS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION.*
EXPLAINING HOW PLANS ARE DEVELOPING TO STEP UP GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY IN SUCH PROMOTION, MR DORWARD DISCLOSED THAT HOPEFULLY INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION OFFICES OF HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ESTABLISHED OVERSEAS FAIRLY SOON.
THESE OFFICES WILL ASSIST-IN IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL INVESTORS AND MAINTAIN REGULAR PERSONAL CONTACT WITH THEM, REPORT ON DEVELOPMENTS BEARING ON PROMOTION EFFORTS, AND ASSIST WITH THE ORGANISATION OF OVERSEAS PROMOTION VISITS FROM HONG KONG AND ADVISE ON TIMING, ITINERARY AND TECHNIQUES OF PROMOTION.
THEY WILL ALSO ASSIST POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN THEIR PREPARATIONS FOR VISITS TO HONG KONG, AND ASSIST IN PUBLICISING HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE, SAID MR DORWARD.
+PRESENT THINKING IS THAT SUCH OFFICES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN THE USA, EUROPE AND JAPAN,* HE ADDED.
ONCE POTENTIAL INVESTORS HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED TO VISIT HONG KONG, MR DORWARD POINTED OUT, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT APPROPRIATE RECEPTION AND SERVICING ARRANGEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE.
/♦THIS EFFORT .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1980
3 -
♦ THIS EFFORT WILL BE PART OF A ONE-STOP UNIT WHICH WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING IN ACCORDANCE WITH A RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION.
♦ THE UNIT IS ENVISAGED AS PROVIDING NOT ONLY GENERAL INFORMATION BUT A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE POTENTIAL INVESTOR AND NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS.
♦ IT IS PLANNED THAT THESE NOMINATED REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE, ON A PRIORITY BASIS, THE RANGE OF INFORMATION NEEDED BY THE POTENTIAL INVESTOR,* HE EXPLAINED.
ANOTHER AREA OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY IN THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION FIELD WILL BE THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT.
♦ NONE OF THESE PLANS WILL BE FULLY EFFECTIVE UNLESS THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY HAS A GOOD DEAL MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG INDUSTRY THAN IT NOW POSSESSES, THE MEANS TO STORE THAT INFORMATION PROPERLY, TO KEEP IT UP-TO-DATE AND REPRODUCE IT IN APPROPRIATE FORM AS AND WHEN IT IS NEEDED,+ SAID MR DORWARD.
THE PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT WILL FILL THIS NEED.
MR DORWARD STRESSED THAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION. +THE TERM 'INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION’ IS OFTEN TAKEN TO MEAN A STRICTLY OVERSEAS ACTIVITY, AIMED AT BRINGING IN COMPANIES FROM ABROAD TO ESTABLISH MANUFACTURING PLANTS.
♦THIS IS A POLICY WHICH HAS BEEN FOLLOWED BY OTHERS, IN THIS REGION AND OUTSIDE IT, WHO HAVE LACKED OR NEGLECTED DOMESTIC ENTREPRENEURIAL ABILITY AND LOOKED TO FOREIGN SOURCES FOR RAPID GROWTH IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR. THIS IS NOT THE PATH HONG KONG HAS FOLLOWED,+ HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT PROMOTION WOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED, +THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES ARE HOME-GROWN AND I SEE NO LIKELIHOOD OF A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THAT SITUATION.+
------0-------
SIR JACK ACTING GOVERNOR * * * *
, sHoJ?Ev??rTR?oo%e2'?o^RRA5E"^r^^ENF;»H^GTu“!!? »?Rie>.
DURING SIR MURRAY’S ABSENCE, SIR JACK CATER WILL BE ACTING GOVERNOR.
c - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1980
4
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. TODAY COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON TSOI KWOK-WAI, ALIAS TSOI KWOK-TAK, AGED 29, ON APRIL 2, 1979.
WONG
MONG
TSOI, A GENERAL WORKER, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING
«CoTo:A^cE%ERONJ?eJ|?.,bc‘se °f ™ choi^t.
- - 0 -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COMMISSIONING OF FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL ******
LADY CATER WILL BE COMMISSIONING THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S NEW $10 MILLION FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL, THE TAI SHUN, ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 16) AT JOSS HOUSE BAY.
A PRESS BOAT, THE CHUNG HWA NO 1, WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT 8.15 AM SHARP THAT DAY AND WILL RENDEZVOUS WITH THE FRV TAI SHUN AT JOSS HOUSE BAY.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT QUEEN’S PIER NOT LATER THAN 8.15 AM ON THURSDAY. A GIS OFFICER WILL BE PRESENT TC ASSIST THEM.
-----0------
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198C
5
PRINCIPALS MUST SUPERVISE AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK ft ft ft ft
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED HEADS OF SCHOOLS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPERVISE AND REGULATE THE AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK SET AT ALL LEVELS OF THEIR SCHOOLS.
THEY WERE ASKED IN A CIRCULAR TO EXERCISE PROPER CONTROL OVER THE HOMEWORK BEING SET BY ARRANGING FOR A HOMEWORK TIMETABLE FOR EACH CLASS, TO ENSURE AN EVEN SPREAD OF HOMEWORK OVER THE WEEK AND A BALANCED COVERAGE OF SUBJECTS.
DUE RECOGNITION SHOULD BE GIVEN AT ALL TIMES TO THE AGE AND ABILITIES OF THE PUPILS.
♦HOMEWORK SHOULD NOT BE SET MERELY FOR THE SAKE OF SETTING HOMEWORK BUT SHOULD BE AIMED AT A SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE.
♦IT SHOULD BE PLANNED AND SET TO COMPLEMENT AND REINFORCE THE WORK BEING DONE IN THE CLASSROOM,♦ THE CIRCULAR STATED.
MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL CONTINUE TO ADVISE AND ASSIST SCHOOLS ON HOMEWORK AND, DURING THEIR VISITS TO SCHOOLS. WILL NOTE THE STEPS BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE AMOUNT AND TYPE OF HOMEWORK BEING SET IS APPROPRIATE TO THE PUPILS.
------0-------
EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE TO FIREMEN ft ft ft ft ft ft
A 66-YEAR-OLD COOK WHO WAS MOVED BY THE TRAGIC DEATH OF A FIRE OFFICER TODAY WALKED INTO THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION AND PRESENTED $100 TO THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUND.
THE LATE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF KOWLOON WEST, MR LEUNG SHIU-KAY, 33, DIED LAST NIGHT AFTER LEADING A GROUP CF FIREMEN INTO THE FIRE WHICH AFFECTED A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TUNNEL IN CHEUNG SHA WAN.
HE WAS BROUGHT OUT OF THE TUNNEL UNCONSCIOUS BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND WAS FOUND TO BE DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL.
THE COOK, MR MAK KANG, SAID HIS DONATION WAS TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR ITS ROLE IN SAVING LIFE AND PROPERTY.
THIS MORNING’S DONATION WAS NOT THE FIRST BY MR MAK. HE MADE THREE PREVIOUS CASH DONATIONS TO THE SERVICE.
♦I AM JUST AN ORDINARY WORKER AND I HOPE THE $100 WILL BE OF HELP IN SOME LITTLE WAY,* MR MAK SAID WHEN PRESENTING THE MONEY TO HONG KONG COMMAND’S CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR L. WORRALLO.
------0-------
/6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1980
6
OUTDOOR PAINTING COMPETITION HELD IN FANLING
*****
MORE THAN 80 STUDENTS FROM NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES GATHERED THIS MORNING AT FANLING PLAYGROUND FOR AN OUTDOOR PAINTING COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT. IT WAS DIVIDED INTO SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS.
A 12-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, KWAN CHI-CHONG, FROM THE LING YING PUBLIC SCHOOL, WON FIRST PRIZE IN THE SENIOR SECTION. THE WINNER OF THE JUNIOR SECTION WAS TSUI YUK-KUEN, AGED 8, FROM THE SAME SCHOOL.
THE TWO RUNNERS-UP WERE WAI MEI-WAH AND NG YUK-KIU (SENIOR SECTION) AND LI KIN-LEUNG AND HUI YI-WAN (JUNIOR SECTION).
JUDGES INCLUDED OFFICIALS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, PRINCIPALS OF LOCAL SCHOOLS AND RURAL COMMITTEE LEADERS.
PARTICIPANTS IN TODAY’S COMPETITION WERE WINNERS OF PAINTING COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THEIR SCHOOLS RECENTLY. EACH WILL BE AWARDED A SOUVENIR.
THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A VARIETY SHOW EARLY NEXT YEAR, WHICH IS BEING ORGANISED BY NORTH DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN.
OTHER CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A CLEAN PICNIC SPOTS CAMPAIGN, A CLEAN COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS COMPETITION AND A CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE IS MR PANG HANG-YIN, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE.
-----0-------
REMINDER ON EMPLOYERS’ OBLIGATIONS
*****
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY TO PAY THEIR EMPLOYEES ON TIME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WAGES MUST BE PAID TO EMPLOYEES NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THEY WERE DUE.
ANY EMPLOYER CONTRAVENING THIS PROVISION IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF 85 000 ON CONVICTION.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER MUST TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO TERMINATE A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS TERMS WHEN HE BELIEVES HE IS UNABLE TO PAY ALL THE WAGES.
FAILURE TO DO SO WITHOUT REASONABLE GROUNDS WILL ALSO RENDER HIM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
>
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1L, "980
- 7 -
RIGHT TURN BAN ON QUEEN VICTORIA ST
THURSDAY (OCTOBER 16).
THE RESTRICTION, FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS, WILL HELP TRAMTRACK RENEWAL WORKS ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES X * *
ro
OPENING OF THE 5TH FESTIVAL OF ASIAN ARTS.
ai qh on THURSDAY FROM 10 AM, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON TONKIN STREET “ SHAM^SHU^ RO WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO UN CHAU STREET WESTBOUND.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AT THESE PLACES TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EMPLOYERS URGED TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES ............... 1
SURVEY OP EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND ......... 3
CAS MEMBERS PREPARED FOR HEAVY TASKS ..................... 4
HIGHER INTEREST ON TAX CERTIFICATES ....................5
TUEN MUN TO HAVE NEW S8 MILLION SPORTSGROUND ............. 6
SPECIAL TRAINS TO WO HOP SHEK ............................ 7
MUSIC EDUCATOR ON TWO-MONTH VISIT ........................ 8
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
1
EMPLOYERS URGED TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES ******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, TODAY IRGED EMPLOYERS TO BE SENSITIVE TO FACTORS THAT ARE RESULTING IN A CHANGING PATTERN OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.
HE WAS SPEAKING ON +EMPLOYEE RELATIONS* AT A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE, ENTITLED +PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT INTO THE 8O’S+, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.
AMONG THE FACTORS CITED BY MR HENDERSON ARE A MUCH MORE EDUCATED YOUNG WORKFORCE, UPGRADING OF INDUSTRY, GREATER NEED FOR QUALITY CONTROL, AND GREATER PRODUCTIVITY.
IN ADDITION, THE LOCAL POLITICAL CLIMATE IS CHANGING IN THAT ISSUES ARE RAISED MORE FREELY AND WITH MORE CONFIDENCE BY UNIONS, PRESSURE GROUPS AND THE MEDIA.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA’S FOUR MODERNISATIONS IS ALSO HAVING ITS EFFECT ON THE LOCAL SCENE.
♦ALL THESE FACTORS OF CHANGE AND MANY OTHERS I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO MENTION CANNOT HELP BUT RESULT IN A CHANGING PATTERN OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.
+IT IS UP TO YOU - THE PERSONNEL MANAGERS - TO PERCEIVE THESE IN RELATION TO YOUR OWN ORGANISATIONS, AND BE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH IN YOUR APPROACH TO EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THESE CHANGES AND BE SENSITIVE TO THEM,* MR HENDERSON TOLD THE CONFERENCE.
HE SAID MANY RESPONSES WERE POSSIBLE, FROM JOINT CONSULTATION TO MANY OTHER FORMS OF EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION. THERE WERE ALSO MANY DIFFERENT RELATIONSHIPS POSSIBLE WITH UNIONS AND IT WAS UNWISE TO PRETEND THAT THEY DID NOT EXIST.
+YOUR TASK IS TO FIND FIRST THE RIGHT MIX AND APPROACH FOR YOUR OWN ORGANISATION, SECONDLY TO ENSURE THAT YOUR ATTITUDES AND STRUCTURAL RESPONSES ARE SUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO MEET THE CHANGES IN EMPLOYEE RELATIONS IN THE NEXT DECADE, AND THIRDLY THAT THEY ARE APPROPRIATE TO THE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND OF OUR SOCIETY IN HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.
MR HENDERSON MENTIONED TWO ASPECTS OF WORK WHICH ARE NOT USUALLY CONSIDERED AS PART OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS.
THE FIRST, HE EXPLAINED, WAS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, IN WHICH THE HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE VERY MUCH A CONSIDERATION OF THE WHOLE FABRIC OF EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, AND NOT TREATED IN ISOLATION.
THE SECOND WAS THE NEED FOR EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO COVER MORE COMPREHENSIVELY ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS.
/TEE COMMISSIONER ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
2
THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT TOOK THE VIEW THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO HELP PREPARE COMPANIES RELATIONS EMPL0YEES F0R A M0RE STRUCTURED APPROACH TO EMPLOYEE
+WE HAVE NOW SET UP A PROMOTIONAL UNIT IN THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO ADVISE AND ASSIST ORGANISATIONS AND BUSINESSES TO SET UP SUCH MACHINERY AS MAY BE APPROPRIATE TO THEIR NEEDS, BEARING IN MIND THE GREAT DIVERSITY AMONG ORGANISATIONS.
♦THE SERVICES OF THE PROMOTIONAL UNIT WILL BE EQUALLY AVAILABLE TO UNIONS OR GROUPS OF EMPLOYEES,+ HE ADDED.
IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LABOUR LEGISLATION, MR HENDERSON SAID THAT THE MAIN LEGISLATIVE THRUST IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO WOULD BE IN RESPECT OF FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, NOW RETITLED THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AND THE PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF PAID MATERNITY LEAVE.
THE COMMISSIONER FURTHER DISCLOSED THAT OTHER POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENTS WERE IN THE AREA OF COMPENSATION FOR UNREASONABLE DISMISSALS, REVISION OF THE EXISTING PROVISIONS FOR SEVERANCE PAY ON REDUNDANCY AND THE SETTING UP OF A STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER VARIOUS NEW INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES.
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGISLATION IN EMPLOYEE RELATIONS, M? HENDERSON SAID* +I AM CONCERNED WITH THE NUMBER OF FIRMS AND FACTORY PROPRIETORS WHO REGARD THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS LAID DOWN AS THE DESIRABLE OR AGREED TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.+
♦WITH THIS ATTITUDE OFTEN GOES AN UNDESIRABLY RIGID LEGALISTIC APPROACH TO EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONS WHICH IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO A HARMONIOUS ATMOSPHERE,+ HE SAID.
MR HENDERSON STRESSED THAT STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS WERE SIMPLY THE MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS IN A PARTICULAR SOCIETY AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME.
EMPLOYEES HAD THE RIGHT TO TRY TO IMPROVE THEIR POSITION, BY WHATEVER FORM OF BARGAINING OR PERSUASION APPROPRIATE. EMPLOYEES CLAIMING MORE THAN THE STRICT LEGAL ENTITLEMENT WERE NOT +OUT OF ORDER+ AS SOME FACTORY PROPRIETORS SEEMED TO THINK.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THESE CLAIMS OF INTEREST THEMSELVES DID NOT NECESSARILY GIVE RISE TO DISPUTES. IT WAS THE HANDLING OF SUCH CLAIMS ON BOTH SIDES THAT DETERMINED WHETHER THE OUTCOME WAS REACHED IN A HARMONIOUS OR FRICTIONAL MANNER.
-------0 - -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
- 3 -
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS AS FOLLOWS:
ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS
INDUSTRY GROUP JULY 1980 AUGUST 1980
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 4.9 4.7
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 2.5 2.5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.8 4.0
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 4.0 3.9
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MACHINERY, APPARATUS, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES 5.3 5.3
OTHERS 3.5 3.7
ALL MANUFACTURING 4.3 4.3
THE STATISTICS WERE BASED ON AN UPDATED AND ENLARGED PANEL CF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SELECTED BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT AS THE PANEL WAS NOT A SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED SAMPLE, RESULTS OBTAINED WOULD BE REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OF THE COMPANIES INCLUDED IN THE PANEL.
HE HOPED HOWEVER THAT THEY WOULD GENERALLY INDICATE THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
THE SURVEY, WHICH IS CONDUCTED MONTHLY, ALSO ASKS QUESTIONS ON EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL AND COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS BESIDES THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR AUGUST 1980 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $1 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION CF THE CENSUS AN STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TEL. NO. 5-274293.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
- 4 -
CAS MEMBERS PREPARED FOR HEAVY TASKS
******
SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL BE TRAINED TO CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATE LARGE-SCALE OPERATIONS SUCH AS MAJOR TYPHOON, LANDSLIP, AIR CRASH AND ANT I-POLLUTION DUTIES IN A NEW SERIES OF COURSES.
THESE COURSES ARE AMONG A TOTAL OF 267 OFFERED TO CAS MEMBERS THIS YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 38 OVER LAST YEAR.
FOR THE CADET CORPS, A NEW TRAINING POLICY WAS IMPLEMENTED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CADETS BY SIMPLIFYING THEIR FINAL EXAMINATION AND PROVIDING THEM WITH MORE PRACTICAL TRAINING IN TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.
THIS POLICY WAS THE RESULT OF THE WORK OF A REVIEW COMMITTEE ON CADET CORPS TRAINING POLICY WHICH WAS COMPLETED LAST YEAR.
THERE WERE ALSO TO BE IMPROVEMENTS IN OVERSEAS TRAINING, A CAS SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY THAT NO SUCH TRAINING WAS ORGANISED IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR BECAUSE OF HEAVY COMMITMENTS ON MANY OPERATIONAL TASKS AND CIVIC DUTIES.
RECENTLY, HOWEVER, THE CAS HAS SENT FOUR OFFICERS — TWO PERMANENT TRAINING STAFF AND TWO VOLUNTEER OFFICERS -- TO AUSTRALIA.
ANOTHER CONTINGENT OF FOUR OFFICERS WILL BE SENT
NEXT YEAR TO STUDY DISASTER CONTROL, AND SELECTED MEMBERS OF THE CAS MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT WILL GO TO BRITAIN FOR ADVANCED TRAINING IN MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND LEADERSHIP.
LAST YEAR, THE CAS HEADQUARTERS OFFERED 229 FULL AND PART-TIME COURSES FOR ITS ADULT AND CADET MEMBERS IN ADDITION TO THE TRAINING ORGANISED BY UNITS.
THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN WATER SPORTS TRAINING -- CANOE BUILDING, CANOEING, SAILING, SNORKEL DIVING, SWIMMING AND LIFE-SAVING — ESPECIALLY IN SAFETY ASPECTS.
THERE WAS ALSO A SERIES OF COURSES TO ACQUAINT MEMBERS WITH THE LATEST ANTI-OIL POLLUTION EQUIPMENT AND ITS USE.
OTHER COURSES INCLUDED COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PROTECTION, LORRY DRIVING, SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISES, COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT, ADMINISTRATION OF CADET UNITS AND TACTICAL DEPLOYMENT.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
5
HIGHER INTEREST ON TAX CERTIFICATES *****
THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 8.16 PER CENT AS FROM TOMORROW (OCTOBER 16), AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 6.24 PER CENT.
A NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED THIS INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW.
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS TAX-FREE AND IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS — THE NEW RATE WILL BE 68 CENTS PER MONTH PER $100.
IT WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX.
NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID IN CASH.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED TOMORROW OR AFTER TOMORROW.
CERTIFICATES PREVIOUSLY ISSUED WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSi-
RATE PER ANNUM ISSUE DATE
4.2% 19.9.75 - 16.2.77
3% 17.2.77 - 21.9.78
3.24% 22.9.78 - 23.11.78
5.04% 24.11.78 - 15.2.79
5.76% 16.2.79 - 3.5.79
8.04% 4.5.79 - 25.10.79
8.4% 26.10.79 - 10.4.80
10.5% 11.4.80 - 29.5.80
9% 30.5.80 - 26.6.80
7.2% 27.6.80 - 29.7.80
6.24% 30.7.80 - 15.10.80
HOWEVER THERE IS A GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT CF TAX.
/teE FOLLOWING .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
6
THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE OF INTEREST CALCULATION:
Si 003 CERTIFICATES BOUGHT ON 1.11.80, 1.12.80 AND 2.1.81
RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON 2.2.81.
ON $1 000 (1.11.80 - 2.2.81)
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.80 PER MONTH
ON $1 000 (1.12.80 - 2.2.81)
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $6.80 PER MONTH
- $20.40
- 513.60
ON $1 000 (2.1.80 - 2.2.81)
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $6.80 PER MONTH - $ 6.80
INTEREST ACCRUED $40.80
(ROUNDED TO $41)
------0-------
TUEN MUN TO HAVE NEW $8 MILLION SPORTSGROUND ******
TUEN MUN WILL HAVE A FULL SIZED SOCCER PITCH AND A 400-METRE RUNNING TRACK BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THESE ARE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT OF A SPORTSGROUND TO BE BUILT ON A FOUR-HECTARE SITE NEAR TAI HING ESTATE.
ALSO TO EE INCLUDED IN THIS PHASE WILL EE FACILITIES FOR TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, CHANGING ROOMS, AN OFFICE, STOREROOMS, A SPECTATOR STAND FOR 3 000 PEOPLE AND CAR PARKING SPACES. FLOODLIGHTING WILL BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR.
SIR SHIU-KIN TANG HAS AGREED TO DONATE 2 MILLION TOWARDS THE PROJECT WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND 08 MILLION.
THERE ARE PLANS TO BUILD A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A BASKETBALL COURT AND A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT A LATER STAGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID A STANDARD SIZED SPORTSGROUND WAS URGENTLY NEEDED IN THE NE TOWN WHOSE POPULATION WOULD ALMOST DOUBLE TO 200 000 IN TWO YEARS.
FOOTBALL MATCHES, SPORTS MEETINGS, RALLIES AND FESTIVALS WOULD EE HELD AT THE SPORTSGROUND IN FUTURE. THIS WOULD HELP IMPROVE SPORTS STANDARDS AND HELP DEVELOP A COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS, HE SAID.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
- 7 -
SPECIAL TRAINS TO WO HOP SHEK
* * * * M
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL OPERATE SPECIAL TRAINS TO WO HOP SHEK ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 17) AND SUNDAY (OCTOBER 19) TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS EXPECTED DURING THE CHUNG YUENG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
ON THESE TWO DAYS, NINE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT 6.03 AM, 6.55 AM, 8.18 AM, 9.29 AM, 11.15 AM, 12.26 PM, 1.40 PM, 2.40 PM AND 4.46 PM.
THEY WILL RETURN FROM WO HOP SHEK AT THE FOLLOWING DEPARTURE TIMESi 6.59 AM, 8.23 AM, 9.46 AM, 10.52 AM, 1.01 PM, 2.33 PM, 3.44 PM, 5.31 PM AND 6.32 PM.
A KCR SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SOUTHBOUND TRAIN WHICH LEAVES LO WU AT 6.42 AM WILL BE CANCELLED ON THE TWO DAYS, AND ON SATURDAY, THERE WILL BE THREE ADDITIONAL RETURN TRAINS TO SHEUNG SHU I AND TWO TO FANLING.
THE SPECIAL TRAINS WILL NOT pick UP PASSENGERS AND OTHER STATIONS ON THE WAY TO WO HOP SHEK. THOSE
ARE EXPECTED To BE full between 6 AM Al^“2 a^d
TO KOWLOON BETWEEN 3 PM AND 9 PM.
NEW TERRITORIES
THOSE RETURNING
AT MONG KOK
GOING TO THE
NOTICES OF THE SPECIAL TRAIN TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF PASSENGERS.
THE SPOKESMAN APPEALED TO ORDER TO ENABLE THE POLICE AND AND STEADY FLOW OF PASSENGERS.
PASSENGERS TO QUEUE UP IN GOOD KCR STAFF TO MAINTAIN A SMOOTH
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/8
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1980
8 -
MUSIC EDUCATOR ON TWO-MONTH VISIT ******
MISS CECILIA VAJDA, A DISTINGUISHED MUSIC EDUCATOR IS IN HONG KONG ON A TWO-MONTH VISIT AT THE INVITATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SHE IS RUNNING A SERIES OF EIGHT-WEEK TRAINING COURSES FOR MUSIC TEACHERS, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 8.
THE COURSES ARE BASED ON THE KODALY CHORAL MUSIC METHOD WHICH WAS DEVISED BY THE HUNGARIAN COMPOSER KODALY TO PROVIDE A STRUCTURED SYSTEM OF MUSIC LEARNING THROUGH SINGING.
CLASSES ARE BEING HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TEACHING CENTRE IN TANNER ROAD, NORTH POINT, AND AT SOUTH ISLAND SCHOOL.
MISS VAJDA IS A FORMER PROFESSOR OF THE SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT AT THE LISZT ACADEMY OF MUSIC IN BUDAPEST AND CHORUS DIRECTOR OF THE HUNGARIAN RADIO CHOIR.
DURING HER STAY SHE IS ALSO RUNNING EVENING COURSES AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE FOR TEACHERS AND AMATEUR CHOIR CONDUCTORS IN BASIC CHORAL CONDUCTING TECHNIQUE. THESE COURSES ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 198O
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL COMMISSIONED ............... 1
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE : JANUARY TO AUGUST ........... 2
MR ALLEYNE BECOMES DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ............ 7
CONTRACTS LET FOR MAJOR ENGINEERING WORKS ................ 8
PART OF TSUEN WAN VILLAGE TO MAKE WAY FOR BUS TERMINUS ... 8
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IN TSUEN WAN ...................... 10
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN OF PIECE-KNITTED GARMENTS ........ 11
LAND AUCTION ............................................. H
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ WINNERS ........................... 12
PASSING-CUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICER RECRUITS ............ 13
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
1
NEW FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL COMMISSIONED * * * *
A NEW FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WAS COMMISSIONED BY LADY CATER IN A TRADITIONAL CEREMONY AT JOSS HOUSE BAY TODAY.
THE $10 MILLION COMBINATION SEINER-TRAWLER, THE TAI SHUN, WILL REPLACE THE 28-YEAR-OLD CAPE ST MARY, WHICH HAD BEEN SUPPLYING HONG KONG FISHERMEN WITH INFORMATION ON INSHORE FISHING GROUNDS FOR A DECADE.
SPEAKING AT THE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY, THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER SAID THE NEW VESSEL WAS A FURTHER EXAMPLE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS MAINTAINING AN EFFICIENT, VIABLE FISHING FLEET.
+THE LOCAL FISHING FLEET NOW NUMBERS SOME 5 500 VESSELS --OF WHICH 96 PER CENT ARE MECHANISED — AND LANDS SOME 88 000 METRIC TONNES OF FISH PER ANNUM VALUED AT NEARLY HK$400 MILLION.
+THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 64 PER CENT IN FISH LANDED SINCE THE FIRST MODERN HULL-FORM VESSELS WERE INTRODUCED IN 1965,+ l£ SAID.
SIR JACK NOTED THAT INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY HAD BROUGHT GREATER PROSPERITY TO FISHERMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND DESPITE ESCALATING FUEL PRICES THE NEW TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT INTRODUCED AND CONTINUING AVAILABILITY OF LOW-INTEREST LOANS WOULD ENABLE ENTERPRISING FISHERMEN TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE REWARDS FOR THEIR LABOUR.
LADY CATER MARKED THE OCCASION BY PULLING A CORD TO BREAK THE SHIP’S PENNANT AND BY UNVEILLING A PLAQUE.
SHE SAID SHE HOPED THE TAI SHUN WOULD HAVE A LONG AND SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND EXTENDED GOOD FORTUNE TO ALL WHO SERVE ON BOARD THE VESSEL.
EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, ACCOMPANIED BY THE MASTER OF THE TAI SHUN, PAID HOMAGE TO TIN HAU, THE GODDESS OF ALL SEAFARERS.
FITTED OUT WITH THE LATEST NAVIGATIONAL AIDS INCLUDING SATELLITE NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT, THE TAI SHUN WILL SEARCH DEEPER WATERS WHERE FISH ARE ABUNDANT AND WILL BE ABLE TO DETECT THE TYPE AND QUANTITY OF FISH BY ECHO SOUNDS. THIS INFORMATION IS THEN RELAYED TO HONG KONG’S 35 700 FISHERMEN VIA THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE 32-METRE VESSEL WHICH CAN CRUISE AT 11 KNOTS INCLUDE A CONTROLLED PITCH PROPELLER, MULTI-VANE RUDDER AND FIXED NOZZLE.
/THE SOPHISTICATED .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
2
THE SOPHISTICATED ACOUSTIC EQUIPMENT, ON PERMANENT LOAN FROM THE PHILIPPINES-BASED SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT AND CO-ORDINATION PROGRAMME ADMINISTERED BY THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION (FAO) OF THE UNITED NATIONS, HAS ALREADY BEEN TRANSFERRED FROM THE CAPE ST MARY TO THE 867-TONNE TAI SHUN.
THE FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FISHING GEAR AND WILL TRY TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY CF FISHING METHODS NOW IN USE. IT WILL ALSO STUDY THE SUITABILITY CF FISHING TECHNIQUES CURRENTLY BEING USED IN THE NORTHERN SECTOR CF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
THIS AREA HAS BEEN USED BY THE MAJORITY OF THE HONG KONG FISHING FLEET AND REPRESENTS A FISHING GROUND THAT LOCAL VESSELS ARE CAPABLE OF EXPLOITING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT RESEARCH WAS NECESSARY AS FISH IS A MAJOR PROTEIN FOOD SOURCE FOR MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
+THE PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD AND ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF LOCAL CONSUMPTION OF FRESH MARINE FISH IS CURRENTLY MET BY THE HONG KONG FLEET,* HE SAID.
DESIGNED IN CANADA AND BUILT BY THE CHUNG WAH SHIPBUILDING AND ENGINEERING CO. LTD. IN HONG KONG, THE TAI SHUN HAS A CRUISING RANGE OF 8 000 NAUTICAL MILES AND IS ABLE TO STAY AT SEA FOR UP TO ONE MONTH. IT WILL BE MANNED BY A CREW OF 17 AND FIVE SCIENTISTS WHO WILL WORK FROM TWO LABORATORIES.
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HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADEi JANUARY TO AUGUST * * * * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO AUGUST 1980, VALUED AT $132 874 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 32 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 28 PER CENT TO 343 963 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 32 PER CENT TO 370 560 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 47 PER CENT TO $18 351 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT.
CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY AS FOLLOWS 1
/U.S.A
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
3
JAN-AUG 80 (HKS M.) JAN-AUG 79 (HK$ M.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ M.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 14 919 11 635 +3 284 +28
F.R. OF GERMANY 4 844 3 889 ♦ 955 +25
U.K. 4 284 3 715 + 569 ♦15
JAPAN 1 457 1 706 - 249 -15
AUSTRALIA 1 260 1 095 ♦ 165 +15
SINGAPORE 1 159 893 + 266 +30
CANADA 1 129 1 019 + 110 +11
NETHERLANDS 1 028 855 + 173 ♦20
CHINA 925 269 + 656 +244
FRANCE 857 566 ♦ 291 +51
GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. REMAINED STRONG, WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN CLOTHING (BY $884 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $465 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $383 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $319 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT). AND CFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $267 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE NOTED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING (BY $552 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $85 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $72 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT) TO THE WEST GERMAN MARKET.
AS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.K., INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $203 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $57 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY »88 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
THE DOWNWARD TREND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN CONTINUED. DECREASES WERE NOTED MAINLY FOE FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND THEIR PREPARATIONS (BY $75 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY 391 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
/EE FCLLC7.TKG........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
4
THE FOLLOWING IS AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION:
IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY
JAN-AUG 80 JAN-AUG 79 (HKS M.) INCREASE (HKS M.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
(HK$ M.)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 15 185 12 772 +2 413 + 19
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 7 382 5 785 ♦ 1 597 +28
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 4 313 2 937 +1 376 ♦47
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3 242 2 365 + 877 +37
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2 897 2 479 ♦ 418 +17
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 2 863 1 969 + 894 +45
/CHANGES IN .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
- 5 -
CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:
JAN-AUG 80 JAN-AUG 79 INCREASE PERCENTAGE
(HKS M.) (HK$ M.) (HK M.) CHANGE
JAPAN 15 984 12 166 +3 818 +31
CHINA 13 236 8 983 ♦4 253 +47
U.S.A. 8 899 6 627 +2 272 ♦34
TAIWAN 4 924 3 693 ♦1 231 +33
SINGAPORE 4 631 2 967 ♦1 664 ♦56
U.K. 3 430 2 802 + 628 +22
R. OF KOREA 2 328 1 574 ♦ 754 +48
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 946 1 769 + 177 +10
SWITZERLAND 1 803 1 616 + 187 +12
AUSTRALIA 1 084 1 009 ♦ 75 + 7
IN CONTRAST WITH DECLINING DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN , LOCAL
DEMAND FOR JAPANESE GOODS REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE NOTED PARTICULARLY FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY $650 MILLION OR 90 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $488 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), IRON AND STEEL (BY $371 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY 3382 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $353 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA, INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $679 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $635 MILLION OR 114 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY *597 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT), LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $196 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $149 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. WERE LARGELY OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $3^4 MILLION OR Q6 PE" CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTES (BY $299 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $297 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $162 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE SUPPLY OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS BY SI 335 MILLIL OR 30 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $232 MILLION OR 5- PEP DEN”), AND TELECOMMUN(CATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REP*0DdN; AP°ARtTUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $134 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT) FRO* TAIWAN.
/':>U FOLIC ..IKG.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980 .
6
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTION:
JAN-AUG 80 (HK$ M.)
JAN-AUG 79 INCREASE PERCENTAGE
(HK$ M.) (HKS M.) CHANGE
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 21 044 16 782 +4 262 +25
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 16 Oil 11 909 +4 102 +34
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 10 523 7 589 • ' ' \•/ ■ ♦2 934 ♦39
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 7 111 5 978 ♦ 1 133 +19
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5 446 4 237 ♦ 1 209 ♦29
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 5 072 2 906 ♦2 166 +75
AS FOR RE-EXPORTS, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THOSE TO CHINA (BY $1 813 MILLION OR 277 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $672 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $501 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $420 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $386 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT), THE U.K. (BY $306 MILLION OR 186 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $247 MILLION OR 134 PER CENT). MACAU (BY $239 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), AND THE F.R. OF GERMANY (BY $177 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, A DECLINE WAS REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN (BY $357 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY J780 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY S552 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY S516 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $385 MILLION OR 139 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $373 MILLION OR 65 =£R CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPR DUC I NG APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $35* MI-LION 0- 95 PER CENT), AND NON-FERROUS f-ETALS (BY ',227 MlLLiUN Ok 117 °EC CENT:.
ATHE HCNG...
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
♦THE HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS - SUMMARY+ ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST, 1980, WILL SOON BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT S3 A COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE+, WITH DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MONTH’S IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY NOVEMBER AND WILL ALSO EE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT S10.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE MADE TO THE SALES OF PUBLICATIONS SECTION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. 5-214375).
-----0------
MR ALLEYNE BECOMES DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE *****
FORMER DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE, TODAY SUCCEEDED MR THOMAS LEE AS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
MR LEE HAS GONE ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE.
MR ALLEYNE PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
HE WAS ALSO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1962 AND 1963.
MR ALLEYNE HAS BEEN APPOINTED AN OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
0 -
/8
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
8
CONTRACTS LET FOR MAJOR ENGINEERING WORKS
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED TWO MAJOR ENGINEERING CONTRACTS TOTALLING ABOUT $53.7 MILLION.
THE FIRST CONTRACT, WORTH MORE THAN $26.7 MILLION, IS FOR SITE FORMATION, ROAD, AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN AS PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED AT PAK TIN.
OF THESE, 5.5 HECTARES WILL BE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, 0.5 HECTARE FOR OPEN SPACE, 0.8 HECTARE FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES AND 1.2 HECTARES FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW LAND WOULD EVENTUALLY PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 17 920 PEOPLE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING.
THIS CONTRACT, HE ADDED, WOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO BOX CULVERTS, SURFACE WATER DRAINS AND SEWERS, NEW ROADS AND A BRIDGE OVER SHING MUN RIVER.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
THE SECOND CONTRACT, VALUED AT ABOUT $26.9 MILLION, WILL EXTEND THE EXISTING SUBMARINE OUTFALL AT THE SEAWARD END OF KAI TAK RUNWAY BY 700 METRES.
ON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, SCREENED SEWAGE FROM EAST KOWLOON BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK AND HUNG HOM WILL BE DISCHARGED THROUGH THE NEW OUTFALL INTO DEEPER WATERS FOR BETTER DILUTION AND DISPERSAL.
WORK ON THIS CONTRACT WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS.
------o------
PART OF TSUEN WAN VILLAGE TO MAKE WAY FOR BUS TERMINUS ******
THE EASTERN HALF OF MUK MIN HA VILLAGE, TSUEN WAN, IS TO BE CLEARED ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 20) TO MAKE WAY FOR A BUS TERMINUS WHICH WILL BE LINKED TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
THE 4 600 SQUARE METRE SITE HAS TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE DEVELOPER SO THAT THE BUS TERMINUS WILL BE READ* WHEN THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY STATION IS OPENED IN MID-1982.
THE TERMINUS IS A VITAL PART OF THE TRANSPORT NETWORK IN TSUEN WAN WHICH WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF ONE MILLION BY THE MID-1980’S.
/A NEW
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
9
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAJORITY CF FAMILIES LIVING IN THE AREA TO BE CLEARED HAD ALREADY MOVED INTO PUBLIC OR TEMPORARY HOUSING AND THE REMAINDER WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DOING SO.
HE SAID THE OCCUPANTS WERE FIRST TOLD OF THE CLEARANCE MORE THAN A YEAR AGO, SINCE THEN STAFF OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAD MAINTAINED CLOSE CONTACT WITH THEM TO ENSURE SMOOTH REMOVAL TO HOUSING DEPARTMENT ACCOMMODATION.
MOST OF THE INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS HAD ALSO MOVED.
ELIGIBLE FACTORY AND SHOP OPERATORS LOCATED ON PRIVATE BUILDING LAND HAD RECEIVED STATUTORY COMPENSATION, WHILE THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE HAD BEEN PAID EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO HELP THEM WITH THE COST OF REMOVAL.
FACTORY OPERATORS WHOSE TRADES COULD BE ADMITTED INTO A GOVERNMENT FACTORY HAD BEEN OFFERED SPACE IN THE KWAI ON GOVERNMENT FLATTED FACTORY AND ALL BUT TWO HAD ACCEPTED.
♦DISCUSSIONS ARE STILL TAKING PLACE DAILY WITH THESE REMAINING TWO OPERATORS AND WE HOPE THEY WILL VACATE THEIR PREMISES BEFORE MONDAY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONE HAD INSISTED ON SPACE ON A LOWER FLOOR OF THE KWAI ON FACTORY, BUT ALL THE UNITS HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN UP. HE HAD BEEN OFFERED A UNIT ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF THE 14-STOREY BUILDING AND IT WAS HOPED HE WOULD ACCEPT.
THE OTHER HAD INSISTED ON INCREASED COMPENSATION FOR HIS SECOND FACTORY, BUT THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT COMPENSATION LEVELS HAD BEEN ASSESSED BY AN EXPERIENCED ESTATE SURVEYOR AND ACCEPTED BY ALL THE OTHER OPERATORS.
+IT WOULD BE GROSSLY UNFAIR TO THESE OTHER OPERATORS IF AN EXCEPTION WAS MADE IN THIS CASE AND THERE IS NO INTENTION OF DOING SO,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+WE HOPE THESE TWO REMAINING OPERATORS WILL ACCEPT THE FAIRNESS OF GOVERNMENT’S OFFER AS EVERYBODY ELSE HAS DONE AND VACATE BEFORE THE CLEARANCE BEGINS,* HE SAID.
CLEARANCE HAD BEEN POSTPONED PREVIOUSLY, BUT THERE WAS NO CHANCE OF FURTHER POSTPONEMENT BECAUSE WORK ON DEVELOPING THE SITE FOR A VITAL PUBLIC FACILITY COULD NOT BE HELD UP ANY LONGER.
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J
1 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
10 -
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE IN TSUEN WAN ft ft ft * ft
TSUEN WAN’S SIZE AND EVER-GROWING POPULATION MAKE IT VERY IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES TO HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES.
TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, DR JAMES HAYES SAID THIS TODAY AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE THIRD TERM TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.
+THE ASSOCIATION PLAYS A LEADING PART IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK, AND THE ^COMMITTEES PROMOTING DRAMA, MUSIC, DANCE AND CULTURE HAVE W3RKED CONTINUOUSLY WITH LOCAL BODIES AND SPONSORS TO PROVIDE A CONTINUALLY. IMPROVING RANGE OF PROGRAMMES,+ DR HAYES SAID.
ONE MILESTONE ALONG THE WAY WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN NOVEMBER, 1977.
♦THESE BODIES WERE PROVIDED WITH PUBLIC FUNDS IN ORDER TO ASSIST ORGANISATIONS LIKE YOURS TO REALISE THEIR POTENT I AL,♦ HE SAID.
ANOTHER MILESTONE WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL. THE FIRST AND SECOND FESTIVALS WERE HELD IN 1978 AND 1979 UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR CHAN PO-FONG, THE ASSOCIATION’S OUTGOING CHAIRMAN, AND THE EVENT WOULD PROCEED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.
DR HAYES SAID ANOTHER SIGNPOST TO PROGRESS WAS THE BUILDING OF THE TOWN HALL WHICH DURING ITS CONSTRUCTION +ACTED AS A STIMULUS TO OUR EFFORT AND WHICH NOW AFTER COMPLETION PROVIDED HIGHLY SUITABLE PREMISES FOR OUR ACTIVITIES*.
HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT UNDER ITS NEW CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN LAU-FONG, AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MANY OF WHOM HAD BEEN ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION SINCE ITS FORMATION, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND ITS ACTIVITIES TO BETTER SERVE THE LOCAL PUBLIC.
HE ASSURED THE COMMITTEE THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE ALWAYS ANXIOUS TC ASSIST IN SOLVING PROBLEMS, WHETHER OF A SHORT OR LONG TERM NATURE.
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/11 .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
11
CERTIFICATION OF ORIGIN OF PIECE-KNITTED GARMENTS *****
AT THE REQUEST OF THE INDUSTRY, AND ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO ADOPT FROM TODAY (OCTOBER 16) THE 'COMPLETE MAKING-UP’ RULE FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF HONG KONG ORIGIN FOR PIECE-KNITTED GARMENTS FOR ALL MARKETS.
PREVIOUSLY THIS RULE WAS APPLICABLE TO PIECE-KNITTED GARMENTS DESTINED FOR THE EEC MARKET ONLY.
DETAILS OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENT ARE ANNOUNCED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR NO. 7/80 DATED TODAY.
COPIES OF THE CIRCULAR ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECEPTIONIST COUNTER OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF OCEAN CENTRE, 5 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
------0-------
LAND AUCTION * * * *
FIVE LOTS OF CROWN LAND, TOTALLING SOME 9 100 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MARINA ROOM OF THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL ON NOVEMBER 14 AT 2.30 PM.
ONE LOT MEASURING ABOUT 1 133 SQUARE METRES IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD IS INTENDED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING FOUR LOTS, MEASURING ABOUT 2 349, 2 245, 1 894 AND 1 496 SQUARE METRES, ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. THEY ARE LOCATED ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
IN THE SAME AUCTION, A FLAT IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL ALSO EE OFFERED FOR SALE.
THE PREMISES, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 44 SQUARE METRES, IS AT FLAT C, PERCIVAL HOUSE, 8TH FLOOR, 77-83 PERCIVAL STREET, HONG KONG.
INSPECTION OF THE FLAT MAY BE MADE ON OCTOBER 29 AND NOVEMBER 5 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 12 NOON.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDI.IONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 13TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
12
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ WINNERS
******
WINNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ HELD BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH WITH SPONSORSHIP BY THE HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND REDIFFUSION TELEVISION WERE PRESENTED THEIR PRIZES TODAY.
THE PRESENTATION WAS MADE BY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. MR DAVID LIN, THE CHIEF EDITOR OF HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, MR JOSEPH LAW, AND AN RTV ARTISTE, MISS MILDRED CHEUNG, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.
IN A SPEECH AT THE PRESENTATION, MR LIN POINTED OUT THAT THE QUIZ WAS AIMED AT MAKING WORKERS, SPECIALLY THOSE IN FACTORIES AND AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
♦THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS SPARED NO EFFORTS IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG THROUGH VARIOUS WAYS AND MEANS, INCLUDING HOLDING EXHIBITIONS, DISTRIBUTING PUBLICITY POSTERS AND LEAFLETS AS WELL AS SHOWING TELEVISION FILMS ON LOCAL TELEVISION STATIONS.
+IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT CO-OPERATES CLOSELY WITH OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, IN A BID TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY,+ HE SAID.
MR LIN THANKED THE HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND RTV FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE QUIZ AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR HELPING TO ORGANISE IT.
THE FIRST PRIZE, TWO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO THE PHILIPPINES PLUS FOOD AND LODGING, BY COURTESY OF THE HKDN, WAS PRESENTED BY MR LIN TO MR CHEUNG CHEUK-YIN.
MR LIN ALSO PRESENTED THE SECOND PRIZE - A COLOUR TELEVISION SET - AND THE THIRD PRIZE - A WRIST WATCH - TO MR PANG SA I-FUNG AND MISS CHEN MEI-YING RESPECTIVELY.
MR LAW PRESENTED LUCKY PRIZES TO FIVE WINNERS WHILE MISS CHEUNG PRESENTED THE RTV SPECIAL PRIZE - A GOLD SAFETY HELMET MODEL - TO MISS LIU PO-LIN.
THE QUIZ WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD EACH MONTH UNTIL NEXT JANUARY WITH THE QUESTIONNAIRE PUBLISHED IN THE HKDN DAILY.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
- 13 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICER RECRUITS
*****
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF ANOTHER GROUP OF RECRUITS AT ITS STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 18).
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR TOM ECOB, WHO WILL BE RETIRING EARLY NEXT MONTH, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE BEST TWO.
ON PARADE WILL BE 12 OFFICERS AND 96 ASSISTANT OFFICERS, 27 OF WHOM ARE WOMAN OFFICERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS TO BE HELD AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 18).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED, LEAVING THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 9 AM SHARP.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN OPENS ON SUNDAY ............. 1
CAMPAIGN AGAINST GERMAN MEASLES ............................... 2
NEW TAXI FARES FROM SUNDAY .................................... 3
PRELIMINARY CONTEST FOR COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION ... 3
HIGHER FARES FOR AP LEI CHAU FERRY SERVICE .................... 4
CHEUNG CHAU PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
5
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
1
YUEN LONG ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN OPENS ON SUNDAY
******
A ONE-MONTH ANTl-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 19).
NEARLY 30 ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, INCLUDING AN ATHLETICS DEMONSTRATION, A CONCERT, EXHIBITIONS, CANTONESE OPERAS, VARIETY SHOWS, FILM SHOWS, A FUN FAIR FOR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND TALKS AND SEMINARS IN SCHOOLS.
BANNERS AND POSTERS WITH ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES WILL BE DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME AN ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN HELD IN YUEN LONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE SAID.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, COMPRISING LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES, WAS FORMED THREE MONTHS AGO TO CO-ORDINATE THE SERIES OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES. ITS CHAIRMAN IS MR WONG KAM-YIP.
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) HAS PROVIDED $100 □□□ TOWARDS CAMPAIGN EXPENSES. A FURTHER $23 033 IS EXPECTED TO BE DONATED BY LOCAL PEOPLE.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT YUEN LONG STADIUM ON SUNDAY. THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR PETER LEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR KARL STUMPF, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY. INCLUDED IN THE ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR PROGRAMME WILL BE A FREE-FALL PARACHUTE DISPLAY BY THE JOINT SERVICES PARACHUTE CLUB, A DRAGON DANCE BY MA TIN TSUEN VILLAGERS, A MASS DANCE PERFORMANCE BY LING 01 PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, SONGS BY YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, A PERFORMANCE BY THE BOY SCOUTS BAND AND A TELE-^ATCH BETWEEN 12 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
A CAPACITY CROWD OF 5 030 LOCAL RESIDENTS IS EXPECTED TO ATTEND.
/NOTE TO .....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
2
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 19) AT 11 AM AT YUEN LONG STADIUM.
A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.15 AM TO TAKE THE PRESS TO THE STADIUM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO HELP MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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CAMPAIGN AGAINST GERMAN MEASLES *****
GIRLS BETWEEN 11 AND 14 ARE ADVISED TO TAKE EARLY PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST GERMAN MEASLES BY COMING FORWARD FOR VACCINATION.
RUBELLA, COMMONLY CALLED GERMAN MEASLES, IS A VIRUS INFECTION. IF A WOMAN IN HER EARLY PREGNANCY IS AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE, SHE MAY GIVE BIRTH TO BABIES WITH CONGENITAL ABNORMALITIES, SUCH AS DEAFNESS, BLINDNESS, HEART AND BRAIN DEFECTS.
HOWEVER, INOCULATION AT THE EARLY AGE CAN PRODUCE MAXIMUM PREVENTIVE EFFECT. +BY THE TIME THE GIRLS REACH THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE, THEY WILL HAVE DEVELOPED IMMUNITY AGAINST THE DISEASE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID.
TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS OF RUBELLA, THE DEPARTMENT IS LAUNCHING AN ANTI-RUBELLA VACCINATION PROGRAMME AMONG SCHOOLS.
MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS FROM THE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN VISITING SCHOOLS SINCE MID-OCTOBER TO INOCULATE GIRLS IN THIS AGE GROUP.
*A SINGLE DOSE INJECTION WILL SAFEGUARD GIRLS FROM THIS RISK,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APART FROM DISTRIBUTING AN INFORMATIVE LEAFLET, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL TEACHERS TO BRIEF THEM ON THE IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION AND POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF THIS DISEASE DURING PREGNANCY.
AN ANTI-RUBELLA CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED EVERY YEAR, AND OVER 140 000 GIRLS HAVE BEEN INOCULATED IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WOMEN OF CHILD-BEARING AGE, WHO ARE IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THEIR OCCUPATION, SUCH AS TEACHING OR NURSING, SHOULD ALSO BE VACCINATED.
THEY CAN OBTAIN THIS VACCINE, FREE OF CHARGE, AT ANY OF THE 37 GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES.
AS SOME ADULTS ARE NATURALLY IMMUNISED AGAINST THE INFECTION, A BLOOD TEST BEFORE INOCULATION IS TAKEN TO FIND OUT WHETHER THE WOMAN CONCERNED IS ALREADY IMMUNISED.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
- 3 -
NEW TAXI FARES FROM SUNDAY * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE NEW SCALE OF TAXI FARES WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 19).
IN THE URBAN AREA, THE FLAGFALL FARE WILL BE $4 FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING $2.50 FOR THE FIRST MILE OR 1.6 KILOMETRES.
THE SUBSEQUENT CHARGE WILL BE 50 CENTS FOR ONE-QUARTER OF A KILOMETRE, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RATE OF 50 CENTS FOR ONE-FIFTH OF A MILE OR ONE-THIRD OF A KILOMETRE.
BASED ON THE SAME DISTANCES, THE NEW CHARGES FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS WILL BE A FLAGFALL FARE OF $2.40 AND A SUBSEQUENT RATE OF 33 CENTS, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RATES OF $1.50 AND 30 CENTS RESPECTIVELY.
CHARGES FOR WAITING TIME WILL BE 50 CENTS FOR URBAN TAXIS AND 30 CENTS FOR NT TAXIS FOR EVERY TWO MINUTES INSTEAD OF 2-1/2 MINUTES.
ADDITIONAL FARES, SUCH AS CHARGES FOR TUNNEL TOLLS, BAGGAGES AND ANIMALS OR BIRDS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW FARE SCALE WILL INVOLVE THE RECALIBRATION OR REPLACEMENT OF MORE THAN 9 030 TAXI METRES, AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DURING THE INTERIM PERIOD, CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING
THE APPROPRIATE FARE TO BE PAID WHEN A PARTICULAR SUM IS REGISTERED ON EXISTING METRES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN ALL TAX IS.
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PRELIMINARY CONTEST FOR COMMONWEALTH ESSAY COMPETITION * * * - ♦
ALL STUDENTS AGED 19 AND BELC- ARE INVITED TO ENTER THE LOCAL ROUND FOR THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY CC*- 'ETIT I ON 1980/61.
PRIZE-WINNING AND OUTSTANDING ESSAYS IN THIS PRELIMINARY ROUND WILL BE SENT TO LONDON FOR FINAL JUDGING.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ADM I ISTER I !■ G THE COMPETITION IN HONG KONG ON BEHALF OF SIR DOUGLAS CL.- E, 7-E CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY IN HONG KONG.
THE LOCAL ROUND IS SPONSORED BY SIR DOUGLAS AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AND BOOK PRIZES WILL EE AWARDED TO wINNERS.
♦THE ESSAY COMPETITION IS HELD ANNJALLY BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY TO ENCOURAGE COMMONWEALTH STUDIES IN SCHOOLS,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/IT IS DIVIDED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
4
IT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE CLASSES ACCORDING TO AGE GROUP — CLASS A FOR STUDENTS BETWEEN 16 AND 19- CLASS B FOR THOSE AGED 14 AND BELOW 16- AND CLASS C FOR THOSE UNDER 14.
+ THE SUCCESS ACHIEVED BY HONG KONG STUDENTS IN THIS COMPETITION IN PAST YEARS REFLECTS THE HIGH ACADEMIC ABILITY OF LOCAL STUDENTS IN COMPETITION WITH OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALL PARTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
+SUCH ACHIEVEMENTS SHOULD SERVE TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO MAINTAIN THIS EXCELLENT RECORD,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN LAST YEAR’S COMPETITION, THREE HONG KONG STUDENTS WON THE +HIGHLY COMMENDED+ AWARD AND THREE OTHERS THE +COMMENDED+ AWARD.
AWARDS TO WINNERS OF THE FINAL COMPETITION WILL INCLUDE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL AND CASH AND BOOK PRIZES. CERTIFICATES ARE AWARDED IN ALL CLASSES FOR HIGHLY COMMENDED AND COMMENDED ESSAYS.
ESSAYS ENTERED FOR THE LOCAL ROUND MUST BE SENT THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG BY JANUARY 9, 1981.
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HIGHER FARES FOR AP LEI CHAU FERRY SERVICE
* * * *
THE FARES FOR THE ABERDEEN/AP LEI CHAU MINOR FERRY SERVICE WILL BE INCREASED FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 19).
THE ADULT1FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM 20 CENTS TO 40 CENTS. CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS WILL BE CHARGED HALF FARES.
MONTHLY TICKETS FOR STUDENTS AND FACTORY GIRLS WILL BE DOUBLED FROM $6 AND $12 TO $12 AND $24.
GENERAL CARGO CHARGES REMAIN AT 50 CENTS A PIECE (FOUR CUBIC FEET).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE FARE REVISION WAS APPROVED BECAUSE OF HIGH OPERATING COSTS AND REDUCTION IN PASSENGER PATRONAGE AFTER THE OPENING OF THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE.
THERE IS A LIKELY NEED FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT TO REPROVISION THE EXISTING PIER STRUCTURE, WHICH IS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY, TO ANOTHER LOCATION IN ABERDEEN RECLAMATION LATER THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
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/5 ....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1983
5
CHEUNG CHAU PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS ******
fAciLmERsErC™AGT*2ENsG?So“poRNTs"EU"S CHAU ISLAND “ILL HAVE EETTE"
UNDER AN EXTENSION PROJECT. THERE WILL BE NEW RUNNING TRACKS A BASKETBALL COURT, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND CHANGING ROOMS? '
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. ARCHITECTURAL
WORK WILL START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 13 MONTHS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1980
SPEECH BY H.E. THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AT THE CENTENARY
DINNER OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK
IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1980
This dinner is to celebrate 100 years of banking activity in New York for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank. For a centenarian it shows remarkable virility and obviously is bigger and stronger and with a future much more assured than when it came here as a callow youth 100 years ago. It has now even ventured into marriage with an American party of impeccable lineage.
I am sure we all wish this new and powerful union well. It is historically pleasing that this new financial link between the east coast of America and the Pearl River port of Hong Kong should be formed. It is 151 years since the American clipper "Sea Witch" made her record passage of 74 days between Hong Kong and New York, and at the Peabody Museum and the maritime historical site at Salem there is recorded the vigour of American participation in the
/commercial and ..•••
2
commercial and social life of the China coast of the early and mid-19th century. Since those colourful, if somewhat disreputable days, American power and influence has played a prominent and often dominant and, in my view, usually beneficial role in the area. Indeed of all events in East Asia of the last decade I would point to the normalisation of relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China as the most outstanding act of statesmanship and the one which has contributed most to political stability and economic confidence in the area and indeed far outside it. ...
So we in Hong Kong admire the United States and know the contribution it has made to the East Asian region in which we live. 19 per cent of our trade is with the United States. Many of our young managers, bankers, engineers and teachers have American degrees. Americans play a considerable part in the economic and cultural life of our city. Moreover in this last 18 months America has earned our undying gratitude by the vigour with which she moved to lead in the resettlement of boat refugees from Vietnam, more than 70 000 of whom Hong Kong has given temporary asylum and of which we still have more than any other community in the region. The part played by the American Government and by American hosts all over the world in this most recent tragic episode of a tragic country is one which Americans regard with pride, and I assure you we in Hong Kong with admiration and gratitude.
/So we ......
3
So we in Hong Kong have good reason to admire American, but what of Hong Kong itself?
Well Hong Kong is a unique phenomenon of the second half of this century and we continue to have both our successes and our problems. When I last spoke to a gathering of bankers in New York it was in the recession period of 1975 and I said then that since Hong Kong had been willing to tighten its belt in bad times, its economy was well poised to forge ahead as soon as the slightest puff of new export demand filled its sails. So it has turned out, and this will be the fourth successive year of double digit growth in real terms. These have been years of rapid investment in plant and commercial and domestic building, and extraordinary growth in the number of banks and finance houses and indeed in the tertiary sector generally. While Hong Kong’s economy continues to be industry-based and export-led, the tertiary sector is playing an increasingly important role and in particular Hong Kong’s role as a world banking centre has become established. Of the 115 licensed banks, 19 are American and there are a further 27 American banks which have offices or permanently based representatives in the territory This activity and growth in the private sector has been matched by public sector progress in housing, hospitals, schools, social welfare and all the infrastructure that enables growth to be accompanied by stability and sustain its continued upward movement. I might add that
/there have .....
4
there have also been successes in the fields of which we do not so often talk. Our successes over these years against the traditional evils of corruption, drugs and crime have been extremely significant, and even spectacular. To my mind the most exciting aspect of progress in these difficult fields has been not only due to the efficiency of the law enforcement agencies concerned, but the cooperation of the population and the way it has organised itself to help. In the last year, and you may find this hard to believe, 12 per cent of total arrests were made by private citizens.
We have also had our problems. Most of our major markets are bedevilled by inflation and unemployment that have not yet shaken free from the dramatic change in oil prices, with inevitable pressure for control of imports. No doubt there is a time and place for protection in an adjusting economy, but all I would say on this subject which means so much to us in Hong Kong tonight, is that I have much sympathy with developed countries who find their industries undercut by imports from those developing countries which by one device or another protect their own markets from the products of the countries they sell to. There is rough justice about retaliation. But by the same token I resent intensely when this understandably political reflex for protection is visited on Hong Kong, where all are free to sell, and is the only market in the Far East which is entirely free without discrimination or control.
/For the
5
For the rest our major problem has been immigration into an already much too crowded territory. Refugees from Vietnam and immigrants from China. There was a period last summer, before the Geneva Conference, when 1 000 a day were .arriving by boat from Vietnam and another 1 000 from China by land, boat or swimming. The Geneva Conference in which the United States played such a decisive part stopped the Vietnamese flow. But immigration from China continues and the numbers amounted to just under 100 000 in 1978, nearly 180 000 last year, and it looks like being not much less this year. Additions at this level to a population of only 5 million with a low and well controlled natural growth rate, could insidiously erode standards of life that have been worked for and earned over the last two decades. We are taking strong measures to intercept the stream and so are the Chinese to whom it is just as damaging as to us. Bu.t stopping a population movement once it has started is no easy matter and to do so with humanity and compassion, as well as efficiency, is a very major problem. There have been similar movements into Hong Kong in the past and all have been brought under control by the action /of the .........................................................
t
- 6 -
of the Chinese and Hong Kong authorities and I have no doubt that this movement too will be controlled by joint action. Meanwhile it remains a point of very major concern.
As an economic community we are entirely dependent on external forces, and in particular on the state of our markets abroad. Shorter order books have brought increasing unemployment, though it is still low by international standards. But in the short term we see no prospect of recession unless induced by some external dramatic event, and in the medium term we believe our prospects to be extremely good. Indeed the tone of Hong Kong at the moment is characterised by a high stock exchange and intense land development, and the latter represents the confident mood of much of the community.
I think there are in particular three reasons for this confidence. Firstly the five million people of this small territory can boast a track record of energy, inventiveness and adaptability second to none in the world. They have always lived in a time of change and have shown their ability to meet this challenge in the past and they
/are confident ......
7
are confident of their ability to do so in the future. And we have a system of Government which is suited to the territory’s unique situation and which combines maximum opportunity and reward for energy and inventiveness and an already sound and steadily improving infrastructure which shields the community from the harsher difficulties to which we are otherwise committed. Our currency reserves are strong, we are accustomed to a balanced budget, our governmental debt is minimal. All these things in combination give us a good basis from which to face the future.
The second factor is that Hong Kong’s progress has to be sustained not in isolation but in the context of the region. The region is on the move and Hong Kong is moving as part of it. The national growth rate figures for the countries of the Western Pacific have been constantly abnormally high by international standards and have every prospect of remaining so and I sincerely believe that the last two decades of this century are likely to be the era of East and South East Asia. And Hong Kong occupies a position at the centre of the communications of this region and in the closest contact with the vast developments of the People’s Republic of China. The third reason is of course
/the greatly .....
8
the greatly improved relations between the United Kingdom and China over Hong Kong and the acceptance of the Chinese Government that Hong Kong has a major part to play in the modernisation of China, This in turn is only one facet of the great change in personalities and policies that have come to pass in China itself and these have greatly increased confidence, and hope in the whole East Asian region, not least in both Japan and the countries of ASEAN. But the impact in Hong Kong has been greatest because it is closest and has led to both a renewal of confidence and a rapid influx of firms who rightly see in Hong Kong a platform from which to do business in Hong Kong itself, in China and in this growth area of the Western Pacific and South China Sea.
Our host tonight, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, has of course worldwide interests, interests which have been greatly strengthened by its union with Marine Midland, but its roots are in Hong Kong, it is the Hong Kong Government’s banker, and it is a bank of note issue. It also performs as a lender of last resort, some of the functions of a central bank. I am convinced that developments over the last five years have shown that Hong Kong and its banks have a role to play in the long-term future of China, as no doubt it has in the future of clients all over the world. In celebrating its first 100 years in New York, I look forward with confidence to the century to come.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 198O
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS TAKES SALUTE .................... 1
SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION INVITES LOGO DESIGNS ................ 2
YUEN LONG IMMIGRATION OFFICE HAS NEW ADDRESS ................... 2
COACH SERVICE FOR PARK AND RIDE MOTORISTS ...................... J
MISSION SUNDAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ............................ 4
SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME FOR TAI 0 .............................. 5
NIGHT CLOSURE OF STUBBS ROAD ................................
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER
5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1980
1
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS TAKES SALUTE ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR TOM ECOB, WHO IS RETIRING EARLY NEXT MONTH AFTER 33 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT, TODAY INSPECTED THE LAST PASSING-OUT PARADE IN HIS CAREER.
MR ECOB TOOK THE SALUTE FROM A GROUP OF RECRUITS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY. HE ALSO PRESENTED GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE BEST TWO RECRUITS, MISS TANG PUI-FUN AND MR WONG KEE-YEUNG, BOTH ASSISTANT OFFICERS.
ON PARADE WERE 12 OFFICERS, AND 69 MAN AND 27 WOMAN ASSISTANT OFFICERS.
ADDRESSING THE PARADE, MR ECOB SAID OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAD EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY IN TERMS OF STAFF AND SERVICES.
♦THIS EXPANSION, WHICH OBVIOUSLY ENHANCES CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF, IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE INTO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, SINCE TWO NEW INSTITUTIONS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND OTHERS ARE ON THE DRAWING BOARD,+ HE SAID.
MR ECOB ALSO NOTED THAT AT PRESENT, THE WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES IN OPERATION UNDER THE PENAL SYSTEM CALLED FOR STAFF TO BE WELL SKILLED IN MANY FIELDS. HE PRAISED THE PRINCIPAL AND STAFF OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR PUTTING TOGETHER A VERY EFFECTIVE SYLLABUS WHICH MET THE NEEDS OF TRAINEES.
HE SAID THE INSTITUTE WITH ITS BASIC TRAINING AND SPECIALIST COURSES HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BUILT UP ITS PRESENT HIGH REPUTATION, NOT ONLY IN THE REGION BUT ALSO WORLD-WIDE, WITHOUT THE VALUABLE SERVICES IT PROVIDED.
♦IT IS THEREFORE GRATIFYING THAT WORK ON AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING TRAINING INSTITUTE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION AND CONSIDERABLY ENHANCED FACILITIES, WILL COMMENCE LATER THIS YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
MR ECOB JOINED THE PRISON SERVICE IN OCTOBER 1947 AS A PRISON OFFICER AFTER SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES. HE ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS AND WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS IN JANUARY 1972.
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION DURING HIS OFFICE AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, PARTICULARLY DURING A TIME OF REORGANISATION IN THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, HE WAS APPOINTED A COMPANION OF THE IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER (ISO) IN 1977.
HE WAS ALSO AWARDED THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL IN 1965 AND ITS FIRST AND SECOND CLASPS IN 1972 AND 1977.
-------0--------- /2..............
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1980
- 2 -
SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION INVITES LOGO DESIGNS
* * * *
SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION WANTS ITS OWN LOGO - AND IS PREPARED TO PAY A LOT OF MONEY TO GET IT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ASSOCIATION TODAY ANNOUNCED A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION WITH PRIZES TOTALLING $7 □□□.
THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH IS AT PRESENT BEING REGISTERED, WILL BE OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE COMPRISING OFFICIALS FROM SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND LOCAL RURAL LEADERS WAS FORMED IN MAY TO DRAW UP A CONSTITUTION.
THE ASSOCIATION’S OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS IN THE GROWING NEW TOWN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DESIGN OF THE LOGO SHOULD MEASURE AT LEAST 15 SQUARE CENTIMETRES AND THE DRAWING PAPER SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 35 SQUARE CENTIMETRES.
COLOURS SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THREE, PREFERABLY WITH BROWN. THE PROMINENT COLOUR.
THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE OF $3 000, WHILE THE TWO RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE S2 000 AND $1 000. THERE WILL BE A NUMBER CF MERIT AWARDS TOTALLING $1 000.
THE PRIZES WILL BE DONATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR NG CHAN-LAM, WHO WILL ALSO MEET THE COSTS OF AN EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT WO CHE COMMUNITY HALL AT THE END OF NOVEMBER IN WHICH ALL THE ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE OCTOBER 31 TO SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE IN TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD OR ITS SUB-OFFICE IN LEK YUEN ESTATE.
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YUEN LONG IMMIGRATION OFFICE HAS NEW ADDRESS ******
THE YUEN LONG IMMIGRATION OFFICE AT WAH CHEONG BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL MOVE TO FAR EAST CONSORTIUM BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 13-33, ON LOK ROAD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 20).
IN ADDITION TO NORMAL IMMIGRATION SERVICE, THE OFFICE ALSO PROCESSES:
* APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF JUVENILE/ADULT IDENTITY CARDS BY BONA-FIDE RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG-
* REPLACEMENT OF DEFACED OR DAMAGED IDENTITY CARDS WHERE THE HOLDER IS RECOGNIZABLE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPH ON THE SURRENDERED CARD, AND
AMENDMENT OF......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1980
* AMENDMENT OF NATIONALITY ON IDENTITY CARDS FROM CHINESE TO BRITISH.
THE NEW OFFICE IS OPPOSITE YUEN LONG BUS TERMINUS AND IS A 15-MINUTE WALK FROM THE OLD OFFICE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 12-772464.
- - 0 - -
COACH SERVICE FOR PARK AND RIDE MOTORISTS ******
A NEW KMB FEEDER COACH ROUTE NO. 291M OPERATING BETWEEN CHOI HUNG MTR STATION AND SILVER STRAND BAY WILL BE INTRODUCED ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 20).
THIS IS THE FIRST COACH SERVICE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE ■►PARK AND RIDE* PASSENGERS INTENDING TO USE THE MTR.
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY DURING MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS AT 20-MINUTE INTERVALS. A FLAT FARE OF SI.50 WILL BE CHARGED.
AN OPEN-AIR CAR PARK WITH 30 SPACES HAS BEEN SET ASIDE AT THE TURN-ROUND AREA ON CLEARWATER BAY ROAD NEXT TO THE COACH TERMINUS TO PROVIDE PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES.
PRIVATE CAR OWNERS IN THE CLEARWATER BAY AREA ARE URGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THIS NEW SERVICE INSTEAD OF USING THEIR OWN CARS TO TRAVEL TO TOWN AS CLEARWATER BAY ROAD IS ALREADY VERY CONGESTED.
ALSO ON MONDAY, KMB WILL INTRODUCE A NEW BUS ROUTE NO. 60 FROM YAU 01/ON TING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN TO CHEUNG SHA WAN VIA TUEN MUN ROAD TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM TUEN MUN.
THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE AT A BASIC 15-MINUTE FREQUENCY.
KMB URBAN COACH ROUTE NO. 203 OPERATING BETWEEN STAR FERRY AND TSZ WAN SHAN (NORTH) WILL BE WITHDRAWN FROM SERVICE FROM MONDAY AS PATRONAGE HAS BEEN REDUCED BY TRANSFER OF PASSENGERS TO THE MTR AND THE NEW KMB FEEDER ROUTES.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1980
MISSION SUNDAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TOMORROW IN CAUSEWAY BAY FOR +MISSION SUNDAY 1980+ TO BE HELD AT HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STADIUM.
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM
1 PM:
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM LEIGHTON ROAD TO THE STADIUM,
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD EAST WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM HONG KONG STADIUM TO LEIGHTON ROAD AND IS CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES ON THE ROAD,
* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM THE STADIUM TO TUNG LO WAN ROAD,
* LINK ROAD WILL BE REROUTED'ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM CAROLINE HILL ROAD TO BROADWOOD ROAD.
FROM 5.15 PM UNTIL NORMAL TRAFFIC RESUMES, THE FOLLOWING DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM THE STADIUM TO LEIGHTON ROAD,
* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD, LINK ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD EAST WILL REMAIN REROUTED AS EARLIER.
AFTER THE EVENT AT 5.15 PM, ADDITIONAL BUSES FOR ROUTE 101 AND 112 WILL PICK UP PASSENGERS AT STOPS IN MORRISON HILL ROAD AND YEE WO STREET RESPECTIVELY. IN ADDITION, EXTRA SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON ROUTES 101 AND 112 IN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD TO PICK UP PASSENGERS.
DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE ROADS TO CAROLINE HILL AREA WILL BE VERY CONGESTED.
MOTORISTS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED THAT UNLESS THEY ARE ATTENDING THE FUNCTION, THEY SHOULD AVOID THE AREA.
-----0----- /5
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1980
5
SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME FOR TAI 0
* * * *
CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL WORKS AT TAI 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BEGIN LATER THIS YEAR.
SEWAGE WILL UNDERGO TREATMENT AT THE NEW WORKS AND THEN BE DISCHARGED TO THE SEA THROUGH SUBMARINE OUTFALLS SO AS TO BE EFFECTIVELY DILUTED AND DISPERSED.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN IMHOFF TANK AND ANCILLARY PIPEWORKS, TWO 250-METRE-LONG SUBMARINE OUTFALLS, AND A STORE HOUSE.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK, FORMING PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE SEWAGE TREATMENT SCHEME FOR TAI 0, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
------o-------
NIGHT CLOSURE OF STUBBS ROAD * * * * *
THE SECTION OF STUBBS ROAD BETWEEN THE ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT 300 METRES DOWNHILL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM TUESDAY TO THURSDAY THIS COMING WEEK (OCTOBER 21 TO 23) AND THE FOLLOWING WEEK (OCTOBER 28 TO 30) FOR WORK ON THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD/STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER.
MOTORISTS CAN USE TAI HANG ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. TUNG SHAN TERRACE AND CRAIGMONT CAN BE REACHED FROM THE LOWER SECTION OF STUBBS ROAD VIA QUEEN'S ROAD EAST.
THE LAST TRIP OF BUS ROUTE NO. 6 FROM STANLEY PRISON TO CENTRAL TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED FROM WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST VIA TAI HANG ROAD, BLUE POOL ROAD, SING WOO ROAD, KING KWONG STREET AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- O'- -
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK IN THE CASTLE PEAK/ HA TSUEN RANGE FROM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY (OCTOBER 21 TO 24) BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 6 PM DAILY.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST-EVER SCHOOL DENTAL HEALTH SERVICE .................... 1
PLANS FOR NEW MARKETS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ............... 2
SNT OPENS YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ................ 3
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXPANDED ........................ 4
TEACHERS TO LEARN ABOUT DRUG PROBLEM ....................... 5
MORE LAND FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN .............................. 6
PWD OFFICIAL LEFT FOR TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE ............ 6
SHEK KU STREET TRAFFIC REROUTED ............................ 7
SAI KUNG WATER CUT
7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1983
- 1
FIRST-EVER SCHOOL DENTAL HEALTH SERVICE * * * * *
A SCHOOL CHILDREN DENTAL CARE SERVICE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED THIS MONTH FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG.
FOR ONLY A NOMINAL CHARGE OF $5 A YEAR, ALL PRIMARY ONE CHILDREN MAY BENEFIT FROM THIS SERVICE RUN BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE SERVICE IS A VOLUNTARY SCHEME AND HE ESTIMATED THAT OVER 130 000 PRIMARY ONE CHILDREN ARE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN.
UNDER THE SCHEME, SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE GIVEN ROUTINE DENTAL EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT BY DENTAL OFFICERS AND DENTAL THERAPISTS.
DENTAL TREATMENT, INCLUDING A FULL DENTAL EXAMINATION, FILLINGS, SCALING, CLEANING OF TEETH AND IF NECESSARY, EXTRACTION, WILL BE GIVEN.
-►LIMITED ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT EMPHASIS OF THE SERVICE WOULD BE ON PREVENTION.
SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE TAUGHT THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DENTAL HEALTH AND ORAL HYGIENE SO THAT THEY WILL ADOPT GOOD PRACTICE TO PREVENT DENTAL DISEASES DEVELOPING IN LATER LIFE, HE SAID.
IN ITS FIRST YEAR, THE SERVICE IS LIMITED TO PRIMARY ONE PUPILS. IT WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL CHILDREN IN PRIMARY CLASSES.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE SCHEME THIS YEAR WILL GO TO THE MACLEHOSE DENTAL CENTRE IN MORRISON HILL ROAD FOR THE SERVICE. A SECOND DENTAL CLINIC FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN IN ARGYLE STREET WILL OPEN NEXT SCHOOL YEAR.
THE SERVICE WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION WITH THE COMPLETION OF THREE OTHER CLINICS IN LAM TIN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN BEFORE 1985.
/2......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
- 2 -
PLANS FOR NEW MARKETS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES *****
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD 23 NEw MULTI-PURPOSE MARKETS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS TO KEEP ABREAST WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SIX WILL BE IN TUEN MUN, FIVE IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG, THREE IN YUEN LONG, TWO EACH IN TAI PO, SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG, AND THREE ON OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE FIRST MARKET IN THE PIPELINE TO BE OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE WILL BE IN TSUEN WAN. ITS CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE REMAINING MARKETS EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR AT PLANNING STAGE WERE EXPECTED TO BE READY WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THE TSUEN WAN MARKET WILL BE LOCATED ON A 3 620 SQUARE METRE SITE AT THE CORNER OF CHUNG ON STREET AND TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, THE CENTRE OF THE NEW TOWN.
IT WILL GREATLY BENEFIT BOTH TRADERS AND SHOPPERS AS IT WILL OPEN UP A MORE SPACIOUS, BETTER-EQUIPPED AND MORE HYGIENIC AREA.
COSTING $13 MILLION, THE TWO-STOREY MARKET WILL ACCOMMODATE
30 MEAT STALLS, 25 FISH STALLS, 10 POULTRY STALLS, ONE ICE STALL AND 330 MINI STALLS FOR VEGETABLE AND SUNDRY GOODS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A POULTRY SCALDING ROOM, A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, A REFUSE COLLECTION CHAMBER AND A CLEANSING STORE.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE MARKET OFFICES, STAFF QUARTERS, TOILETS AND A PARKING BAY FOR 40 BICYCLES.
ONE OF THE FEATURES WILL BE ESCALATORS FOR MARKET-GOERS FROM THE GROUND TO THE FIRST FLOOR.
ON THE ROOFTOP, THERE WILL BE A CHILDREN PLAY AREA WITH VARIOUS FACILITIES, FLOWER BEDS AND BENCHES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS THE DEPARTMENT’S PLAN TO MAKE FULL USE OF AVAILABLE SPACE IN THE NEW MARKET WHICH WILL SERVE NOT ONLY MARKET-GOERS BUT ALSO CHILDREN AND RESIDENTS.
-----o-----
/3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
- 3 -SNT OPENS YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN * * * *
DRUG ABUSE IS STILL ONE OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN, MR AKERS-JONES SAID AS LONG AS IT REMAINED SO THERE WOULD BE A DANGER THAT YUEN LONG AND ITS CITIZENS, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER ONES, WOULD BE AFFECTED OR AT RISK.
WHILE THE ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE REMAINED SO ENORMOUSLY PROFITABLE, HE SAID, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO ATTRACT THE CRIMINALS WHO EXPLOITED IT- AND SO LONG AS WE HAD AS MANY AS 40 OQO ADDICTS IN OUR MIDST --THE PRESENT ESTIMATED NUMBER — THEY WOULD REMAIN, UNHAPPILY, A RESERVOIR OF POSSIBLE INFECTION TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.
+AND LET US NOT FORGET THAT HONG KONG’S GREATEST ASSET IS ITS PEOPLE, AND THAT THE YOUNG REPRESENT THE FUTURE OF ANY SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID AS A RESULT OF YEARS OF DEDICATED EFFORTS BY MANY PEOPLE, BOTH GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT, WE COULD NOW SAY THAT WE WERE CONTAINING OUR OVERALL DRUG PROBLEM AND MAKING CONSIDERABLE INROADS INTO THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN DRUG-TAKING.
♦ BUT OUR PRIDE AND SATISFACTION IN THESE ACHIEVEMENTS MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE US COMPLACENT- THERE WILL BE A CONTINUING NEED NOT MERELY TO MAINTAIN OUR EFFORTS AGAINST DRUG-TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE BUT TO ENHANCE THEM IN ALL FIELDS — LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION, COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION,* HE SAID.
HONG KONG WAS A FAST DEVELOPING SOCIETY AND ALL OF US WERE CAUGHT-UP IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE.
+ HERE IN YUEN LONG WE SEE OLD BUILDINGS PULLED DOWN AND VILLAGERS RESETTLED TO MAKE WAY FOR SUCH LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENTS AS FAIRVIEW PARK AND THE SHU I BIN WAI ESTATE, ALL LEADING TO LARGE MIGRATION OF URBAN DWELLERS TO THE DISTRICT.
+ALONG WITH, AND IN MANY CASES BECAUSE OF, THESE FAST-PACED DEVELOPMENTS WE ALSO FACE PRESSURES TO ADAPT OUR TRADITIONS, ATTITUDES AND OLD HABITS TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
+MOST OF US HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADJUST TO THESE STRAINS, BUT THERE ARE THOSE UNFORTUNATE ONES WHO FIND THE PACE OF LIFE AND ITS PROBLEMS TOO MUCH. SOME OF THEM TURN TO DRUGS AS AN ESCAPE FROM THE FRUSTRATIONS OF THEIR LIVES.*
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE COULD NOT BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE WHOLE COMMUNITY HAD TO PLAY ITS PART.
/SINCE 1973 .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
4
SINCE 1973, THEREFORE, THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) HAD BEEN SPONSORING DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS, WHICH INVOLVED DISTRICT LEADERS AND RESIDENTS IN ORGANISING EVENTS AND PROGRAMMES FOR THEIR OWN CHILDREN, NEIGHBOURS AND COLLEAGUES.
IN SO DOING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ACQUIRED A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM AND WHAT WAS NEEDED TO MITIGATE AND ULTIMATELY TO RESOLVE IT.
HE SAID YUEN LONG WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY PUBLIC-SPIRITED COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CITIZENS WITH THE CONCERN, INTEREST AND COMPASSION TO DEVOTE THEIR INTEREST, THEIR TIME AND THEIR RESOURCES TO THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAUSE. HE THANKED THE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR WONG KAM-YIP, FOR THEIR EFFORTS.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTl-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IS THE TOWN'S FIRST. ACAN HAS PROVIDED $100 000 TOWARDS CAMPAIGN EXPENSES.
NEARLY 30 ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD DURING THE ONE-MONTH CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY AT YUEN LONG STADIUM WAS FOLLOWED BY A ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR VARIETY SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY THE JOINT SERVICES PARACHUTE CLUB AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR PETER LEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR KARL STUMPF, WERE ALSO PRESENT.
-----o------
SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXPANDED
******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS EXPANDING ITS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WHICH CATERS TO UNIVERSITY GRADUATES AND PERSONS WITH POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, AND TO EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR PROFESSIONAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF.
THE SERVICE — KNOWN AS SPECIAL REGISTER — IS LOCATED AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY.
OWING TO INCREASED DEMAND FOR THE SERVICE, A NEW BRANCH OFFICE WILL BE OPENED AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI, TOMORROW (MONDAY) FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LIVING IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES IS 3-695528.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE SPECIAL REGISTER WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1973 AS AN EXTENSION OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE TO UNIVERSITY GRADUATES AND PEOPLE WITH POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.
TMP ASSISTANCE INCLUDED INTRODUCING JOB-SEEKERS TO EMPLOYERS, ADVISING JOB-SEEKERS ON SUITABLE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND THE LABOUR Market situation, AS well as helping hong kong students studying OVERSEAS TO APPLY FOR JOBS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
/THE SPECIAL .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
5
THE SPECIAL REGISTER ALSO HELPED EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL STAFF.
DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE SERVICE PLACED 230 PEOPLE ON JOBS AS MANAGERS, EXECUTIVE TRAINEES, TEACHERS, ENGINEERS, SECRETARIES, ACCOUNTANTS AND PROGRAMMERS WITH INITIAL SALARIES RANGING FROM $1 500 TO 45 500 A MONTH.
+AS THE DEMAND FOR THE SERVICE CONTINUES TO INCREASE SINCE ITS INCEPTION, EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO EXPAND THE SERVICE IN ORDER TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND AND TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF SERVICE,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS LIVING IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO USE THE NEW OFFICE, AND THOSE ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO CONTINUE TO USE THE NEW RODNEY BLOCK OFFICE.
-----o-----
TEACHERS TO LEARN ABOUT DRUG PROBLEM
* * * *
TWO WORKSHOPS ON DRUG ABUSE WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS.
THE AIM IS TO ACQUAINT THEM WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, TO EXPLORE EFFECTIVE WAYS OF EDUCATING PUPILS ON DRUG ABUSE, AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE TALKS, SLIDE SHOWS, DISCUSSION AND A TOUR OF THE NARCOTICS BUREAU MUSEUM.
THE TALKS WILL BE ON THE LAW RELATING TO DRUG ABUSE AND THE POLICE’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS YOUNG OFFENDERS, THE TEACHERS’ ROLE IN DRUG EDUCATION AND THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMMES.
THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH IN THE THEATRE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HEADQUARTERS IN ARSENAL STREET.
THEY WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 5 FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD EE MADE THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR (SOCIAL STUDIES AND HEALTH EDUCATION) AT LEE GARDENS BY NOVEMBER 7.
/6
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
6
MORE LAND FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN
* * * * *
ANOTHER NINE HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED FOR THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE RECLAMATION, NEXT TO THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR AN EXTENSION PROJECT OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO FURTHER SERVE DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.
WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
-----o-----
PWD OFFICIAL LEFT FOR TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE ******
THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN NAI KEONG, LEFT FOR THE UNITED STATES TODAY FOR A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE ON WORLDWIDE TRANSPORTATION ISSUES.
THE CONFERENCE, TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 23 AND 24 IN WESTPOINT, CONNECTICUT, IS ORGANISED BY THE ENO FOUNDATION FOR TRANSPORTATION, A PRIVATELY ENDOWED INSTITUTION DEALING EXCLUSIVELY WITH RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES PERTAINING TO TRANSPORTATION, PLANNING, DESIGN AND OPERATION.
DURING THE CONFERENCE, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND THE BOARD OF CONSULTANTS OF THE FOUNDATION WILL HAVE INFORMAL EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND VIEWS WITH GUEST SPEAKERS FROM HONG KONG, SINGAPORE, SAUDI ARABIA, CANADA, MEXICO, AND VENEZUELA.
0 - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1980
7
SHEK KU STREET TRAFFIC REROUTED * * * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN SHEK KU STREET, HO MAN TIN FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 22) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR THE LAYING OF A POWER CABLE.
THE STREET WILL BE REROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH PERTH STREET AND KING TAK STREET.
SOUTHBOUND MOTORISTS ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD INTENDING TO ENTER SHEK KU STREET VIA PERTH STREET ARE ADVISED TO ENTER THE STREET VIA FAT KWONG STREET AND SHEUNG SHING STREET INSTEAD.
WESTBOUND MOTORISTS ON PERTH STREET INTENDING TO TURN LEFT INTO SHEK KU STREET ARE ADVISED TO ENTER THE STREET VIA PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, FAT KWONG STREET AND SHEUNG SHING STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE THEM.
- - 0 - -
SAI KUNG WATER CUT H H *
WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN SAI KUNG TOWN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 21) MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON WEDNESDAY FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY Yl CHUN STREET, SAI KUNG HOI PONG STREET, SAI KUNG MAIN STREET, PO TUNG STREET AND SAI KUNG YEE KUK STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
BALANCED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CONCEPT FOR NEW TOWNS ......... 1
FESTIVAL OF YOUTH BANDS ..................................... 5
NEW WORKbO COMPENSATION RATES FROM NEXT MONTH................ 7
ACAN LAUNCHES SINGING COMPETITION............................ 8
HK TO HOST WHO COURSE FOR DOCTORS............................ 9
UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR DESIGN COMPETITION..................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
11
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
BALANCED DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CONCEPT FOR NEW TOWNS ******
THE DISTRICT OFFICER SHA TIN, DR PATRICK HASE, SAID TODAY THAT HE BELIEVED HONG KONG SHOULD NOT DESIGN ITS NEW TOWNS ON DORMITORY LINES AS WAS BEING DONE IN JAPAN.
SPEAKING TO MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR HASE SAID THE PRESSURE OF POPULATION IN GREATER TOKYO WAS BEING ALLEVIATED BY THE BUILDING OF SEVERAL VERY LARGE NEW TOWNS, MOST OF WHICH WOULD CONSIST OF ENDLESS AND UNRELIEVED HOUSING ESTATES.
+THE NEW TOWNS IN JAPAN, IN FACT, ARE BEING PLANNED PURELY AND SIMPLY AS DORMITORY SUBURBS,+ HE SAID. DORMITORY SUBURBS OF THIS TYPE HAD ALSO BEEN PLANNED AND BUILT IN A NUMBER OF GREAT CITIES- LONDON, FOR INSTANCE, AND PARIS.
+THE PRESSURE OF POPULATION IN HONG KONG IS WORSE THAN IN MOST OF THESE OTHER CITIES- SHOULD WE DESIGN OUR NEW TOWNS ON SIMILAR LINES AS DORMITORY SUBURBS TO RELIEVE THIS PRESSURE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE?* DR HASE ASKED.
+WE BELIEVE NOT.
+WE BELIEVE THAT TO BUILD HOUSING ESTATES ALONE WOULD NOT SOLVE ANY PROBLEMS, SINCE IT WOULD CONCENTRATE ON ONE FACTOR OF LIFE (THAT IS, THE NEED TO FIND A PLACE TO SLEEP) TO THE EXCLUSION OF ALL OTHERS, INCLUDING THE NEED TO FIND PLACES TO WORK IN, SHOP IN, PLAY IN AND SO FORTH.
+WE HAVE, THEREFORE, RESISTED THE TEMPTATION TO DEAL WITH OUR HOUSING NEEDS QUICKLY BY GOING FOR A +BALANCED DEVELOPMENT* CONCEPT OF PLANNING.*
DR HASE SAID PUT IN SIMPLE TERMS BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IMPLIED THAT EACH NEW TOWN SHOULD BE SO DESIGNED THAT, IF THE REST OF HONG KONG WERE TO SINK INTO THE SEA, THE NEW TOWN WOULD BE RELATIVELY UNAFFECTED SINCE ALL THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DECENT MODERN URBAN LIFE COULD BE FOUND WITHIN THE TOWN.
WHEN COMPLETED, HE SAID, SUCH A NEW TOWN SHOULD BE SO PLANNED THAT NONE OF ITS INHABITANTS SHOULD BE FORCED TO LEAVE IT FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+AS WELL AS ADEQUATE HOUSING, THIS IMPLIES, OF COURSE, JOB OPPORTUNITIES ADEQUATE NOT ONLY IN NUMBER BUT BY RANGE OF TYPES OF JOB- ADEQUATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AT BOTH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND DISTRICT LEVEL- ADEQUATE SHOPPING COMPLEXES, AGAIN PROVIDING FOR BOTH NEIGHBOURHOOD REQUIREMENTS AND LUXURY NEEDS- PROVISION FOR EDUCATION, MEDICAL SERVICES, CULTURAL NEEDS AND SO ON, AS WELL AS A GOOD INTERNAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
/♦SUCH A .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
2 -
+SUCH A NEW TOWN MUST HAVE A TOWN CENTRE WHICH CONTAINS ALL NECESSARY GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO SERVE THE TOWN, SUFFICIENT LUXURY SHOPS TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE TOWN, AND SUFFICIENT ENTERTAINMENT FACILITIES TO CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE OF A TOWN CENTRE,+ HE SAID.
A PROPERLY BALANCED TOWN WOULD HAVE BOTH PUBLIC HOUSING AND PRIVATE HOUSING, BOTH RENTED AND PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY, DR HASE SAID.
HE SAID SHA TIN NEW TOWN WAS PLANNED TO HAVE 270 380 PERSONS IN PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTY, 86 240 IN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES, AND 365 480 IN GOVERNMENT RENTED HOUSING ESTATES, RESPECTIVELY, 37.5, 11.9 AND 50.6 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION.
THIS BREAKDOWN WAS CLOSE TO THAT WHICH GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE IDEAL +MIX+ FOR A CITY SUCH AS HONG KONG.
OF THE PRIVATELY OWNED ESTATES, SOME WOULD BE DENSELY BUILT AND DESIGNED FOR ORDINARY WORKING CLASS OR MIDDLE CLASS TENANTS.
OF THESE ESTATES THE BEST EXAMPLE WAS THE PARAMATTA DEVELOPMENT THE FIRST PHASE OF WHICH WAS SOLD ONLY A FEW DAYS AGO.
THIS ESTATE, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD HOUSE OVER 40 000 PERSONS, AND WOULD BE BUILT TO A DESIGN SIMILAR TO, FOR INSTANCE, MEI FOO SUN TSUEN, WITH RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AND SCHOOLS BUILT AROUND A SUBSTANTIAL COMMERCIAL CENTRE INCLUDING A MARKET.
OTHER PRIVATE ESTATES, SUCH AS WORLDWIDE GARDENS, WOULD ATTRACT THE UPPER, LUXURY END OF THE MARKET.
MOST OF THESE UPPER CLASS AREAS WERE ON THE SLOPES OF THE HILLS SURROUNDING THE TOWN, ON PLATFORMS ORIGINALLY CUT TO PROVIDE SOIL FOR THE VARIOUS RECLAMATION PROJECTS OF THE NEW TOWN. AS SUCH, MOST OF THESE LOTS WOULD ENJOY VERY FINE VIEWS.
MAJOR AREAS OF SUCH UPPER CLASS HOUSING WOULD BE SOLD ABOVE THE RACE COURSE, ABOVE LOK LO HA VILLAGE, ABOVE THE SUI WO HOME ownership area, and above sha tin wai villages some of these LOTS WOULD BE SOLD FOR TWO-STOREY INDIVIDUAL LUXURY HOMES WITH GARDENS.
ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES, DR HASE SAID THESE WOULD BE PROVIDED BASICALLY IN FOUR MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS, FO TAN, TAI SHEK KWU, PAK SHEK AND TAI SHU I HANG.
OF THESE, THE FIRST AREA, FO TAN, WAS ONE-THIRD COMPLETED, WITH ONE-THIRD UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND ONE-THIRD EITHER ABOUT TO START CONSTRUCTION OR ELSE SCHEDULED FOR SALE OVER THE NEXT SIX MONTHS. THIS AREA WOULD PROBABLY BE FULLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS EY THE END OF 1982.
/SITES AT .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
- 3 -
SITES AT TAI SHEK KWU WOULD BEGIN TO BE SOLD FROM THE MIDDLE OF 1981, AND AT PAK SHEK FROM THE END OF 1982.
THEY WOULD BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT 1986, WHEN THE FIRST LOTS FROM THE TAI SHU I HANG AREA WERE EXPECTED TO COME ONTO THE MARKET.
THESE FOUR AREAS WERE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE SOME 145 000 JOBS (EQUAL TO 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION), APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER IN EACH OF THE FOUR AREAS.
HE SAID 750 000 PEOPLE REPRESENTED A WORKFORCE OF SOME 290 000 (40 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION)- CONSEQUENTLY THE FOUR INDUSTRIAL AREAS SHOULD PROVIDE ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL JOBS REQUIRED.
THE REMAINDER SHOULD BE ADEQUATELY CATERED FOR IN THE 23 NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES, THE TWO HOTELS, THE FIVE MAJOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS INCLUDING A MAJOR GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCK, THE 150 ODD RESTAURANTS, AND ABOVE ALL, IN THE TOwN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT.
A WORKFORCE SPLIT 50 PER CENT INDUSTRIAL AND 50 PER CENT COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE WAS IN LINE WITH THE NORMAL BREAKDOWN OF THE POPULATION IN HONG KONG AND SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY CORRECT.
+OUR AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT AT ALL TIMES INDUSTRIAL JOBS EQUIVALENT TO 20 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION ARE AVAILABLE.
♦ THIS IMPLIES TRYING TO GEAR OUR SALES PROGRAMME FOR INDUSTRIAL LOTS TO ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATES OF HOUSING ESTATES. SO FAR, WE HAVE NOT FALLEN BADLY BEHIND.
♦PROVISION OF COMMERCIAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES, HOWEVER, HAS FALLEN BEHIND AS THE MAJOR PROVISION WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT IN 1983,+ DR HASE SAID.
TURNING TO TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID: +IT IS OUR HOPE THAT IT WILL GIVE A REAL ’HEART’ TO SHA TIN, AND SO HELP US TO DEVELOP A REAL COMMUNITY SPIRIT WITHIN THE DISTRICT.+
THIS DEVELOPMENT WOULD EE IN A ’U’ SHAPE, WITH 17 MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS USING, ABOVE, THREE FLOORS OF PODIUM -- TWO FLOORS PROVIDING 3 300 CARPARKING SPACES (INCLUDING 1 650 PUBLIC CARPARKING SPACES) AND ONE FLOOR WHICH, TOGETHER WITH A CENTRAL COMMERCIAL BLOCK, WOULD PROVIDE OVER 93 000 SQUARE METRES OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES.
BEHIND THIS DEVELOPMENT, ON TOP OF THE MAIN SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION, aOULD BE A 13-STCREY GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCK TO SERVE THE TOWN, AND TWO OR THREE MAJOR OFFICE BLOCKS. ALL WOULD EE INTERLINKED WITH PEDESTRIAN ERIDGES AND WALK-AYS.
ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE ’U’ WOULD EE A 690-BED HOTEL, A C INEMA/PUBL IC AUDITORIUM BLOCK, A’.D A LARGE CULTURAL CENTRE, TOGETHER WITH A MAGISTRACY, ALL SE-- 'TED FROM THE RIVER EY A LARGE AND ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED TO.'.'
/TH3 FIRST .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
THE FIRST BLOCKS HAD ALREADY BEEN SOLD, AND THE FIRST HALF OF THE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE FINISHED BY EARLY 1982, AND THE COMPLETE PROJECT BY THE END OF 1983.
DR HASE SAID THE CONCEPT OF +EALANCED DEVELOPMENT* ALSO UNDERLINED PROPOSALS FOR PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL PROJECTS.
RECREATIONAL PROPOSALS INCLUDED, AS WELL AS THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, A MAJOR STADIUM, TWO RUNNING TRACKS WITH STADIA AND THREE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES, AS WELL AS TWO OR THREE AREAS OF LOCAL ACTIVE OPEN SPACE.
IN ADDITION, THE SHING MUN RIVER WOULD BE DEVELOPED AS A RECREATIONAL ASSET, WITH BOTH FACILITIES FOR SPORTS ROWING AND CANOEING AND FOR BY THE HOUR RECREATIONAL USE.
SIMILARLY, SHA TIN WAS VERY SURROUNDED ON ALL SIDES BY THESE
RICH IN COUNTRY PARKS, BEING VITAL RECREATIONAL AREAS.
IT WAS HOPED TO IMPROVE THE USAGE OF THESE AREAS BY A PROGRAMME OF FOOTPATH CONSTRUCTION, AND CAMPING AND YACHTS CENTRE PROVISION, TO ENABLE THEM TO BE ACTIVELY USED BY THE POPULATION.
WITHIN THE NEW TOWN AREA ITSELF, ALL THOSE SLOPES WHICH WERE WELL-WOODED BEFORE DEVELOPMENT BEGAN HAD BEEN PRESERVED, AND WOULD BE DEVELOPED WITH SMALL UNOBTRUSIVE FOOTPATHS AS BEAUTIFUL AND RESTFUL WOODED PARKS.
EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES WERE AGAIN EASED ON THE CONCEPT OF BALANCED DEVELOPMENT: HOWEVER MUCH WAS REQUIRED BY THE ACTUAL POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWN MUST BE PROVIDED WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE NEW TOWN.
DR HASE SAID: +0F COURSE, THIS SOPHISTICATED PLAN FOR AN INSTANT CITY CANNOT BE IMPLEMENTED AT ONCE. LEAVING ASIDE THE PROBLEM OF HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF NEW RESIDENTS, FEW WITH ANY PREVIOUS CONNECTION WITH SHA TIN, AND TO BUILD UP THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF BELONGING TO SHA TIN, IT IS CLEAR THAT SOME OF THE PURELY PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTS CANNOT PROCEED EXACTLY IN STEP WITH THE PROVISION OF HOUSING.*
THUS, BUILDING A HOSPITAL AND FITTING IT OUT WITH ALL THE SOPHISTICATED MACHINERY A MODERN HOSPITAL REQUIRES WAS A SLOW PROCESS.
THE MAIN SHA TIN HOSPITAL BEGAN CONSTRUCTION 18 MONTHS AGO BUT WOULD NOT BE READY UNTIL 1982-83- IN THIS AREA STANDARDS UP UNTIL THEN WOULD BE LESS THAN PERFECT.
AGAIN, FINANCIAL RESTRAINTS HAD DELAYED SOME PROJECTS BY A YEAR, FROM COMPLETION DATES IN 1982 TO 1983.
THE CULTURAL COMPLEX AND TWO OR THREE OPEN SPACE PROJECTS -ERE CASES IN POINT- PERHAPS EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT WERE THE DELAYS ON THE MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS TO TAI PO AND TSUEN -AN AND TO THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KO-LOON-CANTON RAILWAY._
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
- 5 -
ABOVE ALL, THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADEQUATE TRANSPORT SYSTEM HAD LAGGED BEHIND — IT HAD NOT PROVED POSSIBLE TO BUY THE BUSES REQUIRED (THE FACTORY OUTPUT WAS TOO LOW) TO MEET THE DEMAND.
DR HASE SAID: +l OPPORTUNITY, HOWEVER, PROVISION OF POLICE,
N PROVISION OF SCHOOLS, SHOPS, THE INDUSTRIAL WE ARE ON TARGET, AS WE ARE ALSO IN THE
FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES.
+0F COURSE, THESE PROBLEMS ARE INITIAL ONLY. BY 1982-83, WE SHOULD BE ON TARGET IN ALL AREAS, AND THEREAFTER THERE
N0 MAJ0R SHORTFALL AREAS, ALTHOUGH TEMPORARY SHORTFALLS MAY DEVELOP HERE AND THERE.
„,n *IN 0THER W0RDS» BY 1982-83, WE SHOULD BE IN BALANCE, AND OUR AIM OF A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT BASICALLY ACHIEVED,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
FESTIVAL OF YOUTH BANDS
*****
THE THIRD HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND FESTIVAL, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION AND THE TOM LEE MUSIC FOUNDATION, WILL EE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 16 TO 23 THIS YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM SAID THE AIMS OF THE FESTIVAL WERE TO PROMOTE MUSIC THROUGH BAND ACTIVITIES AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH BANDS TO GET TOGETHER TO SHARE EXPERIENCE AND TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND FESTIVAL WAS FIRST HELD IN 1978 AND HAS SINCE BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT.
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT IN THE PAST TWO FESTIVALS, THERE WERE ALTOGETHER EIGHT CONCERTS ATTRACTING A TOTAL AUDIENCE OF 30 003 PEOPLE.
THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL START OFF WITH A SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT ON NOVEMBER 16 (SUNDAY) AT 8 PM IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM. THE CONCERT WILL BE JOINTLY PRESENTED WITH THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
SELECTIONS OF CONCERT CLASSICS, TRANSCRIPTIONS AND POPULAR MARCHES WILL BE PLAYED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS.
THEY WILL BE FROM TANG KING PO SCHOOL, DELIA MEMORIAL SCHOOL, HO FUNG COLLEGE, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON CHIU CHOW SCHOOL, BUDDHIST TAI KwONG MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND ST BONAVENTURE COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL, THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN YOUTH BAND * ILL ALSO PARTICIPATE.
/PROGRAMME FOR......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE THE +WILLIAM BYRD+ SUITE BY GORDON JACOB, +STAR WARS MEDLEY+ BY JOHN WILLIAMS, +TwO MARCHES FOR THE SULTAN ABDUL MEDJID+ BY ROSSINI AND DONIZETTI, AND +THREE HUNGARIAN SONGS+ BY BELA BARTOK. TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE AT S5 AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, MUSIC OFFICE AND TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
EIGHT WORKSHOPS WILL BE ORGANISED DURING THE FESTIVAL. VISITING ARTIST, MURRAY KHOURI AND LOCAL WIND INSTRUMENTALISTS aILL GIVE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATE PLAYING OF CLARINET, OBOE, FLUTE, HORN, TRUMPET, TROMBONE AND BASSOON TO YOUNG HONG KONG MUSICIANS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE BAND DAY, JOINTLY PRESENTED wITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM ON NOVEMBER 23 (SUNDAY) IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
IN THE MORNING, MARCHING BANDS WILL COMPETE FOR THREE AWARDS: ’BEST BAND DRILL TROPHY’, ’BEST MARCHING MUSIC TROPHY’ AND THE ’BEST SPECTACLE TROPHY'. THE ADJUDICATORS WILL BE MR WONG LAM, MRS SELINA CHOW, MR G.M. COMPSON, MR DICKEN YUNG AND MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
IN THE AFTERNOON, SYMPHONIC BANDS WILL COMPETE FOR THE ’BEST SYMPHONIC BAND MUSIC TROPHY’ AND WILL BE JUDGED BY MR CHARLES YEUNG, MR COLIN WOOD, MR THOMAS LEE OF THE TOM LEE MUSIC FOUNDATION, MR JOHN DUNN AND MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
ADMISSION TO BOTH THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON PERFORMANCES IS FREE. ADMISSION CARDS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE MUSIC OFFICE AND BRANCH OFFICES OF TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
IN THE EVENING, A GALA CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM. THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES
BY A COMBINED YOUTH BAND OF SOME 300 PLAYERS, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND, AND THE REGIMENTAL BAND OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF p THE QUEEN’S OWN HIGHLANDERS.
TAI CHI SWORD, CONTEMPORARY DANCE AND RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS TEAMS FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE EVENING’S ENTERTAINMENT.
THE EVENT WILL BE CLOSED WITH A PERFORMANCE OF HANDEL’S HALLELUJAH CHORUS.
TICKETS AT 35 WILL BE SOLD AT THE CITY HALL BOX OFFICE, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM BOX OFFICE, MUSIC OFFICE AND TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE MUSIC OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 5-283257 OR 3-819204.
ALL TICKETS FOR THE FESTIVAL WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE OR FREE DISTRIBUTION FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 24).
-------0 - -
/7
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1983
7
NEW WORKMEN COMPENSATION RATES FROM NEXT MONTH *****
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY THAT THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, WHICH PROVIDES IMPROVED STATUTORY BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES INJURED AND DEPENDANTS OF THOSE KILLED AT WORK, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON NOVEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
FROM THAT DATE, THE BENEFITS WILL APPLY TO ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS. ACCORDINGLY, THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WILL BE RENAMED EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN COMPENSATION LEVELS, WHICH VARY WITH THE AGE OF THE EMPLOYEE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
THE NEW COMPENSATION LEVELS ARE: UNDER 40 YEARS OLD, 84 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR DEATH AND 96 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY- 40 TO UNDER 56 YEARS OLD, 60 MONTHS AND 72 MONTHSAND 56 YEARS OLD AND OVER, 36 MONTHS AND 48 MONTHS.
THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE IN ALL CASES, HOWEVER, IS SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $168 000 FOR DEATH AND $192 000 FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY, AND A MINIMUM OF $49 000 AND $56 000 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT LAW REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO PAY THE COST OF THE INITIAL SUPPLY AND FITTING OF A PROSTHESIS OR SURGICAL APPLIANCE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $10 000.
THE AMENDED LAW REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO PAY, IN ADDITION TO THE INITIAL COST, THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRING AND RENEWAL OF THE APPLIANCE FOR A PERIOD OF TEN YEARS, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF 233 000. AFTER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD, ANY FURTHER COST OF REPAIR AND RENEWAL WILL BE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION ARISING FROM PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY FROM $32 000 TO $77 000 AND AN INCREASE IN BURIAL EXPENSES IN FATAL CASES FROM $800 TO S3 000.
IN VIEW OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE, EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO INSURE AGAINST THEIR LIABILITIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
ALSO, FROM NOVEMBER 1, THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION UNIT WHICH HANDLES COMPENSATION CLAIMS a ILL BE RETITLED THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT.
-------0----------
/8
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1930
8
ACAN LAUNCHES SINGING COMPETITION
******
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IS ORGANISING AN +ANTl-NARCOTICS SINGING COMPETITION* TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE COMPETITION, PROMOTED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY ACAN, IS PART OF ITS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR 1980/81.
+ONE OF THE IMPORTANT POLICY OBJECTIVES OF ACAN IN THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE IS TO TAKE A POSITIVE APPROACH BY ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO SEEK HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL ALTERNATIVES TO DRUG ABUSE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID.
+IT IS WITH THIS IN MIND THAT THE COMPETITION IS DESIGNED. WE HOPE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO SPEND THEIR ENERGY AND LEISURE ON WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES SO AS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF THEIR EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS.*
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY ACAN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND SPONSORED BY THE TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO ALL AMATEUR SINGERS OR GROUPS, BUT PARTICIPANTS MUST BE OVER 15. THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES WILL BE LIMITED TO 200.
A PRELIMINARY SELECTION AND AUDITION OF ENTRANTS BY PROFESSIONAL SINGERS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER AND THE GRAND FINAL WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 24.
FOR THE AUDITION, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SING ONE OF THREE ACAN SONGS BY WELL-KNOWN COMPOSERS AND LYRIC-WRITERS. DEMONSTRATION TAPES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THEM ON REQUEST.
FOR THEIR CONVENIENCE, THE AUDITION WILL BE HELD SEPARATELY IN FOUR CENTRES LOCATED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN THE GRAND FINAL THE BEST SINGERS SELECTED WILL PERFORM THEIR CHOICE OF ONE OF THE THREE SONGS TOGETHER WITH ANY OTHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH SONG.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED GIFT COUPONS VALUED AT $5 000, $3 500 AND $2 000 RESPECTIVELY. OTHER CONTESTANTS WILL BE PRESENTED SOUVENIRS.
WELL-KNOWN SINGERS, SONG WRITERS, DISC JOCKEYS, AND OTHER PERSONALITIES WILL JUDGE THE COMPETITION.
/ THE PRIZE .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
- 9 -
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE +ACAN WINNERS’ CONCERT* TO BE HELD IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON MARCH 7.
THIS CONCERT, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY THE WINNERS AS WELL AS GUEST ARTISTS AND THE YOUTH ORCHESTRA, IS EXPECTED TO BE ATTENDED BY SOME 3 400 PEOPLE.
ADMISSION TO THE FINAL COMPETITION AND THE CONCERT WILL BE FREE.
BROCHURES CONTAINING APPLICATION FORMS, RULES OF THE COMPETITION AND THE SCORES OF THE THREE ACAN SONGS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM CITY AND DISTRICT OFFICES, THE MUSIC OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND ALL BRANCHES OF THE TOM LEE PIANO COMPANY.
APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY NOVEMBER 8 TO THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, ROOM 133, FIRST FLOOR, EAST a ING, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AT TEL. NO. 5-95761 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
----0-----
HK TO HOST WHO COURSE FOR DOCTORS
******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL HOST A WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR DOCTORS ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS BETWEEN OCTOBER 28 AND NOVEMBER 17.
THE TRAINING COURSE IS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY WHO IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE VERY SUCCESSFUL ONE HELD LAST YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THE OBJECT OF THE COURSE WAS TO PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN IN-DEPTH STUDY INTO THE LATEST THEORY AND PRACTICE IN DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE LOCAL SITUATION- AS WELL AS TO PROMOTE A CROSS-FLOW OF IDEAS.
THERE WILL BE LECTURES BY LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD. OTHER PARTS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE GROUP DISCUSSIONS, VISITS AND ATTACHMENT TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS.
ABOUT 26 DOCTORS FROM BURMA, EGYPT, INDIA, INDONESIA, KOREA, MALAYSIA, PAKISTAN, SRI LANKA, THAILAND AND THE PHILIPPINES WILL TAKE PART IN THE COURSE.
SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, »ILL OFFICIATE A’ OPENING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 9.15 AM ON OCTOBER 2-.
/Note to .....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SECOND WHO INTER-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE FOR DOCTORS NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 28). THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER NOT LATER THAN 9 AM. NARCOTICS DIVISION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THEM.
- - 0 - -
UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR DESIGN COMPETITION
*****
SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO ENTER A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS (IYDP).
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE kOMEN’S CLUE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE UNITED NATIONS’ DECISION TO PROCLAIM 1981 AS IYDP.
ENTRIES SHOULD SHOW THE INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY, OR THE DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED COOPERATING IN MEANINGFUL PUBLIC SERVICE WORK.
POSTERS SHOULD BEAR THE WORDS +INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS - 1981+ IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH, OR BOTH- AND SHOULD-SHOW THE UN EMBLEM FOR THE IYDP IN BLUE COLOUR.
WORKS MAY BE IN THE FORM OF PHOTOGRAPH, COLLAGE, PHOTOGRAM, PRINT, PAINTING OR DRAWING, BUT SHOULD MEASURE EITHER 420 BY 594 MM OR 297 BY 420 MM.
THE COMPETITION IS IN TWO SECTIONS, SEPARATELY FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
PRIZES WILL BE IN THE FORM OF BOOK/STATIONERY TOKENS RANGING FROM 5503 TO 550.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG EY JANUARY 10.
AN EXHIBITION OF WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE HELD AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL CONCOURSE ON FEBRUARY 14 AND 15.
— 0 —
/11 ...
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1980
11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
THE TAXI AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STANDS IN CHI WO STREET, YAU MA TEI, WILL BE REMOVED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FROM THURSDAY (OCTOBER 23) FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY, THE UNNAMED ROAD NEXT TO NO. 162 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD JOINING MAIN STREET ABERDEEN WILL BE REROUTED TWO-'wAY FOR SITE FORMATION WORK ON A FUTURE PUBLIC ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EMPLOYMENT CHANGE: APRIL - JUNE .......................... 1
CHILD CARE SCHEME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN TO EXPAND......... 5
LEGCO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS ....................... 6
ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ............................................. g
OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS ........ 7
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ENCOURAGES MAXIMUN USE OF FACILITIES ................................................. g
INAUGURAL CONCERT BY YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRAS ............ 9
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
1
EMPLOYMENT CHANGEt APRIL - JUNE *****
ALL INDUSTRIES REGISTERED AN INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR THE QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ABOUT 925 400 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS AS AT JUNE 30, 1980.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 41 600 PERSONS OR 4.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 883 800 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MARCH 1980. WHEN COMPARED WITH 877 400 PERSONS ENGAGED IN JUNE 1979, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 48 000 PERSONS OR 5.5 PER CENT.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THE FIVE LARGEST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE WEARING APPAREL- TEXTILES- ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES- PLASTIC PRODUCTS- AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
A COMPARISON IN THESE INDUSTRIES BETWEEN JUNE 1980 AND MARCH 1980 IS GIVEN BELOW i
PERSONS ENGAGED IN
CHANGE OF JUNE 1980 OVER MARCH 1980
INDUSTRY GROUP JUNE 1979 MARCH 1980 JUNE 1980 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
WEARING APPAREL (EXCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 256 200 252 500 269 100 ♦16 600 ♦6.6
TEXTILES ( INCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 128 800 131 100 132 500 ♦ 1 400 ♦1.1
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 114 000 120 400 123 600 ♦ 3 200 ♦2.7
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 94 800 88 500 95 100 ♦ 6 600 ♦7.5
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 84 000 85 600 91 500 ♦ 5 900 ♦6.9
/THE MORE ....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
2
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT AT THE INDUSTRY SECTOR LEVEL BETWEEN JUNE 1980 AND MARCH 1980 ARE AS FOLLOWS 1
PERSONS
ENGAGED IN
CHANGE OF JUNE 1980 OVER MARCH 1980
INDUSTRY SECTOR JUNE 1979 MARCH 1980 JUNE 1980 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
GARMENTS EXCEPT KNITWEAR FROM YARN 216 900 213 300 233 200 ♦19 900 ♦ 9.3
WATCHES AND
CLOCKS 28 900 32 800 36 800 ♦ 4 000 ♦ 12.2
PLASTIC TOYS 51 500 46 000 49 900 + 3 900 ♦ 8.5
KNITWEAR FROM
YARN 27 600 30 000 33 600 ♦ 3 600 ♦12.0
PLASTIC PRODUCTS EXCLUDING PLASTIC FLOWERS AND FOLIAGE AND PLASTIC TOYS 38 000 37 100 39 400 ♦ 2 300 ♦ 6.2
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND HOUSEWARES 13 300 14 200 16 100 • J + 1 900 ♦ 13.4
IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, A TOTAL OF ABOUT 308 900 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED AS AT JUNE 30, 1980. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 12 400 PERSONS OR 4.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 296 500 IN MARCH 1980. WHEN COMPARED WITH 285 100 PERSONS ENGAGED IN JUNE 1979, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 23 800 PERSONS OR 8.3 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 113 100 PERSONS, WHICH WAS 3.8 PER CENT ABOVE THE MARCH 1980 FIGURE AND 3.2 PER CENT ABOVE THAT OF JUNE 1979.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 18 900 PERSONS ENGAGED IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT AND A DECREASE OF 0.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1980 AND JUNE 1979 RESPECTIVELY.
DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN JUNE 1979, MARCH 1980 AND JUNE 1980 ARE AS FOLLOWS :
/NATURE OF .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
PERSONS CHANGE OF JUNE 1980
ENGAGED IN OVER MARCH 1980
NATURE OF BUSINESS JUNE 1979 MARCH 1980 JUNE 1980 PERSONS ENGAGED % CHANGE
WHOLESALE TRADE 44 400 45 800 48 100 ♦ 2 300 *5.0
RETAIL TRADE 138 100 141 200 148 000 + 6 800 ♦4.8
IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS 102 600 109 500 112 800 + 3 300 ♦3.0
RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 109 600 109 000 113 100 + 4 100 ♦3.8
HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 19 000 18 600 18 900 ♦ 300 ♦ 1.6
TOTAL 413 700 424 100 4A0 900 ♦ 16 800 ♦4.0
IN FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, A TOTAL OF ABOUT 121 300 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED AS AT JUNE 30, 1980. OF THESE, 40 200 PERSONS WERE ENGAGED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS (BANKS AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN BANKS), 18 000 PERSONS IN REAL ESTATE COMPANIES/AGENCIES AND 17 700 PERSONS IN OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
WHEN COMPARED WITH 116 000 PERSONS ENGAGED IN FEBRUARY 1980, THE INCREASE WAS 5 300 PERSONS OR 4.6 PER CENT. COMPARED WITH 104 700 PERSONS ENGAGED IN MAY 1979, THE INCREASE WAS 16 600 PERSONS OR 15.9 PER CENT.
THE MAIN INCREASES FROM FEBRUARY 1980 TO JUNE 1980 OCCURRED IN MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS, REAL ESTATE COMPANIES, OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES.
DETAILS OF AS FOLLOWS 1
EMPLOYMENT OF THESE INDUSTRY GROUPS ARE SHOWN
PERSONS ENGAGED IN
CHANGE OF JUNE 1980 OVER FEB 1980
INDUSTRY MAY FEB JUNE PERSONS %
GROUP 1979 1980 1980 ENGAGED CHANGE
MONETARY INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING BANKS
35 500 39 000 40 200 +1 200 * 3.1
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
4
REAL ESTATE COMPANIES 15 900 17 100 18 000 ♦ 900 ♦ 5.3
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS 14 400 17 100 17 700 + 600 ♦ 3.5
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING FIRMS 4 200 4 700 5 300 + 600 ♦ 12.8
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 6 900 7 800 8 200 ♦ 400 ♦ 5.1
OF THE 1 216 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN OPERATION IN JUNE 1980, 304 WERE SITES CONTRACTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. THESE 304 SITES ACCOUNTED FOR 30 191 WORKERS WHICH REPRESENTS A DECLINE OF ABOUT 793 WORKERS OR 2.6 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1980.
THERE WERE 4 913 WORKERS ENGAGED IN CONSTRUCTION SITES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IN JUNE 1980 WHICH REPRESENTS A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 0.3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1980.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS ENGAGED IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR ROSE BY 10.2 PER CENT TO 50 341.
DETAILED STATISTICS ARE AS FOLLOWS 1
JUNE 1979 MARCH 1980 JUNE 1980
MANUAL MANUAL MANUAL
CONTRACTING SITES IN WORKERS SITES IN WORKERS SITES IN WORKERS
PARTY OPERATION ENGAGED OPERATION ENGAGED OPERATION ENGAGED
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 268 17 552 235 14 969 222 13 756
HOUSING DEPARTMENT 59 13 504 76 16 015 82 16 435
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY* 35 6 647 19 4 897 19 4 913
PRIVATE SECTOR 838 37 348 911 45 674 893 50 341
TOTAL 1 200 75 551 1 241 81 555 1 216 85 445
CONSTRUCTION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
- 5 -
* CONSTRUCTION SITES UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION REFER TO MTR CONTRACTS FOR WHICH WORK WAS IN PROGRESS DURING JUNE 1980.
DETAILED EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY FIGURES ARE OBTAINABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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CHILD CARE SCHEME FOR DISABLED CHILDREN TO EXPAND ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO EXPAND AT A FASTER RATE FROM NEXT YEAR THE SCHEME WHICH ENABLES MILD-GRADE DISABLED CHILDREN TO INTEGRATE WITH NORMAL CHILDREN IN DAY NURSERIES.
BEGINNING IN 1981-82, THE DEPARTMENT WILL AIM AT AN ANNUAL INCREASE OF 90 PLACES IN NORMAL NURSERIES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN AGED TWO TO SIX YEARS.
THE SCHEME HAS EXPANDED BY 60 PLACES EACH YEAR SINCE IT STARTED IN 1978 ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS.
AN EXTRA 42 PLACES WILL BE PROVIDED BEFORE NEXT APRIL, WHICH WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH PLACES TO 180.
MR LAU KAI-CHUEN, SENIOR SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (CHILD CARE), SAID TODAY THE SCHEME HAD ENABLED DISABLED CHILDREN TO ENJOY CHILD CARE IN A HOME SETTING TOGETHER WITH NORMAL CHILDREN OF THEIR AGE.
HE SAID THE SCHEME HAD GAINED ENCOURAGING RESPONSE NOT ONLY FROM MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS BUT ALSO FROM PARENTS WITH NORMAL CHILDREN IN THE NURSERIES.
♦THESE PARENTS HAVE GENERALLY ACCEPTED THE IDEA OF THE INTEGRATED CHILD CARE PROGRAMME, AND THEIR CHILDREN HAVE GONE ALONG WELL WITH THEIR DISABLED COUNTERPARTS,♦ HE SAID.
MR LAU SAID THESE WERE IMPORTANT FACTORS WHICH HELPED YOUNG CHILDREN WITH MINOR DISABILITIES TO BE SOCIALLY REHABILITATED AND FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY.
UNDER THE SCHEME, HE SAID, SUBVENTED NURSERIES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN, AND THE DEPARTMENT GIVES THEM EXTRA SUBVENTION TO MEET ADDITIONAL STAFF COST.
GRANTS ARE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL FACILITIES AND STAFF TRAINING, HE ADDED.
/BACH PARTICIPATING .
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
6
EACH PARTICIPATING NURSERY ADMITS SIX DISABLED CHILDREN WHO ARE MILD-GRADE MENTALLY RETARDED. PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, OR SLIGHTLY IMPAIRED IN SPEECH, HEARING OR SIGHT.
ADMISSIONS ARE BY WAY OF REFERRALS FROM WELFARE AGENCIES OR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
LEGCO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS * X * * X X
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL COMMENT ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS MADE EARLIER THIS MONTH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ON OTHER MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN WHEN THE COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THURSDAY.
THEY WILL SPEAK TO A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE OFFICIALS WILL REPLY ON NOVEMBER 12 AND 13.
TWELVE UNOFFICIALS ARE SCHEDULED TO SPEAK TOMORROW. THEY ARE DR THE HON HARRY FANG, THE HON T.S. LO, THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, THE HON ALEX WU, THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, THE HON PETER C. WONG, THE HON WONG LAM, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG, THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, AND THE HON ANDREW SO.
ON THURSDAY, SEVEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK. THEY ARE DR THE HON HENRY HU, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING, THE HON HU FA-KUANG, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON WILLIAM BROWN AND THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN.
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK 2 (CHINESE) AND RTHK 4 (ENGLISH) ON BOTH DAYS BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ******
THE ANNUAL ELECTION OF EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL TAKE PLACE BY SECRET BALLOT ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 23) AT 10.30 AM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS REFERRED TO IT BY HIM, INCLUDING LEGISLATION AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES, WITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
THREE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS AND THREE ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
/A SPOKESMAN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
7
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY 16 CANDIDATES HAD BEEN NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AND THEIR NAMES HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS FOR INFORMATION.
♦A REGISTERED EMPLOYEES’ TRADE UNION WISHING TO VOTE SHOULD SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ELECTION.
♦THE REPRESENTATIVE MUST BRING WITH HIM A LETTER OF AUTHORISATION FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF HIS UNION AND A COPY OF THE CIRCULAR LETTER DATED OCTOBER 6, 1980 FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THE SUBJECT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS
******
EIGHT ORGANISATIONS ARE OFFERING OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS TO PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 3 AND JULY 10 NEXT YEAR.
♦THESE CAMPS WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH EXPERIENCE IN GROUP LIFE IN A NATURAL OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT, AND ENABLE THEM TO INTEGRATE FIELD STUDIES WITH THEIR SCHOOL SUBJECTS,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CAMP SITES ARE CARITAS HONG KONG’S GAUDETE HOUSE IN CHEUNG CHAU, THE HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION’S SILVERMINE BAY OUTDOOR RECREATION CAMP, THE YWCA YOUTH CAMP ON LANTAU ISLAND, THE CHINESE YMCA’S WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE, THE SALVATION ARMY’S MA WAN YOUTH CAMP, THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE’S SUEN DOUH CAMP, PO LEUNG KUK’S PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP, AND THE HIGH ROCK CHRISTIAN CENTRE OF THE CHRISTIAN MISSIONS IN MANY LANDS.
EACH CAMP WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE MORNING, STUDENTS WILL ATTEND LESSONS SPECIALLY DESIGNED BY THE TEACHERS WHO ACCOMPANY THEM. THEY WILL GO ON EXCURSIONS OR EDUCATIONAL VISITS OR JOIN BALL GAMES AND SWIMMING GROUPS IN THE AFTERNOON.
THERE WILL BE FOLK DANCING, RECREATIONAL GAMES, CAMP FIRES AND FILM SHOWS IN THE EVENING.
♦NO PUPIL WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND ANY CAMP IF THERE IS NO WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM HIS PARENTS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PAY A SUBSIDY FOR EACH STUDENT, AND THE PUPILS THEMSELVES WILL EACH HAVE TO PAY FROM $20 TO $55 DEPENDING ON THE CAMPS THEY ARE JOINING, HE ADDED.
BOOKINGS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) (ATTENTION MR SUN HOI-YAM), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 6TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
8
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ENCOURAGES MAXIMUM USE OF FACILITIES *****
THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL HAS WIDER IMPORTANCE WHICH MUST BE BORNE IN MIND, TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY.
DR HAYES WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL, WHICH WAS FIRST HELD LAST YEAR. IT OPENS ON NOVEMBER 1.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL WAS TO MAXIMIZE UTILIZATION OF AMENITIES NOT JUST FOR THE THREE WEEKS, BUT THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE YEAR. +TRULY A STUPENDOUS TASK, BUT ONE WHICH INVOLVES US ALL, AND WHICH MUST BE ACHIEVED,+ HE SAID.
TSUEN WAN ALREADY HAD A GOOD MANY SPORTING AMENITIES, EVEN THOUGH IT HAD NOT YET ACHIEVED ITS PLANNED FULL RANGE OF FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE EXISTING AND FUTURE POPULATION.
THERE WERE MAJOR AMENITIES LIKE THE KWAI CHUNG AND YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTSGROUNDS, THE KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL, THE CHAI WAN KOK TEMPORARY SPORTS CENTRE AND THE NEW INDOOR GAMES HALL WHICH WAS TO BE OPENED IN KWAI CHUNG NEXT WEEK.
♦HOWEVER, IT IS UP TO US ALL TO SEE THAT THESE FACILITIES, AND MANY OTHERS OF SMALLER SIZE, ARE USED TO THE FULL,* DR HAYES SAID.
♦THIS PARTLY DEPENDS UPON HAVING GOOD FACILITIES, FLOODLIT WHEREVER POSSIBLE FOR EVENING USE, AND ADEQUATE STAFFING FOR MANAGEMENT WHICH SHOULD EXTEND INTO THE EVENINGS AND OVER WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.*
THIS POINT WAS VERY RELEVANT FOR THE SECOND TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL, HE SAID.
♦OUR PHILOSOPHY IS THAT IT IS NO USE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO JOIN IN THE FESTIVAL IF, FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR, FOR VARIOUS REASONS CONNECTED WITH TRAINING, EQUIPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION, NOT FORGETTING LAW AND ORDER ASPECTS, PEOPLE ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PREVENTED OR DETERRED FROM USING LOCAL FACILITIES TO THEIR FULL EXTENT.
♦THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER VERY CLOSELY WITH THE HELP OF THE DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND ITS 28 MEMBER CLUBS,+ HE SAID.
THE FESTIVAL IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OF WHICH THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IS PATRON. DR HAYES IS THE PRESIDENT AND MR CHAU HOW-CHEN THE CHAIRMAN.
MORE THAN 50 ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, INCLUDING EXHIBITION MATCHES BY TOP PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS AND TENNIS PLAYERS AS WELL AS BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, BOXING, VOLLEYBALL, BASEBALL, HANDBALL AND TABLE TENNIS EVENTS.
/ALSO FEATURED .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1980
- 9 -
ALSO FEATURED WILL BE ATHLETICS, AQUATIC DISPLAYS AND AN ARCHERY COMPETITION. NEW ITEMS IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WILL BE BASKETBALL INVITATION MATCHES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, SQUASH COMPETITIONS, CANOE POLO MATCHES AND GO-KART RACING.
DR HAYES SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS A COMBINED EFFORT, FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, AND ORGANISED BY PERSONNEL FROM THE DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
HE THANKED THE MANY PERSONS WHO WERE CONTRIBUTING TIME AND EFFORT TO THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD HAS PROVIDED $150 000 FOR THE FESTIVAL AND ANOTHER $50 000 IS BEING RAISED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.
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INAUGURAL CONCERT BY YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRAS
*****
THE ISLAND AND WEST KOWLOON YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRAS, TRAINED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, WILL GIVE A JOINT INAUGURAL CONCERT ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 25) AT 8 PM IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, WATERLOO ROAD.
THE TWO ORCHESTRAS WERE FORMED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE IN JANUARY THIS YEAR. MEMBERS COME MAINLY FROM SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICTS. A SMALL NUMBER OF THEM ARE WORKING.
THEIR INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM TOWARDS CHINESE MUSIC ARE SUCH THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO STAGE A PERFORMANCE IN SUCH A SHORT SPAN OF TIME.
THE INAUGURAL CONCERT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR LAM SI-KWAN. THE PROGRAMME WILL BE MAINLY CHINESE ENSEMBLE MUSIC AND WILL INCLUDE A ♦DI-ZI+ SOLO BY CHENG YUK-SHING, +BAN-HU+ SOLO BY LEUNG KING-FEI AND +PI-PA+ SOLO BY CHU YUN-YUNG.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS (COMMUNITY RELATIONS) MR H.H.T. BARMA, AND MRS BARMA WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL GUESTS OF HONOUR AND WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY.
0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191 • ■ 1 ?.
.................. - rirk)
........ . . WEDNESDAY, CCTOBER 22, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
•................. ................ T --------------------
A POLICY ADDRESS DEBATE: ...........
DR HON HARRY FANG: SENIOR CITIZENS REQUIRE MORE ............. • ■ • GOVERNffiNT -HELP ................1
DR HON FRANCIS TIEN: GOVERNMENT ’U’ TURN IN TRAINING POLICY DEPLORED ........................................ 3
HON ALEX WU: STUDENTS NEED GOOD INFLUENCE OF TEaCHERS ............................................... 4
REV HON JOYCE M. BENNETT: CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO JUVENILE CRIME ................................... 6
HON S.L. CHEN: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE NEEDED TO HELP INDUSTRY .......................................... 8
HON LYDIA DUNN: SHIFTING ROLE OF UNOFFICIALS ......... 11
HON PETER C. WONG: LAND LAW NEEDS REVIEW ............. 14
HON WONG LAM: SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM REQUIRED .......................... 15
DR HON RAYSON HUANG: LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM ................................... 16
HON CHARLES YEUNG: COMMUNICATION ESSENTIAL BETWEEN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND DISTRICT BOARDS ................................................ 19
HON ANDREW SO: PROFITEERING SPIRIT NOT IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST ....................................... 21
/THE ELECTRONICS ____
»
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY — HONG KONG'S SUCCESS STORY ........... 2J
COMMUNITY-BUILDING IN LOWER WONG TAI SIN ....................... 24
THIRD YUEN LONG CHILDREN'S SINGING CONTEST ..................... 25
VOCAL RECITAL AT FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR ............................. 26
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED..........7.............................. 26
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT HARBOUR TUNNEL EXIT .......... 27
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS. .......................................... 27
,1
■ • ~o;-
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
1
SENIOR CITIZENS REQUIRE MORE GOVERNMENT HELP ******
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO BUILD MORE CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR +SENIOR CITIZENS* WHO IN THEIR WORKING LIFETIME HAVE CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, DR THE HON HARRY FANG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE ELDERLY HAD BEEN DELAYED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF SUITABLE SITES.
♦AT LEAST 1 000 PATIENTS WHO SHOULD BE CARED FOR IN INFIRMARIES OR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES ARE STILL OCCUPYING HOSPITAL BEDS WHICH ARE BADLY NEEDED FOR THE VERY ILL.*
HE WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED COULD MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO SET ASIDE SUITABLE SITES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SUCH HOMES AND CENTRES FOR OLD PEOPLE.
♦MUCH IS BEING DONE TO ASSIST THE ELDERLY OF LIMITED MEANS,* DR FANG SAID, +BUT WE MUST NOT FORGET THOSE OF MIDDLE-INCOME BACKGROUND WHO ARE INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO EXISTING FACILITIES BECAUSE OF LIMITED SUPPLY.*
MANY OF THESE HAVE NO FAMILIES TO TURN TO, SOME ARE IN RELATIVELY GOOD HEALTH AND OTHERS REQUIRE PERSONAL CARE.
HE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER SUPPORTING SCHEMES FOR THIS GROUP SIMILAR TO THE CHINA COAST COMMUNITY PROJECT BY PROVIDING EITHER A LOAN OR LAND AT CONCESSIONARY PREMIA.
THESE SENIOR CITIZENS WOULD PAY FOR THEIR OWN KEEP, HE ADDED.
DR FANG OBSERVED THAT THE AGEING POPULATION WAS BECOMING MORE AND MORE OF A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
STATISTICS SHOW THAT THOSE OVER THE AGE OF 60 ARE REACHING 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION AS COMPARED WITH ONLY 4.5 PER CENT IN 1971.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS RECENTLY EMPHASISED BY THE BRITISH MEDICAL TEAM WHICH CAME TO HONG KONG TO ADVISE ON WHETHER CONTINUED FULL RECOGNITION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE MEDICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
+IN THEIR REPORT THEY HAVE RECOMMENDED THAT MORE TIME BE DEVOTED TO THE TEACHING OF GERIATRICS.
♦IN THE CARE 0? THE ELDERLY, IT IS HOPED THAT GOVERNMENT CAN PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON GERIATRIC HEALTH CARE BY INITIATING FOR EXAMPLE SCHEMES SIMILAR TO THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.*
/DR -ANG
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980'
2 -
DR FANG ALSO COMMENTED ON SEVERAL OTHER ASPECTS RELATING TO THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
ON THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, HE NOTED THAT THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE SERVICES WOULD BE IMPROVED AND STRENGTHENED DURING THE COMING YEAR.
HOWEVER, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE ADMINISTRATION, AT LEAST IN THE MAJOR HOSPITALS, TO A CORPORATE BOARD SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT REPRESENTING AND EMBRACING THE HEADS OF ALL CLINICAL AND SUPPORTIVE UNITS.
UNDER SUCH A SYSTEM, HE POINTED OUT, A CHAIRMAN MIGHT BE ELECTED FROM AMONG THEM TO ACT AS THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT, AND THE HOSPITAL SECRETARY SHOULD BE UPGRADED AND MADE RESPONSIBLE TO THE CHAIRMAN AND THE BOARD.
TURNING TO PUBLIC HEALTH, DR FANG EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT THE MASSIVE INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS HAD NOT ONLY OVERSTRETCHED OUR SOCIAL SERVICES, BUT CARRIED WITH IT THE THREAT OF AN OUTBREAK OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
HONG KONG, HE NOTED, HAS FOR MANY YEARS ENJOYED THE GOOD FORTUNE OF AN ABSENCE OF EPIDEMICS WHICH HAS ALLOWED US TO DISPENSE WITH STRINGENT HEALTH CONTROLS AS INOCULATIONS AND VACCINATIONS.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO AVOID ANOTHER PANIC SUCH AS THE RECENT RABIES SCARE AND GIVE ALL RECENT IMMIGRANTS A DEGREE OF HEALTH SCREENING AND IF POSSIBLE SOME BASIC HEALTH EDUCATION.
REGARDING JUVENILE CRIMES, DR FANG DISAGREED WITH RECENT COMMENTS FROM LEADING SOCIAL WORKERS WHO PUT THE BLAME OF THE UPSURGE ON COMPULSORY SECONDARY EDUCATION.
IN HIS OPINION, THE PROBLEM LIES IN THE VERY STRONG ACADEMIC SLANT OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND THE PRESSURE OF WORK.
HE WONDERED WHETHER SOMETHING COULD BE DONE IN THIS AREA
♦SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ACADEMICALLY INCLINED CAN BE USEFULLY ENGAGED IN PURSUITS WHICH CAPTURE THEIR INTEREST AND HARNESS THEIR ENERGIES^.
ON REHABILITATION SERVICES, DR FANG SUGGESTED THAT THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE MIGHT TAKE OVER THE ROLE OF CONSIDERING APPEALS ON SUBVENTION MATTERS FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE SUCH SERVICES.
DR FANG THEN TURNED HIS ATTENTION TO THE HEALTH OF THE WORKFORCE.
AN INJURED WORKER OR HIS FAMILY, HE SAID, HAS TO GO THROUGH SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE MEDICAL, SOCI Au WELFARE, LABOUR AND LEGAL AID DEPARTMENTS, AND SOMETIMES THE COURTS, BEFORE HIS IMMEDIATE NEEDS CAN BE MET AND COMPENSATION PA ID.
/Hi. ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 3 -
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE PRESENT PROCEDURES AND ACTIVITIES BE STREAMLINED AND CENTRALISED UNDER ONE STATUTORY BODY SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE CANADIAN WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION BOARD.
♦THIS BOARD NOT ONLY ADMINISTERS ITS OWN INSURANCE AND COMPENSATION SCHEMES BUT IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF THE INJURED WORKERS.♦
COMMENTING ON THE PROVISION OF KERBS ALONG PAVEMENTS IN CENTRAL FOR THE CROSSING OF WHEEL-CHAIR PERSONS, DR FANG HOPED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WOULD AMEND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO GIVE BUILDERS THE PRIVILEGE OF AN INCREASE IN THE BUILDING VOLUME, WHEN THEY PROVIDE ACCESS FOR WHEEL CHAIRS SUCH AS RAMPS, WIDER CORRIDORS AND BIGGER TOILETS.
♦THIS WILL BE A MOST FITTING GESTURE DURING THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS IN 1981,+ HE SAID.
------0-------
GOVERNMENT +U+ TURN IN TRAINING POLICY DEPLORED M M M M
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, TOOK THE GOVERNMENT TO TASK TODAY FOR MAKING A ♦TURNABOUT^ IN ITS POLICY ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
HE SAID A REGRETTABLE FEATURE OF ALL THIS WAS THAT THOSE WHO SUPPORTED, OR INDEED ENCOURAGED THE GOVERNMENT ON ONE POLICY, FOUND ANOTHER WAY WAS TO BE DEVELOPED.
♦ FOR RATHER THAN A LEVY, THE FINANCING OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING WILL BE A CHARGE ON GENERAL REVENUE.
♦ A NEW TRAINING AUTHORITY WOULD TAKE ON A ROLE SIMILAR TO THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE FINANCED WITH A GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION IN THE FORM OF A BLOCK GRANT.♦
DR TIEN RECALLED THAT DURING THE 1970’S THE GOVERNMENT APPEARED TO ACCEPT A POLICY ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING WHICH AT THAT TIME ♦SEEMcD WISE TO MANY HONOURABLE MEMBERS*.
IT IS NOW CLEAR THAT TRAINING IS A VITAL AND AN IMPERATIVE PART OF OUR INDUSTRIAL PRESENT AND FUTURE, AND NO ONE WOULD DENY THIS, HE SAID.
♦ MOST COUNTRIES BELIEVE THAT INDUSTRY SHOULD BE PREPARED TO PAY A VARIABLE LEVY IN ORDER TO TRAIN PERSONS IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS OF INDUSTRY TO WHICH THEY BELONG.
♦ ON GROUNDS OF PRINCIPLE, I AM ON RECORD AS HAVING ACCEPTED THIS UNIVERSALLY-ADHERED-TO PRACTICE.♦
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ALSO FELL IN WITH TH IS LI NE OF THINKING, DR TIEN CONTINUED, AND HAD FORMULATED A GENERAL uv']DELlNE WHEREBY EDUCATION WAS ’’HE PROPER PROVINCE OF GOVERNMENT WHILE TRAINING WAS THE PROPER PROVINCE OF INDUSTRY.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
4
IT WAS ALSO AGREED THAT THE TRAINING COUNCIL WAS THE BEST BODY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS CONCERNING INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
♦ WE SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEA OF A GENERAL LEVY- IT WAS OUR WAY OF PAYING IN A VERY MATERIAL SENSE SOMETHING MORE THAN LIP-SERVICE. OUR SCHEME WAS BOTH FLEXIBLE AND OPEN.
♦ NOW, HOWEVER, POLICY IS APPARENTLY SET ON A NEW COURSE AND PROPOSES A STRAIGHT BLOCK GRANT.
♦ I MIGHT PUT IT THIS WAY: THE GOVERNMENT HAS EFFECTED SOMETHING WHICH EVEN MRS THATCHER HAS AVOIDED — IT HAS EFFECTED A ’U’ TURN.+
DR TIEN CONCLUDED BY BORROWING A FEW WORDS FROM SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL, MODIFIED TO APPLY TO THE ENTERPRISE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING: +A FEW MISGUIDED PEOPLE SEE IT AS A TARGET TO BE SHOT, OTHERS AS A COW TO BE MILKED, BUT A FEW AMONG US SEE IT AS A STURDY HORSE PULLING THE WAGGON OF INDUSTRY.+
BUT HE ADDED: + l WILL AGREE TO SUPPORT THE MOTION BECAUSE I AM AT LEAST PLEASED THAT A FIRM DECISION ON A MATTER OF SUCH IMPORTANCE HAS AT LAST BEEN TAKEN.+
------0-------
STUDENTS NEED GOOD INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS ; X X X X
THE HON ALEX WU CALLED ON TEACHERS TO EXERCISE A GREATER GOOD INFLUENCE ON THEIR STUDENTS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, HE QUESTIONED HOW MANY OF THE STUDENTS PASSING THROUGH OUR SCHOOLS NOWADAYS WOULD LOOK BACK ON TEACHERS ♦WHO WERE MORE THAN CHANNELS OF INFORMATION, WHO INSPIRED RESPECT, ADMIRATION AND EMULATION.+
HE SAID MAYBE THIS +MR CHIPS+ CONCEPT WOULD BE THOUGHT TO BE SOMETHING FOR THE ELITE, TOO FANCY FOR THE WORKADAY TASKS OF PUSHING A MILLION AND A HALF CHILDREN THROUGH THE SYSTEM.
♦MAYBE, BUT WE NEED NOT ACCEPT THAT TEACHERS IN HONG KONG HAVE NO PART TO PLAY IN FORMING THE CHARACTER OF THEIR PUPILS.
♦OUR CHINESE CONCEPT OF EDUCATION ACCEPTS THAT CORRECT BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDES CAN AND SHOULD BE INCULCATED AND THAT THIS IS A PROPER PART OF EDUCATION,+ HE SAID.
MR WU WAS COMMENTING ON THE TWO-FOLD INCREASE IN CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF SEVEN AND 15.
HE HOPED THE STUDY INTO JUVENILE CRIME BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WOULD GIVE US SOME DIRECTION FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION.
BUT MEANWHILE, HE SAID, HE COULD NOT HELP WONDERING HO* THIS FRIGHTENING DEVELOPMENT RELATES TO THE STATE OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
5
QUOTING STATISTICS, MR WU SAID THERE WERE 620 BOYS AND 38 GIRLS PROSECUTED FOR VIOLENT CRIMES ALONE- 17 BLACKMAILERS WERE AGED UNDER 13 AND ANOTHER 65, INCLUDING FIVE GIRLS, WERE AGED UNDER 16.
♦WHATEVER THE TRUTH, I DON’T THINK WE CAN ACCEPT THAT WHEN MORE OF OUR CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL THAN EVER BEFORE MORE OF THEM THAN EVER ARE INVOLVED IN CRIME.
♦WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION?
♦IT BRINGS US BACK SHARPLY TO THE KEY ELEMENT IN EDUCATIONt THE CHARACTER OF THE MAN OR WOMAN IN FRONT OF THE BLACKBOARD,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR WU SAID, HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT MANY TEACHERS WERE CONCERNED WITH THE MORAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CHARGE OR ELSE WE WOULD BE IN A MUCH WORSE SITUATION.
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND HEADMASTERS MUST BE CONSCIOUS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND EVERY TEACHER MUST RECOGNISE A CLEAR AND POSITIVE DUTY TO LEAD STUDENTS TO TRUE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR.
♦I WOULD GO SO FAR AS TO SAY THAT IN THE SYSTEM OF HONOURS AND AWARDS BY WHICH WE RECOGNISE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY WE MIGHT PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION OR EVEN CONSIDER A SPECIAL FORM OF RECOGNITION FOR THOSE WHO DISPLAY A TRUE SENSE OF THEIR VOCATION,* HE SAID.
MR WU BELIEVED IT WAS THE RIGHT TIME TO TEACH ♦MANDARIN+ IN OUR SCHOOLS. IT WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE IN THE TEACHING AND APPRECIATION OF WRITTEN CHINESE AND IT WOULD HELP TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE WRITTEN LANGUAGE AND OUR SPOKEN CANTONESE, HE SAID.
IN A WIDER CONTEXT, IT WOULD PUT US IN THE MAINSTREAM OF CHINESE CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, HE NOTED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT, AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT, THE INTERPRETATION FACILITIES NOW AVAILABLE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALLOW MEMBERS TO SPEAK IN ♦MANDARIN*.
MR WU ALSO REGRETTED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD NOT EXEMPTED HONG KONG STUDENTS FROM THE STEEP FEE INCREASE WHICH WAS APPLIED TO OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY STUDENTS.
WHILE APPRECIATING THAT THE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE IN ADMISSIONS TO OUR OWN UNIVERSITIES WOULD BE INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT, MR WU CONTENDED THAT WE WOULD STILL FACE A SERIOUS SHORTFALL IN PLACES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO SUBSIDISING HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING IN BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 6 -
CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO JUVENILE CRIME ft ft ft *
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE REV THE HON JOYCE M. BENNETT TODAY CALLED FOR A MULTI-PRONG INVESTIGATION INTO THE UPSURGE OF JUVENILE CRIME.
SHE SAID ALTHOUGH THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WAS ASKED TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH STUDY OF BOTH THE STATISTICS AND CAUSES OF THE UPSURGE, SHE BELIEVED GREATER DEPTH TO THE ENQUIRY COULD BE ACHIEVED BY THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT’S SOCIAL SERVICE BRANCH WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE POLICE AND MAGISTRATES TO GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE COUNCIL, MISS BENNETT SAIDt +LET US NOT COVER UP WITH ELEGANT WORDS THE MEANING CF THIS EXPRESSION JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.
♦OUR SOCIETY IS FACED WITH A RISE NOT ONLY OF PICKPOCKETING AND PETTY THIEVING, BUT ALSO WITH AN INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP OF TRIAD SOCIETIES AND CRIMES OF VIOLENCE.
♦WE MUST MAKE AN ALL-OUT DETERMINED EFFORT TO DISCOVER THE FACTS BEHIND THESE CRIMES.♦
SHE ALSO FELT THAT IT WAS TIME TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF JUVENILE COURTS AND THE NUMBER OF MAGISTRATES DEALING WITH JUVENILE OFFENDERS AS SHE WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT MAGISTRATES IN THESE COURTS MAY DEAL WITH UP TO 40 CASES IN ONE DAY.
SHE STATED THAT OUR MAGISTRATES WERE NOT DEALING WITH MACHINES OR ROBOTS, BUT WITH HIGHLY INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN, EACH CF WHOM PRESENTED A COMPLEX FAMILY BACKGROUND.
♦THE MAGISTRATE RELIES CONSIDERABLY ON PROBATION OFFICERS FOR THEIR REPORTS ON THE YOUNG OFFENDERS.
♦THEY WILL REPORT ON THEIR RELATIONSHIPS AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL AND THEIR SUITABILITY FOR THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS.*
BUT SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PROBATION SERVICE AT THE END OF MARCH 1980 WAS 30 PER CENT UNDER STRENGTH WITH 27 VACANCIES.
IN A RECENT RECRUITMENT EXERCISE, SHE ADDED, 20 APPLICANTS WERE OFFERED THE POST OF ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICERS, BUT ONLY ABOUT TEN ACCEPTED.
♦IS MORALE LOW IN THE PROBATION SERVICE AND AMONG HE STAFF IN THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS?
♦DO THESE STAFF FIND THEIR TASKS IN THESE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS OVERWHELMING AND HOW MANY PSYCHOLOGISTS CAN THEY CALL ON TO SUPPORT THEM IN THEIR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CHILDREN?* MISS BENNETT ASKED.
/L* ?’ DC 7BTZ DL Y .
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
7
UNDOUBTEDLY, SHE CONTINUED, STAFF IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES REQUIRE ADDED INDUCEMENTS TO COMPENSATE FOR THEIR IRREGULAR WORKING HOURS -AT NIGHT, AT WEEKENDS AND ON HOLIDAYS.
♦THE STAFFING OF RESIDENTIAL HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS REQUIRES REAL DEDICATION AND DEVOTION.
♦ I HAVE SPOKEN ON THIS SUBJECT IN 1976 AND 1978 AND STILL WAIT FOR IMPROVEMENTS.♦
COMMENTING ON SERVICES PROVIDED BY PROBATION OFFICERS, MISS BENNETT QUESTIONED WHETHER FURTHER THOUGHT HAD BEEN GIVEN TO ATTACH SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO POLICE STATIONS TO ASSIST THE POLICE IN WORKING WITH THE PARENTS AND FAMILIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR QUESTIONING.
♦ WHEN A PARENT HAS TO ATTEND THE POLICE STATION FOR THE FIRST TIME BECAUSE OF MISDEEDS OF HIS CHILD, HE IS OPEN TO RECEIVE HELP. BUT IT HAS TO BE PROVIDED WITH A PROMISE OF LONG-TERM REFERRAL TO A SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY.
♦ IT IS ESSENTIAL TOO THAT THESE TROUBLED CHILDREN SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH ONE AND THE SAME WELFARE OFFICER OVER A SUFFICIENTLY LONG PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE CHILD TO RECOGNISE THE WELFARE OFFICER AS A LONG-TERM FRIEND.+
MISS BENNETT NOTED SHE WAS RECENTLY MADE AWARE THAT MANY OF THE CHILDREN, LABELLED AS 'SLOW LEARNERS’ BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HAD SERIOUS BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS THAT HAD LED TO DELINQUENCY.
THERE HAS BEEN NO SPECIAL PROVISION FOR EXTRA SOCIAL WORKERS TO WORK WITH SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN BEING EDUCATED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS- SHE SUGGESTED THAT STUDIES BE MADE IMMEDIATELY OF THE REASONS WHY THESE CHILDREN ARE BACKWARD.
♦ THIS IS A PRE-REQUISITE IF WE ARE GOING TO STEM THIS INCREASE IN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.+
SHE EMPHASISED THE CLOSE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY- SHE THOUGHT THAT GOVERNMENT MUST MORE STRENUOUSLY TACKLE THE POSSIBILITY OF IMMEDIATELY RAISING THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SERVICES.
SHE CALLED ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ACTIVELY PROMOTE A MORE MODERN APPROACH TO LEARNING IN OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
♦IT MAY WELL BE THAT WE SHOULD BE ENQUIRING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF A MORE OPEN-ENDED EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
♦SOME COUNTRIES HAVE INTRODUCED A VOUCHER SYSTEM BY WHICH NOT ALL THE NINE YEARS OF EDUCATION HAVE TO BE TAKEN CONSECUTIVELY.
♦THE YOUNG PERSON IS ALLOWED TO STOP STUDYING FOR A YEAR OR MORE AND RETURN WHEN OLDER AND MORE READY TO ACCEPT THE SCHOOLING PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.♦
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
8
MISS BENNETT CONSIDERED THAT CHILDREN CLASSIFIED AS BAND FIVE AT THE END OF PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION.
THEY PROBABLY NEED A FAR MORE ACTIVE APPROACH TO STUDY- THEY REQUIRE THE SMALLER CLASSES AT PRESENT LIMITED TO SLOW LEARNERS IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS. THEY NEED MORE SPACE AND MORE EQUIPMENT- THEIR TEACHERS NEED TO HAVE SPECIAL SUPERVISION IN DEALING WITH THEM, SHE SAID.
♦CLEARLY WE NEED TO DEVELOP MORE RAPIDLY THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION- WE NEED TO DIVERSIFY FURTHER ITS CONTENT TO INCLUDE FAR MORE OF A VOCATIONAL NATURE- WE MUST VASTLY INCREASE OUR SUPPORTING SERVICES IF OUR NINE YEARS OF FREE AND COMPULSORY SCHOOLING ARE TO HAVE ANY PROPER VALUE AND MEANING.
♦THE CHILDREN OF HONG KONG DESERVE THESE IMPROVEMENTS. THE QUALITY OF OUR FUTURE SOCIETY DEPENDS UPON THEM,* SHE ADDED.
-----0------
GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE NEEDED TO HELP INDUSTRY ******
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE INITIATIVE TO COUNTERACT THE DRIFT OF CAPITAL FROM INDUSTRY TO THE PROPERTY MARKET.
THE CALL CAME TODAY FROM THE HON S.L. CHEN WHO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THAT DURING THE PAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, VAST AND INCREASING AMOUNT OF CAPITAL HAD BEEN SIPHONED OFF FROM INDUSTRY.
♦ TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, THERE HAVE BEEN INCIDENTS WHERE LARGE AND HITHERTO PROFITABLE FACTORIES HAVE SUCCUMBED TO THE TEMPTATION OF QUICK PROFITS, BY REALISING THEIR LAND ASSETS IN PREFERENCE TO CONTINUING MANUFACTURING.
♦ THIS IS A VERY SAD AND DANGEROUS STATE OF AFFAIRS AND IF THE TREND IS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE UNCHECKED, WE MAY SOON FIND THAT INDUSTRY WILL HAVE CEASED TO BE THE ’ENGINE OF OUR ECONOMY’.
♦ THIS IS A REAL THREAT TO OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING,♦ HE WARNED.
MR CHEN THEN CALLED FOR THE CREATION OF A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION TO ASSIST INDUSTRIES — A PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY THE HON LI FOOK-WO AND TWO FORMER UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS IN THE 1979 BUDGET DEBATE.
AS THE BUDGETTED SURPLUS IS LIKELY TO BE EXCEEDED AGAIN THIS YEAR, MR CHEN PROPOSED TO CHANNEL SOME OF THE VERY HUGE SURPLUSES ACCUMULATED OVER THE YEARS INTO ♦WEALTH CREATING ACTIVITIES*.
/BUT he ...
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 9 -
BUT HE EXPECTED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD AGAIN ARGUE THAT THERE WAS NO CASE FOR SUBSIDISING INDUSTRIES.
♦ I WILL AGREE WITH THE ARGUMENT IF THE SUBSIDY IS APPLIED GENERALLY.
♦ THE ARGUMENT IS NO LONGER COGENT IF THE PROPOSAL IS FOR ASSISTING INDUSTRIES WHICH WOULD BENEFIT THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG, THAT IS THOSE INDUSTRIES WHICH WOULD ASSIST IN RAISING THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY, UPGRADING HONG KONG’S PRODUCT AND ENHANCING HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS A MANUFACTURING BASE,+ HE SAID.
HE CITED THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION AS A CASE IN POINT WHERE LOW COST INDUSTRIAL LAND WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST SUCH DESERVING INDUSTRIES.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL FINANCE CORPORATION IS ONLY A LOGICAL PARALLEL, HE SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF MANPOWER RESOURCES, MR CHEN WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING SCHEMES AND LOOKED FORWARD TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING MACHINERY.
ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY WITH THE PRINCIPLE THAT SUCH TRAINING SCHEMES SHOULD BE FINANCED FROM GENERAL REVENUE, HE SAID NEVERTHELESS THAT IT WAS CERTAINLY A BIG STEP FORWARD IN PRODUCING MORE TRAINED MANPOWER +WHICH WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT IF WE WERE TO SUSTAIN THE TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF OUR ECONOMY*.
HE ALSO LINKED THE NEED FOR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO THE PROVISION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, PARTICULARLY TECHNICAL EDUCATION:
♦ I NOTE THAT THE THREE PER CENT GROWTH RATE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL SET BY THE WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION IS NOW SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND THAT THERE IS A LIKELIHOOD THAT IT MAY BE INCREASED AS AN INTERIM MEASURE TO FOUR PER CENT.*
HE HOPED THAT IN THE OFFICIAL REVIEW, A SUITABLE BALANCE WOULD BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEMANDS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.
♦AND IT MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN THE 1980’S WILL NOT BE INHIBITED BY A SHORTAGE OF HIGH LEVEL TECHNOLOGICAL MANPOWER.♦
IN THIS RESPECT, MR CHEN ASKED THAT OPPORTUNITIES BE CREATED FOR +THE LARGE NUMBER OF HIGHLY MOTIVATED PEOPLE IN BOTH COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY* TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND MADE UPON THEM BY ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY.
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO, BECAUSE OF UNFORTUNATE CIRCUMSTANCES, WERE UNABLE TO COMPLETE A FULL COURSE OF FORMAL EDUCATION.
THOUGHT......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1°30
10
HE THOUGHT THAT PART-TIME OR EXTERNAL DEGREE OR ASSOCIATESHIP COURSES WOULD BE A SUITABLE MEANS OF MEETING THIS NEED.
TURNING TO THE COST OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, MR CHEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADJUST THE PRESENT STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO REFLECT THE FULL COST SO THAT NO DESERVING STUDENT CAPABLE OF BENEFITTING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION WOULD BE DEPRIVED OF SUCH AN OPPORTUNITY.
AT PRESENT, HE NOTED, TERTIARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED AND ALL STUDENTS, RICH AND POOR, ARE SUBSIDISED MORE OR LESS TO THE SAME DEGREE.
HE CONSIDERED THIS TO BE +SOCIALLY INEQUITABLE*.
+WELL-TO-DO STUDENTS MUST PAY THE FULL COST OF EDUCATION, AND THIS I THINK IS NOT ONLY SOCIALLY MORE EQUITABLE BUT ALSO WOULD ENABLE MORE PLACES TO BE PROVIDED IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR A GIVEN SUM OF MONEY.*
AS REGARDS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP, MR CHEN SAID THE PROJECTED NINE PER CENT WAS AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE WORLD AND PROBABLY UNPARALLELED WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS IN ASIA.
♦FOR INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP AT THIS PACE, THE NEED FOR THE SUPPORT OF A SOUND AND EFFICIENT INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IS ONLY TOO OBVIOUS.
MR CHEN THEREFORE URGED THAT TOP PRIORITY BE GIVEN TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION’S PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN OUR EXISTING INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE ESPECIALLY IN REGARD TO BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.
-----o------
/11 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 11 -
SH I FT I NG ROLE OF UNOFFICIALS
*****
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD BE INVITED TO EXERCISE A SUPERVISORY-CUM-MONITORING ROLE OVER THE PERFORMANCE AND NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUPS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HON LYDIA DUNN SAID.
SHE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE GREATER USE MADE OF UNOFFICIALS IN RECENT YEARS IMPLIES THAT THEIR ROLE IS SHIFTING FROM BEING PURELY ADVISORY TO BEING QUASl-EXECUTIVE.
SHE BELIEVED THIS TO BE APPROPRIATE AS + IT HARNESSES THE EXPERIENCE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO ASSIST WITH THE INCREASINGLY COMPLEX TASKS OF GOVERNMENT*.
IT ALSO PREPARES THE WAY FOR WHAT MISS DUNN BELIEVED SHOULD BE THE NEXT STAGE IN THE PARTICIPATION OF UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS IN THE PROCESS OF GOVERNMENT.
♦THAT STAGE SHOULD PROVIDE FOR INDIVIDUAL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO BE INVITED TO EXERCISE A SUPERVISORY-CUM-MONITORING ROLE OVER THE PERFORMANCE AND NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS OR GROUPS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS.*
BUT MORE IMPORTANT, MISS DUNN STRESSED, THE EFFECT OF SUCH APPOINTMENT WOULD BE TO BLUNT THE ARGUMENT, PUT FORWARD ON PURELY POLITICAL GROUNDS, THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ELECTIVE ELEMENT IN THE HIGHER COUNCILS OF GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE ADMINISTRATION MORE ACCOUNTABLE.
+l SAY THIS BECAUSE, IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, WHETHER WE BELIEVE IN AN ELECTIVE SYSTEM OR NOT, WHAT WE ARE ALL CONCERNED WITH IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED IN THE WAY I HAVE SUGGESTED.*
THE GROUND RULES FOR SUCH A ROLE AND LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFULLY SPELLED OUT, SHE SAID.
*BUT, FOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO HAVE SUCH A ROLE AS OF AGREED RIGHT WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GROWING TENDENCY FOR THEM TO DEVELOP SPECIALISED INTERESTS, WOULD INJECT MEANING INTO THE UMELCO SYSTEM OF STANDING AND AD HOC GROUPS, AND WOULD COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND THE ANNUAL PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE EXERCISE.
+IT IS TRUE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IS CONCERNED THESE DAYS WITH MUCH MORE THAN VERIFYING THE ACCOUNTS AND CHECKING THAT EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN PROPERLY AUTHORISED.
*BUT I THINK THE ASSISTANCE OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SHOULD HELP TO ENSURE THAT MONEY REALLY IS WELL SPENT AND TO PREVEN" WHAT MAY BE EQUALLY DAMAGING, NAMELY, UNDERSPENDING.*
THE ZRADITICNAL .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1930
- 12 -
THE TRADITIONAL FUNCTIONS OF UNOFFICIALS, SHE POINTED OUT, HAD BEEN GENERALLY TO SERVE ON STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES AND TO SERVE ON AD HOC COMMITTEES TO WHICH SPECIFIC TASKS HAVE BEEN REMITTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
AS REGARDS THE WAY IN WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE DISCHARGED THEIR DUTIES, THERE HAD BEEN THREE DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE PAST DECADE.
* WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE UMELCO OFFICE AND THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNOFFICIALS, POLICY PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DRAFT LEGISLATION CAN NOW BE SUBJECT TO IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION BY AD HOC GROUPS,
* UNOFFICIALS HAVE DEVELOPED AN APPEALS FUNCTION IN THE DISCHARGE OF WHICH THEY HAVE ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND THEIR RECORDS,
M THE CONTROL EXERCISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN EXTENDED FROM THE AUTHORISATION OF VOTE PROVISION THROUGH FINANCE COMMITTEE TO SURVEILLANCE OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS THROUGH THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHE CONTINUED, THE ADMINISTRATION’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS UNOFFICIALS GENERALLY HAS UNDERGONE A SUBTLE CHANGE: FROM ONE OF TOLERANT ACCEPTANCE TO A VAGUE FEELING THAT THE TIME HAS COME TO TAKE A POSITIVE VIEW OF THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ON WHICH UNOFFICIALS SIT HAS INCREASED TO THE POINT WHERE THEY COMPRISE 75 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF 300 AND ARE CHAIRMEN OF ABOUT HALF.
♦THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A GREATER USE OF UNOFFICIALS ON COMMITTEES CHARGED WITH SPECIFIC TASKS OF AN INVESTIGATIVE AND EVEN EXECUTIVE NATURE- AND THERE IS NOW A READY ACCEPTANCE OF THE IDEA THAT THE CHAIRMAN OF A COMMITTEE NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE THE OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUBJECT.
♦PERSONALLY, I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE AN AUTOMATIC BIAS IN FAVOUR OF UNOFFICIALS AS CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES UNLESS THERE IS A SELF-EVIDENT REASON IN FAVOUR OF OFFICIALS.*
FOR INSTANCE, SHE SAID, THOSE ADVISORY COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED TO GUIDE RESPONSIBLE OFFICIALS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR STATUTORY DUTIES — SUCH AS THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD — CLEARLY MUST BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS AND THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE SOME TASKS REMITTED TO COMMITTEES WHICH INVOLVE SUCH CLOSE SUPERVISION OF THE PREPARATORY WORK BY THE CHAIRMAN THAT AN UNOFFICIAL COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO DEVOTE THE NECESSARY TIME TO IT ON A CONTINUING BASIS.
/b.lc'S du:.k.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2?, 1980
- 15 -
MISS DUNN ALSO CALLED FOR THE HIVING-OFF OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+THE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES NOW COVERED BY THE PUBLIC SECTOR IS SUCH THAT I THINK IT IS HIGH TIME THE GOVERNMENT SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED SUGGESTIONS, WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE IN THIS COUNCIL IN THE PAST, TO HIVE OFF SOME OF THEM TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+l AM THINKING PARTICULARLY OF THOSE ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE REGARDED EVEN WITHIN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AS BEING OF A COMMERCIAL NATURE BUT, CLEARLY, ARE NOT RUN AS EFFICIENTLY AS THEY MIGHT BE.*
CITING EXAMPLES, SHE ASKED: +WHY DOES THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT, WITH HIS WIDE RANGING STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY DUTIES, HAVE TO RUN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND CAR PARKS AND RUN THEM BADLY?
♦WHY CANNOT MANAGEMENT FRANCHISES FOR THESE INSTALLATIONS BE SOLD BY PUBLIC TENDERS?*
SHE SAID CIVIL SERVANTS ARE EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATORS WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE BUT WHEN THEY HAVE TO MANAGE ENTERPRISES ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS, THEY ARE CAUGHT BETWEEN CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS AND ATTITUDES ON THE ONE HAND AND THE DICTATES OF BUSINESS PRINCIPLES ON THE OTHER.
♦THE RESULT IS OFTEN UNSATISFACTORY,* SHE SAID.
OTHER POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR HIVING OFF, SHE CONTINUED, WOULD INCLUDE THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, THE WATERWORKS, AND GARBAGE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING ON LAND PRODUCTION, MISS DUNN NOTED THAT THE OUTLOOK FOR BOTH PRODUCTION AND SALES OF RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENT I AL LAND IN THE THREE YEARS 1981-82 TO 1983-84 IS QUITE GOOD ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE A DEGREE OF MISMATCH BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND.
BUT SHE CONSIDERED THE LEAD TIME FOR LAND PRODUCTION IS AT LEAST THREE YEARS, ASSUMING THERE IS NO +SLIPPAGE*.
SHE THEREFORE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCORD CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS SUFFICIENT FUNDS IN THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS SO AS TO ENSURE THAT LAND PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS DECADE IS ADEQUATE FOR OUR NEEDS.
♦OF COURSE, THIS IS SPECIAL PLEADING, BUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IS UNLIKELY TO ALLOW THE SIZE OF THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT AS A WHOLE TO GROW TOO FAST AND SO, BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE LAND PRODUCTION MUST HAVE AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY, I FEEL THAT SPECIAL PLEADING IS JUSTIFIED.
♦AND IT IS AT LEAST ARGUABLE THAT A FAILURE TO ACCORD LAND PRODUCTION AN ABSOLUTE PRIORITY IN PAST YEARS HAS BEEN DAMAGING TO OUR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING,* MISS DUNN ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
-IN-
LAND LAW NEEDS REVIEW
*****
THE HON PETER C. WONG CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT AN IN-DEPTH EXAMINATION OF THE. LEGISLATION RELATING TO LAND IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID THE SIGNIFICANCE OF APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION BECOMES MORE APPARENT WHEN ONE REALISES THAT CURRENTLY THERE ARE SOME 180 000 TRANSACTIONS RELATING TO LAND PER YEAR AND THE NUMBER IS FAST GROWING.
♦OBVIOUSLY, PRIORITY MUST NOW BE GIVEN TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT, NON-CONTROVERSIAL AND LONG OVERDUE LEGISLATION.*
MR WONG ADMITTED THAT LAND LAW IS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND COMPLICATED SUBJECT.
OUR LEGISLATION ON LAND, SAID MR WONG, IS NOT ONLY FRAGMENTARY BUT LEAVES SEVERAL IMPORTANT AREAS VAGUE AND OFTEN CONFUSING.
♦RATIONALISATION OF OUR LAND LAW MAY NOT MEAN MUCH TO THE MAN IN THE STREET, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, SINCE IT WILL, AMONG OTHER BENEFITS, REDUCE DISPUTES AND LEGAL FEES.+
IT IS NOT GENERALLY REALISED THAT HONG KONG DOES NOT HAVE A LAW OF PROPERTY ORDINANCE SUCH AS THE ENGLISH LAW OF PROPERTY ACT 1925, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, PROPOSALS FOR A LAW OF PROPERTY BILL HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST 25 YEARS.
A NUMBER OF DRAFT BILLS HAVE EMERGED AND A NOTABLY SUBSTANTIAL ONE WAS PREPARED IN 1973 ONLY TO BE REJECTED.
♦IN 1977 AND 1978 DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT AND THE LAW SOCIETY RESULTED IN YET ANOTHER DRAFT BILL.
♦THIS WAS CONCISE AND CONTAINED A NUMBER OF USEFUL PROVISIONS.
♦BUT WHEN THE DRAFT BILL WILL BE FINALISED CAN ONLY BE A MATTER FOR SPECULATION, ASSUMING THAT IT WILL NOT SUFFER THE SAME FATE AS ITS PREDECESSORS.*
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF OVERDUE LEGISLATION CITED BY MR WONG WAS THE STAMP ORDINANCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOW OVER TWO YEARS SINCE A PROPOSAL TO 'TIDY UP’ THE ORDINANCE WAS ANNOUNCED IN 1978.
A SPECIALIST HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE INTENTION TO REVISE THE ORDINANCE WAS AGAIN MENTIONED IN 1979. BUT SINCE THEN THERE HAS BEEN A DEAFENING SILENCE, HE SAID.
VCNG .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 15 -
MR WONG SAID THE DELAYS IN PRODUCING LEGISLATION MAY BE DUE TO THE STAFF SHORTAGE AND WORKLOAD OF THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
+THERE IS A TENDENCY TO TAKE THE WORK OF THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION FOR GRANTED.
+THE DRAFTING OF LEGISLATION IS A SPECIALISED AND DIFFICULT TASK.
♦IT NOT ONLY TAKES TIME IF MISTAKES ARE TO BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM BUT REQUIRES A HIGH DEGREE OF LEGAL EXPERTISE.
♦IT REQUIRES LAWYERS OF HIGH INTELLECTUAL CALIBRE WHO ARE PREPARED TO SPECIALISE IN LEGISLATIVE DRAFTING AT THE EXPENSE OF A CAREER IN A MORE EXCITING AREA OF LEGAL PRACTICE.+
HE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS PAYING SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO RECRUIT SPECIALIST LAW DRAFTSMEN AND PROVIDING REALISTIC REMUNERATION AND CAREER PROSPECTS FOR THOSE THAT IT WAS ALREADY FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE RECRUITED.
NOTING THAT THE POST OF SOLICITOR GENERAL WAS ABOLISHED SINCE THE SPRING OF LAST YEAR, MR WONG SUGGESTED 1 +PERHAPS IT IS NOW TIME TO TAKE STOCK OF THE SITUATION, AND IF NECESSARY CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THE ORGANISATION STRUCTURE AND STAFFING OF THE DEPARTMENT.+
------0-------
SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM REQUIRED * X X X X
THE HON WONG LAM TODAY REPEATED AN EARLIER APPEAL TO THE GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
♦I HOPE THERE WILL SHORTLY BE A NEW BREAKTHROUGH AND A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM, SO AS TO REDUCE THE PRESSURE EXERTED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON HONG KONG, AND THAT ALL DEVELOPMENT PLANS ALREADY DRAWN UP WILL CONTINUE AT THEIR FORMER PACE TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
MR WONG, SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID HONG KONG WAS BEING AFFECTED BY THE RAP ID -1NCREASE OF POPULATION WHICH HAD MADE IT DIFFICULT FOR THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO ACHIEVE THEIR DESIRED OBJECTIVES.
ATTRIBUTING THE MAIN REASON FOR THIS POPULATION GROWTH TO THE EXCESSIVE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MR WONG SAID: *WE MUST ACT WITH DETERMINATION,-COURAGE AND CAUTION TO OBTAIN A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.*
/ON THE .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 16 -
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR WONG SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP DISTRICT BOARDS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH HE SAID WOULD HAVE A DESIRABLE EFFECT ON EVERY ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE CONSTANT DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SOCIETY AND CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, THE GOVERNMENT NATURALLY HAS TO UNDERTAKE MORE RESPONSIBILITIES.
♦ TO DECENTRALISE PART OF THE POWER OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO THE LOCAL LEVEL SO THAT CIVIL SERVANTS CAN IMPROVE GOVERNMENT SERVICES ON A DISTRICT BASIS THROUGH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PEOPLE’S NEEDS IS A NECESSARY ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM,+ HE SAID.
♦ ON THE OTHER HAND,+ HE CONTINUED, +WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS, DRASTIC INCREASE IN THE POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND WITH MORE FACILITIES PROVIDED AND PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE PEOPLE BECOMING EVER MORE COMPLEX, THE PEOPLE, ’OLD’ OR ’NEW’, ARE FERVENTLY CONCERNED WITH GOVERNMENT’S ADMINISTRATION.
♦ TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL COMMITTEES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO AIR THEIR VIEWS IS THEREFORE MOST PRESSING,♦ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO INCREASING JUVENILE CRIMES MR WONG SAID THIS WAS A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN.
HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE GREATER SUPPORT TO CERTAIN PERMANENT ORGANISATIONS SUITABLE FOR JUVENILE PART ICIPATION, SUCH AS THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND SCOUTS, SO THAT THEIR ACTIVITIES COULD BE KNOWN TO MORE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FUNCTIONS BROUGHT INTO FULL PLAY.
THESE ORGANISATIONS, MR WONG BELIEVED HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON PREVENTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM GOING ASTRAY.
-------0 ---------
LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEM ******
THE ONLY EFFECTIVE LONG-TERM MEASURE TO SOLVE THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT PROBLEM IS THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUANGDONG AREA IN WHICH HONG KONG MUST TRY TO CONTRIBUTE ALL IT CAN, DR THE HON RAYSON HUANG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THIS COULD PROVIDE THE MEANS OF FULFILLING THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS OF THE WOULD-BE IMMIGRANTS IN A LEGITIMATE WAY WITHIN THEIR OWN ENVIRONMENT.
DR HUANG STRESSED THAT IF THE INFLUX WAS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE, EVEN AT A REDUCED RATE, IT WOULD IMPOSE AN INTOLERABLE STRAIN ON OUR RESOURCES.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 17 -
♦ IN THE SHORT TERM, WE MUST ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE MEASURES ARE TAKEN TO STEM THE FLOOD AND TO PROVIDE PHYSICAL DETERRENTS SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN OUR STABILITY.
♦ IN THE LONG TERM, HOWEVER, PHYSICAL RESTRAINT MUST BE RECOGNISED AS ULTIMATELY INEFFECT IVEi PROBLEMS OF THESE DIMENSIONS CANNOT BE SOLVED WITH A WIRE FENCE AND PATROL BOATS.
♦ I ENTIRELY AGREE THAT THE PROBLEM MUST BE EXAMINED JOINTLY BY THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES AND OURSELVES AND BY the BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.♦
DR HUANG PREDICTED THAT THE PROSPECT FOR HONG KONG IS ENCOURAGING AND CHALLENGING AS WE MOVED INTO THE 1980’S.
HE NOTED THAT WE ARE ACHIEVING A MARKED DIVERSIFICATION OF OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE AND ADDING NEW SCOPE TO OUR RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES.
A FIRMER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR REQUIREMENTS IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING IS BEING REACHED AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROVISION IS GRADUALLY BEING EXTENDED INTO AREAS OF NEEDS.
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT IF WE PURSUE THESE GOALS AND IMPLEMENT THESE PROGRAMMES PROPERLY WE WILL MEET NOT ONLY OUR INTERNAL NEEDS BUT ALSO BE ENABLED TO PARTICIPATE IN AND MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MODERNIZATION PROGRAMMES CF CHINA,+ DR HUANG SAID.
TURNING TO OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM, DR HUANG THOUGHT IT ♦SHOULD BE SO CO-ORDINATED AND STRENGTHENED AS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY MANPOWER BASE ON WHICH THE PROGRAMME FOR THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY MUST BE BUILT*.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SOME PROGRESS HAD ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED IN IMPROVING THE SYSTEM, PARTICULARLY IN THE ATTEMPTS TO BROADEN THE CURRICULUM, TO MAKE IT LESS DEPENDENT ON ROTE LEARNING AND TO RELATE IT TO THE EDUCATIONAL PRIORITIES OF A RAPIDLY CHANGING SOCIETY- BUT THERE ARE STILL CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED.
HE HOPED THAT, IN THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR THE COMING YEAR, THE REAL PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULTIES WOULD NOT BE SIDE-STEPPED SO AS TO ACHIEVE A SUPERFICIAL ABSENCE OF CONTROVERSY.
♦FOR MANY OF THE OUTSTANDING PROBLEMS IN EDUCATION, WHICH ARE NO LESS URGENT FOR BEING OUTSTANDING, ARE EXTREMELY CONTROVERSIAL AND SOME OF THESE STILL AWAIT RESOLUTION.*
ONE SUCH PROBLEM OF GRAVE DIFFICULTY AND LYING AT THE ROOT OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IS THE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE TO BE USED FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, >£ SAID.
/-IF HONG ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 18 -
♦IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, ITS CITIZENS MUST BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY AND IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT SUCH COMMUNICATION IS NOT MERELY AMONG OURSELVES, BUT WITH CHINA, AND WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD.
♦THE ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN FORMS I TO III IN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS WHICH ARE NOW THE MAIN STREAM OF SECONDARY EDUCATION MUST BE REHEARSED FINALLY AND DEFINITIVELY AND A DECISION MUST BE TAKEN,♦ DR HUANG URGED.
ON UPPER SECONDARY LEVEL EDUCATION, HE CRITICISED THAT THERE WAS STILL A GOOD DEAL OF ♦UNTIDINESS* ABOUT THE SYSTEM WHICH LED TO A WASTAGE NOT ONLY OF ECONOMIC RESOURCES BUT OF MANPOWER YEARS.
♦AT PRESENT WE HAVE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENTLY TIMED SYSTEMS LEADING TO UNIVERSITY GRADUATION, SYSTEMS WHICH DO NOT MESH PROPERLY WITH EACH OTHER AND LEAD TO WASTED YEARS ON THE PART OF SOME STUDENTS AND CONFUSION AND BEWILDERMENT ON THE PART OF MOST OTHERS.♦
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE TWO YEARS OF FORM VI EDUCATION IS THE LAST STAGE OF FORMAL EDUCATION AND MUST BE A COMPLETE, INTEGRATED COURSE IN ITSELF AIMED AT GIVING THE STUDENTS A LIBERAL EDUCATION, A PREPARATION FOR LIFE.
BUT SIXTH FORM EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, IS HAVING TO BE TOO MANY THINGS AT THE SAME TIME — APART FROM' THE LIBERAL EDUCATION IT IS SUPPOSED TO IMPART, IT HAS TO SERVE, TAKEN IN WHOLE OR EVEN IN PART, AS PREPARATION FOR ENTRY INTO TWO UNIVERSITIES WITH DIFFERENT DURATIONS OF DEGREE COURSES, AND USING TWO DIFFERENT LANGUAGES OF INSTRUCTION.
DR HUANG NOTED THAT SOME STUDENTS, ACCUSTOMED TO THE USE OF ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN THE ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS, COMPLETE THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM AND ENTER ONE UNIVERSITY USING THE SAME MEDIUM.
OTHERS, HOWEVER, FROM THE SAME STREAM ATTEND A YEAR OF THEIR SIXTH FORM COURSE IN ENGLISH AND THEN ENTER THE OTHER UNIVERSITY, SWITCHING THEIR MEDIUM OVER TO CHINESE.
YET OTHERS COMPLETE BOTH YEARS OF SIXTH FORM WORK AND THEN FOLLOW FOUR YEARS OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION, THUS DEFERRING THEIR GRADUATION BY AN UNNECESSARY PERIOD.
♦THE PATCHWORK ELEMENT THUS STILL PERSISTS, CAUSING IMMENSE CONFUSION AND CONCERN, AND RESULTING IN A WASTE OF EFFORT AND RESOURCES WHICH HONG KONG CAN ILL AFFORD,+ DR HUANG SAID.
AS REGARDS MIDDLE LEVEL STUDIES, HE WELCOMED THE EMPHASIS GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS ON THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND PLANS ON THEIR EXPANSION, ESPECIALLY AS THE CHANGING EMPHASIS RESULTING FROM THE DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMME IN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE HAD GIVEN US A FRESH PERSPECTIVE IN OUR NEEDS IN TECHNICAL TRAINING.
/HZ, THOUGHT ....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 19 -
HE THOUGHT THAT THE RECENT INFLUX OF UNSKILLED LABOUR COULD BE TURNED TO SERVE A GOOD PURPOSE IF THEY WERE GIVEN SOME TRAIN ING AND PROPERLY UTILISED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF MANPOWER FOR OUR EXPANDING INDUSTRY.
TRAINING FACILITIES FOR OUR EXISTING WORKFORCE SHOULD BE EXPANDED WHILE MORE ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE NEED FOR A SOLID INFRASTRUCTURE OF SKILLED SUPPORT AT THE TECHNICAL AND CRAFTSMAN LEVEL.
♦IN DOING THIS WE WOULD ALSO BE FULFILLING THE ASPIRATIONS CF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO ACQUIRE THE EXPERTISE BY WHICH THE QUALITY OF LIFE CAN BE UPLIFTED,+ DR HUANG ADDED.
-----0------
COMMUNICATION CENTRAL GOVERNMENT * *
ESSENTIAL BETWEEN AND DISTRICT BOARDS * * *
A TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION CHANNEL HAS TO BE OPENED UP AND MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND DISTRICT BOARDS IF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM IS MEANT TO PRODUCE RESULT, THE HON CHARLES YEUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES, POLICIES AND DECISIONS TO BE FULLY EXPLAINED AND UNDERSTOODIBY THE BOARDS AND THE PEOPLE ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE ASPIRATIONS AND SENTIMENTS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE READILY KNOWN AND CONSIDERED BY THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ON THE OTHER.
MR YEUNG SAID THIS IN COMMENT ON THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +THE FIRST MAJOR STEP OF IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT TO CONSULT ITS PEOPLE TO ASCERTAIN THEIR WISH ON THE FORMAT OF A GOVERNMENTAL MACHINERY+.
THOUGH DISTRICT BOARDS ARE PRIMARILY INTENDED TO BE ADVISORY IN NATURE, HE SAID, IT IS ESSENTIAL THEY CARRY THE INHERENT RIGHT TO REQUIRE THE GOVERNMENT AND INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS TO EXPLAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES AND TO RESPOND TO THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE BOARDS SHOULD ALSO BE VESTED WITH CERTAIN DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY, AS IS THE EXISTING PRACTICE OF FUND ALLOCATION FOR DISTRICT ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH INDUCEMENT FOR PEOPLE OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE TO GIVE UP THEIR TIME AND ENERGY TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATION AND FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO ENTRUST THEIR WELFARE TO THEM.
♦OBVIOUSLY, GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FULFILL ALL THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE OR TO ACCOMPLISH THEM AS SPEEDILY AS THE PEOPLE WISH.
/+HO.VEVER......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
- 20 -
♦HOWEVER, GOVERNMENT’S 'FAILURE TO RESPOND TO DISTRICTS’ EXPECTATIONS MAY LEAD TO DESPAIR AND INDIGNATION.
♦DELAY IN THEIR IMPLEMENTATION MAY LEAD TO FRUSTRATION AND DISSATISFACTION,+ MR YEUNG SAID.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THAT DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE GIVEN A WELL DEFINED LEVEL OF DECISION-MAKING POWER WHICH SHOULD BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A RIGHT OF DIRECT ACCESS TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
♦THIS AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ABOVE THE DEPARTMENTAL LEVEL WITH THE POWER TO MAKE SPEEDY DECISIONS TO IMPLEMENT GOVERNMENT POLICY.
♦THIS AUTHORITY, IF APPOINTED, SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH THE DUTY TO FORM AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE AND IT MAY BE ASSISTED BY AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE DRAWN FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS,♦ HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG ADVISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTRODUCE UNOFFICIAL ELEMENTS TO SUCH ADVISORY COMMITTEES BUT STRESSED THAT THE ULTIMATE POLICY DECISION WOULD REMAIN WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ON THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS, HE SAID« +T0 PROVIDE A SPEEDY REMEDY FOR THE GENERAL LACK OF BASIC FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICTS, IT IS ADVISABLE TO ALLOCATE A CERTAIN SIZABLE FUND EITHER FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE OR FROM LOCAL RATES TO DISTRICT BOARDS FOR CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE ON CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROJECTS PURSUANT TO THE ORDER OF PRIORITY ACCORDED BY DISTRICT BOARDS.
♦AN ANALOGY MAY BE DRAWN FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH HAS UTILISED ITS FUND VERY SUCCESSFULLY IN THIS DIRECTION.+
AS REGARDS THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, MR YEUNG AGREED WITH THE GREEN PAPER THAT MEMBERS SHOULD BE ELECTED BY A PARTICULAR GEOGRAPHICAL AREA SO THAT THEY WOULD CONCENTRATE THEIR ATTENTION AND ENERGY ON THE WELL-BEING OF THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HE FAILED TO UNDERSTAND WHY THERE
COULD NOT BE A SINGLE ELECTION ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS AS ENVISAGED IN THE GREEN PAPER, PRODUCING ELECTED MEMBERS TO SERVE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH WERE MEANT TO SERVE THE SAME PEOPLE.
ON THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR YEUNG SAID THE PRESENT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM HAS PROVED TO BE A USEFUL FORUM FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CO-ORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICTS.
BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT A DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS ITS INGRAINED SHORTFALL IN ITS ABILITY TO PRODUCE QUICK AND RESPONSIVE ACTION TO THE NEED OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
/♦IN CKDER .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
21
♦ IN ORDER TO MAKE IT A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE ORGAN, THESE COMMITTEES SHOULD BE FURTHER CHARGED WITH THE DUTY OF PLANNING AND INITIATING LOCAL PROGRAMMES FOR SUBMISSION TO DISTRICT BOARDS FOR CONSULTATION AND DELIBERATION AS WELL AS ADVISING THEM ON THE FEASIBILITY AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATION OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSALS.
♦THEY SHOULD BE MADE ANSWERABLE AND DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO THE SINGLE HIGHER AUTHORITY WITHIN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO WHICH DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE ACCESSIBLE.
♦THIS COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH AND CONCENTRATION OF TERRITORIAL AUTHORITY WILL CERTAINLY CUT THROUGH THE MORASS OF RED-TAPE AND TO MAKE GOVERNMENT MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE PUBLIC,* MR YEUNG SAID.
PROFITEERING SPIRIT NOT IN HONG KONG’S INTEREST ******
THERE ARE GROWING TENDENCIES TOWARDS PROFITEERING, GAMBLING AND EXCESSIVE SPECULATION BY HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE HON ANDREW SO WARNED.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR SO SAID THE ACHIEVEMENTS ATTAINED BY HONG KONG TODAY REFLECTED THE INGENUITY OF ITS PEOPLE, THEIR ENTERPRISING SPIRIT AND THEIR HARD-WORKING ATTITUDE.
♦HOWEVER, THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THEIR SPIRIT AND ATTITUDES ARE BEING GRADUALLY ERODED BY THE GROWING TENDENCIES TOWARDS PROFITEERING, GAMBLING AND EXCESSIVE SPECULATION, EXPRESSED BOTH AS A STATE OF MIND AND BEHAVIOUR.
♦IT WOULD NOT BE HARD TO IMAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES IF THESE TENDENCIES ARE LEFT UNCHECKED.♦
MR SO STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LIFELINE RESTS WITH PRODUCTION AND EXPORTS, NOT REAL ESTATE- AND ITS FATE IS IN THE HANDS OF ITS INDUSTRIOUS PEOPLE, NOT PROFITEERING SPECULATORS.
HE NOTED THAT IN ADDITION TO THE GOLD AND STOCK BOOM IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS, THE RECENT SPECULATION IN PRE-COMPLETED FLATS WAS ALSO ALARMING.
PEOPLE INDULGING IN SUCH ACTIVITIES INCLUDE NOT ONLY FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE COMPANIES, AND THE RELATIVELY BETTER-OFF, BUT ALSO ♦PROFESSIONAL QUEUERS+.
♦NOT ONLY DO THEY BID UP THE PRICE OF FLATS, THEY ALSO CHANGE THE PRINCIPLE 'FROM BUILDING HOUSES FOR THOSE WHO NEED SHELTERS’ TO 'BUILDING HOUSES FOR SPECULATORS*.*
/+THE DRASTIC ..
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
22
THE DRASTIC RISE IN RENTS OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN GENERAL HAVE MADE MANY SHOPS CEASE OPERATIONS, OBSERVED MR SO.
♦IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT THE LARGE SUPPLY OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES EXPECTED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS WILL CAUSE A FALL IN COMMERCIAL RENTS IN THE FUTURE.
♦YET UNFORTUNATELY, RENT AND PRICES RARELY FOLLOW THE PHYSICAL LAW OF GRAVITY — WHAT GOES UP DOES NOT NECESSARILY COME DOWN.
♦THE BUSINESS BOOM IN REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY BENEFITS ONLY A HANDFUL OF FINANCIAL SYNDICATES AND PROPERTY OWNERS.♦
GIVEN THAT THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IS RELATIVELY FREE AND LAISSEZ-FAIRE, SAID MR SO, WE MUST NONETHELESS TRY TO PUT THE SYSTEM ON THE RIGHT COURSE IF IT IS FOUND TO BE ENDANGERING THE PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD AND THE ECONOMY ITSELF.
HE BELIEVED THAT PROPER MEASURES COULD BE FOUND TO CONTROL THE EXCESSIVE SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES IF THERE WAS A WILL.
COMMENTING ON THE AUCTIONING OF CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS, MR SO SAID THE NUMBERS WHICH MEAN NOTHING SPECIAL TO OUTSIDERS, SUCH AS +28+, ♦168+, +338+, ALWAYS SCORE RECORD HIGH PRICES AT PUBLIC AUCTIONS.
♦ALTHOUGH AUCTIONING THESE REGISTRATION NUMBERS HAS ALREADY BROUGHT NEARLY $15 MILLION TO THE WELFARE FUNDS OF HONG KONG, WE HAVE TO CONSIDER WHETHER IT IS WORTH CONTINUING IF IT IS FOUND TO BE INDIRECTLY ENCOURAGING AN UNHEALTHY WAY OF THINKING.
ON GAMBLING, MR SO NOTED THAT THE TOTAL BETTINGS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO $6 400 MILLION WHILE THE BETTINGS ON SEPTEMBER 21 THIS YEAR ALONE WERE OVER $101 MILLION.
♦THE OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ALWAYS CROWDED WITH PEOPLE AND THERE ARE CASES OF SCALPING IN RACING BADGES ON HORSE-RACING DAYS,* HE SAID.
♦THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS TENDENCY, TO GET AT THE ROOT OF THIS STATE OF MIND AND BEHAVIOUR, TO REVIEW WHETHER IT HAS INDIRECTLY ENCOURAGED SUCH ACTIVITIES AND THEN TRY ITS UTMOST TO REMEDY THE SITUATION.+
MONEY ITSELF IS INSIGNIFICANT, MR SO MAINTAINED, BUT THE HARM IT MAY CAUSE TO THE MIND AND SOUL IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE NEW HONG KONG, WHICH THE GOVERNOR HAS PUT IN SO MUCH EFFORT TO BUILD, RELIES ON THE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO PERFECT IT.
— — — — Oowcyc
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
23
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY - HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY *****
IN THE LAST 20 YEARS HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS GROWN FROM ABOUT 100 WORKERS PRODUCING CHEAP TRANSISTOR RADIOS TO MORE THAN 90 000 PEOPLE - OR ABOUT TEN PER CENT OF THE WORKFORCE - EARNING OVER 16-1/2 BILLION FROM EXPORTING THE MOST SOPHISTICATED ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.
MR BILL DORWARD, DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, OPENING THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS SHOW ’80 TODAY SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE DIVERSITY OF THE APPLICATION OF ITS TECHNOLOGY IT WAS NO LONGER MEANINGFUL TO TALK SIMPLY ABOUT THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
+WHILE LAST YEAR RADIOS STILL ACCOUNTED FOR NEARLY HALF OF LOCAL PRODUCTION- AND COMPONENTS, CALCULATORS, SEMI-CONDUCTORS AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS MADE UP MUCH OF THE REST- THE TOY INDUSTRY, ONCE SIMPLY PLASTIC AND DRY CELL BATTERIES, IS NOW INCREASINGLY DEPENDENT ON INTEGRATED CIRCUITS FOR EVERYTHING FROM CHILDREN’S TOYS TO CHESS SETS,* MR DORWARD SAID.
♦ONE OF THE MOST DRAMATIC GROWTH SECTORS IS THE ELECTRONIC WATCH INDUSTRY. LAST YEAR IT EARNED $2-1/4 BILLION IN EXPORTS. IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR IT SHOWED AN ASTOUNDING GROWTH RATE OF NEARLY 70 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1979.*
LARGELY SPURRED ON BY THE ELECTRONIC WATCH INDUSTRY’S SUCCESS, THE FRONTIERS OF THE INDUSTRY CONTINUE TO BE PUSHED OUT, HE SAID.
+THERE ARE THREE WAFER DIFFUSION PLANTS IN PROCESS OF BEING ESTABLISHED IN THE RELATIVELY CLEAN AND VIBRATION FREE SURROUNDINGS OF THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AT TAI PO.
+THIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE BACKWARD INTEGRATION PROCESS WILL FURTHER REDUCE THE DEPENDENCE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY ON IMPORTED COMPONENTS.*
ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING CONSEQUENCES OF THE STEADY UPGRADING OF THE INDUSTRY, MR DORWARD SAID, HAS BEEN THE REVERSE BRAIN DRAIN.
*HONG KONGrBORN ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS HAVE BEEN TRICKLING BACK FROM SELF-IMPOSED EXILE IN SILICONE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES. THEY SOUGHT EMPLOYMENT ABROAD SOME YEARS AGO, HAVING FOUND THEMSELVES OVERQUALIFIED FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AT THAT TIME.
+THIS SEEMS TO ME A VALUABLE SOURCE OF EXPERIENCE WHICH LOCAL INDUSTRY SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO TAP IN FUTURE,* HE SAID.
HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS MORE OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION THAN ANY OTHER MAJOR SECTOR.
/*IT HAS .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
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♦IT HAS MANY EXCELLENT EXAMPLES OF JOINT PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INTERESTS, AND IT UNDOUBTEDLY HOLDS THE POTENTIAL FOR MANY MORE.
♦IF THE DAY EVER COMES WHEN KING CLOTHING IS DETHRONED FROM HIS POSITION AS HONG KONG’S LEADING INDUSTRY, THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND WHO THE USURPER WILL BE,+ CONCLUDED MR DORWARD.
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COMMUNITY-BUILDING IN LOWER WONG TAI SIN ******
A LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY-BUILDING PROJECT ENTITLED +LOWER WONG TAI SIN — ALL ABOARD FOR THE EIGHTIES* WILL BE HELD IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
THE PROJECT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT. URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE, LOWER WONG TAI SIN AREA COMMITTEE AND HONG KONG YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (WONG TAI SIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE).
THE PURPOSE IS TO HELP RESIDENTS OF LOWER WONG TAI SIN TO UNDERSTAND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE AND TO STIMULATE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE EIGHT PROGRAMMES! A VOLUNTEER TRAINING COURSE, EXHIBITIONS, A QUIZ ON LABOUR LAW AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, MOBILE THEATRE PERFORMANCE, PAINTING COMPETITION FOR YOUNGSTERS, DRAWING COMPETITION FOR YOUTHS, TALENT SHOW FOR THE ELDERLY, AND A COMMUNITY SEMINAR.
DETAILED INFORMATION ON THESE PROGRAMMES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN) ON TEL. 3-222261 OR THE YWCA (WONG TAI SIN CENTRE) ON TEL. 3-283115.
A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CLOSE OF THE PROJECT ON DECEMBER 14.
MOST OF THE PRIZES WILL BE SPONSORED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
NOTE TO EDITORSi
AN OPENING CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROJECT WILL BE JOINTLY OFFICIATED BY MR STEPHEN SELBY, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN), OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND LEADERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 24) AT PLAYGROUND NO. 6 NEXT TO BLOCK 15, LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, I960
25
THIRD YUEN LONG CHILDREN'S SINGING CONTEST
******
THE THIRD YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S SINGING CONTEST IS TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
THE LOCAL TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT AND DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD ARE ORGANISING THE CONTEST AS PART OF THEIR JOINT EFFORTS TO PROMOTE MUSIC IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL CHILDREN LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT. THERE WILL BE FIVE CLASSES OF COMPETITION FOR JUNIOR SOLO, JUNIOR GROUP-SI NG I NG, SENIOR SOLO, SENIOR GROUP-SI NG I NG AND INSTRUMENT PLAYING.
THE JUNIOR EVENTS ARE CONFINED TO CHILDREN AGED FROM SIX TO NINE AND THE SENIOR EVENTS TO CHILDREN AGED FROM 10 TO 13. ANY CHILD AGED FROM SIX TO 13 CAN TAKE PART IN THE INSTRUMENT PLAYING COMPETITION.
THE PRELIMINARIES WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8 AND 9. THE GRAND FINAL WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, AT THE TOWN HALL.
THE SIX CONTESTANTS OR TEAMS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES IN EACH CLASS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES OR PRIZES.
WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO BE ADJUDICATORS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR YUEN LONG TOWN HALL SAID THE CHILDREN'S SINGING CONTEST HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT ITEM IN THE LOCAL CULTURAL CALENDAR.
THERE WERE ABOUT 200 PARTICIPANTS IN 1978 WHEN THE EVENT WAS FIRST HELD, BUT THE NUMBER INCREASED TO NEARLY 300 LAST YEAR. +WE ARE EXPECTING EVEN MORE ENTRANTS THIS TIME,* HE SAID.
HE URGED TEACHERS AND PARENTS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STUDENTS AND CHILDREN TO ENTER THE CONTEST.
THE GRAND FINAL PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE DISTRICT’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WHICH IS ALSO FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD. LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO INVITE THE CONTESTANTS AND CHILDREN AMONG THE AUDIENCE TO JOIN THE CHOIR.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE SINGING CONTEST ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TOWN HALL. THEY MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
OTHER CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BEING HELD JOINTLY BY THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TOWN HALL IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR INCLUDE A YOUTH TALENT QUEST AND A BALLET CLASS.
/26 .
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
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VOCAL RECITAL AT FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR * * X ft
SOPRANO PENELOPE CHAN WILL PERFORM AT THE +FRIDAY MUSIC HOUR* ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL AT 5.30 PM ON OCTOBER 24 AND 31.
THE FIRST RECITAL WILL BE GIVEN AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL (255 HENNESSY ROAD, 4TH FLOOR) AND THE SECOND AT THE MUSIC OFFICE WEST KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE (157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TUNG PING BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR).
MISS CHAN WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MISS WONG KIN-YU AT THE PIANO.
MISS CHAN DEVELOPED HER VOCAL TALENTS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF MISS LEE BING, A LOCALLY DISTINGUISHED MEZZO-SOPRANO. IN EARLIER YEARS SHE PASSED WITH DISTINCTION GRADE 8 IN BOTH SINGING AND PIANO, THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC. IN 1975 SHE WAS THE FIRST-PRIZE WINNER OF THE ART SONG OPEN CLASS IN THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL, AND SINCE THEN HAD OBTAINED A NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
A TEACHER BY PROFESSION, MISS CHAN CONDUCTS THE CHOIR IN HER CHURCH AND IS ACTIVE IN THE HONG KONG ORATORIO SOCIETY.
SHE HAS BEEN FOR THREE YEARS THE LEADER OF ITS SOPRANO SECTION AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WAS SELECTED TO SING AS SOLOIST.
SHE PARTICIPATED IN THE 1980 ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTATION OF OFFENBACH’S ^CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS+ IN THE ROLE OF ESPERANZA AND GAVE A RECITAL IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE LAST MONTH.
MISS WONG KIN-YU PURSUED MUSIC STUDIES AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC, LONDON, WHERE HER TEACHERS WERE DOUGLAS HAWKRIDGE (ORGAN) AND GEOFFREY PRATELY (PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT). THERE SHE WAS AWARDED THE FREDERICK KEENE AND HENRY RICHARDS PRIZES FOR ORGAN PERFORMANCE. SHE HAS GIVEN ORGAN RECITALS AND PERFORMED IN MANY CONCERTS AS ACCOMPANIST.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE TWO FRIDAY CONCERTS WILL INCLUDE FOLK SONGS, OPERA EXCERPTS, LIEDERS AND CHINESE ART SONGS.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY AND OFFICES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE (HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE 9TH FLOOR, AND 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD). ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. NO. 3-819204.
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DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHUM SIK-CHANG ON JANUARY 21, 1980 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
CHUM SIK-CHANG, AGED 28, WAS FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING LAU CHAK-MO IN A SHAM SHU I PO FLAT ON MARCH 2, 1978.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1980
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT HARBOUR TUNNEL EXIT * * * ft * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI FROM 9.30 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 24) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING FOR ROAD REPAIR WORKS IN THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AREA.
THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE TUNNEL TO THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED. MOTORISTS CAN USE THE EXIT ROAD TO HAPPY VALLEY INSTEAD.
THREE CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED WHEN LEAVING THE TUNNEL. ROUTES 102 AND 106 WILL GO VIA THE HAPPY VALLEY EXIT OF THE TUNNEL, THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, HENNESSY ROAD AND YEE WO STREET.
AIRPORT COACH SERVICE NO. 200 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE CENTRAL EXIT OF THE TUNNEL, GLOUCESTER ROAD, FENWICK STREET AND HENNESSY ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
■■ ■»V 0 * •» -«■
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ft ft ft ft
SECTIONS OF TWO ROADS IN SHA TIN WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 25).
THEY ARE ROAD Pl BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND ROAD P6, AND ROAD P6 BETWEEN ROAD Pl AND ROAD P2.
MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS LOADING OR UNLOADING BETWEEN 7 AM AND 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MILES PER HOUR WILL BE IMPOSED ON CHUNG HUM KOK ROAD AND ALL ITS BRANCH ROADS INCLUDING HORIZON DRIVE, CAPE ROAD, CAPE DRIVE, CHING SAN LANE AND OTHER UNNAMED ACCESS ROADS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ' ' BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
' ' t ... : • •• ■ •:
........ THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.1
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR UNITED COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ...................... 1
LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ............ 4
NEW POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION .............................. 8
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT aNTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES........ 11
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS NEW IMMIGRATION MEASURES ......... 1}
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA: DEADLINE FOR ID CARD REGISTRATION.............................................. 13
FULL CALL-OUT OF THE VOLUNTEERS ............................... 15
POLICY ADDRESS DEBATE
DR HON HENRY HU: HIGH RENTS AND SPECULATION MAY UPSET ECONOMY ............................................. 16
DR HON HO KAM-FAI: CONCERN FOR PLIGHT OF OLD SINGLE PEOPLE ............................................ 17
HON DAVID NEWBIGGING: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A FULL MTR ISLAND LINE........................................... 20
HON F.K. HU: SUGGESTION FOR WAY TO ELECT DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES ................................. 22
HON WONG PO-YAN: PROPOSAL FOR A COMMERCIAL RENT TRIBUNAL.............................................. 24
/HON WILLIAM......
HON WILLIAM BROWN: SUPPORT FOR CHANGES IN LAW ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ...................................................... 26
HOM' CHAN KAN-CHUEM: BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE WORKING CLASS ..................................................... 28
yf’ . ' . .‘M4
ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION OPENS IN YUEN LONG ............................. 30
EMPLOYEES' REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOaRD ... J1 r • • ■ ’ •: ■ - ‘
CAS TEAMS COMPETE FOR TROPHIES .......................... I..
■i. ... ■.. - • V...
. r<:.
• • • • • • * • . •
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, I960
1
GOVERNOR CALLS FOR UNITED COMMUNITY ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY APPEALED TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN ENFORCING THE NEW MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND TO ASSIST THE POLICE, LABOUR OFFICERS AND IMMIGRATION OFFICERS IN THIS IMPORTANT TASK.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO EVERYTHING IT CAN, BUT SUCCESS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY UNITED ACTION BY THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, + HE STRESSED.
SIR MURRAY SAID THE ADDED BURDEN ON THE ENFORCING AGENCIES WOULD BE GREAT, AND HE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO REALISE THE PROBLEMS OF THESE AGENCIES AND TO HELP THEM IN THEIR DUTY AT WHATEVER COST TO THEIR OWN CONVENIENCE.
+l APPEAL PARTICULARLY TO EMPLOYERS VOLUNTARILY AND FIRMLY TO ENFORCE THIS NEW POLICY AND REFUSE EMPLOYMENT TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
BY DOING SO, HE ADDED, THEY CAN WIN THIS BATTLE AND CONFER A GREAT BENEFIT ON THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
UNDER THE NEW MEASURES, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA WHO HAS REACHED HONG KONG AFTER TODAY (OCTOBER 23) WILL BE LIABLE TO ARREST ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG AND REMOVAL- IT WILL BE A CRIME TO EMPLOY HIM- AND IT WILL BE COMPULSORY TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG.
THE TIME SCALE IS AS FOLLOWSs
* AFTER TODAY (OCTOBER 23) ALL THOSE WHO COME ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA, AND HAVE NO RIGHT TO REMAIN, WILL BE LIABLE TO BE RETURNED WHEREVER DETECTED.
* FROM TONIGHT UNTIL OCTOBER 26, THOSE WHO WERE ALREADY IN HONG KONG ON OCTOBER 23 BUT WHO HAVE NOT GOT IDENTITY CARDS WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR THEM UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
* OCTOBER 30 - COMPULSORY CARRYING OF PROOF OF IDENTITY BEGINS.
* NOVEMBER 3 - IT BECOMES ILLEGAL TO EMPLOY ANY PERSON WHO DOES NOT HAVE AN IDENTITY "ARD OR CERTAIN SPECIFIED PROOFS OF IDENTITY.
THUBSDAY, OCTOBEB 23, 1980
2
WHILE THESE MEASURES WERE ESSENTIAL, SIR MURRAY CAUTIONED THAT THEY WOULD BECOME IRKSOME WITH TIME.
IT WAS, FOR INSTANCE, IRKSOME TO HAVE TO REMEMBER TO CARRY AN IDENTITY CARD OR SOME OTHER FORM OF IDENTIFICATION AND TO PRODUCE IT IF ASKED. LIKEWISE MIGHT IT BECOME IRKSOME FOR EMPLOYERS TO HAVE TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYEES HAVE IDENTITY CARDS OR CERTAIN OTHER FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION.
AND IT WOULD BE DISTRESSING WHEN FRIENDS AND RELATIVES FROM CHINA ENTER ILLEGALLY AND HAVE TO BE TURNED AWAY, HE SAID.
+BUT IF THIS MOVEMENT IS TO BE HALTED, AS IT MUST BE, A
VERY CLEAR MESSAGE MUST GET BACK FROM HONG KONG TO THE COMMUNES THAT THE DOOR IS CLOSED, AND EVEN IF EVADED LEADS ONLY TO A DEAD END WITHOUT EITHER PROFIT OR SAFETY,* HE STRESSED.
*THIS MESSAGE MUST GET BACK CLEARLY.
+WE MUST NOT ALLOW IT TO BE OBSCURED BY CRIMINAL ABETTORS, THE FAINT OR SOFT HEARTED OR THE GRASPING OR INEFFICIENT EMPLOYER,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR MURRAY NOTED THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD RADICALLY CHANGE HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL POLICY TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
BUT HE STRESSEDi +WE CANNOT STAND BY AND ACCEPT THE INDEFINITE CONTINUATION OF A HIGH LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WHILE HONG KONG STANDARDS ARE STEADILY ERODED, AND IT LOSES ITS PROSPECTS OF BEING THE PLACE ITS RESIDENTS AND ITS GOVERNMENT ARE SO ANXIOUS TO MAKE IT, AND ALSO THE PLACE WHICH COULD CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH AND SO WILLINGLY TO THE MODERNISATION OF GUANGDONG.*
SIR MURRAY SAID HONG KONG’S RECORD OF PROVIDING HOME AND LIVELIHOOD FOR PERSONS WISHING TO ENTER FROM CHINA MUST BE UNEQUALLED IN THE WORLD. IT RESULTED, HE SAID, FROM BOTH A LONG HISTORICAL TRADITION, THE BUOYANCY OF OUR ECONOMY AND THE WILLINGNESS OF OUR PEOPLE TO WELCOME THEIR COMPATRIOTS.
IT HAD BEEN POSSIBLE TO SUSTAIN THIS POLICY IN THE PAST BECAUSE, AFTER THE EARLY 5O’S, HIGH LEVELS OF INFLUX HAVE BEEN COMPARATIVELY SHORT-LIVED AND THUS ABSORBABLE, SIR MURRAY SAID.
+THE PRESENT CASE IS DIFFERENT,* HE STRESSED.
♦WE ARE NOW ENTERING THE ’«J|RD YEAR OF THE PHENOMENON.
♦IT IS AS OBJECTIONABLE TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AS IT IS TO US, AND '-EY, ..KE cS, ARE -'-KING EVERY EFFORT T STCP IT,* HE SAID.
U ADDf?
THUBSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 1980
3
HE ADDED: +FAR FROM BEING WELCOMED BY OUR PEOPLE, THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOW MORE AND MORE RESENTED AS THEY ARE SEEN TO BE ERODING THE IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE WORKED SO HARD TO ACHIEVE.*
SIR MURRAY NOTED THE ♦REACHED BASE* POLICY HAD BECOME A CHARADE IN WHICH THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HAS LITTLE TO LOSE AND EVERYTHING TO GAIN BY ATTEMPTING TO RUN THE GAUNTLET CF CHINESE AND HONG KONG FORCES, AND EVEN IF CAUGHT HAS EVERY INCENTIVE TO TRY AGAIN.
♦THE CHINESE ACCUSE US, WITH SOME JUSTIFICATION, OF APPLYING A POLICY WHICH POSITIVELY WELCOMES ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
♦IF THIS MOVEMENT IS TO STOP THE POTENTIAL ILLEGAL EMIGRANT ON THE COMMUNE MUST BE MADE TO REALISE THAT EVEN IF K GETS THROUGH THE SECURITY CORDONS, HE WILL NOT HAVE REACHED BASE AND SAFETY, BUT LIKE AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, WILL BE CONSTANTLY LIABLE TO ARREST AND RETURN.♦
SIR MURRAY SAID LORD CARRINGTON’S TALKS WITH VICE PREMIER HUANG HUA IN LONDON, HIS OWN TALKS IN GUANGZHOU, AND THE SUBSEQUENT ADVICE YESTERDAY OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WERE THE LAST LINKS IN A LONG CHAIN OF EVALUATION AND CONSULTATION WHICH LED TO THE NEW LEGISLATION PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL.
HE SAID HE HAD BEEN INCREASINGLY CONSCIOUS FOR SOME MONTHS TO A GENERAL DEMAND FOR NEW ACTION BY GOVERNMENT TO HALT THE FLOW.
IN ADDITION TO DISTASTE FOR ENDING A TRADITIONAL AND HUMANE POLICY, HE SAID, THE MAIN REASON WHY SUCH ACTION WAS NOT TAKEN BEFORE HAD BEEN THE POSS IB ILITY-OF CRIME AND CORRUPTION IF SUCH A POLICY FAILED TO ACHIEVE ITS PURPOSE OF STOPPING THE INFLOW, AND OF A SUB-STRATUM OF SOCIETY LIVING OUTSIDE THE LAW GROWING UP.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, CONSIDERED THESE DANGERS SUFFICIENTLY SERIOUS TO REFUSE TO ACCEPT THEM UNLESS AND UNTIL WE WERE ASSURED:
FIRSTLY, THAT THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ITSELF HAD REACHED A STAGE AT WHICH IT POSED DANGERS GREATER THAN THOSE INVOLVED IN ABANDONING TRADITIONAL POLICY. THIS THE GOVERNOR BELIEVED ALREADY TO BE THE CASE.
SECONDLY, THAT THE PRESENT MEASURES BY THE CHINESE AND OUR OWN FORCES WOULD BE UNLIKELY TO STOP THE FLOW, AS THEY HAVE DONE IN THE PAST, UNLESS SOME NEw ELEMENT WERE INTRODUCED TO HELP. THIS TOO, SIR MURRAY SAID, IS NOW CLEARLY THE CASE.
,'THIRDLY, THAT .......
*
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 1980
- 4 -
THIRDLY, THAT DIRECT DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CHINESE LEADERS AT CENTRAL AND PROVINCIAL LEVEL HAD CONFIRMED OUR BELIEF THAT THIS CHANGE OF POLICY ON OUR PART REALLY WOULD ASSIST THEM AND US- AND THAT, HAVING REGARD TO THE NEW AND RESOLUTE ACTION WE WOULD TAKE, WE COULD COUNT ON THEM ALSO STEPPING UP THEIR OWN EFFORTS SO THAT, WITH EACH OF US ADOPTING OUR OWN MEASURES, THERE WOULD BE A PROSPECT OF THIS MOVEMENT OF POPULATION BEING HALTED. +AFTER THE VERY POSITIVE RESPONSE OF THE LEADERS IN GUANGDONG, ON THIS TOO I AM ALSO NOW SATISFIED.
FINALLY, THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE SO ALIVE TO THE DANGER THAT TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY WAS CREATING, THAT THEY HAD COME TO ACCEPT THAT IT MUST BE ABANDONED DESPITE THE PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND INCONVENIENCE ENTAILED. +OF ALL THE CONDITIONS THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT. ADVICE IS UNANIMOUS THAT THIS CONDITION IS NOW MET.+
REFERRING TO LEGAL IMMIGRATION, SIR MURRAY SAID THE DAILY FIGURE OF 150 WAS MUCH TOO HIGH AND HE HOPED IT WOULD COME DOWN.
♦SOONER OR LATER MEANS MUST BE FOUND OF ENABLING PEOPLE FROM GUANGDONG TO PAY GENUINE SHORT VISITS TO THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES IN HONG KONG WHILE ENSURING THAT THEY DO NOT STAY HERE PERMANENTLY,+ HE SAID.
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LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION *****
LEGISLATION TO DISCOURAGE AND DETER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
IN INTRODUCING THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1980, THE CHIEF SECRETARY,THE HON SIR JACK CATER, SAID THE MESSAGE HAD TO BE GOT BACK TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHINA’S COMMUNES THAT FROM NOW ON LIFE IN HONG KONG FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WOULD NOT ONLY BE UNPLEASANT BUT ALSO INTOLERABLE.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS SOONER OR LATER WOULD BE DETECTED AND REPATRIATED. A VERY IMPORTANT DETERRENT WOULD BE THE FACT THAT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WORK LEGALLY.
SIR JACK SAID THE BILL PROVIDED THE MACHINERY TO BRING TO AN END THE UNACCEPTABLE SITUATION WHICH HAD DEVELOPED IN HONG KONG THESE PAST TWO YEARS.
/THE FIRST.....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 2J, 1980
5
THE FIRST MAJOR PROPOSAL WOULD BE THE REQUIREMENT THAT EVERY PERSON AGED 15 AND OVER, WHO HOLDS AN IDENTITY CARD OR IS REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, TO HAVE WITH HIM AT ALL TIMES ONE OF SEVERAL SPECIFIED FORMS OF PROOF OF IDENTITY. THESE INCLUDEi
* AN IDENTITY CARD*
* AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT CONFIRMING THAT HE HAS APPLIED FOR SUCH A CARD OR FOR A REPLACEMENT"
M A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT"
* A DRIVING LICENCE, OR
* A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD.
SIR JACK SAID THE LAST REQUIREMENT HAD BEEN INSERTED TO AVOID PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SINCE THEY WERE NOT ISSUED WITH NORMAL IDENTITY CARDS.
♦ THOSE STOPPED BY THE POLICE MUST PRODUCE THEIR PROOF OF IDENTITY AND FAILURE TO DO SO WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE CARRIES LIABILITY TO A FINE OF $1 000,+ HE POINTED OUT.
THE OBJECT, HE SA ID,WAS TO FACILITATE DETECTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AS THEY WOULD NO LONGER BE ISSUED WITH IDENTITY CARDS.
♦CONSEQUENTLY ANYONE, SAY, FOUND BY THE POLICE IN A STOP-AND-SEARCH OPERATION AT A ROAD BLOCK NOT TO HAVE AN IDENTITY CARD OR OTHER PROOF OF IDENTITY WILL BE SUSPECT,+ SIR JACK EXPLAINED.
IT IS IN THE INDIVIDUAL’S INTERESTS — IF ONLY TO AVOID PERSONAL INCONVENIENCE AND EMBARRASSMENT — AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE THAT THIS REQUIREMENT SHOULD BE COMPLIED WITH.
IT WOULD MAKE THE LARGE-SCALE CHECKS AND CONTROLS MUCH EASIER AND QUICKER TO CARRY OUT AND AT THE SAME TIME HELP TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HOPING TO ESCAPE DETECTION, HE SAID.
SIR JACK SAID THE SECOND MAJOR STEP WAS THE PROPOSAL TO DEBAR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM EMPLOYMENT.
UNDER THE LEGISLATION, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO EMPLOY ANY PERSON WHO HAD NOT PRODUCED TO HIS EMPLOYER AN IDENTITY CARD, OR , IF HE WAS NOT NORMALLY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG, A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT, OR A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD.
EXISTING EMPLOYEES ARE GIVEN A WEEK IN WHICH TO PRODUCE TO THEIR EMPLOYERS SUCH PROOF OF IDENTITY — FAILURE ON THEIR PART TO DO SO WILL PROVIDE THE EMPLOYER WITH LEGAL GROUNDS FOR DISCHARGING THEM WITHOUT NOTICE OR LIABILITY FOR COMPENSATION.
/SIB JACK ....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 19&O
- 6 -
SIR JACK POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD ALSO BE OBLIGED TO INSPECT THE PROOF OF IDENTITY OF ANY PERSON TAKEN INTO EMPLOYMENT FROM OCTOBER 28 ONWARDS.
♦TO FACILITATE CHECKING BY LABOUR INSPECTORS, POLICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT EMPLOYERS OF MORE THAN 10 PERSONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO KEEP A SIMPLE LIST OF NAMES AND DETAILS OF THE IDENTITY DOCUMENTS PRODUCED BY EACH OF THEIR EMPLOYEES,+ HE EXPLAINED.
OTHER EMPLOYERS WILL MERELY NEED TO HAVE THESE DETAILS ON RECORD, HE SAID.
EMPLOYERS, HE SAID, WHO FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS WOULD BECOME LIABLE TO A FINE OF $50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR A YEAR.
HE SAID: +THE MONETARY PENALTY MAY SEEM LOW, HAVING REGARD TO THE POTENTIAL GAIN TO BE DERIVED BY AN UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYER WHO TAKES ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AT STARVATION WAGESi BUT IT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S HOPE THAT IT CAN RELY ON EMPLOYERS TO CO-OPERATE OVER THIS -- IT IS CLEARLY IN THEIR LONG-TERM INTERESTS TO DO SO.
+ IF, HOWEVER, THERE IS WIDESPREAD EVASION, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO RECONSIDER THE LEVEL OF THE PENALTY.*
IT WILL ALSO BE PRESUMED THAT ANY PERSON FOUND WITHOUT PROOF OF IDENTITY IN A PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT WAS AN EMPLOYEE UNLESS THE CONTRARY IS PROVED.
SIR JACK POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NEW MEASURE -- OTHERWISE IT WOULD BECOME ALL TOO EASY FOR AN UNSCRUPULOUS EMPLOYER TO MAINTAIN THAT AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FOUND ON THE PREMISES JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE DROPPED IN.
+BUT SOME HONOURABLE MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED MISGIVINGS. MAY I THEREFORE ASSURE THE COUNCIL THAT THIS PRESUMPTION CLAUSE WILL NOT BE USED AGAINST AN EMPLOYER ON WHOSE PREMISES AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS FOUND IF IT IS CLEAR THAT THE EMPLOYER COULD HAVE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THAT PERSON’S STATUS,* SIR JACK SAID.
ON THE REMOVAL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO WERE DETECTED, HE SAID A NEW PROVISION WOULD LEAVE THE GOVERNOR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ORDERING THE REMOVAL OF A PERSON REGARDED AS AN UNDESIRABLE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT BUT WOULD TRANSFER FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION OR HIS DEPUTY THE AUTHORITY TO ORDER REMOVAL OF THE ORDINARY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT.
BUT AS A SAFEGUARD, A NEW APPEALS SYSTEM WILL BE SET UP WHICH WILL INTRODUCE INTO IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION FOR THE FIRST TIME THE PRINCIPLE OF AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL TRIBUNAL.
♦IT IS BASED IN PART ON THE UK SYSTEM, UNDER WHICH AN INDEPENDENT LAYMAN OF STANDING CONSIDERS APPEALS AGAINST REMOVAL ORDERS,* HE SAID.
/+WE ARE.....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 2J, 1980
7
♦WE ARE PROPOSING THAT THERE SHALL BE A PANEL OF LAY ASSESSORS, OR A TRIBUNAL AS IT WILL BE TERMED, WHO WILL CONSIDER APPEALS AGAINST REMOVAL MADE ON SPECIFIED STATUTORY GROUNDS.
♦THE TRIBUNAL WILL CONSIST OF PERSONS KNOWN AND RESPECTED IN THE COMMUNITY WITH FULL-TIME OCCUPATIONS, WHO WILL BE CALLED ON FROM TIME TO TIME TO CONSIDER APPEALS AS THE NUMBERS DEMAND.*
THEY WILL WORK IN PAIRS, WHICH WILL BE AN ADDED SAFEGUARD --IF THEY FAILED TO AGREE, THE APPELLENT WOULD BE GIVEN THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, AND THE APPEAL WOULD BE ALLOWED, SIR JACK SAID.
CERTAIN MEN AND WOMEN ARE BEING APPROACHED WITH A VIEW TO THEIR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SYSTEM AND SIR JACK HOPED AS MANY AS POSSIBLE WOULD AGREE TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THIS IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE NEW MEASURES.
♦THEIR WORK WILL BE CO-ORDINATED AND GUIDED BY A CHIEF ADJUDICATOR, ASSISTED BY A MEMBER OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE WHEN NECESSARY,♦ HE ADDED.
SIR JACK FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT A RESOLUTION ENABLING PEOPLE CHARGED WITH FAILURE TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY TO PLEAD GUILTY BY POST WOULD BE MOVED IN THE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 5.
HE URGED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA NOW IN HONG KONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE THREE-DAY PERIOD REFERRED TO BY THE GOVERNOR AND TO REGISTER AT VICTORIA BARRACKS OVER THE NEXT THREE DAYS.
♦EMPLOYERS SHOULD ALSO URGE THIS STEP ON THOSE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES WHO ARE AFFECTED — OTHERWISE THEY WILL BE OBLIGED TO DISCHARGE THEM AS THEY WILL HAVE NO ACCEPTABLE IDENTITY DOCUMENT,♦ HE SAID.
THE NEW PROVISIONS FOR REMOVAL AND ADJUDICATION WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 28, AND ON OCTOBER 30 ALL RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG WILL BE OBLIGED TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY.
FROM NOVEMBER 3 IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE FOR AN EMPLOYER TO HAVE IN HIS EMPLOYMENT PEOPLE WHO FAILED TO PRODUCE PROOF OF IDENTITY.
SIR JACK SAID A TERMINATION CLAUSE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE LEGISLATION AS IT HAD TO BE ASSUMED THAT THE SITUATION WHICH IT WAS INTENDED TO GUARD AGAINST WOULD REMAIN A THREAT FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.
HE SAID THE FACT THAT THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY IDENTITY CARDS WOULD ALSO MEAN THAT PROOF OF IDENTITY WOULD BE NEEDED FOR THE TRANSACTION OF DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦IN FUTURE, BEFORE ANY PUBLIC SERVICE IS MADE AVAILABLE, OTHER THAN SERVICES OF AN EMERGENCY KIND SUCH AS URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT OR THE SAVING OF LIFE AND PROPERTY, PROOF OF IDENTITY WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED,+ HE SAID.
/GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 1980
8
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SIR JACK SAID, WILL OF COURSE EXERCISE DISCRETION BUT THE INTENTION WAS THAT ALL THE NORMAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES ENJOYED BY RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG WILL BE DENIED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
SIR JACK SAID WE WERE EMBARKING ON A COURSE THE OUTCOME OF WHICH COULD NOT BE ENTIRELY CERTAIN — +BUT ALL OUR CONSIDERATIONS LEAD US TO THE BELIEF THAT THIS IS ONE STEP WHICH STANDS A VERY GOOD CHANCE OF RIDDING OURSELVES OF A PROBLEM WHICH HAS SO ADVERSELY AFFECTED OUR QUALITY OF LIFE, THE PROBLEM WHICH HAS BEEN NAGGING US FOR LONG.*
FOR US TO SUCCEED — AND SUCCEED WE MUST, HE SAID, THE MESSAGE MUST GET BACK TO, AND BE UNDERSTOOD BY, +THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNES THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE NOT WELCOME IN HONG KONG — THAT WE SIMPLY CANNOT HAVE THEM: THAT FROM NOW ON LIFE FOR THEM IN HONG KONG WILL NOT JUST BE UNPLEASANT, IT WILL BE INTOLERABLEt AND THAT SOONER OR LATER THEY WILL BE DETECTED AND THEY WILL BE REPATRIATED.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOING INEVITABLY WAS GOING TO BE R0U6H — AND WhEN THAT HAPPENED AND THE FAINT OF HEART BEGAN TO CRY OUT FOR A RETURN TO THE OLD DAYS, AND THE OLD WAYS, IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO LOOK BACK UPON THESE PAST TWO YEARS, AND ESPECIALLY THE PAST FEW MONTHS, AND RECALL THE WORRY AND CONCERN WE ALL FELT- TO RECALL THE DEMAND MADE BY THE VAST MAJORITY IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO SAFEGUARD OURSELVES AGAINST THE FLOODS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
SIR JACK ADDED 1 +AND THEN TO RESOLVE, TO DETERMINE AS A COMMUNITY — AS WE DO TODAY — TO OVERCOME THIS NAGGING, PAINFUL PROBLEM IN THE INTERESTS OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONGj IN OUR OWN INTERESTS AND IN THE INTERESTS OF OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.*
-----0-----
NEW POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION * * * *
FROM TODAY (OCTOBER 23) ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA ENTERING HONG KONG WILL BE LIABLE TO BE REPATRIATED.
NEW LEGISLATION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS POLICY WAS PASSED AT TODAY’S MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE NEW MEASURES ALSOi
* MAKE IT COMPULSORY TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG,
* BAN THE EMPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AND
* PROVIDE STIFF PENALTIES AGAINST EMPLOYERS EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITHOUT PROOF OF IDENTITY.
/HOWEVEB, IN ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 1980
9
HOWEVER, IN THE MEANTIME, ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA ALREADY IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE NOT YET REGISTERED AND APPLIED FOR AN IDENTITY CARD WILL HAVE UNTIL SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 TO DO SO. IF THEY DO NOT REGISTER DURING THIS PERIOD, THEY WILL BE LIABLE TO REPATRIATION.
A SPECIAL REGISTRATION CENTRE HAS BEEN SET UP AT VICTORIA BARRACKS AND WILL REMAIN OPEN CONTINUOUSLY FROM 10 PM THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 26).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT SECURITY PATROLS ALONG THE BORDER AND IN THE MORE REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE FULLY PREPARED TO PREVENT ANY ADDITIONAL INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW MEASURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE STRONGER MEASURES WERE NECESSARY IN THE FACE OF THE CONTINUING INFLUX AND THE STRONG THREAT THAT SUCH A HIGH LEVEL OF IMMIGRATION POSED TO HONG KONG’S WELLBEING.
♦DESPITE STRENUOUS EFFORTS BY THE SECURITY FORCES, AN ESTIMATED 68 000 PERSONS ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AND HAVE REMAINED HERE. THIS WAS ON TOP OF THE ESTIMATED 110 000 WHO CAME IN AND STAYED LAST YEAR.
♦HONG KONG SIMPLY CANNOT GO ON ABSORBING SUCH HUGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITHOUT SERIOUSLY IMPAIRING THE WELLBEING OF ITS OWN CITIZENS.
♦THE EFFECT ON THE STANDARDS OF EXISTING SERVICES HAS BECOME EVIDENT, AND FURTHER STRAINS WOULD REVERSE STANDARDS SO CAREFULLY BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS.+
♦THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ♦AND SO WE HAVE NOW ABANDONED THE SO-CALLED ’REACHED BASE’ POLICY. UNDER THAT POLICY THOSE WHO EVADED CAPTURE AND ESTABLISHED CONTACT WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS AND OBTAINED PROPER ACCOMMODATION WERE ALLOWED TO STAY AND TO REGISTER FOR AN ID CARD.
♦UNDER THE NEW POLICY THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WILL NOT EE ALLOWED TO STAY, HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD, AND HE WILL BE RETURNED TO CHINA.
♦FURTHER, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GAIN LAWFUL EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG WITHOUT AN IDENTITY CARD,+ HE SAID.
AS FROM OCTOBER 28, EMPLOYERS WILL BE REQUIRED BY LAW TO INSPECT THE IDENTITY CARD OF ANY NEW APPLICANT BEFORE OFFERING EMPLOYMENT.
/employers who.....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 23, 1980
10 -
EMPLOYERS WHO TAKE ON PEOPLE WITHOUT IDENTITY CARDS, OR AN APPROPRIATE ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENT, WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $50 000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
THE NEW LEGISLATION PROVIDES THAT AN EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE AN ID CARD OR PROOF OF AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR REPLACEMENT, OR IF HE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, HE SHOULD HAVE A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT, OR A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD, OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION ISSUED UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO THE AGED, THE BLIND AND THE INFIRM.
IN THE CASE OF EXISTING EMPLOYEES, THE EMPLOYER WILL BE EMPOWERED TO DISMISS AN EMPLOYEE WITHOUT NOTICE OR PAYMENT IN LIEU IF THE EMPLOYEE IS NOT ABLE TO PRODUCE HIS IDENTITY CARD OR SPECIFIED DOCUMENT BY MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 FOR INSPECTION BY THE EMPLOYER.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IT HAD BECOME NECESSARY TO EXTEND THE REQUIREMENT TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, IN LINE WITH THE NEW MEASURES TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
FROM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30 EVERYONE AGED 15 OR OVER WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE WILL BE' REQUIRED TO CARRY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AS PROOF OF IDENTITY*
* HIS IDENTITY CARD OR
* A FORM ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HE HAS APPLIED FOR A REPLACEMENT IDENTITY CARD (IF HE HAS LOST HIS CARD) OR
M A FORM ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT HE HAS APPLIED TO BE REGISTERED FOR AN ID CARD OR
M HIS CURRENT DRIVING LICENCE OR
* HIS SERVICE IDENTITY CARD (IF HE IS EMPLOYED IN HER MAJESTY’S FORCES) OR
K HIS VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD (IF HE IS A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE) OR
K A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
FAILURE TO CARRY AN IDENTITY CARD, OR ONE OF THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS, RENDERS A PERSON LIABLE TO A FINE OF UP TO SI 000. —
/THE SPOKESMAN .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 2J, 1980
11
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ANY RESIDENT WHO IS IN HONG KONG LEGALLY BUT WHO DOES NOT HAVE AN IDENTITY CARD, OR HAS LOST IT, SHOULD APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT ANY REGISTRATION OF PERSONS CFF ICE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NORMAL IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES WOULD NOT BE OPEN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON OR ON SUNDAY.
CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD BE OPEN TO OFFER ASSISTANCE FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, AND A SPECIAL IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ENQUIRY SERVICE ON 5-434711 WOULD BE OPERATED UNTIL 9 O'CLOCK TONIGHT AND THEN DAILY FROM 8 AM TO 9 PM.
THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT'S PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER ON THE 9TH FLOOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING IN CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
♦THIS TELEPHONE SERVICE WILL BE MANNED BY IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF WHO ARE FULLY READY TO ADVISE CALLERS SEEKING ASSISTANCE,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
HE STRESSED THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHO WISHED TO REGISTER FOR AN ID CARD COULD DO SO ONLY AT THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFICE IN VICTORIA BARRACKS.
-----0-----
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES
*****
HONG KONG CITIZENS SHOULD COOPERATE AND SUPPORT THE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STOP THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
THE CALL CAME FROM THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE HON O.V. CHEUNG, WHEN HE SPOKE IN SUPPORT CF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL ON BEHALF OF ALL THE UNOFFICIALS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
♦ THE WILLING COOPERATION OF OUR CITIZENS IS ESSENTIAL FOR THEIR SUCCESS, HOWEVER INCONVENIENT IT MAY BE TO MANY.
♦ WE HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH NO CHO ICE,+ HE STRESSED.
THE OBJECT OF THE LEGISLATION, MR CHEUNG SAID, IS TWO-FOLD.
FIRST, ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ARRIVE HERE AFTER TODAY FROM CHINA, WHENEVER AND WHEREVER THEY ARE FOUND, AND BY WHATEVER ROUTE THEY HAVE COME, ARE LIABLE TO BE RETURNED TO CHINA.
SECONDLY, IT WILL BE A SERIOUS OFFENCE TO GIVE EMPLOYMENT TO ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT.
♦ IT CANNOT BE SAID TOO EMPHATICALLY THAT OUR INFRASTRUCTURE CANNOT SUSTAIN THE INFLOW.
♦ OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME, OUR SOCIAL SERVICES AND EVEN OUR TRANSPORT SERVICES CANNOT COPE WITH THE LARGE INFLUX.
/♦THE JRCWTH......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 12 -
♦ THE GROWTH OF POPULATION ATTRIBUTABLE TO IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA ALONE IN 1979 WAS THREE PER CENT, ON A BASE OF 4-1/2 MILLION.
♦ WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO BE SUBMERGED. WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO SEE HARD WON IMPROVEMENTS IN THE QUALITY OF LIFE WHITTLED AWAY.+
UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, IT WOULD BE OBLIGATORY FOR THOSE OVER 15 TO CARRY AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ON AND AFTER OCTOBER 30, AND TO SHOW IT ON DEMAND BY THE POLICE AND THE IMMIGRATION SERVICES.
A PERSON WHO IS APPREHENDED 'HEN NOT CARRYING A DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY WILL BE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY AND FACILITY TO PROVE HE IS ENTITLED TO BE IN HONG KONG.
♦ I EMPHASIZE THAT THE MEASURES ARE NOT AIMED AT HONG KONG RESIDENTS, BUT I NEED HARDLY ADD THAT THOSE WHO THROUGH CARELESSNESS, FORGETFULNESS OR INDIFFERENCE DO NOT CARRY THEIR DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY WILL HAVE ONLY THEMSELVES TO BLAME IF THEY SPEND SOME HOURS IN ANXIETY AND SOME DEGREE OF INCONVENIENCE AND DISCOMFORT, AND AT THE END BE FINED.+
THE MEASURES ALSO REQUIRE THE ACTIVE COOPERATION AND WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT OF EMPLOYERS.
♦NO ONE WITHOUT A SPECIFIED DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY MAY BE HENCEFORTH EMPLOYED OR CONTINUE TO BE EMPLOYED- THOSE ALREADY EMPLOYED SHALL HAVE THEIR EMPLOYMENT SUMMARILY TERMINATED.
♦THESE MEASURES, AGAIN, MAY BE INCONVENIENT, BUT THEY ARE ESSENTIAL.+
AS FOR THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ALREADY HERE, THEY WILL BE GIVEN A PERIOD OF 72 HOURS DURING WHICH THEY MAY REGISTER THEMSELVES WITH THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN VICTORIA BARRACKS.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE CHOICE TO HAVE ONE CENTRE ONLY HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE UNOFFICIALS AS +IT ALLOWS THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION TO CONCENTRATE HIS RESOURCES IN ONE PLACE+.
HE ALSO STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH THE BILL WAS GIVEN THREE READINGS IN ONE SITTING, IT WAS NOT LEGISLATION THAT HAD NOT BEEN FULLY DELIBERATED UPON OR RUSHED.
♦ IT HAS BEEN ALSOLUTELY NECESSARY, IN ORDER NOT TO CREATE AN EVEN BIGGER BUILD-UP OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WAITING TO MAKE THE DASH, TO KEEP THESE PROPOSALS HIGHLY CONFIDENTI AL,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT THE COVERNOR HAD CONSULTED THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AT ALL STAGES OVER A ZRIOD OF MO THS, AND PENDING FIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS THE BILL AND THE ACCOMPANYING REGULATIONS HAD BEEN UBJ CTED TO THE CLOSEST SCRUTINY BY UNOFFICI ' ATIVE r UNCILLORS.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 13 -
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VERY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, +WH0 FOR MANY HOURS ANSWERED QUERIES, DISCUSSED DIFFERENCES AND CONSIDERED OUR ADVICE.*
♦IT IS TOO MUCH FOR ANY LEGISLATOR TO HOPE THAT THE LAWS HE MAKES WILL CATER FOR EVERY COMBINATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY ARISE, BUT THESE NEW LAWS AND HOW THEY OPERATE IN PRACTICE WILL BE KEPT UNDER CLOSE REVIEW, AND IT MAY BE THAT AMENDMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, BUT IF THERE ARE OBSCURITIES OR DEFICIENCIES IT IS NOT FOR WANT OF TRYING TO REMOVE THEM,*
CHEUNG SAID.
- - 0 - -
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS NEW IMMIGRATION MEASURES
* X * *
THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING, SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ALSO ENDORSED THE MEASURES ADOPTED TODAY BY THE COUNCIL AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA.
HE SAID HE WAS ENDORSING THE MEASURES NOT ONLY AS A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, +BUT ALSO AS CHAIRMAN OF SEVERAL COMPANIES EMPLOYING A LARGE WORKFORCE AND AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
♦I AM SURE THAT OTHER EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYER ORGANISATIONS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT,* HE SAID.
HE SAID GIVEN THE DIMENSION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR, IT WAS CLEARLY THE SINGLE MOST SERIOUS THREAT AFFECTING US, BOTH SOCIALLY AND ECONOMICALLY AND TOUGH MEASURES WERE REQUIRED TO DEAL WITH IT.
♦IN MANY CASES, THESE MAY BE PERSONALLY INCONVENIENT BUT THEY ARE NECESSARY,* HE ADDED.
-------0----------
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINAt DEADLINE FOR ID CARD REGISTRATION ft ft ft ft
COMMENTING ON TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT EMPHASISED THAT PEOPLE WHO HAD ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA AND HAD NOT YET REGISTERED AND APPLIED FOR AN IDENTITY CARD MUST DO SO BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26.
ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA WHO HAS NOT REGISTERED BY THAT DATE WILL BE LIABLE TO BE REPATRIATED TO CHINA.
REGISTRATIONS SHOULD BE MADE WITHOUT DELAY AT THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFICE, VICTORIA BARRACKS, COTTON TREE DRIVE, HONG KONG ISLAND.
/THE OFFICE ..
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 14 -
THE OFFICE WILL OPERATE ROUND THE CLOCK FROM 10 PM TODAY (THURSDAY) UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 26).
APPLICANTS MUST REGISTER PERSONALLY, AND BRING THREE PASSPORT SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH THEIR NAMES WRITTEN CLEARLY ON THE BACK.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED: *IN PRINCIPLE, ONLY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES WILL BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE QUEUE - EXCEPT FOR CHILDREN AND THE OLD OR SICK WHO CAN BE ACCOMPANIED BY ONE ADULT.*
HE SAID THE FACILITIES AT THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFICE AT VICTORIA BARRACKS HAD BEEN INCREASED AND THE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO PROCESS MORE THAN 1 000 APPLICATIONS AN HOUR.
+THE LOCATION IS WELL KNOWN, IS CENTRALLY LOCATED AND TRAVEL TO VICTORIA BARRACKS IS NO PROBLEM,* HE SAID. +THE AREA FOR QUEUING IS LARGE AND OTHER PEOPLE GOING ABOUT THEIR NORMAL DUTIES ARE NOT UNDULY AFFECTED, AS THEY WOULD BE IN OTHER CROWDED AREAS WHERE FAR MORE CONTROL WOULD BE NEEDED.*
ON REGISTRATION, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WILL RECEIVE AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REGISTRATION WHICH WILL BE ACCEPTABLE AS TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE PROOF OF IDENTITY, UNTIL HE IS ISSUED WITH AN ID CARD.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED A SPECIAL APPEAL SYSTEM TO HEAR THE CASES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CLAIMING THEY HAVE VALID REASONS FOR BEING PERMITTED TO STAY IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT, FOLLOWING THE NEW MEASURES ANNOUNCED EARLIER TODAY, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA WILL FACE GRAVE DIFFICULTIES UNLESS HE HAS AN ID CARD.
+ALL THOSE WHO HAVE ENTERED ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA MUST REGISTER NOW,* HE EMPHASISED. *FROM NOW ON, THEY WILL NOT BE AELE TO OBTAIN JOBS WITHOUT PRODUCING ID CARDS NOR FOR EXAMPLE WILL THEY BE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.*
MOREOVER IF SUCH PERSONS CONTINUE TO WORK WITHOUT AN ID CARD, THEY WILL BE EMPLOYED ILLEGALLY AND WILL BE LIABLE TO BE DISMISSED FROM THEIR JOBS.
+AND, WITHOUT ID CARDS, THEY WILL BE LIABLE TO BE REPATRIATED TO CHINA.*
TO MAKE THE OPERATION OF THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION OFFICE SMOOTHER THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE AND THE QUEENSWAY REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE AT VICTORIA BARRACKS WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS BRANCH OFFICES AT CANTON ROAD AND CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
VISITORS FROM CHINA WHOSE STAY IS DUE TO END, AND WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR EXTENSIONS, SHOULD DO SO ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 OR LATER.
/THE SPOKESMAN .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23. 1980
- 15 -
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION MEANT NO CHANGE TO THE POLICY REGARDING PERSONS WHO ENTERED HONG KONG LEGALLY BUT WHO REMAINED AFTER THEIR PERMITS EXPIRED.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IF THESE PERSONS INTENDED TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT THEY MUST POSSESS AN ID CARD OR ONE OF THE OTHER SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS.
♦SO, WHILE THE POLICY REGARDING OVERSTAYERS HAS NOT CHANGED, THE NEW LEGISLATION DOES AFFECT THEM,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO TREAT THESE PEOPLE AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND REPATRIATE THEM.
+THEY SHOULD HAVE NO SUCH FEAR,* HE SAID.
BUT IF THEY INTENDED TO STAY LONGER IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, THEY MUST APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION.
LIKEWISE, THOSE WHO WERE DUE TO PICK UP THEIR ID CARDS FROM THE QUEENSWAY OFFICE SHOULD DO SO ON TUESDAY OR THE FOLLOWING FEW DAYS.
FULL CALL-OUT OF THE VOLUNTEERS
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR HAS ORDERED A FULL CALL-OUT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) TO ASSIST IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES.
THE CALL-OUT TAKES EFFECT TOMORROW (FRIDAY), AND WILL ADD A FURTHER 500 MEN FOR DUTY WHO DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL BE AT FULL ALERT IN THE BORDER AREA AND ALONG THE COASTLINES OF HONG KONG.
ALL ACTIVE LIST MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT, EXCEPT THOSE IN THE HOME GUARD AND JUNIOR LEADERS’ SQUADRONS, MUST REPORT TO REGIMENTAL hCADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD BY 2 PM TOMORROW.
THE CALL-OUT WILL INITIALLY LAST UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 26) — THE DEADLINE BY WHICH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ALREADY h£RE MUST REGISTER THEMSELVES FOR IDENTITY CARDS OR RISK REPATRIATION — BUT MAY BE EXTENDED IF NECESSARY.
THE VOLUNTEERS WILL BE DEPLOYED BY INDIVIDUAL SQUADRONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THEY WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE REGULAR FORCES AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE VOLUNTEERS HAD BEEN EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS SINCE THEY wERE FIRST CALLED OUT ON A LIMITED BASIS IN JUNE LAST YEAR.
THEY RECENTLY CONCLUDED A TOUR OF BORDER DUTY AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL CAMP AND APPREHENDED 555 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS DURING THE EIGHT-DAY PERIOD.
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/16 ....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
- 16 -
HIGH RENTS AND SPECULATION MAY UPSET ECONOMY ******
THE IMBALANCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, SUCH AS SOARING COMMERCIAL RENTS AND FRENZIED PROPERTY MARKET SPECULATIONS, MAY UPSET AND EVENTUALLY PUT A BRAKE ON OUR NORMAL ECONOMIC GROWTH, DR THE HON HENRY HU WARNED.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, DR HU NOTED THAT IN RECENT MONTHS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT TAKEN SUFFICIENT CARE OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN RELATION TO THAT OF THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR.
+THIS IS A MAJOR ASPECT OF THE IMBALANCES IN OUR ECONOMY,* HE STRESSED.
ALTHOUGH HE AGREED THAT IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S JOB TO INTERVENE DIRECTLY IN A FREE-ENTERPRISE ECONOMY LIKE HONG KONG, HE FELT THAT IT SHOULD PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THE MACROECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.
+THE COST OF LAND IS A MAJOR DETERMINANT OF INDUSTRY’S ABILITY TO COMPETE INTERNATIONALLY AND TO ATTRACT NEW INVESTMENT, AND HENCE TO GENERATE NEW EMPLOYMENT.
+ IT ALSO HAS A DIRECT AND IMPORTANT BEARING ON PEOPLE’S LIVING STANDARD,* HE SAID.
TO MAINTAIN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC EQUILIBRIUM, DR HU SUGGESTED THAT MORE PUBLIC HOUSING SHOULD BE BUILT TO SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THE WORKING CLASS.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO EMBARK ON BIG CAPITAL PROJECTS WHICH WOULD NOT ONLY HELP REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT, BUT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR ENHANCING HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE AND BARGAINING POWER IN INTERNATIONAL TERMS.
ON PUBLIC HOUSING, DR HU THOUGHT THE PRODUCTION OF 35 OOO UNITS A YEAR MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE DEMAND AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO WAIT FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE THEY COULD GET A UNIT.
HE CONSIDERED PUBLIC HOUSING AN ESSENTIAL SOCIAL SERVICE AND AN INDISPENSABLE SOCIAL STABILIZER IN HONG KONG.
♦IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE PRODUCTION TIME AND COST, WE MAY HAVE TO BUILD UNIFIED HOUSING UNITS TO OFFER TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.*
AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, DR HU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK AFTER THE POLICE FORCE AND THE FIRE SERVICES WHICH HE SAID +ARE DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB*.
/THEIR STANDARDS _____
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
17
THEIR STANDARDS AND PAY LEVELS, HE SAID, SHOULD BE CONSISTENTLY REVIEWED SO THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ADEQUATELY REWARDED FOR THE GOOD WORK THEY HAD DONE.
ON THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, DR HU CONSIDERED NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO HAVE A MAJOR RE-THINK ON THE PATTERN OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG +BECAUSE OF THE INFLUX OF MAINLAND PEOPLE, THE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE GROWING COMPLEXITY IN ADMINISTERING THE DISTRICTS FROM A CENTRAL GOVERNMENT BODY*.
+THE SETTING UP OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORK BECAUSE SEATS WILL BE RESERVED FOR URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS ON EACH DISTRICT BOARD AND THIS WOULD ENHANCE THE LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE LOCAL NEEDS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORK,* HE SAID.
THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARDS AND THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONTINUOUS EVOLUTION, HE ADDED.
DR HU ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE VOTING AGE SHOULD BE LOWERED TO 18 YEARS AND THAT THE USAGE OF CHINESE SHOULD BE EMPHASISED IN DISTRICT BOARDS.
♦ THIS IS BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION MAY OTHERWISE HAVE LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES,* HE SAID.
-----0------
CONCERN FOR PLIGHT OF OLD SINGLE PEOPLE *****
THE DEPLORABLE LIVING CONDITIONS OF ELDERLY SINGLE PERSONS WARRANT MORE SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION AND SPEEDIER ACTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE PROVISION OF 5 OOO NEW PLACES IN INSTITUTIONS FOR THE ELDERLY OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS, MIGHT NOT BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THEIR URGENT DEMAND FOR PROPER AND DECENT HOUSING.
STRESSING THE NEED TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE, DR HO QUOTED A JOINT SURVEY BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH ESTIMATED THAT 67 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVED IN ^SUBSTANDARD AND OFTEN INHUMAN LIVING CONDITIONS* IN 1979.
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/18 .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
18
ANOTHER SURVEY UNDERTAKEN BY A GROUP OF CHINESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN 1978 REVEALED THAT ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE 10 000 PEOPLE WHO WERE LIVING IN BOARDING HOUSES WERE AGED OVER 60.
THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN THE BOARDING HOUSES WERE APPALLING -OVERCROWDED, UNVENTILATED, SQUALID AND DARK.
DR HO PROPOSED THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO TACKLE THE SITUATION:
* HIGH PRIORITY OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROVISION SHOULD BE ASSIGNED ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS TO SINGLE SENIOR CITIZENS AND THE 5 000 PLACES PROMISED FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN A SHORTER PERIOD,
* A PORTION OF THE PLACES IN THE TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND IN THE MARKS I AND I I ESTATES SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR ALLOCATION TO NEEDY, SINGLE ELDERLY APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING,
# SUBVENTION TO SUCH WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AS HELPING HAND AND SALVATION ARMY SHOULD BE INCREASED TO ENABLE THEM TO PROVIDE MORE ACCOMMODATION,
# THE RENT ALLOWANCE UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME SHOULD BE REALISTICALLY ADJUSTED TO KEEP IN LINE WITH MARKET RENTS, AND
* THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE SHOULD BE STRICTLY ENFORCED SO THAT BOARDING HOUSES ARE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE REGULATIONS RELATING TO OVERCROWDING, FIRE HAZARDS, SANITATION AND HEAT.
ON JUVENILE CRIME, DR HO STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLOSE FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND GOOD PUPIL-TEACHER RELATIONS SO THAT A POTENTIAL JUVENILE OFFENDER CAN BE QUICKLY RECOGNISED AND HELPED BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
HE NOTED THAT 95 PER CENT OF THE 900 YOUNGSTERS CHARGED IN MAY 1980 FOR CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT WERE BORN AND BRED IN HONG KONG.
THIS, HE SAID, SUGGESTED THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ARE THE +GENUINE PRODUCTS OF OUR OWN MAKING*.
HIS PERSONAL ASSOCIATION WITH THE WELFARE ORGANISATIONS SERVING CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 15 LEADS HIM TO BELIEVE THAT THE WEAKENING OF THE FAMILY SYSTEM AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP IS ONE OF THE CARDINAL DETERMINANTS OF JUVENILE CRIME.
+WE MUST ACCEPT THAT MOTHERS ARE INCREASINGLY GOING OUT TO WORK AND RELYING ON OTHER PEOPLE TO BRING UP THEIR CHILDREN.
/+BUT I .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 19 -
♦ BUT I WOULD SUGGEST THAT GREATER EFFORT BE MADE, PERHAPS WITH THE HELP OF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME, TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO SPEND WHATEVER FREE TIME THEY HAVE WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THE COHESION OF THE FAMILY UNIT.*
DR HO ALSO SPOKE ON THE GREEN PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
+IF DISTRICT BOARDS COULD BE EMPOWERED TO SUPERVISE AND CENSURE GOVERNMENT DECISIONS AND ACTIVITIES AND TO FORMULATE POLICIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SERVING IN THE DISTRICTS, THEY WOULD BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY.
♦IF THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES DO NOT PERMIT CONSIDERATION OF THESE ROLES, I HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WILL KEEP THIS SUGGESTION IN MIND UNTIL IT BELIEVES THAT THE PUBLIC HAS GAINED SUFFICIENT RESPONSIBILITY AND SOPHISTICATION FROM THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PRESENT WIDE NETWORK OF CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES,+ HE SAID.
DR HO CONSIDERED THAT THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS FOR A SINGLE CONSTITUENCY COMPRISING 250 000 PEOPLE SHOULD BE INCREASED TO THREE.
♦THE MERIT OF INCREASED ELECTED REPRESENTATION WILL ENHANCE THE CREDIBILITY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AS A FORUM FOR DIALOGUE AND CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNED AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND WILL ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO GO TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAYS.*
HE SAID THE GREEN PAPER HAD NOT INDICATED IN CLEAR TERMS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNOR HAD MENTIONED IN HIS ADDRESS THAT ♦IN NO DISTRICT WILL WE PROCEED TO THE SETTING UP OF A DISTRICT BOARD UNTIL AN ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IS IN PLACE TO WORK WITH IT+, DR HO ASKED WHAT ASSURANCES WERE THERE THAT THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WOULD TAKE HEED OF THE BOARD’S DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
AS REGARDS VOTING QUALIFICATION, HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF KEEPING IT TO THE MINIMUM - THAT IS, 21 YEARS OF AGE AND THREE YEARS OF RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
♦THE LIBERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTING AS PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, I BELIEVE, WILL FACILITATE THE CREATION OF A MORE INTEGRATED, STABLE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG.+ DR HO SAID.
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/20......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
- 20 -
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A FULL MTR ISLAND LINE ******
THE HON DAVID NEWBIGGING PRESSED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO SHAU KEI WAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID SINCE HIS PLEA FOR THE EXTENSION EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE +SUBTERRANEAN DRAGON THAT HAS BEEN CARRYING OUT THIS TASK — WITH HOPE SPRINGING ETERNAL IN MY IMAGINATION AT LEAST — HAS PROVEN TO BE AN UNRULY BEAST AND HAS DEVELOPED A MIND OF HIS OWN.
♦HAVING REACHED SHAU KEI WAN HE PROCEEDED TO CHAI WAN, THEN TURNED LEFT, AND IS NOW SOMEWHERE UNDER LEI YUE MUN GAP WELL ON HIS WAY TO COMPLETING THE CIRCLE AT KOWLOON BAY TERMINAL.*
HE APOLOGISED TO MEMBERS FOR THESE +UNAUTHORISED PEREGRINATIONS* BUT SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT TAKE THEM INTO ACCOUNT IN ITS LONG-TERM PLANNING.
MR NEWBIGGING STRESSED THAT ENTHUSIASM CONCERNING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IS RUNNING AT AS HIGH A PITCH AS AT ANY TIME.
+GIVEN THE INCREASINGLY CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP THAT IS DEVELOPING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA AND THE IMPRESSIVE STRIDES THAT HONG KONG IS MAKING IN THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY, I CONSIDER THIS OPTIMISM IS SOUNDLY BASED.*
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THERE ARE MASSIVE TASKS TO BE FACED AND BOLD DECISION TO BE MADE — A PROSPECT WHICH CAN ALSO BE REGARDED AS A SOURCE OF GREAT ENTHUSIASM.
HE NOTED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE -- LAND PRODUCTION, ROADS, TUNNELS, HOUSING, PERHAPS A REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND MUCH ELSE BESIDES — AND OF OUR SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES WILL INVOLVE FURTHER HERCULEAN EFFORTS.
SUITABLY +HEROIC ASSUMPTIONS* WILL NO DOUBT BE REQUIRED ON WHICH TO BASE DECISIONS TO PROCEED WITH SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY BEARING IN MIND THE SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT TO WHICH WE ARE ALREADY COMMITTED, HE SAID.
/IN SUPPCST'i^
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
21
IN SUPPORTING THE NEED TO CONTINUE -- AND INDEED ACCELERATE — THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT, MR NEWBIGGING OFFERED TWO RECOMMENDATIONS.
FIRST, HE SAID, WE MUST GIVE DUE WEIGHT TO TIMELINESS, AS WELL AS AVOIDING EXPENSIVE MISTAKES, IN MAKING DECISIONS ON SUCH ISSUES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT JUDGEMENT SHOULD BE APPLIED TO MAJOR DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS WITH WHICH WE CURRENTLY ARE, OR SOON WILL BE, CONFRONTED.
♦OBVIOUSLY WE MUST OBTAIN THE ADVICE OF EXPERTS, BUT WE MUST BE WARY OF POSTPONING DECISIONS SO LONG THAT THE PROBLEMS wE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE GROW TO THE POINT THAT THEY WILL NOT YIELD TO ANY OF THE CHOICES CONTEMPLATED.*
HE REMINDED DECISION-MAKERS OF A MAXIM: +WHEN YOU’RE UP TO YOUR EARS IN ALLIGATORS, REMEMBER THAT THE ORIGINAL OBJECTIVE WAS TO DRAIN THE SWAMP*.
SECONDLY, IN AN ENVIRONMENT AS RESTRICTED AS HONG KONG, WE MUST AIM FOR PRODUCTIVITY AS MUCH AS QUANTITY.
♦WE ARE INCLINED TO THINK OF PRODUCTIVITY IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF TOYS, GARMENTS OR DIGITAL WATCHES A WORKER CAN PRODUCE: HOWEVER THE PRODUCTIVITY RELATING TO THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT.
+THERE ARE FEW BETTER ILLUSTRATIONS OF THIS THAN THE FIELD OF TRANSPORT.
+WITHOUT QUESTION WE NEED MORE ROADS, BRIDGES, FLYOVERS AND TUNNELS: WHILE REALISING THAT THE PRACTICAL LIMITS OF SUCH DEVELOPMENT MAY STILL BE SOME WAY OFF, OBTAINING THE OPTIMUM USE OF THESE SCARCE RESOURCES ASSUMES EVER-INCREASING IMPORTANCE.*
MR NEWBIGGING STRESSED THAT HIS PURPOSE WAS NOT TO ARGUE FOR A PARTICULAR MECHANISM TO ACHIEVE THIS.
A VARIETY OF IDEAS HAVE BEEN PUT INTO PRACTICE WITH VARYING DEGREES OF SUCCESS IN OTHER ASIAN CITIES, EACH OF WHICH HAS ITS OWN PARTICULAR PROBLEMS.
+BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN: MORE ROADS OR NOT, IN THE ABSENCE OF IMAGINATIVE POLICY INITIATIVES SOON, THE INEXORABLE GROWTH OF TRAFFIC — ITSELF A PRODUCT OF OUR SUCCESS — COULD WELL PROVE THE CAUSE OF OUR UNDOING,* HE SAID.
TURNING HIS ATTENTION TO THE CLEANLINESS OF HONG KONG, MR NEWBIGGING BELIEVED MUCH COULD BE ACHIEVED BY MORE EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
22
♦ONCE AGAIN I WOULD REFER HON MEMBERS TO THE EXAMPLE OF SINGAPORE WHERE SIMPLE, IF SHARP, LEGAL SANCTIONS ARE EMPLOYED WITHOUT ANY GENUINE INFRINGEMENT OF CIVIL LIBERTIES,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO REGARDED THE PROPOSED SETTING UP OF A NEW ♦KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN* CAMPAIGN AS TIMELY.
♦INDEED IT IS VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH A PLEA I MADE IN THIS CHAMBER A YEAR AGO.
♦HOWEVER, THIS TIME WE MUST ENSURE MOMENTUM IS NOT LOST.*
SUGGESTION FOR WAY TO ELECT DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES X X * * * *
A MIXED ELECTION SYSTEM FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS WAS ADVOCATED BY THE HON F.K. HU IN THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
OUTLINING HIS PROPOSAL, MR HU SAID THAT OUT OF 15 ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLORS, 10 SHOULD BE CHOSEN ON A DISTRICT BASIS AND FIVE ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.
HE SAID THERE SHOULD BE ONLY ONE ELECTION IN EACH DISTRICT AND THE CANDIDATE WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES WOULD AUTOMATICALLY HAVE A SEAT ON THE COUNCIL.
ELECTIONS ON A DISTRICT BASIS AND TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS SHOULD BE HELD AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
+JUDGING FROM THE RESULTS OF ELECTIONS CONDUCTED UNDER THE TWO SYSTEMS AND HAVING REGARD TO THE PERCENTAGE OF REGISTERED ELECTORS VOTING OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS, WE COULD EVENTUALLY DECIDE WHICH SYSTEM WAS MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND THEN MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON WHETHER ELECTIONS SHOULD BE ON A DISTRICT BASIS OR A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS.*
MR HU WAS CONFIDENT THAT DISTRICT BOARDS WILL SUPPLEMENT THE ROLE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL IN PROVIDING A QUICKER AND BETTER SERVICE AT DISTRICT LEVEL THROUGH FEEDBACK TO THE REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO ACT WITHIN THE OVERALL POLICY OF THE COUNCIL.
+FURTHERMORE, THROUGH THE DISTRICT ELECTED MEMBER. THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD RECEIVE MORE ACCURATE INFORMATION ON DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS AND WOULD THEREFORE MAKE BETTER POLICY DECISIONS AND THUS ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR PEOPLE.
/HE FELT .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 23 -
HE FELT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN THE PARITY OF APPOINTED MEMBERS WITH ELECTED MEMBERS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL SO LONG AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC LACKED INTEREST IN ELECTIONS.
♦PARITY CAN BE REVIEWED AT SOME FUTURE TIME WHEN IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF ELECTED MEMBERS IF THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOWS A MUCH BIGGER INTEREST IN THE ELECTIONS COUPLED WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF CANDIDATES OF HIGHER CALIBRE,♦ HE SAID.
MR HU CONSIDERED THAT THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT BOARDS DEPENDED ON THE FORMATION OF DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WHICH, IN TURN, DEPENDED ON THE REGIONALISATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
AS THE BOARDS’ SUCCESS ALSO RELIED ON LOCAL SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT, HE SAID IT WAS IMPERATIVE TO ENCOURAGE CANDIDATES OF HIGH CALIBRE ACTUALLY RESIDING IN THE DISTRICTS TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARDS.
HE ALSO SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF ADULT SUFFRAGE FOR RESIDENTS OVER THE AGE OF 21, BUT ELECTORS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
♦THIS REQUIREMENT WILL ENSURE THAT ELIGIBLE ELECTORS ARE PERMANENT RESIDENTS AND AS HONG KONG BELONGERS WILL BE MORE INTERESTED IN WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND THEM BECAUSE OF THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING. THEY MUST ALSO HAVE RECEIVED A MINIMUM OF NINE YEARS’ EDUCATION WHICH IS IN LINE WITH OUR PRESENT EDUCATION POLICY.♦
PEOPLE ALREADY REGISTERED AS ELECTORS IN THE CURRENT REGISTER OF ELECTORS FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SHOULD NOT BE DEPRIVED OF THEIR RIGHTS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENTS.
ON THE SUBJECT OF CLEANLINESS, MR HU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AT SOURCE BY AMENDING THE LAW TO MAKE REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS A COMPULSORY REQUIREMENT FOR NEW BUILDINGS.
♦THE CHAMBERS SHOULD BE OF A SIZE RELATIVE TO THE FLOOR AREA AND USE OF THE BUILDING, AND SHOULD BE ACCESSIBLE TO REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES.*
BUT HE FELT THAT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND PUBLIC AWARENESS ARE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY IF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IS TO ACHIEVE REAL SUCCESS.
♦THEREFORE, WE SHOULD INTENSIFY EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN ORDER TO ENLIST THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC.*
HE ALSO CALLED FOR A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN FINES TO DETER PEOPLE FROM LITTERING THE STREETS.
------.0------
/2A....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
24 -
PROPOSAL FOR A COMMERCIAL RENT TRIBUNAL
******
SOME MEANS OF REGULATION SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THE FORM OF AN ARBITRATION BODY OR A COMMERCIAL RENT TRIBUNAL, WHERE DISPUTES BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES CAN BE SETTLED IN A REASONABLE MANNER.
THIS WAS ADVOCATED BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR WONG SAID HOWEVER HE DID NOT RECOMMEND COMMERCIAL RENT CONTROL AT THIS STAGE BECAUSE OF ITS ATTENDANT EVILS AND, ONCE INSTITUTED, THE DIFFICULTY OF RETRACTING IT.
HE SAID THE TRADITIONAL ARGUMENT AGAINST COMMERCIAL RENT CONTROL IS THAT, IN A FREE MARKET, LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ARE ON EQUAL FOOTING, THAT IS, THEY ARE BOTH BUSINESSMEN AND SHOULD BE LEFT FREELY TO NEGOTIATE ACCEPTABLE RENT LEVELS.
BUT, HE POINTED OUT, THIS SORT OF IDEAL NEGOTIATION SITUATION RARELY OCCURS IN REAL LIFE.
♦TAKE AN INDUSTRIALIST RENTING A FACTORY FOR EXAMPLE. BEFORE HE SIGNS ANY LEASE HE CAN BE SAID TO BE ’FREE’ AS HE CAN ASSESS WHETHER THE RENT LEVELS BEING OFFERED WOULD BE BEARABLE.
♦HOWEVER,ONCE HE HAS SIGNED THE LEASE, MOVED IN HIS MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND EMPLOYED HIS OWN WORKERS IN THE FACTORY, HE HAS A MUCH BIGGER STAKE IN HAND AND HIS ’FREEDOM’ OF CHOICE WOULD BE VERY MUCH REDUCED WHEN THE LEASE COMES UP FOR RENEWAL.
♦THE REMOVAL COST AND DISRUPTION CAN BE SO BIG THAT HE WOULD NO LONGER BE ON EQUAL GROUND TO NEGOTIATE WITH HIS LANDLORD.
♦SIMILARLY THIS APPLIES TO COMMERCIAL TENANTS AS WELL,* HE ADDED.
ON INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, MR WONG NOTED THAT THE SPATE OF LABOUR DISPUTES IN THE PAST YEAR SHOWS THAT THERE IS A GENERAL LACK OF COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING AND TRUST BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF MANY INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS.
/♦THERE »ERE .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
- 25 -
♦THERE WERE A NUMBER OF RECENT CASES WHERE FACTORIES WERE CLOSED DOWN WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTIFICATION TO THE WORKERS CONCERNED.
+ALTHOUTH THERE IS NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT FOR THE EMPLOYERS TO INFORM THEIR WORKERS BEFOREHAND, THEY SHOULD SHOW MORE CONSIDERATION FOR THEIR WORKERS.
+ IT IS THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF EFFECTIVE AND SINCERE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION, THE FOSTERING OF BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND GOODWILL THAT OUR INDUSTRIES WILL HAVE A SOLID AND BETTER BASIS FROM WHICH TO FACE THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO URGED THAT THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BY THE GOVERNMENT, SUCH AS THE RECREATION AND SPORTS CAMP IN SAI KUNG, BE ACCELERATED.
IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, HE SAID, CERTAIN PRIORITIES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ORGANISED PARTICIPANTS FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR SO THAT WORKERS COULD HAVE MORE RECREATIONAL OUTLET.
COMMENTING ON THE BUDGETARY POLICY, MR WONG SAIDt +WHILE FLEXIBILITY IS NEEDED TO ALLOW FOR ADJUSTMENTS ACCORDING TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ONCE A PROGRAMME IS APPROVED, ITS TIMING OF IMPLEMENTATION SHOULD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE NOT BE DISRUPTED, UNLESS THERE ARE OVERRIDING POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC REASONS FOR DOING SO.
♦ •THIS IS BECAUSE THE PENALTY FOR THE SLIPPAGE IN THE PROVISION OF AN ESSENTIAL ITEM IN THE BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE CAN BE EXTREMELY SERIOUS TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE LONG TERM.*
HE CITED THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AS AN EXAMPLE OF THIS SLIPPAGE.
HE STRESSED THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD OBSERVE CERTAIN PRINCIPLES IN BUDGETARY POLICY-MAKING, IT SHOULD BE PLANNING OVER A BROADER TIME-SPAN OF SAY, THREE TO FIVE YEARS, RATHER THAN JUST THE YEAR WHICH IS BEING BUDGETTED FOR.
+FOR EXAMPLE, THE GROWTH RATE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE MAY BE ALLOWED TO EXCEED THE GROWTH RATE IN GDP IN A CERTAIN YEAR, PROVIDED THAT THE TWO GROWTH RATES ARE IN LINE WITH EACH OTHER OVER A PERIOD OF, SAY, THREE YEARS.
♦ IN THIS WAY, THE GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WILL HAVE REGARD TO THE CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, WHILE AT THE SAME,, TIME IT WILL NOT BE SO ABRUPTLY AFFECTED BY SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC .
FLUCTUATIONS TO THE EXTENT OF DISRUPTING ESSENTIAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER TECHNOLOGY, MR WONG SAID THAT OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT HAD ALREADY REACHED A STAGE WHEN WE SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER PROMOTING AND COORDINATING OUR OWN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN A MORE ACTIVE MANNER.
/+LIMIT2D .
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
26 -
♦LIMITED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES DO EXIST IN A NUMBER OF ACADEMIC AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONS, BUT THEIR SCOPE CAN IN NO *AY MATCH THE COMMUNITY’S DEMAND FOR HIGHER TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT,+ HE SAID.
HE HOPED THAT THEY COULD BE GIVEN A SUBSTANTIAL BOOST BY THE GOVERNMENT IN TERMS OF INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND BETTER COORDINATION.
ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR WONG SUGGESTED THAT IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND BELONGING OF THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, EACH SHOULD HAVE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF RATES APPORTIONED AS FUNDS FOR FINANCING ITS ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
♦ I HOPE THAT BY SO DOING, THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WOULD HAVE THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF THE PEOPLE IN THE AREA CONCERNED TO HELP CREATE A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT,♦ MR WONG SAID.
-----0------
SUPPORT FOR CHANGES IN LAW ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS *****
INTRODUCTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKING ORDINANCE AND THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE ARE +BOTH NECESSARY AND TIMELY+, THE HON WILLIAM BROWN SAID TODAY.
IN HIS MAIDEN SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BROWN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE 115 LICENSED BANKS AND NO LESS THAN 278 DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES OPERATING IN HONG KONG TODAY.
THESE STATISTICS, HE SAID, REFLECT THE ENORMOUS INCREASES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE NUMBERS OF OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS DURING THE RECENT PAST — AND THEY MOST CERTAINLY JUSTIFY THE NEED TO AMEND THE TWO ORDINANCES TO REFLECT THE CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
♦THE BENEFITS FOR THE ECONOMY TO BE DERIVED FROM OUR EXPANDING FINANCIAL SECTOR, AND IN PARTICULAR FROM OUR FAST GROWING STATUS AS A REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE ARE MORE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE THAN THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARE INHERENT IN THIS RAPID GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PERMITTED TO OPERATE IN OUR MARKET,+ HE SAID.
/AND SUCH ...
THURSDAY. OCTOBER 2J, 1980
27
AND SUCH BENEFITS, MEASURED BOTH IN POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC TERMS, ARE OF INCREASING SIGNIFICANCE, HE ADDED.
ALTHOUGH NOT DIRECTLY RELATED, THE TWO PROPOSED PIECES OF LEGISLATION ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROPOSAL TO INCORPORATE THE EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION INTO A STATUTORY BODY, MR BROWN NOTED.
SPEAKING AS CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, HE BELIEVED THAT THE PROPOSAL DESERVED ♦UNQUALIFIED SUPPORT* FOR AT LEAST TWO REASONS.
FIRST, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MORE READILY ACCEPTABLE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL BANKS WHICH HAVE RECENTLY ENTERED THE HONG KONG MARKET.
+ NOTWITHSTANDI NG THAT ALL LICENSED BANKS ARE CURRENTLY hEMBERS OF THE EXISTING ASSOCIATION IT CANNOT BE DENIED THAT MANY BANKS VIEW THE PRESENT EXCHANGE BANKS’ ASSOCIATION AS A RELIC OF THE PAST AND SEE LITTLE BENEFIT TO THEMSELVES IN VOLUNTARY MEMBERSHIP WITH THE ACCOMPANYING OBLIGATION TO ABIDE BY ITS RULES.
♦IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR FINANCIAL MARKETS ARE CONDUCTED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER, AND THIS IS THE MORE SO DURING A PERIOD OF RAPID EXPANSION WHEN UNREGULATED COMPETITION COULD LEAD TO UNDESIRABLE PRACTICES.♦
HE THOUGHT THAT A RECONSTITUTED ASSOCIATION WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECOGNISE THE NEW FORCES IN THE MARKET PLACE WHILE STATUTORY AUTHORITY WOULD ENABLE THE ASSOCIATION TO ASSUME A MORE EFFECTIVE ROLE.
THE SECOND REASON FOR SUPPORT IS PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, HE SAID.
♦IT MUST BE RIGHT, GIVEN THE INFLATIONARY TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE AND THE RECOGNISED IMPORTANCE OF INTEREST RATES AS A TOOL TO IMPLEMENT MONETARY POLICY, THAT THE BODY WHICH SETS THESE RATES IN LIAISON WITH GOVERNMENT HAS THE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE ITS DECISIONS.
♦I TRUST THAT THE BILL TO BE INTRODUCED WILL ADEQUATELY COVER THIS REQUIREMENT.♦
SHOULD PROBLEMS ARISE IN OUR FINANCIAL MARKETS, MR BROWN SAID, THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TO SURFACE IN THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SECTOR RATHER THAN AMONG THE LICENSED BANKS.
IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THE ENCOURAGEMENT BEING GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THESE COMPANIES TO FORM AN ASSOCIATION BE CONTINUED UNTIL THIS DESIRABLE OBJECTIVE IS ACHIEVED, HE STRESSED.
♦ONCE ACHIEVED IT MUST BE FOR CONSIDERATION WHETHER SUCH AN ASSOCIATION SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN THE STATUS OF A STATUTORY BODY SO THAT ITS MEMBERS CAN ALSO BE SUBJECT TO A GREATER DEGREE OF DISCIPLINE AND CONTROL IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST,♦ HE ADDED.
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28 ..
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
- 28 -
BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE WORKING CLASS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLORE NEW AVENUES TO EFFECT A MORE EVEN DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN PROPOSED IN HIS FIRST SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WHILE ABSOLUTE EQUALITY IS STILL AN UNATTAINABLE GOAL IN THIS WORLD, HE SAID, OUR SOCIAL PROGRAMMES WOULD GRADUALLY NARROW DOWN THIS DISPARITY.
♦WE SHOULD WORK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY AND A WELL-CONSIDERED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN TO FIT IN OUR EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND ADD IN NEW MODULAR SERVICES TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE WORKING CLASS, TO ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
♦THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOW ALL THE MORE PRESSING IN VIEW OF THE CERTAIN INCREASE IN IMPORTED INFLATION SINCE THE OIL CRISIS AND THE UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC FUTURE OF OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS,+ HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THIS COULD BE ACHIEVED BY FAMILY BUDGETARY COUNSELLING, INVESTMENT IN LEISURE, AND SMALL INVESTMENT COUNSELLING.
MANY LARGE ORGANISATIONS HAVE USED BUDGETARY CONTROL WITH GOOD RESULTS, HE SAID.
A FAMILY BUDGETARY COUNSELLING SERVICE, HE NOTED, WOULD HELP EMPLOYEES TO EXAMINE CLOSELY THEIR INCOME AND EXPENDITURE PATTERN TO REVEAL AND ELIMINATE ANY UNPRODUCTIVE ITEMS, SUCH AS INDULGENCE IN MAHJONG AND OVERSPENDING, AND CONVERT THEM INTO SAVINGS WITHOUT CUTTING DOWN EXPENDITURE ON THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE.
♦INDEED, WE SHOULD PLACE MORE EMPHASIS ON EDUCATING OUR CHILDREN IN RESPECT OF THE CONCEPTS OF SOUND FAMILY BUDGETTING BEFORE THEY LEAVE SCHOOL AND BEGIN TO WORK.
♦THEREFORE IT APPEARS WORTHWILE TO CONSIDER EXPANDING THE EXISTING ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS SYLLABUS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO INCLUDE THE TOPIC OF FAMILY BUDGETTING.
♦IF BUDGETARY CONTROL AND PLANNING IS IN THE BLOOD OF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION, WE SHALL HAVE MORE SOLVENT CITIZENS, PRUDENT BUSINESSMEN AND LESS FAILURES IN SMALL BUSINESSES AND IN SOCIETY GENERALLY,♦ HE SAID.
FOR THOSE WHO FIND THE LONG HOURS FREED FROM EXCESSIVE MAHJONG OR READING OF TRASH NOVELS TOO BORING, MR CHAN ADVISED THEM TO USE THE VARIOUS RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES AVAILABLE, THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, OR TO TAKE SHORT COURSES TO BETTER THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY DIVERSIFICATION AND SOPHISTICATION OF OUR INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESS.
/♦AS I3N0Ra;K® ....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1980
29 -
♦ AS IGNORANCE IS THE ROOT OF MANY EVIL THINGS, OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD GEAR UP ADULT EDUCATION COURSES FOR EMPLOYEES AFTER WORKING HOURS TO THESE REQU IREMENTS,♦ HE SAID.
ON HIS THIRD SUGGESTION, MR CHAN EMPHASISED THAT SOUND INVESTMENT COULD OUT-MANOEUVRE INFLATION.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, GOOD INVESTMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE NOT GENERALLY INTERESTED IN ADVISING SMALL INVESTORS OF THE LOWER INCOME BRACKET.
HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INCLUDING SOME SORT OF SMALL INVESTMENT COUNSELLING OR COURSES AT ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES, IN SIMPLIFIED AND LAYMAN’S TERMS, ON THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE, THE POSSIBLE YIELD, THE CALCULATED RISKS AND METHODS OF CONSERVATIVE INVESTMENTS BASED ON PAST PERFORMANCE RECORDS.
♦ GIVEN THE RIGHT PUBLICITY AND ASSISTANCE BY GOVERNMENT, THIS PLAN WOULD AROUSE SUFFICIENT PUBLIC INTEREST TO MAKE IT A SUCCESS.
♦ THIS WOULD BE BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO PEOPLE IN THE LOWER INCOME GROUP BUT ALSO TO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE IN THE LONG RUN.+
MR CHAN ALSO SPOKE ON THE WELFARE OF +SENIOR CITIZENS* OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO LOWER THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE BY ANOTHER FIVE YEARS TO 65 TO ALIGN WITH OTHER AFFLUENT SOCIETIES.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT BY SETTING AN EXAMPLE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER SUBSIDISING THOSE AGED 65 AND ABOVE HALF THE FARE ON THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OUTSIDE RUSH HOURS.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1980
30
ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION OPENS IN YUEN LONG * * * *
AN ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION WAS OPENED TODAY AT YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
THE EXHIBITION FORMS PART OF THE ONE-MONTH YUEN LONG DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WHICH WAS LAUNCHED LAST SUNDAY.
ON DISPLAY ARE PHOTOGRAPHS AND CAPTIONS SHOWING HOW DRUGS AFFECT SOCIETY AND HOW THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
THEY HAVE BEEN PUT UP BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION CF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA).
EXAMPLES OF METHODS USED BY DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO EVADE CUSTOMS ARE ALSO ON DISPLAY. THEY INCLUDE A HOLLOWED OUT BIBLE, SHOES WITH THICK HOLLOW SOLES AND SPECIALLY TAILORED VESTS.
MORE THAN 160 ENTRIES IN AN ANT I-DRUG POSTER COMPETITION HELD EARLIER THIS MONTH AS ANOTHER PART OF THE CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO ON DISPLAY.
ALMOST 60 SCHOOLS TOOK PART. THE OVERALL WINNER WAS A FORM FOUR STUDENT, TONG CHI-CHEUNG, OF YUEN LONG SECONDARY SCHOOL. THE RUNNERS-UP WERE TSE CHOR-LIN (HEUNG YEE KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL), TO PO-YUK (LUTHERAN SECONDARY SCHOOL) AND WONG YING-MAY (ALSO YUEN LONG SECONDARY SCHOOL).
OFFICIATING AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING AND PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR PETER LEE- THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER YUEN LONG, MR QUINTEN LEWIS- SARDA’S SOCIAL WELFARE SUPERINTENDENT MR JAMES CHIEN- AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXHIBITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOI CHONG-YIP.
THE EXHIBITION OPENS TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM 2 PM TO 9 PM, AND ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.
NEARLY 30 OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE BEING HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN, INCLUDING AN ATHLETICS DEMONSTRATION, A CONCERT, CANTONESE OPERAS, VARIETY SHOWS, FILM SHOWS, A FUNFAIR, AND TALKS AND SEMINARS IN SCHOOLS.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 198O
31
EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD
*****
THREE TRADE UNION MEMBERS WERE ELECTED TODAY AS EMPLOYEES’ S??VES T0 BE APPO*NTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR THE YEAR 1981.
. nD„™EY *RE MR CHEUNG CHI-KEUNG OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. ONION, MR AU-YEUNG MING OF AMALGAMATED UNION OF $E mf!R^uloH8^\K0NS’ AND MR LEE SHING-CHU OF HONG KONG STEVEDORES UN I UN v CHAP YIN).
THE ELECTION - HELD BY SECRET BALLOT IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF XXSDE?aRT^NTCAUSEWAY BAY ' WAS SUPERV,SED BY OFFICERS OF THE
THE BOARD IS A NON-STATUTORY BODY WHICH ADVISES THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON MATTERS AFFECTING LABOUR, INCLUDING INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. IT COMPRISES SIX EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES, WITH THE COMMISSIONER AS CHAIRMAN.
™R£E 0F THE EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES ARE ELECTED BY BYGTHEEGOVERNOROYEES, UNI°NS AND THREE ARE SELECTED FOR APPOINTMENT
0
CAS TEAMS COMPETE FOR TROPHIES ******
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS INTER-UNIT FIRST AID COMPETITION THIS YEAR IN THE DEMONSTRATION THEATRE OF ITS HONG KONG HEADQUARTERS ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 26).
THE COMPETITION IS DESIGNED TO SHARPEN THE ALERTNESS AND INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF CAS MEMBERS. IT ALSO AIMS AT PROMOTING FRIENDSHIP AMONG THE UNITS.
THE CHAMPION OUT OF 15 PARTICIPATING TEAMS WILL BE AWARDED THE C.Y. KWAN CUP AND A PENNANT, WHILE THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE PENNANTS.
MR STEPHEN LEE KI, HONG KONG REGIONAL COMMANDER, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES.
ON THE SAME DAY, A FOOTDRILL COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FOR CADET CORPS MEMBERS.
EIGHTEEN TEAMS FROM CADET UNITS ALL OVER HONG KONG WILL COMPETE FOR THE ’NORMAN LEUNG TROPHY’ AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE.
THE ACTING CHIEF STAFF OFFICER AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR CHAN CHUN-YING, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZE TO THE CHAMPION TEAM.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2J. 1980 - 32 -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CIVIL AID SERVICES INTER-UNIT FIRST AID COMPETITION AND ITS CADET CORPS FOOTDRILL COMPETITION THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 26).
THE FIRST EVENT WILL BE HELD IN THE DEMONSTRATION THEATRE, CAS HONG KONG HEADQUARTERS, 100 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, 6TH FLOOR, AND THE SECOND AT ITS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET.
BOTH COMPETITIONS WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AND WILL BE IN THEIR FINAL ROUNDS AT ABOUT 12 NOON.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
CONTRIBUTION BY VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECOGNISED ............... 1
GOVERNMENT LEADS CHECK OK STAFF ID'S ....................... 1
CONTRACT FOR EAST KOWLOON ROAD LINK......................... 2
PLANS FOR BETTER BUS SERVICES IN TUEN MUN .................. 2
OVERSELLS VISITORS TOUR WATERWORKS PROJECT ................. 3
YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD INVITES LOGO DESIGN .... 4
waterworks projects for tuen mun new town .................. 5
SCIENCE TEACHING SEMINAR OPENS TOMORROW .................... 5
RECRUITMENT FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL HELPERS ................... 6
CONTRIBUTIONS TO EXHIBITION ON KWUN TONG INVITED............ 6
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER ................................ 7
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, I960
1
CONTRIBUTION BY VOLUNTEER WORKERS RECOGNISED ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RELIED AND CONTINUES TO RELY HEAVILY ON THE EFFORTS AND CO-OPERATION OF VOLUNTEERS IN THE ORGANISATION CF MANY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS, CAMPAIGNS AND OTHER LARGE-SCALE PROGRAMMES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER SAID TODAY.
SIR JACK WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL THIS AFTERNOON.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VOLUNTEERS, IN BODIES RANGING FROM LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS, TO STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES *WHO OFFER THEIR SERVICES FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY WITH FIRM CONVICTION AND COMMITMENT, WITHOUT THOUGHT OF REMUNERATION.*
HE STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANT SUPPORTING ROLE THE VOLUNTEERS PLAYED IN A VARIETY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON EITHER A PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME BASIS.
♦ IT IS MY BELIEF THAT ONE OF THE STRENGTHS OF VOLUNTEERISM DERIVES FROM ITS BASIS IN INDIVIDUAL AND INDEPENDENT INITIATIVE, A QUALITY WHICH HONG KONG HAS IN ABUNDANT SUPPLY.
♦ IT MUST NOT BE CONSTRAINED OR OVERLY ORGANISED, BUT SHOULD AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE BE ALLOWED FREE REIN TO DEVELOP IN ITS OWN WAY.
♦ VOLUNTEERS ARE AN IMPORTANT HUMAN RESOURCE, PARTICULARLY l£RE IN HONG KONGi PROPERLY AND EFFICIENTLY USED THEY CAN HELP SPEED UP COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO THE BETTERMENT OF COMMUNITY LIFE GENERALLY,♦ HE SAID.
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GOVERNMENT LEADS CHECK ON STAFF ID’S ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF HAS RESPONDED TO THE NEW LEGISLATION WHICH MAKES IT AN OFFENCE FROM NOVEMBER 3 TO EMPLOY ANYONE WITHOUT SPECIFIED IDENTITY DOCUMENTS.
IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED TO ALL DEPARTMENT HEADS, THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAS ADVISED THAT ONLY CANDIDATES WHO POSSESS ONE OF THE SPECIFIED DOCUMENTS WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR APPOINTMENT TO FILL VACANCIES, OR AS CASUAL WORKERS.
A SPOKESMAN SAID DEPARTMENT HEADS ARE NOW MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO INSPECT IDENTITY CARDS AND OTHER RECOGNISED DOCUMENTS OF ALL OFFICERS, AND TO MAINTAIN COMPLETE RECORDS, AS SET OUT IN THE NEW SECTION 17K OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
♦THIS WILL BE DONE BY NOVEMBER 3,* HE SAID. ♦THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF INTENDS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE REQUIREMENTS WHICH PERTAIN TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE OBSERVED.*
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/2....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1980
- 2 -
CONTRACT FOR EAST KOWLOON ROAD LINK
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $70 MILLION CONTRACT TO FRANK I CONTRACTORS LIMITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A MAJOR ELEVATED ROAD AND GRADE-SEPARATED INTERSECTION ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE CONTRACT FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ROAD SCHEME TO LINK KWUN TONG WITH EAST KOWLOON VIA THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
MR TOM ARMOUR, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (KOWLOON) DIVISION, WHO SIGNED THE CONTRACT, SAID ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE OF ELEVATED ROAD WOULD BE BUILT TO CONNECT THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD WITH WAI YIP STREET, AND AN ELEVATED ROAD WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OVER KWUN TONG ROAD.
GROUND LEVEL ROADWORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT IN AND AROUND WAI YIP STREET TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO AND FROM THE NEW ELEVATED ROAD THERE.
FOR PEDESTRIANS, THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF FOOTBRIDGES WITH STEPS AND RAMPS.
♦AN AMENITY AREA WITH SOME SITTING-OUT SPACE WILL BEAUTIFY THE ROAD JUNCTION,* MR ARMOUR ADDED.
WORK WILL START NEXT WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS.
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PLANS FOR BETTER BUS SERVICES IN TUEN MUN ******
BUS SERVICES IN TUEN MUN ARE EXPECTED TO BE FURTHER IMPROVED TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND.
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY AT PRESENT ALLOCATES 48 DOUBLE-DECKERS AND 10 SINGLE-DECKERS TO RUN ON SEVEN WEEKDAY ROUTES IN THE NEW TOWN. BY THE END OF 1982, IT IS PLANNED THAT THERE WILL BE 10 SUCH WEEKDAY ROUTES AND A TOTAL ALLOCATION OF 113 DOUBLE-DECKERS AND SEVEN SINGLE-DECKERS.
IN PAST MONTHS, THE FREQUENCIES OF ROUTE NOS. 66M AND 52 LINKING TUEN MUN WITH URBAN KOWLOON WERE IMPROVED AND TWO NEW ROUTES - NOS. 60 AND 66 - WERE INTRODUCED.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS CAREFULLY MONITORING THE INTAKE OF POPULATION TO THE NEW HOUSING ESTATES THERE TO ENSURE THAT BUS SERVICES KEEP PACE WITH INCREASING DEMAND BOTH WITHIN THE NEW TOWN, AND TO AND FROM THE URBAN AREA.
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TKLVtCi, (XWBESL 24, 1980
HE SAID THE PRESENT TARGET WAS TO KEEP THE MAXIMUM WAITING TIME AT A BUS TERMINUS TO 20 MINUTES, A STANDARD CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD. HOWEVER, IF ADDITIONAL BUSES ARE AVAILABLE, THE 20-MINUTE TARGET WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THERE IS A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN OPERATED BY 97-SEAT HOVERFERRIES. THIS SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO START IN SIX MONTHS.
THE SEVEN WEEKDAY BUS ROUTES NOW SERVING TUEN MUN ARE NOS. 52, 53, 59, 60, 61, 66 AND 66M. FOUR OF THEM ARE THROUGH ROUTES RUNNING FROM TUEN MUN TO URBAN KOWLOON AT BASIC FREQUENCIES FROM 10 TO 20 MINUTES.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED BY THESE FOUR ROUTES IN EACH DIRECTION DURING A PEAK HOUR IS 2 070.
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OVERSEAS VISITORS TOUR WATERWORKS PROJECT
* * ft * *
A 15-MEMBER WEST GERMAN DELEGATION FROM FRANKFURT TODAY TOURED THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS — ONE OF THE LARGEST OF ITS TYPE IN THE WORLD — TO TAKE A FIRST HAND LOOK AT WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE DELEGATION WAS LED BY MR HANS JOACHIM KRULL, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF STADTWERKE FRANKFURT AM MAIN, A PUBLIC COMPANY OWNED BY THE CITY OF FRANKFURT RESPONSIBLE FOR WATER SUPPLY AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES.
ACCOMPANYING THE VISITORS ON THE TOUR WERE THE CHIEF CHEMIST, MR CHAN YING-KWONG, AND THE CHIEF ENGINEER (SUPPLY), MR HU MAN-SHIU OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE TOUR, THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED ON THE WATER QUALITY AND TREATMENT FACILITIES.
AT THE END OF THE VISIT, MR KRULL SAID HE WAS MOST IMPRESSED WITH THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO REFERRED TO HONG KONG’S SALT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AS ♦AN EXCELLENT IDEA*, ADDING THAT THIS COULD SAVE A LOT OF PRECIOUS WATER.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION, WHO ARE HERE TO SEEK INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON SURFACE WATER TREATMENT, VISITED THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN LEIGHTON CENTRE.
THERE, THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, ON THE LOCAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM. THEY ALSO DISCUSSED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF WATER SUPPLY WITH MR TUCKER.
MEMBERS OF THE DELEGATION WILL LEAVE FOR TOKYO TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1980
4
YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD INVITES LOGO DESIGN * * * *
HONG KONG ARTISTS ARE BEING INVITED TO ENTER A COMPETITION TO DESIGN A LOGO FOR YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WITH PRIZES TOTALLING $4 000 BEING OFFERED.
THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE ADOPTED BY THE BOARD AND WILL APPEAR ON ITS STATIONERY AND PUBLICITY ITEMS.
THE DESIGN CAN BE IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH STYLE AND SHOULD BE OF ONE COLOUR ONLY. IT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED ON CARDBOARD PAPER MEASURING 35 CM BY 45 CM.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE ORIGINALS AND REFLECT THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
THERE WILL BE NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS. THEIR NAME, PLACE OF WORK, CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER SHOULD BE SET OUT ON THE BACK OF THE ENTRIES.
THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $3 000 AND THE FIVE RUNNERS-UP $200 EACH.
ADJUDICATORS WILL INCLUDE MR WUCIUS WONG, PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN- MR LEUNG SUNG-HOI, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN OF LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE W TAM CH I-SI NG, CURATOR OF HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART- MR ALAN FUNG, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER YUEN LONG- AND MR MA NING-HEI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF YUEN LONG CULTURAL FAIR.
ENTRIES SHOULD REACH YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE NOVEMBER 22, MARKED +YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION*.
THE DECISION OF THE BOARD WILL BE FINAL AND IT WILL HAVE FULL RIGHT TO USE THE SELECTED LOGO. OTHER ENTRIES WILL BE RETURNED TO PARTICIPANTS.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1980
5
WATERWORKS PROJECTS FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ft ft ft ft ft
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK NEXT WEEK ON TWO PROJECTS IN TUEN MUN WORTH A TOTAL OF <7.5 MILLION.
THE CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR LEE GUN-CHEUNG, SAID TODAY THE PROJECTS WERE PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE WATER SUPPLY PROGRAMME TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR FRESH AND SALT WATER IN THE NEW TOWN.
« THE PR0JECTS» AT $3.3 MILLION, INVOLVES THE LAYING OF
2 300 METRES OF FRESH-WATER STEEL PIPELINES AND 3 900 METRES OF SALT-WATER ASBESTOS CEMENT PIPELINES IN THE WESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN.
THE STEEL PIPELINES WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE NEW TOWN’S FRESH WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM* THE TUEN MUN FRESH WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND PUMPING STATION BOTH OF WHICH ARE BEING EXTENDED, THREE EXISTING FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIRS, AND A FOURTH ONE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
♦THE OTHER PROJECT, COSTING |4.2 MILLION, WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SALT WATER PUMPING STATION ON RECLAIMED LAND NEAR PAK KOK. IT WILL PROVIDE 54 500 CUBIC METRES OF SALT WATER DAILY FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES,♦ SAID MR LEE.
BOTH WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SANG LEE CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. IS THE CONTRACTOR FOR THE MA INLAY I NG PROJECT AND HOI SING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. THE SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.
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SCIENCE TEACHING SEMINAR OPENS TOMORROW ft ft ft ft ft
THREE HUNDRED NEW SCIENCE TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON SCIENCE TEACHING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
MRS LOUISE MOK, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS AT THE START OF THE SEMINAR AT 9.30 AM.
THE AIM IS TO INTRODUCE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF SCIENCE TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO THE TEACHERS.
THERE WILL BE A GROUP DISCUSSION AFTER TALKS ON VARIOUS AREAS OF SCIENCE EDUCATION BY OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE CURRICULUM, TEACHING METHOD, PANEL MEETINGS, TEACHING RECORD, TEACHING PLAN, TESTING AND EVALUATION, TEXTBOOKS, LIBRARY SERVICES, VISUAL AIDS, LABORATORY FACILITIES AND SAFETY.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1980
- *6 -
RECRUITMENT FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL HELPERS ft ft ft ft
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS TO FILL MORE THAN 70 VACANCIES FOR AMAHS, HOSPITAL ORDERLIES AND LABOURERS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST A PRIMARY EDUCATION. THOSE FOR THE HOSPITAL ORDERLY AND LABOURER POSTS SHOULD BE MEN.
MONTHLY SALARIES FOR THE POSTS START AT $1 375.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND TO UNDERTAKE SHIFT DUTIES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CALL AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, BRINGING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 3-666615, 5-270276 OR 12-420154.
-----o------
CONTRIBUTIONS TO EXHIBITION ON KWUN TONG INVITED * ft * ft ft
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF +KWUN TONG TODAY* IS SEARCHING FOR MATERIAL FOR ITS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD INSIDE THE MTR KWUN TONG STATION FROM DECEMBER 5 TO 21 ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE WELCOMES CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PARTICULARLY PHOTOGRAPHS AND OLD OBJECTS WHICH ILLUSTRATE THE EARLY DAYS.
SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO CONTRIBUTORS. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF +KWUN TONG TODAY* ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR RAYMOND KO OR MISS JOYCE LEUNG, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
THEIR OFFICE IS AT KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, 3RD FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG, AND THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-416315.
-----0------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 198J
- 7 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 16 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE FIRING AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING TIMES OF PRACTICE.
THEY ARE i
NOVEMBER TIME
3 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 6 PM
4 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 6 PM
5 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
10 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
11 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
12 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
13 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
14 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
17 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
18 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
19 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
20 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
21 (FR IDAY) 8 AM - 5.30 PM
25 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
26 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
27 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 11 PM
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAST DAY FOR Il'S TO REGISTER................................... 1
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ....................................... 2
OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAUSS HALL ........................ 3
NEW DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES ........................4
CLEAN FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF ........................... 4
HIKING SCHEME STARTS TOMORROW .................................. 5
LABOUR LAV,' BREAKERS TAKEN TO COURT ........................... 6
RESTRICTED ZONES IN KENNEDY TOWN ............................... 6
CLEAN UP DRIVE IN TUEN MUN...................................... 7
PRISON OFFICERS ATTEND ANNUAL DINNER ........................... 7
FUN FAIR FOR PWD STAFF...........................................8
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER
8
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1980
- t -
LAST DAY FOR H’S TO REGISTER
* * * *
TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IS THE LAST DAY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD.
THOSE WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED BY MIDNIGHT TOMORROW WILL BE LIABLE TO REPATRIATION TO CHINA.
♦TIME IS RAPIDLY RUNNING OUT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET COME FORWARD,♦ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED TODAY.
♦ THEY MUST REGISTER IMMEDIATELY. IT IS THEIR LAST CHANCE.♦
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NOT TO DELUDE THEMSELVES OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO REGISTER THEMSELVES.
♦ AS THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST THURSDAY ’... FROM NOW ON LIFE FOR THEM IN HONG KONG WILL NOT JUST BE UNPLEASANT, IT WILL BE INTOLERABLE! SOONER OR LATER THEY WILL BE DETECTED AND THEY WILL BE REPATRIATED*.♦
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN JOBS WITHOUT ID CARDS.
♦ IT WILL BE AGAINST THE LAW FOR EMPLOYERS TO ENGAGE THEM.+ HE SAID. ♦MOREOVER THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO WORK WITHOUT ID CARDS WILL BE LIABLE TO BE DISMISSED WITHOUT NOTICE AND WITHOUT PAYMENT IN LIEU.
♦ AND, WITHOUT ID CARDS, THEY ARE LIABLE TO BE REPATRIATED.♦
REGISTRATION SHOULD BE MADE WITHOUT DELAY AT THE SPECIAL REGISTRATION CENTRE AT VICTORIA BARRACKS, COTTON TREE DRIVE.
APPLICANTS MUST REGISTER PERSONALLY. THEY SHOULD BRING THREE RECENT PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEMSELVES WITH THEIR NAMES CLEARLY WRITTEN ON THE BACK.
UP TO 12 NOON TODAY (SATURDAY), 5 015 PEOPLE HAD REGISTERED SINCE THE SPECIAL CENTRE IN VICTORIA BARRACKS OPENED ON THURSDAY.
0
/2
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, I960
- 2 -
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA
* M * *
NINETY-SIX MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WHO RECEIVED DECORATIONS AND COMMENDATIONS BY THE QUEEN WILL RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 6 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 27).
THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE SEVEN OBE'S, ONE ISO, TEN MBE’S, AND ONE QPM.
HEADING THE LIST OF RECIPIENTS ARE MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, WHO WILL RECEIVE THE CBE, AND MAJOR-GENERAL JOHN CHAPPLE, COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, WHO WILL RECEIVE THE CBE (MILITARY DIVISION).
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 3 PM TO 7.30 PM ON MONDAY FOR THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
ALL CARS CARRYING GUESTS MAY ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE. AFTER THE GUESTS HAVE ALIGHTED. VEHICLES BEARING +G.H.+ LABELS MAY PARK IN THE FORECOURT OR TENNIS COURTS AS DIRECTED, OR, IF CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, MAY RETURN AT 6.30 PM.
VEHICLES BEARING GREEN LABELS MUST LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE AND MAY THEN PARK IN UPPER ALBERT ROAD. LOWER ALBERT ROAD, THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE GENERAL BUILDING, THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD AND THE CAR PARK AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
ALL VEHICLES PARKED INSIDE THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE COMPOUND SHOULD LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE. OTHER GUESTS ARE REQUESTED TO WALK TO THEIR CARS AFTER THE CEREMONY.
PARKING FACILITIES IN METERED SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED WITHIN THIS PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM AT 4
WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 27)
/ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS .....
SATURDAY, OCTOBER, 25, 1980
- 3 -
ONLY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM NOT LATER THAN 5.30 PM.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING SUCH PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS WITH CAMBRIDGE WONG'S STUDIO, MANNING HOUSE, 38 QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL, TEL 5-237808.
» - - - 0 - -
OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAMES HALL * * *
THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL THE FIRST INDOOR SPORTS VENUE IN THE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON MONDAY (OCTOBER RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING FACILITIES TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG --NEW TERRITORIES — WILL BE
27) TO PROVIDE MORE — PEOPLE OF
FOR THE 700 000
AND MR OMAR THE $7.35
MR BRIAN WILSON
THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, RAMJU SADICK WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. MILLION PROJECT WAS JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND
MR SADICK.
BUILT ON A 4 000 SQUARE METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD, A LOCATION CLOSE TO A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, THE INDOOR GAMES HALL IS MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTRAL GAMES AREA OF THE HALL IS LARGE ENOUGH FOR TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, OR EIGHT BADMINTION COURTS, OR THREE VOLLEYBALL COURTS. IT HAS A SEATING CAPACITY OF 680.
AFTER THE OPENING THERE WILL BE A GYMNASTIC DISPLAY BY STUDENTS OF HO FUNG COLLEGE, A FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCE BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE DANCE INSTRUCTORS’ TEAM AND A JUDO DEMONSTRATION BY MEMBERS OF KWAI CHUNG JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WILL PROVIDE MUSIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG AT 3.15 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 27).
/TRANSPORT WILL ....
SATttHDAY, OCTOBEB, 25, 1980
- 4 -
\*
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A COACH AND A GOVERNMENT 9-SEATER VAN FOR GUESTS AND PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE JUNCTION OF HANKOW ROAD AND MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 2 PM FOR THE INDOOR GAMES HALL.
A GIS OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
0
NEW DIRECTOR OF NEW * *
TERRITORIES SERVICES M * *
FORMER REGIONAL COMMISSIONER OF NORTH WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, W JIMMY SWEETMAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) SUCCEEDED MR HARNAM GREWAL AS DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES.
MR GREWAL HAS LEFT THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TRANSFER AND IS NOW ON LEAVE.
MR SWEETMAN HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
IN THE MEANTIME. MR BOWEN PO-WINQ LEUNG HAS ASSUMED HIS OFFICE AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR LEUNG JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JUNE 1973 AND HAS SERVED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE WORK OF REGION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES INCLUDING TAI PO, NORTH TERRITORIES, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN.
THE NORTH NEW
CLEAN FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF N N * M
HONG KONG'S NATURAL BEAUTY IS TOO OFTEN SPOILT BY LITTER, DIRT AND THE DUMPING OF REFUSE.
THE CO-OPERATION AMD INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC IN CLEANING UP THE TERRITORY HAS TO BE REKINDLED.
THESE REMARKS WERE MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, J0MES< AT THE OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S ♦CLEAN
FOR CHARITY* CAMPAIGN IN EDINBURGH PLACE TODAY.
/tSR JONES.....
- 5 -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER.25, 1980
MR JONES SAID THAT SINCE 1972 WHEN THE KEEP HONS KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BEGAN, THE GROWTH IN THE POPULATION AND ITS GREATER AFFLUENCE HAD INCREASED BY ALMOST 50 PER CENT THE AMOUNT OF REFUSE COLLECTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
♦BUT MORE STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE,* HE SAID. ♦IN PARTICULAR, THE CO-OPERATION AND INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC IN CLEANLINESS NEEDS TO BE REKINDLED.*
IT WAS A TIMELY INITIATIVE BY THE CHEST, SAID MR JONES, COMING AS IT DID AFTER THE GOVERNOR’S RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL INTENDED TO EMBARK NEXT YEAR ON A NEW CAMPAIGN.
♦OBVIOUSLY IT IS BETTER TO PURSUADE PEOPLE TO AVOID LITTERING RATHER THAN TO COERCE THEM,* HE SAID. *AND I WELCOME, AS I KNOW THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE DOES, ANY MOVE WHICH WILL HELP IN THIS TASK.*
MR JONES SAID THE INITIATIVE WAS GIVEN ADDED MERIT IN THAT IT WOULD, AT THE SAME TIME AS HELPING TO RID HONG KONG OF REFUSE, RAISE MONEY FOR ALL THE CHARITABLE PURPOSES SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
HE SAIDt *1 HOPE THE SCHEME WE ARE LAUNCHING TODAY WILL GROW AND GAIN THE SUPPORT OF ALL IMPORTANT ORGANISATIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY.*
------0 - - - -
HIKING SCHEME STARTS TOMORROW * * * M
THE CHONG MORNING AT THE EXHIBITION.
HING HIKING SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WAN CHAI GAP PARK WITH A WALK AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC
THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE LIU CHONG HING BANK LTD, hfi LIU LIT-FOR WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10.30 AM.
AFTER THE OPENING, ABOUT 1 000 HIKERS WHO HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME WILL SET OFF FOR A WALK VIA LADY CLEMENTI PATH TO FINISH AT ABERDEEN.
TO HELP PARTICIPANTS TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SCHEME, PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION ON THE 16 DESIGNATED ROUTES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE WAN CHAI GAP PARK FROM 9 AM.
THE HIKING SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY AND SPORT SERVICE AND SPONSORED BY THE
THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION LIU CHONG HING BANK.
/6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25. 1980
- 6 -
LABOUR LAW BREAKERS TAKEN TO COURT ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT LAST (SEPTEMBER) MONTH TOOK OUT 954 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LES ISLATION.
OF THE CASES HANDLED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PROSECUTIONS UNIT, 932 RESULTED IN CONVICTION AND FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS TOTALLED MORE THAN S737 000.
THE MAJORITY OF CASES WERE RELATED TO BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINSS ORDINANCE AND VARIOUS REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE ORDINANCE, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
AMONG THEM, 371 CONCERNED REGULATIONS AND FINES AMOUNTED
VIOLATION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO MORE THAN >436 200.
OF THESE CASES, 206 (WITH S221 950 IN FINES) WERE FOR BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 108 (WITH S167 350 IN FINES) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS ACCOUNTED FOR 529 CASES WITH $276 100 IN FINES.
-----o-----
RESTRICTED ZONES IN KENNEDY TOWN ft ft ft ft
VEHICLE RESTRICTED ZONES WILL BE SET UP AT SMITHFIELD, KENNEDY TOWN, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 27).
WITHIN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
THE ROAD SECTIONS SO DESIGNATED ARE THE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANE IN SMITHFIELD BETWEEN FORBES STREET AND POKFIELD ROAD AND THE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC LANE IN POKFIELD ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 40 TO SMITHFIELD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTED ZONES.
- - - - o --------
/?
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1980
- 7 -
CLEAN UP DRIVE IN TUEN MUN * * * *
A NOVEL WAY OF ENCOURAGING INTEREST IN KEEPING TUEN MUN DISTRICT CLEAN BY STAGING A FAMILY JIG-SAW PUZZLE COMPETITION WILL BE TRIED OUT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE COMPETITION IS PART OF A KEEP YOUR ESTATE CLEAN DAY AND WILL BE HELD IN TAI HING ESTATE WHICH HAS 55 000 RESIDENTS.
A TOTAL OF 40 FAMILIES HAVE AGREED TO TAKE PART.
THE COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WHOSE CHAIRMAN IS THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM.
THE FAMILY TAKING THE SHORTEST TIME TO COMPLETE THE PUZZLE WILL WIN. THE WINNING FAMILY AND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE PRIZES DURING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WEEK TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE CAMPAIGN TO KEEP TUEN MUN RUBBISH FREE ARE AN ANTI-LITTER DRIVE NEXT MONTH AND A YEAR-END CLEAN UP.
TUEN MUN NOW HAS MORE THAN 125 000 PEOPLE AND THIS FIGURE WILL GROW TO OVER 500 000 WHEN THE NEW TOWN IS FULLY COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE DECADE.
------o-------
PRISON OFFICERS ATTEND ANNUAL DINNER ft ft ft ft ft ft
500 PRIS0N OFFICERS ATTENDED THEIR ANNUAL DINNER LAST AND StD FAREWEL1- TO THEIR DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR TOM ECOB WHO IS RETIRING AFTER 33 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
** ECOB’S RETIREMENT, THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR GARNER, ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR AND WISHED HIM MANY YEARS OF HAPPY RETIREMENT.
MR GARNER ALSO PRESENTED THE *S0 SHU I BOR* CUP TO SUPERINTENDENT CHOW SA I-WING FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRISON OFFICERS' CLUB DURING THE PAST YEAR. THE CUP WAS DONATED BY DR J.H. YAP IN MEMORY OF HIS BROTHER-IN-LAw. W SO SHUI BOR, A PRISON OFFICER WHO WAS KILLED DURING AN ESCAPE ATTEMPT IN 1958.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1980
- 8 -
FUN FAIR FOR PWD STAFF ft ft ft ft
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS 1980 FUN FAIR AT ITS CAROLINE HILL ROAD WORKSHOP TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LO TSAI-HONG, SAID TODAY THE FAIR WAS INTENDED TO PROMOTE GOOD STAFF RELATIONSHIP AND TO PROVIDE A DAY OF FUN FOR SOME 5 300 STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES.
THERE WILL BE 22 STALLS FOR GAMES AND REFRESHMENT.
THE FAIR WILL ALSO FEATURE A BEER DRINKING COMPETITION BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND WORKSHOP STAFF OF THE PWD OFFICE.
IT WILL END WITH A LUCKY DRAW AND PRIZE PRESENTATION BY W M.J. HUTTON, ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER- MR R.T. JENKINS, ACTING GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER- AND THEIR WIVES.
THE CAPE COLLINSON BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
-------o - - - -
FIRING PRACTICE REMINDER * ft * ft ft
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THREE DAYS NEXT VEEK.
PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 6 PM OK MONDAY AND TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27 AND <■ , AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING D.'RING PRACTICE TIMES.
- - - - 0 -----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER................. 1
SWD’S HOTLINE SERVICE RECEIVES 1 800 CALLS ............. 3
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR WORKERS .................. 4
344.1 M LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS APPROVED FOR WELFARE PROJECTS . 5
ENDOSCOPIC UNIT SET UP IN QMH .......................... 7
DRIVING FAST AND PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE CAUSE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ...................................... 7
SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO OBSERVE RULES FOR FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES ................................ 8
SNT STARTS CHARITY WALK IN TSUEN *AN.................... 9
HIKING SCHEME LAUNCHED ................................. 10
PRISONS DEPARTMENT TO STAGE RECRUITMENT DISPLAY IN CHAI WAN ................................... 10
NEW ROADS FDR SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT ..................... 11
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SUB-OFFICE TO MOVE TO NEW ADDRESS.... 11
WATER CUT ............................................. 12
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN KWUN TONG ....................... 12
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S MERCHANDISE TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1980. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR SEPTEMBER WAS $8 762 MILLION. MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $5 980 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $2 782 MILLION. WITH IMPORTS AT $9 388 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR SEPTEMBER WAS $626 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1979, THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUE WERE RECORDED I $664 MILLION, OR 12 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS- $1 047 MILLION, OR 60 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS- $1 711 MILLION, OR 24 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS- AND $1 741 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.
COMMENTING ON THE SEPTEMBER TRADE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SLOW DOWN IN SEPTEMBER. THIS SLOWING DOWN HAD STARTED IN JULY SO THAT WHILE THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD BEEN 33 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1979, FOR THE THIRD QUARTER COMPARISON THE GROWTH RATE HAD FALLEN TO 16 PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT RE-EXPORTS HAD CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY. WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS 44 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979, IN THE THIRD QUARTER IT WAS 54 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
IN CONSEQUENCE, THE SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS LESS MARKED THAN THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS. WHILE THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS 36 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979, THE THIRD QUARTER COMPARISON WAS 25 PER CENT.
HE ADDED THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS HAD ALSO SLOWED DOWN. COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 35 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1979, FOR THE THIRD QUARTER THE INCREASE WAS 24 PER CENT.
HE SAID THAT, AS THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS HAD CONTINUED TO BE LESS THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE *GAP*, THAT WAS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WHICH WAS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, HAD SHOWN NO SIGN OF WIDENING.
COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAVE INCREASED IN VALUE BY 26 PER CENT, RE-EXPORTS BY 47 PER CENT, TOTAL EXPORTS BY 32 PER CENT AND IMPORTS BY 31 PER CENT. THE VISIBLE TRADE *GAP+ FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 11.1 PER CENT, SLIGHTLY NARROWER THAN THE 11.5 PER CENT FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1979.
/THE FCLLCAING ...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
2
THE FOLLOWING ARE COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES 1-
LATEST 3 MONTHS JULY-SEPTEMBER 1980 JULY-SEPTEMBER 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN S MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 18 821 16 272 ♦ 2 550 * 15.7
RE-EXPORTS 7 895 5 140 ♦ 2 755 ♦ 53.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 26 716 21 412 ♦ 5 305 ♦ 24.8
IMPORTS 27 976 22 504 ♦ 5 472 ♦ 24.3
TRADE BALANCE - 1 260 - 1 092 — 168
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 1980 SEPTEMBER 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S MN $ MN 1 MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 5 980 (68.3%) 5 316 (75.4%) ♦ 664 ♦ 12.5
RE-EXPORTS 2 782 1 734 + 1 047 ♦ 60.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 8 762 7 051 ♦ 1 711 * 24.3
IMPORTS 9 388 7 648 ♦ 1 741 ♦ 22.8
TRADE BALANCE 626 - 597 — 29
LAST MONTH SEPTEMBER 1980 AUGUST 1980 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN $ MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 5 980 (68.3%) 6 769 (71.5%) — 788 -11.6
RE-EXPORTS 2 782 2 696 ♦ 86 ♦ 3.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 8 762 9 465 — 703 - 7.4
IMPORTS 9 388 9 448 — 60 - 0.6
TRADE BALANCE 626 * 17 643
/CALENDAR YEAR .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
- 3 -
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN -SEPTEMBER 1980 JAN -SEPTEMBER 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN $ MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 49 944 (70.3%) 39 680 (73.5%) +10 264 +25.9
RE-EXPORTS 21 132 14 336 ♦ 6 796 +47.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 71 076 54 016 ♦17 060 +31.6
IMPORTS 79 949 61 019 ♦18 929 +31.0
TRADE BALANCE - 8 873 - 7 003 “ 1 870
LAST 12 MONTHS OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 OCTOBER 1978 TO SEPTEMBER 1979 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S MN $ MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 66 176 51 633 ♦14 543 +28.2
RE-EXPORTS 26 818 18 209 ♦ 8 610 *47.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 92 994 69 841 ♦23 153 *33.2
IMPORTS 104 766 79 977 +24 790 +31.0
TRADE BALANCE -11 772 -10 136 - 1 636
-----0------
SWD’S HOTLINE SERVICE RECEIVES 1 800 CALLS ft * ft ft ft ft
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S +HOTLINE SERVICE* HAS RECEIVED OVER 1 800 CALLS SEEKING URGENT ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION ON WELFARE SERVICES SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE CALLS WERE MADE AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
HE SAID THE CALLS GENERALLY CONCERNED FIVE AREAS — STRAINED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOUR, CHILD CARE, REHABILITATION SERVICES AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
HE SAID CALLERS WERE HELPED OVER THE PHONE BY WAY OF PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE ON FAMILY OR INDIVIDUAL PROBLEMS, AND EXPLANATION OF AVAILABLE WELFARE SERVICES.
/CASES A’HERE ....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
4
CASES WHERE LONGER-TERM ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED ARE FOLLOWED UP BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS IN THE DISTRICTS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOTLINE WAS INTRODUCED TO SUPPLEMENT SERVICES ALREADY AVAILABLE IN THE FIELD OFFICES AND PRIMARILY TO SERVE OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS.
♦ALTHOUGH SOME OF THE CALLS WERE NOT DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO SOCIAL WELFARE, THE CALLERS WERE PROPERLY EXPLAINED FROM WHICH OTHER DEPARTMENTS THEY COULD GET THE SERVICES REQUIRED,* HE SAID.
A POSTER HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE HOTLINE SERVICE WHICH OPERATES ON A 24-HOUR BASIS. THE NUMBER IS 3-432255.
IT IS MANNED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 PM FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, AND BETWEEN 1 PM AND 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ENQUIRIES AFTER 10 PM ARE MACHINE-RECORDED FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PEOPLE USING THE HOTLINE AFTER 10 PM SHOULD LEAVE THEIR NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS.
SHOULD THERE BE OVERNIGHT CASES WHICH REQUIRE URGENT ATTENTION, A REPORT MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION, HE ADDED.
-----0------
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR WORKERS
******
A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WILL BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR FOR HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL WORKERS.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
IT IS ALSO SPONSORED BY SIX MAJOR INDUSTRY AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, NAMELY THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LTD., THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE HONG KONG COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG PLASTIC MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD. ♦
THE COMMITTEE WHICH PROMOTES VOLUNTARY INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG HAS DECIDED, FOLLOWING ITS SUCCESS IN ORGANISING AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONFERENCE FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR, TO HOLD A SIMILAR FUNCTION FOR INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES.
/THE SEMINAB ...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
5
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON ON DECEMBER 30, 1980.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE PURPOSE WAS TO INSTILL AMONG WORKERS A SENSE OF SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AT WORK PLACES BY SHOWING THEM THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS WHICH WERE COMMONLY FOUND ON SHOP AND FACTORY FLOORS.
♦THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN AND THE POSSIBLE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES WHICH MAY OCCUR IF SUCH HAZARDS ARE IGNORED,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ABOUT 200 INDUSTRIAL WORKERS WERE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND THAT INVITATIONS TO FACTORIES AND OTHER CONCERNS FOR NOMINATIONS WOULD SOON BE ISSUED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS A TRIPARTITE BUSINESS REQUIRING THE CO-OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS WORKERS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON, AND CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, W CHAN SHIU-LAP, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING ON THE INDIVIDUAL’S ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXPERTS WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE TALKS AND LEAD DISCUSSIONS ON GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY, AND SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL GIVE TALKS ON INDUSTRIAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE AND WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION WHILE A FIRE SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE WILL SPEAK ON FIRE PREVENTION IN FACTORIES.
IN ADDITION TO THE SERIES OF TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS, TWO SAFETY FILMS WILL BE SCREENED HIGHLIGHTING MACHINE GUARDING AND TOXIC HAZARDS IN INDUSTRY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEMINAR COULD BE OBTAINED FROM MR HO HONG-WAI, SECRETARY, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR ORGANISING SUB-COMMITTEE, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON OR BY TELEPHONING 3-688111 EXT 412.
------0 ------
$44.1 M LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS APPROVED FOR WELFARE PROJECTS
* * * 4
AL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS SO FAR THIS YEAR APPROVED T0TALL,NG $44.1 MILLION FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO FINANCE NEW WELFARE PROJECTS AND IMPROVE EXISTING SERVICES.
Tvr ^I^IS AM0UNT REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF NEARLY $6 MILLION OVER THE $38.2 MILLION FOR 181 GRANTS APPROVED DURING THE WHOLE OF 1979.
h TH,S YEAR INCLUDE ONE AMOUNTING TO
MILLION for the HONG KONG society FOR THE AGED (SAGE) TO BUILD TWO OLD PEOPLE’S CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES IN ABERDEEN.
/ANOTHER MAJOR ..
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
6
ANOTHER MAJOR GRANT, OF $9.1 MILLION, IS FOR THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS TO BUILD THE FIRST STAGE OF A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED IN TAI PO.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE PROJECTS WERE IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT POLICY SET OUT IN THE 1980 SOCIAL WELFARE WHITE PAPER ON THE PROVISION OF MORE RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.
HE SAID THE TWO HOMES PLANNED BY THE SAGE WOULD ACCOMMODATE A TOTAL OF 380 OLD PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE AND ATTENTION.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED SUBVENTION OF $3 MILLION EACH YEAR TO MEET RECURRENT COSTS, HE CONTINUED.
HE SAID THE TUNG WAH GROUP’S PROJECT WOULD BE DEVELOPED IN THREE STAGES AND, WHEN FULLY COMPLETED BY 1984-85, WOULD ACCOMMODATE 388 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE AND ATTENTION AND ANOTHER 200 REQUIRING MINIMAL CARE.
IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, AN ESTIMATED ANNUAL SUBVENTION OF $1.1 MILLION WILL BE PROVIDED TO MEET RECURRENT COSTS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT CAPITAL GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND WERE CONSIDERED ON APPLICATION BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO FINANCE NEW PROJECTS OR TO IMPROVE PROVISIONS OF EXISTING SERVICES SUCH AS RENOVATION OR PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT, AND GRANTS WERE APPROVED ON THE ADVICE OF THE SUBVENTION AND LOTTERIES FUND SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH IS REPRESENTED BY COMMUNITY LEADERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS.
HE SAID APPLICATIONS WERE PROCESSED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE DEPENDING ON VARIOUS FACTORS WHICH INCLUDED THE SUPPLY OF SUFFICIENT BASIC AND DETAILED INFORMATION, PROPER LAYOUT AND WORK PLANS, AND LAND GRANTS.
♦THESE FACTORS ARE IMPORTANT IN MINIMISING UNNECESSARY RE-CHECKS AND SPEEDING UP PROCESSING,* HE POINTED OUT.
HE ADDED THAT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING PROCEDURES WERE REVIEWED AND STREAMLINED WHERE NECESSARY.
IN CASES OF PROJECTS INVOLVING PREMISES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, NEW ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN IN FORCE TO ENABLE APPLICANTS TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE PREMISES ARE SCHEDULED FOR OCCUPANCY.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS AIM AT TIMING THE OCCUPANCY OF PREMISES TO START STRUCTURAL WORKS WITH THE APPROVAL OF GRANTS, HE SAID.
0---------
/7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
7
ENDOSCOPIC UNIT SET UP IN QMH
* * *
AN ENDOSCOPIC UNIT HAS BEEN SET UP IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, PROVIDING CENTRALISED FACILITIES FOR INVESTIGATION OF DISEASES OF THE LOWER AND UPPER INTESTINAL TRACT.
IT IS THE FIRST SUCH UNIT TO BE ESTABLISHED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS RENDERING SERVICE ON A 24-HOUR BASIS FOR PATIENTS REQUIRING ENDOSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS.
ENDOSCOPY IS AN EXAMINATION OF THE INTERIOR OF A CANAL OR HOLLOW VISCUS BY USING AN ENDOSCOPE TO DETECT TUMOURS OR OTHER FOREIGN BODIES IN THE INTERNAL ORGANS.
THE UNIT, WHICH IS TO BE RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILL ALSO OFFER TRAINING FOR STAFF WHO MAY BE ENGAGED IN DOING SIMILAR WORK IN OTHER GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ENDOSCOPIC UNIT ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 28).
NOTE TO EDITORS i
YOU ARE INVITED TO SENT REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE ENDOSCOPIC UNIT AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 28) AT 3.30 PM. THE CEREMONY, TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, WILL BE HELD IN THE NEW HOUSE OFFICERS CANTEEN, ADJACENT TO THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENT OF THE HOSPITAL. AFTER THE CEREMONY, PRESS REPRESENTATIVES CAN TOUR THE UNIT WHERE MEDICAL STAFF WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN ITS WORK.
------0-------
DRIVING FAST AND PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE CAUSE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
* X * * * X
DRIVING FAST AND CARELESSLY AND PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE ARE TWO MAIN CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE LEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE DISTRICT INSPECTION OF NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS ROAD SAFETY PATROLS AT YUEN LONG STADIUM.
♦THE SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROLS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DO MUCH ABOUT THE FIRST CAUSE BUT IN TWO WAYS YOU CON'.IBUTE TO REDUCING THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS ARISING FROi THE SECOND CAUSE.
♦FIRSTLY, THROUGH THE TRAINING WHICH YOU RECEIVE, YOJ BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY AND OF THE TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES THERE MAY BE OF IGN0RI5G ITS 'IM .,E RULES.
/+THIS AWARENESS ..
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
8
♦THIS AWARENESS AND THE EXAMPLE YOU SET PASSES FROM YOU TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND SO TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY.
♦SECONDLY, THROUGH THE PRACTICAL HELP IN CROSSING THE ROAD WHICH YOU GIVE TO OTHERS YOUNGER THAN YOURSELVES, YOU MAKE A DIRECT AND POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO PREVENTING ROAD ACCIDENTS.
AKERS-JONES*SA IDMETH,NG WH’CH Y°U MAY B£ TRULY PR0UD'* MR
MORE THAN 600 STUDENTS IN 21 PATROLS TOOK PART IN TODAY’S INSPECTION WHICH WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND HELD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE NEARLY 1 000 MEMBERS FROM 30 SCHOOLS IN ROAD SAFETY PATROLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
0 - -
SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO OBSERVE RULES FOR FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN A CIRCULAR TO SCHOOLS TODAY SET OUT CERTAIN RULES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
THE ONLY FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES PERMITTED IN SCHOOLS ARE THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGNS OF THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND £^I™E£!ESJSS?C 1 AT,0N AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST- AND COLLECTIONS F0R SPEC,ALLY APPROVED SCHOOL OR CHARITABLE PURPOSES,
II 01ATtD•
CERTAIN PERMITS AND LICENCES WILL HAVE TO BE OBTAINED WHEN ORGANISING PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT SUCH AS CONCERTS, STAGE PLAYS FILM SHOWS, STAGE PERFORMANCES, MUSIC, DRAMATIC OR THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENT, OR BAZAARS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUND-RAISING CAMPA IGNS.
♦A PERMIT MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING TO ADVERTISE, PRESENT OR CARRY ON SUCH PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT, AND A LICENCE FROM THE LICENSING AUTHORITY (URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE URBAN AREAS, AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES) MUST ALSO BE OBTAINED TO KEEP OR USE ANY PLACE OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT,^ THE CIRCULAR SAID.
IN ADDITION A COPY OF THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
♦SPECIAL PERMISSION FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS ALSO REQUIRED IF THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SELLING OF LIQUOR, THE USE OF STARTING PISTOLS, OR SHOOTING STALLS WHICH USE AIR RIFLES.♦
IF SCHOOLS WISHED TO PUBLICISE THE EVENT WITH BILLS OR POSTERS, THEY ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE THE SECTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE REGARDING THE DISPLAY OF BILLS OR POSTERS.
/PERMISSION MUST
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
9
PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE BEFORE ANY WALKATHON CAN BE HELD. A PERMIT FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING IS ALSO REQUIRED IF THE EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
A STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS, EXPENSES AND DISPOSAL OF NET PROCEEDS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION FOR REFERENCE WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
♦ALL FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES MUST BE ON AN ENTIRELY FREE AND VOLUNTARY BASIS, AND IN COMMUNICATIONS TO PARENTS THERE MUST BE NO SUGGESTION THAT A STUDENT’S OR APPLICANT’S STANDING IS IN ANY WAY RELATED TO THE CONTRIBUTION THE PARENTS MIGHT MAKE, NOR SHOULD ANY PARTICULAR AMOUNT BE SUGGESTED,+ THE CIRCULAR STATED.
-----0------
SNT STARTS CHARITY WALK IN TSUEN WAN ft ft ft ft
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) STARTED A CHARITY WALK AT THE SHING MUN RESERVOIR, TSUEN WAN, TO RAISE MONEY FOR JOINT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES LOCALLY.
THE FUND-RAISING WALK WAS ORGANISED BY THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE.
MONEY RAISED FROM THE WALK WILL GO TOWARDS FUNDING JOINT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN, SIMILAR TO THE GEOGRAPHY AND SCIENCE EXHIBITIONS HELD THERE EARLIER THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 2 OOO PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THIS MORNING’S WALK, MOST OF WHOM WERE MEMBERS OF TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS.
THE WALK WAS OVER A SEVEN-KILOMETRE COURSE AND WAS COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO HOURS.
ABOUT $100 000 ARE EXPECTED TO BE RAISED.
/10 .....
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
10
HIKING SCHEME LAUNCHED * * *
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHONG HING HIKING SCHEME, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION AND SPONSORED BY THE LIU CHONG HING BANK LTD WAS HELD AT THE WAN CHAI GAP PARK THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING. 5
THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE LIU CHONG HING BANK, MR LIU LIT-FOR OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING MR WIGGHAM SAID PROPER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WERE BADLY NEEDED IN HONG KONG, AND THAT HIKING WAS A VERY SUITABLE ONE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ’MEMBERSHIP SCHEME’ WHICH WAS ADOPTED FOR THE FIRST TIME, WOULD MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PARTICIPANTS TO PLAN THEIR LEISURE ACTIVITIES WELL IN ADVANCE, AND TO CHOOSE THE DATE AND ROUTE THAT SUITED THEM.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, ABOUT 1 000 HIKERS SET OFF FOR A WALK VIA LADY CLEMENTI PATH TO ABERDEEN.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND DETAILED INFORMATION ON ALL THE 16 ROUTES OF THE HIKING SCHEME WERE ALSO ON DISPLAY AT THE WAN CHAI GAP PARK.
THE HIKING SCHEME WILL COMMENCE ON NOVEMBER 2 WITH WALKS ORGANSIED EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 1981.
-----o------
PRISONS DEPARTMENT TO STAGE * *
RECRUITMENT DISPLAY IN CHAI WAN * * *
THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE ANOTHER RECRUITMENT DISPLAY AND VARIETY SHOW IN THE CHAI WAN INDUSTRIAL AREA ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 28).
THE DISPLAY, AS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CURRENT RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR ASSISTANT OFFICERS II, WILL BE HELD IN THE CHAI WAN PARK FOOTBALL FIELD IN LEE CHUNG STREET FROM 12.30 PM TO 2 PM.
PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY OF PRISON WORK AND A PERFORMANCE BY A LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT TROUPE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE DISPLAY.
PRISON OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM VISITORS AT A MOBILE RECRUITMENT CENTRE.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP PR I SO ORK rS A CAREER MAY ALSO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT O~FICE ON 5-938455 OR ANY CF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES FOR i NF OP-.AT i ON.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A GOOD PHYSIQUE -ND EE PREFERABLY UNDER 35 WITH A SECONDARY EDUCATION STANDARD. THE STAi-TING SALARY VARIES FROM $1 870 TO $2 065 DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATICs?.
-----o------
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
11
NEW ROADS FOR SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN HUNG MUI KUK, SHA TIN.
A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROJECT, PART OF STAGE II OF THE f€W TOWN DEVELOPMENT, INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE OF DISTRIBUTOR ROADS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINS AND SEWERS, FOOTPATHS, A PEDESTRAIN AND CYCLIST SUBWAY AND AN ACCESS ROAD FROM THE EXISTING TIN SAM NULLAH ROAD.
ON COMPLETION, HE SAID, THESE ROADS WOULD PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE AREA WHERE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS WOULD BE DEVELOPED TO HOUSE ABOUT 2 000 PEOPLE AND A PRIVATE HOSPITAL WITH 600 BEDS IS PLANNED.
*0RK 0N THE PROJECT WILL START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SUB-OFFICE TO MOVE TO NEW ADDRESS * * * *
THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR OF GREENLAND HOUSE, 41G, MA TAU WEI ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL MOVE TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF HUNGHOM BAY CENTRE, SHOPS 14 AND 16, HUNG HOM WAN STREET, KOWLOON TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE UNIT’S TELEPHONE NUMBERS AT THE NEW OFFICE ARE 3-627996 FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTOR AND 3-633415 FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1980
12
WATER CUT * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN STANLEY WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 28) FOR WORK ON THE SUPPLY SYSTEM.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE ON STANLEY MAIN STREET, STANLEY MARKET ROAD INCLUDING MA HANG VILLAGE AND MA LAI SUN TSUEN.
0 - -
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN KWUN TONG *****
A SECTION OF HUNG TO ROAD BETWEEN LAI YIP STREET AND CHONG YIP STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 23).
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO
GOVERNMENT APPOINTS CONSULTANT ON NARCOTICS TREATMENT ......... 1
SJ5 000 PAID UNDER NEW RaTES TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ’• 2
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION CEREMONY ................................ 3
MEDALS FOR HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHERS ............................ 8
ISLAND ROAD TO BE WIDENED FOR TUNNEL TRAFFIC .................. 8
"TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK" BEGINS TODAY .......................... 9
SQUASH COURTS AT FANLIMG RECREATION GROUND .................... 9
LEFT-TURN PROHIBITION ON KANSU STREET ........................ 10
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY
10
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
1
GOVERNMENT APPOINTS CONSULTANT ON NARCOTICS TREATMENT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED A MEDICAL SPECIALIST ON NARCOTICS TREATMENT AS CONSULTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
THE CONSULTANT, DR ROBERT NEWMAN, IS A LEADING WORLD AUTHORITY IN THE FIELD OF METHADONE TREATMENT AND IS CURRENTLY THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE BETH-ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTRE IN NEW YORK. HE HAS BEEN CONNECTED WITH HONG KONG’S ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORTS AND THE METHADONE TREATMENT PROGRAMMES SINCE 1975.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID THE REASON FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A CONSULTANT WAS TO SUPPLEMENT THE EXPERT ADVICE AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, HE SAID, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION HAVE PLAYED AN INCREASINGLY SIGNIFICANT ROLE OVER THE YEARS.
HE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY INCREASE SINCE 1975 IN THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS SEEKING TREATMENT.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, THE DAILY AVERAGE OF ADDICTS IN THE VARIOUS TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES AS AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR WAS 14 000 COMPARED WITH 6 □□□ SEVEN YEARS AGO, INCREASED BY ABOUT ONE AND A HALF TIMES.
ALTHOUGH MUCH HAS BEEN ACHIEVED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, MUCH STILL REMAINS TO BE DONE.
HE STRESSED THE NECESSITY AND IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG BEING KEPT CONSTANTLY INFORMED OF NEW IDEAS AND DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE TAKING PLACE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY IN THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE CONSIDERABLE RESEARCH CAPABILITIES IN ALL RELEVANT FIELDS.
AN IMPORTANT PART OF DR NEWMAN’S RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE THE COLLATION OF, AND ADVICE ON THE POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF SUCH RESEARCH TO HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES.
_THE CONSULTANT WILL BE A BRIDGE TO HELP HONG KONG BENEFIT FROM THE LATEST INTERNATIONAL THINKING AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
DR NEWMAN VISITED HONG KONG ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS BETWEEN 1975 AND 1978 AND HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE METHADONE TREATMENT SCHEME, AND ALSO TO THE PROPOSALS LEADING TO THE CREATION 0- THE NE* CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ADDICTS (CRDA), WHICH IS NOW ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST ADVANCED SYSTEMS OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
/AS A....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
2
AS A CONSULTANT, DR NEWMAN WILL VISIT HONG KONG EVERY YEAR, DURING WHICH HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON CURRENT PROGRESS, HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH MEMBERS OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND WITH OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR VARIOUS ANTI-NARCOTICS PROGRAMMES, AND VISIT TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTRES.
DR NEWMAN WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSING THE MOST RECENT REPORTS ISSUED BY THE CRDA, AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN TERMS OF POSSIBLE FUTURE POLICY.
DR NEWMAN, WHO IS VISITING HONG KONG, WILL MEET LEADING PERSONALITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE, BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL, DURING HIS STAY.
HE WILL ADDRESS DOCTORS ATTENDING THE SECOND WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION INTERNATIONAL-REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE ON THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENT PERSONS WHICH WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND END ON NOVEMBER 17. HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS MEDICAL STUDENTS AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
_ _ _ _ 0 - - --
$35 OOO PAID UNDER NEW RATES TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT, UNDER THE INCREASED RATES INTRODUCED THIS MONTH, DEATH AND INJURY GRANTS TOTALLING OVER $35 000 TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR
DEPENDANTS.
A FURTHER $21 740 HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT AND NOW AWAIT COLLECTION AT THE DEPARTMENT.
THIS BRINGS TO NEARLY $20 MILLION THE TOTAL PAYMENTS MADE SO FAR SINCE THE ’NO-FAULT’ TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME (TAVAS) STARTED IN MAY LAST YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY PAYMENT RATES HAD BEEN INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF THIS MONTH.
HE SAID 11 PAYMENTS WERE MADE UNDER THE NEW RATES, INCLUDING FOUR DEATH GRANTS TOTALLING $24 800 AND SEVEN INJURY GRANTS AMOUNTING TO $10 248.
THE FIRST PAYMENT MADE UNDER THE NEW RATES WAS $20 000 FOR THE WIFE AND DAUGHTER OF A 32-YEAR OLD LORRY DRIVER KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT ON OCTOBER 4 ON TA I PO ROAD, HE SAID.
THE AMOUNT COMPRISED $1 600 AS BURIAL GRANT, $14 950 AS DEATH GRANT AND $3 450 AS PAYMENT FOR LOSS OF EARNING, HE ADDED.
UNDER THE NEW PAYMENT RATES', THE MAXIMUM DEATH GRANT IS $23 000 FOR THE LOSS OF A SOLE WAGE-EARNER, OR S16 200 FOR THE LOSS OF HUSBAND OR WIFE WHO IS NOT A WAGE-EARNER BUT WITH CHILDREN.
/INJURY GRANTS ..
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
- 3 -
INJURY GRANTS RANGE FROM $160 TO $4 960 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF INJURY, WHICH MUST HAVE CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAY’S LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.
THE NON-MEANS TESTED SCHEME AIMS AT PROVIDING QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO WAS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS MAY Ar'PLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENTS TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVAS SECTION ON THE 14TH floor of world trade centre, 280 Gloucester road, hong kong (tel. NOS. 5-779421 AND 5-7903650).
INSIGNIA PRESENTATION CEREMONY
* * * *
NINETY-SIX MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, COMMENDED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, RECEIVED THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS EVENING.
THE RECIPIENTS WERE «
CBE (COMMANDER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
THE HONOURABLE JOHN MARTIN ROWLANDS
CBE (COMMANDER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (MILITARY)
MAJOR-GENERAL THE HONOURABLE JOHN LYON CHAPPLE OBE (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
DR KENNETH CHAUN KWOK-WING
MR GEOFFREY DOUGLAS EDEN PROFESSOR MICHAEL JAMES COLBOURNE MR GEORGE HO MR FRANK LIN HUI-PO MR WILLIAM FREDERICK STONES OBE (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (MILITARY)
WING COMMANDER ROSS GRANGE PENLINGTON
/ISO (IHPL?.LvL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
- 4 -
ISO (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
MR ALAN JOHN CARTER
MBE (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR CHAN CHUN-YING
MRS IRENE CHENG TONG
MR JOSEPH CHENG KWO-PING
MR CHIA CHI-PEI
DR CHING YUEN-KAI
MR LEE NA I-KOO
MR ROBERT RONALD LESLIE POGUE
MR WONG SIK-KONG
MBE (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (MILITARY)
WARRANT OFFICER 2 GRAHAM JOHN ARSCOTT
WARRANT OFFICER I DAVID DUFFUS
BEM (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
MR CHAN HING
MR CHENG PANG-FEI
MR ALLAN CHIU CHING
MR CHOW LAM-PANG
MR CHU MAN-YUI
MR FOK HIN-KWONG
MR FUNG WAH-KON
MR HO KIT-TONG
MR KAM YAU
MR JAMES KAN KAM-FOOK
MR LAU HUNG
MR LAU KAM-KWONG
/MR LO ....
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
- 5 -
MR LO CHI-WAH
MRS NG MUK-KAH
MR PANG KWAI-CHEONG
MR PANG SHUK-KEUNG
MR WONG HANG-CHEONG
MR YAU TAT-KUM
MR YOUNG CHAK
MR YU CHE-SHUN
BEM (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL) (MILITARY)
FLIGHT SERGEANT DAVID STANLEY EDWARD GUTSELL
CORPORAL RAGHUBIR RAI QPM (QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL)
MR GEOFFREY DAVID CARTER ISM (IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL)
MR IP HO
MR TSE SZE
MR WONG WING-WO
CPM (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL)
MR BRIAN HENRY BOYTON
MR GARTH STOPHER BURROWS
MR CHAN SIU-TONG
MR GEOFFREY HOWARD COX
MR JOHN ROLAND EDWARD CROSS
MR CLIVE JOSEPH EVANS
MR VICTOR MAURICE GREEN
MR ALASTAIR WILLIAM JAMIESON GUNN
MR PETER ERNEST HALLIDAY
MR GORDON JACK
/KR LIONEL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
- 6 -
MR LIONEL LAM KIN
MR LEUNG SHU-PIU
MR NG HON-WING
MR TO SHEK-CHUEN
MR JOHN TURNER
MR HECTOR MCDONALD WHITTON
MR ROBERT MOFFAT WILKINSON
MR WONG SHU-PIU
MR WONG WAI-HO
MR YAU SIU-FAN CFSM (COLONIAL FIRE SERVICE MEDAL)
MR JOHN ASHTON BREDBURY
MR CHOI CHANG-KONG
MR THOMAS DAVID CHARLES GARDINER
MR KONG HING
MR SO WING
MR WOO KWAN-KUEN
BADGE OF HONOUR
MADAM CHAN SIU
MR CHENG FEI-HONG
MR HO TZE-PING
MR DAVID HO YUNG-SANG
MR IU HON-LEUNG
MR LEUNG CHUNG-LICK
MR LEUNG SHUI-FAT
MRS RITA LIU TONG WAI-OI
MR MAK TAK-FUN
MR SHUM TING-CHAK
MR YIP KAM-FAT
MR YU YUEN-HEI
/QUEEN'S COMMENDATION .
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
- 7 -QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT
MR LEUNG KAM-CHU
MR WOO KIN-LEUNG
ORDER OF ST JOHN
OFFICER (BROTHER)
DR CHOW CHAM-LAU
DR LAU MAN-HIN
DR HENRY LI FOOK-KUEN
SERVING BROTHER
MR CHENG KIN-SHING
MR FUNG KWAN-CHEE
MR HO CHAK-LAM
MR LAM MING-CHAM
DR LAU WING-SANG
SERVING SISTER
MISS HAR SAU-LAI
MISS LAM PO-CHING ------------------------------0-------- /8
MONDAY, OCTOBEB 27, 1980
- 8 -
MEDALS FOR HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHERS * * * * *
HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WON MEDALS IN THE SECOND COMMONWEALTH PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION HELD EARLIER IN CYPRUS RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, NR BARRIE WIGGHAM THIS EVENING.
MR WIGGHAM RETURNED LAST MONTH WITH THE MEDALS. HE REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WAS OFFICIATED BY THE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS.
THERE WERE FIVE GROUPS OF ENTRIES IN THE EXHIBITION. HONG KONG WON TWO GOLD AND ONE BRONZE MEDALS. THE FIRST GOLD MEDAL WAS WON BY MR SUNNY LEE WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPH +HAPPY JOSS*. THE SECOND WAS AWARDED TO HONG KONG FOR THE BEST GROUP ENTRY IN THE BLACK AND WHITE SECTION OF 'THE COMMONWEALTH AND ITS PEOPLE’. CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR ARTHUR HACKER, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, MR CHANG HUNG CHEON JOINTLY RECEIVED THIS MEDAL. THE BRONZE WAS WON BY MR TANG PO YUEN WITH HIS +GOING STRONG+.
TODAY’S PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS HELD DURING THE MONTHLY FETING OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG.
THE SECOND COMMONWEALTH PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WAS HELD CONCURRENTLY WITH THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL IN WHICH HONG KONG WAS REPRESENTED BY THE HONG KONG JING YING. IN THE TELEVISION COMPETITION OF THAT FESTIVAL, RTHK WON A SILVER MEDAL WITH +THE YOUNG CONCUBINE+.
-----0-----
ISLAND ROAD TO BE WIDENED FOR TUNNEL TRAFFIC ******
IMPROVEMENT WORK ON A SECTION OF ISLAND ROAD BETWEEN WONG CHUK HANG AND DEEP WATER BAY WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEK.
ON COMPLETION IN 15 MONTHS, THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL ACCOMMODATE THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AFTER THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL.
A $14 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS SIGNED TODAY BY MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (HONG KONG) DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF HARBOUR ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED.
THE CONTRACT IS FOR THE WIDENING OF 850 METRES OF THE ROAD FROM FIVE METRES TO 6.75 METRES ON AN IMPROVED ALIGNMENT.
THIS WILL REQUIRE CONSTRUCTING RETAINING WALLS AND REINFORCED CONCRETE ROAD DECKING ON THE SEAWARD SIDE.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (HONG KONG) DIVISION OF THE PWD’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
9
+TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK+ BEGINS TODAY
* * *
A PROJECT TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS TO OVER 2 000 TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS STARTED TODAY. u ex d uuu
♦TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK+ HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE AND YAN CHAI HOSPITAL.
A TEAM OF NURSING STAFF FROM THE HOSPITAL WILL VISIT PACT0R,ES IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG TO CONDUCT BLOOD PRESSURE AND URINE TESTS FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND WORKERS MEDICAL HISTORY WILL ALSO BE RECORDED.
IHE PURP0SE IS TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THEIR HEALTH CONDITION AND TAKE PROMPT ACTION IF ANY DISEASE IS DETECTED. A TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
„ _UALL THOSE TESTED WILL BE GIVEN RECORD CARDS CONTAINING RESULTS Or THE TEbTS.
IN CASES WHERE FOLLOW-UP ACTION IS REQUIRED, THEY WILL BE REFERRED TO YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR FURTHER TREATMENT.
THE TEAM PLANS TO VISIT SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND FOUR FACTORIES DURING THE WEEK, CHECKING UP TO 2 000 PEOPLE.
ANOTHER TEAM WILL BE STATIONED AT THE OUTPATIENTS’ DEPARTMENT OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1). ANY TSUEN WAN RESIDENT WANTING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE CHECK-UP SERVICE SHOULD GO TO THE HOSPITAL BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12.30 PM.
------0-------
SQUASH COURTS AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND
*****
TWO SQUASH COURTS WILL BE BUILT AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND TO MEET GROWING DEMAND FOR PLAYING FACILITIES.
THEY WILL BE THE FIRST ONES TO BE BUILT TO IMPROVED STANDARD, WITH AIR-CONDITIONING AND MAPLE FLOORING.
ANOTHER FEATURE IS THAT ONE OF THE COURTS WILL BE GLASS-BACKED FOR GROUP COACHING.
A SPECTATOR STAND WILL BE PUT UP TO MAKE THE COURTS AVAILABLE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
WORK WILL START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS.
-----o ---------
/10......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1980
10 -
LEFT-TURN PROHIBITION ON KANSU STREET * * * *
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG KANSU STREET IN YAU MA TEI WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND FROM
10 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30).
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AT THE ROAD JUNCTION.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----o-----
INTERRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY
* M M *
WATER SUPPLY TO AREAS OF SAN PO KONG AND KOWLOON CITY WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 29) NIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
SUPPLY TO SAN PO KONG WILL BE TURNED OFF AT 9 PM. THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE IN TSAT PO STREET, KING FUK STREET, SAM CHUK STREET AND THE REAR LANES OF LUK HOP STREET AND PAT TAT STREET.
IN KOWLOON CITY, THE WATER CUT WILL BEGIN AT MIDNIGHT. THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY KAI TAK ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND CARPENTER ROAD.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GO-AHEAD FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF JUBILEE STREET PIER........... 1
ID CARD REMINDER ........................................... 2
GOVERNMENT HAS MORAL DUTY TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE NT VILLAGES ....................................... 3
HEALTH TALKS IN GUANGZHOU .................................. 7
APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION ................... 7
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IMPORTANT INSIDE COUNTRY PaRKS ........ 8
MEDICAL DIRECTOR CALLS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISMS ......... 9
GREEN BELT ALONG KWUN TONG RD.............................. 10
VIOLIN WORKSHOP AT MUSIC OFFICE ........................... 11
NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAFFIC ON NaTHaN ROaD................ 12
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
1
GO-AHEAD FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF JUBILEE STREET PIER
X X * X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD FOR THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY TO REDEVELOP THE JUBILEE STREET PIER INTO A MODERN, THREE-STOREY, FOUR-BERTH COMPLEX COMPLETE WITH COMMERCIAL KIOSKS AND SHOPS.
THE COMPANY ESTIMATES THAT THE NEW PIER COULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT THREE YEARS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPANY PLANNED TO DEMOLISH THE EXISTING PIER AND REPLACE IT WITH THE THREE-STOREY STRUCTURE WHICH WOULD INCLUDE WAITING AREAS AND PASSENGER FLOW FACILITIES.
PASSENGERS WOULD BE SEGREGATED FROM VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BY LINKING THE PIER STRUCTURE TO THE ADJACENT FOOTBRIDGE NETWORK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL BERTH WAS ESPECIALLY WELCOME +AS THE LACK OF SUFFICIENT BERTHING FACILITIES IN CENTRAL IS A SIGNIFICANT CONSTRAINT ON THE PROVISION OF BOTH NEW AND IMPROVED FERRY SERVICES.*
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO WELCOMES THE IMPROVED WAITING AREAS AND PASSENGER FLOW IN A MODERN, MORE SPACIOUS PIER STRUCTURE AND THE FOOTBRIDGE LINK,* HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ABOUT 24 KIOSKS AND SHOPS WOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF THE COMPLEX, AND THE TOP FLOOR WOULD BE SEPARATED FROM PASSENGER FLOW AND WOULD BE ENTIRELY FOR COMMERCIAL USE.
REVENUE GENERATED FROM THE COMPLEX WOULD BE REGARDED AS REVENUE FROM FERRY SERVICES, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
♦THIS IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE,* HE SAID. *IT SHOULD HELP LIMIT FARE INCREASES AND TO CROSS-SUBS ID ISE UNPROFITABLE BUT NECESSARY FERRY SERVICES.
♦THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE BETTER FACILITIES AT THE PIER, AND THE IMPROVED FACILITIES HOPEFULLY WILL MAKE TRANSPORT BY FERRY MORE ATTRACTIVE AND HELP TO EASE DEMAND FOR ROAD SPACE.*
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WELCOME FURTHER PROPOSALS OF THIS TYPE.
-------o - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
2
ID CARD REMINDER ft ft ft ft
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TO CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OR OTHER ACCEPTABLE IDENTITY DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY LEAVE THEIR HOUSE ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30).
FROM THAT DAY, EVERYONE AGED 15 OR OVER WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, MUST CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY AT ALL TIMES ANYWHERE IN HONG KONG.
OTHER THAN A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, ONLY THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE ACCEPTEDi
ft A FORM ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE HOLDER HAS APPLIED TO BE REGISTERED, OR TO OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT, FOR AN ID CARD,
ft A CURRENT DRIVING LICENCE,
ft A SERVICE IDENTITY CARD OF THE BRITISH FORCES,
ft A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT,
ft A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD.
FAILURE TO CARRY AN IDENTITY CARD, OR ONE OF THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS, IS AN OFFENCE AND MAY INCUR A FINE OF UP TO $1 000.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED TODAY THAT THE ABILITY OF PEOPLE TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES EASILY WOULD BE OF IMMENSE ASSISTANCE TO THE SECURITY FORCES IN DETECTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ♦AT THE SAME TIME, THEY CAN AVOID INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES IF THEY ARE STOPPED AND ASKED FOR PROOF OF IDENTITY,♦ HE ADDED.
♦IT IS HOPED ALL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL PLAY THEIR PART AS RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS AND ASSIST THE POLICE, LABOUR OFFICERS AND IMMIGRATION OFFICERS IN THEIR TASK.*
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED THOSE WHO ARE NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER, SUCH AS VISITORS, TO CARRY THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE TO THEMSELVES.
-----0------
/3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
- 3 -
GOVERNMENT HAS MORAL DUTY TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE NT VILLAGES ******
A NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE ENJOYS A REAL, DEEP, AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY LIFE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS A MORAL DUTY TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE, SAID TODAY.
DR HASE WAS SPEAKING ON ♦INDIGENOUS VILLAGES WITHIN NEW TOWNS* AT A MEETING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES LIONS CLUB.
HE SAID IT HAD BECOME ACCEPTED THAT WHERE A VILLAGE HAD TO BE MOVED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE GREATER GOOD OF THE WHOLE POPULATION OF HONG KONG, THE COMPENSATION OFFERED SHOULD BE SUCH THAT THIS COMMUNITY LIFE WAS NOT EXTINGUISHED BUT RELOCATED TO A NEW SITE TO CONTINUE AS BEFORE.
♦IT IS CONCEDED IN OTHER WORDS THAT CLEARANCE OF AN INDIGENOUS VILLAGE INVOLVES MORE THAN MERELY THE BUYING OUT AND REMOVAL OF A GROUP OF LANDOWNERS- IT INVOLVES THE RELOCATION OF A PRE-EXISTING COMMUNITY.*
DR HASE SAID WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT AREA OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN, THERE EXISTED IN 1973 — WHEN WORKS STARTED — NO LESS THAN 42 INDIGENOUS VILLAGES, WHERE SUCH A COMMUNITY LIFE EXISTED, TOGETHER WITH A FURTHER THREE ON THE EDGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA.
IT WAS EVENTUALLY DECIDED THAT SEVEN OF THESE VILLAGES, ALL VERY SMALL, WOULD HAVE TO BE RELOCATED, BUT THAT THE REMAINING 38 WOULD REMAIN IN SITU, HOPEFULLY AS CONTINUING VIABLE COMMUNITIES.
NONETHELESS, IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF A VILLAGE WAS INFLUENCED VERY STRONGLY BY ITS PHYSICAL SETTING.
WERE THE PHYSICAL SETTING OF THE VILLAGE TO COLLAPSE INTO A SUBSTANDARD COLLECTION OF SEMI-RUINOUS HOUSES, THEN THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT WOULD DISAPPEAR TOO- THE WEALTHIER VILLAGERS WOULD LEAVE AND THOSE LEFT BEHIND WOULD LOSE HEART.
+SINCE THE PRESERVATION OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY SPIRIT IS CLEARLY SOMETHING OF SUBSTANTIAL VALUE, THE PRESERVATION OF A DECENT PHYSICAL SETTING FOR THE VILLAGE IS EQUALLY SO,* DR HASE SAID.
HE SAID IN RURAL VILLAGES STANDARDS OF DRAINAGE, FOOTPATHS, STREET LIGHTING AND TOWN PLANNING NEED NOT BE TO THE SAME LEVELS AS IN THE MIDST OF THE CITY, ALTHOUGH, OF COURSE, THEY SHOULD BE OF A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH STANDARD TO MEET NEEDS OF RESIDENTS.
/HOWEVER .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
4
HOWEVER, HE SAID, AS SOON AS SUCH VILLAGES WERE BROUGHT WITHIN THE LAYOUT OF A NEW TOWN, THEY SUDDENLY FOUND THEMSELVES IN THE MIDST OF THE CITY AND MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO THE SAME STANDARDS, AS FAR AS THEIR SERVICES AND PHYSICAL SETTING WENT, AS THE REST OF THE CITY.
SUCH A VILLAGE, SUDDENLY PLUNGED INTO AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT, COULD AND MUST REMAIN A VIABLE COMMUNITY, BUT ITS PHYSICAL SETTING MUST CHANGE TO FIT THE NEW URBAN ENVIRONMENT.
IF THIS WAS NOT DONE, THE VILLAGE WOULD ALMOST UNAVOIDABLY SLIP BACK INTO A SLUM- THE FEARFUL CONDITION OF PRESENT DAY HA HOI PA VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN SHOWED WHAT WAS LIKELY TO HAPPEN IF SUCH VILLAGES WERE NOT BROUGHT PHYSICALLY UP TO NORMAL URBAN STANDARDS.
♦IF VILLAGES WITHIN THE NEW TOWN ARE NOT BROUGHT UP TO URBAN STANDARDS IN THIS WAY, NOT ONLY WILL THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY COLLAPSE, BUT ALSO ITS SUBSTANDARD STATE WILL AFFECT ALL THE SURROUNDING NON-VILLAGE DEVELOPMENTS, DEPRESSING PROPERTY VALUES AND LOWERING THE OVERALL PLANNING STANDARDS OF THE TOWN,+ HE SAID.
DR HASE SAID IMPROVING THE PHYSICAL SETTING OF A VILLAGE
IN THIS WAY WAS A DIFFICULT AND EXPENSIVE JOB.
IT WAS A TWO FOLD PROBLEM, REQUIRING ATTENTION TO BE
PAID TO BOTH THE EXISTING OLD VILLAGE AREA AND ITS PERIPHERY.
IN MANY OLD VILLAGES THERE WERE NO ROADS, AND ACCESS PATHS WERE ONLY TWO OR THREE FEET WIDE — QUITE LITERALLY.
TO LAY MAINS SEWERS IN OLD VILLAGES, FOR INSTANCE, TO REPLACE THE EXISTING OPEN DRAINS AND COMMUNAL LATRINES --WHICH WAS SOMETHING WHICH MUST BE DONE IF AN ACCEPTABLE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND LIFE STYLE WAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED — MIGHT REQUIRE ACCESS PATHS TO BE CLOSED COMPLETELY, LET ALONE THE ENGINEERING COMPLEXITIES OF FITTING DRAINS INTO THE INTRICATE MAZE OF ARBITRARILY SITED FOOTPATHS WHICH MADE UP MOST VILLAGE ACCESS NETWORKS.
INSTALLATION OF AN ADEQUATE PIPED DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND FIRE HYDRANTS WAS EQUALLY COMPLEX.
♦ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH HAS TO BE FACED IN PLANNING INDIGENOUS VILLAGES INTO THE NEW TOWNS IS THAT, WHEREAS IN THE URBAN AREA ALL ROADS AND FOOTPATHS ARE CROWN LAND, IN MANY VILLAGES THEY ARE PRIVATE LAND AND ARE OWNED, THEORETICALLY BY THE ADJACENT HOUSE OWNERS,♦ DR HASE SAID.
OBVIOUSLY, INSTALLATION OF MAINS SEWERS, HOUSE-TO-HOUSE MAINS DRINKING WATER AND IMPROVEMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING CAPABILITIES WOULD IMPROVE THE VALUE OF THESE SAME ADJACENT LOTS.
/MOST landowners .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
- 5 -
MOST LANDOWNERS WERE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO ALLOW THE WORKS TO PROCEED ON THE FOOTPATHS IN FRONT OF THEIR DOORS, BUT A FEW TRIED TO MAKE THIS WORK THE EXCUSE FOR HOLDING THE COMMUNITY TO RANSOM BY DEMANDING THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS COMPENSATION FOR THE +DAMAGE+ TO THEIR PROPERTY.
IN SOME CASES, INDEED, IT WAS NOT *AN INCH OF GOLD FOR A FOOT OF LAND*, BUT +A FOOT OF GOLD FOR AN INCH OF LAND*, HE SAID.
THE SAME PROBLEM AROSE WHERE STREET LIGHTING WITHIN THESE VILLAGES WAS CONCERNED. BECAUSE OF THE NARROW STREETS THE LIGHTS HAD TO BE FIXED TO THE HOUSES i IF THE LANDOWNERS REFUSED TO CO-OPERATE FOR THE COMMON GOOD, THE JOB BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.
DR HASE SAID i +THIS THEN IS OUR FIRST PROBLEM i THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY WITHIN THE NEW TOWN BY ENSURING THAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AT SUCH A LEVEL THAT THE EXISTING PHYSICAL SETTING OF THE OLD VILLAGE DOES NOT DISAPPEAR INTO A SLUM.
+ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH IS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DEBATE IS WHAT IS PROPOSED FOR THE PERIPHERAL AREAS AROUND THE OLD VILLAGES- AND THIS — THE PROBLEM OF HOW AN INDIGENOUS VILLAGE CAN BE EXPANDED WITHIN A NEW TOWN FRAMEWORK — CONSTITUTES OUR SECOND MAJOR DIFFICULTY.*
WHEN THE DECISION TO PRESERVE THE VILLAGES WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NEW TOWN HAD BEEN TAKEN AN AREA AROUND EACH VILLAGE WAS DESIGNATED A +VILLAGE ZONE*.
*IT IS THE PLANNING INTO THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NEW TOWN OF THE WHOLE OF THIS ZONE, AND NOT MERELY THE ORIGINAL VILLAGE, WHICH IS NECESSARY,* DR HASE SAID.
MOST OLD VILLAGES WERE SERIOUSLY DEFICIENT IN ALMOST ALL PUBLIC FACILITIES, AS WELL AS SERVICES. CARPARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WERE THE FACILITIES MOST OFTEN LACKING.
CLEARLY, THE PROVISION OF SUCH FACILITIES MUST TAKE THE FIRST PRIORITY IN THESE PERIPHERAL VILLAGE AREAS.
AGAIN, MUCH LAND IN THESE PERIPHERAL VILLAGE AREAS WAS WELL-ESTABLISHED FUNG SHU I WOODLAND WHICH COULD NOT BE CUT. THESE WOODLAND AREAS WERE, OF COURSE, OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THE GEOMANTIC INHERITANCE OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY, BUT WHICH BECOME OF MAJOR INTEREST, NOT ONLY TO THE VILLAGERS, BUT ALSO TO THE WHOLE NEW TOWN, AS THEY CONSTITUTED A GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURE OF THE HIGHEST SIGNIFICANCE.
DR HASE SAID I *l NEED HARDLY POINT OUT THAT THE PRESERVATION OF OVER 100 ACRES OF FUNG SHU I WOODLAND WITHIN SHA TIN NEW TOWN WILL GIVE THAT NEW TOWN A VERY GREEN AND WELL-WOODED LOOK- AND THESE FUNG SHU I WOODS BECOME, THEREFORE, EXTREMELY PRECIOUS TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
/♦WHEN FUNG .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
6
♦WHEN FUNG SHU I LAND AND LAND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES HAS BEEN TAKEN FROM THE VILLAGE ZONE, WHAT IS LEFT MAY BE USED FOR BUILDING NEW SMALL HOUSES.
♦ A PROPER, APPROVED LAYOUT FOR THESE HOUSES IS CLEARLY ESSENTIAL IF THE AREA IS TO FIT WITHOUT PROBLEM INTO THE NEW TOWN.*
THE NORMAL PRACTICE OF BUILDING SMALL HOUSES ACCORDING TO THE VAGARIES OF PRIVATE LANDHOLDING COULD NOT BE PERMITTED 1 THIS WOULD LEAD TO A FORMLESS SCATTER OF HOUSES WITH TWISTING, NARROW PATHS AROUND THEM AND WOULD MAKE THE PROVISION CF SERVICES AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF A REAL URBAN ENVIRONMENT DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
+THE LAYOUT MUST THEREFORE IGNORE THE ACCIDENTS OF LANDHOLDING- EITHER INTER-VILLAGER LAND EXCHANGE MUST TAKE PLACE TO FIT THE LANDOWNERSHIP PATTERN TO THE LAYOUT, OR GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME ALL THE PRIVATE LAND,* DR HASE SAID.
♦VARIOUS POSSIBLE WAYS OF DRAWING UP LAYOUT FOR SUCH PERIPHERAL AREAS AND GETTING IT IMPLEMENTED ARE UNDER DISCUSSION
♦ALL, HOWEVER, INVOLVE SOME TROUBLE AND EXPENSE, AND INVOLVE PLACING PLANNING LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF SMALL HOUSES PERMITTED.
♦THIS WAY OF TREATING PERIPHERAL VILLAGE AREAS IS ESSENTIAL IF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY IS TO SURVIVE — TO ALLOW THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE NUMBER OF SMALL HOUSES TO BE CRAMMED IN, IN AN UNPLANNED MISH-MASH, WOULD MERELY GUARANTEE THE DEGENERATION CF THE VILLAGE INTO A SECOND RATE SLUM AND THE EXTINCTION OF ITS COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
♦NO, THE VILLAGE CAN ONLY BE ALLOWED TO EXPAND IN AN ORDERLY WAY, AND THE UPPER LIMIT ON SMALL HOUSES MUST BE NOT THE PHYSICAL CAPACITY OF THE LAND BUT THE PLANNING CAPACITY OF THE NEW TOWN.
♦VILLAGES MUST BE PLANNED INTO THE NEW TOWN AND EXIST THERE WITHOUT PRODUCING A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE REST OF THE TOWN. THEY MUST CONTINUE TO EXIST AS FUNCTIONING VIABLE COMMUNITIES, AS A POSITIVE AND NOT A NEGATIVE SOCIAL FACTOR.+
♦IF THESE THINGS ARE DONE.+ DR HASE ADDED, +THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE VILLAGE WITHIN THE NEW TOWN SHOULD NOT SURVIVE AS SOME OF THE PLEASANTEST AREAS THERE — FULL OF A GOOD COMMUNITY SPIRIT, WELL PLANNED, PROPERLY SERVICED AND WITH ADEQUATE FACILITIES, GREEN AND WELL WOODED, AND WITH BUILDINGS AT A HOMELY AND SATISFYING LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT.♦
♦IN LIGHT OF THE ABOVE,+ HE SAID, +1 AM SURE THAT I DO NOT NEED TO EXPLAIN WHY, IN SHA TIN, SINCE APRIL 1, 1980, NO APPLICATIONS FOR SMALL HOUSES HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED EXCEPT WHERE THEY ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROVED VILLAGE LAYOUT- EVEN THOUGH, IN MOST CASES, THIS WILL INVOLVE DELAY, IN SOME CASES OF UP TO SEVERAL YEARS IN PROCESSING THE APPLICATIONS.
/+WHERE VILLAGERS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
7
♦WHERE VILLAGERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DELAY, THEY ARE AT LIBERTY TO HIRE AN ARCHITECT TO DRAW UP A LAYOUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
♦BUT I AM NOT, IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, PREPARED TO REDUCE THE DELAY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PLANNING STANDARDS OF THE WHOLE NEW TOWN, NOR TO MAKE THE REST OF THE RESIDENTS PAY, THROUGH REDUCED LIVING STANDARDS, FOR MEETING THE OTHERWISE REASONABLE DESIRE BY THE VILLAGERS FOR SPEEDY PROCESSING,* HE SAID.
HEALTH TALKS IN GUANGZHOU ******
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, WILL BE LEAVING FOR GUANGZHOU TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH HEALTH OFFICIALS ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
AMONG THE SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE RABIES SITUATION IN BOTH TERRITORIES AND MEASURES TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TALKS WERE MADE DURING THE GOVERNOR’S RECENT VISIT TO GUANGDONG. ALSO IN THE PARTY ARE MR HARRY M.H. WONG, AN AGRICULTURE OFFICER, AND MR CHRIS WONG, PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY MORNING.
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APPOINTMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION *****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR GRAHAM C.H. CHENG TO BE A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION. HE WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT IN NOVEMBER.
MR CHENG IS DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE AMOY CANNING CORPORATION (HK) LTD, CHAIRMAN OF DIRECTORS OF THE TACHING PETROLEUM CO. LTD AND DIRECTOR OF DAH YUAN REAL ESTATE COMPANY, LIMITED.
HE IS VERY ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES AND IS AT PRESENT VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TECHNICAL TRAINING IN INSTITUTIONS OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
/HE IS
TUESDAY;, OCTOBER 28, 1980
- 8 -
HE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE OPERATION REVIEW COMMITTEE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
MR CHENG WAS EDUCATED AT DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL AND THE PERSE SCHOOL, CAMBRIDGE, AND OBTAINED A MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN GEOLOGY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER.
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DEVELOPMENT PLANNING IMPORTANT INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS
K I * 1 M
DEVELOPMENT INSIDE THE COUNTRY PARKS MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION CONCEPT, IN RESPECT TO LOCATION, LAYOUT, STYLE, DESIGN AND PURPOSE.
MR JOHN WHOLEY, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THIS TODAY IN AN ADDRESS TO THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS.
♦DEVELOPMENT CAN BE PERMITTED INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY, BUT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT ONLY THE RIGHT TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT IS ALLOWED,+ MR WHOLEY SAID.
THE PLANNING PROFESSION HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNTRY PARKS IDEA BY GIVING VALUABLE SUPPORT IN THE EARLY DAYS, GENEROUS ASSISTANCE IN THE DESIGNATION PHASE, AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE PROPER LOCATION OF RECREATIONAL ACCOMMODATION IN AND ON THE FRINGES OF COUNTRY PARKS, HE SAID.
♦PLANNERS WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND IN ITS USE IN THE FUTURE AS A PRIME RECREATIONAL RESOURCE FOR THE PEOPLE,+ HE ADDED.
MR WHOLEY DISCLOSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECRUITED AND TRAINED ALMOST 800 NEW STAFF AT ALL LEVELS TO PROVIDE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION SERVICES IN HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS.
IN ADDITION, 15 NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED.
THE COUNTRY PARKS OCCUPY 41 300 HECTARES OF LAND, TWO OUT OF EVERY FIVE HECTARES OF THE TOTAL AREA OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY PROVIDES 2 300 BARBECUE PITS, 360 PICNIC PLACES, 24 CAMP SITES, 2 500 UNITS OF PICNIC TABLE/BENCHES, 2 400 BENCH SEATS, 47 RAIN SHELTERS, 52 SETS OF CHILDREN’S PLAY APPARATUS, AND MANY OTHER FACILITIES.
/ATTENDANCE FIGURES .
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
9
ATTENDANCE FIGURES ROSE 14 TIMES FROM HALF A MILLION IN 1970 TO 7 MILLION THIS YEAR.
THERE IS HOWEVER THE THREAT OF HILL FIRES. MR WHOLEY SAID: ♦OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 500 HILL FIRES EACH DRY SEASON; HOWEVER IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THIS NUMBER HAS NOT INCREASED IN PROPORTION TO THE NUMBER OF VISITORS AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED.
♦THERE IS ROOM FOR HOPE HERE BUT NOT FOR COMPLACENCY FOR HILL FIRE IS THE SINGLE BIGGEST THREAT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE,♦ HE SAID.
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MEDICAL DIRECTOR CALLS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISMS * * X X-
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, HAS REASSURED THAT IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO CONSULT AND TO INVITE PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION OF INTERESTED GROUPS IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS TO IMPROVE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ENDOSCOPIC UNIT AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL THIS AFTERNOON, HE CALLED ON CRITICS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE AND REALISTIC.
♦IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR SOMEONE TO POINT OUT THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITHOUT OFFERING CONSTRUCTIVE AND REALISTIC SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE IT,+ HE SAID.
DR THONG DESCRIBED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENDOSCOPIC UNIT AS +A SHINING EXAMPLE* OF THE GOODWILL AND COOPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE UNIT OFFERS 24-HOUR SERVICE FOR PATIENTS IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL REQUIRING ENDOSCOPIC EXAMINATION FOR THE LOWER AND UPPER INTESTINAL TRACT.
CASES REQUIRING INVESTIGATION OF THE INTERIOR ORGANS MAY BE REFERRED TO THE UNIT AND THE FINDINGS ARE REPORTED TO THE REFERRING DOCTORS.
THE UNIT ALSO OFFERS SOME TRAINING FOR STAFF WHO MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK IN SIMILAR UNITS IN OTHER REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
DR THONG SAID THAT IF THE FACILITY IS UTILISED WISELY, PRESSURE ON THE RADIOLOGICAL SERVICE MAY BE REDUCED AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF BARIUM MEALS REQUESTED IN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL HAS DROPPED CONSIDERABLY SINCE 1976 WHEN ENDOSCOPIC INVESTIGATION WAS STARTED.
/THE UNIT .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
10
THE UNIT, SAID THE DIRECTOR, HAS COME INTO BEING AS A RESULT OF COOPERATION AND CONSULTATION AT EVERY STAGE BETWEEN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND UNIVERSITY STAFF.
♦ IT IS THE POLICY OF MY DEPARTMENT TO CONSULT AND TO INVITE PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION OF RELEVANT HEADS OF THE CLINICAL UNITS, BE THEY GOVERNMENT OR UNIVERSITY, TO PLAN AND TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS,* HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT APPROPRIATE CONSULTATIONS HAVE BEEN AND WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY TO BRING ABOUT THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF PROJECTS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE SERVICE.
♦ I AM CONFIDENT THAT IF THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION IS TAKEN IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT, WE WILL GO VERY FAR IN OUR PLANS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL CONCERNED,* HE SAID.
♦ WE SHOULD THEN BE ABLE TO SHARE IN BOTH THE CREDIT AND BOUQUETS FOR SUCCESS AS IN THE PRESENT PROJECT BUT OF COURSE ALSO TO BEAR THE CRITICISM WHICH IS SOMETIMES, FAIRLY OR UNFAIRLY, LAID AT OUR DOOR,* HE ADDED.
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GREEN BELT ALONG KWUN TONG RD ft tt K K
KWUN TONG, PREDOMINANTLY AN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND LACKING IN GREENERY, IS SOON TO HAVE A FACE-LIFT.
MR DAVID TSUI, KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER SAID TODAY THAT IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT THERE, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WOULD IMPLEMENT A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
♦TO START WITH, WE WILL HAVE MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED MEDIUM-SIZED TREES PLANTED ALONG THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF KWUN TONG ROAD. THIS GREEN BELT WILL CERTAINLY BRING AN IMMEDIATE VISUAL IMPROVEMENT TO THIS AREA.+ HE SAID.
♦PEOPLE TRAVELLING ALONG THE ROAD, WHETHER BY CAR OR BY MTR, WILL BE ABLE TO SEE A LONG STRETCH OF GREEN FOLIAGE.
♦WE BELIEVE ITS PRESENCE WILL DO A LOT OF GOOD TO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA AS IT WILL BREAK THE MONOPOLY OF THE CONCRETE BLOCKS. PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WILL FEEL THE SERENITY AND BEAUTY AFFORDED BY THESE NICE TREES,♦ MR TSUI SAID.
/ON LONG-T£BM .....
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
11
ON LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT PLANS, MR TSUI SAID A LOT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF KWUN TONG. ♦WE HAVE IDENTIFIED A FEW LOCATIONS WHERE IMPROVEMENTS ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY. THESE MAY TAKE THE FORM OF CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, BEAUTIFICATION SCHEMES, OR PROVIDING TEMPORARY AMENITY FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
THE PLANTING OF TREES ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD CENTRAL DIVIDER WILL BEGIN ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30). THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR CHEUNG MAN-SANG, TOGETHER WITH THE NGAU TAU KOK FOUR AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN WILL JOINTLY PERFORM THE PLANTING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE WELCOME TO HAVE THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD WITH HONG TAK ROAD AND WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30).
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VIOLIN WORKSHOP AT MUSIC OFFICE
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S MUSIC OFFICE IS ORGANISING A VIOLIN WORKSHOP ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 31) IN ITS OFFICE AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, 9TH FLOOR.
THE WORKSHOP WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR BLAISE CALAME, AND WILL BE HELD FROM 5 TO 7 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
BLAISE CALAME WAS BORN IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND. HE RECEIVED EDUCATION AT THE POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL IN ZURICH BEFORE TURNING TO A MUSIC CAREER.
IN 1944 HE BEGAN STUDIES WITH CARL FLESCH AND CONTINUED AT THE ROYAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC IN BRUSSELS. THERE HE WON THE FIRST PRIZE FOR VIOLIN AND THE FIRST PRIZE FOR CHAMBER MUSIC IN 1950. HE PERFECTED HIS TRAINING WITH GEORGES ENESCO, LEON NAUWINCK AND ZINO FRANCESCATTI.
CALAME WON REPUTATION AS SOLOIST WITH ORCHESTRAS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE MOST INTERNATIONALLY CELEBRATED CONDUCTORS AND PARTICIPATED FREQUENTLY IN WORLD-WIDE MUSIC FESTIVALS.
AT THE +BIENNALE OF VENICE* IN 1956 HE RECEIVED THE ^HARRIET COHEN INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AWARD* FOR HIS ^OUTSTANDING ARTISTRY IN PERFORMANCE*. HE HAS TOURED AS GUEST SOLOIST NOT ONLY IN EUROPE, BUT EXTENSIVELY IN NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA, IN ASIA AND SOUTH AFRICA. HE WAS AWARDED THE *YSAYE* GOLD MEDAL IN 1967.
VIOLINISTS OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY THE FOLLOWING WORKS AT THE WORKSHOP 1 CONCERTO IN D MINOR FOR TWO VIOLINS AND PIANO (1ST MOVEMENT) BY BACH, VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 IN G MINOR, OP. 26 (1ST MOVEMENT) BY BRUCH, AND VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 3 IN D MINOR, OP. 61 (1ST MOVEMENT) BY SAINT SAENS.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1980
12
NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAFFIC ON NATHAN ROAD ******
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN MONG KOK FROM ID AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 30) FOLLOWING THE RE-OPENING OF NATHAN ROAD AS A THROUGH ROAD.
THE SECTION OF THE ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
HOWEVER MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, THE PROHIBITION ENDS AT 12 MIDNIGHT.
ALSO FROM THURSDAY, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO NATHAN ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS AND OPTIONS ........................... 1
ID CARD a PREREQUISITE FOR MEDICmL TREATMENT ...................2
844.7 MILLION PaID IN SOCIAL SECURITY IN SEPTEMBER ............ 3
WAN CHaI WELF^tRE SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF ..................... 4
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT MaNAGEIiENT COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING • 5
SCHOOLS HaVE IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN .................. 6
PRISON OFFICERS AWARDED NURSING CERTIFICATES .................. 7
YUEN LONG TO HOLD FIRST TALENT CONTEST
7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
1
DEVELOPMENT CONSTRAINTS AND OPTIONS
******
HONG KONG IS FACED WITH A SERIOUS PROBLEM OF CHOICE IN HOW BEST TO APPLY THE CONSIDERABLE — BUT LIMITED — RESOURCES FOR PUBLIC SECTOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TO A WHOLE GALAXY OF DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS.
ADDRESSING THE ZONTA CLUB AT A LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT MR DEREK JONES ILLUSTRATED THE CHOICES AVAILABLE BY TAKING THREE EXAMPLES, EACH OF WHICH, HE ASSUMED, COULD ACCOMMODATE AN EXTRA TWO MILLION PEOPLE.
♦THE FIRST IS THE BELT OF TERRITORY JUST BEYOND THE INNER HARBOUR STRETCHING FROM LANTAU, THROUGH TSUEN WAN, ACROSS TO SHATIN AND MA ON SHAN AND EXTENDING ROUND TO JUNK BAY,+ HE SAID. ♦PROPERLY DEVELOPED, THIS COULD ACCOMMODATE AN EXTRA TWO MILLION POPULATION.+
♦THE SECOND IS THE OUTER BELT, MUCH CLOSER TO THE BORDER, STRETCHING FROM TUEN MUN AND PILLAR POINT IN THE WEST THROUGH THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES, YUEN LONG AND ACROSS TO FANLING, SHEUNG SHU I AND THE NORTHEAST.+
♦THE THIRD IS THE INNER,+ SAID MR JONES. +IT WOULD INVOLVE A SERIES OF MEASURES, INCLUDING MAXIMUM REDEVELOPMENT IN THE EXISTING URBAN AREA, KAI TAK DEVELOPMENT AND FURTHER RECLAMATIONS AROUND THE HARBOUR, INCLUDING POSSIBLY AROUND STONECUTTERS ISLAND.+
HE ADDED i +NONE OF THEM WILL NECESSARILY HAPPEN AND WE MAY END UP WITH BITS OF EACH, BUT THEY ILLUSTRATE THE CHOICES AVAILABLE.+
THERE ARE MORE AMBITIOUS OPTIONS, HE CONTINUED, THE KEYS OF WHICH ARE A POSSIBLE NEW AIRPORT TO REPLACE KAI TAK, AND A NEW CONTAINER PORT TO SUPPLEMENT KWAI CHUNG.
♦THEY TAKE OUR HORIZON BEYOND THE EIGHTIES, AND SOMETIMES EVEN BEYOND THE NINETIES AND INTO THE NEXT CENTURY,+ SAID MR JONES.
HOWEVER, BY THE LATTER PART OF 1978 AND EARLY 1979 EXPENDITURE WAS RISING SO RAPIDLY THAT, WHEN ADDED TO AN EQUALLY RAPID GROWTH IN PRIVATE SECTOR CAPITAL SPENDING, IT WAS OVERSTRAINING THE ECONOMY — PARTICULARLY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY — AND WAS PRODUCING SERIOUS OVERHEATING.
THE RATE OF INCREASE OF EXPENDITURE, THEREFORE, HAD TO BE SLOWED DOWN.
THE TASK BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT, SAID MR JONES, WAS TO CHOOSE A PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT THAT COULD BE AFFORDED, THAT TOOK ACCOUNT OF ALL THE FACTORS AND ELEMENTS THAT NEEDED TO BE FITTED INTO THE JIGSAW AND WHICH YIELDED THE BEST OVERALL RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY FROM THE INVESTMENTS INVOLVED.
♦WE DO NOT NEED, AND CANNOT HAVE, THE WIDOW’S CRUSE, BUT THE EXPANDABLE PINT POT, EXPANDING WITH THE GROWTH OF THE NATIONAL INCOME, IS WITHIN OUR GRASP,+ MR JONES SAID.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
2
ID CARD A PREREQUISITE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
* * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THEY MUST SHOW PROOF OF IDENTITY WHEN ATTENDING OUTPATIENT CLINICS OR OTHER HOSPITAL SERVICES.
ANYONE TURNING UP AT HOSPITALS OR CLINICS WILL BE ASKED TO PRODUCE IDENTITY CARDS OR OTHER ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF OF IDENTITY WHEN REGISTERING FOR MEDICAL CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT STRESSED.
♦ IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THIS MOVE WILL CAUSE ANY INCONVENIENCE AS ALL PEOPLE ARE NOW REQUIRED BY LAW TO CARRY THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AT ALL TIMES ANYWAY,+ HE ADDED.
NOTICES OF THE REQUIREMENT WILL BE PUT UP IN ALL THE DEPARTMENT’S OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND HOSPITAL DEPARTMENTS.
♦IN ORDER TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAY, THOSE WITHOUT ANY FORM OF PROOF OF IDENTITY WILL SIMPLY NOT BE REGISTERED FOR SERVICES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PROOF OF IDENTITY INCLUDEi
* A FORM ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE PERSON HAS APPLIED FOR REPLACEMENT OR TO BE REGISTERED FOR AN IDENTITY CARD,
X A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT SUCH AS PASSPORT, CHINESE EXIT PERMIT, HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY, HONG KONG DOCUMENT OF IDENTITY, HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT,
* A CURRENT HONG KONG DRIVING LICENCE,
K SERVICE IDENTITY CARD (IF THE PERSON IS EMPLOYED IN HER MAJESTY’S REGULAR NAVAL, MILITARY OR AIR FORCES), AND
* VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD (IF THE PERSON IS A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE).
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
- 3
SU.7 MILLION PAID IN SOCIAL SECURITY IN SEPTEMBER ft ft ft ft
THE 22 PER CENT INCREASE IN SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENT RATES EFFECTIVE LAST MONTH HAS BOOSTED THE TOTAL PAYMENTS IN SEPTEMBER TO A RECORD HIGH OF SU.7 MILLION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THE AMOUNT WAS S8 MILLION MORE THAN IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND REPRESENTED AN AVERAGE DAILY PAYOUT OF SI.5 MILLION.
IT BROUGHT TO $351 MILLION THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF NON-CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY CASH BENEFITS PAID OUT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THE PAYMENTS WENT TO 300 000 PEOPLE. OF THE AMOUNT PAID OUT, $17.9 MILLION WERE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, $19.9 MILLION FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND $6.9 MILLION FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE MEANS-TESTED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME PROVIDES MONTHLY CASH PAYMENT TO HELP MAINTAIN THE INCOME OF AN INDIVIDUAL OR A HOUSEHOLD IN NEED UP TO A LEVEL WHERE BASIC LIVING CAN BE MET. THE SCHEME IS ALSO BUILT IN WITH SUPPLEMENTS TO PROVIDE EXTRA GRANTS FOR THOSE RECIPIENTS AGED 69 OR OVER, OR PARTIALLY DISABLED.
IN ADDITION, AN ANNUAL PAYMENT IS MADE TO LONG-TERM RECIPIENTS.
OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES ARE NON-MEANS-TESTED, AND PROVIDE A MONTHLY CASH GRANT, ON TOP OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, TO MEET SPECIAL NEEDS ARISING OUT OF OLD AGE AND DISABILITY.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT’S 26 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS HANDLED 45 000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 150 000 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 24 300 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES.
THE CURRENT PAYMENT RATES FOR SINGLE PERSONS ARE $280 A MONTH AS PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE- $140 A MONTH AS OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, OLD AGE SUPPLEMENT OR DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT-AND $355 A YEAR AS LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT (OR $700 A YEAR FOR A FAMILY).
INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES WITHOUT INCOME OR UNABLE TO EARN
ENOUGH FOR BASIC LIVING, OR THOSE IN NEED OF SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE CAN APPLY AT THE NEAREST FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, OR SOCIAL SECURITY FILED UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT IN THE DISTRICTS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
4
WAN CHAI WELFARE SERVICES UNDER ONE ROOF * * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS GROUPED UNDER ONE ROOF ITS WELFARE UNITS IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT TO PROVIDE BETTER COORDINATED SERVICES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THOSE APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS OR SEEKING FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICES CAN NOW DO ALL IN A NEW SUB-OFFICE OF THE EASTERN-WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE PREVIOUSLY SCATTERED SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT, FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, AND COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT HAVE MOVED INTO THE SUB-OFFICE AT TUNG SUN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 2ND AND 3RD FLOORS, 203 LOCKHART ROAD.
THE MOVE IS A FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONALISATION SCHEME AIMED AT BETTER COORDINATION AND MORE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF WELFARE SERVICES AT A DISTRICT LEVEL.
THE WAN CHAI SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT AT PRESENT HANDLES 1 582 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 8 521 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 901 DISABILITY ALLOWANCES CASES.
THE DISTRICT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE IS PROVIDING HELP IN 872 CASES, WHILE THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE COORDINATES A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE.
TO INTRODUCE ITSELF TO WAN CHAI RESIDENTS, THE NEW SUB-OFFICE WILL HOLD AN +OPEN DAY* TOMORROW (THURSDAY) BETWEEN 3 PM AND 6 PM.
THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF THE SERVICES AND WORK OF THE THREE WELFARE UNITS, AS WELL AS THE DISTRIBUTION OF WELFARE SERVICES BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPEN DAY+ OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WAN CHAI SUB-OFFICE AND A SERVICES DISPLAY, WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) BETWEEN 3 PM AND 6 PM AT TUNG SUN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 3RD FLOOR, 200 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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/5 .....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
5
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST MEETING ******
A NEW DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL FOCUS GOVERNMENT ATTENTION ON LOCAL PROBLEMS, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY.
+THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE IS THE SECOND SET UP IN THE URBAN AREA AFTER KWUN TONG,+ SAID ITS CHAIRMAN, MR IAN STRACHAN, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, WONG TAI SIN.
♦WE HOPE THAT BY BRINGING TOGETHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM A BROAD SPECTRUM OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WE CAN IMPROVE OUR CO-ORDINATION AT A LOCAL LEVEL,♦ HE SAID.
DEPARTMENTS REPRESENTED ON THE COMMITTEE ARE PUBLIC WORKS, URBAN SERVICES, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, LABOUR, POLICE, RECREATION AND SPORT, TRANSPORT, FIRE SERVICES AND HOME AFFAIRS.
ONE OF ITS FIRST TASKS WILL BE TO REASSESS LOCAL NEEDS AND SHORTFALLS, AND RECOMMEND A DISTRICT PROGRAMME TO DEAL WITH THEM.
MR STRACHAN STATED THAT IN THIS PROCESS, THE VIEWS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS WILL BE SOUGHT.
♦INITIALLY, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL SET UP THREE SUB-COMMITTEES TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. AS TIME GOES ON, AND MORE PROBLEMS ARE IDENTIFIED, WE SHALL PROBABLY NEED TO SET UP MORE SUB-COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS,♦ MR STRACHAN SAID.
HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE COMMITTEE IS NOT JUST A TALKING-SHOP. ♦BESIDES BEING ABLE TO INITIATE ACTION BY DEPARTMENTS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, IT WILL BE ALLOCATED SOME GOVERNMENT FUNDS TO TACKLE LOCAL PROBLEMS AND CARRY OUT PROJECTS DIRECTLY,♦ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
6
SCHOOLS HAVE IMPORTANT INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN
* * * * *
PARENTS AND TEACHERS EXERT EQUALLY POWERFUL INFLUENCE ON CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR KENNETH TOPLEY SAID TODAY.
HE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS MRS WU YORK YU MEMORIAL COLLEGE IN KWAI CHUNG.
MAKING AN ANALOGY BETWEEN A SCHOOL AND THE FAMILY, MR TOPLEY SAIDi *AS A FAMILY PREPARES A CHILD FOR ADULT LIFE, LIKEWISE A SCHOOL SHOULD BE CONCERNED NOT ONLY WITH IMPARTING INTELLECTUAL KNOWLEDGE BUT ALSO WITH HELPING PUPILS DEVELOP TO EMOTIONAL MATURITY, ENABLING THEM TO FACE THE VARIED CHALLENGES OF SOCIETY.*
BOTH PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE EQUALLY IMPORTANT EFFECTS ON THE CHILDREN BECAUSE FROM THEM THE CHILDREN PICK UP NOT ONLY KNOWLEDGE, BUT MORE IMPORTANT ABSORB IDEAS AND ATTITUDES WHICH COULD MOULD THEIR CHARACTERS AND ESTABLISH PATTERNS OF THINKING WHICH REMAIN WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.
+ IN A COOPERATIVE, FAMILY-LIKE SETTING THE PUPILS LEARN MUCH BETTER AND ABSORB THE COOPERATIVE ATTITUDES, OBJECTIVITY, LOYALTY AND STABILITY EXEMPLIFIED BY THEIR TEACHERS,* MR TOPLEY SAID.
IN THIS WAY COMPETITION IS MINIMISED, AND PUPILS WORK HARD TO GAIN COMPETENCE IN PARTICULAR SUBJECTS RATHER THAN TO OUTSHINE ONE ANOTHER, HE ADDED.
IN THE CASE OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP WHICH HAS A FAMILY OF SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE SENSE OF FAMILY AND ABILITY TO IDENTIFY WITH THE GROUP MUST BE A GREAT SOURCE OF STRENGTH TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RUNNING OF THE SCHOOLS.
+IT MUST ALSO ENABLE THE TRANSMISSION OF A FEELING OF SECURITY DOWN FROM THE GROUP THROUGH THE PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS TO THE PUPILS- IN SHORT THE FEELING OF SECURITY WHICH EXISTS IN A WELL-KNIT, WELL-RUN FAMILY,* HE SAID.
THE TUNG WAH GROUP NOW RUNS TWO KINDERGARTENS, SEVEN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1980
7
PRISON OFFICERS AWARDED NURSING CERTIFICATES *****
SIXTEEN ASSISTANT PRISON OFFICERS RECENTLY COMPLETED A SIX-MONTH IN-SERVICE HOSPITAL TRAINING COURSE AND SUCCESSFULLY PASSED THE FIRST AID AND HOME NURSING EXAMINATION CONDUCTED BY THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.
AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE TODAY, THE MEDICAL OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE CENTRE, DR RAYMOND TU, PRESENTED FIRST AID AND HOME NURSING CERTIFICATES TO THE OFFICERS.
THE COURSE PROGRAMME INCLUDED THEORETICAL, PRACTICAL AND FIELD TRAINING IN THE CENTRE’S HOSPITAL.
THE OFFICERS WILL BE POSTED TO PERFORM HOSPITAL DUTIES IN THE PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE.
YUEN LONG TO HOLD FIRST TALENT CONTEST *****
YUEN LONG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND THE LOCAL TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT ARE HOLDING THE DISTRICT’S FIRST CONTEST TO UNCOVER LOCAL TALENT.
IT WILL BE HELD IN LATE NOVEMBER AND EARLY DECEMBER. IT WILL BE OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE AGED OVER 14 LIVING OR WORKING IN THE DISTRICT, WHICH INCLUDES YUEN LONG TOWN AND THE VILLAGES OF KAM TIN, SAN TIN, HA TSUEN, PAT HEUNG, SHAP PAT HEUNG AND PING SHAN.
THERE WILL BE FIVE CLASSES OF COMPETITION - FOLK SONG SOLO, FOLK SONG GROUP SINGING, POPULAR SONG SOLO, POPULAR SONG GROUP SINGING AND CLASSICAL SONG SINGING.
THE GRAND FINAL WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, AT THE HALL OF HEUNG YEE KUK SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE FIVE CONTESTANTS OR TEAMS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES IN EACH CLASS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND PRIZES. WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ADJUDICATE.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS NOVEMBER 20. APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE TOWN HALL.
THE TALENT CONTEST IS PART OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT TO PROMOTE MUSIC AND ARTS IN THE NEW TOWN. OTHER ACTIVITIES BEING ORGANISED IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S SINGING CONTEST AND A BALLET CLASS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1980
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRICE INDICES UP ONE POINT ................................. 1
PROOF OF IDENTITY FOR CLAIMS AT POST OFFICE ................ 2
71 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER ................ J
TENDER RESULTS FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES ................. 4
LADY CATER TO OPEN PRISONS DEPARTMENT AUTUMN FAIR .......... 4
SECOND TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS ON SATURDAY ......... 5
TOLO HARBOUR CANOE RACES TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY......,........ 6
TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN WAN CHAI ... 7
VOLUNTEER SERVICE EXHIBITION OPENED IN TSUEN WAN ........... 8
ROAD IN SHA TIN TO BE CLOSED NEXT WEEK ..................... ?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1980
1
PRICE INDICES UP ONE POINT
*****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR SEPTEMBER 1980 WERE 165 AND 164 RESPECTIVELY, EACH ONE POINT HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
CPI (A) IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 AND $1 499 A MONTH AND CPI (B) FROM THOSE SPENDING BETWEEN $1 500 AND $2 999 A MONTH, AS DETERMINED FROM THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY OF 1973/74.
THE CHANGES FOR SEPTEMBER IN THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE
TWO INDICES, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH AND WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1979, AREi
CPI(A) CPI(B)
COMPONENT SEPT 80 AUG 80 SEPT 79 SEPT 80 AUG 80 SEPT 79
FOODSTUFFS 161 158 141 163 160 143
HOUSING 154 154 146 154 154 146
FUEL AND LIGHT 268 269 193 253 254 187
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 184 184 167 178 177 162
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 122 121 112 121 119 110
DURABLE GOODS 136 135 129 131 131 126
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 171 171 147 170 169 145
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 201 198 159 202 199 165
SERVICES 170 169 148 175 173 151
ALL ITEMS 165 164 145 164 163 145
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY THREE POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B). PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT WERE THE INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, FRESH VEGETABLES AND PORK. THE COST OF MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS ALSO WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF BEEF AND FRESH FRUITS DECLINED. EFFECTS OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT DECREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH PRICE INDICES DUE TO LOWER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY AND THE LOWER PRICE FOR KEROSENE.
/HIGHER PRICES ..
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
2
HIGHER PRICES FOR FOREIGN-STYLE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS INCREASED THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO BY ONE POINT IN CPI (B).
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN CPI (A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN CPI (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS.
THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS IN CPI (A) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR GLASSWARE AND TRAVEL GOODS.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN
CPI (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES FOR TOILET REQUISITES, SOAP AND
DETERGENTS.
THE THREE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND
VEHICLES IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B) WAS MAINLY BROUGHT ABOUT BY
HIGHER CHARGES FOR SCHOOL BUS FARES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN CPI (A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN CPI (B) FOLLOWING HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, DOMESTIC HELP, HAIRDRESSING, DINNER PARTIES AND ADMISSION TO FOOTBALL MATCHES.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT+ FOR SEPTEMBER 1980, WHICH IS ON SALE AT $2 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
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PROOF OF IDENTITY FOR CLAIMS AT POST OFFICE
******
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE POST OFFICE TO FACILITATE THE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY OF REGISTERED ITEMS OR PARCELS BY PEOPLE OTHER THAN THE ADDRESSEES, FOLLOWING THE REQUIREMENT FOR CARRYING PROOF OF IDENTITY AT ALL TIMES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY PHOTOSTAT COPIES OF IDENTITY CARDS, SUPPORTED BY A STATUTORY DECLARATION VERIFYING THE COPY IS A TRUE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL, WILL BE ACCEPTABLE AS A MEANS OF PROVING THE IDENTITY OF THE ADDRESSEE.
THIS WILL ALSO APPLY IN THE CASE OF ENCASHMENT AT THE POST OFFICE OF MONEY ORDERS AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE COUPONS ISSUED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
♦A PERSON COLLECTING MAIL ON BEHALF OF THE ADDRESSEE WILL STILL BE REQUIRED, HOWEVER, TO PRODUCE HIS OWN ORIGINAL IDENTITY CARD, OR OTHER ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF IDENTITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/♦SIMILARLY ..
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
3
♦SIMILARLY, IN THE CASE OF MONEY ORDERS OR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE COUPONS PRESENTED FOR ENCASHMENT BY AN AGENT ON BEHALF OF THE PAYEE, THE AGENT WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE HIS OWN ORIGINAL IDENTITY CARD, IN ADDITION TO THE VERIFIED PHOTO COPY OF THE PAYEE’S IDENTITY CARD.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID STATUTORY DECLARATIONS MAY BE MADE FREE OF CHARGE BEFORE A COMMISSIONER OF OATHS AT ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICE.
-----0------
71 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN SEPTEMBER ******
A TOTAL OF 71 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH (SEPTEMBER) BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, COMPARED WITH 74 IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 26 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 FOR KOWLOON AND 35 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED THREE SCHOOL BLOCKS ON POKFULAM ROAD, TWO ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF WAI YIP STREET AND HOI YUEN ROAD, KWUN TONG AND AT THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AND A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE EXTENSION ON PENG CHAU.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $488 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $369 MILLION LAST YEAR.
THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED TOTALLED 264 673.3 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 210 187.3 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 54 486 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 55 NEW PROJECTS, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOLS ON CHOI HUNG ROAD AND TAI PAK TIN STREET, KWAI CHUNG, A SCHOOL AND AUDITORIUM AT THE JUNCTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD, A PETROL FILLING STATION AT HIU KWONG STREET, TWO ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS IN TAI PO, AND A JETTY ON LAMMA ISLAND.
A TOTAL OF 53 NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING TWO SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND ANOTHER SCHOOL IN KWUN TONG, THREE TEMPLES AT MAU PO, CHUK YUEN AND ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 80 BUILDINGS.
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/4 .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1980
4
TENDER RESULTS FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES
X X * *
tuc tdanqpgrt DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A TOTAL OF 1 115 ? T09 URBAN TAXI LICENCES WERE RECEIVED WHEN THE
CLOSED ?N OCTOBERT TOO. THE HIGHEST BID WAS SETO 000 AND THE LOWEST ACCEPTED WAS $255 055.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
a qpokf'hMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE AVERAGE pppmium l2 THE LATEST TENDER EXERCISE WAS $259 685 COMPARED WITH $210 089 IN JULY 1980, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 23.61 PER CENT.
MF ADDED THAT LETTERS WOULD BE SENT TODAY TO SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AhE tKa? THE FIRST OF THE 300 TAXIS COULD BE INSPECTED FROM THE END OF NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER).
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LADY CATER TO OPEN PRISONS DEPARTMENT AUTUMN FAIR
X X X X
LADY CATER WILL OPEN THE 28TH ANNUAL AUTUMN FAIR OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT AT 12 NOON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1) 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 CHARITIES AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUNDS.
AT THE FAIR, THERE WILL BE OVER 30 STALLS SELLING A WIDE SELECTION OF PRISON INDUSTRIAL AND HOBBY CLASS PRODUCTS. REFRESHMENT AND GAME STALLS, AND A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WILL ALSO BE SET UP.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT. HIGHLIGHTS ARE A COLOURFUL MARCHING DISPLAY BY INMATES OF TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, A PERFORMANCE BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND AND A MOBILE STREET THEATRE SHOW ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
ENTRY TO THE FAIR IS FREE. A SOUVENIR PROGRAMME WILL BE
ON SALE AT $1. PARKING SPACES WILL BE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE THE PRISON GATE AND BUS NOS. 6 AND 260, STARTING IN CENTRAL, ARE A CONVENIENT MEANS OF TRANSPORT TO NON-CAR USERS.
NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED ENTRANCE TO THE FAIR UNTIL AFTER IT HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY OPENED BY LADY CATER. ITEMS ON SALE ARE REASONABLY PRICED AND DISCERNING BUYERS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLY. THE FAIR WILL CLOSE AT 5 PM.
/NOTE TO......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
5
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE 28TH AUTUMN FAIR OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE HELD ON THE SPORTS FIELD NEXT TO STANLEY PRISON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1) BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM. LADY CATER WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 11 AM SHARP.
-----0------
SECOND TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS ON SATURDAY ******
GO-KART RACING AND EXHIBITION MATCHES BY TOP PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS AND TENNIS PLAYERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A THREE-WEEK SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN STARTING SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
THE FESTIVAL IS THE SECOND TO BE HELD. A TOTAL OF 54 EVENTS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED, WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT LARGE CROWDS.
THE FIRST EVENT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A BASKETBALL MATCH BETWEEN HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES AND TSUEN WAN WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, HAS PERFORMED THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NEWLY-OPENED OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL INDOOR GAMES HALL AT KWAI CHUNG.
ANOTHER BASKETBALL MATCH BETWEEN HONG KONG WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES AND TSUEN WAN WOMEN WILL BE PLAYED ON NOVEMBER 18.
THE EXHIBITION TENNIS MATCHES WILL INVOLVE PLAYERS TAKING PART IN THE HONG KONG TENNIS CLASSIC. THEY WILL BE HELD AT SHA TSUI ROAD COURTS ON NOVEMBER 7, 8 AND 9. THE NAMES OF PLAYERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
FIRST DIVISION SOCCER DEMONSTRATION MATCHES WILL BE HELD AT YEUNG UK ROAD STADIUM BETWEEN EASTERN AND SEA BEE ON NOVEMBER 16 AND BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND AN ARMY SIDE ON NOVEMBER 23.
GO-KART RACING WILL BE HELD AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 2). MORE THAN 60 DRIVERS WILL COMPETE FOR A TOWN MANAGER’S CUP, A DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD CUP AND A TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL CUP. THIS EVENT IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT SOME OF THE LARGEST CROWDS.
/THE FESTIVAL ...
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
6
THE FESTIVAL IS BEING ORGANISED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD (DAB), THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION. THE BUDGET AMOUNTS TO $200 000, OF WHICH $150 000 HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DAB. THE REMAINDER IS BEING OBTAINED FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
BESIDES DEMONSTRATION MATCHES, THERE WILL BE ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN, INCLUDING ATHLETICS EVENTS, AQUATIC DISPLAYS AND AN ARCHERY COMPETITION.
AMONG THE NEW ITEMS IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WILL BE BASKETBALL INVITATION MATCHES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, SQUASH COMPETITIONS AND CANOE POLO MATCHES.
ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM THE EIGHT LOCAL PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES AND OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE PERFORMED BY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL INDOOR GAMES HALL, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1) AT 3 PM. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE (AM 2088) WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 2 PM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NTA PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
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TOLO HARBOUR CANOE RACES TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY
******
THE SEVENTH TOLO HARBOUR CANOE RACES ORGANISED BY THE OUTWARD BOUND (ALUMNI) ASSOCIATION ARE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
ABOUT 250 TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE 15 EVENTS WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE.
EVENTS START AT 9 AM AND INCLUDE A 30-KILOMETRE RACE, MEN’S SINGLES, MEN’S DOUBLES, LADIES’ SINGLES, LADIES’ DOUBLES, MIXED DOUBLES AND SHORT DISTANCE KAYAK RACES.
THE 30-KILOMETRE RACE COURSE, INTRODUCED THIS YEAR, WILL GO FROM ISLAND HOUSE TO NAI CHUNG, LAI CHI CHONG, TAI MEI TUK, MA SHI CHAU AND BACK TO ISLAND HOUSE.
THE COURSES FOR OTHER EVENTS WILL VARY FROM 500 METRES TO 21 KILOMETRES.
/LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
7
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR HU FA-KUANG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM. ALSO ATTENDING WILL BE MRS HU, THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE. MR WONG CHUN-WAI, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WONG YUEN-CHEUNG.
THE FIRST THREE TO FINISH IN EACH SECTION WILL RECEIVE A f*EDAL AND THE TEAM GAINING THE HIGHEST TOTAL POINTS FROM ALL EVENTS WILL RECEIVE THE OUTWARD BOUND (ALUMNI) ASSOCIATION CUP.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FRANCIS MA, SAID THE RACE WAS THE LARGEST CANOEING EVENT IN HONG KONG THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDE ROCK CLIMBING, HIKING, SAILING AND NIGHT ORIENTEERING COMPETITIONS.
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IS ADVISER TO THE ASSOCIATION WHICH HAS 500 MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE 1980 TOLO HARBOUR CANOE RACES ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 2). EVENTS WILL START (AT 9 AM) AND END AT ISLAND HOUSE, YUEN CHAU TSAI, AND PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED AT 4 PM. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 12.45 PM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
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TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TUNNEL TRAFFIC IN WAN CHAI * * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND ON MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY NEXT WEEK (NOVEMBER 3 TO 5) FOR ROAD REPAIRS.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 PM AND END AT 6 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
TOMORROW AND ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4), THE APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD TO THE TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS CAN USE THE WATERFRONT APPROACH IN GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
/CROSS HARBOUR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
8
CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NOS. 101, 111, 112, 113, 116, 121, 122 AND 170 HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE UP-RAMP OF CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO CAUSEWAY BAY, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, VICTORIA PARK FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, UP-RAMP OF WATERFRONT APPROACH ROAD TO THE TUNNEL AND THEN REVERT TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTES.
ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3), THE EXIT ROAD LINKING THE TUNNEL WITH HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS CAN USE THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD ON THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND AS AN ALTERNATIVE.
CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NOS. 101, 111, 112, 113, 116, 121 AND 122 FROM KOWLOON WHEN LEAVING THE TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, VICTORIA PARK FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, CANAL ROAD FLYOVER AND THEN REVERT TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTES.
ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 5), THE NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE TUNNEL TO THE WATERFRONT SECTION OF GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS CAN USE THE HAPPY VALLEY EXIT ROAD AND CANAL ROAD FLYOVER INSTEAD.
CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NOS. 102 AND 106 ON LEAVING THE TUNNEL WILL USE THE HAPPY VALLEY EXIT, CANAL ROAD FLYOVER, MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, HENNESSY ROAD, YEE WO STREET, AND AFTERWARDS REVERT TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTES. AIRPORT COACH SERVICE NO. 200 WILL TAKE THE CENTRAL EXIT OF THE TUNNEL, GLOUCESTER ROAD, FENWICK STREET, HENNESSY ROAD AND THEN THE NORMAL ROUTE.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE EXHIBITION OPENED IN TSUEN WAN * * X * * X
AN EXHIBITION ON VOLUNTEER SERVICE WAS OPENED TODAY AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, THE TITLE OF THE EXHIBITION IS +VOLUNTEERISM t AN ESSENCE OF LIFE+. IT IS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES HELD BY THE ASSOCIATION TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
THE DISPLAY INCLUDES PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND CAPTIONS SHOWING MAJOR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION, ITS ORGANISATION, THE CONCEPT AND FUTURE TREND OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND NEW PROJECTS.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE SELECTED FROM A COMPETITION THE ASSOCIATION HELD IN AUGUST.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN LAU-FONG.
/PAYING TRIBUTE .....
THURSDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1980
9
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE ASSOCIATION, MR LUI SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT PROMOTING THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITY BUILDING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN STRIVING FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS, INCLUDING NEWCOMERS, HE SAID. SUPPORT FROM ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE WAS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
THE EXHIBITION WAS PREVIOUSLY HELD BETWEEN OCTOBER 24 AND OCTOBER 27 AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL AND WAS OPENED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR JACK CATER.
IT HAS BEEN MOVED TO TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND RECRUIT MEMBERS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
THE ASSOCIATION, ESTABLISHED IN JULY, 1970, IS FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY CHEST.
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ROAD IN SHA
TIN TO BE CLOSED NEXT WEEK *****
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT FROM MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1) UNTIL 5 AM ON NOVEMBER 8, THE KOWLOON-BOUND DOWN-RAMP OF ROAD P5 LEADING TO ROAD T2 IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE UTILITY WORKS.
THE CLOSURE PERIOD, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND BUS ROUTES 48, 70, 70A, 70M, 71, 72, 72A, 86, 87, 88, 88A, 88B 89 AND 170 ON THEIR KOWLOON-BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROADS P2 AND P6 BEFORE REJOINING ROAD T2.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON TOMORROW .................................... 1
SEA TIN PEOPLE TO MANAGE THEIR OWN TOWN ................................ 2
'THANK-YOU* RECEPTION FOR HK FESTIVAL CONTRIBUTORS .....................,3
810 MILLION GRANT FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE........,,.................... **
FIREMEN'S PART IN SUICIDE RESCUE COMMENDED ............................. 5
RSS PROVIDES PLAY OPPORTUNITIES ........................................ 6
ID CARD REMINDER TO EMPLOYERS .......................................... 7
AMENDMENTS TO SHAU KEI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.......................... 8
DR RICHARD BUTLER APPOINTED NTA SENIOR STAFF OFFICER ................... 8
TICD DIRECTOR LEAVES FOR BOGOTA CONFERENCE ............................. 9
NORWAY BREAKS OFF TEXTILE TALKS WITH HONG KONG ......................... 9
WELFARE CLASS REVIEW OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ............................. 10
NEW EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION RATES EFFECTIVE TOMORROW ................... 10
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO CANADA ........................................... 11
PILING NOISE TAKEN OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS ................................ 11
COURSES ON TEACHING FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS .............................. 12
FEES PAYMENT CENTRE OPENED FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS ................ 13
liAXICAB ROUTE CHANGE .................................................. 13
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
1
GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON TOMORROW *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR LONDON FOR TALKS WITH OFFICIALS AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
AMONG THE SUBJECTS OF MUTUAL INTEREST TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE RECENT MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
ON MONDAY EVENING, SIR MURRAY WILL ATTEND A DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. THE MAIN SPEAKER IS THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE, MR CECIL PARKINSON. SIR MURRAY AND MR DAVID NEWBIGGING, CHAIRMAN OF THE CHAMBER, WILL ALSO SPEAK AT THE DINNER.
ON TUESDAY, SIR MURRAY WILL ATTEND A RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
THE FOLLOWING DAY THE GOVERNOR WILL GO TO HONG KONG HOUSE TO ATTEND A RECEPTION FOR TWO POLICEMEN RECEIVING GALLANTRY MEDALS AND PRESENTATION OF THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL TO MR J.E. OVER, FORMER DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. MR OVER, WHO WAS ON SECONDMENT FROM A BRITISH POLICE FORCE, PLANNED AND ESTABLISHED THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE AND THE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION.
ON WEDNESDAY EVENING, SIR MURRAY WILL ADDRESS THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF BRITISH SHIPPING AT ITS ANNUAL DINNER.
THE GOVERNOR WILL MEET LEADERS OF THE CHINESE COMMUNITY IN LONDON ON THURSDAY AT A PRE-D INNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, MR DAVID FORD.
WHILE IN LONDON, SIR MURRAY WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE OFFICES OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
SIR MURRAY WILL FLY TO GLASGOW TO JOIN LADY MACLEHOSE FOR A SHORT HOLIDAY BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 12.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY AT KAI TAK AIRPORT TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE ON FLIGHT BA20 WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO LEAVE AT 9 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN WISHING TO COVER THIS EVENT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 8.15 PM. PROOF OF IDENTITY IS REQUIRED TO FACILITATE ENTRY INTO THE AIRPORT’S RESTRICTED AREA.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, I960
2
SHA TIN PEOPLE TO MANAGE THEIR OWN TOWN *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING TO THE TIME WHEN THE PEOPLE OF SHA TIN MANAGE THEIR OWN TOWN, SET THEIR OWN STANDARDS AND PLAN AND INITIATE THEIR OWN LEISURE ACTIVITIES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT CHUNG CHI COLLEGE.
♦ONLY WHEN WE ARE APPROACHING THIS STAGE IN OUR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL WE BE ABLE TO SAY, 'THIS IS A COMMUNITY’,♦ HE SAID.
♦THESE ARE THE SIMPLE UNDERLYING REASONS BEHIND RECENT PROPOSALS FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT.
♦WE HAVE GRADUALLY TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT ON THE ONE HAND AND PEOPLE ON THE OTHER BY A TRIPLE PARTNERSHIP OF REPRESENTATIVES CHOSEN BY THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN BY DIRECT ELECTION- OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED BY REASON OF THEIR QUALITIES OF LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND, THIRDLY, THOSE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS PRINCIPALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE TOWNS IS MA INTA I NED.+
THIS WOULD PROVIDE THE BEST MEANS TO ENSURE THAT STANDARDS WERE KEPT, NEEDS FELT, WISHES FULFILLED, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FAILURES AND SHORTCOMINGS UNDERSTOOD, MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
HE SAID IN SUPPORT OF THESE MEASURES GOVERNMENT WAS ALREADY TAKING CARE THAT PARTICULAR PHYSICAL FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED TO MEET THE SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS OF SHA TINi SCHOOLS, CLINICS, POLICE STATIONS -- ALL WOULD BE THERE- KINDERGARTENS AND OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES- DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR BOY SCOUTS, GIRL GUIDES, CHILDREN’S CHOIRS AND FOOTBALL TEAMS- +AND, MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, IN OUR PLANNING WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO BALANCE THE JOBS AVAILABLE WITH THE NUMBER OF WORKERS.+
♦BUT I BELIEVE THAT IN OUR PLANS WE MIGHT HAVE NEGLECTED, OR TO HAVE INSUFFICIENTLY CONSIDERED, ONE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT -THE WOMEN OF THE TOWN! YOUNG MOTHERS WHO SPEND MANY HOURS EACH DAY ENCLOSED IN SMALL FLATS ALONE WITH VERY YOUNG CHILDREN- OR, LATER ON, WAITING FOR THEM TO COME HOME FROM SCHOOL, WORRYING ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN’S AMBITIONS AND ATTITUDES AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE- AND ELDERLY WOMEN NEEDING COMPANIONSHIP, AND A SENSE CF USEFULNESS AND PURPOSE.
♦I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THESE THOUGHTS WITH A NUMBER OF WOMEN IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, AND I WAS ENCOURAGED BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE WITH ME THAT WE MUST TEST THESE ASSUMPTIONS AND, IF THE NEED EXISTS, WE MUST PROVIDE WHATEVER MEANS ARE NECESSARY TO MEET IT IN SHA TIN AND OUR OTHER NEW TOWNS.♦
/KU AKERS-JONES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1980
MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE GAVE THIS MERELY AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE CAREFUL »VAY WE MUST COMB THROUGH OUR SOCIAL STRUCTURE TO SEARCH OUT THE WEAK, THE LONELY AND THE IGNORED AND TO DEAL WITH THE CAUSES OF CRIME, CORRUPTION, DISEASE AND DIRT.
THIS WAS WHERE THOSE WHO TAUGHT AT CHUNG CHI AND THOSE WHO LEARNED THERE COULD GIVE WISE ADVICE AND COUNSEL, AND, HE HOPED, PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A ^COMMUNITY* AT SHA TIN AND IN OUR OTHER NEW TOWNS.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID IN THE PAST DECADE THE PACE OF SOCIAL CHANGE HAD BEEN EXTRAORDINARY- IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS THE PACE WOULD QUICKEN AS A RESULT OF UNIVERSAL SECONDARY EDUCATION, ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY, IMPROVED SOCIAL SERVICES, A RISING STANDARD OF LIVING, AND CHANGING ATTITUDES TO FAMILY LIFE.
♦MOREOVER, IN THE SPACE OF A FEW YEARS, WE ARE MOVING SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE TO LIVE IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT IN OUR NEW TOWNS- MOVEMENT ON A SCALE THAT HAS, SO FAR AS I KNOW, NEVER BEFORE BEEN ATTEMPTED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.*
HE SAIDi + IT IS DIFFICULT TO GRASP THE HUMAN REALITY BEHIND THE NUMBERS AND THE MASSES OF STATISTICS THAT ARE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF PUBLIC RELATIONS AND A COMFORTING RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND MATERIAL PROGRESS:
♦THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HOMELESS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HOUSED-MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SPENT- PERCENTAGE GROWTH IN TRAFFIC- YEARS CF EDUCATION- BEDS- PLACES- DAY-EQUIVALENT-STUDENTS, AND SO 0N.+
WHEN WE LOOK AT THE FIGURES AND THE MASSES OF CONCRETE, IT IS EASY AND JUSTIFIABLE TO SPEAK WITH A MEASURE OF PRIDE OF THE MATERIAL CITY WE ARE BUILDING ON YOUR DOORSTEP. BUT ARE WE GIVING ENOUGH THOUGHT TO THE INDIVIDUALS AND THE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO WILL INHABIT IT? MR AKERS-JONES ASKED.
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’THANK-YOU’ RECEPTION FOR HK FESTIVAL CONTRIBUTORS X * * *
MR ALAN SCOTT, SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, TODAY COMMENDED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF THE HONG KONG IN LONDON FESTIVAL HELD IN BATTERSEA PARK, LONDON ON SEPTEMBER 20 AND 21.
ACCORDING TO BRITISH PRESS REPORTS, OVER 750 000 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE FESTIVAL, 250 000 ON THE FIRST DAY AND 500 000 ON THE SECOND. IT IS VERY UNUSUAL FOR SUCH A BIG TURN-OUT AT PROMOTIONAL FUNCTIONS CF THIS TYPE IN LONDON.
SPEAKING AT A ’THANK-YOU’ RECEPTION FOR THE FESTIVAL CONTRIBUTORS HELD IN THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT THEATRE, MR SCOTT SAID, +WITHOUT THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, THE FESTIVAL WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE.*
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3% 1980
4
THE ORIGINAL AIM IN ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL WAS MAINLY TO CORRECT IN BRITAIN THE MISCONCEPTIONS AND ADVERSE PUBLICITY ABOUT HONG KONG.
THE RESULT NOT ONLY ACHIEVED THE AIM BUT ALSO PROJECTED A GOOD IMAGE OF HONG KONG.
AT THE TWO-DAY EVENT, LONDONERS HAD THE CHANCE TO JOIN A HONG KONG-STYLE FESTIVAL AS WELL AS LEARN A LITTLE ABOUT HONG KONG’S CAPACITY TO ORGANISE A PROMOTION OF SUCH MAGNITUDE.
MANY VISITORS TO THE FESTIVAL SAID AFTER ATTENDING THE FUNCTION THAT THEY WOULD VISIT HONG KONG ON THEIR NEXT HOLIDAY TRIP.
PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG IN LONDON WERE VERY PROUD OF THE FESTIVAL. THEY WERE HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SHOW SO MANY FACS I NAT I NG CULTURAL PERFORMANCES TO LONDONERS. MR DAVID FORD, HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, SHARED THEIR VIEWS. MR SCOTT ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION ON BEHALF OF MR DAVID FORD TO ALL THE CONTR IBUTORS.
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510 MILLION GRANT FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RECOMMEND THAT A GRANT OF ABOUT $13 MILLION BE MADE FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TOWARDS A NEW BUILDING PROPOSED BY THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY MR DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS TODAY WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE 30TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE PLAN OF THE SETTLEMENT TO EXPAND INTO A NEW BUILDING, MR BRAY SAID« +THE GOVERNMENT, TOO, WELCOMES THE SETTLEMENT’S PROPOSALS, WHICH WILL DO MUCH TO ALLEVIATE THE CURRENT SHORTFALL OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THE WAN CHAI AREA.*
ALTHOUGH FINAL DETAILS HAD STILL TO EE AGREED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WAS PREPARED IN PRINCIPLE TO RECOMMEND TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THAT A GRANT EQUIVALENT TO THE CAPITAL COST OF A STANDARD COMMUNITY CENTRE BE MADE FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TOWARDS THE SETTLEMENT’S NEW BUILDING, HE SAID.
♦ AT PRESENT PRICES, THIS WOULD BE ROUGHLY $10 MILLION,* HE ADDED.
MR BRAY WAS ADVISED BY THE DIRECTOR THAT THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW BUILDING WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THOSE PROVIDED IN A COMMUNITY CENTRE.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1980
- 5 -
THE NEW BUILDING WOULD, UNDER ONE ROOF, HOUSE A VARIETY OF SERVICES FOR *ALL GROUPS OF PEOPLE AND FOR PEOPLE WITH VARYING CAPABILITIES*, TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE WITH, UNDERSTAND AND HELP ONE ANOTHER, HE SAID.
HE COMMENDED THE SERVICES OF THE SETTLEMENT WHICH WAS STARTED LATE IN 1949 WHEN HONG KONG WAS RECEIVING AN INFLUX OF IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA EVEN NOW UNPARALLELED.
HE RECALLED THAT IN 1975, A GREAT STRIDE FORWARD TOOK PLACE WITH THE GRANT OF LAND BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR A PERMANENT HOME FOR THE SETTLEMENT.
♦THERE IS A MAGIC WORD IN HONG KONG’S SUCCESS STORY --FLEXIBILITY,* MR BRAY SAID. *WE FIND THIS SAME FLEXIBILITY IN ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT.*
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FIREMEN’S PART IN SUICIDE RESCUE COMMENDED
* * * *
TWO FIRE OFFICERS AND TWO FIREMEN WHO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN PREVENTING A YOUNG WOMAN FROM LEAPING TO HER DEATH FROM A HIGH-RISE MONG KOK BUILDING THREE MONTHS AGO HAVE BEEN COMMENDED.
FIREMAN MAK CHI-SING RECEIVED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION WHILE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER WONG HING-YIP, STATION OFFICER WONG CHUNG-NGOR AND FIREMAN LEE CHI-SHING RECEIVED THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES COMMENDATION.
AT A CEREMONY IN MONG KOK FIRE STATION TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR FREDERICK WATSON, PRESENTED THE COMMENDATIONS.
ON JULY 29, A YOUNG WOMAN ATTEMPTED TO COMMIT SUICIDE BY JUMPING FROM THE 24TH FLOOR OF A PORTLAND STREET BUILDING. SHE FELL ON A LEDGE ONE FLOOR BELOW.
FIRE SERVICES MEN RUSHED TO THE SCENE AND FOR HOURS TRIED TO DISSUADE HER FROM JUMPING AGAIN. SHE REFUSED TO LISTEN, BECAME HOSTILE AND EVEN SLASHED HER BODY WITH A PIECE OF GLASS.
THEN FIREMAN MAK WAS STEALTHILY LOWERED TO THE LEDGE AND WITH THE HELP OF HIS COLLEAGUE LEE CHI-SHING, SUCCEEDED IN SAVING THE WOMAN’S LIFE.
THE TWO OFFICERS WERE COMMENDED FOR THE LEADERSHIP IN THE OPERATION.
WHEN PRESENTING THE COMMENDATIONS, MR WATSON SAID THE FOUR MEN DISPLAYED SKILL, TACT AND LEADERSHIP.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
6
RSS PROVIDES PLAY OPPORTUNITIES * * * *
THE AIM OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) IS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN TO DO SOMETHING ENJOYABLE AND MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LEISURE TIME, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY AT THE FOUNDER’S DAY OF METHODIST COLLEGE.
HE SAID PLAY WAS A BASIC HUMAN NEED. THROUGH PLAY, SMALL CHILDREN LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD AND LEARN HOW TO GET ALONG WITH OTHERS. AFTER CHILDHOOD, PLAY CONTINUES TO BE IMPORTANT, BOTH FOR THE PHYSICAL BENEFIT WHICH EXERCISE BRINGS WITH IT, AND FOR THE SOCIAL CONTACT IT MAKES POSSIBLE, MR WIGGHAM SAID.
SINCE PLAY - RECREATION - IS VITAL TO OUR MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING, AS WELL AS OUR PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, IT IS THE AIM OF THE RSS TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO DO SO, HE SAID.
THE RSS WAS SET UP IN LATE 1974. IN ITS FIRST FULL YEAR OF OPERATION, ABOUT 130 000 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN ITS ACTIVITIES. IN THE FOUR YEARS SINCE THEN, THE ANNUAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS INCREASED TO ALMOST HALF A MILLION, AND IN EVERY YEAR SINCE IT STARTED, ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THE PARTICIPANTS HAVE BEEN AGED UNDER 25.
+EVERY MONTH EACH OF THE 17 RSS DISTRICT OFFICES ORGANISES SEVERAL DOZEN DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES •— SPORTS TRAINING COURSES, RECREATIONAL EXCURSIONS, LOCAL COMPETITIONS, LARGE-SCALE DISTRICT FUN DAYS, OR ACTIVITIES PUBLICISING A GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN. LAST YEAR THE SERVICE AS A WHOLE RAN ALMOST 4 000 DIFFERENT ACTIVITES,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THE RSS WAS NOT JUST A MASS PRODUCTION MACHINE CONCERNED WITH NUMBERS. EVERY ACTIVITY IT ORGANISED HAD A PURPOSE. IT MIGHT BE TO INTRODUCE A NEW SPORT TO THE PUBLIC, TO STIMULATE A CERTAIN GROUP TO BECOME MORE ACTIVE, TO DEVELOP A PARTICULAR SPORT BY ORGANISING A TRAINING COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS OR JUDGES OR OTHER SKILLED PERSONNEL, OR IT MIGHT BE TO PROVIDE THE INDIVIDUAL WITH ENOUGH BASIC TRAINING TO ENABLE HIM - OR HER - TO JOIN A CLUB AND DEVELOP THAT INTEREST AND SKILL STILL FURTHER.
♦ OR IT MIGHT BE JUST TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITHIN THEIR OWN NEIGHBOURHOOD, TO HELP THEM FEEL A SENSE OF BELONGING, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
♦ AS OUR CITY BECOMES MORE CROWDED, WE NEED MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE. I AM SURE YOU ALL KNOW ABOUT THE RSS’S SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WHICH HAS PROVED SO POPULAR.
♦ ANOTHER CENTRE IS BEING PLANNED NEAR TSUEN WAN, DUE TO OPEN IN 1983, AND OUR FIRST HOLIDAY VILLAGE WILL OPEN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AT TSAK YUE WU IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK,* HE DISCLOSED.
/HE ADDED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1980
7
HE ADDED THAT THE RSS WAS ALSO PLANNING WATER SPORTS CENTRES, TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN THE CHALLENGING SKILLS OF SAILING A BOAT OR PADDLING A CANOE, WHILE THE CHONG HING HIKING SCHEME, WHICH WAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED, WOULD ENCOURAGE THOUSANDS OF ENERGETIC YOUNGSTERS, AND PERHAPS THEIR PARENTS, TO DISCOVER SOME OF THE JOYS OF HILL-WALKING.
MR WIGGHAM DREW ATTENTION TO HIS USE OF THE WORD ♦OPPORTUNITY*. *WE CAN’T FORCE PEOPLE TO TAKE UP A PASTIME OR AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY. BUT WE PROVIDE THE ’OPPORTUNITY’ FOR THEM TO DO SO,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IN LIFE’S WAY, THERE WERE MANY OPPORTUNITIES, OTHER THAN JUST THOSE PROVIDED BY THE RSS, THAT PRESENTED THEMSELVES TO EVERYBODY, AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THESE OPPORTUNITIES -- OPPORTUNIT IES NOT ONLY TO TAKE, BUT ALSO TO GIVE — WERE NOT FORGOTTEN.
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ID CARD REMINDER TO EMPLOYERS * * fc #
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3) UNDER THE NEW IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
FOR EMPLOYERS, IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE AS FROM MONDAY TO HAVE IN THEIR EMPLOY ANYONE WHO DOES NOT HAVE AN IDENTITY CARD OR OTHER SPECIFIED PROOF OF IDENTITY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THOSE WHO TAKE ON PEOPLE WITHOUT ID CARDS, OR AN APPROPRIATE ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENT, WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF UP TO $50 □□□ AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR, HE WARNED.
EXISTING EMPLOYEES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO PRODUCE THEIR ID CARD, OR APPROPRIATE ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENT, FOR INSPECTION BY THEIR EMPLOYERS BY MONDAY.
♦FAILURE TO DO SO RENDERS AN EMPLOYEE LIABLE TO DISMISSAL WITHOUT NOTICE AND WITHOUT PAYMENT IN LIEU,* HE WARNED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT EMPLOYERS WERE ALREADY REQUIRED SINCE OCTOBER 28 TO INSPECT THE ID CARD, OR AN ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENT, OF ANY NEW APPLICANT BEFORE OFFERING EMPLOYMENT.
FROM MONDAY, EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED BY LAW TO MAINTAIN UP-TO-DATE RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES SHOWING THEIR NAMES AND PARTICULARS OF THEIR IDENTITY DOCUMENTS.
UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AN EMPLOYEE MUST HAVE AN ID CARD OR PROOF OF AN APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR REPLACEMENT, OR IF HE IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, HE SHOULD HAVE A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT, OR A VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARD, OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION ISSUED TO THE AGED, THE BLIND AND THE INFIRM.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
8 -
AMENDMENTS TO SHAU KEI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ft ft ft ft
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY PUBLISHED A REVISED DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR SHAU KEI WAN, INCORPORATING THREE AMENDMENTS. NOTICE OF THE AMENDMENTS WAS GIVEN IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE PROPOSED CHANGES INCLUDED THE REZONING OF TWO SITES AT NAM HONG STREET FROM INDUSTRIAL TO COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL PURPOSES, AMENDMENT TO ROAD LAYOUT AND OPEN SPACE AT NAM HONG STREET AND THE ADDITION OF A BOUNDARY TO TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK.
PROPOSALS WERE ALSO MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES TO THE PLAN.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED IN 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, AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE, 243 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LAND AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AT $8.5 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
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DR RICHARD BUTLER APPOINTED NTA SENIOR STAFF OFFICER ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF DR RICHARD BUTLER TO THE POST OF SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT).
THE DUTIES OF THE POST COVER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT STUDIES AND PROPOSALS, AND THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND EXISTING TRANSPORT SERVICES.
THE POST IS AT NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS.
THE NTA ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE POST OF REGIONAL COMMISSIONER NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES HAS CEASED TO EXIST. IT WAS FILLED BY MR JIMMY SWEETMAN, WHO IS NOW DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES.
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/9.....
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
- 9 -
TICD DIRECTOR LEAVES FOR BOGOTA CONFERENCE * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR BILL DORWARD, LEFT TODAY FOR BOGOTA TO ATTEND A FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE OF DEVELOPING TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES, WHO ARE TO DISCUSS THEIR ATTITUDES TO THE RENEWAL OF THE MULT I-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT, DUE AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
HONG KONG WAS INVITED TO ATTEND BY THE COLOMBIAN GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS HOSTING THE MEETING.
MR DORWARD, WHO IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE COUNSELLOR (HONG KONG AFFAIRS) IN GENEVA, MR BRIAN CHAU, WILL RETURN ON NOVEMBER 11.
DURING HIS ABSENCE MR PETER TSAO WILL BE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS.
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NORWAY BREAKS OFF TEXTILE TALKS WITH HONG KONG ft ft ft ft ft ft
MR PETER TSAO, ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN INFORMED BY NORWAY THAT THE BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS, ADJOURNED SINCE OCTOBER 10, 1980 WOULD NOT BE RESUMED.
♦WE HAVE NOW BEEN INFORMED BY NORWAY THAT IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES THERE IS ’NOT SUFFICIENT BASIS’ FOR NORWAY TO CONCLUDE A BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY 'WERE RESUMED EARLIER THIS YEAR FOLLOWING A DECISION BY THE GATT COUNCIL IN JUNE THAT NORWAY’S IMPORT ACTION UNDER ARTICLE XIX WAS INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE GATT. THE LAST ROUND WAS SUSPENDED AT THE REQUEST OF THE NORWEGIAN DELEGATION TO ENABLE IT TO RETURN TO NORWAY FOR CONSULTATIONS.
♦OBVIOUSLY NORWAY MUST HAVE ITS REASONS FOR THIS ABRUPT CHANGE OF DIRECTION. HOWEVER, WE ARE SORRY TO SEE THAT DESPITE THE EFFORTS MADE BY BOTH SIDES, NORWAY HAS NOW RULED OUT BILATERAL SETTLEMENT AS A SOLUTION. WE EXPECT TO BE INFORMED BY NORWAY BY NOVEMBER 17 AS TO WHAT IMPORT REGIME NORWAY WILL APPLY IN 1981. WHEN THAT IS KNOWN, HONG KONG WILL THEN CONSIDER ITS POSITION AND DECIDE ON ITS NEXT STEP. IN THE MEANTIME, HONG KONG WILL BE REPORTING THIS LATEST DEVELOPMENT TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GATT.+ SAID MR TSAO.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1980
10
WELFARE CLASS REVIEW OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES * * * *
THE STEERING COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO CONDUCT A WELFARE CLASS REVIEW OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR MET YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SUBMITTED BY ITS WORKING GROUP.
THE COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
AT THE MEETING, COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPRESENTING BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES REACHED CONSENSUS ON THE NEXT AND FINAL STAGE OF WORK.
BEFORE PUTTING THIS IN HAND, IT WAS AGREED TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AFFECTED BY THE REVIEW.
TO ALLOW TIME FOR THIS CONSULTATION, THE STEERING COMMITTEE DECIDED TO MEET AGAIN IN NOVEMBER TO CONSIDER FUTURE ACTION IN THE LIGHT OF THE VIEWS TO BE EXPRESSED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE STEERING COMMITTEE IS DETERMINED TO BRING THIS EXERCISE TO A QUICK AND SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION SO THAT EARLY RECOMMENDATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT.
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NEW EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION RATES EFFECTIVE TOMORROW *****
THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES IMPROVED STATUTORY BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYEES INJURED AND THE DEPENDANTS CF THOSE KILLED AT WORK COMES INTO OPERATION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE IS RENAMED EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AS THE BENEFITS ARE EXTENDED TO ALL EMPLOYEES IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS.
IN VIEW OF THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO INSURE AGAINST THEIR LIABILITIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
THE NEW COMPENSATION LEVELS ARE - UNDER 40 YEARS OLD: 84 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR DEATH AND 96 MONTHS EARNINGS FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY- 40 TO UNDER 56 YEARS OLD: 60 MONTHS AND 72 MONTHSAND 56 YEARS OLD AND OVER: 36 MONTHS AND 48 MONTHS.
THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE IN ALL CASES, HOWEVER, IS SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $168 000 FOR DEATH AND $192 000 FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY, AND A MINIMUM OF $49 000 AND $56 000 RESPECTIVELY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT LAW REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO PAY THE COST OF THE INITIAL SUPPLY AND FITTING OF A PROSTHESIS OR SURGICAL APPLIANCE, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $10 030.
/THE Al-UOJD
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1980
11
THE AMENDED LAW REQUIRES THE EMPLOYER TO PAY, IN ADDITION TO THE INITIAL COST, THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRING AND RENEWAL OF THE APPLIANCE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS. SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF $30 000. AFTER THE TEN-YEAR PERIOD, ANY FURTHER COST OF REPAIR AND RENEWAL WILL BE PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION ARISING FROM PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY FROM $32 000 TO $77 000, AND A RISE IN PAYMENT FOR BURIAL EXPENSES IN FATAL CASES FROM $800 TO $3 000.
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SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO CANADA * X * * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ITS SPEEDPOST NETWORK WOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE CANADA FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
THIS REPRESENTS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR THE SERVICE WHICH IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO TRANSMIT BUSINESS DOCUMENTS QUICKLY AND RELIABLY.
PRE-DETERMINED FLIGHTS OUT OF HONG KONG ARE USED AND PACKAGES ARE SPECIALLY DELIVERED TO THE OVERSEAS ADDRESSEES.
THE SERVICE TO CANADA WILL BE AVAILABLE ON BOTH +CONTRACT+ AND *0N DEMAND* BASIS. HOWEVER IT MAY ONLY BE USED FOR SENDING NON-DUTIABLE BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL PAPERS.
FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE SERVICE AND THE CHARGES, CUSTOMERS SHOULD CONTACT THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-2671222 OR THE POSTAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108.
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PILING NOISE TAKEN OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN GAMMON (HK) LTD PERMISSION TO CARRY OUT PILING WORK OUTSIDE PERMITTED HOURS ON ITS ICE HOUSE STREET SITE IN CENTRAL SO AS TO REDUCE DISTURBANCE TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED IN COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY.
AN EXEMPTION ORDER TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. IT WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL THE END OF NOVEMBER.
UNDER THE ORDER, THE COMPANY CAN CARRY OUT PILING WORK BETWEEN 7 PM AND 10 °M ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10 AM TO ID PM ON ONE SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
/IL .-iETURN,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 1980
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IN RETURN, THE COMPANY IS REQUIRED TO STOP PILING WORK BETWEEN 10 AM AND 1 PM ON WEEKDAYS, INCLUDING SATURDAYS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NOISE FROM PILING ON THIS SITE HAD BEEN THE SOURCE OF MANY PUBLIC COMPLAINTS.
+DESPITE MEASURES TAKEN BY THE COMPANY, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING THE DISTURBANCE TO SOME DEGREE, THE NOISE LEVEL REMAINS HIGH BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF PILING EQUIPMENT USED.+ HE SAID.
♦IN AN ATTEMPT TO FURTHER REDUCE THE DISTURBANCE, THE COMPANY HAS REQUESTED AN EXEMPTION TO ALLOW THE DRIVING OF SHEET PILES OUTSIDE THE PERMITTED HOURS SO AS TO OFFSET A SIMILAR NUMBER OF HOURS ON WEEKDAYS DURING WHICH NO PILING WILL TAKE PLACE.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE HOURS PROPOSED WERE REASONABLE HAVING REGARD TO THE NON-RESIDENTI AL NATURE OF CENTRAL DISTRICT AND THE FACT THAT THE GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE IN THAT AREA DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
HE STRESSED THAT THE EXEMPTION WAS GRANTED SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS MIGHT ORDER PILING WORKS TO BE STOPPED OR ORDER SUCH REASONABLE MEASURES TAKEN AS HE CONSIDERED NECESSARY IF IN HIS OPINION THE NOISE CREATED DURING THE HOURS OF EXEMPTION WAS CAUSING UNNECESSARY DISTURBANCE AND ANNOYANCE TO THE PUBLIC.
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COURSES ON TEACHING FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS ft * ft *
COURSES WILL BE RUN FOR SUPERVISORS TO IMPROVE THEIR
TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP TEACHING SKILLS.
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS TO FOUR SUCH FULL-TIME BLOCK RELEASE COURSES TO BE HELD IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR.
*THE COURSES OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE INSTRUCTORS AND SUPERVISORS TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
COURSE CONTENTS INCLUDE METHODS OF INSTRUCTION BASED ON THE STUDY OF EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY, HE SAID.
oo. . APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE NOVEMBER 22.
RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER J1, 198O
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FEES PAYMENT CENTRE OPENED FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS
X X X X X X
A SPOKESMAN FOR NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PAY WATER CHARGES FOR THE CURRENT PERIOD PROMPTLY AT THE RECENTLY OPENED FANLING SUB-OFFICE.
THE SUB-OFFICE IS IN JOCKEY ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT.
THE OPENING HOURS AT ITS ACCOUNTS OFFICE ARE 9 AM TO 1 PM AND 2 PM TO 4 PM DURING WEEKDAYS. IT OPERATES FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM ON SATURDAYS.
TEMPORARY CENTRES SET UP PREVIOUSLY AT FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AND SHEUNG SHU I PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE FOR COLLECTING WATER CHARGES HAVE BEEN CLOSED.
OTHER PAYMENTS, INCLUDING RATES, PROPERTY TAX, FIXED PENALTIES, CROWN RENT, STAMP DUTY, LAND REGISTRATION FEES, SHORT TERM TENANCY AND SHORT TERM WAIVER FEES, PERMIT FEES AND SCHOOL FEES CAN ALSO BE MADE AT FANLING SUB-OFFICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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MAXICAB ROUTE CHANGE X X * *
MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 21 OPERATING BETWEEN TAI HANG DRIVE AND LEIGHTON HILL WILL TERMINATE AT HAPPY VIEW TERRACE INSTEAD OF LEIGHTON HILL FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
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