Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1981 - JUL - ENG





  DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU SPLIT UP FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY ..... 1

REMINDER ON INTEREST TAX PAYMENT ........................... 2

WONG TAI SIN ORGANISING PRODUCTS FAIR....................... 3

REMINDER ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAY ........................... 4

FIRE SERVICES DEPOT BEING CONVERTED INTO SPORTS CENTRE ..... 5

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CATCHING ON HERE ....................... 6

YAU MA TEI WATER LEAKAGE TESTS

7

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

1

FPB SPLIT UP FOR GREATER EFFICIENCY ft ft ft ft ft

THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU (FPB) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN SPLIT UP INTO THREE REGIONAL OFFICES TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.

FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE THREE SEMI-AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL OFFICES WILL OPERATE SEPARATELY FROM HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE HEADQUARTERS WILL REMAIN AT ASIAN HOUSE, WAN CHAI.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID THESE REGIONAL OFFICES WILL DEAL WITH FIRE PROTECTION MATTERS RELATING TO COMPLAINTS, PROSECUTIONS, SCHOOLS AND FACTORIES.

♦EACH WILL ALSO DEAL WITH DANGEROUS GOODS LICENSING, TIMBER STORES LICENSING AND LICENSING MATTERS CONCERNING PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

OFFICE HOURS ARE FROM 8.30 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.

THE ADDRESSES OF THE THREE OFFICES AREi HONG KONG ISLAND, AT ASIAN HOUSE 10TH FLOOR, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI- KOWLOON, AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 5TH FLOOR, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD- AND NEW TERRITORIES, AT SHA TIN FIRE STATION, YUEN WO ROAD.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES ARE: 5-281122 EXTENSION 50, 3-247307 AND 0-6047223.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE DEPARTMENT OPERATES A 24-HOUR SERVICE FOR COMPLAINTS AND ENQUIRIES.

♦ANY PERSON WISHING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT OR AN ENQUIRY MAY DIAL 5-281224,+ HE ADDED.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

2

REMINDER ON INTEREST TAX PAYMENT

MMX*

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY REMINDED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT OF THE NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW CONCERNING PAYMENT OF INTEREST TAX.

FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD LEAD TO LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE OFFENDER, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IRD SAID.

FIFTEEN PER CENT OF THE INTEREST CHARGEABLE WITH INTEREST TAX MUST BE DEDUCTED BY THE PAYER AT THE TIME HE MAKES THE PAYMENT OR CREDITS THE INTEREST TO THE RECIPIENT.

THE RECIPIENT SHOULD, THEREFORE, RECEIVE 85 PER CENT OF THE INTEREST AT THE TIME, EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS LAID DOWN UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE PAYER MUST REMIT THE TAX DEDUCTED TO THE COLLECTOR, INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, THIRD FLOOR, WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WITHIN 30 DAYS OF MAKING THE DEDUCTION.

♦THE PAYER OF INTEREST MUST NOT WAIT FOR THE ISSUE OF AN INTEREST TAX RETURN NOR A NOTE OF DEMAND FOR THE TAX FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT,+ HE NOTED.

THE REMITTANCE SHOULD HAVE A COVERING NOTE GIVING PARTICULARS OF THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE RECIPIENT, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE INTEREST, THE NET INTEREST PAID, PERIOD OF THE INTEREST ACCRUED AND THE DATE OF THE PAYMENT OR THE CREDIT OF THE NET INTEREST.

THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ISSUE TO THE PAYER A SPECIFIED CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSFER TO THE RECIPIENT OF INTEREST WITHIN 42 DAYS OF THE DEDUCTION.

HOWEVER THERE ARE SPECIAL CERTIFICATE ARRANGEMENTS WITH LICENSED BANKS AND CERTAIN SPECIFIED CORPORATIONS.

FAILURE WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, TO MAKE DEDUCTION OR REMIT AMOUNT OF TAX IS AN OFFENCE AND THE PENALTY ON CONVICTION IS A FINE OF $2 000.

THE INTEREST TAX SECTION OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IS ON THE 17TH FLOOR OF WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, (TEL 5-79595236), AND THE POSTAL ADDRESS IS GPO BOX 132 HONG KONG.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

3

WONG TAI SIN ORGANISING PRODUCTS FAIR ft * * ft

THE NEWLY-FORMED WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD IS ORGANISING AN EXHIBITION AND FAIR OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE ART AND CRAFT PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN THE AREA.

THE 1981 WONG TAI SIN CRAFTS FAIR WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 12 TO 14, AND IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BUYERS.

EXHIBITS WILL INCLUDE CHINESE FURNITURE, IVORY, JADE, WOOD-CRAVING, SILK FLOWER AND PAINTINGS, AND MANY OTHER CRAFT PRODUCTS.

♦MOST OF THE PRODUCTS ARE MADE IN SMALL, FAMILY WORKSHOPS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAVE BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH LOCAL GROUPS TO INVITE MANUFACTURERS TO JOIN THE FAIR, AND MANY MANUFACTURERS HAVE ALREADY SHOWN INTEREST IN PART ICIPATION,+ SAID MR STEPHEN SELBY, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER FOR THE AREA.

THE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW FUNG MING HALL OF THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE 40 STALLS AND IS SERVED BY A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.

THE FAIR WILL COST 150 000 TO ORGANISE, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPONSORED 115 000 OF THIS, WHILE THE TRUSTEES OF THE HONG KONG BANK FOUNDATION HAVE CONTRIBUTED ANOTHER $15 000. THE EXHIBITORS WILL MEET THE REST OF THE COSTS.

THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WILL ASSIST IN GIVING ADVICE IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE FAIR.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

4

REMINDER ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAY * * * ft ft

EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT JULY 29, 1981 - THE DATE OF THE WEDDING OF PRINCE CHARLES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER - WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR THIS YEAR FOR EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT IF M EMPLOYEE HAS WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR HIS EMPLOYER FOR THREE ONTHS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY, HE IS ENTITLED TO PAY FOR THAT DAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE WAGES, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, WHICH THE EMPLOYEE WOULD HAVE EARNED IF HE HAD ORKED ON THE HOLIDAY.

WHERE AN EMPLOYEE IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATES OR WHERE THE aILY WAGES OF AN EMPLOYEE VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE HOLIDAY PAY .^OULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGES DURING THE PERIOD 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.

ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, IF FOR ANY REASON, AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HXIDAY, HIS EMPLOYER MAY GIVE HIM AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER A STATUTORY HOLIDAY WITH 48 HOURS' NOTICE. HOWEVER, IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

IN THE CASE OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 17 IN INDUSTRY, IF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ANY HOLIDAY IN LIEU FALLS ON THEIR RE&T DAY UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS, THE HOLIDAY SHOULD BE TAKEN ON THE DAY FOLLOWING THE REST DAY.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

5

FIRE SERVICES DEPOT BEING CONVERTED INTO SPORTS CENTRE * ft ft »

A FORMER FIRE SERVICES DEPOT AT TAI HING ESTATE, TUEN MUN, IS BEING CONVERTED INTO AN INDOOR RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE.

THE YAN 01 TONG, A LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANISATION, HAS DONATED THE 1500 000 THE PROJECT IS COSTING.

THE DEPOT, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 1 500 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF HING CHEONG HOUSE. THERE IS ALSO A 440 SQUARE METRE OPEN YARD ATTACHED TO THE PREMISES.

IT HAS BEEN VACANT SINCE THE FIRE SERVICES MOVED TO A NEW SITE IN PUI TO ROAD LAST SEPTEMBER.

INDOOR

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, SAID AN INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE WOULD PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED SERVICE FOR THE FAST GROWING POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWN WHICH WOULD DOUBLE

TO 350 000

IN TWO YEARS.

CONVERSION WORK STARTED IN MAY AND WILL BE COMPLETED THIS MONTH.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE ARCHERY RANGES, FITNESS, TABLE TENNIS, DANCE, BRIEFING AND CONFERENCE ROOMS AND A VOLLEY BALL COURT.

THE CENTRE WILL BE MANAGED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AFTER COMPLETION.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1981

6

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CATCHING ON HERE

*****

HONG KONG MAY HAVE A CHANCE TO TRY OUT A NEW EVENT IN THE 1984 OLYMPIC GAMES — RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS.

INTRODUCED HERE ONLY QUITE RECENTLY, THIS SPORT AND EXERCISE, AS WELL AS ART FORM, IS DEVELOPING FAST AMONG THE YOUNG PEOPLE.

AND THERE ARE ALREADY SOME INDICATIONS OF TALENT IN HONG KONG WHICH MAY, HOPEFULLY, LEAD TO PARTICIPATION IN THE WORLD SPORTS EVENT THREE YEARS FROM NOW.

+ IT IS A SPORT WITH A DIFFERENCE,* EXPLAINED MISS LEE LAI, AN INSTRUCTOR WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE. +RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS IS A COMBINATION OF DANCING, MUSIC AND GYMNASTIC EXERCISE.*

♦ITS CHARACTERISTIC IS BODILY MOVEMENT FOLLOWING MUSIC,* SHE SAID. +AND BECAUSE OF THE CONCENTRATION REQUIRED IN THE -.RFORMANCE, THE LEARNER WILL BECOME MORE IMAGINATIVE, CREATIVE ^D AGILE AFTER A PERIOD OF PRACTICE.

+IN SHORT, IT ENHANCES BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF THE BODY AND THE MIND, AND SOME COUNTRIES USE IT FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES.*

AT PRESENT, MISS LEE IS TEACHING TWO CLASSES A WEEK AT THE HUNG HOM CAR PARK SPORTS CENTRE. THE LEARNERS COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE- MANY OF THEM ARE NURSES, STUDENTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.

IT TAKES AT LEAST ONE YEAR’S INTENSIVE TRAINING TO GET TO KNOW THE SPORT, BUT PROGRESS WILL BE EASIER FOR NEWCOMERS WHO HAVE ALREADY ACQUIRED THE BASIC SKILLS IN BALLET AND GYMNASTICS, SHE EXPLAINED.

ALTHOUGH RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS IS QUITE NEW TO HONG KONG, IT HAS IN FACT BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT IN OTHER PLACES FOR ABOUT 30 YEARS.

+THE SPORT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED INTO CHINA IN 1953-54 BY RUSSIAN GYMNASTIC TEACHERS,* MISS LEE SAID.

+NOWADAYS, IT IS ALSO VERY POPULAR IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, BRITAIN, FRANCE, GERMANY, POLAND, JAPAN AND KOREA.*

MISS LEE HERSELF WAS TRAINED IN BEIJING BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG. SHE IS ONE OF THE PIONEERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT HERE — AND IS AMONG ft TOTAL OF ONLY FIVE QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN HONG KONG.

vVEDNESDAI, JULI 1, 1981

THE GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 400 APPLICATIONS FOR RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CLASSES SO FAR THIS YEAR, AND ABOUT 80 OF THEM HAVE BEEN ENROLLED. FOR THE PRESENT, THE CLASSES ARE FOR WOMEN ONLY.

MISS LEE IS PLANNING TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH HER STUDENTS DURING THE SUMMER VACATION, AND IN NOVEMBER, WILL LEAD THEM IN A PERFORMANCE AT THE YOUTH FESTIVAL IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.

ALREADY SHE HAS NOTICED TALENT FOR RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS IN HONG KONG.

♦A NUMBER OF MY STUDENTS HAVE SHOWN MUCH POTENTIAL IN THE SPORT,* SHE SAID.

♦I HOPE RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS WILL CONTINUE TO DEVELOP HERE. MAYBE SOME DAY THE EVENT WILL BRING US AN OLYMPIC MEDAL,* SHE EXCLAIMED, OPTIMISTICALLY.


YAU MA TEI WATER LEAKAGE TESTS

# X X X

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MID-NIGHT TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 4) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

AFFECTED PREMISES WILL BE THOSE AT WATERLOO ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET, INCLUDING WING SING LANE, HI LUNG LANE, MAN MING LANE, TEMPLE STREET, PORTLAND STREET, ARTHUR STREET AND YUNNAN LANE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BUS SERVICES ’COMPARATIVELY GOOD’ .............................. 1

MDRE HOSPITAL BEDS FOR WONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY................... 2

RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER DUE..................................... 3

POSTAL SERVICES TO CANADA SUSPENDED DUE TO STRIKE............... 4

PUBLIC REMINDED ABOUT TAX OBLIGATIONS........................... 4

STORM REFUGE CENTRES ........................................... 5

VISITING EDUCATIONIST TO CONDUCT SEMINARS....................... 5

SAN HUI SHOP OPERATORS URGED TO SUBMIT CLAIMS .................. 6

SPORTS SCHEME TO KEEP YOUTHS AWAY FROM DRUGS ................... 7

TRAINING COURSE COMPLETED ...................................... 7

WATER WORKS IN CHAI WAN AND KWal CHUNG

8

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

BUS SERVICES 'COMPARATIVELY GOOD’ * * * *

BUS SERVICES IN HONG KONG ARE GOOD, AS ANY COMPARISON WILL SHOW, ALTHOUGH BUS PASSENGERS AND BUS OPERATORS AND THE AUTHORITIES WOULD SAY THEY ARE NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY AT THE OPENING OF A NEW MAINTENANCE AND RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY AT KWAI CHUNG TODAY.

♦PASSENGERS WOULD OBVIOUSLY LIKE BETTER SERVICES. THE OPERATORS WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES - HENCE THIS MAINTENANCE CENTRE - AND THE AUTHORITIES WOULD LIKE TO SEE BETTER SERVICES. WE CAN NEVER SAY SERVICES CANNOT BE IMPROVED UPON.+ MR BRAY SAID.

HE SAID BUS SERVICES PLAYED SUCH A VITAL PART IN THE DAILY LIVES OF PRACTICALLY EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG THAT IT WAS SMALL WONDER THERE WAS SO MUCH DEBATE OVER THEIR OPERATIONS AND THEIR COST.

♦BUS FARES OVER THE YEARS HAVE RISEN AT MUCH THE SAME RATE AS THE PRICES OF OTHER DAILY NECESSITIES. EVEN SO EVERYBODY NATURALLY WANTS TO BE SURE HE IS GETTING THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY WHEN THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING IS GOING UP. SO DOES THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS WHY THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED ARE ENGAGED IN A MORE EXHAUSTIVE STUDY OF BUS OPERATIONS THAN HAS EVER TAKEN PLACE BEFORE,♦ HE SAID.

HE SAID THIS WAS ALSO WHY KMB BUILT THE NEW WORKSHOPS WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THE LARGEST BUS MAINTENANCE AND RESEARCH CENTRES IN ASIA.

MR BRAY POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT EASY TO NOTICE CHANGES IN STANDARDS OF SERVICES DAY BY DAY WHEN THEY WERE PROVIDED BY THOUSANDS OF BUSES CARRYING MILLIONS OF PASSENGERS. BUT WITH A LONGER TIME PERSPECTIVE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES COULD BE RECALLED.

♦PERHAPS NOT MANY WILL REMEMBER THE FIRST POST-WAR KMB BUSES WHICH WERE CONVERTED LORRIES- A GATE OPERATOR HAD TO BE HANDY NOT ONLY WITH HIS ARMS BUT ALSO HIS FEET TO BE ABLE TO PULL THE GATES SHUT THROUGH THRONGS OF STRUGGLING PASSENGERS.

♦IT WAS NOT LONG AGO THAT HONG KONG PASSENGER MOVEMENTS

SEEMED TO BE VERY UNUSUAL. THERE WERE NO PEAK HOURS. TRAVEL STARTED AT ABOUT 7 AM AND LASTED TILL 10 PM AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL ALL DAY. THERE WERE NEVER ANY EMPTY BUSES.

♦TODAY THERE ARE MARKED PEAK HOURS WHEN QUEUES ARE LONG AND BUSES CROWDED BUT ALSO LONG PERIODS IN THE DAY WHEN PASSENGERS HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN FINDING SEATS,+ MR BRAY SAID.

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

2

MORE HOSPITAL BEDS FOR WONS TAI SIN INFIRMARY ft ft ft ft

WONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY’S BED CAPACITY IS BEING EXPANDED BY 53 PER CENT TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR THE SERVICE.

THE EXTENSION PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE MUCH NEEDED BACK-UP SERVICE TO KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND OTHER GOVERNMENT MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH ARE ALSO BEING EXPANDED.

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED, AND WAS OPENED TODAY BY DR K.L. THONG, WHO ALSO AT THE SAME TIME PERFORMED THE EARTH BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE SECOND PHASE.

THE INFIRMARY, ONE OF THE INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, HAS BEEN SERVING THE LOCAL PEOPLE FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS SINCE THE MID-60S.

IT PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR CONVALESCENT PATIENTS AND THOSE SUFFERING FROM LONG-TERM DISEASES AT A VERY LOW COST,+ SAID DR THONG.

PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 106 BEDS, AND WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SECOND PHASE, THE EXISTING 681 BEDS WILL BE INCREASED BY 300.

THE DIRECTOR DESCRIBED THE EXPANSION AS +TIMELY+ BECAUSE WITH THE GRADUAL INCREASE IN POPULATION, +THERE IS A GROWING NEED OF SERVICES OF THIS NATURE.+

HE COMMENDED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR THEIR FAR-SIGHTEDNESS IN INITIATING THE PROJECT WHICH HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

DR THONG ALSO PRAISED THE DIRECTORS FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION OVER THE YEARS TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF MEDICAL WELFARE FOR THE COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE ALL WITNESSED THE EXCELLENT RECORDS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VARIOUS MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED THEIR CONSTANT CONCERN FOR THE COMMUNITY BY THEIR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES. THE PRESENT ACHIEVEMENT IS BUT ONE OF THE NUMEROUS EXAMPLES OF THE GOOD WORKS THEY HAVE ACCOMPL ISHED,+ HE SAID.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

3

RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER DUE

* * * M

THE TREASURY REMINDED RATEPAYERS TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT RATES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR SHOULD BE PAID ON OR BEFORE JULY 31.

A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT WOULD BE IMPOSED ON LATE PAYMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID. AND IF THE PAYMENTS ARE STILL NOT SETTLED, A SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MIGHT BE ADDED.

+RATEPAYERS SHOULD HAVE BY NOW RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION OF THE TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 9TH FLOOR, 3E HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.+

♦WHETHER OR NOT THE DEMAND NOTE IS RECEIVED, IT DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES SHOULD BE PAID BEFORE THE DUE DATE,+ KE POINTED CUT.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT RATES WERE PAYABLE ON VACANT PREMISES BUT WERE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.

HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WOULD BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED, OR INTENDED TO BE USED, WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).

TO AVOID QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY CF THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.

THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THEY CAN NOW MAKE USE OF THE NEWLY-INTRODUCED AUTOPAY SERVICE TO SETTLE THEIR RATES.

A LEAFLET NOTIFYING ALL RATEPAYERS OF THE NEW SERVICE HAS BEEN SENT OUT WITH THE RATES DEMAND NOTE FOR THE THIRD QUARTER CF THIS YEAR.

♦ANYONE WHO HAS A CURRENT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT WITH ANY LICENSED BANK IN HONG KONG CAN MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE,+ HE ADDED.

DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED IN PERSON FROM ANY TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICE, BY WRITING TO DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, P.O. BOX 8 000, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONING 5-221394, 5-258845 OR 5-232741. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO THE TREASURY AS INDICATED IN THE FORM.

RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE ALREADY SUBMITTED THEIR AUTOPAY FORMS SHOULD READ THEIR DEMAND NOTES CAREFULLY TO SEE IF THEY CONTAIN THE WORDING +PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY AS AUTHORISED*. THE ABSENCE OF SUCH WORDING MEANS THEIR FORMS HAVE NOT YET BEEN PROCESSED, IN WHICH CASE THEY SHOULD CONTINUE TO PAY THEIR RATES IN THE NORMAL WAY, I.E. IN PERSON OR BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER.

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

4

POSTAL SERVICES TO CANADA SUSPENDED DUE TO STRIKE OXO

DUE TO A POSTAL STRIKE IN CANADA, ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO THAT COUNTRY HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.

♦NO MAIL FOR CANADA WILL THEREFORE BE ACCEPTED AT POST OFFICES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE,+ A SPOKESMAN SAID.

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PUBLIC REMINDED ABOUT TAX OBLIGATIONS

X X X X X

INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED BY THE INLAND REVENUE PARTMENT OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING PAYMENT OF TAXES AND <-E°ORTING OF INFORMATION CONCERNING PERSONNEL.

UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, EVERY PERSON CHARGEABLE TO TAX MUST REPORT THIS TO THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THE BASIS PERIOD FOR THE TAX YEAR.

AND. ANY PERSON WHO CEASES TO CARRY ON A TRADE, PROFESSION OR BUSINESS OR CEASES TO HOLD AN OFFICE OR EMPLOYMENT, OR CEASES TO HAVE A SOURCE OF INCOME FOR WHICH HE IS ASSESSED, MUST ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING WITHIN ONE MONTH OF SUCH CESSATION.

ANY PERSON FOR LONGER THAN BEFORE LEAVING, FOR BUSINESS OR

ANY CHANGE COMMISSIONER.

LIABLE TO PAY TAX, WHO IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG ONE MONTH, MUST GIVE NOTICE AT LEAST ONE MONTH UNLESS THE PERSON IS REQUIRED TO LEAVE FREQUENTLY EMPLOYMENT REASONS.

OF ADDRESS MUST ALSO BE MADE KNOWN TO THE

EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO FURNISH IN WRITING, WITHIN THREE MONTHS, PARTICULARS OF ANY NEWLY-HIRED EMPLOYEE WHO IS LIKELY LIABLE TO PAY TAX. THEY MUST ALSO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFORE CEASING TO EMPLOY ANY PERSON.

NOTICE MUST ALSO BE GIVEN TO THE COMMISSIONER WHENEVER AN EMPLOYEE CHARGEABLE TO TAX IS ABOUT TO LEAVE HONG KONG FOR MORE THAN A MONTH, EXCEPT IF THE EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO LEAVE AT FREQUENT INTERVALS ON BUSINESS.

THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON PAYMENT OF WAGES TO EMPLOYEES WHOSE EMPLOYMENT HAS CEASED IN HONG KONG.

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THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

5

STORM REFUGE CENTRES * * * *

EACH YEAR DURING THE TYPHOON SEASON, THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ARRANGES FOR TYPHOON SHELTERS TO BE OPENED FOR MEMBERS CF THE PUBLIC SEEKING REFUGE FROM THE WIND AND RAIN.

+THIS YEAR, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS aND KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED FOR MORE THAN 110 TYPHOON SHELTERS TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 IS HOISTED,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

AT THE SPECIAL REQUEST OF BOAT SQUATTERS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO ARRANGED FOR SOME OF THE TEMPORARY SHELTERS AT EASTERN AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS ON THE ISLAND, AND AT YAU MA TEI IN KOWLOON, TO BE OPENED WHEN TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 3 IS HOISTED,* HE ADDED.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT THE ENQUIRY COUNTER AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ALL CITY DISTRICT OF- ICES.

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VISITING EDUCATIONIST TO CONDUCT SEMINARS * * * *

MRS BETTY LOWE, VISITING ADVISER ON KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, WILL BE CONDUCTING THREE ONE-DAY SEMINARS ON THEMATIC APPROACH IN KINDERGARTEN TEACHING LATER THIS MONTH.

THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON JULY 22, 23 AND 24.

MRS LOWE WILL BE SPEAKING ON THEMATIC APPROACH IN KINDERGARTEN TEACHING AND STRUCTURING PLAY.

MRS KAM TSE PIK-CHU, SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S KINDERGARTEN SECTION WILL GIVE A TALK ON STUDY PRINTS ON CHILDREN’S MOODS AND EMOTIONS.

THE TALKS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH WITH SOME CHINESE TRANSLATION.

HEADS OF KINDERGARTENS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CINEMA OF LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE JULY 10 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, KINDERGARTEN SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION ON 5-774001 EXT. 27 AND 28.

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

6

SAN HUI SHOP OPERATORS URGED TO SUBMIT CLAIMS

* * * *

A GROUP OF SHOP OPERATORS AT SAN HUI, TUEN MUN, WHO ARE DUE TO BE CLEARED IN NOVEMBER TO MAKE WAY FOR A VITAL NEW TOWN ROAD °ROJECT BUT WHO HAVE NOT YET SUBMITTED CLAIMS FOR BUSINESS LOSSES, HAVE BEEN URGED TO DO SO.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, WHO MET AGAIN WITH THE OPERATORS THIS MORNING (THURSDAY), ASKED THEM TO GET THEIR CLAIMS IK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

OPERATORS OF THE 97 SHOPS IN THE AREA ARE ENTITLED TO AN -X-GRATIA ALLOWANCE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF LOSSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF REMOVAL, MR LAM SAID.

MEETINGS HAD BEEN HELD BETWEEN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OPERATORS SINCE FEBRUARY, DURING WHICH CLAIMS FORMS WERE DISTRIBUTED AND ADVICE GIVEN ON HOW TO COMPLETE THEM.

IN ADDITION STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE CALLED ON INDIVIDUAL SHOPKEEPERS TO ANSWER QUERIES.

SEVERAL OF THE FORMS HAVE BEEN RETURNED, BUT THE REMAINDER WERE REQUIRED URGENTLY SO THAT CLAIMS COULD BE ASSESSED AND PAYMENTS MADE.

MR LAM SAID A LIST OF ALTERNATIVE COMMERCIAL PREMISES RENT IN TUEN MUN HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE OPERATORS TO ASSIST TO RE-ESTABLISH THEIR BUSINESSES IN THE VICINITY FOLLOWING

FOR THEM

CLEARANCE.

ANOTHER MEETING HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MONDAY (JULY 6) FOR OPERATORS WHO MIGHT FIND DIFFICULTIES IN SUBMITTING CLAIMS.

MR LAM SAID THE MAJORITY OF THE OPERATORS ACCEPTED THE CLEARANCE AND THE REASONS FOR IT.

♦ONLY A MINORITY ARE NOT CO-OPERATING,♦ HE SAID.

HE SAID CLEARANCE COULD NOT BE DELAYED ANY FURTHER AS IT WOULD AFFECT OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

o---------

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

- 7 -

SPORTS SCHEME TO KEEP YOUTHS AWAY FROM DRUGS * * * * *

AN ESTATE SPORTS SCHEME AIMED AT PROMOTING HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AS WELL AS EDUCATING THEM ON THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN TIN WAN ESTATE, ABERDEEN.

THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AS PART OF ACAN’S PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THIS YEAR.

SOME 500 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH *ILL INCLUDE TABLE TENNIS, BASKETBALL, MINI-SOCCER AND FOLK DANCE, AND LAST UNTIL AUGUST 16.

ALL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT SCHOOLS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN THE ESTATE.

A NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE BEST USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME BV PARTICIPATING IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.

+SUCH ACTIVITIES CAN HELP THEM REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPERIMENTING WITH DRUGS,+ HE SAID.

SIMILAR ACTIVITIES WOULD ALSO BE HELD IN SAU MAU PING, HING WAH AND TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

--------o----------

TRAINING COURSE COMPLETED * * * *

A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 256 MEMBERS OF GENERAL DUTIES TEAM OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED A FIVE-WEEK BASIC TRAINING COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) STARTING AT 10.30 AM.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES. MR BOWEN LEUNG, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING. HE WILL ALSO PRESENT CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES TO THE GRADUATES.

-----o------

/8.......

THURSDAY, JULY 2, 1981

8

WATER WORKS IN CHAI WAN AND KWAI CHUNG K * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 6) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE AT CHAI WAN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTIONS WITH A KUNG NGAM ROAD AND HONG MAN ROAD, LOK MAN ROAD, CHEUNG MAN ROAD, HING WAH ESTATE, PAK SHA WAN AND SHAN TSUI COURT.

WILL 8 AM

IN KWAI CHUNG FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES BE TURNED OFF FOR 11 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (JULY 7) TO THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR VALVE INSTALLATION WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE i FROM SOUTH/EAST OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (BOUNDED BY KWAI WING ROAD AND TAI LIN PAI ROAD)- FROM SOUTH/WEST OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO SHEUNG KOK STREET (BOUNDED BY KWAI FUK ROAD TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD)- FROM LEI MUK ROAD TO CHEUNG WING ROAD (BOUNDED BY WO Yl HOP ROAD AND KWOK SHU I ROAD)-AND ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD (FROM LEI MUK ROAD TO END OF YIP SHING STREET).

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

EFFORT TO CRACK DOWN ON DANGEROUS DRIVERS ..................... 1

QUEENSLAND'S PRISON CHIEF VISITS PENAL INSTITUTIONS ........... 2

AIM TO IMPROVE FIXED TRAFFIC PENALTY SYSTEM ................... 3

TIGHTER CONTROL OF MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS PLANNED ............... 4

BILL TO KEEP DRUGS CASE CONFIDENTIAL .......................... 7

POWER TO WAIVE STATUTORY FIRST CHARGE ......................... 8

OLD S5 COIN BEING WITHDRAWN ................................... 9

+CONTROL OF HAWKERS NECESSARY+ ............................... 10

ANTI-LITTER DRIVE EFFORT EXPANDED ............................ 11

FREQUENCY OF MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 23 INCREASED .................. 11

JOINT VENTURE FOR FLATS SOUGHT ............................... 12

RADIO CAR RACING TO BE HELD AT TAI PO ........................ 12

ASIANS GATHER HERE FOR LABOUR RELATIONS COURSE ............... 13

SURVEY OF NORTH DISTRICT TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES ... 14

HAWKER CLEARANCE AT SHEK YAM ROAD ............................ 1?

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

1

EFFORT TO CRACK DOWN ON DANGEROUS DRIVERS ft ft ft ft

THE ROADS MAY BE MADE SOMEWHAT SAFER IN FUTURE IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVES PROPOSALS AIMED AT CRACKING DOWN ON DANGEROUS DRIVERS.

UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1981, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY, BAD DRIVERS RISK LOSING THEIR LICENCE AFTER HAVING COMMITTED MORE THAN ONE SERIOUS OFFENCE.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS «RE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM A DEMERIT POINTS SCHEME PROPOSED SOME YEARS AGO.

♦THE PREVIOUS EXERCISE INVOLVED MORE THAN 60 OFFENCES, INCLUDING SOME OF A TECHNICAL NATURE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. *IT IS NOW PROPOSED THAT PENALTY POINTS BE IMPOSED IN THE CASE OF JUST FIVE OFFENCES, ONES WHICH HAVE A DIRECT BEARING ON ROAD SAFETY.♦

♦THE NEW SCHEME IS AIMED NOT AT ANY PARTICULAR CLASS OF DRIVER, BUT SIMPLY DRIVERS WHO PERSISTENTLY USE THE ROADS IN AN UNSAFE MANNER AND ENDANGER HUMAN LIFE,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

♦THE AIM IS NOT TO DISQUALIFY PEOPLE FOR ITS OWN SAKE BUT RATHER TO PERSUADE PEOPLE NOT TO COMMIT THE OFFENCES.♦

PENALTY POINTS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED AS FOLLOWSi

OFFENCE

POINTS

DANGEROUS DRIVING 10

DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING DEATH 10

DANGEROUS DRIVING CAUSING GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM 10

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRINK OR DRUGS 10

CARELESS DRIVING 5

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FIRST FOUR OFFENCES WERE THOSE WHERE A MAGISTRATE ALREADY HAD DISCRETIONARY POWER TO SUSPEND A DRIVER'S LICENCE OUTRIGHT ON A FIRST CONVICTION.

EXPLAINING HOW THE PROPOSED SYSTEM WOULD WORK IN PRACTICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A DRIVER INCURRING 15 POINTS WITHIN A THREE-YEAR PERIOD WOULD BE LIABLE, ON SUMMONS AND CONVICTION IN A MAGISTRATES COURT, TO SUSPENSION OF HIS DRIVING LICENCE FOR UP TO THREE MONTHS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS WOULD RESULT IN SUSPENSION FOR SIX MONTHS.

WARNING LETTERS WOULD BE ISSUED TO DRIVERS ACCUMULATING MORE THAN TEN, BUT LESS THAN 15 POINTS.

/POINTS ACCUMULATED .......

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

2

POINTS ACCUMULATED WOULD NO LONGER COUNT THREE YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF COMMISSION OF THE OFFENCE OR ON SUSPENSION OF A LICENCE.

DRIVING A VEHICLE DURING A PERIOD OF DISQUALIFICATION WOULD BE AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF UP TO >10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.

FAILURE TO SURRENDER A DRIVING LICENCE AFTER DISQUALIFICATION BY A COURT WILL LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3 000 AND ONE MONTH’S IMPRISONMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PROVISION WAS MADE FOR DISCRETIONARY CONSIDERATION BY A MAGISTRATE AND FOR THE REVISION OF PENALTY POINTS UPON A SUCCESSFUL APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION.

-----0------

QUEENSLAND’S PRISON CHIEF VISITS PENAL INSTITUTIONS O M *

THE VISITING QUEENSLAND’S COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF PRISONS.

W E.J. COLLINS, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED HEI LING CHAU DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE AND NE I KWU CHAU DETENTION CENTRE TO SEE THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR CONVICTED DRUG DEPENDANTS AND YOUNG OFFENDERS.

MR COLLINS, WHO IS CURRENTLY HERE TO STUDY HONG KONG’S PRISON SYSTEM, WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR CHAN WA-SHEK.

EARLIER IN THE WEEK, HE HAD VISITED OTHER TYPES OF CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT. THESE INCLUDED LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE, LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE AND PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS, TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS, MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON AND MINIMUM SECURITY PIK UK PRISON. HE ALSO VISITED THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE TO SEE RECRUIT PRISON OFFICERS UNDERGOING TRAINING.

MR COLLINS ALSO HAD TALKS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, ffi THOMAS GARNER, AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE PENAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.

AFTER THE VISITS, MR COLLINS SAID HE WAS MOST IMPRESSED BY THE QUALITY OF STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HIGH STANDARD OF DISCIPLINE INSIDE ALL INSTITUTIONS.

-----0------

/3.......

FRIDAY, Jlk.Y 3, 1981

3

AIM TO IMPROVE FIXED TRAFFIC PENALTY SYSTEM

*****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM FOR PARKING CONTRAVENTIONS AND MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCES BY ENSURING THAT IT IS ENFORCED AGAINST THOSE WHO BREAK THE LAW.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE CONCERN EXPRESSED IN BOTH THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT OF 1978-79 AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE’S REPORT OF JANUARY 1980 REGARDING THE NUMBER OF FINES REMAINING UNCOLLECTED AND UNPAID, A WORKING PARTY WAS CONVENED TO EXAMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FIXED PENALTY SYSTEM.

THE WORKING PARTY FOUND THAT WHILE COURT PROCEEDINGS WERE BEING INSTITUTED OF NECESSITY IN ALL CASES OF NON-PAYMENT, AMOUNTING TO SOME 200 000 CASES A YEAR, LIABILITY WAS CONTESTED IN ONLY 0.15 PER CENT OF THE CASES SUBSEQUENT TO THE ISSUE OF SUMMONSES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS HAD RESULTED IN A GREAT WASTAGE OF PUBLIC TIME AND MONEY ON A PURE DEBT-COLLECTING EXERCISE INVOLVING PEOPLE WHO DID NOT DISPUTE LIABILITY BUT SIMPLY NEGLECTED TO PAY THE FIXED PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE WHICH HAD BEEN COMMITTED.

RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE WORKING PARTY TO INDUCE EARLIER PAYMENT OF FINES HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 AND THE FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEED INGS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, BOTH OF WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.

IT IS PROPOSED THAT FAILURE TO PAY ON RECEIPT OF A FIXED PENALTY NOTICE SHOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO THE ISSUE OF A SUMMONS. INSTEAD, THE ONUS SHOULD BE ON THE OFFENDER TO NOTIFY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WITHIN 21 DAYS IF HE WISHES TO DISPUTE LIABILITY. ONLY IF THIS IS DONE WOULD A SUMMONS BE ISSUED, AND THE MATTER WOULD PROCEED TO A COURT HEARING IN THE NORMAL WAY.

IF AN OFFENDER NEITHER PAYS THE PENALTY NOR NOTIFIES DISPUTED LIABILITY WITHIN 21 DAYS, HE WOULD BE LIABLE TO AN ADDITIONAL FINE EQUAL TO THE AMOUNT OF THE ORIGINAL PENALTY.

A FURTHER FINE OF BETWEEN S50 AND THE AMOUNT OF THE FIXED PENALTY WOULD BE IMPOSED IF AN OFFENDER FAILS TO PAY WITHIN ONE MONTH OF BEING ORDERED TO DO SO BY A MAGISTRATE AND IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO ISSUE A DISTRESS WARRANT. A PERSON WHO FAILS TO PAY A FINE FOR MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCE AFTER BEING ORDERED TO DO SO AND IS SUBSEQUENTLY IMPRISONED WOULD BE LIABLE TO A SIMILAR ADDITIONAL FINE.

EXISTING FIXED PENALTY MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCE LEGISLATION ALREADY PROVIDES FOR A MAGISTRATE TO ORDER THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO REFUSE THE ISSUE OR RENEWAL OF DRIVING LICENCES IF THE OFFENDER IGNORES A COURT ORDER TO PAY. UNDER THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENT IONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THESE SANCTIONS ARE EXTENDED TO THOSE WHO IGNORE COURT ORDERS TO PAY PARKING OFFENCES FINES.

0

A....

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

4

TIGHTER CONTROL OF MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS PLANNED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED PROPOSALS TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW ON MISUSE OF ARMS AND IMITATION FIREARMS AND TO TIGHTEN SUPERVISION OVER THE USE OF MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS.

THESE MEASURES WILL REVAMP THE EXISTING CONTROL LEGISLATION TO BETTER SUIT IT TO PRESENT DAY ARMS CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.

THE PROPOSALS ARE CONTAINED IN THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL 1981, WHICH IF PASSED WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, AND A NEW WEAPONS BILL.

THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL PROVIDES FOR SUBSTANTIAL PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES AND MORE STRINGENT LICENSING CONTROL.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR SOME OF THE NEW OR REVISED OFFENCES

AREi

* CONVERTING AN IMITATION FIREARM INTO A FIREARM (FIVE YEARS)-

M USING ARMS OR AMMUNITION OR IMITATION FIREARMS TO RESIST ARREST (14 YEARS IN ADDITION TO ANY PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE TO WHICH THE ARREST RELATES), POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO COMMIT AN ARRESTABLE OFFENCE OR TO RESIST OR PREVENT ARREST (14 YEARS), TRESPASSING WITH ARMS OR AMMUNITION OR IMITATION FIREARMS (14 YEARS)-

* GIVING ARMS OR AMMUNITION TO AN UNLICENSED PERSON (FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT), OBTAINING POSSESSION BY FALSE PRETENCES (TWO YEARS), POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE (14 YEARS)-

M DISCHARGING OR DEALING WITH ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN DANGEROUS OR RECKLESS WAY (SEVEN YEARS).

THE PENALTY FOR POSSESSING AN IMITATION FIREARM IS RAISED

FROM THE EXISTING MAXIMUM FINE OF $2 OOO OR SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT TO IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.

HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE NO OFFENCE IF THE PERSON COULD SATISFY THE MAGISTRATE THAT HE WAS UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE, WAS A DEALER IN IMITATION FIREARMS, OR HAD NO INTENTION TO ENDANGER PUBLIC PEACE.

/FOB SOMEONE

FRIDAY, JULY J, 1981

- 5 -

FOR SOMEONE WHO HAD BEEN CONVICTED FOR A CRIME SPECIFIED IN THE BILL (RAPE OR ROBBERY, FOR EXAMPLE), IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS AN IMITATION FIREARM AT ANY TIME WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE CONVICTION. THE OFFENCE IS PUNISHABLE BY UP TO SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

THE BILL ALSO SPECIFIES CONDITIONS FOR HOLDING ARMS AND AMMUNITION LICENCES 1

* ONLY INDIVIDUALS CAN BE LICENSED SO THAT RESPONSIBILITY CAN BE MORE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED—

* INDIVIDUAL WATCHMEN OR SECURITY GUARDS WILL REQUIRE LICENCES ENTITLING THEM TO CARRY A PARTICULAR CLASS OF WEAPON WHEN ON DUTY AND WILL HAVE TO SATISFY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE THAT THEY ARE PROFICIENT WITH THE WEAPON’S USE-

* A DEALER’S LICENCE MAY BE RESTRICTED TO CERTAIN CLASSES OR DESCRIPTIONS OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION ONLY.

THERE ARE OTHER PROPOSALS PRESCRIBING POWERS OF ENTRY AND SEARCH WHERE IT IS SUSPECTED THAT AN OFFENCE HAS BEEN COMMITTED UNDER THE BILL- THE STORAGE OF ARMS, AMMUNITION AND IMITATION FIREARMS- AND THE PROCEDURE FOR CARRYING ARMS FOR THE PROTECTION OF PASSENGERS ON CIVIL AIRLINES.

THE DEFINITION OF ARMS IS ALSO REVISED TO EXCLUDE REFERENCE TO BLADED WEAPONS (SUCH AS SWORDS) AND CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS USED FOR THEIR LEGITIMATE PURPOSE, AND TO INCLUDE ELECTRICAL STUNNING DEVICES AND WEAPONS FOR DISCHARGING NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES.

IT IS THE INTENTION THAT IF THE BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AN UPDATED SET OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION REGULATIONS WILL BE MADE TO REFLECT THE NEW LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, AND TO INCREASE LICENSING FEES WHICH WERE LAST REVISED IN 1961.

THE WEAPONS BILL, ALSO GAZETTED TODAY, SETS OUT THE MEANS OF CONTROL OVER OTHER WEAPONS, INCLUDING SOME BLADED WEAPONS WHICH ARE NOW PROPOSED TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE.

UNDER THE BILL, WEAPONS LISTED AS +PROHIBITED+ WILL BE BANNED. THE ONLY OTHER WEAPONS TO BE CONTROLLED ARE THOSE USED BY MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR MEMBERS.

♦PROHIBITED WEAPONS* AS LISTED ARE CHINESE-STYLE THROWING DART, FLICK-KNIFE, GRAVITY KNIFE, GRAVITY-OPERATED STEEL BATON, KNUCKLE-DUSTER, CHINESE-STYLE FIGHTING IRON, AND SPRING-LOADED STEEL BATON.

POSSESSION OF ANY OF THESE WILL INCUR A FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS.

/IN INCLUDING .......

FRIDAY, JULY J, 1981

6

IN INCLUDING THEM IN THE LIST, CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT!

* THEY CAN BE EASILY CONCEALED-

* THEY ARE SPECIFICALLY MANUFACTURED AS OFFENSIVE WEAPONS-

* THEY HAVE A BACKGROUND OF BEING USED IN THE COMMISSION OF CRIMES- AND

* NO GOOD REASON EXISTS FOR ANY PERSON TO POSSESS THEM.

IF THE BILL IS PASSED, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE IN POSSESSION OF SUCH ^PROHIBITED WEAPONS* WILL BE GIVEN A PERIOD CF GRACE TO SURRENDER THEM.

AS FOR MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS, THE OBTAINING OF POSSESSION OF SUCH WEAPONS BY A MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION OR A MEMBER OF SUCH ASSOCIATION WILL HAVE TO BE NOTIFIED TO THE POLICE WITHIN 48 HOURS. HOWEVER, PERSONS WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF SUCH ASSOCIATIONS NEED NOT NOTIFY THE POLICE IF THEY HAVE THEM.

DISPOSAL OF THE WEAPONS MUST ALSO BE NOTIFIED, AND A PERMIT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THEIR REMOVAL FROM THEIR NOTIFIED PLACE OF STORAGE. THE POLICE WILL CONTACT EXISTING MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATIONS WHO ARE KNOWN TO POSSESS SUCH WEAPONS TO EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED.

UNDER THE BILL, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE MAY ORDER THE SURRENDER OR SEIZURE OF MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS IF HE SUSPECTS TRIAD CONNECTIONS OR WHERE THERE IS A CONVICTION INVOLVING VIOLENT CRIME OR POSSESSION OF AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR AN OFFENCE COMMITTED IN CONTRAVENTION Sr ™o°^mSE requ,rements ,s A FINE of 15 ooo and impriSonSent

A HEAVIER FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS MAY BE IMPOSED IF THE ASSOCIATION OR PERSON, HAVING ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A SEIZURE OR DELIVERY ORDER, LATER POSSESS OTHER MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE POLICE.

IN ORDER TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THOSE COMPLYING WITH ISc ARTS ASSOCIATIONS OR THEIR MEMBERS WHO

^ALREADY H0LD^RS LICENCES OR EXEMPTION PERMITS UNDER THE EXISTING ARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE NOTIFIED POSSESSION OF THE WEAPONS.

~ .J? ADDITION, IF THE BILL IS PASSED, MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATIONS OR THEIR MEMBERS WHO POSSESS MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS WITHOUT LICENCES OR EXEMPTION PERMITS WILL BE GIVEN A PERIODVOF GRACE TO NOTIFY THEIR OWNERSHIP OF SUCH WEAPONS.

- - 0

/7........

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

- 7 -

BILL TO KEEP DRUGS CASES CONFIDENTIAL * * * *

THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, WHICH SEEKS TO PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF RECORDS ON DRUG ADDICTS KEPT BY THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ADDICTS (CRDA) AND ITS REPORTING AGENCIES, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.

THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WILL PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY DRUG ADDICTS TO THE REPORTING AGENCIES AND SUBSEQUENTLY RECEIVED BY THE CRDA AND SUCH INFORMATION WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE ADDICT CONCERNED OR UNDER OTHER PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES.

THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO BE PROTECTED UNDER THE BILL COVERS ALL INFORMATION IN THE RECORDS OF THE CRDA OR ITS REPORTING AGENCIES WHICH RELATES TO i

* THE USE BY ANY PERSON OF DANGEROUS DRUGS-

* THE CARE, TREATMENT OR REHABILITATION OF ANY SUCH PERSON- AND

* CONVICTIONS FOR OFFENCES INVOLVING DANGEROUS DRUGS.

♦UNDER THE BILL.+ A NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, ♦SUCH RECORDS WILL BE IMMUNE FROM SEARCH AND FROM PRODUCTION IN COURT EXCEPT IN A PROSECUTION FOR AN OFFENCE CREATED BY THE BILL OR WHERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS EXERCISED THE POWER GIVEN TO HIM BY THE BILL TO ORDER THEIR DISCLOSURE.*

♦THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CAN ORDER DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION IN SERIOUS AND COMPELLING CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE PUBLIC INTEREST,♦ HE POINTED OUT.

ON THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID DRUG ADDICTION WAS REGARDED AS A SOCIAL STIGMA AND MOST ADDICTS WOULD NOT LIKE TO BE IDENTIFIED, MUCH LESS SO TO BE RECORDED IN A GOVERNMENT REGISTER.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CONFIDENTIALITY WAS PROMISED WHEN METHADONE TREATMENT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AND ♦IT IS A CONTINUING NECESSITY TO INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN THE ADDICTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY COMMITTED CRIMES, AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO COME FORWARD FOR TREATMENT, WHICH IS THE FIRST STEP TO GETTING THEM OUT OF CRIMINAL INVOLVEMENT.*

♦IF ANONYMITY IS NOT MAINTAINED,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, ♦ADDICTS MAY BE DISCOURAGED FROM SEEKING TREATMENT, THUS THWARTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXISTING VOLUNTARY TREATMENT PROGRAMMES.♦

IN ADDITION, THE RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE ADDICTS MAY BE AFFECTED AND THIS WOULD DEFEAT THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF SETTING UP THE CRDA, HE ADDED,

/moreover, the .......

FRIDAY, JULY J, 1981

8

_ *.°?!0VERX THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE ALSO DEPENDED ON THE WILLINGNESS OF REPORTING AGENCIES TO COOPERATE BY SENDING IN TIMELY AND ACCURATE REPORTS.

♦HOWEVER,♦ HE SAID, +THE MAJORITY OF SUCH AGENCIES HAVE INDICATED THAT THEIR COOPERATION WILL CONTINUE ONLY IF THE CRDA IS ABLE TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION KEPT?"

THERE IS, HE ADDED, NO LEGAL OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF REPORTING AGENCIES TO SEND IN SUCH REPORTS AND SO THE CONFIDENCE CF THESE AGENCIES IN THE CRDA IS VITAL TO ITS SUCCESS.

THE BILL WILL BE JULY 8.

INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON

-------0---------

POWER TO WAIVE STATUTORY FIRST CHARGE * ft ft *

PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY IS A LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 WHICH GIVES THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID POWER TO WAIVE HIS STATUTORY FIRST CHARGE ON DAMAGES OR PROPERTY RECOVERED FOR A LEGALLY-AIDED PERSON UP TO flO OOO, IF HE IS SATISFIED IT IS A CASE OF SERIOUS HARDSHIP.

AT PRESENT ONLY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OR HIS DEPUTY HAS THE POWER TO WAIVE THIS STATUTORY CHARGE AND THE PROCEDURE INVOLVED IN GETTING SUCH APPROVAL IS TIME-CONSUMING.

THE BILL EXEMPTS FROM THE STATUTORY CHARGE IN FAVOUR OF THE DIRECTOR PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE PAYABLE TO A LEGALLY-AIDED SPOUSE TO THE EXTENT OF $1 500 PER MONTH.

IT ALSO CLARIFIES THE LEGAL POSITION WHERE THE AIDED PERSON RECOVERS A SUM OF MONEY IN AN OUT-OF-COURT SETTLEMENT RATHER THAN BY A JUDGEMENT OF THE COURT. SUCH MONEY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN MEETING THE DIRECTOR’S STATUTORY FIRST CHARGE.

/9.........

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

9

OLD $5 COIN BEING WITHDRAWN * ft ft ft

TEN-SIDED 15 CUPRO-NICKEL COINS WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER FROM OCTOBER 8, 1981, IT IS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.

THIS MEANS THAT AS FROM OCTOBER 8, 1981 THE LEGAL OBLIGATION TO ACCEPT THESE COINS IN SATISFACTION OF DEBTS FOR AMOUNTS NOT EXCEEDING $100, THE LEGAL TENDER LIMIT FOR $5 COINS, IS REMOVED.

HOLDERS OF TEN-SIDED COINS WILL, PROVIDED THESE COINS HAVE NOT BEEN DEALT WITH IN ANY MANNER PROHIBITED BY LAW, BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE THEM FOR CURRENT COINS OR NOTES AT A BANK BEFORE OR AFTER OCTOBER 8, 1981.

A NEW ROUND, $5 COIN, ALSO MADE OF CUPRO-NICKEL, WAS INTRODUCED ON MAY 11, 1981.

OLD TEN-SIDED $5 COINS HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUED SINCE MAY 11, 1981, AND ALL SUCH COINS WHICH HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION HAVE BEEN WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION. REQUISITIONS FOR $5 PIECES HAVE SINCE THAT DATE BEEN FILLED BY THE ISSUE OF THE NEW ROUND COIN.

THE DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TWO COINS ARE AS FOLLOWSi

ALLOY DIAMETER WEIGHT EDGE THICKNESS SHAPE TYPE OF EDGE

(MM) (GRAMMES) (MM)

NEW CUPRO- 27 13.50 2.90 ROUND RAISED

COIN NICKEL LETTERED

INSCRIPTION WITH THE WORDS HONG KONG FIVE DOLLARS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE SET INSIDE A CHANNEL AROUND THE EDGE WHICH IS OTHERWISE MILLED.

OLD CUPRO- 31 ACROSS 10.76 2.08 TEN- PLAIN

COIN NICKEL CORNERS SIDED

AS AT JUNE 30, 1981, 44 MILLION $5 COINS WERE IN CIRCULATION, AND OF THIS NUMBER 38 MILLION WERE OF THE SPECIFICATION WHICH IS TO BE DEMONETISED.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS INITIALLY ORDERED 60 MILLION NEW ROUND 15 COINS TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND AND ADDITIONAL ORDERS WILL BE PLACED SHOULD IT BE NECESSARY.

-----0------

/10.......

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

10 -

+C0NTR0L OF HAWKERS NECESSARY*

* M * M M

THERE IS GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS THAT HAWKERS NEED TO BE CONTROLLED IF ADEQUATE HYGIENE AND HEALTH ARE TO BE MAINTAINED.

THIS WAS WHAT THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG SAID AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF MEMBERS OF GENERAL DUTIES TEAM OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE TOLD THE 256 GRADUATES THAT THEIR WORK WAS TO HELP PROTECT THE HEALTH OF THE PUBLIC AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE.

+THIS CEREMONY WITNESSES THE FACT THAT YOU ARE NOW FULLY TRAINED TO PERFORM THE SERVICE EXPECTED TO YOU,* MR LEUNG TOLD THE GDT MEMBERS WHO HAD JUST COMPLETED THEIR FIVE WEEK-LONG BASIC TRAINING COURSE.

HE TOLD THEM THAT THEY MUST BEAR IN MIND THE FACT THAT THEY ARE +ALWAYS IN THE PUBLIC EYE*.

+HOWEVER VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT THE WORK THAT YOU DO, YOU WILL NOT GAIN RESPECT FOR IT UNLESS YOUR CONDUCT IS WORTHY OF THAT RESPECT,* HE SAID.

+IF YOU WORK WELL, AND ARE SEEN TO BE WORKING WELL, YOU WILL EARN THE RESPECT OF THE PUBLIC,* MR LEUNG SAID.

+IF YOU ARE FIRM, FAIR AND POLITE IN DEALING WITH HAWKERS, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY NOT LIKE YOU, THEY MAY BEGIN TO RESPECT YOU.

+SUCH RESPECT WILL NOT BE UNMERITED. FOR THE SERVICE WHICH YOU GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY IS A MOST IMPORTANT ONE, AND ONE WHOSE IMPORTANCE WILL GROW EVEN MORE DURING THE COMING CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, AND IN THE YEARS AHEAD AS HONG KONG DEVELOPS FURTHER.* HE ADDED.

0 - -

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

11

ANTI-LITTER DRIVE EFFORT EXPANDED * * * *

AS PART OF THE EFFORT TO GEAR ITSELF UP FOR THE FORTHCOMING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EXPANDED THE LIST OF OFFICERS EMPOWERED TO SERVE NOTICE ON SUSPECTED LITTER OFFENDERS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS AN INDICATION OF THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE THE CAMPAIGN A SUCCESS. _ „ MANY CATEGORIES OF STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MOUSING, IMMIGRATION, LABOUR, TRANSPORT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN GIVEN THE POWER TO SERVE NOTICES, WHICH REQUIRE THE SUSPECTED OFFENDERS TO APPEAR BEFORE A MAG I STRATE.

NEWLY-INCLUDED IN THE LIST ARE RAILWAY OFFICERS, AND ASSISTANT AIRPORT MANAGERS, APRON SUPERVISORS AND FOREMEN OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.

’N ADDITION, CERTAIN DIRECTORATE OFFICERS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ARE SIMILARLY EMPOWERED.

THE LIST IS AMENDED UNDER THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF FOURTH SCHEDULE) ORDER. THERE ARE ALSO CHANGES TO REFLECT NEW TITLES OF SOME OFFICERS.

-----o------

FREQUENCY OF MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 23 INCREASED

X * X X X

THE FREQUENCY OF HONG KONG ISLAND MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 23 WILL BE INCREASED TO ONE MAXICAB EVERY 10 MINUTES INSTEAD OF 12 MINUTES FROM SUNDAY, JULY 5.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOURS OF SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE EXTENDED TO 9.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND TO 9 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THE SINGLE-JOURNEY FARE WOULD BE RAISED FROM 70 CENTS TO $1, WITH A SECTIONAL FARE OF 70 CENTS FOR TRAVEL BETWEEN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND KENNEDY TOWN.

ROUTE NO. 23 RUNS BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND POK FU LAM.

12

JOINT VENTURE FOR FLATS SOUGHT

* * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE CF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR JOINT VENTURE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESIDENTIAL SITE.

THE 55 510 SQUARE METRE SITE IS IN TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD.

UNDER THE SALE CONDITIONS, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER MUST BUILD FOR THE GOVERNMENT, FREE OF CHARGE, FOUR RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS, HAVING A TOTAL OF ABOUT 160 FLATS.

THE SIZE OF THE FLATS IN THE BLOCKS MUST BE EITHER 200 OR 240 SQUARE METRES.

THE REMAINING BLOCKS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR DISPOSAL IN THE OPEN MARKET IN THE USUAL WAY.

CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS WILL BE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.

tJE!!2!?.£0RMS’ TOGETHER WITH NOTICES AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

®E 0BTA ,NED FR0M THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE ON THE 19TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD.

TENDER PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THESE PLACES.

- - 0 - -

RADIO CAR RACING TO BE HELD AT TAI PO

* N *

THE, 1981. HONG KONG RADIO CONTROLLED RACING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP ^Lcimn*YE^H.A! If P° RECREAT,0N grOUND AT PLOVER COVE ROAD tli SUNDAY \JULY 5/•

THEEVENT, ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HAS DRAWN 70 COMPETITORS AND WILL START AT 11 AM.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NORTH REGION) OF NEW TERRITORIES

OfE,c,ATE AT THE

COMMITTEE, MR WONG YUEN-CHEUNG- THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF TA I PO SPORTS

OFFICEr'^A^PO^Sr^AM^S^ANG? ™E RECREAT,0N AND SP0RT

NOTE TO EDITORSi

tuc cueE-rARE C0RD,ALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER int tVENT.

- - 0 - -

/13.......

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

13

ASIANS GATHER HERE FOR LABOUR RELATIONS COURSE * ft ft *

FOURTEEN REPRESENTATIVES FROM COUNTRIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION WILL ATTEND AN ASIAN REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE IN LABOUR RESEARCH AND STATISTICS AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON MONDAY, JULY 6.

THE REPRESENTATIVES ARE MOSTLY SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICERS FROM THE LABOUR MINISTRIES OR DEPARTMENTS OF BANGLADESH, FIJI, INDIA, INDONESIA, NEPAL, PAKISTAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA AND THAILAND. THEY WILL BE JOINED BY A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG.

THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN REGIONAL PROJECT FOR STRENGTHENING LABOUR/MANPOWER ADMINISTRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL

LABOUR ORGANISATION IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.N. HENDERSON AT 10.30 AM AT THE UNIVERSITY’S Y.C. LIANG HALL.

THE COURSE DIRECTOR, MR MANOLOA ABELLA, ILO EXPERT IN LABOUR ECONOMICS AND LABOUR STUDIES, SAID THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING COURSE ARE TO GIVE LABOUR RESEARCH OFFICERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARPEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF FUNDAMENTAL METHODS IN STATISTICS AND RESEARCH, TO INCREASE THEIR PROFICIENCY IN THE APPLICATION OF THESE METHODS, AND TO INSTILL GREATER AWARENESS OF THE POTENTIALS, AS WELL AS THE LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH AS A TOOL FOR ANALYSIS OF LABOUR POLICY ISSUES.

SPEAKERS OF THE COURSE INCLUDE LECTURERS FROM BOTH

RIVERSITIES IN HONG KONG. ILO EXPERTS IN ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS AND OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE COURSE IS SCHEDULED TO RUN FOR TWO WEEKS, ENDING ON wAJLY 18.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TRAINING COURSE AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (JULY 6). TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, AT 9.15 AM THAT DAY. TONY AUYEUNG FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST THE MEDIA.

-------0----------

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1M1

14

SURVEY OF NORTH DISTRICT TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES ft ft ft ft ft

NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE IS TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN KWAN TEI, ON LOK TSUEN, KWU TUNG AND PING CHE STARTING TODAY (FRIDAY).

_ * T0TAL OF 150 FACTORY OPERATORS WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY

STUDENTS WORKING CLOSELY WITH DISTRICT OFFICE LAND STAFF.

♦THE AIM OF THE SURVEY IS TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS, THEIR SCALE AND ECONOMIC CHARACTER 1ST ICS,♦ A NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ask.ns^'Jhe^TOW.^ T0 THE factobv 0PES‘T0fis-conf.J&eTSM C0LLECTE0 W,LL BE TRE4TE" ik str,ct locat?on*Twhen andLunderUwhatMcircumstancesH?hey'set”up*busVness. ^.they W,LL ALS0 M ASKED AB0UT action they take to control rOLLUTION.

THE INFORMATION WILL BE USED TO ASSESS THE NATURE OF THE EXISTING TEMPORARY INDUSTRIES. THEIR NEEDS AND PROBLEMS AND THE

I CATIONS OF P8ESSURE ON FOR THE FUTVRE, THE SPOKESMAN

THE SURVEY WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH. THE FINDINGS WILL BE COMPILED AND ANALYSED.

/IS

o - -

FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1981

1;

HAWKER CLEARANCE AT SHEK YAM ROAD * * *

HAWKER CLEARANCE AT SHEK YAM ^OAD AND SEVERAL SIDE STREETS IN ^RVICESI<DEPARt£fwt,E:) GUT SH00THl r T0DAY BY THE NEW TERRITORIES vcnfiuci) VCrAnlRCNl*

THE OPERATION WAS FOR THE PUF *OSE OF IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT FLOW AND FREEING SHEK MM ROAS AND THE SIDE STREETS SPOKESMANNFnIWTH?E2?«nARDENS FR0H UWKER 0BSTRUCT’ON. SA ID A^ oruntoHAN run Inc NT&D»

MORE THAN 200 UNLICENSED AND .ICENSED HAWKERS WERE ALLOCATED STREETSTEMPORARY°MARlETSMEWLY“COMf,'ETED SHE* YAM R0AD AND TAI L00N6 OlnCCI It Hr UK AKI PiAKrcTq.

SHEK YAM ROAD TEMPORARY MARKET HOUSES 66 MARKET STALLS FOR COOKED FOOD FISH, MEAT, VEGETABLE AND SUNDRY GOODS, WHILE TAI S™ S™g! ITS FISH. MEAT VEGETABLE AND

OUIWhT QuvUO dlALLOa

DURING TODAY’S EXERCISE, MORE THAN 140 WORKERS FROM THE ncAoeeHee6 ^RBAN SERVICES OFFICE CLEARED AWAY SOME 20 LORRY LOADS OF REFUSE AND JUNK LEFT BEHIND BY THE HAWKERS. STREET WASHING VEHICLES WERE ALSO USED IN THE CLEAN UP. WASHING

^ER^WSe"^^?^DEPARTMEHT^TO^MAKE WAY^FOR^THE^ rSr?0HPLEX “,TH 250 STALLS Fo"

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REPORT ON HELICOPTER OPERATION ................................. 1

CONFERENCE OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS ...................... 3

SHA TIN SUMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES START TODAY ..................... 4

CANTON RD REGISTRATION OFFICES MOVES TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST .. 5

REST GARDEN FOR HOMANTLN ....................................... 5

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ............. 6

MORE VEGETABLES PRODUCED LAST YEAR.............................. 7

TUEN MUN TEMPORARY MINI-SOCCER PITCH OPENED .................... 8

BUS REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE MEETS ................................. 9

QUARTERS FOR PRISON STAFF ...................................... 9

EVENING COURSE FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS

10

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

1

REPORT ON HELICOPTER OPERATION ft ft ft ft

THE WORKING PARTY SET UP IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO LOOK INTO HELICOPTER OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES OVER THE NEXT DECADE HAS SUBMITTED ITS REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES.

MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY WERE DRAWN FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ECONOMIC SERVICES, ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.

THE WORKING PARTY CONCLUDES THE CIVIL HELICOPTER SERVICES IN THE 1980’S WILL PRODUCE NO WIDESPREAD PUBLIC BENEFIT AND THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SATISFYING THE DEMAND WILL NOT BE SIGNIFICANT. HOWEVER, IF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS WILLING TO PROVIDE, AT ITS OWN COST, FACILITIES FOR HELICOPTER OPERATIONS, THE WORKING PARTY SEES NO OBJECTION TO THAT, PROVIDED ALL OPERATIONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.

IT RECOMMENDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PROVIDE A HELIPORT AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE FOR THE OPERATION OF A SCHEDULED SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU.

A SECOND HELIPORT WILL BE REQUIRED IN 1990 TO ACCOMMODATE A SCHEDULED PASSENGER SERVICE BETWEEN THE CENTRAL URBAN AREA AND THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT (ASSUMING THE LATTER IS BUILT), AND THIS HELIPORT SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AS PART OF THE DOWN TOWN TERMINAL FOR THE NEW AIRPORT.

IT EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF THESE HELIPORTS BEING CENTRALLY LOCATED AND THE CONSEQUENT DIFFICULTY IN FINDING SUITABLE GROUND LEVEL AREAS DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF LAND. IT RECOMMENDS THAT PRIORITY SHOULD THEREFORE BE GIVEN TO INVESTIGATING THE PROVISION OF ROOFTOP HELIPORTS.

THE WORKING PARTY DID NOT CONSIDER THE LIKELY DEMAND FOR N0N-6CHEDULED SERVICES, SUCH AS DOMESTIC BUSINESS AND SIGHT-SEEING FLIGHTS AND OIL EXPLORATION SUPPORT SERVICES WOULD BE SUFFICIENT IN ITSELF TO JUSTIFY PROVISION OF A HELIPORT.

THIS DEMAND WOULD BE MUCH SMALLER IN NUMBER AND OF LESS PUBLIC BENEFIT THAN THE SCHEDULED SERVICES TO MACAU AND THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

IT FORECASTS THAT THE DEMAND FOR A HONG KONG - MACAU HELICOPTER PASSENGER SERVICE COULD BE AS MUCH AS 1 000 PASSENGER SEATS PER DAY IF A CONVENIENTLY LOCATED HELIPORT WITHIN THE CENTRAL URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND OR KOWLOON WERE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE- AND THIS DEMAND IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE STEADILY TO ABOUT 1 600 PASSENGER SEATS PER DAY IN 1990.

HOWEVER, THE WORKING PARTY STRIKES A CAUTIOUS NOTE AGAINST UNDUE OPTIMISM CONCERNING THE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS OF THIS SERVICE.

♦WHILE THE FORECAST DEMAND CAN BE FIRMLY STATED IN THEORY*, THE REPORT SAYS, ♦THE VALIDITY OF THE FORECAST DEPENDS ON A NUMBER OF CRITICAL ASSUMPTIONS*.

/♦ONCE THE........

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

2

♦ONCE THE INITIAL NOVELTY OF FLIGHT BY HELICOPTER HAS WORN OFF. PATRONAGE OF THE SERVICE WILL BE ALMOST SOLELY DEPENDENT ON ITS ABILITY TO COMPETE WITH THE NEXT FASTEST TRANSPORT MODE, I.E. THE JETFOIL. FARE STRUCTURE AND PROGRAMMING OF FLIGHTS WILL BE CRITICAL FACTORS.*

♦BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL WILL BE ACCESSIBILITY, IN TERMS OF TRAVELLING TIME TO THE HELICOPTER TERMINAL, FOR THE POTENTIAL PASSENGER. IF THE AVERAGE TIME TAKEN TO REACH THE HELIPORT IS GOING TO EXCEED THE AVERAGE TIME TAKEN TO REACH THE JETFOIL TERMINAL BY THE ORDER OF 20 MINUTES OR MORE, THEN THE FORECAST DEMAND FIGURES WILL NO LONGER BE VALID, AND THE SERVICE MAY NOT BE PROFITABLE.♦

THE WORKING PARTY THEREFORE FURTHER RECOMMENDS THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE PROVISION OF THIS SERVICE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THIS SUPPORT SHOULD NOT EXTEND TO ANY DIRECT FINANCIAL SUBSIDY OF THE SERVICE NOR ANY SIGNIFICANT EXPENDITURE ON THE PROVISION OF A HELIPORT, AT LEAST UNTIL THE VIABILITY OF THE SERVICE HAS BEEN MORE FULLY INVESTIGATED AND ESTABLISHED.

TURNING TO THE LIKELY DEMAND FOR A HELICOPTER SERVICE BETWEEN CHEK LAP KOK AND HONG KONG IF THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT AIRPORT IS BUILT AND BECOMES OPERATIONAL BY 1990, THE WORKING PARTY IN ITS REPORT STATES THAT ITS FORECASTS BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT CONSULTANTS ENGAGED IN 1979 SHOW AN INITIAL DEMAND FOR NEARLY 3 700 PASSENGER SEATS PER DAY. THE PROVISION OF A HELICOPTER SERVICE ON THIS ROUTE IS CONSIDERED TO BE OF CONSIDERABLE BENEFIT TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AND TO THE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT.

THE REPORT STATES* ♦BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SERVICE, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDS THAT PLANNING FOR PROVISION OF A CHEK LAP KOK HELICOPTER SERVICE SHOULD FOLLOW THE DECISION TO BUILD AN AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK+.

THE WORKING PARTY DOES NOT CONSIDER THAT THE FUTURE HELICOPTER ACTIVITY WILL CAUSE ANY SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION OTHER THAN NOISE POLLUTION AND RECOMMENDS THAT ANY PROPOSAL FOR A HELICOPTER SERVICE OR LOCATION OF A HELIPORT SHOULD INCLUDE A FULL EVALUATION OF THE NOISE IMPLICATIONS AND IMPACT INVOLVED.

♦THE NECESSARY REPORTS AND DETAILED STUDIES SHOULD BE PREPARED BY THE APPLICANT AND INCLUDE DATA FROM SITE INVESTIGATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS FOR EVALUATION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE IF THE SITE IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PURPOSE AND, IF SO. WHAT LIMITATIONS SHOULD BE PLACED ON OPERATIONS FROM THE SITE TO ENSURE THAT NOISE POLLUTION IS CONTAINED WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS AND NOISE NUISANCE IS MINIMISED,♦ ADDS THE REPORT.

/to permit .......

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

3

TO PERMIT THE FORECAST DEMAND FOR HELICOPTER SERVICES TO BE SATISFIED, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND STAFF TO SERVICE THE RESULTANT INCREASES IN CIVIL HELICOPTER ACTIVITY IN THE TERRITORY. HOWEVER THESE INCREASES MUST BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED AND A PRIORITY SYSTEM FOR PERMITTING NEW HELICOPTER ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

WHILE SERVICES OF GREATER PUBLIC BENEFIT, FOR EXAMPLE THE SCHEDULED SERVICE TO MACAU, SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY, OTHER HELICOPTER OPERATIONS FROM WHICH THE PUBLIC DO NOT BENEFIT SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED NEAR THE URBAN AREAS.

FINALLY, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDS THAT +THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INITIATE A REVIEW OF CIVIL HELICOPTER OPERATIONS IN 1983.♦

♦THE REVIEW SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE DECISION MADE ON THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AND ITS ASSOCIATED DOWN TOWN TERMI HALIT SHOULD ALSO UP-DATE THE FORECASTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT IN THE LIGHT OF ACTUAL CIVIL HELICOPTER ACTIVITY EXPERIENCED DURING THE PERIOD 1981 TO 1983. THE RESULTS OF THE REVIEW SHOULD BE USED TO CONFIRM OR AMEND THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS REPORT.♦

-----0------

CONFERENCE OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR THOMAS GARNER, ACCOMPANIED BY THREE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, WILL LEAVE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE SECOND ASIAN AND PACIFIC CONFERENCE OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS TO BE HELD IN BANGKOK FROM JULY 6 TO 10.

THE OFFICERS ARE SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF PRISONS, MR RAYMOND LAI AND SUPERINTENDENTS OF PRISONS, MESSRS JOHNNY WONG AND CHOW CHUN-CHAU.

THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE, HOSTED BY THAILAND’S DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IN COLLABORATION WITH THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY, WILL BE ATTENDED BY CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS FROM THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT SOME 15 COUNTRIES IN THE REGION WILL BE REPRESENTED.

THE FIRST CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN HONG KONG IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, HOSTED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.

------0-------

/4.....

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

4

SHA TIN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES START TODAY

* * * *

THE ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME IN SHA TIN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DR PATRICK HASE.

A RANGE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, ORGANISED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT EIGHT WEEKS.

OVER 20 000 LOCAL YOUNGSTERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE TRAINING CAMPS, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, CULTURAL SHOWS, GAMES, VARIOUS COURSES AND VISITS.

A FEATURE OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE A THREE-DAY TRAINING CAMP FOR ABOUT 120 VOLUNTEERS WHO, AFTER ATTENDING THE CAMP, WILL PLAY A PART IN ORGANISING PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES.

THE CAMP WILL TAKE PLACE AT YAN CHING CAMP, MA ON SHAN, FROM JULY 10 TO 12.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, DR HASE SAID PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES COULD NOT BE NEGLECTED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE MAJORITY OF THE NEW TOWN POPULATION WAS MADE UP OF YOUNGSTERS.

THROUGH PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES, YOUNGSTERS LEARN TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND CULTIVATE A VARIETY OF INTERESTS,* HE SAID.

SUCH ACTIVITIES PROVIDE HEALTHY OUTLETS FOR ENERGETIC YOUNGSTERS DURING THE LONG SUMMER VACATION,+ HE SAID.

OTHERWISE, THEY COULD EASILY BE LED ASTRAY.+

LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE DONATED ABOUT $50 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF THE PROGRAMME, WHILE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAVE PROVIDED A TOTAL OF $35 000.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LAU HON-KIT, AND THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR CHEUNG HON-LEUNG.

-----o------

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

5

CANTON RD REGISTRATION OFFICES MOVES TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST *****

THE KOWLOON BRANCH OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE AT CANTON ROAD WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES IN EMPIRE CENTRE AT CHING YEE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AS FROM MONDAY (JULY 6).

THE NEW OFFICES ARE LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF EMPIRE CENTRE WHICH IS ADJACENT TO TSIM SHA TSUI CENTRE.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO APPLY FOR IDENTITY CARDS AT THE KOWLOON BRANCH SHOULD CALL ON THE BRANCH’S NEW OFFICES AT EMPIRE CENTRE.

HOWEVER, FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE WHO PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR ID CARDS AT THE CANTON ROAD OFFICES, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THEM TO COLLECT THEIR ID CARDS FROM THE CANTON ROAD OFFICES. THIS FACILITY WILL CONTINUE UP TO JULY 25. THEREAFTER, ALL PREPARED IDENTITY CARDS WILL BE ISSUED AT THE EMPIRE CENTRE OFFICES.

APART FROM REGISTRATION OF NEW ARRIVALS FROM CHINA, THE KOWLOON BRANCH OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE PROVIDES A FULL RANGE OF IDENTITY CARD FACILITIES, INCLUDING REGISTRATION OF JUVENILE AND ADULT IDENTITY CARDS, AMENDMENTS TO REGISTERED PARTICULARS, REPLACEMENT OF LOST OR DEFACED CARDS AND THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATE OF REGISTERED PARTICULARS.

THOSE WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY CALL 3-680479.

0

REST GARDEN FOR HOMANTIN

* * *

A REST GARDEN WILL BE BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN HOMANTIN TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.

LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD, THE GARDEN WILL HAVE BENCHES, FLOWER BEDS, ORNAMENTAL RAILING AND WOODEN ARBOUR.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PWD.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER.

ON COMPLETION IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, THE GARDEN WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.

-----0------

/6........

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

- 6 -

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME STARTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ******

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, TODAY (SATURDAY) CUT THE RIBBON AT A GRAND OPENING CEREMONY AT OCEAN PARK TO START OFF SOME 500 SUMMER RECREATION EVENTS FOR YOUTH IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

MRS DOE WAS AMONG THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FOR HUNDREDS OF DISABLED AND YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE DISTRICT.

THE SHOW FEATURED PERFORMANCES OF FOLK SONGS AND DANCES, SIGN-LANGUAGE SONGS FOR THE DEAF, SINGING BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR, MARTIAL ARTS, PARROT SHOW, AND WHEELCHAIR DANCE BY DISABLED PEOPLE.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MRS DOE UNDERLINED THE SIGNIFICANCE CF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES WHICH HELPED YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE, LEADERSHIP AND POTENTIALS SO AS TO BE ABLE TO ADJUST TO SOCIAL CHANGES.

♦IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY ARE GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN MEANINGFUL GROUP ACTIVITIES THROUGH WHICH THEY CAN OFFSET PRESSURES FROM ACADEMIC STUDIES,+ SHE SAID.

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES ARE GEARED TOWARDS THIS NEED, SHE SAID, AND HAVE GAINED INCREASING SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.

MRS DOE SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE CF SUCH ACTIVITIES AND, TOGETHER WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, HAD BEEN MAKING INCREASING ALLOCATIONS EACH YEAR FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES.

THIS YEAR, SHE ADDED, TOTAL ALLOCATIONS AMOUNT TO $870 000.

THE VARIOUS RECREATION EVENTS ORGANISED FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN THE COMING WEEKS WILL INCLUDE YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMPS, VOLUNTEER GUIDANCE SERVICE, COMMUNITY STUDIES, TRANSFER SERVICE OF USED BOOKS, VARIETY SHOWS AND COMPETITIVE GAMES.

OF THE 500 EVENTS, MRS DOE SAID, OVER ONE-THIRD WILL BE OF TRAINING AND STUDY NATURE, REFLECTING A NEW TREND THAT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES ARE NOT PURELY FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, BUT ARE INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AS WELL.

- 0 ----------

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

7

MORE VEGETABLES PRODUCED LAST YEAR

* * * *

PRODUCTION OF VEGETABLES LAST YEAR CONTINUED TO INCREASE DESPITE THE DECREASE IN ACREAGE OF VEGETABLE LAND, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR C.T. WONG SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

DR WONG SAID LAST YEAR PROVED TO BE A GOOD YEAR FOR THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY AS THE WEATHER WAS FAVOURABLE.

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION INCREASED BY 8 470 TONNES TO 192 090 TONNES COMPARED WITH 1979, DESPITE THE CONTINUED DECREASE IN ACREAGE OF LAND FROM 3 140 HECTARES IN 1979 TO 2 800 HECTARES LAST YEAR.

DR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER IN A KOWLOON RESTAURANT TO COMMEMORATE THE 59TH INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE DAY.

♦THE SLIGHT DROP OF 3.7 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF VEGETABLES WAS DUE TO A DECREASE IN MARKET PRICES RESULTING FROM A GREAT INCREASE IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION BECAUSE OF THE ABNORMALLY WARM WEATHER AROUND CHINESE NEW YEAR,+ DR WONG SAID.

WHILE PRODUCTION OF PIGS AND CHICKEN DROPPED SLIGHTLY, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN PIGEON AND DUCK PRODUCTION DURING THE SAME PERIOD, HE SAID.

DR WONG RECALLED THAT A GROUP OF 15 VEGETABLE FARMERS OF THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES HAD A SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF AGRICULTURAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN JAPAN IN JUNE LAST YEAR.

♦PLANS ARE IN HAND TO SEND A DELEGATION OF YOUNG FARMERS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ATTACHMENT PROBABLY NEXT YEAR,+ DR WONG SAID.

LOANS TOTALLING MORE THAN $12 MILLION WERE ISSUED FROM THE THREE AGRICULTURAL LOAN FUNDS TO BOTH CROP AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS.

TURNING TO FISHERIES, DR WONG SAID PRODUCTION BY THE LOCAL FISHING FLEET INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT EVEN UNDER DIFFICULT SITUATION AND THE ACTUAL VALUE ROSE BY EIGHT PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

MORE THAN 500 NEW FISHING VESSELS WERE BU U,T AND LICENSED LAST YEAR, MANY OF WHICH WERE FINANCED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND, THE WORLD REFUGEE YEAR LOAN FUND AND THE CO-OPERATIVE FOR AMERICAN RELIEF EVERYWHERE LOAN FUND.

DR WONG DISCLOSED THAT WHILE SOME MEMBERS OF THE FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES HAD CEASED FISHING DUE TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND WERE NO LONGER ACTIVE IN SOCIETY MATTERS, THE ACTIVE ONES COULD SURVIVE AND GROW BY POOLING THEIR FINANCIAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES WITH OTHER SOCIETIES TO PROVIDE A GREATER CAPITAL BASE AND ENHANCE ITS CREDIT-WORTHINESS.

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

8 -

STAFF OF HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD ADVISE AND ASSIST IN ANY RE-ORGANISATION CONTEMPLATED BY THE FISHERMEN, HE ADDED.

DR WONG ALSO PRESENTED OUTSTANDING AWARDS TO THE FIVE RECIPIENTS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT.

--------o--------

TUEN MUN TEMPORARY MINI-SOCCER PITCH OPENED « * * *

A TEMPORARY MINI-SOCCER PITCH AT TAI HING ESTATE, TUEN MUN, WAS OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY).

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SARA WU, AND UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, NR TANG TUNG-CHIU, MR CHOW MAN-PING AND MR NG CHEUK-TAI.

MISS WU SAID TUEN MUN WAS DEVELOPING RAPIDLY AND THE POPULATION WOULD EVENTUALLY INCREASE TO 5OO 000 OF WHOM 70 PER CENT WOULD LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING.

TAI HING WAS THE SECOND ESTATE IN TUEN MUN, PROVIDING HOMES FOR MORE THAN 40 000 PEOPLE, MISS WU SAID.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES WERE INADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND INITIALLY, BUT THE SITUATION HAD GREATLY IMPROVED AS A RESULT OF THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, SHE SAID.

THE COMPLETION OF COMMUNITY HALLS AND YOUTH CENTRES HAD PROVIDED VENUES FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

THE MINI-SOCCER PITCH WOULD PROVIDE YET ANOTHER RECREATIONAL GROUND FOR THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN, MISS WU SAID.

IT WOULD BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WOULD BE OPEN ROUND THE CLOCK.

MISS WU URGED LOCAL PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF THE NEW FACILITY AND ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES.

THE PROJECT, RECOMMENDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WAS BUILT BY THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT A COST OF $160 000.

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/9

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

- 9 -

BUS REVIEW SUB-COMMITTEE MEETS

* * * *

MEMBERS OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME SUB-GROUP, ONE OF THE FIVE SUB-GROUPS FORMED TO REVIEW BUS OPERATIONS, ARE NOW INVOLVED IN DISCUSSIONS ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SCHEME AND ITS APPLICATION TO BUS COMPANIES.

THE MEMBERS ARE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE UNOFFICIALS MR T.S. LO, MR LEO GOODSTADT AND THE CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH, W PETER WINDER.

THE SUB-GROUP’S TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE (I) TO REVIEW THE BASES AND APPROPRIATENESS OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL CURRENTLY APPLIED TO THE TWO BUS COMPANIES- (II) TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBLE INCLUSION WITHIN THE SCHEMES OF SOURCES OF INCOME CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THE SCHEMES AND (III) TO CONSIDER THE OVERALL FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FINDINGS OF THE OTHER SUB-GROUPS AND TO BRING TOGETHER PROJECTIONS OF REVENUE, EXPENDITURE AND FARE LEVELS.

MEMBERS OF THE OTHER SUB-GROUPS - LOOKING INTO THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, DEPOTS, MAINTENANCE AND SPARE PARTS, ARE ALSO PROCEEDING WITH THEIR WORK. IT IS THE INTENTION THAT A FEW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE TAKEN ON THE SUB-GROUPS AT A LATER STAGE TO HELP PROCESS THE FINDINGS.

THE REVIEW REPORT IS EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE TAC IN OCTOBER AND AFTERWARDS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

--------o - -

QUARTERS FOR PRISON STAFF

* * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE BUILDING OF QUARTERS FOR PRISONS DEPARTMENT STAFF STATIONED AT SHEK PIK, LANTAU.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ELEVEN BLOCKS OF STAFF QUARTERS. RANGING FROM THREE TO FOUR STOREYS, AT THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SHEK PIK.

TEN OF THE BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR ABOUT 146 MARRIED OFFICERS AND THE REMAINING BLOCK WILL PROVIDE SINGLE-ROOMS FOR 50 OFFICERS.

WORK WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER, AND BE COMPLETED IN MARCH 1983.

- - 0----------

/10 ........

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1981

10

EVENING COURSE FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS * * * *

TECHNICAL TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS CAN APPLY FOR A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME EVENING IN-SERVICE COURSE IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH WILL COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER.

♦THE COURSE AIMS AT EQUIPPING PARTICIPANTS NOW TEACHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TO TEACH THAT SUBJECT AT FORMS 4 AND 5 LEVELS,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AND THE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.

APPLICANTS MUST BE SERVING FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND BE PREDOMINANTLY TEACHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (WOOD OR METAL BIASED).

SELECTION FOR ADMISSION WILL BE BY INTERVIEW AND TUITION FEES ARE 1175 PER ANNUM.

DURING THE TWO YEARS, TRAINEES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE TWO EVENINGS A WEEK, PLUS ONE WEEK FULL-TIME IN JULY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, TRAINEES WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE MAKING THEM ELIGIBLE TO TEACH DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY UP TO FORMS 4 AND 5 LEVELS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE VIA HEADS OF SCHOOLS ON OR BEFORE JULY 17.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE COLLEGE ON 5-745311.

-----o-----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

KCR GOING ELECTRIC AT 25 000 VOLTS .............................. 1

TRADE COMMISSIONER LEAVES FOR EUROPEAN CONSULTATIONS......... 2

WARNING ON SMOKE EMISSION ....................................... 3

FOUR LOTS OF LAND FOR SALE....................................... 3

PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES EXTENDED ...................... 4

NEW ROAD FOR SHA TIN ............................................ 4

RESIDENTIAL COURSE AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE....................... 5

TSING YI TO GET FISHERMEN’S CLUB ................................ 6

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

1

KCR GOING ELECTRIC AT 25 000 VOLTS

* * * X

THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KCR WILL COME A STEP CLOSER TO REALITY WITH THE ENERGISATION TOMORROW (MONDAY) OF A SECTION OF THE LINE AS FROM 0001 HOURS.

ONCE +LIVE+, THE SECTION BETWEEN THE NORTHERN HILL TUNNEL AND THE NORTHERN END OF THE RACECOURSE REMAIN ENERGISED AT 25 000 VOLTS.

END OF BEACON LOOP WILL

THIS IS A HUNDRED TIMES MORE POWERFUL THAN THE DOMESTIC VOLTAGE AND A KCR SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT THIS COULD SEVERELY INJURE OR KILL ANYONE GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE OVERHEAD WIRES OR TAMPERING WITH THE EQUIPMENT.

THE FIRST SECTION TO GO LIVE WILL BE COMPLETELY FENCED IN, AS WILL THE REST OF THE RAILWAY.

THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SCHOOL CHILDREN NOT TO ATTEMPT TO DAMAGE THE FENCES IN ORDER TO TAKE SHORT CUTS — THIS IS NOT ONLY ILLEGAL AND SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTY (A MAXIMUM FINE OF UP TO $1 000) BUT IS ALSO A +SHORT CUT TO DEATH+, HE EMPHASISED.

WITH THE FLOW OF ELECTRICITY BETWEEN BEACON HILL TUNNEL NORTH AND THE NORTHERN END OF THE RACECOURSE LOOP, KCR ENGINEERS WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT THOROUGH AND EXHAUSTIVE TESTING OF THE OVERHEAD EQUIPMENT.

IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE RAILWAY TO TEST THE NEW ROLLING STOCK AND RETRAIN DRIVERS IN READINESS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF ELECTRIFIED SERVICE BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN IN THE SPRING OF 1982.

ENERGISATION OF THE REST OF THE RAILWAY WILL FOLLOW IN PHASES TO MEET THE TARGET DATE FOR ELECTRIFICATION OF THE ENTIRE ROUTE UP TO LO WU BY THE END OF 1982.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT ABSENCE OF RAILWAY ENGINEERS IN ANY PARTICULAR AREA DOES NOT, AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN TO MEAN THAT NOTHING IS HAPPENING AND THAT THE OVERHEAD EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN SWITCHED OFF.

♦FROM NOW 0N,+ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, MUST BE REGARDED AS ’LIVE’.+

♦ALL OVERHEAD WIRES

/♦■ELECTRICITY AT.........

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1?81

2

♦ELECTRICITY AT SUCH HIGH VOLTAGE — 25 □□□ VOLTS — CAN JUMP, OR ARC ACROSS, AND FOR THIS REASON EVEN GETTING TOO NEAR THE WIRES CAN HAVE VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYONE TRY TO TRESPASS ON OUR TRACK,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

HE ALSO LISTED THE FOLLOWING +DON’TS+i

(1) DON’T DANGLE THINGS FROM OVERHEAD BRIDGES.

(2) DON’T THROW ANY OBJECTS AT THE OVERHEAD WIRES AND INSULATIONS.

(3) DON’T FLY KITES ANYWHERE NEAR THE RAILWAY.

(4) DON’T ATTEMPT TO RECOVER ANYTHING CAUGHT UP IN THE OVERHEAD WIRES.

(5) DON’T CLIMB OR LEAN OVER BRIDGES.

(6) DON’T TOUCH ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING ON THE TRACKS.

(7) DON’T SPRAY WATER IN THE DIRECTION OF THE OVERHEAD WIRE FROM BELOW OR ABOVE.

(8) DON’T CLIMB ONTO THE TOP OF THE TRAINS.

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TRADE COMMISSIONER LEAVES FOR EUROPEAN CONSULTATIONS ******

COMMISSIONER OF TRADE, MR PETER TSAO. LEFT HONG KONG OVFR weekend for a month-long trip to Europe for consultations on VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AGREEMENTS.

™EKHONG KONG^OMMISSIONErI’mr'dAVID FORD COORDINATION MEeTl2SSE("fYTW0)!l,D ™E DEVEL0PINS COUNTRIES’ ’

HE WILL THEN LEAD THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING GENEVA FROM JULY 14 TO 24.

HONG KONG DELEGATION AT THE NEXT OF THE GATT WHICH TAKES PLACE IN

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH cawaha nU (JULY 27)- THE SECOND ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS

WITH CANADA ON POST-1981 AGREEMENTS (JULY 28—30)- AND CONSULTATIONS (JJly™! -E£u£us£ ")KBER 0F 0UTST4NDI"G technical ™TERS T 0

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

3

WARNING ON SMOKE EMISSION * * * *

CONTRACTORS FOR PILING WORK AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WERE URGED TODAY (SUNDAY) TO ENSURE THAT THEIR DIESEL PILING MACHINES DO NOT EMIT EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT TO PREVENT DARK SMOKE THE CONTRACTORS SHOULD SEE TO IT THAT THE PILING MACHINES ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND OPERATED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT A BUILDING CONTRACTOR WAS RECENTLY FINED $2 000 - THE MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE -FOR PERMITTING EXCESSIVE DARK SMOKE TO BE EMITTED FROM A DIESEL PILING MACHINE AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

HE SAID THAT LAST APRIL, OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DIVISION INSPECTED THE SITE AFTER RECEIVING COMPLAINTS OF DARK SMOKE.

A NOTICE WAS LATER SERVED ON THE CONTRACTOR, ADVISING HIM TO TAKE REMEDIAL MEASURES. HOWEVER, THE ADVICE WAS IGNORED AND A SUMMONS WAS ISSUED AGAINST HIM.

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FOUR LOTS OF LAND FOR SALE

XXX

FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND, TOTALLING ABOUT 15 000 SQUARE METRES. WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON JULY 24.

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.

ONE OF THE LOTS, MEASURING ABOUT 5 809 SQUARE METRES IN CHAI WAN, IS INTENDED FOR GODOWN PURPOSES.

ANOTHER SITE ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2 000 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE REMAINING TWO LOTS, MEASURING ABOUT 5 803 AND 1 335 SQUARE METRES, ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USES. THEY ARE IN DEEP WATER BAY ROAD AND REPULSE BAY ROAD, HONG KONG.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE PLACES.

/4........

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

4

PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES EXTENDED * * * * *

PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM PARTS OF CANAL ROAD WEST, SHARP STREET WEST AND WAN CHAI ROAD FROM 10 AM ON FRIDA?; JULY 10.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE PROHIBITIONS WERE AIMED

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.

THE PROHIBITED SECTIONS OF ROAD AREi

* CANAL ROAD WEST, BETWEEN A POINT NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHARP STREET WEST AND HENNESSY ROAD"

* SHARP STREET WEST, BETWEEN BOWRINGTON ROAD AND CANAL ROAD WEST- AND

* WAN CHAI ROAD, BETWEEN BOWRINGTON ROAD AND CANAL ROAD WEST.

SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE PROHIBITED ZONES.

NEW ROAD FOR SHA TIN * * *

A NEW PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WILL SHORTLY BE BUILT AT THE ^AL?FlJ^E-rSHA T,N VALLEY To COPE WITH THE FUTURE TRAFFIC NEEDS IN THE NEW TOWN.

F0R THE W0RKS ARE BE1NG INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT .

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SAID THE NEW ROAD WOULD PROVIDE ‘ ----------

ROAD AND THE EXISTING ROAD DIRECT ACCESS TO THREE NEW TIN AND TIN SAM.

A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL NETWORKS AROUND TAI WAI, AS WELL AS PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN MEI LAM, SAN

A NEW SERVICE ROAD WOULD ALSO BE

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, CONSTRUCTED TO LINK THIS DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WITH ANOTHER ROAD NORTH OF CHE KUNG MIU, REJOINING LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NEAR SHA TIN TAU.

cnnTDVi!DER ,THE CONTRACT, THE EXISTING NETWORKS OF CYCLE TRACKS AND W?LLPBEHfiUII’ area WILL BE EXTENDED AND F0UR PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS.

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/5 ........

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

5

RESIDENTIAL COURSE AT FIELD STUDIES CENTRE

*****

STUDENTS IN MATRICULATION CLASSES WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY COURSES DURING TERM-TIME IN THE 1981/82 ACADEMIC YEAR AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SAI KUNG.

THE COURSES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE CF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.

EACH COURSE WILL INCLUDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SO THAT AN OPPORTUNITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR BOTH STUDY AND ENJOYMENT IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE ACADEMIC CONTENTS OF THE COURSE WILL BE BASED ON THE HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL SYLLABUSES.

EACH COURSE WILL START ON A TUESDAY AND END ON FRIDAY OF THE SAME WEEK.

NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSE, BUT ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT $69 PER STUDENT PER COURSE.

THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLACES ON EACH COURSE WILL BE 40, AND AT LEAST ONE TEACHER FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE EXPECTED TO STAY IN CAMP WITH THE STUDENTS.

BOTH COURSES WILL COMPRISE LABORATORY AND FIELD WORK, DISCUSSION, LECTURES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. STUDENTS WILL ALSO ATTEND A TALK ON COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR STUDENTS ON THE COURSES SHOULD APPLY BEFORE JULY 15 TO THE INSPECTOR (FIELD STUDIES), FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-2814009.

SUNDAY, JULY 5, 1981

6

TSING Yl TO GET FISHERMEN’S CLUB

* * * *

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS GRANTED A 65-SQUARE-METRE SITE ON TSING Yl TO BUILD A FISHERMEN’S RECREATION CLUB.

A TWO-STOREY BUILDING WITH HALL, GAMES ROOMS, READING ROOMS AND BADMINTON COURTS WILL BE BUILT AT MOON TSAI TONG, NORTH OF TSING Yl TOWN CENTRE.

MOON TSAI TONG HAS TWO VILLAGES WITH ABOUT 5 OOO FISHERMEN.

THE SITE WAS GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY TO A GROUP OF COMMUNITY AND RURAL LEADERS WHO HAVE FORMED THEMSELVES INTO A TSING Yl FISHERMEN’S RECREATION CLUB ORGANISING COMMITTEE. THE CHAIRMAN IS MR WONG DAI-HEI, A FISHERMEN’S REPRESENTATIVE AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER.

CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE BUILDING WILL BE $330 000, OF WHICH $150 000 HAS BEEN DONATED BY PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN, MR DAVID CHAN, WHO IS AN INDIGENOUS VILLAGER OF TSING Yl.

THE BALANCE WILL BE DRAWN FROM THE HO TUNG FUND AND PRIVATE DONATIONS.

A SOIL BREAKING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE COMPLETED BY EARLY DECEMBER.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE KWAI CHUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (ADMINISTRATION), MR MARTIN DAVIDSON, AND TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN TIN-SUNG.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NINE UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON RENTS BILL .................. 1

STEPS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN ......... 2

ONLY LITTLE WATER FROM LYNN ............................... 4

ROYAL WEDDING STAMP COVERS ON SALE TOMORROW ............... 5

REMINDER ON FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT ........................ 7

ENTRIES INVITED FOR SAI KUNG CROSS-HARBOUR SWIM............ 8

KAM TIN MARKET STALL FOR SALE ............................. 9

WATER WORKS AND LEAKAGE TESTS

9

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

1

NINE UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON RENTS BILL * * * *

NINE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE EXPECTED TO SPEAK TOMORROW WHEN DEBATE ON THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1931 RESUMES.

THE BILL PROPOSES TO EXTEND PART II OF THE ORDINANCE FOR TWO FURTHER YEARS BEYOND THE PRESENT EXPIRY DATE OF DECEMBER 18, 1981. AT THE SAME TIME, A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS ARE TO BE MADE ALONG THE LINES PROPOSED BY THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW.

THESE INCLUDE, RAISING THE BIENNIAL PERCENTAGE CEILING ON RENT INCREASES FROM 21 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT, AND, EXCLUDING FROM CONTROLS UNDER PART II OF THE ORDINANCE -- PREMISES IN RESPECT OF WHICH AN OCCUPATION PERMIT IS FIRST ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 19, 1981- AFTER DECEMBER 18, 1981, TENANCIES OF PREMISES WITH A CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF 5580 003 OR MORE- AND AFTER DECEMBER 18, 1982, TENANCIES OF PREMISES WITH A CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF S60 300 OR MORE.

AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, NINE QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ABOUT A NUMBER OF OTHER MATTERS.

THE HON R.H. LOBO WILL ASK WHAT POSITIVE ACTION THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING TO CONTROL AND ELIMINATE DRUG ABUSE IN SCHOOLS AND WHAT FOLLOW-UP ACTION IS TAKEN WHEN STUDENTS ATTENDING HONG KONG SCHOOLS ARE FOUND TO BE USING DANGEROUS DRUGS.

DR THE HON HENRY HU WILL ASK WHAT MEASURES GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM LATENT HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.

THE HON O.V. CHEUNG WILL ASK FOR AN ASSURANCE THAT VISITORS AND STUDENTS FROM HONG KONG TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL NOT SUDDENLY FIND THEMSELVES SUBJECTED TO FULL COST CHARGES UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE IF THEY FALL ILL.

ON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, DR THE HON HO KAM FAI WILL WANT TO KNOw WHAT MEASURES GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF SCAFFOLDING WORKERS.

OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERN THE FORTHCOMING MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT TALKS, POSTAL DELIVERY TO VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PYRAMID SELLING ACTIVITIES, THE PROGRESS ON THE PROPOSED EXHIBITION CENTRE, AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE AND THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE.

EIGHTEEN NEW BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN COUNCIL FOR THEIR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS, INCLUDING THE ARMS AND AMMUNITIONS BILL, THE WEAPONS BILL AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) BILL. DEBATE IS TO RESUME ON 11 OTHER BILLS.

THE REPORT OF THE UMELCO POLICE GROU° 1983 WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT TOMCRRO*'S MEETING.

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

2

STEPS TO IMPROVE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR CHILDREN

K It

PLANS TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE, FOSTER CARE AND SMALL GROUP HOMES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED OF CARE AND SUPERVISION WERE DISCLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN.

THEY INCLUDED STEPS TO STRENGTHEN THE STAFFING POSITION IN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS AND A PROPOSAL TO REIMBURSE RENTS FOR WELFARE SERVICES OPERATED IN PRIVATELY LEASED ACCOMMODATION.

MRS CHAN WAS GIVING A TALK AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, IN WHICH SHE DISCUSSED ADOPTION, INSTITUTIONAL AND NON-INSTITUTIONAL CARE AS SOME OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN OUTSIDE THEIR FAMILY.

SHE SAID A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD LOOKED INTO THE QUESTION OF RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE AND ITS REPORT INDICATED A NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION.

IN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS, SHE SAID, THERE IS A NEED TO STRENGTHEN THE ST-FING POSITION IN STAGES APART FROM INCREASING THE NUMBER OF PLACES.

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW STUDYING THE ADEQUACY OF CASEWORK SUPPORT IN CHILDREN’S HOMES, WHILE THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IS EXAMINING WHETHER EXISTING SUBVENTIONS FOR THESE HOMES ARE ADEQUATE.

+RESOURCES PERMITTING, THE DEPARTMENT IS FULLY PREPARED TO RESPOND TO AGENCIES’ NEEDS IN THIS AREA,+ SHE ADDED.

AS AN EXPANSION OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WAS PLANNING A NEW CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SOCIAL SERVICES FOR WORKERS IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS, INCLUDING THOSE IN CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS.

THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE SPECIFIC STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS WITH SUBVENTION FROM THE DEPARTMENT, SHE SAID.

AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 19 SUBVENTED CHILDREN’S INSTITUTIONS CATERING FOR SOME 1 500 CHILDREN WHO NEED CARE AND PROTECTION BECAUSE OF FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES, EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCE OR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.

TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF SECURING SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION IN BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS FOR WELFARE SERVICES WHICH HAS BEEN ONE OF THE OBSTACLES 70 EXP- '-SION, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF -■*-T REIMBURSEMENT.

TUESDAY, .JULY 7, 1981

MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IN FUTURE, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF NECESSARY FUNDS, BE PREPARED TO REIMBURSE RENTS INCURRED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING WELFARE SERVICES IN PRIVATELY LEASED ACCOMMODATION.

HITHERTO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ONLY REIMBURSED RENTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES APART FROM A FEW EXCEPTIONS, SHE SAID.

SPEAKING OF FOSTERING AND SMALL GROUP HOMES, MRS CHAN SAID THAT BY LIMITING THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BEING CARED FOR, THEY WERE BETTER ABLE TO PROVIDE A SUBSTITUTE HOME THROUGH A GREATER DEGREE OF INDIVIDUAL CARE AND ATTENTION.

SHE SAID EXPANSION IN THESE AREAS HAD BEEN SLOW AND A CONCERTED EFFORT wAS REQUIRED.

SHE POINTED OUT THERE MUST BE MANY MARRIED COUPLES ABLE AND WILLING TO GIVE DEPRIVED CHILDREN THEIR LOVE AND CARE, AND SHE APPEALED TO SUCH COUPLES TO STEP FORWARD.

SHE ALSO URGED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO EXPAND THEIR ACTIVITIES IN THIS FIELD, PARTICULARLY THOSE ALREADY OPERATING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN.

FOSTER CARE ENABLES A CHILD TO BE PLACED TEMPORARILY IN THE CARE OF MARRIED COUPLES AS FOSTER PARENTS WHO ARE AGED 25 TO 55 YEARS, AND JUDGED TO BE SUITABLE PARENTS.

APART FROM AN INCENTIVE ALLOWANCE OF $200, FOSTER PARENTS ARE GIVEN EACH MONTH A MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE WHICH IS BEING INCREASED TO $500 THIS MONTH.

AT THE END OF MARCH, THERE WERE 37 CHILDREN IN FOSTER HOMES IN HONG KONG.

REFERRING TO SMALL GROUP HOMES, MRS CHAN SAID THE FIRST WAS RUN IN 1975 AND A SECOND WOULD SOON BE OPERATING, WHILE THE DEPARTMENT WAS LIAISING WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR PREMISES FOR A THIRD ONE.

SMALL GROUP HOMES ARE SMALL, COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING UNITS OPERATED BY A WELFARE AGENCY IN FAMILY-TYPE DWELLINGS AS A FORM OF GROUP CARE FOR SEVEN TO 12 CHILDREN EACH.

ON ADOPTION, MRS CHAN SAID THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS CONTINUED TO OUTSTRIP THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION, WITH A WAITING LIST OF 248 APPLICANTS AGAINST AN AVAILABILITY OF 132 CHILDREN.

GIVING SOME FACTS AND FIGURES AS INDICATED BY AN ANALYSIS, MRS CHAN SAID APPLICANTS WERE NOW GENERALLY YOUNGER IN AGE WITH 67 PER CENT UNDER 40 YEARS, AND THAT MOST CHINESE APPLICANTS WERE MIDDLE-INCOME AND WORKING-CLASS PEOPLE WITH FEW PROFESSIONALS, WITH 37 PER CENT HAVING COMPLETED SECONDARY SCHOOLING AND 27 PER CENT HAVING A MONTHLY INCOME OF OVER S3 000.

/+AN IOTEHSSTIN3.......

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

4

+AN INTERESTING FACT IS THAT MOST LOCAL APPLICANTS NOW PREFER TO ADOPT GIRLS RATHER THAN BOYS, ALTHOUGH WITH OVERSEAS CHINESE, BOYS STILL HAVE AN EDGE» AND THE PREFERRED AGE IS BELOW TWO YEARS,+ SHE SAID.

SHE SAID CHINESE APPLICANTS WERE GENERALLY CONCERNED WITH THE CHILD’S FAMILY BACKGROUND AND WOULD ONLY CONSIDER NORMAL, HEALTHY CHILDREN WITH A CLEAR SOCIAL AND MEDICAL BACKGROUND, WHILE EXPATRIATE APPLICANTS WERE MORE RECEPTIVE TOWARDS DISABLED CHILDREN AND PARENTAL BACKGROUND WAS NOT AN OVER-RIDING CONSIDERATION.

ALL LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ADOPTIONS ARE HANDLED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ADOPTION UNIT IN CAUSEWAY BAY, OF WHICH A SUB-OFFICE WILL Bt SET UP IN YAU MA TEI DISTRICT NEXT YEAR FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

- - 0 - -

ONLY LITTLE WATER FROM LYNN * * *

TROPICAL STORM LYNN HAS SO FAR BROUGHT ABOUT SIX MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, OR JUST A LITTLE MORE THAN FOUR DAYS’ CONSUMPTION, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, SAID TODAY.

BUT MORE RAIN WATER FROM THE STORM IS EXPECTED TO FLOW INTO THE RESERVOIRS DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

DESPITE THIS, THE WATER STORAGE POSITION WAS STILL ♦UNHEALTHY* COMPARED WITH THE SITUATION AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR, MR TUCKER SAID.

HE REPEATED HIS APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO CONSERVE WATER AND AVOID WASTE.

AT 9 AM TODAY, THE STORAGE STOOD AT 220.124 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 38.1 PER CENT OF THE CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 328.828 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 56.9 PER CENT AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.

0 - -

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

5

ROYAL WEDDING STAMP COVERS ON SALE TOMORROW

* X M *

FIRST DAY COVERS FOR A SPECIAL SET OF THREE POSTAGE STAMPS COMMEMORATING THE MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER WILL GO ON SALE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT ALL POST OFFICES AT 50 CENTS EACH, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED.

THE STAMPS, VALUED AT 20 CENTS, $1.30 AND $5, WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, THE DAY OF THE ROYAL MARRIAGE, WHICH IS ALSO A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

♦EACH COVER WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSERT CARD CONTAINING A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE STAMP DESIGN FEATURES TOGETHER WITH BRIEF PHILATELIC INFORMATION.

9

♦AN INCREASED NUMBER OF FIRST DAY COVERS HAS BEEN PRINTED TO MEET ANTICIPATED PUBLIC DEMAND, BUT TO ENSURE THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE GIVEN A FAIR CHANCE TO BUY OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS, NO MORE THAN TEN COVERS MAY BE PURCHASED BY A CUSTOMER AT ANY ONE TIME,* A SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE DESIGN OF THE 20 CENTS STAMP DEPICTS AN HERALDIC GARLAND SYMBOLISING THE MARRIAGE, AND A WEDDING BOUQUET COMPOSED OF BAUHINIA FLOWERS- THE DESIGN OF THE $1.30 STAMP SHOWS PRINCE CHARLES DOTTING THE EYE OF A DRAGON DURING HIS VISIT TO HONG KONG IN MARCH 1979- AND THE $5.00 STAMP DESIGN INCORPORATES AN OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPH.

ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, NATHAN ROAD AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, PEKING ROAD. FOR THIS SERVICE, ADDRESSED FIRST DAY COVERS MUST BE HANDED IN WITH AN ORDER FORM TOGETHER WITH A REMITTANCE TO COVER THE COST.

THE CHARGE WILL BE $7.00 PER COVER, WHICH INCLUDES THE COST OF THE STAMPS ($6.50) TOGETHER WITH A SERVICE FEE OF 50 CENTS.

THE COVERS MUST BE FULLY ADDRESSED BY THE APPLICANT, AND NOT LESS THAN 10 COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH EACH ORDER.

THE ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE ON JULY 8.

/ANY PERSON.......

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

6

ANY PERSON ORDERING SERVICED COVERS ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL DESTINATION MAY COLLECT THEM ON JULY 30 FROM THE POST OFFICE WHERE THE ORDER WAS PLACED.

COVERS ADDRESSED OVERSEAS WILL BE SENT FORWARD BY ORDINARY POST, SURFACE MAIL, UNLESS SUFFICIENT STAMPS ARE AFFIXED TO COVER AIRMAIL AND/OR REGISTRATION CHARGES. THE LATEST ACCEPTANCE DATE FOR ADVANCE ORDERS OF SERVICED COVERS WILL BE 5 PM ON JULY 23.

A SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON JULY 29 AT ALL POST OFFICES WHEREBY FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER, IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATE STAMP AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.

NO TIME TYPE WILL APPEAR IN THE POSTMARK.

THE SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR THIS SERVICE ARE 1-

(A) ONLY ARTICLES BEARING AN INDICATION THAT THEY ARE ♦FIRST DAY COVERS* WILL BE SO TREATED,

(B) THE ARTICLES MUST BE ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL ADDRESS,

(C) THE ARTICLES MUST NOT BEAR ANY OTHER CANCELLATIONS,

(D) NO REGISTERED ITEMS WILL BE PROCESSED BY THIS METHOD.

SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE ON JULY 29 FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE FIRST DAY COVERS CAREFULLY HAND-POSTMARKED BEFORE DESPATCH TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COVERS.

THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE ON DISPLAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR PUBLIC COUNTER OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE ON THURSDAY, JULY 23, FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

7

REMINDER ON FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT

* * * *

ALL FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT IN BUILDINGS MUST BE KEPT IN EFFICIENT ORDER AT ALL TIMES, THE ACTING CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU, MR LAM LOK-BUN, SAID TODAY.

+IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNERS, OCCUPIERS, INCLUDING INCORPORATED OWNERS TO ENSURE THAT SUCH INSTALLATIONS ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. IT IS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE FIRE SERVICES,+ HE SAID.

THIS, HE CONTINUED, IS STIPULATED IN REGULATION 8(A) OF FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS.

TO ENSURE THAT FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT ARE IN EFFICIENT WORKING ORDER, A REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR SHOULD BE ENGAGED TO INSPECT THE INSTALLATIONS AT LEAST ONCE EVERY 12 MONTHS, HE ADVISED.

+ACCORDING TO REGULATION 9 OF FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT) REGULATIONS, THE CONTRACTOR MUST, WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER COMPLETION OF THE WORK, PROVIDE A CERTIFICATE TO THE PERSON ON WHOSE INSTRUCTION WORK WAS UNDERTAKEN AND ALSO FORWARD A COPY TO THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SER V ICES,+ MR LAM SAID.

+IT IS CLEAR FROM THESE TWO REGULATIONS THAT LEGAL ACTION CAN BE TAKEN BY THE FIRE SERVICES AGAINST ANY PERSON WHO IS FOUND TO HAVE CONTRAVENED THEM AND ON CONVICTION CAN BE FINED $5 OOQ.+

MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST TENS OF THOUSANDS OF LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT OUT TO OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS REMINDING THEM OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. THIS TIME-CONSUMING WORK WAS DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHER MORE PRESSING WORK, AND IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO DISCONTINUE SENDING OUT THESE LETTERS.

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1981

8

ENTRIES INVITED FOR SAI KUNG CROSS-HARBOUR SWIM

* * * *

ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR A CROSS HARBOUR SWIM TO BE HELD AT SAI KUNG ON SUNDAY, JULY 12.

MORE THAN 200 ENTRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR FOR THE EVENT ORGANISED BY SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP.

IT IS HOPED THAT THERE V.ILL BE ABOUT 300 PARTICIPANTS.

THE 1 300-METRE COURSE IS FROM PAK SHA CHAU TO SAI KUNG RECLAMATION PIER.

THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS. TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 15 TO FINISH IN BOTH SECTIONS. PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.

LIFE-SAVING BOATS WILL ESCORT THE ENTRANTS THROUGHOUT THE RACE.

PEOPLE WISHING TO ENTER CAN NOW REGISTER WITH SAI KUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE (TEL: 3-2811762).

THE RACE WILL BE STARTED AT NOON BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, NR CHAN SUI-JEUNG.

WHEN THE EVENT WAS FIRST HELD IN 1979, 180 SWIMMERS TOOK PART, LAST YEAR THERE WERE 200 ENTRANTS.

LAST YEAR THE WINNING TIME IN THE MEN’S SECTION WAS 17 MINUTES 33.8 SECONDS, AND IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION WAS 21 MINUTES 31.3 SECONDS.

-----o------

TUESDAY, JULY 7, 1961

9

KAM TIN MARKET STALL FOR SALE * * * *

A FRESH-MEAT STALL IN THE KAM TIN MARKET, YUEN LONG, WILL BE AUCTION ON THURSDAY (JULY 9 J, AT 10 AM AT THE KAM TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, CLUBHOUSE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE ABLE TO START OPERATING BUSINESS ON AUGUST 1 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.

PERSONS AGED 21 OR ABOVE MAY TAKE PART IN THE AUCTION, AND POTENTIAL BIDDERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION (TEL.: 3-676927) OF THE NTSD FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

WATER WORKS AND LEAKAGE TESTS

* * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JULY 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE THOSE OF TAI WO HAU ROAD, WO TONG TSUI STREET, HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI HING ROAD INCLUDING KWAI HING ESTATE.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE TSUEN wAN AND KWAI CHUNG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 10) FOR MAINS WORK.

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE THOSE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WO Yl HOP ROAD, LEI MUK SHUE, SHEK YAM ESTATE AND SHEK LEI ESTATE.

ALSO ON THE SAME DAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR 12 HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM FOR PUMP WORK.

AFFECTED AREAS ARE LAM TIN, KW'UN TONG, SAU MAU PING, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, NGAU CHI WAN AND SAN PO KONG.

-------0----------

NOTE:

DUE TO SEVERE TROPICAL STORM LYNN, AND THE HOISTING OF THE NO. 3 STORM SIGNAL, NO DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN WAS ISSUED ON MONDAY, JULY 6.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL: RENT BILL PASSED .......................................... 1

LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 ................................................. 9

NEW REGULATIONS ON ETRE PRECAUTIONS APPROVED ........... 10

WIDER PLAN TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARDS ...................... 11

'UK-PROPOSED RECESSION CLAUSE INIMICAL TO HK'S INTERESTS' ............................................. 12

MOVE TO STRENGTHEN LAW AGAINST MISUSE OF ..RMS ......... 13

UMELCO POLICE GROUP REPORT ............................. 14

ILLEGAL GAMBLING AT 'UNACCEPTABLY HIGH LEVEL1 .......... 15

CALL FOR MORE STAFF TO DEAL WITH APPLICANTS ............ 16

AGREEMENT ON MEDICAL CARE IN UK......................... 17

DRUG 'NOT A PROBLEM IN SCHOOLS' ........................ 17

SERVICES 'NOT COMPARABLE' .............................. 18

close watch kept on occupational diseases .............. 18

LEGISLATION ON WORK AC HEIGHTS CONSIDERED .............. 19

MORE PUBLICITY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME URGED .................................................... 20

PUBLICITY ON ELECTIONS TO BE STEPPED UP ................ 21

NT POSTAL SERVICE.......................................... 21

ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES TO STAY................. 22

HEAVIER PENALTIES PROPOSED TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL CLINICS .................................................. 23

ELEVJN BILLS PASSED ....................................... 24

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS URGED TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS ................ 25

PRISON SERVICE SEEKS RECRUITS .................................. 26

WORK ON SLIP ROJ) .............................................. 27

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

1

RENT BILL PASSED ft ft ft

THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL COMPLETED ITS PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, DESPITE OPPOSITION FROM SEVERAL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.

NINE UNOFFICIALS SPOKE DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON OSWALD CHEUNG, SAID THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW ON THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE RECOGNISED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WOULD PLEASE ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

HE SAIDt +THEY MADE A JUDGMENT AS TO WHAT WAS GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

♦NO REPRESENTATION OR SUGGESTION WENT BY DEFAULT.*

MR CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE, APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO ALL ASPECTS OF CONTROL OF RENTS AND SECURITY OF TENURE 18 MONTHS AGO, CONSISTED OF PERSONS +WHO HAD NO BIAS ONE WAY OR THE OTHER*.

HE SAID MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED AN ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE COMMUNITY AND FORMED THREE SUB-GROUPS TO INTERVIEW ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO PUT FORWARD INTERESTING IDEAS AND SPECIFIC PROPOSALS.

THEY ALSO STUDIED A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS TO GET THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND INFORMATION.

♦HAVING CONSIDERED ALL THE REPRESENTATIONS AND SIFTED THE FACTS, THEY HAVE PRODUCED A REPORT WHICH WAS THOROUGH, AND, IN MY JUDGMENT, IMPARTIAL.

♦THE ADMINISTRATION IN PUTTING FORWARD THIS BILL HAS SELECTED TO IMPLEMENT ONLY THOSE OF THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH ARE FEASIBLE AND NOT UNDULY DISRUPTIVE,* MR CHEUNG SAID.

THE REV PATRICK MCGOVERN, ARGUING AGAINST THE BILL, SAID THE SITUATION IN HOUSING WHICH IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY I960 PROMPTED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL ALL DOMESTIC RENT INCREASES WAS STILL THE SAME TODAY.

AND IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT THE SITUATION IS WORSE TODAY THAN IT WAS THEN, HE SAID.

♦OUR HILLSIDES ARE COVERED MORE THICKLY THAN EVER WITH SQUATTERS, OUR ROOFTOP HUTS ARE GOING UP FROM SINGLE STOREY TO TWO OR EVEN THREE STOREYS.

/+FLATS ABE ......

WEKDESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

2

♦FLATS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RENT AT PRICES WHICH PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO PAY.+

HE SAID HE AGREED THAT NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PHASE OUT RENT CONTROL.

FOR THE SAME REASONS, HE ADDED, NOW IS ALSO NOT THE TIME FOR ANY RELAXATION OF RENT CONTROL.

ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, FR MCGOVERN SAID HE AGREED TO EXTEND PART II OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS, BUT OPPOSED THE RAISING THE BIENNIAL CEILING ON RENT INCREASES FROM 21 TO 30 PER CENT AND WITH ALL THE PROPOSED EXCLUSIONS, ESPECIALLY THE EXCLUSION OF NEW PREMISES GETTING FIRST OCCUPATION PERMITS.

HE SA ID 1 +FIRST LETTINGS OF NEW BUILDINGS, AND NEW LETTINGS OF OLD BUILDINGS ARE ALREADY EXCLUDED UNDER THE PRESENT LAW.

♦THE FURTHER EXCLUSIONS ARE BOTH UNNECESSARY AND HARMFUL.

♦I PREDICT THAT JUST AS THE SITUATION GOT OUT OF HAND IN 1979 FORCING THE LAW TO INCLUDE ALL THAT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN EXCLUDED, SO TOO IN A SHORT TIME TODAY’S RELAXATIONS WILL HAVE TO BE INCLUDED IN A FURTHER AMENDMENT.♦

BY THAT TIME THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN DONE AND RENTS WOULD HAVE RISEN TO A NEW HIGH LEVEL PLATFORM EVEN FURTHER OUT OF REACH OF THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY PAYING TOO HIGH A PROPORTION OF THEIR INCOME ON RENT, HE ADDED.

THE HON S.L. CHEN FELT THAT INCREASED SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION WAS EVIDENTLY THE ONLY GENUINE SOLUTION TO HONG KONG’S HOUSING PROBLEM.

WHILE WELCOMING THE GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT THAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO PHASE OUT RENT CONTROLS AS SOON AS CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT, HE REITERATED THAT MEASURES AIMED AT ACHIEVING A BALANCE BETWEEN THE SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF DOMESTIC PREMISES MUST BE TAKEN WITHOUT DELAY.

♦THESE SHOULD INCLUDE INCREASES IN LAND SUPPLY AND PUBLIC HOUSING PRODUCTION, AN EXPANDED HOME-OWNERSHIP SCHEME WITH PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION AND, IF NECESSARY, APPROPRIATE ANTI-SPECULATION ACTIONS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET,+ HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE RENT INCREASE CEILING, MR CHEN APPRECIATED THAT IT WAS PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ARRIVE AT A RATE THAT WOULD BE FAVOURABLY ACCEPTED BY ALL.

HOWEVER, HE THOUGHT THE PROPOSED 30 PER CENT CEILING IS MORE REALISTIC GIVEN THE PRESENT STAGE OF ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.

♦WE ARE TOLD THAT FACTORS INCLUDING THE BANK INTEREST AND INFLATION RATES, THE NOMINAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGE INDEX AND THE LIKELY FUTURE RATES OF INCREASE IN FAIR MARKET RENTS HAD ALL BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW IN RECOMMENDING A SUITABLE RENT INCREASE CEILING.

/♦ALTHOUGH THE.......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981


♦ALTHOUGH THE 30 PER CENT PROPOSAL IS SLIGHTLY BELOW THAT RECOMMENDED BY THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, IT IS STILL A DESIRABLE STEP IN RESTORING THE BALANCE OF INTERESTS BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS.

♦THE RAISING OF THE PERCENTAGE CEILING TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE RATE OF INFLATION IN GENERAL WILL GIVE LANDLORDS AND POTENTIAL LANDLORDS A FAIR DEAL AND SUBSEQUENTLY ENCOURAGE THEM TO LET THEIR FLATS OUT.+

HE ALSO CONSIDERED THE PROPOSED EXCLUSION OF LUXURY PREMISES FROM RENT CONTROLS IN TWO STAGES SHOULD PROVIDE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THOSE AFFECTED TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS.

AS TO THE REPOSSESSION OF RENTED ACCOMMODATION BY LANDLORDS, MR CHEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PUT THE REVIEW COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION INTO LEGISLATIVE EFFECT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND TO EXTEND IT TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING SECTOR +S0 THAT THOSE WELL-OFF TENANTS WHO CAN AFFORD TO OWN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION CAN BE REQUIRED TO VACATE THEIR UNITS AND TO RELEASE THEM TO MORE NEEDY TENANTS.♦

THE HON WONG LAM SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT FROM RENT CONTROL HOUSES FOR WHICH OCCUPATION PERMITS ARE GRANTED ON OR AFTER JUNE 19, 1981.

HE SAID THIS WOULD STIMULATE DEVELOPERS TO BUILD MORE AND ALLOW LANDLORDS TO LET OUT THEIR HOLDINGS WITHOUT WORRY.

HOWEVER, AS TO GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE RATE OF INCREASE FROM 21 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT EVERY TWO YEARS, MR WONG SAID HE WAS AT A LOSS TO UNDERSTAND HOW GOVERNMENT ARRIVED AT THIS NEW PERCENTAGE.

HE SUGGESTED THAT THE PERMITTED PERCENTAGE SHOULD BE ARRIVED AT BY A MORE SYSTEMATIC METHOD OF CALCULATION AND THAT THIS PERCENTAGE SHOULD BE REVISED UPWARDS OR DOWNWARDS WHERE APPROPRIATE AT PROPER INTERVALS.

ON THE EXEMPTION FROM CONTROL OF PREMISES WITH TOP RATEABLE VALUES, MR WONG SAID THAT MOST OF THE TENANTS, OR THEIR EMPLOYERS, SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE SUBSTANTIAL RENT INCREASES IN STRIDE.

♦IT WOULD NOT BE TOO DIFFICULT FOR THEM, SHOULD THEY BE UNWILLING TO GO ON PAYING EXORBITANT RENTS, TO FIND SMALLER ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION,* HE SAID.

EARLIER, MR WONG SAID THAT IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, A COMPLETE ABANDONMENT OF RENT CONTROL COULD VERY POSSIBLY LEAD TO VIOLENT FLUCTUATIONS IN RENTS AND EVICTIONS WHICH WOULD PRECIPITATE SOCIAL UNREST AND WAS THUS EXTREMELY UNDESIRABLE.

♦IN SPITE OF SOME ADVOCATES OF DOING AWAY WITH ALL RENT CONTROL IMMEDIATELY ON THE GROUND OF FREE ECONOMY, I STILL THINK IT IS WISE TO MAINTAIN THE RENT CONTROL UNTIL THE END OF 1981,♦ HE ADDED.

/DR HO KAK-FAI ......

WEDNESDAY, JUL? 8, 1981


DR HO KAM-FAI SUPPORTED THE BILL ON THE CONDITION THAT NEW DOMESTIC PREMISES SHOULD ALSO BE BROUGHT UNDER RENT CONTROL AFTER THEIR FRESH OR FIRST LETTINGS.

HE SA ID 1 +GIVEN THE FACT THAT SUPPLY PERPETUALLY LAGS BEHIND DEMAND, REMOVAL OF RENT CONTROL FOR NEW PREMISES WILL ENHANCE The SPECULATIVE APPEAL OF THESE PROPERTIES.

+IT IS THEREFORE NOT UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT SPECULATIVE ACTIVITIES TO BECOME INTENSIFIED.*

BUT HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO CURB SPECULATION IN THIS REVIEW EXERCISE AND, AS A RESULT, THE END-USERS OF DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION WILL BE VICTIMISED.

HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY RE-CONS IDER APPLYING THE BIENNIAL 30 PER CENT RENT INCREASE CEILING TO NEWLY-BUILT PREMISES AFTER FRESH OR FIRST LETTINGS.

WHILE NOTING THE ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXEMPTION ARE TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPERS TO PRODUCE MORE FLATS FOR THE RENTAL MARKET AND TO INDUCE OWNERS OF NEW PREMISES TO LET THEIR FLATS OUT, DR HO DOUBTED WHETHER THIS EXEMPTION PROVISION WILL SUBSEQUENTLY BRING ABOUT A STABILISING EFFECT ON THE PRESENT RENTAL LEVELS.

♦IN A FREE MARKET, THE PRICE OF A COMMODITY IS TO A GREAT EXTENT DETERMINED BY THE FORCES OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND.

♦STATISTICS IN THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF REVIEW SHOWED A SHORTFALL IN HOUSING OF ABOUT 204 000 FLATS IN 1980. THIS SHORTFALL WILL STILL REMAIN AT A HIGH LEVEL OF 137 000 IN 1985.

♦GIVEN HOUSING SHORTAGE OF THIS MAGNITUDE, IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT RENTS FOR DOMESTIC ACCOMMODATION CAN BE STABILISED IN THE NEAR FUTURE DESPITE AN IMPROVED SUPPLY THAT MAY RESULT FROM THIS DECONTROL MEASURE,♦ HE SAID.

DR HO ALSO FELT THAT DECONTROL OF NEW PREMISES WILL CREATE TWO DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION UNNECESSARILY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE SITTING TENANTS CONTINUE TO ENJOY PROTECTION AND SECURITY OF TENURE, TENANTS IN THESE EXEMPTED PREMISES WILL SIMPLY LIVE AT THE MERCY OF THEIR LANDLORDS.

♦IN THE END, A PROPORTION OF THE TENANTS IN THESE UNPROTECTED PREMISES WILL FIND THEMSELVES UNABLE TO AFFORD THE RENTS DEMANDED AND MAY BE FORCED TO SQUAT.

♦THEY WILL EXACERBATE THE SITUATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND WILL PUT UNDUE PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCELERATE ITS BUILDING PROGRAMMES BEYOND ITS CAPAC ITY,+ HE SAID.

THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID HE COULD NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSED RENT INCREASE FROM 21 TO 30 PER CENT BIENNALLY +BECAUSE IT CONCERNS THE INTEREST OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC*.

/HE SAID....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

5

HE SAID THAT WHILE RESPECTING THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE, IT WAS NOT NECESSARY AT THIS POINT IN TIME TO AMEND THE CURRENT LEGISLATION.

MR LEE RECALLED THAT WHEN THE EXISTING LEGISLATION ON RENT CONTROL WAS INTRODUCED, THE BOSSES OF THE LAND DEVELOPING COMPANIES SWAMPED THE UMELCO OFFICE AND GAVE VARIOUS JUSTIFICATIONS WHY RENT CONTROL SHOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED.

HOWEVER, AFTER THE LEGISLATION CAME INTO EFFECT AND DURING 1980, ALL THE LAND DEVELOPING COMPANIES RECORDED THEIR HIGHEST PROFITS IN HISTORY AND THEIR STOCKS SOARED TO AN ALL TIME HIGH RECENTLY IN THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE.

♦WHAT A STRANGE PHENOMENON, WHO IS BEING HURT BY RENT CONTROL?* HE ASKED.

MR LEE NOTED THAT AT THE CURRENT MARKET VALUE AND INTEREST RATE, PEOPLE EARNING AN INCOME OF |10 000 PER MONTH WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME PAYING FOR THE DOWN PAYMENT.

THEY THEREFORE HAVE TO RENT A PLACE TO LIVE, HE SAID.

♦WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURRENT RENT CONTROL SCHEME? WHY RAISE THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE INCREASE FROM 21 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT BIENNALLY?

♦IS GOVERNMENT PROJECTING THE INFLATION RATE FOR THE NEXT IWO YEARS AT 14 PER CENT PER ANNUM?

♦SINCE LANDLORDS CAN ASK FOR THE FAIR MARKET RENT IN THE FIRST LETTING, WHY ARE THERE SO MANY EMPTY FLATS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR?+

HE CONCLUDED THAT IT IS NOT A PROBLEM OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RENT CONTROL NOR SECURITY OF TENURE.

♦IT IS SIMPLY THE PRICE TO EITHER RENT OR PURCHASE IS TOO HIGH.

♦I BELIEVE THESE EMPTY FLATS ARE IN THE HANDS OF DEVELOPERS AND SPECULATORS.

♦IF ANY LEGISLATION IS NEEDED, IT IS TO LEGISLATE AGAINST PEOPLE WHO LEAVE THE FLATS EMPTY AND TO DISCOURAGE SPECULATION ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.

/THE HON ANDREW SO

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

6

THE HON ANDREW SO PROPOSED THAT THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDAT ION)(AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1980 SHOULD REMAIN AS IT IS FOR AT LEAST TWO MORE YEARS.

♦THIS WILL GIVE A LONGER BREATHING-SPACE TO TENANTS, INCLUDING FOREIGN INVESTORS IN HONG KONG WHO ARE UNDER GREAT PRESSURE OF HIGH RENT,+ HE SAID.

HE FELT THAT IN VIEW OF THE CURRENT SHORTAGE OF BOTH HOUSING AND LAND AND IN THE OVERALL INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY, AMENDING RENT CONTROL *T0 ATTAIN A REASONABLE BALANCE ON THE BENEFITS OF THE SECTORS CONCERNED+ IS ONLY AN EXPEDIENCY WHICH HAS THE DISADVANTAGE OF RASHNESS.

IF IT IS IMPLEMENTED, HE ADDED, A CHAIN REACTION WILL BE SET OFF, RESULTING IN THE BASIC LIVELIHOOD OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC BEING ADVERSELY AFFECTED.

MR SO SAID THAT IF THE ARGUMENT TO RELAX RENT CONTROL IS TO ENCOURAGE LANDLORDS TO LET OUT PREMISES, +THEN WE ARE ACTUALLY GIVING A FREE HAND TO SPECULATORS WHO HAVE BEEN MANIPULATING THE MARKET*.

♦EXPEDIENT MEASURES ARE BAD MEASURES. SINCE EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IS TO INCREASE LAND SUPPLY AND HOUSE PRODUCTION, WE SHOULD WORK POSITIVELY IN THIS DIRECTION.♦

HE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS HIGH LAND COST POLICY THOROUGHLY +S0 AS TO AVOID BEING LABELLED AS A GOVERNMENT WHICH PERMITS ITSELF TO UPHOLD HIGH LAND COSTS BUT DOES NOT ALLOW LANDLORDS TO INCREASE RENTS*.

MR BILL BROWN SAID HE DID NOT LIKE RENT CONTROLS, NOR DID HE LIKE TO SEE SO MANY OF OUR COMMUNITY SUFFERING FROM HOUSING PROBLEMS.

BUT, IN HIS VIEW, THE BILL *IS A SENSIBLE ATTEMPT TO BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF ALL CONCERNED WHILST THE PROBLEMS ARE STILL BEING TACKLED*.

HE OPINED THAT OUR HOUSING PROBLEMS WERE NOT LIKELY TO BE RESOLVED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND IT WOULD BE NAIVE TO BELIEVE THAT THESE TEMPORARY MEASURES WOULD NOT BE FURTHER EXTENDED.

♦IF COMPLETE DECONTROL IS NOT GOING TO BE POSSIBLE FOR SOME TIME, THEN IT IS EVEN MORE NECESSARY TO ADJUST THE SYSTEM AT EACH EXTENSION TO SLOW DOWN THE RATE AT WHICH CONTROLLED RENTS FALL BEHIND MARKET RENTS, AND TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPERS TO MAINTAIN PRODUCTION AND PLACE FLATS ON THE RENTAL MARKET.

♦THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT CONTROLLED RENTS TODAY ONLY AVERAGE ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF MARKET RENTS - AND THE PERCENTAGE IS ONLY 20 PER CENT IN THE CASE OF PRE-WAR PREMISES,♦ HE SAID.

/HE QUOTED.......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1?81

- 7 -

HE QUOTED STATISTICS TO SHOW THAT OF THE 620 000 HOUSEHOLDS IN PRIVATE HOUSING IN MARCH 1980, 311 000 OR ABOUT 50 PER CENT WERE TENANTS, INDICATING THE IMPORTANT ROLE PLAYED BY PRIVATE LANDLORDS IN OUR OVERALL HOUSING SITUATION.

HE HOPED THAT THE RECONVENING OF THE WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WOULD SOLVE THE HOUSING PROBLEMS OF THE MIDDLE CLASS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME.

HE ALSO CALLED ON THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY TO JOIN THE ESTABLISHED BANKS IN SUPPORTING THE SCHEME ON A MUCH LARGER SCALE THAN HITHERTO.

ON THE SUGGESTION THAT CHEAP LAND BE MADE AVAILABLE TO REDUCE THE COST OF HOUSING, MR BROWN CONTENDED THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED THAT IN THE PERIOD UP TO 1985 GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT WILL BE LARGELY FINANCED BY THE REVENUE YIELD FROM LAND SALES.

ANY SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF LAND MUST RESULT IN EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT BECOMING MORE DEPENDENT ON THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT.

THE CONSEQUENCES TO OUR TAX STRUCTURE AND GROWTH RATE WOULD BE SEVERE,+ HE SAID.

HE URGED THAT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND PRODUCTION TO EXAMINE MORE CLOSELY THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A NEED TO BALANCE THE DESIRE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PROFITS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST, HE SAID.

BUT IF THE WILL EXISTS THIS CAN SURELY BE ACHIEVED,♦ HE ADDED.

THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID A PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS ONLY GOOD WHEN IT IS FAIR TO ALL PARTIES AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT A TOTAL VACANCY OF 17 000 FLATS AT THE END OF 1980 AND THE DEMOLITION OF A NEW AND UNOCCUPIED BUILDING JUST FOR THE SAKE OF CHANGING FROM DOMESTIC USE TO COMMERCIAL USE SHOW THAT RENT CONTROL IS AGAINST HUMAN NATURE AND INVESTMENT PRINCIPLES RESULTING IN A DWINDLING SUPPLY OF RENTAL ACCOMMODATION.

RENT CONTROL ONLY BENEFITS THE SITTING TENANTS IN PROVIDING THEM WITH SECURITY OF TENURE AND A RENT LOWER THAN THE FAIR MARKET RENT.

TO THOSE WHO DOUBT THE FAIRNESS OF THE ’FAIR MARKET RENT’, THEY ARE ADVISED TO ENQUIRE ON THE ASKING RENT OF A SIMILAR FLAT WHICH IS IN THE SAME BUILDING OR ESTATE.

/♦THE PIECEMEAL

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

♦THE PIECEMEAL AND INCOHERENT NATURE OF THE PRESENT RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION LEADS TO THE ILLUSION THAT IF ONE HOLDS ON TO SOMETHING WHICH ONE DOES NOT RIGHTFULLY OWN, IN THIS CASE, TENANTS OF PROTECTED PREMISES, ONE COULD MANAGE TO GET SOME ADVANTAGE OF COMPENSATION OUT OF IT.

♦HENCE UNNECESSARY CONFRONTATIONS ARE CREATED BETWEEN LANDLORDS PRINCIPAL TENANTS AND TENANTS AND THESE ADD UNNECESSARY LOAD TO THE WORK OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED.*

HE THEREFORE THOUGHT THAT RENT CONTROL IS JUSTIFIABLE FOR SMALL FLATS IN THE SHORT TERM TO STOP STEEP INCREASES IN RENT OWING TO SUDDEN INCREASE IN DEMAND.

BUT THE FINAL SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM IS THE BUILDING CF MORE PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS RATHER THAN RENT CONTROL WHICH SHOULD BE PHASED OUT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TAKING THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION, HE SAID.

MR CHAN ALSO SUGGESTED THAT LUXURIOUS FLATS AND NEW DOMESTIC PREMISES BE DECONTROLLED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT TENANTS OF THE UPPER RENTAL BRACKET ARE USUALLY SUBSIDIZED BY MULTI-NATIONAL FIRMS OR GOVERNMENTS.

THERE IS NO SOUND ECONOMIC REASON WHY HONG KONG’S CORPORATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS SHOULD SUBSIDIZE THEM, HE SAID.

♦THERE ARE PROS AND CONS IN SETTING UP ONE’S BUSINESS IN HONG KONG BUT ON WEIGHING ALL THE FACTORS, ONE WOULD FIND HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE, ESPECIALLY IF ONE TRADES WITH CHINA.

THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE IN THE WORLD GEOGRAPHICALLY TO GIVE THE BEST OF TWO WORLDS.

THE RENT FACTOR IS SELDOM A DECISIVE FACTOR BY ITSELF AND THE ’INVISIBLE’ QUEUE OF CORPORATIONS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES TO SET UP BUSINESS HERE IS LONG AND I REGRET THAT ONLY THE FITTEST SURVIVIES.

IN FACT, DECONTROL OF LUXURY AND NEW PREMISES MAY HELP TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY AND STABILISE THE RENTAL LEVELS SO THAT TIME MAY AGAIN BE RIGHT FOR PURCHASES,* HE ADDED.

/9......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

a

LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY THAT THE RENT FOR A TYPICAL CONTROLLED PREMISES IF RAISED BY THE MAXIMUM RATE OF 30 PER CENT WOULD, AT THE NEXT INCREASE, AMOUNT TO 45.5 PER CENT OF THE MARKET RENT.

UNDER THE 21 PER CENT LIMIT THE PERCENTAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN 42.3.

IN DOLLAR TERMS, IF A CONTROLLED RENT IS $1 000 WHERE THE MARKET RENT IS ABOUT S2 800, THE NEW RENT, WITH THE MAXIMUM INCREASE, WILL BE $1 300, RATHER THAN $1 210,+ HE EXPLAINED.

HE CITED THE EXAMPLE WHEN WINDING UP THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL.

MR LIAO SAID THE BEST INCENTIVE FOR OWNERS OF NEW FLATS TO PUT THEM ON THE RENTAL MARKET IS THE REMOVAL OF SUCH PREMISES FROM THE AMBIT OF THE RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION.

HE REITERATED THAT THE ONLY LONG TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF HIGH AND INCREASING RENTS IS THE PRODUCTION OF MORE HOUSING FOR THE RENTAL MARKET.

HOWEVER, RECENT STATISTICS ON CONSTRUCTION OF PRIVATE HOUSING WERE FAR FROM ENCOURAGING, HE NOTED.

FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF UNITS IN NEW PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PROJECTS WITH CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK HAD DROPPED BY NEARLY 27 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR - FROM ABOUT 18 000 TO 13 000 UNITS.

+ALTHOUGH THE REASONS FOR THIS DROP CANNOT BE PINPOINTED IT IS CLEAR THAT EVERY OPPORTUNITY MUST BE TAKEN TO REMOVE POSSIBLE CONSTRAINTS ON THE PRODUCTION OF NEW FLATS,+ HE SAID.

MR LIAO NOTED THAT THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY INDICATED THAT THERE WILL BE A STEADY SUPPLY OF SITES FOR PRIVATE HIGH DENSITY HOUSING OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING, BOTH FOR RENTAL AND FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, HE SAID, HAD REACHED A RECORD LEVEL OF 35 000 FLATS ANNUALLY. THIS WOULD NOT ONLY BE MAINTAINED BUT INCREASED WHEN POSSIBLE.

AS TO LUXURY PREMISES, MR LIAO SAID THAT THIS YEAR A TOTAL OF 1 455 UNITS OF 160 SQUARE METRES OR MORE WERE FORECAST TO BE PRODUCED, AND A FURTHER 1 635 NEXT YEAR. THE AVERAGE ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF SUCH LARGE UNITS FROM 1971 TO 1980 WAS 608 UNITS.

MR LIAO ADDED THAT THE TREND WAS FOR MORE SUCH FLATS OR HOUSES TO BE BUILT IN WHAT USED TO BE CONSIDERED +OUTLYING AREAS* AND IF PROSPECTIVE TENANTS ARE TO BENEFIT FROM MORE FAVOURABLE RENTS THEN THEY MUST BE PREPARED TO LIVE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES RATHER THAN IN THE TRADITIONAL LUXURY HOUSING ENCLAVES OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

------0-------

/10.....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

10

NEW REGULATIONS ON FIRE PRECAUTIONS APPROVED *****

A SEPARATE SET OF REGULATIONS ON FIRE PRECAUTIONS, REPLACING THE EXISTING PROVISIONS IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PREVENTION OF AND ESCAPE FROM FIRE IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES, WAS APPROVED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING A MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS 1981, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. J.N. HENDERSON, SAID THE NEW REGULATIONS ALSO INCORPORATE THE STANDARD FIRE PRECAUTION REQUIREMENTS WHICH AT PRESENT ARE ISSUED WHERE NECESSARY TO REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES BY NOTICE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT FIVE OF THE NEW REGULATIONS -REGULATIONS 4, 5, 6, 7 AND 8 - COVER THE SAME AREAS AS REGULATIONS 26, 27, 28, 29 AND 30 OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS AND ALSO REPRESENT IMPROVEMENTS IN PRESENTATION AND DETAIL.

DETAILS OF THE FIVE NEW REGULATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWSi

* REGULATION 4 PROVIDES FOR PROPER DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF DOORS.

* REGULATION 5 REQUIRES PROPER MAINTENANCE OF FIRE ESCAPES WITHIN THE WORKPLACE.

* REGULATION 6 EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO REQUIRE THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE MEANS FOR FIGHTING FIRE.

* REGULATION 7 DEALS WITH PROHIBITION OF SMOKING.

* REGULATION 8 PROHIBITS UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS TO PREMISES THAT MAY CREATE SERIOUS FIRE RISK OR OBSTRUCTION OF FIRE ESCAPES.

/MR HENBKrtSON........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

11

MR HENDERSON WENT ON TO SAY THAT FOUR OTHER NEW REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR THE SAFE STORAGE OF INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES, THE PREVENTION OF NAKED FLAMES FROM IGNITING INFLAMMABLE VAPOURS OR SUBSTANCES AND FOR THE PREVENTION OF ESCAPE OF INFLAMMABLE VAPOURS. THEY COVER AREAS WHICH AT PRESENT ARE DEALT WITH BY STANDARD REQUIREMENTS CONTAINED IN NOTICES ISSUED TO REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES, AND ARE THEREFORE NOT NEW IN SUBSTANCE.

MR HENDERSON SAID ONE OF THE REGULATIONS PROVIDES FOR MAXIMUM PENALTIES OF $10 000 IN CERTAIN CASES AND $30 000 FOR MORE SERIOUS OFFENCES.

♦BY HAVING A SEPARATE SET OF REGULATIONS, IT IS HOPED THAT hEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION CF FIRE IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES WILL HAVE A CLEARER LEGAL IDENTITY, WILL BE BETTER KNOWN AND WILL CREATE GREATER IMPACT,+ HE CONCLUDED.

-----0------

WIDER PLAN TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARDS * * * *

A WIDER PLAN DESIGNED TO REDUCE FIRE HAZARDS IN COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WAS BEING DRAWN UP, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MR DAVIES ADDED THAT PROPOSALS FOR SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED FINES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES INVOLVING FIRE HAZARDS MAY BE INCLUDED IN A FURTHER AMENDING BILL.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

12

’UK-PROPOSED RECESSION CLAUSE INIMICAL TO HK’S INTERESTS’ * * * *

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT ANY +RECESSION CLAUSE* IN THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT, SUCH AS THAT FAVOURED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, WOULD NOT ONLY BE INIMICAL TO HONG KONG’S INTERESTS, BUT WOULD ALSO BE UNWORKABLE, SAID THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, THE HON L.W.R. MILLS, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN, MR MILLS ADDED THAT FROM WHAT WAS KNOWN ABOUT THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY COMMISSION’S POLICY, THERE WAS NO PROPOSAL FOR A ^RECESSION CLAUSE*.

MR MILLS POINTED OUT THAT THE UK SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE HAD HIMSELF ALSO SAID THAT *THE IDEA OF THE RECESSION CLAUSE DOES NOT COMMAND ELSEWHERE THE WIDESPREAD SUPPORT WHICH IT COMMANDS IN THE UK.+

ANSWERING A QUESTION PUT BY THE HON ALLEN LEE ABOUT A PROPOSED EXHIBITION CENTRE, MR MILLS SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THAT THERE WAS A DEMAND — EXISTING AND POTENTIAL — FOR SUCH A FACILITY.

IT WAS PROCEEDING WITH THE STAGE II CONSULTANCY, THE PURPOSE OF WHICH IS TO DRAW UP SPECIFICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING A MULTI-STOREY COMPLEX TO INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION CENTRE ON A SPECIFIED SITE IN TSIM SHA TSUI, AND PROVIDE ESTIMATES OF CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS TO BE INCURRED, AS WELL AS REVENUE OBTAINABLE. I

A NON-STATUTORY BOARD, HEADED BY MR M.G.R. SANDBERG, WAS SET UP TO OVERSEE THE STAGE II CONSULTANCY, AND SO FAR EIGHT FIRMS HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN UNDERTAKING THE CONSULTANCY. A SHORT LIST OF FIVE OR SIX FIRMS WOULD BE DRAWN UP AND TENDERS INVITED.

♦WE EXPECT THE APPOINTED CONSULTANTS TO START WORK IN OCTOBER AND A REPORT TO BE MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT EARLY NEXT YEAR,* M? MILLS SAID.

/13.......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

13

MOVE TO STRENGTHEN LAW AGAINST MISUSE OF ARMS * * * *

TWO BILLS, THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL 1981 AND THE WEAPONS BILL 1981, WHICH SEEK TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW ON MISUSE OF ARMS AND IMITATION FIREARMS AND TO TIGHTEN SUPERVISION OVER THE USE OF MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS, WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILLS, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL THE HON G.P. NAZARETH SPOKE ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCE THAT CALLED FOR INCREASED SANCTIONS AGAINST THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIREARMS AND IMITATION FIREARMS.

HE SAID THAT IN 1977 THERE WERE 47 CASES OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY INVOLVING THE USE OF ARMS AND IMITATION FIREARMS. THIS WENT UP TO 77 IN 1978, 133 IN 1979 AND 194 IN 1980.

+ IN THE MAJORITY OF CASES IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH WHETHER THE OBJECT USED WAS A REAL OR IMITATION FIREARM. BUT CLEARLY THERE HAS BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE CRIMINAL USE OF BOTH FIREARMS AND IMITATION FIREARMS.

+AND IT IS TO THIS DISTURBING SITUATION THAT THE SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED PENALTIES IN THE BILL ARE DIRECTED,* MR NAZARETH SAID.

HE SAID THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL 1981 HAD THE GENERAL OBJECT OF STRENGTHENING AND MODERNISING THE LAW RELATING TO ARMS AND AMMUNITION AND WOULD REPLACE THE PRESENT ARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1933.

ON THE WEAPONS BILL 1981, MR NAZARETH SAID A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF CONTROLS OVER BLADED WEAPONS HAD CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS ONE AREA WHERE SOME SYSTEM OF CONTROL WAS NECESSARY IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION.

THIS AREA CONCERNS THE POSSESSION BY MARTIAL ARTS ESTABLISHMENTS OF THE RANGE OF WEAPONS TRADITIONALLY ASSOCIATED WITH MARTIAL ARTS.

+ALTHOUGH MANY MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATIONS ARE PERFECTLY RESPECTABLE AND PROVIDE A PLACE WHERE YOUNG MEN CAN ENGAGE IN AN ANCIENT AND WELL-RESPECTED FORM OF TRAINING IN SELF-DEFENCE, IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT MANY MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATIONS ARE A MEETING PLACE AND RECRUITING GROUND FOR ORGANISED GANGS OF THUGS - THE TRIADS,* HE SAID.

+TOTAL ABOLITION OF WEAPONS CONTROL OVER THESE ESTABLISHMENTS IS LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GANGS THAT INFEST SOME OF THEM AND ACT AS A SPUR TO RECRUITMENT, PARTICULARLY THROUGH THE ATTRACTION, EVEN FASCINATION, THAT MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS APPEAR TO HAVE FOR OUR YOUTH.*

-------o---------

/14......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

14 -

UMELCO POLICE GROUP REPORT * * * *

THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP IS GENERALLY SATISFIED WITH THE WORK OF THE COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE OFFICE - CAPO - AND REMAINS CONVINCED THAT TO TRANSFER THE INVESTIGATION OF POLICE COMPLAINTS TO A NON-POLICE BODY IS NEITHER PRACTICABLE NOR VIABLE.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR LEWIS DAVIES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

WHEN COMMENTING ON THE +REPORT OF THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP FOR 1980* TABLED IN THE COUNCIL, MR DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT THE PUBLIC CONTINUES TO MAKE AN INCREASING USE OF THE POLICE COMPLAINTS MACHINERY.

THE 1980 REPORT CONFIRMS THAT THE GROUP HAS CONTINUED TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT AND EFFECTIVE ROLE IN THE MONITORING OF THESE COMPLAINTS.

+1 WISH AGAIN TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE DETAILED AND EXHAUSTIVE WORK PERFORMED BY THE GROUP AND TO ITS METHODICAL AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF THE*GASES BROUGHT BEFORE IT, A POINT ILLUSTRATED BY THE GROUP HAVING DEALT WITH 430 MORE CASES IN 1980 THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR,* MR DAVIES SAID.

THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS REGISTERED INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT FROM 2 290 TO 2 601, AND THE PATTERN OF COMPLAINTS ALSO REMAINED GENERALLY THE SAME.

IT WAS INDICATED THAT 2 728 COMPLAINTS CASES, INCLUDING 709 CASES CARRIED OVER FROM 1979 AND COVERING 3 453 SEPARATE POINTS OF COMPLAINT, WERE EXAMINED BY THE GROUP IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR, LEAVING 582 OUTSTANDING AT THE YEAR END.

OF THESE POINTS OF COMPLAINT, 368 WERE FOUND TO BE ’SUBSTANTIATED’, A FURTHER 160 WERE CLASSIFIED AS ’NOT PROVEN’, WANING THAT CAREFUL INVESTIGATION HAD FAILED TO ADDUCE FACTS TO WARRANT CLASSIFICATION AS ’SUBSTANTIATED’. CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS OR DISCIPLINARY ACTION WAS TAKEN AGAINST 422 POLICE OFFICERS, COMPARED WITH 312 IN 1979. FOUR OFFICERS WOULD HAVE FACED DISCIPLINARY ACTION BUT CHOSE TO RESIGN. AND 2 109 POINTS OF COMPLAINT WERE CLASSIFIED AS ’UNSUBSTANTIATED’, AND A FURTHER 136 WERE FOUND TO BE FALSE AND 678 WITHDRAWN,+ MR DAVIES TOLD THE LEGCO SESSION.

MR DAVIES WENT ON TO SAY THAT *A POLICE OFFICER IS ENTITLED TO THE SAME PROTECTION AT LAW AS ANY CITIZEN, AND THE NORMAL RULES OF EVIDENCE MUST BE APPLIED TO ANY COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIM WHICH IMPLIES CRIMINAL CONDUCT.♦

IN CONCLUSION, MR DAVIES SAID THAT THE GROUP ACKNOWLEDGES THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE IT RECEIVES AT ALL TIMES FROM CAPO, AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS PROFESSIONALISM.

I ECHO THIS TRIBUTE, AND LOOK FORWARD WITH ALL THOSE CONCERNED TO A FURTHER CONSOLIDATION AND CONTINUATION OF THE PROGRESS ACHIEVED BOTH BY THE UMELCO POLICE GROUP AND BY CAPO OVER THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS.* MR DAVIES SAID.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

15

ILLEGAL GAMBLING AT ’UNACCEPTABLY HIGH LEVEL’ ******

ILLEGAL GAMBLING. THOUGH AT A LOWER LEVEL THAN THREE YEARS AGO, WAS STILL ’UNACCEPTABLY HIGH,* SAID THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. G.P. NAZARETH, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE PROBLEM AREAS OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING ARE ILLEGAL BOOKMAKING AND ILLEGAL CASINO-TYPE GAMBLING, HE SAID.

THE AMENDMENT BILL IS INTENDED TO REMOVE TWO MAJOR WEAKNESSES IN ACTION THAT CAN BE TAKEN AGAINST THESE ACTIVITIES.

WITH REGARD TO ILLEGAL BOOKMAKING, CLAUSE THREE PROVIDES THAT A PERSON IN POSSESSION OF A BETTING SLIP IS PRESUMED TO BE IN SUCH POSSESSION TO ASSIST ANOTHER PERSON IN BOOKMAKING.

HOWEVER, TO PROTECT INNOCENT RACEGOERS WHO MAY HAVE MADE NOTES OF A BET FOR A FRIEND FROM PROSECUTION, AN AMENDMENT WILL BE MADE TO MAKE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CONSENT A PRE-REQUISITE TO PROSECUTION.

MR NAZARETH POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS FELT ’MOST UNLIKELY’ THAT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST AN GENUINE PUNTER.

EVEN IN THE REMOTE EVENTUALITY THAT AN INNOCENT PUNTER 'WAS FOUND WITH A NOTE OF A BET FOR A FRIEND, HE WOULD ONLY HAVE \TO SHOW THAT ’ON THE BALANCE OF PROBABILITIES THE BET WAS NOT RECEIVED BY WAY OF TRADE OR BUSINESS.’

REFERRING TO ILLEGAL CASINO-TYPE GAMBLING, HE SAID ^FORMIDABLE MEASURES INVOLVING CONSIDERABLE INGENUITY ARE TAKEN BY ORGANISERS TO AVOID DETECTION AND PROSECUTION. PREMISES ARE ROTATED, OPERATING HOURS CHANGED, ONLY KNOWN CUSTOMERS ADMITTED, LOOKOUTS, WALKIE-TALKIE RADIOS AND TELEPHONE PAGING SYSTEMS ARE USED, CUSTOMERS ARE TRANSPORTED FROM PRE-ARRANGED PICK-UP POINTS AND ARE CONFINED TO THE PREMISES UNTIL GAMBLING IS COMPLETED.*

ALL THESE CALLED FOR ’EFFECTIVE DETERRENTS ONCE AN OFFENCE IS ESTABLISHED.’

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING LAW PROVIDES MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF MONEY OR PROPERTY USED IN ILLEGAL GAMBLING, BUT THIS WAS DIFFICULT TO PROVE, AS VERY LITTLE MONEY IS EVER FOUND BY THE TIME POLICE ARE ABLE TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE PREMISES DUE TO DELIBERATE DELAYING TACTICS USED BY THE OPERATORS.

CLAUSE THREE OF THE BILL PROPOSES A PRESUMPTION THAT WHERE ENTRY OF THE POLICE IS PREVENTED, OBSTRUCTED OR DELAYED, ALL MONEY OR PROPERTY FOUND IN THE PREMISES IS PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN USED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH GAMBLING.

DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.

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/16......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

16

CALL FOR MORE STAFF TO DEAL WITH APPLICANTS *****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PASSED THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL, PROVIDING FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER THE POSSESSION AND LICENSING OF VESSELS.

THE BILL ALSO RESTRICTS THE USE OF UNLICENSED MOTORISED PLEASURE CRAFT WHICH ARE EASILY REMOVED FROM THE WATER AND TRANSPORTED OR STORED ON LAND.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR BILL BROWN RECALLED THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY HAD ESTIMATED THAT NO LESS THAN 3 OOO PLEASURE VESSELS, OR ABOUT ONE THIRD OF ALL PLEASURE CRAFT PLYING HONG KONG WATERS, WERE CURRENTLY UNLICENSED.

♦ IT IS REASONABLE TO ASSUME, THEREFORE, THAT THE ENACTMENT CF THIS BILL WILL RESULT IN A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES,* HE SAID.

♦AND THIS COULD WELL BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR THEIR LOCAL ENGINEERS AND MASTER CERTIFICATES.*

MR BROWN SAID HE WAS TOLD THE WAITING TIME FOR SUCH A TEST IS SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS, AND HE CALLED FOR SUFFICIENT STAFF TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSALS.

IN REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, SAID MARINE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES WERE READY TO HANDLE APPLICATIONS FROM THOSE WHO ALREADY OWN PLEASURE VESSELS BUT HAVE NOT LICENSED THEM. IN FACT, THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS SINCE THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED.

MR DAVIES SAID IT WAS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR LOCAL ENGINEERS AND MASTERS CERTIFICATES WOULD INCREASE.

♦A PROBLEM HAS BEEN CREATED IN PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR THESE EXAMINATIONS, DUE IN PART TO THE FACT THAT SOME PERSONS WHO ARRANGE TO TAKE THE EXAMINATION DO NOT SHOW UP FOR IT.

♦HOWEVER FROM THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH EVENING SESSIONS FOR EXAMINATIONS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED. I HOPE THAT THIS AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE BEING MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WILL COPE WITH THE DEMAND,* HE ADDED.

/1? ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

- 17 -

AGREEMENT ON MEDICAL CARE IN UK

* * *

HONG KONG VISITORS AND STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE PROVIDED WITH + IMMEDIATELY NECESSARY MEDICAL TREATMENT* BY RECIPROCAL AGREEMENT, IT WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR OSWALD CHEUNG, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO GIVE THE ASSURANCE THAT VISITORS AND STUDENTS GOING FROM HONG KONG TO THE UK WOULD NOT SUDDENLY FIND THEMSELVES SUBJECTED TO FULL COST CHARGES IF THEY FALL ILL.

HE SAIDi *EVER SINCE THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT FIRST INDICATED ITS INTENTION TO INTRODUCE REGULATIONS TO CHARGE VISITORS FOR TREATMENT UNDER THE NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH THEM OVER THIS MATTER.*

♦AGREEMENT WAS REACHED IN PRINCIPLE AT THE DISCUSSIONS THAT PERSONS ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN EACH TERRITORY SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH IMMEDIATELY NECESSARY MEDICAL TREATMENT DURING THEIR TEMPORARY STAY IN THE OTHER,* HE SAID.

♦OUR STUDENTS WILL BE COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT,* HE SAID.

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DRUGS +NOT A PROBLEM IN SCHOOLS* * * * *

DRUG ABUSE IS NOT GENERALLY A PROBLEM IN OUR SCHOOLS AND THIS IS MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR LEWIS DAVIES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY MR R.H. LOBO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR DAVIES POINTED OUT THAT +THERE IS AN ON-GOING INTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION TARGETED AT STUDENTS WHICH FOR 1981/82 INCLUDES SCHOOL TALKS , SEMINARS, PROVISION OF DRUG PREVENTION MATERIAL TO TEACHERS, PRODUCTION OF EDUCATIONAL FILM, A YOUTH PARTICIPATION SCHEME IN ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY PROJECTS, AN INFORMATION WALL CHART FOR DISPLAY IN SCHOOLS AND EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA*.

AS FOR STUDENTS USING DANGEROUS DRUGS, MR DAVIES SAID, *THEY WOULD BE PROSECUTED, AND DEPENDING ON THE COURT’S VIEW OF THE CASE, SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION COULD BE PROVIDED EITHER IN THE VOLUNTARY PROGRAMME OPERATED BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSE OR IN THE CUSTODIAL PROGRAMME AT A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE OPERATED BY THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT.*

IN EITHER CASE, CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE AFTER-CARE OFFICERS, THE PARENTS AND THE SCHOOLS WOULD BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS.

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/16.....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

18

SERVICES *NOT COMPARABLE*

*****

IT WAS NOT APPROPRIATE TO COMPARE THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE, WHICH IS PART OF THE ESSENTIAL SERVICES CORPS, WITH THE ST. JOHN’S COUNCIL FOR HONG KONG, WHICH IS A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION, SAID DR THE HON. K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THE BASIC DIFFERENCES IN THEIR ORGANISATION AND ROLES, AS WELL AS THE SCOPE AND MAGNITUDE OF THEIR SERVICES, AS REFLECTED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE METHODS OF FUNDING, HE SAID.

IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. CHARLES YEUNG, DR THONG POINTED OUT THAT AMS MEMBERS ARE OBLIGED TO TURN OUT FOR ACTIVE SERVICE WHEN REQUIRED, OR FACE A FINE OF SI 000 OR IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS, WHEREAS MEMBERS OF THE ST. JOHN’S COUNCIL SERVE VOLUNTARILY AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY ESSENTIAL SERVICES REGULATIONS.

♦BOTH ORGANISATIONS, WITHIN THE RESOURCES BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM FOR APPROVED ACTIVITIES, HAVE EACH IN THEIR OWN WAY MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE SERVICE OF THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.

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CLOSE WATCH KEPT ON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES *****

THERE HAS BEEN NO UNDUE INCIDENCE OR REPORT OF LEAD POISONING OR OTHER SERIOUS INDUSTRY RELATED DISEASE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. J.N. HENDERSON, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON. HENRY HU.

MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, WHICH WERE SIMILAR TO THE HAZARDS POSED BY OTHER INDUSTRIES WHERE DUST AND FUME ARE PRODUCED AND A VARIETY OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES ARE USED.

THE LEGAL BASIS FOR HEALTH PROTECTION IN THE WORKPLACE IS CONTAINED IN THE HYGIENE SECTION OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE IN PARTICULAR REGULATION 33 DEALING WITH CONTROL OF +DUST OR FUME OR OTHER IMPURITY*.

INSPECTION BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE HELPED TO MAINTAIN STANDARDS, AND IN THE PAST TWO YEARS SOME 387 UNDERTAKINGS HAD EEEN REFERRED TO THE INDUSTRIAL HEALTH DIVISION FOR FURTHER SURVEY.

THE MAJORITY OF THESE WERE CONCERNED WITH ASSESSMENT OF VENTILATION SYSTEMS TO ENSURE MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.

THE DIVISION WOULD INVESTIGATE ANY REPORT OF OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS AND GIVE ADVICE ON HEALTH PROBLEMS TO EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE IF REQUIRED, SAID MR HENDERSON.

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/19....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

19

LEGISLATION ON WORK AT HEIGHTS CONSIDERED

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO FURTHER ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WORKING AT HEIGHT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON J.N. HENDERSON, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI.

CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN, MR HENDERSON ADDED, TO PROVIDE MORE SPECIFICALLY AND IN MORE DETAIL FOR SAFE PLACES OF WORK ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, SUCH AS STABILITY OF WORKING PLATFORMS, USE OF SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS AND USE OF SAFETY BELTS AND SAFETY NETS.

THE QUESTION OF SCAFFOLDING SAFETY WOULD ALSO BE FURTHER EXAMINED.

AN ANALYSIS CONDUCTED BY FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF ALL ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FALLS OF PERSONS FROM HEIGHT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1980 REVEALED THAT OUT OF THE 1 000 SUCH ACCIDENTS ONLY 47 - LESS THAN FIVE PER CENT - INVOLVED FALLS FROM SCAFFOLDS, HENDERSON SAID.

SPECIAL EMPHASIS WAS PUT ON SAFETY IN WORKING AT HEIGHT IN THE CURRENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMME.

A CODE OF SAFE PRACTICES ON SCAFFOLDS AND PLATFORMS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP JOINTLY BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG SCAFFOLDING MERCHANTS GENERAL ASSOCIATION AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT.

PARTICULAR ATTENTION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PRACTICABILITY OF TRANSFERRING SOME PARTS OF THE SAFETY CODE INTO LAW.

MR HENDERSON EMPHASISED THAT IN THE LONG TERM, EDUCATION AND TRAINING SHOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF SCAFFOLDING WORKERS AS IN OTHER ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

/20.....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

20

MORE PUBLICITY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME URGED *****

THE INTRODUCTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WAS A MAJOR STEP IN THE EVOLUTION OF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID.

AND HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT CONCERNED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE REFORMS AND THE ENSUING BENEFITS THAT THEY WOULD BRING TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO SPARE NO EFFORT IN PUBLICISING BOTH THE CONCEPT AND THE PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THIS NEW SCHEME AND IN ENCOURAGING POSITIVE INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE BILL WAS PASSED WITH THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL 1981 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981.

HE SAID THE LEGISLATION SCRUTINY GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS, OF WHICH HE IS CHAIRMAN, HAD DISCUSSED THE BILL WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND HAD RECOMMENDED THE FOLLOWING THREE CHANGESi

* DELETION OF CLAUSE 27 WHICH DEALS WITH DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE BY REASON OF HIS MEMBERSHIP OF A DISTRICT BOARD-

* AMENDMENT OF CLAUSE 11, IN RESPECT OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFF ICE BY ELECTED MEMBERS, TO INCLUDE APPOINTED MEMBERS AS WELL- AND

* AMENDMENT OF CLAUSE 6(1)(E) TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE NUMBER OF APPOINTED MEMBERS NOMINATED BY APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL SHALL NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO COULD BE ELECTED IN THE DISTRICT FOR WHICH THE BOARD IS ESTABLISHED AS MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.

ON THE FIRST AMENDMENT, MR WONG SAID THAT, UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF OTHER GOVERNMENT BOARDS, COUNCILS OR ADVISORY BODIES ARE NOT ACCORDED SUCH PRIVILEGE.

FURTHERMORE, EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE AND THERE IS NO KNOWN INSTANCE OF DISCRIMINATION.

GOVERNMENT WILL, OF.COURSE, KEEP THE SITUATION UNDER REVIEW, AND SHOULD THE NEED ARISE APPROPRIATE SAFEGUARDS WILL BE LEG I SLATED,♦ HE SAID.

o - -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

21

PUBLICITY ON ELECTIONS TO BE STEPPED UP

*****

SOME PUBLICITY HAS ALREADY BEEN UNDERTAKEN FOR GETTING PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY SAID.

THANKING THE HON PETER WONG FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD BILL 1981, MR BRAY SAID SOME 180 000 PAMPHLETS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED, SEMINARS HELD AND TELEVISION PUBLICITY PRESENTED.

+ALL THESE EFFORTS WILL BE STEPPED UP FOR THE REGISTRATION PERIODS AND IN THE RUN UP TO THE ELECTIONS,+ HE SAID.

HE DISCLOSED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO ALLOCATE SOME $1.14 MILLION FOR EXTRA PUBLICITY.

MR BRAY WENT ON TO EXPLAIN IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO ELECTION ARRANGEMENTS.

HE SAID: +REG ISTRAT ION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, AND PROBABLY MTR STATIONS AND BANKS AS WELL AS OTHER CONVENIENT SPOTS.*

*AN ARMY OF TEMPORARY STAFF WILL BE EMPLOYED TO GIVE THEM OUT TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND HOUSING MANAGEMENTS.

*AS FOR VOTING, NEARLY 300 POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 PM,* HE SAID.

THE BILL, AND THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL, 1981, AND URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) (N0.2) BILL, WERE APPROVED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

NT POSTAL SERVICE * * * *

e_ouJrETAR^?AMME T0 PROVIDE A DOOR-TO-DOOR POSTAL DELIVERY ^^S!eTS.EH^'SHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS BEEN ?POGRESSING SATISFACTORILY, SAID THE HON D.G. JEAFFRESON SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES.

„ ??STMAST£R GENERAL HAS INVESTIGATED THE POSSIBILITIES

NG M0R£ ESTABLISHED VILLAGES WITH DOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY

SERV ’OES, AND HAS PLANS TO INCLUDE ANOTHER 76 VILLAGES IN THE NEXT PHASE OF I HIS EXERCISE, HE SAID, IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

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/22

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

22 -

ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES TO STAY

******

FORGERS AND THOSE BRINGING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE PURSUED RELENTLESSLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, WARNED TODAY.

AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE ALL POSSIBLE AND PRACTICABLE STEPS TO REDUCE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, HE STRESSED.

♦IT WILL MAINTAIN THE SECURITY FORCES ON THE BORDER TO ARREST PERSONS ON ENTRY. SHOULD PERSONS EVADE ARREST THEY WILL BE SOUGHT OUT IN THE URBAN AREAS AND AIDERS AND ABETTERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IDENTIFIED AND PROSECUTED,♦ HE SAID.

MR DAVIES GAVE THE WARNING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL, PROVIDE TOUGHER PENALTIES AGAINST THE MANUFACTURE OR USE OF FORGED IDENTITY CARDS, OR OTHER DOCUMENTS OF PROOF OF IDENTITY.

HE NOTED THAT THE MEASURES INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER FOLLOWING THE ABOLITION OF THE SO-CALLED ♦REACHED BASE* POLICY, HAD SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER, AND HAD MADE IT EASIER FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO DETECT EVADERS.

INEVITABLY, HOWEVER, DEMAND FOR FORGED IDENTITY DOCUMENTS HAD INCREASED.

BETWEEN OCTOBER 23, 1980 AND MAY 31 THIS YEAR, HE SAID, 127 IDENTITY CARDS, 99 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND 50 DRIVING LICENCES HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE FORGED, RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 186 PEOPLE.

UNDER THE THREE BILLS, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FORGING IDENTITY CARDS IS DOUBLED FROM SEVEN YEARS TO 14 YEARS IMPRISONMENT. THE SAME APPLIES TO DOCUMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE, TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARDS.

ANY PERSON FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ANYTHING FIT AND INTENDED FOR USE IN FORGERY WOULD BE LIABLE TO 14 YEARS IN JAIL. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IN ANY PROCEEDINGS FOR THIS NEW OFFENCE WOULD BE ON THE ACCUSED.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR POSSESSION WITHOUT LAWFUL EXCUSE OF FORGED IDENTITY CARDS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE IS TO BE RAISED FROM TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF 55 000 TO SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A 353 033 FINE UPON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, OR TO TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF 520 000 ON SUMMARY CONVICTION.

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/25....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, 1981

- 23 -

HEAVIER PENALTIES PROPOSED TO STAMP OUT ILLEGAL CLINICS

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPOSE HEAVIER PENALTIES ON PERSONS OPERATING UNREGISTERED CLINICS AS A MEASURE TO STAMP OUT SUCH ILLEGAL PRACTICE.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MEDICAL CLINIC (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, POINTED OUT THAT THE LEVEL OF PENALTY HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE THE LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1963.

♦these penalties are unrealistically low and have declined TO THE point where they are no longer a DETERRENT,* HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

DR THONG SAID HE ENDORSED THE VIEW EXPRESSED BY A MAGISTRATE IN 1979 THAT +PATIENTS’ LIVES WERE BEING PUT AT RISK AND THE PENALTY FOR PRACTISING AS A DOCTOR WITHOUT BEING REGISTERED WAS INADEQUATE.*

THE PROPOSED PENALTIES, INCLUDING BOTH FINE AND IMPRISONMENT, REPRESENT CONSIDERABLE INCREASES OVER THE EXISTING PENALTIES.

FOR THE MOST SERIOUS OFFENCE, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY TO 3E INCREASED FROM A FINE OF SI 000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT TO $50 000 AND FIVE YEARS.

THIS OFFENCE RELATES TO THE CARRYING OUT OR TAKING PART IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AN UNREGISTERED CLINIC OR DIAGNOSING, PRESCRIBING OR ADMINISTERING ANY TREATMENT IN AN UNREGISTERED CLINIC.

DR THONG SAID THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF OFFENCE THE POLICE HAS BEEN CALLED UPON TO DEAL WITH IN RECENT YEARS, INVOLVED UNREGISTERED CLINICS RUN BY UNREGISTRABLE PERSONS. THEY ARE OFTEN PEOPLE WHO ARE UNABLE TO PASS THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO BE REGISTERED TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.

THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION HAS BEEN HELD EACH YEAR SINCE THE FIRST EXAMINATION IN 1977 AND THERE HAS BEEN AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR COMPETENT PRACTITIONERS TO QUALIFY IN ORDER TO PRACTISE LEGALLY.

/LAST YSAK,......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

24

LAST YEAR, 70 PERSONS WERE CONVICTED OF OFFENCES UNDER THE MEDICAL CLINICS ORDINANCE, SEVERAL OF THEM FOR MORE THAN ONE OFFENCE.

DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION, DR THONG ALSO MOVED A RESOLUTION, PROPOSING HEAVIER FINE FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE.

THE PRESENT PENALTY FOR UNAUTHORISED SALE AND SUPPLY AND POSSESSION OF ANTIBIOTICS IS SI 000, AND THIS HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1955.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THIS FINE IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE INADEQUATE AS A DETERRENT AND HE PROPOSED THAT IT BE INCREASED TO 510 000.

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ELEVEN BILLS PASSED

* * * *

THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 AND 10 OTHER BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE 1 THE DISTRICT BOARDS BILL 1981, THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL 1981, THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1981, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE ROAD TUNNELS (GOVERNMENT) BILL 1981, THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 AND THE MAGISTRATES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1981.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 1981

25

SCHOOL PRINCIPALS URGED TO VOTE IN ELECTIONS

******

SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICTS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER AND VOTE IN NEXT YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

THE APPEAL CAME FROM TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES, AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRED TING, OVER LUNCH WITH ABOUT 30 PRINCIPALS.

♦WE HOPE THAT THROUGH YOUR SUPPORT TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BETTER UNDERSTAND THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS WORK,+ MR TING SAID.

HE ALSO TOLD THEM THAT BY ENCOURAGING EVERYONE TO REGISTER AND VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS THEY WOULD BE HELPING BOTH GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS TO MAKE TSUEN WAN A BETTER PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK.

DR HAYES SAID AT THIS STAGE LOCAL TEACHERS EXPERIENCED WITH ASSOCIATIONS AND IN DISTRICT WORK SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY THINKING OF STANDING FOR ELECTION.

THEY WERE ALREADY SHARING IN SUB-COMMITTEE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND IN ORGANISING LOCAL CAMPAIGNS AND THE ANNUAL TSUEN WAN ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVALS.

♦IF THEY COULD STAND FOR ELECTION I FEEL THEY WOULD HAVE AN EVEN MORE VALUABLE ROLE TO PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY LIFE OF TSUEN WAN. PERSONS WHO ALREADY KNOW SOMETHING OF OUR WORK HAVE MOST TO GIVE,* SAID DR HAYES.

FOR THE ELECTIONS, TSUEN WAN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 13 CONSTITUENCIES, WITH SIX IN KWAI CHUNG, ONE ON TSING Yl ISLAND AND THREE IN TSUEN WAN, TO INCLUDE MA WAN AND NORTH LANTAU.

REGISTRATION OF VOTERS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN AUGUST 31 AND OCTOBER 11 AND THE ELECTION ON MARCH 4, 1982.

AT PRESENT TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 30. THE NEW BOARD WILL HAVE 37 MEMBERS. COMPRISING 11 OFFICIALS, FOUR EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS, 12 APPOINTED MEMBERS AND 10 ELECTED UNOFFICIALS.

______- n-----------

WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 19 e 1

26 -

PRISON SERVICE SEEKS RECRUITS * h * *

T-.E °R I S DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR EDUCATED, MATURE AND -ES-’ONSIELE ,l .G EX TO TAKE U? THE CHALLENGING WORK OF ASSISTANT :fcicers.

♦THE wORk OF A PRISON OFFICER IS VERY FULFILLING AND REWARDING,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

~“E WORK O” TODAY’S MODERN PRISON SERVICE IS BEING INTRODUCE.^ TO THE PUBLIC IN A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS AT VARIOUS COMMUNITY CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

THE FIRST OF THE SERIES W ILL BE HELD IN THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM TODAY TILL FRIDAY, FROM 4 PM TO 10 PM DAILY. PRISON OFFICERS aILL BE PRESENT *0 ANSWER ENQUIRIES AND HANDLE APPLICATIONS FROM VISITORS AT A MOBILE RECRUITMENT CENTRE.

OTHER DISPLAYS ■■■ILL BE AT:-

* WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, THIRD STREET, SAI YING °UN.

(JULY 15 - 17)

* TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE, TONG YAM STREET, TAI HANG TUNG.

(JULY 22 - 24)

* KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUI PING ROAD, KWUN TONG. (JULY 29 - 31)

* NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, ON TAK ROAD, NGAU TAU KOK.

(AUGUST 5-7)

H LEK YUEN COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHA TIN. (AUGUST 12 - 14)

* PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

(AUGUST io - 21)

* WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSI NG TAK STREET, wONG TA I SIN.

(AUGUST 26 - 28)

+ANYONE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP THE CAREER CAN ALSO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT OFFICE ON 5-938455 FOR AN APPOINTMENT, CR ANY OF THE CIT7 D 1ST? ICT -OFF ICES FOR IN^ORMAT ION, + THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A GOOD PHYSIQUE AND BE PREFERABLY UNDER 35, AND HAVE - SECONDARY EDUCATION.

THE STARTING SALARY A.\ ASSISTANT OFFICER RANGES FROM Si 877 TO 52 065 DE. E' - ' G ON ..-u - I CAT I ON.

- ----o - ----

/2?.....

WEDNESDAY, JlLY .

flpftK C\ SLIP ROAD

THE GROU.\D-L GARDEN .ROAD /. ILL T ?• e A iV ON F R i 3 A v

tVEL SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM KENNEDY ROAD TO ?L9S£? TC TRAF^IC FRO|V 11.30 ?Y TOMORROW -Z^ MAINTENANCE -CRK.

KENNEDY

_ C°A- MOTORISTS ..ERE ADVISED EY THE TRA1 SPCRT "r^jppco •''--£-*!?*?* G^?r- ff0A: V,A TH£ flyover connecting ■I'M U?h_S ALccR i ROmj, G'-ENiALY AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO

RAPID GROWTH POSES UNIQUE FIRE-FIGHTING PROBLEMS ............. 1

SURVEYS BEING CARRIED OUT .................................... 2

FIVE NT SITES FOR AUCTION..................................... 3

NEW DRIVING TEST DATES ....................................... 3

CHEMISTRY TEACHERS TO ATTEND WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENT...... 4

HONG KONG YOUTHS ON EXCHANGE VISIT TO BRITAIN ................ 5

TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION SEEKS NEW MEMBERS .................. 6

QUIZ WINNERS VIE FOR PRIZES .................................. 7

DESIGN COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE .......................... 8

FLYOVER CONGESTION EXPECTED................................... 9

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

1

RAPID GROWTH POSES UNIQUE FIRE-FIGHTING PROBLEMS * * * *

THE RAPID PHYSICAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG HAVE BROUGHT MANY PROBLEMS IN FIRE SUPPRESSION TACTICS AND EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS FIRE PROTECTION PRACTICE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, NR MAURICE LANE, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF 18 OFFICER AND 82 FIREMAN GRADUATES AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, MR LANE SAID HONG KONG HAD GROWN FROM +A RELATIVELY PEACEFUL LOW-RISE, TWIN CITIES AND RURAL HINTERLAND TO A HIGH-RISE, MULTI-CITIED TERR ITORY.*

♦IN MANY AREAS, THERE HAVE BEEN NO PRECEDENTS TO FOLLOW SINCE THE SITUATIONS WE HAVE HAD TO MEET HAVE NOT EXISTED ELSEWHERE AND THEREFORE WE HAVE HAD TO RELY UPON OUR OWN PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TO DEVISE AND TEST NEW THEORIES AND PRACTICES,+ HE SAID.

♦OUR SUCCESS MAY I FEEL BE MEASURED BY OUR FAVOURABLE LIFE AND PROPERTY LOSSES COMPARED WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND THE FACT THAT FIREMEN FROM MANY CITIES VISIT US TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE, HE SAID.

MR LANE, WHO HAS BEEN IN THE FIRE SERVICES FOR 31 YEARS, 25 OF THEM IN HONG KONG, TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THE PASSING OUT PARADE WAS HIS LAST AS HE WOULD BE RETIRING IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PARADE WAS THE COMMANDANT OF MACAU FIRE BRIGADE, MR R.F. DE ASSIS.

MR LANE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEY HAD WEATHERED A VERY TOUGH AND DEMANDING COURSE OF INSTRUCTION AND PRACTICE, AND AFTER THIS THEY WOULD BE SENT TO VARIOUS UNITS FOR EXPERIENCE.

♦THIS WILL TAKE TIME AND CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY ATTENDING THE MANY DIFFERING KINDS OF INCIDENT TO WHICH WE ARE CALLED, TO PERSONS IN DANGER AND DISTRESS AND TO PROPERTY AT RISK,+ HE SAID.

♦I WOULD ASK YOU TO TRY TO LEARN FROM EACH INCIDENT- THEY WILL ALL BE DIFFERENT, FOR NOT ONLY WILL THIS MAINTAIN YOUR PROFESSIONAL INTEREST BUT ALSO MAINTAIN A STEADY INPUT TO YOUR ’COMPUTER’ MEMORY BANK TO AID YOU IN DEALING EFFICIENTLY WITH PROBLEMS ALWAYS STILL TO COME.

♦IF YOU ALL STAY THE HARD COURSE OF A FIREMAN’S LIFE, YOUR CAREER WILL SPAN AT LEAST ANOTHER 25 YEARS AND INTO THE 21ST CENTURY,+ HE SAID.

HE ADVISED THE GRADUATES THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO KEEP THEIR MINDS, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FLEXIBLE TO DEAL WITH CHANGES AND CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.

♦GRADUATING OFFICERS HAVE NOW TO GO THROUGH A FURTHER LONG PERIOD OF DIRECTED ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, AND GRADUATING FIREMEN WILL BE THE FIRST TO GO TO UNITS UNDER THE REVISED MODULAR TRAINING SYSTEMS JUST COMING IN FORCE,♦ MR LANE SAID.

- 0 ----------

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

2 -

SURVEYS BEING CARRIED OUT

* * * *

A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR NON-AGR I CULTURAL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IS BEING CONDUCTED THIS MONTH BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SURVEY WILL PROVIDE NOT ONLY SHORT TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS, BUT ALSO INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.

A SAMPLE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED ON 25 616 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE INDUSTRIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS, WHILE A FULL SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED ON GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS).

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS, WHICH ARE REQUESTED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL RELATING TO THE APRIL TO JUNE PERIOD.

FURTHERMORE, ABOUT 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE SELECTED AND REQUESTED TO SUPPLY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL.

MANAGEMENTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE QUESTIONNAIRES WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL IS CONDUCTING A MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED ON JULY 17.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE HAVE BEEN SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM STRATIFIED SAMPLING, SEEKING INFORMATION ON NUMBERS OF EXISTING EMPLOYEES, VACANCIES, AND OTHER PERSONNEL AND TRAINING MATTERS.

DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS TO ANSWER QUERIES AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, IF NECESSARY.

MR DENNIS TING, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAINING BOARD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE SURVEY WAS NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE MANY CHANGES SINCE THE ONE CONDUCTED TWO YEARS AGO.

ANYONE HAVING ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PLASTICS SURVEY MAY APPROACH NRS W.M. LEE ON TELEPHONE 5-7216024 OR MR P.H. MA OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 5-281380 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

/3........

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

3

FIVE NT SITES FOR AUCTION * * *

FIVE NEW TERRITORIES SITES ARE TO BE SOLD AT A GOVERNMENT AUCTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE ARTS CENTRE, STARTING AT 2.30 PM.

FOUR SITES ARE IN SHA TIN, OF WHICH TWO ARE FOR TWO-STOREY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE REMAINING TWO FOR INDUSTRIAL/ GODOWN USE.

A PENG CHAU SITE IS FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

-----o------

NEW DRIVING TEST DATES

* * *

CANDIDATES FOR DRIVING TESTS CANCELLED ON JULY 6 AND 7 BECAUSE OF SEVERE TROPICAL STORM LYNN WILL BE ADVISED ABOUT THEIR NEW TEST APPOINTMENTS BY REGISTERED POST.

CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED NOTICE BY JULY 15 SHOULD TELEPHONE EITHER 5-263523 OR 3-317723 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

4

CHEMISTRY TEACHERS TO ATTEND WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENT

* * * *

SEVENTY CHEMISTRY TEACHERS WILL BE ATTENDING A WORKSHOP ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ON SATURDAY, JULY 11, AT THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL, KOWLOON.

THE WORKSHOP IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHEMICAL SOCIETY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND AIMS AT PROMOTING AN AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE SCHOOL SECTOR.

THE FIRST PART OF THE WORKSHOP WILL BE CONDUCTED BY DR DANIEL LAU OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND DR TING TAI-LUN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.

THEY WILL BE DELIVERING LECTURES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF WATER AND AIR POLLUTION, REVIEW OF AIR AND WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG, AND MEASURES TO CONTROL SUCH POLLUTION.

NEED FOR PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, SOCIAL ATTITUDE TOWARDS POLLUTION DAMAGE AND POLLUTION CONTROL, AND THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION WILL ALSO BE TOUCHED ON.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A PRACTICAL SESSION IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE OPERATION OF ANALYTICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE STUDY OF WATER AND AIR POLLUTION PARAMETERS.

♦PARTICIPANTS WILL FIND THIS WORKSHOP PARTICULARLY USEFUL AS IT BEARS CLOSE RELATIONSHIP TO THE SYLLABUS CONTENT ON POLLUTION IN THE REVISED CDC CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS FOR FORMS 4 AND 5,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY, JULY 11 IN THE DEMONSTRATION ROOM OF THE DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL, ARGYLE STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.

0

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

5

HONG KONG YOUTHS ON EXCHANGE VISIT TO BRITAIN

X X X *

SIX YOUNG PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG ARRIVED IN BRITAIN TODAY (THURSDAY) TO JOIN THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE COUNCIL.

THE AIM OF THE PROGRAMME, WHICH RUNS FROM TODAY TILL JULY 31, IS TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD TO SHARE IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES, AND PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG COMMONWEALTH MEMBERS.

THE SIX HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES AREi MR FRANCIS AU TAT-KWONG, STUDENT- MISS VIVIEN FONG, CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICER, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT- MR FRANK IP YUEN-MING, STUDENT- MISS SPRING MONEY LO MAN-YI, STUDENT- MISS NG YIM-HO, STUDENT- AND MR RAYMOND TSENG HING-NING, SOCIAL WORKER. THEY ARE ALL INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY WORK.

UPON ARRIVAL IN BRITAIN, THEY WERE RECEIVED BY OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS OF SOUTH GLAMORGAN COUNTY.

DURING THE TWO WEEKS’ STAY, THE REPRESENTATIVES WILL VISIT SCHOOLS, SPORTS AND RECREATION CENTRES, LAW COURTS, FACTORIES, NEWSPAPER OFFICES, RADIO STATIONS AND THE CITY HALL TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS OF THE AREA.

THEY WILL ALSO MEET CHINESE RESIDENTS IN THE COUNTY.

IN THE THIRD WEEK, THE SIX YOUNG VISITORS WILL GO TO LONDON TO JOIN AND LIVE TOGETHER WITH OTHER NATIONAL GROUPS IN THE PROGRAMME.

ON JULY 29, THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WILL BE ABLE TO WITNESS THE ROYAL MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE PRINCE OF WALES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER.

THE VISIT WILL BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THE MONTH.

THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE SCHEME ORIGINATES FROM A SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO MARK THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE IN 1977. BECAUSE OF ITS SUCCESS, IT MS REVIVED THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

IN 1979, SIX YOUNG PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG WERE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A PROGRAMME IN SOUTH WALES, UK. AND IN RETURN, HONG KONG PLAYED HOST TO SIX VISITORS FROM SOUTH WALES LAST AUGUST.

THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE COUNCIL HAS INDICATED THAT THE PROGRAMME WILL BE EXTENDED IN THE FUTURE TO INCLUDE AS MANY COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AS POSSIBLE.

THE CO-ORDINATOR OF THE PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, BELIEVES THAT HONG KONG HAS BENEFITED FROM THE PREVIOUS PROGRAMMES BECAUSE THE VISITS HAVE BROADENED THE MINDS AND OUTLOOK OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES WHO HAVE RETURNED TO CONTRIBUTE TO VARIOUS ASPECTS OF YOUTH WORK HERE.

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

6

TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION SEEKS NEW MEMBERS *****

TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, IN A BID TO EXPAND ITS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT, IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS.

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ANYONE LIVING IN HONG KONG.

THE CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP ARE HONORARY LIFE DIRECTORS, LIFE AMBERS, ORDINARY MEMBERS, JUVENILE MEMBERS AND CORPORATE NOMINEE MEMBERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ASSOCIATION SAID 1 OOO APPLICATION FORMS HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED AND MORE THAN 80 PROCESSED SO FAR.

THE ASSOCIATION WAS SET UP IN MAY LAST YEAR BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES LOCALLY AND TO ESTABLISH GOOD RELATIONS THROUGH SPORT BETWEEN TAI PO AND THE REST OF HONG KONG.

TO PROMOTE ITS ACTIVITIES THE ASSOCIATION IS NOW BUILDING A $12 MILLION INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE ON A 2 700 SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR TAI PO OLD MARKET WHICH WILL BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FUTURE NEW TOWN CENTRE.

THE CENTRE WILL BE A THREE-STOREY BUILDING WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 5 200 SQUARE METRES.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SPORTS HALL WHICH CAN BE USED FOR GYMNASTICS, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL OR BADMINTON, A 24-LANE BOWLING ALLEY, A DANCE STUDIO, A RECREATION ROOM, AN OFFICE, A MEETING ROOM AND A RESTAURANT FOR 80 PEOPLE. TENNIS COURTS WILL BE BUILT ON THE ROOF.

THE CENTRE, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN TAI PO. IT WILL SERVE THE FUTURE POPULATION OF 220 000.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT MEMBERSHIP CAN BE MADE TO THE ASSOCIATION’S TEMPORARY OFFICE AT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE.

n....

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

7

QUIZ WINNERS VIE FOR PRIZES ft ft ft ft

NINE LUCKY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO WINNING A $4 5OO COLOUR TELEVISION SET, FREE TRIPS TO JAPAN, THAILAND AND THE PHILIPPINES AS WELL AS OTHER PRIZES.

THEY HAVE ALREADY CROSSED THE FIRST HURDLE - THE PRELIMINARY OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, REDIFFUSION TELEVISION AND HONG KONG DAILY NEWS.

THE LUCKY NINE WERE PICKED FROM A TOTAL OF 3 324 CORRECT ENTRIES IN THE FIRST LINE DRAWING AND MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION AND ANSWER COMPETITION.

THEY ARE MR TANG CHIU-HUNG (20), MR CHEUNG YU-MAN (24), W TONG SANG (48), MR YEUNG CHI-YING (34), MR CHU CHUNG-SING (19), W SIU PAK-BIU (3i), MR LEUNG WING SANG (19), MR CHENG KING-CHAU (30 AND MISS NG KAM-FAN (20).

THEIR NEXT HURDLE WILL BE A QUIZ CONTEST - SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON RTV’S +HAPPY HOUR+ PROGRAMME ON MONDAY - AND DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

THERE ARE NINE PRIZES TO BE SHARED AMONG THE NINE CONTESTANTS WHO HAVE TO COMPETE FOR THE BETTER ONES.

THE PRIZES ARE ONE PHILIPS 22 INCHES COLOUR TV SET (DONATED BY PHILIPS HONG KONG)- PACKAGE TOURS TO JAPAN, THAILAND AND THE PHILIPPINES (DONATED BY HONG KONG DAILY NEWS)- AN RTV SPECIAL PRIZE OF ONE MINIATURE 24K GOLD SAFETY HELMET WORTH $1 200-ONE ATARI VIDEO ELECTRONIC TV GAME WORTH $1 250 (DONATED BY KONG KING TRADING CO.)- AND THREE STEREO CASSETTE PLAYERS EACH WORTH $650 (LABOUR DEPARTMENT PRIZES).

LINE DRAWINGS AND MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS FOR THE SECOND PRELIMINARY ARE BEING PUBLISHED BY HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, HONG KONG TV NEWS AND RTV’S TV TIMES.

/8 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

- 8 -

DESIGN COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

* * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING AN INTER-DISTRICT STRUCTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION AS PART OF THE FORTHCOMING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

THIS YEAR, THE ADOLESCENT HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE TARGET GROUP FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN BECAUSE OF THE UPSURGE IN JUVENILE CRIME.

THE DESIGN COMPETITION IS INTENDED FOR YOUTHS AND AIMED AT PROMOTING THEIR APPRECIATION OF THEIR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THE FAMILY THROUGH THE PRODUCTION OF THEIR DESIGNS.

THE THEME FOR THE COMPETITION IS +THE ADOLESCENT AND THE FAMILY* — THE SAME AS FOR THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.

THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING ENTRIES FROM YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 21 YEARS THROUGH SCHOOLS, YOUTH AGENCIES AND RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS.

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS AUGUST 1, A SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, ENTRANTS SHOULD ONLY SUBMIT THEIR DESIGNS IN THE FORM OF A SKETCH AND ILLUSTRATION.

THE SKETCH SHOULD MEASURE NOT LARGER THAN IM X IM X AM HIGH, BUT NOT SMALLER THAN 1/2M X IM X IM HIGH, AND TOGETHER WITH THE ILLUSTRATION, SHOULD GIVE DETAILS OF THE DESIGN, THE MATERIALS TO BE USED AND THE COST TO BE INCURRED.

INITIAL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE SCREENED ON A DISTRICT BASIS FIRST BEFORE ONE ENTRY IS SELECTED FROM EACH OF THE 11 DISTRICTS.

SUCCESSFUL ENTRANTS WILL THEN BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THE ACTUAL DESIGN WITH CASH SUBSIDIES FOR FINAL ADJUDICATION AT A MAMMOTH YOUTH CARNIVAL SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER TO KICK OFF THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, HE SAID.

THE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED A CASH PRIZE OF Si 500, AND THE RUNNERS-UP, $1 000 AND $500, HE ADDED.

/9........

THURSDAY, JULY 9, 1981

9

FLYOVER CONGESTION EXPECTED * * * * *

MOTORISTS USING THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, NORTH OF QUEENSWAY, ARE LIKELY TO ENCOUNTER TRAFFIC CONGESTION FOR THE NEXT 3-1/2 MONTHS.

THE REASON, ACCORDING TO A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN, IS THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, JULY 11, A START WILL BE MADE ON REPAIRING THE UP-RAMP OF THE FLYOVER AND THE GROUND-LEVEL, OFF-SIDE CARRIAGEWAY OF COTTON TREE DRIVE.

♦BECAUSE OF THE REPAIR WORK, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO CLOSE ONE OR TWO TRAFFIC LANES, ALTHOUGH EXISTING TRAFFIC PATTERNS AT GROUND LEVEL AND ON THE FLYOVER WILL BE MA INTA I NED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FLYOVER, WESTBOUND MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO THE PEAK OR TO THE MID-LEVELS ARE URGED TO USE THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM QUEENSWAY TO COTTON TREE DRIVE*

- - o -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS: MAY 1981 .......... 1

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION .................................. 4

FOUR MORE MEMBERS FOR TAC ................................ 4

JUNE WAS THE THIRD DRIEST ................................ 6

LEGAL AID ALLOWANCES INCREASED ........................... 7

FIVE NT SITES SOLD FOR 15177.5 MILLION ................... 8

J568-MILLION PWD CONTRACT SIGNED.......................... 9

INSPECTION FEES FOR CATTLE AND PIGS RAISED ............... 9

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL 7/ORKS ......................... 10

PARENT-CHILD TIES BEING STUDIED .......................... 10

TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING FOR FORM V LEAVERS ............ 11

SINGING FOR GOOD OF DISABLED ............................. 12

SEVEN ROADS OPEN TO 2.5-TON VEHICLES ..................... 12

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS! MAY 1981 * * * *

'HE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MAY 1981 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY. THEY SHOW APPRECIABLE INCREASES DURING THE MONTH IN THE MONEY SUPPLY AND IN TOTAL CREDIT TO THE ECONOMY, BUT THESE RISES PROBABLY REFLECT SPECIAL FACTORS MORE THAN ANY UNDERLYING EXPANS I ON.

THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR CREDIT DURING THE LAST WEEK OF MAY TO COVER HEAVY APPLICATIONS FOR A NEW ISSUE OF SHARES OFFERED FOR SALE BY INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS LTD, SO ADVANCES BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE. FURTHERMORE DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE OVER THE END OF MAY. REFLECTING THE HOLDING BY THE ISSUING HOUSE CONCERNED OF THE FUNDS RECEIVED IN THE SUBSTANTIAL OVERSUBSCRIPTION TO THIS ISSUE- AND DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH BANKS WERE ALSO UP ON THE MONTH, PERHAPS BECAUSE SOME CHEQUES DRAWN TO COVER APPLICATIONS FOR SHARES HAD NOT YET BEEN PRESENTED.

THERE WAS A CONTINUED INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR DURING THE MONTH, CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASE IN THE MONEY SUPPLY.

THE DETAILED FIGURES FOR MAY 1981, AND COMPARISONS WITH PREVIOUS MONTHS, ARE SET OUT IN THE ATTACHED TABLE.

AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT IN PARAGRAPH 32 OF HIS BUDGET SPEECH, OUR MONETARY STATISTICS DO NOT YET PROVIDE A BASIS FOR REALLY MEANINGFUL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. THE GOVERNMENT HOPES SHORTLY TO BE IN A POSITION TO PUBLISH ON A REGULAR BASIS THE STATISTICS WHICH ARE NOW BEING COLLECTED UNDER THE MONETARY STATISTICS ORDINANCE.

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 7.8% IN MAY, AFTER FALLING BY 3.0% IN APRIL, WITH THE RISE REFLECTING AN INCREASE OF 12.1% IN DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH BANKS.

M2 (Ml PLUS SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, OTHER THAN FROM BANKS AND DTCS, WITH LICENSED BANKS) INCREASED BY 0.9% IN MAY. AFTER A 0.3% RISE IN APRIL.

M3 (M2 PLUS PUBLIC DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) INCREASED BY 5.6% IN MAY, UP FROM AN INCREASE OF 0.6% IN APRIL.

IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS Ml ROSE BY 5.1%, AFTER FALLING BY 3.2% IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS M2 ROSE BY 2.4% AND M3 BY 7.7%, DOWN FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES CF 6.5% AND 10.2% IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

/LOANS ......

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 19C1

2

LOANS IN HONG KONG

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG GREW BY 6.8% IN MAY, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.2% IN APRIL. IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS, TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 11.2%, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 12.7% RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG ROSE IN MAY BY 6.4% AND LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BY 8.4%, AGAINST THE INCREASES OF 0.5% AND 3.5% IN APRIL RESPECTIVELY. IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS BANK LOANS IN HONG KONG EXPANDED BY 9.8% AND LOANS IN HONG KONG BY DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BY 16.0%, AFTER INCREASING BY 13.7% AND 9.6%, RESPECTIVELY, IN THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS.

FOREIGN ASSETS

THE NET IDENTIFIABLE FOREIGN ASSETS OF ALL BANKS ROSE IN MAY BY S138MN, AND THOSE OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BY $160MN, INDICATING A NET INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO THE HONG KONG MONETARY SECTOR OF S298MN, AFTER A NtT INFLOW OF $1 631MN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

BALANCE SHEET RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL BANKS IN HONG KONG ROSE FURTHER IN MAY TO 49.4% FROM 47.6% IN APRIL. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO ALSO ROSE TO 119.5% AT THE END OF MAY FROM 113.4% AT THE END OF APRIL.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE IN MAY TO 45.9% FROM 45.6% IN APRIL. THE LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO, HOWEVER, FELL TO 65.8% AT THE END OF MAY FROM 70.3% AT THE END OF APRIL, REFLECTING THE FAST EXPANSION IN DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DURING THE MONTH.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN APRIL AT 115. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 2 DURING THE MONTH TO 344.

/MONEY ......

FRIDAY, JULI 10, 1981

3

MONEY AND BANKING FIGURES - END OF MAY 1981 (IN HK$MN)

FIGURES FOR EARLIER MONTHS (% CHANGE)1

MAY 1981 APR 1981 FEB 1981 MAY 1980

Ml 24 829 23 035 (+7.8%) 23 615 (+5.1%) 20 950 (+18.5%)

1^ 103 672 102 754 (+0.9%) 101 265 (+2.4%) 80 921 (+28.1%)

M3 159 116 150 639 (+5.6%) 147 753 (+7.7%) 111 882 (+42.2%)

BANKS

DEPOSITS 94 907 94 053 (+0.9%) 92 185 (+3.0%) 73 367 (+29.4%)

LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 113 457 106 670 (+6.4%) 103 335 (+9.8%) 69 916 (+62.3%)

LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 119.5% 113.4% 112.1% 95.3%

AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 49.4% 47.6% 46.1% 48.7%

DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES

DEPOSITS 55 444 47 885 (+15.8%) 46 488 (+19.3%) 30 961 (+79.1%)

LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 36 475 33 659 (+8.4%) 31 454 (+16.0%) 21 691 (+68.2%)

LOAN/DEPOSIT RATIO 65.8% 70.3% 67.7% 70.1%

AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO 45.9% 45.6% 45.0% 43.4%

BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES IN HONG KONG 149 932 140 329 (+6.8%) 134 789 (+11.2%) 91 607 (+63.7%)

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION

4 * * *

TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF THE HON K.W.J. TOPLEY, CMG, JP AS SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION.

MR TOPLEY HAS COMPLETED HIS WORK IN CHAIRING THE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW POST-SECONDARY AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION. THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE HAS 3EEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR. IT WILL SHORTLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

MR TOPLEY WILL GO ON ANNUAL LEAVE ON JULY 14 AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SEPTEMBER 1 WHEN HE WILL TAKE OVER RESPONSIBILITY FOR EDUCATION POLICY FROM THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES. ON THAT DATE THE NEW EDUCATION BRANCH WILL COME INTO EXISTENCE.

------0 - - - -

FOUR MORE MEMBERS FOR TAC * * * *

MEMBERSHIP OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN REVISED AND EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THREE MORE UNOFFICIALS AND ONE OFFICIAL.

THE WORKLOAD OF THE TAC HAS GROWN CONSIDERABLY AND IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY COMPLICATED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ENLARGED MEMBERSHIP WILL ENABLE A BROADER CONTRIBUTION TO BE MADE BY THE COMMITTEE WHICH IS CONSULTED ON ALL TRANSPORT MATTERS SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

THE THREE NEW UNOFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS AREi THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG KAM-CHUEN, THE HON MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, AND MR RAYMOND FUNG.

MR CHEONG AND MR CHAN, BOTH UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS. HAVE MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TAC AS CO-OPTED MEMBERS. M? CHEONG IS ALSO ASSISTING IN THE WORK OF THE DEPOT REQUIREMENTS SUB-GROUP AND MR CHAN THE SPARE PARTS STOCK SUB-GROUP IN THE CURRENT REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS.

MR FUNG, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE MISSION DIVISION OF THE HK CHRISTIAN COUNCIL, WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC ARE FULLY HEARD.

/ON THE .....

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

.... , ON THE OFFICIAL SIDE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WILL NOW OCCUPY THE SEAT PREVIOUSLY HELD BY HIS DEPUTY SECRETARY LOOKING AFTER TRANSPORT MATTERS.

1Jrtl THE CONTROLLER OF RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT, AT PRESENT MR D.M. HOWES, WILL ALSO BE REPRESENTED ON THE COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE EXPERT ADVICE ON RAILWAY ASPECTS OF TRANSPORT MATTERS.

THE REVISED MEMBERSHIP OF TAC IS AS FOLLOWS!

CHAIRMAN

THE HON T.S. LO

OFFICIALS (7) SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT

CONTROLLER OF RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT

SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES

SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

UNOFFICIALS (10) THE HON CHAN KAM CHUEN

MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG

THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG

MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT

MR H.M.G. FORSGATE

MR RAYMOND FUNG

MRS GRACE HO

MR F.K. HU

MR STEPHEN WONG

MISS ANNIE WU -------------o-------

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

6

JUNE WAS THE THIRD DRIEST * * * *

LAST MONTH, WITH ITS 106.4 MM OF RAINFALL, WAS THE THIRD DRIEST JUNE SINCE RECORDS WERE KEPT, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER SUMMARY RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TODAY.

THE DRIEST JUNE WAS IN 1901 WITH 59.3 MM OF RAINFALL FOLLOWED BY THE ONE IN 1938 WITH 75.9 MM.

THE 106.4 MM RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH WAS 325.4 MM BELOW NORMAL.

ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO 672.4 MM, SOME 32 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.

AT THE END OF THE MONTH, THE RESERVOIRS WERE ONLY 37 PER CENT FULL.

JUNE WAS ALSO COOLER AND LESS HUMID THAN USUAL WITH A MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 80 PER CENT RECORDED, THE FOURTH LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.

DURING THE MONTH, THREE TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.

SEVERE TROPICAL STORM IKE RECURVED NEAR HAINAN DAO AND STRUCK TAIWAN ON JUNE 13.

FOUR DAYS LATER, TYPHOdN JUNE FORMED EAST OF THE PHILIPPINES AND CROSSED TAIBEI ON JUNE 20 CAUSING HEAVY RAIN IN NORTHERN TAIWAN. IT DISSIPATED OVER JAPAN ON JUNE 23.

ON JUNE 30, A TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMED EAST OF THE PHILIPPINES AND MOVED WESTWARDS.

THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH WERE MARKED BY DULL WEATHER, WITH RAIN AND SLIGHT SHOWERS DUE TO A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE JUST SOUTH OF HONG KONG. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED AROUND MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 1 AND THE MONTH’S LOWEST TEMPERATURE OF 22.7 DEGREE CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON JUNE 3.

ANOTHER TROUGH CROSSED HONG KONG ON JUNE 5 AND BROUGHT HEAVY SHOWERS. ONE PERSON WAS KILLED IN A LANDSLIP ON KING’S ROAD AND MINOR LANDSLIPS OCCURRED IN LAM TIN AND TSZ WAN SHAN ON JUNE 3 AND JUNE 5. THE RAIN CONTINUED ON THE NEXT DAY.

ON JUNE 7, THE WEATHER BECAME FINE AND SUNNY BUT STRONG EASTERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED ON THAT NIGHT AND THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THERE WERE SLIGHT SHOWERS ON THE FOLLOWING FOUR DAYS WHILE TROPICAL STORM IKE RECURVED OVER THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. AS IKE CONTINUED TO MOVE TOWARDS SOUTH TAIWAN, FRESH NORTHERLY WINDS MODERATED. THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY UNTIL JUNE 15.

/THE.....

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1961

7

THE FOLLOWING SEVEN DAYS WERE SUNNY AND HOT, AND THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE OF 33.1 DEGREE CELSIUS wAS RECORDED ON JUNE 21 WHEN TYPHOON JUNE WAS JUST NORTH OF TAIWAN.

FROM JUNE 23 UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH, HONG KONG WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON WITH SHOWERY WEATHER, A FINE AND SUNNY BREAK OCCURRED ON JUNE 26.

EARLY ON JUNE 27, A FUNNEL CLOUD WAS SIGHTED AT YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND. A PLEASURE CRAFT SANK IN TOLO HARBOUR IN A SQUALL THE NEXT DAY.

DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. NO FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED.

THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON JUNE 1 AND JUNE 30.

-------0----------

LEGAL AID ALLOWANCES INCREASED

* * * *

ALLOWANCES PRESCRIBED FOR LEGAL AID APPLICANTS AND DEPENDANTS BY THE LEGAL AID LEGISLATION HAVE BEEN INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THE RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED INCREASES IN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RATES.

THESE ALLOWANCES ARE EMPLOYED IN CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE INCOMES OF LEGAL AID APPLICANTS.

THE INCREASES ARE SET OUT UNDER THE LEGAL AID (ASSESSMENT OF

CONTRIBUTIONS)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1981 WHICH COME INTO FORCE TODAY (JULY 10). THE NEW RATES OF ALLOWANCES WITH THE OLD RATES ALONGSIDE FOR COMPARISON ARE AS FOLLOWS:

NEW RATES OLD RATES

(1) APPLICANT WITH NO DEPENDANT $350 $280

(2) APPLICANT AND FIRST TWO DEPENDANTS $250 EACH $200 EACH

(3) THIRD, FOURTH AND FIFTH DEPENDANTS $215 EACH $170 EACH

(4) SIXTH AND ADDITIONAL DEPENDANTS S165 EACH $130 EACH

IN CALCULATING THE DISPOSABLE INCOME OF A LEGAL AID APPLICANT, THE AMOUNT OF RENT AND RATES PAID BY HIM FOR HIS DWELLING HOUSE, AND PERSONAL ALLOWANCES IN RESPECT OF HIMSELF AND DEPENDANTS WHOLLY MAINTAINED BY HIM ARE DEDUCTED FROM HIS GROSS INCOME. IT IS THESE ALLOWANCES THAT ARE INCREASED BY THE AMENDED REGULATIONS.

------o-------

/8.....

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

8

FIVE NT SITES SOLD FOR 3177.5 MILLION * * * *

FIVE NEW TERRITORIES SITES WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF 3177.49 MILLION TODAY (FRIDAY).

A SHA TIN SITE FOR HIGH CLASS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WAS SOLD FOR $31 MILLION. THE PURCHASER WAS WEDMORE LIMITED.

MEASURING 8 310 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE OVERLOOKS THE RACE COURSE AND CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $4.49 MILLION TO EE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS.

ANOTHER SITE NEARBY WHICH MEASURES 2 880 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD TO HANSTEAD COMPANY LIMITED FOR $14.5 MILLION. IT IS FOR TWO-STOREY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE PURCHASER HAS TO FULFIL A BUILDING COVENANT OF $2.42 MILLION WITHIN THREE YEARS.

A FURTHER LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SITE ON WAI TSAI PEAK, PENG CHAU, MEASURING 1 000 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD FOR $1.49 MILLION TO ROYSTON INVESTMENT LIMITED.

THE BUILDING COVENANT IS $810 000, ALSO TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS.

A SHA TIN SITE FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSE INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF A VEHICLE SHOWROOM AND SERVICE CENTRE WAS BOUGHT BY BELIEVEWELL LIMITED FOR $110 MILLION.

IT MEASURES 7 286 SQUARE METRES AND THE PURCHASER HAS TO FULFIL A BUILDING COVENANT OF $66.45 MILLION WITHIN FOUR YEARS.

ANOTHER INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN SITE IN SHA TIN, WITH A FOUR YEAR BUILDING COVENANT OF $12.9 MILLION, WAS SOLD FOR $20.5 MILLION.

THE PURCHASER OF THE 1 416 SQUARE METRE SITE WAS SANEWING INVESTMENTS LIMITED.

THE AUCTION, AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE ARTS CENTRE, WAS CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR TONY HARLAND.

0 -------

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

9

$68-MILLI0N PWD CONTRACT SIGNED * * * *

THE PUBL,C WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) LET A $68-MILLI0N ,°NTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN BEACON HILL TUNNEL T^VILLAGE °F TIN SAM’ AT THE SOUTH-WESTERN END OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

AllI ™E CONTRACT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR K.K. TANG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF MAEDA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE CONTRACT, ABOUT TEN HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL USES, AS WELL AS OPEN SPACE.

A 1.3-KILOMETRE ROAD WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO LINK THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE TOWN WITH THE NEARBY LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.

INTERNAL ROADS AND DRAINS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREA ALONG WITH A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY UNDER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY EMBANKMENT.

THE UNDERGROUND WALKWAY WILL JOIN UP THE INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RAILWAY LINE AT TAI WAI.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START NEXT WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-----0------

INSPECTION FEES FOR CATTLE AND PIGS RAISED *****

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED AN INCREASE OF FEES FOR THE INSPECTION OF CATTLE AND PIGS AT TWO LICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG.

THE INSPECTION FEES CHARGED FOR CATTLE WILL BE RAISED FROM $2.80 TO $3.50, WHILE THE FEES FOR PIGS WILL BE RAISED FROM $1.80 TO $2.30 FROM TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF SLAUGHTERHOUSES (NEW TERRITORIES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, 1981.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE FEE INCREASE IS SO SMALL THAT IT SHOULD HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE PRICE OF THE MEAT.

THE FEES HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED SINCE DECEMBER 1977.

SOME 41 000 CATTLE AND 430 000 PIGS WERE SLAUGHTERED IN THE TWO LICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTER-HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES LAST YEAR.

------o-------

/10.....

FRIDAY, JULY 13

1981

10

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS

*****

A CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY), TO HUTCHISON-BOAG ENGINEERING LTD. FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT $23.8 MILLION, IS THE FIRST OF FOUR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTS TO BE AWARDED FOR THIS SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.

IT COMPRISES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF INLET WORKS MACHINERY, AIR BLOWERS, AERATION EQUIPMENT, RETURN ACTIVATED SLUDGE PUMPS AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND W M.H.R. CORKE, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HUTCHISON-BOAG ENGINEERING LTD.

THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL PROVIDE FULL SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES TO SERVE THE DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.

THE SCHEME IS FINANCED JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.

-----o------

PARENT-CHILD TIES BEING STUDIED

* * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ARE DOING A RESEARCH STUDY AMONG 1 600 FAMILIES ON PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP TO PROVIDE A GUIDELINE FOR FUTURE PROMOTION OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.

THE JOINT STUDY AIMS AT GETTING AN INSIGHT INTO HOW PARENTS AND CHILDREN SEE THEIR RELATIONSHIP AND WHAT ATTITUDES ARE TAKEN BY YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 11 TO 15 TOWARDS THEMSELVES, THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY.

IT ALSO ATTEMPTS TO FIND OUT HOW PEOPLE GENERALLY VIEW THE SERVICE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT TEAMS FROM THE SOCIAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WERE INTERVIEWING FAMILIES IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICT.

/HE SAID ......

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

11

HE SAID CO-OPERATION WOULD BE APPRECIATED FROM THE FAMILIES WHICH HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR THE STUDY, AND ASSURED THEM THAT THE DATA COLLECTED WOULD BE USED SOLELY FOR STATISTICAL ANALYSIS AND KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

THE INTERVIEWERS, ARE STUDENTS OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND ALL CARRY A STUDENT IDENTITY CARD WITH PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPH.

THE INTERVIEWS WILL BE COMPLETED BY JULY 29, HE SAID.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT TEL. NO. 0-633111 EXT. 546 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

-----0------

TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING FOR FORM V LEAVERS * * * *

THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS OFFERING A THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO INTEND TO TAKE UP TEACHING AS A CAREER.

♦THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN FORM V SCHOOL-LEAVERS WITH APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL BACKGROUND TO BECOME QUALIFIED TO TEACH ’DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY’ IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS,♦ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES THEORY OF EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, TEACHING METHODOLOGY, TEACHING PRACTICE IN SCHOOLS AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF SUBJECT MATTER RELATED TO THE STUDIES OF ’DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY’.

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT AND VISITS ARE ARRANGED TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ CONTACT WITH THE INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PASS ALL COURSE WORK INCLUDING EXAMINATIONS AND TEACHING PRACTICE IN SCHOOLS BEFORE THEY GRADUATE.

FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN TAKING UP THE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WANCHAI, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18.

------0-------

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 1981

12

SINGING FOR GOOD OF DISABLED * * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CHOIR WILL GIVE TWO CONCERTS ON SUNDAY, JULY 12, DEDICATED TO THE DISABLED IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.

THE CADUCEUS CHORUS, FORMED BY MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT, WILL SING TO PATIENTS AT THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S ORTHOPAEDIC HOSPITAL AT SANDY BAY BETWEEN 3 PM AND 4 PM. THEY WILL THEN PERFORM AT THE EBENEZER HOME FOR THE BLIND AT POK FU LAM FROM 5.30 PM.

THE NUMBERS THEY WILL SING INCLUDE GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN FOLK SONGS AND POPULAR MANDARIN SONGS.

THIS WILL BE THE THIRD CONCERT GIVEN BY THE CHOIR SINCE IT WAS FORMED IN APRIL 1980. IT GAVE ITS FIRST PERFORMANCE LAST CHRISTMAS IN FOUR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.

THE CADUCEUS CHORUS IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.

IT NOW HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF ABOUT 100, CONSISTING OF DOCTORS, NURSES, PARA-MEDICAL AND GENERAL GRADE STAFF.

THE CONDUCTOR OF THE CHOIR IS MR C.W.B. OXLEY OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES BRANCH.

-----0------

SEVEN ROADS OPEN TO 2.5-TON VEHICLES

* X X *

SEVERAL ROADS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE OPEN TO USE BY VEHICLES OF UP TO 2.5-TONS IN UNLADEN WEIGHT AS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY, JULY 12.

THESE ROADS ARE MT. AUSTIN ROAD- THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF CONDUIT ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE ROAD AND HOUSE NO. 58- PEEL STREET BETWEEN ELGIN STREET AND CAINE ROAD- THE SECTION OF OLD BAILEY STREET BETWEEN STAUNTON STREET AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD- PLANTATION ROAD-FINLAY ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD BETWEEN MAY RAOD AND PEAK ROAD.

AT PRESENT, ONLY VEHICLES BELOW TWO TONS ARE ALLOWED TO USE THESE ROADS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.

-----o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRAYERS OFFERED TO TIN HAU ............................... 1

CAREERS EXHIBITION HELD IN SHA TIN ........................... 2

SCPASH COMPETITION AT YUEN LONG............................. 2

PLAN TO RICLAIM SEARED ....................................... 3

MAJOR ROAD WORKS IN WONG TAI SIN

3

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1981

1

PRAYERS OFFERED TO TIN HAU * * * *

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S NEWEST FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE VESSEL CRUISED TO THE SHORES OF JOSS HOUSE BAY THIS MORNING FOR THE CREW TO OFFER PRAYERS AND RESPECT TO TIN HAU, THE QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND PROTECTOR OF SEAFARERS.

THE TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS SERVICE WAS CARRIED OUT NEAR THE TIN HAU TEMPLE ON THE HK$1O-MILL ION +FIREBOAT SIX* LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR FREDERICK WATSON.

MR WATSON TOGETHER WITH THE HONG KONG COMMAND’S CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, STEPHEN CHEUNG AND THE CREW OF 'FIREBOAT SIX’ BURNED JOSS STICKS AND CANDLES |N THEIR OFFERINGS TO TIN HAU.

THE 35O-TON ’FIREBOAT SIX’, DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED IN HONG KONG WAS RECENTLY HANDED OVER TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IT IS THE FASTEST OF THE SIX FIREBOATS IN SERVICE, AND HAS A TOP SPEED OF 13 KNOTS.

A SPOKESMAN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE FIREBOAT FLEET CONSIDERABLY BOOSTS THE RESPONSE TO MARINE AND COASTAL INCIDENTS.

THE NEW FIREBOAT IS EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH FIRES AT SEA OR ON SHIPS ALONGSIDE, INCLUDING CONTAINER VESSELS.

A PROMINENT FEATURE ON THE 34-METRE LONG VESSEL IS THE HYDRAULIC PLATFORM WHICH IS CAPABLE OF TURNING A FULL CIRCLE AND BEING RAISED 24 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL.

IT IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A DRY CHEMICAL UNIT WITH A CAPACITY TO STORE 1 030 KILOGRAMS OF DRY CHEMICAL POWDER AND COMPLEMENTING THIS EQUIPMENT ARE THREE FOAM/wATER MONITORS AT BOW AND THREE WATER MONITORS AT STERN TOGETHER WITH FACILITIES FOR EXTRA HOSE LINES.

THE HYDRAULIC PLATFORM AND MONITORS CAN BE SUPPLIED WITH FOAM COMPOUND FROM VARIABLE INDUCTORS ON BOARD FROM A LIQUID FOAM STORAGE CAPACITY OF SOME 8 600 LITRES.

IT IS POWERED BY TWIN DIESEL ENGINES OF 950 HORSE POWER WHICH ALSO SUPPLY POWER TO TWO OF THE THREE SETS OF DUAL-STAGE CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS. A THIRD PUMP IS DRIVEN BY AN INDEPENDENT ENGINE WHICH PERMITS PUMPING AND BOAT MANOEUVRING TO BE CARRIED OUT SIMULTANEOUSLY.

VARIABLE PITCH PROPELLERS ENABLE THE COXSWAIN TO MANOEUVRE THE VESSEL COMFORTABLY AND WITH EASE. THE TOTAL PUMPING CAPACITY IS ABOUT 27 275 LITRES PER MINUTE.

OTHER EQUIPMENT ON ’FIREBOAT SIX’ INCLUDE MODERN NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, TELECOMMUNICATION AND INTERCOM SYSTEMS, LIFE-SAVING AND BREATHING APPARATUS EQUIPMENT.

FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED AND CARRYING A CREW OF 12, THE VESSEL WILL BE DOCKED AT THE FIRE BOAT BERTH NEAR TSI NG Yl ISLAND.

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/2 .......

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1981

2

CAREERS EXHIBITION HELD IN SHA TIN

* * *

A CAREERS EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD TODAY AND TOMORROW (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY) AT WO CHE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, SHA TIN.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WO CHE COMMUNITY HALL AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITH DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORSHIP, IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN SHA TIN.

PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, BANKS, LOCAL FACTORIES AND EDUCATIONAL BODIES.

EACH OF THEM IS OPERATING A STALL INTRODUCING THE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS. THERE WILL ALSO BE SLIDE SHOWS AND A CAREER TALK.

OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE SHA TIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHEUNG- SHA TIN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, MRS TSUI LO SIU-KING AND A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MR LEUNG WING-WAH.

MR CHENG SAID SHA TIN IS ONE OF THE FAST DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS- ITS RESIDENTS MOVED IN FROM ALL DISTRICTS AND ARE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.

THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT IES OFFERED BY THE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF HEAVY ROAD TRAFFIC DURING PEAK HOURS, AND ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTING GOVERNMENT POLICY TOWARDS ACHIEVING SHA TIN AS A SELF-CONTAINED NEW TOWN, HE SAID.

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SQUASH COMPETITION AT YUEN LONG

* * *

AN OPEN SQUASH COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG SIR DENYS ROBERTS SQUASH COURTS FROM JULY 21 TO AUGUST 2.

TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS, THE TOURNAMENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING AND RAISING THE STANDARD OF THE SPORT IN THE DISTRICT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS — THE MEN’S SINGLES AND THE WOMEN’S SINGLES.

ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SIR DENYS ROBERTS SQUASH COURTS OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT TA) YUK ROAD.

ENROLMENT IS FREE AND THE CLOSING DATE IS TUESDAY (JULY 14).

/3

SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1981

3

PLAN TO RECLAIM SEABED

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM OR TO GRANT PERMISSION UNDER A LEASE TO RECLAIM ABOUT 39 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI LAM KOK, TUEN MUN, FOR CARGO HANDLING AND RELATED PURPOSES.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE YESTERDAY.

ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM CF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE AND PLAN, ARE POSTED FOR VIEW NEAR THE SITE.

THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 8TH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, SALISBURY ROAD, KOWLOON OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TSUEN WAN), £ «D FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, TSUEN WAN OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TUEN MUN), TUEN MUN BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.

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MAJOR ROAD WORKS

IN WONG TAI SIN * *

TENDERS ARE BEING CALLED BY MAJOR ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE WONG TAI SIN AREA.

THE WORKS INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF A SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM SOUTH OF FUNG TAK STREET.

LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, BETWEEN PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD, IS NOW ONLY TEN METRES WIDE AND CARRIES TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. THE NEW WORK WILL PROVIDE A TEN-METRE WIDE SEGREGATED CARRIAGEWAY IN EACH DIRECTION. THE WORK WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE EXTENSION OF FOOTBRIDGE TO CROSS OVER THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY NEAR SOCIAL AVENUE.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT COMPLETION OF THE WORK WOULD MEAN THAT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WOULD HAVE A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OVER ITS FULL LENGTH.

THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

CONTENTS PaGE NO.

NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS DOUBLES IN DECADE, PASSES 200 OOO .... 1

CAR PARK AND FLYOVER FOR TSUEN WAN............................ 2

S35 MILLION PAID UNDER 'NO FAULT' TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PLAN ...... 3

ALERT AGAINST BANNED 'PYRAMID SELLING' ....................... 4

UNREGISTERED MEDICINES SEIZED................................. 5

KEEP SAFE DURING TROPICAL CYCLONES ........................... 6

REMINDER ON SCHOLARSHIPS ..................................... 9

DANGERS OF ROPE LADDERS STRESSED ............................. 9

ALL ABOUT TENT CAMP SITES .................................... 10

SAI KUNG CROSS HkRBOUR SWIM ................................. 11

WORK ON WATER MAINS

11

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

1

NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS DOUBLES IN DECADE, PASSES 200 000 ******

THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS IN HONG KONG HAS PASSED THE 200 000 MARK - DOUBLE THE F IGURE OF JUST UNDER 10 YEARS AGO.

STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT 201 240 PRIVATE CARS WERE REGISTERED AT JUNE 30, 1981, COMPARED WITH 100 336 AT JULY 31, 1971.

THIS MEANS THAT PRIVATE CARS NOW REPRESENT ALMOST TWO OUT OF EVERY THREE OF THE 315 642 VEHICLES REGISTERED.

A SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS WAS RUNNING ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT AHEAD OF PROJECTIONS FOR THE UNRESTRAINED GROWTH OF PRIVATE CAR OWNERSHIP FORECAST IN THE HONG KONG COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY, COMPLETED IN 1976 BY AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND PLANNERS.

SOME 2 731 NEW PRIVATE CARS WERE REGISTERED IN JUNE, WHILE THE NUMBER OF LAPSED REGISTRATIONS TOTALLED 1 081.

THIS HELPED PRODUCE A NET INCREASE OF ALMOST 25 000 PRIVATE CARS OR 14 PER CENT IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30.

HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT, OF THE 201 240 PRIVATE CARS REGISTERED, ONLY 181 204 OR 90 PER CENT WERE LICENSED TO BE ON THE ROADS.

SIMILARLY, OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES REGISTERED — 315 642 ~ ONLY 280 428 OR 88 PER CENT WERE LICENSED.

+THIS GIVES A DENSITY OF 240 VEHICLES FOR EACH OF THE 1 164 KILOMETRES OF ROAD IN THE TERRITORY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AND IT FURTHER REINFORCES THE 1981 GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS’ CLAIM THAT HONG KONG HAS THE HIGHEST TRAFFIC DENSITY IN THE WORLD.*

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

2

CAR PARK AND FLYOVER FOR TSUEN WAN * * * *

A 12-STOREY CAR PARK AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AS WELL AS A FLYOVER, TWO FOOTBRIDGES AND ASSOCIATED ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS WILL SHORTLY BE BUILT IN TSUEN WAN.

DISCUSSING THE FLYOVER PROJECT, A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT FORMS PART OF A MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI HO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

THE FLYOVER WILL LINK TAI HO ROAD TO THE NEW MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AS WELL AS THE RECENTLY DIVERTED ROUTE TWISK.

THE FOOTBRIDGES, TO BE BUILT ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL ENABLE PEDESTRIANS TO CROSS THE BUSY ROAD SAFELY TO THE MTR STATION AND THE NEW BUS TERMINUS BUILDING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

THE EXISTING SIGNAL-CONTROLLED JUNCTION WILL BE MODIFIED TO INCLUDE LANDSCAPED TRAFFIC ISLANDS, AND A NEW ROAD, TO BE NAMED SAI LAU KOK ROAD, WILL BE BUILT PARALLEL TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO SERVE BOTH BUS AND MTR USERS.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SECTIONS OF TWIN-CELL BOX CULVERT FROM THE MTR STATION FRONTAGE TO THE JUNCTION OF TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET AND TAI HO ROAD TO LINK UP WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM.

WORK ON THE PROJECT, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE BEING INVITED, WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 26 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MEANWHILE, THE PWD WILL ALSO BUILD A 12-STOREY CAR PARK AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AT A 5 490-SQUARE-METRE SITE ADJACENT TO THE FOU WAH CENTRE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

THE PROJECT, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE WILL INCLUDE A GROUND FLOOR TERMINUS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS, FOUR FLOORS OF COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AND SEVEN FLOORS OF PARKING SPACES FOR A TOTAL OF ABOUT 600 VEHICLES.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR RAIL AND ROAD INTERCHANGE AND SHORT AND LONG-TERM PARKING IN LINE WITH THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE MTR TSUEN WAN EXTENSION.

WORK ON THE CAR PARK WILL BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

o —

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

- 3 -

$35M PAID UNDER *N0 FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT PLAN

* * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PAID OUT ABOUT $35 MILLION AS QUICK CASH RELIEF TO 8 598 CASES UNDER THE +NO FAULT* TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME.

MR SIU KING-CHIU, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) A SUM OF $474 300 AUTHORISED FOR PAYMENT TO 195 CASES NOW AWAITS COLLECTION.

GRANTS ALREADY MADE WERE PAID TO 779 CASES INVOLVING DEATH, AND TO 7 819 CASES INVOLVING INJURIES WHICH HAD CAUSED AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS’ LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY.

PAYMENTS FOR DEATH GRANTS AMOUNTED TO $6.1 MILLION, WHILE PAYMENTS FOR INJURY TOTALLED $28.6 MILLION, OF WHICH $7.4 MILLION WERE PAID AS FURTHER GRANTS TO THOSE WHO SUBSEQUENTLY REQUIRED EXTENDED SICK LEAVE.

THE HIGHEST PAYMENT SO FAR WAS $26 100 IN ONE FATAL CASE, WHILE OTHER PAYMENTS RANGED FROM $800 TO $25 040.

+AT PRESENT, 309 APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED AND THE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS SHORTLY,* MR SIU SAID.

THE TAVA SCHEME IS NON-MEANS TESTED AND PROVIDES QUICK CASH RELIEF FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS REGARDLESS OF WHO IS AT FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.

UNDER THE SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN MAY 1979, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS MUST HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE.

PEOPLE INVOLVED CAN APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE 14TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, AT 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. NOS. 5-779421 AND 5-7903650).

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

4

ALERT AGAINST BANNED ’PYRAMID SELLING’

* * * *

SINCE THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE BEGINNING, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED TO ALERT SCHOOL LEAVERS AND JOB SEEKERS TO THE DANGERS ARISING FROM PEOPLE TRYING TO RECRUIT THEM INTO PYRAMID SELLING SCHEMES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

PYRAMID SELLING IS BANNED IN HONG KONG UNDER A NEW LAW ADOPTED LAST YEAR.

ALTHOUGH INDIVIDUAL SCHEMES VARY, THERE ARE SOME COMMON FEATURES.

A PARTICIPANT, HAVING FIRST PAID TO JOIN AND HAVING BOUGHT A FIXED AMOUNT OF GOODS TO SELL, IS GIVEN A PAYMENT FOR EACH NEW PARTICIPANT HE RECRUITS, A COMMISSION ON THE GOODS WHICH THESE NEW PARTICIPANTS BUY FROM THE COMPANY, AND SOMETIMES A COMMISSION ON ENTRY FEES PAID BY FURTHER PERSONS RECRUITED BY THESE PARTICIPANTS.

THE GOODS BOUGHT BY THEM TO RE-SELL ARE MORE OFTEN THAN NOT UNSALEABLE EITHER BECAUSE THEY ARE OVER-PRICED OR BECAUSE IN THE END THERE ARE TOO MANY PARTICIPANTS SELLING THE SAME GOODS IN A LIMITED MARKET.

AT THE TIME THE NEW LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT PYRAMID SELLING SCHEMES WERE OBJECTIONABLE FOR TWO REASONS:

* THEY SERVED NO ECONOMIC PURPOSE BECAUSE THE GOODS TENDED TO ACCUMULATE UNSOLD IN THE POSSESSION OF UNSUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS WHO TURNED INSTEAD TO RECRUITING FURTHER PARTICIPANTS TO RECOVER ANY SUM THEY HAD PAID TO JOIN-

* PARTICIPANTS WERE OFTEN GULLIBLE YOUNG PEOPLE LURED INTO SUCH SCHEMES BY EMPTY PROMISES OF LARGE REWARDS. ON BALANCE IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND LACKED THE MATURITY TO SEE THE PITFALLS, COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

FURTHERMORE, ORGANISERS OF SUCH SCHEMES WERE WELL VERSED IN SOPHISTICATED HIGH PRESSURE RECRUITMENT TECHNIQUES AND IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR INEXPERIENCED OR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE PARTICULARLY ALERT.

ANYBODY WHO SUSPECTS THAT HE IS BEING RECRUITED INTO SUCH AN UNLAWFUL SCHEME OR OTHERWISE COMES ACROSS ONE SHOULD REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE POLICE.

_ 0 --------

/5

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

5

UNREGISTERED MEDICINES SEIZED ft ft ft ft

FORENSIC PHARMACISTS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SEIZED A LARGE QUANTITY OF UNREGISTERED MEDICINES IN A RECENT RAID OF AN UNLICENSED PHARMACEUTICAL WHOLESALER IN CENTRAL.

THE RAID WAS CARRIED OUT AFTER INTENSIVE INVESTIGATIONS BASED ON INFORMATION THAT SOME MEDICINES HAD BEEN ILLEGALLY IMPORTED BY DEALERS FOR LOCAL DISTRIBUTION.

THE SEIZURE OF UNREGISTERED MEDICINES, VALUED AT MORE THAN S2OO 000, IS BY FAR THE LARGEST MADE BY FORENSIC PHARMACISTS UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE, WHICH REQUIRES ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE THEY CAN BE SOLD.

SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS REQUIREMENT IN JULY 1978, THE FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION HAS INCREASED ITS MANPOWER TO COPE WITH THE EXTRA WORK.

MEDICINE DEALERS WERE REMINDED BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT THAT ALL PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND MEDICINES ON SALE MUST BE REGISTERED WITH THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD.

♦DEALERS FOUND SELLING UNREGISTERED PRODUCTS WILL BE PROSECUTED AND THE PRODUCTS SEIZED,♦ HE WARNED.

UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1980, PERSONS IMPORTING OR EXPORTING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS OR MEDICINES FROM JULY 1, 1981 ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED WITH THE BOARD, HE POINTED OUT.

♦THEY ARE URGED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS IMPORTER/EXPORTERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE S0,+ HE ADDED.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PHARMACEUTICALS REGISTRATION SECTION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AT CENTRE POINT BUILDING, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD.

/6.......

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

- 6 -

KEEP SAFE DURING TROPICAL CYCLONES *****

HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ALL TOO FAMILIAR WITH THE DESTRUCTIVE POWER OF TROPICAL CYCLONES WHICH RIP ACROSS LAND AND SEA AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, OFTEN BRINGING DEATH AND DESTRUCTION.

THANKFULLY, LOSSES IN RECENT YEARS HAVE BEEN RELATIVELY LIGHT, DUE IN NO SMALL MEASURE TO SENSIBLE PRECAUTIONS TAKEN FOLLOWING ADVANCE WARNINGS AND ADVICE FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

♦COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS* HAS LONG BEEN THE MOTTO OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. IT IS THE KEYSTONE FOR MINIMISING DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, INJURIES AND LOSS OF LIFE WHICH CAN RESULT FROM TROPICAL CYCLONES.

IT IS VITAL THEREFORE THAT EVERYONE IN HONG KONG IS FAMILIAR WITH TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS THEY SHOULD TAKE IN THE EVENT A TROPICAL CYCLONE SIGNAL IS HOISTED.

HONG KONG’S TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS FOLLOW A NUMBER SYSTEM. FOR EASY REFERENCE, THE VARIOUS SIGNALS AND THEIR MEANING ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH GUIDELINES OF WHAT TO DO WHEN A PARTICULAR SIGNAL IS UP.

SIGNAL 1 - THIS IS A STAND BY SIGNAL WHICH INDICATES THAT A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS CENTRED WITHIN ABOUT 400 NAUTICAL MILES OF HONG KONG AND MAY LATER AFFECT THE TERRITORY. THE STAND BY SIGNAL IS AN ADVISORY SIGNAL INDICATING THE POSSIBILITY OF DESTRUCTIVE WINDS OCCURRING IN HONG KONG.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

LISTEN TO WEATHER BROADCASTS. SOME PRELIMINARY PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN, SUCH AS CLEARING GUTTERS AND DRAINS OF OBSTRUCTIONS. HINGES, BOLTS, LOCKS AND SHUTTERS OF WINDOWS AND DOORS SHOULD BE CHECKED. MAKE SURE WATER, CANDLES, TORCHES, ADHESIVE TAPE AND FIRST-AID AND OTHER NECESSARY EQUIPMENT ARE AVAILABLE. REMEMBER THAT DETERIORATING WEATHER MAY AFFECT YOUR ACTIVITIES OUTDOORS.

SIGNAL 3 - THIS IS A STRONG WIND SIGNAL WHICH INDICATES THAT STRONG WINDS WITH SUSTAINED SPEED OF 22-33 KNOTS ARE EXPECTED. GUSTS MAY EXCEED 60 KNOTS IN EXPOSED AREAS. THE TIMING OF THE HOISTING OF THIS SIGNAL IS AIMED TO GIVE ABOUT 12 HOURS ADVANCE WARNING OF A STRONG WIND IN VICTORIA HARBOUR BUT THE WARNING PERIOD MAY BE SHORTER FOR MORE EXPOSED WATERS.

/MT YOU..

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

7

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS NOW. SECURE ALL LOOSE OBJECTS, PARTICULARLY ON BALCONIES AND ROOF TOPS. SECURE HOARDINGS, SCAFFOLDING AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES. CLEAR GUTTERS AND DRAINS. TAKE FULL PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SAFETY OF BOATS. SHIPS IN PORT NORMALLY LEAVE FOR TYPHOON ANCHORAGES OR BUOYS. REMEMBER THAT FERRY SERVICES MAY SOON BE AFFECTED BY WIND OR WAVES. EVEN AT THIS STAGE HEAVY RAIN ACCOMPANIED BY VIOLENT SQUALLS MAY OCCUR.

SIGNAL 8NW, 8SW, 8NE, 8SE - THESE ARE GALE OR STORM SIGNALS WHICH INDICATE THAT GALE OR STORM WINDS WITH A SUSTAINED SPEED OF 34-63 KNOTS ARE EXPECTED OR BLOWING FROM THE QUARTER INDICATED. GUSTS MAY EXCEED 100 KNOTS. THE TIMING OF THE REPLACEMENT OF THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL NO. 3, BY THE APPROPRIATE ONE OF THESE FOUR SIGNALS IS AIMED TO GIVE ABOUT 12 HOURS ADVANCE WARNING OF A GALE IN VICTORIA HARBOUR BUT THE SUSTAINED WIND SPEED MAY REACH 34 KNOTS WITHIN A SHORTER PERIOD OVER MORE EXPOSED WATERS. EXPECTED'CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION OF WINDS WILL BE INDICATED BY CORRESPONDING CHANGES OF THESE S IGNALS.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

COMPLETE ALL PRECAUTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO DELAY PRECAUTIONS UNTIL THE HOISTING OF NO. 9 OR NO. 10 SIGNAL AS THE LATTER ARE SIGNALS OF GREAT URGENCY. WINDOWS AND DOORS SHOULD BE BOLTED AND SHUTTERED.

STAY INDOORS WHEN THE WINDS INCREASE TO AVOID FLYING DEBRIS BUT IF YOU MUST GO OUT KEEP WELL CLEAR OF OVERHEAD WIRES AND HOARDINGS. ALL SCHOOLS AND LAW COURTS CLOSE AND FERRIES WILL PROBABLY STOP RUNNING AT SHORT NOTICE.

THE SEA LEVEL WILL PROBABLY BE HIGHER THAN NORMAL PARTICULARLY IN NARROW INLETS. IF THIS HAPPENS NEAR THE TIME OF NORMAL HIGH TIDE THEN LOW LYING AREAS MAY HAVE TO BE EVACUATED VERY QUICKLY. HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE FLOODING, ROCKFALLS AND MUDSLIPS.

SIGNAL 9 - THIS SIGNAL MEANS THAT GALE OR STORM FORCE WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY IN STRENGTH. THIS SIGNAL WILL BE HOISTED WHEN THE SUSTAINED WIND SPEED IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE AND COME WITHIN THE RANGE 48-63 KNOTS DURING THE NEXT FEW HOURS.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

STAY WHERE YOU ARE IF YOU ARE REASONABLY PROTECTED. STAY AWAY FROM EXPOSED WINDOWS AND DOORS.

/SIGNAL 10 ....

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

8

SIGNAL 10 - THIS IS THE HIGHEST SIGNAL AND MEANS THAT HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ARE EXPECTED OR BLOWING WITH SUSTAINED SPEED REACHING UPWARDS FROM 64 KNOTS. GUSTS MAY EXCEED 120 KNOTS. THIS SIGNAL IS HOISTED AS SOON AS THERE ARE DEFINITE INDICATIONS THAT THE SUSTAINED WIND SPEED ANYWHERE NEAR SEA LEVEL IN HONG KONG IS LIKELY TO EXCEED 63 KNOTS.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

AS WHEN NO. 9 IS UP, STAY WHERE YOU ARE WELL PROTECTED. BOTH SIGNALS 9 AND 10 IMPLY THAT THE CENTRE OF A SEVERE TROPICAL STORM OR A TYPHOON WILL COME CLOSE TO HONG KONG. IF THE EYE PASSES OVER THERE WILL BE A LULL LASTING FROM A FEW MINUTES TO SOME HOURS BUT BE PREPARED FOR A SUDDEN RESUMPTION OF DESTRUCTIVE WINDS FROM A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT WHILST THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS GIVE WARNINGS OF WINDS EXPECTED OR BLOWING NEAR SEA LEVEL OVER OPEN WATER AND SIMILARLY EXPOSED AREAS, THEY DO NOT SPECIFICALLY WARN OF OTHER DANGERS WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE TROPICAL CYCLONE. THESE INCLUDE FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS AS A RESULT OF A STORM SURGE WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SEA LEVEL TO RISE CONSIDERABLY HIGHER THAN IS NORMAL, AND THE DESTRUCTIVE EFFECTS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN WHICH USUALLY ACCOMPANIES TROPICAL CYCLONES. THIS RAIN CAN CAUSE FLOODING, LANDSLIPS AND GROUND SUBSIDENCE. SMALL STREAMS CAN TURN INTO RAGING TORRENTS WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD BRINGING DANGER TO ANYONE WITHIN THEIR VICINITY. ROCKS MAY DISLODGE FROM HILLSIDES AND THERE MAY BE MUDSLIPS.

IT IS THEREFORE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LISTEN TO BROADCAST WEATHER BULLETINS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON ALL EXPECTED ADVERSE WEATHER SO THAT THEY MAY TAKE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST VIOLENT WIND, HEAVY RAIN AND STORM SURGES.

TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING BULLETINS ARE BROADCAST EVERY HALF HOUR AND AT TWO MINUTES TO THE HOUR WHEN ANY OF THE SIGNALS 8 TO 10 IS DISPLAYED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO LISTEN TO WEATHER BROADCASTS AND NOT TO TELEPHONE THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING TROPICAL CYCLONE CONDITIONS AS THE TELEPHONE LINES MUST BE KEPT OPEN FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF WARNINGS AND OTHER URGENT OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. INSTEAD, THEY SHOULD, IF REQUIRED, CALL 5-456381 WHICH IS OPERATED ROUND THE CLOCK BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT DURING TROPICAL CYCLONE CONDITIONS.

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/9

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

9

REMINDER ON SCHOLARSHIPS *****

APPLICANTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS UNDER TWO FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ARE REMINDED THAT THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY (JULY 17), AND THAT THEY SHOULD RETURN THEIR FORMS EARLY.

THE TWO FUNDS ARE THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

THESE AWARDS, SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVIEW, WILL BE TENABLE AT A UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG OR THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. THEY ARE ALSO TENABLE AT AN ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS ACADEMIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL OR POST-GRADUATE INSTITUTION.

CANDIDATES SHOULD BE STUDENTS WHO MAY BE EXPECTED TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO EITHER AGRICULTURE OR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKET INDUSTRIES, OR MARINE FISHERIES OR FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.

THESE STUDENTS SHOULD NORMALLY STUDY AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, BOTANY, ZOOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCES THAT ARE RELEVANT TO HONG KONG, OR ZOOLOGY, FISHERY, BIOLOGY, MARINE BIOLOGY, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES, MARINE ENGINEERING, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE RELEVANT TO LOCAL MARINE FISHERIES OR FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES.

APPLICATIONS ARE ALSO OPEN TO PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT MARKETING INDUSTRIES OR MARINE FISHERIES AND FISH MARKETING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.

CANDIDATES SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND ADMITTED BY A RELEVANT ACADEMIC INSTITUTION, UNDER 30 AND PREFERABLY 18 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE.

DANGERS OF ROPE LADDERS STRESSED * * * *

BUILDING CONTRACTORS ARE URGED TO REFRAIN FROM USING ROPE LADDERS AS MEANS OF ACCESS TO HIGH LEVELS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.

MAKING THE PLEA TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT IF ROPE LADDERS MUST BE USED, ADEQUATE PRECAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN BY THE USE OF SAFETY NETS OR SAFETY HARNESSES WITH FALL-ARREST DEVICES WHICH SLIDE UP AND DOWN THE LIFE-LINE AND ONLY LOCK WHEN TENSION IS EXERTED.

/HE POINTED ......

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

10 -

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DRAWBACKS OF A ROPE LADDER ARE LACK OF RIGIDITY AND STABILITY AND DIFFICULTY IN PROVIDING SAFETY BACK LOOPS.

HE RECOMMENDED THE USE OF PASSENGER HOISTS, SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDS, STAIRS OR SUITABLY DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED LADDERS INSTEAD OF ROPE LADDERS.

A WORKER WAS RECENTLY KILLED IN A FALL FROM ROPE LADDER AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE, THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED.

-----0------

ALL ABOUT TENT CAMP SITES

* * * *

A FULL-COLOUR, BILINGUAL INFORMATION LEAFLET ON THE LOCATION OF TENT CAMP SITES IN COUNTRY PARKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY.

THE LEAFLET IS NOW AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE FROM A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT CENTRES.

IT WAS DESIGNED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND SPONSORED BY KODAK (FAR EAST) LTD. AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE.

THE LEAFLET INCORPORATES A GENERAL MAP OF HONG KONG, DETAILING THE LOCATION OF THE CAMP SITES IN SEVEN OF THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS — LANTAU, TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN, PAT SIN LENG, SHING MUN, MA ON SHAN AND SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARKS.

IN ADDITION, 10 SMALLER MAPS INDICATING THE LOCATION OF THESE SITES TOGETHER WITH GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ARE ALSO PRINTED. THESE CARTOGRAPHIC MAPS WERE PREPARED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

CAMPERS WILL ALSO FIND IN THE LEAFLET A RESERVOIR OF INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ENJOYABLE OUTING.

THE LEAFLET MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES- THE MARKETING SECTION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF BASKERVILLE HOUSE IN ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL- VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES IN THE ABERDEEN AND TAI MEI TUK COUNTRY PARKS AND MANAGEMENT CENTRES AT TAI LAM, HOK TAU, SHING MUN, MA ON SHAN, KEI LING, HOI HA, PAK TAM, MAN YEE, NAM SHAN AND TUNG CHUNG AU.

IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

-----0------

/11......

11

SUNDAY, JULY 12, 1981

SAI KUNG CROSS HARBOUR SWIM K * * *

THE THIRD SAI KUNG CROSS HARBOUR SWIM, WHICH ATTRACTED MORE PARTICIPANTS THAN LAST YEAR, WAS TODAY (SUNDAY) LAUNCHED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARRIE TSANG.

ORGANISED BY SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDS LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT INVOLVED 183 MEN’S SECTION AND 33 IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION.

BY THE IN THE

PROVIDED ENTRANTS

THE OLDEST PARTICIPANT WAS 78 AND THE YOUNGEST 11.

LAST YEAR, 200 PEOPLE ENTERED.

FOLLOWING THE START OF THE RACE, ALL CONTESTANTS COMPETED IN A 1 300-METRE COURSE WHICH STARTED AT PAK SHA CHAU AND FINISHED AT SAI KUNG RECLAMATION PIER.

WINNER OF THE MEN’S SECTION WAS MR CHEUNG WAN CHI WHO FINISHED IN A TIME OF 17 MINUTES 13 SECONDS. THE WOMEN’S SECTION WINNER WAS MISS LAI WAI, WHOSE TIME WAS 20 MINUTES FOUR SECONDS.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRIZE PRESENTATION WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHUNG POON.

- 0 - - - -

WORK ON WATER MAINS

* * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 11 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 15) TO 8 AM OF THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR INSTALLATION OF WATER MAINS.

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE IN THE FOLLOWING AREASi

(A) FROM KWAI CHUNG ROAD EXTENDING SOUTHWARD TOWARDS CASTLE PEAK ROAD, BOUNDED BY KWAI WING ROAD AND TAI LIN PAI ROAD.

(B) FROM KWAI CHUNG ROAD WESTWARD TO SHEUNG KOK STREET, BOUNDED BY KWAI FOOK ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

(C) FROM LEI MUK ROAD NORTHWARD TO CHEONG WING ROAD, BOUNDED BY WO YI HOP ROAD, AND KWOK SHU I ROAD.

(D) ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM THE JUNCTION OF LEI MUK ROAD TO THE END OF YIP SHING STREET.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 15) FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTION.

AFFECTED AREAS INCLUDE ALL PREMISES AND VILLAGES ALONG SAN TIN ROAD BETWEEN FAIRVIEW PARK APPROACH ROAD AND SAN TIN POST OFFICE.

-------0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HOME PURCHASE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS .......... 1

GOVERNMENT BUYS $2 500 MILLION MORE EQUITY IN MTR......... 3

CONSTRUCTION ATTRACTS MORE OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS ............... 4

AUSTRALIANS DISPLAY BUILDING MATERIALS .....................  5

NT DEVELOPMENT COMPRESSED INTO 12 YEARS ..................... 6

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE TO HOLD SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADb-TNISTRATI ON ................................... 7

SENIOR CITIZENS WHO GET INTO THE SWIM OF THINGS ............. 8

WATER FIGURES ............................................... 9

WATER LEAKAGE TESTS ........................................ 10

’FIGHT CRIME’ PROMOTION .................................... 10

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC ON FLYOVER.................................. 11

HEAVY VEHICLES BARRED FROM SOME HONG KONG ROADS ............ 11

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

- 1 -

HOME PURCHASE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED DETAILS OF A HOME PURCHASE SCHEME AND A HOUSING LOAN SCHEME TO HELP CIVIL SERVANTS TOWARDS BUYING THEIR OWN HOMES.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THESE SCHEMES WERE DRAWN UP AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH STAFF AND WOULD EXTEND DIRECT HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO MORE LOCAL OFFICERS.

UNDER THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME, THOSE WHO ARE ON OR ABOVE POINT 38 OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE (AT PRESENT $8 515 PER MONTH), WHICH MAKES THEM ELIGIBLE FOR THE PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE OR NON-DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS, CAN IN FUTURE OPT INSTEAD TO RECEIVE THEIR HOUSING ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF A HOME PURCHASE ALLOWANCE (HPA) TO PAY OFF THE MORTGAGE ON A FLAT.

AT THE SAME TIME, A FURTHER 13 OOO CIVIL SERVANTS WHO ARE NOT RECEIVING ANY HOUSING ASSISTANCE AT THE MOMENT WILL ALSO BECOME IMMEDIATELY ELIGIBLE FOR THE HPA. THEY ARE EITHER ON MPS POINT 29 (AT PRESENT $5 585 A MONTH) TO POINT 37 (AT PRESENT $8 065 PER MONTH), OR HAVE HAD 20 OR MORE YEARS OF CONTINUOUS GOVERNMENT SERVICE. THEY MUST ALSO BE CONFIRMED TO THE PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT OR HAVE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED ONE CONTRACT TERM, NORMALLY OF 2-1/2 YEARS. OVER AND ABOVE THESE 13 000 OFFICERS MORE WILL BECOME ELIGIBLE MONTH BY MONTH AS THEY COMPLETE 20 YEARS OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE OR REACH MPS POINT 29.

UNDER THIS SCHEME, ELIGIBLE CIVIL SERVANTS WHO HAVE ENTERED INTO A MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENT FOR A PROPERTY IN HONG KONG WILL RECEIVE THIS MONTHLY ALLOWANCE.

THEY WILL HAVE TO LIVE IN THE FLAT THEY PURCHASE THROUGH THIS SCHEME UNLESS THEY ARE DIRECTED TO LIVE IN DEPARTMENTAL QUARTERS FOR OPERATIONAL REASONS.

SOME EXAMPLES OF THE HPA ARE $2 600 FOR OFFICERS ON POINT 16 OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE- $3 840 FOR THOSE ON POINT 29- 86 000 FOR THOSE ON POINT 38- $10 080 FOR THOSE AT THE TOP OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE AND $13 300 FOR THOSE AT THE TOP OF THE DIRECTORATE SCALE.

THE HPA WOULD BE PAYABLE FOR 120 MONTHS (10 YEARS) OR UPON COMPLETION OF MORTGAGE REPAYMENT, OR UPON THE OFFICER LEAVING THE SERVICE, WHICHEVER IS THE EARLIER.

IT COULD BE DRAWN WITHIN THE LIMIT OF THE OFFICER’S ALLOWANCE ENTITLEMENT UP TO THE AMOUNT OF THE MONTHLY MORTGAGE REPAYMENT. AN OFFICER WISHING TO BUY A HIGHER PRICED FLAT COULD TOP UP THE ALLOWANCE WITH HIS OWN RESOURCES.

/IN ADDITION .......

MONDAY, JUDY 13, 1?81

2

IN ADDITION TO THE HPA, THOSE WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ALLOWANCE AND WHO ARE CONFIRMED TO THE PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE ESTABLISHMENT WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A LOAN TO ASSIST WITH THE INITIAL DOWN PAYMENT ON THE PROPERTY.

THE LOAN WOULD BE LIMITED TO 10 PER CENT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE FLAT OR 18 MONTHS’ SALARY, WHICHEVER IS LESS.

THE RATE OF INTEREST FOR THE LOAN WILL BE ANNOUNCED SEPARATELY.

THE LOAN WOULD NORMALLY HAVE TO BE REPAID OVER 10 YEARS.

THE OFFICER CAN ONLY RECEIVE ONE SUCH LOAN DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT BUT WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRADE UP HIS FLAT WITHIN THE 10 YEAR PERIOD OF PAYMENT OF THE ALLOWANCE TO REFLECT HIS PROGRESS THROUGH THE SALARY SCALE ON PROMOTION OR THROUGH LONG SERVICE.

THE OTHER WAY IN WHICH PENSIONABLE CIVIL SERVANTS ARE HELPED TOWARDS HOME OWNERSHIP IS THROUGH THE HOUSING LOAN SCHEME. THIS SCHEME IS APPLICABLE TO THOSE WHO HAVE HAD AT LEAST 10 YEARS OF SERVICE AND WHO ARE INELIGIBLE FOR OR HAVE NOT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME.

IT WOULD HELP THOSE WHO ARE NEARING RETIREMENT AND THOSE WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME CR WHO HAVE JOINED THE RECENTLY COMPLETED WAH YUEN CHUEN AND SHAT IN LODGE HOUSING SCHEMES.

THE AMOUNT OF THE HOUSING LOAN WOULD BE LIMITED TO THE OFFICER’S MAXIMUM COMMUTED PENSION GRATUITY CALCULATED AT THE TIME OF THE LOAN APPLICATION AND WOULD NOT BE FURTHER ADJUSTED.

THE LOAN WOULD BE REPAYABLE BY MONTHLY INSTALMENTS DEDUCTED FROM SALARY IN EITHER OF TWO WAYS. THE REPAYMENT CAN COVER THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON THE LOAN, CALCULATED ON THE REDUCING BALANCE, AND MADE OVER 10 YEARS, OR UNTIL THE OFFICER LEAVES THE SERVICE IF THIS IS EARLIER. ALTERNATIVELY, IT CAN COVER THE INTEREST ALONE, CALCULATED ANNUALLY ON THE FULL LOAN, WITH REPAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL TO BE EVENTUALLY RECOVERED FROM THE COMMUTED PENSION GRATUITY.

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE HOW MANY CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD OPT FOR EITHER THE HOME PURCHASE SCHEME OR THE HOUSING LOAN SCHEME AT FIRST. SOME MIGHT WAIT TILL THEY CAN BETTER AFFORD THE FLAT THEY WANT, WHILE SOME MIGHT CHOOSE, AT LEAST INITIALLY, TO REMAIN IN GOVERNMENT QUARTERS OR CONTINUE TO DRAW PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE. THERE IS ALSO A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF SUITABLE FLATS THAT CAN BE AVAILABLE AT ANY ONE TIME.

IN RESPECT CF BOTH SCHEMES, THERE WOULD BE NO AGE LIMIT WITH REGARD TO ELIGIBILITY, AND OFFICERS WHO ALREADY HOLD CURRENT MORTGAGES ON FLATS WOULD ALSO EE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEMES.

/TH3 CIVIL........

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

3

THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAS SET UP A SPECIAL TEAM TO IMPLEMENT THE ARRANGEMENTS, AND A COMPUTER PROGRAMME WILL BE DEVELOPED TO EFFECT PAYMENTS AND REPAYMENTS. APPLICATIONS FOR THE HPA AND THE LOANS WOULD BE CONSIDERED EVERY QUARTER AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE INVITED AS SOON AS DETAILED PROCEDURES ARE FINALISED BUT IT WILL NOT BE LATER THAN OCTOBER.

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY A QUOTA OF PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS ARE SET ASIDE EACH YEAR FOR JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WOULD CONTINUE. CURRENTLY, THIS QUOTA IS 1 130 UNITS PER ANNUM, BUT IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE SIZE OF THIS QUOTA WOULD BE KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW.

WITH REGARD TO CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING SCHEMES FOR LOCAL OFFICERS, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO DISCONTINUE SUCH SCHEMES IN THE PRESENT FORM. HOWEVER, AN EXAMINATION wAS UNDERWAY TO CONSIDER WHETHER NEW WAYS COULD BE FOUND TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLATS FOR PURCHASE BY LOCAL OFFICERS. THIS EXAMINATION WAS BEING CONDUCTED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW HOUSING ASSISTANCE SCHEMES, AND WOULD TAKE SOME MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-----o------

GOVERNMENT BUYS 32 500M MORE EQUITY IN MTR X X X X X

THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO PURCHASE FOR CASH A FURTHER $2 500 MILLION EQUITY IN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.

FOLLOWING AN EQUITY INJECTION OF $1 000 MILLION EARLIER IN THE YEAR, ITS ISSUED CAPITAL IS NOW 32 190 MILLION AND THE ADDITIONAL $2 500 MILLION WILL THEREFORE RAISE THE ISSUED CAPITAL TO $4 690 MILLION.

THE AUTHORISED CAPITAL OF THE CORPORATION IS 35 500 MILLION.

THE AUTHORISED CAPITAL OF THE CORPORATION WAS INCREASED FROM 32 000 MILLION TO 85 530 MILLION ON FEBRUARY 27, 1981.

THE MAIN PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE AUTHORISED CAPITAL WAS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A FURTHER EQUITY INVESTMENT IN THE CORPORATION AS A CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE ISLAND LINE. THE CORPORATION WOULD NOT HAVE NEEDED TO DRAa ON THIS APPROPRI AT I ON FOR SOME TIME, BUT IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THE CORPORATION’S INTEREST COSTS ARE VERY SUBSTANTIALLY HIGHER THAN WAS ANTICIPATED WHEN THE CORPORATION *AS FORMED IN 1975, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED, SO AS TO ALLEVIATE THESE COSTS, TO BRING FORWARD THE ISLAND LINE EQUITY INVESTMENT.

AS A RESULT OF THIS LATEST INJECTION, THE CORPORATION WILL HAVE DRAWN ALL OF THE MONEY WHICH GOVERNMENT SET ASIDE IN THE MASS TRANSIT FUND FOR THE ISLAND LINE.

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/4 ......

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

4

CONSTRUCTION ATTRACTS MORE OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS

*****

HONG KONG’S REPUTATION FOR ITS DYNAMIC OPERATIONS, ITS HARD-WORKING POPULACE AND ITS VAST AND CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT IS FAST BECOMING RECOGNISED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, MR DAVID MCDONALD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, SAID TONIGHT.

HE WAS ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION AT THE LU PAN (PATRON SAINT OF BUILDERS) FESTIVAL DINNER.

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS SEVERAL NEW PROFESSIONAL FIRMS AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES FROM OVERSEAS COUNTRIES HAD ESTABLISHED A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG.

AND FROM THE DISCUSSIONS HE HAD RECENTLY WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND OTHERS OUTSIDE HONG KONG, IT WOULD APPEAR THAT + HONG KONG CAN EXPECT A GREATER INFLOW OF FIRMS FROM EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY IN OUR INDUSTRY OR TO SUPPLY MATERIALS, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR OUR PROJECTS+.

THIS, HE SAID, WOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL CONCERNED +TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND IMPROVE OUR TECHNIQUES, OUR EFFICIENCY AND OUR PRODUCTIVITY*.

MR MCDONALD CONGRATULATED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON ITS SUCCESS IN IMPROVING ITS EFFICIENCY BY SUCH A VENTURE AS THE OPERATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, ADDING THAT THE PROPOSAL TO HAVE THE SECOND TRAINING CENTRE FUNCTIONING IN 1982 WAS INDEED GOOD NEWS.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE TWO PARTICULAR PROBLEM AREAS IN WHICH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE INDUSTRY HAD BEEN INADEQUATE.

THE FIRST WAS NOISE CONTROL.

+THE LEGISLATIVE MEASURES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED RESTRICTING CERTAIN NOISY OPERATIONS HAVE HAD A FAIR IMPACT AND MANY CONTRACTORS HAVE ADOPTED METHODS OF WORK AND EMPLOYED TYPES OF EQUIPMENT WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN GREATLY REDUCED NOISE LEVELS,* HE SAID.

+GENERALLY, HOWEVER, wE HAVE NOT YET GONE FAR ENOUGH ALONG THIS ROUTE BUT THE FURTHER LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE AND THE EXPECTED IMPROVEMENTS IN TECHNIQUES AND EFFICIENCY TO WHICH I REFERRED EARLIER SHOULD IN TIME CONSIDERABLY UPGRADE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERR ITORY.+

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT THE SECOND AREA IN WHICH MORE MUST EE DONE WAS IN THE APPLICATION OF SAFER WORKING ARRANGEMENTS AND MORE RIGID CONTROL OF OPERATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE WORK FORCE.

/the NUMBER.......

MONDAY, JUDY 13, 1981

5

THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN HONG KONG WAS STILL TOO HIGH.

+AGAIN SOME CONTROLLING MEASURES HAVE ALREADY PASSED THROUGH OUR LEGISLATURE AND MORE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE FUTURE BUT LEGISLATION ALONE IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM,+ HE SAID.

+IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL CONCERNED *ITH WORK SITES TO EARNESTLY ENDEAVOUR TO REDUCE THE ACCIDENT RATE AND PREVENT THE MISERY THAT COMES AS A RESULT OF THESE ACCIDENTS.*

TURNING TO THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, MR MCDONALD SAID ITS STATURE GREW FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT COOPERATION BETWEEN THE ASSOCIATION, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD ALSO GROW.

TO THIS END, HE SAID: +PLANS ARE ALREADY AFOOT TO EXPAND EXISTING LIAISON MACHINERY TO PROVIDE FOR A SMOOTHER MEANS OF Resolving problems which arise from time to time, thereby PRODUCING CONDITIONS WHICH WILL ALLOW ALL OF US TO RENDER A EETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.*

-----o-----

AUSTRALIANS DISPLAY BUILDING MATERIALS * * * *

THE AUSTRALIAN BUILDING MATERIALS DISPLAY, THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND EVER MOUNTED BY AUSTRALIA IN HONG KONG, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD.

FORTY-FOUR AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES ARE TAKING PART IN THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION BEING HELD AT THE GRAND BALLROOM OF THE HILTON HOTEL.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR MCDONALD SAID: +AUSTRALIAN BUILDING PRODUCTS ARE OF COURSE ALREADY WtLL-KNOWN TO LOCAL INDUSTRY BUT MANY OF THE ITEMS ON DISPLAY HAVE NOT tEEN SEEN HERE BEFORE.

+THEY WILL MAKE A MEANINGFUL INCREASE TO THE RANGE AND QUALITY OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS AVAILABLE FOR USE IN OUR PROJECTS.*

HE RECALLED THAT DURING A RECENT VISIT TO AUSTRALIA He HAD THE OPPORTUNITY OF MEETING MANY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS *ELL AS MANY ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, SURVEYORS, PLANNERS, CONTRACTORS

--- AND EQUIPMENT.

MATER IALS

AND SUPPLIERS CF

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT DURING THE TALKS HE HAD SPOKEN OF THE VAST AND ONGOING PROGRAMME 0^ CONSTRUCTION TO WHICH HONG KONG *Ai COMMITTED.

♦AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES aERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO COME HERE TO WORK WITH US AND HELP US TO .' £ET OUR DEVELOPMENT TAr\otTS,+ HE ADDED.

/$ .....

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1901

6

NT DEVELOPMENT COMPRESSED INTO 12 YEARS fc * * *

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN COMPRESSED INTO 12 YEARS, BUT COULD OFTEN HAVE TAKEN 50 OR 100 YEARS TO ACHIEVE ELSEWHERE, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR AKERS-JONES, WHO WAS OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION OF NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB OFFICERS, SAID 12 YEARS AGO DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS TAKING PLACE ON A PIECEMEAL BASIS, AND A COHERENT INTEGRATED PLAN HAD YET TO EMERGE.

THERE WAS NO DETERMINED AND FIXED EFFORT TO OVERCOME THE SHORTAGE OF HOUSING AND TO DEVELOP FURTHER LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION.

+IT IS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT 12 YEARS AGO THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG WAS NOT YET OPEN- THERE WAS NO BRIDGE TO TSI NG Yl- NO RACECOURSE AT SHA TIN- ONLY A HANDFUL OF MODERN BUILDINGS AT TAI PO- NO TUEN MUN HIGHWAY- THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY IN AN EARLY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT- AND OF COURSE NO NEW TOWNS,+ HE SAID.

THERE HAD BEEN CHANGES IN THE PAST 12 YEARS OF SIMILAR MAGNITUDE WHICH WERE PERHAPS NOT SO EASILY DISCERNED.

THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAD MOVED ITS OFFICE TO KOWLOON, AND WELCOMED THE INCLUSION OF OTHER REPRESENTATIVES IN THE DISCUSSION OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD WERE FORMED.

LAND INCREASED ENORMOUSLY IN VALUE AND WHILE UNDOUBTEDLY THE PHYSICAL CHANGES TO THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT HAD NOT BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT UPHEAVAL, DISTURBANCE AND REGRET, NEVERTHELESS THE SPREAD OF RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS, MOTOR CAR SHOW ROOMS, AND BANKS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES INDICATED A CHANGING LEVEL OF PROSPERITY.

ALL THIS HAD HAPPENED IN 12 YEARS, COMPRESSING WHAT HAD OFTEN TAKEN 50 OR 100 YEARS ELSEWHERE AND SETTING A PACE OF CHANGE, AND REQUIRING A QUICK RESPONSE AND REACTION, IN BOTH PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

♦NOW THE CONTAINER PORT IS TOO SMALL, THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM IS UNDER GREAT STRAIN, THE HOUSING PROBLEM IS VERY LITTLE NEARER TO SOLUTION THAN IT WAS 12 YEARS AGO AND MORE NEW TOWNS MUST BE EUILT, AND THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR TOWNS NEEDS AN OVERHAUL,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

THERE WERE ALSO HUMAN AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF PRESSING IMPORTANCE.

AFTER SO MANY YEARS C- A STABLE POPULATION, STABLE COMMUNITIES AND A LOW LEVEL OF CRIME, THE GROWTH IN POPULATION IN TnE TERRITORIES HAD BROUGHT AN EGL ALL Y’^AP'ID GROWTH IN CRIME.

/THE PRSDOJLECAN’T

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1?81

7

THE PREDOMINANTLY YOUNG POPULATION IN SOME OF OUR NEW TOWNS HAD CREATED AN ABNORMAL DEMAND FOR SCHOOLS AND RECREATIONAL FAC ILITIES.

YOUNG MARRIED MOTHERS WITH TIME AND CHILDREN ON THEIR HANDS NEEDED HELP AND FRIENDSHIP.

+WHAT IS CERTAIN TO ME IS THAT W'E MUST INVOLVE PEOPLE MORE AND MORE IF WE ARE TO FIND A SOLUTION TO THESE MANY PROBLEMS.

+THE FORMATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES CHOSEN BY ELECTION AMONG THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, THE GROWTH OF ORGANISATIONS TO BRING YOUNG WOMEN TOGETHER, THE STEADY EXPANSION OF YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, AND CITIZENS COMING TOGETHER TO FIGHT CRIME AND CLEAN HONG KONG ARE ALL ASPECTS OF THE RESPONSE OF THIS VITAL COMMUNITY wE LIVE IN TO THE PROBLEMS THAT WE FACE,* MR AKERS-JONES SA ID.

DESCRIBING THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AS +THE FIRST DELIBERATE ORGANISATIONAL LINK TO BE FORGED BETWEEN THE NT AND THE METROPOLITAN AREA*, MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ITS MEMBERS, WHO HAD GIVEN SO MUCH SERVICE AS A CLUB AND AS INDIVIDUALS IN THE PAST 12 YEARS, WOULD FACE THE CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE WITH A SIMILAR DETERMINATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR UTMOST.

INAUGURATED AS PRESIDENT WAS MR WILLIAM H.C. WAN, WHO TAKES OVER FROM MR IP YIN-WAH. VICE PRESIDENTS ARE MR LAM YIM AND MR KWOK MING-YEE. THE TREASURER IS MR DAVID CHENG AND THE SECRETARY MR PATRICK M.H. WONG.

--------0 ---------

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE TO HOLD SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION K K * * *

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION FOR TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

IT WILL START AT 8 PM IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, WILL BE IN THE CHAIR AND WILL INTRODUCE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM.

OTHER SPEAKERS WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE" KUK, LAU WONG-FAT, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN YAT-SUN, MR CHEUNG KAM-HUNG, MR NG CHEUK-TAI AND MR CHOW MAN-PING, WHO ARE ALSO DISTRICT BCARD MEMBERS.

ALL ASPECTS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINAR wHlCH IS TO ENABLE LOCAL PEOPLE TO KNOW THE SCHEME BETTER ANL TO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

MEMBERS CF RURAL AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOME.

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

8

SENIOR CITIZENS WHO GET INTO THE SWIM OF THINGS *****

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN, NOR IT SEEMS, IS ONE EVER TOO OLD TO GET INTO THE SWIM OF THINGS.

THIS CLEARLY IS THE VIEW HELD BY SOME 30 ELDERLY WOMEN WHO MAKE IT A POINT REGULARLY TO TURN UP FOR AN EARLY MORNING DIP ON TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT THE KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL.

THESE WOMEN, WHOSE AGES RANGE FROM 50 TO 70, ARE MEMBERS OF A SPECIAL SWIMMING COURSE FOR THE ELDERLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, WHICH HAS BROUGHT NEW VIM AND VIGOUR, AS WELL AS HAPPINESS INTO THE LIFE OF THE PARTICIPANTS.

ONE OF THE MORE SENIOR MEMBERS, 70-YEAR-0LD MRS CHU TSE-TAI, EXCLAIMED EXUBERANTLY WHEN ASKED HOW SHE FELT ABOUT TAKING THE COURSE: +WONDERFUL, I’VE NEVER FELT BETTER FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER.*

♦APART FROM BEING ABLE TO SWIM, WHICH I HADN’T BEEN ABLE TO DO BEFORE, I FEEL MUCH HEALTHIER, AND THE QUALITY OF MY LIFE HAS IMPROVED.+

♦AND NOW I HAVE GREAT FUN WHEN I GET INTO THE WATER WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN WHEN WE GO TO THE BEACH. BEFORE TAKING THE COURSE, I COULD ONLY SIT ON THE BEACH AND WATCH, NOW I PART IC IPATE,+ SHE SAID.

THE PURPOSE OF THE COURSE, EXPLAINED MRS WONG LEUNG CHIU-BING, ASSISTANT RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, KWUN TONG, IS TO GIVE THE ELDERLY PEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE FUN FROM SWIMMING AND, AT THE SAME TIME, GIVE THEM SOME IDEA OF SAFETY IN WATER.

WHILE SOME OF THE WOMEN MAY HAVE DONE SOME SWIMMING BEFORE, MOST HAD NEVER BEEN IN A SWIMMING POOL ALL THEIR LIVES UNTIL THEY TOOK UP THE COURSE.

♦IT TOOK QUITE A LOT OF PERSUADING AT FIRST FOR SOME OF THEM EVEN TO COME OUT FROM THE CHANGING ROOM IN THEIR SWIM SU ITS,♦ MRS WONG SAID.

THE COURSE ITSELF LASTS FOR FIVE WEEKS. IT IS OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN BETWEEN 50 AND 70 YEARS OF AGE AND COSTS $15 FOR THE ENTIRE 15 ONE-HOUR SESSIONS. THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAS BEEN OFFERING TwO SUCH COURSES EACH SUMMER, SINCE 1979.

/9 .......

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

9

♦the course is extremely USUALLY OVERSUBSCRIBED WITHIN SAID MRS WONG.

POPULAR WITH THE WOMEN AND WE ARE MINUTES AFTER ENROLMENT STARTS,*

THE WOMEN ARE FAR KEENER IN TAKING THE COURSE THAN THE MEN. THE MEN SEEM TO GIVE UP MORE EASILY. +PERHAPS IT IS BECAUSE BEING FEWER IN NUMBER, THEY ARE TOO SHY TO STAY ON,+ SHE SAID.

SO FAR, SOME 130 WOMEN AND ABOUT 20 MEN HAVE GONE THROUGH THE COURSE.

IN THE OPINION OF COURSE INSTRUCTOR MR CHOW MAN-KU I, MORE INSTRUCTORS AND MORE ATTENTION ARE REQUIRED IN TEACHING THE ELDERLY. +AND YOU HAVE TO BE A LITTLE MORE PATIENT T00,+ HE ADDED.

MR CHOW, WHO IS WITH THE KwUN TONG SWIMMING CLUB, SAID THE ELDERLY WOMEN WILL BE ABLE TO SWIM ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.

QUITE APART FROM THE BENEFITS TO HEALTH AND EMOTION, THE COURSE ALSO ACHIEVES THE OBJECT OF BRINGING THE ELDERLY PEOPLE IN CONTACT WITH ONE ANOTHER SOCIALLY, THEREBY ALSO HELPING IMPROVE THE OVERALL SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE AREA, EXPLAINED MRS wONG.

WATER FIGURES * * *

WATER STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 38.1 PER CENT OR 220.104 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

ON THE SAME DATE LAST YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 335.971 MILLION CUBLIC METRES OF wATER, OR 58.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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/10 ......

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1981

- 10 -

WATER LEAKAGE TESTS * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT WEDNESDAY (JULY 15) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET INCLUDING WING SING LANE, HI LUNG LANE, MAN MING LANE, TEMPLE STREET, PORTLAND STREET, ARTHUR STREET AND YUNNAN LANE.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JULY 16) TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 17) FOR SIMILAR TESTS.

THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JUNK BAY ROAD, KAI TIN ROAD, PING TIN STREET, AND ON TIN STREET, INCLUDING WHOLE BLOCKS OF LAM TIN ESTATE AND LAM TIN SAM TSUEN.

----0-----

’FIGHT CRIME’ PROMOTION

* * * *

A FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE MONG KOK FIVE AREA COMMITTEES, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JULY 18), 7 PM AT ANCHOR STREET PLAYGROUND, TAI KOK TSUI.

THIS ANNUAL ACTIVITY, AIMED AT PROMOTING THE ’FIGHT AGAINST CRIME', WILL INCLUDE TAEKWONDO PERFORMANCE AND SKITS. ADMISSION IS FREE.

SOME 2 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE EVENT. MR P.K. CHAN, A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.

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/11

MONDAY, JULY 13, 1931

11

ONE-wAY TRAFFIC ON FLYOVER * * * *

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD EEATON, TODAY VISITED THE STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE PARTIALLY OPENED TO TRAFFIC THIS WEEKEND.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR HUGH MCBRIDE OF PETER PUN AND ASSOCIATES, THt CONSULTANTS, AND MR PETER MANN, RESIDENT ENGINEER.

MR EEATON SAID THAT THE 450-METRE FLYOVER WOULD BE OPENED TO ONE-WAY TRAFFIC DOWN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD FROM 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY.

THIS, HE ADDED, SHOULD RELIEVE THE CONGESTION AT THE STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT, ESPECIALLY DURING RUSH HOURS.

THE FLYOVER IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER ON COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE PROJECT.

- 0 - -

HEAVY VEHICLES BARRED FROM SOME HONG KONG ROADS * * * * *

ucuirir<; ui TH AN UNLADEN wE IGHT EXCEEDING 2-1/2 TONS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM USING SEVERAL ROADS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FROM 13 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 15).

twy arf HFNDERSON ROAD- PRICE ROAD, BETWEEN WILSON ROAD AND MOUNT BUTLER ROAD AND BETWEEN '*'0^ ^TLER ROAD AND MOUN

X^d s Schill

ROAD =AST- ACCESS ROAD TO POLICE TRAINING CAMP, NEAR ABERDcEN OLD MAIN STREET- AND SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR ALL 85 367 ......................... 1

FULL WATER SUPPLY TO CONTINUE FOR THE TIME BEING ............... 2

QUEST FOR YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT ................................. 3

SUBSIDISED FORM IV PLACES INCREASED ........................... 4

TUEN MUN HOLDS SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ............. 5

TWO MORE WATER STANDPIPES FOR WONG TAI SIN VILLAGES....... 6

WONG TAI SIN POP-SINGERS' WORKSHOP ............................ 6

WATCHMAN WINS TOP INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ PRIZE.................. 7

CLEANSING SERVICE WANTED FOR LO WU STATION ..................... 7

TAI PO TO HOLD BADMINTON COMPETITION ......................

WORK ON SALT WATER MAINS ..................................

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

1

SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR ALL 85 367

* * M *

♦ALL 85 367 PUPILS PART IC I PAT I NG IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FORM I OR MIDDLE I PLACES IN GOVERNMENT, AIDED OR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

♦ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE THREE-YEAR PLACES FOR WHICH NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED,+ HE ADDED.

RESULTS OF ALLOCATION WILL BE RELEASED TO ALL PARTICIPATING PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

WHEN INQUIRING ABOUT THEIR RESULTS OF ALLOCATION, PUPILS SHOULD FOLLOW THE ARRANGEMENTS SET DOWN BY THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THEY SHOULD ALSO TAKE ALONG WITH THEM THEIR PRIMARY 6 IDENTIFICATION FORMS SO THAT THEIR INDIVIDUAL ALLOCATION SLIPS MAY BE ATTACHED TO THE FORMS.

♦ALL PUPILS SHOULD REPORT DURING THE FIRST REGISTRATION PERIOD TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED IN ACCORDANCE wITH THE DATES AND TIMES SPECIFIED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPPLIED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS,* HE ADDED.

+PUPILS WHO FAIL TO REPORT TO THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ALLOCATED DURING THE FIRST REGISTRATION PERIOD WHICH FALLS ON JULY 22 AND 23, 1981 ARE DEEMED TO HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES ALLOCATED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THEREFORE THOSE PUPILS OR THEIR PARENTS WHO HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTY IN REPORTING TO THEIR ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHOOLS DURING THE FIRST REGISTRATION PERIOD ARE URGED TO CONTACT THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION BEFORE JULY 23 SO THAT OTHER ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE.

+THE SECOND REGISTRATION PERIOD (JULY 30 AND 31) IS MAINLY FOR PUPILS WHO HAVE TO SEEK TRANSFER DUE TO HAVING MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

+THEY OR THEIR PARENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT COUNCIL SECRETARY OF THE NET TO aHICH THEY HAVE RECENTLY MOVED HOUSE.*

+THE SECRETARY, UPON BEING SATISFIED WITH THE GENUINE NATURE OF THE CASE, MAY THEN GRANT APPROVAL FOR TRANSFER AND ASSIST THEM IN SECURING PLACES IN THE NETS CONCERNED,* HE ADDED.

/ALTERNATIVELY, ......

TUESDAY, JULI 14, 1981

2

ALTERNATIVELY, THE PUPILS OR THEIR PARENTS MAY CONTACT A SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THEIR CHOICE IN THE NET THEY HAVE MOVED TO, AND THE PRINCIPAL OF THE SCHOOL SHOULD THEN SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE DISTRICT COUNCIL SECRETARY OF HIS NET ON BEHALF OF THE PUPILS BEFORE ADMITTING THE PUPILS.

+IN THE CASE OF A TYPHOON AFFECTING HONG KONG DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIODS, HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE MEDIA FOR ANY NECESSARY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ANY ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-272Q13.

FULL WATER SUPPLY TO CONTINUE FOR THE TIME BEING *****

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE PRESENT FULL SUPPLY WOULD BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH WHEN A FURTHER REVIEW OF THE OVERALL WATER SITUATION WOULD BE MADE.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT CAME AFTER A MEETING THIS MORNING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

MR TUCKER REITERATED HOWEVER THAT THE PRESENT WATER STORAGE POSITION WAS STILL +UNHEALTHY+.

AT 9 AM TODAY, THE RESERVOIR STORAGE WAS 219.432 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 38 PER CENT OF THE CAPACITY, COMPARED WITH 342.278 MILLION CUBIC METRES OR 59.2 PER CENT AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.

HE SAID THAT THE DECISION ON WHETHER THERE WOULD BE WATER RESTRICTIONS WOULD DEPEND ON THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL IN THE NEXT MONTH AND THE STORAGE POSITION IN THE MIDDLE OF AUGUST.

MR TUCKER AGAIN APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE TO EXERCISE MAXIMUM ECONOMY IN THE USE OF WATER.

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TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

3

QUEST FOR YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT * * * * * *

YOUNG LOCAL MUSICIANS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES BY TAKING PART IN THE 1981 YOUNG MUSIC-MAKERS TALENT QUEST.

THE TALENT QUEST, TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, AND SPONSORED BY AIWA CO LTD.

ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS ELIZABETH WONG SAID THE AIM OF THIS CONTEST IS TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN MUSIC COMPOSITION, ARRANGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG LOCAL AMATEUR MUSICIANS.

ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE CONTROLLER (RADIO) OF RTHK, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE- THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AIWA CO LTD, MR KENNETH FUNG- THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR M.C. LUKE- AND ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR THOMAS WANG.

PARTICIPANTS CAN ENTER ONE OF THE THREE CATEGORIES, NAMELY, CHINESE, WESTERN AND FOLK MUSIC.

♦THE WINNER FROM EACH CATEGORY WILL BE AWARDED A $5 OOO AIWA 30TH ANNIVERSARY SCHOLARSHIP AND WINNERS OF THE BEST COMPOSITION AND BEST PERFORMANCE AWARDS WILL EACH RECEIVE AN AIWA CARRY-COMP HI-FI SET.+ SAID MR KENNETH FUNG.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL AMATEUR MUSIC-MAKERS UNDER THE AGE OF 30. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS SEPTEMBER 15. SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL ATTEND A PRELIMINARY CONTEST ON OCTOBER 11, AND THE FINALS WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON OCTOBER 17.

WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS, CELEBRITIES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL BE INVITED AS ADJUDICATORS AND THERE WILL ALSO BE GUEST PERFORMANCES. THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK.

TICKETS AT 15 EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE AC HALL AND MUSIC OFFICE MUSIC CENTRES TOWARDS THE END OF SEPTEMBER.

APPLICATION FORMS ALONG WITH DETAILS ON RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE YOUNG MUSIC-MAKERS TALENT QUEST MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE AIWA SHOWROOM AT OCEAN TERMINAL, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFF ICES.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE MUSIC OFFICE HEAD OFFICE AT 5-283257- THE EAST KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRE AT 3-411328-THE WEST KOWLOON MUSIC CENTRE AT 3-819204- OR THE NEW TERRITORIES MUSIC CENTRE AT 0-428127.

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/4

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

4

SUBSIDISED FORM IV PLACES INCREASED

K * * *

THE PROVISION RATE OF SUBSIDISED FORM IV PLACES HAS INCREASED FROM 20 PER CENT IN 1971 TO SOME 60 PER CENT IN 1981, AND WILL FURTHER INCREASE TO 75 PER CENT BY THE MID-1980’S, MR Y.T. LI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND BUILDING) SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE COMBINED GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE SAM YUK SCHOOLS, HE SAID THIS WAS +A TRACK RECORD NOT MANY OF OUR NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HAVE MATCHED.+ SEEN IN THIS HISTORICAL CONTEXT, MR LI SAID, HE COULD NOT SEE HOW THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM COULD BE REFERRED TO AS A *FORM III ELIMINATION EXAMINATION* BY SOME CRITICS.

RECALLING THE DRAFTING OF THE 1978 EDUCATION WHITE PAPER, PR LI SAID THAT A DECISION WAS THEN TAKEN THAT SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE CONFINED TO ACADEMIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS BUT SHOULD BE DIVERSIFIED TO INCLUDE MORE VOCATIONAL-BIASED COURSES IN OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

+GIVEN THEREFORE THAT THE SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG WOULD BE A DIVERSIFIED ONE, AND THAT WE DO NOT YET HAVE ENOUGH PLACES IN OUR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO MAKE SELF-SELECTION BY STUDENTS POSSIBLE, SOME PROCEDURES ARE NEEDED FOR SELECTING THOSE STUDENTS WHO ARE MOST SUITED FOR THE COURSES RUN BY THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED. IT WAS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT THE JSEA SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED,* HE SAID.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF POST-FORM III EDUCATION. IN PARTICULAR, IT WILL STUDY CAREFULLY THE DEMAND FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF POST-FORM III EDUCATION TO SEE WHETHER THE MIX OF EDUCATIONAL PLACES PROPOSED IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER NEEDS TO BE ADJUSTED.

RESULTS OF THE FIRST JSEA WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JULY 28 AND FORM III STUDENTS WILL SOON KNOW WHETHER THEY WILL BE ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM IV PLACES.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT ALTERNATIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE STUDENTS *H0 ARE NOT ALLOCATED SUCH PLACES. THESE WILL INCLUDE THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL, GOVERNMENT EVENING SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS WELL AS PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WHICH ALSO OFFER POST-FORM III PLACES.

+THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ALSO LOOKS TO SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND CAREER, COUNSELLING AND FORM TEACHERS FOR PROVIDING ALL STUDENTS WITH THE NECESSARY ADVICE ABOUT FURTHE- STUDIES AND EMPLOYMENT,* MR LI SAID.

/5......

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

5

TUEN MUN HOLDS SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

* * * * *

TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HELD A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM.

BESIDES MR LAM, THE SPEAKERS WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHEUNG KAM-HUNG, MR NG CHEUK-TAI AND MR CHOW MAN-PING, ALL OF WHOM ARE BOARD MEMBERS.

MR LAM SAID THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM WAS AIMED AT IMPROVEMENTS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL AND AT STIMULATING PART ICIPATION IN HELPING TO RUN THE DISTRICT.

HE SAID THIS WAS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT IN A NEW TOWN LIKE TUEN MUN WHERE TRADITIONAL RURAL ELEMENTS HAD BEEN SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY DEVELOPMENTS.

HE URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS AND NEW COMERS TO TUEN MUN TO TAKE PART AND TO STAND FOR ELECTION.

MR LAU WONG-FAT SAID GOVERNMENT WAS NOW WILLING TO DELEGATE ADMINISTRATION AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL TO LOCAL PEOPLE.

THEREFORE, THE PEOPLE SHOULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REFLECT THEIR NEEDS TO THE GOVERNMENT- THEY SHOULD SUPPORT THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ALLOW THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM TO BE CARRIED OUT MORE EFFECTIVELY.

ON THE ROLE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM, MR CHEUNG KAM-HUNG SAID THE PEOPLE MUST THEMSELVES SEEK TO IMPROVE THEIR WELFARE AND LIVELIHOOD.

PEOPLE MUST UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLE IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM.

THEY MUST NOT GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO VOTE, OR TO STAND FOR ELECTION.

SPEAKING ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, M? NG CHEUK-TAI SAID PEOPLE’S OPINIONS WERE MOST IMPORTANT IF THE SYSTEM WAS TO SUCCEED.

ON THE PROMOTION OF CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORT IN THE DISTRICT, MR CHOW MAN-PING SAID THIS WAS IMPORTANT IN BOOSTING A SENSE OF BELONGING AND SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM.

ATTENDING THE SEMINAR WERE MEMBERS OF RURAL AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC.

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/6.....

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

- 6 -

TWO MORE WATER STANDPIPES FOR WONG TAI SIN VILLAGES ft ft ft ft

TWO ADDITIONAL PUBLIC STANDPIPES ARE BEING INSTALLED AT THE HONG LOK AND SEI HEI NEW VILLAGES, WONG TAI SIN WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE WATER SUPPLY SITUATION THERE.

THERE IS AT PRESENT ONLY ONE PUBLIC STANDPIPE SERVING A POPULATION OF 2 OOO IN THE TWO VILLAGES. THE ADDITIONAL STANDPIPES WILL REDUCE THE RATIO OF POPULATION TO STANDPIPE TO 660, RESULTING IN A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN THE PRESENT WATER SUPPLY SITUATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WONG TAI SIN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY.

THE PROJECT IS BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE REQUEST OF THE VILLAGERS, WITH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID.

-----0------

WONG TAI SIN POP-SINGERS’ WORKSHOP ft ft ft ft

THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), TOGETHER WITH TVB, WILL ORGANISE A POP-SINGERS’ WORKSHOP ON JULY 26 (SUNDAY). THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), THE CDO (WTS), MR STEPHEN SELBY SA ID I +THIS PROJECT EMBODIES AN ENTIRELY NEW CONCEPT! 20

PROMISING AMATEUR SINGERS OF POPULAR SONGS AND FOLK SONGS WILL BE

INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A MASTER CLASS LED BY A LEADING POPULAR SINGER, MISS AGNES CHAN. ON THE SAME EVENING, PARTICIPANTS

WILL PERFORM IN A PUBLIC CONCERT IN MORSE PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE.*

ADMISSION TO THE CONCERT WILL BE FREE.

DURING THE WORKSHOP, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL REHEARSE SONGS WITH A PROFESSIONAL BACKING GROUP AND HAVE CHANCES TO DISCUSS THEIR PERFORMANCE WITH THE GROUP LEADER.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

DETAILS OF THE WONG TAI SIN POP-SINGERS’ WORKSHOP WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI CDO SUB-OFFICE, CHAMPAGNE COURT, 40 CARNAVON ROAD ON THURSDAY (JULY 16) AT 2.30 PM. PRESENT WILL BE W STEPHEN SELBY, CDO (WTS) AND MISS AGNES CHAN. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.

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/7......

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

- 7 -

WATCHMAN WINS TOP INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ PRIZE ft ft ft ft

SIX WORKERS, TWO STUDENTS AND A SALESGIRL LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT SHARED $15 OOO WORTH OF PRIZES IN A KEENLY CONTESTED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION HELD DURING THE ♦HAPPY HOUR* PROGRAMME ON REDIFFUSION TELEVISION.

MR TONG SANG, A 48-YEAR-OLD WATCHMAN, WON THE FIRST PRIZE OF A $4 500 PHILIPS COLOUR TELEVISION SET AFTER DEFEATING EIGHT OTHER CONTESTANTS.

MR SIU PAK-BIU, A 34-YEAR-OLD PAINTING WORKER, WON THE SECOND PRIZE OF AN AIR TICKET TO JAPAN, PLUS FREE BOARD AND LODGING, WHILE NR CHU CHUN-SING, A 19-YEAR-OLD QUALITY CONTROL WORKER, WON THE THIRD PRIZE OF. AN AIR TICKET TO THAILAND.

THE OTHER PRIZES CF AN AIR TICKET TO THE PHILIPPINES, A RTV MINIATURE 24K GOLD SAFETY HELMET, AN ATARI VIDEO ELECTRONIC TV GAME AND THREE STEREO CASSETTE PLAYERS WERE SHARED AMONG MISS NG KAM-FAN, YR LEUNG WING-SUN, MR CHEUNG YU-MAN, MR YEUNG CHI-YING M? CHENG KING-CHAU AND MR TANG CHIU-HUNG.

THE AIR TICKETS WERE DONATED BY HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND THE TV GAME WAS DONATED BY HONG KING TRADING COMPANY.

THE SECOND ROUND OF THE COMPETIT ION-JO INTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG DAILY NEWS AND RTV-IS UNDERWAY, AND LINE DRAWINGS AND MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS ARE BEING PUBLISHED BY HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, HONG KONG TV NEWS AND RTV’S TV TIMES.

-----c------

CLEANSING SERVICE WANTED FOR LO WU STATION ft ft ft ft ft

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FCR THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR TO PROVIDE CLEANSING SERVICES AT LO WU RAILWAY STATION.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID TENDERS must be addressed to the director of government supplies and placed IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN GATE OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG BEFORE 9 W ON MONDAY, JULY 29, 1981.

FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRAFFIC DIVISION OF THE KOWLOOlN-CANTON RAILWAY ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 1981

8

TAI PO TO HOLD BADMINTON COMPETITION ft * * *

AN OPEN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE BADMINTON IN TAI PO WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.

ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S, WOMEN’S AND BOYS’ SECTIONS AND INCLUDE SINGLES AND DOUBLES EVENTS.

ANYONE LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT CAN ENTER.

MATCHES WILL TAKE PLACE ON AUGUST 2, 3, 9 AND 23 FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, AT THE BISHOP MOK SAU TSANG SECONDARY SCHOOL, TAI PO.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION OR THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AT TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 22.

WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT TAI PO WHEN THE NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE IS LAUNCHED ON OCTOBER 24.

WHEN THE COMPETITION WAS FIRST HELD LAST YEAR IN TAI PO, 100 PEOPLE TOOK PART.

THIS YEAR 160 ENTRANTS ARE EXPECTED.

- -0--.. 1

WORK ON SALT WATER MAINS M * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN YAU TONG KOWLOON rAoT*,CT WILL TURNED OFF FROM 8 AM ON THURSDAY (jULY 16) 0F 40 H0URS F0R ROUTINE CLEANING WORK TO BE vAnn I uD OUT#

SUPPLY WILL RESUME AT MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY (JULY 17).

2u?cAe &L17) To 9 AM ™E F0LL°"'"' ?f

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE IN 01 MAN ESTATE HO MAN TIN ^EKLEKURSTReef?IlNGM?A\‘'tTREE"'s5iS"E^5v?^- S’ ' «fe'AL"E?SE’ci!MLROASJREET BET,,EEN PEACE AVEN6E AND W‘’'I»L06 ROAD

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-HAY 1981 ............... 1

SPORTS-FOR-ALL ON ROYAL WEDDING DAY ........................... 6

WONG TAI SIN BOARD PLANS PROJECTS ............................. 7

TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES LAUNCHED........................ 8

FINANCIAL AID FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN ............................. 8

BOCK EXHIBITION IN TSUEN WAN .................................. 9

LONDON SERVICE FOR SIR RONALD HOLMES ......................... 10

TAPS OFF FOR MAINS WORK ...................................... 10

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

1

HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY-MAY 1981 * * * *

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY TO MAY 1981, VALUED AT $99 247 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1980, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT TO $28 778 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 26 PER CENT TO $54 199 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 50 PER CENT TO $16 271 MILLION.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE CF 25 PER CENT.

CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE AS FOLLOWS»-

TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS

MARKETS

INCREASE/

JAN - MAY 81 JAN - MAY 80 DECREASE PERCENTAGE

(HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) (HK$ MN.) CHANGE

U.S.A. 9 976 8 267 + 1 709 ♦21

U.K. 2 754 2 500 + 254 +10

F.R. OF GERMANY 2 632 2 743 111 - 4

JAPAN 1 020 865 + 155 +18

CHINA 944 557 4- 387 ♦69

AUSTRALIA 864 746 + 118 +16

CANADA 786 608 + 178 +29

SINGAPORE 663 679 16 - 2

NETHERLANDS 598 611 «■» 13 - 2

FRANCE 579 510 4 69 +13

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE US CONTINUED TO GROW.

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $787 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS (BY $523 MILLION OR 135 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $339 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $129 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS AND OFFICE MACHINES DECLINED (BY $30 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT, AND BY $52 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY).

/increases were........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 198*1

2

INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UK OF ^0™ING (BY 574 MILLI0N 9R SIX PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY 856 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), AS WELL AS PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY 853 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT$.

UCDC EXPORTS TO THE FR OF GERMANY, INCREASES

^ERE REG ISTERED IN CLOTHING (BY $26 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $10 MILLION OR lU ।tn CtNlJ*

.o °N THE 0THER HAND» THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS, AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT DECLINED (BY $31 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT, AND $48 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY).

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO JAPAN (BY $92 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), AND IN THE DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $119 MILLION OR 366 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS (BY $76 MILLION OR 129 PER CENT) TO CHINA.

AN ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS DIVISION IS PRESENTED BELOWi-

BY MAJOR COMMODITY

JAN - MAY 81 (HK$ MN.) JAN - MAY 80 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 9 943 8 430 +1 513 ♦18

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 4 304 4 065 + 239 ♦ 6

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3 053 2 433 + 620 ♦25

/ELECTRICAL .......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

3

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 2 □61 1 646 415 ♦25

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1 962 1 936 26 ♦ 1

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 952 1 793 + 159 ♦ 9

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS:-

JAN - MAY 81 (HK$ MN.) JAN - MAY 80 (HK5 MN.) INCREASE (HKS MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 12 859 9 629 +3 230 +34

CHINA 10 790 7 861 +2 929 +37

U.S.A. 5 751 5 481 + 270 + 5

TAIWAN 4 383 3 051 ♦ 1 332 +44

SINGAPORE 3 987 2 742 + 1 245 +45

U.K. 2 457 2 068 + 389 *19

SOUTH KOREA 2 247 1 444 + 803 +56

FR OF GERMANY 1 376 1 218 + 158 ♦13

SWITZERLAND 1 229 1 092 ♦ 137 +12

THAILAND 756 682 74 +11

/local demand........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1?81

4

LOCAL DEMAND FOR JAPANESE GOODS REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE NOTED PARTICULARLY FOR ROAD VEHICLES (BY 8578 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 8551 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $414 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $352 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $291 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA, INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $623 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $540 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $162 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) AND PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $142 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE US WERE LARGELY OF ORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $146 MILLION OR 363 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $135 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY 892 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT), AS WELL AS VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $81 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE IMPORTS OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS (BY $189 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE FIBRES (BY $250 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $645 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT) FROM TAIWAN, AND OF PETROLEUM AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $1 035 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT) FROM SINGAPORE.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECT I ONt-

IMPORTANT CHANGES

JAN - MAY 81 (HK8 MN.) JAN - MAY 80 (HK$ MN.) INCREASE/ DECREASE (HK$ MN.) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 15 940 13 029 ♦2 911 +22

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 12 560 9 521 ♦3 039 +32

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 8 906 6 152 +2 754 +45

/pood and LIVE ........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

5

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 5 226 4 282 944 *22

MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 4 314 2 977 337 ♦45

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 565 3 638 73 - 2

SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $1 933 MILLION OR 148 PER CENT), USA (BY $784 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $621 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $386 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $171 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $169 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT), NIGERIA (BY $163 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), SOUTH KOREA (BY $146 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), UK (BY $138 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT) AND PANAMA (BY $114 MILLION OR 167 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $46 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (BY $77 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY $1 348 MILLION CR 97 PER CENT), ROAD VEHICLES (BY $625 MILLION OR 174 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (BY $420 MILLION CR 60 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $402 MILLION OR 102 PER CENT), AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $277 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT).

THE MAY 1981 ISSUE OF +THE HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY*, BEING A SUMMARY REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR THE MONTH, WILL SOON BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$3 A COPY.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE MONTH’S IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY AUGUST AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$10 A COPY.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, ^ONG KONG. (TEL. NO. : 5-214375).

--------o----------

/6........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

6

SPORTS-FOR-ALL ON ROYAL WEDDING DAY

* * * *

HONG KONG WILL CELEBRATE THE WEDDING OF HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER ON JULY 29, IN A MANNER QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING BANQUET AND RECEPTION.

THE CELEBRATION WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A ’SPORTS-FOR-ALL’ TO BE HELD AT MORSE PARK ON THAT DAY, A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, WITH A WIDE RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES APPEALING TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER, WILL LAUNCH THE COLOURFUL EVENT AT 5 PM ON THAT DAY, PRECEDED BY FESTIVE MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES. OTHER GUESTS OF HONOUR WILL INCLUDE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND LOCAL DIGNITARIES.

ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION, THE PROGRAMME WILL PROVIDE AN AFTERNOON OF RELAXATION AND ENJOYMENT FOR PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS ALIKE.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, THOSE TAKING PART WILL EACH RECEIVE A SOUVENIR BADGE WITH THE PORTRAIT OF THE ROYAL COUPLE.

ONE OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS WILL BE A TELEMATCH COMPETITION OPEN TO GROUPS AND ASSOCIATIONS. AND THERE WILL BE GRAND PRIZES FOR THE WINNING TEAMS, AS WELL AS THE OUTSTANDING CHEERING TEAM.

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAY, A TAI CHI SWORD DEMONSTRATION, A FOOTBALL MATCH, A DISCO DANCE-IN, TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON FOR FUN, AND A MODIFIED THREE-A-SIDE, KNOCK-OUT BASKETBALL MATCH IN WHICH TEAMS WILL BE COMPETING FOR THE 'ROYAL WEDDING CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY.’

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 MAY ENTER AS INDIVIDUALS OR PAIRS IN THE 'SKIPPING FOR FUN’ EVENT. TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR CONTESTANTS LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THOSE OVER 50 YEARS OF AGE AND CHILDREN BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12 WILL HAVE THEIR OWN SERIES OF POTTED SPORTS CONTESTS SPECIALLY SUITED TO THEM.

FOR THE MORE ATHLETIC, THERE WILL BE AN 8 OOO-METRE ROAD RACE TO TEST THEIR STAMINA WHILE THOSE WHO ARE NOT PREPARED FOR SUCH A STRENUOUS RUN MAY GET INVOLVED IN THE INTRIGUING GAME OF CHTNESE SHUTTLECOCK.

ROLLER SKATING EXPERTS WILL ALSO BE AROUND TO DEMONSTRATE AND GIVE FREE LESSONS. THERE WILL BE ABUNDANT PROVISION OF ROLLER SKATES FOR PARTICIPANTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A WHEELCHAIR TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITION. TRANSPORTATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE HANDICAPPED PARTICIPANTS TO AND FROM THE VENUE.

/WITH THE .......



AY, JULY 15, 1981

WITH THE SWIMMING SEASON IN FULL SWING, THE WATER CARNIVAL, WITH ITS MANY AQUA-GAMES WILL BE AN ADDED ATTRACTION. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THE EXCITEMENT OF TEAM COMPETITION AND AT THE SAME TIME ENJOY A REFRESHING DIP.

APPLICATION FORMS AND DETAILS ON EACH EVENT MAY BE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL RSS DISTRICT OFFICES AND ENTRIES WILL BE DETERMINED ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

----0-----

WONG TAI SIN BOARD PLANS PROJECTS *****

A DECISION TO FINANCE OR SUBSIDISE A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS, INCLUDING A WORK CAMP FOR TSZ WAN SHAN YOUTHS AND A STUDENT GUIDANCE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE, WAS MADE AT THE SECOND MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.

AT THE BOARD MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MEMBERS ALSO AGREED TO ADOPT THE DESIGN OF A LOGO WHICH WON FIRST PRIZE AT A RECENTLY-HELD COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE BOARD.

OTHER MATTERS AGREED UPON WERE THAT SUPPORT BE GIVEN TO THE TRANSLATION OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG INTO CHINESE,* IN ORDER TO LET THE PUBLIC HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW,* AND THAT A REFERENCE LIBRARY OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS BE SET UP IN THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

MEMBERS DISCUSSED THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, PARTICULARLY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES, AND WERE UNANIMOUS IN THEIR VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE FREQUENT CONTACTS AND DIALOGUES AMONG THE ORGANISATIONS.

THEY ALSO CALLED ON THE PEOPLE REMAINING BEHIND FROM THE CLEARANCE AT WANG TAU HOM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, TO MOVE FROM OUTSIDE THE TUNG TAU ESTATE TO YUEN CHAU KOK, SHATIN, AND ALSO CALLED ON THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO PERSUADE THE PEOPLE TO MAKE THE FULLEST USE OF EXISTING GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO FACILITATE THEIR MOVE.

AT THE NEXT MEETING, THE BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

8

TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES LAUNCHED

*****

TAI PO HELD A VARIETY SHOW TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME.

OVER THE COMING SIX WEEKS, ABOUT 100 ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO CHOOSE FROM, INCLUDING INTEREST GROUPS, TRAINING CAMPS, VISITS, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, OUTINGS, CAMPS, GAMES AND FUN FAIRS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, SAID THE DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WAS GREATER WITH THE INCREASE IN POPULATION.

FUNDS FOR THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME AMOUNTED TO $90 000, OF WHICH $26 000 WAS PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. THE REMAINDER CAME FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR CHEUNG HON-LEUNG- THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG- AND LOCAL LEADERS.

LAST YEAR, ABOUT 10 000 YOUNGSTERS TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAMME. IT IS EXPECTED THERE WILL BE AS MANY AS 15 000 PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR. I

\

TODAY’S VARIETY SHOW, HELD AT TAI PO PLAYGROUND, WAS ATTENDED BY OVER 4 000 LOCAL RESIDENTS.

FINANCIAL AID FOR YOUNG SPORTSMEN * * *

A NEW FOUNDATION, ENTITLED THE FREDDY ZIMMERN SPORTS FOUNDATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN PRACTISING FOR AND PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS OR RECREATIONAL EVENTS.

APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN NOW AND SEPTEMBER 7.

THE FOUNDATION AIMS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS WHO REQUIRE ENTRY FEES TO SPORTS EVENTS, TO PURCHASE ITEMS OF SPORTING APPAREL OR EQUIPMENT BEYOND THEIR MEANS, TO TAKE PART IN LOCAL COACHING COURSES, TO PURCHASE BOOKS OR EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL, OR TO APPLY FOR GRANTS OR BURSARIES TO TAKE PART IN OVERSEAS COACHING OR TRAINING COURSES OR SPORTING EVENTS.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE FOUNDATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOW I NGi

/(A) MRS K. HOANG ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1?81

9

(A) MRS K. HUANG

PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES

405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

TEL: 3-884111 EXT. 283

(B) THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION

ROOM 1114, PARK IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 11TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.

TELi 3-302381

(C) THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION OXFORD COMMERCIAL BUILDING, NINTH FLOOR, 494-6 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

TELi 3-300667

-------o-----------

BOOK EXHIBITION IN TSUEN WAN

* * * *

exh,b,tion will °pen TSUE“ town hall

ON DISPLAY WILL BE OVER 6 000 CHINESE BOOKS, INCLUDING SOME ANCIENT WORKS WHICH HAVE NEVER BEEN SHOWN PUBLICLY IN HONG KONG.

THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY TSUEN WAN CULTURE PROMOTION COMMITTEE, WHOSE CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE BOOK SHOW TO BE HELD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE EXHIBITS, PROVIDED BY HONG KONG PUBLISHERS AND DISTRIBUTORS ASSOCIATION, COVER A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING LITERATURE, LANGUAGE, ARTS, SCIENCE, SOCIAL SCIENCES, RELIGION, GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY, MEDICINE AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES.

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS WILL BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED, MR HO SAID.

WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CULTURE PROMOTION COMMITTEE ALSO ORGANISES PHOTOGRAPHIC, PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS AND EXHIBITIONS LOCALLY.

OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING AT 2.30 PM AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL WILL BE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, MR CHAN PO-FONG.

THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL JULY 23. ADMISSION IS FREE.

- - - - 0 ---------

/10........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1981

10

LONDON SERVICE FOR SIR RONALD HOLMES * *

MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE ATTENDED A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SIR RONALD HOLMES, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION, AT ST. PAUL COVENT GARDEN IN LONDON ON TUESDAY (JULY 14).

THE CONGREGATION INCLUDED MANY DISTINGUISHED CURRENT AND FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND CIVIL SERVANTS.

LADY HOLMES WAS ACCOMPANIED BY HER SONS CHRISTOPHER AND PETER.

THE FIRST LESSON WAS READ BY SIR DAVID TRENCH, FORMER GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, AND THE SECOND BY SIR DONALD LUDDINGTON, FORMER HEAD CF THE ICAC.

THE SERVICE WAS CONDUCTED BY THE REVEREND ALASTAIR TODD, HIMSELF A FORMER SENIOR HONG KONG CIVIL SERVANT.

MR DICK CLIFT, HEAD OF THE HONG KONG AND GENERAL DEPARTMENT AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, REPRESENTED THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE.

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON WAS REPRESENTED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER, MR STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON.

SIR RONALD DIED RECENTLY IN CORFU AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS.

- - 0 - -

TAPS OFF FOR MAINS WORK

K *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHA KWO LING WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 11 HOURS FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 17) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

ALL PREMISES ALONG CHA KWO LING ROAD (BETWEEN KO FAI ROAD AND YTML 71) WILL BE AFFECTED, INCLUDING SHIPYARDS, SAWMILLS, TIMBER YARDS AND SCHOOLS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

CONTENTS

PAGE NO-

NEED FOR MORE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS STRESSED.................... 1

PARENTS URGED TO GIVE CHILDREN MORE TIME AND CARE................ 2

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GRADUATING TEACHERS .......................

PARTIAL OPENING OF S9O MILLION WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD FLYOVER ....................................................

FAREWELL DINNER FOR TSUEN WAN PROJECT MANAGER.................... 4

COMMENDATION FOR SIX FIREMEN ................................

GOVERNMENT STAFF MEET WITH YAU 01 ESTATE BLOCK REPRESENTATIVES ............................................

WEEK-LONG CAMP FOR 1 000 CHILDREN ..............................  7

STUDY ON DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL .............................

CONTRACT TO CLEAN INCINERATOR FLUE GASES ...................

MAXICAB SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND DEEP WATER BAY

8

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

1

NEED FOR MORE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS STRESSED *****

THERE ARE CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION OF STUDENTS OF THE HONG KONG COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, KWAI CHUNG.

♦THERE ARE 13 PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS BUT THIS IS CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH WHEN THIS YEAR ALONE THERE ARE 13 000 APPLICATIONS FOR LESS THAN 3 000 PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL PLACES,♦ HE SAID.

TO MEET THE SHORTFALL, BY SEPTEMBER 1984 THERE SHOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL 12 PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, 10 OF WHICH WOULD BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH SOME SCHOOLS OPENING IN SEPTEMBER, 1983.

MOREOVER ENGINEERING SCIENCE, MARINE ENGINEERING AND SHEET METAL WORKS WERE BEING INTRODUCED INTO THE CURRICULUM.

♦THE OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR PLACES IN PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS PROVIDES THE PROOF THAT THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE NOT, AS IS OFTEN SAID, NO LONGER INTERESTED IN INDUSTRIAL WORK AND ARE LOOKING ONLY FOR WHITE COLLAR WORK,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦OUR ABILITY TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES LIES IN THE STRENGTH OF OUR INDUSTRY, AND IN YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS TODAY, AND IN YOUR GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN A STRONG AND PROGRESSIVE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.♦

MR AKERS-JONES TOLD THE 244 GRADUATING STUDENTS THAT THEIR SCHOOL WAS OPENED IN SEPTEMBER 1975, AS A RESULT OF THE FORESIGHT, ENDEAVOUR AND GENEROSITY OF THE PAST CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION.

THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES HAD, BY THEIR CONCERN, ENSURED THAT GRADUATING STUDENTS HAD NO DIFFICULTY IN SECURING EMPLOYMENT IN THE TEXTILE AND ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES AND, IN TURN, THESE GRADUATES HAD BEEN MAKING AN INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.

♦NOW YOUR SCHOOL WILL START FORM IV IN SEPTEMBER, AND SOME OF YOU GRADUATING THIS YEAR WILL BE ABLE TO PURSUE YOUR STUDIES AT SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL HERE,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

THE SCHOOL ACCOMMODATES ABOUT 1 100 STUDENTS IN 25 CLASSES COMPRISING NINE FORM I CLASSES, EIGHT FORM II CLASSES AND EIGHT FORM III CLASSES. ------------------------------o-------

/2

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

2

PARENTS URGED TO GIVE CHILDREN MORE TIME AND CARE *****

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON PARENTS TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN MORE TIME AND CARE AND TO HELP THEM BETTER PLAN THEIR FUTURE COURSE AFTER COMPLETING JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND PROVIDES INFORMATION ON FURTHER STUDIES AND EMPLOYMENT.

HELD AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY STUDENTS OF THE SHU YAN COLLEGE’S DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE AS PART OF THEIR PROJECT TO HELP JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS ARE PREPARED TO OFFER CONSULTATION AND SUITABLE SERVICES TO BOTH THE STUDENTS AND PARENTS.

THEY MAY ALSO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE PARENTS TO ASSIST THE STUDENTS IN OVERCOMING DIFFICULTIES IN PHYSICAL AND MENTAL GROWTH SO AS TO ENABLE THE STUDENTS TO DEVELOP INDIVIDUAL POTENTIALS, SHE ADDED.

MRS CHAN PRAISED THE SHU YAN COLLEGE STUDENTS AND DESCRIBED THEIR SPECIAL PROJECT TO HELP THESE STUDENTS AS +MOST TIMELY AND VERY WORTHWHILE*.

------0 - - - -

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GRADUATING TEACHERS * * * *

MORE AND MORE TRAINED TEACHERS WILL BE NEEDED IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, MR COLVYN HAYE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEY WERE ENTERING TCACHIN6 AT A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TIME IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.

EXISTING TEACHERS AND YOUNG GRADUATES OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION NEED HAVE NO FEARS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS CONCERNING THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS, MR HAYE SAID.

/+11ORE.......

IHURSDAT, JULY 16, 1981

♦MORE LANGUAGE TEACHERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED FOR OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER 1982, AND I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT EVEN MORE TEACHERS HAVE BEEN APPROVED FOR OTHER SIGNIFICANT TASKS IN SCHOOLS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE,+ HE SAID.

MR HAYE HINTED THAT AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY WOULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE TEACHER TO CLASS RATIO IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

HE ALSO REMINDED THE GRADUATES THAT THEY HAVE AN IMPORTANT TASK AHEAD OF THEM.

+NEXT TO THE PARENT, YOU AS TEACHERS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD FOR YOUR PUPILS.

♦NEXT TO THE HOME, THE CLASSROOM IS WHERE YOUNG MINDS AND CHARACTERS ARE MADE OR BROKEN,* MR HAYE SAID.

-------0 - - - -

PARTIAL OPENING OF $90 MILLION WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD FLYOVER *******

THE WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD - STUBBS ROAD FLYOVER, BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT A COST OF $90 MILLION, WILL BE OPENED ONE WAY TO NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY, JULY 18.

THE PARTIAL OPENING WILL ENABLE TRAFFIC HEADING TOWARDS WAN CHAI FROM REPULSE BAY AND ABERDEEN TO BY-PASS THE STUBBS ROAD -TAI HANG ROAD - WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD ROUNDABOUT.

BUSES WILL CONTINUE TO USE EXISTING GROUND-LEVEL STOPS IN THE AREA.

THE FLYOVER IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WHEN WORK ON THE NEW NORTHBOUND SLIP ROAD IN STUBBS ROAD IS COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS. MEANWHILE, THE MERGING OF TRAFFIC AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE FLYOVER WILL BE TEMPORARILY CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

0

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

4

FAREWELL DINNER FOR TSUEN WAN PROJECT MANAGER

*****

TSUEN WAN COMMUNITY LEADERS TODAY (THURSDAY) HELD A FAREWELL DINNER FOR THE DISTRICT’S PROJECT MANAGER, MR EDDY SHORT.

MR SHORT, WHO HAS HELD THE POST SINCE THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS FIRST SET UP IN 1973, WAS RECENTLY PROMOTED ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT.

SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHAN PO FONG, THANKED MR SHORT FOR HIS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS.

HE SAID THE BUILDING OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, AN INDOOR SPORTS HALL IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN BY-PASS, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION AND TSUEN WAN BAY RECLAMATION HAD ALL TAKEN PLACE WHILE Nfi SHORT HAD BEEN PROJECT MANAGER.

*WE BELIEVE THE PROJECT MANAGER’S OFFICE HAS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY UNDER THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME,* MR CHAN SAID.

+ IT IS ONLY THROUGH THEIR WORK THAT COMMUNITY PROJECTS PROPOSED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CAN BECOME A REALITY.

+MR SHORT HAS ALWAYS SHOWN GREAT INTEREST IN HELPING THE BOARD AND ITS VARIOUS PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.

TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, DR JAMES HAYES, DESCRIBED MR SHORT AS A + VERY SENSIBLE AND PRACTICAL PERSON WHO TAKES A HUMAN APPROACH TO PROBLEMS*.

+D(STRICT WORK REQUIRES A LOYALTY TO THE DISTRICT. THIS CAN ONLY DERIVE FROM TAKING A REAL INTEREST IN THE PLACE, WORKING WITH LOCAL PEOPLE, AND KNOWING THE DISTRICT AND ITS NEEDS,* HE SAID.

+BUT DISTRICT NEEDS HAVE TO BE BALANCED AGAINST GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND PRIORITIES.

+THE COMPLEXITIES SURROUNDING THIS KIND OF WORK CLEARLY REQUIRE A SPECIAL TYPE OF PERSON TO DO IT EFFECTIVELY. EDDIE SHORT IS THAT SORT OF MAN,* DR HAYES SAID.

+WE HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE IN HAVING HIM HERE FOR SO LONG, BUT HE NOW HAS TO MOVE ON.*

ALSO PRESENT AT THE DINNER WERE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE DIRECTOR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR BERNARD NEWMAN, THE NEW PROJECT MANAGER, MR C.N. FONG, AND OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT.

------o--------

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

5

COMMENDATION FOR SIX FIREMEN

* * * *

SIX FIREMEN WHO RESCUED TWO MEN FROM THE SLIPPERY AND NARROW LEDGES OF A FACTORY BUILDING IN KWUN TONG WERE TODAY PRESENTED WITH LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM THE. DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR FREDERICK wATSON.

THE FIREMEN , ALL CREW MEMBERS OF A TURNTABLE LADDER, WERE PRESENTED WITH THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION AT A CEREMONY AT KWUN TONG FIRE STATION.

KOWLOON COMMAND’S CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ANTHONY CONWAY PRESENTED THE COMMENDATION TO PRINCIPAL FIREMAN NG WAI-MING, ACTING PRINCIPAL FIREMAN SZE WAH-MAN AND FIREMEN SIU CHUN-KEUNG, WONG SING-HUNG, LEUNG WING-YUI AND LAM MAN-SUN.

IN PRESENTING THE COMMENDATION, MR CONWAY PRAISED THE CREW MEMBERS FOR EXCELLENT TEAMWORK.

+THIS SHOWS THAT BY EXTENSIVE TRAINING TO HANDLE COMPLICATED APPLIANCES, DIFFICULT ADVERSITIES CAN BE OVERCOME,+ MR CONWAY SA ID.

+THE CREW MEMBERS OF THIS TURNTABLE LADDER HAVE SHOWN INITIATIVE AND THE ABILITY TO CARRY OUT THEIR DESIGNATED DUTY IN THE MOST DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES,+ HE ADDED.

THE FIRE BROKE OUT ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF A FACTORY BUILDING IN WAI YIP STREET ON MAY 19,AND WAS SOON UPGRADED TO NUMBER THREE ALARM.

DURING THE FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATION, TWO MEN WERE FOUND BALANCING PRECARIOUSLY ON NARROW LEDGES AT THE BUILDING’S OPEN LIGHT-WELL IN A NARROW LANE AT THE REAR OF THE FACTORY BLOCK.

THE LANE WAS COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, PREVENTING ACCESS TO IT AND THE USE OF MANUAL LADDERS.

THE CREW OF THE TURNTABLE LADDER WAS THEN ORDERED TO RESCUE THE MEN WHO WERE AT THE FOURTH FLOOR LEVEL.

THE RESCUE OPERATION MADE IT NECESSARY TO EXTEND THE MECHANISED LADDER BEYOND ITS SAFETY LIMIT. ANOTHER PROBLEM WAS THAT THE LADDER HEAD COULD NOT BE RESTED AGAINST A WALL.

DESPITE MANY OBSTRUCTIONS, INCLUDING THE PRESENCE OF AIRCONDITIONER UNITS, THE LADDER WAS SUCCESSFULLY OPERATED AND THE RESCUE OF THE TWO MEN COMPLETED IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.

0 --------

/6

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

6

GOVERNMENT STAFF MEET WITH YAU 01 ESTATE BLOCK REPRESENTATIVES * * * * ft

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, TOGETHER WITH POLICE AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF, MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SIX BLOCKS OF YAU 01 ESTATE TONIGHT (THURSDAY) TO TALK ABOUT VARIOUS SECURITY PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE ARISEN IN THE ESTATE RECENTLY.

THE REPRESENTATIVES WERE TOLD BY THE DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENT, DAVE EDWARDS, OF STEPS BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION, INCLUDING DOUBLING MANPOWER OF THE ESTATE’S NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNIT AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL TEAMS TO CARRY OUT VERTICAL PATROLLING OF ALL BLOCKS. THE REPRESENTATIVES WERE URGED TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO REPORT TO THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY ANY SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS OR BEHAVIOUR.

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAID ACTION TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE GATES OF FLATS HAD ALREADY STARTED.

MR LAM SAID MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN IMPROVING SECURITY IN THE ESTATE AND SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS INTENSIFYING ITS EFFORTS TO GET THEM ESTABLISHED IN ALL SIX BLOCKS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE NOW THAT THE BLOCKS WERE BEING FILLED. HE SAID AN MAC HAD ALREADY BEEN SET UP IN ONE BLOCK AND ANOTHER ONE WAS BEING FORMED. HE APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO BECOME MAC MEMBERS.

MR LAM SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS NEWCOMERS TO TUEN MUN MIGHT FACE IN MOVING INTO AN UNFAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT, BUT SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO DO ALL THEY COULD TO ASSIST THEM TO SETTLE DOWN. HE SAID SOME FACILITIES ALREADY EXISTED AND THERE WAS A PROGRAMME TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN’S CENTRES, NURSERIES, KINDERGARTENS AND RECREATIONAL OUTLETS. +GOVERNMENT STAFF ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO MAKE SURE THESE ARE PROVIDED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO MEET THE SITUATION CREATED BY THE EXTREMELY RAPID BUILD-UP OF POPULATION,* MR LAM SAID.

YAU 01 IS THE SECOND LARGEST ESTATE IN TUEN MUN WITH 20 000 RESIDENTS. TUEN MUN HAS A PRESENT POPULATION OF 130 000, DOUBLE WHAT IT WAS LAST YEAR, AND IT wILL EXPAND TO OVER 550 000 WHEN THE NEW TOWN IS FULLY COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE 1980S.

- - - 0 -----------

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

7

WEEK-LONG CAMP FOR 1 OOO CHILDREN

* * * *

ABOUT 1 000 CHILDREN AND STAFF FROM 14 FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART IN A WEEK-LONG SUMMER CAMP AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIS YEAR’S CAMP, THE 13TH OF ITS KIND SINCE 1969, STARTED ON JULY 13.

A BALANCED PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN WORKED OUT FOR THE CHILDREN TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THEMSELVES, EXCHANGE IDEAS AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, COMPETITIVE GAMES AND SPORTS, A STALLS FAIR, INTEREST GROUPS INCLUDING FOLK DANCING AND SINGING AS WELL AS A BARBECUE.

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR C.T. WONG VISITED THE CHILDREN IN THE CAMP TODAY (THURSDAY).

DR WONG TOLD THE CAMPERS THAT MORE THAN $100 000 WAS SPENT ON THE CAMP EVERY YEAR. THE FUNDS WERE MET BY SUBVENTIONS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WITH THE BALANCE FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION.

HE URGED THE CHILDREN TO ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE BY READING GOOD BOOKS DURING THE HOLIDAY.

TWO NEW CLASSROOMS WOULD BE ADDED TO FMO SCHOOLS AT SAI KUNG AND TSING Yl AT THE NEW SCHOOL TERM LATER THIS YEAR, TO ALLOW A BIGGER ENROLMENT OF FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN.

MRS WONG PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE CHILDREN.

-----o------

STUDY ON DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

X * * X

THE GOVeR'MENT HAS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WITH A CONSORTIUM OF CONSULTANTS FOR A REGIONAL PLANNING STUDY IN THE NORTH EAST NEW TERR(TORIES.

THE STUDY — THE DEVELOPMENT INVESTIGATION OF NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES — WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

CONSULTANTS IN THE CONSORTIUM ARE FREEMAN FOX AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST), HALCRCa FOX AND ASSOCIATES, E.B.C. HONG KONG AND W^TiON HAWKSLEY ASIA.

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY IS TO ESTABLISH THE DEVELOPK > POTENTIAL OF ThE NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES. IT WILL rROVIDE THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO PREPARE AN INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR HONG KONG.

-----0--------

/8

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1981

0

CONTRACT TO CLEAN INCINERATOR FLUE GASES

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) SIGNED A $7.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR WORK AND EQUIPMENT TO CLEAN FLUE GASES AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY MR G.J. OSBORNE, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND MR DIETER VON HANSEMANN OF JEBSEN AND CO.

THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE REMOVAL OF EXISTING MECHANICAL GAS CLEANING EQUIPMENT, THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF TWO HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS AND ASSOCIATED CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORK.

DETAILED DESIGN IS UNDERWAY. SITE WORK WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS.

MR OSBORNE SAID THAT ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS WERE USED FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY CLEANING OF WASTE GASES ON MODERN INCINERATION PLANTS.

HE SAID THAT THE KENNEDY TOWN INSTALLATION WHICH WAS A PILOT SCHEME, WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ENGINEERS TO EVALUATE THE POSSIBLE APPLICATION OF ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS TO OLDER EXISTING PLANTS.

THIS STUDY WOULD HELP THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER THE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS WOULD HELP IMPROVE EMISSION STANDARDS AT BOTH KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK INCINERATORS.

-----0------

MAXICAB SERVICE BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND DEEP WATER BAY *****

A NEW RECREATIONAL SUMMER MAXICAB SERVICE WILL BEGIN OPERATING BETWEEN ABERDEEN AND DEEP WATER BAY ON SUNDAY, JULY 19.

THE SERVICE, TO BE KNOWN AS ROUTE NO. 26, WILL OPERATE AT 10—MINUTE INTERVALS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 1.55 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.

THE SERVICE FROM ABERDEEN WILL BE ROUTED VIA CHENG TU ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST, DEEP WATER BAY ROAD AND ISLAND ROAD.

THE RETURN TRIP FROM DEEP WATER BAY WILL BE VIA ISLAND ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, WU NAM STREET, CHENG TU ROAD AND NAM NING STREET.

A FIXED FARE OF $1.50 WILL BE CHARGED FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.

------o-------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS ON LABOUR COMPOSITION........................................... 1

JOINT WORKING SESSION OF AIRPORT MASTER PLAN .................. 2

WAGE INDEXES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS ......................... 5

82 PASS FINAL LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ........................... 5

NEW REGULATIONS FOR PLEASURE CRAFT ............................. 6

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIS TO BE PUBLICISED ON REMOTE ISLANDS .. 7

REST GARDEN FOR KWUN TONG ...................................... 7

TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED ....................... 8

TEMPORARY CLEARWAY FOR TSUEN WAN ............................... 8

TECHNICAL COURSES OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS ........................ 9

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER .................... 9

TUEN MUN ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED............................ 10

WATER PIPE TEST

10

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

1

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS ON LABOUR COMPOSITION *****

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS BASED ON SAMPLE TABULATIONS SHOW THAT THE SIZE OF THE LABOUR FORCE WAS 2 466 570 IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

OF THESE, 2 365 470 WERE EMPLOYED AND 101 100 WERE UNEMPLOYED. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN MARCH 1981 WAS, THEREFORE, 4.1 PER CENT.

BY COMPARISON, IN SEPTEMBER 1980 THERE WERE 101 900 UNEMPLOYED AND THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AT THAT TIME WAS 4.3 PER CENT.

IN COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT THERE WAS A DECREASE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER SEPTEMBER 1980. HOWEVER, THERE ARE USUALLY SUBSTANTIALLY MORE FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) IN SEPTEMBER THAN IN MARCH. IF THE SEPTEMBER 1980 RATE IS ADJUSTED FOR THE SEASONAL INFLUENCE TO PUT IT ON THE SAME BASIS AS THE MARCH 1981 RATE, IT BECOMES 3.8 PER CENT- THIS INDICATED AN INCREASE IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1980 AND MARCH 1981 (FROM 3.8 PER CENT TO 4.1 PER CENT).

IN OTHER WORDS, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS BEEN RISING GRADUALLY SINCE MARCH 1979 WHEN THE RATE WAS AT ITS LOWEST POINT OF 2.3 PER CENT.

REFERRING TO THE FACT THAT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, ON A SEASONALLY ADJUSTED BASIS, HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE, A SPOKESMAN FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS THE RESULT OF THE GROWTH RATE OF THE LABOUR FORCE BEING MORE RAPID THAN THE GROWTH RATE OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WAS NEVERTHELESS A RAPID GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF JOBS BEING TAKEN UP, AS INDICATED BY THE INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE EMPLOYED LABOUR FORCE BY 96 670 DURING THE SIX MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1981.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS PARTICULARLY REMARKABLE FOR SUCH RAPID GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT TO BE ACHIEVED DESPITE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS PREVAILING IN HONG KONG’S MAIN EXPORT MARKETS BEING GENERALLY UNFAVOURABLE.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS EXPLAINED THAT, ACCORDING TO THE 1981 CENSUS DEFINITION, PERSONS BETWEEN 15 AND 64 YEARS OF AGE WHO WERE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT, OR WHO HAD WORKED FOR LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE ENUMERATION, BUT WERE SEEKING WORK, WERE CLASSIFIED AS UNEMPLOYED.

THE COMMISSIONER FURTHER DREW ATTENTION TO THE VARIOUS DEFINITIONS OF UNEMPLOYMENT USED BY DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

IN HONG KONG, ^UNEMPLOYED* INCLUDED (A) PEOPLE WHO HAD JUST LEFT SCHOOL AND WHO REALLY HAD NOT MUCH CHANCE TO FIND A JOB-(B) PEOPLE WHO HAD JUST, BUT ONLY JUST, TAKEN UP WORK- (C) PEOPLE WHO HAD TEMPORARILY BEEN LAID OFF WORK (WORKING LESS THAN 15 HOURS IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS)- (D) PEOPLE WHO WERE AVAILABLE FOR WORK, BUT WERE NOT ACTUALLY LOOKING FOR WORK BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NONE TO BE HAD OR BECAUSE THEY WERE TEMPORARILY SICK.

/THE SAMHE......

FEIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

2

THE SAMPLE TABULATIONS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS, WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE, ALSO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE BASIC SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION. FINAL AND MORE DETAILED RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE LABOUR FORCE BASED ON THE PROVISIONAL FINDINGS OF THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS IS NOW AVAILABLE AND COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.

- - 0 - -

JOINT WORKING SESSION OF AIRPORT MASTER PLAN *****

A WEEK-LONG JOINT WORKING SESSION WAS HELD TO REVIEW THE FIRST STAGE OF THE WORK BY RMP ENCON LTD., THE CONSULTANTS ENGAGED TO CARRY OUT THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

THE SESSION, THE FIRST IN A SERIES, WAS ATTENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS, THE PLANNING STAFF OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND OFFICIALS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES CONCERNED.

AGREEMENT WAS REACHED AFTER DETAILED GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON THE CONSULTANTS’ PROPOSED LOCATION AND LENGTH OF THE FIRST RUNWAY AND PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT IN GENERAL TERMS OF THE LAYOUT OF AIRPORT FACILITIES AND LOCATION AND LENGTH OF THE SECOND RUNWAY.

THE ONGOING WORK PROGRAMME OF THE CONSULTANTS TO DETERMINE AND DESIGN THE AIRPORT FACILITIES AND ROAD ACCESS WAS ALSO APPROVED AT THE JOINT WORKING SESSION.

MEANWHILE, A SERIES OF STUDIES RELATED TO THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT AIRPORT OTHER THAN THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY ARE EITHER BEING CARRIED OUT CONCURRENTLY OR IN THE PIPELINE.

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN STUDY, COMMISSIONED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN MID-APRIL, IS PROGRESSING AS SCHEDULED. THE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY WILL LEAD TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEST EMBANKMENT IN ABOUT SEPTEMBER.

THE METEOROLOGICAL AND OCEANOGRAPHIC STUDIES BEING CONDUCTED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ARE PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY.

THE SELECTION OF CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT BASELINE ENVIRONMENT STUDIES OF FLORA AND FAUNA AND THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT IS PROCEEDING.

THE FINANCIAL EVALUATION STUDY IS SCHEDULED TO BE CARRIED OUT EARLY NEXT YEAR.

RESULTS OF THESE STUDIES AS WELL AS OTHERS RELATED TO THE PROPOSED NORTH LANTAO DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION TOWARDS THE END OF 1982.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

3

WAGE INDEXES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS X X X X X

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED WAGE INDEXES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS IN MARCH 1981. THESE ARE DERIVED FROM HALF-YEARLY WAGE SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT. AS THE SURVEYS ARE NOT BASED ON A SCIENTIFICALLY SELECTED SAMPLE, THE RESULTS CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED AS ROUGHLY INDICATIVE OF HOW WAGES MAY HAVE BEEN CHANGING.

TAKING AVERAGE WAGES DURING THE PERIOD JULY 1973 TO JUNE 1974 AS 100, THE INDEX OF NOMINAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGES (EXCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS) FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS IN MARCH 1981 WAS 224. COMPARED WITH MARCH 1980, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 28 POINTS OR 14.3 PER CENT. COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1980, THERE WAS AN INCREASE CF 16 POINTS OR 7.7 PER CENT. INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS, THE INDEX IN MARCH 1981 WAS 231, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 29 POINTS OR 14.4 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1980 AND 17 POINTS OR 7.9 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1980.

THE INDEXES FOR THE LARGER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT SHOW THE FOLLOWING CHANGES FOR MARCH 1981 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1980 AND SEPTEMBER I960:

NOMINAL INDEX

INDUSTRY EXCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS % CHANGE MAR. 81 OVER

MAR. 80 SEPT 80 MAR 81

SEPT 80 MAR 80

MANUFACTURING 196 208 224 + 7.7 +14.3

TEXTILES 203 213 231 + 8.5 +13.8

ELECTR ICAL APPLIANCES 202 216 217 + 0.5 + 7.4

ELECTRONICS 208 216 251 +16.2 ♦20.7

GARMENTS 182 197 208 + 5.6 +14.3

GLOVES 167 179 178 - 0.6 + 6.6

HANDBAGS 194 195 206 ♦ 5.6 + 6.2

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 233 OTHER THAN FLOWERS AND TOYS 238 254 + 6.7 +9.0

PLASTIC TOYS 200 204 219 + 7.4 + 9.5

PR 1 NT 1 NG 222 254 261 + 2.8 +17.6

/nominal index.......

FHIDAY, JULY 17» 1981

4

NOMINAL INDEX

INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS

INDUSTRY MAR. 80 SEPT 80 MAR 81 % CHANGE MAR. 81 OVER

SEPT 80 MAR 80

MANUFACTURING 202 214 231 + 7.9 +14.4

TEXTILES 205 217 233 + 7.4 +13.7

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 211 225 229 + 1.8 + 8.5

ELECTRONICS 218 226 263 ♦16.4 +20.6

GARMENTS 193 208 221 ♦ 6.3 +14.5

GLOVES 175 188 188 ♦ 7.4

HANDBAGS 209 208 220 + 5.8 + 5.3

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 228 OTHER THAN FLOWERS AND TOYS 231 249 + 7.8 + 9.2

PLASTIC TOYS 197 200 216 + 8.0 + 9.6

PRINTING 226 264 271 + 2.7 +19.9

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PUBLISHED INDEXES OF REAL (THAT IS, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF INFLATION) AVERAGE DAILY WAGES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS.

EXCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS, THE INDEX IN MARCH 1981 WAS 131, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 1 POINT OR 0.8 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1980 AND 1 POINT OR 0.8 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1980.

INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS, THE INDEX IN MARCH 1981 WAS 135, REPRESENTING ALSO AN INCREASE OF 1 POINT OR 0.7 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1980 AND 2 POINTS OR 1.5 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1980.

COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES. A SPOKESMAN FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THAT THE LACK OF INCREASE IN MANUFACTURING WAGE RATES IN REAL TERMS WAS THE RESULT OF THE GROWTH RATE OF SUPPLY OF LABOUR CONTINUING TO BE RAPID, A DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECT OF RECENT IMMIGRATION.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND FOR LABOUR IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS SLOWING DOWN IN RESPONSE TO UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN HK’S MAJOR MARKETS.

/the index.....

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

5

THE INDEX OF NOMINAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS MEASURES CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED AS WAGES BY WORKERS IN LARGE ESTABLISHMENTS IN 25 MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. THE INDEX OF NOMINAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGES INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGES AS WELL AS IN SUCH FRINGE BENEFITS AS CASH BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES, FREE OR SUBSIDISED FOOD AND PAID HOLIDAYS.

THE INDEX OF REAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS AND THE INDEX OF REAL AVERAGE DAILY WAGES INCLUDING FRINGE BENEFITS FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS ARE OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THEIR RESPECTIVE NOMINAL COUNTERPARTS BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A).

DETAILS OF WAGE MOVEMENTS IN THE INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCLUDED IN THE MARCH 1981 SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE WAGES AND LABOUR COST SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

-----0------

82 PASS FINAL LICENTIATE EXAMINATION K K X K

THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 82 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED THE FINAL PART OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS.

THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION, HELD BETWEEN JULY 8 TO 10, WAS AN ORAL EXAMINATION OF ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS.

CANDIDATES WERE GIVEN A 30-MINUTE EXAMINATION BY TWO PANELS OF EXAMINERS IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES — MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL COMMENCE IN THE COMING SEPTEMBER AN 18-MONTH PERIOD OF EXTERNSHIP IN HOSPITALS APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.

THE CANDIDATES WHO FAILED IN THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION MAY RESIT NEXT YEAR, AND ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EXAMINATION BOARD, THOSE WHO FAILED IN ONE SUBJECT WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESIT ONLY THAT SUBJECT. CANDIDATES FAILING IN TWO SUBJECTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESIT THE WHOLE OF THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION.

A TOTAL OF 212 CANDIDATES HAVE OBTAINED LICENCE TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG AFTER PASSING THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATIONS AND SATISFACTORILY COMPLETING AN EXTERNSHIP SINCE 1977. AT PRESENT ANOTHER 52 ARE UNDERGOING EXTERNSHIP.

A....

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

6

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PLEASURE VESSELS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATION 1981 XK X M X*

IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY AND IMPROVED CONTROL AT SEA AND TO COMBAT THE CONTINUING THREAT POSED BY THE USE OF SPEEDBOATS TO BRING IN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, NEW REGULATIONS RELATING TO PLEASURE CRAFT ARE PUBLISHED TODAY.

THESE REGULATIONS APPLY TO PLEASURE CRAFT BOTH IN AND OUT OF THE WATER. THEY WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 17.

THEY ARE PART OF THE MEASURES INTRODUCED UNDER THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1981 WHICH WAS ENACTED LAST WEEK AFTER APPROVAL BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THEY ARE INTENDED TO ENSURE THAT PLEASURE CRAFT ARE PROPERLY LICENSED AND OPERATED, ARE INSURED AGAINST THIRD PARTY RISKS AND ARE MORE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE.

THE CHANGES MADE UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS AREi

(A) AN INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE LICENCE

NUMBER/LETTERS TO 300 MM, TO BE PAINTED AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE MIDSHIPS (THIS IS IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN IDENTIFICATION OF VESSELS). THE PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO DISPLAY THE NUMBER WILL BE INCREASED.

(B) CHANGES OF ADDRESS, OF PARTICULARS OF THE VESSEL AND OF OWNERSHIP, CHARTERING AND REMOVAL MUST BE REPORTED WITHIN 3 DAYS, INSTEAD OF 7 DAYS, AS IN THE PAST.

(C) OTHER PENALTY INCREASES INCLUDE!

FAILURE TO REPORT CHANGES RELATING TO PLEASURE VESSELS OR IN THE OWNERSHIP OR CHARTERING OF THEM-USING THE VESSEL WITHOUT HAVING ON BOARD THE HOLDER OF A LOCAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE TO ACT AS MASTER AND ENGINEER OR WITHOUT THE OWNER’S CONSENT- AND

PERMITTING A PLEASURE CRAFT TO BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES, INCLUDING HIRE OR CARRIAGE OF FARE PAYING PASSENGERS.

(D) AN UNLICENSED VESSEL, WHETHER IN OR OUT

OF THE WATER, MAY BE SEIZED AND HELD UNTIL IT IS LICENSED OR ITS RELEASE ORDERED BY A MAGISTRATE. THE OWNER WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY REMOVAL AND STORAGE CHARGES. ANY VESSEL NOT RECLAIMED WITHIN 3 MONTHS WILL BE DISPOSED OF.

COMMENTING ON THESE MEASURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAJORITY OF PLEASURE VESSEL OWNERS COMPLIED WITH THE EXISTING PROVISIONS AND NO DOUBT WOULD COMPLY WITH THE REVISED REGULATIONS. HOWEVER, THE EXTENT OF ILLEGAL SPEEDBOAT OPERATION WAS SUCH THAT MORE SEVERE PENALTIES AND CERTAIN OTHER MEASURES WERE REQUIRED TO DETER THIS TRAFFIC.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

7

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

TO BE PUBLICISED ON REMOTE ISLANDS * * * *

IS LAUNCHING A DRIVE TO PUBLICISE

OVER THE NEXT SIX WEEKS, 20 TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL PAY DOOR-TO-DOOR VISITS TO THE OUTLYING ISLANDS TO EXPLAIN THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND NEXT YEAR’S ELECTIONS.

THESE VISITS WILL COMPLEMENT A SERIES OF SEMINARS BEING HELD IN THE DISTRICT UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH.

DURING VISITS, COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL EXPLAIN ELIGIBILITY OF VOTERS, NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES, REGISTRATION AND ELECTION DATES, AND CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES.

THEY WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE COPIES OF THE GUIDES TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SIX CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE ELECTIONS, WITH THREE ON CHEUNG CHAU AND THE OTHERS ON PENG CHAU, LANTAU AND LAMMA/PO TOI.

•----0------

REST GARDEN FOR KWUN TONG

X * X

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD A 1 650 SQUARE-METRE REST GARDEN AT YAU TONG CENTRE IN KWUN TONG.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PWD IS CALLING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE GARDEN, NEAR THE JUNCTION OF KO CHIU ROAD AND CHA KWO LING ROAD, KWUN TONG, IS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE IN HIGH DENSITY COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS.

FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE ARBOURS WITH BENCHES, CONCRETE PAVING, PARK LIGHTS AND INTENSIVE PLANTING.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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/8........

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

8

TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

THE ANNUAL SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME IN TUEN MUN WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM.

THE EVENT, WHICH HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, PROVIDES YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A SERIES OF RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO MAKE BEST USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME.

THE PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE UNTIL EARLY SEPTEMBER AND CONSIST OF MORE THAN 200 ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM TRAINING COURSES, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, OUTDOOR EVENTS, GUIDED TOURS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

OVER 20 000 LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE TOOK PART LAST YEAR.

THIS YEAR, THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE ITEMS FOR THOSE LIVING IN REMOTE RURAL DISTRICTS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, MR LAM GAVE SPECIAL THANKS TO THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WHOSE EFFORT AND GENEROSITY HE SAID CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROSPERITY OF TUEN MUN.

MR LAM ALSO APPEALED TO LOCAL PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION TO BE HELD IN MARCH NEXT YEAR, THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS FOR WHICH WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 31.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT.

-----0------

TEMPORARY CLEARWAY FOR TSUEN WAN XXX

A SECTION OF KWAI FOO ROAD BETWEEN KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TEMPORARILY DESIGNATED A CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY, JULY 19.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD LAST ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO FACILITATE WORK ON REALIGNMENT OF THE ROAD.

♦WITHIN THIS CLEARWAY, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT.

♦HOWEVER, TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE SETTING-DOWN AREA FOR MOTORISTS, THE EXISTING 30-METRE CLEARWAY IN THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF HING FONG ROAD, STARTING FROM WING FONG ROAD, WILL BE RESCINDED TEMPORAR ILY,+ HE SAID.

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/9 ....

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

9

TECHNICAL COURSES OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS * * *

THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THEIR FULL-TIME, BLOCK-RELEASE AND PART-TIME, DAY-RELEASE COURSES IN THE 1981-82 SESSION.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL 12 DISCIPLINES OF THE FIVE INSTITUTES, INCLUDING CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, MARINE AND FABRICATION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.

DETAILS OF ENTRY REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION ARE CONTAINED IN A +GUIDE TO APPLICANTS+.

THE GUIDE AND APPLICATION FORMS FOR ALL COURSES, ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERR ITOR IES.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR BLOCK-RELEASE AND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE INSTITUTE CONCERNED ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 18.

THE ADDRESSES OF THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE AS FOLLOW t

MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,

6 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG-

KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,

20 HING SHING STREET, KWAI CHUNG, KOWLOON-

KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,

25 HIU MING STREET, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON-

HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,

702 LAI CH IK KOK ROAD, CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON-

LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE,

30 RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON.

-----o------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER * * *

THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER IN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THREE NIGHTS AND 5 AM.

YAU MA TEI WILL BE TEMPORARILY FROM JULY 20 - 22 BETWEEN 8 PM

THE CLOSURE WILL FACILITATE WORK ON DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS.

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 1981

10 -

TUEN MUN ROAD SECTION TO BE WIDENED * * *

A SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN THE DRAGON INN AND THE ON TING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN IS TO BE WIDENED.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE SECTION IS PART OF THE ROAD LINKING TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN AND ALSO FORMS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT NETWORK PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE ROAD IS NOW A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY. IT IS TO BE WIDENED TO DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WITH TWO OR THREE LANES IN EACH DIRECTION, AND WILL THEN BE ABLE TO CARRY MORE THAN TWICE THE TRAFFIC.

THE WORK INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 850-METRE SECTION OF THE NEW WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY, INCLUDING COMPLETION OF THE WESTERN HALF OF THE SAM SHING HUI BRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TOGETHER WITH RECONSTRUCTION OF SOME PARTS OF THE EXISTING EASTERN CARRIAGEWAY.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE WORK IS PART OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE PWD. WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS FOR THE PWD.

-----o------

WATER PIPE TEST * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 20) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY (JULY 21) FOR WATER LEAKAGE TEST.

PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD, FROM A KUNG NGAM ROAD TO HONG MAN STREET JUNCTION, INCLUDING LOK MAN ROAD, CHEUNG MAN ROAD, HING WAH TSUEN, PAK SHA WAN AND SHAN TSUI COURT.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MAY 1981 ................................ 1

CHILDREN NEED LOVE, SAYS CHILD EXPERT ...................... 2

MORE REGISTRATION FACILITIES FOR KOWLOON CITY .............. J

LABOUR RESEARCH TRAINING COURSE CLOSES ..................... 4

IMMIGRATION OFFICES MOVE ................................... 5

tsuen wan Factory canteens approved ........................ 6

SOCCER PITCH FOR REMOTE NT VILLAGE ......................... 7

SCIENCE TEACHERS LEARN TO USE LIBRARY RESOURCES ............ 7

PROMOTION FOR OFFICER CADETS ........................... 8

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD.............................. 8

WATER CUT IN TSUIN WAN...................................... 9

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

1

ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MAY 1981 * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) RELEASED ORDERS-ON-HAND STATISTICS FOR MAY 1981 AS FOLLOWS*

ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS

INDUSTRY GROUP MAY 1980 APR. 1981 MAY 1981

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR 5.2 4.7 4.6

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 2.6 2.5 2.5

PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, 4.5 4.0 3.9

EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 4.4 ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC MACHINERY, APPARATUS, APPLIANCES AND 3.8 3.7

SUPPLIES 4.9 5.2 5.2

OTHERS 4.0 3.8 3.7

ALL MANUFACTURING 4.5 4.3 4.2

COMPARING THE ORDER BOOK POS ITION IN MAY 1981 WITH THAT IN

APRIL, THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECLINE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD BY MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED. THE DECREASE OCCURRED MAINLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTICS, AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.

THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE BASED ON AN UPDATED AND ENLARGED PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SELECTED BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979. AS THE PANEL IS NOT A SCIENTIFICALLY DESIGNED SAMPLE, RESULTS OBTAINED WILL BE REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OF THE COMPANIES INCLUDED IN THE PANEL, BUT IT IS HOPED THAT THEY WILL 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 MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MAY 1981 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT SI PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7213578).

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

- 2 -

CHILDREN NEED LOVE, SAYS CHILD EXPERT *****

A GOVERNMENT CHILD CARE EXPERT TODAY URGED PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF THE CHILDREN RATHER THAN JUST THEIR PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

DR LILLIAN KO, CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IN HONG KONG IS COMPARABLE TO ANY ADVANCED COUNTRY, AS EVIDENCED BY THE SHARP DECLINE IN THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE AND THE CONTROL OF ACUTE DISEASES.

HOWEVER, THE REVOLUTION BROUGHT ABOUT IN CHILDREN’S PHYSICAL ItALTH IN THE PAST 40 YEARS HAS NOT BEEN MATCHED BY A SIMILAR CHANGE IN THEIR PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, SHE SAID.

♦THE COMMUNITY IS ALARMED TO FIND AN ASTONISHING RISE IN YOUTH CRIME AND SUICIDES, CHILD ABUSE AND PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS,+ SHE SAID.

DR KO WAS SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE LING LEUNG TONG CHURCH KINDERGARTEN THIS AFTERNOON.

SHE SAID THAT FOR MANY PARENTS IN OUR SOCIETY, CHILD REARING IS A PROCESS OF BASICALLY CARING FOR THE PHYSICAL WELL-BEING OF THEIR CHILDREN, AND ENSURING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN SCHOOL AND ULTIMATELY SOCIAL STATUS IN SOCIETY.

THERE ARE PARENTS AND TEACHERS WHO SIMPLY IGNORE OR ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT SMALL CHILDREN ARE ALSO CAPABLE OF FEELINGS AND EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES SIMILAR TO ADULTS, SAID DR KO.

♦IN THE MIDST OF SCHOOL BOOKS AND VITAMIN PILLS, THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED AND LEFT UNFULFILLED,+ SHE SAID.

DR KO TOLD PARENTS AND TEACHERS THAT THERE ARE FOUR BASIC EMOTIONAL NEEDS WHICH HAVE TO BE MET FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF LIFE TO ENABLE A CHILD TO GO FROM HELPLESS INFANCY TO MATURE ADULTHOOD.

THESE AREi THE NEED FOR LOVE AND SECURITY- FOR NEW EXPERIENCES- FOR PRAISE AND RECOGNITION, AND FOR RESPONSIBILITY.

DR KO SAID THE NEED FOR LOVE AND SECURITY IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT PROVIDES THE BASIS FOR ALL LATER RELATIONSHIPS.

♦ON IT DEPEND THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALITY, THE ABILITY TO CARE AND RESPONSE TO AFFECTION, AND IN TIME TO BECOMING A LOVING, CARING PARENT.

/+IF ONE

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

- 3 -

+IF ONE OF THE BASIC NEED REMAINED UNMET OR INADEQUATELY MET, THEN DEVELOPMENT MAY BECOME STUNNED OR DISTORTED,* SHE SAID.

THE CONSEQUENCES, SHE SAID, ARE DISASTROUS AND COSTLY LATER ON, BOTH FOR THE INDIVIDUAL AND FOR THE SOCIETY.

♦CHILDREN WHO WERE ABUSED BY THEIR PARENTS OFTEN GROW UP TO BE ABUSING PARENTS THEMSELVES. THEREFORE, PARENTS AND TEACHERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE INVOLVED WITH PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN, HAVE A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY,* SHE SAID.

+BY STRENGTHENING THEIR EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE AND INCREASING THEIR CAPACITY FOR LEARNING, OUR CHILDREN WILL BE MUCH MORE °REPARED TO ADAPT TO A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD, AND STAND UP TO THE DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE FUTURE,* SHE SAID.

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MORE REGISTRATION FACILITIES FOR KOWLOON CITY ******

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON CITY OFFICE WILL EXPAND ITS SERVICES TO INCLUDE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS FACILITIES FROM MONDAY (JULY 20).

IN ADDITION TO NORMAL IMMIGRATION WORK, THE OFFICE WILL ALSO ACCEPT REGISTRATIONS FOR JUVENILE OR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS MADE BY BONA-FIDE RESIDENTS OF HONG DEFACED OR DAMAGED IDENTITY IDENTITY CARDS FROM CHINESE

CARDS AND AMENDMENT OF NATIONALITY TO BRITISH.

ON

HOWEVER, ENTRANTS FROM CHINA WILL STILL HAVE TO GO TO VICTORIA BARRACKS FOR THESE FACILITIES, A SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OFFICE MOVED TO ITS PRESENT ADDRESS AT HANG CHIEN COURT, 7-9, WAI KING STREET, GROUND FLOOR, WYLER GARDEN, KOWLOON THREE WEEKS AGO.

♦TOGETHER WITH THE OFFICE AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, THERE ARE NOW TWO OFFICES IN EAST KOWLOON TO PROVIDE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS SERVICES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES CAN TELEPHONE 3-656434.

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

4

LABOUR RESEARCH TRAINING COURSE CLOSES *****

A TWO-WEEK REGIONAL TRAINING COURSE IN LABOUR RESEARCH AND STATISTICS FOR SENIOR RESEARCH OFFICERS FROM 11 COUNTRIES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION CAME TO A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION TODAY (SATURDAY).

OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY HELD AT THE Y.C. LIANG HALL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.C.A. HAMMOND, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OF HONG KONG.

THE TRAINING COURSE - ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION’S ASIAN REGIONAL PROJECT FOR STRENGTHENING LABOUR /MANPOWER ADMINISTRATION (ARPLA) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT - WAS A BLEND OF LECTURES AND PRACTICAL EXERCISES.

SPEAKERS AT THE SESSIONS CAME FROM ARPLA, THE TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE 11 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED WERE BANGLADESH, FIJI, INDIA, INDONESIA, NEPAL, PAKISTAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA AND THAILAND.

BESIDES ATTENDING THE TRAINING COURSE, THEY ALSO VISITED THE WO CHE ESTATE AT SHAT IN TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN HONG KONG.

IN HIS SPEECH, MR HAMMOND SAID THE TRAINING COURSE REPRESENTED ONE OF MANY ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY ARPLA TO IMPLEMENT ITS PROGRAMME OF ASSISTING LABOUR MINISTRIES AND DEPARTMENTS IN THE REGION TO IMPROVE THEIR LABOUR RESEARCH AND STATISTICS FUNCTIONS.

THE IDEA OF HOLDING THE TRAINING COURSE IN HONG KONG TOOK SHAPE AS FAR BACK AS 1979 DURING A VISIT HERE BY THE FORMER CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISER OF ARPLA. MR NIKOM CHANDRAVITHUN. AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS FORMALLY INVITED BY ARPLA TO ORGANISE THE COURSE.

MR HAMMOND NOTED THAT THE LAST TWO WEEKS HAD BEEN A UNIQUE AND REWARDING EXPERIENCE FOR THE PARTCIPANTS.

/HE TOLD .....

SATUBDAY, JULY 18, 1981

5

HE TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS! +THE INFORMATIVE AND STIMULATING LECTURES YOU ATTENDED, THE LARGE NUMBER OF PRACTICAL EXERCISES YOU TOOK PART IN, THE INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS YOU HAD WITH THE VARIOUS SPEAKERS, THE SHARING OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD OF RESEARCH AND . STATISTICS WITH YOUR COUNTERPARTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES, THE INTERESTING PLACES YOU VISITED- ALL THESE ARE THINGS I BELIEVE YOU WILL REMEMBER FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.

♦WHEN YOU RETURN TO YOUR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES I HOPE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR ENDEAVOURS HERE WILL BE REALISED AS YOU APPLY THE NEW METHODS AND TECHNIQUES YOU HAVE LEARNED ON THIS COURSE.+

APART FROM CONGRATULATING THE PARTCI PANTS ON THE SUCCESS OF THE TRAINING COURSE, MR HAMMOND ALSO PLACED ON RECORD HIS GRATITUDE

THE PARTIES CONCERNED WHO HAD IN MANY VARIED WAYS CONTRIBUTED TO THE REALISATION OF THE COURSE.

- - 0 - -

IMMIGRATION OFFICES MOVE ft ft ft ft

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (JULY 20), ITS PROSECUTION SECTION, OPERATIONAL RESEARCH SECTION AND RECOGNISANCE OFFICE WILL MOVE TO THE FIFTH AND SIXTH FLOORS OF YU YUET LAI BUILDING, 43-55 WYNDHAM STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

PERSONS WHO ARE ON RECOGNISANCE IN CONNECTION WITH IMMIGRATION MATTERS AND REQUIRED TO REPORT REGULARLY TO VI CTOR IA IMMIGRATION CENTRE ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD REPORT TO THE OFFICE AT THE NEW ADDRESS AS FROM JULY 20.

ANYONE WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 5-247634.

- - 0 - -

/6

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

6

TSUEN WAN FACTORY CANTEENS APPROVED

* * *

TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS GIVEN APPROVAL TO 25 OWNERS OF FACTORY PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG TO OPERATE CANTEENS INSIDE THEIR BUILDINGS.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, THE OFFICE HAS BEEN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FROM OWNERS TO MODIFY THEIR LEASES TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE OPERATING CANTEENS FOR THEIR WORKERS.

TO DATE, A2 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. OF THESE, TWO HAVE BEEN FOUND UNSUITABLE FOR MODIFICATION, TWO WERE WITHDRAWN BY THE APPLICANTS AND 13 ARE BEING PROCESSED.

ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, KWAI CHUNG, MR KEITH LAU, SAID THERE ARE ABOUT 100 FACTORY CANTEENS IN THE DISTRICT WHOSE LEASE CONDITIONS DID NOT CONTAIN PROVISIONS FOR OPERATING CANTEENS.

HE SAID BOTH THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE ADVISING FACTORY OWNERS WHO RUN SUCH CANTEENS TO APPLY FOR LEASE MODIFICATION.

IF THEY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS THEY WILL BE ISSUED WITH A +N0 OBJECT 10N+ LETTER, HE SAID.

+1 WOULD SAY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF EXISTING CANTEENS IN KWAI CHUNG HAVE ALREADY COME TO LIGHT,+ HE SAID.

HE WARNED THAT FACTORY CANTEENS FAILING TO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR LEASE MODIFICATION AND WHICH DID NOT APPLY AS ADVISED WOULD BE SUBJECT TO LEASE ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND PROSECUTION BY THE NTSD.

♦ACTION ALONG THESE LINES WILL CONTINUE TO BRING ALL FACTORY CANTEENS IN THE DISTRICT UNDER CONTROL,♦ HE SAID.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR FACTORY CANTEENS ARE THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE INDEPENDENT OR DIRECT ACCESS TO THE STREET EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY USE- THE FLOOR AREA OF THE CANTEEN SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF THE BUILDING- AND THE LOCATION OF THE CANTEEN SHOULD NOT AFFECT PARKING, LOADING AND UNLOADING OR ANY COMMON PARTS OF THE BUILDING SUCH AS ACCESS, CORRIDORS AND LIFT LOBBIES.

0

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

7

SOCCER PITCH FOR REMOTE NT VILLAGE * * * *

O1T A REM0TE VILLAGE ON LANTAU WILL SOON HAVE ITS FIRST SOCCER • I TCH«

4 OOQTHE VILLAGE IS TUNG CHUNG, WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT

ISLANDS D •STRICT OFFICE HAS STARTED CONVERTING A PIECE OF VACANT LAND ON THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE INTO A CONCRETE SURFACED ^EN,EN?%fERNEPXT%ntI?£ PR0JECT ,S SCHEDULE°DATO BEREJMPLSEU?EDACi?

THE METRES BY 37 METRES PITCH WILL BE USED FOR qpvcki-a— SIDE SOCCER MATCHES, OR BY SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GAMES DAYS AND FUN FAIRS.

TUNG CHUNG ALREADY HAS A COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGED BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE. THE PITCH WOULD PROVIDE a NEW RECREATIONAL OUTLET FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGSTERS AN ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID. ’ ISLANDS

THE PROJECT COST $175 100 OF WHICH THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IS DONATING $125 400. THE BALANCE WILL BE PAID FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE.

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SCIENCE TEACHERS LEARN TO USE LIBRARY RESOURCES

* N * *

TWO WORKSHOPS ON LIBRARY-ASSISTED TEACHING AND LEARNING OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOR 110 INTEGRATED SCIENCE TEACHERS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

+THE AIM OF THE WORKSHOPS IS TO INTRODUCE TO PARTICIPANTS SOME METHODS OF MAKING THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES TO SUPPORT AND ENRICH THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE CURRICULUM,+ AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THERE WILL BE INTRODUCTORY TALKS GIVEN BY MEMBERS OF THE LIBRARY SECTION AND THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE ORGANISERS OF THE WORKSHOPS.

THESE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY WORKSHOP SESSIONS WHERE PARTICIPANTS WILL PREPARE LEARNING PROGRAMMES BASED ON LIBRARY RESOURCES RELATING TO THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE CURRICULUM.

THE FIRST TWO-DAY WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD ON JULY 20 AND 23-WHILE THE SECOND WILL BE HELD ON JULY 21 AND 24.

THEY WILL BE HELD AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE, PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM.

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1981

- 8 -

PROMOTION FOR OFFICER CADETS * * * *

THE ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS (PERSONNEL), MR T.A. HANDLEY THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING PRESENTED LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT TO 17 OFFICER CADETS WHO HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO OFFICERS EFFECTIVE TODAY.

ADDRESSING THE NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS IN A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT PRISONS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MR HANDLEY TOLD THE OFFICERS THAT THEY ARE NOW WELL-EQUIPPED FOR WORK IN ANY PENAL INSTITUTION.

+YOU ARE IN A BETTER POSITION THAN A DIRECT INTAKE OFFICER BECAUSE YOU HAVE GAINED VERY USEFUL EXPERIENCE AND, VERY IMPORTANT, CONFIDENCE IN YOUR YEARS AS AN ASSISTANT OFFICER.*

HE ALSO REMINDED THEM THAT THEY MUST ALWAYS SET A GOOD EXAMPLE AND BE ON GUARD AGAINST TEMPTATIONS OF ALL SORTS THAT WILL COME THEIR WAY THROUGH THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK.

THE RECIPIENTS COMPRISED 15 MALE AND TWO FEMALE ASSISTANT OFF ICERS.

AMONG THOSE PROMOTED, MR PANNU HARJIT SINGH, WHO JOINED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER 1975, RECEIVED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION FOR ALERTNESS AND DILIGENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTY IN FEBRUARY 1980.

------o-------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD * * * *

THE EASTBOUND SLIP ROAD OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD, NEAR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM 1.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 22) TO FACILITATE REALIGNMENT WORK.

DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE DECELERATION LANE ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD, OUTSIDE THE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN CAR PARK, FOR KMB ROUTE NOS. 30, 33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33M, 35A, 36A, 37, 37A, 37M, 40, 40M, 42, 44A, 45, 45M, 46, 50, 60, 66, 66M, 68, 250 AND 848.

KMB ROUTE NO. 44 FROM TSI NG Yl TO LA I CHI KOK BRIDGE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG LAI STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD TO THE LAI CHI KOK (BRIDGE) BUS TERMINUS.

TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS AND BUS PASSENGERS.

SATURDAY, JULY 18,' 1981

9

WATER CUT IN TSUEN WAN * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 11 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 20) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAIN CONNECTIONS.

AFFECTED PREMISES ARE IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WEST FROM TAI CHUNG ROAD TO THE END OF TING KAU, INCLUDING CHAI WAN KOK STREET, SHA TSUI ROAD, PAK TIN PAR STREET AND ALSO ON YUK ROAD. THESE PREMISES INCLUDE TSUEN KING CIRCUIT, TSUEN WAN CENTRE, KWONG ON HOSPITAL, ALLWAYS GARDEN, NAM FUNG TEXTILES LTD., SOUTH SEA TEXTILE MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., AMOY CANING AND CHINA DYEING FACTORY.

- - - - 0 ----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH ............................. 1

ISLAND DISTRICT BOaRD SETS UP TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE ... 2

MORE TELEPHONE LINES TO WaTER SUPPLIES ........................ 2

EXHIBITION OF ACTIVITY APPROACH EQUIPMENT ..................... 3

ACTIVITIES FOR TUEN MUN OLD PEOPLE ............................ 4

WEEK-END RECREATION IN SHEK LEI ESTATE ........................ 5

YUEN LONG COOKED K OD STALLS FOR AU3TION ...................... 6

SALT WATER CUT IN KOWLOON

6

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

1

CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH

* * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH IN WHAT HAS BEEN DESIGNATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS AS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.

THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF THESE ACTIVITIES IS TO HAMMER HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH SO AS TO PREVENT MENTAL DISABILITY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CAMPAIGN’S SLOGAN IS +GOOD MENTAL HEALTH IS THE KEY TO A HAPPY SOCIETY* WHICH INDICATES THE EQUAL IMPORTANCE OF BOTH MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS A PHENOMENUM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE BECOME PSYCH IATR ICALLY ILL.

IN HONG KONG, ABOUT 25 OOO PERSONS ATTENDED GOVERNMENT PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENT CLINICS IN 1980, COMPARED WITH 4 000 IN 1965.

THE MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN WILL START WITH A SONG COMPOSING CONTEST LATER THIS MONTH.

A SERIES OF EIGHT RADIO TALKS BY PSYCHIATRISTS AND SPECIALISTS IN RELATED FIELDS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF MENTAL HEALTH WILL BE BROADCAST FROM AUGUST.

LECTURES AND A SEMINAR ON WHAT MENTAL HEALTH IS ALL ABOUT WILL BE ORGANISED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN SEPTEMBER.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A SEVEN-DAY EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL IN EARLY OCTOBER, TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION-CUM-OPEN-DAY AT EACH OF THE THREE INSTITUTIONS --KWAI CHUNG, SIU LAM AND KOWLOON HOSPITALS.

+THE HOSPITAL OPEN DAYS ARE STAGED WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF GETTING THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND BETTER THE VARIOUS MENTAL CARE AND MENTAL REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PUBLISH THREE INFORMATIVE PAMPHLETS ON MENTAL HEALTH TO BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO THE PUBLIC.

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/2......

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

2

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD SETS UP TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE * * * *

A TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP WITHIN ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.

IT WILL ADVISE THE BOARD ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO LAND AND WATERBORNE TRANSPORT- BRING FORWARD PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRANSPORT SERVICES- AND SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS.

CHAIRED BY ISLANDS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL ROWSE, THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT AND MARINE DEPARTMENTS, THE POLICE, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT AND PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

THERE WILL ALSO BE 11 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SELECTED FROM DISTRICT RESIDENTS AND RURAL LEADERS, INCLUDING A SOLICITOR AND QUALIFIED TOWN PLANNER.

THE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING EARLY NEXT MONTH.

SPECIAL WORKING GROUPS WILL ALSO BE FORMED WITHIN THE SUB-COMMITTEE.

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD HAS SUB-COMMITTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR CULTURE RECREATION AND SPORTS, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE AREA SUB-COMMITTEES FOR LANTAO, CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU AND LAMMA/PO TOI.

-----o------

MORE TELEPHONE LINES TO WATER SUPPLIES * * * *

FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT MAINLAND DEPOT WILL BE CHANGED TO 3-953131. THE NUMBER OF TELEPHONE LINES WILL BE INCREASED FROM 25 TO 40.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSUMER SERVICES) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR YEUNG ON-CH ING, SAID: +THE 40 LINES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A 'HUNTING FACILITY’ WHICH CONNECTS CALLS QUICKLY AND CUTS WAITING TIME.+

THE MAINLAND DEPOT IN ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, HAS A TECHNICAL COMPLAINTS CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES ’ROUND THE CLOCK’ FAULT REPORTING AND EMERGENCY SERVICES CONCERNING WATER SUPPLIES IN KOWLOON, THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.

/■►CONSUMERS ......

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

3

♦CONSUMERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE COMPLAINTS CENTRE CAN BE REACHED BY TWO DIRECT LINES 3-960210 AND 3-960219 FROM 8.30 AM TO 10 PM DAILY IN ADDITION TO THE DEPOT’S NEW NUMBER,* MR YEUNG SAID.

FOR ENQUIRIES CONCERNING APPLICATIONS FOR METERED SUPPLIES AND REFIXING OF WATER METERS, CONSUMERS SHOULD CALL THE DEPOT’S NEW NUMBER DURING OFFICE HOURS AND ASK FOR THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE CONSUMER SERVICES REGISTRY SERVING THEIR DISTRICT.

+THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP A NEW CONSUMER ENQUIRIES CENTRE EQUIPPED WITH COMPUTER FACILITIES FOR HANDLING WATER ACCOUNT ENQUIRIES AT THE MAINLAND DEPOT NEXT MONTH (AUGUST),* MR YEUNG SAID.

------0-------

EXHIBITION OF ACTIVITY APPROACH EQUIPMENT

K K M M

A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION SHOWING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH WILL BE HELD STARTING ON TUESDAY (JULY 21) AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON AND TEACHERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

+THE EVENT WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AIMS TO INTRODUCE THE BASIC EQUIPMENT AND READING MATERIALS USED FOR ACTIVITY APPROACH CLASSES,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

MR R.M. CAMERON, ACTING SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON JULY 21.

ON DISPLAY WILL BE CLASSROOM FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT, TEACHING AIDS, PUPILS’ PROJECTS, AND READING MATERIALS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH FOR LOWER PRIMARY CLASSES.

OPENING HOURS ON TUESDAY WILL BE FROM 10.30 AM TO 4.30 PM-AND FOR JULY 22 AND 23 THE HOURS WILL BE FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.

NOTE TO ED I TORS»

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EXHIBITION OF THE ACTIVITY APPROACH AND ITS OPENING CEREMONY. MR R.M. CAMERON, ACTING SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON JULY 21 (TUESDAY) AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.

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/4.....

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

4

ACTIVITIES FOR TUEN MUN OLD PEOPLE *****

A PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN TUEN MUN FOR THE TOWN’S OLD PEOPLE.

THE ORGANISERS ARE THE RESPECT-FOR-THE-AGED ASSOCIATION, NEWLY FORMED BY LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS WITH DISTRICT OFFICE ASSISTANCE.

THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON TUESDAY (JULY 21) BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW ASSOCIATION, MR LAU TSZ-YUEN, AT THE CHING CHUNG MONASTERY.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CALLIGRAPHY CONTEST AND A VEGETARIAN FEAST AT THE MONASTERY STARTING AT NOON FOR 300 PEOPLE AGED OVER 65.

ON THURSDAY, ABOUT 200 PEOPLE WILL ATTEND A TALK ON HEALTH AND HYGIENE FOR THE ELDERLY AT 2 PM AT TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL. STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL SPEAK.

A VARIETY SHOW TO CLOSE THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY COLLEGE ON JULY 27. PERFORMING WILL BE THE TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, A LOCAL SCHOOL DANCE TEAM AND A GROUP OF ELDERLY RESIDENTS.

ALL OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN TUEN MUN ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES. ADMISSION TICKETS AND DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES, TAI HING ESTATE COMMUNITY HALL, TUEN MUN CARITAS CENTRE AND THE YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION SERVICE CENTRE.

THE ASSOCIATION HAS RAISED $20 000 LOCALLY TO FUND THE ACTIVITIES.

IT ALSO HAS PLANS TO HOLD CHINESE NEW YEAR FEASTS AND OUTINGS FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE TUEN MUN RESPECT-FOR-THE-AGED PROGRAMME ON TUESDAY (JULY 21), AT 11 AM, AT CHING CHUNG MONASTERY. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.30 AM. MR DONALD STRANGE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PRESS UNIT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.

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/5

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

- 5 -

WEEK-END RECREATION IN SHEK LEI ESTATE * * *

A WEEKEND HOUSING ESTATE RECREATION PROGRAMME WAS LAUNCHED IN SHEK LEI, KWAI CHUNG, THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.

AND FOR THE NEXT 10 SUNDAYS UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER, SPORTING AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE INSIDE THE ESTATE'S PLAYGROUND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON.

t *CT ,vITIES SUCH AS BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS, TRAMPOLIN ING, ROLLER SKATING AND FOOTBALL WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS.

THE WEEKEND RECREATION PROGRAMME WAS FIRST LAUNCHED IN APRIL

res,dents to

5- CH^,F?Sk ^:^ARCHEP^R^8,JHDBE^iU!!LSollGN

I H I L w •

am PR0VED vERY POPULAR AMONG THE RESIDENTS.

AN AVERAGE OF 200 TO 300 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE TURNED UP ON EACH OCCASION,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+AT THE MOMENT, THIS IS STILL LARGELY A GOVERNMENT EFFORT, BUT WE HOPE IN FUTURE RESIDENTS CAN ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.

OTHER PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS ARE THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

THE PROGRAMME ARE BEING FINANCED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.

/6.......

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 1981

6

YUEN LONG COOKED FOOD STALLS FOR AUCTION

*****

ELEVEN STALLS AT KIK YEUNG ROAD COOKED FOOD MARKET IN YUEN LONG WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY (JULY 23).

THE AUCTION WHICH STARTS AT 10 AM WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE AT ON NING ROAD, YUEN LONG.

THE STALLS ARE DESIGNATED FOR OPERATING COOKED FOOD BUSINESS AND SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START TRADING ON SEPTEMBER 1 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. THE UPSET PRICE IS $1 875 FOR EACH STALL.

ONLY PERSONS AGED 21 OR ABOVE CAN TAKE PART IN THE AUCTION AND POTENTIAL BIDDERS MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.

INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON TELEPHONE 3-676927 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

- 0 - -

SALT WATER CUT IN KOWLOON * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 12 HOURS ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 22) FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM FOR PIPEWORK REPAIR.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU KOK, MA TAU WAI, KAI TAK, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON TONG AND TSZ WAN SHAN, INCLUDING KOWLOON HOSPITAL.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PILOT SCHEME ON COMPUTER STUDIES PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR........................................................ 1

CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM........................................... 2

MOTOR VEHICLES SERVICE STATION ................................... 3

KCR OFFICE SECTIONS MOVE.......................................... 3

WATER MAINS WORKS

4

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1981

1

PILOT SCHEME ON COMPUTER STUDIES PLANNED FOR NEXT YEAR *****

THE TEACHING SYLLABUS FOR A NEW SUBJECT ON +COMPUTER STUDIES* HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND APPROVED AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO LAUNCH A PILOT SCHEME IN SEPTEMBER. 1982, MR A.J. REEVE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A COMPUTER COURSE FOR 60 SECONDARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHERS BEING CONDUCTED AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

+UNDER THIS SCHEME ABOUT 30 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL INTRODUCE THIS SUBJECT TO ONE CLASS OF THEIR FORM IV STUDENTS. PLANS ARE ALSO BEING MADE BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY TO EXAMINE THIS SUBJECT AT CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION LEVEL IN MAY 1984,+ MR REEVE SAID.

DETAILS REGARDING FINANCE AND EXAMINATION PROCEDURES ARE STILL TO BE WORKED OUT BUT PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE FAVOURABLE.

+SCHOOLS WISHING TO JOIN THE PILOT SCHEME MAY WRITE TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO OBTAIN THE TEACHING SYLLABUS AND OTHER INFORMATION,* HE SAID.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE +COMPUTER STUDIES* SUBJECT ARE TO ENABLE PUPILS TO UNDERSTAND THE FUNCTIONS, USES AND LIMITATION OF COMPUTERS, TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDY OF THE MODERN METHODS OF INFORMATION PROCESSING, AND TO ENCOURAGE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERS IN THE MODERN WORLD AND TO PREPARE PUPILS FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE.

SINCE 1977, 30 COMPUTER COURSES HAD BEEN ORGANISED FOR MATHEMATICS TEACHERS BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

ALTOGETHER ABOUT 800 TEACHERS ATTENDED THESE COURSES.

+THREE MORE COURSES ON COMPUTER STUDIES FOR TEACHERS ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE SUMMER OF 1982,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

TEACHERS WHO WILL BE TEACHING COMPUTER STUDIES IN THE PILOT SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR WILL THEREFORE HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY TRAINED, HE SAID.

+MORE IN-SERVICE COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD OF THE PILOT SCHEME TO ASSIST THEM IN THEIR TEACHING,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

0

/2 ......

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1981

2

CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM

* * * *

ENTRIES ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR THE 14TH CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 16.

THE RACE, OVER A 2 400 METRE COURSE, IS FROM SHA LAN BEACH TO TAI MEI TUK SEA ACTIVITIES CENTRE.

THE ORGANISERS ARE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.

ANYONE AGED OVER 12 CAN ENTER. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OFFICE IN TAI PO OR TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON AUGUST 1.

ENTRANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS, WITH THE FIRST 10 TO FINISH IN EACH SECTION RECEIVING A TROPHY. ALL WHO FINISH WITHIN 90 MINUTES WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE.

MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, WILL START THE RACE AT 10.30 AM.

LAST YEAR, THE EVENT ATTRACTED 337 ENTRANTS IN THE MEN’S SECTION AND 60 IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION. MR CHEUNG WAN-CHI FINISHED IN 36 MINUTES 39 SECONDS AND MISS MAK SIU-PING’S TIME WAS 42 MINUTES 38 SECONDS.

IT IS HOPED THAT THERE WILL BE 600 PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR.

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1981

- 3 -

MOTOR VEHICLES SERVICE STATION * * * *

ANOTHER GOVERNMENT MOTOR VEHICLES SERVICE STATION IS TO BE BUILT AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE EXPANSION PLAN FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SERVICE, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

THE NEW STATION, TO BE BUILT ON A 4 150-SQUARE METRE SITE, WILL RELIEVE THE INCREASING WORKLOAD OF THE WORKSHOPS AT LAI CHI KOK AND SUNG WONG TOI ROAD.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND LAST ABOUT

15 MONTHS.

----o------

KCR OFFICE SECTIONS MOVE

* * * *

A NUMBER OF SECTIONS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY OFFICE HAVE MOVED FROM KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM TO THE 12TH FLOOR OF EMPIRE CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI, EAST.

SECTIONS THAT HAVE MOVED DEAL WITH PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND SUPPLY, PLANNING AND PROJECT CO-ORDINATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND TRAINING.

HOWEVER, THE TRAFFIC DIVISION, AND CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SECTIONS REMAIN AT KOWLOON STATION.

/4 ......

MONDAY, JULY 20, 1981

4

WATER MAINS WORKS

* * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK, KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO ALLOW WORK ON WATER MAIN CONNECTIONS.

AFFECTED PREMISES AREi 4-10 BOUNDARY STREET, 14-66 SYCAMORE STREET, 183-209 TONG MEI ROAD AND 135-193 LAI CHI KOK ROAD.

ON THURSDAY, JULY 23, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN LAM TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JUNK BAY ROAD, KAI TIN ROAD, PING TIN STREET AND ON TIN STREET, INCLUDING LAM TIN ESTATE AND LAM TIN SAM TSUEN.

IN SAI KUNG, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 22) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.

ALL PREMISES AT MAN NIN STREET AND SHA TSUI PATH WILL BE AFFECTED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT ACTS ON GAS CONSULTANTS REPORT .................. 1

AMNESTY RUMOURS SPIKED ........................................ 2

WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION TO BE TABLED AT LEGCO ........ 3

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO SUPPORT PERFORMDIG ARTS ............... 4

VOLUNTARY WORK ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG, SAYS SNT ............... 6

PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT FOR MISSING PLANE PARTS .................... 8

TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED TO 12 PER CENT................ 8

IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN .... 9

ACTIVITIES FOR ELDERLY LAUNCHED IN TUEN MUN................... 10

MANPOWER STUDY OF METAL WORKERS PUBLISHED .................... 11

SALT WATER PIPE WORK

11

GOVERNMENT ACTS ON GAS CONSULTANTS REPORT * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT, FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION CF A PRELIMINARY REPORT BY ITS GAS SAFETY CONSULTANTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN SOME DECISIONS TO PREPARE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE CONSULTANTS LATER IN THE YEAR. THESE INCLUDED THE CREATION OF A POST OF GAS ADVISER WITH SOME SUPPORTING STAFF AND THE PUBLICATION OF THE CONSULTANTS’ PRELIMINARY COMMENTS ON GAS APPLIANCES.

ACTION HAD ALREADY BEEN PUT IN HAND, HE ADDED, ON THE CORONER’S RIDERS AT THE INQUEST INTO FIVE GAS WATER-HEATER-RELATED DEATHS LAST MONTH.

THE INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY SERVICE OF THE BRITISH GAS CORPORATION WAS APPOINTED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN APRIL TO UNDERTAKE A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE TOWN GAS AND LPG INDUSTRIES AND TO ADVISE ON LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER CONTROL MEASURES WHICH THEY MIGHT CONSIDER TO BE NECESSARY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FULL. REPORT OF THE CONSULTANTS WAS EXPECTED IN OCTOBER. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE CONSULTANCY, THEY HAD ALREADY SUBMITTED A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT IN JUNE, WHICH OUTLINED THE WORK DONE SO FAR AND IDENTIFIED AREAS FOR FURTHER STUDY.

IN THE FIRST WEEKS OF THEIR CONSULTANCY, THE CONSULTANTS HAD UNDERTAKEN A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE INDUSTRY AND HAD PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE SUBJECT OF GAS WATER HEATERS. THEY HAD SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT THEIR PRELIMINARY FINDINGS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN VIEW OF PUBLIC INTEREST AND CONCERN, THE SECTION WHICH DEALT WITH GAS WATER HEATERS WAS BEING PUBLISHED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.

THE CONTENTS OF THIS SECTION COVERED THE BACKGROUND TO THE USE OF WATER HEATERS, AND WENT ON TO MAKE CERTAIN PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF TOWN GAS AND LPG WATER HEATERS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE SAFETY OF GAS APPLIANCES COULD BE ENFORCED WOULD NEED TO BE INTEGRATED WITH OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ON ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF GAS SAFETY. THE CONSULTANTS WERE NOW CONSIDERING THESE MATTERS IN DETAIL WITH A VIEW TO PRODUCING POSITIVE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR FINAL REPORT.

THE AREAS WHICH THE CONSULTANTS HAD IDENTIFIED AS REQUIRING FURTHER STUDY INCLUDED THE METHOD OF CONTROLS, THEIR LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK, THE ENFORCEMENT MACHINERY AND A RANGE OF TECHNICAL ASPECTS COVERING THE MANUFACTURE OR IMPORTATION, STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF TOWN GAS AND LPG IN HONG KONG.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN STEPS IN LINE WITH THE CONSULTANTS’ PRELIMINARY FINDINGS. ACTION WAS IN TRAIN TO APPOINT A GAS EXPERT WHO WOULD ULTIMATELY TAKE UP RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARRYING OUT THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS, WITH THE HELP OF A SUPPORTING INSPECTORATE.

THE APPOINTMENT WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT ONE, AND WOULD BE AT DIRECTORATE LEVEL. ARRANGEMENTS WERE IN HAND TO CREATE THE POST AND TO ADVERTISE IT INTERNATIONALLY.

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1?81

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS RESPONDING TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE CORONER. HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED ACTION BY THE GAS COMPANY, AND THE SUPPLIERS OF LPG AND THEIR AUTHORISED AGENTS AND DEALERS. THE CORONER HAD ALREADY CONVEYED HIS RIDERS IN WRITING TO THE GAS AND OIL COMPANIES CONCERNED.

ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE AT PRESENT, WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS, TO REQUIRE THE GAS AND LPG INDUSTRIES TO IMPLEMENT THE RIDERS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENLISTING THEIR VOLUNTARY COOPERATION AND PLANNED TO HOLD EARLY DISCUSSIONS WITH ALL INTERESTED PARTIES.

ACCOUNT HAD BEEN TAKEN OF THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH APPLIED TO PUBLICITY, AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS PRODUCING A PRINTED LEAFLET DESIGNED TO MAKE CLEAR TO CHILDREN THE PRECAUTIONS THAT HAD TO BE TAKEN, THERE WERE PLANS TO PROMOTE GAS WATER HEATER SAFETY THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION AND FURTHER WIDESPREAD PUBLICITY WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN DUE COURSE, INCLUDING FURTHER ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION. IN DRAWING UP THESE PROGRAMMES, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD SEEK EXPERT ADVICE.

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AMNESTY RUMOURS SPIKED K * *

A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHO HAVE BEEN APPREHENDED RECENTLY ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HONG KONG ACROSS THE LAND BORDER OR BY BOAT, HAVE SAID THEY DECIDED TO SET OFF FROM THEIR VILLAGES AND COMMUNES AFTER HEARING RUMOURS ABOUT A POSSIBLE RELAXATION OF POLICIES BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

ONE RUMOUR CIRCULATING ALLEGED THAT THERE WOULD BE AN AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO MARK THE MARRIAGE OF PRINCE CHARLES. ANOTHER SUGGESTED THAT THERE WOULD BE AN ISSUE OF IDENTITY CARDS ON THE SAME OCCASION. YET ANOTHER SUGGESTED THAT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN HONG KONG WHEN THE GOVERNOR RETURNED FROM LONDON AFTER HIS SUCCESSFUL OPERATION.

COMMENTING ON THESE RUMOURS, THE SECRETARY FOR INFORMATION, M? ALAN SCOTT, SAID THAT AS HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY STATED, THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. + IT IS A PITY THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE THESE RUMOURS AND IN SOME CASES, ARE PERSUADED TO PART WITH MONEY IN THE HOPE THAT THEY CAN ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.* HE SAID.

+MANY OF THESE RUMOURS ARE STARTED DELIBERATELY BY AIDERS AND ABETTORS - THE SNAKEHEADS, WHO OF COURSE HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN ENCOURAGING WOULD-BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO PAY UP.+

♦I REPEAT YET AGAIN. ANY PERSON WHO IS FOUND TO HAVE ENTERED HONG KONG ILLEGALLY WILL BE RETURNED TO WHERE HE OR SHE CAME FROM,* MR SCOTT SAID.

AN IDENTITY CARD IS NECESSARY TO GET A JOB AND EMPLOYERS ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE PENALTIES UNDER THE LAW FOR EMPLOYING AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, HE ADDED.

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

3

WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION TO BE TABLED AT LEGCO

* * * *

THE white PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES WILL BE TABLED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

DEBATE ON THE PAPER WILL BE ADJOURNED.

ALSO AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED BY THE HON F.W. LI TO MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY OF THE CONTINUING FALL IN VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

FOUR OTHER QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED.

THE HON S.L. CHEN WILL ASK ABOUT CONTROLS BEING TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT SO THAT EXHAUST FANS AND AIR-CONDITIONING COOLING TOWERS WILL NOT CAUSE NOISE NUISANCE AND WILL NOT AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF BUILDINGS.

GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE ASKED BY THE HON PETER C. WONG IF IT WILL CONSIDER REQUIRING TRAMS TO HAVE REAR AND BRAKE LIGHTS.

IN REFERENCE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF VISITORS TO REVIEW HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM. THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN WILL ASK HOW GOVERNMENT +WILL ENSURE THAT THE CHARACTERISTICS AND PROBLEMS OF OUR BILINGUAL SYSTEM ARE TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT AND EXAMINED*.

HE WILL ALSO ASK IF THE REPORT BY THE VISITORS WILL BE INCORPORATED IN A GREEN PAPER FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI WILL ASK WHEN WORK ON THE NEW STATION COMPLEX AT LO WU WILL START AND BE COMPLETED, AND WHAT IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS, PASSENGER AND POLICE FACILITIES TO COPE WITH THE CHANGE.

AT THE MEETING, DEBATE ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1981 WILL BE FURTHER ADJOURNED.

ELEVEN BILLS ARE EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READINGS. THEY ARE: GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MEDICAL CLINICS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1981, LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MAINTENANCE ORDERS (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, AND THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) BILL 1981.

/4 ..

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TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

4

MANUFACTURERS URGED TO SUPPORT PERFORMING ARTS

*****

THERE WAS ’AN EXPLOSION OF INTEREST’ IN THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG AND MANUFACTURERS COULD HELP IN THIS FIELD OF ACTIVITY BY GIVING THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH SPONSORSHIP, MR DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS SAID TODAY, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.

AND, BECAUSE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY EMPLOYS 40 PER CENT OF THE WORK FORCE, AND THE WORKERS ARE AMONG THE PEOPLE IN ’THE EXPLOSION OF INTEREST’ IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE SUBJECT ON WHICH HE WAS SPEAKING TO MANUFACTURERS WAS 'NOT AS ODD AS ONE MIGHT HAVE THOUGHT’, MR BRAY TOLD HIS AUDIENCE.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS HELPING THE PEOPLE IN PROMOTING THE ARTS AND HE FELT THAT AS THE BIGGEST EMPLOYERS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE MANUFACTURERS MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO HELP.

AS A RESULT OF THIS SURGE OF INTEREST, AND THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT, AN ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WOULD SHORTLY BE FORMED TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON HOW IT SHOULD ASSIST, MR BRAY EXPLAINED.

MR BRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN PERFORMING ARTS WAS +T0 PROMOTE THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH*. THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AT PRESENT OPERATED THE MUSIC OFFICE, WHICH PROVIDES INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. AND IN ADDITION, GOVERNMENT ALSO GAVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL, THE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, THE CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC ’TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT A PRICE THE PUBLIC CAN REASONABLY AFFORD’.

THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT PAY FOR EVERYTHING, BUT IT ENCOURAGED THE COOPERATION AND SHARING OF RESOURCES BETWEEN ARTS ORGANISATIONS, PROVIDED A LINK WITH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SOURCES OF EXPERTISE, AND PROVIDED A CENTRAL POINT FOR COLLABORATION AND CONTACT. IT SAW ITS JOB, THEREFORE, AS PROVIDING THE NECESSARY INFRA-STRUCTURE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS, BY HELPING TO PROVIDE AS FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS AS POSSIBLE, BY OFFERING FINANCIAL HELP, PROVIDING VENUES, ASSISTING WITH ACCESS TO EXPERTISE, AND ENCOURAGING COOPERATION.

AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS GETTING MORE INVOLVED IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, IT WAS FELT ’HIGH TIME’ ITS ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA WERE BROUGHT UNDER THE SCRUTINY OF A PUBLIC BODY — THE PLANNED ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

/MR BRU .......

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

5

MR BRAY SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT PLAY TOO DOMINANT A ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE PERFORMING ARTS.

THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE POPULAR, AND AN INCREASE IN ACTIVITY IN THIS FIELD WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IF THE PEOPLE DID NOT WANT IT.

MR BRAY SAID THAT 'THINGS COULD GO BETTER WITH A BIT OF EXTRA FINANCIAL HELP’ — AND HE FELT THAT HONG KONG INDUSTRY WOULD FIND IT ADVANTAGEOUS TO THINK IN TERMS OF SPONSORING THE PERFORMING ARTS.

ALTHOUGH THE BULK OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS ARE EXPORTED, MANUFACTURERS SHOULD NOT FORGET THEIR ROLE AS EMPLOYERS. MANUFACTURERS WHO SPONSORED THE ARTS WOULD RECEIVE PUBLICITY IN RETURN.

♦EVERYONE LIKES TO WORK FOR A FIRM WITH A GOOD NAME AND SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS DOES HELP TO CREATE THIS IMAGE,♦ W BRAY TOLD THEM.

THERE WERE VARIOUS FORMS OF SPONSORSHIP OPEN TO THEM, bfi BRAY SAID.

THEY COULD MAKE CAPITAL GRANTS FOR FACILITIES OR FOR GENERATING INCOME, THEY COULD SPONSOR EVENTS, SUCH AS CONCERTS, BALLET SHOWS, OR DRAMA PERFORMANCES, OR THEY COULD SPONSOR TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT ALL LEVELS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. THEY COULD ALSO HELP WITH THE COST OF TOURS OVERSEAS BY HONG KONG YOUTH, AND THEY COULD SPONSOR BY DONATING EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS INSTRUMENTS, BALLET MATS, VEHICLES FOR TRANSPORT, OR GIVING CASH.

♦SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS HELPS THE SPONSOR AS WELL AND WHAT COULD BE MORE SATISFYING THAN THAT,* MR BRAY SAID.

HE WOULD BE ONLY TOO GLAD TO HELP ANY SPONSOR FIND A SUITABLE FIELD FOR THEIR SUPPORT, HE SAID.

IN CONCLUDING, MR BRAY SAIDt +THE PERFORMING ARTS ARE ON THE UPSWING BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE THEM AND HAVE MORE LEISURE TO ENJOY THEM. THEIR DEVELOPMENT CAN BE ENHANCED BY COOPERATIVE EFFORT WITH HONG KONG INDUSTRY — AND BELIEVE ME IT WILL HELP HONG KONG INDUSTRY, TOO+.

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

6

VOLUNTARY WORK ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG, SAYS SNT * * * M

VOLUNTARY WORK, SERVICE AND CHARITY ARE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL FABRIC, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE LUNCH MEETING OF BEACON HILL LIONS CLUB.

AS MR F.K. HU HAD OBSERVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE, HONG KONG IS FAMOUS FOR THE PHILANTHROPY OF ITS CITIZENS, MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

THE ANNUAL WALKS FOR MILLIONS RAISED EVER LARGER SUMS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND HONG KONG HOLDS THE WORLD RECORD FOR THE GREATEST AMOUNT RAISED BY A SINGLE WALK.

IN THEIR FIRST YEAR, 1970, THEY RAISED JUST $1 MILLION- 10 YEARS LATER $7 MILLION WAS RAISED. (

THE WALKS HAD ATTRACTED DONATIONS LARGE AND SMALL AND INVOLVED OVER EIGHT MILLION PEOPLE IN RAISING FUNDS FOR OVER 77 COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.

♦THE SIGHT OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, IN COLOURFUL CLOTHES ON A BRIGHT MORNING IN WINTER, STRIDING OUT TO MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THIS GREAT COLLECTION OF FUNDS FOR CHARITY, IS A HEARTWARMING AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE,+ HE SAID.

SOMETIMES WEALTHIER PEOPLE DONATED A MILLION OR SEVERAL MILLIONS TO A PARTICULAR PROJECTt THESE LARGE GIFTS WERE A STIMULUS AND OFTEN ENABLED PROJECTS TO GET STARTED WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE TO WAIT FOR YEARS BEFORE THE FULL AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE.

IN THE LAST TWO YEARS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SUCH GIFTS HAD ENABLED MAJOR SPORTS GROUNDS IN TUEN MUN AND SAI KUNG, SQUASH COURTS IN YUEN LONG AND FANLING, AND A GAMES HALL CENTRE IN NORTH KWAI CHUNG TO BE BUILT.

THESE WERE MAJOR RECREATIONAL PROJECTS BUT ONE DONATION WAS ENOUGH TO GET THEM GOING.

MOST OF THEM WERE ALREADY PLANNED BUT THEY WERE PROJECTS FOR WHICH THE FULL AMOUNT OF PUBLIC FUNDS WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WORK WAS HELD UP.

NOW THEY WERE GOING AHEAD AND WOULD BRING PLEASURE TO THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

♦PRIVATE INITIATIVE IN THIS FIELD IS ANOTHER ASPECT OF OUR WAY OF DOING THINGS,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

/♦SOMETIMES THE .......

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1?81

7

♦SOMETIMES THE PEOPLE OF A PLACE THEMSELVES DECIDE THAT THEY NEED SOMETHING WHICH GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOING TO PROVIDE AND WHICH THEY WANT TO BUILD FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT BY THEIR OWN ENTERPRISE.*

GOOD EXAMPLES WERE THE SPORTS CENTRES, ONE OF WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN BUILT AT YUEN LONG, AND TWO OF WHICH WERE BEING CONSTRUCTED AT TUEN MUN AND TAI PO, ONE COSTING $35 MILLION AND THE OTHER $12 MILLION.

+THERE ARE SCORES OF ORGANISATIONS WHICH CAME INTO BEING AS A RESULT OF PRIVATE INITIATIVE AND DONATIONS, AND WHICH RECEIVE SUBSTANTIAL HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT BUT WHICH STILL RELY FOR THEIR INNER STRENGTH AND INDEPENDENT SPIRIT ON PRIVATE DONATIONS AND PUBLIC SUPPORT,* HE SAID.

♦OF COURSE ONE CAN LOOK ON ALL THIS IN A PURELY CYNICAL WAY AND REGARD GIVING AS GRATITUDE FOR OUR LOW LEVEL OF TAXATION, A KIND OF CONSCIENCE PAYMENT, A THANKS-OFFERING.

♦BUT THERE IS MORE TO IT THAN THAT.

♦HERE IN HONG KONG THE INDIVIDUAL HAS GREAT FREEDOM TO PURSUE HIS OWN AFFAIRS AS HE PLEASES AND SOCIETY. THE COLLECTION OF INDIVIDUALS, HAS A SIMILAR FREEDOM TO PURSUE ITS AFFAIRS WITH MINIMUM INTERFERENCE BY AUTHORITY.

♦BUT, JUST AS INDIVIDUALS WE GUARD OUR HEALTH, SO AS A GROUP WE HAVE A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND HAPPINESS OF ALL PARTS OF SOCIETY, FOR, IF ONE PART IS NEGLECTED, IT CAN SICKEN AND INFECT THE WHOLE.

♦GIVING, SERVICE TO OTHERS AND CHARITY ARE AN ESSENTIAL COROLLARY OF THE FREEDOM WE ENJOY AS IND IVIDUALS.+

BUT THERE WAS MORE TO GIVING THAN SELF-INTEREST, MORE TO KEEPING SOCIETY HEALTHY THAN SELF-PRESERVATION.

♦WE DERIVE OUR STRENGTH FROM COUNTLESS ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS YOURS, WHICH BIND OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER IN A SPIRIT OF SERVICE, IN A COMMON DETERMINATION TO IMPROVE AND PROGRESS, REFORM AND INNOVATE.

♦SOCIETY IS A LIVING ORGANISM AND HELP TO ONE ANOTHER AN ESSENTIAL PART OF OUR LIFE AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS MEMBERS OF SOCIETY,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

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TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

8

PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT *

FOR MISSING PLANE PARTS * * * *

THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS TRYING TO RETRIEVE TWO MISSING TURBINE DISCS WHICH BECAME DETACHED FROM AN ENGINE OF AN A 300 AtRBUS AIRCRAFT ABOUT TO TAKE OFF FROM KAI TAK RUNWAY AT ABOUT 4.30 PM ON JULY 3, 1981.

A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD AND SOME PARTS OF THE LEFT SIDE ENGINE CF THE AIRCRAFT DROPPED, MOST OF THEM ON TO THE RUNWAY AND THE SURROUNDING GRASS AREA. BUT TWO LARGE PIECES, BELIEVED TO BE THE TURBINE DISCS, MAY HAVE ROLLED INTO KOWLOON BAY ON THE SOUTH WESTERN SIDE (KOWLOON CITY) OF THE RUNWAY.

ROYAL NAVY DIVERS HAVE SO FAR FAILED TO LOCATE THE LOST PIECES AS NO LOCATION COULD BE PINPOINTED. IT IS BELIEVED THAT A NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY FERRY PIER AND ALONG THE WATER FRONT IN THE VICINITY MIGHT HAVE SEEN THE INCIDENT.

ANYONE WHO WITNESSED THE INCIDENT AND CAN GIVE SOME IDEA OF THE LOCATION OF THE MISSING PARTS SHOULD CONTACT THE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING 5-282424 EXT. 23 OR WRITING TO THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, NEW RODNEY BLOCK NO. 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

--------o----------

TAX EXEMPTION ON INTEREST RAISED TO 12 PER CENT * * * *

INTEREST PAYABLE BY LICENSED BANKS, BY CERTAIN PUBLIC UTILITIES AND BY THE GOVERNMENT AT RATES OF UP TO 12 PER CENT PER ANNUM WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX FROM TODAY (TUESDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED.

HE SAID THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN THE EXEMPTION LIMIT AND FOLLOWS THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ON FRIDAY THAT THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS WOULD BE SIMILARLY RAISED TO 12 PER CENT ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.

SECTION 28 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE HAS TODAY BEEN AMENDED, BY A PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER SIGNED THIS MORNING BY H E THE ACTING GOVERNOR, TO RAISE FROM 11 PER CENT TO 12 PER CENT THE CEILING ON THE POWER OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO INCREASE THE RATE UP TO WHICH INTEREST IS EXEMPTED FROM INTEREST TAX.

THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER, AND THE NOTICE SIGNED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, ARE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE TODAY.

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

3

IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN *****

SERVING TEACHERS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL CLASSES IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS CAN NOW APPLY FOR TWO-YEAR IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN STARTING THIS SEPTEMBER.

THE COURSES WILL BE FOR TEACHERS OF VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, DEAF AND PART I ALLY-DEAF CHILDREN, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN, AND TEACHERS WHO ASSIST IN SPEECH THERAPY WORK.

PARTICIPANTS OF ALL COURSES WILL ATTEND COMMON-CORE LECTURES EVERY MONDAY FROM 5 TO 7 PM AT SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.

SPECIALISED LECTURES FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES WILL BE HELD AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE WEEK AT THE SPECIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT PERTH STREET, KOWLOON.

THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE CANTONESE BUT ENGLISH MAY EE USED OCCASIONALLY.

■♦•CERTIFICATED MASTERS/M(STRESSES OR ABOVE ACCEPTED FOR THE COURSES WILL BE AWARDED A SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCE AT A RATE EQUIVALENT TO ONE INCREMENT NEXT ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE ABOVE THEIR SUBSTANTIVE PAY WHILE UNDERGOING THIS IN-SERVICE TRAINING,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, THEY WILL BE AWARDED A SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCE EQUIVALENT TO TWO INCREMENTS WHILE CONTINUING THEIR SERVICE AS HEAD, TEACHER OR TEACHER WHO ASSISTS IN SPEECH THERAPY WORK IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS OR SPECIAL CLASSES, HE SAID.

NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSES WHICH WILL START IN LATE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND END IN JULY, 1983.

APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED VIA SUPERVISORS OR HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (SPECIAL EDUCATION), SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JULY 31.

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/10 .......

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

10

ACTIVITIES FOR ELDERLY LAUNCHED IN TUEN MUN * * * *

A FEAST, CALLIGRAPHY CONTEST, A TALK ON HEALTH AND A VARIETY SHOW HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE OLD PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN.

THE ORGANISERS ARE THE NEWLY-FORMED RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION, WHOSE CHAIRMAN IS MR LAU TSZ-YUEN, A MEMBER OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ACTIVITIES TODAY (TUESDAY), THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BILLY LAM, SAID BESIDES PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT THE FOUNDATIONS OF A PROGRESSIVE AND HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY WERE GOOD HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILY TIES.

THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES BEING LAUNCHED WOULD HELP PROMOTE RESPECT FOR THE AGED AND PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE TO MAKE FRIENDS.

HE SAID ONE RESPONSIBILITY OF A DISTRICT BOARD WAS TO ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES WERE PROVIDED FOR ALL AGES. THE RECENTLY FORMED SOCIAL SERVICES SUB-COMMITTEE WOULD CLOSELY CARE FOR THE WELFARE OF OLD PEOPLE.

MR LAM OUTLINED THE QUALIFICATION FOR BOTH CANDIDATES AND VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH AND APPEALED FOR FULL SUPPORT.

THE CALLIGRAPHY CONTEST AND THE VEGETARIAN FEAST TOOK PLACE AT THE CHING CHUNG MONASTERY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE AGED OVER 65 ATTENDED.

A MEMBER OF THE STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE A TALK ON HEALTH AND HYGIENE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE LATER THIS WEEK AND THE PROGRAMME WILL END ON MONDAY, JULY 27, WITH A VARIETY SHOW.

THE RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION HAS RAISED $20 000 TO FUND THE ACTIVITIES.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, JULY 21, 1981

11

MANPOWER STUDY OF METAL WORKERS PUBLISHED *****

A REPORT ON THE SIXTH MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE MACHINE SHOP AND bETAL WORKING INDUSTRY CONDUCTED LAST SEPTEMBER, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE REPORT CONTAINS STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY, FORECAST OF THE FUTURE TRAINING NEEDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON MEASURES TO COPE WITH THE INDUSTRY’S NEEDS.

PUBLISHED IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, THE REPORT WILL BE PUT ON SALE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $12 A COPY.

- - 0 - -

SALT WATER PIPE WORK * * * *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JULY 23) TO 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JULY 25) FOR WORK TO BE DONE ON WATER PIPES.

PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE OF SHUN ON ESTATE, SHUN LEE ESTATE, SHUN CHI YUEN, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, CHOI WAN ESTATE AND THOSE ALONG LEE ON ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD AND HONG NING ROAD BOUNDED BY HIP WO STREET AND KUNG LOK ROAD.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:

WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION PUBLISHED................. 1

VALUE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR EXPLAINED........................ 6

WIDER CONTROLS OF NOISE PLANNED .........................

HIGH PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF FORGED ID CARDS ............ 8

NEJ7 LO WU COMPLEX READY IN THREE YEARS ................... 9

GAMBLING BILL PASSED...................................... 10

INFORMATION ON LANGUAGE SHmT TO PANEL .................... 10

LICENSED DTCS ENJOY EXEMPT STATUS ........................ 11

CHARGES FOR NS.7 TELEPHONE INSTRUMENTS APPROVED........... 12

TRAMS ’ALREADY WELL LIT AT NIGHT’ ........................ 13

DEMERIT POINTS BILL DEFERRED ............................. 14

ELEVEN BILLS PASSED ...................................... 14

COMPUTERS .AID TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT............................ 15

POSSIBLE TRUNK ROAD ON LANTAU STUDIED ........................ 16

KWAI CHUNG PLAYGROUND OPENED ................................. 17

FIREWORKS DISPLAY .........................................., 17

MORE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS TO BE AUCTIONED...................... 18

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

1

WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION PUBLISHED *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY PUBLISHED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES IN A WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES TO LOOK AFTER THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN ATTENDING CHILD CARE CENTRES, KINDERGARTENS AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THE WHITE PAPER WAS TABLED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON ERIC HO, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.

THE MEASURES HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS CF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, PARENTS, EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE BODIES AND UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS ON THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE GREEN PAPER PUBLISHED LAST YEAR.

IN THE LIGHT OF THESE COMMENTS, SOME OF THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED AND NEW IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED.

WHILE THEY REPRESENT A CONSIDERABLE STEP FORWARD IN TERMS OF STANDARDS, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO KEEP THEM UNDER REGULAR REVIEW AND TO MAKE FURTHER MODIFICATIONS AS AND WHEN RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE.

A NUMBER OF THESE MEASURES WILL REQUIRE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS, PARTICULARLY TO THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS AND THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS. THE IMPLEMENTATION DATES SET OUT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE VOTING OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FROM TIME TO TIME.

COPIES OF THE WHITE PAPER WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND NT DISTRICT OFFICES.

THE MORE IMPORTANT IMPROVEMENTS AND CHANGES COMPARED TO THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS ARE:

* A CLEAR DISTINCTION BETWEEN KINDERGARTEN AND CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICES'

* AN IMPROVED FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR CHILDREN REQUIRING PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES-

* AN IMPROVED STAFFING FORMULA FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS'

* MORE PROVISION OF BASIC EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLE MATERIALS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS'

* A MORE FLEXIBLE SCHEME FOR CONTROL OF ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS- AND

* IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARD OF RURAL EDUCATION.

/DISTINCTION ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1931

2

DISTINCTION BETWEEN KINDERGARTEN AND CHILD CARE CENTRE SERVICES

THE DISTINCTION PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, BASED ON HOURS OF OPERATION, HAS BEEN REVISED. PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES WILL BE DIVIDED AT THE AGE CORRESPONDING TO TWO YEARS BEFORE ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL. CHILDREN BELOw THAT AGE WILL ATTEND AN INSTITUTION REGISTERED UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND THOSE ABOVE THAT AGE WILL ATTEND KINDERGARTENS REGISTERED UNDER A SUITABLY AMENDED EDUCATION ORDINANCE. THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE PHASED IN OVER A THREE-YEAR PERIOD STARTING IN SEPTEMBER 1982. THE PRIMARY SCHOOL COURSE WILL REMAIN AT SIX YEARS WITH THE NORMAL AGE OF ENTRY AT SIX.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A REDUCTION IN CLASS SIZE AS WAS PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, FOR KINDERGARTENS (TO 30) AND FOR PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS (TO 40, WHILE ALLOWING 35 FOR SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE ’ACTIVITY APPROACH’).

THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE STANDARDS OF PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES ARE REAFFIRMED. THESE INCLUDE INTENSIVE PART-TIME IN-SERVICE COURSES AND, IN THE LONGER TERM, PRE-SERVICE INITIAL TRAINING FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS. KINDERGARTENS WILL BE REQUIRED TO EMPLOY A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF TRAINED TEACHERS IN STAGES STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 1984. A NEW TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR BOTH KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS AND CHILD CARE CENTRE STAFF IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BE SET UP BY SEPTEMBER 1984.

IMPROVED FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES

IN RESPONSE TO COMMENTS THAT THE SCALE OF FEE ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER WAS TOO LOW, THE SCALE HAS BEEN IMPROVED. THE LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE WILL NOW BE REDUCED BY ONLY $15 (INSTEAD OF $20) FOR EVERY $100 EARNED BY THE FAMILY ABOVE THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE LEVEL, LESS ALLOWABLE DEDUCTIONS FOR RENT. THE MAXIMUM RENT DEDUCTION HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 20 PER CENT TO 30 PER CENT OF TOTAL FAMILY INCOME.

THE MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE HAS ALSO BEEN INCREASED FROM $220 TO $310 PER MONTH FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES AND FROM $90 TO $100 FOR KINDERGARTENS. THESE FIGURES WILL BE REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME TO REFLECT APPROVED FEE INCREASES.

FURTHER, TO ALLAY THE FEARS OF EXISTING SUBVENTED CHILD CARE CENTRES THAT THEY MIGHT FACE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE EVENT OF SUDDEN FLUCTUATIONS IN ENROLMENT AND REDUCTION IN FEE INCOME, NON-PROFIT-MAKING CENTRES WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AN ELEMENT OF DIRECT SUBVENTION. THIS WILL BE EQUIVALENT TO 5 PER CENT OF TOTAL INCOME FROM FEES BASED ON THE APPROVED CAPACITY, SUBJECT TO THE FEE LEVEL BEING APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL aELFARE.

DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO NON-PROFIT-MAKING RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES, AS WELL AS TO CENTRES CATERING FOR DISABLED CHILDREN WHERE COSTS ARE HIGHER DUE TO THE NEED TO EMPLOY ADDITIONAL STAFF.

/TO ENCCI .-AGE

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

3

TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRE-PRIMARY INSTITUTIONS, IT IS INTENDED TO REIMBURSE THEIR RENTS, WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE WITHIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, PROVIDED THEIR ACCOMMODATION IS OF AN APPROPRIATE STANDARD AND THE RENTS CHARGED ARE CONSIDERED REASONABLE.

IMPROVED STAFFING FORMULA FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

ENCOURAGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PRACTICE OF REMEDIAL TEACHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF REPETITION OF CLASSES BY CHILDREN WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN KEEPING UP WITH THEIR STUDIES. THE CHILDREN WILL BE TAKEN OUT OF THEIR CLASSES AND GIVEN INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION IN SMALL GROUPS.

MEASURES TO IMPROVE EDUCATION STANDARDS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ALSO INTENDED, INCLUDING THE SETTING UP OF CLASS LIBRARIES, BETTER AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS SERVICES, AND FACILITY FOR TEACHERS TO ATTEND IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES PARTLY IN SCHOOL TIME.

AS THESE IMPROVEMENTS WILL INVOLVE AN EXTRA WORKLOAD FOR STAFF, THE TEACHER TO CLASS RATIO WILL BE IMPROVED FROM 1.1:1 TO 1.2:1 (THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSAL WAS FOR 1.15:1). THIS RATIO WILL APPLY TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS FROM SEPTEMBER 1982.

THE WHITE PAPER ALSO PROVIDES FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER CF SENIOR TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS. FOR EXAMPLE, A STANDARD 24-CLASSR00M SCHOOL WILL HAVE TWO MORE SUCH TEACHERS. ONE OF THE SENIOR TEACHERS IN EACH PRIMARY SCHOOL OF 12 OR MORE CLASSES WILL SERVE AS DEPUTY TO THE HEAD OF THE SCHOOL.

MORE PROVISION OF BASIC EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLE MATERIALS

THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LESS FORMAL ’ACTIVITY APPROACH* * IN TEACHING, PARTICULARLY IN PRIMARY 1 TO 3 CLASSES. ENCOURAGEMENT WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

* AN INITIAL GRANT WILL BE MADE TO EACH CLASS TO BUY CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT AND A RECURRENT SUBSIDY TO BUY CONSUMABLE MATERIALS-

* THE SCHOOL WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FUNDS TO BUY EQUIPMENT TO HELP IN PRODUCING TEACHING AIDS-

* THE SCHOOL WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN A SYSTEMATIC RETRAINING SCHEME FOR TEACHERS- AND

* TEACHERS TRAINED IN THE ACTIVITY APPROACH WILL NOT BE EXCLUDED FROM CONSIDERATION FOR PROMOTION BECAUSE THEY CONTINUED TO TEACH IN THESE CLASSES (NORMALLY LOWER CLASSES).

/MORE RESOURCE ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

4

MORE RESOURCE MATERIALS AND OTHER AIDS, REGARDLESS OF THE APPROACH ADOPTED IN TEACHING, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO MAKE TEACHING MORE EFFECTIVE. THESE INCLUDE:

* CLASS LIBRARIES IN ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER 1983, WITH A PILOT PROJECT IN 25 SCHOOLS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR"

* ADDITIONAL AUDIO-VISUAL AID EQUIPMENT-

X NEW MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES CENTRES TO BE SET UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING ONE IN KOWLOON, WHICH WILL OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK-

* LIBRARIES OF VIDEO-CASSETTE TAPES WILL BE SET UP TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR ETV SERVICES- AND

* THE VISUAL EDUCATION CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE SUPPLIED WITH TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO PROVIDE BETTER BACK-UP SERVICES FOR SCHOOLS.

FURTHERMORE, THE CAPITATION GRANT WILL COVER THE COSTS OF STUDENT VISITS TO PLACES OF EDUCATIONAL INTEREST AND OF STUDENTS TAKING PART IN SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES. THIS GRANT WILL BE RE-ASSESSED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CURRENT COST OF TEACHING MATERIALS AND SERVICES AND THE NEEDS OF THE NEW CURRICULUM, AND WILL BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY IN FUTURE.

ON TEACHING STANDARDS, THE WHITE PAPER ALSO ENDORSES THE GREEN PAPER PROPOSAL FOR REGULAR COURSES OF SYSTEMATIC RETRAINING FOR SERVING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PROPOSES THAT THIS BE IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER 1982. ONCE THE SCHEME IS IN FULL OPERATION IN 1986, 800 TEACHERS WILL RECEIVE AN EIGHT-WEEK FULL-TIME COURSE EACH YEAR AT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.

THERE WILL ALSO BE REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO INTRODUCE NEW CURRICULUM IDEAS AND OTHER INNOVATIONS.

MORE FLEXIBLE SCHEME FOR CONTROL OF ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS

THE WHITE PAPER SETS OUT A MODIFIED SYSTEM OF ALLOCATING PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES *HICH aiILL ALLOW FOR MORE DISCRETIONARY ALLOCATION BY SCHOOLS AND YET RETAIN THE DISTRICT-BASED CENTRALISED ALLOCATION ARRANGEMENT. THE NEW SYSTEM WILl’bE INTRODUCED IN 1983 AND REVIEWED AT REGULAR INTERVALS

/INSTEAD OF ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

- 5 -

INSTEAD OF LIMITING THE PROPORTION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES TO 15 PER CENT AS wAS PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, IT IS NOW INTENDED TO PERMIT SCHOOLS TO OFFER UP TO 30 PER CENT OF THEIR PRIMARY 1 PLACES TO PUPILS FROM WITHIN THE DISTRICT, UP TO 35 PER CENT TO PUPILS FROM EITHER WITHIN OR WITHOUT THE DISTRICT, HAVING SOME CONNECTION WITH THE SCHOOL, WITH THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT ALLOCATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PUPILS LIVING IN THE DISTRICT.

IN THIS WAY, SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO ALLOCATE UP TO 65 PER CENT OF THEIR PLACES TO PUPILS HAVING SOME CONNECTION WITH THE SCHOOL, AND 65 PER CENT OF THE PLACES TO PUPILS LIVING IN THE DISTR ICT.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE WHITE PAPER REITERATES THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO BAN TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS FOR ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS BUT CONCEDES THAT PROPERLY CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS MAY BE PERMITTED IF REQUIRED.

INTERVIEWS WILL NOT INVOLVE SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE THAT HAVE TO BE SPECIFICALLY LEARNED AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO ENSURE THAT NO TESTS OF ANY SORT ARE GIVEN.

A SYSTEM OF RECORD CARDS WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED TO MONITOR PUPILS’ PROGRESS THROUGH THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES, BUT THESE CARDS WILL NOT CONTAIN REFERENCES TO THE PUPILS’ ABILITY OR CONDUCT.

IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARD OF RURAL EDUCATION

THE WHITE PAPER REAFFIRMS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF RURAL SCHOOLS SO THAT CHILDREN EDUCATED IN THEM WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY COURSE.

IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF SOME CENTRALLY LOCATED SCHOOLS TO REPLACE SUB-STANDARD VILLAGE SCHOOLS, MORE REGULAR INSPECTION BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND PRIORITY IN THE PROVISION OF TEACHING RESOURCES'. THE PROPOSALS FOR CENTRALLY LOCATED SCHOOLS AROSE FROM DISCUSSION ON THE GREEN PAPER IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD.

IN SUMMARISING THE OBJECTS AND AIMS OF THE WHITE PAPER AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES POINTED OUT THAT THEY WERE THE RAISING OF STANDARDS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF QUALITY IN PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES.

+IT IS, OF COURSE, SELF-EVIDENT THAT INVESTMENT IN THE YOUNG IS VALUABLE NOT ONLY FOR ITS OWN SAKE, BUT ALSO FOR THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.

+1 AM CONVINCED THAT THE MEASURES IN THIS WHITE PAPER PROVIDE FOR THIS,* HE SAID.

- - - - 0 - - - - /6 ....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

- 6 -

VALUE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR EXPLAINED

* * X *

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE US DOLLAR LARGELY IF NOT ENTIRELY REFLECTS THE UNUSUAL AND CONTINUING STRENGTH OF THE US DOLLAR AGAINST ALL OTHER CURRENCIES, RATHER THAN A WEAKNESS OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON JOHN BREMR IDGE SAID IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THIS IS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE FACT THAT IN TERMS OF THE CURRENCIES OF HONG KONG’S 15 MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BEEN VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED THIS YEAR.

ON JULY 17, MR BREMRIDGE SAID, THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AT 88.1, WAS ONLY 0.1 PER CENT LOWER THAN AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. THIS (JULY 22) MORNING IT WAS 88.7 PER CENT, OR 0.6 PER CENT HIGHER.

MR BREMRIDGE SAID A PERIOD OF EXTREME CURRENCY FLUCTUATION SUCH AS WE HAVE SEEN IN RECENT YEARS MAKES LIFE VERY DIFFICULT FOR EXPORTERS IN ALL COUNTRIES, WHO NEED TO PRICE THEIR PRODUCTS AND TO KNOW THE COST OF THEIR IMPORTED COMPONENTS, AND HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS ARE NO EXCEPTION.

WE CAN, HOWEVER, DRAW SOME SUPPORT FROM THE FACT THAT WHILE AS OF JULY 17 THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS DEPRECIATED SINCE THE END CF THE YEAR BY 1.5 PER CENT IN TERMS OF THE CURRENCIES OF OUR MAJOR BUYERS OVERSEAS, SO IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR EXPORTS, IT HAS APPRECIATED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN TERMS OF THE CURRENCIES OF OUR MAJOR SUPPLIERS OVERSEAS, SO REDUCING THE COSTS OF OUR IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.*

THIS HELPFUL TWIST IN INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY RELATIONSHIPS IS A FACTOR IN THE CONTINUING STRENGTH OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, HE SAID.

IT ALSO APPLIES TO THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLARS AGAINST THE US DOLLAR, BECAUSE AS THE UNITED STATES IS MORE IMPORTANT AS AN EXPORT MARKET FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS THAN AS A SOURCE OF OUR IMPORTS (THOUGH THE PRICE OF OUR FUEL IN PARTICULAR IS EXPRESSED IN US DOLLAR), THE FAVOURABLE EFFECT ON OUR EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE US DOLLAR SHOULD BE GREATER THAN ITS ADVERSE EFFECT ON IMPORT PRICES.

THIS IS ONE REASON WHY HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE TO THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN IMPRESS IVE,+ MR BREMRIDGE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THESE CONSIDERATIONS ARE UNFORTUNATELY NOT SIMPLE AND IT IS OFTEN A MATTER OF SEEKING THE LEAST BAD OUTCOME AFTER A DIFFICULT BALANCING OF ARGUMENTS.

/+IN THIS ......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

♦IN THIS RESPECT I AGREE WITH THE DECISION OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OP BANKS IN INCREASING DEPOSIT RATES. AMONGST OTHER -ACTORS, WHILE THE ASSOCIATED INCREASE IN LENDING RATES UNDOUBTEDLY BRINGS AN ADDITIONAL BURDEN TO ALREADY HARD PRESSED INDUSTRIALISTS AND INDEED TO MANY OTHERS WHO DEPEND ON BORROWED MONEY, IT SHOULD INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THUS SERVE TO CUT THE PRICE OF IMPORTS.*

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID THAT HE WAS AWARE OF THE BURDEN OF INCREASING PRICES ON THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

-----0------

WIDER CONTROLS OF NOISE PLANNED * * * *

A NOISE CONTROL BILL NOW BEING DRAFTED CONTAINS MUCH WIDER PROPOSED CONTROLS FOR AIR-CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS THAN THOSE NOW IN EFFECT, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON D.W. MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON S.L. CHEN.

MR MCDONALD SAID HE HOPED THE NOISE CONTROL BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED DURING THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

+AT PRESENT, THE CONTROL OF NOISE EMISSION FROM AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS IS EFFECTED UNDER SECTION 12 (1)(H) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE WHICH DEFINES A STATUTORY NUISANCE AND ENFORCEMENT IS EXERCISED AS NECESSARY BY THE ISSUE OF NUISANCE NOTICES UNDER SECTION 127 OF THE ORDINANCE,* MR MCDONALD SAID.

THE DESIGNATED AUTHORITY FOR THIS SECTION WAS THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES IN THE NEW TERR ITORIES.

REPLYING TO ANOTHER PART OF THE QUESTION, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF NEW BUILDINGS WAS CONTROLLED BY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE FOR HIGHER DESIGN LOADING FOR MACHINE ROOMS AND AREAS SUPPORTING EQUIPMENT.

+SIMILARLY, WHERE NEW PLANT TO BE INSTALLED IN EXISTING BUILDINGS NECESSITATES BUILDING OR STRUCTURAL WORK, THE APPROVAL AND CONSENT OF THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS REQUIRED,* MR MCDONALD SA ID.

-------0 --------

/8

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

8

HIGH PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF FORGED ID CARDS * * * *

PEOPLE IN POSSESSION OF FORGED IDENTITY CARDS NOW RISK GOING TO JAIL FOR SEVEN YEARS AND FINES OF UP TO <50 000.

THE TOUGH NEW PENALTIES ARE CONTAINED IN THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WAS PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

APART FROM IDENTITY CARDS, THE NEW PENALTIES APPLY TO OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE INCLUDING TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CARDS.

THE NEW LAW RAISES THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR POSSESSION OF FORGED IDENTITY CARDS OR OTHER DOCUMENTS ISSUED UNDER THE ORDINANCE FROM TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 OOO TO SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A <50 000 FINE UPON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT.

THE PENALTY ON SUMMARY CONVICTION IS A FINE OF <20 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.

IN INTRODUCING THE BILL IN COUNCIL EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE BE£RETARY F0R SECUR,TY> THE HON LEWIS DAVIES, HAD WARNED FORGERS and those bringing in illegal immigrants that they would be PURSUED ^RELENTLESSLY.*

HE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ImmIgRATI oT 'BLE AND PRACTICABLE STEPS to REDUCE ILLEGAL

NOT ONLY WOULD THE SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER BE MAINTAINED Hf !^ES2EKBUT TH0SE ILLEGALS REACHING THE URBAN AREAS WOULD ’ TO BE IDEHTlJia *5d PROSEWTEtf ‘NI> ‘BETT°RS “°ULD C0«tT’““E

UNDER THE NEW LAW, AN ACCUSED PERSON SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE A FORGED IDENTITY CARD OR OTHER DOCUMENT IN HIS POSSESSION IF HE HAS IT IN HIS PERSONAL CUSTODY OR POSSESSION. OR IF HE KNOWINGLY HAS IT IN THE ACTUAL CUSTODY OR POSSESSION OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR IN ANY OTHER PLACE, WHETHER OCCUPIED BY HIMSELF OR NOT. ’

IT WILL BE IMMATERIAL WHETHER THE IDENTITY CARD OR OTHER DOCUMENT IS IN SUCH CUSTODY POSSESSION OR PLACE FOR THE USE OF THE ACCUSED PERSON OR THAT 6f ANOTHER PERSON.

0 - -

/9

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

9

NEW LO WU COMPLEX READY IN THREE YEARS *****

WORK ON THE NEW STATION COMPLEX AT LO WU WOULD START IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN MAY 1984, THE SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONES DISCLOSED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

F*C,L,T,ES **• “ *«*> TO RELEASE

A»n *‘*0RK 0N THE TEMPORARY FACILITIES COMMENCES THIS WEEK “conven“nceE?cPRt““"l?c.IN SUCH ‘ “Av 4S To HINIMISE TH£ +THESE TEMPORARY FACILITIES WILL INCREASE THE PRESENT PASSENGER HANDLING CAPACITY AT LO WU BY, FOR INSTANCE DOUBLI NG THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRATION DESKS FROM 18 TO 36,+ MR JONES SAID.

_rMp. ^R0'NTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE TEMPORARY STATION SHOULD BE FOR cmTmJJ mc. W,LL BE LARGELY OPERATIONAL IN TIME

OR CHINESE NEW YEAR TO CATER FOR THE VERY HEAVY PASSENGER DEMANDS.

neoi.AS F0R THE NEw PERMANENT STATION, MR JONES SAID IT HAS BEEN ?mtwrcoI°iK ArDLE 10 003 PASSENGERS AN HOUR, THAT IS 5 303 PASSENGERS IN EACH DIRECTION.

RFOIHr^f^^^uavc^ccF’UI!;5’ 'ELUDING CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION ^E9U’RE^IS’ HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO MEET THIS LEVEL OF DEMAND AND THt CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION HALLS WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED.

Tuc°eT?T,^GG^GE HANDL,NG FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED T ue 1NCLUDE A RESTAURANT, KIOSKS AND TOILET FALlLIIItb,* He SAID.

EE TH^FpJrat^/cvc. FEATURE 0F THE NEU STATION WOULD

B ™!rSTuARTTr b™!*LUSED F0R ARR,V,NG AND DEPARTING PASSENGERS 53 JHAT TH“ Tw0 STREAMS WOULD BE PROPERLY SEGREGATED EACH HAVING wIDE WALKWAYS ACROSS THE SHUM CHUN RIVER.

JHE P°LICE POST WOULD BE REMOVED FROM THE STATION COMPLCX INTO A NEw BUILDING ON AN ADJACENT SITE.

-----0 --------

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1961

10 -

GAMBLING BILL PASSED * * *

THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WITH A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID THE AIM OF THE NEW MEASURES WAS TO STRENGTHEN THE LAW AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING.

WHILE IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THE PRESENT EXTENT CF ILLEGAL GAMBLING, HE SAID THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE POLICE HAD HAD CONSIDERABLE SUCCESS IN CLAMPING DOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE IN 1977.

FROM OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980, HE NOTED, NO LESS THAN 3 688 RAIDS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED ON CASINOS, BOOKMAKERS AND STREET GAMBLERS, RESULTING IN 12 345 ARRESTS AND THE SEIZURE OF OVER $2 MILLION.

THE POLICE HAD, HOWEVER, ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES IN THE EXECUTION OF THEIR STATUTORY FUNCTION UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION, SAID MR WONG, AND IT WAS HOPED THAT SOME OF THESE WOULD BE OVERCOME BY THE NEW PROVISIONS.

UNDER THE BILL, A PERSON IN POSSESSION OF A BETTING SLIP IS PRESUMED TO BE IN SUCH POSSESSION TO ASSIST ANOTHER PERSON IN BOOKMAKING.

IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT MONEY OR PROPERTY FOUND IN PREMISES IN WHICH ILLEGAL CASINO-TYPE GAMBLING TOOK PLACE IS PRESUMED TO HAVE BEEN USED FOR OR IN CONNECTION WITH GAMBLING.

INFORMATION ON LANGUAGE SENT TO PANEL

*****

FACTUAL INFORMATION

„„„„ REGARDING LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN HONG

KONG HAD ALREADY BEEN SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL WHO WILL BE REVIEWING THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON E.P. HO, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR HC SAID EDUCATORS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISHED TO EXPRESS OPINIONS ON THIS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS WERE INVITED TO WR ITE TO THE PANEL.

+1 WOULD CERTAINLY EXPECT THE VISITOR’S REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED, AND wOULD BE SURPRISED IF THERE WAS NO PUBLIC COMMENT OR DEBATE ON IT, WHETHER IT WAS SPECIFICALLY INVITED OR NOT.+ NR HO SAID.

/II ........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

11 -

LICENSED DTCS ENJOY EXEMPT STATUS * * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION WHICH AMENDS THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

THIS WILL ENABLE LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO BE EXEMPTED FROM VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.

IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON P. JACOBS SAID THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE CONTROL AND REGULATION OF MONEY LENDERS AND MONEY LENDING TRANSACTION IN ORDER TO AFFORD PROTECTION AND RELIEF AGAINST EXCESSIVE INTEREST RATES AND EXTORTIONATE STIPULATIONS IN RESPECT OF LOANS.

♦CERTAIN PERSONS AND LOANS AS LISTED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE ARE EXEMPTED FROM VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE. BY VIRTUE OF THEIR INCLUSION IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THEIR SUBSIDIARIES ENJOY EXEMPT STATUS.*

HOWEVER, HE SAID, WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1981, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON JULY 1, A NEW STATUS OF ♦LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY+ HAS BEEN CREATED.

♦THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REGISTERED AND LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES LIES IN THE TYPE OF DEPOSITS THEY ARE PERMITTED TO TAKE. THERE IS NOT NECESSARILY ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TYPES OF LENDING THEY DO.

♦IF THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE IS NOT AMENDED, THERE WILL BE AN ANOMALY WHEREBY A LICENSED (AS DISTINCT FROM A REGISTERED) DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WILL BE TREATED AS AN UNLICENSED MONEY LENDER.+

THE AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST SCHEDULE WHICH IS PROPOSED, MR JACOBS SAID, SEEKS TO REMOVE THIS ANOMALY.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

12

CHARGES FOR NEW TELEPHONE INSTRUMENTS APPROVED

* * * *

THE PROPOSED CHARGES FOR NEW TELEPHONE INSTRUMENTS WHICH THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY PLANS TO MAKE AVAILABLE TO SUBSCRIBERS wERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE CHARGES ARE FOR FOUR NEW TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS, NAMELY THE DUAL INE 2+6 TELEPHONE SYSTEM, A NEW VERSION OF THE HANDSFREE UNIT, THE ATEA TELEPHONE AND THE AUTODIALLING UNIT.

IN MOVING THE MOTION WHICH ADDS TO PARTS II AND III OF THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE (CAP. 269) THE CHARGES FOR THE NEW SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES THE HON P. JACOBS SAID THE RENTAL AND INSTALLATION CHARGES PROPOSED BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY HAD BEEN EXAMINED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL AND WERE CONSIDERED TO BE REASONABLE.

HE SAID THE NEW KEYLINE TELEPHONE SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR THE INTERCONNECTION OF TWO EXCHANGE LINES AND SIX EXTENSIONS. CALLS CAN BE MADE AND RECEIVED FROM ANY EXTENSION OVER EACH EXCHANGE LINE. IT ALSO PROVIDES AN INTERCOM FACILITY, AS WELL AS FACILITIES *OR HOLDING AND TRANSFERRING CALLS.

THE NEW VERSION OF THE HANDSFREE UNIT IS OFFERED IN ADDITION TO THE ONE WHICH HAS BEEN ON OFFER ON YEARLY RENTALS TERMS.

MR JACOBS SAID.

THE ATEA TELEPHONE IS A SOPHISTICATED INSTRUMENT WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HAS SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICE KEYS, WHILE THE AUTODIALLING UNIT CAN STORE UP TO 60 SEPARATE TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ANY ONE OF WHICH IT wILL ITSELF DIAL AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON.

/13 .......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

13

TRAMS

THE IDEA OF TRAMS HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY

’ALREADY WELL LIT * * * *

BEING FITTED WITH

AT NIGHT’

ecueoA. THE government in the past but rejected for

SEVERAL R£ASONs, THE SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, THE HON DEREK JONtS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)

REAR AND BRAKING LIGHTS

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER WONG. DEALING WITH REAR LIGHTS, MR JONES SAID TRAMS WERE ALREADY WELL bJIcnl t/GoL!LJH£IR 0WN INTER,0R LIGHTING AND THERE WAS NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THE USE OF REAR LIGHTS WOULD MAKE THEM ANY MORE VISIBLE.

___kl T,JE QUEST10N 0F BRAKING LIGHTS, HE SAID THE MATTER HAD

EXAMINED AS FAR BACK AS 1962 BY THE THEN TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH ADVISED AGAINST THEIR USE.

THE DECISION wAS THEN REVIEWED IN 1969 AND AGAIN IN 1975 wHEN QUESTIONS WERE ASKED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND wAS* CONFIRMED ON BOTH OCCASIONS. vvumviu, and was

MR JONES SAID THE REASONS FOR THE EARLIER DECISION REMAINED VALID.

im ™ERE W0ULD APPEAR T0 BE N0 BAKING LIGHTS

IN EXISTtNCE wHICH COULD BE ADOPTED FOR USE WITH THE POWER SUPPLY AND BRAKING SYSTEMS OF HONG KONG’S PRESENT TRAMS AND IT WOULD BE E?JJ^L^NIVVERY ^PENSIVE TO DESIGN SOMETHING WORKABLE FOR ?*RUFACIURE HERE" SECONDLY, THE SPEED OF OUR TRAMS WAS NOT HIGH ENOUGH TO MAKE IT NECESSARY TO USE BRAKING LIGHTS- AND THIRDLY THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT ANY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ’ TRAMS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THEY HAD BEEN EQUIPPED WITH BRAK ING L IGHTS.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

14

DEMERIT POINTS BILL DEFERRED

* * * X

DEBATE ON THE CONTROVERSIAL ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL «AS FURTHER ADJOURNED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE UNOFFICIALS, THE HON ROGER LOBO PROPOSED THAT THE RESUMPTION OF DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING SHOULD BE ADJOURNED TO ENABLE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO STUDY THE BILL IN DEPTH.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL HAD HAD A MIXED REACTION AMONG UNOFFIC I AL MEMBERS.

♦BUT THEY ARE AGREED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A DEMERIT °OINT SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXAMINED BY THEM IN PRINCIPLE, AND IF IT IS TO BE INTRODUCED, TO CONSIDER WHETHER THE LIST OF OFFENCES SHOULD BE AMENDED OR EXTENDED.

+ACCORDINGLY THEY WISH TO STUDY THE BILL IN SOME DEPTH DURING THE VACATION, WITH THE INTENTION THAT THE REMAINING STAGES SHOULD BE DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW SESSION,* MR LOBO SAID.

-----o------

ELEVEN BILLS PASSED XXX

ELEVEN BILLS WERE PASSED, SOME WITH AMENDMENTS, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.

THEY ARE: GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 FIXED PENALTY (CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981 MEDICAL CLINICS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) BILL 1981, LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MAINTENANCE ORDER (RECIPROCAL ENFORCEMENT) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, AND MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY)

-----0------

/15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

- 15 -

COMPUTERS AND TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT *****

+DATABASE+ HELPS TO ACCOMPLISH EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE TAX LAW AND ANTI-TAX EVASION ACTIVITIES, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER CF INLAND REVENUE, MR ANTHONY AUYEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, ON' THE SUBJECT COMPUTERISATION AND THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, MR AUYEUNG POINTED OUT THAT +CENTRALIS I NG* THE COLLECTION OF DATA STORED IN THE COMPUTER, MADE IT QUICKER AND EASIER TO LOCATE AND RETRIEVE TAXPAYERS’ IDENTIFICATION DATA AND INFORMATION.

*IN OTHER WORDS, A CENTRAL CROSS-REFERENCING FACILITY IS IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE,+ HE SAID.

+ALL INTER-LINKED RECORDS WILL BE SIMULTANEOUSLY UPDATED AND COMMUNICATIONS EFFICIENTLY ADDRESSED TO CURRENT LOCATIONS.*

*OUR STAFF ARE GRADUALLY RELIEVED OF THE MOUNTING ROUTINE WORK, SUCH AS THE ISSUING OF TAX RETURNS, TAX DEMAND NOTES AND DEFAULT STATEMENTS, AS WELL AS THE PROCESSING OF RECORDING PAYMENTS AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION, WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE TO BE HANDLED MANUALLY.*

MR AUYEUNG NOTED THAT TODAY THERE ARE OVER 2 900 STAFF IN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COLLECTION FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR WOULD BE ABOUT $11.5 BILLION.

+THEY CAN NOW CONCENTRATE ON SEEKING TO CARRY OUT THEIR MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY -- THE DETERMINATION OF ASSESSMENTS IN PROPER AMOUNT PERMISSIBLE UNDER THE LAw AND THE EQUITABLE ENFORCEMENT CF THE TAXING STATUTES,* HE SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT ALL COMPUTER APPLICATIONS STILL NEED HUMAN RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THEM.

THE END-COMPUTER-PRODUCT COULD NOT BE COMPLETELY IMMUNE FROM MISTAKES, AND THE EXAMINATION AND ANALYSIS OF TAXPAYERS’ DATA WOULD CONTINUE TO REQUIRE THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL JUDGEMENT OF TAX OFFICERS.

STRINGENT SECURITY MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY CF THE DATABASE RECORDS AND GUARD AGAINST THE IMPROPER DISCLOSURE CF TAXPAYERS’ INFORMATION, HE SAID.

WITH THE +ON-LINE+ ENQUIRY FACILITIES PROVIDED IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM TWO YEARS LATER, ALL THE ISOLATED COMPUTER SYSTEMS WILL BE INTEGRATED AND SOME NEW APPLICATIONS WILL BE ADDED TO BUSINESS REGISTRATION AND PROFITS TAX AREAS, HE SAID.

o -------

/16........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

16

POSSIBLE TRUNK ROAD ON LANTAU STUDIED * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY APPOINTED A CONSULTANTS FIRM TO INVESTIGATE THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING A TRUNK ROAD TO THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

THE AGREEMENT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED BY MR C.K. CHOW, ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT CIVIL ENGINEER, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND MR RONALD HODGES, RESIDENT PARTNER OF MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON FAR EAST.

MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON FAR EAST TOGETHER WITH HARRIS AND SUTHERLAND FAR EAST AND L.G. MOUCHEL AND PARTNERS (ASIA) MAKE UP THE ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS GROUP OF HONG KONG WHICH WAS FORMED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PROPOSED LANTAU FIXED CROSSING PROJECT.

MR CHOW SAID THAT THE TRUNK ROAD, WHICH WOULD RUN GENERALLY ALONG THE EXISTING COASTLINE OF NORTH LANTAU, WOULD CONNECT THE PROPOSED LANTAU FIXED CROSSING NEAR NGONG SHUEN AU AT THE NORTH EASTERN TIP OF LANTAU AND THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.

♦THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE ROAD IS ABOUT 13 KILOMETRES,* HE SAID.

-•-INITIALLY IT IS PLANNED FOR A FOUR-LANE HIGHWAY, BUT PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR IT TO BE WIDENED LATER TO A SIX-LANE HIGHWAY.*

ROAD CONNECTIONS AND INTERCHANGES WITH THE EXISTING AND FUTURE ROAD NETWORKS ON NORTH LANTAU WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED.

THE CONSULTANTS WOULD SUBMIT A PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT THE END OF THE YEAR.

ONCE THE PROPOSAL WAS ACCEPTED, DETAILED DESIGN WOULD BEGIN, AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXPECTED TO MAKE A DECISION LATE NEXT YEAR ON WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT, THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND THE TRUNK ROAD.

+IF THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO GO AHEAD WITH THESE PROJECTS, CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRUNK ROAD WILL COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF 1983,* MR CHOW SAID.

THE PROJECT, ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $500 MILLION AT TODAY’S PRICE, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1987, THE PROGRAMMED COMPLETION DATE OF THE PROPOSED LANTAU FIXED CROSSING.

0

/17 .....

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

- 17 -

KWAI CHUNG PLAYGROUND OPENED * * *

A PUBLIC PLAYGROUND IN LAI KING HILL ROAD, KWAI CHUNG WAS OPENED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER* DR JAMES HAYES.

THE PLAYGROUND IS LOCATED ON A 410-SQUARE-METRE SITE ADJACENT TO LAI KING AND CHO YIU PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, WHICH HAVE A COMBINED POPULATION OF ABOUT 40 000.

R.ISEDTSno MSP&’fS&S?. hilltop country «•»’ “hose membebs

SIGNED WA" D'STR,CT 0FF'CE WH'CH ALS°

C_D THE 0PENING CEREMONY, DR HAYES THANKED CLUB MEMBERS

FOR THEIR EFFORT IN PROVIDING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN TSUEN wAN DI STR I CT•

HE SAID *HILE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR AVAILABLE SITES TO BUILD MORE PARKS AND SPORTSGROUND FOR RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY =FFORT WAS ALSO NEEDED.

THIS, HE SAID, COULD BE DONE THROUGH DONATIONS OR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB MR Y.C. CHEE, AND OTHER CLUB MEMERS WERE ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.

-----0------

FIREWORKS DISPLAY * *

THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN INVITED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO ORGANISE A FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO PROVIDE ENJOYMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS ON THE EVE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR NEXT YEAR (JANUARY 24, 1982).

THE DISPLAY wILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG HARBOUR, TO ALLOW THE LARGEST POSSIBLE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO WATCH IT.

0 -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 1981

18

MORE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS TO BE AUCTIONED

*****

ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS WILL BE HELD BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON SATURDAY, JULY 25, AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

A TOTAL OF 35 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED FOR BIDDING.

THEY ARE:

CM 2800 CL 1323 BY 1 CL 2818 CL 280

CL 2866 CL 168 CM 3828 AG 3500 CL 183

HK 4200 AA 2828 CK 8288 CL 166 CL 203

CK 8828 BK 3443 AR 818 BS 8888 CL 668

CL 165 573 BD 1771 AN 909 CL 512

CL 669 CL 337 CP 678 CN 500 CL 443

CL 899 CM 399 CK 9960 CM 130 CL 213

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 66TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TEN MORE JOIN TEAMS STUDYING BUS OPERATIONS .................... 1

BIG PRIZES OFFERED IN INDUSTRIE SAFETY yUIZ..................... J

MILLIONS TO HAVE A 'SWINGING SUIisER' .......................... 5

YOUTHS PREPARED FOR CONCERT AND TOUR ........................... 7

CUSTOMS OFFICERS COMMENDED ..................................... 8

BALLET TEACHING IN TAI PO ...................................... 9

GOOD RESPONSE FROM PRIVATE ESTATE RESIDENTS .................... 9

ART AND CRAFT WORKS BY HANDICAPS ED TO BE SHOWN ................ 10

LAND PLOTS FOR TEMPORARY LEASE.................................. 10

CASH TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI 0 FTSH FARM SITE................... 11

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS ..................................... 11

SHA TIN SLIP ROAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED...................... 12

LEARNER DRIVERS BANNED FROM LOWER PAK TIN ESTATE ............... 12

INTEL CHANGE TO BE DISMANTLED................................... 1J

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

1

TEN MORE JOIN TEAMS STUDYING BUS OPERATIONS

* * * *

TEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE JOINING THE GOVERNMENT TEAMS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO MAKE ECONOMIES IN BUS OPERATIONS WITH DUE REGARD TO ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS OF SERVICE AND PASSENGER SAFETY.

THEY ARE t

* MR STEPHEN CHENG WUI-YAU, SENIOR LECTURER IN TRANSPORT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC"1

* MR CHEUNG CHI-YUEN, DIRECTOR OF SHA TIN YOUTH CENTRE, MEMBER OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD-

* MR CHING KAM-HOI, ASSISTANT CHIEF STORE KEEPER OF THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY, FOUNDER MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF PURCHASING AND SUPPLY-

* MR HA WAI-LEUNG, ENGINEERING STUDENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG STUDENTS-

* MR HO CHOI-CHIU, ACCOUNTANT, HON TREASURER OF TAI HANG/ SO KON PO AREA COMMITTEE-

* MR HO CHUN-TUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE ABERDEEN/APLICHAU AREA COMMITTEE AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE-

* MR JACKSON HO, VEHICLE MAINTENANCE ENGINEER OF HK AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING CO., MEMBER OF INSTITUTE OF PLANT ENGINEERS AND MEMBER OF INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL MANAGERS-

* MR VINCENT KO HON-CHIU, CHAIRMAN OF MID-LEVELS (CENTRAL) AREA COMMITTEE, PRESIDENT OF CITY LION CLUB-

M MR WAYNE KWOK, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF YMCA, MEMBER OF MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE-

# MR YEUNG WAI-HONG, ECONOMIST, BANK OF AMERICA.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE REVIEW OF BUS OPERATIONS WAS STARTED IN MAY WITH THE SETTING UP OF AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL CO-ORDINATING GROUP.

THERE ARE FIVE SUB-GROUPS LOOKING INTO THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, BUS MAINTENANCE, DEPOT REQUIREMENTS, SPARE PARTS AND THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME.

THE WORK OF THESE SUB-GROUPS IS STEERED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE PARTICULAR SUBJECT AND EACH OF THEM IS ASSISTED BY TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1?81

2

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN THE INTENTION THAT WHEN THESE SUB-GROUPS COMPLETED THE PRELIMINARY FACT-FINDING STAGE OF THEIR STUDY, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PUBLIC WOULD BE INVITED TO JOIN THEM TO GO THROUGH THEIR FINDINGS WITH A VIEW TO MAKING SUITABLE RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE THE AIMS OF THE REVIEW.

HALF OF THESE PUBLIC MEMBERS ARE PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE AND THEY ARE APPOINTED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR OWN EXPERIENCE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHICH IS RELEVANT TO THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS SUB-GROUPS. THE OTHER HALF ARE DRAWN FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE ENGAGED IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL. THEY WILL ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE GRASS ROOT ARE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN THE FORMULATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS.

THE SUB-GROUPS HAVE IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS CONCENTRATED THEIR ATTENTION ON THE OPERATION OF KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY AND ARE NOW PUTTING TOGETHER THE MATERIAL THEY HAVE GATHERED AND THE OBSERVATIONS THEY MADE IN DISCUSSIONS AMONG THEIR OWN MEMBERS AND WITH KMB OFFICIALS.

WITH CONTRIBUTION FROM THE TEN NEW MEMBERS, THE SUB-GROUPS WILL GO INTO THE SECOND STAGE OF THE STUDY WITH THE ADDED DIMENSION OF OUTSIDE EXPERTISE AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

THEIR FINAL REPORT IS EXPECTED TO BE PUT TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN OCTOBER AND AFTERWARDS TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

WITH THE NEW APPOINTMENTS, MEMBERSHIP OF THE FIVE SUB-GROUPS IS AS FOLLOWS 1

ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

CHAIRMAN i MR ALLAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, COMMISSIONER

FOR TRANSPORT

TAC UNOFFICIALS s MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, MR STEPHEN WONG

PUBLIC MEMBERS : MR VINCENT KO HON-CHIU, MR WAYNE KWOK

BUS MAINTENANCE

CHAIRMAN t MR MICHAEL HUTTON, GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL

AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER

TAC UNOFFICIALS ! MRS GRACE HO, MR F.K. HU

PUBLIC MEMBERS i MR HO CHUN-TUNG, MR JACKSON HO

DEPOT REgJTBETOTTS......

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

3

DEPOT REQUIREMENTS

CHAIRMAN 1 MR DAVID DOWDING, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT

SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

TAC UNOFFICIALS : MR STEPHEN CHEONG, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE

PUBLIC MEMBERS : MR STEPHEN CHENG WUI-YAU, MR HA WAI-LEUNG

SPARE PARTS

CHAIRMAN s MR ROY KILVERT, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT

SUPPL IES

TAC UNOFFICIALS : MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR CHAN PAK-KEUNG

PUBLIC MEMBERS s MR CHEUNG CHI-YUEN, MR CHING KAM-HOI

PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME

CHAIRMAN s MR PETER WINDER, CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT

TAC UNOFFICIAL/ : MR T.S. LO, MR LEO GOODSTADT

NON GOVERNMENT

MEMBER

PUBLIC MEMBERS 1 MR HO CHOI-CHIU, MR YEUNG WAI-HON

------0-------

BIG PRIZES OFFERED IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ

* * * *

A WEEK-LONG, ALL-EXPENSES PAID TRIP TO BRITAIN WILL BE THE PRIZE FOR THE FIVE TEAM WINNERS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TELEMATCH AND QUIZ TELEVISION PROGRAMME TO BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR.

IN ADDITION, OTHER ATTRACTIVE PRIZES, SUCH AS COLOUR TV SETS AND TV GAMES WORTH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN $100 000 WILL BE OFFERED TO OTHER WINNERS.

DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WERE OUTLINED TODAY BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.C.A. HAMMOND, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LIONS CLUB OF QUEENSWAY ON THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SI 000 000 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.

/MB HAMMOND........

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

4

MR HAMMOND SAID THAT THE TV PROGRAMME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE SCREENED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.

THE TEAMS TAKING PART IN THE TV PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, WILL BE FORMED EXCLUSIVELY BY WORKERS FROM THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES.

THE PROGRAMME IS ONE OF THE MORE INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES IN THIS YEAR’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

ALREADY IN PROGRESS IS THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY QUIZ COMPETITION ON RTV’S +HAPPY HOUR+ PROGRAMME ON THE CHINESE CHANNEL.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, RTV, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND CO-SPONSORED BY THREE COMMERCIAL FIRMS, THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT REMINDING PEOPLE TO BE MORE SAFETY CONSCIOUS AND AT INCREASING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

MR HAMMOND SAID THAT INITIAL RESPONSE TO THIS COMPETITION HAD BEEN +TREMENDOUS+, WITH THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, MOSTLY WORKERS, JOINING IN THE CONTEST.

THE YEAR’S PUBLICITY PROJECTS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WILL CULMINATE IN A LARGE-SCALE AUDIO-VISUAL LIGHT DISPLAY, FEATURING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.

THIS +SPACE MUSEUM* TYPE OF SHOW, COSTING ABOUT $500 000 WILL BE HELD IN THE KESWICK HALL OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

IN ADDITION TO THESE EXCITING PROJECTS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO PREPARED MANY OTHER PUBLICITY ITEMS TO SUPPLEMENT THE LARGE SCALE PUBLICITY EVENTS.

THESE INCLUDED POSTERS, SHORT TV ANNOUNCEMENTS, ADVERTISEMENTS IN NEWSPAPERS AND MTR STATIONS, AND SAFETY POSTER COMPETITIONS.

+THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE YEAR IS A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH AIMED AT THE WIDEST POSSIBLE SECTION OF THE PUBLIC AND EMPLOYING THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS POSSIBLE TO AROUSE THEIR INTEREST IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. IT IS AN INDICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S DETERMINED EFFORTS TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG,* MR HAMMOND SAID.

HE CALLED ON HIS AUDIENCE TO LEND THEIR SUPPORT BY SPREADING THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MESSAGE AND INVITED INTERESTED PARTIES TO SPONSOR OR CO-SPONSOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY PROJECTS IN THE FUTURE.

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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

5

MILLIONS TO HAVE A +SWINGING SUMMER* *****

YOUNGSTERS BY THE MILLION WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY A SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITY +WITH A DIFFERENCE* THIS SUMMER.

A SERIES OF 10 ONE-HOUR TV PROGRAMMES ENTITLED +SWINGING SUMMER*, WILL BE ORGANISED BETWEEN JULY 30 AND SEPTEMBER 3 TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL OUTLETS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO CFFER THEM A DAY OF FUN WITH THEIR FAVOURITE SINGERS AND TV CELEBRITIES.

IT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

ALL OF THE ORGANISERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR YOUTH RECREATION WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING SOME 8 □□□ SUMMER EVENTS FOR YOUTHS THIS YEAR.

THE ACTIVITY IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHICH HAS BEEN THE MAIN SUPPORTER OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME SINCE 1969.

ANNOUNCING THE TV PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER (PROMOTIONS) OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS BETTY SHUM SAID, +NEVER BEFORE HAS SUCH AN ACTIVITY BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME SINCE ITS INCEPTION 12 YEARS AGO AND IT POINTS TO A NEW DIMENSION IN WHICH THE PROGRAMME CAN BE FURTHER DEVELOPED.

+THE GREAT ADVANTAGE OF RUNNING THIS KIND OF PROGRAMME IS THAT IN ADDITION TO THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITY, YOUNG PEOPLE BY THE MILLION WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SHARE THE FUN BY WATCHING IT ON TV.*

IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR HANDICAPPED YOUTHS TO TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES.

THE PROGRAMMES, IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO +SING-ALONG+ AND +PLAY-ALONG+ WITH POPULAR SINGERS AND TV ARTISTES, WILL BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP, PEAK PARK AND OCEAN PARK ON JULY 30, AUGUST 6, 13, 23, 27 AND SEPTEMBER 3 RESPECTIVELY. THEY WILL BE SCREENED ON RTV 1 ON TEN CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS, FROM 12.15 PM TO 1.15 PM, STARTING AUGUST 2.

/THE HEAT)...........

THDBSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

6

THE HEAD OF GENERAL PROGRAMME, RTHK, TV, MISS MARIA WAN, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO SONGS AND GAMES, THE PROGRAMME WOULD FEATURE A SINGING COMPETITION IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE AGE GROUP OF 15 TO 25 ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.

+CONTESTANTS MAY ENTER AS INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS. AS TO THE CHOICE OF SONGS, THERE IS NO RESTRICTION. THEY CAN BE POP SONGS, FOLK SONGS, CANTONESE SONGS OR EVEN OPERA PIECES,+ SHE SAID.

THERE WILL BE NINE PRELIMINARIES. IN EACH PRELIMINARY, FOUR SELECTED CONTESTANTS OR GROUPS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SINGING TALENT. THE WINNER AND THE FIRST RUNNER-UP OF EACH PRELIMINARY WILL RECEIVE PRIZES WHILE THE FORMER WILL ALSO GET THE RIGHT TO ENTER THE GRAND FINAL.

FOUR HANDSOME PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE OVERALL WINNER AND THREE RUNNERS-UP IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE GRAND FINAL. THESE PRIZES, DONATED BY THE KLASSE DEPARTMENT STORE AND THE TSANG FOOK PIANO COMPANY, ARE:

FIRST PRIZE: TEAC STEREO SOUND EQUIPMENT

WORTH $7 003 AND

KLASSE DEPARTMENT STORE GIFT

COUPON OF $2 000

SECOND PRIZE: BLAUPUNKT 20” COLOUR TV SET

WORTH $5 100 AND

KLASSE DEPARTMENT STORE GIFT

COUPON OF $1 500

THIRD PRIZE: SILVER STEREO SOUND EQUIPMENT

WORTH $2 000 AND

KLASSE DEPARTMENT STORE GIFT

COUPON OF SI 000

FOURTH PRIZE: TSANG FOOK PIANO COMPANY

MUSIC INSTRUMENT COUPON OF $1 000

APPLICATION FORMS OF THE SINGING COMPETITION CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM ALL BRANCHES OF THE TSANG FOOK PIANO COMPANY, THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT BROADCAST DRIVE, AND THE 17 DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE FIRST PROGRAMME AT VICTORIA PARK ON JULY 30 WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN LIMITED QUANTITY AT THE ABOVE OFFICES AS FROM MONDAY, JULY 27.

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/7 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

7

YOUTHS PREPARE FOR CONCERT AND TOUR * * * *

THE HONG KONG JING YING CHAMBER ORCHESTRA WILL HOLD A CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON MONDAY (JULY 27) STARTING AT 8 PM, BEFORE LEAVING ON JULY 31, TO TAKE PART IN THE FIFTH AUSTRALIAN YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL.

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE CONCERT.

PROGRAMME FOR THE PRE-TOUR CONCERT INCLUDES BEETHOVAN’S SYMPHONY NO. 1 IN C MAJOR, OP. 21- MENDELSSOHN’S +FINGAL’S CAVE+ OVERTURE, OP. 26- AND WUT MAN-CHUNG’S PIPA CONCERTO. A SPECIAL COMMISSIONED PIECE, +CONTRAST+ BY DOMING LAM, WILL BE GIVEN ITS PREMIER PERFORMANCE THAT EVENING.

IN AUSTRALIA, OUR YOUNG ENVOYS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS IN BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE MODES. THEY WILL ALSO PERFORM WITH THE RENOWNED CONSERVATOR I UM ORCHESTRA IN SYDNEY.

WITH DISTINGUISHED GROUPS FROM THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, TRINIDAD, GERMANY, FRANCE AND THE HOST COUNTRY PARTICIPATING, THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A FORUM FOR THE PROMOTION OF FRIENDSHIP AND GOODWILL THROUGH MUSIC.

THE HONG KONG JING YING CHAMBER ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN RECEIVING INTENSIVE TRAINING FOR THE TOUR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE MUSIC CONSULTANT, MR DAVID STONE AND THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR (PROFESSIONAL), MR THOMAS WANG.

TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT, AT $5 EACH MAY BE PURCHASED FROM THE CITY HALL BOX OFFICE, TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY, MUSIC OFFICE HEAD OFFICE AT ART CENTRE AND THE MONG KOK MUSIC TRAINING CENTRE. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE 5-283257.

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/8 .......

Thursday, july 23, 1981

8

CUSTOMS OFFICERS COMMENDED * * * *

THE PROFESSIONALISM OF TWO CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT HAD A SEQUEL TODAY (JULY 23) WHEN THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, MR WALTER NEIL, PRESENTED THEM WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION.

THE ALERTNESS OF A SENIOR CUSTOMS OFFICER, MRS WONG LI PUI-HAR LED INITIALLY TO THE SEIZURE OF 1.6 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN BASE AND THE ARREST OF THE DRUG COURIER, AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO THE SMASHING OF A DRUG SYNDICATE. FOLLOWING FOUR MORE ARRESTS ANOTHER 2.1 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN BASE WERE SEIZED.

U11 e ILer? JULY 8’ THAT MRS W0NG WAS CHECKING THE LUGGAGE OF A

i w 1 sTp , ?«?’“”•

ISetSe»“J!0M of e‘ch c0"t‘IN£S -EflE JUS“FIE°

+HER INITIATIVE AND DILIGENCE ENABLED OFFICERS OF Tmf AiepnoT imSHGAnON SECTION TO NEUTRALISE THIS SYNDICATE^D “K IM t IL • *

TODAY'S COMMENDATION WAS THE SECOND AWARDED TO MRS wONr HAS BEEN A CUSTOMS OFFICER FOR NEARLY 13 YEARS. S’

IN 1976 SHE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ARREST AT KAI tak nc

MORPHINE ?NUT?iE?M«mH?Tm2 CONCEALED OVER SEVEN KILOGRAMMES OF MORPHINE IN THE INSULATION OF AN ICE BUCKET THE PADDlNr nr civc FOLDING CHAIRS, AND IN PACKETS OF DRIED PORK. PADDING OF F«VE

lAiuri1’?0 COMMENDED TODAY WAS CUSTOMS OFFICER. LEE YUET-TONe win JOINED THE SERVICE NINE YEARS AGO. NS’ WH3

AFTER A MALE PASSENGER WAS SEARCHED AT KAI TAK ON 1UNF oh.

MR LEE BECAME SUSPICIOUS AND INITIATED A MORE DETAILED SEARcS ' WHICH RESULTED IN THE DISCOVERY OF OVER 203 GRAMMES OF HERO IN*BASE WHICH THE COURIER HAD HIDDEN IN HIS BODY. UF HER0IN BASE

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/9 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

9

BALLET TEACHING IN TAI PO * * *

FOR JUST 59, TAI PO CHILDREN CAN TAKE UP BALLET.

THIS IS THE FEE FOR A THREE-MONTH COURSE WHICH STARTED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL HALL.

THERE WERE TO HAVE BEEN 60 CHILDREN ON THE COURSE ORIGINALLY, BUT SO GOOD WAS THE RESPONSE WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE NUMBER HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO 80.

THE COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WHICH PROVIDES THE FUNDS.

IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO CLASSES OF 40 CHILDREN AGED FROM SIX TO 12, WHO TRAIN ONE HOUR EACH WEEK.

NEW COURSES WILL START EVERY THREE MONTHS.

THE INSTRUCTOR IS MISS LIM CHAI-LAN, AN INDONESIAN CHINESE, WHO STUDIED BALLET AND OTHER FORMS OF DANCE AT THE PEKING OVERSEAS CHINESE UNIVERSITY. AFTER GRADUATING SHE TAUGHT DANCE IN CHINA, COMING IN 1973 TO HONG KONG, WHERE SHE NOW RUNS A DANCING SCHOOL IN KOWLOON. SHE HAS BEEN TEACHING BALLET AT YUEN LONG TOWN HALL FOR FIVE YEARS AND PLANS TO OPEN A DANCING SCHOOL IN THE TOWN NEXT MONTH.

TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION IS VERY ACTIVE ORGANISING A VARIETY OF CULTURAL EVENTS. IT RECEIVED $120 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR 1981/82.

-----o-----

GOOD RESPONSE FROM PRIVATE ESTATE RESIDENTS *****

ABOUT 500 RESIDENTS OF KIM SHIN LANE, A PRIVATE HOUSING RESIDENTIAL AREA, WILL TAKE PART IN AN OUTING TO SHEK 0 ON SUNDAY (JULY 26) IN A PROGRAMME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND ALL THE 19 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE AREA.

IT WILL BE THE FIRST BIG-SCALE FUNCTION EVER HELD AND IS AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE RESIDENTS TO GET TOGETHER. AMONG THEMSELVES AND WITH MAC MEMBERS.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TAKING PART IS CONSIDERED EXCEPTIONAL FOR A PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.

THE SUCCESSFUL RESPONSE CAN BE SEEN AS A GOOD INDICATION OF FUTURE CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS, HE ADDED.

THE ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHU SHIU-CHEUNG, WILL CONDUCT A LUCKY DRAW ON THE OCCASION.

0 - - - -

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

10

ART AND CRAFT WORKS BY HANDICAPPED TO BE SHOWN * * * *

MORE THAN 1 000 ITEMS OF ART AND CRAFT BY SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS WILL BE DISPLAYED FROM SATURDAY IN AN EXHIBITION AT THE PAO SUI LOONG GALLERIES, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.

THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE ART SECTION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON SATURDAY, JULY 25, BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE. IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL AUGUST 4.

THE ITEMS ON DISPLAY ARE PRODUCED BY STUDENTS FROM 60 SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND TEN ORDINARY SCHOOLS WITH SPECIAL CLASSES. THEY INCLUDE PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, PRINTS, GRAPHIC DESIGNS, THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGNS, SCULPTURE, POTTERY, BATIK, AND EMBROIDERY.

THE EXHIBITION IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS AND HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS.

-----o------

LAND PLOTS FOR TEMPORARY LEASE * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT'S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF TWO PLOTS ON LAND IN KOWLOON.

ONE, AT THE JUNCTION OF HOI YUEN ROAD AND SHING YIP STREET, MEASURES 2 416 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.

THE OTHER, AT CHOI WAN ROAD, DIAMOND HILL, MEASURES ABOUT 4000 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR STORAGE OF TENANTS’ GOODS, VEHICLES CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE SAID BOTH THE TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR, AND THEREAFTER ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON AUGUST 7.

TENDER FORMS AND PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND ALSO AT THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

11

CASH TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI 0 FISH FARM SITE

* * * *

CASH TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE LEASE OF A SITE FOR FISH FARM DEVELOPMENT AT TAI 0, LANTAU ISLAND.

THE SITE COVERING APPROXIMATELY 130 000 SQUARE METRES IS NEAR THE BUS TERMINUS AT THE END OF TA I 0 ROAD AND USED TO BE COVERED BY SALT PANS.

THE LEASE TERM IS 10 YEARS.

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO START OPERATING A FISH FARM WITHIN 24 MONTHS OF TAKING POSSESSION OF THE SITE.

TENDERS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, BEFORE NOON ON SEPTEMBER 25.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

-----o------

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS

* * X

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WHICH FALL DUE ON WEDNESDAY JULY 29, WHICH IS A HOLIDAY.

CASH ORDER BOOK COUPONS WITH THE PAYMENT DUE ON THAT DAY MAY BE CASHED EITHER ON JULY 28 OR AFTER JULY 29, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE TYPE OF PAYING OFFICE.

SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FIELD UNIT STAFF HAVE BEEN TOLD TO INFORM THEIR CLIENTS OF THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS, A SPOKESMAN SAID.

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/12 .....

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

12

SHA TIN SLIP ROAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

* * * *

THE KOWLOON OR WEST-BOUND SLIP ROAD OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD, NEAR LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM JULY 25 TO AUGUST 8 AND FROM SEPTEMBER 19 TO OCTOBER 3.

THE CLOSURES, EFFECTIVE ALL DAY DURING THE TWO PERIODS, WILL FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILWAY BRIDGE AT THE SHA TIN STATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY.

+DURING THE TWO CLOSURE PERIODS, A SAME SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION WILL ALSO BE REDUCED FROM FOUR TRAFFIC LANES TO TWO BETWEEN 8 PM AND 6 AM EACH DAY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

KOWLOON OR WEST-BOUND BUSES ON ROUTE NO. 70, 70A, 70M, 71, 72, 72A, 86, 87, 88, 88A, 88B, 89 AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS NO. 170 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YUEN WO ROAD AND ON A YET UN-NAMED ROAD TO RE-JOIN TAI PO ROAD.

-----0------

LEARNER DRIVERS BANNED FROM LOWER PAK TIN ESTATE

* * *

LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM USING SECTIONS OF TWO STREETS IN LOWER PAK TIN ESTATE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, JULY 25.

THE SECTIONS ARE PAK WAN STREET, BETWEEN PAK TIN STREET AND WAI CHI STREET, AND WAI CHI STREET, BETWEEN PAK WAN STREET AND THE UNNAMED ROAD PERPENDICULAR TO WAI CHI STREET.

THE BAN IS AIMED AT ELIMINATING OBSTRUCTION ON THE ROADWAY OUTSIDE THE PAK TIN AMBULANCE STATION IN BLOCK 5 OF THE ESTATE.

- - 0 - -

/U.....

THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1981

13

INTERCHANGE TO BE DISMANTLED

* * * *

A 1OO-METRE SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF POK FU LAM ROAD, UNDER THE POK FU LAM GARDEN INTERCHANGE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 11 PM AND 6 AM FOR ABOUT SEVEN NIGHTS FROM FRIDAY, JULY 24, TO ALLOW THE INTERCHANGE TO BE DISMANTLED.

THE NORTHBOUND LANE OF THE ROAD SECTION WILL BE CONVERTED TO SINGLE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ROYAL WEDDING STAMPS ON SALE JULY 29 ......................... 1

MORE TAXI FOR NEW TERRITORIES ................................ 1

CHANGES MALE TO NORTH POINT ZONING PLAN ...................... 2

TENDERS CALLED FOR CORRIDOR HIGHWAY WORK ..................... J

HEAVY VEHICLES BANNED FROM MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL ............ J

FIVE aIRPORT SHOPS AVAILABLE ................................. 4

PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING MANUAL PUBLISHED .................. 4

TSUEN WAN SCHOOLS PROVIDE RECREaTION DURING HOLIDAYS ......... 5

RESIDENTIAL LOT FOR SaLE ..................................... 5

CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL GRAVES .................................. 6

EVENING COURSE FOR PaRT-TIHE TECHNICAL LECTURERS ............. 6

Waterloo road section to be temporarily closed ............... 7

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

1

ROYAL WEDDING STAMPS ON SALE JULY 29

*****

ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL FOR THE SALE OF THE SPECIAL STAMPS COMMEMORATING THE WEDDING OF PRINCE CHARLES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, WHICH IS A HOLIDAY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AIRPORT POST OFFICE WILL BE THE ONLY EXCEPTION, AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, INSTEAD OF THE USUAL HOURS OF 8 AM TO 9 PM.

THERE WILL, HOWEVER, BE NO DELIVERY OF MAIL ON JULY 29.

MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT AN ADDITIONAL 250 □□□ FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE ISSUE OF THE ROYAL WEDDING STAMPS WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON MONDAY, JULY 27, AT ALL POST OFFICES.

ON AUGUST 3, WHICH IS THE FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH, 33 POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON, AND THE TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.

THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON MONDAY, AUGUST 3.

-----o------

MORE TAXIS FOR NEW TERRITORIES * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO ISSUE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES AT THE RATE OF 50 A MONTH TO KEEP PACE WITH PUBLIC DEMAND CREATED BY THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi ■♦WITH MORE PEOPLE MOVING TO THE NEW TOWNS, COUPLED WITH GREATER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND GROWING AFFLUENCE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES GENERALLY, IT IS CLEAR THAT THERE IS A STRONG NEED FOR THIS TYPE OF TRANSPORT.♦

THE PRESENT MAXIMUM LEGAL LIMIT OF 838 NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS HAS BEEN REACHED AND, AS A RESULT, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE THAT IT IS RAISING THE MAXIMUM LEGAL LIMIT TO 3 000.

THE GOVERNMENT ALSO IS RAISING THE EXISTING LEGAL LIMIT OF 10 000 URBAN TAXIS TO 12 000 TO ALLOW IT TO CONTINUE WITH THE POLICY OF ISSUING URBAN TAXI LICENCES AT THE RATE OF 100 A MONTH.

TENDERS FOR BOTH NEW TERRITORIES AND URBAN TAXI LICENCES WILL BE CALLED AT THREE-MONTHLY INTERVALS.

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/2...

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

2 -

CHANGES MADE TO NORTH POINT ZONING PLAN

*****

TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A TOTAL OF 25 AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT NORTH POINT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.

THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDEi

FIVE EXISTING +INDUSTRIAL* SITES TOTALLING ABOUT 11.67 HECTARES HAVE BEEN REZONED FOR +OTHER SPECIFIED USES* AND ANNOTATED AS •COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREAS* AS A RESULT OF A REVIEW OF THE INDUSTRIAL LAND REQUIREMENTS AND THE CHANGING CHARACTER IN THE PLANNING AREA.

BECAUSE OF THE EXTENT AND LOCATION OF THESE SITES, COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT FOR USES OTHER THAN INDUSTRY IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE.

HOWEVER, TO ENSURE THAT CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS CAN BE IMPOSED TO LIMIT THE DOMESTIC PLOT RATIO TO BALANCE THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY (G/IC) FACILITIES, ALL PROPOSALS FOR DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THESE AREAS WILL REQUIRE THE SPECIAL CONSENT OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

OTHER MORE SUITABLY LOCATED INDUSTRIAL LAND, MAINLY IN THE EASTERN END OF THE PLANNING AREA, HAS BEEN RETAINED. THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN HAS BEEN AMENDED TO DISCOURAGE FURTHER APPLICATIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE.

THE PLAN ALSO INCORPORATES THE DETAILED LAYOUT OF PART OF THE QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION, INCLUDING FUTURE ROADS, A PUMP HOUSE, A PORT WORKS DEPOT, OPEN SPACE, INDUSTRIAL LAND AND A FUNERAL DEPOT.

THE ALIGNMENT AND LOCATION OF THE STATIONS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE HAVE BEEN AMENDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST DRAWINGS FROM THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.

IN ADDITION, THE G/IC SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF CAUSEWAY ROAD AND HING FAT STREET AND AN AREA PARTLY ZONED OPEN SPACE AND PARTLY ZONED GREEN BELT IN KING’S ROAD NEAR OIL STREET HAVE BEEN REZONED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS.

PART OF THE GREEN BELT ZONE WHICH IS WITHIN THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK HAS BEEN EXCISED FROM THE PLAN. DEVELOPMENT CONTROL IN THE AREA WILL BE EXERCISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE.

THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, 17TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), 884-886 KING’S ROAD, HONG KONG.

THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, PWD, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AT tlO FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN AND WHO HAS AN OBJECTION MAY SUBMIT THE OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 PWD, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG

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/3.....

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

- 3 -

TENDERS CALLED FOR CORRIDOR HIGHWAY WORK

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE I OF STAGE II OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR HIGHWAY.

THE WORK WILL EXTEND THE ELEVATED HIGHWAY NOW BEING BUILT, TAKING IT FROM HEALTHY STREET WEST TO QUARRY BAY.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF 850 METRES OF DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS WHICH FOR MOST OF THEIR LENGTH ARE ELEVATED OVER THE HARBOUR AND THEN RETURN TO GROUND LEVEL ON THE fEW QUARRY BAY RECLAMATION.

THE WORK ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SLIP ROADS TO CONNECT WITH JAVA ROAD EAST OF HEALTHY STREET WEST.

A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FURTHER WORKS TO EXTEND THE HIGHWAY TO TA IKOO SHING ARE EXPECTED TO BE CALLED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

HEAVY VEHICLES BANNED FROM MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL ft ft ft

VEHICLES EXCEEDING 2-1/2 TONS UNLADEN WEIGHT WILL BE BANNED FROM ROADS IN MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, JULY 27.

THE ROADS AREi MAGAZINE GAP ROAD BETWEEN MAY ROAD AND PEAK ROAD- GLENEALY BETWEEN ALBANY ROAD AND WYNDHAM STREET- WYNDHAM STREET BETWEEN GLENEALY AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL- BOWEN ROAD BETWEEN MAGAZINE GAP ROAD AND BORRETT ROAD- ALBANY ROAD BETWEEN ROBINSON ROAD AND GLENEALY- THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ALBANY ROAD FLYOVER- AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD BETWEEN ICE HOUSE STREET AND WYNDHAM STREET.

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

FIVE AIRPORT SHOPS AVAILABLE

*****

TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE TENANCIES OF FIVE RETAIL SHOPS — THE LAST GROUP OF NEW SHOP SPACES AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTURES HALL OF KAI TAK PASSENGER TERMINAL.

THESE SHOP PREMISES, WITH NUMBERS D9O5, D9O7, D9O8, D911, AND D912, ARE LOCATED AT THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED SHOPPING MALL AT THE WESTERN HALF OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING.

TYPES OF BUSINESS INCLUDE THE SALE OF TOBACCO AND CIGARETTES, RADIO AND ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT, CONFECTIONERY, PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT AND JEWELLERY.

TENANCIES ARE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS STARTING IN SEPTEMBER.

TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF ANY OF THESE SHOPS MUST REACH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING, GROUND FLOOR, BEFORE 12 NOON OF AUGUST 14, 1981.

FORMS OF TENDERS AND OTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, OR FROM THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT.

- - - - 0 ----

PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING MANUAL PUBLISHED * * * *

A MANUAL OF RECOMMENDED TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY HAS BEEN COMPILED BY THE PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE MANUAL CONTAINS TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THE SIX DESIGNATED TRADES IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.

MR ALEX WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, SAID THAT THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES CAN EITHER BE USED AS THEY ARE OR AS GUIDELINES BY EMPLOYERS IN DRAWING UP THEIR OWN COMPANY TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

HE SAIDi ^EMPLOYERS SHOULD ENDEAVOUR TO FOLLOW THE PROGRAMMES AS CLOSELY AS POSSIBLE BOTH WITH REGARD TO THE SKILLS TO BE PRACTISED AND THE TIME ALLOCATED, AND SHOULD EMPHASISE THE SAFETY ASPECT THROUGHOUT THE COURSES OF TRAINING.*

MR WU ADDED THAT THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES, WHEN APPLIED, WILL RAISE THE STANDARD OF TRAINING OFFERED BY THE PRINTING INDUSTRY AND HENCE THE QUALITY OF ITS SKILLED MANPOWER.

COPIES OF THE MANUAL, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE NOW ON SALE AT $5 EACH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.

0 - - - -

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

5

TSUEN WAN SCHOOLS PROVIDE RECREATION DURING HOLIDAYS *****

TWO SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN ARE BEING KEPT OPEN DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR USE AS TEMPORARY SPORTS CENTRES.

BOTH PO ON COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION WONG SIU CHING SECONDARY SCHOOL AND HO CHUEN YIU MEMORIAL COLLEGE HAVE BEEN PROVIDING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE EVENINGS AND ON SUNDAYS SINCE MIDAPRIL, FOLLOWING CLOSURE OF CHAI WAN KOK TEMPORARY SPORTS CENTRE.

WORK ON A NEW TEMPORARY SPORTS CENTRE IN THE HEART OF TSUEN WAN IS IN PROGRESS.

SO FAR, ABOUT 7 OOO RESIDENTS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SPORTING ACTIVITIES AND ATTENDED TRAINING CLASSES ORGANISED BY STAFF OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AT THE TWO SCHOOLS.

BEGINNING NEXT MONTH, THERE WILL BE CHANGES IN THE HOURS THE TWO SCHOOLS WILL OPEN FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.

THE HO CHUEN YIU MEMORIAL COLLEGE WHICH IS IN SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE WILL NOW OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY, AND FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM ON SUNDAYS. AT PRESENT, IT OPENS FROM 5.30 PM TO 9.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND ALL DAY ON SUNDAYS.

THE WONG SIU CHING SECONDARY SCHOOL WHICH IS CLOSE TO TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER WILL NOW OPEN ONE HOUR EARLIER FROM 4.30 PM TO 9.30 PM EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY, AND ALSO THE WHOLE DAY ON SUNDAYS.

THE RSS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AND ORGANISE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FENCING, ARCHERY, DANCING, BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND TABLE TENNIS AT THE TWO SCHOOLS.

THE CHAI WAN KOK TEMPORARY SPORTS CENTRE, OPENED TWO YEARS AGO IN A GODOWN, WAS CLOSED AT THE END OF MARCH FOR CONVERSION INTO A GOVERNMENT FLATTED FACTORY.

- - - - 0 ----

RESIDENTIAL LOT FOR SALE * * * *

ONE LOT OF CROWN LAND, OF 7 337 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON AUGUST 28.

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.

THE LOT, IN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, INCLUDING A PUBLIC PLAYGROUND AND CAR PARK.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.

0 - -

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

6

CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL GRAVES

*****

THIRTY ILLEGAL GRAVES LYING WITHIN THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE IN KWONG SHAN AREA, WILL BE CLEARED BY THE GOVERNMENT NEXT WEEK.

WHERE POSSIBLE, NOTICES WERE SERVED ON RELATIVES TO REMOVE THE GRAVES.

UNDER SECTION 118 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, BURIALS OUTSIDE AUTHORISED CEMETERIES ARE NOT PERMITTED, AS THE PRACTICE IS CONTRARY TO PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND COULD CONSTITUTE A HEALTH HAZARD.

ILLEGAL GRAVES IN KWONG SHAN ARE ALSO DANGEROUS BECAUSE RELATIVES AND VISITORS PUT THEIR LIVES AT RISK BY ENTERING THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE.

EXHUMED REMAINS OF THESE BURIALS WILL BE RE-INTERRED IN GOVERNMENT CEMETERIES.

-----0------

EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME TECHNICAL LECTURERS * * *

THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL OFFER A ONE-YEAR EVENING COURSE FOR PART-TIME LECTURERS COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER FOR PRACTISING OR INTENDING PART-TIME TEACHERS.

THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN EVENING PART-TIME TEACHERS ENGAGED IN FURTHER EDUCATION OR THOSE WISHING TO TAKE UP EVENING PART-TIME TEACHING IN HONG KONG.

CONTENTS OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE A STUDY OF PRINCIPLES AND ►ETHODS OF TEACHING. IN ADDITION TO THEORETICAL STUDIES, EMPHASIS WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON PRACTICAL TEACHING.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES TWO EVENINGS A WEEK FOR 30 WEEKS. TUITION FEE IS S175.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL OR ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND GOOD COMMAND OF WRITTEN AND SPOKEN ENGLISH.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS BY AUGUST 8.

----0----

/7.......

FRIDAY, JULY 24, 1981

7

WATERLOO ROAD SECTION TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

M * * * *

A SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD, BETWEEN YIM PO FONG STREET AND PEACE AVENUE NEAR HO MAN TIN, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SIX NIGHTS BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM JULY 26 TO 31 TO ALLOW FOR THE DEMOLITION OF A KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BRIDGE.

A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS.

EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DUNDAS STREET, KWONG WAH STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET AND ARGYLE STREET.

WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HO MAN TIN STREET, HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, WYLIE ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD.

YIM PO FONG STREET AND WYLIE ROAD WILL REMAIN OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.

-----0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 ......................... 1

SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.................................   4

PRISONS DEPARTMENT'S WORK 'FORWARD LOOKING' ....................

LANTAU ISLAND CAMP-SITE OPENED .................................. 6

CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION TO BE BUILT AT TAI PO ...................

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION ............................. 8

MORE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR TSUEN WAN .............................. 9

EARLY MORNING WATER PIPE TESTS .................................  9

SWIMMING GALA HELD IN TAI PO.................................... 10

WORK OF CHEUNG CHAU LIFE-SAVING ASSOCIATION PRAISED

11

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

1

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1981 * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE IN JUNE 1981.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR JUNE WAS $10 097 MILLION, MADE

UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AT $6 831 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS AT $3 266 MILLION.

WITH IMPORTS AT $11 441 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR JUNE WAS $1 344 MILLION.

SO THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1981 WAS $55 145 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $35 608 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $19 536 MILLION. WITH IMPORTS AT $65 639 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1981 WAS $10 494 MILL ION.

COMPARED WITH THE FIRST HALF OF 1980, THERE WERE THE FOLLOWING INCREASES BY VALUEi $4 486 MILLION OR 14.4 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $6 299 MILLION OR 47.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, $10 785 MILLION OR 24.3 PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS AND $13 666 MILLION OR 26.3 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.

THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, WAS 16 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 14.6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980.

COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT SHOWED A FAIR DEGREE OF STABILITY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL EXPORTS ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS. HE ADDED THAT THE VISIBLE TRADE +GAP+ IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF LINE WITH THAT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980.

THE PERFORMANCE OF THE DOMESTIC EXPORT SECTOR WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE.

THE GROWTH RATE IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, ALTHOUGH LOW BY RECENT EXPERIENCE, WAS QUITE RESPECTABLE IN VIEW OF THE UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS PREVAILING IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS.

THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT AS THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAVE BEEN STABLE SINCE THE END OF LAST YEAR, A LARGE PROPORTION (ABOUT HALF) OF THE 14.4 PER CENT GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REPRESENTED GROWTH IN REAL TERMS.

/CONCERNING THE ......

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

2

CONCERNING THE FAIRLY RAPID GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN JUNE THIS YEAR (29.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH JUNE 1980), THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WAS PARTLY A REFLECTION OF THE CONTINUING RAPID GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS (BY 37.4 PER CENT, JUNE THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH JUNE 1980). HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN AEROPLANE (A JUMBO 747) VALUED AT OVER $300 MILLION WAS IMPORTED

obau J*?LCENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES "

FOR JUNEt-

MERCHANDISE

t DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE

$10 $11 $ 1

831

266 097

441

344

MILLION MILLION MILLION MILLION

MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

$ 6

1

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST 3 MONTHS APR IL-JUNE 1981 APRIL-JUNE 1980 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19 544 17 414 + 2 131 + 12.2

RE-EXPORTS 10 011 7 201 + 2 809 + 39.0

TOTAL EXPORTS 29 555 24 615 ♦ 4 940 +20.1

IMPORTS 34 559 27 761 ♦ 6 797 + 24.5

TRADE BALANCE - 5 004 - 3 146 - 1 858

JUNE JUNE INCREASE OR

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1981 1980 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 6 831 6 079 + 751 + 12.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (67.7%) (71.9%)

RE-EXPORTS 3 266 2 378 888 ♦ 37.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 10 097 8 457 + 1 639 + 19.4

IMPORTS 11 441 8 824 + 2 617 + 29.7

TRADE BALANCE - 1 344 - 367 - 977

/LAST MONTH .....

SATUBfttf, JULY 25, 1981

- 3 *

JUNE MAY INCREASE OR

LAST MONTH 1981 1981 DECREASE

$ MN. 1 MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 6 831 6 880 49-0.7

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (67.7%) (66.8%)

RE-EXPORTS 3 266 3 422 - 156 - 4.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 10 097 10 302 - 205 - 2.0

IMPORTS 11 441 11 737 - 296 - 2.5

TRADE BALANCE - 1 344 - 1 435 + 91

JAN-JUNE JAN-JUNE INCREASE OR

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1981 1980 DECREASE

S MN. S MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 35 608 31 122 + 4 486 + 14.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (64.6%) (70.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 19 536 13 237 ♦ 6 299 ♦ 47.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 55 145 44 359 +10 785 + 24.3

IMPORTS 65 639 51 973 +13 666 + 26.3

TRADE BALANCE - 10 494 - 7 614 - 2 880

JULY 1980 JULY 1979

TO TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS JUNE 1981 JUNE 1980 DECREASE

S MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 72 657 63 626 ♦ 9 031 + 14.2

RE-EXPORTS 36 371 24 063 +12 308 ♦ 51.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 109 028 87 689 ♦21 339 + 24.3

IMPORTS 125 317 99 295 +26 022 + 26.2

TRADE BALANCE - 16 289 -11 606 - 4 683

A...

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

4

SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH OTHERS *****

THE EXHIBITION OF ART AND CRAFT BY SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS IS AN IDEAL EXAMPLE DEMONSTRATING THAT EVERYONE, WHETHER HANDICAPPED OR NOT, HAS SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH OTHERS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR HAYE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE PAO SUI LOONG GALLERIES, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, ORGANISED BY THE ART SECTION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.

♦ IN ALL ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES, A GENUINE FEELING FOR BEAUTY IS MOST IMPORTANT AND IT IS WELL WORTH CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT ALTHOUGH A PERSON MAY HAVE A DISABLEMENT OF SIGHT OR OF HEARING OR OF BODILY MOVEMENT, THE ABILITY TO APPRECIATE BEAUTY CAN BE SHARED BY EVERYONE,+ MR HAYE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST ARTISTS WERE DISABLED BUT IN ALL SUCH CASES, DISABILITY HAD BY NO MEANS IMPAIRED SENSITIVITY- INDEED, ARTISTIC ENDEAVOUR HAD BEEN ENHANCED BY AN INTENSE FEELING FOR ALL THINGS BEAUTIFUL.

THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY, MR HAYE SAID, SHOW THAT ART IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER CAN BE PRODUCED BY THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THAN OURSELVES TO BE ENJOYED BY EVERYONE.

♦ART IS FOR ALL AND I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE PARTICIPANTS FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO SHARE THEIR INSIGHT AND ARTISTIC VISION,♦ MR HAYE SAID.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL AUGUST 4.

ON DISPLAY ARE 1 000 ART AND CRAFT ITEMS FROM 60 SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND TEN ORDINARY SCHOOLS WITH SPECIAL CLASSES.

THEY INCLUDE PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS, GRAPHIC DESIGNS, THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGNS, SCULPTURE, POTTERY, AND BATIK.

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

5

PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S WORK ’FORWARD LOOKING’ * * * * *

OVER THE YEARS, THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES WHICH REFLECT THE ENLIGHTENED AND FORWARD-LOOKING APPROACH OF THE PRISON SERVICE IN HONG KONG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 105 RECRUIT ASSISTANT PRISON OFFICERS AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, AT WHICH SHE TOOK THE SALUTE.

GIVING AN EXAMPLE, SHE SAID THAT THE DETENTION CENTRE PROGRAMME HAD PROVED VERY EFFECTIVE. +0F THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE PROGRAMME, 95 PER CENT HAVE NOT BEEN RECONVICTED OF ANY OFFENCE IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING RELEASE, AND NEARLY 80 PER CENT HAVE NOT BEEN CONVICTED DURING THE THREE YEARS FOLLOWING RELEASE.*

THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT PERFORMED ITS DUTIES EFFECTIVELY AND UNOBSTRUSIVELY, SHE SAID.

♦ YOU WILL FIND YOUR CAREERS CHALLENGING AND FULFILL ING,+ SHE TOLD THE RECRUITS.

THE PRISON INDUSTRIES, SHE SAID, WERE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME, ACHIEVING TWO IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES.

♦FIRSTLY IT PROVIDES TRAINING OF INMATES SO THAT THEY MAY BE BETTER ABLE TO GET AND KEEP A JOB ON RELEASE. SECONDLY IT PROVIDES, ECONOMICALLY, GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THE GOVERNMENT BY USING THE RESOURCES OF PRISON LABOUR,+ SHE REMARKED.

THE RECRUITS COMPRISING 84 MEN AND 21 WOMEN ASSISTANT OFFICERS II, RECENTLY COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING IN THE INSTITUTE.

MISS DUNN PRESENTED GOLDEN WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST RECRUITS, bfi LUI YAM WOON AND MR FAN KONG SUI.

0 -

/6

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

6

LANTAU ISLAND CAMP-SITE OPENED

*****

THE FIRST CAMP-SITE ON BEACHES FOR YOUNG HOLIDAY-MAKERS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CAMPERS AT PUI 0, ON LANTAU ISLAND BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MORE CAMP-SITES WITH PROPER FACILITIES ALONG THE SOUTH SHORE OF LANTAU WILL BE BUILT TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND OF THIS POPULAR OUT-DOOR ACTIVITY DURING THE SUMMER, A SPOKESMAN SAID.

TWO MORE CAMP-SITES FOR CHEUNG SHA ON THE ISLAND ARE NOW BEING PLANNED, WHILE TWO MAJOR BEACH PARKS IN THE HINTERLAND OF PUI 0 AND CHEUNG SHA WHICH CAN ACCOMMODATE VERY MUCH LARGER NUMBERS AND CATER TO A WIDER RANGE OF TASTES ARE ALSO BEING PLANNED.

THE BEAUTIFUL PUI 0 CAMP-SITE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

THERE ARE 20 CAMPING SPACES, EACH SEPARATED BY NATURAL SHRUBS.

AN UMBRELLA, A LONG BENCH WITH SEAT, A BARBECUE PIT AND A LITTER BIN ARE PROVIDED AT EACH SPACE.

AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAMP-SITE, A PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE BOARD IS SET UP TO ENABLE THE CAMPERS TO COMMUNICATE WITH THEIR FRIENDS BY SIMPLY STICKING A MESSAGE ON THE BOARD.

CAMPERS ARE URGED TO FOLLOW THE CAMP KEEPER’S INSTRUCTION IN HELP ING TO KEEP THE SITE CLEAN AND TIDY TO PROTECT THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE AREA. THEY ARE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED NOT TO VANDALISE ANY CAMPING FACILITIES.

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

7

CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION TO BE BUILT AT TAI PO * * * *

PICNICKERS WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE USE OF A CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION AT BRIDE’S POOL, TAI PO, BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

COSTING I2OO 000 WHICH IS BEING DONATED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES LIONS CLUB, THE PAVILION IS ABOUT IQ MINUTES WALK FROM PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.

AT A STONE-LAYING CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY), THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER NORTH, MR NICKY LO, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CLUB FOR ITS GENEROSITY.

♦THE PAVILION PROVIDES NOT ONLY SHELTER AND A RESTING PLACE FOR PICNICKERS, BUT WILL ALSO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.

HE SAID IF THE CLUB’S APPLICATION FOR INSTALLATION OF A PUBLIC TELEPHONE AT THE PAVILION WAS SUCCESSFUL, IT WOULD MEAN CONVENIENCE TO PICNICKERS IN EMERGENCIES.

THE CLUB WAS SET UP IN 1977 AND HAS AT PRESENT 59 MEMBERS.

THE PRESIDENT, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU YAM-MAN, WERE ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.

LAST MONTH, THE CLUB DONATED $100 000 FOR A PAVILION TO BE BUILT AT SHA TIN.

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

8

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD BY AUCTION

* * *

THIRTY-FOUR SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF >3*6 700 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER BS 8888 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $55 000.

ANOTHER NUMBER BY 1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $46 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR CL 2866, CL 165, CL 1023, BD 1771, CK 9960, CL 512, CL 443.

THE OTHER SPECIAL FOLLOWING PRICES » REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD , AT THE

$ $ $

CM 2800 5 600 CL 337 1 500 AN 909 9 000

HK 4200 4 700 CM 399 2 000 CN 500 29 000

CK 8828 8 200 CM 3828 6 000 CM 130 3 900

CL 669 2 000 CK 8288 7 500 CL 280 6 000

CL 899 8 000 AR 818 6 200 CL 183 2 500

CL 168 24 000 CP 678 5 500 CL 203 1 300

AA 2828 40 000 CL 2818 5 200 CL 668 16 000

578 35 000 AG 3500 1 600 CL 213 2 500

CL 166 5 500

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 66TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $20 093 732.

- - - - 0 ---------

/9.......

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

9

MORE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR TSUEN WAN * * * *

A NUMBER OF URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TSUEN WAN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, JULY 27.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID 24-HOUR CLEARWAYS WOULD COME INTO FORCEi

* IN TEXACO ROAD FROM A POINT 20 METRES BEFORE SHA TSUI ROAD ACROSS THE NEW FLYOVER TO A POINT 20 METRES BEYOND THE JUNCTION WITH SHING MUN ROAD-

* ON ALL LINK ROADS AND SLIP ROADS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TEXACO ROAD-CASTLE PEAK ROAD INTERCHANGE- AND

X IN TAI WO HAU ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TEXACO ROAD FOR A DISTANCE OF 210 METRES TOWARDS KWAI CHUNG.

TEXACO ROAD, FROM THE END OF THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS TO A POINT 20 METRES BEFORE THE SHA TSUI ROAD JUNCTION, ALSO WOULD BECOME A CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP OR PICK UP PASSENGERS AND GOODS WITHIN THESE CLEARWAYS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

EARLY MORNING WATER PIPE TESTS X X

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JULY 27) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER LEAKAGE TESTS.

PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE ALONG HYSAN AVENUE, SUNNING ROAD, HOI PING ROAD, SUN WUI ROAD, IRVING STREET, KESWICK STREET, LINK ROAD, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, LEIGHTON ROAD, FROM YEE WO STREET TO CAROLINE HILL ROAD, INCLUDING THE HONG KONG STADIUM.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER WESTERN DISTRICT, HONG KONG HOURS, FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM ON CONNECTION WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREA WILL 129-157 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST STREET).

SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FOUR MONDAY (JULY 27) TO FACILITATE PIPE

INCLUDE 155-269 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND (BETWEEN EASTERN STREET AND WESTERN

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

10

SWIMMING GALA HELD IN TAI PO * * * *

TAI PO PEOPLE ARE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT SPORT, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR LO, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT TAI PO DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA AT FANLING SWIMMING COMPLEX, SAID LAST YEAR THERE WERE MORE THAN 20 000 PARTICIPANTS IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

+THIS YEAR, GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $100 000 ON PROVIDING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND I HOPE MORE PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE,* HE SAID.

+PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN TAI PO WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED AND EXPANDED,* HE SAID.

MAJOR PROJECTS INCLUDED A TEMPORARY SOCCER PITCH, A SWIMMING COMPLEX AND AN INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE.

+WORK ON A WATER SPORTS CENTRE AT TAI MEI TUK HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND CANOEING AND DINGHY COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED THERE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.

GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO MAKE FULL USE OF EXISTING FACILITIES AT LOCAL SCHOOLS AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES.

ORGANISED BY TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE GALA ATTRACTED 120 ENTRANTS.

THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG (NORTH) RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WONG CHUN-WAI, THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES (EAST) REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR KWAN PING-YUEN, WERE AMONG THE GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.

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/11 .....

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1981

11

WORK OF CHEUNG CHAU LIFE-SAVING ASSOCIATION PRAISED * * * *

THE ENTHUSIASM AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE OF CHEUNG CHAU LIFE-SAVING ASSOCIATION WAS PRAISED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY ISLANDS ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL ROWSE.

MR ROWSE WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE 14TH TERM.

♦WITH SERVICES RENDERED BY YOUR ASSOCIATION, MANY ACCIDENTS ARE AVOIDED,+ HE SAID.

BESIDES PROVIDING LIFE-SAVING SERVICES AT WEEKENDS AND ON HOLIDAYS, THE ASSOCIATION ALSO RAN SWIMMING, LIFE-SAVING AND CANOEING TRAINING COURSES.

ESTABLISHED IN 1958, THE ASSOCIATION HAS MORE THAN 700 MEMBERS AT PRESENT.

IT HAS ORGANISED FOUR TEAMS OF LIFE-GUARDS, EACH COMPRISING EIGHT MEMBERS, TO SERVE LOCAL BEACHES IN TURN.

IT HAS ALSO SET UP A 22-MEMBER RESCUE TEAM TO HELP DURING TYPHOONS AND OTHER EMERGENCIES.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR YEUNG YUK-LUN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR FUNG PAK-TAI, WERE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY DURING WHICH 28 MEMBERS WERE INAUGURATED FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM OF OFFICE.

- - C - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

WELFARE 'HOTLINE' HANDLES 20 000 CALLS IN TEN MONTHS.......... 1

PUBLIC PIER FOR SAI KUNG TOWN ................................. 2

HELPING DISABLED OVERCOME TRANSPORT PROBLEMS .................. 2

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MJSIC ......................... 4

BOAT RACE FOR HANDICAPPED AT TAI PO ........................... 5

VILLAGERS GET MORE WATER SUPPLY................................ 6

NEW FERRY PIER TO REPLACE PONTOON.............................. 6

BIG CLEAN UP AT MOUSE ISLAND................................... 7

WINTER SWIMMING CLUB EXECUTIVES INAUGURATED

8

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

1

WELFARE +HOTLINE+ HANDLES 20 000 CALLS IN TEN MONTHS *****

PEOPLE WITH PERSONAL, FAMILY OR OTHER WELFARE PROBLEMS ARE IPGED TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S +HOTLINE+ SERVICE, WHICH HAS NOW BEEN OPERATING FOR TEN MONTHS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SINCE THE HOTLINE — NOt 3-432255 — WAS INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER, MORE THAN 20 000 CALLS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM PEOPLE SEEKING QUICK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.

EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR SUCH A SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi ♦THE HOTLINE WAS INTRODUCED TO BACK UP THE VARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT’S FIELD UNITS. IT HAS PROVED TO BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL OUTSIDE OFFICE HOURS, AT WEEKENDS AND DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.+

MOST OF THE CALLS CONCERNED FAMILY MATTERS, YOUTH PROBLEMS, REHABILITATION AND FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.

♦SOME OF THE CALLERS WERE VERY DEPRESSED AND ALL THEY WANTED WAS SOMEONE TO TALK T0,+ HE SAID.

♦STAFF MANNING THE HOTLINE WOULD ALWAYS TRY THEIR BEST TO HELP BY MAKING USE OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND KNOWLEDGE.+

FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER, SOME OF THE CALLERS COULD NOT BE GIVEN IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. THEIR CASES WERE REFERRED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR FOLLOWUP ACTION.

♦FOR CALLS THAT CONCERN SERVICES NOT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF SOCIAL WELFARE, OUR HOTLINE STAFF WOULD DO THEIR BEST TO DIRECT THEM TO THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A NUMBER OF CALLS CONCERNED SUSPECTED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE AND THESE WERE QUICKLY FOLLOWED UP BY CASE WORKERS IN THE FIELD OFFICES.

FOR EXAMPLE, A HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF MEMBER AT SHUN LEE ESTATE RECENTLY REPORTED THAT THREE GIRLS, AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND SIX, WERE OFTEN LEFT ALONE AT HOME IN ONE OF THE FLATS IN THE ESTATE, AND THAT THEIR FATHER APPEARED TO BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE FOR THEM.

THE CASE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN UP BY CASE WORKERS IN THE FIELD WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE GIRLS’ MOTHER HAD DESERTED THE FAMILY TWO YEARS AGO, AND THE FATHER HAD TO WORK LONG HOURS.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE IMMEDIATELY MADE TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR THE GIRLS.

THE +HOTLINE+, WHICH OPERATES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, IS MANNED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS, AND FROM 1 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

OVERNIGHT CALLS ARE MACHINE-RECORDED FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION THE NEXT DAY.

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

2

PUBLIC PIER FOR SAI KUNG TOWN

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BUILD A PUBLIC PIER AND EXTEND THE EXISTING SEAWALL AT SAI KUNG TOWN.

THE PROJECT, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE BEING INVITED, FORMS PART OF AN OVERALL SCHEME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAI KUNG TOWN.

THE NEW PIER WILL ENABLE EASY ACCESS TO BEACHES AND ISLANDS WITHIN THE INNER PORT SHELTER (SAI KUNG HOI).

RECLAMATION BEHIND THE NEW SEAWALL WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR THE FUTURE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS, A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND A MINI-FOOTBALL PITCH.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED PUBLIC PIER, DREDGING OF THE APPROACH TO THE PIER, EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING SEAWALL AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BOX CULVERT EXTENSION TO REPLACE THE EXISTING NULLAH.

CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, PWD.

-----o------

HELPING DISABLED OVERCOME TRANSPORT PROBLEMS KM**

THE GOVERNMENT HAS FORMULATED A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO HELP DISABLED PEOPLE TO OVERCOME DIFFICULTIES THEY FACE IN USING TRANSPORT FACILITIES, THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, M? STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING AT THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND OF THE +TRAFFIC CARNIVAL DAY FOR THE DISABLED,+ A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE PENINSULA JAYCEES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE DISABLED.

♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE,* MR LAW SAID.

Alike everybody.........

3

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1?81

♦LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE, THE DISABLED SHOULD ENJOY THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE AN EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL TRAINING AND TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY.+

THROUGH THE ALLOCATION OF MONEY FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ASSISTS SPECIAL SCHOOLS, TRAINING CENTRES AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PURCHASING VEHICLES FOR THE TRANSPORT OF DISABLED PEOPLE TO AND FROM WORK.

THE DEPARTMENT SUBVENTS THE REHABUS SCHEME, UNDER WHICH 11 BUS SERVICES ARE RUN TO HELP DISABLED PEOPLE TO GET TO WORK, TO GO TO SCHOOL OR TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

♦WE HOLD REGULAR DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BUS, FERRY AND OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING STEP BY STEP FACILITIES ON THESE SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED,* MR LAW SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A TRANSPORT AND ACCESS SUB-COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND PUBLIC SPIRITED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON IMPROVING TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.

+ON THE BASIS OF PROPOSALS BY THIS COMMITTEE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED MODIFYING FACILITIES IN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SWIMMING POOLS AND OTHER PUBLIC BUILDINGS TO ENSURE THAT THEY BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE TO DISABLED USERS,* MR LAW SAID.

AT THE SAME TIME, TRAFFIC LIGHTS WITH A SOUND SYSTEM ARE GRADUALLY BEING INSTALLED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY TO bELP THE BLIND CROSS ROADS.

♦THIS YEAR IS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS,* W LAW SAID.

+APART FROM STEPPING UP VARIOUS REHABILITATION SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PAID PARTICULARLY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TRANSPORT PROBLEMS FACED BY THE DISABLED.*

VARIOUS TRAFFIC AND BUILDING LAWS AND LEGISLATION GOVERNING PUBLIC TRANSPORT BODIES WERE AGAIN REVIEWED TO SEE HOW TRANSPORT FACILITIES COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED FOR THE DISABLED, HE ADDED.

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/4........

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

- 4 -

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MUSIC * * * *

LOCAL COMPOSERS AND LYRICISTS ARE INVITED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO TAKE PART IN A SONG COMPOSITION CONTEST WITH MENTAL HEALTH AS THE THEME.

CASH PRIZES AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WILL BE AWARDED IN THE CONTEST, WHICH IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ACTIVITIES IN PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH.

THE MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION AND NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF ORGANISING THE CONTEST IS TO AROUSE PEOPLE’S INTEREST THROUGH POPULAR MUSIC IN MAINTAINING SOUND PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH.

SONGS FOR ENTRY SHOULD CARRY EITHER ONE OF THESE MESSAGES* +GOOD MENTAL HEALTH IS KEY TO A HAPPY SOCIETY*, A +TAKE-THINGS-EASY to\\TcarefreeEljfeNERV°US BREAKD0WN+» 0R AN ♦EASY-GOING WAY LEADS

THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS* SECTION ONE IS FOR ORIGINAL COMPOSITION OF MELODY AND LYRICS WHILST SECTION TWO IS FOR WRITING LYRICS FOR ADAPTATION INTO OLD OR POPULAR TUNES.

THE FIVE BEST ENTRANTS OF SECTION ONE WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $1 □□□, $700, $500 AND TWO MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS RESPECTIVELY. PRIZES FOR THE THREE WINNERS OF SECTION TWO ARE CASH AWARDS OF $700, $500 AND $300.

TWO LOCAL COMPOSERS, MR JOSEPH KOO AND MR CHENG KWOK-KONG, WILL ADJUDICATE ALL ENTRIES.

ENTRIES WITH NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF CONTESTANTS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CENTRE POINT BUILDING, HONG KONG BEFORE SEPTEMBER 9.

PROSPECTIVE CONTESTANTS CAN OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REGULATIONS OF THE CONTEST AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, COMMUNITY CENTRES OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OR DIAL 5-720861 FOR DETAILS.

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/5 ........

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

5 -

BOAT RACE FOR HANDICAPPED AT TAI PO * * * *

ABOUT 60 HANDICAPPED PERSONS, HALF OF THEM BLIND, PARTICIPATED IN A BOAT RACE AT TAI PO TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE PAK TIN BLIND CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION CF HANDICAPPED YOUTH. IT WAS SPONSORED BY TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE.

THE RACE STARTED AT SAM MUN TSAI AND ENDED NEAR LI UK, A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 700 METRES.

EACH BOAT WAS CREWED BY TWO PERSONS, ONE OF WHOM WAS BLIND.

PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNING TEAMS BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICKY LO- THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG- AND THE SUB-DIVISIONAL INSPECTOR OF TAI PO POLICE STATION, MR CHAN KIT-CHU.

MR LO SAID TODAY’S EVENT WAS ORGANISED AS A RESULT OF JOINT COMMUNITY EFFORT.

HE SAID THIS YEAR HAD BEEN DESIGNATED INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR DISABLED PERSONS AND ITS SUCCESS DEPENDED UPON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT.

TODAY’S EVENT HAS SHOWN THAT THE COMMUNITY IS WILLING TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS FACING THE HANDICAPPED,* HE SAID.

ONE OF THESE PROBLEMS IS THAT THE ABILITY OF THE HANDICAPPED IS NOT RECOGNISED BY PEOPLE GENERALLY, BUT TODAY THE HANDICAPPED HAVE SHOWN THAT THEY CAN DO AS WELL AS NON-HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.

THIS EVENT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO REALISE THE ABILITY OF HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND AS A RESULT MAY GIVE THEM BETTER EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS,* MR LO SAID.

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/6......

- 6f/

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

VILLAGERS GET MORE WATER SUPPLY * * * *

THREE ADDITIONAL STANDPIPES, INSTALLED LAST MONTH AT TAI supplyRsituation’there6 TAI SIN HAVE greatly proved the WATER

AS THERE ARE NOW FIVE STANDPIPES FOR THE 2 500 VILLAGERS THE RATIO OF PEOPLE TO STANDPIPES HAS BEEN REDUCED, RESULTING IN A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN THE WATER SUPPLY SITUATION A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID. ’

AFTER THE FIRE THAT OCCURRED IN THE VILLAGE IN FEBRUARY YEAR» THE 2 500 V,LLAGERS WHO REMAINED BEHIND IN THE UNAFFECTED AREA SHARED ONLY TWO STANDPIPES AMONG THEM.

__AU Zur IMPROVEMENT IN WATER SUPPLY TO THE VILLAGE HAS RESULTED EFF0RTS 0F WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, WONG TAI ®’BJR‘CT B0ARD» WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

-----o-----

NEW FERRY PIER TO REPLACE PONTOON

* * *

A NEW FERRY PIER IS TO BE BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN TSUEN WAN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY PONTOON.

THE PIER WILL PROVIDE A NEW AND IMPROVED FACILITY AT THE NEW SEAWALL NOW BEING BUILT IN TSUEN WAN BAY.

THE WORK IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, WHICH INCLUDES RECLAMATION OF PART OF TSUEN WAN BAY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE TWO OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS.

CONSTRUCTION WILL INCLUDE A FOUR-BERTH DOCKING FACILITY, A PUBLIC OUTLOOK PROVIDING A PANORAMIC VIEW OF TSUEN WAN BAY AND TSING Yl ISLAND AND ACCOMMODATION ON TWO LEVELS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

WORK IS DUE TO START IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. THE PROJECT WILL BE LINKED TO A NEW BUS TERMINUS TO BE BUILT ON PART OF THE RECLAIMED LAND.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PWD IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT IN FRIDAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

7

BIG CLEAN UP AT MOUSE ISLAND K * X *

A MAMMOTH, T'WO-WEEK LONG CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN HAS CLEARED THE HUGE AMOUNTS OF RUBBISH FROM MOUSE ISLAND IN TUEN MUN.

IN THE BIG FACELIFT OPERATION, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT REMOVED SOME 230 LORRY LOADS OF REFUSE, JUNK, OYSTER SHELLS, BUILDING RUBBLE AND BULKY ARTICLES FROM THE BREAKWATER AND WATERFRONT AREA OF THE CASTLE PEAK BAY.

THIS NOW MEANS THAT RESIDENTS OF MOUSE ISLAND, PREVIOUSLY THREATENED WITH A HEALTH HAZARD AS A RESULT OF THE INSANITARY REFUSE ACCUMULATION, CAN NOW ENJOY A CLEAN AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

TO HELP THE BOAT PEOPLE IN PROPERLY DISPOSING OF THEIR DOMESTIC REFUSE, THE NTSD HAS SET UP SIX TEMPORARY BIN SITES AT THE ENTRANCE OF FOUR JETTIES.

AT THE SAME TIME, HOWEVER, A CALL HAS BEEN MADE TO RESIDENTS AND BOAT PEOPLE TO PLAY THEIR CIVIC ROLE BY MAKING FULL USE OF THE REFUSE^COLLECTION BINS AND THEREBY HELP IMPROVE THE GENERAL

AND, AS FOR THOSE NOT HEEDING THE CALL, THE NTSD WILL STEP UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO PROSECUTE LITTER OFFENDERS.

TO THIS END, ANTI-LITTER SIGN BOARDS HAVE BEEN ERECTED AT SPOKESMAN'SA ID° WARN AGAINST INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF REFUSE, THE

PEOPLE CAUGHT LITTERING WILL FACE A FINE OF $1 000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $2 000 ON THE SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS. HE POINTED OUT. '

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SUNDAY, JULY 26, 1981

8

WINTER SWIMMING CLUB EXECUTIVES INAUGURATED *****

EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE CLEAR WATER BAY WINTER SWIMMING CLUB WERE INAUGURATED THIS EVENING (SUNDAY) BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG.

ELECTED PRESIDENT WAS MISS LEUNG KWAI-FONG, PREVIOUSLY VICE-PRESIDENT, WHO HAS BEEN A MEMBER SINCE THE CLUB 1973.

WAS FORMED IN

TEN OFFICERS

VICE-PRESIDENTS WERE ALSO ELECTED AND ABOUT 40 OTHER WERE APPOINTED FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM.

THE CLUB WAS ORIGINALLY FORMED BY SEVEN AMATEUR SWIMMERS WHO FOR MANY YEARS PREVIOUSLY HAD SWUM TOGETHER ALL YEAR ROUND. IT HAS NOW EXPANDED TO MORE THAN 150 ACTIVE MEMBERS FROM SAI KUNG. HANG HAU AND KOWLOON.

BESIDES PROMOTING WINTER SWIMMING MEMBERS WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS BEACH PICNICS, CAMPING AND BARBECUES.

, THE CLUB ALSO PROVIDES ITS HUTS, AND ORGANISES LAUNCH

OTHER GUESTS PRESENT AT TODAY’S INAUGURATION INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES FROM SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG AND HANG SWJMMYn^CLUBS ITTEES’ NEIGHB0URING VILLAGES AND OTHER PROMINENT

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

OVER 52 500 PUPILS GET AIDED FORM FOUR PLACES .................. 1

JUNE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX UP ONE POINT ......................... 3

ANALYSIS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RECLASSIFIED

BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 ..........,.. 5

MANPOWER NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS TO BL SURVEYED .................. 6

REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAY ................................. 7

HE SOLD 34 600 MILLION WORTH OF CROWN LAND...................... 8

SPOKEN CANTONESE EASIER THAN WRITTEN, FOREIGN STUDENTS FIND..................................................  9

SAI KUNG SEMINAR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING COWUNITY ................ 11

WATER FIGURES .................................................  H

BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURJE OFFERED..........................   12

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

1

OVER 52 5OO PUPILS GET AIDED FORM FOUR PLACES ft ft ft ft ft

A TOTAL OF 52 521 PUPILS PARTICIPATING IN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES IN THE AIDED SECTOR, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SINCE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE SYSTEM IS 89 602, THIS MEANS THAT 58.6 PER CENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS HAD BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES, HE SAID.

+IN ADDITION, UP TO ABOUT 2 500 PUPILS MAY BE OFFERED DISCRETIONARY PLACES BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE RESULTS OF ALLOCATION WILL BE RELEASED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR COLLECTION BY PUPILS TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

PUPILS NOT ALLOCATED A SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACE WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN INFORMATION SHEET OUTLINING THE ALTERNATIVE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO THEM. THE SHEET CONTAINS ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS FROM WHICH PUPILS MAY OBTAIN FURTHER INFORMATION.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES PROVIDED IN CHINESE MIDDLE AND ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS THIS YEAR IS ABOUT 55 000, AND THIS REPRESENTS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN PROVISION OVER THE PREVIOUS YEARS.

IN SEPTEMBER, 1980 THERE WERE ONLY 31 725 SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES.

+WE ARE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF PARENTS HAVE CHOSEN THEIR CHILDREN’S OWN SCHOOLS AS THE FIRST CHOICE. THIS HAS REDUCED THE NUMBER OF INTER-SCHOOL TRANSFERS TO A MINIMUM,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

REGISTRATION OF FEEDER PUPILS (I.E. PUPILS ALLOCATED PLACES IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS) WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SAME DAY THE ALLOCATION RESULTS ARE RELEASED. FOR THIS PURPOSE PUPILS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD BRING THEIR REGISTRATION FORMS ALONG.

PUPILS WHO HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO OTHER SCHOOLS SHOULD REPORT FOR REGISTRATION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 1981.

WHEN REPORTING FOR REGISTRATION, SUCH PUPILS SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOW I NGi

(A) PUPIL IDENTIFICATION FORM, OR IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT PREPARED BY THE SCHOOL AND ENDORSED BY THE JSEA SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT-

(B) REGISTRATION FORM"

(C) INDIVIDUAL RESULT SLIP-

/(D) PUPIL'S HONG .....

JKNDAI, JULY 27, 1981

2

(D) PUPIL’S HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD"

(E) A NOTE SHOWING HIS CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS, AND THE NAME, ADDRESS, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF HIS PARENTS/GUARDIANS-

(F) TWO RECENT PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE SCHOOL.

PUPILS WHO HAVE ACCEPTED PLACES OFFERED BY A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SHOULD REPORT FOR REGISTRATION ON THE DATES SPECIFIED.

PUPILS UNABLE TO COLLECT THEIR ALLOCATION RESULTS OR TO GO FOR REGISTRATION ON AUGUST 4 SHOULD AUTHORISE, IN WRITING, THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO COLLECT THE RESULT OR REPORT TO THE SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION ON THEIR BEHALF.

THE LETTER OF AUTHORISATION MUST BE ENDORSED BY THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL, AND PRODUCED AT THE TIME OF COLLECTION OR REGISTRATION BY THE APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVES.

IN REGISTERING WITH A SCHOOL, PUPILS MUST SURRENDER THEIR REGISTRATION FORMS TO THE SCHOOL. IN THE EVENT OF A SUBSEQUENT TRANSFER, THE PUPILS MUST RETRIEVE THEIR REGISTRATION FORMS FROM THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL WHICH WILL THEN CANCEL THEIR REGISTRATION IN THAT SCHOOL.

’SCHOOLS MAY NOT ADMIT ANY PUPIL WITHOUT HIS REGISTRATION FORM,’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PUPILS WHO HAVE MOVED TO ANOTHER DISTRICT AND WISH TO TRANSFER TO A SCHOOL NEARER THEIR NEW RESIDENCE AFTER ALLOCATION MUST REPORT IN PERSON TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S JSEA SECTION, AT BLOCK ’AA’ 2ND FLOOR, VICTORIA BARRACKS, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG ON JULY 30 AND 31.

THEY SHOULD BRING WITH THEM EVIDENCE THAT THEY HAVE MOVED.

DOCUMENTS SUCH AS TENANCY AGREEMENT OF RENT RECEIPTS ARE ACCEPTABLE PROVIDED THAT THE PUPILS’ PARENTS CAN BE IDENTIFIED AS THE NEW TENANTS AT THE PREMISES.

’REQUESTS FOR TRANSFER MADE AFTER JULY 31 OR NOT SUBSTANTIATED BY SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED,’ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SHOULD TYPHOON SIGNAL NO. 8 OR ABOVE BE HOISTED ON AUGUST 4, PUPILS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS OR MAKE ENQUIRIES WITH THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY ARE ALLOCATED FOR ANOTHER DATE OF REGISTRATION.

ALL ENQUIRIES CONCERNING ALLOCATION RESULTS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SECTION AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-276359.

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

3

JUNE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX UP ONE POINT * * * X

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR JUNE 1981.

THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1981 WERE BOTH 117.

COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, THE NEW C.P.I. (A) INCREASED BY ONE POINT OR 0.9 PER CENT AND THE NEW C.P.I. (B) BY TWO POINTS OR 1.7 PER CENT.

THE NEW C.P. I. (A) AND NEW C.P. I. (B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, CF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. AT THAT TIME, THE NEW C.P.I. (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH AND THE NEW C.P. I. (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH.

THE INDEXES FOR JUNE 1981 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMPONENTS OF HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE DISTINGUISHED IN THE TWO NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR MAY 1981.

(OCTOBER 1979 - SEPTEMBER 1980 - 100)

COMPONENT NEW C.P.1. (A) NEW C.P.1. (B)

JUNE 81 MAY 81 JUNE 81 MAY 81

FOODSTUFFS 119 116 119 116

HOUSING 112 112 113 112

FUEL AND LIGHT 136 135 137 136

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 111 111 111 110

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 115 115 115 115

DURABLE GOODS 108 108 109 108

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 109 108 109 108

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 129 129 126 126

SERVICES 116 115 116 115

ALL ITEMS 117 116 117 115

/the index

MONDAY, JULY 2?, 1981

4

THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P. I. (A) AND NEW C.P.I. (B) INCREASED BY THREE POINTS. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, SALTWATER FISH, FRESH FRUITS, PORK AND MEALS BOUGHT IN RESTAURANTS. THE EFFECTS OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR THE HOUSING COMPONENT IN NEW C.P. I. (B) INCREASED BY ONE POINT BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT FEES, WHILE THAT IN NEW C.P. I. (A) REMAINED UNCHANGED DUE TO ROUNDING.

HIGHER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY CAUSED THE INDEX FOR THE FUEL AND LIGHT COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P. I. (A) AND NEW C.P. I. (B) TO INCREASE BY ONE POINT.

THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR THE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) COMPONENT IN NEW C.P. I. (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR CHINESE WINES, FOREIGN STYLE WINES AND BEER. THE SAME INDEX IN NEW C.P. I. (A) HOWEVER REMAINED STABLE BECAUSE OF ROUNDING.

THE INDEX FOR THE DURABLE GOODS COMPONENT IN NEW C.P.I.(B) INCREASED BY ONE POINT AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR WATCHES, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, TRAVEL AND OPTICAL GOODS.

THE INDEX FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS GOODS COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P. I.(A) AND NEW C.P.I.(B) INCREASED BY ONE POINT DUE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR PROPRIETARY MEDICINES AND SUPPLIES, TOILET REQUISITES AND COSMETICS.

FOLLOWING THE RISE IN TENNIS COURT RENTALS AND IN ADMISSION FEES TO DANCE HALLS, NIGHT CLUBS AND DISCOTHEQUES, AS WELL AS HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AND REPAIRS TO ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, THE INDEX FOR THE SERVICES COMPONENT IN BOTH NEW C.P. I.(A) AND NEW C.P.I.(B) INCREASED BY ONE POINT.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) (JULY 73/JUNE 74 - 100) FOR JUNE 1981 WERE 184 AND 183 RESPECTIVELY, EACH BEING THREE POINTS OR 1.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1980, C.P.I.(A) INCREASED BY 26 POINTS OR 16.5 PER CENT AND C.P.I.(B) BY 26 POINTS OR 16.6 PER CENT.

IN THE FIRST HALF PER CENT HIGHER THAN I CORRESPONDING RATE OF

OF THIS YEAR, C.P.I.(A) WAS ON AVERAGE 14.1 N THE FIRST HALF OF 1980 AND THE INCREASE FOR C.P.I.(B) WAS 13.9 PER CENT.

DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR JUNE 1981, WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE ON SALE AT S2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

-------0

/5 .......

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

5

ANALYSIS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE * * *

STATISTICS RECLASSIFIED BY FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) RELEASED EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.

THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE COMMODITY ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED.

SINCE ITS SCOPE IS CONFINED TO MERCHANDISE TRADE, TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE NOT INCLUDED.

FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, TEXTILES, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND METAL PRODUCTS. THEY TOGETHER ACCOUNTED FOR 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.

THE LARGEST INCREASES IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER CF 1981 OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF 1980 OCCURRED IN WEARING APPAREL ($682 MILLION), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ($496 M ILL ION), TEXTILES ($492 MILLION), AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT ($374 MILLION).

IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE HIGHEST INCREASES WEREi TOBACCO (57 PER CENT), ELECTRICITY (52 PER CENT), RUBBER PRODUCTS (49 PER CENT), AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY (42 PER CENT), AND BEVERAGES (41 PER CENT).

SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$13 MILLION) WHEN EXPRESSED IN VALUE TERMS, AND IN MINING AND QUARRYING (-67 PER CENT), AND PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS (-40 PER CENT) WHEN EXPRESSED IN PERCENTAGE TERMS.

FOR IMPORTS, PRODUCTS OF THE TEXTILES, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, CHEMICALS, PETROLEUM AND COAL, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, METALS, AND FOOD INDUSTRIES TOGETHER TOOK UP 68 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981.

INCREASES IN VALUE TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1981 OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1980 WERE LARGEST IN TEXTILES ($1 298 MILLION), ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (SI 088 MILLION), AND PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT ($746 MILLION).

IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE HIGHEST INCREASES WEREi TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (70 PER CENT), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (47 PER CENT), WEARING APPAREL (46 PER CENT), MINING AND QUARRYING (44 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (41 PER CENT), AND PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS (41 PER CENT). DECREASE WAS HOWEVER OBSERVED IN THE IMPORTS OF FORESTRY AND LOGGING PRODUCTS (-15 PER CENT).

FURTHER DETAILS OF MERCHANDISE TRADE STATISTICS RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7213578).

/6........

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

6

MANPOWER NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS TO BE SURVEYED * * * *

A FOURTH SURVEY TO DETERMINE THE MANPOWER NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS IN INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND TO UP-DATE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY CONDUCTED TWO YEARS AGO, WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH BY THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE SURVEY - TO BE HELD FROM AUGUST 10 TO 29 - WILL COVER ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FROM THE MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

ITS AIM IS TO ASCERTAIN THE EXISTING NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINING OFFICERS EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS AND TRAINING OFFICERS IN THE TWO YEARS FOLLOWING THE SURVEY.

EXPLANATORY LETTERS TOGETHER WITH QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS.

DURING THE FIELD WORK SURVEY, INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT THE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO ANSWER QUERIES, ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF NECESSARY AND TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.

THE EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE BY A PRE-PAID ENVELOPE BEFORE AUGUST 20, 1981.

THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

THE COMMITTEE URGES EMPLOYERS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING THE REQUIRED INFORMATION WHICH WILL ENABLE THE COMMITTEE TO DRAW UP RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRAINING OF INSTRUCTORS TO INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

7

REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAY * * * *

EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED TODAY THAT IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY DESIGNATED A DATE FOR THE FLOATING HOLIDAY AND HAVE NOT GIVEN THEIR EMPLOYEES A DAY OFF ON JULY 1 (THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY), THEY SHOULD GIVE THE STAFF THE DAY OFF ON AUGUST 3 (THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST).

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE FLOATING HOLIDAY - ONE OF THE 10 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN A YEAR - MUST BE DESIGNATED BY EMPLOYERS AND MADE KNOWN TO EMPLOYEES BY NOTICE PLACED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE BY THE END OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $6 000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY, HE SAID.

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 EMPLOYEES’ 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 CONTINUED, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 63 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 THE 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 MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREt FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638- KOWLOON WEST 3-201652- KWUN TONG 3-898520- TSUEN WAN 0-422096- TUEN MUN 0-818443 AND HONG KONG ISLAND 5-282523 EXT. 60.

/8 .......

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

8

HE SOLD $4 600 MILLION WORTH OF CROWN LAND *****

MR KEN ROLFE, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SALE OF 86 LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF OVER 17 HECTARES AND A REALISED PREMIUM OF $4 600 MILLION, IS RETIRING AFTER 23 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

AT A CEREMONY TODAY MARKING HIS RETIREMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN THE DEPARTMENT, AND A LETTER OF APPRECIATION FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.

MR MCDONALD RECALLED THAT MR ROLFE JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1957 AS AN ESTATE SURVEYOR.

♦DURING HIS 23 YEARS IN GOVERNMENT, HE HAS WORKED IN ALMOST EVERY SECTION OF THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE,* MR MCDONALD SAID.

+FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, HE WAS SECONDED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WHERE HE WAS CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR DURING THE VERY BUSY PERIOD WHEN DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS WAS BEGINNING TO GET INTO ITS STRIDE.*

MR ROLFE WAS PROMOTED TO GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT IN AUGUST 1974, AND FOR THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS HAS HEADED THE VALUATION BRANCH OF THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE.

♦DESPITE VERY DIFFICULT STAFFING CIRCUMSTANCES IN THE BRANCH OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE BRANCH HAS CONTINUED TO OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND PRODUCED WORK OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD, THANKS TO HIS DRIVE AND EXPERTISE,* SAID MR MCDONALD.

BEFORE RETIRING TO HIS HOME IN NORFOLK, MR ROLFE AND HIS FAMILY WILL VISIT AUSTRALIA AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

0 - -

/9........

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1*81

9

SPOKEN CANTONESE EASIER THAN WRITTEN, FOREIGN STUDENTS FIND

*****

PEOPLE WHO SPEAK CANTONESE, WHICH IS THE DIALECT IN USE IN HONG KONG AND PARTS OF SOUTHERN CHINA, KNOW THAT ITS TONES CAN POSE PROBLEMS FOR THE UNFAMILIAR.

WORDS LIKE BUY AND SELL, WHICH CAN BE DISASTROUS WHEN USED INCORRECTLY OVER THE PHONE BY THE BUSINESSMAN, OR IN THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF ACTIVITY INVOLVED IN THE STOCK MARKET, VARY IN CANTONESE ONLY BY ENUNCIATION OF THE TONE.

AT OTHER TIMES, THE WRONG USE OF TONE CAN EVEN BE QUITE EMBARRASSING!

NEVERTHELESS, SPOKEN CANTONESE IS STILL EASIER TO LEARN THAN THE WRITTEN CHARACTER, IN THE OPINION OF MOST FOREIGN STUDENTS TAKING THE COURSE OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIVISION.

IT TAKES ONLY EIGHT WEEKS OF INTENSIVE LANGUAGE TRAINING TO GET A STUDENT TO BECOME FAMILIAR ENOUGH WITH THE ESSENTIALS OF SPOKEN CANTONESE TO GET BY FOR A START, EXPLAINED MISS VIVIAN WONG, CHIEF TRAINING OFFICER OF THE LANGUAGE TRAINING UNIT.

FOR THIS COURSE, A SPECIAL ROMANISED SYSTEM, REPRESENTING THE SOUNDS AND TONES OF CANTONESE WORDS, IS USED, AS ARE ALSO SUCH OTHER AIDS AS OVER-HEAD PROJECTORS, VIDEO RECORDERS, LANGUAGE LABORATORIES, AND EVEN A CINEMA.

ALL OF THESE THINGS NOT ONLY SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF LEARNING, BUT ALSO MAKE LEARNING OF CANTONESE MORE INTERESTING, EXPLAINED M? M.K. LEE, SENIOR TRAINING OFFICER OF THE CHINESE SECTION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE MAIN DIFFICULTY FOREIGN STUDENTS FIND WITH WRITTEN CHINESE IS IN REMEMBERING BOTH THE SHAPE AND STROKES OF THE CHARACTERS, AS WELL AS THE SENTENCE STRUCTURE, WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM SPOKEN CANTONESE.

AS MIGHT BE EXPECTED, KNOWLEDGE OF CANTONESE IS ESSENTIAL IN MANY AREAS OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, AND AT THE LEAST, HELPFUL IN OTHER AREAS OF WORK. AND FOR THIS REASON, THE LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS VARY IN ACCORDANCE WITH JOBS.

FOR INSTANCE, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS, POLICE INSPECTORS AND PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE A MORE-INTENSIVE COURSE.

THE OBVIOUS NEED FOR CANTONESE IS TO ENABLE THE OFFICERS CONCERNED TO COMMUNICATE BETTER WITH THE LOCAL PEOPLE, AND ALSO HELP THEM SETTLE DOWN IN THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT MORE EASILY AND QUICKLY, SAID MISS WONG.

/WO TYPES ........

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

10

TWO TYPES OF COURSES ARE RUN, A COLLOQUIAL CANTONESE COURSE, AND A WRITTEN COURSE.

THE COLLOQUIAL COURSE IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR LEVELS, NAMELY ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED I AND ADVANCED II. THE WRITTEN COURSE IS DIVIDED INTO ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED LEVELS.

THERE ARE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES.

THE FULL-TIME COURSES PROVIDE LANGUAGE TRAINING FOR OFFICERS WHO HAVE TO PASS THE CANTONESE EXAMINATIONS FOR CONFIRMATION OF THEIR POSTS, OR FOR PROMOTION.

THE PART-TIME COURSES ARE VOLUNTARY, DAY-RELEASE COURSES, RUN FOR OFFICERS WHO, IN THEIR OWN INTEREST, WANT TO STUDY CANTONESE.

THE FULL-TIME COURSES AT EACH LEVEL RUN FROM EIGHT TO 11 WEEKS, OF 30 TO 38 SESSIONS OF 45-MINUTE DURATION A WEEK.

PART-TIME COURSES ARE CONDUCTED TWICE A WEEK FOR 34 WEEKS AT EACH LEVEL, EACH SESSION LASTING 90 MINUTES.

ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, THE STUDENTS ARE EXAMINED BY THE CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS UNIT.

THE PART-TIME COURSE ATTRACTS PEOPLE SUCH AS LAWYERS, ENGINEERS, SURVEYORS, AS WELL AS OFFICERS’ WIVES, AND EVEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

ABOUT THREE TIMES MORE PEOPLE TAKE THE PART-TIME COURSE THAN THE FULL-TIME COURSE. IN THE 18 YEARS SINCE 1963, WHEN THE SECTION WAS FIRST SET UP, ABOUT 3 500 PERSONS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR COURSES, MR LEE POINTED OUT.

OF THE AVERAGE OF 400 OR SO STUDENTS TAKING THE COURSE EACH YEAR FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, SOME 300 SAT FOR THE EXAMINATIONS, AND ABOUT 85 PER CENT PASSED.

WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, IN WHICH MORE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK DIRECTLY IN CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC, HE SAW A GREATER NEED IN FUTURE FOR SUCH LANGUAGE COURSES, MR LEE SAID.

AND SPECIAL SESSIONS, SUCH AS ON HOW TO CONDUCT MEETINGS, WOULD BE INCLUDED, SO AS TO HELP MAKE THE WORK FOR THE OFFICERS EASIER, HE SAID.

-----0------

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

11

SAI KUNG SEMINAR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY

* * * *

A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IS TO BE HELD IN SAI KUNG ON AUGUST 6 FOR THE LO#AL ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY.

THE SEMINAR, WHICH HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL START AT 8 PM IN THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL.

IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, WHO WILL OUTLINE DETAILS OF THE NEW SYSTEM AND GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION OF CANDIDATES AND ELECTORS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.

ALL ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND BRING ALONG FRIENDS AND RELATIVES.

CHARTS AND MAPS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.

THERE WILL BE FIVE CONSTITUENCIES IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE ELECTION WHICH IS TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH. THEY ARE SAI KUNG ISLANDS, SAI KUNG CENTRAL, PAK SHA WAN, HANG HAU AND RENNIE’S MILL.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED SIX DISTRICT BOARD SEMINARS TO DATE, BUT THIS IS THE FIRST FOR THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY.

-----o------

WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.9 PER CENT OR 236.366 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 357.625 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 61.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - - - 0 --------

/12 .......

MONDAY, JULY 27, 1981

- 12 -

BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSE OFFERED *****

A TRAINING COURSE ON GENERAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE FOR BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE AREA ON AUGUST 4, 6, 11 AND 13 BETWEEN 8 AND 10.15 PM.

ALL THE LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT HONG KONG VERNACULAR NORMAL SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOOL AT 22, SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.

PROGRAMME OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE TALKS ONi +THE FUNCTION OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT, BUILDING CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, CRIME AND FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES, ELEMENTARY BOOK-KEEPING, GENERAL BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND THE LANDLORD AND TENANT ORDINANCE*.

MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS STELLA HUNG, WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 AT 8 PM BEFORE THE START OF THE FIRST LECTURE.

RESIDENTS OR BUILDING MANAGEMENT STAFF INTERESTED IN THE COURSE MAY APPLY FOR ADMISSION AT THE MONG KOK CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, OR CONTACT MISS SHIRLEY WONG AT 3-802251.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

EVERYONE NEEDS AN MFA III ...................................... 1

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR AUGUST .................................... 3

&21-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR EQUIPMENT SIOJED ...................... 4

YOUNG UK MUSICIANS TO PERFORM AT CATHEDRAL ..................... 4

JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS ................... 5

SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION ................................... 6

KWAI CHUNG PUBLIC SEMINARS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION........ y

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TWO FLYOVERS .............................. 8

TENANCY OF SASSOON ROAD LOT OFFERED............................  8

HILL ROAD FLYOVER READY NEXT MONTH ............................. 9

REVISED TRAM FARES START SATURDAY ............................. 10

WATER SUPPLY LEAKAGE TESTS

10

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

1

EVERYONE NEEDS AN MFA III * * * *

EVERYONE WANTS THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) RENEWED -BUT FOR A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT REASONS, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, MR LAWRIE MILLS TODAY (JULY 28).

♦AS FAR AS THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES ARE CONCERNED, OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS THEIR TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES HAVE ENJOYED SUCH AN UNPRECEDENTED AND PROTRACTED DEGREE OF PROTECTION THAT THEY HAVE TAKEN SUCH PROTECTION FOR GRANTED, AND CANNOT DO WITHOUT IT,+ HE TOLD MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE TEXTILE MILLS ASSOCIATION AT THEIR GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY DINNER.

♦FOR THEM, THE MFA APPEARS TO OFFER A CONVENIENT SYSTEM WHEREBY THEY NEED ONLY NOMINATE A PARTICULAR PRODUCT FROM A PARTICULAR SOURCE FOR RESTRAINT. THEIR GOVERNMENTS ACQUIESCE AND THEY ACHIEVE RESTRAINT WITHOUT RISK OF RETALIATION.^

THE UNITED STATES HAS A CONSTITUTIONAL NEED FOR THE MFA, SAID MR MILLS.

♦IF IT IS NOT RENEWED IN 1982, THIS WILL TRIGGER OFF A PROVISION IN THE US TRADE ACT OF 1979 REQUIRING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO WITHDRAW ALL TARIFF CONCESSIONS MADE DURING THE TOKYO ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS. THIS COULD GENERATE SERIOUS AND FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES FOR THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM.+

MR MILLS SAID THAT HONG KONG WOULD ALSO WELCOME A SUCCESSOR TO THE PRESENT MFA.

♦THIS IS DUE, IN PART, TO THE FACT THAT ALTHOUGH THE MFA IS USED SELECTIVELY, IT DOES PROVIDE FOR CERTAIN CHECKS -AGAINST ABUSE - AND BALANCES - OR COMPENSATORY ADVANTAGES - FOR THE EXPORTING COUNTRIES.

♦NOT THE LEAST OF THESE IS THAT IT CONFERS AN ELEMENT OF CERTAINTY, IN THE FORM OF WELL-DEFINED ACCESS RIGHTS,+ STRESSED MR MILLS.

♦THE AGREEMENTS WE HAVE NEGOTIATED UNDER IT HAVE ALSO PROVIDED SUBSTANTIAL COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO EXPORT CONTROL. IN THE ABSENCE OF AN MFA, IT IS NOT UNLIKELY THAT THE EXPORT CONTROL REGIMES WE CURRENTLY MANAGE WOULD BE REPLACED BY IMPORT CONTROL REGIMES. IMPORT CONTROL WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF DEPRESSING THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS THAT ACCRUE TO HONG KONG.

♦SO, IN A NUTSHELL, IT IS FAIR TO ASSUME THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES AND THE DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES BOTH WANT A SUCCESSOR TO THE MFA, ALBEIT FOR DIFFERENT REASONS. IT FOLLOWS FROM THIS THAT IT IS NOT SO MUCH WHETHER THERE WILL BE A NEW MFA, AS TO WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE, THAT IS IMPORTANT,♦ HE SAID.

/MB MILLS ......

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1?81

2

MR MILLS POINTED OUT THAT THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRIES TO HONG KONG'S ECONOMY WAS PROBABLY WITHOUT PARALLEL. *LAST YEAR IT EMPLOYED 41 PER CENT OF OUR INDUSTRIAL WORK FORCE, AND THEIR COMBINED OUTPUT ACCOUNTED FOR 41 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS. AND APPROXIMATELY TWO-THIRDS OF OUR EXPORTS OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS WERE SUBJECT TO QUANTITATIVE LIMITS AS A RESULT OF BILATERAL AGREEMENTS NEGOTIATED UNDER THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT,* HE SAID.

THE GATT TEXTILE COMMITTEE HAD ALREADY MET THREE TIMES IN GENEVA TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF THE MFA. THE FIRST TWO MEETINGS, IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND IN MAY THIS YEAR, WERE BASICALLY NON-EVENTS, IN AS MUCH AS NONE OF THE IMPORTING COUNTRIES WERE READY TO NEGOTIATE. ROUGHLY THE SAME COULD BE SAID OF THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING THAT WAS HELD EARLIER THIS MONTH, SAID MR MILLS. THE MEETING ENDED WITH NO SUBSTANTIVE AGREEMENT, EXCEPT FOR A DECISION TO MEET AGAIN IN THE LATTER PART OF SEPTEMBER AND POSSIBLY AGAIN IN MID-NOVEMBER.

♦BUT THE MEETING, ALTHOUGH DISAPPOINTING IN TERMS OF ITS OUTCOME, WAS AT LEAST A START. THE DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES WERE ABLE TO PRESENT SPECIFIC PROPOSALS, WHILE THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES OUTLINED, WITH VARYING DEGREES OF PRECISION, THEIR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA.

♦WHAT THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES IN GENERAL, AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN PARTICULAR, SAID AT THE MEETING WAS PREDICTABLE. UNEMPLOYMENT IS HIGH, ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IS LOW - AS IS THE CONSUMPTION OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS - FACTORIES ARE BEING CLOSED, AND JOBS ARE BEING LOST IN THEIR TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES.

THEREFORE, THE EEC CONCLUDED, AN AUSTERE GLOBAL VIEW WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN OF BASE LEVELS, GROWTH AND FLEXIBILITY IN RESPECT OF IMPORTS FROM SO CALLED +LOW COST+ SOURCES- A GROWTH RATE FOR SUCH IMPORTS OF SIX PER CENT WOULD NOT BE TREATED LESS FAVOURABLY THAN NEW ENTRANTS AND SMALL SUPPLIERS, SAID MR MILLS.

♦ALL THIS SOUNDS LIKE REGURGITATION OF THE POINTS - ONE COULD HARDLY CALL THEM ARGUMENTS - ADDUCED BY THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN 1977. AND REFLECT ONE SAD FACT. ALTHOUGH THE WHOLE 20-YEAR SERIES OF MULTI-LATERAL TEXTILE ARRANGEMENTS WERE DESIGNED EXPLICITLY TO MODERATE TEMPORARILY THE INFLUENCE OF COMPETITIVE EXPORTS, THEIR EXISTENCE IS NOW SO MUCH TAKEN FOR GRANTED BY THE INDUSTRIES OF THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE ENJOYED PROTECTION, THAT THEY NO LONGER ATTEMPT TO JUSTIFY THEM, BUT MERELY CALL FOR THEIR INTENSIFICATION,♦ HE COMMENTED.

BUT, UNLIKE IN 1977, THE DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES ARE NO LONGER IN DISARRAY, SAID MR MILLS.

AT THIS MONTH’S TEXTILES COMMITTEE MEETING, THE DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES NOT ONLY REJECTED THE EUROpIaN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S ARGUMENTS. BUT WERE ALSO ABLE TO SAY QUITE CATEGORICALLY THAT CERTAIN OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S AIMS WERE NOT NEGOTIABLE. AS A GROUP THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT ON THE TABLE A NUMBER OF SPECIFIC PROPOSALS.

/♦WE ABE .......

TOESDaI, J ULI 1981

3

♦WE ARE ASKING, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, FOR THE TIGHTENING UP OF THE DEFINITION OF AND CRITERIA FOR 'MARKET DISRUPTION’ ON THE BASIS OF WHICH RESTRAINT IS JUSTIFIED- A PHASING OUT OF RESTRAINTS-A BETTER DEAL FOR SMALL SUPPLIERS AND NEW ENTRANTS, BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE ESTABLISHED SUPPLIERS. WE NAVE MADE QUITE CLEAR THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO MORE DEPARTURES FROM THE MFA -REASONABLE OR UNREASONABLE,* EMPHASISED NR MILLS.

THE FIRMNESS OF THE ^O^TION TAKEN BY THE DEVELOPING EXPORTING COUNTRIES REFLECTED THE STRONG DEGREE OF COOPERATION AND COHESIVENESS THEY HAD RECENTLY ACHIEVED. HAVING MET THREE TIMES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS, ARD TO DEFINE AND REFIKE THEIR NEGOTIATING POSITIONS, THEY WERE LIKELY TO MEET AGAIN IN OCTOBER IN CAIRO.

♦THE FIRMNESS OF THEIR POSITION MAS TAKEN THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND THE UNITED STATES SOMEWHAT BY SURPRISE. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THAT FIRMNESS AND THE UNDERLYING UNITY WILL HOLD, AND THAT THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WILL BE ABLE TO EXERT A MUCH MORE SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE ON THE NEGOTIATIONS THAN THEY WERE ABLE TO IN 1977.

♦I CANNOT PREDICT THE OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, BUT I THINK THAT THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES HAVE NOW REALISED THAT AT THE NEXT ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS, THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES MUST BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY INDEED,* CONCLUDED MR MILLS.

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR AUGUST * * * *

ENUMERATORS FROM THE PERMANENT STAFF OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE MAKING THEIR REGULAR MONTHLY FIELD SURVEY OF 5 OOO HOUSEHOLDS FROM THE BEGINNING OF AUGUST, IN THE COURSE OF A CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO COLLECT CURRENT INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

SELECTION IS BY RANDOM SAMPLE ON A MONTHLY BASIS THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG, THOUGH SOME HOUSEHOLDS ARE REPEATED ONCE IN THE COURSE OF THE SURVEY TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLDS.

QUESTIONS COVERED BY THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY INCLUDE AGE, SEX AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF THE INDIVIDUALS, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, EARNINGS, HOURS OF WORK OF THOSE WHO ARE EMPLOYED AND REASONS FOR THOSE NOT SEEKING WORK, TENURE, RENT AND INCOME OF HOUSEHOLDS.

OFFICIAL LETTERS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH ARE BEING SENT TO THE HOUSEHOLDS EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND SEEKING THE COOPERATION OF THE PEOPLE CONCERNED.

ENUMERATORS WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

0

A

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

4

121-MILLION CONTRACT FOR EQUIPMENT SIGNED ft ft ft ft

A CONTRACT FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR STAGE 1 OP THE YUEN LONG SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT WANG CHAU HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

THE S21-MILLI0N CONTRACT, IS THE SECOND LARGEST OF FIVE MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS FOR THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT. IT COVERS SURPLUS ACTIVATED SLUDGE DE-WATERING MACHINERY, A SLUDGE DIGESTION PLANT AND ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.

IT WAS SIGNED TODAY BY MR GRAHAM OSBORNE, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEER, AND MR OTTO LOK-TO POON, DIRECTOR OF SIMON HARTLEY (HK) LTD, WHICH WAS AWARDED THE CONTRACT.

THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL PURIFY DOMESTIC WASTE FROM YUEN LONG TOWN AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE FROM YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. IT IS JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.

THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID-1983.

-----o-------

YOUNG UK MUSICIANS TO PERFORM AT CATHEDRAL ft ft ft ft ft

TWELVE YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL GIVE A LUNCH-TIME PERFORMANCE AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, GARDEN ROAD AT 1.20 PM ON FRIDAY, JULY 31.

THEY ARE MEMBERS OF THE EAST HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY ORCHESTRA WHICH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED BY 3TRAD MAGAZINE AS ONE OF THE FINEST CHAMBER ORCHESTRAS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

THE ORCHESTRA HAS BEEN PERFORMING REGULARLY AT THE SOUTH BANK CULTURAL COMPLEX IN LONDON. IN 1979, IT MADE A SUCCESSFUL TOUR OF

THE YOUNG ARTISTS, AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 21, ARE HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HONG KONG YOUTH MUSIC CAMP 1981, WHICH IS BEING «LD AT THE WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.

TOGETHER WITH ABOUT 250 YOUNG LOCAL MUSICIANS, THEY WILL SHARE INTENSIVE MUSIC TRAINING AND ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES IN A SUMMER CAMP SETTING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF WELL-KNOWN MUSICIANS.

THE GROUP IS ACCOMPANIED BY TWO VIOLIN TUTORS, MR LEE KENG-KOK AND MISS JEAN MIDDLEMISS.

THE CONCERT IS OPEN TO ALL AND ADMISSION IS FREE.

--------o--------

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

5

JAPANESE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HONS KONG STUDENTS

*****

STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 22 CAN NOW APPLY FOR TWO JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED UNDER THE MONBUSHO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME TO HONG KONG STUDENTS.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDE FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES IN SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES OR NATURAL SCIENCES AT A JAPANESE UNIVERSITY.

APPLICANTS NEED NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF JAPANESE BUT THEY MUST BE WILLING TO RECEIVE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF JAPANESE.

THE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS OF EITHER KONG, OR PASSED IN TWO RELEVANT

THEY SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES IN HONG SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE f*S'.NAR*L!VEL^ °* PASSED ,N THREE RELEVANT SUBJECTS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL AND IN ONE RELEVANT SUBJECT AT ORDINARY LEVEL IN THE GCE.

THE AWARDS ARE NORMALLY TENABLE FOR FIVE YEARS FROM APRIL, 1982 TO MARCH, 1987 AND WILL COVER TUITION, ACCOMMODATION, LIVING EXPENSES AND RETURN PASSAGE.

APPLICANTS WILL BE ENROLLED AT THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE SCHOOL ATTACHED TO THE TOKYO UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES AND WILL EE GIVEN A ONE-YEAR COURSE ON THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND OTHER NECESSARY SUBJECTS TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE FOUR-YEAR DEGREE COURSE.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED FORMS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SAME OFFICE NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 29.

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

6

SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION * * * *

LOCAL CAREERS TEACHERS WERE TODAY URGED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR J.C.A. HAMMOND TO TAKE UP THE AN £FFECTIVE CAREERS SERVICE FOR THE ivUNtatK otl'itKAl lUN,

cnil^12FF ,C '*T,NG AT A TWO-DAY RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR ON CAREERS EDUCATION FOR CAREERS TEACHERS AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BUSINESS OF CAREERS EDUCATION

®E^,IN$1M?fiE AND M0RE COMPLICATED, TAKING UP MORE OF CAREERS TEACHERS’ TIME AND URGING THEM TO THINK, AS WELL AS WORK HARDER.

MUCH

♦THIS IS INEVITABLE. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE SOCIETY WE ARE LIVING IN ARE BOTH BECOMING MORE COMPLEX, AND SOMETIMES MORE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND,♦ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS GREAT SCOPE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE FIELD OF CAREERS EDUCATION.

MR HAMMOND TOLD THE 65 PARTICIPANTS THAT THEIR PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE SEMINAR — COLLECTING DATA AND CONDUCTING THE SURVEY ON CAREERS ASPIRATIONS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNIT IES OF PORM FIVE STUDENTS AS WELL AS THEIR ATTENDANCE AT THE PREPARATORY WORKSHOPS — WOULD PROVE TO BE MOST USEFUL.

HE SAIDi +THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, WHICH YOU WILL EXAMINE IN DETAIL TODAY AND TOMORROW, WILL, I HOPE, PROVIDE US WITH SOME INDICATIONS OF THE DIRECTIONS IN WHICH WE SHOULD MOVE IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.♦

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT AS A RESULT OF THIS SURVEY, THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THEIR STUDENTS BETTER, AND ASSIST THEM MORE EFFECTIVELY IN THEIR CHOICE OF PRACTICAL APPROACH TO THEIR PROBLEMS.

CAREERS THROUGH A

THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE AND THE HONG CAREERS MASTERS FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF CONVENTIONS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH KONG ASSOCIATION OF A SERIES OF SIX CAREERS

/7

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

7

KWAI CHUNG PUBLIC SEMINARS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION *****

THREE PUBLIC SEMINARS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE HELD IN KWAI CHUNG NEXT MONTH.

THESE WILL BE THE FIRST OPEN SEMINARS HELD IN KWAI CHUNG TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO AIR THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRED TING, WILL CHAIR THE SEMINARS TO BE HELD IN THE EVENINGS OF AUGUST 4, 6 AND 13.

♦SINCE APRIL, WE HAVE BEEN VISITING MORE THAN 500 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. BUT THESE VISITS WERE DIRECTED AT A PARTICULAR SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY.

♦THROUGH THE SEMINARS, WE HOPE TO PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE TO EVERY SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY AND, AT THE SAME TIME, GET THEIR VIEWS AND UNDERSTANDING ON DISTRICT ADM INISTRATION,♦ SAID MR TING.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS, THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS STARTING AT 8 PM.

THE FIRST ONE WILL BE AT COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT KWAI SHING CIRCUIT. THIS WILL BE FOR RESIDENTS LIVING IN CENTRAL AND WEST KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING TAI WOR HAU.

THE NEXT ONE WILL BE AT SHEK YAM COMMUNITY HALL AND FOR RESIDENTS OF NORTH KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING SHEK LEI AND LEI MUK SHUE ESTATES.

THE LAST ONE WILL BE AT LAI KING COMMUNITY HALL AND FOR RESIDENTS OF SOUTH KWAI CHUNG, INCLUDING CHO YIU, LAI YIU AND LAI KING ESTATES.

♦RESIDENTS OF OTHER DISTRICTS ARE ALSO WELCOME,♦ MR TING ADDED

-----0------

/8 .......

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

8

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TWO FLYOVERS

* ft *

TWO FLYOVERS, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN KOWLOON, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR REPAIR WORK, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.

THE FLYOVER FROM KENNEDY ROAD TO UPPER ALBERT ROAD IN MIDLEVELS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR TWO NIGHTS BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 6.30 AM ON JULY 29 AND ON JULY 31 TO ALLOW FOR RESURFACING WORK.

THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC

0N THURSDAY, JULY 30, TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO ALLOW FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.

THE CL0SURE period, ALTERNATIVE GROUND-LEVEL ROUTES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DIVERTED TRAFFIC.

-----0------

TENANCY OF SASSOON ROAD LOT OFFERED ft ft

TENDERS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF A LOT IN SASSOON ROAD, HONG KONG.

THE LOT OF ABOUT 2 150 SQUARE METRES IS FOR THE STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PWD SAID THE LEASE WAS FOR ONE YEAR AND THEREAFTER ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.

TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON AUGUST 14, 1981. TENDER FORMS AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

/9 .......

-----0------

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

9

HILL ROAD FLYOVER READY NEXT MONTH

* * * *

HONG KONG’S LATEST ELEVATED ROADWAY, THE HILL ROAD FLYOVER, WILL BE OPENED NEXT MONTH.

PRIOR TO THE OPENING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, TODAY TOOK A FIRST HAND LOOK AT THE ROAD PROJECT FOR HIMSELF.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER, HIGHWAYS (HK) DIVISION, MR HULBERT WOO, AND THE PROJECT ENGINEER, W NG KWOK-KEE.

MR BEATON SAID THAT THE ALIGNMENT AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF THE HILL ROAD FLYOVER WERE MADE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT BY THE STEEP AND WINDING PROFILE OF HILL ROAD, COUPLED WITH THE PROXIMITY OF NEARBY BUILDINGS.

♦DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS OBSTRUCTION BY ROCKS AT SEABED, WERE EXPERIENCED DURING FOUNDATION WORKS WHICH NECESSITATED REVISION IN DESIGN,* HE ADDED.

THE TWO-LANE, ONE-WAY FLYOVER EXTENDS 650 METRES FROM THE JUNCTION OF POK FU LAM AND HILL ROADS DOWN TO THE WATERFRONT AT CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST. THE PROJECT COSTS ABOUT $42 MILLION.

MR BEATON SAID THAT THE FLYOVER WOULD PROVIDE A FAST LINK FROM POK FU LAM THROUGH WESTERN TO CENTRAL.

AT PRESENT, COMMUTERS HAVE TO TAKE MORE THAN AN HOUR TO GET THROUGH THE TRAFFIC JAM WHICH BUILDS UP BETWEEN QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL AND HONG KONG UNIVERSITY IN THE RUSH HOUR.

♦ONCE THE FLYOVER IS OPEN, CONGESTION ALONG THIS PART OF POK FU LAM ROAD IS EXPECTED TO BE EASED AND TRAVELLING TIME WILL BE SHORTENED,♦ MR BEATON SAID.

WORK ON THE FLYOVER BEGAN IN JUNE 1978.

/10 .......

TUESDAY, JULY 28, 1981

10

REVISED TRAM FARES START SATURDAY *****

the G2VERRMENT HAS A6REED To A Revision OF TRAM FARES AS kong tramways company which will take effect

UN SATURDAY, AUGUST 1.

THE LAST TIME THE FARES WERE REVISED WAS IN DECEMBER, 1975.

UNDER THE NEW FARE STRUCTURE, ADULTS WILL PAY 50 CENTS INSTEAD CF 30 CENTS FOR A JOURNEY AND CHILDREN 20 CENTS INSTEAD OF 10 CENTS. THE CORRESPONDING COST OF A MONTHLY TICKET WILL BE INCREASED FROM 127 TO |45.

A SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN CONSIDERING THE APPLICATION FOR THE FARE INCREASE BY THE TRAMWAYS COMPANY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT INCREASED OPERATIONAL COST$ SINCE THE LAST INCREASE WAS MADE SIX YEARS AGO.

A NOTICE SETTING OUT THE REVISED CHARGES WILL BE GAZETTED ON FR IDAY.

-----o------

WATER SUPPLY LEAKAGE TESTS * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES .IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (JULY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JUNK BAY ROAD, KAI TIN ROAD, PING TIN STREET AND ON TIN STREET, INCLUDING THE wAoLE BLOCK CF LAM TIN ESTATE AND LAM TIN SAM TSUEN.

---o------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

contents page no.

SIR JACK OPENS SPORTS-FOR-ALL CELEBRATION .................... -J

PEOPLE'S VIEWS BEING SOUGHT FOR EDUCATION PANEL ............... 2

HE.1T.TH CENTRE NEARLY COMPLETED .............................. 3

ACTION TAKEN FOR LABOUR LAW VIOLATIONS ........................ 3

WARNING ON SALES OF CONTROLLED MEDICINES ...................... 4

PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY FOR CADSEWAY BAY .................... 4

AMENITY PLOTS FOR LANTAu’ ..................................... 5

SAM KA TSUEN - LEI YUE MUN FERRY RIDE TO COST MORE............. 5

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR SAI KUNG PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION........ 6

TAI PO PLAYGROUND TO BE REOPENED............................... 6

SCIENCE TEACHING AIDS ON DISPLAY AT RESOURCE CENTRE......... 7

HALF OF HO MAN TIN LORRY PARK CLOSED FOR PAVING WORK........ 7

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

1

SIR JACK OPENS SPORTS-FOR-ALL CELEBRATION ******

THE ACTING GOVERNOR, SIR JACK CATER TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PULLED THE STRING TO UNROLL A COUPLET WRITTEN IN CHINESE TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE ROYAL WEDDING SPORTS-FOR-ALL CELEBRATION.

THE COUPLET WAS SPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THE WEDDING OF HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES AND LADY DIANA SPENCER.

ADDRESSING THE GUESTS AND THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS WHO HAD TURNED *°?SE P*™ T0 J0,N ,N THE CELEBRATION, SIR JACK SAID IT WAS FITTING THAT THE HAPPY DAY WAS MARKED BY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, WITH ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO GIVE FUN AND ENJOYMENT TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, ORGANISER OF THE EVENT, HAD PRESENTED SOME 15 OOO RECREATIONAL PROJECTS FOR A TOTAL OF TWO MILLION PARTICIPANTS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.

SIR JACK ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO LOCAL LEADERS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR EFFORT AND PUBLIC SPIRIT IN CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACHIEVEMENT.

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, SIR JACK, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR A.P. BENNETT AND PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR DICKEN YUNG, TOURED THE VENUE AND SAW THE MANY RECREATION AND SPORT ACTIVITIES BEING HELD.

ON REACHING THE STARTING POINT OF THE 8 OOO-METRE ROAD RACE, SIR JACK STRUCK A GONG TO COMMENCE THE EVENT IN WHICH 300 MEN AND WOMEN TOOK PART.

ONE OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS WAS A TELEMATCH COMPETITION OPEN TO GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS.

SIX GROUPS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD AND HSIN CHONG HOLDINGS LTD, COMPETED FOR THE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES WERE A CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAY, A TAI CHI SWORD DEMONSTRATION, A FOOTBALL MATCH, A DISCO DANCE-IN, TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON FOR FUN AND A MODIFIED THREE-A-SIDE, KNOCK-OUT BASKETBALL MATCH.

THERE WAS A SKIPPING FOR FUN EVENT FOR CHILDREN, IN ADDITION TO THE POTTED SPORTS CONTEST. FOR THE PEOPLE OVER 50 YEARS OF AGE, THERE WAS A SERIES OF POTTED SPORTS CONTESTS, SPECIALLY SUITED TO THEM.

/aside from .......

iM.’irai]

2

'AY, JULY 29, 1981

ASIDE FROM THE GAME OF CHINESE SHUTTLECOCK, A WHEELCHAIR TABLE-iE?mtoTIT,0N WAS another HIGHLIGHT, ATTRACTING MANY HANDICAPPED PART ICI PANTS.

THERE WERE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE INTERESTED TO GET INVOLVED IN ROLLER-SKATING AND PARTICIPANTS WERE GIVEN FREE LESSONS BY EXPERTS. WITH THE SWIMMING SEASON IN FULL SWING, THE WATER ^'VAL cJTLIIc Saa/ AQUA-GAMES DREW LARGE NUMBERS OF PARTICIPANTS INIU Inc SWIMMING POOL.

POOL.

PARTICIPANTS WITH THE PORTRAIT

OF THE DIFFERENT EVENTS RECEIVED A SOUVENIR BADGE OF THE ROYAL COUPLE.

PEOPLE’S VIEWS BEING SOUGHT FOR EDUCATION PANEL

*****

PERSONS OR GROUPS WISHING TO APPEAR PERSONALLY BEFORE THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF VISITORS WHO WILL BE CARRYING OUT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM DURING 1981 AND EARLY 1982, SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION BEFORE 5 PM ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS*

OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION,

GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, ROOM 1322,

PRINCE’S BUILDING,

CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

TEL. NOSi 5-236825 AND 236721.

THEIR REQUESTS FOR THE INTERVIEWS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN OUTLINE IN NOT MORE THAN TWO PAGES, IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH, OF THE POINTS THEY WISH TO DISCUSS, A SPOKESMAN STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THOSE PERSONS OR GROUPS WISHING TO MAKE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS ON ANY ASPECT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG SHOULD SUBMIT THEM TO THE SAME ADDRESS BY 5 PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE, AND IN ANY LENGTH, BUT AS CONCISE AS POSSIBLE.

OTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY TELEPHONE OR BY WRITING TO THE GIVEN ADDRESS.

THE PANEL OF VISITORS WILL HOLD THEIR FIRST FULL MEETING IN HONG KONG BETWEEN OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 6, IN ORDER TO VISIT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, EXAMINE FEATURES OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM AND MEET AND HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH PERSONS AND GROUPS CONCERNED WITH EDUCATION, THE SPOKESMAN STATED.

/3 .......

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

3

HEALTH CENTRE NEARLY COMPLETED * * K *

WORK ON THE LEI MUK SHUE HEALTH CENTRE IS NEARLY COMPLETE.

LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF WO YI HOP ROAD AND LEI SHU ROAD, THE $8-MILLI0N HEALTH CENTRE CONSISTS OF A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT, A FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CENTRE, A 24-BED MATERNITY HOME AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES SUCH AS STAFF CANTEEN, KITCHEN AND STAFF CHANGING ROOMS.

MR YEE-SUN WU AND HIS BROTHER MR JIEH-YEE WU OF WING LUNG BANK HAVE JOINTLY PLEDGED A DONATION OF $2 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE FOUR-STOREY CLINIC WHICH WILL BE NAMED AFTER THEIR MOTHER, MRS WU YORK-YU.

THE CENTRE, WHEN COMPLETED NEXT WEEK, WILL PROVIDE THE MUCH NEEDED CLINIC FACILITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN KWAI CHUNG WHICH OVER THE YEARS HAS EXPERIENCED RAPID INCREASES IN POPULATION AS A RESULT OF EXTENSIVE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES.

-----0------

ACTION TAKEN FOR LABOUR LAW VIOLATIONS * * * *

A TOTAL OF 972 CONVICTIONS, WITH FINES TOTALLING MORE THAN 1882 000, RESULTED FROM 986 PROSECUTIONS BROUGHT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN JUNE FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LEGISLATION.

MOST OF THE CASES CONCERNED BREACHES OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND ITS VARIOUS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS.

CASES RELATING TO VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS TOTALLED 355, RESULTING IN FINES TOTALLING 1554 150.

THIS INCLUDED 168 CASES (WITH $150 350 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 125 CASES (WITH $317 800 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

OFFENCES IN CONNECTION WITH EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ACCOUNTED FOR 531 CASES WITH $264 800 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 22 CASES RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES AND TO PRODUCE SUCH RECORDS FOR INSPECTION BY LABOUR INSPECTORS, LEADING TO $14 450 IN FINES.

------o-------

/4........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

4

WARNING ON SALES OF CONTROLLED MEDICINES

*****

MEDICINE DEALERS ARE WARNED NOT TO SELL CONTROLLED DRUGS WITHOUT AUTHORISATION AS THE FORENSIC PHARMACY SECTION OF THE NED I CAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS STEPPING UP ACTION AGAINST SALES OF MEDICINES WITHOUT A LICENCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT FORENSIC PHARMACISTS RECENTLY MADE ANOTHER LARGE SEIZURE -- A TOTAL OF 188 ITEMS OF CONTROLLED DRUGS, VALUED AT OVER $15 OOO IN THE MARKET, DURING A RAID ON THE PREMISES OF TWO NED IC INE RETAILERS IN WAN CHAI.

THEY CARRIED OUT THE RAID ON JULY 21, AFTER INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION INTO THE DISTRIBUTION OF +SOFT DRUGS* FROM MEDICINE SHOPS IN THE DISTRICT.

AMONG THE SEIZURE WERE TRANQUILISERS AND SLEEPING PILLS WHICH ARE CLASSIFIED AS +SOFT DRUGS* AND ARE COMMONLY ABUSED BY YOUNGSTERS.

THE MANAGERS OF THE MEDICINE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN PLACED ON POLICE BAIL OF $2 000 EACH PENDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

IF THE DEALERS ARE CONVICTED, THEIR LICENCES TO SELL PART II POISONS SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD INSECTICIDES, COLD REMEDIES AND SOME COUGH PREPARATIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO CANCELLATION, HE WARNED.

A RAID CARRIED OUT ON JUNE 30 BY THE FORENSIC PHARMACISTS RESULTED IN SEIZURE OF $200 000 WORTH OF UNREGISTERED MEDICINES. THE LARGEST QUANTITY SEIZED SO FAR.

-----0------

PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY FOR CAUSEWAY BAY

* * * *

NGAN MOK STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS CLEARWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 1.

AS A RESULT, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO STOP AND PICK UP PASSENGERS AND GOODS AT THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND WITHIN THE RESTRICTED HOURS.

SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CLEARWAY.

----o-----

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

5

AMENITY PLOTS FOR LANTAU * * * * * *

^'TORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED A NUMBER OF EYE-CATCHING AMENITY PLOTS ALONG SOUTH LANTAU ROAD ON LANTAU ISLAND TO MAKE UP FOR THE LOSS OF WOODLAND AND ROADSIDE TREES forKthe’ departments! idN T° beautify the environment, A SPOKESMAN

THE JOB OF PLANTING MORE THAN 100 SPECIES OF EVERGREEN SHRUBS AND TREES AND COLOURFUL FLOWERS AT FOUR AMENITY PLOTS INCLUDING THE CONCOURSE OF MUI WO FERRY PIER AND ON THE BEACHES OF CHEUNG SHA, HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED.

WORK ON TWO OTHER AMENITY PLOTS, AT THE ENTRANCE OF SHEK PIK RESERVOIR COMMEMORATIVE GARDEN AND SOUTH LANTAU ROAD, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH.

+THE AMENITY PLOTS ARE ARRANGED IN LINE WITH THE TOPOGRAPHY AND OTHER AVAILABLE NATURAL RESOURCES. SELECTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS ARE ALSO METICULOUSLY PLANNED TO ATTAIN A DELIGHTFUL EFFECT,+ SAID THE DISTRICT AMENITIES OFFICER OF ISLANDS, MR NG SZE-KWONG, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF THE PROJECTS.

MR NG URSED PEOPLE not to walk across the wood and bamboostick FENCING AREA OF THE AMENITY PLOTS AND NOT TO DAMAGE THE PLANTS WHILE ENJOYING THE SCENIC GARDEN PATCH.

- - - - 0 - -

SAM KA TSUEN - LEI YUE MUN FERRY RIDE TO COST MORE

* * * *

ADULTS WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE FROM SATURDAY FOR A FERRY RIDE BETWEEN SAM KA TSUEN AND LEI YUE MUN.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FARE FOR ADULTS WOULD BE RAISED FROM 20 TO 30 CENTS, BUT THE FARE FOR CHILDREN UP TO THE AGE OF 12 WOULD REMAIN AT 10 CENTS.

♦THE REVISION - THE FIRST SINCE 1973 - HAS BEEN LARGELY BROUGHT ABOUT BY RISING COSTS FOR FUEL, MAINTENANCE, THE RENTAL OF VESSELS AND STAFF WAGES,* HE SAID.

+HOWEVER, IT HAS ONLY BEEN APPROVED ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE OPERATOR CARRIES OUT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BERTHING FACILITIES.*

-----0------

/6........

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1901

6

SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR SAI KUNG PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION *****

A TOUR OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT, A LUNCH AND HINTS FROM A PROMINENT PHOTOGRAPHER ARE BEING OFFERED TO ENCOURAGE ENTRIES IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION ARRANGED BY SAI KUNG CULTURE AND RECREATION ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.

THE OFFER HAS BEEN MADE BECAUSE RESPONSE TO THE COMPETITION SINCE IT WAS ANNOUNCED EARLY IN JUNE HAS NOT BEEN AS GOOD AS WAS HOPED.

THE NUMBER OF PLACES ON THE TOUR IS LIMITED AND APPLICATIONS MUST REACH SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE AUGUST 12. THE COST WILL BE $10.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND STUDENT SECTIONS AND THERE WILL ALSO BE A SECTION FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS OR THOSE WHO WORK IN THE DISTRICT.

ENTRIES, WHICH MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1, CAN BE IN COLOUR OR BLACK AND WHITE AND THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR BRANCH OFFICE OR THE CULTURE AND RECREATION ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION OFFICE IN SAI KUNG TOWN.

ADJUDICATORS WILL INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR CHANG HUNG-CHEONG, THE PRESIDENT OF PENTAX PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, MR TAM KWOK-KWAN, PROMINENT PHOTOGRAPHER, MR KO LO-TONG, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ORGANISERS.

PRIZES WILL BE PROVIDED BY PENTAX. RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE PRESS ON SEPTEMBER 9 AND WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER.

--------0----------

TAI PO PLAYGROUND TO BE REOPENED *****

WORK ON COMPLETED AT

IHE REDEVEt0PMENT 0F TAI Po PLAYGROUND HAS BEEN REOPENED TO THe'puBLK ?N°SA?3?DA?D ™E PLAYSR0UND "ILL “

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SA in

InETHERPLAYGROUND THE construct,on of an all-weather running track

OTHER FACILITIES, SUCH AS THE LONG HIGH JUMP PITS SPECTATOR HEUNG SZE WU|ESTREETHANSLJI2R?AnD^TQ^TED NEAR THE UNCTION OF ftUNG SZE WUI STREET AND WAN TAU STREET, WERE ALSO IMPROVED.

APPLICATION FOR EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE PLAYGROUND may rp madc TO THE DISTRICT AMENITIES OFF ICERAT THE URBAN SERVICES ICE TA|TPO P°’ TA* P° G0VERNMFNT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD,

- 0 -

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1981

7

SCIENCE TEACHING AIDS ON DISPLAY AT RESOURCE CENTRE *****

SCIENCE TEACHERS, LABORATORY TECHNICIANS AND EDUCATIONISTS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF A SCIENCE RESOURCE CENTRE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES IN NORTH POINT.

DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS, THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4.30 PM.

♦OPENING OF THE SCIENCE RESOURCE CENTRE DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RESPONSE AND DEMAND OF VISITING TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CENTRE AIMS TO PROVIDE RESOURCE MATERIAL ON SCIENCE EDUCATION TO TEACHERS AT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS, AND TO PROVIDE A MEETING PLACE FOR TEACHERS AND SCIENCE INSPECTORS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.

RESOURCE MATERIAL ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE PRINTED MATTERS, SUCH AS REFERENCE BOOKS AND PERIODICALS, AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS SUCH AS SLIDES, LOOP FILM AND TAPES, AND HOME-MADE APPARATUS ON PRIMARY SCIENCE, PHYSICS AND BIOLOGY.

CONSTRUCTION MANUALS ON THE HOME-MADE APPARATUS ON DISPLAY, POSTERS, PAMPHLETS, BOOKLETS AND POLYMER SAMPLES ARE AVAILABLE TO VISITING TEACHERS ON REQUEST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCIENCE RESOURCE CENTRE IS LOCATED AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE ON 5-614364, OR THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION ON 5-774001 EXT. 46.

-----o------

HALF OF HO MAN TIN LORRY PARK CLOSED FOR PAVING WORK

*****

THE EASTERN HALF OF THE HO MAN TIN TEMPORARY LORRY PARK IN GOOD SHEPHERED STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR SURFACING WORK ON SATURDAY.

THE WORK WILL AFFECT ABOUT 40 PARKING SPACES AND LAST ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS.

ON COMPLETION, THE WESTERN HALF OF THE LORRY PARK WILL THEN BE CLOSED FOR A SIMILAR PERIOD FOR PAVING WORK.

THE NEW SURFACE WILL OVERCOME THE FLOODING PROBLEM IN THE LORRY PARK AND ALLOW FOR THE PROPER DEMARCATION OF PARKING SPACES.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

CONTENTS P^GE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:

GOVERNMENT SHARES CONCERN OVER INFLATION .................... 1

REALISTIC TARGETS SET FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION ................. 3

CALL TO UPGRADE EDUCATION SYSTEM............................. 5

GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT

SUPPORTED .................................................   7

NEW TELEPHONE CHARGES APPROVED .............................. 8

NO CHANGE PLANNED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME............... 9

ID CARD FORGERS NOW FACE 14 YEARS’ JAIL...................... 9

GOVERNMENT HELPS PROMOTE WORK OF MACS....................... 10

CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES ..................................... 11

PENSIONS ADJUSTED TO LEET COSTS ............................ 12

INTEREST, ON TAC RESERVE CERTIFICATES ...................... 12

GOVERNMENT TEiNKED FOR FREE LAND FDR TRAINING............... 14

FEE AWDMENTS APPROVED ...................................... 15

FIREARMS BILL APPROVED ..................................... 16

SIX BILLS BECOME LAW........................................ 16

FIRM DECISION ON WATER SUPPLY NEXT MONTH........................ 17

FIGHT aGAINST COUNTERFEITING ’OUTSTANDING’ ..................... 19

CIVILIANS COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY...............................   20

WEST GERMAN FORESTRY SCIENTISTS VISIT HONG KONG COUNTRYSIDE..................................................... 21

TEMPORARY CLOSURES.............................................. 21

PLB’S BANNED FROM PARK.....................♦.................... 22

ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNERS ......................................   22

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

1

GOVERNMENT SHARES CONCERN OVER INFLATION * * * *

HONG KONG HAS OUT-PERFORMED MOST OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR ECONOMIES IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND OF MAINTAINING LOW UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

AND ALTHOUGH OUR RATE OF INFLATION IN 1979 AND 1980, WHETHER MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICES INDEXES OR THE GDP DEFLATOR, WAS RAPID, IT WAS NOT OUT OF LINE WITH THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THESE COUNTRIES.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING BY THE HON PETER C. WONG WHO ASKED WHAT MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.

MR BREMRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT THE HIGH RATES OF INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES, AND SHARED THIS CONCERN.

+BUT INFLATION IS A CURRENT PROBLEM WORLD-WIDE, AND GIVEN THE EXTERNALLY ORIENTED NATURE OF OUR ECONOMY WE CANNOT EXPECT TO BE UNAFFECTED,* HE SAID.

IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, CONSUMER PRICES AVERAGED ABOUT 14 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR. THIS IS SOMEWHAT HIGH EVEN IN TERMS OF CURRENT INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF THE DELAYED EFFECT OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLARS DURING THE LAST NINE MONTHS OF I960 WAS WORKING THROUGH TO THE RETAIL LEVEL.

+BUT THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR, WHICH IS REALLY THE BEST MEASURE AVAILABLE ON INFLATION FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, IS MUCH LOWER, AS A CLOSER BALANCE BETWEEN THE DEMAND FOR AND SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC RESOURCES, EVEN IN RESPECT OF LAND AND PROPERTY, IS BEING ACHIEVED,* MR BREMRIDGE SAID.

A ROUGH ESTIMATE SHOWS THAT THE GDP DEFLATOR IS NOW RUNNING AT A RATE OF ONLY ABOUT 7 TO 8 PER CENT. AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND OUR GDP DEFLATOR THIS YEAR IS CONFIDENTLY EXPECTED TO GROW AT 8 PER CENT.

SO FAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE UP IN REAL TERMS BY ABOUT 7 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY OVER 35 PER CENT. THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT SHOWS A FAIR DEGREE OF STABILITY: WHILE OUR UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION BY WORLD STANDARDS IS GOOD - AND INDEED IN SOME AREAS SHORTAGES ARE DEVELOPING.

/♦THIS SEEMS .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1?81

2

*THIS SEEMS TO ME NOT A TOTALLY UNSATISFACTORY POSITION IN WHICH TO FIND OURSELVES IN VIEW OF THE VERY UNFAVOURABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS PREVAILING IN OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS - THE WORST SINCE THE WORLD RECESSION OF 1931.+

HE SAID THE FACT THAT THE RATE OF INCREASE OF CONSUMER PRICES WAS SIGNIFICANTLY FASTER THAN THAT OF THE GDP DEFLATOR WAS AN INDICATION THAT THE INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WE WERE EXPERIENCING WERE LARGELY IMPORTED.

IN THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS, OVER HALF OF THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASES IN THE PRICE CF FOOD. ANOTHER 12 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASES IN THE PRICE OF +FUEL AND LIGHT* AND ♦TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES*.

♦SO ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE IN CONSUMER PRICES DURING THE PAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO INCREASES IN THE PRICES OF THOSE CONSUMER ITEMS WHICH ARE HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY IMPORT PRICES,* MR BREMRIDGE SAID.

+IMPORT PRICES OF FOOD IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1981 WERE 16 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1980. IMPORT PRICES OF FUEL WERE 39 PER CENT HIGHER.*

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN OUR FREE ECONOMY BASED ON MARKET PLACE DISCIPLINE AND WITHOUT EXCHANGE CONTROLS THERE WAS LITTLE THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO TO CURB SUCH INFLATIONARY PRESSURES WITHOUT RESORTING TO THE BLUNT INSTRUMENT OF INTEREST RATE INCREASES.

+WE MUST BE VERY CAREFUL TO ENSURE THAT THE CURE IS NOT WORSE THAN THE DISEASE.

+1 WILL NOT PUT FORWARD MEASURES TO AMELIORATE IMPORTED INFLATION WHICH WILL ALSO HAVE THE EFFECT OF SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING UNEMPLOYMENT. AND ONE MUST REALISE THE BURDEN THAT HIGH INTEREST RATES PRESENT TO MANY SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY.*

MR BREMRIDGE STRESSED THAT IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES DID THE GOVERNMENT INTEND TO INTERVENE INTEMPERATELY AND IN A WAY THAT WOULD RADICALLY CHANGE THOSE POLICIES OF PRUDENT FREEDOM THAT HAD SERVED US SO WELL.

♦BUT WE SHALL DO WHAT WE CAN TO HELP THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,* HE ADDED.

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

3

REALISTIC TARGETS SET FOR PRIMARY EDUCATION * * * * *

THE WILL TO MOVE FASTER WAS THERE, BUT THE RESOURCES, PARTICULARLY HUMAN RESOURCES, MIGHT NOT BE, SAID THE HON ERIC P. HO, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR HO SAID THE TARGETS TOWARDS THE LATTER END OF THE DECADE COULD BE REVIEWED ONCE IT WAS SEEN HOW THE SUPPLY OF TEACHERS, TEACHER TRAINERS AND CLASSROOMS MEASURED UP TO THE TARGETS SET IN THE WHITE PAPER.

IT HAS BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN TO SET REALISTIC IMPLEMENTATION DATES.

+ IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO SPEED UP THINGS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CERTAINLY DO SO,* HE SAID.

MR HO WAS REFERRING TO COMMENTS MADE BY THE HON THE REV JOYCE BENNETT AND THE HON DR HENRY HU THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MOVING FASTER IN SOME AREAS THAN THE WHITE PAPER INDICATES.

MR HO TOLD MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY APPOINTED A CONSULTANT TO EXAMINE TEACHING IN KINDERGARTENS TO SEE WHAT AREAS NEEDED IMPROVEMENT AND TO INTRODUCE THE LATEST THINKING TO TEACHER TRAINERS.

♦HER VIEWS, TOGETHER WITH THOSE OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL BE CAREFULLY STUDIED TO ENSURE THAT THE BEST AND MOST APPROPRIATE TYPE OF EDUCATION IS MADE AVAILABLE TO OUR PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN,* MR HO SAID.

IN EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO MISS BENNETT AND DR HU FOR THEIR SUPPORT, HE SAID THAT THEY HAD BOTH GENEROUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN AT PAINS TO TAKE PUBLIC OPINION INTO ACCOUNT, AS WELL AS THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE COUNCIL.

+FOR MY PART, I REITERATE THAT WHEN MODIFICATIONS TO THE MEASURES SET OUT IN THE WHITE PAPER BECOME DESIRABLE AND POSSIBLE OF ACHIEVEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES,* MR HO SAID.

DISCUSSING PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN ATTENDING INSTITUTIONS

♦WHICH THEIR AGE APPARENTLY DOES NOT ENTITLE THEM TO DO SO,*

HO SAID THE DEMARCATION BETWEEN CHILD CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS IS DETERMINED BY THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN PERMITTED TO ATTEND THESE INSTITUTIONS.

/AS PCR .......

THURSDAY, JUDY 30, 1981

- 4 -

AS FOR THREE-YEAR-OLDS WISHING TO ATTEND KINDERGARTENS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO PERMIT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BABY CLASSES PROVIDED THAT THE STANDARDS OF THESE CLASSES WERE THOSE APPLICABLE TO CHILD CARE CENTRES RATHER THAN KINDERGARTENS. IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THERE WAS A GREATER NEED FOR CARE OF THESE YOUNGER CHILDREN, AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE A CORRESPONDINGLY GREATER PROVISION OF STAFF AND SPACE THAN FOR OLDER CHILDREN ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS.

♦THESE STANDARDS WILL BE CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES. I CAN SEE, NEVERTHELESS, THAT THERE MIGHT STILL BE ONE OR TWO DEMARCATION PROBLEMS, AND I MUST STRESS THAT IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RETAIN THE STANDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES WHICH IS CHAIRED BY A SENIOR OFFICIAL OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS IF AND WHEN THEY ARISE,* MR HO SAID.

ON THE QUESTION OF TRAVEL TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS, MR HO GAVE ASSURANCE THAT EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT TRAVEL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ALSO CONSIDER THE FEASIBILITY OF HAVING A ONE-MILE RADIUS FOR THE EXERCISE OF PERSONAL CHOICE AND DISTRICTS FOR DEPARTMENTAL ALLOCATION.

REGARDING THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN KINDERGARTENS, HE SAID IT WAS COVERED BY THE MANUAL OF KINDERGARTEN PRACTICE.

THE GOVERNMENT VIEW WAS THAT IT WAS ADVISABLE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF ENGLISH INTO THE SYLLABUS TO BE POSTPONED TO PRIMARY TWO. BUT IF ENGLISH WERE TO BE INTRODUCED EARLIER, IT SHOULD BE KEPT VERY SIMPLE.

MR HO SAID THAT IN HIS REPLY, HE FELT CONSTRAINED TO DEAL ONLY WITH POINTS RELEVANT TO THE WHITE PAPER.

♦NO POLICY DOCUMENTS CAN PLEASE EVERYBODY. SOME WILL BE UNHAPPY THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO MEET THE SPECIFIC POINTS THEY RAISED, BUT I THINK IT MUST BE CONCEDED BY EVEN THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC CRITICS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS IN THIS WHITE PAPER MADE A GENUINE ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES,* MR HO CONCLUDED.

/5 .........

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

5

CALL TO UPGRADE EDUCATION SYSTEM * * * *

the government should upgrade our education system to MEET The DEMANDS OF THE LAST TWO DECADES OF THIS CENTURY, THE HON THE REV JOYCE BENNETT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, MISS BENNETT SAID SHE WAS HAPPY TO NOTE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SPEND MORE MONEY ON EDUCATION. SHE URGED THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION TOGETHER WITH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO PRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SIMILAR TO THOSE PROPOSED FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

UNDOUBTEDLY, MISS BENNETT POINTED OUT, HONG KONG HAS BEEN EXAMINING ITS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN PIECEMEAL FASHION FOR YEARS AND THIS WAS +THE LAST STEP IN THE PROCESS*.

+WE DESPERATELY NEED THAT OVERALL EXAMINATION OF THE SYSTEM. HONG KONG SOCIETY DESERVES ITS EDUCATION TO BE TREATED AS A WHOLE.

+MAY THE EDUCATION OFFICERS BE ENCOURAGED TO SEE THE EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILD AS A WHOLE.’*

SHE THOUGHT THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO LIAISE MORE WITH THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM WHICH THEIR STUDENTS COME.

TURNING TO THE WHITE PAPER ITSELF, MISS BENNETT SAID THAT DESPITE THE IMPROVED DIVISION BETWEEN CHILD-CARE CENTRES AND KINDERGARTENS ON THE GROUNDS OF AGE, THERE WAS STILL SOME DOUBLE-THINK REQUIRED WHEN DEALING WITH THE THREE-YEAR-OLD BABY CLASS FOR THE KINDERGARTENS.

* THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO PERMIT THESE TO CONTINUE, BUT THEY MUST BE REGISTERED AS CHILD-CARE CENTRES.’

* IN CONTRAST SOME CHILDREN OF 4-5 WILL BE ATTENDING CHILD-CARE CENTRES.

WHEN IS A KINDERGARTEN A CHILD-CARE CENTRE AND WHEN IS A CHILD-CARE CENTRE A KINDERGARTEN?

DO THE AUTHORS REALLY CONSIDER SUCH WORDS TRULY DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THESE TWO TYPES OF PRE-PR I MARY EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS?* SHE ASKED.

HOWEVER, SHE NOTED THAT THE AUTHORS OF THE WHITE PAPER HAVE IN FACT DEVISED WAYS BY WHICH THESE INSTITUTIONS MAY DRAW MORE AND MORE CLOSE TOGETHER. THESE AREi THE STAFF WILL BE EVENTUALLY TRAINED IN THE SAME TRAINING COLLEGE AND FUTURE KINDERGARTENS WILL IMPROVE THEIR FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT TO MAKE THEM MORE LIKE CHILD-CARE CENTRES.

ON THE CONTROL OF ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS, MISS BENNETT WARNED THAT THERE WAS A DANGER THAT KINDERGARTENS WOULD BE PROVIDING THEIR ENTRANCE TESTS TO ASSESS WHICH CHILDREN TO ADMIT.

/*A V3RY........

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

6

+A VERY POSITIVE ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO PREVENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM IMPOSING TESTS AND THE WRONG TYPE OF INTERVIEWS ON THE FIVE TO SIX YEAR OLDS.

♦I WONDER, HOWEVER, HOW THE INTERVIEWS CAN BE PROPERLY CONDUCTED IN THE PRESENCE OF ’AN OFFICER FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’.

+THE SHEER MECHANICS OF SUCH AN EXERCISE MAKES THE MIND BOGGLE.

♦WHAT KIND OF OFFICERS WILL BE DETAILED FOR THIS SERVICE -CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AS WELL AS PROFESSIONAL STAFF? OR WHO? SHE ASKED.

SHE SAID SHE WOULD WATCH THIS DEVELOPMENT WITH INTEREST.

REGARDING THE REVISED QUOTA OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES GRANTED TO SCHOOLS, MISS BENNETT THOUGHT IT WAS CERTAINLY WORTH TRYING OUT.

BUT UNTIL THE EXACT BOUNDARIES OF EACH DISTRICT WAS KNOWN, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS THE SCHEME IN FULL.

SHE QUERIED WHETHER IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR EACH PRIMARY SCHOOL TO RECEIVE, FOR ITS RESTRICTED 30 PER CENT DISCRETIONARY PLACES, CHILDREN LIVING WITHIN ONE MILE OF THE SCHOOL.

AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS FOR A LONG TIME MADE IT A MATTER OF POLICY THAT NO CHILD SHOULD TRAVEL MORE THAN ONE MILE TO A PRIMARY SCHOOL, SHE URGED THAT HER SUGGESTION BE EXAMINED THOROUGHLY.

ALTHOUGH THE IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE MOST ATTRACTIVE, MISS BENNETT NOTED THE WHITE PAPER DID NOT TACKLE THE LANGUAGE QUESTION BEYOND ADVOCATING REMEDIAL TEACHING AND IMPROVED CURRICULUM FOR BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH.

THE WHOLE QUESTION OF HOW MUCH AND WHAT TYPE OF ENGLISH SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN KINDERGARTENS AND HOW MANY ENGLISH KINDERGARTEN CLASSES SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN EACH DISTRICT MUST ALSO BE TACKLED.

BILINGUALISM IN OUR SOCIETY IS IMPORTANT AND WE NEED TO DECIDE THE PROPER AGE AT WHICH TO ENCOURAGE IT.

CONCLUDING, MISS BENNETT WARNED THAT WE MUST NOT DELUDE OURSELVES INTO THINKING THAT OUR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES AND PRIMARY EDUCATION ARE NOW AUTOMATICALLY IMPROVED WITH THE ISSUE OF THIS WHITE PAPER.

♦MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE IN CLARIFYING THE GREY AREAS, SOME OF WHICH I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MENTION THIS AFTERNOON.

♦IN ADDITION, GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY BODIES MUST WORK TOGETHER TO IMPLEMENT THE CHANGES ADVOCATED IN THE WHITE PAPER,♦ SHE SAID.

o --------

/7 ........

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

- 7 -

GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACEMENT SUPPORTED *****

DR HENRY HU, WHO SUPPORTED THE WHITE PAPER, SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED WITH THE GREATER FLEXIBILITY INTRODUCED INTO THE DISCRETIONARY PLACE SYSTEM.

HE SAID SCHOOLS WILL NOW BE ALLOWED TO OFFER UP TO 65 PER CENT DISCRETIONARY PLACES TO CHILDREN WITH SOME SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH THE SCHOOL COMPARED WITH THE ORIGINAL 15 PER CENT IN THE GREEN PAPER. AT THE SAME TIME, 65 PER CENT OF SCHOOL PLACES IN ANY DISTRICT WILL BE ALLOCATED TO CHILDREN LIVING IN THE AREA.

+1 HOPE THAT IN THE MEDIUM TERM - WHEN THE SUPPLY OF TRAINED TEACHERS IS INCREASED AND THERE HAVE BEEN IMPROVEMENTS IN SCHOOL STANDARDS, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORTING SERVICES - IT WOULD THEN BE BOTH PRACTICAL AND DESIRABLE TO FURTHER INTEGRATE PUPILS OF DIFFERENT ABILITIES AND FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS IN SCHOOLS BY GRADUALLY REDUCING THE QUOTA OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES,+ HE SAID.

DR HU WELCOMED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRY EXAMINATIONS BY INTERVIEWS. HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT SUCH INTERVIEWS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE USED AS TESTS IN DISGUISE.

COMMENTING ON THE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES, HE QUOTED AN EXAMPLE FROM THE WHITE PAPER TO SHOW THAT ONCE THE TOTAL FAMILY INCOME EXCEEDS THE $3 000 LEVEL AFTER ALLOWING FOR RENT, IT WILL NO LONGER BE ENTITLED TO ANY ASSISTANCE.

+1 FIND THIS UNNECESSARILY RESTRICTIVE, HOWEVER, AT TODAY’S HIGH INFLATION RATE.

+1 WOULD URGE THAT THE CEILING BE SUITABLY RELAXED.+

ON THE QUESTION OF TRAINING OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, DR HU SUGGESTED THAT SHORTER BUT MORE INTENSIVE COURSES SHOULD BE RUN.

EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED NOT ONLY ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS BUT ALSO ON THE STAFF’S DEVOTION TO CHILDREN AND THEIR WORK, HE ADDED.

AS REGARDS THE PILOT PROJECT TO CHARGE NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AT A WELFARE RENT, DR HU HOPED THAT IT WOULD BE MADE PERMANENT AND EXTENDED TO ALL ESTATE KINDERGARTENS, INCLUDING THOSE WHICH ARE PAYING THE FULL MARKET RENT FOR THEIR ESTATE PREMISES THROUGH OPEN TENDER.

------o-------

/8 .....

Thursday, july 30, 1981

6

NEW TELEPHONE CHARGES APPROVED

*****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) APPROVED AN AMENDMENT TO THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE WHICH ALLOWS THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY TO INCREASE CHARGES IN LINE RENTALS.

IN MOVING THE AMENDMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON P. JACOBS SAID IT WAS PROPOSED THAT NEW RENTALS FOR RESIDENTIAL LINES AND BUSINESS LINES, AND FOR LEASED CIRCUITS AND EXTERNAL EXTENSIONS SHOULD TAKE EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1981.

HE SAID THE PRESENT RENTAL CHARGES HAD BEEN HELD CONSTANT for three years, but increases were now unavoidable because of INCREASES IN THE COMPANY'S COSTS DURING THE PERIOD.

INCREASES IN RENTALS FOR PRIVATE PAYPHONES, MAINTENANCE CHARGES FOR PRIVATE AUTOMATIC BRANCH EXCHANGES (PABX), AND VARIOUS INCREASED INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL CHARGES WOULD TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1982.

THE INCREASES WOULD ONLY ALLOW THE COMPANY TO RECOVER THE COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICES AND AVOID CROSS-SUBSIDISATION FROM OTHER SERVICES, MR JACOBS SAID.

HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ALERTED ON MARCH 11, 1981, WHEN IT RESOLVED TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE IN ORDER TO INCREASE A NUMBER OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S CHARGES, THAT INCREASES IN LINE RENTALS AND RELATED CHARGES MIGHT BE NECESSARY IN LATE 1981 OR EARLY 1982.

THE PROPOSED INCREASES IN CHARGES WHICH THE COUNCIL APPROVED TODAY WERE SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANY IN EARLY JUNE.

MR JACOBS SAID THE COMPANY HAD ALSO APPLIED TO RAISE THE CHARGE FOR THE USE OF A PUBLIC PAYPHONE FROM 50 CENTS TO >1 A CALL.

♦ALTHOUGH DISALLOWED, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT AS THE PROVISION OF SERVICE IS UNECONOMIC AT 50 CENTS A CALL AND AS AN INCREASE OF LESS THAN 50 CENTS IS IMPRACTICABLE BECAUSE OF THE COSTS INVOLVED IN MODIFYING PAYPHONE MECHANISMS TO ACCEPT A SECOND COIN, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE PRESENT CHARGE WILL NEED TO BE RAISED WHEN TELEPHONE TARIFFS ARE NEXT REVIEWED,♦ HE SAID.

-----o------

/9 ........

9

NO CHANGE PLANNED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME * * * *

NO CHANGE IS PROPOSED IN THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME UNDER WHICH PEOPLE ARE GIVEN FINANCIAL HELP TO MEET THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE IF THEY HAVE +SAVINGS+ OF LESS THAN $4 500 IN THE CASE OF INDIVIDUALS AND $3 000 IN THE CASE OF FAMILY MEMBERS, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MRS CHAN WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON THE REV JOYCE BENNETT, WHO ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ADOPT THE SAME METHOD OF PAYMENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AS WAS BEING ADOPTED FOR VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES.

THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, WAS +NOT ANALOGOUS TO THE SUBVENTION SYSTEM FOR VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES*, AND WAS AN ♦INCOME MAINTENANCE SCHEME DESIGNED TO ASSIST THOSE WITH INADEQUATE MEANS TO MEET THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE*, SHE SAID.

SMALL DONATIONS UNDER S100 AND DESIGNATED DONATIONS GIVEN TO THESE PEOPLE ARE DISREGARDED, BUT UNDESIGNATED PUBLIC DONATIONS RECEIVED AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER ARE TREATED AS +SAVINGS,+ FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

♦SAVINGS UNDER S4 500 FOR A SINGLE PERSON OR 13 000 FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER ARE NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. FOR EXAMPLE, A FOUR-MEMBER FAMILY MAY HAVE SAVINGS OF $12 000 AND STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IF THE MONTHLY INCOME IS CONSIDERED INADEQUATE BY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE STANDARDS,+ SHE SAID.

HOWEVER, A LARGE DONATION COULD RENDER A FAMILY INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM THE MONTH FOLLOWING RECEIPT UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE ♦SAVINGS^ FALL BELOW THE PERMITTED LEVEL.

♦THE PRESENT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

ARRANGEMENT IS IN KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE SCHEME AND NO CHANGE IS PROPOSED,* SHE SAID.

-----o------

ID CARD FORGERS NOW FACE 14 YEARS’ JAIL * * *

PEOPLE FORGING IDENTITY CARDS NOW RISK GOING TO JAIL FOR UP TO 14 YEARS.

TUH IS PROVIDED UNDER NEW LEGISLATION — THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL Tilt |m2iGRATI0ND(AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL - PASSED TODAY BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE NEW MEASURES COME CLOSE ON THE HEEL OF STIFF REALTIES uuiru camp INTO EFFECT LAST WEEK, PROVIDING FOR A FINE OF $50 000 AND SEVEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR POSSESSION OF A FORGED INDENTITY CARD.

tup MF AZURES AR E DESIGNED TO DETER POSSIBLE ABUSE OF DOCUMENTS O? P^OF IDENTITY AND AS A FURTHER DETERRENT TO ILLEGAL

IMMIGRATION.

0 - - - -

/10 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

10

GOVERNMENT HELPS PROMOTE WORK OF MACS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE EFFECTIVE, TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).

THAT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW , SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE

MR AKERS-JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, WHO ASKED IF GOVERNMENT UNDERTOOK REGULAR ASSESSMENTS OF THE PERFORMANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ESTABLISHED MACS AND IF GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE RECENT STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE BY MACS FORMED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.

TO ACHIEVE CONTINUED EFFECTIVENESS, STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT VISITED MACS AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH, MR AKERS-JONES SAID. THESE VISITS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHECK AND ASSIST THE COMMITTEES IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND ENCOURAGED THEM IN THEIR WORK AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF THE BUILDING.

HE SAID THE MAC MOVEMENT DATED BACK TO 1973 WHEN IT WAS LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME AND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGNS, TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND SECURITY OF BUILDINGS, FOSTER A SENSE OF NEIGHBOURLINESS AMONG RESIDENTS AND GENERALLY TO ASSIST IN COMMUNITY WORK.

♦THERE IS, OF COURSE, A TENDENCY FOR SOME MACS IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TO BECOME LESS ACTIVE ONCE THE INITIAL PROBLEMS OF SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT HAVE BEEN OVERCOME,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE COMMITTEES PLACED MORE EMPHASIS ON FOSTERING NEIGHBOURLINESS AND HELP AND SERVICE TO ONE ANOTHER.

IN SHORT, HE BELIEVED THE 3 467 COMMITTEES NOW ESTABLISHED, TOGETHER WITH ABOUT 1 000 OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, HAD MADE A VALUABLE IMPROVEMENT TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THEIR BUILDINGS AND AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

♦AND WHILE IT IS TRUE TO SAY THAT IN A MOVEMENT AS LARGE AS THIS THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME COMMITTEES COULD BE IMPROVED I BELIEVE THESE COMMITTEES HAVE DONE A MARVELLOUS JOB AND THEY DESERVE ALL THE HELP AND ENCOURAGEMENT THEY CAN GET AND THE EFFORTS OF THE STAFF ARE DIRECTED TO THIS END,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.

/11

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

11

CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED ADJUSTMENTS TO CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE MAJORITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS WILL RECEIVE PAY ADJUSTMENT RANGING FROM ABOUT 17 PER CENT TO 18 PER CENT, WHILE OFFICERS AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL WILL HAVE THEIR RANGE OF SALARIES ADJUSTED BY ABOUT 17 PER CENT TO 13-1/2 PER CENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ADJUSTMENTS WERE BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY OF PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR DURING THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR AND AFTER DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE STAFF SIDE AND THE OFFICIAL SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL.

THE NEW SALARIES OF CIVIL SERVANTS ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE RANGE FROM $1 395 AT POINT ONE TO $17 990 AT POINT 51, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RANGE OF $1 180 TO $15 230.

MODEL SCALE 1 WORKERS WILL RECEIVE REVISED SALARIES RANGING FROM $1 660 TO $2 610, COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT $1 405 TO $2 205.

STAFF OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WILL BE PAID FROM $3 335 TO $17 990 AS AGAINST THE PRESENT $2 835 TO $15 230 IN THE CASE OF OFFICERS, AND FROM $1 950 TO $5 545 AS AGAINST THE PRESENT $1 645 -- .. ___ ... CASE Qp RANK AND F|LE>

TO $4 730 IN THE

THE REVISED DIRECTORATE AND DIRECTORATE JUD IC IAL/LEGAL GROUP PAY SCALES RANGE FROM $19 350 TO $40 850, COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING RANGE OF $16 500 TO $36 000.

THE REVISED SCALES ARE EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR AND THE NEW SALARIES WILL BE PAID IN AUGUST.

THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL COST IS ABOUT $920 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, COVERING THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE GRANT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ACCORDING TO THE MEMORANDUM OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND REIMBURSEMENT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR SERVICES PAID FOR BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED PROVISION OF $385 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR APPROPRIATE INCREASES IN GRANTS TO DEFICIENCY GRANT ORGANISATIONS AND DISCRETIONARY GRANT ORGANISATIONS.

----0----

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

12

PENSIONS ADJUSTED TO MEET COSTS * * *

A PROPOSAL BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE PENSION PAYMENTS FOR ITS STAFF IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF THE PENSIONS WAS TODAY APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON H.S. GREWAL, IN MOVING THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE (CAP. 305) AND THE WIDOW AND ORPHANS PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE (CAP. 205), SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MAKE THE ADJUSTMENTS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE COST OF LIVING.

DURING THE REVIEW PERIOD FROM JULY 1, 1980 TO JUNE 30, 1981, HE SAID, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 21.5 POINTS OR 14.30 PER CENT.

♦IN THE LIGHT OF THIS MOVEMENT, IT IS PROPOSED THAT PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON JULY 1, 1981, INCLUDING PREVIOUS INCREASES ALREADY APPROVED, SHOULD BE INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1981.+

MR GREWAL SAID THE COST OF THE INCREASE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $20.3 MILLION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND $40.6 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.

HE ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED, ON THE ADVICE CF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THAT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1982, THE REVIEW PERIOD AND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ANY AWARD OF PENSION INCREASES SHOULD BE THE SAME AS FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, ALTHOUGH REVIEWS OF PENSIONS AND SALARIES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CONDUCTED SEPARATELY BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENT FACTORS INVOLVED.

- - 0 - -

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES * * *

oatc SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE

RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM ^Y J?! NEW ANNUAL RATE 0F INTEREST WILL BE 13.2 PER

AS AGA,NST THE CURRENT RATE OF 9.84 PER CENT

\ I A A r K t u ) •

INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN ^JJLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $1.10 PER MONTH PER $100. BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.

_.v t^TEREST ,S °NLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO CERTIFICATE IS ReJaIO^In'ca^! ™E PBINCIP,L MLUE °F ‘

AFTERTJULYE31"‘19ei.ILL ‘PPLY T° ‘LL CERTIPICATes ISSUED ON OR

/CEBTIFICATES WHICH

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE JULY 31, 1981 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:

4.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

SEPTEMBER 19, 1975 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 17, 1977-

3% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

FEBRUARY 17, 1977 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 22, 1978-

3.24% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978-

5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979-

5.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979 AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979-

8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 26, 1979-

8.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

OCTOBER 26, 1979 AND BEFORE APRIL 11, 1980-

10.5% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

APRIL 11, 1980 AND BEFORE MAY 30, 1980-

9% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1980-

7.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

JUNE 27, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 30, 1980-

6.24% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

JULY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1980-

8.16% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER

OCTOBER 16, 1980 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 21, 1980- AND

9.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 21, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 31, 1981.

EXAMPLE: $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON AUGUST 1, 1981, ------ SEPTEMBER 1, 1981 AND OCTOBER 1, 1981 RESPECTIVELY,

SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON DECEMBER 1, 1981, WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

ON $1 000, AUGUST 1, 1981 TO DECEMBER 1, 1981,

4 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $11 PER MONTH -$44

ON $1 000, SEPTEMBER 1, 1981 TO DECEMBER 1, 1981,

3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $11 PER MONTH -$33

ON $1 000, OCTOBER 1, 1981 TO DECEMBER 1, 1981,

2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $11 PER MONTH -$22

$99

HOWEVER, ALL CERTIFICATES ARE SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO A CRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.

------0 ------ /14.......................

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

14

GOVERNMENT THANKED FOR FREE LAND FOR TRAINING * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESERVED A SITE IN EAST KOWLOON FOR THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY TO BUILD THEIR SECOND TRAINING CENTRE, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR FRANCIS TIEN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

AND ANOTHER SITE IN TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN GRANTED TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY FOR THE SAME PURPOSE. HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE TABLING OF THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE TWO TRAINING AUTHORITIES FOR 1980, DR TIEN THANKED THE GOVERNMENT FOR GRANTING THE LAND FREE OF PREMIUM.

HE SAID THE DEMAND OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY FOR TRAINED INdSstI? TRA,NING CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING CLOTHING

iiiuuoini inAlNlNb Ltrilnt.

♦OWING TO QUANTITATIVE RESTRAINTS, THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN MOVING TOWARDS THE PRODUCTION OF HIGH QUALITY AND FASHION PRODUCTS.

cx ♦SUCH A MOVE DEMANDS ONLY SOPHISTICATED MARKETING STRATEGY, IMPROVED DESIGN AND BETTER PRODUCTION PLANNING BUT ALSO

AN INCREASED SUPPLY OF WELL-TRAINED MANPOWER.+

DR TIEN REPORTED THAT THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW ALSO SAW A SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

HE SAID THERE HAS BEEN A CONTINUING SHIFT FROM CIVIL ENGINEERING TO BUILDING WORKS WHICH REQUIRE A GREATER INPUT OF SKILLED WORKERS AND THEREFORE A SECOND TRAINING CENTRE IS REQUIRED.

CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THIS SECOND CENTRE WILL START SHORTLY AND IT IS HOPED THE CENTRE WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN LATE 1982.

/15 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

15

FEE AMENDMENTS APPROVED * * * *

TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW PRESCRIBING THE FEES AND PERCENTAGES PAYABLE IN RELATION TO THE WINDING UP OF COMPANIES AND THOSE TO BE CHARGED IN RESPECT OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES)(AMENDMENT) ORDER 1981, WHICH WAS MADE BY THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ON JULY 20, 1981, INTRODUCES THREE CHANGES TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDER.

FIRST, IT PROVIDES THAT PAYMENT OF CERTAIN FEES AND PERCENTAGES PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED TO BE TAKEN IN STAMPS MAY NOW BE TAKEN IN CASH.

SECOND, IT REVISES THE PRESCRIBED FEES IN THE THIRD SCHEDULE OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDER BY INCREASING MOST OF THEM BY 90 PER CENT.

THIRD, IT REMOVES THE MAXIMUM FEE FOR PAYMENTS OUT OF THE COMPANIES LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT IN RESPECT OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDENDS.

IN MOVING THE AMENDMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES THE HON P. JACOBS SAID SINCE THE LAST REVIEW OF THESE FEES AND PERCENTAGES IN 1975, THE COSTS IN THE OFFICIAL’S RECEIVER’S OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAD INCREASED, AND THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAD BEEN OPERATING AT A LOSS.

THE BANKRUPTCY (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) SCALE (AMENDMENT) NOTICE 1981, ALSO MADE BY THE ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE ON JULY 20, 1981, REVISES THE FEES PRESCRIBED ON THE BASIS OF INCREASED COST OF ADMINISTERING THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE.

/16 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

16

FIREARMS BILL APPROVED

* * * M *

THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL, WHICH AIMS TO STRENGTHEN AND MODERNISE THE LAW RELATING TO ARMS AND AMMUNITION, HAS BEEN RETITLED THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL AND PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.

THIS IS TO DISTINGUISH IT FROM THE EXISTING ORDINANCE AND TO EMPHASISE THAT IT DEALS WITH FIREARMS AND NOT WEAPONS BEING DEALT WITH UNDER ANOTHER BILL.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, MR PETER C. WONG SAID IT IS PARTICULARLY WELCOME AT THIS TIME +WHEN THE PUBLIC IS SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCREASING INCIDENCE IN THE UNLAWFUL USE OF FIREARMS*.

THE LAW ENACTED IN 1933 WAS NOT DESIGNED TO COPE WITH PRESENT DAY SITUATIONS AND THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED WERE INADEQUATE, HE SAID.

WHILE AGREEING THE PROPOSED NEW LAW MAY NOT NECESSARILY REDUCE THE UNLAWFUL USE OF FIREARMS, MR WONG SAIDi +WITH A STRENGTHENED AND MODERNISED ORDINANCE, THE LAW ENFORCING AGENCIES WILL HAVE A POWERFUL WEAPON TO COMBAT OFFENCES WHICH THIS BILL IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT.*

-----o------

SIX BILLS BECOME LAW * * * *

SIX BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).

THEY AREt THE ARMS AND AMMUNITION BILL 1981, THE WEAPONS BILL 1981, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1981, THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981, THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1981 AND THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1981.

/17 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

17

FIRM DECISION ON WATER SUPPLY NEXT MONTH X X X *

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WILLIAM TUCKER, TODAY EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE CURRENT LEVEL OF SUPPLY COULD BE MAINTAINED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SUMMER IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STORAGE POSITION AND THE PROSPECT OF OBTAINING FURTHER YIELD IN THE COMING TWO MONTHS.

SPEAKING AT THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB LUNCHEON, HE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT A REPORT WOULD BE PRESENTED TO GOVERNMENT IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH WHEN THE OVERALL SITUATION WOULD BE REVIEWED AND A FIRM DECISION MADE.

IT IS STILL VERY MUCH IN THE LAP OF THE GODS WHAT RAINFALL WILL OCCUR IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS AND HOW THIS WILL INFLUENCE THE NEED TO OPERATE THE DESALTER OR THE LEVEL OF SUPPLY WHICH MAY BE MAINTAINED IN THE COMING DRY SEASON,+ MR TUCKER SAID.

AS A CONTINGENCY MEASURE, THEREFORE, WE ARE PREPARING THE POSSIBLE FULL SCALE OPERATION OF THE DESALTER SHOULD IT PROVE TO BE NECESSARY.♦

REFERRING TO THE CURRENT SITUATION, MR TUCKER SAID IT WAS IMPROVED TO SOME EXTENT BY THE RECENT RAINFALL.

WHILE SOME 317.2 MM HAS FALLEN IN THE MONTH, GIVING A YIELD OF 64 MILLION CUBIC METRES AND REPRESENTING 43 DAYS OF SUPPLY, THE RESERVOIRS ARE STILL ONLY 43.9 PER CENT FULL,* HE SAID.

WE ARE, THEREFORE, IN THE DIFFICULT SITUATION OF STILL HAVING TWO MONTHS OF THE WET SEASON TO GO, BUT WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THE RAINFALL IN THOSE TWO MONTHS IS LIKELY TO BE.+

IN THIS SITUATION, MR TUCKER SAID, HIS DEPARTMENT HAD TO EXAMINE ALTERNATIVE POSSIBILITIES.

THESE ARE BASED ON PROBABILITIES RELATED TO THE MAINTENANCE OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUPPLY, NOT ONLY FOR THE REMAINING TWO MONTHS OF THE WET SEASON, BUT FOR THE COMING DRY SEASON ALSO, SO THAT WE MAY ENTER THE NEXT WET SEASON WITH A REASONABLE QUANTITY OF WATER IN STORAGE,* HE ADDED.

/on watsr.......

THDESDAY, JULY 30, 1?81

18

ON WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA, MR TUCKER SAIDt + HONG KONG tS RECEIVING 168 MILLION CUBIC METRES ANNUALLY FROM CHINA AND THIS WILL INCREASE TO 182 MILLION CUBIC METRES ANNUALLY IN 1982.

♦FURTHER INCREASES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE FROM 1983 ONWARDS UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LATEST AGREEMENT SIGNED IN MAY LAST YEAR, WHEREBY THE TOTAL SUPPLY FROM CHINA WILL INCREASE PROGRESSIVELY TO 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES IN THE MIDDLE OF 199O’S. THAT IS WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA WILL BE MORE THAN TREBLED OVER THE NEXT 14 YEARS, INCREASING FROM ROUGHLY 30 PER CENT OF OUR CURRENT DEMAND TO 60 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED DEMAND IN 1994/95.*

TURNING TO THE LOK ON PAI DESALTING PLANT, MR TUCKER SAID IT COULD PRODUCE 182 000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER A DAY OR ABOUT 12 PER CENT OF THE PRESENT WATER DEMAND.

ANY DECISION TO OPERATE THE DESALTER, HE ADDED, WOULD BE VERY SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED, AND IT WOULD NOT BE RUN IN PLACE OF ALTERNATIVE, CHEAPER SOURCES OF SUPPLY THAT COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE.

HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DESALTER SHOULD IT BE FOUND NECESSARY TO OPERATE IT.

MR TUCKER DEFENDED THE GOVERNMENT DECISION TO BUILD THE DESALTER, SAYING THAT AT THE TIME THE DECISION WAS MADE IN 1972, IT WAS THE MOST ECONOMICAL WAY OF PRODUCING THE ADDITIONAL QUANTITIES OF WATER REQUIRED BY HONG KONG TO MEET THE EXPECTED SHORTFALL JUST PRIOR TO THE COMMISSIONING OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.

♦IN RETROSPECT, THE DECISION TO CHOOSE A LOW USE FACTOR, SINGLE PURPOSE PLANT WAS THE CORRECT ONE, AS NOT ONLY DID IT PROVIDE A RELIABLE, FIXED CONTRIBUTION TO THE WATER RESOURCES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED, BUT IT DELAYED BY ABOUT TWO YEARS THE TIME BY WHICH A DECISION WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE MADE TO ENTER INTO LARGE SCALE DESALTING, PROBABLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTR ICITY,+ HE SAID.

♦THIS DELAY ENABLED AN APPROACH TO BE MADE TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER LEADING TO DISCUSSIONS IN 1979 AND EVENTUALLY A LONG-TERM AGREEMENT IN 1980.+

MR TUCKER SAID THE DESALTER HAD ALREADY BEEN USED TO GOOD EFFECT IN 1977-78 AND WOULD BE AVAILABLE AGAIN TO FULFIL ITS ROLE AS A STRATEGIC RESERVE, IF NECESSARY.

/19 .......

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

19

FIGHT AGAINST COUNTERFEITING +OUTSTANDING+

* * * *

♦ONE OF THE MOST DESPICABLE FORMS OF FRAUD IS THAT OF STEALING ANOTHER PERSON’S COPYRIGHT, HIS INDUSTRIAL DESIGN OR HIS TRADE MARK.+ THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND CONTROLS, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, SAID TODAY (JULY 30).

MR JORDAN TOLD THE LUNCHEON CLUB MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB CF KOWLOON THAT HONG KONG’S TRADING REPUTATION AND INTERNATIONAL STANDING COULD BE BROUGHT INTO JEOPARDY THROUGH THE SUBSTANTIAL DEGREE OF MISCONCEPTION ON COUNTERFEITING WHICH, IF NOT COUNTERED, QUITE UNFAIRLY GIVES HONG KONG AN UNDESERVED BAD NAME.

HONG KONG’S EFFORTS TO COMBAT COUNTERFEITING ARE OUTSTANDING IN THE REGION, AND STAND HIGH IN THE WORLD AS A WHOLE,+ SAID NR JORDAN.

FOR INSTANCE, AS A RESULT OF A MAJOR OPERATION BY THE COPYRIGHT UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AGAINST THE PIRATES OF AUDIO CASSETTES, IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND PIRATED MUSIC TAPES IN HONG KONG.

TODAY IT IS THE VIDEO CASSETTE PIRATES THAT THE COPYRIGHT UNIT IS HITTING AS HARD AS IT PREVIOUSLY HIT THE MUSIC CASSETTE RACKET.

IN THE FEW MONTHS THAT THIS FRESH FORM OF PIRACY HAS BEEN EVIDENT, A NUMBER OF RAIDS HAVE BEEN MADE AND SEVERAL CASES AWAIT HEARING IN THE COURTS.

IN ONE, AS MUCH AS 14 LORRY LOADS OF CASSETTES, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT WERE SEIZED AND REMOVED FROM THE ILLICIT FACTORY,+ SAID MR JORDAN.

THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY SECTION OF THE TRADE CONTROLS INVESTIGATION BRANCH WORKS IN PARALLEL WITH THE COPYRIGHT UNIT, PURSUING COUNTERFEITING IN FASHIONS AND CLOTHING, LUGGAGE, WATCHES, CLOCKS, PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER GOODS.

LAST YEAR, THIS SECTION INVESTIGATED AN AVERAGE OF ONE CASE EACH WORKING DAY, OF WHICH 103 WERE PROCESSED THROUGH THE COURTS. ♦GOODS AMOUNTING TO $12 MILLION WERE SEIZED,♦ SAID MR JORDAN.

♦IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR ALONE IT COMPLETED 87 CASES AND SEIZED $13 MILLION-WORTH OF GOODS.

MR JORDAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN COUNTERING COUNTERFEITING IS FURTHER EXEMPLIFIED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR. THIS GAVE THE DEPARTMENT NEW POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PENALTIES.

/a thaddjg........

20

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

A TRADING STANDARDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ALTHOUGH IN EXISTENCE FOR ONLY A MONTH, IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS ON THE FIRST - ON GOLD OR GOLD ALLOY ARTICLES - OF A NUMBER OF MARKING ORDERS TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNMENT.

+THE MARKING ORDERS TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL REQUIRE THAT GOODS ARE MARKED OR ACCOMPANIED BY PRESCRIBED INFORMATION - TRADE DESCRIPTIONS OR OTHERWISE - AS AN ASSURANCE OF THEIR STANDARD OR STANDING,* HE SAID.

-----o------

CIVILIANS COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY X * * *

FOUR CIVILIANS WHO HELPED RESCUE TWO WOMEN FROM A BURNING FLAT IN MONG KOK EARLY THIS YEAR WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED WITH DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES* COMMENDATION AND CASH AWARDS AT A CEREMONY HELD AT MONG KOK FIRE STATION.

THE PRESENTATION WAS MADE BY KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND’S CHIEF FIRE OFFICER ANTHONY CONWAY TO TSE HUNG-CHAU, HUI SAI-MING, LAW KAM-SHING AND TAM SIK.

TWO PEOPLE, A 46-YEAR-OLD WOMAN AND HER 17-YEAR-OLD SON WERE KILLED IN A FIRE WHICH OCCURRED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF APRIL 19, 1981, ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 26 MEI ON STREET, KOWLOON.

THE FOUR PEOPLE, WHO WERE LIVING IN THE ADJOINING FLAT, WERE AWAKENED ABOUT 6.30 AM THAT MORNING AND TACKLED THE FIRE WITH EXTINGUISHERS. WHILE FIGHTING THE BLAZE, TSE, HUI, LAW AND TAM SAW TWO WOMEN TRAPPED IN THE COCKLOFT OF THE BURNING BUILDING, AND HELPED TO CARRY THEM TO SAFETY.

♦THESE FOUR GENTLEMEN SHOWED INITIATIVE AND DETERMINATION IN TACKLING THE FIRE WHICH RESULTED IN THE RESCUES BEING SUCCESSFULLY CARRIED OUT,* SAID MR CONWAY.

-----o------

/21 ........

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

21

WEST GERMAN FORESTRY SCIENTISTS VISIT HONG KONG COUNTRYSIDE *******

A GROUP OF 12 WEST GERMAN FORESTRY SCIENTISTS CURRENTLY VISITING HONG KONG TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT THE TERRITORY’S COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME.

THEY VISITED THE NATURE RESERVE AT TAI PO KAU AND WENT TO THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK, WHICH IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S WELL-ESTABLISHED FOREST PLANTATION AREAS.

THE GROUP WAS ACCOMPANIED BY TWO STAFF MEMBERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, FORESTRY OFFICER MR S.L. CHONG AND SENIOR FIELD OFFICER MR T.W. CHAN.

BEFORE THEIR TOUR OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) MR K.C. IU BRIEFED THE GROUP ON THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG.

- 0 -

TEMPORARY CLOSURES * * *

A SECTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD, UNDER THE KWUN TONG MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION (KWUN TONG UNDERPASS), WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT INTERVALS DURING AUGUST SO THAT A PERMANENT LIGHTING SYSTEM CAN BE INSTALLED.

THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8.30 AM ON SATURDAY (AUGUST 1) TO 8.30 AM ON AUGUST 6. THE WESTBOUND OF NGAU TAU KOK-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 8.30 AM ON AUGUST 6 TO 8.30 AM ON AUGUST 16 AND THE EASTBOUND OF LEI YUE MUN-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY FROM 8.30 AM ON AUGUST 16 TO MIDNIGHT ON AUGUST 31.

ALTERNATIVE TRAFFIC ROUTES WILL BE PROVIDED DURING THE CLOSURES.

- - 0 - -

/22

THURSDAY, JULY 30, 1981

22

PLB’S BANNED FROM CAR PARK * *

FROM ENTERING THE PUBLIC AN ADJACENT PUBLIC LIGHT

AM ON SATURDAY (AUGUST 1).

PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED CAR PARK AT CLEAR WATER BAY BEACH WHEN BUS TERMINUS COMES INTO OPERATION AT 10

ONLY PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL TERMINUS.

BE ALLOWED TO USE THE NEW

-----o-----

ROAD CLOSED TO LEARNERS * *

LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE TAI PAK TIN STREET ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE SHEK YAM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (AUGUST 3), SO AS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.

0 --------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL; 5-233191

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

contents Page no,

EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1?81 ............... 1

PUPILS ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES URGED TO REGISTER........................................................ 5

IMPROVED CAREER PROSPECTS IN CUSTOMS AND EXCISE................. 6

CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS DOMESTIC WORKERS ........................ 6

US CITIZENS MAY NOW VOTE IN HONG KONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS....................................................... 7

KOWLOON BAY DEVELOPMENT WORK ................................... 7

JOINT EFFORT REQUIRED TO BEAT CRIME............................. 8

KCR SEEKS TENDERS FOR FENCE <yORK .............................. 8

SITE FORMATION WORK FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.......................... 5

KWUN TONG GROUP GOING ON STUDY TOUR............................. 9

SEVEN NT SITES FOR AUCTION .................................... 10

STAFF QUARTERS TO BE BUILT..................................... 10

SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIALISTS .................................... 11

INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALE....................................... 11

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ENTRIES................ 12

ANOTHER JAPANESE COMPANY INVESTS IN HONG KONG.................. 12

LIFEGUARD SERVICES PROVIDED AT TUNG WAN BEACH.................. 13

FIRING PRACTICE IN AUGUST...................................... 14

CLEAN UP DRIVE IN SAI KUNG..................................... 15

FHIMY, JU1T 31, 1981

1

EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCY STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1981 M * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN MARCH 1981.

THESE WERE DERIVED FROM EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT COVERING THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.

THE OVERALL FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1981 AND DECEMBER 1980 ARE AS FOLLOWSt-

SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MAR 80 DEC 80 MAR 81 MAR 81 ON MAR 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

MANUFACTURING 883 800 907 500 889 100 +0.6 -2.0

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 81 600 87 300 87 400 +7.2 +0.2

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 424 300 455 100 458 700 +8.1 ♦0.8

FINANCE, INSURANCE. REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 116 000 + 131 600* 134 000 ♦ 15.6 ♦1.9

NOTE i + REFERRING TO FEBRUARY 1980

# REVISED FIGURE DUE TO REPORTING ERRORS

COMPARING THE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1981 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME TIME IN 1980, THERE WERE INCREASES IN EACH OF THE FOUR SECTORS LISTED ABOVE. THE RAPID GROWTH RATE IN THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR CONTINUED-EMPLOYMENT IN THIS SECTOR IN MARCH 1981, AT 134 000, WAS 15.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN FEBRUARY 1980.

THE GROWTH IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO CONTINUED, WITH EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1981, AT 458 700 AND 87 400 RESPECTIVELY, BEING 8.1 PER CENT AND 7.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1980. THE GROWTH RATE OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR APPEARED TO HAVE SLOWED DOWN. AT 889 100, EMPLOYMENT IN THIS SECTOR IN MARCH 1981 WAS 0.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH I960.

?HIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

2

COMPARING MARCH 1981 WITH DECEMBER 1980, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT. BUT EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AND AT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 1.9 PER CENT, 0.8 PER CENT AND 0.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

TOGETHER WITH EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ALSO PUBLISHED VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR- THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR- AND THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR IN MARCH 1981.

THESE WERE COMPILED FROM THE NUMBER OF JOB VACANCIES REPORTED BY ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED BY THE EMPLOYMENT SURVEYS IN THESE SECTORS.

THE OVERALL FIGURES, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR MARCH 1980 AND DECEMBER 1980, ARE AS FOLLOWSt-

NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY MAR 80 DEC 80 MAR 81 MAR 81 ON MAR 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

MANUFACTURING 61 700 42 000 55 200 -10.5 +31.3

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 6 500 5 800 6 400 - 1.5 ♦ 9.3

FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 2 100+ 2 900 2 500 ♦16.5 -15.8

NOTE 1 + COMPARING REFERRING TO FEBRUARY THE FIGURES FOR MARCH 1980 1981 WITH THOSE FOR

APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME IN 1980, THERE WAS A DECLINE OF 10.5

PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. NEVERTHELESS, THE CHANGE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES (THE SUM OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES) IN THIS SECTOR DURING THE SAME PERIOD WAS NEGLIGIBLE. FOR THE FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN MARCH 1981 INCREASED BY 16.5 PER CENT RELATIVE TO THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.

/ON the ........

FRED AI, JULY 31, 1981

3

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR REGISTERED A MINOR DECREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES.

COMPARING MARCH 1981 WITH DECEMBER 1980, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 31.3 PER CENT AND THAT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED BY 9.3 PER CENT. BUT THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR DECREASED BY 15.8 PER CENT.

EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR SELECTED INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES WITHIN THE FOUR SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLE ATTACHED. FURTHER DETAILS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

DETAILS OF EMPLOYMENT IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES

I. MANUFACTURING SECTOR

INDUSTRY GROUP EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MAR 80 DEC 80 MAR 81 MAR 81 ON MAR 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

WEARING APPAREL (EXCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 252 500 263 700 257 000 +1.8 -2.5

TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITWEAR FROM YARN) 131 100 127 600 125 500 -4.3 -1.6

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 120 400 122 100 117 300 -2.6 -4.0

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 88 500 86 100 84 400 -4.6 -1.9

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 85 600 84 200 82 100 -4.1 -2.5

/II. BUILDING AND .......

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

4

II. BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

(MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY)

CONTRACTING PARTY EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MAR 81 ON MAR 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

MAR 80 DEC 80 MAR 81

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 14 969 16 452 16 842 +12.5 +2.4

HOUSING DEPARTMENT 16 015 15 995 18 342 +14.5 +14.7

MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION * 4 897 3 844 2 762 -43.6 -28.1

PRIVATE SECTOR 45 674 50 983 49 485 + 8.3 - 2.9

X CONSTRUCTION 1 SITES UNDER THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY

CORPORATION REFER TO M.T.R. CONTRACTS FOR WHICH WORK WAS IN PROGRESS DURING MARCH 1981.

III. WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR

EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

INDUSTRY GROUP MAR 80 DEC 80 MAR 81 MAR 81 ON MAR 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

WHOLESALE TRADE 45 800 50 700 51 500 +12.2 +1.5

RETAIL TRADE 141 200 152 800 152 200 ♦ 7.7 -0.5

IMPORT/EXPORT BUSINESS 109 500 113 800 116 200 + 6.1 +2.1

RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS 109 100 118 200 120 000 +10.1 ♦ 1.5

HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES 18 600 19 600 18 900 + 1.8 -3.4

/IV. FINANCE, INSURANCE.......

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

5

IV. INDUSTRY GROUP FINANCE, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR

FEB 80 EMPLOYMENT IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MAR 81 ON FEB 80 MAR 81 ON DEC 80

DEC 80 MAR 81

MONETARY INSTITUTIONS

INCLUDING BANKS REAL ESTATE 39 000 44 800* 44 200 ♦13.4 -1.4

COMPANIES OTHER FINANCIAL 17 100 19 300 20 400 +19.2 ♦5.8

INSTITUTIONS ACCOUNTING AND 17 100 20 000 21 600 +26.7 ♦8.3

AUDITING FIRMS ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND 4 700 5 100 5 400 +13.8 ♦4.5

TECHNICAL SERVICES 7 800 * REVISED FIGURE DUE 8 300 8 500 TO REPORTING ERRORS + 9.5 +2.5


PUPILS ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES URGED TO REGISTER ******

ALL PUPILS WHO HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES IN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT ARE URGED TO REGISTER WITH THEIR DESIGNATED SCHOOLS ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 4).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT FAILURE TO REGISTER WOULD MEAN ABANDONING THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFER OF A SUBSIDISED PLACE WHICH IS IRREVOCABLE.

BETWEEN AUGUST 5 AND 10, SCHOOLS WILL BE REPORTING TO THE DEPARTMENT ON THE NUMBER OF VACANT FORM FOUR PLACES AND WITH THE AVAILABLE STATISTICS, THE JSEA SECTION WILL CARRY OUT ANOTHER EXERCISE TO DETERMINE WHETHER REQUESTS FROM THE 1 800 STUDENTS THEY INTERVIEWED IN THE PAST TWO DAYS COULD BE ENTERTAINED.

♦OFFICERS FROM THE JSEA SECTION WILL INFORM THOSE SUCCESSFUL PUPILS BY PHONE ON AUGUST 10 AND 11,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A TOTAL OF 52 521 PUPILS WERE ALLOCATED SUBSIDISED FORM FOUR PLACES IN THE FIRST JSEA. OF THIS NUMBER, 80 PER CENT OR ABOUT 42 000 PUPILS WHO OPT FOR THEIR OWN SCHOOL AS THEIR FIRST CHOICE WERE SUCCESSFUL.

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

6

IMPROVED CAREER PROSPECTS IN CUSTOMS AND EXCISE o o

THE RECENT REORGANISATION AND MODERNISATION OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAS GREATLY ENHANCED THE CAREER PROSPECTS OF THE MORE JUNIOR RANKS, SAID ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER MR WALTER NEIL TODAY (JULY 31).

PRESENTING LETTERS OF PROMOTION TO 40 CHIEF CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD IN THE SERVICE’S RUMSEY STREET OFFICES, MR NEIL SAID I +WE HAVE HAD AN ELEVEN-FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CHIEF CUSTOMS OFFICER POSTS, BUT MOST OF THE EXTRA 40 POSTS HAVE BEEN CREATED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE TAXPAYER. THIS IS BECAUSE WE HAVE RE-APPRAISED THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF CUSTOMS OFFICER AND RE-ALLOCATED DUTIES FORMERLY UNDERTAKEN BY INSPECTORS+.

♦THE GENERAL STANDARD AND ABILITY OF JUNIOR GRADES HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY IN RECENT YEARS, AND WE FEEL THEY ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF PERFORMING MORE MEANINGFUL DUTIES AND DESERVING OF BETTER PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES*.

SEVERAL OF THE NEW CHIEF CUSTOMS OFFICERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WELFARE AND DISCIPLINE AMONG THE LOWER RANKS, WHILE OTHERS WILL MAN OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS CENTRES OR SUPERVISE THE CONTROL OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES IN LICENSED AND BONDED WAREHOUSES.

♦WHILE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY MUST REMAIN OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE, WE ARE ALSO VERY MUCH CONCERNED WITH THE NEED TO PROVIDE A WORTHWHILE CAREER FOR THOSE WHO JOIN OUR SERVICE. I BELIEVE WE ARE NOW MEETING BOTH REQUIREMENTS+, CONCLUDED MR NEIL.

-----o------

CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS DOMESTIC WORKERS X MM X

WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR DOMESTIC WORKERS FROM OVERSEAS WILL BE ATTESTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ONLY IF THE WAGES TO BE PAID ARE NOT BELOW THE MARKET RATE OF SI 200 TO SI 350 A MONTH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STATED TODAY.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A GENERAL INCREASE IN THE WAGES OF LOCAL DOMESTIC HELPERS AND THE FACT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WILL NOT APPROVE THE ENTRY OF DOMESTIC HELPERS FROM OVERSEAS UNLESS THEY ARE PAID THE CURRENT MARKET RATE.

/7 ......

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

7

US CITIZENS MAY NOW VOTE IN HONG KONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS

******

AMERICAN CITIZENS WHO WISH TO VOTE FOR OR SERVE ON A HONG KONG DISTRICT BOARD MAY NOW DO SO WITHOUT JEOPARDISING THEIR UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP, IF THERE ARE NO OTHER EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES, ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM THE US CONSULATE GENERAL IN HONG KONG.

IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT THE FORMER PROHIBITIONS AGAINST AMERICANS VOTING IN A FOREIGN ELECTION HAVE BEEN RESCINDED.

♦HE OR SHE MAY ALSO SERVE IN FOREIGN GOVERNMENTAL POST. AS LONG AS THE POSITION DOES NOT REQUIRE THE INDIVIDUAL TO TAKE THE NATIONALITY OF THE FOREIGN GOVERNMENT AND THE POSITION IS NOT AN IMPORTANT, OR POLICY-MAKING ONE,+ AMERICAN CONSUL VIRGINIA CARSON WROTE IN RESPONSE TO AN INQUIRY FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

THE INQUIRY HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL AS A RESULT OF CONCERN EXPRESSED BY AN AMERICAN RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AS TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF POSSIBLE PARTICIPATION IN VOTING IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY EMPHASISED THAT ANYONE WHO FULFILS THE RESIDENCE AND OTHER MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT A COPY OF THE WHITE PAPER ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG, SETTING OUT ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION, TOGETHER WITH A SUMMARY BOOKLET ENTITLED ’A GUIDE TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION’, MAY BE OBTAINED FREE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

0

KOWLOON BAY DEVELOPMENT WORK * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A ROAD, FOOTPATHS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM IN KOWLOON BAY.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. A PWD SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORK IS PART OF A ROAD AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KOWLOON BAY AREA.

WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 650 METRES OF ROAD WITH A 10.3 METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY AND 2.75 METRE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES. ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE LAYING OF 500 METRES OF SEWER.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE SCHEME, INCLUDING TWO LAY-BYS FOR TAXIS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, WOULD MAINLY SERVE PHASES II AND III OF THE KAI TAK PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED LATE NEXT YEAR.

CONSTRUCTION IS TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-----o------

/8........

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

8

JOINT EFFORT REQUIRED TO BEAT CRIME

* * * * *

JOINT EFFORT AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, LOCAL ORGANISATION AND YOUTH CENTRES WILL HELP FIGHT CRIME INVOLVING YOUNG PEOPLE, TWO MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN TOLD.

THEY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHARLES YEUNG, AND M? ALASDAIR SINCLAIR, WHO REPRESENTED THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEETING.

THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER. MR NICKY LO, AND ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE POLICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ALSO BY LOCAL LEADERS.

A REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH CRIME WAS DISCUSSED.

THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED MORE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS BE SET UP TO PROVIDE PROPER CAREER TRAINING FOR FORM 3 DROPOUTS TO PREVENT THEM FROM GETTING INVOLVED IN CRIME.

APART FROM THIS COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHARED THE VIEW THAT YOUTH CENTRES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND PARENTS SHOULD ALL DO THEIR PART TO HELP FIGHT YOUTH CRIME.

THIS COULD BE DONE BY ORGANISING MORE YOUTH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRAINING COURSES, SEMINARS AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES AND SO ON.

THE MEETING NOTED THAT FAMILY LIFE ALSO PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PREVENTING YOUTH CRIME AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE GIVEN MORE PARENTAL CARE.

----o------

KCR SEEKS TENDERS FOR FENCE WORK

*****

THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IS INVITING PEOPLE TO TENDER FOR THE JOB OF FENCING OFF THE SECTION SOUTH OF BEACON HILL TUNNEL AND KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.

WORK ON THE TWO METRE-HIGH STRUCTURES, WHICH CAN BE EITHER A CHAIN-LINK OR STEEL BAR FENCE, SHOULD START IN NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS. THE CONTRACT WILL FORM A COMPLETE FENCING OFF OF THE KCR LINE FROM KOWLOON TO LO WU, A KCR SPOKESMAN SAID.

SEVERAL BRIDGES AND SUBWAYS ARE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THESE WILL BE COMPLETED ONCE THE FENCING HAS BEEN RAISED.

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE KCR WILL SUPERVISE THE WORK.

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/9 .......

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

9

SITE FORMATION WORK FOR PUBLIC HOUSING * * * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE FORMATION OF A DEVELOPMENT SITE OF ABOUT 15 HECTARES, IN THE NORTH WEST OF YUEN LONG TOWN FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED CIVIC AMENITIES.

THE AREA IS BOUNDED ON THREE SIDES BY NEW APPROACH ROADS TO THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

THE CONTRACT INVOLVES DRAINING AND CLEARING OF SOFT MUD FROM EXISTING FISH PONDS AND FILLING WITH MATERIAL FROM AN EXISTING BORROW AREA NEAR TAI TONG.

BECAUSE OF THE TEMPORARY INCREASE IN TRAFFIC ON TAI TONG ROAD — WHICH WILL BE THE HAUL ROUTE FOR THE FILL MATERIAL — A SHORT SECTION OF THE ROAD AT TAI KEI LENG WILL BE WIDENED. IN ADDITION, A CYCLE TRACK WILL BE PROVIDED ON ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WIDER FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.

WORK IS TO START IN OCTOBER AND TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE CONTRACT IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG TOWN UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, PWD.

-----o------

KWUN TONG GROUP GOING ON STUDY TOUR

* * *

SIXTEEN MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIRST TO BE SET UP UNDER THE NEW DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, WILL LEAVE FOR AN EIGHT-DAY STUDY TOUR OF SINGAPORE AND KUALA LUMPUR TOMORROW (AUGUST 1).

MR DAVID TSUI KWAN PING, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, KWUN TONG AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, SAID TODAY THAT THE PURPOSE WAS TO VISIT THESE TWO COUNTRIES WHICH ARE SIMILAR TO HONG KONG, IN MANY RESPECTS, TO LEARN SOMETHING FROM THEM AND TO OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY TO THE NEWLY-APPOINTED BOARD MEMBERS TO SEE HOW OTHER GOVERNMENTS WORK.

♦WE SHALL BE VISITING SOME GOVERNMENT HOUSING DEPARTMENTS, CONSULTATIVE MACHINERIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS WHICH MIGHT BE OF INTEREST AND BENEFIT TO US,* MR TSUI SAID.

THE STUDY GROUP, COMPRISING FOUR OFFICIAL MEMBERS AND 12 APPOINTED MEMBERS WILL LEAVE KAI TAK AIRPORT AT 3.30 PM ON SATURDAY AND WILL STAY IN SINGAPORE FOR FIVE DAYS AND KUALA LUMPUR FOR THREE DAYS BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON AUGUST 8.

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

10

SEVEN NT SITES FOR AUCTION ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO HOLD AN AUCTION OF SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES SITES, IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON AUGUST 18, STARTING AT 11 AM.

TWO OF THE SITES ARE IN SHA TIN AND ARE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. ONE, MEASURING 22 570 SQUARE METRES, HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $12.9 MILLION TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS- THE BUILDING COVENANT ON THE OTHER, MEASURING 1 330 SQUARE METRES, IS $1.12 MILLION TO BE COMPLETED IN THREE YEARS. BOTH SITES HAVE A PLOT RATIO OF 0.4.

ALSO BEING OFFERED IS A NON-INDUSTRIAL SITE IN TAI PO MEASURING 5 204 SQUARE METRES. THE PLOT RATIOS ARE 4.74 FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND 0.49 FOR NON-PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE BUILDING COVENANT, TO BE COMPLETED IN FOUR YEARS, $32 MILLION.

THE REMAINING FOUR SITES ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN DEVELOPMENT.

TWO ARE IN YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL AREA AND MEASURE 2 565 SQUARE METRES AND 1 159 SQUARE METRES. THE LARGER SITE HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $15.39 MILLION AND THE SMALLER A BUILDING COVENANT OF $6.95, BOTH TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR YEARS. THE PLOT RATIO ON BOTH SITES IS 5.

THE OTHER SITES ARE IN TUEN MUN AND MEASURE 2 851 SQUARE METRES AND 2 018 SQUARE METRES. THE BUILDING COVENANTS ARE $23.14 MILLION AND $15.96 MILLION TO BE FULFILLED WITHIN FOUR YEARS. THE MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO IS 9.5 IN RESPECT OF BOTH SITES.

DETAILS OF THE SITES ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

FURTHER DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS OR FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

- - - - 0 -----------

STAFF QUARTERS TO BE BUILT ft ft ft

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAFF QUARTERS AT THE ELLIOT PUMPING STATION IN POKFULAM ROAD, HONG KONG.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY BUILDING PROVIDING SEVEN QUARTERS FOR PUMPING STATION STAFF.

THE EXISTING QUARTERS WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW ELLIOT PUMPING STATION.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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/11 ........

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

11

SEMINAR FOR INDUSTRIALISTS ft ft ft

HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE ADVICE ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS FROM EXPERTS AT A SEMINAR, TO BE HELD IN CANTONESE, AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ON WEDNESDAY (AUGUST 5).

THE SUBJECTS WILL RANGE FROM PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION, JOINT VENTURES, AND HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A SITE OR PRE-BUILT FACTORY ON THE TAI PO OR YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, TO NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES.

SPEAKERS FROM THE THREE ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED THE SEMINAR ARE MR PAUL WONG, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY- MR P.K.WONG, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, HK INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION- AND MR S.K. CHAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HK PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.

THE 2-1/2-HOUR PROGRAMME STARTS AT 2.30 PM, AS THERE WERE STILL SOME VACANCIES, AN INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +ANY INDUSTRIALIST WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND IS INVITED TO TELEPHONE 3-7222426+.

----0------

INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR SALE ft ft ft

FOUR LOTS OF LAND, TOTALLING ABOUT 6 156 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON AUGUST 28 AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE, STARTING AT 2.30 PM.

ALL THE LOTS ARE IN THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, AND ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.

THE LARGEST SITE HAS AN AREA OF 1 696 SQUARE METRES. THE OTHER SITES MEASURES 1 695, 1 320 AND 1 445 SQUARE METRES.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

------0--------

/12 .....

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

12

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ENTRIES * * X *

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES FOR THE CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM HAS BEEN EXTENDED ONE WEEK.

THE

CLOSING DATE WAS TO HAVE BEEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BUT THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS TO TAKE PART IN THE RACE, TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 16, HAS NOT BEEN AS GOOD AS EXPECTED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS, TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, SAID 150 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED SO FAR WHEREAS IT WAS CONFIDENTLY EXPECTED THAT 600 MEN AND WOMEN WOULD TAKE PART THIS

+WE HOPE THAT BY EXTENDING THE DEADLINE TO AUGUST 8 WE WILL GET A MUCH LARGER NUMBER OF ENTRANTS,+ HE SAID.

THE RACE IS OVER A 2 400 METRE COURSE FROM SHA LAN BEACH TO TAI MEI TUK SEA ACTIVITIES CENTRE. IT STARTS AT 10.30 AM. FUNDS ARE BEING PROVIDED BY TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD.

TO TAI PO OFFICE IN

ANYONE AGED OVER 12 CAN ENTER. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE TAI PO OR TO TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE.

LAST YEAR, THE EVENT ATTRACTED JUST UNDER 400 ENTRANTS.

0 -------

ANOTHER JAPANESE COMPANY INVESTS IN HONG KONG

* « * M «

A JOINT VENTURE HAS BEEN FORMED BETWEEN HONG KONG INTERESTS AND DAIDO CONCRETE COMPANY LTD., A JAPANESE COMPANY SPECIALISING IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CONCRETE PILES AND PIPES.

THE NEW COMPANY - DAIDO CONCRETE (HK) LTD - WILL BE TAKING UP A SITE AND BUILDING A FACTORY FOR ITS SPECIALISED MASS PRODUCTION PROCESS AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

THE JOINT VENTURE FOLLOWS A TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT PROMOTION MISSION WHICH WENT TO JAPAN IN FEBRUARY TO SEEK OUT JAPANESE COMPANIES INTERESTED IN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES IN HONG KONG.

+OUR MISSION DISCUSSED WITH DAIDO CONCRETE’S SENIOR EXECUTIVES THE ADVANTAGES AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT HONG KONG COULD OFFER AS A BASE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS,+ SAID ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER KIANG.

JAPAN IS THE SECOND LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, AND HAS INVESTMENT AMOUNTING TO OVER HK$900 MILLION, COVERING ALL HONG KONG’S MAJOR INDUSTRIES.

- - 0 ---------

/13........

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

13

LIFEGUARD SERVICES PROVIDED AT TUNG WAN BEACH

M M M M M

A FULL LIFE-GUARD AND FIRST-AID SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE POPULAR TUNG WAN BEACH ON MA WAN ISLAND BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE BEAUTIFUL. POLLUTION-FREE BEACH WILL BECOME THE 29TH GAZETTED PUBLIC BATHING BEACH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD.

DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON, LIFE-GUARDS WILL BE ON DUTY FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM EVERY DAY. TEMPORARY CHANGING AND TOILET FACILITIES ARE ALSO PROVIDED.

OTHER GAZETTED BEACHES ARE THE APPROACH, ANGLERS, THE OLD AND NEW CAFETERIA, CASAM, CASTLE PEAK, DRAGON, GEMINI,HOI MEI, KADOORIE, LIDO AND TING KAU ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES-THE CAMPERS, THE FIRST AND SECOND CLEAR WATER BAY, HAP MUN BAY, KU I TSUI, PAK SHA CHAU AND SILVERSTRAND AT SAI KUNG- THE UPPER AND LOWER CHEUNG SHA, PUI 0 AND SILVERMINE BAY AT LANTAU ISLAND- AND TUNG WAN AND KWUN YAN WAN AT CHEUNG CHAU, AND THE HUNG SHING YEH WAN AND LO SO SHING (WEST) BEACH AT LAMMA ISLAND.

ALTHOUGH THE POPULAR BUTTERFLY BEACH AT TUEN MUN IS NOT A GAZETTED BEACH, LIFE-GUARDS ARE PLACED ON DUTY THERE FOR THE BENEFIT OF BATHERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

LAST YEAR 8 OOO 000 PEOPLE WERE ESTIMATED TO HAVE ATTENDED THE 29 GAZETTED AND SERVICE BEACHES UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NTSD.

BEACHGOERS WERE ADVISED TO SWIM IN A SAFE AREA, PARTICULARLY WHEN ON THE NON-GAZETTED BEACHES WHICH ARE NOT CLEARLY MARKED WITH BUOY LINES AND DO NOT HAVE LIFE-GUARDS NEARBY.

/14........

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

- 14 -

FIRING PRACTICE IN AUGUST M M M M M

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 20 DAYS FROM TOMORROW (AUGUST 1).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING PRACTICE TIMES, WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWSl

DAY

AUGUST 1 (SATURDAY)

5 (WEDNESDAY)

6 (THURSDAY)

7 (FRIDAY)

10 (MONDAY)

11 (TUESDAY)

12 (WEDNESDAY)

13 (THURSDAY)

14 (FRIDAY)

15 (SATURDAY)

17 (MONDAY)

18 (TUESDAY)

19 (WEDNESDAY)

20 (THURSDAY)

21 (FRIDAY)

22 (SATURDAY)

24 (MONDAY)

25 (TUESDAY)

26 (WEDNESDAY)

28 (FRIDAY)

TIME

7 AM 6. 30 PM

9 AM 4 PM

9 AM 4 PM

8 AM 4 PM

8 AM as 11 . PM

8 AM * 6 PM

8 AM 5 PM

8 AM 11 . PM

8 AM 5 PM

8 AM 5 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM «* 6 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM 6 PM

8 AM 5 PM

8 AM 5 PM

8 AM * 4 PM

-----0------

FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1981

15

CLEAN UP DRIVE IN SAI KUNG

* * * *

IN READINESS FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER, SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD HAS FORMED A WORKING GROUP TO ARRANGE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO GET THE ’MESSAGE’ ACROSS LOCALLY.

THE 25-MEMBER WORKING GROUP IS CHAIRED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WILLIAM WAN.

FUNDS FOR THE ACTIVITIES, AMOUNTING TO $43 000, WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE FIRST EVENT WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WHEN 40 MEMBERS OF SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND A SING AND PLAY GROUP WILL STAGE A MUSICAL DRAMA EMPHASISING CLEANLINESS AT CLEAR WATER BAY.

THEY WILL ALSO GIVE OUT RUBBISH BAGS TO SWIMMERS, ENCOURAGING THEM TO KEEP THE BEACH CLEAN.

OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MAX TODD.

OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE CLEAN HOUSE AND DRAWING COMPETITIONS, AND HAWKER AREA, MARINE AND VILLAGE CLEANSING DAYS.

A TOTAL OF 20 000 PAIRS OF CHOPSTICKS, ENGRAVED WITH A KEEP-CLEAN PUBLICITY SLOGAN, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOLS.

- - 0 - -


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