港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1983 - JUN

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

+DRIVING POINT S+ BILL TO BE AMENDED........................... 1

CANCER RESEARCH FACILITIES EXPANDED ........................... 2

ADULT TRAM FARE TO BE 60 CENTS FROM JULY....................... 3

LABOUR SUPPLY PROJECTED FOR NEXT 20 YEARS ..................... 3

TUEN MUN LAUNCHES TREE PLANTING DAY ........................... 4

NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR LOK FU .................................. 5

TRAFFIC CHANGES ............................................... 5

PLEASURE BOAT SITE FOR RENT ................................... 6

SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP ORGANISED ............................ 6

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

‘ 1 ’

♦DRIVING POINTS* MILL TO BE AMENDED *****

A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983 WILL BE MOVED BY MR S.L. CHEN, CONVENOR OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON JUNE 8.

THE MAIN AMENDMENT, RELATING TO A CLAUSE 8(1), SEEKS TO REDUCE THE PERIOD OVER WHICH POINTS ARE COLLECTED, FROM THREE YEARS TO TWO YEARS. THIS WILL SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POINTS THAT MANY DRIVERS WILL BE AWARDED.

IN LINE WITH THIS AMENDMENT, AN ADJUSTMENT WILL BE MADE TO CLAUSE 3(3), REDUCING BY ONE YEAR THE PERIOD OVER WHICH RECORDS ARE KEPT — FROM SIX TO FIVE YEARS.

CLAUSE 8(6) WILL BE AMENDED TO REMOVE THE DISCRETIONARY POWER OF THE MAGISTRATE IN ALLOCATING POINTS AND TO PROVIDE THAT, WHERE TWO OR MORE POINTS WERE INCURRED IN RESPECT OF OFFENCES ARISING FROM THE SAME, OR SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME ACT, HE SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ONLY THE OFFENCE ATTRACTING THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF POINTS. OR, IF THE SEVERAL OFFENCES ATTRACT THE SAME NUMBER OF POINTS, HE SHALL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ONLY THE POINTS IN RESPECT OF ONE OF THE OFFENCES.

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT SCHEDULE ITEMS FIVE, EIGHT AND NINE BE AMENDED TO ATTRACT THREE POINTS, INSTEAD OF THE FIVE ORIGINALLY PROVIDED FOR. THESE SCHEDULE ITEMS DEAL WITH THE OFFENCES OF DRIVING IN EXCESS OF A SPEED LIMIT BY MORE THAN 15 KILOMETERS AN HOUR, FAILING TO GIVE PARTICULARS AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND FAILING TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT.

SCHEDULE ITEMS 10 (♦FAILING TO STOP WHEN REQUIRED BY POLICE OFFICER OR TRAFFIC WARDEN*) AND 16 (♦FAILING TO GIVE WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES*) ARE TO BE DELETED, THEREBY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES ATTRACTING DEMERIT POINTS FROM 16 TO 14, ALTHOUGH THEY WILL REMAIN OFFENCES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS RESPECTIVELY.

ITEM 16 IS BEING DELETED BECAUSE IN SOME NARROW AND CONGESTED ROADS IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE SAFELY TO GIVE WAY TO SUCH AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE, AND FAILURE TO DO SO COULD NOT BE REGARDED AS AN ACT OF UNSAFE DRIVING.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

CANCER RESEARCH FACILITIES EXPANDED * * * * *

LABORATORY FACILITIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH WILL BE GREATLY EXPANDED FOLLOWING THE RECENT COMPLETION OF THE NAM LONG HOSPITAL PHASE TWO EXTENSION PROJECT. THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXTENSION, DR THONG ALSO REVEALED THAT THERE WERE PLANS TO EXPAND THE HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE MORE BEDS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.

THE PHASE TWO EXTENSION PROJECT CONSISTS OF AN ADDITIONAL THREE STOREYS TO THE EXISTING TOWER BLOCK OF THE HOSPITAL, PROVIDING MORE LABORATORY FACILITIES AND DOCTORS’ QUARTERS.

♦THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY HAS, IN THE PAST, BEEN FOSTERING AND FINANCING MANY RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIED OUT IN THE PEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY AND AT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, WHERE RESEARCH LABORATORY SPACE IS VERY LIMITED,♦ SAID DR THONG.

♦THE COMPLETION OF TWO LABORATORY FLOORS IN THIS EXTENSION PROJECT WILL PROVIDE GREATLY ENHANCED LABORATORY FACILITIES FOR CANCER RESEARCH,♦ HE ADDED.

DR THONG SAID THAT PLANS WERE ON HAND TO FURTHER EXPAND THE NAM LONG HOSPITAL IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL EEDSPACE TO THE 180-BED HOSPITAL.

HE SAID IT WOULD INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW WING PARALLEL TO THE PRESENT MAIN BLOCK AND WOULD PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NURSES’ QUARTERS AND COMMON ROOM FACILITIES AS WELL AS AN ADDITIONAL 120 BEDS BY 1985.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT CANCER WAS A LEADING HEALTH PROBLEM IN THE COMMUNITY AND WAS PLANNING TO INCREASE RADIATION AND CHEMOTHERAPY FACILITIES, HE SAID.

♦IN ADDITION TO WHAT IS ALREADY PROVIDED IN THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT REGIONAL HOSPITALS AND IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SIMILAR FACILITIES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, SHAU KEI WAN HOSPITAL AND THE EAST KOWLOON HOSPITAL,* DR THONG CONCLUDED.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

ADULT TRAM FARE TO BE 60 CENTS FROM JULY

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A 10-CENT INCREASE IN TRAM FARES FOR ADULTS FROM JULY 1. ADULT FARES WILL BE 60 CENTS BUT FARES FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 20 CENTS AND 30 CENTS RESPECTIVELY.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST ADJUSTMENT IN TRAM FARES IN TWO YEARS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE APPLICATION BY THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS COMPANY FOR A FARE INCREASE WAS FIRST SUBMITTED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.

THE APPLICATION WAS STUDIED IN DETAIL, AND THE INCREASE NOW APPROVED IS THE LOWEST NECESSARY FOR THE COMPANY TO MEET HIGHER OPERATING COSTS.

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LABOUR SUPPLY PROJECTED FOR NEXT 20 YEARS * * * * *

A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED +LABOUR SUPPLY PROJECTIONS FOR HONG KONG* IS PUBLISHED IN THE MARCH 1983 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.

THE ARTICLE GIVES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE METHODOLOGY AND ASSUMPTIONS EMPLOYED IN THE REVISED PROJECTION OF THE LABOUR SUPPLY FOR THE NEXT TWO DECADES, WHICH WAS COMPLETED FOLLOWING THE 1981 POPULATION CENSUS.

THE PROJECTED TREND OF LABOUR SUPPLY VARIES ACCORDING TO SEX AND AGE FROM 1981 TO 2001.

THE MALE LABOUR FORCE IN THE YOUNGER AGE GROUPS 15 TO 19 AND 20 TO 24 IS EXPECTED TO DECREASE, WHILE THAT IN THE OLDER AGE GROUPS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE IN THE NEXT TWO DECADES.

THE INCREASE IS PARTICULARLY MARKED FOR THE 35 TO 44 AND 45 TO 54 AGE GROUPS.

THE FEMALE LABOUR FORCE SUPPLY IS EXPECTED TO FOLLOW A SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TREND.

THE MEDIAN AGE FOR THE MALE POPULATION IN THE LABOUR FORCE IS EXPECTED TO RISE FROM 32.9 YEARS IN 1981 TO 40 YEARS IN 2001 AND THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR FEMALES ARE 28.8 AND 38.4 RESPECTIVELY. FURTHERMORE, THE TOTAL LABOUR SUPPLY IS EXPECTED TO GROW FROM 2.58 MILLION IN 1981 TO 3.19 MILLION IN 1991 AND 3.72 MILLION IN 2001.

FURTHER DETAILS ON THE PROJECTION OF LABOUR SUPPLY ARE CONTAINED IN THE REVIEW ARTICLE.

THE MONTHLY DIGEST WILL BE ON SALE SOON AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AT $25 PER COPY.

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/a. ....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983 •

TUEN MUN LAUNCHES TREE PLANTING DAY *****

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PLANT A TOTAL OF 60 000 SEEDLINGS OF EVERGREEN TREES, SHRUBS AND SEASONAL FLOWERS IN TUEN MUN DURING THE CURRENT PLANTING SEASON, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR CHOI YING-WAI, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY, MR CHOI SAID THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED FOR MORE GREENERY BECAUSE OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.

THE DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING DAY WAS ORGANISED BY THE NTSD TO PROMOTE GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

AT THE CEREMONY, A GROUP OF 130 STUDENTS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS PLANTED ABOUT 60 YOUNG TREES AT THE TSI NG WAH REST GARDEN NEXT TO CHI LOK FA YUEN, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HOUSING ESTATE.

♦IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THESE TREES WILL MAKE TUEN MUN A STILL MORE PLEASANT PLACE TO WORK AND TO LIVE IN,+ MR CHOI SAID.

MR CHOI SAID THAT THE NTSD WOULD ORGANISE A HORTICULTURE CLUB FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS NEXT MONTH (JULY).

BESIDES ACQUIRING PLANTING KNOWLEDGE, PARTICIPANTS WOULD VISIT LOCAL NURSERIES, HE ADDED.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR RICKY FUNG. AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR NG CHEUK-TAI, LATER JOINED MR CHOI IN PLANTING SEVERAL YOUNG TREES.

MEANWHILE, RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT WILL LAUNCH THEIR DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).

TO MARK THE OCCASION, A TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON A LAND STRIP ALONG A NEW ROAD LEADING TO CHOI YUEN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SHEUNG SHU I.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY TO BE HELD ON A LAND STRIP AT A NEW ROAD LEADING TO CHOI YUEN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI, AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

NEW MAX ICAB ROUTE FOR LOK FU * * * * *

A NEW MAXICAB ROUTE LINKING LOK FU WITH HONG KONG AIRPORT WILL BE IN SERVICE FROM FRIDAY (JUNE 3).

THE NEW ROUTE, NO. 14, WILL OPERATE VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET EAST, HENG LAM STREET, FUNG MO STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, TUNG TSI NG ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, KAI TAK ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, FUK LO TSUEN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD AND OLYMPIC AVENUE.

THE RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE VIA OLYMPIC AVENUE, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, GRAMPIAN ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, TA KU LING ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG WOR ROAD, TUNG LUNG ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, FUNG MO STREET, HENG LAM STREET, FU MEI STREET EAST, WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FU YUE STREET, WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.

THE ROUTE WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 10.35 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

THE SERVICE FREQUENCY ON THE ROUTE WILL BE 12 MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS AND 18 MINUTES DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS, AND THE FARE WILL BE $1.50 EACH WAY.

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TRAFFIC CHANGES

* * *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ON FU YUE STREET, WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD AND THE SECTION CF WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN WANG TAU HOM NORTH ROAD AND FU KI STREET.

THE VEHICLES WILL ALSO BE BANNED FROM THE TWO SLIP ROADS OFF TAI PO ROAD LEADING TO SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, HOWEVER, THE EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON PLBS ON SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, TAM KON PO STREET AND WANG POK STREET WILL BE RESCINDED.

ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, VEHICLES LEAVING POWER STREET EXTENSION IN NORTH POINT WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT INTO ELECTRIC ROAD EASTBOUND.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1983

PLEASURE BOAT SITE FOR RENT X * *

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A SITE IN TAI TAM OFF TAI TAM RESERVOIR ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

THE SITE, OF ABOUT 3 550 SQUARE METRES IS TO BE USED FOR THE STORAGE OF PLEASURE BOATS AND ANCILLARY CAR PARKING.

THE INITIAL TENANCY OF THE SITE WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JUNE 17.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG, SOUTH, NEW WORLD TOWER 6TH FLOOR, 16-18 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

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SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP ORGANISED MM*

THE ART SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL ORGANISE A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON THE TEACHING OF SCREEN PRINTING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ART TEACHERS ON JULY 20 AND 21.

THE WORKSHOP, WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4/F, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

DUE TO LIMITED CAPACITY, THE WORKSHOP CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE 3D TEACHERS AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR (ART) AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 25.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE WORKSHOP CAN BE MADE TO THE ART SECTION ON 5-621006.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING GREATLY INCREASED.......1................. 1

COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO BILLS ............................ 2

TWO DAYS LEFT FOR NEW I.D. CARD APPLICANTS ..................... 3

TEXTILE ACCORD REACHED WITH SWEDEN ............................. 4

SIR PHILIP VISITS BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT............... 4

'HOPEFUL START' MADE IN FIGHTING VICE DENS ..................... 5

DEVELOPMENTS FORGING AHEAD IN TUEN MUN ......................... 7

HONG KONG TO JOIN PACIFIC WATER SUPPLY TALKS ................... 8

SHORT SUMMER VOCATIONAL COURSES OFFERED ........................ 9

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME ..................... 10

CAR POUND TEMPORARILY FILLED .................................. 10

250-YEAR OLD TEMPLE REOPENED .................................. 11

TRAM TRACK WORK WILL REDUCE SATURDAY SERVICE................... 11

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN KWUN TONG

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1963

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PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING GREATLY INCREASED * * * *

GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR SHOWS A DRAMATIC INCREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH FIGURES FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY (WORKS) OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS LUNCHEON, M? CHAN SAID THAT A START WOULD BE MADE ON $3 400 MILLION WORTH CF NEW PROJECTS THIS YEAR, WHILE THE APPROVED BUDGET SHOWED A TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON NEW PROJECTS AND THOSE ALREADY UNDERWAY TO BE ABOUT $7 600 MILLION (EXCLUDING LAND COSTS).

♦THE AMOUNT APPROVED FOR WORKS EXPENDITURE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 140 PER CENT OVER THE 1980/81 FIGURE AND 16 PER CENT OVER THE 1982/83 ACTUAL EXPENDITURE OF $6 574 MILLION.

+IN TERMS OF ACTUAL DEMAND ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE INCREASE OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED FOR 1983/84 OVER THAT SPENT IN 1982/83 WILL BE EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT,* HE SAID.

THE REASON, MR CHAN SAID, WAS THAT IN 1982/83 AN AMOUNT OF SOME $600 MILLION WAS USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF ALREADY BUILT RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOVERNMENT QUARTERS.

♦IF THIS AMOUNT WAS DEDUCTED, THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IS SOME 27 PER CENT OVER THAT IN 1982/83.

♦THIS NOT ONLY IS NO CUT-BACK, IT REPRESENTS AN AMBITIOUS INCREASE,* HE SAID.

TURNING TO PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, MR CHAN SAID THAT THERE WAS A ONE PER CENT DECLINE IN 1982 EVEN THOUGH BUILDING INTENTIONS INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT IN 1981.

♦THIS, I FEEL, INDICATES THAT DUE TO THE DEPRESSED STATE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET SOME DEVELOPERS HAVE RESCHEDULED THEIR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES. AS THERE WAS A DECLINE OF 24 PER CENT IN PRIVATE SECTOR BUILDING INTENTIONS IN 1982, AND THE CURRENT OVER-SUPPLY SITUATION MAY PERSIST, IT IS LIKELY THAT THERE WILL BE A FURTHER DECLINE IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR,♦ MR CHAN SAID.

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THESE FACTORS AND THE LIKELY EFFECT CF THE OVERHANG FROM THE HIGH LEVEL OF BUILDING INTENTIONS IN 1981, THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED THAT THE RATE OF PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IN THE COMING YEAR SHOULD ONLY DECLINE BY TWO PER CENT, HE ADDED.

/while independent........

THUHSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

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WHILE INDEPENDENT FORECASTS BY SOME IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR SUGGESTED A MORE PESSIMISTIC PICTURE, MR CHAN FELT THERE WAS NO GROUND FOR UNDUE PESSIMISM.

♦THERE HAVE BEEN HEALTHY SIGNS THAT DEMAND FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY IN THE SMALLER SIZE RANGE HAS BEEN ACTIVE AND SALES HAVE BEEN BRISK. ALSO, DEVELOPERS ARE REACTING TO THIS DEMAND BY AMENDING THEIR DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES ACCORDINGLY.

♦HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULT TIMES IN THE PAST AND HAVE ALWAYS ENDURED THEM, EMERGING EVER STRONGER THAN BEFORE. SO AT THIS TIME OF WORLD-WIDE ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, WE ARE, AS BEFORE, WELL PLACED TO BENEFIT FROM ANY UPTURN IN GLOBAL ECONOMIES. RECENT TRADE FIGURES SHOW THAT WE ARE ALREADY DOING JUST THAT,+ HE SAID.

MR CHAN WAS OF THE OPINION THAT THE UNSATISFIED DEMAND FOR ADEQUATE PERMANENT HOUSING WAS STILL VERY LARGE AND MUCH OF THIS COULD BE PROVIDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE CHARACTERISTIC INGENUITY, ADAPTABILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, THE PROSPECTS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTORS WERE NOT AT ALL AS GLOOMY AS THEY MIGHT APPEAR AT PRESENT.

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COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS TO BILLS *****

SEVERAL AMENDMENTS TO THE LANDLORDS AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, PUBLISHED ON APRIL 15, WILL BE MOVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8 DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE COMMENCEMENT DATE IN CLAUSE 1(2) FROM AUGUST 1 TO JUNE 10. THE MOST IMPORTANT RESULT OF THIS PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD BE TO EFFECT THE PROPOSED EXCLUSION OF FRESH LETTINGS OF PREMISES ON JUNE 10, INSTEAD OF JULY 1. MR LIAO WILL ALSO BE MOVING A NUMBER OF LEGAL AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL.

MR S.L. CHEN WILL MOVE AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 11 AND 30(D) TO ENSURE THAT THE PROTECTION UNDER THE LEGISLATION INTENDED ONLY FOR THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS RESIDING WITH A DECEASED TENANT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, WILL NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PERSONS.

AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 15{H) AND 37(A) TO PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO IN RESPECT OF THE PERIOD OF RESTRICTION ON ALIENATION OF PREMISES REPOSSESSED BY THE LANDLORD FOR SELF OR FAMILY’S OCCUPATION OR FOR REDEVELOPMENT WILL BE MOVED BY MR J.J. SWA I NE.

/THE EFFECT .......

THURSDAY, JUNS 2, 1983

THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WOULD BE TO CONTINUE TO DATE THE 24-MONTH PERIOD FROM THE DATE OF POSSESSION ORDER, INSTEAD OF DATE OF ACTUAL DELIVERY OF VACANT POSSESSION AS PROPOSED IN THE PUBLISHED BILL. MR SWA I NE WILL ALSO BE MOVING AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 24 AND 25 TO QUALIFY THE'POWERS OF INVESTIGATION PROPOSED TO BE ACCORDED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION IN THE PUBLISHED BILL.

MISS MARIa TAM WILL MOVE AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 15(G) AND INTRODUCE A NEW CLAUSE TO PREVENT A SUB-TENANT WHO HAS BECOME A DIRECT TENANT OF THE LANDLORD SUBLETTING ANY PART OF THE PREMISES WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE LANDLORD.

FOUR MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 *ILL ALSO BE MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BIL» ON JUNE 8.

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TWO DAYS LEFT FOR NEW I.D. CARD APPLICANTS

* * * *

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY MADE A FINAL CALL FOR MEN BORN IN 1964 TO APPLY FOR THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ONLY TWO DAYS REMAIN FOR THIS AGE GROUP TO APPLY AT ANY OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BEFORE THEY CLOSE FOR APPLICATIONS AT 9.30 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4).

♦ BETWEEN MAY 2 AND LAST (WEDNESDAY) NIGHT, 53 000 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED, LEAVING AN ESTIMATED 6 000 MORE TO COME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEN BORN IN 1964 ARE THE FIRST GROUP TO BE ISSUED WITH THE NEW I.D. CARDS AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED ARE URGED TO DO SO IMMEDIATELY.

♦ ANY 19-YEAR-OLD MALE WHO FAILS TO OBTAIN A NEW I.D. CARD BY JUNE 4 WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION UNLESS HE IS OUT OF HONG KONG DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIOD, IN WHICH CASE HE MAY APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS UPON RETURN,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

COMMENTING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE FIRST PHASE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ♦WE ARE PLEASED THAT THE SCHEME HAS MADE A GOOD START, AND THE COOPERATION OF THE APPLICANTS IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.+

THE NEXT PHASE, WHICH IS TARGETED AT MEN BORN IN 1963, WILL START ON MONDAY (JUNE 6).

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THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

TEXTILE ACCORD REACHED WITH SWEDEN ft * ft ft

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JUSTIN YUE, TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED AN OUTLINE OF HONG KONG’S NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT WITH SWEDEN, WHICH RUNS FOR FOUR YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1983.

♦ IT IS STRUCTURALLY SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING AGREEMENT BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CHANGES,♦ SAID MR YUE.

♦ THE NEW AGREEMENT IS IN SOME WAY MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE PRESENT ONE, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF GROWTH AND FLEXIBILITY.

♦ AT THE SAME TIME THE NEW AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR MOVEMENT CF QUOTAS FROM UNDER-UTILISED CATEGORIES TO FULLY-UTILISED CATEGORIES, AND FOR SHIPMENT OF CHILDREN’S WEAR AT A MORE FAVOURABLE RATE THAN ADULTS’ WEAR,+ HE SAID.

♦ IF THE PROVISIONS IN THE NEW AGREEMENT ARE FULLY EXPLOITED, HONG KONG HAS THE POTENTIAL TO INCREASE ITS EXPORTS TO SWEDEN,♦ Ml YUE ADDED.

THE NEW AGREEMENT WAS DISCUSSED AT THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING TODAY.

FULL DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

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SIR PHILIP VISITS BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ft ft ft ft

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY VISITED THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

ARRIVING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN MURRAY BUILDING, SIR PHILIP WAS MET BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, JOSEPH LEI, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT SURVEYOR, MR HUGH MCATEER.

FOLLOWING A BRIEFING GIVEN BY MR LEI AND MR MCATEER ON THE WORK OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE CFFICE, SIR PHILIP SAW A MINI-EXHIBITION OF THE WORK OF THE IWO OFFICES WHICH INCLUDED A NUMBER OF MODELS, DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING MAJOR CULTURAL AND CIVIC DEVELOPMENTS AND PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL EQUIPMENT AND SAMPLES FOR PRIVATE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT.

/SIR PHILIP

THOR. -A.Y, JUNE 2, 1983

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SIR PHILIP ALSO VISITED THE DRAWING OFFICES OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE AND THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND MET FIVE LONG-SERVING STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WHO TOGETHER HAVE DONE 159 YEARS’ SERVICE.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY LATER WENT TO THE MASS TRANSIT DIVISION AND PERSONNEL REGISTRY SECTION WHERE HE MET EXECUTIVE OFFICER II MISS ALICE POON, A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG HOCKEY SQUAD WHICH TOOK PART IN THE ASIAN GAMES HELD IN NEW DELHI lAST YEAR.

DURING HIS TWO-HOUR STAY IN MURRAY BUILDING, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF WORK DONE BY THE DEPARTMENT.

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’HOPEFUL START’ MADE IN FIGHTING VICE DENS * * * *

EFFORTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ABATING AS FAR AS POSSIBLE NUISANCES CAUSED TO LOCAL PEOPLE BY VICE-ASSOCIATED IN MONG KOK, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILFRED WONG, (THURSDAY).

ESTABLISHMENTS SAID TODAY

, B0ARD rtAD MADE *HAT LOOKED LIKE A HOPEFUL START

IN THIS DIRECTION, HE ADDED.

MR WONG WAS ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG AT A LUNCHEON MEETING ON THE EFFECT OF THE BOARD’S RECENT STUDY ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN MONG KOK.

HE SAID IT WOULD BE UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO BRING ABOUT A COMPLETE ERADICATION OF ALL SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS.

♦ON THE CONTRARY, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD BASED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT VICE ACTIVITIES WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST IN A FREE SOCIETY SUCH AS OURS.+ HE ADDED.

MR WONG DISCLOSED THAT RESIDENTS IN 15 BUILDINGS WITH VICE ESTABLISHMENTS HAD APPROACHED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE FOR HELP DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOARD’S STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.

IN THE SAME PERIOD ENDING IN APRIL THIS YEAR, HE SAID, THE POLICE HAD CONDUCTED 1 674 VICE RAIDS IN MONG KOK, REPRESENTING A 30 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 1 760 RAIDS CONDUCTED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.

AS A RESULT, 562 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED, 400 UNDER-AGED GIRLS DISCOVERED, 62 PROTECTION QfcDERS ISSUED, 51 MISSING PERSONS AND 10 WANTED PERSONS FOUND.

/EXAMPLES of .......

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

EXAMPLES OF OTHER EFFORTS TO IMPLEMENT THE BOARD’S RECOMMENDATIONS ARE*

* A MANUAL ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING A CHAPTER ON HOW RESIDENTS CAN ABATE NUISANCES CAUSED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THEIR BUILDINGS, IS BEING PREPARED AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IN AUGUST;

* DEMOLITION OF 92 SIGNBOARDS OF VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS, INCLUDING 23 WITH OBJECTIONABLE CONTENTS, IN THE MANSUN BUILDING WERE CONDUCTED IN APRIL THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE POLICE, THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE INCORPORATED OWNERS OF THE BUILDING;

* LAWYERS OF THE LAW SOCIETY FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME HAVE MET MEMBERS OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF FOUR BUILDINGS TO ADVISE THEM ON WHAT RESIDENTS COULD DO TO COMBAT VICE-OPERATIONS IN THE BUILDING WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DEED OF MUTUAL CONVENANT AND THE STATUS OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODY. SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR TWO OTHER BUILDINGS; AND

* HELP IS BEING GIVEN FOR FOUR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO CONVERT ITSELF INTO OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO ENABLE THEM TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS BETTER.

IN THE CASE OF THE MANSUN BUILDING, ONLY NINE ONE-PROSTITUTE APARTMENTS REMAIN, COMPARED WITH 29 SUCH APARTMENTS AND TWO RECREATION CENTRES IN LATE 1982.

♦LIMITED SUCCESS ON A CASE BASIS.

IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ACHIEVED

♦FOR SOME OF THE BUILDINGS WHICH APPROACHED THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR POLICE FOR ASSISTANCE, THEIR SITUATION HAS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE EFFORTS AND ESPECIALLY SO FOR THOSE BUILDINGS WHERE THE RESIDENTS SHOW GREAT DETERMINATION IN TACKLING THE PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

MR WONG SAID THE STUDY HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE AMENDMENT OF LEGISLATION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPREHENSIVE LICENSING CONTROL ON +PLACES OF ADULT ENTERTAINMENT* WOULD BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS FOR TACKLING THE PROBLEM.

HE SAID, IN THIS RESPECT, THE STUDY HAD ACHIEVED ITS PURPOSE IN THAT A WORKING PARTY HAD BEEN FORMED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONSIDER HOW THE RELEVANT LAWS IN HONG KONG MIGHT BE AMENDED TO REDUCE THE NUISANCE CAUSED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO OTHER OCCUPANTS OF PREMISES, PARTICULARLY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.

♦THE WORKING PARTY HAS MET TWICE AND IS EXPECTED TO MEET FURTHER SHORTLY,+ HE SAID.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

DEVELOPMENTS FORGING AHEAD IN TUEN MUN *****

TO COPE WITH THE RAPID POPULATION GROWTH IN TUEN MUN, THE GOVERNMENT IS GOING FULL STEAM AHEAD IN PROVIDING THE NEW TOWN WITH INFRASTRUCTURE AND OTHER ESSENTIAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

♦OVER $500 MILLION WAS SPENT LAST YEAR ON CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT ONLY, AND UP TO $700 MILLION WILL BE SPENT IN THE 1983-84 FINANCIAL YEAR,+ HE SAID.

IN A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH, FE SAID IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO HELP THE NEW RESIDENTS SETTLE DOWN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND MINIMISE THE DIFFICULTY OF ADAPTING TO A COMPLETELY NEW ENVIRONMENT.

MR FUNG POINTED OUT THAT TUEN MUN’S POPULATION, NOW STANDING AT 210 000, WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 70 000 ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND REACH HALF A MILLION BY THE END OF THE DECADE.

♦WE HAVE LEARNT FROM OUR EXPERIENCE, ALTHOUGH SOMETIMES IN THE HARD WAY, THROUGH THE YEARS OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT, THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE ALL ESSENTIAL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BEFORE PEOPLE MOVE IN,+ HE SAID.

♦IT IS NOW STANDARD PRACTICE FOR A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD TO GO THROUGH A CHECKLIST OF BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS KINDERGARTENS, SCHOOLS, BUS SERVICES, SHOPS, BANKS, POST BOXES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNIT, ETC. BEFORE THE FIRST BATCH OF TENANTS MOVE INTO A NEW ESTATE, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE OR A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.

♦THE WORKING GROUP ALSO MAKES PRE-INTAKE SITE VISITS TO ENSURE THAT THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IS UP TO AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD.

♦THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS THEREFORE CHARGED WITH THE TREMENDOUS RESPONSIBILITY OF CO-ORDINATING EFFORTS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN ON THE ONE HAND AND TO BUILD UP A HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY ON THE OTHER.

♦TO THIS END, THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS FORTUNATELY BLESSED WITH A VOCAL AND IMAGINATIVE DISTRICT BOARD WHICH IS VERY SENSITIVE TO THE NEEDS OF TUEN MUN RESIDENTS, AND A RESPONSIVE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE COMPRISING GOVERNMENT OFFICERS WHO ARE MOST UNDERSTANDING, RECEPTIVE AND EFFICIENT,♦ MR FUNG SAID.

♦THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO SEES THE NEED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DISTRICT TO NEW RESIDENTS, WHO ARE COMPLETE STRANGERS AND NEED TO BE GIVEN INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR SURROUNDINGS QUICKLY.

/♦A BxSIISNT........

THURSDAY, JUKE 2, 1983

*A RESIDENT HANDBOOK IS THEREFORE PUBLISHED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRIBUTED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD THE MINUTE THEY DECIDE TO MOVE INTO TUEN MUN,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID BRIEFINGS ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE NEW TOWN WERE ALSO GIVEN TO NEW RESIDENTS BY STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE.

♦COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE ALSO REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS FOR ACTION, AND EVERYTHING IS DONE TO ENSURE THAT THE ’CUSTOMERS’ ARE SATISFIED,* HE ADDED.

MR FUNG WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSISTING RESIDENTS IN FORMING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN NEW RESIDENTIAL AREAS.

THERE ARE NOW OVER 60 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES MAINLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND 23 OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN TUEN MUN, SERVING MORE THAN 160 000 RESIDENTS.

♦IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO ASSESS OUR ACHIEVEMENT IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, BUT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS CAN ONLY BE FELT BY THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES.

♦HOWEVER, I AM CONFIDENT TO SAY HERE AND NOW THAT WE ARE HEADING FOR THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND NOT FAR FROM ACHIEVING WHAT WE HAVE SET OUT TO D0,+ HE ADDED.

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

HONG KONG TO JOIN PACIFIC WATER SUPPLY TALKS *****

A REPRESENTATIVE FROM HONG KONG WILL BE TAKING PART IN TH-FOURTH ASIAN PACIFIC REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY CONFERENCE (ASPAC-RwS IN DJAKARTA IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.

THIS DECISION WAS MADE KNOWN BY MR LAU JONG-MING. ACTINO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, TO MR I.H. RAZAK MANAn, CHAIRMAN OF ASPAC-RWSC, WHO WAS VISITING HONG KONG RECENTLY.

THE CONFERENCE, SPONSORED BY THE INTERNATIONAL WATER SUPPLY ASSOCIATION, WILL DEAL WITH THE THEME ♦MASS PROVISION OF WATER SUPPLY FACILITIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES*.

DURING HIS VISIT, MR RAZAK MANAN WAS BRIEFED BY MR LAU ON WATERWORKS INSTALLATIONS IN HONG KONG. MR RAZAK MANAN. WHO IS PRESIDENT OF THE INDONESIAN WATER SUPPLY ASSOCIATION, EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S +IMPRESSIVE RESERVOIRS IN THE SEA PROJECTS*.

HE ALSO PRESENTED THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WITH A SOUVENIR WELCOMING HONG KONG TO THE CONFERENCE, AS WELL AS A PLAQUE AS A MEMENTO.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

SHORT SUMMER VOCATIONAL COURSES OFFERED * * * * *

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS ORGANISED, THROUGH THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, 156 SHORT COURSES TO BE HELD IN THE SUMMER MONTHS FOR WORKING PEOPLE TO UPDATE THEIR SKILLS.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A VTC SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAVE BEEN OFFERING A RANGE OF SHORT COURSES WHICH ARE MOSTLY HELD IN THE EVENINGS DURING NORMAL TERM TIMES.

THE COUNCIL BELIEVED THAT SHORT COURSES COULD OFFER AN IMPORTANT SERVICE TO INDUSTRY AND THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.

♦FOR THIS REASON, EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF COURSES,♦ HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, A SMALL NUMBER OF HOBBY AND LEISURE INTEREST COURSES WOULD ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE ABOVE 15 YEARS OF AGE.

SUBJECTS COVERED INCLUDE COMMERCIAL STUDIES, BUSINESS COMPUTERS, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING. GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, TEXTILES AND CLOTHING. MANUFACTURE, PRINTING AND DESIGN.

WESTERN FOLK DANCE, POTTERY FOR BEGINNERS AND INTRODUCTION TO AIR BRUSH TECHNIQUES ARE SOME OF THE LEISURE INTEREST COURSES OFFERED.

AMATEUR COURSES ON HOUSE DECORATING, WALL PAPER HANGING, WOOD FURNITURE REDECORATING AND FASHION ACCESSORIES DESIGN CAN PROVE TO BE POPULAR, TOO, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JULY AND AUGUST. DETAILS INCLUDING COURSE FEES AND THE MEDIA OF INSTRUCTION WILL BE ADVERTISED ON SATURDAY.

OTHER PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS AND THE DATES AND TIMES OF CLASS MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE SUMMER SHORT COURSE GUIDE.

THE GUIDES AND APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ANY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

PAMPHLETS CONTAINING BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL SHORT COURSES MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES. NAMELY, KWUN TONG, HAKING WONG, MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG AND LEE WAI LEE.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 18.

----o----

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR PROBATIONERS SCHEME

*****

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH REHABILITATION WORK FOR OFFENDERS.

PEOPLE WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER, AND HAVE A SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, A MATURE AND SOCIABLE PERSONALITY, AND A DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS, ARE ASKED TO JOIN THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS.

THEY MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM ALL PROBATION OFFICES AND THE OFFICE OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME IN CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, 7TH FLOOR (TEL. 5-703172). COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.

APPEALING FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SCHEME, MR LIU KOON-KEUNG, SAIDi +WHILE OUR PROBATION OFFICERS COUNSEL AND HELP PROBATIONERS IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, WE ALSO NEED COMMUNITY SUPPORT, WHICH WE FEEL WILL CONTRIBUTE TO A MORE EFFECTIVE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME.♦

■•■VOLUNTEERS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN WIDENING PROBATIONERS* CONTACTS AND IN HELPING REINTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.

APART FROM BEING THEIR FRIENDS, HE SAID, VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP PROBATIONERS DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES AND HABITS, AND CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS. TUITION AND USEFUL GUIDANCE CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE PROBATIONERS.

MR LIU DESCRIBED AS +ENCOURAGING+ THE LARGE TURNOUT OF VOLUNTEERS IN PREVIOUS RECRUITMENT EXERCISES AND SAID THE SCHEME CLEARLY RECEIVED STRONG SUPPORT.

THE SCHEME, STARTED IN 1976, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.

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

CAR POUND TEMPORARILY FILLED * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT DUE TO AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE IN THE LAST FEW DAYS THE ABANDONED VEHICLE POUND AT KOWLOON BAY HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY FILLED.

THE FACILITY VEHICLES

SPOKESMAN REQUESTED CAR OWNERS WHO WISH TO ULTILISE THIS TO WAIT UNTIL NEXT MONDAY (JUNE.-6) FOR THE EXISTING TO BE CLEARED.

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

/11

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

250-YEAR OLD TEMPLE REOPENED * * *

THE 25O-YEAR-OLD KWAN TEI TEMPLE ON SOUTH LANTAU WAS REOPENED TO WORSHIPPERS AND LOCAL VILLAGERS TODAY, AFTER COMPLETION QF RENOVATION WORK.

SITUATED IN TONG FUK ON SOUTH LANTAU, THE TEMPLE HAS BEEN A PLACE FOR LOCAL VILLAGERS TO PAY HOMAGE TO THEIR DEITY, KWAN TEI, DURING SUCH TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES AS THE TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT), MID-AUTUMN AND THE WINTER SOLSTICE.

WITH $70 000 IN FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE CHINESE TEMPLE COMMITTEE, RENOVATION WORK BEGAN IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND WAS COMPLETED BY THE END OF MARCH THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE VILLAGERS.

A RIBBON-CUTTING AND AN UNVEILING CEREMONY, PERFORMED BY ™E 0FF,CER» MR WILLIAM YAP, WAS HELD TODAY TO MARK

THE OCCASION.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR YAP SAID THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH RESIDENTS, VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, RURAL COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORKS OF THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, AND TO SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS AND CUSTOMS OF LOCAL VILLAGERS.

♦TODAY’S EVENT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AND I HOPE THIS COMMUNITY SPIRIT WILL GO 0N,+ HE SAID.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR TSANG LIN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTH LANTAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU YUNG-FUK, AND A DISTRICT BOARD hEMBER, MR YOUNG WING-YAU.

-----o-----

TRAM TRACK WORK WILL REDUCE SATURDAY SERVICE HO*

TRAM SERVICES WILL BE REDUCED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4) FOR THE REALIGNMENT OF TRAM TRACKS ON DES VOUEX ROAD CENTRAL.

THE LAST TRAM WILL LEAVE HAPPY VALLEY FOR KENNEDY TOWN AT 10.06 PM, FOR WHITTY STREET AT 10.17 PM AND FOR WESTERN MARKET AT 10.33 PM.

THE SERVICE FROM NORTH POINT TO WHITTY STREET WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 10.07 PM AND TO WESTERN MARKET UNTIL 10.26 PM.

THE LAST TRAM WILL LEAVE SHAU KEI WAN FOR WESTERN MARKET AT 10.13 PM.

/T3A.V3 TaAV3LLT.'G........

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 1983

- 12 -

TRAMS TRAVELLING FROM WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN, NORTH POINT AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL RUN UNTIL 10.58 PM.

THE LAST TRAM WILL LEAVE WHITTY STREET FOR NORTH POINT AT 10.44 PM AND FOR HAPPY VALLEY AT 10.45 PM.

THE SERVICE FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE OPEN UNTIL 10.41 PM.

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

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN KWUN TONG

* M *

FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (JUNE 3), YUET WAH STREET IN KWUN TONG FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HIP WO STREET TO A POINT 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.

THE RESTRICTION WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED ON THE SECTION OF ROAD BETWEEN HO PONG STREET AND THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF TUEN MUN CLINIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 PM DAILY, WITH EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 4).

WITHIN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED ROAD SECTIONS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIODS.

ALSO FROM 10 AM TOMORROW, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAI WAH STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD TO A POINT 85 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AS PLB CLEARWAY.

ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.

----0----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

APRIL MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS .................... 1

FOOD HEALTH CERTIFICATE FEES REVISED............................ 5

UK VISITOR IMPRESSED BY PUBLIC HOUSING ....................... 6

FINE REPUTATION EARNED BY HARD WORK ............................ 7

LAMMA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT NEARLY READY ........................ 8

EDUCATION FUND FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN .............. 8

POLICE OFFICERS RECEIVE INSIGNIA .......................... 9

CHINESE HISTORY AND LITERATURE DISPLAY OPENS .................. 10

SPORTS COMPLEX PLANNED ........................................ 11

BUS LANE OPENS ON SUNDAYS, HOLIDAYS............................ 11

BENEFITS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING STRESSED....................... 12

UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO ................ 13

PARENTS' ROLE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES STRESSED'.................. 13

SUPPORT URGED FOR +SAFETY AT WORK+ PROGRAMME .................. 1A

300 STUDENTS TO GIVE JOINT PERFORMANCE....................... 15

TREE PLANTING OFF TO GOOD START.............................. 15

MID-LEVELS WATER MAINS WORK ................................... 16

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

APRIL MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ******

Tw.iL <4C«EY SUPPLY ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS RECORDED VIRTUALLY NO INCREASE DURING APRIL, ACCORDING TO THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH PUBLISHED TODAY.

TOTAL Ml, HOWEVER, FELL, AS HOLDINGS OF CASH BY THE PUBLIC RETURNED TO A LOWER LEVEL AFTER THE EASTER HOLIDAY. MEANWHILE, HK$ MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS FELL IN APRIL.

»ING THE MONTH, THERE WAS STILL A MODEST SHIFT OF DEPOSITS ISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, ONLY PARTLY ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE CHANGE IN STATUS OF ONE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY FROM REGISTERED TO LICENSED.

RECORDED HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW SLIGHTLY. BUT SUCH GROWTH APPEARS TO HAVE MERELY REFLECTED THE VALUATION EFFECT OF A WEAKER HONG KONG DOLLAR OVER THE MONTH.

(THE MONETARY STATISTICS ARE PRESENTED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS, CONTRIBUTING INSTITUTIONS HAVING CONVERTED FOREIGN CURRENCY AMOUNTS AT THE RELEVANT EXCHANGE RATE ON THE REPORTING DAY).

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES GREW MODESTLY, BUT WITH LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG EXPERIENCING SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH.

(A TABLE SETTING OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR APRIL AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS, IS BEING TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE NETWORK. IT WILL ALSO BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION).

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY

THE HKf MONEY SUPPLY, ON ALL DEFINITIONS, FELL FURTHER IN APRIL. THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, HK|M1, FELL BY 1.6 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 2.5 PER CENT IN MARCH. THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND HKfM3, BOTH FELL BY A FURTHER 1.2 PER CENT FOLLOWING FALLS OF 1.4 PER CENT IN MARCH.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, HK$M1 FELL BY THREE PER CENT, WHILE BOTH HK$M2 AND HK$M3 FELL BY 3.1 PER CENT. SOME NET GROWTH WAS, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO APRIL ON ALL DEFINITIONS! HK$M1 BY 10.3 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 17.3 PER CENT AND H($M3 BY 0.9 PER CENT.

/TOTAL MONEY .......

FRIDAY, JUNE J, 1983

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY

TOTAL Ml FELL BY ONE PER CENT IN APRIL, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 3.2 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M2 INCREASED MARGINALLY, BY 0.1 PER CENT FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M3 WAS LITTLE CHANGED, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.5 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, TOTAL Ml FELL BY 2.2 PER CENT,.TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT AND 1.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 10.8 PER CENT, 52.1 PER CENT AND 31.7 PER CENT.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.7 PER CENT IN APRIL, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 1.8 PER CENT IN MARCH. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 5.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 3.7 PER CENT WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 7.9 PER CENT.

OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.6 PER CENT (tO.9 BILLION) WHILE FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 116.8 PER CENT ($60 BILLION).

MUCH OF THIS INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS REPRESENTS AN ADDITION TO THE TOTAL DEPOSIT BASE. BUT SOME REFLECTS A SHIFT AWAY FROM HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, PART OF WHICH REFLECTS, IN TURN, THE INCREASING POPULARITY OF SO-CALLED +SWAP+ DEPOSITS. THESE INVOLVE CUSTOMERS BUYING SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY AND PLACING IT ON DEPOSIT WITH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, BUT AT THE SAME TIME ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT TO SELL FORWARD SUCH FOREIGN CURRENCY BACK TO THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ON THE MATURITY OF THE DEPOSIT.

THESE +SWAPS+ HINDER INTERPRETATION OF THE MONETARY STATISTICS, SINCE FOR CERTAIN ANALYTICAL PURPOSES THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITSi FOR EXAMPLE, A SWAP TRANSACTION DOES NOT ITSELF EXERT PRESSURE ON THE EXCHANGE RATE IN THE WAY THAT AN OUTRIGHT FOREIGN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION MAY. HOWEVER, NO STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE ON THE VOLUME OF SWAP DEPOSITS.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 1.3 PER CENT IN APRIL, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 2.1 PER CENT IN MARCH. MUCH OF THE INCREASE IS PROBABLY EXPLAINED BY THE VALUATION EFFECT OF THE WEAKER HONG KONG DOLLAR ON FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS, WHICH RECORDED A RISE OF 2.7 PER CENT IN APRIL, WHILE THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENT ROSE BY ONLY 0.2 PER CENT.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES ROSE BY 4.2 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 24.8 PER CENT.

/LOANS TO .......

FRIDAY, JUKE J, 1983

- 3 -

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG, WHICH ARE MOSTLY IN HONG KONG DOLLARS, REVERSED THE DECLINES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH TO RISE SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 3.8 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THE INCREASE WAS 2.6 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE INCREASE WAS 11.6 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG WERE LITTLE CHANGED IN APRIL, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.3 PER CENT IN MARCH.

OVER THE THREE MONTHS, THE NET INCREASE WAS 2.6 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, 20.4 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITIONS

THERE WERE INCREASES IN BOTH THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES AND ASSETS OF THE MONETARY SECTOR IN APRIL. NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES INCREASED FROM $20.8 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH TO $23.9 BILLION AT THE END OF APRIL, WITHIN WHICH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD NET LIABILITIES OF $15.9 BILLION AND $8 BILLION RESPECTIVELY.

STATISTICS COLLECTED (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOW THAT THE MONETARY SECTOR HAD, AT THE END OF APRIL, NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES AMOUNTING TO $23.6 BILLION, WHICH WERE MORE THAN COVERED BY NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $44.8 BILLION.

LIQUIDITY RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE IN APRIL TO 47 PER 45.2 PER CENT IN MARCH. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE TO 62.3 PER CENT FROM 58.3 IN MARCH.

THE CENT FROM DEFINED ALL PER CENT

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING 130. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED BY ONE TO 22, AND THE NUMBER WAS UNCHANGED, AT 335.

LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY TWO TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES

Honey Supply _ 4 - FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

Monetary Statistics - April 1983 HKSmn April 1982

April 1983 Earlier months

(% change March 19&3 to April 1983) January 19&3

HI - HKf 26,531 26,963(- 1.6%) 27,3**5(- 3.0%) 24,058(410.3%)

Foreign Currency 1,782 1.647U 8.2%) 1,598(411.5%) 1,505(418.4%)

Total 28,313 28,61O(- 1.0%) 28,943(- 2.2%) 25,563(410,8%)

M2 - HKI 120,794 122,220(- 1.2%) 124,6O5(- 3.1%) 103,004(417.3%)

Foreign Currency 98,333 96,735(4 1-7%) 90,433(4 8.7%) *♦1,099(4139.3%)

Total 219,127 218,955(+ 0.1%) 215,038(4 1.9%) 144,103(4 52.1%)

MJ - HKS 147, (;48 148,869(- 1.2%) 151,828(- 3.1%) 145,676(4 0.9%)

Foreign Currency 115,200 113,32O(. 1.7%) 106,919(4 7.7*) 53,480(4115.4%)

Total 262,248 262,189( = ) 258,746(4 1.4%) 199,156(4 31.7%)

Deposits

Demand deposits 16,318 15,706(4 3.9%) 17,232(- 5-3%; 15,384(4 6.1%)

Savings deposits r.8,361 67,899(4 0.7%) 7O,438(- 2.9%) 52,922(4 29.2%)

Time deposits with banks 117,207 117,2621 = ) 110,610(4 6.0,3) 62,114(4 88.7%)

Time (jeposits with dtcs 4l,9f>1 42,O52(- 0.2%) 42,s82(- 1.5%) 54,329(- 22.8%)

All HKS deposits 132,540 133,1*57(- 0.7%) 137,684(- 3.7%) 133,**O5(- 0.6%)

/ill foreign currency deposits 111,297 109,463(4 1.7%) 103,178(4 7.9%) 51,3^3(4116.8%)

Total .■•43,837 242,920(4 0.4%) 240,863(4 1.2%) 184,748(4 32.0%)

Loans and advances To finance Hong Kong’s visible trade 27.073 26,085(4 3.8%) 26,387(4 2.6%) 24,262(4 11.6%)

To finance merchandising trade not ?.^8j 2,5»5(- 3.9%) 2.182(413.8%) 3.131(- 20.7%)

touching Hong Kong

Other loans for use in Hong Kong 195,532 195/17( « ) 190,633(4 2.6%) 162,344(4 20.4%)

Other loans for use outside Hong Kong -9,606 105,808(4 5.6%) 102,380(4 7.1%) 78,872(4 39.0%)

Other loans where the place of use r;, <14 15.357(- 0.3%) 14,427(4 6.1%) 11.748(4 30.4%)

i.3 not known

All loans in HKS i.v8,01r 187,731(4 0.2%) 183,769(4 2.3%) 163,462(4 15.0%)

All loans in foreign currencies 1<1,992 157,722(4 2.7%) 152,240(4 6.4%) 116,895(4 38.6%).

Total 350/x)8 345,452(4 1.3%) 336,008(4 4.2%) 280,357(4 24.8%)

0 —■ —• — am /5 ...

nrnnrr, tone t, ttb?

FOOD HEALTH CERTIFICATE FEES REVISED ******

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE REVISION OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT AND FLUID FILLED TOYS.

THE REVISED FEES WILL COME INTO FORCE ON JULY 1, ACCORDING TO A NOTICE IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE INCREASES, THE FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE APRIL 1980, ARE AIMED AT RECOVERING THE COST OF THE SERVICE AND AT BRINGING THE FEES AND CHARGES IN LINE WITH THOSE ALREADY IMPOSED IN THE URBAN AREA IN APRIL.

THE SERVICE CHARGES ARE MAINLY ON THE TECHNICAL SUPERVISION OF FOOD PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT THAT ARE PROCESSED IN LICENSED FOOD FACTORIES, INCLUDING FROZEN COOKED PRAWNS AND SHRIMPS, AND CANNED l€AT PRODUCTS TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND ISSUE OF HEALTH CERTIFICATES? THEY ARE ALSO FOR OFFICIAL EXAMINATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT INCLUDING SAUCES, PRESERVED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, SALTED FISH, FROZEN 'DIM SUM’, NOODLES AND CANNED FOODS, AND FROZEN FISH AND ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES.

THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID THE INCREASE WOULD NOT CAUSE ANY HARDSHIP TO EXPORTERS AS IT WAS SMALL WHEN COMPARED WITH OPERATING COSTS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE REVISED AND EXISTING FEES AND CHARGES FOR HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FOOD AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT?

REVISED FEES

EXISTING FEES

(A) HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FLUID FILLED TOYS

(1) HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR FLUID FILLED TOYS MANUFACTURED IN F/CTOR IES REGISTERED FOR THE. PURPOSE i

FOR GOODS STORED AT ONE LOCATION 1300 $ 80

FOR EVERY ADD IT ONAL STORAGE LOCAT ON 1125 $ 30

(2) FOR EACH ADDITIONAL COPY OF THE ABOVE CERTIFICATE $ 25 $20

(3) FEE FOR AMENDMENT/ ENDORSEMENT OF THE ABOVE CERTIFICATE I 25 $20

/(B) TBGHNICAL .......

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 198? '

(B) TECHNICAL SUPERVISION OF FOOD PRODUCTS PROCESSED IN FACTORIES AND FOR OFFICIAL EXAMINATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS FOR EXPORT

(1) FOR TECHNICAL SUPERVISION OF FOOD PROCESSED IN FACTORIES LICENSED FOR THE PURPOSEi

FOR A CONSIGNMENT NOT EXCEEDING 500 KG

$1 400

FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL 500 KG OR PART THEREOF $450

(2) FOR EXAMINATION OF FOOD PRODUCTSi

FOR A CONSIGNMENT NOT EXCEEDING 500 KG STORED AT ONE LOCATION $300

FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL 500 KG OR PART THEREOF $ 35

(3) FOR EVERY ADDITIONAL STORAGE LOCATION $125

(4) FOR EACH ADDITIONAL COPY OF THE ABOVE CERTIFICATE S 25

(5) FEE FOR AMENDMENT/ ENDORSEMENT OF HEALTH CERTIFICATE $ 25

$500

$160

$ 80

$ 15

$ 30

$ 20

UK VISITOR IMPRESSED BY PUBLIC HOUSING X X X X X X

THE VISITING PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS FROM BRITAIN TODAY EXPRESSED ADMIRATION AT THE FAST DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING, PARTICULARLY AT ITS +ATTRACTIVE* STRUCTURAL DESIGNS.

MR C.L. EVANS SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD DONE A GOOD JOB IN PROVIDING LOW-RENTAL MODERN HOUSING TO MEET AN INCREASING DEMAND.

ACCOMPANIED BY MR D.J. CLARKE, SECRETARY OF THE INSTITUTION, HE CALLED AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS WHERE HE MET THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS.

HE WAS LATER BRIEFED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ENGINEERING) MR J.C. KU, ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME BEFORE TOURING THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF ONE OF THE AUTHORITY’S LATEST PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS. CHUN SHEK ESTATE, IN THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

FINS REPUTATION EARNED BY HARD WORK ft ft ft ft

THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR H. KENYON TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED GRADUATING FIREMEN TO GUARD THE FINE REPUTATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS BEEN EARNED BY THE HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO DUTY PERFORMED BY THEIR PREDECESSORS OVER MANY YEARS.

HE TOLD THEM THAT THEY HAD NOT ENTERED AN EASY LIFE.

♦YOU WILL AT TIMES BE CRITICISED, OFTEN UNFAIRLY, AND YOU WILL MEET WITH SITUATIONS WHICH CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS SHOCKING AND HORRIFYING.

♦IN DEALING WITH SUCH SITUATIONS AND BRINGING RELIEF TO THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED AND INJURED, YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE FULL CONTROL OF YOUR OWN EMOTIONS WHEN OTHERS AROUND YOU HAVE PANICKED AND GIVEN UP,+ MR KENYON SAID.

MR KENYON WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF ONE SQUAD CF STATION OFFICERS AND TWO SQUADS OF FIREMEN WHO HAD COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, THE NEW TERRITORIES.

HE REMINDED THEM THAT THE COURSES THEY HAD JUST TAKEN WERE PERELY THE PRIMARY PART OF THEIR EDUCATION AS FIREMEN AND FIRE OFFICERS, AND THERE WAS STILL A LOT FOR THEM TO LEARN BEFORE THEY COULD MASTER THE COMPLEXITIES OF THEIR NEW PROFESSION.

♦WITH YOUTH ON YOUR SIDE YOU SHOULD NOW MAKE THE EFFORT TO FURTHER STUDY AND PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE DEMANDS WHICH WILL BE MADE UPON YOU DURING YOUR CAREER,♦ HE ADDED.

MR KENYON LATER PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARDS TO STATION OFFICER TSAI PUI-WING AND FIREMAN CHANG SHI-KWAN.

AFTER THE PRESENTATION, MR KENYON AND THE GUESTS WATCHED A FIRE DRILL STAGED BY THE NEW FIREMEN.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 19&3

- 8 -

LAMMA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT NEARLY READY * * * *

RESIDENTS IN YUNG SHUE WAN AND SOK KWU WAN ON LAMMA ISLAND WILL BE PROVIDED WITH MAINS WATER SUPPLY WITHIN THE NEXT FEW. MONTHS, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, SAID DURING AN INSPECTION TOUR OF WORKS ON THE ISLAND TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS WOULD BE MADE POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF A MI-MILLION PROJECT TO PROVIDE WATER SUPPLY TO LAMMA, HE ADDED.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE LAYING OF TWO 3OO-MM DIAMETER SUBMARINE MAINS FROM WAH FU AND SANDY BAY TO PAK KOK ON LAMMA, TOGETHER WITH ABOUT 11 KILOMETRES OF SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION MAINS, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS.

ACCOMPANIED BY MR T.G. PERERA, CHE IF ENGINEER ( CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT) OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR TOMLINSON FIRST WENT TO PAK KOK TO INSPECT THE LANDING POINTS OF THE SUBMARINE MAINS, WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.

HE THEN PROCEEDED TO YUNG SHUE WAN AND WALKED THROUGH THE MAINLAYING SITES TO INSPECT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 6OOO-CUBIC-bETRE SERVICE RESERVOIR THERE.

MR R. WALKER OF KAMPSAX-KRUGER HK, CONSULTANT ENGINEERS FOR THE LAMMA ISLAND WATERWORKS SCHEME, BRIEFED THE DIRECTOR ON THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK.

IN THE AFTERNOON, MR TOMLINSON INSPECTED A PUMPING STATION AND A CONSUMER SERVICE DEPOT AT CHEUNG CHAU.

HE MET THE STAFF AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM ABOUT THEIR WORKING CONDITION.

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

EDUCATION FUND FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN * * * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO ESTABLISH AN EDUCATION TRUST FUND FOR CHILDREN OF ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND EQUIVALENT GRADES OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY. 5!

THE FUND, TO BE KNOWN AS THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST, HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBEL WITH A DONATION BY AN ANONYMOUS PERSON, AND WILL CONSIST ALSO OF SUCH ASSETS AS MAY BE ACQUIRED THROUGH THE USE OF MONEYS AND DONATIONS AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND IS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN, AND FACILITIES FOR, THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF CHILDREN OF EMPLOYEES BELOW OFFICER RANK, INCLUDING COMMON AND GENERAL GRADE STAFF. OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND FOR THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OF THESE OFFICERS.

/HIGHER EDUCATION ....

FRIDAY, JUNE J, 198?

HIGHER EDUCATION IS DEFINED IN THE BILL AS MEANING POSTPRIMARY EDUCATION OR ANY EDUCATION OF A PROFESSIONAL, TECHNOLOGICAL, ACADEMIC OR OTHER NATURE NOT BELOW THE STANDARD OF POST-PRIMARY EDUCATION.

THE BILL ALSO MAKES PROVISION FOR THE INCORPORATION OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AS THE TRUSTEE AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST FUND COMMITTEE TO MANAGE THE FUND.

THE MONEYS OF THE FUND MAY BE INVESTED IN AUTHORISED TRUSTEE INVESTMENTS AS THE COMMITTEE ADVISES, AND UPON THE APPOINTMENT OF PERSONS TO THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD, IN OTHER INVESTMENTS, SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THAT BOARD.

THE DAY TO DAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY STAFF OF THE WELFARE UNIT IN THE DEPARTMENT.

THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING NEXT WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8), FOR ITS FIRST READING, AND ON JUNE 29, FOR ITS SECOND AND FINAL READINGS.

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

POLICE OFFICERS RECEIVE INSIGNIA ft ft ft ft

THE ACTING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE/OPERATIONS, MR RICHARD QUINE, PRESENTED LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA TO 19 OFFICERS ATTACHED TO VARIOUS FORMATIONS OF THE FORCE.

AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS, MR QUINE PRAISED THE VETERANS FOR THEIR LOYALTY AND DEDICATION TO THE FORCE AND THE COMMUNITY OVER THE YEARS.

AMONG THE 13 OFFICERS AWARDED LONG SERVICE MEDALS.EACH MARKING 18 YEARS’ SERVICE,WERE SUPERINTENDENT ROBERT NICOLL, SENIOR INSPECTORS FUNG YIU-MING AND WONG KAI-WAH, SIX SERGEANTS AND FOUR CONSTABLES.

FIRST CLASPS, EACH SIGNIFYING 25 YEARS’ SERVICE IN THE FORCE, WERE PRESENTED TO SENIOR INSPECTOR WONG KWAN, SERGEANT WONG CHEUK-FAI AND SENIOR- CONSTABLE NG KIN-SHEK.

SERGEANT YAU KAI-CHUNG AND SENIOR CONSTABLES CHAN MAN-FAI AND CHAN WAI-PUI WHO HAVE IMPRESSIVE INDIVIDUAL SERVICE RECORDS OF 30 YEARS WERE HONOURED WITH SECOND CLASPS.

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

/10........

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

CHINESE HISTORY AN) LITERATURE DISPLAY OPENS * t M * * *

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HAVE )EEN FLOURISHING IN TSUEN WAN IN RECENT YEARS DUE TO PROMOTIONAL. EFFORTS BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, THE TJUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING 0!’ THE TSUEN WAN JOINT SCHOOL CHINESE HISTORY AND LITERATURE EXHIBIT ON AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, MISS CHUNG SAID IT WAS GRATIFY NG AND ENCOURAGING TO SEE THE HIGH STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENT 0 THESE ACTIVITIES AND THE WHOLE-PARTED SUPPORT FROM LOCAL RES DENTS.

♦TSUEN WAN HAS BECOME AN MPORTANT NEW TOWN, AND THERE IS AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES,* SHE SAID.

♦THE COMPLETION OF THE TS IEN WAN TOWN HALL HAS PROVIDED A GOOD AND MUCH-NEEDED VENUE FOR THESE ACTIVITIES, AND WILL HELP A LOT IN PROMOTING THEM.+

MISS CHUNG NOTED THAT JO 11 IT SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXHIBITIONS -SUCH AS GEOGRAPHY, ARTS AND SC ENCE EXHIBITIONS - HAD BEEN HELD ANNUALLY IN THE PAST WITH OUTSANDING RESULTS.

♦THESE EXHIBITIONS NOT ONLY DEEPEN STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT AND NURTURE THEIR NTEREST IN STUDIES, BUT ALSO PROVIDE A GOOD CHANCE OF COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE,♦ SHE SAID.

♦THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS BEEN SPONSORING SUCH JOINT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, AND THE BOARD HAS PROVIDED MORE THAN $9 000 TO SUPPORT THIS EXHIBITION ON CHINESE HISTORY AND LITERATURE.♦

SHE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH TL IS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT AN EXHIBITION ON CHINESE HISTORY AND LITERATURE WAS BEING HELD, IT DID NOT MEAN THAT THE SCHOOLS WERE NOT ATTACHING SIGNIFICANCE TO CHINESE, NOR DID IT MEAN THAT STUDENTS WERE NOT INTERESTED IN CHINESE.

♦ON THE CONTRARY, THE RECORD NUMBER OF 18 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE EXHIBITION HAS PROVED THE POPULARITY OF THE EXHIBITION AND THE SUPPORT GIVEN TO IT,+ SHE SAID.

THE EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, OPENING FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM DAILY UNTIL SUNDAY (JUNE 5).

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

SPORTS COMPLEX PLANNED

X * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO OFFER BY PRIVATE TREATY GRANT A 21-YEAR LEASE OF AN AREA OF ABOUT 4 488 SQUARE METRES OF THE FORESHORE AND SEABED IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN COMPANY LIMITED, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THE COMPANY WILL BE PERMITTED TO DEVELOP ON THE EXISTING PIER A SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX FOR THE USE OF HARBOUR CITY RESIDENTS, BUT ACCESS TO USE OF THE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO APPROVED SPORTS CLUBS ON WEEKDAY MORNINGS THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND ALL OBJECTIONS AND/OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.

THE NOTICE (IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, (WHERE COPIES CAN BE PURCHASED ON ORDER) AND AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

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

BUS LANE OPENS ON SUNDAYS, HOLIDAYS M M M K

FROM SUNDAY (JUNE 5), THE BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PARK ROAD WILL BE OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

THIS WILL ENABLE MOTORISTS TO USE ALL THE BUS-ONLY LANES IN THE MID-LEVELS DURING HOLIDAYS.

----o---

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

BENEFITS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING STRESSED

* * * M

YOUNG PEOPLE WERE ADVISED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR MORRIS MORGAN TO SEEK TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES THROUGH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND THUS MAKE THEIR MARK IN LIFE.

MR MORGAN WAS ADDRESSING GRADUATES OF THE LUTHERAN MIDDLE SCHOOL, WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.

♦ WE ARE DEVELOPING A SYSTEM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG WHICH WILL OFFER BALANCED OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO EQUIP THEMSELVES TO COPE WITH THE FUTURE,♦ HE SAID.

♦ EVERYONE IS JUDGED BY THEIR ABILITY TO COPE WITH LIFE, AND SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT IS NO GUARANTEE OF SUCCESS,+ HE SAID.

MR MORGAN SAID THAT AN 'EDUCATED PERSON’ SEEMED TO MOST PEOPLE TO BE A SCHOLARLY INDIVIDUAL, BUT OFTEN HE IS NEITHER EDUCATED NOR TRAINED TO EXERCISE USEFUL SKILLS.

♦ HE IS SOMEONE WHO IS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND BUT NOT NECESSARILY TO ACT,+ MR MORGAN OBSERVED.

EDUCATION TODAY, HE SAID, WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY SPECIALISED AND THUS INCREASINGLY ALSO YOUNG PEOPLE WERE BEING TAUGHT TO PRACTISE ONLY THE SKILLS OF SCHOLARSHIP AND SCIENCE.

♦ THIS HAS BEEN A CHINESE TRAIT FOR CENTURIES, BUT THE SCOPE CF EDUCATION IS SO VAST NOWADAYS THAT MINUTE SPECIALISATION SEEMS A NECESSITY,* HE SAID.

♦ THUS, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE ON PARTICULAR SUBJECTS BUT ARE FINDING THAT THEY ARE NOT EQUIPPED TO USE THEM IN WAYS THAT ARE RELEVANT TO THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM,+ HE POINTED OUT.

♦ SUCH AN IMBALANCE IS HARMFUL TO INDIVIDUALS, INDUSTRY AND SOCIETY,* HE WENT ON.

HE SAID A WELL-BALANCED EDUCATION SHOULD EMBRACE ANALYSIS AND THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE, BUT SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE THE EXERCISE OF CREATIVE SKILLS, THE COMPETENCE TO UNDERTAKE AND COMPLETE TASKS AND THE ABILITY TO COPE WITH EVERYDAY LIFE.

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO * * * *

SEVEN UMELCO MEMBERS LED BY DR HENRY HU WILL VISIT CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO ON MONDAY (JUNE 6) MORNING TO SEE THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES ON THESE ISLANDS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, THE MEMBERS WILL FIRST GO TO THE CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND WHERE THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FACILITIES.

THEY WILL THEN WALK ALONG THE CENTRAL PRAYA TO SEE A HAWKER RE-ORDERING EXERCISE AND THE SITE FOR VARIOUS PROPOSED PERMANENT MARKET FACILITIES.

AT THE CHEUNG CHAU PUBLIC PIER, THEY WILL BE TOLD OF THE ISLAND’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.

THE PARTY WILL THEN LEAVE FOR MUI WO TO SEE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THERE.

ON THEIR RETURN, THE GROUP WILL MEET UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN SINCERE BUILDING FOR DISCUSSIONS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOMED TO COVER THE VISIT. A MARINE LAUNCH WILL LEAVE THE QUEEN’S PIER IN CENTRAL AT 7.30 AM SHARP ON MONDAY (JUNE 6) FOR CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO AND RETURN TO HONG KONG BY NOON.

PARENTS’ ROLE II SCHOOL ACTIVITIES STRESSED

STUDENTS’ DISCIPLINE AUD EEH VIOUR AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION CAN BE IMPROVED II PARE ITS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN SCHOOL ACTIV TIES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, Ffl COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER PARTY OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION, MR HAY SAID THAT FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION HAD BROUGHT A GREATER NUMBE OF CHILDREN INTO OUR SCHOOLS FROM VERY DIVERSE SOCIAL BACKGRO INDS AND THAT THIS HAD PUT A STRAIN ON THE SYSTEM.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, PARENTS COULD PLAY A VERY EFFECTIVE PA?T IN ALLEVIATING SOME OF THE STRAIN ON SCHOOLS IF SCHOOLS TOOK THE TROUBLE TO INVOLVE PARENTS MORE AND MORE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

MR HAYE SAID THAT THERE WERE +VERY FEW* MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION WHICH HAD PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS AND WHICH ENCOURAGED THEIR TEACHERS TO VISIT PARENTS TO DISCUSS PUPIL PROBLEMS OR INVITED PARENTS TO COME IN TO TALK ABOUT THEM.

THERE WERE MANY WAYS OF INVOLVING PARENTS IN SCHOOLS ACTIVITIES, ONE OF WHICH IS TO HAVE PARENTS HELP WITH EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.

MR HAYE SAIDt +WE KNOW THAT PARENTS ARE SOMETIMES VERY GENEROUS DONORS BUT THEY CAN BE ENCOURAGED TO SEE HOW THEIR DONATIONS ARE SPENT. AND PARENTS WHO CANNOT GIVE MONEY MAY HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO GIVE IF ONLY THEY ARE ENCOURAGED.♦

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

SUPPORT URGED FOR +SAFETY AT * N * N K

WORK* PROGRAMME

EMPLOYERS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES WERE URGED TODAY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO SUPPORT THE +SAFETY AT WORK* SERIES III TELEVISION PROGRAMME BY SENDING WORKERS TO TAKE PART IN. IT.

IN VIEW OF THE SUCCESS AND POPULARITY OF THE FIRST AND SECOND SERIES OF THE +SAFETY AT WORK* TV PROGRAMME, A NEW PROGRAMME FORMAT AND NEW IDEAS WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO THE THIRD SERIES TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.

THE PROGRAMME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND CO-SPONSORED BY SHU I ON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMONG WORKERS.

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROGRAMME WOULD CONSIST OF 13 HALF-HOUR EPISODES — THE FIRST NINE EPISODE WOULD BE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS, THE 1OTH TO 12TH EPISODES SEMI-FINALS, AND THE 13TH EPISODE WILL BE GRAND FINAL.

TWENTY-SEVEN TEAMS FROM BOTH THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES ARE NEEDED TO TAKE PART IN THE 13 EPISODES.

THE TEAMS, EACH COMPRISING FIVE CONTESTANTS AND 20 +SUPPORTERS* WOULD BE GROUPED IN EACH OF THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS IN THE COMPETITION WITH EACH OTHER. THE NINE WINNING TEAMS OF THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS WOULD THEN COMPETE FOR THREE PLACES IN THE SEMI-FINALS.

THE THREE FINALISTS WILL THEN COMPETE FOR THE HONOUR OF OVERALL WINNER IN THE GRAND FINAL WHICH WOULD BE HELD IN THE AUDITORIUM OF ' THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON SEPTEMBER 28.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PUBLICITY UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN LEE GARDENS. THE DEADLINE FOR RETURNING THE APPLICATION FORM IS JUNE 20, 1983, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE 5-7907020.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 1983

300 STUDENTS TO GIVE JOINT PERFORMANCE * * * *

MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS FROM 22 SCHOOLS IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL GIVE A THREE-DAY JOINT CULTURAL PERFORMANCE STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS 83, HELD SINCE LAST YEAR, WILL INCLUDE DANCING, ORCHESTRAL AND BAND PERFORMANCES, CHORAL AND FOLK SINGINGS, PROSE READING, DRAMA, CHINESE FOLK MUSIC AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC.

THE PERFORMERS WILL INCLUDE WINNERS IN THE INTER-SCHOOL CHORAL RECITAL, MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVALS AND OTHER LOCAL PERFORMING GROUPS, SUCH AS THE SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR. THE EVENT WILL BE STAGED IN THE BUDDHIST TAI HUNG COLLEGE, THE WONG TAI SHAN COLLEGE AND THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL.

THE SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS 83 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, THE SHAM SHUI PO PERFORMING ARTS COMMITTEE, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER CHEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION, MR KWOK CHEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUI PO SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, W FAN KAM-PING, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW AT THE BUDDHIST TAI HUNG COLLEGE.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 PM IN THE BUDDHIST TAI HUNG SCHOOL AT 38 CHEUNG FAT STREET.

-------u--------

TREE PLANTING OFF TO GOOD START * * *

WET AND HUMID WEATHER WERE A GOOD START TO YOUNG TREES PLANTED TODAY AND WOULD HELP THEM TO GROW WELL IN THE MONTHS AHEAD THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAW CHAK-TONG SAID.

MR LAW WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY LAUNCHING THE NORTH DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY, AT AN OPEN AREA ADJACENT TO A NEWLY-BUILT HIGHWAY IN SHEUNG SHUI.

/HE NOTED . .....

FRIDAY, JUNE J, 1983

HE NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF Y0UN6 TREES PLANTED DURING LAS1 YEAR’S DISTRICT-WIDE TREE PLANTING DAY WERE GROWING WELL AND ADDING GREEN COLOUR TO THE ROADSIDE IN THE DISTRICT, AND SAID.THAT THE EVERGREEN TREES PLANTED TODAY WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

THE TREES WERE PLANTED BY A GROUP OF 130 STUDENTS FROM FIVE LOCAL SCHOOLS AND MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF THEIR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

LATER, THE NORTH DISTRICT C-FICER, MR STUART HARBINSON, THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR LAW WAI-MING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, NR LIU CHING-LEUNG, AND MR LAW JOINTLY PLANTED YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.

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MID-LEVELS WATER MAINS WORK * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 6) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

SECTION OF BOWEN

THOSE ALONG A

ROAD BETWEENEBORRETTEROAD A^D MAGAZihjE GAP ROAD, J}CD0NNELL

ROAD INCLUDING 15-19 MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, 22 ALBANY ROAD, 1 ROBINSON ROAD AND GARDEN TERRACE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEE FORMED .............................. 1

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES IN SRAM SHUI PO ......................... 1

DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PLANS ............................... 2

TEMPORARY SEAMEN'S TRAINING CENTRE MANAGER APPOINTED........ 2

SENIOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICER RETIRING ................. 3

ANTI-LITTER STAFF COMMENDED ................................... 4

SEMTNAR. ON REMEDIAL TEACHING IN MATHEMATICS .................. 4

SAI KUNG TOWN TO HAVE NEW ROAD ................................ 5

NEW ROAD FOR TSING YI ......................................... 6

NEW ROAD FOR KOWLOON CITY...................................... 6

PARTTAT, CLOSURE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEE FORMED ft * ft ft ft

A PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEE TO ADVISE ON THE ADEQUACY AND PRIORITY OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT HAS BEEN SET UP.

CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT’S CHIEF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICER OF URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION, THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ONCE EVERY THREE MONTHS, AND WILL REPORT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FROM TIME TO TIME AND SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN NECESSARY.

AN UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBER, MR VINCENT KO, WHO INITIATED THE COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY IT WAS HOPED THAT THE COMMITTEE COULD RELIEVE SOME OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE IN VIEW OF THE MAGNITUDE OF SOME PUBLIC WORKS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIST OF OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL (EMBERS AND URBAN CONCILLORS.

THE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 9).

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

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES IN SHAM SHU I PO ft ft ft ft ft

THE FIRST SHOW OF A THREE-DAY SHAM SHU I PO SCHOOLS PERFORMING ARTS 83 BEGAN THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON WITH TWO HOURS OF SINGING, DANCING AND DRAMA PERFORMANCES IN THE BUDDHIST TAI HUNG SCHOOL HALL.

FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS, SIMILAR PROGRAMMES OF WESTERN ORCHESTRAL AND BAND PERFORMANCES, CHORAL AND FOLK SINGING, PROSE READING, DRAMA, CHINESE FOLK DANCES AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC WILL BE HELD IN THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND THE WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE.

THE PERFORMANCES WERE GIVEN BY MORE THAN 300 STUDENTS FROM 22 SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT AND MOST OF THEM WERE WINNERS IN INTER-SCHOOL CHORAL RECITAL, MUSIC AND DRAMA FESTIVALS.

THE SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS 83 IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF ANNUAL CULTURAL EVENTS INITIATED BY THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHAM SHUI PO PERFORMING ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

SPEAKING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER CHEUNG, SAID THE EVENT PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TO MEET AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN FINE ARTS.

♦THE EVENT ALSO MEETS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD’S OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING MORE RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.

- - 0 -

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PLANS MMX

THE LAMMA ISLAND OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THE TAI 0 LAYOUT PLAN WILL BE TABLED AND DISCUSSED AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 7).

DURING THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS* VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON A RECENTLY RELEASED REPORT, ENTITLED *A PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION IN HONG KONG*.

THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE *LAW SOCIETY FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME* BY MR J.W. MILLER, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SCHEME.

OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE THE NAMING OF SIX STREETS ON CHEUNG CHAU AND THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AS WELL AS CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 7) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF SINCERE BUILDING AT 173, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

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TEMPORARY SEAMEN'S TRAINING CENTRE MANAGER APPOINTED

X K X X X

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, » MORRIS MORGAN. TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE MANAGER FOR THE TEMPORARY SEAMEN'S TRAINING CENTRE WHICH IS BEING ESTABLISHED AT LITTLE SAI WAN.

WITH THIS APPOINTMENT, MR MORGAN SAID, THE COUNCIL HAD TAKEN AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN ESTABLISHING THE CENTRE.

THE APPOINTMENT FITTED IN WITH THE WORK OF CONVERTING THE PREMISES AT LITTLE SAI WAN, HE POINTED OUT.

THE MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD OF THE COUNCIL, AT THE REQUEST OF THE GOVERNMENT, HAS SPENT CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS IN PLANNING THE CENTRE.

/+THE BOARD........

SATURDAY, JUNE 4. 1^3

- 3 -

♦THE BOARD IS TO BE CONGRATULATED AND THE COUNCIL HAS ENSURED SUFFICIENT RESOURCES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO GET THE CENTRE STARTED AS FAST AS POSSIBLE,* MR MORGAN SAID.

THE CENTRE, OCCUPYING A SITE OF AROUND 8.5 HECTARES, WILL HAVE AN ANNUAL TRAINING CAPACITY OF ABOUT 1 900 SERVING SEAFARERS.

THE TRAINEES WILL UNDERGO A 30-DAY TRAINING PROGRAMME COVERING FIRE-FIGHTING, FIRST AID, PERSONAL SAFETY, PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND WATCHKEEPING DUTIES.

AS THE TRAINING WILL BE INTENSIVE AND EXTENDED OVER A LONG PERIOD EACH DAY, THE CENTRE WILL BE RESIDENTIAL FOR FIVE DAYS A WEEK.

♦ORDERS FOR THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WILL BE PLACED SOON, BUT SOME INTRICATE TRAINING FAC LITIES WILL HAVE TO BE CONSTRUCTED, MORGAN SAID.

THE FIRST GROUP TRAINEES W RE EXPECTED TO BE ACCEPTED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR, BUT EVERYTH! IG POSSIBLE WOULD BE DONE TO ADVANCE THIS DATE, HE ADDED.

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SENIOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICER RETIRING

* * * *

SUPERINTENDENT JULIO DE ASSIS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS RETIRING AFTER 25 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.

AT A FAREWELL PARTY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICERS’ CLUB IN STANLEY TODAY (SATURDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR T.G. GARNER, PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO MR ASSIS ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.

MR ASSIS JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1957 AS AN AUXILIARY DRESSER AND WAS REGRADED TO PRISON OFFICER CLASS II IN 1959.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO PF ISON OFFICER CLASS I IN 1961 AND ROSE THROUGH THE RANKS TO SUPEF INTENDENT IN 1976.

MR ASSIS WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDAL IN 1975, THE FIRST CLASP TO THE MEDAL IN 1982 AND THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION IN 1980.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

- 4 -

ANTI-LITTER STAFF COMMENDED

* * * *

TWO STAFF MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY. COMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, W JOHN HEYWOOD, FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTION TO THE CURRENT CLEAN HONS KONG CAMPAIGN.

RECEIVING THE COMMENDATIONS WERE SENIOR FOREMAN LEUNG YEE-KAU CF THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND FOREMAN NG CHI-WING ATTACHED TO THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE.

MR LEUNG WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE BY ISSUING THE LARGEST NUMBER OF SUMMONSES TO LITTER OFFENDERS BETWEEN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND APRIL THIS YEAR.

HE BROUGHT A TOTAL OF 235 LITTERBUGS TO COURT FOR DISCARDING OR DUMPING RUBBISH IN PUBLIC PLACES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

MR NG EARNED HIS COMMENDATION FOR BRINGING IN A LITTER OFFENDER WHO WAS GIVEN THE HIGHEST FINE IN AN ANTI-LITTER COURT DURING THE LAST SIX MONTHS.

IT WAS FEBRUARY 10 THIS YEAR WHEN MR NG WITNESSED A GOODS VEHICLE ILLEGALLY DUMPING A LORRY-LOAD OF BUILDING RUBBLES ON THE ROADSIDE OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD NEAR PAK SHEK WO SUN CHUEN.

HE MANAGED TO tAKE DOWN THE REGISTRATION NUMBER OF THE GOODS WHICLE WHICH SPED AWAY AFTER THE OFFENCE, AND SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED A SUMMONS TO THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.

A8 A RESULT, THE REG ISTERE) OWNER OF THE VEHICLE WAS LATER ORDERED TO PAY A FINE OF SI 500 BY A MAGISTRATE AT THE SAN PO KONG COURT.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY WAS THE STAFF OFFICER (CLEANSING) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR LAM CHUNG-HUEN.

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

SEMINAR ON REMED HL TEACHING IN MATHEMATICS X 4 * * * *

THREE IDENTICAL SEMINARS 01 REMEDIAL TEACHING IN MATHEMATICS WILL BE HELD IN JULY AND AUGUST FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS OR THEIR DEPUTIES.

THESE SEMINARS, EACH WHICH WILL LAST FOR ONE AND A HALF DAYS, WILL INTRODUCE THE PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES OF REMEDIAL TEACHING, AND POOL RELEVANT VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE FROM SCHOOL HEADS OR TEACHERS.

/the seminars........

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

- 5 -

THE SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRE IN ROOM 17, 3/F, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT ON JULY 26 AND 28, AUGUST 2 AND 4 AND AUGUST 9 AND 11.

OWING TO LIMITED FACILITIES, EACH SEMINAR CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE A MAXIMUM OF 80 PARTICIPANTS.

SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE NOT STAFFED REMEDIAL TEACHING IN MATHEMATICS OR HAVE NO INTENTION OF DOING SC IN THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR ARE THEREFORE ADVISED NOT TO APPLY.

APPLICATIONS WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND SHOULD REACH THE MATHEMATICS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY BY JUNE 18.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MATHEMATICS SECTION ON 5-6392488.

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SAI KUNG TOWN TO HAVE NEW ROAD

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A NEW ROAD WHICH WILL START FROM THE EXISTING TUI MIN HOI SAI KUNG CAMP ROAD NEAR STAGE IB OF A HOUSING SCHEME FOR FISHERMEN.

THIS NEW ROAD WILL FORM PART OF AN ENGINEERING PROJECT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAI KUNG TOWN.

THE 45O-METRE-LONG TWO-LANE SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO SITES FOR VILLAGE HOUSING, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL HOUSING, GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, LIGHT INDUSTRIES AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT TUI MIN HOI.

THE SCHEME WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR NEW ACCESS ROADS, AS WELL AS ASSOCIATED FOOTWAYS, EMERGENCY ACCESS WAYS, A VEHICLE TURNING CIRCLE, AND LORRY AND CAR PARKS.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. .

A NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN ALSO BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE FOR THE PROPOSED SCHEME.

A PLAN SHOWING THE SCHEME CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTR ICT OFF CE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY; A«ID THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE LOCATED AT SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY AUGUST 2, 1983.

- - 0 - -

SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

NEW ROAD FOR TSING Yl * * M

THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A NEW ROAD ON TSING Yl ISLAND.

THE ROAD WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS TO THE FUTURE TOWN CENTRE.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE IROPOSED PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENT!AL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY; THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 9-1/2 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THIRD FLOOR, HONG KONG AND SH/VGHAI BANK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN: THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE. 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN; AND THE TSUEN WAN t(STRICT OFFICE, TSING Yl SUB-OFFICE, 113 CHING WAI HOUSE, CHEUNG CK ING ESTATE, TSING Yl, NEW TERRITORIES.

ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PRC ’OSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY AUGUST >, 1983.

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NEW ROAb FOR KOWLOON CITY IKK

, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT

A R0AD STRETCHING FROM THE JUNCTION OF CARPENTER ROAD AND ™ £2.*0A® J$Jt!LJUMCT,0N L0K S,H R0AD AND TUNG TSING ROAD TO FORM AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING SA

PO ROAD.

THE PROPOSED EXTENSION WILL BE 7.3 100 METRES LONG, WITH A 3.65-4 ETRE-WIDE

METRES WIDE AND ABOUT FOOTWAY ON BOTH SIDES.

WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL P’OVIDE AN Irirnuvcu i BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY AND THE T ING TAU ESTATE AREA.

IMPROVED TRAFFIC LINK

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSAL S PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KOI G GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG; /.ND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NINTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD.

’ ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY AUGUST 2, 1983.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 1983

PARTIAL CLOSURE OF PR I ICE EDWARD ROAD WEST

*****

FROM 10 AH ON MONDAY (JUNE 6), THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY CF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST BETWEEN SAI YEE STREET AND FA YUEN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS, FOR THE LAYING OF GAS MAINS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS, SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON FA YUEN STREET HEADING FOR SAI YEE STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, TUNG CHOI STREET NORTHBOUND, PLAYING FI-LD ROAD AND SAI YEE STREET.

AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE WILL BE /IA PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND, MONG KOK ROAD AND SAI YEE STREET NORTHBOUND.

MEANWHILE, THE NEW EXTENSION * CHUN WAH ROAD BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND JORDAN VALLEY S)UTH ROAD WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, PROVIDING RESIDENTS IN LOK WAH ESTATE WITH A BETTER ROAD LINK WITH NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG.

- o ---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

CONTENTS page NO.

SECOND PHASE OF NEW ID CARD SCHEME STARTS TOMORROW............. 1

$1.5 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS ................... 1

COMPUTER FOR TRACKING DOWN HABITUAL LITTERBUGS................. 2

RESIDENTS CHANNEL VIEWS TO DB MEMBERS ......................... 3

REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAYS ................................. 5

LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT.................o............... 5

GOOD WORK BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ............................ 5

PERENNIAL BATTLE AGAINST RIVER POLLUTION ...................... 6

PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY .............................. 7

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COURSES ............ 7

ADDITIONAL STOREYS EUR REHABILITATION CENTRE .................. 8

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED PUPILS ............... 9

MORE VACANCIES NOTIFIED BY EMPLOYERS ......................... 10

TAI PO AND KWAI CHUNG TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAYS ............. 11

HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS............ , .. 1P

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

SECOND PHASE >OF NEW ID CARD SCHEME STARTS TOMORROW «»»»»»

MEN BORN IN 1963 WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THAT IT WAS THEIR TURN TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS.

THE SECOND PHASE OF THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE SCHEME COVERING 2D—YEAR-OLD MALES WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND END ON JULY 9.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT 61 OOO MEN IN THIS AGE GROUP WILL APPLY FOR NEW ID CARDS DURING THE FIVE-WEEK PERIOD.

♦THOSE WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTIONS AND HEAVY FINES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT 8AID.

♦APPLICANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD CARDS AND VISIT ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AT THEIR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.

♦THESE OFFICES WILL OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE BUSY IN THE DAYTIME DURING WEEKDAYS CAN GO TH&RE IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. .

THE PROCESSING OF AN APPLICATION WILL TAKE ONLY HALF AN HOUR AND APPLICANTS WILL BE ASKED TO RETURN AFTER 18 WORKING DAYS TO COLLECT THEIR NEW CARDS AND SURRENDER THEIR OLD ONES.

♦THOSE WHO WILL BE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIOD MUST APPLY FOR NEW CARDS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE REITERATED THAT DURING THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE PERIOD, THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN HONG KONG.

♦THOSE WHO ARE HERE ILLEGALLY WILL BE SENT BACK,* HE SAID.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE SCHEME MAY BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING 5-7956066 (CHINESE) OR 5-7909393 (ENGLISH).

S1.5 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS SIM*

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS APPROVED 11.5 MILLION FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO BE CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR.

THE SUM IS MORE THAN HALF OF THE TOTAL OF S2.9 MILLION ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE BOARD FOR VARIOUS LOCAL PROJECTS.

THE REMAINING 11.4 MILLION WILL BE USED FOR OTHER COMMUNITY INVXVEMENT PROJECTS, SUCH AS CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1985

OF THE $1.5 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORK, WHICH REPRESENTS A 15 PER CENT INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S SPENDING,. $800 000 WILL BE USED FOR REPLACING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES AT 18 VILLAGE PLAYGROUNDS.

RENOVATION WORK ON THESE FACILITIES HAD ALREADY STARTED AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID.

OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS WOULD BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AT SANG SANG TSUEN, SHA CHAU LEI, YEUNG UK TSUEN AND FAN TIN TSUEN, COSTING $450 000, HE ADDED.

THE REMAINING $250 000 WOULD BE USED TO IMPROVE EXISTING DISTRICT BOARD SITTING-OUT AREAS IN AND OUTSIDE YUEN LONG TOWN, HE SAID.

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

COMPUTER FOR TRACKING DOWN HABITUAL LITTERBUGS * * * * M *

LITTERBUGS HAD BETTER WATCH OUT AS THE COMPUTER WILL SEEK OUT HABITUAL OFFENDERS WHO WILL BE DEALT WITH STERNLY.

SINCE THE COMPUTERISATION OF LITTERING OFFENCE RECORDS IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 400 HABITUAL OFFENDERS HAVE BEEN TRACKED DOWN, SAID THE STAFF OFFICER (CLEANSING) OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR KONG BOK-YIN.

♦ABOUT 55 000 CASES WERE BROUGHT BEFORE THE ANTI-LITTER COURTS LAST YEAR, RESULTING IN MORE THAN $6.4 MILLION IN FINES,* HE ADDED.

ANTI-LITTER COURTS NOW DEAL WITH AN AVERAGE OF 4 600 CASES A MONTH.

BEFORE THE USE OF A COMPUTER, HE SAID, IT WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TRACE REPEAT OFFENDERS AS RECORDS WERE KEPT MANUALLY, WITH THE RESULT THAT ALMOST ALL LITTERBUGS WERE TREATED AS FIRST OFFENDERS.

♦HOWEVER, LITTER OFFENCE RECORDS ARE NOW STORED IN A COMPUTER AND, AT THE PUSH OF THE BUTTON, PARTICULARS OF AN OFFENDER CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COURT BEFORE EACH HEAR I NG,♦ MR KONG SAID.

♦IN FACT, THE COMPUTER HAS IN ITS RECORD THE NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMITTED LITTERING AS MANY AS FIVE TIMES,♦ HE SAID.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR LITTERING IS A FINE OF $5 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.

IT IS BELIEVED THAT HEAVIER FINES WILL MAKE PEOPLE THINK TWICE BEFORE COMMITTING ANY LITTERING OFFENCE.

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

/5......

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

RESIDENTS CHANNEL VIEWS TO DB MEMBERS X X X

ABOUT 140 REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS WERE DEALT WITH BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS LAST YEAR THROUGH THE MEET-THE PUBLIC SCHEME.

ABOUT HALF OF THE REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS CONCERNED HOUSING WHILE THE OTHERS WERE ON TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES, HAWKERS, AND LAW AND ORDER.

UNDER THE SCHEME, BOARD MEMBERS TAKE TURNS TO MEET RESIDENTS, GIVE THEM ADVICE AND, IF NECESSARY, REFER CASES TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED OR THE BOARD FOR ACTION.

♦THROUGH THE EFFORT OF THE BOARD AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MANY REQUESTS WERE MET,+ THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, SAID.

♦BUT FOR SOME CASES WHICH CANNOT BE HANDLED BECAUSE OF DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES, BOARD MEMBERS WILL EXPLAIN SUCH POLICIES TO THE RESIDENTS,^ HE SAID.

ON EVERY TUESDAY BETWEEN 3 PM AND 5 PM AND ON EVERY FRIDAY BETWEEN 7 PM AND 9 PM, THE BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET THE PUBLIC AT THE MAIN OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT MEI FUNG COURT IN ABERDEEN CENTRE.

ON EVERY TUESDAY BETWEEN 8 PM AND 9 PM, THE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE WAH FU SUB-OFFICE AT WAH CHING HOUSE, WAH FU ESTATE, AND THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICE AT NO.88, STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD.

RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO CHANNEL THEIR VIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL, TRAFFIC, SOCIAL OR OTHER PROBLEMS OR WHO WISH TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM BOARD MEMBERS MAY EITHER CONTACT THE THREE OFFICES IN PERSON OR MAKE APPOINTMENT AT 5-524429.

THOSE WHO LIVE IN REMOTE AREAS OR ARE TOO BUSY TO MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS MAY MAKE USE OF THE POSTGRAMMES - MY SUGGESTION TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.

THESE ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT 43 GOVERNMENT OFFICES, BANKS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, RESTAURANTS, SUPERMARKETS AND DEPARTMENT STORES IN THE DISTRICT.

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

REMINDER ON FLOATING HOLIDAYS ft ft ft ft

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT IF THEY HAD NOT ALREADY FIXED THE DATES OF THE TWO FLOATING HOLIDAYS FOR THIS YEAR AND THEIR EMPLOYEES HAD NOT REQUESTED THAT THESE HOLIDAYS BE ADDED TO THEIR PAID ANNUAL LEAVE THEY SHOULD GIVE EMPLOYEES THE FIRST FLOATING HOLIDAYOH *m6hDAY, JUNE 13. THE MONDAY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SECOND SATURDAY IN JUNE.

/IN THIS .......

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 198?

IN THIS CASE, THE SECOND FLOATING HOLIDAY SHALL FALL ON MONDAY, AUGUST 29, THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST.

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS HAVE TO FIX THE TWO FLOATING HOLIDAYS AND NOTIFY EMPLOYEES BY A NOTICE PLACED AT A CONSPICUOUS PLACE BEFORE THE END OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS EMPLOYED LOCALLY OR FROM OVERSEAS. IRRESPECTIVE CF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 17 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.

THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, INCLUDING WAGES AND ALLOWANCES BUT EXCLUDING 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 IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE CR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY.

WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS 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 THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi 3-205638 FOR KOWLOON EAST, 3-201652 FOR KOWLOON WEST, 3-319454 FOR KOWLOON SOUTH, 3-898520 FOR KWUN TONG, 0-4980208 FOR TSUEN WAN, 0-6577111, EXT. 114 FOR TAI PO, 0-818443 FOR TUEN MUN, 5-268671 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) AND 5-282523 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST).

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

/5......

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

- 5 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT

* H * X I

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO RELEASE THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S REPORT ON COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 7) IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD

THE CONFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, M? JOHN GRIFFITHS, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION AND MR HU FA-KUANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS SUB-COMMITTEE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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

GOOD WORK BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES ft ft ft ft ft

MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AS GRASS-ROOT LEVEL ORGANISATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY. HAD EFFECTIVELY REFLECTED PUBLIC OPINION TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, SAID TODAY.

IN SO DOING, THE MACS HAD HELPED CULTIVATE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND CONFIDENCE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.

HE WAS ADDRESSING SOME 3 000 PEOPLE WHO TOOK PART IN A CARNIVAL AT THE MORSE PARK TO LAUNCH THE +WONG TAI SIN WEST SUB-DISTRICTS MAC FORTNIGHT*.

♦APART FROM ENTHUSIASTICALLY PROMOTING SPORTS, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, THESE COMMITTEES ALSO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS INVOLVING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, LAW AND ORDER, AND CLEAN-UP PROGRAMMES.

♦FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE MACS HAVE NOW ASSUMED AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ROLE IN THAT THEY ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH AREA COMMITTEES, THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,♦ HE SAID.

THE MAC FORTNIGHT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE AREA COMMITTEES OF TUNG TAU, LOK FU AND WANG TAU HOM, IS AIMED AT PUBLICISING THE IMPORTANCE OF MACS IN THE WORK OF COMMUNITY BUILDING AS WELL AS HELPING TO FOSTER BETTER CO-OPERATION AMONG THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, ACS AND MACS.

/THE FORTNIGHT........

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 19^5

THE FORTNIGHT WILL ALSO FEATURE EXHIBITIONS ON THE WORK OF MACS AND A JOINT-AREA MAC SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN THE WEST SUB DISTRICTS.

BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE CARNIVAL, MR CHOK PERFORMED AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR A LION WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE, A CHINESE FOLK DANCE AND A SCHOOL BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR PEDRE CHING; THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, PAUL WONG; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

AT TODAY’S CARNIVAL, RESIDENTS ENJOYED THEMSELVES AND WON MANY ATTRACTIVE SOUVENIRS AT THE 25 GAME STALLS.

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

PERENNIAL BATTLE AGAINST RIVER POLLUTION * ft * *

REMOVING REFUSE FROM RIVERS AND STREAMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FORMS PART OF THE DAILY CLEANSING OPERATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES

SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS 13 SIX-MAN TEAMS IN THE TWO DISTRICTS TO CARRY OUT THE DAILY OPERATION.

+BUT NO SOONER HAS REFUSE BEEN REMOVED THAN MORE IS reins DUMPED INTO RIVERS AND STREAMS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FOR EXAMPLE, SOLID AGRICULTURAL WASTE IS HOSED DIRECTLY INTO THEM, AND THE SILT AND SOLID DEPOSITS ACCUMULATED OVER THE YEARS ARE NOW A MAJOR CAUSE OF FLOODING IN LOW LYING AREAS.

♦THE PROBLEM IS COMPOUNDED BY THE THOUGHTLESS DUMPING OF DOMESTIC RUBBISH INTO SLOWING-MOVING STREAMS,♦ HE SAID.

HE CALLED ON THE PUBLIC FOR CO-OPERATION WITHOUT WHICH THE POLLUTION PROBLEM COULD NOT BE ELIMINATED.

/7........

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY

* * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTN-NT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT FOR SHEUNG SHUI ' TREATMENT WORKS STAGE I, AT ORE HILL, SHEUNG SHUI.

WATER SUPPLY TO NORTHEASTERN NEW TERRITORIES IS AT PRESENT PROVIDED FROM THE TREATMENT WORKS AT TAI PO TAU.

DUE TO ON-GOING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES , DEMAND FOR WATER SUPPLY IS INCREASING.

THE NEW SCHEME AT SHEUNG SHUI WILL AUGMENT THE EXISTING SUPPLY SYSTEM TO MEET THIS GROWING DEMAND.

THE SCHEME COMPRISES THE TREATMENT WORKS AT ORB HILL, A SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TABLE HILL, SHEUNG SHUI, A PUMPING STATION AND ASSOCIATED WATER MAINS.

WHEN COMPLETED, THE TREATMENT WORKS WILL HAVE A CAPACITY CF 100 000 CUBIC METRES DAILY.

EXTENSION CAN BE MADE TO INCREASE THE ULTIMATE CAPACITY TO 240 000 CUBIC METRES DAILY.

TREATED WATER FROM THE WORKS WILL BE PUMPED TO THE PROPOSED SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TABLE HILL AS WELL AS TO THE EXISTING SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TONG HANG.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COURSES XXX

MORE THAN 1370 000 WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS THROUGH TWO SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

THE FUNDS ARE THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 393 CANTON ROAD IN KOWLOON. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON JULY 8.

THE AWARDS ARE TENABLE AT A UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, OR AN ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION.

CANDIDATES SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS, PREFERABLY UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE AND GENERALLY STUDENTS WHO MAY BE EXPECTED TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO EITHER AGRICULTURAL OR FISHERIES INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG ON QUALIFICATION.

/THESE STUDIUTS.....

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

THESE STUDENTS SHOULD NORMALLY STUDY COURSES WHICH MAY INCLUDE AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SC IENCES, BOTANY, ZOOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCES RELEVANT TO AGRICULTURE.

ALTERNATIVELY, THEY MAY STUDY SUCH SUBJECTS AS FISHERY BIOLOGY, MARINE BIOLOGY, FOOD TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMICS, MANAGEMENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE STUDIES, MARINE ENGINEERING, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCES CONSIDERED T< BE RELEAVNT TO MARINE

FISHERIES.

THE APPLICATIONS ARE ALSO OPEN TO PEOPLE WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AS WELL AS IN MARKETING INDUSTRIES, AND TO THEIR FAMILIES AND DEPENDENTS WHO WISH TO PURSUE FURTHER EDUCATION OR TRAINING IN ANY SUBJECT APPROVED BY THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUNDS.

SINCE THE TWO FUNDS WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1978, <870 000 HAVE BEEN PAID TO STUDENTS TO ASSIST THEM

MORE THAN IN THEIR STUDIES.

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

ADDITIONAL STOREYS FOR REHABILITATION CENTRE * * ft * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED FLANS TO BUILD AN ADDITIONAL THREE STOREYS FOR THE MACLEHOSE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT SANDY B/Y.

THE DECISION TO EXPAND THE 150-BED REHABILITATION CENTRE HAS BEEN MADE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION THAT MORE SPACE WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES.

THE TOTAL COST FOR THE PROJECT WILL BE IN THE REGION OF S66 MILLION.

THE EXTRA FLOORS WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR AN ADDITIONAL 50 BEDS WHICH MAY BE REQUIRED WHEN THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROJECT IS COMPLETED IN 1987/88, AS THE CENTRE WILL ACCEPT ADULT PATIENTS PRIMARILY FROM THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

THE EXPANSION WILL ALSO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SPACE FOR TRAINING FACILITIES FOR AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES IN TWO PARAMEDICAL GRADES (PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS) AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF QUARTERS.

THE INTENTION IS TO PROVIDE THESE EXTRA STOREYS WITH STRUCTURAL AND EXTERNAL FINISHES ONLY.

THE FITTING-OUT AND EQUIPPING OF THE PREMISES WILL BE ASSESSED NEARER THE TIME WHEN THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE REQUIRED.

/A SPOKESMAN .......

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 198?

- 9 -

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THE DECISION TO APPROVE PLANS FOR THE ADDITIONAL THREE STOREYS WAS MADE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE MORE PRACTICABLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE FOR THE EXTRA FLOORS TO BE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE REST OF THE CENTRE BY THE SAME CONTRACTOR.

IF THE EXTENSION WERE TO BE CARRIED OUT AT A LATER DATE IT WOULD CAUSE DISRUPTIONS TO THE CENTRE’S OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES, HE ADDED.

♦ON COMPLETION NEXT YEAR, THE MACLEHOSE MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE WILL PROVIDE VALUABLE SERVICES TO DISABLED PEOPLE WHO REQUIRE INTENSIVE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.

♦IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS A CLINICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR KDICAL STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS PROVIDE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND OTHER PARAMEDICAL STAFF FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CENTRE WILL HAVE A ♦REHABUS DEPOT+ — THE FIRST OF ITS KIND WHICH WILL PROVIDE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING OF THE SOCIETY’S BUSES FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.

IT WILL ALSO BE EQUIPPED WITH MANY UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES AND SERVICES DESIGNED TO HELP DISABLED PEOPLE RECOVER AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO BE REINTEGRATED INTO SOCIETY.

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

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED PUPILS

* X * * M

A TOTAL OF 10 SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED TO OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED STUDENTS DURING THE 1983/84 SCHOOL YEAR.

THE SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH OF WHICH WILL AMOUNT TO ABOUT 5300, ARE DONATED BY THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG TO HANDICAPPED STUDENTS AS RECOGNITION OF THEIR PERFORMANCE AT SCHOOL AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.

THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE AWARD IS TO MAKE HANDICAPPED PUPILS REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND TO DEVELOP THEIR CAPABILITIES AND POTENTIALS SO THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY AND SHARE ITS RESPONSIBILITIES.

NOMINEES FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE OVER 11 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER 1, 1983, HONG KONG CITIZENS WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AND HANDICAPPED PUPILS IN SPECIAL OR ORDINARY SCHOOLS WHO HAVE COMPLETED ONE ACADEMIC YEAR IN THOSE SCHOOLS.

/IN H£SPONbJ£..........

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

IN RESPONSE TO THE THEME +FRIENDSHIP - A WAY TO INTEGRATION* CHOSEN BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION THIS YEAR, DUE CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO PUPILS WHO HAVE RENDERED SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC AND HAVE INITIATED ATTEMPTS TOWARDS INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES WITH THE ABLE-BODIED.

NOMINATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY A SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE ISLAND JAYCEES, THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG SPECIAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SHELL/JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE AT THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 6 PERTH STREET, HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON, BY JUNE 30.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SCHOLARSHIPS MAY BE MADE TO THE CENTRE ON 3-7120432 OR 3-7600539.

0 - -

MORE VACANCIES NOTIFIED BY EMPLOYERS M M * M

THE NUMBER OF JOB VACANCIES NOTIFIED BY EMPLOYERS TO THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT LAST MONTH (MAY) INCREASED BY 80 PER CENT OVER APRIL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT A TOTAL OF 12 551 VACANCIES WERE NOTIFIED TO THE LES LAST MONTH, COMPARED WITH 6 974 VACANCIES IN APRIL.

THE MAY FIGURE ALSO REPRESENTED A 63 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 7 688 VACANCIES IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

♦MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE MAY FIGURE ARE SUMMER JOB VACANCIES, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF WHICH CAME FROM THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY,♦ HE ADDED.

AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASE IN VACANCIES, THE LES ALSO RECORDED A 44 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENTS LAST MONTH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THAT MONTH, PLACEMENTS TOTALLED 3 477, COMPARED WITH 2 414 IN APRIL AND 3 156 IN MAY LAST YEAR.

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

♦

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983

TAI PO AND KWAI CHUNG TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAYS it * ft *

TWO MORE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — TAI PO AND’KWAI CHUNG — WILL HOLD THEIR TREE PLANTING DAYS ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8).

THE TWO PLANTING DAYS ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS PART OF A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, SOME 120 STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL PLANT 100 YOUNG EVERGREEN TREES AROUND THE PLOVER COVE ROAD MINI-SOCCER PITCH.

THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR PONG KIN-HONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG HON-KAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE EVENT WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR CHAN CHUN-YUEN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING.

IN THE AFTERNOON, THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE ROADSIDE OF KWAI SHING CIRCUIT NEXT TO KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, ABOUT 100 EVERGREEN TREES WILL BE PLANTED BY ABOUT 100 SCHOQL CHILDREN AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.

PRESIDING OVER THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR NGA I YAU-KEI, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR CHAN TAI-YIU.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO TREE PLANTING DAYS.

THE TAI PO DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL BE HELD AT THE PLOVER COVE ROAD MINI-SOCCER PITCH IN TAI PO AT 10.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8).

THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL BE HELD ON THE ROADSIDE OF KWAI SHING CIRCUIT NEXT TO BLOCK 17, KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG, AT 3.30 PM THE SAME DAY.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 1983 - 12 -

HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS

* * * *

THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON JUNE 13, THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

ON THAT DAY, 35 POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI, TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON.

THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY (JUNE 11) AND ON TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL (JUNE 15).

ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON THESE TWO DAYS.

- o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PUTTING HONG KONG'S EXPORTS TN PERSPECTIVE .................... 1

39 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL ........................... 2

ELDERLY PEOPLE GET PUBLIC HOUSING PRIORITY..................... 3

36O-MILLION BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED ......................... 4

SEA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE CHANGES EXPLAINED...................... 4

REMOTE VILLAGES NOT FORGOTTEN ................................. 5

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY STARTING SOON ............... 6

MORE LECTURERS NEEDED FOR TECHNICAL COURSES ................... 7

DRAMA PLAY FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS ............................ 7

NEW ROAD PROJECT FOR YUEN LONG ................................ g

ROAD REPAIR IN NORTH POINT .................................... 8

WORK ON SALT WATER PIPES ...................................... 9

WATER FIGURES ................................................. 9

MUNUAY, JUNE 6, 1983

PUTTING HONG KONG’S EXPORTS IN PERSPECTIVE

M M * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS WERE NOT THE THREAT TO OTHER COUNTRIES’ DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES THAT THEY WERE SOMETIMES MADE OUT TO BE.

HE MADE THE COMMENT *WHILE PUTTING HONG KONG’S EXPORTS IN PERSPECTIVE*, TO COMBAT +THE INACCURATE PROPAGANDA* FROM THOSE COUNTRIES.

♦WHAT CONCERNS ME IS THAT IN THEIR WISH TO PUT OVER THE PROTECTIONIST MESSAGE. THE FACTS ARE OFTEN TWISTED. THIS MAY OR MAY NOT BE DELIBERATE, BUT IT MEANS THAT THE DOMESTIC DEBATE ON SUCH ISSUES IS OFTEN SADLY UNINFORMED,* SAID MR MACLEOD, ADDRESSING THE DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

REFERRING TO A RECENT PRESS STATEMENT BY A UNITED STATES GARMENT INDUSTRY SPOKESMAN THAT OVERALL IMPORTS OF GARMENTS HAD REACHED 40 PER CENT OF TOTAL CONSUMPTION, MR MACLEOD SAIDi ♦I THINK WE ARE ALL PAINFULLY AWARE THAT STATISTICS CAN BE JUGGLED TO SAY ALMOST ANYTHING ONE WANTS THEM TO SAY.

♦ONE CAN USE VALUE FIGURES OR QUANTITY FIGURES. ONE CAN TALI ABOUT PROPORTION OF IMPORTS RATHER THAN PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL CONSUMPTION'. AND SO ON.

♦IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE WE CANNOT WORK OUT HOW A FIGURE OF 40 PER CENT CAN BE ARRIVED AT, HOWEVER ONE PLAYS WITH THE STATISTICS.

♦BUT THE FACT IS THAT 87 PER CENT OF THE U.S. TEXTILE AND GARMENT MARKET IS SUPPLIED BY THEIR OWN DOMESTIC INDUSTRY. IT IS TRUE THAT HONG KONG’S SHARE OF THEIR IMPORTS OF THESE PRODUCTS IS QUITE HIGH, AT 15 PER CENT. WE ARE HAPPY THAT THIS IS SO. BUT THE POINT TO BE BORNE IN MIND IS THAT OUR SHARE OF THE TOTAL MARKET IS ONLY TWO PER CENT, WHICH I THINK PUTS THE EFFECT OF HONG KONG IMPORTS INTO PROPER PERSPECTIVE.

♦TWO PER CENT REALLY CANNOT BE A THREAT TO DOMESTIC INDUSTRY, THOUGH I ACCEPT THAT IF ONE TOOK JUST GARMENTS, AND PARTICULARLY WHAT THEY WOULD CALL SENSITIVE CATEGORIES OF GARMENTS, THEN THE PERCENTAGE WOULD OF COURSE BE HIGHER, THOUGH EVEN IN SUCH CASES I CANNOT BELIEVE IT WOULD BE AS HIGH AS 40 PER CENT.*

MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT A FURTHER FACT USED TO CRITICISE HONG KONG WAS THAT IN SOME COUNTRIES THE IMPORTS OF GARMENTS FROM HONG KONG HAD INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT OR 20 PER CENT IN THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTHS IN 1982. ^THEREFORE, THE PRESSURE GROUPS ARGUED SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO STOP THIS. WHAT THESE GROUPS USUALLY FORGET TO MENTION IS THAT OUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF GARMENT EXPORTS ARE ALREADY RESTRAINED BY AGREEMENTS UNDER THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA).

/♦OVERALL ABOUT .......

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

- 2 -

♦OVERALL ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF HONG KONG'S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING ARE COVERED BY RESTRAINT AGREEMENTS UNDER THE MFA. THUS AN INCREASE IN PART OF A YEAR IS SIMPLY IRRELEVANT! OVER THE YEAR AS A WHOLE THERE IS A KNOWN LIMIT TO THE EXTENT OF IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG,* HE REMARKED.

REFERRING TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, MR MACLEOD CITED THE FINDINGS OF TWO STUDIES TO SUBSTANTIATE HONG KONG’S CLAIM THAT THE DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IS NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG.

♦THE FIRST IS A STUDY WHICH SHOWED THAT BETWEEN 1973 AND 1979 THE PRODUCTION OF TEXTILES IN THE EEC FELL BY ONLY FOUR PER CENT, AND OF CLOTHING BY ONLY ONE PER CENT. BUT EMPLOYMENT FELL BY h PER CENT AND 21 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE MAIN REASON WAS A 25 PER CENT RISE IN OUTPUT PER MAN IN BOTH INDUSTRIES

♦MY SECOND EXAMPLE RELATES TO THE UK. A REPORT BY THE BRITISH TEXTILE FEDERATION SHOWS THAT THE MAIN SOURCE OF THE INCREASE IN IMPORTS HAS BEEN — AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE — THE EEC AS THE +TIMES* COMMENTED ON THIS REPORTi ’ADVANCED COUNTRIES SIMPLY TOOK UP THE SLACK THAT DEVELOPING NATIONS COULD NOT EXPLOIT DUE TO MFA QUOTAS’. .

♦I MOPE I HAVE HELPED TO UNDERLINE THE FACT THAT, SUCCESSFUL AS HONG KONG HAS BEEN IN WORLD TRADE, OUR EXPORTS DO NOT REALLY POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO ANYONE, IF LOOKED AT OBJECTIVELY AND IN RELATION TO THE TOTAL CONSUMPTION IN EACH MARKET,♦ MR MACLEOD CONCLUDED.

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

39 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN APRIL * * * * M

THIRTY-NINE NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 59 IN APRIL LAST YEAR.

OF THESE NEW PLANS, NINE WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, EIGHT FOR KOWLOON AND 22 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDE TWO SCHOOLS IN KENNEDY ROAD AND KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, THE EXTENSION TO THE HOME FOR THE AGED PEOPLE AT TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION IN YUEN LONG AND TWO PETROL FILLING STATIONS IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND AND HONG LOK YUEN, TAI PO.

THE DECLARED COST OF ALL THE NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $1 437.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $676.2 MILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.

THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS TOTALLED 355 032.5 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 161 483.7 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 193 548.8 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

/IN the ........

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

IN THE SAME MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 43 PROJECTS. THEY INCLUDE THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AT THE JUNCTION OF FENWICK STREET AND HARBOUR ROAD, A CARGO TERMINAL IN KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND A CLOTHING INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRE AT THE JUNCTION OF SIU YIP STREET AND TAI YIP STREET.

ALTOGETHER, 41 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN APRIL. THEY COMPRISE A SCHOOL EXTENSION IN KENNEDY ROAD, A HOTEL/COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN SALISBURY ROAD, AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AND A BUS DEPOT IN YUEN LONG.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE PERMISSION FOR 44 BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED IN THE SAME MONTH.

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ELDERLY PEOPLE GET PUBLIC HOUSING PRIORITY

* M M M

TWENTY-FIVE ELDERLY COUPLES ARE HAPPILY SETTLING DOWN IN THEIR NEW HOMES AT THE FU SHAN ESTATE, AS A RESULT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT'S PRIORITY SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY.

THEY ARE AMONG THE LATEST GROUP TO BENEFIT UNDER A HOUSING DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

THE SCHEME,

HE SAID THE SCHEME GAVE PRIORITY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION TO MARRIED COUPLES OR GROUPS OF THREE UNRELATED PEOPLE WHO WERE 60 YEARS OF AGE OR ABOVE.

♦SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1979, MORE THAN 3 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE NAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS.

♦THEY ARE PUT ON A SPECIAL WAITING LIST AND OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING NORMALLY WITHIN TWO YEARS OF REGISTRATION.♦

THE SPOKESMAN SAID MORE ELDERLY COUPLES WOULD SOON BE MOVING TO THE FU SHAN ESTATE WHERE SOME 100 VACANCIES HAD BECOME AVAILABLE FROM AN EXTERNAL DECANTATION EXERCISE TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING.

IN A VISIT TO INSPECT THE PROGRESS OF THE SCHEME AT FU SHAN, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, HR BERNARD WILLIAMS TALKED TO SOME OF THE ELDERLY COUPLES WHO ALL EXPRESSED GRATITUDE FOR THE SCHEME AND SATISFACTION WITH THEIR NEW HOMES.

AMONG THEM WERE MR LAM TAK-WING, A CASUAL WORKER AGED 70, AND HIS WIFE, MADAM LEUNG WAI-MING, 67, WHO HAD COME FROM A SMALL CUBICLE IN A CAUSEWAY BAY TENEMENT BUILDING WHICH THEY HAD RENTED AT Si 100 A MONTH.

♦OUR NEW HOME IS BIG ENOUGH FOR US, AND THE RENT IS ONLY $133 WHICH MEANS A SAVING OF ALMOST $1 000 A MONTH,♦ MR LAM SAID.

HE HAD TO WAIT FOR ONLY ONE AND A HALF YEARS BEFORE GETTING THE FLAT.

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MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

$60—MILLION BUILDING CONTRACT AWARDED

M * * N

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $60.87 MIU ION CONTRACT TO FOOK WAH CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCK IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR FRED WOO, CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.

MR WOO SAID THAT THE WORK FORMED PART OF THE TUEN MUN CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX WHICH WOULD PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.

HE SAID THAT THE COMPLEX, OCCUPYING A FOUR-HECTARE SITE ON THE RECLAIMED LAND NEAR THE NEW TOWN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, WOULD CONSIST OF A 1 450-SEAT AUDITORIUM, TWO GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCKS, A LIBRARY, A MAGISTRACY, A MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, POST OFFICE AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND A BUS STATION.

ME SAID, ♦THE COMPLEX WIU HAVE A LANDSCAPED GARDEN IN ITS CENTRE. ♦

HE NOTED THAT THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AUDITORIUM WAS AWARDED LAST MONTH.

WORK ON THE PRESENT CONTRACT WIU INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A KVEN-STOREY BLOCK WHICH WILL PROVIDE 7 000 SQUARE METRES OF ACCOMMODATION FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

MR WOO SAID THAT ABOUT 30 COVERED CAR PARKING SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE BLOCK.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1985.

SHA TIN DISTI ICT 0-FI :E CHANGES EXPLAINED M M I M

THE REORGANISATION Of THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BRANCH IN SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE HaS AROUSED KEEN INTEREST AMONG OFFICIALS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH.

A PARTY OF 12, LED BY THREE DEPUTY SECRETARIES FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, MR GORDON SIU AND MR MICHAEL SZE, VISITED THE DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY TO GATHER FEEDBACK ON THE REORGANISATION.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, TOLD THE VISITORS THAT UNDER THE NEW STRUCTURE, HIS OFFICE HAD ADOPTED A WHOLE NEW INFORMATION SYSTEM AND CHAINS OF COMMAND WITH ALL SCHEDULES OF STAFF DUTIES REWRITTEN IN THE CONTEXT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

/fuhthehmdhb, he.........

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

- 5 -

FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, THE TITLE OF LIAISON OFFICERS IN THE DISTRICT HAD BEEN CHANGED TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE NATURE OF THEIR WORK.

THE VISITING PARTY LATER CALLED AT THE LION’S PAVILION FOR A BRIEFING ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE IN THE NEW TOWN. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO CHUN SHEK ESTATE IN TIN SUM VALLEY TO SEE TRIDENT PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

OFFICIALS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ALSO LOOKED INTO CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ON KCR HOUSE, ABOVE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION. THE NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, WHEN COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER, WILL ENABLE MOST OF THE GOVERNMENT SERVANTS IN THE DISTRICT TO WORK UNDER ONE ROOF.

------0 - - - -

REMOTE VILLAGES NOT FORGOTTEN * ft * ft *

IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD OF VILLAGERS IN REMOTE AREAS REMAINS A MAJOR CONCERN OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, TOLD VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES OF NORTHEAST LANTAU DURING A VISIT THERE THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.

PLACES SHE VISITED INCLUDE TAI TSI NG CHAU, YAM 0, TA SHU I WAN AND CHOK KO WAN, A SHIPYARD AND A SCHOOL.

DURING THE VISIT, MISS CHUNG MET VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM VARIOUS LOCAL PROBLEMS.

SME NOTED THAT WATER SUPPLY FOR VILLAGERS ON NORTHEAST LANTAU CAME FROM STREAMS, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD BEEN ASSISTING THEM BY PROVIDING WATERPIPES THROUGH THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.

ON POWER SUPPLY, MOST VILLAGES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH ELECTRICITY BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY SINCE 1979, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF YAM 0 AND LUK KENG.

♦ IN ORDER TO MAKE UP FOR THE DEFICIENCY, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS PROVIDED GENERATORS TO THE TWO VILLAGES TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM,* MISS CHUNG SAID.

♦ AS FAR AS CLEANSING IS CONCERN, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PROVIDING CLEANSING SERVICE TO THE AREA ONCE A WEEK.

♦ AN INCINERATOR IS PLANNED FOR CHOK KO WAN BUT HAS TO AWAIT A NEW DESIGN WHICH WILL CAUSE LESS POLLUTION.

♦THE REFUSE BROUGHT ASHORE BY SEA CURRENT TO CHOK KO WAN IS A PROBLEM, AND A LARGE SCALE CLEANSING ACTION WAS TAKEN LAST YEAR DURING THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AND OVER 1 000 BASKETS OF REFUSE WERE CLEARED AWAY,* SHE ADDED.

ON LAW AND ORDER, SHE SAID THE POLICING OF THE AREA WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MARINE DISTRICT OF THE POLICE FORCE.

AaSPOHTING TO ......

MOUU.T, JUNE 6, 1963

- 6 -

♦REPORTING TO THE POLICE HAS TO BE HADE TO THE NV I WO POLICE STATION.

♦THIS VERY INCONVENIENT SITUATION WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED MEN A NEW POLICE STATION IS OPENED AT DISCOVERY BAY,* SHE SAID.

SHE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE FOOTPATH LEADIM FROM TA SHU I WAN TO CHOK KO WAN WOULD BE REPAIRED UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AMD WORK WOULD START NEXT MONTH.

----o------

PLASTICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY STARTING SOON

* * * « *

A SURVEY OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN JUNE 22 AND 30 TO ASCERTAIN THE MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY.

THE SURVEY IS PLANNED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WILL BE SENT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM SAMPLING.

THESE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, VACANCIES AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO PERSONNEL AND TRAINING.

DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THEM.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR DENNIS TING, URGED MANAGEMENTS OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS TO COOPERATE AND PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION.

♦THE SURVEY IS NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT TO THE FORMULATION OF MEANINGFUL TRAINING PLANS FOR THE INDUSTRY,* MR TING SAID.

♦THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS,* HE STRESSED.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE MANPOWER STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-454002 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

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

/7 ........

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

MORE LECTURERS NEEDED FOR TECHNICAL COURSES M M M M M

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL BE PROVIDING 5 OOO MORE PART-TIME EVENING STUDY PLACES IN THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES DURING THE 1983-84 ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE TOTAL ENROLMENT CAPACITY FOR PART-TIME EVENING STUDENTS WILL THUS BE BOOSTED TO 25 000, IN ADDITION TO THE 11 000 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS WHO ATTEND TWO DAY SESSIONS AND ONE EVENING SESSION A WEEK.

THESE PLACES ARE WITHIN THE 92 PART-TIME EVENING COURSES WHICH THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTI TUES, NAMELY, KWAI CHUNG, MAKING WONG, MORRISON HILL, KWUN TONG AAD LEE WAI LEE, WILL BE OFFERING.

THE COURSES COVER A WIDE RAISE OF STUDIES IN THE ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES, COMMERCE, ACCOUNTANCY, TEXTILES, CLOTHING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES AND ARE AT T> E CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS.

AS A RESULT. MORE PART-TIME LECTURERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE UP VARIOUS TEACHING POSITIONS.

QUALIFIED PEOPLE WITH INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE ARE URGED BY THE COUNCIL TO CONTACT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE TEACHING POSTS.

THE COUNCIL BELIEVES THAT THE SUPPORT OF EXPERIENCED LECTURERS IN VARIOUS FIELDS IS NECESSARY FOR INDUSTRIES TO BE PROVIDED WITH A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF WELL-TRAINED MANPOWER.

THE COURSES WILL START IN MID-SEPTEMBER AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THESE POSTS IS JUNE 17.

- - - - 0 ----

DRAMA PLAY FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS * * N *

Drama lovers in yuen long will be treated to a play by the LUT*SAU,!1allM£ATRE C0HPA*V 0M SATURDAY (JUNE 11) AT 3 PM AT THE

SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD. THE PROGRAMME IS BA** .9**AN I SEP BY THE YUEN LONG ARTS COMMITTEE. YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NT).

THE PLAY, ENTITLED +CLEVER SERVANT, STUPID MASTERS* IS A COMEDY ABOUT A SERVANT WHO LIVED IN CANNON MANY YEARS AGO AND S?.IiiKwI2oW°RK F0R ™ MA8TERS AT THE SAME TIME - WITHOUT Inc IK KNUWIN64 %

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE LUT SAU HALL.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

NEW ROAD PROJECT FOR YUEN LONG * * *

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A ROAD PROJECT IN YUEN LONG.

THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.

IT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINS AT THE YUEN LONG EASTERN ROUNDABOUT, A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAN ROAD AND FUNG CHEUNG STREET, AND A COMBINED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE OVER THE YUEN LONG EASTERN NULLAH AND ON LOK ROAD.

WHEN COMPLETED. THEY WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE NORTHERN BYPASS AMD THE YUEN LONG-AU TAU DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.

CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

------j-------

ROAD REPAIR IN NCRTH POINT K S I

W FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, VEMCLES TRAVELLING ON JAVA ROAD EASTBOUND MAY NOT TURN RIGHT ONTO TONG SHU I ROAD FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8).

IN ADDITION, NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ALONG TONG SHU I ROAD MAY NOT TURN RIGHT ONTO JAVA ROAD.

BUT VEHICLES HEADING FOR TONG SHU I ROAD SOUTHBOUND MAY NOT TRAVEL VIA THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TONG SHU I ROAD AND MAKE A U-TURN AT THE LOOP NEAR WHARF ROAD.

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 1983

- 9 -

WONK ON SALT WATER PIRES * * M * M

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR 14 HOURS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 9) FOR WORK ON RENEWAL OF PIPES.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU WAI. KOWLOON CITY, SAN PO KONG, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON TONG, WANG TAU HOM INCLUDING LOK FU ESTATES, TUNG TAU ESTATE, FU SHAN ESTATE, KAI TAK AIRPORT AND KOWLOON HOSPITAL.

WATER FIGURES

M M M

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 495.917 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

TRIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 311.88! MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 54.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

----0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

.CONTENTS PAGE NO.

'COMMUNITY SERVICE1 PLANNED FOR CERTAIN OFFENDERS................. 1

NINE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING ................................. 2

PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME +STILL AMONG WORLD’S LARGEST*............... 3

VISITING CHINESE OFFICIALS SEE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ............ 3

POLICE FORCE KEEPING UP WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .............. 4

HONG KONG NOW ABLE TO DESIGN OWN COMPUTERS ....................... 6

SCHOOLS' SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS PRAISED ............................. 7

MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH ......................... 7

EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAY ...................... 11

INSURANCE MANPOWER SURVEY FIELD WORK STARTS TOMORROW.......... 12

WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF VISUALISER................................ 12

CELEBRITIES TAKING PART IN FIGHT CRIME SOCCER MATCH ............. 13

EARLY PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES ..................................... 14

WAN CHAI ROAD WORKS CAUSE TRAFFIC CHANGES ....................... 14

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED.......................................... 15

KWUN TONG WATER MAINS WORK...................................... 15

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

•COMMUNITY SERVICE’ PLANNED FOR

******

CERTAIN OFFENDERS

PEOPLE CONVICTED OF CERTAIN OFFENCES MAY BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO IMPRISONMENT, ACCORDING TO A PROPOSED SCHEME PUBLISHED IN A REPORT TODAY.

UNDER COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS, WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, CONVICTED OFFENDERS MAY, WITH THEIR CONSENT, BE REQUIRED TO SERVE THEIR SENTENCE THROUGH SUCH WORK AS DECORATING OLD PEOPLES’ HOMES, OR HELPING TO BUILD CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY BY MR F.K. HU, CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH LOOKED INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING SUCH +COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS*, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR JOHN GRIFFITHS, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION.

OFFENCES SEEN AS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR SUCH ORDERS ARE THOSE INVOLVING AN ELEMENT OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR, SUCH AS CRIMINAL DAMAGE AND LESS SERIOUS ASSAULTS, MR HU SAID.

AND THE LIKELY OFFENDER SUITABLE FOR AN ORDER WOULD BE BETWEEN 17 AND 30 YEARS OF AGE, FROM A SETTLED ADDRESS AND STABLE BACKGROUND, INCLUDING STABLE EMPLOYMENT.

♦WHILE IT WILL BE UP TO THE COURTS TO EXERCISE THIS TYPE OF SENTENCING POWER, IT IS NOT ENVISAGED THAT IT WILL BE USED WHEN A FINE OR SUSPENDED SENTENCE WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

♦IT IS DESIGNED TO KEEP A PERSON WHO IS CAPABLE OF REHABILITATION OUT OF PRISON,* MR HU SAID.

SUCH AN OFFENDER WOULD ALSO HAVE A FAIR AMOUNT OF FREE TIME, BE FIT AND ABLE, BUT LACKING IN SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. HE WOULD ALSO NOT BE A SOPHISTICATED OFFENDER, NOR A MENTALLY ILL PERSON. HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TOO LOW AN INTELLIGENCE NOR SHOULD HE HAVE A LOW THRESHOLD OF CONTROL.

SUCH AN ORDER, IT WAS EMPHASISED, WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR A PERSON ADDICTED TO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.

IF APPROVED AS OUTLINED IN THE REPORT, THE SCHEME WOULD TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO SET UP. PROBATION OFFICERS WOULD HAVE TO BE APPOINTED AND TRAINED, AS THEY WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE OFFENDERS BEFORE SENTENCE IS PASSED AND FOR ALLOCATING THE WORK UNDER THE ORDERS.

A NUMBER OF BENEFITS OF SUCH A SYSTEM ARE SET OUT IN CHAPTER FIVE OF THE REPORT. AMONG THE BENEFITS INDICATED ARE THAT IT WOULD BE LESS COSTLY THAN IMPRISONMENT, AND WOULD NOT UNNECESSARILY DISRUPT THE FAMILY UNIT, OR SCHOOLING. IT COULD ALSO MEAN THAT EMPLOYMENT COULD BE RETAINED, AND THERE WOULD BE LESS DAMAGE TO SELF-ESTEEM. IF THE SCHEME, PROPOSED IN THE REPORT FOR CAUSEWAY BAY SAN PO KONG, AND TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACIES IS SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL BE EXPANDED TO OTHER COURTS.

/it was ....

TUSSDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

IT WAS ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE SCHEME HAS BEEN OFFERED THE SUPPORT OF SOME 30 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

THE MATTER WAS FIRST REFERRED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 13,. 1981. AS A RESULT A SUB-COMMITTEE WAS SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR F.K. HU TO CONSIDER THIS AND SEVERAL ANCILLARY QUESTIONS.

THE REPORT BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAS SINCE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE FULL LAW REFORM COMMISSION AND ADOPTED BY IT, AND THE GOVERNOR AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN BRIEFED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON IT AS WELL.

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

NINE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING

X X * *

NINE BILLS -- INCLUDING THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983, AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983, ON WHICH A NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING -- ARE EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW.

ANOTHER BILL, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983, WILL BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE TILL JUNE 29.

IN ADDITION, NINE QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS.

A QUESTION CONCERNING THE USE OF GROWTH-PROMOTING CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN THE LOCAL POULTRY BREEDING. INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS ON CONTROL SAFEGUARDS TO REDUCE HEALTH RISK TO CONSUMERS, WILL PE ASKED.

OTHER QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS WHETHER DIFFERENT STANDARDS OF TREATMENT ARE APPLIED TO PRISONERS (BOTH CRIMINAL OFFENDERS AND CIVIL JUDGMENT DEBTORS), THE PRESENT POSITION REGARDING THE REVIEW OF ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES RELATING TO CIVIL DEBTS, THE EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME FOR THE INSTALLATION OF OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AS WELL AS THE WORK BEING DONE FOR. YOUNG PEOPLE BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE.LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THERE WILL ALSO BE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANTI-HIJACKING SEC^PI'YY ARRANGEMENTS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS, AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF SEVERANCE’ PAY.

THE SEVEN OTHER BILLS DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING ARE:

EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT)' BILL 1923, WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1°83, LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, PR I SONS a AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (AMENDMENT) dILL 1983 AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.

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/3......

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

- 3 -

PU3LIC HOUSING SCHEME *STILL AMONG WORLD’S LARGEST* * * *

HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING IS ON THE RIGHT COURSE IN MEETING GROWING ASPIRATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DONALD LIAO SAID TODAY ON HIS RETURN FROM AN INTERNATIONAL HOUSING CONFERENCE.

♦OUR PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IS STILL ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN THE WORLD,♦ SAID MR LIAO WHO HAD ATTENDED THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION FOR HOUSING AND PLANNING CONGRESS IN LISBON.

♦ IN TERMS OF STANDARD AND DESIGN CONCEPT, IT IS PROBABLY MORE ADVANCE,* HE ADDED.

MR LIAO SAID THAT AT THE CONFERENCE, THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING WERE MADE KNOWN TO PARTICIPANTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.

♦ WE ATTENDED SEMINARS AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ON FINANCE, PLANNING, URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT, AS WELL AS TECHNICAL AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN RELATION TO HOUSING AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS.*

AFTER THE CONFERENCE, MR LIAO SAID HE FLEW TO LONDON ON A DUTY VISIT WHERE HE MET AND DISCUSSED PUBLIC HOUSING WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BRITISH BUILDING INDUSTRY AS WELL AS A TRADE ADVISORY GROUP FOR HONG KONG IN BRITAIN.

VISITING CHINESE OFFICIALS SEE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES X X M *

THE VISITING GROUP OF 43 URBAN OFFICIALS FROM CHINA TODAY CONTINUED THEIR THIRD DAY OF STUDY TOUR LOOKING AT HOW REDEVELOPMENT WORKS IN OLDER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES UPGRADED THE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR TENANTS.

♦ THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR OLDER ESTATES IS A VERY GOOD CONCEPT,♦ SAID MR CAO MIAO, HEAD OF THE GROUP.

HE SAID THE SCHEME HAD OBVIOUSLY UPGRADED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS.

THE PARTY WERE SHOWN THE REDEVELOPMENT AND CONVERSION SCHEMES WHICH PROVIDED ADEQUATE FACILITIES AND GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR OLD ESTATES BUILT IN THE EARLY 50’S.

IN THEIR VISIT TO THE LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, THEY LOOKED AT THE PROVISION OF PRIVATE TOILETS WITH TAPS AND BASINS TO INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS AS PART OF THE IMPROVEMENTS.

TUESDAY, JbTJ£ 7, 19&3

THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOJR OF THE SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE WHERE NEW BLOCKS, A MODERN COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED ALSO UNDER A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.

THEY SAW AT FLATS WHICH HAD BEEN CONVERTED TO PROVIDE LARGER AND SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION FOR THE TENANTS.

EARLIER, THE GROUP OF SENIOR PROFESSIONALS AND EXECUTIVES FROM SHANGHAI, BEIJING. TIANJING AND GUANGZHOU ATTENDED A SEMINAR IN WHICH SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS OUTLINED THc VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES, URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AND NEW TO*N DEVELOPMENT.

THEIR VISIT TO HONG KONG FORMS PART OF A SEVEN-WEEK TRAINING COURSE ORGANISED BY THE SHANGHAI INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT, THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPALITY AND THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OF THE WORLD BANK, OF WHICH CHINA IS A

MEMBER.

• DURING THEIR STAY HERE, THE PARTY WILL BE SEEING HONG KONG’S MASSIVE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, TRANSPORT, NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS SEWAGE AND WATER TREATMENT WORKS.

- - _ _ o - - - -

POLICE FORCE KEEPING UP WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ft * & K

THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IS STRIVING, BY THE USE OF WELL PROVEN METHODS AND THE ASSISTANCE OF HIGH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF A SOPHISTICATED, DEMANDING AND COMPLEX SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF MANAGEMENT AND INSPECTION SERVICES, JR. ROBERT BROWN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG COMPUTER CONFERENCE ’??, BROWN OUTLINED HOW THE FORCE WAS CURRENTLY EMBRACING INFORM,.? I ON TECHNOLOGY IN AN EFFORT TO MEET ITS FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES.

”AS AN ORGANISATION, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE IS MANPOWER INTENSIVE, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE RIGHT INFORMATION AT THE RIGHT TIME IS ITS LIFE BLOOD, ” HE SAID.

NOTING THAT THE FORCE OPERATES WITHIN A FAST C-A'-GING SOCIETY, MR. BROWN SAID IT WAS CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT ALL ASPECTS OF HlCH TECHNOLOGY IN AN EFFORT TO ESTABLISH COUNTER-BALANCES WHICH WOULD ENABLE IT TO RETAIN THE INITIATIVE AND THUS CONTINUE TO FULFIL ITS OBLIGATIONS TO THE PUBLIC.

’’INEVITABLY THE COMPLEXITY OF POLICING MODERN HONG K3NG HA? HIGH.IGHTED THE NEED FOR ThE R0Ya_ hOnG KONG POLICE T1 TAKE A'-INDEPTh uOOK AT ThE MANY AND VARIED ACTIVITIES AND FUNCTIONS -HICH MAKE UP POLICE WORK AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, RELATE THESE TO CONTEMPORARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY."

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

- 5 -

AS A STARTING POINT IN 1981, THE FORCE COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED WITH A REPRESENTATION EMBRACING ALL ASPECTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

"THE GROUP NOW ENSURES A RATIONALISED APPROACH TO THE INTRODUCTION OF ESSENTIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BY PROVIDING A MEANS WHEREBY THE VARIOUS NEEDS THROUGHOUT THE FORCE CAN BE IDENTIFIED, AND AFTER BEING FULLY JUSTIFIED, ASSESSED AS TO A RELATIVE PRIORITY AND THEN PROCESSED.

"AT THE PRESENT TIME, JOINTLY WITH GOVERNMENT, THE FORCE IS WELL ADVANCED IN ITS PLANNING FOR A MUCH ENHANCED REPLACEMENT FOR THE EXISTING COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM, WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1977, AND IS FAST COMING TO THE END OF ITS LIFE CIRCLE.”

THE NEW SYSTEM WILL NOT ONLY FULFIL THE BASIC FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY THE PRESENT CONFIGURATION, BUT WILL ALSO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION CAPTURED SO AS TO GIVE SUPERVISORS AND SENIOR OFFICERS AT ALL LEVELS REFINED MANAGEMENT INFORMATION WHICH IS HITHERTO UNAVAILABLE.

"THE RESULT WILL BE THE TAKING OF BETTER INFORMED DECISIONS ON SUCH MATTERS AS NECESSARY MANPOWER LEVELS, VOLUME AND TYPE OF INCIDENTS AND CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,THUS ENSURING MUCH GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE SPREAD AND USE Or RESOURCES, AND A CONSEQUENT IMPROVED RESPONSE," MR. BROWN EXPLAINED.

THE ENHANCED SYSTEM WILL ALSO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDING A FACILITY FOR THE RECORDING OF DETAILS OF CRIMES REPORTED TO THE POLICE AND ALSO OF STOLEN AND FOUND PROPERTY.

WHILE OPERATIONAL OFFICERS WILL HAVE ,VIA THE TERRITORY WIDE RADIO AND VDU NETWORK, QUICK ACCESS TO THE VAST AMOUNT 0- INFORMATION STORED IN THE SYSTEM SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS WILL BE ABcZ TO OBTAIN INFORMATION UPON TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF CRIME, IN -AR MORE DETAIL THAN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.

SIMULTANEOUS WITH THIS PROJECT, PLANNING IS ON-GOING FOR AN INTEGRATED PERSONNEL AND TRAINING SYSTEM TO CATER FOR T-E DAY-TO-DAY NEEDS FOR STAFF MOVEMENT, LATERAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION AND TRAINING.

POSITIVE PROGRESS IS ALSO BEING MADE IN OTHER FIELD., "OR EXAMPLE, BY THE USE OF WORD PROCESSORS, WHICH HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN A NUMBER OF KEY AREAS OF THE FORCE AND BY ThE INTRODUCTION 0" COMPUTERISED EXAMINATION PAPER MARKING.

"WHILST ACCEPTING THAT THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL PRESENCE OF A POLICE OFFICER WILL ALWAYS BE PARAMOUNT IN THE MAINTENANCE Or LAW ORDER, IT IS EQUALLY CERTAIN THAT THE USE OF CONTtMPORARr INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WILL ENSURE A BETTER USE OF RESOURCES, AND ENABLE, ’0 A LARGE EXTENT, INCREASING WORKLOADS TO BE ABSORBED, WITHOUT A NEED TO MAKE A COMMENSURATE INCREASE IN THAT MOST EXPENSIVE OF RESOuRCES-MANPOWER," MR. BROWN CONCLUDED.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

HONG KONG NOW ABLE TO DESIGN OWN COMPUTERS

******

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (TUESDAY) STRESSED THAT THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS HERE WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART IN THE PROCESS OF CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT AND MODERNISATION OF HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.

ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ♦HONG KONG COMPUTER 1983+ EXHIBITION, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE GROWTH WAS ALSO VITAL IN KEEPING HONG KONG AS A LEADING TRADE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.

♦ IN 1976, WHEN THE APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS TO BUSINESS WAS STILL AT AN EARLY STAGE, HONG KONG HAD ONLY 118 COMPUTERS INSTALLED, AND OUR EXTERNAL TRADE TOTALLED HK$84 BILLION.

♦ BY 1982, THE NUMBER OF COMPUTER INSTALLATIONS REACHED 918, AND OUR TOTAL TRADE REACHED HK$27O BILL I ON,♦ HE SAID.

NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE FEW COMMUNITIES IN THE REGION WHICH WERE BOTH USERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF COMPUTERS, MR MACLEOD SAIDi +IN VISITING SOME OF OUR LATEST ELECTRONICS FACTORIES RECENTLY, I HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED AND IMPRESSED TO LEARN THAT ALREADY WE HAVE MOVED BEYOND THE ASSEMBLY OF COMPUTERS TO OTHER COUNTRIES DESIGNS, TO DESIGNING OUR OWN COMPUTERS.♦

IN 1982, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF COMPUTERS AND COMPONENTS TOTALLED HK$1 806 MILLION, OR 2.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ALL COMMODITIES.

♦ HONG KONG ONLY STARTED TO EXPORT ITS FIRST COMPUTERS IN ' ,

AND THE BULK OF OUR EXPORTS OF COMPUTER PRODUCTS REMAINS — ‘" COMPONENTS AND PARTS — 94 PER CENT OF TOTAL COMPUTER ELV.

1982. OUR PRINCIPAL MARKET IS THE USA — 88 PER CENT W — BUT EXPORTS TO THE EUROPEAN MARKETS AND JAPAN ARE E..PAND F£ SAID.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

SCHOOLS’ SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS PRAISED * - * ft

SCHOOLS’ SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS CONTRIBUTED CONSIDERABLY TO THE TRAINING OF YOUNG SPORTSME’:, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A BALL-GAME PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY JOINTLY HELD BY SCHOOLS IN TSUEN WAN, NORTH KWAI CHUNG AND SOUTH KWAI CHUNG.

MR HSU SAID THAT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS IN SCHOOLS HAD ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN THEIR WORK THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS, AND THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

+WITH THE RAPID POPULATION GROWTH IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl, THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS RESULTING IN AN EVER INCREASING DEMAND FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.

+IN THIS RESPECT, THE SCHOOLS’ SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY.

+THEY HAVE HELPED PROVIDE SPORTING ACTIVITIES AND COURSES, AND HAVE TRAINED GOOD AND PROMISING ATHLETES THROUGH VARIOUS COMPETITIONS.

+1 HOPE THIS GOOD WORK WILL BE MAINTAINED AND THAT MORE YOJNG PEOPLE CAN BENEFIT FROM IT,+ MR HSU SAID.

- - 0 -

MONTHLY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH ft ft ft

THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN MARCH 1983 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE *4 384 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS.

AT 129, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR MaRCH 1983 INCREASED BY FOUR POINTS OR THREE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED wlTh FEBRUARY 1983, AND BY THREE POINTS OR TWO PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1982.

THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR MARCH 19b2, AT 101, WAS THREE POINTS OR THREE PER CENT HIGHER THAN THaT FOR -EBRUARY 1983, AND SIX POINTS OR SIX PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR MARCH 1982.

T'JSSDAY, JUNE 7, 1?63

COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS, CONSUMER DURABLES AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT, NINE PER CENT AND EIGHT PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS. THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 14 PER CENT, EIGHT PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT.

DECREASES IN VALUE TERMS OF EIGHT PER CENT WERE RECORDED FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, AND OF SEVEN PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO. THEIR DECREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 10 PER CENT EACH.

COMPARED WITH MARCH 1982, FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT, FUELS BY 15 PER CENT, AND CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS BY 14 PER CENT, IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES.

IN VOLUME TERMS, FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO, AND CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED INCREASES OF SIX PER CENT AND SEVEN PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE FUELS SHOWED A DECLINE OF TWO PER CENT.

RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS, ON THE OTHER HAND, FELL BY 15 PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS OR 17 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS.

WHEN ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS DECLINED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983, AND THIS WAS ALSO THE CASE, THOUGH TO A LESSER EXTENT, WITH THE MOTOR VEHICLE TRADE.

WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1982, HOWEVER, SUPERMARKETS REGISTERED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME OF SALES.

DEPARTMENT STORES, ALTHOUGH RECORDING AN INCREASE lv VALUE, HAD A MARGINAL DECREASE IN VOLUME OF SALES WHILE THE MOTOR VEHICLE TRADE EXPERIENCED LARGE DECLINES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.

TABLES 1 AND 2 PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY x.D THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR MARCH 1983 ON THE TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AND ON THE RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY SELECTED TRADES AND MAJOR TRADE GROUPS.

THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 ARE TAKEN aS IOC.

COMPARISONS OF THE MARCH RESULTS WITH THOoE OF THE PRECEDING MONTH AND OF THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1982 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TQ THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 3-7216024.

JUNE 7» 1563

TABLE 11 VALUE INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 1983 •

(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)

ITEM TOTAL RETAIL SALES (HK$ MILLION) FEBRUARY 1983 (REVISED FIGURES) 4 247 MARCH 1983 MARCH COMPARED WITH 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 (PROVISIONAL POINTS % FIGURES) 4 383 MARCH 1983 COMPARED WITH MARCH 1982* POINTS %

RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEXESi (1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1OK 129 4 3 3 2

(II) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS FOODSTUFFS. ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 152 141 -11 -7 25 22

FUELS 145 173 28 19 23 15

CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 148 136 -12 -8 17

OTHER CONSUMER GOODS 115 124 Q * 3 -2

CONSUMER DURABLES 1C3 112 9 0 ✓ -19 --2

(111)BY SELECTED TRADES MOTOR VEHICLES 51 48 , -3 -6 -66

DEPARTMENT STORES 143 110 *• -33 -23 Q 9

SUPERMARKETS 252 204 -48 -19 54 36

M FINAL REVISED FIGURES

TUESDAY, JUNS 7, 19^3

10 -

TABLE 2i VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR MARCH 1983

FEBRUARY AND

(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)

MARCH 1983 MARCH 1983

FEBRUARY MARCH COMPARED WITH COMPARED WITH

ITEM 1983 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 MARCH 1982*

(REVISED (PROVISIONAL POINTS % POINTS %

FIGURES) FIGURES) RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEXES* (1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 98 101 3 3 -6 -6

(II) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 111 100 -11 ? V 1 -10 6 6

FUELS 104 119 15 14 -3 -2

CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 118 106 -12 -10 7 7

OTHER CONSUMER GOODS 91 99 8 9 -11 -10

CONSUMER DURABLES 90 97 7 8 -20 -17

(1 1 1 )BY SELECTED TRADES MOTOR VEHICLES 36 33 -3 -8 -65 —66

DEPARTMENT STORES 113 87 -26 -23 -1 -1

SUPERMARKETS 188 144 -44 -23 25 21

* FINAL REVISED FIGURES

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAY *****

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS TODAY THAT THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 15), IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS EMPLOYED LOCALLY OR FROM OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN 17 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, INCLUDING WAGES AND ALLOWANCES BUT EXCLUDING 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 IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS 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 IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.

IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERTNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS AREi FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638;

KOWLOON WEST 3-201652; KOWLOON SOUTH 3-319454; KWUN TONG 3-898520; TSUEN WAN 0-4980208; TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT. 114; TUEN MUN 0-818443; HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) 5-268671 AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST) 5-282523.

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/12........

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

INSURANCE MANPOWER SURVEY FIELD WORK STARTS TOMORROW * * * *

FIELD WORK FOR THE MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, ORGANISED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY TRAINING BO AAD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WILL START TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 19.

DURING THE PERIOD, OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT QUESTIONNAIRES AND TO HELP IN ANSWERING THEM.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR ANTHONY KAN, STRESSED THAT INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

+THE SUPPLY OF ACCURATE INFORMATION BY EMPLOYERS WILL BE IMPORTANT IN FORMULATING MANPOWER PLANS,+ HE ADDED.

HE APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY TO COOPERATE IN PROVIDING CORRECT DATA.

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

WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF VISUAL I SER

* X * *

THE ART SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE WILL ORGANISE A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP ON THE USE OF THE VISUALISER, A GRAPHIC DESIGN EQUIPMENT, FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ART TEACHERS, NEXT MONTH.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND HELD ON JULY 18 AND 19 AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4/F, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

IT CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE 20 PARTICIPANTS, AND THEREFORE APPLICATIONS WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR (ART) AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 25.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE WORKSHOP MAY BE MADE AT 5-621006.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

- 13 -

CELEBRITIES TAKING PART IN FIGHT CRIME SOCCER MATCH *****

A CELEBRITY FOOTBALL MATCH IN SUPPORT OF THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING AT THE MONG KOK QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON.

THE STARS AGAINST CRIME 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT IS ORGANISED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO DIVISION OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TWO DEPARTMENTS THIS YEAR TO SPREAD THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE TO YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGE OF 14 AND 20.

THE MATCH WILL START AT 8 PM WITH A KICK-OFF CEREMONY BY MR B.R. JOHNSTON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, AND MR HAROLD KWOK, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING.

TAKING PART IN THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE A HOST OF FILM STARS, TV ARTISTES, SINGERS, DISC JOCKEYS AND SPORTSMEN. THEY WILL FORM THEMSELVES INTO FOUR TEAMS: THE STARS AGAINST CRIME TEAM, WHICH COMPRISES MEMBERS OF THE STARS AGAINST CRIME COMMITTEE FORMED IN 1981, THE RTHK TEAM, THE +WEI WEI+ TEAM AND THE CHAMPION CLUB TEAM.

THE OVERALL CHAMPION WILL BE AWARDED A FIGHT CRIME CUP, TO BE PRESENTED BY MR JOHNSTON AT THE END OF THE MATCH.

THE EVENT IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT ABOUT 2 000 YOUNGSTERS, AND IT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK RADIO II.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE STARS AGAINST CRIME 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT AT THE MONG KOK QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 8 PM. THE MATCH WILL LAST UNTIL ABOUT 9.45 PM.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT 7.45 PM.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

- 14 -

EARLY PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES

MM*

RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS EARLIER IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE COMING HOLIDAYS.

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT COUPON HOLDERS WHO ARE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT ON JUNE 11, 12, 13 AND 15 CAN BE PAID ON JUNE 8, 9, 10 AND 14 RESPECTIVELY AT DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.

PEOPLE WHO ARE RECEIVING SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES THROUGH BANKS WILL BE PAID ACCORDING TO THEIR ORIGINAL PAY DATES, HE ADDED.

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WAN CHAI ROAD WORKS CAUSE TRAFFIC CHANGES

3£ K K

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN THURSDAY (JUNE 9) AND SUNDAY (JUNE 12) FOR ROAD WORKS.

FROM 7 AM ON THURSDAY UNTIL 7 AM ON SATURDAY, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG FLEMING ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO HARBOUR ROAD EASTBOUND.

VEHICLES HEADING FOR WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA EAST OF FLEMING ROAD MAY BE DIVERTED VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD AND TONNOCHY ROAD.

FROM 7 AM ON THURSDAY UNTIL 12.30 AM ON SUNDAY, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ALONG HARBOUR ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ONTO FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER. HOWEVER, THEY CAN REACH THE FLYOVER VIA THE GROUND LEVEL SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD.

FROM 7 AM ON SATURDAY UNTIL 12.30 AM ON SUNDAY, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ALONG FLEMING ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM TRAVELLING ONTO GLOUCESTER ROAD VIA GROUND LEVEL SECTION, BUT THEY MAY PROCEED VIA THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER.

MOREOVER, THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 6.30 AM.

TRAFFIC FROM WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA HEADING FOR LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER.

- 0 -

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 1983

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED *****

THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON SHUM CHONG-WAI ON OCTOBER 27, 1982 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO 25 YEARS IMPRISONMENT.

SHUM WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF A 21-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, CHAN SHUI-LIN, ON JANUARY 18, 1982.

- - 0 - -

KWUN TONG WATER MAINS WORK * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 10) FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG CHA KWO LING ROAD BETWEEN LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND CHA KWO LING TSUEN, INCLUDING CHA KWO LING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: BILL ’GIVEN CLOSE SCRUTINY’ ...............................••• 1

+DRIV ING-OFFENCE POINTS+ BILL BACKED...................... 2

LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT.) BILL APPROVED ...................................................... 5

SECURITY MEASURES PROMISED ON AIRPORT TAX COLLECTION ....... 6

. . . 1 : • t ;;

PROVISION FOR CHANGE OF TAX SCALE WELCOMED ................. 7

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER 'UNCONVINCED' ............................ 9

BAN PLANNED ON USE OF HORMONES FOR POULTRY.................. 9

EDUCATION FUND BILL INTRODUCED .............................. 11

POSITION ON CIVIL DEBT ..................................... 12

MORE CIVIL SERVICE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN ............. 12

CONTROLS ON UNDESIRABLE ADVERTS 'ADEQUATE' ................. 15

LES RECEIVES 12 COO JOB OFFERINGS .......................... 12*

ADVANTAGE SEEN IN OVERHEAD TRAFFIC SIGNALS ................. 1^

REPORT ON WORKERS' PROBLEMS BEING PREPARED ................. 15

ANTI-HIJACKING MEASURES .................................... 15

NO DIFFERENCE IN PRISONER TREATMENT ........................ 15

/GOVERNOR PAYS .......

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL................. 16

NINE BILLS PASSED......................................... 17

LAWS GOVERNING HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT........................... 18

NEW TAX PAYMENT STARTS TOMORROW............................... 19

S425 OOO APPROVED FOR WELDERS........................ ........ 20

KWAI CHUNG AND TAI PO LAUNCH TREE PLANTING DAY ............... 20

DB MEETINGS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY........................... 21

SUMMER SQUASH COURSES FOR STUDENTS............................ 22

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL ....................... 23

TAI YIP STREET TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED....................... 23

•EDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

BILL. ’GIVEN CLOSE SCRUTINY

* * K *

A°ART FROM PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS, THERE *AS LITTLE OPPOSITION TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DR IVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY.

IN MOVING SEVERAL AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, PRIOR TO THE THIRD READING, MR SCOTT SAID THAT UN?rFICIAL NEMBERS HAD GIVEN IT CLOSE SCRUTINY AND HAD LISTENED TO THE V IEWS OF BODIES AND INDIVIDUALS WITH AN INTEREST IN ITS PROPOSALS.

♦SEVERAL MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN CLEARLY AND FORCEFULLY, AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE FRANKNESS WITH WHICH THE BILL HAS BEEN DISCUSSED BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.

MR SCOTT REPEATED HIS OBSERVATION THAT UNDER THE SCHEME, THE PROPORTION OF PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WHO WOULD BE LIABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION WOULD BE NO HIGHER THAN THE PROPORTION OF ALL DRIVERS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED.

♦ IN BOTH CASES IT IS THE PERSISTENT OFFENDER, WHO THROUGH HIS BAD DRIVING HABITS ENDANGERS THE LIVES OF OTHER ROAD USERS, WHO WILL PUT HIS LICENCE IN JEOPARDY,* HE SAID.

THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SCHEME, MR SCOTT SAID, *AS NOT A PANACEA BUT ONE ELEMENT IN THE STRATEGY TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY AND TO ENCOURAGE BETTER DRIVING.

HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PROPOSALS WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON BAD DRIVING AND ON UNSAFE USE OF ROADS.

MR SCOTT SAID THAT IT WAS PROPOSED TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME IN ABOUT AUGUST 1984, COINCIDENT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION THc * .W ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE IMPACT OF THE SCHEME WOU-D 3E -EVIE ED AFTER ONE YEAR OF OPERATION AND, MORE SIGNIFICANTLY AT THE EV Cc THE SECOND YEAR, WHEN THE FIRST PERIOD OF ACCUMULATION CF PENALTY POINTS HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

- 0 -

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 1983 2 -

♦DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS* BILL BACKED * * * * *

FOUR MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROU= OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONSIDERING THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DR IV ING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983 TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.

THEY WERE THE HON.WONG LAM, THE HON K.C. CHAN, THE HON MARIA TAM AND DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.

ANOTHER MEMBER OF THE AD HOC GROUP THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING THAT MUCH AS SHE AGREED WITH AND SUPPORTED THE SPIRIT OF THIS BILL, SHE HAD TO ABSTAIN.

MR WONG HEARTILY SUPPORTED THE BASIC SPIRIT OF THE BILL ♦TO IMPROVE THE DRIVING HABITS OF DRIVERS WHO DISREGARD THE SAFETY OF OTHERS.+

MR CHAN SAID HE ONLY SUPPORTED THIS BILL IN PRINCIPLE IK THE BELIEF THAT +IT MAY HELP TO CUT DOWN THE CASUALTY LIST FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.+

MRS CHOW SAID THAT WHETHER *ONE IS A DRIVER OR A PEDESTRIAN, ONE CANNOT BUT AGREE WHOLE-HEARTEDLY THAT UNSAFE DRIVING BEHAVIOUR SHOULD BE DISCOURAGED AND PERSISTENT OFFENDERS OF SUCH BEHAVIOUR SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY FOR ALL.+

DR IP SAID: +THE BILL FINALLY ALLOWS GOVERNMENT AN ON-GO I KG ASSESSMENT OF DRIVERS OF THEIR CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

♦AS PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, LET US HOPE THAT THIS BILL SERVES TO DETER EACH AND EVERY DRIVER ON THE ROAD -PC-UNSAFE DRIVING, RATHER THAN TO SERVE AS A WARNING ONLY TO THOSE WHO SO QUICKLY SCORE POINTS. OUR PUBLIC WILL THEN EE SAFER ON THE ROADS.+

DR IP POINTED OUT THAT IN 1981 THERE WERE 27 24° ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OF WHICH 7 Q65 WERE HOSPITALISED <ND 514 DIED. +IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MANY DRIVERS HAVE FORGOTTEN THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.*

THREE MEMBERS, MR WONG, MRS CHOW AND DR IP QUERIED THE INCLUSION OF ITEMS 7 TO 11 AND 16 WHICH +HAD NO DIRECT BEARING ON ROAD SAFETY.*

MR WONG DESCRIBED SUCH OFFENCE POINTS AS *A KIND OF DOUBLE PENALTY.* +THE GOVERNMENT, BY INVOKING THE ROaD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, IS ALREADY ABLE TO PUNISH THE OFFENDER WITH FINE; OR IMPRISONMENT. OFFENCE POINTS * ILL ONLY INCREASE THE PEKa-TY, AND PROVIDE A GREATER DETERRENT EFFECT,* SAID MR WONG.

♦I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DELETE ALL SUCH ITEMS FROM THE SCHEDULE OF THE BILL,* SAID MR wONG.

CHu * ......

JUK2 8, 1983

3 -

MRS CHO* SAID THAT ITEMS 7, 3, 9 AND 11 HAD REMAINED ON THE SCHEDULE, ADDING THAT +THEY ARE NLT THEMSELVES UNSAFE DRIVING BEHAVIOUR ALTHOuGn THEY ARE RELATED TO OR CONSEQUENTIAL FROM UNSAFE DRIVING BEHAVIOR.*

♦AlTHOuGh THE ADMINISTRATION HAS AGREED SINCE OUR DISCUSSIONS TL DROP ITEMS 10 AND IE, IT *OULD BE *RONG OF ME TO ACCEPT THIS COMPROMISE, FOR A MAJOR PRINCIPLE OF THE BILL IS AT STAKE.

DE IP SAID: +WHILE WE PENALISE THE IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVERS, WE MUST ENSURE THAT RESPONSIBLE ONES ARE NOT UNNECESSAR ILY HARASSED.

♦ALTHOUGH I WAS FINALLY CONVINCED THAT ALL THE OFFENCES AS LISTED IN THIS BILL AFTER AMENDMENTS MAY BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO SAFETY ON THE ROAD, I'LL LIKE ALSO TO ADD THAT UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY MAY NOT BE. AND IF NOT, SUCH OFFENCES SHOULD NOT CONTRIBUTE TO DISQUALIFICATION.

♦’FAILING TO STOP AFTER AN ACCIDENT’, ’FAILING TO GIVE PARTICULARS AFTER AN ACCIDENT’ AND 'FAILING TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT’ MAY BEAR DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO UNSAFE DRIVING ONLY WHEN SOMEONE IS INJURED.

♦ONE MAY BE FORCED TO CROSS DOUBLE WHITE LINES TO OVERTAKE A BROKEN DOWN CAR IN FRONT. ONE MAY HAVE TO PASS A RED LIGHT TO GIVE WAY TO AN AMBULANCE BEHIND. UNDER oUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, WHEN DUE CARE IS TAKEN, SUCH ACTS SHOULD IMPOSE NO DANGER. ON THE CONTRARY, DANGER IS LITERALLY AVOIDED,+ SHE SAID.

TURNING TO ENFORCEMENT, MR WONG D0INTED OUT THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW OFFENCE POINTS ORDINANCE WOULD ♦GREATLY INCREASE THE CHANCE OF FRICTION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND DRIVERS (PARTICULARLY PROFESSIONAL DR IVERS).+

MR WONG SAID: +THE GOVERNMENT MUST GIVE CLEARER DEFINITIONS AND EXPLANATIONS OF THESE ITEMS WHICH ARE MORE LIKELY TO LEAD TO DISPUTES.

♦ THERE SHOULD ALSO BE MORE DEFINITE GUIDANCE TL LA* ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND SEVERE PENALTIES FOR UNFAIR m__EG-’।.3 SO AS TO REDUCE THE ANXIETIES OF DRIVERS AND THE CHANCES 0 CONFRONTATION BETWEEN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND DRIVERS.*

MR CHAN SAID: +T0 ACHIEVE OUR OBJECTIVE OF INCREASING ROAD SAFETY WITHOUT CREATING UNDUE HARDSHIP TO DRIVERS MvCH DEPENDS ON THE TACT, EDUCATED MANNERS, REASONABLE ATTITUDE AND TOLERANCE OF OUR LAW ENFORCING OFFICERS ON THE BEAT.

♦ AS CAN BE HEARD DAILY IN THE STREETS, WHEN 4 DRIVER COMMITS A MINOR OFFENCE AND APOLOGISES -OR IT, THE BETTE OFFICERS LET HIM OFF wITH A WARNING; THE INDIFFEREN’ ONES TELL THE DRIVER TO SPEAK TO THE MAGISTRATE AND THE BA. SME. EITHER TELL THE DRIVER THAT HE WILL ADDITIONALLY BE PROSES.’Ll FOR OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ri : S OR UPGRADE HIS CARELESS DRIVING CHARGE TO ONE Or DANGEROU. DRIVING (THE OLD TERM FOR RECKLESS DRIVING/.

/+DEt LI- DXNG ON.

'NS c, 19S3

♦DEPENDING ON THE MANNER iN **iCh THE CONSTABLE WRITES HIS REPORT, IN NON-ACCIDENT CASES THE CHARGE COULD 3E UPGRADED AS TrtE DRIVER HAS NO SAY UNTIL HE APPEARS BEFORE THE MAGISTRATE.*

MRS CHOW ECHOED THE CONCERN FELT BY MANY MOTORISTS, PROFESSIONAL OR OTHERWISE, THAT ♦QUITE A NUMBER OF POLICE OFFICERS HAVE A RATHER STRANGE WAY OF HANDLING TRAFFIC OFFENDERS.*

♦ABUSE OF POwER AT THE LEVEL OF EXECUTION IS CERTAINLY NOT UNHEARD OF. EMOTIONAL CONFRONTATION BETWEEN MOTORISTS AND POLICEMEN IS THE RESULT OF POOR HANDLING BY THE OFFICERS.

♦AGAINST SUCH A BACKGROUND, INCREASE THE POWER OF THE OFFICER

MISS TAM SAID: +IN ENFORCING LEEWAY IS SOMETIMES PERMISSIBLE.

IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO FURTHER,* MRS CHOW SAID.

THE LAW SOME D ISCRETI ON«F. Y

♦FOR INSTANCE, A CONTAINER TRUCK CROSSING THE DOUBLE WHITE LINES SHOULD, ACCORDING TO THE BILL, INCUR THREE PENALTY POINTS. THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MAY AFTER CONSIDERING THE EXPLANATION OFFERED BY THE DRIVER, ALLOW THE TRUCK TO CROSS THE DOUBLE WHITE LINES IN A SAFE MANNER MAKING A TURN, IF TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON THE ROAD PERMIT AT THAT TIME.

♦WITH REGARD TO THE TWO OFFENCES OF CAUSING DEATH BY RECKLESS DRIVING AND RECKLESS DRIVING *HICH INCUR PENALTY POINTS, THIS COUNCIL HAS BEEN ASSURED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DURING A DEBATE ON THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE 1982 THAT INDIVIDUAL CASES WILL BE SCRUTINISED BY HIS CHAMBER BEFORE PROSECUTIONS ARE INSTITUTED.

♦THIS WOULD BE A POWERFUL GUARANTEE FOP THE FAIR ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW.*

DR IP SAID THAT NO MAN-MADE LAW WAS PERFECT AND EXCEPT.'On3 MUST ALWAYS BE ALLOWED.

THE UNOFFICIALS NOTED THE CONCERN AMONG PRO^-l _ DRIVERS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIONS TO UMELCO A..D Tn£ A GROUP.

MR CHAN SAID: +IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE NUMBER C' PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WHO ARE DISQUALIFIED ANNUALLY AND T-E INCREASE IN OFFENCES OF DRIVING WITHOUT VALID LICENCE D BE CAREFULLY MONITORED AND THAT THESE FIGURES SHOULD BE O-A-E? WITH ANY DECREASE IN TRAFFIC CASUALTIES.

♦ AS THESE ARE HARD TIKES OF INCREASING UNEMPLOY•L<7, INFLATION, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY, NO AZDITIC -L BURDEN SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON PEOPLE’S LIVELIHOOD AND < UNNECESSARY CONFRONTATION SHOULD BE CREATED IN OUR COMMUNITY.*

MRS CHOW SAID: +THE DRIVERS HAVE, IN MY VIEW, BEEN QUITE OBJECTIVE AND D ISPASS I ONATE IN THEIR APPROACH.

♦FURTHERMORE, THEY ARE MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE AOTUA.

CONDITIONS ON OUR ROADS AND THEIR VIEWo SHOULD NOT BE ALTOGLTnc. IGNORED.*

/5 .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

landlord and tenant (consolidation) (amendment) bill approved

*****

THE AD HOC GROUP OF 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CONVENED BY THE HON PETER C. WONG TO EXAMINE THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, TODAf (WEDNESDAY) MOVED AMENDMENTS TO EIGHT CLAUSES OF THE BILL.DUR ING THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

THE AMENDMENTS WERE PROPOSED BY THREE MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP, THE HON S.L. CHEN, THE HON JOHN SWAINE AND THE HON MARIA TAM.

MR CHEN MOVED AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 11 AND 30(D) TO RESTORE THE ORIGINAL SPIRIT OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE REGARDING THE PROTECTION ON RENT INCREASE AND SECURITY OF TENURE TO BE GIVEN TO DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS OF A DECEASED TENANT.

♦SUCH PROTECTION WILL NOw BE LIMITED TO THOSE DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBERS WHO WERE RESIDING WITH THE TENANT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, AND WILL NOT BE PASSED ON IN PERPETUITY,* SAID MR CHEN.

MR SWAINE MOVED AMENDMENTS TO FOUR CLAUSES OF THE BILL.

♦THE AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 15(H) AND 37(A) WILL HAVE THE EFFECT OF RETAINING THE TWO-YEAR RESTRICTION ON THE LANDLORD'S POWER TO DEAL WITH RE-POSSESSED PREMISES AS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORDER OR DECISION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL,* HE SAID.

THE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 24(B) WILL LIMIT THE POWER Or THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION TO REQUIRE THE SUPPLY OF INFORMATION TO SUCH AS IS REASONABLY REQUIRED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENFORCING PART I I.

THE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 25 WILL ENSURE THAT AN OFFENCE IS COMMITTED ONLY IF THERE IS NO REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR THE WITHHOLDING OF INFORMATION OR FOR OTHER OBSTRUCTION OF THE COMMISSIONER IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS.

MISS TAM MOVED AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSE 15(G) AND ThE ■ -l.-.TIO. OF A NEW CLAUSE 40B TO AMEND SECTION 119P OF THE PRINCIc-_ ORDINANCE TO MAKE SURE THAT A SUB-TENANT, a HO HAS BECOME DIRECT TENANT IN ABSENTEE PRINCIPAL TENANT CASES, WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SUB-LET AGAIN WITHOUT THE LANDLORD’S WRITTEN PER.- ’ iS ICN, EVEN THOUGH THE SUB-LETTING IS NOT IN BREACH OF CONTRACTUAL TERMS OF THE ORIGINAL TENANCY.

THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, ThE nON DONALD LIAO, IK HIS SPEECH THANKED MEMBERS WHO HAD SPOKEN ON THE BILL.

THE OBJECT OF THE BILL, MR LIAO SAID, WAS NOT TO STlMuuAT--THE PROPERTY MARKET, BUT RATHER TO BALANCE ThE LEGITIMATE RJGh.-AND ASPIRATIONS OF BOTn LANDLORDS AND TENANTS.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1903

*IN SO FAR AS THE REMOVAL OF RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION ENCOURAGES A STABLE AND PRODUCTIVE PRIVATE PROPERTY MARKET, IT IS AN END WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE PURSUED AS PART OF OUR OVERALL HOUSING POLICY,* MR LIAO SAID.

THE BILL HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF WIDE CONSULTATION WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC, HE POINTED OUT.

THE COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED WERE THE OUTCOME OF THIS CONSULTATIVE PROCESS, HE SAID.

- - 0 -

SECURITY MEASURES PROMISED ON AIRPORT TAX COLLECTION *****

ASSURANCE WAS GIVEN BY THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DOUGLAS BLYE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT ALL REASONABLE SECURITY PRECAUTIONS AND MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO SAFEGUARD THE MONEY COLLECTED AND TO PROTECT AIRLINE STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX.

MR BLYE ADDED THAT HE WOULD NOT, FOR OBVIOUS REASONS, WISH TO DISCLOSE PUBLICLY EXACTLY WHAT THOSE MEASURES WERE, AND SAID: ♦I CAN ALSO ASSURE MEMBERS THAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO GUARD AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE FLO* OF PASSENGERS MAY BE DISRUPTED BY COLLECTION OF MONEY AT THE CHECK-IN COUNTERS.

+THE SITUATION WILL BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT PROBLEMS ARE DEALT WITH PROMPTLY AND APPROPRIATELY.

MR BLYE WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL.

IN THANKING MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEBATE ON THE BILL, WHICH WAS PASSED WITH AMENDMENTS, MR BLYE REFERRED ALSO TO POINTS RAISED BY DR THE HON RAYSOK HUANG. HE DID NOT, HR BLYE SAID, SHARE DR HUANG’S ASSESSMENT THAT IT WAS ,, DRASTIC MEASURE WHICH MIGHT WELL PROVE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE.

+ IT IS A MEASURE WHICH WILL PRODUCE A REASONABLE CONTRI BUT IN REVENUE AND SO ASSIST IN BALANCING THE 1983-64 BUDGET,* HE SAID.

THE TAX, HE SAID, WOULD NOT FALL INDISCRIMINATELY ON THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE, BUT ON THOSE RESIDENTS AND NONRESIDENTS ALIKE WHO COULD AFFORD TO TRAVEL BY AIR.

MR BLYE SAID ALSO THAT HE DID NOT THINK THE TAX WOULD RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING HONG KONG.

REFERRING TO THE HON BILL BROWN’S COMMENTS ON THE BILL, M? BLYE SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE VIEWS OF THE UNOFFIC^L NEMBERS’ MONETARY POLICY GROUP AND ALSO FOR THE GROUP’S SUPPORT --♦AT LEAST IN PRINCIPLE* -- FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TAX.

/Hxj ZX—.30

8, 1983

HE ALSO THANKED THE GROUS FOR ITS UNDERSTAND I NG OF THE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED IN MEETING SOME OF THE POINTS IT RAISED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.

MR BLYE LATER MOVED TWO AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

HE EXPLAINED THAT AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 MEANT THAT THE ORDINANCE WOULD COME INTO OPERATION TOMORROW (THURSDAY, JUNE 9).

IN MOVING A SECOND AMENDMENT, FOR A NEW CLAUSE 18, HE SAID MANY EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG UNDERTOOK, AS PART CF THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT THEY OFFERED, TO PAY PASSAGES AND TRAVELLING EXPENSES OF EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT WAS TO REMOVE ANY CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY FOR THE NEW TAX ON THE PART OF EMPLOYERS (INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT) IN RESPECT OF EMPLOYEES WHO HAD THE PRESENT PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE PAID AS PART OF THEIR CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

+THE GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE CONSIDERED IT APPROPRIATE TO PROVIDE EXPLICITLY FOR THE REMOVAL OF ANY SUCH LIABILITY, BY THE ADDITION OF NEW CLAUSE 18.

*THE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT EMPLOYERS DO NOT NORMALLY PAY THEIR EMPLOYEES’ PERSONAL TAXES. HOWEVER, IF INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYERS WISH TO ASSUME SUCH LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX, THEY MAY OF COURSE DO SO,* HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

PROVISION FOR CHANGE OF TAX SCALE WELCOMED

*****

A CLAUSE ENABLING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE SCALE OF THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX AS AND WHEN NECESSARY, WAS WELCOMED BY THE HON BILL BROWN TODAY.

MR BROWN WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON "-£ AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MR BROWN, CONVENOR OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ MONETARY POLICY GROUP EXAMINING THE BILL, SUPPORTED THE MOTION.

HE SAID THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS' GROUP HAD NO REAL ARGUMENT WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF THE BILL WHICH IMPOSED A TAX ON PASSENGERS DEPARTING BY AIR FROM HONG KONG.

+ 1, AND A NUMBER OF MY UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, HOwEVER, Ho£ ALREADY EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS IN THE BUDGET DEBATE AS TO THE AMOUNT CF THIS TAX.

+WE BELIEVE IT UNFORTUNATE OUR SUGGESTION THAT THE TAX ALSO BE LEVIED ON DEPARTURES BY SEA, THUS ENABLING iT TO BE REDUCED, HAS NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.

/HOWEVER

,^l::£SDay, June t, 1983

- 3 -

HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT THEIR WORRIES REGARDING THE LIKELY EFFECTS OF THIS BILL ON THE TOURIST INDUSTRY AND ON THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AT LARGE WERE MITIGATED TO SOME EXTENT BY THE PROVISION.

MR BROWN SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS NOTED THE CONCERN RAISED EY CERTAIN AIRLINE STAFF UNIONS THAT THE LARGE SUM OF MONEY TO BE COLLECTED DAILY AT THE AIRPORT CHECK-IN COUNTERS COULD POSE A SERIOUS SECURITY RISK.

+l WOULD ASK THE ADMINISTRATION TO GIVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ADEQUATE SECURITY PROVISIONS WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE AIRPORT CHECK-IN COUNTERS TO ALLEVIATE SUCH RISKS,+ HE SAID.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY SUCH ASSURANCE, HE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF THIS TAX WERE TO BE COLLECTED AT SEPARATE COLLECTION POINTS FROM THE AIRLINE CHECK-IN COUNTERS.

HE QUERIED WHETHER THE COLLECTION OF TAX IN ADDITION TO THE SECURITY CHECKING OF LUGGAGE, PLUS THE NORMAL CHECK-IN PROCEDURES, COULD BE ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE DISRUPTION TO THE FLOW CF PASSENGER TRAFFIC.

+l GIVE NOTICE NOW THAT AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF OPERATION I SHALL BE ASKING QUESTIONS IN THIS COUNCIL TO SEEK CONFIRMATION THAT THESE COLLECTION PROCEDURES HAVE NOT RESULTED IN ANY LOSS OF EFFICIENCY IN THE OPERATION OF OUR AIRPORT,+ HE SAID.

MR BROWN POINTED OUT THAT THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ GROUP HAD RAISED SEVERAL POINTS, TO WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION RESPONDED.

SOME OF THE POINTS WERE:

* AN ASSURANCE THAT THE AIRLINES WOULD 3E REQUIRED TO ISSUE A RECEIPT WHEN THEY COLLECT THE TAX FROM DEPARTING PASSENGERS. SUCH RECEIPTS WOULD BE RETAINED BY PASSENGERS TO CLAIM TRAVELLING EXPENSES FROM EMPLOYERS WHERE APPROPRIATE.

* THE RATIONALE FOR NOT GRANTING EXEMPTION, OR AT LEAST A REDUCED RATE, TO PASSENGERS WHO ARE IN HONG KONG ON-V "O;. -N OVERNIGHT STOP. IT WAS LEARNED THAT SUCH AN ARRAN £ME‘ WOULD CREATE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE CALCULATION UF TAX RETURNS AND WAS THEREFORE NOT VIABLE.

* WITH REGARD TO THE INCLUSION OF THE TAX IN THE AIR -A< IT WAS INDICATED THAT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES THE ■ COUuD ONLY FEASIBLY BE APPLIED TO AIRLINE TICKETS PURCHASED IN HONG KONG AND AS SUCH REPRESENTED ONLY ABOUT 25 PER CEN" OF THE AIR DEPARTURE TRAFFIC.

REFERRING TO THE TWO AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID WHILE THE FIRST WAS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE, THE SECOND (CLAUSE 18) SERVED A GOOD PURPOSE IN THAT IT CLARIFIED THE POSITION.

♦EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WILL THUS BE IN A POSITION TO NEGOTIATE AFRESH ON WHETHER AND IN WHaT CIRCUMSTANCES THE TAX SHOULD BE PAYABLE BY THE EMPLOYER,+ HE SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER ’UNCONVINCED’ * * * *

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER DR HON RAYSON HUANG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT THE PROPOSED AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX. +MIGHT WELL PROVE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE* AS A MEASURE TO RAISE REVENUE.

HE STATED THIS DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL . MEETING.

♦IN MY SPEECH IN THIS COUNCIL IN MARCH, I SPOKE OF MY AVERSION TO DRASTIC MEASURES IN GENERAL, AND THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IS ONE THAT FALLS INTO THIS CATEGORY.

DR HUANG SAID HE REMAINED UNCONVINCED AS TO THE WISDOM OF THIS BILL AND WOULD ABSTAIN FROM VOTING.

- 0 - -

BAN PLANNED ON USE OF HORMONES FOR POULTRY * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BAN THE USE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES IN LOCALLY BRED POULTRY AND TO PROHIBIT THE SALE OF MEAT CONTAINING HORMONE RESIDUES.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS.

THE PRACTICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF THE POSSIBLE COURSES OF ACTION WERE BEING URGENTLY CONSIDERED, MR JACOBS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI ON THE USE OF GROWTH-PROMOTING CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IK THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY.

ONE COURSE OF ACTION UNDER CONSIDERATION WAS TO APPLY TO THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD TO HAVE HEXOESTROL, A SYNTHETIC HORMONE, DE-REGISTERED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGUL'.’IONS, NR JACOBS SAID.

THIS, HE ADDED, WOULD MAKE THE SALE AND IMPORTATION Or HEXOESTROL IN HONG KONG ILLEGAL AND WOULD PUT AN END TO ITS USE IN THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY.

ANOTHER MEASURE BEING CONSIDERED WAS TO AMEND THE HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN FOOD REGULATIONS SO THAT THE SALE, IMPORTa’IOK AND DISTRIBUTION OF ANY POULTRY CONTAINING DETECTABLc AMOUN.S 0 HORMONE RESIDUES WOULD BE AN OFFENCE, HE DISCLOSED.

WITH THESE TWO MEASURES, ALL POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR CONCERN WOULD BE REMOVED, MR JACOBS ADDED.

HEXOESTROL HAS BEEN USED LOCALLY FOR 30 YEARS, AND HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN BANNED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

MR JACOBS SAID THAT NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT’S . INTENTION WAS BASED ON PRESENT-DAY KNOWLEDGE.

/THE MEDICA

WSDt.ESDAlf, juke 8, 1983

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR RECEIVED NO REPORT OF CASES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF SYNTHETIC HORMONE RESIDUES IN FOOD, HE SAID.

BUT HE ADDED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CORRELATE THE CAUSES AND EFFECT IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE.

♦ THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE SO FAR INDICATES THAT HORMONE RESIDUES IN MEAT POSE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS.

♦ WHILE THERE MAY BE NO CONCLUSIVE PROOF IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE THAT CANCER HAS BEEN CAUSED BY THE HORMONE RESIDUE, THE LABORATORY EVIDENCE FROM TEST ANIMALS DOES GIVE SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR CONCERN,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

THE SOUTH CHINA BREEDS OF CHICKEN PREFERRED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WERE SLOW GROWING, HE SAID.

IMPLANTATION OF HEXOESTROL MADE THEM READY FOR SALE EARLIER, THUS REDUCING FEED AND LABOUR COSTS AND INCREASING THE LOCAL SUPPLIES, HE SAID.

VIRTUALLY ALL COCKERELS AND AN ESTIMATED 10 PER CENT OF PULLETS REARED LOCALLY WERE THUS IMPLANTED, HE ADDED.

AT PRESENT, SIX BRANDS OF HEXOESTROL PELLETS ARE REGISTERED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS AS PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS PERMITTED FOR USE IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY.

WITH ONE OR TWO EXCEPTIONS, FULL INSTRUCTIONS WERE GIVEN BY THE MANUFACTURERS IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ON SAFE DOSAGE AND THE PERIOD THAT MUST ELAPSE BEFORE THE BIRD COULD BE CONSUMED, NR JACOBS POINTED OUT.

♦ IF HEXOESTROL IS PROPERLY USED, THERE SHOULD BE NO HORMONE RESIDUE REMAINING IN THE BIRD AT THE TIME OF CONSUMPTION BECAUSE THE HORMONE WILL HAVE BEEN FULLY METABOLISED AND EXCRETED.

♦ I UNDERSTAND THAT THE POSSIBLE HEALTH HAZARD TO HUMANS COULD THEREFORE BE AVOIDED,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

IF THE CORRECT DOSAGE WAS EXCEEDED OF. IF THE FARMER PUT THE IMPLANTED BIRD ON THE MARKET BEFORE THE WITHDRAWAL PERIOD E>PIRED, HORMONES RESIDUES COULD REMAIN IN THE MEAT OF THE WHOLE BIRD, NOT JUST THE HEAD AND THE NECK WHERE HEXOESTROL wAS IMPLA 'rED, SAID.

FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, THE RESIDUES DID NOT DECOMPOSE ON COOK ING.

OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT nAD TESTED 38 FRESHLY SLAUGHTERED AND FROZEN CHICKENS RANDOMLY SAMPLED FROM THE MARKET TO TEST THE PRESENCE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONE RESIDUES.

OF THESE, 19 WERE LOCALLY BRED CHICKENS, FOUR OF WHICH SHOWED THE PRESENCE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONE RESIDUES UP TO A LEVEL OF 0.1 PART PER MILLION OF CHICKEN FLESH, MR JACOBS REPORTED.

FIVE OF THE SAMPLES «iERE FROM CHINA, WITH TWO OF THEM SHOWING SIMILAR RESULTS.

JSDNiCDAY, JUNE 8, 198?

- 11 -

THE REST — IMPORTED FROM DENMARK, HOLLAND AND THE US — YIELDED NEGATIVE RESULTS, HE SAID.

THE PATTERN OF CONSUMPTION OF CHICKENS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN SHOwED THAT IN 1982, THE ESTIMATED TOT-u. wEIGrT OF LIVE CHICKENS, FROZEN CHICKENS AND FROZEN CHICKEN PARTS CONSUMED IN HONG KONG WAS 35 060 TONNES, MR JACOBS SAID.

OF THESE, HONG KONG PRODUCED 32 PER CENT AND CHINA SUPPLIED 23.5 PER CENT, WITH THE REMAINING 44.5 PER CENT PROVIDED BY OTHER COUNTRIES MOST OF WHICH HAD BANNED THE USE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES, HE SAID.

+T0 SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS POSED BY LOCALLY REARED CHICKENS, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES HAS BEEN REGULARLY ADVISING CHICKEN FARMERS DISTRIBUTING PAMPHLETS ON THE PROPER USE OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES AND ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS ARISING FROM THEIR MISUSE.

+THE DIRECTOR HAS INCREASED HIS EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO S0,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

EDUCATION FUND BILL INTRODUCED * * A K

A BILL WHICH SETS OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR THE OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF AN EDUCATION FUND FOR CHILDREN OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN INTRODUCING THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID THE CONDITIONS WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE CONTAINED IN THE POLICE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 1119).

THE FUND, ESTABLISHED THROUGH A PRIVATE DONATION RECEIVED LY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT EARLY THIS YEA.-., P.-.OV _.S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE HIGHER EDUCATION OF CHILDREN G THE DEPARTMENT’S JUNIOR OFFICERS AND FOR THE EDUCATION AN- INING CF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OF THOSE OFFICERS.

THE FUND WOULD BE MANAGED BY A COMMITTEE, WHICH WOULD CL UDE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OFFICERS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT VIEWS OF THE BENEFICIARIES WOULD BE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED.

THE BILL ALSO INCLUDES PROVISION FOR AK INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD TO ADVISE ON HOW THE FUND SHOULD BE INVESTED.

THE BILL WAS READ A SECOND TIME, WITH DEBATE ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 29. -------------------------------0--------

/12 .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

POSITION ON CIVIL DEBT * * * *

THE WAY AHEAD WAS TO RETAIN IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE THE DEBTOR HAD CONCEALED HIS ASSETS OR HAD PUT HIS ASSETS BEYOND THE REACH OF HIS CREDITORS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

POINTING OUT THAT HE WAS SPEAKING PERSONALLY, MR GRIFFITHS SAID THESE TWO MATTERS SHOULD BE SHOWN TO BE THE CASE BEFORE AND NOT AFTER A DEBTOR WAS IMPRISONED.

+THE PRESENT POSITION IS THAT IT IS FOR ANY DEBTOR TO MAKE APPLICATION TO BE RELEASED AND HE WILL BE RELEASED UNLESS THE CREDITOR CAN SHOW ONE OR THE OTHER OF THOSE TWO GROUNDS,+ HE SAID.

MR GRIFFITHS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C. WONG WHO ASKED FOR THE LATEST POSITION REGARDING THE REVIEW OF THE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES RELATING TO CIVIL DEBTS.

HE SAID HE RECEIVED A REPORT BY A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AT THE END OF MAY.

+THE INTENTION IS THAT AFTER THE REPORT HAS BEEN LOOKED INTO AND AFTER THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS ARTICLE 11 HAS BEEN ASSESSED IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE PROBLEM, THE MATTER SHOULD BE DRAWN TO THE ATTENTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THEM TO TAKE A VIEW UPON IT,-*- HE SAID.

ARTICLE 11 PROVIDES THAT NO ONE SHOULD BE IMPRISONED MERELY ON THE GROUND OF INABILITY TO FULFIL A CONTRACTURAL OBLIGATION, HE ADDED.

- 0 - -

MORE CIVIL SERVICE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN * * *

A WOMAN’S MARITAL STATUS WOULD NO LONGER BE A CONSIDERATION IN SELECTION FOR ENTRY TO TRAINING COURSES FOR THE NURSING AND TEACHING PROFESSIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARIA TAM, MR ROWLANDS SAID EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WERE EXPANDING ALL THE TIME.

+WE NOW EMPLOY SOME 46 OOO WOMEN ALTOGETHER, OF WHOM 21 403 ARE MARRIED. THERE ARE FOR EXAMPLE 3 000 MARRIED WOMEN IN THE NURSING SERVICE, 1 500 IN THE TEACHING GRADES AND 1 603 MARRIED WOMEN IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE,+ HE SAID.

/AS FOR

WEDNESDAY, JUKE 8, 1983

AS FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF MARRIED WOMEN FOR TRAINING BY THE POLICE, MR ROWLANDS POINTED OUT THAT THE POSITION WAS RATHER DIFFERENT.

♦ BECAUSE OF THE INTENSIVE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE FORCE, IT HAS BEEN THE POLICY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE NOT TO APPOINT MARRIED MEN OR MARRIED WOMEN FOR TRAINING AS INSPECTORS.

♦ FOR THE SAME REASON IT IS FORCE POLICY NOT TO RECRUIT . MARRIED WOMEN FOR TRAINING AS CONSTABLES,* HE SAID.

MR ROWLANDS ADDED THAT IN PURSUANCE OF THE GENERAL POLICY NOT TO PLACE ANY BAR ON THE APPOINTMENT OF EITHER MEN OR WOMEN TO POSTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE WAS PROPOSING TO LIFT THE EAR AGAINST THE APPOINTMENT OF MEN TO THE SECRETARIAL AND TYPING GRADES.

♦ WHILE I WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS TO CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY THE PATTERN OF RECRUITMENT TO THE SECRETARIAL AND TYPING GRADES, I DO RECOGNISE THAT THERE IS HERE A POINT OF LOGIC,+ HE SAID.

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

CONTROLS ON UNDESIRABLE ADVER4S +ADEQUATE+

* * W *

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES WERE ADEQUATE TO DETER OFFENDERS UNDER THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE.

HE SAID PROSECUTIONS WERE INSTITUTED WHEN COMPLAINTS UNDER THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE WERE RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITIES.

AS RECENTLY AS FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, HE SAID, THE PUBLISHER AND EDITOR OF A NEWSPAPER WERE CONVICTED FOR AN ADVERTISEMENT, WHICH WAS FALSE, ADVERTISING A CURE FOR VENEREAL DISEASE.

HE WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YA.,-LUsG WHO ASKED HOW MANY PERSONS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED DURING EACH Or THE PAST FIVE YEARS UNDER THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE AND WHETHER EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES WERE ADEQUATE TO DETER OFFENDERS.

MR GRIFFITHS REGRETTED THAT HE COULD NOT GIVE ANY STATISTICS BECAUSE THE POLICE DID NOT RECORD DETAILS OF THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS BROUGHT UNDER THE ORDINANCE IN QUESTION.

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

/14 .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

LES RECEIVES 12 000 JOB OFFERINGS

X * * *

LAST MONTH EMPLOYERS NOTIFIED MORE THAN 12 000 VACANCIES TO THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, REPRESENTING AN 80 PER CENT INCREASE OVER APRIL AND 63 PER CENT OVER MAY OF 1982. THE FIGURE INCLUDED 4 530 TEMPORARY SUMMER JOBS.

THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, WHO ASKED IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS SEEKING ASSISTANCE FROM THE LES AND WHAT ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO HELP THE STUDENTS IN FINDING SUITABLE JOBS.

MR HENDERSON AGAIN APPEALED TO EMPLOYERS TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE FREE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE LES BY INFORMING THEM OF VACANCIES.

MEANWHILE AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE LES EMPLOYED TEMPORARY CLERICAL STAFF TO COPE WITH THE SEASONAL INCREASE OF JOB-SEEKERS.

THIS YEAR A TOTAL OF 26 TEMPORARY CLERKS WOULD BE EMPLOYED, OF WHOM 18 WERE ALREADY IN POST AND A FURTHER EIGHT WOULD START NEXT MONTH, MR HENDERSON SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT EVERY YEAR, AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, USUALLY IN THE LATTER HALF OF MAY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 50 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE REGISTERING WITH THE LES FOR EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.

NOT UNEXPECTEDLY, THE MAJORITY OF THESE REGISTRANTS WERE FRESH SCHOOL LEAVERS LOOKING FOR JOBS, EITHER PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY, HE SAID.

FOLLOWING THE USUAL PATTERNS OF THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS IN MAY THIS YEAR WAS 56 PER CENT MORE THAN IN APRIL BUT SHOWED A SLIGHT DECREASE OF FIVE PER CENT OVER MAY 1982.

ASSURING THE COUNCIL THAT THE LES WOULD TRY ITS BEST TO HELP REGISTRANTS FIND SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT, MR HENDERSON STRESSED THaT Tri LES ONLY ACTED AS A MIDDLEMAN AND THAT IT COULD NOT CREATE JOBS BY ITSELF.

- - 0 -

ADVANTAGE SEEN IN OVERHEAD TRAFFIC SIGNALS

A REPORT ON A TEST OF OVERHEAD TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS HAS RECOMMENDED THAT SUCH SIGNALS SHOULD BE USED TO COMPLEMENT, RAThER THAN REPLACE THE POLE-MOUNTED SIGNALS WHICH MOTORISTS EXPECT TO SEE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.

THE REPORT, WHICH WAS COMPLETED BY THE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE DIVISION IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, ALSO CONCLUDED THAT OVERHEAD SIGNALS USED WITH A DARK BACKING BOARD HAD SOME ADVANTAGE OVER POLE-MOUNTED SIGNALS IN TERMS OF VISIBILITY, AND COULD BE USEFUL ON ROADS WHERE THE SPEED OF VEHICLES IS RELATIVELY HIGH, HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, JUKE 8, 1983 - 15 -

IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SCOTT SAID THAT SIGNALS FOR THE TEST HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON CANTILEVER MASTS AT THE JUNCTIONS OF FENWICK STREET-HENNESSY ROAD AND FERRY STREET-JORDAN ROAD.

HE SAID THAT THE DIVISION WAS ALSO IDENTIFYING OTHER POSSIBLE LOCATIONS FOR OVERHEAD SIGNALS.

THE COST OF INSTALLING A SIGNAL WAS ESTIMATED AT $25 OOO, AND THIS COST HAD TO BE JUSTIFIED ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC GROUNDS, HE ADDED.

------C-------

REPORT ON WORKERS’ PROBLEMS BEING PREPARED

* * * *

A REPORT WAS BEING PREPARED BY THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY WORKERS OF COMPANIES IN RECEIVERSHIP, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR TOPLEY EXPLAINED THAT THE WORKING GROUP APPOINTED IN OCTOBER 1982, HAD ALSO STUDIED THE PRACTICE IN SOME 20 COUNTRIES CONCERNING WAGE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF INSOLVENCY CF AN EMPLOYER.

HE WAS RESPONDING TO A REQUEST FOR A PROGRESS REPORT BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, ON THE GROUP’S WORK.

MR TOPLEY SAID HE EXPECTED THE REPORT SETTING OUT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE GROUP TO BE READY BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.

- 0

ANTI-HIJACKING MEASURES * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH THE SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS AGAINST HIJACKING AT KAI TAK AIRPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON S.L. CHEN I' THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

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

NO DIFFERENCE IN PRISONER TREATMENT * * * * *

THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE STANDARDS CF TREATMENT APPLIED TO PRISONERS, BOTH CRIMINAL OFFENDERS AND CIVIL JUDGMENT DEBTORS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON JOHN SwAINE.

-------0--------- /16....................

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO ATTORNEY GENERAL

* * X *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, FOR THE VALUABLE SERVICES RENDERED BY HIM.

BEFORE ADJOURNING THE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT MR GRIFFITHS WOULD BE LEAVING THE SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT VERY SHORTLY.

♦ JOHN GRIFFITHS HAS BEEN ATTORNEY GENERAL SINCE MAY 1979 AND I WOULD LIKE TO RECORD MY APPRECIATION, AS I AM SURE MY PREDECESSOR WOULD HAVE WISHED TO RECORD HIS, OF THE VALUABLE SERVICES WHICH JOHN GRIFFITHS HAS RENDERED BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THIS CHAMBER, WHERE HE HAS ACTED AS THE GOVERNMENT’S CHIEF LEGAL ADVISER, THE HEAD OF THE HONG KONG BAR, AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CROWN IN ALL ITS LEGAL ACTIONS IN HONG KONG,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS SURE THAT ALL MEMBERS WERE ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE WAY IN WHICH MR GRIFFITHS HAD SO OFTEN ENRICHED AND ENLIVENED THE PROCEEDINGS WITH HIS STYLE AND WIT.

MR GRIFFITHS WOULD BE LONG REMEMBERED AS HAVING BEEN, IN ALL SENSES, ONE OF THE BEST ADVOCATES IN THE COUNCIL, SIR EDWARD SAID.

MR GRIFFITHS WAS NOW RESUMING HIS PRACTICE AT THE BAR, AND HE WISHED HIM AND MRS GRIFFITHS, ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS, +A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.+

SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, THE HON ROGER LOBO SA I Ds

+AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR GRIFFITHS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACCESSIBLE TO US. HE HAS SHOWN GREAT PATIENCE IN HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH US IN THE UMELCO OFFICE.+

MR GRIFFITHS FREQUENTLY SUCCEEDED IN RECONCILING WIDELY DIFFERENT VIEWS BETWEEN UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS, MR LOBO SAID.

+THE RESULT HAS BEEN THE PASSING OF LEGISLATION WHICH HAS LARGELY ENJOYED THE UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF THIS COUNCIL, AND WE ARE MUCH INDEBTED TO HIM FOR HELPING TO ACHIEVE SUCH A HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONCENSUS,* MR LOBO SAID.

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

/17........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

NINE BILLS PASSED * * * *

NINE BILLS WERE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THEY ARE: THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983, THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE PRISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.

ONE BILL — THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983 — WAS INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME. DEBATE ON THIS WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 29.

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

/18........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

LAWS GOVERNING HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT * * * *

THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION OF HONG KONG TODAY RELEASED ITS REPORT ON THE LAWS GOVERNING HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, MR JOHN GRIFFITHS, SAID IN RELEASING THE REPORT THAT THE TOPIC HAD BEEN THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED FOR THE. COMMISSION INITIALLY BY A SUB-COMMITTEE HEADED BY MR JUSTICE T.L. YANG OF THE COURT OF APPEAL, AND BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S SECRETARIAT, PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THE TOPIC BY THE COMMISSION ITSELF, WHOSE REPORT WAS UNANIMOUS.

MR JUSTICE YANG’S SUB-COMMITTEE HAD BEEN GIVEN THE TASK CF A FACT F. INDING INQUIRY INTO THE INCIDENCE OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN HONG K.'onG. THEY CONFIRMED THAT, CONTRARY TO COMMON BELIEF, THERE |.% A CONSIDERABLE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG CONSISTING OF MEMBERS 07 ALL RAcES WHO, BY NATURAL INCLINATION, ARE HOMOSEXUAL. THIS WAS CONFTrmED BY BOTH MEDICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL EXPERTS TO EXIST IN ALL COMMUNITIES, WHATEVER THEIR RACE.

THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOUND IN ITS RESEARCH THAT UNLIKE THE LEGAL PROTECTION AFFORDED BY THE CRIMINAL LAW TO FEMALES UNDER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS, LITTLE OR NO LEGAL PROTECTION IS AFFORDED TO YOUNG MALES.

THE REPORT EXPLAINS THAT THE LAW AS IT STANDS AT PRESENT DOES NOT MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR A PERSON TO LIVE OFF THE EARNINGS OF A MALE PROSTITUTE; NOR IS IT AN OFFENCE TO TAKE A YOUNG MALE OUT OF THE POSSESSION OF HIS PARENTS AGAINST THEIR WILL FOR HOMOSEXUAL PURPOSES; NOR TO PROCURE A YOUTH FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOMOSEXUAL EXPLOITATION. THE COMMISSION IS OF THE VIEW THAT THE CURRENT LEGISLATION IS DEFICIENT IN THIS PARTICULAR AND OTHER IMPORTANT REGARDS. THEREFORE IT ADVISES THAT THIS AREA OF THE LAW SHOULD BE CONSIDERABLY STRENGTHENED BY THE CREATION OF APPROPRIATE OFFENCES IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH PROCURERS OF YOUNG MEN FOR PROSTITUTION, WITH THE EXPLOITATION OF YOUNG MEN FOR HOMOSEXUAL PURPOSES, AND WITH Tre PROBLEMS OF HOMOSEXUAL PROSTITUTION.

THE COMMISSION CONCLUDED THAT ALL YOUTHS OF BOTH SEXES SHOULD BE PROTECTED AGAINST COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION AND SEXUAL ABUSE. SIMILARLY, PROTECTION OF.- MALE MENTALLY DEFECTIVE PERSONS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE SAME WAY AS FEMALE DEFECTIVES ARE PROTECTED IS ALSO RECOMMENDED BY THE CREATION OF A SIMILAR CRIMINAL OFFENCE. THESE PROTECTIONS ARE NOT FOUND IN THE CURRENT LAW.

ON THE QUESTION OF PUBLIC BEHAVIOUR, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS GREATER PROTECTION FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FROM ANY OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF A SEXUAL NATURE IN PUBLIC, INCLUDING HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOUR, BY BANNING CONDUCT WHICH OFFENDS THE COMMON STANDARDS OF DECENCY.' OF THE COMMUNITY. IT RECOMMENDS THE CREATION OF A NEW OFFENCE OF INDECENT BEHAVIOUR WITH A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A FINE OF $5 OOO AMD IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS.

WSDNSSDAY, JUNS 8, 1?83

- 19 -

FURTHER, IT RECOMMENDS THAT IT SHOULD BE AN OFFENCE FOR MALE PROSTITUTES TO SOLICIT FOR AN IMMORAL PURPOSE IN PLACES TO WHICH THE PUBLIC MAY HAVE ACCESS. THE COMMISSION ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITIES SHOULD CONSIDER AND DEAL WITH ANALAGOUS PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FAMILY AND THE YOUNG, SUCH AS OBSCENE TELEPHONE CALLS, +PEEPING TOMS* AND INDECENT PUBLICATIONS, AMONGST OTHERS.

IN SUMMARY, THE COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE LAWS ON HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOUR BE CONSIDERABLY TIGHTENED. THE ONLY AREA WHERE IT RECOMMENDS THAT THE PENALTY SHOULD BE REMOVED IS IN RESPECT OF CONSENSUAL SEXUAL CONDUCT BETWEEN NOT MORE THAN TWO MALES, IN TOTAL PRIVACY, AND PROVIDED BOTH ARE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE. THIS PROPOSAL, THE COMMISSION EMPHASISES, DOES NOT IMPLY ANY MORAL APPROVAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMISSION SAID THAT THE REPORT HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNMENT WHICH IS NOW CONSIDERING IT. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT WILL TAKE SOME TIME. A DECISION ON THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS WILL NOT BE TAKEN UNTIL THESE RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN FULLY CONSIDERED.

----o------

NEW TAX PAYMENT STARTS TOMORROW

THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ORDINANCE WILL TAKE EFFECT TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND ALL PASSENGERS LEAVING HONG KONG BY AIR WILL HAVE TO PAY THE NEW TAX AT THE RATE OF $100 PER ADULT AND $50 PER CHILD AGED BETWEEN TWO AND 12, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT ADVISED TODAY.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AIRLINES WILL ONLY ACCEPT HONG KONG CURRENCY FOR PAYMENT OF THE TAX AT THEIR CHECK-IN COUNTERS.

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

/20 .......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

- 20 -

>425 000 APPROVED FOR WELDERS * * * *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A COMMITMENT OF $425 000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF WELDERS FOR THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL.

THE NEW WELDERS, WHICH ARE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES AS WELDING CORRECTIVE BRACES, ARE TO REPLACE THE 49 WELDERS PURCHASED ORIGINALLY FOR THE HOSPITAL BUT WHICH DID NOT FUNCTION

PROPERLY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FUNDS WERE SEPARATE FROM THE >700 000 APPROVED FOR REMEDIAL WORK BEING CARRIED OUT ON SPECIALISED DENTAL EQUIPMENT AT THE HOSPITAL.

♦THE SUPPLY OF SOME OF THE EQUIPMENT AT THE HOSPITAL IS NOW THE SUBJECT OF ARBITRATION AND IT IS NECESSARY, THEREFORE, TO PURCHASE THE REPLACEMENT WELDERS TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO DENTAL STUDENTS AT THE HOSPITAL,* HE SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT THE PURCHASE WOULD NOT AFFECT THE LEGAL POSITION WITH REGARD TO THE CLAIM AGAINST THE SUPPLIER OF THE ORIGINAL WELDERS.

_ _ - q----

KWAI CHUNG AND TAI PO LAUNCH TREE PLANTING DAY

SOME 100 DECIDUOUS ERYTHRINA CAFFRA WERE TODAY PLANTED ALONG THE ROAD SIDE OF KWAI SHING CIRCUIT NEAR KWAI SHING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN KWAI CHUNG BY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.

THE KWAI CHUNG TREE PLANTING DAY WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CURRENT MEI FA (BEAUTIFICATION) SCHEME OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NGA I YAU-KI, SAID THE SCHEME WAS ALSO AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST AND TO GAIN THEIR SUPPORT FOR IT.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE STUDENTS WHO HELPED TO PLANT THE TREES, MR NGAI URGED THEM TO BRING HOME THE MEI FA MESSAGE AND HELP MINIMISE TREE VANDALISM.

HE ALSO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE WOULD HAVE A PIONEERING EFFECT IN ENLISTING MORE ORGANISATIONS TO JOIN THE PLANTING AND HELP MAKE THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME A SUCCESS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR CHAN TAI-YIU, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NGAI LATER PLANTED A YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.

/MEANWHILE THE........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

21 -

MEANWHILE the chairman of environmental improvement and WORKS COMMITTEE OF TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHEUNG HON-KAU, ALSO CALLED ON NEW TOWN RESIDENTS TO HELP MAKE THE MEI FA SCHEME A SUCCESS.

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE FOURTH TAI PO DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY, MR CHEUNG SAID TREE PLANTING PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.

+BEING RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TOWN, WE MUST CONTRIBUTE OUR EFFORTS TO MAKE OUR LIVING PLACE MORE GREEN AND GIVE GREATER ATTENTION TO THE CARE OF TREES AND PLANTS,* MR CHEUNG SAID.

THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE, ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, COINCIDED WITH THE SECOND MEI FA PHASE OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AND WAS HELD AT THE PLOVER COVE ROAD MINI-SOCCER PITCH.

MORE THAN 100 STUDENTS FROM FIVE LOCAL SCHOOLS AND MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD JOINTLY PLANTED 80 EVERGREEN YOUNG TREES AT THE PITCH.

THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR PONG KIN-HONG, SAID THAT THE NTSD WILL CONTINUE TO PLANT TREES IN THE DISTRICT AND TO PROVIDE PLEASANT SURROUNDINGS FOR ALL PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

+WE WILL ALSO MAKE IT OUR TASK TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE, MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION TO THE TREES WE HAVE PLANTED,* MR PONG ADDED.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE EVENT TODAY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF TAI PO, MR CHAN CHUN-YUEN, THE CHAIRMAN OF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WAI-LAM, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING.

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

DB MEETINGS ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY * * X *

THE RESITING OF ABOUT 400 JADE HAWKERS ALONG CANTON ROAD TO NEARBY OFF-STREET SITES WILL BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW’S (THURSDAY) YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.

THREE OFF-STREET SITES, BOUNDED BY CANTON ROAD, KANSU STREET AND BATTERY STREET AND WITH A TOTAL AREA ADEQUATE TO ACCOMMODATE THE HAWKERS IN STANDARD 0.9 BY 1.2 METRES FIXED PITCHES, ARE BEING

CONSIDERED.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON EXTENDING THE OPERATION OF 582 PARKING METERS IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI SHOPPING AREA TO COVER SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO HELP REGULATE THE HEAVY DEMAND FOR PARKING SPACES ON SUCH DAYS.

/DiFOBMATICN pjipzas.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

INFORMATION PAPERS ON THE STAGE IV CONSTRUCTION WORK.OF THE taFST KOWLOON CORRIDOR THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME BY THE LAW SOCIETY A COURTESY CAMPAIGN AND THE DISTRICT STRATEGY FOR 1983-86 WILL BE'TABLED AT THE MEETING.

riM FRIDAY fJUNE 10) THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET TO DISCUSS MEASURES TO DETER OBSTRUCTION CAUSED BY ILLEGAL HAWKERS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AT THE HORSE-SHOE ROAD ADJOINING THE UN CHAU STREET ESTATE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON THE STUDY ROOM FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND THE REHOUSING POLICY OF SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE ANT I-SMOKING CAMPAIGN, THE HAWKER BAZAAR ON THE NAM CHEONG STREET NULLAH DECKING AND THE PHASE' II ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE IN NAM CHEONG WEST AREA.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND (A) THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, AND (B) THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2 PM ON FRI DAY (JUNE 10) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 39 TONKIN STREET.

- - 0 - -

SUMMER SQUASH COURSES FOR STUDENTS

* * * *

BEGINNERS’ SQUASH COURSES WILL BE HELD DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR STUDENTS BETWEEN 10 AND 13 YEARS OF AGE.

THE COURSES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.

THERE WILL BE SIX COURSES OFFERED, EACH COMPRISING FIVE TWO-HOUR SESSIONS.

ONLY 12 LEARNERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR EACH COURSE, AND PUPILS WERE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY.

COURSES FOR RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, KOWLOON CITY AND SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BETWEEN JULY 4 AND AUGUST 26.

ONE COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THE ISLAND SQUASH RACKETS CLUB FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS BETWEEN AUGUST 15 AND 19.

THE FEE IS $20 PER PARTICIPANT.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM RSS DISTRICT OFFICES AT 0-620170 (SHA TIN), 0-6577111-140 (TAI PO). 3-7128500 (KOWLOON CITY), 3-860945 (SHAM SHUI PO), AND 5-438559 (CENTRAL AND WESTERN).

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 1983

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF AIRPORT TUNNEL

*****

THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM lOMORROW (JUNE 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WORK ON THE COMPUTER SYSTEM.

D' .G THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL

AND HUhu OM HEADING TOWARDS NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG WILL HAVE TO USE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

VEH uES FROM WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR HUNG HOM WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.

HOWEVER, VEHICLES FROM KWUN TONG REQUIRING ACCESS TO KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION AREA WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

- - 0 -

TAI YIP STREET TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED * * *

TAI YIP STREET BETWEEN HONG TAK ROAD AND SIU YIP STREET IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11.30 PM TOMORROW (JUNE 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED ROAD.

THE MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED ON FRIDAY NIGHT (JUNE 10).

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC FROM TELFORD GARDENS HEADING FOR KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SIU YIP STREET, WAI YIP STREET AND LAI YIP STREET, AND WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON TAI YIP STREET WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA HONG TAK ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

CONTBITS PAGE NO.

MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS UNDERWAY IN TSUEN WAN................... 1

DB ACHIEVEMENTS WELL RECEIVED................................ 2

SEVEN APPOINTED TO DISTRICT BOARDS .......................... 3

375-MILLION TSING YI RECLAMATION CONTRACT SIGNED............. 5

SERVICES PARTICIPATE IN QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS........ 5

HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILE TALKS RESUME........................ 6

RECEPTION HELD............................................... 6

PARSNTAL 3NCOURAGEM3NT OF MUSICAL INTEREST URGED............. 7

JAPAN SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED ............................ 8

WELFARE DIRECTOR VISITS ELDERLY FOLK AT CENTRE .............. 9

TRAM TRACK WORK AT CBITRAL .................................. 9

SWIMMING COURSES ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS .............. 10

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS UNDERWAY IN TSUEN WAN * * * *

MASSIVE RECLAMATION WORKS ARE TAKING PLACE ALONG THE SEA FRONT OF TSUEN WAN AND THE NORTHERN PART OF TSI NG Yl TO PROVIDE LAND FOR PROJECTS NECESSARY TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED POPULATION GROWTH TO ONE MILLION BY THE EARLY 1990’S.

IN TSUEN WAN, SOME 28 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED FOR AN ELEVATED ROADWAY - SECOND STAGE OF THE BY-PASS - LINKING THE NEW TOWN WITH TUEN MUN HIGHWAY, A FERRY PIER AND TRANSPORT COMPLEX, AN ADMINISTRATIVE AND CULTURAL COMPLEX, A CARPARK, A STADIUM, PUBLIC OPEN SPACES, AND A HOUSING ESTATE.

ON TSI NG Yl NORTH, A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 44 000, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE FOR 9 003 AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES WILL BE BUILT ON 40 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND.

TODAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, INSPECTED THE PROGRESS OF WORK DURING A TOUR TO THE NEW TOWN.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR HAIDER BARMA, AND THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, NF ADOLF HSU, SIR PHILIP FIRST VISITED TSING Yl TO SEE THE OLD TOWN AND THE DEVELOPMENTS.

WORK ON THE SECOND TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL COMMENCE EARLY hEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN MID 1987 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $270 MILLION. THE BRIDGE WILL HELP PROVIDE ADEQUATE ACCESS FOR THE 220 □□□ RESIDENTS IN EARLY 199O’S.

THE PARTY LATER BOARDED THE MARINE LAUNCH +TIN HAU* TO LOOK AT SITES FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND.

APART FROM THE TWO HOUSING PROJECTS, PART OF THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL ALSO PROVIDE SITE FOR THE ROAD NETWORK LINKING THE WESTERN ACCESS TO THE SECOND BRIDGE.

ALL THE 90 MARICULTURISTS IN THE VICINITY WERE CLEARED LAST MONTH, AND CLEARANCE OF SQUATTER BOATS INSIDE THE MOON TSAI TONG TYPHOON SHELTER IS IN PROGRESS.

THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE TSUEN WAN BAY WHERE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEAWALL AND RECLAMATION WORK ARE IN PROGRESS.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS TOLD THAT ON THE RECLAIMED LAND, A TWO-AND-A-HALF-KILOMETRE ELEVATED ROADWAY WOULD CONNECT THE STAGE I OF THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS AT TEXACO ROAD TO TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AT CHAI WAN KOK WHEN COMPLETED IN 1985.

IT IS FORECAST THAT BY 1986, AT LEAST 4 000 VEHICLES PER HOUR WILL BE USING THIS S290 MILLION NEW ROAD DURING PEAK PERIODS.

A NEW PIER WITH A RESTAURANT AND SHOPPING FACILITIES WILL BE READY THIS SEPTEMBER, WHILE THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX COMPRISING A BUS TERMINUS, MAXICAB AND TAXI STANDS WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID 1984.

/WOiflC ON ...........

THURSDAY, JUNH 9, 1963

- 2 -

WORK ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE BLOCK TO ACCOMMODATE THE DISTRICT BOARD, COUNCIL CHAMBER, A LIBRARY, POST OFFICE, MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND A SMALL AUDITORIUM WILL BEGIN IN 1936/87, TAKING ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.

IN ADDITION, A 2.4-HECTARE SITE HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR A HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE FOR 6 700 PEOPLE, AND A 2.35-HECTARE SITE FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 8 000 PEOPLE.

SIR PHILIP LATER WENT TO THE TAI UK WAI RESITE VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF 800 LIVING IN 28 THREE-STOREY BLOCKS SINCE 1956.

HE ALSO LEARNED THAT IN ORDER TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITION THERE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD HELP ORGANISE PERIODIC CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS, ORGANISE MORE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN CAMPAIGNS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND THE FORMATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATION TO ENABLE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT.

THE FINAL STOP WAS AT THE ROTARY PAVILION ON FU YUNG SHAN WHERE THE PARTY HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE ENTIRE NEW TOWN.

DB ACHIEVEMENTS WELL RECEIVED * * * *

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARDS, ALTHOUGH STILL IN THE +WARMING-UP+ STAGE, HAVE ADVANCED ALONG A BROAD FRONT OF DISTRICT PROBLEMS RANGING FROM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, COMMUNITY BUILDING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT TO TOWN PLANNING, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TONY COOPER, SAID TODAY.

IN A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB, HE LISTED VARIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS MADE BY MEMBERS OF THE TWO BOARDS WHICH HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.

+HOWEVER, PROBLEMS STILL NEED TO BE SOLVED AND THE CHALLENGE CONTINUES; BUT AS THE BOARDS SETTLE DOWN AND GAIN MORE AND MORE EXPERIENCE, THEN WILL THEY BE BETTERABLE TO MEET THESE CHALLENGES AND ADVISE ON PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

+ALREADY THEY HAVE, IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN AND WAN CHAI, HAD SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS — REST ASSURED, MORE IS TO COME.*

ECHOING A REMARK BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT LAST MONTH’S CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THAT DISTRICT BOARDS +HAVE ALREADY MANY ACHIEVEMENTS TO THEIR CREDIT AND ARE WELL REGARDED BY RESIDENTS*, MR COOPER CITED SOME EXAMPLES ACHIEVED IN HIS DISTRICTS SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR:

* $400 000 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE TO DEVELOP

12 SITTING-OUT AREAS;

/* 1 000 oQUaXt............

THURSDAY, JUNs. 9, 19^3

- 3 -

* 1 000 SQUARE METRES OF SPACE UNDER THE TAI HANG FLYOVER Vv ILL EE ALLOCATED FOR COMMUNITY USES, AND SPACE UNDER THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATION;

* O’BRIEN ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD AND THOMSON ROAD IN WAN CHAI, AND WING WAH LANE IN CENTRAL ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR CONVERSION INTO PEDESTRIAN PRECINCTS;

* FIFTY SIGNS ADVERTISING ONE-GIRL APARTMENTS WERE REMOVED AND THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE DECREASE IN VICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN WAN CHAI;

* TEN CLEARANCE OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED TO REMOVE 64 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON PAVEMENTS AND REAR LANES;

* GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO RELOCATE THE FORBES STREET POULTRY LAANS IN KENNEDY TOWN, AND FINANCIAL APPROVAL OF ABOUT $12 MILLION FOR A TEMPORARY MARKET ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION IS BEING SOUGHT;

* THE FORMATION OF A STEERING GROUP TO STUDY THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPERS HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED;

* ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF SUCH CAMPAIGNS AS CLEAN HONG KONG, THE FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS, FIRE PREVENTION, ROAD SAFETY AND THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME;

* SPONSORING THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPERS;

* INTRODUCTION OF +MEET THE PUBLIC SESSIONS*; AND

* ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLAN AND WORKS COMMITTEE.

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

SEVEN APPOINTED TO DISTRICT BOARDS * * * *

SEVEN PROMINENT COMMUNITY FIGURES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO SERVE ON SEVEN DISTRICT BOARDS.

THEY ARE MR SO CHOI-HING (39), A DECORATION FIRM ARTISAN;

NR CHUNG PUI-LAM (43), SOLICITOR; SISTER ANNIE MARGARET KAM-LIN WONG (40), SCHOOL PRINCIPAL; MR JACOB LA I-SANG CHAN (32), SOCIAL WORKER; DR FANNY M.C. CHEUNG (30), UNIVERSITY LECTURER; MR CARSON wEN (30), SOLICITOR AND INDUSTRIALIST; AND MR ANTHONY YIU-WAH HO (37), SOLICITOR.

/TEE PRINCIPAL........

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 19&3

- 4 -

THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG, SAID THEY WERE APPOINTED TO FILL SEVEN SEATS WHICH HAD BECOME VACANT FOR VARIOUS REASONS, SUCH AS THE ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF DB MEMBERS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND RESIGNATIONS OF OTHERS BECAUSE OF PERSONAL REASONS.

THEIR APPOINTMENTS, EFFECTIVE FROM JUNE 1, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

MR LEUNG STRESSED THAT THEIR APPOINTMENTS HAD BEEN CAREFULLY EXAMINED WITH A VIEW TO MAINTAINING A BALANCED REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARDS IN TERMS OF OCCUPATION, AGE, SEX, SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDS.

+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW MEMBERS, AS THEIR PREDECESSORS, WILL MAKE USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THE MANAGEMENT OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND ACT AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE IN REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINIONS,+ HE ADDED.

BRIEF NOTES OF THE SEVEN APPOINTED MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* MR SO CHO I-HI NG IS REPLACING MR PAO PING-WING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WHO WAS ELECTED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN MARCH. HE IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OF BLOCK 2, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE.

* MR CHUNG PUI-LAM IS SUCCEEDING MR TONG KAM-BIU OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL. HE IS A SERVING MEMBER OF THE LAI WAN AREA COMMITTEE.

M SISTER ANNIE MARGARET KAM-LIN WONG IS TAKING OVER THE SEAT OF MISS SONIA NG WHO RESIGNED FROM THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES. SHE IS THE PRINCIPAL OF ST PAUL’S SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A MEMBER OF THE WAN CHAI SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE STEERING GROUP.

* MR JACOB LAI-SANG CHAN REPLACES MR CHAN HO-TUNG WHO RESIGNED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD DUE TO HEAVY PERSONAL COMMITMENTS. HE IS A SOCIAL WORKER WITH THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND A SERVING MEMBER ON THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.

* DR FANNY M.C. CHEUNG TAKES THE PLACE OF DR MARGARET NG WHO RESIGNED FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD DUE TO HER OWN HEAVY WORKLOAD. A LECTURER ON CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, DR CHEUNG IS INVOLVED IN THE WORK OF A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

* MR CARSON WEN IS FILLING AN EXISTING VACANCY ON THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD. HE IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION.

* MR ANTHONY YIU-WAH HO REPLACES MRS CHA LIU EIE-JU OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD. HE IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR 1983/84.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

- 5 -

875-MILLION TSING Yl RECLAMATION CONTRACT SIGNED K X )€ X K

THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELO ENT DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A MAJOR CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACT TO KUMAGAI GUM I (HONG KONG) LTD. FOR THE RECLAMATION AND SITE FORMATION WORK IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TSING Yl ISLAND.

THE CONTRACT, WORTH MORE THAN 874.7 MILLION, FORMS PART OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

IT WAS SIGNED BY MR T.S. NG, PROJECT MANAGER OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND MR C.P. YU, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND MR T. NAKAYAMA, ADMINISTRATION MANAGER OF THE COMPANY.

MR NG SAID THAT UNDER THE CONTRACT, ABOUT 19 HECTARES CF LAND WOULD BE FORMED IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TSING Yl ISLAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE 24 OOO PEOPLE.

HE SAID, +IT WILL INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF TWO WORKS AREAS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE WHICH WILL BE LOCATED ABOUT 1 500 METRES NORTH OF THE EXISTING BRIDGE.+

+THE TWO AREAS WILL BE SITUATED TO THE SOUTH OF NGA YING CHAU AND AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE RAMBLER CHANNEL TYPHOON SHELTER.+

WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

SERVICES PARTICIPATE IN QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS * * * * *

THE BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG WILL TAKE PART IN THE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ON SATURDAY (JUNE 11) IN CONJUNCTION WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

COMING OUT FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR THIS SPECIAL OCCASION ARE THE RED DEVILS WHO WILL GIVE THRILLING PARACHUTE DISPLAYS, INCLUDING FREE FALL, AT KOWLOON PARK AND MORSE PARK AT 9.30 AM ON SATURDAY. AT 11.30 AM, THEY WILL BE PERFORMING AT VICTORIA PARK AND YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL.

THE PIPES AND DRUMS OF THE 1ST BATTALION SCOTS GUARDS WILL GIVE A MUSICAL DISPLAY AT 8.30 AM AT VICTORIA PARK WHILE THE BAND OF THE 2ND BATTALION 7TH DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES WILL PERFORM AT MORSE PARK. AT 9.30 AM THE BAND OF QUEEN’S GURKHA SIGNALS AND GURKHA TRANSPORT REGIMENT WILL GIVE A CONCERT AT YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL, AND AT THE SAME TIME THE BAND OF THE 1ST BATTALION OF 7TH DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES WILL GIVE A DISPLAY AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND.

/THS M0TO2CYCL3 ......

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1963

THE MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM OF 29 SQUADRON ROYAL CORPS OF TRANSPORT WILL GIVE A ONE HOUR PERFORMANCE AT MORSE PARK. STARTING FROM 9.30 AM.

IN ADDITION, INDIVIDUALS AND TEAMS FROM THE BRITISH FORCES IN HONG KONG WILL *LSO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS SPORTS.

A 21 GUN SALUTc. WILL BE FIRED AT NOON ON SATURDAY AT HMS TAMAR, AND ALL ROYAL NAVY SHIPS AND ESTABLISHMENT WILL DRESS OVERALL.

- - 0 - -

HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILE TALKS RESUME * * *

NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY FOR A BILATERAL AGREEMENT TO COVER HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILE AND GARMENT PRODUCTS TO NORWAY WILL BE RESUMED IN OSLO ON MONDAY (JUNE 13).

IN THE EARLIER TALKS HELD IN APRIL, THE TWO SIDES MADE SOM PROGRESS BUT DID NOT REACH AN AGREEMENT.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, LED BY MR HAMISH MACLEOD. DIRECTOR OF TRADE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW.

0 - -

RECEPTION HELD XXX

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, HELD A RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY (THURSDAY) IN CELEBRATION OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

ABOUT 450 GUESTS ATTENDED THE RECEPTION. THEY COMPRISED MEMBERS FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL, DISTRICT BOARDS AND HEUNG YEE KUK, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

PARENTAL ENCOURAGEMENT OF MUSICAL INTEREST URGED

* * *

PARENTS SHOULD GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT TO THEIR CHILDREN WHO HAVE 1INED THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME CF THE MUSIC OFFICE THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM S D TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR WIGGHAM, WHO WAS ADDRESSING THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON, SAID THAT WITHOUT THIS WORTHWHILE SCHEME MANY OF HONG KONG’S TALENTED YOUNG ARTISTS WOULD NOT BE DISCOVERED.

THE COMMISSIONER SAID HE HAD SEEN A NUMBER OF STUDENTS RELUCTANTLY WITHDRAW FROM TRAINING CLASSES.

+ALTHOUGH EXCUSES ARE PROVIDED, I BELIEVE IN MANY INSTANCES PARENTAL ATTITUDES ARE INVOLVED,* HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM SAID THAT A NEGATIVE PARENTAL ATTITUDE - AN INSISTENCE ON THE GREATER IMPORTANCE OF OTHER ACTIVITIES RATHER THAN + IT’S ONLY MUSIC* - COULD DETER ANY YOUNG MUSICIAN.

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE - THE PARENT WHO RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR INTEREST, AND WHO IS FULLY BEHIND THE BUDDING YOUNG MUSICIAN - COULD MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE, HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM ALSO DESCRIBED THE MUSIC OFFICE’S SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN INTRODUCING YOUNGSTERS TO MUSIC AND MUSIC-MAKING, AND IN BRINGING MUSIC TO THE MASSES.

HE RECALLED THAT IN 1977, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION MADE BY A MUSIC CONSULTANT THAT INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING WAS BOTH A MEANINGFUL AND NECESSARY PROPOSITION, IF HONG KONG’S YOUNG MUSICAL TALENT WAS TO BE GIVEN PROPER DEVELOPMENT.

THE PURPOSE OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME, AS THE MAIN OPERATION OF THE MUSIC OFFICE IS CALLED, IS TO GIVE INDIVIDUAL TRAINEES SOME BASIC MUSICAL SKILL - AND FOR THOSE WITH GOOD MUSICAL TALENT, ORCHESTRAL TRAINING AS WELL, MR WIGGHAM SAID.

THE TARGET WAS SET AT 5 OOO TRAINEES ON ALL TYPES OF WESTERN AND CHINESE ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS. AND PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE TRAINING SCHEME WAS ENCOURAGING AND POSITIVE.

+DURING THE FIVE YEARS MORE THAN 4 000 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING AT VARIOUS LEVELS, AND THE ELITE OF THIS GROUP HAVE BUILT ON THIS FOUNDATION AND HAVE FURTHERED THEIR MUSICAL EDUCATION AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL.

MR WIGGHAM SAID, MORE THAN 620 TRAINING CLASSES WERE BEING RUN ON VARIOUS TYPES OF ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS, INVOLVING ALMOST 3000 TRAINEES. THESE CLASSES, OF ONE HOUR EACH, ARE SET AT THE PRIMARY AND INTERMEDIATE LEVELS, WITH CLASS SIZES, DEPENDING ON THE MUSICAL CALIBRE OF THE STUDENTS, RANGING FROM THREE TO NINE TRAINEES.

/ ? AI.,'ij «••••••

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1963

- 8 -

TALENTED TRAINEES ARE GIVEN MORE INDIVIDUAL TRAINING, VERY OFTEN WI TH THE ASSISTANCE OF LEADING MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.

MR WIGGHAM SAID ALSO THAT NUMEROUS MUSICAL ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED EACH YEAR 1N VARIOUS DISTRICTS TO STIMULATE PUBLIC INTEREST AND PARTI ATION.

AS AN EXAMPLE, GULAR SCHOOL CONCERTS KNOWN AS +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERTS, HAVE BEEN ORGANISED ON ALMOST 2 OQO OCCASIONS AND HAVE ATTRACTED OVER 1.3 MILLION LISTENERS.

+SUCH MUSIC ACTIVITIES HAVE A TWO-FOLD PURPOSE: THEY PROMOTE MUSIC: AS SUCH, BY A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC EDUCATION AMONG THOSE WHO ARE PERHAPS LISTENING TO SERIOUS MUSIC FOR THE FIRST TIME.

+THEY ALSO SERVE AS A VERY EFFECTIVE PLATFORM ON WHICH OUR OWN YOUNG BUDDING MUSICIANS FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND BANDS CAN PERFORM.

+THEIR EXPOSURE IS A FORM OF PRACTICAL TRAINING, TO TEST THE TECHNIQUES THEY HAVE LEARNED IN THE CLASS ROOM AND THROUGH WHICH THEY CAN HELP IN A SMALL WAY TO ENRICH THE CULTURAL LIFE OF OUR COMMUNITY,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.

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JAPAN SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED * * *

SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO JAPAN WILL BE EXTENDED TO POST OFFICE BOX ADDRESSES OF YOKOHAMA PORT, NAGOYA CENTRAL, KOBE PORT AND HAKATA WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT TUESDAY (JUNE 14).

AT THE SAME TIME, ITEMS MAY ALSO BE POSTED TO CERTAIN STREET ADDRESSES IN TOKYO, YOKOHAMA, NAGOYA, OSAKA, KOBE AND HAKATA.

SUCH SERVICES ARE ALREADY AVAILABLE FOR POST OFFICE BOX ADDRESSES AT TOKYO AT INTERNATIONAL POST OFFICE, TOKYO CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND OSAKA CENTRAL POST OFFICE.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE DELIVERY STANDARD IN JAPAN WAS THE NEXT DAY AFTER POSTING FOR SPEEDPOST ITEMS ADDRESSED TO TOKYO, YOKOHAMA, OSAKA, KOBE AND HAKATA AND THE SECOND DAY AFTER POSTING FOR ITEMS TO NAGOYA.

+THE MAXIMUM SIZE FOR SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO JAPAN WILL ALSO BE INCREASED TO THE SAME AS THAT FOR PARCELS,* HE SAID.

HOWEVER, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE WILL STILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO JAPAN.

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE DELIVERY OF SPEEDPOST ITEMS IN JAPAN AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO OTHER COUNTRIES MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED AT ANY SPEEDPOST ACCEPTANCE COUNTER OR FROM THE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON TELEPHONE 5-2671222.

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/9 .....

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

- 9 -

WELFARE DIRECTOR VISITS ELDERLY FOLK AT CENTRE * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAW ELDERLY PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACT IVIT ES DURING HIS VISIT TO THE CARITAS CHEUNG SHA WAN MULT I-SERVICE AND DAY CARE CENTRES.

AN AVERAGE OF 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE TURN UP AT THE MULTISERVICE CENTRE DAILY TO ATTEND VARIOUS GROUP ACTIVITIES AND ANOTHER 120 USE THE CANTEEN, LAUNDRY AND BATHING FACILITIES PROVIDED. THE CENTRE ALSO OFFERS THEM COUNSELLING, HOME HELP AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION SERVICES.

THE DAY CARE SECTION, OPERATING ON A NON-RESI DENT I AL BASIS, RENDERS PERSONAL AND LIMITED NURSING CARE, SOCIAL, REHABILITATIVE AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES TO SOME 40 ATTENDANTS WITH A VIEW TO HELPING THEM IMPROVE THEIR PHYSICAL MOBILITY AND HEALTH.

MR CHAMBERS LATER WENT TO 01 MAN ESTATE TO SEE A CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND LIBRARY, AS WELL AS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES OPERATED BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION.

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

TRAM TRACK WORK AT CENTRAL

* * * *

TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CURTAILED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 11) FOR REALIGNMENT OF TRACKS AT DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN, WHITTY STREET AND WESTERN MARKET WILL BE AT 10.35 PM.

THE LAST TRAM WILL LEAVE FROM NORTH POINT FOR WHITTY STREET AND WESTERN MARKET AT 10.28 PM, AND FROM SHAU KEI WAN FOR WESTERN MARKET AT 10.15 PM.

TRAVELLING EASTBOUND, TRAM SERVICES FROM WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN WILL RUN UNTIL 11 PM, TO NORTH POINT UNTIL 11.16 PM AND TO HAPPY VALLEY UNTIL 11.27 PM.

THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM WHITTY STREET TO NORTH POINT WILL BE AT 11.08 PM AND TO HAPPY VALLEY AT 11.19 PM.

THE SERVICE FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY WILL RUN UNTIL 11.13 PM.

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/10 .......

THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1983

SWIMMING COURSES ORGANISED FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS

*****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION HAS ORGANISED A SERIES Cc FREE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ COURSES FOR 12 OOO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

THE COURSES WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 18 TO 30, AUGUST 1 TO 13 AND AUGUST 15 TO 27 IN THE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AT CHAI WAN, VICTORIA PARK, ABERDEEN, KWUN TONG, MORRISON HILL, MORSE PARK, TAI WAN SHAN, LI CHENG UK, KWAI SHING, FANLING, SHA TIN AND YUEN LONG.

SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN THE SCHEME SHOULD APPLY TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7/F, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON OR BEFORE JUNE 14.

PUPILS NOMINATED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COURSES MUST BE OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE AND MUST AGREE TO ATTEND 12 ONE-HOUR LESSONS.

IF THERE IS AN EXCESS OF APPLICATIONS, SELECTION WILL BE BY BALLOT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WAN CHAI *****

CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF HENNESSY ROAD NEAR O’BRIEN ROAD FROM 4 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 11).

THIS WILL ALSO APPLY TO THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF O’BRIEN ROAD.

WITHIN THE SECTIONS, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 198j

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LAW ON PRIVATE CaR SEAT BELTS STARTS OCTOBER ................... 1

PROPOSAL TO ALLOW NURSERY CLASSES IN KINDERGARTENS ............. J

UNIFIED EXCHANGE OPERATION DATE EXTENDED ....................... 4

COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING STATISTICS BEING PROVIDED ............... 5

CHINESE OFFICIALS STUDY HK TRANSPORT SYSTEM .................... 6

GROUPS TOLD TO APPLY EARLY FOR DB FUNDS ........................ 7

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST .................................. 7

NEW DRAGON BOATS' EYES DOTTED .................................. 8

RCD BUILD UP LINK WITH SPORTS BODIES ........................... 8

SPORTS DAY FOR SCHOOL STAFF .................................... 9

100 SPORTS EVENTS TO MARK QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY ..................... 9

CULTURAL CENTRE FOR TSIM SHA TSUI ........................... 10

WORK TO BEGIN ON LANTAU TRAINING CAMP ......................... 11

POLICE FORCE MEMBERS GIVE TO CHARITY .......................... 11

TRANSPORT CONFERENCE........................................... 12

TEACHERS ARE OFFERED ENGLISH COURSE ........................... 12

YOUNG SINGAPORE MUSICIANS TO PERFORM HERE...................... 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1903

LAW ON PRIVATE CAR SEAT BELTS STARTS OCTOBER

* * * *

REGULATIONS TO REQUIRE THE WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT SEATS OF PRIVATE CARS ARE GAZETTED TODAY AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ESSENCE, THESE ROAD TRAFFIC (PROTECTIVE EQU IPMENT)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT FOR CARS REQUIRED TO BE FITTED WITH SEAT BELTS, ALL FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS REGARDLESS OF AGE MUST BE RESTRAINED.

♦THE ONLY QUALIFICATION IS FOR ADULTS TRAVELLING AS PASSENGERS IN CARS WITH A FRONT BENCH SEAT WHERE THE NEARSIDE PASSENGER'S SEAT IS ALREADY OCCUPIED. AS THE LAP BELT IN THE CENTRE SEAT IS COMPARATIVELY LESS EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING INJURIES. NO ONE, WHETHER ADULT OR CHILD, SHOULD SIT IN THIS POSITION IF AT ALL POSSIBLE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID SPECIAL PROVISIONS HAD BEEN MADE TO COVER CHILDREN TRAVELLING IN THE FRONT OF CARSi ♦FIRST, A CHILD UNDER TWO YEARS OF AGE MUST BE SECURELY FASTENED TO HIS SEAT BY AN APPROVED RESTRAINING DEVICE DESIGNED TO FIT HIS SMALL FRAME INSTEAD OF AN ORDINARY SEAT BELT. SECOND, A CHILD FROM TWO TO 15 YEARS MUST WEAR A SEAT BELT EVEN IF HE IS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BENCH SEAT.*

HE ADDED THAT CONCERN ABOUT THE SAFETY OF BABIES WAS ALSO ONE OF THE REASONS FOR SPECIFYING THAT ONLY ONE PERSON MAY USE EACH SEAT BELT AT ANY ONE TIME. IT WOULD THUS BE AN OFFENCE FOR A MOTHER TO CARRY A BABY IN HER LAP WITH THE BELT AROUND THEM.

♦ IN AN ACCIDENT IN SUCH A SITUATION THE BABY WOULD ACT AS A BUFFER FOR THE MOTHER AND BE SUBJECT TO SERIOUS INJURY,* HE SAID.

THE DRIVER WILL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE IF HE DRIVES THE CAR WITH UNRESTRAINED CHILDREN IN THE FRONT SEAT OR WITH PASSENGERS WHO ARE NOT WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS.

♦ IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE DRIVER SHOULD BE MADE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THE CHILDREN HE IS CARRYING ARE WEARING RESTRAINTS, BUT WE CONSIDER THE DRIVER SHOULD ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT ADULT PASSENGERS, WHO WILL USUALLY BE FAMILY OR FRIENDS, COMPLY WITH THE LAW,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THE VULNERABILITY OF CHILDREN AND SAID THAT THEY WOULD BE EVEN SAFER IN THE BACK SEAT IN A PROPERLY ANCHORED RESTRAINT SYSTEM.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT SEAT BELT WEARING RATES IN HONG KONG WERE LOW AT PRESENT, ALTHOUGH HE ANTICIPATED THAT HONG KONG WOULD FOLLOW THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE LEGISLATION WITH SUFFICIENT ENFORCEMENT BACK-UP HAD LED TO CONSISTENT AND ACCEPTABLY HIGH WEARING RATES.

/PUBLICITY WHICH .......

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983

PUBLICITY WHICH HAS ALREADY STARTED WOULD NOW INCLUDE REMINDERS OF THE REQUIREMENTS. DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS WHO DO NOT WEAR THEIR BELTS FACE MAXIMUM FINES OF S500 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS ON FIRST CONVICTION. ON A SECOND OR SUSEQUENT CONVICTION THE MAXIMUM PENALTY WOULD BE $1 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE SAFETY VALUE OF WEARING SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN DEMONSTRATED WORLD-WIDE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND FOR ALL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, INCLUDING CITY AREAS WITH LOW-AVERAGE DRIVING SPEEDS. EXEMPTIONS FROM SEAT BELT WEARING WOULD THEREFORE BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND LIMITED TO THE FEW GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS WHERE SEAT BELT WEARING IS DEMONSTRABLY UNDESIRABLE OR WHERE THERE WOULD BE REAL DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLYING WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.

HOWEVER THERE IS A GENERAL EXEMPTION FOR DRIVERS PERFORMING A MANOEUVRE WHICH INCLUDES REVERSING.

ALSO PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY ARE THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND USE)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1983 WHICH INTRODUCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FITTING OF BELTS IN TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES AND PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN THESE VEHICLES AT A LATER STAGE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE ULTIMATE INTENTION WAS TO REQUIRE WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN THESE TWO CATEGORIES OF VEHICLE AS WELL, THIS WILL NOT BE DONE UNTIL AT LEAST THE MAJORITY OF THEM ARE EQUIPPED WITH BELTS.

THE REGULATIONS REQUIRE THE FITTING OF SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT SEATS OF TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES FIRST REGISTERED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR. ADDITIONALLY, TAXIS REGISTERED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1981 WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE FITTED WITH IVO FRONT SEAT BELTS BY JANUARY 1, 1986.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY TECHNICAL PROBLEM IN MEETING THESE REQUIREMENTS SINCE POST-1980 MODEL TAXIS WOULD GENERALLY HAVE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE POINTS OR SUITABLE PLACES FOR INSTALLING ANCHORAGE, AND AN ADEQUATE PERIOD HAD BEEN ALLOWED FOR THE FITTING JOB TO BE DONE.

♦ IN THE CASE OF LIGHT BUSES, THE SIX MONTHS’ NOTICE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE FOR MANUFACTURERS TO HAVE THE SEAT BELTS FITTED AT THE FACTORY BEFORE THE VEHICLES ARE DELIVERED FOR REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.

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/?......

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983

PROPOSAL TO ALLOW NURSERY CLASSES IN KINDERGARTENS * * * * *

NURSERY CLASSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN KINDERGARTENS FROM SEPTEMBER 1985 UNDER A PROPOSAL PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.

THE PROPOSAL IS CONTAINED IN THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH WAS DRAWN UP AFTER CONSULTATION WITH KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1985, THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE WILL DEFINE KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION AS BEING FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS AND FIVE YEARS.

OPERATORS OF KINDERGARTENS WITH NURSERY CLASSES ENROLLING STUDENTS UNDER THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS WILL ALSO HAVE TO REGISTER THESE CLASSES UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT DOES AWAY WITH THE NEED FOR DOUBLE REGISTRATION AND HALF-DAY NURSERY CLASSES WILL ONLY HAVE TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE AMENDMENT AIMS TO SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES WITHOUT COMPROMISING QUALITY.*

TO ENSURE THAT THE CLASSES WILL BE OPERATED TO HIGH STANDARDS, THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1983, GAZETTED TODAY, WILL REQUIRED NURSERY CLASSES TO COMPLY WITH SIMILAR PROVISIONS AS FOR FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SCHOOLS.

THESE INCLUDE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF PRINCIPALS, SPACE REQUIREMENTS AND CLASS SIZE, AND WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT AT A LATER DATE SO AS TO GIVE SUFFICIENT TIME FOR KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS TO COMPLY.

ALSO PUBLISHED TODA' !S THE CHILD CARE CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH BRINGS PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH THOSE FOR COMPARABLE OFFENCES IN THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE.

IF THIS BILL IS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO MAKE CFFENCES AND PENALTIES IN THE CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS MORE COMPARABLE WITH THOSE IN THE EDUCATION REGULATIONS.

♦THIS IS A FURTHER STEP IN RATIONALISING OF SERVICES TO PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AS 1981 WHITE PAPER,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE PROVISION ENVISAGED IN THE

TO THE LEGISLATIVE

THE TWO BILLS GAZETTED TODAY WILL BE PUT COUNCIL ON JUNE 29. DEBATE ON THEIR SECOND READING AND THEIR THIRD READING IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE COUNCIL SITTING

ON JULY 13.

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

A....

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983

UNIFIED EXCHANGE OPERATION DATE EXTENDED * * * *

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN EXTENSION OF THE PERIOD FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATION OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE TO DECEMBER 31, 1985, THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES ANNOUNCED TODAY.

THIS MEANS THAT THE LATEST DATE BY WHICH THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE IS TO COMMENCE TRADING WILL BE THE END OF 1985.

UNDER THE STOCK EXCHANGES UNIFICATION ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON FEBRUARY 1, 1981, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MUST APPOINT A DAY NOT LATER THAN THREE YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT ON THE ORDINANCE, I.E. NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 1984.

EXCHANGE SQUARE, WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE, IS BEING CONSTRUCTED ON A SITE TO THE WEST OF CONNAUGHT CENTRE. THE CONSTRUCTION IS LIKELY TO BE FINISHED BY THE END OF 1984, AND HAS THEN TO BE FOLLOWED BY WORK ON THE FITTING OUT OF THE TRADING HALL AND INSTALLATION OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM. AN EXTENSION BEYOND JANUARY 31, 1984 WAS THEREFORE INEVITABLE.

MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED, IN CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE, IS CONTINUING TO MAKE PROGRESS TOWARDS THE COMMENCEMENT OF TRADING CF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE, HOPEFULLY IN EARLY 1985.

THE COMMITTEE IS ACTIVELY EXAMINING THE TENDERS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR TRADING ON THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE. IT IS ALSO CONSIDERING THE SETTING-UP OF A CLEARING CORPORATION, A GUARANTEE CORPORATION AND A CENTRAL SHARE DEPOSITORY CORPORATION TO REPLACE THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF PHYSICAL DELIVERY.

THE COMMITTEE AND THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE CONSIDERING NEW LISTING RULES, TOGETHER WiTH ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LISTING OF EXISTING PUBLIC COMPANIES.

A SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION UNDER SECTION 16 OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE TO REVIEW THE WHOLE SUBJECT OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.

-------C----------

FRIDAY, JUNE 10,

COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING STATISTICS BEING PROVIDED H M X X X

TWF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS. IS CONDUCTING A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON DEVELOPING A COMPUTER-AIDED SYSTEM FOR CHECKING CARGO MANIFESTS AGAINST TRADE DECLARATIONS.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SENIOR STATISTICIAN OF THE TRADE STATISTICS BRANCH, CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, DR LUK CHI-MING, DURING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND.

UNDER THE SYSTEM, DATA CONTAINED IN TRADE DECLARATIONS, SUCH AS THE NET QUANTITY AND TRADE VALUE OF SHIPMENTS, MAY BE CAPTURED AS WELL.

♦THESE DATA, TOGETHER WITH THOSE AVAILABLE FROM CARGO MANIFESTS, MAY BE COMBINED TO PROVIDE MORE COMPREHENSIVE SHIPPING, PORTS AND CARGO STATISTICS,+ HE SAID.

DR LUK ALSO REPORTED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR COMPILING SHIPPING, PORTS AND CARGO STATISTICS, COVERING PORT UTILISATION, CARGO MOVEMENTS, SIZE AND COMPOSITION OF FLEET CARRYING HONG KONG’S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, AS WELL AS SIMILAR ANALYSES ON TRANSHIPMENT CARGO HAD JUST BEEN DEVELOPED.

DATA GATHERED THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PROPER PLANNING OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PORT FACILITIES AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE SHIPPING BUSINESS.

A SHIP REGISTER FILE CONTAINING 13 DATA ELEMENTS FOR SOME 3 700 SHIPS HAS BEEN SET UP TO COLLECT INFORMATION. IT WILL BE REGULARLY UPDATED ACCORDING TO THE SHIP INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.

♦DATA FOR THE COMPILATION OF SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE ALL SIMPLY EXTRACTED FROM EXISTING INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, AND THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTING BURDEN ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR,+ HE NOTED.

HOWEVER, OWING TO PRESENT MANPOWER RESOURCES, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT INITIALLY, A 20 PER CENT SAMPLE OF CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE CARGO MANIFEST IS TAKEN AND THEN GROSSED UP TO OBTAIN THE OVERALL TOTAL.

THERE ARE FOUR SERIES OF TABULATIONS! SHIPPING AND CARGO-ON-BOARD STATISTICS, PORT-BY-CARGO STATISTICS, CARGOBY-PORT STATISTICS, AND TRANSHIPMENT CARGO STATISTICS.

THE STATISTICS SHOW THE TYPE OF GOODS SHIPPED BY SEA, THEIR GROSS WEIGHT AND VOLUME, AND THEIR PORTS OF ORIGIN AND DESTINATION.

/SOME OF .......

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 198?

SOME OF THEM ARE FURTHER ANALYSED BY TYPE OF SHIPPING SERVICE, FLAG, SHIP TYPE, SHIP CAPACITY AND LENGTH OF TIME IN PORT.

+THE FIRST SERIES OF TABULATIONS ON SHIPPING AND CARGO-ON-BOARD STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE NOW. OTHER TABULATIONS IN SERIES TWO TO FOUR WILL BE READY IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS’ TIME,+ HE REVEALED.

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ALSO PLANNED TO PUBLISH SHIPPING, PORTS AND CARGO STATISTICS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS AND SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 WOULD PROBABLY BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF AUGUST, HE ADDED.

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

CHINESE OFFICIALS STUDY HK TRANSPORT SYSTEM * * * *

A PARTY OF 43 SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS COMPRISING PROFESSIONALS AND EXECUTIVES FROM SHANGHAI, BEIJING, TIANJING AND GUANGZHOU TODAY (JUNE 10) VISITED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY TO STUDY THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM HERE.

THE VISITORS ARE SPENDING ONE WEEK IN HONG KONG, STUDYING LOCAL URBAN PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS. THEIR TOUR IS SPONSORED BY THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE OF THE WORLD BANK, THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPALITY AND THE SHANGHAI INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT.

THE VISITORS WERE FIRST BRIEFED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, ON HONG KONG’S INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM.

THEY THEN WENT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER, MR J.R.V. SENEVIRATNE, ON THE OPERATION OF THE COMPUTER TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.

TRAVELLING BY MTR, THE PARTY THEN VISITED KMB HEADQUARTERS IN KWAI CHUNG, ACCOMPANIED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KMB, MR LAWRENCE LOUEY, TO INSPECT THE COMPANY’S COMPUTER SECTION, TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL, MAJOR UNIT OVERHAUL SECTION AND MAINTENANCE AND RESEARCH CENTRE.

AFTER THE VISIT, THE GROUP RETURNED TO KOWLOON BY HYF’S HOVERFERRY.

FRIDAY, JUKE 10, 1983

GROUPS TOLD TO APPLY EARLY FOR DB FUNDS * * * *

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY.

THE ADVICE WAS GIVEN BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, WHEN HE OPENED THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION’S NEW OFFICE IN SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE SAID THAT BY APPLYING EARLY FOR FUNDS, THE GROUPS COULD AVOID DELAYS IN HOLDING THEIR ACTIVITIES.

HE ALSO SAID THAT MANY CULTURE AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS HAD BEEN SET UP IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS AND WERE SUPPORTED MAINLY BY GOVERNMENT FUNDS.

♦WHILE THESE ASSOCIATIONS MAY NEED TIME TO GET USED TO THE PROCEDURES IN APPLYING FUNDS, THEY SHOULD PLAN THEIR ACTIVITIES VERY CAREFULLY AND APPLY FOR FUNDS WELL IN ADVANCE,+ MR HSU SAID.

HE NOTED THAT TSUEN WAN WAS THE SECOND DISTRICT TO HAVE A CULTURE AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.

♦THE AREA OF THE NEW OFFICE IS SIX TIMES LARGER THAN THE OLD ONE WITH GREATLY IMPROVED FACILITIES, AND I AM SURE THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE ABLE TO ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.*

♦THE ASSOCIATION HAS BEEN ORGANISING A LOT OF ACTIVITIES SUCH AS DANCING, MUSIC AND DRAMA FOR THE RESIDENTS AND, VERY OFTEN, ASSIST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ORGANISE DISTRICT-WIDE ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.

- - o - -

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST * K M *

COPIES OF A SUPPLEMENT TO TODAY’S DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN, CONTAINING A LIST OF HONG KONG RECIPIENTS OF QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE BRITISH FORCES, MAY BE COLLECTED FROM GIS PRESS BOXES THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

PUBLICATION OF THE LIST IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION. THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 7 AM TOMORROW OVER LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS OR FOR INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THEIR CAREERS OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARD BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983“

NEW DRAGON BOATS’ EYES DOTTED

XXX

TWO NEW DRAGON BOATS WHICH WILL BE TAKING PART IN RACES IN TAI PO ON TUEN NG FESTIVAL (JUNE 15) WERE GIVEN LIFE TODAY FOLLOWING AN EYE-DOTTING BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON.

THE CEREMONY, HELD AT TAI WONG YEH TEMPLE IN YUEN CHAU TSAI, BEGAN WITH TRADITIONAL RITES OF ’SELF-CLEANSING’ AND OFFERING OF WINE, ROASTED PIG, CHICKEN AND OTHER DELICACIES TO TAI WONG YEH THE PATRON GOD OF FISHERMEN.

AFTER THE CHANTING OF PRAYERS AND PRAISES IN THE HAKKA DIALECT BY TWO VILLAGE ELDERS, MR MACPHERSON DOTTED THE EYES WHILE THE TWO DONORS OF THE BOATS DID THE DECORATION.

AN EXHIBITION RACE WAS LATER HELD.

THIS YEAR, 50 TEAMS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACES AT SHUEN WAN HOI, ALONG THE MAIN DAM OF PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL ATTEND THE RACES, WHICH START AT 9.30 AM, AND PRESENT THE PRIZES.

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

ROD BUILDS UP LINKS WITH SPORTS BODIES * * *

THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF MEETINGS BETWEEN THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORTS WAS HELD THIS AFTERNOON.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE AIM OF THE MEETING WAS TO MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN LINKS WITH THE VARIOUS SPORTING BODIES.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM EIGHT SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS ATTENDED THIS AFTERNOON’S MEETING HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT.

THEY AREi HONG KONG BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG AND KOWLOON VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG CANOE UNION, HONG KONG AMATEUR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG AMATEUR FENCING ASSOCIATION AND HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION.

THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, (RECREATION AND SPORTS), MR DICKEN YUNG.

♦A SERIES OF MEETINGS WERE HELD LAST YEAR AND THEY WERE USEFUL IN THE SENSE THAT THEY PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CONCERNED TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND DISCUSS ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST,* MR YUNG SAID.

TODAY’S DISCUSSIONS WERE ABOUT GRANTS FROM THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS VOTE, ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN SPORTS.

------0 ------ /9.......................

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983 - 9 -

SPORTS DAY FOR SCHOOL STAFF * * * )

MORE THAN 500 TEACHERS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM SHAM SHU I PO WILL COMPETE IN A SERIES OF SPORTS EVENTS ON SUNDAY (JUNE 12).

THE SPORTS DAY FOR SCHOOL STAFF IN SHAM SHU I PO IS A COMMUNITY PROJECT INITIATED BY THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND WILL INVOLVE 25 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKER§-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9 AM IN THE ( SILVER JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN. /

PROGRAMMES OF THE DAY WILL INCLUDE TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, A 400-METRE INVITATION RELAY BY SCHOOL STAFF, DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS, BADMINTON AND TABLE TENNIS MATCHES AND A TELEMATCH.

OTHER ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART ARE THE SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

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

100 SPORTS EVENTS TO MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY K .* #

THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED MORE THAN 100 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS TO BE HELD AT 35 PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

AT MORSE PARK IN KOWLOON EAST, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9 AM.

BEFORE THE START OF THE CELEBRATION, THERE WILL BE A BAND PERFORMANCE BY THE BRITISH FORCES. AT 9.30 AM A PARACHUTE JUMP DISPLAY WILL TAKE PLACE.

A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM TEAM-GAME, TOURNAMENTS TO DANCE-INS HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED.

AT THE SAME TIME IN KOWLOON PARK, TSIM SHA TSUI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND OTHER GUESTS WILL START THE CELEBRATION. APART FROM A BAND PERFORMANCE, 14 ACTIVITIES SUCH AS POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN, A MINI PRIX AND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS WILL BE HELD.

MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO TAKE PLACE IN EAST NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND, WHERE A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL OFFICIATE.

/THE CELEBRATION.........

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 198?

THE CELEBRATION, STARTING AT 10 AM, WILL INCLUDE ORIENTAL DANCE PERFORMANCES, MODEL AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATION, POTTED SPORTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN, AND DISCO ROLLER-SKATING. SAILING AND CANOEING WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN TAI PO.

TWENTY EVENTS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS OF WEST NEW TERRITORIES. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL, WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND OTHER GUESTS WILL OFFICIATE AT 10 AM.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL START AT 9 AM AT VICTORIA PARK, WITH THE PRESIDENT, AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A. DE 0. SALES, OFFICIATING.

ABOUT 20 ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CELEBRATION AT THE VARIOUS VENUES.

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

CULTURAL CENTRE FOR TSIM SHA TSUI * * M *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE TENDERS IN SEPTEMBER FROM PRE-QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE AT SALISBURY ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WOULD 3TART TOWARDS THE END OF THIS YEAR AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT THREE YEARS’ TIME.

HE SAID THAT THE CENTRE WOULD MAINLY COMPRISE AN AUD I TOR IA BUILDING WHICH WILL HAVE A 2 300-SEAT CONCERT HALL AND A 2 000-SEAT THEATRE, AND A 420-SEAT STUDIO THEATRE.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE OTHER BUILDINGS TO HOUSE RESTAURANT, LIBRARY AND OFFICES.

GROUP ’C’ CONTRACTORS AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS IN THE BUILDING WORKS CATEGORY OF THE LANDS AND WORKS APPROVED CONTRACTORS LIST I AND II ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR THIS MAIN BUILDING CONTRACT.

APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION ON THE LISTS MUST REACH THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IEPARTMENT, 12TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD BEFORE 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 24.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON

„ „ , _____THE CONTRACT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM

THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT.

/11 ........

(■ FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983 - 11 - '

i /

WORK TO BEGIN ON LANTAU TRAINING CAMP * * * * /

THE PRESENT ARMY TRAINING CAMP IN SAI KUNG WILL BE RELOCATED ON LANTAU ISLAND.

ERSKINE TRAINING CAMP OFF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF KOH IMA BARRACKS ON AN ADJACENT SITE, TO ACCOMMODATE THE FIFTH BATTALION OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON. CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE COMMUNITY FACILITY THAT COULD BE PROVIDED ON THE PRESENT TRAINING CAMP SITE WHEN IT IS HANDED OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FOR THE ARMED FORCES TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED STANDARDS OF MILITARY SKILL, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR UNITS TO UNDERGO INTENSIVE TRAINING IN A RURAL SETTING AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIAR WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

THE NEW CAMP, TO BE CALLED LANTAU TRAINING CAMP, WILL CONSIST OF SEVERAL LOW-RISE BUILDINGS DESIGNED TO FIT UNOBTRUSIVELY INTO A SMALL VALLEY ON SHU I HAU PENINSULA.

THE SITE IS IN A REMOTE PART OF LANTAU AND ITS DEVELOPMENT WILL HAVE MINIMAL IMPACT ON THE LANDSCAPE. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUILDING OF A ROAD TO THE CAMP WILL PROVIDE BETTER PUBLIC ACCESS TO BEACHES AND RECREATIONAL AREAS IN THE VICINITY.

SITE INVESTIGATION WORK WILL BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1986.

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

POLICE FORCE MEMBERS GIVE TO CHARITY M * *

THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR PETER MOOR, TODAY (FRIDAY) HANDED OVER A CHEQUE FOR $31 000 TO A BOARD MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, THE REV. KARL STUMPF.

AT A CEREMONY HELD AT POLICE HEADQUARTERS THIS MORNING, MR MOOR SAID THE DONATION, RAISED BY FORCE MEMBERS IN RESPONSE TO THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME, WAS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR’S $25 000.

HE SAID THIS INDICATED THAT POLICE OFFICERS AND CIVILIAN STAFF WERE VERY MUCH AWARE OF SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDS AND FELT SURE THAT THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE.

THE REV. STUMPF LATER PRESENTED A SOUVENIR BANNER TO MR MOOR AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION.

THE CHIEF POLICE WELFARE OFFICER, MR GIL MANSELL, AND THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE WELFARE BRANCH, MRS ANISSA NG, ALSO ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983 ■

TRANSPORT CONFERENCE it X it

THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, IS LEAVING TODAY FOR RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, TO ATTEND THE 45TH INTERNATIONAL UNION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONGRESS.

THE CONFERENCE WILL LAST FROM JUNE 12 TO 17.

IT WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, ALIGNMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE OF LIGHT RAIL C’TIES, AND THE EFFECTIVENESS AND BENEFITS OF FINANCIAL

SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

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

TEACHERS ARE OFFERED ENGLISH COURSE

* * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN A REFRESHER COURSE FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS. THE COURSE WILL BE OF THREE WEEKS’ DURATION AND WILL CATER FOR 375 TEACHERS.

THE MAIN AIMS OF THE COURSE ARE TO IMPROVE TEACHERS’ ACCURACY AND FLUENCY IN ENGLISH AND TO INTRODUCE TO THEM A RANGE OF COMMUNICATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUE APPROPRIATE TO THE REVISED SYLLABUS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH.

THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM AUGUST 2 TO 19 AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL AT EASEY COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 255 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

LESSONS WILL BE HELD FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY IN ALTERNATIVE SESSIONS. THE MORNING SESSION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AM TO 12 NOON WHILE THE AFTERNOON SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM.

SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSE.

THEIR NOMINATIONS, WHICH WILL BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, SHOULD REACH THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 5/F., HYSAN AVENUE ON OR BEFORE JJNE 20.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COURSE MAY BE MADE ON 5-8392441.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1983

YOUNG SINGAPORE MUSICIANS TO PERFORM HERE *****

THE DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL CHINESE ORCHESTRA FROM SINGAPORE WILL PRESENT A CONCERT WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 12) AT THE COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, KWAI CHUNG.

♦MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES PROVIDE GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM DIFFERENT PLACES TO MEET AND ENRICH THEIR MUSICAL EXPERIENCE. THESE PROGRAMMES ARE VERY MEANINGFUL AND THEREFORE DESERVE OUR FULL SUPPORT,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID.

THE DUNMAN HIGH SCHOOL CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF SINGAPORE WAS ESTABLISHED 10 YEARS AGO AND HAS SINCE GIVEN MANY PERFORMANCES IN SINGAPORE AND IN OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES. IT WAS CHOSEN AS THE BEST SCHOOL CHINESE ORCHESTRA IN SINGAPORE LAST YEAR AND WAS INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE 1982 SINGAPORE CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THIS CONCERT MAY BE OBTAINED AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 0-428127.

- - 0 -

PR 33

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Friday, June 10, 1983

EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM: ■

NOTE TO EDITORS OF The following announcement on the

NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES, Queen1 s Birthday Honours List is being

AND BROADCASTING STATIONS: made simultaneously in London at 0001 hours

GMT on Saturday, June 11.

Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday), June 11, but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.

The news may be broadcast from 7 am onwards over the local radio and television stations.

On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

HONOURS

KBE - Knight Commander, Order of the British Empire

CMC - Companion, Order of St. Michael and St. George

CBE - Commander, Order of the British Empire

OBE - Officer, Order of the British Empire

ISO - Companion, Imperial Service Order

MBE - Member, Order of the British Empire

BEM - British Empire Medal

QPM - Queen's Police Medal

CPM - Colonial Police Medal

Badge of Honour

QUESTS BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 1983

KBE

Mr John Henry Bremridge, OBE

Mr Bremridge became an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council in 1974 and a substantive Unofficial Member of the Executive Council in 1977* He was appointed Financial Secretary in June, 1981.

CMG

Mr John Calvert Griffiths, QP

Mr Griffiths was called to the Bar in 1956 and took silk in 1972. He became a Recorder of the Crown Court in Ikigland, also in 1972, and was appointed Attorney General in Hong Kong in June, 1979-

CBE

The Hon. Miss Lydia Dunn, OBE, JP

Miss Dunn became an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council in 1976 and a substantive Unofficial Member of the Executive Council in 1982. She has served on many advisory boards and committees and is generally accepted as being one of Hong Kong’s leading public figures.

CBE

Mr Colvyn Hugh Haye, JP

Mr Haye joined the Education Department in 1953, was promoted to the rank of Deputy Director in 1975 and Director in 1980. He is an Official Member of the Legislative Council.

CBE

Mr Robert Thomas Mitchell Henry, MVO, QBE, QPM, CPM

Mr Henry joined the Rcyal Hong Kong Police Force as a Senior Assistant Commissioner in January 1973 after 25 years distinguished police service in Malaysia and as Commissioner in Sarawak and Fiji. He was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in January 1974 and Commissioner in 1979.

OBE

Dr Chin Kwan-how

Dr Chin joined, the Government Medical Service in 1958. He was promoted to Senior Medical and Health Officer in 1966 and- to Consultant in 1977. He has been a member of the Auxiliary Medical Service since 1949, and has served as a Council Member and Treasurer of the British Medical Association (Hong Kong Branch).

OBE

Mr Brian Dennis Keep, JP

Mr Keep joined the Civil Aviation Department in 1960 after Commissioned Service in the Hoyal Air Force. He was promoted to -Assistant Director in 1968, Deputy Director in 1973 and Director in 1979-

OBE

Mr Lee Tung-hai, MBE, JP

A well known philanthropist, Mr Lee has been active in many facets of public life since 1967. He is a past Director and Chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. He was appointed an Unofficial JP in 1971 and MBE in 1972. .. „

OBE

Mr Frank Edmond Short, JP

Mr Short joined the Hong Kong Government as an engineer in 1954 and rose through the engineering ranks to Principal Government Engineer in 1973* For several years Mr Short was the Project Manager of Tsuen Wan New Town, responsible for coordinating the engineering development of the town. He is now the Director of Engineering Development.

OBE (Hon)

Mr John Louis Soong

Mr Soong has been a member of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service since its inception in 1979. He has also served on the Trade Development Council and the ICAC Operations Review Committee.

ISO

Mr Frank Au Shiu-wai ___

Mr Au joined the former Public Works Department as an electrical engineer in 1959- He was promoted to Government Building Services Engineer in 1971 and to Deputy Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services in 1982.

ISO

Mr Bernard Healy Newman, JP _______________

Mr Newman joined the former Public Works Department as an engineer in 1954 and later served in Aden and Sarawak. He has been Deputy Director of New Territories Development since 1981.

ISO

Mr James Windrow Sweetman . ____

Mr Sweetman joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 19^0, following previous service with the Malay Civil Service. He held many admi nj strative service posts in departments and in Government Secretariat Branches. He retired from the service in March whilst holding the post of Director, New Territories Services.

ISO _

Mr Patrick Anthony Ward, JP

Mr Ward joined the Hong Kong Government in 19&0, following service in Kenya. He has spent most of his service in the former New Territories Admini strati on and Public Works Department and has acted as Director of Lands on several occasions.

• - 4 -

MBE - -~-

Mr Peter Henry Bolton ...

Mr Bolton joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1971 after 30 years service in the British Army* He is a specialist in internal security affairs.

T>TR 7*]

Mr George Edward Eyles

Mr Eyles retired in December 1982 after 20"years service with the Electrical and Mechanical Office of the former Public Works Department. ' His performance of duty was always of an exceedingly high Standard.

MBE

Mrs Jenny Ho Lam Chai-nee

Mrs Ho has been a civil servant "for'21" years and presently holds the rank of Senior Court Reporter, in which she serves with excellence.

MBE

Mr Lam Chik-suen, JP

Mr Lam is Chairman and senior member of "the Chinese YMCA and is an active participant in many Sheng Kung Hui schools and welfare institutions. He is alsb active in other community service and was made an Unofficial Justice Of the Peace in 1971 •

■•n*'

MBE

Mr Lau Chi-yuen

Mr Lau is a prominent and highly respected citizen of Tuen Mun. He has contributed significantly"’to the^affairs of Tuen Mun through the District Advisory Board, to which he was appointed in 1977.

MBE

Mr Peter Poon Wing-cheung, JP

Mr Poon has been a member of the Securities Commission and Commodities Trading Commission since their inception in 1974 and 1976 respectively. He was also a member of the Securities Advisory Council in 1973- He was made an Unofficial JP in 1976.

MBE

Mr Wong Kan-ho

Mr Wong joined the Air Raid Precaution Corps in 1939 and has been involved in a wide variety of Civil Defence activities since then* He is at present the Deputy Regional Commander, Kowloon Region < of the Civil Aid Services.

MBE (Mil)

Major Ng King-cheung

Major Ng King-cheung joined the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) in 1957 and was commissioned in 1969* He has been an exceptionally loyal and dependable Volunteer and has throughout his 25 years of active service given unstintingly his own time and energies to the advancement of the Regiment.

BEM

Mr. Liang Pei-man

Mr Liang first joined the Auxiliary Medical Services (AMS) in 1971 and has rendered particularly efficient and loyal service in the AMS Liaison Section. He also rendered sterling services in establishing AMS Sub-Units in several outlying districts of the New Territories.

A 4

BEM ~ ' --

Mr Mow Lung-fat

Mr Mow joined the Customs and Excise service in 195$ after several years service with HM Dockyard, Hong Kong. His performance of duty has been marked, consistently, as being of an exceedingly high standard.

BEM- • ----- T ■”

Mrs Celia Maria da Cruz

Mrs Cruz is a Senior Personal Secretary with 31 years service in the Inland Revenue Department. She has served as Personal Secretary to five successive Commissioners and was Personal Secretary to the Chairman of the Third Inland Revenue Ordinance Review Committee in 1976.

i. J. 11 . ' • . ••

B EM i;i.!

Mr Mark Ting-yuet

•

Mr Mark has served for 29 years with the Urban Services Department and the Judiciary. His promptness in response, zeal and supervisory qualities are impressive.

BEM

Mr Tsui Pak-lam

Mr Tsui joined Hong Kong Government in 1962 after four years Army service, fie has served with distinction in the Fire Services and Transport Departments.

BEM

Mr Tang Yiu-kee

Mr Tang was enrolled into the Essential Services Corps in 1952. He excels in emergency duties and his work during the Vietnamese ... Refugee influxes of 1975, 1979 and 1980 was of a high order.

BEM

Mr Lo Shiu-kau

Mr Lo joined the Hong Kong Government in 1956 and is the,.first police interpreter to be appointed to the rank of Senior Police Interpreter. His loyalty apd efficiency are examples to the remainder of the police interpreter grade.

BEM

Mr Ng Kwok-hung - .v. —lx

Mr Ng has been in the Civil service for 27 years and is presently in charge of the Eastern/Wan Chai District Registry. He is an efficient and loyal officer whose work with new recruits is particularly noteworthy.

BEM

Mrs Leung Wong Yin-yin . ix —

Mrs iLeung joined the Civil Service in 1958. She has rendered consistently outstanding service in each post she has held.

BEM (Hon)

Mr Ng Ki-biu

Mr Ng is a motor driver who has given’years of'“dedicated and loyal service to the Hong Kong Government. His performance of duty during emergencies has been particularly noteworthy.

BBM (Hon)

Mr Au Wong-cheung

Mr Au joined the former Prisons Department in 1951 and was promoted through the ranks to his present rank of Assistant Officer I ! c.- . . •

in 1970. His performance of duty has been marked by a consistency of excellence and enthusiasm.

BEM (Hon)

Mr Lam Hang

Mr Lam joined the former Prisons Department as a Warder in 1952 and was promoted through the ranks to Assistant Officer in 1972. He has worked in various institutions in an exceptionally hard and ’ dedicated manner.

« .1 -j.i

BEM (Hon)

Mrs Fong Lee Kwan-ying

Mrs Fong was first appointed as Student Midwife in 1952 and has worked in Tsari Yuk Hospital since 1955- She is a dedicated and reliable midwife whose keeness in teaching junior staff is praiseworthy.

BEM (Hon)

Mr Wong King-tung .... ; . ,j

Mr Wong joined the former Prisons Department in 1952 and rose to his-present rank of Assistant Officer I in 1972. He has specialised in the psychiatric side of the correctional services work.

QPM

Mr George Hindhaugh, CPM

Mr Hindhaugh joined the Nyasaland Police.Force in 195$ and transferred to the British Solomon Islands in 1971* He joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1975 and was promoted to Assistant Commissioner in 1980. He is at present the Regional Commander, Kowloon«

QPM

Mr Keith Harry Lomas, CPM

Mr Lomas joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from the United Kingdom Civil Service in 1957* He has served in several branches of the Force and has contributed notably in the fields of traffic enforcement and staff relations.

CPM

Mr Brian Thomas Wigley i/t ;

Mr Wigley joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 19&3- He has held a number of key posts at divisional and staff levels, and has played a particularly important role in anti-illegal immigration operations.

CPM

Mr Ching Kwok-hoo --- ■

--r- . .1 n .

Mr Ching joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 19^3- His service since then has been marked by devotion to duty and professional ability of the highest order.

CPM

Air Brian Eley —

Mr Eley joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in*'T959'~and has served well in a number of important posts, including Aide-de-Camp to the Governor and Senior Staff Officer Operations in both Hong Kong y . . \ • •

Island and Kowloon Regions.

• *-- 1 ’ l.;

CPM

Mr John Henry Tudor Griffiths

Mr Griffiths joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 19$0.

——— ■ ~-

He has served in Special Branch since 1973 where his work in VIP protection has been noteworthy.

CPM

Mir Lai King-yuan - 1

Mr Lai joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Constable in 1956 and was promoted to Station Sergeant in 1973* He is the To Kwa Wan Neighbourhood Policing Coordinator and is an effective link with community leaders in that role.

Mr Wong Shiu-kwan

Mr Wong has served with distinction for 21 years in Fire ■ . ...

Services Department. He holds two Governor’s Commendations for courage, devotion to duty and disregard of his personal safety whilst engaged in rescue work.

- 10 -

GPM

Mr Lee Kwok-fun

Mr Lee has served with distinction for 22 years in the Fire Services Department. He is a very experienced, skilful and courageous fireman, and is a volunteer member of the Department’s underwater diving rescue unit.

CPM

Mr Chung Kwong-tak

Mr Cheng joined the Fire Services Department in 19$2 and has now reached the rank of Superintendent (Ambulance). He has ..been responsible for the operational efficiency of Hong Kong Island Division for the past ten years, during which time more than 1.5 million incidents have been attended by ambulances and men under his overall supervision.

. ...._______ _ _ •;

Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air

Fit. Lt. Peter Dicky YIP ---------------———-------

Fit. Lt. Yip joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force in 1967 and has been Flight Commander, Helicopters since 1976. He has carried out more than 150 casualty evacuations, often in the most atrocious weather conditions, and has inspired the other Volunteers by his dedication and professionalism.

Badge of Honour

Mr Tam Man-kwan

Mr Tam has been president of the Hong Kong Private Anglo-Chinese Schools Association.since December 1981. Mr Tam also plays a useful role in the Curriculum Development Committee and in promoting Scouts and Girl Guide movements and cultural and recreational activities in the New Territories.

Badge of Honour

Mr Wu Kwck-hung

Mr Wu has won more than ten Football Honours since 1972- He has held the title of Footballer of the Year since 1979 3n<i has been the captain of the Hong Kong National Team since 197&.

Badge of Honour _ .

Mr Lc Kam . • _ _

Mr Lo has been active in the rehabilitation of drug addicts via the Shek . Kwu Ghau-Drug Addiction Treatment Centre since 1968.

! - i ’..........'• ■ ■ ;■ ... ■. . <

Badge of Honour

Mr Kan Man-lee

A former member of the Southern District Committee since 1.980. Member of the Clean Hong Kong Committee (Southern) since l^l'^d also - a member of the-Public^Advisory Group on Film Standards.

Badge of Honour

Mr Leung Kwok-wai

First Vice-Chai nnan of the North District Arts Advancement Association and Chairman of its Music Sub-Committee'-since 1979.. Member of the District-Clean Hong Kong Campaign Committee since 1981 and District-. Vice-Chairman of the Scouts Association since 1976.

• - • ■ i - • ,

•If- - . ' vU ior.r . /v: . •

....... :. . .

Badge of Honour

Mr Tu Kuei-yu

Unofficial Member of Sham Shui Po District Boar^-sihceJ^I. Chairman Lai Wan Area Committee since 1981. Elected to the Lai.. Wan constituency by a wide margin in the recent District Board election.

Badge of Honour --- -...-•

Mr Lee Wai-kwong - J . .........

A village representative from Nam Pin Wai 19^1 to 1968 and again since 1980. Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pok Oi Hospital. •

Badge of Honour —...-

Rev, Chiang Pao-lin .

'Executive Secretary of the Chinese YWA in Kowloon through •which organisatioh he has been a very active-worker on behalf of the youth in Kowloon, but particularly in the Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui Areas. Boys’ Brigade Chaplain since 197^*

Badge of Honour j

Mr Chan Tin-kei

A p^i mary school headmaster who hao played an active part in many community projects, especially in promoting cultural and recreational activities for the younger generation.

Badge.of Honour

Mr Cheung Yau-yung

Mr Cheung has been on the Tai Kok Tsui Area Committee since 1972. He has held various responsible posts throughout the period and contributes considerably towards organizing and promoting District Office-sponsored activities and campaigns.

•L.J.. ‘

Badge,of Honour , , 0;

Mr Chu Kwqk-wai.... t v

. o ^Mr chu is exceedingly active in the affairs of Sai Kung and has been a consistent and active supporter of official campaigns (such as Fire Prevention and Clean Hong Kong). He has also either organised or run numerous festive and sports activities in Sai Kung for the young and the old alike.

Badge of Honour

Mr Ng. Hok-shing

Mr Ng is an active worker on behalf of the ycSutK'Of~JWOfig'Tai Sin since 1972; is currently Chairman of the District Youth Recreation Coordinating Committee and is a former member1 of the Wong Tai Sin City District Committee.

Badge of Honour

Madam Ala Yuet-har

■•.o Mrs Ma is a primary school headmistress and is one of the few women who are active in the public affairs of the Southern District in* which she plays a prominent and effective part.

Badge of Honour

Miss Mona B.N. Lo

Miss Lo is the Administrator of the Community Health Project, Kwun Tong. She was instrumental in establishing the Night Doctor Soty$i3Q .which provides low-cost evening clinic services for Kwun Tong residents.

Badge of Honour

Mr Ho Pai

Mr Ho is a Director of the Po Leung Kuk and Chairman of the Shun Tak Fraternal Association which provides meaningful public service particularly in the fields of education and culture.

Badge of Honour

Miss Char. I.io-ching

Miss Chan has played a prominent and effective role in the rehabilitation of female drug addicts since 197$ •

Badge of Honour

Mr Wong Tak-yan

. 4 • ••? -'.-J

Mr Wong is a member of the Tsing Yi Area Committee and the Social Services Committee of the Tsuen Wan District Board and i;s active in Tsing Yi civic affairs.

Badge of Honour

Mrs Wan Lee Tse-hue

Director of the St James Settlement since 1975. The work of

the Settlement on behalf of the mentally handicapped and the aged is worthy of the highest praise; its centre for the aged has become the blue-print for multi-service centres for the elderly in other districts.

/QUEEN’S

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 1983

(British Forces)

Royal Navy

MBE

Fleet Chief Petty Officer Steward, Chan Yui-kwan HMS Tamar

Array

MBE

Captain Rambahadur GURUNG 7 GR

Warrant Officer 2 B. D. GISBORNE RAMC

BEM

Staff Sergeant D. I. MACLEOD RMP Colour Sergeant Bonbahadur THAPA 2 GR

Sergeant Lalbahadur GURUNG 7 GR

BM (Hon)

Mr Au Yeung Wun

1/7 GR

Now in UK

Hong Kong Pro Coy RMP

2/2 GR

2/7 GR

Comp Ord Depot

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE ATTEND TSUEN WAN CONCERT .............. 1

THOUSANDS MARK QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY ............................... 1

DRAGON BOATS RACE ON SOUTH LAMMA .............................. 2

SEVEN NT SPORTS GROUNDS TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE............... 3

CANOEING AND SAILING COURSES FOR STUDENTS ..................... 3

'HIGHEST STANDARD ASKED OF POLICE OFFICERS' ................... 4

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIRWORTHINESS ..................... 5

TUEN MUN PARK PROJECT STARTING SOON ........................... 5

METERED WATER FOR VILLAGES .................................... 6

TENDERS CALLED FOR MAINTENANCE WORK ........................... 6

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE ATTEND TSUEN WAN CONCERT * * *

THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE TONIGHT ATTENDED A QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CONCERT AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

THE CONCERT WAS PERFORMED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (A) AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA.

MR MIRAN KOJIAN, CONCERTMASTER OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, WAS THE GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (A) AND HE CONDUCTED HANDEL’S ’WATER MUSIC SUITE’ AND RESPIGHI’S ’PINES OF ROME’.

THE PROGRAMME OF CHINESE MUSIC PLAYED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA INCLUDED ’LANTERN FESTIVAL REVELRY’, 'MORNING SONG OF HAI NAN’, ’THE HARVEST DRUM SONG’, ’GAMES’, ’THE DRAGON BOAT RACE’ AND ’CAPRICCIO ON LIU SAN-CHE’.

EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON, THE MUSIC OFFICE ALSO PRESENTED A MATINEE CONCERT AT THE LANDMARK, CENTRAL, PERFORMED BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.

-----q_-----

THOUSANDS MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY XXX

MANY MAJOR PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN HONG KONG WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) PACKED WITH PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE HANDICAPPED, WHO WERE TAKING PART IN SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

MORE THAN 100 FUN AND SPORTS EVENTS WERE ORGANISED FOR PEOPLE OF VARIOUS AGES AND HELD AT 35 PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS.

IN A CARNIVAL-LIKE ATMOSPHERE, THOUSANDS SAW ARMY BAND DISPLAYS, FANCY PARACHUTE JUMP SHOWS, AND TOOK PART IN VARIOUS GAMES AND SPORTS MATCHES.

AT MORSE PARK IN KOWLOON EAST, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9 AM.

BEFORE THE CELEBRATION BEGAN AN ARMY BAND PERFORMED. AT 9.30 AM A PARACHUTE JUMP DISPLAY WAS PUT ON.

A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM TEAM-GAMES, AND TOURNAMENTS TO DANCE-IN WERE ALSO ORGANISED.

SATURDAY, JUNS 11, 1983

- 2 -

AT THE SAME TIME IN KOWLOON PARK, TSIM SHA TSUI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND OTHER GUESTS STARTED THE CELEBRATION. APART FROM A BAND PERFORMANCE, 14 ACTIVITIES SUCH AS POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN, A MINI PRIX AND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS WERE HELD.

MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR EAST NEW TERRITORIES WERE HELD AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND, WHERE A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS OFFICIATED.

THE CELEBRATION, WHICH STARTED AT 10 AM, INCLUDED ORIENTAL DANCE PERFORMANCES, MODEL AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATION, POTTED SPORTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN, AND DISCO ROLLER-SKATING. SAILING AND CANOEING ACTIVITIES WERE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN TAI PO.

TWENTY EVENTS WERE ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS OF WEST NEW TERRITORIES. THE OPENING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE AT THE YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL, WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATED.

THE OPENING CEREMONY AT VICTORIA PARK ON HONG KONG ISLAND WAS PERFORMED BY THE PRESIDENT, AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A. DE 0. SALES.

ABOUT 20 ACTIVITIES WERE HELD FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.

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

DRAGON BOATS RACE ON SOUTH LAMMA X * * *

CHEERS AND APPLAUSE FILLED THE AIR AT LUK CHAU ON SOUTH LAMMA TODAY (SATURDAY) AS DRAGON BOATS +BATTLED+ WITH EACH OTHER IN A SERIES OF RACES.

SIXTEEN TEAMS, REPRESENTING INDIVIDUAL AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, TOOK PART.

TODAY’S EVENT, APART FROM HERALDING THE TRADITIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL ON WEDNESDAY, WAS HELD TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF TIN HAU, THE GODDESS OF HEAVEN.

THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, PRESENTED PENNANTS TO TEAM MEMBERS AND LATER PERFORMED A +FA PAU+ DRAW.

THE RACES AND THE +FA PAU+ DRAW WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND WAS PARTLY FINANCED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

- 3 -

SEVEN NT SPORTS GROUNDS TO CLOSE FOR MAINTENANCE

*****

SEVEN SPORTS GROUNDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DURING THE SUMMER FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND RENOVATION WORK.

THE WORK WILL INCLUDE RE-TURFING, FERTILISING AND AERATING THE FULL-SIZE SOCCER PITCHES WHICH NOW HAVE A BARREN SURFACE INSTEAD OF BEING TURFED BECAUSE OF FREQUENT USE BY SCHOOLS AND CLUBS.

EACH SPORTS GROUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM FOUR TO 10 WEEKS DEPENDING ON ITS TURFING CONDITION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND WILL BE THE FIRST TO CLOSE, STARTING FROM THURSDAY (JUNE 16), AND WILL BE RE-OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 1, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SCHEDULE FOR THE OTHER GROUNDS ARE:

LOCATION CLOSURE PERIOD

* TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND JULY 1 SEPTEMBER 30

* FANLING RECREATION GROUND JULY 15 SEPTEMBER 15

* WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTS GROUND AT KWAI CHUNG JULY 16 SEPTEMBER 30

* TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND JULY 22 SEPTEMBER 15

* YUEN LONG STADIUM AUGUST 1 AUGUST 31

* SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS AUGUST 1 SEPTEMBER 15

GROUND

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

CANOEING AND SAILING COURSES FOR STUDENTS * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION WILL ORGANISE CANOEING AND SAILING COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS.

THE COURSES, TO BE HELD FROM JULY 18 TO AUGUST 6, WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE TAI MEI TUK SCHOOLS SAILING AND CANOEING CENTRE, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE A SWIMMING TEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE COURSE.

/application should .......

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

- 4 -

APPLICATION SHOULD BE MADE VIA SCHOOLS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON JUNE 22.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MR CHOY WING-CHEUNG, INSPECTOR, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ON 3-884111 EXT. 277.

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

’HIGHEST STANDARD ASKED OF POLICE OFFICERS' * 4 * *

IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT THE BEARING AND DUTY PERFORMANCE OF A POLICE OFFICER IS OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD BECAUSE IT IS ON THIS THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL BASE THEIR OPINION OF AND ATTITUDE TO THE FORCE, THE REGIONAL COMMANDER, KOWLOON, MR. GEORGE HINDHAUGH, SAID LAST NIGHT.

SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS OF THE SPECIAL DUTY COMPANY, KOWLOON WEST, MR. HINDHAUGH STRESSED THAT THE DONNING OF A UNIFORM AND VARIOUS ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFORM THE INDIVIDUAL INTO A POLICEMAN.

”IT IS ONLY BY HARD WORK AND CONSTANT TRAINING THAT THE EFFECTIVE OFFICER IS PRODUCED,” HE SAID.

MR. HINDHAUGH TOLD THE OFFICERS ON PARADE THAT FROM WHAT HE OBSERVED DURING HIS INSPECTIONS HE WAS ASSURED THAT THEY HAD ACHIEVED THE STANDARD REQUIRED.

HE NOTED THAT THE LARGE NUMBER OF LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND THE TWO QUEEN’S MEDALS FOR GALLANTRY SO PROUDLY WORN BY MEMBERS OF THEIR UNIT WERE AN INDICATION OF THE PAST AND PRESENT DEDICATION AND SERVICE.

MR. HINDHAUGH SAID WHILE IT WOULD BE SUPERFLUOUS TO URGE THEM TO MAKE A GREATER EFFORT, HE WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASISE THAT AUXILIARY OFFICERS SHOULD BE CONSTANTLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH NEW METHODS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT HIGH STANDARD.

HE FURTHER TOLD THEM THAT A HIGHER DEGREE OF INTEGRATION AND BLENDING OF REGULAR AND AUXILIARY DUTIES WAS BEING AIMED AT THROUGHOUT THE FORCE WHICH WOULD POSSIBLY SLIGHTLY CHANGE THE PATTERN OF DUTIES TO WHICH THEY HAD BEEN ACCUSTOMED. HOWEVER, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND TO ANY NEW CHALLENGES AS THEY AROSE.

FINALLY, MR. HINDHAUGH WISHED THEM ALL THE BEST IN THEIR CONTINUING ROLE AS AUXILIARY POLICEMEN AND HOPED THAT THE REFRESHER TRAINING PROGRAMME THEY HAD JUST COMPLETED WOULD REVITALISE THEM FOR THEIR RETURN TO NORMAL DUTIES.

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

/? .......

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

- 5 -

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIRWORTHINESS *****

MR E.A. INGHAM, SURVEYOR-IN-CHARGE OF THE AIRWORTHINESS AND AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS SECTION, CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, IS LEAVING FOR SINGAPORE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AIRWORTHINESS ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK.

THE CONFERENCE, SPONSORED BY THE SINGAPORE ASSOCIATION OF LICENSED AIRCRAFT ENGINEERS, WILL BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 100 DELEGATES FROM AIRLINES, AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS AND AIRWORTHINESS AUTHORITIES.

THE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE BEST MEANS OF LIAISON BETWEEN AIRLINES, AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS AND AVIATION REGULATORY AUTHORITIES TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF AIRWORTHINESS.

TOPICS FOR DETAILED STUDY INCLUDE THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN AVIATION ELECTRONICS, MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES AND TRAINING.

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

TUEN MUN PARK PROJECT STARTING SOON * * * *

WORK WILL START SHORTLY ON THE FIRST PHASE OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK LOCATED BETWEEN THE NEW TOWN CENTRE, THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX AND YAU 01, ON TING AND SAN FAT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

THE PARK WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR CENTRAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, NOW PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT TWO FOOTBRIDGES TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO A CENTRAL ISLAND IN A LAKE ON THE PARK, A FOOTWAY SYSTEM FOR THE PARK AND AN ACCESS FOR USE BY EMERGENCY AND SERVICE VEHICLES ONLY.

A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSALS WAS PUBLISHED IN YESTERDAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE- THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.

. PEOPLE OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 9, 1983.

- 0 - -

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 1983

- 6 -

METERED WATER FOR VILLAGES * * * *

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL SOON INTRODUCE A SCHEME TO PROVIDE METERED FRESH WATER SUPPLIES TO KAM TIN AND VILLAGES AROUND SHEK KONG AND PAT HEUNG.

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE LAYING CF ABOUT 11 OOO METRES OF DUCTILE IRON FRESH WATER MAINS ALONG KAM TIN, KAM SHEUNG, FAN KAM AND LAM KAM ROADS.

A WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE WORKS FORMED PHASE II OF THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO KAM TIN, SHEK KONG, AND PAT HEUNG.

♦WORK ON THE PRESENT CONTRACT WILL START IN AUGUST AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE,* HE SAID.

A CONTRACT FOR PHASE I OF THE SCHEME WAS RECENTLY AWARDED TO WO HING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

WORKS ON THE 15.85 MILLION CONTRACT COMPRISES THE LAYING CF ABOUT 7 000 METRES OF MILD STEEL AND DUCTILE IRON MAINS ALONG KAM TIN AND KAM SHEUNG ROAD.

♦WORKS ON THIS CONTRACT WILL ALSO TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

0 - -

TENDERS CALLED FOR MAINTENANCE WORK

X X X X

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SOME 9 000 METAL LITTER CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER CAN START OPERATING BUSINESS ON A EIGHTMONTH CONTRACT, BETWEEN AUGUST 1, 1983 AND MARCH 31, 1984, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON JULY 8.

FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS, TELEPHONE 3-678675.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 198j

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - APRIL. 1983 .......... 1

SAFETY PLEA TO SUMMER JOB STUDENTS ............................ 8

BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR ELDERLY 'BEDSPACE LODGERS' ........... 8

FACTORY OWNERS WARNED ABOUT ROTT.ER OPERATIONS ................ 9

BIG POLICE BUILDING PROJECTS UNDERWAY ....................... -]O

NEW CERTIFICATION SYSTEM CW BURIAL IN NT ..................... 12

IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS ............................ 1J

YUEN LONG AND TSUEN WAN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAYS............ 1^

A FIELD DAY FOR SHAM SHUI PO SCHOOL STAFF .................... 14

TUEN MUN DB MEMBERS TO MEET ON TUESDAY ....................... 15

AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED FOR CONTROL TESTS .................... 16

PLAYGROUND FOR YAU TONG.................................... 16

URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR TUEN MUN................................ 16

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - APRIL 1983 M X * * *

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY - APRIL 1983, VALUED AT $89 232 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF SIX PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1982, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY NINE PER CENT TO $26 241 MILLION, IMPORTS BY FOUR PER CENT TO $47 668 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY EIGHT PER CENT TO $15 322 MILLION.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE CF NINE PER CENT.

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1, AT THE END OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA ROSE BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $815 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $328 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $318 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $224 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (BY $27 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN VALUE, INCLUDING OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $42 MILLION OR 265 PER CENT) AND BATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $36 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF DECREASED BY $13 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT.

DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $167 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $43 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP INCREASED BY $165 MILLION OR 638 PER CENT.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA OF TEXTILES (BY $174 MILLION OR 71 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $67 MILLION OR 1 001 PER CENT)- AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMIPRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $26 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $336 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $102 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $78 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT) AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $69 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $362 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $180 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY $92 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT), AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $76 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE USA WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $236 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $223 MILLION OR 602 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $125 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $64 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AND PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES UNWORKED OR WORKED (BY $51 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF TEXTILES (BY $232 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $777 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY $31 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT)-AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED (BY $69 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).

TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS.

INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA (BY $408 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY $210 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $159 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT), SAUDI ARABIA (BY $153 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY $145 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT), VIETNAM (BY $103 MILLION OR 148 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $59 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (BY $48 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $273 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (BY $75 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT). THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 5.

MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY $375 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $188 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $126 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT) AND Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical PARTS THEREOF (BY $114 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT).

/DECREASES ....

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1985

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY $417 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $145 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $69 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT). THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 6.

THE APRIL 1983 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND JUNE 16 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$5 PER COPY.

A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, + HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN APRIL, 1983 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JULY 1983 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$1O PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-214375).

TABLE 1 J DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR JAK. MARKETS -APRIL 1983 ($ MN) JAN.-APR IL 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

U.S.A. 13 232 8 469 ♦ 1 763 *21

F.R. OF GERMANY 2 068 1 953 * 115 ♦ 6

U.K. 2 050 2 113 - 63 - 3

CHINA 1 494 1 237 * 257 +21

JAPAN 1 006 870 * 137 *16

CANADA 917 682 ♦ 235 +34

AUSTRALIA 697 878 - 181 -21

SINGAPORE 632 586 ♦ 46 + 8

NETHERLANDS 556 531 + 25 + 5

SWITZERLAND 449 403 ♦ 46 +11

/Table 2

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1985 4

TABLE 2 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY JAN.-APR IL 1983 JAN.-APR IL 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN)_ PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

DIVISIONS ($ MN)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND ACCESSOR IES 8 567 8 036 ♦ 531 ♦ 7

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 3 953 4 220 - 267 - 6

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2 556 2 340 + 216 ♦ 9

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APP-IANCES) 2 163 1 930 ♦ 233 +12

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1 892 1 600 + 293 + 18

TELECOMMUNI CAT 1 AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT ONS 1 885 1 785 ♦ 101 ♦ 6

/Table 3 «••••••

SUNDAY, JUIJ3 12, 1983

- 5 -

TABLE 3 s IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES

MAJOR JAN. SOURCES -APRIL 1983 ($ MN) JAN.-APR IL 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

CHINA 11 127 10 179 ♦ 948 + 9

JAPAN 13 840 9 824 *1 016 + 10

U.S.A. 5 244 4 820 ♦ 424 + 9

TAIWAN 3 262 3 444 - 182 - 5

SINGAPORE 2 941 3 523 - 582 -17

U.K. 2 376 2 252 + 123 + 5

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 1 307 1 5°8 - 291 -18

F.R. OF GERMANY 1 252 1 093 + 159 + 15

SWITZERLAND 888 875 + 13 + 1

THAILAND 712 598 + 114 + 19

TABLE 4 : IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS

COMMODITY JAN.-APR IL 1983 JAN.-APR IL 1982

SECTIONS ($ MN) (S MN)

INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN)

PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

MANUFACTURED GOODS

CLASS IF I ED CHIEFLY BY MATER I AL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER)

13 030

13 271

-241 - 2

/MACHINERY........

SUNDAY, JUNS 12, 1983

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 10 584 10 239 ♦ 345 + 3

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 8 455 7 421 034 +14

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 5 439 4 857 + 583 + 12

MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 3 552 3 862 310 - 8

CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 460 3 082 + 378 + 12

TABLE 5 J RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR JAN.-APR IL 1983 JAN.-APR IL 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

MARKETS ($ MN) ($ MN)

CHINA 2 579 2 852 — 273 -10

U. S.A. 2 065 1 657 + 408 +25

INDONESIA 1 542 1 398 4- 145 + 10

SINGAPORE 1 310 1 100 4- 210 +19

TAIWAN 887 839 4- 48 * 6

JAPAN 794 869 — 75 - 9

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 696 538 4- 159 +29

MACAU 555 496 4- 59 +12

PHILIPPINES 483 477 4- 6 + 1

SAUDI ARABIA 376 223 4- 153 +69

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 198?

TABLE 6 i RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

COMMODITY JAN. DIVISIONS -APRIL 1983 (S MN) JAN.-APR IL 1982 (S MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 2 010 2 427 - 417 -17

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES 1 181 1 067 + 114 ♦ 11

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 1 176 801 ♦ 375 ♦47

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPITCAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1 168 980 + 188 ♦ 19

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 819 719 ♦ 100 ♦ 14

ROAD VEHICLES ( INCLUDING AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES) 751 735 ♦ 16 ♦ 2

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

/8........

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

SAFETY PLEA TO SUMMER JOB STUDENTS

* * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED STUDENTS DOING SUMMER JOBS IN FACTORIES TO TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS AGAINST POSSIBLE INJURY AT WORK.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO URGED FACTORY PROPRIETORS CONCERNED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ADVISED SUMMER-JOB SEEKERS TO AVOID JOBS WITH HIGH RISK OF ACCIDENT.

TO STUDENTS WORKING IN FACTORIES, THE SPOKESMAN OFFERED THIS ADV ICEi *BE CAREFUL WITH POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS USED IN INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES. IF NOT PROPERLY HANDLED OR OPERATED, THEY COULD INJURE, MAIM, OR EVEN KILL.+

HE FURTHER REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT STUDENTS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED IN THEIR SUMMER JOBS, WERE VULNERABLE TO INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS.

♦FACTORY PROPRIETORS SHOULD, THEREFORE, ENSURE THAT THOSE IN THEIR EMPLOY ARE CLOSELY AND PROPERLY SUPERVISED AND NOT GIVEN JOBS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR WHICH INVOLVE THE OPERATION OF DANGEROUS MACHINERY,* HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT A SUMMER JOB STUDENT INJURED AT WORK, LIKE OTHER EMPLOYEES, IS ENTITLED TO CLAIM COMPENSATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE REGARDLESS OF HIS LENGTH OF SERVICE.

HE SAID FACTORY MANAGEMENTS SHOULD NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT OF ANY ACCIDENT WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER ITS OCCURRENCE IF THE INJURED EMPLOYEE WAS GIVEN SICK LEAVE BY THE DOCTOR FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS.

+ANY EMPLOYER WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE CAUSE, FAILS TO DO SO, IS LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $1 000,+ HE ADDED.

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

BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR ELDERLY ’BEDSPACE LODGERS’ *****

THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS APPROVED AN ALLOCATION OF $30 000 TO CONVERT TWO FLATS IN KWUN LUNG LAU, KENNEDY TOWN, INTO A DORMI TORY FOR 12 ELDERLY +BEDSPACE LODGERS*.

twp ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEE KAI-FAT, SAID TODAY f^HNDAYl THE LODGERS ALSO KNOWN AS +CAGEMEN+, HAD BEEN LIVING IN VERY OLD TENEMENT*FLATS CROWDED WITH DOUBLE OR TRIPLE BUNKS.

THEIR PERSONAL BELONGINGS ARE PLACED ON THE BEDS WHICH ARE USUALLY SURROUNDED BY IRON WIRE MESH FOR SECURITY.

/♦THERE ARE .......

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 198?

♦THERE ARE NOW SEVEN APARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT ACCOMMODATING ABOUT 210 BEDSPACE LODGERS,♦ HE SAID.

♦ALTHOUGH THEY ARE ALWAYS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING, MOST HAVE DIFFICULTY IN MOVING INTO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,♦ HE ADDED.

THE PROJECT, INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUPPORTED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, WAS MADE FOLLOWING A SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST YEAR WHEN MORE THAN HALF OF THE DISTRICT S BEDSPACE LODGERS WERE INTERVIEWED.

♦AT THE MOMENT, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WILL. BENEFIT FROM THIS PLAN IS RELATIVELY SMALL. BUT IT IS HOpE2™AT THROUGH THIS PILOT SCHEME THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS CAN BE IMPROVED,* MR LEE SAID.

THE CONVERSION WORK, WHICH INCLUDES PROVISION OF A KITCHEN, SINGLE BEDS AND OTHER BASIC FURNITURE, WILL BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS’ TIME.

- 0 - -

FACTORY OWNERS WARNED ABOUT BOILER OPERATIONS M M M M M

FACTORY OWNERS WHO FAIL TO ENSURE THAT THEIR ELECTRIC IRONING BOILERS ARE OPERATED UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF A COMPETENT PERSON, ARE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

IN MAKING THE WARNING TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE LAW, NO IRONING BOILER SHOULD BE OPERATED EXCEPT UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A PERSON POSSESSING A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE ISSUED BY THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT. THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR BREACHING THIS STATUTORY REQUIREMENT IS $30 000.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE SPOKESMAN URGED FACTORY OWNERS WHO DO NOT HAVE COMPETENT PERSONNEL ATTENDING TO THEIR IRONING BOILERS TO SEND STAFF TO ATTEND A TRAINING COURSE ON THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE BOILERS, OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE UNIT.

♦THE TRAINING COURSE IS AIMED AT ASSISTING FACTORY OWNERS IN OBTAINING THE SERVICES OF COMPETENT PERSONNEL. SOME FACTORY OWNERS HAVE SENT THEIR STAFF TO ATTEND THE COURSE, AND THE PASS RATE OF THE CANDIDATES HAS BEEN 100 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.

THE COURSE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, IS OPEN TO PEOPLE WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO MONTHS’ EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING IRONING BOILERS.

CANDIDATES WILL HAVE TO ATTEND A TWO-HOUR LECTURE TO BE GIVEN IN CANTONESE BY INSPECTORS OF THE UNIT.

• ON COMPLETION OF THE LECTURE, THEY WILL BE GIVEN A MULTIPLECHOICE TEST, AND THOSE WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND TO THE BOILERS FOR A PERIOD OF 14 MONTHS UNDER AN EXEMPTION ORDER ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR.

/DURING THIS ....

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

DURING THIS PERIOD, A CANDIDATE SHOULD OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE BY PASSING AN EXAMINATION AT THE UNIT. OTHERWISE, K WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE BOILERS AFTER THE EXEMPTION ORDER EXPIRES.

■►ALL THE CANDIDATES WHO PASSED THE TEST HAVE BEEN ISSUED WITH EXEMPTION ORDERS,+ HE NOTED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID CANDIDATES WISHING TO ATTEND THE COURSE SHOULD CALL ON THE EXAMINATION CLERK OF THE UNIT ON THE 4TH FLOOR CF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD,- YAU MA TEI (TEL. NO.3-688111 EXT. 352), AND BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, A LETTER CONFIRMING THEIR PERIOD OF SERVICE IN OPERATING ELECTRIC IRONING BOILERS AND A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR REGISTERED BOILERS.

- - 0 - -

BIG POLICE BUILDING PROJECTS UNDERWAY

*****

EIGHTY-NINE MAJOR POLICE BUILDING PROJECTS ARE EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR BEING PLANNED.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY MR BRIAN GOULDSMITH, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BRANCH.

SEVENTY-SIX OF THE PROJECTS — INCLUDING OPERATIONAL BUILDINGS AND MARRIED QUARTERS — HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. ANOTHER SEVEN POLICE FACILITIES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS INCLUDING MAGISTRACIES, CUSTODIAL WARDS AND BORDER ENTRY POINTS.

IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME ARE 21 PROJECTS INCLUDING A NUMBER OF DISTRICT AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STATIONS, AND PREPARATORY WORKS ON THE NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THE DETAILED DESIGN OF WHICH IS STILL BEING FINALISED.

THERE IS ANOTHER ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE MESS, CANTEEN AND OFFICE FACILITIES AND TO PROVIDE FITNESS TRAINING ROOMS IN OLDER POLICE STATIONS.

»»ALL OLDER POLICE STATIONS WILL EVENTUALLY BE REFURBISHED IN ORDER TO INCREASE THEIR CAPABILITY TO COPE WITH NEW DEMANDS ARISING OUT OF THE FORCE REORGANISATION AT DISTRICT AND DIVISIONAL LEVELS,” MR GOULDSMITH SAID.

WORK OF THIS SORT IS IN PROGRESS IN POLICE STATIONS ON THE PEAK, IN CENTRAL AMD IN TSUEN WAN. WORK ON THE MONG KOK AND WESTERN STAT I Olis IS DUE TO START SOON.

/DESPITE THE

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 198?

DESPITE THE HEAVY BUILDING PROGRAMME, THERE IS STILL A CONTINUING NEED FOR THE FORCE TO LEASE PREMISES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO COVER THE SHORT-FALL OF OFFICE SPACE.

"PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS, WE STILL HAVE TO TURN TO PRIVATE DEVELOPERS FOR OFFICE SPACE TO HOUSE A NUMBER OF NON-OPERAT I ON AL UNITS.

"WE ARE CURRENTLY RENTING ABOUT 20 000 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACE AND ARE SEEKING APPROVAL TO LEASE ANOTHER 3 000 SQUARE METRES TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND."

TURNING TO THE BUILDING OF MARRIED QUARTERS FOR JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS, MR GOULDSMITH SAID WORK HAS STARTED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF 144 UNITS IN OLD BAILEY STREET IN THE MID-LEVELS.

"PLANNING IS WELL ADVANCED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANOTHER 540 UNITS IN YUEN LONG AND FANLING, 360 AT CORNWALL STREET, KOWLOON, AND 575 UNITS IN CHAI WAN.

"AS FOR LONGER TERM PLANNING FOR THE PROVISION OF MARRIED QUARTERS, SUITABLE SITES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED OR RESERVED IN THE TSING Yl TOWN CENTRE, MA ON SHAN AND JUNK BAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FURTHER 1 050 UNITS."

IN ADDITION TO OVERSEEING THE POLICE BUILDING PROGRAMME, THE BRANCH IS CONSTANTLY REVIEWING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY WITH A VIEW TO ASSESSING THE POLICING NEEDS BOTH IN URBAN AREAS AND IN NEW TOWNS.

"THE BRANCH STUDIES CRIME TRENDS, EVALUATES THEM IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SPECIAL POLICING REQUIREMENTS IN AN AREA, AND THEN DRAWS UP PLANS FOR POLICE FACILITIES.

"ACCORDING TO THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, A DISTRICT POLICE STATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR A POPULATION OF BETWEEN 200 000 AND 500 000 WHILE A DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION WILL SERVE 100 000 TO 200 000 PEOPLE.

"FOR REMOTE AREAS WITH ONLY A SMALL POPULATION WE SET UP POLICE POSTS OR OTHER NON-STANDARD POLICE FACILITIES TO PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE FORCE."

THE BRANCH IS WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE AND THE FINANCE BRANCH FOR THE PROVISION OF POLICE COVERAGE TO THE DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS.

"THE AIM IS TO HAVE THE STATIONS READY BEFORE THE POPULATION MOVES IN SO THAT THE POLICE ARE IN POSITION TO ASSIST THE COMMUNITY RIGHT FROM THE START," MR GOULDSMITH SAID.

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

/12 .......

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

NEW CERTIFICATION SYSTEM ON BURIAL IN NT * * * *

A NEW PROCEDURE FOR APPROVING THE BURIAL OF NEW TERRITORIES INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS IN TRADITIONAL BURIAL GROUNDS WILL BE INTRODUCED GRADUALLY WITH EFFECT FROM THURSDAY (JUNE 16).

THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW PROCEDURE IS TO RECOGNISE AND PRESERVE THE TRADITIONAL RIGHTS OF THESE VILLAGERS TO BE BURIED OUTSIDE GAZETTED CEMETERIES, AND TO ENSURE THAT THE ILLEGAL BURIAL OF NON-1 ND IGENOUS RESIDENTS IS PREVENTED.

UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURE, RELATIVES OF DECEASED INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS MUST APPLY IN PERSON TO THE DISTRICT OFFICES CONCERNED FOR PERMISSION TO BURY OUTSIDE GAZETTED CEMETERIES, A NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

A DEATH CERTIFICATE AND A LETTER FROM THE APPROPRIATE RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN OR VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVE CONFIRMING THE ----------------- OF THE DECEASED MUST BE PRODUCED WITH THE

INDIGENOUS STATUS APPLICATION.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER WILL VERIFY THE STATUS AND ASCERTAIN THAT THE PROPOSED BURIAL SITE IS LOCATED WITHIN A PERMITTED AREA, BEFORE AUTHORISING THE BURIAL.

THE BURIAL MUST BE EFFECTED WITHIN THE PERMITTED AREA AND THE NUMBER OF THE 'BURIAL CERTIFICATE’ ISSUED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE MUST BE SHOWN ON THE GRAVE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

' APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MUST OBTAIN AUTHORISATION FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE ARRANGING ANY BURIAL OUTSIDE A GAZETTED CEMETERY, STARTING ON THURSDAY.

ANY BURIAL MADE OUTSIDE A GAZETTED CEMETERY WITHOUT THE DISTRICT OFFICER'S AUTHORISATION WILL CONSTITUTE AN OFFENCE AND THE PERSONS RESPONSIBLE WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE. FURTHERMORE, THE REMAINS OF THE DECEASED WILL BE EXHUMED, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR, CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA, NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 3-655321, EXT. 201.

UNDERTAKERS ARE ADVISED THAT UNLESS THE RELATIVE OF THE DECEASED CAN PRODUCE A BURIAL CERTIFICATE WITH AUTHORISATION FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER, THEY SHOULD NOT MAKE BURIAL ARRANGEMENTS OUTSIDE GAZETTED CEMETERIES.

OTHERWISE, THEY WILL BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, AND THEIR LICENCES MAY BE REVOKED.

ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN AGAINST EXISTING AS WELL AS NEW ILLEGAL GRAVES LOCATED OUTSIDE GAZETTED CE ME TER’IES.

/13 .......

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS * * * M

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION IS INVITING TEACHERS TO APPLY FOR A NUMBER OF IN-SERVICE COURSES WHICH WILL START IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

THESE COURSES, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ONE, TWO OR THREE YEARS, INCLUDE THE TEACHING OF MUSIC, ART AND CRAFT, GYMNASTICS, MODERN EDUCATIONAL DANCE, FOLK DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE, PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS, ENGLISH IN PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MATHEMATICS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMS- EDUCATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY- AND TRAINING IN CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

ONLY IN-SERVICE TEACHERS REGISTERED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS REGISTERED TEACHERS OR PERMITTED TEACHERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

PRIORITY FOR ADMISSION WILL BE GIVEN TO APPLICANTS WHO ARE TEACHING THE PARTICULAR SUBJECT IN DAY SCHOOLS OR WHO AFTER TRAINING, WILL BE REQUIRED TO.TEACH THE SUBJECT CONCERNED.

CLASSES, WHICH INCLUDE BOTH LECTURES AND PRACTICAL WORK, WILL NORMALLY EE CONDUCTED ONCE A WEEK FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM OR FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM AT A COLLEGE OF EDUCATION OR A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.

THE ANNUAL TUITION FEE IS $210 PER COURSE, PAYABLE BY THREE INSTALMENTS.

ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

SUCH CERTIFICATES DO NOT, HOWEVER, CONSTITUTE ANY RECOGNITION FOR SALARY ADVANCEMENT.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, 4/F, MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.

THE FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECTION BY JULY 8.

NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD ALSO ENCLOSE A COPY OF THEIR PERMIT TO TEACH OR CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION AS A TEACHER ISSUED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MR H.H. WOO OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-7133285.

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

- 14 -

YUEN LONG AND TSUEN WAN TO HOLD TREE PLANTING DAYS * ?€ •

TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG WILL BE HOLDING TREE PLANTING DAYS THIS WEEK.

THE TREE PLANTING DAYS ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16), 100 YOUNGSTERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AND MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY AT SHEK PIK RESETTLERS* PLAYGROUND.

SOME 80 YOUNG EVERGREEN TREES WILL BE PLANTED AT THE PLAYGROUND.

THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN, MR CHAN YIU-CHEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR NGA I YAU-KI, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE DAY.

IN YUEN LONG, THE DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE TAI YUK ROAD REST GARDEN NEXT TO THE YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL ON FRIDAY (JUNE 17).

SOME 100 YOUNG TREES WILL BE PLANTED THERE BY LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

■ OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, MR KWONG WEI-LIM, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER CF YUEN LONG, MR LAM TIN-FUK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR TANG CH I-LEUNG.

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

A FIELD DAY FOR SHAM SHU I PO SCHOOL STAFF X X * *

ABOUT 500 SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM SHAM SHU I PO HAD A FIELD DAY OF THEIR OWN THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING WHEN THEY COMPETED IN A VARIETY OF SPORTS EVENTS IN THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN.

THEY WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE SPORTS DAY FOR SCHOOL STAFF IN SHAM SHU I PO, A COMMUNITY PROJECT INITIATED BY THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE INVOLVING 25 SCHOOLS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, PAID COMMITTEE WHICH HAD ORGANISED SEMINARS AND SINCE IT WAS FORMED LAST YEAR.

SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT TRIBUTE TO THE INTER-SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

/HE NOTED.......

SUNDAY, JUNS 12, 1983

- 15 -

HE NOTED THAT THE 99 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS IN SHAM SHUI PO-LAST YEAR FORMED A HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE, WITH THE AIM OF GETTING THE SCHOOLMASTERS TOGETHER TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS AND MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN, TO RENDER BETTER SERVICE TO SCHOOL CHILDREN, THEIR PARENTS, SCHOOL STAFF AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

THE COMMITTEE IS THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE CONFERENCE.

♦ THIS HAS WORKED SO WELL IN SHAM SHUI PO THAT T'H IS NEW FORM OF ORGANISATION IS BEING FOLLOWED IN OTHER DISTRICTS,+ HE SAID.

TODAY’S EVENTS INCLUDED A 400-METRE INVITATION RELAY WITH hEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE TAKING PART; A BADMINTON AND A TABLE TENNIS MATCH; A TELEMATCH, AND A SERIES OF TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS.

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

TUEN MUN DB MEMBERS TO MEET ON TUESDAY * * * *

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF LEUNG TIN ESTATE ON TUESDAY (JUNE 14).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ PROVISIONS FOR ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE NEW TOWN THIS YEAR.

A REPORT ON THE WATER QUALITY AT BUTTERFLY BEACH WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.

SOME SEATS WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, AND PEOPLE WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT AT 0-845001.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF FOOK YICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, SAN ON CIRCUIT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5797, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.50 AM FOR TUEN MUN.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 1983

AIRPORT TUNNEL CLOSED FOR CONTROL TESTS

XXX

THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR TESTS ON ITS COMPUTER CONTROLS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND HUNG HOM HEADING FOR NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EAST KOWLOON WAY, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

VEHICLES FROM WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR HUNG HOM WILL HAVE TO USE KWUN TONG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

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

PLAYGROUND FOR YAU TONG M * *

A PLAYGROUND WILL SHORTLY BE CONSTRUCTED IN YAU TONG TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS THERE.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE BUILT ON A 7 9OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF LEI YUE MUN ROAD AND YAU TONG ROAD.

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, A MINI SOCCER PITCH, A PLAY AREA AND A REST GROUND.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR TUEN MUN * X K

A 400-METRE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN, ABQUT 300 METRES NORTH OF HING PING ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY ON TUESDAY STARTING AT 10 AM.

CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED ON TSUN WEN ROAD AND THE NEW ROAD WEST OF SIU HONG COURT LEADING TO TSUN WEN ROAD FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.

NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES’WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT FORGING AHEAD WITH MAMMOTH ROAD PROJECTS ... 1

JOB VACANCIES ON STEADY RISE........................... 3

MORE FACILITIES FOR KING'S PARK ....................... 4

WATER MAINS TENDER .................................... 4

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR BOAT RACES......................... 4

NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR CHEUNG SHa WAN .................. 5

SOUTHERN TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN NOVEMBER ........ 6

SAFETY HINTS FOR BUILDING CONTRACTORS ................. 6

WAR ON MOSQUITOES IN SHA TIN

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

1 -

GOVERNMENT FORGING AHEAD WITH MAMMOTH ROAD PROJECTS * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SPENDING A PROJECTED TOTAL OF $6.3 BILLION ON NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

THIS MASSIVE SUM WILL BE USED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE TO BUILD AN ESTIMATED 145 KILOMETRES OF ADDITIONAL ROADS PLUS VARIOUS STRUCTURES FOR PEDESTRIANS AND TRAFFIC.

THESE NEW ROADS WOULD REPRESENT AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT OVER THE EXISTING 1 2OO-KILOMETRE ROADWAYS, THE GOVERNMENT PRINCIPAL HIGHWAY ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON, SAID.

♦BUT MORE IMPORTANT, WE PROJECT THAT THE TOTAL PAVED ROAD AREA OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WILL EXPAND BY AS MUCH AS 22 PER CENT, FROM 11 MILLION SQUARE METRES TO SOME 13.4 MILLION SQUARE METRES.

♦THIS MEANS THAT THE NEW ROADS TO BE BUILT WILL GENERALLY BE WIDER AND HAVE MORE TRAFFIC LANES,+ HE EXPLAINED.

FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR ALONE, ABOUT $1.15 BILLION WILL BE SPENT, UP BY 21.7 PER CENT OVER SOME $900 MILLION EXPENDED IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THESE PROJECTS EXCLUDE THOSE TO BE BUILT IN THE NEW TOWNS WHERE THE CAPITAL COST OF THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS LUMPED INTO THE TOTAL PACKAGES OF THE TOWNSHIPS.

♦THE MAMMOTH ROAD EXPANSION PROGRAMME DOVETAILS INTO HONG KONG’S OVERALL TRANSPORT NETWORK, PROVIDING GREATER CAPACITY FOR THE MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS AND GOODS,♦ MR BEATON SAID.

CURRENTLY, THE NUMBER OF BUS PASSENGERS AVERAGES 3.5 MILLION A DAY, MAKING BUS TRAVEL BY FAR THE MOST WIDELY USED TRANSPORT MODE IN HONG KONG.

FORMING PART OF THE OVERALL ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME ARE THE VARIOUS FEEDER ROAD SYSTEMS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO SERVICE RAILWAY COMMUTERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦THESE FEEDER ROADS ARE ESSENTIAL AS FEW PEOPLE LIVE NEXTDOOR TO RAILWAY STATIONS,♦ HE SAID.

AT THE MOMENT, ABOUT 120 SEPARATE ROAD PROJECTS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND SOME 80 ARE IN VARIOUS STAGES OF PLANNING.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, MAJOR PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS INCLUDE THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR STRETCHING FROM VICTORIA PARK TO CHAI WAN.

IN URBAN KOWLOON, THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SHOULD GREATLY IMPROVE TRAFFIC FROM YAU MA TEI TO LAI CHI KOK WHEN THIS ELEVATED ROAD SYSTEM IS COMPLETED IN 1987, HE SAID.

/+R0A2 TiUmC .........

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

♦ROAD TRAFFIC IN THE ONCE SEDATE NEW TERRITORIES IS BEING REVOLUTIONISED, AS MORE ULTRA-MODERN HIGHWAYS ARE BUILT TO SERVICE THE GROWING POPULATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION THERE,* MR BEATON SAID.

LOOKING AT THE HUGE TRANSPORT MAP ON HIS OFFICE WALL, l€ TICKED OFF SOME OF THE IMPORTANT TRUNK ROADS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — STAGE 2 OF THE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS, THE TAI PO BY-PASS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD SYSTEM FROM SHA TIN TO WO HOP SHEK PLUS A COASTAL ROAD THAT FORMS PART OF THIS SYSTEM.

THE 1911-MILLION TRUNK ROAD BETWEEN SHA TIN AND NORTH TAI PO, ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST ROAD PROJECTS, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY IN 1985.

TO BE READY AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME IS THE FINAL STAGE OF THE DUAL THREE-LANE TSUEN WAN BY-PASS, JOINING KWAI CHUNG TO YUEN MUN ROAD AND PROVIDING EASIER ACCESS TO THE CONTAINER PORT.

THE MAIN SECTION OF THE SHA TIN-LOK MA CHAU HIGHWAY SHOULD BE READY BY 1985, LINKING UP SHA TIN AND FANLING, WITH THE FINAL STRETCH TO LOK MA CHAU SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY 1986, MR BEATON SAID.

LOOKING FURTHER INTO THE FUTURE, MR BEATON CITED A SIX-KILOMETRE DUAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAY LINKING SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN, A S6OO-MILLI0N PROJECT NOW IN ITS ADVANCED STAGE OF PLANNING, WITH CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO START IN 1985.

♦THIS HIGHWAY WILL INCLUDE TWO TUNNEL SECTIONS TO BE DRIVEN UNDERNEATH THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK,+ MR BEATON EXPLAINED.

ONE MAJOR ROAD LINK IS TO BE BUILT IN THE BORDER AREA OF LOK MA CHAU TO JOIN UP EVENTUALLY WITH SHENZHEN-GUANGZHOU HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER IN SHA TAU KOK.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NORTH TSI NG Yl BRIDGE COULD START IN 1985, LINKING THE THRIVING INDUSTRIAL AREA ON THE ISLAND TO BUSTLING TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.

A NEW CONCEPT IN HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO HONG KONG, HE SAID, CITING THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AS AN EXAMPLE.

IN THIS CORRIDOR AN ELEVATED RECLAIMED LAND AND ABOVE THE SEA, 35 TO 40 METRES INTO THE SEABED.

SYSTEM IS BEING BUILT ON WITH SUPPORTING STRUCTURES DRIVEN

CONSTRUCTION STARTED TWO YEARS AGO AND THE CORRIDOR WOULD BE OPENED IN STAGES, WITH THE WHOLE PROJECT TO BE FINISHED BY 1986, HE SAID.

♦MODERN PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORKS ARE INSEPARABLE FROM THE ECONOMIC AND OVERALL INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS.

♦DESPITE OUR LAND SHORTAGE AND HIGH POPULATION AND TRAFFIC DENSITIES, WE AIM TO MAINTAIN A HIGH DEGREE OF MOBILITY THROUGHOUT OUR WHOLE ROAD SYSTEM,* MR BEATON SAID.

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/3......

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

JOB VACANCIES ON STEADY RISE * M * M

THE NUMBER OF JOB VACANCIES REPORTED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT INCREASED STEADILY ACROSS THE BOARD IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, REFLECTING A QUICKENING ECONOMIC TEMPO, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICE DIVISION SAID TODAY.

A TOTAL OF 37 376 VACANCIES WERE NOTIFIED TO THE DIVISION, A 13.7 PER CENT RISE OVER LAST YEAR’S CORRESPONDING PERIOD AND A HEFTY 45 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE LAST FIVE MONTHS OF 1982, MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER OF THE DIVISION, DISCLOSED.

HE STRESSED THAT THE INCREASE HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WHICH PROVIDED 51 PER CENT OF THE VACANCIES FOR THE FIVE-MONTH PERIOD, COMPARED WITH 41 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1982.

THE BALANCE COMPRISED CLERICAL, SERVICE-RELATED AND VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL PLUS ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS.

THE MONTH-TO-MONTH INCREASES WERE SUBSTANTIAL THIS YEAR, RISING FROM 4 143 VACANCIES IN JANUARY TO 12 551 IN MAY.

THE MAY FIGURE REPRESENTED AN 80 PER CENT INCREASE OVER APRIL THIS YEAR AND A 63 PER CENT INCREASE OVER MAY OF 1982.

MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THIS FIGURE ALSO SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF MANUFACTURING-RELATED JOBS WAS PROVIDED BY THE GARMENT AND ELECTRONICS SECTORS.

THE INCREASE IN INDUSTRIAL JOB VACANCIES WAS IN LINE WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST STATISTICS, THESE EXPORTS FOR JANUARY TO APRIL ROSE BY NINE PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR’S CORRESPONDING PERIOD TO §26 241 MILLION.

+IT APPEARS THAT HONG KONG’S IMPROVED EXPORT PERFORMANCE HAS BEGUN TO FILTER DOWN TO THE EMPLOYMENT SCENE,* MR LEUNG SAID.

ACCORDING TO FEEDBACK INFORMATION RECEIVED BY OFFICERS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE DIVISION, MOST MAJOR MANUFACTURERS REPORTED GROWING NUMBERS OF ORDERS ON HAND AND EXPECTED TO EMPLOY MORE WORKERS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.

SOME OF THE SMALLER MANUFACTURERS, HOWEVER, WERE STILL WAITING FOR MORE SOLID SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL MARKETS BEFORE MAKING MAJOR RECRUITMENT DECISIONS.

MOST EMPLOYERS SEEKING RECRUITMENT ASSISTANCE FROM THE DIVISION WERE LOOKING FOR PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 29, MR LEUNG SAID.

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II........

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

MORE FACILITIES FOR KING’S PARK * * * *

REDEVELOPMENT WORK WILL SOON BE CARRIED OUT IN KING’S PARK TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT.

THE PROJECT COVERING A 2 6OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE SOUTH OF THE EXISTING PARK AREA WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE ARBOURS, PLANTERS, PLANTING BOXES, METAL RAILINGS, FENCING AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.

WORK WILL START IN AUGUST AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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WATER MAINS TENDER M M M

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO LAY ABOUT 1 600 METRES OF MILD STEEL WATER MAINS, 600 MM IN DIAMETER, IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

THE MAINS WILL BE LAID FROM THE SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS VIA KENG HAU ROAD TO THE SHA TIN WEST FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR NOW BEING BUILT NEAR LOWER SHING MUN ROAD.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START THIS JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

- - 0

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR BOAT RACES K K K

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE IN YAU MA TEI AND TAI PO ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 15) TO ALLOW FOR DRAGON BOAT RACES.

IN YAU MA TEI, MAN CHEONG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 0.01 AM TO 6 PM.

DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ON FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND WHO WISH TO TAKE THE JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY MUST FIRST PROCEED TO THE PASSENGER FERRY CONCOURSE AND THEN REACH THE VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE USING THE ENTRANCE ON FERRY STREET NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD.

/XOTCaiSTS ON

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1963

5 -

MOTORISTS ON SAIGON STREET WESTBOUND HEADING TOWARDS THE SAME DESTINATION MUST PROCEED VIA CANTON ROAD NORTHBOUND, KANSU STREET WESTBOUND, FERRY STREET SOUTHBOUND, THE JORDAN ROAD PASSENGER FERRY CONCOURSE AND FERRY STREET NORTHBOUND.

THE PUBLIC CAR PARK NEAR THE JORDAN ROAD VEHICULAR FERRY PIER AND THE PARKING SPACES IN MAN CHEONG STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM.

IN TAI PO, THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR WILL BE RESTRICTED TO FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM.

THE SAME ACCESS ROAD, ALONG WITH THE SECTION. OF TING KOK ROAD NORTH OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WILL BE CLOSED TO CYCLISTS AND LEARNER DRIVERS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

I PO RAILWAY STATION AND TAI MEI VIA THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE PLOVER SPECTATORS. THE SERVICE BE INCREASED.

KMB ROUTE 75K BETWEEN THE TA TUK WILL BE TEMPORARILY DIVERTED COVE RESERVOIR FOR THE BENEFIT OF FREQUENCY ON THIS ROUTE WILL ALSO

PLBS WILL BE OPERATING BETWEEN TAI PO MARKET AND TAI MEI TUK.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TRAVELLING TO YAU MA TEI AND PLOVER COVE AREAS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

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NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN

* * * *

A NEW MAXICAB ROUTE LINKING CALDECOTT ROAD WITH THE ARGYLE MTR STATION WILL OPEN ON WEDNESDAY.

THE NEW ROUTE, NO. 30M, WILL OPERATE VIA CALDECOTT ROAD, TAI PO ROAD, PEI HO STREET, BERWICK STREET, SHEK KIP MEI STREET, TAI PO ROAD, POPLAR STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NATHAN ROAD AND FIFE STREET.

THE RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE VIA FIFE STREET, SAI YEE STREET, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, PORTLAND STREET, YU CHAU STREET, WONG CHUK STREET, TAI PO ROAD AND CALDECOTT ROAD.

THE SERVICE, WITH A $1.50 FARE, WILL RUN FROM 7.35 AM TO 9.40 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 AM TO 9 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOL IDAYS.

THE FREQUENCY WILL BE 25 MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS AND 35 MINUTES DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS.

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MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983 . '

SOUTHERN TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN NOVEMBER * * * *

A THREE-WEEK SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL FEATURING A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, SPORTS, CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A WALKATHON, A VARIETY SHOW WITH A LOCAL TELEVISION STATION, A DISCO MARATHON AND A CARNIVAL.

DRAWING, CROSS-WORD PUZZLES, ESSAY WRITING, SLOGAN AND QUIZ COMPETITIONS WILL ALSO BE HELD.

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE FESTIVAL IS TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN FOR THE DISTRICT AND HIGHLIGHT THE COMMUNITY-BUILDING EFFORT.

+THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT IN THE FESTIVAL, IT IS HOPED THAT A DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING CAN FURTHER BE FOSTERED,+ HE SAID.

THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $150 000 FOR THE FESTIVAL.

A CENTRAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE COMPRISING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS. URBAN COUNCILLORS, AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND LOCAL LEADERS IN THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN FORMED TO CO-ORDINATE THE PLANNING OF THE FESTIVAL.

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SAFETY HINTS FOR BUILDING CONTRACTORS * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM FALLING AND FROM BEING HIT BY FALLING OBJECTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ISSUED THE REMINDER IN THE WAKE OF TWO RECENT COURT CASES, IN WHICH TWO BUILDING CONTRACTORS WERE FINED FOR BREACHES OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

IN ONE CASE, THE COURT IMPOSED A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50 000 ON A CONTRACTOR FOR FAILING TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT A WORKMAN FROM BEING STRUCK ON THE HEAD BY A BRICK AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE. THE WORKER LATER DIED.

IN THE OTHER CASE, ANOTHER CONTRACTOR WAS FINED 340 000 FOR FAILING TO FENCE OFF WORKING PLATFORMS.

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 1983

- 7 -

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT SUITABLE FENCINGS SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR FLOOR EDGES, FLOOR OPENINGS, LIFT SHAFTS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES WHERE WORKERS MIGHT FALL A DISTANCE OF MORE THAN TWO METRES. WHERE FENCING IS NOT PRACTICABLE, SAFETY BELTS AND SAFETY NETS SHOULD BE USED, HE ADDED.

TO PREVENT WORKERS FROM BEING HIT BY FALLING OBJECTS, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, SAFETY HELMETS SHOULD BE PROVIDED AND PROPER CHUTES SHOULD BE ERECTED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF DEBRIS. FANS AND NETS SHOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR BAMBOO SCAFFOLDINGS TO CATCH FALLING OBJECTS.

♦APART FROM ALL THESE MEASURES, IT IS ALSO ESSENTIAL FOR EMPLOYERS TO SEEK THE CO-OPERATION OF THEIR WORKERS IN COMPLYING WITH SAFETY RULES AND IN USING SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THEM,+ HE NOTED.

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WAR ON MOSQUITOES IN SHA TIN * * * *

A TWO-PRONGED CAMPAIGN IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN SHA TIN TO RID THE DISTRICT OF MOSQUITOES WHICH WILL RESULT IN A MORE PLEASANT LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR NEW TOWN AND RURAL RESIDENTS.

THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, COMPRISES SEARCH AND DESTROY RAIDS ON POTENTIAL BREEDING GROUNDS, AND EDUCATION OF RESIDENTS ON ANTIMOSQUITO MEASURES.

BEING RID OF THIS NUISANCE WOULD ALSO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS AGAINST DISEASES THAT MIGHT BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH MOSQUITOES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE SAID THE MOSQUITO FIGHTERS — COMPRISING FIVE PEST CONTROL TEAMS FROM THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE -- WERE COMBING THE HILLS, AND VISITING CONSTRUCTION AND VACANT BUILDING SITES AND COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS TO SEARCH FOR, AND DESTROY BREEDING GROUNDS.

♦CLOGGED STREAMS ARE A POTENTIAL DANGER. THAT IS WHY THE PEST CONTROL TEAMS ARE ARMED WITH GRASS CUTTERS AND RAKES APART FROM INSECTICIDE SPRAYERS. MOSQUITOES CANNOT BREED IN FREE FLOWING WATER — THAT IS WHY THEY HAVE TO REMOVE ROCKS AND CUT UNDERGROWTH OBSTRUCTING THE FLOW OF THE STREAMS,+ HE SAID.

ON EDUCATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID PUBLICITY MATERIAL SUCH AS LEAFLETS AND POSTERS ON PROPER METHODS OF RIDDING THE MOSQUITO THREAT (STAGNANT WATER COLLECTED IN DISCARDED TINS, BOTTLES AND RECEPTACLES), WERE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS.

THEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO REPORT TO THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE IN CASE THEY NEED HELP IN TACKLING THE NUISANCE.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR TO SEE DRAGON BOATS RACE ........................... 1

NEW FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEETS ............................... 2

PRIMARY SCHOOL ALLOCATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED .................... J

LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1983 QUARTER ... k

WARNING GIVEN ABOUT WORK IN CONFINED SPACES ................... 6

EVENING COURSES ORGANISED TOR DISABLED ........................ 7

PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT BUTTERFLY BEACH POLLUTION ................. 8

TRAFFIC CHANGES CW HONG KONG ISLAND ........................... 9

MAJOR TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TUEN MUN ............................ 10

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CONCERT ................................. 11

NEW ROAD SECTION............................................ 11

NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR KOWLOON CITY ........................... 12

WATER FIGURES ................................................ 12

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

GOVERNOR TO SEE DRAGON BOATS RACE * * * *

HUNDREDS OF DRAGON BOATS WILL RACE AT VARIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TOMORROW TO CELEBRATE THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL.

THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL ATTEND THE RACE AT 3 PM AT THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER IN SHAU KEI WAN.

MORE THAN 10 TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE RACE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF FISHERMEN. THERE WILL ALSO BE A SAMPAN ROWING COMPETITION FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE FISHERMEN.

ELSEWHERE AT THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, 56 TEAMS, INCLUDING 12 PHOENIX BOATS, WILL COMPETE BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 5 PM. THE GUEST OF HONOUR WILL BE THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN.

IN TAI PO, 50 TEAMS WILL CONTEST IN THE RACE OVER 1 000 METRES ALONG THE MAIN DAM OF PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR, BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 1 PM. THE OFFICIATING GUEST WILL BE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE.

AN EXHIBITION RACE AMONG TEAMS FROM TWO BANKS AND A LOCAL TELEVISION STATION WILL HIGHLIGHT THE DAY’S EVENTS.

IN TUEN MUN, 59 TEAMS REPRESENTING VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE NEW TOWN WILL PADDLE THEIR WAY ALONG THE CASTLE PEAK TYPHOON SHELTER BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 1 PM.

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL PRESENT PRIZES, AS WELL AS THE SDA CUP, TO WINNING TEAMS.

IN SAI KUNG, THE RACE WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 1 PM ALONG THE SEAFRONT OF SAI KUNG INNER PORT SHELTER WITH 25 MEN'S AND FOUR WOMEN’S TEAMS PARTICIPATING. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL BE PRESENT.

OTHER VENUES WHERE DRAGON BOAT RACES WILL BE HELD INCLUDE THE ABERDEEN HARBOUR, TUNG CHUNG PIER, PUI 0 BEACH ON SOUTH LANTAU, TAI TAM WAN, MUI WO AND CHEUNG CHAU.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

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NEW FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEETS ******

THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, WITH ITS EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE, HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY FOLLOWING ITS RECENT RECONSTITUTION.

THE COMMITTEE WAS STRENGTHENED TO IMPROVE THE CO-ORDINATION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VARIOUS EFFORTS BEING PUT INTO CRIME PREVENTION.

IT IS CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND COMPRISES IN ADDITION THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, AND FOUR UNOFFICIALS, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR CHARLES YEUNG, DR HO KAM-FAI AND H?S SOPHIA HO.

IN ANNOUNCING THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, HAD REASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHARED THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THE INCREASED CRIME RATE.

HE SAID THE DECISION TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE COMMITTEE REFLECTED THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, AND ITS DETERMINATION TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.

IN THEIR MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THE CURRENT CRIME SITUATION AND REVIEWED THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS SUPPORTING COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES.

THEY ALSO CONSIDERED A NUMBER OF ANTI-CRIME PROPOSALS AND BACK-UP MEASURES, ONE OF WHICH WAS A COMPREHENSIVE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

PRIMARY SCHOOL ALLOCATIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED ft ft * *

THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR UNDER THE N$W PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 18 AND 19, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

OUT OF THE 32 878 CHILDREN TAKING PART IN THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION, 21 254 CHILDREN OR 64.6 PER CENT, WILL BE GIVEN PLACES IN SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST THREE CHOICES.

♦IN FACT, ABOUT 93 PER CENT OF THE CHILDREN WILL SECURE PLACES IN SCHOOLS OF THEIR PARENTS’ FIRST 10 CHO ICES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARENTS CONCERNED SHOULD GO TO THE DISTRIBUTION-COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR DISTRICTS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18) OR SUNDAY (JUNE 19) BETWEEN 9 AM TO 4 PM TO COLLECT THEIR ALLOCATION SLIPS ADVISING OF THE SCHOOLS IN WHICH THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PLACED.

COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON JUNE 27 OR 28.

FOR A.M. SCHOOLS, THE REGISTRATION HOURS WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON AND FOR P.M. SCHOOLS, THE HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM.

WHOLE-DAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION HOURS WILL BE 9 AM TO 12 NOON AND 2 PM TO 4 PM.

PARENTS WHO FOR PERSONAL REASONS CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN ON JUNE 27 OR 28 MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE SuCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 2/F, FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

PARENTS WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCATION IS POSSIBLE.

HOWEVER, IF PARENTS HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS HAVING MOVED HOUSE FAR AWAY, THEY MAY SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT.

/ n» DOING .............

TUESDAY, JUNE 1*+, 19^3

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IN DOING SO, THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG SUPPORTING DOCUMENTARY PROOF SUCH AS RENT RECEIPTS, RATES DEMAND NOTES, WATER BILLS OR Sectricity bills bearing the name of the child’s parents or GUARDIANS.

IF THEIR REQUEST IS JUSTIFIED, THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT WOULD TRY THEIR BEST TO FIND A PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AT A SCHOOL NEARER TO THEIR NEW HOME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AND HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR NEED NOT REPEAT REGISTRATION FORMALITIES.

ANY PARENT WISHING TO MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5~724383 DURING OFFICE HOURS ON OR AFTER SATURDAY (JUNE 18).

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LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1983 QUARTER * * * * *

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER FEBRUARY - APRIL 1983 WAS 5.2 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARED WITH 4.3 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1983, AND 3.4 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING APRIL LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.

♦THE INCREASES OF 0.9 PERCENTAGE POINT AND 1.8 PERCENTAGE POINTS RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE TWO EARLIER QUARTERS ARE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT- THAT IS, THE INCREASES ARE GREATER THAN CAN BE EXPLAINED BY SAMPLING ERROR,+ THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STATED.

♦A SIGNIFICANT POINT TO NOTE, HOWEVER, IS THAT THE RISING TREND IN UNEMPLOYMENT SINCE THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1982 NOW APPEARS TO HAVE PEAKED OUT. AT 5.2 PER CENT THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1983 WAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THAT FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1983 OF 5.1 PER CENT,+ HE ADDED.

THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1983 WAS PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED TO BE 129 000, AS COMPARED WITH 106 700 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, AND 84 500 FOR THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.

/THE. UNDEREMPLOYMENT .

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 2.4 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1983, WHICH IS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1983.

THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS 61 OOO FOR THE QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1983, AS COMPARED WITH 58 600 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.

CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

IN COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE CHANGES IN UNEMPLOYMENT TEND TO LAG BEHIND CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY, THE INCREASES IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES IN THE QUARTER FEBRUARY - APRIL 1983 DID NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE CURRENT UNDERLYING ECONOMIC SITUATION.

♦INDEED, GIVEN THE INDICATIONS OF FURTHER REVIVAL IN EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY GENERALLY, THE UNDERLYING ECONOMIC SITUATION IS ALREADY IMPROVING BUT THE IMPROVEMENT HAS NOT YET BEEN SUFFICIENT TO RESULT IN A FALL IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT OR UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES,♦ HE SAID.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 15 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 55 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. BECAUSE THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IS BASED ON A SAMPLE AND NOT THE WHOLE POPULATION, ITS RESULTS ARE SUBJECT TO SAMPLING ERROR.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIED FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATIONS IN FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER ENDING APRIL 1983 WAS 5.1 PER CENT.

• HE ADDED THAT DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT OF THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1983 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH.

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/6..........

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1963

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WARNING GIVEN ABOUT WORK IN CONFINED SPACES * * * *

IN VIEW OF THE RECENT CASE IN WHICH TWO WORKMEN WERE REPORTEDLY OVERCOME BY AN UNKNOWN GAS INSIDE A MANHOLE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO BE ALERT TO THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE TERM, •♦CONFINED SPACE+, HAS A WIDE APPLICATION THROUGHOUT INDUSTRY. SOME SITUATIONS WERE FAIRLY OBVIOUSLY CONFINED SPACES - E.G. CLOSED TANKS, LARGE DUCTS, SEWERS AND ENCLOSED DRAINS, BUT OTHERS WERE LESS OBVIOUS, SUCH AS OPEN TOPPED TANKS AND VATS, CLOSED AND UNVENTILATED ROOMS, AND MEDIUM-SIZED AND LARGE FURNACES AND OVENS.

IN THESE CONFINED SPACES, DANGEROUS GASES, VAPOURS AND FUMES MIGHT BE PRESENT, AND THE MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS HAVE THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TAKING PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.

THE MANAGEMENT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, SHOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FORMULATE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, PROVIDE ADEQUATE AND SUITABLE TESTING INSTRUMENTS AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND TRAINED SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS IN SAFE METHODS OF OPERATION, EMERGENCY RESCUE WORK AND FIRST AID.

IF A WORKER IS WORKING INSIDE A CONFINED SPACE, THE MANAGEMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT TWO SETS OF BREATHING APPARATUS, A SAFETY LAMP OR TORCH FOR EACH APPARATUS, TWO HARNESSES AND LIFELINES FOR RESCUE OPERATION, A STRETCHER AND RESUSCITATION EQUIPMENT ARE READILY AVAILABLE.

A SUPERVISOR SHOULD ENSURE THAT THESE PRECAUTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT BEFORE A WORKER ENTERS A CONFINED SPACE. FOR EXAMPLE, AN ATTENDANT SHOULD BE POSTED OUTSIDE TO KEEP WATCH AND CAN SUMMON AID IF REQUIRED, SAFETY AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE READY AND A PERSON TRAINED IN THEIR USE SHOULD BE STANDING BY.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT WORKERS SHOULD NOT ENTER A CONFINED SPACE WITHOUT INSTRUCTION OR PERMISSION FROM THE PERSON IN-CHARGE OF THE WORK AND WITHOUT A PERSON BEING IN CONSTANT ATTENDANCE AT THE ENTRANCE.

BEFORE ENTERING A CONFINED SPACE THAT HAS NOT BEEN FREED OF GAS, THEY SHOULD WEAR APPARATUS, HARNESS AND LIFELINE. WHEN WORKERS ARE WORKING INSIDE A CONFINED SPACE, A SIGNALLING SYSTEM SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR THE MANAGEMENT TO ADOPT A PERMIT-TO-WORK SYSTEM FOR WORKING IN CONFINED SPACES.

/♦VERBAL ................

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

- 7 -

♦VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS, REQUESTS OR PROMISES ARE LIABLE TO BE MISINTERPRETED OR FORGOTTEN AND ARE, THEREFORE, NOT A SATISFACTORY BASIS FOR ACTION ON WHICH WORKERS’ LIVES MAY DEPEND.

♦EFFECTIVE CONTROL SHOULD BE ACHIEVED BY MEANS OF A WRITTEN SYSTEM KNOWN AS A PERM IT-TO-WORK SYSTEM, WHICH REQUIRES FORMAL ACTION ON THE PART OF THOSE DOING THE WORK, THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT AND THOSE AUTHORISED TO SIGN SUCH PERMITS, AND WHICH CLEARLY SETS OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR SAFE ENTRY.

♦ANY EMPLOYER SEEKING ADVICE ON THIS SYSTEM MAY CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - - 0-----

EVENING COURSES ORGANISED FOR DISABLED * * * *

THE WORLD REHABILITATION FUND DAY CENTRE IN KWUN TONG IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM DISABLED PEOPLE WHO ARE 15 YEARS OF AGE OR ABOVE FOR THE PART-TIME EVENING COURSES SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE THIS OCTOBER.

A VARIETY OF COURSES WILL BE OFFERED IN THE PART-TIME EVENING CLASSES RANGING FROM GARMENT MAKING, COPY TYPEWRITING, ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, DOMESTIC APPLIANCES REPAIR, ELECTRONIC REPAIR, GAS WELDING, ELECTRIC ARC WELDING, INDUSTRIAL LEATHERWORK, AND MACHINE OPERATION TO JOINER.

ADMINISTERED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, THE CENTRE PROVIDES THE HANDICAPPED WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT.

APART FROM PART-TIME COURSES, THE CENTRE ALSO OFFERS FULL-TIME TRAINING IN THE FOLLOWING TEN SECTORS — CLOTHING, COMMERCIAL, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC, FABRICATION, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, MECHANICAL, PRINTING, MACHINE KNITTING AND WOODWORK.

THE PURPOSE OF BOTH THE FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME TRAINING COURSES IS TO PROVIDE DISABLED PEOPLE WITH GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE IN CHOOSING EMPLOYMENT THROUGH TRAINING WHICH IS COMMENSURATE WITH THEIR CAPABILITY.

DETAILS OF THE PART-TIME EVENING COURSES, SUCH AS THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, TUITION FEES, DURATION OF THE COURSES, DATES AND TIMES OF CLASS MEETINGS WILL BE ADVERTISED ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16).

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENTRE AT 487, KWUN TONG ROAD. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 16.

/8 .......

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

- 8 -

PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT BUTTERFLY BEACH POLLUTION *****

BEACHGOERS ARE ADVISED NOT TO SWIM IN BUTTERFLY BEACH IN TUEN MUN, BECAUSE OF POLLUTION OF THE WATER THERE.

THE BEACH, LOCATED AT THE SOUTH-WESTERN PORTION OF CASTLE PEAK BAY, IS NOT GAZETTED AS A PUBLIC BATHING BEACH UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.

WARNING NOTICES HAVE, MEANWHILE, BEEN PUT UP ON THE BEACH.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES BOWEN LEUNG, SAID TODAY THAT CHECKS OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE BEACH WATER HAS BEEN CONSISTENTLY BELOW THE ACCEPTABLE STANDARD SET BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION FOR BATHING.

ESCHERICHIA COL I IS A COMMON TYPE OF BACTERIA FOUND IN THE FAECES OF WARM BLOODED ANIMALS, AND IS USED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AS AN INDICATOR TO MEASURE THE DEGREE OF SEWAGE POLLUTION, MR LEUNG EXPLAINED.

+IN THEORY, THE POORER THE QUALITY OF WATER AT A BATHING BEACH, THE MORE CHANCE THERE WILL BE FOR SWIMMERS TO CONTRACT DISEASES PARTICULARLY OF THE GASTRO-INTESTINAL GROUP SUCH AS TYPHOID, DYSENTERY, CHOLERA OR GESTRO-INTEST INAL DISORDERS,* MR LEUNG SAID.

MR LEUNG SAID THE APPARENT MAIN SOURCE OF POLLUTION WAS THE TUEN MUN NULLAH WHICH CARRIES ANIMAL WASTE AND SEWAGE DISCHARGED FROM VILLAGES BEYOND THE NORTHERN BOUNDARIES OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE SECOND POLLUTION SOURCE MIGHT BE TWO STREAMS CONTAMINATED WITH HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTE, WHICH DISCHARGE DIRECTLY ON TO THE BEACH.

ON THE ADVICE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LEUNG SAID, THE NTSD WOULD BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE LIFEGUARD SERVICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM AT THE BEACH +ONLY TO LOOK AFTER THE SAFETY OF THOSE BEACHGOERS WHO WILFULLY IGNORE THE PUBLIC HEALTH WARNINGS AND SWIM AT THE BEACH AT THEIR OWN RISK DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON.*

HOWEVER, HE ALSO WARNED BATHERS THAT THE CURRENTS NEAR THE BEACH WERE VERY STRONG AND KNOWN TO BE DANGEROUS.

MR LEUNG SAID THE NTSD WOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACH REGULARLY.

MR LEUNG STRONGLY URGED BATHERS TO USE THE OTHER THREE GAZETTED PUBLIC BEACHES IN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT - THE CAFETERIA (OLD) BEACH, CAFETERIA (NEW) BEACH AND KADOORIE BEACH - AS THE WATER QUALITY THERE WAS OF AN ACCEPTABLE HYGIENIC STANDARD.

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/9............

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

- 9 -

TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND *****

TRAFFIC IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16) TO IMPROVE CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.

TRAFFIC ALONG NAM ON LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WHILE THAT ALONG NAM ON STREET BETWEEN ALDRICH STREET AND NAM ON LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONETWAY WESTBOUND.

TRAFFIC ALONG ALDRICH STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND NAM ON STREET, AND THAT ALONG NAM HONG STREET EAST OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT, VEHICLES ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD HEADING FOR NAM ON STREET MAY TRAVEL VIA NAM HONG STREET OR FACTORY STREET.

BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 9 AND 84 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NAM ON

STREET AND NAM ON LANE TO SHAU KEI WAN ROAD ON THEIR EASTBOUND

JOURNEYS.

BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 2. 20 AND 20M WILL TRAVEL VIA ALDRICH

STREET TO THE NAM ON STREET BUS TERMINUS, AND VIA NAM ON LANE

INSTEAD OF ALDRICH STREET ON LEAVING THE TERMINUS.

MEANWHILE, THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD BETWEEN THE VICTORIA PARK ROAD FLYOVER AND HING FAT STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR ROAD WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE VICTORIA PARK ROAD FLYOVER, GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, CLEVELAND STREET, KINGSTON STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND CAUSEWAY ROAD.

IN CENTRAL, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO MAN WA LANE NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16).

/IO...........

I i

[ \ TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

MAJOR TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TUEN MUN * * * *

MAJOR TRAFFIC ALTERATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TUEN MUN FROM 11 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16) WHEN WORK BEGINS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER AT PUI TO ROAD TO REPLACE THE ROUNDABOUT THERE.

PUI TO ROAD BETWEEN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND AND RESTRICTED TO FRANCHISED BUSES.

ANOTHER SECTION OF PUI TO ROAD, BETWEEN TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND AND RESTRICTED TO PLBS AND FRANCHISED BUSES.

BUSES ON KMB ROUTE 63 WILL TAKE THE NEW UNNAMED ROAD WEST CF SIU HONG COURT, INSTEAD OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI).

THOSE ON ROUTES 59A, 61, 66 AND 66M ON OUTWARD JOURNEYS, AND ON ROUTES 52 AND 6OM ON BOTH INWARD AND OUTWARD JOURNEYS, WILL PROCEED VIA THE NEW ROAD NORTH OF SIU ON COURT, INSTEAD OF PUI TO ROAD.

AS FOR GENERAL TRAFFIC, VEHICLES FROM YUEN LONG WILL HAVE TO ENTER TUEN MUN VIA THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI) ROUNDABOUT, THE NEW ROAD WEST OF SIU HONG COURT AND TSUN WEN ROAD, AND LEAVE ALONG THE SAME ROUTE OR VIA PUI TO ROAD, TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

VEHICLES FROM TSUEN WAN SHOULD ENTER TUEN MUN VIA TUEN MUN ROAD, OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD, AND THE NEW ROAD NORTH OF SIU ON COURT, AND LEAVE VIA TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, THE NEW ROAD NORTH OF SIU ON COURT AND TUEN MUN ROAD OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD.

GENERAL TRAFFIC BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND YUEN LONG WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

WITH THE START OF WORKS, THE NORTHERN PART OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, ESPECIALLY ITS JUNCTIONS WITH PUI TO ROAD AND THE NEW ROAD NORTH OF SIU ON COURT, ARE EXPECTED TO BE VERY CONGESTED, AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS DURING PEAK HOURS.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL CONCERT * * * *

THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NORTH POINT KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL VARIETY CONCERT ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18), STARTING AT 8 PM AT THE DR CHftN SHU KU I HALL, NORTH POINT.

THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE FOLK AND POP SONGS BY LOCAL SINGERS.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE (HEAD OFFICE) AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DR CHAN SHU KUI HALL IN NORTH POINT.

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NEW ROAD SECTION * * *

A NEW SECTION OF KWAI TAI ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM ID AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16).

THE SECTION IS BETWEEN KWAI TAK STREET AND KWAI TSING ROAD.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 1983

_ /I o _

NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE FOR KOWLOON CITY * * * *

A NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY AND ARGYLE MTR STATION WILL OPEN ON THURSDAY (JUNE 16).

ROUTE 28M WILL OPERATE VIA WAI KING STREET, KWEI CHOW STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU KOK ROAD, TAM KUNG ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, TIN KWONG ROAD, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEUNG FOO STREET, FAT KWONG STREET, PUI CHING ROAD, SOARES AVENUE, ARGYLE STREET, TONG MEI ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD, NATHAN ROAD AND FIFE STREET.

ITS RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE VIA FIFE STREET, TUNG CHOI STREET, ARGYLE STREET, YIM PO FONG STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, PUI CHING ROAD, FAT KWONG STREET, SHEUNG FOO STREET, SHEUNG SHING STREET, TIN KWONG ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SAN MA TAU STREET AND WAI KING STREET.

THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM 6.40 AM TO 11 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

ITS FREQUENCY WILL BE EIGHT MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS AND 15 MINUTES DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS.

WHILE THE FULL FARE IS $1.5 EACH WAY, A SECTIONAL FARE OF $1 WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE TRIP FROM HO MAN TIN ESTATE TO ARGYLE MTR STATION, OR FROM THE SAME ESTATE TO KOWLOON CITY.

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WATER FIGURES # * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 86.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 497.447 MILLION CUBIC NETRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 323.805 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 56.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO SECURE HK'S CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WOULD BE DEVISED — MISS DUNN ................... 1

PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1983 1

PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT WARM WEATHER DISEASES .................... 5

COMPUTER BACKING UP ENQUIRY SERVICE .......................... 7

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL AND OTHER PROJECTS ............... 8

MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT .... 9

WORKSHOPS ON CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCE APPARATUS ............... 9

ROAD WORKS IN WAN CHAI....................................... 10

SAU MING ROAD CLOSED FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO SECURE HK’S

CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WOULD BE DEVISED — MISS DUNN * * * *

SPEAKING AT A DRAGON BOAT DINNER IN LONDON HELD BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION THIS EVENING (JUNE 15), MISS LYDIA DUNN, EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, SAID SHE WAS SURE THAT ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO SECURE HONG KONG'S CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WOULD BE DEVISED.

MISS DUNN EMPHASISED THAT THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH HAD BESET THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN RECENT MONTHS WERE NOT CAUSING ANY PERMANENT DAMAGE AND RECOVERY LED BY TRADE, WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY AND SHOULD CONTINUE. IN THE LONGER TERM, HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO CONSOLIDATE ITS POSITION IN TERMS OF LIGHT MANUFACTURING AND AS THE LEADING COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE FAR EAST.

♦HOWEVER, FOR HONG KONG TO REACH THIS LONGER TERM POSITION, THE PRESENT POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY MUST BE SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED. TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE LOOKING FOR CONTINUITY AND A CREDIBLE ASSURANCE OF SUCH CONTINUITY,* SHE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE TALKS BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS, MISS DUNN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, HAD ASSURED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG THAT THESE TALKS WERE PROCEEDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. ON THE BRITISH SIDE, WITH SIR PERCY CRADOCK IN CHARGE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, AND THE GOVERNOR BEING CLOSELY INVOLVED, AND GIVEN THE UNDOUBTED INTENTIONS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, SHE WAS SURE THAT ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE DEVISED.

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

PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR MARCH 1983 ******

THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE ON THE AVERAGE BY THREE PER CENT SO THAT, FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY THREE PER CENT IN MARCH 1983 AS COMPARED WITH MARCH 1982, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

/REAM HILL, THE...

fcKDNhSDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

MEANWHILE, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT a RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOtJi EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECREASED BY ONE PER

VC rW I •

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY THREE PER CENT RUT THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT SO THAT ITO SIGNIFICANT^ CHANGE WAS RECORDED IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS? 5,6NIF,CANT

MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT.

PUTTING THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT. A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 WERE FOUR PER CENT AND THREE PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1982.

THUS THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN VOLUME TERMS WERE THREE PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY FOUR PER CENT. THUS IMPORTS RECORDED A DECLINE OF ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING MARCH THIS YEAR WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1982, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE ON THE AVERAGE BY FIVE PER CENT THOSE OF IMPORTS BY FOUR PER CENT AND THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS BY SEVEN PER CENT. THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH DECREASED BY TWO PER CENT, THUS GIVING A TWO PER CENT DECREASE IN THE VOLUME OF . TOTAL EXPORTS AND A TWO PER CENT DROP WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS.

PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES. AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 AT THE END.

• *

AS SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE EXPORT PRICES OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM TWO PER CENT FOR TEXTILE FABRICS TO 27 PER CENT FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-2 PER CENT), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-3 PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-4 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-10 PER CENT).

CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+210 PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+37 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-*-21 PER CENT).

/HCV.EVER,

YiKDAKSDAX, JUAh 15, 19^3

HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN EXPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) (-12 PER CENT), METAL MANUFACTURES (-13 PER CENT), TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-16 PER CENT), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-20 PER CENT), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-28 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (-29 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED, RANGING FROM TWO PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES TO 10 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS.

MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING VEGETABLES, FRUIT AND LIVE POULTRY.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SUGAR, RICE AND SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY.

IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS AND CLOTHING.

THESE INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, JUST OFFSET BY DECLINES IN THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.

WHILE THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW COTTON, WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK AND BASE METALS (EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL) DROPPED, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH MANMADE FIBRES, YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AND THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICRO-CIRCUITS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT AGAINST THE TWO PER CENT GROWTH IN VOLUME TERMS OF IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN MARCH, THERE WAS A THREE PER CENT DECLINE IN THEIR RE-EXPORTS.

THERE MUST, THEREFORE, HAVE BEEN SOME RECOVERY IN THE GROWTH RATE OF RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN VOLUME TERMS, WHICH WOULD IMPLY BRIGHTER PROSPECTS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, HE SAID.

IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED CAPITAL GOODS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL TYPES, AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME CF OFFICE MACHINES.

THE CHANGES IN VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

AS SHOWN IN TABLE 3, THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORT VOLUME VARIED AMONG THE FIVE END-USE CATEGORIES, RANGING FROM A SIX PER CENT DECREASE FOR CAPITAL GOODS TO A 46 PER CENT INCREASE FOR FUELS.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE MARCH 1983 ISSUE OF THE ♦HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $2 PER COPY.

TABLE 1 t PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING MARCH 1983 WITH MARCH 1982

COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME

CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) - 7 ♦ 6 - 12

TEXTILE FABRICS ♦ 18 ♦ 2 ♦ 16

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD ♦ 33 - 4 ♦ 37

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND • RELATED ARTICLES - 4 ♦ 15 - 16

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS - 22 - 3 - 20

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS * 53 ♦ 27 ♦ 20

FOOTWEAR - 26 + 4 - 29

FETAL MANUFACTURES - 10 ♦ 4 - 13

«TAL ORES AND SCRAP +252 + 13 +210

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 9 - 10 ♦ 21

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES - 20 ♦ 11 - 28

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - 4 - 2 - 2

ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 1 ♦ 3 - 3

/TABLE 2: ...

iftLDKiiSDA Y, JUIkL 15 > 198

TABLE 2 1 PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING MARCH 1983 WITH MARCH 1982

END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME

FOODSTUFFS ♦ 4 ♦ 8 - 4

CONSUMER GOODS + 5 ♦ 5 INSIGNIFICANT

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES + 4 + 2 ♦ 2

FUELS - 6 ♦ 6 - 12

CAPITAL GOODS - 5 ♦ 10 - 13

ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 2 ♦ 5 - 2

MARCH 1983 WITH MARCH 1982

TABLE 3 I PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPARING

END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME

FOODSTUFFS ♦ 6 + 10 - 3

CONSUMER GOODS ♦ 20 + 2 ♦ 18

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 2 INSIGNIFICANT - 3

FUELS ♦ 49 ♦ 3 ♦ 46

CAPITAL GOODS ♦ 3 + 9 - 6

ALL COMMODITIES ♦ 8 ♦ 3 ♦ 5

PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT WARM WEATHER DISEASES

*****

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH WARM WEATHER.

•ACCORDING TO STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VIRAL GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES REPORTED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.

/A SrCKKSMAA.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT A TOTAL OF 289 CASES OF VIRAL HEPATITIS WERE REPORTED IN APRIL. COMPARED WITH 83 CASES IN JANUARY, 87 CASES IN FEBRUARY AND 248 CASES IN MARCH.

IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 12 PEOPLE DIED OF THE DISEASE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE SUMMER SEASON, THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE ALL THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF VIRAL HEPATITIS AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES WHICH TEND TO BE PREVALENT IN THE WARMER WEATHER,♦ HE ADDED.

♦OTHER DISEASES COMMONLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WARM WEATHER INCLUDE CHOLERA, TYPHOID, DYSENTERY AND SICKNESS DUE TO FOOD POISONING,♦ HE SAID.

RECALLING THAT EIGHT CHOLERA CASES (FIVE IMPORTED AND THREE LOCAL) WERE RECORDED IN HONG KONG LAST YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC NOT TO RELAX THEIR SURVEILLANCE AGAINST THE RECURRENCE OF THE DISEASE WHICH IS ENDEMIC IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION.

ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE NOTIFIABLE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES HAVE REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL OVER THE YEARS, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO TAKE ALL POSSIBLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES THROUGH HEALTH EDUCATION AND IMMUNISATION PROGRAMMES.

♦THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE MEANS OF PREVENTION IS TO OBSERVE PERSONAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOOD HYGIENE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦AS MOST GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH CONTAMINATED FOOD AND DRINK, THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE EXTRA CAREFUL IN THEIR EATING HABITS, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY DINE AT PUBLIC PLACES,♦ HE ADDED.

ALL TYPES OF FOOD SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY COOKED AND SHOULD NOT BE LEFT UNCOVERED IF NOT TAKEN IMMEDIATELY, THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.

WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE MAINS IS PURE AND SAFE FOR DRINKING, BUT WATER FROM TANKS MAY BE CONTAMINATED AND SHOULD BE BOILED BEFORE CONSUMPTION, HE ADDED.

WATER FROM STREAMS AND WELLS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR DRINKING, HE WARNED.

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDES FREE VACCINATIONS AGAINST COMMON INFECTIOUS DISEASES AT ALL GOVERNMENT GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS AND INOCULATION CENTRES.

0--------

/7......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

COMPUTER BACKING UP ENQUIRY SERVICE * * * M M

HONG KONG NOW HAS MORE THAN 1.13 MILLION CONSUMERS REGISTERED WITH THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.

THE NUMBER HAS BEEN INCREASING BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT A YEAR PARTICULARLY RAPID IN THE SIX NEW TOWNS IN THE New TERRITORIES#

-w *F0R INSTANCE, WE HAD 57 000 REGISTERED CONSUMERS IN SHA TIN BY THE END OF LAST MARCH, A 30 PER CENT INCREASE WITHIN A YEAR,* MR TOM MCDONOUGH, BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE DEPARTMENT, SAID.

.JP™ THE EXPANSION, THE DEPARTMENT IS DEALING WITH AN INCREASING VOLUME OF ENQUIRIES ON WATER ACCOUNTS AND RELATED ISSUES.

IT NOW HANDLES A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF SOME 28 000 ENQUIRIES, HALF OF WHICH ARE MADE IN PERSON AT ITS THREE CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES AND THE REST BY TELEPHONE OR MAIL.

THE THREE CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT LEIGHTON CENTRE IN CAUSEWAY BAY, ARGYLE STREET IN MONG KOK AND THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING. IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS NINE TELEPHONE LINES (5-79OO222) SPECIALLY INSTALLED TO HANDLE ENQUIRIES.

♦BESIDES DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS, THE CENTRES ADVISE THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO APPLY FOR NEW ACCOUNTS AND ON OTHER WATERWORKS MATTERS.

♦WE ATTACH CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THIS TYPE OF SERVICE AND WILL BE SETTING UP A CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE IN SHA TIN IN SEPTEMBER AND ANOTHER IN TSUEN WAN.+ HE SAID.

OTHER LOCATIONS TO HAVE THIS SERVICE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS INCLUDE TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG, YUEN LONG, FANLING, KWUN TONG, THE WESTERN DISTRICT, CHAI WAN, ABERDEEN AND STANLEY.

BACKING UP THE ENQUIRY SERVICES IS A COMPUTER SYSTEM CAPABLE OF PROVIDING INSTANT INFORMATION ON CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS SO THAT PROMPT ANSWERS CAN BE GIVEN TO ANY QUERIES.

♦THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ALSO ENABLES OUR STAFF TO DETECT ANY ABNORMAL INCREASE IN INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMERS’ CONSUMPTION PATTERN.

♦WHEN A DETECTION IS MADE, WE WILL ENCLOSE A SPECIAL NOTE WITH THE BILL URGING THE CONSUMER TO HAVE THE INSTALLATION CHECKED BY A REGISTERED PLUMBER FOR ANY LEAKAGE,♦ MR MCDONOUGH EXPLAINED.

A METER CAN BE TESTED ON REQUEST. WHEN FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE, IT WFLL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE WATER CHARGE ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF PAST CONSUMPTION.

/BUT IF .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1985

BUT IF THE METER THE TEST, THE CONSUMER FEE.

IS FOUND TO BE REGISTERING CORRECTLY DURING WILL HAVE TO PAY >65 AS A METER-TESTING

OTHER FREQUENT ENQUIRIES WERE ABOUT WATER DEPOSITS, HE SAID.

♦MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE WRONG IDEA THAT WHEN THEY VACATE THEIR PLAT THEY MAY TRANSFER THEIR WATER ACCOUNT AND DEPOSIT TO THE NEW fENANTS.

♦UNTIL A CONSUMER HAS CANCELLED HIS ACCOUNT IN WRI TING HE IS LEGALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT FOR ALL WATER CHARGES,* MR MCDONOUGH SAID.

- - 0 - -

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL AND OTHER PROJECTS *****

ABOUT >2 MILLION FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION WILL BE ALLOCATED FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.

ORGANISATIONS NEEDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS CAPITAL FACILITIES SHOULD NOW APPLY FOR GRANTS.

PROJECTS SHOULD PRINCIPALLY BE FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, BENEFIT A LARGE SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY AND BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON REASONABLE REQUEST.

THEY SHOULD ALSO BE SPECIFICALLY OF THE +BRICK AND MORTAR+ TYPE BE DESIGNED TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND ENCOURAGE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE TIME, AND PRIMARILY BENEFIT YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.

IN ORDER THAT THE FUND MAY BE MORE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED, EACH APPLICATION FOR A GRANT SHOULD NOT EXCEED $200 000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.

HE SAID PREFERENCE WOULD BE GIVEN TO INITIATION OF NEW PROJECTS BY NEW AGENCIES WHICH HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS OR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER MAJOR SOURCES.

REQUESTS FROM SCHOOLS WOULD GENERALLY BE REFERRED FOR COMMENTS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND, SIMILARLY, APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS WOULD BE REFERRED TO RELEVANT SPONSORING DEPARTMENTS.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE AND ALSO FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.

THEY SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND SENT TO THE SECRETARY COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 3RD FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 30, 1983.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT X M K *

A HANDBOOK ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE HANDBOOK AIMS TO PROVIDE SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE MORE COMMON PROBLEMS CONFRONTED BY RESIDENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

MEMBERS WILL BE GIVEN A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP’S STUDY ON VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO REVIEW THE MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME.

INFORMATION PAPERS ON THE STAGE IV CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME BY THE LAW SOCIETY, AND THE DISTRICT STRATEGY FOR 1983-86 WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.

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

WORKSHOPS ON CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCE APPARATUS * M * *

PHYSICS TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO JOIN WORKSHOPS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCIENCE APPARATUS NEXT MONTH.

THESE WORKSHOPS ARE ORGANISED BY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S

THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS

_ . . _ ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AT THE ADV|SORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, FROM JULY 11 TO 15.

THE AIM OF THE WORKSHOPS IS TO AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSTRUCT SIMPLE SCHOOL LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS.

PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH SCIENCE APPARATUS NEEDED FOR

DURING THE WORKSHOPS, TEACHERS WILL BE SHOWN HOW SUCH APPARATUS AS VARIABLE D.C. POWER SUPPLY UNITS AND FULL-WAVE AND HALF-WAVE RECTIFICATION UNITS ARE CONSTRUCTED.

SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO TAKE PART IN THE WORKSHOPS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY BY JUNE 22.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION ON 5-8392465 OR 5-8392470.

V WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 1983

1 - 10 -

ROAD WORKS IN WAN CHAI * * * *

THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18) BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 6.30 AM FOR ROAD WORKS.

TRAFFIC FROM WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AREA HEADING FOR LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND THE MARSH ROAD FLYOVER.

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

SAU MING ROAD CLOSED FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK *****

SAU MING ROAD BETWEEN BLOCKS 20 AND 26, SAU MAU PING ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (JUNE 17 AND 18) FOR WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON SAU MING ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SAU MAU PING ROAD.

- o

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 19&5

CONTENTS PAGE NG.

COMMUNITY URGED TO ACCEPT HANDICAPPED ........................... 1

SIR PHILIP VISITS LANDS DEPARTMENT .............................. J

LARGE OFFICE COMPLEX BEING BUILT ................................ 4

HK-NORWAY TEXTILE TALKS ADJOURNED ............................... 5

PARK RANGERS ON ALERT FOR OFFENDERS ........................... 6

TREES PLANTED IN TSUEN WAN ...................................... 7

PUBLIC URGED TO PROTECT PLANTS .................................. 8

WATER MAINS CONTRACT SIGNED ..................................... 8

FRESH WATER MAINS WORK ........................................ 9

CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO PARADE ...................................... 9

SEMINAR ON ANGLING ............................................. 10

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

COMMUNITY URGED TO ACCEPT HANDICAPPED M # M

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (THURSDAY) APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY TO ACCEPT THE HANDICAPPED, PARTICULARLY THE MENTALLY RETARDED.

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF PO LEUNG KUK, HE DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS A +TOLERANT SOCIETY* THAT INCLUDED PEOPLE OF MANY DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES, RACES, LANGUAGES AND RELIGIONS AND POLITICAL PERSUASIONS.

♦IN GENERAL, WE ALL MANAGE TO LIVE QUITE HAPPILY TOGETHER DESPITE THE MANY CONTRASTS AND CONTRADICTIONS. LET US EXTEND THIS ACCEPTANCE OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES TO THE HANDICAPPED, ESPECIALLY THE MENTALLY RETARDED,♦ HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING WERE NOT EXPENSIVE AND ♦THIS IS WHERE WE CAN ALL HELP+.

HE SAID THE NEED TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE REAL NATURE OF MENTAL HANDICAP AND THOSE SUFFERING FROM IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT IN THE SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION OF THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE.

TOO OFTEN, THE MENTALLY RETARDED, PARTICULARLY THOSE MORE SEVERELY HANDICAPPED, WERE SHUNNED AND OSTRACISED BY THEIR NEIGHBOURS AND THOSE WHO SHOULD BE THEIR FRIENDS, HE CONTINUED.

THEY WERE BELIEVED TO BE PECULIAR AND UNPREDICTABLE, EVEN DANGEROUS, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT SUCH PEOPLE WERE MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT CRIMES AND DISTURB SOCIETY THAN ANYONE ELSE.

NOT MANY EMPLOYERS WERE PREPARED TO GIVE THEM JOBS ALTHOUGH THEY OFTEN PROVED TO BE LOYAL AND DILIGENT WORKERS WHEN THEY WERE EMPLOYED IN POSITIONS WHICH WERE WITHIN THEIR CAPABILITIES.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT BASED ON EXPERIENCE IN BRITAIN, THE NUMBER OF MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WAS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT 105 000.

EXCEPT FOR ABOUT 4 000, ALL OF THEM COULD BE TRAINED TO LIVE AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY, WITH THE MINIMUM OF ASSISTANCE OR SUPERVISION, HE SAID.

ONE OF THE MAJOR DIFFICULTIES FACING THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN A MODERN URBAN ENVIRONMENT, MR CHAMBERS SAID, WAS THE HIGH DEGREE OF COMPETITIVENESS IN ALL SPHERES OF LIFE.

THE PRESSURE TO DO WELL WAS SO KEEN THAT EVEN MANY NON-HANDICAPPED PEOPLE COULD FEEL INADEQUATE AT TIMES, HE SAID.

/♦AGAINST THIS .......

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 198?

- 2 -

♦AfiA INST THIS BACKGROUND, THE MENTALLY RETARDED HAVE AN ADDED BURDEN IN LEARNING TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES AND TO FIND AN ADEQUATE NICHE IN SOCIETY,* HE ADDED.

HE SAID THAT EXPANSION OF SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS HAD BEEN RAPID AND MANY OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED COULD NOW BE HELPED FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD.

THE SERVICES FOR THEM INCLUDE 726 SPECIAL AND INTEGRATED CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES, 34 SPECIAL SCHOOLS, 310 SPECIAL CLASSES, SIX VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES, 13 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AND 22 HOSTELS.

REFERRING TO THE NEED FOR PRE-SCHOOL CARE, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT A SPECIAL WORKING PARTY WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR TO EXAMINE THIS ASPECT AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVED SERVICES.

THIS WORKING PARTY IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER LATER THIS YEAR.

TURNING TO EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF MENTAL DISABILITY, ffi CHAMBERS SAID THAT PARENTS WERE ENCOURAGED TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO MATERNAL AND CHILD CENTRES RUN BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR REGULAR DEVELOPMENTAL CHECKS.

♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT,♦ HE SAID, ♦BECAUSE MILD OR MODERATE RETARDATION IS NOT ALWAYS OBVIOUS TO THE PARENTS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT.+

IF AN ABNORMALITY IS SUSPECTED, THE CHILD CAN BE REFERRED IMMEDIATELY TO A CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE WHERE PAEDIATRICIANS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, THERAPISTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS ALL WORK AS A TEAM TO HELP ASSESS THE EXTENT OF THE HANDICAP.

TRAINING CAN THEN BEGIN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE FOR THE BENEFIT BOTH OF THE RETARDED CHILD AND THE PARENTS.

AS EARLY AS TWO YEARS OF AGE, A RETARDED CHILD CAN ENTER EITHER AN ORDINARY CHILD CARE CENTRE WITH SPECIAL FACILITIES OR A SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE. SPECIAL PROGRAMMES ARE DESIGNED TO SUIT EACH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.

♦DELAYED TRAINING MAY MEAN THAT THE CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT IS IRREPARABLY SET BACK,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID. +THE DIFFICULTY IS THAT A MENTALLY RETARDED CHILD HAS TO BE TAUGHT SPECIALLY THINGS THAT OTHER CHILDREN SIMPLY PICK UP FOR THEMSELVES.+

THIS VITAL WORK IS CARRIED OUT IN SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS SUBVENTING 360 SUCH PLACES IN CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

♦THESE WILL BE INCREASED BY 120 EACH YEAR IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.

/TUfWING TO........

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 198}

TURNING TO SPECIAL EDUCATION, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE TREND ALL OVER THE WORLD WAS INCREASINGLY TO INTEGRATE RETARDED CHILDREN INTO NORMAL SCHOOLS WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

THIS, HE SAID, WAS PARTICULARLY APPROPRIATE FOR THE 80 OOO OR SO CHILDREN WHO WERE ONLY MILDLY RETARDED.

♦THE ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATION FROM AN EARLY AGE ARE CLEAR,♦ IE SAID, ♦THE RETARDED CHILD WILL BE STIMULATED AND WILL BE LEARNING FROM OTHER CHILDREN, AND THE ORDINARY CHILDREN WILL GROW UP MORE LIKELY TO BE FREE FROM THE PREJUDICE AND IGNORANCE ABOUT THE MENTALLY RETARDED THAT IS UNFORTUNATELY STILL COMMON TODAY.♦

-----0-----

SIR PHILIP VISITS LANDS DEPARTMENT * * * * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY VISITED VARIOUS OFFICES OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IN MURRAY BUILDING.

ON ARRIVAL, SIR PHILIP WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, JOHN TODD, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR P.A. WARD? THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, MR C.S. CHAU? THE GOVERNMENT LAND SURVEYOR, MR J. DALGLEISH- THE HEAD OF THE ADMINISTRATION DIVISION, MR A. LEUNG AND THE DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY, MR M.F. ADAL.

FOLLOWING A BRIEFING BY MR TODD ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT, SIR PHILIP VISITED THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION WHERE HE WAS SHOWN A MODEL OF SOME OF THE WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE VICTORIA BARRACKS, AS WELL AS TOWN PLANNING DRAWINGS AND CHARTS.

HE THEN VISITED THE SURVEY DIVISION WHERE LAND SURVEY AND MAPPING OPERATIONS WERE EXPLAINED. SIR PHILIP ALSO SAW A DISPLAY OF VARIOUS TYPES OF MAPS AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS.

SIR PHILIP ALSO MET THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, D.M. SCOTT-WILL, AND THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SOLICITOR OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT (LAND OFFICE), MR C.M. PICKEN, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON LAND DISPOSAL AND LEGAL ADVISORY WORK ON LAND ADMINISTRATION.

SIR PHILIP THEN HAD A CHAT WITH HEADQUARTERS STAFF, INCLUDING MR NG KI-BIU, DRIVER, WHO WAS AWARDED THE BEM IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS, PRIOR TO CONCLUDING HIS TWO-HOUR VISIT.

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

- 4 -

LARGE OFFICE COMPLEX BEING BUILT M*

GOVERNMENT'S EFFORT TO REDUCE ITS DEPENDENCE ON LEASED OFFICE SPACE TOOK A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD TODAY WHEN THE FOUNDATION STONE WAS LAID FOR HARBOUR BUILDING, THE FIRST OF'A NUMBER OF LARGE OFFICE COMPLEXES TO BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE 27-STOREY BUILDING, SITUATED IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO THE EAST OF THE RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CARPARK, IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1985.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, WHO OFFICIATED AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY TODAY, SAID THAT RECENTLY MANY GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, SUCH AS THE FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MURRAY HOUSE AND THE VARIOUS BLOCKS IN THE OLD VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA, HAD TO BE GIVEN UP TO ALLOW FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS TO PROCEED.

♦HARBOUR BUILDING, WHEN COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS, WILL PROVIDE 36 000 SQUARE METRES OF OFFICE SPACES TO ACCOMMODATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS WHICH IS CURRENTLY SITUATED IN LEASED PREMISES,♦ HE SAID.

♦THE SITUATION WILL IMPROVE AS MORE.PROJECTS SUCH AS THIS ARE COMPLETED,♦ HE ADDED.

TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE NETWORK IN CENTRAL, MR MCDONALD SAID, THE DESIGN OF THE BUILDING HAD MADE PROVISION FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL.

♦ANOTHER FEATURE IS THAT PART OF THE SITE AREA AT GROUND LEVEL WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS A PROMENADE BETWEEN THE AREAS TO BE DEVELOPED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AS OPEN SPACES ON TWO SIDES OF THE BUILDING,♦ HE SAID.

THIS WOULD ADD TO THE EASE WITH WHICH THE PUBLIC MIGHT USE THESE WELCOME AMENITIES IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT, MR MCDONALD ADDED.

EARLIER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR JOSEPH LEI, TOLD THE GATHERING AT THE CEREMONY THAT THE DESIGN OF THE PROJECT HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION, AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT ASPECTS, THE MAXIMUM USE OF THE SITE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL.

WHEN COMMISSIONED, HE ADDED, THE BUILDING WOULD HELP REDUCE THE SHORTFALL OF GOVERNMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION.

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

/ 5

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

HK-NORWAY TEXTILE TALKS ADJOURNED M M M

AFTER THREE DAYS OF NEGOTIATIONS IN OSLO, CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY ON A BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENT WERE ADJOURNED, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

♦ALTHOUGH SOME PROGRESS WAS MADE DURING THE TALKS, THERE WAS STILL A WIDE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT ISSUES,* HE SAID.

♦THE TWO DELEGATIONS THEREFORE AGREED TO ADJOURN TO ALLOW BOTH SIDES TO REFLECT ON THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS, AND HAVE PROVISIONALLY AGREED TO RESUME NEGOTIATIONS LATER THIS YEAR.*

THE OSLO TALKS WERE HELD FROM JUNE 13 TO 15, RESUMING NEGOTIATIONS HELD IN HONG KONG ON APRIL 21.

AT THE MOMENT, HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF NINE TEXTILE AND GARMENT ITEMS TO NORWAY ARE SUBJECT TO A GLOBAL GATT ARTICLE XIX IMPORT ACTION.

IF SATISFACTORY BILATERAL AGREEMENTS CAN BE REACHED WITH HONG KONG AND OTHER SUPPLIERS, NORWAY WILL DISMANTLE THE ARTICLE XIX IMPORT ACTION AND REJOIN THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

PARK RANGERS ON ALERT FOR OFFENDERS * * * * ft

THE YEAR-ROUND WORK OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S PARK RANGE SERVICE KEEPS HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.

IN THE 1982-83 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SERVICE, WHICH HAS 90 RANGERS AND WARDENS, TOOK 1 424 PERSONS TO COURT FOR OFFENCES RANGING FROM LITTERING AND WATER POLLUTION, TO THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRES AND UNAUTHORISED ENTRY BY BICYCLES AND OTHER VEHICLES.

THESE OFFENDERS WERE ALL SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED AND FINED A TOTAL OF $195 000, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

OF THE TOTAL, 1 124 CASES RELATED TO LITTERING, 47 TO THE ILLEGAL USE OF FIRES, 115 TO UNAUTHORISED ENTRY BY VEHICLES AND BICYCLES, AND THE REST TO SUCH OFFENCES AS CAMPING WITHOUT PERMIT AND WATER POLLUTION.

AMONG ITS OTHER TASKS, THE SERVICE DISPOSED OF MORE THAN 3 000 TONNES OF REFUSE FROM THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

♦TO HELP REDUCE LITTERING, THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY HAS PROVIDED LITTER STOCKADES WITHIN THE PARKS, IN ADDITION TO LITTER BINS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT PERMISSION WAS REQUIRED FOR THE USE OF VEHICLES IN THE PARKS.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

TREES PLANTED IN TSUEN WAN

M M M M

MORE GREENERY WAS NEEDED IN TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NGA I YAU-KI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY LAUNCHING +TSUEN WAN DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY*, MR NGA I SAID THAT TREES PLANTED IN THE AMENITY PLOTS, ROADSIDES AND SLOPES WOULD CREATE PLEASANT SURROUNDINGS FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE NEW TOWN.

THEY WOULD ALSO HELP STABILISE THE EARTH ON SLOPES AND REDUCE DUST AND NOISE, MR NGA I SAID.

NOTING THAT IT WAS THE FOURTH ANNUAL TREE PLANTING DAY FOR THE DISTRICT, MR NGA I EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE EVENT WOULD AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION, ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TREE PLANTING.

ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SECOND MEI FA PHASE OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, THE EVENT WAS HELD AT THE SHEK PIK RESETTLERS’ PLAYGROUND, ADJACENT TO YEUNG UK ROAD.

WITH THE HELP OF A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM THE TWO LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, SOME 80 EVERGREEN TREES WERE PLANTED AT THE PLAYGROUND.

LATER MR NGA I AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TSUEN WAN, MR CHAN YIU-CHEUNG, PLANTED A YOUNG TREE.

TOMORROW, THERE WILL BE A CEREMONY STARTING AT 10 AM TO MARK YUEN LONG DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY, AT THE TAI YUK ROAD REST GARDEN ADJACENT TO THE YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

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PUBLIC URGED TO PROTECT PLANTS M * * *

THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED TO MAKE A GREATER EFFORT TO PROTECT THE VEGETATION SPECIALLY PLANTED TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.

SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY IN TO KWA WAN TO LAUNCH A TREE-PLANTING SCHEME FOR KOWLOON EAST, URBAN COUNCILLOR MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT SAID, ♦THIS YEAR, THE COUNCIL WILL PLANT OVER 10 000 TREES, SOME 30 000 SHRUBS AND MORE THAN 40 000 PLANTS IN WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY AND KWUN TONG - THE THREE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING DISTRICTS IN THE KOWLOON EAST REG ION.♦

SHE POINTED OUT THAT WORKERS OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD TO TEND THESE TREES AND PLANTS WITH GREAT CARE SO THAT THEY WOULD GROW PROPERLY.

♦UNFORTUNATELY, THE DEPARTMENT’S TREE-PLANTING PROGRAMMES ARE INHIBITED BY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT APPRECIATE TREES AND FLOWERS AND WHO EVEN DAMAGE THEM MALICIOUSLY.

♦IF WE WANT TO HAVE SHADED AREAS AND A GREEN ENVIRONMENT, WE SHOULD ALL MAKE JOINT EFFORTS TO LOOK AFTER THESE PLANTS,♦ SHE SAID.

JOINING MRS ELLIOTT AT THE FUNCTION WERE COUNCILLORS Nt HOWARD YOUNG, MR PETER C.K. CHAN, MISS CECILIA YEUNG, Nt STEPHEN LAU, MR AUGUSTINE CHUNG, MR PO BING-WING, MRS NELLIE FONG AND MR SAMUEL WONG.

THEY PLANTED ONE TREE EACH AT THE TO KWA WAN TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND.

AN ADDITIONAL 40 TREES WERE PLANTED BY STUDENTS FROM THE OBLATE FATHERS PRIMARY SCHOOL.

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WATER MAINS CONTRACT SIGNED X KM

BY THE

CONTRACT WORTH MORE THAN SI.6 WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT FOR

MILLION WAS AWARDED TODAY THE LAYING OF ABOUT 1 800 ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD

METRES OF FRESH AND SALT WATER MAINS BETWEEN PUI TO ROAD AND TAI HING BRIDGE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR LEE GUN-CHEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE CF KIN SHING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE SUPPLY CF WATER TO THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

FRESH WATER MAINS WORK * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL EE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY LOCKHART ROAD, FENWICK STREET, JOHNSTON ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD, INCLUDING 210-258 HENNESSY ROAD, 104-173 THOMSON ROAD AND 183-211 JOHNSTON ROAD.

MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) FOR REPAIR WORK.

THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM TIN KOK ROAD TO ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME, INCLUDING TAI PO MARKET. TAI PO KAU, KAM SHAN TSUEN, PUN CHUNG TSUEN, PAK KIU TSAI TSUEN, YIU TSZ KIN TSUEN, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, WONG Yl AU, ISLAND HOUSE AND RURAL LODGE.

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CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO PARADE M K

NOTE TO ED I TORSi

A PASSING OUT PARADE OF 61 CUSTOMS OFFICERS WILL TAKE PLACE AT rae custoSs Xhd excise inms school at tai lam chums at io.so ah ON SATURDAY (JUNE 18).

TAKING THE SALUTE WILL BE MR ANTHONY SANDERS, DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER OF NEW TERRITORIES REGION, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.

a onvPRMMPNT COACH AM 1541 WILL BE WAITING AT HUNG HOM rrpRY Pi PR BETWEEN 8 45 AM AND 9 AM ON SATURDAY TO TAKE GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND LATER RETURN THE PARTY TO KOWLOON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED BY 10.15 AM.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 1983

- 10 -

SEMINAR ON ANGLING M M M

A SEMINAR ON ANGLING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN YAU MA TEI FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE AND ABOVE, INCLUDING THE BLIND.

THE TWO-HOUR SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, HONG KONG AMATEUR ANGLING ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND.

A NUMBER OF GUEST SPEAKERS WILL GIVE HINTS ON HOW TO ASSIST AND INTEREST THE BLIND IN ANGLING.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON THE 15TH FLOOR, LUCKY HOUSE, FLAT D, AT 18-24 JORDAN ROAD, STARTING AT 7.30 PM.

IT IS FREE OF CHARGE.

_ _ o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ORDERS-ON-HAND CONTINUE TO RISE .......................... 1

GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING LANGUAGE STANDARD....... 4

CHINESE CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO VISIT HONG KONG .............. 4

PRIMARY ONE ALLOCATIONS READY TOMORROW ................... 5

NEW ADMISSION SYSTEM AT SWIMMING POOLS ................... 6

HK REGIMENT WANTS MORE VOLUNTEERS ........................ 7

YUEN LONG TREE PLANTING DAY .............................. 8

RADIO PROGRAM® TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIMS MESSAGE............. 8

GROUPS TO GET AWARDS FOR EXCEPTIONAL WORK ................ 9

COMMENDATION FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ................... 10

GOVERNMENT PRINTER RETIRES .............................. 10

OVERSEAS ROWING TEAMS COMPETING HERE .................... 11

TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN WIN BADMINTON LEAGUE.................. 11

BROADWOOD ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

ORDERS-ON-HAND CONTINUE TO RISE * * * *

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN APRIL THIS YEAR ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OCCURRED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY FOLLOWED BY THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES, THE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TODAY, IN RELEASING STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR APRIL.

TAKING ALL THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED AS A WHOLE, EMPLOYMENT REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE IN APRIL, COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH. EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED SLIGHT INCREASES, WHILE THAT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND THE +OTHERS+ CATEGORY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR RECORDED SLIGHT DECLINES.

PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, FOLLOWED BY THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES. SLIGHT INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND THE +OTHERS+ CATEGORY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. IN GENERAL, THE INCREASES WERE DUE TO WAGE AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS, AND MORE OVERTIME WORK.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT DECLINED FOLLOWING THE RETRENCHMENT OF EMPLOYEES BY SEVERAL COMPANIES AFTER THE COMPLETION OF SOME CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASE CORRESPONDINGLY FOLLOWING THE AWARD CF SEVERANCE PAY.

IN THE SERVICES SECTOR. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ROSE GENERALLY ON ACCOUNT OF WAGE AND SALARY ADJUSTMENTS AND THE ISSUE OF BONUSES BY SEVERAL COMPANIES FOLLOWING THE END CF THE FINANCIAL YEAR IN MARCH.

THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS WORKED PER WEEK BY OPERATIVES REMAINED THE SAME IN MOST INDUSTRIES BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES ON ACCOUNT OF MORE ORDERS-ON-HAND.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT, PER CAPITA EARNINGS AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE.

IN RELEASING THE SURVEY RESULTS, THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES (CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZE IN SEPTEMBER 1979) AND THE 43 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS.

PREDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH IT SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR APRIL 1983 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT $1.5 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7212832).

EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR APRIL 1983 (HK$)

INDUSTRY/ SERVICE FEB. 1983 (X CHANGE MAR. 1983 OVER THE APR. 1983 PRECEDING MONTH) FEB. MAR. APR. 1983 1983 1983

MANUFACTURING - 2 1 X 4 -19 7 2 438

FOOD AND DRINKS X X 1 -35 - 9 8 3 156

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR - 1 1 X - 9 - 5 X 2 007

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL - 2 - 1 X -10 -10 6 2 402

PLASTIC PRODUCTS - 2 - 1 - 1 34 -29 2 2 003

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS - 2 X 1 9 -25 - 1 1 922

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS - 2 2 1 11 -26 21 2 622

OTHERS - 1 X - 1 26 -27 2 3 133

/construction .......

KKLMI, JWfi 17, 1983

- 3 -

CONSTRUCTION - 3 - 1 - 3 -27 3 5 3 766

SERVICES M M M -34 - 3 5 4 311

• OB

BANKS - 1 M M -35 M 3 3 871

HOTELS M 1 M -31 -18 17 3 148

PUBLIC

UTILITIES M M M -39 2 6 4 177

OTHERS - 1 M 1 -20 - 9 3 6 257

B. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING

INDUSTRY FEB. 1983 (% CHANGE PRECEDING MAR. 1983 OVER THE MONTH) APR. 1983 ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR APRIL 1983

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR M M 3 4.91

TEXTILES. EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 1 4 1 2.45

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 6 9 16 3.80

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 20 3 10 2.78

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 3 3 4 4.86

OTHERS 1 M 2 3.62

ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES 2 2 4 4.16

* CHANGES WITHIN * 0.5%

MM PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING LANGUAGE STANDARD ft * ft *

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR KENNETH TOPLEY TODAY (FRIDAY) REAFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE STANDARD OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN SCHOOLS.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE SECOND RETRAINING COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE).

THE TEACHERS WERE BEING CONGRATULATED ON HAVING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE FOUR-MONTH. FULL-TIME COURSE AT THE ILE, WHICH HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LANGUAGE.

PACKAGE ANNOUNCED IN 1981.

THE COURSE IS INTENDED TO HELP TEACHERS IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE TEACHING SKILLS.

♦IT IS NOW WIDELY RECOGNISED NOWADAYS THAT SUCCESSFUL LANGUAGE TEACHING AT ALL LEVELS REQUIRES A CADRE OF WELL-TRAINED SPECIALIST TEACHERS WITH A STRONG PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT TO A CAREER IN LANGUAGE TEACHING.

♦FOR THIS REASON, WE ARE PLACING EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING OUR TEACHING FORCE, STARTING WITH YOU, THE TEACHERS OF LANGUAGE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS*, MR TOPLEY SAID.

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE FIRST PRIORITY OF THE ILE WAS TO CONDUCT REFRESHER COURSES, AFTER WHICH IT WAS PLANNED TO UNDERTAKE CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS.

ANOTHER FUNCTION OF THE ILE WAS TO DEVELOP TEACHING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES IN ORDER TO BECOME A CENTRE WHERE TEACHERS COULD COME FOR IDEAS ON CLASSROOM TEACHING, HE ADDED.

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, MR TOPLEY JOINED THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ILE), MR ANDREW FOK, AND STAFF OF THE INSTITUTE TO LOOK AT AN EXHIBITION OF ORIGINAL AND ADAPTED TEACHING MATERIALS PRODUCED BY THE GRADUATES.

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CHINESE CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO VISIT HONG KONG ft ft ft ft

A DELEGATION OF SENIOR CHINESE CUSTOMS OFFICIALS, LED BY Mt SUN CHUENLU, DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE GENERAL CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION, WILL ARRIVE ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) FOR MEETINGS WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.

THE VISIT IS PART OF THE ON-GOING CONTACTS AT DIRECTORATE LEVEL OF THE TWO CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS.

/DISCUSSIONS will

FHIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

- 5 -

DISCUSSIONS WILL CENTRE ON REVIEWING THE FACILITATION OF TRADE AND PASSENGER FLOW, THE LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS. AND IMPROVING MEASURES TO COUNTER THE TRAFFICKING OF NARCOTICS AND SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES AT THE BORDER.

THE DELEGATES WILL ALSO VISIT THE HONG KONG TOBACCO CO., SAN MIGUEL BREWERY, KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL AND VARIOUS CUSTOMS OFFICES.

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PRIMARY ONE ALLOCATIONS READY TOMORROW M * * »

THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR UNDER THE NEW PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY.

PARENTS CONCERNED SHOULD GO TO THE DISTRIBUTION COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR DISTRICTS ON EITHER OF THESE TWO DAYS, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM TO COLLECT AN ALLOCATION SLIP ADVISING OF THE SCHOOL IN WHICH THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN PLACED.

PARENTS WHO FOR PERSONAL REASONS CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL ON THESE TWO DAYS MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL DIRECT OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 2/F, FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

PARENTS WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED.

THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT ALL PLACES ALLOCATED ARE FINAL AND NO RE-ALLOCATION IS POSSIBLE.

HOWEVER, IF PARENTS HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTIES SUCH AS HAVING MOVED FAR AWAY, THEY MAY SEEK ASSISTANCE FROM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT.

ANY PARENT WISHING TO MAKE FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY CONTACT THE UNIT ON 5-724383 DURING OFFICE HOURS ON OR AFTER TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

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/6........

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

NEW ADMISSION SYSTEM AT SWIMMING POOLS ft ft ft ft

, A NEW ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED AS FROM MONDAY (JUNE 20), AT ALL PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

UNDER THIS NEW SYSTEM, PARENTS AND ADULTS WITH CHILDREN UNDER 14 CAN BE ADMITTED TO A SWIMMING POOL AT THE SAME POINT — THE ADULTS AND FAMILY ADMISSION POINT.

AT PRESENT, PARENTS AND ADULTS WITH CHILDREN QUEUE UP IN THE SAME LINE AND HAVE TO SPLIT UP WHEN THEY APPROACH THE SEPARATE ADMISSION POINTS.

THE NEW SYSTEM IS THEREFORE TO ENABLE PARENTS AND ADULTS TO TAKE GREATER CARE OF THE CHILDREN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN ADMITTED INTO A SWIMMING POOL, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

HAVING PAID THE FEES AT THE TURNSTILES, PARENTS AND ADULTS WILL BE FOR RECORD PURPOSES ISSUED WITH A TICKET ON WHICH THE DATE AND TIME WILL BE IMPRINTED.

THEY ARE EXPECTED TO CHECK THE DATE AND TIME CHOPPED ON THE TICKETS ISSUED TO THEM AS CORRECT AND TO REPORT DISCREPANCIES, IF ANY, TO THE POOL MANAGEMENT FOR INVESTIGATION.

THEY SHOULD ALSO RETAIN THE TICKETS FOR INSPECTION BY THE SWIMMING POOL STAFF, UNTIL THEY LEAVE THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

NOTICES TO THIS EFFECT WILL BE PUT UP AT ALL SWIMMING POOLS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING ADMISSION PROCEDURES FOR CHILDREN WHO GO TO THE POOLS ALONE REMAIN UNCHANGED.

THIS MEANS THAT THEY CAN BE ADMITTED TO A SWIMMING POOL THROUGH THE CHILDREN ADMISSION POINT AFTER THEY HAVE PAID THE FEES, HE SAID.

THE NEW ADMISSION SYSTEM APPLIES TO ALL PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AT VICTORIA PARK, MORRISON HILL, KENNEDY TOWN, ABERDEEN, CHAI WAN. KWUN TONG, LEI CHENG UK, MORSE PARK, AND KOWLOON TSAI, TAI WAN SHAN IN THE URBAN AREA AND THOSE AT KWAI SHING, FANLING SHATIN AMD YUEN LONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

HK REGIMENT WANTS MORE VOLUNTEERS

* M * M

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) TODAY (FRIDAY) LAUNCHED A RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR 80 TO 100 MALE VOLUNTEERS.

THE VOLUNTEERS THAT THE REGIMENT IS LOOKING FOR MUST BE INTELLIGENT AND MATURE MEN OF GOOD PHYSIQUE AND HIGH CALIBRE, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF CHARACTER AND INITIATIVE, AND MUST BE AT LEAST 17-1/2 YEARS OF AGE.

♦THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF VOLUNTEERING ARE COMRADESHIP, A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE URBAN AREAS AND DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT AND A FEELING THAT ONE IS DOING SOMETHING USEFUL FOR THE COMMUNITY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIMENT SAID.

♦LAST YEAR WE HAD A PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN AND HAD SOME 1 300 APPLICATIONS FOR 150 VACANCIES AND 115 OF THESE COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF TRAINING,♦ HE ADDED.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS BY JULY 15.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPLICATION PROCEDURES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE REGIMENT’S RECRUITING OFFICER AT 5-7952038, EXT. 41.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE REGULAR CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG.

♦THEY SHOULD ENSURE BEFORE THEY APPLY THAT THEIR EMPLOYERS ARE HAPPY ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF THEIR JOINING AND ARE PREPARED TO RELEASE THEM FOR TRAINING,♦ HE SAID.

APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A SECONDARY EDUCATION AND MUST BE ABLE TO SPEAK AND WRITE ENGLISH AND CHINESE FLUENTLY.

THEY MUST ALSO PASS THE GOVERNMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION BEFORE ENLISTMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT A FURTHER RECRUITMENT DRIVE WOULD BE HELD TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR TO ENLIST 20 FEMALE RECRUITS FOR A FULL ESTABLISHMENT OF 40.

TWENTY OF THEM WERE RECRUITED IN MARCH AND ARE NOW RECEIVING INTENSIVE BASIC TRAINING IN VARIOUS MILITARY SUBJECTS.

/8........

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

YUEN LONG TREE PLANTING DAY ft ft ft

RESIDENTS IN YUEN LONG WERE TODAY URGED TO GIVE FULL SUPPORT 10 A TREE-PLANTING SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG (STRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR TANG ■HI-LEUNG, IN A SPEECH AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE YUEN LONG TREE lANTING DAY.

THE TREE PLANTING DAY, ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES ERV ICES DEPARTMENT, WAS HELD AT THE TAI YUK ROAD REST GARDEN.

MR TANG SAID THAT RESIDENTS COULD GROW PLANTS AND TREES N THEN GARDENS OR KEEP POT FLOWERS AT HOME TO IMPROVE THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

A TOTAL OF 100 YOUNG TREES WERE PLANTED TODAY BY LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE ) PLANT ANOTHER 3 500 TREES IN YUEN LONG DURING THE CURRENT PLANTING SEASON.

THIS FIGURE DOES NOT INCLUDE TREES WHICH WILL BE PLANTED Y OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS.

BESIDES TREE PLANTING, THE NTSD WILL CARRY OUT VARIOUS LANDSCAPING PROJECTS TO BEAUTIFY THE NEW TOWN.

THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, MR KWONG WEI-LIM, < MD THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, MR DAVID HINNER LATER JOINED MR TANG IN PLANTING A YOUNG TREE DESPITE HEAVY DOWNPOURS.

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RADIO PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ft ft ft ft

THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE ■IROUGH A SERIES OF RADIO PROGRAMMES

DIRECTED AT TEENAGERS TO BE BROADCAST THIS SUMMER.

THE WEEKLY PROGRAMME (‘ONG KONG RADIO TWO EVERY 5 PM.

WILL BE BROADCAST ON RADIO TELEVISION SATURDAY FROM JUNE 18 TO AUGUST 20 AT

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY

THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

££.EA?,!0.TELEVISI0N H0NG K0Ne/ THE programme IS THE SECOND

bro‘dc4st ust 5ummer *rd

/+0UR TARGET .......

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

♦OUR TARGET AUDIENCE THIS TIME WILL BE YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 TO 20. IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING 60-MINUTE PROGRAMME, THEY WILL BE DISSUADED FROM BECOMING INVOLVED IN CRIME,* SAID MISS CANDY CHEA WHO IS HOSTING THE PROGRAMME.

♦IN EACH EPISODE, WE WILL BE INTERVIEWING A WELL-KNOWN PERSON WHO WILL TELL US HOW HE OR SHE OVERCAME ADVERSITIES AND EVENTUALLY ATTAINED HIS OR HER GOAL. IT IS HOPED THAT THE SUCCESS STORIES OF THESE PERSONALITIES WILL SET GOOD EXAMPLES FOR THE YOUNG AUDIENCE,* SHE SAID.

♦THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO FEATURE CASE STORIES OF YOUTHS WHO HAD ONCE BEEN INVOLVED IN CRIME BUT WHO MANAGED TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF.+ SHE ADDED.

AN ESSAY COMPETITION WILL BE ORGANISED AS PART OF THE RADIO PROGRAMME AND THE AUDIENCE WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO PHONE IN FOR DISCUSSION WITH THE PROGRAMME PRESENTER.

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GROUPS TO GET AWARDS FOR EXCEPTIONAL WORK * * ft *

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE GIVEN AWARDS FOR ORGANISING OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

A SELECTION COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI, AND COMPRISING THREE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND EIGHT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, WAS FORMED IN MARCH THIS YEAR TO CONSIDER THE AWARDS.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED WITH SUBSIDIES FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS BETWEEN MAY 1 THIS YEAR AND FEBRUARY 14, 1984 WILL BE ELIGIBLE.

MR LUI SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE AWARD SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE EFFECTIVE USE OF BOARD FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY WORK AS WELL AS TO PROMOTE THE ♦SPIRIT OF EASTERN+ AND THE IMAGE OF THE BOARD.

IT WILL ALSO HELP UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS AND KEEP BOARD MEMBERS BETTER INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF SUCH ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

DETAILS OF THE AWARD SCHEME WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON. MR LUI AND MEMBERS CF THE SELECTION COMMITTEE WILL BE PRESENT.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 884-806 KING’S ROAD.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1923

NOTE TO EDITORS*

COMMENDATION FOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS x a a x

TWENTY-TWO OFFICERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR RON BRIDGE, ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) AFTERNOON.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4.15 PM AT IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 61 MODY ROAD, KOWLOON.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE BY 4 PM.AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY OF THE HEADQUARTERS, WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY H.T. IP, THE DEPARTMENT’S LIAISON OFFICER.

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GOVERNMENT PRINTER RETIRES M * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR DENNIS RICK, WILL BE LEAVING HONG KONG ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE IN JULY, AFTER 28 YEARS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

MR RICK JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1955 AS A POLICE SUB-INSPECTOR. HE WAS APPOINTED ON TRANSFER AS AN ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT IN THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT IN 1961. HE WAS PROMOTED TO PRINTING SUPERINTENDENT IN 1965, ASSISTANT GOVERNMENT PRINTER IN 1974 AND GOVERNMENT PRINTER IN 1978.

MR RICK WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY MR HARRIS MYERS, WHOSE APPOINTMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

MR MYERS, WHO IS DUE TO TAKE UP THE APPOINTMENT SHORTLY FROM ENGLAND, IS 45 YEARS OF AGE. HE HAS BEEN FOLLOWING A PRINTING CAREER SINCE 1954. HE WAS PRODUCTION AND WORKS DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE PITMAN PRESS FROM APRIL 1970 TO NOVMBER 1973.

AFTER A PERIOD OF ONE AND A HALF YEARS AS MANAGING DIRECTOR IN A PRINTING FIRM IN EDINBURGH, HE JOINED THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS IN APRIL 1975 AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ITS PRINTING DIVISION, AND SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY AND DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLISHING DIVISION. HE WAS ELECTED FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE OF PRINTING AND THE INSTITUTE CF DIRECTORS IN 1981.

MR MYERS HAS HELD SENIOR APPOINTMENTS IN PROFESSIONAL COMMITTEES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE WAS A GOVERNOR OF THE CAMBRIDGESHIRE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY, AND WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE PRINTING ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE COLLEGE FROM 1976 TO 1982. HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRIES RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (AN INTERNATIONAL BODY OF WHICH THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT IS A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER) SINCE 1976, AND A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING RESEARCH COMMITTEE SINCE 1981. HE WAS ADMITTED INTO THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON IN THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF STATIONERS AND NEWSPAPER MAKERS IN 1983.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

OVERSEAS ROWING TEAMS COMPETING HERE * M M

THREE OVERSEAS ROWING TEAMS WILL TEST THEIR SKILL AT THE SHA TIN SPRINT ROWING REGATTA TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON BEFORE COMPETING IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE ON SUNDAY.

THE THREE TEAMS FROM BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES AND WEST AUSTRALIA. WILL JOIN SEVEN OTHER LOCAL TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN TOMORROW’S COMPETITION WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AND COVER EDO METRES ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION AND SUPPORTED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.

SUNDAY’S DRAGON BOAT RACE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD ALONG THE WATERFRONT IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS.

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TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN WIN BADMINTON LEAGUE * M *

BADMINTON PLAYERS FROM TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN WON THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS IN THIS YEAR’S NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT BADMINTON LEAGUE BY BEATING TEAMS FROM FIVE OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE REGION.

MORE THAN 140 PLAYERS FROM SEVEN OF THE EIGHT NT DISTRICTS TOOK PART IN THE SERIES OF COMPETITIONS ----

OVER THE PAST FOUR WEEKS

THE LEAGUE. IN ITS SECOND YEAR, IS DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE NEW SPORTS CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.

SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS AT A CEREMONY AT 4 PM TOMORROW.

ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, W RICKY FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR CHIU YIM-SHUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR TANG TUNG-CHIU, AND THE ASSOCIATION’S PRESIDENT, MR LAU WONG-FAT.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 4 PM AT THE YAN 01 COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN TUEN MUN.

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/12 .......

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 1983

BROADWOOD ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE * * M M

BROADWOOD ROAD IN HAPPY THE ACCESS ROAD TO HOUSE NO. FROM 10 AM NEXT MONDAY (JUNE

VALLEY, BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND 20, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC 20) FOR ROAD WORKS.

THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND DURING THIS TIME, ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED VIA LINK ROAD.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

RADIO HELPS FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ............................... 1

NEW SCOUT COUNCIL FORMED IN SOUTHERN .......................... 1

AWARD FOR CHI MA WAN OFFICER ................................ 2

CUSTOMS RECRUITS PARADE ....................................... 3

MORE LAND FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN ............................. 3

QUARTERLY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON SALE ............................ 4

REHABILITATION CENTRES TO HOLD OPEN DAY ....................... 4

PEAK TRAM SERVICE TEMPORARILY REDUCED ......................... 5

SALT WATER MAINS WORK

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1983

RADIO HELPS FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS * * * *

THE PUBLIC WILL BE MADE MORE AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF DRUGS THROUGH A SERIES OF RADIO PROGRAMMES AS FROM NEXT WEEK.

THE SERIES, ENTITLED +BE AS LIVELY AS THE DRAGON, DON’T CHASE IT+, IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.

IT CONSISTS OF FOUR 30-MINUTE EPISODES, EACH DEPICTING ONE ASPECT OF THE DRUG PROBLEM, AND WILL BE BROADCAST ON RTHK’S RADIO I AT 6.30 PM EVERY MONDAY, FROM MONDAY (JUNE 20).

THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE PROGRAMME, MR L.S. SHIU SAID, ♦WE DECIDED TO GIVE THE PROGRAMME A DOCUMENTARY TREATMENT SO AS TO REFLECT THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SUBJECT.

♦APART FROM NARRATION BY THE PRESENTERS, INSERTS OF PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEWS WILL BE INCLUDED FOR VARIETY.♦

THE FIRST EPISODE WILL INTRODUCE THE BACKGROUND AND LATEST TREND OF THE NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

THE SECOND EPISODE WILL FEATURE THE VARIOUS CAUSES AND ILL EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION.

THE THIRD AND FOURTH EPISODES WILL DEAL WITH DRUG PREVENTION, PARTICULARLY FOR THE 15 TO 24 AGE GROUP, AND THE REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS.

MR SHIU THANKED MEMBERS OF VARIOUS AGENCIES, NOTABLY THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS, THE WU 01 CHRISTIAN CENTRE, THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS AND THE GOVERNMENT NARCOTICS DIVISION FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE PRODUCTION OF THE PROGRAMME.

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NEW SCOUT COUNCIL FORMED IN SOUTHERN * * * *

THE FORMATION OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTHERN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL FALLS IN LINE WITH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM AND WILL BETTER PROMOTE THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN THE DISTRICT, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE FIRST-TERM OFFICE BEARERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL, MR LAM SAID SCOUT ACTIVITIES WERE AIMED, THROUGH GROUP ACTIVITIES, AT DEVELOPING CHILDREN’S LEADERSHIP ABILITY AND HONEST AND FRIENDLY PERSONALITIES SO THAT THEY WOULD GROW UP TO BE GOOD CITIZENS.

/+! A1-. ......

SATLK.'.jf, JUNE 1S,

+ l AM SURE THE NEW COUNCIL WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THE DISTRICT’S RESOURCES TO FURTHER PROMOTE SCOUT ACTIVITIES AND THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING AMONG RESIDENTS,+ MR LAM SAID.

MR LAM NOTED THAT THE SCOUTS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WERE FORMERLY UNDER THE HONG KONG ISLAND WESTERN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

WITH THE NEW DISTRICT COUNCIL, THE 23 COMPANIES OF SCOUTS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE CO-ORDINATED LOCALLY.

THE NEW SCOUT COUNCIL DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCILS IN

ALSO BRINGS TO SEVEN THE NUMBER OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION.

MR LAM EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT A PERMANENT OFFICE FOR THE SCOUT COUNCIL COULD BE SET UP IN THE DISTRICT IN THE FUTURE SO THAT THE CO-ORDINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL SCOUT ACTIVITIES COULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED.

AWARD FOR CHI MA WAN OFFICER

* * * *

A WOMAN ASSISTANT OFFICER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S REFUGEE UNIT, MISS YAN OI-LING, WAS AWARDED A VOCATIONAL SERVICE SHIELD BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED REFUGEE CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE AWARD WAS OFFERED UNDER THE CLUB’S VOCATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT TO MISS YAN FOR THE EXCELLENT WORK SHE HAD DONE FOR THE REFUGEES IN THE CENTRE OVER AND ABOVE HER NORMAL DUTIES.

IN ADDITION, THREE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AT THE CENTRE WERE AWARDED.

THEY ARE MR NGUYEN DUC YEN, MISS PHAM THI KIM DUNG AND W NGUYEN TUAN WHO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN TEACHING THE CHILDREN, PROMOTING SCOUTING ACTIVITIES AND WORKING AS AN INTERPRETER AT THE CENTRE.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLUB’S VOCATIONAL SERVICE COMMITTEE, MR ANDRES GUILLEN, AND THREE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, MESSRS JOHN COLLIER, ALLAN PIPE AND ROGER WALKER.

UNDER A SEPARATE PROJECT, THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL HAS BEEN PROVIDING VOLUNTARY DENTAL SERVICES FOR REFUGEES AT CLOSED REFUGEE CENTRES.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1983

CUSTOMS RECRUITS PARADE X * *

NEW CUSTOMS RECRUITS WERE TOLD TODAY THAT THEY HAD TO CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR, AND EXERT EVERY EFFORT TO UPHOLD AND ENHANCE THE GOOD REPUTATION OF THE SERVICE.

THEY WERE BEING ADDRESSED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL COMMANDER OF NEW TERRITORIES OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR ANTHONY SANDERS AT THE PASSING-*OUT PARADE AT THE TAI LAM CHUNG TRAINING SCHOOL.

♦YOUR FUTURE DUTIES WILL DEMAND PATIENCE, HARD WORK AND DEDICATION AS WELL AS PERSEVERANCE, TACT AND DIPLOMACY.

♦THEY WILL, AT TIMES, BE HAZARDOUS AND PHYSICALLY EXHAUSTING. THEY WILL ALSO BRING YOU INTO DAILY CONTACT WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, SOME OF WHOM WILL TRY TO PERSUADE YOU TO STRAY FROM THE STRICT PATH OF DUTY.+ MR SANDERS TOLD THE 61 NEW OFFICERS.

♦REJECT SUCH PERSUASION AND CARRY OUT YOUR DUTIES WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR TO MAINTAIN YOUR SELF RESPECT AND THE ESTEEM THAT IS PRESENTLY ACCORDED US.+ SAID MR SANDERS, WHO WILL BE RETIRING IN OCTOBER AFTER 33 YEARS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE.

HE REMINDED THEM THAT THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR INDUCTION TRAINING SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS THE END OF THE TRAINING.

♦ON THE CONTRARY, YOU HAVE MUCH MORE TO LEARN IN THE FIELD WHERE YOU WILL SHORTLY JOIN YOUR MORE EXPERIENCED COLLEAGUES IN VARIOUS OPERATIONS AND COMMENCE PUTTING INTO PRACTICE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED HERE,* HE SAID.

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MORE LAND FOR YUEN LONG NEW TOWN M * X X

ABOUT 19 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY USES AND OPEN SPACES PURPOSES.

THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SITE FORMATION WORKS, INCLUDING ROADS AND DRAINAGE.

THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT WILL BE THE FORMATION OF THE YUEN LONG WEST TEMPORARY HOUSING SITE.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1983

QUARTERLY HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ON SALE ft ft ft ft

THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR THE QUARTER JANUARY - MARCH 1983, CONTAINING STATISTICS ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT,IS NOW ON SALE.

IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT OF THE UNEMPLOYED AND MAIN ACTION TAKEN TO LOOK FOR WORK BY JOB SEEKERS. i

♦FINDINGS OF THIS SURVEY ARE COMPARED WITH THOSE OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEYS IN PREVIOUS QUARTERS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE,* A SPOKESMAN OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

COPIES OF THE REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $7 A COPY.

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REHABILITATION CENTRES TO HOLD OPEN DAY ft ft ft ft ft

THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN ABOUT SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG WHEN 51 REHABILITATION CENTRES AND HOMES, OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HOLD A SERIES OF JOINT 'OPEN DAYS’ NEXT WEEK.

THE CENTRES IN FOUR REGIONS WILL BE OPEN ON FOUR DIFFERENT

dafallows 9,30 AM T° 12'30 PM AND FR0M 2,30 PM To 4,30 PM DA,LY»

JUNE 21 (TUESDAY) ------- HONG KONG REGION

JUNE 22 (WEDNESDAY) ----- EAST KOWLOON REGION

JUNE 23 (THURSDAY) ------ NEW TERRITORIES REGION

JUNE 24 (FRIDAY) -------- WEST KOWLOON REGION

THE OPEN DAYS FORM PART OF THIS YEAR’S TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO PUBLICISE THE CENTRAL THEME +FRIENDSHIP -A WAY TO INTEGRATION*.

A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE AND CO-ORDINATE ANNUAL PROGRAMMES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ON REHABILITATION.

FOR ENQUIRIES RELATING TO THE OPEN DAYS, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD TELEPHONE 5-707878.

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SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 1983

PEAK TRAM SERVICE TEMPORARILY REDUCED * * * *

THE PEAK TRAM WILL SUSPEND ITS SERVICE AFTER 7 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 20) TO FACILITATE THE RELOCATION OF ITS LOWER TERMINUS TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW ST. JOHN’S BUILDING.

NORMAL SERVICE WILL RESUME FROM 7 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 21).

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SALT WATER MAINS WORK *****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 21) FOR MAINS REPAIR WORK.

THE AFFECTED AREAS AREi HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, MA TAU WAI, MA TAU KOK, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG. WANG TAU HOM, WONG TAI SIN, SAN PO KONG, INCLUDING KOWLOON HOSPITAL, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KAI TAK), LOK FU, TUNG TAU AND FU SHAN ESTATES.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HIGH POSTAL EFFICIENCY MAINTAINED DESPITE RISING TRAFFIC ... 1

FORMS BEING SENT TO RATEPAYERS *................................ 3

NEW YORK OFFICE OPENS TOMORROW ................................. A

URBAN CLEARWAY IN TUEN MUN ..................................... A

WATER MAINS WORKS ......................................,5

MORE OPEN SPACES PLANNED FOR KOWLOON ........................... 5

EVENING COURSES FOR ADULTS ................................... 6

RADIO SERIES FOR WORKERS STARTS SOON ........................... 7

MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME TO BE REVIEWED .......................... 8

OPEN DAY AT WELFARE CENTRE ..................................... 8

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

- 1 -

HIGH POSTAL EFFICIENCY MAINTAINED DESPITE RISING TRAFFIC * * * *

THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE HAS TO COPE WITH INCREASING MAIL TRAFF STANDARDS OF €FFICIENCY.

INTRODUCED INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS IC AND TO MAINTAIN ITS HIGH

MAIL TRAFFIC DOUBLED FROM ABOUT 250 MILLION POSTAL ARTICLES IN 1972 TO SOME 500 MILLION IN 1982.

OVER THE YEARS, THE POST OFFICE’S AIR MAIL CENTRE (AMC) HAS DEVELOPED FROM A MANUALLY OPERATED TRANSIT UNIT TO A MECHANISED SORTING OFFICE.

THE AMC, LOCATED WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA OF THE AIRPORT, RECEIVES AND DESPATCHES AIR-MAIL LETTERS AND PARCELS FROM COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD.

IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A CHAIN CONVEYOR AND A SOPHISTICATED PARCEL SORTING MACHINE WHICH IS CAPABLE OF SORTING UP TO 1 500 PARCELS AN HOUR, MR C.Y. YAM, CONTROLLER OF POSTS, SAID.

EIGHTY STAFF IN THE AMC PROVIDE ROUND-THE-CLOCK SERVICES TO ENSURE THAT AMONG OTHER THINGS, ALL INCOMING AIR MAIL IS DESPATCHED TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CENTRAL FOR PROMPT SORTING AND DELIVERY.

FLIGHT DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL TIMES ARE RELAYED FROM THE AIRPORT DIRECTLY TO THE AIR MAIL CENTRE BY CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION WHICH IMMEDIATELY INFORMS THE STAFF OF ANY CHANGES SO THAT, IF NECESSARY, ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE.

ANOTHER FOCAL UNIT IS THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE (IMC) WHERE AIR PACKETS AND LETTERS ARE SORTED AND THEN SENT TO THE AMC IN BAGS, READY FOR DESPATCH.

THE TWO-STOREY CENTRE IS SITUATED NEXT TO THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION AND OCCUPIES A FLOOR AREA OF 13 160 SQUARE METRES.

THE CENTRE, WHICH BECAME OPERATIONAL IN MID-1980, ALSO SERVES AS THE SORTING CENTRE FOR ALL INTERNATIONAL SURFACE MAIL, AND FOR ALL MAIL POSTED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ITS COMPUTERISED CHAIN CONVEYORS AND PARCEL SORTING MACHINE CAN HANDLE UP TO 1 000 BAGS OF MAIL AND 3 000 PARCELS AN HOUR RESPECTIVELY.

WITH THE HELP OF MORE THAN 700 STAFF, THE IMC OPERATES FROM 6.30 AM TO 8 PM, AND HANDLES MORE THAN 650 000 ITEMS OF MAIL EVERY DAY, MR YAM POINTED OUT.

/TO ILLUSTRATE........

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

2 -

TO ILLUSTRATE HONG KONG’S POSTAL EFFICIENCY, MR YAM SAID, +AN AIR MAIL LETTER TO, SAY, THE UK, POSTED AT THE GPO, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE OR THE IMC AT 5 PM WILL BE ON THE PLANE BY 9 PM THE SAME DAY.+

SURFACE LETTER MAIL TO CHINA, WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR 37 PER CENT CF THE TOTAL SURFACE MAIL, IS LOADED DIRECTLY INTO RAILWAY WAGONS PARKED AT IMC’S OWN RAILWAY PLATFORM.

SEA MAIL TO OVER 200 COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD IS LOADED ESTHER VIA FLOOR CONVEYORS AND PIER CHAINS ONTO LAUNCHES MOORED AT THE CENTRE’S BERTHS, OR INTO CONTAINERS PARKED AT THE CONTAINER PLATFORM.

♦THESE PIER CHAINS HAVE A UNIQUE DESIGN FOUND NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, IN THAT THEY CAN BE RAISED OR LOWERED TO SUIT THE TIDAL CHANGES AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS,* MR YAM SAID.

♦THE TRANSPORTATION OF AIR MAIL LETTERS AND PARCELS BETWEEN THE IMC AND THE AMC IS QUICK AND EFFICIENT, WITH POST OFFICE VEHICLES ON REGULAR HOURLY RUNS,+ MR YAM POINTED OUT.

THE TWO CENTRES ARE LINKED THROUGH A TELEPRINTER WHICH FACILITATES THE PREPARATION OF THE NECESSARY MAIL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BEFORE THE MAIL IS HANDED OVER TO THE AIRLINES.

POSTAL EFFICIENCY HAS BEEN FURTHER INCREASED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE LOCAL POST OFFICES, ESPECIALLY IN THE NEW TOWNS WHERE POPULATION GROWTH IS MOST RAPID.

THERE ARE NOW 91 POST OFFICES IN THE TERRITORY, EIGHT OF WHICH WERE OPENED IN 1982-83.

STAFF ARE GIVEN THOROUGH TRAINING AT A TRAINING CENTRE WHICH PROVIDES BASIC INDUCTION COURSES FOR RECRUITS AS WELL AS SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TAILORED TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL DUTIES.

THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED FOR TWO YEARS ALSO ATTEND REFRESHER COURSES TO KEEP ABREAST OF ADVANCED POSTAL KNOWLEDGE.

LOOKING AHEAD, MR YAM SAID, +OUR PLANS HAVE BEEN SO DESIGNED THAT FACILITIES, INCLUDING THOSE AT THE AMC AND THE IMC, MAY BE EXPANDED WHERE NECESSARY, TO COPE WITH INCREASES IN MAIL TRAFFIC OVER THE NEXT DECADE.+

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SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

FORMS BEING SENT TO RATEPAYERS * M * *

FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL SEND SOME 52 000 R. 1A FORMS TO RATEPAYERS REQUIRING THEM TO FURNISH INFORMATION ON RENTS AND OTHER PARTICULARS OF THEIR PROPERTY.

THESE FORMS WILL BE MAINLY IN RESPECT OF BUSINESS PREMISES.

A FURTHER 31 000 FORMS WILL BE SENT IN JULY TO RATEPAYERS OF DOMESTIC PREMISES.

THE FORMS MAY BE COMPLETED IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH.

RECALLING THAT THE SAME FORMS WERE SENT OUT IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN DETAILS OF RECENTLY AGREED RENTS DUE TO THE CHANGES IN RENTAL LEVELS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THE ORIGINAL FORMS WERE COMPLETED LAST YEAR.

HE STRESSED THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE NEW RATEABLE VALUES TO BE ASCRIBED IN THE NEW VALUATION LISTS SHOULD BE AS UP TO DATE AS POSSIBLE, AND THAT THE INFORMATION GIVEN SHOULD PROVIDE THE DEPARTMENT’S VALUERS WITH THE NECESSARY EVIDENCE TO ACHIEVE THIS.

THE PREMISES IN RESPECT OF WHICH THE FORMS ARE BEING SENT HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS BEING THE MOST LIKELY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION OF USE TO THE VALUERS.

FOR INSTANCE, A FORM WILL BE SENT WHERE THE DEPARTMENT’S RECORDS SHOW THAT A LEASE HAS RECENTLY EXPIRED OR THAT A PREMISES WAS VACANT LAST YEAR AND MAY HAVE BEEN LET OUT BY NOW.

THE SPOKESMAN REQUESTED THE CO-OPERATION OF RATEPAYERS IN COMPLETING THESE FORMS.

HE REMINDED THEM THAT FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS WITHIN 21 DAYS IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE.

A POSTAGE PRE-PAID RETURN ENVELOPE IS ENCLOSED WITH EACH FORM SENT.

ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP IN COMPLETING THE FORM MAY VISIT THE DEPARTMENT ON THE 17TH FLOOR OF HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, OR DIAL 5-7957888.

ASSISTANCE MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICE.

- - o - -

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

NEW YORK OFFICE OPENS TOMORROW

* * *

THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN NEW YORK WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS TOMORROW (MONDAY).

THE OFFICE IS HEADED BY MR WILLIAM DORWARD, FORMERLY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, WHO NOW HOLDS THE APPOINTMENT OF COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, NEW YORK.

MR DORWARD WILL BE SUPPORTED BY A NUMBER OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO BE POSTED FROM HONG KONG, INCLUDING AN OFFICER AT THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RANK, AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND A PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER.

THE ADDRESS OF THE NEW OFFICE ISi

TOWER 56, 17 FLOOR, 126 EAST 56 STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10022.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS IN NEW YORK IS THE MOST SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. HIS MAIN DUTIES ARE TO CONTROL AND TO COORDINATE THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT UNDERTAKES DIRECTLY IN THE UNITED STATES, AND TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING HONG KONG'S IMAGE THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

- - - 0-------

URBAN CLEARWAY IN TUEN MUN * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JUNE 21), THE SECTION OF TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD SOUTH OF PUI TO ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY.

NO VEHICLES OTHER STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.

THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO GOODS WITHIN THE SECTION BETWEEN 7 AM

0------

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

WATER MAINS WORKS * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE PEAK WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 22) FOR MAINS WORK.

AREAS TO BE AFFECTED AREi NO. 1 TO NO. 78 MOUNT KELLETT ROAD (INCLUDING MATILDA AND WAR MEMORIAL HOSPITAL) AND NO. 3-5 AND NO. 9, PLUNKETT’S ROAD.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 25 HOURS — FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.

THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY THE EAST SIDE OF CHUNG ON STREET, MA TAU PA ROAD, TEXACO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD. PREMISES IN TAI HA STREET AND KWAI HOP STREET, BLOCKS NO. 1-19, TAI WO HAU ESTATE, KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE AND KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.

- - 0 - -

MORE OPEN SPACES PLANNED FOR KOWLOON ft * * ft

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE IN TAI PO AND THREE MORE OPEN SPACES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

THE OPEN SPACE IN TAI PO IS SITUATED ON TING KOK ROAD NEAR THE TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC. THIS WILL REPLACE THE TEMPORARY RECREATION FACILITIES IN NEARBY AREAS WHICH WILL BE RELEASED FOR DEVELOPMENT.

THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, A PLAY AREA, AND LANDSCAPING IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.

WORK ON THIS CONTRACT WILL START IN AUGUST AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE THREE OPEN SPACES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ARE AMONG THE TEN OPEN SPACES WHICH WILL BE ULTIMATELY PROVIDED IN THE AREA.

THESE OPEN SPACES ARE ALONG CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, AND WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE RENOVATION OF AN EXISTING POND, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A KIOSK, A FOUNTAIN, A PUBLIC TOILET AND PLANTING AREAS.

WORKS WILL START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY.

_ _ o - -

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

EVENING COURSES FOR ADULTS * * * *

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADULT EDUCATION SECTION IS INVITING APPLICANTS TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS EVENING COURSES WHICH WILL START IN SEPTEMBER.

THESE COURSES INCLUDE HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, TEACHERS’ COURSES, ENGLISH COURSE, SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE, GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE FOR ADULTS, ADULT EDUCATION COURSE (GENERAL BACKGROUND) AND ADULT EDUCATION COURSES (PRACTICAL BACKGROUND).

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE NOW AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, ITS SUB-OFFICE AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON OR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS!

HONG KONG I QUEEN’S COLLEGE, KING’S COLLEGE, HENNESSY ROAD AND NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AND SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.

KOWLOON I QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL AND TONG MEI ROAD, KAI TAK AND KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THE NEW TERRITORIES I HOI PA STREET AND TAI PO GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG AND TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER OF THE VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4/F, 1 MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON ON THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE RESPECTIVE APPLICATION FORMS.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 3-7130811.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

- 7 -

RADIO SERIES FOR WORKERS STARTS SOON

* * *

THE FIRST EPISODE OF A NEW RADIO SERIES DESIGNED FOR WORKERS, •♦MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK+, WILL BE BROADCAST EVERY THURSDAY ON RTHK’S RADIO 1, BETWEEN 2 PM AND 2.30 PM STARTING ON JUNE 23.

THE PROGRAMME, TO BE BROADCAST INITIALLY FOR 13 WEEKS, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RTHK TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

LOCAL SINGERS AND CELEBRITIES, SUCH AS ROMAN TAM, GEORGE LAM, ALAN TAM HAVE BEEN INVITED TO INTERVIEW WORKERS IN FACTORIES AND AT CONSTRUCTION SITES.

WORKERS LISTENING TO THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A LIVE PHONE-IN QUIZ ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND A SONG REQUEST.

THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SOME ADVICE ON SAFETY MEASURES WHICH WILL BE REPEATED ON RADIO 2 EVERY FOLLOWING WEDNESDAY AT NOON TIME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAIDt +WE HOPE THAT FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES EQUIPPED WITH PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS CAPABLE OF RELAYING THE PROGRAMME WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE MEANS OF INCREASING EFFICIENT PRODUCTIVITY BY MAKING WORKERS MORE CONSCIOUS OF SAFETY FACTORS.+

/ 8.......

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 1983

MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME TO BE REVIEWED * N M M

THE +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME IN WAN CHAI WILL BE REVIEWED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 21).

FORTY-ONE CASES HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH BY BOARD MEMBERS UNDER THE SCHEME SINCE IT STARTED IN MARCH.

AT TUESDAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON A REPORT — A PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.

THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE LAW SOCIETY’S FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME BY A CHIEF COURT LIAISON OFFICER, MR JOHNSON HAU.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE DISTRICT’S PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARY AT 5-8921239 FOR SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.

OPEN DAY AT WELFARE CENTRE ft ft ft M

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S WESTERN DISTRICT BLIND WELFARE CENTRE AND WESTERN DISTRICT WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE WILL HOLD A JOINT OPEN DAY ON TUESDAY (JUNE 21) AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON REHABILITATION.

THE EVENT WILL START AT 9.30 AM WITH A BRIEF CEREMONY TO BE WELD IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 36A WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN, HONG KONG.

AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING WILL BE THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK KA-CHI AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS LEE TANG YEE-LIN.

- - J - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MESSAGES FROM SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND RICHARD LUCE................ 1

MECHANISED HOUSING CONSTRUCTION METHOD ENCOURAGED............... 2

JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR MASS MEDIA PUBLISHED..................... 3

WATER FIGURES .................................................. 4

BIG ANTI-SMOKING DRIVE STARTS SOON ............................. 4

INMIGRATION OFFICERS COMMENDED.................................. 5

CLEARANCE WORK IN FINAL STAGE................................... 6

POLICE STATION TO UNDERGO ALTERATIONS .......................... 6

VIEWS TO BE SOUGHT ABOUT HOVERFERRY

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

MESSAGES FROM

SIR GEOFFREY * * *

HOWE AND RICHARD LUCE *

THE NEW SECRETARY

OF STATE FOR THE MINISTER

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND

SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND _

COMMONWEALTH OFFICE WHO HAS BEEN GIVEN SPECIAL' RESPONSESIL?Ty"for HONG KONG, MR RICHARD LUCE, HAVE SENT PERSONAL MESSAGES TO THE GOVERNOR AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.

* H0NS K0N6 ‘s

THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT SUCH A SOLUTION CAN BE ACHIEVED 0FEEXCO AND' LEGCO L0°K F0RWARD T0 FETING AND WORKING WITH MEMBERS CAUV ANv LtbLU*

SIR GEOFFREY HOWE SAIDi +0N ASSUMING OFFICE AS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY, I SHOULD LIKE TO REAFFIRM TO YOU AND YOUR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND TO WORKING FOR THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY AND THE WELFARE OF ITS PEOPLE. I KNOW HOW VITAL THE QUESTION OF THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY IS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. OUR AIM REMAINS TO SEEK A SOLUTION WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE NOT ONLY TO THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS BUT ALSO TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.

♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE IT. I HOPE THAT I SHALL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET YOU AND MEMBERS OF YOUR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE. KIND REGARDS*.

MR RICHARD LUCE SAID IN HIS MESSAGE* +THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY HAS ASKED ME TO TAKE ON SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG AS PART OF MY DUTIES. I AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED BY THIS AS I HAVE LONG ADMIRED HONG KONG’S VITALITY AND ACHIEVEMENTS. I REALISE THAT THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY AND ASSURE YOU AND YOUR EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS THAT WE SHALL GO ON WORKING FOR A NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY WHICH WOULD PRESERVE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG. I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU ALL AND HOPE THAT I SHALL HAVE AN EARLY OPPORTUNITY FOR A VISIT. KIND REGARDS.*

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

MECHANISED HOUSING CONSTRUCTION METHOD ENCOURAGED * * *

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED ANOTHER MECHANISED CONSTRUCTION TENDER WORTH $282.7 MILLION FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF A NEW PROJECT IN TAI PO WHICH WILL HOUSE 17 000 PEOPLE IN 3 948 RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS BY 1986.

♦IT IS THE FIRST SUCH TENDER ACCEPTED THIS YEAR USING THE TIME-SAVING MECHANISED METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION, AND THE SECOND SINCE LAST YEAR,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID TODAY.

HE SAID TWO OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS HAD ALSO BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR TENDERS THIS YEAR BY MECHANISED CONTRACTORS FROM THE AUTHORITY’S PREQUALIFIED LIST.

♦THE NEW MECHANISED TENDER IS FOR THE PILING AND BUILDING OF TWO TRIDENT BLOCKS FOR 10 210 PEOPLE AT THE FU SHIN RENTAL ESTATE IN TAI PO AND THREE WINDMILL BLOCKS AT AN ADJOINING HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE.

♦THE BLOCKS WILL BE BUILT BY USING A SYSTEM OF WALL AND TABLE STEEL FORMS TOGETHER WITH THE PRECASTING OF SOME NON-STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.

♦THIS SYSTEM WILL BE TIME-SAVING RELATIVE TO THE CONVENTIONAL BUILDING METHODS AND THE FINISHES ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO BE SUPER I OR.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AWARD OF MECHANISED CONTRACTS HAD FOLLOWED A PRE-QUALIF I CAT I ON EXERCISE HELD BY THE AUTHORITY LAST YEAR TO ENCOURAGE FIRST-CLASS LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BUILDING CONTRACTORS TO USE MECHANISED METHODS ON AUTHORITY PROJECTS.

♦SINCE THE MECHANISED TENDER EXERCISE BEGAN, SEVERAL LOCAL CONTRACTORS HAVE STARTED USING MECHANISED METHODS ON THEIR OWN VOLITION WITHOUT SECURING A MECHANISED CONTRACT.

♦MECHANISED METHODS ARE AN ASSET TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND THE AUTHORITY SINCE THEY WILL INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY WHILE ALSO IMPROVING STANDARDS OF WORKMANSHIP.

♦THE PROGRESS AND SUCCESS OF THE MECHANISED CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE TO BE MONITORED.*

THE FIRST MECHANISED CONTRACT WAS AWARDED LAST DECEMBER FOR THE THIRD PHASE OF KWONG FUK ESTATE ALSO IN TAI PO.

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

- 3 -

JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR MASS MEDIA PUBLISHED

* * * *

A MANUAL OF JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE MASS MEDIA HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

. IN THE MANUAL, THE BOARD RECOMMENDS JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR 27 PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE MASS MEDIAi 14 FOR THE NEWSPAPER AND MAGAZINE SECTOR AND 13 FOR THE RADIO AND TELEVISION SECTOR.

MR SHUM CHO I-SANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, POINTED OUT THAT THESE SPECIFICATIONS, WHICH DEFINE THE MINIMUM SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR EACH OF THE PRINCIPAL JOBS, HAD BEEN PREPARED WITH VARIOUS OBJECTIVES IN MIND.

THE BOARD EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT WITH THESE GUIDELINES, ADEQUATE AND UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS OF SKILLS COULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR JOURNALISTIC JOBS IN THE MASS MEDIA, MR SHUM SAID.

MR SHUM SAID THAT INSTITUTIONS AND TRAINING ORGANISATIONS COULD ALSO USE THEM FOR PLANNING THEIR COURSES.

BY MAKING USE OF THESE GUIDELINES, EMPLOYERS COULD ALSO ASSESS THE COMPETENCE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES AND DRAW UP ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMMES.

THE MANUAL, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $11.50 A COPY.

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

/4.........

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

WATER FIGURES * * *

' STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (JUNE 20, 1983) STOOD AT 90.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 519.868 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 323.357 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 56.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

BIG ANT I-SMOKING DRIVE STARTS SOON * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH A MAJOR ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN THIS WEEK.

DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 22) AT 2.30 PM.

PRESIDING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE MR GEOFFREY BARNES, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE 1983-84 ANT I-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE DR RUDY KHOO OF THE HONG KONG ANT I-CANCER SOCIETY AND DR S.C. LEUNG, SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE. TV CREWS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE EARLIER TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

- - 0

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS COMMENDED * * *

TWENTY-TWO OFFICERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WERE COMMENDED TODAY (MONDAY) FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE LAST YEAR.

THE OFFICERS, INCLUDING NINE GENERAL GRADE STAFF, RECEIVED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES FROM THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, NR RON BRIDGE, AT A CEREMONY IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.

ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS, MR LIU WAI-HUNG, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS ALERTNESS AND INITIATIVE IN DETECTING, AND LATER HELPING WITH THE ARREST, OF SIX ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.

IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, WHILE ON HIS WAY HOME, MR LIU SAW FOUR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WANDERING IN SHEUNG SHU I. TO FILL IN THE TIME WHILE HE SOUGHT WAYS TO GET HELP, HE ENGAGED THEM IN CONVERSATION, OFFERED THEM CIGARETTES, AND LATER LED THEM TO AN EMPTY HUT.

MR LIU THEN RANG HIS OFFICE FOR HELP. ALL FOUR OF THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ARRESTED, AND TWO OF THEM WERE FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS.

IN MARCH THIS YEAR, MR LIU SPOTTED TWO OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA. HE FOLLOWED THE MEN, AND THEN OBTAINED THE HELP CF POLICE OFFICERS IN ARRESTING THEM WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE. THE TWO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE LATER REPATRIATED TO CHINA.

A NUMBER OF CLERICAL OFFICERS IN THE BIRTHS AND MARRIAGES REGISTRIES WERE ALSO COMMENDED FOR THEIR ALERTNESS IN DETECTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, FORGED HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS AND FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

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

/6.........

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1983

CLEARANCE WORK IN FINAL STAGE * * *

THE FINAL PHASE OF ’OPERATION TORCH’ - A SERIES OF CLEARANCES OF BACKLANE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG’S INDUSTRIAL AREA - WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE REAR LANES IN TSUN YIP STREET, HOW MING STREET AND HUNG TO ROAD TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

A TOTAL OF 53 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND STORAGE AS WELL AS FOR COOKED FOOD STALLS, WILL BE DEMOLISHED.

'OPERATION TORCH’, STARTED IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR, WAS INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, POLICE, LANDS, HIGHWAYS, URBAN SERVICES AND HOUSING DEPARTMENTS.

MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL ALSO VISIT THE SITE.

- - 0 - -

POLICE STATION TO UNDERGO ALTERATIONS

* * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORK ON WESTERN POLICE STATION.

THE STATION, A SIX-STOREY BUILDING LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND WESTERN STREET, WAS BUILT IN 1955.

ITS EXISTING FACILITIES AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION ARE CONSIDERED INADEQUATE FOR THE PRESENT-DAY REQUIREMENTS OF THE WESTERN POLICE DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND THE WESTERN DIVISION.

THE STATION’S SINGLE INSPECTORS QUARTERS WILL BE CONVERTED INTO OFFICE AND BARRACK ACCOMMODATION, AND ITS CANTEEN AND MESSES IMPROVED, AND IT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A FITNESS TRAINING ROOM.

A NEW DANGEROUS GOODS STORE OF ABOUT 12 SQUARE METRES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1984.

- o

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 1985

VIEWS TO BE SOUGHT ABOUT HOVERFERRY

M * *

A SURVEY ON THE EXISTING HOVERFERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND CENTRAL WILL BE CONDUCTED ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 2?) BY MEMBERS OF A WORKING GROUP FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.

MORE THAN 5 000 COPIES OF QUESTIONNAIRES, PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PASSENGERS AT BOTH THE TUEN MUN PIER AND BLAKE PIER IN CENTRAL TO COLLECT THEIR OPINIONS ABOUT THE EXISTING SERVICE.

OPINIONS COLLECTED WILL BE ANALYSED AND COMPILED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING IN AUGUST.

ON WEDNESDAY, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP AND STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE PRESENT AT BOTH PIERS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5.45 PM TO HELP PASSENGERS FILL IN THE QUESTIONNAIRES.

PERSONNEL TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY WILL CARRY IDENTIFICATION TAGS.

BOXES WILL BE PLACED IN THE WAITING AREAS AT BOTH PIERS FOR PASSENGERS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES.

PASSENGERS MAY ALSO MAIL THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES TO THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH THE ATTACHED SELF-ADDRESSED STAMP-FREE ENVELOPE.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FIRST STAGE OF CHICKEN HORMONE BAN ............................ 1

LADY YOUDE SEES WELFARE WORK .................................. 2

EPCQM CONFERENCE............................................... 3

CAR TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED DRIVERS ........................ U

PUBLICITY HELPS RAISE CONCERN FOR DISABLED ................... 5

NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES STUDY ........................... 6

CHECKING ON CLEAN HONG KONG WORK .............................. 7

KWUN TONG PROMOTES ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE ........................ 8

DEMANDING ROLE FOR RURAL COMMITTEES ........................... 9

FIELD WORK ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY SURVEY STARTS ................ 10

AWARD SCHEME IS BIG HELP TO YOUTH WORK ....................... 11

WATER MAINS WORK AT PEAK, CHAI WAN ........................... 12

MID-LEVELS TRAFFIC CHANGE .................................... 1J

PARKING METERS FOR KOWLOON TONG .............................. 1J

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

FIRST STAGE OF CHICKEN HORMONE BAN *****

THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD HAS AGREED TO THE BANNING OF SYNTHETIC HORMONES WHICH HAVE BEEN USED AS GROWTH STIMULANTS IN THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY.

THE BOARD DECIDED THAT THE PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS FOR VETERINARY USE WHICH CONTAIN STILBENE DERIVATIVES SHOULD BE DEREGISTERED IMMEDIATELY.

THIS MEANS THAT FROM JULY 19, ALLOWING FOR THE STATUTORY PERIOD OF 28 DAYS FOR AGGRIEVED PARTIES TO APPEAL AGAINST THE BOARD’S DECISION, THE SALE AND IMPORTATION OF THESE PRODUCTS WILL BE ILLEGAL.

HOLDERS OF THE REGISTERED PRODUCTS INVOLVED ARE BEING INFORMED BY LETTER OF THE BOARD’S DECISION.

STILBENE DERIVATIVES ARE SYNTHETIC SUBSTANCES WHICH HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE LINKED WITH CANCER IN STUDIES OVERSEAS.

THE HORMONES COVERED BY THE WITHDRAWAL OF REGISTRATION INCLUDE HEXOESTROL, WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY USED IN THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY- STILBOESTROL, ANOTHER GROWTH STIMULANT WHICH WAS USED PREVIOUSLY BY POULTRY BREEDERS IN HONG KONG; AND TRIPHENYL ETHYLENE BROMIDE, WHICH IS REGISTERED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS BUT HAS NOT BEEN USED BY POULTRY BREEDERS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REASON FOR EXTENDING THE BAN TO INCLUDE ALL STILBENE PRODUCTS FOR VETERINARY USE WAS TO PREVENT IMPORTERS AND BREEDERS FROM TURNING TO OTHER SYNTHETIC HORMONES ONCE HEXOESTROL WAS PROHIBITED.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 8 THAT THE APPLICATION FOR DEREGISTRATION OF HEXOESTROL WOULD BE MADE TO THE BOARD.

DEREGISTRATION UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS IS ONE OF TWO MEASURES BEING INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH BY PREVENTING THE CONSUMPTION OF POULTRY MEAT CONTAINING HEXOESTROL OR OTHER SUCH HORMONES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID ACTION WAS ALSO BEING TAKEN TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE TO THE HARMFUL SUBSTANCES IN FOOD REGULATIONS, MADE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE, TO PROHIBIT THE IMPORT, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION OF MEAT CONTAINING A DETECTABLE AMOUNT OF SYNTHETIC HORMONE OF THE STILBENE FAMILY.

/nr> PUlN

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 198?

HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WOULD EFFECTIVELY SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CONTROL OVER POULTRY IMPORTED FROM COUNTRIES IN WHICH THE SsE OF SUCH HORMONES IS PERMITTED. IT IS HOPED THAT THE AMENDED REGULATIONS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION SOON AFTER THE DEREGISTRATION COMES INTO EFFECT.

TO HELP THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY TO ADJUST TO THE CHANGES, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL RUN INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSES FOR FARMERS WHO WISH TO TURN TO NEW METHODS SUCH AS REARING HYBRID BROILERS AND CONCENTRATING ON PULLET REARING. THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY SERVICE ON TECHNICAL MATTERS WILL BE o PROPER USE OF SUCH METHODS WILL IMPROVE THE THE LOCAL INDUSTRY WITHOUT CAUSING ANY HAZARD TO

STRENGTHENED. PRODUCTIVITY OF PUBLIC HEALTH.

- - 0 - -

LADY YOUDE SEES WELFARE WORK

* * * *

LADY YOUDE SPENT A DAY TODAY SEEING SOME OF THE WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.

SHE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WS ANSON CHAN.

LADY YOUDE FIRST CALLED AT THE SWD’S MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME, WHICH SERVES AS A COMBINED REMAND AND PROBATION HOME AND PLACE OR REFUGE FOR YOUNG GIRLS.

SHE THEN VISITED THE MA TAU CHUNG DAY CRECHE, WHERE SHE SAW CHILDREN BEING LOOKED AFTER WHILE THEIR PARENTS WERE OUT FOR WORK. THE CRECHE IS RUN BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.

IN THE VISIT TO THE SWD’S CHOI WAN SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOSTEL, LADY YOUDE SAW AT FIRST HAND THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL RETARDATION AND PHYSICAL HANDICAPS.

IN THE AFTERNOON, LADY YOUDE WENT TO SHA TIN TO VISIT THE WONG SIU CHING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AT SHA KOK, OPERATED BY THE CHINESE RHENISH CHURCH, HONG KONG SYNOD.

LATER, SHE VISITED THE ST JAMES’ SETTLEMENT IN WAN CHAI, WHICH OPERATES A DAY CARE CENTRE FOR OLD PEOPLE, A DAY NURSERY AND GROUP AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

EPCOM CONFERENCE

MM *

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23) AT 5.15 PM IN THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBER.

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT FROM THE PRESS GALLERY, AND TIME WILL BE RESERVED AT THE END OF THE FETING FOR PRESS QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED.

SPEECHES WILL BE GIVEN BY THE CHAIRMAN OF EPCOM AND OF ITS THREE SPECIAL COMMITTEES. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION OF A DETAILED REPORT PREPARED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REVIEWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN HONG KONG.

ME F0R PRES? Representatives TO READ THE REPORT BEFORE THE MEETING, COPIES (IN ENGLISH ONLY) WILL BE AVAILABLE ^COLLECTION FROM THE DUTY OFFICER, GIS NEWSROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR, FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REPORT IS EMBARGOED UNTIL 5.15 PM THAT AFTERNOON.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

CAR TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED DRIVERS

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED DISABLED DRIVERS THAT THEY COULD APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON REGISTERING A PRIVATE CAR OF IMPORT VALUE NOT EXCEEDING 130 000.

THE SCHEME, WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE ON MAY 13, COVERS MOST TYPES OF MEDIUM-RANGE POPULAR CARS.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS AN EXTENSION TO THE CURRENT CONCESSION SCHEME FOR THE DISABLED, WHICH INCLUDED EXEMPTION FROM FEES FOR PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE, DRIVING TEST, FULL DRIVING LICENCE AND VEHICLE LICENCE FOR A PRIVATE CAR WITH CYLINDER CAPACITY NOT EXCEEDING 1 500 C.C.

WHEN BUYING NEW CAR, A DISABLED DRIVER ALREADY ENJOYING SUCH CONCESSIONS AND HOLDING A VALID APPROVAL LETTER ISSUED BY THE DRIVING TEST SECTION, COULD APPLY IN WRITING TO THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG, FOR EXEMPTION OF THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY VEHICLE DOCUMENTS, HE SAID.

THIS COULD ALSO BE PROCESSED THROUGH THE MOTOR DEALER.

UNDER THE AMENDED LEGISLATION, A DISABLED PERSON APPLYING FOR THE CONCESSION HAS TO PROVE HIS FITNESS TO DRIVE A PRIVATE CAR AND PRODUCE A CERTIFICATE SIGNED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTOR OF KDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES STATING THAT HE IS SUFFERING FROM A PERMANENT DISEASE OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY THAT CAUSES HIM CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY IN WALKING.

APPLICATION CAN BE MADE THROUGH THE DRIVING TEST SECTION AT PUI CHING ROAD, HO MAN TIN AND A SIMULATOR TEST WILL BE CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE THE APPLICANT’S FITNESS TO DRIVE.

HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THIS CONCESSION WAS ONLY AVAILABLE ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS APART FROM EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE CAR WAS WRITTEN-OFF.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

PUBLICITY HELPS RAISE CONCERN FOR DISABLED * * * *

THE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED AFTER THE 1981 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS HAS RAISED PUBLIC CONCERN TOWARDS THE DISABLED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG REGIONAL OFFICER, MR KWOK KA-CHI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ALSO SET UP A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO CO-ORDINATE AND PROMOTE PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON REHABILITATION, HE SAID.

MR KWOK WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT OPEN DAY OF THE WESTERN BLIND WELFARE CENTRE AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE.

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD GAIN A CLEARER PICTURE ABOUT THE LOCAL REHABILITATION WORK AFTER THE OPEN DAY, AND GIVE DISABLED PEOPLE MORE ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT.

FIFTEEN OTHER REHABILITATION CENTRES AND HOMES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE ALSO OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TODAY.

THE WESTERN DISTRICT BLIND WELFARE CENTRE PROVIDES TRAINING FOR THE BLIND TO HELP THEM BECOME INDEPENDENT WHILE THE WESTERN DISTRICT WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE OFFERS INTENSIVE TRAINING FOR SEVERE GRADE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUNG ADULTS.

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/ 6

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES STUDY

*****

A SUMMARY OF A NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES STUDY WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23).

THE OBJECT OF THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY A CONSULTANCY FIRM, IS TO EXAMINE THE POTENTIAL OF THE NORTH EASTERN SUB-REGION IN ORDER TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN PREPARING DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AS A WHOLE.

MAJOR TOPICS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LARGE-SCALE URBAN GROWTH, TRANSPORT CONSIDERATIONS, RURAL LAND USE AND THE ENVIRONMENT, AS WELL AS THE INTERFACE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE.

A REPORT ON WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME AND REPORTS FROM DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23), IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAIPO COMMERCIAL CENTRE. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.15 AM FOR TAI PO.

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

CHECKING ON CLEAN HONG KONG WORK

* * *

MR CHARLES YEUNG , AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,WILL VISIT KWAI CHUNG ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23) MORNING TO SEE WORK BEING DONE ON THE CLEAN HONG KONG 1983 CAMPAIGN.

MR YEUNG WILL CHECK ON THE WORK OF THE FIELD STAFF OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IN KEEPING THE NEW TERRITORIES CLEAN.

HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE (NTAC) OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.

OTHER LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE NTAC WILL LATER BE PAYING SIMILAR VISITS EACH MONTH TO VARIOUS DISTRICTS.

THE NTAC WAS FORMED BY THE GOVERNOR TO ADVISE ON CAMPAIGN STRATEGY AND TO LOOK INTO THE NEW TERRITORIES ASPECTS OF THE MASSIVE ANTI-LITTER DRIVE WHICH BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1981.

SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN CHAIRED BY MR YEUNG, AND MEMBERS ARE FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ALL NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS WHO ARE ALSO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE NEWLY ORGANISED VISITS ARE AIMED AT KEEPING THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE NTAC INFORMED OF THE ACTUAL STATE OF CLEANLINESS OF VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE ANTI-LITTER MESSAGE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

ON THURSDAY, MR YEUNG WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR CHAN TAI-YIU.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE VISIT.

A COACH FOR THEM WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.15 AM SHARP ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23).

MR CHARLES YEUNG AND MR JOHN HEYWOOD WILL BE HAPPY TO MEET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AND TALK ABOUT THE ANTI-LITTER EXERCISE AS WELL AS THE STRATEGY OF THE CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN 1984.

----0------

/ a....

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

- 8 -

KWUN TONG PROMOTES ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE * * * * *

A NINE-DAY ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE THAT +ROAD ACCIDENTS WRECK LIVES*, WILL BE HELD IN KWUN TONG STARTING SATURDAY (JUNE 25).

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE CROSSWORD PUZZLES, QUIZZES FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS, FILM SHOWS, PHOTO COMPETITIONS AND VISITS TO HOMES FOR THE AGED.

SCHOOL CHILDREN, WORKERS, HOUSEWIVES, THE ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE HANDICAPPED AND NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WILL BE THE TARGET GROUPS IN THIS ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

AN OPENING CEREMONY AND AN EXHIBITION, AT WHICH THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, AND THE DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR BRIAN WIGLEY, WILL OFFICIATE, WILL BE HELD AT THE MAIN SQUARE OF TELFORD GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY AT 1.30 PM ON SATURDAY.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE BY KWUN TONG JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS, PERFORMANCES BY THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND THE HONG KONG CYCLIST ASSOCIATION, A POLICE DOG SHOW, A MAGIC SHOW AND SINGING BY TV ARTISTS.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ON ROAD SAFETY RULES AND CODES. CAPTAIN SAFETY, A CHARACTER CREATED FOR THE CAMPAIGN, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO DISTRIBUTE POSTERS.

TO ROUND OFF THE CAMPAIGN ON JULY 3 (SUNDAY), A REMOTE-CONTROLLED RACING CAR COMPETITION FOR SOME 60 CONTESTANTS WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUI PING ROAD RECREATION GROUND AT 10 AM.

STARTING AT 2 PM, THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY THE POLICE BAND, A TELEMATCH, BICYCLE PERFORMANCES, SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL PARADE INSPECTION, AND PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO WINNERS CF THE COMPETITIONS AND QUIZZES HELD DURING THE CAMPAIGN.

THE CAMPAIGN IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND FINANCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AT $50 000.

----o------

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

- 9 -DEMANDING ROLE FOR RURAL COMMITTEES *****

INCREASING DEMANDS WERE BEING MADE ON MEMBERS OF THE RURAL COMMITTEES WITH THE ADVENT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

♦CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ARE NOW SOUGHT OVER A WIDE RANGE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS ISSUES, AND THIS HAS REQUIRED CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL WORK ON THE PART OF RURAL COMMITTEES TO ADAPT AND MODIFY THEIR ORGANISATION AND THEIR CHANNELS OF COMMUNICAT I ON,♦ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT AS A RESULT, THE COMMITTEES COULD RESPOND EFFECTIVELY TO, AND HELP DISSEMINATE IDEAS ON, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION.

MR MACPHERSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A NEW OFFICE BUILDING OF THE PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, LOCATED NEAR THE KAM TIN ROAD.

HE SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE HAD MET THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGING TIMES AND HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE IN CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE WELFARE OF PAT HEUNG AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT AS A WHOLE.

THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING, WITH AN AREA OF 130 SQUARE METRES, HAS A CONFERENCE ROOM, AN OFFICE AND A JUNIOR POLICE CLUBHOUSE.

IT WOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL FOCUS FOR THE PAT HEUNG COMMUNITY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RURAL AFFAIRS, HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO A NUMBER OF ISSUES RAISED BY THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, MR TANG TAK-KAU, MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT THREE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN TUEN MUN AND ONE IN YUEN LONG BY 1985 WHILE A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WAS BEING PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN.

ON THE ISSUE OF TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, MR MACPHERSON NOTED THAT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE HAD SET UP A WORKING GROUP WITH THE SIX LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEES TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER.

MR MACPHERSON ALSO ASSURED THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PAT HEUNG PLAIN AS A PRIORITY AREA FOR HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

♦PAT HEUNG IS CLOSE TO THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL FARM AT KUN YAM SHAN AND THE SITE FOR THE HKU FIELD RESEARCH STATION, ON WHICH CONSTRUCTION WILL START LATER THIS YEAR.

/+THLRE WILL .......

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1?8<

- 10 -

♦THERE WILL THUS BE A BODY OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, IN ADDITION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S OWN SUPPORT STAFF, CLOSE TO HAND AND AVAILABLE TO ASSIST FARMERS THROUGH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S (AFD) AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES,♦ HE SAID.

HE SAID AN AGRICULTURAL SHOW, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE AFD, WOULD BE STAGED IN PAT HEUNG TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

MR MACPHERSON ADDED THAT RELATIONS BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE VILLAGERS WOULD BE IMPROVED WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE NEWLY CONSTITUTED YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

HE SAID THAT THE PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN CONJUNCTION WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.

TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY THE INAUGURATION CF THE 16TH-TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.

DISTRICT OFFICER

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE JAMES WILSON, AND MEMBERS OF THE BUILDING’S PREPARATORY

COMMITTEE.

- - 0 - -

FIELD WORK ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY SURVEY STARTS * * * * *

FIELD WORK ON THE MANPOWER SURVEY ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL START TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND WILL LAST UNTIL JUNE 30.

OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES AND IF NECESSARY, ASSIST IN COMPLETING THEM.

A STRATIFIED RANDOM SAMPLE OF 782 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF 5 400 IN THE INDUSTRY WILL BE SURVEYED.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR DENNIS TING SAID THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.

HE URGED EMPLOYERS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO CO-OPERATE AND PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION.

♦THE SURVEY IS NECESSARY AND IMPORTANT TO THE FORMULATION CF MEANINGFUL TRAINING PLANS FOR THE INDUSTRY,♦ MR TING SAID.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE MANPOWER STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-454002 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

----o------

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

AWARD SCHEME IS BIG HELP TO YOUTH WORK * * * ft

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME EMBODIES MANY OF THE MAJOR PRINCIPLES WHICH MAKE UP THE PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH WORK THAT FORMS THE BASIS OF PROGRAMMES IN THIS AREA OF SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 36TH SILVER AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY CF THE SCHEME AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN YAU MA TEI.

THE SCHEME HAD MADE A ♦DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION IN THIS IMPORTANT FIELD,♦ HE SAID.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION HERE OVER 20 YEARS AGO, THE AWARD SCHEME HAD PROVIDED HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR PERSONALITIES AND POTENTIAL.

IT OFFERED A WELL DESIGNED AND BALANCED PROGRAMME OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN WHICH THEY WERE ENCOURAGED TO USE THEIR INITIATIVE, AND TO FACE CHALLENGES, BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL, HE SAID.

♦THE PROGRAMMES ARE ALSO DESIGNED TO INCULCATE A COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AND THE NEED TO HELP OTHERS, PARTICULARLY THE LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,+ HE ADDED.

THE DIRECTOR CONGRATULATED THE SILVER AWARD RECIPIENTS AND EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD NOW GO ON TO FACE THE NEXT CHALLENGE — THE GOLD AWARD OF THE SCHEME.

----0-------- / 12.......................................

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

12 -

WATER MAINS WORK AT PEAK, CHAI WAN * * * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TWO AREAS IN HONG KONG WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO ALLOW MAINS WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.

IN THE PEAK, THE WATER SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS — FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM — ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24) WHILE MAINS WORK IS CARRIED OUT AT POLLOCK’S PATH.

THE AREA AFFECTED ARE NO. 2-10 POLLOCK’S PATH, 1-24 GOUGH HILL ROAD, 1-7 GOUGH HILL PATH, 1-7 PEEL RISE ROAD, 1-23 SEVERN ROAD, 8-51 BARKER ROAD, 1-15 BLUFF PATH, HOSPITAL PATH AND 63-69 PEAK ROAD.

IN CHAI WAN, THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS — FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY — FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

AFFECTED WILL BE THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY KA YIP STREET, THE SEA FRONT, CHAI WAN ROAD AND WING TAI ROAD.

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/ 13

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 1983

MID-LEVELS TRAFFIC CHANGE * * * X

TRAFFIC ON COOMBE ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS BETWEEN WAN CHAI GAP AND MAGAZINE GAP, WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WESTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23).

THIS IS TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORK ON PEAK ROAD FOLLOWING THE RECENT COLLAPSE.

- - 0 - -

PARKING METERS FOR KOWLOON TONG XXX

FIFTEEN NEW HALF-HOUR PARKING METERS WILL BE IN OPERATION ALONG KAM SHING ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 23) AT A CHARGE OF |1.

- - o - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED 8Y GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MAJOR ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY .................... 1

GOVERNOR TO OPEN SCHOOL ..................................... 4

SCOUT COUNCIL PRAISED FOR WORK .............................. 5

NEED FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT STRESSED IN FILM.............. 6

MORE TECHNICAL MANPOWER NEEDED FOR MACHINE SHOPS ............ 7

ANTIQUITIES BOARD GETS LANDROVER ............................ 8

LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS ................................. 9

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ...................................... 9

FIVE HOUSES SOLD BY AUCTION ................................. 10

LONGER SERVICE HOURS FOR MAXICAB ROUTE ...................... 10

THE QUEIN REAFFIRMS BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S AIMS OVER UK'S FUTURE....................................................... 11

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

MAJOR ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY A * * *

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) LAUNCHED A MAJOR ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO MAKE THE COMMUNITY AWARE OF THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING.

THE CAMPAIGN AIMS TO ENCOURAGE SMOKERS TO STOP SMOKING, TO DISCOURAGE NON-SMOKERS FROM SMOKING AND TO PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF NON-SMOKERS TO A SMOKE-FREE ATMOSPHERE.

ANNOUNCING THE CAMPAIGN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON, W GEOFFREY BARNES, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, SAID THAT CIGARETTE SMOKING IS REGARDED MEDICALLY AS ONE OF THE LARGEST CAUSES OF AVOIDABLE ILLNESS AND DEATH IN THE COMMUNITY.

♦ACCORDING TO THE LATEST PROVISIONAL ESTIMATES FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THERE ARE ABOUT 790 000 SMOKERS IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING 18 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION OVER THE AGE OF 12.

♦I AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS REPRESENTS A DROP OF 11 PER CENT IN THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SMOKERS IN HONG KONG OVER THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING MARCH 1983. THE REASON FOR THE DECREASE MAY BE LARGELY ECONOMIC HOWEVER, AND THE NEED FOR FURTHER EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF SMOKING MUST CONT I NUE,♦ HE ADDED.

MR BARNES, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE FOR THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, SAID THAT IT WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN FOUR PHASES.

THE FIRST PHASE, WHICH WILL START IMMEDIATELY, IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE HAZARDS OF SMOKING. PUBLICITY MATERIALS FOR THIS PHASE WILL BE WIDELY DISPLAYED AND TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE.

♦THERE WILL ALSO BE A MASS RALLY IN VICTORIA PARK IN AUGUST WITH THE AIM OF RALLYING PUBLIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN THE ANT I-SMOKING CAUSE,♦ KE ADDED.

DURING THE SECOND PHASE IN JULY AND AUGUST, SMOKERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE SUFFERING FROM SMOKING-RELATED DISEASES, WILL BE DISCOURAGED FROM SMOKING.

♦DOCTORS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ARE BEING INVITED TO SUPPORT THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN BY COUNSELLING THEIR PATIENTS AGAINST SMOKING AND BY DISTRIBUTING ANT I-SMOKING MESSAGE LEAFLETS.

/+IN ADDITION, .......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 198?

♦IN ADDITION, RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC TALKS WILL BE ARRANGED DURING THIS PHASE

HE SAID.

THE THIRD PHASE, TO BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, WILL AIM AT EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY SCHOOL CHILDREN, NOT TO START SMOKING.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THIS PHASE WILL INCLUDE A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND A TERRITORY-WIDE INTER-SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEET. AN ANTI-SMOKING TEACHING KIT WILL BE SENT TO EVERY SECONDARY SCHOOL.

. THE LAST PHASE, SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, AIMS TO PORTRAY THE SOCIALLY UNACCEPTABLE ASPECTS OF SMOKING.

♦SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO PROMOTING HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES TO SMOKING.^ MR BARNES SAID.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE DR RUDY KHOO OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND DR S.C. LEUNG OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

ELABORATING ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING, DR KHOO POINTED OUT THAT STUDIES BY RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS HAD ESTABLISHED THAT CIGARETTE SMOKING WAS A CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN.

HE SAIDi *IN HONG KONG, FIGURES OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS SHOW THAT FOR LUNG CANCER, THE RATE OF DEATHS PER 100 000 POPULATION HAS INCREASED BY 53 PER CENT- ACTUAL DEATHS HAVE GONE UP BY 92 PER CENT FROM 949 IN 1972 TO 1 826 IN 1981, AND DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER, AS A PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS FROM ALL CAUSES, HAVE INCREASED BY 62 PER CENT.*

DR KHOO ADDED THAT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAD ESTIMATED THAT SMOKING WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR 90 PER CENT OF ALL LUNG CANCER DEATHS.

♦ IN HONG KONG, THEREFORE, OVER 1 600 DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER ARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SMOKING.

♦ IN OTHER WORDS, EVERYDAY IN HONG KONG, MORE THAN FOUR PERSONS DIE OF LUNG CANCER CAUSED BY SMOKING,* HE SAID.

DR KHOO POINTED OUT THAT, ALTHOUGH THE RESULTS OF TREATING LUNG CANCER WERE EXTREMELY POOR, LUNG CANCER AND OTHER SMOKING-RELATED DISEASES WERE CONSIDERED TO BE THE LARGEST PREVENTABLE CAUSES OF DEATH.

♦ ON STOPPING SMOKING, THE RISK OF DEVELOPING THE LUNG CANCER DECLINES STEEPLY SO THAT AFTER 10 YEARS THE RISK IS ALMOST AS LOW AS FOR A NON-SMOKER,♦ HE SAID.

HIS ADVICE TO SMOKERS WAS, THEREFORE, ♦STOP SMOKING. IT IS HOT TOO LATE*.

/SHAKING DR KHOO’S ......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 198?

SHARING DR KHOO'S VIEWS, SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER, DR S.C. LEUNG, SAID THAT IF THE WHOLE POPULATION WAS TO GIVE UP SMOKING, DEATHS FROM LUNG CANCER WOULD DECREASE BY 80 PER.CENT WITHIN 20 YEARS.

SHE REVEALED THAT SMOKING ALSO CAUSED SUCH OTHER DISEASES AS CORONARY HEART DISEASE, BRONCHITIS AND EMPHYSEMA.

CORONARY HEART DISEASE ACCOUNTED FOR 8.9 PER CENT OF ALL DEATHS AND CLAIMED THE LIVES OF 2 262 PEOPLE IN 1982.

DR LEUNG SAIDi *THE RISK OF DEVELOPING CORONARY HEART DISEASE IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE NUMBER OF CIGARETTES SMOKED PER DAY. UNDER THE AGE OF 65, SMOKERS ARE ABOUT TWICE AS LIKELY TO DIE OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE AS ARE NON-SMOKERS, AND HEAVY SMOKERS ABOUT THRICE AS LIKELY.*

SHE EMPHASISED THAT SMOKING WAS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAD OTHER RISK FACTORS SUCH AS HYPERTENSION AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL.

DR LEUNG ALSO SPOKE OF A GREATER PREVALENCE OF PEPTIC ULCER I SMOKERS THAN IN NON-SMOKERS AND THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON THE FOETUS OF WOMEN WHO SMOKE DURING PREGNANCY.

SHE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WAS NO SAFE FORM OF SMOKING.

♦IT HAS BEEN SHOWN THAT THE RELATIVE ADVANTAGE OF LOW TAR CIGARETTES IS UNCERTAIN. RECENT RESEARCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SHOWED THAT THE ASSUMED HEALTH ADVANTAGES OF SWITCHING TO LOW TAR CIGARETTES MAY BE LARGELY OFFSET BY THE TENDENCY OF SMOKERS TO COMPENSATE BY INCREASING INHALATION.

♦LOW TAR CIGARETTES HAVE NOT BEEN SHOWN TO REDUCE THE RISK CF CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND THEY DO NOT LESSEN THE DAMAGE TO THE LUNGS WHICH CAUSES BREATHLESSNESS.

♦FILTER-TIPPED CIGARETTES YIELD LESS TAR THAN PLAIN CIGARETTES AND PRODUCE LESS SPUTUM, BUT THE RISK OF LUNG CANCER IS STILL SIGNIFICANT, ABOUT FIVE TO 10 TIMES THAT OF A NON-SMOKER,♦ DR LEUNG SAID.

WARNING THAT PASSIVE SMOKING WAS ALSO HARMFUL, SHE SAIDt ♦BABIES WHOSE PARENTS SMOKE ARE MORE PRONE TO BRONCHITIS AND PNEUMONIA IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE THAN THOSE OF NON-SMOKING PARENTS.

♦ADULTS ARE AFFECTED AS WELL. TAR, NICOTINE AND CARBON MONOXIDE ARE ALL FOUND IN GREATER CONCENTRATION IN SIDESTREAM SMOKE THAN IN THE MAIN STREAM AND THEREFORE, INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL CIGARETTE SMOKE IS ACUTELY IRRITATIVE TO THE EYES, THROAT AND RESPIRATORY MUCOUS MEMBRANES.♦

/SHE CONCLUDED ......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

SHE CONCLUDED BY HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS OF GIVING UP SMOKINGi

* TEN TO 15 YEARS AFTER STOPPING, THE EX-SMOKER’S RISK IS ONLY ABOUT TWO TIMES THAT OF A LIFE-LONG NON-SMOKER’S.

M COUGH AND SPUTUM DECREASES WITHIN WEEKS OF STOPPING SMOKING AND DAMAGE DONE TO THE LUNG MAY BE HALTED.

N THE RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE IS ALSO DECREASED AND IF SMOKING IS STOPPED BEFORE THE FOURTH MONTH OF PREGNANCY, RISK TO

, THE FOETUS CAN BE GREATLY DIMINISHED.

+ IN MOST CASES,* DR LEUNG SAID, + IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO STOP SMOKING. BETTER STILL IT IS ALWAYS WISE NOT TO START.*

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NOTE TO EDITORSi

GOVERNOR TO OPEN SCHOOL

* * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OPEN A SCHOOL AND A YMCA CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24).

SIR EDWARD WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE JU CHING CHU COLLEGE AT KWAI CHUNG TOWN LOT 368, TAI PAK TIN STREET, AT 11.30 AM.

IN THE AFTERNOON, HE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE CHINESE YMCA NEW TERRITORIES CENTRE AT 30-42 KWAI SHING CIRCUIT AT 2.30 PM.

AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONIES, THE GOVERNOR WILL TOUR THE SCHOOL AND YMCA BUILDING TO SEE THE FACILITIES PROVIDED.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENTS.

TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER NOT LATER THAN 10.15 AM ON FRIDAY.

THOSE MAKING THEIR OWN WAY THERE SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE COLLEGE BY 11 AM AND AT THE YMCA CENTRE BY 2 PM.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST. -------------------------0------

/5......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

SCOUT COUNCIL PRAISED FOR WORK ft ft ft * X

SCOUTING DEVELOPED A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, DISCIPLINE AND PERSONALITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

♦ IN A FAST MOVING SOCIETY LIKE HONG KONG, SCOUTING IS INSTRUMENTAL IN STIMULATING NEW INTERESTS TO OFFSET THE UNSETTLING EFFECTS AND INFLUENCES OF RAPID SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.

.SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGIONAL SCOUT COUNCIL, MR MILLS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE REGION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY ON THE TRAINING OF YOUNG LEADERS.

HE SAID THAT THE CADET TRAINING COURSE, WHICH HAS NOW ENTERED ITS 13TH YEAR, HAD ALWAYS BEEN VERY POPULAR WITH YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN AS WELL AS WITH THE EMPLOYERS WHO SPONSOR THEM.

♦EVERY YEAR THE COURSE IS OVER-SUBSCRIBED EVEN THOUGH SOME 130 PERSONS ARE ACCEPTED EACH TIME.

♦THIS COURSE RANKS AS ONE OF THE MOST INTENSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES EVER UNDERTAKEN BY A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG.

♦ THOSE WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE TRAINING WILL BECOME BETTER AND USEFUL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.

MR MILLS SAID THAT THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION HAD UNDERTAKEN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR AND MADE IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENTS.

♦ YOUR REGION ALSO ORGANISED A NUMBER OF MAJOR EVENTS THIS YEAR IN CELEBRATION OF THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD SCOUTING.

♦ THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGION IS PLAYING A PROMINENT ROLE IN THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION’S RAINBOW PROJECT, PIONEERING NO LESS THAN THREE NEW PROGRAMMES.

♦ THE FIRST AND MOST SIGNIFICANT OF THESE IS TO START A NEW SECTION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN THE SIX-TO-EIGHT AGE GROUP. THERE IS CERTAINLY A NEED FOR MORE SUITABLE AND MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN OF THIS AGE GROUP.

♦ THE SECOND TRIAL PROGRAMME IS TO ACCEPT GIRL MEMBERS INTO THE CUB SCOUT SECTION AND THE THIRD IS TO ACCEPT GIRL MEMBERS INTO THE SCOUT SECTION.

♦ THE WHOLE PROJECT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT YOUR ASSOCIATION IS MOVING WITH THE TIMES AND THAT YOUR REGION, IN PARTICULAR, IS DETERMINED TO TAKE THE LEAD IN TRYING OUT NEW PROGRAMMES AND FACING UP TO NEW CHALLENGES,♦ MR MILLS SAID.

/HE POINTED OUT.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

HE POINTED OUT THAT TO CATER FOR A GROWING DEMAND FOR MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS, THE REGION HAD EMBARKED ON A MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR LEADERS AT THE SENIOR LEVEL, IN COOPERATION WITH VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD.

♦THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS PROGRAMME BEARS TESTIMONY TO THE FORESIGHT OF YOUR REGIONAL COUNCIL IN GEARING ITSELF UP FOR MORE CHALLENGING TIMES AHEAD.

♦IT ALSO DEMONSTRATES THE HIGH REGARD FOR THE SCOUT MOVEMENT HELD BY CIVIC-SPIRITED PROFESSIONALS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM OUTSIDE YOUR ASSOCIATION,+ HE SAID.

-----0

NOTE TO EDITORS!

NEED FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT STRESSED IN FILM *****

A PREVIEW OF AN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION FILM PRODUCED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24) AT GIS THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

THE FILM, ENTITLED +TWO STEPS AHEAD+, HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO INVEST IN UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY AS WELL AS TO DIVERSIFY INTO NEW PRODUCTS. IT ALSO PUBLICISES THE SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S +ONE-STOP+ UNIT, WHICH OFFERS FREE SERVICES TO INVESTORS WISHING TO JOIN THE MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG.

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY WILL GIVE AN INTRODUCTION TO THE FILM, WHICH WILL BE SHOWN IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE. MR YAXLEY AND THE TWO ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF INDUSTRY, !*R PETER KIANG AND MR PETER JOHNSON WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS AFTER THE SHOWINGS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE FILM SHOWING. TV AND RADIO STATIONS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT BY 2.15 PM.

- - - 0----

/7 .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983 - ? -

MORE TECHNICAL MANPOWER NEEDED FOR MACHINE SHOPS ft * * ft ft

THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY WILL NEED AN ADDITION OF AT LEAST 65 TECHNOLOGISTS, 370 TECHNICIANS AND 2 330 CRAFTSMEN EACH YEAR FROM 1983 TO 1987 TO COVER BOTH GROWTH AND WASTAGE.

THIS IS INDICATED IN THE 1982 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT PREPARED BY THE MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER 1982 TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE MANPOWER INFORMATION WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING THE EXISTING AND FUTURE MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY.

BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE TO GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ON WAYS OF MEETING THESE REQUIREMENTS.

THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT WITH THE HELP OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE REPORT NOTES THAT AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY, THERE WERE 33 TECHNOLOGIST, 366 TECHNICIAN AND 2 856 CRAFTSMAN TRAINEE-APPRENTICES UNDER TRAINING IN THE INDUSTRY - OUT OF A TOTAL WORKFORCE OF 122 134.

THE REPORT ALSO NOTES THAT EMPLOYMENT IN THE INDUSTRY HAD DECLINED AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF ABOUT 2.2 PER CENT BETWEEN 1980 AND 1982.

BUT IT STATES THAT THE DECREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS DUE PARTLY TO THE WORLDWIDE ECONOMIC RECESSION AND PARTLY TO MECHANISATION AS A RESULT OF TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY.

THE REPORT, THEREFORE, EXPECTS A +CONTINUING AND INCREASING DEMAND FOR WELL-TRAINED TECHNICAL MANPOWER AT ALL LEVELS.

THE REPORT CONTAINS DETAILED STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN EACH PRINCIPAL JOB, A FORECAST OF THE TRAINING NEEDS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON TRAINING MEASURES.

PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT 128.50 A COPY.

----0------

/' ....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

ANTIQUITIES BOARD GETS LANDROVER X X M M X

THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, RECEIVED A LANDROVER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AMERICAN EXPRESS COUNTRY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SIMPSON CHUA AT THE KOWLOON PARK TODAY.

, AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY, MR BARNES WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN EXPRESS FOUNDATION FOR ITS CONTINUOUS SUPPORT OF THE BOARD IN THE PRESERVATION OF THE HERITAGE OF HONG KONG.

HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PRESERVE THE HERITAGE IS SHOWN BY ITS COMMISSIONING OF A TERRITORY-WIDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY LAST YEAR.

THIS SURVEY, HE POINTED OUT, IS AIMED AT ASSESSING HONG KONG’S ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES AND DETERMINING PRIORITIES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF KNOWN AND NEWLY-DISCOVERED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES.

♦GOOD PROGRESS IN THE SURVEY IS DEPENDENT ON THE READY AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE TRANSPORT, AND THE GENEROUS DONATION OF $75 000 FROM THE AMERICAN EXPRESS FOUNDATION HAS ENABLED US TO PURCHASE A LANDROVER FOR THE SURVEY.

♦THIS IS AN IDEAL VEHICLE FOR THE JOB AS ONLY VERY FEW OF OUR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES HAVE GOOD ROADS TO THEM,+ MR BARNES SAID.

THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD, SET UP BY LAW IN 1976, IS CONFINED TO AN ADVISORY ROLE.

THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, PROVIDES A LINK WITH THE SERVICES OF THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND WITH THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, BOTH OF WHICH ARE PART OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND DIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH THE WORK OF THE BOARD.

----0 - - -

/9......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS M M M M

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD DISCUSSED THREE MAIN TOPICS AT A MEETING TODAY - THE WAGE CEILING FOR NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE SEVERANCE PAY PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE IN REGARD TO MOVING OF PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONTROL ON THE USE OF ASBESTOS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.

IT ALSO DISCUSSED THE SPECIAL SCHEME FOR NIGHT WORK FOR WOMEN AND AGREED THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

' THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION IN LINE WITH USUAL PRACTICE.

THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, J.N. HENDERSON, AND WAS ATTENDED BY ALL EMPLOYEE AND EMPLOYER REPRESENTATIVES.

THE BOARD COMPRISES THE COMMISSIONER OR THE DEPUTY THE CHAIRMAN EX-OFFICIO AND SIX EMPLOYER AND SIX EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVES AS MEMBERS

COMMISSIONER AS REPRESENTATIVES

IT ADVISES LEGISLATION, AS

THE COMMISSIONER ON SUCH MATTERS, INCLUDING

MAY REFER TO IT.

----0 - -

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE » I K X

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 24), WAI HANG STREET IN SAI WAN HO BETWEEN TAI LOK STREET AND TAI NING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

THIS ARRANGEMENT IS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE SLOPE STABILISATION WORK AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

IN CENTRAL, EDINBURGH PLACE EAST OUTSIDE QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5.30 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 25) FOR THE SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.

o------

/10

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

FIVE HOUSES SOLD BY AUCTION A * *

FIVE HOUSES IN NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGE WERE SOLD TODAY AT AN AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AT THE CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE.

FOUR OF THE HOUSES, EACH WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 56 SQUARE METRES, WERE SOLD FOR $890 000, $840 000, $830 000 AND $830 000 RESPECTIVELY.

, THE REMAINING HOUSE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 74.9 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD FOR $1 MILLION.

ANOTHER HOUSE, ALSO ABOUT 74.9 SQUARE METRES, WAS WITHDRAWN BECAUSE THERE WAS NO BIDDER.

- - - 0 - - -

LONGER SERVICE HOURS FOR MAXICAB ROUTE * if * *

MAXICAB SERVICES ON ROUTE 61M WILL BE EXTENDED TO 3 AM, STARTING FROM SATURDAY (JUNE 25).

THE ROUTE, BETWEEN THE KOWLOON TONG RAILWAY STATION AND LEK YUEN, CURRENTLY CLOSES AT 11.30 PM.

♦THE EXTENSION IS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF COMMUTERS TRAVELLING OUTSIDE THE OPERATION HOURS OF KMB AND KCR,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE ROUTE RUNS VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE AT 15-MINUTE INTERVALS.

THE FARE IS $2.50.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 1983

THE QUEEN REAFFIRMS BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S AIMS OVER HK’S FUTURE X X X X

IN HER SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY), HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, REAFFIRMED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S AIMS IN NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

AT THE COLOURFUL CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW SESSION OF PARLIAMENT, ATTENDED BY BOTH LORDS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, HER MAJESTY REFERRED TO HONG KONG VERY EARLY.IN HER SPEECH WHICH OUTLINES THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN PROPOSALS FOR THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION 1983/84.

HER MAJESTY SAIDi +MY GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FULLY DISCHARGE THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF THE FALKLAND ISLAND. THEY REAFFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF GIBRALTAR.

♦THEY WILL CONTINUE TALKS WITH CHINA ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, WITH THE AIM OF REACHING A SOLUTION ACCEPTABLE TO THIS PARLIAMENT, TO CHINA AND TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BARONESS YOUNG REAFFIRMS BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.................................................... 1

WINNING ENTRIES ON DISPLAY................................... 2

CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS CNTA HQS ............................ 3

MORE PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT FOR EPCOM WORK ...................... 3

HK-GUANGDONG CUSTOMS DISCUSSIONS +M0ST USEFUL*- ............. 6

BILL TO PROVIDE FOR MORE TAX CONCESSIONS .................... 7

BILL SEEKS TO RAISE THRESHOLD OF ESTATES .................... 8

AMENDMENTS TO IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE.................... 8

HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME EXPANSION PLANNED ..................... 9

UNOFFICIAL IMPRESSED BY CLEAN UP WORK ....................... 10

INDUSTRY DIRECTOR IMPRESSED BY COMPUTER FIRM'S TECHNOLOGY ... 11

TRAINING FACILITIES DOUBLED ................................. 12

GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN SERVICES FOR ELDERLY................... 12

PUBLIC NOW MORE CONCERNED ABOUT ELDERLY...................... 13

PARKING CHARGES EXTENDED TO HOLIDAYS ........................ 14

51 POLICE OFFICERS COMMENDED................................. 15

Thursday, june 23, 1983

1 -

BARONESS YOUNG REAFFIRMS BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG * * * *

THE NEW MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, BARONESS YOUNG, TODAY REAFFIRMED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.

BARONESS YOUNG WAS GIVING THE OPENING SPEECH IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS’ DEBATE ON THE QUEEN’S SPEECH.

SHE WAS THE FIRST OF AN EXPECTED 22 MEMBERS OF THE LORDS TO SPEAK IN THE DEBATE DEALING WITH DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

SHE SAID: +GIVEN (THESE) FRIENDLY LINKS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA AND OUR COMMON INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, COMMON SENSE DEMANDS THAT WE AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE TALKS.

♦I BELIEVE THAT WITH GOODWILL, A SATISFACTORY NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT WILL BE REACHED.*

IN HER LENGTHY SPEECH BARONESS YOUNG ADDRESSED THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG IN THE VERY EARLY STAGES OF HER SECTION DEALING WITH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES.

SHE DESCRIBED THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A +VITAL ONE* FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE TERRITORY.

BARONESS YOUNG CONTINUED: +OUR COMMITMENT TO THEIR FUTURE WELL-BEING IS CLEAR, AND I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THEM, AND YOUR LORDSHIPS, THAT OUR AIM IS TO SEEK A SOLUTION WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE NOT ONLY TO THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS, BUT ALSO TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+

TALKS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE WERE TAKING PLACE, SHE SAID, THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS IN PEKING.

SHE SAID: *l CANNOT PREDICT HOW LONG THEY WILL TAKE. BUT I CAN ASSURE THE HOUSE THAT WE ARE PROCEEDING AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN. THERE HAVE BEEN A GOOD MANY RUMOURS ABOUT WHAT IS OR IS NOT BEING DISCUSSED. YOUR NOBLE LORDSHIPS WILL NOT EXPECT ME TO COMMENT ON THESE. YOU WILL I AM SURE ACCEPT THAT THE TALKS MUST REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL IF THEY ARE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. THE GOVERNMENT CERTAINLY DO NOT REGARD THE OUTCOME OF THE TALKS AS PRE-JUDGED BY ANYTHING THAT IS SAID OUTSIDE THEM.*

BARONESS YOUNG SAID THE TALKS WERE TAKING PLACE AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF CO-OPERATION AND GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM. A SPECIAL IMPETUS WAS ADDED BY THE PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO CHINA LAST YEAR.

JUNE 23, 1^3

♦BRITAIN WltL BE PARTICIPATING IN CHINA’S OFFSHORE OIL PROGRAMME AMD TALKS ARE CONTINUING ON BRITISH PARTICIPATION IN CHINA’S FIRST NUCLEAR POWER STATION PROJECT. SIMILARLY, CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG CONTINUES TO EXPAND,+ SHE SAID.

CONCLUDING, BARONESS YOUNG SAID: +GIVEN THESE FRIENDLY LINKS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA AND OUR COMMON INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, COMMON SENSE DEMANDS THAT WE AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE TALKS. I BELIEVE THAT WITH GOODWILL, A SATISFACTORY NEGOTIATED SETTLEMENT WILL BE REACHED

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

WINNING ENTRIES ON DISPLAY

* * *

AN EXHIBITION OF THE WINNING ENTRIES OF A NEEDLEWORK COMPETITION ENTITLED +ON THE BEACH+ WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE BETWEEN JUNE 25 AND JULY 2.

THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS LOUISE MOK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS ON JUNE 25 AT 10 AM AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM AND ON SATURDAY FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, PUPILS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOMED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE EXHIBITION AND THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY CAN BE MADE TO THE HOME ECONOMICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 5-621009.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY CF THE EXHIBITION ON NEEDLEWORK ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS LOUISE MOK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT ED’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG, ON JUNE 25 AT 10 AM.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

- 3 -

CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS CNTA HQS * * * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY SAW SOME OF THE WORK OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE WHEN HE VISITED THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS IN THE WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE.

SIR PHILIP WAS MET AND BRIEFED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR |£W TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND aOWLOON, MR LAWRENCE MILLS; AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARIES, MR HAIDER BARMA AND MR ALBERT LAM.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY CALLED AT VARIOUS DIVISIONS AND SECTIONS OF CNTA HEADQUARTERS, CHATTING WITH STAFF ABOUT THEIR WORK.

AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER, HE WAS TOLD THAT APART FROM ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, THE 60 PES CENTRES ALSO PROVIDED SUCH SERVICES AS DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS AND DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS.

FOUR MILLION ENQUIRIES AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE HANDLED BY THE CNTA’S 60 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

OF THESE, 3.6 MILLION WERE GENERAL ENQUIRIES RANGING FROM JOB VACANCIES AND APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING TO PROBLEMS CONCERNING EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE.

THE REMAINING 400 000 RELATED TO PERSONAL CASES OF WHICH MORE THAN 96 PER CENT INVOLVED REQUESTS FOR STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE.

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

MORE PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT FOR EPCOM WORK ft ft ft ft

MR GERALD FORSGATE, CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY THAT HE LOOKED FORWARD TO MORE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EPCOM ANNUAL MEETING, MR FORSGATE POINTED OUT THAT THE MEETING ITSELF, WHICH WAS OPEN TO INVITED GUESTS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND TO THE PRESS, WAS INTENDED TO INVOLVE THEIR FULL PARTICIPATION IN THE DISCUSSIONS.

/ HE ALSO EXE?ESSED ....

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

HE ALSO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE LATEST ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ON DEVELOPMENTS IN I HE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FIELD WOULD BE WIDELY DISSEMINATED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT.

IN HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE MAIN ACTIVITIES OF EPCOM OVER THE PAST YEAR, MR FORSGATE NOTED THAT VARIOUS NEW ITEMS OF LEGISLATION WERE BEING BROUGHT FORWARD, INCLUDING PLANS FOR A COMPREHENSIVE NOISE CONTROL BILL.

+BUT THE POINT WHICH I WOULD STILL EMPHASISE IS THAT EVEN AFTER IT BECOMES LAW THERE WILL BE EVEN GREATER NEED FOR FIRMS AND INDIVIDUALS TO BE 'ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS’ IN PLANNING THEIR ACTIVITIES. NO LAW COULD. OR SHOULD, ATTEMPT TO REGULATE ALL ACTIVITY IN THE RELEVANT FIELD,+ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT A NUMBER OF GRANTS HAD BEEN MADE UNDER THE ♦EPCOM SPECIAL PROJECTS GRANTS SCHEME+ TO NON-GOVERNMENT GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE PAST YEAR.

THESE COVERED SUCH DIVERSE SUBJECTS AS STUDIES ON BEACH WATER QUALITY, THE AGRICULTURAL USE OF REFUSE COMPOST AND AIRBORNE DUST POLLUTION, AN ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY OF KENNEDY TOWN BY SCHOOL PUPILS IN THE AREA AND AN AUDIO-VISUAL PRODUCTION ON INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.

WHETHER MORE GRANTS WOULD BE AWARDED WOULD DEPEND ON THE OUTCOME OF THESE PROJECTS. IF THEY TURNED OUT TO BE USEFUL, MORE FUNDS WOULD BE ELICITED TO CONTINUE THE SCHEME, MR FORSGATE SAID.

THE CHAIRMEN OF THE THREE SPECIAL COMMITTEES OF EPCOM ALSO REPORTED ON THEIR ACTIVITIES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.

MR HENRY LITTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NOISE, POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT NOISE PROBLEMS ON MTR ISLAND LINE SITES AND ON THE HONG KONG CLUB SITE.

ONE OF THE NOISE ATTENUATION MEASURES ON MTR SITES WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF SEVERAL NEW HYDRAULIC CRAWLER DRILLS WHICH WERE THE ONLY ONES IN USE IN HONG KONG.

MEASURES TAKEN ON THE HONG KONG CLUB SITE INCLUDED CANVAS SHROUDS FOR PILING.

HE ALSO CONFIRMED THAT A PROGRAMME HAD BEEN SET UP BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE SELF-DISCIPLINE IN THE REDUCTION OF CONSTRUCTION NOISE.

VARIOUS STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO ACCOMPLISH THE AIM, INCLUDING THE ISSUING OF A NOISE CONTROL CODE OF CONDUCT, BRIEFINGS TO SENIOR EXECUTIVES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND A SEMINAR ON CONSTRUCTION NOISE CONTROL, MR LITTON SAID.

MR STEPHEN LAU, CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND AND WATER POLLUTION, NOTED THAT 1982 HAD BEEN A MILESTONE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER POLLUTION CONTROL IN HONG KONG.

/ HONG KONG'S FIRST ....

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

- 5 -

HONG KONG’S FIRST WATER CONTROL ZONE — THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE — WAS DECLARED IN FEBRUARY AND WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES WERE GAZETTED IN JUNE.

IN DECEMBER, THE COMMITTEE ENDORSED INTERIM LICENSING GUIDELINES FOR THE ZONE WHICH WILL BE USED BY THE CONTROL AUTHORITY FOR LICENSING THE SPECIFIED NEW DISCHARGES.

THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE THE MAKING OF DETAILED REGULATIONS, PREPARATION OF WHICH HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE, MR LAU SAID.

HE SAID ANOTHER AREA OF PRINCIPAL CONCERN TO HIS COMMITTEE WAS THE DEVELOPMENT OF WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGIES.

IT HAD TAKEN A CLOSE INTEREST IN THE POSSIBILITIES OF WASTE RECYCLING AND METHODS OF REDUCING WASTE GENERATION AND AT ITS REQUEST, THE EPA IS NOW CONDUCTING A STUDY TO EXAMINE POSSIBLE WAYS OF REDUCING WASTE GENERATION AT SOURCE.

♦MEANWHILE, WE WERE BRIEFED ON ALL THE PREPARATORY WORK WHICH IS NOW GOING ON WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PREPARATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN.

♦THIS WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING TOOL WILL SET OUT THE OVERALL PLANNING AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF ALL WASTES IN HONG KONG,+ MR LAU SAID.

IN HIS SPEECH TO THE ANNUAL MEETING, WHICH WAS TABLED BECAUSE OF HIS ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AIR POLLUTION, MR WALTER SULKE NOTED THAT ENACTMENT OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE EARLIER THIS YEAR WAS ONLY A BEGINNING.

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE NEXT STEPS, FORMULATION OF DETAILED REGULATIONS AND CODES OF PRACTICE, WOULD NOT TAKE AS LONG AS THE TIME THE BILL ITSELF HAD TAKEN TO BECOME LEGISLATION.

HE SAID HE HAD THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE WAS A FEELING OF APPREHENSION IN SOME QUARTERS THAT THE CONTROLS TO BE DEVELOPED MIGHT PROVE BURDENSOME AND UNDULY OPPRESSIVE TO INDUSTRY.

HE ASSURED THOSE WHO HAD FEARS THAT HE HAD NO INTENTION OF LENDING SUPPORT TO ANY PROPOSALS WHICH ARE PERCEIVED TO BLUNT THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS.

♦HOWEVER, I WANT TO EMPHASISE THAT WE DO HAVE AN AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM AND THAT THE HEALTH OF OUR POPULATION MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE AND SINCE THIS IS A WORLD-WIDE PROBLEM WHICH IS THE BEGINNING TO BE APPRECIATED ALSO BY OUR COMPETITORS, I DO NOT THINK THAT MONEY SPENT ON POLLUTION CONTROL WILL AFFECT OUR COMPETITIVE STANCE SINCE SIMILAR AMOUNTS OF MONEY WILL HAVE TO BE SPENT ALSO BY OUR COMPETITORS TO KtEP THEIR POPULATIONS HEALTHY,+ HE SAID.

ON THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS OF AIR POLLUTION WHICH HIS COMMITTEE HAD TACKLED, MR SULKE POINTED OUT THAT LEAD CONTENT IN PETROL WAS NOW REDUCED TO 0.4 GM/L AND RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN MADE FOR A FURTHER REDUCTION IN 1985.

CASE OF

THURSDAY, JUNE 2?, 1985

IN THE CASE OF DIESEL SMOKE, THE COMMITTEE WAS ABOUT TO EXAMINE PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVED CHECKING OF DIESEL CARS, TO AUGMENT THE PRESENT KERBSIDE CHECKS CARRIED OUT BY THE POLICE.

ANOTHER PROBLEM WAS THAT OF PARTICULATE POLLUTION WHICH MR SULKE CONSIDERED TO BE THE WORST AND MOST DANGEROUS AIR POLLUTION IN HONG KONG.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRINCIPAL SOURCES OF THIS POLLUTION WERE CONSTRUCTION AND RECLAMATION SITES. HE ADDED THAT HE WOULD REGARD THESE SOURCES AS AREAS CALLING FOR PRIORITY OF ATTENTION UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.

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v.„^ANGDONG CUSTOMS DISCUSSIONS +MOST USEFUL* * * * *

THE CLOSE TIES BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND THE GUANGDONG CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS HAVE BEEN FURTHER STRENGTHENED FOLLOWING THE FOUR-DAY VISIT BY A SENIOR GUANGDONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION LED BY MR SUN CHUANLU, THE DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG BRANCH OF THE CHINESE GENERAL CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION.

♦THE VISIT HAS MARKED A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE GROWTH OF OUR EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS AND COLLABORATION. THE DISCUSSIONS WERE MOST USEFUL, ENABLING US IN FUTURE TO FURTHER ASSIST ONE ANOTHER IN MEASURES TO COUNTER SMUGGLING AT THE BORDER,* SAID MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE.

IN MARCH 1981, MR SUN LED THE FIRST SENIOR GUANGDONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION TO HONG KONG, LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE CUSTOMS LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS.

THIS SECOND VISIT BY THE GUANGDONG SENIOR OFFICIALS IS A SEQUEL TO THE VISIT LAST NOVEMBER BY A HONG KONG CUSTOMS DELEGATION, LED BY MR JORDAN.

IN THE FOUR-DAY PROGRAMME, THE GUANGDONG OFFICIALS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG CUSTOMS SERVICE BY VISITING VARIOUS CUSTOMS OFFICES, BONDED WAREHOUSES, HONG KONG TOBACCO CO., SAN MIGUEL BREWERY AND KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

BILL TO PROVIDE FOR MORE TAX CONCESSIONS * X *

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983, TO BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), MAKES PROVISION FOR A PROFITS TAX CONCESSION AND FOR AN ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE.

THIS PROVISION IS IN LINE WITH THE BUDGET PROPOSALS MADE BY THE FINANCI7 . SECRETARY IN HIS SPEECH ON FEBRUARY 23 WHEN « MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1983 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE OF $2 OOO WILL BENEFIT THE TAXPAYER WITH DEPENDENT PARENTS RESIDING WITH HIM THROUGHOUT THE RELEVANT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.

ALSO UNDER THE BILL, EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON THE PURCHASE OF PATENT RIGHTS OR RIGHTS TO ANY TRADE MARK OR DESIGN FOR USE IN THE PRODUCTION OF CHARGEABLE PROFITS WILL BE DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROFIT TAX ASSESSMENT.

PROVISION IS MADE FOR THE APPORTIONMENT OF THE EXPENDITURE WHERE THE RIGHTS ARE ACQUIRED FOR USE PARTLY IN AND PARTLY OUT OF HONG KONG.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE OF SUCH RIGHTS TO BE TREATED AS A TRADING RECEIPT.

THESE PROPOSALS WERE GENERALLY WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC WHEN THEY WERE ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN FEBRUARY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦THE COST TO THE GENERAL REVENUE OF CONCESSIONS PROPOSED BY THE BILL IS ESTIMATED AT $24 MILLION IN THE 1983-84 FINANCIAL YEAR AND THEREAFTER AT $14.5 MILLION A YEAR AT PRESENT LEVELS OF CHARGEABLE INCOME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29, WITH THE RESUMED DEBATE, COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING TO BE HELD ON JULY 13, 1983.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

BILL SEEKS TO RAISE THRESHOLD OF ESTATES * * * *

A BILL SEEKING TO RAISE THE THRESHOLD OF THOSE ESTATES WHICH MAY BE DEALT WITH INFORMALLY BY THE OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR, WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENT WOULD ENSURE THAT SMALL ESTATES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ADMINISTERED QUICKLY AND INEXPENSIVELY.

UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL ADMINISTRATOR, MAY SUMMARILY ADMINISTER AN ESTATE OF A DECEASED PERSON IF HE IS OF THE OPINION THAT THE ESTATE DOES NOT EXCEED 120 000 IN VALUE.

THE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZATTE PROPOSES TO RAISE THIS THRESHOLD, PRESCRIBED IN 1971, TO 150 000.

THE BILL WILL BE PLACED BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29 FOR FIRST READING. THE REMAINING STAGES ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED AT THE COUNCIL SITTING ON JULY 13.

A RESOLUTION, UNDER THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE WILL ALSO BE MOVED ON JUNE 29 TO BRING UP-TO-DATE WIDOW’S ENTITLEMENTS UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE ORDINANCE, WHICH WERE FIRST LAID DOWN IN 1971.

PUBLIC COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

AMENDMENTS TO IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE ft ft ft ft

A SERIES OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, AIMED AT PROTECTING HONG KONG’S TRADING INTEREST, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW.

UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE DEFINITION OF +MANIFEST+ IS AMENDED TO ENSURE THAT THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AS CARGO MANIFESTS MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, AND IDENTIFIES RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING A MANIFEST WHERE CARGO IS IMPORTED BY TRAIN.

/ THE BILL REQUIRES ....

THURSDAY, JUNE 23. 1983

- 9 -

BEQU,RES that a manifest should contain particulars PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE BY PUBLICATION •H THE GAZETTE. IN ADDITION, NEW PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO PROHIBIT THE REMOVAL OF ARTICLES IMPORTED IF THE CONSIGNEE IS

?R IF A D0UBT EXISTS AS TO HIS IDENTITY. IT ALSO ENABLES ’CLES ON A VESSEL, VEHICLE OR AIRCRAFT TO BE REMOVED ELSEWHERE

S G XaAM,NfAT,0N’ AND MAKES THE unauthorised interference with such

''°MMENT,NG 0N THE legislative amendments, a spokesman for the CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CHANGES WILL NOT POSE ANY OBSTACLE TO THE TRADE. +ON THE CONTRARY, THEY HAVE BEEN MADE TO FACILITATE CARGO MOVEMENT BY AVERTING UNNECESSARY DELAY, AND TO PROTECT LEGITIMATE TRADERS’ INTEREST BY REGULATING IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PROHIBITED ARTICLES.+

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29, WITH THE RESUMED DEBATE, COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING TO BE HELD ON JULY 13.

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HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME EXPANSION PLANNED

* X * *

THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TO PROPOSE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION AN EXPANSION OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOR 1984-35 WITHIN THE OVERALL PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME TO MEET THE GREAT DEMAND FOR HOS FLATS FROM LOWER-MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES.

HOWEVER, ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS FOR THE NEEDS OF RENTAL CATEGORIES, PARTICULARLY PEOPLE ON THE WAITING LIST AND FROM CLEARANCE, WOULD BE MAINTAINED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID.

AT A MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY DISCUSSED AND AGREED TO A SCHEME WHEREBY A NUMBER OF SUITABLE NEW BLOCKS BE TRANS‘ERRED FROM THE RENTAL PROGRAMME TO THE HOS PROGRAMME IN 1984-35.

+ IN MAKING THE PROPOSAL, MEMBERS ARE SATISFIED THAT THE INTEREST OF NEEDY FAMILIES IS NOT AFFECTED, AS SUFFICIENT RENTAL FLATS. TOTALLING AT LEAST 30 000 AND INCLUDING SUITABLE VACANCIES IN EXISTING ESTATES, WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO RENTAL CATEGORIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE AUTHORITY WILL REVIEW THE SITUATION AT THE END OF 1984-85 AND FURTHER DISCUSS THE BALANCE OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID that THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAD PROVED VERY POPULAR AND ON AVERAGE EACH PHASE OFFERED FOR SALE HAD BEEN OVER-SUBSCRIBED ABOUT SIX TIMES.

/ SINCE THE ....

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1?85

10 -

SINCE THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF HOS FLATS IN 1980, 116 555 RENTAL AND 23 020 HOS FLATS HAD BEEN PRODUCED.

♦THE HIGH RATE OF PRODUCTION HAS ENABLED MANY OF THE WORST AREAS OF HOUSING STRESS TO BE TACKLED.

♦IT IS NOW CONSIDERED AN APPROPRIATE TIME TO RE-EXAMINE HOUSING NEEDS AND THE BALANCE OF PRODUCTION BETWEEN RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.♦

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UNOFFICIAL IMPRESSED BY CLEAN UP WORK * * * *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNOFFICIAL MEMBER MR CHARLES YEUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) HE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS AND THE MEI FA - ♦BEAUTIFICATION* - WORK AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS OF KWAI CHUNG.

RESULTS OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN WERE VERY EVIDENT AT MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, VILLAGES AND STREET CORNERS, SAID MR YEUNG, WHO SPENT THE WHOLE MORNING VISITING KWAI CHUNG NEW TOWN.

♦THE EXERCISE, LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER 1981, IS A JOINT EFFORT BY THE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AND BOTH ARE DOING /ERY WELL,+ MR YEUNG SAID.

MR. YEUNG ALSO CHECKED ON THE WORK OF THE FIELD STAFF OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND SAW HOW THE CLEAN HONG KONG 1983 DRIVE WAS PROGRESSING.

TODAY’S VISIT WAS AIMED AT GIVING MR YEUNG A FULL PICTURE OF THE ACTUAL STATE OF CLEANLINESS OF PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, AS A RESULT OF THE NEVER-ENDING EFFORT TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.

ACCOMPANYING MR YEUNG ON THE VISIT WERE THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR CHAN TAI-YIU, AND THE CHAIRMAN CF CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.

THEY FIRST WENT TO THE RESIDENTIAL AREA AT KWAI FONG AND SAW THE RESULT OF THE BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP. THEY THEN HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE TOWN CENTRE AT A VANTAGE POINT.

NEXT THE PARTY PROCEEDED TO AN AMENITY PLANTING OF THE MEI FA SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND LAI KING HILL ROAD TO SEE THE LANDSCAPED WORK.

THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE CHUNG MEI RESITE VILLAGE TO INSPECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACTING-OUT OF VILLAGE CLEANSING SERVICE FOR 2 300 PEOPLE LIVING THERE, FORMING PART OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG EXERCISE.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

11 -

INDUSTRY DIRECTOR IMPRESSED BY COMPUTER FIRM’S TECHNOLOGY ft ft ft ft ft

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED TEK-DEVICES LTD AND WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY THE FACTORY HAS REACHED AS EVIDENCED FOR EXAMPLE BY ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED STATES SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAMME.

WHEN HE ARRIVED AT THE FACTORY AT CHIAP HUA BUILDING, HUNG HOM, W YAXLEY WAS MET BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR JOHN LO, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD.

01 A TOUR OF THE 4 700 SQUARE METRES PLANT, MR LO EXPLAINED TO MR YAXLEY THAT THE COMPANY, SET UP BY THE ELECTRONIC MEMORIES AND MAGNETICS CORPORATION OF THE UNITED STATES IN 1965, SPECIALISES IN MANUFACTURING CORE AND SEMI-CONDUCTOR MEMORIES AND SYSTEMS FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS AND FOR EQUIPMENT OPERATING IN SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. THE PRODUCTS OF THE COMPANY HAVE, FOR EXAMPLE, BEEN USED IN EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN THE U.S. SPACE SHUTTLE, SPACE ’ROJECTS, MODERN AVIONICS, OIL RIGS, AND DEEP SEA RESEARCH PROGRAMMES.

MR YAXLEY ALSO LEARNED THAT THE COMPANY, ALONG WITH OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, IS PLANNING TO MANUFACTURE POWERFUL MICROPROCESSOR COMPUTERS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE COMPANY WILL ALSO Bi IMPROVING ITS PRECISION TOOLING OPERATIONS TO SUPPORT THEIR EXPANSION. COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROLLED MACHINERY WILL BE USED EXTENSIVELY. IN ADDITION, IT WAS LEARNED THAT TEK-DEVICES LTD IS NOW IN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A FIRST CLASS ANODISING AND FINISHING FACILITY.

MR LO REVEALED THAT TEK-DEVICES LTD HAS ATTAINED EXCELLENT QUALITY LEVEL WITH ZERO DEFECT STATUS AWARDS FROM HIS CUSTOMERS. WITHIN THE COMPANY, THEY HAVE ACTIVE QUALITY CIRCLES AND TOTAL QUALITY CONCEPT MOTIVATION ACTIVITIES. HE CREDITED THIS ACHIEVEMENT TO THE HIGH QUALITY OF THE HONG KONG WORK FORCE.

♦THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY ACHIEVEMENT OF TEK-DEVICES LTD IS A DEMONSTRATION OF THE CAPACITY OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS,♦ COMMENTED MR YAXLEY AT THE END OF THE TOUR.

HE PAID TRIBUTE TO MR LO AND HIS COMPANY FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. '+THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COMPANY IS A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE OF THE APPLICATION OF ADVANCED AUTOMATED MACHINERIES AND A HIGH QUALITY AND A WELL TRAINED WORK FORCE UNDER A PROGRESSIVE MANAGEMENT.

♦IT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF WHAT HONG KONG CAN OFFER AS A MANUFACTURING BASE FOR OVERSEAS INVESTMENT. IN TEK-DEVICES LTD, WE CAN SEE THAT HONG KONG’S HIGH LABOUR SKILLS AND PRODUCTIVITY, SUPPORTED BY AN EXPANDING AND EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE INDUSTRY TO UPGRADE AND TO DIVERSIFY,♦ HE ADDED.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1983

NOTE TO EDITORS!

TRAINING FACILITIES DOUBLED

* * ft

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW EXTENSION BLOCKS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT 47, TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.

THE EXTENSION DOUBLES THE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE RECRUITS AND INCORPORATES SUCH FEATURES AS A FIVE-LANE INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE, A TRAINING COURT, TRAINING CELLS, A HOME NURSING TRAINING WARD, AND A TRAINING CONTROL ROOM.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 11.30 AM.

AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, A TOUR WILL BE CONDUCTED AROUND SOME OF THE NEW TRAINING FACILITIES.

PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 10.30 AM SHARP.

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GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN SERVICES FOR ELDERLY

IKK

HONG KONG STILL NEEDS MORE SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY. BUT GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF CARITAS’ LAI KOK YUEN HOSTEL AND LAI KOK SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHU I PO.

HE NOTED THAT THE TWIN CENTRES WERE THE FOURTH SUCH CENTRES HE HAD OPENED SINCE HE BECAME DIRECTOR JUST OVER THREE MONTHS AGO.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE HAD DIFFERENT NEEDS.

SOME ARE STILL ENERGETIC AND INDEPENDENT AND SIMPLY WANT TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN MEET OTHERS, ENJOY THEIR HOBBIES, OR EVEN VOLUNTEER THEIR SERVICES TO HELP OTHER LESS FORTUNATE PEOPLE.

OTHERS LIVE IN A VERY POOR ENVIRONMENT AND NEED A CENTRE WHICH CAN PROVIDE THEM WITH MEALS AND BATHS.

THEN THERE ARE THE VERY OLD AND FRAIL WHO HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO A DAY CARE CENTRE WHERE THEY CAN BE LOOKED AFTER BY NURSES, OR WHO NEED MEALS OR OTHER HELP AT HOME.

/ YET OTHERS NEED ...

THURSDAY, JUNE 25. 1985

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YET OTHERS NEED RESIDENTIAL CARE OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER, ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEARLY DESIRABLE TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMAIN ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE.

♦THE SERVICES WHICH ARE PROVIDED LARGELY THROUGH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WITH THE HELP OF GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS AIM TO SUPPLY AN APPROPRIATE MIX OF DAY CARE AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.

THE DIRECTOR SAID THE CHINESE HAD FOR MANY CENTURIES A TRADITION OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY WITHIN THE FAMILY.

♦IT IS SAD THAT THIS TRADITION HAS TO SOME EXTENT BEEN A CASUALTY OF THE RAPID URBANISATION OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

♦WE ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS? SIMILAR DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN OTHER COUNTRIES. BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO TRY TO MAINTAIN THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE VIRTUES OF FILIAL PIETY AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY.♦

IT MIGHT NO LONGER BE POSSIBLE FOR MANY FAMILIES TO KEEP THE OLDER GENERATION ACTUALLY LIVING WITH THEM, BUT THAT DID NOT b€AN THAT THESE ELDERLY PEOPLE COULD NOT BE JUST AS WELL CARED FOR, W CHAMBERS SAID.

REFERRING TO SHAM SHU I PO, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE DISTRICT WAS IN ONE RESPECT FORTUNATE AMONG THE OLDER URBAN AREAS IN THAT IT HAD A FAIR SHARE OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE IN THE DISTRICT THREE HOMES AND HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY, AND SEVEN SOCIAL AND RECREATION CENTRES. THERE IS ALSO ONE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE RUN BY CARITAS.

IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF AGENCIES PROVIDING CASEWORK, COUNSELLING AND HOME HELP SERVICES.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT WITH THE ADDITION OF THE NEW SOCIAL CENTRE AND HOSTEL, A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD IN FUTURE BE PROVIDED BY CARITAS IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THIS REFLECTS THE FINE CREATIVE TRADITION BUILT UP BY CARITAS DURING ITS 26 YEARS OF SERVICE IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

PUBLIC NOW MORE CONCERNED ABOUT ELDERLY * * * M

THE COMMUNITY WAS MORE AWARE OF THE NEEDS OF OLD PEOPLE, AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WAS VERY KEEN IN SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THEM BY LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS, THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, W ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE FOURTH TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OLD PEOPLE SERVICE PROMOTION COMMITTEE, M? HSU SAID THE COMMUNITY WAS VERY ACTIVE IN IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD AND PROMOTING MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.

/ HE SAID THERE ....

THURSDAY, JUNE 25» 198}

- 14 -

HE SAID THERE WERE MORE THAN 500 000 OLD PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 60 IN HONG KONG IN 1981, AND THE NUMBER WAS INCREASING RAPIDLY.

♦OLD PEOPLE CAN, AT THE SAME TIME, LEARN NEW THINGS BY TAKING PART IN SOCIAL WORK IN THEIR SPARE TIME.

♦THEY CAN FIND NEW FRIENDS AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY,* MR HSU SAID.

HE SAID LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE OLD PEOPLE AND EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD KEEP UP THEIR EFFORT AND HELP PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE FOR THE AGED.

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

PARKING CHARGES EXTENDED TO HOLIDAYS M M M *

PARKING CHARGES AT ABOUT 350 METERED SPACES IN WAN CHAI, CAUSEWAY BAY AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE EXTENDED TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM 10 AM ON JUNE 26 (SUNDAY).

THIS IS TO BETTER REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES AND TO DETER LONG-TERM PARKING EVEN DURING HOLIDAYS,- A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY.

THE CHARGES WILL BE THE SAME AS THOSE ON WEEKDAYS BUT THE OPERATING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM.

THE UPPER PORTION OF THESE METER POSTS WILL BE PAINTED VIOLET FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION, AND PLATES SHOWING THE OPERATING HOURS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP ON THE PARKING SIGNS.

. THESE PARKING SPACES WILL BE ON LOCKHART ROAD, JAFFE ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD, TUNG LO WAN ROAD, SING WOO ROAD, YUK SAU STREET, YUEN YUEN STREET, MIN FAT STREET AND VICTORIA CAR PARK.

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THURSDAY, JUNS 23, 1983

51 POLICE OFFICERS COMMENDED * * M

FIFTY-ONE OFFICERS WHO HAVE EITHER SOLVED A NUMBER OF SERIOUS CRIME CASES OR HAVE CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TO OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT DUTIES WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED COMMANDING OFFICER’S COMMENDATIONS.

AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY AT KOWLOON POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THE KOWLOON REGIONAL COMMANDER, MR GEORGE HINDHAUGH, PRESENTED THE AWARDS TO THESE DEDICATED OFFICERS WHO HAVE AMONG THEM SOLVED CASES INCLUDING ARMED ROBBERY, KIDNAP, ARSON AND THEFT, DANGEROUS DRUGS TRAFFICKING, FIREARMS CONVERSION AND BLACKMAIL.

DETECTIVE STATION SERGEANT CHAN KWOK-SUM AND DETECTIVE CONSTABLES NG KA-CHEUNG AND NG CHUNC-SHING WERE COMMENDED FOR PROFESSIONAL ABILITY WHICH LED TO THE NEUTRALISATION OF A FIREARMS CONVERSION WORKSHOP IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

THE OPERATION WHICH UNCOVERED A LARGE CACHE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WAS THE RESULT OF A SERIES OF RAIDS IN LEK YUEN ESTATE AND TUEN MUN CONDUCTED BY THE POLICE PARTY BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH.

BY BRINGING TO BOOK THE TRIO WHO POSSESSED THE KNOW-HOW FOR LARGE-SCALE CONVERSION OF TOY GUNS INTO LETHAL WEAPONS, THESE OFFICERS HAD HELPED PREVENT EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO LIFE AND PROPERTY.

ANOTHER TEAM OF DETECTIVES WHO WON HIGH PRAISE FROM THE REGIONAL POLICE CHIEF WERE SENIOR INSPECTOR SIN KAM-WAH, STATION SERGEANT CHAN SAU-FUNG, SERGEANT KONG SIN-TIT, SENIOR CONSTABLES CHAN KAl-WAH AND AU KWONG-TUN, CONSTABLES SO HUNG-FAl, CHENG CHAU-MING AND CHIU KAR-WAH AND WOMAN CONSTABLE SO CHU-HA.

THE WONG TAI SIN DETECTIVES, THROUGH GOOD TEAMWORK AND INVESTIGATION SKILLS, CRACKED A GANG OF FIVE ROBBERS LATE LAST YEAR.

ANOTHER WONG TAI SIN CONSTABLE, MR CHUNG CHUN-WO, WAS PRESENTED WITH THE COMMENDATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL ENERGY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY DISPLAYED WHILE PERFORMING UNIFORM PATROL DUTY.

HE MADE NO FEWER THAN 34 ARRESTS FOR OFFENCES RANGING FROM ROBBERY TO POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS BETWEEN FEBRUARY TO OCTOBER 1982.

ANOTHER RECIPIENT, WOMAN INSPECTOR CHENG WAI-CHUN, WAS COMMENDED FOR LEADERSHIP AND TENACITY OF A VERY HIGH ORDER WHILST SERVING AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE SPECIAL DUTIES SQUAD, YAU MA TEI, FROM JULY TO DECEMBER LAST YEAR.

AT THE SAME CEREMONY, A CLERICAL OFFICER I AND AN OFFIC£ ASSISTANT, WERE ALSO HIGHLY PRAISED FOR THEIR LOYALTY DISPLAYED DURING THEIR ATTACHMENTS TO KWUN TONG HEADQUARTERS AND KOWLOON HEADQUARTERS CRIME WING RESPECTIVELY.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983 CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MRS THATCHER KEEN TO KNOW HK PEOPLE'S VIEWS ..................... 1

GOVERNOR AND UNOFFICIAL EXCO MEMBERS TO VISIT LONDON ............ 2

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY GOING BEYOND 1997 .......................... 3

INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INVEST AND DIVERSIFY .................... 4

GOVERNOR RENEWS CALL FOR VIEWS ON EDUCATION REPORT .............. 5

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MAY 1983 ............................. 6

INQUIRY POWER PROPOSED FOR LABOUR CHIEF ....................... 8

NEW TRAFFIC PLAN FOR PEAK AREA STARTS SUNDAY .................... 9

PLAN FOR HKIEC TO GRANT SHORT-TERM LEASES ...................... 10

LADY YOUDE OPENS ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXHIBITION ..................... 11

BILL TO EMPOWER GOVERNMENT TO ACQUIRE LAND ..................... 12

MORE TRAINING FACILITIES AT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES .............. 12

UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN ........................... 14

IMPROVED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR SQUATTERS ................. 14

NEW COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR ISLANDERS ..................... 15

ATTORNEY GENERAL VISITS INSTITUTIONS ........................... 15

NEW COMMANDER FOR HONG KONG REGIMENT.......................... 16

PRE-WAR BUILDING FOUND IN DANGEROUS CONDITION .................. 17

170 FIRE OFFICERS GET LONG SERVICE MEDALS ...................... 18

LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR 'RESITE' HOUSES ......................... 19

GIRL REPRESENTS HONG KONG IN U.S. MUSIC CAMP ................... 20

CROWN LAND SOLD ................................................ 20

SHA TIN MAXICABS TO RUN UNTIL 3 AM ........................... 21

FRESH WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY................................. 21

FRlDAY, JUNE 24, 1933

MRS THATCHER KEEN TO KNOW HK PEOPLE’S VIEWS X X * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE PRIME MINISTER, MRS MARGARET THATCHER, IS KEEN TO KNOW THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND SHE CAN LEARN ABOUT THEM NOT ONLY FROM HIM BUT ALSO VERY DIRECTLY FROM THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YMCA NEW TERRITORIES CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG SIR EDWARD SAID THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT TO LONDON ACCOMPANIED BY THE UNOFFICIAL EXCO MEMBERS, WAS FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.

+AS YOU KNOW THERE ARE NEW MINISTERS, PARTICULARLY IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, AND THEY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A VERY GOOD IDEA TO MEET THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

+SO WE ARE ALL GOING IN THE WEEKEND TO SEE THEM ON JULY 4 AND 5 AND WE EXPECT TO CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER AND ON SIR GEOFFREY HOWE AND ON MR LUCE,+ HE SAID.

ASKED WHAT SORT OF CONSULTATION THE VISIT WOULD INVOLVE SIR EDWARD SAID IT WOULD BE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG THE ’ VIEWS OF THE UNOFFICIAL EXCO MEMBERS AND WHAT THEY THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT.

IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON WHETHER TALKS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE WOULD NOW RESUME SINCE BOTH THE UK ELECTION AND THE NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS IN CHINA WERE OVER, THE GOVERNOR SAID TALKS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD NOT STOPPED.

ASKED WHETHER THESE WERE +TALKS FOR THE TALKS OR GENUINE TALKS+, THE GOVERNOR SAID +THEY ARE GENUINE TALKS.+

IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON WHETHER HE WOULD SET UP A PUBLIC ENQUIRY INTO CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL, SIR EDWARD SAID +WHEN YOU HAVE SITUATIONS OF THAT KIND, THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT IS TO PURSUE IT THROUGH THE NORMAL PROCESSES OF THE LAW.+

SIR EDWARD HAD EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YMCA NEW TERRITORIES CENTRE AT KWAI HOP STREET IN KWAI CHUNG.

/Er HIS........

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1985

2 -

IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, SIR EDWARD SAID THIS PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE THE THIRD OF ITS KIND RUN BY THE CHINESE YMCA, WOULD PROVIDE A VARIETY OF SERVICES TO THE YOUTH OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN.

IT WOULD ALSO SERVE AS A BASE FOR EXTENDING THE SERVICES OF THE YMCA TO OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE CENTRE HAS BEEN BUILT AT A TOTAL COST OF $10 MILLION, WITH S2 MILLION COMING FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AND THE REMAINING $8 MILLION FROM THE RESERVE FUND OF THE CHINESE YMCA.

SIR EDWARD ALSO PRAISED THE CHINESE YMCA WHICH HAS BEEN SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG SINCE 1901 AND HAS, IN THE CHRISTIAN SPIRIT OF SERVICE TO OTHERS, DEDICATED ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE’S PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER.

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

GOVERNOR AND UNOFFICIAL EXCO MEMBERS TO VISIT LONDON ft ft ft ft ft

AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROCESS OF CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WILL VISIT LONDON DURING THE WEEK BEGINNING JULY 4. WHILE IN LONDON THEY EXPECT TO CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER, MRS MARGARET THATCHER, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, MR RICHARD LUCE.

- - 0------

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY GOING BEYOND 1997 * * *

THE CURRENT SLACKNESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD RESULTED IN GREATER COMPETITION BY CONTRACTORS FOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS AND IN A LOWERING OF THE TENDER PRICE INDEX DESPITE THE HIGH COST OF LABOUR, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, W DAVID MCDONALD, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT A FAREWELL DINNER GIVEN BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT NEXT WEEK FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICES, MR MCDONALD SAID THE TENDER PRICE INDEX HAD BEEN FALLING OVER THE PAST YEAR, PARTLY BECAUSE THE PRICE OF BASIC CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS HAD STABILISED.

ON THE DECLINE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT WHILE MANY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WERE RELUCTANT TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO CONSTRUCTION, THE GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME HAD NOT BEEN AXED.

♦THIS YEAR WE ARE TO SPEND MORE THAN EVER BEFORE ON CONSTRUCTION AND THIS WILL CONTINUE IN THE YEARS AHEAD,♦ HE SAID.

♦I MUST STRESS THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. OUR LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IS BASED ON FORECAST, DERIVED FROM REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, OF POPULATION NEEDS BEYOND THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT CENTURY, AND THE YEAR 1997 HAS NO SIGNIFICANCE IN OUR FUTURE PLANNING,* MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦I BELIEVE THAT WITH AN IMPROVEMENT OF THE GENERAL WORLD ECONOMY, AND A RECOGNITION BY ALL OF THE BASIC WORTH OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE, THE PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE OF ITS CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ARE BRIGHT,♦ HE ADDED.

IN HIS SPEECH MR MCDONALD ALSO REFLECTED ON HIS CONTACT WITH HONG KONG CONTRACTORS DURING HIS 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

HE RECALLED THAT HIS FIRST CONTACT CAME WHEN HE WAS APPOINTED AN ARCHITECT IN THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN 1955.

SINCE THEN HE HAD BEEN IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH THEM — AS A PROJECT ARCHITECT, AT THE QUARTERLY MEETINGS BETWEEN THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE PWD, AS THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AND DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND MORE RECENTLY AS THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

♦AS A RESULT OF THAT CONTACT, I HAVE OVER THE YEARS DEVELOPED A VERY HIGH REGARD FOR HONG KONG’S CONTRACTORS IN GENERAL, AND FOR THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, WITH PARTICULAR REGARD BOTH TO THE SKILLS OF MANAGEMENT DISPLAYED BY THE DIRECTORS, PRINCIPALS AND SENIOR STAFF OF CONTRACTING FIRMS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE PRODUCTIVITY OF A HA iD-wORKI NG LABOUR FORCE ON THE OTHER,* HE SAID.

MR MCDONALD SAID HE WAS AWARF OF THE HIGH COST OF LABOUR, WHOSE WAGES HAVE INCREASED STEADILY OVER RECEKr YEARS, AND OF THE NECESSITY OF FINDING A HAPPY BALANCE EETYE1 * .TINUED DEPENDENCE ON LABOUR AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A GREATER DEGREE OF IECHANISATIC INTO CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES.

/MECHANISATION .......

MECHANISATION MEANT THAT WORKERS HAD TO BE MORE HIGHLY SKILLED AND SPECIALISED AND THAT MANAGERS HAD TO DEVELOP NEW TECHNIQUES IN OBTAINING OPTIMUM EFFICIENCY FROM THEIR MACHINES AND OPERATORS, HE SAID.

HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT HONG KONG CONTRACTORS WOULD EE SUCCESSFUL IN BOTH AREAS.

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE ASPECTS OF HONG KONG WAS THAT IT WAS CONTINUALLY CHANGING ITS PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.

HE SAID THAT WHAT WAS MOST REMARKABLE WAS THAT MANY NEW BUILDINGS AND ENGINEERING STRUCTURES SEEMED TO APPEAR OVERNIGHT.

♦THE SHEER VOLUME OF WORK COMPLETED BY HONG KONG’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DURING RECENT YEARS MUST SURELY BE UNEQUALLED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,* HE SAID.

----o — -

INDUSTRIALISTS URGED TO INVEST AND DIVERSIFY * M * *

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY CALLED TODAY (FRIDAY) ON LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO INVEST IN UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY AND TO DIVERSIFY INTO NEW PRODUCTS *TO KEEP THEMSELVES TWO STEPS AHEAD OF COMPETITORS.*

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PREVIEW OF THE NEW FILM *TWO STEPS AHEAD* PRODUCED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT LOCALLY.

HE SAID THAT LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS HAD A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AS 95 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S FACTORIES WERE LOCALLY OWNED, EMPLOYING ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE.

♦OUR JOB OF PROMOTING INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY BY LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS THEREFORE IS EVERY BIT AS IMPORTANT AS ATTRACTING INDUSTRIAL PARTICIPATION BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS,* MR YAXLEY SAID.

THE FILM TRACES THE TRUE LIFE SUCCESS STORIES OF THREE LOCAL FACTORIES AS PRESENTED BY THEIR OWNERS. IT HIGHLIGHTS THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AND SHOWS THAT THESE HAVE BEEN THE DIRECT RESULT OF TIMELY DECISIONS TO INVEST IN UP-TO-DATE MACHINERY AND TO DIVERSIFY INTO NEW PRODUCTS.

♦THIS IS THE MESSAGE CARRIED BY THE FILM WHICH ENCOURAGES LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO FOLLOW THE EXAMPLES OF THE THREE ENTREPRENEURS IN THE FILM EACH OF WHOM STARTED IN A MODEST WAY. THEIR SUCCESS SHOULD ENCOURAGE OTHER LOCAL MEDIUM AND SMALL COMPANIES,^ MR YAXLEY ADDED.

THE FILM, AVAILABLE IN CANTONESE AND IN ENGLISH, WILL BE SHOWN TO LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AT SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION.

COPIES OF THE FILM, IN THE FORM OF 16 MM FILM AND VIDEO TAPE, ARE AVAILABLE ON LOAN TO TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES. THEY MAY ALSO 3E PURCHASED THROUGH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

GOVERNOR RENEWS CALL FOR VIEWS ON EDUCATION REPORT * * ft *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY RENEWED THE APPEAL FOR PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE REPORT ON THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION

♦THESE VIEWS WILL BE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF REACHING DECISIONS ON THE REPORT. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE LOST,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.

SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN.

SPEAKING AFTER THE WELCOMING ADDRESS BY MR DEACON CHIU, CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL BOARD, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG LIVED IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD AND NEEDED THE BEST POSSIBLE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION TO TRAIN ITS FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COMPETE IN THAT WORLD.

FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi

MR AND MRS CHIU, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, GIRLS AND BOYS,

I AM VERY PLEASED TO BE HERE TODAY TO OPEN THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE.

THIS FINE NEW SCHOOL STANDS ON A SITE GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT NIL PREMIUM. IT HAS BEEN BUILT AT A COST OF ABOUT 125 MILLION RAISED ALMOST ENTIRELY BY MR CHIU AND HIS ASSOCIATES. THE NEW PREMISES CONTAIN 40 CLASSROOMS, 15 SPECIALIST ROOMS AND OTHER FACILITIES. THERE IS A FIRST CLASS GYMNASIUM, A LARGE INDOOR SWIMMING POOL AND A FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED ASSEMBLY HALL WHICH WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY THE PUBLIC.

♦EDUCATION IS A MATTER FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY i PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ALIKE, FROM KINDERGARTEN TO THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL. HONG KONG LIVES IN A COMPETITIVE WORLD AND IT NEEDS THE BEST POSSIBLE SYSTEM OF EDUCATION TO TRAIN ITS FUTURE GENERATIONS TO COMPETE IN THAT WORLD.

♦EARLY LAST MONTH, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHED THE REPORT ON THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION. THIS WIDE RANGING REPORT EXAMINES ALL ASPECTS AND LEVELS OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE WAY IN WHICH IT SHOULD DEVELOP. BECAUSE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPING THE BEST POSSIBLE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE REPORT. . DISTRICT BOARDS ARE ALREADY BEING CONSULTED AND I KNOW THAT MANY OF YOU HERE WILL HAVE YOUR OWN VIEWS ON IT.

♦I SHOULD LIKE TO RENEW TODAY THE GOVERNMENT’S APPEAL TO EVERYONE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM -TEACHERS, PARENTS, STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY - TO LET THE GOVERNMENT KNOW THEIR VIEWS ON THE REPORT’S FINDINGS BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST. THESE VIEWS WILL BE AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF REACHING DECISIONS ON THE REPORT. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE LOST.

♦IN CONCLUSION I CONGRATULATE YOU, MR CHIU, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE ASSISTED IN THIS PROJECT. I WISH THE COLLEGE, ITS STAFF AND STUDENTS EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE AND I NOW HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH

_ 6 - FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1985

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR MAY 1983 ft ft ft ft ft

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND COMSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR MAY WERE BOTH 140, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.

COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, CP I(A) DECREASED BY TWO POINTS OR 1.4 PER CENT AND CPI(B) REMAINED UNCHANGED.

WHEN COMPARED WITH MAY 1982, BOTH CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) ROSE BY 11 POINTS OR 8.5 PER CENT. DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED IN MAY THIS YEAR, BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP I (A) AND CP 1(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.7 PER CENT EACH MONTH.

DURING MAY, THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY AS A RESULT OF INCREASED SUPPLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, BUS FARES AND PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ROSE.

THE CP 1(A) AND CP 1(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS CF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CP 1(A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH AND THE CP 1(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.

THE INDEXES FOR MAY 1983 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR APRIL 1983 AND MAY 1982.

SECTION (OCTOBER 1979 CPI(A) TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)

MAY 83 MAY 82 CP 1(B)

MAY 82 APR 83 APR 83 MAY 83

FOODSTUFFS 133 146 141 133 146 142

HOUSING 124 135 135 124 134 135

FUEL AND LIGHT 133 140 140 134 141 141

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 124 188 185 123 181 179

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 131 138 141 132 138 143

DURABLE GOODS 109 109 110 111 111 113

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 121 130 131 118 129 130

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 139 149 154 138 152 156

SERVICES 133 147 148 132 145 146

ALL ITEMS 129 142 140 129 140 140

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 198}

COMPARED WITH APRIL 1983, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY FIVE POINTS IN CPI(A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN CPI(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY AS A RESULT OF INCREASED SUPPLY. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUITS INCREASED OWING TO HIGHER PRICES OF WATER MELONS, HONEYDEW MELONS, BANANAS AND GRAPES. THE AVERAGE CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS ALSO WENT UP. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MAINTENANCE FEES AND HIGHER WATER CHARGES AS MORE HOUSEHOLDS WERE AFFECTED BY THE NEW WATER RATES DURING THE MONTH.

LOWER PRICES OF CIGARETTES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) TO FALL BY THREE POINTS IN CP I(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN CP 1(B).

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WENT UP BY THREE POINTS IN CPI(A) AND BY FIVE POINTS IN CPI(B) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES OF SUMMER OUTER-CLOTHING WHICH CAME ONTO THE MARKET DURING THE MONTH.

THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN CP I(A) AND BY TWO POINTS IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF TELEVISION SETS, SOUND EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL CONSUMER DURABLES.

THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CP 1(B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES OF MEDICINES AND JEWELLERY.

THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY FIVE POINTS IN CPI(A) AND BY FOUR POINTS IN CPI(B) OWING TO HIGHER FARES FOR BUS, MTR AND KCR TRIPS.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES WENT UP BY ONE POINT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, PACKAGE TOURS AND FUNERAL SERVICES.

PRICE MOVEMENT IN THE FUEL AND LIGHT SECTION WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

(FIGURES PRESENTED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED)

DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR MAY 1983.

BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THIS REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED FOR $3 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216512.

----0------ / 9......................

Friday, june 24, 1983

INQUIRY POWER PROPOSED FOR LABOUR CHIEF

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO CONDUCT A FORMAL INQUIRY INTO AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT WHEN HE CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY.

THE PROPOSAL IS CONTAINED IN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BILL ALSO EXEMPTS CONSTRUCTION SITES FROM REGISTRATION AND REMOVES THE REQUIREMENT FOR FACTORY REGISTRATIONS TO BE RENEWED PERIODICALLY.

THE BILL PROPOSES THAT WHERE THE COMMISSIONER CONSIDERS THAT AN ACCIDENT, WHETHER OR NOT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, CAUSES SUFFICIENT PUBLIC CONCERN, HE MAY ORDER THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR TO MAKE AN INFORMAL INQUIRY.

IF THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CONSIDERS THAT THE INQUIRY MAY BE FRUSTRATED OR DELAYED FOR ANY REASON, SUCH AS REFUSAL BY ANY PERSON TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, THE COMMISSIONER MAY THEN HOLD A FORMAL INQUIRY, IN WHICH HE WILL HAVE THE POWER TO SUMMON WITNESSES, CALL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BOOKS AND, IF NECESSARY, HOLD PART OF THE INQUIRY IN PRIVATE TO PROTECT TRADE SECRETS.

ANY PERSON ACTING IN CONTEMPT OF THE INQUIRY OR FAILING TO GIVE EVIDENCE OR TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS WILL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE.

UNDER THE BILL, A FORMAL INQUIRY WILL NOT DEROGATE FROM THE POWERS OF CORONERS UNDER THE CORONERS ORDINANCE.

THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES IN BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED.

IT ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE PENALTY FOR OPERATING A REGISTRABLE WORKPLACE WITHOUT A VALID CERTIFICATE, FOR CONTRAVENING OR FAILING TO FULFIL A CONDITION CONTAINED IN THE CERTIFICATE, OR FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER TO TAKE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER, BE RAISED FROM $5 000 TO $30 000.

IT RAISES THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH AN INSPECTOR’S REQUIREMENT DURING INSPECTION, WILFULLY WITHHOLDING INFORMATION OR GIVING FALSE INFORMATION, OR OBSTRUCTING AN OFFICER IN THE EXERCISE OF ANY OF HIS STATUTORY POWERS FROM $2 000 TO $20 000, AND INCREASES THAT FOR IMPROPER DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY A PUBLIC OFFICER FROM $2 000 TO $10 000.

♦THE LEVELS OF THESE PENALTIES ARE IN LINE WITH THOSE SET IN THE EXISTING SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EXCLUDE +WORKSHOPS OPERATING IN SUPPORT OF A REGISTRABLE FACTORY+ AND +WORKSHOPS COVERED BY SPECIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS+ FROM THE PRESENT DEFINITION OF ♦FACTORY^ IN THE ORDINANCE, IF THEY EMPLOY LESS THAN 20 PEOPLE ON MANUAL WORK.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 198}

IN ADDITION IT PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE DEFINITION OF COMMISSIONER' AND ^INSPECTOR* IN THE ORDINANCE BY INCLUDING A FEW MORE OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE

JUNE 29.

JULY 13.

BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON RESUMED DEBATE AND THIRD READING WILL TAKE PLACE ON

PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE BILL MAY BE SUBMITTED TO UMELCO (SWIRE HOUSE J12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL) OR THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR (LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY).

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

NEW TRAFFIC PLAN FOR PEAK AREA STARTS SUNDAY

X X X * *

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON SUNDAY (JUNE 26) IN THE PEAK AREA, AFTER COMPLETION OF A STEEL BRIDGE ON THE COLLAPSED PART OF PEAK ROAD NEAR BARKER ROAD.

THE BRIDGE WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC AS SOON AS IT IS FINISHED, BUT AN EXACT TIME CANNOT BE GIVEN, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BRIDGE HAS BEEN BUILT TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE PEAK.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDs +AS CONGESTION WILL BE EXPECTED AT THE JUNCTION NEAR THE MAGAZINE GAP ROAD ROUNDAbvuf, TRAVELLERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO THE PEAK.+

UNDER THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS, THE AFFECTED SECTION OF PEAK ROAD, BETWEEN BARKER ROAD AND COOMBE ROAD, WILL BE OPENED TO ONE-LANE, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO BE CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC SIGNALS.

THE SECTION OF COOMBE ROAD BETWEEN THE CAR PARK 140 METRES WEST OF WAN CHAI GAP AND ITS JUNCTION WITH PEAK ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.

THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PEAK ROAD BETWEEN STUBBS ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES AND GOODS VEHICLES OVER 2-1/2 TONS UNLADEN.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT PLB ’MAXICABS’ TRAVELLING UPHILL ON MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO PEAK ROAD.

VEHICLES GOING UPHILL TO THE PEAK FROM MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED THROUGH WAN CHAI GAP VIA PEAK ROAD AND COOMBE ROAD.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 198J

VEHICLES LEAVING THE PREMISES ON PEAK ROAD SECTION BETWEEN MAGAZINE GAP ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL DOWNHILL I.E. EASTBOUND DIRECTION.

ACCESS TO THE UPPER (CUL-DE-SAC) SECTION OF MAGAZINE GAP ROAD WILL ONLY BE FROM COOMBE ROAD.

THERE WILL BE TRAFFIC SIGNS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

CONCURRENTLY, THE EXISTING RESTRICTION FOR VEHICLES USING COOMBE ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY RESCINDED.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT OF USING POKFULAM RESERVOIR ROAD AS AN ACCESS ROAD FOR MOTOR VEHICLES TO AND FROM THE PEAK WILL BE CANCELLED.

FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, CMB ROUTE NO. 15 AND 15B AND FRANCHISED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ROUTES NO. 1 AND 30 WILL RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTINGS AND SERVICES.

THE PEAK TRAM SERVICE WILL ALSO OPERATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NORMAL TIMETABLE. ------------------------------o------

PLAN FOR HKIEC TO GRANT SHORT-TERM LEASES * * * *

THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY EMPOWERS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC) TO GRANT SHORT TERM LEASES OF LAND WITHIN ITS ESTATES FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE HKIEC HAS A LAND BANK WHICH IS MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET THE EXPECTED DEMAND FOR SITES FROM ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES FOR THE SHORT TERM FUTURE.

♦THERE IS, HOWEVER. EVIDENCE OF DEMAND FOR TEMPORARY SITES FOR OTHER USES, FOR EXAMPLE, STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF MACHINERY AND CONTAINERS. THIS BILL SEEKS TO ALLOW HKIEC THE FLEXIBILITY TO MAKE USE OF SPACE CAPACITY TO EARN INCOME, WITHOUT COMPROMISING ITS LONG TERM OBJECTIVES.

♦THE PROPOSAL IS MOST UNLIKELY TO DEPRIVE ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES CF SITES WITHIN THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES. AS AT APRIL 1983, THE CORPORATION HAD A TOTAL OF 35 HECTARES NOT YET ALLOCATED. A FURTHER 53 HECTARES WILL BE AVAILABLE IN 1984 AND A FURTHER FIVE HECTARES IN 1985.♦

THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE BILL WILL BE HELD ON JJNE 29, AND THE RESUMED DEBATE, COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING ON JULY 13.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SUBMITTED TO UMELCO (SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F. CHATER ROAD, HONG KONG) OR THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY ( OCEAN CENTRE, 14/F, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON).

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

LADY YOUDE OPENS ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXHIBITION * * * *

THE +CHEK LAP KOK - A TANG DYNASTY WORK SITE* EXHIBITION AT THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY LADY YOUDE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

LADY YOUDE, WHO IS THE PATRON OF THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THAT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS FROM SHAM WAN TSUEN ON CHEK LAP KOK HAD CONSIDERABLY ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG’S EARLY HISTORY.

♦WE NOW KNOW THAT ON THIS SMALL ISLAND OFF THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU THERE WAS A BUSY INDUSTRY DURING THE TANG DYNASTY PRODUCING LIME FROM SEA SHELLS IN VERY WELL DEVELOPED KILNS,♦ SHE SAID.

♦SIX KILNS HAVE BEEN FOUND SO FAR ON THE CHEK LAP KOK SITE AT SHAM WAN TSUEN AND NEARLY ALL THE MATERIAL ON DISPLAY IS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM.

♦THE MANY COINS FOUND ON THE SITE PLACE THE MAJORITY ACTIVITY ABOUT 700-800 AD. SUBSEQUENT BURIAL ACTIVITY DATED TO THE END OF THE 11TH CENTURY CONFIRM THAT THE INDUSTRY CEASED IF NOT DURING THE TANG DYNASTY AT LEAST SOON AFTER.♦

LADY YOUDE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY HAS OVER THE LAST DECADE CONDUCTED A NUMBER OF EXCAVATIONS AND FIELD STUDIES WHICH HAVE SHED MUCH LIGHT ON THE TERRITORY’S ANCIENT PAST.

IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MUSEUM SELECT COMMITTEE, DR PHILIP KWOK, SAID THE EXHIBITION GIVES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHEK LAP KOK SITE.

♦IN FACT THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN KEEN ON SUPPORTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES WHICH HELP TO UNVEIL THE HISTORICAL PAST OF HONG KONG.

♦IT HAS ALSO BEEN THE COUNCIL’S AIM TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF PRESERVING THE MANY SURVIVING RELICS AND MONUMENTS THROUGH EXHIBITIONS AND PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED BY THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY,* HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITION, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY, FEATURES ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TANG DYNASTY (618-907 AD) WORK SITES IN HONG KONG.

ABOUT 30 POTTERY ITEMS, SEVERAL IRON OBJECTS AND SOME 100 COINS OF TANG DYNASTY HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION.

IN ADDITION, A SECTIONAL MODEL OF A LIME KILN UNEARTHED AT SHAM WAN TSUEN AND PICTURES ILLUSTRATING THE DAILY LIFE AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY OF HONG KONG’S EARLY INHABITANTS ARE ALSO PUT ON DISPLAY.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS (EXCEPT FRIDAYS) AND BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

ADMISSION IS FREE.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

BILL TO EMPOWER GOVERNMENT TO ACQUIRE LAND * * * *

A BILL PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE PROPOSES TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNMENT TO ACQUIRE LAND FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES WHERE THIS LAND IS OR MAY BE HELD UNDER A POSSESSORY TITLE BY VIRTUE OF THE LIMITATION ORDINANCE.

THE BILL, KNOWN AS THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) BILL 1983, ENABLES THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO MAKE AN ACQUISITION ORDER IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH LAND WHENEVER THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECIDES THAT THE LAND IS TO BE ACQUIRED OR RESUMED FOR A PUBLIC PURPOSE.

IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE SUBMISSIONS OF CLAIMS AND RIGHTS OF COMPENSATION AND EXTENDS THE JURISDICTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL TO DETERMINE THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE UNDER THE BILL.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UNDER THE LIMITATION ORDINANCE NO ACTION FOR THE RECOVERY OF LAND MIGHT BE BROUGHT BY THE CROWN AFTER THE UNLEASED LAND HAD BEEN OCCUPIED CONTINUOUSLY FOR 60 YEARS.

♦THERE WILL BE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ARISING OUT OF THE PAYMENT FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE OF COMPENSATION AND OTHER SUMS UNDER THE BILL, BUT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT,* HE SAID.

BUT HE ADDED THAT THE NUMBER OF CASES IN WHICH SUCH PAYMENTS WOULD BE MADE WAS NOT EXPECTED TO BE LARGE.

THE BILL WOULD NOT RESULT IN ANY ADDITIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE STAFFING REQUIREMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29. DEBATE WILL RESUME IN THE COUNCIL ON JULY 13 WHEN THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE MOVED THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING.

PUBLIC COMMENTS IN THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO (SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F, CHATER ROAD, HONG KONG) OR THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS (MURRAY BUILDING, 2/F, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG).

MORE TRAINING FACILITIES AT CORRECTIONAL SERVICES * * * *

TRAINING FACILITIES FOR STAFF OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLY EXPANDED FOLLOWING THE RECENT COMPLETION OF THE EXTENSION TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.

THE 121-MILLION EXTENSION PROJECT, WHICH TOOK 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 198}

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER. PRESENTED A HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH TO THE PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTE, MR PI WING-LEE.

THE PHOTOGRAPH, TAKEN AT THE FIRST FORMAL PASSING-OUT PARADE OF PRISONS STAFF AT STANLEY 32 YEARS AGO, WAS EXTRACTED FROM MR GARNER'S PERSONAL COLLECTION.

THE NEW EXTENSION, WHICH COMPRISES FOUR SEPARATE BLOCKS, PROVIDES A MUCH NEEDED BOOST TO TRAINING FACILITIES AT THE INSTITUTE TO COPE WITH THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE MAIN BLOCK IS A SIX-STOREY BUILDING INCORPORATING 26

ROOMS FOR SINGLE OFFICERS, BARRACK ROOMS FOR 106 ASSISTANT OFFICERS, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, LECTURE ROOMS, STAFF RECREATION ROOMS, A TRAINING COURT, TRAINING CELLS, A LIBRARY, A HOME NURSING TRAINING ROOM AND A TRAINING CONTROL ROOM.

THE SECOND BLOCK IS A FIVE-LANE INDOOR FIRING RANGE, WITH A SPECTATOR STAND ON THE ROOF OVERLOOKING THE PARADE GROUND.

THE OTHER TWO BLOCKS CONSIST OF 14 STAFF MARRIED QUARTERS, A CANTEEN WITH A KITCHEN AND TWO DORMITORIES FOR 40 TRAINEES ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

NEW FACILITIES, SUCH AS THE TRAINING COURT ROOM, CELLS AND THE CONTROL ROOM, ALLOW SIMULATED AND SITUATIONAL TRAINING WHICH IS BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL TRAINING MODELLED ON CLASSROOM LECTURES.

IN THIS WAY, THE TRAINEES WILL BE ABLE TO GAIN A DEEPER INSIGHT INTO CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WORK.

THE INDOOR FIRING RANGE COMPRISES A VENETIAN BLIND BULLET TRAP, FIVE LONGITUDINAL TARGET CONVEYING SYSTEMS WITH A MASTER CONTROL CONSOLE AND FIVE INDIVIDUAL CONTROL UNITS AND A TRANSVERSE MOVING TARGET SYSTEM.

APART FROM PROVIDING A ONE-YEAR ORIENTATION COURSE FOR ALL RECRUIT OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT OFFICERS, THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE OFFERS REGULAR REFRESHER COURSES AND COURSES ON MANPOWER MANAGEMENT, CASE AND GROUP WORK, COUNSELLING AND SECURITY ISSUES.

THE ORIGINAL STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, COMPLETED IN 1968, COMPRISED THREE MAIN BUILDINGS WHICH INCLUDED BASIC FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION FOR 120 ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND 20 OFFICERS.

WITH THE EXTENSION, THERE WILL BE TOTAL ACCOMMODATION FOR 256 ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND 46 OFFICERS AS WELL AS ADVANCED OR SPECIALIST TRAINING FACILITIES FOR 75 NON-RESIDENTIAL STAFF.

EARLIER IN THE MORNING, MR ROWLANDS VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, STANLEY, AND MET STAFF MEMBERS AT WORK.

AFTER TOURING THE INSTITUTION, HE HELD GENERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT ON A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES CONCERNING THEIR WORK, WORKING CONDITIONS AND STAFF WELFARE.

---0

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN * * * *

A GROUP OF UMELCO MEMBERS WILL VISIT WONG TAI SIN ON MONDAY (JUNE 27) TO LOOK INTO THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT AND PROJECTS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.

THE PARTY, LED BY DR HENRY HU, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK WILL FIRST VISIT A FAMILY WHO HAVE JUST MOVED INTO A NEW HIGH-RISE BLOCK IN LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE.

THEY WILL THEN TOUR THE GOOD HOPE VILLAGE AND STOP BY AT A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE. SUPPLIES OF ELECTRICITY AND WATER TO THIS SQUATTER AREA WERE MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT GF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE MAC.

THEY WILL ALSO MEET BOARD MEMBERS AND HOLD DISCUSSION ON LOCAL ISSUES AT THE CHOI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.

- - 0 - -

IMPROVED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR SQUATTERS

ft * * M

ABOUT 30 000 RESIDENTS IN NGAU TSUEN — COVERING TAI HOM VILLAGE, YUEN LING AND DIAMOND HILL — HAD AN EXTRA RECREATIONAL VENUE WITH THE OPENING OF A BASKETBALL COURT AND A SITTING-OUT AREA TODAY.

BUILT AT A COST OF $60 500 FUNDED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES HAVE BEEN BUILT ON THE FORMER PING YEUNG SUN TSUEN SQUATTER WHICH WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE IN FEBRUARY 1981 AND LEFT VACANT THEREAFTER.

THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOCAL AREA COMMITTEE, CONSTRUCTION OF THE BASKETBALL COURT AND SITTING-OUT AREA BEGAN IN MID-MARCH THIS YEAR AND COMPLETED EARLY THIS MONTH.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY, THE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER/KOWLOON OF THE URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION, MR M.K. PAU, SAID THE PROJECT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN IN PROVIDING BETTER RECREATIONAL VENUE AND IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN SQUATTER AREAS.

+1 BELIEVE DEVELOPMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN, PARTICULARLY IMPROVEMENTS IN SQUATTER AREAS, CAN BE CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY IN FUTURE THROUGH THE CONTINUED CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NGAU TSUEN AREA COMMITTEE, MR LIU KOON-SING.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

NEW COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR ISLANDERS

* * * *

A NEW COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE (CABO) WILL BE OPEN FROM MONDAY (JUNE 27) FOR THE CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS.

SERVICES AVAILABLE WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, ADMINISTRATION OF STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, ANSWERING PUBLIC ENQUIRIES AND HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS.

THE 45-SQUARE-METRE OFFICE, TO BE STAFFED BY A LIAISON OFFICER AND THREE CLERICAL STAFF, IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 22 SAN HING STREET ON CHEUNG CHAU.

THE OFFICE HOURS WILL BE FROM 8.45 AM TO 1 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 5.15 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY.

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-9811060.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THIS OFFICE, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL BE SERVED BY THREE DISTRICT OFFICES -- THE MAIN OFFICE IN SINCERE BUILDING, THE MUI WO CABO AND THE NEW CHEUNG CHAU CABO.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 PM ON MONDAY.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

A MARINE LAUNCH WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER, NEXT TO THE OUTLYING ISLAND FERRY PIER ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, FOR CHEUNG CHAU AT 1 PM SHARP.

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ATTORNEY GENERAL VISITS INSTITUTIONS * M * *

THE NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED STANLEY PRISON AND TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TO LOOK OVER THE DIFFERENT FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES AT THE TWO INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.

EARLIER TODAY, MR THOMAS ALSO ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXTENSION BLOCKS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, AND SAW CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS UNDERGOING TRAINING.

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I 16 .....

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

NEW COMMANDER FOR HONG KONG REGIMENT * * * *

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL HAVE A NEW COMMANDER NEXT MONDAY (JUNE 27) WHEN ITS PRESENT COMMANDING OFFICER, LIEUTENANT COLONEL MIKE BARNEBY LEAVES HONG KONG TO TAKE UP AN APPOINTMENT IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL BARNEBY WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY 40-YEAR-OLD LIEUTENANT COLONEL TIMOTHY CHARLES VILLIERS, WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN HONG KONG.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL VILLIERS WAS EDUCATED AT ETON AND RMA SANDHURST, AND WAS COMMISSIONED INTO 15TH/19TH THE KING’S ROYAL HUSSARS IN 1963. HE SPENT FIVE YEARS WITH THE BRITISH ARMY IN GERMANY AND TWO YEARS IN HONG KONG AS A STAFF OFFICER IN THE HQ 48 GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE. DURING THIS PERIOD, HE MET HIS WIFE, MAUREEN.

AFTER FURTHER SERVICE IN GERMANY WITH 15TH/19TH HUSSARS, AND A SPELL WITH THE TERRITORIAL ARMY IN THE NORTHEAST OF ENGLAND, HE WAS SELECTED FOR TRAINING IN THE STAFF COLLEGE AT CAMBERLEY.

THEREAFTER HE COMMANDED A SQUADRON OF 15TH/19TH HUSSARS IN NORTHERN IRELAND, IN CYPRUS WITH THE UNITED NATIONS, AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE SERVED AS SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF 15TH/19TH HUSSARS IN GERMANY AND IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN LONDON BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG.

HE IS MARRIED, AND HAS THREE CHILDREN - AGED 10, SEVEN AND THREE.

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/17........

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

PRE-WAR BUILDING FOUND IN DANGEROUS CONDITION 4 4 * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED A BUILDING AT 143 WING LOK STREET TO BE IN DANGEROUS CONDITION.

AT THE SAME TIME, TWO OTHER BUILDINGS, AT NOS 139 AND 141 OF THE SAME STREET, WERE DECLARED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS HAD BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE MARCH 1976.

A RECENT INSPECTION OF NO. 143 SHOWED THAT THE BRICKWORK WAS SEVERELY ERODED AND CRUMBLING.

AN EXTENSIVE VERTICAL STRUCTURAL CRACK WAS FOUND IN THE LOADBEARING WALL COMMON WITH NO. 137 WING LOK STREET WHICH IS A VACANT SITE.

SIMILAR CRACK HAD ALSO DEVELOPED IN THE LOAD-BEARING WALL COMMON WITH NO. 141 WING LOK STREET.

+THE BUILDINGS AT NOS. 139 AND 141 WING LOK STREET WERE VERY DILAPIDATED AND WOULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF NO. 143. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDING,* THE SURVEYOR SAID.

ACCORDINGLY, NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JULY 22 WERE POSTED TODAY.

- - 0-------

/1?........

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

- 18 -

Feei ,4s 3m ,YAi.'.'P3

3Oli6cFiRE28ft'feERs GETct1)NG SERVICE MEDALS '

A'YbTAL OF 170 6fHcERS; AND/ME^.OFTTHE 'F IRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY PRESENTED’ W1THgMfDALS AND CLASPS FOR LONG SERVICE.

Thi^P^iiE&TiT-i^SjSlERE" ^^' 'AT,VARIOUS F IRE -COMMANDS, INCLUDI NG THE AMBULANCE"SERVICE'lND' THE“FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU^ BY CHIEF FIRE *«*«? Offley 3;„„TOK 2|HT a3i;35| t

’~ftt>IRE SERV'lci&.f£i$Wi^Oj^ffl»W"Po4NT» THE acting chief FIRE t^flOER'LAk CHEX^EX^ESENttD^pLONl^ FIRE BRIGADE LONG 3 SERVICE MEDALS ANIF HR ST''AND SECOND2 CtMPS^Wi SENIOR' DIV IS40NA1L CP

FIREMEN. *.37FJffW5 CHA C3C0P3 YJ3R3V32 SAW

“G'i ON FENDED,X PRESENTED

MEDALS AND CLASPS' TOTVO‘SENIOR- tflN I^ONAl?’ Of^RCEtfS? 3W-DW LSTONAL OFFICER, 12 PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, SEVEN SENIOR FIREMEN AND ^RIREMEN.

IN KOWLOON/CHIEF FfaE i'dFA£ERj <?{k fifetfOrf,AINWO ER RECEIVED THE SECOND CLASPS TO HISMEDAL FGR ^30 *YSARS’- -SERV li&E/ . j

PRESENTED LONG- SERVICE. MEDALS AND CLASPS TO ONE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE

W8.j*^3Y; QUA 32OJj OT YRA22303M 3R033R3MT 21 7 | fA' '

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND. CHMl*^ flW3®FFfFCBrCH$U.NG< =

SHUtSHIN^^.PRESENTED MEDALS AND CLASPS TO ONE SENIOR STATION iN^AQft I teMEtf I T?KW WN MR) IRC»E^m*NB^0A

FIREMEN.3Tg0^ 3*3* 's ’4 or.e TA truoo toirtsiq airotoiv mi

CHIEF FIRE OFF ICR LAM LOK-BUN OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU PRESENTED LONG SERVICE MEDALS-AND. CLASPS TO ONE SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER, ONE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, ONE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER AND EIGHT OTHER RANKS.

AT THE AMBULANCE COMMAND, CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER HARRY KENYON PRESENTED LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO THREE PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMEN, ONE SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN AND THREE AMBULANCEMEN.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR ’RESITE’ HOUSES ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ABOUT 9 540 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LAND NEAR KAM SHAN IN TAI PO TO PROVIDE A VILLAGE RESITE AREA TO REHOUSE PEOPLE CLEARED FROM VARIOUS PLACES AND TO ENABLE DEVELOPMENT TO PROCEED IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE NEW TOWN.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHEN FORMED THE AREA WOULD PROVIDE LAND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 62 RESITE HOUSES AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES FOR THOSE ENTITLED TO VILLAGE REMOVAL TERMS.

♦ IT IS EXPECTED THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE AFTER SITE FORMATION WORKS BEGIN IN NOVEMBER, ♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF 45 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES BY 53 FAMILIES OR ABOUT 230 PEOPLE.

♦ SOME 37 FAMILIES ARE LIKELY TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WHILE THE OTHER 16 FAMILIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦ EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCES WOULD BE PAID TO EACH OF THESE FAMILIES.*

IN ADDITION, 53 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, INCLUDING FOUR SHOPS AND 12 WORKSHOPS WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED.

♦ IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, THE OWNERS OF THESE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS WILL BE OFFERED AN EX-GRATIA CASH ALLOWANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT POL ICY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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/ 20.........

FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

GIRL REPRESENTS HONG KONG IN U.S. MUSIC CAMP

* * * *

AN 18-YEAR-OLD STUDENT OF THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. MISS YAN YU-QING, LEFT TODAY FOR THE UNITED STATES TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE 1983 NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD IN INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN, FROM JUNE 26 TO AUGUST 22.

MISS YAN, WHO WAS SELECTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT THROUGH OPEN AUDITION, WILL JOIN THE WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AT THE CAMP WHICH IS HELD ANNUALLY IN SUMMER.

THE AIM OF THIS NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP IS TO PROMOTE WORLD FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC, THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE OF ARTS. HIGHLY QUALIFIED YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL RECEIVE EIGHT WEEKS OF INTENSIVE TRAINING IN SYMPHONIC MUSIC PERFORMANCE.

MISS YAN WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY MR CLIVE OXLEY.

MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR (PROFESSIONAL), MR THOMAS WANG.

MISS YAN, AT PRESENT A VIOLIN1ST WITH THE HONG KONG YOUTH AUGUSTNY 0RCHeSTRA W,LL RETURN TO HONG KONG BY THE END OF

HER TR,P WAS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE SPONSORSHIP OF HER AIR FARE BY THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.

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CROWN LAND SOLD * X *

A PIECE OF CROWN LAND WAS SOLD AT AN AUCTION HELD BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE SITE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN PURPOSES. IT HAS AN AREA OF 3 834 SQUARE METRES.

IT WAS SOLD TO METRIC LAND INVESTMENT LTD FOR $8 MILLION OR 52 086.59 PER SQUARE METRE.

TWO OTHER LOTS, ONE IN SHA WITHDRAWN BECAUSE THERE WERE NO

TIN AND ONE IN YUEN LONG WERE BIDDERS.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 1983

SHA TIN MAXICABS TO RUN UNTIL 3 AM * * * *

SERVICES ON MAXICAB ROUTE 61M BETWEEN KOWLOON TONG RAILWAY STATION AND LEK YUEN IN SHA TIN ARE TO BE EXTENDED UNTIL 3 AM.

AT PRESENT, THE SERVICE CLOSES AT 11.30 PM, BUT IT WILL START TO BE EXTENDED FROM SATURDAY NIGHT TO 3 AM ON SUNDAY.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXTENSION IS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF COMMUTERS TRAVELLING OUTSIDE THE OPERATION HOURS OF KMB AND KCR.

+RESPONSE TO THE EXTENSION WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED AND FURTHER EXTENSION TO PROVIDE ROUND-THE-CLOCK SERVICE WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN THE NEED ARISES,* HE SAID.

THE ROUTE OPERATES VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, SHA KOK STREET, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE AT A FREQUENCY OF 15 MINUTES.

THE FARE IS $2.5.

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FRESH WATER CUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY

* * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS - FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (JUNE 27) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY - FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY YEE WO STREET, GREAT GEORGE STREET, PATERSON STREET, KINGSTON STREET AND GLOUCESTER ROAD INCLUDING VICTORIA PARK AND 9-11 KINGSTON STREET.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR REPLIES TO SIR GEOFFREY AND MR LUCE................. 1

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS IS A LIFETIME PROCESS -HAYE......................................................... 2

PUBLIC URGED TO SHOW MORE COMPASSION TO DRUG ADDICTS ........ 3

CALL TO JOIN OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK FIELD .................. 5

RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR JUNK BAY............................. 7

REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION RELOCATED ............... 7

SCOUT SERVICE PRAISED ....................................... 8

JUNIOR POLICE CALL'S PUBLIC ROLE STRESSED ................... 8

SWIMMERS AT BEACHES SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS ................. 10

HOLIDAY PARKING CHARGES ..................................... 11

KWUN TONG ACCIDENT 'UPWARD TREND ARRESTED' .................. 11

ROADS TO BE CLOSED .......................................... 12

WATER CUT IN TAI PO ......................................... 13

FIRING PRACTICE

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

GOVERNOR REPLIES TO SIR GEOFFREY AND MR LUCE

M X ft M

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE HAS RESPONDED ON BEHALF OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS TO THE PERSONAL MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM THE NEW SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND THE MINISTER OF STATE WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HONG KONG, MR RICHARD LUCE.

IN THEIR MESSAGES, SIR GEOFFREY AND MR LUCE REAFFIRMED ICR MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, AND TO SEEKING A SOLUTION ON THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS TO THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.

SIR EDWARD HAS DESPATCHED THE FOLLOWING REPLIESi

♦MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE RT HONOURABLE SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, QC, MP, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRSi

THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAVE ASKED ME TO CONVEY THEIR THANKS TO YOU FOR YOUR PERSONAL MESSAGE, AND TO OFFER THEIR CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY. IN PARTICULAR THEY WELCOME YOUR REAFFIRMATION OF HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, AND TO SEEKING A SOLUTION REGARDING THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY WHICH IS ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS TO THE TWO GOVERNMENTS CONCERNED. THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAVE ASKED ME TO ASSURE YOU THAT THEY WILL DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO CONTRIBUTE TO A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS, AND TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WHILE THE TALKS CONTINUE.

THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE ALSO ASKED ME TO SAY THAT THEY ARE VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, AS I AM, WHEN THEY VISIT LONDON EARLY NEXT MONTH.♦

♦MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR TO MR RICHARD LUCE, MP, MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICEi

I HAVE CONVEYED YOUR PERSONAL MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS. IN WELCOMING YOU TO YOUR NEW POST, THEY HAVE ASKED ME TO EXPRESS THEIR APPRECIATION FOR YOUR ENCOURAGING WORDS AND FOR YOUR INTEREST IN AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG. THEY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING AND WORKING WITH YOU.+

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS IS A LIFETIME PROCESS - HAYE

********

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TODAY (SATURDAY) REITERATED THE IMPORTANCE OF IN-SERVICE REFRESHER COURSES FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHERS.

SPEAK ING.AT THE FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, MR HAYE SAID THAT INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING, NO MATTER HOW LONG OR HOW COMPREHENSIVE, WAS INADEQUATE FOR 40 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.

♦THE PROCESS OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IS INDEED A LIFETIME PROCESS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO IN THOSE AREAS OF EDUCATION THAT ARE CLOSELY AFFECTED BY RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS,♦ HE NOTED.

MR HAYE SAID THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FULLY ACCEPTED THE FORWARD-LOOKING PHILOSOPHY UNDERLYING THE PROVISION OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS.

THIS ACCEPTANCE WAS EMBODIED IN TWO MAJOR EDUCATION WHITE PAPERS OF RECENT YEARS— THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION AND THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES.

AT PRESENT, TEACHER-TRAINING COURSES ARE PROVIDED AT THE GRADUATE LEVEL BY THE SCHOOLS OF EDUCATION OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES.

INITIAL TRAINING FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IS CARRIED OUT BY THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS' COLLEGE.

FOR SERVING TEACHERS WHO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN A COURSE OF INITIAL TRAINING BUT WHO NEED TO UPDATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF MODERN TEACHING METHODS, REGULAR COURSES OF REFRESHER TRAINING HAVE NOW BEEN ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THESE COURSES INCLUDE THE EIGHT-WEEK SYSTEMATIC RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, INTRODUCED IN 1982 AND TO BE EXTENDED IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO SECONDARY TEACHERS, THE PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE REFRESHER COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND THE 16-WEEK COURSES FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS.

TEACHERS ARE RELEASED FROM THEIR NORMAL TEACHING DUTIES TO ATTEND THESE COURSES.

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LANGUAGE COURSES WHICH ARE RUN BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, THE VARIOUS COURSES ARE RUN BY THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

/in addition, ........

SATURDAY , JUNE 25, 1985

IN ADDITION, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ALSO PROVIDES IN-SERVICE TRAINING OF SHORT DURATION BOTH ON A REGULAR AND ON AN OCCASSIONAL BASIS.

THIS INCLUDES PART-TIME COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS.

MR HAYE SAID THAT, FURTHERMORE, ORGANISATIONS LIKE THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES ALSO ORGANISE A WIDE VARIETY OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR TEACHERS.

ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE -- SCHOOL-BASED IN-SERVICE EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS (INSET) — MR HAYE SAID IT RIGHTLY PLACED EMPHASIS ON THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AS A DOMINANT FACTOR IN THE PROCESS OF TEACHER EDUCATION.

HE SAID THAT SCHOOL-BASED INSET WAS A CO-OPERATIVE ACTIVITY AND TO BE FULLY EFFECTIVE, DEMANDED SKILLS WHICH WERE SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT FROM THOSE WHICH MANY TEACHERS HAD DEVELOPED THROUGH TRADITIONAL MODES OF THOUGHT.

♦INSET IS UNLIKELY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOLS WHERE TEACHERS OPERATE IN I SOLAT ION,♦ MR HAYE SAID.

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PUBLIC URGED TO SHOW MORE COMPASSION TO DRUG ADDICTS ******

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED FOR A +MORE TOLERANT AND COMPASSIONATE ATTITUDE* TOWARDS DRUG ADDICTS.

SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 15TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB, WHERE SHE PRESENTED BADGES OF MERIT TO DESERVING MEMBERS.

OVER THE YEARS, MRS CHAN SAID, MUCH HAD BEEN DONE TO STIMULATE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE EVILS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TO ENLIST THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

♦HOWEVER, I SUSPECT THAT MANY OF US MAY NOT CONSIDER THAT HELPING DRUG ADDICTS IS AS SOCIALLY OR EMOTIONALLY SATISFYING AND REWARDING AS HELPING THE OLD, THE DISABLED OR ABUSED CHILDREN,♦ SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN SAID THAT DRUG ADDICTION OFTEN RESULTED FROM A COMPLEX INTERPLAY OF SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES RATHER THAN SIMPLE SELF-INDULGENCE.

IN ANY REHABILITATION PROCESS, SHE WENT ON, THE COMMUNITY HAD TO BE WILLING TO COME TO THE AID OF THE VICTIMS.

THE AID COULD BE IN THE FORM OF EMPLOYMENT OFFERS, SOCIALISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE VICTIMS OR SIMPLE ACCEPTANCE OF AN INDIVIDUAL’S RIGHT TO DIGNITY AND SELF-RESPECT.

/+ - T »•••••..

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 198}

- 4 -

♦THE LAST THING THAT AN ADDICT WANTS IS TO BE SHUNNED BY HIS FAMILY OR NEIGHBOURS. WITHOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND SYMPATHY, NO ADDICT CAN HOPE TO REMAIN FREE OF DRUGS FOR LONG,+ SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF YOUNG DRUG ADDICTS IN HONG KONG WAS SMALL BUT THERE APPEARED TO BE A RISING TREND IN THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 BEING REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE.

IN 1978, OF 6 559 NEWLY REPORTED INDIVIDUALS, ONLY 5.9 PER CENT WERE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 7 AND 21.

THIS PERCENTAGE ROSE STEADILY TO 14.2 PER CENT IN 1980, 22.4 PER CENT IN 1981 AND 26.8 PER CENT IN 1982.

THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PERSONS PROSECUTED FOR DRUG OFFENCES, RANGING FROM SIMPLE POSSESSION TO TRAFFICKING, ALSO INCREASED FROM 294 IN 1978 TO 1 016 IN 1982.

♦WHILE THERE IS NO CAUSE YET FOR SERIOUS CONCERN, THE SITUATION OBVIOUSLY NEEDS CAREFUL WATCH I NG,+ SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS WELL KNOWN THAT YOUNG ADDICTS OFTEN PICKED UP THE HABIT THROUGH SHEER IGNORANCE, PEER GROUP PRESSURE, CURIOSITY OR BECAUSE OF UNHAPPY FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES.

♦PREVENTIVE MEASURES,♦ SHE SAID, +CANNOT BE RELEGATED JUST TO SCHOOLS AND THE GOVERNMENT. I WOULD STRESS THE VITAL ROLE THAT PARENTS CAN PLAY HERE.+

SHE DESCRIBED ADOLESCENCE AS +AN UNSETTLING PERIOD+ AS YOUNGSTERS UNDERGO CONSIDERABLE PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND SEXUAL CHANGES.

DURING THIS CRUCIAL AND SENSITIVE PERIOD, A STABLE AND LOVING FAMILY ENVIRONMENT COULD MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TURNING OUT A WELL ADJUSTED, RESPONSIBLE ADULT OR A DISGRUNTLED SOCIAL MISFIT.

♦AS THE CHILD MATURES, HE NEEDS HIS PARENTS BY HIS SIDE TO GUIDE, EDUCATE AND SUPPORT HIM EMOTIONALLY.

♦AN ALERT AND SUPPORTING PARENT CAN DO MUCH TO KEEP THE CHILD FROM TAKING TO DRUGS OR IF THE YOUNGSTER UNFORTUNATELY FALLS PREY TO DRUG ABUSE, TO TAKE EARLY STEPS TO SEEK TREATMENT,♦ SHE SAID.

MRS CHAN SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD GIVEN EVERY SUPPORT TO THE LOK HEEP CLUB AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.

SHE WAS SORRY TO NOTE THE DIFFICULTIES THE CLUB HAD EXPERIENCED IN RE-PROVISIONING ITS HONG KONG CLUB HOUSE.

IT WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT BOTH TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE AGENCY THAT THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL TO RE-PROVISION THE CLUB IN A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FELL THROUGH BECAUSE OF RESISTANCE FROM THE RESIDENTS, SHE SAID.

di *

/♦I EOfS.....

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1985

- 5 -

♦I HOPE THAT INCREASINGLY THROUGH PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION, THE MORE FORTUNATE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WILL SHOW GREATER TOLERANCE AND UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS THE NEEDS OF EX-DRUG ADD ICTS,♦ SHE SAID.

HAPPILY, ALTERNATIVE PREMISES FOR THE HONG KONG CLUB HOUSE HAVE NOW BEEN FOUND AND WHEN IT BECOMES OPERATIONAL LATER THIS YEAR, ITS MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY IMPROVED FACILITIES.

MRS CHAN DESCRIBED THE RECIPIENTS OF THE BADGES OF MERIT AS +COURAGEOUS MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE REMAINED ABSTINENT FROM DRUGS FOR VARYING PERIODS.*

SHE SAID THE ROAD TO DELIVERY FROM DRUG ADDICTION WAS A LONG AND TORTUOUS ONE AND REQUIRED OF THE ADDICT NOT ONLY DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE BUT ALSO AN ABILITY TO WITHSTAND CONSIDERABLE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DISCOMFORT DURING THE WITHDRAWAL PROCESS.

♦THE BADGES OF MERIT BEAR TESTIMONY TO A BATTLE COURAGEOUSLY FOUGHT AND WON AND THE RECIPIENTS CAN TAKE JUSTIFIABLE PRIDE IN THEIR ACHIEVEMENT,♦ SHE ADDED.

THE CARITAS LOK HEEP CLUB HAS PROVIDED SERVICES FOR DRUG ADDICTS FOR 15 YEARS.

IT NOW HAS NEARLY 1 OOQ MEMBERS AND MORE THAN 100 ASSOCIATE

MEMBERS.

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CALL TO JOIN OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK FIELD * M * *

PEOPLE WITH LONG EXPERIENCE IN LIFE AND SOCIAL WELFARE WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED TO JOIN THE FIELD OF OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK.

THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, WHEN SHE SPOKE AT THE OPENING OF THE HUNG HOM OU.TREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAM OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.

SHE DESCRIBED OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK AS ♦DIFFICULT BUT FULL OF CHALLENGES*.

SHE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT MORE WOULD JOIN THE RANKS OF OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK TEAMS.

SATUBDAY, JUNE 25, 1985

♦AS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNIT', IT IS AN URGENT TASK FOR US TO HELP THEM GROW UP AS GOOD CIT I ZENS,♦ SHE SAID.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE 18 OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK TEAMS IN HONG KONG.

THEY HAVE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS COME UP AGAINST MANY PROBLEMS, SUCH AS MANPOWER SHORTAGES AND LACK OF OFFICE SPACE.

♦HOWEVER, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN DISCOURAGED, NOR HAS THEIR ENTHUSIASM BEEN DAMPENED. ON THE CONTRARY, THEY HAVE CARRIED ON THE GOOD WORK WITHOUT COMPLAINT,* MRS GOODSTADT SAID.

ON YOUTH PROBLEMS GENERALLY, SHE SAID THAT BECAUSE YOUNG PEOPLE HAD NOT MATURED FULLY AND BECAUSE OF THE INFLUENCE OF WESTERN IDEAS, THEY HAD OFTEN FAILED TO COME UP TO THE MORAL AND BEHAVIOURAL STANDARDS EXPECTED OF THEM BY THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

♦FORTUNATELY, THE VAST MAJORITY OF FAMILIES ARE ABLE TO HELP THEIR YOUNGER MEMBERS DURING THIS TRANSITION PERIOD TO ADJUST TO THE WORLD OF THE GROWN-UPS.

♦THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THROUGH THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ORGANISED IN YOUTH CENTRES, HAVE ALSO ASSISTED YOUNG PEOPLE IN GROWING UP INTO RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS,+ SHE SAID.

AT PRESENT THERE ARE MORE THAN 100 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES.

THERE ARE PLANS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF THESE CENTRES TO 370 OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

REFERRING TO PROBLEM YOUTHS, MRS GOODSTADT SAID THAT NEITHER THE FAMILY NOR THE SCHOOL HAD HAD ANY INFLUENCE ON THIS GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

♦THEY ALSO DO NOT WANT TO ATTEND YOUTH CENTRES OR PARTICIPATE IN ORGANISED ACTIVITIES.

♦THESE YOUNG PEOPLE DESERVE OUR SYMPATHY AND ASSISTANCE, AND THAT IS WHY WE HAVE INTRODUCED OUTREACH ING SOCIAL WORK.+ SHE SAID.

OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO GO OUT INTO THE STREETS, TO BILLIARD ROOMS AND OTHER PLACES TO CONTACT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE, SHE ADDED.

THE NEW OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK TEAM OFFICE, LOCATED AT HUNG HOM ESTATE, TAI WAN SHAN, HAS BEEN SET UP WITH A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.

0 --------

‘l

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

RECLAMATION PROJECT FOR JUNK BAY ft * *

THE JUNK BAY NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 13 HECTARES OF LAND AT SIU CH IK SHA TO PROVIDE SITES FOR A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.

THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 400-METRE ROAD TO LINK HANG HAU ROAD NEAR HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE COMPANY LTD TO SIU CH IK SHA.

THE NEW ROAD WILL GIVE ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AND TO THE FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE RECLAIMED LAND.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

- - 0 -

REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION RELOCATED ft * * *

THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAS MOVED FROM NEW MERCURY HOUSE TO HARBOUR CENTRE.

FROM MONDAY (JUNE 27), THE NEW ADDRESS OF THE DIVISION ISi

HARBOUR CENTRE, 1OTH FLOOR,

25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 5-270369 OR 5-270380.

- - o - -

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

- 8 -

SCOUT SERVICE PRAISED * ft * ft

THE SPIRIT OF SCOUT SERVICE WAS AN INDISPENSABLE ELEMENT IN IMPROVING SOCIETY, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STUART HARBINSON, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

♦BESIDES, THE SCOUTS’ EFFORT IN THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT ASPECTS SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTEDl THEY EXTEND THEIR INDIVIDUALITIES INTO GROUP SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSIST IN THE RUNNING OF COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.

MR HARBINSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY CF OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AT THE FUNG KAI PRIMARY SCHOOL.

HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE 16 SCOUT GROUPS AND 19 SCOUT TROUPES WITH MORE THAN 700 MEMBERS IN THE DISTRICT, AND THAT SCOUTS DEVELOPMENT WAS STILL EXPANDING, EVEN INTO SCHOOLS AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.

♦EVERY YEAR, THE ASSOCIATION HOLDS HEALTHY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, VISITS, TRAINING COURSES AND COMPETITIONS.

♦THESE ACTIVITIES PROMOTE AND ENHANCE THE YOUNGSTERS’ GROUP LIVES, SELF-RELIANCE AND INDEPENDENCE IN WORK,* HE SAID.

MR HARBINSON STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FULLY SUPPORT THE SCOUT DEVELOPMENT AND ENCOURAGE THE ASSOCIATION TO CONTINUE RECRUITING NEW BLOOD AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, ABOUT 500 LOCAL CHILDREN WERE TREATED TO GAMES AT THE SCHOOL.

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JUNIOR POLICE CALL’S PUBLIC ROLE STRESSED ft ft ft

JUNIOR POLICE CALL HAD BROUGHT YOUNG PEOPLE CLOSER TO THE POLICE AFFORDED THEM AN IDENTITY IN THE COMMUNITY AND MOTIVATED THEM TO MAKE POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY, SAID NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL ILLINGWORTH TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW TSUEN WAN JPC CLUBHOUSE AT SHEK TSUI HOUSE, SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE, MR ILLINGWORTH SAID ” JPC COULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SPEEDING UP THE PROCESS WHEREBY PEOPLE MOVING TO NEW HOSUING ESTATES COULD GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND BECOME FRIENDS AND THROUGH THOSE FRIENDSHIPS AND MUTUAL INTERESTS HELP TO ESTABLISH A GENUINE COMMUNITY SPIRIT. ”

SATURDAY, JUN-J 25, 19E3

- 9 -

HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT JPC MEMBERS IN TSUEN WAN COULD HAVE A NEW AND MODERN CLUBHOUSE TO CATER FOR HOLDING VARIOUS SPORTING, RECREATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ITS 17 OOO OVER MEMBERS.

MR ILLINGWORTH URGED PARENTS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO JOIN JPC SO THAT THEY COULD ’’ENJOY THE MANY INTERESTS AND BENEFITS IT HAS TO OFFER”.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE FUNCTION WERE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH, MR DREW RENNIE; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR DAVID GALLOWAY; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MESSRS CHAN PO-FONG AND CHAN LAU-FONG; SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE HOUSING MANAGER, MR LEE KING-CHI; CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN YUEN INST IT I UTE, MR TONG KWOK-WAH AND SIX UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, THEY TOURED THE NEW CLUBHOUSE ACCOMPANIED BY THE TSUEN WAN POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MR YEUNG YUK-TONG.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE AIR-CONDITIONED 186-SQAURE-METRE PREMISES INCLUDE A CLUB HALL, A GAMES ROOM, A LECTURE HALL, A LIBRARY, TWO SHOWER AND CHANGING ROOMS AND A PANTRY.

THE CLUBHOUSE IS ONLY A TWO MINUTES’ WALK TO THE NEAREST BUS STOP.

MR YEUNG SAID, ’’THE CLUB IS OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 10 AM AND ID PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS.

’’HOWEVER, AT THE MOMENT, WE ARE CONSIDERING OPENING IT ON SUNDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR MEMBERS.”

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SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

SWIMMERS AT BEACHES SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS *****

BEACHGOERS ARE BEING STRONGLY URGED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN THEY ENTER THE WATER FOR A SWIM.

THEY SHOULD SWIM WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THEIR ABILITY AND SHOULD NOT RELY ON SWIMMING AIDS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ACCIDENTS RECENTLY AT NON-GAZETTED BEACHES, HE TOLD THEM TO SWIM WITHIN THE SAEFTY AREAS CLEARLY MARKED WITH BUOY LINES AT GAZETTED PUBLIC BEACHES.

THERE ARE 27 GAZETTED BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS WHERE LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY.

SWIMMING OUTSIDE THE SAFETY AREAS COULD BE DANGEROUS EVEN FOR EXPERIENCED SWIMMERS BECAUSE OF STRONG WAVES AND TIDES, THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.

♦BATHERS SHOULD NOT SWIM IMMEDIATELY AFTER A HEAVY MEAL OR WHEN THEY ARE HUNGRY OR TIRED. ALSO, THEY SHOULD NOT DRINK ALCOHOL BEFORE SWIMMING,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARENTS AND GUARDIANS SHOULD STAY WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT ALL TIMES IF THEIR CHILDREN COULD NOT SWIM, HE STRESSED.

BATHERS WERE ALSO REMINDED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO MAKE BARBECUE FIRES OR TO ERECT TENTS AT GAZETTED BEACHES.

MEANWHILE, BEACHGOERS WERE AGAIN WARNED THAT THE WATER AT BUTTERFLY BEACH AND CASTLE PEAK BEACH IN TUEN MUN AND ANGLER’S BEACH IN TSUEN WAN IS POLLUTED AND UNSUITABLE FOR SWIMMING.

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

HOLIDAY PARKING CHARGES * * *

™E.iRANSP0RT department reminded motorists CHARGcS AT AcO'JT 350 METERED SPACES IN WAN CHAI

V,LL ?E ^TENDED TO SUNDAYS AND FROM TOMORROW (JUNE 26).

THAT PARKING CAUSEWAY BAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

«RA?t5Gcffifsw:;tLB!EF^ kw “eekmvs but the

WAN ROAD, SING WOO ROAD, YUK SAU STREET YUEN YUEN ’ STREET, MIN FAT STREET AND VICTORIA CAR PARK. ’

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

KWUN TONG ACCIDENT ’UPWARD TREND ARRESTED’ *****

THE UPWARD TREND OF ROAD CASUALTIES IN KWUN TONG APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED, THE DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, KWUN TONG, MR BRIAN WIGLEY SAID THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AT THE MAIN SQUARE OF TELFORD GARDENS, MR WIGLEY REVEALED THAT IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 10 PEOPLE DIED AND 121 WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED IN 540 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE ROADS OF KWUN TONG.

THIS COMPARES WITH 28 DEATHS AND 414 SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE DISTRICT IN 1981 AND 32 FATALITIES AND 406 SERIOUS INJURIES LAST YEAR.

’•WHILST THIS DOWNWARD TREND IS ENCOURAGING, IT WOULD BE BOTH DANGEROUS AND WRONG TO BE COMPLACENT FOR I’M SURE THAT WE WOULD ALL AGREE THAT THE CASUALTY FIGURES ARE STILL TOO HIGH,’ MR WIGLEY POINTED OUT.

MR WIGLEY ADDED THAT IT WAS REASSURING TO NOTE THAT THE SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE DIRECTED AT THOSE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY CONSIDERED MOST VULNERABLE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.

THIS IS BECAUSE DESPITE IMPROVED ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION, YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 20 YEARS OLD STILL SUFFER WITH 15 KILLED AND 450 SERIOUSLY INJURED THROUGHTOUT HONG KONG IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1933.

’’AS WOULD BE EXPECTED THE MAJORITY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVi THOSE TWO CATEGORIES OF CITIZENS AGED BETWEEN 20 AND 30 AND BETWEEN 3Q AND 60 WHO ACCOUNTED F0<? ^5 FATAL AND 1 200 SERIOUS ACCIDENTS IN MONG KONA DURING THE SAVE PERIOD,” HE POINTED OUT.

SA2W.-.Y, JUNE 2>, 1963

- 12 -

FOR THIS REASON, MR WIGLEY STRESSED THAT IT WAS IMPERATIVE TO REACH THOSE SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION VULNERABLE TO THE TRAGEDY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WHETHER THEY BE PEDESTRIANS, PASSENGERS OR DRIVERS AND IMPLANT IN THEIR MINDS THE VERY REAL NEED FOR CARE AND SAFETY.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, KWUN TONG, MR KEVIN MAK, DISCLOSED THAT THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD =>LANS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AND ROAD SAFETY MEASURES IN THE AREA BY INTRODUCING MORE SAFETY RAILINGS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.

ON THIS HAPPY NOTE, THE ENTERTAINMENT AND THE FUN STARTED. A LION DANCE WAS PERFORMED BY THE KWUN TONG JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS TO KICK OFF THE FIVE WEEKS LONG CAMPAIGN. PERFORMANCES WERE ALSO GIVEN BY THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE HONG KONG CYCLIST ASSOCIATION, A POLICE DOG SHOW AND SINGING BY TV ARTISTES.

A MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN TO EDUCATE CHILDREN ON ROAD SAFETY RULES AND CODES AND A SEAT BELT CATAPULT DEMONSTRATION WERE ALSO STAGED.

CAPTAIN SAFETY, A CHARACTER CREATED FOR THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, WAS PRESENT TO DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS.

INCLUDED IN THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE VISITS TO THE SAU MAU PING ROAD SAFETY TOWN, PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST AND QUIZZES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.

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

ROADS TO BE CLOSED M M M

A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED FROM MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (JUNE 26) TO 5.45 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WORK ON THE SOUTHERN ELEVATED ROAD.

THESE SECTIONS ARE THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAI YIP STREET BETWEEN KWUN TONG ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO KOWLOON BAY TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, A SECTION OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAI YIP STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD, AND THE ACCESS ROAD ITSELF.

THE MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED ON MONDAY (JUNE 27) NIGHT.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM SIU YIP STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO WAI YIP STREET WESTBOUND BUT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT AT THE SAME JUNCTION.

TRAFFIC HEADING FOR TELFORD GARDENS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD, HONG TAK ROAD AND TAI YIP STREET

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 1983

WATER CUT IN TAI PO * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI PO AM T° 5’3° PM 0N TUESDAY (JUNE nA I No UUNNcCl ION.

ZHE suspeNSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG FROM TUNG CHEONG STREET TO ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME.

WILL BE 28) FOR

TAI PO ROAD

rec.«HEi. N™U2E.THE TAI P0 POLICE STATION, THE TAI PO DISTRICT TAI P0 PR,MARY SCHOOL, THE AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY DEPARTMENT EXTENSION OFFICE, ISLAND HOUSE, KWONG FUK ESTATE ™ K’ZH NE* PA‘LWAY STAT'0N> WONG Yl AU, MEI WoOS SAN TS&EN, TAI PO KAU, RURAL LODGE AND TAI PO KAU SAN WAI.

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

FIRING PRACTICE M * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE CN WEDNESDAY (JUNE 29).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.

THE PRACTICE TIME IS FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR FIRST QUARTER ............ 1

PARENTS REMINDED TO REGISTER CHILDREN WITH SCHOOLS ............ 4-

SECOND PHASE OF NEW I.D. CARD SCHEME MAKES GOOD PROGRESS .... 5

TWO DB MEETINGS ON TUESDAY...................................... 6

DRAFT ZONING PLAN AMENDED ...................................... 7

WIDER ROAD FOR THEN MUN ........................................ 7

POLICE WORK OFFERING EXCELLENT PROSPECTS ....................... 8

MAJOR EXHIBITION ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES ...................... 9

HEALTH SURVEY IN SHA TIN .................................... 10

ROAD MAINTENANCE, A HERCULEAN TASK ............................ 11

CLOSURE OF BRIDGE FOR INSPECTION ............................ 13

ETOCATICN OF CUSTOMS ASO EXCISE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS .... 13

FIVE-MONTH RAINFALL HIGHEST SINCE 1889 ........................ 14

TREE-PLANTING DAY FOR SAI KUNG ................................ 17

TUNNEL BEING CLOSED FOR TESTS

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR FIRST QUARTER ******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983.

THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT COMMODITY EXPORT 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.

IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS WERE WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND METAL PRODUCTS.

TOGETHER THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 86 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983.

THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER THE FIRST

-QUARTER OF 1982 OCCURRED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES (INCLUDING ELECTRONICS) ($334 MILLION), TEXTILES ($282 MILLION), WEARING APPAREL ($194 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT ($152 MILLION), AND METAL PRODUCTS ($137 MILLION).

IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES WERE t BEVERAGES (97 PER CENT), TOBACCO (90 PER CENT), FOOD (31 PER CENT), ELECTRICITY (25 PER CENT), CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (24 PER CENT), AND OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING (22 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, SUBSTANTIAL DECREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE RECORDED FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-$192 MILLION), FOOTWEAR (-$24 MILLION), AND WOOD PRODUCTS (-$18 MILLION).

IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECREASES WERE OBSERVED IN PETROLEUM AND COAL PRODUCTS (-75 PER CENT), MINING AND QUARRYING (-49 PER CENT), AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION (-25 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (-23 PER CENT), AND RUBBER PRODUCTS (-21 PER CENT).

THE CLASSIFICATION OF COMMODITY EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.l.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THESE RECLASSIFIED FIGURES, THE OVERALL EXPORT VALUE OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY REQUIRING SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT IS FINALLY PRODUCED, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE.

/BESIDES, THE ....

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1985

2 -

BESIDES, THE 'CLASSIFICATION OF AN EXPORTED COMMODITY TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE AMOUNT OF THE COMMODITY IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.

FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3-7224504).

A TABLE ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, MARCH 1983*.

VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE 1ST QTR OF 82 AND OF 83

(HKS’OOO)

INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN OF THE COMMODITIES EXPORTED

MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS

1ST QTR 82 1ST QTR 83 % CHANGE

AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY

AND FISHING

AGR 1 CULTURAL, L1VESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION 13 □92 . 9 784 -25

OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING 38 618 47 256 22

MINING AND QUARRYING 312 159 -49

/MANUFACTURING .....

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

- 3 -

MANUFACTURING

FOOD 206 526 269 895 31

BEVERAGES 6 846 13 478 97

TOBACCO 38 578 73 484 90

TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 2 948 468 3 229 984 10

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR 4 342 200 4 536 283 4

LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS 106 131 106 200 *

FOOTWEAR 104 665 81 012 -23

WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES 119 689 101 401 -15

PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING 255 386 278 236 9

CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 196 597 243 175 24

PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL 105 26 -75

RUBBER PRODUCTS 20 296 16 126 -21

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 1 414 146 1 222 492 -14

NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 47 712 49 071 3

BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 966 138 1 102 879 14

MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 198 451 207 857 5

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY 3 689 AND APPLIANCES ( INCLUDING ELECTRONICS) 968 4 023 876 9

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 33 340 34 850 5

PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT 1 740 409 1 892 682 9

OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 867 328 900 427 4

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 19SJ

4 -

ELECTRICITY 28 754 35 959 25

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

(E.G. SMALL POSTAL 120 208 152 248 27

PACKAGES, DEVELOPED PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES AND FILM, ANTIQUES, AND WORKS OF ART)

TOTAL 17 503 965 18 628 839 6

mar b w k k w m at m at ■**■**««***■■*■

INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES OF A COLUMN MAY NOT ADD UP EXACTLY TO THE CORRESPONDING TOTAL DUE TO ROUNDING.

* A CHANGE OF LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT

0 - - -

PARENTS REMINDED TO REGISTER CHILDREN WITH SCHOOLS

* K * *

PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE SECURED A PLACE UNDER THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM ARE REMINDED TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION FORMALITIES TOMORROW OR ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28).

REGISTRATION HOURS WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON FOR AM SCHOOLS, FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM FOR PM SCHOOLS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON AS WELL AS FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM FOR WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS.

WHEN REGISTERING THEIR CHILD, PARENTS MUST SURRENDER TO THE SCHOOL CONCERNED THE ALLOCATION SLIP WHICH THEY OBTAINED EARLIER FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE DI STR IBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE.

PARENTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR CHILD AND SHOULD PRODUCE THE ORIGINAL COPY OF THE CHILD’S HONG KONG BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR IDENTITY DOCUMENTS PERMITTING THE CHILD TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG, TWO PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOS AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF CASH AS SOME PRIMARY SCHOOLS MAY CHARGE MINOR REGISTRATION FEES.

PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL ON JUNE 27 OR 28 MUST CONTACT THE SCHOOL OR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT AT 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, SECOND FLOOR, FOR ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

PARENTS WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE ALLOCATED.

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/5 ....

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

SECOND PHASE OF NEW I.D. CARD SCHEME MAKES GOOD PROGRESS *****

ABOUT 61 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF MEN BORN IN 1963 HAVE APPLIED FOR NEW HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS SINCE THE SECOND PHASE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD SCHEME STARTED THREE WEEKS AGO.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SO FAR 37 200 MEN IN THIS AGE GROUP, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 61 000, HAD APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW CARDS.

+THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS AN AVERAGE TURN-UP RATE OF 2 650 PER DAY IN THE LAST 14 WORKING DAYS.

+WE ARE PLEASED WITH THIS RATE AND HOPE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED WILL DO SO IN GOOD TIME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE REMINDED THE REMAINING 39 PER CENT THAT THERE ARE ONLY 12 WORKING DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE OF JULY 9.

+THOSE WHO ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG AND WILL NOT BE BACK BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE SHOULD APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN,* HE ADDED.

MEN BORN IN 1963 FORM THE SECOND GROUP TO BE ISSUED WITH THE NEW I.D. CARDS.

THE FIRST GROUP - OF MEN BORN IN 1964 - WAS DEALT WITH IN THE PREVIOUS PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS TO BRING ALONG THEIR OLD IDENTITY CARDS WHEN THEY REPORT TO ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE BUSY IN THE DAYTIME DURING WEEKDAYS CAN ATTEND IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS,* HE SAID.

THE PROCESSING OF AN APPLICATION SHOULD TAKE ONLY HALF AN HOUR, HE ADDED.

APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF WHEN TO RETURN FOR THEIR NE* CARDS AND SURRENDER THEIR OLD ONES.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING 5-7956066 (CHINESE LANGUAGE) OR 5-7909393 (ENGLISH LANGUAGE).

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

TWO DB MEETINGS ON TUESDAY

* * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR G.L. MORTIMER, WILL SPEAK ON HONG KONG’S ANT I-NARCOTICS POLICY AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28) AFTERNOON.

MR MORTIMER WILL BRIEF BOARD MEMBERS ON THE LAW ENFORCEMENT WORK, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME, AND EDUCATION ASPECTS RELATING TO DRUG, AS WELL AS THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT.

AT THE MEETING, A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, MRS BRENDA FUNG, WILL TALK ON THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP AN OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE IN LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE A PILOT SCHEME TO INSTALL STREET LIGHTINGS AT GOOD HOPE VILLAGE, THE REMOVAL OF OBJECTIONABLE SIGN-BOARDS IN SAN PO KONG, AND THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.

IN THE MORNING, MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE EDUCATIONAL REPORT +A PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION IN HONG KONG+ AT THEIR MEETING.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROPOSED DECLARATION OF THE OLD TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION AS A HISTORICAL LANDMARK.

BEFORE THE MEETING, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT’S NEW OFFICE.

THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT HAS RECENTLY BEEN MOVED TO THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN KWONG FUK ROAD. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR PUBLIC ENQUIRIES IS 0-6584018 OR 0-6585018.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND (A) THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT’S NEW OFFICE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.30 AM, FOLLOWED BY THE BOARD MEETING, ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN KWONG FUK ROAD; AND (B) THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE FUNG MING HALL, SIK SIK YUEN, WONG TAI SIN.

A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5797, wILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.15 AM FOR TAI PO.

- - 0

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

DRAFT ZONING PLAN AMENDED

* * *

AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CAUSEWAY BAY HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

THE AMENDMENTS INVOLVE THE REALIGNMENT OF THE SECTION OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY BETWEEN GREAT GEORGE STREET AND HING FAT STREET AND THE RELOCATION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION FROM THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND CANAL ROAD EAST TO THE JUNCTION OF YEE WOO STREET AND HENNESSY ROAD.

IN ADDITION, A SET OF NEW NOTES TO THE PLAN HAS BEEN INCORPORATED.

THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- THE DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), 884-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS- AND THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.

ANY PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT THEIR OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN TOGETHER WITH THE REVISED SET OF NOTES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AT S1O PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.

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

WIDER ROAD FOR TUEN MUN * * *

LANE CARRIAGEWAY.

TO,N JIM

department.

the project forms part of a continuing programme to develop the new town.

the project will also include the conduction OFrRoOADSoAND m'?lE'"xTHSTl“NGNFOOTBR*JGE ACROSS CASTLE °EAK ROAD AT SAM SHING HUI.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLEX.

----o------

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

POLICE WORK OFFERING EXCELLENT PROSPECTS ******

ABOUT 50 000 COPIES OF A LETTER SIGNED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE , MR. LI KWAN-HA, ARE BEING SENT TO THIS YEAR’S FORM FIVE SCHOOL-LEAVERS.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MAILING EXERCISE IS TO INFORM YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE AND TO INVITE THEM TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER MAKING POLICE WORK THEIR LIFE CAREER.

MR. LI KWAN-HA, THE HIGHEST RANKING LOCAL POLICE OFFICER, POINTED OUT IN HIS LETTER THAT POLICE WORK IS A PROFESSIONAL JOB WHICH OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF DUTIES AND EXCELLENT CAREER PROSPECTS.

” THE GREAT EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAVE BROUGHT US MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICERS TO SPECIALISE IN VARIOUS SPHERES OF POLICE DUTIES.”

MR. LI NOTED THAT THE FORCE HAS VACANCIES FOR CONSTABLES IN BOTH THE LAND AND MARINE UNITS WHICH WILL BE FILLED BY YOUNG MEN OF GOOD EDUCATION AND QUALITY.

THE POLICE ARE HOPING TO RECRUIT SOME 1 200 POLICE CONSTABLES DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

ENCLOSED WITH THE LETTERS ARE COLOURFUL LEAFLETS AND COPIES OF FACT SHEETS GIVING FULL DETAILS ON QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, PROMOTION PROSPECTS, SALARY SCALES AND FRINGE BENEFITS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER GRADE AND THE ADDRESSES OF RECRUITING CENTRES.

A POLICE RECRUITING OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY ADVISED THAT SECONDARY SCHOOL LEAVERS WISH TO JOIN RANKS SHOULD APPLY NOW.

” IN FACT, THEY CAN NOW USE THEIR HKCEE ADMISSION CARDS AS PROOF OF EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS WHEN MAKING THEIR APPLICATION AND INFORM US OF THE EXAMINATION RESULTS LATER,” HE ADDED.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

MAJOR EXHIBITION ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

* * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A MAJOR EXHIBITION EARLY NEXT MONTH TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION ON HOW TO DEVELOP GOOD HEALTH HABITS.

ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF A TERRITORY-WIDE CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL’S LOW BLOCK, AND WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY BETWEEN JULY 1 AND JULY 6.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CAMPAIGN WERE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING EARLY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND TO COMPLETE THE IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN.

♦HONG KONG HAS BEEN FREE FROM MANY EPIDEMIC DISEASES FOR MANY YEARS BECAUSE OF THE STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES TAKEN BY THE HEALTH AUTHORITIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦HOWEVER, A FEW CASES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, SUCH AS POLIO AND VIRAL HEPATITIS, HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN RECENT YEARS DUE MAINLY TO INCOMPLETE IMMUNISATION AND NEGLIGENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL, PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE,+ HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE THE COMMON FORMS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN HONG KONG, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND INFORMATION ON THE TREATMENT FACILITIES AVAILABLE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE VIDEO AND SLIDE SHOWS PLUS GAMES DESIGNED TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THE VARIOUS FORMS OF DISEASES AND ON HOW THEY ARE TRANSMITTED AS WELL AS ON THEIR PREVENTION.

A SPECIAL ATTRACTION WILL BE A COMPUTER GAME PROGRAMMED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE CAUSES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, IMMUNISATION FOR CHILDREN AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

WINNING ENTRIES FOR A POSTER DESIGN AND SLOGAN COMPETITION, AIMED AT PROMOTING PERSONAL HYGIENE AND IMMUNISATION, WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY AT THE EXHIBITION.

PAMPHLETS ON THE NATURE OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND IMMUNISATION PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO VISITORS.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1955

NOTE TO EDITORS!

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR PETER C. WONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION.

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.F. LAM, WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AT THE CEREMONY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM ON JUNE 30 (THURSDAY) IN THE EXHIBITION HALL, LOW BLOCK, CITY HALL.

- - 0 - -

HEALTH SURVEY IN SHA TIN * * * *

A HEALTH SURVEY TO EVALUATE THE HEALTH CONDITION OF RESIDENTS IN SHA TIN AND TO EDUCATE THEM ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD HEALTH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE DISTRICT THIS SUMMER.

ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, THE SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THREE PHASES.

FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO THURSDAY (JUNE 30), STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT 2 000 RESIDENTS FROM 550 HOUSEHOLDS IN SAU CHUEN HOUSE, LEK YUEN ESTATE AND EXPLAIN THE SURVEY TO THEM.

IN JULY AND AUGUST, QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THESE 2 000 RESIDENTS WHEN THEY WILL BE ASKED OF THEIR DAILY EATING AND DRINKING HABITS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, WORRIES AND HEALTH RECORDS.

IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, THEY WILL BE OFFERED FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE IN LEK YUEN l€ALTH CENTRE.

A FULL REPORT OF THE SURVEY, WITH RECOMMENDATIONS, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATER IN THE YEAR.

PROFESSOR STUART DONNAN, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE SURVEY, POINTED OUT THAT THE SURVEY WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN A NEW TOWN.

THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE PLANNED TO MAKE IT A YEARLY PROJECT FOR SHA TIN SINCE THE SURVEY REPORT WOULD BE VERY USEFUL IN PLANNING FUTURE HEALTH PROGRAMMES, HE SAID.

♦THE SURVEY IS EXPECTED TO COST MORE THAN »25O 000. THOUGH THERE IS ALLOCATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY FUND, PRIVATE DONATIONS ARE WELCOME,+ HE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1^63

ROAD MAINTENANCE, A HERCULEAN TASK

* * * *

KEEPING HONG KONG’S EXTENSIVE PUBLIC ROAD NETWORKS IN GOOD ORDER IS A HERCULEAN PROJECT THAT COSTS THE GOVERNMENT OVER 8250 MILLION A YEAR.

APART FROM ROAD CONSTRUCTION, THE GOVERNMENT’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THESE VAST NETWORKS, CURRENTLY MADE UP OF 1 200 KILOMETRES OF ROADS R5 F’.YOVE®?. 154 FOOTBRIDGES AND 81 PEDESirtinn SuBWAfS.

SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT ENGINEERS MUST CONTEND WITH ARE THE INADEQUATE THICKNESS OF HONG KONG’S OLDER ROADS, RAPID INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, GROWING ROAD TRAFFIC WITH A HIGH PROPORTION OF HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, LIMITED WORKING SPACE AND LACK OF DIVERSION ROUTES.

EVERY MONTH, SOME 23 500 CUBIC METRES OF BITUMINOUS MATERIAL WERE USED ON ROAD RESURFACING AND REPAIR, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR HAROLD BEATON, POINTED OUT.

♦ANOTHER MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE BLOCKAGE OF GULLIES AND DRAINS DURING HEAVY RAINS, WHICH CAUSE SUDDEN FLOODING AND POTHOLES IN OUR ROADS.

♦THIS PROBLEM IS EXACERBATED BY THE HILLY TERRAIN OF HONG KONG AND THE VAST VOLUME OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE, BUILDING DEBRIS AND REFUSE FROM STREET MARKET ACTIVITIES,♦ MR BEATON SAID.

INDIVIDUAL ROADS, DRAINS, HILLSIDE CATCHPITS, SAND TkA. u AND NULLAHS MUST THUS BE REGULARLY INSPECTED AND CLEANED, WHICH IS A HIGHLY LABOUR-INTENSIVE JOB.

♦FOR INSTANCE, ENGINEERS AND TECHNICAL STAFF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WERE WORKING ON A 24-HOUR BASIS DURING THE RECENT INTENSE RAINSTORMS TO CHECK THE EXTENT OF ROAD DAMAGE AND TO ALLEVIATE ROAD FLOODING CAUSED BY THE BLOCKAGE OF ROAD DRAINAGE,* HE SAID.

ROUND-THE-CLOCK WORK HAS BEEN GOING ON OVER THE PAST WEEK TO REPAIR THE MANY ROADS DAMAGED BY THE TORRENTIAL RAINS.

ALTHOUGH MANY ROADS SUFFERED DAMAGE, MAJOR SLIPS OCCURRED ON THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE PEAK, CHAI WAN ROAD AND VICTORIA ROAD.

THEN THERE ARE SOME 1 300 SEPARATE TRENCH OPENINGS EACH MONTH, CARRIED OUT MOSTLY BY UTILITY COMPANIES FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE AND REPAIR WORK.

ALTHOUGH THE TRENCHES ARE FILLED BY THE CONTRACTORS OF THESE COMPANIES, PERMANENT REINSTATEMENT OF THE ROAD SURFACE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, MR BEATON SAID.

BESIDES ROADS, INNUMERABLE BRIDGE JOINTS AND BRIDGE BEARINGS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG MUST BE PERIODICALLY EXAMINED, REPAIRED OR REPLACED.

/IN ADDITION ...

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 198J

IN ADDITION, SOME 45 OOO TRAFFIC SIGNS REQUIRE REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE IS NOW USING MACHINE-LAID THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL FOR ROAD LINE MARKINGS, WHICH IN THE PAST WERE DONE MANUALLY WITH ORDINARY WHITE PAINT.

♦THERMOPLASTIC WITH ITS IMBEDDED REFLECTIVE GLASS BEADS LASTS LONGER, SHOWS UP BETTER AT NIGHT AND HAS BETTER SKID CHARACTERISTICS THAN PAINT,* MR BEATON SAID.

BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING ENGINEERING CHALLENGES POSED BY THE MASSIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE IS ADOPTING NEW TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT.

THE PRESENT +BENKELMAN BEAM* METHOD OF TESTING ROAD STRENGTHS INVOLVES THE USE OF SPECIALLY MADE ALLOY BEAMS CARRYING SENSITIVE GAUGES.

THESE BEAMS, WHICH ARE NAMED AFTER THEIR INVENTOR, ARE PUT ON THE ROAD SURFACE IN SELECTED LOCATIONS AND MEASURE DEFLECTIONS IMPOSED BY HEAVILY LOADED LORRIES.

FROM THIS DEFLECTION INFORMATION, STRUCTURAL STRENGTHS OF THE ROADS CAN BE DETERMINED, THUS ENABLING ENGINEERS TO ESTABLISH RESURFACING AND RECONSTRUCTION PRIORITIES, MR BEATON EXPLAINED.

A BASIC FLAW IS THAT THE METHOD INVOLVES CONSIDERABLE MANUAL WORK WHICH THUS SLOWS DOWN THE DATA GATHERING PROCESS.

♦SHORTLY, WE HOPE TO INTRODUCE THE DEFLECTOGRAPH METHOD CF DEFLECTION MEASUREMENTS WHICH IS USED IN SOME ADVANCED COUNTRIES.

♦THIS IS A MECHANISED VERSION OF THE BENKELMAN BEAM TECHNIQUE IN WHICH THE BEAMS ARE ATTACHED TO CUSTOM-BUILT LORRIES WITH HEAVILY LOADED REAR AXLES. THE LORRIES ARE DRIVEN ALONG THE ROADS SO THAT THE DEFLECTIONS IMPOSED BY THE REAR AXLES CAN BE CONTINUOUSLY AND MORE RAPIDLY MEASURED,♦ MR BEATON EXPLAINED.

THIS AND OTHER DATA GATHERED WILL BE FED INTO THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE’S RECENTLY INTRODUCED +CHART+ PROGRAMME — AN ABBREVIATION FOR +COMPUTERISED HIGHWAY ASSESSMENT TREATMENTS* -- FOR OVERALL PRIORITY ASSESSMENT.

AT PRESENT, ROAD MAINTENANCE IS DONE ON A DISTRICT-BY-DISTRICT BASIS, WITH EACH DISTRICT LOOKING AFTER ITS LOCAL PROBLEMS AND IDENTIFYING ITS OWN PRIORITY AREAS TO BE TACKLED.

♦THE DRAWBACK HERE IS WE DON’T HAVE AN OVERALL VIEW SO THAT OPTIMUM UTILISATION OF RESOURCES IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE,♦ W BEATON SAID.

/+TE3 DEFLEJTCGRAPH ....

♦THE DEFLECTOGRAPH PROGRAMME AND ™E SOPHISTICATED CHART

“c^d.tIon^aHd I°h?s|LSp other related factors.

PUSH S' IHS™TTOHC°:r “IIOR mE^OH

A^TERIUTORY-WIDE* BAS IS* THEREBY OPTIMISING MAINTENANCE EXPENDITURE,* MR BEATON SAID.

SAID.

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

CLOSURE OF BRIDGE FOR INSPECTION

X * *

TME TSI NG Yl BRIDGE WILL BE PARTLY CLOSED AT NIGHT FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO AUGUST 18 EXCEPT FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FOR INSPECTION AND TESTS.

THE CLOSURE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED EACH NIGHT FROM MIDNIGHT TO ABOUT 5A5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

FROM JUNE 27 TO JULY 7 AND FROM JULY 25 TO 28, ONLY ONE LANE OF THE BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.

DURING THE OTHER NIGHTS OF THE CLOSURE, THE CLOSED AND OPENED ALTERNATELY, WITH EACH CLOSURE LASTING 15 MINUTES.

BRIDGE WILL BE OR OPENING

HOWEVER, THROUGHOUT THE CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE MAY BE OPENED ANY TIME FOR EMERGENCY ACCESS.

_ - - 0-------

RELOCATION OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS * X X X

THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, FORMERLY LOCATED IN OCEAN CENTRE, KOWLOON AND SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE, WAN CHAI, WILL MOVE TO THE HONG KONG TRADE CENTRE, 161-167 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER AND THE TWO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS, WILL BE ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF THE HK TRADE CENTRE.

THE DEPARTMENT’S ADMINISTRATION BRANCH AND ACCOUNTS OFFICE (OTHER THAN ITS REVENUE COLLECTION OFFICES WHICH WILL REMAIN IN OCEAN CENTRE AND ASIAN HOUSE) WILL BE ACCOMMODATED ON THE 14TH AND 15TH FLOORS RESPECTIVELY.

/THE CCXMAND ....

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1985

- 14 -

THE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, ORIGINALLY IN SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE AND THE SUPPLIES SECTION IN EMPIRE CENTRE, KOWLOON, WILL MOVE TO THE 22ND AND THE 15TH FLOORS OF THE HONG KONG TRADE CENTRE RESPECTIVELY.

OFFICE HOURS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AS FOLLOWS:

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM

SATURDAY 9.00 AM TO 12.00 NOON

THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE NEW HEADQUARTERS IS 5-8521411.

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

FIVE-MONTH RAINFALL HIGHEST SINCE 1889

* * * *

ACCUMULATED RAINFALL FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THE YEAR, AT 1 288.9 MM, IS THE HIGHEST AMOUNT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD SINCE 1889 AND THE SECOND HIGHEST SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.

THE MONTH WAS ALSO CLOUDIER THAN NORMAL, AND THE 372.5 MM OF RAIN WHICH FELL IN MAY MADE IT THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RAINFALL.

THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH DRIZZLE ON MAY 1. IT RAINED AGAIN THE NEXT MORNING AS WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG IN SOME PLACES. THERE WERE SUNNY PERIODS FROM MAY 3 TO 5 BUT ALSO SOME DRIZZLE IN THE MORNING OF MAY 4.

A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHED FROM THE NORTH ON MAY 6, BRINGING OCCASIONAL SHOWERS.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED ON MAY 7 BUT SCATTERED SHOWERS RECURRED THE NEXT DAY.

THERE WERE MORE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON MAY 9 AND MINOR FLOODING WAS REPORTED IN TSUEN WAN AND NEAR SHA TIN RACE-COURSE.

IT WAS FINE APART FROM ISOLATED SHOWERS ON MAY 10 AND 11. OCCASIONAL SHOWERS AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON MAY 12 AS SOUTHWESTERLY WINDS FRESHENED.

THERE WAS FLOODING IN SOME LOW-LYING AREAS IN TAI PO AND A MUDSLIP WAS REPORTED AT CHEUNG LUNG TIN VILLAGE IN KWUN TONG WHERE TWO SQUATTER HUTS WERE AFFECTED AND MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE EVACUATED.

THERE WERE LIGHT SHOWERS ON MAY 13 AND 14.

ANOTHER TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE APPROACHED FROM THE NORTH ON MAY 15, BRINGING HEAVY SHOWERS AND WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORMS. THE DOWNPOUR RESULTED IN TWO MUDSLIPS AND FOUR MINOR FLOODING INCIDENTS.

/THE FIRST FUDSLIP ....

THE FIRST MUDSLIP WAS REPORTED AT AROUND 11 AM IN SAU MAU PING WHERE SIX WOODEN HUTS WERE AFFECTED AND MORE THAN TWENTY PEOPLE EVACUATED. THE SECOND MUDSLIP WAS REPORTED AT AROUND 1.30 PM IN LAM TIN WHERE A WOODEN HUT WAS PARTIALLY BURIED BY MUD AND A FAMILY OF SIX EVACUATED. SOME LOW-LYING AREAS IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, CASTLE PEAK, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG WERE INUNDATED. IN THE EVENING THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG, AND WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE NORTH AND FINE WEATHER SET IN.

NORTHERLY WINDS BECAME STRONG IN EXPOSED PLACES DURING THE MORNING OF MAY 16 AND THE FINE WEATHER PERSISTED UNTIL MAY 18.

THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY ON MAY 19 AND THERE WERE SCATTERED SHOWERS. A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE BECAME ACTIVE NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ON MAY 20 AND WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED IN HONG KONG. GUSTS OF 47 KNOTS AND 44 KNOTS WERE RECORDED AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND CHEUNG CHAU RESPECTIVELY AROUND 2 PM DURING THE THUNDERSTORMS. AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, A 6-METRE TREE FELL ONTO THE ROAD AT THE JUNCTION OF OLD PEAK ROAD AND MAY ROAD, BLOCKING THE TRAFFIC FOR MORE THAN ONE HOUR.

THERE WERE ALSO OVER 30 REPORTS OF MINOR FLOODING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, INCLUDING YUEN LONG, SHEUNG SHU I, KWAI CHUNG, TO KWA WAN, WANG TAU HOM, KWUN TONG, CAUSEWAY BAY, WAN CHAI AND HAPPY VALLEY. IN CHAI WAN, SEVERAL SQUATTER HUTS WERE FLOODED.

A MINOR MUDSLIP WAS ALSO REPORTED IN HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE IN SAI WAN HO.

THE WEATHER IMPROVED BRIEFLY IN THE MORNING OF MAY 21, BUT HEAVY SHOWERS DURING THE AFTERNOON RESULTED IN FLOODING IN TUEN MUN, KWAI CHUNG AND CHAI WAN.

THERE WAS A SHORT INTERLUDE OF FINE WEATHER ON MAY 22, BUT FROM MAY 23 TO 25, THE WEATHER WAS UNSETTLED WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRING FROM TIME TO TIME.

VERY LOCALISED HEAVY SHOWERS OCCURRED IN THE EARLY MORNING OF MAY 26. THE DOWNPOUR WAS CONFINED TO THE EASTERN PART OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND WHERE MORE THAN 100 MM OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 AM. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, NO RAIN WAS RECORDED IN THE WESTERN PARTS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

THERE WERE 12 REPORTS OF FLOODING. IN CHAI WAN, SERIOUS FLOODING OCCURRED IN TWO SEPARATE SQUATTER AREAS WHERE 96 PEOPLE WERE EVACUATED. IN SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST, FLOOD WATER OF 1 M DEEP TRAPPED SOME 300 PEDESTRIANS WHO HAD TO BE ESCORTED TO SAFETY BY FIREMEN.

MUDSLIPS OCCURRED IN HOLY CROSS PATH VILLAGE IN SAI WAN HO, A KUNG NGAM VILLAGE IN SHAU KEI WAN, CHEUNG LUNG TIN VILLAGE AND ANDERSON ROAD IN KWUN TONG, NUMBER ONE VILLAGE IN LAM TIN AND MOUNT PARKER ROAD IN NORTH POINT.

HEAVY SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUED ON MAY 27 AND 28.

/ON KAY 27 .....

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 198?

ON MAY 27, MUDSLIPS WERE REPORTED AT TWO LOCATIONS IN KWUN TONG WHERE 29 PEOPLE HAD TO FLEE THEIR HUTS. ON MAY 28, THERE WERE 15 REPORTS OF FLOODING AND 12 REPORTS OF MUDSLIPS. FLOODING WAS MOST SERIOUS IN KAM TIN, TAI PO AND SHA TIN WHERE EXTENSIVE FARM LANDS WERE INUNDATED.

MUDSLIPS OCCURRED IN SEVERAL SQUATTER AREAS IN EAST KOWLOON, LEADING TO THE EVACUATION OF MORE THAN 30 PEOPLE.

ABOUT TEN TONNES OF MUD SLID DOWN A SLOPE NEAR THE 6-1/2 MILESTONE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD WHILE ANOTHER MUDSLIP WAS REPORTED AT THE TSUEN WAN BOUND ROUTE TWISK NEAR CHUEN LUNG. THE SLOPE OF A PLAYGROUND NEAR WARWICK ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG COLLAPSED IN THE RAIN. ANOTHER MUDSLIP OCCURRED AT A HILLSIDE NEAR SAM MUN TSAI SAN TSUEN IN TAI PO.

ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SOME THUNDERY SHOWERS ON MAY 29, SUNNY INTERVALS WERE ALSO EXPERIENCED. THE WEATHER FURTHER IMPROVED ON MAY 30 AND 31 AND SHOWERS WERE ONLY LIGHT AND ISOLATED.

DURING THE MONTH, ONE PLANE WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.

THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON MAY 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 23 24, AND 26 TO 29 WHILE FLOOD WARNINGS WERE IN EFFECT ON MAY 15, 20, 23, 26 AND 28. NO FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS NOT DISPLAYED.

THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WEREt

SUNSHINE 128.5 HOURS - 34.1 HOURS BELOW NORMAL

RAINFALL 372.5 MM - 74.4 MM ABOVE NORMAL

CLOUDINESS 80 % - 7 % MORE THAN NORMAL

RELATIVE HUMIDITY 85 % - 2 % HIGHER THAN NORMAL

MEAN MAXIMUM

TEMPERATURE 28 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS

BELOW NORMAL

MEAN TEMPERATURE

MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE

MEAN DEW POINT

26 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.1 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

24.2 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.3 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

23.1 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 106.1 MM- 44.1 MM BELOW NORMAL

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 31 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON MAY 31

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE CF 21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON MAY 1.

0 - -

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 1983

TREE-PLANTING DAY FOR SAI KUNG *****

RESIDENTS OF SAI KUNG WILL HOLD THEIR DISTRICT-WIDE TREEPLANTING DAY ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28) IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S bEI FA (BEAUTIFICATION) SCHEME.

THE DISTRICT IS THE EIGHTH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO HOLD A TREE-PLANTING DAY.

THE TREE-PLANTING DAY WAS DESIGNED TO MAKE THE PUBLIC MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE PAK KONG SOCCER PITCH IN SAI KUNG AT 10 AM WHEN A GROUP OF CIVIC-MINDED STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL PLANT SOME 60 YOUNG TREES IN THE AREA.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MEI FA WORKING GROUP OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER CF SAI KUNG, MR MA IU-KI.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT TREEPLANTING DAY TO BE HELD AT THE PAK KONG SOCCER PITCH ON TUESDAY (JUNE 28) AT 10 AM.

- - 0 - -

TUNNEL BEING CLOSED FOR TESTS * * *

THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED AT NIGHT FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO JULY 10 FOR TESTS ON THE COMPUTER CONTROL.

DURING THE CLOSURE, WHICH WILL LAST FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM, MOTORISTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND HUNG HOM HEADING FOR NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EAST KOWLOON WAY, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

MOTORISTS FROM WAI YIP STREET HEADING FOR HUNG HOM WILL HAVE TO USE KWUN TONG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.

0----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG : PRESENT DAY REALITIES ............................... 1

LIFEGUARD PRAISED FOR BRAVERY ................................... 3

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR SECOND QUARTER ......................................................... 4

GUT MEMBERS URGED TO BE COURTEOUS................................ 4

ANTI-NARCOTICS BEACH CONCERT .................................... 5

SECOND CABO OPENED FOR ISLANDERS ............................... 6

NEW HOUSING FOR 20 000 AT LAM TIN BY 1986 ....................... 7

EXPORT CREDIT TO BE DISCUSSED ................................... 7

SHAU KEI WAN MARRIAGE REGISTRY TO CLOSE.......................... 8

SIX HOUSES Ai® SITE OFFERED EOR SALE ............................ 9

AMENITY PLOTS HELP BEAUTIFY SHA TIN ............................. 9

NEW/ FIRE STATION FOR LANTAU ISLAND............................. 10

NT SWIMMING POOLS OPENING EARLIER .............................. 10

WATER FIGURES................................................... 11

FRESH WATER MAINS WORK

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 198?

HONG KONG I PRESENT DAY REALITIES

******

THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS REMAIN DETERMINED TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE TALKS OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

THIS WAS EMPHASISED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, IN HIS OPENING SPEECH ENTITLED ’HONG KONG i PRESENT DAY REALITIES’ THIS (MONDAY) EVENING AT THE HONG KONG CONFERENCE OF THE STANFORD RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

+YOU MAY BE ASSURED THAT THERE IS NO ISSUE TO WHICH THE GOVERNOR AND HIS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACCORD HIGHER PRIORITY OR TO WHICH THEY DEVOTE MORE TIME AND EFFORT; AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT BOTH TO HONG KONG AND TO THE SEARCH FOR THAT SETTLEMENT....,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.

ON HONG KONG’S IMPRESSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN BASED ON A POLICY UNDER WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD DELIBERATELY LEFT THE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL SECTORS FREE AND UNFETTERED TO COMPETE IN DOMESTIC AND WORLD MARKETS.

THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, HAD SOUGHT TO REGULATE ONLY WHERE THE ORDERLY CONDUCT OF BUSINESS, FAIR TREATMENT OF THE WORKFORCE AND THE GOOD NAME OF HONG KONG SO REQUIRED.

+BUT WE MUST NOT SUCCUMB TO THE DECEPTIVE TEMPTATION TO SEEK SHORT TERM ALLEVIATIONS OF THE DIFFICULTIES OF PARTICULAR SECTORS WITHOUT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THOSE MEASURES AND OF THEIR LONGER TERM IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.

+WE MUST HAVE REGARD TO THE MIDDLE AND LONGER TERM AND TO THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,* SIR EDWARD EMPHASISED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD SHOWN ITS CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE IN THE MOST PRACTICAL WAY — BY CONTINUING ITS OWN INVESTMENT IN A MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND IN FAR REACHING PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

IT WOULD SPEND $25 BILLION ON APPROVED CAPITAL PROJECTS DESPITE SHORT-TERM BUDGETARY DIFFICULTIES, SIR EDWARD PLEDGED.

FOR THE 1983-84 FISCAL YEAR ALONE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD COMMITTED $3 BILLION FOR NEW CAPITAL WORKS, ABOUT THE SAME ANNUAL AVERAGE OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS, HE SAID.

BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTUAL EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS LAST YEAR WAS $6.5 BILLION, THE HIGHEST EVER, AND THAT THE CURRENT YEAR’S TOTAL WAS EXPECTED TO EXCEED THIS RECORD HIGH BY ABOUT $1 BILLION.

SIR EDWARD STRESSED THAT THE FIGURES DID NOT INCLUDE THE SUBSTANTIAL SPENDING ON PUBLIC HOUSING WHICH ABSORBED A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGET.

/since the .......

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 198}

SINCE THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME WAS LAUNCHED IN 1954, A TOTAL OF 136 ESTATES HAVE BEEN BUILT, PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR NEARLY HALF A MILLION FAMILIES OR 43 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION.

CURRENTLY, SOME 124 OOO FLATS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND MANY FURTHER ESTATES ARE AT THE DESIGN OR PLANNING STAGE.

POINTING OUT THAT THE EXISTING NEW TOWNS WOULD BE FULLY DEVELOPED BY THE END OF THE PRESENT DECADE, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT COMPREHENSIVE STUDIES ON THE NEXT MAJOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN UNDERTAKEN OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. .

♦DECISIONS WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN THEREAFTER WHICH WILL DETERMINE THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DECADE FROM 1991 TO 2001.

♦ WE ARE DEALING HERE NOT JUST WITH THE LOCATION OF A HOUSING ESTATE OR TWO.

♦ OUR PLANS ARE AMBITIOUS AND WE SHALL PURSUE THEM TO THE FULL EXTENT THAT OUR RESOURCES PERMIT,* SIR EDWARD EMPHASISED.

ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY TO THE US, WERE PICKING UP AND THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT FOR 1983 SHOULD SHOW AN IMPROVEMENT OVER 1982.

♦ THE ACTUAL EXTENT OF THE IMPROVEMENT WILL DEPEND, AS IT ALWAYS HAS, ON THE GROWTH RATE OF DEMAND BY THE REST OF THE WORLD FOR THE GOODS AND SERVICES THAT HONG KONG PROVIDES.

♦ AT THE MOMENT, I AM GLAD TO SAY, THE PROSPECTS LOOK GOOD FOR RENEWED GROWTH,♦ HE STATED.

WITH WORLD ECONOMIC RECOVERY HOPEFULLY UNDERWAY, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF ALLOWING THE ECONOMY TO MAKE ITS OWN ADJUSTMENTS HAD AGAIN SHOWN ITS WORTH, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT.

MANY FIRMS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WERE ALSO SHOWING THEIR FAITH IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE MOST PRACTICAL WAY — BY CONTINUED INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION OF THEIR OPERATION HERE, SIR EDWARD SAID.

♦ THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PART WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN BOTH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S HUMAN RESOURCES AND THE TERRITORY’S INFRASTRUCTURE.

♦ IN SHORT, WE KNOW WHERE WE WANT TO GO, AND WE SHALL NOT BE DEFLECTED BY ROUGH WEATHER, FROM DOING OUR UTMOST TO GET THERE,♦ SIR EDWARD STRESSED.

RECALLING THAT THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS HAD SYSTEMATICALLY REVIEWED EACH SECTOR OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID, +PERSONALLY I BELIEVE THE QUESTION OF EDUCATION TO BE OF THE HIGHEST IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

/+WE SHALL........

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1985

♦ WE SHALL NOT MAINTAIN OUR PLACE IN THIS COMPETITIVE WORLD WITHOUT A WELL EDUCATED WORKING POPULATION POSSESSING APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS; AND WE MUST MAINTAIN THE GREAT ADVANTAGE WHICH HONG KONG ENJOYS OF BILINGUALISM

IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.*

REFERRING TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE NORMAL OPERATION OF THE MARKET AND COMMERCIAL MISJUDGEMENT, AND NOT BY GOVERNMENT ACTIONS.

♦ THE GOVERNMENT HAS, IN FACT, DONE WHAT IT CAN TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.

♦ IT HAS MAINTAINED ITS OWN BUILDING PROGRAMMES. OTHERWISE THE IMPACT ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH GREATER,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.

NOR WAS THE SITUATION ALL GLOOM, HE SAID, POINTING TO A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PRIVATELY FINANCED CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURE STILL BEING UNDERTAKEN AND THE SPENDING TO COME, AS INDICATED BY FUTURE BUILDING PLANS.

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

LIFEGUARD PRAISED FOR BRAVERY * * * *

A NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT LIFEGUARD, MR LEUNG YIU-FAI, WAS PRAISED TODAY FOR DEVOTION TO DUTY AND BRAVERY FOR HIS PART IN A RESCUE OPERATION AT TONG FUK BEACH, LANTAU ISLAND, ON SUNDAY (JUNE 26).

MR LEUNG WAS PRAISED BY URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR IP KIT-TIT. AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, WHERE THE LIFEGUARD IS RECOVERING FROM RIB INJURIES SUFFERED IN THE RESCUE OPERATION.

MR IP WAS ACCOMPANIED BY NTSD HEADQUARTERS ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR WELFARE, MISS KATIE CHING, AND THE DISTRICT AMENITY OFFICER OF ISLANDS, MR WONG CHING-AU.

MR LEUNG WAS AMONG FOUR LIFEGUARDS STATIONED AT UPPER CHEUNG SHA BEACH WHO RACED TO TONG FUK BEACH, A NON-GAZETTED BEACH WHERE NO LIFE-SAVING SERVICE IS PROVIDED, ON LEARNING THAT A COUPLE KRE IN DIFFICULTY WHILE SWIMMING IN ROUGH SEAS SHORTLY BEFORE 2 PM ON SUNDAY.

ON HELPING TO RESCUE TWO MEN FROM THE ROUGH SEAS IN THE AREA, AND THEN LEARNING THAT A THIRD PERSON, A WOMAN, WAS MISSING, W LEUNG LEFT THE RESCUE PARTY AND CONTINUED IN HIS CANOE IN SEARCH OF THE WOMAN. HOWEVER, HIS CANOE CAPSIZED IN THE ROUGH SEAS AND STRONG WINDS, MR LEUNG HAD TO BE HELPED ASHORE BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND SENT TO HOSPITAL.

THE WOMAN SWIMMER WAS NOT FOUND.

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

/4.......

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL FOR SECOND QUARTER N * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY NEXT MONTH.

THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG.KONG.

THE SURVEY WILL COVER ABOUT 137 OOO ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING THE INDUSTRIAL AND THE SERVICES SECTORS, WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE WHOLESALE. RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR.

INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON JUNE 30, 1983, WILL BE ASKED OF EACH ESTABLISHMENT.

SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE AND ASKED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF APRIL - JUNE 1983.

ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE MAJOR KIND OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE NOW BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 82). ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

RESPONDENTS WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING THE FORMS MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PRINTED AT THE BACK OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES)i-

5-436551 5-444301

5-455661 5-455668

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

GDT MEMBERS URGED TO BE COURTEOUS * * M

THE DIRECTOR OF CITY SERVICES, MR ERIC PEAKE, TOLD MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS TO BE COURTEOUS TO THE PUBLIC.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THEY ARE EMPLOYED TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THERE IS NO ROOM FOR +RUDENESS OR ARROGANCE+.

/adjksssejg A .......

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 198}

- 5 -

ADDRESSING A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 329 GDT MEMBERS WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THEIR SIX-WEEK TRAINING COURSE, MR PEAKE SAIDt +YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED WELL TO DO YOUR JOB AND YOU WILL CONTINUE TO LEARN WITH EXPERIENCE.

♦ BUT YOUR CHARACTER AND PERSONALITY ARE YOURS AND YOURS ALONE, AND IT IS UP TO YOU TO DEMONSTRATE TO THE PUBLIC THAT THIS IS OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

♦ I BELIEVE THAT THE GENERAL EFFICIENCY AND STANDARD OF DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT OF THE GDTS IS CONSTANTLY IMPROVING AND I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT WITH YOUR JOINING THE RANKS FURTHER PROGRESS WILL BE MADE.+

WHILE NOTING THAT SOME PEOPLE TEND TO THINK THAT THE WORK OF THE TEAMS IS TO ARREST HAWKERS AND DRIVE THEM OUT OF BUSINESS, MR PEAKE CONTENDED THAT THIS IS NOT TRUE.

HE STRESSED THAT THEIR WORK IS VARIED AND IS MAINLY INVOLVED IN RE-SITTING HAWKERS INTO MODERN MARKETS AND HAWKER BAZAARS, RE-ORDERING HAWKER SITES, REDUCING THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL HAWKERS, AND KEEPING THE STREETS, PAVEMENTS AND PUBLIC PLACES FREE FROM OBSTRUCTIONS.

♦ UNDOUBTEDLY THE WORK OF THE GDTS IS BOTH IMPORTANT AND MEANINGFUL TO THE COMMONITY,+ HE SAID.

♦ THOUGH THEY ARE FREQUENTLY FACED WITH VARIOUS PROBLEMS, THEY DO A VERY GOOD JOB INDEED.+

MR PEAKE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT TO EXERCISE AN EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER HAWKERS DEPENDS MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION OF OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND THE SUPPORT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

♦ HOWEVER,+ HE ADDED, +THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR EFFECTIVE CONTROL FALLS CLEARLY ON THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS.+

OF THE 329 GRADUATES, 25 WERE OF THE RANK OF OVERSEERS, EIGHT SENIOR FOREMEN, 169 FOREMEN AND 127 WORKMEN CLASS I.

SINCE THE TRAINING PROGRAMME STARTED IN JULY 1979, MORE THAN 3 400 GDT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN TRAINED.

THE SIX-WEEK COURSE COVERS NOT ONLY THE LEARNING OF LEGISLATION AND DEPARTMENTAL PROCEDURES ON HAWKER CONTROL, BUT ALSO A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE.

ANTI-NARCOTICS BEACH CONCERT *****

THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS TOGETHER WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN) AND RADIO HONG KONG ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A BEACH CONCERT TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JULY 3) AT REPULSE BAY.

/D2W1S OF.....

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1985

DETAILS OF THE FUNCTION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 29) AT 3 PM IN THE LOBBY OF BROADCASTING HOUSE, RTHK, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON.

MR CHU PUI-HING, HEAD OF CHINESE RADIO PROGRAMME, RTHK WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE TOGETHER WITH MR HANDRICK NG, PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. ALSO ATTENDING WILL BE MISS STONEY POON, REPRESENTING DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN).

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.

- - . _ o --------------

SECOND CABO O’ENED 4 * *

FOR ISLANDERS *

A NEW COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE (CABO) WAS OPENED ON CHEUNG CHAU TODAY - THE SECOND SUCH OFFICE OF THE ISLAND DISTRICT TO SERVE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE FIRST CABO WAS SET UP ON MUI WO IN 1981.

SPEAKING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, W WILLIAM YAP, SAID THE NEW OFFICE WAS A STEP AHEAD IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.

HE SAID STAFF WORKING IN THE CABO WOULD MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE PROMOTION OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

♦THIS WILL ENABLE COMMUNITY SPIRIT TO PROSPER AND DEVELOP AS WELL AS FOR THE ISLANDERS TO WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS,+ HE SAID.

SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 22 SAN HING STREET, SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE NEW OFFICE WILL INCLUDE THE ADMINISTER INC OF STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT FORMS AND PAMPHLETS, HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS AND ANSWERING ENQUIRIES ABOUT GOVERNMENT SERVICES.

STAFF WILL ALSO HELP RESIDENTS SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AND REFLECT THEIR VIEWS TO GOVERNMENT.

♦I HOPE RESIDENTS WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED, SAID MR YAP.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREM-NY WERE FOUR UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS REPRESENTING ClE'JNG CHAU, MR YIU KAI-HANG, M? FUNG CHI-KANG, MR WONG WAI-KWAN AN. i' I 3S L£ WAI-FONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHEjNG CHAu RURA» COMMITTEE, MR KwONG PING-YAU.

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

/7 .....

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

NEW HOUSING FOR 20 000 AT LAM TIN BY 1986 * * *

A LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT WILL BE BUILT ON THE SITE OF A MAJOR SQUATTER AREA IN LAM TIN TO PROVIDE MODERN HOMES FOR ABOUT 20 000 PEOPLE.

UPON FULL COMPLETION BY 1986, THE NEW PROJECT WILL CONTAIN THREE RENTAL AND THREE HOME OWNERSHIP BLOCKS PROVIDING 2 516 SELF-CONTAINED RENTAL AND 1 680 HOS FLATS.

SITE FORMATION IS ALREADY UNDERWAY ON PART OF THE SITE FOLLOWING THE CLEARANCE LAST YEAR OF SOME 1 800 SQUATTER STRUCTURES, MANY OF WHICH WERE DESTROYED IN PREVIOUS FIRES.

THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (DESIGNATE), MR DAVID FORD, TODAY INSPECTED WORK PROGRESS AT THE SITE WHERE HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF THE PROJECT.

MR FORD LEARNED THAT OF THE REMAINING 2 000 SQUATTER STRUCTURES WHICH WOULD BE CLEARED IN PHASES OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, COMPREHENSIVE RECORDS IN REGARD TO LOCATION, SIZE AND USAGE WERE KEPT TO PREVENT POSSIBLE QUEUE-JUMPING IN FUTURE REHOUSING.

HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THAT NEW SQUATTING ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA WERE COMPLETELY UNDER CONTROL AS A RESULT OF STEPPED-UP ACTION BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER CONTROL STAFF.

LATER AT THE CHEUNG LUNG TIN VILLAGE SQUATTER AREA, THE DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE) INSPECTED THE PILOT SCHEME OF AMENITY-RELATED IMPROVEMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN COMPLETED.

THE RESIDENTS HE TALKED TO ALL HAILED THE SCHEME FOR BRINGING THEM IMPROVED ACCESS, PUBLIC LIGHTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL METERED WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

FIRE-BREAKS WERE ALSO CREATED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE SQUATTERS IN CASE OF FIRES, AND MR FORD WAS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT SUCH IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER MAJOR SQUATTER AREAS.

EXPORT CREDIT TO BE DISCUSSED * * *

A GROUP OF 30 INDUSTRIALISTS IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE MR CHOI SHIU-YING, THE CUSTOMER SERVICES MANAGER, AND MR KOO LEUNG CHEE, HEAD OF THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UNIT OF THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION.

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1985

8 -

THEY WILL TALK ON THE OPERATION OF EXPORT CREDIT FACILITIES FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS, AND PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE CORPORATION AGAINST RISKS OF NON-PAYMENT FOR GOODS AND SERVICES EXPORTED ON CREDIT TERMS.

THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A GROUP DISCUSSION AMONG THE PARTICIPANTS.

THE SEMINAR, TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN IP, WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM AT THE GOOD WORLD RESTAURANT IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.

MR IP SAID THE SEMINAR WAS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE LIAISON BETWEEN THE BOARD AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

SIMILAR SEMINARS AND LECTURES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR OTHER SOCIAL GROUPS INCLUDING SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, STUDENTS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS LATER THIS YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE GOOD WORLD RESTAURANT, 85 BROADWAY STREET IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN.

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

SHAU KEI WAN MARRIAGE REGISTRY TO CLOSE

MMX

THE SHAU KEI WAN MARRIAGE REGISTRY AT TAI KOO SHING WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY (JULY 1).

APPLICANTS WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE NEARBY MARRIAGE FACILITIES MAY APPROACH THE CAUSEWAY BAY MARRIAGE REGISTRY, THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY OR THE COTTON TREE DRIVE MARRIAGE REGISTRY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.

-----o-----

/9........

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

SIX HOUSES AND SITE OFFERED FOR SALE IKKI

SIX HOUSES AND A SITE IN NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGE WILL BE OFFERED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR SALE AT AN AUCTION IN THE CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHOI WAN ESTATE ON JULY 22 AT 2.30 PM.

EACH OF THE SIX HOUSES HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 56 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL USE, (EXCLUDING GODOWN, CINEMA, REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES).

THE SITE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE, MEASURING 74.3 SQUARE METRES, IS ALSO FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL. USES.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

- - 0 - -

AMENITY PLOTS HELP BEAUTIFY SHA TIN * * *

TO BRIGHTEN UP THE HIGHWAY SCENE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY BUILT SEVEN MORE GREEN PLOTS OF UNIQUE DESIGN ALONGSIDE THE HIGHWAY AND PLACED FLORAL POTS AT THE LOOKOUT AREAS AT A SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD, BETWEEN TAI WAI AND KAM SHAN COUNTRY PARK.

AMONG THE PLOTS PROVIDED ALONG A STRETCH OF TAI PO ROAD, THREE MAJOR ONES ARE LOCATED AT KAN HAU, SHA TIN HILL ROAD AND AT AN OPEN SPACE OF THE 7-1/2 MILESTONE OF TAI PO ROAD. FOUR OTHER SMALLER AMENITY PLOTS ARE NEAR THE 6-1/2 MILESTONE OF TA I PO ROAD.

ATTRACTIVE FEATURES IN THESE GREEN PLOTS INCLUDE COLOURFUL GEOMETRIC FLOWER BEDS, STREAMLINED SHRUB BEDS, GRASS MOUNDS AND •♦ROCKER IES* — DESIGNED TO ADD A TOUCH Or COLOUR TO THE HIGHWAY.

SOME OF THE AMENITY PLOTS ARE BUILT WITH CONCRETE PLANTERS AND RAISED BEDS WITH MASSIVE GROUP PLANTING OF FOLIAGE AND FLOWERING PLANTS.

THESE GREEN PLOTS ARE DESIGNED FOR THE MEI FA (BEAUTIFICATION) PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN AS WELL AS FOR IMPROVING THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

DRESSING UP THE HIGHWAYS WITH A SOFT TOUCH OF GREENERY ARE SOME 20 000 PLANTS, INCLUDING TREES, PALMS, CREEPERS, GROUND COVERS AND SEASONAL FLOWERS.

AS THE ACTUAL PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE WORK INVOLVES A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT, MOTORISTS AND HIKERS ARE URGED TO BE MORE CIVIC-MINDED AND TO HELP PROTECT THE PLANTS AS THEY FIND THEM.

- - 0 -

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

- 10 -

NEW FIRE STATION FOR LANTAU ISLAND M * M *

A NEW SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WILL BE BUILT IN TAI 0, LANTAU ISLAND, TO KEEP UP WITH EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT ON THE ISLAND.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

THE FIRE STATION. COVERING ABOUT 2 080 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE SITUATED AT TAI 0 ROAD, NEAR LUNG TIN HOUSING ESTATE.

IT WILL HAVE AN APPLIANCE ROOM FOR FOUR FIRE ENGINES, OFFICES, SERVICE ROOMS, A RECREATION ROOM, BARRACKS, AN EXERCISE ROOM AND OTHER FACILITIES.

IN ADDITION, A DRILL YARD AND DRILL TOWER WILL BE PROVIDED.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

TO START IN AUGUST AND WILL

NT SWIMMING POOLS OPENING EARLIER

* * *

STARTING FRIDAY (JULY 1), THE KWAI SHING AND SHA TIN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS WILL OPEN HALF AN HOUR EARLIER EACH DAY - AT 6.30 AM -LWTIL THE END OF AUGUST.

THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 6.30 AM TO 9.15 AM, 9.*5 AM TO 12 NOON, 1 PM TO 4 PM, 4.30 PM TO 6.45 PM, AND 7.45 PM TO 10 PM.

THIS ARRANGEMENT IS ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNGSTERS DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

MEANWHILE, THE OPENING TIMES OF THE FANLING AND YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS REMAIN AT 7 AM DAILY.

-----o-----

/11.........

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 1983

WATER FIGURES * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 90.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 521.159 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 326.098 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 56.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- 0 - -

FRESH WATER MAINS WORK * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KWUN TONG AND IN THE NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN THURSDAY (JUNE 30) AND FRIDAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

IN KWUN TONG, WATER SUPPLY TO AN AREA BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PING ROAD HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MING ROAD AND SAU MAU PATH, INCLUDING BLOCKS 27 TO 31 SAU MAU PING ESTATE WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

IN NORTH DISTRICT, WATER SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THOSE ON-ROUTE VILLAS, VILLAGES AND ALL PREMISES ALONGt TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON HANG TSUEN AND SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD1; CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND LOK MA CHAU, SAN TIN; FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I CROSS ROAD AND TSIU KENG; JOCKEY CLUB ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUNDABOUT AND SAN FUNG AVENUE, INCLUDING SHEK WU HUI AND SHEUNG SHU I TSUEN; MAN KAM TO ROAD BETWEEN SAN FUNG AVENUE AND MAN KAM TO POLICE STATION, INCLUDING LO WU RAILWAY STATION AND MUK WU PUMPING STATION; SHA TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN FANLING ROUNDABOUT AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET INCLUDING LUEN WO HUI AND ON LOK TSUEN; AND PING CHE ROAD BETWEEN HUNG LENG AND TA KWU LING POLICE STATION.

- - 0 - -

PR 33

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Note to Editors: The following is embargoed until 10 pm today (Monday).

Monday, Jun'e 27, 1983

Present Day Realities - Speech by H.E. the Governor at Stanford Research Institute Hong Kong Conference _________on Monday, June 27, iffij_

It is a great pleasure for me to be here this evening at this opening dinner of the Stanford Research Institute, Hong Kong - Shenzhen Session. I need not outline the essential facts about Hong Kong; you already have them in your report. Nor need I go into any detail about our economy generally or our position as a major financial centre. To do so would risk pre-empting the other distinguished and highly qualified speakers who will address you over the next few days. My aim will be, therefore, to set out for you quite briefly how the Hong Kong Government sees the situation, in Hong Kong today and how I see its role in that situation. If I do not speak this evening on social and related issues it is not because we do not accord importance to them. We do. But as I understand it, your interests this evening are directed to economic and similar topics.

Let me begin with a few general comments. You will not have been here for five minutes without learning that the dominating issue in most people’s minds today is the question of the future of this territory. That issue is the subject of talks which are taking place between representatives of the British and Chinese Governments in Peking. You may be assured that there is no issue to which the Governor and his Executive Council accord higher priority or to which they devote more time and effort; and the commitment of the British Government both to Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191 /Hong Kong.................................

Hong Kong and to the search for that settlement has recently been reaffirmed in a personal message from Sir Geoffrey Howe, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. I and the Unofficial Members of the Executive Council will be visiting London next week for further consultations with the British Government. We all remain determined to make a success of the talks.

The second point may be an obvious one but it is key to an understanding of Hong Kong. It is that this is one of the most open market economies in the world. Hong Kong's impressive economic growth has been based on a policy under which the Government has deliberately left the industrial, commercial and financial sectors free and unfettered to compete in domestic and world markets. The Government has sought to regulate only where the orderly conduct of business, fair treatment of the work force and the good name of Hong Kong so require. At the same time, we have sought to provide the infrastructure and the environment in which modern techniques and good industrial relations can flourish, and enterprise and hard work bring their rewards. In good times there is usually a chorus of endorsement of this approach. When times are harder, as they have been recently, there are some who are quick to call on the Government to intervene and to take measures to alleviate the lot of particular sections of the community. The mind of this Government is never closed to change, nor will it be; we live in a changing world and, where appropriate, we shall adjust to it. But we must not succumb to the deceptive temptation to seek short term alleviations of the difficulties of particular sectors without careful consideration of the side effects of those measures and of their longer term impact on the economy as a whole. We must have regard to the middle and longer term and to the interests of the community as a whole.

/My third .......

My third general point is that this Government has shown its confidence in the future of Hong Kong in the most practical way - by continuing its own investment in a major public works programme and in far reaching plans for the future. If we seem cautious about some of our more ambitious projects, it is because we have chosen to slow down the growth rate of public expenditure. Given that currently we have for the first time for many years a large deficit on budgetary account, any other course would be irresponsible. But we have not allowed what we hope will be a short term situation to deflect us from our course.

Let me now describe our immediate situation as I see it and the plans in hand for the future.

The Hong Kong economy, in common with most other economies, has been adversely affected by the current world recession. Reflecting the basic resilience of the economy these effects did not emerge until 1982, when domestic exports fell in real terms for the first time since 1974 and the growth rate of the Gross Domestic Product in real terms was only 2.4%. This was a respectable rate of growth by world standards but far less than has been usual in Hong Kong. However, with world economic recovery hopefully underway, our policy of allowing the economy to make its own adjustments has again shown its worth. The Hong Kong economy has already begun to recover. Exports are picking up, particularly to the US, and the growth rate of the GDP for 1983 should show an improvement on last year. The actual extent of the improvement will depend, as it always has, on the growth rate of demand by the rest of the World for the goods and service,s that Hong Kong provides. At the moment, I am glad to say, the prospects look good for renewed growth.

Some sectors of our economy have suffered well-publipised problems. The most obvious is the property market. The surge in economic

/growth that........

growth that Hong Kong enjoyed in the latter half of the 1970s generated a substantial increase in the demand for property of all kinds. Because the supply response to this increase in demand took time, the initial effect was to drive up the prices of both land and buildings. Supply then substantially exceeded demand and in 1981 prices dropped rapidly with further falls in 1982. This was caused by the normal operation of the market and commercial misjudgement, not by any Government actions. The Government has, in fact, done what it .can to mitigate the effects on the economy as a whole. It has maintained its own building programmes. Otherwise the impact on the construction industry would have been much greater. Nor is the situation all gloom. Hong Kong now has an ample supply of good quality commercial, industrial and residential property available at reasonable prices to meet the needs of our business community and help to ease the problem of housing the people in homes of their choice. Moreover, despite the impression given by some commentators, a considerable amount of privately-financed construction expenditure is still being undertaken and, judging by future building plans, this will continue to be the case.

Adjustment problems in the property market have, in part, been responsible for the trouble faced by a small number of deposit-taking companies, but the banks and BTC’s have generally done well in weathering these rougher seas. The resilience of the large majority of them is in no small way a credit to our much maligned system of supervision which has been extended and improved, particularly as regards BTC’s, in recent years. I would note in passing that, even during this troubled period, a number of foreign banks have sought and obtained licences to carry on business in Hong Kong.

There have been casualties amongst the BTC’s - although many fewer than some of the more vocal of the Government’s critics would have

/one believe .......

one believe - and any failure which leaves members of the public deprived of their savings cannot be ignored. The Financial Secretary will shortly be bringing before Executive Council further amendments to the Banking and Deposit-taking Companies Ordinances to take account of experience gained in the recent troubles.

The foreign exchange market has also been going through a volatile period, partly due to domestic anxieties, including anxieties about the future of Hong Kong, and partly due to the sustained worldwide strength of the US dollar. As a result the Hong Kong dollar has fallen to a point far below that which the underlying strength of the economy would determine.

Let me make two things absolutely clear. First, the Government is concerned about the present level of the exchange rate, in particular its inflationary implications. Secondly, and I apologise for stating the obvious to internationally-minded members of this audience, but it is a point which some of the more insular local commentators often fail to understand, in a world of freely floating exchange rates, exchange rates are not determined by governments. This does not mean, of course, that governments cannot exert some influence. They can and do. But g o veremants cannot held the rate at a point which the market will not sustain particularly in an economy so open and internationally oriented as this one.

Despite recent difficulties, I believe the Hong Kong economy is beginning to recover and will enter a new growth phase. But for this to be sustained there must be an appropriate economic and social infrastructure. At present, Government is committed to an expenditure of $25 billion on capital projects already approved to start (l shall be speaking throughout in Hong Kong dollar terms) and, despite short-term

/budgetary difficulties,.........

budgetary difficulties, these projects will go ahead. Even in the current difficult economic climate, the level of commitments for new works that will be entered into in 1983-84 is $3 billion, roughly the same as the average level over the last four years.

The actual amount Government spent on capital works last year was $6.5 billion - the highest ever. The main thrust of this considerable investment was in the New Towns and in Hong Kong’s transport system. Expenditure on works so far this year has been somewhat dampened by the poor weather, but the year’s total is still expected to exceed last year’s by about $1 billion, and this represents a further increase in real terms. These figures do not include the substantial expenditure on the public housing programme undertaken by the Housing Authority.

Rapid progress is being made on developing Hong Kong’s communications networks, with high priority attached to the development of the MTR Island Line, the modernization of the Kowloon-Canton Railway and the upgrading of the road network. The electrification of the Kowloon-Canton Railway is almost complete. Nearly $400 million will be spent this year on Stages I and II of the Hong Kong Island Eastern Corridor road, $200 million on the Tsuen Wan Bypass and its associated reclamation works, and $270 million on a trunk road from Sha Tin to Tai Po.

Responding to Hong Kong’s international communications needs, detailed planning is in hand to ensure that the airport at Kai Tak will have the capacity to meet the growth in passenger traffic forecast for at least the rest of this decade. This lias had to take precedence over longer-term plans for the development of a new airport on Lantau Island - an undertaking so vast that it would have interfered over a number of years with the fulfillment of Hong Kong’s more basic needs such as public

/housing. For..........

housing. For the present, therefore, it cannot be contemplated.

As you must be aware, housing absorbs a large slice of the Government/s budget. Since the public housing programme was launched in 1954, a total of 136 estates have been built providing accommodation at well below market prices for nearly half a million families. Over 2.3 million people, or 43$ of the population, now live in housing provided or subsidised by the Government. Currently, some 124,000 flats are under construction and many further estates are at the design or planning stage.

As important as the physical infrastructure, is the development of our human resources. Over the last ten years we have systematically reviewed each sector of education in Hong Kong. As a further step in this process, the Government brought together an international team of distinguished educators who conducted an overall review of education in Hong Kong. Their report, which recommends initiatives and changes in many fields, has now been circulated for discussion and comment among our whole community. Personally I believe the question of education to be of the highest importance for the future of ilong Kong. We shall not maintain our place in this competitive world without a well educated working population possessing appropriate professional and industrial and technical skills; and we must maintain the great advantage which Hong Kong enjoys of bilingualism in English and Chinese.

In Hong Kong, it is not only the public sector that provides the infrastructure necessary to cater for economic growth and for the rising standards of living for our growing population. We also depend on the willingness of the private sector to continue to invest in the generation of power, in the expansion of our container port, and similar facilities. I am happy to say that, despite the recent slowdown in Hong

/Kong* s economic ...••••

Kong’s economic growth and the pessimistic forecasts about our future that some observers have seen fit to make, there is clear evidence that private firms are still willing to invest in Hong Kong’s future.

We are also facing important decisions on the direction of long term urban development. Our existing- new towns will be fully developed by the end of the present decade. During the last two years comprehensive studies on the next major development options have been undertaken and should be completed by the end of the year. Decisions will have to be taken thereafter which will determine the pattern of development for the decade from 1991 to 2001. We are dealing here not just with the location of a housing estate or two,. The problem is to determine the locations for homes, offices, sphools and factories for more than a million people and to build the necessary transport network. Our plans are ambitious and wo shall pursue them to the full extent that cur resources permit.

I hope I have said enough to convince you that you have not come to a city which has stalled. We have our difficulties and recognise clearly the problem of confidence. But we remain committed to our traditional approach, which has served Hong Kong so well, of allowing market forces to operate. Our economy can adjust and there are encouraging signs that it is already doing so. Where, without excessive intervention, the Government can mitigate the harshness of that -adjustment it does so. There are many firms in the private sector in Hong Kong showing their faith in the future of Hong Kong in the most practical of ways - by continued investment and expansion of their operations here. The Government for its part will continue to invest in both the development of Hong Kong’s human resources and the territory’s infrastructure. In short, we know where we want to go, and we shall not be deflected by rough weather, from doing our utmost to get there.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

18 (QUESTIONS AND TEN BILLS FOR LEGCO ................. 1

HK-SHENZHEN GROUP MEETS AGAIN ......................... 2

EFFORTS TO BROADEN INDUSTRIAL BASE CONTINUE ........... 3

SHAM SHUT PO ARTS ASSOCIATION FORMED .................. 5

FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS A SUCCESS .................... 6

STUDENTS COMMENDED IN ESSAY COMPETITION ............... 7

MASS TREE-PLANTING EFFORT PROPOSED..................... 8

WATER MAINS WORK ON HONG KONG ISLAND .................. 9

TERMINUS TO BE MOVED .................................. 9

POLICE KEEP UP DRIVE AGAINST VICE...................... 10

SENTOR HOUSING STAFF DECENTRALISED INTO DISTRICTS ..... 11

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

18 QUESTIONS AND TEN BILLS FOR LEGCO * * * *

EIGHTEEN QUESTIONS DEALING WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS WILL BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, IN ADDITION TO THE TEN BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

AMONG THE QUESTIONS WILL BE ONE CONCERNING THE PREVALENCE OF KRPES IN HONG KONG. AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER THE DISEASE COULD BE CONTRACTED THROUGH THE USE OF PUBLIC FACILITIES, SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND TOILETS.

TWO QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH THE HEALTH HAZARD IN NON-GAZETTED BEACHES, AS WELL AS LITTER FOUND ON GAZETTED BEACHES.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER IT IS CONCERNED THAT THE PUBLIC SWIM IN NON-GAZETTED BEACHES, SUCH AS BUTTERFLY BEACH, AND IF SO, WHETHER IT INTENDS TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

IT WILL ALSO BE ASKED ABOUT ACTION BEING TAKEN TO COLLECT FLOATING REFUSE FROM GAZETTED BEACHES, AS WELL AS TO DEAL WITH VESSELS AND INDIVIDUALS CAUSING THE NUISANCE.

OTHER QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH UNEMPLOYMENT, THE LOSS TO LOCAL CHICKEN FARMERS ARISING FROM PUBLICITY ABOUT THE USE OF GROWTH HORMONES, AND THE METHODS USED TO DEAL WITH INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC REFUSE.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE ASKED ABOUT ALLOWING THE USE OF PUTONGHUA IN THE COUNCIL, ABOUT THE BUSINESS STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO GIVE PRIVATE TUITION, AND ABOUT THE PROGRESS MADE IN IDENTIFYING RESERVOIRS FOR SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

AND IT WILL BE ASKED ABOUT ACTION TAKEN OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AGAINST OWNERS OF VEHICLES ABANDONED ON CROWN LAND, IN PARTICULAR, ON STREETS AND PAVEMENTS; PROGRESS ON THE EAST ISLAND CORRIDOR WORK; PARKING FACILITIES FOR MOTOR CYCLES; MEASURES TO CONTROL FRAUDULENT AND MISLEADING DESCRIPTION OF GOLD ARTICLES FOR SALE IN SHOPS; MENTAL HEALTH; PROGRESS ON THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE; FEE ASSISTANCE FOR KINDERGARTENS; THE SITING OF TRAM STOPS AND FLOOD WARNING ARRANGEMENTS.

THE TEN BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED AND'READ A SECOND TIME AREi

FINANCIAL SECRETARY —

SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS —

INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983

HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) BILL 1983

/COIS^TSSXCN^H JGrt........

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR —

LAW DRAFTSMAN —

ATTORNEY GENERAL •—

LAW DRAFTSMAN —

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION —

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE —

SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY —

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983

PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

CHILD CARE CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983

DEBATE ON THE BILLS IS EXPECTED TO RESUME ON JULY 13, PRIOR TO COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READINGS. I

ONE BILL, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983, FOR THE SETTING UP OF A TRUST FUND, IS EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

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HK-SHENZHEN GROUP MEETS AGAIN O X M

THE HONG KONG-SHENZHEN JOINT WORKING GROUP ON THE MOVEMENT OF PASSENGERS AND GOODS THROUGH BORDER CONTROL POINTS HELD ITS SEVENTH MEETING IN SHENZHEN TODAY. THE WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN MEETING AT TWO-MONTH INTERVALS FOR THE LAST 15 MONTHS ON ALTERNATE SIDES OF THE BORDER.

THE HONG KONG DELEGATION CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF SECURITY AND TRANSPORT BRANCHES, THE POLICE AND IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS, AND IS LED BY MR ALAN MASON, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE SHENZHEN DELEGATION IS COMPOSED OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS, LED BY MR SHI DEWEI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PORT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE.

SUBJECTS DISCUSSED TODAY INCLUDED THE ISSUE OF ADDITIONAL PERMITS FOR CARS AND COACHES TO CROSS THE ROAD BRIDGE AT MAN KAM TO. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW BOUNDARY TO THE NORTH OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, THE EFFECTS Oc THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KCR AT THE BORDER CROSSING AND THE USE OF THE LATER OPENING HOURS AT LOWU STATION.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 198}

EFFORTS TO BROADEN INDUSTRIAL BASE CONTINUE * K H X

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY SAID TODAY THAT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY WOULD SEE A CONTINUING MOVE TOWARDS THE MANUFACTURE OF HIGH QUALITY, MORE SOPHISTICATED CONSUMER AND INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS.

♦IN ORDER TO RETAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE WORLD’S MARKET, THERE WILL BE EVERY NEED TO INTRODUCE MORE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY IN OUR INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE AND WIDEN THE RANGE OF OUR PRODUCTS,♦ SAID MR YAXLEY, ADDRESSING THE HONG KONG/SHENZHEN SESSION SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE STANDFORD RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO BROADEN THE INDUSTRIAL BASE BY ATTRACTING NEW INDUSTRIES TO HONG KONG - PREFERABLY THOSE USING HIGH TECHNOLOGY.

♦THEY WILL HAVE MUCH TO OFFER US BUT, WE IN OUR TURN, HAVE MUCH TO OFFER THEM, NOT LEAST AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS REFRESHINGLY FREE FROM OVERMUCH REGULATION AND CONTROL.♦

RECOUNTING HOW HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY DEVELOPED FROM ITS EMBRYONIC STAGE IN THE EARLY 195O’S INTO A MAJOR MANUFACTURING CENTRE, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IN THE 80’S WOULD CONTINUE TO FACE SOME PERENNIAL AND NEW PROBLEMS.

♦ON THE WORLD FRONT, PROTECTIONISM IN WORLD TRADE HAS BEEN A GROWING MENACE SINCE THE OIL CRISIS IN THE EARLY ’70S AND HONG KONG IS PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ON EXPORTS AND BECAUSE PROTECTIONIST LOBBIES ARE S7RONG IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS.

♦MOREOVER, COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE LOWER LABOUR COSTS AND STABLE DOMESTIC SUPPLIES OF RAW MATERIALS HAS BEEN INCREASING. HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MANUFACTURER OF LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND MASS-PRODUCED CONSUMER GOODS HAS WEAKENED THROUGH THE GRADUAL EROSION OF ITS COMPARATIVE COST ADVANTAGES. IN FACT THE INTRODUCTION OF HIGHLY AUTOMATED OPERATIONS HAS EVEN MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR CERTAIN TEXTILE ITEMS TO BE PRODUCED AT A LOWER UNIT COST IN THE USA THAN IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

♦HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY HAS REACTED TO THESE PROBLEMS BY SEEKING NEW MARKETS AND BY DIVERSIFYING ITS RANGE OF MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS. THIS PROCESS HAS PROVED EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE OF THE INGENUITY AND ADAPTABILITY OP OUR ENTREPRENEURS AND THEIR WORKFORCES AND THE FLEXIBILITY WITH WHICH THEY ARE ABLE TO OPERATE UNDER GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC POLICY OF FREE ENTERPRISE AND NON-INTERFERENCE.*

/HZ C~1

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 158J

HE OUTLINED THE PROGRESS OF GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMMES OF ASSISTANCE TO THE INDUSTRY AS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION AND ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD.

♦PROPOSALS ARE BEING EXAMINED FOR ESTABLISHING A PRECISION METAL WORKING INSTITUTE. AN ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LABORATORY AND A COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN/COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE CENTRE.

♦IN RESPECT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, THE REQUIREMENTS OF FOUR SELECTED INDUSTRIES - PLASTICS, METALS, ELECTRONICS AND GARMENTS - ARE BEING STUDIED.

♦THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC ARE ALSO CONDUCTING SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MAINLY ON ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING AND COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES. IN ADDITION, PUBLIC FUNDS HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY TO MEET INDUSTRY’S NEEDS FOR MEASUREMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION.

ON LOCAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT SCENE, MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT ONLY A HANDFUL OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES HAD THE RESOURCES TO UNDERTAKE THE COSTLY AND TIME-CONSUMING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WORK ESSENTIAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY.

♦TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER THROUGH COOPERATION WITH INDUSTRIES IN TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED COUNTRIES OFFERS AN ALTERNATIVE. THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE CONSIDERS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE WHOLE PROCESS OF INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT.

♦TO THIS END, FOUR INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES IN TOKYO, LONDON, STUTTGART AND SAN FRANCISCO AS WELL AS THE HEAD OFFICE IN HONG KONG WERE ESTABLISHED LAST YEAR TO ASSIST INVESTORS BY PROVIDING QUICK AND COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG AND BY INTRODUCING LOCAL INVESTORS TO OVERSEAS COMPANDS WHO WANT TO ESTABLISH MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS HERE THROUGH JOINT VENTURE OR SUBCONTRACTING OR LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS,♦ HE SAID.

BY DECEMBER LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 438 WHOLLY-OWNED OR JOINTVENTURE FACTORIES WERE KNOWN TO BE OPERATING IN HONG KONG WITH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AMOUNTING TO HKS7.5 BILLION AND EMPLOYING ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S WORKFORCE IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. THESE FACTORIES PRODUCE A WIDE RANGE OF CONSUMER AS WELL AS CAPITAL GOODS.

♦DESPITE THE INCREASING AMOUNT OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY, THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF INVESTMENT CAPITAL IS PUT UP BY HONG KONG COMPANIES THEMSELVES. MUCH OF LOCAL INVESTING AND RE-INVESTING IS IN NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION METHODS,+ MR YAXLEY CONCLUDED.

- - 0 --------

/5 ........

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

SHAM SHU I PO ARTS ASSOCIATION FORMED * * * * *

A NEW ASSOCIATION, THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED RECENTLY TO PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF SHAM SHUI PO.

IT IS RUN BY LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS, FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

WITH

THERE ARE FOUR WORKING COMMITTEES UNDER THE ASSOCIATION -TO ORGANISE TRAINING, COMPETITIONS AND PERFORMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN IP, SAID IN THE PAST CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT HAD BEEN SHOULDERED BY A PROLIFERATION OF COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

♦MANY OF THEM HAD OVERLAPPING OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES, AND AS A RESULT, RESOURCES WERE INEVITABLY DISPERSED AND WEAKENED,+ HE SAID.

THE ARTS ASSOCIATION MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO POOL RESOURCES UNDER ONE BANNER.

♦TOGETHER WITH THE SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THEY WILL BECOME THE TWO PRINCIPAL AGENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND ARTS IN THE DISTR ICT,+ MR IP SAID.

AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW, WITH A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION AT 2 PM AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION AND DEMONSTRATION.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AT A CEREMONY AT 5.30 PM.

THE GUESTS WILL THEN BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FEATURING CHINESE FOLK DANCES, A BALLET DANCE, A DRAMA, A CHORUS BY THE SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND POPULAR SONGS BY FAMOUS ARTIST MISS ANITA MUI.

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 198}

FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME IS A SUCCESS * * * *

THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR IS PROVING SUCCESSFUL.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.

M? JOHN CHAMBERS, WHEN HE OPENED THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON KAIFONG WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S TING SUN HUI CHIU NURSERY AT MEI LAM ESTATE SHA TIN.

+THE SCHEME PROVIDES CHILD CARE SERVICE ON A SUBSIDISED BASIS TO FAMILIES IN NEED, BUT ALSO OPENS THE DOORS OF THESE CENTRES TO FAMILIES WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY A LARGER PROPORTION OF THE COST + HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT THE DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES HAD STEADILY INCREASED AND THE NEED FOR DAY CARE PROVISION WAS NO LONGER LIMITED TO THE LOWER-INCOME GROUP.

♦FAMILIES AT ALL INCOME LEVELS NOW SHARE THE SAME NEED. BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS,* HE SAID.

THE NURSERY, WHICH PROVIDES PLACES FOR 120 CHILDREN. HAS BEEN FITTED OUT AND FURNISHED WITH A GRANT OF $518 000 FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AND A DONATION OF $200 000 FROM MADAM TING SUN HUI CHIU, AFTER WHOM THE NURSERY HAS BEEN NAMED.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE NEW NURSERY WOULD PROVIDE A MOST VALUABLE SERVICE TO FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN LIVING IN THE FAST DEVELOPING SHA TIN NE* TOWN.

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/7 ........

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

STUDENTS COMMENDED IN ESSAY COMPETITION

*****

TWELVE HONG KONG STUDENTS HAVE BEEN COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTRIES IN THE 1982/83 ESSAY COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY BASED IN LONDON.

MISS ALICE LAI OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAS BEEN ♦COMMENDED* FOR HER ENTRY TO CLASS A OF THE COMPETITION.

IN CLASS B, MISS ALICE LUI, MISS YASMIN HUSS IAN MOHAMMED, MISS HELEN SHEA AND MISS ANNA SHUM OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND MISS PEGGY CHEN AND MISS PATRICIA LEUNG OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAVE BEEN +HIGHLY COMMENDED* FOR THEIR ESSAYS.

THE SOCIETY ALSO COMMENDED MISS ESTHER LAW OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE AND MISS JANET LEE AND MISS SYLVIA MAN OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE FOR THEIR ENTRIES IN THE SAME CLASS.

IN CLASS C, MISS VIVIAN LO OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE HAS BEEN +HIGHLY COMMENDED* FOR HER ENTRY WHILE HER SCHOOLMATE MISS BETTY NG HAS BEEN +COMMENDED*.

THE ESSAY COMPETITION IS HELD ANNUALLY BY THE SOCIETY WITH A VIEW TO ENCOURAGING COMMONWEALTH STUDIES IN SCHOOLS.

CLASS A IS FOR CANDIDATES BETWEEN THE AGES OF 16 AND 19, CLASS B FOR STUDENTS FROM 14 TO UNDER 16, AND CLASS C FOR THOSE UNDER 14.

THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS BOOK PRIZES TO THE BEST THREE COMPETITORS IN EACH CLASS OF THE PRELIMINARY ROUND HELD LOCALLY.

/8 .......

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

MASS TREE-PLANTING EFFORT PROPOSED

* * *

A LARGE AREA OF HONG KONG WOULD BE SHADED BY TREES IF EACH PERSON HERE PUNTED ONE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MEI FA WORKING GROUP OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WILLIAM WAN, SAID TODAY.

MR WAN WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE SAI KUNG TREE PLANTING DAY AT PAK KONG SOCCER PITCH.

THE DISTRICT-WIDE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, WAS IMPORTANT IN GETTING MORE PEOPLE TO BEAUTIFY THEIR ENVIRONMENT BY PLANTING TREES.

TREE PLANTING WAS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE MEI FA PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG EFFORT.

MR WAN URGED THE RESIDENTS +TO TRY THEIR BEST TO ADD GREENERY TO THEIR LIVING SURROUNDINGS TO MAKE THEM MORE BEAUTIFUL.♦

PAYING TRIBUTE TO A GROUP OF STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN TODAY’S TREE PLANTING EXERCISE, MR WAN SAID THEIR INVOLVEMENT DEMONSTRATED A DEEP CONCERN AND GENEROUS SUPPORT FOR SAI KUNG.

THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF A GROUP OF COMMUNITY-SPIRITED STUDENTS FROM TWO LOCAL SCHOOLS, SOME 60 EVERGREEN TREES WERE PLANTED AT THE BOUNDARY OF THE BARREN SOCCER PITCH.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, « MA IU-KI, MR WAN ALSO PLANTED A YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 198<

WATER MAINS WORK ON HONG KONG ISLAND X X X

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TWO AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO ALLOW MAINS WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.

IN THE PEAK, THE WATER SUPPLY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS — FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM — ON FRIDAY (JULY 1) WHILE MAINS WORK IS CARRIED OUT AT POLLOCK’S PATH.

THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE NO. 2-10 POLLOCK’S PATH, 1-24 GOUGH HILL ROAD, 1-7 GOUGH HILL PATH, 1-7 PEEL RISE ROAD, 1-23 SEVERN ROAD, 8-51 BARKER ROAD, 1-15 BLUFF PATH, HOSPITAL PATH AND 60 PEAK ROAD.

IN SAI WAN HO, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS — FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY TO 6 AM ON SATURDAY — FOR A LEAKAGE TEST.

AFFECTED WILL BE THE PREMISES BOUNDED BY TAI HONG STREET, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, HOI NING STREET AND SEA FRONT.

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TERMINUS TO BE MOVED M M *

PEAK TRAM SERVICE WILL BE CURTAILED ON THURSDAY (JUNE 30) AT 7 PM FOR ITS LOWER TERMINUS TO BE MOVED TO THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE NEW ST. JOHN’S BUILDING.

NORMAL SERVICE WILL BE RESUMED FROM 7 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 1).

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

10 -

POLICE KEEP UP DRIVE AGAINST VICE * * * *

KEEPING UP THE THREE-PRONGED OFFENSIVE AGAINST VICE PERPETRATORS, POLICE CARRIED OUT 2 641 RAIDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY LAST MONTH (MAY) RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 1 959 PERSONS.

ANNOUNCING THESE FIGURES TODAY (TUESDAY), A POLICE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE OPERATIONS WERE MAINLY DIRECTED AGAINST ILLEGAL GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS, DRUG DIVANS AND VICE DENS.

HE SAID THAT 485 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED DURING 473 RAIDS CONDUCTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 1 101 ARRESTED IN 1 817 RAIDS IN KOWLOON AND 350 ARRESTED IN 325 RAIDS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. ANOTHER 23 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED BY NARCOTICS BUREAU OFFICERS IN 26 OPERATIONS MOUNTED DURING THE MONTH.

ON THE ANTI-GAMBLING FRONT, POLICE CONDUCTED 298 RAIDS DURING WHICH 768 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED. STAKE MONEY AND THE VALUE OF BETTING SLIPS SEIZED TOTALLED $44 100 AND $203 100 RESPECTIVELY.

IN AN OPERATION MOUNTED ON MAY 25, OFFICERS OF WESTERN POLICE STATION ARRESTED A MAN FOR BOOKMAKING AND SEIZED A QUANTITY OF BETTING SLIPS WORTH ABOUT $10 000 DURING A RAID ON A CATCHICK STREET PREMISES. THE ARRESTED PERSON WAS LATER CONVICTED IN COURT AND FINED $5 000.

IN ANOTHER ANT I-GAMBLI NG OPERATION CARRIED OUT IN THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 28, TUEN MUN OFFICERS RAIDED AN UNNUMBERED HUT IN THE DISTRICT AND ARRESTED TWO MEN. THEY ALSO SEIZED BETTING SLIPS WITH A TOTAL FACE VALUE OF OVER *19 000. THE PAIR WERE LATER CHARGED WITH BOOKMAKING AND SUBSEQUENTLY FINED $20 000 AND $10 000 RESPECTIVELY.

TURNING TO THE CRACKDOWN ON DRUG TRAFFICKERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID 812 PERSONS WERE ROUNDED UP DURING 1 178 RAIDS ON PREMISES AND SEARCH OPERATIONS IN THE STREETS.

AMONG THE SEIZURES WERE 5-4 KG OF HEROIN AND 357 G OF OPIUM.

AS FOR THE CLAMPDOWN ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 1 165 RAIDS WERE CARRIED OUT LAST MONTH RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF 379 PERSONS.

IN ONE OF THE RAIDS CONDUCTED BY CENTRAL POLICE OFFICERS, TWO WOMEN WERE ARRESTED IN A WELLINGTON STREET ‘ARBER SHOP ON MAY 9 AND CHARGED WITH KEEPING AN UNLICENSED MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT.

THEY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY FINED '1 000 AND $400 RESPECTIVELY.

TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 1983

SENIOR HOUSING STAFF DECENTRALISED INTO DISTRICTS

*****

the housing department has completed HOUSING MANAGERS INTO VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.

DECENTRALISING 15 SENIOR LINE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT

♦these senior management staff are CENTRES AND ACTIVELY TAKING PART IN THE

NOW OPERATING FROM DISTRICT

DELIBERATIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS TO ENSURE THAT HOUSING POLICIES ARE GEARED TO LOCAL NEEDS + SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY.

HE SAID THE DECENTRALISATION SCHEME HAD ENABLED THEM TO MAINTAIN CLOSER CONTACT WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING.

♦SOME OF THEM HAVE EVEN JOINED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN ThEIR GROUP SESSIONS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AFTER OFFICE HOURS.

♦IN SUCH SESSIONS, WHILE NOT ALL ISSUES BROUGHT UP RELATE TO PUBLIC HOUSING, HOUSING OFFICIALS PUT CURRENT HOUSING PRACTICES IN PERSPECTIVE WHENEVER NECESSARY.

♦where questions concern individual CASES, They try their BEST TO GIVE THE FULLEST EXPLANATION POSSIBLE ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO IMMEDIATELY AND SATISFACTORILY RESPOND TO MATTERS INVOLVING PARTICULAR CASES.

♦HOWEVER, SUCH CASES WILL ALWAYS BE FURTHER LOOKED AT MORE CLOSELY IN FOLLOW-UP ACT ION.♦

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT, TIME AND MANPOWER PERMITTING, AS MANY +MEET-THE-PUBLIC* SESSIONS AS POSSIBLE WERE REPRESENTED BY HOUSING OFFICIALS ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR EACH AND EVERY SESSION TO BE SO REPRESENTED BECAUSE OF MANPOWER CONSTRAINT.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO,

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: ♦UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION HAS CEASED TO DETERIORATED ............ 1

CHICKEN FARMERS TO GET AID ................................... 2

PLAN TO DEAL WITH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ....................... 3

TRANSMISSION OF HERPES VIRUSES EXPLAINED ..................... 4

BUSINESS REGISTRATION REQUIRED ............................... 5

WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN BEING DEVELOPED........................... 5

MEASURES AGAINST ABANDONED VEHICLES .......................... 7

MEASURES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH ............................ 8

FEE HELP FOR KINDERGARTEN PUPILS ADEQUATE..................... 9

USE OF PUTONGHUA MAY BE CONSIDERED .......................... 10

INQUIRY POWER PROPOSED....................................... 11

WEATHER WARNING ARRANGEMENTS ADEQUATE: HAYE ................. 12

■ SHORT-TERM LEASES PROPOSED ................................. 15

LIMITATION ON LAND RECOVERY STRESSED......................... 16

TWO MOTIONS APPROVED ............................. 17

BILL ON TYPHOON DAYS IN LEGAL TIME COMPUTATION .............. 17

KINDERGARTEN BILL ON NURSERY CLASSES ........................ 19

/PROBATE AND .........

PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED ... 20

PAYMENTS INCREASED...................................... 21

DOCUMENTATION FEE PROPOSED IN BILL ......................... 21

TRUST BENEFITS HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ........................ 22

COMMON OFFENCES PROVIDED BY BILL........................... 25

LIKELY USE OF RESERVOIR FOR SPORTS.......................... 23

MORE +STRENGTH+ PROVIDED IN BILL ......................... 24

PROVIDING FOR THE AGED ............................. .. 25

THREE CORRIDOR SECTIONS READY MID-1985 ..................... 25

MOTORCYCLE PARKING NOW FREE................................. 26

LEGCO THANKS LANDS AND WORKS SECRETARY.................... 27

DEBATE ADJOURNED ON TEN BILLS .......................... 28

PROTECTION FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH .......................... 29

MAURINE GRANTHAM HEALTH CENTRE TO MOVE ....................... JO

LONDON DATE FOR GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS .................. JO

+ELDERLY NEED A DIFFERENT MIX OF SERVICES+ ................... J1

GROUP TO REPORT ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ...................... JJ

NEW FIGHT YOUTH CRIME DRIVE STARTING ......................... JJ

ARTS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES............. JA

SIX YOUNG PEOPLE VISIT BRITAIN ............................. JJ

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IMPRESS VISITOR....................... j6

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI ....................... j6

ROADS OPEN IN TAI PO ....................................... J7

ROAD SECTION TO BE CLOSED................................... j8

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

♦UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION HAS CEASED TO DETER I ORATE♦ * * * *

THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION HAS CEASED TO DETERIORATE WITH THE GRADUAL RECOVERY FROM RECESSION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.

BUT HE CAUTIONED THAT ALTHOUGH THE ECONOMY + IS IMPROVING AND SEEMS LIKELY TO GO ON IMPROV ING+, THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE TRANSLATED IMMEDIATELY INTO NEW JOBS.

THE REASON, HE SAID IN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW, WAS THAT AFTER ECONOMIC RECOVERY BEGAN THERE TENDED TO BE A LAG BEFORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WOULD START TO INCREASE AGAIN.

♦NEVERTHELESS, ALL THE INDICATORS SUGGEST THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,♦ MR JACOBS SAID.

EARLIER, HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 5.2 PER CENT IN THE FEBRUARY-APRIL PERIOD THIS YEAR WHICH WAS HIGHER THAN THE 3.4 PER CENT RECORDED FOR THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.

BUT MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF GOODS INCREASED BY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

♦ORDERS IN HAND IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE HAVE LENGTHENED FROM 3.8 MONTHS IN DECEMBER 1982 TO 4.2 MONTHS IN APRIL 1983,* HE SAID.

MR JACOBS ADDED THAT RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR INCREASED BY ROUGHLY FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

CHICKEN FARMERS TO GET AID * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHICKEN FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE RECENT PUBLICITY ON THE ILL-EFFECTS OF USING SYNTHETIC HORMONES IN CHICKEN RAISING, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT STOP SHORT AT THE PROVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE — +THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL START INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSES IN SAFE METHODS OF INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.*

HE SAID THAT THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO BE PROVIDED TOGETHER WITH THE COURSES OF ACTION ANNOUNCED ON JUNE 8 ON THE USE OF HEXOESTROL AND THE CONTROL OF IMPORTS OF MEAT TREATED WITH THIS SUBSTANCE WOULD FULLY REVIVE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE POULTRY INDUSTRY.

♦INDEED, THERE ARE SOME SIGNS ALREADY THAT CONFIDENCE IS BEING RESTORED,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

THE LOSS AS AT JUNE 26, SUFFERED BY CHICKEN FARMS HAS BEEN ESTIMATED AT *17 MILLION, HE SAID, ADDINGt +IN GIVING THIS FIGURE I AM AWARE THAT DIFFERENT SUMS HAVE BEEN MENTIONED. THE DISCREPANCY IS PROBABLY DUE TO DIFFERENT BASES OF CALCULATION.+

HE SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED 1 520 APPLICATIONS FROM CHICKEN FARMERS FOR LOANS AND, TO MEET THEM, THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND AND THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST FUND WILL BE USED FOR GRANTING LOANS TO THOSE WHO MEET THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA.

ALSO, WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD, THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WOULD BE MAKING AVAILABLE A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF ITS ACCUMULATED SURPLUSES FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.

♦THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY STARTED PROCESSING APPLICATIONS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. THE LOANS WILL BE MADE AT FAVOURABLE INTEREST RATES,+ HE POINTED OUT.

BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS COMPENSATION FOR FARMERS’ LOSSES — +THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE LOANS IS TO HELP THE LOCAL POULTRY INDUSTRY REGAIN ITS POSITION AND TO DEVELOP SAFE METHODS OF PRODUCTION.+

HE ADDEDi *WITH AN ESTIMATED TOTAL TURNOVER OF OVER *400 MILLION IN 1982, THE LOCAL CHICKEN REARING INDUSTRY IS A SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY. FURTHERMORE, IT IS IN THE COMMUNITY’S INTEREST TO HAVE A DEGREE OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN MAJOR FOODSTUFFS.*

---0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 3 -

PLAN TO DEAL WITH WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ESTABLISH A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY OF ENFORCING PROPOSED LEGISLATION ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, FOLLOWING WHICH THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JUSTIN YUE, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ON THE PROGRESS OF THE NEW WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE PROPOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN 1978.

MR YUE EXPLAINED THAT THE STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IN 1978 FOLLOWED A STUDY IN WHICH GOVERNMENT HAD CONCLUDED THAT IT WOULD ITSELF NEED TO ACQUIRE SOME EXPERTISE IN THIS FIELD AS A FIRST STEP.

AN EXPERT WAS EMPLOYED IN NOVEMBER 1980 AND DETAILED STUDY AND DRAFTING CARRIED OUT, IN CONSULTATION WITH INTERNATIONAL BODIES AND ORGANISATIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

♦ AS A RESULT OF THIS PHASE OF THE WORK, GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED THAT SUCH LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE FAR REACHING EFFECTS ON THE EVERY DAY LIFE OF VIRTUALLY THE WHOLE POPULATION OF HONG KONG. TO TAKE A SINGLE EXAMPLE, THE WIDESPREAD USE OF THE ’CHING’S’ RAISED QUESTIONS AS TO HOW FAR ITS CONTINUED USE AND POSSIBLE STANDARDISATION NEEDED TO BE ENVISAGED.* HE SAID.

MR YUE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES CONSEQUENTLY DECIDED IN MARCH 1982 THAT AN APPROPRIATE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT SHOULD BE CIRCULATED TO OBTAIN THE VIEWS AND COMMENTS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE RELEVANT TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS AND ADVISORY BODIES.

♦ THIS PROCESS WAS COMPLETED AT THE END OF 1982, SHORTLY AFTER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS SUBJECT WAS TRANSFERRED FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH.

♦ THE UNDERLYING OBJECTIVES IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WERE WIDELY WELCOMED BY ALL CONCERNED, AND IT HAS BEEN GOVERNMENT’S TASK IN THE FIRST PART OF THIS YEAR TO SEEK TO TRANSLATE THOSE OBJECTIVES INTO CLEAR, WORKABLE AND ENFORCEABLE LEG I SLAT ION,♦

YUE SAID.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT SEEK TO PASS LEGISLATION UNTIL IT WAS FULLY ABLE TO ENFORCE IT.

♦ THE SORT OF PROPOSALS ENVISAGED WOULD REQUIRE A LARGE NUMBER OF STAFF AND INEVITABLY REPRESENT A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL COMMITMENT BY GOVERNMENT,♦ HE ADDED.

/IN RSPLY ...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1985

- 4 -

IM REPLY TO THE HON ROGER LOBO'S QUESTION REGARDING THE PREPARATION OF MARKING ORDERS TO CONTROL THE FRADULENT AND MISLEADING DESCRIPTION OF GOLD ARTICLES ON SALE IN LOCAL SHOPS, MR YUE SAID1 ♦following detailed consultations with trade consumer and TOURIST ORGANISATIONS, A MARKING ORDER HAS BEEN DRAFTED. SUBJECT TO A FINAL CONSIDERATION OF THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, THE DRAFT ORDER WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.*

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TRANSMISSION OF HERPES VIRUSES EXPLAINED *****

THE RISK OF CONTRACTING HERPES WHILE SWIMMING IN POOLS OR USING TOILET SEATS IS MINIMAL AS THE MICRO ORGANISMS OF THE VIRUS DO NOT SURVIVE IN THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OUTSIDE THE HUMAN BODY, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE HERPES VIRUS BY THE HON WONG LAM, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON S.F. LAM, EXPLAINED THAT THERE ARE TWO STRAINS OF VIRUSES WHICH CAUSE A CONDITION KNOWN AS HERPES SIMPLEX.

THE HERPES THAT IS CAUSED BY THE TYPE ONE STRAIN NORMALLY MANIFESTS ITSELF AS SKIN LESIONS AROUND THE MOUTH AND FACE AND IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS COLD SORES AS IT USUALLY FOLLOWS A COMMON COLD.

+THIS IS BY FAR THE MORE PREVALENT TYPE OF INFECTION AND, AS ITS drMlamMsa!dS’ ,S QUITE harmless AND the disease IS SELF-LIMITING,*

THE TYPE TWO STRAIN CAUSES A CONDITION WHICH NORMALLY MANIFESTS ITSELF AS LESIONS AROUND THE GENITALIA, A CONDITION THAT IS MUCH LESS COMMON AND IS KNOWN AS GENITAL HERPES.

+BOTH TYPE ONE AND TYPE TWO STRAINS OF THE HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUSES ARE MICRO ORGANISMS WHICH, WHEN EXPOSED TO THE NATURAL ELEMENTS OUTSIDE THE HUMAN BODY, DO NOT SURVIVE,* DR LAM SAID.

♦THEREFORE, SWIMMING IN POOLS AND THE USE OF TOILET SEATS AS SUCH IN PRACTICE DO NOT CONSTITUTE ANY SIGNIFICANT SOURCES OF INFECTION,* HE SAID.

♦IN THE CASE OF THE COLD SORES, TRANSMISSION IS BY DIRECT CONTACT FROM PERSON TO PERSON OR BY DROPLETS WHEN THE PERSONS ARE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, WHILE IN THE CASE OF GENITAL HERPES, TRANSMISSION IS THROUGH SEXUAL ACTIVITIES ONLY,* HE ADDED.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

BUSINESS REGISTRATION REQUIRED K * * *

EVERY PERSON CARRYING ON A BUSINESS OR OTHER ACTIVITY FOR GAIN, INCLUDING THE OFFERING OF PRIVATE TUITION AT HOME FOR A FEE, IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER WITH THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF COMMENCEMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.

THE REGISTRATION FEE IS $350 PAYABLE ANNUALLY, HE ADDED, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

SIR JOHN ALSO SAID1 +THERE IS OF COURSE A THIN LINE BETWEEN RUNNING A BUSINESS FROM ONE'S HOME AND EARNING A BIT OF PIN MONEY. THE CIR MUST BE EXPECTED TO USE HIS JUDGEMENT.

♦THERE IS ALSO AN EXCEPTION ON INCOME UNDER $450 PER MONTH FOR SERVICES, AND |1 500 FOR THE SALE OF GOODS.♦

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WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN BEING DEVELOPED * * X X

A COMPREHENSIVE WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN IS BEING DEVELOPED FOR THE FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO, MR CHING SAID THE CONCEPTS OF BULK TRANSPORT OF REFUSE AND THE USE OF REFUSE TRANSFER STATIONS TO MAXIMISE THE COST-EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES WERE ALSO BEING EXAMINED.

♦FURTHER POSSIBLE SITES FOR CONTROLLED TIPS AND NEW INCINERATORS ARE BEING LOOKED AT,+ HE ADDED.

/as regards ...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 198?

AS REGARDS TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES, MR CHING SAID A REPORT HAD RECENTLY BEEN RECEIVED FROM CONSULTANTS.

♦THIS RECOMMENDS POSSIBLE METHODS FOR THE SAFE DISPOSAL OF SUCH WASTES, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN SPECIALISED FACILITIES. THESE COMPRISE A NEUTRALISATION PLANT FOR AQUEOUS WASTES, AN OILY WASTE TREATMENT PLANT, A CHEMICAL WASTE INCINERATOR AND A SOLVENTS RECOVERY PLANT,* HE SAID.

♦THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NOW UNDER STUDY,♦ HE SAID.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN ON THE USE OF NON-GAZETTED BEACHES, MR CHING POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE USE OF BEACHES FOR SWIMMING DID NOT DEPEND UPON WHETHER OR NOT THE BEACH WAS GAZETTED OR NON-GAZETTED.

♦THE WATER QUALITY IS ANALYSED REGULARLY AT ALL BEACHES DESIGNATED AS PUBLIC PLEASURE GROUNDS, AND AT SOME NINE OTHER BEACHES WHICH ARE NOT SO DESIGNATED BUT WHICH ATTRACT SWIMMERS AND WHICH MAY AT SOME FUTURE DATE REQUIRE DESIGNATION.+ FE SAID.

♦WHERE THE WATER QUALITY FALLS BELOW THE STANDARD RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AS BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR SWIMMING, NOTICES ARE POSTED PROMINENTLY WARNING PEOPLE THAT IT IS UNSAFE FOR THEM TO SWIM THERE.

♦SUCH NOTICES HAVE ALREADY BEEN POSTED AT CASTLE PEAK, ANGLERS’ AND BUTTERFLY BEACHES, AND CONSIDERABLE PUBLICITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT THE WATERS ADJACENT TO THOSE BEACHES ARE NOW SO POLLUTED AS TO BE UNSAFE FOR SWIMMERS.

♦IN THE CONTEXT OF POLLUTION, CLEARLY SWIMMERS SHOULD AVOID SWIMMING AT THOSE BEACHES, WHETHER ’GAZETTED’ OR NOT, WHERE THE WATER QUALITY IS SUCH AS TO POSE A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD,+ IE SAID.

REFERRING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ABOUT FLOATING REFUSE ON GAZETTED PUBLIC BEACHES AND ABOUT VESSELS AND INDIVIDUALS CAUSING THIS NUISANCE, MR CHEUNG SAID ALL SO-CALLED GAZETTED BEACHES WERE PROVIDED WITH A LITTER COLLECTION SERVICE.

IN ADDITION TO COLLECTING REFUSE ON THE BEACH ITSELF, THE SERVICE ALSO INCLUDES THE COLLECTION OF FLOATING REFUSE ON THE WATERS ADJACENT TO THE BEACH, AND IN PARTICULAR ON THOSE WATERS SET ASIDE FOR THE SOLE USE OF SWIMMERS AND NORMALLY DELINEATED BY BOOM-LINES.

URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF ARE STATIONED AT ALL GAZETTED BEACHES AND ARE EMPOWERED TO SUMMON LITTER OFFENDERS.

----0------

/7........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

MEASURES AGAINST ABANDONED VEHICLES # # K K

THE REDUCTION IN THE STATUTORY PERIOD FROM ONE MONTH TO TWO WEEKS FOR KEEPING ABANDONED VEHICLES AT A POLICE POUND BEFORE DISPOSAL COULD HELP EXPEDITE THE CLEARANCE OF THESE VEHICLES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE SAID THAT ABOUT 3 661 ABANDONED VEHICLES, OR AN AVERAGE OF 730 A MONTH, WERE SEIZED AND CRUSHED IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 350 A MONTH AT THE BEGINNING OF LAST YEAR.

LAST YEAR, 6 159 ABANDONED VEHICLES WERE CRUSHED, COMPARED WITH 4 380 IN 1980 AND 4 145 IN 1981.

♦THE SPEED WITH WHICH ABANDONED AND IMPOUNDED VEHICLES CAN BE DEALT WITH WILL BE FURTHER INCREASED WHEN THE STATUTORY PERIOD FOR KEEPING AN ABANDONED VEHICLE AT A POLICE POUND BEFORE DISPOSAL IS REDUCED FROM ONE MONTH TO TWO WEEKS,* HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES WAS REPLYING TO THE HON PETER C. WONG WHO ASKED WHAT GOVERNMENT ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AGAINST PEOPLE WHO ABANDONED THEIR VEHICLES ON CROWN LAND AND, IN PARTICULAR, ON STREETS AND PAVEMENTS.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID WHILE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES WOULD BE CHARGED WITH OFFENCES OF ILLEGAL PARKING, OBSTRUCTION AND POSSESSION OF UNLICENSED AND UNINSURED VEHICLES, PROSECUTIONS WERE NOT VERY FREQUENT AND THEIR DETERRENT EFFECT WAS DOUBTFUL.

♦THE DIFFICULTY LIES IN DETERMINING THE IDENTIFICATION AND WHEREABOUTS OF THE TRUE OWNER AS THE LICENCE DISCS AND NUMBER PLATES HAVE USUALLY BEEN REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLES, AND TRACING THE MOST RECENT OWNER THROUGH THE CHASSIS NUMBER INVOLVES A VERY SUBSTANTIAL AND OFTEN NOT VERY REWARDING SEARCH THROUGH MANY RECORDS.

♦EVEN IN CASES WHERE AN OWNER HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED, AFTER A LOT OF RESEARCH, PROSECUTION MAY BE PREVENTED BY COMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND POSSIBLY HIRE-PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS.

♦THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE BELIEVES THAT THE IMPORTANT TASK IS TO EXPEDITE THE CLEARANCE OF ABANDONED VEHICLES,+ HE SAID.

HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT MUCH HAD BEEN DONE AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DONE TO BRING THE MATTER UNDER EFFECTIVE CONTROL.

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/8........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

MEASURES TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH *****

THE PROBLEM OF MENTAL DEPRESSION IN HONG KONG WAS NO MORE OR NO LESS SERIOUS THAN IN ANY OTHER CITY OF COMPARABLE SIZE AND POPULATION IN THE WORLD, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON S.F. LAM SAID TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, DR LAM SAID MENTAL DEPRESSION WAS THE MOST COMMON PSYCHIATRIC CONDITION IN MANY DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

+IT IS A CONDITION WHICH IS GENERALLY RELATED TO THE PERSON’S REACTION TO HIS ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.

ON THE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT ACTION TO IMPROVE THE PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY, DR LAM POINTED TO ALL THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.

♦MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THE MEDICAL FIELD, SIGNIFICANT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH AND PREVENT PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS,♦ DR LAM SAID.

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT HAD BEEN ORGANISING MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNS THROUGH EXHIBITIONS AND THE MASS MEDIA AIMED AT EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO STAY MENTALLY HEALTHY, SAID DR LAM.

ALSO, COUNSELLING SERVICES TO PROMOTE GOOD MENTAL HEALTH ARE AVAILABLE IN ALL GOVERNMENT MENTAL HEALTH CENTRES, AND DOCTORS HOLD REGULAR SESSIONS IN THE CLINICS OF THESE CENTRES TO HELP PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE SUCH SERVICES, HE SAID.

♦WHENEVER POSSIBLE, THE OPPORTUNITY IS TAKEN BY OUR EXPERTS TO PARTICIPATE AND CONTRIBUTE IN MEETINGS AND SEMINARS WITH A VIEW TO KEEPING THE PROFESSION AND PUBLIC ABREAST OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE OF PSYCHIATRY IN THIS FIELD,* l€ SAID.

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/9......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 19«3

FEE HELP FOR KINDERGARTEN PUPILS ADEQUATE

* * * * *

THE MAXIMUM FEE ASSISTANCE LEVEL FOR KINDERGARTEN PUPILS IS ADEQUATE TO ATTRACT ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON MARIA TAM, MR HAYE SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF FEE ASSISTANCE FOR KINDERGARTENS WAS BASED ON THE AVERAGE FEE CHARGED IN NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS.

+THIS LEVEL IS UPDATED EVERY YEAR TO BRING THE MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE IN LINE WITH CURRENT AVERAGE FEE LEVELS WHICH ARE $110 PER MONTH FOR HALF-DAY KINDERGARTENS AND $300 PER MONTH FOR FULL-DAY KINDGARTENS,+ HE SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO REDUCE THE BUDGET FOR FEE ASSISTANCE FOR KINDERGARTEN PUPILS IN THE 1983/84 FINANCIAL YEAR, MR HAYE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROVISION OF $31.6 MILLION FOR KINDERGARTEN FEE ASSISTANCE IN 1982/83 WAS BASED ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT SOME 73 000 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WOULD BE FOUND.

HOWEVER, HE SAID ONLY 10 070 CAME FORWARD FOR THE 1982/83 SCHOOL YEAR, AND OF THESE 7 550 WERE FOUND TO BE ELIGIBLE.

♦CONSEQUENTLY, A MORE REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF THE LIKELY NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS IN 1983/84 HAS BEEN MADE - AND THIS WE THINK WILL BE IN THE REGION OF 11 000, REQUIRING A PROVISION OF $5.05 MILLION.

♦FEE ASSISTANCE IS NOT BEING REDUCED - THE BUDGET ESTIMATE HAS MERELY BEEN ADJUSTED,+ MR HAYE NOTED.

HE ADDED THAT FEE ASSISTANCE WAS GRANTED TO PARENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH A SLIDING SCALE BASED ON THE FAMILY’S TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME AFTER PAYMENT OF RENT.

♦AS STATED IN THE 1981 WHITE PAPER, THE PRIME OBJECT OF THE SCHEME IS TO ASSIST LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO MEET THE COST OF KINDERGARTENS FEE. I HAVE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THIS OBJECT IS BEING FRUSTRATED,+ MR HAYE SAID.

----o------•

/10.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

USE OF PUTONGHUA MAY BE CONSIDERED

* M M *

AN AD HOC GROUP OF OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS COULD BE FORMED TO CONSIDER WHETHER STANDING ORDERS SHOULD BE AMENDED TO ENABLE PUTONGHUA TO BE USED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS WELL AS THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS OF DOING SO, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ALEX WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR PHILIP SAID THE AD HOC GROUP COULD INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE UMELCO CHINESE LANGUAGE POLICY PANEL.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT STANDING ORDER WHICH SPECIFIED THAT A MEMBER MIGHT ADDRESS THE COUNCIL IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CANTONESE DATED FROM AN AMENDMENT MADE IN 1971 FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION IN THE FIRST REPORT OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY SIR KENNETH FUNG PING-FAN.

+THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED WHETHER CANTONESE ALONE, CANTONESE AND MANDARIN (PUTONGHUA), OR MANDARIN ALONE SHOULD BE ADOPTED,+ HE SAID.

ON THE BASIS THAT CANTONESE WAS THE USUAL LANGUAGE OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND THAT AN EVEN GREATER NUMBER UNDERSTOOD CANTONESE, THE COMMITTEE CONCLUDED +THAT CANTONESE WOULD AT THE PRESENT MOMENT HAVE MORE RELEVANCE AND REALITY FOR THE POPULATION AS A WHOLE ... AND THAT INTERPRETATION FACILITIES ...... SHOULD BE CONFINED TO ENGLISH AND CANTONESE

ONLY,+ HE SAID.

THE COMMITTEE WENT ON TO SAY, HE ADDED, THAT THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING MANDARIN +IN YEARS TO COME+ SHOULD BE KEPT UNDER REVIEW.

♦WE HAVE NOT, TO MY KNOWLEDGE, FORMALLY REVIEWED THE POSITION, SINCE 1971. PERHAPS WE SHOULD DO SO NOW AND I SHALL CONSULT WITH THE SENIOR MEMBER,♦ HE SAID.

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/11.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

INQUIRY POWER PROPOSED * * * *

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO HOLD A FORMAL INQUIRY INTO AN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSESi

* TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR FACTORY REGISTRATIONS TO BE PERIODICALLY RENEWED;

* TO EXEMPT CONSTRUCTION SITES FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE;

* TO REVISE THE LEVELS OF SOME PENALTIES IN THE ORDINANCE ;

* TO AMEND THE DEFINITIONS OF +COMMISSIONER*, ►FACTORY* AND +INSPECTOR* IN THE ORDINANCE; AND

M TO STREAMLINE CERTAIN PROVISIONS.

THE BILL WILL ALSO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO ORDER THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR TO MAKE AN INFORMAL INQUIRY.

WHERE THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR CONSIDERS THAT HIS INQUIRY MAY BE FRUSTRATED OR DELAYED FOR ANY REASON, THE COMMISSIONER MAY THEN HOLD A FORMAL INQUIRY.

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, MR HENDERSON ADDED, WOULD CONTINUE TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND THAT FATAL ACCIDENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REPORTED TO THE CORONER.

HOWEVER, THERE WERE SOME ACCIDENTS WHICH MIGHT GIVE RISE TO WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CONCERN, AND IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT AN INQUIRY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BILL IN ORDER TO REASSURE THE PUBLIC.

IN FATAL ACCIDENTS, THERE MIGHT BE AN OCCASIONAL NEED TO ESTABLISH VERY URGENTLY WHETHER ANY WIDELY-USED EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS INVOLVED WERE DEFECTIVE.

SOME FORM OF FORMAL INQUIRY MIGHT BE NECESSARY IF THE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER FAILED TO CO-OPERATE.

♦THIS WOULD BE ADDITIONAL TO AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE INQUEST, AND IN NO WAY DEROGATES FROM THE POWERS OF THE CORONER,* FR HENDERSON POINTED OUT.

/ MR HENDERSON ....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1985

MR HENDERSON ADDED THAT FURTHERMORE, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT ACCIDENTS WHICH DID NOT INVOLVE DEATH, BUT FOR REASONS OF PUBLIC INTEREST IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO ASCERTAIN AUTHORITATIVELY THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.

REFERRING TO THE PROPOSAL TO REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT FOR RENEWAL OF FACTORY REGISTRATIONS, MR HENDERSON EXPLAINED THAT AS A NUMBER OF SAFETY REGULATIONS HAD BEEN MADE IN RECENT YEARS, IT WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO USE THE SYSTEM OF RENEWAL TO STIPULATE SPECIAL CONDITIONS TO SAFEGUARD THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS.

AND THE REASON FOR EXEMPTING CONSTRUCTION SITES FROM REGISTRATION WAS THAT THEY ARE NOT PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENTS AND HAVE VERY DIFFERENT WORKING CONDITIONS FROM FACTORIES WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

+IN ANY EVENT, ANY CONTRACTOR CARRYING ON CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR SIX WEEKS OR MORE, OR EMPLOYING MORE THAN 10 WORKMEN, MUST SUBMIT A NOTIFICATION OF COMMENCEMENT OF WORK TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS,* HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO JULY 13.

- _ , 0----

WEATHER WARNING ARRANGEMENTS ADEQUATE! HAYE * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT’S WEATHER WARNING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE GUIDANCE OF PARENTS AND THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN ARE COMPREHENSIVE AND ADEQUATE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR HAYE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KEPT A WEATHER-WATCH THROUGH DIRECT LINKS WITH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE POLICE.

IN THE CASE OF HEAVY PERSISTENT RAIN DURING THE NIGHT LIKELY TO CAUSE FLOODING OR DISRUPTION TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, A DEPARTMENTAL OFFICER IS UNDER STANDING INSTRUCTION TO CONTACT THE DUTY FORECASTER OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE DUTY OFFICER OF THE GIS AND THE COLONY +POLMIL* OFFICE IN POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR WEATHER, ROAD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT INFORMATION BETWEEN 5 AND 5.30 AM THE NEXT DAY.

MR HAYE SAIDi +HIS DUTY IS TO KEEP THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION INFORMED, WHO IN TURN REPORTS TO ME AT 5.30 AM, WHEN A DECISION MUST BE TAKEN TO CLOSE SCHOOLS OR LEAVE THEM OPEN.

+ACTION IS NECESSARY AT THIS VERY EARLY HOUR TO PERMIT MESSAGES TO BE RELAYED TO RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS BETWEEN 6 AND 6.15 AM WHEN PARENTS WITH CHILDREN IN MORNING SESSION SCHOOLS ARE LISTENING BEFORE THEY SET OUT FOR SCHOOL,* HE SAID.

Air hays........

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 198}

- 15 -

MR HAYE SAID WHEN THE INFORMATION FROM THESE VARIOUS SOURCES CLEARLY INDICATED DANGEROUS WEATHER AND FLOODING, OR DISRUPTION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IT WAS EASY TO COME TO THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOLS.

♦BUT IF THERE IS NO INDICATION OF THE INTENSITY OR LIKELY DURATION OF HEAVY RAIN, AND WHEN ROAD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONDITIONS ARE REPORTED TO BE NORMAL, JUDGEMENT IS TO BE EXERCISED AND A DECISION IS USUALLY TAKEN TO OPEN SCHOOLS BUT THAT PARENTS SHOULD BE ASKED TO USE THEIR DISCRETION IN SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL HAVING REGARD TO WEATHER, ROAD AND TRANSPORT CONDITIONS IN THEIR PARTICULAR LOCALITY.

♦IF SUBSEQUENTLY THERE IS A SUDDEN DETERIORATION OF THE WEATHER WITH FLOODING AND DISRUPTION OF ROAD TRAFFIC, THOUGHT MUST BE GIVEN TO WHETHER OR NOT SCHOOLS SHOULD REMAIN OPEN, AND HERE JUDGEMENT MUST AGAIN BE EXERCISED WITH THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN A PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION,* MR HAYE SAID.

IN THIS RESPECT, MR HAYE SAID SCHOOL AUTHORITIES WERE EXPECTED TO PLAY A RESPONSIBLE ROLE IN SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN WHO MIGHT HAVE BRAVED THE WEATHER TO GO TO SCHOOL, AND THIS MIGHT TAKE THE FORM OF SIMPLY WAITING FOR A LULL IN THE WEATHER BEFORE RELEASING THEM TO THE CUSTODY OF PARENTS, SCHOOL OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

ANOTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD ALSO BE ISSUED AT 11 AM TO GUIDE PARENTS OF CHILDREN WHO ATTEND AFTERNOON SESSION SCHOOLS, HE ADDED.

HE STRESSED THAT +CARDINAL TO THE DEPARTMENT’S DECISION-MAKING PROCESS MUST BE THE ADEQUACY OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEATHER AND ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS-BUT GIVEN THE VARIABILITY OF LOCAL CIRCUMSTANCE THERE HAS TO BE DEPENDENCE ON INDIVIDUAL OBSERVATION OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.♦

REFERRING TO JUNE 17, WHEN SUDDEN HEAVY RAINS AND FLOODING OCCURRED, MR HAYE SAID HE RECEIVED NO INDICATION OF THE INTENSITY OR LIKELY DURATION OF HEAVY RAINS AT 5.30 THAT MORNING, AND ROAD AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT CONDITIONS WERE REPORTED TO BE NORMAL.

♦IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED THAT SCHOOLS WOULD OPEN AS USUAL BUT THAT PARENTS SHOULD BE REMINDED TO USE THEIR DISCRETION IN SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL HAVING REGARD TO LOCAL WEATHER, ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS.

/♦INFORMATION .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1985

- 14 -

♦INFORMATION PROVIDED WAS NOT COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH TO WARRANT A CHANGE IN THE DECISION WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED AT 6 AM, WHEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE PREPARING TO LEAVE HOME FOR MORNING SESSION SCHOOLS. AT 6.25 AM A FURTHER CHECK DID NOT INDICATE ANY WIDE-SPREAD FLOODING OR DAMAGE.*

MR HAYE SAID THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN MASSIVE DELUGE SOON AFTERWARDS, WITH FLOODING AND SERIOUS TRAFFIC CONGESTION. AS A RESULT, A DECISION WAS REACHED TO CLOSE ALL SCHOOLS FOR THE REST OF THE DAY DESPITE A LULL IN THE WEATHER. THERE WAS AN ANNOUNCEMENT AT 10.20 AM TO THIS EFFECT.

HE SAID IT WAS EASY TO BE WISE AFTER AN EVENT, BUT GIVEN THE SAME SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE SAME INFORMATION, THE DECISION TO OPEN SCHOOLS THAT MORNING, TRUSTING PARENTS TO USE THEIR DISCRETION AND SCHOOLS TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY, WOULD AGAIN HAVE BEEN TAKEN.

♦REGRETTABLY MANY PARENTS DID NOT USE THEIR DISCRETION AND SOME SCHOOLS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE SENT CHILDREN INTO THE STORM WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHELTERING THEM,* HE NOTED.

MR HAYE SAID A QUICK REVIEW OF STANDING ARRANGEMENTS HAD PERSUADED HIM THAT MOST OF THEM SHOULD REMAIN BUT THAT GREATER EFFORTS MUST BE MADE TO SECURE AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE OF LOCAL WEATHER, ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION CONDITIONS TO PERMIT SAFER DECISIONS.

THIS WOULD MEAN DELAYING PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM 6 AM TO 6.15 AM ON MORNINGS IN QUESTION TO CATCH EARLY SCHOOL USERS, AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 11 AM TO COVER ALL-DAY AND AFTERNOON SCHOOLS.

HE SAIDi *IT WILL INVOLVE REPEATED ANNOUNCEMENTS BY RADIO AND TELEVISION WITH INSISTENT UNDERLINING OF THE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO SAFEGUARD CHILDREN.

♦IT WILL ALSO MEAN FRESH DIRECTIVES TO SCHOOLS TO EMPHASISE THE OBVIOUS NEED FOR GREAT CARE IN AN EMERGENCY SUCH AS THAT OF FRIDAY, JUNE 17.+

MR HAYE ADDED THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS HAD PERMITTED THE CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS ON JUNE 18 AND THEIR OPENING ON JUNE 20. ♦NATURALLY, THESE DECISIONS DID NOT ATTRACT COMMENT FROM THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA,* HE CONCLUDED.

------0

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

SHORT-TERM LEASES PROPOSED ft ft ft ft ft

THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH WILL ENABLE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION TO GRANT SHORT-TERM LEASES OF LAND WITHIN ITS ESTATES FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAVID MCDONALD, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SAID THAT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE CORPORATION WAS ONLY PERMITTED TO USE THE LAND WITHIN ITS ESTATES AT TAI PO AND YUEN LONG FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

♦SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1977 THE CORPORATION HAD PURSUED A POLICY OF FORMING LAND AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, HAVING REGARD TO THE LEAD TIME REQUIRED AND THE NEED TO HAVE SUFFICIENT LAND ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO MEET DEMAND,♦ MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦IT WAS OF COURSE RECOGNISED THAT THIS POLICY MIGHT RESULT IN A SURPLUS OF LAND ARISING FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT THE RECENT WORLD RECESSION AND HIGH INTEREST RATES HAVE EXACERBATED THE SITUATION BY CAUSING A SLOW DOWN IN THE TAKE-UP RATE OF AVAILABLE LAND.+

STATISTICS SHOWED THAT THE CORPORATION HAD ALLOCATED, AS AT APRIL 1983, A TOTAL OF 30 HECTARES BUT STILL HAD 35 HECTARES OF FORMED LAND UNALLOCATED. ANOTHER 53 HECTARES WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN 1984 AND A FURTHER FIVE HECTARES IN 1985.

WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL TAKE-UP RATE OF FIVE HECTARES, « MCDONALD SAID, THERE WAS LIKELY TO BE A CONSIDERABLE SURPLUS IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION ACCORDINGLY APPROACHED THE GOVERNMENT WITH A REQUEST THAT THE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO PERMIT THE CORPORATION TO GRANT SHORT-TERM LEASES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.

♦INITIALLY ABOUT 20 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE EARMARKED FOR SUCH USE. THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THIS A SENSIBLE APPROACH SINCE IT WILL MAKE LAND AVAILABLE FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS OPEN STORAGE, FOR WHICH THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE DEMAND RECENTLY, AND WILL ENABLE THE CORPORATION TO DERIVE INCOME FROM LAND WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE LIE IDLE FOR SOME TIME,* MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦THE LAND BANK OF THE CORPORATION WILL BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET THE EXPECTED DEMAND FOR SITES FROM ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES.*

/THE BILL .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 198J

- 16 —

THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND SECTIONS 4 AND 5 OF THE ORDINANCE BY EXPANDING THE PRESENT PURPOSES AND POWERS OF THE CORPORATION SO AS TO PERMIT IT TO DISPOSE OF AND MANAGE ANY LAND WITHIN AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, SUBJECT TO THE TERMS OF THE CROWN LEASES ON WHICH THE LAND IS HELD.

MR MCDONALD SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL, IT WAS INTENDED TO OFFER THE CORPORATION A WAIVER TO PERMIT IT TO GRANT SHORT-TERM LEASES FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES WITHIN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

----0------

LIMITATION ON LAND RECOVERY STRESSED ft ft ft ft

THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) BILL 1983, WHICH AIMS TO ENABLE THE CROWN UPON PAYMENT OF FAIR AND REASONABLE COMPENSATION TO ACQUIRE LAND TO WHICH THE CROWN HAS LOST ITS POSSESSORY TITLE UNDER THE LIMITATION ORDINANCE, WAS TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAVID MCDONALD, SAID THAT UNDER THE LIMITATION ORDINANCE NO ACTION FOR THE RECOVERY OF LAND MIGHT BE BROUGHT BY THE CROWN AFTER A PERIOD OF 60 YEARS FROM THE DATE THE RIGHT OF ACTION ACCRUED TO THE CROWN, THAT IS THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF ADVERSE POSSESSION.

♦THE ORDINANCE ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE TITLE OF THE CROWN TO SUCH LAND IS EXTINGUISHED ON THE EXPIRY OF THIS PERIOD,♦ HE SAID.

AT PRESENT, MR MCDONALD SAID, THE CROWN HAD NO POWER, EITHER UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, OR ANY OTHER ORDINANCE CONFERRING LAND ACQUISITION POWERS, TO ACQUIRE SUCH LAND, IF IT WAS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES.

♦WHILE NO CLAIM TO POSSESSORY TITLE HAS YET SUCCEEDED AND, INDEED VERY FEW CASES OF THIS TYPE HAVE EVER ACTUALLY ARISEN, THE FACT THAT CLAIMS CAN BE MADE AND MIGHT SUCCEED, HOWEVER REMOTE THESE POSSIBILITIES, REPRESENTS A POTENTIAL DIFFICULTY FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S LAND ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES,♦ HE SAID.

♦IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE THE MEANS TO OVERCOME THIS DIFFICULTY, SHOULD IT ARISE, BY EMPOWERING THE CROWN FIRST TO ACQUIRE SUCH LAND FREE OF ALL PRIVATE RIGHTS THEREIN AND THEN TO SETTLE ANY CLAIMS OF POSSESSORY TITLE AND COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE LAND.+

MR MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT THE PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES LAID DOWN IN THE BILL RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OF LAND AND ASSESSMENT OF COMPENSATION FOLLOWED, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE PROVISIONS OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

TWO MOTIONS APPROVED * * *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON APPROVED IWO MOTIONS MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.

ON THE MOTION ON DELEGATION OF FINANCIAL POWERS, SIR JOHN SAID THE PURPOSE WAS FORMALLY TO RESCIND THE RESOLUTION PASSED 10 YEARS AGO IN WHICH POWERS TO APPROVE PROVISION IN ADDITION TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE WERE DELEGATED TO SPECIFIED PUBLIC OFFICERS.

♦THESE DELEGATIONS HAVE BEEN SUPERSEDED IN PRACTICE BY A NEW SET OF DELEGATED POWERS TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ESTIMATES APPROVED ON MARCH 9, 1983, BY FINANCE COMMITTEE UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE,♦ HE SAID.

ON THE OTHER MOTION, SIR JOHN SAID THE PURPOSE WAS THE COVERING APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL FOR THE WRITE-OFFS DURING THE 1982-63 FINANCIAL YEAR AND FOR ONE WRITE-OFF

TO SEEK MADE IN 1981-82.

HE ADDED THAT THE WRITE-OFFS HAD INDIVIDUALLY BEEN AUTHORISED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.

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

BILL ON TYPHOON DAYS IN LEGAL TIME COMPUTATION * * * *

A BILL WHICH PROPOSES THAT TYPHOON DAYS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH IN THE SAME WAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE EXISTING INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE WAS MOVED THROUGH ITS FIRST AND SECOND READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

/VARIOUS ORDINANCES ...

WENDESDAY, JUNE 29, 198J

- 18 -

VARIOUS ORDINANCES REQUIRE CERTAIN STEPS TO BE TAKEN WITHIN A GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME.

THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ON WHICH SUCH PERIODS END OR WHICH OCCUR DURING WHICH SUCH PERIODS NOT EXCEEDING SIX DAYS, SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN MAKING THE COMPUTATION OF TIME.

THE ORDINANCE LEFT OUT GALE WARNING OR TYPHOON DAYS — DAYS WHEN A NUMBER 8 (OR HIGHER) TYPHOON WARNING IS GIVEN BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND WHEN THE COURTS AND OFFICES ARE FORCED TO CLOSE.

♦CONSEQUENTLY IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED THAT THE ORDINANCE IS UNHAPPILY EXPRESSED, THAT IT ALLOWS TYPHOON DAYS TO BE EXCLUDED IN THE COMPUTATION OF TIME IN SITUATIONS THAT WERE NEVER INTENDED TO BE AFFECTED, AND THAT A REFORM IS NECESSARY,♦ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID.

THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983 INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL TODAY PROPOSES THAT TYPHOON DAYS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY, MR THOMAS SAID.

♦THE INTENTION UNDERLYING THE PRESENT PROVISIONS IS TO AVOID A SITUATION WHERE SOMETHING WHICH MUST OR SHOULD BE DONE WITHIN A RELATIVELY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME OR ON A PARTICULAR DAY CANNOT BE DONE BECAUSE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OFFICES AND THE COURTS THEMSELVES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING AT THAT TIME OR ON THAT DAY BECAUSE OF TYPHOON CONDITIONS,* MR THOMAS EXPLAINED.

HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH DAYS ON WHICH THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS, BY ORDER, ADJOURNED JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BECAUSE OF A TROPICAL CYCLONE OR ITS EFFECTS ARE WITHIN THE PRESENT LEGISLATION, THE BILL DOES NOT MAKE PROVISION SPECIFICALLY TO ALLOW SUCH A DAY TO BE EXCLUDED FROM COMPUTATION OF TIME.

BUT HE ADDED THAT THERE HAD BEEN ONLY ONE SUCH ORDER SINCE 1969.

THE PRESENT BILL, IF PASSED, WILL COME INTO OPERATION 60 DAYS AFTER GAZETTING.

♦THUS ANYBODY WHO HAS BEEN RELYING UPON THE EXISTING STATE OF THE LAW IN COUNTING TIME WILL BE ABLE TO DERIVE THAT BENEFIT NOTWITHSTANDING THIS PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE,♦ MR THOMAS SAID.

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/19.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 19 -

KINDERGARTEN BILL ON NURSERY CLASSES * * * *

AN AMENDMENT BILL WHICH PROPOSES TO ALLOW KINDERGARTENS TO OPERATE NURSERY CLASSES FROM SEPTEMBER 1985 WITHOUT DUAL REGISTRATION UNDER TWO ORDINANCES AND OPERATED BY TWO SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON COLVYN HAYE, SAID THAT NURSERY CLASSES DEFINED UNDER THE BILL WILL CATER FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF THREE AND THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS.

MR HAYE EXPLAINED THAT THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1982, WHICH WAS DEBATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST JUNE, REQUIRED OPERATORS OF KINDERGARTENS WITH NURSERY CLASSES FOR CHILDREN UNDER THREE YEARS EIGHT MONTHS OF AGE TO REGISTER THESE CLASSES UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE.

BUT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS, THE GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED THAT REGISTRATION OF PART OF THE PREMISES OF A KINDERGARTEN UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WOULD BE IMPRACTICABLE FOR MANY KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS AND WOULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS REDUCTION OF A VALUABLE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, t£ SAID.

TO ENSURE THAT THE NURSERY CLASSES WILL BE OPERATED TO HIGH STANDARDS, THE BILL AND AMENDED EDUCATION REGULATIONS WILL REQUIRE NURSERY CLASSES TO EMPLOY QUALIFIED PRINCIPALS AND TO IMPROVE SPACE REQUIREMENTS AND CLASS SIZE.

THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN SEPTEMBER, 1986, MR HAYE SAID.

SIMILAR PROVISIONS COVER FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN SCHOOLS, HE ADDED.

THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WILL NOT ONLY RELIEVE THE UNEASE AMONG MANY KINDERGARTEN OPERATORS, BUT ALSO PROVIDE A MORE FLEXIBLE AND PRACTICABLE APPROACH TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1981 WHITE PAPER ON PRIMARY EDUCATION AND PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO JULY 13.

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

/20.......

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL INTRODUCED KO* K *

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION ORDINANCE WAS MOVED THROUGH ITS FIRST AND SECOND READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL ADM INSTRATOR, MAY SUMMARILY ADMINISTER THE ESTATE OF A DECEASED PERSON IF HE IS OF THE OPINION THAT IT DOES NOT EXCEED $20 000 IN VALUE.

THE PROBATE AND ADMINSTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 PROPOSES TO RAISE THIS LIMIT TO 150 000.

THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON GARTH NAZARETH, DESCRIBED THE PROVISION IN THE MAIN ORDINANCE AS BEING USEFUL AND SENSIBLE, ENABLING SMALL ESTATES TO BE ADMINSTERED INEXPENSIVELY, SIMPLY AND QUICKLY.

♦NOT SURPRISINGLY, THEREFORE, THE NUMBER OF ESTATES SO ADMINISTERED HAS RISEN BY AN AVERAGE OF MORE THAN 16 PER CENT IN EACH OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS TO A TOTAL OF 1 671 IN 1982/83.

♦IF INFLATION HAD NOT SEVERELY ERODED THE REAL VALUE OF THE S20 000 LIMIT, WHICH WAS FIXED IN 1971 WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED, IT IS PROBABLE THAT THE NUMBER WOULD HAVE RISEN EVEN MORE STEEPLY,♦ MR NAZARETH SAID.

HE SAID THAT THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND LAW SOCIETY HAD BEEN CONSULTED ABOUT THE PROPOSED INCREASE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 21 -

PAYMENTS INCREASED * * *

A RESOLUTION WAS PASSED TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDER THE INTESTATES’ ESTATES ORDINANCE TO INCREASE THE AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO THE SURVIVING SPOUSE AND CHILDREN OF A DECEASED PERSON WHOSE PROPERTY IS NOT SUBJECT TO A WILL.

MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON GARTH NAZARETH SAID UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, WHERE THE DECEASED LEAVES A SPOUSE AND CHILDREN, SUCH PROPERTY, AFTER PAYMENT OF DEBTS AND THE LIKE, IS CHARGED WITH THE PAYMENT OF $25 OOO TO THE SURVIVING SPOUSE.

♦WHERE THE DECEASED LEAVES A SPOUSE BUT NO CHILDREN, THE AMOUNT TO WHICH THE SURVIVING SPOUSE IS ENTITLED GOES UP TO $100 000.

♦PROPERTY IN EXCESS OF THESE AMOUNTS IS TO BE HELD ON TRUST FOR THE SURVIVING SPOUSE, AND WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE CHILDREN AND RELATIVES,♦ HE SAID.

MR NAZARETH POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING AMOUNTS WERE ORIGINALLY FIXED IN JANUARY 1971, WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED.

♦INFLATION, SINCE 1971, HAS MADE THE AMOUNTS INCREASINGLY UNREALISTIC, AND THIS MOTION PROPOSES TO INCREASE THEM TO $50 000 AND $200 000 RESPECTIVELY,♦ HE SAID.

♦THE PROPOSAL FOR AN APPROPRIATE INCREASE CAME FROM THE JUDICIARY, AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND LAW SOCIETY HAVE BEEN CONSULTED,♦ HE ADDED.

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DOCUMENTATION FEE PROPOSED IN BILL M * *

THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO PRESCRIBE A FEE FOR AUTHENTICATING PUBLIC DOCUMENTS, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, THE HON GARTH NAZARETH, EXPLAINED THAT WHERE HONG KONG WAS OBLIGED UNDER A TREATY TO RENDER A SERVICE TO INDIVIDUALS, IT WAS DOUBTFUL WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS LEGALLY ENTITLED TO LEVY A FEE FOR THAT SERVICE WITHOUT STATUTORY AUTHORITY.

/AU EXAMPLE ...

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1985

- 22 -

AN EXAMPLE OF SUCH A TREATY WAS THE 1961 HAGUE CONVENTION UNDER WHICH HONG KONG WAS OBLIGED TO PROVIDE A SIMPLIFIED AUTHENTICATION PROCEDURE TO RENDER PUBLIC DOCUMENTS ACCEPTABLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES THAT HAVE SUBSCRIBED TO THE CONVENTION, HE SAID.

♦THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN OF EMPOWERING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO PRESCRIBE A FEE WHERE AN AUTHENTICATION IS DONE FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANY FOREIGN OR COMMONWEALTH LAW,* MR NAZARETH SAID.

♦IT IS TRUE THAT WHERE SUCH AUTHENTICATION IS A VOLUNTARY SERVICE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AUTHORITY TO LEVY A FEE MAY NOT BE NECESSARY,♦ HE SAID. +BUT TO AVOID PROBLEMS, IT IS DESIRABLE TO HAVE CLEAR LEGAL AUTHORITY ANYWAY.*

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

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TRUST BENEFITS HANDICAPPED CHILDREN *****

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983 SHOWS THAT A GREAT DEAL OF CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID TODAY.

SHE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, WHICH WAS APPROVED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

DR IP SAID THAT CLAUSE 5(1) (C) WAS INTENTIONALLY INCLUDED TO ALLOW FLEXIBILITY TO THE TRUSTEE TO PROVIDE +OPPORTUNITIES+ FOR THE FURTHERANCE OF EDUCATION OF CHILDREN CONCERNED.

♦THEY WILL, I UNDERSTAND, INCLUDE PROVISIONS ON STUDY AIDS, TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.

♦ I SINCERELY HOPE THAT THIS CONSIDERATE ATTITUDE SHOULD SET A GOOD EXAMPLE TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE AND BE FURTHER CULTIVATED,* SHE SAID.

REFERRING SPECIFICALLY TO THE PROVISIONS IN CLAUSE 5(1) (B) OF THE BILL, DR IP SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT A STATUTORY TRUST WAS ESTABLISHED WITH THE PROVISION OF ASSISTANCE TO THE EDUCATION OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AS ONE OF ITS OBJECTIVES.

♦ A NUMBER OF PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FOR THE SAME PURPOSE, BUT NEVER HAVE THE AIM BEEN STATED IN THE LAW.

♦ I THEREFORE WELCOME THIS AS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE COMMUNITY’S EFFORTS TOWARDS MEETING THE EDUCATION NEEDS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN*, SHE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

COMMON OFFENCES PROVIDED BY BILL ft ft ft ft

THE PURPOSE OF CHILD CARE CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WAS TO BRING CERTAIN OFFENCES AND PENALTIES IN THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH THOSE IN THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE WHICH AFFECT THE CARE AND EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID THE AMENDMENTS PROVIDE FOR COMMON OFFENCES WHERE APPROPRIATE, AND COMMON PENALTIES UNDER BOTH ORDINANCES.

♦SIMILAR AMENDMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO THE CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS IN RESPECT OF A NUMBER OF OFFENCES.

♦ALTHOUGH IN CERTAIN CASES, FOR EXAMPLE THE OFFENCE OF OPERATING AN UNREGISTERED CHILD CARE CENTRE, THE AMENDMENTS WILL RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE, I BELIEVE THESE TO BE FULLY JUSTIFIED HAVING REGARD TO THE NEED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE VERY YOUNG CHILDREN WHO USE THESE CENTRES,♦ HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

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LIKELY USE OF RESERVOIR FOR SPORTS ft ft ft ft

LIKELY BE THE RESERVOIR TO BE

PLOVER COVE WOULD MOST LIKELY BE THE RESERVOIR TO Bb CONSIDERED FOR USE FOR RESTRICTED ORGANISED WATER SPORTS ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO ALLOWING ONE OR MORE CF HONG KONG’S GOVERNING WATER SPORTS BODIES TO ESTABLISH A TRIAL SCHEME? MR BRAY SAID IN ANSWERING A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG.

HE ADDED THAT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WOULD HAVE TO DEPEND ON THE SUCCESS OR OTHERWISE OF THE TRIAL SCHEME.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 24

MORE +STRENGTH+ PROVIDED IN BILL * * M *

THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WILL STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO MAINTAIN ITS INTEGRITY AS A RESPONSIBLE TRADING PARTNER, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON JUSTIN YUE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE BILL THROUGH ITS SECOND READING, MR YUE SAID ITS PURPOSE WAS TO PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO TEXTILE PRODUCTS, SO AS TO PREVENT CIRCUMVENTION OF THE TEXTILE LICENSING SYSTEM.

♦WITHIN THIS BROAD OBJECTIVE, THE BILL FIRST SEEKS TO FACILITATE THE EXAMINATION OF CONSIGNMENTS BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, AND SECOND TO TIGHTEN THE MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS FOR CARGO IMPORTED OR EXPORTED BY RAIL,+ HE SAID.

THE BILL SEEKS TO CLARIFY THE EXISTING AUTHORITY OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TO REQUEST A CARGO MANIFEST AND TO ENSURE THAT DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED AS CARGO MANIFESTS MEET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, HE ADDED.

TO FACILITATE THE EXAMINATION OF IMPORTED CARGO WHERE THE IDENTITY OF THE CONSIGNEE IS NOT KNOWN, OR IF A DOUBT EXISTS AS TO HIS IDENTITY, THE BILL SEEKS TO PROVIDE THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WITH THE AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE THE CARGO TO BE HELD AT AN AGREED LOCATION UNTIL COMPLETION OF VERIFICATION AND EXAMINATION.

♦THIS AUTHORITY, WHICH ALREADY EXISTS IN RESPECT OF PROHIBITED ARTICLES, SERVES TO MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE TO CARRIERS WHOSE AIRCRAFT, VESSELS OR VEHICLES MIGHT OTHERWISE BE DELAYED IF CARGO EXAMINATIONS WERE TO BE CONDUCTED ON BOARD,♦ MR YUE SAID.

IN ADDITION, THE BILL SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT THE MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS CAN BE PROPERLY APPLIED TO CARGO TRANSPORTED BY RAIL.

♦SINCE RAIL CARGO IS IN PRACTICE HANDLED BY A LOCAL AGENT WHO ALONE HOLDS THE PARTICULARS OF THE CARGO, IT IS INAPPROPRIATE TO HOLD THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION LIABLE FOR THE MANIFEST REQUIREMENTS. CLAUSE 3 (A) OF THE BILL, THEREFORE, EXPANDS THE AMBIT OF SECTION 15 TO PLACE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION ON THE PERSON ACTING AS THE AGENT, OR THE OWNER, OF GOODS CARRIED BY TRAIN,♦ HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13.

° / 25....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 25 -

PROVIDING FOR THE AGED * * *

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO 3) 1983 BILL WAS READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE BILL SEEKS TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR PROFITS TAX PURPOSES FOR EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON THE ACQUISITION OF PATENT RIGHTS AND TRADE MARKS.

IT ALSO SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR A NEW ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT PARENTS ALLOWANCE OF $2 000 PER PARENT FOR THOSE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN THE FAMILY.

ON THIS ALLOWANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN EREMRIDGE SAID, +1 AM PARTICULARLY CONSCIOUS OF THE GROWING PROBLEM NOT JUST IN HONG KONG BUT IN THE WORLD AS A WHOLE OF PROVIDING REASONABLY FOR THE AGED — AND OF COURSE PEOPLE NOW LIVE MUCH LONGER AS A RESULT OF MEDICAL ADVANCES.*

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO JULY 13.

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THREE CORRIDOR SECTIONS READY MID-1985

# K K K

ALL THREE SECTIONS OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN PROGRAMMED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1985, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW, HE SAID THAT THESE SECTIONS WERE FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO HEALTHY STREET WEST, FROM HEALTHY STREET WEST TO TAIKOO SHING AND FROM TAIKOO SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN.

♦IN ORDER TO BRING EARLY RELIEF TO KING’S ROAD, THE SECTIONS FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAIKOO SHING WERE PLANNED TO BE COMPLETED AND OPENED TO TRAFFIC SEVERAL MONTHS IN ADVANCE,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.

♦DESPITE SETBACKS TO THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME DUE TO UNDERGROUND OBSTRUCTIONS TO PILING AND UNUSUALLY WET WEATHER, THIS OBJECTIVE WILL STILL BE ACHIEVED.*

REFERRING TO THE REMAINDER OF THE CORRIDOR FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CHAI WAN, HE SAID WORK WOULD COMMENCE FROM THE CHAI W$N END.

WORK ON THE SECTIONS IN CHAI WAN ITSELF AND FROM CHAI WAN TO PAK CHAI WAN ARE SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE TOWARDS THE END OF TH S YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN 1985. THE FINAL SEC i ION FROM PAK CHAI WAN TO SHAU KEI WAN WILL EE COMPLETED IN 1987, MR MCDONALD SAID.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

MOTORCYCLE PARKING NOW FREE * * * *

EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICY ON MOTORCYCLE PARKING IS TO PROVIDE FREE ON-STREET SPACES, THE NUMBER OF WHICH IS BROADLY RELATED TO THE DEMAND AND TO AVAILABLE SPACE.

THERE ARE ABOUT 3 200 DESIGNATED MOTORCYCLE SPACES, OF WHICH 900 ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 1 500 IN KOWLOON AND 800 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

♦PROVISION OF MOTORCYCLE PARKING FACILITIES IS NOT RELATED SOLELY TO THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE MOTORCYCLES. THE PROVISION OF PARKING FACILITIES HAS TO BE BALANCED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEEDS OF ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES,+ MR SCOTT SAID.

REFERRING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON K.C. CHAN ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF RESITING EXISTING TRAM STOPS NEAR TRAFFIC LIGHTS, SCOTT SAID RESITING THEM COULD INDEED BE A METHOD OF IMPROVING SAFETY AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.

♦BUT OTHER SOMEWHAT MORE EASILY IMPLEMENTED MEASURES WERE ALSO AS EFFECTIVE,+ HE ADDED.

AT ONE SITE - THE DES VOEUX ROAD AND EASTERN ROAD JUNCTION -FOR INSTANCE, THE NUMBER OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS WAS REDUCED FROM 21 PER ANNUM TO ONE, BY BANNING MOTOR VEHICLES FROM TRAVELLING ON THE TRAM TRACKS ADJACENT TO A TRAM ISLAND, MR SCOTT SAID.

HE SAID ALSO THAT ABOUT HALF OF THE TRAM STOPS WERE NEAR ROAD JUNCTIONS, MANY OF WHICH HAD TRAFFIC SIGNALS, MR SCOTT SAID.

I 27........

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 27 -LEGCO THANKS LANDS AND WORKS SECRETARY * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RETIRING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON DAVID MCDONALD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR EDWARD SAID MR MCDONALD HAD CONTRIBUTED IMMEASURABLY THROUGHOUT HIS 28 YEARS OF SERVICE, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE PAST NINE YEARS, TO THE PLANNING AND PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S HOUSING PROGRAMME AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.

♦MUCH THAT IS BEST IN THE LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENT OF MODERN HONG KONG HAS BEEN CREATED UNDER HIS CREATIVE INFLUENCE. IN THIS CHAMBER, HE HAS BEEN A SPIRITED PERFORMER, AND A MEMBER WHO HAS BORNE HIS FULL SHARE OF THE LOAD OF THE COUNCIL’S WORK, WITH UNFAILING GOOD HUMOUR,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR ADDEDt +1 AM SURE WE WOULD ALL WISH TO RECORD OUR THANKS TO HIM ON HIS RETIREMENT, AND OUR APPRECIATION OF HIS MOST VALUABLE SERVICES. WE WISH HIM AND MRS MCDONALD A VERY LONG AND HAPPY RETIREMENT.*

THE HON ROGER LOBO, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE UNOFFICIAL bEMBERS, SAID MR MCDONALD’S TIME HAD SEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANY NEW TOWNS, CROSS-HARBOUR AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, SEVERAL SPAGHETTI JUNCTIONS, TO NAME BUT A FEW OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS WHICH HAD COME TO FRUITION UNDER HIS GUIDANCE IN RECENT YEARS.

HE SAID THE DEFEDERALI SAT I ON OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHICH HAD EXISTED FOR 140 YEARS MUST HAVE BEEN A MOST DIFFICULT, IF NOT PAINFUL, TASK FOR HIM.

+BUT THE SUCCESS OF THIS OPERATION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SIX DEPARTMENTS WHICH NOW OPERATE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY UNDER THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH HEADED BY HIM IS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO HIS MANAGEMENT SKILLS,* MR LOBO SAID.

HE ADDEDi *MR MCDONALD’S HELPFUL AND FORTHRIGHT RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS AND CHALLENGES IN THIS COUNCIL IS A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD. WE KNOW HIM WELL IN THE UMELCO OFFICE, IN THIS CHAMBER, AS WELL AS AT FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE, AND HIS PATIENT EXPLANATION OF COMPLEX ISSUES HAS BEEN OF GREAT BENEFIT TO US.

+HE HAS DISCHARGED A MOST DIFFICULT AND DEMANDING JOB WITH DISTINCTION, AND WE SHALL MISS HIM VERY MUCH BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THIS CHAMBER.*

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

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DEBATE ADJOURNED ON TEN BILLS * * * *

ONE BILL WAS APPROVED, AND DEBATE ON TEN OTHER BILLS WAS ADJOURNED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE APPROVED BILL WAS THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST BILL 1983.

THE FOLLOWING TEN BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED TILL JULY 13i

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE LAND ACQUISITION (POSSESSORY TITLE) BILL 1983, THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983, THE PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE EDUCATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE CHILD CARE CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

PROTECTION FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH * * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF INTERESTED PARTIES, ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO PROVIDE WORKERS AND RESIDENTS WITH ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, DR JAMES HAYES, WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.

THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION (HKOSHA) AND A DELEGATION CF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS AND SAFETY OFFICERS FROM THE PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CITIZEN AMBASSADOR IN THE UNITED STATES.

DR HAYES POINTED OUT THAT AS HONG KONG’S URBAN AREAS WERE CONSTANTLY EXPANDING AND LAND WAS SCARCE, THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY HAD IN MOST PLACES TO OPERATE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS, REQUIRING IT TO PAY DUE CARE AND ATTENTION TO SAFETY AND HEALTH IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AS WELL AS IN THE WORKPLACE.

AND THE FACT THAT 90 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE LESS THAN 50 EMPLOYEES AND ABOUT 65 PER CENT LESS THAN 10, ALSO PRESENTS DIFFICULTIES FOR THE CONTROL AND MONITORING CF INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES IN THE INTERESTS OF BOTH WORKERS AND RESIDENTS.

+THE LOCAL SITUATION REQUIRES THAT THE AUTHORITIES ARE ALIVE TO PRESENT DAY AND FUTURE TRENDS ON INDUSTRIALISATION AND INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION, THAT THEY CONSULT WIDELY, AND THAT THEY WORK CLOSELY WITH INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AND BODIES CONCERNED WITH OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SUCH AS THE HKOSHA,+ HE ADDED.

EARLIER, DR HAYES SAID THAT THE SUBJECTS OF THE SEMINAR ARE OF THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE TO ANY LABOUR ADMINISTRATION, ANY ASSOCIATION CONCERNING ITSELF WITH SAFETY AND HEALTH, ANY FIRM ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, AND TO WORKERS IN THESE INDUSTRIES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

HE CONGRATULATED THE HKOSHA FOR ARRANGING THE SEMINAR ON THE OCCASION OF THE CHINA VISIT BY THE DELEGATION, AND THANKED THE VISITORS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION AFTER THEIR STRENUOUS TOUR.

♦IN FACT, TODAY’S FULL DAY EVENT STEMS FROM THE HALF DAY SEMINAR ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VISIT FROM A SIMILAR DELEGATION FROM THE SAME ORGANISATION LAST YEAR. NO DOUBT, ITS SUCCESS HAS ENCOURAGED TODAY’S MORE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMMES,+ HE ADDED.

DR HAYES WAS INTRODUCED BY DR K.W. FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE HKOSHA, WHO WAS ALSO A SPEAKER IN A DISCUSSION ON THE PROFILE OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE IN HONG KONG, AT WHICH THE GUEST SPEAKER WAS DR F.J. O’KELLY, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

MR W.S. TANG, A DIVISIONAL INSPECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT, SPOKE ON NOISE HAZARDS IN THE LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

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MAUR INE GRANTHAM HEALTH CENTRE TO MOVE

* * * * *

THE MAUR I NE GRANTHAM HEALTH CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN WILL MOVE TO THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL ON AUGUST 1, AS THE SITE HAS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THE HOSPITAL’S EXTENSION PROJECT.

IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE REMOVAL, THE MATERNITY WARD AT PRESENT ACCOMMODATED IN THE HEALTH CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY (JULY 1) ALTHOUGH ALL OTHER FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF JULY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE MOVE HAS BEEN MADE NECESSARY BY THE EXPANSION OF YAN CHAI INTO AN ACUTE HOSPITAL OF 650 BEDS.

UNDER THE EXTENSION PLAN, THE EXISTING MAUR I NE GRANTHAM IEALTH CENTRE WILL BE DEMOLISHED AND THE SITE GRANTED TO THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL FOR CONSTRUCTING A NURSING TRAINING SCHOOL AND ASSOCIATED QUARTERS, HE SAID.

ON COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE IN 1985, THE MAUR INE GRANTHAM HEALTH CENTRE WILL MOVE BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL SITE WHERE MIDWIFERY SERVICE WILL AGAIN BE PROVIDED, HE ADDED.

+AS THE NEW CENTRE AT YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL NOT BE PROVIDED WITH A MATERNITY WARD, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE NEARBY WARDS AT SOUTH KWAI CHUNG HEALTH CENTRE, MRS WU YORK YU HEALTH CENTRE AND YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WHEN THE NEED ARISES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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NOTE TO EDITORSi

LONDON DATE FOR GOVERNOR AND EXCO MEMBERS *****

THERE WILL BE A FACILITY FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE DEPARTURE OF BOTH THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND UNOFFICIAL EXCO MEMBERS FOR LONDON.

THE GOVERNOR WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON FLIGHT BA20 ETD 9 PM.

EXCO MEMBERS WILL LEAVE ON FRIDAY (JULY 1) ALSO ON FLIGHT BA20 ETD 9 PM.

PLEASE ADVISE THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER BOTH THE DEPARTURES TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR CF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 7.45 PM ON BOTH OCCASIONS. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE THtRE TO ASSIST.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 31 -

♦ELDERLY NEED A DIFFERENT MIX OF SERVICES*

* * * * *

THERE IS A NEED TO RECOGNISE THAT THE GROWING PROPORTION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WILL REQUIRE A DIFFERENT MIX OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE FUTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PAST CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, HE SAID THAT RAPID URBANISATION AND PARTICULARLY THE PRESSURE ON LIVING ACCOMMODATION OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS HAD MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, FOR MANY FAMILIES TO CONTINUE THE EXTENDED FAMILY SYSTEM.

OTHER SOCIOLOGICAL CHANGES HAD ALSO CONTRIBUTED THE DECAY OF THIS SYSTEM, HE ADDED.

♦IT HAS THEREFORE HAD TO BE ACCEPTED THAT, AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES, THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO ASSUME A MUCH LARGER PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY,♦ HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID RECENT STUDIES HAD SHOWN THAT THE GREAT MAJORITY OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DID RECEIVE A GREAT DEAL OF HELP FROM RELATIVES AND FRIENDS.

♦BUT THERE ARE QUITE A LARGE NUMBER OF CASES IN WHICH FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER OLD PEOPLE DO NEED HELP FROM WELFARE ORGANISATIONS IF THEY ARE TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE SATISFACTORILY ON THEIR OWN,+ HE SAID.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE STILL ACTIVE AND ABLE TO GET ABOUT, THE AIM IS TO PROVIDE SOCIAL CENTRES IN EACH DISTRICT. EVENTUALLY THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 180 SUCH CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.

FOR THOSE WHO NEED MORE HELP, THERE ARE MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES WHERE THEY CAN HAVE A MEAL OR A BATH OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A RANGE OF OTHER SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.

♦A TOTAL OF 24 SUCH CENTRES ARE PLANNED,♦ MR CHAMBERS SAID.

HE SAID A MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE WAS THE HOME HELP SERVICE, WHICH ENABLED THEM TO COPE WITH THEIR DIFFICULTIES IN COOKING, LAUNDRY, PERSONAL HYGIENE AND HOME MANAGEMENT.

REFERRING TO THE PROBLEM OF FINDING SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT +WE NOW HAVE A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF FACILITIES.♦

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT OPERATES A SCHEME WHICH ENABLES GROUPS OF THREE SINGLE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO OCCUPY FLATS IN HOUSING ESTATES.

THERE ARE ALSO HOSTELS RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH PROVIDE SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.

/ A NSW .....

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1985

A NEW DEVELOPMENT IS THE +GOLD COIN* SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME, WHICH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL START OPERATING IN AUGUST.

THIS SCHEME CONSISTS OF 80 FLATS IN A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN SHA TIN, WHICH ARE BEING BOUGHT AND FURNISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

THE OCCUPANTS WILL BE LIKE NORMAL TENANTS, BUT THERE WILL BE A SMALL STAFF ACTING AS LIAISON OFFICERS AND PROVIDING HELP.

RENTS WILL BE SUBSIDISED TO KEEP THEM WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE LESS WELL-OFF.

♦THIS SCHEME HAS GREAT POTENTIAL, AND IF IT PROVES SUCCESSFUL WE PLAN TO PROVIDE MORE SUCH ACCOMMODATION ELSEWHERE,♦ MR CHAMBERS SAID.

TURNING TO INSTITUTIONAL CARE, HE SAID THAT EVEN IN THIS AREA THERE WAS ROOM FOR A VARIETY OF TYPES OF FACILITIES, INCLUDING HOSTELS WHERE MEALS WERE PROVIDED, TRADITIONAL OLD-AGE HOMES AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.

HE SAID THE NEED FOR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES WAS THE GREATEST. AT PRESENT THERE ARE ONLY 500 PLACES IN THIS TYPE OF HOME, AGAINST A WAITING LIST OF MORE THAN 3 400.

♦BUT THIS YEAR WILL SEE THE BEGINNING OF A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION- THREE NEW HOMES WILL BE OPENED, DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF PLACES, AND BY 1986 WE SHOULD HAVE A TOTAL OF 2 500 PLACES, HE SAID.

THIS RAPID INCREASE, MR CHAMBERS SAID, WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE GENEROUS WAY IN WHICH ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE TUNG WAH GROUP HAD RESPONDED TO THE PLANS DRAWN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT.

TUNG WAH WAS IN FACT THE SINGLE BIGGEST PROVIDER OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID.

♦WHEN ALL ITS PRESENT PLANS HAVE COME TO FRUITION, THE GROUP WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 1 800 ELDERLY PEOPLE,♦ HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND OLD-AGE ALLOWANCE, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THESE WERE NOT CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS OF THE TYPE FOUND IN MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

♦BUT THEY DO AT LEAST ENSURE THAT THE INCOME OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IS SUPPORTED AT A LEVEL WHICH WILL ENABLE THEM TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE IF MODEST STANDARD OF LIVING.

♦AN ELDERLY COUPLE WITHOUT OTHER MEANS OF SUPPORT CAN NOW RECEIVE UP TO |1 500 A MONTH FROM THIS SOURCE,* HE SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

NOTE TO EDITORSt

GROUP TO REPORT ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ft ft ft ft

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE GIS THEATRE TO PRESENT THE REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE OR ASSESSED DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE.

IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, WHO WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP.

COPIES OF THE REPORT, IN ENGLISH, AND A PRESS RELEASE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRIOR READING ONLY BY YOUR REPRESENTATIVES FROM 2 PM AT THE GIS THEATRE.

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORSi

NEW FIGHT YOUTH CRIME DRIVE STARTING ft ft * ft

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH THE 1983-84 FIGHT YOUTH CRIME CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JULY 1) IN THE GIS THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY AND THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, M?S SOPHIA HO WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 34 -

ARTS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES ft ft ft ft

THE INAUGURATION OF THE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS ASSOCIATION SIGNIFIES YET ANOTHER MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND AFFAIRS OF THEIR DISTRICTS THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR LAWRENCE MILLS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ASSOCIATION’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY THIS EVENING, MR MILLS SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD, SET UP IN 1982, WAS A BIG sfEP TOWARDS THIS GOAL AND A LOT HAD SINCE BEEN DONE TO INVOLVE LOCAL RESIDENTS IN IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN SHAM SHU I PO.

HE SAID THE PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE ARTS ASSOCIATION WAS TO PROMOTE AND COORDINATE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS OBJECTIVE WILL NOT BE AN EASY TASK AND WILL DEPEND ON THE HARD WORK OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND, ABOVE ALL, THE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION,♦ HE SAID.

♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE ASSOCIATION WILL DEVELOP INTO A GUIDING FORCE AND PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIELD OF ARTS, CULTURE AND RECREATION AND I HOPE IT WILL GET THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

UNDER THE ASSOCIATION, THERE ARE FOUR WORKING COMMITTEES, NAMELY THE SHAM SHU I PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE CHINESE CULTURE, THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE RECREATION.

TODAY’S EVENT ALSO FEATURED A PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST, A CHINESE PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION AND DEMONSTRATION, AS WELL AS A TWO-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME OF FOLK DANCES, DRAMA PERFORMANCE, SINGING BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND POPULAR SONGS BY LOCAL ARTIST MISS ANITA MUI.

- - o - -

/35

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

SIX YOUNG PEOPLE VISIT BRITAIN * * * *

SIX YOUNG PEOPLE LEFT HONG KONG FOR BRITAIN LAST NIGHT (TUESDAY) TO PARTICIPATE IN A THREE WEEK COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.

THE THREE MEN AND THREE WOMEN WERE SELECTED FROM 37 NOMINEES FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND A MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THEY WILL SPEND THE FIRST TWO WEEKS IN SOUTH GLAMORGAN, WALES VISITING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES, BBC STUDIOS AND A NEWSPAPER OFFICE.

FROM THE WEEK STARTING JULY 17, THEY WILL GO TO LONDON TO JOIN AND LIVE WITH DELEGATES FROM OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.

THE PROGRAMME, WHICH BEGAN IN 1977, IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH EXCHANGE COUNCIL IN LONDON TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE IN BRITAIN AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE EXCHANGE VISITS ON A BILATERAL AND RECIPROCAL BASIS.

ITS AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION AND SHARING OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE HONG KONG PARTICIPANTS ARE MR LEUNG SIU-TONG, MR LEE SHU-FAI, MR CHOW KAM-SIU, MISS LING KIT-CHING, MISS CHAN PUI-SHAN AND MISS CHAU LING-YU.

THEY WERE SELECTED BY A BOARD COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.

/36........

- - 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 56 —

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IMPRESS VISITOR * * * M

HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S OFFICER TRAINING FACILITIES, THE CHIEF 0F THE UNITED NATIONS CRIME PREVENTION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE BRANCH, MR MINORU SHIKITA SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING WHILE TOURING THE DEPARTMENT'S STAFF JRAJN{*JG INSTITUTE AND ITS NEWLY OPENED EXTENSION AT STANLEY. THE FACILITIES INCLUDE A TRAINING COURT, A TRAINING HOME NURSING WARD AND A TRAINING CONTROL ROOM, TRAINING CELLS AS WELL AS AN INDOOR FIRING RANGE.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, MR SHIKITA ALSO WENT TO TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION WHERE HE SAW PRISONERS AT WORK IN THE WORKSHOPS AS WELL AS PRISONERS’ ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER FACILITIES.

EARLIER IN THE MORNING, HE HAD PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON.

MR SHIKITA WAS DUE TO LEAVE FOR BANGKOK IN THE AFTERNOON.

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

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT NEW MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC FLOW IN YAU MA TEI FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (JUNE 30).

THE LEFT TURN MOVEMENT FROM WATERLOO ROAD EASTBOUND INTO NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED. MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA PORTLAND STREET AND CHANGSHA STREET BEFORE ENTERING NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND*

THE EXISTING PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON NATHAN ROAD TO THE NORTH OF THE ROAD’S JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE CONTROLLED BY TRAFFIC SIGNALS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON THE SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CANCELLED.

THE SECOND LANE FROM THE KERB ON NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE DESIGNATED FOR RIGHT TURNS ONLY, BUT THE SECOND LANE FROM THE KERB ON WATERLOO ROAD WESTBOUND WILL ALLOW FOR BOTH ♦STRAIGHT 0N+ AND +LEFT TURN+ MOVEMENTS.

THE BUS STOP OBSERVED BY KMB ROUTES 2, 26 AND 112 ON NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND MAN MING LANE WILL BE RESITED TO THE SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD ON THE SOUTH OF WING SING LANE.

----0------ /57.................

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

- 37 -

ROADS OPEN IN TAI PO

KN*

A NEW ROAD (ROAD D3) CONNECTING TAI PO ROAD NEAR WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL WITH TING KOK ROAD EAST OF TAI YUEN ESTATE HAS BEEN OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, ENABLING VEHICLES TO REACH TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND TAI MEI TUK FROM TAI PO ROAD WITHOUT HAVING TO PASS THROUGH TAI PO MARKET CENTRE.

ANOTHER NEW ROAD (ROAD DI) CONNECTING ROAD D3 WITH TING KOK ROAD NEAR TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICES HAS BEEN OPENED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABOVE ROAD OPENING, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOW IN FORCEi

* A SHORT SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KWONG FUK ROAD HAS BEEN REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WHILE A SHORT SECTION OF KWONG FUK ROAD WEST OF TING KOK ROAD IS NOW ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

* RIGHT TURNS FROM KWONG FUK ROAD NORTHBOUND INTO TING KOK ROAD ARE PROHIBITED.

* THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM FANLING TO SHA TIN SHOULD PROCEED VIA THE NEW ROAD (ROAD A) LEADING FROM KWONG FUK ROAD WEST OF TING KOK ROAD TO ROAD DI. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD THEN USE ROAD DI, ROAD D3 AND TAI PO ROAD, BYPASSING TAI PO MARKET CENTRE.

M VEHICLES FROM FANLING HEADING FOR TAI PO MARKET SHOULD PROCEED VIA ROAD A EASTBOUND, TING KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND KWONG FUK ROAD SOUTHBOUND.

M MOTORISTS FROM SHA TIN HEADING FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND TAI MEI TUK SHOULD TRAVEL VIA ROAD D3.

MOTORISTS FROM TAI PO MARKET CENTRE HEADING FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SHOULD USE KWONG FUK ROAD NORTHBOUND, ROAD A EASTBOUND AND TING KOK ROAD NORTHBOUND.

M BUSES ON KMB ROUTES 64K, 65K, 69, 69K £ND 70 SOUTHBOUND, AND MAXICABS ON ROUTES 21K AND 25K SOUTHBOUND ARE DIVERTED VIA ROAD A, TING KOK ROAD AND KWONG FUK ROAD.

M THE BUS STOP ON KWONG FUK ROAD SOUTHBOUND NEAR THE PETROL STATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

BUSES ON KMB ROUTES 72A, 72K, 72M, 73, 74A, 74K AND 75K NORTHBOUND AND MAXICABS ON ROUTES NORTHBOUND ARE DIVERTED VIA KWONG FUK ROAD, ROAD A AND TING KOK ROAD.

/ 38

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

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 1983

ROAD SECTION TO BE CLOSED

*****

THE SECTION OF KWAI TAI ROAD BETWEEN KWAI TAK STREET AND PILLAR ISLAND INTERCHANGE IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JULY 1).

TRAFFIC WILL Bt DIVERTED VIA KWAI TSING ROAD AFTER THE CLOSURE.

----o-----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY ............................. 1

GOVERNOR CONFERS WITH UMELCO ................................. 3

FLIGHT CHANGE FOR GOVERNOR ...................................

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON .................................... 4

SIR PHILIP TOURS ISLANDS ..................................... 5

WORKING GROUP REPORTS ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ................... 6

AMENDMENT ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT TOMORROW ..................... 9

MORE TAXI LICENCES TO BE OFFERED ........................... 11

TRAM FARE INCREASE ........................................... 11

EXHIBITION ON DISEASES OPENS ................................. 12

TALLEST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE COMPLETED ...................... 15

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES .......................................... 15

TEACHER TRAINING COURSES START IN SEPTEMBER .................. 15

STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE POPULAR ........................ 17

THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR WATER MAIN COMPLETED ..................... 18

PARENTS URGED TO HELP WITH ROAD SAFETY ....................... 19

COURSE TO TRAIN TENNET COACHES ............................... 19

MAN BEHIND MANY BUILDING PROJECTS RETIRES .................... 20

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MAY * H * * * X

HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS OF GOODS IN MAY GREW BY 16 PER CENT, OR $1 647 MILLION COMPARED WITH MAY LAST YEAR, TO REACH $12 261 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS TOTAL WAS MADE UP OF $8 003 MILLION FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND $4 258 MILLION FOR RE-EXPORTS.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT OR SI 149 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 13 PER CENT OR $498 MILLION COMPARED WITH MAY 1982.

WITH IMPORTS AT $13 933 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OR $2 593 MILLION OVER MAY 1982, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR MAY THIS YEAR WAS $1 672 MILLION.

THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP - THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS - WAS THUS 12 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH SIX PER CENT IN MAY LAST YEAR.

PUTTING MAY’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE 11 PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. AS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS EIGHT PER CENT, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR NARROWED SLIGHTLY TO 13 PER CENT FROM 14 PER CENT RECORDED IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1982.

COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID,

+IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE RAPID GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN MAY WAS AT LEAST IN PART DUE TO THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES. IT IS, THEREFORE, LIKELY THAT DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.+

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE FIGURES FOR MAY 1983i-

PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE

MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS 1 $ 8 003 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS $ 4 258 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS $12 261 MILLION

IMPORTS $13 933 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE i $ 1 672 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

/'COMPARATIVE FIGURES.........

THURSDAY, JUNE JO, 1983

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

LATEST 3 MONTHS MARCH - MAY 1983 MARCH - MAY 1982 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 22 236 19 953 +2 283 +11.4

RE-EXPORTS 12 427 11 055 +1 372 +12.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 34 663 31 008 +3 655 +11.8

IMPORTS 39 898 35 786 +4 112 +11.5

TRADE BALANCE - 5 235 - 4 778 - 457

SAME MONTH MAY MAY INCREASE OR

LAST YEAR 1983 1982 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8 003 6 854 +1 149 +16.8

(% OF TOTAL (64.6%)

EXPORTS) (65.3%)

RE-EXPORTS 4 258 3 760 + 498 +13.2

TOTAL EXPORTS 12 261 10 614 +1 647 +15.5

IMPORTS 13 933 11 340 +2 593 +22.9

TRADE BALANCE - 1 672 - 726 - 946

MAY APRIL INCREASE OR

LAST MONTH 1983 1983 DECREASE

S MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8 003 7 612 + 391 +5.1

(% OF TOTAL (64.6%)

EXPORTS) (65.3%)

RE-EXPORTS 4 258 4 171 + 87 + 2.1

TOTAL EXPORTS 12 261 11 783 + 478 +4.1

IMPORTS 13 933 13 533 + 400 + 3.0

TRADE BALANCE - 1 672 - 1 750 + 78

/CALENDAR YEAR .......

THURSDAY, JUNE JO, 198?

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JANUARY - MAY 1983 JANUARY - MAY 1982 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 34 245 30 885 +3 360 +10.9

(% OF TOTAL

EXPORTS) (63.6%) (63.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 19 580 17 970 +1 610 ♦ 9.0

TOTAL EXPORTS 53 825 48 8 55 +4 970 *10.2

IMPORTS 61 601 57 028 +4 573 + 8.0

"TRADE BALANCE - 7 776 - 8 173 ♦ 397

JUNE 1982 JUNE 1981

TO TO INCREASE OR

LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 1983 MAY 1982 DECREASE

$ MN. S MN. 8 MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 86 391 82 531 +3 860 + 4.7

RE-EXPORTS 45 963 43 439 +2 524 +5.8

TOTAL EXPORTS 132 354 125 970 +6 384 +5.1

IMPORTS 147 466 141 204 ♦6 262 * 4.4

TRADE BALANCE -15 112 -15 234 ♦ 122

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GOVERNOR CONFERS WITH UMELCO ft * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, MET WITH UNOFFICIALS AT THE UMELCO OFFICE THIS MORNING. THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING WAS TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR AND THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO BE BROUGHT FULLY UP-TO-DATE ON THE VIEWS OF ALL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS BEFORE THE GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE FOR LONDON THIS EVENING.

THE GOVERNOR AND THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL ARRIVE IN LONDON OVER THE WEEKEND. WHILE IN LONDON THEY WILL CALL ON MINISTERS AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROCESS OF CONSULTATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

NOTE TO EDITORSi

FLIGHT CHANGE FOR GOVERNOR M * M M

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL LEAVE LONDON THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING ON FLIGHT BR 381 AND NOT BA 20 AS ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY), ETD 9.30

HONG KONG FOR (REPEAT BR 381 PM.

THERE WILL BE A FACILITY FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE DEPARTURE. PLEASE ADVISE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO ASSEMBLE AT ™E PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 8.15 PM TODAY.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR LONDON * N *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR (THURSDAY) EVENING FOR GOVERNMENT.

EDWARD YOUDE, LEFT FOR LONDON THIS CONSULTATION; WITH THE BRITISH

HE WILL BE JOINED BY UNOFFICIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL KMBERS TOMORROW.

HADDON-CAVE; SENIOR

S.R S.Y. CHUNG.

AIRPORT TO SEE THE GOVERNOR OFF.

DURING THE ABSENCE OF SIR EDWARD, SIR PHILIP WILL BE ACTING GOVERNOR.

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

/5........

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

SIR PHILIP TOURS ISLANDS

MM M M

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED CHEUNG CHAU, TAI 0 AND DISCOVERY BAY TO SEE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN PROGRESS.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, WILLIAM YAP.

ON CHEUNG CHAU, SIR PHILIP TOURED THE CENTRAL PRAYA AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE HAWKER-REORDERING SCHEME BEING IMPLEMENTED THERE.

THE 160 LICENSED HAWKERS OPERATING IN THE AREA WILL BE RESITED TO A NEARBY THREE-STOREY MARKET COMPLEX WHICH WILL BE READY BY 1986-1987.

THE MARKET COMPLEX IS PART OF A DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE FOR CHEUNG CHAU WHICH INCLUDES A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, AN ABATTOIR, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, A MARINE FUELLING STATION, A LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA AND A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.

ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THESE PROJECTS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

THE PARTY THEN STOPPED AT CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND WHERE SIR PHILIP SAW ITS VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING A FOOTBALL PITCH. BASKETBALL COURTS, A RUNNING TRACK, CHANGING ROOMS AND A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND.

ON TAI 0, SIR PHILIP TOURED LUNG TIN ESTATE, THE FIRST RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.

THE ESTATE, WHICH CONSISTS OF 184 FLATS WITH A CURRENT POPULATION OF 1 360, WAS COMPLETED IN 1980 AT A COST OF $24.5 MILLION. IT ALSO PROVIDES FACILITIES SUCH AS SHOPS, MARKET STALLS AND COOKED FOOD KIOSKS.

A SIMILAR ESTATE IS BEING BUILT ON CHEUNG CHAU AND IS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY APRIL NEXT YEAR.

SIR PHILIP THEN PROCEEDED TO THE ROOFTOP OF WING CHOR SCHOOL WHERE HE HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF TAI 0 AND WAS BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS WHICH INCLUDE A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND A PUMPING STATION.

THE PARTY LATER LEFT FOR DISCOVERY BAY TO SEE THE MAJOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT THERE.

FROM A VANTAGE POINT, SIR PHILIP WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROJECT WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR A POPULATION OF BETWEEN 20 000 AND 25 000 PEOPLE.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

WORKING GROUP REPORTS ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS *****

THE WORKING GROUP SET UP BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN JUNE LAST YEAR FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT AT THE ANN ANN KINDERGARTEN HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS WORK, AND COPIES OF ITS REPORT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR INFORMATION.

THE AIM OF THE WORKING GROUP, IN ITS SIMPLEST TERMS, WAS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF AN EX-MENTAL PATIENT COMMITTING AN ACT OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE. THE WORKING GROUP HAS RECOGNISED THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ELIMINATE COMPLETELY THE RISK OF ANY INDIVIDUAL COMMITTING A VIOLENT ACT, BUT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT SHOULD REDUCE THE RISK.

ONLY A MINORITY OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS HAVE A KNOWN DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE AND OF THESE ONLY A VERY SMALL PROPORTION SUBSEQUENTLY COMMIT VIOLENT OFFENCES. IT IS IMPORTANT TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, AND THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL PATIENT TO RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY WHEN HIS TREATMENT HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

THE WORKING PARTY REV I EWEDi

* THE PREVALENCE OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE AMONG EX-MENTAL PATIENTS;

* THE AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE, OR ASSESSED DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE ;

* THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTARY RECORDS OF SUCH PERSONS ;

* THE PROCEDURES FOR THE AFTERCARE OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ?

* THE PRESENT AND PLANNED RESOURCES FOR AFTERCARE AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES;

* THE PROVISIONS OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE (CAP. 136) WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE DESIRABILITY OF INCLUDING PROVISIONS THEREIN TO PERMIT THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF A MENTAL HOSPITAL TO RECALL A DISCHARGED PATIENT FOR OBSERVATION OR FURTHER TREATMENT; AND TO REQUIRE DISCHARGED PATIENTS TO ATTEND REGULARLY AT PSYCHIATRIC OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.

THE REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS

THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUMMARISED IN CHAPTER 6 OF THE REPORT. THE MORE IMPORTANT ARE BRIEFLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWSi-

/(A) THE REPORT ...

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

(A) THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL REGISTER OF THE CASE SUMMARY RECORDS OF ALL EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A RECORD OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE OR AN ASSESSED DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE. IT EXPLAINS THAT THIS WOULD FACILITATE THE MONITORING OF AFTERCARE TREATMENT AND THE PROVISION OF PROMPT INFORMATION IN EMERGENCIES. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION HAS ALREADY BEEN TAKEN TO ESTABLISH A CONFIDENTIAL CENTRAL REGISTER WITHIN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT (PARA 6.1).

(B) THE REPORT RECOMMENDS A SYSTEM OF CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE AND RECALL BY WHICH CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF OFFENDERS AND NON-OFFENDER PATIENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE, UPON DISCHARGE, SUCH CONDITIONS AS THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OR A CONSULTANT PSYCHIATRIST CONSIDER NECESSARY. BREACH OF THESE CONDITIONS, WHICH WOULD BE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL RENEWAL, WOULD MAKE THE PATIENT LIABLE TO RECALL TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL (PARAS 6.5 AND 6.6).

(C) DISCHARGE TO HALFWAY HOUSES FOR ALL CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED PATIENTS IS RECOMMENDED IN THE REPORT. THE REPORT ENVISAGES THAT THESE HALFWAY HOUSES WOULD BE STAFFED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE PATIENTS AND WOULD PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT INTERMEDIATE PHASE IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS OF THIS CATEGORY OF PATIENT. CERTAIN UNCONDI TONALLY DISCHARGED PATIENTS WOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO SPEND TIME AT A HALFWAY HOUSE PRIOR TO THEIR FULL RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY (PARA 6.8).

(D) THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SIMPLIFIED ADMISSION PROCEDURES AND SUGGESTS THAT SECTION 31 OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC OFFICERS WITH THE POWER TO ADMIT MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSONS TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION WITHOUT THE SPECIFIC AGREEMENT OF THE RELATIVES (WHO WOULD, HOWEVER, BE GIVEN AN EXPLANATION OF THE REASONS FOR ANY SUCH ADMISSION). THE REPORT ALSO SUGGESTS THAT SECTION 31 SHOULD BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THE POWER TO ADMIT A MENTALLY DISORDERED PERSON TO A MENTAL HOSPITAL FOR ONE WORKING DAY, ON THE COMPLETION OF THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORM WITH A CERTIFICATE FROM THE MEDICAL OFFICER, PRIOR TO CERTIFICATION BY A JP FOR A FULL SEVEN-DAY ADMISSION (PARAS 6.26 AND 6.27).

(E) THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT A NEW APPEAL TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO REPLACE THE PRESENT HOSPITAL ORDER APPEAL TRIBUNAL. THE NEW TRIBUNAL WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO DISCHARGE PATIENTS CONDITIONALLY OR UNCONDITIONALLY AND WOULD HEAR APPEALS AGAINST CONTINUED DETENTION, CONDITIONS OF DISCHARGE AND THEIR CONTINUATION (PARAS 6.30 AND 6.31). THIS WILL IN ADDITION SAFEGUARD THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS.

(F) THS REPORT

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

(F) THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT A NEW DEFINITION OF MENTAL DISORDER TO INCLUDE PSYCHOPATHIC DISORDER, BASED ON THAT IN THE UK MENTAL HEALTH ACT, SHOULD BE ADOPTED, AND THAT PSYCHOPATHIC OFFENDERS WITH ABNORMALLY AGRESSIVE OR SERIOUSLY IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR SHOULD IN FUTURE BE GIVEN HOSPITAL ORDERS. ANY PRISONER WITH A FIXED PRISON SENTENCE WHO IS FOUND TO BE SUFFERING FROM SUCH A PSYCHOPATHIC DISORDER WOULD BE REFERRED BACK TO THE SENTENCING COURT WITH THE AIM OF THE SENTENCE BEING REVIEWED FOR CONVERSION TO A HOSPITAL ORDER.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THE ASSESSMENT, DISCHARGE, AFTERCARE AND MONITORING OF PATIENTS INCLUDEt-

* MORE EXTENSIVE USE OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CASE CONFERENCES AT WHICH A COLLECTIVE OPINION ON THE CONDITION OF THE PATIENT IS FORMED BY THE TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN TREATING HIM (PARA 6.4).

X PROVISION OF HALFWAY HOUSES (INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL HALFWAY HOUSES FOR THOSE PATIENTS REQUIRING CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE) (PARA 6.22).

X MORE POSITIVE REACHING OUT BY COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSES AND SOCIAL WORKERS (PARA 6.9).

X PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL MEDICAL AND WELFARE STAFF (PARAS 6.14 TO 6.19, 6.23 AND 6.24).

X IMPROVED ADVICE AND COUNSELLING FOR PATIENTS’ FAMILIES (PARA 6.10).

X ACCELERATION OF THE PROJECT TO EXPAND SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE (PARA 6.20).

X IMPROVED FACILITIES IN THE SECURITY WARD IN CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL (PARA 6.21).

ATTENTION IS ALSO DRAWN TO THE WORKING GROUP’S CONCLUSION THAT STATISTICAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS THAT MENTALLY ILL PERSONS GENERALLY ARE NO MORE VIOLENT OR DANGEROUS THAN OTHER PERSONS, AND THAT THEY COMPRISE ONLY A VERY SMALL MINORITY OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS CONVICTED OF VIOLENT CRIMES.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT WILL NOW BE CONSIDERED BY THE ADMINISTRATION. COMMENTS ON THE REPORT WILL BE WELCOMED AND CAN BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.

/THE ADVICE ......

THURSDAY, JUNE JO, 198j

THE ADVICE OF THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL BE SOUGHT TO ENABLE THE ADMINISTRATION TO DECIDE WHICH RECOMMENDATIONS SHOULD BE PURSUED, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF SUCH RESOURCES AS ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY.

CHINESE COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF JULY. MEANWHILE, ENGLISH COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MRS CHRISTINE FUNG, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TEL. 5-95650.

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AMENDMENT ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT TOMORROW N * * *

ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1982, EXCEPT THOSE RELATING TO COMPULSORY INSURANCE, COME INTO OPERATION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT AMONG THE MAJOR PROVISIONS, ONE CONCERNS THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A TWO-TIER EMPLOYEES* COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT BOARD, CONSISTING OF AN ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD AND A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARD, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING MACHINERY FOR ASSESSMENT OF LOSS CF EARNING CAPACITY.

ALL CLAIMS LIKELY TO INVOLVE PERMANENT INCAPACITY WILL BE REFERRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TO THE ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD, WHICH WILL, IN MOST CASES, PROCEED TO ASSESS THE PERCENTAGE OF LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCALES LAID DOWN IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.

IF THE ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD CONSIDERS THAT SPECIAL ATTENTION HAS TO BE GIVEN TO SUCH FACTORS AS THE EMPLOYEE’S OCCUPATION, QUALIFICATIONS, PREVIOUS TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, IT WILL REFER THE CLAIM TO THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARD, WHICH WILL ASSESS THE ACTUAL LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY BY TAKING THESE FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION.

BOTH BOARDS ARE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE +CERTIFICATES OF ASSESSMENT*.

IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS AN ACCIDENT, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, THE EMPLOYER SHOULD NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION UNIT BY MEANS OF A PRESCRIBED FORM (FORM 2) WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT.

ANY EMPLOYER WHO FAILS TO DO SO OR WHO PROVIDES INCORRECT OR MISLEADING INFORMATION IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 □□□.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ORDINANCE INTRODUCES A SIMPLER AND QUICKER PROCEDURE FOR SETTLEMENT OF MINOR CLAIMS INVOLVING TEMPORARY INCAPACITY OF NOT MORE THAN 14 DAYS.

/IF AN ........

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

- 10 -

IF AN EMPLOYEE GETS HURT WHILE AT WORK ON OR AFTER JULY 1 WITHOUT SUFFERING FROM PERMANENT INCAPACITY AND IS GIVEN SICK LEAVE OF NOT MORE THAN 14 DAYS, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE A +CERTIFICATE OF COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT* TO THE INJURED EMPLOYEE AND THE EMPLOYER, SPELLING OUT DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT AND THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION.

THE COMPENSATION SHOULD BE PAID WITHIN 21 DAYS AFTER THE CERTIFICATE IS ISSUED, OTHERWISE A SURCHARGE WOULD BE IMPOSED.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS GIVEN SICK LEAVE OF MORE THAN 14 DAYS, THE EMPLOYER SHOULD ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT OF COMPENSATION WITH THE EMPLOYEE WITHIN 21 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A +NOTIF I CAT I ON OF CESSATION OF PERIOD OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY* FROM THE DEPARTMENT.

IF THE EMPLOYEE SUFFERS FROM PERMANENT INCAPACITY, THE EMPLOYER SHOULD ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITHIN 21 DAYS AFTER RECEIVING A +CERTIFICATE OF ASSESSMENT* FROM THE BOARDS.

THE AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR APPROVAL WITHIN THREE DAYS AFTER IT IS SIGNED BY BOTH PARTIES.

COMPENSATION SHOULD BE PAID WITHIN 21 DAYS AFTER THE AGREEMENT IS APPROVED, OTHERWISE A SURCHARGE WILL BE IMPOSED.

ANY EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE WHO DISAGREES WITH THE +CERTIFICATE OF COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT* OR THE +CERTIFICATE OF ASSESSMENT* MAY. BY WRITING WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE CERTIFICATES WERE ISSUED, ASK FOR A REVIEW BY THE DEPARTMENT ON THE BOARDS RESPECTIVELY.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE LEVELS OF EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES RECEIVED BY EMPLOYEES DURING ACCIDENTS THAT OCCUR ON OR AFTER JULY 1, ARE TO BE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT FOR DEATH IS TO BE INCREASED FROM $168 000 TO $242 000 AND THAT FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY FROM $192 □□□ KTO $276 000.

ANYONE WHO HAS INQUIRIES ABOUT THE ORDINANCE MAY CONTACT THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION ON THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONESt

5-795592 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND'!

3-688468 FOR KOWLOON WEST ;

3-688662 FOR KOWLOON EAST AND NEW TERRITORIES EAST;

3-7562303 FOR KWUN TONG;

0-439781 FOR TSUEN WAN ; AND

0-467744 FOR KWAI CHUNG.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

MORE TAXI LICENCES TO BE OFFERED

M X * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING TENDERS FOR A FURTHER 301 URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND 151 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT TENDER FORMS FOR THE 452 TAXI LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION TOMORROW (FRIDAY), FROM EITHER THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, CENTRAL, OR THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE AT DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.

PINK TENDER FORMS WILL BE USED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES AND YELLOW FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦PROSPECTIVE TENDERERS CANNOT USE ANY OTHER FORMS ISSUED PREVIOUSLY,♦ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $25 000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE AND $15 000 FOR EACH NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCE.

THE TENDERER MAY SUBMIT ONE TENDER FORM FOR ANY NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 301 FOR THE URBAN AREA AND 151 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERERS WHO OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1983.

- 0 -

TRAM FARE INCREASE * * * X

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT NEW TRAM FARES WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE NEW CHARGES WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:

ADULT..................... 60 CENTS ;

CHILD .................... 20 CENTS ;

STUDENT TRAVEL CARD HOLDER .............. 30 CENTS ; AND

MONTHLY PASS ............. $50

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

EXHIBITION ON DISEASES OPENS * * * *

HONG KONG HAD BEEN FREE FROM MAJOR EPIDEMICS FOR MANY YEARS AS A RESULT OF IMMUNISATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.F. LAM, SAID TODAY.

DR LAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN EXHIBITION ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES BEING HELD AT THE CITY HALL.

DR LAM SAID THAT IN SPITE OF HONG KONG’S GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAKE IT VULNERABLE TO COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN FREE FROM MAJOR EPIDEMICS FOR MANY YEARS.

♦TWO TO THREE DECADES AGO, DISEASES SUCH AS MEASLES, DIPHTHERIA AND POLIO WERE PREVALENT AMONG CHILDREN, AND THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN INFANTS WAS ALSO HIGH,+ HE RECALLED.

♦TODAY, THESE ONCE COMMON DISEASES ARE ALL UNDER CONTROL,+ HE ADDED.

DR LAM SAID THAT THESE ACHIEVEMENTS WERE DUE, IN NO SMALL bEASURE, TO THE JOINT EFFORTS OF DOCTORS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE AND THOSE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN IMMUNISING CHILDREN AND IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.

♦HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL SOME GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES SUCH AS TYPHOID, PARATYPHOID AND DYSENTERY WHICH MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE IN THE SUMMER,♦ DR LAM WARNED.

♦THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF THESE DISEASES ARE TO PRACTISE GOOD PERSONAL, FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.+ HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITION IS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN THE CAMPAIGN ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.

THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH BEGAN IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, INCLUDES OTHER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS RADIO AND TELEVISION PROGRAMMES, A POSTER DESIGN AND SLOGAN COMPETITION, A QUIZ COMPETITION AND DISTRICT EXHIBITIONS.

IN DECLARING THE EXHIBITION OPEN, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR PETER C. WONG, PRAISED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND ITS STAFF FOR THEIR UNRELENTING EFFORTS OVER THE YEARS IN CONTROLLING COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND KEEPING HONG KONG RELATIVELY FREE FROM EPIDEMICS.

♦THROUGH THE VARIOUS DISPLAYS AND VISUAL PRESENTATIONS AT THIS EXHIBITION, THE MESSAGE ON THE PREVENTION OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES WILL BE EFFECTIVELY CONVEYED TO THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.

/HR WONG .......

THURSDAY, JUNE JO, 1°8j

MR WONG STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE EXHIBITION AND THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FIELD OF PREVENTIVE MEDICAL CARE WOULD DEPEND TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC.

♦SUCH SIMPLE RULES AS GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICE AND ENSURING THAT OUR CHILDREN COMPLETE ALL NECESSARY IMMUNISATION WILL NO DOUBT GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE AIMS OF THIS EXH I BIT ION,+ HE ADDED.

THE EXHIBITION IN THE EXHIBITION HALL, LOW BLOCK OF THE CITY HALL, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO NEXT WEDNESDAY (JULY 6).

THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE THE COMMON FORMS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN HONG KONG, ILLUSTRATIONS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND INFORMATION ON THE TREATMENT FACILITIES AVAILABLE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE VIDEO AND SLIDE SHOWS, AND GAMES DESIGNED TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THE VARIOUS FORMS OF DISEASES, ON HOW THEY ARE TRANSMITTED AS WELL AS ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST DISEASES.

A SPECIAL ATTRACTION WILL BE A COMPUTER GAME WHICH IS PROGRAMMED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE CAUSES OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES, IMMUNISATION FOR CHILDREN AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST DISEASES.

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

TALLEST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE COMPLETED X X X X

MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE TODAY SAW HOW PROGRESS ON PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS WAS RAPIDLY CHANGING THE FACE OF CHAI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

THEY INSPECTED THE HING MAN ESTATE RECENTLY COMPLETED AS HONG KONG’S TALLEST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, AND THE MODERN BLOCKS AT WAN TSUI ESTATE WHICH WERE REPLACING OLD ONES UNDER A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME AT THE FORMER CHAI WAN (II) ESTATE BUILT SOME 20 YEARS AGO.

HEADED BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, MEMBERS WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS-TOE DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE), MR DAVID FORD, AND OTHER SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS.

THEY WERE IMPRESSED WITH THE LARGE-SCALE DEVELOPMENTS ON THESE TWO NEW ESTATES AND THEIR LAYOUT DESIGNS, PARTICULARLY THe REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

♦IT IS AN AMBITIOUS REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAVING REGARD TO THE BASIC NEEDS OF TENANTS,+ SAID MR FORSGATE.

/♦THE COMPREHENSIVE........

THURSDAY, JUNE JO, 198j'

♦THE COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF ELEVATED WALKWAYS AT WAN TSUI HAS BECOME A FOCAL POINT OF CHAI WAN AND WILL BE A FEATURE OF MODERN HOUSING ESTATES.*

UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM, HERSELF AN ESTATE TENANT, SAID THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAD BROUGHT ABOUT REMARKABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS NOT ONLY TO THE RESIDENTS BUT ALSO TO THE DISTRICT.

+THE DESIGNS OF THE NEW BLOCKS ARE GOOD, AND I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE CONCEPT OF OPEN CENTRAL CORRIDORS ON THE TOP FLOORS WHICH NOT ONLY GREATLY IMPROVES VENTILATION BUT ALSO GIVES MORE NATURAL LIGHTING TO THE CORRIDORS.*

ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID: *THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS BEEN WORKING VERY HARD AND PUTTING A LOT OF MONEY IN UPGRADING THE LIVING CONDITIONS BY WAY OF REDEVELOPMENT.

AT HING MAN ESTATE, THE PARTY TOURED AROUND ITS THREE

DOMESTIC BLOCKS EACH RISING TO A MASSIVE 44 STOREYS WITH ALTOGETHER 1 991 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 12 OOO PEOPLE, AND A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK-CUM-COMMERCIAL CENTRE.

THE THREE BLOCKS HAVE BEEN PROGRESSIVELY COMPLETED SINCE LAST DECEMBER AND INTAKES OF TENANTS ARE CONTINUING SMOOTHLY.

AT WAN TSUI ESTATE, MEMBERS WERE UPDATED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS AND DETAILS OF A LARGE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WAS COMPLETELY OVERHAULING THE CHAI WAN (II) ESTATE TO UPGRADE THE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR THE TENANTS.

IN THE FIRST TWO PHASES OF THE PROGRAMME, FIVE OLD BLOCKS HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED AND REPLACING THEM ARE SIX HIGH-RISE RENTAL AND TWO HOME OWNERSHIP BLOCKS PROVIDING MODERN HOMES FOR 11 300 PEOPLE, PLUS TWO CONVERTED BLOCKS WITH SELF-CONTAINED FACILITIES.

IN ADDITION, AN ULTRA-MODERN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX HAS BEEN BUILT AND IS FAST BECOMING A LANDMARK FOR CHAI WAN DISTRICT.

THE THIRD, AND FINAL, PHASE WILL SEE THE DEMOLITION OF FIVE MORE BLOCKS TO MAKE WAY FOR TWO NEW ONES TO BE COMPLETED BY 1986.

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/15........

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

LABOUR LAW OFFENCES * * *

A TOTAL OF 636 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS BY THE COURTS LAST (MAY) MONTH AND FINES IMPOSED AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $730 000.

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 CONCERNING VIOLATIONS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS TOTALLED 236, WITH $463 500 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 105 CASES (WITH $127 850 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 67 CASES (WITH $264 950 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR 352 WITH $234 450 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 13 CASES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $9 750 IN FINES.

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

TEACHER TRAINING COURSES START IN SEPTEMBER

* * * *

THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ARE NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR THREE-YEAR AND TWO-YEAR TEACHER TRAINING COURSES WHICH WILL START IN SEPTEMBER.

AuL THE THREE COLLEGES ARE OFFERING A THREE-YEAR COURSE IN ENGLISH.

IN ADDITION, A THREE-YEAR COURSE IN CHINESE WILL BE OFFERED BY THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND A TWO-YEAR COURSE IN ENGLISH BY THE NORTHCOTE AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.

+THE OBJECTIVES OF THESE COURSES ARE TO TRAIN STUDENTS TO BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS TO TEACH GENERAL SUBJECTS AT THE PRIMARY SCHOOL LEVEL AND TO TEACH THREE ELECTIVE SUBJECTS UP TO THE FORM 3 LEVEL,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TWO FULL-TIME THREE-YEAR COURSES WILL COMPRISE A COMPULSORY PROGRAMME OF STUDIES, TWO SUBJECTS ELECTED ON A MAJOR ELECTIVE BASIS AND ONE SUBJECT ON A MINOR ELECTIVE BASIS.

APPLICANTS FOR THE ENGLISH COURSE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION AT AN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL AND THOSE FOR THE CHINESE COURSE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION AT A CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOL.

THEY MUST BE 17 YEARS OF AGE BY SEPTEMBER 30.

/THEY SHOULD .......

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1?8j

THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN AT LEAST SIX SUBJECTS AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, OBTAINING AT LEAST GRADE C IN TWO SUBJECTS, AT LEAST GRADE D IN ONE OTHER SUBJECT AND AT LEAST GRADE E IN ANOTHER THREE SUBJECTS.

♦CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES MUST BE AMONG THE SIX SUBJECTS TAKEN,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR A MAJOR ELECTIVE SUBJECT IS NORMALLY A PASS IN THAT SUBJECT AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL,* THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

APPLICANTS FOR THE TWO-YEAR COURSE SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED TWO YEARS OF EDUCATION BEYOND FORM 5 IN AN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOL, AND SHOULD HAVE REACHED THE AGE OF 18 BY SEPTEMBER 30.

THEY SHOULD HAVE TAKEN AT LEAST SIX SUBJECTS IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE E OR ABOVE AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL IN AT LEAST TWO SUBJECTS, PLUS AT LEAST GRADE D IN ONE OTHER SUBJECT AND AT LEAST GRADE E IN ANOTHER THREE SUBJECTS AT THE HKCEE LEVEL.

CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE MUST BE INCLUDED AMONG THE SIX SUBJECTS.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT EACH APPLICANT SHOULD APPLY FOR ONLY ONE COURSE AND SUBMIT ONLY ONE APPLICATION.

+ANY APPLICANT WHO HAS SUBMITTED MORE THAN ONE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.

ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST REACH THE COLLEGE BY 1 PM ON AUGUST 19.

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

/17........

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE POPULAR

* * * M

ABOUT 403 000 PEOPLE MADE USE OF THE STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICE AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S 60 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE (PES) CENTRES LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE MORE POPULAR STATUTORY DECLARATIONS ADMINISTERED WERE OF TRUE COPIES (26.3 PER CENT), EDUCATION AND EXAMINATIONS (9.7 PER CENT), SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRA^.TS (9.2 PER CENT) AND HOUSING (8.4 PER CENT).

A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING A STATUTORY DECLARATION WAS VERY SIMPLE AND THE SERVICE WAS FREE OF CHARGE.

+A DECLARATION MAY BE MADE, TAKEN OR RECEIVED EITHER IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE AT THE OPTION OF THE DECLARANT*, HE SAID.

♦THE DECLARANT IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CONTENTS OF HIS STATEMENT IN A SPECIFIED STATUTORY DECLARATION FORM, COPIES OF WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL PES CENTRES, OR HE MAY ASK THE STAFF TO PREPARE THE DECLARED DOCUMENTS FOR HIM.

+AFTER FILLING IN THE DECLARED CONTENTS, THE DECLARANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO SWEAR IN FRONT OF A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS AT ANY OF THE CENTRES.

+THE ONLY DOCUMENT REQUIRED IS THE DECLARANT’S IDENTITY CARD OR ANY DOCUMENT THAT CAN PROVE HIS IDENTITY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE EXPLAINED THAT STATUTORY DECLARATIONS WERE MADE BY THE

PUBLIC WHEN THEY COULD NOT PRODUCE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIM OR TO SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATION FOR DOCUMENTS OF ANY TYPE FROM GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

THE SERVICE OF ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS HAS BEEN EXPANDED FROM THE COURT TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

HE ADDED THAT ANY PERSON WHO WISHED TO SEEK ADVICE OR MAKE A STATUTORY DECLARATION COULD APPROACH ANY OF THE 60 PES CENTRES.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 30', 1?83 - ie' .-k

THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR WATER MAIN COMPLETED

THE LAYING OF A THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR MAIN TO INCREASE THE TRANSFER CAPACITY OF WATER SUPPLY FROM KOWLOON TO HONG KONG ISLAND WAS COMPLETED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, WHO WAS AT THE WAN CHAI WATERFRONT WITNESSING THE LOWERING OF THE MAINS INTO THE HARBOUR AFTER JOINTING WITH THE LANDFALL SECTION, DESCRIBED THE OPERATION AS +A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN BOOSTING SUPPLY TO HONG KONG ISLAND.*

THE TWIN 1 OOO-MM DIAMETER SUBMARINE MAINS, EACH MEASURING 1.4 KILOMETRES AND MADE UP OF 220 PIPE LENGTHS WELDED TOGETHER AND LAID ON THE SEABED FROM TSIM SHA TSUI WERE PULLED ACROSS THE HARBOUR BY A HYDRAULIC WINCH LOCATED AT THE WAN CHAI WATERFRONT. THE WORK COST $40 MILLION.

+THE NEW PIPELINE WILL HAVE A CARRYING CAPACITY OF 180 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY,* MR TOMLINSON SAID.

THE TWO EXISTING CROSS-HARBOUR MAINS FROM KOWLOON -- ONE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO CENTRAL AND THE OTHER FROM HUNG HOM TO NORTH POINT HAVE A COMBINED CAPACITY OF 335 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.

MR TOMLINSON POINTED OUT THAT THE LAYING OF THE SUBMARINE PIPELINE FORMED PART OF A $100 MILLION PROJECT TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR WATER SUPPLY TO HONG KONG ISLAND.

OTHER WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT INVOLVE THE LAYING OF SEVEN KILOMETRES OF LAND MAINS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR AND THE COMPLETE SYSTEM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR USE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

IN KOWLOON, THE MAINS BEING LAID TO LINK UP WITH THE CROSSHARBOUR PIPELINE EXTEND FROM BOUNDARY STREET TO TSIM SHA TSUI AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM CHATER ROAD TO WAN CHAI.

THE CONSULTANT ENGINEERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HK), THE CONTRACTOR FOR LAYING THE SUBMARINE MAIN IS MCCONNELL DOWELL CONSTRUCTORS (ASIA) LTD., AND FOR THE LAND SECTION LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY. LTD.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 1983

PARENTS URGED TO HELP WITH ROAD SAFETY

* * * *

PARENTS WITH CHILDREN ATTENDING SCHOOLS IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO WORK OUT A SAFETY ROUTE TO AND FROM SCHOOLS FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

PAMPHLETS SHOWING PROPER CROSSING FACILITIES IN THE SCHOOL VICINITY, SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS, WALKWAYS, FOOTBRIDGES AND SUBWAYS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO STUDENTS IN MID-SEPTEMBER WHEN CLASSES RESUME.

THE +PLAN YOUR SAFETY ROUTE+ SCHEME IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT’S MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND IS DESIGNED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.

A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (JULY 3) AFTERNOON. THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LOLLY CHIU, AND THE DISTRICT’S POLICE COMMANDERS, MR LAU TO-YEE AND MR D.M. HODSON, WILL BE PRESENT.

PROGRAMME OF THE DAY WILL INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW, GAME STALLS, A MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN, A MOBILE ROAD SAFETY BUS DISPLAY, AND A BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE.

AND CHILDREN WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH WITH CAPTAIN SAFETY, WHO WILL BE PRESENT TO EXPLAIN ROAD SAFETY RULES AND CODES.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY (JULY 3) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, CENTRAL.

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COURSE TO TRAIN TENNET COACHES

K M M

THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TENNET ASSOCIATION ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING AN ELEMENTARY TENNET COACHES COURSE FOR THE SUMMER HOLIDAY.

THOSE AT THE AGE OF 18 OR ABOVE AND WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN PLAYING TENNET, TENNIS OR SQUASH ARE URGED TO APPLY BEFORE JULY 13.

♦THE COURSE IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE SPORT THROUGH TRAINING MORE COACHES,+ AN RSS SPOKESMAN SAID.

CERTIFICATES WILL BE GIVEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE CLASSES REGULARLY AND HAVE PASSED AN EXAMINATION.

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CLASSES WILL BE HELD EVER* SATURDAY FROM JULY 30 TO SEPTEMBER 3 AT THE ABERDEEN INDOOR COMPLEX GAMES HALL.

INSTRUCTORS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE ASSOCIATION, RACKETS AND BALLS WILL BE PROVIDED.

THE FEE FOR THE COURSE IS :s20. APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE, 11/F, * I NG ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 5-458511.

MAN BEHIND MANY BUILDING PROJECTS RETIRES

******

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, WILL PROCEED ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE TOMORROW AFTER 28 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS (DESIGNATE), MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, THIS AFTERNOON PRESENTED HIM WITH A SOUVENIR ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH.

SPEAKING AT THE FAREWELL RECEPTION, MR CHAN SAID MR MCDONALD HAD WORKED FOR A PRIVATE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM IN DUNDEE BEFORE JOINING THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1955.

IN HONG KONG, MR MCDONALD WAS INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND DESIGN OF MANY IMPORTANT BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE RAILWAY STATION, MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK AND THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ABOVE THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS FOR WHICH HE PRODUCED THE ORIGINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY.

IN 1972, MR MCDONALD BECAME PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT. FIFTEEN MONTHS LATER, HE BECAME DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, AND IN JANUARY 1974 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.

♦SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN AT THE HELM OF PUBLIC WORKS ACTIVITIES FOR UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST INTENSE DECADE OF BUILDING AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY,+ MR CHAN SAID.

♦THE ENORMOUS INCREASE IN WORKLOAD EVENTUALLY LED TO HIS OVERSEEING OF THE REORGANISATION OF THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN SIX AUTONOMOUS DEPARTMENT - ITSELF NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT.♦

MR CHAN SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS MR MCDONALD WON THE RESPECT CF ALL FOR HIS ABILITY AND INTEGRITY. IN RECOGNITION OF HIS SERVICE HE WAS APPOINTED A COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF ST MICHAEL AND ST GEORGE IN 1978.

♦MR MCDONALD CAN BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HIS CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE ADDED.

Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1983 - JUN - ENG