DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY........................... 1
ELECTRIFIED BLAINS TO GET STRONG FEEDER SUPPORT ............. 4
ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ..................... 5
SAFETY SEMINAR FOR PLASTICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES .............. 5
ANTI-MOSQUITO DRIVE IN TAI PO ............................... 6
ROAD PROJECT IN YUEN LONG.................................... 7
DANGER OF RESIDUAL FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE....................... 8
TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS ............................... 8
FIRE SERVICES DELEGATION TO ATTEND MACAU CELEBRATION ........ 9
RECONSTRUCTION OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD ....................... 10
WATER CUT ON HK ISLAND
10
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
1
SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY
* * X *
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN JANUARY 1983 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 617 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
AT 136, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR JANUARY 1983 DECREASED BY 4 POINTS OR 3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1982, AND BY 7 POINTS OR 5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1982.
THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR JANUARY 1983, AT 109, WAS 3 POINTS OR 3 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR DECEMBER 1982, AND 14 POINTS OR 11 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR JANUARY 1982.
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1982, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES, HAVING BEEN STAGNANT FOR A LONG TIME, INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, AND OF CONSUMER DURABLES ALSO INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS? THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 4 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER GOODS, DEPARTMENT STORES, AND FUELS EACH DECREASED BY 10 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
ALTHOUGH THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS REMAINED UNCHANGED, THEIR VOLUME DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1982, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY ID PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, BUT DECLINED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS, WHILE THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS BUT DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE VALUE AND VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE OTHER MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES ALL RECORDED DECREASES.
IN VALUE TERMS, MOTOR VEHICLES SHOWED THE SHARPEST REDUCTION OF 41 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY CONSUMER DURABLES OF 19 PER CENT, AND CONSUMER GOODS AND SUPERMARKETS, EACH OF 6 PER CENT. THEIR RESPECTIVE DECREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 51 PER CENT, 22 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT.
RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES AND OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ALSO WENT DOWN BY 2 °ER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS, BUT IN VOLUME TERMS THEY SHOWED DECLINES OF 10 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT LUNAR NEW YEAR IN 1983 FELL IN FEBRUARY, WHEREAS IN 1982 IT FELL IN JANUARY.
/TABLES 1 .....
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1?83
2
TABLES 1 AND 2 PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1982 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1983 OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AND OF RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY SELECTED TRADES AND MAJOR TRADE GROUPS.
THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 ARE TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF THE JANUARY 1983 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF THE PRECEDING MONTH AND OF THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1982 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO.i 3-7216024.
TABLE 1 I VALUE INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1$|83 AND DECEMBER 1982
(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 10Q)
DEC 1982 ITEM --------
---- (REVISED
FIGURES)
TOTAL RETAIL SALES 4 750
(HK$ MILLION)
RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEXESi
(1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 140
(II) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 143
FUELS 168
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 172
CONSUMER GOODS 144
CONSUMER DURABLES 109
(III) l BY SELECTED TRADES .
MOTOR VEHICLES 55
DEPARTMENT STORES 173
SUPERMARKETS 192
* Fl NAL REVISED ESTIMATES
JAN 1983 JAN 1983 COMPARED WITH DEC 1982 JAN 1983 COMPARED WITH JAN 1982*
(PROVISIONAL FIGURES) 4 617 PTS % PTS %
136 t - 4 - 3 - 7 - 5
149 ♦ 6 + 4 ♦ 1 + 1
162 - 6 - 4 ♦ 15 +10
P7 + 5 ♦ 3 - 1 - 1
129 -15 -10 - 8 - 6
113 ♦ 4 + 4 -26 -19
65 ♦ 10 + 18 -46 -41
163 -10 - 6 - 4 - 2
192 SAME SAME -13 - 6
/TABLE 2 .......
SONDA.Y, MAY 1, 1i«iJ
TABLE 2 : VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY 1983 AND DECEMBER 1982
(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980
- 100)
JAN 1983 COMPARED
JAN 1983 COMPARED
1982 JAN 1983 WITH DEC 1982 WITH JAN 1982*
" DEC
ITEM “
(REVISED FIGURES) (PROVISIONAL F IGURES) PTS % PTS %
RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEXES:
(1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 112 109 - 3 - 3 -14 -11
(II) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC 107 114 + 7 + 7 - 7 - 6
DRINKS AND TOBACCO
FUELS 123 118 - 5 - 4 - 1 - 1
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR
AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 133 138 + 5 + 4 -1Z - &
CONSUMER GOODS 116 104 -12 -10 -15 -13
CONSUMER DURABLES 96 98 + 2 + 2 -27 -22
(III) BY SELECTED TRADES
MOTOR VEHICLES 40 47 + 7 ♦ 18 -49 -51
DEPARTMENT STORES 140 131 - 9 - 6 -15 -10
SUPERMARKETS 147 146 - 1 - 1 -20 -12
* FINAL REVISED ESTIMATES
/4........
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
- 4 -
ELECTRIFIED TRAINS TO GET STRONG FEEDER SUPPORT ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO HAVE PREPARED A COMPLETE FEEDER NETWORK TO COINCIDE WITH THE EXTENSION OF ELECTRIFIED TRAIN SERVICES TO TAI PO TOMORROW (MAY 2).
KMB ROUTE 72K LINKING THE NEW RAILWAY STATION WITH TAI YUEN WILL BEGIN OPERATION FROM TOMORROW AT A FREQUENCY OF 12 MINUTES. A FARE OF 60 CENTS WILL BE CHARGED.
THREE OTHER BUS ROUTES AT PRESENT SERVING TAI PO MARKET WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE STATION ON THE SAME DAY: NO. 65 FROM SHEUNG TSUEN IN SHEK KONG, NO. 75 FROM TAI MEI TUK AND NO. 69 FROM CHOI YUEN. THEY WILL BE RENUMBERED 65K, 75K AND 69K RESPECTIVELY.
KMB ROUTES 64K FROM YUEN LONG WEST AND 74K FROM SAM MUN TSAI WERE EXTENDED TO THE STATION A FEW WEEKS AGO. SO WERE MAXICABS NO. 20K FROM SAM MUN TSAI, 21K FROM TAI PO TAU, 22K FROM KAM SHAN, 23K FROM WUN YIU AND 25K FROM LAM TSUEN.
♦THE NEW FEEDER NETWORK WILL PROVIDE GOOD SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTRIFIED TRAIN SERVICE WHICH, WITH IMPROVED FREQUENCY AND A JOURNEY TIME OF ONLY 23 MINUTES TO KOWLOON, WILL PROVE TO BE A BOON TO A LARGE NUMBER OF COMMUTERS IN TAI P0,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
♦THE RAILWAY IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OTHER TRANSPORT MODES MUST BE COORDINATED IN SUPPORT OF TRAIN SERVICES,♦ HE SAID.
ALL FEEDER SERVICES WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED AND REVISIONS WILL BE MADE WHENEVER NECESSARY, ESPECIALLY WHEN MORE PEOPLE MOVE INTO THE NEW HOUSING ESTATES IN TAI PO.
MEANWHILE IN SHA TIN, PLANS ARE BEING PREPARED TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE FEEDER NETWORK WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
THE PLANS WILL INVOLVE THE INTRODUCTION OF THREE NEW BUS ROUTES IN THE NEW TOWN:
NO. 80K BETWEEN SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION AND SUN TIN WAI WILL SERVE AS A MAJOR INTERNAL LINK BETWEEN HOUSING ESTATES IN SHA TIN VALLEY AND THE TWO SHA TIN RAILWAY STATIONS, INCLUDING TAI WAI TEMPORARY STATION.
THE INTERNAL ROUTE 81K WILL LINK SHA KOK AND POK HONG AREA WITH SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION.
ROUTE 82K BETWEEN YUEN CHAU KOK AND SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION WILL CONNECT THE HOUSING ESTATES SOUTH OF SHING MUN RIVER WITH THE TWO RAILWAY STATIONS.
THE PROPOSED ROUTES ARE IN ADDITION TO KMB NO. 84K AND 8SK, AND MAXICAB ROUTE 60K, WHICH ARE ALREADY IN OPERATION IN SHA TIN.
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SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
5
ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE *****
THE NUMBER OF YOUNG ADDICTS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 24 HAS BEEN INCREASING IN THE PAST TWO OR THREE YEARS, ACCORDING TO THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON, MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT IN 1980, 20 PER CENT OF THE ADDICTS WERE YOUNG PEOPLE. +AND UP TO THE FIRST HALF YEAR OF 1982, THE FIGURE HAS GONE UP TO 22 PER CENT,* HE SAID.
♦THIS TREND IS CAUSING CONSIDERABLE CONCERN. WE THEREFORE NEED MORE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS TO EDUCATE AND WARN THE YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE DANGER OF TAKING DRUGS.+
THE OPENING OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ALSO HERALDS THE LAUNCHING OF A SERIES OF SIMILAR ACTIVITIES, TO BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND URBAN AREAS, AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION IN THE COMING MONTHS.
♦THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, WE HOPE TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE,+ MR LAM ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE: THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TONY COOPER; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, MR KARL STUMPF; CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SIK-WAH; CENTRAL POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR R.C. LIDSTER; THE WESTERN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR B.J. DEEGAN, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
SAFETY SEMINAR FOR PLASTICS INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED EMPLOYERS OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR STAFF TO ATTEND A ONE-DAY SAFETY SEMINAR.
ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT MAKING EMPLOYEES IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY MORE AWARE OF SAFETY AT WORK.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A., WATERLOO ROAD CENTRE, ON MAY 20, 1983. MR WONG PO-YAN, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
/SAFETY PROFESSIONALS
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 19t3
6
SAFETY PROFESSIONALS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO GIVE TALKS ON VARIOUS TOPICS.
AMONG THE SPEAKERS ARE MR HO KWOK-WAH, DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL SPEAK ON FIRE PREVENTION, AND MR HO SIU-LUN, PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON PLASTIC PRODUCTS MERCHANTS UNITED ASSOCIATION LIMITED, WHO WILL SPEAK ON THE MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS SAFETY PROMOTION.
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE MR LEUNG SING-KIT, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON RUBBER AND PLASTIC WORKERS GENERAL UNION; M? NGAN KWAN-LEUNG, AN ENGINEER OF HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED; MISS CAROL NG, SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT; AND MR HO SING-CHUEN, DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
A RECENTLY PRODUCED FILM, FEATURING FIRE HAZARDS IN FACTORIES, WILL ALSO BE SHOWN DURING THE SEMINAR.
THE REGISTRATION FEE FOR THE SEMINAR IS S5O PER PERSON.
THOSE WISHING TO JOIN THE SEMINAR SHOULD CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON 3-688111 EXT AOI OR 326, OR WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SEMINAR, C/O FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
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ANT I-MOSQUITO DRIVE IN TAI PO ******
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS LAUNCHED A THREE-MONTH LONG ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO TO RID THE AREA OF POTENTIAL MOSQUITO BREEDING PLACES.
THE CAMPAIGN, LAUNCHED TO COINCIDE WITH THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON MOSQUITO CONTROL MEASURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.
SINCE EARLY LAST WEEK, PEST CONTROL STAFF OF THE TAI PO URBAN SERVICES OFFICE HAVE BEEN VISITING A NUMBER OF VILLAGES IN TAI PO TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE TO VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND TO URGE THEM TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE TO THEIR FELLOW VILLAGERS.
NEXT MONTH, THE OFFICERS WILL CALL ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING RESIDENTS IN THE BUILT-UP AREAS AND TAI PO TOWN.
APART FROM DISTRIBUTING PUBLICITY POSTERS AND LEAFLETS, THE VISITING OFFICERS ARE ALSO OFFERING TECHNICAL ADVICE TO THE RESIDENTS ON THE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO TACKLE THE MOSQUITO NUISANCE.
/DOBING THE .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 19t3
DURING THE DRIVE, THE ANT I-MOSQUI TO TEAM WOULD SPRAY INSECTICIDE OR POUR A LAYER OF DIESEL OIL IN PLACES WHERE MOSQUITO LARVAE OR PUPAE HAD BEEN DETECTED.
IN CASES WHERE MOSQUITOES ARE FOUND AT PRIVATE PREMISES, THE OCCUPIERS OR OWNERS WILL BE ASKED TO TAKE ACTION TO STAMP OUT THE NUISANCE.
BUILDING CONTRACTORS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO ALLOW MOSQUITOES TO BREED AT THEIR CONSTRUCTION SITES. OFFENDERS MIGHT FACE A MAXIMUM FINE OF 85 ODO-, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT NTSD HEALTH STAFF IN OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO THE PUBLIC TO DETECT AND ELIMINATE MOSQUITO NUISANCES AND NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT ANY MOSQUITO NUISANCE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE URBAN SERVICES OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
- - 0 - -
ROAD PROJECT IN YUEN LONG * K *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CARRY OUT A ROAD PROJECT AT THE EASTERN JUNCTION OF THE NORTHERN BYPASS IN YUEN LONG.
THE PROPOSED PROJECT FORMS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE ALTERATION OF THE EXISTING YUEN LONG EASTERN ROUNDABOUT AND SECTIONS OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ON LOK ROAD AND FUNG CHEUNG STREET, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTR BRIDGE OVER CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND FUNG CHEUNG STREET AND A COMBINED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE OVER THE YUEN LONG EASTERN NULLAH AND ON LOK ROAD.
WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE NORTHERN BYPASS AND THE YUEN LONG TO AU TAU DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND WILL ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE YUEN LONG SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 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 DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN 60 DAYS.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
8
DANGER OF RESIDUAL FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCE * * * *
A USED CONTAINER OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES LOOKS HARMLESS, BUT THE RESIDUAL SUBSTANCES INSIDE MIGHT BE QUITE DANGEROUS.
ON COMING INTO CONTACT WITH FLAMES, THE RESIDUAL SUBSTANCES MIGHT GIVE RISE TO AN EXPLOSION.
THIS WARNING WAS GIVEN BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE ON HONG KONG ISLAND LAST MONTH IN WHICH TWO WORKERS WERE INJURED WHILE CUTTING A 2DO-LITRE METAL DRUM USED TO STORE FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES WITH OXYGEN-ACCETYLENE GAS.
DURING THE CUTTING PROCESS, AN EXPLOSION OCCURRED WHEN THE RESIDUAL FLAMMABLE VAPOUR INSIDE THE DRUM WAS IGNITED BY HEAT FROM THE PROCESS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN.
HE ADVISED WORKERS DOING SIMILAR WORK TO REMOVE THE LID OF THE DRUM TO ENABLE THE RESIDUAL VAPOUR TO DISPERSE AND THEN CLEAN THE DRUM WITH LOW PRESSURE STEAM UNTIL IT IS FREE OF RESIDUAL SUBSTANCES.
THE ALTERNATIVE MEASURE, HE ADDED, WAS TO FILL THE DRUM WITH WATER TO SLIGHTLY BELOW THE LEVEL WHERE THE DRUM IS TO BE CUT.
♦ANYONE HANDLING USED CONTAINERS OF FLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES SHOULD EXERCISE CARE. IF ANY FACTORY PROPRIETOR OR BUILDING CONTRACTOR NEEDS ANY ADVICE, HE CAN CONTACT ANY BRANCH OFFICES CF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS ft ft ft ft
THE ANNUAL TIN HAU FESTIVAL WILL FALL ON THURSDAY, MAY 5, THIS YEAR AND LAVISH CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FESTIVAL HAS SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO BOAT PEOPLE WHO PRAY TO THE GODDESS OF TIN HAU FOR FAIR WEATHER AND GOOD TIDINGS ALL YEAR ROUND.
THE MAJOR ATTRACTION WILL BE IN YUEN LONG WHERE A GRAND PROCESSION WITH 7 000 PEOPLE FROM 32 ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PLACE.
/starting at .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
- 9 -
STARTING AT 10 AM, A TWO-HOUR PROCESSION WITH A PARADE OF DRAGONS, UNICORNS, LIONS, LANTERN-BEAUTY TROUPES, CHIU CHOW GONGS AND DRUMS, PUPPET SHOW, AND CHINESE FOLK DANCES WILL SET OFF FROM THE EASTERN BUS TERMINUS.
IT WILL PASS ALONG FUNG CHEUNG, CASTLE PEAK AND TAI YUK ROADS BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND HIS WIFE WILL BE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT THE FESTIVAL PROCESSION.
A TRADITIONAL +FA PAU+ DRAW WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE THE TAI SHU HA TEMPLE AT 3 PM.
IN TUEN MUN AND ON THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED FROM MAY 3 TO 7 AT YUNG SHUE WAN IN NORTH LAMMA, AND FROM MAY 2 TO 6 NEAR THE HAU KOK TIN HAU TEMPLE IN TUEN MUN.
A +FA PAU+ DRAW, OFFICIATED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, WILL ALSO BE HELD IN TUEN MUN ON THE AFTERNOON OF MAY 5.
IN SAI KUNG, ABOUT 50 000 WORSHIPPERS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT JOSS HOUSE BAY TIN HAU TEMPLE ON MAY 4 AND 5. SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
----------0 ------------
FIRE SERVICES DELEGATION TO ATTEND MACAU CELEBRATION ******
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR F.M. WATSON HAS LEFT HONG KONG WITH A 12-MEMBER DELEGATION FOR MACAU TO ATTEND THE CENTENARY CELEBRATION OF THE MACAU FIRE BRIGADE.
THE DELEGATION WAS MET ON ARRIVAL IN MACAU BY THE COMMANDANT OF THE BRIGADE, MR ROGERIO FRANCISCO DE PAULA DE ASSIS, AND MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE.
THE CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD OFFICIALLY TOMORROW (MONDAY). IT WILL INCLUDE A FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY AT THE MACAU FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS TO BE FOLLOWED BY A MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE FIREMEN MAUSOLEUM.
THE GOVERNOR OF MACAU, REAR ADMIRAL VASCO DE ALMEIDA E COSTA WILL ARRIVE AT THE MACAU FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS BUILDING TO TAKE THE SALUTE AT A MARCH-PASS AND REVIEW OF FIRE APPLIANCES.
HE WILL ALSO UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE OCCASION.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO RETURN ON TUESDAY.
- 0 - -
/10 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 1983
10 -
RECONSTRUCTION OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD * * X
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT INTENDS TO WIDEN AND RECONSTRUCT A SECTION OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD BETWEEN THE WONG CHUK HANG INTERCHANGE AND NAM LONG SHAN ROAD TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL LANE FOR TRAFFIC IN EACH DIRECTION.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE WIDENING HEUNG YIP ROAD TO JOIN UP WITH THE RECENTLY ROAD.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
AND EXTENSION OF COMPLETED OCEAN PARK
WAS PUBLISHED IN THE
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 DI STR I CT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 6TH FLOOR NEW WORLD TOWER, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ABERDEEN CENTRE, MEI FUNG COURT, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN 60 DAYS.
-----o------
WATER CUT ON HK ISLAND X * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 4) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
PREMISES WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED ARE HOUSES NO. 2-24, NO. 3-45 REPULSE BAY ROAD, NO. 2 ISLAND ROAD, THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB AND ALL THOSE ALONG SHOUSON HILL ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST, SHOUSON HILL ROAD WEST AND DEEP WATER BAY ROAD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HRH PRINCESS ANNE VISITS ELECTRONICS FACTORY .................. 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY OPENS 2ND STAGE OF KCR ELECTRIFICATION .. 1
PRINCESS ANNE'S VISIT ENDS .................................... 2
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY ................................. 2
HONG KONG TEAM LEAVES FOR ADB MEETING ......................... 3
HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILES TALKS ADJOURNED ..................... 4
PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG...................... 4
SUBVENTED OUTWARD BOUND COURSES ............................... 5
NEW DISTRICT COMMISSIONER TO CHAIR FIRST DB MEETING............ 6
MORE HOSTELS FOR ELDERLY PLANNED .............................. 7
ROAD CLOSURES IN TUEN MUN AND WANG TAU HOM..................... 8
WATER FIGURES.................................................. 8
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
1
HRH PRINCESS ANNE VISITS ELECTRONICS FACTORY
» X * K
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE PRINCESS ANNE TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED ONE OF THE LARGEST CONSUMER ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG WHICH HAS WON 14 HONG KONG DESIGN AWARDS FOR ITS PRODUCTS OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.
AT RADOFIN ELECTRONICS FACTORY IN KWUN TONG, PRINCESS ANNE WAS MET BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, WHO PRESENTED RADOFIN’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR LAURENCE SCOTT JR.
THE PRINCESS FIRST WENT UP TO THE MAIN OFFICE ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE FACTORY, WHERE SHE WAS SHOWN EXAMPLES OF FINISHED PRODUCTS INCLUDING PERSONAL COMPUTERS, 40 COLUMN PRINTERS AND OTHER COMPUTER PERIPHERALS AND VIDEO GAMES. DURING A TOUR OF THE PLANT THAT FOLLOWED SHE SAW THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THREE PRODUCTION FLOORS WHERE WORKERS WERE ASSEMBLING AND TESTING ITEMS ON THE PRODUCTION LINES.
MR SCOTT EXPLAINED TO THE PRINCESS THAT THE COMPANY’S IN-HOUSE DESIGN STAFF MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR RADOFIN TO CONCEIVE, DEVELOP AND MANUFACTURE HIGH TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE PRINCESS ALSO LEARNT THAT ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF RADOFIN’S OUTPUT IS PRODUCED FOR MAJOR COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE, AND PRODUCED UNDER THE CUSTOMER’S BRAND NAME.
THE COMPANY BEGAN PRODUCTION IN 1975, INITIALLY PRODUCING LOW COST ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS. BY THE END OF 1976, IT HAD PROGRESSED TO MANUFACTURING VIDEO GAMES, AND WON VIRTUALLY EVERY HONG KONG DESIGN AWARD IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY OPENS 2ND STAGE OF KCR ELECTRIFICATION * * * *
WITH THE RETIREMENT OF DIESEL TRAINS ON JULY 15, PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A MODERN, FAST, COMFORTABLE AND RELIABLE TRAIN SERVICE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, W JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ELECTRIFIED SERVICE AT TAI PO MARKET STATION, HE SAID THE PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED ON THE FIRST SECTION OF ELECTRIFIED RAILWAY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN SEEMED TO HAVE FOUND GENERAL FAVOUR WITH THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
♦PATRONAGE HAS ALREADY DOUBLED COMPARED WITH THE PREELECTRIFICATION ERA AND THE PUNCTUALITY OF THE NEW ELECTRIC TRAINS HAS BEEN EXCELLENT, BEING CONSISTENTLY BETWEEN 95 PER CENT AND 100 PER CENT,* HE SAID,.
/MH BREMRIDGE .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
2
MR BREMRIDGE SAID AN ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF THE NEW RAILWAY WAS THAT IT SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED BOTH THE PASSENGER AND FREIGHT MOVEMENT CAPABILITY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. rKtlGHT
I2EJ£RC modernisation AND ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT WAS A VITAL PART OF THE OVERALL GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, HE
HE SAID THE NEW TAI PO MARKET STATION WHICH PROVIDED AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE BETWEEN A NUMBER OF TRANSPORT MODES DEMONSTRATED GOVERNMENT’S AWARENESS OF THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
♦I AM SURE THAT THE COMMERCIAL FREEDOM NOW ENJOYED BY THE RAILWAY, PLUS EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND AGGRESSIVE MARKETING WILL PRODUCE A QUALITY OF PRODUCT IN WHICH BOTH THE RAILWAY AND ITS CUSTOMERS CAN TAKE PR IDE,+ HE SAID.
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PRINCESS ANNE’S VISIT ENDS * * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ANNE, LEFT HONG KONG THIS (MONDAY) EVENING FOR KARACHI FOLLOWING A FOUR-DAY PRIVATE VISIT.
THE PRINCESS WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AND LADY YOUDE; THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AND LADY HADDON-CAVE? THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN AND MRS BOORMAN; SENIOR UMELCO MEMBERS MR OSWALD CHEUNG AND ROGER LOBO, MRS CHEUNG AND MRS LOBO; THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF PAKISTAN, MR KAMAL AFSAR AND MRS AFSAR; AND THE MASTER OF SIGNALS, MAJOR-GENERAL J.M.W. BADCOCK.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY
K K X
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING. ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS, A GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY.
_ THE SURVEY STARTED IN AUGUST 1981 AND IS CARRIED OUT ON A CONTINUOUS BASIS BY THE PERMANENT FIELD STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.
/a random
MONDAY, MAY <i, 1963
A RANDOM SAMPLE OF SOME 6 OOO HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG FOR PARTICIPATION IN EACH MONTHLY SURVEY. ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS WERE INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS EARLIER AND ARE SELECTED AGAIN IN ORDER TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT HAVE OCCURRED SINCE THEN.
AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE SENT TO THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS BEFORE THE SURVEY TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND TO SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION IN PARTICIPATING.
ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, EACH IDENTIFYING HIMSELF WITH A DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WILL VISIT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.
QUESTIONS ASKED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THOSE ON THE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION (SUCH AS AGE, SEX AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT) AS WELL AS ON THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS (SUCH AS ACTIVITY STATUS, HOURS OF WORK, INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, ETC.)
IN ADDITION, SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS ON VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE POPULATION ARE ALSO INQUIRED.
FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 1983, QUESTIONS ON PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORK OF DISTRICT BOARD AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PUBLICITY ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, ETC. WILL BE INCLUDED.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE TREATED AS STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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HONG KONG TEAM LEAVES FOR ADB MEETING
* M * *
MR DOUGLAS BLYE. SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, LEFT FOR MANILA TODAY (MONDAY) TO ATTEND THE 16TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK.
THE MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, MANILA, BETWEEN MAY 4 AND 6. MR BLYE IS EXPECTED TO ADDRESS THE MEETING AT A GOVERNORS’ SESSION.
ALSO IN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE MR JOSEPH YAM, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS AND MR KEVIN HO, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS.
THE DELEGATION IS EXPECTED TO RETURN ON FRIDAY (MAY 6).
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/4........
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
- 4 -
HONG KONG-NORWAY TEXTILES TALKS ADJOURNED ft ft ft ft
THE NEGOTIATION FOR A BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NORWAY, WHICH BEGAN IN HONG KONG ON APRIL 21, WERE ADJOURNED THIS MORNING (MONDAY) WITHOUT AN AGREEMENT, ACCORDING TO AN AGREED STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE TWO NEGOTIATING TEAMS.
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. THE NORWEGIAN DELEGATION HAVE INDICATED THAT, IF A SATISFACTORY BILATERAL AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED WITH HONG KONG AND OTHER SUPPLIERS, NORWAY WOULD DISMANTLE THE ARTICLE XIX IMPORT ACTION AND REJOIN THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
ALTHOUGH SOME PROGRESS WAS MADE DURING THE TALKS, THERE WAS STILL A WIDE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES ON A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT ISSUES. THE TWO DELEGATIONS HAVE THEREFORE AGREED TO ADJOURN THE TALKS TO ALLOW BOTH SIDES TO REFLECT ON THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS.
THE TWO SIDES PROVISIONALLY AGREED THAT THE NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE RESUMED IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
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PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG ft ft ft ft
GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE CONTINUING NEED TO SURVEY AND REVIEW THE CULTURAL SCENE IN HONG KONG AND A NUMBER OF AREAS ARE NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE (PERFORMING ARTS), MR BENJAMIN TANG SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
MR TANG, WHO WAS ADDRESSING THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES ON THE ROLE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS, SAID A PROFESSIONAL REPORT ON THE SITUATION OF DRAMA IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN COMPLETED. HE DESCRIBED THE REPORT AS +AN IMPORTANT SURVEY FOR IT WILL HELP US TO FORMULATE POLICIES FOR FUTURE SUPPORT FOR DRAMA.+
+ALSO, WE ARE MAKING A PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION OF THE VISUAL ARTS,* HE ADDED.
♦MINDFUL TOO, OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, WE SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE ARTS AS CRUCIAL IF THE ARTS ARE TO GROW AND CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY,+ MR TANG SAID.
REFERRING TO THE ROLE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION WHICH IS PRIMARILY ONE OF COMMUNITY BUILDING, MR TANG SAID IT AIMS TO INVOLVE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, BOTH IN TERMS OF PARTICIPATION IN AND OF ENJOYMENT AND APPRECIATION OF THE VARIOUS PERFORMING ARTS FORMS.
/HE CONTINUED: .......
MONDA.I, MAX 2, 1983
- 5 -
HE CONTINUED! +UNLIKE THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION DOES NOT MANAGE FACILITIES, NOR DOES IT ORGANISE CULTURAL EVENTS. ITS PRINCIPAL MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING THE POLICY OBJECTIVES ESTABLISHED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IS THROUGH PROVIDING FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING OR PRESENTATION OF DANCE, MUSIC AND DRAMA.♦
♦THROUGH SUBVENTING SUCH PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS RATHER THAN GETTING INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS THE PERFORMING ARTS DIVISION’S ROLE IS SUPPORTIVE, RATHER THAN COMPETITIVE.+
♦WE FEEL THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT APPROACH, AS THERE IS NO REASON WHY GOVERNMENT SHOULD DUPLICATE THE SERVICES ALREADY PROVIDED, OR CAPABLE OF BEING PROVIDED, BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.♦
♦APART FROM MANAGING AND IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES ON PERFORMING ARTS, THE PAD ALSO EXAMINES POSSIBLE AREAS AND FORMS OF FUTURE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT.+
ALTHOUGH PAD’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PERFORMING ARTS IS ONLY INDIRECT, MR TANG POINTED OUT, ITS ACTIVITIES ARE GEARED TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
♦IT AIMS TO HELP PEOPLE BECOME INVOLVED IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, BOTH THROUGH SUPPORTING TRAINING ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMING ACTIVITIES,♦ HE SAID.
8UBVENTED OUTWARD BOUND COURSES
N N M
A SCHEME TO ASSIST DESERVING YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN OUTWARD BOUND COURSES WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM SAID ANY PERSON WHO HAS AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS COULD APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE.
ALSO AT THE CONFERENCE WERE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL, MR JACK TUCKER AND CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, M? DAVID MAK.
THE SCHEME GOT OFF THE GROUND RECENTLY FOLLOWING A GRANT OF $670 000 BY GOVERNMENT.
ABOUT 1 000 YOUNG PEOPLE, INCLUDING THE HANDICAPPED AND UNDERPRIVILEGED, WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN A NUMBER OF LAND AND SEA-BASED COURSES.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE AMOUNT GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IS A RECURRENT GRANT WHICH WOULD BE USED TO REDUCE THE COST OF NORMAL COURSE FEES BY ABOUT 50 PER CENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SUBVENT A NUMBER OF PLACES ON SOME OUTWARD BOUND COURSES WAS DUE TO SEVERAL FACTORS.
/+0UTW1RD BOUND .......
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
- 6 -
+OUTWARD BOUND COURSES CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECTIVE OF COMMUNITY BUILDING BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE STRUCTURED AND INTENSIVE TRAINING AT A HIGH LEVEL WHICH COMPLEMENT THE COURSES AND PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY MY DEPARTMENT,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
THESE COURSES HELP TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER, SELF-RELIANCE AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF THE PARTICIPANTS, AS WELL AS HELPING TO FOSTER A STRONG SENSE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
BECAUSE OF THE BENEFITS YOUNG PEOPLE CAN GAIN FROM OUTWARD BOUND COURSES AND THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THEY CAN MAKE AFTERWARDS TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO GIVE SELECTED YOUNG PERSONS THE OPPORTUNITY OF ATTENDING OUTWARD BOUND COURSES AT REDUCED COST. IN THIS WAY IT IS HOPED THAT A WIDER SECTION OF HONG KONG’S YOUTH CAN BENEFIT FROM OUTWARD BOUND TRAINING.
THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED COURSES AREi STANDARD COURSE, JUNIOR AND SENIOR ADVENTURE COURSES, MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP COURSES AND SKILLS COURSES.
THE STANDARD COURSE IS FOR PERSONS BETWEEN 16 AND 26 YEARS CF AGE AND LASTS FOR THREE WEEKS. PRACTICAL AND THEORY LESSONS ARE GIVEN ABOARD THE SCHOOL’S BRIGANTINE JI-FUNG.
ADVENTURE COURSES CONSIST OF ORGANISED ACTIVITIES IN SAILING, CANOEING, MOUNTAINEERING AND ROCK-CLIMBING.
MOUNTAIN LEADERSHIP COURSES ARE SEVEN-DAY HIGH INTENSITY SKILLS COURSES DESIGNED FOR THOSE AGED 18 YEARS AND OVER.
SKILLS COURSES INVOLVE A HIGH LEVEL OF TRAINING IN A SPECIFIC OUTDOOR ACTIVITY SUCH AS ROCK-CLIMBING, MOUNTAINCRAFT, ORIENTEERING, CANOEING AND SAILING.
SINCE THE OPENING OF THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL IN 1970, MORE THAN 13 400 PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN PART IN VARIOUS COURSES.
OF THE TOTAL, 3 500 CHILDREN TOOK PART IN LAND ADVENTURE COURSES, AND 1 200 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED IN SPECIAL COURSES.
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NEW DISTRICT COMMISSIONER TO CHAIR FIRST DB MEETING
* * * *
MR ADOLF HSU, WHO ASSUMED THE DUTY OF DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (TSUEN WAN) JUST OVER A MONTH AGO, WILL CHAIR HIS FIRST DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
DURING THE MEETING, A PAPER ON RECLAMATION OF THE KWAI CHUNG CREEK AND REALIGNMENT OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD WILL BE DISCUSSED.
ALSO FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE A PAPER PREPARED BY AN UNOFFICIAL DB MEMBER ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOSTEL FOR MENTALLY RETARDED MALE ADULTS IN KWAI CHUNG.
0
/7
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
- 7 -MORE HOSTELS FOR ELDERLY PLANNED X K * * *
SOME 2 300 ADDITIONAL HOSTEL PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE ONE SUCH HOSTEL IN EVERY PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WITH OVER 3 000 UNITS.
MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB’S WONG FUNG TING HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AT CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU I.
REFERRING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO BUY ABOUT 150 FLATS IN VARIOUS PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS FOR HOUSING 700 OLD PEOPLE IN URGENT NEED OF ACCOMMODATION, HE STRESSED THAT THIS SCHEME WOULD BE SUITABLE MAINLY FOR THOSE +WHO ARE STILL FIT AND ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR OWN DAILY LIVING NEEDS.*
♦THERE WILL STILL BE A NEED FOR MORE HOSTELS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHICH ARE INTENDED TO HOUSE THOSE WHO NEED LIMITED ASSISTANCE IN PERSONAL CARE, THE GENERAL SUPERVISION CF HEALTH CARE AND THE ORGANISATION OF SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES,♦ HE SAID.
THE NEW HOSTEL, WHICH WILL HOUSE 116 ELDERLY PEOPLE, HAS BEEN DECORATED AND FURNISHED TO A HIGH STANDARD. MEALS ARE PROVIDED AND ASSISTANCE GIVEN WITH HOUSEHOLD CHORES AND LAUNDRY.
ITS ESTABLISHMENT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY AN $800 000 DONATION FROM MADAM WONG FUNG-TING AND OTHER DONATIONS FROM FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE WOMEN’S CLUB.
♦AS THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY INCREASES, THERE WILL BE A CORRESPONDING DEMAND FOR BOTH COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESIDENTIAL CARE,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CLUB FOR MAKING A MOST VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN THESE AREAS.
APART FROM THE HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE INCLUDE A NURSERY, A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE AND A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE ESTATE HAS SIX RENTAL BLOCKS WITH 5 082 FLATS, PROVIDING HOMES FOR MORE THAN 23 000 PEOPLE. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE EIGHT HOME OWNERSHIP BLOCKS, HOUSING SOME 5 000 PEOPLE.
MONDAY, MAY 2, 1983
8
ROAD CLOSURES IN TUEN MUN AND WANG TAU HOM * * *
THE JUNCTION OF KIN FAT STREET WITH KIN WING STREET IN TUEN MUN AND THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KIN WING STREET BETWEEN KIN ON STREET AND TSUN WEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM TOMORROW (MAY 3) TO JUNE 30 FOR ROAD WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON KIN FAT STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KIN WING LANE, KIN WING STREET, KIN LUNG STREET AND KIN FAT LANE WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KIN WING STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUN WEN ROAD, HO TIN STREET AND KIN ON STREET.
IN KOWLOON, THE SECTION OF WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD BETWEEN JUNCTION ROAD AND FU MEI STREET EAST WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 4) FOR WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON JUNCTION ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HENG LAM STREET AND FU MEI STREET EAST.
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 75.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 438.369 MILLION CUBIC bETRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 215.485 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 37.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
SIR EDWARD OPENS CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE ............. 1
MARCH MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS ................. 2
SIR S.Y. CHUNG RECEIVES HONORARY FELLOWSHIP IN UK............ 7
TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY STATION ................. 7
LOCAL TRADERS URGED TO SUBSCRIBE. TO TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL ..................................................... 8
1982 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES ............... 8
TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT JOSS HOUSE BAY .............. 9
TRAFFIC CHANGES DURING TIN HAU FESTIVAL ..................... 10
COMMERCIAL CENTRE FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS ...................... 12
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KWUN TONG ........................... 13
IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO MORSE PARK ....................... 13
COOKED FOOD MARKET FOR KWUN TONG ............................ 13
KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX RE-OPENS ................... 14
Sait water cut
14
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
1
SIR EDWARD OPENS CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE * ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON OFFICIALLY OPENED THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE AT THE WEST COFFERDAM OF THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR IN SAI KUNG.
SIR EDWARD, WHO FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO THE CENTRE WAS JOINED BY LADY YOUDE BOTH OF WHOM WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMISSIONER, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM.
THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE LIU CHONG HING BANK, MR LIU LIT-+4ANJ THE TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS, MR LIU LIT-FOR AND LIU LIT-MO — THE DONORS OF THE CENTRE — ALSO GREETED THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE ON THEIR ARRIVAL.
OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING.
IN HIS ADDRESS, MR WIGGHAM SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE WEST DAM OF THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR, THE QUAYSIDE AND THE PIER STRUCTURE OF THE WEST COFFERDAM WERE ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO BE DISMANTLED AND THE WHOLE AREA RETURNED TO ITS NATURAL STATE.
♦FORTUNATELY WE SAW THE POTENTIAL OF DEVELOPING THIS ENCLOSED BODY OF WATER, SET IN A MOST SCENIC PART OF SAI KUNG PENINSULA, INTO A WATER SPORTS CENTRE,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
♦IT WAS REALISED THAT A CENTRE IN THIS LOCATION WOULD ALSO ENJOY EASY ACCESS TO THE SEA FOR MORE ORTHODOX TRAINING FOR SAILORS, CANOEISTS AND WINDSURFERS.
♦SOME IDEAS GET NO FURTHER THAN THE DRAWING BOARD. IT IS OUR GOOD FORTUNE THAT, IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, THE CHONG HING BANK GROUP, THROUGH MR LIU LIT-MAN AND MR LIU LIT-FOR, SHARED OUR VISION OF WHAT COULD BE ACHIEVED AND CONFIRMED THEIR FAITH BY A TIMELY DONATION OF $2 MILLION.
♦THIS GENEROUS DONATION WILL BE APPRECIATED BY GENERATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, AS THEY ENJOY THE FACILITIES WE SEE TODAY,+ HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM ADDED THAT IN THE LONGER TERM, THE ENTIRE COFFERDAM AREA HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE DEVELOPED INTO AN INTENSIVE RECREATION AREA WITHIN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
AFTER THE UNVEILING OF A PLAQUE AT THE CENTRE, SIR EDWARD THEN WALKED TO A PAGODA NEAR A LAGOON AND STARTED A MINI-DRAGON BOAT RACE BY FIRING A MINI-CANNON.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG, THEN PRESENTED PRIZES AND MEMENTOS TO THE PARTICIPANTS.
SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WERE THEN TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE CENTRE WHICH CONSISTS OF TWO MAJOR SINGLE-STOREY BLOCKS HOUSING A DORMITORY, CHANGING FACILITIES, OFFICE AREA AND A CANTEEN.
/OTHffi FACILITIES.......
TUESDAY, MaY 3, 1983
- 2 -
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A BOAT SHED, TWO PAGODAS AND A SLIPWAY LEADING TO THE LAGOON.
THE CENTRE IS OPEN TO WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AND CAMPERS FROM SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN PAK TAM.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT SOME 12 OOO DAY AND ABOUT 3 000 RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS WILL ENJOY THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES EVERY YEAR.
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MARCH MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS *****
THE MONEY SUPPLY AND FINANCIAL STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1983 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY.
DURING THE MONTH, TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON RECORDED SOME MODERATE INCREASE.
THE BROADER DEFINITIONS
TOTAL Ml, HOWEVER, FELL, WITH INCREASED CASH HOLDING BY THE PUBLIC AHEAD OF THE EASTER HOLIDAY MORE THAN OFFSET BY A FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE IN DEMAND DEPOSITS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED DURING THE MONTH WHILE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECREASED.
THERE WAS STILL A MODEST SHIFT OF DEPOSITS FROM REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES.
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXPERIENCED FURTHER GROWTH IN MARCH, ALTHOUGH, WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE RECORDED A SLIGHT DECLINE.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR MARCH 1983 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 SETS OUT SOME FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
THE HK$ MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS DECLINED IN MARCH.
THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, HK$M1 FELL BY 2.5 PER CENT AFTER A RISE OF 1.1 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3, BOTH FELL BY A FURTHER 1.4 PER CENT, FOLLOWING FALLS OF 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, HK$M1 GREW BY 3.4 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 1 PER CENT BUT HK$M3 FELL BY 0.3 PER CENT. IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO MARCH, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 15.5 PER CENT, 21.6 PER CENT AND 2.5 PER CENT.
/TOTAL MONEY........
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
- 3
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL Ml FELL BY 3.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A 2.2 PER CENT INCREASE IN FEBRUARY.
TOTAL M2 ROSE FURTHER BY 1.7 PER CENT AFTER A 0.2 PER CENT INCREASE IN FEBRUARY.
TOTAL M3 ROSE BY 1.5 PER CENT, REVERSING THE 0.2 PER CENT DECLINE IN FEBRUARY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 4.1 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 BY 5.9 PER CENT AND 4.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IN THE TWELVE MONTHS TO MARCH, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 14.6 PER CENT, 64.5 PER CENT AND 38.5 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE MORE RAPIDLY IN MARCH BY 2.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A 0.7 PER CENT INCREASE IN FEBRUARY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH THEY ROSE BY 4.3 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 26.1 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG, HOWEVER, DECLINED FURTHER, BY 0.9 PER CENT AFTER A FALL OF 0.2 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH, THE NET DECREASE WAS 1 PER CENT, BUT OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS THERE WAS A NET INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT, THE SAME AS IN FEBRUARY.
OVER THE THREE MONTHS, THE INCREASE WAS 4.4 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, 24.6 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG ROSE SHARPLY BY 3.1 PER CENT AFTER A 0.3 PER CENT INCREASE IN FEBRUARY.
OVER THE THREE MONTHS, THE INCREASE WAS 4.8 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, 33.3 PER CENT.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR i
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 6.4 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ROSE BY ONLY 1.6 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES ROSE BY 8.0 PER CENT.
/loans for
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 19B3
- 4 -
LOANS FOR PURCHASING FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 22.1 PER CENT WHILE THOSE FOR PURCHASING OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY GREW BY 10.9 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES) ROSE RAPIDLY BY 12.4 PER CENT, AFTER A SHARP DECLINE IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1982.
FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITIONS
THERE WERE INCREASES IN BOTH THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE MONETARY SECTOR IN MARCH.
NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES INCREASED SLIGHTLY FROM 119.0 BILLION AT THE END OF FEBRUARY TO $20.8 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH.
BANKS HAD NET LIABILITIES OF 113.1 BILLION AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES OF |7.7 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH.
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 MARCH, NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF $22 BILLION, WHICH WAS MORE THAN COVERED BY NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $42 BILLION.
LIQUIDITY RATIO
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE IN MARCH TO 45.2 PER CENT FROM 43.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED TO 58.3 PER CENT FROM 60 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 128.
THE NUMBERS OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WERE ALSO UNCHANGED, AT 21 AND 335 RESPECTIVELY.
Table 1
Monetary Statistics -flarch 1983 HKlmn
Earlier months
(% change to March 1985)
Boney Supply Ml - HKI March 1983 February 108j December 19^2 March 1 282 :
26,965 27,6*»9(-?.5%) 26,086 (♦5.‘4%) 23.3*»8 (♦15.5%) J
Foreign Currency Total 1/A7 28/10 1,919(-1**.2%) 29,568(-5.2X) 1,5 »9 ( + 17.7%) 27,^85 (♦*♦.1%) 1,620 2*4,968 (♦ 1.7%) (+1*4.6%)
M2 - HKi 122,220 125,9**O(-1 .'♦%) 120,956 (+1.0%) 100,5*46 (+21.6%) (+196.8%) (+ 6*4.5%)
Foreign Currency 96,755 91,445(*5.8%) 85,752 (+12.8%) 32,597
Total 218,955 215,385(+i.7X) 206,688 (+ 5-9%) 133,1*43
- hks Foreign Currency Total 1*48/6.9 151,OO2(-1.hA) 1*49,25'+ (-0.3%) i*+5,2*+5 (♦ 2.5%)
113,520 262,189 107,27*4 (♦5-6%) 258,276(,1.5%) 102,295 (+10.8%) 251.5*47 (♦ *4.2%) *4*4,109 189,35*4 (+156.9%) (♦ 38.5%)
deposits
i Demand deposits 15,706 l6,8*46(-6.8%) 16,0'45 (- 2.1%) 1*» ,937 (+ 5.1%)
Savings deposits 67.899 69,8014 (-2.7%) 69,590 (- 2.*+%) 51,651 (+31-5%)
Time deposits with banks 117,262 1ii,019(+5.6%) 10*4,626 ( + 12.1%) 53.100 (+120.8%)
1 Time deposits with dtcs *4 2,0^ *41 ,717(4 0.8%) *♦3,813 (- *4.0%) 55.8*43 (- 2*4.7%)
All HKI deposits 153,'-57 155,858(-i.8%) 135,38*4 (- 1.*,%) 133,306 (♦ 0.1%)
All foreign currency deposits 109/^5 1O5,5*»8(+5.7%) 98,688 (+10.9%) *♦2,225 (+159.2%)
Total 2*42,9?0 239,586(*i.5%) 25*4,072 (♦ 3.8%) 175,531 (♦ 38.**%)
Loans and advances
To finance Hong Kong's visible trade 26,085 26,525(-0.9%) 26,539 (-1.0%) 23,501 (+11.0%)
Tp finance merchandising trade not 2,585 2,173(+19.0%) 2.292 (+12.8%) 3,132 (-17.5%)
touching Hong Kong
Other loans for use in Hong Kong 19^/17 195,079(♦1.3%) 187,521 (,*,.*4%) 156,967 (+2*4.6%)
Other loans for use outside Hong Kong 105,808 102,61,9 (t 3. U) 1OO.951 (+*4.8%) 79,377 (+33-3%)
Other loans where the place of use 15,557 1*4.137 (,8.6%) 1'4.330 (+7.2%) 11,069 (+38.7%)
is not known
All loans in HKI 187,751 185,213( + 1.'<%) 182,095 (+5.1%) 157, **96 (+19-2%)
All loans in foreign currencies 157,722 153,1*+7( + 3.X) 1'*9,138 (+5-8%) h6,5*+9 (+35.3%)
TJtal 3'*5.**52 358,560(,2.1u) 331,233 (+*+.3%) 27*+,o*45 (+26.1%)
Table 2
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KUN!
HKtM*
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
i
KO
I
boans and advances by banka and <itcs
Ending March 19’3 Ending December 1982
Manufacturing 18,016 (♦ 6.4%) 16,935
of which textile 3,070 (+ 2.1%) 3,007
Transport and transport equipment 16,607 (♦ 6.2%) 15,643
Building, construction and property development 90,307 (♦ 1.6%) 49.536
Wholesale and retail trade 21,980 (♦ 8.0%) 20.356
Financial concerns 13,665 (*12.4%) 12.159
Individuals: to purchase flats in the Hone Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 2,762 (*22.1%) 2,263
to purchase other residential property 18,682 (-»10.9%) 16,842
other purposes 23,138 (- 3.8%) 24,052
Others 30,460 (4 3.1%) 29,535
Total* 195,617 (♦ 4.4#) 187,321
i i
t
I
O
I I
I I
Figures in brackets are growth rates during the first quarter sf 198} This excludes funds advanced te banks and deposit-taking companies
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
- 7 -
SIR S.Y. CHUNG RECEIVES HONORARY FELLOWSHIP IN UK
* * X
SIR S.Y. CHUNG RECEIVED AN HONORARY FELLOWSHIP OF THE INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, U.K. THIS EVENING (TUESDAY) AT A LONDON DINNER GIVEN BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INSTITUTION.
SIR S.Y. IS THE FIRST HONG KONG RESIDENT TO RECEIVE THIS HIGH HONOUR. THERE ARE AT PRESENT A TOTAL OF ONLY 37 HONORARY FELLOWS OF THE INSTITUTION AMONGST ITS 75 □□□ MEMBERS ALL OVER THE COMMONWEALTH.
HE WILL RECEIVE ANO I HER HONOUR AT A FORMAL DTNRETCAT tf»OTHECARIES HALL TOMORROW EVENING FROM H.R.H. THE PRINCE PHILIP, DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
SIR S.Y. WILL JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE FELLOWSHIP OF ENGINEERING AND WILL NOT ONLY BE THE FIRST HONG KONG RESIDENT BUT THE FIRST OVERSEAS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER TO RECEIVE SUCH A FELLOWSHIP.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF ENGINEERING WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1976 AND ITS FELLOWS ARE ELECTED BY A SYSTEM VERY SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY. EACH FELLOW MUST HAVE SERVED IN HIS PARTICULAR SPECIALISATION WITH EXCEPTIONAL SUCCESS AND HAVE ACQUIRED THE VENERATED STATUS WHICH ONLY AGE CAN BESTOW.
WffTtE IN THE U.K. STR S.Y. WTLL BE SEEING TWF“SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS TOMORROW MORNING AND THE PRIME MINISTER AT 10 DOWNING STREET IN THE AFTERNOON.
----0------
TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY STATION XXX
THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FO TAN STATION AS PART OF THE MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY.
THE CONTRACT WILL INVOLVE THE BUILDING AND PLATFORMS, WORKSHOP, OF MISCELLANEOUS WORKS.
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW STATION BARRACKS, FORECOURT, AND EXECUTION
WORK WILL START IN JULY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1985.
-----0------
/8 .......
8
LOCAL TRADERS URGED TO SUBSCRIBE TO TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED LOCAL TRADERS TO SUBSCRIBE TO TRADE PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION OF THE TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL IN ORDER TO CUT DOWN OPERATING COSTS.
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE PREMIERE OF THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL FILM +MEET TRADE FAC ILITATION+, ATTENDED BY SENIOR EXECUTIVES FROM LOCAL COMPANIES, TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
+THE BENEFITS OF TRADE FACILITATION ARE INTANGIBLE BUT, NEVERTHELESS, OFFICIAL ESTIMATES HAVE PROVED THAT SOME SEVEN PER CENT OF THE INVOICE VALUE OF A CONSIGNMENT IS SAVED IN COSTS TO THE EXPORTER BY THE ADOPTION OF TRADE FACILITATION PROCEDURES. THESE ARE POSITIVE BENEFITS WHICH AT TIMES ARE OBSCURED OR FORGOTTEN IN THE DAY-TO-DAY PROCESS OF TRADING, AND I URGE ALL OUR MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS TO CONTACT THE COUNCIL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION,+ MR HO SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE POLICY OF THE COUNCIL WAS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO SIMPLIFYING THE PROCEDURES AND SYSTEMS FOR ALL HONG KONG TRADERS WHILE, INTERNATIONALLY, PARTICIPATING IN THE UNITED NATIONS’ EFFORT TO REMOVE THE MANY BARRIERS WHICH HAMPER TRADE.
♦IT IS THE COUNCIL’S OBJECTIVE TO INCREASE ITS EARNINGS IN ORDER TO STAND MORE ON ITS OWN FEET FINANCIALLY; AND TO THIS END I WOULD URGE OUR TRADING COMMUNITY TO GIVE THEIR FULLEST SUPPORT - AND, MAY I SUGGEST, SUBSCRIPTIONS - TO A PROCESS WHICH, AS I HAVE ALREADY SAID, IS NOT A THEORETICAL SEARCH FOR IMPROVEMENT FOR ITS OWN SAKE, BUT CAN OFFER BUSINESSES TANGIBLE CASH SAVINGS IN THEIR OPERATING COSTS,♦ MR HO CONCLUDED.
- - - - 0 ----
1982 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES * * *
FOLLOWING A BENCHMARK ECONOMIC SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES CONDUCTED LAST YEAR, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A FOLLOW-UP SURVEY TO COLLECT DATA RELATING TO THE YEAR 1982.
THE SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR 1982 COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, CONTAINER HAULAGE, SHIPPING COMPANIES, AIRLINES, AND SERVICES INCIDENTAL TO TRANSPORT, SUCH AS CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO ABOUT 4 200 ESTABLISHMENTS FROM OUT OF A TOTAL OF ABOUT 40 000 ESTABLISHMENTS. ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 10 OR MORE PERSONS ARE FULLY COVERED IN THE SURVEY WHILE THOSE WITH LESS THAN 10 PERSONS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED.
DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENDITURE, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
/SUCH economic ........
- 9 -
SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR AND WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED WHICH WILL BE USEFUL TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR FORMULATION CF DECISIONS AND POLICIES.
RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT.
A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORIZING THE CONDUCT OF THIS SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 9 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 14.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALS TO MANAGEMENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM PROMPTLY, AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH SURVEY STAFF.
WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS WITH GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING QUESTIONNAIRES, IF NECESSARY.
------0-------
TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT JOSS HOUSE BAY * ft * *
MORE THAN 50 000 WORSHIPPERS AND SIGHTSEERS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT JOSS HOUSE BAY IN SAI KUNG ON THURSDAY (MAY 5) FOR THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATION - AN ANNUAL EVENT IN HONOUR OF THE PATRON GODDESS OF SEAFARERS.
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE CROWD, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED WORSHIPPERS TO MAKE GOOD USE CF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND TAKE SPECIAL CARE WHEN GETTING ON AND OFF FERRIES.
HE REMINDED THEM THAT SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES WOULD BE OPERATING BETWEEN JOSS HOUSE BAY AND THE WAN CHAI FERRY PIER FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY TO 4.30 PM ON THURSDAY AT INTERVALS RANGING FROM 45 MINUTES TO ONE AND A HALF HOURS.
FOR THOSE TRAVELLING BY BOATS, MR CHAN SAID BOTH THE MARINE POLICE AND MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES WOULD BE PATROLLING ALONG THE AREA. OPERATORS WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION SHOULD THE BOATS BE OVERLOADED.
+ADEQUATE POLICE AND MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE SCENE SHOULD EMERGENCY AR ISE,+ HE SAID.
THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS WOULD BE PROHIBITED AND THE OPERATOR OF ANY VESSEL SEEN DISCHARGING FIREWORKS OR HOLDING A DISPLAY WOULD BE PROSECUTED.
SIMILARLY, NO LION DANCE TEAMS WOULD BE PERMITTED TO PERFORM ASHORE OR DISEMBARK FROM VESSELS.
/THIS YEAH, .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983'
10
THIS YEAR, THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS WOULD ONLY BE ALLOWED INSIDE THE TEMPLE, WHILE THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS WOULD BE STRICTLY RESTRICTED TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE TEMPLE.
+THIS WILL REDUCE POSSIBLE FIRE RISKS, PARTICULARLY WHEN SO MANY WORSHIPPERS WILL BE CROWDING INSIDE THE TEMPLE,* HE ADDED.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE SALE OR DISPLAY OF HYDROGEN-FILLED BALLOONS WOULD ALSO BE PROHIBITED, AND VENDORS OR PURCHASERS OF HELIUM GAS FILLED BALLOONS SHOULD NOT EXPOSE THEM TO OPEN FIRE BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF EXPLOSIONS.
FINALLY, MR CHAN REMINDED WORSHIPPERS TO PLACE ALL LITTERS IN RUBBISH BINS, AND PEOPLE DISCARDING RUBBISH INDISCRIMINATELY WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
------o-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES DURING TIN HAU FESTIVAL
K X X *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG ON THURSDAY (MAY 5) TO COINCIDE WITH TIN HAU FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS.
AT TUEN MUN, THE SECTION OF TIN HAU ROAD BETWEEN SAN HOP LANE AND TSI NG WUN ROAD AND THE SECTION OF HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN SAN ON STREET AND SAN PING CIRCUIT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM TO 5 PM.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE CAR PARKS AT SAN LIK STREET AND SAN ON STREET WILL BE RESTRICTED TO VEHICLE INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATIONS.
AT YUEN LONG, A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM UNTIL THE PROCESSION HAS COMPLETED.
THE ROADS ARE THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) BETWEEN YUEN LONG EAST ROUNDABOUT AND SHU I PIN WAI TSUEN; FUNG CHEUNG ROAD; TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) AND FRASER VILLAGE; TAI YUK ROAD AND KAU YUK ROAD.
THE SOUTHERN HALVES OF THE YUEN LONG EAST AND WEST ROUNDABOUTS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT THE SAME TIME.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED;
X TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE OPERATED ON THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) BETWEEN THE TWO YUEN LONG ROUNDABOUTS. HOWEVER, THE RIGHT TURN MOVEMENT OF WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) INTO TUNG LOK STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED. VEHICLES FROM FOOK HONG STREET AND KUK TING STREET WILL, LIKEWISE, BE FORBIDDEN TO TURN LEFT INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) EASTBOUND.
/« TRAFFIC ON .......
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
- 11 -
M TRAFFIC ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (PING SHAN) HEADING FOR YUEN LONG TOWN WILL PROCEED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHU I PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD.
X MA MIU ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND;
SHU I PIN WAI ROAD WILL BECOME ONE WAY NORTHBOUND AND MA WANG ROAD BETWEEN SHU I PIN WAI ROAD AND PING WUI STREET ONE WAY EASTBOUND.
* THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TA I KI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY EASTBOUND AND THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ONE WAY WESTBOUND.
THE ABOVE ARRANGEMENTS WILL MAKE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR NORTH OR SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TO CROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE CAR PARK OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ALONG FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, TAI TONG ROAD AND THE SECTION OF ON NING ROAD BETWEEN KIK YEUNG ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION.
THE BUS TERMINUS ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9.30 AM UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION. THE BUS ROUTES NORMALLY TERMINATING AT THE TERMINUS WILL USE OTHER TERMINI.
KMB ROUTES 50M, 61 AND 68 WILL TERMINATE AT MA MIU ROAD. THEIR YUEN LONG-BOUND JOURNEY WILL BE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHU I PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD AND MA MIU ROAD. THEIR TUEN MUN-BOUND JOURNEY WILL BE VIA MA MIU ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
ROUTES 53, 55, 57 AND 58 WILL USE KIK YEUNG ROAD TERMINUS. THEIR YUEN LONG-BOUND JOURNEY WILL BE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHU I PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD, MA MIU ROAD, ON NING ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD. THEIR OUTWARD JOURNEY WILL BE VIA KIK YEUNG ROAD, ON NING ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, ROUTES WILL ALSO CHANGE FOR BUSES NOW USING THE KIK YEUNG ROAD TERMINUS.
THE YUEN LONG-BOUND JOURNEY OF ROUTES 54, 64, 76 AND 77 WILL BE EXTENDED BEYOND THE WESTERN ROUNDABOUT OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) VIA SHUI PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND ON NING ROAD TO REACH KIK YEUNG ROAD TERMINUS. THEIR AU TAU-BOUND JOURNEY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
THE YUEN LONG-BOUND JOURNEY OF ROUTES 63 AND 68 WILL BE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHUI PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD, MA MIU ROAD, ON NING ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD. THEIR OUTWARD JOURNEY WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
ALSO FROM 9.30 AM UNTIL THE END OF THE PROCESSION, KMB ROUTES 56 WILL OPERATE A SHORT ROUTE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED.
ALL BUS STOPS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) BETWEEN FUNG CHEUNG STREET AND SHUI PIN WAI TSUEN WILL BE SUSPENDED DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
TUSS'.UY, MY 3, 1983
- 12 -
FROM 10 AM UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION, THE PLB STAND AT KAU YUK ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED, AND PLBS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER OR LEAVE THE PLB STANDS AT HONG LOK ROAD, HONG KING STREET AND TAI TONG ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, MAXICAB ROUTES 31 AND 32 WILL TERMINATE AT PING WUI STREET. THEIR YUEN LONG-BOUND JOURNEY WILL BE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SHU I PIN WAI ROAD, MA WANG ROAD AND PING WUI STREET AND THEIR OUTWARD JOURNEY WILL BE VIA PING WUI STREET, ON NING ROAD, MA MIU ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
--------0----------
COMMERCIAL CENTRE FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS * * * *
TAI PO WILL HAVE A COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF 100 000 SQUARE METRES BY 1986, THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR HAIDER BARMA SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING TAI PO MARKET, THIS COMMERCIAL CENTRE WILL CERTAINLY PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS CF THE NEW TOWN WHICH WILL TOTAL 250 000 WHEN DEVELOPMENT IS COMPLETED,+ HE SAID.
MR BARMA WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TAI PO MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION’S NEW OFFICE IN SHUNG TAK STREET.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE LAYOUT PLAN OF TAI PO NEW TOWN, THE COMMERCIAL CENTRE WOULD EXTEND AS FAR AS THE RECLAMATION OFF THE ESTUARY OF LAM TSUEN RIVER.
THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES THERE WOULD BE LINKED TO ONE ANOTHER BY OVERHEAD PASSAGEWAYS AND DIRECTLY TO TWO HOUSING ESTATES IN TAI PO AND TO THE TAI PO MARKET.
MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL LAND IN THE NEW TOWN CENTRE HAD BEEN TAKEN UP BY DEVELOPERS AND PILING AND CONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE PUSHING AHEAD VIGOROUSLY.
♦I BELIEVE THAT THE VARIOUS BUILDINGS, ESTIMATED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1984-86 WILL PROVIDE GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR MEMBERS AND OTHER INVESTORS TO EXPAND THEIR BUSINESS AND TO WORK TOWARDS GREATER PROSPERITY FOR THE TOWN CENTRE OF TAI P0,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ASSOCIATION, FOUNDED 60 YEARS AGO, HAD SPARED NO EFFORT NOT ONLY IN CONSOLIDATING VARIOUS TRADES AND BUSINESSES AND PROMOTING COMMERCE, BUT ALSO IN SUPPORTING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
♦THE VARIETY OF TRADES AND BUSINESSES HERE IN TAI PO MARKET TODAY HAVE BECOME A PILLAR OF DEVELOPMENT TO THIS GROWING NEW TOWN,* HE SAID.
. - - . 0
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
- 13 -
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KWUN TONG * * *
A TOTAL OF 441 PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN KWUN TONG TO REGULATE THE USE OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES FOR PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES.
THE METERS ALONG YUET WAH STREET, TIN HEUNG STREET AND PING SHING LANE WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 5).
THE METERS ALONG YAN 01 COURT, FU YAN STREET, SHUNG YAN STREET, SHU I NING STREET, WAN HON STREET, KA LOK STREET AND SHUI WO STREET WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 9 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) AND THOSE ALONG TING ON STREET, HORSE SHOE LANE, YEE ON STREET, MING CHI STREET, HANG ON STREET, LUEN ON STREET, HONG NING ROAD AND AT NGAU TAU KOK ROAD CAR PARK WILL BEGIN TO OPERATE ON MONDAY (MAY 9) ALSO FROM 9 AM.
- - - - 0 -----------
IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO MORSE PARK
X X X
IMPROVEMENT WORKS WOULD SOON BE CARRIED OUT AT THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN AREAS OF MORSE PARK IN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WITH A VIEW OF IMPROVING ITS OUTLOOK AND FACILITIES.
TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT IS NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS, A BADMINTON COURT, TIMBER ARBOURS AND BENCHES, EARTH MOULDS AND WATER POINTS.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o-------
COOKED FOOD MARKET FOR KWUN TONG
*****
A COOKED FOOD MARKET WILL SOON BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE KWUN TONG FERRY CONCOURSE TO PROVIDE BETTER MEAL FACILITIES FOR FACTORY WORKERS IN THE AREA.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MARKET.
TO BE BUILT ON A 610-SQUARE-METRE SITE THE MARKET WILL BE A TWO-STOREY BUILDING WITH 29 COOKED FOOD STALLS. ANCILLARY FACILITIES SUCH AS TOILET, OFFICE AND STORE-ROOM WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
- 0 —
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 1983
- 14 -
KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX RE-OPENS
X X X
THE MAIN POOL OF THE KWAI SHING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE OPENING HOURS ARE: FROM 7 AM TO 9.15 AM, 9.45 AM TO 12 NOON, 1 PM TO 4 PM, 4.30 PM TO 6.45 PM AND 7.45 PM TO 10 PM.
LAST MONTH A TOTAL OF 30 000 PEOPLE USED THE TRAINING FACILITIES AT THE POOL COMPLEX, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
----0------
SALT WATER CUT
XXX
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SIX HOURS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) TO FACILITATE WATER PUMP REPAIRS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE KING GEORGE V SCHOOL AND ALL PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN ESTATE, 01 MAN ESTATE, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND THE KING'S PARK AREA.
ON THE SAME DAY SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF TUEN MUN AND TAI LAM CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL INCLUDE TUEN MUN INDUSTRIAL ZONE AREAS 9, 12, 26, 36, 4-B AND 10, SAN FAT ESTATE, SIU HONG COURT, TAI HING ESTATE, ON TING ESTATE, YAU 01 ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, SAM SHING ESTATE AND TUEN MUN AREA 37.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING HIGHEST EVER........................... 1
GOVERNMENT ROLE IN PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT .............. 4
COMPULSORY REQUIREMENT TO WEAR SEAT BELTS SOON .............. 5
REPORT OF 1980 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS............ 7
STAFF OF CNTA BID FAREWELL TO MR BARNES ..................... 8
BAN ON TV CIGARETTE ADS EXTENDED ............................ 8
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION REVIEW REPORT ................. 9
PRESS CONFERENCE BY MR D. JORDAN ............................ 9
CONCERTS TO CELEBRATE BRAHMS 15OTH ANNIVERSARY............... 9
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START ON FRIDAY................ 10
SEMINAR ON SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT ............................. 12
HI FI CONCERT ............................................... 13
CENTRAL-MEI FOO FERRY SERVICE TO TERMINATE
13
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
PUBLIC WORKS SPENDING HIGHEST EVER *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN * HIGH LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE ON PUBLIC WORKS IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING DURING A VISIT TO MAJOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN THE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID THAT WORK WOULD START THIS YEAR ON $3.4 BILLION WORTH OF NEW PROJECTS.
♦THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE THIS YEAR ON THESE NEW PROJECTS AND ON THOSE ALREADY UNDERWAY WOULD COME TO $7.6 BILLION,* NR MCDONALD SAID.
+AS WORK ON SOME OF THESE PROJECTS WILL CONTINUE FOR YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED ITSELF FINANCIALLY TO THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY WELL INTO THE 199OS.+
MR MCDONALD SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS SPENDING MORE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR THAN IT HAD EVER SPENT BEFORE ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
♦THEREFORE, THERE IS NO CUT-BACK IN THE PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ALTHOUGH THERE IS A REDUCTION IN THE RATE OF INCREASE IN GOVERNMENT SPENDING,+ HE SAID.
♦YET, THIS YEAR’S ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE MORE THAN DOUBLES THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE IN 1980/81 OF $3.2 BILL ION.+
OF THE $7.6 BILLION SET ASIDE FOR PUBLIC WORKS THIS YEAR, MORE THAN HALF WILL BE USED FOR THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS AND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING OTHER THAN THOSE BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
♦LAST YEAR A TOTAL OF ABOUT $3.0 BILLION WAS SPENT FOR THIS PURPOSE, BUT THIS YEAR THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND ABOUT $3.8 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 20 PER CENT,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.
THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR EACH OF THE NEW TOWNS FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR IS AS FOLLOWS:
* SHA TIN
* TAI PO AND FANLING
* TUEN MUN
* TSUEN WAN
* JUNK BAY
* RURAL DEVELOPMENT
$927 MILLION
$853 MILLION
$727 MILLION
$849 MILLION
$235 MILLION
$210 MILLION
/♦WHILE THE .......
WELN2SDAY, MY 4, 1983 ■
2
♦WHILE THE MAIN THRUST CONTINUES TO BE IN THE DIRECTION OF LAND PRODUCTION FOR HOUSING, INCREASED EMPHASIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE PLACED ON PRODUCING COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO CATER TO THE hEEDS OF THE GROWING POPULATION IN THESE NEW TOWNS,+ MR MCDONALD SAID.
THESE WILL INCLUDE $250 MILLION TO BE SPENT THIS YEAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING Yl, $200.3 MILLION FOR STAGE II OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS AND THE TSUEN WAN BAY RECLAMATION AND $279.7 MILLION FOR THE SHA TIN TO WO HOP SHEK SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD AND $55 MILLION ON A CULTURAL COMPLEX IN TUEN MUN.
IN SHA TIN, $149.7 MILLION WILL BE SPENT ON THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AND POLYCLINIC AND $120.3 MILLION ON THE CONSTRUCTION CF STAGE II OF THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS.
OUTSIDE NEW TOWNS, THE GOVERNMENT THIS YEAR IS TO SPEND $1.9 BILLION ON ENGINEERING PROJECTS, $1.1 BILLION ON BUILDING WORKS AND $660 MILLION ON WATER SUPPLIES PROJECTS.
AMONG THE MAJOR PROJECTS TO BE STARTED THIS YEAR AREi
* EXTENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ($712 MILLION),
* TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE AND APPROACHES ($250 MILLION),
* STAGE III OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CHAI WAN ($220 MILLION),
* FUTURE INCREASE OF WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA — STAGE II PHASE II ($190 MILLION),
* TUEN MUN WATER SUPPLY STAGE I I PHASE 2 ($145 MILLION),
* IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE BETWEEN FAN KAM ROAD AND LOK MA CHAU ($168 MILLION),
* A MAGISTRACY BUILDING IN SHA TIN ($60 MILLION),
K TUEN MUN TOWN PARK ($40 MILLION).
AS TO THE FUTURE, MR MCDONALD SAID, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE WITH EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY IN NEW TOWNS WHICH WOULD ULTIMATELY HOUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION IN THE TERRITORY.
WEDNESDAY, MY 4, 1983
3 -
HE ADDED, +THE AIM OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS TO PROVIDE BALANCED COMMUNITIES IN THESE NEW TOWNS WITH THE FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL, EMPLOYMENT AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND TO THIS END IT WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ASSESSING AND PLANNING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITIES WHO WILL INHABIT THESE NEW TOWNS.*
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT, MR BRYAN O’RORKE, MR MCDONALD TODAY FIRST VISITED TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THERE, HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), W S.K. KWEI, ON MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE 1 6OO-BED DISTRICT HOSPITAL SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1987 AT A COST OF $900 MILLION, THE 1 470-SEAT MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1985 AT $125 MILLION, THE TOWN PARK AND THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL CENTRE.
MR MCDONALD SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE SO KWUN WAT MARINA, A PRIVATE PROJECT, ON WHICH THE DEVELOPER IS TO INVEST $1 BILLION OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS — A DEMONSTRATION OF CONFIDENCE NOT ONLY IN THE FUTURE OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN BUT ALSO HONG KONG.
HE LATER PROCEEDED TO TSUEN WAN WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER (TSUEN WAN), MR T.S. NG, ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
AMONG THE PROJECTS INSPECTED WERE THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS STAGE II WHICH WILL LINK WITH TUEN MUN ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK, PROVIDING A MUCH NEEDED THROUGH ROUTE FOR TRAFFIC TO TUEN MUN AND THE NORTH WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES- THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER INCORPORATING TWO FURTHER LEVELS, ONE FOR SHOPPING ARCADE AND PUBLIC PROMENADE AND THE OTHER FOR A RESTAURANT, AND THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX WITH 15 DEPARTURE PLATFORMS FOR BUSES EACH ACCOMMODATING THREE BUSES, SET-DOWN AND PICK-UP POINTS FOR PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS, MAX I-CAB STANDS AND A FIVE-STOREY CAR PARK FOR ABOUT 1 000 CARS.
THE FERRY PIER AND THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX WILL BE LINKED BY AN ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN DECK WITH COVERED ROUTES TO THE EMBARKATION POINTS FOR BUSES AND PRIVATE CARS.
THE FERRY PIER AND PHASE I OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX WILL EE READY IN AUGUST WHILE THE REMAINING WORK ON THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
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/4........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
- 4
GOVERNMENT ROLE IN PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT *****
ALTHOUGH PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IS AN OWNER’S AFFAIR, ITS PROFOUND INFLUENCE UPON THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT AND THIRD PARTIES WARRANTS GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU MA TEI, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦SOMETIMES MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS BECAME TOO COMPLICATED FOR PRIVATE MANAGEMENT BODY TO HANDLE EFFECTIVELY AND THIS IS WHERE OFFICIAL INTERVENTION SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED,* HE ADDED.
LAST YEAR, FOR INSTANCE, A TOTAL OF 30 937 CASES ON BUILDING MATTERS HAD BEEN HANDLED BY THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
IT BECOMES QUITE CLEAR THAT THE TASKS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE HONG KONG SITUATION IS OFTEN BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THE OWNERS ACTING ON THEIR OWN AND SOME FORM OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IS CALLED FOR,* HE SAID.
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING ON THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN MANAGING PRIVATE BUILDING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION.
+MANY MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS WERE ERECTED WITHOUT ANY MODERN PLANNING CONCEPTS OR STANDARDISED GOVERNMENT CONTROL ON MANAGEMENT,* HE SAID.
♦THE RAPID PACE OF DEVELOPMENT AND HIGH LAND VALUES VIRTUALLY PRECLUDED ANY CONSIDERATION FOR ADEQUATE AMENITIES CR ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION.+
HE RECALLED THAT IN 1960 A WORKING PARTY WAS SET UP AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING (OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1970 TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO TAKE CARE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS.
♦SO FAR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE OLDER DOWNTOWN AREAS IS DISAPPOINTING,+ HE SAID.
♦PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES, FORMAL OR INFORMAL, ARE NOT ALWAYS EFFECTIVE; WHILST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THOUGH EQUIPPED WITH AUTHORITY TO ENSURE RUDIMENTARY BUILDING MANAGEMENT STANDARDS, ADOPT DIFFERENT PRIORITIES ON LAW AND LEASE ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS DUE TO SHORTAGE OF RESOURCES.
♦THE TREND BECOMES OBVIOUS. BUILDINGS APE DETERIORATING INTO PERMANENT SLUMS AND THREATENING THEIR SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT. MORE AND MORE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS SURFACED BUT LEFT UNCATERED.+
MR WONG LISTED A NUMBER OF REASONS FOR AN INCREASING NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO STEP IN FOR MORE EFFECTIVE AND SPEEDY IMPROVEMENTS;
/* THE CIDER........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
- 5 -
* THE OLDER URBAN AREAS BEGAN TO DEGENERATE, THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT DIRECTLY THREATENED, POSING RISKS TO HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE RESIDENTS;
* MANY SITES WERE ALREADY DEVELOPED TO THE MAXIMUM POTENTIAL AND THE BUILDINGS WERE USUALLY IN MULTIOWNERSHIP, MAKING THE PROCESS OF REPLACING SMALL OLD BUILDINGS WITH BIGGER NEW ONES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT AND ECONOMICALLY UNATTRACTIVE;
* GOOD BUILDING MANAGEMENT WOULD RESULT IN INCREASE IN VALUE OF THE OLDER URBAN AREAS AND ATTRACT MAJOR BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL EMPLOYMENT;
X IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE WERE ADEQUATELY HOUSED AND THAT THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CREATED SUITABLE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT; AND
* THERE WOULD BE LESS BREACHES OF THE LEASE CONDITIONS AND ORDINANCES RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND LESS ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
♦ BEARING IN MIND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE QUALITY OF BUILDINGS AND THE QUALITY OF URBAN LIVING, GOVERNMENT HAS A KEEN INTEREST IN SEEING BUILDINGS WELL MANAGED,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO YAU MA TEI, HE SAID THERE WERE 194 OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND 159 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SERVING 12 790 RESIDENTIAL UNITS OR 37 PER CENT OF THE DISTRICT’S TOTAL.
♦ THIS INDICATES THAT THERE IS STILL A MAJORITY OF LIVING QUARTERS NOT SERVED BY ANY OF THE RECOGNISED BUILDING MANAGEMENT BOD IES,+ HE SAID.
A PILOT SCHEME, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS THEREFORE INTRODUCED LAST DECEMBER TO FIND OUT THE REASONS FOR AND SOLUTIONS TO THE LACK OF INCENTIVES ON THE PARTS OF THE OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
- - 0 --------
COMPULSORY REQUIREMENT TO WEAR SEAT BELTS SOON
*****
LEGISLATION REQUIRING COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS IN THE FRONT SEATS OF PRIVATE CARS IS EXPECTED TO BE PASSED THIS YEAR AND IS ONE OF A SERIES OF REQUIREMENTS BEING INTRODUCED TO REDUCE CASUALTIES ON THE ROADS.
MR MIKE CLANCY, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, TOLD A MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB TODAY THAT THE REQUIREMENT TO FIT REFLECTING NUMBER PLATES WAS THE FIRST OF THESE IMPROVEMENTS AND WOULD REDUCE ACCIDENTS IN THE DARK, PARTICULARLY THOSE BETWEEN MOVING AND PARKED OR BROKEN DOWN VEHICLES.
/COMPULSOBY WEARING........
'.V3DNBSDAY, MAY 4» 1983
- 6 -
COMPULSORY WEARING OF SEAT BELTS WOULD LIKELY APPLY ONLY TO PRIVATE CARS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, SOME FOUR-FIFTHS OF WHICH ARE ALREADY REQUIRED TO BE FITTED WITH THE SAFETY DEVICE. TAXIS AND LIGHT BUSES MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED IN FUTURE TO FIT SEAT BELTS AT LEAST IN THE CASE OF NEW VEHICLES.
MR CLANCY NOTED THAT SOME PEOPLE STILL DOUBTED THE NECESSITY CF SEAT BELTS. IF THE LEGISLATION IS PASSED, INTENSIVE PUBLICITY WILL BE LAUNCHED TO PUBLICISE THE ADVANTAGES AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT SPEEDS BELOW 35 MPH, A CAR OCCUPANT IS SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IF HE IS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AND EVEN THOUGH AVERAGE SPEEDS MAY BE LOW, THE COMBINED VELOCITY IN A HEAD ON CRASH WOULD BE GREATLY INCREASED.
♦OTHER PEOPLE FEAR BEING TRAPPED IN THEIR CAR BY A SEAT BELT SHOULD THE CAR CATCH FIRE OR BE PLUNGED INTO WATER. HOWEVER, IN 1981 ONLY 15 OF THE 25 500 VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG CAUGHT FIRE, AND THOSE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLES PLUNGING INTO WATER WERE EVEN RARER.
♦MOREOVER, IN SUCH ACCIDENTS A SEAT BELT IS LIKELY TO PREVENT INJURIES TO THE HEAD. THUS TnE DRIVER IS MORE LIKELY TO AVOID BEING DAZED OR BECOMING UNCONSCIOUS, AND WILL BE BETTER ABLE TO RESPOND TO ANY EMERGENCY, SUCH AS FIRE BREAKING OUT,+ MR CLANCY SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSAL UNDER CONSIDERATION WAS TO ALLOW CHILDREN TO TRAVEL IN THE FRONT SEAT PROVIDED THEY ARE WEARING A SEAT BELT OR ARE IN A CHILD SAFETY SEAT WHICH IS PROPERLY ANCHORED.
THIS IS BECAUSE IT IS USUALLY SAFER FOR A CHILD TO EE RESTRAINED IN THE FRONT SEAT RATHER THAN UNRESTRAINED IN THE REAR, HE SAID.
ANOTHER MAJOR PIECE OF ROAD SAFETY LEGISLATION IS THE REVISED ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
IT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW SET CF IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNS BASED ON INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ENDORSED IN UNITED NATIONS CONVENTIONS. MOTORISTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM CF 1 MM OF TREAD OVER 3/4 OF THE WIDTH CF THEIR TYRES INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT SUBJECTIVE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE TYRES WHICH WOULD NOT CAUSE DANGER TO PERSONS. THEY WILL ALSO BE OBLIGED TO USE THEIR DIP D HEADLIGHTS IN CONDITIONS OF POO VISIBILITY, SUCH AS IN . -AVY DOWNPOURS OF RAIN. ♦THIS IS A GOOD P ACTICE TO ADOPT NOW, B T I' 1984 IT WILL BE OBLIGATORY, AND T US ALL MOTORISTS SHOU-- FIND IT EASIER TO SEE AND BE SEEN,+ MR CLaNCY SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
7
REPORT OF 1980 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS ft ft ft ft
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS JUST PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE 1980 SURVEY OF TRANSPORT ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH WAS THE FIRST ECONOMIC SURVEY CONDUCTED ON THE TRANSPORT SECTOR.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THERE WERE 26 156 REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR IN 1980, ENGAGING A TOTAL CF 110 784 PERSONS, OF WHOM 83 927 WERE EMPLOYEES AND THE REST WERE WORKING PROPRIETORS, WORKING PARTNERS OR UNPAID FAMILY WORKERS.
THESE ESTABLISHMENTS GENERATED $22 246 MILLION IN TOTAL BUSINESS RECEIPTS AND PAID OUT S3 069 MILLION IN LABOUR COST AND $16 961 MILLION IN OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES.
THE GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS INCURRED BY THESE ESTABLISHMENTS (WHICH EQUALLED ACQUISITIONS OF FIXED ASSETS LESS RE-SALES OF FIXED ASSETS) WERE WORTH $5 377 MILLION, WHILE THEIR TOTAL VALUE ADDED (COMPRISING LABOUR COST, INTEREST PAYMENTS AND GROSS SURPLUS) AMOUNTED TO $6 691 MILLION.
AMONG THE VARIOUS TRANSPORT GROUPS, +LAND FREIGHT TRANSPORT BY TRUCK*, WITH 10 275 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 20 085 PERSONS, WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT GROUP IN TERMS OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND PERSONS ENGAGED.
IT WAS FOLLOWED BY *URBAN TAXIS* WHICH HAD 6 849 ESTABLISHMENTS AND 16 646 PERSONS.
♦TRAMWAYS, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND PUBLIC BUSES*, WITH ONLY SIX ESTABLISHMENTS BUT ENGAGING 15 742 PERSONS, RANKED THIRD IN TERMS OF PERSONS ENGAGED.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT GROUPS WERE +AIR TRANSPORT* (WITH 7 512 PERSONS), +TRAVEL AGENTS AND AIRLINE TICKET AGENTS* (WITH 7 485 PERSONS), +SHIP AGENTS AND MANAGERS* (WITH 7 077 PERSONS) AND ^SHIPOWNERS OF SEA-GOING VESSELS AND CONTAINER TERMINALS* (WITH 6 004 PERSONS).
+PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES* HAD THE LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF EMPLOYEES IN RELATION TO ALL PERSONS ENGAGED.
OF THE 4 606 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THIS GROUP, ONLY 196 PERSONS CR FOUR PER CENT WERE EMPLOYEES, THE REST BEING WORKING PROPRIETORS, WORKING PARTNERS OR UNPAID FAMILY WORKERS.
WHILE THE WHOLE TRANSPORT SECTOR PAID AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF $37 000 IN SALARIES AND FRINGE BENEFITS PER EMPLOYEE, +BROKERS IN SHIP PURCHASING/SELLING OR SHIP CHARTERING* AND *AIR TRANSPORT* HAD THE HIGHEST AVERAGE ANNUAL PAY PACKAGES — $88 000 AND 180 000 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE LOWEST .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1?83
8
THE LOWEST PACKAGE PER EMPLOYEE WAS FOUND IN ♦SCHOOL HIRED CAR SERVICE*, AT $13 000 A YEAR.
i AND AIRLINE TICKET AGENTS* ACCOUNTED FOR THE
?HARE 0F BUSINESS RECEIPTS IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR. AT
rc ec? 0R 18 P8R CENT OF THE TOTAL, FOLLOWED BY ^OPERATORS
CF SEA-GOING VESSELS* (S3 207 MILLION), +AIR TRANSPORT*
, AND *AIR FREIGHT FORWARDING SERVICES*
$3 036 MILLION
,$2 456 MILLION).
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE AT *18 PER COPY.
CENTRE, GENERAL
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STAFF OF CNTA BID FAREWELL TO MR BARNES
XXX
MORE THAN 170 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION BADE FAREWELL TO THE OUTGOING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AT A DINNER TONIGHT.
DURING A BRIEF CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SPOKE HIGM.Y OF MR BARNES* CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CNTA, AND WISHED HIM EVERY SUCCESS IN HIS NEW APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES.
DURING THE RECEPTION, MR CHEUNG HEI, AN OFFICE ATTENDANT WHO HAS SERVED THE DEPARTMENT FOR 43 YEARS UNDER THREE DIFFERENT NAMES - SECRETARIAT FOR CHINESE AFFAIRS, HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND NOW CNTA - PRESENTED A SOUVENIR ALBUM TO MR BARNES ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.
MR BARNES BECAME DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS IN SEPTEMBER 1980. HIS POST WAS RETITLED REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON FOLLOWING THE MERGER OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IN DECEMBER 1981.
------o-------
BAN ON TV CIGARETTE ADS EXTENDED
* X * X
THE GOVERNMENT BAN ON CIGARETTE ADVERTISING ON TELEVISION WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR A FURTHER THREE-YEAR PERIOD.
THE BAN, FROM 4.30 PM TO 6.30 PM DAILY, IS TO ENSURE THAT THE EXPOSURE OF YOUNG CHILDREN TO CIGARETTE ADVERTISING IS LIMITED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN INTRODUCED RECENTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BRING HOME TO THE PUBLIC THE HEALTH DANGERS INHERENT IN CIGARETTE SMOKING. THESE INCLUDE THE SCREENING OF A GOVERNMENT HEALTH WARNING AT THE END OF ALL CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION, SINCE JANUARY 1.
+THE NEED FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE BAN WILL BE REVIEWED IN TWO YEARS TIME, WHEN IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR A REALISTIC ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF THE WARNING NOTICES AND OTHER ANT I-SMOKING MEASURES TO BE MADE,* HE SAID.
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/9......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
9
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION REVIEW REPORT *****
THE REPORT OF THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION WILL BE PUBLISHED THIS FRIDAY (MAY 6).
MR KENNETH TOPLEY, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER;
AND MR PAUL LEUNG, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER; WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 4 PM ON THAT DAY TO OUTLINE THE MAJOR ISSUES CONTAINED IN THE REPORT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE THEATRE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG.
- - 0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS CONFERENCE BY MR D. JORDAN * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR DOUGLAS JORDAN, WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE GIS THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL, TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3.30 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
- o - -
CONCERTS TO CELEBRATE BRAHMS 150TH ANNIVERSARY *****
TO MARK THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT GERMAN COMPOSER JOHANNES BRAHMS, THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT TWO COMPACT-DISC HI-FI CONCERTS AND A CHAMBER CONCERT ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND MONDAY FEATURING SOME OF HIS COMPOSITIONS.
THE COMPACT-DISC HI-FI CONCERTS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY TO BE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR CHAN HO-CHOI, A WELL-KNOWN PRESENTER OF ♦HI-FI MUSIC* AND MUSIC CRITIC IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST EVENING WILL FEATURE A NUMBER OF SHORT WORKS AND HUNGARIAN DANCES BY BRAHMS WHILE THE FOLLOWING EVENING WILL FEATURE SOME OF HIS WA..OR ORCHESTRAL AND CHORAL WORKS.
/TH3 CHAl'BSB
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
- 10
the chamber concert on Monday, also at 8 pm, at the recital hall of hong kong arts centre will include the string quartet IN A MINOR (OP. 51, NO. 2), TWO SONGS FOR VOICE, VIOLA AND PIANO (OP. 91), SONATA IN E FLAT MAJOR FOR CLARINET AND PIANO, (OP. 120, NO. 2), HUNGARIAN DANCES (NOS. 6, 8, 21), TRIO FOR PIANO, VIOLIN AND HORN IN E FLAT MAJOR (OP. 40), AND THE LIEBESLIEDER WALTZES (OP. 52. NOS. 1 TO 9).
TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT, MISS JULIA HSIAO, MESSRS JOE KIRTLEY AND GABRIEL KWOK, AND THE CECILIAN SINGERS WILL BE INVITED AS GUEST PERFORMERS. MISS HSIAO AND MR KIRTLEY ARE, RESPECTIVELY, THE ASSOCIATE CONCERT-MASTER AND ASSOCIATE PRINCIPLE HORN OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WHILE MR KWOK IS A WELL-KNOWN LOCAL PIANIST.
THE CECILIAN SINGERS, CONSISTING OF 25 MEMBERS, IS A WELL-ESTABLISHED CHOIR WITH A WIDE RANGE OF REPERTOIRE AND IS AT PRESENT UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DR NICHOLAS ROUTLEY, SENIOR LECTURER AT THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THIS CHAMBER CONCERT IS THAT EXCEPT FOR THE TWO GUEST PERFORMANCES, ALL THE PERFORMERS ARE MUSIC STUDENTS FROM POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES SUCH AS THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, AND LINGNAN COLLEGE.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE MUSIC FACULTY STAFF AND THE HARD WORK OF THE STUDENTS, THE CONCERT IS EXPECTED TO BE AN INSPIRING ONE WITH SATISFACTORY STANDARDS ATTAINED. MOREOVER, THE CONCERT WILL ALSO PROVE TO BE A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE YOUNG MUSICIANS TO SHARE THEIR MUSICAL EXPERIENCES WITH THE GUEST PERFORMERS.
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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO START ON FRIDAY X * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH ITS 1983-84 $1.3 MILLION INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN WITH A COMPLETELY RE-PROGRAMMED SOUND-ON-SLIDE SHOW AND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) AFTERNOON.
THE 15-MINUTE SHOW, NOW KNOWN AS ♦SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA Il+, AND THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR KENNETH TOPlEY, AT 3 PM.
THE SHOW AND EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THE FOLLOWING DAY BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 7 PM UNTIL MAY 15.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT PUT UP BY SEVEN PRIVATE COMPANIES.
/IN addition, .......
WN3SDAY, MAY 4, 1983
- 11 -
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A CHARTS AND DIAGRAMS ON INDUSTRIAL ANSWER* MACHINES AND A GAME STALL
STATIC DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS, SAFETY, TWO ♦QUESTION-ANDON THE SAME SUBJECT.
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HAVE A STAND TO PUBLICISE RECENT AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ABOUT EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION FROM VISITORS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT +SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA+ WAS FIRST LAUNCHED AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC EARLY LAST YEAR AS A MAJOR PART OF ITS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN, AND SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN RE-STAGED IN THE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF WONG CHUK HANG, TSUEN WAN, WONG TAI SIN AND TUEN MUN.
ENCOURAGED BY ITS SUCCESS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RE-PROGRAMMED THE SHOW WITH A VIEW TO ACHIEVING AN EVEN GREATER IMPACT ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY WORKERS.
WITH SPECIAL EFFECTS AND DISSOLVES, THE SHOW IS PROJECTED ONTO A MULTI-SCREEN FROM 18 PROJECTORS CONTROLLED BY COMPUTERISED PROGRAMMES.
BY UTILISING MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND MORE THAN 1 300 SLIDES, THE SHOW PROVIDES AN ENTERTAINING AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION WHILE AT THE SAME TIME UNDERLINING THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
URGING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND EMPLOYERS TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES TO SEE THE SHOW, THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi +SAFETY, BE IT AT WORK, AT HOME OR AT PLAY, IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS. IT IS HOPED THAT ALL WHO SEE IT WILL ASK THEIR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES TO COME AND JOIN IN THE MOVEMENT FOR MAKING SAFETY A WAY OF LIFE.+
HE ADDED THAT GROUP VISITS OF 20 OR MORE PEOPLE ARE WELCOME AND THIS CAN BE ARRANGED BY CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLICITY UNIT ON 5-7907020.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6).
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983’
12
SEMINAR ON SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT
* * * *
A SEMINAR ON SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) EVENING FOR THE DISTRICT’S ENGLISH-SPEAKING COMMUNITY.
AT THE SEMINAR, SIX GUEST SPEAKERS WILL TALK ON THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS IN JUNK BAY AND SAI KUNG, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN CHOI WAN AND PING SHEK AREAS, ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, AGRICULTURAL POLLUTION AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SPEAKERS ARE THE PROJECT MANAGER (JUNK BAY) OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR NORMAN TUCKER; THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIN), MR STEPHEN FISHER; THE SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MISS ZINA WONG; THE SENIOR ENGINEER OF HIGHWAYS OFFICE, MR JOHN DODWELL; AGRICULTURAL OFFICER (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION) OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR DANIEL LAU; AND THE REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER OF RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, MR TAM PAK-HANG.
EACH SPEAKER WILL TALK FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION.
THE SEMINAR IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO LET ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS KNOW MORE ABOUT THE EXISTING FACILITIES AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN SAI KUNG AND JUNK BAY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR ALAN BLUM, WILL CHAIR THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY STARTING AT 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT 7.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 6) IN THE CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 6.15 PM FOR SAI KUNG.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 1983
13
HI Fl CONCERT * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, A HI-FI CONCERT AT THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE SIK SIK YUEN ♦FUNG MING HALL+ ON MAY 14, AT 3 PM.
THE HI-FI CONCERT, WITH MR CHAN HO-CHOI AS THE COMPERE, WILL FEATURE THE COMPACT DISC DIGITAL AUDIO SYSTEM. SIMILAR CONCERTS HAVE BEEN HELD RECENTLY IN OTHER DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG AND ARE WARMLY WELCOMED BY MUSIC LOVERS AND HI-FI ENTHUSIASTS.
PROGRAMME FOR THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON CONCERT WILL INCLUDE MOVIE THEME SONGS LIKE ♦CHARIOTS OF FIRE+, POPULAR MUSIC SUCH AS ♦BLUE EYES+ BY ELTON JOHN AND OTHER LIGHT CLASSICAL PIECES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THIS IS A HI-FI CONCERT THAT NO MUSIC LOVERS AND HI-FI ENTHUSIASTS SHOULD MISS.
* FREE ADMISSION COUPONS CAN BE OBTAINED AT MUSIC OFFICE, KWUN TONG MUSIC CENTRE (YAN HAU MANSION, 100 TING FU STREET, 3RD FLOOR, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON) AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE (SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON). FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE 3-7561328.
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CENTRAL-MEI FOO FERRY SERVICE TO TERMINATE *****
FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MEI FOO WILL BE TERMINATED FROM SATURDAY (MAY 7) DUE TO LOW PATRONAGE, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SERVICE IS INCURRING LOSSES TO THE PRIVATE FERRY COMPANY WHICH TOOK OVER THE ROUTE FROM THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY EARLIER THIS YEARr HE SAID.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK ECONOMY POISED TO RECOVER ................................. 1
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ...... 2
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ON HONG KONG ............................... 3
MPS SEE WELFARE SERVICES ..................................... 4
TWO VISITING MPS VISIT SHA TIN NEW TOWN ...................... 5
MPS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE.................................. 6
PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES ACHIEVE THEIR AIM.......... 7
INTELPOST SERVICE TO FRANCE AND 'WEST GERMANY................. 8
1982 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION ......................... 9
CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN TOWN PARK............................. 10
TUEN MUN TO HOLD DB MEETING TOMORROW ......................... 10
+MEI FA+ PROJECT HELPED BY HEAVY RAINS ....................... 11
TENDERS FOR TENANCY OF CROWN LAND ............................ 12
TALK ON BANK LOANS FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS ................... 13
REPORT OF EDUCATION EXPERTS AVAILABLE ........................ 13
CRIME STATISTICS REVIEW ...................................... 14
APPLICATION INVITED FOR SCHOOL HIRE CAR PERMITS .............. 14
ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN YOUTHS ........ 15
COURSE ON NEW CYCLING SPORT .................................. 16
WATER CUT..................................................... 16
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
1
HK ECONOMY POISED TO RECOVER ft ft ft ft
THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IS WELL POISED TO RECOVER, IF IT IS NOT ALREADY ON THE WAY TO A RECOVERY, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DOUGLAS BLYE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 16TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK IN MANILA, MR BLYE SAID EXPORT ORDERS HAD SHOWN SIGNS OF PICKING UP AND THERE WAS A REVIVAL OF CONFIDENCE AMONG MANUFACTURERS.
♦ IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING THAT EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, HONG KONG'S LARGEST MARKET, WERE IN REAL TERMS ABOUT NINE PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1982.
♦ THE SHARP DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENT SEEN RECENTLY IN PROPERTY AND LAND PRICES WHICH, AMONG OTHER THINGS, HAS CREATED DIFFICULTIES FOR A HANDFUL OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES APPEARS TO HAVE STABILISED.
♦ AND DESPITE EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THESE COMPANIES, HONG KONG HAS CONTINUED TO EXPAND AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE,♦ HE SAID.
ON THE RECENT PERFORMANCE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, MR BLYE SAID PART OF THE WEAKNESS IN ITS EXCHANGE RATE RESULTED FROM HIGHER LEVELS OF IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS.
♦AS THESE ARE CONVERTED INTO GOODS FOR EXPORTS, THE FLOW OF FOREIGN CURRENCY EARNINGS WILL INCREASE AND THIS WILL HAVE A FAVOURABLE EFFECT ON THE EXCHANGE RATE.*
HOWEVER, MR BLYE SAID A MODERATE DEGREE OF GOVERNMENT BORROWING MIGHT BE NECESSARY IF THE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES IN OUR PUBLIC FINANCES LOOKED LIKE CONTINUING BEYOND 1983-84 ON ANY SUBSTANTIAL SCALE.
THIS WAS BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT BE PRUDENT TO CONTINUE TO DRAW DOWN HONG KONG’S RESERVES AT A RATE OF OVER >3 BILLION A YEAR TO COVER ANY DEFICIT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS, HE SAID.
IN DRAWING DOWN THE RESERVES TO MEET THE EXPECTED DEFICITS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEARS 1982-63 AND 1983-64, HONG KONG’S FREE FISCAL RESERVES (AFTER PROVIDING FOR CONTINGENCIES) WOULD BE REDUCED TO ABOUT $8.6 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH 1984, HE SAID.
MR BLYE SAID THAT IN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO BORROW, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD, HOWEVER, BE CONSTRAINED BY ITS SELF-IMPOSED BUDGETARY GUIDELINES, WHICH REQUIRED IT ALWAYS TO MAINTAIN A CONSIDERABLE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING A SUBSTANTIAL PROPORTION OF EXPENDITURE ON THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT.
♦WE SHALL FURTHER ENSURE THAT BORROWING WILL BE VIGOROUSLY CONTROLLED AND IN ANY CASE ONLY BE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCTIVE CAPITAL INVESTMENT.♦
/NOTING THAT .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
2 -
NOTING THAT IT WAS TOO EARLY TO CONSIDER BORROWING SOURCES, MR BLYE SAID ONE OBVIOUS POSSIBILITY WAS FOR HONG KONG TO INVOKE ITS BORROWING RIGHTS WITH THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN USED SINCE 1980.
MR BLYE NOTED THAT THERE HAD RECENTLY BEEN EXCESSIVE COMMENT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MUCH OF IT +MISLEAD ING* AND SOME ■♦MISCHIEVOUS*.
♦THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THERE IS A COMMON AIM BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND CF THE UNITED KINGDOM IN MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
+THIS COMMON AIM, WHEN SET AGAINST EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST DECADE OF AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF PER CAPITA GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF SEVEN PER CENT, AND THE LACK OF ANY PERSISTENT DOMESTIC INFLATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT, CLEARLY POINTS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
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CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT * * * *
INCREASING DEMAND FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STATISTICS FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PLANNING AND RESEARCH HAD BEEN EVIDENT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WAS TOLD WHEN HE VISITED THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS CAME AS NO SURPRISE TO SIR PHILIP AS HE HIMSELF ATTACHES CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE ROLE OF STATISTICS IN THE PLANNING CF HONG KONG’S SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS.
♦THE DEPARTMENT’S CONSISTENTLY THOROUGH APPROACH IS A TRUE bEASURE OF THE HIGH PROFESSIONALISM OF ITS STAFF,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
IN TERMS OF QUALITY, ITS MANY PURPOSE-BUILT SURVEYS WERE ON A PAR WITH THOSE BEING CONDUCTED IN SOME OF THE MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, REFLECTING HONG KONG’S GROWING SOPHISTICATION IN YET ANOTHER FIELD, HE ADDED.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR COLIN GREENFIELD, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, SIR PHILIP TOURED TWO OF THE DEPARTMENT’S THREE OFFICE LOCATIONS, ONE AT PERMANENT COMFORT BUILDING AND THE OTHER AT KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, SHEUNG WAN.
DURING THE TOUR, SIR PHILIP WAS INTRODUCED TO A PLAN REGARDING THE REVISED APPROACH TO ANNUAL ECONOMIC SURVEYS.
UNDER THE REVISED PROGRAMME, MANPOWER SAVINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED, A MORE EVEN WORKLOAD ESTABLISHED, TIMING FOR THE AVAILABILITY OF DATA IMPROVED, AND REPORTING BURDEN ON RESPONDENTS MINIMISED.
THIS, EXPLAINED MR GREENFIELD, WAS PARTICULARLY NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MEET INCREASING DEMANDS ON THE RESOURCES OF THE DEPARTMENT.
/SIB PHILIP .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
- 3 -
SIR PHILIP SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THE POPULATION CENSUS WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT IN 1981 AND THE ONGOING SERIES OF GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEYS.
HE WAS TOLD THAT A BY-CENSUS WAS BEING PLANNED FOR 1986.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS TOUR, SIR PHILIP MET STAFF FROM ALL BRANCHES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND DISCUSSED THEIR WORK WITH THEM.
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GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ON HONG KONG * * *
THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY STARTED A NEW GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF HONG KONG WHICH WILL PROVIDE BASIC GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION OF COMPARABLE QUALITY TO THAT AVAILABLE IN THE MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD.
REVEALING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, DR EDWARD BRAND, SAID THAT GOOD GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION WAS FUNDAMENTAL TO A WHOLE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES CONCERNED WITH LAND DEVELOPMENT, LAND USE PLANNING AND LAND MANAGEMENT.
♦IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN PROVIDING ESSENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE GROUND CONDITIONS FOR ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING DRAINAGE, WATER SUPPLY, SITE FORMATION WORKS, RECLAMATION AND QUARRYING,♦ HE SAID.
THE EXISTING GEOLOGICAL MAP OF THE TERRITORY WAS COMPILED BETWEEN 1967 AND 1971 BY GEOLOGISTS FROM THE INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES, WHICH IS THE NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BODY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
♦THE SCALE OF THIS MAP IS l»5O OOO, WHICH IS NOW TOO SMALL TO SHOW ACCURATELY ALL THE IMPORTANT GEOLOGICAL FEATURES AND DETAIL REQUIRED FOR THE PRESENT DAY NEEDS OF HONG KONG,+ DR BRAND SAID.
♦THE MAP IS ALSO WELL OUT OF DATE, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE OF THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE LAST 15 YEARS.+
THE NEW GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WILL AIM TO PRODUCE A SERIES OF COLOURED GEOLOGICAL MAPS DEPICTING BOTH THE BEDROCK AND THE SUPERFICIAL MATERIALS WHICH OVERLIE THE BEDROCK AT A SCALE OF li20 000. THE TERRITORY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO 14 AREAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS MAPPING, BASED ON THE POPULAR LANDS DEPARTMENT TOPOGRAPHIC MAP SERIES, AND EACH SET OF l£W GEOLOGICAL MAPS WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PUBLISHED REPORT DESCRIBING IN DETAIL THE GEOLOGY OF THE AREA.
♦THE SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT PRIMARILY BY INTENSIVE FIELD MAPPING SUPPLEMENTED BY AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH INTERPRETATION. AS PART OF THE SURVEY, A LARGE NUMBER OF GEOLOGICAL ROCK SPECIMENS WILL BE COLLECTED AND CATALOGUED,+ DR BRAND SAID.
/♦SOKE DRILLING .......
thuhsday, may 5, 1983
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♦SOME DRILLING WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN SUBSURFACE GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION, BUT CONSIDERABLE RELIANCE WILL BE PLACED UPON AN EXAMINATION OF THE RECORDS OF HOLES DRILLED PREVIOUSLY FOR CONSTRUCTION PURPOSES.+
SELECTED ADVANCED SPECIALIST GEOLOGICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS WILL ALSO BE UNDERTAKEN TO ESTABLISH THE AGE, COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES OF THE MAPPED ROCKS AND SOILS. ALL THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BECOME PART OF A GEOLOGICAL DATA BANK WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP RECENTLY.
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SECTION WITHIN THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REMAPPING PROGRAMME.
♦IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE WORK CONFORMS TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, INITIAL ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN OBTAINED UNDER CONTRACT FROM THE INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,^ DR BRAND SAID.
♦THIS INSTITUTE WILL CONTINUE TO ASSIST AT A DECREASING RATE UNTIL 1985, BY WHICH TIME ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAMME SURVE?ESECT^ON°VER BY THE PR0FESS,0NAL staff of THE GEOLOGICAL
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE REMAPPING OF THE ENTIRE TERRITORY WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT YEARS TO COMPLETE. THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD. AS MAPS AND MEMOIRS ARE COMPLETED AND PRODUCED THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC.
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MPS SEE WELFARE SERVICES * * *
TWO VISITING MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, THE RT. HON MARK CARLISLE AND MR TONY DURANT, AND THEIR WIVES, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAW SOME CF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN HONG KONG.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, THEY VISITED THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, WHICH OFFERS DIVERSIFIED SERVICES TO THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE VISITORS WERE BRIEFED BY THE WARDEN, MISS MAY CHUNG, ON THE SERVICE UNITS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THEY THEN TOURED THE UNITS, WHICH INCLUDED A DAY NURSERY, A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, A SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL CLUB FOR FORMER MENTAL PATIENTS, A KAIFONG WELFARE OFFICE AND AN OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK TEAM FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME IN HO MAN TIN, WHICH SERVES AS A COMBINED REMAND AND PROBATION HOME AND PLACE OF REFUGE FOR YOUNG GIRLS.
THE SUPERINTENDENT, MRS Y.L. SHUM, GAVE THE VISITORS A BRIEFING ON THE HOME’S FUNCTIONS AND ORGANISATION BEFORE TAKING THEM TO SEE THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES AND THE GIRLS UNDER TRAINING.
THURSDAY, MAY 5> 1983
TWO VISITING MPS VISIT SHA TIN NEW TOWN ft ft ft ft
TWO CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT FROM BRITAIN TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE FAST-GROWING SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND SAW AT FIRST HAND THE DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND OTHER FACILITIES THERE.
ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS, MR MARK CARLISLE AND MR TONY DURANT TOURED THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS AT SUI WO COURT AND MEI LAM RENTAL ESTATE. THEY WERE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES THERE.
♦YOU HAVE PROVIDED ENOUGH AMENITIES, SECURITY MEASURES AS WELL AS PLAY AREAS FOR CHILDREN ON PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,♦ SAID MR DURANT DURING THE VISIT.
FROM A VANTAGE POINT AT SUI WO COURT, THEY WERE SHOWN THE VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS WHICH WERE EITHER COMPLETED OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE NEW TOWN.
EARLIER DURING ADMINISTRATION, THE SYSTEM AND NEW TOWN NEW TERRITORIES, MR
A VISIT TO THE CITY MPS WERE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS BY THE HAIDER BARMA.
AND NEW TERRITORIES THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR
THEY LATER WENT TO A LOOKOUT POINT
IN SHA TIN AND HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN WHERE THE POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO REACH HALF A MILLION IN ABOUT 10 YEARS* TIME.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983 .
6
NOTE TO EDITORS*
MPS TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE
* M * *
VISITING CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR MARK CARLISLE AND MR TONY DURANT, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON SATURDAY (MAY 7) AT 11.30 AM IN THE GIS THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
MR CARLISLE AND MR DURANT CAME TO HONG KONG A WEEK AGO. DURING THEIR VISIT THEY MET MANY SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO GAVE THEM AN INSIGHT INTO HONG KONG.
THE FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF MR CARLISLE AND DURANTi
THE RT HON MARK CARLISLE, QC, MP (CONSERVATIVE)
MR MARK CARLISLE, CONSERVATIVE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR CHESHIRE, RUNCORN DIVISION, WAS THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENCE FROM 1979 TO 1981.
MR CARLISLE WAS BORN IN 1929 AND EDUCATED AT RADLEY AND MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY. HE SERVED AS 2ND LIEUTENANT IN THE ROYAL ARMY EDUCATION CORPS FROM 1948 TO 1950.
MR CARLISLE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY GRAY’S INN AND PRACTISED IN MANCHESTER FROM 1954. HE WAS A MEMBER OF BAR COUNCIL FROM 1966 TO 1970 AND BECAME QUEEN’S COUNSEL IN 1971. HE WAS THE JOINT HON SECRETARY OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FROM 1966 TO 1969 AND WAS A MEMBER OF THE HOME OFFICE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON THE PENAL SYSTEM FROM 1966 TO 1970.
MR CARLISLE BECAME UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME DEPARTMENT FROM 1970 TO 1972 AND WAS APPOINTED MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE FROM 1972 TO 1974. BETWEEN 1975 AND 1979. HE WAS A MEMBER OF THE BBC ADVISORY COUNCIL. IN 1979, HE WAS MADE A PRIVY COUNCILLOR.
MR CARLISLE IS MARRIED.
NR TONY DURANT, MP (CONSERVATIVE)
MR TONY DURANT, CONSERVATIVE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR READING NORTH, IS THE CHAIRMAN OF BOTH THE CONSERVATIVE NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND THE BACK BENCH CONSERVATIVE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT.
MR DURANT IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER SELECT COMMITTEE, THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION BRITISH BRANCH EXECUTIVE, AND THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE.
/MR DURANT
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
" -
MR DURANT WAS BORN IN 1928 AND EDUCATED AT BRYANSTON, DORSET. HE WAS A CONSERVATIVE AGENT FROM 1952 TO 1962, AND WAS THE NATIONAL ORGANISER OF YOUNG CONSERVATIVE FROM 1962 TO 1967. HE BECAME A MEMBER OF THE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL FROM 1968 TO 1974 AND WAS THE SECRETARY OF THE CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES ASSOCIATION FROM 1972 TO 1974. HE HAS BEEN THE SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR OF AUDIO VISUAL AID CO. SINCE 1970.
MR DURANT IS MARRIED.
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES ACHIEVE THEIR AIM *****
BUS JOURNEY TIMES AT MANY LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY HAVE BEEN IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY AS A RESULT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION CF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY SCHEMES.
THIS WAS REVEALED IN A REPORT PUBLISHED RECENTLY BY MOTT, HAY AND ANDERSON FAR EAST, A CONSULTANT FIRM, TO EVALUATE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY SCHEMES THAT WERE INTRODUCED.
THE COMPANY WAS APPOINTED IN MARCH 1981 IN A JOINT EFFORT WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO EXAMINE 52 PROBLEM AREAS IDENTIFIED BY THE TWO MAJOR BUS COMPANIES WHERE OPERATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT WAS SERIOUSLY AFFECTED DUE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
OF THESE AREAS, 32 WERE LOCATED ON THE MAINLAND AND 20 ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
IN MANY OF THESE AREAS, THERE IS FREQUENTLY A CONSIDERABLE LACK OF ALTERNATIVE ROUTES AND ROAD CAPACITY, AND CONSEQUENTLY THE EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON MAXIMISING THE SCOPE OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TO EFFECT THE NECESSARY IMPROVEMENT FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
AS A RESULT, A NUMBER OF AREAS TO BE STUDIED WERE GROUPED TOGETHER DUE TO THEIR PROXIMITY TO ONE ANOTHER AND THE OBVIOUS INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF THE AREAS.
THIS RESULTED IN THE DETAILED DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF 17 PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY SCHEMES ON THE MAINLAND AND SEVEN ON THE ISLAND WITHIN A 21-MONTH PERIOD.
IN SUMMING UP, THE REPORT SAID, +THE SAVINGS IN BUS PASSENGER HOURS ARE IN EXCESS OF 12 MILLION PER ANNUM AND THE BENEFITS ARE CALCULATED TO BE OVER HK$100 MILLION PER ANNUM.*
IN INTRODUCING THE SCHEMES, DIFFERENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED TO SUIT DIFFERENT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS SO AS TO ENSURE ALL ROAD USERS BENEFITED FROM THE MEASURES ADOPTED.
/FOB EXAMPLE.........
nuikox/Ai, .uu j ,
- 8 -
FOR EXAMPLE, THE HUNG HOM-TO KWA WAN AND KING’S ROAD SCHEMES FEATURE MOST OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES WHICH INCLUDE A GYRATORY SYSTEM, CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS, RE-ROUTING OF S DE STREET TRAFFIC, RATIONALISATION OF BUS ^TOPS, TRAFFIC SIGNAL CO-ORDINATION, +WITH-FLOW+ BUS LANES, +CONTRA-FLOW+ BUS LANES AND BUS-ONLY STREET.
ANOTHER TECHNIQUE USED FOR EXAMPLE IN THE POK FU LAM ROAD SCHEME WAS THE +OFF-SETTING+ OF A CENTRE LINE TO ALLOW AN EXTRA LANE FOR BUSES. THIS HAS RESULTED IN A SAVING OF APPROXIMATELY 11 MINUTES PER BUS ON THEIR AVERAGE JOURNEY TIME.
BUS JOURNEY TIMES HAVE BEEN REDUCED IN GLOUCESTER ROAD BY WIDENING THE CARRIAGEWAY TO PROVIDE A 24-HOUR BUS LANE.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A +BUS GATE+ FOR THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD SCHEME HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR BUSES ONLY TO CROSS A ROAD WITH FAST MOVING TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS TO A MTR STATION AND HAS RESULTED IN REDUCING THE BUS JOURNEY TIME BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KWAI FONG MTR STATION BY 2-1/2 MINUTES DURING THE MORNING AND THREE MINUTES DURING THE EVENING PEAK PERIOD.
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INTELPOST SERVICE TO FRANCE AND WEST GERMANY KM*
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE INTELPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO FRANCE AND WEST GERMANY ON MAY 9.
HE SAID INTELPOST, WHICH IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND USA, PROVIDES FOR HIGH SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION OF DOCUMENTS, DRAWINGS AND PERSONAL MESSAGES.
DELIVERY CAN BE ACHIEVED IN A MATTER OF HOURS TO DESTINATIONS WHERE SPECIAL MESSENGER DELIVERY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE OR THROUGH THE PICK-UP SERVICE AT DESIGNATED INTELPOST OFFICES.
SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF INTELPOST ON DECEMBER 6 LAST YEAR, THE RESPONE FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING AND THE EXTENSION OF FACILITIES TO FRANCE AND WEST GERMANY WILL PROVIDE A WELCOMED ADDITION TO THE RANGE OF DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICES TO FRANCE AND WEST GERMANY WILL BE:
M FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER - $65
* FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME - $30
ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE MAY POST THEIR DOCUMENTS AT EITHER THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OR THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
FURTHER INFORMATION INTELPOST REPRESENTATIVE
ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ON TELEPHONE 5-2671148.
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/9........
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
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1982 SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION TO COLLECT DATA FOR THE YEAR 1982.
THE SURVEY IS A FOLLOW-UP TO A SIMILAR ENQUIRY CONDUCTED FOR 1981, AND REPRESENTS PART OF A CONTINUOUS PROGRAMME TO COLLECT ECONOMIC STATISTICS ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.
THE AIM OF THE SURVEY IS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION REQUIRED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN ARRIVING AT DECISIONS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES.
THE DATA TO BE COLLECTED WILL FACILITATE UPDATING ESTIMATES CF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG, REVIEWING CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF OUTPUT AND TYPE OF GOODS MANUFACTURED, AND MAKING INTER-INDUSTRY COMPARISONS.
SOME 8 000 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE ENUMERATED IN THE SECTORS CF MINING AND QUARRYING, MANUFACTURING, AND ELECTRICITY, GAS AND WATER.
ALL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 100 OR MORE PERSONS ARE INCLUDED, WHILST A SAMPLE IS RANDOMLY SELECTED FOR ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING FEWER THAN 100 PERSONS.
INFORMATION SOUGHT IN THE SURVEY INCLUDES TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, MAN-HOURS WORKED, COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES (I.E. WAGES, SALARIES AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFITS), CONTRACT AND COMMISSION WORK, PURCHASES OF MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES, OPERATING EXPENSES, SALES AND WORK DONE, OTHER RECEIPTS, STOCKS AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION) ORDER 1981, WHICH WAS MADE UNDER THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 18 IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF JANUARY 30, 1981.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES HAVE BEEN SENT BY RECORDED DELIVERY TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
MANAGEMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE DEPARTMENT PROMPTLY.
UPON REQUEST, OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT MAY VISIT ESTABLISHMENTS AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALED TO MANAGEMENTS TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL BE CARRYING GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS.
HE EMPHASIZED THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL ONLY BE USED IN AN AGGREGATE FORM FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
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/10......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
10 -
CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN TOWN PARK ft ft ft ft
THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO SHIU TAI AND CO. LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN’S TOWN PARK.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT $50 MILLION, WAS SIGNED THIS AFTERNOON BY MR KEITH AUSTIN, ACTING PROJECT MANAGER OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY.
THE TOWN PARK, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WILL FORM A MAJOR ELEMENT IN THE OPEN SPACES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW TOWN AND WILL OCCUPY A TEN-HECTARE SITE ALONG THE NORTHERN BANK OF THE SHING MUN RIVER.
♦IT WILL BE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN, BETWEEN THE TOWN CENTRE BUILDINGS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE RIVER,* MR AUSTIN SAID.
♦THE MAJOR FEATURE OF THE PARK WILL BE A PAVED PLAZA PROVIDING A SETTING FOR THE FUTURE NEW TOWN CULTURAL COMPLEX, WITH FOUNTAINS, AN OPEN-AIR BANDSTAND THEATRE AREA WHICH WILL BE COVERED BY A COLOURFUL AWNING, AND WIDE-SPREAD FLOWERING TREES TO PROVIDE SHADE,♦ HE ADDED.
A CONTINUOUS PROMENADE AND CYCLE TRACK WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ALONG THE 800-METRE RIVER FRONTAGE, SHADED WITH BANYAN TREES.
♦THIS WILL FORM PART OF AN EXTENSIVE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE TRACK SYSTEM THROUGHOUT THE TOWN. THERE WILL BE STEPS AND RAMPS FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS UP TO THE HIGHER LEVEL OF THE PARK, AND TO CAFES AND TEA TERRACES OVERLOOKING THE RIVER,+ MR AUSTIN SAID.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE PARK WILL INCLUDE A LARGE ARTIFICIAL HILL AND WATERFALL, A TROPICAL GARDEN, ADVENTURE PLAY AREAS, POOLS, PONDS AND FOUNTAINS, PAVILIONS AND EXTENSIVE TREE AND SHRUB PLANTING AREAS.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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TUEN MUN TO HOLD DB MEETING TOMORROW ft ft ft
A PROPOSAL TO CONVERT THE BOWRING ARMY CAMP IN TUEN MUN INTO A TEMPORARY REFUGEE CLOSED CENTRE WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR CLINTON LEEKS, WILL EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE RECENTLY INTRODUCED LICENSING AND CONTROL MEASURES ON DWELLING VESSELS IN TYPHOON SHELTERS.
-r
/THEY WILL .......
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FIFTH REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON PROVISION OF FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, AND PROPOSED INTERIM MEASURES TO SOLVE THE SHORTAGE OF PARKING FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION WILL INCLUDE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF SQUATTER AREAS, PROPOSED TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS, AND REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND OTHER SUB-COMMITTEES.
SEATS WILL BE RESERVED FOR THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST -SERVED BASIS, AND PEOPLE WISHING TO ATTEND SHOULD TELEPHONE THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT 0-843801.
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♦MEI FA+ PROJECT HELPED BY HEAVY RAINS * * * * *
THE RECENT HEAVY RAINS, WHILE DISMAYING TO FOOTBALLERS AND RACEGOERS, HAVE PROVED TO BE A BOUNTY TO THE ORGANISERS OF LAST YEAR’S ’MEI FA’ (BEAUTIFICATION) PLANTING PROJECT.
A CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE WET WEATHER HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH SURVIVAL RATE OF THE MORE THAN 2.5 MILLION TREES, SHRUBS, CLIMBERS AND FLOWERS PLANTED DURING THE MEI-FA PHASE. LESS THAN FIVE PER CENT DID NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE WINTER.
♦A WET WINTER IS PRECISELY WHAT THE YOUNG PLANTS NEED FOR THEIR FIRST YEAR IN THE GROUND,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE MEI-FA PHASE, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD PLANTED 26 500 TREES, 32 000 BAMBOOS, 160 000 SHRUBS, 4 250 CLIMBERS, 76 000 GROUND COVER PLANTS AND 200 000 FLOWERING ANNUALS IN THE URBAN AREAS.
♦OF THESE, MOST HAVE SURVIVED AND ARE GOING STRONG,♦ IE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DUE TO THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY SCHOOLS AND DISTRICT BOARDS, THE ACTUAL NUMBER PLANTED HAD EXCEEDED THE U.C.’S ORIGINAL TARGET BY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT.
THE COUNCIL’S TARGET THIS YEAR IS TO PLANT 30 000 TREES, 165 000 SHRUBS, 8 500 CLIMBERS, 110 000 GROUND COVER PLANTS, 6 000 BAMBOOS AND 220 000 FLOWERING ANNUALS.
THE WET WINTER HAS ALSO HELPED THE U.C. TO GET A HEAD START ON THE 1983 PLANTING SEASON. BY THE END OF MARCH, MORE THAN 123 000 PLANTS HAD ALREADY BEEN PLANTED.
LIKE LAST YEAR, VIRTUALLY ALL THE PLANTS ARE COMING FROM THE U.C.’S 10 NURSERIES.
/♦AND WE
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
- 12 -
+AND WE ARE MODERNISING THE NURSERIES WITH THE AIM OF DOUBLING THEIR 1982 OUTPUT BY 1986,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE U.C. ALSO PLANS TO CONSTRUCT 250 NEW CONCRETE FLOWER TROUGHS ALONG STREETS AND BENEATH FLYOVERS IN THE URBAN AREAS. 310 WERE BUILT LAST YEAR.
WITH THESE ADDITIONAL FLOWER BEDS, THE U.C. HOPES TO BEAUTIFY 18 PREVIOUSLY NEGLECTED ROADSIDE AREAS.
THE TERRITORY-WIDE TARGET FOR THE TWO-YEAR MEI-FA PHASE IS 5.2 MILLION NEW TREES, SHRUBS, CLIMBERS AND FLOWERS.
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TENDERS FOR TENANCY OF CROWN LAND * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF TWO PIECES OF CROWN LAND.
THE FIRST SITE, SITUATED AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, IS FOR CONCRETE BATCHING AND CEMENT HANDLING PURPOSE. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2 150 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY FOR THIS SITE IS FOR THREE YEARS AND THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE OTHER SITE IS IN YUEN LONG SOUTH OF CHUNG SING PRIMARY SCHOOL.
THE AREA OF THE SITE MEASURES ABOUT 2 019 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK.
THE TENANCY FOR THIS SITE IS FOR SIX MONTHS AND THEREAFTER MONTHLY.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THE ABOVE TWO SITES IS 12 NOON ON MAY 20, 1983.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONGS AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON EAST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 9TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON FOR THE KOWLOON BAY SITE, AND DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON? AND AT YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE FOR THE YUEN LONG SITE.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
- 13 -
TALK ON BANK LOANS FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS K * *
ABOUT 50 MANUFACTURERS IN WONG TAI SIN HAVE BEEN INVITED TO A SEMINAR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN THREE BANKING EXECUTIVES WILL TALK ON THE PROCEDURES IN APPLYING FOR LOANS.
ENTITLED +CREDIT LINE FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS*, THE TALK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA COMMITTEE.
♦WITH THE RECENT INTRODUCTION OF A LOAN SCHEME FOR SMALL MANUFACTURERS IN THE BANKING FIELD, A- TALK ON THE SUBJECT WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO THE DISTRICT’S MANUFACTURERS,* SAID THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL WONG.
THE BANK EXECUTIVES GIVING THE TALKS ARE ALL FROM THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND WILL EACH SPEAK FOR 10 MINUTES, TO BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
REPORT OF EDUCATION EXPERTS AVAILABLE
XXX
COPIES OF THE REPORT OF THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE PRESS ROOM, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR AT 9 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MR KENNETH TOPLEY, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER; AND MR PAUL LEUNG, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER; WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 4 PM TOMORROW TO OUTLINE THE MAJOR ISSUES CONTAINED IN THE REPORT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE THEATRE, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
NOTE TO EDITORS
CRIME STATISTICS REVIEW
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CRIME, MR BRIAN WEBSTER, WILL REVIEW THE CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 IN A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH AT 24-34 HENNESSY ROAD, TAI SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
APPLICATION INVITED FOR SCHOOL HIRE CAR PERMITS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL INVITE APPLICATIONS FOR 230 SCHOOL HIRE CAR PERMITS TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID PRIVATE CAR OWNERS WHOSE VEHICLES ARE LICENSED TO CARRY SEVEN PASSENGERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
HOWEVER, HOLDERS OF SCHOOL HIRE CAR PERMITS OR THOSE WHO HAD GIVEN UP THEIR SCHOOL HIRE CAR PERMITS IN EXCHANGE FOR PRIVATE LIGHT BUS LICENCES FOR SCHOOL SERVICE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
THE APPLICANT SHOULD PRODUCE, AMONG OTHER DOCUMENTS, EVIDENCE FROM THE PRINCIPAL OF EACH SCHOOL CERTIFYING THAT THE PROPOSED SCHOOL HIRE CAR SERVICE SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED.
HIRE CAR PERMITS WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE. THE ANNUAL FEE WILL BE $500 AND $175 FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS.
THE VEHICLES HAVE TO PASS AN EXAMINATION EVERY YEAR BEFORE THE PERMITS CAN BE RENEWED, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
t
VEHICLE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT (ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED COPY) OR OTHER WRITTEN PROOFS OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP MUST BE PRODUCED FOR THE COLLECTION OF APPLICATION FORMS FROM TRANSPORT DEPARTMEN PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, MEZZANINE FLOOR, MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK, HONG KONG OR AT ITS KOWLOON OFFICE AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY REGISTERED POST TO EITHER OF THESE OFFICES.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CALLING 5-256527 OR 3-329294.
/15 ..
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
15
ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN YOUTHS *****
A HUGE MURAL, CARRYING AN ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE, WILL BE UNVEILED ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) AT SHEUNG WAN TO MARK THE OPENING OF A TELEMATCH — ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE TWO-WEEK LONG CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.
MEASURING 3.6 METRES BY 7.2 METRES, THE MURAL IS A JOINT EFFORT OF STUDENTS FROM NINE LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
IT WILL LATER BE ERECTED AT THE OPEN SPACE OPPOSITE THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE IN CENTRAL FOR THREE WEEKS TO WARN THE GENERAL PUBLIC AGAINST THE DANGER OF DRUG-TAKING.
TWELVE TEAMS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS AND YOUTH AND VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE TELEMATCH TO BE HELD AT THE PO HING FONG BLAKE GARDEN, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
OTHER PROGRAMMES, TO BE HELD AT THE GARDEN IN THE SAME AFTERNOON, WILL INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION ON +WAR AGAINST DRUGS*, A CHILDREN PAINTING GALLERY, A KUNG FU PERFORMANCE, A DRAWING COMPETITION AND A LUCKY DRAW.
FREE ENTRY TICKETS WITH LUCKY DRAW COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE KENNEDY TOWN SUB-OFFICE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE Y.M.C.A. AT BRIDGES STREET AND KWUN LUNG LAU Y.W.C.A.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE CAMPAIGN. BEGINNING ON MAY 1, IS AIMED AT YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 15 AND 24 YEARS OF AGE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE UNVEILLING CEREMONY OF THE MURAL AND THE TELEMATCH TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) AT THE PO HING FONG BLAKE GARDEN, SHEUNG WAN.
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*
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 1983
16
COURSE ON NEW CYC'J NG SPORT M * *
OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR EXPERIENCED CYCLISTS TO TRY THEIR HANDS AT A NEW SPORT KNOWN AS CYCLE BALL.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A CYCLE BALL TRAINING COURSE STARTING FROM MAY 21.
THE COURSE, CONSISTING OF 10 SESSIONS, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.
MALE CYCLISTS AT THE AGE OF 14 OR ABOVE AND WITH GOOD CYCLING SKILL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE COURSE.
♦THIS IS AN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING SPORT WHICH REQUIRES QUICK REACTION AND CO-OPERATION WITH TEAM MEMBERS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RSS SAID.
♦THERE WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE COURSE 70 HELP INTRODUCE THE GAME,* HE ADDED.
THE DEMONSTRATION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (MAY 8), STARTING AT 1.45 PM, AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHAI. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE COURSE WILL TAKE PLACE AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, KWUN TONG. THE FEE IS $20 PER PARTICIPANT.
BICYCLES AND BALLS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RSS HEADOFFICE AND ANY OF ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED BY DIALLING 5-458511, 5-733861 OR 5-891587.
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WATER CUT
* M
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CUT OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MAY 9 (MONDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE A LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE BOUNDED BY PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD, INCLUDING HOUSES N0.482 HENNESSY ROAD AND NOS.l AND 3 JARDINE’S CRESCENT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PUBLIC VIEWS WELCOME ON EDUCATION REVIEW REPORT ................ 1
OVERALL CRIME FELL BY FOUR PER CENT ............................ 3
LAZARDS APPOINTED NUCLEAR PROJECT ADVISERS ..................... 5
AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL ............................... 6
IMPORTANCE OF CARE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED STRESSED ........... 7
AMENDMENTS TO SHA TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ...................... 8
ALL MUST TAKE PART IN WORK SAFETY .............................. 9
SURVEY TO COLLECT ECONOMIC DATA ............................... 10
ATTEMPTS TO CHECK CRIMES IN BUILDING .......................... 11
AMENDMENTS TO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ............................. 13
LARGEST NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CADETS PROMOTED ....... 13
UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT KWUN TONG ............................. 1^
CAREERS TEACHERS EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE .......................... 15
ROYAL OBSERVATORY DECLARED HISTORICAL BUILDING ................ 16
LANDS AND WORKS PRIZE PRESENTATION ............................ 16
WIDENING OF SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD........................ 17
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ................ 17
HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN ENDS ..................................... 18
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ................. 18
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
1
PUBLIC VIEWS WELCOME ON EDUCATION REVIEW REPORT
M M M M M
THE REPORT OF THE PANEL OF VISITORS CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION IS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) AND PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ARE INVITED.
♦IN VIEW OF THE WIDE IMPLICATIONS OF THE REPORT, COMMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL AUGUST 31,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
NO DECISION WILL BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE REPORT OKTIL PUBLIC COMMENTS HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, HE ADDED.
ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT PUBLIC OPINION WILL BE WIDELY AND VIGOROUSLY SOUGHT ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE REPORT, AND THAT ALL SOURCES OF PUBLIC REACTION WILL BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, INCLUDING FORMAL WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS.
THE PANEL'S VIEW ON SOME OF THE MAJOR ISSUES ARE SUMMARISED AS FOLLOWS**
EDUCATION COMMISSION
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EDUCATION COMMISSION IS CONSIDERED MOST IMPORTANT. THIS COMMISSION SHOULD BE A CO-ORDINATING BODY THROUGH WHICH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE CAN PROVIDE ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER, IN THE LONG TERM, COMPLETE MOTHER TONGUE EDUCATION IN THE EARLY COMPULSORY YEARS, WITH A GRADUAL PROGRESS TOWARDS BILINGUALISM AFTER PRIMARY 6, SO THAT BY THE END OF FORM 3 STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING APPROXIMATELY HALF OF THEIR INSTRUCTION EACH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT
THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABOLISHED BY INCREASING THE PROVISION OF SUBSIDISED FORM 4 PLACES.
KINDERGARTENS
IM DUE COURSE ALL KINDERGARTENS SHOULD BECOME PART OF THE AIDED SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BECOME MORE INTERVENTIONIST IN KINDERGARTEN POLICY.
/ADULT EDUCATICH........
FRIDAY, "MAY 6, 1983
2
ADULT EDUCATION
THERE IS A VITAL NEED FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION TO MAKE UP FOR THE LACK OF EDUCATION FACILITIES IN THE PAST AND TO BRIDGE THE GENERATION GAP. AN OPEN UNIVERSITY AND PART-TIME DEGREE COURSES WOULD BE POWERFUL INSTRUMENTS TO MEET THIS NEED.
HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY (HKEA)
CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO TRANSFORMING THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE HKEA FROM THAT OF CONTROLLING A PUBLIC EXAMINATION SYSTEM TO THAT OF OPERATING A COURSE AND STUDENT ACCREDITATION SERVICE ON BEHALF OF THE SCHOOLS AND THE POST-SCHOOL INSTITUTIONS.
MATRICULATION
MATRICULATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC SHOULD BE HARMONISED. THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE ABOLITION OF THE HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION AND CHANGES THE FIRST YEAR PROGRAMMES AT THESE INSTITUTIONS.
TERTIARY EDUCATION
STUDY AT DEGREE AND HIGHER TECHNICIAN LEVEL SHOULD BE GREATLY INCREASED. APART FROM DEVELOPMENT IN THE EXISTING UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC, URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IDENTIFY AND ACQUIRE AT LEAST TWO NEW SITES FOR NEW INSTITUTIONS, THE FIRST OF THESE BETNG DESIGNATED FOR A SECOND POLYTECHNIC.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
EDUCATION FOR THE DISABLED SHOULD BE RE-EXAMINED AND AIM TO PROVIDE NEW PATTERNS OF SERVICE TO CATER FOR THEIR DIVERSE NEEDS, E.G. SCHOOL PRINCIPALS SHOULD ASSUME INCREASED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, NEW CURRICULUM PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED, AN EXPANDED AND UPGRADED COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE SERVICE SHOULD BE PROVIDED, RESOURCE TEACHERS SHOULD BE USED AND THERE SHOULD BE MORE USE OF NEW MICRO-ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY.
TEACHER AND TEACHER TRAINING
ALL TEACHERS SHOULD BE PART OF A TEACHING SERVICE, SHARING COMMON EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND FROM WHICH ALL SCHOOLS WILL DRAW THEIR STAFF.
TEACHER TRAINING SHOULD BE STEPPED UP AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION SHOULD BE RE-ORGANISED.
/IMPROVEMENT in .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
- 3 -
IMPROVEMENT IN SCHOOL RESOURCES
THERE SHOULD BE AN EXPANSION OF, AND QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT IN, FACILITIES AND TEACHING RESOURCES. COMPENSATORY RESOURCES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR LOWER QUALITY SCHOOLS TO HELP THEM RAISE THEIR STANDARDS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT PUBLIC COMMENT WAS BEING SOUGHT ON ALL PARTS OF THE REPORT, INCLUDING PROPOSALS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EDUCATION COMMISSION.
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE THE DUE DATE TOs
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER
ROOM 1322 PRINCE’S BUILDING, HONG KONG.
THE REPORT OF THE PANEL IS NOW ON SALE, TOGETHER WITH A BACKGROUND REPORT ON THE EXISTING EDUCATION SYSTEM, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE. THE PANEL’S REPORT WILL COST $12 A COPY, AND THE BACKGROUND REPORT $21 A COPY.
-----0------
OVERALL CRIME FELL BY FOUR PER CENT
*****
OVERALL CRIME KNOWN TO THE POLICE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 20 171, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF FOUR PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
REVIEWING CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1983 TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CRIME, MR BRIAN WEBSTER, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT THE FIGURE ALSO REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT OVER FOUR QUARTERS AVERAGE OF LAST YEAR.
-MR WEBSTER SAID KEY CRIME DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1983 ACCOUNTED FOR 79.6 PER CENT OF ALL CRIME, COMPARED WITH THE 79.4 PER CENT RECORDED DURING THE LAST QUARTER OF 1982.
’’HOWEVER, IN LINE WITH THE OVERALL DECREASE IN CRIME FOR THE FIRST QUARTER. THE TOTAL WAS 16 049 OR A DROP OF SOME 3.8 PER CENT OVER THE LAST QUARTER,” HE SAID.
DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN RAPES (DOWN 10 OR 37 PER CENT), INDECENT ASSAULTS (DOWN 41 OR 21.9 PER CENT), SNATCH INGS (DOWN 88 OR 15.5 PER CENT), SERIOUS ASSAULTS (DOWN 297 OR 15.2 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS THEFTS (DOWN 465 OR 12.7 PER CENT) AND PICKPOCKETING (DOWN 78 OR 9 PER CENT).
/DURING
FRIDAY, KAY 6, 198}
4
DURING THE SAME QUARTER, ROBBERIES KNOWN TO POLICE TOTALLED 2 185, AN INCREASE OF 217 OR 11 PER CENT.
’♦THIS IS INDEED A TREND WHICH GIVES CAUSE FOR CONCERN,” MR WEBSTER SAID.
WHILST ALL REGIONS OF THE FORCE RECORDED ACTUAL INCREASES IN ROBBERIES, THE NEW TERRITORIES PERCENTAGE OF THIS TYPE OF CRIME INCREASED FROM 20 PER CENT OF ALL ROBBERIES IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1982 TO 23.2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, HE ADDED.
THE INCREASING TREND IN THE USE OF VIOLENCE BY THUGS IN ROBBERIES LED TO A TOTAL OF 367 PERSONS BEING INJURED. WEAPONS WERE USED IN 65.3 PER CENT OF ALL ROBBERIES.
MR WEBSTER POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE 22 OF THE ROBBERY CASES RELATED TO GOLDSMITH SHOP ROBBERIES INVOLVING A TOTAL OF $9.58 MILLION WORTH OF GOLD, JEWELLERY AND WATCHES.
»•INADEQUATE SECURITY IN GOLDSMITH SHOPS CONTINUES TO MAKE THEM A SOFT TARGET FOR THE CRIMINALS AND IT IS IN EVERYONE’S INTERESTS THAT SECURITY IS TIGHTENED TO PREVENT THESE THUGS THE OPPORTUNITY THEY SEEK,” MR WEBSTER STRESSED.
THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES WHERE FIREARMS OR IMITATION FIREARMS WERE USED ROSE TO 81, AN INCREASE OF 3$ CASES OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. IN 14 CASES, GENUINE FIREARMS WERE KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN USED.
TURNING TO BURGLARIES, MR WEBSTER SAID 52 PER CENT OF TRE 2 671 CASES REPORTED TO POLICE OCCURRED IN DWELLING HOUSES.
” L CANJIQI^£MPHASISE_,TOO_OFTEN THE NECESSITY FOR PEOPLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO LOOK'AFTER THEIR OWN PROPERTY.
’’ADEQUATE CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES ARE A MOST NECESSARY FACET
OF-LIFE TODAY — NOT JUST IN HONG-KONG BUT EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD. IF IT IS WORTH STEALING IT IS WORTH PROTECTING.”
REFERRING TO SERIOUS ASSAULTS, HE SAID THEY HAD DECREASED FROM 1 951 IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1982 TO 1 654 IN THE FIRST QUARTER THIS YEAR. THERE HAD ALSO BEEN A MARGINAL DECREASE IN TAKING CONVEYANCE AND THEFT FROM VEHICLE CASES.
ANALYSING THE AGE GROUP OF THOSE PROSECUTED FOR CRIME DURING THE QUARTER, MR WEEBSTER SA ID.30.3 PER CENT OUT OF A TOTAL-OF 8 115 WERE UNDER THE AGE OF 21, WHICH COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THE 32 PER CENT FOR THE LAST QUARTER.
THE NUMBER OF RECENT ARRIVALS INVOLVED IN CRIME DECREASED FROM A TOTAL OF 1 159 IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1982 TO 1 136 IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983.
’’WHEN EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE OVERALL NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED, THEIR INVOLVEMENT DECREASED MARGINALLY FROM 14.2 PER CENT TO 14 PER CENT.
V
/’ ’LEGAL ARRIVALS.......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198?
- 5 -
• •LEGAL ARRIVALS INVOLVEMENT DECREASED FROM 5.9 PER CERT (OR 480 PERSONS) OF ALL PERSONS PROSECUTED TO 5.6 PER CENT (OR 453 PERSOMS) WHILST THE FIGURES FOR ILLEGAL ARRIVALS INCREASED MARGINALLY FROM 8.3 PER CENT (OR 679 PERSONS) TO 8.4 PER CENT (OR 683 PERSONS), •• MR WEBSTER SAID.
IN THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD, 104 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WERE PROSECUTED FOR CRIME COMPARED WITH 100 IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1982.
ON METHODS OF REPORTING CRIME, MR WEBSTER REMINDED THE PUBLIC OF THE CRIME INFORMATION FORMS WHICH WERE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, THE OFFICES OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND ALL BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, THE BELGIAN BANK AND THE KA WAH BANK.
• •THE PROCEDURE IS SIMPLE — OBTAIN A FORM, FILL IT IN AND POST IT — WE WILL DO THE REST.»»
MR WEBSTER RECALLED THAT THE FORM WAS INTRODUCED EARLY IN 1980 TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN EASY WAY OF SUPPLYING INFORMATION TO THE POLICE.
• •I MUST SAY THE RESULTS ACHIEVED TO DATE ARE IMPRESSIVE. UP TO THE END OF APRIL THIS YEAR, WE HAVE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 3 080 FORMS FROM WHICH A TOTAL OF 174 ARRESTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF OFFENCES, INCLUDING MURDER, DRUG TRAFFICKING, BLACKMAIL, DECEPTION, WOUNDINGS, INDECENT ASSAULTS, POSSESSION OF ARMS AND BOOKMAKING — TO QUOTE A FEW,**- MR WEBSTER SAID.
HE THANKED THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR RESPONSE AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH TOTAL CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC EVEN BETTER RESULTS WOULD BE ACHIEVED.
------0-------
LAZARDS APPOINTED NUCLEAR PROJECT ADVISERS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMISSIONED LAZARD BROTHERS AND CO., LIMITED AS ITS ADVISERS ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT.
COMMENTING ON THE APPOINTMENT A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST TASK TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY LAZARDS WOULD BE TO EXAMINE THE FINDINGS OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY THAT HAD BEEN PREPARED FOR THE PROJECT WITH A VIEW TO ADVISING ON THE VALIDITY OF ITS ASSUMPTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS.
♦ IT IS HOPED THIS WILL CONFIRM THAT THE COST OF ELECTRICITY FROM THE STATION WILL BE NO GREATER THAN THE COST OF THAT WHIC COULD BE PRODUCED LOCALLY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ONCE THIS INITIAL TASK HAS BEEN COMPLETED, LAZARDS WILL GO ON TO ADDRESS THEMSELVES TO THE OTHER ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE SUCH AS THE QUESTION OF AN OFF-TAKE AGREEMENT AND THE FINANCING OF THE PROJECT GENERALLY, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF EQUITY.
WORK ON THE ASSIGNMENT WILL START IMMEDIATELY AND IT IS HOPED A REPORT WILL BE MADE BY LAZARDS TO THE GOVERNMENT BY AUGUST.
------o-------
/6......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
6
AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL * * * *
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE PROPOSED AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX WILL BE INTRODUCED ON JUNE 1.
AS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, THE INTENTION IS TO ABOLISH THE PRESENT PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE AND TO REPLACE IT WITH A SPECIFIC TAX ON PASSENGERS DEPARTING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BY AIR, WITH A VIEW TO RAISING ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $230 MILLION THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
HE SAID THEN THAT ALTERNATIVES TO INTRODUCING THE TAX HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BEFORE THE BUDGET WAS PRESENTED BUT THE OPTIONS WERE FOUND TO BE UNFAIR TO OTHER TRAVELLERS WHO WERE LESS WELL OFF, DIFFICULT TO ADMINISTER OR INADEQUATE TO RAISE THE REQUIRED REVENUE TO REDUCE THE 1983-84 DEFICIT.
AT THE MOMENT, OPERATORS OF AIRCRAFT USING KAI TAK AIRPORT ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE GOVERNMENT PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGES TO HELP MEET THE COST OF SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE AIRPORT.
THE CHARGES, AT THE RATE OF $20 FOR EACH PERSON AGED 12 AND ABOVE AND $5 FOR CHILDREN AGED TWO - 11 YEARS ARE PASSED ON BY THE AIRLINES TO INDIVIDUAL PASSENGERS.
THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983, WHICH IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), SEEKS TO INTRODUCE INDIVIDUAL TAXES OF $100 AND $50 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE TWO AGE GROUPS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WOULD NOT BE MUCH DIFFERENCE IN THE PROCEDURE OF PAYMENT AS FAR AS PASSENGERS WERE CONCERNED, AS COLLECTION OF THE TAX FROM THE PASSENGERS WILL BE MADE BY AIRLINES OR THEIR AGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR PENALTIES FOR EVASION OF TAX BY EITHER PASSENGERS OR OPERATORS.
THERE IS PROVISION IN THE BILL TO EXEMPT CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PASSENGERS FROM PAYMENT OF THE TAX. THEY INCLUDE TRANSIT PASSENGERS, PASSENGERS ON AIRCRAFT UNAVOIDABLY DIRECTED TO HONG KONG AND PASSENGERS WITH DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR STATUS.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR ITS FIRST AND SECOND READINGS NEXT WEDNESDAY (MAY 11). IT IS INTENDED THAT THE LEGISLATION SHOULD BE ENACTED ON MAY 25.
-----0------
/7
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198?
7
IMPORTANCE OF CARE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED STRESSED ******
WITH PROPER CARE AND TRAINING, MANY SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE CAN MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR FACULTIES AND CAPABILITIES.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, MADE THIS REMARK TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE OPENED THE SHUN LEE ADULT TRAINING CENTRE RUN BY THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
WHILE THE NUMBER OF SUCH PEOPLE IN HONG KONG IS NOT CERTAIN, l£ SAID THAT THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD SUGGESTED THERE MIGHT WELL BE OVER 2 OOO SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
OF THESE, IT IS THOUGHT THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD ALSO SUFFER FROM PHYSICAL ABNORMALITIES OR DISABILITIES AND NEED HOSPITAL CARE.
♦IT IS OUR FIRM BELIEF THAT THE RANGE OF ABILITY WITHIN THE CATEGORY OF SEVERE MENTAL HANDICAP IS VERY WIDE,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT PLANS SEEK TO CATER FOR THE TWO-THIRDS WHO DO NOT NEED HOSPITAL CARE, HE SAID, ADDING THAT SOME WOULD NEED BOARDING SCHOOLS OR HOMES.
♦BUT WE ALSO HOPE THAT THROUGH THE PROVISION OF DAY CARE SUPPORT SERVICES, MANY SUCH PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY WITH THEIR FAMILIES,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS, MR CHAMBERS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WAS A DEMAND FOR SOME 750 PLACES AT PRESENT.
OF THE 158 PLACES THAT ARE NOW AVAILABLE, 142 ARE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
♦THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT ABOUT THE NEED FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
♦IN MANY CASES THIS PROTECTS THE INTERESTS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED THEMSELVES; THEIR FAMILIES, NO MATTER HOW WELL-INTENTIONED, MAY BE UNABLE TO CATER TO THE NEEDS, PERHAPS BECAUSE THE PARENTS THEMSELVES ARE ELDERLY OR IN POOR HEALTH,♦ HE SAID.
♦IN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING, HOWEVER, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF TRAINED WORKERS, IT IS POSSIBLE NOT ONLY TO MEET THE DAILY LIVING NEEDS OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, BUT ALSO TO PROVIDE STIMULATION AND WORK ACTIVITY PROGRAMMES SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND TO INCREASE THEIR INTEREST IN THE WORLD AROUND THEM,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY WHICH, HE SAID, IS ENGAGED IN +ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT AREAS OF SOCIAL WORK AND ITS EFFORTS DESERVE OUR FULL SUPPORT+.
THE SOCIETY HAS DEVELOPED FOUR RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS IN THE PAST 5-1/2 YEARS.
------0-------
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 3983
8
AMENDMENTS TO SHA TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
* * K X *
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT SHA TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEW PLANNING REQUIREMENTS IN THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
MAJOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDEi
* REALIGNING THE FUTURE RAIL RESERVE TO MEET POSSIBLE FUTURE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF SHA TIN AND THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT MA ON SHAN. THE TYPE OF CARRIER FOR THIS FUTURE RAIL SYSTEM BETWEEN KOWLOON AND MA ON SHAN HAS NOT BEEN DECIDED AT THIS STAGE AND MIGHT BE FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY OR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY. APART FROM PROVIDING BETTER INTEGRATION BETWEEN SHA TIN AND MA ON SHAN, THE REVISED RAIL ALIGNMENT WOULD ALSO ALLOW POSSIBLE INTERCHANGE FACILITIES WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AT TAI WAI. IN ADDITION, IT ENABLES THE RELEASE OF LAND IN AREA 2 NEAR SHEUNG KENG HAU AND PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RATIONALIZING THE BOUNDARIES OF A PROPOSED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE AREA.
* REZONING ABOUT 19 HECTARES OF LAND IN TO FUNG SHAN FROM RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B) TO GREEN BELT. THIS FOLLOWS MORE DETAILED PLANNING AND ENGINEERING INVESTIGATIONS WHICH HAVE FOUND THE AREA NOT SUITABLE FOR LARGE SCALE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN VIEW OF ITS DIFFICULT ACCESS AND THE EXISTING FINE NATURAL VEGETATION IN THE AREA. AN ALTERNATIVE SITE AT THE FOOT OF TO FUNG SHAN, ABOUT TWO HECTARES IN AREA AND RELATIVELY FLAT, IS INSTEAD FOUND SUITABLE FOR MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND REZONED FOR THE PURPOSE.
K RELOCATING A GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY ZONE IN AREA 28 MAINLY PROPOSED FOR AN INDOOR GAMES HALL TO AREA 26 NORTH OF SHING MUN RIVER NEXT TO THE EXISTING SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND SQUASH COURT BUILDING.
* REZONING A VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT ZONE (TSE UK VILLAGE) SOUTH OF BELAIR GARDEN IN AREA 48 TO OPEN SPACE FOR DEVELOPMENT AS PART OF THE PROPOSED LARGER YUEN CHAU KOK DISTRICT OPEN SPACE. A RESITE AREA OF THE AFFECTED VILLAGE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE NEW TOWN.
THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES ATTACHED TO THE PLAN HAS ALSO BEEN REVISED.
/THE AMENDED.......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198?
- 9 -
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD? THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (SHA TIN), 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON OR BEFORE MAY 26.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AT $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
-----o------
ALL MUST TAKE PART IN WORK SAFETY
M * M M *
A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMME DEPENDS ON +THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND CO-OPERATION OF EMPLOYEES, EMPLOYERS AND THE GOVERNMENT,* THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR KENNETH TOPLEY, STRESSED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, RECOGNISES AND ACCEPTS ITS RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS AREA BUT EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ALIKE MUST PLAY THEIR PART IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF +SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA II AND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL, MR TOPLEY SAID THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD VIEW ACCIDENT PREVENTION AS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLYING WITH SAFETY LEGISLATION.
♦THEY CAN DO THIS BY PROVIDING A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND BY SUPERVISING THEIR EMPLOYEES AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO OBSERVE SAFE WORK PRACTICES.
♦EMPLOYEES SHOULD ABIDE BY SAFETY RULES AND USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED FOR THEM AND ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO THEIR FELLOW WORKERS,+ HE NOTED.
MR TOPLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE EXISTING SAFETY LAWS AND TO ENACT NEW LEGISLATION WHERE NECESSARY, AND REGULATIONS ARE BEING DRAFTED TO PROVIDE WORKERS WORKING AT HEIGHT WITH BETTER PROTECTION.
♦ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LAWS IS STEADILY BEING INTENSIFIED,♦ HE SAID.
/REFERRING TO .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198j
10
REFERRING TO THE EXTRAVAGANZA, MR TOPLEY SAID THAT IT IS PART OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS TO FIND BETTER WAYS AND MEANS OF BRINGING HOME THE WORK-SAFETY MESSAGE. SINCE ITS SHOWINGS LAST YEAR, THE SLIDE PRESENTATION HAS BEEN REPROGRAMMED TO ACHIEVE AN EVEN GREATER IMPACT ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY WORKERS.
IN HIS OPENING SPEECH, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR NEIL FENDER SON, SAID THAT AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONTINUE TO RE-STAGE +SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA Il+ IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR. THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING THE SHOW MOBILE SO THAT IT CAN BE TAKEN TO THE WORKERS IN THEIR HOME AREAS.
MR HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE NEW SAFETY SLIDE SHOW, THERE IS ON DISPLAY IN THE EXHIBITION A GREAT VARIETY CF SAFETY EQUIPMENT PUT UP BY SEVEN LOCAL COMPANIES.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES A STAND SET UP BY THE DEPARTMENT’S EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION TO PUBLICISE RECENT AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ABOUT EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION MATTERS FROM VISITORS.
THE SLIDES SHOW AND THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FROM TOMORROW UNTIL MAY 15.
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SURVEY TO COLLECT ECONOMIC DATA
X * X X X
IN CONTINUATION OF A SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEYS OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE SAME SECTOR, COLLECTING ECONOMIC DATA RELATING TO 1982.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS SURVEY IS TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SECTOR AND TO ANALYSE ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN ITS STRUCTURE SINCE THE LAST SURVEY.
INFORMATION SOUGHT INCLUDES TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, WAGES AND SALARIES OF EMPLOYEES, OPERATING EXPENSES, PURCHASES, SALES, STOCK AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN DECISION MAKING, TRADE PROMOTION AND MARKET ANALYSIS.
THEY WILL ALSO FORM A BASIS FOR ESTIMATING THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE NOW BEING SENT TO SOME 8 000 SELECTED WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.
THE SURVEY COVERS ALL ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 50 OR MORE PERSONS AS WELL AS A SAMPLE OF SMALLER ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED RANDOMLY.
/the establishments .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 198?
11
THE ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING THE QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE JULY 31, 1983 IN THE POSTAGE-PAID REPLY ENVELOPES FURNISHED.
ON REQUEST, CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS BEARING GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS WILL VISIT RESPONDENTS TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE 1982 SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) ORDER 1981.
THE ORDER WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 CF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 27, 1981 AND GAZETTED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 19 OF 1981 ON JANUARY 30, 1981.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE, INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE, AND ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL THE DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, WILL BE RELEASED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS URGED MANAGEMENTS RECEIVING ?Se QUESTIONNAIRES TO RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS PROMPTLY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE CENSUS STAFF DURING THE
ENUMERATION PERIOD
SURVEY
0 - -
ATTEMPTS TO CHECK CRIMES IN BUILDINGS * * * *
A NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN TSUEN WAN IN AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THE SECURITY SITUATION OF BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WAS AGREED DURING A RECENT MEETING CF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, TO DISCUSS FINDINGS OF A BUILDING SECURITY SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE LOCAL POLICE TWO MONTHS AGO.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT EVENTS BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDED SEMINARS ON CRIME PREVENTION, VISITS TO BUILDINGS AND INCREASING THE FREQUENCY OF POLICE PATROLS.
♦WE HOPE TO ORGANISE SEMINARS FOR CHAIRMEN AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MACS) AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OCS) WITH POLICE OFFICERS TALKING ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTALLING IRON GATES AND EMPLOYING CARETAKERS AND ON OTHER CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES,* SHE SAID.
♦IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO ARRANGE VISITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO BUILDINGS WHICH ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO CRIMES SO THAT THEY CAN UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION BETTER AND MAKE PERSONAL APPEALS TO MEMBERS OF MACS AND OCS.
♦THE POLICE CAN ALSO HELP BY INCREASING THE FREQUENCY OF PATROLS AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF VISITING BOOKS AT VULNERABLE BUILDINGS SO AS TO BETTER CO-OPERATE WITH MAC AND OC MEMBERS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO COMBAT CRIMES.^
/tcucf.sg c:........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 19^3
- 12 -
TOUCHING ON THE RECENT POLICE SURVEY IN TSUEN WAN, MISS CHUNG SAID IT SHOWED A DEFINITE CORRELATION BETWEEN SECURITY MEASURES IN A TENEMENT BUILDING AND THE SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRIME.
THE SURVEY COVERED 98 PER CENT OF BUILDINGS WITH MACS AND OCS, BUT EXCLUDED HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES, FACTORY AND OFFICE BUILDINGS, SQUATTER HUTS AND NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE HOUSES.
KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl WERE NOT SURVEYED BECAUSE OF THE PREPONDERANCE OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE TWO DISTRICTS.
BUILDINGS COVERED BY THE SURVEY ARE CLASSIFIED INTO THREE CATEGORIES: GRADE A ARE BUILDINGS WITH ENTRANCES FITTED WITH IRON GATES AND CARETAKERS ARE EMPLOYED THEREIN; GRADE B ARE THOSE EITHER FITTED WITH IRON GATES OR CARETAKERS ARE EMPLOYED; AND GRADE C ARE BUILDINGS WITHOUT ANY IRON GATE OR CARETAKER.
THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT THERE ARE 104 (41.3 PER CENT) GRADE A BUILDINGS, 102 (40.5 PER CENT) GRADE B BUILDINGS AND 46 (18.2 PER CENT) GRADE C BUILDINGS IN TSUEN WAN PROPER.
A TOTAL OF 66 SELECTED CRIMES, MAINLY ROBBERY AND BURGLARY, WERE COMMITTED AGAINST PERSONS OR HOUSEHOLDS IN THESE THREE GRADES OF BUILDINGS DURING THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR.
THE VICTIMISATION RATE FOR GRADE A BUILDINGS WAS 19.2 PER CENT, 28.4 PER CENT FOR GRADE B AND 36.9 PER CENT FOR GRADE C.
♦ IT IS CONCLUDED THAT PEOPLE LIVING IN GRADE C BUILDINGS FACE THE HIGHEST RISK OF CRIMES, AND IT IS BLATANTLY CLEAR THAT BOTH GRADE B AND C BUILDINGS ARE MORE VULNERABLE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF CRIMES,♦ SAID MISS CHUNG.
AT THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MEMBERS ALSO IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS FACED BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN GRADE B AND C BUILDINGS:
* LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARISING FROM THE INDIFFERENCE OR INCOOPERATIVENESS OF THE OWNERS OR TENANTS;
* OPPOSITION TO THE INSTALLATION OF IRON GATES FROM OWNERS OR TENANTS WHO OPERATE BUSINESS IN THE BUILDINGS BECAUSE THE GATES WILL CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO THEIR CUSTOMERS;
* INDIFFERENCE OF MACS AND OCS, ESPECIALLY THE INACTIVE ONES, TOWARDS INSTALLING SUCH GATES AND ENGAGING CARETAKERS; AND
M LACK OF LIFT HALL OR PUBLIC AREA IN BUILDINGS TO ACCOMMODATE THE CARETAKER ESPECIALLY IN PRE-WAR AND OLD TYPE OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
- 0 -
/13
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
- 13 -
AMENDMENTS TO OUTLINE ZONING PLAN
* * * M M
FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL AND SAN PO KONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT INVOLVES THE ZONING OF ABOUT 7.1 HECTARES CF LAND AT TAI HOM FOR +RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)+ DEVELOPMENT. IT IS INTENDED THAT ONE OF THE SITES WOULD BE DEVELOPED AS A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 15 □□□ PERSONS IN 3 900 FLATS. THE OTHER ONE IS DESIGNATED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FOR ABOUT 16 000 PERSONS IN 4 000 FLATS.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INVOLVE THE ZONING OF THE DIAMOND HILL QUARRY FOR +UNDETERMINED+ PURPOSE, GENERAL REVISION OF LAND USE LAYOUT PROPOSALS FOR TAI HOM DEVELOPMENT AREA, ETC.
PROPOSALS ARE ALSO MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES OF THE PLAN.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD’ THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 4TH AND 5TH FLOORS, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON OR BEFORE MAY 26.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AT $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
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LARGEST NUMBER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CADETS PROMOTED
*****
A TOTAL OF 37 OFFICER CADETS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PROMOTED TO FULL OFFICERS, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF CADETS IN THE HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT EVER PROMOTED TO THE OFFICER RANK AT ONE TIME.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY TODAY (FRIDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, PRESENTED THEM WITH LETTERS OF APPOINTMENT.
/SPEAKING AT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 19&J
14
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR GARNER SAID THE AGES OF THE NEWLY PROMOTED OFFICERS RANGE FROM 23 TO 41 YEARS, AND THEIR AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE IS SEVEN YEARS.
ALL THE NEWLY PROMOTED, THREE OF WHOM ARE WOMEN, JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND WERE APPOINTED AS OFFICER CADETS A YEAR AGO FOR THEIR EXCELLENT WORK PERFORMANCE.
AMONG THEM IS MISS LEUNG KAR-LING OF TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR YOUNG FEMALE OFFENDERS.
SHE JOINED THE SERVICE IN 1977 AND HAS BEEN AWARDED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN THE TRAINING OF THE TAI TAM GIRLS’ PRECISION MARCHING TEAM.
-----0------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
UMELCO MEMBERS TO VISIT KWUN TONG *****
J,S?2UL?\JIHELC0 MEMB£RS “ILL VISIT KWUN TONG ON MONDAY
™’u^alOdiIt»i?tIbo*SIIT‘l i"pro,e"ent works C4RR,e“ out ”
THE GROUP, LED BY THE REV JOYCE BENNETT WILL BE ACCOMPANIFn
VArIouS^GOVERNHSN^DEPARTMENTsII ' "‘K’ ‘NI> r6pRESE"T‘TI''EE
with Tucm D<STRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DISCUSS
WITH THEM MATTERS OF INTEREST IN THE DISTRICT.
™*NS?^AW?LPRy£^S;|SH.‘R|H?^C27|HISGC?JES*KTeHEUSVPiFT-THIS
"str IS OFFICE JnStSEyII ST?REEE,TRAT09R?5N?M?F ™E KWU“ ™G
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----o------
/15........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
- 15 -
CAREERS TEACHERS EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE M * * *
THE RESPONSIBILITY AND ROLE OF CAREERS TEACHERS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, W MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAREERS MASTERS’ SEMINAR 1983 AT THE AUDITORIUM OF HANG SENG BANK BUILDING, M? LEUNG SAID STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE A BETTER CHOICE BOTH IN FURTHER EDUCATION AND IN SELECTING A CAREER IF THEY RECEIVED PROPER COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE FROM THEIR TEACHERS IN SCHOOL.
TODAY’S SEMINAR, AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND THE HANG SENG BANK, IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A VENUE FOR CAREERS TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE THEIR JOB EXPERIENCE.
MR LEUNG SAID PROPER COUNSELLING FOR TODAY’S STUDENTS WAS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN IN THE PAST IN VIEW OF THE ADVANCEMENT IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE RISE OF NEW INDUSTRIES AND THE MODIFICATION OF SCHOOL CURRICULUM TO COPE WITH SOCIAL NEEDS.
SIMILARLY, CAREERS TEACHERS SHOULD LEARN AND MAKE USE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT MEANS AND RESOURCES WHILE CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESULT, HE SAID.
MR LEUNG CALLED ON CAREERS TEACHERS TO TAKE PART IN MORE SEMINARS, IN-SERVICE OR EXTRA-MURAL COURSES IN ORDER TO SHARPEN THEIR TOOLS. IN THIS RESPECT, HE NOTED THAT THE FIRST TRAINING COURSE FOR CAREERS’ TEACHERS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD BE HELD FROM AUGUST 26.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS, IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, CASSETTE TAPES AND VIDEO TAPES, HAD RECENTLY SET UP A RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT SECTION WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING BETTER SERVICE TO PUPILS, PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
STUDENTS, PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOMED TO MAKE USE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE WHICH WAS OPENED LAST MONTH, HE SAID.
LASTLY, MR LEUNG PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS FOR THEIR INITIATIVE AND DEVOTION IN INTRODUCING AN ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR STUDENTS AS FROM NEXT MONTH.
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/16........
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
- 16 -
ROYAL OBSERVATORY DECLARED HISTORICAL BUILDING * * *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN NATHAN ROAD KOWLOON IS DECLARED A HISTORICAL BUILDING, IT WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING WHICH HAS A FINE BRICK STRUCTURE WITH ARCHED WINDOWS AND LONG VERANDAHS WAS BUILT IN 1883.
IT IS BEING DECLARED A HISTORICAL BUILDING UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE FOLLOWING THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
-----0------
LANDS AND WORKS PRIZE PRESENTATION * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, IS RETIRING IN A FEW WEEKS TIME, TODAY PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS SPORTS EVENTS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR BY LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
WHO
THE
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE MARINERS CLUB IN KOWLOON TODAY, MR MCDONALD SAID THAT HE VERY MUCH ENJOYED AND SUPPORTED THE SPORT ACTIVITIES AS THEY WOULD GIVE THE GREATEST DEGREE OF ENJOYMENT TO THE STAFF AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD BEEN OFFICIATING AT SPORTING EVENTS AND CEREMONIES FOR THE LAST 10 YEARS AS ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THEN DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND MORE RECENTLY AS SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.
TODAY’S FUNCTION, HE SAID, MARKED HIS LAST FORMAL CONNECTION WITH THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP SPORTS DAY.
HOWEVER, HE WAS SURE THAT HIS SUCCESSOR, MR N.K. CHAN, WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE GROUP’S SPORT ACTIVITIES WHICH, HE WAS CONFIDENT, WOULD CONTINUE TO FLOURISH FOR THE YEARS TO COME.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WON THE WRIGHT CUP AND A.0. CUP RESPECTIVELY BY SCORING MOST POINTS IN THE MEN’S AND LADIES TEAM
EVENTS.
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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1983
17
WIDENING OF SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN THE EXISTING SO KWUN WAT ROAD AND A PROPOSED ACCESS ROAD TO NEW CAFETERIA BEACH INTO A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY.
THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS, WHICH INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY HAUL ROAD IN SO KWUN WAT VALLEY AND A NEW ROAD TO SERVE NEW CAFETERIA BEACH, WILL FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF BOTH THE SO KWUN WAT MARINA PROJECT AND THE NEARBY RESIDENTIAL HOUSING SCHEME.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS ARE PART OF THE STAGE II EXTENSION AREA OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
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.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 5.
- o - -
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS X * *
ACTIVITIES ON TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL TALENTS AND ARTS GROUPS ARE BEING PLANNED FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS THIS YEAR BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL.
IN ADDITION THE COUNCIL, WHICH WAS FORMED A YEAR AGO, WILL ALSO ORGANISE APPROPRIATE COMPETITIONS TO HELP STIMULATE THE PUBLIC’S INTEREST TOWARDS ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL MR CHENG WOO-YICK SAID TODAY THE EMPHASIS, THIS YEAR, WILL BE MORE ON TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CF LOCAL TALENTS AND ARTS GROUPS.
HE ADDED THAT A CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT VARIETY SHOW, THE FIRST LARGE SCALE FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL, WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 8) IN THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
IT WILL FEATURE TWO HOURS OF SINGING, MODERN, ORIENTAL AND FOLK DANCES BY SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS.
/OTHER EVICTS
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 1985
18
OTHER EVENTS BEING PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDE A TALK ON FISH BREEDING AND PET-CARING, DANCE AND MUSIC APPRECIATION NIGHTS, FLOWER AND POTTED PLANTS EXHIBITION, ESSAY WRITING AND TRANSLATION COMPETITIONS, AND MUSIC TRAINING COURSE.
PRIOR TO THE VARIETY SHOW ON SUNDAY EVENING, THE COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS INAUGURATION CEREMONY.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEE LAP-SUN, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR F.K. HU, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY.
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HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN ENDS M * * *
A SEMINAR CUM MOVIE DAY AND A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE WEEK-LONG YAU MA TEI HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE HOME SAFETY SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM IN THE OCEAN THEATRE AND THE GUEST SPEAKERS ARE MR CHAN WAI-WANG, AND DR LAWRENCE WAN, CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME SAFETY TALK AND SEMINAR COMMITTEE, MR KWOK YIU-WAI OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, AND MR LAI KAM-HON OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SHOW OF THE FILM +IT TAKES TWO+.
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 7.30 PM AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, FEATURING SINGING AND DANCING BY WELL KNOWN ARTISTS AND STUDENTS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT
X * X
VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TO TURN RIGHT INTO KING’S ROAD
MOUNT PARKER ROAD WILL NOT BE EASTBOUND FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY
ALLOWED (MAY 9).
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL TRACKS.
LAST TWO WEEKS FOR THE RENEWAL OF TRAM
VEHICLES HEADING FOR VIA KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND, FINNIE STREET.
KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TONG CHONG STREET, HOI KWONG STREET AND
0 --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 198}
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT STATEMENT BY VISITING MPS................................ 1
BUY FRESH MEAT FROM MARKET STALLS ONLY ........................ 1
MORE FORUMS TO DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS ......................... 2
PRESS CONFERENCE ON JOINT-FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS ................ 3
NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN .............................. 3
ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS ............. U
SAFETY SHOW ON MOBILE THEATRE ................................ 5
ROAD CONSTRUCTION FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ................ 5
NEW FOOTBRIDGES FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ......................... 6
REGATTA ON SHING MUN RIVER .................................... 6
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN ........................ 7
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN HO MAN TIN ................................. 7
1
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1983
JOINT STATEMENT BY VISITING MPS X KM
THE FOLLOWING IS A JOINT STATEMENT BY THE TWO VISITING BRITISH MPS MR MARK CARISLE AND MR TONY DURANT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD IN THE GIS THEATRE TODAY (SATURDAY).
♦ I WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING HOW MUCH WE HAVE BOTH ENJOYED OUR VISIT TO HONG KONG. AS YOU KNOW WE CAME HERE ON A FACT FINDING VISIT. I EXPECT THAT YOU MAY HAVE SEEN DETAILS OF OUR PROGRAMME AND YOU WILL SEE THAT DURING THE WEEK WE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE AND ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG. WE ARE PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL TO ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO GAVE UP THEIR TIME TO SEE US.
♦ AS A RESULT WE WILL RETURN TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WITH A FAR GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG AND WE CERTAINLY INTEND TO MAKE USE OF THAT KNOWLEDGE AND TO PASS ON OUR FIRST HAND IMPRESSIONS TO OUR COLLEAGUES IN PARLIAMENT.
+WE HAVE LEARNED OF THE ENORMOUS STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE OBVIOUS OPTIMISM THAT EXISTS AMONG MANUFACTURERS AS EVIDENCED BY WHAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT THE RAPIDLY IMPROVING STATE OF THEIR ORDER BOOKS, AND THE INCREASING VOLUMNE OF EXPORT TRADE.
♦ WE HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXIST FOR INCREASING BRITISH TRADE AND WE WILL CERTAINLY BE TAKING THAT MESSAGE BACK TO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
♦ WE HAVE SEEN FOR OURSELVES THE SPEED OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH HAS TAKEN PLACE AND THE REMARKABLE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS COPED WITH THE TREMENDOUS INCREASE IN POPULATION OVER RECENT YEARS.
♦ ABOVE ALL WE HAVE BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF GOODWILL THAT EXISTS TOWARDS THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WE HAVE BEEN MADE VERY MUCH AWARE OF BRITAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE.
♦ FOR BOTH OF US THIS HAS BEEN A MEMORABLE FIRST VISIT AND WE CERTAINLY HOPE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN AGA IN.+
- - 0 -
BUY FRESH MEAT FROM MARKET STALLS ONLY
MX*
NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS WERE TODAY URGED TO BUY PORK MEAT FROM PROPER MARKET STALLS AND NOT FROM THOSE WITH MEAT SUPPLIED BY ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERHOUSES AS THEY MIGHT LEAD TO HEALTH HAZARD.
IN ISSUING THE APPEAL TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE PORK SOLD BY UNLICENSED ON-STREET HAWKERS MIGHT BE UNSUITABLE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
TO ENSURE THAT MEAT PRODUCED BY LICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSES IS FREE OF DISEASE, AND HYGIENICALLY PREPARED, EACH PIG CARCASS IS EXAMINED BY HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THE NTSD WHO ARE SPECIALLY TRAINED IN MEAT INSPECTION BEFORE THE MEAT IS PASSED FOR SALE, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
/HE SAID
2
• /v>
HE SAID ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERING AND POSSESSION OF PROHIBITED 0FFENCE8 PUNISHABLE BY FINES AND WITH A POSSIBLE JAIL SENTENCE.
THREE SUCH OFFENDERS HAD BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE COURT DURING w £8.°’ THEM “RE FI"ED* 200 EACH'WH,LE
MEANWHILE ENFORCEMENT ACTION ARE BEING STEPPED UP IN VARIOUS ™E NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN YUEN LONG AND NORTH DISTRICT.
THE NTSD SPOKESMAN REMINDED MEAT SHOP OPERATORS NOT TO CUT IP PIG CARCASSES ON THE FLOOR OF THEIR SHOPS OR IN THE STREET OTHERWISE THEY MAY BE PROSECUTED.
------o-------
MORE FORUMS TO DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS * ft ft *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD SEVEN SEMINARS THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON LOCAL PROBLEMS WITH BOARD MEMBERS.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND THE FIRST SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MAY 12.
SEPARATE SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS, SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, EMPLOYEES FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, OFFICE BEARERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS, FISHERMEN AND CLERGYMEN ARE BEING PLANNED FOR LATER THIS YEAR.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, SAID WOULD TAKE THE FORM OF PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO BE TWO DISTRICT BOARD UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS.
♦REPORTS SUMMARISING THE POINTS RAISED IN WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD AND ITS RELATED CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.
♦FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS WILL THEN BE TAKEN ON APPROPRIATE PROPOSALS. ’
THE SEMINARS CHAIRED BY ONE TO
EACH SESSION COMMITTEES FOR
FEASIBLE AND
♦IN ALL CASES, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE LETTERS FROM THE BOARD ADVISING THEA OF THE POSITION AND FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN, IF ANY.*
SIMILAR SEMINARS WERE HELD LAST YEAR AND THEY HAD PROVED TO BE VERY USEFUL.
♦THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME AT HFUNfi YIP ROAD AMD YIP FAT STREET AMD THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT STUDENT SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME WAS THE RESULT OF SUGGESTIONS MADE DURING LAST YEAR’S SEMINARS,* MR KWONG ADDED.
AT THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD MEETING, MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT THE SEMINARS HAD PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL CHANNEL FOR THEM To FAMILIARISE WITH DIFFERENT ISSUES AND THUS HELP THEM GAIN A MORE BALANCED VIEW ON THE DISTRICT’S PROBLEMS.
THE SEMINARS ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMMUNITY TO PUT FORTH PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL LIVING CONDITIONS.
------0------- /5..................
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1983
NOTE TO EDITORSi
PRESS CONFERENCE ON JOINT-FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS ft ft ft *
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 9) AT 4 PM TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE JOINT-FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN.
IT WILL BE GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, W KENNETH TOPLEY.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE 6IS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
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NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN ft ft ft ft ft
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
TWO OF THE AMENDMENTS INVOLVE THE DESIGNATION OF FURTHER SITES AT THE HAMMER HILL ROAD FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
ONE INVOLVES THE ZONING OF 0.7 HECTARE OF LAND AT HAMMER HILL ROAD FOR ♦RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)+ PURPOSES. THE SITE IS INTENDED FOR A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 2 700 PERSONS IN 590 FLATS.
THE OTHER INVOLVES THE DESIGNATION OF AN ADJACENT 1.5 HECTARES OF LAND FOR ♦PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE INCLUDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME/HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME*. THIS SITE IS INTENDED TO ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 3 700 PERSONS IN 960 FLATS.
OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE RELATED TO THE DESIGNATION OF SITES FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES, INCLUDING A 6.4-HECTARE SITE TO THE NORTH OF CHOI WAN ESTATE FOR +OPEN SPACE*, A ONE-HECTARE SITE AT NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD FOR A MARKET, AND A 0.2-HECTARE LAND AS AN EXTENSION TO THE DIAMOND HILL CREMATORIUM FOR A COLUMBARIUM.
PROPOSALS ARE ALSO MADE TO REVISE THE SCHEDULE OF NOTES OF THE PLAN.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD? THE DISTRICT OFFICE (&ENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN), SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 4TH AND 5TH FLOORS, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG. KOWLOON.
/ANT PERSON ....
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 198?
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD ON OR BEFORE MAY 26.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING. GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AT |1O FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND |6O FOR A COLOURED COPY.
ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS * * * *
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AT THE REQUEST OF THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, W‘LL OFFER AN INTENSIVE COURSE IN ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR WORKING JOURNALISTS IN JUNE 1983.
THE COURSE IS ONE OF A SERIES OF PRACTICAL COURSES AND WORKSHOPS PLANNED BY THE BOARD TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF JOURNALISM IN HONG KONG.
IT AIMS AT PROVIDING WORKING JOURNALISTS WITH TRAINING THAT WOULD MAKE THEM MORE EFFECTIVE IN COMMUNICATING IN ENGLISH WHEN DEALING WITH JOB-RELATED SITUATIONS.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 6 TO JULY 1 WITH THREE THREE-HOUR SESSIONS PER WEEK.
FEES FOR THE COURSE TO BE PAID BY THE PARTICIPANTS OR THEIR EMPLOYERS WILL BE $100.
THE CONTENTS OF THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE COMMUNICATION SKILLS, TECHNIQUES OF QUESTIONING AND INTERVIEWING, TELEPHONE CONVERSATION, LISTENING COMPREHENSION-SKILLS AND ORAL PRESENTATION.
LECTURES ON THE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES OF ENGLISH, NATIONAL VARIETIES AND CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS WILL BE GIVEN IN ADDITION TO PRACTICAL WORK IN THE LANGUAGE LABORATORY.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 21 AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 25. APPLICANTS MUST BE WORKING JOURNALISTS.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR FRANK NG, SECRETARY OF THE JOURNALISM BOARD ON 5-284783 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1983
5
SAFETY SHOW ON MOBILE THEATRE
* * *
A SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FEATURING POPULAR TELEVISION ARTISTES AND SINGERS WILL BE STAGED ON THE GIS +MOBILE STREET THEATRE* AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FOR VISITORS TO THE ♦SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA II* AND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION BEING HELD IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE TWO-HOUR SHOW, TO BE COMPERED BY WELL-KNOWN TV PERSONALITIES, MARY HON AND HUNG LEUNG-SEK, WILL DRIVE HOME THE SAFETY MESSAGES THROUGH MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS AS WELL AS SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS RITA CARPIO, PANG KIN-SUN AND CHEUNG MING-MAN.
♦THE SHOW IS AIMED AT BRINGING MORE ENTERTAINMENT TO VISITORS BESIDES MESSAGES OF WORK SAFETY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
♦SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA II* AND THE EXHIBITION ARE THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES PLANNED FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S SI.3 MILLION INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR 1983-84. THEY ARE NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11.30 AM TO 7 PM DAILY UNTIL MAY 15.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE +MOBILE STREET THEATRE* SHOW.
------0 ------
ROAD CONSTRUCTION FOR TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
X * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT THE INTERNAL ROADS IN THE THIRD STAGE AREA OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE LAND OVER WHICH THE INTERNAL ROADS ARE TO BE CONSTRUCTED HAVE YET TO BE RECLAIMED; THESE INTERNAL ROADS WILL MAINLY SERVE THE USERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL LOTS, GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, PUBLIC FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE TO BE PROVIDED ON THE RECLAMATION AREA.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE? AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 5.
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/6........
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1983
6
NEW FOOTBRIDGES FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN * * * * *
AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT THREE NEW FOOTBRIDGES IN THE TOWN.
ONE FOOTBRIDGE WILL SPAN PUI TO ROAD, IMMEDIATELY EAST CF THE NULLAH AND CONNECT SAN FAT ESTATE TO THE PROPOSED TOWN PARK TO THE SOUTH.
THE SECOND FOOTBRIDGE WILL SPAN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, SOUTH OF PUl TO ROAD, TO CONNECT THE PROPOSED TOWN PARK WITH THE PROPOSED BUS STATION WITHIN THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX TO THE EAST.
THE THIRD ONE WILL BE A DUAL PURPOSE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE FOOTBRIDGE SPANNING CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE TUEN MUN NULLAH IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TUEN MUN TO SERVE THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
NOTICES CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
PLANS SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUBOFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; OR AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 5.
------o-------
REGATTA ON SHING MUN RIVER ft ft * ft
THE BIGGEST REGATTA EVER STAGED IN HONG KONG OPENS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT SHA TIN ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER WITH MORE THAN 170 OVERSEAS AND LOCAL ROWERS TAKING PART.
THE TWO-DAY HONG KONG ROWING CHAMPIONSHIP HAS ATTRACTED CLUB CREWS FROM AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, BURMA, THE PHILIPPINES AND HONG KONG TO COMPETE IN 14 EVENTS.
THIS ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ROWING COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ROWING ASSOCIATION AND FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG BANK FUND.
ALL THE FINALS WILL BE ROWED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) BETWEEN <.3Q PM AND 5 PM. SPECTATOR FACILITIES AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE NEAR THE SHA TIN FLOATING RESTAURANT. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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/7......
SATURDAY, MAY 7, 1983
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SAI YING PUN * * *
EASTERN STREET BETWEEN SECOND STREET AND THIRD STREET IN SAI YING PUN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 9).
THIS ARRANGEMENT IS TO ALLOW FOR ROAD WORKS, DURING WHICH TIME TRAFFIC ON THE OTHER SECTION OF EASTERN STREET BETWEEN THIRD STREET AND HIGH STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG THIRD STREET HEADING TOWARDS HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CENTRE STREET, FIRST STREET AND EASTERN STREET.
o - -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN HO MAN TIN * * *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 9), PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD IN HO MAN TIN AND A 20-METRE SECTION OF CHI MAN STREET NEAR ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORT ON SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR DISABLED .................... 1
EASTERN DB BY-ELECTION ON THURSDAY............................. 2
WARNING ON BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS............................. 3
ADVICE ON USE OF WELL AND STREAM WATER FOR DRINKING......... 4
600 FILMS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC ..............................
ACCESS ROAD FOR TAI PO ........................................ 5
CHARITY WALK FOR SCHOOL ....................................... 6
NEW ROADS IN YUEN LONG ........................................ 6
SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT .............. 7
KWAI FONG CAR PARK TO OPEN ON TUESDAY ......................... 7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON TONG ................ 8
WATER CUT ON CHEUNG CHAU ...................................... 8
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1983
1
REPORT ON SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR DISABLED * * * *
A REPORT EXAMINING THE ROLES AND OBJECTIVES OF HONG KONG’S SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE DISABLED WILL SHORTLY BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE REPORT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY A WORKING PARTY SET UP IN JUNE 1981 BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WORKING PARTY CONDUCTED A DETAILED SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S 18 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE EXPERIENCE OF SEVEN COUNTRIES IN THIS PROFESSIONAL FIELD.
ON THE BASIS OF THIS SURVEY, THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDS THE ACCELERATED PROVISION OF PLACES IN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FROM AN ADDITIONAL 300 PLACES A YEAR TO AN AVERAGE OF 550 PLACES ANNUALLY OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT THIS PROVISION WILL ALMOST TREBLE THE PRESENT 1 654 PLACES OVER THE PERIOD, AND WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS SATISFYING THE THEORETICAL DEMAND OF 14 441 PLACES IN THE LONG TERM.
IT ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT IN DUE COURSE, TWO NEW PILOT SHELTERED WORKSHOPS BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO CATER FOR CERTAIN DISABLED PERSONS.
THESE PERSONS, THOUGH UNABLE BY NATURE OF THEIR DISABILITY TO ENTER INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT, ARE ABLE TO ATTAIN HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY IN THEIR WORK THAN NORMAL SHELTERED WORKSHOP WORKERS.
THESE PRODUCTION-ORIENTED WORKSHOPS, IT IS RECOMMENDED, WILL EXTEND INTO NEW AREAS OF WORK OF A MORE CHALLENGING AND REWARDING NATURE, MOVING AWAY FROM RELIANCE ON THE SIMPLE AND REPETITIVE SUB-ASSEMBLY WORK CARRIED OUT IN THE MAJORITY OF THE EXISTING 18 SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
ACCORDING TO THE RECOMMENDATION, THE MORE CAPABLE DISABLED PEOPLE ARE TO BE CHANNELLED INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
THIS WILL BE DONE THROUGH AN IMPROVED REFERRAL SYSTEM RECOMMENDED FOR USE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE.
THOSE WHO HAVE NO CHANCE OF REACHING A PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY OF ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF AN ABLE-BODIED PERSON WILL BE GIVEN RETRAINING OR MORE SUITABLE SERVICES IN WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
TO PROVIDE MORE APPROPRIATE REFERRALS, THE WORKING PARTY HAS DEVISED A MORE RATIONAL AND OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM, DRAWING ON OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE.
/THE REPORT ...
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 198?
2
THE REPORT SUGGESTS THAT THE CAPACITY OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS BE INCREASED TO BETWEEN 120 AND 160 WORKERS IN FUTURE AND WORKSHOPS BE LOCATED ON A DISTRICT BASIS TO SUIT LOCAL NEEDS.
TO REFLECT THE EMPLOYMENT ASPECT OF SHELTERED WORKSHOPS, THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT STAFFING STANDARDS BE IMPROVED BY PROVIDING EACH SHELTERED WORKSHOP WITH A MANAGER AND A SUPERVISOR WITH QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE IN AN INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL SETTING.
IT SAYS THAT THIS MOVE WILL ALLOW THE SOCIAL WORKER IN EACH WORKSHOP TO CONCENTRATE MORE ON MEETING THE SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE WORKERS THAN ON RUNNING THE WORKSHOP, AS HAS BEEN THE PREVIOUS PRACTICE.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT EVEN THOUGH 100 PER CENT OF THE PROFIT OF THE WORKSHOPS IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE WORKERS — THE SALARIES OF THE SUPERVISORY STAFF BEING TAKEN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT — WAGES IN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WERE LIKELY TO REMAIN LOW.
THE REPORT CONTAINS NEW GUIDELINES FOR THE PAYMENT OF WORKERS, RECOMMENDING THAT THE DAILY INCENTIVE ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE BE RAISED FROM THE PRESENT 15.50 TO $7.50 A DAY, TO REFLECT THE INCREASE IN THE LIVING COST SINCE 1980.
COPIES OF THE REPORT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH BY CALLING 5-95539.
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EASTERN DB BY-ELECTION ON THURSDAY M X * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI, TODAY APPEALED TO ALL THE 22 155 REGISTERED ELECTORS IN QUARRY BAY TO VOTE IN THE FIRST DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION ON THURSDAY (MAY 12) TO SELECT A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THEIR CONSTITUENCY.
IN A LETTER TO THE VOTERS, MR LUI SAID THAT WHILE THE BY-ELECTION WOULD, BY ITS VERY NATURE, BE A SMALLER AFFAIR THAN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, IT WAS NEVERTHELESS A VERY IMPORTANT EVENT FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE.
♦THE CANDIDATE TO BE ELECTED WILL BE YOUR SPOKESMAN ON THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WHO WILL BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE YOUR VIEWS ON THE PROVISION AND ADEQUACY OF GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN QUARRY BAY TO THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD,+ HE SAID.
+CONSEQUENTLY, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT HE REPRESENTS THE VIEWS OF THE MAJORITY OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS IN QUARRY BAY AND THIS CAN ONLY BE ENSURED BY YOUR VOTING FOR THE CANDIDATE OF YOUR CHOICE ON POLLING DAY.*
/THE vacancy ....
SUNDAT, MAY 8, 198j
3
THE VACANCY ON THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WAS CREATED UPON THE ELECTION OF A MEMBER, MR KWAN LIM-HO, TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN MARCH.
MR LUI SAID REGISTERED ELECTORS OF QUARRY BAY HAD DISPLAYED THEIR INTEREST IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BY THEIR EXCELLENT TURN-OUT AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
♦TO ENSURE THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, I APPEAL TO YOU TO VOTE AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE POLLING STATIONS ON THURSDAY,♦ HE ADDED.
TWO POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN ON ELECTION DAY AT THE TAI KOO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB COLLEGE FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM.
ELECTORS SHOULD VOTE AT THE POLLING STATION INDICATED ON THE POLL CARD SENT TO THEM FROM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE.
ANYONE WHO HAS STILL NOT RECEIVED OR MISPLACED HIS POLL CARD MAY CONTACT THE OFFICE AT 5-270369 OR 5-270380 TO FIND OUT THE LOCATION OF HIS POLLING STATION.
ELECTORS MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARD FOR VOTING AND THEY CAN VOTE FOR ONE CANDIDATE ONLY.
- - 0 - -
WARNING ON BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS M * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE SOLICITING MONEY BY IMPERSONATING OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID REPORTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED THAT A MAN CLAIMING TO BE AN OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN SOLICITING MONEY FROM FACTORY PROPRIETORS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN A PURPORTED DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATION.
♦NO OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN AUTHORISED TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT MONEY FOR SUCH PURPOSE,♦ HE STRESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE FREE, AND PAMPHLETS OR BOOKLETS ON LABOUR LEGISLATION PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT ARE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE.
HE REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT ALL OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND WARRANTS BEARING THE PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME OF THE HOLDER.
MEMBERS OF THE FACTORY AND LABOUR INSPECTORATES ARE UNDER INSTRUCTIONS TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR WARRANTS WHEN VISITING FACTORIES, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CHECK ON THE IDENTITY OF VISITORS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION IF THEY ARE IN
DOUBT.
SUNDAY, MAY 6, 1984
ADVICE ON USE OF WELL AND STREAM WATER FOR DRINKING
******
HIKERS AND VILLAGERS IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ADVISED THAT WELL AND STREAM WATER SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR DRINKING AFTER BOILING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT UNBOILED WELL AND STREAM WATER MIGHT CONTAIN BACTERIA HARMFUL TO HEALTH.
HE SAID THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE NTSD AND VARIOUS DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES OFFICES ARE NOW JOINTLY MOUNTING A CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON WATER HYGIENE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HEALTH INSPECTORS ARE VISITING THE VILLAGES AND ADVISING THEM NOT TO DRINK WATER OTHER THAN MAINS WATER.
DURING THE VISITS, INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON THE SAFE USE OF WELL AND STREAM WATER ARE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO THE VILLAGERS.
TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC HEALTH, STAFF OF THE NTSD ARE CONSTANTLY CARRYING OUT CHLORINATION EXERCISE ON ALL WELLS USED BY VILLAGERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEANWHILE, NOTICE BOARDS WARNING AGAINST THE DRINKING OF WELL WATER ARE ALSO ERECTED IN THE VICINITY OF SOME WELLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----o------
600 FILMS AVAILABLE TO PUBLIC
* * *
WOULD YOU LIKE TO WATCH SPLENDID BRITISH ROYAL WEDDINGS OR EXCITING UK SOCCER CUP FINALS AGAIN — AT ANY TIME AND PLACE, AND AT NO COST?
YOU CAN, BECAUSE THESE AND MORE ARE AMONG THE SELECTION OF SOME 600 16MM COLOUR FILMS WHICH MAY BE BORROWED FREE OF CHARGE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM THE FILM LIBRARY OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE STOCK ALSO INCLUDES AMUSING, EDUCATIONAL AND DOCUMENTARY FILMS COVERING MANY TOPICS IN CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OTHER COUNTRIES.
SOME OF THESE FILMS SHOW REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN AGRICULTURE FORESTRY, FISHERIES, INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION.
9
/OTHERS FEATURE
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 198?
- 5 -
OTHERS FEATURE SCENIC SPOTS AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES OR EXAMINE PROBLEMS OF THE PRESENT-DAY WORLD.
THERE ARE ALSO FILMS PRESENTING DIFFERENT FACETS OF HONG KONG OR HIGHLIGHTING VARIOUS CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
TITLES AND SYNOPSES OF THESE FILMS WITH ENGLISH AND/OR CANTONESE COMMENTARY ARE LISTED IN THE FILM CATALOGUE 83, COPIES OF WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC ON REQUEST. THE CATALOGUE IS A REVISION OF THE 1980 EDITION.
THOSE WHO WISH TO BORROW THE FILMS SHOULD MAKE ADVANCE BOOKING WITH THE FILM LIBRARY, PROMOTIONS SUB-DIVISION, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, 13/F, UNITED CENTRE, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG (TEL. 5-275115).
LAST YEAR, A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 160 FILMS WERE ON LOAN TO
SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS, WITH 220 SHOWINGS DRAWING AN AUDIENCE OF OVER 10 000.
-----o-----
ACCESS ROAD FOR TAI PO X X X M
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT AN ACCESS ROAD TO A PLATFORM TO BE FORMED IN A BORROW AREA SOUTH OF TUNG TSZ ROAD IN TAI PO.
THE EARTH FILLING MATERIALS TO BE OBTAINED FROM THE BORROW AREA WILL BE USED FOR RECLAMATION OF TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE STAGE III. THE PLATFORM WILL BE USED AS A VILLAGE EXTENSION AREA.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 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 TAI PO DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE JULY 5.
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/6 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1983
6
CHARITY WALK FOR SCHOOL
MX**
A SUM OF $85 OOO RAISED IN A RECENT CHARITY WALK WAS PRESENTED TO THE EBENEZER SCHOOL AND HOME FOR THE BLIND TODAY (SUNDAY).
ABOUT 250 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE WALK AT THE POKFULAM COUNTRY PARK ON MARCH 13 TO RAISE FUNDS FOR REFURBISHING THE SCHOOL LIBRARY FACILITIES AND BUILDING A LAUNDRY DRYING GROUND AT THE INSTITUTE’S HOME FOR THE AGED.
THE WALKATHON WAS INITIATED BY THE POKFULAM AREA COMMITTEE AND WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND A NUMBER OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
AT A CEREMONY TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WALKATHON ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR PATRICK TSENG, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THE AMOUNT TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE, MR K. MARSHALL.
-----0------
NEW ROADS IN YUEN LONG
* X X X
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT NEW ROADS IN A NUMBER OF AREAS IN YUEN LONG.
THE PROPOSED WORKS FORM PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN, AND WHEN COMPLETED WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO AREAS BEING FORMED OR DEVELOPED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 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 YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 5.
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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1983
7
SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
*****
THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL WILL SEND A TEAM TO TAKE PART IN THE 12TH ASIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT WHICH WILL BE HELD IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, FROM MAY 20 TO 30.
IN ADDITION TO HONG KONG, SIX COUNTRIES WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE TOURNAMENT. THEY ARE SOUTH KOREA, BRUNEI, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA AND THAILAND. HONG KONG WAS THE THIRD RUNNER-UP LAST YEAR.
PRIOR TO THE TEAM’S DEPARTURE FOR SEOUL ON MAY 20, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WHO IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, WILL PRESENT THE HONG KONG FLAG TO THE TEAM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 3/F, LEE GARDENS, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FLAG-PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
- 0 - -
KWAI FONG CAR PARK TO OPEN ON TUESDAY *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S EIGHT-STOREY CAR PARK NEXT TO THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION WILL BE OPENED ON TUESDAY (MAY 10).
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM TO MARK THE OCCASION. AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE MR PETER LEEDS, COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
THE CAR PARK WILL BE IN USE FROM 11 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
ACCESS TO THE CAR PARK WILL BE VIA KWAI CHUNG ROAD, KWAI FU ROAD AND KWAI Yl ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI FONG CAR PARK AT KWAI Yl ROAD AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10).
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1983 '
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON TONG * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN KOWLOON TONG FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10) WHEN DORSET CRESCENT REOPENS TO TRAFFIC AND SOMERSET ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD IS CLOSED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR WORK ON THE CORNWALL STREET/WATERLOO ROAD/JUNCTION ROAD INTERCHANGE.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE THE REINSTATEMENT TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND OF THE 80-METRE SECTION OF DORSET CRESCENT FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD, AND THE SWITCH TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ON SOMERSET ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND DEVON ROAD.
THEY WILL LAST AS LONG AS THE JUNCTION IS CLOSED.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 10), KMB ROUTE 7 WILL RESUME ITS ORIGINAL ROUTING VIA WATERLOO ROAD AND TERMINATE AT DORSET CRESCENT.
WATER CUT ON CHEUNG CHAU
X * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CHEUNG CHAU WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 11) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL; 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 9, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT FUND TO HELP HK STUDENTS IN BRITAIN ....................... 1
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SLOPE STABILITY CONTINUE ..................... 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU ......................................... 5
STRATEGIC FUEL RESERVES REDUCED ............................
HIGH POTENTIAL FOR MARINE FISH CULTURE .....................
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS STRESSED ... 6
SENIOR POST FOR LOCAL FIRE SERVICES OFFICER.................... 7
NEW ASSOCIATION FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS .......................... 7
S1.3 BILLION SPENT ON BUILDINGS IN MARCH ........................ 8
WATER FIGURES
9
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
1
JOINT FUND TO HELP HK STUDENTS IN BRITAIN M M M M
THE HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS HAVE AGREED ON A JOINT FUNDING SCHEME TO ASSIST HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN TO PAY OVERSEAS STUDENT FEES.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE 1983-84 ACADEMIC YEAR AND WILL BE REVIEWED JOINTLY BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS WITHIN THREE YEARS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO PROVIDE 50 PER CENT OF THE COST OF THE SCHEME FOR 1983-84 UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 1.9 MILLION STERLING POUND. THE COMMITMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING TWO YEARS WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF ACTUAL COSTS IN THE FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL MATCH THIS CONTRIBUTION ON A DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR BASIS. THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE TOTAL CONTRIBUTION BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS WAS SMALLER THAN TURNED OUT TO BE REQUIRED IN 1983-84 OR IN FUTURE YEARS, EACH STUDENT WOULD RECEIVE PART OF THE SUBSIDY IN THE FORM OF A GRANT AND THE BALANCE CF THE ASSISTANCE NEEDED IN THE FORM OF A LOAN.
THE SCHEME WILL APPLY TO HONG KONG STUDENTS ON FIRST DEGREE OR POLYTECHNIC HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN BRITAIN WHO WILL BE MEANS-TESTED TO DETERMINE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE AND THE LEVEL OF SUBSIDY TO BE RECEIVED.
+IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE AT THIS STAGE HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE NEW SCHEME, BUT BASED ON THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS GRANTED A LOAN UNDER THE CURRENT SCHEME IN 1982-83, AROUND 1 000 STUDENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE. AS THE AVERAGE SUBSIDY PER STUDENT WILL AMOUNT TO ABOUT $22 700 PER ANNUM, THE FUNDS ALLOCATED SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO MEET DEMAND IN 1983-84,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AS IN THE CASE OF THE EXISTING LOAN SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN, THE AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY PAYABLE IN EACH CASE WILL BE DETERMINED BY SUBTRACTING THE STUDENT’S ANNUAL DISPOSABLE INCOME FROM THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HOME AND OVERSEAS RATES CF FEES.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AND MEANS-TESTED IN HONG KONG IN THE SAME WAY AS FOR THE LOAN SCHEME, BY THE SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, AND THE SUBSIDIES WILL BE PAID DIRECT TO THE INSTITUTIONS IN BRITAIN.
APPLICATIONS FOR SUBSIDY WILL BE CALLED SOON, FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON WILL ARRANGE FOR STUDENTS ALREADY IN BRITAIN TO BE INFORMED.
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MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
2
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE SLOPE STABILITY CONTINUE
M * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT THE OVERALL SITUATION WITH REGARD TO SLOPE STABILITY, EVEN THOUGH HONG KONGSTOOD UP VERY WELL TO THE HEAVY DOWNPOURS LAST YEAR — THE WETTEST YEAR SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884. THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, DR EDWARD BRAND, SAID TODAY.
HE SAID THAT EFFORTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PUT INTO MEASURES TO IMPROVE AND CONTROL GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, DR BRAND SAID SINCE 1977. WHEN THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WAS SET UP, MORE THAN $470 MILLION HAD BEEN SPENT ON THE LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE MEASURES PROGRAMME.
♦AND EXPENDITURE IS CONTINUING AT THE RATE OF ABOUT $50 MILLION PER YEAR,* HE SAID.
♦ADDITIONALLY, A GREAT DEAL OF STABILISATION WORK, AT A COST OF SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR, IS CARRIED OUT IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAPITAL PROJECTS.♦
DR BRAND SAID THAT ONE QUESTION QUITE OFTEN ASKED BY THE PUBLIC WAS +HOW SAFE ARE HONG KONG’S SLOPES?*, BUT, THIS QUESTION WAS NOT EASY TO ANSWER IN ABSOLUTE TERMS, HE SAID.
♦AS WITH ALL CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES, SLOPES ARE DESIGNED ON THE BASIS OF FACTORS OF SAFETY, WHICH IS BASICALLY THE RATIO OF THE DESIGN STRENGTH OF A STRUCTURE TO THE MINIMUM STRENGTH REQUIRED FOR IT TO BE STABLE,♦ DR BRAND SAID.
♦OBVIOUSLY, THE DESIGN STRENGTH MUST BE HIGHER THAN THE MINIMUM VALUE REQUIRED FOR STABILITY, OTHERWISE THE STRUCTURE WOULD FALL DOWN.*
IN ASSESSING THE STABILITY OF A SLOPE, OR IN DESIGNING A NEW ONE, A GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER MUST TAKE ACCOUNT OF A NUMBER OF FACTORS. HE MUST STUDY THE GEOLOGY AND GEOMETRY OF THE SLOPE AND CF THE SURROUNDING AREA* HE MUST BE ABLE TO MEASURE ACCURATELY THE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF A LARGE MASS OF SOIL AND ROCK; AND HE MUST BE ABLE TO PREDICT THE WATER PRESSURES THAT WILL DEVELOP IN THE SLOPE DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM.
♦THE MEASUREMENT OF THE STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS IS DIFFICULT ENOUGH, BUT THE PREDICTION OF WATER PRESSURES IS THE MOST PROBLEMATICAL ASPECT OF ALL IN THE SLOPE DESIGN. IT IS THEREFORE ALSO CRITICAL TO SLOPE SAFETY,* DR BRAND SAID.
♦SLOPES ARE DESIGNED TO A GIVEN STANDARD OF SAFETY ENGENDERED IN THE FACTOR OF SAFETY USED BY THE DESIGNER. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME PROBABILITY OF FAILURE, EVEN IF THIS IS EXTREMELY SMALL. IHE PROBABILITY OF FAILURE WILL OBVIOUSLY BE REDUCED AS THE DESIGN FACTOR OF AFETY IS INCREASED.*
/DR BRAND .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
DR BRAND SAID THAT GENERALLY SPEAKING, HONG KONG'S SLOPES WERE AS SAFE AS COULD BE EXPECTED IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF DENSE URBAN DEVELOPMENT ON STEEP SLOPES OF RESIDUAL SOIL WHICH WERE SUBJECTED TO INTENSE RAINFALL.
♦SLOPE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR DURING TIMES OF EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY RAINFALL, BUT IT IS HOPED THAT A MAJOR CATASTROPHE OF THE KIND THAT HAS OCCURRED IN THE PAST WILL NEVER TAKE PLACE AGAIN.+ HE SAID.
♦HOWEVER. SQUATTER VILLAGES ON STEEP HILLSIDES WILL CONTINUE TO BE A SOURCE OF CONCERN. THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE IS NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT THE OVERALL SITUATION WITH REGARD TO SLOPE STABILITY. AND THERE WILL CERTAINLY BE NO RELAXATION OF EFFORTS IN THIS DIRECTION.♦
IN HONG KONG, THE NUMBER OF DEATHS RESULTING FROM LANDSLIDES OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS HAS AVERAGED LESS THAN 15 PER YEAR, INCLUSIVE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE KILLED IN THE FEW MAJOR CATASTROPHES.
THIS FIGURE COMPARES WITH ABOUT 400 DEATHS PER YEAR WHICH AT PRESENT OCCUR AS A RESULT OF ROAD ACCIDENTS. THE PROBABILITY OF SOMEONE BEING KILLED OR INJURED FROM A LANDSLIDE IS THEREFORE MUCH LOWER THAN THE PROBABILITY OF HIS DEATH OR INJURY ON THE ROADS OF HONG KONG.
DESPITE THIS, DR BRAND SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WAS UNHAPPY ABOUT EVEN ONE DEATH FROM LANDSLIDES, AND EVERY EFFORT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES FROM THESE INCIDENTS.
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU
* * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL PAY AN INFORMAL ONE-DAY VISIT TO MACAU ON MAY 19 (THURSDAY) AT THE INVITATION OF MACAU GOVERNOR VASCO DE ALMEIDA E COSTA.
SIR EDWARD WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY YOUDE; THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG; THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROGER LOBO’ THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE AIDE-DE-CAMP.
THE GOVERNOR AND HIS PARTY WILL ARRIVE IN MACAU IN MID-MORNING AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG IN THE LATE AFTERNOON.
DURING THEIR VISIT, THEY WILL BE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT A LUNCHEON HOSTED BY THE MACAU GOVERNOR AND HIS WIFE AT SANTA SANCHA PALACE.
SIR EDWARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE SITUATION IN MACAU AND THE TERRITORY’S MAIN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
HE WILL ALSO BE VISITING PLACES OF INTEREST.
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MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
4
STRATEGIC FUEL RESERVES REDUCED
X X X X
THE TWO POWER COMPANIES AND THEIR SUPPLIERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN UNTIL 1987 AN OVERALL FUEL RESERVE, OF COAL AND OIL, EQUIVALENT TO 40 DAYS’ ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AT CURRENT LOADS.
THE DECISION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOLLOWS A REVIEW OF THE ICED FOR STRATEGIC RESERVES IN VIEW OF THE WORLD-WIDE SURPLUSES OF OIL AND THE POWER COMPANIES’ MOVE FROM OIL TO COAL-FIRED GENERATING PLANTS.
THE COMPANIES HAD BEEN MAINTAINING RESERVES OF FUEL OIL EQUIVALENT TO 60 DAYS’ ELECTRICITY SUPPLY SINCE 1980 TO GUARD AGAINST A DISRUPTION IN THE SUPPLY OF OIL.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF RESERVES BECAUSE OF THE WORLD-WIDE SURPLUSES OF OIL, COUPLED WITH THE DECREASING DEPENDENCE OF THE COMPANIES ON FUEL OIL AS A SOURCE OF ENERGY.
+IN ADDITION, THE POWER COMPANIES HAVE SECURED SUPPLIES OF COAL FROM A VARIETY OF RELIABLE SOURCES,* HE EXPLAINED.
♦THEREFORE, THE CHANCES OF A SERIOUS INTERRUPTION IN THE SUPPLY CF COAL OR, INDEED, OF FUEL OIL ARE MUCH SLIMMER TODAY.*
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MAINTAINING FUEL RESERVES AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN WAS NECESSARY WAS UNWARRANTED ON ECONOMIC GROUNDS.
+WHILE REPRESENTING ONLY A SMALL FRACTION OF THE COMPANIES’ OPERATING EXPENSES, THE LOWER COST OF MAINTAINING SMALLER RESERVES WILL NEVERTHELESS BENEFIT CONSUMERS IN THE LONG TERM,* HE ADDED.
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HIGH POTENTIAL FOR MARINE FISH CULTURE XXX
MARINE TO RELOCATE OFFICIAL OF
FISH FARMERS WILL BE ABLE TO SEEK EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES THEIR EQUIPMENT OR WIND UP THEIR BUSINESS, A SENIOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THIS
(MONDAY) EVENING.
MAR ICULTUR I STS ARE BEING ALLOCATED SITES IN THE 26 DESIGNATED ZONES AND ANY FISH CULTURE OUTSIDE THESE ZONES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED, THE SENIOR FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHEUNG, SAID.
UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO FULL OPERATION IN MID-1982, 1 900 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR LICENCES TO CULTURE MARINE FISH. OF THESE, 1 600 ARE FROM PRACTISING CULTURISTS.
MR CHEUNG SAID AT A MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES THAT THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY, WHICH LAST YEAR PRODUCED 1 155 TONNES CF FISH VALUED AT $67 MILLION.
/+IT ALSO .......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 198?
5
+IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE INDUSTRY BY PROHIBITING WATER POLLUTION AND INTERFERENCE WITH THE CULTURE RAFTS AND THE FISH.+ HE ADDED.
MR CHEUNG SAID IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE STARTED IN MA WAN WHERE 66 PRACTISING CULTURISTS APPLIED FOR AND WERE ALLOCATED SITES.
THE RELOCATION EXERCISE WAS SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED IN LATE APRIL AND THE NEXT TARGET ZONE IS TIN HA WAN IN JUNK BAY.
HE SAID, +THERE ARE SOME FISH CULTURISTS WHO HAVE DECIDED TO WIND UP THEIR OPERATIONS, AND OTHERS WHO WOULD WISH TO CONTINUE, BUT FAILED TO OBTAIN A CULTURE SITE. THEY WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED IN DUE COURSE.*
IT WOULD BE INEVITABLE, DURING THE COURSE OF THE IMPLEMENTATION, THAT THERE WOULD BE FISH CULTURE RAFTS WHICH WERE EITHER ABANDONED OR ON WHICH AN OFFENCE HAD BEEN COMMITTED AND HAD THEREFORE TO BE SEIZED, MR CHEUNG SAID.
♦MOST OF THESE ITEMS ARE SO HUGE, AND THE FISH THAT MAY BE FOUND THERE ARE SO DELICATE, THAT THERE ARE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN THEIR STORAGE AND SAFE-KEEPING.
♦THE LAW PROVIDES FOR THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES TO SELL THESE AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AND IF POSSIBLE TO REIMBURSE THE OWNER OF THE EQUIPMENT THE BALANCE OF THE PROCEEDS OF SALE AFTER DEDUCTING ANY EXPENSES THE DIRECTOR MAY HAVE INCURRED IN THE SEIZURE AND SALE,* HE SAID.
CONSIDERATION HAD ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO THE PRESENCE OF DWELLING STRUCTURES ON FUSH CULTURE RAFTS AND TO THE FACT THAT SOME OF THE OPERATORS WOULD BECOME HOMELESS WHEN THE RAFTS WERE CLEARED, MR CHEUNG ADDED.
♦ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WHO OPT TO TERMINATE THEIR OPERATIONS BUT HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION, AND ARE OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING. THEY WILL ALSO RECEIVE A DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCE TO FURNISH THEIR NEW HOMES.
♦IN ORDER TO EASE THE HARDSHIP OF THE CULTURE OPERATORS IN BOTH RELOCATING THEIR EQUIPMENT AND EXTINGUISHING THE BUSINESS, A MEASURE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FORM OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES,♦ HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WOULD BE APPROACHING MARICULTURISTS IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS TO HELP THEM SELECT A FISH SITE IN THE ORDER FIXED BY THE BALLOT HELD IN APRIL AND THEN TO ARRANGE FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE RAFTS TO THE SITE, THE PAYMENT OF THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND WITH THE LICENSING PROCEDURES.
THE LICENCE FEE IS $150 FOR A SITE OF 100 SQUARE METRES OR LESS.
/THE STAFF ....
MONDAY, MAY 9, 198?
6
THE STAFF WOULD ALSO CONTACT THOSE WHO HAD OPTED TO WIND UP THEIR OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO ARRANGE PAYMENT OF EXTINGUISHMENT ALLOWANCE. HE SAID.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE WHOLE IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
♦THE LOCAL MARINE FISH CULTURE INDUSTRY HAS A HIGH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL. GIVEN THE APPORPRIATE TECHNICAL GUIDANCE AND THE SUITABLE CULTURE ENVIRONMENT, THE INDUSTRY IS SURE TO PROSPER,* M? CHEUNG SAID.
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IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS STRESSED K M M »
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS WAS STRESSED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, W ADOLF HSU, TONIGHT (MONDAY).
MR HSU WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER PARTY GIVEN BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN HONOUR OF FOUR PERSONS WHO WERE DECORATED WITH THE BADGE OF HONOUR FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE FOUR ARE MR CHAN TIN-SUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TSI NG Yl RURAL COMMITTEE? MR TUNG HONG-YING, AN INDUSTRIALIST? MR WONG DAI-HEI, A FISHERMEN’S REPRESENTATIVE? AND MR HO CHERK-HUNG, REPRESENTATIVE OF MUK MIN HA VILLAGE.
MR HSU SAID THAT LOCAL SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION WERE THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING. THE WILLINGNESS OF THE FOUR PERSONS TO PUT ASIDE THEIR OWN WORK, AND TO SACRIFICE THEIR REST TIME TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WAS HIGHLY ADMIRABLE, HE SAID.
♦THERE ARE MANY FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN,+ HE SAID.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, WE ARE NOW CELEBRATING THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL, AND THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE DRAGON BOAT RACE, THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, THE SPORTS FESTIVAL, THE ARTS FESTIVAL, AND ALSO THE ANT I-NARCOTICS AND ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS.
♦ALL THESE ACTIVITIES, BE THEY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, NEED A LOT OF VOLUNTEER WORKERS TO SHARE THE WORK, AND NEED CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IN CASES WHERE FUNDS ARE INSUFFICIENT.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE DINNER PARTY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TSUEN WAN), MISS ELAINE CHUNG, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TSING Yl), MR TAM WING-PONG.
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/7......
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
7
SENIOR POST FOR LOCAL FIRE SERVICES OFFICER
M M * *
A SECOND LOCAL OFFICER HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR F.M. WATSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HE IS MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING.
MR CHEUNG HAS TAKEN OVER AS HEAD OF THE NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND FROM MR FRED JACKSON, WHO IS AT PRESENT ON LEAVE PRIOR TO RETIREMENT.
MR CHEUNG IS 51 YEARS OF AGE AND HAS WORKED IN DIFFERENT UNITS DURING HIS LONG CAREER WITH THE FIRE SERVICES.
MR CHEUNG ALSO SERVED AS AIDE-DE-CAMP TO THE GOVERNOR FROM 1966 TO 1976.
HE JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES AS A SUB-OFFICER IN 1954 AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION OFFICER IN 1961. IN 1965, HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER AND IN 1969 TO DIVISIONAL OFFICER.
MR CHEUNG WAS PROMOTED TO DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1981.
ONE OF MR CHEUNG’S MOST UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES WAS WHILE WORKING AT THE KOTEWALL ROAD LANDSLIDE ON JUNE 19, 1972. CHEUNG WAS AWARDED THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT FOR HIS WORK IN THAT LANDSLIDE.
MR WATSON ALSO ANNOUNCED THE PROMOTION OF MR GERRY LAM CHEK-YUEN TO DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER.
MR LAM IS ATTACHED TO FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS. ---------------------------o-------
NEW ASSOCIATION FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS * * * *
THE INAUGURATION THIS (MONDAY) EVENING OF THE VAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION WAS ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS THE GOAL OF INVOLVING RESIDENTS IN THE AFFAIRS OF THEIR DISTRICT, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, HE SAID THE NEW ASSOCIATION WOULD •♦CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AND OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT, AND PROVIDE FURTHER ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS*.
/♦THE PEOPLE ....
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
8
+THE PEOPLE OF WAN CHAI WILL ALSO HAVE A FRESH OPPORTUNITY TO WORK TOGETHER IN AN ORGANISATION WHOSE OBJECTIVES ARE TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FIELD OF ARTS, CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS,* HE ADDED.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WAS TO ENCOURAGE A GREATER DEGREE OF RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT AND AFFAIRS OF THEIR DISTRICT.
+THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WAS A BIG-f STEP TOWARDS THIS OBJECTIVE, FOR ALTHOUGH WAN CHAI IS A SMALL DISTRICT, IT HAS, NEVERTHELESS, A VIGOROUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC DISTRICT BOARD,* HE SAID.
THE ASSOCIATION, WHICH WAS INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD LAST YEAR, COMPRISES MEMBERS FROM THE AREA COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD.
A 98-MEMBER DANCE TROUPE AND A 30-MEMBER CHILDREN’S CHOIR HAVE ALREADY BEEN FORMED TO STAGE PERFORMANCES IN THE DISTRICT.
THOSE WHO LIVE OR WORK IN WAN CHAI ARE WELCOME TO BECOME ►EMBERS. MEMBERSHIP IS DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES - GROUffl, INDIVIDUAL AND YOUTH.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
ALSO PRESENT AT THIS EVENING’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TONY COOPER.
- 0 - -
11.3 BILLION SPENT ON BUILDINGS IN MARCH * * * *
FORTY-NINE NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 68 IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
OF THESE, 17 WERE FOR NEW BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 19 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDE THE COMPLEX FOR THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS IN WAN CHAI, A PUBLIC CARPARK IN WONG NE I CHUNG GAP ROAD, TWO SCHOOLS IN 01 KWAN ROAD AND TUEN MUN, TWO ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS IN WAI ON STREET AND TAI PO, A RECREATION HALL IN SHEK PIK, LANTAU ISLAND, AND A YOUTH HOSTEL IN CHEUNG CHAU.
/THE DECLARED
MONDAY, MAY 9, 1983
9
THE DECLARED COST OF BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $1 328.2 MILLION, COMPARED WITH 1829.6 MILLION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE USABLE FLOOR AREA TOTALLED 286 359 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 215 603.9 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC AND 70 755.1 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 46 PROJECTS, INCLUDING THREE SCHOOLS IN SHAU KEI WAN, BRAEMAR HILL ROAD AND CORNWALL STREET, A HOSPITAL EXTENSION IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, A FOOTBRIDGE AND COVERED WALKWAY AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD AND KAM SHING ROAD, A TOWN HALL AND OFFICE BLOCK IN SAI KUNG AND A PETROL FILLING STATION IN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, SHEUNG SHUI.
ALTOGETHER, 37 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN MARCH. THEY COMPRISE A HOTEL/APARTMENT COMPLEX IN CANTON ROAD AND A FERRY PIER IN DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU ISLAND.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE PERMISSION FOR 60 BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED.
- - - - 0 --------
WATER FIGURES ft ft ft
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 75.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 436.499 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 231.749 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 40.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CALL FOR INVESTMENT IN HUMAN RESOURCES ................... 1
NEW APPROACH TO STATISTICS GATHERING ................... 2
CHECK ON DRAINAGE PROJECTS AGAINST FLOODING .............. 4
MORE ASK FOR +N0 CONVICTION+ CERTIFICATE ................. 5
NEED FOR SPORTS TRAINING STRESSED ........................ 6
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS URGED TO SUPPORT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN .. 8
KWAI FONG CAR PARK OPENED .............................. 9
DISTRICT BOARDS CHECK CW STREET MANAGEMENT .............. 10
SCHOOL FOOTBALLERS FOR SEOUL TOURNAMENT ................. 12
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS ............... 15
QUESTION ON COMPUTER-BASED DATA FOR LEGCO ............... 15
RURAL COMMITTEE PRAISED FOR WORK ........................ 14
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES APPOINTED ............... 15
SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR TSING YI ISLAND................... 15
HOUSING PROJECT TO HAVE FOOTBRIDGE ...................... 16
EARLY MORNING CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET................. 16
NORTH POINT WATER LEAKAGE TEST .......................... 16
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
1
CALL FOR INVESTMENT IN HUMAN RESOURCES * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO TODAY (TUESDAY) STRESSED THAT MEDIUM TO LONG TERM INVESTMENT IN OUR HUMAN RESOURCES WAS ESSENTIAL TO ANY BREAKTHROUGH IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DIVERSIFICATION OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY.
♦MANY OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTORS CHOSE HONG KONG TO ESTABLISH THEIR OFFSHORE OPERATIONS BECAUSE THEY WERE ATTRACTED BY THE AVAILABILITY OF SKILLED WORKERS AND EFFICIENT LOCAL MANAGEMENT HERE. IN THE YEARS AHEAD, WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY NOT ONLY OF OUR CRAFTSMEN BUT OF ALL WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS — TECHNICIANS, ENGINEERS, DESIGNERS AND MANAGERS,♦ SAID MR HO, ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
HE ENDORSED THE VIEW OF MR H.C. TANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERATION, THAT THOSE INDUSTRIES MOST ABLE TO PROFIT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD ECONOMIC RECOVERY WERE THOSE WITH MOST TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY.
♦HOWEVER, INNOVATION DOES NOT COME BY ACCIDENT. WE NEED KDIUM TO LONG TERM INVESTMENT BY INDUSTRY IN OUR HUMAN RESOURCES. THIS WILL, OF COURSE, REQUIRE A CHANGE IN THE ATTITUDE AND OUTLOOK OF MANY INDUSTRIALISTS IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE SO FAR, IN THEIR INVESTMENT PLANS, TENDED TO CONCENTRATE ON UPDATING PLANT AND EQUIPMENT.
♦THE GOVERNMENT IS PLAYING ITS PART BY PROVIDING TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING. IN RECOGNITION OF THE GROWING NEED FOR PROFESSIONALS AT THE HIGHER LEVELS OF INDUSTRY, ALL BRANCHES OF ENGINEERING HAVE NOW BEEN INCLUDED IN THE PRIORITY SUBJECT AREAS WITHIN THE OVERALL INCREASE IN THE STUDENT INTAKE OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNIC,+ HE ADDED.
MR HO CALLED ON INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY PARTICIPATING IN THE ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME -RECENTLY INTRODUCED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL - TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL TRAINING TO THEIR ENGINEER GRADUATES.
♦UNDER THE SCHEME, A GRADUATE WILL BE TRAINED TO A STANDARD ACCEPTABLE FOR CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS. A SUBSIDY, AMOUNTING TO SI 500 PER MONTH AND FORMING PART OF HIS SALARY, WILL BE PAID THROUGH HIS EMPLOYER FOR THE FIRST 18 MONTHS OF HIS EMPLOYMENT. GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE FUNDS THROUGH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO SPONSOR UP TO 550 ENGINEERS THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
IN THE FIELD OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT, MR HO SAID THAT THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES AIMED AT RAISING THE QUALITY OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT BOTH IN GENERAL AND IN SPECIFIC SECTORS OF INDUSTRY.
/♦THE GOVERNMENT ...
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
2
>THF GOVERNMENT IS ALSO STRENGTHENING THE INDUSTRIAL
STbyAChJLngTkoSNgAi2 W?Mstr.*l
«Sct"E*ime?Aat m ingDtheEprocessSof°di«rs^mtiTand entry mTO SI ERA OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PROMTS’ thfGNPWNCHALLENGESRWH?CHUL?E IN A BETTER POSITION TO COPE WITH THE NEW CHALLENGES WHICH Lit AHEAD, + MR HO CONCLUDED..
- 0 -
NEW APPROACH TO STATISTICS GATHERING * * * *
A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM FOR COMPILING SHIPPING, PORTS AND CARGO STATISTICS IS NOW IN OPERATION, PROVIDING ADEQUATE DATA FOR PROPER PLANNING OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF PORT FACILITIES AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE SHIPPING BUSINESS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR COLIN GREENFIELD.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF LION ROCK, GREENFIELD SAID THAT THIS WAS A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT, CONSIDERING THAT HONG KONG’S ASSET OTHER THAN ITS PEOPLE, IS ITS FINE HARBOUR AND THAT HONG KONG IS THE THIRD LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD.
THE DATA GATHERED THROUGH THE SYSTEM WILL SHOW THE TYPE OF GOODS SHIPPED BY SEA, THEIR QUANTITY AND VOLUME, AND THEIR PORTS OF ORIGIN AND DESTINATION.
♦AT PRESENT, A 20 PER CENT SAMPLE OF CONSIGNMENTS IS TAKEN TO ARRIVE AT THE ESTIMATES, BUT DEPENDING UPON OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OCCURRING IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR OUR TRADE STATISTICS, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE 100 PER CENT COVERAGE IN TIME,+ GREENFIELD SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO REDESIGNING ITS PROGRAMME OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A SAVING OF 11 PER CENT OR S8 MILLION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, MR GREENFIELD DISCLOSED.
THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR 10 YEARS AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS JUST COMPLETED COVERAGE OF ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY PLANNED FOR INCLUSION, HE SAID.
THE AIM OF THE SURVEYS IS TO ASCERTAIN THE STRUCTURE, OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS AND TRENDS OVER TIME OF HONG KONG’S VARIOUS ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
♦UNDER THE PROGRAMME, WHAT WE CALL A ’BENCHMARK CENSUS’ — WITH A VERY DETAILED QUESTIONNAIRE AND LARGE SAMPLE SIZE — WAS UNDERTAKEN IN EACH SECTOR ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS WITH A SIMPLER SURVEY — A SHORTER QUESTIONNAIRE AND SMALLER SAMPLE SIZE — IN THE INTERVENING YEARS,* HE EXPLAINED.
/AS A .....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
AS A RESULT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE THUS GAINED, THE PROGRAMME SHOULD NOW BE MODIFIED, HE ADDED.
IN FUTURE, BENCHMARK CENSUSES WOULD NOT BE UNDERTAKEN WHILE THE SIMPLE ANNUAL SURVEY WOULD CONTINUE, WITH A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR TOPICS OF SPECIAL INTEREST FROM YEAR TO YEAR, HE EXPLAINED.
THE REDESIGNED PROGRAMME WOULD ALSO ACHIEVE A CORRESPONDING SAVING IN STAFF AND REDUCE THE REPORTING BURDEN ON BUSINESS RESPONDENTS, MR GREENFIELD POINTED OUT.
♦THE NEW SYSTEM WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT YEAR, AND ONCE WE HAVE GAINED THE EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING THIS, ALONG WITH OTHER CONCURRENT DEVELOPMENTS, FURTHER SAVINGS MAY BE ACHIEVABLE IN, SAY, FIVE OR SIX YEARS’ TIME,+ HE SAID.
MR GREENFIELD ALSO REPORTED A FURTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ESTIMATES OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
TO DATE, THE BEST GDP ESTIMATES HAD BEEN FROM THE SO-CALLED ♦EXPENDITURE APPROACH^, SHOWING THE GDP BROKEN DOWN INTO ITS COMPONENTS BY PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, CAPITAL FORMATION AND OTHER RELATED DATA, HE SAID.
AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO GDP ESTIMATES IS THROUGH THE ♦PRODUCTION APPROACH^, WHICH BASICALLY SUMS THE PROFITS OF BUSINESSES AND WAGES AND SALARIES, GIVING WHAT STATISTICIANS CALL +VALUE ADDED*.
MR GREENFIELD DISCLOSED THAT BY NEXT YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE ABLE TO RELEASE COMPLETE GDP ESTIMATES USING THE PRODUCTION APPROACH.
♦THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS IS THAT WE WILL THEN HAVE REGULAR ESTIMATES SHOWING THE INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN OF THE GDP, AND HOW IT IS CHANGING, WHILE, IN ADDITION, WE WILL HAVE AN INDEPENDENT CHECK ON THE ESTIMATES PRODUCED THROUGH THE EXPENDITURE APPROACH.
♦BECAUSE THE COMPILATION OF GDP ESTIMATES DRAWS ON DATA FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF SOURCES OF VARYING QUALITY, IT IS MOST DESIRABLE THAT AN INDEPENDENT CHECK SHOULD BE AVAILABLE,+ MR GREENFIELD SAID.
STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF STATISTICS, MR GREENFIELD SAID THEY ASSISTED THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS TO PLAN EFFICIENTLY FOR THE FUTURE AS WELL AS PROVIDED THE PUBLIC WITH THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO ASSESS THE GOVERNMENT’S PERFORMANCE.
♦THEY ARE A CRUCIAL ELEMENT OF A DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM,+ HE ADDED.
-----o-----
A....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
CHECK ON DRAINAGE PROJECTS AGAINST FLOODING * * * * *
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, VISITED SEVERAL AREAS IN THE DISTRICT THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST FLOODING.
ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANKIE LUI, AND AN INSPECTOR OF WORKS, MR MOW CHUNG-WAI, MISS CHUNG FIRST WENT TO SHAM TSENG EAST VILLAGE TO SEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DRAINAGE CHANNEL AND A SLOPE STABILISATION PROJECT.
THE PARTY THEN WENT TO SHAM TSENG SAN TSUEN TO LOOK AT THE REMOVAL OF DEBRIS FROM A STREAM COURSE, A REPAIR WORK ON A FOOTPATH AND A VAN TRACK, AS WELL AS A DRAINAGE PROJECT.
AT KAU WAH SAN TSUEN AND HOI PA VILLAGE, MISS CHUNG WAS SHOWN THE DESILTING WORK DONE LAST YEAR AND THE DRAINAGE WORK PROPOSED BY THE PROJECT MANAGER.
♦WE WANT TO AVOID, AS FAR AS OUR RESOURCES PERMIT, A REPETITION OF THE VERY SEVERE FLOODING EXPERIENCED IN TSUEN WAN IN AUGUST LAST YEAR,* MISS CHUNG SAID.
IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SPEND $165 000 ON FOUR PROJECTS WHICH AIM AT ELIMINATING THE RISKS OF FLOODING. THEY AREi
* A STORM WATER CHANNEL AT SHAM TSENG EAST VILLAGE?
* REPAIR WORK ON A VAN TRACK AND AN ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT SHAM TSENG SAN TSUEN ?
* FURTHER DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT AT TSING Yl MAIN STREET ON TSING Yl ISLAND? AND
* DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT AT TSING Yl NORTH.
IN ADDITION, THE PROJECT MANAGER HAS OBTAINED AUTHORITY TO CONSTRUCT A SIMILAR STORM WATER CHANNEL IN WO YI HOP ROAD AND TO IMPROVE AND WIDEN THE EXISTING KWAI CHUNG NULLAH.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS YEAR.
ENLARGEMENT OF THE TAI HO ROAD STORM WATER CULVERT NOW IN PROGRESS IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ASKED HIGHWAYS OFFICE (NT) TO REPAIR BROKEN BRIDGES, ROADS AND DANGEROUS SLOPES.
♦IT IS HOPED THAT WHEN ALL THESE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED, THE RISKS OF FLOODING CAN BE REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM,* SHE ADDED.
-----o-------- /5......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1985
- 5 -
MORE ASK FOR *N0 CONVICTION* CERTIFICATE M K M K
THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT IN REQUESTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1932.
ADDRESSING THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DINNER MEETING THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING, THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OF THE IDENTIFICATION BUREAU, MR ERUCE FERGUSON, SAID THE POLICE PROCESSED 20 683 APPLICATIONS LAST YEAR.
•’CERTIFICATES WERE GRANTED IN 20 111 CASES, REFUSED IN 477 CASES AND IN 95 CASES ’NO CONVICTION RECORDED’ LETTERS WERE SENT,” MR FERGUSON SAID.
THE CERTIFICATE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1978 AS A SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC BY WHICH PEOPLE WHO HAD APPLIED FOR A VISA TO GO TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES COULD SUPPORT THEIR APPLICATION BY A LETTER FROM THE HONG KONG POLICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THEY HAD NEVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE HIS FINGERPRINTS TAKEN AND HIS PERSONAL PARTICULARS ARE CHECKED AGAINST POLICE RECORDS. DEPENDING ON THE RESULT OF THIS CHECK, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LETTERS WILL BE ISSUED TO APPLICANTS :
+ CERTIFICATE ISSUED AS NO CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS HAVE BEEN TRACED IN HONG KONG
* CERTIFICATE REFUSED AS CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS ARE RECORDED IN HONG KONG'
+ A LETTER TO THE EFFECT THAT, WHILE NO CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS ARE RECORDED AGAINST THE APPLICANT, HE OR SHE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE BUT THE MAGISTRATE ORDERED THAT NO CONVICTION BE RECORDED. (THIS LETTER CONCLUDES WITH AN EXPLANATION REGARDING THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A MAGISTRATE MAY ORDER THAT A CONVICTION SHALL NOT EE RECORDED).
’’AS EXPLAINED BRIEFLY IN THIS LETTER, AN ORDER THAT A CONVICTION SHALL NOT BE RECORDED IS MADE WHERE, ALTHOUGH THE CHARGE IS PROVED, OR ADMITTED, THERE ARE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES RELATING TO THE OFFENCE OR THE OFFENDER SUCH AS TO RENDER IT UNFAIR TO BRAND THE OFFENDER, IN RELATION TO THE PARTICULAR OFFENCE, AS HAVING A CRIMINAL CONVICTION.
’’THE GENERAL EFFECT OF SUCH AN ORDER IS THAT IN SUBSEQUENT COURT PROCEEDINGS THE MATTER I AY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS A CONVICTION.
’’AS A MATTER OF PRACTICE, THE POLICE MAINTAIN A RECORD OF SUCH ORDERS SINCE IN SO'^E CIRCUMSTANCES THEY ARE NEEDED,” MR FERGUSON SAID.
/THE CORRECTNESS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
6
THE CORRECTNESS OF THE POLICE MAINTAINING RECORDS OF CASES OF THIS NATURE HAS BEEN RAISED IN LAW AND THE PRACTICE APPROVED BY THE COURT, HE ADDED.
ON WHETHER THE POLICE SHOULD REVEAL DETAILS OF CASES WHERE THE MAGISTRATE HAS ORDERED THAT NO CONVICTION BE RECORDED, MR FERGUSON SAID THE POLICE CONSIDERED IT THEIR DUTY TO PROVIDE THE CONSULATES CONCERNED WITH FACTUAL AND TRUTHFUL INFORMATION.
"THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES OF A RECIPIENT COUNTRY ARE ENTITLED TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE BACKGROUND OF AN ASPIRING ENTRANT.
IF THE POLICE DID NOT GIVE FULL INFORMATION IT WOULD BE AN ATTEMPT TO DECEIVE THE RECIPIENT COUNTRY, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR FERGUSON NOTED THAT, FROM HIS EXPERIENCE, THE ATTITUDE OF OVERSEAS GOVERNMENTS WHEN CONSIDERING APPLICATIONS FROM PERSONS WHO HAD A CRIMINAL CONVICTION OR A "NO CONVICTION RECORDED" FINDING AGAINST THEM, WAS ONE OF UNDERSTANDING AND DECERNMENT.
"THESE AUTHORITIES ARE FULLY CAPABLE OF DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN SHOPLIFING AND ARMED ROBBERY AND OF CONSIDERING CONVICTIONS IN THEIR PROPER PERSPECTIVE.
"GIVEN FULLY TRUTHFUL AMD FACTUAL INFORMATION THEY WILL CONSIDER EACH CASE ON ITS INDIVIDUAL MERITS AND WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES," HE ADDED.
------o-------
NEED FOR SPORTS TRAINING STRESSED ******
TRAINING AT GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL PROVIDED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS VITAL IF HONG KONG IS TO PRODUCE SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN WHO CAN COMPETE IN INTERNATIONAL EVENTS.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM DURING A LUNCHEON FETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF SOUTH KOWLOON.
HE SAID PEOPLE CANNOT BE TRAINED FOR HIGHER LEVELS OF COMPETITIONS UNLESS THEY HAVE FIRST LEARNED THE BASICS.
♦OUR FUTURE STARS HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE. AND ONLY BY PROVIDING TRAINING AND COACHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CAN WE EXPECT TO PRODUCE TOP CLASS SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN,+ HE SAID.
APART FROM EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL, MR WIGGHAM ALSO SPOKE ON THE ROLE OF THE RSS, WHICH IS INVOLVED IN TRAINING BEGINNERS IN A NUMBER OF SPORTS.
/HE SAID ....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
- 7 -
HE SAID THE RSS IS DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS t THE DISTRICT OPERATIONS SECTION, SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION AND FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SECTION.
THE DISTRICT OPERATIONS SECTION IS THE RSS’S BACKBONE BECAUSE IT CONTROLS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG PROMOTING SPORTS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
ITS CHIEF FUNCTIONS INCLUDE ORGANISING TRAINING COURSES IN VARIOUS SPORTS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT, AND TRYING TO ASSESS AND MEET THE SPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION HAS SEPARATE TEAMS OF STAFF TO DEAL WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF LAND AND WATER SPORTS. ITS JOB IS TO GIVE SPECIALIST ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO THE DISTRICTS.
IT IS ALSO THE +THINK-TANK+ OF THE RSS BECAUSE ONE OF ITS MAIN TASKS IS TO INTRODUCE NEW SPORTS TO HONG KONG.
THE THIRD SECTION IS THE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SECTION.
IT PLAYS A SUPPORTING ROLE TO THE WORK OF THE OTHER TWO SECTIONS BY PROVIDING, IN PART, VENUES AND FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE RSS DOES HAVE A NEED FOR ITS OWN SPECIALISED VENUES WHICH ARE OF THREE DIFFERENT TYPES, NAMELY, OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRES, WATER SPORTS CENTRES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD SPORTS TRAINING CENTRES.
HE SAID THAT OTHER FACILITIES BEING BUILT OR PLANNED FOR THE DEPARTMENT INCLUDE «
* A PURPOSE-BUILT RECREATION AND SPORTS CENTRE AT TSO KUNG TAM IN TAI MO SHAN, CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING 300 PEOPLE OVERNIGHT, WITH EXCELLENT RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES; AND
M THREE NEIGHBOURHOOD SPORTS CENTRES TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.
♦WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THE POSSIBILITY OF INCLUDING THESE NEIGHBOURHOOD SPORTS TRAINING CENTRES IN ALL FUTURE HOUSING ESTATES, AS PART OF OUR RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
HE EXPRESSED THE IN ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IMPACT IN ENCOURAGING IN HONG KONG.
HOPE THAT OTHERS WOULD AGREE WITH HIM THE WORK OF THE RSS WAS HAVING A MARKED AND DEVELOPING GREATER INTEREST IN SPORTS
♦FOR THE FUTURE WE HOPE TO TAKE THIS FURTHER AND, IN ADDITION TO DEVELOPING BASIC SKILLS, TURN ALSO TO INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED SKILLS,+ HE SAID.
------o------- /8 ................
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
8
'SCHOOL PRINCIPALS URGED TO SUPPORT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN * * * * *
POLICE RESEARCH INDICATED THAT FAR TOO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICULARLY THE 16 TO 20 AGE GROUP WERE STILL BECOMING INVOLVED IN CRIME, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR PETER MOOR, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF A NEW MOBILE FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION CENTRE, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN WOULD ONCE AGAIN BE DIRECTED AT JUVENILE AND YOUTH.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE CAMPAIGN, THE MOBILE EXHIBITION CENTRE WOULD VISIT SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ON A DAILY BASIS TO HELP DRIVE'HOME'FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES, SAID MR MOOR.
’’THE NEW MOBILE EXHIBITION CENTRE IS A CUSTOM-BUILT UNIT AND ITS DISPLAY MATERIALS FEATURING ALL ASPECTS OF FIGHT CRIME, CRIME PREVENTION AND POLICE WORK IS TARGETTED SPECIFICALLY AT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.”
A POLICE OFFICER AND A SERGEANT MANNING THE VAN WOULD TALK TO THE STUDENTS ABOUT THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING CRIME AND EXPLAIN TO THEM THE ROLE THEY COULD PLAY IN CURBING CRIME.
” IT IS HOPED THAT THIS NEW MOBILE EXHIBITION CENTRE WILL ALSO HELP MAINTAIN A MUCH CLOSER LINK BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, STUDENTS AND THE POLICE,” HE STRESSED.
IN AN APPEAL TO ALL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, MR MOOR ADVISED THEM TO REPORT TO THE POLICE ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES WITHIN THEIR SCHOOLS OR NEARBY AREAS AND TO DISCUSS WITH THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS OR THE POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS ON MATTERS IN RELATION TO LAW AND ORDER.
’’WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF PROFESSIONALS FROM THE FIELD OF EDUCATION, I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN AGAINST YOUTH CRIME,” HE SAID.
MR MOOR ADDED THAT THE DOWNTURN IN JUVENILE CRIME HAD CONTINUED SO FAR THIS YEAR WITH A 15 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF JUVENILES ARRESTED AND PROSECUTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
AFTER HIS SPEECH, MR MOOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION MR OOLVYN HAYE CUT THE RIBBON TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE EXHIBITION CENTRE.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY AT THE ROSARYHILL SCHOOL WERE THREE MEMBERS OF ’STARS AGAINST CRIME’ COMMITTEE, POPULAR TELEVISION ARTISTES MR LAM KA-WAH AND MISS LO MUN-YEE AND WELL-KNOWN FOOTBALL COACH, MR KWOK KA-MING.
AHEY inspected.....
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
9
THEY INSPECTED DISPLAY MATERIAL ON THE EXHIBITION CENTRE AND TALKED TO THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, INSPECTOR YUEN CHUN-BIU.
MR YUEN WAS A MEMBER OF THE POLICE FOUR-MAN RECRUITMENT PUBLICITY TEAM TWO YEARS AGO AND HE BECAME A POPULAR FACE IN HONG KONG WHEN HE WAS THE STAR OF A POLICE RECRUITING TELEVISION COMMERCIAL, DEPICTING HIS SCHOLASTIC AND SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS.
-----o------
KWAI FONG CAR PARK OPENED
* * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S FIRST MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS OPENED TODAY (MAY 10), PROVIDING MOTORISTS OF KWAI FONG WITH 580 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES.
SITUATED AT KWAI Yl ROAD NEXT TO THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION, THE EIGHT-STOREY CAR PARK IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE +PARK AND RIDE+ ACCESS TO THE MTR BESIDES MEETING GENERAL PARKING NEEDS IN THE AREA.
THE CHARGES HAVE BEEN SET AT A RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM UTIL I SAT I ONi $2 PER HOUR FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM AND $1 AN HOUR FROM 6 PM TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE MONTHLY TICKET WILL BE AT $400.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, SAID THAT ALTHOUGH IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO GIVE PRIORITY TO THE MASS CARRIERS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD NOT IGNORED THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIVATE CARS IN HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
♦ THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS OFTEN ACCUSED OF BEING UNFAIR TO PRIVATE MOTORISTS AND OF HAVING A POLICY AIMED AT ELIMINATING THE PRIVATE CAR. THIS IS NOT TRUE,+ HE SAID.
♦ ON THE ROADS, PRIORITY MEASURES ARE INTRODUCED FOR BUSES BUT THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM COULD DO WITHOUT PRIVATE CARS.
♦ PUBLIC TRANSPORT COULD NEVER COPE WITH EVERY INDIVIDUAL TRANSPORT DEMAND. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ESSENTIAL JOURNEYS WHERE THE SPEED AND CONVENIENCE OF A PRIVATE CAR IS ESSENTIAL,♦ M? LEEDS SAID.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT ABOUT 213 000 PRIVATE CARS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG. FOR SOME YEARS, THE PLANNING HAS BEEN BASED ON AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT A YEAR.
/EXPLAINING THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1985
10
EXPLAINING THE REASONS BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF GIVING PRIORITY TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, MR LEEDS SAID THAT IN A !0N WHERE THERE WERE SEVERE LIMITATIONS ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS AND A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THEM IT WAS NECESSARY TO HAVE SOME FORM OF RATIONING SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT ROAD CONGESTION DID NOT REACH THE LEVEL WHERE THE WHOLE SYSTEM WOULD COME TO A HALT.
♦THERE ARE TIMES AND PLACES WHERE THIS HAPPENS AND THIS INDICATES THAT WITHOUT RESTRAINTS, CHRONIC CONGESTION COULD BECOME A PERMANENT FEATURE RATHER THAN A TEMPORARY NUISANCE,* HE SAID.
MR LEEDS ALSO SAID THAT TO MAXIMISE ROAD CAPACITY FOR MOVING TRAFFIC, IT WAS ADVISABLE TO HAVE OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES.
THE KWAI FONG CAR PARK ALONG WITH OTHER GOVERMENT CAR PARKS ARE LIKELY TO BE TRANSFERRED TO PRIVATE MANAGEMENT BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
♦PRIVATE ENTERPRISE SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO BUILD AND OPERATE OTHER OFF-STREET CAR PARKS.
AVAIl BEEN IDENTIFIED WHICH WILL BE MADE
AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.
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DISTRICT BOARDS CHECK ON STREET MANAGEMENT
M X N *
THE MONITORING OF GOVERNMENT’S PERFORMANCE IN STREET MANAGEMENT IS CONSIDERED BY BOTH THE YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARDS AS ONE OF THEIR PRIME TASKS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILFRED WONG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THAT THE TWO DISTRICTS WERE BEING DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF STREET MANAGEMENT ZONES, AND THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS ADVISED ON WHICH TARGET AREAS SHOULD BE CHOSEN FOR CONCENTRATED GOVERNMENT EFFORTS.
ACTION WITHIN EACH ZONE WOULD NORMALLY TAKE THREE TO SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE. SO FAR, THE EXERCISES HAD PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL AND ZONES COVERED EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE FACE-LIFT IN THEIR STREET CONDITIONS, HE ADDED.
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING ON THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN STREET MANAGEMENT, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST.
♦STREET MANAGEMENT ACTION IS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS TO ENSURE THAT STREETS, PAVEMENTS AND REAR LANES ARE MAINTAINED TO THE REASONABLE STANDARD OF ALLOWING FREE MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS AND THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES CAUSED BY ANY IRREGULAR ACTIVITIES ARE ABATED OR AT LEAST MINIMISED.
/+IT IS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1985
11
♦IT IS QUITE UNFORTUNATE THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD THINK THAT GOVERNMENT IS NOT TACKLING THE PROBLEM SERIOUSLY ENOUGH DESPITE THE TREMENDOUS EFFORTS THAT ARE BEING MADE BY THE VARIOUS ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THIS FIELD,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG CITED SOME STATISTICS FOR THE PERIOD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1982 AND FEBRUARY 1983 SHOWING THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM AND THE ATTENTION GIVEN BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS:
K A TOTAL OF 402 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND 187 CANOPIES WERE DEMOLISHED WHILE 32 WALL STALLS WERE EITHER DEMOLISHED OR TRIMMED DOWN TO THEIR APPROVED DIMENSIONS !
K OF THE 4 400 HAWKERS OPERATING ILLEGALLY IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DAILY, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE HAD MADE 4 059 AND 9 256 ARRESTS RESPECTIVELY, OR AVERAGED 74 ARRESTS A DAY;
M THE POLICE AND USD HAD ISSUED 2 451 AND 43 SUMMONS AGAINST OFFENCES COMMITTED BY LICENSED COOKED FOOD STALL OPERATORS?
# THe POLICE AND USD HAD ISSUED 4 442 AND 1 076 SUMMONS AGAINST SHOP OPERATORS OR CAR REPAIRERS WHO PUT THEIR GOODS OR ARTICLES OUTSIDE 1 HE SHOPS CAUSING SERIOUS OBSTRUCTIONS?
* A TOTAL OF 247 430 FIXED PENALTY TICKETS, OR AN
AVERAGE OF 1 367 TICKETS PER DAY HAD BEEN ISSUED?
* A TOTAL OF 105 ABANDONED VEHICLES WERE IDENTIFIED
AND TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE; AND
* REGULAR STREET CLEARANCE EXERCISES WERE BEING MOUNTED TO TIDY UP THE VARIOUS BLACKSPOTS AND TO CHECK THE GROWTH IN NUMBER OF STREET SLEEPERS. A TOTAL OF 222 STREET SLEEPERS ARE BELIEVED TO BE FREQUENTING THE TWO DISTRICTS.
♦VERY INTENSE ENFORCEMENT ACTION IS REQUIRED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM AS MOST OF THE IRREGULAR ACTIVITIES DISCOVERED ARE TEMPORARY AND HIGHLY MOBILE,* MR WONG SAID.
+W£ HAVE DONE WHAT WE CAN WITH EXISTING RESOURCES AND IT IS UP TO THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICTS TO HELP BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF OCCASIONS WHEN ENFORCEMENT ACTION NEED TO dE TAKt>..+
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/'•a ...........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
12
SCHOOL FOOTBALLERS FOR SEOUL TOURNAMENT * * * *
INTERNATIONAL ATHLETIC MEETS ARE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE BECAUSE THEY GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES A CHANCE TO MEET NOT ONLY ON THE PLAYING FIELD BUT SOCIALLY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦IN SHARING THEIR SKILLS THEY WILL LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT EACH OTHER AND THE GREAT VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF SPORTSMANSHIP, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND SELF-DI SC I PL I NE,+ HE SAID.
MR HAYE, WHO IS ALSO PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS DURING WHICH HE PRESENTED THE HONG KONG FLAG TO THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS FOOTBALL TEAM.
THE TEAM WILL TAKE PART IN THE 12TH ASIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, BETWEEN MAY 21 AND 30.
MR HAYE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW CLOSELY FOLLOWING SPORTS DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES FOR YOUTH ORGANISED BY VARIOUS NATIONAL BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
♦YOUNG ATHLETES OF POTENTIAL ARE BEING IDENTIFIED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE STAGE SO THAT TRAINING PROGRAMMES CAN BE ARRANGED FOR THEM.
♦THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL IS PLAYING A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS RESPECT AND I AM SURE THAT MORE OPPORTUNITIES W|LL BE OPENING UP FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS,+ MR HAYE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO HONG KONG, SEVEN COUNTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE TOURNAMENT. THEY ARE SOUTH KOREA, BRUNEI, SINGAPORE, INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, THAILAND AND INDIA. HONG KONG WAS THE THIRD RUNNER-UP LAST YEAR.
SEVENTEEN TOP SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS, ALL UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE, HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG ON THIS OCCASION AND ARE IN RIGOROUS TRAINING UNDER A FOOTBALL COACH OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, MR CHAN YONG-CHONG.
THE TEAM WILL LEAVE FOR SEOUL ON MAY 20.
THE PLAYERS AREi SHAO WAI-YIP, WONG WING-SUN, TANG KWOK-YAN, LAW WING-WAH, CHAN WAI-CHIU, LEUNG WING-CHIU, WONG CHUNG-MING, HAU TAK-WA, YEH SAI-NANG, FOK KING-CHEUNG, CHAN SHU-KWONG, LEE WAI-LUN, LUI MAN-KIT, FUNG TAK-SHUN, HOW YIU-PUN, LAW WAI-CHI AND LEE FUK-WING.
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
13
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO BE SAFETY CONSCIOUS *****
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE INSTILLED WITH A SENSE OF SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS, A LOCAL INDUSTRIALIST SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS IS ESSENTIAL TO EVERYONE, NOT ONLY AT WORK BUT ALSO AT HOME, MR NICHOLAS YEUNG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER OF SHU I ON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, ADDED.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S 15TH INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL, WHERE THE +SAFETY EXTRAVAGANZA 11+ SLIDE PRESENTATION AND AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION ARE BEING HELD.
THE COMPETITION, AIMED AT PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF MORE THAN 600 ENTRIES FROM 57 SCHOOLS.
MR YEUNG TOLD THE PRIZE WINNERS I +YOUR EFFORT IN THIS COMPETITION HAS NOT ONLY DEMONSTRATED YOUR TALENTS IN ART AND GRAPHIC DESIGN BUT ALSO SHOWN YOUR CONCERN IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
♦IT IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT ATTRACTIVE, INFORMATIVE AND WELL-DESIGNED SAFETY POSTERS CAN EFFECTIVELY DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.♦
MR YEUNG LATER PRESENTED GIFTS COUPONS OF $1 500 EACH TO LEE KIN-HUNG OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE, WINNER OF THE +A+ SECTION OF THE COMPETITION, AND LAI OI-SHAN OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, WINNER OF THE +B+ SECTION.
HE ALSO PRESENTED $300 GIFT COUPONS AS CONSOLATION PRIZES TO 10 OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN EACH SECTION.
------0-------
QUESTION ON COMPUTER-BASED DATA FOR LEGCO
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROTECT THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPUTER-BASED DATA AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING MISUSED IN VIEW OF THE GROWING USE OF COMPUTERS.
THE QUERY WILL BE AMONG 13 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
IN ANOTHER QUESTION THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHETHER IT HAS ANY POWER TO CONTROL THE PRICING OF PETROL AND FUEL OIL IN THE LIGHT OF CONSIDERABLY REDUCED WORLD PRICES AND THE LATEST INDICATIONS THAT RETAILERS MIGHT RAISE PRICES TO OFFSET THE WEAKENED HONG KONG DOLLAR.
/OTHER QUESTIONS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 198?
14
OTHER QUESTIONS WILL COVER SUCH ISSUES AS THE POSSIBLE USE CF THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING AS A COUNCIL CHAMBER, PROVISION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR PRIVATE BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SECURITY ISSUES AT THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CAMP FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, CRIMES COMMITTED WITHIN THE FAMILY AND CIGARETTE ADVERTISING.
A NEW BILL — THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983 — WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE MEETING AND READ A SECOND TIME, WITH DEBATE TO BE ADJOURNED.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON SIX BILLS WHICH ARE SCHEDULED TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READINGS.
THEY ARE THE BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
o--------
RURAL COMMITTEE PRAISED FOR WORK * ft * *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT (TUESDAY) PRAISED THE TSI NG IN PROMOTING LOCAL AFFAIRS.
COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY Yl RURAL COMMITTEE FOR THEIR EFFORTS
VISITING THE RURAL COMMITTEE, MR HSU SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE IT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING LOCAL AFFAIRS AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
♦FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, DEVELOPMENT IN TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN CONCENTRATED ON TSI NG Yl, WITH MORE THAN 10 000 PEOPLE BEING AFFECTED,* HE SAID.
FORTUNATELY, ALL THE REMOVAL AND CLEARANCE OPERATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT SMOOTHLY THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE, HE SAID.
MR HSU SAID THAT THOUGH MANY RESIDENTS MIGHT WISH TO RETAIN THE LEISURELY VILLAGE STYLE OF LIVING OF THE PAST, CLEARANCE AND DEVELOPMENT WERE UNAVOIDABLE IN ORDER TO MAKE FULL USE OF LIMITED LAND, AND TO BUILD MORE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES FOR A LARGE NUMBER CF PEOPLE.
+AS TSING Yl IS DEVELOPING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE, I HOPE THAT THE RURAL COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE DISTRICT,* HE ADDED.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TAM WING-PONG, HSU WAS MET BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN TIN-SUNG.
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TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
15
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES APPOINTED
* * * *
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS APPROVED THE PROMOTION OF MR C.F.M. O’KELLY AS DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, TO SUCCEED MR G.D. EDEN WHO PASSED AWAY ON APRIL 5.
MR O’KELLY IS 49 YEARS OF AGE. HE JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS A TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN MARCH 1967. AFTER A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS, HE REACHED HIS PRESENT RANK OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES IN FEBRUARY 1979.
HE IS A FELLOW OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS.
HE HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES ON MANY OCCASIONS.
-----o------
SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR TSI NG Yl ISLAND
*****
A SECONDARY SCHOOL WILL SOON BE BUILT NEAR FU TEI KOK ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
THE SCHOOL WILL BE A STANDARD ONE, BUILT ON A 5 850 SQUARE-METRE SITE.
IT WILL HAVE A 24-CLASSROOM SCHOOL BLOCK WITH AN ASSEMBLY HALL, A COVERED PLAYGROUND, AND A SINGLE STOREY STAFF QUARTERS BLOCK.
WORK WILL START IN JULY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1985.
----o------
/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
16
HOUSING PROJECT TO HAVE FOOTBRIDGE *****
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR ANOTHER PROJECT AS PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME FOR THE TOWN.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE SPANNING CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE TUEN MUN NULLAH, AND ASSOCIATED SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE.
THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK FOR BOTH PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS FROM SIU HONG COURT (HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS) TO THE EAST AND WEST SIDES OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES ROUTED ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL COMMENCE IN JULY AND TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o-------
EARLY MORNING CLOSURE OF PERCIVAL STREET * * * *
STARTING THURSDAY (MAY 12), PERCIVAL STREET, BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD, IN CAUSEWAY BAY, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CAUSEWAY BAY STATION.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST UNTIL MAY 19.
SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ALONG PERCIVAL S™EEJ READING FOR HENNESSY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOCKHART ROAD AND CANAL ROAD EAST.
- - 0 - -
NORTH POINT WATER LEAKAGE TEST
* « h
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 13) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE THOSE BOUNDED BY OIL STREET, KING'S ROAD, NORTH POINT ROAD AND THE SEA FRONT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
HIGH COST OF MAINTAINING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ................. 1
COMPUTER DATA PROTECTION TO BE STUDIED ...................... 2
CONVERSION OF SUPREME COURT BUILDING PLANNED ................. 3
DEPARTURE TAX IO BRING IN 8230 MILLION ....................... 3
POLICY ON FUEL PRICES EXPLAINED ............................
CRIMES WITHIN THE FAMILY DUE TO MANY REASONS ................. 5
PARKING MEASURES OUTLINED .................................... 6
PENSIONS ADJUSTED ............................................ 7
EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED DRIVERS WELCOMED ...................... 7
IMPORTANT LEGAL PRINCIPLE .................................... 8
+LOAN SHARKING+ DECLINES ..................................... 8
TAVA SCHEME SATISFACTORY ..................................... 9
HEALTH WARNING ABOUT CIGARETTES .............................. 9
SEWAGE TREATMENT PROVIDED .................................... 10
USE OF +UNLEADED+ PETROL ..................................... 10
AIRPORT EXIT SPEED LIMIT TO BE REVIEWED ..................... 11
SIX BILLS PASSED ............................................. 11
GOVERNOR TO OPEN GEMS OF CHINESE ART EXHIBITION ............... 12
PUBLIC VIEWS ON EDUCATION SOUGHT ............................... 13
POLL DAY IN QUARRY BAY TOMORROW ............................... 1^
87O-MILLION UC COMPLEX BEING BUILT ............................ 15
BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS LANDLORD AND TENANT BILL.............. 16
WORKSHOPS FOR SENIOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF .............. 17
SOFTBALL INSTRUCTORS' TRAINING COURSE ......................... 17
PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY .............................. 18
CLOSURE OF HAPPY VALLEY FLYOVER ............................... 18
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
1
HIGH COST OF MAINTAINING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
M M M M M
MAINTAINING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ON THEIR PRESENT POPULATION LEVEL IS PROJECTED TO COST $114 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES IS EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE SOME $20 MILLION TO THIS EXPENDITURE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN.
HE AGREED THAT THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES INVOLVED HIGH COST.
FROM DECEMBER 1978 TO JULY 2. 1982 WHEN CLOSED CENTRES WERE INTRODUCED, THE GOVERNMENT SPENT $272 MILLION ON MAINTAINING VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHILE THE UNHCR SPENT $113 MILLION AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES A FURTHER $42 MILLION, MR JEAFFRESON REPORTED.
FROM JULY 2, 1982 TO JANUARY 31 THIS YEAR, THE COST WAS $63 MILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT, $13 MILLION TO THE UNHCR AND $4 MILLION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
UNRULY BEHAVIOUR ADDED TO THE PROBLEM OF LOOKING AFTER THE REFUGEES, HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE CLOSED CENTRE RULES, THE SUPERINTENDENT OF A CLOSED CENTRE MAY ORDER A DETAINEE WHO COMMITS ANY ACT AGAINST DISCIPLINE TO BE PUNISHED BY EITHER OR BOTH OF
OF
THE FOLLOW I NGi
M SEPARATE CONFINEMENT FOR UP TO 28 DAYS.
* FORFEITURE OF THE LIMITED PRIVILEGES AVAILABLE, SUCH ACCESS TO BOOKS, NEWSPAPERS AND SPORTING FACILITIES, TO THREE MONTHS.
AS
FOR UP
IN ADDITION, THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE EMPOWERS COMMISSIONER FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO TRANSFER A FROM ONE CLOSED CENTRE TO ANOTHER IN THE INTEREST OF
THE DETAINEE LAW AND ORDER
IN THE CENTRES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
NORMAL
ITS
HE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT STEPPED UP SECURITY PRECAUTIONS IN THE CHI MA WAN AND HEI LING CHAU CLOSED CENTRES FOR A FEW DAYS AT THE END OF LAST MONTH, INCLUDING APRIL 3D, THE ANNIVERSARY DAY OF THE FALL OF SAIGON.
BUT HE NOTED THAT THE ANNIVERSARY PASSED WITHOUT INCIDENT.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
2
COMPUTER DATA PROTECTION TO BE STUDIED * * *
IT IS NOW OPPORTUNE TO FORM AN AD HOC WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE IN DETAIL WHETHER LEGISLATION IS REQUIRED IN HONG KONG TO PROTECT PERSONAL DATA STORED IN COMPUTERS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE GROUP WOULD BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, SIR PHILIP SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ON THE ISSUE OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMPUTER DATA.
THIS ISSUE WAS OF IMPORTANCE AND CONCERN TO ALL WHO HAD PERSONAL DATA STORED IN COMPUTERS, SIR PHILIP SAID.
+BUT IT RELATES TO A PROBLEM WHICH IS NOT EASY TO RESOLVE, GIVEN THE NEED TO BALANCE, ON THE ONE HAND, WHAT IS, THESE DAYS A CLEAR NEED FOR ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING AND, ON THE OTHER, THE RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO PROTECTION AGAINST THE UNWARRANTED DISCLOSURE OF HIS AFFAIRS TO OTHERS.
♦NEVERTHELESS, THE POLITICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL DIFFICULTIES NOTWITHSTANDING, SEVERAL COUNTRIES NOW HAVE DATA PROTECTION LEGISLATION IN FORCE WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTEMPLATING DOING SO- AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN MONITORING EXPERIENCE ELSEWHERE, PARTICULARLY IN BRITAIN WHERE A DATA PROTECTION BILL IS UNDER DISCUSSION,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
THE DECISION TO SET UP A WORKING GROUP WAS THE RESULT OF THIS MONITORING ACTIVITY, HE EXPLAINED.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A VIEW ON WHETHER LEGISLATION WAS REQUIRED AND WHAT IT SHOULD CONTAIN.
SIR PHILIP DISCLOSED THAT THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION INTENDED TO SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT THE BROADER LEGAL ISSUES OF PRIVACY PROTECTION GENERALLY.
THIS WOULD INCLUDE THE PROTECTION NOT ONLY OF PERSONAL COMPUTER DATA BUT ALSO OF OTHER FORMS OF INTERFERENCE WITH PRIVACY OF A WIDE VARIETY, HE ADDED.
♦NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE AD HOC WORKING GROUP WILL SEEK TO DEVELOP A CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S SUB-COMM ITTEE,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
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/3......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
5
CONVERSION OF SUPREME COURT BUILDING PLANNED ft ft ft
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID TODAY THAT WORK COULD START IN MID-1984 ON THE CONVERSION OF THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING FOR USE AS A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND ASSOCIATED PURPOSES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LO TAK-SHING, SIR PHILIP ALSO SAID THAT THE NEW CHAMBER COULD BE READY FOR USE IN THE LATTER HALF OF 1985.
HE SAID THAT SINCE THE PROPOSAL WAS LAST MENTIONED BY HIM ON NOVEMBER 11, 1982, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS HAD ARRANGED FOR PRELIMINARY STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT WHICH CONFIRMED THAT THE BUILDING WAS STILL STRUCTURALLY SOUND AND THAT THE CONVERSION COULD BE CARRIED OUT IN A WAY WHICH WOULD RETAIN THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING WHILE ADAPTING IT EFFECTIVELY TO ITS PROPOSED NEW ROLE.
♦IN ADDITION, ILLUSTRATIVE PLANS AND A PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF ACCOMMODATION FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER, THE UMELCO OFFICE AND COMMON ROOMS AND OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR SUPPORTING STAFF, HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP ON WHICH THE ADVICE OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE SOUGHT VERY SHORTLY,♦ SIR PHILIP SAID.
♦THEREAFTER THE ASSISTANCE OF UNOFFICIALS WILL BE SOUGHT TO DEVELOP THE OUTLINE PLANS INTO A DETAILED SCHEME SO THAT IT MAY BE COSTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY WRITTEN UP AS A SUBMISSION TO FINANCE COMMITTEE,* HE ADDED.
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DEPARTURE TAX TO BRING IN $230 MILLION ft ft ft
THE PRESENT $20 PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE WOULD NOT BE REPLACED BY THE PROPOSED DEPARTURE TAX OF $100 IF MATCHING REVENUE COULD BE FAIRLY SECURED FROM OTHER SOURCES, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DOUGLAS BLYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR BLYE WAS REAFFIRMING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S EARLIER REMARKS ON THE SUBJECT, AS HE MOVED THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983 THROUGH THE SECOND READING.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE BILL, IF ENACTED, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JUNE 1 THIS YEAR.
AS ESTIMATED RECENTLY BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THE HON JOHN BREMRIDGE, THE ADDITIONAL YIELD TO REVENUE, AF1£R ALLOWING FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE, WOULD BE SOME $230 MILLION IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR, MR BLYE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT AT THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1983 ON FEBRUARY 23, MR BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTURE TAX WAS ONE OF 11 PROPOSALS FOR INCREASING REVENUE.
/ON THAT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 198?
ON THAT OCCASION, THREE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTRODUCTION CF SUCH A TAX, QUESTIONED THE LEVEL OF THE INCREASE OR SUGGESTED THAT THE BURDEN MIGHT BE MORE WIDELY SPREAD, MR BLYE RECALLED.
SIMILAR REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE BY TRAVEL AGENTS, AIRLINES AND SOME SECTORS OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.
DUE ACCOUNT HAD BEEN TAKEN OF ALL THESE AND OTHER POINTS AND MR BREMRIDGE HAD DEALT CAREFULLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY WITH THEM IN CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE APPROPRIATION BILL, Mi BLYE SAID.
AT THE END OF THE DEBATE, COUNCIL MEMBERS BROADLY ACCEPTED THAT THE NEW TAX MEASURE WAS NECESSARY, HE ADDED.
UNDER THE BILL, PASSENGERS UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE WILL PAY $50 AND THOSE UNDER TWO YEARS OF AGE WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM THE TAX.
AMONG OTHER CLAUSES OF THE BILL, ONE CLAUSE PLACES THE DUTY (F COLLECTING THE TAX ON THE OPERATORS OF THE AIRCRAFT ON WHICH THE PASSENGER DEPARTS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL MAY 25. -------------------------o-------
POLICY ON FUEL PRICES EXPLAINED * M * *
IT IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO USE LEGISLATIVE PROVISION TO CONTROL THE PRICE OF PETROL AND FUEL OILS IN NORMAL MARKET CONDITIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS WAS REPLYING TO THE HON MARIA TAM, WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANY POWERS OF CONTROL OVER PRICING LEVELS FOR THESE COMMODITIES.
MR JACOBS SAID UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE OIL (CONSERVATION AND CONTROL) ORDINANCE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE POWER TO CONTROL THE PRICE OF PETROL AND FUEL OILS WHERE CIRCUMSTANCES SO DICTATED.
THE SECTION EMPOWERED THE DIRECTOR OF OIL SUPPLIES TO GIVE DIRECTIONS REGULATING THE PRICE AT WHICH OIL MIGHT BE SUPPLIED OR SOLD.
+IT IS NOT, HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MAKE USE OF THIS PARTICULAR PROVISION IN NORMAL MARKET CONDITIONS.
+THIS IS BECAUSE WE DO NOT BELIEVE IN INTERVENTION IN THE OPERATION OF A FREE MARKET UNLESS THE GOODS OR SERVICES IN QUESTION ARE PROVIDED UNDER CONDITIONS WHERE MARKET FORCES ARE NOT FREE TO OPERATE — THAT IS TO SAY WHERE THERE IS A MONOPOLY OR WHERE THE RIGHT TO SUPPLY GOODS OR SERVICES IS RESTRICTED TO HOLDERS OF A FRANCHISE.
+IN THE CASE OF OIL PRODUCTS, THERE IS NO MONOPOLY, AND THE PRODUCTS ARE NOT SOLD UNDER THE TERMS OF A FRANCHISE,+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
5
CRIMES WITHIN THE FAMILY DUE TO MANY REASONS * * * * *
CRIMES COMMITTED WITHIN THE FAMILY MAY BE DUE TO A WIDE VARIETY OF REASONS, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THESE REASONS RANGE +FROM PERSONALITY PROBLEMS, FINANCIAL WORRIES, COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN, AND DRUG ADDICTION TO INDULGENCE IN ALCOHOL, MENTAL DISTURBANCE AND MARITAL DISCORD,+ THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MRS SELINA CHOW, HE SAID THAT THE FORMAT IN WHICH CRIME STATISTICS WERE KEPT BY THE POLICE DID NOT ALWAYS ENABLE ONE TO IDENTIFY WHICH CRIMES WERE COMMITTED WITHIN THE FAMILY.
HOWEVER, IN CERTAJN MAJOR CATEGORIES IT WAS POSSIBLE TO MAKE REASONABLE ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES WHICH FELL WITHIN THIS DEFINITION, HE SAID.
ONE OF THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF HOMICIDE CASES WAS +FAMILY AFFAIRS INCLUDING DISPUTES.+ IN 1982, OF THE 93 HOMICIDE CASES REPORTED TO THE POLICE, SEVEN WERE IN THIS CATEGORY, REPRESENTING 7.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
IN 1981, THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE SIX OR 5.7 PER CENT CF A TOTAL OF 105 HOMICIDE CASES.
SO FAR AS SERIOUS ASSAULTS WERE CONCERNED, IN 1982, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 7 265 CASES, 513 OR 7.1 PER CENT WERE CLASSIFIED AS BEING DUE TO DISPUTES OF A DOMESTIC NATURE.
THIS COMPARED WITH 457 OR 7.3 PER CENT OUT OF A TOTAL OF 6 231 SUCH CASES IN 1981.
CASES INVOLVING CRUELTY TO CHILDREN TOTALLED 51 IN 1981 AND 59 IN 1982.
♦ THESE FIGURES DO NOT INDICATE ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CRIME WITHIN THE FAMILY, PARTICULARLY IF THE STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THESE SHOW THAT ONE HOMICIDE, 99 SERIOUS ASSAULTS AND SEVEN CASES INVOLVING CRUELTY TO CHILDREN CAN BE SAID TO FALL WITHIN THIS CATEGORY.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT NO SPECIFIC INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF CRIMES WITHIN THE FAMILY AS SUCH HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT, BUT HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE POLICE FORCE ANALYSED CRIME STATISTICS BY GROUPS IF THERE WAS REASON TO SUSPECT A TREND.
♦ NO PARTICULAR TREND IS DISCERNIBLE IN THE STATISTICS I HAVE JUST GIVEN,♦ HE SAID.
/HE SAID ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 19&3
HE SAID THE MAIN OBJECT OF ALL OUR FAMILY WELFARE ACTIVITIES WAS TO MAINTAIN HARMONY WITHIN THE FAMILY AND TO PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY AS A UNIT.
♦ IN ADDITION, CASH ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES, AND A RANGE OF DIRECT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SPECIFIC VULNERABLE GROUPS AND TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURES ON FAMILIES IN COPING WITH THEIR PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID ONE SPECIFIC AREA WHICH HAD BEEN THE CAUSE OF PUBLIC CONCERN RECENTLY WAS THAT OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
A WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO REVIEW THE PREVALENCE OF CRIMINAL VIOLENCE AMONG EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AS WELL AS EXISTING AFTERCARE SERVICES, AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
♦THIS WORKING PARTY IS EXPECTED TO REPORT SHORTLY,+ HE SAID.
------o-------
PARKING MEASURES OUTLINED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM MEASURES TO PROVIDE MORE PARKING FACILITIES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR SCOTT SAID THE SHORT TERM MEASURES INCLUDE IDENTIFYING AND ALLOCATING MORE SITES FOR OFF-STREET TEMPORARY OPEN AIR LORRY PARKS IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS.
FOR INSTANCE, HE SAID, 600 MORE SPACES FOR TRAILERS AND CONTAINERS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED IN THE TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG AREA IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS- NEW LORRY PARKS ARE PLANNED ON THE SHAM SHU I PO RECLAMATION, IN HING WA STREET, AT THE TAI HOM FIRE SITE AND KO CHIU ROAD. AND MORE ON-STREET SPACES IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS ARE BEING REDESIGNATED FOR LORRY PARKING ONLY.
FOR THE LONGER TERM, MR SCOTT SAID, DEVELOPERS OF ALL NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATES ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE PROVISION FOR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING.
PARKING STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ARE UNDER REVIEW (THE REVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING STANDARDS HAVING BEEN COMPLETED).
PARKING FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IS PROVIDED ON THE GROUND FLOORS OF SOME MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS BUT A MULTI-STOREY PARK FOR THE USE OF GOODS VEHICLES ONLY IS COMMERCIALLY NOT VIABLE, HE SAID.
♦THE MATTER OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING IS INCLUDED IN THE BRIEF OF COMPREHENSIVE STUDY INTO THE ECONOMIC AND TRANSPORT ASPECTS OF THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY, TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED RECENTLY IN THIS COUNCIL,* MR SCOTT SAID.
------o------- /7......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
7
PENSIONS ADJUSTED * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED MOTIONS TO INCREASE BY NINE PER CENT PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON APRIL 1, 1983. THE INCREASE IS ESTIMATED TO COST $37.8 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.
MOVING THE MOTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S DECLARED POLICY TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING PENSIONS PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSION SCHEME.
HE SAID THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC PENSION ADJUSTMENTS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE COST OF LIVING.
DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1982 TO MARCH 31, 1983, HE SAID, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 11.6 POINTS OR 9.55 PER CENT.
------0-------
EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED DRIVERS WELCOMED
M M M M
THE PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT DISABLED DRIVERS FROM PAYING FIRST REGISTRATION TAX UNDER THE MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WAS WELCOMED BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, DR FANG POINTED OUT THAT SOME 400 DISABLED PERSONS WOULD BENEFIT FROM THE MEASURE.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT MANY MORE DISABLED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS + IN THEIR DAILY JOURNEYS TO SCHOOLS, TO WORK, AND TO OTHER SOCIAL EVENTS*.
SOME MORE COMPREHENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS WERE NEEDED, DR FANG SAID.
BUT HE WAS GLAD TO REPORT FROM HIS WORK WITH THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE THAT, AS A FIRST STEP, A SURVEY ON THE SPECIAL TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED HAD BEEN PLANNED, HE SAID.
♦ I AM SURE IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SPEEDY REMEDIAL ACTIONS IF AND WHEN SHORTFALLS IN PROVISIONS WERE IDENTIFIED,* DR FANG SAID.
HE WAS ALSO GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON KEN TOPLEY, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL ON APRIL 27, QUOTED FROM THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL’S CHARTER FOR THE SO'S, *T0 REAFFIRM GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT IN THE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE INTO THE COMMUNITY,* DR FANG SAID.
♦ THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT HONG KONG IS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, EVEN BY WORLD STANDARDS, A CARING SOCIETY,* HE CONCLUDED.
-----0-------- /8...................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
- 8
IMPORTANT LEGAL PRINCIPLE * * *
IT WAS AN IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM THAT A PERSON ACCUSED OF MURDER SHOULD BE GIVEN ALL REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY, IF NECESSARY AT PUBLIC EXPENSE, TO ENSURE THAT HIS CONVICTION WAS NOT THE RESULT OF ANY MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS SAID TODAY.
THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF CONVICTION AND SENTENCE FOR MURDER, HE SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON T.S. LO.
MR GRIFFITHS SAID,* THOSE ADVISING APPEALLANTS ARE UNDER A LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL DUTY TO PUT FORWARD ONLY GROUNDS OF APPEAL WHICH THEY CONSIDER AFFORD SOME REAL CHANCE OF SUCCESS AND UNDER THE RULE OF LAW WHICH OPERATES IN HONG KONG IT IS THE COURT OF APPEAL ALONE WHICH MAY DETERMINE SUCH AN APPEAL AS ’HOPELESS’.+
- - 0
♦LOAN SHARKING* DECLINES * * *
THE PENALTIES DESCRIBED UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE
BEEN erFECTlyE.lNRDETERR.Na<O|HESK.RK,N?SvTHE
ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY SAID THAT PRIOR TO THE PASSING ♦LOAN SHARKING* WAS FREQUENTLY
THE HON ANDREW SO, MR GRIFFITHS OF THE ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER 1980, CONNECTED WITH TRIAD ACTIVITY.
+THE INCIDENCE OF THIS HAS SHOWN A MARKED DECREASE,* HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, PRIOR TO THE PASSING OF THE ORDINANCE THERE WAS MUCH CONCERN AND MANY COMPLAINTS VOICED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC AS TO LOAN SHARKING.
♦SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE SUCH CONCERN AND COMPLAINTS HAVE DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY,* MR GRIFFITHS SAID.
SPEAKING OF THE 32 PROSECUTIONS REFERRED TO BY MR SO, HE SAID 25 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS AND SEVEN IN ACQUITTALS.
+FOR THOSE WHO WERE CONVICTED, SENTENCES RANGED FROM BEING BOUND OVER TO FINES OF UP TO $20 000 PER OFFENCE AND SUSPENDED SENTENCES,* HE ADDED.
+SINCE THAT TIME, 37 FURTHER INDIVIDUALS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED. SEVEN PERSONS HAVE BEEN CONVICTED, FIVE ACQUITTED AND THE REMAINDER ARE AWAITING TRIAL.
♦ IN AT LEAST ONE CASE A PRISON SENTENCE HAS BEEN IMPOSED,* NR GRIFFITHS SAID.
------0------- /9..................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
9
TAVA SCHEME SATISFACTORY X X it APPLICATIONS FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) HAVE SHOWN A STEADY INCREASE EACH YEAR SINCE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1979, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE EXPECTED THE TREND TO CONTINUE WITH THE RELAXATION OF THE SEVEN-DAY SICK LEAVE RULE AND SUSTAINED PUBLICITY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME.
DR HO HAD SAID THAT APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE RECEIVED FROM ONLY 58 PER CENT OF THE VICTIMS WHO SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS DURING 1981/82.
MR CHAMBERS EXPLAINED THAT ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE APPARENTLY LOW PERCENTAGE OF VICTIMS WHO SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES AND WHO SUBSEQUENTLY APPLIED FOR HELP, WAS THE DEFINITION +SERIOUS INJURIES,* WHICH INCLUDED ALL THOSE DETAINED IN HOSPITAL FOR 12 HOURS OR MORE.
+TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR HELP FROM THE SCHEME,* HE SAID, *AN ACCIDENT VICTIM MUST HAVE LOST HIS EARNING CAPACITY FOR AT LEAST SEVEN DAYS IF THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED BEFORE JANUARY 6, 1982 OR THREE DAYS IF IT HAPPENED AFTER THAT DATE.*
A STUDY OF TAVA SCHEME CASES IN 1980/81 INDICATED THAT 46.7 PER CENT OF THE VICTIMS WHO WERE CLASSIFIED AS HAVING RECEIVED SERIOUS INJURIES, BUT WHO DID NOT APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SCHEME WERE IN FACT NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER THE SEVEN-DAY RULE IN FORCE AT THAT TIME.
♦IF WE ASSUME THAT A SIMILAR SITUATION OBTAINED IN 1981/82 AND ADJUST THE 58 PER CENT QUOTED BY DR HO SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE INELIGIBLE CASES WE ARRIVE AT A TAKE-UP RATE OF 72 PER CENT WHICH IS A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT,* HE ADDED.
------o-------
HEALTH WARNING ABOUT CIGARETTES H K K
THE GOVERNMENT MAY CONSIDER REQUIRING VERBAL HEALTH WARN INGS IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION AND CINEMA SCREENS, THE SECRETARYFOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON DENIS BRAY, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
Iki OCPIY Tn A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER WONG, MR BRAY SAID THIS REQUIREMENT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED WHEN TELEVISION ADVERTISING ON SMOKING IS REVIEWED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS.
BUT HE ADDED *l SHOULD SAY THAT THERE APPEAR TO BE CONSIDERABLE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN GETTING A VERBAL WARNING INCLUDED WITHIN THE TIME SPAN OF THESE VERY SHORT ADVERTISEMENTS.*
/10
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
10
SEWAGE TREATMENT PROVIDED * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT NEW PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN NEW TOWNS WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE COMPREHENSIVE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN OR ARE BEING INSTALLED AND THE EFFLUENT WILL BE TREATED BY THE SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES PROVIDED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DR HENRIETTA IP, HE SAID +IN OLDER ESTABLISHED AREAS WITHIN NEW TOWN BOUNDARIES AND ALSO IN AREAS OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS WHERE EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS ARE NOT AT PRESENT CONNECTED TO TREATMENT WORKS, IT IS INTENDED THAT WHEREVER IT IS PHYSICALLY PRACTICABLE THEY WILL BE SO CONNECTED AS THE SEWERAGE SYSTEMS ARE EXPANDED.
+IN THE INTERIM, HOWEVER, DEVELOPERS OF NEW PRIVATE BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED, AS A CONDITION OR MODIFICATION OF THEIR LEASE, TO THEMSELVES PROVIDE EITHER A TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT TREATMENT OR DISPOSAL FACILITY.*
-------o---------
USE OF +UNLEADED+ PETROL * * *
ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ALL PETROL-DRIVEN CARS NOW REGISTERED COULD BE OPERATED ON, OR COULD BE MADE WITH MINOR ADAPTATION TO OPERATE ON WHAT IS REFERRED TO AS UNLEADED PETROL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, SAID TODAY.
♦THAT REPRESENTS RATHER LESS THAN 90 □□□ CARS,* HE ADDED.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
11
AIRPORT EXIT SPEED LIMIT TO BE REVIEWED
* * K M X *
THE 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT AT THE EASTERN EXIT OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE REVIEWED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, MR SCOTT EXPLAINED THAT WHEN A STRETCH OF A MAJOR NEW ROADWAY IS OPENED, IT IS, ON ROAD SAFETY GROUNDS, THE PRACTICE TO IMPOSE A SPEED LIMIT OF 30 MPH FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS WHILE DRIVERS BECOME FAMILIAR WITH IT AND ITS INTERSECTIONS.
AFTER THE PERIOD, A REVIEW INCLUDING A SURVEY OF DRIVING BEHAVIOUR, IS UNDERTAKEN AND THE SPEED LIMIT, IF APPROPRIATE, IS INCREASED, HE ADDED.
AS THE SECTION OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD NETWORK WAS OPENED LAST APRIL, THE SPEED LIMIT THERE WOULD BE REVIEWED IN OCTOBER, MR SCOTT SAID.
-----o------
SIX BILLS PASSED
M * *
SIX BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE. BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983,.COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983, ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, ROAD TRAFFIC (REG ,S,TRM’ AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, MOTOR VEHICLES (FIRST REGISTRATION TAX) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, LEGAL AID (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
AND
ANOTHER BILL, THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983, WAS READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON IT WAS ADJOURNED TILL THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING ON MAY 25.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
- 12 -
GOVERNOR TO OPEN GEMS OF CHINESE ART EXHIBITION
X * X X
AN EXHIBITION WHICH IS SAID TO MARK A NEW IMPORTANT TURN IN THE HISTORY OF CULTURAL EXCHANGES BETWEEN EAST AND WEST, WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART IN THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK FOR THREE MONTHS, STARTING FROM NEXT WEEK.
THE EXHIBITION, +GEMS OF CHINESE ART FROM THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO, THE AVERY BRUNDAGE COLLECTION+, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ON MONDAY (MAY 16) AFTERNOON.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO, MR YVON D’ARGENCE, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE CEREMONY AND ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO, AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN CONSULATE-GENERAL IN HONG KONG IN COMMEMORATION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S 1OOTH ANNIVERSARY.
THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO WAS BORN FROM THE PASSION, VISION AND GENEROSITY OF AVERY BRUNDAGE, A CHICAGO FINANCIER WHO WAS PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOR 20 YEARS AND ONE OF THE GREATEST COLLECTORS OF ALL TIME.
IT HOUSES ABOUT 10 000 OBJECTS, HALF OF WHICH ARE OF CHINESE ORIGIN.
SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS OF THE COLLECTION HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN AND MEXICO, BUT THE FORTHCOMING EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A SELECTION OF THE CHINESE TREASURES TRAVELS ALL THE WAY TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PACIFIC.
A TOTAL OF 135 ITEMS OF CHINESE ART HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION IN HONG KONG.
THEY INCLUDE CERAMICS, JADE CARVINGS, STONE SCULPTURE, ANCIENT BRONZES, LACQUER WARES, PAINTING AND CALLIGRAPHY, AS WELL AS OTHER FORMS OF CHINESE ART REPRESENTING THE NUCLEUS OF CHINESE CULTURE OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE THOUSAND YEARS FROM THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD TO THE END OF THE QING DYNASTY.
EACH OF THE ITEMS ON DISPLAY IS A MASTERPIECE OF ITS OWN RIGHT.
PARTICULARLY NOTEWORTHY ARE THE SERIES OF HAN AND WEI TOMB MODELS AND FIGURINES, TANG THREE-COLOUR WARES, SONG MONOCHROMES, AS WELL AS MING AND QING BLUE-AND-WHITE AND ENAMELED PORCELAINS.
/IN ADDITION......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
13
IN ADDITION, MASTERPIECES MADE OF CLOISONNE, IVORY, RHINOCEROS’ HORN AND TEXTILE WILL ALSO BE PUT ON DISPLAY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 17 TO AUGUST 7 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS (EXCEPT THURSDAYS) AND BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EXHIBITION AT THE MUSEUM GALLERY, 11TH FLOOR, CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, AT 4.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 16).
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REQUESTED TO BE IN POSITION BY 4 PM AT THE LATEST.
THERE WILL BE TWO STATIC PRESS POSITIONS FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY (SEE SKETCH BEING TRANSMITTED BY FACSIMILE). IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF GUESTS ATTENDING AND THE LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE GALLERY, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER. BUT AFTER THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY BY THE GOVERNOR, REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS IN PRESS POSITION A WILL BE TAKEN TO ANOTHER PRESS POSITION ON THE 10TH FLOOR WHERE SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WILL LATER INSPECT SOME OF THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR MR YVON D’ARGENCE, DIRECTOR AND CHIEF CURATOR OF THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO TO MEET THE PRESS AT A PREVIEW TO BE HELD AT THE MUSEUM GALLERY AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16). MR D’ARGENCE WILL BE SPEAKING IN ENGLISH AND MANDARIN. OFFICERS FROM THE PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
-----0------
PUBLIC VIEWS ON EDUCATION SOUGHT X X X *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CONSULT PUBLIC OPINION ON THE REPORT OF THE PANEL CONDUCTING THE OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION, BECAUSE THE PROPOSALS COULD BRING ABOUT VAST CHANGES, MR KEN TOPLEY, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS WAS, HE SAID, A POSITIVE DECISION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC BEFORE DECIDING ON THE REPORT S RECOMMENDATIONS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST, MR TOPLEY NOTED THAT THE REPORT CONTAINED MANY SUGGESTIONS, BUT URGED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO DECIDE ON THEIR OWN PRIORITIES.
/♦•THEREFORE I ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1985
♦THEREFORE I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY ONCE AGAIN TO ASK EVERYONE WHO HAS AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM, AT WHATEVER LEVEL AND WHETHER PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL, TO READ THE REPORT AND LET ME HAVE THEIR VIEWS,♦ MR TOPLEY SAID.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IS OVER-ADMINISTERED AND UNDER-PLANNED.
MR TOPLEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE MIGHT WELL BE AREAS WHERE RELAXATION OF DETAILED ADMINISTRATION CONTROL WAS POSSIBLE, THE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY WERE ALSO IMPORTANT.
♦IT IS GOOD TO ADMINISTER WITH A LIGHT HAND, BUT WE HAVE TO FACE THE FACT THAT THINGS WILL GO WRONG OCCASIONALLY AND ONE THEN GETS A SHARP REMINDER OF ONE’S RESPONSIBILITIES FROM THE PUBLIC,♦ HE ADDED.
------0-------
POLL DAY IN QUARRY BAY TOMORROW * * * *
REGISTERED VOTERS IN QUARRY BAY ARE URGED TO TURN OUT FOR TOMORROW’S EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION.
THE LAST-MINUTE APPEAL CAME FROM THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO SAID THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALREADY A TRACK RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT AND THE BY-ELECTION FOR THE QUARRY BAY CONSTITUENCY CAUSED BY THE ELECTION OF MR KWAN LIM-HO TO THE URBAN COUNCIL WAS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS.
♦THE GROWING POPULATION OF QUARRY BAY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHOOSE A CANDIDATE TOREFLECT THE ^^AND^ ISWS^THE
DISTRICT BOARD AND I HOPE THE 22 OOO QUARRY BAY WILL EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT
COMING OUT TO VOTE,+
BY
HE SAID.
♦EVERY SINGLE VOTE WILL COUNT.
♦VOTING IS SIMPLE. AN ELECTOR ONLY NEEDS TO BRING ALONG HIS IDENTITY CARD AND GO TO THE POLLING STATION SPECIFIED ON THE POLL CARD AT ANY TIME BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 PM TOMORROW,+ MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
POLLING STATIONS WILL BE SET UP AT THE TAIKOO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB COLLEGE.
COUNTING OF VOTES WILL TAKE PLACE SHORTLY AFTER 10 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
A PRESS CENTRE WILL BE OPEN IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 884-886, KING’S ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, FROM 7 AM UNTIL THE COUNTING OF VOTES IS OVER TO FACILITATE PRESS COVERAGE OF TOMORROW’S BY-ELECTION. CNTA INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL HANDLE ALL PRESS ENQUIRIES AT 5-630181. MEMBERS OF THE PRESS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO COVER THE COUNTING OF VOTES. RESULTS OF THE ELECTION WILL BE TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE GIS FACSIMILE NETWORK AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
15
S70-MILLI0N UC COMPLEX BEING BUILT
X X * *
, RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE EASTERN PART OF WILL HAVE A MULTI-PURPOSE COMPLEX OF THEIR
IF ALL GOES WELL WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT
OWN IN ABOUT THREE YEARS.
IT WILL PROVIDE NOT ONLY RETAIL MARKETING FACILITIES AND A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, BUT ALSO A VARIETY OF AMENITIES FOR INDOOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PURSUITS.
SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE-LAYING CEREMONY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL NGAU CHI WAN COMPLEX TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DIRECTOR CF URBAN SERVICES, MR BRIAN WILSON, SAID THE COMPLEX WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1985 AT A COST OF SOME $70 MILLION.
PILING WORK ON THE SUBSTRUCTURE OF THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND CONSTRUCTION ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS IS DUE TO START IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR TO ENABLE THE MARKET TO BE OPENED BY THE END OF 1984, HE SAID.
♦WHEN THE MARKET IS OPENED, IT WILL ACCOMMODATE ALL THE SURVEYED AND ELIGIBLE ON-ROAD HAWKERS IN THE VICINITY,+ HR WILSON SAID.
♦THIS SHOULD MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE IN CLEARING OBSTRUCTIONS AND IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.+
MR WILSON TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS PLANS FOR SIMILAR NEW MARKETS THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREAS.
THE SPEED WITH WHICH THESE PROJECTS CAN BE COMPLETED DEPENDS ON THE PACE OF BUILDING AND THE AVAILABILITY OF THE NECESSARY FUND.
♦WITH ANY LUCK, THE FACE OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED LONG BEFORE THE END OF THIS DECADE,* HE ADDED.
EARLIER IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, STATED THAT THE BUILDING CF THE COMPLEX SERVES AS ANOTHER PROOF THAT THE COUNCIL IS DETERMINED TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER AND HEALTHIER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
HE PLEDGED THAT THE COUNCIL IS PRESSING AHEAD WITH ITS EXTENSIVE ON-GOING MARKET BUILDING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREAS SO AS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO MR WILSON FOR HAVING BEEN
♦THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE MAXIMUM UTILISATION OF PRECIOUS LAND SOURCES+ DURING HIS YEARS AS THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES.
THE URBAN COUNCIL NGAU CHI WAN COMPLEX IS IDEALLY SITED OVER THE TOP OF THE CHOI HUNG MTR STATION.
/BUILT ON ....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
16
BUILT ON A 5000 SQUARE-METRE SITE, IT WILL SERVE THE EASTERN PART OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT INCLUDING CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK AND FU SHAN ESTATES AND THE HAMMER HILL HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WITH A COMBINED POPULATION OF ABOUT 80 000.
RAMPS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO ALLOW THE DISABLED TO ENTER THE MARKET. A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE BUILT AS PART OF THE COMPLEX TO CONNECT THE PING SHEK ESTATE AND THE MARKET AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL.
AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL BE ON THE FIRST FLOOR WHILE OTHER CULTURAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A 460-SEATER AUDITORIUM, AN EXHIBITION AND REHEARSAL HALL, A DISTRICT LIBRARY AND THE KOWLOON EAST REGIONAL OFFICE OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL TAKE UP THE REST OF THE SEVEN-STOREY COMPLEX.
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BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS LANDLORD AND TENANT BILL *****
THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH CONTAINS PROPOSED AMENDMENTS CONCERNING DOMESTIC TENANCIES OF POST-WAR BUILDINGS, WILL BE ONE OF THE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 27 FOR ITS FIRST AND SECOND READING. DEBATE ON THE BILL WILL BE RESUMED ON MAY 25.
AT THE MEETING, THERE WILL ALSO BE A BRIEFING FOR MEMBERS ON THE LIAISON WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE DISTRICT, BY A REPRESENTATIVE, MR MICHAEL TONG.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF SEVEN INFORMATION BOARDS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO PUBLICISE THE BOARD’S ACTIVITIES, AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE bEETING CAN CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARY AT 5-450868 FOR SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THIRD FLOOR, WILLIE BUILDING, 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
17
WORKSHOPS FOR SENIOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF
X X X X
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF SIX, ONE-DAY WORKSHOPS FOR ALL SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD MINIMUM RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS.
THE FIRST ONE OF THE SERIES WAS CONDUCTED TODAY BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR TOM GARNER AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
PAPERS PREPARED BY THE COMMISSIONER, DEALING WITH SUCH MATTERS AS MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONS, CLASSIFICATION AND CATEGORISATION OF PRISONERS, AFTERCARE, AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING WERE DISCUSSED AT THE SESSION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE COURSE IS INTENDED TO BROADEN THE OUTLOOK OF THE OFFICERS AND HELP THEM TO EXAMINE MORE CRITICALLY THEIR ACCOUNTABILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING THE AIMS AND OBJECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
IT WOULD ALSO FURTHER DEVELOP INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS’ PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. HE ADDED.
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SOFTBALL INSTRUCTORS’ TRAINING COURSE
X X X X
AGE OR ’ TRAINING
EXPERIENCED SOFTBALL PLAYERS WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF ABOVE, ARE INVITED TO ENROL IN A SOFTBALL INSTRUCTORS COURSE STARTING FROM MAY 17.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION.
CONSISTING OF EIGHT THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL LESSONS, THE COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THREE DIFFERENT VENUES, THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, SHEK KIP MEI RESERVOIR PLAYGROUND AND HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION PLAYGROUND.
PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE UP COACHING AS ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS FOR AN ELEMENTARY SOFTBALL TRAINING COURSE TO BE HELD FROM JULY TO AUGUST.
CERTIFICATE WILL BE AWARDED FOR SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE.
THERE ARE 40 VACANCIES FOR THE COURSE AND THE FEE IS $20.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM RSS HEAD OFFICE ON HTH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND ANY OF ITS 19 OFFICES.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 5-458511. --------------------------o-------
/18........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1983
18
PROJECT TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY
K K K
A CONTRACT WORTH MORE THAN $3 MILLION WAS AWARDED TODAY BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 3 100 f€TRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN FANLING - SHEK WU HUI NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR LEE GUN-CHEUNG, CHIEF ENGINEER (CONSTRUCTION) OF THE DEPARTMENT AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF WO HING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LTD., THE CONTRACTOR.
THE MAINS FORM PART OF A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO THE NEW TOWN AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START NEXT WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------
CLOSURE OF HAPPY VALLEY FLYOVER
* MM
THE FLYOVER AT THE JUNCTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM ON SATURDAY TO 7 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) FOR ROAD WORKS.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED AT GROUND LEVEL ROADS.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS SOUTHERN DISTRICT ...................... 1
VOTERS THANKED FOR TURNOUT .................................... 2
QUARRY BAY BY-ELECTION RESULT ................................. 3
1980 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS ........................................ 3
FIRE STATION FOR QUARRY BAY.................................... 5
NEW EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE HARBOUR WATER CONDITIONS ............. 5
TWO MORE AMBULANCES FOR AMS ................................... 6
SPEEDPOST SERVICE BEING EXTENDED TO BANGKOK ................... 7
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION ....................... 8
STUDENT ARTISTRY ON DISPLAY ................................... 9
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONG KOK ......................... 9
IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN CHAI WAN ........................... 10
DENTAL HOSPITAL CLAIMS FOR ARBITRATION ....................... 10
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
1
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS SOUTHERN DISTRICT
*****
THE ABERDEEN RECLAMATION PROJECT WHICH IS BEING IMPLEMENTED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE EXPANDING POPULATION IN THE AREA, HAS REACHED THE HALF-WAY MARK.
THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE 18.5 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A WATERFRONT ROAD LINKING SHEK PAI WAN AND THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, AN OFF-STREET BUS TERMINUS, DISTRICT OPEN SPACE, GOVERNMENT AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
TODAY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, INSPECTED THE PROGRESS OF WORKS DURING A BOAT TOUR OF THE ABERDEEN HARBOUR, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN), MR K.C KWONG.
MR KWONG POINTED OUT THAT THE RECLAMATION PROJECT BEGAN IN 1976 AND ITS PHASED IMPLEMENTATION WOULD SPREAD OVER A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS.
WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU, THE TOTAL POPULATION IN THE AREA NOW STANDS AT 80 000 AND IT IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO SOME 120 000 BY 1989 WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ON AP LEI CHAU.
THE MAMMOTH RECLAMATION PROJECT IS NECESSARY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES IN THE AREA IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING POPULATION.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF THOUSANDS OF SQUATTERS AND A NUMBER OF OPERATORS OF BOAT YARDS, SAWMILLS AND MARINE ENGINE REPAIR WORKSHOPS WHO WILL BE REHOUSED OR REPROVISIONED ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY.
SIR PHILIP WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE MAJORITY OF ELIGIBLE SQUATTERS AFFECTED WOULD BE REHOUScD LOCALLY AND 'WORKSHOP OPERATORS REPROVISIONED IN THE VICINITY.
HE SAID: +THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS CREATED BY THE CLEARANCE IS ENORMOUS. I AM PLEASED TO SEE THE HIGH DEGREE CF CO-OPERATION AND CO-ORDINATION AMONG THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING, SOCIAL 'WELFARE, MARINE, POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS IN HELPING THE AFFECTED PEOPLE TO OVERCOME THE SOCIAL DISLOCATION AND ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS.*
THE CHIEF SECRETARY LATER VISITED OTHER AREAS IN ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU TO SEE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRICT (MANAGEMENT PROJECTS.
THE SIDE STREETS IN ABERDEEN HAD, FOR MANY YEARS. BEEN CLOGGED UP WITH STATIC AND MOBILE HAWKERS WHC VIRTUALLY CLOScD THE STREET TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 198$
2
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW ABERDEEN MARKET COMPLEX EARLY THIS YEAR, THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY CLEARED ON-STREET HAWKERS IN MARCH WITH THE HELP OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
THE CLEARANCE HAS PROVIDED MUCH NEEDED ROAD SPACE FOR THE PROVISION OF BUS TERMINI, LED TO MUCH IMPROVED CIRCULATION FOR BOTH VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS, AND A MUCH CLEANER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
SIR PHILIP THEN TOURED THE MULTI-PURPOSE ABERDEEN MARKET COMPLEX WHICH IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE URBAN AREA. IT HAS A MARKET, A DISTRICT LIBRARY, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AS WELL AS OFFICES FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
AT AP LEI CHAU, THE CHIEF SECRETARY VISITED A PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WHICH OFFERS MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TREATMENT, TRAINING AND PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR MULTIPLE-HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
SIR PHILIP LATER ATTENDED THE PANEL DISCUSSION OF A DISTRICT BOARD SEMINAR HELD AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL AND EXCHANGED VIEWS WITH PARTICIPANTS ON VARIOUS DISTRICT PROBLEMS.
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VOTERS THANKED FOR TURNOUT * * *
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING THANKED ALL THOSE VOTERS WHO TURNED OUT FOR THE FIRST DISTRICT BOARD BY-ELECTION HELD IN THE QUARRY BAY CONSTITUENCY.
HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE 10 PER CENT VOTER TURNOUT, TAKING NOTE THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD ELECTION FOR THE QUARRY BAY RESIDENTS WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF EIGHT MONTHS, THE LAST TWO BEING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS LAST SEPTEMBER AND THE URBAN COUNCIL
ELECTIONS IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
♦SOME QUARRY BAY RESIDENTS MAY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE ALRcADY EXERCISED THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS BY VOTING IN THE PAST TWO ELECTIONS, AND THEREFORE DID NOT VOTE AGAIN TODAY,+ MR LAM SAID.
♦FURTHERMORE, WE ARE ELECTING ONLY ONE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER TODAY, AS COMPARED WITH 75 MEMBERS LAST SEPTEMBER.
♦THE HEAVY RAIN THROUGHOUT THE DAY HAD PROBABLY TURNED AWAY MANY WOULD-BE VOTERS.
+1 SINCERELY THANK THOSE WHO BRAVED THE WEATHER AND VOTED TODAY. THIS GOES TO SHOW THAT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+
/MR LAM .......
3
xnurCbuAx, MAI 12, lycj
MR LAM NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO A STUDY HE HAD MADE, BY-ELECTIONS IN OTHER COUNTRIES - SUCH AS THE UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA - GENERALLY ATTRACTED A LOWER VOTER TURN-OUT.
A 10 PER CENT TURN-OUT FOR THE QUARRY BAY BY-ELECTION SHOULD THEREFORE BE REGARDED AS ENCOURAGING, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF TODAY’S BY-ELECTION WAS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 22 000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN QUARRY BAY TO CHOOSE A CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT THEM ON THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
+THIS OBJECTIVE HAS NOW BEEN ACHIEVED,* HE SAID.
-----o------
QUARRY BAY BY-ELECTION RESULT * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE RESULT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD BI-ELECTION FOR THE QUARRY BAY CONSTITUENCY :
NAME OF CANDIDATE NO. OF VOTES
MR GIUSEPPE SALAROLI 1 303
MR SHAM TAK-ON 580
MR YEUNG CHO-CHEUNG 301
-------o - -
1980 SURVEY OF WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS
* * *
THERE WERE 65 915 REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS IN 1980, UP BY NINE PER CENT OVER 1979, ACCORDING TO A REPORT JUST PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT, BASED ON THE 1980 SURVEY OF THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE SECTOR, NOTES THAT THE ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED 452 506 PERSONS, A 10 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN 1980, THEY GENERATED 3240 758 MILLION IN SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AND INCURRED EXPENDITURE OF 310 474 MILLION IN LABOUR COSTS, $18 335 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENSES, AND 3201 749 MILLION IN PURCHASES OF GOODS FOR SALE.
/COMPARED WITH
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 198?
4
COMPARED WITH 1979, THESE FIGURES SHOWED INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT, 31 PER CENT, 38 PER CENT AND 32 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS’ VALUE ADDED, COMPRISING LABOUR COSTS, INTEREST PAYMENTS AND OPERATING SURPLUS, GREW BY 30 PER CENT TO $25 739 MILLION IN 1980.
THIS VALUE ADDED REPRESENTED THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
THE SURVEY ALSO REVEALED THAT IN 1980, SOME 55 PER CENT OF THE REPORTING ESTABLISHMENTS WERE IN RETAIL TRADE, EMPLOYING 31 PER CENT OF ALL PERSONS ENGAGED AND ACCOUNTING FOR 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, AND 22 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR.
THE IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE, WITH 23 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND 26 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE, HAD THE LARGEST SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AT $152 778 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR’S TOTAL, CONTRIBUTING 51 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED IN THE SECTOR.
WHOLESALE TRADE, COMPRISING 14 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND 12 PER CENT OF THE SECTOR’S WORKFORCE, ACCOUNTED FOR 14 PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AND NINE PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED.
RESTAURANTS REPRESENTED SIX PER CENT, AND HOTELS, INCLUDING BOARDING HOUSES ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS.
THEY EMPLOYED 26 PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE TOTAL WORKFORCE.
RESTAURANTS RECORDED FOUR PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AND 13 PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED.
HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES ACCOUNTED FOR ONE PER CENT OF TOTAL SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS AND FIVE PER CENT OF TOTAL VALUE ADDED.
IN TERMS OF SALES AND OTHER RECEIPTS, WHOLESALE TRADE ATTAINED THE LARGEST INCREASE OF 47 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY RETAIL TRADE (36%), IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE (29%), RESTAURANTS (26%), AND HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES (20%).
WHOLESALE TRADE AGAIN RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE (46 PER CENT) IN VALUE ADDED, FOLLOWED BY IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE (30%), RETAIL TRADE AND RESTAURANTS (EACH OF 28%), AND HOTELS/BOARDING HOUSES (22%).
THE REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE AT $17.00 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. 3-7216024.
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/5........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1933
5
FIRE STATION FOR QUARRY BAY K * K
A $13.6 MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TODAY BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO THE UNISTRESS LTD. FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT IN SAI WAN HO.
IT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY MR TSENG KOANG-MIN, CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
THE SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT WILL BE BUILT IN WAI HANG STREET, TO SERVE THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF QUARRY BAY AND SAI WAN HO.
THE FIRE STATION WILL BE OF STANDARD DESIGN AND WILL HAVE AN APPLIANCE ROOM FOR FOUR FIRE ENGINES, A DRILL YARD, SERVICE ROOMS, OFFICES, CANTEEN, RECREATIONAL ROOM, BARRACKS AND OTHER FACILITIES.
THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE AMBULANCE DEPOT WILL INCLUDE SERVICE ROOMS, OFFICES, CANTEEN, RECREATIONAL ROOM, BARRACKS AND AN AMBULANCE YARD FOR FOUR AMBULANCES.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
------o-------
NEW EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE HARBOUR WATER CONDITIONS * * *
OVERALL IMPROVEMENT OF WATER CONDITIONS IN EASTERN VICTORIA HARBOUR WILL RESULT FROM A $5.75 MILLION CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY BETWEEN THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND PERMTEK LIMITED.
THE CONTRACT IS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SEWAGE PUMPING EQUIPMENT FOR THE EAST KOWLOON SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.
THE NEW EQUIPMENT WILL PERMIT BETTER DILUTION AND DISPERSION OF SCREENED SEWAGE EFFLUENTS BY THE PUMPING STATION.
THE SINGLE-STOREY PUMPING STATION IS BEING BUILT NEAR THE JUNCTION OF SUNG WONG TOI ROAD AND TO KWA WAN ROAD BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL AUGMENT THE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE EXISTING SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT AND SUBMARINE OUTFALL WHICH ARE TAKING AN INCREASING SEWAGE LOAD FROM KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN AND HUNG HOM DISTRICTS.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES, MR G.J. OSBORNE, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY.
-----0-------- /6..............
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
6
TWO MORE AMBULANCES FOR AMS
* * * *
FIRST-AID SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE GREATLY STRENGTHENED WITH THE ADDITION OF TWO AMBULANCES DONATED BY PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS.
IN A BRIEF CEREMONY TO BE HELD IN THE MAIN HALL OF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE ON SATURDAY (MAY 14), THE AMS UNIT COMMISSIONER, DR K.L. THONG, WILL RECEIVE THE AMBULANCE KEYS FROM THE DONORS.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF CHIAP HUA CHENG’S FOUNDATION, MR CHENG CHIK-CHI AND MR CHENG YIK-CHI WILL HAND OVER A STANDARD, FULLY-EQUIPPED AMBULANCE TO DR THONG FOR USE BY AMS.
THIS AMBULANCE WILL BE DEPLOYED TO SERVE RESIDENTS AND PICNICKERS IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT. IT WILL ALSO SUPPLEMENT THE NORMAL FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE AREA.
THE OTHER VEHICLE, A LANDROVER AMBULANCE, WILL BE DONATED BY ONE OF THE AMS’S LIAISON OFFICERS, MR LAU HON-WAH.
THE AMBULANCE HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF HIGH MANOEUVRABILITY IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. IT IS ALSO IDEAL FOR RESCUE AND EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
IT WILL BE DEPLOYED TO PROVIDE FIRST-AID TREATMENT TO VISITORS IN SHING MUN RESERVOIR COUNTRY PARK AND TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN CASTLE PEAK AREA.
AT PRESENT, THE AMS PROVIDES AMBULANCE AND FIRST-AID SERVICES IN BRIDE’S POOL COUNTRY PARK, TAI MEI TUK AND PAK TAM CHUNG AREAS DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
WITH THE TWO MORE AMBULANCES, THE AMS WILL HAVE A FLEET OF TWO STANDARD AMBULANCES AND FOUR LANDROVER AMBULANCES TO RENDER VALUABLE MEDICAL AID TO RESIDENTS AND PICNICKERS IN THE RURAL AREAS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TWO AMBULANCES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE AUXILIARY bEDICAL SERVICES AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 14) IN THE MAIN HALL OF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG.
THE AMS COMMISSIONER, DR K.L. THONG, WILL RECEIVE THE AMBULANCE KEYS FROM THE DONORS, MR CHENG CHIK-CHI AND I ? CHENG YIK-CHI AND AMS’S LIAISON OFFICER, MR LAU HON-WAH.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
- 0-----------
/7 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
- 7 -
SPEEDPOST SERVICE BEING EXTENDED TO BANGKOK X H M X X
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO BANGKOK, THAILAND, FROM MONDAY (MAY 16), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS WILL BRING TO 21 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THAILAND IS RESTRICTED TO ADDRESSEES IN BANGKOK ONLY.
BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES OF GOODS AND MERCHANDISE ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR POSTING.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT PER ITEM IS 10 KG.
THE POSTAGE RATES ARE :
$57 FOR AN ITEM UNDER 250G AND $77 FOR AN ITEM BETWEEN 250G AND 500G.
FOR ARTICLES WEIGHING MORE THAN 500G, THE RATE IS 077 FOR THE FIRST 500G, WITH A FURTHER $5 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL 530G.
BOTH ’CONTRACT’ AND ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
THE CONTRACT SERVICE PROVIDES DOOR DELIVERY TO ALL DESTINATIONS IN THE BANGKOK METROPOLIS BEARING POSTAL CODE NUMBERS PREFIXED BY 10.
ITEMS SENT UNDER THE ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICE, HOWEVER, WILL ONLY BE GIVEN DOOR DELIVERY SERVICE IF THEY ARE ADDRESSED TO PLACES IN THE BANGKOK METROPOLIS BEARING POSTAL CODE NUMBERS 10100 AND 10503.
FOR OTHER PLACES IN THE BANGKOK METROPOLIS, THE ADDRESSEES WILL BE INFORMED BY TELEPHONE TO COLLECT ITEMS rROM THE EXPRtSS MAIL SERVICE COUNTER AT BANGKOK GENERAL POST OFFICE.
SENDERS WILL THEREFORE HAVE TO SHOW THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE ADDRESSEE ON THE ADDRESS AS WELL.
DELIVERED IN THE NEXT ECT TO CUSTOMS , A SPOKESMAN FOR
ITEMS POSTED DAILY BEFORE 4 PM WILL BE WORKING DAY. BIG MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE SUBJ INSPECTION AND DELIVERY MAY THUS BE DELAYED
THE POST OFFICE SAID.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FRO. inE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108 OR THt FELEPHONc ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-2671222.
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/£........
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
8
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION * * X * *
PUPILS BETWEEN THE AGE OF FIVE AND 15 ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT ENTRIES TO AN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD IN SARAJEVO, YUGOSLAVIA IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR TO MARK THE 14TH WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.
THE EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE 14TH WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES AND THE ASSOCIATION OF ART TEACHERS IN SARAJEVO, IS AIMED AT MAKING CHILDREN MORE AWARE OF ALL THE SPORTS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES.
IT IS ALSO DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO DEPICT THE EFFORTS OF DIFFERENT PEOPLES IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY CF THEIR LIFE.
SUBJECTS OF THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE CHILDREN’S EVERYDAY LIFE OR SOME ASPECTS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES, SUCH AS TRACK AND FIELD, BASKETBALL, HANDBALL, SWIMMING, TENNIS, FOOTBALL, VOLLEY-BALL, JUDO, HOCKEY, GYMNASTICS, AND WINTER SPORTS.
THE ORGANISERS IMPOSE NO RESTRICTION ON THE TYPE OF WORK.
BUT TO FACILITATE MAILING, PUPILS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT IWO-DIMENSIONAL ENTRIES, SUCH AS DRAWING, PAINTING, COLLAGE AND PRINT, WITH A MAXIMUM SIZE OF 420 MM X 594 MM.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD WRITE DOWN ON THE BACK OF EACH ENTRY THEIR NAME, AGE, AS WELL AS THE NAME OF THEIR ART TEACHER AND SCHOOL IN BOTH CHINESE AN ENGLISH.
A TOTAL OF 300 MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED BY THE ORGANISERS.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT THROUGH SCHOOL HEADS TO THE ART SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4/F, HONG KONG BY JULY 8.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE EXHIBITION MAY BE MADE TO THE ART SECTION ON 5-621967 OR 5-621006.
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/9.......
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
9
STUDENT ARTISTRY ON DISPLAY *****
A LARGE SCALE JOINT SCHOOL EXHIBITION, FEATURING MORE THAN 8OO PIECES OF STUDENT ART WORK AND HANDICRAFT, WILL BE HELD AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE EXHIBITS, CONTRIBUTED BY 30 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, WILL INCLUDE SCULPTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, POTTERY, PAINTINGS, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, SILK SCREEN PRINTING, KNITTING WORK, NEEDLEWORK, SEWING WORK, BAMBOO WORK, WOODWORK, METAL WORK, POSTERS AND POTTED PLANTS.
ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN FROM 2.30 PM TO 7 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM DAILY BETWEEN MAY 14 AND 16. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.C. KWONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, MR HO SIU-LUN, WILL OFFICIATE AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL, WAH FU ESTATE.
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NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONG KOK * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN MONG KOK FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (MAY 13) WHEN THE NEW PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ON NATHAN ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET BECOMES OPERATIONAL.
VEHICLES ON ARGYLE STREET WESTBOUND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
BUSES ON KMB ROUTE 9 BOUND FOR TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ARGYLE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, DUNDAS STREET AND NATHAN ROAD, AND THEIR TWO BUS STOPS ON NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND DUNDAS STREET WILL BE RELOCATED ALONG THE CORRESPONDING SECTION OF SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND.
GENERAL TRAFFIC ON ARGYLE STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR YAU MA TEI WILL HAVE TO USE EITHER SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET OR SHANGHAI STREET.
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THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1983
10
IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN CHAI WAN * * * *
NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CHAI WAN FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 14) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT, WAH HA STREET BETWEEN ITS EASTERN JUNCTION WITH WAN TSUI ESTATE ACCESS ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE RESERVED FOR BUSES ONLY.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR WAN TSUI ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LIN SHING ROAD.
TRAFFIC ON WAH HA STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH WAN TSUI ESTATE ACCESS ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY, EASTBOUND.
HOWEVER, TRAFFIC ON ANOTHER SECTION OF WAH HA STREET BETWEEN ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH WAN TSUI ESTATE ACCESS ROAD AND LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
CMB ROUTES 82, 82A AND 84 DEPARTING FROM CHAI WAN TERMINUS WILL USE WAH HA STREET, WAN TSUI ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, THEN REJOIN WAH HA STREET AND LIN SHING ROAD.
- 0 - -
DENTAL HOSPITAL CLAIMS FOR ARBITRATION - * * *
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AS CLAIMANTS IN RESPECT OF DISPUTED CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF A CONTRACT FOR THE SALE AND INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT AT THE PRINCE PHILIP DENTAL HOSPITAL, HAS SERVED UPON THE SOLICITORS ACTING FOR THE SUPPLIER, A NOTICE REQUIRING SUBMISSION OF THE DISPUTED CLAIMS TO ARBITRATION.
THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS (HONG KONG) HAS BEEN REQUESTED TO APPOINT AN ARBITRATOR TO HEAR AND DETERMINE THE MATTERS IN DISPUTE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAND PRODUCTION LEVELS MORE THAN ADEQUATE: REPORT ........ 1
LABOUR FORCE FIGURES FOR JANUARY-MARCH QUARTER ........... 3
PTU TRAINING EXTENDS BEYOND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ......... 5
GOVERNOR CONGRATULATES PING-PONG TEAM .................... 6
MORE FISHERMEN TAKE NAVIGATION COURSE .................... 6
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PLANNED ............................ 7
PORT HEALTH OFFICE FEES REVISED .......................... 7
SHA TIN LAND FOR SALE .................................... 8
HONG KONG/SWEDEN TEXTILES NEGOTIATIONS ................... 8
SEMINAR ON SAFETY IN HOME ECONOMICS ...................... 8
YOUTHS OFFERED MUSICAL TRAINING .......................... 9
RECRUIT OFFICERS TO PARADE .............................. 10
WATER MAINS TESTS........................................ 10
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ........................... 10
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1983
- 1
LAND PRODUCTION LEVELS MORE THAN ADEQUATE! REPORT
* * * *
THE EXISTING AND PLANNED LEVELS OF LAND PRODUCTION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ARE MORE THAN ADEQUATE TO MEET HONG KONG’S GROWING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC NEEDS.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY IN ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR FOR 1982. THE REPORT, WHICH IS PUBLISHED TODAY, IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $20.
THE COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON LYDIA DUNN, HAS RECOMMENDED TARGETS FOR THE PRODUCTION AND SALE OF LAND AND HAS ASSESSED THE ADEQUACY OF GOVERNMENT PROJECTS IN RELATION TO THESE TARGETS.
AS IN LAST YEAR’S REPORT, THE COMMITTEE HAS CONCENTRATED ON THE PROVISION OF LAND FOR HOUSING, MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCIAL OFFICES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
POLICY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN TRANSLATED INTO REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW LAND, AND THESE HAVE BEEN COMPARED WITH CURRENT LAND PRODUCTION FORECASTS TO ASSESS HOW WELL LAND SUPPLY WILL MATCH LAND REQUIREMENT ARISING FROM POLICY OBJECTIVES.
IN ITS ASSESSMENT OF LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS LAND USES, A LONG TERM VIEW OF THE MARKET POTENTIAL HAS BEEN TAKEN AND THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS NOT BEING INFLUENCED BY SHORT TERM MARKET CONDITIONS HAS BEEN STRESSED.
THE COMMITTEE’S MAIN CONCLUSIONS AREi
* FORECAST LAND SUPPLY SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO SUSTAIN PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING AT 30 000 FLATS A YEAR UP TO 1988/89. EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTARY SITES BOTH IN THE URBAN AREAS AND IN THE NEW TOWNS TO ENSURE THAT THIS LEVEL OF PRODUCTION CAN BE AT LEAST MAINTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. IT IS ALSO ANTICIPATED THAT THE VARIOUS ON-GOING SUB-REGIONAL STUDIES WILL IDENTIFY OTHER SUITABLE AREAS FOR LONG-TERM LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT.
* FORECAST LAND SUPPLY SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO SUSTAIN PRODUCTION AT 10 000 FLATS A YEAR FOR BOTH HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT FROM 1984/85.
* THERE SHOULD BE MORE THAN ADEQUATE LAND SUPPLY FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO CONTRIBUTE AN AVERAGE 25 000 FLATS A YEAR FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS WITH SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO INCREASE TO A MAXIMUM LEVEL OF 35 000 FLATS A YEAR SHOULD MARKET CONDITIONS IMPROVE.
/• FORECAST LAND
FRIDAY, MAY 1J, 1983
2
M FORECAST LAND SUPPLY FOR INDUSTRIAL USE SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXCEED THE REQUIREMENTS TO SATISFY TERRITORIAL EMPLOYMENT NEEDS BOTH IN THE MEDIUM (1991) AND IN THE LONG TERM (2001). THE NEWLY PROPOSED PLOT RATIOS PERMITTING THE ADOPTION OF LOWER PLOT RATIOS SHOULD ASSIST IN ENCOURAGING END-USERS TO DEVELOP INDUSTRIAL LAND. THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT DETAILED CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE FEASIBILITY OF REZONING SOME 40 HA - 50 HA OF INDUSTRIAL LAND POSSIBLY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING WHICH COULD PRODUCE AN EQUIVALENT OF 26 000 TO 30 000 FLATS.
* THE COMMITTEE IS CONCERNED THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE AN OVER-CONCENTRATION OF COMMERCIAL OFFICES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS AND THE INNER CITY DISTRICTS AND RECOMMENDS THAT A STUDY BE UNDERTAKEN TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF OFFICE DECENTRALISATION.
IN ADDITION TO ITS WORK IN SETTING TARGETS, FORECASTING SUPPLY AND MONITORING PERFORMANCE IN LAND SUPPLY, THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO STUDIED SUCH RELATED TOPICS AS:
* THE RELEASE OF CROWN LAND SITES WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER TEMPORARY OCCUPATION FOR THEIR INTENDED LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT UNDER A FIVE-YEAR ROLLING PROGRAMME.
* THE CONCEPT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS AS APPLIED TO URBAN RENEWAL AND REDEVELOPMENT. DURING THE YEAR, A WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP BY THE COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE THE INHERENT PROBLEMS OF URBAN RENEWAL AND TO RECOMMEND POSITIVE SOLUTIONS TO OVERCOME SUCH PROBLEMS. THE WORKING GROUP CONCLUDED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS COULD BE ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS OF ACHIEVING URBAN RENEWAL AND THAT THIS APPROACH SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE OVERALL BRIEF FOR A CONSULTANCY STUDY RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS. THIS CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS COMMISSIONED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND WILL SUBMIT A FINAL REPORT ON ITS FINDINGS IN JULY.
THE COMMITTEE INTENDS TO GIVE DETAILED CONSIDERATION OV THE NEXT YEAR TO A NUMBER OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING:
* EXAMINING THE POSSIBILITIES OF EXPANDING EXISTING URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTANCY STUDY ON LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION;
/• MONITORING TEE
FRIDAY, MAY 1?, 198}
"5
* MONITORING THE FORMULATION OF A ROLLING PROGRAMME TO RATIONALISE TEMPORARY USE OF LAND IN RESPECT OF SITES ZONED FOR GIC PURPOSES 5
ft REVIEWING THE ALTERNATIVE USES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE LIGHT OF POSSIBLE SUBSTANTIAL SUPPLY OVER REQUIREMENTS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUING TO BE CONCENTRATED IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS AND EXAMINING WAYS IN WHICH DECENTRALISATION COULD BE ACHIEVED;
* EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF COMMERCIAL OFFICE DECENTRALISATION.
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF THE HON W.C.L. BROWN, WHO HAS SERVED AS A MEMBER ON THE COMMITTEE SINCE MAY 1980, TO SUCCEED THE HON LYDIA DUNN, AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1, 1983 TO MAY 31, 1984.
THE DECISION WAS MADE FOLLOWING A REQUEST BY THE CURRENT CHAIRMAN TO BE RELIEVED OF SOME OF HER COMMITMENTS IN VIEW OF HER NEW APPOINTMENT AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. THE OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEE, W.M. SULKE, MR GEOFFREY YEH, MR R.C.Y. POON AND MR R.J. OSBORN, HAVE ALSO BEEN REAPPOINTED.
IN ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMPHASISED THE USEFULNESS OF THE COMMITTEE IN PROVIDING A FOCUS FOR CONSIDERATION OF LAND NEEDS AND FOR AN APPRAISAL OF PROCEDURES FOR LAND PRODUCTION AND AS A MONITOR OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE IN THIS FIELD. THE COMMITTEE, UNDER THE NEW CHAIRMAN, IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS NEXT REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR IN APRIL 1984.
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LABOUR FORCE FIGURES FOR JANUARY-MARCH QUARTER ft ft ft ft
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER JANUARY - MARCH 1983 WAS 5.1 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH 3.9 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1982, AND 3.4 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE INCREASES OF 1.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS AND 1.7 PERCENTAGE POINTS RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH THE TWO EARLIER QUARTERS, ARE STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING 'ARCH 1983 WAS PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED TO BE 127 000, AS COMPARED WITH 98 700 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, AND 83 400 FOR THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
/THE UHDERIMPLOYMENT.........
FRIDAY, MAY 1J, 1983
4
The underemployment rate was 2.5 per cent for the quarter' E D NG MARCH 1983, WHICH CO^ARES WITH 2.1 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1982. THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TVE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS 63 OOO FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1983, AS COMPARED WITH 52 200 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 IT WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT'SECRETAR I AT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE CHANGES IN UNEMPLOYMENT TEND TO LAG BEHIND CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY, THE INCREASES IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT’RATES IN TRE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THE UNDERLYING ECONOMIC SITUATION HAD CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE.
INDEED, GIVEN THE INDICATIONS OF SOME REVIVAL IN EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY GENERALLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER, 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.
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.
IN COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES 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 MARCH 1983 WAS ALSO 5.1 PER CENT.
HE ADDED THAT DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1983 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND JUNE 20.
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/5........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1983
5
PTU TRAINING EXTENDS BEYOND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS ft ft * * ft
TUP VALUE OF TRAINING WHICH OFFICERS RECEIVE AT THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT EXTENDS BEYOND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, THE REGIONAL COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR JOHN GRIEVE, SAID THIS (FRIDAY)
MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE PASSING OUT PARADE OF ’HOTEL’ COMPANY, THE POLICE VETERAN WHO WILL RETIRE FROM THE FORCE NEXT MONTH AFTER 32 YEARS’ SERVICE TOLD THE ’BLUE BERETS’ THAT TACTICAL TRAINING HAD APPLICATION IN MANY FIELDS OF POLICE WORK.
"THE TRAINING YOU HAVE RECEIVED IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE FORCE’S PROGRAMME TO PRODUCE OFFICERS CAPABLE OF DEALING WITH ANY SITUATION WHICH THEY MAY BE CALLED UPON TO DEAL WITH.
™E MOVEMENT IN YOUR PHYSICAL CAPACITY AS WELL AS THE HIGH STANDARD OF SELF-DISCIPLINE WHICH HAS BEEN ^S^OED OF YOU W,LL EQUIP YOU FOR THE COMPLEX AND DEMANDING TASKS WHICH MODERN DAY POLICING IMPOSES," HE NOTED. PARADE^TMFV^MAVP^innMTtn^ JbEa£?!£ANY F0R ™E MAGNIFICIENT
•pa.r’WSW^se’L^ at the uhit> mr srieve wished ™EH io-weeI ffiSLiysrr? k?ni°xiet‘"ding ofeicers °n ™e THE HO?*»EPUTOo!E1R"cEIVEB0FIIOHI,Hm,?»|lftZE' “"UMBERS OF ALL-ROUND PLATOON? ECE,VED FR0M H,M THE TROPHY FOR THE BEST-
a®’
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/6.......
6
ruu ip, l>O_?
60VERNOR CONGRATULATES PING-PONG TEAM
* * *
HCNG KONG’S TABLE TENNIS TEAM WHICH SWEPT ALL THE TITLES IN T~£ RECENT COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD IN KUALA LUMPUR WAS CONGRATULATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AT A RECEPTION IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS EVENING.
LADY YOUDE WAS ALSO PRESENT TO SAY +WELL DONE+ TO THE MEN AND WOMEN PING-PONG PLAYERS WHO HAD JUST RETURNED FROM TOKYO WHERE THEY PERFORMED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AT THE 37TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
AT THE RECEPTION WERE FIVE MEN AND FIVE WOMEN PLAYERS LED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION, MR CHUNG WING-KWONG AND NINE OTHER OFFICIALS.
THE SECRETARY FOR NOME AFFAIRS. MR DENIS BRAY. AMD THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WlGGHAM, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ATTENDED THE reception.
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MORE FISHERMEN TAKE NAVIGATION COURSE * * * *
NAVIGATION TRAINING COURSES ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ENABLE FISHERMEN TO NAVIGATE THEIR VESSELS MORE ACCURATELY AND SAFELY AND TO AVOID INTRUDING INTO THE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF OTHER COUNTRIES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (FISHERIES), MR R.M. CHILVERS SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
SUCH TRAINING COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MID-WATER AND DISTANT WATER FISHING FLEET, MR CHILVERS SAID, WHILE ADDRESSING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE 29TH CLASS.
THE COURSES STARTED IN 1963 AND EVOLVED FROM THE SKIPPER CLASS FIRST HELD IN 1955.
MR CHILVERS SAID1 +THEY THUS HAVE A LONG HISTORY AND ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DEVELOPING OFFSHORE FISHING FLEET.
♦THE STUDENTS RECEIVE TRAINING IN PRACTICAL CHART WORK, SEAMANCHIP, SIGNALLING, ELEMENTARY CELESTIAL NAVIGATION AMD DEAD RECKONING NAVIGATION.*
DURING THE SIX-MONTH COURSE, TWO ONE-WEEK PERIODS OF PRACTICAL TRAINING ABOARD THE DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES RESEARCH VESSEL, +TAI SHUN* WERE HELD.
MR CHILVERS SAID» *AS THE RATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF FISHIN? CRAFT AND GEAR ACCELERATE AND THE MODERN VESSELS ADOPT MORE POWERFUL ENGINES AND IMPROVED HULL DESIGNS AND FIT MORE ELECTRONIC NAVIGATION AND FISH FINDING EQUIPMENT, THEIR COST INCREASES.*
HOWFVER, THESE DEVELOPMENTS ENABLE THE VESSELS TO VENTURE FURTHER OFFSHORE AND TO AREAS REMOTE FROM HONG KONG WHERE THE TRAD IT I'M AL LAND MARKS PREVIOUSLY USED IN NAVIGATION ARE NO LONGER RELEVANT.
MR CHILVERS PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO SEVEN GRADUATING NAVIGATORS, WHO JOIN ANOTHER 261 STUDENTS FROM PREVIOUS COURSES.
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FRTDAY, MAY 13, 1983
7
STREET RECONSTRUCTION PLANNED
* * M
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RE-CONSTR PARTS OF KWAI TAK STREET, KWAI HONG STREET AND KWAI SHUN STREET IN KWAI CHUNG.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE- THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, H.K. AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, 1ST-4TH FLOOR, 455-457, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 9-1/2 MILES, TSUEN WAN AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 12, 1983.
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PORT HEALTH OFFICE FEES REVISED M * * *
AIRCRAFT AND VESSELS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG WILL HAVE TO PAY SLIGHTLY MORE FOR SERVICES RENDERED BY THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ISSUING VARIOUS KINDS OF FFALTH CERTIFICATES UNDER THE QUARANTINE AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE ORDINANCE.
EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, CHARGES FOR THE ISSUE OF A DERATTING CERTIFICATE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $600 JO $900, FOR A DERATTING EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FROM $350 TO <520, FOR SUPERVISION OF DISINFECTING SERVICES FROM $100 TO $150 AND FOR THE ISSUE OF A BILL OF HEALTH FROM $50 TO $80.
ANNOUNCING THE REVISION OF FEES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE SCAL- OF CHARGES WAS LAST REVISED IN i960 AND THAT THE NEW FEES WERE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF COST RECOVERY.
HE ADDED THAT THE REVISION WILL ONLY AFFECT A VERY SMALL SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.
AS THE LAW STANDS, THE PORT HEALTH CHIEF OFFICER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPECTING AND SUPERVISING THE FUMIGAT ION, DISINFECTING AND DISINSECTING SERVICES CARRIED OUT IN AIRCRAFT AND SHIPS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSE OF ISSUING THE NECESSARY CERTIFICATES.
------ 0 -----
/8........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1983
8
SHA TIN LAND FOR SALE * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN FOR SALE BY TENDER.
THE SITE, SITUATED IN TAI WAI, IS FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES AND NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND CINEMA) PURPOSES. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.3 HECTARES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON JULY 8, 1983.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE TENDER IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
TENDER FORM, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1OTHFLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFT ICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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HONG KONG/SWEDEN TEXTILES NEGOTIATIONS X X X X
THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR A NEW HONG KONG/SWEDEN TEXTILES AGREEMENT, WHICH WERE RECESSED ON MARCH 8, WILL BE RESUMED IN STOCKHOLM ON MONDAY (MAY 16).
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, LED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JUSTIN YUE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TODAY.
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SEMINAR ON SAFETY IN HOME ECONOMICS * * *
THE ADVISORY TEACHING
HOME ECONOMICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTORATE WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR ON SAFETY IN THE OF HOME ECONOMICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS LATER THIS MONTH.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, WILL BE HELD AT THE ED’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT BETWEEN 9.15 AM AND 12 NOON ON MAY 28.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE
IS TO ENCHANCE HOME ECONOMICS TEACHERS OF SAFETY WHEN TEACHING THE SUBJECT.
THE SEMINAR WILL FEATURE A TALK BY A STATION OFFICER FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR K.H. LAI, A FILM SHOW AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, HOME ECONOMICS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT ON OR BEFORE MAY 17.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SEMINAR CAN BE MADE ON TEL. NO.
5-621009.
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1933
9
. f: C ■ ■. ' ■ ,
YOUTHS OFFERED MUSICAL TRAINING * * * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE FROM THE AGE OF SIX TO 22 ARE BEING OFFERED THE CHANCE TO BE TRAINED TO PLAY SYMPHONY OR CHINESE ORCHESTRAL INSTRUMENTS AND TO PERFORM IN YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND BANDS.
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS NOW RECRUITING YOUNG MUSICIANS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME, WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT, 622 TRAINING CLASSES IN WESTERN AND CHINESE INSTRUMENTS FOR ABOUT 2 700 TRAINEES UNDER THIS SCHEME.
HOUR-LONG TRAINING CLASSES ARE HELD WEEKLY AT MUSIC OFFICE CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES. MONTHLY TUITION FEES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARv STUDENTS ARE <$10 AND $20 RESPECTIVELY.
TO SUPPLEMENT THE INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING CLASSES, COURSES FOR AURAL TRAINING, THEORY AND MUSIC APPRECIATION ARE ALSO RUN. SPECIAL TRAINING IS GIVEN TO TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO FURTHER THEIR MUSIC TRAINING THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, PROVIDED UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND.
UNDER THE EXISTING HIRE PURCHASE SCHEME, THE MUSIC OFFICE PROVIDES EVERY TRAINEE WITH HIS OWN INSTRUMENT FOR PRACTICE AT HOME AT A MONTHLY FEE OF $10. WHEN THE FEES PAID MEET THE COST OF THE INSTRUMENT, THE INSTRUMENT BECOMES THE PROPERTY OF THE TRAINEE.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW INVITED FOR THE SCHEME AND APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED AT ANY OF THE MUSIC CENTRES. ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO 5-283257 OR 5-296227.
APPLICATIONS FROM STUDENTS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE ENDORSED BY THEIR SCHOOL AUTHORITIES. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO ANY OF THE MUSIC CENTRES BEFORE JUNE 15.
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN EAR TEST AT A LATER DATE TO DETERMINE THEIR SUITABILITY FOR ADMISSION.
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FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1983
10
RECRUIT OFFICERS TO PARADE * * *
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUIT OFFICERS AT THE PARADE GROUND OF STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND PRESENT SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST RECRUITS. HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE PARADE.
ON PARADE WILL BE 29 OFFICERS AND 67 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED SIX MONTHS BASIC TRAINING.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 14).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE DEPARTMENT'S HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI AT 9 AM SHARP.
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WATER MAINS TESTS * K *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE PEAK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TESTS.
PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN TREGUNTfR PATH, MAY ROAD, BREW IN PATH, MAGAZINE GAP ROAD AND CLOVELLY PATH.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORKS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED ARE KWUN TONG; .-NGAU TAU KOK, NGAU CHI WAN, SAN PO KONG, SAU MAU PING AND LAM TIN.
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" ‘
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ’
* * * * A '
V
CHUNG MEI ROAD ON TSI NG Yl WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY (MAY 15) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 3 PM TO ALLOW FOR CELEBRATIONS OF THE TSING Yl TIN HAU FESTIVAL. *
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES VITAL ROLE STRESSED ..................... 1
AWARDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ....................................... 2
COMPENSATION FUND CONSIDERED ................................. 2
CAPTAIN SAFETY TO TEACH YOUTH ABOUT ROAD USE .................. 4
POST OFFICE TO ISSUE NEW STAMPS ............................... 5
TWO INFORMATION DIRECTORIES ON TUEN MUN PUBLISHED ............. 5
PROMOTING HORTICULTURE BY RADIO ............................. 6
FUN DAY AND EXHIBITION TO HELP BLIND .......................... 7
ROADS OPEN IN TUEN MUN AND KWAI CHUNG.......................... 7
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TO KWA WAN ................................. 8
CHAI WAN TRAEFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................. 8
COACH ROUTE 207 REPLACED .................................... 8
SHA TIN AND TAI WAI MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION ................. 9
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
1
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES VITAL ROLE STRESSED ft ft ft ft
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PLAYS A MOST SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN PREVENTING CRIME AS IT SEEKS TO REFORM ITS INMATES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID AT A.PASS ING-OUT PARADE OF CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE WAS MOST IMPRESSED BY THE WAY THE ATTITUDE OF THE DEPARTMENT TO THE INMATES OF INSTITUTIONS HAD CHANGED OVER THE YEARS.
♦THE ACCENT NOW IS ON REFORMING CRIMINALS, NOT WAREHOUSING THEM. WHAT YOU WILL BE TRYING TO DO IS TO RE-EDUCATE THEM SO THAT THEY CAN RETURN TO SOCIETY WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT AGAIN TO CRIME,♦ HE REMARKED.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SHORTLY BE SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON HOW THE EFFORT OF A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND OF COMMUNITY AGENCIES COULD BE MADE COLLECTIVELY MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE PREVENTION OF CRIME.
HE WAS CERTAIN THAT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S IMPORTANCE IN THIS CONTEXT WOULD BE ACCENTUATED.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE OPENING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT CENTRE IN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, IN WHICH SELECTED PRISONERS WOULD BE ABLE TO WORK OUTSIDE BEFORE RELEASE, SHOULE HELP TO EASE THEM BACK INTO SOCIETY WITHOUT TOO MUCH A SHOCK, WITH THE OBJECT OF KEEPING THEM FROM REVERTING TO CRIME.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF A JOINT EFFORT BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT TO UPGRADE VOCATIONAL TRAINING PARTICULARLY FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE IDEA WOULD BE TO HAVE THEM TRADE TESTED AND ISSUED WITH A CERTIFICATE WHICH WOULD HELP THEM TO FIND EMPLOYMENT WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED.
♦AGAIN, THE OBJECT IS TO TRY AND DISCOURAGE THEM FROM RETURNING TO CRIME,♦ HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON WAS THE INSPECTING OFFICER AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE WHICH WAS HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
ON PARADE WERE 29 OFFICERS AND 67 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAD COMPLETED THEIR SIX-MONTH BASIC TRAINING.
HE ALSO PRESENTED SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST ALL-ROUND RECRUITS, MESSRS CHUI HUNG-KWONG AND CHENG LUNG-KWONG.
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/a........
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
a
AWARDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL PRESENT AWARDS TO WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON MONDAY (MAY 16).
THIRTY-ONE YOUNG PEOPLE WON THE GOLD AWARD THIS YEAR. THEY COMPRISE NINE STUDENTS, THREE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, SIX TEACHERS AND 13 OTHERS WHO HAVE QUALIFIED THROUGH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES.
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME IS AN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE FOUNDED AND SPONSORED BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. IT IS A LEISURE-TIME ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 25.
MORE THAN 30 000 YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME.
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR ALEX WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD HONG KONG AWARD COMMITTEE, WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS.
SIR EDWARD WILL THEN PRESENT THE GOLD AWARD CERTIFICATES AND CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION.
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COMPENSATION FUND CONSIDERED ft ft ft
CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE POSSIBLE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPENSATION FUND TO PROVIDE A MEASURE OF RELIEF FOR CONSUMERS WHO LOSE THEIR DEPOSITS AS A RESULT OF ABSCONDMENT BY UNSCRUPULOUS TRAVEL AGENTS, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 12TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF TRAVEL AGENTS IN VANCOUVER, MR YEUNG SAID NO DECISION HAD YET BEEN MADE AS THE ISSUES INVOLVED WERE FRAUGHT WITH DIFFICULTIES AND THERE WERE NO EASY OPTIONS.
♦BUT ONE THING IS CLEARt IF A FUND SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED THE BENEFICIARIES WILL NOT BE PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO DO BUSINESS WITH UNLICENSED PERSONS, FOR IMPLICIT IN THAT DECISION IS A WILLINGNESS TO OPT OUT OF THE PROTECTION OFFERED BY THE LAW,+ HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD JUST COMPLETED DISCUSSING PRELIMINARY DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS OF A BILL DESIGNED TO REGULATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OUTBOUND SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY.
THE BILL, WHEN ENACTED, WILL REQUIRE OUTBOUND TRAVEL BUSINESSES AND PERSONS CONNECTED TO BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED.
SAID .......
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
3
HE SAID THE BASIC AIM OF REGISTRATION WAS TO ENABLE THE BUSINESSES TO BE IDENTIFIED AND THE BASIC AIM OF LICENSING WAS TO REGULATE THEIR ACTIVITIES TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED FOR IN THE LEGISLATION.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE LICENSING REQUIREMENT COULD NOT PREVENT ABSCONDMENT ALTOGETHER, JUST AS THE LICENSING OF RESTAURANTS COULD NOT GUARANTEE AGAINST CONTRACTING FOOD POISONING.
♦BUT A BODY OF LICENSED TRAVEL AGENTS THAT IS REQUIRED TO CONDUCT THEIR OPERATIONS UNDER A CERTAIN DEGREE OF TRANSPARENCY SHOULD PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC WITH SOME ASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE DEALING WITH BONA FIDE BUSINESSES, AND WITH SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO JUDGE THE NATURE OF THEIR PURCHASES,♦ HE SAID.
IN DECIDING THAT LEGISLATION SHOULD BE DRAFTED, MR YEUNG SAID, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAD ASKED THAJ pR°POSED REQUIREMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE THE EFFECT OF SERIOUSLY ERODING COMPETITION.
HE SAID ONE COULD REASONABLY EXPECT A CONTRACTION !NTatai i v NUMBERS TO RESULT FROM THE IMPOSITION OF ANY REGIME ON A TOTALLY SEE ENVIRONMENT THE DEGREE OF CONTRACTION DEPENDING ON THE ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS OF BUSINESSES TO OPERATE UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE REGIME.
HOWEVER MR YEUNG WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE 450 OR SO MEMBERS OF THE FIVE fRAVEL INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS IN HONG ^G, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 75 PER CENT OF <OTAL SALES OF AIRLINE TICKtio AND NOT LESS THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE MARKET FOR GROUP TOURS, SHOULD BE QUITE CAPABLE OF MEETING THE LICENSING CONDITIONS.
♦MOREOVER THE REGIME WOULD BE OPEN TO ANY BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL WHO WISH TO ENTER THE MARKET AND COULD MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUE OF LICENCES.+
WHILE NO DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN ON WHAT WAS TO DE DONE AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LICENSING SYSTEM, MR YEUNG SA D HE PERSONALLY DID NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE.
♦ I HOLD THE VIEW STRONGLY THAT THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN SELF-REGULATION, AND THAT THE REGIME WHICH WE ARE SEEKING TO CREATE IS ONLY A FIRST STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.
♦ I AM REINFORCED IN THIS BELIEF BY THE FACT ™AT THE INBOUND SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY IS SELF-REGULATED, AND BY THE PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
♦ I AM NOT. THEREFORE, RULING OUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE REGULATORY MaJAiSe MIGHT ONE DAY BE TAKEN OVER BY *N ORGANISATION THAT FULLY AND EFFECTIVELY REPRESENTS THE OUTBOUND SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY,♦ HE SAID.
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A
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
4
CAPTAIN SAFETY TO TEACH YOUTH ABOUT ROAD USE ft ft ft ft ft ft
CAPTAIN SAFETY — A CHARACTER SPECIALLY CREATED TO PROMOTE A ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN — WILL MAKE HIS DEBUT AT A CARNIVAL AT THE VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE CARNIVAL MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT TO TEACH LOCAL RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE AGED FIVE TO 18, ABOUT ROAD SAFETY CODES AND RULES.
CAPTAIN SAFETY WILL PLAY WITH THE CHILDREN AND TEACH THEM THE BASIC ROAD SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS AT THE CARNIVAL SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
CHILDREN WILL ALSO HAVE THE CHANCE TO DRIVE ABOUND A +ROAD SAFETY TOWN+ IN +SAFETY BUSES+, PLAY IN GAMES STALLS AND SEE A DISPLAY OF VINTAGE CARS. A POP CONCERT WILL ALSO BE HELD.
OTHER PROGRAMMES IN THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDE AN EDUCATIONAL FORTNIGHT STARTING ON MONDAY (MAY 16) WHEN STAFF OF THE POLICE FORCE WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT AND ORGANISE SEMINARS AND SLIDE SHOWS FOR THE STUDENTS.
FOLLOWING THIS, A +LAW ENFORCEMENT+ FORTNIGHT WILL BE HELD UNTIL JUNE 11, WHEN THE POLICE WILL STEP UP ACTION AGAINST JAY-WALKERS.
A TALK ON ROAD SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 17) AT THE SHAU KEI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AT 351-361 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
A ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN YUE WAN DAY VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 1.30 PM AT THE YUE WAN SQUARE FOR CHAI WAN RESIDENTS ON JUNE 4.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL SELECT 30 MODEL PEDESTRIANS IN THE DISTRICT.
PRIOR TO THE CARNIVAL TOMORROW, AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 1 PM. THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI, THE DISTRICT COMMANDER FOR EASTERN, MR F.S. KAVANAGH, AND THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT (TRAFFIC H.K. ISLAND), MR J.H. WALKER WILL BE PRESENT.
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/5.......
SATURDAY, MAY 14, iy«3
5
POST OFFICE TO ISSUE NEW STAMPS
* * * *
HONG KONG BY NIGHT - WITH ALL THE EXCITEMENT AND SPLENDOUR THAT IT CONJURES UP - HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE THEME FOR A SET OF FOUR NEW COLOUR STAMPS.
THE STAMPS, IN DENOMINATIONS OF 30 CENTS, Si, Si.30 AND S5, WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON AUGUST 17, 1983.
THE 30C STAMP SHOWS HONG KONG'S BUSINESS DISTRICT VIEWED FROM THE PEAK, WITH THE MAGNIFICENT HARBOUR AND BUSTLING KOWLOON IN THE BACKGROUND.
THE SI STAMP SHOWS THE TOURIST DISTR ICT OF TSIM SHA TSU I IN THE LATE EVENING, WITH THE MODERNISTIC DOME OF THE SPACE MUSEUM BESIDE THE STATELY OLD CLOCK TOWER OF THE FORMER KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION.
THE SI.30 STAMP DISPLAYS A SCENE FROM THE ANNUAL FIREWORKS DISPLAY HELD IN THE HARBOUR TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. COLOURFUL HONG KONG BECOMES EVEN MORE SPLENDID AS FIREWORKS BRIGHTEN THE NIGHT SKY WITH THEIR COLOUR.
THE S5 STAMP PORTRAYS A FLOATING SEA FOOD RESTAURANT MOORED IN ABERDEEN HARBOUR.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY DR TAO HO, PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY ROBERT LAM.
AN ARCHITECT,
USING
THIS ISSUE OF STAMPS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ON NOVEMBER 23 TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THEMES HAVE ALSO BEEN CHOSEN FOR THE 1984 STAMP ISSUING PROGRAMME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
THE THEMES ARE AVIATION IN HONG KONG, MAPS OF HONG KONG, CHINESE LANTERNS AND THE CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THESE ISSUES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
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TWO INFORMATION DIRECTORIES ON TUEN MUN PUBLISHED *****
WITH AMPLE LABOUR SUPPLY, A WIDE VARIETY OF INDUSTRIAL SITES AND EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS, TUEN MUN IS WELL PLACED TO PLAY ITS PART IN MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROMINENT POSITION IN WORLD TRADE, ACCORDING TO THE DISTRICT’S RECENTLY-PUBLISHED INDUSTRIAL DIRECTORY.
THE 282-PAGE DIRECTORY, WHICH CONTAINS DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE NEW TOWN, SAYS THAT TUEN MUN WILL HOUSE EIGHT PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION OF OVER SIX MILLION PEOPLE BY 1991.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NEW TOWN CAN PROVIDE AT LEAST 2 050 HECTARES OF DEVELOPMENT AREA, OF WHICH MORE THAN 11 PER CENT WILL BE DESIGNATED FOR INDUSTRIAL USE.
/+IN PABTICTLAK, ...
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 198?
6
+ IN PARTICULAR, THE NEW TOWN’S PROXIMITY TO SHEKOU AND GUANGZHOU AND PROPOSED CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES WILL PROVIDE AN IMPORTANT LINK IN THE DEVELOPING HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE CONNECTION,+ IT SAYS.
PRINTED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND ILLUSTRATED WITH MAPS AND CHARTS, THE DIRECTORY PROVIDES INFORMATION ON THE EXISTING INDUSTRIES, COMMUNICATION NETWORK, AVAILABILITY OF LAND, LABOUR SUPPLY, POPULATION GROWTH, HOUSING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWN.
IT ALSO INCLUDES THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF LOCALLY-BASED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITY OFFICES, MANUFACTURERS OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ORGANISATIONS.
ANOTHER BUSINESS DIRECTORY, ALSO PUBLISHED RECENTLY AND PRINTED IN CHINESE ONLY, LISTS THE PARTICULARS OF 554 BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN TUEN MUN.
THE ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDE BANKS, CHILD CARE CENTRES, CLINICS, RESTAURANTS, BOUTIQUES, STORES, BAKERIES, BARBER SHOPS, LAUNDRIES, SUPERMARKETS, FURNITURE DEALERS AND STATIONERS.
BOTH DIRECTORIES WERE PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE TUEN MUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
THEY WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MANUFACTURERS, DEVELOPERS, TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, CONSULATES, TRADE COMMISSIONS, SCHOOLS AND FACTORIES.
ANY ORGANISATION OR INDIVIDUAL INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THE DIRECTORIES MAY CONTACT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT 0-843801.
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PROMOTING HORTICULTURE BY RADIO
M M K
THE FIRST RADIO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME ON THE BEAUTIFICATION CF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HOME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST ON TUESDAY (MAY 17).
THE 15“MINUTE PROGRAMME TALK SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST BY RADIO ONE OF RTHK BETWEEN THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME ’CITY MONSOON’, FROM 11 AM TO 11.15 AM. IT WILL THEN BE BROADCAST EVERY TUESDAY FOR 12 WEEKS.
THE PROGRAMME IS AIMED AT PROMOTING HORTICULTURE AND COMMON GARDENING PRACTICES AMONG THE PUBLIC, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BEAUTIFICATION PHASE OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE SHORT TALKS ON HORTICULTURE, GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING WORK, THE PROGRAMME ALSO FEATURE A PHONE-IN SERVICE PROVIDING PROMPT HORTICULTURE ADVICE.
THE PROGRAMME ALSO AWARDS SOUVENIR PRIZES. PACKETS OF FERTIZERS FOR PLANTS AND SEEDLING OF FLOWERING PLANTS OR SEASONAL FLOWERS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
7
FUN DAY AND EXHIBITION TO HELP BLIND
M M M X
A FUN DAY AND EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE THE INTEGRATION OF BLIND PEOPLE WILL BE HELD IN A WAN CHAI SCHOOL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
SOME 500 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT AT THE LEE CHI HO PRIMARY SCHOOL IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, STARTING AT 2 PM.
THE FUN DAY, KNOWN AS +MARCHING TOWARDS INTEGRATION*, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND AND MOUNT CAMERON LIONS CLUB.
APART FROM FUN AND GAMES, VARIOUS HANDICRAFTS, ELECTRONIC GOODS AND OTHER PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY BLIND PEOPLE WILL BE ON DISPLAY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SLIDE PRESENTATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RSS SAID THAT THE AIM OF THE FUN DAY WAS TO REMOVE BIAS AGAINST BLIND PEOPLE WHETHER AT WORK OR AT PLAY.
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ROADS OPEN IN TUEN MUN AND KWAI CHUNG
* * *
TRAFFIC FLOW IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE AS ROADS OPEN IN TUEN MUN AND KWAI CHUNG ON MONDAY (MAY 16).
IN TUEN MUN, A NEW ROAD LINKING CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI) WITH TSUN WEN ROAD WILL BE OPENED, ENABLING TRAFFIC FROM YUEN LONG TO ENTER AND LEAVE TUEN MUN WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH THE TUEN MUN ROAD/PUI TO ROAD ROUNDABOUT.
IN KWAI CHUNG, WHERE WIDENING WORKS AT CHEUNG WING ROAD HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE ROAD’S SECTION BETWEEN WO Yl HOP ROAD AND KWOK SHU I ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM.
TRAFFIC HEADING FOR LEI MUK SHUE AND SHEK YAM AREAS FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL SAVE TRAVEL TIME ON THIS NEW ROAD LINK.
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SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
8
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TO KWA WAN XXX
NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE INTRODUCED ll« TO KWA WAN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16).
LONG YUET STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON KWEI CHOW STREET BETWEEN MEI KING STREET AND TO KWA WAN ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE PERIOD FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES DURING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED PERIODS.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 16), YUK YAT STREET BETWEEN SHUN FUNG STREET AND LOK SHAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
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CHAI WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
X X *
FUNG (MAY
TRAFFIC ON YEE SHUN STREET BETWEEN YEE SHING STREET AND YEE STREET IN CHAI WAN, WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO WAY FROM MONDAY 16) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, TRAFFIC ON THE ACCESS ROAD YIP STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY SOUTHBOUND.
SOUTH OF FUNG
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COACH ROUTE 207 REPLACED
H * I
KOWLOON URBAN EXPRESS COACH ROUTE 207 IS TO BE REPLACED BY THE JEW MAX ICAB ROUTE 29 RUNNING FROM BEACON HILL TO BROADCAST DRIVE VIA KOWLOON TONG RAILWAY AND MTR STATION.
WHILE THE MAXICAB ROUTE OPERATES FROM MONDAY (MAY 16), THE COACH SERVICE WILL BE WITHDRAWN AFTER ITS LAST DEPARTURE ON SUNDAY (MAY 15).
THE NEW ROUTE WILL OPERATE VIA BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD, CORNWALL STREET, KENT ROAD (KOWLOON TONG RAILWAY STATION), SUFFOLK ROAD (KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION), WATERLOO ROAD, SOMERSET ROAD, DEVON ROAD, CORNWALL STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD AND BROADCAST DRIVE.
ITS RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE VIA BROADCAST DRIVE, JUNCTION ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, CORNWALL STREET, KENT ROAD (KOWLOON TONG RAILWAY STATION), SUFFOLK ROAD (KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION), WATERLOO ROAD, CORNWALL STREET, EDE ROAD AND BEACON HILL ROAD.
THE MAXICAB ROUTE RUNS FROM 7 AM TO 11.20 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 AM TO 10.15 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AT A FREQUENCY OF ABOUT 15 MINUTES. A FARE OF 11 WILL BE CHARGED.
/9........
SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1983
9
SHA TIN AND TAI WAI MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION *****
FIVE STALLS AT SHA TIN MARKET AND 21 STALLS AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18).
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL OF THE TWO FISH STALLS AT SHA TIN MARKET IS 15 000 EACH, WHILE THE RENTAL FOR THE THREE DRY GOODS AND WET GOODS STALLS RANGE FROM $2 300 TO $2 400.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR THESE STALLS MAY START THEIR BUSINESS ON JUNE 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET. THE UPSET PRICE FOR THE 20 WET GOODS AND DRY GOODS STALLS IS BETWEEN $1 250 AND Si 400 AND THE REMAINING ICE STALL IS SI 500.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR THE ABOVE STALLS MAY ALSO START BUSINESS ON JUNE 1, BUT THEIR CONTRACTS WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER IVO YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN DISCLOSED THAT ALL STALL HOLDERS AT TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET WILL HAVE THE TOP PRIORITY IN TAKING UP THEIR STALLS ON A NEW TENANCY CONTRACT AT AN ADJACENT PERMANENT MARKET WHICH WILL SOON BE BUILT.
THE TAI WAI PERMANENT MARKET WILL BE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF A PRIVATE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDING WITH AN AREA OF 4 500 SQUARE METRES.
ON COMPLETION IN EARLY 1985, THE PERMANENT MARKET WILL ACCOMMODATE 140 MINI-STALLS AND 63 MARKET STALLS FOR SALE OF FISH, MEAT, POULTRY, SIU MEI AND LO MEI AND NEWSPAPERS.
PEOPLE WISHING TO BID FOR STALLS AT SHA TIN MARKET OR TAI WAI TEMPORARY MARKET MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE, AND MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS EACH TO THE AUCTION VENUE.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, TEL. 0-623467.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOOST TO MEDICAL FACILITIES IN YUEN LONG .................... 1
GRANT FOR GRANTHAM HOSPITAL ................................. 2
WORK STARTS ON NEXT ROUND OF ELECTIONS ...................... 3
1982 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES ....................................... 4
SECURITY SECRETARY PRAISES VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS .......... 6
AUXILIARY AIR FORCE PLAYING MAJOR COMMUNITY ROLE............. 7
MORE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR TUEN MUN ...................... 8
APPRENTICESHIP SUB-OFFICE MOVES.............................. 9
TALKS ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE................................ 9
MORE URGED TO TAKE BOILER TRAINING COURSE.................... 10
FOOD HYGIENE HINTS OFFERED................................... 11
TAI 0 MARKET STALLS TOR AUCTION ............................. 11
ROADS TO BE WIDENED.......................................... 12
WANG TAU HOM ROAD CLOSURE
12
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1983
1
BOOST TO MEDICAL FACILITIES IN YUEN LONG *****
POK 01 IS TO BE DEVELOPED INTO A MAJOR DISTRICT HOSPITAL, PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENT FACILITIES TO YUEN LONG AND NEARBY AREAS.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE EXPANSION PROJECT, AND WORK IS DUE TO START LATER THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION BY 1986/87.
THE EXTENSION WILL DOUBLE THE HOSPITAL’S BED CAPACITY FROM THE EXISTING 218 TO 420 BEDS, PROVIDING A MUCH NEEDED BOOST TO ICDICAL COVERAGE IN THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
+THE REDEVELOPMENT OF POK 01 HOSPITAL WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS STRENGTHENING MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE REGION,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
BASED ON POPULATION PROJECTIONS IN THE NEW TOWNS, HE SAID, IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT BY 1991 THERE WOULD BE A SHORTFALL OF ABOUT 1 200 HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE REGION.
♦AS PART OF THE OVERALL PLAN TO MEET DEMAND, ADDITIONAL BEDS ARE TO BE PROVIDED AT POK 01. AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING FACILITIES WILL BE UPGRADED TO ENABLE IT TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AS A DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN SUPPORT OF OTHER MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE REGION,* HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, POK 01 HOSPITAL - WHICH BEGAN AS A SMALL CHINESE HERBALIST CLINIC SOME 60 YEARS AGO - PROVIDES IN-PATIENT SERVICES FOR MEDICAL, SURGICAL, PAEDIATRIC, GYNAECOLOGICAL AND MATERNITY CASES, GENERAL AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES AND A LIMITED CASUALTY SERVICE.
ITS REDEVELOPMENT WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES, WITH THE GOVERNMENT TAKING UP 80 PER CENT OF THE CONSTRUCTION COST AND POK 01 ABSORBING THE REST.
THE RECURRENT COSTS WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNMENT ON A DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS.
MAJOR FEATURES OF THE EXTENSION PROGRAMME INCLUDE:
* AN ADDITIONAL FIVE STOREYS ON TOP OF THE HOSPITAL’S CENTRAL WING TO PROVIDE 113 BEDS, A NEW OPERATING THEATRE SUITE AND OFFICE SPACE;
* FOUR MORE STOREYS ON TOP OF THE NORTH WING FOR AN X-RAY DEPARTMENT, A CLINICAL LABORATORY, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DEPARTMENTS, LAUNDRY, A CENTRAL STERILISING SU9PLIES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES;
2
* A NEW OUT-PATIENT AND CASUALTY DEPARTMENT; AND
* A NEW FIVE-STOREY BLOCK TO PROVIDE ANOTHER 89 BEDS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE ADDITIONAL STAFF QUARTERS AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE HOSPITAL WILL BE WIDENED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME 22 500 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE LANE WOULD BE RESUMED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE HOSPITAL’S EXPANSION.
HE SAID ABOUT $10 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON COMPENSATION, COVERING CROPS, FRUIT TREES, FENCES, WELLS AND IRRIGATION PIPES.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR CULTIVATORS AND EX-GRATIA DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCES FOR DISPLACED PIG-BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.
RESUMPTION OF LAND, TO BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES, WOULD INVOLVE 157 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES BEING USED FOR DOMESTIC AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
AFFECTED FAMILIES WOULD RECEIVE EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC REMOVAL ALLOWANCES, WHILE CULTIVATORS WISHING TO CONTINUE FARMING ELSEWHERE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCES.
IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, OWNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS WOULD BE OFFERED EX-GRATIA CASH ALLOWANCES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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GRANT FOR GRANTHAM HOSPITAL
* N *
THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, HONG KONG’S MAJOR HEART AND CHEST DISEASE CENTRE, HAS BEEN GRANTED SOME $300 000 FROM THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND FOR INSTALLING NEW EQUIPMENT IN ITS MEDICAL LABORATORY, PHYSIOTHERAPY UNIT, RESPIRATORY LABORATORY AND PHARMACY.
THE EQUIPMENT INCLUDE A BLOOD GAS SYSTEM FOR TESTING THE ACIDITY IN THE BLOOD, A PLASMA FREEZER FOR STORING FRESH FROZEN PLASMA, A CENTRIFUGE FOR TUBERCULOSIS CULTURE, A BLOOD MIXER AND A SLIDE STAINER FOR HEMATOLOGY AND AN INTERFERENTIAL MACHINE FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT.
RUN BY THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION, THE 625-BED GRANTHAM HOSPITAL PROVIDES MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES.
THE GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED HOSPITAL WAS OPENED IN 1957 SOLELY FOR THE CARE OF T.B. PATIENTS WHEN THE DISEASE WAS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF DEATHS IN HONG KONG.
/HOWEVER, ...
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1985
3
HOWEVER. DUE TO EFFORTS MADE BY THE ASSOCIATION AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OVER THE YEARS, THE DISEASE HAS BEEN BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL AND DROPPED TO THE EIGHTH PLACE IN THE TEN LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH.
AT THE SAME TIME, HEART DISEASES HAVE BECOME THE TOP KILLER DISEASES IN RECENT YEARS, AND THE NEED TO EXPAND SERVICES TO PROVIDE TREATMENT FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM THESE DISEASES HAS BECOME MORE APPARENT.
UPON RECOMMENDATION MADE IN 1976 BY TWO PROMINENT CHEST PHYSICIANS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE GOVERNMENT BEGAN TAKING STEPS TO CONVERT THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL FROM A T.B. HOSPITAL INTO A CARD I O-THORACIC CENTRE.
LAST YEAR, THE $45 MILLION KWOK TAK-SENG HEART CENTRE WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION, WAS PUT INTO OPERATION, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR THE HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED F£ART SURGERIES.
THE CENTRE HAS TWO OPERATING THEATRES, A CARDIAC CATHETERISATION LABORATORY WITH BOTH ADULT AND PAEDIATRIC INVESTIGATION FACILITIES, A MEDICAL LABORATORY AND A PULMONARY PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY.
INSTALLED WITH MODERN AND ADVANCED EQUIPMENT, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES FACILITIES FOR OPEN AND CLOSED HEART SURGERIES AS WELL AS CARDIAC INVESTIGATORY SERVICES.
-------Q ---------
WORK STARTS ON NEXT ROUND OF ELECTIONS
* * * *
STAFF OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAVE NOT WORKED THEMSELVES OUT OF A JOB NOW THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED.
THEY ARE ALREADY LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF ELECTIONS AND STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MAY 16) THEY WILL MAKE ANOTHER EFFORT TO REACH THOSE ELECTORS WHOSE POLL CARDS COULD NOT BE DELIVERED BY POST FOR THE LAST ELECTIONS.
ENQUIRY LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO THESE ELECTORS, IN THE HOPE THAT THEY WOULD RESPOND THIS TIME AND CONFIRM THEIR ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER AND THEIR WISH TO REMAIN ON THE REGISTER.
THE LETTERS WILL ALSO BE SENT TO RANDOMLY-SELECTED ELECTORS, WHO HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THEIR POLL CARDS, TO TEST THE OVERALL EFFICIENCY OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS.
/A SPOKESMAN ....
SUNDAY, MAY 1$, 1983
4
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION EXPLAINED THAT THE POLL CARDS OF QUITE A FEW THOUSANDS OF THE 904 916 ELECTORS ON THE REGISTER WERE RETURNED BY THE POST OFF ICE.
NUMBER OF REASONS. SOME OF THE
+THIS COULD BE FOR ONE OF A --------
ELECTORS MIGHT HAVE CHANGED ADDRESS SINCE THEY WERE FIRST REGISTERED- SOME MIGHT HAVE EMIGRATED OR HAVE PASSED AWAY, AND SOME MIGHT HAVE MADE CLERICAL ERRORS IN THEIR APpL,CATION FORMS. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE MISTAKES WERE MADE WHEN THE INFORMATION WAS FED INTO THE COMPUTER.
♦THE NUMBER OF POLL CARDS RETURNED BY THE POST OFFICE WAS SMALL IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, BUT WE ARE ANXIOUS THAT THE REG!STER SHOULD BE KEPT AS CORRECTLY AS PRACTICABLE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT WILL BE A SIMPLE MATTER TO REPLY TO THE ENQUIRY LETTERS. ALL THAT THE ELECTOR NEEDS TO DO IS TO COMPLETE THE STANDARD REPLY FORM ATTACHED TO THE LETTER AND RETURN IT BY POST BEFORE STIPULATED DEADLINE. IF THE REPLY IS NOT RECEIVED BY THEN, ELECTOR’S NAME WILL BE DELETED FROM THE REGISTER.
THE THE
HER THE
ANYONE WHO IS A REGISTERED VOTER AND DID NOT RECEIVE HIS OR POLL CARD FOR THE LAST ELECTIONS IS REQUESTED TO TELEPHONE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AT 5-270369 OR 5-270380.
- 0 --------
1982 SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES ******
FOLLOWING THE 1981 ECONOMIC SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONDUCTING A FOLLOW-UP SURVEY TO COLLECT DATA RELATING TO 1982.
THE FOLLOWING SERVICES ARE COVERED IN THE SURVEY:
* STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING FACILITIES FOR HIRE BY THE GENERAL
public;
* POSTAL, TELEPHONE, TELEGRAPH, RADIO AND CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, MESSAGE DELIVERY AND MESSAGE EXCHANGE SERVICES ;
* ALL FINANCE (EXCEPT BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES) AND INVESTMENT COMPANIES; LOAN, MORTGAGE AND DISCOUNT COMPANIES; DEALERS/BROKERS AND EXCHANGES IN STOCKS AND SHARES, COMMODITY FUTURES, GOLD BULLION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE; PAWNSHOPS; MONEY CHANGERS: AND OTHER FINANCIAL UNDERTAKINGS;
* INSURERS, RE-INSURERS, AGENTS AND BROKERS OF ALL KINDS OF INSURANCE AND RELATED INSURANCE SERVICES;
/• ACCOUNTING AND .......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1r->
5
* ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING, ADVERTISING, DATA PROCESSING, EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, EQUIPMENT LEASING AND MACHINERY RENTAL, LEGAL, NEWS AGENCY, SECRETARIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
SOME 2 800 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE SELECTED FROM A TOTAL OF 8 000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PREVIEW OF THE SURVEY.
WHILE ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING 10 OR MORE PERSONS ARE FULLY COVERED, A SAMPLE IS TAKEN OF THOSE WITH FEWER THAN 10 PERSONS.
SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING DESPATCHED TO THE SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT DATA ON EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENDITURE, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
SUCH DATA WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SECTORS CONCERNED AND WILL BE USED FOR UPDATING THE ESTIMATES OF THE SECTORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT.
THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR FORMULATION OF DECISIONS AND POLICIES.
THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS (ANNUAL SURVEY OF STORAGE, COMMUNICATIONS, FINANCING, INSURANCE AND BUSINESS SERVICES) ORDER 1983, MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 316) AND GAZETTED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 8 OF 1983 ON JANUARY 14, 1983.
ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY ARE LEGALLY OBLIGED TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BY JULY 31, 1983.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS IS CALLING ON MANAGEMENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE QUESTIONNAIRES TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM PROMPTLY, AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS DURING THE SURVEY ENUMERATION PERIOD.
CENSUS AND SURVEY OFFICERS ARE PERMANENT STAFF OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AND CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY.
THEY WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED AND ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, IF NECESSARY.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO STRESSES THAT INFORMATION RELATING ’0 INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS IS TO BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
-------o---------
/6........
SUNUAT, 1*1 A t S.J, WOJ
6 -
SECURITY SECRETARY PRAISES VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS
******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED HONG KONG’S VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS FOR PROVIDING VALUABLE SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THAT HE WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY THE CAPABILITY AND ENTHUSIASM OF THESE ORGANISATIONS OF 19 000 MEN AND WOMEN ♦WHO ARE PREPARED TO SPEND A LARGE PART OF THEIR SPARE TIME PROVIDING SERVICES OF GREAT IMPORTANCE*. THESE ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT.
MR JEAFFRESON SPOKE IN PRAISE OF THE VOLUNTEERS WHEN HE INSPECTED A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF NEW RECRUITS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), AT THE GRANDSTAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IN HAPPY VALLEY.
TAKING PART IN TODAY’S PARADE WERE 125 NEW RECRUITS WHO FORMED THE LARGEST SINGLE CADRE OF THE REGIMENT SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 1854. THEY JOINED THE REGIMENT LAST NOVEMBER AND JUST COMPLETED SIX MONTHS’ BASIC MILITARY TRAINING.
♦ IN PRACTICE,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID, +THERE ARE EVEN MORE PEOPLE ENTHUSIASTIC TO JOIN THESE ORGANISATIONS.*
HE CITED THE REGIMENT AS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE. HE SAID: +FOR YOUR CADRE OF 125, THERE WERE 1 300 APPLICANTS.*
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNISE THIS ENTHUSIASM BY EXPANDING THE SIZE OF THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
♦FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, THIS IS NOT PROVING EASY. BUT THE REGIMENT HAS HAD SOME SUCCESS,* HE SAID.
HE TOLD THE RECRUITS ON PARADE THAT THE REASON WHY THEY FORMED THE LARGEST CADRE THE REGIMENT HAD EVER TRAINED WAS THAT THE REGIMENT HAD BEEN RECRUITING FOR A NEW FOURTH TROOP IN EACH SABRE SQUADRON.
HE ADVISED THEM TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH STANDARDS THEY HAD DEVELOPED DURING THEIR TRAINING AND TO WORK TOWARDS BEING AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER THAN THE FULL-TIME SOLDIERS OF THE GURKHA FIELD FORCE WITH WHOM THEY WOULD BE WORKING IN THE FUTURE.
AT THE CEREMONY, MR JEAFFRESON PRESENTED EFFICIENCY MEDALS TO NINE VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE REGIMENT FOR MORE THAN 12 YEARS.
RECEIVING THE FIRST CLASP TO THE EFFICIENCY MEDAL WERE WARRANT OFFICER II WAN SHUN-SHING, STAFF SERGEANT YUEN KWOK-KWAN, SERGEANT B. BAB IDA, SERGEANT CHAN KING-CHEUNG, SERGEANT LEUNG KWOK-HUNG AND SERGEANT YOUNG CHUNG.
EFFICIENCY MEDALS WERE AWARDED TO STAFF SERGEANT WONG SHIU-WAH, SERGEANT CHAN CHEUNG-FAI AND SERGEANT L.F. ROSARIO.
------0-------
/?......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1983
7
AUXILIARY AIR FORCE PLAYING MAJOR COMMUNITY ROLE
* X * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE IS EXPANDING ITS OPERATIONS TO INCLUDE EMERGENCY CASUALTY EVACUATIONS WITHIN THE URBAN AREA.
THE RHKAAF IS NOW BEING CALLED UPON TO CONVEY CASUALTIES AND OTHER EMERGENCY CASES BY HELICOPTER TO HOSPITALS TO BEAT TRAFFIC CONGESTION, SAVING VITAL MINUTES OR EVEN HOURS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FORCE SAID.
FOR MANY YEARS, THE-.RHKAAF HAS PROVIDED A RESCUE AND CASUALTY EVACUATION SERVICE TO THE OUTER ISLANDS AND OTHER REMOTE AREAS INACCESSIBLE TO VEHICLES OR WHERE ROAD TRANSPORT TO HOSPITAL WOULD TAKE TOO MUCH TIME.
THE EXPANSION OF SUCH OPERATIONS INTO THE URBAN AREA IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE SERVICES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
A MAJOR PROBLEM IS THE AVAILABILITY OF SITES AS HELIPADS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED. THIS IS SOMETIMES OVERCOME BY THE COMBINED USE OF BOTH AMBULANCES AND HELICOPTERS.
SO FAR, THIS INNOVATIVE OPERATION HAS PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE AND IS EXPECTED TO BECOME YET ANOTHER OF THE FORCE’S REGULAR FUNCTIONS.
IN LINE WITH ITS GROWING RESPONSIBILITIES, THE RHKAAF HAS OVER THE PAST YEAR INCREASED ITS ESTABLISHMENT OF VOLUNTEERS FROM 116 MEMBERS TO 136.
THE RHKAAF IS A UNIQUE AIR FORCE BECAUSE OF ITS EXTENSIVE INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, IN ADDITION TO ITS SECURITY ROLE.
LAST YEAR, THE FORCE WAS BUSIER THAN EVER, DEPLOYING ITS HELICOPTERS AND FIXED WING AIRCRAFT FOR MORE THAN 320 EMERGENCY FLIGHTS, MOST OF THEM CASUALTY EVACUATIONS OR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS, OFTEN UNDER HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS.
APART FROM THESE ASSIGNMENTS, THE FORCE IS ENGAGED IN TASKS AS DIVERSE AS AERIAL LAND SURVEYING AND MAPPING, PATROLS TO SPOT HARBOUR POLLUTION, COMBATING HILL FIRES, AIR PATROLS TO STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND LONG-RANGE MARITIME OPERATIONS TO SHADOW VESSELS SUSPECTED OF CARRYING NARCOTIC DRUGS.
MOST MEMBERS OF THE FORCE ARE VOLUNTEERS WITH FULL-TIME JOBS WHO RECEIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING AT WEEK-ENDS OR AFTER OFFICE HOURS. ONCE A YEAR, THEY MUST ATTEND A TWO-WEEK TRAINING CAMP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO BE ON STANDBY FOR
EMERGENCY DUTIES.
/+THIS PUBLIC ......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 198?
- 8
♦THIS PUBLIC SPIRIT AND DEDICATION AND THE READY COOPERATION OF THE EMPLOYERS ARE VITAL TO THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE RHKAAF,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN SERVING LONG YEARS WITH THE RHKAAF, CONTRIBUTING THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF THEIR PRIVATE TIME TO A WIDE RANGE OF EMERGENCY AND OTHER OPERATIONS.
A CASE IN POINT IS SQUADRON LEADER DICKY YIP, WHO HAS FLOWN MORE THAN 2 OOO HOURS, MAINLY IN ROTARY AIRCRAFT, DURING HIS 16 YEARS WITH THE RHKAAF. HE IS THE THIRD VOLUNTEER PILOT WITH THE FORCE TO HAVE ACHIEVED THIS FLIGHT RECORD.
THE LONGEST SERVING VOLUNTEER IS WARRANT OFFICER GABRIEL ANTONIO, AGED 55, WHO HAS ALREADY PUT IN 32 YEARS WITH THE FORCE. HE FIRST JOINED THE AIR UNIT OF THE NOW DEFUNCT ROYAL HONG KONG DEFENCE FORCE IN 1951, WHICH WAS THE FORERUNNER OF THE RHKAAF. FOR HIS LONG MERITORIOUS SERVICES, HE HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS, INCLUDING THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL. IN HIS CIVILIAN LIFE, WARRANT OFFICER ANTONIO IS AN EMPLOYEE OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK.
-----o--------
MORE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR TUEN MUN
M K K K
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TWO MAJOR PROJECTS AS PART OF THE NEW TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
ONE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GRADE-SEPARATED ------------------------------- TSENG TAU TSUEN HA TSUEN
INTERCHANGE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR AND A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO ACROSS THE TUEN MUN RIVER CHANNEL TO ESTATE.
THE WEST OF THE INTERCHANGE SAN WAI TSAI NEAR TAI HING
THEY WILL PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE EXISTING AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE TOWN.
IN ADDITION, SECTIONS OF A SEWER AND A STORM WATER BOX CULVERT WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE CONTRACT TO SERVE MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR THIS PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
WORK ON THIS CONTRACT WILL START IN AUGUST AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS JO COMPLETE.
THE OTHER CONTRACT CALLS FOR THE PAVING OF PEDESTRIAN AREAS AND THE LANDSCAPING OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL AREA NORTH OF SAN HUI AND TO THE EAST OF THE NULLAH.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE-PAVED PEDESTRIAN AREAS AND FOOTWAYS, ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS, TOGETHER WITH THE PROVISION OF TREE PITS, PLANTER BOXES AND BENCHES.
WORK ON THIS CONTRACT WILL START IN JULY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------0------- /9................
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1983
9
APPRENTICESHIP SUB-OFFICE MOVES
M M
THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPERATING TOMORROW (MONDAY) FROM ITS NEW OFFICE AT FOUR SEAS BUILDING 1O/F, 208-212 NATHAN ROAD.
THE SUB-OFFICE, PREVIOUSLY AT 14 SALISBURY ROAD, SERVES EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES WITHIN THE SHAM SHU I PO AND CHEUNG SHA WAN AREAS.
IT ALSO COVERS THE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I IN ADVISING AND ASSISTING EMPLOYERS IN THE TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OF APPRENTICES.
ACCORDING TO THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP WITH PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 19 WITHIN THE 38 DESIGNATED TRADES.
EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING THEIR APPRENTICES TO RECEIVE COMPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION, EITHER AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
EACH MONTH, AN AVERAGE OF 700 PEOPLE CALL AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE TO MAKE ENQUIRIES OR SEEK ASSISTANCE.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES FOR THIS SUB-OFFICE REMAINS AT 3-667463.
THERE ARE FOUR OTHER SUB-OFFICES, LOCATED AT CAUSEWAY BAY, SAN PO KONG, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN.
------0-------
TALKS ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE
X * *
THE PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE TALKS ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE FOR WORKERS LIVING IN CHAI WAN, WONG TAI SIN, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
THE TALKS WILL BE GIVEN BY OFFICERS OF THE UNIT TO HELP WORKERS UNDERSTAND BETTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW.
THE SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED BY THE TALKS INCLUDE WAGES, PAID ANNUAL LEAVE, SEVERANCE PAY, REST DAYS, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, MATERNITY PROTECTION, AND CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT.
♦ THE TALKS WILL BE HELD ON THREE WEEK DAY EVENINGS AND ON ONE SUNDAY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF WORKERS, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THEY WILL ATTEND IN THEIR OWN INTEREST,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
/THE FIRST ....
10
CENTRJH^9^n^rHAT^W4»|WDAAnB^AT^L^BAT THE CHA1 WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, 230 CHAI WAN ROAD, AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) THF SECOND AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE 17 TSUI PING road AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27), THE THIRD AT THE PRINCESS ' ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN AT 2 PM CENTREDA14OJWNG)tAKNSTRFlTFOS?T5 Sm JHE W0NG TA,’SIN COMMUNITY i/tNiKE, 140 TSI NG TAK STREET, AT 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 8).
-----0------
MORE URGED TO TAKE BOILER TRAINING COURSE *****
THE FIRST CANDIDATES WHO ATTENDED A TWO-HOUR TRAINING COURSE ON THE OPERATION OF SMALL ELECTRIC IRONING BOILERS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO ATTEND TO BOILERS UNDER EXEMPTION ORDERS ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE ORDERS WERE ISSUED BY THE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT UNIT AFTER THE CANDIDATES HAD PASSED A MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.
THE ORDERS, HOWEVER, ARE VALID FOR ONLY 14 MONTHS, DURING WHICH A CANDIDATE SHOULD OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE FROM THE UNIT BY PASSING THE APPROPRIATE EXAMINATION. FAILING THIS, HE WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE BOILERS AFTER THE ORDER EXPIRES.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THE TRAINING COURSE IS AIMED AT ASSISTING FACTORY PROPRIETORS IN OBTAINING COMPETENT PERSONNEL FOR THE OPERATION OF THEIR IRONING BOILERS.
HE URGED THE PROPRIETORS TO SEND THEIR STAFF TO ATTEND THE COURSE, AND STRESSED THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO DO SO EVEN IF THE STAFF DO NOT POSSESS A HIGH EDUCATIONAL STANDARD.
♦THE COURSE DOES NOT REQUIRE A HIGH EDUCATIONAL STANDARD. WE WILL DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO HELP CANDIDATES TO PASS THE TEST.+ HE NOTED.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATION FOR THE COURSE IS TWO MONTHS’ EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING IRONING BOILERS.
THE COURSE TAKES THE FORM OF A TWO-HOUR LECTURE TO BE GIVEN IN CANTONESE BY INSPECTORS FROM THE UNIT, AND THOSE WISHING TO JOIN THE COURSE SHOULD CALL ON THE UNIT ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. THE TELEPHONE FOR ENQUIRIES IS 3-688111 EXT. 352.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS, A LETTER FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS CONFIRMING THEIR PERIOD OF SERVICE IN THE OPERATION OF ELECTRIC IRONING BOILERS AND A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR REGISTERED BOILERS.
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/11 .....
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1983
11
FOOD HYGIENE HINTS OFFERED * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED ABOUT THE NEED FOR GREATER FOOD AND PERSONAL HYGIENE, ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER MONTHS, TO GUARD AGAINST GASTRO-INTESTINAL INFECTIONS.
MAKING THE APPEAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID CONTAMINATION OF DRINKING WATER AND FOOD COULD CAUSE SUCH INFECTIOUS DISEASES AS BACILLARY DYSENTERY, CHOLERA, TYPHOID, VIRAL HEPATITIS AND FOOD POISONING.
FOOD-BORNE DISEASES ARE TRANSMITTED THROUGH UNCLEAN WATER AND FOOD.
AS A PRECAUTION, THE SPOKESMAN SUGGESTED THAT ALL FOOD BE THOROUGHLY COOKED AND CONSUMED HOT.
A
HE SUGGESTED THE FOLLOWING:
* PLACE OVERNIGHT FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR AND RE-COOK THE FOOD THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING AGAIN.
* STORE ALL PERISHABLE FOOD, INCLUDING CUT FRUIT, MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS, POULTRY, FISH, MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION IN REFRIGERATORS AT A TEMPERATURE BELOW 10 DEGREES CENTIGRADE TO RETARD THE GROWTH OF MICRO-ORGANISMS.
* CLEAN ALL COOKING UTENSILS AND CUTLERY WITH DETERGENT AND HOT WATER BEFORE USE.
ft KEEP CLEAN ALL LIVING SURROUNDINGS AND KITCHENS TO DENY SHELTHER FOR FLIES, RODENTS AND COCKROACHES WHICH ARE CARRIERS OF BACTERIA. STORE ALL RUBBISH IN PROPER DUSTBINS WITH COVERS.
* BOIL DRINKING WATER FROM SOURCES OTHER THAN THE GOVERNMENT MAINS WATER SUPPLY.
TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH, OFFICERS OF THE NTSD ARE STEPPING UP INSPECTIONS OF RESTAURANTS AND OTHER LICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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TAI 0 MARKET STALLS FOR AUCTION * * ft *
SEVEN STALLS AT TAI 0 MARKET ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY (MAY 19).
THE AUCTION WILL START AT 11.15 AM AT THE TAI 0,SUB—OFF ICE OF THE ISLANDS URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AT THE SHEK CHAI PO STREE i GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT TAI 0, LANTAU ISLAND.
/THREE STALLS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 15, 1983
12
THREE STALLS ARE FOR THE SALE OF FISH, TWO ARE FOR VEGETABLES AND THE OTHER TWO ARE FOR MEAT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL FOR ALL THE STALLS IS *120 EACH.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS FOR THE STALLS MAY START BUSINESS ON JUNE 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT.
BIDDERS MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE AND MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION VENUE.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISLANDS URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, TEL. 5-452416.
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ROADS TO BE WIDENED
* * X
SECTIONS OF GARDEN ROAD AND COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL SOON BE WIDENED TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE AREA.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE WIDENING OF THE SECTION OF GARDEN ROAD ABOVE ITS JUNCTION WITH COTTON TREE DRIVE AND THE SECTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE ABOVE ITS JUNCTION WITH KENNEDY ROAD.
THE TWO-LANE UPHILL CARRIAGEWAY OF GARDEN ROAD WILL BE EXPANDED TO PROVIDE THREE-LANE TRAFFIC AND THE PRESENT TRAFFIC CONDITION IN THE AREA IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE CONSIDERABLY DURING PEAK HOURS.
IN ADDITION, GENERAL LANDSCAPING WORK IN THE AREA WILL BE CARRIED OUT.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN JULY AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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WANG TAU HOM ROAD CLOSURE X X K
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 17), THE SLIP ROAD OFF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, NEAR THE FUNG MO INTERCHANGE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TR'AFFIC FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS
FOR ROAD WORKS.
TRAFFIC ON LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR WANG TAU HOM WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WONG TAI SIN ROAD AND MA CHAI HANG ROAD.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEVELOPMENT OF TSING YI SURGING AHEAD....................... 1
GOVERNOR OPENS CHINESE ART EXHIBITION ...................... 2
AWARDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE................................... 3
BRAVERY AWARD FOR BOY ...................................... 4
CHEQUE FOR SOCIETY FOR DISABLED CHILDREN ................... 4
ALLEGATIONS ABOUT TEXTILE CIRCUMVENTION REFUTED ............ 5
SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY VISITING EUROPE, US ....... 6
FEBRUARY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE ...... 7
MORE PASS MEDICAL LICENTIATE EXAM ......................... 10
SALVATION ARMY LEADER VISITS CLOSED CENTRE ................ 11
GRAND PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU ......................... 12
TUEN MUN ROAD STAGE II OPENING ............................ 13
SURRENDER CENTRE FOR UNWANTED CARS......................... 13
IMPROVEMENTS TO YUEN LONG STADIUM COMPLETED ............... 1U
DISTRICT PARK FOR SHA TIN ............................... 15
STORM WATER DRAIN WORK ..................................
TEMPORARY MARKET FOR HAWKERS ............................ 15
LAST CARRIAGEWAY OPENS AT TUEN MUN ROAD.................. 16
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG .................. 16
TRAFFIC LANE CLOSED ....................................... 1?
WATER FIGURES
17
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
-1
DEVELOPMENT OF TSI NG Yl SURGING AHEAD M * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RECLAIM THE WHOLE OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND TO PROVIDE LAND FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 44 000 PEOPLE AND A HOME-OWNERSHIP SCHEME FOR ANOTHER 9 000 PEOPLE.
THE DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER (TSUEN WAN) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR ROBIN SAUNDERS, TOLD REPORTERS AT A BRIEFING TODAY THAT THE AREA, MEASURING ABOUT 40 HECTARES, WOULD ALSO BE USED FOR ASSOCIATED COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
IN ADDITION, PART OF THE RECLAIMED AREA WILL BE USED TO ACCOMMODATE THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE NEW TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE.
MR SAUNDERS SAID THAT THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION AND THE BRIDGE FORMED PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
+BECAUSE OF ITS RUGGED TOPOGRAPHY, DEVELOPMENT IS NOW BEING CONCENTRATED ON RECLAMATIONS AND TERRACES IN A NARROW BAND AROUND THE COAST AND IN THE VALLEY BEHIND TSING YI IN THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND,* HE SAID.
+THE NEW BRIDGE IS ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING Yl, AS IT WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE ACCESS FOR THE 220 000 PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPECTED TO LIVE THERE UPON COMPLETION OF ALL THE WORKS BY THE EARLY NINETIES.*
WORK ON THE TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE WILL BEGIN AFTER LAND FOR THE APPROACHES TO THE BRIDGE HAS BEEN FORMED.
TO PROVIDE FILLING MATERIAL FOR THE RECLAMATION, WHICH WILL NEED SOME 3-1/2 MILLION CUBIC METRES, ROCK AND EARTH WILL BE EXCAVATED FROM NEARBY HILLSIDES WEST OF FUNG SHUE WO. THIS WORK WILL, IN TURN, CREATE FURTHER SITES FOR DEVELOPMENT.
+SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME 10 YEARS AGO, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS SPENT ALMOST $400 MILLION ON ENGINEERING WORKS ON TSING Yl AND A FURTHER $220 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT SO FAR ON PUBLIC HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES,* MR SAUNDERS SAID.
+THE DEVELOPMENT WORK ON TSING Yl, INCLUDING THE NEW NORTH BRIDGE, WILL COST A TOTAL OF ABOUT $5.5 BILLION AND THE GOVERNMENT IS TO SPEND ANOTHER $570 MILLION ON ENGINEERING AND HOUSING PROJECTS ON THE ISLAND THIS YEAR.*
SPEAKING AT THE SAME BRIEFING, THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TSING Yl), TAM WING-PONG SAID THAT THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION WOULD AFFECT SOME 331 STRUCTURES, TOTALLING 294 FAMILIES OF 1 659 PERSONS. i •
♦COMPENSATION WILL BE PAID TO ELIGIBLE SMALL BUSINESS OPERATORS AND BOAT PEOPLE. DISPLACED FAMILIES WILL ALSO BE •
SUITABLY REHOUSED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY AND EX-GRATIA DOMESTIC ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAYABLE TO FAMILIES WHO CAN PROVE RESIDENCE ON THE BOAT CONCERNED BEFORE JUNE 1, 1982,+ HE ADDED.
/HE SAID.....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
Te'tk'fc - 2 -
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE PRIME PURPOSE OF NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WAS TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR THE GROWING AND GENERALLY OVER-CROWDED POPULATION OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT WAS NOT MERELY A PROGRAMME TO BUILD HOUSES FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE IN, BUT ALSO TO ENSURE THE COMPREHENSIVE AND ADEQUATE PROVISION OF RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, SUPPORTING SERVICES AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES ESSENTIAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BALANCED COMMUNITY.
+FOR THE FUTURE. DEVELOPMENT OF TSI NG Yl, BALANCED DEVELOPMENT, THEREFORE, IS A MAJOR OBJECTIVE,* MR TAM SAID.
HE SAID THAT DETAILED PLANNING WORK WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN ON THE PROVISION OF NECESSARY COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE AREA, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, MARKETS AND OTHER SHOPPING FACILITIES, YOUTH CENTRES, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARD AND GUIDELINES. EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE RESIDENTS WOULD NOT FIND THEMSELVES SHORT OF SUCH FACILITIES WHEN THEY MOVED INTO THE NEW HOUSING ESTATES.
♦A HAPPY COMMUNITY CANNOT BE BUILT FROM RELUCTANT RESIDENTS, AND IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT PEOPLE DO NOT MERELY MOVE TO A NEW TOWN THROUGH LACK OF ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN THE URBAN AREA. THEY SHOULD BE ATTRACTED BY IT,+ HE SAID.
♦THROUGH THE CAREFUL PLANNING OF THE TOWN PLANNERS IN THE INITIAL PLANNING STAGE AND THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORT OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IN BUILDING UP THE COMMUNITY, TSING Yl HOLDS GREAT PROMISE TO BECOME THE IDEAL HOME FOR MANY.*
GOVERNOR OPENS CHINESE ART EXHIBITION X * * *
AN EXHIBITION, FEATURING SOME OF THE RAREST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL WORKS OF CHINESE ART, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (MONDAY).
IT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO, AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL IN HONG KONG IN COMMEMORATION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S 1OOTH ANNIVERSARY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL* MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SAID THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART HAS BEEN HOLDING REGULAR EXHIBITIONS FROM LOCAL AND OVERSEAS SOURCES WITH A VIEW TO ENCOURAGE THE UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF VISUAL ART AMONG HONG KONG PEOPLE.
♦BUT THIS ONE*IN PARTICULAR IS THE LARGEST CHINESE ART EXHIBITION IN TERMS,.OF SIZE AND SCOPE EVER HELD BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR CENTENARY PROGRAMME,* HE SAID.
/HE NOTED ....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198?
- 3 -
HE NOTED THAT THE 135 EXHIBITS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO WHICH HOUSES ONE OF THE FINEST COLLECTIONS OF CHINESE ART IN THE WORLD - THE AVERY BRUNDAGE COLLECTION.
THEY INCLUDE CERAMICS, JADE CARVING, BRONZES, STONE SCULPTURE, PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY AND OTHER IMPORTANT FORMS OF CHINESE ART REPRESENTING A CONCISE PICTURE OF THE HISTORY OF CHINESE ART OVER A PERIOD OF 5 OOO YEARS - FROM THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD TO THE END OF THE QING DYNASTY.
ALSO ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASIAN ART COMMISSION OF SAN FRANCISCO, MRS JUDY WILBUR, THE DIRECTOR OF THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO, MR YVON D’ARGENCE, THE COMMISSIONER OF THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM, MRS MARJORIE SELLER, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MUSEUMS SELECT COMMITTEE, MRS GRACE HO.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR D’ARGENCE SAID THAT OVER A PERIOD OF 17 YEARS, THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM HAS LENT SELECTIONS FROM ITS OWN COLLECTIONS TO MUSEUMS IN THE UNITED STATES, MEXICO, EUROPE AND JAPAN.
BUT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT IT HAS SENT A SPECIAL EXHIBITION OF SOME OF THE BEST OF ITS CHINESE HOLDINGS ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE PACIFIC, HE NOTED.
♦OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS A DAY OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LONG HISTORY OF CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC EXCHANGES BETWEEN EAST AND WEST AND ALSO A DAY OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE IN THE SHORT BUT EVENTFUL HISTORY OF THE ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANC I SCO,+ NR D’ARGENCE ADDED.
AFTER THE OPENING, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WERE SHOWN AROUND AND BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS EXHIBITS BY MR D’ARGENCE.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO AUGUST 7 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS (EXCEPT THURSDAYS) AND BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
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AWARDS FOR 31 YOUNG PEOPLE ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, PRESENTED GOLD AWARD CERTIFICATES OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME TO 31 YOUNG PEOPLE AT A CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE THIS EVENING.
THE RECIPIENTS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, WERE HONOURED FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WHICH ENABLED THEM TO QUALIFY FOR THE AWARD, THE HIGHEST OFFERED BY THE SCHEME.
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME IS AN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE FOUNDED AND SPONSORED BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH. IT IS A LEISURE TIME ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME OPEN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 25.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 30 000 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SCHEME.
------c ------ A........................
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
4
BRAVERY AWARD FOR BOY * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, HAS APPROVED THE AWARD OF THE BEL IL IOS STAR TO 16-YEAR-OLD LAM YING-CHUN FOR HIS COURAGEOUS ACTION DURING A FIRE IN WAN CHAI LAST MARCH.
LAM WILL ALSO BE GIVEN A CASH AWARD IN A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD LATER THIS MONTH.
THE BEL IL IOS STAR IS AWARDED FOR +ACTS OF CONSPICUOUS VALOUR OR SELF-DENIAL WITHIN HONG KONG+.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT IN A FLAT ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF A BUILDING IN WAN CHAI AT ABOUT 5.20 PM ON MARCH 16.
LAM, A RESIDENT IN THE BUILDING TRIED TO STOP THE SPREAD OF THE FIRE WHILE THE OTHER RESIDENTS HAD ALREADY LEFT FOR SAFETY, LEAVING AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY BEHIND.
AS THE FIRE SPREAD QUICKLY, LAM TOOK THE YOUNG BOY INTO THE TOILET.
AT THIS MOMENT A NEIGHBOUR LIVING IN THE OPPOSITE BUILDING RUSHED TO THE ROOF AND THREW A NYLON LINE TO LAM.
LAM USED THE NYLON LINE AND LOWERED THE YOUNG BOY TO SAFETY FROM A WINDOW EVEN THOUGH HE HAD AN INJURED HAND AND FACED DANGER FROM DENSE SMOKE.
LAM LATER LOWERED HIMSELF TO SAFETY.
THE NEIGHBOUR, MR YU CHIN-WAH, WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A PERSONNAL COMMENDATION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, M* F.M. WATSON.
------ o'- --
CHEQUE FOR SOCIETY FOR DISABLED CHILDREN * X x
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY, TODAY PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR 38 773 TO MR BRIAN TISDALL, CHAIRMAN OF THE THE SOCIETY FOR THE RELIEF OF DISABLED CHILDREN, WHICH RUNS THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT SANDY BAY. THE PRESENTATION *AS MADE ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG MEMBERS OF THE ASIAN-PACIFIC WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF BRUSSELS.
MR BRAY SAID THE MONEY WAS RAISED AT A CHARITY GALA AND BAZAAR ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR IN BRUSSELS WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY QUEEN FABIOLA OF BELGIUM.
THE GALA AND BAZAAR WERE ORGANISED BY WIVES OF DIPLOMATS CF ASIAN-PACIFIC COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN BRUSSELS. MRS KAY JONES, WIFE OF HONG KONG’S MINISTER IN BRUSSELS, WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HONG KONG PARTICIPATION IN THE FUNCTION.
/TWO HONG .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
5
TWO HONG KONG DANCERS, MISS LINDA FUNG AND MISS CHAN SIU-MUI, WHO ARE CURRENTLY RECEIVING TRAINING AT THE ROYAL BALLET SCHOOL IN LONDON ON HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SCHOLARSHIPS, TOOK PART IN A CULTURAL PERFORMANCE IN THE FUND-RAISING EVENT.
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE EVENT BY ARRANGING A MAGNIFICENT CHINESE WEDDING GOwN FOR THE COSTUME PARADE.
MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, WHO WERE IN BRUSSELS AT THE TIME, ALSO CONTRIBUTED BY PROVIDING ARTICLES FOR SALE IN THE BAZAAR.
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ALLEGATIONS ABOUT TEXTILE CIRCUMVENTION REFUTED ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD TODAY (MONDAY) REFUTED ALLEGATIONS IN AMERICAN NEWSPAPERS THAT INCREASING AMOUNTS CF APPAREL EXPORTS FROM CHINA WERE BEING SHIPPED TO THE UNITED STATES FROM HONG KONG UNDER HONG KONG QUOTAS, AS A RESULT OF THE AMERICAN RESTRICTIONS ON CHINA IMPORTS PENDING A NEW TEXTILE AGREEMENT.
♦THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THIS HAS IN FACT HAPPENED. IT IS MERELY SPECULATION,* SAID MR MACLEOD, ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TEXTILE COMMITTEE.
♦WE HAVE A CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH IS GENERALLY AGREED TO BE EFFICIENT BY OTHER COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE DEAL. NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT, BUT HONG KONG IS NOT GENERALLY REGARDED AS ONE OF THOSE COUNTRIES POSING A SERIOUS CIRCUMVENTION PROBLEM.♦
MR MACLEOD EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG DID NOT MAKE ONLY PAPER CHECKS - PHYSICAL CHECKS WERE MADE AT FACTORIES, AND OF SHIPMENTS. ♦WE LICENSE ALL TEXTILE IMPORTS AS A MEANS OF SPOTTING POSSIBLE CIRCUMVENTION. AND WHEN THE US RESTRICTIONS ON CHINA WERE INTRODUCED WE WERE NOT UNAWARE OF THE TEMPTATION THAT MIGHT THEN ARISE; WE THEREFORE STEPPED UP OUR CHECKS WITH THAT IN MIND, BUT NO NEW PROBLEMS HAVE YET BEEN UNCOVERED,♦ SAID MR MACLEOD.
♦OUR CHECKS ARE NOT MERELY FOR SHOW.
♦DURING 1982 THERE WERE 46 PROSECUTIONS INVOLVING EXPORT LICENCES IN RESPECT OF THE USA, IN ADDITION TO CASES WHERE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION WAS TAKEN,♦ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE US GENERALISED SYSTEM OF TARIFF PREFERENCES (GSP) CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW IN THE USA, MR MACLEOD POINTED OUT THAT, THEORETICALLY, 45 PER CENT OF US IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG WERE ELIGIBLE FOR TARIFF PREFERENCE, BUT ONLY 14 PER CENT ACTUALLY BENEFITED BECAUSE OF EXCLUSIONS ON VARIOUS GROUNDS.
♦IN 1982, HONG KONG HAD A FAR LARGER PERCENTAGE OF ITS THEORETICALLY ELIGIBLE TRADE DENIED DUTY-FREE TREATMENT THAN THE OTHER MAJOR BENEFICIARIES AS A GROUP. WE VALUE THE PREFERENCES WE DO GET, SMALL PERCENTAGE AS THEY ARE, AND ARE ANXIOUS THAT NO FURTHER DISCRETIONARY EXCLUSIONS FROM ELIGIBILITY SHOULD BE IMPOSED,♦ HE EMPHASISED.
' />!R l.ACLi»D ...
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198}
6
MR MACLEOD REVEALED THAT HONG KONG HAD SUBMITTED REPRESENTATIONS TO THE TRADE POLICY STAFF COMMITTEE IN WASHINGTON, AND HAD EMPHASISED THAT EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT EXCLUSION OF HONG KONG DID NOT BENEFIT LEAST DEVELOPED BENEFICIARIES.
+IN FACT THE MAIN BENEFICIARIES ARE THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, AND JAPAN IN PARTICULAR.
+WE HAVE ALSO ARGUED THAT RECOGNITION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT, IN CONTRAST WITH VIRTUALLY ALL OTHER COUNTRIES, HONG KONG IMPOSES NO TARIFFS OR QUANTITATIVE RESTRAINTS ON IMPORTS, AND IMPOSES REVENUE DUTIES ONLY ON TOBACCO, ALCOHOLIC LIQUORS, METHYL-ALCOHOL AND SOME OILS.
♦THE USA IS HISTORICALLY A LEADER IN LIBERAL, FREE TRADE VIEWS, AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT HONG KONG’S OWN FREE TRADE RECORD WILL EVOKE A SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE, AND THAT THE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT IN WORLD TRADE WILL ALSO HELP TO MUTE THE PROTECTIONIST TENDENCIES WHICH ALSO EXIST IN THE USA,+ HE CONCLUDED.
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SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY VISITING EUROPE, US * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (MAY 17) FOR FAMILIARISATION VISITS TO EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES.
MR HO WILL VISIT LONDON TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH LORD COCKFIELD, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE, AND OFFICIALS AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THE DEPARTMENTS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
IN GENEVA, MR HO WILL MEET MR ARTHUR DUNKEL, DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE; DAME ANNE WARBURTON, UK PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENEVA; AMBASSADOR MARCELO RAFFAELLI, CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILES SURVEILLENCE BODY AND MR GAMANI COREA, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT. HE WILL ALSO MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER CONTRACTING PARTIES TO THE GATT.
THE VISIT TO BRUSSELS WILL INCLUDE MEETINGS WITH VISCOUNT ETIENNE DAVIGNON, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE EEC COMMISSION WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDUSTRIAL AFFAIRS AND ENERGY- MR D.M. ELLIOTT, UK DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE EEC, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE EEC COMMISSION.
AT THE END OF THE MONTH, MR HO WILL FLY TO THE UNITED STATES TO VISIT THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED NEW YORK OFFICE HEADED BY MR BILL DORWARD, AND THE HK GOVERNMENT’S OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, WHERE HE WILL MEET SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE US ADMINISTRATION.
MR HO WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON JULY 9.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JUSTIN YUE, WILL BE ACTING AS SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY WHEN HE RETURNS FROM THE HONG KONG-SWEDEN TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS ON MAY 20.
/7.......
7
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
FEBRUARY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE X X X X *
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS •nd STATIST CS DEPARTMENT, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE ON THE AVERAGE BY 4 PER CENT AND THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 2 PER CENT SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY 3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1983, AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1982.
MEANWHILE, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT BUT THAT OF RE-EXPORTS DROPPED BY 7 PER CEN.T SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VOLUME WAS UP BY 6 PER CENT.
MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED THAT THEY WERE DISTORTED BY THE TIMING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH FELL IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR AND IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1982, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE ON THE AVERAGE BY 5 PER CENT, THOSE OF IMPORTS BY 4 PER CENT AND THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 8 PER CENT.
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY 3 PER CENT, GIVING A 2 PER CENT DECREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS AND A 2 PER CENT DROP 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 4 PER CENT FOR TEXTILE FABRICS TO 20 PER CENT FOP ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES IN EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR FOOTWEAR (-1%), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-2%). DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-3%), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-10%) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-16%).
/CONSIDERABLE .....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198?
CONSIDERABLE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+1^4%), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+26%) AND CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) (+24%).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN EXPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-2%) AND FOOTWEAR (-10%).
THE CHANGES' I’M 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 2 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 8 PER CENT FOR FUELS.
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING RICE AND LIVE POULTRY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE, CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, AND WHEAT AND FLOUR ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY.
IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TOBACCO MANUFACTURES, CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY, FOOTWEAR AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES.
THESE INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, OFFSET BY DECLINES IN THE IMPORT VOLUMES OF MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DROPPED, AMONG WHICH FABRICS OF MAN-MADE FIBRES, BASE McTALS, INCLUDING IRON AND STEEL, AND WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS, RAW COTTON, CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, AND BUILDING MATERIALS EXCLUDING GLASS ROSE CONSIDERABLY.
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 TEXTILE MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.
SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES.
/THE CHANGES ....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
9
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORT VOLUME VARIED AMONG THE FIVE END-USE CATEGORIES, RANGING FROM A 44 PER CENT DECREASE FOR FUELS TO A 9 PER CENT INCREASE FOR CONSUMER GOODS.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FEBRUARY 1983 ISSUE OF THE + HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HKS2 PER COPY.
TAELE 1 : CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1933 WITH FEBRUARY 1'
COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) + 34% + 8% + 24%
TEXTILE FABRICS + 26% + 4% + 21%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD INSIGNIFICANT - 2% + 1%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES + 23% + 7% + 15%
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS - 10% -10% + 1%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS + 30% +20% + 9%
FOOTWEAR - 11% - 1% - 10%
METAL MANUFACTURES + 16% + 5% + 10%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP +171% +11% + 144%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS + 7% -16% + 26%
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS SIMILAR ARTICLES AND + 30% + 6% + 22%
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - 5% - 3% ' - 2%
ALL COMMODITIES + 19% + 4% + 15%
.982
/TkBLE 2 : .......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198?
10
TABLE 2 : CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1983 WITH FEBRUARY 1982
END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS + 5% + 7% - 2%
CONSUMER GOODS - 4% + 3% - 7%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 17% + 2% -19%
FUELS - 5% + 8% -12%
CAPITAL GOODS - 11% + 6% -15%
ALL COMMODITIES - 9% + 4% -13%
TABLE 3 : CHANGES COMPARING FEBRUARY 1983 WITH FEBRUARY 1982
END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS + 21% + 12% + 7%
CONSUMER GOODS + 10% INSIGNIFICANT + 9%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES - 22% + 1% -23%
FUELS - 37% + 11% -44%
CAPITAL GOODS + 4% + 9% - 5%
ALL COMMODITIES - 4% + 2% - 7%
-----o------
MORE PASS MEDICAL LICENTIATE EXAM
* * M X * *
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 92 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED PART II OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS WHICH wILL LEAD TO THE AwARD OF A LICENCE TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG.
THE PART II EXAMINATION IS DESIGNED TO TEST THE CANDIDATE’S KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAS BEEN HELD TWICE A YEAR, IN MARCH AND MAY, TO GIVE CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF DATES.
/A TOTAL .....
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198?
11
A TOTAL OF 67 CANDIDATES SAT FOR THE PART II PAPER IN MARCH, AND 63 PASSED, WHILE 33 CANDIDATES (INCLUDING FOUR WHO FAILED IN MARCH) TOOK THE MAY EXAMINATION, AND 29 PASSED.
IN ALL 92 OUT OF THE 96 CANDIDATES WHO TOOK THE EXAMINATION PASSED.
CANDIDATES WHO HAVE PASSED ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART I I I OF THE EXAMINATION IN JULY THIS YEAR WHICH IS AN ORAL TEST ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF MEDICINE.
IN ADDITION, 35 CANDIDATES WHO FAILED THE PART III EXAMINATION PREVIOUSLY WILL ALSO BE TAKING PART IN THE EXAMINATION IN JULY.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES OF ALL THREE PARTS OF THE EXAMINATION WILL THEN HAVE TO COMPLETE AN EXTERNSHIP OF ABOUT 18 MONTHS BEFORE RECEIVING A LICENCE TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TEST IN 1977, A TOTAL OF 266 I^DICAL PRACTITIONERS HAVE BECOME LICENTIATE DOCTORS AFTER PASSING THE THREE-PART EXAMINATIONS AND SATISFACTORILY COMPLETING AN EXTERNSHIP.
AT PRESENT ANOTHER 141 ARE UNDERGOING THE 18-MONTH EXTERNSHIP IN GOVERNMENT DESIGNATED HOSPITALS.
-------o---------
SALVATION ARMY LEADER VISITS CLOSED CENTRE
IKK*
THE VISITING INTERNATIONAL LEADER OF THE SALVATION ARMY, GENERAL JARL WAHLSTROM, FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE TODAY (MONDAY) TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENT AND FACILITIES THERE.
GENERAL WAHLSTROM WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR ALAN MASON, AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR R.W.B. HIGGINBOTTOM, AS WELL AS SENIOR SALVATION ARMY OFFICERS.
HE WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST SITUATION IN THE CENTRE BY SUPERINTENDENTS IN CHARGE OF THE CENTRES, MR JIMMY GRANT AND MR LEE PO-MAN.
DURING THE TOUR, GENERAL WAHLSTROM SAW VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE CLINIC, A DINING HALL, A KITCHEN, DORMITORIES AND THE SALVATION ARMY OFFICE.
HE ALSO WATCHED VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES ORGANISED BY LOCAL SALVATION ARMY PERSONNEL AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF.
HE TALKED TO SOME OF THE REFUGEES AND ENQUIRED ABOUT THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.
THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE, WITH A CAPACITY FOR 3 500 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, NOW HOUSES JUST OVER 3 000 OF THEM.
------o------- /12......
12
MONDAY, MAY 16, 198?
GRAND PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU ******
THE NARROW STREETS OF CHEUNG CHAU ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED WITH THOUSANDS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND SIGHTSEERS FOR THE TRADITIONAL MAIN PROCESSION OF THE ISLAND'S ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY (MAY 19).
HELD EVERY YEAR TO PLACATE THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES IN PAST CENTURIES, THE PROCESSION WILL FEATURE A PARADE OF ALL THE SHRINES FROM THE ISLAND’S TEMPLES. THE TREASURE SWORD CF PAK TAI TEMPLE, FLOATS, UNICORN AND LION DANCES, FAMOUS CHIU CHAU GONG AND DRUM PERFORMANCES, AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCES.
MORE THAN 1 600 PEOPLE FROM 23 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY.
THE 90-MINUTE PROCESSION WILL SET OFF FROM THE PAK TAI TEMPLE AT 2.30 PM, PASS THE GUEST STAND IN PRAYA STREET AND THEN RETURN TO THE TEMPLE.
THE PROCESSION WILL BE REPEATED ALONG A DIFFERENT ROUTE AT THE SAME TIME THE FOLLOWING DAY.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS THERE WILL BE NO SCRAMBLE FOR BUNS WHICH, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, WILL BRING LUCK TO THE RECIPIENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
INSTEAD, THE BUNS ON THREE 12-METRE-TALL BUN TOWERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PEOPLE ON FRIDAY AT 9 AM. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ARRANGED FINANCING FOR THE BUILDING OF THE TOWERS.
THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL WILL END ON SUNDAY. DURING THE PERIOD, ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM EATING FISH AND MEAT AS A TOKEN OF SINCERITY AND SOLEMNITY.
TAOIST PRIESTS WILL CHANT PRAYERS AT THE PAK TAI TEMPLE AT 12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY WHILE THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, W WILLIAM YAP, WILL OFFICIATE AT A LION AND UNICORN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AT THE TEMPLE AT 3 PM THE SAME DAY.
THE FESTIVAL IS CO-ORDINATED BY AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE COMPRISING CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHEUNG CHAU BUN FESTIVAL GRAND PROCESSION ON THURSDAY (MAY 19).
A HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY, THE MAN CHEONG, WILL TAKE THE PRESS AND INVITED GUESTS TO CHEUNG CHAU. IT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT 12.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 19) AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG AT 4 PM THE SAME DAY.
PRESS BADGES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PRESS MEMBERS BY CNTA INFORMATION OFFICERS ON BOARD THE FERRY.
------0------- /1J.................
HONDAI, MAY 16, 1983
13
TUEN MUN ROAD STAGE II OPENING * * * *
SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FINAL SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD STAGE II AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ELEVATED SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD STAGE II AT CHAI WAN KOK IN TSUEN WAN.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
OFFICIAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO USE THE FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE OPEN CAR PARK, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, BY 2 PM AT THE LATEST.
-----0------
SURRENDER CENTRE FOR UNWANTED CARS
* * * * X
CAR OWNERS WILL BE ABLE TO SAVE TIME AND TROUBLE IN DISPOSING THEIR UNWANTED VEHICLE AS HONG KONG’S FIRST GOVERNMENT-OPERATED VEHICLE SURRENDER CENTRE OPENS AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 18).
THE NEW SURRENDER CENTRE, SITUATED AT KOWLOON BAY BETWEEN WAI YIP STREET AND THE EASTERN END OF AIRPORT TUNNEL, WILL BE OPERATED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
♦THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH A FACILITY FOR EASY DISPOSAL OF THEIR UNWANTED VEHICLES,♦ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
♦IT WILL ALSO HELP TO REDUCE INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF UNWANTED VEHICLES ON ROADS, CROWN LAND AND PRIVATE LAND,+ HE ADDED.
THE CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (PUBLIC HOLIDAYS EXCEPTED), AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS INCLUDING A LOCATION MAP, ARE AVAILABLE FROM ALL TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE PERSONAL USE OF THIS SERVICE SHOULD BRINGi
1) A COMPLETED ^APPLICATION TO SCRAP AND CANCEL THE REGISTRATION OF A VEHICLE+. THIS FORM CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE SURRENDER CENTRE AND FILLED IN THERE, OR YOU CAN COLLECT ONE BEFOREHAND AT ANY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICE.
2) THE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT OF YOUR VEHICLE.
3) IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT IF YOU ARE A
PRIVATE OWNER
OR
/CERTIFICATE OF .......
14
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION IF THE VEHICLE OWNER IS A LIMITED COMPANY. SOMEONE ELSE MAY DISPOSE OF YOUR VEHICLE FOR YOU. THAT PERSON WILL NEED I
1) LETTER OF AUTHORITY FROM THE REGISTERED OWNER GIVING PERMISSION FOR THE AGENT TO HANDLE THE SURRENDER.
2) COMPLETED +APPLICATION TO SCRAP AND CANCEL THE REGISTRATION OF A VEHICLE*.
3) REGISTRATION DOCUMENT FOR VEHICLE.
4) IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT OF AGENT AND A COPY OF YOUR IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT SIGNED BY YOU OR THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION IF THE REGISTERED OWNER IS A LIMITED COMPANY.
THE CENTRE IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES WILL THEN ARRANGE FOR CRUSHING AND DEREGISTRATION OF THE VEHICLE.
WHILE THE SERVICE IS FREE, CAR OWNERS ARE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF A PORTION OF THE LICENCE FEE IF THE UNEXPIRED PERIOD CF THE LICENCE IS VALID FOR THREE WHOLE MONTHS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CENTRE MAY BE MADE ON 5-756541 EXTENSION 263.
------0-------
IMPROVEMENTS TO YUEN LONG STADIUM COMPLETED * X X X X
MORE THAN 4 000 YUEN LONG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH A SOCCER MATCH BETWEEN THE SEIKO TEAM AND THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SELECTION TEAM AT THE DISTRICT’S STADIUM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) EVENING NEXT WEEK.
THE MATCH IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF IMPROVED FACILITIES AT THE STADIUM.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, SAID, +THE OCCASION PROVIDES A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DIRECTORS OF THE LOCAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM THE SEIKO AND THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT.
+THE EVENT IS ALSO HELD IN APPRECIATION OF A CONTRIBUTION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHICH HAS DONATED $3 MILLION TOWARDS THE IMPROVEMENT COST.*
HE HOPED THAT LOCAL YOUNGSTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE SPORTS ASSOCIATION WOULD FULLY UTILISE FACILITIES AT THE STADIUM.
EXPANSION WORK ON THE STADIUM, COSTING $12 MILLION, INCLUDES THE ADDITION OF A COVERED STAND FOR 2 000 SPECTATORS, RE-TURFING AND AN EIGHT-LANE ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE FROM MAY 19 (THURSDAY).
------0------- /15.............
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
15
DISTRICT PARK FOR SHA TIN * * *
A DISTRICT PARK IS TO BE BUILT NEAR TSANG TAI UK WALLED VILLAGE, JAT MIN CHUEN AND SHA KOK HOUSING ESTATE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL AND LEISURE AREA FOR THE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE PARK, WHICH HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.7 HECTARES, WILL INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, SITTING-OUT AREA, AND A SPORTS GROUND COMPRISING A FOOTBALL PITCH, SIX TENNIS COURTS AND THREE BASKETBALL-AND-VOLLEYBALL COURTS.
CHANGING ROOMS AND PUBLIC TOILETS, AN OFFICE AND STORE ROOMS, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK, A SHELTERED BOOKING COUNTER, CAR PARK SPACES AND LANDSCAPE PLANTING WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
------o ------
STORM WATER DRAIN WORK A W X
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE EXTENSION OF A STORM WATER DRAIN THROUGH THE SHAM SHU I PO RECLAMATION STAGE II.
WORK ON THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 180-METRE LONG TRIPLE-CELLED BOX CULVERT FROM THE OLD SEAWALL TO THE NEW SEAWALL THROUGH THE RECLAMATION.
WORKWILL START IN AUGUST AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------0-------
TEMPORARY MARKET FOP HAWKERS
* * x
A TEMPORARY MARKET WILL BE BUILT ON A SITE NORTH OF CARPENTER ROAD, KOWLOO CITY TO RESITE HAWKERS IN THE EXISTING KOWLOON CITY MARKET AND ITS ADJACENT HAWKER-COOKEDFOOD BAZAAR, WHICH WILL SOON BE REDEVELOPED INTO A PULTI-STOREY MARKET COMPLEX.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT.
WORK ON THE MARKET, WHICH WILL ACCOMMODATE ABOUT 580 STALLS, IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED AT THE END OF THE ™R- _____0_______
/16......
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
16
LAST CARRIAGEWAY OPENS AT TUEN MUN ROAD
* * *
TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE IN FULL USE FROM 5 PM TOMORROW (MAY 17) AS ITS SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK OPENS TO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE ENTIRELY SEPARATED.
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT TUEN MUN ROAD IS DESIGNED FOR A SPEED LIMIT OF 40 MPH, WHICH IS ALSO THE ROAD’S LEGAL SPEED LIMIT.
------o-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES fOR FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG
* * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE IN SAI KUNG FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (MAY 17) UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON JUNE 4 TO ALLOW FOR CELEBRATIONS OF THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWSi
* Yl CHUN STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH MAN NIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND THOSE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
* MAN NIN STREET BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
* THE OFF-STREET CAR PARK NEXT TO THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE WILL BE SUSPENDED AND USED AS TERMINI FOR NT MAXICAB ROUTES 3 AND 4.
* PART OF THE OFF-STREET LORRY PARK NEXT TO THE ELECTRIC SUBSTATION WILL BE USED AS A TAXI STAND.
* THE PLB AND TAXI STANDS IN Yl CHUN STREET, THE OFF-STREET CAR PARK IN FRONT OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AND A NUMBER OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN MAN NIN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
0---------
/17........
MONDAY, MAY 16, 1983
17
TRAFFIC LANE CLOSED
X X X
A SHORT SECTION OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE IN SHEUNG FOO STREET, AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEUNG SHING STREET IN HO MAN TIN, HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF A BURST WATER MAIN.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS, BUSES ON KMB ROUTE 7B BOUND FOR WANG TAU HOM AND ROUTE 18 BOUND FOR TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FAT KWONG STREET AND PUI CHING ROAD.
THOSE ON ROUTE 17 BOUND FOR KWUN TONG WILL PROCEED VIA FAT KWONG STREET DIRECT TO SHEUNG SHING STREET.
--------o ---------
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (16.5.83) STOOD AT 77.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 448.990 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 230.869 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 40.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR ......................................... 1
1982 - A BETTER YEAR FOR TRANSPORT: COMMISSIONER................. 1
DROP IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING DEATH ......................... 2
35OO-MILLION THEN MUN ROAD COMPLETED ............................ 4
HONG KONG LEADS WORLD IN FOUR EXPORT CATEGORIES ................. 6
CONTAINERISED EXPORTS SET ALL-TIME RECORD FOR APRIL ............. 8
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND .......... 8
FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF JEWELLERY INDUSTRY .................... 11
MORE MOBILE DENTAL SERVICE IN TSUEN WAN ........................ 12
SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR CHECKS OVER RELIEF KITCHEN ............. 1}
AIR TRAFFIC TALKS .............................................. 13
RHKAAF SEEKING RECRUITS........................................ U
SPORTS EVENTS FOR QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION ................. 15
ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW IN TUEN MUN ................................. 15
WATER LEAKAGE TESTS AT WESTERN ................................. 16
KOWLOON TONG WATER MAINS WORK .................................. 16
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
1
INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR * * * *
TO MARK HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE, THE SOV^NOR, SIR YOUDE, WILL GIVE AN INTERVIEW WHICH WILL BE BROADCAST ON RADIO CHANNELS ON FRIDAY EVENING (MAY 20).
EDWARD TV AND
SIR EDWARD WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY JIM BIDDULPH THE FORMER DIPLOMATIC AND FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT OF THE BBC WHO HAS BEEN BASED IN HONG KONG FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE PRODUCED BY RTHK.
DETAILS OF THE TIMINGS OF THE BROADCASTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
-------o--------
1982 - A BETTER YEAR FOR TRANSPORTi COMMISSIONER * * * *
EFFORTS BY THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE INTERNAL TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, SAYS IN HIS DEPARTMENT’S 1982 ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED TODAY.
♦DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THE MANAGEMENT, CO-ORDINATION AND POLICY MAKING MACHINERY WITHIN GOVERNMENT IN THE TRANSPORT FIELD HAS BEEN STREAMLINED AND STRENGTHENED TO PROVIDE FOR A CONCERTED AND MORE EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO ACHIEVE MORE EFFICIENCY IN THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS,+ MR LEEDS SAID.
♦THE TRANSPORT BRANCH IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WAS STRENGTHENED WITH THE CAPABILITY TO PLAN, LONG TERM, FOR A MORS COMPREHENSIVE, BALANCED AND INTEGRATED TRANSPORT STRATEGY.
♦OF MORE IMPORTANCE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT wAS A MAJOR REORGANISATION ON A REGIONAL BASIS TO PROVIDE FOR A BETTER INTEGRATED AND MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT,♦ HE SAID.
IMPROVEMENTS TOO WERE MADE TO MAJOR REGULATORY ORDINANCES RELATING TO TRANSPORT AND TRAFFICt
M A NEW FERRY SERVICES ORDINANCE WAS BROUGHT INTO EFFECT IN JUNE GIVING TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT POWERS TO MONITOR AND REGULATE THE SERVICES OF FRANCHISED FERRY COMPANIES AND TO LICENSE MINOR FERRY SERVICES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF OUTLYING VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
* A NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN DECEMBER TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION WHICH HAS BECOME OUT-DATED AND FRAGMENTED.
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 19«3 ,
2
THE YEAR ALSO SAW MAJOR PROGRESS IN OTHER MORE TANGIBLE AREAS TO FACILITATE THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS.
THESE INCLUDED THE OPENINGS OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE MODERNISATION PROGRAMME OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY’S TSUEN WAN EXTENSION LINE IN MAY.
AS A RESULT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD TO RE-STRUCTURE THE RELATED BUS SERVICES WHICH INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF A NUMBER OF NEW SERVICES FEEDING THE RAILWAY STATIONS.
A NUMBER OF NEW COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES WERE INTRODUCED BY SCHEDULED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (MAXICAB) SERVICES AND REGULAR COMMUTER COACH SERVICES FROM RESIDENTIAL ESTATES.
SEVERAL MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WERE ALSO COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR.
ONE TUBE OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WAS OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN MARCH, GREATLY IMPROVING THE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND RELIEVING THE SERIOUa TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE SURROUNDING SURFACE ROADS.
THE AIRPORT TUNNEL, WHICH LINKS CENTRAL KOWLOON AND KWUN TONG, WAS PARTIALLY OPENED IN JUNE AND WAS FULLY OPERATIONAL IN OCTOBER, THUS RELIEVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
SEVERAL VITAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES WERE INTRODUCED IN THE YEAR, A NUMBER OF WHICH HAVE HELPED TO IMPROVE THE FLOW CF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SOME OF THE MOST CONGESTED AREAS IN THE TERRITORY.
♦ALTHOUGH 1982 SAW SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS, CONGESTION IS STILL COMMON AND MUCH STILL REMAINS TO BE DONE TO ACHIEVE AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF EFFICIENCY IN MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND PEOPLE,♦ MR LEEDS SAID.
--------o----------
DROP IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING DEATH * * *
THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING DEATH OR iJlRY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1933 HAS DROPPED BY 11.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE FOR THE CORRESPONDING CHAPTER LAST YEAR.
REVIEWING TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS ^OR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTCR/TRAFFIC, MR F.S. -CCOEn, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE NUMBE- OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CASUALTIES FOR THE PERIOD STOOD AT ~ 958, A DECREASE OF 493 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1932.
5
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 19&3
r . - 5 -
f
FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS FELL FROM 110 TO 78 (A DROP OF 29.1 FER CENT) SERIOUS INJURY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS FELL FROM 2 025 TC 1 630 (A DECREASE OF 19.5 PER CENT) AND THOSE INVOLVING SLIGHT INJURY DROPPED FROM 2 316 TO 2 250 (A 2.8 PER CENT DROP).
CASUALTIES FOR THE QUARTER AGAINST THE SAME QUARTER IN 1982 ALSO FELL FROM 5 812 TO 5 068, A DECREASE OF 12.8 PER CENT, MR MCCOSH SAID.
THE NUMBER OF PERSONS KILLED HAS FALLEN FROM 112 TO 84, THOSE SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM 2 388 TO 1 958, AND THOSE SLIGHTLY HURT FROM 3 312 TO 3 026.
DECREASES IN THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS WERE RECORDED IN ALL THREE LAND REGIONS : KOWLOON, FROM 2 243 TO 2 053 (AN 8.5 PER CENT DROP), HONG KONG ISLAND, FROM 1 170 TO P92 (A DECREASE OF 15.2 PER CENT) AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, FROM 1 031 TO 908 (AN 11.9 PER CENT DROP).
TURNING TO VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS, MR MCCOSH NOTED THAT THE PREDOMINANT CLASSES REMAINED PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS, GOODS VEHICLES, MOTOR CYCLES, AND FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES.
PRIVATE CARS WERE INVOLVED IN 38.2 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENTS COMPARED WITH 40 PER CENT IN THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER LAST YEAR. FATAL ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY PRIVATE CARS FELL FROM 46 TC 27, SERIOUS INJURY FROM 1 122 TO 879 AND SLIGHT INJURY FROM 1 394 TO 1 267.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, PRIVATE CAR REGISTRATION FELL BY 2 269 VEHCILES, OR 1.1 PER CENT.
TAXIS WERE INVOLVED IN 18.4 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENTS COMPARED WITH 14.8 PER CENT IN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1982. FATAL ACCIDENT NVOLVEMENT INCREASED FROM SIX TO NINE, AND SLIGHT INJURY INVOLVEMENT FROM 566 TO 686. HOWEVER, INVOLVEMENT IN SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENTS DECREASED FROM 374 TO 349.
' DURING THE SAME PERIOD, TAXI REGISTRATION INCREASED "Y 1.1 PER CENT.
THE NUMBER OF FATAL AND INJURY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING GOODS VEHICLES INCREASED BY LESS THAN ONE PER CENT. REGISTRATIO'. OF GOODS VEHCILES DURING THE SAME PERIOD ALSO INCREASED BY LESS THAN ONE PER .CENT.
THE NUMBER OF FATAL AND INJURY MOTOR CYCLE ACCIDENTS DROPPED FROM 727 TO 488, REPRESENTING A 32.9 PER CENT DECREASE. FATAL ACCIDENTS DROPPED FROM 20 TO 7 (A 65 PER CENT DROP), SERIO S INJURY FROM 313 TO 197 (A DECREASE OF 37 PER CENT) AND SLIGHT INJURY FROM 394 TO 284 (A DECLINE OF 27.9 PER CENT .
REGISTRATION OF MOTOR CYCLES DECREASED BY LESS THAN ONE PER CENT.
/DURING THE .
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
4
DURING THE QUARTER, FATAL AND INJURY ACCIDENTS INVOLVING_ FRANCHISED PUBLIC BUSES DECREASED FROM 457 TO 434 OR A DROP Or FIVE PER CENT.
REFERRING TO STATISTICS ON PERSONS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS, MR MCCOSH SAID PEDESTRIANS CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CASUALTIES — 1 937 OUT OF THE TOTAL CASUALTY LIST 0 5 068 OR 38.2 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL. THEY ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF FATALITIES, (57 OUT OF A TOTAL 84 OR 67.9 PER CENT).
”ALTHOUGH THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF CASUALTIES HAD DECREASED BY COMPARISON WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1982, PERCENTAGES OF THE TOTAL HAVE REMAINED THE SAME FOR THE PEDESTRIAN AND THE FATAL ACCIDENTS, HE SAID.
THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MOTOR CYCLISTS KILLED AND INJURED IN THE FIRST QUARTER COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR, CASUALTIES DROPPING FROM 510 TO 349 AND FATALITIES FROM EIGHT TO FIVE. THE NUMBcR OF CYuLISTo KILLED OR INJURED ALSO DROPPED FROM 189 TO 134.
THE NUMBER OF DRIVERS KILLED INCREASED FROM EIGH iC 13 WHILc THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS KILLED DROPPED FROM 16 TO SEVEN. PASSENGERS INJURED DROPPED FROM 1 763 TO 1 492.
0 -------
S5OO-MILLI0N TUEN MUN ROAD COMPLETED * * * *
THE S500-MILLION TUEN MUN ROAD, HONG KONG’S LONGEST HIGH-CAPACITY MODERN HIGHWAY, WAS FULLY OPENED TODAY, FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE FINAL SECTION OF THE ROAD NEAR CHAI WAN KOK, TSUEN WAN.
THE HON SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WHO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SAID THAT TECHNICALLY SPEAKING THE ROAD, EVEN WHEN ONLY ONE CARRIAGEWAY WAS OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, WAS WELL DESIGNED AND SHOULD BE ONE OF THE SAFEST ROADS IN THE TERRITORY.
UNFORTUNATELY, HE SAID, DUE TO POOR DRIVING THERE WERE SEVERAL DISTRESSING HEAD-ON COLLISIONS WHICH ATTRACTED MUCH ADVERSE PUBLICITY.
♦FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS INCREASING NUMBERS OF SECTIONS OF THE SEPARATED DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY HAVE BEEN PUT INTO OPERATION AND THE SEVERITY OF ROAD ACCIDENTS HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED,+ HE SAID.
/+HOW THAI' ......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 198?
5
♦NOW THAT TUEN MUN ROAD IS A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY THROUGHOUT ITS WHOLE LENGTH, I AM SURE THAT THE TREND OF REDUCING ROAD ACCIDENTS IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE PROVIDED DRIVERS OBSERVE THE SPEED LIMIT AMD TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ROAD CONDITIONS.*
SIR SZE-YUEN RECALLED THAT THE PROJECT WAS FIRST CONCEIVED IN THE MID-196O’S WHEN IT BECAME APPARENT THAT WHILE THE EXISTING CASTLE PEAK ROAD WAS ADEQUATE FOR ACCESS TO THE MANY BEACHES AND OTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ALONG ITS LENGTH, IT WOULD BE I ADEQUATE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE PROPOSED NEW TOWN AT TUEN MUN.
♦GOVERNMENT AND ITS CONSULTANTS DECIDED THAT RATHER THAN MONOPOLISING THE NARROW COASTAL STRIP, IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE TO RETAIN THE EXISTING ROAD AND MAKE USE OF THE ROUGH, STEEPLY SLOPING GROUND FOR THE NEW ROAD, AND ISOLATE IT FROM MOST OF THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE ROUTE, EXCEPT FOR THE TWO INTERCHANGES AT SHAM TSENG AND SIU LAM, HE SAID.
♦PHASED CONSTRUCTION WAS ALSO DECIDED ON AT THIS STAGE, AS IT WAS THOUGHT THAT A NEW SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY WOULD ADEQUATELY SERVE TUEN MUN UNTIL THE EARLY 198O’S, AND WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A CHEAPER SOLUTION, RATHER THAN CONSTRUCTING A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY IMMEDIATELY, ill CH WOULD BE UNDER-UTILISED FOR A LONG PERIOD.*
WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE, SIR SZE-YUEN SAID, WAS STARTED SOME 10 YEARS AGO AND WAS OPENED BY THE FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY I3W LORD MACLEHOSE, FIVE YEARS AGO.
SIR SZE-YUEN PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN, SUPERVISION AND CONSTRUCTION Or THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE PROJECT.
♦IT IS DUE TO THEIR ENERGY, EXPERTISE AND TENACITY THAT THIS FINE ROAD HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO REALITY,* HE ADDED.
EARLIER, WELCOMING SIR SZE-YUEN, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR EDDIE SHORT, SAID: +THE 17-KILCMETRE TUEN MUN ROAD LINKS THE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN, AND FORMS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, ON WHICH WORK IS N PRORESS IN MANY AREAS.*
THE SECTIONS FROM SHA TIN TO LOK MA CHAU ARE EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR DUE TO START THIS YEAR, AS DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY AND THE FINAL SECTION FROM LOK MA CHAU TO AU TAU IS NOw EING DESIGNED.
+WHEN TSUEN WAN BY-PASS IS COMPLETE, IT WILL JOIN TUEN MUN ROAD IN CHAI WAN KOK, THUS PROVIDING A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY FROM KWUN TONG TO YUEN LONG,* HE ADDED.
THE COST OF THE ROAD, TOTALLING ABOUT $500 MILLION, WAS FUNDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH ALSO CARRIED JT THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT A TWO-KILOMETRE SECTIOt. OF THE ROAD AT THE TUEN MUN END.
/6........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
6
HONG KONG LEADS WORLD IN FOUR EXPORT CATEGORIES ******
HONG KONG WAS, IN TERMS OF VALUE IN 1981, THE LARGEST EXPORTER OF CLOTHING, TOYS AND DOLLS, ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS AND FANS OF DOMESTIC TYPE IN THE WORLD.
HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF RADIOBROADCAST RECEIVERS AFTER JAPAN, AND THE THIRD LARGEST EXPORTER OF WATCHES AFTER SWITZERLAND AND JAPAN.
DETAILS OF THESE ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1982+, ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, AT $20 A COPY.
THE REVIEW CONTAINS A BRIEF TEXT ON HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE, 18 GRAPHS AND 35 STATISTICAL APPENDICES WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS YEARS.
THE REVIEW PRESENTS A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1982, INCLUDING A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF TRADE BY MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS AND BY COMMODITY CATEGORIES.
A NEW VERSION OF THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX, DEFINED AS THE RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT (I.E. DOMESTIC EXPORT AND RE-EXPORT) UNIT VALUE INDEX TO THE IMPORT UNIT VALUE INDEX, IS INTRODUCED IN GRAPH 4 ON HONG KONG’S MERCHANDISE TRADE INDEXES. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PUBLICATION ARE STATISTICS ON HONG KONG’S PERFORMANCE IN WORLD TRADE AND IN PRINCIPAL OVERSEAS MARKETS, COMPARED WITH THOSE OF MAJOR COMPETITORS.
ACCORDING TO THE REVIEW, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN VALUE WERE NOTED IN IMPORTS FROM CHINA (BY $3 425 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AND FROM THE U.S. (BY $1 017 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT) IN 1982. AMONG THE OVERSEAS MARKETS WITH THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN VALUE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE THE U.S. (BY $2 023 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT) AND CHINA (BY $882 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO NIGERIA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DROPPED CONSIDERABLY
IN VALUE (BY $388 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT, AND BY $523 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
FOR COMMODITY CATEGORIES, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN VALUE WAS REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF CLOTHING (BY $1 237 MILL I Oh OR 24 PER CENT) AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS AND PREPARATIONS (BY $759 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT), WHEREAS THE COMMODITIES WITH THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN VALUE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE CLOTHING (BY $536 MILLION OR 2 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY £243 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORT TRADE ROSE BY 6 PER CENT IN 1982.
/CHINA .;as.......
TUESDAY, Mh'.' 17.
7 -
CHINA WAS ONCE AGAIN THE LARGEST COUNTRY SUPPLYING GOODS FOR SUBSEQUENT RE-EXPORT. RE-EXPORTS OF CHINA ORIGIN INCREASED BY $1 859 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASE REGISTERED IN CLOTHING (BY $873 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS OF JAPAN ORIGIN ALSO GREW (BY $690 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT), PARTICULARLY FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES (BY $91 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
THE U.S. WAS THE LARGEST MARKET FOR RE-EXPORTS OF CH” ORIGIN, ACCOUNTING FOR 24 PER CENT OF ALL RE-EXPORTS OF u. . ORIGIN THROUGH HONG KONG. THE COMMODITY WITH SUBSTANTl/L WAS CLOTHING (BY $577 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT).
NEARLY ONE THIRD OF THE RE-EXPORTS OF JAPAN OR If II INDONESIA WITH THE HIGHEST GROWTH IN ROAD VEHICLES (’ OR 6 PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA FELL BY 552 MI LI I OF 1 PER CENT BUT RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. ROSE BY $830 MiLl 17 PER CENT.
THE VALUE OF AIRBORNE TRADE IN 1982, REPRESENT I f'C 1. T
CF TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE, INCREASED BY $5 063 MILL.Oil A PER CENT OVER 1981. IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, AIRBORNE TRADE ■CONSTITUTED LESS THAN 1 PER CENT OF TOTAL TRADE.
AIRBORNE IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. ROSE BY *710 MILLION UR H PER CENT AND AIRBORNE EXPORTS TO THE U.S. ROSE BY $227 M1LLSIO’' OR 2 PFR CENT.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, IMPORTS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AN! SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES SHIPPED BY AIR EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST GROWTH (BY $1 526 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT), WHILST IN THE CASE OF EXPORTS BY AIR JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES RECORDED THE HIGHEST GROWTH (BY $247 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).
THE REVIEW ALSO PUBLISHES UNIT VALUE AND QUANTUM INDEXES WHICH ARE OFTEN USED TO ASSESS THE MOVEMENTS IN COMMODITY PRICES AND CHANGES IN TRADE VOLUME.
FROM JANUARY 1982, TRADE INDEXES WERE RE-BASED TO 1981 (I.E. 1981 • 100). TRADE INDEXES FOR EARLIER PERIODS WHICH WERE BASED ON 1973 AS 100, ARE SPLICED TO THE NEW SERIES USING THE 1981 ANNUAL TRADE INDEXES (1973 - 100). HOWEVER, THE TWO SERIES ARE NOT STRICTLY COMPARABLE DUE TO THE RE-CLASSIFICATION OF ITEMS AND CHANGES IN ITEM COVERAGE.
DURING 1982, THE TRADE VOLUMES FOR IMPORTS, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT, 3 PEF CENT AN 3 PER CENT OVER 1981 RESPECTIVELY.
SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE EXPORT VOLUME OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 26 PER CENT) AND RE-EXPORT VOLU' £ CF FUELS (BY 17 PER CENT). SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS ALSO REGIST'.F IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS (BY 7 PER CENT).
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
8
CONTAINERISED EXPORTS SET ALL-TIME RECORD FOR APRIL
* * *
HONG KONG’S EXPORTS SHIPPED BY CONTAINER THROUGH THE KWAI CHUNG PORT LAST MONTH SET AN ALL-TIME RECORD FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL IN TERMS OF WEIGHT AND VOLUME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS SHOW THAT THIS CONTAINERISED CARGO TOTALLED 423 268 TONS, UP BY 8.35 PER CENT IN WEIGHT OVER APRIL LAST YEAR.
VOLUME INCREASE WAS 9.05 PER CENT.
IN TERMS OF TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEU’S), LAST MONTH'S TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT HANDLED AT KWAI CHUNG INCREASED BY 6.71 PER CENT OVER APRIL 1982.
THE NUMBER OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WHICH ENTERED PORT FiOM JANUARY TO APRIL INCREASED BY 0.52 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST -JUR MONTHS LAST YEAR, FROM 3 680 TO 3 699.
HOWEVER, THEIR NET TONNAGES INCREASED BY 4.7 PER SENT, FROM 20.51 MILLION TO 21.47 MILLION NET REGISTERED TONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- o -----------
MARCH SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND # :4 #
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR MARCH 1983.
ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) CONTINUED TO IMPROVE It, MARCH 1983.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, THE BIGGEST INCREASE OCCURRED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, FOLLOWED BY THE TEXTILES, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
TAKING ALL THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED AS A WHOLE, EMPLOY-ENT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN MARCH 1933, COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES SHOWED INCREASES WH,L" TnAT Is THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES RECORDED SLIGHT DEC-'NES.
/PAYROLL ............
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 198}
- 9 -
PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND THE +CTHERS+ CATEGORY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS BONUSES AND DOUBLE PAY HAD BEEN GRANTED TO EMPLOYEES IN A NUMBER OF FACTORIES SURVEYED IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE DECLINES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL AND THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES WERE LESS SIGNIFICANT SINCE A BIGGER PROPORTION OF THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED HAD ALREADY ISSUED SUCH BONUSES IN JANUARY.
PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ROSE WITH MORE OVERTIME AND MORE DAYS WORKED IN A NUMBER 0-COMPANIES.
IN THE SERVICES SECTOR, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DROPPED IN THE HOTELS SURVEYED AND IN FIRMS IN THE +OTHERS+ CATEGORY BECAUSE BONUSES HAD BEEN GRANTED IN A NUMBER OF COMPANIES IN THE PRECEDING MONTH.
THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS WORKED PER WEEK BY OPERATIVES INCREASED IN MOST OF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, SIGNIFYING A RETURN TO NORMAL PRODUCTION AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT, PER CAPITA EARNINGS AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE.
WHEN 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.
AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEDARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH IT SHOU-D 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 MARCH 1983 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT SI.5 PEP COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO T E INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATI TICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7212832).
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING STATISTICAL TABLES:
/A. EMPLOYMENT AND........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
10
A. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA EARN INGS FOR MARCH
COMPANIES SURVEYED
(% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH)
INDUSTRY JAN. FEB. MARCH JAN. FEB. MARCH 1983
SERVICE 1983 1983 1983 1983 1983 1983 ( HK$)
» — » — WW MB w ww _
MANUFACTURING -1 -2 1 16 4 -19 2 285
___ MM —*
FOOD AND
DRINKS * * * 54 -35 -9 2 9?1
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT
FOOTWEAR M -1 1 12 -9 -5 2 Ole
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING
APPAREL * -2 -1 21 -10 -10 2 268
PLASTIC
PRODUCTS -2 -2 -1 22 34 -29 1 957
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS * -2 * 24 9 -25 1 940
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRON IC
PRODUCTS * -2 2 13 11 -26 2 170
OTHERS -2 -1 * 5 26 -27 3 060
CONSTRUCTION** -4 -3 -1 25 -27 3 602
— — ——» hmm ___ —— — — —
SERVICES * * * 28 -34 -3 4 08°
—— —
BANKS * -1 * -2 -35 * 3 75g
HOTELS -2 * 1 23 -31 -18 2
PUBLIC UTILITIES * * * 51 -39 2 3 927
OTHERS 2-1 * 35 -20 -? b 087
B. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING
(% CHANGE OVER THE ORDERS-O..-HAND
PRECEDING MONTH) (IN TERMS OF
INDUSTRY JAN. FEB. MARCH MONTHS) FOR
1983 1933 1983 MARCH 1933
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT
FOOTWEAR 1 * * 4.7°
TEXTILES, EXCEPT
WEARING APPAREL *14 2.42
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 5 6 9 3.27
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 20 3 2.53
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS *33 4.67
OTHERS 11* 3.56
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES 12 2 3.99
+
* CHANGES WITHIN - 0.5%
S PERSO: S ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY- SITE WORKERS
EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.
- 0 /11
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
11
FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF JEWELLERY INDUSTRY *****
THE FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S JEWELLERY INDUSTRY WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN MAY 31 AND JUNE 4, BY THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
THE SURVEY WILL COVER ALL JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING FIRMS WITH WORKSHOPS EMPLOYING TECHNICAL MANPOWER IN THE CUTTING AND SETTING OF PRECIOUS STONES AND JADE, GOLD AND SILVER MELTING AND JEWELLERY MAKING.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE OVER 700 JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY, WITH AN ESTIMATED WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 8 000.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES WILL BE SENT OUT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WHO ASSISTS IN THE SURVEY.
INCLUDED IN THE MAILING WILL BE A LIST OF DESCRIPTIONS FOR PRINCIPAL JOBS WHICH WILL HELP UNIFY JOB TITLES IN THE INDUSTRY.
INFORMATION BEING REQUESTED, INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF WORKERS EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER UNDER TRAINING, THE EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF THE INDUSTRY’S WORKFORCE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
ON A PRE-ARRANGED DATE, INTERVIEWING OFFICERS WILL VISIT EACH OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES, OR TO HELP EMPLOYERS
COMPLETE THEM.
A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
AS THE SURVEY IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, THE SPOKESMAN URGED EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE IMPORTANT IN FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS U THE INDUSTRY.
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/12........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
12
MORE MOBILE DENTAL SERVICE IN TSUEN WAN *****
ADDITIONAL LOW-COST MOBILE DENTAL SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS LATER THIS MONTH, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY.
EVERY SATURDAY STARTING FROM MAY 28, A MOBILE VAN WILL BE STATIONED AT KAI CHI CLOSE, NEXT TO THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON AND 7 PM TO 9.30 PM TO PROVIDE DENTAL SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS.
PATIENTS WILL BE TREATED BY TWO DENTISTS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AND CHARGED AT RELATIVELY LOW FEES RANGING FROM $5 FOR CONSULTATION TO $80 FOR FULL-SCALE TREATMENT.
♦ IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 30 PATIENTS CAN BE TREATED IN THE MORNING AND 25 IN THE EVENING,♦ MISS CHUNG SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE MOBILE SERVICE WOULD BE REVIEWED AT A LATER STAGE, AND IT MIGHT BE EXTENDED TO OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK IF THERE WAS A NEED.
THE DENTAL SERVICE VAN, RUN BY THE PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, HAS BEEN STATIONED AT THE SHEK KEI ESTATE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY SINCE JULY 19/9.
♦ THE SERVICE THERE HAS PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AND WE HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND IT TO THE TOWN AREA OF TSUEN WAN,+ SHE SAID.
IN ORDER TO FIND A SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THE VAN, A SITE VISIT TO KAI CHI CLOSE WAS MADE THIS MC3NING BY MISS CHUNG, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PROJECT CONCERN HONG KONG, MISS LUCILLE BENETEAU.
♦ I CONSIDER KAI CHI CLOSE A VERY SUITABLE LOCATION,* SHE SAID.
♦ IT IS A DEAD-END LANE WHERE PARKING DOES NOT OBSTRl'C-VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AND IS IN THE HEART OF THE TOWN CENTRE . .TH ONLY TWO MINUTES WALK FROM THE MASS TRANSIT RAIL.AY STATION AND THE TOWN HALL.+
♦ IT IS ALSO NEAR THE FUK LOI PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, THE MAIN TAI HO ROAD THOROUGHFARE, AND NEXT TO THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE.♦
MISS CHUNG ADDED THAT THERE HAD ALWAYS BEEN A SHORTAGE OF DENTAL SERVICE IN HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT WISH TO WAIT FOR MONTHS FOR AN APPOINTMENT -/ THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL CLINICS, YET COULD NOT AFFORD EXP".. - .£ TREATMENT BY PRIVATE DENTISTS.
♦THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE LOW-COST DENTAL SERVICE WILL DEFINITELY HELP MEET THIS GAP AND BE MOST WARMLY WELCOMED BY THE TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS,♦ SHE SAID.
- ■- - - o ---------------------------------------------
/13 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
15
SOCIAL WELFARE DIRECTOR CHECKS OVER RELIEF KITCHEN *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (TUESDAY) CHECKED OVER THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON KITCHEN WHICH HAS, OVER THE YEARS, FED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN NEED.
THOUGH ITS MAIN FUNCTION IS TO PROVIDE NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS WITH COOKED MEALS AND RELIEF ARTICLES, THE KITCHEN ALSO SERVES FOOD TO REFUGEES AND PEOPLE IN SOME REHABILITATION CENTRES.
A NEW EXTENSION WAS RECENTLY ADDED TO THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BUILDING AT CORNWALL STREET, THEREBY IMPROVING COOKING FACILITIES, INCREASING OUTPUT AND ENLARGING STORAGE CAPACITY FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF ARTICLES.
MR CHAMBERS WAS TOLD BY THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR KWOK NAI-SIK, THAT THE KITCHEN WAS ALSO USED AS A BASE FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF OPERATIONS DURING TYPHOONS AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS.
EARLIER, MR CHAMBERS VISITED THE PAK TIN SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR THE DISABLED AND THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME.
-----o------
AIR TRAFFIC TALKS
* * *
MR NORMAN LATHAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION LEFT FOR JAKARTA TODAY TO REPRESENT THE GOVERNMENT IN AIR SERVICES TALKS BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND INDONESIAN AERONAUTICAL AUTHORITIES.
CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS HAS A LONG STANDING REQUIREMENT FOR ACCESS TO BALI AND THE OPPORTUNITY WILL BE TAKEN TO SEEK TiE ACCESSARY TRAFFIC RIGHTS.
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/1b .......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
14
RHKAAF SEEKING RECRUITS * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE (RHKAAF) WILL SHORTLY BE LAUNCHING A MAJOR RECRUITMENT EXERCISE FOR VOLUNTEERS TO BE TRAINED AS PILOTS AND CREWMEN ON ITS FLEET OF FIXED AND ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT.
THE RECRUITS, ONCE THEY ARE ENLISTED, ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO TRAINING ON THURSDAY EVENINGS AND AT WEEKENDS.
THEY ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO TAKE PART IN A TWO-WEEK TRAINING CAMP ONCE A YEAR, USUALLY IN AUTUMN.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS THE RHKAAF IS INVOLVED IN VARIOUS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS, VOLUNTEERS -OR THE UNIT ARE CAREFULLY SELECTED AND ONE OF THE PRIME CONSIDERATIONS IS WHETHER THEY CAN PUT IN THE NECESSARY TRAINING TIME TO ATTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF PROFICIENCY REQUIRED FOR THE DUTIES.
BASICALLY, HE SAID, ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE YOUNG MEN AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 35, MEDICALLY FIT AND HAVE NORMAL EYESIGHT WITHOUT THE AID OF SPECTACLES. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE FLUENT IN ENGLISH ND POSSESS THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS.
THOSE WHO APPLY TO BE A PILOT SHOULD POSSESS A MINIMUM OF FIVE GCE ’O’ LEVEL SUBJECTS (OR EQUIVALENT), INCLUDING MATHS AND PHYSICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WITH PREVIOUS MILITARY FLYING EXPERIENCE OR HOLDING A PRIVATE PILOT’S LICENCE.
CANDIDATES FOR CREWMEN ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE GRADE E OR ABOVE IN FIVE GCE ’O’ LEVEL SUBJECTS OR EQUIVALENT (INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B) OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OR EDUCATION EXAMINATION). GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF FIRST AID, SOME NECHANICAL/TECHNICAL APTITUDE AND A STRONG SWIMMING CAPABILITY WOULD BE AN ADVANTAGE.
POTENTIAL RECRUITS SHOULD APPLY WITH FULL PERSONAL DETAILS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AIRP.RT TUNNEL EAST EXIT, KOWLOON.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO GO THROUGH INTERVIEWS AND MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED EMPLOYERS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STAFF TO JOIN THE FORCE AND TO RELEASE THEM FOR THE NECESSARY TRAINING ONCE THEY ARE ACCEPTED.
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/15........
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
15
SPORTS EVENTS FOR QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
MX*
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE MORE THAN 100 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 11, TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, YOUNG AND OLD AND OF ALL PHYSICAL ABILITIES WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN A DAY OF FUN AND GAMES TO BE HELD IN 35 PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENTS SUCH AS BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, MINI-SOCCER, LAWN BOWLS, AND TABLE-TENNIS, SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE 19 OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AND OTHER GUESTS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT MORSE PARK AT 9 AM. THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM WILL ALSO ATTEND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND A NUMBER OF DISTRICT LEADERS WILL STA’T THE CEREMONY AT KOWLOON PARK IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND’S VICTORIA PARK, THE PRESIDENT, AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF MONO KONG, PR A. DE 0. SALES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 9 AM. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOP RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND A NUMBER OF OTHER NEW TERRITORIES LEADERS WILL ATTEND THE OPENING AT FANLING AT 10 AM. THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE (RECREATION AND SPORTS) MR DICKEN YUNG WILL BE THERE AS WELL.
IN WEST NEW TERRITORIES, THE CEREMONY WILL BE STARTED AT 10 AM AT THE YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT WILL OFFICIATE.
------o ------
ANNUAL BONSAI *
SHOW IN TUEN MUN * *
THE ANNUAL BONSAI SHOW - A DISPLAY OF MORE THAN 230 ' INIATURt TREES AND POTTED PLANTS - WILL BE HELD FOR 10 DAYS BEGINNING ON SATURDAY (MAY 21) AT THE CHING CHUNG KOON IN TliEN . ..
THE CHING CHUNG KOON, A TAOIST MONASTERY HAS BEEN PROMOTING THIS TRADITIONAL ART SINCE WITH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE HONG ASSOCIATION.
IN THE NEW TOWN, 1980, TOGETHER KONG TOURIST
/ON DISPLAY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1983
- 16
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A COLLECTION OF RARE AND VALUABLE ITEMS OF BONSAI AND FLOWER PLANTS BY THE KOON AND THE ENTRIES OF A BONSAI COMPETITION BEING HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THE BONSAI COMPETITION IS OPEN TO STUDENTS FROM BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC AND ALL ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICES IN TAI HING AND ON TING ESTATES BY FRIDAY (MAY 20).
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE 10-DAY BONSAI SHOW WILL BE TWO DEMONSTRATIONS ON BONSAI PLANTING AND TRADITIONAL DANCING PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD ON WEEKENDS.
THE SHOW OPENS DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ON SATURDAY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR HAIDER BARMA, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE) OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR THOMAS YIP, WILL OPEN THE BONSAI SHOW AT 10.30 AM.
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WATER LEAKAGE TESTS AT WESTERN
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS*
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD AND EASTERN STREET, INCLUDING 71-79 POK FU LAM ROAD.
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KOWLOON TONG WATER MAINS WORK * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOO' ~C..O WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (HAY £3, TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, MARCONI ROAD, FEJiTNDEN ROAD AND RHONDDA ROAD, INCLUDING LUNG CHEUNG COURT.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1983....................... 1
ROLE OF DISTRICT OFFICE OUTLINED.............................. 6
HONG KONG YOUTH PRAISED....................................... 7
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS............................... 8
NEW MAP HELPS WITH CHOICE OF CAMP SITES....................... 10
REFEREES’ TRAINING COURSES FDR YOUTHS......................... 11
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ..................................... 11
NO ENTRY FOR PLB
11
1
WEENESDAY, MAY 18, 198?
COUNTRY AND COMMODITY BREAKDOWN FIGURES FOR HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1983 ******
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1983, VALUED AT $63 921 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF FOUR PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1982.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY SIX PER CENT TO $18 629 MILLION, IMPORTS BY TWO PER CENT TO $34 140 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY FIVE PER CENT TO $11 152 MILLION.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER SHOWED AN INCREASE CF SIX PER CENT.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT RELEASED TODAY THE
RELEVANT SUMMARY TRADE STATISTICS.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY 19 PER CENT. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $532 MILLION CR 25 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $261 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $199 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT). ON INE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $141 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (BY $25 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN VALUE, INCLUDING WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $34 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY $24 MILLION OR THREE PER CENT). HOWEVER. DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF DECREASED BY $10 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT.
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $154 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $30 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP INCREASED BY $143 MILLION OR 724 PER CENT.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA OF TEXTILES (BY $118 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $48 MILLION OR 1 212 PER CENT)- AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS' AND SILVERSMITHS* WARES. AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $33 MILLION OR 151 PER CENT).
CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.
CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
LOCAL DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $253 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT). MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $48 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT). ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $38 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT) AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD (BY $34 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT).
/AS FOR ..
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF ' (BY *231 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY *144 MILLION CR 26 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY *62 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT), AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY *45 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY *156 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY *114 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES UNWORKED CR WORKED (BY *99 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT), GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY *9 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT), AND VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY *4 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT).
DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF TEXTILES (BY *230 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY *508 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY *7 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT)- AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED (BY *44 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS.
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. (BY *255 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT), INDONESIA (BY *149 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (BY *115 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), SAUDI ARABIA (BY *102 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), VIETNAM (BY *88 MILLION OR 180 PER CENT), REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY *80 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (BY *42 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), AND MACAU (BY *36 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY *335 MILLION CR 16 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (BY *104 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH. THE MORE SIGNIFICAN" ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY *275 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY *170 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES AND BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) (BY *94 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY *93 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES (BY *418 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY *177 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY *71 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
THE MARCH 1983 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE 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 MARCH 1983 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JUNE 1983 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK*10 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE NOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. i 5-214375). „
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983
5
Table 1 : Domestic exports by ten major aarketa
Major markets Jan.-Mar. 198? Ct w Jan.-Mar- 1982 <> Mn) Increase/ Decrease (t Mn) Percentage change
U.S.A. 7,133 6,018 +1,115 +19
F. H. of Gersany 1,554 1,487 + 68 + 5
U.K. 1,476 1,553 - 77 - 5
China 1,063 928 + 135 +15
Japan 714 631 + 83 +13
Canada 626 510 + 116 +23
Australia 525 671 - 146 -22
Singapore 444 426 + 18 + 4
Netherlands 411 403 + 8 + 2
Switzerland 328 298 + 29 ♦10
Table 2 : Domestic exports by aajpr commodity divieXcne
Coraodity Jan.-Mar. 198} Jan.-Mar. 1982 (t Mn) Increase/ Decrease Ct Mn) Percentage change
divisions _O Mn) -
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 6,164 5,84J ♦321 ♦ 5
Miscellaneous sanu-factured articles (nainly plastic toys and dolls) Photographic apparatus, equipment, supplies 2,750 3,024 -274 - 9
and optical goods, watches and clocks Elect rd cal Machinery, apparatus and appliances (nainly 1,891 1,730 +161 + 9
transistors and diodes and household type appliances) 1,533 1,394 +139 ♦10
- 4 - WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983'
Increase/ Percentage
Commodity Jan.-Mar. 1983 Jan.-Mar. 1932 Decrease change i
divisions (S fa) (S Mn) (5 Mn) (%)
Textile yam, fabrics,
made-up articles
and related products 1,3*3 1,165 +178 +15
Telecommunications
and sound record-
! ing and reproducing
। apparatus and
equipment 1,322 1,299 + 23 + 2
Table 3 : Imports from ten major sources
Increase/ Percentage I
Jan.-Ear. 192? Jan.-Mar. 1982 Decrease change
Major sources fa) (s fa) (S fa) (%)
China 8,070 7,471 +599 + 8
Japan 7,728 7,101 +627 + 9 i
U.S.A. 3,670 3,485 +185 * 5
Taiwan 2,325 2,542 -217 - 9
Singapore 2,124 2,538 -414 -16
U.K. 1,632 1,683 - 51 - 3
I Republic of Korea
(South Korea) 951 1,176 -225 -19
F.R. of Germany 914 807 +107 +13
Switzerland 642 643 - 1 insignificant 1
Thailand 4°8 442 + 56 +13
- /Table 4
WEBNKSUaY, MAY 18, 1983
- 5 -
Table 4 : Imports by commodity sections Percentage change (»)
Commodity Jan.-Mar. 1983 Jan.-Mar. 1982 (S Mn) Increase/ Decrease (8Mn)
sections _.($ Mn)
Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material (mainly textile products, diamonds, iron and steel, and paper) 8,903 9,768 —865 - 9
Machinery and transport equipment 7,75* 7,481 ♦273 + 4
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly watches and docks, articles of apparel) 6,054 5,315 +738 +14
Food and live animals chiefly for food 4,005 3,626 +379 +10
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials 2,681 2,810 -129 - 5
Chemicals and related products 2,462 2,184 +278 +13
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/6.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983
6
ROLE OF DISTRICT OFFICE OUTLINED * * * *
THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS TO CO-ORDINATE LOCAL AFFAIRS AND THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT THE DISTRICT IS DEVELOPED INTO A BALANCED COMMUNITY, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE, SHE DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS A SPECIAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
MISS CHUNG SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EXPLAINING TO THE RESIDENTS THE WORK OF ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND OF GATHERING PUBLIC OPINION ON NEW POLICIES TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS.
♦WE ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL DEPARTMENT, BUT HAVE THE WIDEST CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC AND ARE THE BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT.
♦SUGGESTIONS AND VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE ON VARIOUS GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND LOCAL PROBLEMS ARE REFLECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES,+ SHE SAID.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT THE ADDITION OF ELECTED MEMBERS TO DISTRICT BOARDS HAD PUSHED THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM ONE BIG STEP FORWARD.
♦THROUGH VIEWS REFLECTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS, DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS WHEN IMPLEMENTING NEW POLICIES,+ SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THERE WERE NOW THREE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE AND ONE IN SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO HELP RESIDENTS SET UP SUCH COMMITTEES TO ENCOURAGE MORE CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN THE COMMUNITY-BUILDING WORK.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT THROUGHOUT TSUEN WAN, THERE WERE ALREADY NINE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES, ONE MINI CENTRE AND ONE MOBILE CENTRE IN SHAM TSENG.
♦HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN CHEUNG SHAN AND SHEK WAI KOK ESTATES NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THIS NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE IS SET UP TO SERVE THE 50 OOO-ODD RESIDENTS.
♦SERVICES PROVIDED AT THIS CENTRE INCLUDE A GENERAL ENQUIRY SERVICE, DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT FORMS AND PAMPHLETS, REFERRAL OF RESIDENTS’ COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS TO CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, AND REFERRAL OF CASES TO THE LEGAL ADVICE AND RENT OFFICER SCHEMES,+ MISS CHUNG SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN LAU-FONG» DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, M? CHAN KOON-SHING AND MR CHEUNG SAU-CHING; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANKIE LUI, AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE, MR LI KING-CHI.
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9
7
HONG KONG YOUTH PRAISED * * *
HONG KONG HAS A YOUTH POPULATION TWAT IS INTELLIGENT ARTICULATE, WELL MOTIVATED AND ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THE TERRITORY WILL FACE AS IT MOVES TOWARDS THE 21ST CENTURY MR DREW RENNIE, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
**WE ARE NOW EMBARKING ON WHAT IS, WITHOUT DOUBT, THE MOST VITALLY CHALLENGING ERA IN OUR HISTORY AND IT IS THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF TODAY WHO WILL HAVE TO CARRY THE BURDEN OF ENSURING THAT WE EMERGE FROM IT INTACT. IN GOOD HEART AND IN GOOD SMAPr.
IN GOOD HEART AND IN GOOD SHAPE
’’FROM MY EXPERIENCE, I WOULD SAY WE HAVE LITTLE TO WORRY ABOUT. COMPARED TO SIMILAR SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT THE CIVILISED WORLD WE HAVE AN INORDINATELY HIGH YOUTH POPULATION — ABOUT TWO MILLION, OR 37 PER CENT OF OUR INHABITANTS ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 — AND THAT, IN MY VIEW, CAN ONLY BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE,” SAID MR RENNIE AT THE BAYVIEW LIONS CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING.
V
THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER SAID THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND THE YOUTH CRIME SITUATION JUSTIFIED HlS VIEW.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT IN 1974 OF JPC. WHICH NOW HAS 350 000 MEMBERS AND 12 000 LEADERS AND IS RECOGNISED AS A WORLD LEADER IN POLICE-YOUTH RELATIONSHIPS, SOME 13 000 DIFFERENT JPC ACTIVITIES TOOK PLACE EACH YEAR. AND, THE MEMBERS NOW WERE MORE ASSERTIVE AND DEMANDING THAN THEIR RETICENT FELLOW-MEMBERS A DECADE AGO, HE ADDED.
’’THERE IS NOTHING MORE REFRESHING OR ENCOURAGING THAN TO LISTEN TO THE VIEW AND SHARE THE ASPIRATIONS AND INSPIRATIONS OF THOSE KEEN AND EAGER YOUNG PEOPLE. THEY KNOW WHAT THEY WANT; THEY ARE NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK THEIR MIND; THEY ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN DOING SOMETHING USEFUL FOR THE COMMUNITY; AND THEY ARE PREPARED TO WORK INDIVIDUALLY, OR COLLECTIVELY, TO ACHIEVE THEIR AMBITIONS. THAT CAN ONLY AUGUR WELL FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. SURELY. IT IS HEARTENING TO KNOW THAT THOSE WHO WILL INHERIT OUR FOOTSTEPS WILL DO SO WITH KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, DIRECTNESS AND CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
’’APART FROM ADOPTING HOSPITALS AND HOMES FOR THE AGED HELPING TO MAKE LIFE MORE BEARABLE FOR THE HANDICAPPED; PROMOTING CAMPAIGNS TO FURTHER THE CAUSES OF ROAD SAFETY; CRIME PREVENTION AND ANTI-DRUGS? JPC MEMBERS TURN OUT REGULARLY TO SELL FLAGS AND RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL CHARITIES.
” IT IS NOT UNCOMMON ANY SATURDAY FOR HUNDREDS, SOMETIMES THOUSANDS, OF JPC MEMBERS TO BE OUT ON THE STREETS ENCOURAGING YOU AND ME TO BUY A FLAG FOR THE ST. JAMES SETTLEMENT, OR SOME OTHER DESERVING CHARITY,” MR RENNIE SAID.
TURNING TO YOUTH CRIME, THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER SAID THAT SINCE JPC HAS BEEN ASSIGNED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IN APRIL 1981 TO SPEARHEAD THE FIGHT YOUTH CRIME CAMPAIGN AIMED AT YOUTH AGED 16. AND UNDER. JUVENILE CRIME RATE WAS ON THE DECLINE.
/"IT WAS......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1'8, 198?
8
” IT WAS, AND STILL IS, ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS EVER LAUNCHED BY GOVERNMENT. WITHIN THREE MONTHS THE UPSURGE HAD BEEN HALTED AND SINCE JULY 1981 THE NUMBER OF JUVENILES PROSECUTED FOR CRIME HAS CONTINUED TO FALL STEADILY.
”SO MUCH SO, THAT THE FIGURES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR SHOW A 35 PER CENT DECREASE WHEN COMPARED WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1981 — THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE LAUNCHING OF THE CAMPAIGN.
’’THIS YEAR WE ARE CONTINUING THE CAMPAIGNS — WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS BEING GIVEN TO REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN THE SLIGHTLY OLDER GROUP — THE 16 TO 20 YEAR OLDS. AND, ONCE AGAIN, IT WILL BE YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES WHO WILL BE GIVEN THE TASK OF DEVISING WAYS AND MEANS BY WHICH THEY CAN ENCOURAGE OTHER YOUNGSTERS TO STEER CLEAR OF THE PATH THAT LEADS TO CRIME AND, SUBSEQUENTLY, TO MISERY AND RUINED LIFE,” MR RENNIE SAID.
HE REVEALED THAT IN 1982, A TOTAL OF 9 930 PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 WERE PROSECUTED FOR CRIME. THIS REPRESENTS 0.5 PER CENT (OR 1 IN EVERY 150) OF THE TOTAL POPULATION WITHIN THAT AGE GROUP.
”1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE AUTHORITIES IN AREAS OF SIMILAR SIZE AND POPULATION DENSITY WOULD WELCOME SUCH FIGURES AND CONSIDER THEM A SUCCESS. NONETHELESS, IT IS RIGHT THAT HERE IN HONG KONG WE SHOULD NOT BE SATISFIED WITH SUCH RESULTS AND SHOULD CONTINUE TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO REDUCE YOUTH CRIME TO MINIMAL PROPORTIONS,” HE SAID.
MR RENNIE ALSO REFUTED COMPLAINTS THAT YOUNG PEOPLE NOW WERE RECALCITRANT, AVARICIOUS AND TOO MATERIALISTIC. HE OPINED THAT THE SITUATION WAS MAINLY CAUSED BY ADULTS WHO OPTED OUT THEIR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBL IT IES TO TEACH AND EDUCATE IN THE RIGHT WAYS.
’’YOUNG PEOPLE ARE VERY IMPORTANT IN ANY SOCIETY — AFTER ALL THEY ARE THE CITIZENS OF TOMORROW — AND I BELIEVE THIS TO BE EVEN MORE SO IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, ” HE CONCLUDED.
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SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS
* * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN EFFECT SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN NOVEMBER AND JANUARY, WITH THE EFFECTIVE DATES IN BRACKETSi
M SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY -MR E.P. HO (FEBRUARY 7, 83)
* SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE -MR HENRY CHING (MAY 2, 83)
M SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER -MR KENNETH TOPLEY (FEBRUARY 1, 83)
/• COMMISSIONER FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983
9
* COMMISSIONER FOR HONGKONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS
IN THE UNITED STATES -
MR BILL DORWARD (APRIL 1, 83)
M DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE -MR JOHN CHAMBERS (MARCH 1, 83)
M DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY -MR SELWYN ALLEYNE (APRIL 23, 83)
X REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) -MR LAWRENCE MILLS (MAY 10, 83)
* DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES -MR PETER TSAO (FEBRUARY 1, 83)
M SECRETARY-GENERAL, STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE -
MR ALAN BRISTOW (MARCH 1, 83)
* COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING -MR ROBERT SUN (MARCH 6, 83)
* DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES -MR CHUI KAM (FEBRUARY 21, 83)
* DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY -MR JOHN YAXLEY (JANUARY 25, 83)
* DIRECTOR OF TRADE -MR HAMISH MACLEOD (FEBRUARY 7, 83)
* DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE -MR CHRISTOPHER WONG (FEBRUARY 1, 83)
* POLICE ADMINISTRATION OFFICER -MR RICHARD BUTLER (JANUARY 17, 83)
* DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH -MR ALEC PURVES (MARCH 7, 83)
* DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) -MR HAIDER BARMA (JANUARY 10, 83)
* DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, TSUEN WAN -MR ADOLF HSU (MARCH 28, 83)
M DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS (GENERAL) -MRS ELIZABETH WONG (FEBRUARY 1, 83)
* DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY -MR PAUL WONG (DECEMBER 8, 82)
* DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE -MR JOHN CHAN (APRIL 15, 83)
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/10................................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983
10
NEW MAP HELPS WITH CHOICE OF CAMP SITES * * * *
CAMPERS AND HIKERS TO THE NORTHEASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL FIND THE CHOOSING OF CAMPSITES AND ROUTES MUCH EASIER WITH THE HELP OF A NEW COUNTRYSIDE MAP.
ENTITLED +NORTH-EAST NEW TERRITORIES* THE NEW MAP IS THE FIFTH IN THE POPULAR COUNTRYSIDE SERIES PRODUCED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY DIVISION TO PROMOTE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL PURSUITS.
THE OTHER FOUR MAPS — +HONG KONG ISLAND*, *NEW TERRITORIES -WEST*, +LANTAU AND ISLANDS* AND +SAI KUNG AND CLEAR WATER BAY* --WERE SO POPULAR THAT NEW EDITIONS HAD TO BE PRINTED TO MEET DEMAND.
MR HAL EMPSON, SENIOR CARTOGRAPHER OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT. SAID THAT AS THE AREAS COVERED BY THE NEW MAP ARE FASCINATING AREAS FOR EXPLORATION BY NATURE LOVERS, +THIS NEW ADDITION TO THE SERIES NO DOUBT WILL ALSO BE ON OUR BEST-SELLERS LIST.*
+T0 CATER FOR THE DIVERSITY OF PURSUITS WHICH MAY BE UNDERTAKEN, THE VARIOUS COUNTRYSIDE FEATURES ARE DENOTED BY ILLUSTRATIVE SIGNS FOR QUICK AND EASY REFERENCE,* HE ADDED.
FOOTPATHS AND TRAILS ARE SHOWN ON THE MAP IN DIFFERENT LINE PATTERNS TO INDICATE WHETHER THEY ARE PAVED AND FREQUENTLY USED OR NOT. THE PAT SIN RANGE WHICH HAS PROVED EXCEEDINGLY POPULAR AMONG HIKERS IS SHOWN DISTINCTIVELY ON THE MAP FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION.
♦THERE IS ALSO A CROSS-SECTION OF THE NATURAL FOOTPATH ROUTE FROM HOK TAU WAI TO TAI MEI TUK,+ MR EMPSON SAID.
♦WITH THIS MAP IN HAND, FAMILY PARTIES CAN EASILY SELECT BARBECUE AND PICNIC SPOTS WHILE EXPERIENCED TREKKERS CAN TAKE TO RUGGED TERRAIN ALONG THE MORE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING ROUTE.+
THE MAP, WHICH HAS BEEN DRAWN TO A SCALE OF 1:25 000, INCLUDES A GENERAL INFORMATION SECTION, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, OF INTERESTING AREAS TO VISIT SUCH AS THE VERY SCENIC PAT SIN RANGE AND PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARKS.
THE NEW MAP WHICH FITS SNUGLY IN A PLASTIC HOLDER IS NOW ON SALE AT $10 AT THE MAP SALES COUNTER OF THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD! THE MAP SALES CENTRE, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON (ADJACENT TO THE ASTOR THEATRE); AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN GENERAL POST OFFICE.
/11
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1983
11
REFEREES’ TRAINING COURSES FOR YOUTHS * * * *
A LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL INSTRUCTORS’ TRAINING COURSE AND A BASKETBALL REFEREES’ TRAINING COURSE FOR YOUTHS WILL START IN JUNE .
THE COURSES ARE ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE H.K. AMATEUR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION. EACH COURSE CONSISTS OF THREE SESSIONS AND IS OPEN TO YOUTHS WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR ABOVE.
COURSE INSTRUCTORS ARE DIRECTLY APPOINTED BY THE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS. A BASEBALL DEMONSTRATION GAME WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ON JUNE 5.
THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE COURSES WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTISE WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNT IN ELEMENTARY BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL TRAINING COURSES TO BE HELD FROM JULY TO AUGUST.
CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED FOR SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE.
THE FEE FOR EACH COURSE IS $20. FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-458511.
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ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI M M M
THE NORTHBOUND GROUND LEVEL CARRIAGEWAY OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 AM TO 6.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20) FOR ROAD WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON GLOUCESTER ROAD HEADING FOR HARBOUR ROAD OR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FENWICK STREET OR TONNOCHY ROAD.
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NO ENTRY FOR PLB
M M M M
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 20), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING WAI KING STREET IN TO KWA WAN UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE AUTHORITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 198}
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK ECONOMY IS STRONG: GOVERNOR ................................ ■]
GOVERNOR'S INTERVIEW TIMES ON TV AND RADIO ..................... 2
CHIEF SECRETARY INSPECTS URBCO FACILITIES ...................... 2
FEBRUARY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES .............................. 4
RECORD JANUARY-TO-APRIL RAINFALL WAS 3.5 TIMES NORMAL .......... 8
TEXTILES ACCORD WITH SWEDEN INITIALLED ........................ 10
FEWER PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUS DRIVERS ................... 11
RESULTS OF LATEST TAXI TENDERS............................... 12
LAND LOTS FOR HOUSES TO BE OFFERED ............................ 12
FIGHTERS AGAINST COUNTERFEITING PRAISED ....................... 1J
BIG PARTY FOR SHA TIN ELDERLY TOMORROW ........................ 14
TENNIS COURSES FOR CHILDREN ................................ 15
TRAFFIC LANE CLOSED IN HO MAN TIN ........................... 15
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
1
HK ECONOMY IS STRONG« GOVERNOR * * * *
THERE IS AN UNDERLYING STRENGTH IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WHICH WILL BE REFLECTED LATER ON IN THE EXCHANGE RATE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER HIS ONE-DAY VISIT TO MACAU TODAY, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT FLUCTUATIONS ARE A PART OF THE OPEN ECONOMY.
♦MY ADVICE TO PEOPLE IS ONCE AGAIN DON’T BE UNDULY GLOOMY,♦ HE SAID.
ON HIS VISIT TO MACAU, SIR EDWARD SAID IT WAS NOT A DAY FOR POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS.
♦IT WAS A DAY IN WHICH I WENT TO SEE MACAU, WHICH I HAVEN’T SEEN FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS, TO SEE ITS DEVELOPMENT AND TO TALK TO THE MACAU GOVERNOR ON HOW HE IS TACKLING THE PROBLEMS THERE.
♦ALTHOUGH THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM IS VERY DIFFERENT IN MANY WAYS, THE NATURE OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN MACAU IS MUCH THE SAME AS SOME OF THE PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG. THE DIRECT AND PRACTICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU IS ALSO VERY CLOSE,♦ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE HAD EARLIER PAID AN INFORMAL VISIT TO MACAU AT THE INVITATION OF THE MACAU GOVERNOR VASCO DE ALMEIDA E COSTA.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIr-L MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG I THE SE IOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROGER LO 0 ? THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE AIDE-DE-CAMP, MR PAUL CROFT.
ARRIVING IN MACAU AT ABOUT 10.45 AM, THE GUESTS OF H^'IOUR V£R£'MET AT THE MACAU FERRY PIER BY THE MACAU GOVERNOR, Al M?S ALMEIDA E COSTA AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS.
THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO SANTA SANCHA PALACE WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE SITUATION IN MACAU AND THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
AFTER LUNCH AT THE PALACE, THE VISITORS PROCEEDED TO THE GUIA HILL LIGHT HOUSE WHERE THEY HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF PLACES OF INTERES" INCLUDING TA I PA AND COLOANE ISLANDS.
AFTER THE TOUR, THE GUESTS RETURNED TO SANTA SAN IA PALACE FOR TEA, BEFORE DEPARTING FOR HONG KONG.
THEY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG AT ABOUT 5.30 PM.
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/2........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
2
GOVERNOR’S INTERVIEW TIMES ON TV AND RADIO * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL BE GIVING A TELEVISION INTERVIEW TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MARK HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE.
THE PROGRAMME, PRODUCED BY RTHK, WILL BE BROADCAST AS FOLLOWSt
TELEVISION:
ENGLISH CHANNELS PEARL AND ATV 2 — AT 7.3D PM
CHINESE CHANNELS JADE AND ATV 1 — AT 8 PM
RADIO:
ENGLISH — RTHK CHANNEL 3 AND COMMERCIAL RADIO — AT 7.30 PM
(TO BE REPEATED ON RTHK 3 AT 11.10 PM)
CHINESE — RTHK CHANNEL 1 AND COMMERCIAL RADIO CHANNEL 1 -- AT 8 PM
(TO BE REPEATED ON RTHK 1 AND 2 AT 11.10 PM)
THE INTERVIEWER WILL BE MR JIM BIDDULPH, FORMER DIPLOMATIC AND FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT OR THE BBC.
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CHIEF SECRETARY INSPECTS URECO FACILITIES * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, A DRIV.'N'- FORCE BEHIND THE MOVES TO CLEAN AND BEAUTIFY HONG KONG, AND A .KEEK SUPPORTER OF SPORTS AND THE ARTS, TODAY VISITED SEVERAL rA' LITIES CF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO SEE *ORK GOING ON IN THOSE TV* AR">S S CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SIR PHILIP’S TOUR TOOK HIM TO THE NEWL/-COMPLETED ‘-DNG KONG COLISEUM WHICH WAS BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND HANDED - R TO THE URBAN COUNCIL TO MANAGE, AND OTHER PARTS OF K '■ ’ HE
ALSO SAW VARIOUS OTHER FACILITIES FOR SPORT AND RECREa', ON aKD ALSO FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TREES AND =LANTS USED IN BEAU’ - NG ’HE CITY AREAS. A THIRD STOP wHIOH HE MADE WAS AT DIA* - IL! CREMATORIUM.
I
THUBSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
- 3 -
THE CHIEF SECRETARY -AS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE H?RAUGUST?*'£U^HLN S£RV,C£ • MR BRIAN WILSON, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
AT Tit HONG KONG COLISEUM SIR PHILIP WAS MET BY MR DARWIN CHEN, DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL SERVICES, MR K.C. LO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (SPORTS AND STADIA) AND MR PANG CHUNG, THE MANAGER.
SIR PHILIP DESCRIBED THE $149 MILLION COLISEUM AS A +GIGANTIC STRUCTURE* AND SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN ITS OPERATIONAL ASPECTS, INCLUDING ANY PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN ITS OPERATION AND tHE BOOKINGS AS WELL. IN DISCUSSING THE USE OF THE COLISEUM, HE INTERESTED IN WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ANY TRADE -AIRS C? FUNCTIONS OF A SIMILAR NATURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT A WORLD TRAVEL EXPO WOULD BE HELD THERE IN SEPTEMBER.
IN THE ARENA, SIR PH IL Ip SAW SOME MODELS Oc URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS SUCH AS THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION RECREATION CENTRE. THE MODELS HAD BEEN ON DISPLAV -OR 'HE COLISEUM’S OPEN DAY AM SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD THAT SOME 30 -330 PEOPLE HA? VISITED THE COLISEUM OVER THE TWO DAYS IT WAS OPENED TO THE PUS-IC.
BEFORE DEPARTING HE ALSO SAW THE OPERATION OF THE RETRACTABLE SEATS IN THE ARENA AND INSPECTED THE SPECIAL ' FIRE^OOF VELVET BACKDROP BEING INSTALLED IN READINESS FOR THE PERFORMANCES Y THE ROYAL BALLET NEXT MONTH.
THE BACKDROP WHICH STRETCHES SOME 18 METRES FROM "LCOR TO CEILING AND THE ELECTRICAL WINCH TO HOIST IT, -ERE PURCHASED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AT A COST OF 8493 030 AS PART C- THE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO ENABLE THE COLISEUM TO BE USED FOR A WIDER VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS.
OUTSIDE, SIR PHILIP STOPPED FOR A BRIEF LOOK AT THE PIAZZA AND NOTICED THAT IT WAS BEING USED BY QUITE A .UMBER Oc PEOPLE, MANY ELDERLY AMONG THEM, AND ALSO SAW THE RAILWAY -INES AND SOME OLD ROLLING STOCK BELOW THE COLISEUM PODIUM.
EARLIER, SIR PHILIP WENT TO THE HO MAN TIN HIGH LEVEL SERVICE RESERVOIR FROM WHERE HE HAD A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE VARIOUS FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE COUNCIL IN THE NEARBY AREAS, INCLUDING THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK AND KO SHAN THEATRE, AND THE HO MAN TIN NURSERY.
THE NURSERY IS BY FAR THE COUNCIL’S LARGEST NURSERY, PRODUCING SOME 200 003 SHRUBS AND 10 000 TREES IN ABOUT 233 SPECIES ANNUALLY. BUILT AT A COST OF $1.4 MILLION, IT COVERS AN AREA OF 1.8 HECTARES AND IS LOCATED ON TOP OF A REFUSE TIP.
THE POTENTIAL FOR HIGH PRODUCTIVITY IN THIS NURSERV IS VERY GOOD AND MECHANISATION FOR SOME TASKS, SUCH AS SOIL MIXING AND WATERING, CAN BE GRADUALLV INTRODUCED IN VIEW OF THE EXTENSIV. FLAT AREA.
th: •
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1?8j
4
LATER THIS YEAR, THE NURSERY WILL ALSO BE EQUIPPED WITH A DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM CAPABLE OF CONSERVING WATER AND ACCELERATING PLANT GROWTH.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY STARTED OFF HIS AFTERNOON PROGRAMME WITH A VISIT TO THE DIAMOND HILL CREMATORIUM WHERE HE WAS BRIEPED AND SHOWN AROUND BY THE DIRECTOR OF CITY SERVICES, MR ERIC PEAKE.
HE WAS TOLD THAT TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF BURYING THE DEAD IS GRADUALLY GIVING WAY TO CREMATIONS UNDER ACTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DUE TO THE SCARCITY OF LAND.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, THE RATIO OF CREMATIONS TO BURIALS IN 1982-83 STOOD AT 60i40 COMPARED WITH 57«43 IN 1981-82 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL HOPES TO ACHIEVE A TARGET OF 65 CREMATIONS TO 35 BURIALS BY 1985.
THE DIAMOND HILL CREMATORIUM, SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD, IS ONE OF THE TWO CREMATORIA OPERATED BY THE COUNCIL IN THE URBAN AREAS. IT PROVIDES SOME 4 600 NICHES AND IS ALREADY FULLY OCCUPIED. HOWEVER, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 1 980 NICHES EARLY NEXT YEAR, TWO ADDITIONAL CREMATORS BY 1985 AND AN EIGHTSTOREY COLUMBARIUM WITH 36 000 NICHES BY 1986.
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FEBRUARY SURVEY OF RETAIL SALES ft * * *
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE RETAIL TRADE SECTOR IN FEBRUARY 1983 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $4 233 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY.
AT 125, THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEX FOR FEBRUARY 1983 DECREASED BY 12 POINTS OR NINE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983, BUT INCREASED BY 15 POINTS OR 14 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1982.
THE OVERALL RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEX FOR FEBRUARY 1983, AT 96. WAS 12 POINTS OR 11 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT FOR JANUARY 1983, BUT IT WAS FIVE POINTS OR FIVE PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR FEBRUARY 1982.
SALES OF SUPERMARKETS
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 28 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. WHILE THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT, THEIR SALES BY VOLUME DECREASED BY THREE PER CENT. THE VALUE AND VOLUME OF RETAIL SALES FOR THE OTHER MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES
DECLINED.
/RETAIL SALES .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 198?
5
RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES SHOWED THE LARGEST REDUCTION OF 20 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THIS ' FOLLOWED BY CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, AND CONSUMER DURABLES WITH DECREASES OF 16 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS, OR DECREASES OF 14 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS.
RETAIL SALES OF FUELS, CONSUMER GOODS AND DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED BY 12 PER CENT EACH IN VALUE TERMS AND THEIR CORRESPONDING DECREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 14 PER CENT, 13 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT DECREASES IN RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY 1983 WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983 WERE LARGELY DUE TO TRADING DAY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MONTHS. MANY RETAIL OUTLETS WERE CLOSED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD IN FEBRUARY 1983, COMBINING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS WITH STATUTORY ANNUAL LEAVE.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1982, SUPERMARKETS HAD THE LARGEST INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES OF 100 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR 87 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. THIS INCREASE WAS LARGELV DUE TO CONSUMER PURCHASES FOR THE NEW YEAR.
RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS AND DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 59 PER CENT AND 55 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS’ THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 49 PER CENT AND 43 PER CENT. THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO SHOWED INCREASES OF 39 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND 27 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND CONSUMER DURABLES DROPPED BY 53 PER CENT AND 15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS? THEY ALSO SHOWED DECREASES OF 62 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS BUT FELL BY EIGHT PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
TABLES 1 AND 2 PRESENT THE REVISED FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1963 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1983 OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES, AND OF RETAIL SALES VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES BY SELECTED TRADES AND MAJOR TRADE GROUPS.
THE AVERAGE MONTHLY SALES IN 1980 ARE TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF THE FEBRUARY RESULTS WITH THOSE OF THE PRECEDING MDNTH AND OF THE CORRESPONDING MONTH IN 1982 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO.i 3-7216024.
/table 1: .......
THURSDAY, NAY 19, 198?
6
TABLE 1: VALUE INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1983
(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)
JANUARY ITEM 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1983 COMPARED WITH
JANUARY 1983 FEBRUARY 1982*
(REVISED FIGURES) (PROVISIONAL FIGURES) POINTS % POINTS %
TOTAL RETAIL SALES (HK$ MILLION) 4 656 4 233
RETAIL SALES VALUE INDEXES« (1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 137 125 -12 -9 15 14
(II) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 151 154 3 2 43 39
FUELS 162 142 -20 -12 7 5
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 177 148 -29 —16 ** 59
CONSUMER GOODS 130 115 -15 -12 17 10
CONSUMER DURABLES 115 100 -15 *13 —1 -15
(III) BY SELECTED TRADES
MOTOR VEHICLES 64 51 -13 -20 -58 -53
DEPARTMENT STORES 162 143 -19 -12 — 55
SUPERMARKETS 193 250 57 30 ? c 100
* FINAL REVISED FIGURES
7
TABLE 2i VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1983
(MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 1980 - 100)
JANUARY FEBRUARY 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1983 FEBRUARY 1983 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1982*
ITEM 1983
(REVISED (PROVISIONAL POINTS % POINTS %
FIGURES) RETAIL SALES VOLUME INDEXES! (1) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 110 FIGURES) 98 -12 -11 5 5
(ID BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO 116 112 - 4 - 3 24 27
FUELS 118 102 -16 -14 - 9 - 8
CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS 138 118 -20 -14 39 49
CONSUMER GOODS 105 91 -14 -13 SAME SAME
CONSUMER DURABLES 100 87 -13 -13 -16 -17
(HI) BY SELECTED TRADES MOTOR VEHICLES 46 36 -10 -22 -58 -62
DEPARTMENT STORES 131 113 -18 -14 34 43
SUPERMARKETS 146 187 41 28 87 87
* FINAL REVISED FIGURES
------o------- /8......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
8
RECORD JANUARY-TO-APRIL RAINFALL WAS 3.5 TIMES NORMAL ******
RAINFALL FROM JANUARY TO APRIL THIS YEAR — TOTALLING 916.4 MM — WAS THREE-AND-A-HALF TIMES NORMAL AND AN ALL-TIME RECORD FOR THE SIMILAR PERIOD, IT IS REPORTED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
IN ITS MONTHLY REPORT, THE OBSERVATORY SAID APRIL WAS THE FOURTH MONTH THIS YEAR WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RAINFALL- THE 171.1 MM RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH WAS 23 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL.
AND, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS LESS SUNSHINE, APRIL WAS ALSO WARMER THAN USUAL.
THE WEATHER ON THE FIRST TWO DAYS WAS FINE APART FROM SOME LIGHT RAIN. IT TURNED CLOUDY WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 3 AS WINDS FRESHENED FROM THE EAST AND BECAME STRONG AT TIMES IN SOME PLACES.
IT REMAINED CLOUDY WITH RAIN ON APRIL 4.
EASTERLY WINDS FRESHENED AGAIN ON APRIL 5 AND THERE WERE WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORMS IN THE AFTERNOON.
HAILSTONES, SOME REPORTED TO HAVE DIAMETERS OF ABOUT 25 MM, WERE OBSERVED BETWEEN 3.30 PM AND 6 PM IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG INCLUDING YUEN LONG, TAI MO SHAN, SHEUNG SHU I, TAI PO, SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS WAN CHAI, HAPPY VALLEY AND CLOUD VIEW ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
SEVERAL SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE WET WEATHER.
WINDS BECAME STRONG OFF-SHORE AND IN EXPOSED PLACES AROUND MIDNIGHT BUT MODERATED THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THERE WERE MORE THUNDERSTORMS IN PATCHES IN THE EVENING OF APRIL 6.
THE MORNING AND SOME MIST
THUNDERY SHOWERS OCCURRED IN THE MORNING ON APRIL 7 AD THERE WERE ALSO SOME MIST PATCHES AND COASTAL FOG. HAIL Wao AGAIN OBSERVED IN THUNDERSTORMS DURING THE NIGHT AT CONNAUGHT ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND. THIS WAS THE SEVENTH DAY THIS YEAR ON WHICH HAIL WAS REPORTED IN HONG KONG.
FREQUENT THUNDERSTORMS AND HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 8 RESULTED IN MORE THAN 200 REPORTS OF FLOODING IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG.
ABOUT 500 HECTARES OF FARMLAND AND OVER 50 HECTARES OF FISH PONDS IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE INUNDATED.
IN THE URBAN AREA, FLOODING WAS MOST SERIOUS AT SAI TAi T3UEN IN KOWLOON CITY WHERE FLOOD WATER WAS REPORTED I' 3E ABOLT 1.5 M DEEP.
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 198?
9
AN 11-STOREY BUILDING AT CONDUIT ROAD WAS THREATENED BY POSSIBLE LANDSLIP AND ABOUT 60 FAMILIES HAD TO BE EVACUATED. HOWEVER THUNDERY SHOWERS BECAME LESS FREQUENT AND FOG DEVELOPED OFF-SHORE DURING THE NIGHT.
FROM APRIL 9 TO THE MORNING OF APRIL 16, THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY, WARM AND HUMID WITH MIST PATCHES. THERE WAS DRIZZLE FROM TIME TO TIME AND COASTAL FOG OCCURRED IN THE MORNING OF APRIL 9, 11, 12 AND 16.
FOG DISSIPATED AROUND MIDDAY ON APRIL 16 AS A COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG, BRINGING NORTHERLY WINDS AND WIDESPREAD THUNDERSTORMS. EARLIER IN THE MORNING, A CHINESE RIVER FERRY, QI ADU NO. 2, WITH 65 PASSENGERS ON BOARD SANK NEAR GUANGZHOU, RESULTING IN 10 PEOPLE KILLED AND ANOTHER ONE MISSING.
AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THE COLD FRONT, TEMPERATURES IN HONG KONG DROPPED TO BELOW 18 DEGREES CELSIUS, A FALL OF MORE THAN 8 DEGREES CELSIUS COMPARED WITH THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE ON THE PREVIOUS DAY.
THUNDERSTORMS PERSISTED UNTIL THE EARLY MORNING OF APRIL 17. FOR THE REST OF THE DAY, IT WAS CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN. WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST DURING THE EVENING BUT MODERATED THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
MIST OR FOG OCCURRED EVERY DAY BETWEEN APRIL 18 AND 28. TRACES OF RAIN WERE ALSO REPORTED FROM TIME TO TIME. IT WAS SUNNY AND HOT DURING THE DAY FROM APRIL 25 ONWARDS. TEMPERATURES ROSE TO 30.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 28, WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE IN THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY ON APRIL 29 AS A COLD FRONT PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG DURING THE LATE AFTERNOON, BRINGING WITH IT SOME LIGHT SHOWERS. ON APRIL 30, WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST IN OFF-SHORE AREAS AND THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST WITH PERIODS CF RAIN.
DURING THE MONTH, FIVE AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 5, 6, 7, 8, 16 AND 17 WHILE A HEAVY RAIN WARNING AND A LANDSLIP WARNING WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 8.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 TO 5.
THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS!
DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL OF HOISTING OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APR 6 4.15 AM APR 6 10.10 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APR 30 3.15 AM APR 30 1.00 PM
/7HL MONTH'b .......
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1903
10 -
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WEREi
SUNSHINE
RA I NFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
KAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
KAN TEMPERATURE
KAN MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE
KAN DEW POINT
TOTAL
EVAPORATION
96.0 HOURS
171.1 MM
84 PER CENT
85 PER CENT
25 .5 DEGREES CELSIUS
23.2 DEGREES CELSIUS
21.5 DEGREES CELSIUS
20.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
91.8 MM
24.2 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
31.7 MM ABOVE NORMAL
8 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN NORMAL
0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
1.1 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
1.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
26.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 30.4 DEGREES APRIL 28
CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 16.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 1
TEXTILES ACCORD WITH SWEDEN INITIALLED KO*
A FOUR-YEAR TEXTILES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND WEDEN WAS INITIALLED IN STOCKHOLM TODAY (MAY 19) AT THE END O'7 THE CURRENT ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS, WHICH BEGAN ON MAY 16.
THE NEW AGREEMENT WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT AGREEMENT UHICH WILL EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION LED BY MR JUSTIN YUE, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, IS RETURNING FROM STOCKHOLM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
♦THE TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE RELEASED UNTIL THE DELEGATION HAS REPORTED TO THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD-, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
FEWER PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUS DRIVERS ft ft ft ft
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT HAS BEEN RECEIVING FEWER PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUS DRIVERS.
IN ITS LATEST QUARTERLY REPORT, THE COMPLAINTS UNIT RECORDED THAT THERE WERE 70 COMPLAINTS AGAINST STAFF OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY AND 31 COMPLAINTS AGAINST KMB IN THE FIRST QUARTER Or THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 78 AND 39 RESPECTIVELY IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
TWELVE OF THE 70 COMPLAINTS AGAINST CMB STAFF WERE ANONYMOUS AND COULD NOT BE PURSUED.
HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES REMAINED HIGH, AMOUNTING TO SOME 48 PER CENT (OR 552 OUT OF THE TOTAL 1 151) DIRECT COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE UNI', COMPARED WITH 593 (OR 45 PER CENT) OF THE TOTAL 1 331 COMPLAINTS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
IN PRESENTING HIS REPORT, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE COMPLAINTS UNIT, MR JAMES KWAN, NOTED THAT BOTH CMB AND KMB HAD INCREASED THEIR FLEET SIZE SIGNIFICANTLY AND THE ADDITIONAL BUScS HAD IMPROVED THE LEVEL OF SERVICE IN TERMS OF FREQUENCY AND PASSENGER CAPACITY, AND CONSEQUENTLY REDUCED OVERCROWDING ON BUSES.
♦BUS PASSENGERS ARE NOW MORE WILLING TO AIR THEIR GRIEVANCES BECAUSE THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEIR COMPLAINTS WILL BE THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED,* MR KWAN SAID.
A COMPLAINT WHICH WAS RAISED FROM TIME TO TIME CONCERN* THE IMPROPER DISPLAY OF ROUTE NUMBERS AND DESTINATION SIGNS. OFTEN LED TO INCONVENIENCE AND SOMETIMES SQUABBLES BETWEEN PASSENGERS AND BUS DRIVERS.
♦ THE COMPLAINTS UNIT WILL INVESTIGATE THESt cuMPLAI NTS THE PASSENGER CAN PROVIDE THE REGISTRATION OR FLEET NUMBER OF THE BUS, ITS ROUTE NUMBER AND DESTINATION, AND THE DAY AND TIME Or THE INCIDENT,+ MR KWAN SAID.
MR KWAN, WHO WAS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT SINCE ITS WAS SET UP IN AUGUST 1980, -AS SUCCEEDED BY MR STEPHEN PANG FROM MAY 1.
o - -
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
12
RESULTS OF LATEST TAXI TENDERS XXX
RESULTS OF THE LATEST TAXI LICENCE TENDERS WILL BE GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.
ALTHOUGH 301 URBAN TAXI LICENCES HAD BEEN PUT UP, A TOTAL CF 853 TENDERS SEEKING 894 LICENCES WERE RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON APRIL 15, 1983.
THE HIGHEST BID ACCEPTED WAS >176 000 AND THE LOWEST 1156 000.
THIS GAVE AN AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $160 758.15 FOR THE 301 URBAN TAXI LICENCES REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 11.95 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS TAXI TENDERS.
AS FOR THE 150 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 308 TENDERS WERE LODGED FOR 413 LICENCES.
SUCCESSFUL BIDS RANGED FROM A HIGH OF $68 300 TO A LOW OF $45 098, GIVING AN AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $47 948.82.
THIS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF 29.97 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS EXERCISE.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS FOR THESE TAXI LICENCES, AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
LAND LOTS FOR HOUSES TO BE OFFERED X X X * X
A LIMITED NUMBER OF LOTS UPON WHICH PURCHASERS MAY ERECT THEIR OWN ARCHITECTURALLY DESIGNED HOUSES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT PUBLIC AUCTIONS BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT DURING THE COMING MONTHS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER (SHA TIN), H* ROGER NISSIM SAID THAT THE FIRST LOT, STTL 21*, WOULD BE AUCTIONED ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) AT THE CITY HALL.
LEASE CONDITIONS FOR EACH LOT, WHICH WILL HAVE AN AREA C-ABOUT 900 SQUARE METRES, WILL RESTRICT USE TO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WHICH MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THREE YEARS.
♦ THE LOTS ARE SITUATED ON THE WELL WOODED FOOTHILLS OF TSO SHAN OFF SUI WO ROAD, SHA TIN AND ENJOY POSSIBLY THE BEST VIEWS CF SHA TIN LOOKING TO THE EAST OVER SHA TIN RACECOURSE 'GUARDS TOLO HARBOUR AND TO THE SOUTH ACROSS THE NEW TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK,+ MR NISSIM SAID.
♦ THE MAJORITY WILL BE RESTRICTED TO TWO-STOREY HEIGHT, ALTHOUGH SEVERAL LOTS WILL PERMIT THREE-STOREY CONSTRUCTION TO ACHIEVE BETTER VIEWS. EACH LOT WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE AT LEAST IWO CAR SPACES AND SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE REQUIRED TO ROOF AREAS AND BOUNDARY WALLS.+
/WITH
THURSDAY, I AZ 19, 1983
13
WITH AN ULTIMATE POPULATION OF ABOUT 750 000, SHA TIN WILL CONTAIN A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, MANY OF WHICH WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE TOWN PARK UNDER CONSTRUCTION ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER CHANNEL, THE CULTURAL COMPLEX WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE AND THE WIDELY ACCLAIMED JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
THE NEWLY ELECTRIFIED KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY RUNS NEARBY WITH A STATION TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR AT FO TAN TO PROVIDE A FAST AND EFFICIENT SERVICE TO KOWLOON wHERE HONG KONG-BOUND PASSENGERS CAN CHANGE TO A MTR TRAIN AT KOWLOON TONG STATION AND HEAD FOR THE ISLAND.
MR NISSIM POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE LIKELY TO BE THE LAST LOTS IN SHA TIN SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT BY INDIVIDUALS FOR SOME TIME TO COME, ALTHOUGH FURTHER LAND WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE TO PROVIDE A RANGE OF FLATS AND HOUSES WITH MANY OF THE DEVELOPMENTS CONTAINING THEIR OWN RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. LAND FOR OTHER FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO BE SOLD.
CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE AVAILABLE AT EITHER THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, SECOND FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, TEL. 0-617111 EXTENSION 254.
-------0---------
FIGHTERS AGAINST COUNTERFEITING PRAISED
THE OWNER OF A WELL-KNOWN FASHIONWARE BRAND NAME TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED A BANNER AND A SHIELD TO THE TRADE CONTROLS INVESTIGATION BRANCH (TCIB) OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, IN APPRECIATION OF ITS SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT GOODS INFRINGING THE COMPANY'S TRADE MARK.
AT A CEREMONY AT TCIB HEADQUARTERS AT HENNESSY CENTRE, *AN CHAI, MR JOHN HOWARD, HEAD OF THE BRANCH, RECEIVED THE SOUVENIRS FROM MR RALPH NAKASH, PRESIDENT OF JORDACHE INTERNATIONAL (HK) LTD.
THANKING MR NAKASH ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR HOWARD SAID THAT IN RECENT MONTHS NINE SEIZURES WITH A MARKET VALUE OF ABOUT >656 800 INVOLVING THE COMPANY’S TRADE MARK WERE EFFECTED.
♦FOUR OF THESE CASES RESULTED IN PROSECUTIONS, AND TOTAL FINES OF |12 750 WERE IMPOSED. THE REMAINING FIVE CASES ARE PENDING PROSECUTIONS AND SUBSEQUENT FORFEITURE PROCEED INGS.+
MR HOWARD SAID THAT OVER THE PAST YEAR BRANCH OFFICERS CARRIED OUT 235 OPERATIONS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT FASHIONWARE AND SEIZED $6.6 MILLION OF GOODS. OF THE 156 CASES BROUGHT TO COURT, FINES AMOUNTING TO $1.2 MILLION WERE IMPOSED, AND ABOUT $750 □□□ WORTH OF SEIZED GOODS WERE CONFISCATED. ONE DEFENDANT WAS SENTENCED TO A SUSPENDED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT.
/UP X ........
Thursday, may 19, 1983
- 14
UP TO APRIL THIS YEAR, INVESTIGATING OFFICERS SEIZED $2.2 MILLION OF MERCHANDISE IN 72 OPERATIONS AGAINST FAKE FASHION GOODS. AS A RESULT 59 CASES WERE PROSECUTED, FINES AMOUNTING TO $310 550 WERE IMPOSED, AND $206 090 WORTH OF GOODS WERE CONFISCATED.
MR HOWARD CALLED FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM BRAND NAME OWNERS, STRESSING THAT THE BRANCH WILL KEEP UP ITS EFFORTS TO ERADICATE COUNTERFEITING TO PROTECT CONSUMERS AND HONG KONG’S TRADING IMAGE.
------0-------
BIG PARTY FOR SHA TIN ELDERLY TOMORROW * * * *
ABOUT 3 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SHA TIN WILL BE TREATED TO A GRAND CHINESE DINNER PARTY TOMORRO* (FRIDAY). IN THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN THE NEW TOWN.
DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE, THE BANQUET WILL BE HELD IN THREE RESTAURANTS — THE ALICE PALACE IN WO CHE ESTATE, HAMBURG CITY IN SHA KOK ESTATE AND MEI SHING IN MEI LAM ESTATE.
MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES A, THE RESTAURANTS.
THE BANQUET IS BEING MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH RAISED $140 000 FOR THE DINNER.
OTHER EVENTS BEING PLANNED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SHA TIN INCLUDE TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS ON FOOD NUTRITION, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, MEDICAL CHECK-UPS, EXERCISE CLASSES, OPERA SHOWS AND A TRAINING SCHEME FOR VOLUNTARY WORKERS TO SERVE THE EDLERLY.
THERE ARE SOME 12 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SHA TIN, WITH ABOUT 95 PER CENT OF THEM LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE COMMITTEE, HEADED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN fi.'RAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG, WAS FORMED FIVE MONTHS AGO a I Th $20 000 FROM DONATIONS LEFT OVER FROM LAST YEAR’S FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES FUND. THE AIM IS TO FOSTER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN AND CONCERN ABOUT THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE FOR THE ELDERLY ARE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE FOUR LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RURAL COMMITTEE, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, D'STR.CT OFpICE, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, NcW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
♦IN ORDER TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS SPECIAL SEGMENT QF POPULATION IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN, THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE COMMITTEE’S CO-ORDINATING WORK,* SAID MR JOHN TSANG, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS).
--------0 -
/15........
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 1983
15
TENNIS COURSES FOR CHILDREN
* * * *
CHILDREN BETWEEN EIGHT AND 14 YEARS OF AGE WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
A 'LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS’ COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND THE '?
JUBILEE SPORTS
DEPARTMENT, THE CENTRE, WILL BE
HELD FROM JUNE 11 TO JUNE 26
THERE WILL BE FOUR CLASSES ON EACH DAY STARTING AT 9 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM AND 4 PM. IN EACH OF OF THE TWO-HOUR SESSIONS, THERE WILL BE 12 LEARNERS.
THE PROGRAMME FEE FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE IS S2O.
ENROLMENT IS ON FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEADQUARTERS AND •TS 19 DI STR ICT OFFICES, THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORT;
CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-458511, 5-741546 OR 0-6051212.
-----0------
TRAFFIC LANE CLOSED IN HO MAN TIN
* * *
A SHORT SECTION OF THE NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANE OF SHEK KU STREET NEAR SHEUNG SHING STREET IN HO MAN TIN HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF A WATER MAIN BURST.
DURtMG THE CLOSURE, tJHICH IS EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL JUNE 8, THE REMAINING SOUTHBOUND LANE IN SHEK KU STREET BETWEEN KING TAK STREET AND SHEUNG SHING STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
vEuiriP<? FROM PERTH STREET. WESTBOUND, HEADING FOR SHEUNG SHING STREET, EASTBOUND, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PR,NCESS MARGARET ROAD, SHEUNG HING STREET AND FAT KWONG STREET.
------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
i
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SENIOR STAFF COURSE......................................
FARE REVISION STILL PREFERRED ............................. 2
STIFFER FINE SOUGHT FOR WATER POLLUTION ................... 3
SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER TRANSFER SYSTEM ................ 3
MORE CHANGES TO DRAFT ABERDEEN PLAN...................... L
HOUSING AND PLANNING CONGRESS ............................. 4
TAI HANG EYE-SORE CLEARED ................................. 5
CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME IMPRESSES AMERICAN JUDGES .......... 5
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR YUEN LONG LAND ....................... 6
SUNDAY FUN TREAT AT KOWLOON PARK .......................... 6
ONE-DAY EVENT FOR WONG TaI SIN OLD PEOPLE ................. 7
PLASTICS INDUSTRY HOLDS SAFETY SEMINAR .................... 8
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DISPLAY AT MTR STATION ................ 9
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR KOWLOON CITY ...................... 9
FEWER SAILINGS FOR THREE FERRY ROUTES ..................... 9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CARRIAGEWAY ......................... 10
WATER MAINS WORKS..................................... 10
FIRING PRACTICE WARNING
10
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
1
SENIOR STAFF COURSE * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS SETTING UP AN INDEPENDENT ORGANISATION TO DEVELOP AND CONDUCT A SERIES OF SENIOR STAFF COURSES FOR MID-CAREER OFFICERS TO PREPARE THEM FOR DIRECTORATE LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE WORK OF THE ORGANISATION WILL BE GUIDED BY AN ADVISORY BOARD WHICH HAS NOW BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR LI FOOK-KOW, CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, AND COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE ORGANISATION WILL BE HEADED BY A DIRECTOR OF STUDIES ASSISTED BY FOUR FULL-TIME TUTORS AND AN ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY.
THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE HAS ALREADY BEGUN SO AS TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT THE FIRST COURSE CAN BE RUN IN SPRING, 1984.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE WAS RECOMMENDED BY A WORKING PARTY, ALSO CHAIRED BY MR LI, WHO WERE ASKED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO EXAMINE WHETHER IT WAS FEASIBLE TO SET UP A FULL-TIME COURSE ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS TO PREPARE THE OFFICERS FOR WIDER MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES, GENERALLY AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SENDING OFFICERS TO ADVANCED MANAGEMENT COURSES OVERSEAS OVER THE YEARS BUT IT CONSIDERS THAT THERE IS A STRONG CASE FOR SETTING UP FACILITIES LOCALLY IN ORDER TO EXPAND THE NUMBERS THAT CAN BE TRAINED AND TO MEET HONG KONG’S OWN REQUIREMENTS.
THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY, WILL COVER THREE MAIN SUBJECT AREASi PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY, PUBLIC SECTOR MANAGEMENT, AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE TRAINED TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT OPERATES AND TO HAVE INCREASED COMPETENCE IN KEY AREAS OF MANAGEMENT.
IT WILL BE TRIED AS AN EXPERIMENT FOR THREE YEARS. DURING THIS PERIOD FIVE THREE-MONTH FULL-TIME COURSES AND ONE OR TWO NINE-MONTH PART-TIME COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED.
EACH COURSE WILL CATER FOR 30 TO 50 OFFICERS AT THE TOP END OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE AND THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES (OFFICERS) PAY SCALE OR lit THE LOWER DIRECTORATE, WHO WILL COME FROM A BROAD MIX OF PROFESSIONS AND DEPARTMENTS. UP TO FOUR PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVITED FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR SO THAT THERE CAN BE A USEFUL EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE AND COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO MANAGEMENT.
MEMBERS OF THE FULL-TIME COURSE WILL SPEND ABOUT THREE WEEKS IN RESIDENCE IN ORDER TO FACILITATE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND PROJECTS AND DEVELOP CLOSER INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS. THEY WILL ALSO VISIT ONE OR TWO AREAS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA TO OBTAIN A BROADER OUTLOOK ON THEIR STUDY PROJECTS.
/DETAILS OF .........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
2
DETAILS OF ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING ACCOMMODATION FOR THE COURSE AND THE COURSE SYLLABUS AND CONTENTS, WILL BE FINALISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES AND HIS STAFF WHO WILL WORK IN CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE AND LOCAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS.
THE EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COST $8.8 MILLION OVER THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD.
THE ADVISORY BOARD WILL EVALUATE THE COURSE RESULTS AND ITS USEFULNESS BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON WHETHER ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH TRAINING IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE MADE PERMANENT.
------ o -----
FARE REVISION STILL PREFERRED * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MAY 20) REITERATED ITS INCLINATION FOR A GENERAL FARE REVISION FOR URBAN TAXIS RATHER THAN IMPOSING A 50-CENT SURCHARGE PER TRIP TO COVER THE INCREASE IN FUEL DUTY.
SPEAKING AT A MEETING WITH URBAN TAXI OPERATORS THIS AFTERNOON, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT ACCEPT THE OPERATORS’ SURCHARGE PROPOSAL.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE OPERATORS COULD STILL SUBMIT A FARE INCREASE APPLICATION IF THEY CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S REGULAR CONSULTATIONS HELD QUARTERLY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF NINE URBAN TAXI UNIONS ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE TRADE.
OTHER SUBJECTS BROUGHT UP IN THE MEETING INCLUDED URBAN CLEARWAYS, TAXI STAND PROVISION AND THE ISSUE OF NEW TAXI LICENCES.
MR PANG EXPLAINED THAT URBAN CLEARWAYS WERE INTENDED TO MAXIMISE THE USE OF ROAD CAPACITY AND ENSURE UNINTERRUPTED TRAFFIC FLOW.
♦HOWEVER, THE PURPOSE WOULD BE DEFEATED IF ANY VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES IS ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES,♦ HE SAID.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS TO PROVIDE NEW TAXI STANDS AT JORDAN, PRINCE EDWARD, SHEK KIP MEI AND KOWLOON BAY MTR STATIONS SHORTLY.
AS TO THE ISSUE OF NEW TAXI LICENCES, MR PANG NOTED THAT THE POLICY WAS DIRECTED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WHO HAD CONSIDERED ALL RELEVEANT FACTORS.
AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT ISSUES 300 NEW URBAN TAXI LICENCES EVERY QUARTER. THIS WILL BE CONTINUED UNTIL THE NUMBER OF TAXIS REACHES THE 15 000 MARK.
------0 - - - - /3..........
5
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
STIFFER FINE SOUGHT FOR WATER POLLUTION * * * *
IHE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING TO DOUBLE THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR WATCo5nokcLTY °F P0LLUT,NG WATER FORMING PART OF THE WAlcKWUnKw.
the proposal is contained in the waterworks (amendment)
BILL 1983 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE CARRIES A FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS. THE BILL PROPOSES TO “ b ^H?sknBuT the hax,muh terX0’^70
ighhq will ntriAlN UNCHANGED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING FINE HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1974.
„ ♦,L,£ C0NSIDERED NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE DETERRENT
THLP!^hTY WH,CH HAS BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION OVER THE YEARS,* HE SAID.
SEEKS T0 D0UBLE THE LISTING MAXIMUM FINE OF StSSad?? ANY REGULATI0N MADE UNDER SECTION 37 OF THE
WAitnWUKKo UKv•NANGu*
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25). IF PASSED. IT WILL S0VERNMENT T0 INTRODUCE AMENDMENTS TO THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS.
----o------
SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER TRANSFER SYSTEM X X X X X
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) APPOINTED BINNIE AND PARTNERS (H.K.) TO EXAMINE AND IMPLEMENT A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE WATER TRANSFER SYSTEM IN THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE AGREEMENT FOR THE APPOINTMENT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS, BINNIE AND PARTNERS (H.K.).
THE SCHEME, WHICH FORMS PART OF A PROJECT FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL WATER FROM CHINA, COMPRISES AN ADDITIONAL PUMPING STATION AT TAI MEI TUK AND A PUMPING STATION AT HARBOUR ISLAND, WITH THE ASSOCIATED DELIVERY AQUEDUCTS RUNNING ACROSS TOLO HARBOUR TO PAK KONG IN SAI KUNG.
THE TRANSFER SYSTEM WILL HAVE A DAILY CAPACITY OF 682 000 CUBIC METRES OF SUPPLY TO THE PROPOSED PAK KONG TREATMENT WORK, WHILE THE ADDITIONAL PUMPING STATION IN TAI MEI TUK WILL BRING THE DRAW-OFF CAPACITY FROM PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR TO NOT LESS THAN 1 600 000 CUBIC METRES PER DAY.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 1984 AND WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
-----o ------- /4...............
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
4
MORE CHANGES TO DRAFT ABERDEEN PLAN *****
TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
ONE AMENDMENT INVOLVES THE ZONING OF THE RECLAMATION AT TAI SHUE WAN FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY PURPOSE.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INVOLVE THE EXTENSION OF AN ’INDUSTRIAL’ SITE FRONTING THE ABERDEEN CHANNEL TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL RECLAMATION AREA AND THE REZONING OF THREE SITES TO +GREEN BELT+.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG- THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4/F., MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND DISTRICT OFFICE (SOUTHERN), SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4/F., MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5/F., MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AT $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.
-------c ---------
HOUSING AND PLANNING CONGRESS * * * *
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR ARTHUR CHAN, HAS LEFT FOR LISBON. PORTUGAL, TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HOUSING AND PLANNING CONGRESS.
maim SITING ON MAY 23, WILL DISCUSS THE
MAIN THEME ♦BETTER CITIES — LOWER COSTS+.
THERE WILL BE FOUR MAIN WORKING SESSIONS, EACH LASTING . ?UR,NG WHICH TOPICS SUCH AS HOUSING, URBAN TRANSPORT TECHNICAL infrastructures and social infrastructures will be DISCUSSED.
THE CONGRESS WILL BE ATTENDED BY SEVERAL HUNDRED DELEGATES FROM MOST OF THE WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, THE UNITED STATES AND SOUTH EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES. vnucu oiAita
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_ 5 _ FRIDAY, MAY 20, 198?
TAI HANG EYE-SORE CLEARED * * *
SEVEN ILLEGAL REAR-LANE STRUCTURES IN TAI HANG WERE DEMOl iqucn THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT. DEMOLISHED
THE STRUCTURES, TWO FOR DOMESTIC AND FIVE FOR STORAGE PURPOSES, WERE LOCATED AT 9-16A SUN CHUN STREET. &T°RAGE
TODAY’S WORK IS THE FIRST PHASE OF A CLEARANCE OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND EXTENSIONS IN THE AREA BOUNDED BY TUNG LO WAN ROAD, WAN SHA STREET AND TAI HANG ROAD.
♦TAI HANG HAS ABOUT 65 SUCH STRUCTURES WHICH ARE EITHER SHOP EXTENSIONS OR ARE BEING USED FOR STORAGE, DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES,♦ SAID A SPOKESMAN 2 ~ 1 UUMtbT,C 0R
OFFICE.
FOR
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT
♦APART FROM BEING EYE-SORES, THEY OBSTRUCTIONS AND POSING POTENTIAL FIRE r
WHICH MAY JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF LOCAL PEOPLE.
ARE
AND
ALSO CAUSING
TRAFFIC HAZARDS
WAX ruI<E^c$o<A-rTn^^Vl^0NMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD FEELS THAT SUCH STRUCTURES WARRANT HIGH PRIORITY IN THE DISTRICT-WIDE LIST OF CLEARANCE OPERATIONS.
♦IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE CARRIED
LANDS’ URBAN SERVICES: HOUSING AND FIRE SERVICES lAi । AR I M c N i S •
- 0 - -
CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMME IMPRESSES AMERICAN JUDGES * * * * *
A DELEGATION OF 20 AMERICAN WOMEN JUDGES AND LAWYERS TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS AND SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
THE LEADER OF THE DELEGATION, MRS JUSTICE JOAN KLEIN, SAID THAT THE INSTITUTION WAS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL MANAGED IN ALL ASPECTS AND THAT THEY WERE PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND WORKS PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG INMATES.
ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR SUPERINTENDENTS ALOYSIUS WONG AND PETER PI, THE VISITORS TOURED THE INSTITUTION’S VARIOUS FACILITIES INCLUDING THE DORMITORY, KITCHEN, CLASSROOMS, WORKSHOPS, AND CHAPEL.
THE SUPERINTENDENT IN CHARGE OF THE INSTITUTION, MISS BONNIE WONG, ALSO BRIEFED THEM ON THE INSTITUTION’S PROGRAMME WHICH PROVIDED FOR HALF-DAY EDUCATIONAL CLASSES AND HALF-DAY VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN VARIOUS TRADES.
THE INSTITUTION’S PRECISION MARCHING TEAM AND PIPERS ALSO STAGED A PERFORMANCE FOR THE VISITORS.
EARLIER TODAY, THE VISITORS MET AND HAD TALKS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
6
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR YUEN LONG LAND *****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A PIECE OF CROWN LAND IN YUEN LONG.
THE SITE, IN SAI CHING STREET, IS ABOUT 9 839 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING CINEMA AND GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE TENDERS OF THIS SITE IS JULY 15.
MEANWHILE, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES FOR TWO SITES.
THE FIRST SITE, IN YUET LUN STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN, MEASURES ABOUT 1 730 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR CONCRETE AND ASPHALT BATCHING PLANT PURPOSE.
THE OTHER SITE. SITUATED AT THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI, IS FOR FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6 000 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCIES FOR BOTH SITES ARE FOR THREE YEARS AND •THEREAFTER QUARTERLY.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF BOTH TENDERS IS NOON ON JUNE 3.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLANS INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - 0 -
SUNDAY FUN TREAT AT KOWLOON PARK ******
VISITORS TO THE KOWLOON PARK ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) WILL BE IN FOR A DOUBLE TREAT.
FOR THERE WILL BE MUSIC AND SONGS BY LOCAL CELEBRITIES, AND AN INTERESTING AND INFORMATIVE CLEAN HONG KONG DISPLAY.
ALL OF THIS IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, AS PART OF ITS CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE A REPEAT OF THE ONE HELD AT CHATER ROAD LAST MONTH.
♦IN VIEW OF ITS POPULARITY, WE DECIDED TO RE-STAGE THE DISPLAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR, SO THAT RESIDENTS THERE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE IT.+ AN URBAN COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE EXHIBITION
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
7 -
THE EXHIBITION WILL REFLECT THE HISTORY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S ROLE IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN DURING THE PAST 100 YEARS.
A FULL RANGE OF UC’S UP-TO-DATE CLEANSING VEHICLES WILL BE ON SHOW FROM 9.30 AM UNTIL 5 PM. THERE WILL ALSO BE A DEMONSTRATION OF THESE MACHINES IN ACTION.
AMONG THE EXHIBITS WILL ALSO BE THE SKULL OF THE LAST BUFFALO TO DRAW A REFUSE CART IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AND COLLECTION OF LITTERBINS DISPLAY.
FOR POPULAR MUSIC FANS, WELL-KNOWN SINGERS LIKE JOHNNY IP, PANG KIN-SUN, AND RITA MARIA CARPIO AND THE EIGHT-PIECE BAND 'THE ELEMENTS’, WILL PERFORM AT THE SOCCER PITCH OF THE PARK FROM 2 PM.
AND THERE WILL BE MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, AS A PART OF THE MOBILE STREET THEATRE STAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY CLEAN HONG KONG DISPLAY AT KOWLOON PARK ON SUNDAY (MAY 22). THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
------0-------
ONE-DAY EVENT FOR WONG TAI SIN OLD PEOPLE * * * *
A VISIT TO A HOME FOR THE AGED AND A VEGETARIAN DINNER FOR 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN WONG TAI SIN WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) TO AROUSE COMMUNITY AWARENESS TOWARDS RESPECT AND CONCERN FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.
AT 10 AM, STAFF FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE BUDDHIST CHI LIN HOME FOR THE AGED IN DIAMOND HILL AND PRESENT GIFT PACKETS OF MEDICATED OIL AND SWEETS TO ABOUT 120 OLD PEOPLE.
LATER AT 6 PM, A VEGETARIAN DINNER, INCLUDING CHINESE OPERA SINGING, A LUCKY DRAW AND DISTRIBUTION OF SOUVENIRS, WILL BE HELD AT THE SIK SIK YUEN FUNG MING HALL.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, URBAN COUNCILLOR, MISS CECILIA YEUNG AND OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL ALSO ATTEND THE DINNER PARTY.
BOTH FUNCTIONS ARE BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE UPPER WONG TAI SIN AND FUNG WONG AREA COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE A DAY OF JOY AND ENTERTAINMENT TO LOCAL ELDERLIES.
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 198} *
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT TO THE BUDDHIST CHI LIN HOME FOR THE AGED AT 10 AM AND THE VEGETARIAN DINNER AT THE SIK SIK YUEN FUNG MING HALL AT 6 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 22).
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PLASTICS INDUSTRY HOLDS SAFETY SEMINAR * * * *
EMPLOYERS HAVE TO PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY EQUIPMENTS FOR THEIR WORKERS, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SEMINAR HELD AT THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A. IN WATERLOO ROAD, MR WONG SAID THAT WORKERS MUST ALSO GIVE FULL SUPPORT BY STRICTLY OBSERVING SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS.
HE SAID THAT THIS FIRST TRI-PARTITE SEMINAR EVER HELD IN HONG KONG FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY WAS SIGNIFICANT IN THAT IT NOT ONLY OFFERED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE IN THE TRADE FOR OPEN DISCUSSION AND EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO SAFETY, BUT ALSO SHOWED THE WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT OF ALL CONCERNED FOR THE PROMOTION OF VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN INDUSTRY.
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, MR WONG CONTINUED, A TOTAL OF 1 578 ACCIDENTS WAS RECORDED IN 1982, COMPARED WITH 1 482 IN 1981, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 6.5 PER CENT.
HE TOLD THE SEMINAR THAT THESE FIGURES WERE BY NO MEANS ENCOURAGING, PARTICULARLY WHEN MACHINES WITHOUT GUARDS MIGHT CAUSE SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES TO WORKERS.
♦THIS SHOWS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE STILL CONTINUE TO ATTACH LITTLE IMPORTANCE TO SAFE WORKING PRACTICES AND GOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT AT WORKPLACES. CLEARLY MUCH MORE HAS TO BE DONE IN THIS RESPECT,♦ HE NOTED.
♦IF THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IS TO BE REDUCED, IT WILL REQUIRE THE JOINT EFFORTS AMONG THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS,♦ HE SAID.
APPEALING TO PARTICIPANTS TO HELP SPREAD THE SAFETY MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY, MR WONG SAID: +FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO BE READILY ACCEPTED AS A WAY OF LIFE, IT IS NECESSARY FIRST AND FOREMOST, TO INSTILL IN THE MINDS OF THE PUBLIC AT LARGE THE RIGHT KIND OF ATTITUDE TOWARDS SAFETY.+
AT THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE PARTICIPANTS HEARD SPECIALIST TALKS GIVEN BY SAFETY PROFESSIONALS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND SAW A FILM RECENTLY PRODUCED ON THE SUBJECT OF FIRE HAZARDS IN FACTORIES.
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/9......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
9
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS DISPLAY AT MTR STATION ft * * ft
WILL FROM
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT HOLD A MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS EXHIBITION TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY 9 AM TO 6.30 PM AT THE TSUEN WAN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
SUCH
ALL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OF A WESTERN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA,
AS VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS, FLUTE, PICCOLO, CLARINET, OBOE, FRENCH HORN, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, TUBA AND PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY, TOGETHER WITH COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS.
an mtrStation1 T,0N W,LL BE THE F,RST 0F ITS K,ND To BE HELD IN
- - o - -
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR KOWLOON CITY
XXX
THE NEW MAXICAB ROUTE 7 BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST IS TO BEGIN OPERATION FROM SUNDAY (MAY 22).
THE CIRCULAR ROUTE WILL OPERATE VIA WAI KING STREET, KWEI CHOW STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, GILLIES AVENUE, HOK YUEN STREET, CHATHAM ROAD, GRANVILLE ROAD, SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, MODY ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, SAN MA TAU STREET AND WAI KING STREET.
IT WILL RUN EVERY EIGHT MINUTES FROM 6.40 AM TO 10 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE FARE WILL BE $1.50 FOR THE TRIP FROM WAI HANG CHEONG SUN CHUEN IN KOWLOON CITY TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. THE FARE FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE THE SAME.
------0-------
FEWER SAILINGS FOR THREE FERRY ROUTES ft ft ft ft
THREE HYF FERRY ROUTES WILL HAVE THEIR TIMETABLES REVISED FROM MONDAY (MAY 23) DUE TO LOW PATRONAGE.
FOR THE NORTH POINT - KWUN TONG SERVICE, PEAK PERIOD FREQUENCY WILL BE REDUCED FROM EVERY 12 MINUTES TO EVERY 15 MINUTES.
THE TAIKOO SHING - KOWLOON CITY ROUTE FREQUENCY BETWEEN ID.30 AM AND 4 PM WILL BE REDUCED FROM EVERY 25 MINUTES TO EVERY 30 MINUTES.
SAILINGS FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON THE CHAI WAN - KWUN TONG ROUTE WILL BE CANCELLED.
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/10.......
FRIDAY, MAY 20,., 198*3-
- 10
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CARRIAGEWAY * * *
THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWUN TONG ROAD BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND HOI YUEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 22) FOR WORK ON A PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HIP WO STREET, TUNG YAN STREET, YUE MAN SQUARE AND HONG NING ROAD.
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WATER MAINS WORKS ft ft ft
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 23) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SHOUSON HILL ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD WEST AND EAST, INCLUDING HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB AND OCEAN PARK.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF VILLAGES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 23) FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT MAN SAU SAN TSUEN, PO LO CHE VILLAGE, SUN ON VILLAGE, TAI PING VILLAGE, PO LO CHE SAN TSUEN AND O'LONG VILLAGE.
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FIRING PRACTICE WARNING ft ft *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR THREE DAYS IN JUNE.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE AREi
DATE TIME
JUNE 1 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM TO 5 PM
JUNE 16 (THURSDAY) 8 AM TO 5 PM
JUNE 29 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM TO 11 PM
- 0 - -
FR M
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
NOTE TO EDITORS*
GOVERNOR INTERVIEWED ON TU
X K X
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE RTHK PROGRAMME IN WHICH THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, HAS INTERVIEWED BY HR JIM BIDBULPH:
INTRODUCTION
ANNOUNCERi
THERE NON FOLLOWS A SPECIAL PROGRAMME MARKING THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY IN OFFICE OF HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR.
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY, HONG KONG RECEIVED ITS NEH GOVERNOR. SIR EDWARD YOUDE HAS NO STRANGER TO THIS PART OF THE WORLD. HE WAS A BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE MAN IN CHINA BEFORE AND AFTER 1949. AND FROM 1974 TO 1978 HE HRS THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR IN PEKING. NON, HE NRS TAKING UP PROBABLY THE MOST CHALLENGING JOB THAT THE REMNANTS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE HAD TO OFFER. HE ARRIVED, IN HIS PREDECESSOR'S WORDS, ♦MASSIVELY QUALIFIED*- TO DO IT.
THE WORLD AS A WHOLE NAS IN RECESSION. HONG KONG ITSELF HAS FEELING THE EFFECTS. IN ADDITION, THERE HAS GROHING NERVOUSNESS OVER THE WHOLE FUTURE OF THE PLACE. AT THAT MOMENT, ONLY A BRIEF YERR AGO, THERE HAS A FEELING THAT NOBODY HAS EVEN TALKING ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, LET ALONE DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
FOR SIR EDWARD AND HONG KONG, IT WAS THE BEGINNING OF A MOMENTOUS YERR. APART FROM 1997 THERE HERE PRESSING DOMESTIC PROBLEMS BUT HE’D HARDLY HAD CHANCE TO SETTLE INTO GOVERNMENT HOUSE BEFORE HE HAS FLYING AROUND ON HONG KONG’S FIRST EXPERIENCE OF SHUTTLE DIPLOMACY. HE WENT BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS TO LONDON. AND THEN THERE HAS THE VITAL VISIT TO PEKING. FOR THE FIRST TIME, ft GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG ACCOMPANIED A BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TO THE CHINESE CAPITAL. AND TOOK PART IN THE FIRST ROUND OF TALKS. AT THE END OF HIS EVENTFUL FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE, THE GOVERNOR TALKS NOH TO JIM BIDDULPH.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Horf^o'ng.'Tei*: ff-?33f?l*
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
2
JBi SIR EDWARD, WHAT EVERYONE HANTS TO KNOW IS WHERE HE STAND NOW, IN RELATION TO 19D7?
HEl THIS I FULLY UNDERSTAND, AND RIGHT FROM THE VERY MOMENT THAT I ARRIVED IN HONG KONG I WAS AWARE THAT THIS WAS GOING TO IE THE ISSUE WHICH WOULD BE AT THE TOP OF PEOPLE’S MINDS.
WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED, THERE WASN’T VERY MUCH HAPPENING AND THERE WERE TWO THINGS WHICH CLEARLY NEEDED TO BE DONE. AND THE FIRST OF THOSE NAS TO GET TALKS STARTED, AND THAT WAS ACHIEVED WHEN THE PRIME MINISTER WENT TO PEKING IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR. AND THE SECOND THING MAS TO ENSURE THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS FULLY AWARE OF THE FEELING IN HONG KONG ABOUT THE FUTURE, AND ME MADE A START ON THAT MHEN I TOOK THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS -A REPRESENTATIVE DELEGATION OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO LONDON AND OF COURSE, THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS SINCE THEN MHEN PEOPLE HAVE CONE HERE, SUCH AS LORD BELSTERD, TO TALK TO PEOPLE ABOUT IT.
BUT THE TALKS WHICH NE BEGAN THEN HAVE BEEN GOING ON, AND THEY ARE STILL GOING ON. I THINK I CRN QUITE CLEARLY SAY THAT ALTHOUGH THEY NAY BE MOVING SLOWLY, THEY ARE MOVING, AND THE'' ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, AND NE STILL REMAIN FULLY DETERMINED TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THEM.
JB» YOU SAY +TALKS ARE GOING ON*, DO YOU MEAN TALKS ABOUT TALKS, OR HAVE THE DEFINITIVE TALKS ACTUALLY STARTED?
HEl WELL, HE HAVE NEVER DISTINGUISHED BETWEEN DEFINITIVE TALKS AND AS YOU MIGHT SAY, INTRODUCTORY TALKS. HHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE DECLARED OBJECTIVE, WHICH IS STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, AND THAT’S WHAT THE TALKS ARE ABOUT.
JBi CAN YOU TELL US WHAT THE BRITISH POSITION IS? I MEAN, WHAT IS BRITAIN PROPOSING AS TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG?
HEl NO, I CAN’T GO INTO THE SUBSTANCE OF THE TALKS BUT HHAT I CAN SAY IS THAT WHAT HE ARE LOOKING FOR, AND INDEED, HHAT UE HAUE STATED HE ARE LOOKING FOR, IS THE SETTLEMENT HHICH IS ACCEPTABLE TO CHINA AND UK, AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. AND IN SAYING THAT, I COME BACK TO THE ORIGINAL STATEMENT WHICH I MADE, HHICH IS THAT IN PURSUING THOSE TALKS WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO BE AWARE OF WHAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WANT.
JBI BUT THERE IS AN IMPRESSION THAT ALTHOUGH PEKING HRS BEEN CONSULTING DELEGATION AFTER DELEGATION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, YOU HAVE BEEN CONSULTING EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND A VERY FEW PEOPLE?
HEl THIS I THINK, IS OUITE A MISLEADING IMPRESSION. THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION IS A CONTINUOUS ONE= THIS IS ft PLACE WHERE WHEN PEOPLE HAVE VIEWS, THEY HAVE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEM AND INDEED, I WOULD HAUE THOUGHT IT FAIRLY OBVIOUS THAT THEY ARE INDEED EXPRESSING THEM. ANYBODY WHO WISHES TO HAUE A PUBLIC FORUN FOR HIS VIEWS CAN FIND IT IN THE PRESS AND I READ IT EVERY DAY IN THE PRESS.
/SECONDLY, .......
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 198?
- 5 -
SECONDLY/ THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS CITY HHO HAUE VIEWS WHICH THEY WISH TO EXPRESS NOT SO PUBLICLY/ IN A MORE DISCREET MANNER/ AND THEY HAUE MANY CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH THEY MAKE THEN KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT/ AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE GOVERNMENT HERE IS VERY HELL OPEN TO THEM.
YOU REFERRED TO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND INDEED/ NE ARE IN VERY CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL UPON THIS ISSUE NOW VERY REGULARLY/ AND THEY OF COURSE ARE IN WIDE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, THOUGH I THINK IT IS SOMETHING OF A MISLEADING IMPRESSION TO SAY THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT BEING CONSULTED. WHAT IS HAPPENING IS THAT NE ARE LISTENING VERY CAREFULLY TO WHRT THEY HAUE TO SAY- NE ARE CONVEYING THAT UERY CAREFULLY BACK TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND AS YOU KNOH, I HAUE BEEN BACK IN LONDON THREE OR FOUR TIMES FOR THAT PURPOSE ANB INDEED. EUERY TIME A SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF EXCO GOES BACK, HE SEES MINISTERS/ INCLUDING THE PRIME MINISTER. SO I DON’T THINK YOU NEED HAUE ANY BOUBT THAT WHAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FEEL IS BEING CONUEYED TO LONDON.
JDi BUT IN THE MEANTIME/ YOU HAUE REPEATEDLY I THINK, TOLD US TO +KEEP OUR NERUE* BUT MEANWHILE THERE IS A GROWING SENSE OF URGENCY HERE. HOW CAN PEOPLE KEEP THEIR NERUE IF THEY DON’T KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING?
HEi I RECOGNISE THAT THIS IS ONE OF THE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS. AND THAT CONFIDENTIALITY FOR THE TALKS IS DIFFICULT FOR MANY PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND, BUT THIS DECISION TO HAUE CONFIDENTIAL TALKS WAS A DELIBERATE AND CAREFULLY TAKEN DECISION. I THINK THERE IS A UERY STRONG AMOUNT OF EUIBENCE FROM MANY INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS, THAT IN ISSUES AS SERIOUS AND AS DELICATE AS THIS KIND OF ISSUE, THE BEST HAY OF PROCEEDING IS THROUGH CONFIDENTIAL TALKS. THAT YOU DO NOT MAKE PROGRESS THROUGH EXCHANGES OF PUBLIC STATEMENTS.
NOH, I CAN UNDERSTAND THAT THAT IS DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE DECAUSE THEY HAVE A VERY NATURAL INTEREST IN WANTING TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON- BUT I THINK HE HAUE TO KEEP OUR EYES ON THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WHICH IS THE SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT AT THE END OF THE DAY, AND THE MEANS MOST LIKELY TO LEAD TO THAT SETTLEMENT.
JD> AND HILL THE +EHD OF THE DAY* BE 1983 WHEN NE GET A DECISION OR IS THIS GOING TO GO ON FOR A LOT LONGER?
HE> I’M NOT GOING TO SET A DATE FOR SETTLEMENT, I THINK IT WOULD BE FOOLISH TO BO THAT, BUT I WOULD SAY I SHALL CERTAINLY BE LOOKING FOR PROGRESS IN 1983.
JBt WILL THE OUTCOME OF THE BRITISH GENERAL ELECTION AFFECT THIS OUTCOME?
HEI NO, 1 DON’T THINK IT HILL. THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS IS A GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT ON THE OBJECTIVE, AND THE DECLARED AIM IN UK HAS BEEN STATED TO FIND A SETTLEMENT ACCEPTABLE TO CHINA, UK AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. I DO NOT EXPECT THE ELECTION TO AFFECT THAT AIM, NOR MAY 1 SAY, DO 1 EXPECT THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN TO AFFECT THE PROGRESS OF THESE TALKS. MINISTERS IN UK WILL INDEED BE UERY BUSY DURING AN ELECTION PERIOD, BUT I DON’T EXPECT THAT TO AFFECT PROGRESS.
/JB: BUT
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 1983
4
Jit BUT IF THERE HERE A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT?
HE: HELL, I THINK THAT THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT ANY GOVERNHEMT IN UK WOULD NOT HAVE THE SANE OBJECTIVE AS I HAVE JUST STATED.
JU YOU HAVE SAIB THAT YOU HILL GO TO PEKING YOURSELF TO JOIN IN THE TALKS WHEN THE TIME IS APPROPRIATE: HAVE YOU ANY IDEA WHEN THAT TINE IS GOING TO COME? I MEAN, HHEN ARE HE GOING TO SEE AN APPROPRIATE TIME FOR DEFINITIVE BISCUSSIONS?
HEt NELL, 1 DON’T THINK THAT YOU LINK ME HITH A PARTICULAR FORM OF SUBSTANCE OF THE DISCUSSIONS. I THINK AGAIN - KEEP IN MIND AS I SHU I THINK, A LITTLE NHILE BACK, THERE IS IN PEKING AN AMBASSADOR, SIR PERCY CRADOCK HHO IS A VERY EXPERIENCED MAH IN THESE MATTERS. HE KNONS HONG KONG HELL, HE HAS BEEN TO HONG KONG. HE CAME DOWN YOU MAY RECALL HITH THE PRINE MINISTER. HE CAME DOHN HITH LORD BELSTEAD AMD HE CAME THROUGH HITH ME THE OTHER DAY. HE IS IN VERY CLOSE TOUCH HITH US AND I AM ALHAYS IN VERY CLOSE TOUCH HITH HIM. SO THERE IS THERE ALREADY AN EXPERIENCED NEGOTIATOR, AND AS TO HHEN I HILL GO I CAN’T GIVE YOU AN EXACT DATE BUT ANY IDEA THAT I AM NOT GOING I THINK YOU CAN DISMISS* 1 KNOH THERE ARE ALL SORTS OF STORIES AROUND AP9UT WHETHER I SHALL BE ACCEPTABLE OR UNACCEPTABLE. I KNOH OF NO SUBSTANCE FOR THOSE STORIES AND YOU MAY TAKE IT THAT THE TIME WILL CONE HHEN YOU HILL SEE ME IN PEKING.
JB* SO, IT COULD DE THIS YEAR?
HE: OH INDEED, YES.
JB: ASSOCIATED HITH THAT, YOU HAUE BLAMED THE DRASTIC FALL IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ON THE STRENGTH OF THE AMERICAN DOLLAR: DON’T YOU THINK THAT 1997 HAS A GREAT DEAL TO DO WITH THIS - THE UNCERTAINTY AND UNEASE AMONG PEOPLE?
HE: HELL, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IS A FUNCTION BASICALLY, OF THE MARKET. THIS IS A FREE AND OPEN MARKET WHERE PEOPLE CAN MOUE INTO CURRENCIES AND OUT OF CURRENCIES, AND THE RATE OF EXCHANGE IS AFFECTED BY SUPPLY AND DEMAND AND OBVIOUSLY, THE SUPPLY OUER RECENT DAYS OR WEEKS HAS BEEN GREATER THAN THE DEMAND, AND WITH THAT THE EFFECT OF THE DOLLAR HAS WEAKENED. BUT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FACTORS ON THIS, AND I AN NOT GOING TO TRY TO IDENTIFY THE HEIGHT OF EACH INDIVIDUAL FACTOR IN THAT CALCULATION, BECAUSE I THINK IT MOULD BE FOOLISH TO DO SO. SOME OF THESE FACTORS WILL DE TEMPORARY BUT HHAT I WOULD SAY IS THIS, THAT I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS AN UNDERLYING STRENGTH IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY, THAT THAT STRENGTH IS BEGINNING TO SHOW THROUGH AND PROVIDING EVERYBODY IS SENSIBLE, I SEE NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD NOT IMPROVE THE EXCHANGE RATE. AFTER ALL, THE MAIN DETERMINANT IS THE MARKET BUT THE GOVERNMENT IS IN CLOSE AND CONSTANT TOUCH HITH THE MAIN INSTITUTIONS IN THE MARKET, AND I SAY IF PEOPLE ACT IN A GOOD AMD SENSIBLE MANNER, I THINK THERE IS NO REASON FOR THEM TO GET UNDULY PESSIMISTIC.
JB: BUT DESPITE UNDERPINNING BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE RATE HAS FALLEN BELOW B7 SO THINGS ARE FAIRLY SERIOUS FOR THE DOLLAR?
>4iE: WELL, .............
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 19»J
- 5 -
HEI HELL, IT HRS CERTAINLY WEAKENED BUT TO NE, THE NRIN ISSUE IS NOT THE RATE AT RNY PARTICULAR TINE BUT THE TREND AND AS I SAY, I BELIEVE THAT THE STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY, THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMY, IS THERE AND I HOPE IT MILL BE CLEAR FROM WHAT I HAVE SAID THAT AS FAR AS THE TALKS ARE CONCERNED, THE TALKS ARE MOVING AND ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, SO I THINK THESE ARE INGREDIENTS WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN OPTIMISTICALLY RATHER THAN PESSIMISTICALLY.
JB: DO YOU THINK IN ANY MAY THAT THE FALL OF THE DOLLAR AND ALL THAT’S CONNECTED NITH IT, IS TO DO MITH SUGGESTIONS THAT HONG KONG IS GOING TO HAUE A HONG KONG CHINESE GOVERNMENT FAIRLY SOON?
HEJ NO, I DON’T THINK IT’S THAT- 1 THINK PEOPLE REALISE THAT THESE TALKS ARE GOING TO TAKE A LITTLE TIME, THRT R CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PATIENCE IS NECESSARY AND I DON’T THINK THEY ARE EXPECTING ANY CHANGES - ANY EARLY CHANGES IN THE HONG KONG SYSTEM. SO I WOULDN’T HAUE THOUGHT THAT THERE IS THAT KIND OF DRAMATIC FEELING RBOUT.
JDt WELL, ONE STRANGE THING IS THAT THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THE RECOVERY OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY, THE RECOVERY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY- AT THE SANE TIME THE DOLLAR GOES DOWN. HOU DOES ONE SQUARE THESE TWO?
HE: MELL, THOSE RRE NOT THE ONLY TWO FACTORS IN THE CALCULATIONS. I WOULD SAY BE ARE DEALING WITH WORLD EXCHANGE RATES, NOT SIHPLY THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE AMERICAN DOLLAR. ONE OF THE FACTORS OBVIOUSLY, IS THAT THE AMERICAN DOLLAR IS GETTING VERY STRONG, AND I DON’T WANT TO IDENTIFY THE PARTICULAR REASONS AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME BECAUSE AFTER ALL, THIS IS AN OPEN AND COMPLICATED MARKET AND I DON’T WANT TO PUT MYSELF IN THE POSITION OF TRYING TO READ THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE OPERATING IT. I MILL AGAIN ONLY REPEAT THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS IN CLOSE AND CONSTANT TOUCH WITH THE MAIN INSTITUTIONS ON THIS PROBLEM.
JBi ANOTHER FACTOR IN THIS TUMULTUOUS YEAR YOU HAVE HAD, APART FROM 1997 AND THE FINANCIAL MARKET- EVERY DAY THERE RRE MORE AND MORE IT SEEMS REPORTS OF SERIOUS CRIMES AND I THINK PEOPLE RRE WORRIED. DO YOU THINK LAN AND ORDER IS BEGINNING TO BREAK DOWN IM HONG KONG?
HE: MELL, MO-ONE IS COMPLACENT ABOUT THE EXTENT OF CRIME HERE IM HONG KONG, BUT I DON’T THINK LAW AND ORDER IS BEGINNING TO BREAK DOWN. THE DETECTION RATE HERE IS COMPARATIVELY HIGH BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THERE ISN’T TOO MUCH CtIME. BUT TO ME, THE ANSMER TO LAN AND ORDER AND CRIME IS NOT A ONE-OFF PROGRAMME, IT’S A VERY DETERMINED AND A VERY RELENTLESS ATTACK ON CRIME BY A WELL-ORGANISED, A WELL-MANNED AND INDEEB, MELL-MOTIUATED POLICE FORCE. I THINK ME HAUE THAT BUT IN ORDER TO MAKE THAT ATTACK EFFECTIVE, THEY NEED THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC AND I THINK THEY ARE GETTING INCREASINGLY THE CO-OPERRTION OF THE PUBLIC. BUT WE CAN’T STAND STILL - HE MUST ENSURE THAT THE POLICE USE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE METHODS, HAVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT- AND THAT THEY ORGANISE THEMSELVES IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE THEMSELVES MOST EFFECTIVE ON THE GROUND WHERE IT NATTERS, AND 1 AN IN CONSTANT TOUCH NITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THIS AND AS I THINK YOU KNOW, NE IS NOW ENGAGED IN A RESTRUCTURING EXERCISE TO ENSURE THAT HIS RESOURCES ARE USED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE. SO NY ANSWER TO CRIME IN HONG KONG IS INDEED TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY, AND TO MAINTAIN THIS CONSTANT AND RELENTLESS ATTACK ON IT.
/JB: AND IT’S .........
KKUMX, MAX 20, 19«3
6
Jit AND IT’S A HEM ATTACK, OR ARE YOU PLANNING A MEM DEFENSIVE AGAINST CRIME?
HE* NELL, NE’RE PLANNING TO DO EVEN MORE THAN ME HAVE DONE IN THE PAST TO TRY TO BRING THE PUBLIC INTO THE PROGRAMME, INTO THE ♦FIGHT CRIME* PROGRAMME, BUT IT ISN’T REALLY AN ISSUE OF NEW AND MAGICAL FORMULAE WHICH WILL BRING CRIME RATES DOWN IN THIS CITY. IT IS WITH CONSTANT AND RELENTLESS AND DETERMINED EFFORT, A CONTINUING EFFORT, BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC.
JBt NOW AGAIN GOING INTO THE FUTURE, THERE HRS BEEN A REPORT MAKING VERY FAR-REACHING PROPOSALS ABOUT EDUCATION THAT’S JUST BEEN PUBLISHED. NOW. IS THIS PART OF A LEAD-UP TO 1997?
HE: THE ANSWER TO THAT IS *N0*, AND I SINCERELY HOPE PEOPLE WON’T GET THE REPORT ON EDUCATION MIXED UP WITH 1997. IT SHOULD AFTER ALL, BE DEALT WITH ON ITS OWN MERITS. QUITE APART FROM 1997, HONG KONG LIVES IN A RAPIDLY-CHANGING WORLD AND A UERY HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD. IT THEREFORE NEEDS THE BEST EDUCATION SYSTEM IT CAN GET IN ORBER TO TRAIN THE FUTURE GENERATIONS COMPETING IN THAT WORLD. THAT MAY INVOLVE TWO THINGS: IT INVOLVES A GOOD SYSTEM AND IT INVOLVES THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEDIUM OF TEACHING. NOW, WHEN YOU CONE TO THE MEDIUM, HONG KONG IS A CHINESE-SPEAKING SOCIETY, PARTICULARLY IN ITS EARLY YEARS, BUT IT HAS A GREAT STRENGTH WHICH IS ITS BILINGUALISM, WHICH IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND THIS PART OF ASIA WHICH IS A GREAT STRENGTH NOT TO BE LOST.
TO ME, THE NAME OF THE GAME IS TO DEVISE THE SYSTEM AND TO CHOOSE THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD WHICH WILL MAINTAIN BOTH THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TEACHING AND THE STRENGTH OF THAT BILINGUALISM. NOW THAT IS A COMMUNITY NATTER AND IT SEEMS TO ME IT IS NOT A MATTER ON WHICH ONE SHOULD BE DOGMATIC. IT’S CERTAINLY NOT A MATTER WHICH SHOULD BE LEFT TO EDUCATORS ALONE, IT IS A MATTER FOR THE COMMUNITY TO DISCUSS, AND THAT IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAVE PUBLISHED THIS REPORT AND INVITED THE PUBLIC AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE TO COMMENT ON IT BEFORE WE REACH A DECISION. SO THE ANSWER IS, SOMEWHAT AT LENGTH PERHAPS, TO LOOK AT IT ON ITS OWN MERITS.
JBt YOU SEEM TO HAVE SPENT MOST OF YOUR YEAR LOOKING AT THE FUTURE, I THINK. IS THAT ALL YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO, OR HOW BO YOU SPEND YOUR DAY- WHAT DO YOU DO, IN EFFECT?
HE: NO, OBVIOUSLY THE FUTURE IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE WITH WHICH I BERL ANB I GIVE IT PRIORITY BECAUSE I THINK IT IS THE PRIORITY ISSUE FOR HONG KONG, BUT IT IS NOT MY ONLY TASK* I AM INDEED UERY CLOSELY IN TOUCH WITH, AND AN INDEED UERY CLOSELY INVOLVED IN THE GOVERNMENT OF THIS TERRITORY. AS I SEE IT, THERE ARE TWO THINGS I NEED TO BO OR WHICH ANY GOUERNMENT NEEDS TO DO: ONE IS TO ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAMMES WHICH HAUE BEEN LAUNCHED GET CARRIED OUT, THAT’S WHAT I TRY TO DO. AND SECONDLY, HE ARE NOW LOOKING AHEAD TO NEW PROGRAMMES. NOW WHEN THE AMOUNT OF MONEY AROUND IS MUCH LESS THAN IT USEB TO BE, YOU CAN’T OBUIOUSLY HAVE NEW AND EXPENSIVE ANB EXPANSIVE IDEAS LAUNCHED, BUT YOU CAN EE THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AND THE DIRECTION YOU WISH TO GO.
SO THE TWO THINGS I BO, QUITE APART FROM THE FUTURE, IS ONE, ENSURING THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME REMAINS ON TARGET AND SECONDLY, THAT WE ARE THINKING ABOUT WHERE WE'RE GOING FROM HERE.
/JB: AND WHERE.........
FRIDAY, MAY 20, 198?
7 -
JB: RMB WHERE ME'RE GOING FROM HERE/ FINALLY SIR EDWARD, WHAT BO YOU THINK HONG KONG MILL LOOK LIKE TWENTY YEARS FROM NOW?
HE: NELL, I'M ALWAYS REMINBEB OF THE FIRST TIME I CAME INTO THIS CITY IN 1D45 WHEN I SAILED INTO THE HARBOUR, AND THERE HRS THEN A PRETTY DEAD AND EMPTY CITY, AND ANYBODY WHO WOULD HAVE LOOKED AT IT THEN MOULD HAVE WONBERED WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE LIKE. YOU HAVE OILY TO THINK OF THE TIMES THROUGH WHICH HONG KONG HAS COME AND WHAT A PLACE IT IS TODAY, AND RS I LOOK TO THE FUTURE I BELIEVE THAT THIS PLACE HAS A REALLY GOOB FUTURE. AND I SAY THAT NOT JUST OFF THE TOP OF NY HEAD® I THINK THE TALKS ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION® 1 THINK STILL THAT SOME SETTLEMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED WHICH HILL BE ACCEPTABLE® I THINK THERE IS AN UNDERLYING STRENGTH IN THE ECONOMY WHICH IS COMING THROUGH® THERE IS A GOVERNMENT HERE WHICH IS FULLY DETERMINED AND COMMITTED, PUBLICLY COMMITTED, TO CONTINUING TO INVEST IN THIS TERRITORY. NOW TO ME, THOSE ARE INGREDIENTS OF SUCCESS AND CERTAINLY NO BASIS FOR PESSIMISM.
JB: RND WHAT FLAG WILL BE FLYING OVER HONG KONG IN TWENTY YEARS’ TIME?
HE* I WOULD THINK THE BEST THING FOR PEOPLE TO DO IS NOT TO LOOK AT DETAILS OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN. WHAT MATTERS TO ME IS WHAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE LOOKING FOR, AND I THINK WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FOR IS A CONTINUATION OF THE LIFESTYLE THEY ENJOY, WHICH IS A FREEDOM TO COME AND GO AMD TO DO THEIR OWN THING, AND THEY ARE LOOKING FOR AN ASSURANCE OF CONTINUITY, AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR TOO.
JB: SIR EDWARB, THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
HE: THANK YOU.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO._
THERE SHOULD BE NO SPECULATION ON SINO-BRITISH TALKS — MOOR 1 MORE COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR SHAM SHU I .......................... 2
ROAD SAFETY DRIVE LAUNCHED....................................... ?
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE HOSPITAL TRAINING .. 3
KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN TO HOLD DB MEETINGS NEXT WEEK .........
TREE PLANTING IN NEW TERRITORIES ............................
YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION .................... 6
TUEN MUN COOKED FOOD STALLS FOR BIDDING ......................... 7
TAPS OFF IN SHAU KEI WAN, TSIM SHA TSUI ......................... 7
FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK.......................... 7
SATUmr. MAT 21, 1983
1
there SHOULD BE NO SPECULATION ON SINO-BRITISH TALKS — MOOR
*****
___ THE RETIRING DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, OPERATIONS. MR FEIER.!?20R» T0DAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED THAT MEMBERS OF THE FORCE JHEMSELVES to BECOME EMBROILED IN SPECULATION ON THE OUTCOME OF THE TALKS CONCERNING HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
POINTING OUT THAT THIS P TO THE PUBLIC, HE SAID IT WAS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS DETAILS OF WOULD CONTINUE.
ADDRESSING RECRUITS AT A
IECE OF ADVICE ALSO HAD RELEVANCE NOT UNREASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT THE TALKS WERE MADE PUBLIC, SPECULATION
PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE POLICE THE POLICE HAD A JOB TO DO AND CITED
TRAINING SCHOOL, MR MOOR SAID me rumvc hau a job TO DO AND Cl THEIR OATH OF OFFICE IN WHICH ALL POLICE OFFICERS HAVE SWORN TO ’OBEY, UPHOLD AND MAINTAIN THE LAWS OF HONG KONG’.
™EREF0RE' QUITE CLEAR. WE MUST ADOPT A S*£lEJELY OBJECTIVE APPROACH AND CONTINUE TO DO OUR DUTY TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT TO THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND POLITICAL STABILITY OF HONG KONG/’
TURNING TO PRACTICAL POLICE WORK, MR MOOR ADVISED THE RECRUITS rccJreocEVERY OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM OLDER AND MORE EXPERIENCED
«
IM T™.2EEL.vE~YEARS Y0U ARE S0,Nfi T0 LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE IN GENERAL THAN MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS, WHO ARE NOT IN THE FORCE COULD EVEN HOPE TO SEE IN THEIR WHOLE LIFETIMES. ’
SOLUTIONS TO MANY OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH YOU WILL BE see, w.u, hot be set out clearly
« ARARJ FR0M URGING ™eM T0 USE THEIR INITIATIVE AND COMMON SENSE AS WELL AS KNOWLEDGE OF LAW AND POLICE PROCEDURES. MR ASKED THE YOUNG OFFICERS FRESH FROM TRAINING TO SEEK ADVICE THE VETERANS AND WATCH THEM IN ACTION.
MOOR FROM
WILL
M —YOU WILL FIND THAT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, MOST OF THEM WiL BE ONLY TOO PLEASED TO HELP YOU AND NOT ONLY WILL YOU STAND TO *£*£!!«■ o J Y0U W,LL ALS0 PR OB A BLY BE MAKING NEW FRIENDS
IN THE PROCESS,” HE ADDED.
_ _THE RECRUITS THAT THEY WOULD ALWAYS HAVE, STRAPPED TO THEIR BELTS, ALL THE BACK-UP AND SUPPORTIVE FACILITIES THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM A LARGE, MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED FORCE. THE DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF URGED THEM TO FULLY UTILISE THEIR BEAT RADIOS WHICH WERE LINKED TO THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRES.
, ’’THROUGH YOUR RCCC YOU WILL BE ABLE TO USE YOUR BEAT RADIO «RVKESH’’7<HEANOTEDANCE 0F 0THER P0LICE 0FF,CERS or SPECIALIST
/THESE INCLUDED
MAY 21, 1985
2
t
THESE INCLUDED REQUESTS FOR GUIDANCE FROM SUPERIORS, AND INSTANT CHECKS OF THE WANTED OR STOLEN VEHICLES INDEX, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S COMPUTER RECORD AND THE FORCE'S COMPUTERISED CRIMINAL RECORDS INDEX.
"FINALLY, REMEMBER THAT EVERY BEAT RADIO MESSAGE IS TAPED WHICH, IN ESSENCE, MEANS YOU ARE CARRYING A PORTABLE RECORDER WHICH CAN BE USED TO RECORD ANY CONVERSATION WHICH YOU CONSIDER NECESSARY," HE SAID.
BIDDING THE RECRUITS FAREWELL, MR MOOR WHO IS AN EX-COMMANDANT OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL WISHED THEM EVERY SUCCESS IN THEIR CHOSEN PROFESSION.
HE HOPED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE AN INTERESTING CAREER AHEAD OF ■THEM IN A POLICE FORCE WHICH HE PERSONALLY FELT WAS SECOND TO NONE.
THE 291 RECRUITS ON PARADE THIS MORNING COMPRISED 18 INSPECTORS, ONE WOMAN INSPECTOR, 202 CONSTABLES AND 70 MARINE CONSTABLES.
------0-------
MORE COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR SHAM SHU I PO
X * * K
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS BUILDING MORE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE DENSELY POPULATED SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MR ALFRED CHUI, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL.
TWO CENTRES IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND SHEK KIP MEI WILL SOON BE READY AND ANOTHER TWO ARE BEING PLANNED.
+THE GOVERNMENT TOOK AN ACTIVE MOVE TO IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY BUILDING SIX YEARS AGO WITH AN AIM TO ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,* MR CHUI SAID.
+THROUGH ITS PARTICIPATION, THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO FOSTER A STRONG SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES,* HE ADDED.
THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL, LOCATED IN THE LAI KOK ESTATE, IS THE SECOND OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN SHAM SHU I PO.
MR CHUI DESCRIBED IT AS AN + IDEAL PLACE* FOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
HE ASKED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE FACILITIES WHICH INCLUDE A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL, A CONFERENCE ROOM AND ROOMS FOR COMMUNITY WORKERS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN IP, AND TWO LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS, MR WONG PING-HON AND MR KI KAR.
- - - ‘ 0------ /3..................
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
3
ROAD SAFETY DRIVE LAUNCHED * * * *
P0L*CE TODAY (SATURDAY) LAUNCHED A MONTH-LONG ROAD S4FETY EDUCATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME AT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS IN SHA TIN AND TAI PO.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN ROAD SAFETY DAY, MRS CHAN LO YIN-BING, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY SAID THE ABOVE ACTIONS WERE PART OF ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN THE TWO DISTRICTS. ’UNS
DURING THE FIRST TWO WEEKS, TRAFFIC POLICEMEN WOULD STOP CARELESS DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS AND ADVISE THEM ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ROAD SAFETY CODE, SHE SAID.
ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES AND JINGLES WOULD ALSO BE BROADCAST FROM POLICE VEHICLES IN BUSY STREETS.
♦WE ARE MAKING FULL USE OF VARIOUS PUBLICITY CHANNELS AND ARE ORGANISING DIFFERENT COMPETITIONS AND ACTIVITIES TO PUT ACROSS OUR MESSAGE,* MRS CHAN SAID.
*TWO WEEKS LATER, THE POLICE WILL STEP UP LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS BY ISSUING SUMMONS TO DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS WHO FAIL TO ABIDE BY THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE,* SHE WARNED.
ACCORDING TO POLICE STATISTICS, A TOTAL OF 116 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN SHA TIN DURING THE FIRsf QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH The 109 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE ROAD SAFETY DAY HELD AT The SHA TIN POLICE STATION FEATURED GAMES STALLS, A MINI ROAD SAFETY TOWN, A ROAD SAFETY DISPLAY CENTRE SEAT BELT CATAPULT DEMONSTRATION, A ROAD SAFETY BUS AND OTHER ' CAMPAIGN-RELATED DISPLAYS AND A SAFETY CYCLING DEMONSTRATION.
ALSO AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMANDER. MR GWYN REES LLOYD; SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANg" SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT RONALD CLIBBON-DYER OF TRAFFIC DIVISION/NEW TERRITORIES; SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER/SHA TIN AND SAI KUNG, MR MAN TZE-FONG AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG.
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CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS COMPLETE HOSPITAL TRAINING
*****
TWELVE ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAD COMPLETED AN IN-SERVICE HOSPITAL TRAINING COURSE AND PASSED THE FIRST AID AND HOME NURSING EXAMINATIONS RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES TODAY (SATURDAY).
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY, THE GENERAL MANAGER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES, MR LAI MING-KEE, PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES.
/THE 10-WEEK ........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
4
10—WEEK CONDENSED COURSE, CONDUCTED BY THE ST JOHN ASSOCIATION, INCLUDED EIGHT WEEKS’ THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING AS WELL AS TWO WEEKS’ FIELD TRAINING IN THE HOSPITAL OF TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTI01^
the officers will be posted to hospitals and
CF THE DEPARTMENT’S VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS.
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SICK BAYS
KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN TO HOLD DB MEETINGS NEXT WEEK *****
THE PROPOSED ROAD AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM, TO BE BUILT IN KOWLOON BAY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON MONDAY (MAY 23) AFTERNOON.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON A SURVEY ON STUDY-ROOM FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE KWUN TONG HEADMASTERS CONFERENCE.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MEMBERSHIP OF A WORKING GROUP ON THE KWUN TONG TOWN HALL.
BEFORE THE MEETING, THE HANG ON STREET MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE WILL PRESENT BANNERS TO THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN RECOGNITION CF THEIR HARD WORK DURING THE RECENT HANG ON STREET REAR LANE CLEARANCES.
ON WEDNESDAY MORNING, MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL REVIEW THE MOBILE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED EARLY THIS YEAR, AT ITS MEETING.
UNDER THE SCHEME, FIVE SATELLITE OFFICES HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO MEET RESIDENTS IN THE MORE REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TOWN.
A NUMBER OF INFORMATION PAPERS WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
THEY COVER SUCH SUBJECTS AS THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE 1983 NEW TOWN POPULATION SURVEY, THE REVIEW OF HAWKER LICENCE AND PITCH FEES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE BOARD MEMBERS’ VISIT TO SINGAPORE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER 1
(1) THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AND THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 2.15 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 23) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET; AND
(2) THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN.
/5......
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SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
5
TREE PLANTING IN NEW TERRITORIES ft ft ft ft
SOME 140 000 YOUNG TREES AND SHRUBS WILL BE PLANTED AT VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON OUTLYING ISLANDS OVER THE FEXT FEW MONTHS BY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE PLANTS, INCLUDING CREEPERS AND GROUND COVERS, WILL BE PLANTED IN PARKS, REST GARDENS, AMENITY PLOTS AND PLAYGROUNDS AS WELL AS ON ROADSIDES, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE IS TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME WHICH FORMS PART OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THESE TREES AND PLANTS WOULD PRESENT A GREEN PROFILE IN THE RAPID DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS AND RURAL AREAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SCHEME IS ALSO INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT.
TREE PLANTING DAYS FOR THE NINE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE HELD OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE EFFORTS BEING MADE TO GIVE HONG KONG MORE GREENERY.
THE FIRST TREE PLANTING DAY WILL BE HELD IN SHA TIN ON MAY 30 (MONDAY) BY MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND A GROUP OF 120 LOCAL STUDENTS.
WITH THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, SOME 100 YOUNG EVERGREEN TREES WILL BE PLANTED IN THE AMENITY AREA NEAR THE LION’S PAVILION AT NGONG TONG HILL IN SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN TREE PLANTING DAY IN THE AMENITY AREA NEAR THE LION’S PAVILION AT NGONG TONG HILL, SHA TIN, AT 10.30 AM ON MAY 30 (MONDAY).
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/6........
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
6
YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE YEAR AWARD COMPETITION * * * *
FORM FIVE STUDENTS WHO ARE TAKING TECHNICAL SUBJECTS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER OF THE HEAR AWARD COMPETITION.
ORGANISED FOR THE SECOND YEAR BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’ THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL DESIGN AND AT IDENTIFYING OUTSTANDING DESIGNERS.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS WHO WILL BE SITTING FOR ONE OR MORE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, INCLUDING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, METALWORK, WOODWORK AND PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN 1983.
BESIDES THE HONG KONG YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD OF THE YEAR, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO OUTSTANDING DESIGNERS IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES i METAL, WOOD, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, AND MULTI-hEDIA (INCLUDING PLASTICS).
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE FORM OF REAL-SIZE WORKING MODELS AND BE SUPPORTED BY RELEVANT MATERIALS SHOWING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LEADING TO THE END PRODUCTS.
CONTESTANTS ARE FREE TO SUBMIT ANY NUMBER OF DRAWINGS AND SKETCHES TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR IDEAS.
ENTRY FORMS, WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH TECHNICAL SUBJECTS. MUST BE SIGNED AND COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE FOR EACH DESIGN SUBMITTED.
ONE COPY IS TO BE PLACED IN A SEALED, PLAIN ENVELOPE AND AFFIXED FIRMLY TO THE MODEL, AND THE OTHER SUBMITTED UNDER SEPARATE COVER WHEN DELIVERING THE PROJECT TO THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON
TONG, KOWLOON
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ON JULY 1 9.30 AM AND NOON AND BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM.
WINNING AND OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BE EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE LEE WAI INSTITUTE ON JULY 18 TO 20.
(FRIDAY) BETWEEN
DISPLAYED AT AN LEE TECHNICAL
MORE THAN 200 STUDENTS FROM 20 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION LAST YEAR.
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/7.......
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 1983
7
TUEN MUN COOKED FOOD STALLS FOR BIDDING * * *
FIVE STALLS AT THE HUNG CHEUNG COOKED FOOD BAZAAR IN TUEN MUN WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING ON MONDAY (MAY 23).
THE BIDDING WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 'TOP COURT’ 60-70 TAK CHING CIRCUIT, TUEN MUN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE FIVE STALLS IS $5 500 EACH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JUNE 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT AND SHOULD PAY THE RENTAL QUARTERLY.
BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820800, EXT 231, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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TAPS OFF IN SHAU KEI WAN, TSIM SHA TSUI HO
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 24) FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES WILL BE THOSE ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM CHAI WAN ROAD TO SUN SING STREET, INCLUDING SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, ALDRICH VILLAGE, TSIN SHU I MA TAU VILLAGE, FU TAU WAT VILLAGE, NAM ON FONG VILLAGE AND KAU MAN VILLAGE.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT SOUTH OF AUSTIN ROAD AND CHEONG WAN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR FOUR HOURS FROM 10 PM THE SAME DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL ALSO AFFECT GUN CLUB HILL BARRACKS AND KOWLOON BOWLING GREEN CLUB.
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FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK
m Km
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (MAY 26 AND 27) FROM 8 AM TO 4 PM.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND ........ 1
NEW ID CARD SCHEME GETS GOOD RESPONSE ........................ 2
HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS FIND MISSION TO EUROPE FRUITFUL .... 3
POLICEMAN ON BEAT IS FRIEND IN TIMES OF NEED .................
MODERN APPROACH IN MONITORING SEVERE WEATHER ................. 5
MASS MEDIA MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT PUBLISHED .................. 7
FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ..................................... 8
MORE PUPILS TAKING PART IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE ............ 9
ROAD PROJECT FOR TSING YI .................................... 10
PIER TO EXPAND DOCKYARD FACILITIES............................ 10
MORE POST OFFICES ACCEPTING ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS ........ 11
MODEL PEDESTRIANS IN EASTERN ................................. 11
WING FONG STREET MARKET STALLS FOR BIDDING ................... 12
ROAD FOR NT VILLAGE .......................................... 15
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND X X * * X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEWLY BUILT SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND ON FRIDAY (MAY 27).
THE SPORTS GROUND, COMPLETED EARLY THIS YEAR, HAS BECOME A SPORTS CENTRE FOR YOUNGSTERS IN SAI KUNG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
IT HAS BEEN FULLY BOOKED SINCE ITS OPENING IN MARCH AND MORE THAN 300 EVENTS HAVE BEEN HELD THERE.
THE SPORTS GROUND WAS BUILT AT THE COST OF $6 MILLION, FUNDED JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND SIR SHIU—KIN TANG.
THE SPORTS GROUND, WITH AN AREA OF 24 000 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED NEXT TO THE SAI KUNG POLICE STATION, WITHIN A WALKING DISTANCE OF THE TOWN CENTRE.
‘IT HAS A FULL-SIZE TURFED SOCCER PITCH WITH FLOODLIGHTS AND AN ELECTRONIC TIMER AND SCOREBOARD, A SIX-LANE ALL-WEATHER RUNNING TRACK AND A WIDE RANGE OF TRACK-AND-FIELD FACILITIES.
ITS OTHER FEATURES INCLUDE A BASKETBALL COURT WHICH CAN BE CONVERTED FOR VOLLEYBALL, A COVERED STAND FOR OVER 1 000 SPECTATORS, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK, CHANGING ROOMS AND SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED.
SIR SHIU—KIN TANG, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR BRIAN WILSON, AND THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, WILL JOIN THE GOVERNOR AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE FUNCTION WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR HAIDER BARMA, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMEN OF SAI KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES, MR CHUNG PUN AND MR YAU KEI.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS GROUND AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27). INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE NTSD WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
- c -
, .-.„Y 22, 1983
2
NEW ID CARD SCHEME GETS GOOD RESPONSE
M M * * *
A TOTAL OF 33 OOO MEN BORN IN 1964 APPLIED FOR NEW HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS BETWEEN MAY 2, WHEN THE NEW ID CARD SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED, AND LAST FRIDAY (MAY 20), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTS 55 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN IN THIS AGE GROUP.
+THE 19-YEAR-OLDS HAVE BEEN VERY CO-OPERATIVE IN COMING FORWARD, RESULTING IN THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED THE REMAINING 45 PER CENT TO GET THEIR NEW CARDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
+ IN FACT, THERE ARE ONLY 12 WORKING DAYS LEFT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE - JUNE 4,+ HE SAID.
HE ADVISED THEM NOT TO WAIT UNTIL THE LAST FEW DAYS.
+THE SOONER THEY APPLY, THE QUICKER THEY WILL GET THEIR NEW CARDS. IF THEY APPLY NOW, THEY CAN AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET APPLIED THAT THE EIGHT NEW ID CARD ISSUING OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
+S0 IF THEY ARE BUSY IN THE DAYTIME, THEY CAN ALWAYS GO THERE IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS,* HE SAID.
+THE APPLICANTS MUST BRING WITH THEM THEIR OLD ID CARDS, AND THE PROCESSING WILL TAKE ONLY HALF AN HOUR,* HE ADDED.
THOSE 19-YEAR-OLDS WHO ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG AND WILL NOT BE BACK BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE, MUST APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN.
ANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING 19-YEAR-OLDS, WHO WANT TO HAVE THEIR LOST OR DAMAGED ID CARDS REPLACED, OR THEIR PARTICULARS CHANGED, SHOULD GO TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW ID CARD SCHEME SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 5-7956066 (CHINESE LANGUAGE) OR 5-7909393 (ENGLISH LANGUAGE).
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
3
HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS FIND MISSION TO EUROPE FRUITFUL ft ft ft ft ft
NINE LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS REPRESENTING A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES WHO TOOK PART IN A MISSION TO SWEDEN AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, HAVE RECENTLY RETURNED WITH PLANS FOR POSSIBLE CO-OPERATION AGREEMENTS.
THE 12-DAY MISSION, ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY OFFICIAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE TWO COUNTRIES, WAS LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PAUL WONG. OTHER OFFICIAL DELEGATES INCLUDED MR VIC MILLER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION AND MR JOHN LO, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TEK DEVICES LTD.
+1 CONSIDER THIS WAS A VERY USEFUL EXERCISE FOR HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY,* MR JOHN LO SAID.
♦I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE MISSION WAS A SUCCESS, JUDGING FROM THE RESPONSE FROM THE OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALISTS. THE PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS WILL BE ABLE TO DEVELOP,* HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION, MR CHARLES LEUNG, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF YING KEE SAFE AND FURNITURE MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., SAID, *1 AM PLEASED WITH THE MISSION ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH ENABLE ME TO NEGOTIATE WITH OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. MEANWHILE, WE ARE NEGOTIATING WITH SEVERAL COMPANIES FOR CO-OPERATION IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SAFES OF SOPHISTICATED DESIGNS.*
*MY PARTICIPATION WAS VERY FRUITFUL. IT GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE A NEW AREA OF TECHNOLOGY IN MACHINERY DESIGN AND PRODUCTION WHICH WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IN ORDER TO UPGRADE THE CAPABILITY AND QUALITY OF OUR MACHINE TOOLS,* ffi C. CHIANG, DIRECTOR OF CHEN HSONG MACHINERY LTD., SAID.
THE ITINERARY OF THE MISSION INCLUDED SEMINARS IN STOCKHOLM, GOTHENBURG, STUTTGART AND MUNICH WHICH PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DELEGATION TO MEET WITH POTENTIAL PARTNERS.
DISCUSSIONS WERE ALSO HELD WITH THE SWEDISH TRADE COUNCIL, THE GOTHENBURG AND WESTERN SWEDEN GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE STUTTGART CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE BAVARIAN STATE MINISTRY CF ECONOMICS AND TRANSPORT.
IN THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS FOLLOWING THE SEMINARS, THE DELEGATES WERE ABLE TO FURTHER DISCUSS POSSIBLE INDUS'aIAL CO-OPERATION ARRANGEMENTS.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
4
POLICEMAN ON BEAT IS FRIEND IN TIMES OF NEED ft ft ft *
TO MANY PEOPLE, THE POLICEMAN ON THE BEAT IS OFTEN THE FIRST AND PERHAPS THE ONLY AVAILABLE FRIEND IN TIMES OF NEED.
THIS IS BORNE OUT BY THE FACT THAT 9 320 PEOPLE APPROACHED PATROLLING POLICEMEN FOR VARIOUS KINDS OF ASSISTANCE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 29.4 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1982.
"IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING BECAUSE INDIVIDUAL POLICE OFFICERS ARE BEING APPROACHED BY MORE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IT ALSO PROVES THE VALUE OF MAINTAINING A STRONG POLICE PRESENCE IN THE STREETS," HE ADDED.
THIS UPWARD TREND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A STEADY INCREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REQUESTS FOR POLICE ASSISTANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
’ BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH 1933, POLICE RECEIVED 158 650 SUCH REQUESTS, A RISE OF FOUR PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AND, OUT OF THIS TOTAL, 116 225 OR ABOUT THREE-QUARTERS OF THESE REQUESTS WERE FOR ASSISTANCE ON MATTERS NOT RELATED TO CRIME AT ALL.
"THESE INCLUDED ASSISTANCE IN SETTLING DOMESTIC DISPUTES, NUISANCE COMPLAINTS, ATTENDING TO ACCIDENT VICTIMS, LOOKING FOR LOST CHILDREN, HANDLING FOUND PROPERTY AND EVEN DEALING WITH STRAY DOGS AND SNAKES," THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
HI POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE HANDLING OF THESE CASES MAY NOT REQUIRE SHREWD DETECTIVE ABILITIES, IT CERTAINLY NEEDS SWIFT ACTION, A GOOD GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, A LOT OF COMMON SENSE, AND ABOVE ALL, PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.
"THE FACT THAT INDIVIDUAL OFFICERS HAVE DEALT WITH THESE REQUESTS PROMPTLY REFLECTS FAVOURABLY ON THE EFFICIENCIES OF THE FORCE AND HAS GONE A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING THE RAPPORT BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE POLICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE STEADY INCREASE IN REQUESTS FOR POLICE HELP, PARTICULARLY IN MATTERS NOT RELATING TO-CRIME, IS MOST HEARTENING BECAUSE IT INDICATES THAT SUSTAINED POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORTS ARE PAYING DIVIDENDS AND THAT PEOPLE ARE LOOKING TO THE POLICE AS FRIENDS THEY WILL TURN TO IN TIMES OF NEED," HE ADDED.
APART FROM REQUESTS FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE, ANOTHER 19 155 PEOPLE, OR 12.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, REQUESTED POLICE HELP IN CRIME-RELATED MATTERS WHILE A FURTHER 23 270 OR 14.7 PEP CENT ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE IN RELATION TO MISCELLANEOUS AND MINOR NARCOTICS OFFENCES.
/ANALYSING THE ...
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1985
- 5
ANALYSING THE WAYS IN WHICH THESE REQUESTS WERE MADE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOST POPULAR METHOD CONTINUED TO BE MAKING REPORTS AT POLICE STATIONS IN PERSON, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 67 432 CASES OR 42.5 PER CENT OF TOTAL REQUESTS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY REQUESTS MADE BY TELEPHONE.
’’DURING THE QUARTER, 43 850 REQUESTS WERE RECEIVED OVER THE TELEPHONE, 32 947 OR OVER 75 PER CENT OF WHICH WERE MADE TO THE Q99 CONTROL CENTRES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
” IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MORE PEOPLE REALISE THAT THIS IS THE MOST DIRECT AND QUICKEST WAY TO GET HELP FROM THE POLICE,” HE NOTED.
NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE UNITS AND REPORT CENTRES CONTINUED TO BE HIGHLY UTILISED WITH 38 945 REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE — 24.5 PEP CENT OF THE TOTAL — RECEIVED AT VARIOUS CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
IN THE SAME PERIOD, 103 REQUESTS WERE RECEIVED BY ‘ 'ARINE -iCE LAUNCHES ON PATROL.
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MODERN APPROACH IN MONITORING SEVERE WEATHER * * * *
STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT HAVE PROVIDED THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WITH THE TOOLS TO DETECT AND TRACK SEVERE WEATHER SYSTEMS.
OVER THE YEARS, THE OBSERVATORY HAS INSTALLED MODERN EQUIPMENT TO PROBE THE ATMOSPHERE, AND TO GATHER, PROCESS AND STORE WEATHER INFORMATION SO THAT IT CAN NOW ISSUE TIMELY WARNINGS ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND OTHER SEVERE WEATHER SYSTEMS.
+THE DAYS ARE GONE WHEN WE HAD TO RELY ON SPOTTY AND SCATiERED INFORMATION FOR THIS TYPE OF IMPORTANT FORECAST,+ MR ROBERT LAU, SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER OF THE OBSERVATORY’S METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES DIVISION, SAID.
♦TODAY, WE CAN DETECT AND TRACK ANY SEVERE WEATHER SYSTEM ONCE IT IS FORMED IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, AND GIVE TIMELY WARNING TO THE PUBLIC IF IT POSES ANY THREAT TO HONG KONG.+ MR LAU SAID.
AMONG THE ADVANCED EQUIPMENT ACQUIRED IN RECENT YEARS SA S1.9-MILLI0N GROUND STATION FOR RECEIVING AND PROCESSING 1 AGER IES FROM JAPAN’S METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE.
THESE IMAGERIES ARE PICTURES OF TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTIONS RECORDED BY SCANNING RADIOMETERS INSTALLED IN THE SATELLITE. THE PICTURES ARE TRANSMITTED VIA MICROWAVE BACK TO THc EARTH STA1 O.,«.
/OPERATING
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 198?
6
OPERATING 35 800 KILOMETRES ABOVE THE EQUATOR AT 140 DEGREES EAST, THE SATELLITE CONTINUALLY MONITORS THE CHANGING WEATHER CONDITIONS OVER THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
♦THIS EXTENSIVE COVERAGE CAN GIVE WEATHER FORECASTERS A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE ATMOSPHERE THROUGHOUT THE REGION,+ MR LAU EXPLAINED.
THIS OVERALL VIEW IS IMPORTANT IN WEATHER FORECASTING AS LOCAL WEATHER CONDITIONS CANNOT BE ISOLATED FROM THE GLOBAL WEATHER SYSTEMS, HE STRESSED.
+SMALL CUMULUS CLOUDS, VOLCANO ERUPTIONS AND SEA FOG CAN ALSO BE DETECTED BECAUSE OF THE SHARPNESS OF THE IMAGER IES,+ MR LAU EXPLAINED.
♦ BY ANALYSING THE SATELLITE IMAGERIES, WE CAN DETECT AND TRACK SEVERE WEATHER PHENOMENA, SUCH AS TROPICAL CYCLONES AND THUNDERSTORMS,+ HE SAID.
' THE SATELLITE GROUND RECEIVING STATION CAN ALSO DISPLAY A SERIES OF IMAGERIES IN ANIMATION ON A TELEVISION SCREEN.
♦ BY OBSERVING THE SERIES — WHICH REPRESENTS THE MOVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF WEATHER SYSTEMS OVER A PERIOD OF TIME -- HONG KONG’S METEOROLOGISTS CAN TRACK TROPICAL CYCLONES ANYWHERE IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA REG ION,♦ MR LAU ADDED.
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH A WEATHER RADAR FOR MONITORING PRECIPITATION, THUS PROVIDING INSTANT INFORMATION ON RAINFALL WITHIN THE RADIUS OF 240 NAUTICAL MILES FROM FEI NGO SHAN.
♦ BY STUDYING THE PATTERN AND INTENSITY OF RADAR ECHOES, OUR WEATHERMEN CAN BETTER ESTIMATE AND FORECAST THE DURATION AND AMOUNT OF RAINFALL AROUND HONG KONG.+ MR LAU SAID.
THE USE OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, EQUIPMENT AND TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES HAS TURNED HONG KONG INTO A MAJOR GLOBAL CENTRE FOR THE EXCHANGE OF WEATHER INFORMATION.
WITHIN ASIA, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS NOW LINKED DIRECTLY TO BEIJING BY LAND LINE, TOKYO BY SUBMARINE CABLE AND BANGKOK BY SATELLITE.
♦ IN EXCHANGE FOR OUR WEATHER INFORMATION, THESE THREE CENTRES RELAY THEIRS TO US ROUND THE CLOCK,+ HE SAID.
TODAY, 2 500 METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS AROUND THE WORLD EXCHANGE WEATHER DATA WITH HONG KONG, COMPARED WITH ONLY ABOUT 100 IN THE LATE 1940’S.
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY NOW USES COMPUTERS TO PROCESS, ANALYSE AND STORE THE VAST POOL OF GLOBAL WEATHER INFORMATION.
♦WITH ALL THESE DATA AND CAPABILITY, WE ARE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TODAY TO FORECAST GENERAL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND ISSUE TIMELY WARNINGS ON TROPICAL CYCLONES AND OTHER HAZARDOUS WEATHER,+ MR LAU SAID.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
7
MASS MEDIA MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT PUBLISHED
XX* o
A REPORT ON THE MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE MASS MEDIA CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER 1981 BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE FORMER HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED.
THE REPORT, ON SALE AT $14 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CENTRAL, SETS OUT TO GIVE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE MANPOWER AND TRAINING SITUATION IN THE MASS MEDIA INDUSTRY.
COMMENTING ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, SAID, +AS REFLECTED BY THE SURVEY FINDINGS, IN-HOUSE PRACTICAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES ARE SCARCE.*
THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WAS REPLACED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY, 1982.
MR CHOI ADDED THAT IF THE MASS MEDIA WERE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH ACCURATE INFORMATION AND COMMENTS, THE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, SALARIES AND LEVELS OF EDUCATION OF JOURNALISTS HAD TO BE IMPROVED.
+THIS IS PROMPTED BY THE FACT THAT GENERAL EDUCATIONAL LEVELS CONTINUE TO BE RAISED AND THE DEMANDS ON THE MASS MEDIA BECOME MORE COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED,* HE SAID.
IN THE REPORT, THE BOARD HAS MADE A NUMBER OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING JOURNALISM TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
MR SHUM POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MINIMUM PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION FOR JOURNALISTS, POSSIBLY WITH THE HELP OF THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE BOARD, EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMMES.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983 •
8
FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES * * *
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT STRESSED TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS COMMENTING ON REPORTS THAT PEOPLE POSING AS OFFICERS FROM THE SERVICE HAD BEEN SOLICITING MONEY FROM JOB-SEEKERS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SERVICE NOW OPERATES 15 BRANCH OFFICES IN MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AS WELL AS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, PROVIDING FRE=. SERVICES TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS.
THE SERVICE REGISTERS ALL CATEGORIES OF JOB-SEEKERS, RANGING FROM UNSKILLED WORKERS AND LABOURERS TO UNIVERSITY GRADUATES AND PROFESSIONALS.
' JOB-SEEKERS WHO POSSESS POST-SECONDARY OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS MAY REGISTER WITH THE SPECIAL REGISTER.
TO RECRUIT STAFF, AN EMPLOYER ONLY NEEDS TO CONTACT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE SERVICE BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON, GIVING PARTICULARS OF VACANT POSTS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, PLUS SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED.
AS SOON AS A VACANCY ORDER IS RECEIVED, STAFF OF THE SERVICE WILL SELECT SUITABLE CANDIDATES FROM THE REGISTER OF JOB-SEEKERS FOR INTRODUCTION TO THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER.
WHETHER THE EMPLOYER OFFERS EMPLOYMENT TO A CANDIDATE OR wHETHER THE CANDIDATE ACCEPTS THE OFFER IS ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY.
VACANCIES NOTIFIED BY EMPLOYERS ARE DISPLAYED AT ALL OFFICES OF THE SERVICE, ENABLING JOB-SEEKERS TO MAKE PRELIMINARY SELECTION BY MEASURING THEIR OWN SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS WITH THE REQUIREMENTS AND TERMS OF THE VACANCIES.
THE SERVICE IS EQUIPPED WITH A FACSIMILE SYSTEM TO TRANSMIT PARTICULARS TO ALL ITS BRANCH OFFICES SO THAT SUITABLE CANDIDATES CAN BE SELECTED FROM THE COMBINED POOL OF REGISTERED JOB-SEEKERS AND INTRODUCED TO THE EMPLOYER WITHIN A SHORT TIME.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
9
MORE PUPILS TAKING PART IN SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE *****
THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SCHOOL CHILDREN TAKING PART IN THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.
AT THE END OF THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, ENROLMENT STOOD AT 281 563 PUPILS FROM 859 SCHOOLS, AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 36 700 PUPILS, OR 15 PER CENT, OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 251 PRIVATE DOCTORS ARE TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ECONOMICAL MEDICAL TREATMENT TO SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM PRIMARY ONE TO FORM THREE.
MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE IN THE SIX TO 12 YEARS AGE GROUP.
UNDER THE SCHEME, WHICH IS VOLUNTARY FOR DOCTORS, SCHOOLS AND PUPILS, THE PUPIL PAYS $5 A YEAR AND RECEIVES MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINE FROM A DOCTOR CHOSEN BY THE SCHOOL.
• A PUPIL MAY JOIN THE SCHEME AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR AND IS ENTITLED TO 12 MONTHS’ MEDICAL TREATMENT FROM THE DATE OF ENROLMENT.
THE SCHEME IS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH CONTRIBUTES $50 A YEAR FOR EACH PUPIL ENROLLED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD SAID ALTHOUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME WAS LESS THAN 35 PER CENT OF SOME 800 000 ELIGIBLE SCHOOL CHILDREN, THERE WERE MANY REASONS WHY MORE HAD NOT JOINED.
ALTERNATIVES OPEN TO PARENTS INCLUDED THEIR OWN FAMILY DOCTORS, CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS OFFERING LOW-COST MEDICAL ATTENTION AND GOVERNMENT OUTPATIENT CLINICS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THERE WAS ALSO THE TRADITIONAL HERBALIST WHO CHARGED A FEE PER VISIT, HE ADDED.
♦ANOTHER REASON FOR THE COMPARATIVELY LOW ENROLMENT COULD BE THAT THE HEALTH OF THE SCHOOL POPULATION AS A WHOLE IS SOUND, LEADING SOME SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND PARENTS TO SEE LITTLE IMMEDIATE BENEFIT IN AN INSURANCE-ORIENTED MEDICAL SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
10
ROAD PROJECT FOR TSING Yl *****
THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A NUMBER OF NEW ROADS NEAR TSING Yl TOWN AND TO EXTEND TSING Yl ROAD, CHING HONG ROAD AND CHUNG MEI ROAD TO SERVE THE NEARBY HOUSING ESTATES, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, AND THE FUTURE TOWN CENTRE.
THE PROJECT, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TSING Yl TOWN, WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE FOOTBRIDGES AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS TO PROVIDE SAFE CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIAN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY! THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 9-1/2 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 3RD FLOOR, HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN; THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN; AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, TSING Yl SUB-OFFICE, 113 CHING WAI HOUSE, CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING Yl, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JULY 19, 1983.
---------------o-------- PIER TO EXPAND DOCKYARD FACILITIES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A SHIPLIFT PIER AT YAU MA TEI WITHIN THE LIMITS OF A 0.58-HECTARE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE PIER IS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD FACILITIES TO MEET THE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE EXPANDING GOVERNMENT FLEET.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, KOWLOON.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
11
MORE POST OFFICES ACCEPTING ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS * * K * *
SIX MORE POST OFFICES WILL ACCEPT ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS, STARTING FROM JUNE 1, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THEY ARE THE ABERDEEN, CAUSEWAY BAY, TSAT TSZ MUI, WONG CHUK HANG, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI FONG POST OFFICES.
THE EXTENSION WILL BRING THE NUMBER OF POST OFFICES ACCEPTING ON-DEMAND SPEEDPOST ITEMS TO 15.
THE EXISTING NINE POST OFFICES OFFERING THIS FACILITY ARE: THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE, HENNESSY ROAD POST OFFICE, CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE, GILLIES AVENUE POST OFFICE, SAN PO KONG POST OFFICE AND KWUN FONG POST OFFICE.
THIS EXTENSION OF ACCEPTANCE SERVICES WILL MAKE IT MORE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC TO POST URGENT DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES OF GOODS AND MERCHANDISE TO 21 COUNTRIES IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-2671222.
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MODEL PEDESTRIANS IN EASTERN
* * * *
THIRTY EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WERE SELECTED MODEL PEDESTRIANS THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING FOR THEIR OBEDIENCE AND GOOD OBSERVANCE OF ROAD SAFETY REGULATIONS.
TEAMS OF ADJUDICATORS MADE THE SELECTION AT SIX DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT WHERE TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY.
THE MODEL PEDESTRIANS, INCLUDING WORKERS, HOUSEWIVES AND STUDENTS, WERE EACH PRESENTED, ON THE SPOT, WITH A SPECIAL AWARD DESIGNED IN THE FORM OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT.
THE EVENT WAS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN ON MAY 16 TO EDUCATE LOCAL RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE BETWEEN THE AGES OF FIVE AND 18, ON ROAD REGULATIONS.
THE ADJUDICATORS INCLUDED THE POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER FOR CAUSEWAY BAY, MR C.P. LEUNG; THE POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER FOR CHAI WAN, MR Y.W. CHOW; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS: ST -F OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES.
IN THE AFTERNOON, A CARNIVAL FEATURING A ROAD SAFETY TOWN, A POP CONCERT AND A DISPLAY OF VINTAGE CARS WAS HELD A" THE VICTORIA PARK-
/CAPTAIN SAFETY.....
SUNDAY, MAY 22, 198?
CAPTAIN SAFETY, A CHARACTER CREATED TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN, SHARED THE FUN WITH THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN AND TAUGHT THEM ROAD SAFETY RULES.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, POLICE REPRESENTATIVES ARE ORGANISING SEMINARS AND SLIDE SHOWS FOR SCHOOLS IN THE DISTR ICT.
THE POLICE WILL ALSO STEP UP ACTION AGAINST PEOPLE VIOLATING ROAD SAFETY REGULATIONS.
IN ADDITION, A VARIETY SHOW ON ROAD SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT 1.30 PM ON JUNE 4 AT THE YUE WAN SQUARE FOR CHAI WAN RESIDENTS.
TODAY’S CARNIVAL WAS OPENED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, l*R H.T. LUH THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER FOR EASTERN, MR F.u. KAVANAGH! AND THE POLICE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT (TRAFFIC HONG KONG ISLAND), MR J.H. WALKER.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY A LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADER, MR CHEUNG KAM-TIM.
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WING FONG STREET MARKET STALLS FOR BIDDING * * * * *
TWENTY-SIX STALLS AT THE WING FONG STREET MARKET IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING ON THURSDAY (MAY 26).
THE BIDDING WILL START AT 10 AM IN THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL, LAI FONG STREET, KWAI CHUNG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ONE STALL IS DESIGNATED FOR SELLING FISH, TWO FOR SELLING FROZEN MEAT, THREE FOR SELLING POULTRY, SIX FOR SELLING FRESH hEAT, NINE FOR SELLING DRY GOODS, FOUR FOR SELLING WET GOODS AND THE REMAINING ONE FOR SELLING ICE.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTALS RANGE FROM $600 TO 33 000.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JUNE 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, AND SHOULD PAY THE RENTAL QUARTERLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
BIDDERS ARE REQUESTED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-253624.
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SUNDAY, MAY 22, 1983
13
ROAD FOR NT VILLAGE * * * *
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A 245-METRE-LONG LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO SIU HANG VILLAGE FROM SAN WAI VILLAGE, BYPASSING THE GALLIPOLI LINES CAMP.
THE PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS MACHINERY.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROvJCT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT OLD DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JULY 19, 1983.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
CONTHITS PAGE NO.
DOMESTIC EXPORT TRADE RECOVERY CONTINUING ....................... 1
US DOLLAR EXPECTED TO REMAIN FIRM ............................... 2
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY ....................................... 2
FIRM ACTION TAKEN AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING ...................... 5
GREATER EFFORT TO INTEGRATE DISABLED URGED ...................... 7
WATER SPORTS SCHEME POPULAR ......................•.............. 8
'MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS' CONCERT ................................ 9
41 GOOD CITIZENS GET AWARDS ..................................... 9
BELILIOS STAR FOR YOUTH ...................................... 10
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND TUEN MUN ................ 10
NEW TRAINING POOL FOR SWIMMERS ................................. 10
TENDERS INVITED FOR PIPELINE WORK.............................. 11
WATER MAINS WORK ............................................... 11
WATER FIGURES .................................................. 11
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
1
DOMESTIC EXPORT TRADE RECOVERY CONTINUING
M * * *
THE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR INCREASE IN OVERALL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF OVER 16 PER CENT, INDICATING THAT THE DOMESTIC EXPORT TRADE RECOVERY WAS CONTINUING. A SIMILAR RECOVERY WAS BEING SEEN IN RE-EXPORTS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
ASSESSING THE PRESENT STATE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF SIGNS THAT THE ECONOMY WAS ALREADY RECOVERING FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE WORLD RECESSION.
THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 6 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS AND 2 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS. THIS WAS A MARKED IMPROVEMENT ON THE FALLS IN REAL TERMS RECORDED IN EACH OF THE FOUR QUARTERS OF 1982.
PARTICULARLY NOTEWORTHY WAS AN INCREASE OF 19 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS, 9 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE US.
ONE EFFECT OF THE RECOVERY IN THE GROWTH RATES OF EXPORTS WAS THAT THE TRADE GAP, THE PROPORTION OF IMPORTS OF GOODS NOT COVERED BY EXPORTS, HAD NARROWED FROM OVER 19 PER CENT IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO APRIL 1982 TO UNDER 15 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD THIS YEAR. THE APRIL FIGURES INDICATED THAT THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS ALSO BEING MAINTAINED.
AS REGARDS THE MONTHS TO COME, REPORTS FROM MANUFACTURERS INDICATED AN IMPROVEMENT IN ORDER BOOKS AND INCREASED CONFIDENCE ABOUT FUTURE PROSPECTS. AS REPORTS ON THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS SUPPORT THE VIEW THAT THE WORLD ECONOMY IS MAKING A SLOW BUT STEADY RECOVERY FROM THE RECESSION, THIS CONFIDENCE SEEMED TO BE WELL FOUNDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ACCEPTED THAT THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, OF 5.1 PER CENT, WAS HIGHER THAN WAS DESIRABLE AND INDICATED THAT THE RECOVERY IN THE ECONOMY HAD YET TO FEED THROUGH TO THE LABOUR MARKET. HE CAUTIONED, HOWEVER, AGAINST READING TOO MUCH INTO THE RECENT RISE IN UNEMPLOYMENT AS THE CHANGES IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE NORMALLY LAGGED BEHIND CHANGES IN OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ECONOMY. THE CURRENT IMPROVEMENT IN THE ECONOMY IS LIKELY TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, THOUGH PROBABLY NOT IMMEDIATELY. NEVERTHELESS, HE POINTED OUT, THERE ARE REPORTS THAT IN SOME SECTORS OF INDUSTRY IN SOME LOCATIONS INCREASED ORDERS ARE ALREADY BEGINNING TO RESULT IN FACTORY OWNERS HAVING DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING THE WORKERS THEY WANT.
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MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
2
US DOLLAR EXPECTED TO REMAIN FIRM X * I I
COMMENTING ON THE MOVEMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE US DOLLAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE JUMP OF US DOLLAR 7 BILLION OVER THE WEEKEND IN THE USM1 FIGURE WAS FAR GREATER THAN EXPECTED. THIS BIG INCREASE HAD REINFORCED THE MARKET VIEW THAT US INTEREST RATES AND THE US DOLLAR WILL REMAIN FIRM. AS A RESULT, OTHER CURRENCIES HAVE WEAKENED AGAINST THE US DOLLAR.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG ON FRIDAY, FOR EXAMPLE, STERLING HAD WEAKENED AGAINST THE US DOLLAR BY 0.25 PER CENT, THE DM BY 0.8 PER CENT, THE SF BY 1.2 PER CENT AND THE YEN BY 0.9 PER CENT. THE HK DOLLAR ON THE OTHER HAND, STRENGTHENED BY 0.3 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD. THEREFORE THE HK DOLLAR HAD STRENGTHENED AGAINST ALL THE OTHER CURRENCIES SINCE THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON FRIDAY - THAT IS BEFORE THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS ANNOUNCED THE INCREASE IN INTEREST RATES.
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'QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY
X * K
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY CONDUCTED IN APRIL.
ABOUT 800 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, AND THEIR BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983.
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY INDICATE THAT WHEN TAKEN AS A WHOLE, THE BUSINESS SITUATION OF FIRMS IN THE ’MANUFACTURING’ SECTOR DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 WAS SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1982. THIS WAS CONTRARY TO THE PREVIOUS PREDICTION FOR A CONTINUED DOWNTREND IN BUSINESS, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE VARIATIONS AMONG FIRMS REGARDING THEIR EXPERIENCE.
AS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983, A STRONG UPTREND IN BUSINESS IS ANTICIPATED.
THIS IS PARTICULARLY EVIDENT IN THE ’PLASTICS’, ’ELECTRONICS’ AND ’ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ INDUSTRIES.
AS FOR THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR, FIRMS CONTINUED TO REPORT BUSINESS DETERIORATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND ARE STILL PESSIMISTIC ABOUT BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.
/FOR THE .......
MONDAY, MAY 2J, 1983
t>
FOR THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTOR, DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER WAS REPORTED BY THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS IN THE SECTOR. THIS COULD PARTLY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEASONAL FACTORS. BUSINESS IS EXPECTED TO DECLINE MODERATELY FOR THE SECOND QUARTER IN THIS SECTOR.
FIRMS IN THE 'OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR, WHICH INCLUDE BANKING, TRANSPORTATION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES, EXPERIENCED A RATHER SUBSTANTIAL DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WHICH WAS CONTRARY TO THEIR PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS FOR A SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS UPTURN. THEY PREDICT VERY LITTLE CHANGE IN BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE ’TEXTILES’, ’FABRICATED NETAL PRODUCTS’, ’ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ AND ’ELECTRONICS’ INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED SOME IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND ANTICIPATE A SIGNIFICANT UPTREND TO CONTINUE IN THE SECOND QUARTER. THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED DECLINES OF VARYING DEGREES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, BUT THEY ALL LOOK FORWARD TO IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, ESPECIALLY IN THE ’PLASTICS’, ’WEARING APPAREL’ AND ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRIES IN WHICH EXPECTATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS ARE STRONG.
FIRMS IN THE 'HOTELS' BUSINESS REPORTED A DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS AND EXPECT AN UPTURN FOR THE SECOND QUARTER. AS FOR FIRMS IN THE 'WHOLESALE AND RETAIL’ TRADE AND THE ’RESTAURANTS’ BUSINESS, FURTHER DECLINE IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED FOR THE SECOND QUARTER, AFTER EXPERIENCING A DETER IORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THIS IS ALSO MAINLY DUE TO SEASONAL EFFECTS. THE ’BANKS’ AND THE ’TRANSPORTATION’ BUSINESSES BOTH REPORTED SHARP DECLINES IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THIS HAD NOT BEEN EXPECTED PREVIOUSLY.
PRICE COMPETITION, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS AND UNCERTAINTIES IN EXCHANGE RATES WERE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY FIRMS IN THE ’MANUFACTURING’ SECTOR IN GENERAL DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDERS IS EXPECTED TO EASE IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WHILE THE OTHER TWO PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST. WITHIN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE ORDER POSITION IS DEFINITELY IMPROVING AS THE NUMBER OF FIRMS INDICATING INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS ORDER SHOWS A MARKED DECLINE.
IN THE ’CONSTRUCTION’ SECTOR, PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS AND INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS WERE STILL REPORTED AS THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER. THESE TWO PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INTO THE SECOND QUARTER.
IN THE ’WHOLESALE AND RETAIL’ TRADE, FIRMS CONSIDERED PRICE COMPETITION, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND UNCERTAINTIES IN EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATION TO BE THE MAJOR PROBLEMS BOTH FOR THE FIRST AND.SECOND QUARTERS.
/AS FOR ....
MONDAY, MAY 2J, 1985
4
AS FOR THE 'RESTAURANTS’ BUSINESS, FIRMS’ MAIN PROBLEMS INCLUDED INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER, THOUGH THE STRAIN FROM HIGH STAFF TURNOVER IS EXPECTED TO LESSEN SLIGHTLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER. RESPONDENTS IN THE ’HOTELS’ BUSINESS CONTINUED TO INDICATE PRICE COMPETITION AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEM FOR BOTH QUARTERS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER IN THEIR OPINIONS, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD ’IMPROVED’, ’REMAINED THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATED’ IN THE IMMEDIATELY PAST QUARTER AS COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER BEFORE. FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER. THEY WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION WILL ’IMPROVE , 'REMAIN THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATE’. THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. THE SURVEY REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT FOR A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS.
COPIES MAY BE BOUGHT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $3 EACH.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
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/5........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
5
FIRM ACTION TAKEN AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING ft * * * ft
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS ADVISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO STOPPING THE ILLICIT TRAFFICKING OF DRUGS INTO HONG KONG AND EVENTUALLY TO ERADICATING DRUG ABUSE FROM THE COMMUNITY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SHIPBROKERS ON THE SUBJECT OF +NARCOTICS AND THE SEA*.
♦THE MAIN DRUG OF ABUSE IN HONG KONG IS HEROIN*, MR MORTIMER POINTED OUT.
♦OF THE 11 736 DRUG ABUSERS REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE LAST YEAR, 96.1 PER CENT ABUSED HEROIN, 2.4 PER CENT SMOKED OPIUM AND 1.5 PER CENT ABUSED OTHER DRUGS,* « SAID.
HE SAID THAT WHILE THE EXACT NUMBER OF ADDICTS IN HONG KONG WAS NOT KNOWN, THE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE INDICATED THE NUMBER TO BE ABOUT 45 000.
THE ADDICTS, HE ADDED, DEPEND THEIR SUPPLIES OF HEROIN MAINLY ON THE PRODUCTION OF THE BORDER AREAS OF BURMA AND THAILAND, SUPPLEMENTED AT TIMES BY SUPPLIES FROM SOUTH WEST ASIA.
♦THE OVERAL STRATEGY FOR COMBATTING DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG HAS FOUR MAIN ELEMENTS — LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION,+ MR MORTIMER SAID.
♦THE INTERDICTION OF SUPPLIES OF ILLICIT DRUGS ENTERING HONG KONG IS A VITAL PART OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME,+ HE SAID.
♦SO FAR THIS YEAR OVER 200 KILOGRAMMES OF ILLICIT OPIATE DRUGS HAVE ALREADY BEEN SEIZED, MOST OF WHICH REACHED HONG KONG BY SEA, COMPARED WITH AROUND 550 KILOGRAMMES OF OPIATE DRUGS SEIZED FROM ALL SOURCES LAST YEAR AND 300 KILOGRAMMES IN 1981,+ HE POINTED OUT.
THE TASK OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN INTERDICTING ILLICIT DRUG SUPPLIES IS FORMIDABLE, HE ADDED.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE HONG KONG IS A FREE PORT WITH A MINIMUM OF CUSTOMS FORMALITIES AND TRADE CONTROLS. EACH YEAR SOME 11 200 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS PUT INTO HONG KONG. WITH REGARD TO SMALLER VESSELS, THE INDENTED COASTLINE AND LONELY ISLETS PROVIDE INNUMERABLE PLACES FOR SMUGGLERS TO LAND AND CONCEAL ILLICIT DRUGS FOR COLLECTION AT SOME FUTUREDATE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
/HOWEVER, .......
HOTOA.Y, MAT 2J, 1983
6
HOWEVER, HE SAID, AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS OF THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS HONG KONG IS VIRTUALLY NO LONGER A DRUG EXPORTING TERRITORY.
THERE WERE NO KNOWN CASES OF DRUGS BEING EXPORTED FROM HONG KONG IN 1980. AND THERE WERE ONLY THREE CASES IN 1981 AND IN 1982.
MR MORTIMER QUOTED SOME DETAILS PROVIDED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE OF SEIZURES OF DRUGS ON BOARD OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING HONG KONG TO ILLUSTRATE THE DEVIOUS METHODS USED IN DRUG SMUGGLING AND THE NETWORK OF CRIMINAL INTRIGUE WHICH EXISTS AND WHICH IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO PENETRATE.
ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE, HE SAID, A RESOLUTION TO IMPROVE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN THE MARITIME INTERDICTION OF ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFIC WAS ADOPTED AT THE 30TH SESSION OF THE UN COMMISSION ON NARCOTICS DRUGS HELD IN VIENNA EARLIER THIS YEAR.
♦THE RESOLUTION INDICATES THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ATTACHES TO STRENGTHENING CO-OPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS METHOD OF SMUGGLING,+ HE SAID.
♦THE SMUGGLING OF DRUGS BY SEA IS OF COURSE ONLY ONE OF THE ROUTES USED,+ MR MORTIMER SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE TASK OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IS TO SUPPRESS AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE ALL POSSIBLE MEANS OF SMUGGLING, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF ILLICIT DRUGS IN HONG KONG.
♦TO ACHIEVE THIS, CONSTANT VIGILANCE IS REQUIRED TOGETHER WITH CLOSE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION,♦ HE SAID.
♦THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME IS GIVEN A HIGH PRIORITY AND IS AIMED AT STIMULATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATING THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE,♦ HE SAID.
♦FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BECOME ADDICTED THERE IS A VARIETY CF READILY AVAILABLE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES. SOME 15 000 PERSONS WERE ADMITTED TO SOME FORM OF TREATMENT AND AFTER-CARE IN 1982,+ HE SAID.
♦THROUGH CAREFUL CO-ORDINATION WE ARE ABLE TO MOUNT A CONCERTED ATTACK ON THE OVERALL PROBLEM AND IF WE ALL PLAY OUR PART THE BATTLE CAN EVENTUALLY BE WON,+ HE ADDED.
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MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
7
GREATER EFFORT TO INTEGRATE DISABLED URGED
*****
HONG KONG SHOULD KEEP UP ITS EFFORTS IN THE PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN REHABILITATION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS, DR HARRY FANG, SAID TODAY.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE YEAR REALLY MARKS THE BEGINNING OF OUR ON-GOING PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN REHABILITATION.
♦FURTHER DETERMINED EFFORTS BY EVERYONE, BOTH ABLE-BODIED AND DISABLED, WILL BE ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO TRULY SUCCEED IN INTEGRATING THE DISABLED MEMBERS INTO OUR COMMUNITY,^ HE SAID.
DR FANG ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED TO THE VARIOUS EVENTS HELD IN HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR.
♦TOGETHER THEY PROVIDED THE FOCUS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, PARTICIPATION AND EDUCATION DURING THE YEAR.+ HE SAID.
DR FANG SAID THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT THEY CREATED WAS SIGNIFICANT! SOME 400 000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN ONE OR MORE OF THESE EVENTS, LET ALONE THE MANY MORE WHO MUST HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THEIR ORGANISATION OR WHO MIGHT HAVE WATCHED THEM ON TELEVISION.
♦PERHAPS OF GREATER SIGNIFICANCE WILL BE THEIR LONGER-TERM EFFECTS ON THE ATTITUDES OF THE COMMUNITY TOWARDS ITS DISABLED hEMBERS. THESE EFFECTS ARE LIKELY TO BE DIFFICULT TO DISCERN AT PRESENT BUT ARE EXPECTED TO MANIFEST THEMSELVES IN THE YEARS TO COME.+
THE REPORT, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED TODAY, ALSO CONTAINS A SUMMARY CF SOME 250 ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATED BY THE COMMITTEE DURING THE YEAR.
COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
- 0 ----------
/8.......
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
8
WATER SPORTS SCHEME POPULAR * * *
A WATER SPORTS SCHEME INTRODUCED LATE LAST YEAR BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT HAS PROVED TO BE POPULAR.
IN THE FIRST TWO STAGES OF THE SCHEME, EACH LASTING FOUR MONTHS, IT ATTRACTED A TOTAL OF 800 PARTICIPANTS.
♦THE THIRD STAGE IS TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WE HAVE INCREASED THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS BY 100 TO 500,* RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER OF RSS TA IPO OFFICE, MR CHEUNG CHU-HUN SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE MINIMAL COST OF PARTICIPATION WAS ALSO A BIG ATTRACTION.
PARTICIPANTS CAN ENJOY WIND SURFING, SAILING AND CANOEING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN TAI PO. HOWEVER ONLY THOSE WITH CERTIFICATES AND ARE 14 YEARS OF AGE OR ABOVE MAY APPLY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHARGED 120 FOR A MEMBERSHIP CARD AND 20 COUPONS ENTITLING THEM TO USE THE CENTRE’S FACILITIES INCLUDING LOCKERS, CANTEEN AND SHOWER ROOMS.
DINGHIES, CANOES AND SURFBOARDS MAY BE RENTED AT NOMINAL FEES RANGING FROM 15 TO $13.
MEMBERS MAY USE THE FACILITIES FROM TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS AND MAY TAKE ALONG THEIR FRIENDS BY PURCHASING COUPONS AT $1 EACH.
THE SCHEME IS ALSO OPEN TO ANY ORGANISATION WHICH HAS AT LEAST 10 MEMBERS AND SATISFIES CERTAIN OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS WELL.
THE FEE FOR GROUP APPLICATION IS $200, WHICH COVERS MEMBERSHIP CARDS AND 200 COUPONS.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE AND ANY OF ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 0-6577111 EXTENSION 137-141.
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/9........
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983 9 -
’MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS’ CONCERT * * *
THE CENTRAL BAND OF THE. ROYAL AIR FORCE AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL GIVE A JOINT CONCERT AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN KOWLOON AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
THE TWO BANDS WILL PERFORM AT A ’MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS’ CONCERT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE.
THE 53-MEMBER RAF BAND HAS ACHIEVED REMARKABLE SUCCESS AS A PATHFINDER AND PACESETTER IN THE HISTORY OF BRITISH MILITARY BAND MUSIC. SO FAR, THE BAND HAS TRAVELLED MORE THAN FIVE MILLION MILES, SPREADING ITS MUSIC AND GOODWILL ALL AROUND THE WORLD.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, ADMINISTERED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, CONSISTS OF ABOUT 80 TALENTED WIND PLAYERS. BECAUSE OF THE RAPID RISE IN STANDARD, THESE YOUNG MUSICIANS ARE OFTEN INVITED TO PERFORM IM MANY CONCERTS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE TODAY DESCRIBED THIS JOINT CONCERT AS A RARE TREAT TO MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS.
♦WITH A MASS BAND OF ABOUT 130 MEMBERS PLAYING A VARIETY OF POPULAR MUSIC, IT IS A CONCERT THAT NO MUSIC LOVER SHOULD MISS,+ HE SAID.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES. FUR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 3-7561328.
-------o - -
41 GOOD CITIZENS GET AWARDS * * * *
FORTY-ONE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE HELPED THE POLICE IN BRINGING CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY AT THE PALADIUM OPERA HOUSE, LAI CHI KOK, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) NIGHT.
MR AKERS-JONES, CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND GIVE A SPEECH.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE MR RICHARD QUINE, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE} MR NIGEL RIGG, REPRESENTATIVE OF HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND MRS DEACON CHIU, REPRESENTATIVE OF ASIA TELEVISION LTD.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE PALADIUM OPERA HOUSE, LAI KING HILL ROAD AT 8.00 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY). THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT 7.45 PM.
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/<0......
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
10
NOTE TO EDITORS:
BEL IL IOS STAR FOR YOUTH
* * *
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26) AT THE HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION TO PRESENT THE BEL IL IOS STAR TO A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY, LAM YING-CHUN FOR COURAGE DURING A FIRE IN WAN CHAI RECENTLY.
THE BEL IL IOS STAR, AWARDED FOR ACTS OF CONSPICUOUS VALOUR OR SELF DENIAL WITHIN HONG KONG, WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND TUEN MUN X H X
NEW TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TSIM TUEN MUN FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 25).
SHA TSUI AND
IN TSIM SHA TSUI, VEHICLES ON MODY ROAD EASTBOUND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO CHATHAM ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
TO REACH SALISBURY ROAD AND STAR FERRY PIER, THESE VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE ALONG MODY ROAD AFTER CROSSING CHATHAM ROAD AND THEN ENTER SALISBURY ROAD VIA MODY LANE.
HOWEVER, VEHICLES ON MODY ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO CHATHAM ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
IN TUEN MUN, THE NEW ROAD LINKING SIU HONG COURT WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI) WILL BE DESIGNATED AS A 24-HOUR PLB CLEARWAY.
NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.
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NEW TRAINING POOL FOR SWIMMERS
X x x
A NEW SWIMMING POOL WILL SOON BE ADDED TO THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND TO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR SWIMMERS.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE POOL, MEASURING 50 METRES BY 25 METRES, IS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD DESIGN FOR TRAINING PURPOSE ONLY AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL UPON COMPLETION.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o ------ /1n ................
MONDAY, MAY 23, 1983
11
TENDERS INVITED FOR PIPELINE WORK
* * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF A 2 200 MM IN DIAMETER PIPELINE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I RAILWAY STATION AND KIU TAU IN TAI PO.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A SCHEME FOR THE RECEPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES OF WATER FROM CHINA OVER THE NEXT 12 YEARS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE LAYING OF ABOUT 3 800 METRES OF MAINS ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING TWIN PIPELINE.
IT WILL START IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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WATER MAINS WORK x 9f x
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 26) FOR WATER MAINS CONNECTION.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG SHOUSON HILL ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST, SHOUSON HILL ROAD WEST AND DEEP WATER BAY, INCLUDING HOUSE NO. 2 AND HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB AT ISLAND ROAD.
AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON THE SAME DAY (MAY 26) FOR MAINS WORK.
PREMISES AFFECTED ARE IN BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD AND RHONDDA ROAD, INCLUING LUNG CHEUNG COURT.
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WATER FIGURES
XXX
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 78.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 452.392 MILLION CUBIC IE TRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 227.325 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 39.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ON STEADY RECOVERY ..........................
TDC CHAIRMAN SEES END OF RECESSION ........................... 4
HIGHER EXPORT EARNINGS FOR TEXTILES EXPECTED ................. 5
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL ............................. 5
QUESTION ABOUT FAKE BANKNOTES FOR LEGCO ...................... 7
TRADE DIRECTOR VISITS TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE................ 8
AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983 ...................... 9
GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY ACQUIRES PREMISES ...................................................... 9
COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL LIKELY FOR TSUEN WAN ............. 10
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS.......... ...................... 11
NEW POST OFFICE................................................ 11
NEW FIRE STATION OPENING ...................................... 12
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES ........................................... 12
NOTICE BOARDS FOR DB MESSAGES ................................. 13
SUMMER HOLIDAY ADVENTURE COURSES FOR CHILDREN ................. 1J
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR SAN PO KONG ............................. 14
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
1
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ON STEADY RECOVERY
* * * M
IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BEGAN TO RECOVER AND RECORDED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS CF TWO PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1983 PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE TREND OF DECLINING GROWTH RATES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DURING 1982 HAS THUS BEEN REVERSED.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE PROSPECTS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS ARE NOW BRIGHTER.
APART FROM THE SLOW BUT GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS REPORTED BY MANUFACTURERS IN RECENT MONTHS, THERE ARE MORE DEFINITE INDICATIONS OF AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN TWO OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS, THE UNITED STATES AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT, HOWEVER, THE SUPPLY OF LABOUR FOR 1982 AS A WHOLE GREW AT A SLIGHTLY FASTER RATE THAN THE DEMAND FOR IT.
IN CONSEQUENCE, OVERALL EMPLOYMENT DECLINED SOMEWHAT AND THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES BOTH ROSE IN 1982. THESE TRENDS CONTINUED INTO 1983.
COMMENTING ON THE EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT GIVEN THERE WAS SOME REVIVAL IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, THE UNDERLYING ECONOMIC SITUATION WAS ALREADY IMPROVING.
BUT THE IMPROVEMENT WAS NOT YET SUFFICIENT TO RESULT IN A FALL IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE.
HE ADDED THAT CHANGES IN UNEMPLOYMENT TEND TO LAG BEHIND CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY, SO THAT A RISING UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT THE UNDERLYING ECONOMIC SITUATION IS ALSO DETERIORATING.
THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME AS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1982.
THE REPORT ATTRIBUTES THIS TO THE RELATIVE BALANCE BETWEEN AGGREGATE DEMAND AND AGGREGATE SUPPLY IN THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY, AS WELL AS TO THE CONTINUED EASING OF INFLATION ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
THE REPORT UPDATES THE ANALYSES OF THE ECONOMY IN 1982 IN THE ECONOMIC BACKGROUND DOCUMENT PUBLISHED ON BUDGET DAY, AND ASSESSES SUBSEQUENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER CF 1983 USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE.
/APART FROM .......
TUESDAY, MAT 24, 1983
2
APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER SHOWED A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF SIX PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR TWO PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
THE LATTER GROWTH RATE, ALBEIT SLOW, WAS ENCOURAGING, GIVEN THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS NEGATIVE FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS IN 1982.
WITHIN THIS INCREASE IN THE OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF EXPORTS WAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, BY 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR NINE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
• THE REPORT CAUTIONS, HOWEVER, THAT THE IMPROVEMENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST QUARTER, THOUGH PROMISING, DID NOT IN ITSELF PROVIDE SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT A SUSTAINED ECONOMIC RECOVERY HAS BEGUN.
IT POINTS OUT THAT, FIRST, MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED TO DECLINE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983 AND THERE ARE AS YET NO CLEAR SIGNS OF A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT, EXCEPT PERHAPS IN SOME SECTORS OF MANUFACTURING.
SECOND, RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES SHOWED NO GROWTH IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER ALTHOUGH THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THEY HAVE BEGUN TO PICK UP SINCE THEN.
THIRD, APART FROM THE MORE DEFINITE SIGNS OF AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE UNITED STATES AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, MOST INDICATORS POINT TO ONLY A MODEST RECOVERY IN f MOST OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS AVAILABLE SINCE THE REPORT WAS WRITTEN CONTINUED TO INDICATE THAT AN ECONOMIC RECOVERY WAS UNDERWAY.
THE REPORT FURTHER NOTES THAT RE-EXPORTS ALSO IMPROVED IN THE FIRST QUARTER, SHOWING A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS OR THREE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT SIX PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WAS THUS FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS AT TWO PER CENT.
IN CONSEQUENCE, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP NARROWED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 13 PER CENT FROM 16 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1982.___
/ON THE .....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 19«5>
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT OBSERVES THE FOLLOWING POINTS!
FIRST, THE OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY WAS MODERATE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, BUT THAT OF THE FOREIGN CURRENCY COMPONENT WAS RELATIVELY HIGH. THE INTEREST TAX CHANGES INTRODUCED IN FEBRUARY 1982, AMONG OTHER FACTORS, STILL APPEARED TO BE HAVING SOME EFFECT.
SECOND, INTEREST RATES REMAINED GENERALLY STABLE THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER, WHILE LOANS AND ADVANCES GREW ONLY SLOWLY.
THIRD, THE TRADE WEIGHTED EXCHANGE RATE INDEX FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WAS RELATIVELY STABLE AFTER THE SHARP ADJUSTMENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
HOWEVER, RENEWED DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEVELOPED IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, PARTICULARLY AGATNST THE US DOLLAR, WEAKENED FURTHER IN THE EARLY PART OF THE SECOND QUARTER.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT INDICATES THAT MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT DECREASED IN 1982, REFLECTING THE INFLUENCE OF THE GENERAL ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES ALSO DECLINED.
THESE DECREASES WERE, HOWEVER, LARGELY OFFSET BY THE INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS.
THE TREND OF THE RELATIVE SHIFT IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT IN FAVOUR OF THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS THUS CONTINUED.
THE REPORT FURTHER OBSERVES THAT WHILE MANUFACTURING WAGE RATES AND CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES DECLINED IN REAL TERMS, SALARIES IN THE TERTIARY SERVICES SECTORS, IN TERMS OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, CONTINUED TO RISE.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THERE WAS SOME IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AS SUGGESTED BY THE LATEST STATISTICS ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.
THE MONTHLY SURVEY ON EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND SHOWED GRADUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS IN RECENT MONTHS.
FURTHER, SOME QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENTS, BASED ON FACTORY VISITS, CONTACTS WITH LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECORDS ALSO INDICATED THAT MANUFACTURERS IN GENERAL WERE MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT EXPORT PROSPECTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1982.
/THE GBIERAL........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
4
THE GENERAL IMPRESSION IS THAT TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, AND THE UPPER END OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY ARE RECOVERING FIRST, FOLLOWED BY THE FOOD AND BEVERAGES, AND THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.
PLASTIC WARE, TOYS AND WATCHES ALSO REPORTED A MILD RECOVERY.
ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE VACANCY POSITION AT THE END OF 1982 FOR MOST TYPES OF PROPERTY, APART FROM RESIDENTIAL, WAS HIGH IN RELATION TO EXISTING STOCK.
HOWEVER, FOLLOWING THE SHARP FALL IN PROPERTY PRICES IN THE LAST YEAR OR SO, PRICES SEEM TO HAVE STABILIZED.
THERE ARE NOW SIGNS OF RENEWED INTEREST IN PROPERTY BUYING, ESPECIALLY OF SMALL RESIDENTIAL FLATS.
ON PRICES, THE REPORT COMMENTS THAT THE RATE OF PRICE INCREASE IN THE FIRST QUARTER WAS RELATIVELY STABLE BECAUSE THE DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC RESOURCES WAS NOT EXERTING MUCH PRESSURE ON THEIR SUPPLY, AND THE RATE OF INFLATION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS WAS EASING.
IT POINTS OUT THAT, HAD THE HONG KONG DOLLAR NOT DEPRECIATED IN THE LAST MONTHS OF 1982 AND IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1983, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A EVEN MORE SIGNIFICANT SLOWING DOWN IN THE RATE OF INFLATION.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT IS NOW ON SALE AT $7 A COPY.
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TDC CHAIRMAN SEES END OF RECESSION * * * *
♦HONG KONG IS ONCE AGAIN LAST INTO THE WORLD RECESSION AND THE FIRST OUT OF IT,* MISS LYDIA DUNN SAID TODAY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WAS COMMENTING ON THE TERRITORY’S LATEST TRADE FIGURES WHICH SHOW A 16 PER CENT RISE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
THE FIGURES HERALD GOOD NEWS FOR THE ECONOMY, MISS DUNN SAID, ADDINGi +HONG KONG HAS COME THROUGH THE RECESSION AND OUR EXPORTERS ARE READY TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE UPSWING IN THE WORLD ECONOMY.*
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/5........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
5
HIGHER EXPORT EARNINGS FOR TEXTILES EXPECTED
X ft ft ft
RECENT SHARP INCREASES IN TEXTILE QUOTA PRICES POINT TO HIGHER EXPORT EARNINGS FOR HONG KONG THIS YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JUSTIN YUE, SAID TODAY.
♦THIS SHOULD HELP SUSTAIN THE RECOVERY IN OUR EXPORT TRADE THAT IS REFLECTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED TODAY,♦ MR YUE SAID.
REFERRING TO QUOTA PRICES, HE EXPLAINED THAT INCREASED QUOTA PRICES USUALLY MEANT THAT QUOTAS WOULD BE FULLY TAKEN UP IN THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.
♦IF SO, TEXTILE EXPORTS IN 1983 SHOULD PROVIDE MORE EARNINGS FOR HONG KONG THAN IN 1982,♦ HE SAID.
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CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL ft ft ft ft
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR APRIL 1983 WERE 142 AND 140 RESPECTIVELY, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING MONTH, CP 1(A) INCREASED BY TWO POINTS OR 1.4 PER CENT AND CPI(B) BY ONE POINT OR 0.7 PER CENT.
WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH OF THE PRECEDING YEAR, CP I(A) ROSE BY 15 POINTS OR 11.8 PER CENT AND CPI(B) BY 13 POINTS OR 10.2 PER CENT.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED IN APRIL 1983, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.5 PER CENT EACH MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(B), 1.2 PER CENT.
DURING APRIL, THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES STAYED AT A HIGH LEVEL OWING TO PROTRACTED ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. IN ADDITION, CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND RENTALS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DWELLINGS INCREASED.
THE CP 1(A) AND CP 1(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 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 I(A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN Si 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH AND THE CP 1(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND S6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1983 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1983 AND APRIL 1982.
/(OCTOBER .......
TUESDAY, MAT 24, 1983
6
(OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)
SECTION APR. 82 CPI(A) APR. 82 CPI(B)
MAR. 83 APR. 83 MAR. 83 APR. 83
FOODSTUFFS 129 144 146 130 144 146
HOUSING 124 133 135 124 132 134
FUEL AND LIGHT 138 143 140 139 144 141
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 124 190 188 123 182 181
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 128 135 138 129 135 138
DURABLE GOODS 108 109 109 ~ 110 111 111
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 121 129 130 117 128 129
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 137 149 149 134 152 152
SERVICES 131 146 147 130 144 145
ALL ITEMS 127 140 142 127 139 140
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH CP I(A) AND CP 1(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES ROSE AS A RESULT OF CONTINUED SHORTAGE IN SUPPLY. THE AVERAGE CHARGES FOR «ALS IN RESTAURANTS ALSO WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY DECREASED OWING TO SLACKENED DEMAND.
THE EFFECT OF THE MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING WENT UP BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH CP I (A) AND CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF INCREASED RENTS FOR PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATES, HIGHER FEES FOR MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MAINTENANCE, AND HIGHER WATER CHARGES. THE INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES BEGAN AFFECTING SOME HOUSEHOLDS DURING THE MONTH AND WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL HOUSEHOLDS BY AUGUST 1983.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT DECREASED BY THREE POINTS IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BECAUSE OF LOWER CHARGES FOR ELECTRICITY AND TOWNGAS CAUSED BY REDUCED FUEL COSTS, AND THE FULL IMPACT OF THE DECREASE IN THE PRICE OF KEROSENE.
/THE INDEX ........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
?
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) DECREASED BY TWO POINTS IN CP I(A) AND BY ONE POINT IN CPi(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF CIGARETTES.
THE THREE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR KN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING.
HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY, TOILET REQUISITES AND COSMETICS CAUSED THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS TO RISE BY ONE POINT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B).
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN BOTH CP I(A) AND CPI(B) FOLLOWING INCREASED FEES CHARGED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND OUTPATIENT CLINICS, HIGHER TENNIS COURT CHARGES AND HIGHER ADMISSION FEES TO SWIMMING POOLS.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE OTHER SECTIONS WERE 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 APRIL 1983. BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THIS REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT $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 - -
QUESTION ABOUT FAKE BANKNOTES FOR LEGCO * M * M *
A QUESTION WILL BE ASKED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW ABOUT ACTION BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT AGAINST COUNTERFEITING OF BANKNOTES.
IT WILL BE ONE OF 16 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL KMBERS ABOUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS.
AT THE SAME MEETING, FIVE NEW BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED, AND DEBATE WILL BE RESUMED ON THREE OTHERS.
THE FIVE NEW BILLS AREi THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, PRISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983. DEBATE ON THESE BILLS IS EXPECTED TO RESUME ON JUNE 8.
/DEBATE ON .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1985
8
DEBATE ON THE FOLLOWING THREE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMEDi ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983. LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
AT QUESTION TIME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE ASKED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF CASES IN THE LAST 24 MONTHS IN WHICH FIRE-ARMS OR DANGEROUS DRUGS WERE FOUND BEING SMUGGLED IN BY PERSONS ENTERING AND RE-ENTERING FROM CHINA, AND ABOUT THE SECURITY MEASURES ENFORCED AT BORDER CHECKPOINTS TO PREVENT SUCH ACTIVITIES.
AND A QUESTION WILL BE ASKED ABOUT THE ANNUAL CRIME RATE CF FEMALE OFFENDERS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
SOME OF THE OTHER QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS THE CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION, THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT THINKING ABOUT A SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND EAST KOWLOON, AS WELL AS ABOUT MOSQUITO-BRED DISEASES AND PROSECUTIONS AGAINST PEOPLE CAUSING MOSQUITOES TO BREED ON PREMISES OR LAND UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
QUESTIONS WILL ALSO BE ASKED ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN UNDER 12 AT CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS IN SOME HOSPITALS, AND WHETHER THERE ARE SUFFICIENT MEDICAL AND PARA-MEDICAL STAFF TO MEET DEMANDS, AS WELL AS THE AVAILABILITY OF QUALIFIED STAFF TO MEET PROJECTED NEEDS.
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TRADE DIRECTOR VISITS TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD TODAY VISITED A HIGH TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONICS FACTORY AT TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE TOUR WAS PART OF MR MACLEOD’S FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME TO LOCAL INDUSTRIES, TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS AFTER HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR NIGEL SHIPMAN AND MR C.W. LAU, ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF TRADE, MR MACLEOD VISITED RCL-SEMICONDUCTORS LTD. AND WAS WELCOMED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR S.C. TSUI.
THE FACTORY, WHICH BEGAN PRODUCTION IN SEPTEMBER 1981, MANUFACTURES INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, SEMICONDUCTORS AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY DEVICES FOR THE LOCAL MARKET AND FOR EXPORT TO EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA AND SOUTH EAST ASIA.
MR MACLEOD THEN CALLED ON THE ESTATE MANAGER, MR ROGER CHENG WHO ESCORTED HIM ON A TOUR OF THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND BRIEFED HIM.
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/9 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
9
AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL 1983
THE REMAINING READINGS OF THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX BILL WILL NOT BE TAKEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW, BUT ON JUNE 8.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO GIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TIME TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT IT PLANNED TO INTRODUCE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL.
THE AMENDMENT IS CONSEQUENTIAL TO THE PROPOSED ABOLITION OF THE PASSENGER SERVICE CHARGE AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW TAX. THE INTENTION IS TO REMOVE ANY CONTRACTUAL LIABILITY FOR THE NEW TAX ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT OR OTHER EMPLOYERS IN RESPECT OF EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE THE PRESENT CHARGE PAID FOR AS PART OF THEIR EXISTING CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. THE AMENDMENT WILL NOT, HOWEVER, PRECLUDE AN EMPLOYER FROM AGREEING, AFTER THE ORDINANCE HAS COME INTO OPERATION, TO PAY THE TAX ON HIS EMPLOYEES’ BEHALF IN THE FUTURE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT, SUBJECT TO ENACTMENT THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ORDINANCE WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 9.
..--o--------
GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY ACQUIRES PREMISES
HIM
PROGRESS IN THE SETTING UP OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR OWERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY TOOK A SIGNIFICANT STEF FORWARD TODA? WITH THE FORMAL TAKE OVER OF THE MODERN WAN CHAI PREMISES IN WHICH IT WILL BE HOUSED.
♦THE LABORATORY IS A KEY TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICE BEING PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT TO ENABLE HONG KONG INDUSTRY TO CALIBRATE ITS MOST PRECISE MEASURING EQUIPMENT.
♦THIS FACILITY IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL TO ASSIST THE PROCESS CF FURTHER INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURING SECTOR,♦ THE’hEAD OF THE LABORATORY, MR BRIAN TYLER SAID.
THE 900-SQUARE-METRE PREMISES, WHICH OCCUPIES THE WHOLE OF THE 6TH FLOOR OF CARR IAN CENTRE IN GLOUCESTER ROAD, WILL NEED ELABORATE FITTING-OUT, INCLUD NG THE INSTALLATION OF PRECISE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL EQUIPMENT TO GIVE AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF 23 DEGREES CELSIUS CONTROLLED TO WITHIN 1 DEGREE CELSIUS, TOGETHER WITH LOW HUMIDITY.
♦THIS WORK SHOULD TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS, AND THE LABORATORY WILL OPEN IN EARLY 1984,+ MR TYLER SAID.
♦FOR THE FIRST YEAR OPERATION, 11 TECHNICAL STAFF ARE BEING RECRUITED AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT WORK IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
/♦WHEN FULLY .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 198?
10
♦WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED. THE LABORATORY WILL HAVE AN ESTABLISHMENT OF MORE THAN 30 TECHNICAL STAFF. THE POSTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FILLED IN A PHASED PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS,* MR TYLER SAID.
ALL THE MAJOR PRECISION MEASURING EQUIPMENT TO BE INSTALLED ARE NOW BEING BOUGHT, THE BUDGET FOR THIS IS ABOUT HK$11 MILLION, WITH OVERALL PROJECT COSTS TOTALLING HK$16 MILLION.
THE LABORATORY IS BEING ESTABLISHED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION, AND ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
------o-------
COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL LIKELY FOR TSUEN WAN
* * X M X
'THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, IN WHICH COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC LIGHT CONTROLS COPE AUTOMATICALLY WITH DAILY CHANGES IN THE TRAFFIC FLOW, WILL EVENTUALLY BE EXTENDED TO COVER TSUEN WAN, MR RICHARD SCURFIELD, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NEW TERRITORIES), SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SYSTEM IS NOW IN OPERATION AT 200 ROAD JUNCTIONS FROM LAI CHI KOK TO THE AIRPORT IN KOWLOON, AND AT 50 JUNCTIONS IN THE NORTH EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE TRAFFIC FLOW HAS BEEN NOTED SINCE THE SYSTEM WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1977.
MR SCURFIELD NOTED, HOWEVER. THAT EXTENSION OF THE SCHEME TO TSUEN WAN WOULD PROBABLY NOT BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL THE SCHEME HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO OTHER URBAN AREAS.
MR SCURFIELD WAS SPEAKING TO THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF SIX NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS WHO VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S NT REGIONAL OFFICES.
MR SCURFIELD SAID TODAY'S VISIT WOULD FAMILIARISE THE VISITORS WITH THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT ENABLED THE GROUP TO MEET SOME OF THE DEPARTMENT'S SENIOR STAFF MEMBERS WHO NORMALLY DO NOT ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, HE SAID.
THE VISITORS HELD TALKS WITH THE OFFICIALS BEFORE GOING OFF TO SEE THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES, PARKING METER DEPOT AND THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
A SIMILAR VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE END OF THE MONTH FOR THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE KOWLOON DISTRICT BOARDS.
- - - - o----- /1-I ....
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
11
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 31 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE BIDDING. THEY ARE I
AVAILABLE FOR
CZ 928 CZ 168 CX 500 CZ 203 CZ 3
CZ 306 CY 78 CZ 119 CZ 107 CZ 938
CZ1283 CZ8119 CK 838 CY 2 CG 8
CZ 884 CZ 295 CZ 944 CZ2227 CZ7021
CZ1846 CJ 82 CZ 556 AR1111 6996
CZ 611 CZ 120 CW8181 CZ2628 CY8661
CZ 621
• SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL, AS USUAL, GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 85TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
- - - - 0 ----
NOTE TO EDITORSi
NEW POST OFFICE
* * *
A NEW POST OFFICE LOCATED IN SHOP UNITS NO. 6 AND 7, ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF CLOUD VIEW ROAD SHOPPING CENTRE, 33 CLOUD VIEW ROAD, HONG KONG WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT NOON ON THURSDAY, MAY 26.
THIS WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG TO 91.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THERE WILL BE A SHORT OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
MRS JEANNIE CHOW SUN FONG-CHUNG, A PROMINENT EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY LEADER, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING TOGETHER WITH THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR T.H. BARMA, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, EASTERN, MR LUI HAU-TUEN.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
-----0------
12 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
12
NEW FIRE STATION OPENING * * * *
THE $20-MILLION WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, H? ROBERT HOLMES, AT 10.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27).
THE NEW COMPLEX IS THE DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION FOR KOWLOON EAST AND IS SITUATED AT THE JUNCTION OF SHA TIN PASS ROAD AND FUNG TAK ROAD, WONG TAI SIN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY.
------0-------
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES * * * *
A TOTAL OF 566 PROSECUTION CASES FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS LAST (APRIL) MONTH AND FINES IMPOSED EXCEEDED $600 000.
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 200, WITH $327 100 IN FINES.
THESE INCLUDED 80 CASES (WITH $100 950 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 58 CASES (WITH $166 950 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR 350, WITH $263 100 IN FINES.
OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, 11 CASES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $6 700 IN FINES.
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/15........
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
13
NOTICE BOARDS FOR DB MESSAGES
* * * *
SEVEN NOTICE BOARDS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT VANTAGE POINTS IN SHAM SHU I PO TO HELP PUBLICISE DISTRICT BOARD MESSAGES.
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN IP, SAID THE NEW BOARDS WOULD SERVE AS A DIRECT AND EFFECTIVE MEANS TO INFORM RESIDENTS OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
BEARING THE LOCAL DB LOGO, THE BRIGHT-LOOKING NOTICE BOARDS ARE PAINTED IN GREEN AND FITTED WITH WATERPROOF WINDOW PANES.
♦BY DISPLAYING MATERIALS SUCH AS POSTERS, MAPS, PICTURES, AND NEWSLETTERS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO KEEP RESIDENTS BETTER INFORMED OF MAJOR DISTRICT SPORT AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS, SERVICE PROJECTS AS «LL AS VARIOUS CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.
. +IT IS HOPED THAT THESE NOTICE BOARDS WILL HELP ESTABLISH A DISTRICT IDENTITY AND ATTRACT MORE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM,+ MR IP SAID.
----o---------
SUMMER HOLIDAY ADVENTURE COURSES FOR CHILDREN
* * * » M
ADVENTURE COURSES FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO MAKE USE OF THEIR SUMMER HOLIDAYS WILL BE HELD AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG.
A TOTAL OF 90 SUBVERTED PLACES WILL BE OFFERED TO DESERVING PUPILS BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE SCHOOL.
THE SEVEN-DAY COURSES, THE FIRST OF WHICH WILL BEGIN ON JULY 15, WILL COVER SEA-BASED AS WELL AS LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES.
♦THOSE WISHING TO APPLY FOR SUBVERTED PLACES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE IN WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL, AND AT ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.
TWENTY OF THE 90 SUBVENTED PLACES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR IWO SEA-BASED JUNIOR ADVENTURE COURSES TO CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF NINE AND 16.
ONE COURSE WILL START ON JULY 15 AND THE OTHER ON JULY 23.
THE REMAINING 70 PLACES WILL BE FOR TWO LAND-BASED COURSES FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF SEVEN AND 11.
/THE COURSES .......
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1983
- 14
THE COURSES WILL START ON JULY 16 AND 23.
THE OFFER OF SUBVERTED VACANCIES FOLLOWED AN EARLIER ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, OF A SCHEME TO ASSIST DESERVING PEOPLE WHO WISHED TO TAKE PART IN OUTWARD BOUND COURSES.
THE SCHEME GOT OFF THE GROUND WITH A GRANT OF 1670 000 BY THE GOVERNMENT.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE AMOUNT GIVEN WAS A RECURRENT GRANT WHICH WOULD BE USED TO REDUCE THE COST OF NORMAL COURSE FEES BY ABOUT 50 PER CENT.
FOR THE WHOLE OF FISCAL 1983-84, THERE WILL BE ABOUT 1 000 SUBVERTED PLACES FOR LAND AND SEA-BASED COURSES.
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NEW MAX I CAB ROUTE FOR SAN PO KONG
MM*
A NEW MAXICAB ROUTE LINKING SAN PO KONG WITH MONG KOK RAILWAY STATION WILL BE IN SERVICE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE NEW ROUTE, NO. 21K, WILL RUN VIA HONG KEUNG STREET. SHUNG LING STREET, TSEUK LUK STREET, TAI SHING STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, TUNG fsiNG ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, KAI TAK ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD LA SALLE ROAD, ^RINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK ROAD, SAI YEE STREET, ARGYLE STREET AND LUEN WAN STREET.
THE RETURN JOURNEY WILL BE VIA BUTE STREET, SAI YEE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET, LA SALLE ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, TAK KU LING ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, TAI YAU STREEf, TSEUK LUK STREET AND HONG KEUNG STREET.
THE NEW ROUTE WILL BE OPEN FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. ITS service Frequency will be io minutes during peak hours and 15 MINUTES DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS.
WHILE THE FULL FARE IS $2 PER TRIP, A SECTIONAL FARE OF $1 WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE JOURNEY FROM THE JUNCTION OF LA SALLE ROAD WITH NGA TSIN WAI ROAD TO MONG KOK RAILWAY STATION, AND FOR THE RETURN TRIP FROM THE SAME JUNCTION TO SAN PO KONG.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KQNG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
. . . r ,.-4 ‘ ' • • ■’
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL:
PREWAR PREMISES RENT INCREASE .............................. 1
BILL DESCRIBED AS +A FURTHER STEP FQRWARD+ ................. 2
RENT CONTROL PREPETUATING HOUSING SHORTAGE ................. 4
PROTECTION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS .............................. 5
BILL AIMS AT 'REASONABLE BALANCE FOR PEOPLE'S BENEFIT' .... 5
• • • . • •• ■
CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT EFFECT OF BILL ..................... 6
SUB-TENANT BURDEN CW LANDLORD REMOVED....................... 7
TWO SETS OF AMENDMENTS PROPOSED......................... 8
GREATER EFFORT CW SETTLEMENT OF FUTURE URGED ............... 9
REMOVAL OF THREE OFFENCES SOUGHT ........................... 10
BILL COULD LEAD TO BETTER DRIVING: UNOFFICIAL............. 11
BILL TO GRANT GENERAL PERMIT FOR CLOSED AREAS............... 13
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES LEGISLATION REVIEWED ................. 13
BILL SEEKS TO 'WIDEN RANGE OF ACTION' ...................... 1*F
PROPOSAL TO INCREASE LEVEL OF FINES ........................ 12*
HANDLING OF CHILD ABUSE CASES .............................. 15
/BRIDGE AT .......
BRIDGE AT LEI YUE MUN STILL PREFERRED ......................... 16
SPECIAL POLICE UNIT DEALS WITH COUNTERFEITING ................. 16
CALCULATION OF PREMIUM FOR MODIFICATION ....................... 17
UNIFORM BASIS FOR APPEALS 'WELCOMED ........................... 17
STEPS TAKEN AGAINST ARMS SMUGGLING ............................ 18
CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ............................... 19
POLICY ON TEACHER TRAINING EXPLAINED .......................... 20
TRAINING CAPACITIES TO BE EXPANDED EOR MEDICAL STAFF ..... 21
CRIMINAL RECORDS MAINTAINED BY POLICE ........................ 21
SAME CAUSES SEEN FOR MALE AND FEMALE CRIME .................... 22
BILL TO MODERNISE PROVISIONS IN EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE .. 22
CAR REPAIR OPERATIONS......................................... 24
CONTRACT HIRE CaRS......................................... 24
PLAY AREAS USUALLY PROTECTED BY NETTING ....................... 25
ATTENDANCE RATES AT PAEDIATRIC WARDS......................... 25
MOSQUITO MENACE .............................................. 26
DEBATE ADJOURNED............................................ 26
.., -t A •. V • '
OPENING OF MAI PO FIRE STATION .................................. 27
PERCIVAL STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ............................. 27
PLB PROHIBITION IN TUEN MUN.................................... 27
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
1
PREWAR PREMISES RENT INCREASE * * K *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED A RESOLUTION TO RAISE PERMITTED RENTS IN PREWAR PREMISES.
THE INCREASES ARE BASED ON THE STANDARD RENTS PREVAILING IN 1941.
FOR PREWAR DOMESTIC PREMISES, THE PERMITTED RENT IS RAISED FROM TWELVE TIMES TO SIXTEEN TIMES THE STANDARD RENT AND FOR BUSINESS PREMISES, FROM TWENTY-SEVEN TIMES TO FORTY TIMES THE STANDARD RENT.
LANDLORDS ARE REQUIRED
TO SERVE THEIR TENANTS WITH ONE
MONTH'S NOTICE OF THE INCREASED RENTS
MOVING THE RESOLUTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS, SAID THERE WERE 8 500 DOMESTIC AND BUSINESS PREMISES IN PREWAR BUILDINGS, ABOUT 4 700 OR 55 PER CENT OF WHICH WERE EFFECTIVELY SUBJECT TO CONTROLS UNDER PART I OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
THE REMAINING 3 800 UNITS ARE EITHER OCCUPIED BY OWNERS, SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM CONTROLS OR LET AT RENTS AT OR APPROACHING MARKET LEVELS.
MR WILLIAMS SAID DESPITE ANNUAL INCREASES SINCE 1976, AVERAGE PERMITTED RENTS OF PREWAR PREMISES SUBJECT TO THE PART I CONTROLS STILL RANGED FROM ONLY 25 TO 36 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENTS.
♦THIS IS DUE TO THE VERY LOW BASE ON WHICH RENT INCREASES ARE CALCULATED. UNLESS FURTHER INCREASES ARE ALLOWED, THE GAP BETWEEN EXISTING RENTS AND MARKET RENTS WILL WIDEN,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
ABOUT 3 200 DOMESTIC UNITS IN PREWAR BUILDINGS ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THIS ADJUSTMENT. FOR A TYPICAL UPPER FLOOR TENEMENT UNIT, THE ADJUSTMENT WILL RESULT IN AN INCREASE OF ABOUT $160 PER MONTH, BRINGING THE RENT TO ABOUT $650 OR 38 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENT.
FOR A TYPICAL COMMERCIAL GROUND TENEMENT FLOOR, THE INCREASE WILL BE LESS THAN $1 100 PER MONTH, BRINGING THE RENT TO ABOUT $3 300 OR 52 PER CENT OF PREVAILING MARKET RENT. ABOUT 1 400 UNITS ARE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED.
MR WILLIAMS POINTED OUT THAT THIS ADJUSTMENT WAS THE LAST TIME RENTS FOR PREWAR BUSINESS PREMISES WOULD BE REGULATED UNDER PART I.
THERE IS ALREADY PROVISION IN THE ORDINANCE FOR THE EXCLUSION OF BUSINESS PREMISES FROM RENT CONTROLS WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1984.
/thereafter........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1985
2
THEREAFTER LANDLORDS AND TENANTS OF SUCH PREMISES WILL BE IN THE SAME POSITION AS LANDLORDS AND TENANTS OF POST-WAR BUSINESS PREMISES. AND WILL BE FREE TO NEGOTIATE RENTS ACCORDING TO PREVAILING MARKET CONDITIONS.
MR WILLIAMS SAID THE INCREASES WERE MODEST IN RELATION TO THE GREAT DISPARITY BETWEEN EXISTING AND MARKET RENTS OF THESE PREMISES.
♦YET THEY REPRESENT ANOTHER STEP IN GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF RELAXING THESE RIGID AND OUTDATED CONTROLS WHICH HAVE BEEN IN FORCE FOR OVER 30 YEARS,♦ HE SAID.
♦IN THE CASE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS, ANY INCREASE IN RENT WILL BE OFFSET BY INCREASES IN RENT ALLOWANCES UP TO THE PERMITTED MAX IMA,♦ HE ADDED.
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BILL DESCRIBED AS ♦A FURTHER STEP FORWARD* * * * * *
THE HON PETER C. WONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT ♦IT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO RECONCILE COMPLETELY THE INTERESTS OF THE LANDLORDS AND THE TENANTS.♦
♦HOWEVER. THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 BOES REPRESENT A FURTHER STEP FORWARD IN BALANCING THESE INTERESTS,♦ HE SAID DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.
MR WONG IS THE CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGCO EXAMINING THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
SEVEN OTHER UNOFFICIALS SPOKE ON THE BILL TODAY.
MR WONG, WHO SUPPORTED THE MOTION, SAID THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP RECEIVES 31 REPRESENTATIONS. THESE WERE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND DISCUSSED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION ALTHOUGH THE MAJORITY OF THESE REPRESENTATIONS RELATED TO POINTS ALREADY RAISED ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
♦iT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT ALL THE REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED ARE FROM INDIVIDUALS, MOSTLY LANDLORDS AND NONE AT ALL FROM ASSOCIATIONS OR CORPORATIONS. TO BE EXACT, WE HAVE RECEIVED ONLY IWO REPRESENTATIONS FROM TENANTS,♦ HE SAID.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT AS A RESULT OF THE GROUP’S ■LIBERATION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS, THE MORE IMPORTANT OF WHICH AREi
/• CLAUSE .......
WETNESDAY, MAY 25, 198?
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M CLAUSE 11 WILL BE AMENDED TO ENSURE THAT THE BENEFIT OF THE TRANSMISSION OF THE PROTECTED TENANCY AS A RESULT OF THE DEATH OF THE TENANT WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLY TO THOSE MEMBERS OF THE TENANT’S FAMILY WHO WERE RESIDING WITH THE TENANT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH - THIS WILL PREVENT THE PERPETUAL TRANSMISSION OF PROTECTED TENANCIES.
M CLAUSE 15(G) WILL ALSO BE AMENDED TO ENSURE THAT A SUB-TENANT WHO BECOMES THE TENANT OF A LANDLORD UNDER THE NEW SUBSECTIONS (4A) AND (4B) OR SUBSECTION (6A) MAY NOT SUBLET WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE LANDLORD - THIS IS TO PREVENT ABUSE OF THE PROPOSED NEW SUBSECTIONS.
ft CLAUSES 15(H) AND 37(A) WILL BE AMENDED TO PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO IN RESPECT OF THE PERIOD OF PROHIBITION ON ALIENATION OF REPOSSESSED PREMISES - THIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORDER FOR POSSESSION AND NOT 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF OBTAINING VACANT POSSESSION AS PROPOSED IN THE BILL.
M CLAUSES 24(B) AND 25 WILL BE AMENDED SO THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION MAY REQUIRE FROM LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ONLY SUCH PARTICULARS WHICH ARE REASONABLY REQUIRED. AND A PERSON WILL ONLY COMMIT AN OFFENCE IF HE REFUSES WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE TO FURNISH SUCH PARTICULARS.
MR WONG ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION ALSO AGREED TO EXAMINE THE FOLLOWING ISSUES WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS NEXT R&VIEWED. THESE ARE THE EXCLUSION OF CORPORATE TENANTS FROM PART II OF THE ORDINANCE AND THE PROVISION OF SUITABLE EXEMPTIONS TO PART IV OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH RELATES TO SECURITY OF TENURE.
THE
HE SAID THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING WOULD BE MOVING OF AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND MOST OF THESE WERE OF A TECHNICAL NATURE OR FOR CLARIFICATION.
A NUMBER AMENDMENTS
♦SUBJECT TO THE AGREED AMENDMENTS, THE AD HOC GROUP IS GENERALLY SATISFIED THAT THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE,♦ HE SAID.
AS EVENTS IN HONG KONG MOVE VERY RAPIDLY, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE ORDINANCE BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY INSTEAD OF BIANNUALLY. *]N THIS WAY, THE INTERESTS OF BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS WILL Bt BETTER SERVED,♦ HE SAID.
MR WONG NOTED THAT WITH 32 OOO DOMESTIC FLATS STANDING VACANT AT THE END OF 1982 - AND ALL-TIME RECORD - THE CONSENSUS WAS THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO INDUCE EMPTY FLAT OWNERS TO PUT TrIEIR FLATS ON THE MARKET.
♦THE BILL NOW BEFORE COUNCIL REPRESENTS, INTER ALIA, AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THIS SITUATION,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE EXTENT OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROPOSED MEASURES, HOWEVER, REMAINS TO BE SEEN.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
4
RENT CONTROL PERPETUATING HOUSING SHORTAGE M * * *
RENT CONTROL PERPETUATED THE HOUSING SHORTAGE, AS THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VACANT DOMESTIC FLATS FROM SOME 17 OOO AT THE END OF 1980 TO SOME 32 000 BY THE END OF 1982 SHOWED, THE HON K.C. CHAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦IF THESE FLATS ARE NOT LET THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS WOULD DERIVE NO BENEFIT FROM THEM IN TERMS OF LOWER RENTAL AND GREATER SUPPLY,♦ MR CHAN SAID DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
♦HUGE RESOURCES ($16 BILLION EVEN AT A CONSERVATIVE AVERAGE CF HALF A MILLION DOLLARS PER FLAT) ARE FROZEN AND NOT RECYCLED INTO THE ECONOMY AS RENT, PROPERTY TAX, OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT, ETC.,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN, WHO SUPPORTED THE MOTION, SAID THE SECURITY OF TENURE OFFERED BY THE LAW HAD MADE PROPERTY INVESTMENT UNATTRACTIVE IN THAT THE CAPITAL, ONCE INVESTED, COULD NOT BE WITHDRAWN EASILY.
THE CONTROL OF RENT INCREASE BELOW THE RATE OF INFLATION WOULD GRADUALLY ERODE THE LANDLORDS’ +LOAF OF BREAD TO SLICES AND THEN TO CRUMBS,♦ HE SAID.
WITH PROPERTY TAX NOW COMPUTED AT 15 PER CENT ON ACTUAL RENTALS, REVENUE FROM THIS SOURCE WAS VERY MUCH DEFLATED, MR CHAN SAID.
THE PUBLIC COFFERS THUS SUFFERED BECAUSE IT WAS THE TAXPAYERS WHO WOULD FOOT THE BILL WHEN THERE WAS A GOVERNMENT BUDGET DEFICIT, HE ADDED.
MR CHAN SAID THERE WAS NOW ONLY HALF A MILLION TENANTS IN RENT CONTROLLED PREMISES, COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED 1.2 MILLION IN MARCH 1980.
TO ACHIEVE TOTAL RENT DECONTROL, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FIRST LOOK INTO THE HOUSING NEEDS OF THESE TENANTS, HE SAID.
♦WE SHOULD GET ALL THOSE WELL-OFF TENANTS OR ABSENTEE TENANTS OUT OF PUBLIC HOUSING INTO HOME OWNERSHIP OR PRIVATE HOUSING AND LET THE PEOPLE IN THE QUEUE OF UNDER-PRIVILEGED APPLICANTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD PRIVATE HOUSING TO TAKE UP THE VACANCY THUS CREATED.
♦NEW TENANCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING SHOULD BE OF 10 YEARS DURATION AND TERMINATED OR EXTENDED ACCORDING TO THE THEN PREVAILING FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE TENANT.
♦LET MORE POOR PEOPLE HAVE THAT TEN-YEAR RELIEF IN SUBSIDISED RENT AND HAVE SOME SAVINGS TO CREATE WEALTH AND FOSTER THEIR SENSE CF BELONGING TO HONG KONG*, HE SAID.
MR CHAN DECLARED HIS INTEREST AS A TENANT OF A CONTROLLED DOMESTIC PREMISES.
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5 WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1985
PROTECTION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS *****
THE PROTECTION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS RESIDING WITH A DECEASED TENANT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH WAS WELCOMED BY THE HON S.L. CHEN TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING ON THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE CURRENT PROVISION IN SECTION 50(4) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE ALLOWS DEPENDENTS OF A DECEASED TENANT, WHO WERE RESIDING WITH HIM AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, TO BE GIVEN THE SAME BENEFITS AND PROTECTION ON RENT INCREASE AND SECURITY OF TENURE IN RESPECT CF THE PREMISES THEY OCCUPIED.
MR CHEN DESCRIBED THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROVISION AS +CORRECT IN SPIRIT.*
HE SAID IT REMOVED THE HARDSHIP OF THOSE DEPENDENT FAMILY ►EMBERS WHO MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE TO LEAVE THE PROTECTED PREMISES AND TO SHOULDER HIGH RENTS FOR THEIR NEW ACCOMMODATION WHEN THEY HAVE ALREADY FACED THE CALAMITY OF LOSING ONE OF THEIR CLOSEST KIN.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, IN EXAMINATION OF THE BILL AND THE PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS DISCOVERED THAT SECTION 50(4), AS PRESENTLY WORDED, WENT +MUCH FURTHER THAN THE INTENDED PURPOSE.*
IN EXTREME CASES. IT MAY ALLOW TENANCIES TO BE TRANSMITTED PERPETUALLY, IN FACT THROUGH ENDLESS GENERATIONS, BY GRANTING PROTECTION IN REPEATED SUCCESSIONS AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
MR CHEN, WHO SUPPORTED THE MOTION, SAIDt +THIS WE CONSIDERED IS AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW.
♦ACCORDINGLY I SHALL MOVE AMENDMENTS TO CLAUSES 11 AND 30(D) DURING COMMITTEE STAGE TO ENSURE THAT THE PROTECTION INTENDED ONLY FOR THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS RESIDING WITH A DECEASED TENANT AT THE TIME OF HIS DEATH, WILL NOT BE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PERSONS.*
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED.
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BILL AIMS AT 'REASONABLE BALANCE FOR PEOPLE’S BENEFIT’ *****
THE OBJECT OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WAS NOT TO STIMULATE THE PROPERTY MARKET BUT TO ^REASONABLY BALANCE THE BENEFITS OF THE RELEVANT CLASSES*, THE HON ANDREW SO SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE FELT THAT THE OBJECT WAS ALSO TO MATCH THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS AND GOOD INTENTIONS IN ENCOURAGING THE SUPPLY OF LAND AND HOUSES TO MEET THE PEOPLE’S NEEDS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, HE SAID SCORES OF REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED BY UMELCO CAME MOSTLY FROM LANDLORDS.
THEY THOUGHT THAT THE ITEMS TO BE EXCLUDED FROM CO' :ROL WERE TOO FEW AND DID NOT GO FAR ENOUGH, HE SAID.
/MH SO .....
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1985
6
MR SO RECALLED THAT WHEN PROPERTY SPECULATION WAS AT ITS ALMOST CRAZY HEIGHT TWO YEARS AGO, PROPERTY PRICES SIMPLY WERE BEYOND THE REACH OF THE ORDINARY PEOPLE.
TENANTS WOULD BECOME VERY APPREHENSIVE ABOUT THE EXPIRATION CF THE LEASES BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY INCREASED RENTS, OTHERWISE THEIR LEASES WOULD NOT BE RENEWED.
♦NOW AS THE PROPERTY MARKET IS STATIC, PROPERTY PRICES AND RENTS HAVE COME DOWN TO A MORE REASONABLE LEVEL,♦ HE SAID.
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CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT EFFECT OF BILL * * * *
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG URGED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATED)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
MR CHEUNG EXPRESSED CONCERN WITH THE EFFECT OF CLAUSE 2 ♦WHICH REAFFIRMS THAT THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE, WITH OR WITHOUT THE AMENDING BILL, IS NEVER INTENDED TO APPLY TO THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF SMALL HOUSES ERECTED AFTER AUGUST 17, 1945 ON AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
♦ I WOULD LIKE TO QUESTION WHETHER SUCH A POLICY, APPARENTLY FORMULATED SOME 30 YEARS AGO IN 1953, SHOULD NOT EE REVIEWED,* MR CHEUNG SAID.
NOTING THE RAPID REDEVELOPMENTS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHEUNG SAID HE NEEDED TO BE CONVINCED THAT A POLICY, ORIGINALLY INTENDED ONLY TO APPLY TO THE AGRICULTURAL USAGES OF ANCESTRAL LAND, WAS STILL SUITED TO THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
♦ THERE IS HARDLY TODAY A PATCH OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH IS STILL BEING USED FOR PADDY CULTIVATION.
♦ HOWEVER, RENTALS FOR TENANCIES IN RESPECT OF THESE LOTS ARE STILL RECKONED IN TERMS OF PICULS OF UNHUSKED RICE OR ’KUK’, WHICH IS NO LONGER PRODUCED,+ MR CHEUNG POINTED OUT.
THIS LAND HAD BEEN SUBLET AND RESUBLET, WITH MANY LOTS HAVING BEEN CONVERTED INTO HOMESTEADS WITH OR WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE REGISTERED LAND ONWERS, HE SAID.
THE SITUATION, HE ADDED, HAD BEEN MADE WORSE EY THE TRANSFER CF JUDICIAL AUTHORITY IN DETERMINING DISPUTES OVER INIERESTS IN THIS LAND FROM THE OLD-FASHIONED DISTRICT OFFICERS TO THE DISTRICT COURTS.
♦ THE UNFAMILIAR PROCEDURES IN A DISTRICT COURT SIMPLY DETER UNSOPHISTICATED VILLAGERS FROM BRINGING THEIR GRIEVANCES CR DISPUTES FOR SETTLEMENT,+ MR CHEUNG SAID, ADDING THAT THIS MADE NEITHER THE LANDLORD NOR THE TENANT HAPPY.
HE SAID THAT THE SITUATION HAD BEEN ALLOWED TO DETERIORATE FOR TOO LONG AND WAS +IN GRAVE NEED OF EXAMINATION TO DETERMINE WHAT, IF ANYTHING, CAN BE DONE TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS.♦
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
7
SUB-TENANT BURDEN ON LANDLORD REMOVED * * * ft
, UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, A TENANT OR SUB-TENANT IS PROTECTED AGAINST HARRASSMENT FROM THE LANDLORD OR ANY OTHER PERSON, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MISS TAM POINTED OUT THAT A SUB-TENANT IS ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION OF PART OF THE PREMISES EVEN THOUGH THE LANDLORD HAS RECOVERED POSSESSION OF THE OTHER PARTS FOR HIS OWN OCCUPATION FROM THE PRINCIPAL TENANT.
HOWEVER, WHERE THE PRINCIPAL TENANT MAKES A HANDSOME PROFIT OUT OF RENTALS FROM THE SUB-TENANTS, AND PARTICULARLY IN CASES WHERE HE DOES NOT RESIDE AT THE PREMISES, IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE LANDLORD, SHE SAID.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BILL PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL GROUND FOR THE LANDLORD TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF HIS PREMISES, SHE POINTED OUT.
♦BUT THE STORY OF THE LANDLORD’S GRIEF DOES NOT END THERE,♦ SHE ADDED.
♦WHERE THE SUB-LETTING IS NOT IN BREACH OF THE CONTRACTUAL TENANCY THE SUB-TENANT BECOMES THE PRINCIPAL TENANT.
♦HE CAN IN TURN SUB-LET THE WHOLE PREMISES TO HIS SUB-TENANT AND THIS SUB-SUB-TENANT WILL ALSO BE PROTECTED UNDER OUR ’RENT CONTROL’ LEGISLATIONS.
♦THE LANDLORD, IN EFFECT, NEVER RECOVERS POSSESSION OF HIS PREMISES,♦ SHE SAID.
AN AD HOC STUDY GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THUS PROPOSED THAT WHILE THE IMMEDIATE SUB-TENANT SHOULD ENJOY RENT CONTROL PROTECTION AND SECURITY OF TENURE, THE LANDLORD SHOULD NOT BE BURDENED WITH A SUB-SUB-TENANT WHOSE EXISTENCE WAS NOT CONTEMPLATED BY THE CONTRACT, MISS TAM SAID.
AS A RESULT, AN AMENDMENT WAS MADE TO THE BILL TO THE EFFECT THAT WHERE A SUB-TENANT BECOMES THE TENANT OF A LANDLORD, ANY SUB-LETTING UNDER THAT TENANCY BY THAT TENANT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE LANDLORD WILL BE IN BREACH OF THE CONTRACTUAL TENANCY.
♦THIS AMENDMENT WILL GIVE THE LANDLORD A CHOICE AS TO WHETHER « WISHES TO RECOGNISE AND ACCEPT THE SECOND GENERATION OF SUBTENANT IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT IN THE ORIGINAL TENANCY AGREEMENT MADE BETWEEN HIM AND THE FIRST TENANT, THERE WAS NO PROHIBITION ON SUB-LETTING,+ MISS TAM SAID.
UNDER ANOTHER AMENDMENT, WHERE A SUB-TENANT BECOMES A TENANT WITHOUT BREACHING THE CONTRACTUAL TENANCY, AND HE IN TURN SUB-LETS THE PREMISES WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE LANDLORD, HE WILL BE COMMITTING A BREACH OF A CONDITION OF THE TENANCY WHICH WILL THEN BE FORFEITED.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1985
8
♦THESE AMENDMENTS CURTAIL ANY UNFAIR SUCCESSION OF SUBTENANCIES AND I SUPPORT THEM AS I SUPPORT THhS BILL WITH ALL THE OTHER AMENDMENTS,♦ MISS TAM SAID.
MISS TAM EARLIER DECLARED HER INTEREST BOTH AS A LANDLORD AND A TENANT OF PREMISES SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER PART II OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
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TWO SETS OF AMENDMENTS PROPOSED ft * * *
TWO SETS OF AMENDMENTS TO THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WOULD BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, THE HON JOHN SWA I NE SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR SWA I NE SAID THE FIRST SET RELATED TO RESTRICTIONS ON THE LANDLORD’S POWER TO DEAL WITH THE PREMISES AFTER HE HAD OBTAINED AN ORDER FOR POSSESSION.
THE RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY IN FORCE RUN FOR A PERIOD OF IWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE ORDER OR DECISION OF THE TRIBUNAL.
♦IT WAS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED THAT THIS PERIOD RUN INSTEAD FROM THE DATE OF THE LANDLORD OBTAINING VACANT POSSESSION.
♦HOWEVER, THIS FORMULA WOULD HAVE LED TO AN UNDESIRABLE DEGREE OF UNCERTAINTY AS THE TENANT MIGHT HOLD OVER LONG AFTER IE HAD CEASED TO BE ENTITLED.
♦FURTHER, IT WAS FELT THAT THE PRESENT RESTRICTION OF TWO YEARS FROM ThE DATE OF THE ORDER OR DECISION OF THE TRIBUNAL WAS A SUFFICIENT DETERRENT. ACCORDINGLY THIS FORMULA WILL BE RETA I NED,♦ HE SAID.
THE SECOND SET OF AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED RELATES TO THE ENFORCEMENT POWERS OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION.
THESE POWERS ARE SPELT OUT IN DETAIL IN THE PROPOSED BILL AND INCLUDE POWERS TO REQUIRE THE FURNISHING OF INFORMATION AND THE SUPPLY OF TENANCY DOCUMENTS, AS WELL AS POWERS OF INSPECTION OF THE PREMISES.
♦THESE POWERS ARE NOW TO BE TEMPERED BY THE PROVISION THAT THE INFORMATION REQUISITIONED BY THE COMMISSIONER MUST BE REASONABLY REQUIRED AND BY FURTHER PROVISION THAT AN OrFcNCE IS COMMITTED ONLY IF THERE IS NO REASONABLE EXCUSE FOR TmE REFUSAL, NEGLECT OR OBSTRUCTION,♦ MR SWAINE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
9
GREATER EFFORT ON SETTLEMENT OF FUTURE URGED ******
THE TIME AND ENERGY BEING SPENT ON REDUCING RENT CONTROL COULD MORE PROFITABLY BE SPENT IN EVEN GREATER EFFORTS TO PERSUADE LONDON AND BEIJING TO GET ON WITH REACHING AN ACCEPTABLE SETTLEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE REV THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN SAID AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦BY ACCEPTABLE I MEAN SUCH THAT INVESTORS WILL HAVE CONFIDENCE TO INVEST IN LONG TERM PROJECTS ESPECIALLY THOSE INVOLVING LEASES,♦ FR MCGOVERN SAID.
HE THOUGHT THAT MOST PEOPLE WERE HEEDING THE GOVERNOR’S ADVICE TO BE PATIENT AND TO GET CN WITH THE DAY-TO-DAY WORK. ♦BUT TO INVEST MONEY IN AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE IS A DIFFERENT MATTER,♦ IE ADDED.
IN OPPOSING THE MOTION FR MCGOVERN SUMMARISED GOVERNMENT’S POLICY +AS BEING TO GRADUALLY PHASE OUT RENT CONTROL IN ORDER TO BRING ACTUAL RENTS UP TO THE LEVEL OF FAIR MARKET RENT.
♦THE POLICY SHOULD, OF COURSE BE THE OPPOSITE. IT SHOULD BE TO BRING DOWN THE EXORBITANT, SPECULATION-FED UNFAIR MARKET RENT TO A LEVEL WHICH PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO PAY,* HE SAID.
FR MCGOVERN SAID THAT DUE TO SPECULATION AND OTHER REASONS THE +RENTS WERE ON THE WHOLE UNFAIR+.
♦I AM GLAD TO NOTE THAT AT LONG LAST GOVERNMENT INDIRECTLY ADMITS THIS FACT BY PROPOSING TO REMOVE THE WORDS ’FAIR MARKET RENT’ FROM THE LAW.
♦UNFORTUNATELY IN ADMITTING TO THE NEED FOR A CHANGE OF WORDS THERE WOULD APPEAR TO BE NO ADMISSION OF THE NEED FOR A CHANGE OF POLICY.
♦POLICY IS STILL BASED ON THE UNCHANGED FACT. WHAT BECOMES ’PREVAILING’ REMAINS ’UNFAIR’, ♦FR MCGOVERN SAID.
FR MCGOVERN EXPLAINED THAT HE OPPOSED RELAXATION OF RENT CONTROL AT THE PRESENT TIME FOR FOUR REASONS. IN ADDITION TO THE ONE ABOUT POLICY, +THREE OTHERS WERE ABOUT SUPPOSITIONS WHICH COULD BE WRONG.♦
REFERRING TO THE ♦FIRST POSSIBLY WRONG PRESUMPTION,*
THAT THE ONLY REAL SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM WAS + THE SACRED LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND,♦ HE SAID THAT IT DID NOT, IN ITSELF, WORK.
AND HE COULD FIND NO EVIDENCE +AMONG THE MASS OF VERY INTERESTING STATISTICS PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT,+ THAT RE’ "S FOR NED I UM AND SMALLER FLATS WERE GOING DOWN +AS IT WAS CLAP ED THEY WOULD AS A RESULT OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND COMING INTO PALANCE,* HE SAID.
♦OUR REAL PROBLEM IS TO BALANCE SUPPLY AND NEED. T E NEEDY ARE OFTEN IN NO POSITION TO TAKE PART IN THE DEMA\ ,+ HE SAID.
/A SECOND........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
10
A SECOND POSSIBLY WRONG PRESUMPTION WAS THE FREQUENTLY MADE STATEMENT THAT THE LARGE NUMBER OF VACANT RESIDENTIAL FLATS WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THEY WERE BEING DELIBERATELY HELD OFF THE MARKET BY SPECULATORS WHO WANT TO CREATE A SHORTAGE AND THUS GET THE PRICE UP.
THIS MIGHT BE PARTLY TRUE, BUT IT COULD REASONABLE BE ARGUED THAT ANOTHER MORE IMPORTANT CAUSE COULD BE THAT PEOPLE SIMPLY COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY THE HIGH RENTS BEING DEMANDED FOR SUCH FED I UM AND SMALL FLATS.
THE THIRD POSSIBLY WRONG PRESUMPTION WAS THAT IF RENT CONTROL WAS EXTENDED, DEVELOPERS WOULD LOSE INTEREST IN PROPERTY AND THERE WOULD BE FEWER NEW STARTS TO BUILDINGS NOW, AND THUS FEWER NEW FLATS FOR OCCUPATION IN A COUPLE OF YEARS TIME.
THIS TREND WAS ALREADY SHOWN IN STATISTICS, BUT, WAS RENT CONTROL THE CAUSE? HE ASKED.
ANOTHER POSSIBLE CAUSE, HE SAID, WAS THAT IN THE PRESENT POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY INVESTMENT IN ANYTHING LONG TERM IN HONG KONG WAS ♦SLOWING DOWN IN THE SHADOW OF 1997,* HE SAID.
♦WITH THESE OBSERVATIONS ON OBJECTIVES AND SUPPOSITIONS, I WILL VOTE AGAINST THE SECOND AND THIRD READINGS OF THE BILL IN GENERAL, BECAUSE IT CONTAINS A RELAXATION OF RENT CONTROL,+ IE SAID.
------0-------
REMOVAL OF THREE OFFENCES SOUGHT
* * It *
DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI TODAY CALLED FOR THE REMOVAL OF THREE DRIVING OFFENCES WHICH CARRY PENALTY POINTS, FROM THE SCHEDULE (F OFFENCES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983.
THE THREE OFFENCES ARE1 FAILING TO STOP AFTER AN ACCIDENT, FAILING TO GIVE PARTICULARS AFTER AN ACCIDENT AND FAILING TO REPORT AN ACCIDENT.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE (F THE THREE DRIVING OFFENCES ON STATED AIM OF THE BILL WHICH WAS CONSIDERATE DRIVING.
COUNCIL, DR HO SAID TH£ RETENTION THE SCHEDULE UNDERMINED THE TO PROMOTE SAFE, RESPONSIBLE AND
♦AS I SEE IT, THE ACT ITSELF IN RESPECT OF ANY OF THESE DRIVING OFFENCES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE UNSAFE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, CAUSING INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO OTHER ROAD USERS,♦ HE SAID.
♦I AM NOT SAYING THAT SUCH OFFENCES SHOULD GO UNPUNISHED, I AM MERELY POINTING OUT THAT PENALTY POINTS SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE VERY ACT OF UNSAFE DRIVING AND NOT TO SUBSEQUENT BEHAVIOUR, HE SAID.
ON THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL ITSELF, DR HO SAID IT WAS LAUDABLE AND WORTHY OF SUPPORT, AS IT WAS AIMED TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY THROUGH PENALISING RECKLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVING BEHAVIOUR.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1985
11
♦CERTAIN ELEMENTS OF DRIVING BEHAVIOUR WHICH POSE A THREAT TO OTHER ROAD USERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AND PENALTY POINTS ALLOCATED BY REFERENCE TO THE LEVELS OF PENALTIES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC CRD I NANCE,* HE SAID.
WHEN THE DRIVER HAS ACCUMULATED 15 POINTS IN A TWO-YEAR PERIOD, *£ WILL BE TEMPORARILY DISQUALIFIED FROM HOLDING A DRIVING LICENCE.
♦IN THIS WAY, THE DEMERIT POINT SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO SERVE AS AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT TO PERSISTENTLY BAD DRIVING BEHAVIOUR,♦ l€ SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED.
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BILL COULD LEAD TO BETTER DR IVING1 UNOFFICIAL M M * * *
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983 HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR RE-EDUCATING DRIVERS INTO GOOD HABITS AND IMPROVED DRIVING STANDARDS BY DANGLING THE LARGE STICK OF DISQUALIFICATION IN FRONT OF PERSISTENT OFFENDERS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON S.L. CHEN DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEN IS THE CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGCO CONSIDERING THE BILL.
♦IF THE COMPUTER OF THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT HAS NOT ERRED, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD ACTUALLY RISK DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE SYSTEM IS COMPARATIVELY SMALL, BUT THE NUMBER OF THOSE WHOSE DRIVING BEHAVIOUR MAY BE IMPROVED BY THE KNOWLEDGE THAT POSSIBLE DISQUALIFICATION LIES IN WAIT IS LIKELY TO BE CONSIDERABLY HIGHER,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, MR CHEN SAID IT WAS TO THE POTENTIAL EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF THE BILL THAT THE GROUP GAVE WEIGHT IN LENDING ITS SUPPORT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAJOR AREAS OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ CONCERN WAS THE QUESTION OF THE ACCUMULATION PERIOD.
♦WE UNANIMOUSLY CONSIDERED THAT THREE YEARS WAS TOO LONG A PERIOD.*
HE SAID THAT TWO-YEAR PERIOD WHICH HE WOULD BE PROPOSING BY KANS OF AN AMENDMENT IN THE COMMITTEE STATE +OFFERS BOTH A LONG Sough PERIOD TO ENCOURAGE AWARENESS OF AND IMPROVEMENT IN DRIVING SKILLS AND A SHORT ENOUGH PERIOD TO ENSURE THAT THE THREAT OF DISQUALIFICATION DOES NOT HOVER UNJUSTIFIABLY HEAVILY OVER DRIVERS HEADS.♦
MR CHEN NOTED THE ♦DOUBLE OR MULTIPLE PENALTY* WHICH THE BILL WOULD IMPOSE OVER AND ABOVE ANY FINANCIAL OR CUSTODIAL PENALTY AWARDED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE WAS NOT WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN HONG KONG LAW.
/HOWEVER, .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 198?
12
HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT THE POINTS SYSTEM INCLUDING SOME OFFENCES WHICH COULD BE DEALT WITH BY FIXED PENALTY TICKETS, MIGHT RESULT IN INCREASED WORK FOR THE JUDICIARY.
♦PEOPLE WHO CURRENTLY PAY FIXED PENALTY TICKETS AND THUS ADMIT GUILT OF AN OFFENCE, MAY BE MORE INCLINED IN FUTURE TO CONTEST THE CASE IN COURT,♦ HE SAID.
ON ANOTHER +DOUBLE OR MULTIPLE PENALTY* ASPECT OF THE BILL, MR CHEN SAID THAT THE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 8 NOW CLARIFIED THE POSITION THAT WHEN CALCULATING POINTS FOR THE PURPOSES OF DISQUALIFICATION, THE MAGISTRATE MIGHT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ONLY ONE OF THOSE ^MULTIPLE OFFENCES*.
UNLESS THE OFFENCES WERE OF THE SAME POINT LEVEL, ONLY THE OFFENCE CARRYING THE HIGHEST POINTS WOULD BE COUNTED.
ON THE +THORNY QUESTION* OF +CARELESS DRIVING*, MR CHEN SAID THE GROUP WAS ASSURED BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS EXISTED TO ENSURE THAT A PROSECUTION OF +CARELESS DRIVING* WAS ONLY BROUGHT AFTER CAREFUL SCRUTINY OF THE FACTS OF THE CASE BY SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS AND BY THEIR LEGAL ADVISERS.
TURNING TO THE SCHEDULE, HE SAID THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT IN HIS SPEECH ON APRIL 13 SAID THAT THE 16 OFFENCES PROPOSED WERE ALL CAREFULLY SELECTED AS HAVING DIRECT BEARING ON RJAD SAFETY.
HE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FOUND IT *A LITTLE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND* THE LOGIC FOR INCLUDING ITEMS 7 TO 11 AND 16 WHICH HAD NO DIRECT BEARING ON ROAD SAFETY AND HAD ADDITIONALLY SOUGHT TO DOWNGRADE THREE OFFENCES IN THE SCHEDULE WHICH APPEARED TO BE RELATIVELY LESS SERIOUS.
MR CHEN SAID AMENDMENT TO EFFECT THESE CHANGES WOULD BE PUT FORWARD DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL.
ON THE ITEM OF +GIVING PRECEDENCE TO PEDESTRIANS ON A ZEBRA CROSSING* OF THE SCHEDULE, HE SAID HONG KONG’S ROADS AND PAVEMENTS WERE EXTREMELY CONGESTED AND IN MANY WIDE AND UNCONTROLLED CROSSING, DRIVERS MIGHT HAVE TO WAIT ALL DAY TO CROSS PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN OBEDIENCE WITH THE LETTER OF THE LAW.
MR CHEN SOUGHT ASSURANCE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THIS PARTICULAR OFFENCE SHOULD BE TREATED WITH COMMONSENSE.
MR CHEN SAIDi +AFTER MANY HOURS OF CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE UNOFFICIALS, SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS HAVE NOW BEEN PROPOSED TO THE BILL.
♦WE ARE, HOWEVER, CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT IN DEALING WITH A PIECE OF LEGISLATION OF THIS NATURE WE CANNOT POSSIBLY PLEASE EVERYONE.
♦FOR SOME, THE AMENDED BILL WILL APPEAR TO HAVE ITS CLAWS DRAWN- FOR OTHERS, IT MAY STILL SEEM UNDULY HARSH.
♦IN OUR EXAMINATION OF THE BILL, WE TOOK PAINS TO FIND AN EQUITABLE BALANCE BETWEEN THE APPARENTLY CONFLICTING INTERESTS CF THE VARIOUS GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO USE THE ROAD. ULTIMATELY, ROAD SAFETY IS IN EVERYONE’S INTEREST.+
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS FURTHER ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
13
BILL TO GRANT GENERAL PERMIT FOR CLOSED AREAS
* M * K
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 PROPOSES TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO GRANT A GENERAL PERMIT TO SPECIFIC CATEGORIES OF PERSONS TO ENTER OR LEAVE A CLOSED AREA. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE PERMIT WILL BE VALID AT SUCH TIMES AND SUBJECT TO SUCH CONDITIONS AS THE COMMISSIONER MAY SPECIFY, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, IN MOVING THE BILL THROUGH THE SECOND READING.
UNDER S.38 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR ANY PERSON TO ENTER OR LEAVE A CLOSED AREA WITHOUT A PERMIT, AND THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL IS TO PROVIDE FOR EXCEPTIONS, MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED.
HE NOTED THAT DURING THE FESTIVALS OF CHING MING AND CHUNG YEUNG, IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR PEOPLE TO VISIT THE GRAVES OF THEIR ANCESTORS IN THE SANDY RIDGE CEMETARIES AT LO WU INSIDE THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.
♦THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS INVOLVED, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAS NOT IN PRACTICE BEEN ABLE TO ISSUE PERMITS FOR THEM.+ MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT.
THE SAME APPLIES TO CERTAIN OTHER CATEGORIES O’7 PERSONS WHO MOVE IN AND OUT OF THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA.
THEY INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND THE MILITARY ON DUTY, RESIDENTS OF THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA UNDER THE AGE OF 18, PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA AND EMPLOYEES OF TRANSPORT COMPANIES OPERATING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES STATUTORILY TO EXEMPT MILITARY PERSONNEL AND POLICE OFFICERS ON DUTY FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO HAVE A PERMIT, HR JEAFFRESON SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 8.
- - o -
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES LEGISLATI v REVIEWED
X X * *
AN EXTENSIVE REVIEW WAS RECENTLY UNDERTAKEN > LEGISLATION GOVERNING THE FUNCTIONS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRES.N, .A D IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
AS A RESULT, A NUMBER OF MAINLY ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS WERE NOW PROPOSED TO THE PRISONS ORDINANCE, HE SAIL, MO NG THE SECOND READING OF THE PRISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT SOME OF THE CHANGES W^ULD BRING DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS AGAINST OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO LINE WITH THOSE APPLICABLE TO OTHEri DISC °u I NED SERVICES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 8.
- 0 - -
14
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
14
BILL SEEKS TO ’WIDEN RANGE OF ACTION’
M * M * *
THE OBJECT OF THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 IS TO WIDEN THE RANGE OF ACTION THAT CAN BE TAKEN AGAINST THOSE WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN A SUPERVISION ORDER. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.
THIS WILL BE DONE BY PRESCRIBING PENALTIES OF FINES OF UP TO 15 OOO AND IMPRISONMENT OF UP TO 12 MONTHS FOR BREACHES OF SUPERVISION ORDERS ON CONVICTION IN A COURT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, IN MOVING THE BILL THROUGH ITS SECOND READING.
SECTION 6 OF THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO MAKE A RECALL ORDER AGAINST A PERSON WHO BREACHES THE CONDITIONS OF HIS SUPERVISION ORDER.
THIS SECTION, MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT, IS NOT ALWAYS APPROPRIATE, PARTICULARLY IN CASES WHERE THE PERSON IN QUESTION HAS NOT STARTED TAKING DRUGS AGAIN.
HE NOTED THAT PROVISIONS SIMILAR TO THOSE OF THE BILL ARE CONTAINED IN THE DETENTION CENTRES ORDINANCE AND TRAININC CENTRES ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 8.
------o ------
PROPOSAL TO INCREASE LEVEL OF FINES * * * *
THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH IS MERELY TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF FINES TO BE IMPOSED FOR OFFENCES AGAINST THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND ITS REGULATIONS, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE ACT IF. 3 SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON CHAN NAI-KEONG SAID:
♦THE FINES WHICH MAY AT PRESENT BE IMPOSED WERE SET IN 1974 AND ARE S10 000, UNDER SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE, FOR THE OFFENCE OF POLLUTING WATER FORMING PART OF THE WATERWORKS, AND A MAXIMUM OF $2 000, UNDER SECTION 37, FOR THE OFFENCE OF CONTRAVENING THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS.
♦IN VIEW OF THE INFLATION WHICH HAS TAKEN PLACE SINCE THAT DATE, IT IS CONSIDERED REASONABLE TO INCREASE THOSE FINES, IN LINE WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INiEX OVER THE SAME PERIOD, TO $20 000 AND $4 000 RESPECTIVELY.*
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 8.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
15
HANDLING OF CHILD ABUSE CASES
* M *
AN AD HOC WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN REVIEWING AND CLARIFYING THE GUIDELINES FOR INTER-DEPARTMENTAL USE IN HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT WHO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE A STATEMENT CONCERNING THE FINDINGS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S INQUIRY INTO THE DEATH OF CHAU PUI-MAN.
POINTING OUT THAT THIS WORKING GROUP WAS UNCONNECTED WITH THE CHAU PUI-MAN CASE, MR CHING SAID THEIR GUIDELINES SET OUT THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES WHICH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND SCHOOLS WERE EXPECTED TO FOLLOW.
♦ THE NEED FOR CASE CONFERENCES IS STRESSED, AND THE NEED FOR FREQUENT HOME VISITS AND PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE CHILD IS EMPHASISED.
♦ I CONSIDER THAT IT WOULD BE TIMELY TO GIVE THIS WORKING GROUP A MORE FORMAL STATUS, WITH THE TASK OF CONDUCTING A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES, AND MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT, INCLUDING THE NEED FOR ANY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS THAT MIGHT BE REQUIRED,♦ HE SAID.
ON THE DEATH OF CHAU PUI-MAN, MR CHING SAID A VERY THOROUGH REVIEW WAS CARRIED OUT WHICH SHOWED THAT ALL CONCERNED WITH THE CASE HAD ACTED IN WHAT WAS CONSCIENTIOUSLY THOUGHT, AT THE TIME, TO BE IN THE CHILD’S BEST INTEREST.
HOWEVER, THE REVIEW ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO EXISTING PROCEDURES.
♦ THE REVIEW HAS SHOWN, FIRST, THAT CHILD ABUSE CASES ARE NOT ALWAYS NOTIFIED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AS EARLY AS THEY COULD BE.+ MR CHING SAID.
THE REVIEW ALSO REAFFIRMED THE IMPORTANT PRINCIPLE THAT IN DECIDING ANY COURSE OF ACTION THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILD MUST BE GIVEN PRECEDENCE.
♦ THIRDLY, THE REVIEW HAS SHOWN THAT SOCIAL CASE WORKERS MUST BE GIVEN AS MUCH TRAINING AS POSSIBLE,♦ HE SAID.
TWO MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN — THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICE UNIT, STAFFED BY OFFICERS EXPERIENCED IN CHILD ABUSE WORK, IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND THE ATTENDANCE OF A HONG KONG UNIVERSITY EXTRA-MURAL COURSE ON CHILD ABUSE BY NINE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
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16.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
16
BRIDGE AT LEI YUE MUN STILL PREFERRED
M M M *
A BRIDGE AT LEI YUE MUN CONTINUES TO BE THE PREFERRED OPTION FOR A SECOND FIXED VEHICULAR HARBOUR CROSSING, PROVIDED THAT IT DOES NOT INTERFERE UNDULY WITH THE AIRPORT INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN ON THE GOVERNMENT'S THINKING ABOUT A SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND EAST KOWLOON.
EXAMINATION OF THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE EFFECTS ON THE INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM OF SUCH A BRIDGE WILL SOON BE FINISHED, AND A MEMORANDUM WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL NEXT MONTH, HE EXPLAINED.
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SPECIAL POLICE UNIT DEALS WITH COUNTERFEITING
* M * M M
THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAS A SECTION DEDICATED SOLELY TO COMBATING COUNTERFEITING, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DOUGLAS BLYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MR PETER C. WONG ABOUT GOVERNMENT ACTION AGAINST THE COUNTERFEITING OF BANK NOTES.
♦WHILE I CAN CONFIRM, AS HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED IN THE PRESS, THAT A NUMBER OF ARRESTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE POSSESSION OF FORGED $1 000 CHARTERED BANK NOTES AND THAT THE POLICE ARE CONTINUING IN THEIR EFFORTS TO LOCATE THE ULTIMATE SOURCE OF THESE FORGERIES, IT WOULD NOT BE SENSIBLE TO REVEAL ANY DETAILS OF POLICE OPERATIONS,* HE ADDED.
MR BLYE SAID ALSO THAT LAST YEAR THE GOVERNMNET AND THE TWO NOTE ISSUING BANKS ENTERED INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THOMAS DE LA RUE AND COMPANY LIMITED UNDER WHICH THAT COMPANY WOULD CONSTRUCT A PLANT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HONG KONG’S NOTES, AND THAT THE OPPORTUNITY WAS BEING TAKEN TO INTRODUCE A NEW SERIES OF NOTES, WHICH WOULD PROBABLY BEGIN TO BE ISSUED IN 1985.
♦THE NEW NOTES WILL INCORPORATE IMPROVED SECURITY FEATURES, USING THE VERY LATEST TECHNOLOGY,♦ HE CONCLUDED.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
17
CALCULATION OF PREMIUM FOR MODIFICATION
* * * * *
THE PREMIUM FOR MODIFICATION OF THE NON-ASSIGNMENT CLAUSE IN SMALL HOUSE GRANTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS CALCULATED BY TAKING THE DIFFERENCE IN LAND VALUE BETWEEN A LOT WHICH IS PERMITTED TO BE ASSIGNED AND A LOT WHICH IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE ASSIGNED, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON CHAN NAI-KEONG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HARRY FANG, MR CHAN SAID THAT TO ENABLE PREMIA IN INDIVIDUAL CASES TO BE READILY ASSESSED A SCHEDULE OF STANDARD PREMIUM RATES FOR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS WAS ISSUED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND REVISED PERIODICALLY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGES IN LAND VALUE.
TURNING TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON THE SAME SUBJECT MR CHAN SAID THE REDUCTION OF 10 PER CENT IN THE PREMIUM RATES SINCE NOVEMBER 1982 REPRESENTED THE ASSESSED DECLINE IN THAT SECTOR OF THE PROPERTY MARKET OVER THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 1982 TO APRIL 1983.
♦THE REDUCTION OF 30 PER CENT IN THE RATES SET IN NOVEMBER 1982 SHOWED THE RELATIVELY SHARP DECLINE IN THE MARKET WHICH OCCURRED DURING THE PREVIOUS MONTHS,♦ HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON F.K. HU ON WHETHER GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP AN APPELLATE BODY TO REVIEW PREMIA ASSESSMENTS FOR THE RE-GRANT OF LEASES AND MODIFICATIONS ARISING FROM ZONING CHANGES, MR CHAN SAID THAT A PROPOSAL TO SET UP SUCH AN APPELLATE BODY HAD RECENTLY BEEN DISCUSSED IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN TO CONSIDER THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL APPEAL PROCEDURES.
♦THE STUDY IS NOW IN HAND AND A PAPER ON THE SUBJECT WILL BE PUT TO THE JULY MEETING OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSS ION,♦ HE ADDED.
------o-------
UNIFORM BASIS FOR APPEALS WELCOMED
* * * *
THE PROVISION OF A UNIFORM BASIS FOR APPEALS UNDER THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WOULD BE WIDELY WELCOMED BY LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, THE HON PETER C. WONG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, HE SAID THE PROVISION WAS AMONG AMENDMENTS OF A TECHNICAL NATURE.
MR WONG IS THE CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP OF 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS CONSIDERING THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
/SINCE 1982, .......
rfEDNiSDAY, MAY 25, 198?
18
SINCE 1982, THE LANDS TRIBUNAL HAS BEEN THE JUDICIAL BODY EMPOWERED TO HEAR TENANCY CASES IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT WHEN LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS FOR THIS PURPOSE WERE INTRODUCED LAST YEAR, THE TRIBUNAL WAS NOT VESTED WITH JURISDICTION TO DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FOR POSSESSION DURING THE CONTRACTUAL PERIOD.
♦THIS HAS GIVEN RISE TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL NOW SEEKS TO VEST SUCH JURISDICTION IN THE TRIBUNAL,* HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID CLAUSES 6, 7 AND 8 OF THE BILL AMENDED LANDS TRIBUNAL RULES.
NORMALLY, SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND AMENDMENTS THERETO WERE TABLED IN THIS COUNCIL BY WAY OF RESOLUTION, HE SAID, ADDING THAT PRESENT DEPARTURE FROM NORMAL PRACTICE WAS PURELY A MATTER OF CONVENIENCE.
♦THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS BEEN FULLY CONSULTED AND HAS APPROVED THE AMENDMENTS,♦ HE SAID.
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STEPS TAKEN AGAINST ARMS SMUGGLING * * * *
IN THE PAST 24 MONTHS, NO-ONE ENTERING HONG KONG LEGALLY FROM CHINA WAS CAUGHT TRYING TO SMUGGLE IN FIRE ARMS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
EIGHT PEOPLE CARRYING FIRE ARMS WERE ARRESTED TRYING TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY FROM CHINA, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON MARIA TAM.
THERE WERE FIVE CASES INVOLVING ATTEMPTS TO SMUGGLE DRUGS FROM CHINA, ONLY ONE OF WHICH WAS CONCERNED WITH A SIGNIFICANT QUANTITY, HE SAID.
CUSTOMS OFFICERS CHECK PERSONS AND THEIR BAGGAGE ENTERING HONG KONG THROUGH THE TWO BORDER CHECK POINTS AT LO WU AND MAN KAM TO, USING X-RAY MACHINES, METAL DETECTORS AND, FROM TIME TO tim£, DOGS TRAINED TO DETECT NARCOTICS, HE SAID.
♦AS A RESULT OF RECENTLY AGREED ARRANGEMENTS, THEY LIAISE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BORDER, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE PASSING OF INTELLIGENCE ON CUSTOMS MATTERS HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED,♦ HE ADDED.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
19
CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXAMINE WHETHER THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE SHOULD BE AMENDED SO AS TO PERMIT JUVENILE COURTS TO MAKE CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS ON APPLICATION BY A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JOHN GRIFFITHS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV THE HON JOYCE BENNETT, MR GRIFFITHS SAID ANY MEASURES THAT COULD BE TAKEN THAT WOULD EXTEND THE PROTECTIVE NETWORK IN THIS CRUCIAL AREA OF SOCIAL CONCERN WOULD BE GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION.
MR GRIFFITHS SAID THE ORDINANCE DEFINED THE FOLLOWING THREE TYPES OF SITUATION IN WHICH CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS COULD BE MADE I
ft WHERE THE CHILD IS PARENTLESS OR HAS AN UNFIT PARENT AND IS FALLING INTO BAD ASSOCIATION OR EXPOSED TO MORAL DANGER OR IS BEYOND CONTROL;
ft WHERE A SPECIFIED OFFENCE SUCH AS ANY OFFENCE INVOLVING BODILY INJURY TO A CHILD OR INCEST HAS BEEN COMMITTED INVOLVING A CHILD OR WHERE A CHILD IS IN A HOUSEHOLD WHERE A SPECIFIED OFFENCE HAS BEEN COMMITTED, AND
ft WHERE A CHILD IS FOUND WANDERING WITHOUT ANY SETTLED PLACE OF ABODE AND WITHOUT VISIBLE MEANS OF SUBSISTENCE.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE A JUVENILE COURT MAY MAKE CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS ON ITS OWN MOTION OR UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OR OF ANY PROBATION OFFICER OR OF ANY PERSON AUTHORISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN WRITING OR OF ANY POLICE OFFICER.
♦THE EFFECT OF THESE CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS IS TO REALLOCATE PARENTAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES, EITHER TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN SUFFERING DEPRIVATION, NEGLECT OR CRUELTY.♦
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, IMMEDIATE ACTION COULD BE TAKEN UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO REMOVE A CHILD, KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TO BE THE VICTIM OF ANY FORM OF CHILD ABUSE FROM HIS HOME BY MEANS OF DETENTION OF THE CHILD IN A PLACE OF REFUGE.
♦THE PURPOSE OF THIS POWER IS TO PROVIDE A QUICK ACTING EMERGENCY PROVISION TO ENSURE THAT IF A CHILD IS IN ACTUAL DANGER, HE CAN BE IMMEDIATELY TAKEN FROM THAT SITUATION AND PUT IN A PLACE OF SAFETY,♦ MR GRIFFITHS SAID.
o -
/20
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
20
POLICY ON TEACHER TRAINING EXPLAINED X M M M
THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POLICY IN UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF TEACHERS OF PRACTICAL AND CULTURAL SUBJECTS THROUGH THE ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION OFFERED AT THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IS TO EQUIP THEM TO TEACH UP TO FORM FIVE LEVEL IN THEIR CHOSEN SPECIALISMS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY REV. THE HON JOYCE BENNETT AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HAYE SAID THE ADVANCED COURSE COMPRISED A CORE OF STUDIES IN EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES AND LANGUAGE SKILLS WHICH ALL STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW.
IN ADDITION, EACH STUDENT IS REQUIRED TO STUDY IN DEPTH, ON AN ELECTIVE BASIS, ONE AREA OF SUBJECT SPECIALISATION, AND TO TAKE UP PRACTICAL TEACHING IN SCHOOLS. FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS THE PRACTICAL TEACHING ELEMENT IS REPLACED BY A PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT TO INDUSTRY.
THERE ARE SIX PRACTICAL AND CULTURAL SUBJECTS IN THE COURSE, NAMELY ART AND DESIGN, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, HOME MANAGEMENT, DRESS AND DESIGN, MUSIC, AND DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY.
MR HAYE SAID THIS YEAR ONLY FIVE OF THESE COURSES WOULD BE HELD BECAUSE THERE WERE NOT ENOUGH SUITABLE CANDIDATES TO JUSTIFY EXPENSIVE COLLEGE RESOURCES FOR THE SIXTH.
IN DECIDING THE RANGE OF THESE COURSES, THEIR NATURE AND OBJECTIVES, MR HAYE SAID THAT IT SHOULD GO WITHOUT SAYING THAT THE NEEDS OF SCHOOLS, THE LACK OF LOCAL TEACHERS IN THE SUBJECTS CONCERNED, THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE CAPACITY OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION TO MOUNT COURSES DICTATE POLICY.
ALTHOUGH THE ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION WAS IMPORTANT, THE DIRECTOR SAID IT WAS ONLY PART OF THE MASSIVE TRAINING AND RE-TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
♦PRIORITIES MUST BE SET AMONG VARIOUS TRAINING AREAS SO AS NOT TO AFFECT THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL TEACHER TRAINING COMMITMENT WHICH, OF NECESSITY. MUST LIE IN THE NEW TWO AND THREE-YEAR BASIC TRAINING COURSES,* MR HAYE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WERE UNDERGOING A WkJOR PROGRAMME OF EXPANSION TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THIS HAD BEEN CAREFULLY PLANNED SO AS NOT TO OVER STRETCH COLLEGE RESOURCES AND LOWER STANDARDS. EXPANSION OF THE ADVANCED COURSE WOULD TAKE PLACE IF IT WAS JUSTIFIED AND FEASIBLE, HE SAID.
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/21 .......
RCDNE'SDKT', "MJTT Z5, 178'5 - 21 -
TRAINING CAPACITIES TO BE EXPANDED FOR MEDICAL STAFF ft ft ft * ft
THERE WERE ON THE WHOLE SUFFICIENT MEDICAL AND PARA-MEDICAL STAFF TO MAINTAIN THE PRESENT LEVEL OF SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HOWEVER, THE POSITION WAS LESS SATISFACTORY IN THE SUBVERTED SECTOR THAN IN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR, MR CHING SAID IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON ALEX WU.
PRESENT INDICATIONS WERE THAT BASED ON THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S STANDARDS. THERE WOULD BE A PROJECTED SHORTFALL OF DOCTORS AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, NURSING AND PARA-MEDICAL STAFF IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR OVER THE NEXT DECADE, MR CHING SAID.
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT DISCUSSIONS WERE BEING HELD WITH THE UNIVERSITIES WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING THE INTAKES TO THE MEDICAL SCHOOLS.
HE SAID THAT IN ADDITION, EIGHT NEW NURSES TRAINING SCHOOLS AND FOUR PROJECTS FOR THE EXTENSION OF EXISTING SCHOOLS WERE BEING PLANNED, INCREASING THE TOTAL TRAINING CAPACITY IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR FROM 1 >22 TO 2 567 PLACES BY THE END OF THE PLANNING DECADE.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT PLANS WERE IN HAND TO FURTHER EXPAND TRAINING CAPACITY AT THE POLYTECHNIC FOR MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS AND FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS.
------o-------
CRIMINAL RECORDS MAINTAINED BY POLICE ft ft ft ft
THE POLICE MAINTAIN RECORDS OF 481 271 PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF VARIOUS CRIMINAL OFFENCES BY COURTS IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON ANDREW SO, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN THE ABSENCE OF A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF EACH RECORD, HE COULD NOT SAY HOW MANY OF THESE CASES HAD BEEN SUBJECT TO *N0 CONVICTION RECORDED* ORDERS.
HE SAID THAT FOR CASES BEFORE THE COURTS IN THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THE PROPORTION WITH +N0 CONVICTION RECORDED* WAS VERY SMALL.
THIS, HE EXPLAINED, WAS THE CONSEQUENCE OF GUIDELINES SET OUT IN APPEAL CASES REGARDING THE USE OF THIS PROCEDURE.
THE NUMBERS OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR +CERTIFICATES OF NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION* W£RE 16 273 IN 1980, 17 521 IN 1981 AND 20 638 IN 1982 WHILE THE NUMBERS OF CERTIFICATES ISSUED FOR THE THREE RESPECTIVE YEARS WERE 15 917 (98 PER CENT), 17 082 (97.5 PER CENT), AND 20 111 (97.2 PER CENT).
/MR JKAFFRESON ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
22
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT PERSONS WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF ------------------------------ NOT ELIGIBLE FOR *N0 CRIMINAL
♦NO CONVICTION RECORDED* ORDERS ARE CONVICTION* CERTIFICATES.
♦IN CASES WHERE 'NO CONVICTION
RECORDED' HAS BEEN ORDERED, A LETTER ADVISING THAT GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE IN HONG
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE PROVIDES ALTHOUGH THE SUBJECT HAS BEEN FOUND------.......
KONG, THE COURT HAS ORDERED 'NO CONVICTION RECORDED*, HE SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER PROVIDED 95 SUCH LETTERS LAST YEAR.
- 0 -
SAME CAUSES SEEN FOR MALE AND FEMALE CRIME *****
THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 44.4 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF FEMALES CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES DURING THE FIVE YEARS FROM 1978 TO 1982, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD fHE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON PETER C.WONG, W JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THIS INCREASE ALMOST EXACTLY PARALLELED THAT FOR MALE OFFENDERS, IT WAS REASONABLE TO SUPPOSE THAT THE SAME BASIC CAUSES OF CRIM^ APPLIED TO BOTH SEXES.
♦CERTAINLY THERE IS NOTHING I CAN SEE IN THE PATTERN OF CRIMES COMMITTED TO LEAD TO ANY OTHER CONCLUSION. THE CAUSES ARE OF A GENERAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC NATURE,+ HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT FEMALE OFFENDERS REPRESENTED LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF ALL OFFENDERS IN HONG KONG AND THAT THEY TENDED TO INDULGE IN PRIMARILY THE LESS SERIOUS TYPES OF CRIME.
♦THE SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS INCREASE ARE, I SUGGEST, OF NO GREAT SIGNIFICANCE,♦ HE SAID.
-------o----------
BILL TO MODERNISE PROVISIONS IN EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE * * * *
THE EXCHANGE FUND HAS BEEN USED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS SINCE DECEMBER 1981 FOR THE INTERVENTION IN THE MONEY MARKET TO EXERT PRESSURE ON INTEREST RATES AND THEREBY INFLUENCE THE EXCHANGE RATE, THE ACTING FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON DOUGLAS BLYE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
ON DECEMBER 9, 1981, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED TO THE COUNCIL A MECHANISM BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD INTERVENE IN THE MONEY MARKET THROUGH THE EXCHANGE FUND.
/+EVJK THOUGH........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 198}
25
♦EVEN THOUGH THE INTERVENTION HAS UNDOUBTEDLY SUCCEEDED AT T^SIN THE OBJECTIVE OF INFLUENCING THE EXCHANGE RATE, ALBEIT INDIRECTLY. THERE HAVE BEEN DOUBTS AS TO WHETHER THE OPERATIONS INVOLVED FALL UNQUESTIONABLY WITHIN THE DEFINED PURPOSE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND WHICH IS TO REGULATE THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE CURRENCY OF HONG KONG.+ MR BLYE SAID, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EXCHANGE FUND {AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.
,™E J?*’1* PURP0SE °F THE BILL, HE EXPLAINED, IS TO MODERNISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE SO AS TO GIVE CLEAR LEGAL AUTHORITY FOR CERTAIN EXISTING PRACTICES.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 3(1) OF THE ORDINANCE WOULD PUT THE PROPRIETY OF THIS TYPE OF INTERVENTION BEYOND DOUBT, HE SA ID •
urtTCe°?OeT,?!?..^0V]SI9N2 THE B,LLZ MR BLYE N0TED THAT WHEN BANK *£ES ARE A CERTIFICATE OF INDEBTEDNESS IS ISSUED AS COVER
FOR THESE NOTES AND THE NOTE-ISSUING BANK IS REQUIRED TO PAY TO THE EXCHANGE FUND A SUM EQUIVALENT TO THE FACE VLAUE OF THE CERTIFICATE.
AT PRESENT, THE ORDINANCE REQUIRES THAT THESE SUMS SHOULD BE HELD EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE REDEMPTION OF THE BANK NOTES.
THIS WOULD REQUIRE THE ASSETS BACKING THE NOTE ISSUE TO BE MANAGED SEPARATELY, WHEREAS IN PRACTICE ALL ASSETS OF THE FUND ARE MANAGED AS ONE POOL.
♦A PROPOSAL IS NOW MADE TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO GIVE FORMAL BACKING TO EXISTING PRACTICE.+ MR BLYE SAID.
AS COINS AND NOTES SERVE SIMILAR MONETARY FUNCTIONS, THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE ASSETS BACKING THE COIN ISSUE SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM AND EMPLOYED IN A DIFFERENT MANNER TO THOSE BACKING THE NOTE ISSUE, MR BLYE SAID.
♦IT IS PROPOSED, THEREFORE, TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW ALL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE RELATING TO THE ISSUE, MAINTENANCE, AND RETIREMENT OF COINAGE IN HONG KONG TO BE CREDITED OR CHARGED TO THE EXCHANGE FUND.
♦THIS PROPOSAL REFLECTS CURRENT PRACTICE AND PARALLELS THE ACCOUNTING TREATMENT OR REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ARISING FROM THE NOTE ISSUE,♦ HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT CERTAIN POWERS NOW HELD BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO EITHER THE GOVERNOR OR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
THUS, AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE AUDIT OF THE FUND WOULD LIE WITH THE GOVERNOR, AND AUTHORITY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF STAFF EMPLOYED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURPOSES OF THE FUND WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR BLYE EXPLAINED.
♦THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL HAVE NO IMPLICATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, WHICH, AND I EMPHASISE THIS, CONTINUE TO REST ENTIRELY WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
2U
CAR REPAIR OPERATIONS * ft ft ft *
COORDINATION OF EFFORT AND A UNIFIED APPROACH TO THE INTRACTABLE PROBLEM OF CAR REPAIRING OPERATIONS IN URBAN RESIDENTIAL AREAS WERE THE MORE LIKELY TO PRODUCE RESULTS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION. THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT DESIGNATING SINGLE AUTHORITIES, WHICH CUT ACROSS DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, WAS THE CORRECT AND MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO HANDLE THE MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF A PARTICULAR PROBLEM.
MR AKERS-JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG ON WHETHER GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER DESIGNATING A SINGLE AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER THE RULES APPLICABLE TO CAR REPAIRING OPERATIONS.
♦I HAVE A GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR STREET MANAGEMENT AND FOR TRYING TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GENERAL PROVISION AND CONTROL OF CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS,* HE SAID.
♦OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND AUTHORITIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY, THE CLEANLINESS, THE REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS AND THE COMPLIANCE WITH LEASE CONDITIONS OF CAR REPAIR WORKSHOPS.♦
-----o-----
CONTRACT HIRE CARS ft ft ft
HOLDERS OF CONTRACT HIRE CAR PERMITS, IN THE COURSE OF OBTAINING THEIR PERMITS, ARE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY SOLICITING FOR HIRE AND THE POSSIBLE SUSPENSION OF VEHICLE LICENCES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.
THERE REMAIN FOR CONSIDERATION ILLEGAL *PAK PAI* OPERATORS, WHO ARE LIABLE TO SUSPENSION OF THEIR VEHICLE LICENCES IN ADDITION TO THE IMPOSITION OF A FINE BY WAY OF FIXED PENALTY, OR BY WAY OF CONVICTION BY A COURT AFTER THE ISSUE OF A SUMMONS, W SCOTT SAID.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON F.K. HU AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THERE WERE 134 SUCH SUSPENSIONS OF VEHICLE LICENCES SINCE APRIL 1, 1982. OF THESE, FOUR FOLLOWED UPON THE ISSUE OF FIXED PENALTY TICKETS; THE REMAINDER FOLLOWED UPON SUMMONS AND CONVICTION.
ON THE LARGER ISSUE OF GENERAL PUBLICITY THERE WERE MANY MORE IMPORTANT MATTERS WHICH RATED PRIORITY IN TERMS OF LIMITED RESOURCES AND THE ABSORPTION CAPACITY OF THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
0--------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
25
PLAY AREAS USUALLY PROTECTED BY NETTING
* * * * *
SCHOOLS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ARE GENERALLY LOCATED AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AND THE CHANCES OF OBJECTS FALLING ONTO SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS ARE RATHER REMOTE.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR BERNARD WILLIAMS, SAID THIS TODAY AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HENRIETTA IP MAN-HING.
HE SAID THAT AS FAR AS NURSERIES ON THE GROUND FLOORS OF DOMESTIC BLOCKS WERE CONCERNED, OPEN PLAY AREAS WERE USUALLY PROVIDED WITH PROTECTIVE NETTINGS OR CANOPIES WHERE THERE WAS ANY POTENTIAL DANGER OF FALLING OBJECTS.
♦FURTHERMORE, ESTATE STAFF CONSTANTLY REMIND TENANTS OF THE DANGER OF THROWING OBJECTS OUT OF WINDOWS.
+AND WE ALSO SEEK THE HELP OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER TENANTS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN EDUCATING THEIR FELLOW RESIDENTS TO REFRAIN FROM SUCH DANGEROUS PRACTICES,* HE SAID.
-------0--------
ATTENDANCE RATES AT PAEDIATRIC WARDS ft ft ft ft
ABOUT HALF OF THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN UNDER 12 ATTENDING THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WERE ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL’S PAEDIATRIC WARDS IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1982.
THE RATE OF ADMISSION WAS LOWER IN THE OTHER TWO REGIONAL HOSPITALS — 40 PER CENT FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND 25 PER CENT FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, GAVE THESE STATISTICS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
DR THONG POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN BELOW 12 ADMITTED THROUGH THE A AND E DEPARTMENT OF PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WERE 5 068 OUT OF A TOTAL ATTENDANCE OF 10 194 FOR THIS AGE GROUP. THE OVERALL ATTENDANCE FOR ALL AGES WAS 40 962.
AT QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, 6 953 CHILDREN OUT OF A TOTAL CF 15 958 IN THE SAME AGE GROUP WERE SEEN AT THE A AND E DEPARTMENT, WITH THE OVERALL ATTENDANCE STANDING AT 69 302.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WERE 2 069 OUT OF 7 973, WITH AN OVERALL ATTENDANCE OF 29 307.
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/26........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
- 2o -
MOSQUITO MENACE
XXX
THE TWO MOST COMMON MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES IN HONG KONG WERE JAPANESE ENCEPHALITIS AND MALARIA, AND SO FAR THIS YEAR, THERE WAS NO CASE REPORTED OF ANYONE CONTRACTING THESE TWO DISEASES LOCALLY.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON HENRY CHING, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR CHING SAID THAT 220 PROSECUTIONS WERE BROUGHT FOR MOSQUITO-BREEDING OFFENCES AND APPLICATIONS WERE MADE FOR 93 SUMMONSES TO BE SERVED ON NEW OFFENDERS SO FAR THIS YEAR.
-----o------
DEBATE ADJOURNED x x x
FIVE BILLS — THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE WATERWORKS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE PRISONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983. THE DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 — WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED TILL JUNE 8.
DEBATE ON THREE OTHER BILLS — THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS) BILL 1983, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE LANDS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 — WAS RESUMED AND FURTHER ADJOURNED.
-----0------
/27........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 1983
27
OPENING OF MAI PO FIRE STATION M K M
HONG KONG’S FIRE SERVICES RECEIVED HIGH PRAISES TODAY FROWL; FORMER EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES WHEN HE OPENED THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW MAI PO FIRE STATION IN FAIR VIEW PARK, YUEN LONG.
SIR ALBERT, WHO WAS SPEAKING AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE CANADIAN OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SAID« ♦WITH ITS FINE TRAINING AND VAST EXPERIENCE OUR FIRE SERVICE RANKS AMONG THE MOST EFFICIENT IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.+
HE ADDED THAT RESIDENTS IN THE AREA WOULD BE COMFORTED IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEIR SAFETY WAS ASSURED IN THE EVENT OF FIRE.
IN WELCOMING SIR ALBERT TO THE CEREMONY, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND, MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING, SAID TO PROVIDE AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD COVER THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY OF HONG KONG, THE PROVISION OF NEW FIRE STATIONS MUST GO HAND IN HAND WITH NEW DEVELOPMENT AND POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW MAI PO FIRE STATION WAS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE.
MR CHEUNG ALSO THANKED THE CANADIAN OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD AND THEIR STAFF FOR THEIR EFFORT IN RENDERING THE NEW FIRE STATION OPERATIVE IN THE SOONEST POSSIBLE TIME.
THE NEW FIRE STATION COMPRISES A TWO-STOREY BUILDING AND A SINGLE STOREY STRUCTURE. THE TWO-STOREY BUILDING CONTAINS THE OFFICES, APPLIANCE ROOMS, RECREATION ROOM, CANTEEN AND DORMITORY WHILE THE SINGLE STOREY BUILDING IS USED FOR DANGEROUS GOODS STORAGE.
IT IS BEING MANNED BY 23 FIRE OFFICERS AND 12 AMBULANCEMEN AND IS EQUIPPED WITH ONE MAJOR PUMP AND TWO AMBULANCES.
------o-------
PERCIVAL STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
* I: *
PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN LOCI HART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFF C BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CAUSEWAY BAY STATION.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG PERCIVAL STREET HEADING FOR HENNESSY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOCKHART ROAD AND CANAL ROAD EAST.
------o-------
PLB PROHIBITION IN TUEN MUN
* * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 27), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE NEW ROAD LINKING SIU HONG COURT IN TUEN MUN WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI).
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APRIL EXPORTS RISE 16 PER CENT ............................. 1
CHIEF SECRETARY HEADS 'FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ............... J
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION FUNCTIONS EXPLAINED ................. 6
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED ............. 8
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO GATHER FOR SEMINAR ............... 9
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS EXCHANGE VIEWS ...................... 11
S86-MILLION AUDITORIUM FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS............... 11
SIR PHILIP VISITS POLICE HEADQUARTERS ...................... 1}
SCHOOL FOR SPASTICS GETS S100 OOO BOOST .................... 14
TREES STILL NOT APPRECIATED................................. 15
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CONCERTS ...................... 16
MANPOWER SURVEY OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY STARTS JUNE 8 ........ 16
FREQUENCY CUTBACK TO SAVE FERRY SERVICE .................... 17
YAU MA TEI DRAMA SOCIETY FORMED............................. 18
APPLICATION INVITED FOR ’KAITO’ LICENCES ................... 18
SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH ............................ 19
URBAN CLEARWAY AT AUSTIN ROAD
19
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
1
APRIL EXPORTS RISE 16 PER CENT ******
DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL THIS YEAR INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, OR «1 071 MILLION OVER DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, TO REACH $7 612 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, RE-EXPORTS, ROSE BY 16 PER CENT OR $582 MILLION.
AT >4 171 MILLION,
ALSO
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $11 783 MILLION, WERE 16 PER CENT OR Si 653 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN APRIL OF 1982.
WITH IMPORTS AT S13 533 MILLION, WHICH GREW BY 10 PER CENT OR Si 231 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE MONTH WAS SI 750 MILLION. v
THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP — THE PROPORTION OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS — THUS NARROWED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 13 PER CENT FROM 18 PER CENT OF APRIL LAST YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES IN VALUE TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN APRIL SHOWED REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT OVER THEIR CORRESPONDING AVERAGE GROWTH RATES IN THE FIRST QUARTER. THIS MAY SUGGEST THAT THE STEADY RECOVERY OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY FROM THE EFFECTS OF THE WORLD RECESSION NOTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER NOT ONLY CONTINUED, BUT GATHERED PACE IN APRIL. FURTHER, THE SUBSTANTIAL RECOVERY IN THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS TO 10 PER CENT FROM AN AVERAGE OF ONLY TWO PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER WAS ALSO ENCOURAGING, AS IT PROBABLY IMPLIED SOME INCREASE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.
PUTTING LAST MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE UP BY NINE PER CENT AND EIGHT PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR. AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS ONLY FOUR PER CENT HIGHER, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR STOOD AT 13 PER CENT, SIGNIFICANTLY SMALLER THAN THE 16 PER CENT RECORDED FOR THE SIMILAR PERIOD OF 1982.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1983t-
MERCHANDISEi
DOMESTIC EXPORTS i $ 7 612 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS » $ 4 171 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS » $11 783 MILLION
IMPORTS i $13 533 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE i $ 1 750 MILLION
(IN DEFICIT)
/COMPARATIVE .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 198?
2
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
FEB-APRIL FEB-APRIL INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1983 1982 DECREASE
$ MN. • MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 19 802 17 802 ♦2 000 +11.2
RE-EXPORTS 11 604 10 895 ♦ 709 * 6.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 31 406 28 697 ♦2 709 + 9.4
IMPORTS 36 136 35 688 . ♦ 448 *1.3
TRADE BALANCE - 4 730 - 6 991 ♦2 261
APRIL APRIL INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1983 1982 DECREASE
S MN. S MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7 612 6 541 +1 071 *16.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (64.6%) (64.6%)
RE-EXPORTS 4 171 3 589 ♦ 582 *16.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 11 783 10 130 ♦1 653 *16.3
IMPORTS 13 533 12 302 ♦1 231 *10.0
TRADE BALANCE - 1 750 - 2 172 ♦ 422
APRIL MARCH INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1983 1983 DECREASE
S MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7 612 6 620 ♦ 992 +15.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (64.6%) (62.3%)
RE-EXPORTS 4 171 4 000 ♦ 171 * 4.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 11 783 10 620 +1 163 *11.0
IMPORTS 13 533 12 440 ♦1 093 ♦ 8.8
TRADE BALANCE - 1 750 - 1 820 ♦ 70
/CAUJiDAR........
THURSDAY. MAY 26, 198?
3
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-APRIL 1983 JAN-APRIL 1982 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S MN. S MN. S MN. %
DOI-iESTIC EXPORTS 26 241 24 041 ♦2 200 ♦ 9.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (63.1%) (62.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 15 323 14 214 ♦1 109 ♦ 7.8
TOTAL EXPORTS 41 564 38 255 ♦3 309 ♦ 8.6
IMPORTS 47 673 45 711 ♦1 962 ♦ 4.3
TRADE BALANCE - 6 109 - 7 456 ♦1 347
MAY 1982 MAY 1981
TO TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS APRIL 1983 APRIL 1982 DECREASE
S MN. S MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 85 232 82 561 +2 671 *3.2
RE-EXPORTS 45 461 43 103 ♦2 358 *5.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 130 693 125 664 ♦5 029 * 4.0
IMPORTS 144 855 141 618 ♦3 237 ♦ 2.3
TRADE BALANCE -14 162 -15 954 ♦ 1 792
o----
CHIEF SECRETARY HEADS FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE * * * *
THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAS BEEN RECONSTITUTED, WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY AS ITS NEW CHAIRMAN.
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE AND ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPANDED.
THIS DEVELOPMENT WAS FORESHADOWED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE. IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH, WHEN HE SAID THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WAS TO BE SOUGHT ON HOW THE VARIOUS EFFORTS OF THE MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PREVENTION OF CRIME COULD BE MADE COLLECTIVELY MORE EFFECTIVE.
/H3 SAID ....
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 198J
HE SAID CRIME HAD INCREASED RECENTLY AT A RATE FASTER THAN THE GROWTH IN POPULATION AND THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL TASK WAS TO PREVENT CRIME FROM HAPPENING Ity THE FIRST PLACE.
♦THE GOVERNMENT SHARES THE PUBLIC'S CONCERN ABOUT THIS UPSURGE AND THE DECISION TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE COMMITTEE REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, AND ITS DETERMINATION TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM,♦ SIR PHILIP SAID TODAY.
THE PREVIOUS COMMITTEE COMPRISED THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, ATTORNEY GENERAL, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND FOUR UNOFFICIALS.
♦IN ORDER TO TACKLE CRIME WITH EQUAL VIGOUR ON ALL FRONTS, FROM PREVENTION TO DETECTION AND REHABILITATION, THE COMMITTEE HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE ADDITIONAL AGENCIES INVOLVED,♦ SIR PHILIP SAID. >
THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE RECONSTITUTED FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE I Si
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (CHAIRMAN)
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (DEPUTY CHAIRMAN)
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT
ADMINISTRATION
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION
AND MANPOWER
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH
AND WELFARE
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
FOUR UNOFFICIALS
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR (SECRETARY) SECURITY
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR CHARLES YEUNG, MR HO KAM-FAI AND MRS SOPHIA HO.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CO-OPT ADDITIONAL OFFICIALS AND UNOFFICIALS WHEN NECESSARY AND WILL ALSO WORK THROUGH SUB-COMMITTEES COMPRISING ITS OWN MEMBERSHIP AND OTHER APPOINTED MEMBERS.
/THE EXPANDED........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 198?
- 5 -
THE EXPANDED TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE AREi
TO DRAW UP PLANS FOR A CO-ORDINATED EFFORT TO REDUCE CRIME?
TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES CONCERNED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH PLANS;
TO RECEIVE AND TO ASSESS REPORTS FROM THE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES CONCERNED ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE PLANS AND ON THE RESULTS;
TO DETERMINE WAYS IN WHICH THE PUBLIC CAN BE STIMULATED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE REDUCTION OF CRIME;
TO RECEIVE AND TO PROCESS SUGGESTIONS FROM ANY SOURCE ON HOW CRIME MIGHT BE REDUCED;
TO RECOMMEND ANY LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES THAT THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS NECESSARY TOWARDS REDUCING CRIME;
TO REPORT ON PROGRESS TO THE GOVERNOR TWICE YEARLY.
THE NEW COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING ON JUNE 14.
SIR PHILIP TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT, AND IN PARTICULAR THE POLICE, TO COMBAT CRIME.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THESE COMMITTEE HAVE BEEK CONCERNED WITH ADVISING THE PUBLIC ON THE MEASURES THEY CAN TAKE AGAINST CRIME AND WITH PUBLICITY DESIGNED TO PROPAGATE THE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGE.
♦DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A VALUABLE ROLE AT DISTRICT LEVEL TO REDUCE CRIME,* HE SAID.
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
6
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION FUNCTIONS EXPLAINED * * * *
IN ORDER TO HAVE A FREE PRESS, PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PUBLISH NEWSPAPERS OF ANY POLITICAL PERSUASION AND CRITICISE OR PRAISE THE GOVERNMENT OR ANYONE ELSE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE INSTALLATION CEREMONY OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON THIS EVENING, MR BRAY SAID THESE WERE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF A GOVERNMENT WHICH WERE SELDOM COMPLIED WITH IN SOME OTHER PARTS OF ASIA.
FURTHERMORE, HE SUGGESTED THAT A GOVERNMENT SHOULD DO MORE THAN SIMPLY REFRAIN FROM SUPPRESSING THE PUBLICATION OF WHAT IT DID NOT LIKE OR COMPELLING THE PUBLICATION OF WHAT IT WANTED PRINTED.
♦THIS RESTRAINT IS NECESSARY BUT MORE IS REQUIRED OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRESS TOO IS REQUIRED TO DO MORE THAN SIMPLY PRINT EVERYTHING ANYONE LIKES TO SAY.
♦ON THE GOVERNMENT'S SIDE. WE HAVE ACCEPTED AN OBLIGATION TO INFORM THE MEDIA OF POLICIES AND GOVERNMENT THINKING, OF EVENTS, OF PROPOSALS FOR LEG I SLAT I ON,♦ HE SAID.
ON OCCASIONS WHEN THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT PUBLICISE ITS ACTIVITIES, THERE ARE GOOD REASONS.
♦THERE ARE AREAS OF SECURITY WHERE WE DO NOT PUBLISH STATEMENTS - FOR INSTANCE ON OPERATIONAL POLICE MATTERS,♦ HE SAID.
CITING ANOTHER EXAMPLE, HE SAID, +IF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WERE TO SAY THAT SOMEBODY’S CONDUCT HAD BEEN INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE OR THE ICAC, THAT HE HAD STUDIED THE PAPERS AND DECIDED NOT TO PROSECUTE, THERE WOULD BE A SLUR ON THAT MAN EVER AFTER AND ONE HE COULD NEVER FIGHT AGAINST.*
ONE OFTEN PRACTICAL REASON WHY SOME MATTERS WERE NOT PUBLISHED AT ANY MOMENT WAS THE TIME TAKEN TO PRINT A BULKY REPORT OR TO TRANSLATE IT, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES IS NOW RE-EXAMINING AN EMBARGO SYSTEM TO HELP THE PRESS OBTAIN EARLY COPIES OF SUCH REPORTS.
ANOTHER COMMON REASON FOR RETICENCE IS THE NEED TO KEEP SILENT ON PROPOSALS OR SCHEMES BEING EXAMINED.
♦WISE THOUGH CIVIL SERVANTS ARE, SOME PRETTY CRACK POT IDEAS ARE PRODUCED FROM TIME TO TIME. THESE DO NOT GET FAR AND IT WOULD BE MISCHIEVOUS TO PUBLISH THEM AS ’SCHEMES UNDER CONSIDERATION’.
/♦THE GOVERNMENT........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
- 7 -
♦THE GOVERNMENT OWES IT TO THE PUBLIC TO LOOK CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY AT PROPOSALS IN PRIVATE BEFORE THEY ARE PUBLISHED,* MR BRAY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT PREMATURE DISCLOSURE WOULD BE EMBARRASSING IF THERE WAS A NEED TO CONSULT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE; AND A PRIVATE WORKING PAPER, IF DISCLOSED TOO SOON, MIGHT RAISE FALSE HOPES OR IN SOME CASES UNREASONABLY AFFECT FREE MARKETS.
HOWEVER, MR BRAY SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECORD OF EXPOSING ITS WORKINGS WAS GOOD.
IN ADDITION TO ISSUING PRESS STATEMENTS, IT STANDS READY TO PROVIDE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS, INCLUDING THOSE MORE TRICKY ONES WHICH SEEK COMMENTS ON SOME STORY ABOUT WHICH THERE HAS BEEN NO ANNOUNCEMENT.
♦THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES IN SUCH SITUATIONS. FFRST WE MUST NOT TELL LIES. IF A DECISION HAS BEEN MADE THE MATTER IS NO LONGER ’UNDER CONSIDERATION’. SO DECISIONS ARE VERY OFTEN ANNOUNCED IMMEDIATELY - ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS KNOWN THAT SOME SUBJECT HAS COME TO THE POINT OF DECISION.
♦WE TRY TO AVOID THE PHRASE ’NO COMMENT’ EVEN WHEN WE HAVE VERY LITTLE TO SAY. ABOVE ALL WE TRY TO GET AN ANSWER. IF A TOPIC IS NOT READY FOR ANNOUNCEMENT THEN WE SAY SO. THIS IS THE SORT OF SITUATION THAT DEVELOPS WHEN A SUBJECT IS BEING DISCUSSED AMONG OFFICIALS OR IN COMMITTEES. THE DISCUSSION IS INCOMPLETE. DETAILED EXPLANATIONS OF THE STATE OF DISCUSSION ARE NOT ALWAYS HELPFUL ESPECIALLY WHEN SOME IMPORTANT DATA IS AWAITED OR VIEW OF SOME INTERESTED BODY IS BEING FORMED,♦ HE EXPLAINED.
MR BRAY FURTHER STRESSED THAT PROPOGANDA WAS IMPOSSIBLE WITH A FREE PRESS - EDITORS DO NOT HAVE TO PRINT GOVERNMENT STATEMENTS AT ALL AND THEY CAN GO BEHIND THEM AND CHECK UP ON SUSPICIOUS STORIES.
THIS IS ALSO THE CASE OF RTHK, WHICH HAS TO COMPETE FOR ATTENTION WITH THE NEWSPAPERS, THE TV STATIONS AND COMMERCIAL RADIO.
♦IF IT WERE USED AS A CRUDE PROPAGANDA INSTRUMENT IT WOULD LOSE CREDIBILITY AND WOULD BECOME SUCH A BORE THAT AUDIENCES WOULD SWITCH AWAY AND NOBODY WOULD BE LISTENING TO THE PROPAGANDA,♦ HE SAID.
- - - - 0 ----
/8......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
8
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED * X * * *
FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 10.2 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 7.8 PER CENT (TAX FREE), THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
A NOTICE OF THIS WILL APPEAR IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TOMORROW.
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.85 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX, HE EXPLAINED.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 27, 1983.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE MAY 27, 1983 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWSi-.
3.24% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 22, 1978 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 24, 1978?
5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 24, 1978 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1979!
5.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 16, 1979 AND BEFORE MAY 4, 1979 I
8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 4, 1979 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 26, 1979;
8.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 26, 1979 AND BEFORE APRIL 11, 1980 :
10.5% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 11, 1980 AND BEFORE MAY 30, 1980;
9% PER ANNUM.FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1980.
7.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 30, 1980;
6.24% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 30, 1980 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1980 :
8.16% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
OCTOBER 16, 1980 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 21, 1980 :
/9.84% .......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
9
9.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 21, 1980 AND BEFORE JULY 31, 1981;
13.2% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 31, 1981 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1981;
14.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
OCTOBER 16, 1981 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 4, 1981;
12% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 4, 1981 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1982 ;
10.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1982 AND BEFORE AUGUST 27, 1982 ;
9% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
AUGUST 27, 1982 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 3, 1982 ; AND
7.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 3, 1982 AND BEFORE MAY 27, 1983.
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLEi $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON JUNE 1, 1933, JULY 1, 1983 AND AUGUST 1, 1983 RESPEC IVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON SEP’ZMBER 1, 1983 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOkSj-
ON $1 000, JUNE 1, 1983 TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1983,
THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $8.50 PER MONTH - $<^5.50
ON $1 000, JULY 1, 1983 TO SEPTEMBER 1, 1983. _
TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $8.50 PER MONTH - S17.00
ON $1 000, AUGUST 1, 1983 TO SEPTEMBER 1, i^83, ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $8.50 PER MONTH - $ 8.50
$51.00
-------o----------
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO GATHER FOR SEMINAR * * ft ft *
THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MAY 28).
MORE THAN 300 BOARD MEMBERS - REPRESENTING ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF ALL UNOFFICIALS AND 50 PER CENT OF ALL OFFICIALS - WILL TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
/THE PRINCIPAL ......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1985
10
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION), M? C.M. LEUNG, SAID THE CONFERENCE WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FROM ALL 18 DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND URBAN AREAS TO MEET ONE ANOTHER TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN.
♦IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THEM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON PROBLEMS AND TO DISCUSS THE ROLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF DISTRICT BOARDS,♦ HE SAID.
♦FURTHERMORE, IT WILL PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING ON THE PART OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO JOINED THE BOARDS MORE RECENTLY, OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY SO THAT THEY MAY BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO MAKE USEFUL CONTRIBUTIONS.
♦THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE, WE HOPE THAT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL COME UP WITH IMAGINATIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS AS TO HOW THE BOARDS CAN PLAY AN EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE ROLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS.+
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD ALREADY DONE A GREAT DEAL DURING THE PAST YEARS IN IMPROVING THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, PROMOTING RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS REFLECTING VIEWS OF PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICTS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROJECTS.
♦THIS IS MOST ENCOURAGING AND I AM SURE THE SEMINAR WILL ADD STEAM TO THIS PROCESS,♦ HE SAID.
TAKING THE FORM OF WORKSHOP DISCUSSIONS IN CANTONESE, THE ONE-DAY CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 4.15 PM AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING BEFORE THE PARTICIPANTS ARE DIVIDED INTO FIVE WORKSHOPS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT; CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS; TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT; SOCIAL SERVICES AND DISTRICT BOARDS AS A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION.
EACH WORKSHOP WILL CONSIST OF TALKS BY FOUR TO FIVE PERSONS, FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSION PERIODS.
AT THE END OF THE DISCUSSION, A SUMMARY WILL BE MADE BY EACH WORKSHOP CHAIRMAN FOR PRESENTATION AT A PLENARY SESSION TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING THE WORKSHOP DISCUSSION SESSIONS, WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE. THE CONFERENCE WILL HcLD BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.15 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28) AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
MEDIA MEMBERS SHOULD REPORT TO THE PRESS RECEPTION DESK ON ARRIVAL WHEN THEY WILL BE ISSUED WITH PRESS BADGES AND INFORMATION MATERIAL.
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
11
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS EXCHANGE VIEWS * MX**
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS MET TODAY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND PROBLEMS.
THE IDEA OF THE GET-TOGETHER ORIGINATED FROM A SUGGESTION MADE DURING A SPRING RECEPTION GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT UNOFFICIAL DB MEMBERS VISIT EACH OTHERS’ DISTRICT.
THE PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE THEM TO CULTIVATE FRIENDSHIP, AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROBLEMS IN OTHER DISTRICTS.
TODAY, 30 KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS CALLED ON THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN YUEN LONG TO LOOK AT VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWN AND GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF RURAL AFFAIRS.
THE VISITORS WERE LED BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK.
ACCOMPANIED BY STAFF FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND 15 DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE VISITING PARTY FIRST HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN FROM THE ROOFTOP OF SHAN SHU I LAU IN SHU I PIN WAI ESTATE.
THEY THEN VISITED THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE STADIUM AND THE LUT SAU HALL AND WERE BRIEFED ON ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROVIDED.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE GROUP TOURED THE NEW TOWN ON A COACH AND LEARNED ABOUT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE URBAN VISITORS LATER CALLED AT THE KAM TIN RURAL COMMITTEE AND ALSO SAW SOME ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD.
-----o------
I86-MILLI0N AUDITORIUM FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS *****
RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WILL HAVE A CENTRALLY LOCATED VENUE FOR THEIR OWN CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF A 1 450-SEAT AUDITORIUM.
A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE AUDITORIUM, WORTH ABOUT 186 MILLION?WAS AWARDED THIS AFTERNOON BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO SHIU TAI AND CO. LTD.
IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED ARCHITECT, AND MR PAUL K.Y.
BY MR JOSEPH LEI, PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT POON, DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.
/THE AUDITORIUM
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 198? .
12
THE AUDITORIUM FORMS PART OF THE TUEN MUN CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX TO BE BUILT IN THREE STAGES ON A FOUR-HECTARE SITE IN THE TOWN CENTRE NEXT TO THE TOWN PARK.
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE AUDITORIUM, BEING STAGE ONE OF THE CULTURAL COMPLEX PROJECT, WILL BE THE 1 450-SEAT HALL WHICH IS SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE ONE IN TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, BUT WITH A LARGE STAGE, PROPER SIDE STAGES AND A LARGER ORCHESTRAL PIT, MAKING IT MORE SUITABLE FOR LARGER SCALE ORCHESTRAL. OPERATIC, DANCE AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES. A LARGE ORCHESTRAL SHELL IS ALSO TO BE PROVIDED TO ALLOW THE PROPER PRESENTATION OF FULL SCALE ON-STAGE ORCHESTRAL WORKS.
MR LEI SAID, +THE AUDITORIUM IS DESIGNED NOT ONLY FOR HIGHLY-PR OFESS IONAL PERFORMANCES BUT ALSO FOR AS WIDE A RANGE OF DISTRICT CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AS POSSIBLE.
♦MEDIUM-SIZED, MULTI-FUNCTIONAL ROOMS ARE PROVIDED FOR SMALL SCALE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ARTISTIC GROUPS AMD FOR REGULAR REHEARSALS AND PRACTICES.♦
THESE WILL INCLUDE A CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL WITH MOVABLE SEATING FOR 250 TO 300 PEOPLE, A LARGE PRACTIZE ROOM WITH MOVABLE SEATING FOR 200 PEOPLE, AND TWO LECTURE ROOMS EACH ACCOMMODATING 145 PEOPLE.
APART FROM ACOUSTIC TREATMENT, MR LEI SAID, SOUND AND LIGHTING EQUIPMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED IN ALL T4ESE ROOMS. MOREOVER, FILM PROJECTION FACILITIES WOULD ALSO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN OF THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL AND LEZTURE ROOMS.
THE AUDITORIUM WILL ALSO HOUSE A 50-SEAT CONFERENCE ROOM WITH A WAITING ROOM AND SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SYSTEM.
MR LEI SAID THAT ADJACENT TO THE AUDITORIUM WOULD BE A IWO-STOREY BLOCK TO BE OCCUPIED BY CHINESE AND EUROPEAN RESTAURANTS.
OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE SECOND AND THIRD STAGES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE TWO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BLOCKS, A LIBRARY, MAGISTRACY, MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK FO* 850 VEHICLES, POST OFFICE AND A MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND A BUS STATION.
MR LEI SAID THAT THE WHOLE CULTURAL COMP.EX WOULD HAVE AMPLE OPEN SPACE WHICH WOULD BE LANDSCAPED AND DECORATED WITH AQUATIC FEATURES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN AREA FOR RELAXATION.
♦THE MAIN BUILDINGS WILL BE ON THE PERIPHERY TO GIVE A PIAZZA EFFECT AT BOTH PODIUM AND '.ROUND LEVELS AND THE PODIUM IS PROVIDED WITH COVERED WALKS TO LIUK UP THE BUILDINGS WITHIN THE COMPLEX AND THE SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENTS,♦ HE ADDED.
THE AUDITORIUM WAS DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHO WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION.
------o-------
/13......
Thursday, may 26, 1983
13
SIR PHILIP VISITS POLICE HEADQUARTERS * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE VISITED POLICE HEADQUARTERS THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR PETER MOOR, SIR PHILIP STARTED HIS TOUR WITH A BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR RICHARD QUINE, ON THE REVIEW OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION FORMATIONS CONCLUDED LAST SEPTEMBER. HE WAS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NUMEROUS RECOMMENDATIONS WAS GOING AHEAD AS PLANNED.
HE WAS GIVEN DETAILS ABOUT THE NEW STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS AT REGIONAL, DISTRICT AND DIVISIONAL LEVELS, RESTRUCTURING OF HEADQUARTERS CRIME UNITS AND ADDED EMPHASIS ON CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BY INDIVIDUAL DETECTIVES.
SIR PHILIP DESCRIBED AS 'A GOOD MOVE* THE FURTHER STREAMLINING OF REPORTING PROCEDURES INTRODUCED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AND AFFIRMED ITS POSITIVE EFFECTS IN ENCOURAGING MORE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO COME FORWARD TO SUPPLY VALUABLE INFORMATION TO THE POLICE.
DURING HIS DISCUSSION WITH THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CRIME, MR ERIAN WEBSTER, ON THE CURRENT STATE OF CRIME, THE CHIEF SECRETARY ENQUIRED ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THIS CONTINUOUS OFFENSIVE ON THE LAW AND ORDER FRONT.
HE WAS SATISFIED THAT OFFICERS TASKED WITH DIVERSE RESPONSIBILITIES WERE WORKING AS A COORDINATED WHOLE TOWARDS MORE SOPHISTICATED CRIME PREVENTION AND DETECTION TECHNIQUES.
THE $10 MILLION POLICE OPERATIONAL NOMINAL INDEX COMPUTER SYSTEM, THE FIRST PHASE OF WHICH CAME ON STREAM IN MARCH THIS YEAR, IS PART OF THE MODERNIZATION PROGRAMME AIMED AT HEIGHTENING THE ABILITY OF FORCE MEMBERS TO MEET THE CHALLENGE.
AFTER AN INTRODUCTION BY MR GEOFF HOBBS, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, SIR PHILIP WENT TO THE SUPER SECURE COMPUTER SUITE IN THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU TO SEE THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE MAJOR FIGHT CRIME AID.
EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THE COMPUTER HARDWARE, SIR PHILIP INSPECTED THE VISUAL DISPLAY TERMINALS OF THE ’IN HOUSE’ NETWORK LINKING THE CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU WITH THE IDENTIFICATION BUREAU, THE CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU AND THE NARCOTICS BUREAU.
MR HOBBS POINTED OUT THAT THE WHOLE SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE REMOTE NETWORK COMPRISING THE FOUR REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRES, TUEN MUN, SHATIN, FRONTIER, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND AIRPORT POLICE STATIONS WAS EXPECTED TO BE IN FULL OPERATION BY AUGUST 1.
DURING A TOUR OF THE CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE BUREAU AND A BRIEFING BY THE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, MR BRIAN MERRITT, SIR PHILIP GAINED AN INSIGHT INTO THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE FORCE IN SURVEILLANCE AND INTELLIGENCE GATHERING.
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
14
SCHOOL FOR SPASTICS GETS I100 000 BOOST * * * M
THE TING HSIUNG CHAO SCHOOL OF THE HONG KONG SPASTICS ASSOCIATION RECEIVED A BIG BOOST TO ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN SEVEN LOCAL DIGNITARIES IN TSUEN WAN DONATED A TOTAL OF >100 000 TOWARDS THE PROJECT.
ON BEHALF OF THE SCHOOL. THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, Ml ADOLF HSU, ACCEPTED CHEQUES FROM THE DONORS - MR CHOW KWAN'S ING, Mt HUI TIM, MR CHAN CHONG-MO, MR CHONG TAK-MOW, MR LAM KIN-MING, Mt CHAU HAU-CHEONG AND MR CHOU HAU-CHEN.
MR HSU SAID HE HOPED THE DONATIONS WOULD PROMPT OTHER CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS TO CONTRIBUTE TO WORTHWHILE COMMUNITY SERVICES SO THAT MORE ATTENTION WOULD BE PAID TO THE NEEDY.
♦IN THE PROVISION OF EDUCATION FOR THE HANDfCAPPED. SPECIAL FACILITIES AND TECHNIQUES ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THEIR LEVEL OF INTELLIGENCE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS,♦ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT EVER SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1963, THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION HAD SPARED NO EFFORT IN PROVIDING WELFARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
♦APART FROM LOOKING AFTER THESE PEOPLE, IT ALSO, THROUGH VARIOUS TRAINING COURSES, STRENGTHENS THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND ENCOURAGES THEM TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
♦THE TING HSIUNG CHAO SCHOOL WAS SET UP IN 1975 AND HAS BECOME A WELL-ESTABLISHED ORGANISATION TODAY.
♦THE SCHOOL FACILITIES WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED AFTER THE COMPLETION OF ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES A WOODWORK ROOM, LABORATORY, LIBRARY, EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL HALL, A LIFT AND A RAIN SHELTER AT THE GARDEN,♦ HE SAID.
MR HSU SAID THE GENEROUS GIFT FROM THE SEVEN DONORS WOULD ENABLE MORE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN TO ENJOY THE SERVICES THEY NEEDED.
♦THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT THEY HAVE SHOWN IS INVALUABLE FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
♦I HEREBY CALL UPON THE RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN TO FOLLOW THE GOOD EXAMPLE OF THESE SEVEN DONORS AND CARRY FORWARD THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT,* HE ADDED.
AFTER RECEIVING THE CHEQUES FROM THE DONORS, MR HSU IMMEDIATELY PRESENTED THEM TO THE SCHOOL’S SUPERVISOR, MRS K.Y. FU.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CHEQUE PRESENTATION WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER (KWAI CHUNG), MR FRED TING, AND OFFICIALS FROM THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION AND THE TING HSIUNG CHAO SCHOOL.
THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION CURRENTLY RUNS THREE SCHOOLS, TWO CHILDREN CENTRES, TWO WORKSHOPS AND ONE RECREATION CENTRE, AND PROVIDES VARIOUS SERVICES FOR APPROXIMATELY 500 HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.
THURSDAY, HAY 26, 1983
15
TREES STILL HOT APPRECIATED
M M M
A LARGE NUMBER OF MATURE TREES LOST THROUGH URBAN BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN THE LAST 15 YEARS COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED IF THERE HAD BEEN SUFFICIENT APPRECIATION OF THEIR IMPORTANCE, SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, K.C. IU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ALL TOO OFTEN DEVELOPERS BULLDOZED THE SITES FLAT INSTEAD OF PLANNING AND BUILDING AROUND EXISTING TREES, MR IU TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH.
HE SAID DEVELOPERS FAILED TO ADAPT THEIR DESIGNS TO INCLUDE LIVING TREES IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
MR IU ADDEDi ♦COMPENSATORY PLANTING RECOMMENDED IS NOT ALWAYS IMPLEMENTED PROPERLY AND IN ANY EVENT IT MUST BE WELL MAINTAINED IN WHAT IS AFTER ALL, A VERY HARSH ENVIRONMENT.*
DESPITE CONSIDERABLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE AUTHORITIES, THE RESULTS WERE NOT ALWAYS SATISFACTORY BECAUSE OF INSUFFFICIENT GENERAL APPRECIATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TREES, HE SAID.
THE LONG TERM ANSWER TO THIS, MR IU SAID, WOULD BE THROUGH EDUCATION.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ORGANISES A SERIES CF ACTIVITIES TO INSTIL A SENSE OF LOVE OF TREES IN THE COMMUNITY.
THESE INCLUDE PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA, COMMUNITY TREE-PLANTING DAYS, SCHOOL FOREST PROJECTS IN WHICH PLOTS OF LAND ARE ♦ASSIGNED* TO STUDENTS FOR FORESTRY WORK AND FIELD STUDIES, TRAINING CAMPS FOR CONSERVATION LEADERS AND SUMMER FORESTRY WORK CAMPS.
OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS THE PARKS ALONE EXCEEDED 500 A YEAR THE SIX-MONTH DRY SEASON, MR IU
AVERAGE NUMBER OF FIRES IN COUNTRY WITH AN AVERAGE OF 20 PER WEEK IN SAID.
♦IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT ALL HILL FIRES START SMALL, AND ANY ONE OF THESE OUTBREAKS COULD EASILY HAVE DEVELOPED INTO THE SORT OF FIRE WHICH IN NOVEMBER 1979 BURNED FOR 29 HOURS DAMAGING 500 HECTARES OF LAND WITH 250 000 TREES.
♦VANDALISM IS ANOTHER ENEMY OF YOUNG TREES. TREE SAPLINGS PLANTED ALONG ROADS AND THE PUBLIC GARDENS SUFFER CONSTANT INTERFERENCE FROM PEOPLE AND THOUGHTLESS CITIZENS WHO SHAKE THEIR TRUNKS AND BREAK THEIR BRANCHES.
♦IT IS NOT UNUSUAL THAT FEWER THAN HALF OF THE TREES PLANTED SURVIVE TO MAKE THEIR FULL CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOWNSCAPE,♦ HE SAID.
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/16.......
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
16
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION CONCERTS * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY BY PRESENTING TWO CONCERTS! A MATINEE CONCERT AT THE LANDMARK, CENTRAL, AT 3 PM AND AN EVENING CONCERT AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 8 PM ON JUNE 11.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL ATTEND THE EVENING CONCERT.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL PERFORM IN THE MATINEE CONCERT, AND WILL PLAY SUCH PIECES AS ’ROYAL FANFARE’ AND ’CROWN IMPERIAL* BY SIR WILLIAM WALTON.
THE EVENING CONCERT AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL WILL BE PRESENTED 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, WILL BE THE GUEST CONDUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (A) AND HE WILL CONDUCT HANDEL’S ’WATER MUSIC SUITE’ AND RESPIGHI’S ’PINES OF ROME*.
THE PERFORMANCE BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL INCLUDE COMPOSITIONS BY WELL-KNOWN CHINESE MUSICIANS, SUCH AS DR EDWARD HO OF KINGSTON POLYTECHNIC, AND CHAN KAM-BIU, A STUDENT OF THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND FIRST PRIZE WINNER OF THE FIRST AND SECOND HONG KONG YOUNG MUSIC-MAKERS’ TALENT QUEST.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE NOW ON SALE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 3-7226240 OR 3-7561328.
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MANPOWER
SURVEY OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY STARTS JUNE 8 M * * * M
_lu_ « SURVEY OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN on ™ hanpouer S,TU4T,0N AND
ms!ehsssu^h?6!:sj.,st,cs oepartSe" w
INrnpJi,Tini!ArA.M1Aer?LT^1.1B0ARD’ MR ANTH0NY SAID THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE USEFUL IN FORMULATING TRAINING PLANS.
F,ND,NGS» THE BOARD CAN MAKE TRAINING
2BC9t*7nNDAT 0NS T0 G0VERNMENT» employers and training institutions, nt wAID,
/MR KAN
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
17
ADDED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS. IN SUPPLVINelicc!R{?|E|NFORlATIo!t'”'E',S ™E "“U’W T° C00,>E,,‘TE
will ,RES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE
WILL BE SENT TO UNDERWRITERS, BROKERS, AGENTS AND REINSURERS.
OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT K randomly-selected establishments during the survey period S?MDi°rT^J THE QUESTIONNAIRES AND, IF REQUIRED, ASSIST IN LUMrLt I I Nb THEM.
THE INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED INCLUDES TRAINING REQUIREMENTS THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES UNDER TRAINING ’ ^•STING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF VACANCIES IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
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FREQUENCY CUTBACK TO SAVE FERRY SERVICE *****
THE OFF-PEAK SAILINGS ON HYF’S TWO LAMMA FERRY ROUTES ON WEEKDAYS WILL BE REDUCED FROM JUNE 1 FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS.
THE SERVICES ARE CENTRAL TO SOK KWU WAN AND CENTRAL TO YUNG SHUE WAN.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS FREQUENCY CUTBACK WAS NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE OPERATING COST SO AS TO RETAIN THE CENTRAL TO SOK KWU WAN SERVICE WHICH HAS LONG BEEN RUNNING AT A BIG LOSS DUE TO POOR PATRONAGE.
♦HOWEVER, THE SAILING SCHEDULES FOR THE TWO SERVICES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED TO COPE WITH GREATER PASSENGER DEMAND BY VISITORS,* HE SAID.
♦BEFORE THE NEW TIMETABLES WERE WORKED OUT, VIEWS OF THE ISLANDERS HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THROUGH A MEETING HELD BETWEEN THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS,* HE SAID.
THE NEW SCHEDULES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE FERRY PIERS.
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/18........
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 1983
18
YAU MA TEI DRAMA SOCIETY FORMED ******
DRAMA ENTHUSIASTS ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN A NEWLY FORMED YAU MA TEI DRAMA SOCIETY WHICH WILL BE INAUGURATED ON SUNDAY (MAY 29).
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SOCIETY IS FORMED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION TO PROMOTE DRAMA ACTIVITIES IN THE DI STR ICT AND FOSTER DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG DRAMA PLAYERS.
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE IN THE FORM OF A SEMINAR TO BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 12.30 PM IN THE HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM LECTURE HALL.
THE GUEST SPEAKERS ARE MR CHUNG KING-FAI AND MR YUEN LAP-FUN WHO WILL TALK ON ^ORGANISING A DRAMA PRODUCTION* AND +COMMON MISTAKES IN PLAYWRITING, DIRECTING AND ACTING FOR STAGE*.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A 10-MINUTE LIVELY SHORT PLAY ENTITLED ^WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY*.
OTHER ACTIVITIES BEING PLANNED FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY INCLUDE CAMPINGS, SEMINARS AND TALKS ON DRAMA, AND A DRAMA PERFORMANCE ADOPTED FROM A NOVEL BY BERTOLT BRECHT, +MOTHER COURAGE*, AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN OCTOBER.
ANYONE WISHING TO JOIN THE SOCIETY SHOULD SUBMIT HIS APPLICATION BY JUNE 15 TO THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 492 NATHAN ROAD, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE OR THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 40 CARNAVON ROAD.
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APPLICATION INVITED FOR ’KAITO’ LICENCES * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ’KAITO’ LICENCES TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THIS IS A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OPERATORS WHO HAD NOT APPLIED IN PREVIOUS EXERCISES TO DO SO NOW.
AS FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR, OPERATORS WITHOUT A LICENCE WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100 000.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE GRANTED A ONE-YEAR LICENCE AT A FEE OF $50.
LICENCE HOLDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO INFORM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT OF THE DETAILS OF THEIR ’KAITO’ OPERATIONS, MAKING IT EASIER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REGULATE THEIR SERVICES.
/APPLICATION .......
THURSDAY, MAY 2b,
19
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI, ITS KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL OFFICE IN MONG KOK, MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN CENTRAL AND VARIOUS DISTRICT MARINE OFFICES IN ABERDEEN, CHEUNG CHAU, SAI KUNG, SHAU KEI WAN, TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND YAU MA TEI AND ALL NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY REGISTERED POST TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT 32, Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR IN JULY ON THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE.
HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG ON JULY 2 BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 11 AM.
A SENIOR LECTURER FROM THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR R.K. JOHNSON, WILL DELIVER A LECTURE ON ^LISTENING SKILLS AND THE LISTENING TEST+ AT THE SEMINAR.
PRINCIPALS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SEMINAR CAN BE MADE TO THE TEACHING CENTRE ON 5-482537.
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URBAN CLEARWAY AT AUSTIN ROAD
K I K
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 28), AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND KWUN CHUNG STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS AN URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.
o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
contents page no.
DOLLAR WILL REGAIN STRENGTH — GOVERNOR .......................... 1
SECOND PHASE OF ID CARD SCHEME STARTS JUNE 6 .................... 2
PETROL LEAD CONTENT TO BE FURTHER REDUCED ....................... 3
STRICTER CONTROL ON PESTICIDES .................................. 4
NT INSECT CONTROL SERVICE CHARGES RCTTSFTD ...................... 4
GOVERNOR OPENS SPORTS GROUND .................................... 6
HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES AMONG BEST .............................. 7
SUPREME COURT BUILDING DECLARED HISTORICAL ...................... 8
GREAT POTENTIAL FOR ENGINEERING PLASTICS ........................ 9
GOVERNOR ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS' FOUNDATION DAY DINNER ............. 10
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS PINEHILL VILLAGE .................... 10
FIRST SWIMMING POOL FOR THEN MUN RESIDENTS ..................... 11
GOVERNOR'S COMMENDATION FOR TOO MORE CITIZENS .................. 12
MANNING OF SHIPS REGULATIONS ................................... 12
SPORTS DAY ON CHEUNG CHAU ...................................... 13
HONG KONG IN SEMI-FINAL OF SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT .......... 14
AMS BAI® TO INCLUDE BAGPIPES ................................... 14
REHEARSAL WITH A DIFFERENCE..................................... 15
LECTURE ON PHYSICAL FITNESS .................................... 15
HOUSES AND LAND LOTS FOR SALE................................
WORK STARTDIG SOON ON IU3N MUN TOWN PARK ....................... 16
CAUSEMAY BAY WATER MAINS WORK .................................. 17
FRIDAY, HAY 27, 1983
1
DOLLAR WILL REGAIN STRENGTH — GOVERNOR
* M N M *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE MAINTAINED THE VIEW THAT THERE WAS UNDERLYING STRENGTH . IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND THAT THE DOLLAR WOULD REGAIN ITS STRENGTH.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT HE NEVER COMMENTED ON THE RATE CF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR — +BUT WHAT I DO DO IS SAY THAT THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY, THE UNDERLYING STRENGTH, IS STILL THERE.*
♦I’VE ALWAYS HAD THE SAME VIEW,* HE SAID.
REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER ^POSITIVE INTERVENTION*, SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT NEVER SAID WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS INTERVENING.
BEFORE ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR TOURED SAI KUNG TOWN TO GET FIRST HAND INFORMATION ON MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS BEING PLANNED TO MEET THE VARIOUS NEEDS OF THE RISING POPULATION WHICH IS EXPECTED TO GO UP TO 45 000 BY 1996 FROM THE PRESENT 15 000.
THE DEVELOPMENTS WILL INCLUDE A MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAAR, A GOVERNMENT OFFICE, A TOWN HALL, A GOVERNMENT CLINIC, TWO 12-STOREY RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BLOCKS AND A FOUR-STOREY CAR PARK.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE TODAY (FRIDAY) INSPECTED THE PROGRESS OF WORK DURING A BRIEF TOUR OF THE SAI KUNG TOWN BEFORE OPENING THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, Nt HAIDER BARMA, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE FIRST WENT TO THE ROOF OF A BUILDING FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE TOWN.
RECLAMATION WORK, WHICH WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR THE TOWN’S EXTENSION, IS PROGRESSING BY THE WATERFRONT. ON THE RECLAIMED SITE WILL BE A TRANSPORT COMPLEX COMPRISING A BUS TERMINUS, mXICAB AND TAXI STANDS AND A FERRY PIER.
ACCORDING TO THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR NORMAN TUCKER, A SWIMMING POOL AND SPORTS COMPLEX TO BE BUILT NEARBY, TOGETHER WITH THE TANG SHIU KIN SHORTS GROUND, WOULD HELP PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE.
A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IS ALSO BEING PROPOSED TO THE NORTH OF THE SPORTS GROUND AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A NEW BEACH IS BEING INVESTIGATED.
THE PARTY LATER WALKED THROUGH THE SAI KUNG OLD TOWN - THE MARKET TOWN - PASSING THE WATERFRONT PROMENADE WHICH WILL BE PAVED AND LANDSCAPED FOR PEDESTRIAN USE, AND BUILT WITH SPECTATOR STANDS FOR DRAGON BOAT RACES.
/the district .......
FRIDAY, MAY 2?, 1983'
2
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, INFORMED THE GOVERNOR THAT THE OLD TOWN WOULD BE RETAINED IN ITS PRESENT FORM. BUT SOME STREETS WILL BE PEDESTRIANISED, DRAINAGE INSTALLED AND URBAN IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED.
THE ENTIRE MARKET, INCLUDING THE WHOLESALE FISH MARKET, WILL DE MOVED TO A NEARBY SITE IN MID 1985 TO MAKE WAY FOR AN URBAN PARK.
THE PARTY ALSO STOPPED AT A JETTY WHERE PROPOSED RECLAMATION WILL LINK TUI MIN HOI WITH THE SAI KUNG TOWN WATERFRONT.
WORK ON 300 HOUSING SOCIETY FLATS WILL START LATER THIS YEAR ON TUI MIN HOI, AND UPON COMPLETION IN 1987 THEY WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 1 500 PEOPLE.
THE PARTY LATER STOPPED BRIEFLY AT A TWO-CENTURY-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE SPORTS GROUND FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY.
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SECOND PHASE OF ID CARD
MM *
SCHEME STARTS JUNE 6 M
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE SCHEME WILL BEGIN ON JUNE 6, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FROM THEN UNTIL JULY 9. MEN BORN IN 1963 WILL BE REQUIRED TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXISTING IDENTITY CARDS FOR NEW ONES.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 61 000 MEN IN THIS AGE GROUP WILL TURN UP DURING THE FIVE-WEEK PERIOD.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi ♦APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE IN PERSON TO ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW ID CARD ISSUE OFFICES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE BUSY IN THE DAYTIME DURING WEEKDAYS CAN GO THERE IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS.♦
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS TO TAKE ALONG THEIR OLD ID CARDS WHEN THEY GO TO THESE OFFICES.
HE SAIDi ♦THE PROCESSING WILL TAKE ONLY HALF AN HOUR AND THE APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE DATE TO PICK UP THEIR NEW CARDS.♦
♦THE APPLICANT WILL HAVE TO SURRENDER HIS OLD CARD ON RECEIVING THE NEW ONE,* HE ADDED.
BY YESTERDAY 46 000 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED IN THE FIRST PHASE OF THE SCHEME COVERING MEN BORN IN 1964.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED ALL OTHER 19-YEAR-OLD YOUTHS WHO HAD NOT YET APPLIED TO DO SO BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE ON JUNE 4.
/+FAILURE -TO ......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
- 3 -
♦FAILURE TO OBTAIN A NEW ID CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD MAY LEAD TO PROSECUTION,* HE WARNED.
PEOPLE SHOULD, IN FACT, APPLY NOW IF THEY WANT TO AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THOSE WHO ARE AWAY FROM HON® KONG AND WILL NOT BE BACK BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE MUST MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW ID CARD SCHEME COULD BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-7956066 (CHINESE LANGUAGE) OR 5-7909393 (ENGLISH LANGUAGE).
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PETROL LEAD CONTENT TO BE FURTHER REDUCED
M * * *
FOLLOWING A RECOMMENDATION BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM), THE GOVERNMENT HAS SECURED THE AGREEMENT OF THE OIL COMPANIES IN HONG KONG TO REDUCE FURTHER THE LEAD CONTENT OF PETROL SOLD HERE, AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1985.
THE LEAD CONTENT WILL BE REDUCED FROM ITS PRESENT LEVEL OF 0.4 GRAMMES PER LITRE TO 0.25 GRAMMES.
THIS WILL BE A FURTHER STEP IM THE PHASED REDUCTIONS STARTED IN 1981 WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE OIL COMPANIES, A SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE SAID THAT IN JULY 1981, THE LEAD CONTENT OF PETROL WAS REDUCED FROM 0.8 GRAMMES TO 0.6 GRAMMES PER LITRE, AND IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, IT WAS FURTHER REDUCED TO THE EXISTING 0.4 GRAMMES PER LITRE, BRINGING HONG KONG IN LINE WITH MOST COUNTRIES WHICH HAVE SUCH CONTROLS, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM.
THE PLANNED REDUCTION TO 0.25 GRAMMES PER LITRE TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD HONG KONG’S PETROL SUPPLIES, AS HONG KONG, HAVING NO REFINING CAPACITY OF ITS OWL, IS DEPENDENT ON EXTERNAL SOURCES FOR ITS FUEL, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
HE SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO NEGOTIATE WITH THOSE SUPPLIERS, PRINCIPALLY SINGAPORE AND CHINA, TO ENSURE THAT THE LEAD-LEVEL SET FOR FUEL IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG IS ONE WHICH THEY CAN MEtT.
♦THIS HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND THE NEW TARGET IS THEREFORE A PRACTICAL ONE.
♦IN ADDITION, THE EXTRA REFINING COST GF SUCH A MOVE WILL BE MARGINAL,* HE SAID.
MONITORING UNDERTAKEN BY THE EPA SHOWED THAT ATMOSPHERIC LEAD LEVELS WERE ALREADY WITHIN INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS. NEVERTHELESS THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE DESIRABILITY CF FURTHER IMPROVING THE SITUATION, SINCE IT WAS PRACTICAL AND ECONOMICAL TO DO SO. IT THEREFORE WELCOMED EPCOM’o RECOMMENDATION AND DECIDED TO ACT UPON IT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/4.......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
- 4 -
STRICTER CONTROL ON PESTICIDES * ft * ft
STRICTER CONTROL IS TO BE IMPOSED OVER THE LABELLING AND PACKING OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES FOR RETAIL SALE IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THE DANGER OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING.
MEASURES TO THIS EFFECT ARE BEING INTRODUCED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WITH AMENDMENTS TO THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES REGULATIONS.
THE AMENDMENTS, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), ALSO UPDATE THE FEES PAYABLE UNDER EXISTING REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES SOLD IN HONG KONG AND REGULATE THEIR IMPORTATION AND SALE THROUGH A SYSTEM OF LICENCES AND PERMITS.
THE OBJECTIVE IS TO MINIMISE THE DANGER OF ACCIDENTAL POISONING IN THE COURSE OF HANDLING TOXIC AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES, HE ADDED.
A PRINCIPAL AMENDMENT BEING INTRODUCED EXTENDS THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPER LABELLING AND PACKING OF PESTICIDES TO THE REPACKER WHO OBTAINS BULK SUPPLIES AND IS ACTUALLY SUPPLYING SMALL PACKAGES OF PESTICIDES IN THE FORM SUITABLE FOR RETAIL TRADE.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT STIPULATES THAT ALL GLASS AND PLASTIC CONTAINERS FOR PESTICIDES WITH A CAPACITY OF UNDER TWO LITRES FOR RETAIL SALE MUST BE RIBBED SO AS TO BE RECOGNISED BY TOUCH. THIS WILL PREVENT ACCIDENTAL CONSUMPTION. OCCURRENCE 0? ACCIDENTAL CONSUMPTION IS MUCH LESS LIKELY WITH LARGE CONTAINERS.
FEES PAYABLE UNDER THE REGULATIONS WILL ALSO BE REVISED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1977, WHEN THEY WERE ESTABLISHED.
THE FEES FOR ISSUE OF PERMITS AND REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDES WILL INCREASE FROM $155 AND $190, TO S300 AND S37O RESPECT IVELY.
FEES FOR RENEWAL OF LICENCE WILL GO UP FROM »35 TO >70.
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JULY 27.
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NT INSECT CONTROL SERVICE CHARGES REVISED ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED CONTROL SERVICES TO PRIVATE PREM OUTLYING ISLANDS PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE REVISION OF FEES FOP INSECT SES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES
THE REVISED FEES COME INTO FORCE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND I PUBLIC NOTICE^WASgPUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, A SPOKESMAN
/THE TNCaEASxjS .......
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
5
THE INCREASES ARE THE FIRST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SINCE JANUARY 1981. THEY ARE AIMED AT RECOVERING A PART OF THE COST OF THE SERVICE AND TO BRING THE CHARGES IN LINE WITH THOSE IMPOSED IN THE URBAN AREA WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE IN APRIL 1982.
THE MINIMUM CHARGE FOR EACH INSECT CONTROL SERVICE WILL BE 1310 AND A SURCHARGE OF 50 PER CENT WILL BE ADDED FOR THE WORK CARRIED OUT ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE NEW FEES RELATE MAINLY TO DISINFESTATION OF PREMISES. SUCH AS THE ELIMINATION OF COCKROACHES AND FLEAS.
HOWEVER. SERVICES FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF RATS. MOSQUITOS. WASPS, HORNETS OR BEES ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
APPLICATION FOR ANY INSECT CONTROL SERVICE SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING AND ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, NTSD HEADQUARTERS, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS SERVICE IS TO BE CARRIED OUT SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COST OF TRANSPORT MIGHT ALSO BE CHARGED.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE REVISED AND EXISTING FEES OF VARIOUS INSECT CONTROL SERVICES FOR PRIVATE PREMISES PROVIDED BY THE NTSD 1
REVISED FEES EXISTING FEES
(1) AQUEOUS OR OIL BASED PREPARATIONS, APPLIED WITH SPRAYING EQUIPMENTi-
(A) NOT EXCEEDING 10 LITRES $310 $150
(B) FOR EACH ADDITIONAL LITRE OR PART THEREOF S 10 $ 5
(2) INSECTICIDAL DUSTS APPLIED IN PREMISESi-
(A) NOT EXCEEDING THREE KILOGRAMS $310 $150
(B) FOR EACH ADDITIONAL UNIT OF
500 GRAMS OR PART THEREOF $20 $ 10
(3) DUSTING POWDER FOR USE ON DOMESTIC PETS $ 10 $ 5
(4) INSECTICIDAL SMOKE GENERATORSi-
EACH PELLET $ 10 1 2 3 4 5
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o
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
6
GOVERNOR OPENS SPORTS GROUND *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO SIR SHIU-KIN TANG FOR HIS GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO A WIDE VARIETY CF COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL PROJECTS.
THESE CONTRIBUTIONS HAD GIVEN INVALUABLE SUPPORT TO GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO PROVIDE BETTER SPORTING FACILITIES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS, THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
SIR EDWARD WAS ADDRESSING A GATHERING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE SPORTS FACILITY.
♦SAI KUNG DISTRICT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPE AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY PARKS WHICH HAVE NOW BECOME AN IMPORTANT RECREATIONAL ASSET FOR URBAN DWELLER, BUT THERE IS ALSO A NEED TO PROVIDE MORE ACTIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS THEMSELVES,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
♦WITH THE COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT, SAI KUNG WILL HAVE ITS OWN SPORTS CENTRE WHICH CAN BE USED FOR FOOTBALL, ATHLETIC EVENTS AND OTHER RECREATION ACTIVITIES.*
♦IT WILL TAKE ITS PLACE IN THE PATTERN OF LEISURE FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
THE GOVERNOR RECALLED HE HAD GONE LAST MONTH TO OPEN THE NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN YUEN LONG.
OTHER PROJECTS WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR INCLUDE THE SHA TIN RECREATION GROUND, THE KWAI CHUNG SWIMMING POOL AND THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG INDOOR GAMES HALL, ANOTHER PROJECT TO WHICH SIR SHIU-KIN TANG HAD DONATED |1O MILLION.
NOTING THE SPORTS GROUND WAS COMPLETED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, SIR EDWARD SAID THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, HAD ORGANISED A NUMBER OF EVENTS IN THIS SPORTS GROUND, INCLUDING THE INTERDISTRICT SOCCER COMPETITION.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT WITH SUCH SUPPORT FROM THE BOARD AND LOCAL INITIATIVES HE WAS SURE THAT IT WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR AND PROVIDE GREAT ENJOYMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE.
EARLIER, IN HIS WELCOMING REMARKS AT THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, SAID THE FINE SPORTS GROUND WOULD PROVIDE MUCH RECREATIONAL PLEASURE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
♦THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PROUD TO ASSUME THE MANAGEMENT OF SUCH A SPLENDID FACILITY AND WE HOPE THAT IT WILL NURTURE MANY OUTSTANDING LOCAL SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN IN WHOM SAI KUNG CAN TAKE PR IDE,♦ MR HEYWOOD SAID.
THE GOVERNOR LATER UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE SPORTS GROUND. SIR EDWARD WAS JOINED BY LADY YOUDE, SIR SHIU-KIN TANG AND LADY TANG AND MR HEYWOOD.
/STH SDh'ARD t • • • • • • •
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
- 7 -
SIR EDWARD, SIR SHIU-KIN TANG AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR HAIDER BARMA, THEN PERFORMED EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY ON A DRAGON AND TWO LIONS BEFORE THEY BROUGHT TO LIVE AND DEMONSTRATED DANCES TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR BRIAN WILSON, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) 0^ NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR BOWEN LEUNG,, THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WON&-FAT, THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHUNG POON, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR YAU KEI.
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HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES AMONG BEST * * ft ft
THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES HAS A VERY HIGH REPUTATION AMONG FIRE BRIGADES IN THE WORLD, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, W ROBERT HOLMES SAID TODAY.
THIS WAS BORNE OUT BY REQUESTS FROM SUCH COUNTRIES AS THAILAND, BRUNEI, SINGAPORE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND MALAYSIA FOR THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES TO TRAIN THEIR OFFICERS, HOLMES SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR WONG TAI SIN DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION, MR HOLMES SAID MANY VISITING FIRE OFFICERS WERE QUITE ASTOUNDED AT THE DENSITY AND COMPLEXITY OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID SEVERAL NEW FIRE STATIONS INCLUDING SAI WAN HO IN SHAU KEI WAN, KOWLOON BAY, SAI KUNG, TAI 0 AND THE SECOND FIRE STATIONS FOR SHA TIN WERE BEING PLANNED FOR IN THE NEXT YEAR OR SO.
♦VERY FEW PEOPLE FULLY REALISE THAT THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS MANAGED AND CONDUCTED IN A SIMILAR FASHION TO A SUCCESSFUL COMMERICAL FIRM - WE HAVE OUR RECOGNISED GROUPS OF PLANNING, MANAGEMENT, LOGISTICS, WORKSHOPS, TRAINING, FIRE PREVENTION AND MOST IMPORTANT, THE JOB FOR WHICH WE ARE INITIALLY TRAINED - THE EXTINGUISHMENT OF FIRES - THAT IS THE OPERATIONAL OFFICERS AND MEN,* HE SAID.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, MR M. KINGDOM NOTED THAT DURING THE PAST 25 YEARS WONG TAI SIN HAD EMERGED FROM A RURAL ENVIRONMENT TO A LARGE RESIDENTIAL CITY SUBURB INCLUDING CONSIDERABLE INDUSTRIAL AND OOMMERICAL BUILDINGS.
♦WONG TAI SIN AND THE IMMEDIATE ADJACENT AREAS HAYE IN THE PAST BEEN THE SCENE OF MANY SERIOUS FIRE SITUATIONS AND NATURAL DISASTERS,♦ HE SAID.
♦INVITING MR HOLMES TO OFFICIATE HERE TODAY IS IN A WAY APPROPRIATE, AS DURING HIS 25 YEARS OF SERVICE IN HONG KONG WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HE HAS BEEN FREQUENTLY ENGAGED AT, AND ON MANY OCCASIONS COMMANDED OPERATIONS, »!THIN THIS DISTRICT,♦ HE SAID.
MR KINGDOM DESCRIBED THE OPENING OF THE STATION AS A FURTHER ADDITION TO THE FIRE DEFENCE OF KOWLOON.
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
8
SUPREME COURT BUILDING DECLARED HISTORICAL *****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE DECLARATION OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING.
APPROVAL HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN FOR THE BUILDING TO BE CONVERTED FOR USE AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AND FOR ASSOCIATED PURPOSES.
THE DECLARATION OF THE SUPREME COURT AS A HISTORICAL BUILDING, ON A DATE TO BE NOTIFIED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD.
THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH REPLACED AN EARLIER SUPREME COURT LOCATED IN QUEEN'S ROAD. WAS LAID IN NOVEMBER 1903. THE BUILDING WAS OCCUPIED IN JANUARY 1912 AND SINCE THEN HAS HAD A SPECIAL POSITION AS THE CENTRE OF LEGAL AND JUDICIAL LIFE IN HONG KONG, IN ADDITION TO BEING A FAMILIAR LANDMARK.
THE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING WERE DRAWN UP BY THE LONDON FIRM OF WEBB AND BELL AND IT WAS CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF AN ARCHITECT OF THE THEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, H.A. FORESTER.
THE STYLE OF THE BUILDING BELONGS TO THE 'ENGLISH SCHOOL,' WITH SOME ELEMENTS OF GREEK ARCHITECTURE.
THE BUILDING IS SURROUNDED BY TALL GRANITE COLUMNS OF IONIC ORDER, 18 METRES HIGH, AND AN ORNAMENTAL BALUSTRADE. THE CENTRE PORTION IS SURMOUNTED BY A PEDIMENT CONTAINING A SEMI-CIRCULAR OPENING AROUND WHICH ARE GROUPED THE ROYAL ARMS AND THE FIGURES OF MERCY AND TRUTH. ABOVE THE PEDIMENT IS A STATUE OF JUSTICE WHICH STANDS THREE METRES HIGH. THE WHOLE BUILDING. WHICH IS FACED WITH STONE, IS CROWNED BY A GRACEFUL DOME WITH FOUR PINNACLES AT EACH ANGLE.
THE SUPREME COURT WAS VACATED IN JULY 1978 FOLLOWING SETTLEMENT OF THE BUILDING CAUSED BY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS IN THE VICINITY. THE BUILDING WAS RE-OCCUPIED BY THE JUDICIARY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF REINSTATEMENT WORKS IN OCTOBER 1982.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BUILDING HAD SUFFERED NO IRREPARABLE DAMAGE AND BOTH THE FOUNDATIONS AND SUPERSTRUCTURE WERE SOUND.
CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE PERMANENT, ALTERNATIVE USE OF THE BUILDING AS THE JUDICIARY IS DUE TO MOVE TO THE NEW SUPREME COURT IN QUEENSWAY WHICH IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1984.
THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING HAS SEVERAL LARGE ROOMS AND IS IDEALLY SUITED FOR USE AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. IT IS INTENDED THAT THE BUILDING SHOULD ALSO HOUSE THE UMELCO OFFICE, COMMON ROOMS AND ACCOMMODATION FOR ITS SUPPORTING STAFF AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
A the move........
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 198J
9
♦THE MOVE OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBER FROM ITS PRESENT LOCATION IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL PHYSICALLY SEPARATE THE LEGISLATURE FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND ENHANCE THE STANDING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE COMMUNITY IN A MORE PUBLIC VENUE,♦ THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
♦THE DECISION WILL ALSO ALLOW THE UMELCO OFFICE TO MOVE FROM THE LEASED PREMISES IT IS OCCUPYING AT PRESENT,♦ HE ADDED.
THE CONVERSION OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING IS SUBJECT TO THE DRAWING UP OF DETAILED PLANS AND COSTS IN CONSULTATION WITH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
THE SPOKESMAN COULD BE COMPLETED
SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THE CONVERSION WORK BY THE END OF 1985.
0 - -
GREAT POTENTIAL FOR ENGINEERING PLASTICS M M M M
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER KIANG, TODAY (FRIDAY) DREW THE ATTENTION OF PLASTICS MANUFACTURERS TO THE MARKET POTENTIALS OF PRODUCTS HADE OF ENGINEERING PLASTIC-.
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON PLASTICS PRODUCTS MERCHANTS UNITED ASSOCIATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SPECIAL TYPES OF PLASTICS WERE BEING APPLIED TO THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING.
IN MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES THE CONVENTIONAL ENGINEERING MATERIALS USED IN SOME PRODUCTS WERE BEING REPLACED BY ENGINEERING PLASTICS OF EQUIVALENT OR EVEN BETTER PERFORMANCE, HE SAID.
TME PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES HAD ENTERED THIS HIGH-TECHNOLOGY AREA IN RECENT YEARS AND HAD THUS OUTPACED THE GROWTH OF MANY OTHER INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.
♦I BELIEVE HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY WILL INEVITABLY MOVE ALONG IN THAT SAME DIRECTION IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE.
♦SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG'S PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO MANUFACTURE HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS MAKING A GREATER CONTRIBUTION TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.♦ MR KIANG SAID.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY WAS FACING TOUGH COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WHERE LABOUR COSTS ARE LOWER, MR KIANG CALLED ON INDUSTRIALISTS TO INVEST IN UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT SO AS TO BE ABLE TO REACT SWIFTLY TO ANY CHANGES IN MARKET DEMAND.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE INDUSTRIALISTS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG'S INDUSTRY IN THE PAST.
♦AVAILABLE STATISTICS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR INDICATE THAT THE RECOVERY OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY WILL MOST LIKELY BE LED BY THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.* HE SAID.
FRIDAY, MAY 27,. 1983
10
GOVERNOR ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS’ FOUNDATION DAY DINNER
M * * N
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (FRIDAY) EVEN ING ATTENDED A DINNER RECEPTION AT THE HILTON HOTEL IN COMMEMORATION CF THE FOUNDING OF THE HONG KONG VOLUNTEERS IN MAY 185*.
THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME SIR EDWARD ATTENDED A DINNER FUNCTION OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AS THE GUEST OF HONOUR SINCE HE .BECAME GOVERNOR.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL, THE GOVERNOR WAS GREETED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE BY THE HONORARY AIR COMMODORE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, AIR COMMODORE ROSS PENLINGTON, AND THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL MIKE BARNABY.
SIR EDWARD MET THE SENIOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT AND THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE IN THE HOTEL’S BALL ROOM BEFORE JOINING THEM FOR DINNER.
AFTER A TOAST TO THE QUEEN, THE GOVERNOR JOINED THE VOLUNTEERS IN A TOAST TO +THE 99+ IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE FOUNDING FEMBE38.
ON MAY 30, 185*. 99 RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG FORMED A VOLUNTEERS CORP TO HELP BOLSTER THE DEFENCES AT A TIME WHEN MARAUDING PIRATES WERE STILL A HAZARD ALONG THE CHINA COAST.
SINCE THEN, THEY HAVE BEEN REMEMBERED AT THE FOUNDATION DAY DINNER HELD ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF MAY EVERY YEAR.
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LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS PINEHILL VILLAGE ft M ft
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR NEIL HENDERSON, ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE WHO IS DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY BUREAU, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING VISITED THE PINEHILL VILLAGE IN TAl Po, WHERE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN ARE BEING EDUCATED AND TAKEN CARE CF.
OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, PINEHILL VILLAGE IS MADE UP OF THREE SCHOOLS, A PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE AND AN ADVANCED TRAINING CENTRE. TOGETHER, THEY HAVE A MAXIMUM CAPACITY FOR OVER 300 CHILDREN.
APART FROM PINEHILL VILLAGE SCHOOL WHICH IS A DAY SCHOOL, THE OTHER FOUR PROJECTS ALSO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THEIR STUDENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PINEHILL VILLAGE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS SHIRLEY CHEUNG, AND THE SUPERINTENDENT, MISS NORA WONG, MR AND MRS HENDERSON FIRST VISITED THE PRE-SCHOOL CENTRE WHICH IS A RESIDENTIAL NURSERY FOR MILDLY AND MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN THREE AND SIX. THE CHILDREN GO HOME ON SATURDAYS AND RETURN TO THE CENTRE ON MONDAY AFTERNOONS.
/THIS WAS ......I,
fehut, may 27, 1983
- 11 -
TN 11 NAS FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO THE PINEHILL VILLAGE SCHOOL WHICH OFFERS SCHOOLING TO MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AGED FROM SIX TO 16. IT HAS AN ENROLMENT OF 100 CHILDREN DIVIDED INTO 10 CLASSES. - -----
THEY THEN VISITED THE NO. S SCHOOL WHICH ALSO PROVIDES WEEKLY RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR SEVERELY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN. THE SCHOOL. WHICH PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL, HAS A CAPACITY FOR 56 CHILDREN.
ADVANCED TRAINING .
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
AFTER VISITING THE NO. 3 SCHOOL. WHICH PROVIDES COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AGED SIX TO 16, MR AND MRS HENDERSON TOURED THE "
CENTRE, WHICH HAS FOUR WORKSHOPS PROVIDING FOR CHILDREN AGED 16 TO 20.
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FIRST SWIMMING POOL FOR TVER MUN RESIDENTS * M * M *
INDOOR SWIMMING FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS <F TUEN MUN AS FROM NEXT WEEK.
ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) THE FIRST PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN TUEN MUN WILL BE OPENED BY THE CHIEF COMMANDER OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, MRS JANE AKERS-JONES.
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE NEW TOWN, THE CHAN MAN TAT SWIMMING POOL 18 NAMED AFTER THE FATHER OF MR CHAN YAT-8EN, A FORMER HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, WHO HAD DONATED 81 MILLION TOWARDS THE BUILDING COST.
THE FIVE-LANE, 25-METRE HEATED POOL HAS ROOM FOR 125 WIMMERS, AND IT WILL BE OPENED DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM. ADMI8SI0& FEES WILL BE 82 FOR CHILDREN TO 85 FOR ADULTS.
THE POOL IS ONE OF MANY FACILITIES IN THE 4 300-SQUARE-«TRE YAH 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE WHICHWILL M READY IN NOVEMBER.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE CHILD CARE AND ELDERLY SERVICES CENTRES, READING ROOMS, A MULTI-PURPOSE 8P0RTS HALL, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, SQUASH COURTS, A GYMNASIUM, A SAUNA ROOM, A BALLET STUDIO, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY, THERE WILL BE SWIMMING DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB AND A SWIMMING RELAY RACE BETWEEN LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
PRIOR TO THE OPENING CEREMONY, A SERVICE VAN HANDING-OVER CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE YAU 01 TOWN SQUARE IN FRONT OF THE CENTRE.
TNI VAN, DONATED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE USED BY THE CENTRE TO TRANSPORT ELDERLY PEOPLE FROM
THEIR MMES TO THE CENTRE.
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
12
GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR TWO MORE CITIZENS * » *
THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE WAS PRESENTED TODAY BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TO TWO MORE CITIZENS - MR CHEUNG SHEK-FU, ELECTED MEMBER OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, AND MR GEORGE HSUEH PING-KWAN, PRINCIPAL OF NAM WAH MIDDLE SCHOOL.
MR CHEUNG WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT IN GENERAL AND PARTICULARLY FOR HIS COURAGE AND ASSISTANCE TO THE AUTHORITIES IN THE HANG ON STREET CLEARANCE ON MARCH 29.
MR HSUEH WAS COMMENDED FOR THE LEADING ROLE HE PLAYED IN ORGANISING THE 1982 ♦TOWARDS A FULLER LIFE* PROGRAMME FOR THE BENEFIT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND FOR HIS SUPPORT GIVEN TO THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IN ITS EFFORT TO EDUCATE AND ENLIST THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY.
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MANNING
OF SHIPS REGULATIONS * * * M
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING REGULATIONS 1983 PUBLISHED
DECK OR ENGINEERING OFFICERS IN POSSESSION OF COMPETENCY (FOREIGN GOING) TO SAIL IN A IN RIVER TRADE VESSELS.
(CERTIFICATION OF OFFICERS)(AMENDMENT) IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY ENABLE
OF CLASS IV CERTIFICATES WATCHKEEPING CAPACITY
EXPLAINED THAT IN
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT
ADDITION, THE AMENDMENT WILL PERMIT THE HOLDER OF A MARINE. ENGINEER OFFICER CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY CLASS 11 FOREIGN GOING WITH A SERVICE ENDORSEMENT, TO SAIL AS CHIEF ENGINEER ON ANY VESSEL WITH ENGINES OF UNDER 3 OOO KW TOTAL.REGISTERED POWER
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
13
SPORTS DAY ON CHEUNG CHAU ft ft ft
A DISTRICT-WIDE SPORTS PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL FITNESS WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FROM Sl'NDA* fMAY 29).
ENTITLED +VITALITY FOR ALL ISLANDERS,* THE PROGRAMME TAKES THE FORM OF A *FUN SPORTS DAY* WHICH WILL BE HELD ON EIGHT SUNDAYS ON CHEUNG CHAU, TAI 0, PENG CHAU, SOUTH LANTAO, NORTH LAMMA, MUI WO, SOUTH LAMMA, AND TUNG CHUNG RESPECTIVELY.
SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS CULTIVATING A SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS AMONG RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FIRST +FUN SPORTS DAY* WILL BE STAGED THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT THE CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND.
TIL HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A SPECTACULAR FITNESS EXERCISE DRILL. MORE THAN 1 000 SPECTATORS ARE EXPECTED TO JOIN IN THE FUN AND FOLLOW THE DEMONSTRATIONS BY POPULAR TVB ARTISTS AND THE STATION’S MODELS OF FITNESS - MR VITALITY AND MISS VITALITY.
OTHER PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE TELEMATCHES AND ENTERTAINING GAMES FOR PLAYERS TO BE SELECTED ON THE SPOT FOR INDIVIDUAL OR TEAM MATCHES.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE DAY WILL BE A COMBINED TUG-OF-WAR AND BALL GAME, IN WHICH GUESTS, LOCAL LEADERS AND TVB ARTISTS WILL BE TESTED ON THEIR SKILLS WHILE COMPETING AGAINST SPECTATORS.
PRIOR TO THE TELEMATCHES, LEAGUE COMPETITIONS ON FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, AND TABLE TENNIS BETWEEN THE EIGHT RURAL AREAS INVOLVING ABOUT 230 PLAYERS WILL COMMENCE AT 10 AM. THE LEAGUE MATCHES WILL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AFTER BEING PLAYED AT EIGHT DIFFERENT VENUES.
WINNERS OF COMPETITIONS FOR THE DAY WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES OR SOUVENIRS.
THE THREE OVERALL CHAMPIONS OF THE LEAGUE MATCHES WILL BE DETERMINED NEXT MARCH.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAPt SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES EAST), MR TAM PAK-HANGi URBAN SERVICES OFFICER (ISLANDS), MR IP KI-TITs TOGETHER WITH OTHER LOCAL LEADERS, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES ON SUNDAY.
THE ^VITALITY FOR ALL ISLANDERS* PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
- 14 -
HOMS KONG IN SEMI-FINAL OF SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
»»»»
HONG KONG HAS REACHED THE SEMI-FINAL OF THE 12TH ASIAN SCHOOLS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT BEING HELD IN SEOUL, KOREA.AND... WILL PLAY THAILAND TODAY.
AFTER ARRIVING IN SEOUL ON MAY 20, HOM KOM BEAT MALAYSIA BY 2 - 0 AND BRUNEI BY 1 - 0 DURING THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS. IT, HOWEVER, LOST 1 - 3 TO KOREA AND THEREFORE QUALIFIED FOR THE._ SEMI-FINAL AS THE NUMBER TWO TEAM IN THE GROUP.
SEVEN ASIAN COUNTRIES AND CITIES ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE TOURNAMENT WHICH WILL END ON SUNDAY (MAY 29).
KOREA WILL MEET SINGAPORE IN THE OTHER SEMI-FINAL MATCH.
BEFORE GOING TO KOREA, THE HONG KONG TEAM UNDERWENT THREE-MONTHS’ INTENSIVE TRAINING AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR CHAN YONG-CHONG.
THE TEAM WILL RETURN TO HONG KOM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) EVENING.
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AMS BAND TO INCLUDE BAGPIPES
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THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES BAND WILL SOON HAVE A NEW SOUND ADDED TO ITS ARRAY OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS — SCOTTISH BAGPIPES.
IN FACT, THE AMS BAND SECTION WILL BE FORMING A NEW GROUP — THE SCOTTISH PIPE BAND, FOLLOWING A DONATION OF A SET SCALE OF SCOTTISH PIPE INSTRUMENTS BY THE LIONS CLUB OF VICTORIA.
THE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, VALUED AT ABOUT S30 000, INCLUDE 12 PIECES OF SCOTTISH BAGPIPES, SIX PARADE DRUMS, TWO TENOR DRUMS AND ONE BASS DRUM.
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE AMS, DR K.L. THONG, WILL RECEIVE THE DONATION AT A CEREMONY IN THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES HEADQUARTERS ON MONDAY (MAY 30).
AT PRESENT THE AMS BAND SECTION, WHICH WAS FORMED IN 1969 WITH A CORPS OF DRUMS AND BUGLES, HAS OVER 60 MUSICIANS WHO PERFORM IN PARADES, CONCERTS AND VARIOUS OTHER FUNCTIONS.
WITH THE DONATION OF SCOTTISH PIPE INSTRUMENTS, THE AMS WILL UNDERTAKE TO TRAIN MORE MUSICIANS TO EXPAND THE AMS BAND SECTION.
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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1983
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REHEARSAL WITH A DIFFERENCE * ft ft ft
THIRTY MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNS CHILDREN'S CHOIR WILL REHEARSE ♦ODE TO TUNS LUNS ISLAND* ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) ON THE ISLAND ITSELF.
THE SINGING TRIP IS BEINS ARRANSED FOR THE CHILDREN TO PRACTISE THE NUMBER WHICH THEY WILL PERFORM ON JUNE 19 AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL TO MARK THE CHOIR'S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY.
THE SONS COMPOSER, MR YIP YEE-KWONS, ONCE VISITED THE ISLAND, SOUTH OF TIN HA PENINSULA IN CLEAR WATER BAY, AND WAS ATTRACTED BY THE <OCX CARVINGS AND THE RELICS AT THE TUNS LUNS FORT. HE LATER RECORD THESE HISTORIC TREASURES IN A SONS.
THE TUNS LUNS CARVINGS ARE SAID TO BE MORE THAN 3 OOO YEARS OLD. WHILE THE FORT WAS BUILT IN THE CHINS DYNASTY AND MANNED BY A SMALL DETACHMENT FROM THE TAI PING GARRISON TO CONTROL TRADING SHIPS AND TO PROTECT THEM FROM PIRATES.
ORGANISER OF THE TRIP, MR WAN HON-CHEUNG, SAID THE OUTING WOULD ENABLE CHOIR MEMBERS, BETWEEN THE AGES OF SEVEN.AND 14, 70 LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE HISTORIC TREASURES.
THE CHILDREN'S CHOIR, SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, WAS FORMED IN 1979 TO EDUCATE AND TRAIN LOCAL CHILDREN WITH MUSICAL TALENT.
THE ANNIVERSARY CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT7.3O PM ON JUNE 19 IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, KOWLOON TONG.
TICKETS AT |5 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE AC HALL AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFF ICES.
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LECTURE ON PHYSICAL FITNESS ft ft ft ft
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A SEMINAR ON *THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HOW TO ATTAIN IT*.ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) IN THE ACADEMY ROOMS OF THE HARBOUR VIEW HOLIDAY INN IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE A WELL-KNOWN AMERICAN EXERCISE-PHYSIOLOGIST, PROFESSOR JAMES SKINNER.
• PROFESSOR SKINNER'S TALK WILL BE PRECEDED BY AN OPENING ADDRESS BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AMD CULTURE, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM.
FOLLOWING THE 79-MINUTE LECTURE, A DISCUSSION SESSION WILL BE ICLD.
REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICIALS OF SPORTS ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND.
CONTRIBUTING CHAPTERS AND BOOKS ON PHYSIOLOGY — PAI ARLY IN RELATION TO HEALTH AND FITNESS. HE HAS ALSO LECTURED IN FRENCH AND GERMAN.
FRIDAY, HAY 27, 1983
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HOUSES AND LAND LOTS FOR SALE
III
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER SIX HOUSES IN NGAU CHI WAN AND THREE LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR SALE AT TWO SEPARATE AUCTIONS NEXT MONTH. -- . -
THE FIRST AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 22, AT 2.30 PM IN THE CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, KOWLOON.
OF THE HOUSES TO BE SOLD AT THE AUCTION, TWO OF THE HOUSES HAVE AN AREA OF ABOUT 74.9 SQUARE METRES, WHILE THE REMAINING FOUR ARE OF ABOUT 56 SQUARE METRES IN SIZE.
THE SECOND AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 24 AT 2.30 PM IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE IN SHA TIN. ONE OF THEM MEASURING ABOUT 3 834 SQUARE METRES IS FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSES WHILE THE OTHER SITE WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 955 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A SINGLE DETACHED PRIVATE DWELLING HOUSE.
THE THIRD SITE, SITUATED IN THE TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA OF YUEN LONG. IS ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSE. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 777 SQUARE METRES.
PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE SURVEY DIVISION OF.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; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN. TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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WORK STARTING SOON ON TUEN MUN TOWN PARK
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WORK WILL SOON START ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 11.5-HECTARE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK.
TENDERS FOR THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE TOWN PARK IS CENTRALLY LOCATED BETWEEN THE TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE, CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX AND THE EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OF YAU 01, ON TING AND SAN FAT.
IT WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR CENTRAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN.
FRIDAY, MAY 27, 1963
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WORK ON THE PRESENT CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION CF A LARGE ORNAMENTAL LAKE FOR BOTH ROWING AND MODEL BOATING, WITH ISLAND CAFE, AMPHITHEATRE AND PAVILIONS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AND SITTING AREAS, AND EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPED SLOPES SURROUNDING THE PARK.
ALSO INCLUDED WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO FOOTBRIDGES CONNECTING THE PARK TO THE NEW TOWN CENTRE IN THE EAST AND THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND SAN FAT ESTATE IN THE NORTH.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START IN AUGUST AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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CAUSEWAY BAY WATER MAINS WORK
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FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY GLOUCESTER ROAD, PATERSON STREET AND GREAT GEORGE STREET, INCLUDING WEST SIDE CF PATERSON STREET.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SAI KUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE CUT OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM TO FACILITATE WATER HAINS WORKS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE ALONG HIRAM’S HIGHWAY INCLUDING NAM WAI, PAK WAI, HO CHUNG, PAK KONG, PAK SHA WAN, TUI MIN HOI, PO LO CHE, SHA KOK MEI AND SAI KUNG MARKET.
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PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
SIR EDWARD YOUDE, GCMG, MBE, AT THE OPENING
CEREMONY OF THE SAI KUNG TAN
SPORTS GRPUND ON 27 HAY
G SHIU KIN
1983______
Mr Heywood/ Sir Shlu-kln and Lady Tang, Ladles and Gentlemen,
We are very glad to be here today to mark the completion of this sports ground which Is to be named after Its generous benefactor, Sir Shlu-kln Tang. Here and elsewhere In the New Territories, Sir Shlu-kln Tang's generous contributions to a wide variety of community and recreational projects have given invaluable support to Government's efforts to provide better sporting facilities for the New Territories residents.
Sal Kung District Is renowned for Its picturesque landscape and beautiful country parks which have now become an important recreational asset for urban dwellers. But there is also a need to provide more active recreational facilities for Sal Kung residents themselves. With the completion of this project, Sai Kung will have its own sports centre which can be used for football, athletic events and other recreation activities.
At fill.......
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
It will take Its place In the pattern of leisure facilities in the New Territories. Last month I went to Yuen Long to open the new swimming pool complex. Other projects which will be completed later this year include the Sha Tin Recreation Ground, the Kwai Chung Swimming Pool and the North Kwai Chung Indoor Games Holl, another project to which Sir Shiu-kin Tang has generously donated $10 million.
The Sai Kung District Sports Association, with the sponsorship of the District Board, has organised a number of events at this sports ground since it was completed several months ago, including the Inter-District Soccer Competition. With such support from the Board and local initiatives, I am sure that it will become increasingly popular and provide great enjoyment for local residents and visitors alike.
Finally, may I once again thank Sir Shlu-kln Tang for his generous donation towards this project and may I also congratulate all those responsible for the planning, design and construction of this fine ground.
I take great pleasure in formally declaring open the Sal Kung Tang Shiu-kin Sports Ground.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME........ 1
FUN AND GAMES GALORE TO MARK QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY................... 2
APPLICATIONS FOR NT SITES ...................................... 4
REMAINS IN NT PUBLIC CEMETERIES DUE FOR EXHUMATION.............. 5
AIR TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE .................................. 5
MORE ROADS FOR FANLING ......................................... 6
QUALIFIED YOUTHS URGED TO WORK AS LIFEGUARDS ................... 6
SAILING COURSE FOR THE DEAF .................................... 7
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD ....................................... 8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HUNG HOM...................... 8
KING’S ROAD PARTIALLY CLOSED ................................... 9
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
1
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN HE OPENED THE CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNMENT IS ENTIRELY COMMITTED IN ITS SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE ADDED A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION TO HONG KONG'S UNIQUE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT BY CONSULTATION AND CONSENSUS.
THE BOARDS CONSTITUTED THE LARGEST EVER ADVISORY BODY WITH AN ELECTED ELEMENT IN HONG KONG, AND HAD FORGED MORE EFFECTIVE LINKS BETWEEN AN INCREASINGLY COMPLEX CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE MAN IN THE STREET, HE SAID.
♦THEY HAVE ALREADY MANY ACHIEVEMENTS TO THEIR CREDIT AND ARE WELL REGARDED BY RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.
THE CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION — ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION — BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME MEMBERS OF ALL 18 BOARDS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN AND TO DISCUSS THE ROLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
SOME 300 UNOFFICIAL AND OFFICIAL MEMBERS TOOK PART, AND SPEAKERS INCLUDED EDUCATORS, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
SIR PHILIP SAID THE INTERACTION BETWEEN UNOFFICIALS AND OFFICIALS ON MATTERS OF DISTRICT MANAGEMENT HAD PRODUCED MOST BENEFICIAL RESULTS.
WHEREAS FORMERLY THERE WAS LITTLE PUBLIC SUPPORT OR EVEN INTEREST IN THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN STREET MANAGEMENT. *IT IS NOW THE UNOFFICIALS ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS WHO ARE URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO DO MORE TO RID OUR STREETS OF RUBBISH, OBSTRUCTIONS AND STRUCTURES AND TO REQUIRE A RADICAL CHANGE IN THE ENVIRONMENT,♦ HE SAID.
♦NOW IT IS THE RESIDENTS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WHO ARE PRESSING FOR THE PROVISION OF VARIOUS SERVICES AND MAKING SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES, OR TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
♦THIS IS OF COURSE EXACTLY AS IT SHOULD BE.
♦SO, NOW, OFFICIALS INDEPENDENTLY AND VIA DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES CAN CONCENTRATE THEIR ENERGIES ON RESPONDING TO RESIDENTS’ PROPOSALS, AND PROPOSALS FORMULATED BY RESIDENTS ARE MUCH MORE LIKELY TO REFLECT LOCAL LIVING CONDITIONS.
/♦BUT THESE .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
2
♦BUT THESE ARE EARLY DAYS AND IT WOULD BE FOOLISH FOR ANY CF US TO ASSUME THAT THERE IS NO ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE . CONTRIBUTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME TO THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY.*
THE STRONG TEAMS OF SENIOR GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, HE SAID, WAS SURE EVIDENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S DESIRE TO SEE TO IT THAT. WHEREVER PRACTICABLE, THE BOARDS' ADVICE IS ACTED UPON WITH DESPATCH, WITH IMAGINATION AND WITH DUE REGARD TO THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICTS, AND THAT PROMPT EXPLANATIONS ARE GIVEN IF SOLUTIONS TO DEEP-SEATED PROBLEMS AND DEFICIENCIES ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE.
SIR PHILIP SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS TOGETHER MADE UP THE LARGEST ADVISORY BODY WITH AN ELECTED ELEMENT. OF THE 489 SEATS, 132 WERE HELD BY ELECTED MEMBERS, 27 BY RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, AND 30 BY URBAN COUNCILLORS MOST OF WHOM WERE ELECTED, PLUS 135 APPOINTED UNOFFICIALS AND 165 OFFICIALS.
♦TOGETHER THEY PROVIDE A WELL-BALANCED AND REPRESENTATIVE PLATFORM FOR CONSULTATION AND ADVICE ON A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS,♦ HE SAID.
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FUN AND GAMES GALORE TO MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY ft ft * * ft ft
THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WILL BE CELEBRATED IN HONG KONG ON JUNE 11 IMIS YEAR, A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORT ACTIVITIES.
TO LEAD THE CELEBRATIONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL GIVE A RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON JUNE 9. ABOUT 450 GUESTS WILL BE INVITED, COMPRISING 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.
THE PROGRAMME ON JUNE 11 WILL CONSIST OF MORE THAN 100 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORT EVENTS AT 37 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG. IT IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE BRITISH FORCES.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WILL ATTEND AN EVEN ING CONCERT IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (A) AND HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA.
EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON, THE MUSIC OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL GIVE A MATINEE CONCERT AT THE LANDMARK IN CENTRAL AT 3 PM.
/IN KOWLOON,
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
IN KOWLOON, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE. WILL OFFICIATE AT TH^ OPEN INC CEREMONY OF THE CELEBRATIONS AT MORSE PARK AT 9 AM FOLLOWING A MILITARY BAND DISPLAY. THERE WILL BE A FOLK DANCE DEMONSTRATION, A PARACHUTING PERFORMANCE. POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN, TELE-GAMES FOR THE AGED, AND A ♦THOUSAND SWIM+..
THE CELEBRATIONS AT KOWLOON PARK WILL BEGIN WITH A POLICE BAND PERFORMANCE AT 8.30 AM, TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN OPENING CEREMONY BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A MINI PRIX, A WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COMPETITION, A TABLE-TENNIS-FOR-ALL AND A PARACHUTING PERFORMANCE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A ROLLER SKATING FUN DAY AT KOWLOON TSAI PARK, A TENNIS FUN DAY AT WAH YAN COLLEGE AND A BADMINTON FUN DAY AT CHEUNG SHA WAN GAMES HALL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD MAINLY IN VICTORIA PARK.
THEY WILL BEGIN WITH A MILITARY BAND DISPLAY AT 8.30 AM, TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN OPENING CEREMONY BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A. DE 0. SALES. EVENTS WILL INCLUDE POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY, A DISCO-FOR-ALL, A BASKETBALL COMPETITION, A MOTOR CYCLING DEMONSTRATION, A SWIMMING GALA AND A ROUND-THE-PARK RACE. THE CELEBRATIONS WILL END WITH A PARACHUTING DISPLAY AT 11.30 AM.
OTHER OUTDOOR EVENTS ON THE ISLAND WILL INCLUDE A MINI-SOCCER MARATHON AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND AND POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN AT FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND.
CELEBRATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL TAKE PLACE MAINLY AT RECREATION GROUNDS IN THE NEW TOWNS.
AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL START THE PROGRAMME FOR EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES AT FANLING RECREATION GROUND AT 10 AM. THERE WILL BE A MILITARY BAND PERFORMANCE, A MODEL AIRCRAFT DEMONSTRATION, A PONY RIDE, A TRAMPOLINING-FOR-ALL, POTTED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY AND DISCO ROLLER-SKATING.
IN WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT, WILL OFFICIATE AT 10 AM. EVENTS WILL INCLUDE A MILITARY BAND DISPLAY, A WATER CARNIVAL AND A PARACHUTING PERFORMANCE.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY IN THE NEW TOWNS, COMPETITIONS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR VARIOUS SPORTS INCLUDING FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, TENNIS, BADMINTON, AND TABLE-TENNIS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
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APPLICATIONS FOR NT SITES ft * ft * ft *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A AND B) FOR 15 SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OF THESE SITES, SIX ARE IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN, FOUR IN YUEN LONG, IWO IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND ONE EACH IN TAI PO NEW TOWN, SAI KUNG AND LANTAU.
THREE OF THE SHA TIN SITES ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND MEASURE ABOUT 18 800, 7 181 AND 5 *15 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
TWO SITES OF 327.* AND 326.9 SQUARE METRES ARE FOR NONINDUSTRIAL PURPOSES AND THE OTHER SITE OF 3 83* SQUARE METRES IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE FOUR YUEN LONG SITES, ALL IN THE TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN PURPOSES. THEY ARE OF 1 889, 1 736, 1 52*, AND 911.6 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ONE OF THE TWO TUEN MUN SITES WITH AN AREA OF 10 2*0 SQUARE PETRES, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSE. THE OTHER ONE, OF *6*.5 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL USE.
THE TAI PO SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 9 016 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE.
THE REMAINING TWO SITES ARE BOTH FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
ONE OF THEM IS IN SHA HA, SAI KUNG, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 282 SQUARE METRES, AND THE OTHER IS IN CHEUNG SHA ON LANTAU ISLAND, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 625 SQUARE METRES.
FURTHER DETAILS, INCLUDING SALES CONDITIONS AND TENDER FORMS PttY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONGS THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG | THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, *05 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
5
REMAINS IN NT PUBLIC CEMETERIES DUE FOR EXHUMATION ft * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO EXHUME THEIR RELATIVES' REMAINS BURIED IN 1976 IN FOUR PUBLIC CEMETERIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FOUR CEMETERIES ARE THE WO HOP SHEK, SANDY RIDGE, SANDY RIDGE URN AND CHEUNG CHAU CEMETERIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.
IF NO SUCH ACTION IS TAKEN, THE REMAINS WILL BE EXHUMED AND CREMATED BY NTSD OFFICIALS FOR REBURYING IN THE SANDY RIDGE URN OR SOME OTHER URN CEMETERIES.
THIS PROCEDURE IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CHEUNG CHAU CEMETERY, SANDY RIDGE CEMETERY, SANDY RIDGE URN CEMETERY AND WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY (REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL OF HUMAN REMAINS) ORDER 1983, PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
TO CARRY OUT THE EXHUMATION AND REBURIAL. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD APPLY FOR AN EXHUMATION PERMIT AT THE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE OF THE NTSD AT NO. 6 CHEONG HANG ROAD, HUNG HOM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EXHUMED REMAINS MAY BE REBURIED IN THE URN SECTION OF A PUBLIC CEMETERY.
THEY MAY ALSO BE CREMATED FOR STORAGE IN A NICHE IN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE COLUMBARIUM OR FOR KEEPING AT HOME.
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AIR TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE * ft * *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, MR TREVOR THORPE, WILL LEAVE FOR MONTREAL, CANADA TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ATTEND THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION CONFERENCE TO BE HELD NEXT WEEK.
THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS THE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS.
SPECIFIC SUBJECTS ON WHICH PAPERS WILL BE PRESENTED AND DISCUSSIONS HELD INCLUDE THE IMPACT OF STRETCHED WIDE-BODIED AIRCRAFT ON EXISTING AIRPORT FACILITIES, THE IMPACT OF TRAFFIC GROWTH ON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS, MODE TRANSFER AT AIRPORTS AND THE EFFECT OF ADVANCED AIRCRAFT OF THE ’90S ON AIR TRANSPORT GENERALLY.
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SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
6
MORE ROADS FOR FANLING
* M * M
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT A ONE-KILOMETRE ROAD LINKING WO HOP SHEK ROAD TO PAK FUK TSUEN ROAD.
THE PLAN ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LOCAL ROAD TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE FUTURE HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER FACILITIES IN THE SOUTHERN PART CF FANLING NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF A CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE; THE.DISTR ICT LANDS OFFICE. NORTH AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, OLD DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, TAI PO MARKET, TAI PO, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FANLING SUB-OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE JULY 26, 1983.
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QUALIFIED YOUTHS URGED TO WORK AS LIFEGUARDS * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE HOLDING APPROVED LIFE-SAVING QUALIFICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR JOBS AS LIFEGUARDS ON PUBLIC BEACHES WHICH PAY |98 A DAY.
THOSE WHO WORK MORE THAN 48 HOURS DURING THE WEEK WILL BE PAID 1147 A DAY ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS SEEKING SOME 100 SUCH PART-TIME LIFEGUARDS FOR WORK DURING THE SUMMER
HOLDERS OF THE BRONZE MEDALLION AWARDED BY THE ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE JOBS.
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 35 YEARS OF AGE AND HAVE STRONG PHYSIQUES AND GOOD EYESIGHT WITHOUT WEARING SPECTACLES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/holders of .......
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
HOLDERS OF HIGHER LIFE-SAVING QUALIFICATIONS AND THOSE POSSESSING ACTUAL EXPERIENCE WILL HAVE PRIORITY FOR THE JOBS, « SAID.
PRIORITY WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS RECOMMENDED BY THEIR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS (G.F. 340) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN THE URBAN AREA.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE JUNE 14 (TUESDAY).
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SAILING COURSE FOR THE DEAF
* * *
AN ELEMENTARY SAILING COURSE FOR THE DEAF WILL START ON JUNE 18 AT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE.
BEFORE THE COURSE, A SEMINAR ON SAILING ACTIVITIES FOR INSTRUCTORS SERVING THE DEAF WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 3 AT THE 01 MAN ESTATE HALL.
BOTH ARE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS), THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF AND THE SAILING TRAINING ASSOCIATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RSS SAID THE TRAINING COURSE IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE 16 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE.
THERE WILL BE FOUR SESSIONS WITH PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL LESSONS.
PARTIALLY OR FULLY DEAF PEOPLE AND VOLUNTARY HELPERS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
♦THERE WILL BE A SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER ASSISTING,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 7.30 PM, FEATURING FILM AND SLIDE PRESENTATIONS.
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/8........
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
8
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD ft ft ft ft
TWENTY NINE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $227 300 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 6996 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF >69 500.
THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF >33 900 WAS PAID FOR NUMBER CG8, WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE OF >1 000 FOR CZ3O6, CZ1283, CZ884, CZ1846, CZ8119 AND CZ7O21.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE
FOLLOWING PR ICESI
CZ 928 I 12 500 CZ 611 1 11 500 CZ 168 I 15 000
CY 78 I |>8 000 CJ 82 1 18 500 CZ 120 > 3 100
CX 500 1 >7 000 CZ 119 1 13 500 CK 838 > . 9 000
CZ 944 1 H 300 CZ 556 1 (1 800 CW8181 > ; 6 600
CZ 203 1 13 300 CZ 107 1 >2 800 CY 2 > 10 000
CZ2227 1 11 600 AR1111 1 17 000 CZ 3 > 15 000
CZ2628 | >4 800 CZ 938 1 14 300 CY8661 > 1 300
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAMES OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
TODAY'S SALE, THE 85TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO >27 666 132.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN HUNG HOM ft ft ft ft
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HUNG HOM FROM 6 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR DiAINAGE REPAIRS AT WINSLOW STREET.
A SMALL SECTION OF WINSLOW STREET WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH LO LUNG HANG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
BAKER STREET BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND LO LUNG HANG STREET WILL BE RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS.
LO LUNG HANG STREET BETWEEN BAKER STREET AND WINSLOW STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, AND VEHICLES ON BAKER STREET WESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO LO LUNG HANG STREET SOUTHBOUND.
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/9........
SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1983
9
KING’S ROAD PARTIALLY CLOSED ft ft ft ft
TWO LANES ON THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF KING’S ROAD BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST AND JAVA ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 29) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR ROAD WORKS.
BUT, THE TRAM-ONLY LANE ON THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL BE TEMPORARILY OPEN TO OTHER TRAFFIC.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE ENFORCED AGAIN FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 30) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, CMB ROUTES 2, 8, 20, 20M, 21, 21M, 22. 22M, 80, 81 AND 81M AS WELL AS CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES 102, 106 AND 116 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TIN CHIU STREET AND JAVA ROAD ON EASTBOUND JOURNEYS.
BUSES ALONG THE ROUTES WILL USE THE TEMPORARY STOP ON JAVA ROAD.
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<
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FAMILY PLANNING GAINING WIDER ACCEPTANCE ................... 1
HOSTELS FOR SINGLE PERSONS SPACIOUS AND OF GOOD STANDARD ... J
FITNESS DRILL FOR CHEUNG CHAU ISLANDERS .................... 4
SUBSIDY FOR YOUTH PROJECTS ................................. 5
ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN WAN CHAI ........................ 6
SAI KUNG MARKET STALLS ..................................... 7
FACILITIES FOR MORNING JOGGERS IN SAI KUNG ................. 7
SPORTS DAY IN KOWLOON CITY .................................. 8
ANOTHER SWIMMING POOL FOR TUEN MUN ......................... 9
more sport facilities
9
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
1
FAMILY PLANNING GAINING WIDER ACCEPTANCE *****
FAMILY PLANNING IS MORE THAN JUST TEACHING PEOPLE METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL, SAID DR BETTY EO-YANG, PRINCIPAL MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER (FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES).
SHE STRESSED THAT IMPROVEMENT IN FAMILY HEALTH, ESPECIALLY IN THAT OF THE MOTHERS AND THE CHILDREN, WAS A PREREQUISITE.
PARENTS WOULD ACCEPT FAMILY PLANNING MORE READILY WHEN FOETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY RATES WERE REDUCED, SHE SAID.
IN THIS FIELD, HONG KONG HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES — AN ACHIEVEMENT THAT HAS MODIFIED THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE THINKING OF HAVING A LARGE FAMILY.
♦OUR INFANT MORTALITY RATE LAST YEAR WAS 9.9 PER 1 OOO BABIES BORN, THE LOWEST IN THE FAR EAST WHILE THE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE AT 0.01 PER 1 000 WAS THE SECOND LOWEST IN THE REGION,♦ SHE POINTED OUT.
HONG KONG'S EXTENSIVE HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN AS WELL AS ANTE-NATAL AND POST-NATAL HEALTH SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY HOSPITALS AND VARIOUS MATERNITY AND CHILD HEALTH (MCH) CENTRES WERE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD, DR EO-YANG SAID.
THESE SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT HONG KONG'S 45 GOVERNMENT FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS THOUGH THEIR MAIN SERVICE IS TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING ON BIRTH CONTROL. THREE OF THEM ARE ATTACHED TO THE TSAN YUK, QUEEN ELIZABETH AND PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITALS AND THE REST ARE OPERATED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S MCH CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
DR EO-YANG DESCRIBED THE FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE AND THE MCH CENTRES AS A *PACKAGE DEAL*.
♦THERE IS A DIRECT RELATIONSHIP AS THEY ARE BOTH CONCERNED WITH THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE,* SHE EXPLAINED.
THROUGH FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES, MORE PARENTS NOWADAYS ARE ALSO MADE TO REALISE THAT A SMALL FAMILY OFTEN MEANS BETTER EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILDREN.
♦WITH OUR GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING, EVEN FISHERMEN WHO HAVE TRADITIONALLY CONSIDERED CHILDREN AS SO MANY ADDITIONAL FREE HELPING HANDS, ARE BEGINNING TO SEE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A SMALL FAMILY,* DR EO-YANG POINTED OUT.
THE GROWING MECHANISATION OF HONG KONG'S FISHING FLEET ALSO HELPED.
OVERALL, THE FAMILY PLANNING MESSAGES HAD TAKEN HOLD IN HONG KONG, AS INDICATED BY THE STEADILY DECLINING BIRTH RATE, SHE SAID.
/Last year.........
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
2
LAST YEAR, THE RATE WAS 16.4 PER 1 000, COMPARED WITH 19.2 IN 1972 AND 33.9 IN 1962.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST POPULATION CENSUS CONDUCTED IN 1981, THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE HAD DECREASED FROM 4.5 MEMBERS IN 1971 TO 3.9 BY 1981.
♦ IN FACT, OUR WORK IN FAMILY PLANNING COMPARES VERY WELL WITH THAT BEING DONE IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY QUALIFIED NURSES AND MEDICAL OFFICERS AND THE STATISTICS REFLECT OUR ACHIEVEMENT AND HIGH SERVICE STANDARDS,* DR EO-YANG SAID.
LAST YEAR. OVER 92 PER CENT OF NEWBORN BABIES ATTENDED THE MCH CENTRES, COMPARED WITH ONLY 24 PER CENT IN 1960, WHILE SOME 370 000 ATTENDANCES WERE RECORDED AT THE FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS.
♦FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE WORKING MOTHERS, THREE OF OUR FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS HAVE EXTENDED THEIR WORK HOURS BY STAYING OPEN AT LUNCH TIME SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR.
♦AND PLANS ARE IN HAND TO SET UP EIGHT MORE SUCH CLINICS IN THE 198O’S,* DR EO-YANG SAID.
♦PEOPLE CALLING ON A FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC OR AN MCH CENTRE USUALLY ASK NOT ONLY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANCE BUT ALSO FOR COUNSELLING ON FAMILY PLANNING AND RELATED QUESTIONS,* SHE SAID.
AMONG THE ISSUES REGULARLY DEALT WITH BY SUCH CLINICS AND CENTRES ARE THE SPACING OF CHILD BIRTHS, MARITAL CONSULTATIONS AND VARIOUS METHODS OF BIRTH CONTROL.
DR EO-YANG SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE DELICACY OF CERTAIN PROBLEMS, MANY OF THE PROFESSIONAL STAFF AT THE MCH CENTRES HAD BEEN SPECIALLY TRAINED FOR THE JOB.
♦THEY ARE MULTI-PURPOSE NURSES WHO HAVE COMPLETED FIVE YEARS CF TRAINING, MADE UP OF THREE YEARS IN GENERAL NURSING, ONE YEAR IN MIDWIFERY AND ANOTHER YEAR IN PUBLIC HEALTH,* SHE SAID.
THIS EXTENSIVE TRAINING ALSO COVERS INTERVIEWING AND COUNSELLING TECHNIQUES, PUBLIC LECTURES AND FINESSE IN HANDLING DELICATE PROBLEMS, AMONG OTHER SKILLS.
DR EO-YANG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, A VOLUNTARY AGENCY AND A PIONEER IN PROVIDING FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES.
GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION FOR THE ASSOCIATION INCREASED STEADILY, FROM $110 000 IN 1958 TO MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION LAST YEAR.
NOW THAT THE GOVERNMENT-OPERATED FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS HAVE BEEN IN OPERATION FOR A DECADE. THE ASSOCIATION IS PLACING ITS EMPHASIS ON SUCH OTHER AREAS AS EDUCATION, RESERACH, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS.
0
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
3
HOSTELS FOR SINGLE PERSONS SPACIOUS AND OF GOOD STANDARD *****
A SENIOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY DISMISSED AS ♦UNFOUNDED AND ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS+ CRITICISMS OVER THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR SINGLE PERSONS.
♦THE HOSTELS ARE OF VERY GOOD STANDARD WITH PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS AND PROVIDE EVEN MORE SPACE PER PERSON THAN IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA,* SAID MR MIKE SMITH, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS).
HE SAID HE DOUBTED VERY MUCH IF THE PEOPLE PROTESTING OR THOSE OUTSIDERS WHO WERE ORCHESTRATING THE PROTEST HAD ACTUALLY SEEN THE PLACE.
♦HOWEVER, THEIR CLAIMS THAT THE HOSTELS ARE LIKE A ’DOG KENNEL’, ’PRISON’ OR ’CONCENTRATION CAMP’ ARE LAUGHABLE.
♦EACH HOSTEL BAY FOR SIX OR EIGHT PERSONS IS SELF-CONTAINED. THERE ARE FREE WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, BEDS, LOCKERS AND CEILING FANS, PLUS COOKING, WASHING AND SHOWER FACILITIES.
♦THE SIX-PERSON BAY. FOR EXAMPLE, HAS AN AREA OF 200 SO. FT. PLUS A KITCHEN AND SHOWER ROOM, WHILE THE AREA OUTSIDE GIVES PLENTY OF SPACE FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
♦THE MAXIMUM MONTHLY RENT IS ONLY $80 PER PERSON WHICH IS VERY LOW INDEED.+
MR SMITH SAID THE EXISTING REHOUSING POLICY FOR ABLE-BODIED SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES WAS REASONABLE HAVING REGARD TO THE OVERALL PUBLIC HOUSING NEEDS.
♦WHILE THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IS EVER EXPANDING WITH ITS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AMOUNTING TO AS MUCH AS ONE-THIRD OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, THESE RESOURCES ARE NOT UNLIMITED.
♦THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES ARE MOST FAIRLY AND ECONOMICALLY UTILISED.
♦WE MUST THEREFORE NOT ONLY LOOK AT INDIVIDUAL GROUPS, BUT RATHER AT THE OVERALL SITUATION, TAKING ALSO INTO ACCOUNT THE GREATER NEED OF LARGER FAMILIES, FOR EXAMPLE MARRIED COUPLES WITH CHILDREN.*
UNDER THE EXISTING POLICY, ONLY SINGLE PERSONS OR TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES WHO ARE COMPASSIONATE CASES OR WHO ARE OLD OR HAVE AN AGED BUT CLOSELY-RELATED FAMILY MEMBER, ARE GIVEN PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING.
♦SUCH CASES ARE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE ABLE-BODIED SINGLE PERSONS OR TWO-PERSON FAMILIES WHO ARE CAPABLE OF LOOKING AFTER THEMSELVES,♦ MR SMITH SAID.
/+IF THEY
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 198?
4
♦IF THEY DO THIS, THEY ARE GIVEN THE OPTION OF A REASONABLE CASH ALLOWANCE — |4 500 FOR EACH ELIGIBLE ABLE-BODIED SINGLE PERSON OR 19 000 FOR A TWO-PERSON FAMILY — WHICH SHOULD ENABLE THEM TO RENT SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION OF THEIR OWN CHOICE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
♦SHOULD THEY WISH TO BE REHOUSED INSTEAD OF ACCEPTING THE ALLOWANCE, ABLE-BODIED SINGLE PERSONS ARE OFFERED HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION, AND TWO-PERSON FAMILIES ARE ALLOCATED TEMPORARY HOUS ING.♦
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FITNESS DRILL FOR CHEUNG CHAU ISLANDERS
* * * *
THE PROVISION OF MORE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WOULD HELP ENRICH THEIR SIMPLE RUSTIC LIVES AND OFFER MORE VENUES FOR RELAXATION, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE *FUN SPORTS DAY* HELD AT CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND, MR YAP SAID THAT SEVEN SIMILAR SPORTS DAYS WOULD ALSO BE HELD AT DIFFERENT VENUES FOR OTHER ISLANDERS LATER THIS YEAR.
TODAY’S EVENT MARKED THE START OF A DISTRICT-WIDE SPORTS PROGRAMME — ♦VITALITY FOR ALL ISLANDERS* — AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES. AS WELL AS CULTIVATING A SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS AMONG RESIDENTS IA THE DISTRICT.
CHEUNG CHAU ISLANDERS, YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE, HAD A DAY OF FUN AND ACTIVITIES AS THEY TOOK PART IN THE VARIOUS GAMES AND TELEMATCHES ORGANISED FOR THE OCCASION.
THE,R L,KBS AND swung their bodies, in unison WITH TVB ARTISTS AND THE STATION’S MODELS OF FITNESS — MR VITALITY AND MISS VITALITY - TO THE RHYTHM OF THE FITNESS EXERCISE DRILL.
EARLIER IN THE MORNING, THEY SAW SOME 200 PLAYERS REPRESENTING THE EIGHT RURAL AREAS — CHEUNG CHAU. TAI 0 PENG Sulk LA^AiTMUI wo» SOUTH LaAmA AND ’ TUNG
COMPETITIONS^ * S0CCER’ BASKETBALL AND TABLE TENNIS
e the le,sue m‘tches which “,ll
SA,D THAT W,TH THE SUPPORT OF THE EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MORE SPORTS AND rLANDS,D?STR*CT,V,T,ES '*’LL BE 0RSAN,SED F0R RESIDENTS IN THE
/SPONSORED BY .......
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
5
SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, THE ♦VITALITY FOR ALL ISLANDERS* PROGRAMME WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES EAST), MR TAM PAK-HANG, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER (ISLANDS), IP KI-TIT, AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
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SUBSIDY FOR YOUTH PROJECT^
******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM YOUTH GROUPS PLANNING INNOVATIVE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS UNDER A YOUTH SCHEME.
THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME, INTRODUCED N 1974, AIMS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL.. IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
♦ANY GROUP WITH SEVEN OR MORE MEMBERS AGED BETWE N 15 AND 25, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY A SCHOOL, YOUTH AGENCY OR BUSI? ’SS ORGANISATION, MAY APPLY FOR SUBSIDY,* A DEPARTMENT Sl'Ot'ESMAN SAID.
♦GROUPS WITHOUT SPONSORS MAY ALSO APPLY IF THEY ARE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS (CYOS).+
APPLICATION FORMS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS may I ■ 0 TA I NED FROM THE CYOS AND DETAILED PROJECT PROPOSALS SHOULD IE SUtHTTED TO THEM BY JUNE 15, 1983.
♦EACH PROJECT WILL BE ASSESSED FOR ITS YOUTH I NV -Vt^NT, COMMUNITY BENEFITS, FEASIBILITY, OPTIMUM USE OF rESOU JE. t MD INNOVATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAXIMUM GRANT FOR EACH APPROVED PROJECT IS $ 000.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, $210 000 WAS GRANTED IDER THE SCHEME TO SUBSIDISE 93 PROJECTS, BRINGING THE TOTAL SLBSI 1 70 OVER $1.2 MILLION SINCE 1974.
PREVIOUS PROJECTS, INVOLVING MORE THAN 26 000 Yn' 7, PARTICIPANTS AND BENEFITING OVER ONE MILLION PEC w£, l^.ij SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, RECREATIONS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES, MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE AND ENV IRwN<*> ‘ITAL IMPROVEMENT.
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SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
6
ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN WAN CHAI M M M M
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE IS ORGANISING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE DISTRICT.
♦PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ARE ESSENTIAL TO ERADICATE THE PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE AND THE DANGER IMPOSED ON OUR COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY THE YOUTHS,♦ THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR FRANCIS HO, SAID TODAY.
♦AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE MESSAGE WILL BE WIDELY SPREAD THROUGH THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY PROJECTS,♦ HE ADDED.
A CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY VARIOUS LIONS CLUBS, IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, WHICH CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM AREA COMMITTEES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND IS CHAIRED BY A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MRS ADA CHUNG.
THERE WILL BE TWO VARIETY SHOWS TO MARK THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THE CAMPAIGN IN THE EVENINGS OF JUNE 5 AND JUNE 11 AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND.
OTHER PROGRAMMES, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SIX LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, WILL INCLUDE AN ANT I-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION, A SEMINAR, A YOUTH CAMP, FILM AND TALENT SHOWS, DRAMA APPRECIATION, AND VISITS TO THE NARCOTICS MUSEUM AT THE POLICE HEADQUARTERS ON ARSENAL STREET, WAN CHAI.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 7.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 5) AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND.
- - o ---------
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
7
SAI KUNG MARKET STALLS K * K
TWENTY-SIX STALLS AT THE NEWLY-OPENED TUI MIN HOI MARKET IN SAI KUNG WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3).
THE BIDDING WILL START AT 10 AM AT THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE’S OFFICE AT NO. 1, PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE TUI MIN HOI MARKET HAS BEEN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC SINCE MARCH 1, AND IS THE FIRST MODERN MARKET IN THE NEW TOWN.
EIGHT STALLS TAKEN UP BY OPERATORS UNDER A PREVIOUS RESTRICTED BIDDING HAVE STARTED BUSINESS.
THE 26 STALLS COMPRISE THREE MEAT, THREE FISH, 13 WET GOODS AND SEVEN DRY GOODS STALLS.
THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTALS RANGE FROM >360 TO $853.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JULY 1 CN A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT AND MUST PAY THE RENTAL QUARTERLY.
BIDDERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SAI KUN?. URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 3-2813707.
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FACILITIES FOR MORNING JOGGERS IN SAI KUN
*****
JOGGING AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE ENTHUSIASTS CAN Ma ' U"" F THE RUNNING TRACK OF THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS' GRO . D EARLY IN THE MORNING, STARTING FROM WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
APART FROM LANE ONE, ALL THE OTHER FIVE LAKES Or 7'-AOO-METRE RUNNING TRACK WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 9 A. r CHARGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DZ.'AaT T SAID TODAY.
THIS NEW ARRANGEMENT IS TO GIVE LOCAL RESIDENTS A P'C VENUE FOR JOGGING AND FITNESS EXERCISES, THE SPCKESMAh SAI..
THOSE WISHING TO USE THE FACILITIES SHOULD REGIST"..". T . NAMES AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE SPORTS GROUND.
ONLY RUBBER SHOES ARE ALLOWED AND ATHLETES MAY NOT ENT". THE GRASS SOCCER PITCH.
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/S.......
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
8
SPORTS DAY IN KOWLLON CITY * * *
CHAMPIONS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON COMPETITIONS HELD AT THE SHA TIN JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE TODAY (SUNDAY) WILL REPRESENT THE DISTRICT IN TERRITORY-WIDE TOURNAMENTS.
THE COMPETITIONS WERE DIVIDED INTO A MALE YOUTH SECTION, OPEN SECTION FOR MALES OVER 16 AND A FEMALE OPEN SECTION WITH 250 PLAYERS COMING FROM THE EIGHT AREA COMMITTEES (ACS) OF KOWLOON TONG/MA TAU WAI, KOWLOON CITY/SAI TAU, HO MAN TIN NORTH, HO MAN TIN SOUTH, TO KWA WAN NORTH, TO KWA WAN SOUTH, HUNG HOM NORTH AND HUNG HOM SOUTH.
♦THE EVENTS WILL HELP SELECT GOOD TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON PLAYERS TO REPRESENT KOWLOON CITY IN INTER-DISTRICT MATCHES LATER,♦ SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KC DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, MR TANG TAI-CHUEN.
THE COUNCIL, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE KC DISTRICT YOUTH SERVICES COUNCIL, HAS BEEN REORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE THIS YEAR TO INCLUDE THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF ALL ACS.
MR TANG NOTED THAT THE ACS, BEING DECENTRALISED AT THE GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL, WOULD ENABLE A MORE EFFECTIVE MOBILISATION OF RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS FUNCTIONS ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL.
THE TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITION FOLLOWED A SERIES OF CONTESTS ORGANISED BY THE ACS FROM APRIL 16 TO MAY 8 AND THE BADMINTON COMPETITION WAS HELD ON A KNOCK-OUT BASIS.
MR TANG SAID THE COUNCIL WOULD HOLD OTHER LARGE SCALE FUNCTIONS THIS YEAR LIKE ATHLETIC MEET AND SWIMMING GALA AND TRAINING SCHEMES FOR COMPETITIVE SWIMMING, SEA TRAINING AND OUTSTANDING SPORTSMEN IN KOWLOON CITY.
♦I HOPE THESE ACTIVITIES WILL PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCALS WHO, THOUGH LIVING IN THE SAME DISTRICT, OFTEN HAVE LITTLE TIME TO GET TOGETHER IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.+
JOINTLY FINANCED BY THE COUNCIL, DISTRICT OFFICE, AND RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, TODAY’S COMPETITIONS WERE OPENED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEE LAP-SUN, CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND CHAN, AND MR TANG.
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/9.......
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1983
9
ANOTHER SWIMMING POOL FOR TUEN MUN
* M * M
THE YAN 01 TONG IS TO MAKE ANOTHER CONTRIBUTION TO TUEN MUN BY BUILDING A SECOND SWIMMING POOL WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, REVEALED THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SWIMMING POOL IN THE NEW TOWN AT THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE.
LOCATED IN THE TOWN CENTRE, THE 25-METRE HEATED POOL HAS FIVE LANES AND ROOM ENOUGH FOR 125 SWIMMERS.
IT WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM AND ADMISSION FEES WILL RANGE FROM $2 FOR CHILDREN TO $5 FOR ADULTS.
♦MR CHAN YAT-SUN AND MR CHAN CHUNG-HANG, WITH THEIR ROOTS IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, HAVE DONATED $1 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST OF BUILDING THE SPORTS CENTRE, AND THE POOL IS NAMED IN HONOUR OF THEIR FATHER CHAN MAN-TAT,♦ MRS AKERS-JONES SAID.
THE 4 300-SQUARE-METRE SPORTS CENTRE, WHEN READY IN NOVEMBER, WILL PROVIDE SUCH FACILITIES AS CHILD CARE AND ELDERLY SERVICES CENTRES, READING ROOMS, A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS HALL, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, SQUASH COURTS, A GYMNASIUM, A SAUNA ROOM, A BALLET STUDIO, SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.
TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY SWIMMING DEMONSTRATIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB AND A SWIMMING RELAY RACE BETWEEN LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
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MORE SPORT FACILITIES
X - X
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE BUILDING OF AN INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE AT HAPPY VALLEY TO PROVIDE MORE SPORT FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
THE CENTRE WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 830 SQUARE METRES UNDERNEATH THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER OPPOSITE THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB RACE COURSE.
FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE WILL INCLUDE A VOLLEYBALL-CUM-BASKETBALL COURT, BADMINTON AND TENNIS COURTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA PLUS FLOWER BEDS AND PLANTING AROUND THE CENTRE.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN JULY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN BACKED BY GOVERNMENT ......................... 1
INTERPRETATION SERVICE WIDELY USED............................ 2
TREES PLANTED TO BEAUTIFY SHA TIN ............................
SCHEME TO SPEED UP TRAFFIC FLOW ................................ 5
CHINESE PARTY VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ...................... 5
NEW MAXICAB ROUTE FOR SO UK ESTATE ............................ 6
NO RIGHT TURN .................................................. 6
BUILDING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS ............................ 6
JEWELLERY INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY STARTS TOMORROW ............. 7
WATER FIGURES
7
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983
1
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN BACKED BY GOVERNMENT *****
THE GOVERNMENT NURTURED DESIGN DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE IT BELIEVED IT TO BE A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1983 ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION SEMINAR ON PRODUCT DESIGN, MR YAXLEY SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN TODAY’S WORLD OF SOPHISTICATION AND IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS.
MR YAXLEY OUTLINED THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PROMOTED INDUSTRIAL DESIGN IN HONG KONG.
♦FIRST OF ALL, WE PROVIDE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN TRAINING — THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ARE ABLE TO TURrl OUT QUALITY DESIGNERS.
♦SECONDLY, WE SUPPORT. FINANCIALLY OR OTHERWISE, ORGANISATIONS SPECIALISING IN THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL.
♦THIRDLY, THROUGH OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) WE SUPPORT CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH PROJECTS WHICH ARE RELEVENT TO INDUSTRIAL DESIGN.
♦IN FACT, DETAILED CONSIDERATION IS CURRENTLY BEING GIVEN BY THE IDB TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PRODUCT INNOVATION DESIGN SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
♦LASTLY, WE PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE AS A COMPLEMENT TO OUR EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE STANDARD AND QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS,♦ MR YAXLEY SAID.
ANY EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY WAS FORCED TO IMPROVE ITS DESIGN STANDARDS, AND BUSINESSMEN HAD TO BE WATCHFUL OF DEVELOPMENTS OVERSEAS AND BUILD UP THE CAPABILITY AND RESOURCES TO MEET ANTICIPATED NEEDS, HE SAID.
♦FURTHER, TO MAINTAIN A POSITION AMONG KEEN COMPETITORS, TO OVERCOME QUOTA AND OTHER IMPORT RESTRICTIONS, AND TO DIVERSIFY INTO NEW PRODUCTS AND NEW MARKETS, THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORIGINAL DESIGN IS A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORTANCE AND URGENCY FOR ALL OF US IN THIS REGION.
♦IN THIS RESPECT, THE BUSINESS ACUMEN COMBINED WITH THE ENERGY AND INITIATIVE OF PRODUCT DESIGNERS MUST BE GIVEN FREE REIN,* HE ADDED.
HONG KONG WAS MAKING CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS, IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, TO UPGRADE ITS INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY AND IN DIVERSIFYING INTO NEW PRODUCTS AND NEW MARKETS, HE SAID.
/+THESE EFFORTS .......
MONDAY, MAY JO, 1985
2
S3
♦ THESE EFFORTS HAVE NOT BEEN UNREWARDED. FOR EXAMPLE, MANY THE COMPONENTS REQUIRED BY OUR ELECTRONICS SECTOR, WHICH USED TO IMPORTED? ARE NOW BEING DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED LOCALLY.
♦ HIGH FASHION GARMENTS DESIGNED AND MADE IN HONG KONG NOW HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION.
♦ IN OUR EFFORTS TO MOVE UP MARKET THERE IS, IN HONG KONG, AN INCREASINGLY FRUITFUL COMING TOGETHER OF BUSINESS ACUMEN AND DESIGN TALENT,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
HE DESCRIBED ASIA AS A MEETING GROUND FOR ORIENTAL AND OCCIDENTAL CULTURES.
WITH THE INSPIRATION THIS BROUGHT, THERE WAS CLEARLY PLENTY OF SCOPE FOR DESIGNERS TO DEVELOP NEW IDEAS OR COMBINE DIFFERNT TASTES, £ ADDED.
BUT HE WARNED THAT THERE HAD TO BE A CAREFUL ADAPTATION OF THOSE IDEAS TO THE HOME ENVIRONMENT, AND THAT CULTURAL INTEGRITY SHOULD NOT BE COMPROMISED.
♦ WE AND OTHERS IN ASIA CANNOT RELY ON THE SPEC IF ICATIONS AND KSIGNS OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ALONE. WE MUST BUILD UP OUR OWN dIIiGN CAPABILITIES AND PRODUCE NEW AND MARKETABLE PRODUCTS ‘ ARE COMPETITIVE IN TERMS OF UTILITY, PRODUCT APPEARANCE AND
WHICH COST,*
Ifi YAXLEY CONCLUDED.
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INTERPRETATION SERVICE WIDELY USED
* M M M M M
THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME MARKED A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN THE USE OF CHINESE AS AN OFFICIAL LANGUAGE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE, MR CAN ICE MAK SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION TODAY, MR MAK ADDED THAT THE CONFERENCE ROOMS OF THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS WERE NOW FITTED WITH THE LATEST SIMULTANEOUS EQUIPMENT.
MORE THAN 90 GOVERNMENT BODIES, INCLUDING THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL NOW USED THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE.
MR MAK EXPLAINED THAT CONSULTATION PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG, AND TO ENABLE THE SYSTEM TO FUNCTION PROPERLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC'S VIEWS, WHETHER EXPRESSED IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH, COULD BE REFLECTED TO THE HIGHEST POLICY-MAKERS.
/WHO) THE........
MONDAY, MAY JO, 198j
- 3 -
WHEN THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTS SOMEONE TO ANY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WHETHER THE PERSON SPEAKS ENGLISH OR NOT IS NOT OF CONCERN.
♦AS A MATTER OF FACT, MANY NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING PERSONS ARE NOW SERVING ON THE LEGISLATIVE AND URBAN COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEES,* MR MAK SAID.
IN 1980, THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION UNIT, WHICH WAS SET UP TO EASE THIS ARRANGEMENT. PROVIDED SERVICE FOR ABOUT 220 MEETINGS. THIS NUMBER IS EXPECTED TO REACH 700 THIS YEAR. TO COPE WITH DEMAND, THE UNIT IS STEPPING UP ITS RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING WORK.
UMELCO ALSO SET UP A CHINESE LANGUAGE PANEL AT THE END OF 1978 TO MONITOR THE USE OF CHINESE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THE PANEL, CURRENTLY CHAIRED BY MR WONG LAM, HOLDS REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO KEEP THE SITUATION IN REVIEW AND TO BRING UP PROBLEMS FOR DISCUSSION.
MR MAK SAID THAT SINCE THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN FEBRUARY 1974, DEMAND FOR TRANSLATION SERVICES BY THE GOVERNMENT HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY USE EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE IN COMPLETING FORMS WITHOUT BEING PREJUDICED.
♦ALL KINDS OF POLICY PAPERS, WHICH INCLUDE THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET SPEECHES, SPEECHES OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, GREEN PAPERS, WHITE PAPERS AND REPORTS OF VARIOUS WORKING PARTIES, MUST BE PUBLISHED IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
♦THE TRANSLATION SERVICES SECTION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSLATION OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS AND IN THE PAST YEAR IT COMPLETED SEVERAL MAJOR COMPLEX ASSIGNMENTS,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION ALSO PLAYED A PART IN THE PROMOTION OF CHINESE CULTURE.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, IT HELPED FOUR MAJOR LOCAL CHINESE NEWSPAPERS ORGANISE A TERRITORY-WIDE YOUTH CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING CONTEST TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN CHINESE ART AND LITERATURE AND TO PROVIDE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG STUDENTS.
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A.....
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983
4
TREES PLANTED TO BEAUTIFY SHA TIN ft ft ft ft
A GROUP OF 100 STUDENTS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS PLANTED TREES IN SHA TIN TODAY TO HELP BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE JEW TOWN.
THE EFFORT WAS PART OF THE 'MEI FA' SCHEME COINCIDING WITH THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, A SPOKESMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE DISTRICT-WIDE TREE-PLANTING DAY. ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INTEREST IN THE CARING FOR PLANTS.
ABOUT 100 YOUNG EVERGREEN TREES WERE PLANTED AT THE AMENITY AREA ADJACENT TO THE LION'S PAVILION AT NGONG TONG HILL NEAR SHU I WO COURT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER MR DONALD TSANG, SAID THAT BEAUTIFICATION OF THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN.
MORE PLANTS AND TREES MUST BE PLANTED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE BUILDING OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE RESIDENTS, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THIS 'MEI FA' SCHEME, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD PLANTED SOME 140 000 PLANTS IN PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, ROADSIDES AND HIGHWAYS IN SHA TIN DISTRICT TO PROVIDE MORE GREENERY.
WHEN THE TREES PLANTED TODAY, INCLUDING ACACIA CONFUSA, CASUARINA EQUISETIFOLIA AND GREVILLEA ROBUSTA, GROW WELL IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THEY WILL ADD MORE COLOUR TO THE BARREN SPOT OF THE NEW TOWN, MR TSANG SAID.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICER MR IP SHING-WAI, THE CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR WAI HON-LEUNG, AND A MEMBER OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM, MR TSANG LATER PLANTED A YOUNG TREE TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENT.
MEANWHILE, TUEN MUN WILL BE LAUNCHING A DISTRICT TREE PLANTING DAY ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
A CEREMONY TO MARK REST GARDEN ADJACENT TO
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE TSING WAH CHI LOK FA YUEN IN TUEN MUN AT 2.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN TREE PLANTING DAY AT TSING WAH REST GARDEN, TUEN MUN ON WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1) AT 2.30 PM.
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MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983
- 5
SCHEME TO SPEED UP TRAFFIC FLOW MM MM
A SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED TO EASE CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD WITH WYLIE ROAD, MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (KOWLOON), SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SCHEME, WHICH WILL ADD AN EXTRA LANE TO EACH OF THE EASTBOUND AND WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF A SECTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD, IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY AT THE JUNCTION BY 25 PER CENT.
THE SCHEME WILL BENEFIT NOT ONLY TRAFFIC HEADING FOR YAU MA TEI FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, BUT ALSO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH NEAR THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, MR PANG SAID.
INITIAL WORK ON WIDENING THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY WILL START IN A FEW MONTHS.
MR PANG WAS ANSWERING QUERIES FROM THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE KOWLOON DISTRICT BOARDS WHO VISITED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICES.
DURING THE DISCUSSION, MR PANG HO-CHE, CHIEF TRAFFIC ENGINEER, SAID THAT PLANS WERE ALSO IN HAND FOR WIDENING THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IN HO MAN TIN.
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CHINESE PARTY VISITS TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT M M M M M . .
A DELEGATION OF SEVEN OFFICIALS LED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE SHENZHEN MUNICIPAL OFFICE, INDUSTRY AND TRANSPORT, MR LUO GUIXIANQ, TODAY (MAY 30) VISITED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS, THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, MR JAMES SO.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY MR SO AND SENIOR DEPARTMENTAL STAFF ON THE WORK OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND HONG KONG’S TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRAFFIC PLANNING ASPECTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MRS DOROTHY CHAN THE PARTY THEN WENT TO THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL CONTROL ROOM WHERE THE WERE BRIEFED ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE TUNNEL CONTROLS.
THE TOUR ENDED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE DIVISION WHERE THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE UNIT, MR J.R.V. SENEVIRATNE, EXPLAINED TO THE DELEGATION THE OPERATION OF THE KOWLOON AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.
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/6......
MONDAY, MAY 30, 1983
6
NEW MAX ICAB ROUTE FOR SO UK ESTATE XXX
A NEW MAX ICAB ROUTE LINKING SO UK ESTATE WITH CHEUNG SNA WAN MTR STATION WILL RUN FROM WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1). \
THE CIRC^AR ROUTE, NO. 11M, WILL OPERATE VIA CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, TONKIN STREET, UN CHAU STREET, HING WAH STREET, PO ON ROAD, CHEUNG FAT STREET, LILAC STREET, LARKSPUR STREET, ORCHID STREET, LILAC STREET, CHEUNG FAT STREET, PO ON ROAD, HING WAH STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
THE ROUTE WILL BE OPEN FROM 6.30 AM TO 10.40 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 AM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE FREQUENCY WILL BE FIVE MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS AND SEVEN MINUTES DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS.
PASSENGERS WILL PAY 80 CENTS FOR THE TRIP FROM SO UK TO CHEUNG SHA WAN MTR STATION AND 80 CENTS FOR THE RETURN TRIP.
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NO RIGHT TURN » * M
TO ALLOW FOR CONTRUCTION WORK ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IN SHEUNG WAN, WESTBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG DES VOUEX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO MAN WA LANE NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM THIS WEDNESDAY (JUNE 1).
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MORRISON STREET INSTEAD.
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BUILDING LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS
* * M
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO. 452 RECLAMATION STREET, KOWLOON TO BE LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING SHARES A COMMON STAIRCASE WITH NO. 450 RECLAMATION STREET, WHICH IS A CROWN-REVERTED PROPERTY.
♦BOTH ARE CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS. THEY HAVE BEEN UNDER SURVEILLANCE SINCE 1970,♦ HE SAID.
A DETAILED INSPECTION OF NO. 450 RECLAMATION STREET WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT COLLAPSE OF PART OF THE SECOND FLOOR. IT WAS NOTED THAT THE STRUCTURAL TIMBERS HAD REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DECAY AND THERE WAS A SERIOUS RISK OF COLLAPSE. THE BUILDING WOULD, THEREFORE. BE DEMOLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/AS NO. U52 ....
MCNDAY, MAY JO, 198?
7
AS NO. 452 RECLAMATION STREET WOULD NOT SAFELY WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF THE ADJOINING BUILDING, IT WAS THEREFORE, NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THE BUILDING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ACCORDINGLY A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JUNE 28, 1983 WAS POSTED TODAY.
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JEWELLERY INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY STARTS TOMORROW
* * * M
FIELD WORK ON HONG KONG’S FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY WILL START TOMORROW AND LAST UNTIL JUNE 4.
OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE 700 JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT QUESTIONNAIRES AND IF REQUIRED, HELP IN ANSWERING THEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WHO ORGANISED THE SURVEY, REITERATED THAT INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
HE ALSO SAID THAT INTERVIEWS WOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT DATES PREVIOUSLY ARRANGED WITH THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED.
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WATER FIGURES
* * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 85»1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 491.756 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 274.609 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENT NG 47.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
3 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY , 1983
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAC STUDIES SCHEME FOR CAR CHECKS ............................... 1
STUDY BEGINS ON TAXI OPERATION .................................. 2
NEWLY REGISTERED VEHICLES NEED REFLECTING PLATES ................ J
THREE DISTRICT BOARDS TO HOLD MEETINGS ......................... 3
NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING TOPPED OUT ........................... 5
IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGEMENT STRESSED .......... 5
PARENTS TOLD TO. APPLY FOR NURSERY FEE HELP ..................... 6
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR LANTAU BUSES ................................ 8
LISTENING COMPREHENSION WORKSHOPS ORGANISED ..................... 8
AIRPORT TUNNEL TO BE PARTLY CLOSED ............................ 9
WAN CHAI WATER MAINS WORK ....................................... 9
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
1
TAC STUDIES SCHEME FOR CAR CHECKS *****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY EXAMINED A PROPOSAL BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO SPEED UP ITS PROGRAMME OF CHECKING UNROADWORTHY MOTOR VEHICLES AND ENSURING THAT THEY ARE REMOVED FROM THE ROADS IF THEY ARE NOT BROUGHT UP TO THE NECESSARY SAFETY STANDARDS.
THE AIM OF SUCH INSPECTIONS IS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AND TO REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION CAUSED BY BREAKDOWNS.
THE PROPOSAL IS FOR A SCHEME TO LICENSE PRIVATE GARAGES TO CARRY OUT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF PRIVATE CARS OVER SIX YEARS OLD. STAFF OF THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES WOULD THEN CONCENTRATE ON CHECKING THE SAFETY OF GOODS VEHICLES AND PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES.
PRIORITY HAS HAD SO FAR TO BE GIVEN TO THE EXAMINATION OF PASSENGER SERVICE VEHICLES SUCH AS TAXIS, LIGHT BUSES AND FRANCHISED BUSES. THIS REQUIRES A TOTAL OF 66 000 INSPECTIONS ANNUALLY.
A START HAS ALSO BEEN MADE BY REQUIRING GOODS VEHICLES REGISTERED BEFORE 1972 AND PRIVATE CARS REGISTERED BEFORE 1971 TO UNDERGO ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS BEFORE THEY CAN BE RELICENSED. SOME 5 500 ANNUAL INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT OF THESE TWO CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES.
THE COMPLETION OF ANOTHER GOVERNMENT VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE IN SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG NEXT YEAR WILL BRING TOTAL CAPACITY FOR INSPECTIONS UP TO 84 000 EACH YEAR.
TO EXTEND THE ANNUAL INSPECTION TO PRIVATE CARS OVER SIX YEARS OLD WOULD MEAN AN ADDITIONAL 60 000 INSPECTIONS PER ANNUM.
THE POSSIBILITY OF USING PRIVATE GARAGES WAS EXAMINED IN THE PAST, BUT RECENTLY THE MOTOR TRADERS ASSOCIATION HAS PUT FORWARD DETAILED PROPOSALS. THESE SEEM FEASIBLE BECAUSE OF GENERALLY BETTER SERVICE FACILITIES WITHIN THE MOTOR TRADE AND THE ADVICE GIVEN BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION ON MEASURES TO PREVENT MALPRACTICE.
NOT ONLY WOULD THE GOVERNMENT ACHIEVE MORE QUICKLY THE DESIRABLE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY, IT WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF ITS EXISTING RESOURCES. MOTORISTS WOULD HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE CHOICE OF VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES, GEOGRAPHICALLY BETTER SPREAD.
IN ENDORSING THE ADMINISTRATION'S RECOMMENDATION TO ENLIST THE SERVICES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER IN DETAIL PROBLEMS OF CORRUPTION AND MALPRACTICES, THE MAINTENANCE OF UNIFORM STANDARDS, AND CONTROL OVER FEES.
IM THEIR MEETING TODAY, TAC MEMBERS ALSO STUDIED A PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT PRIORITY MEASURES AND THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF TAXI OPERATIONS ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
2
STUDY BEGINS ON TAXI OPERATION
* * * X
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEGUN ITS STUDY OF THE OPERATION OF TAXIS IN THE CONTEXT OF OVERALL TRANSPORT POLICY.
A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WITH OFFICIALS INVOLVED IN ALL ASPECTS OF TRANSPORT MATTERS HAS DRAWN UP THE OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY OF THE REVIEW.
IT HAS OBTAINED THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW AND WILL INVITE COMMENTS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND TAXI OPERATORS.
THE VIEWS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC ARE BEING GATHERED THROUGH THE REGULAR GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY.
SEVERAL CITIES OVERSEAS HAVE BEEN ASKED FOR DATA ON THEIR TAXI FLEETS, POLICY ON THE ISSUE OF LICENCES AND RELATED MATTERS.
A REPORT WILL BE COMPILED AND SUBMITTED TO THE TAC AND THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AROUND THE END OF THIS YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD FOR SEVERAL YEARS CARRIED OUT SURVEYS ON TAXI OPERATIONS, BUT THESE HAD BEEN LIMITED TO PARTICULAR ASPECTS, SUCH AS THE ONE LAST YEAR ON THE ECONOMICS OF OPERATING URBAN AND JEW TERRITORIES TAXIS.
THE CURRENT REVIEW WILL BE WIDE-RANGING AND WILL EVALUATE THE PRESENT AND FUTURE ROLE OF TAXIS IN HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
♦IT IS BEING CONDUCTED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE POLICY STATED IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON INTERNAL TRANSPORT, IN THE LIGHT OF PRESENT IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE NEED TO REDUCE CONGESTION CAUSED BY UNNECESSARY TRIPS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ANNOUNCED THAT THIS FULL REVIEW OF THE ROLE OF TAXIS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR PRESENTATION TO THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WELL BEFORE THE NEWLY PRESCRIBED LIMIT OF 15 OOO URBAN TAXI LICENCES IS REACHED.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
3
NEWLY REGISTERED VEHICLES NEED REFLECTING PLATES
ALL VEHICLES NEWLY REGISTERED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND THEREAFTER SHOULD BE FITTED WITH REFLECTING NUMBER PLATES.
ALL CURRENTLY REGISTERED VEHICLES MUST HAVE SUCH PLATES INSTALLED BY JUNE 1, 1985.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE REVISED ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, THE FRONT PLATE SHOULD HAVE A WHITE BACKGROUND, AND THE BACK PLATE A YELLOW BACKGROUND.
THE REGULATIONS COVER ALL VEHICLES, INCLUDING TAXIS AND GOODS AND PUBLIC VEHICLES.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED CAR OWNERS TO ENSURE THAT THE NEW PLATES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND BEAR THE SPECIFICATION NUMBER BS AU 145 (A).
♦THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIRED STANDARD WILL BE A $1 □□□ FINE AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,♦ HE SAID.
PROSPECTIVE BUYERS ARE ADVISED TO CHECK WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-259494 IF THEY HAVE ANY QUERIES.
THREE DISTRICT BOARDS TO HOLD MEETINGS *****
A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE MAXICAB ROUTES IN TSIM BE I TSUI, LAU FAU SHAN AND PAK NAI WILL BE DISCISSED AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2) MORNING.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCI SS THE EXTENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO RURAL AREAS, DISPOSAL OF SITES IN TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA AND PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR LONG PING ESTATE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WHL INCLUDE THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORT, A PERSI ECTIVE ON EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND CONTRACTING OUT OF VILLAGE CLEANSING.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE KOWLOOt CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO HOLD ITS MEETING WHEN A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, MR KEN WOODHOUSE, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON AN OVERALL REVIEW OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND ANSWER GENERAL QUESTIONS.
/MR WOODHOUSE,
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1983
4
MR WOODHOUSE, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF A STEERING GROUP WHICH MONITORS A PILOT SCHEME ON THE MOST EFFICIENT WAY OF DEALING WITH NOISE AFFECTING SCHOOLS, WILL ALSO DISCUSS WITH BOARD MEMBERS ABOUT AIRCRAFT NOISE.
OTHER ITEMS, SUCH AS THE CARPENTER ROAD CLEARANCE, STREET SLEEPERS AND SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ARE INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA.
TEN SEATS HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND THE KOWLOON CITY DB MEETING. INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD CONTACT THE SECRETARY, MR KWAN WAI-HAY, ON 3-7110171.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD.
ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3), THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FIFTH MEETING AT 2.30 PM WHEN MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TOTALLING S201 580 FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, A POTTERY EXHIBITION, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND THE ABERDEEN DRAGON BOAT RACES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE THREE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS THIS WEEKi
I) THE YUEN LONG DB MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 269, CASTLE PEAK ROAD;
II) THE KOWLOON CITY DB MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (JUNE 2) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141-143, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD; AND
III) THE SOUTHERN DB MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JUNE 3) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 2ND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, ABERDEEN.
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TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1983
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NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING TOPPED OUT ft ft ft ft
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AND THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR DAVID MCDONALD, TODAY JOINTLY OFFICIATED AT THE TOPPING-OUT OF THE NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING IN QUEENSWAY.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, PR JOSEPH LEI, SAID THAT WORK ON THE 1191-MILLION BUILDING STARTED AT THE END OF 1981.
♦THE WHOLE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR.+ HE ADDED.
THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING IS 22 STOREYS HIGH, COMPRISING A SIX-STOREY PODIUM AND A 16-STOREY TOWER BLOCK WHICH WILL HOUSE 36 COURTS AND ANCILLARY ACCOMMODATION.
THE PODIUM WILL LINK UP WITH A 47-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BLOCK TO BE BUILT ON AN ADJOINING SITE. IT WILL CONSIST OF REGISTRAR’S CHAMBERS, THE SUPREME COURT LIBRARY AND REGISTRY, GENERAL AND PERSONNEL REGISTRY, DIVORCE AND PROBATE REGISTRIES, ACCOMMODATION FOR THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY AND A HOLDING UNIT FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE BUILDING WILL BE BY WAY OF A NEW FLYOVER OVER QUEENSWAY, WHICH WILL CONSIST OF A TWO-LANE BRIDGE AND SLIP ROADS.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, SIR DENYS AND MR MCDONALD, ACCOMPANIED BY MR LEI, TOURED A SAMPLE COURT ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR.
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IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGEMENT STRESSED ft ft ft ft ft
A SENIOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TODAY UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGEMENT IN KEEPING BUILDINGS IN GOOD SHAPE AND ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT.
♦ IT IS ONE OF THE FIELDS IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT PLACES GREAT EMPHASIS,♦ SAID MR K.W. CHOY, SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER IN CHARGE OF 16 ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT OF HONG KONG EAST AND KOWLOON SOUTH.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTHWEST, HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ALL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WAS LOOKED AFTER BY ONE WHOLE BRANCH IN THE DEPARTMENT.
♦ IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SOME OWNERS ARE NOT EMPLOYING PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT STAFF PROBABLY DUE TO THE HIGH COST IN RELATION TO THE SMALL NUMBER OF FLATS TO BE MANAGED.♦
MR CHOY CAUTIONED THAT IMPROPER MANAGEMENT MIGHT AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE BUILDING AND A LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE COULD RESULT IN MORE EXPENSIVE AND SUBSTANTIAL REPAIRS LATER ON.
♦ THERE IS MORE THAN JUST MAINTAINING SECURITY IN PROPER HOUSING MANAGEMENT WHICH NOT ONLY KEEPS THE BUILDING IN GOOD SHAPE BUT ALSO ENABLES THE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY BETTER SERVICES AND LIVING ENVIRONMENTS.
/+ONE POSSIBLE ...
TUESDAY, MAY J1, 1983
6
*ONE POSSIBLE WAY TO HELP REDUCE THE COST FOR HIRING PROFESSIONAL STAFF IS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SEVERAL BLOCKS OF BUILDINGS TO BE SUPERVISED BY ONE QUALIFIED MOUSING MANAGER.* .T* J! ORDER T0 MAINTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF MANAGEMENT FOR SA,D’ THE MUSING DEPARTMENT ARRANGED FROM I»^E TO T,ME ,TS STAFF T0 STUDY EXTRA-MURAL OR PART-TIME TRAINING COURSES IN HOUSING MANAGEMENT.
♦ LAST YEAR, 89 HOUSING ASSISTANTS COMPLETED THEIR THREE-YEAR COURSE ORGANISES BY THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF EXm-MUlUL STUDIES, AND 219 OTHERS ARE NOW TAKING THE SAME COURSE.♦
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PARENTS TOLD TO APPLY FOR NURSERY FEE HELP
M * * * *
PARENTS WHO WISH TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO DAY NURSERIES OR KINDERGARTENS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
PARENTS WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE AFTER SEPTEMBER 1, 1983 SHOULD ALSO APPLY EARLY.
APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT NEAREST THEIR HOMES. THERE ARE 30 SUCH SECURITY UNITS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THESE UNITS AND FROM FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND DAY NURSERIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT ALTHOUGH APPLICATIONS MIGHT BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THEY SHOULD PREFERABLY BE SUBMITTED THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE OF ADMISSION.
THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, IN OPERATION SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982, IS DESIGNED TO HELP PARENTS PAY THE FEES CHARGED IN DAY NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS.
FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF INCOME ELIGIBILITY, PARENTS WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE TOTAL INCOME RECEIVED BY THE FAMILY, THE SIZE OF THE FAMILY AND THE RENT PAID.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT, THE RENT WILL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE TOTAL FAMILY INCOME.
APART FROM QUALIFYING UNDER THE INCOME CRITERIA, APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE A SOCIAL NEED FOR THEIR CHILD TO RECEIVE FULL-DAY CARE.
EXAMPLES OF THIS NEED ARE SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES OR FAMILIES WHERE BOTH PARENTS HAVE TO WORK, LEAVING A LARGE NUMBER OF YOUNG CHILDREN UNATTENDED.
♦ TO QUALIFY, THESE WORKING MOTHERS WILL NEED TO BE EMPLOYED FOR NOT LESS THAN 104 HOURS A MONTH,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
S AN
TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
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AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT A FOUR-MEMBER FAMILY WITH A NET INCOME OF $1 OOO A MONTH MAY RECEIVE MAXIMUM FEE ASSISTANCE WHILE A FAMILY OF SIMILAR SIZE WITH A NET INCOME OF ABOUT 13 000 A MONTH MAY QUALIFY FOR ASSISTANCE RANGING FROM $150 TO $200.
PARENTS APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE TO PAY THE FEES CHARGED BY FULL-DAY KINDERGARTENS WILL NEED TO SATISFY BOTH THE SOCIAL NEED AND INCOME ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
BUT PARENTS SEEKING ASSISTANCE TO MEET THE FEES CHARGED BY HALF-DAY KINDERGARTENS NEED ONLY ESTABLISH INCOME ELIGIBILITY.
THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE PAYABLE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN HALF-DAY KINDERGARTENS WILL BE BASED ON THE FEES CHARGED IN MOST NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS.
A FOUR-MEMBER FAMILY WITH A NET INCOME OF ABOUT $2 000 OR LESS MAY EXPECT TO RECEIVE SOME ASSISTANCE.
THE UPPER INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT WILL BE ABOUT $2 500 FOR A SIX-MEMBER FAMILY AND $2 900 FOR AN EIGHT-MEMBER FAMILY.
THE FOLLOWING MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICAT IONS 1-
* THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE REGISTERED DAY NURSERY OR KINDERGARTEN IN WHICH THE CHILD IS ENROLLED OR PUT ON THE WAITING LIST;
* THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE(S) OF THE CHILD/CHILDREN ;
* THE I.D. CARD OF THE PARENT MAKING THE APPLICATION AND I.D. CARD NUMBERS OF OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS;
M TWO PHOTOGRAPHS OF EACH CHILD;
* A STATEMENT FROM THE EMPLOYER(S) CONFIRMING THE AMOUNT OF INCOME EARNED BY MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY; AND
M RECENT RENT RECEIPTS.
APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER WHETHER THEIR APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL. SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE STATING THE AMOUNT OF FEE ASSISTANCE APPROVED.
THIS CERTIFICATE WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE OPERATOR OF THE NURSERY OR KINDERGARTEN TOGETHER WITH THE FIRST FEE PAYMENT BY THE PARENTS.
THE OPERATOR WILL THEN SUBMIT TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT A CLAIM FOR THE FEE ASSISTANCE PAYMENT DUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
■ TO QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A DAY NURSERY, A CHILD MUST BE AT LEAST TWO BUT LESS THAN SIX YEARS OF AGE.
TO QUALIFY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN A KINDERGARTEN, A CHILD MUST BE AT LEAST THREE YEARS AND TWO MONTHS OLD.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
8
NEW ARRANGEMENT FOR LANTAU BUSES
* * * X
BUSES ON NEW LANTAU ROUTE NO. BETWEEN TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0 WILL HAVE FARE BOXES FITTED, PARTING FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THESE BUSES WILL THUS BE OPERATED BY DRIVERS, WITHOUT CONDUCTORS.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WAS BEING INTRODUCED TO CUT DOWN ON OPERATIONAL COSTS.
THE DRIVER-ONLY SYSTEM WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND ENDORSED BY THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
THE SYSTEM WILL BE IMPLEMENTED OVER A TEN-MONTH PERIOD.
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LISTENING COMPREHENSION WORKSHOPS ORGANISED
X X X
TWO IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION WILL BE ORGANISED IN JULY FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, THE WORKSHOPS, EACH LASTING THREE DAYS, WILL BE HELD FROM JULY 25 TO 29 AT THE TEACHING CENTRE AT MA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2/F, MA TAU KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
EACH WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISES. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGN A LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISE SUITABLE FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SESSION ON THE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WIRELESS LOOP INDUCTION SYSTEM ON JULY 27. PARTICIPANTS FROM BOTH WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND THIS PARTICULAR SESSION IF DESIRED.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH WORKSHOP WILL BE LIMITED TO 20. A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO ALL TEACHERS WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPLETE A WORKSHOP.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 27.
‘ ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE WORKSHOPS CAN BE MADE AT THE CENTRE ON 5-482537.
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TUESDAY, MAY 31, 1983
9
AIRPORT TUNNEL TO PE PARTLY CLOSED
M M M
THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF EAST KOWLOON WAY AND THE EASTBOUND TUBE OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TOMORROW (JUNE 1) TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF GANTRY SIGNS.
THE MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY.
MOTORISTS FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND HUNG HOM AREA HEADING FOR NGAU TAU KOK AND KWUN TONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
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WAN CHAI WATER MAINS WORK M M M M
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY JUNE 3) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY STAR STREET
_____________ MONMOUTH PATH
STAR STREET. ELECTRIC STREET, ST. FRANCIS STREET AND
R0AD EAST» including a-aa queen’s road east.
8-22 heNNESSY ROAD, ASIAN HOUSE, ARSENAL STREET AND POLICE HEADQUARTERS.
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