Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1983 - DEC - ENG





 DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FIRE-HAZARD FORCES CLOSURE OF FIVE PARKS ........................ 1

ABERDEEN TRAFFIC PLAN IN FINAL STAGE ............................ 2

INDUSTRIALISTS PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK ....................... 2

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ............................. 3

ANTI-DRUG AWARENESS DRIVE STARTING .............................. 4

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES PRAISED ................................. 5

POSTER CONTEST WINNERS NAMED .................................... 5

ANNUAL DANCE CONTEST TO BEGIN SATURDAY .......................... 6

FIELD DAY SET FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS ............................ 7

EASTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY .................. 8

SPEEDPOST RESUMED ............................................... 9

FUN AND GAMES FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS ...................... 9

SEMINARS AGAINST SMOKING ........................................ 10

URBAN CLEhKWaY RESTRICTION ...................................... 10

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

1

FIRE-HAZARD FORCES CLOSURE OF FIVE PARKS

* * M M

THE TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN, SHING MUN AND POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE WILL BE CLOSED INDEFINITELY TO ALL VISITORS FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) BECAUSE OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK IN THEIR WOODLANDS.

THE ORDER WAS MADE TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN WHO SAID THAT THE MOVE WAS REGRETTED. BUT WAS MADE IN THE INTEREST OF COUNTRY PARK PROTECTION.

VISITORS TO THESE AREAS WILL BE ADVISED TOMORROW TO MOVE OUT BEFORE SATURDAY AND CLOSURE SIGNS ARE BEING ERECTED AT ENTRANCES TO THE PARKS. *NO FIRE+ SIGNS ARE ALSO BEING PUT UP AT THE FEW BARBECUE SITES ON THE FRINGES OF THE CLOSED PARKS.

t

ALL OTHER COUNTRY PARKS WILL REMAIN OPEN, BUT VISITORS ARE BEING URGED TO TAKE SANDWICHES OR PRE-COOKED FOOD IN PREFERENCE TO BARBECUING TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF FIRE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT LIGHTING A FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OUTSIDE A DESIGNATED BARBECUE SITE IS AN OFFENCE CARRYING THE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2 OOO AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

THE PENALTY FOR ILLEGALLY LIGHTING A FIRE INSIDE A COUNTRY PARK IS $5 000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.

HE SAID THAT MOST OF THE FIRES REPORTED SO FAR THIS SEASON HAD BEEN OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY PARKS AND THERE HAD BEEN NO CASE OF A FIRE ORIGINATING FROM BARBECUE SITES WHICH ARE CAREFULLY SITED IN SAFE LOCATIONS AND ARE UNDER SUPERVISION BY PARK RANGERS.

THE CLOSURE ORDER, HE ADDED, WAS MADE PURELY FOR PROTECTIVE REASONS.

ORGANISED HIKING GROUPS AND MORNING WALKERS ARE ADVISED TO PLAN THEIR ACTIVITIES IN THE UNCLOSED PARKS.

THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS WORKING IN THE COUNTRY PARKS HAVE BEEN TOLD TO STOP WORK ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHILE FARMERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED ON HOW TO DISPOSE OF WASTE VEGETATION SAFELY.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HEAVILY-WOODED AREAS TO BE CLOSED ARE VULNERABLE TO FIRE AND FOREST PLANTATIONS THERE ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE PROTECTION OF WATER CATCHMENT AREAS.

♦WITHOUT THE TREES,♦ HE SAID, +THERE WOULD BE SEVERE EROSION WHICH WOULD SILT UP THE RESERVOIRS.♦

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

ABERDEEN TRAFFIC PLAN IN FINAL STAGE * * * *

WORK ON THE FINAL STAGE OF A LONG-TERM SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG ABERDEEN WATERFRONT WILL START NEXT WEEK.

IT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE.

A I47-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND MR J.L. HOLLAND OF FRANK I CONTRACTORS LTD.

MR BEATON SAID THAT WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG AREAS AND THE OPENING OF THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT CORRIDOR. '

HE SAID TO COPE WITH THIS, THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WAS CARRYING OUT THE LONG-TERM ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WHICH MAINLY INVOLVED CONSTRUCTION IN THREE STAGES OF A NEW ROAD THROUGH ABERDEEN.

THE FIRST TWO STAGES - WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SHEK PAI WAN ROAD - HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THE CONTRACT AWARDED TODAY WAS THE FINAL STAGE, A ONE KILOMETRE-LONG ROAD ON RECENTLY-COMPLETED RECLAMATION.

A FLYOVER WILL BE BUILT TO LINK THE NEW ROAD WITH THE EX IS"ING ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WU NAM STREET TO FURTHER IMPROVE LOCAL TRAFFIC FLOW.

THE CONTRACT INCLUDES A BUS TERMINUS AT THE JUNCTION OF WU NAM STREET AND CHENGTU ROAD.

MR BEATON SAID TWO FOOTBRIDGES NEAR AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE AND THE FISH WHOLESALE MARKET AND A SUBWAY OPPOSITE OLD ABERDEEN MAIN STREET WOULD BE BUILT FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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INDUSTRIALISTS PRAISED FOR COMMUNITY WORK * * * *

INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN IN KWUN TONG WERE THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING PRAISED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES FOR DEVOTING THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY.

MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY DINNER BALL OF THE HONG KONG KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION.

HE NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD, WITHIN A SHORT SPAN OF TIME, ALREADY EMBARKED ON A NUMBER OF USEFUL PROJECTS AIMED AT PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT.

/+NOT ONLY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

3

♦NOT ONLY IS THE ASSOCIATION ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE, A NUMBER OF ITS DIRECTORS AND MEMBERS ALSO SERVE ON THE DISTRICT BOARD AND VARIOUS OTHER COMMITTEES IN KWUN TONG DEVOTING THEIR TIME AND EFFORT TO WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY,♦ HE SAID.

TODAY’S OCCASION ALSO MARKED THE SWEARING-IN OF THE SECOND TERM OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT

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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.

THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS 1

* THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND JAVA ROAD EAST OF TIN CHIU STREET WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE.

* VEHICLES UNDER 2-1/2 TONS UNLADEN, EXCEPT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, ON JAVA ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED VIA TIN CHIU STREET TO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND, WHERE THE EXISTING PROHIBITION ON THESE VEHICLES BETWEEN TIN CHIU STREET AND JAVA ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED.

* TIN CHIU STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN MARBLE ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE PROHIBITED TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND VEHICLES OVER 2-1/2 TONS UNLADEN. THE BAN DOES NOT APPLY TO FRANCHISED BUSES.

* VEHICLES ON JAVA ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO HEALTHY STREET EAST AND THEN INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND OR WESTBOUND.

M KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST AND JAVA ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION DURING THE PROHIBITION PERIOD.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

4

ANTI-LRUG AWARENESS DRIVE STARTING

* * * *

A TWO-WEEK CAMPAIGN TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM WILL BE HELD IN KOWLOON CITY FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3).

THE CAMPAIGN WILL INCLUDEi

M A MOBILE EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED IN 01 MAN ESTATE ON SATURDAY AND AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK ON DECEMBER 4;

* A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY THREE POP SINGERS AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHILDREN'S CHORUS AT THE KO SHAN ROAD THEATRE ON DECEMBER 4;

* A ROUND-THE-DISTRICT WALK BY 500 ?PART IC IPANTS FROM SUNG WONG TOI PLAYGROUND TO 01 MAN ESTATE ON DECEMBER 11; AND

* A VISIT BY MEMBERS OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO SHEK KWU CHAU TREATMENT CENTRE ON DECEMBER 16.

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED $15 000 TOWARDS THE COST OF $80 000 FOR THE ACTIVITIES.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, SAID THE CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT WARNING THE COMMUNITY OF THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE, AND AT ENLISTING ACTIVE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.

IT IS ALSO HOPED TO DISSUADE AND PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE MOST EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF DRUG ABUSE, FROM EVER EXPERIMENTING WITH ILLICIT DRUGS,♦ HE SAID.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN’S OPENING CEREMONY AT 9.30 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE 01 MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

5

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES PRAISED * * * * *

SWEDEN’S DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR CORRECTIONS, MR CLAS AM ILON, PRAISED THE GOOD ATMOSPHERE AND MODERN FACILITIES AT HONG KONG’S CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS HE HAD VISITED IN THE PAST FEW DAYS.

♦IN CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES, OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOW SUCH DISCIPLINE AND CONCERN AS ARE RARELY FOUND IN OTHER COUNTRIES,* HE REMARKED.

MR AM ILON IS CURRENTLY TOURING ASIA TO SEE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN JAPAN, HONG KONG AND THAILAND.

DURING HIS STAY, MR AMILON HAS VISITED THE TAI LAM CENTRE FOR WOMEN, SIU LAM PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE, HEI LING CHAU ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, NE I KWU CHAU ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.

HE ALSO HELD TALKS WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.

-------------o-------- POSTER CONTEST WINNERS NAMED * * * *

SOME 2 000 ENTRIES WERE SUBMITTED FOR A POSTER COMPETITION AIMED AT PROMOTING POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABLED PERSONS IN THE COMMUNITY.

THE COMPETITION IS ONE IN A SERIES OF EVENTS CO-ORDINATED BY COMPERE - COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION.

THE RESULTS WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY BY THE PANEL OF JUDGES, COMPRISING MR CHAN TAK-YAN, A DISABLED PERSON, MR MAN KWONG-HONG, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INSPECTOR, MISS DEBRA CHOW, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND MR AGAY NG, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.

A SPECIAL PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE IENRY G. LEONG YAUMATI COMMUNITY CENTRE ON DECEMBER 18.

OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE DR HARRY FANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE WHICH SPONSORED THE PRIZES AND MRS HUNG LEUNG WAI-CHING, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISABLED COMMUNITY.

THE WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION AREi

JOINT DISABLED AND ABLE-BODIED GROUP -

WINNERi KO TAK-MING, WONG LAI-KWONG.

FIRST RUNNER-UPi YUEN KIM-HUNG, CHEUNG CHI-KIN SECOND RUNNER-UPi TSUI SIU-MAN, CHEUK WAI-LING

POST SECONDARY/ADULT GROUP - LIN SHIANG-CHENG

SECONDARY STUDENTS GROUP - LAU HOO-CHEONG

PRIMARY STUDENTS GROUP - WONG YAT-HUNG

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

6


ANNUAL DANCE CONTEST TO BEGIN SATURDAY

*****

ABOUT 180 TEAMS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS IN A WEEK-LONG OPEN DANCE CONTEST IN KWUN TONG, STARTING ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3).

CONTESTANTS FROM KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS WILL COMPETE IN ORIENTAL, WESTERN OR MODERN DANCES.

THE ANNUAL CONTEST WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS, CATERING FOR CHILDREN BELOW SIX YEARS OF AGE, THOSE BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 12, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

THEY WILL BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE DANCING STYLE, COSTUMES, CREATIVITY AND TEAM WORK.

THE CONTEST, THE 13TH SO FAR, IS JcflNTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD AS THE SPONSOR.

A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE COMPETITION WAS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC INTEREST IN DANCING AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF THIS ART.

AN OPENING CEREMONY, TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE CONTEST IN THE OPEN SECTION, WILL BE HELD AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY AT LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, SAU MAU PING.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, W KEVIN MAK, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR WONG LAM, AND THE PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR DAVID CHIU.

BESIDES THE CONTEST, A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD FOR CONTESTANTS AND ADJUDICATORS IN JANUARY TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DANCING.

A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND A PERFORMANCE BY THE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 1984 IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 13TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) AT LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, 80 HIU KWONG STREET, SAU MAU PING.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

7

FIELD DAY SET FOR GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS * * * *

ALL FORMS FOUR AND FIVE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY DAY TO BE HELD IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SAI KUNG.

THE FIELD STUDY DAY, WHICH AIMS AT ACQUAINTING TEACHERS WITH FIELD TECHNIQUES RELATED TO GEOGRAPHIC EDUCATION IN UPPER SECONDARY FORMS, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 1984 FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM.

DR K.Y. CHU OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND MISS W.T. LEUNG OF THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WILL GIVE A BRIEFING IN CANTONESE ON +THE IMPACT OF URBANISATION ON THE RURAL LANDSCAPE* TO PARTICIPANTS.

A COACH SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM KOWLOON TO THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AND THE FIELD SITES AND RETURN.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS MAY NOMINATE GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS FOR THE FIELD STUDY DAY. NOMINATION FORMS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 20 TO THE INSPECTOR, FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, N.T.

THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 20 AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE NOT YET PARTICIPATED IN THE GEOGRAPHY FIELD COURSES ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE.

ALL ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ON 3-2814009.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

8

EASTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY * * * *

THE FIRST SIX-WEEK SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FESTIVAL FOR EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BEGIN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).

THE MANY FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A POTTED SPORTS DAY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED, AND A TENNIS FUN DAY.

OTHER EVENTS WILL INCLUDE MINI-SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TABLE-TCNNIS, BADMINTON, HANDBALL, AND VOLLEYBALL MATCHES.

THERE WILL ALSO BE EXCURSIONS TO COUNTRY PARKS AND THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL, CAMPING, KITE-FLYING, ICE-SKATING AND A ROLLERSKATING. z

MOST OF THE EVENTS WILL BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK, THE CITY PLAZA IN TAIKOO SHING, AND SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.

ABOUT 164 000 WILL BE SPENT ON THE FESTIVAL, WITH $43 000 CF THAT SUM BEING PROVIDED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.

THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD. THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICES, THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE LIONS’ CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE EVENTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OFFICE AT 884-886 KING’S ROAD.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY AT VICTORIA PARK, FEATURING POTTED SPORTS AND A GO-KART RACE FOR CHILDREN, A TRAMPOLINING DEMONSTRATION AND A DISCO DANCE.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM; THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR H.T. LUI? THE PRESIDENT OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR SIU MING; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOY WING-ON? CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, W RAYMOND CHAN? AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LIONS’ CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH, MR RAYMOND FUNG.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT VICTORIA PARK.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

9

SPEEDPOST RESUMED

* * *

THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE NETHERLANDS WHICH HAD BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE NOVEMBER 8, DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY DUTCH POSTAL WORKERS, HAS NOW BEEN RESUMED, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.

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FUN AND GAMES FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS * * *

A SPORTS CARNIVAL AND A POP CONCERT ARE AMONG THE 15 CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD AT THE FOURTH NORTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINNING ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3).

PROGRAMMES OF THE NINE-DAY FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE, A FOLK SONG CONCERT, A CHILDREN’S OLYMPIC, A VARIETY SHOW, MINI-SOCCER MATCHES, A PUPPET SHOW, AN EXHIBITION ON WESTERN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, A MUSICAL COMEDY AND A DISCO NIGHT.

MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE STAGED IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, RECENTLY RE-OPENED, AFTER INSTALLATION OF MODERN EQUIPMENT AND ACOUSTICS AT A COST OF $4 MILLION.

I

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN WAH-CHUN SAID: +THE OBJECTIVES ARE TO BUILD UP AND STRENGTHEN RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TOWARDS THE DISTRICT, AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL AFFAIRS.♦

MR CHAN NOTED THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WAS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO SUIT EVERYONE: THE CHINESE ORCHESTRA PLAYING AND TRADITIONAL DANCING FOR ADULTS, THE DISCO NIGHT AND POP CONCERT FOR THE YOUNG, AND A SPORTS CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN.

ADMISSION TO ALL OF THE PROGRAMMES, EXCEPT THE DISCO NIGHT, IS FREE. TICKETS AT $15 EACH FOR THE DISCO NIGHT ARE ON SALE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE FESTIVAL WILL COST $300 000. THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL PROVIDE $120 000.

THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES, THE GURKHA FIELD FORCE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CONFERENCE WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, ffi IAN WOTHERSPOON, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TOWN HALL’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1983

10

NOTE TO EDITORSi

SEMINARS AGAINST SMOKING * * * *

THREE SEMINARS AGAINST SMOKING WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND ON SUNDAY FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE FIRST SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW, AT THE COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, AND ANOTHER WILL BE HELD AT THE BUDDHIST YIP KEI NAM MEMORIAL COLLEGE ON TSING Yl AT 2.30 PM.

THESE TWO SEMINARS, FEATURING AN ILLUSTRATED TALK, AN EXHIBITION AND A QUIZ, ARE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4), A SEMINAR AND A DRAMA PERFORMANCE WITH AN ANTI-SMOKING THEME WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 2.30 PM AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SEMINARS.

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URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION * * M

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3), WOH CHAI STREET BETWEEN TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES TO THE WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI HANG TUNG ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE DAILY.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED IN «... ITI NG BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS, WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LAW REFORM ON CIVIL DEBTORS PROPOSED........................ 1

BILLS AIM TO PROTECT TRADING INTERESTS ..................... 3

SEPARATE TAX ASSESSMENT BILL .............................. 4-

ADMIRALTY II SITE TO BE AUCTIONED .......................... 6

CIVIL SERVICE OPEN TO CRITICISM ............................ 7

DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED........................... 8

OCTOBER MONETARY STATISTICS ................................ 9

SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLAN FOR SUNDAY WALK ...................... 13

QUIT NOW, SMOKERS ARE TOLD ................................ 15

REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES REVISING CERTAIN FEES .............. 16

ROAD SAFETY TEACHING KIT FOR LOAN ......................... 16

FIGHT-CRIME CARNIVAL BEING HELD SUNDAY..................... 17

TAI PO GETS SET IZ)R SPORTS FESTIVAL ....................   18

AVIATION CHIEF ON LEAVE.................................... 18

HALL TO BE OPENED.......................................... 19

1983 LAND SHORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN .......................... 19

i

TEMPORARY STREET ALTERATION.............................. . 20

SATURDAY NIGHT TRAMWORK .................................   20

TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR SUNDAY SHOW ..........................   20

PING-PONG COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS .......................... 21

WAN CHAI TAPS OFF ......................................    21

BOY SCOUTS TO PARADE ...................................... 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

1

LAW REFORM ON CIVIL DEBTORS PROPOSED

******

THE LAW GOVERNING THE IMPRISONMENT OF CIVIL DEBTORS IS TO BE REFORMED SO THAT IN FUTURE A PERSON FROM WHOM MONEY IS CLAIMED WILL ONLY BE IMPRISONED AFTER HE HAS BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE A COURT AND ONLY BY ORDER OF THE JUDGE.

THE JUDGE WILL ONLY HAVE POWER TO ORDER IMPRISONMENT IF THE DEBTOR IS ABLE TO PAY BUT HAS XVOIQED MEETING ANY PART OF HIS DEBT, OR HAS OBSTRUCTED THE COURT.

THESE LAW REFORM MEASURES ARE PROPOSED UNDER A DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION RELATING TO IMPRISONMENT FOR CIVIL DEBT IS CONTAINED IN TWO SEPARATE ORDERS OF THE RULES OF THE SUPREME COURT.

UNDER ONE OF THESE ORDERS, A PERSON TRYING TO LEAVE THE TERRITORY WITH HIS ASSETS TO AVOID A LAW SUIT CAN BE IMPRISONED BY ORDER OF A JUDGE. THIS IS INFREQUENTLY USED.

THE OTHER ORDER GIVES AUTHORITY, AFTER JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN, FOR IMPRISONMENT OF THE DEBTOR FOR UP TO A YEAR AS A MEANS OF ENFORCING PAYMENT OF THE JUDGEMENT DEBT.

THIS IS FREQUENTLY USED IN HONG KONG AND WHETHER OR NOT THERE HAS TO BE AN ORDER OF A JUDGE BEFORE THE IMPRISONMENT TAKES PLACE IS CURRENTLY BEING ARGUED BEFORE THE COURTS.

IN RESPECT OF THE PRESENT POSITION A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +THERE HAS BEEN CRITICISM OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. IN PARTICULAR, THE HON PETER C. WONG, WHILE ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT IS NECESSARY TO DEVISE AN EFFECTIVE MACHINERY FOR RECOVERING MONEY FROM A DEBTOR WHO HAD EITHER ASSETS OR A REGULAR INCOME, HAS ARGUED THAT POVERTY IS NOT A CRIME AND THAT IMPRISONMENT AS A FORM OF PUNISHMENT SHOULD HAVE NO PLACE IN THE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES OF THE CIVIL LAW.*

THE REVISED LEGISLATION NOW PROPOSED HAS TWO KEY FEATURES t-

(A) THERE WILL BE AN EXPRESS REQUIREMENT FOR PERSONS AGAINST WHOM JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN ENTERED TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE A HIGH COURT OR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE OR THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT FOR EXAMINATION BEFORE AN ORDER OF IMPRISONMENT CAN BE MADE.

(B)

THERE WILL BE A SET PROCESS BY WHICH THE DEBTOR APPEARS BEFORE THE COURT. IN ALL CASES THE JUDGEMENT REQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION

CREDITOR WILL BE AND IT WILL BE A SHOULD BE SERVED TO APPEAR FOR AN POSITION WITHOUT

MATTER FOR THE COURT WHETHER AN ORDER ON THE JUDGEMENT DEBTOR REQUIRING HIM EXAMINATION INTO HIS FINANCIAL ARREST, OR WHETHER AN ORDER SHOULD

BE ISSUED FOR HIS ARREST

/WHEN THE

FRIDAY, DECB4BER 2, 198?

2 -

WHEN THE DEBTOR APPEARS BEFORE THE JUDGE, THE JUDGE WILL EITHER EXAMINE HIM STRAIGHT AWAY OR WILL MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FURTHER HEARING. HE WILL HAVE POWER TO ALLOW THE DEBTOR TO BE RELEASED, IF UNDER ARREST, PENDING ANY FURTHER HEARING ALTHOUGH HIS RELEASE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.

AT THE APPOINTED TIME AN EXAMINATION OF THE DEBTOR WILL TAKE PLACE AND THE JUDGE WILL ONLY HAVE POWER TO ORDER IMPRISONMENT IF THE DEBTOR HAS THE ABILITY TO MEET EITHER ALL OR PART OF THE DEBT, BUT HAS FAILED TO DO SO; IS FOUND TO HAVE TRANSFERRED HIS ASSETS TO AVOID PAYMENT OF THE DEBT, OR REFUSES TO DISCLOSE HIS ASSETS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

IF THE JUDGE FINDS THAT THE DEBTOR HAS NO ASSETS AVAILABLE TO SATISFY THE DEBT, WHETHER OR NOT THIS HAS RESULTED FROM EXTRAVAGANT LIVING, HE WILL HAVE NO POWER TO ORDER HIS IMPRISONMENT. IF THE DEBTOR HAS NO MEANS BUT HAS A REGULAR INCOME, THE JUDGE WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATE ORDER FOR PAYMENT BY INSTALMENTS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, ♦THE PROPOSALS REPRESENT A COMPROMISE BETWEEN THE EXTREME POSITION OF NO IMPRISONMENT AT ALL AND THE SORT OF PRACTICES THAT PREVAILED IN THE PAST. WHAT WE ARE ANXIOUS TO DO IS TO TRY TO GIVE JUDGEMENT CREDITORS REASONABLE SANCTIONS IN THE CASE OF DEBTORS WHO REALLY HAVE TRIED TO GET AWAY WITHOUT PAYMENT WHEN THEY HAVE ASSETS, AND AT THE SAME TIME TRY TO INTRODUCE PROCEDURES THAT PROTECT THE MAN WHO HAS FALLEN ON HARD TIMES, THE ORDINARY DEBTORS IF YOU LIKE, FROM BEING INCARCERATED WHEN HE SIMPLY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE SUMS WHICH HE OWES.*

ANOTHER PROPOSED REFORM IS IN RESPECT OF THE POWER TO IMPRISON PERSONS WHO INTEND TO LEAVE HONG KONG EVEN BEFORE THE ACTION FOR THE MONEY CLAIMED HAS BEEN STARTED.

UNDER THE REVISED LEGISLATION, THIS WILL ONLY APPLY TO PERSONS WHO ARE EITHER ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG, OR WHO CARRY ON BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.

THE REVISED LEGISLATION ALSO INCLUDES A PROVISION VALIDATING ACTION TAKEN PRIOR TO THE HIGH COURT RULING LAST MONTH THAT NO ONE COULD LAWFULLY BE IMPRISONED IN EXECUTION OF A JUDGEMENT DEBT WITHOUT PRIOR ORDER OF A JUDGE.

THE BILL WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7 AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON DECEMBER 21.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY WRITE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, HONG KONG, OR TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

3

BILLS AIM TO PROTECT TRADING INTERESTS ft ft ft ft

A SERIES OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AIMED AT PROTECTING HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS AND FACILITATING THE PROCESSING OF IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE AND THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) ORDINANCE.

THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1983 GAZETTED TODAY SEEKS TO INCREASE FROM SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS THE MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT FOR IMPORTING OR EXPORTING UNMANIFESTED CARGO, IN LINE WITH THE PENALTIES FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING OFFENCES.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN CONTROLS ON IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES OR DECLARATIONS AND TO FACILITATE THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE REQUIREMENTS.

IT PROPOSES TO DO IT BY MAKING IT AN OFFENCE NOT ONLY TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH IMPORT AND EXPORT APPLICATIONS AND DECLARATIONS OR TO ALTER A LICENCE BUT ALSO TO CAUSE SUCH A STATEMENT TO BE MADE, TO FORGE A LICENCE OR TO USE A FORGED OR ALTERED LICENCE.

TO COMPLEMENT THESE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, A NEW SECTION HAS BEEN PROPOSED MAKING THE DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS OF A CORPORATION GUILTY OF THE OFFENCE OF MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT WHICH THE CORPORATION ITSELF HAS COMMITTED UNLESS THE DIRECTOR OR MANAGER PROVES HE DID NOT KNOW THE OFFENCE WAS BEING COMMITTED OR DID ALL HE REASONABLY COULD TO PREVENT IT.

ANOTHER GAZETTE BILL — THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 — PROPOSES TO RAISE FROM $500 TO $1 000 THE VALUE OF CLOTHING SAMPLES EXEMPTED FROM DECLARATION REQUIREMENTS.

TO DETER IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION IRREGULARITIES, THE BILL SEEKS TO RAISE FROM $5 000 TO $10 000 THE MAXIMUM SURCHARGE THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE MAY IMPOSE ON AN EXPORTER WHO HAS UNDERSTATED THE VALUE OF CLOTHING IN AN EXPORT DECLARATION OR FAILED TO LODGE SUCH A DECLARATION.

IN ADDITION, THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE THE FINE FOR KNOWINGLY MAKING A FALSE DECLARATION FROM $5 000 TO $10 000.

THE FIRST READING OF THE TWO AMENDMENT BILLS AND COMMENCEMENT OF SECOND READING DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE ON DECEMBER 21, 1983, AND COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING WILL BE ON JANUARY 11, 1984.

ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE AMENDMENTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO MR C.S. LI OF TRADE CONTROLS OPERATIONS BRANCH OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AT 5-8916825.

O

A....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

4

SEPARATE TAX ASSESSMENT BILL

X Jt X

LEGISLATION GIVING EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THIS YEAR TO ALLOW SEPARATE ASSESSMENT OF TAX FOR MARRIED WOMEN HAS BEEN DRAFTED AND IS PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE GAZETTE AS THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1983.

IN HIS SPEECH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT HIS PROPOSALS, IF ENACTED, WOULD MEET THE COMPLAINTS THAT THE PRESENT LEGISLATION WAS AN AFFRONT TO WOMEN IN THAT IT RENDERED THEM SECONB CLASS CITIZENS. ALTHOUGH THE MEASURES WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY TAX SAVINGS IN INDIVIDUAL CASES, THEY WOULD ACCORD LEGAL PERSONALITY TO WOMEN WHICH HAD BEEN A MAIN PREOCCUPATION OF THOSE SEEKING AMENDMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.

THE BILL NOW PROPOSED, IF ENACTED, WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR AND ELECTION FOR SEPARATE ASSESSMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR IN THE RETURN REQUIRED FOR SALARIES TAX OR FOR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT BEGINNING FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1984-85. «

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL WOULD REMOVE THOSE PROVISIONS IN THE PRESENT LEGISLATION WHICH WERE CONSIDERED OUTDATED AND OFFENSIVE.

UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISIONS, THE INCOME OF A WIFE IS DEEMED TO BE THAT OF HER HUSBAND FOR THE PURPOSES OF SALARIES TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT, AND THE WIFE IS DEEMED TO BE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON AS HER HUSBAND FOR THE PURPOSES OF PROFITS TAX.

THE BILL WILL REPEAL ALL THESE AND WILL INSTEAD RECOGNISE EACH SPOUSE AS A SEPARATE INDIVIDUAL CHARGEABLE TO TAX. INCOMES OF THE SPOUSES WILL BE AGGREGATED FOR SALARIES TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.

♦IF THE SPOUSES JOINTLY ELECT FOR SEPARATE ASSESSMENT FOR SALARIES TAX, THEY WOULD HAVE TO DECLARE THEIR RESPECTIVE INCOMES IN A JOINT RETURN AND WOULD BE SERVED WITH A NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT AND DEMAND REQUIRING PAYMENT OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL SHARE OF ThE TOTAL TAX PAYABLE.♦

♦THE HUSBAND WOULD REMAIN LIABLE TO SUBMIT THE JOINT RETURN IN TIME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

ANY ONJECTION OR APPEAL AGAINST THE ASSESSMENT OF TAX WILL BE REGARDED AS BEING MADE JOINTLY, AS IT COULD AFFECT THE JOINT LIABILITY OF THE SPOUSES.

PROVISIONAL TAX WILL STILL BE PAYABLE AND IF THERE WAS SEPARATE ASSESSMENT, THE TAX WILL BE APPORTIONED BETWEEN ThE SPOUSES BY REFERENCE TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SHARES OF THE INCOME OF the preceding year, The spokesman added.

/WHEN AN ....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?

5

WHEN AN ELECTION IS MADE FOR SEPARATE ASSESSMENT, EACH SPOUSE WILL ASSUME INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS, SUCH AS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DECLARE THE ACCURATE AMOUNT OF THE SPOUSE’S OWN INCOME AND TO PAY THEIR RELEVANT SHARE OF THE TAX, AND THE RIGHT TO OBJECT IF AGGRIEVED BY THE ASSESSMENT.

IN THE CASE OF PERSONAL ASSESSMENT, WHEN COMPUTING THE TOTAL INCOME OF A SPOUSE, THE EXISTING FACILITY FOR SETTING OFF A LOSS INCURRED IN BUSINESS AGAINST INCOME FROM OTHER SOURCES WOULD REMAIN.

♦HOWEVER, ANY LOSS WHICH EXCEEDED A SPOUSE’S OTHER INCOME FOR A PARTICULAR YEAR WOULD FIRST HAVE TO BE SET OFF AGAINST THE TOTAL INCOME OF HIS OR HER SPOUSE FOR THAT YEAR BEFORE BEING CARRIED FORWARD TO A SUBSEQUENT YEAR,> THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

AS REGARDS PROFITS TAX, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT, A WIFE WAS DEEMED TO BE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON AS HER HUSBAND. THE REMOVAL OF THIS DEEMING SECTION COULD GIVE RISE TO TAX-AVOIDANCE OPPORTUNITIES. HOWEVER, THESE WILL BE COUNTERED BY A NEW PROVISION WHICH WILL PROHIBIT OR LIMIT THE DEDUCTIONS FOR SALARIES, INTEREST AND RENT PAID BY ONE SPOUSE TO THE OTHER, AND WILL PERMIT THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO SUBSTITUTE MARKET VALUE FOR SALE PRICE ON ASSETS SOLD BY ONE SPOUSE TO THE OTHER.

THE BILL WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7, AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON DECEMBER 21.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY DO SO IN WRITING TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, AT WINDSOR HOUSE, 26TH FLOOR, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2,. 1983

6

ADMIRALTY II SITE TO BE AUCTIONED ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT IS TO OFFER THE ADMIRALTY II SITE FOR SALE BY AUCTION NEXT MONTH.

THE SITE, MEASURING 6 312 SQUARE METRES, IS AT THE JUNCTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE AND QUEENSWAY.

THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE A COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT COSTING NOT LESS THAN *226 MILLION BEFORE MARCH 31, 1989.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD INCLUDE A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. THIS WOULD BE ASSIGNED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.

THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD, SAID THE CONDITIONS CONTAINED CERTAIN SAFEGUARDS IN RESPECT OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION INSTALLATIONS ON THE SITE.

POSSESSION OF THE SITE WOULD BE PHASED, HE SAID, BUT THE MAIN PORTION ON WHICH THE COMMERCIAL TOWERS WOULD BE ERECTED WOULD BE HANDED OVER AS SOON AS THE SITE WAS BOUGHT OR WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE PURCHASE DATE.

MR TODD SAID THE DECISION TO SELL THE SITE HAD BEEN TAKEN BECAUSE INTEREST HAD BEEN SHOWN IN IT.

♦IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT DEVELOPERS ARE INTERESTED IN BUYING THE SITE AND ALSO IN SPENDING FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL SUMS ON DEVELOPING IT,* HE SAID.

♦OBVIOUSLY WE CANNOT EXPECT TO RECEIVE THE SAME PRICE PAID WHEN THE MARKET WAS AT ITS PEAK, BUT WE ARE STILL ANTICIPATING A MINIMUM OF *300 MILLION FOR THIS PROMINENT SITE,* HE SAID.

FOUNDATIONS BUILT BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDING WERE ALREADY IN PLACE, MR TODD SAID. THE SALE WOULD GIVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THESE TO BE UTILISED AND ALSO FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADMIRALTY AREA TO BE COMPLETED.

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE JADE BALLROOM OF THE FURAMA HOTEL AT 2.30 PM ON JANUARY 18.

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1DTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING. 1ST FLOOR, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON, AND ISLANDS, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

7

CIVIL SERVICE OPEN TO CRITICISM * * * * M

THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR NEIL HENDERSON, SAID TODAY THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE WAS PROBABLY THE MOST OPEN TO PUBLIC CRITICISM IN THE WORLD.

♦WE HAVE NO PARTY POLITICIANS TO EXCHANGE ARTILLERY BARRAGES UNDER WHICH CIVIL SERVANTS CAN HIDE IN THEIR TRENCHES, WE HAVE A PRESS WHICH IS OVERALL REASONABLY RESPONSIBLE AND COULD NOT BE SAID TO SHRINK FROM WHAT IT CONCEI 3 AS ITS PUBLIC DUTY TO CASTIGATE AND EXPOSE WHERE IT THINKS IT PERCEIVES INADEQUACIES AND SHORTCOMINGS,+ HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ASIAN CONFERENCE FOR TEACHERS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS, MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATIVE PROCESS IN ITSELF LED TO MUCH WELL-VOICED CRITICISM ALONG THE WAY.

♦WE HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF INTEREST GROUPS, SUNDRY VOCAL ACADEMICS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS ALL READY TO SAY THEIR PIECE. THE WELCOME DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT BOARDS HAS ENABLED LOCAL CRITICISM OF WHAT IS A RATHER CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT, TO FIND A FOCUS THAT HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN RATHER LACKING AS THE POPULATION HAS EXPANDED DRAMATICALLY OUTWARDS FROM THE ’OLD’ TOWNS OF KOWLOON AND VICTOR I A,♦ HE POINTED OUT.

MR HENDERSON SAID THAT IN ADDITION THERE WERE THE MORE FORMAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, HEUNG YEE KUK AND UMELCO.

ON THE PUBLIC’S PERCEPTION OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY, MR HENDERSON SAID THERE WAS AN IMPROVED RESPECT FOR CIVIL SERVANTS, AND THIS TOGETHER WITH A STRONGER ATTITUDE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE AGAINST CORRUPTION, AND THE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THIS, HAD ALL HELPED THE STATUS OF THE CIVIL SERVANTS IN SOCIETY.

♦THERE WILL ALWAYS BE COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS BETWEEN GOVERNMENTS AND THE GOVERNED, BUT I THINK IT IS BEING MORE STEADILY APPRECIATED AND UNDERSTOOD THAT CIVIL SERVANTS ARE DEVOTING MORE EFFORTS - OFTEN BY QUITE JUNIOR OFFICERS - TO EXPLAINING POLICIES AND BEING MORE RESPONSIVE TO PERCEIVED NEEDS FOR CHANGE,♦ HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE ROLE OF TEACHERS IN SOCIETY, MR HENDERSON SAID FOCUS SHOULD BE PUT ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF TEACHERS.

HE ALSO NOTED THE INCREASING INVOLVEMENT OF TEACHERS IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.

SOME OF THESE TEACHERS WERE MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND MANY WERE ACTIVE IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HE SAID.

♦THIS IS DOUBLY WELCOME FIRSTLY BECAUSE TEACHERS HAVE SO MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE AND SECONDLY IT BRINGS THEM INTO CONTACT WITH ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD AND SERVES TO AMELIORATE THE SOMETIMES ISOLATED NATURE OF THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT,♦ HE SAID.

------0 - - - - /8......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

8

DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AMENDED *****

DETAILS OF AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR SHAU KEI WAN ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY’S) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE AMENDMENTS INVOLVED ALTERATION OF ZONING BOUNDARIES AND THE REZONING OF SEVERAL SITES.

ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS IS TO ADJUST THE ZONING BOUNDARIES OF THE ’COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL’, ’OPEN SPACE’ AND ’GOVERNMENT-INSTITUTION-COMMUNITY’ SITES NEAR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION, SOUTH OF ALDRICH BAY, TO REFLECT CHANGES TO LOCAL ROAD PATTERNS AND THE SLIP ROADS OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SITE TO THE SOUTH-EAST OF SAI WAN HO STREET WAS REZONED FROM ’GOVERNMENT-INST I TUT ION-COMMUNITY’ TO *OPEN SPACE*.

THE CARGO HANDLING SITE FRONTING ALDRICH BAY IS REZONED FROM *OTHER SPECIFIED USE* TO *OPEN SPACE* AND +ROAD RESERVE*.

HE SAID THE SITE RESERVED FOR A TRAM DEPOT AT SHAU KEI WAN ROAD IS NOW REZONED FROM ’OTHER SPECIFIED USE’ TO ’OPEN SPACE’.

ALSO, PART OF THE SITE ZONED *GOVERNMENT-INST ITUT ION-COMMUNITY* IN A KUNG NGAM IS REZONED TO *OTHER SPECIFIED USE* AND IS EARMARKED FOR A SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT.

THE AMENDED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN), 884-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG; AND THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 FOR AN UNCOLOURED COPY AND |60 PER COLOURED COPY.

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/9........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

9

OCTOBER MONETARY STATISTICS * * * *

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER 1983 ARE PUBLISHED TODAY.

PROBABLY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE MEASURES TAKEN ON OCTOBER 17 TO STABILISE THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FELL, REFLECTING BOTH THE VALUATION EFFECT ARISING FROM THE EXCHANGE RATE HAVING BEEN STABILISED AT A STRONGER LEVEL AND A MODEST SWITCH BACK INTO HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS.

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY INCREASED ON ALL DEFINITIONS.

HOWEVER, THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY, THAT IS TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3, DECREASED BECAUSE OF THE CONTRACTION IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY COMPONENTS.

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES FELL IN OCTOBER. WITHIN THIS TOTAL. HOWEVER, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE SHOWED SOME INCREASE.

(A STATISTICAL TABLE GIVING A SUMMARY OF THE MONETARY STATISTICS IS ATTACHED)

HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY

THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, HKMS1, ROSE FURTHER BY 0.7 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH 0.9 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

THIS REFLECTED AN INCREASE IN HKS DEMAND DEPOSITS OFFSETTING A FALL IN THE PUBLIC’S HOLDING OF NOTES AND COINS.

THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK|M2 AND HKSM3, ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT AND 3.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, REVERSING THE CORRESPONDING FALLS OF 0.3 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER, HK$M1 ROSE BY 4.6 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 2.5 PER CENT AND HK|M3 BY 2.6 PER CENT. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 10.6 PER CENT, 7.5 PER CENT AND 3.9 PER CENT.

TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY

TOTAL Ml CONTINUED TO INCREASE, BY 1.1 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A RISE OF 0.9 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3, HOWEVER, FELL BY 2.5 PER CENT AND 1.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE VALUATION EFFECT ARISING FROM A STRONGER HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN CONTRAST TO THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 3.8 PER CENT AND 3.7 RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER.

/IN THE • •.....

FRIDAY, DECIKB'ER 2, 198?

- 10 -

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 5.5 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 4.3 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 5.0 PER CENT. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 6.4 PER CENT, 22.0 P$R CENT AND 19.3 PER CENT.

DEPOSITS

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 3.9 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AFTER A DECLINE OF 1.0 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

THERE WAS PROBABLY SOME SWITCH BY PERSONAL CUSTOMERS OUT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS BACK TO HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONSEQUENT UPON THE REMOVAL OF THE 10 PER CENT INTEREST WITHHOLDING TAX ON HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ON OCTOBER 17, 1983, WHILE THE STABILISATION OF THE EXCHANGE RATE MAY HAVE INDUCED A MORE GENERAL WILLINGNESS TO HOLD THE LOCAL CURRENCY.

WITHIN THE TOTAL, THERE WAS A SHIFT FROM SAVINGS DEPOSITS INTO TIME DEPOSITS.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.8 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 3.5 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS FELL SHARPLY BY 6.5 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 8.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER- PART OF THE DECLINE WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE VALUATION EFFECT OF THE STRONGER HONG KONG DOLLAR.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 0.9 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 5.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

IN THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER, THEY GREW BY 6.8 PER CENT, AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, BY 20.5 PER CENT.

WITHIN THIS TOTAL, HONG KONG DOLLAR LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 3.0 PER CENT IN OCTOBER FOLLOWING ONE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

SIMILAR LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCY, HOWEVER, FELL BY 7.0 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A RISE OF 12.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, BOTH FIGURES PARTLY EXPLAINING THE VALUATION EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE EXCHANGE RATE.

OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG, MOST OF WHICH ARE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS, FELL BY 0.3 PER CENT FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 3.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

/FOREIGN CURRENCY .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?

11

FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION

THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHOWED A NET LIABILITY OF >23.2 BILLION AT THE END OF OCTOBER. COMPARED WITH >28.2 BILLION AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER.

BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD NET LIABILITIES OF >17.0 BILLION AND >6.2 BILLION RESPECTIVELY.

STATISTICS COLLECTED (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOW THAT THE MONETARY SECTOR HAD NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY LIABILITIES OF >26.2 BILLION AND THAT THESE WERE MORE THAN COVERED BY NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $49.1 BILLION.

LIQUIDITY RATIOS

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S.18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE TO 52.9 PER CENT FROM 49.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S.24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL TO 67.7 PER CENT FROM 68.0 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS IN OPERATION INCREASED BY 1 TO 134. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS UNCHANGED AT 30 AND THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 1 TO 318.

- 12 - Monetary Statistics - October 1?8^ Earlier moni (?« change to Octob FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

er 1083) HKSmn

Money Supi ly M1 - Oct 1983 Sep 1983 Jul 1983 Oct 1982

27,792 27,592 (+ 0.7%) 26,560 (+ 4.6%) 25,122 (*10.6%)

Foreign Currency 2,547 2,^7 (+ 5.4%) 2,186 (+16.5%) 3,404 (-25.2%)

Total 30,339 30,009 ( + 1.1%) 28,746 (* 5.5%) 28,526 (+ 6.4%)

M2 - HKS 128,076 126,939 (+ 0.9%) 124,922 (+ 2.5%) 119,097 (♦ 7.5%)

Foreign Currency 118,906 126,446 (- 6.0%) 111,915 (♦ 6.2%) 83,315 (+42.7%)

Total 246,982 253,385 (- 2.5%) 236,837 (+ 4.3%) 202,412 (+22.0%)

M3 - IIK3 153,146 148,529 (+ 3.1%) 149,235 (+ 2.6%) 147,374 (+ 3-9%)

Foreign Currency 141,257 150,922 (- 6.4%) 131,211 (+ 7.7%) 99,488 (+42.0%)

Total 294,402 299,451 (- 1.7%) 280,446 (♦ 5-0%) 246,862 (+19.3%)

Deposits Demand deposits 18,101 17,544 (+ 3.2%) 16,948 ( + 6.8%) 17,570 (+ 3-0%)

Savings deposit 66,553 71,150 (- 6.5%) 70,652 (- 5-8%) 66,175 (♦ 0.6%)

Time deposits with banks 145,191 146,941 (- 1.2%) 132,453 (+ 9.6%) 103,404 (+40.4%)

Time deposits with dtcs 46,264 44,776 (♦ 3.3%) 42,484 ( + 8.9%) 43,239 (♦ 7.0%)

All HKS deposits 138,820 133,627 (+ 3-9%) 135.O4J (+ 2.8%) 134,091 (♦ 3-5%)

All ioreign currency deposits 137,290 146,785 (- 6.5%) 127,493 (+ 7-7%) 96,297 (+42.6%)

Total 276,110 280,412 (- 1.5%) 262,536 ( + 5.2%) 230,388 (+19.8%)

Loans end advances To finance Fong Kong’s visible trade 29,150 29,276 (- 0.4%) 27,992 (+ 4.1%) 25,435 (+14.6%)

To fixiuuicc* merchandising trade not 2,965 3,073 (- 3-5%) 2,730 (♦ 8.6%) 2,724 (+ 8.8%)

touching Hong Kong Other loans for use in Hong Kong 212,091 212,802 (- 0.3%) 202,674 (♦ 4.6%) 183,703 (+15.5%)

Other loans for use outside Hong Kong 128,915 127,339 (♦ 1.2%) 115,840 (+11.3%) 99,314 (+29.8%)

Oth' r loans where the place of use 17,639 21,818 (- 19.2%) 16,712 (+ 5-5%) 13,222 (+33.4%)

is not knorn All loans in HK_# 196,339 197,055 <- 0.4%) 194,248 (♦ 1.1%) 177,644 (+10.5%)

Ail Joans in foreign currencies 194,421 197,253 (- 1.4%) 171,699 (+13.2%) 146,754 (+32.9%)

Total 390,760 394,308 (- 0.9%) 365,947 (♦ 6.8%) 324,398 (+20.5%)

- - 0 - -

/13........


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

13

SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLAN FOR SUNDAY WALK * * X

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) TO ALLOW FOR THE +WALK FOR MILLIONS* HELD BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, THE FOLLOWING RE-ROUTING WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 5.30 PMi

* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM GOVERNMENT STADIUM TO TUNG LO WAN ROAD.

M CAROLINE HILL ROAD FROM LEIGHTON ROAD TO GOVERNMENT STADIUM WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, WITH TRAFFIC RESTRICTED TO THE NORTHERN LANE.

* BROADWOOD ROAD FROM VENTRIS ROAD TO LINK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NORTHSIDE LANE ONLY.

M BLUE POOL ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SING WOO ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE WESTERN LANE.

* BLUE POOL ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SING WOO ROAD TO TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, WHICH WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL NORTH UNDER THE DIRECTION OF POLICE PERSONNEL ON DUTY.

M TAI HANG ROAD FROM STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO MOUNT BUTLER ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, EXCEPT FOR BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 41 AND 62 AND MAXICABS ON ROUTE NO. 24, WHICH WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL EASTWARD. ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND MAX ICABS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE SOUTHERN LANE.

* MOUNT BUTLER ROAD BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND HENDERSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE WESTERN LANE.

M THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE.

IN ADDITION, LINK ROAD FROM BROADWOOD ROAD TO CAROLINE HILL ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5.30 PM WITH TRAFFIC RESTRICTED TO THE NORTHERN LANE.

/A NUMBER

FRIDAY, DECBfBER 2, 1983

A NUMBER OF ROAD CLOSURES WILL ALSO BE INVOLVEDi

ft VENTRIS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5.30 PM EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS;

* BLUE POOL ROAD SOUTH OF TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5.30 PM5

ft MOST OF TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS AND THOSE WITH POLICE APPROVAL BETWEEN

8 AM AND 3 PM<

* LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEN 8.45 AM AND 9.30 am;

ft MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE AND PRICE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR RESIDENTS AND THOSE WITH POLICE APPROVAL BETWEEN 9 AM AND APPROXIMATELY 5.30 PM;

* MOUNT PARKER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH POLICE APPROVAL BETWEEN 9 AM AND APPROXIMATELY 2.30 PM.

ALL PARKING SPACES ON GOVERNMENT STADIUM SLIP ROAD, VENTRIS ROAD (EASTERN SIDE). TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD, PRICE ROAD AND MOUNT BqTlER DRIVE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM TO 6 PM.

THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC TRANSPORT DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 5.30 PMi

ft CMB ROUTE NO.19 ON JOURNEYS TO TAI HANG ROAD WILL NOT OPERATE VIA STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT, BUT WILL TRAVEL VIA GREEN LANE AND TERMINATE AT THE TERMINUS FOR CMB ROUTE 1 AT BROOM ROAD. ON JOURNEYS TO NORTH POINT FERRY, IT WILL OPERATE VIA BROOM ROAD, BLUE POOL ROAD AND SING WOO ROAD;

* CMB ROUTE NO. 11 WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA TAI HANG ROAD, MOUNT BUTLER ROAD, PERKINS ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD;

ft MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 5 WILL OPERATE VIA STUBBS ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST INSTEAD OF BLUE POOL ROAD.

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH UTMOST CARE IN THE VICINITY OF GOVERNMENT STADIUM, BLUE POOL ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

15

QUIT NOW, SMOKERS ARE TOLD * * *

THE MESSAGE WAS QUITE CLEAR AT TWO ANTI-SMOKING SEMINARS HELD TODAY AT KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl - QUIT SMOKING NOW, CIGARETTES ARE HAZARDOUS AND DESTRUCTIVE TO HEALTH.

THE SEMINARS WERE PART OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE DRIVE LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.

OPENING THE SEMINAR AT THE BUDDHIST YIP KEI NAM MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF TSING Yl, MR BARTON IRELAND, SAID MANY CHILDREN START SMOKING IN THE MISTAKEN BELIEF THAT SMOKING CAN GIVE THEM A ’LIFT’, PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL, OR CAN HELP CALM THEIR NERVES AND QUELL FEAR AND INSECURITY.

♦OTHERS FEEL THAT SMOKING SHOWS MATURITY AND THAT IF THEY DO NOT SMOKE THEY WILL BE TREATED AS OUTSIDERS BY THEIR CONTEMPORARIES,* HE SAID.

♦BELIEVE ME, NOTHING CAN JUSTIFY ENSLAVING YOURSELF TO THIS DESTRUCTIVE ADDICTION.♦

♦THE SMOKER’S ODDS OF DYING OF LUNG CANCER ARE SEVEN TIMES AS HIGH AS THOSE OF THE NON-SMOKER. A 20-YEAR SURVEY BY BRITISH DOCTORS SHOWS THAT, ON AVERAGE, THREE OUT OF 10 SMOKERS WILL DIE AS A RESULT OF THEIR HABIT. ON AVERAGE, THOSE WHO DIE WILL CUT SHORT THEIR LIVES BY 10 TO 15 YEARS. THESE ARE SOME OF THE SOBERING FACTS,♦ MR IRELAND SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE OTHER SEMINAR HELD AT THE COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG SOUTH, MR ALAN HO, SAID IT WAS SHOCKING TO FIND THAT 12 PER CENT OF FORM 1 TO FORM 3 STUDENTS WERE SMOKERS.

HE SAID THIS WAS SHOWN IN A RECENT SURVEY BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SMOKING HABITS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.

♦TAKING UP SMOKING AS EARLY AS STUDENT DAYS IS, OF COURSE, HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH, AND WILL ALSO INCREASE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF FAMILY,* HE ADDED.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT.

A THIRD SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY. (DECEMBER 4) AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

/16........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

16

REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES REVISING CERTAIN FEES ft ft ft ft

AN ORDER RAISING SEVEN TYPES OF FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

UNDER THE COMPANIES (FEES)(AMENDMENT) ORDER 1983, THESE FEES COVERING THE INSPECTION, ISSUANCE, CERTIFICATION AND PHOTOCOPYING OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS WILL BE INCREASED FROM JANUARY 3, 1984.

THE SERVICES INVOLVED ARE USED MAINLY BY SOLICITORS, ACCOUNTANTS AND CHARTERED SECRETARIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID.

♦THE ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING THESE PROFESSIONS HAVE BEEN CONSULTED AND HAVE RAISED NO OBJECTION TO THE FEE INCREASES,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE EXISTING FEES RANGE FROM $1 TO |1O AND THE REVISED FEES WILL RANGE FROM $3 TO 150.

THE REVISION HAD BEEN MADE TO BRING THE FEES INTO LINE WITH THOSE FOR OTHER COMPARABLE SERVICES, HE ADDED.

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

ROAD SAFETY TEACHING KIT FOR LOAN ft * * ft *

COPIES OF A TEACHING KIT AIMED AT PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THE KIT IS USED IN TEACHING THE ROAD SAFETY TOPICS COVERED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE’S HEALTH EDUCATION AND SOCIAL STUDIES SYLLABUSES, AND IS ALSO APPLICABLE FOR OTHER ACITIV IT IES TO MEET THE INTERESTS OR NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEMS AS ROAD USERS.

ENTITLED ’ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION FOR SCHOOLS’, THE KIT IS PRODUCED BY A JOINT WORKING PARTY UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL.

THE KIT IS DIVIDED INTO THREE MODULES, WITH A SET OF WORKCARDS. EACH WORKCARD HAS A PICTURE SHOWING A TRAFFIC SCENE OR FEATURE, TOGETHER WITH SUGGESTED QUESTIONS AND SOME HELPFUL HINT THAT A TEACHER CAN BRING UP DURING CLASS DISCUSSION.

THE CARDS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A GRADED TEACHING APPROACH FOR STUDENTS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.

COPIES OF THE KIT ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN TO SCHOOLS FROM THE AUDIO VISUAL RESOURCES LIBRARY, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 228, LEE GARDENS, 2ND FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE KIT OR PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS FOR BORROWING CAN BE MADE TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 5-8392362.

------o ------- /17..............

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

17

FIGHT-CRIME CARNIVAL BEING HELD SUNDAY * * * *

RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS IN SAI KUNG WILL LEARN ABOUT CRIME FIGHTING THROUGH FUN AND GAMES IN A CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).

AT THE CARNIVAL, AN EXHIBITION ON POLICE WORK AND A DISPLAY OF SECURITY SYSTEMS WILL HELP TEACH PARTICIPANTS HOW TO PREVENT CRIME.

PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO LOOK AT AN ARMOURED CAR USED BY THE POLICE DURING RIOTS.

TWENTY GAME STALLS WILL BE PUT UP BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO BRING FUN AND LAUGHTER TO THE PARTICIPANTS WHILE SPREADING THE FIGHT-CRIME MESSAGE.

THE ♦BEST DECORATED* AND THE +MOST POPULAR* GAME STALLS WILL ALSO BE SELECTED.

THE SIX-HOUR CARNIVAL, TO BE HELD AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG FROM 12.30 PM, WILL ALSO FEATURE A LION DANCE, FOLK DANCES AND A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES INCLUDING ACROBATICS, MGIC AND SINGING BY MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS AND THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN'S CHOIR.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR PEDRO CHING AND CHAIRMEN OF SAI KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES, MR CHUNG POON AND MR YAU KI, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM.

THE CARNIVAL IS AND SPONSORED BY THE

ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, AT 136 700.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT-CRIME CARNIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.

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/18........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

18 -

TAI PO GETS SET FOR SPORTS FESTIVAL M * * *

TAI PO’S FIRST DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL, WHICH BEGINS ON DECEMBER 10, WILL ALSO MARK THE OPENING OF A 2 700-SQUARE-METRE SPORTS COMPLEX IN THE HEART OF THE NEW TOWN.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN, SAID THAT IN THE PAST IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO HOLD LARGE-SCALE SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT DUE TO THE LACK OF A PROPER VENUE.

♦WITH THE OPENING OF THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE IN THE DISTRICT, SUCH A FESTIVAL CAN BE HELD ANNUALLY TO PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF SPORTS AMONG LOCAL RES IDENTS,♦ HE SAID.

FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY A VISITING CHINESE GYMNASTICS TEAM, LOCAL BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL TEAMS, AND MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTORS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE COMPETITIONS IN TABLE TENNIS, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, ORIENTEERING, BOWLING, TENNIS, BADMINTON, FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER AND LONG DISTANCE RUNNING.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN WONG, SAID THAT ABOUT $170 000 WOULD BE SPENT ON THE FESTIVAL, WITH 150 000 BEING PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE AND NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE COMPETITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THESE ORGANISATIONS.

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

AVIATION CHIEF ON LEAVE

HMM

MR B.D. KEEP, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, WILL GO ON A SHORT LEAVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

DURING HIS WEEK-LONG ABSENCE, MR TREVOR THORPE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, WILL ACT IN HIS CAPACITY.

MR KEEP, WHO WAS AWARDED THE OBE IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOUR LIST, WILL RECEIVE HIS INSIGNIA AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE ON ■TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).

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/19........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

- 19 -

NOTE TO EDITORSi

HALL TO BE OPENED

* * *

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OPEN THE ROTARY HALL OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION’S NEW LIFE FARM IN SIU HANG VILLAGE, TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, M* HO SAI-CHU; DISTRICT 345 GOVERNOR OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, M? PHILIP LAI; AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 12 NOON.

A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 11 AM FOR TUEN • MUN.

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

1983 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN

M X X

THE 1983 LAND SPORTS SAFETY ACTIVITIES DAY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, STARTING AT 10 AM.

MR P.J. WILLIAMSON, COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE AND MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON 1983 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.

THERE WILL BE A SAFETY DEMONSTRATION, PLAY-IN AND DISPLAYS OF CYCLING, ARCHERY, ROPE COURSE, ORIENTEERING, CAMPING AND ROLLER SKATING AND MOUNTAIN RESCUE AND FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO TAKE THE PRESS TO AND FROM THE DESTINATION. TWO 11-SEATER VANS WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT 8.30 AM SHARP AND TAKE THE PRESS BACK AT ABOUT NOON.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/20........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

20

TEMPORARY STREET ALTERATION

* * * M

THERE WILL BE A TEMPORARY STREET ALTERATION AT HOLY CROSS PATH, SHAU KEI WAN, TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SAI WAN HO STATION CONCOURSE OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

THE AFFECTED AREA IS THE SECTION OF HOLY CROSS PATH RUNNING FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO A POINT 15 METRES NORTH CF THE NORTHERN KERBLINE OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD. THE WESTERN FOOTPATH ALONG THE SECTION WILL BE CLOSED WHILE THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE REDUCED TO A MINIMUM WIDTH OF 4.5 METRES.

THE DATE FOR THE STREET ALTERATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE STREET ALTERATION IS GAZETTED TODAY. COPIES OF THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH THE STREET ALTERATION PLAN (NO. MT/G/274), MAY BE INSPECTED DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AT CGO WEST WING THE DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) AT 884-886 KING’S ROAD OR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION IN MURRAY BUILDING, COTTON TREE DRIVE.

CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THE STREET ALTERATION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT AND MUST REACH HIS OFFICE WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE ROAD IS REINSTATED.

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

SATURDAY NIGHT TRAMWORK * M M *

TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CURTAILED TOMORROW (DECEMBER 3) EVENING TO ALLOW TRACK RENEWAL WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT AT WHITTY STREET.

THE LAST TRAMS WILL LEAVE FROM NORTH POINT TO WHITTY STREET AND FROM HAPPY VALLEY TO KENNEDY TOWN AT 10.20 PM, FROM KENNEDY TOWN TO HAPPY VALLEY AT 10.53 PM AND FROM WHITTY STREET TO NORTH POINT AT 11 PM.

SERVICES BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WESTERN MARKET, AND BETWEEN HAPPY VALLEY AND SHAU KEI WAN, WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT TRAM SERVICES WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL BY 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

- - - - 0-----

TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR SUNDAY SHOW M M M

IN CONNECTION WITH THE ’COLOURFUL AGING’ VARIETY SHOW AND EXHIBITION AT EDINBURGH PLACE, THE SECTION OF EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN THE EASTERN END OF URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND QUEEN’S PIER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM NOON TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).

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/21......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1983

21

PING-PONG COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS

* * *

A ONE-MONTH TABLE TENNIS INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE WILL START FROM JANUARY 3, NEXT YEAR.

IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.

CLASSES WILL BE HELD TWICE A WEEK, FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM, AT THE ASSOCIATION’S PREMISES AT 59 WAN CHAI ROAD.

THIRTY PLACES ARE OPEN FOR THE COURSE WHICH IS FOR MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE AND ABOVE. THE ENTRY FEE IS $30 EACH PERSON.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE. FOR INQUIRIES TELEPHONE 5-458511.

- _ 0 - -

WAN CHAI TAPS OFF * * *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES IN LOCKHART ROAD, FENWICK STREET AND FLEMING ROAD, AS WELL AS 210-258 HENNESSY ROAD, 104-173 THOMSON ROAD, AND 183-211 JOHNSTON ROAD.

- - 0 - -

NOTE TO EDITORS!

BOY SCOUTS TO PARADE ft ft * ft

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL INSPECT A PARADE OF BOY SCOUTS AT THEIR ANNUAL RALLY ON SUNDA1 (DECEMBER 4).

MR MACPHERSON. WHO IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION (NEW TERRITORIES REGION), WILL ALSO PRESENT TROPHIES TO THE OUTSTANDING TEAMS AND LONG SERVICE AWARDS TO THE MEMBERS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NEW TERRITORIES SCOUTS RALLY STARTING AT 2.30 PM AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN TUEN MUN.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

PORTENTS PAGE NO,

BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS TO BE MORE CLEARLY DEFINED ............ 1

HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES PROVE POPULAR ...................... 1

COOPERATION IMPORTANT FOR BUILDING PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY...... 2

PLANNING OFFICER TO ATTEND UNESCO SEMINAR ................... 3

DB TO DISCUSS STREET TRADING ................................ 4

ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR RESIDENTS ........................ 4

SEVENTH I.D. CARD PHASE STARTS MONDAY ....................... 5

WALL MURAL DESIGN CONTEST FOR STUDENTS ...................... 6

TALKS ON SPEECH TRAINING .................................... 7

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HELP BUILD SOUND COMMUNITY .............. 8

FENCING COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ............... 9

FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE SENSE OF BELONGING ...................... 9

CAREERS EXHIBITION IN THEN MUN .............................. 10

BMX RACE IN TUEIJ MUN TOMORROW .............................. 10

LANE IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO BE CLOSED .......................... 11

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT KING'S ROAD ......................... 12

FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK ..................... 12

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

1

BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS TO BE MORE CLEARLY DEFINED * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO AMEND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE DOUBTS ABOUT HOW DEFINITIONS OF TERMS DESCRIBING VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED.

THE TERMS, CONTAINED IN THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS, ARE +DOMESTIC+, ♦NON-DOMESTIC+ AND ^COMPOSITE*.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL WOULD MAKE IT CLEARER THAT PREMISES USED FOR TRANSITORY OCCUPATION, SUCH AS HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES, WERE SUBJECT TO THE SAME RULES AS DOMESTIC PREMISES. IT WOULD ALSO ADD A DEFINITION OF -^HABITATION* NOT AVAILABLE IN CURRENT LEGISLATION.

THE AMENDMENT WOULD ALSO TRANSFER THE DEFINITIONS OF DOMESTIC, NON-DOMESTIC AND COMPOSITE BUILDINGS FROM SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION INTO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO ENSURE CONSISTENT INTERPRETATION THROUGHOUT THE LEGISLATION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WAS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) AND, IF APPROVED. WOULD BECOME LAW TWO WEEKS LATER.

- - 0 - -

HEALTH EDUCATION CENTRES PROVE POPULAR K X X

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO SET UP A THIRD HEALTH EDUCATION AUDIO-VISUAL CENTRE AT SAI TSO WAN IN KWUN TONG NEXT YEAR FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF ITS TWO CENTRES IN WAN CHAI AND SHA TIN.

THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE A LARGE VARIETY OF AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS ON DIFFERENT MEDICAL AND HEALTH TOPICS FOR THE PUBLIC.

THE THREE CENTRES, UNDER THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, WILL FORM A SERVICE NETWORK FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS, DR S.C. LEUNG, A SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER, SAID.

THE FIRST TWO AUDIO-VISUAL CENTRES, SET UP A YEAR AGO, HAVE PROVED TO BE POPULAR. BY AUGUST, SOME 6 5OO PEOPLE HAD USED THE FACILITIES, DR LEUNG SAID.

♦BESIDES PROVIDING RICH REFERENCE MATERIALS ON HEALTH, WE HAVE MEDICAL AND NURSING OFFICERS AT EACH CENTRE TO OFFER ADVISORY SERVICES, WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS HEALTH,♦ DR LEUNG SAID.

/ffiE MATERIALS

SATURDAY, DECELSER 3, 1983

- 2 -

THE MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE INCLUDE BOOKLETS, PERIODICALS, POSTERS, FILMS, SLIDES, VIDEO-TAPES AND CASSETTE TAPES WHICH MAY BE VIEWED OR READ ON THE SPOT.

♦MOST OF THEM HAVE COME FROM ADVANCED COUNTRIES, WITH MODIFICATIONS MADE HERE TO CATER FOR LOCAL NEEDS,+ SHE SAID.

THE CENTRES ALSO HAVE LOCALLY PRODUCED MATERIALS, SUCH AS CANTONESE-DUBBED CASSETTE TAPES WHICH CONTAIN THE WHOLE SERIES OF HALF-HOURLY RADIO PROGRAMMES ON HEALTH CARE AIRED ON RTHK 1 EVERY TUESDAY.

THE CENTRES OPERATE A FREE LOANING SERVICE WHEREBY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS MAY BORROW MATERIALS FOR UP TO A WEEK.

IN ADDITION, THEY CONDUCT WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS ON A BROAD RANGE OF HEALTH TOPICS AND MOUNT REGULAR EXHIBITIONS.

THE WAN CHAI CENTRE IS LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF CENTRE POINT BUILDING, 181-185 GLOUCESTER ROAD, AND THE SHA TIN CENTRE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF LEK YUEN HEALTH CENTRE.

FOR LOANING SERVICES, GROUP VISITS, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS, ADVANCE BOOKING MAY BE MADE BY DIALLING 5-720861 OR 0-633211, EXT 269.

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

COOPERATION IMPORTANT FOR BUILDING PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY H I* * *

THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL PEOPLE IN BUILDING A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY WAS STRESSED TODAY BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WEEK-LONG TSUEN WAN EAST AREA DAY, SHE NOTED THAT THE DISTRICT WAS DEVELOPING VERY RAPIDLY.

AS EXAMPLES, SHE SAID THE NEWLY COMPLETED FERRY PIER, THE PLANNED TRANSPORT COMPLEX, GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND THE SPORTS CENTRE AT THE TSUEN WAN BAY RECLAMATION, AND THE EXTENSION OF THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND ALL SIGNIFIED THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT.

♦DURING THIS PROCESS, THE COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE RESIDENTS IS MOST IMPORTANT,♦ SHE SAID.

THE TSUEN WAN EAST AREA HAS A LONG HISTORY. IT INLCUDES THE DEVE.OPED TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE, LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN, SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE AND CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WITH A TOTAL POPULATION OF OVER 90 000 PEOPLE.

/+FACILITIES AND .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

- 3 -

♦FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN THIS AREA, SUCH AS MEDICAL SERVICES, EDUCATION. TRANSPORT AND SOCIAL WELFARE, ARE ALREADY UP TO A CERTAIN STANDARD, AND THESE ARE STILL BEING IMPROVED FROM TIME TO TIME TO PROVIDE EVEN BETTER SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC,+ SHE SAID.

MISS CHUNG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PREVIOUS TSUEN WAN EAST AREA DAYS HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE RESIDENTS.

THESE EVENTS HAD BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THEREFORE, THIS YEAR, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $25 OOO TO FUND THE AREA DAY,+ SHE SAID.

♦THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A CHILDREN FUN DAY, A DANCING NIGHT, GAMES STALLS, A LAUNCH PICNIC, A DAY CAMP, A CANTONESE OPERA, A VARIETY SHOW, A QUIZ AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION.*

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

PLANNING OFFICER TO ATTEND UNESCO SEMINAR ft ft * * *

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR ARTHUR CHAN, WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR, SPONSORED BY THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO), IN MANILA NEXT WEEK.

THE SEMINAR, FROM DECEMBER 5-9, IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOR SOUTH-EAST ASIA.

IT WILL LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS AFFECTING DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC.

THE OBJECTIVE IS TO LIST PROBLEMS ENCOUTERED IN TRYING TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION AND TRANSFER AND DIFFUSE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY IN RURAL AREAS.

IT WILL SUGGEST WAYS AND MEANS OF OVERCOMING THESE PROBLEMS.

PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THE SEMINAR ARE SELECTED AND SPONSORED BY UNESCO.

MR CHAN WILL PRESENT A CASE STUDY ON AGRICULTURAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AT THE SEMINAR.

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

/4........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

DB TO DISCUSS STREET TRADING XXX

THE EXISTING POLICY ON HAWKER TRADING IN WAN CHAI AND MEASURES TO REDUCE THESE ACTIVITIES ARE AMONG THE TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).

A CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S POLICY ON STREET TRADING, THE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR WITH THE EX-GRATIA PAYMENT SCHEME FOR ON-STREET COOKED FOOD STALLS IN WAN CHAI, AND THE NEW MARKET AND COMPLEXES UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR PLANNING IN THE DISTRICT.

THERE ARE 632 HAWKER PERMITTED SITES, 1 211 LICENSED ON-STREET FIXED PITCH STALLS AND 114 FIXED PITCHES IN THE DISTRICT.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LITTER PROBLEM AND A TRIAL SCHEME ON REFUSE DISPOSAL BY PLASTIC BAGS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARY AT 5-8921239 FOR SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 4 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.

ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE FOR RESIDENTS » M * *

THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS IN KOWLOON CITY - 800 AS AGAINST A POPULATION OF 500 000 - MIGHT NOT BE ALARMING BUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF DRUG ABUSE COULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, GORDON JONES SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

HE NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE, THERE WERE 768 DRUG ADDICTS IN KOWLOON CITY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, 123 OF THEM BEING NEW CASES.

MR JONES WAS SPEAKING AT AN EXHIBITION AT 01 MAN ESTATE TO MARK THE OPENING OF A TWO-WEEK ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.

/+! HOPE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

♦I HOPE THE MESSAGE OF OUR CAMPAIGN, WHICH EMPHASISES HOW AN ADDICT CAN MAKE HIS WHOLE FAMILY SUFFER, WILL REACH EVERY SINGLE RESIDENT,* HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT DRUG ABUSE WAS NOT ONLY A DISTRICT PROBLEM, BUT ALSO A WORLDWIDE ISSUE.

THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAD THUS INVITED DELEGATES TO THE SECOND PAN PACIFIC CONFERENCE ON DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN HONG KONG TO AN ANTI-NARCOTICS VARIETY SHOW AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING.

AT TODAY’S EXHIBITION, INFORMATION ON LAW AND ENFORCEMENT, YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN DRUGS AND TRAFFICKING AND SMUGGLING OF DRUGS WERE PROVIDED.

IT ALSO INTRODUCED THE REHABILITATION WORK FOR, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OF, EX-DRUG ADDICTS.

ON DISPLAY WERE SPECIMENS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRUGS AND PARAPHERNALIA USED BY THE ADDICTS.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK TOMORROW.

THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE NARCOTICS BUREAU OF THE POLICE, AND THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION

OF DRUG ADDICTS.

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

SEVENTH I.D. CARD PHASE STARTS MONDAY

*****

MEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1954 WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED THAT FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 5), IT WILL BE THEIR TURN TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS.

UNDER THE SEVENTH PHASE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME, THESE TWO AGE GROUPS WILL BE GIVEN FIVE WEEKS TO HAVE THEIR OLD CARDS REPLACED.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAIDi

♦THEY SHOULD CALL AT ANY OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES, BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, BEFORE THIS PHASE CLOSES ON JANUARY 7, 1984.

♦THEY SHOULD ALSO BRING ALONG THEIR OLD IDENTITY CARDS, WHICH WILL HAVE TO BE SURRENDERED WHEN THEY RETURN TO COLLECT THEIR NEW CARDS AFTER 18 WORKING DAYS.+

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

6 -

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS THAT A MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM HAD BEEN INTRODUCED TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE.

♦ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO OBTAIN A FORM FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICE, FILL IT IN AND RETURN IT BY MAIL TO THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE,* HE SAID.

♦APPOINTMENTS CAN BE FOR ANY NORMAL WORKING DAY, EXCEPT MONDAYS, BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5.30 PM, BUT COMPLETED FORMS MUST REACH THE ISSUE OFFICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THIS PHASE.+

THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THOSE WHO MAY BE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIOD SHOULD APPLY FOR NEW CARDS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN.

THOSE WHO WANT TO HAVE THEIR LOST OR DAMAGED I.D. CARDS REPLACED OR PERSONAL PARTICULARS CHANGED SHOULD GO TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES.

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

WALL MURAL DESIGN CONTEST FOR STUDENTS

K * * * *

STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR A DESIGN COMPETITION FOR A MURAL TO BE PUT UP AT THE REDEVELOPED SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.

ENTRY DESIGNS SHOULD PORTRAY THE EVENTFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHEK KIP MEI AREA SINCE THE END OF WORLD WAR |I, PREFERABLY WITH EMPHASIS ON COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND INTEGRITY.

TO HELP INSPIRE THE PARTICPANTS, A SELECTION OF HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY IS NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE OFFICE UNTIL DECEMBER 31 — THE DEADLINE OF THE SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES.

ALSO, BRIEF NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF THE SHEK KIP MEI AREA AND INFORMATION HANDOUTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES.

THE DESIGN CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD IN CONUNTION WITH THE SHEK KIP MEI AND PAK TIN AREA COMMITTEE AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE REPRODUCED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT LATER ON A FLANK WALL MEASURING 2 M BY 6 M AT AN EXHIBITION SITE IN THE LAST PHASE OF THE ESTATE’S REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH. THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A $3 000 GIFT COUPON AND TWO RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE A $1 000 COUPON EACH.

/ALL jntries .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

- 7 -

ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE PAINTED ON CARDBOARDS OF 400 MM BY 1 200 MM, IN POSTER COLOUR OR OIL PASTEL, WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, SEX, SCHOOL’S NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER MARKED AT THE BACK. THEY SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

PARTICIPANTS MUST ADOPT A CLEAR-CUT TWO DIMENSIONAL PATTERN AND AVOID COMPLEX COLOURS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE REPRODUCTION ON THE EXHIBITION WALL.

THERE IS NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES TO BE SUBMITTED BY EACH PARTICIPANT, BUT THE COPYRIGHT OF ALL ENTRIES WILL BE RETAINED BY THE ORGANISERS.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 3-704251 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

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

TALKS ON SPEECH TRAINING

*****

TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SERIES OF TALKS ON SPEECH TRAINING IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE TALKS ARE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE.

THERE WILL BE FOUR TALKS, TO BE CONDUCTED SEPARATELY ON FOUR CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY MORNINGS FROM JANUARY 7 TO 28 AT THE CENTRE’S HONG KONG UNIT AT 9A BONHAM ROAD.

AT THE FIRST TWO MEETINGS, MRS FUNG MOK YAN-LAN, HEADMISTRESS OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY A.M. SCHOOL, WILL SPEAK ON ♦DRAMATIC ACTIVITIES AND CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING*, AND MISS LAU WAI-KING, WRITER OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE, ON *HOW TO STIMULATE PUPILS’ INTEREST IN STORY TELLING AND LISTENING TO STORIES*.

AT THE OTHER TWO MEETINGS, MISS YAU 01-KWAN, A TEACHER OF S.K.H. CHI NAM PRIMARY SCHOOL, WILL SPEAK ON *HOW TO ORGANISE DRILLS ON SPEECH TRAINING IN CHINESE LANGUAGE*, AND MR HO KA-CHUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE CHINESE SPEECH COMMITTEE, H.K. SCHOOLS SPEECH FESTIVAL, ON +HOW TO DEVELOP PUPILS’ SPEAKING SKILLS*.

SCHOOL HEADS MAY SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS FOR THE TALKS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG BY DECEMBER 17.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENTRE ON 5-488230.

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

/8 .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983 - 8 -

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HELP BUILD SOUND COMMUNITY ft * * ft

CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES HAVE POSITIVE EFFECTS ON THE HARMONIOUS DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

HE SAID ORGANISING SUCH ACTIVITIES WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR WAYS TO REACH A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE RESIDENTS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A WEEK-LONG OPEN DANCE CONTEST, MR MAK SAID RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS WAS ESSENTIAL IN BUILDING A SOUND COMMUNITY.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 600 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN KWUN TONG.

+IN ORDER TO BUILD A HEALTHY COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT ONLY PROVIDE THEM WITH NECESSARY FACILITIES BUT ALSO CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

♦THE ANNUAL DANCE CONTEST, THE 13TH SO FAR, IS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES BEING ORGANISED FOR THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.

MR MAK SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT RESPONSE TO THE EVENT THIS YEAR WAS VERY ENCOURAGING, WITH ABOUT 180 TEAMS, THE LARGEST NUMBER EVER, TAKING PART.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE MR WONG LAM, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR; AND MR DAVID CHIU, PRINCIPAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER.

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, 15 TEAMS OF CONTESTANTS DISPLAYED THEIR SKILLS IN THE ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE CONTEST IN THE OPEN SECTION.

FROM TOMORROW TILL DECEMBER 8, COMPETITIONS IN ORIENTAL, WESTERN AND MODERN DANCES FOR THE THREE SECTIONS - CHILDREN BELOW SIX YEARS OF AGE, THOSE FROM THE AGES OF SIX TO 12, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC - WILL BE HELD AT THE NING PO COLLEGE IN KUNG LOK ROAD.

THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD AS THE SPONSOR.

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

/9 .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

3

FENCING COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS *****

THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THE HONG KONG AMATEUR FENCING ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A SERIES OF FENCING COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH NEXT YEAR.

THE ELEMENTARY COURSES WILL BE HELD AT ST. PAUL’S COLLEGE AND QUEEN’S COLLEGE ON HONG KONG ISLAND- TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS CHENG MING THIEN COLLEGE IN KOWLOON AND LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE INTERMEDIATE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.

EACH SCHOOL MAY NOMINATE FOUR STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE COURSES. FOILS AND MASKS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS.

SCHOOLS INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT MR SUN HO I-YAM OF ED’S PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 280. APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ?/F., 405 NATHAN ROAD. KOWLOON BY DECEMBER 17.

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

FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE SENSE OF BELONGING XXX-

ABOUT 7 000 LOCAL RESIDENTS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR VARIETY SHOW THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH DISTRICT FESTIVAL.

THE SHOW FEATURED A POP CONCERT BY TOP SINGERS, THE NORTH DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND A CHINESE FOLK DANCE AT FANLING PLAYGROUND.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ANNUAL EVENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

♦IN THESE TIMES OF DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGE, I HOPE IT WILL HELP TO ENCOURAGE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO, AND COMMON IDENTITY WITH, NORTH DISTR ICT,♦ HE SAID.

PROGRAMMES OF THE NINE-DAY FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE, A FOLK SONG CONCERT, A CHILDREN’S OLYMPIC, A VARIETY SHOW, MINI-SOCCER MATCHES, A PUPPET SHOW, AN EXHIBITION ON WESTERN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, A MUSICAL COMEDY AND A DISCO NIGHT.

/a sports .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

10 -

A SPORTS CARNIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE GURKHA FIELD FORCE, WILL BE HELD AT SAN WAI ARMY CAMP ON THE LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL, SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).

THE FESTIVAL WILL COST A TOTAL OF $300 000, WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTING $120 000.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN WAH-CHUN, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON.

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

CAREERS EXHIBITION IN TUEN MUN

* MX *

A TWO-WEEK CAREER INFORMATION EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN IN TUEN MUN FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) TO MAKE LOCAL RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THE NEWCOMERS, AWARE OF THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

TWELVE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL FIRMS, COVERING SUCH FIELDS AS TEXTILES, ELECTRONICS, TOYS AND FOOD MANUFACTURING, WILL TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION.

EACH OF THESE ORGANISATIONS WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE TYPES OF JOBS AVAILABLE, SALARIES PAID, CAREER PROSPECTS AND ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY, EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS, FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM AT THE ON TING - YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE DURING THE FIRST WEEK, AND THEN AT THE BUDDHIST WONG SEWAI MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN WU KING ESTATE, STARTING FROM DECEMBER 13.

THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. ADMISSION IS FREE.

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

BMX RACE IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW *****

MORE THAN 100 YOUNG BMX CYCLISTS WILL JOIN AN OPEN COMPETITION IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE BMX RACE, THE FIRST IN THE NEW TOWN, WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM AT THE TEMPORARY BICYCLE PARK OPPOSITE THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT PROMOTING CYCLING AT PROPER VENUES.

SATUHDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

11

THE TEMPORARY BICYCLE PARK, BUILT UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, WAS RECENTLY OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.

YOUNGSTERS WHO WISH TO CYCLE IN THE NEW TOWN ARE URGED TO USE THE PARK.

A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPETITION.

TWO MORE BMX RACES WILL BE HELD AT THE PARK EARLY NEXT YEAR — ONE ON JANUARY 8 AND THE OTHER ON FEBRUARY 27, AN NTSD SPOKESMAN SAID.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE TEMPORARY BICYCLE PARK OPPOSITE THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 5 PM.

----0------

LANE IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO BE CLOSED * * * *

A LANE IS TO BE CLOSED IN TSIM SHA TSUI IN CONNECTION WITH THE GRANTING OF A NEW LEASE.

THE LANE IS BETWEEN 28-38A KIMBERLEY ROAD AND 24-36 KIMBERLEY STREET.

THE AREA IS TO BE DEVELOPED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE, A NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, CAN BE SEEN AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

ANY OBJECTION MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 31.

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

/12 .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

- 12 -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT KING’S ROAD * * ft *

FROM 6 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5), THE BUS-ONLY LANE AND TRAM-ONLY LANE BETWEEN HOUSES NOS. 991 AND 1067 ON KING’S ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR ABOUT SIX DAYS FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.

DURING THE PERIOD ALL VEHICLES ON THE TRAM LANE OF KING’S ROAD EAST-BOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO GREIG ROAD OR PROCEED STRAIGHT AHEAD.

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

FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK ft ft ft

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5 TO 10),

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER ARE FLYING.

THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS

THE DAYS AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE i

DATE

DECEMBER 5 (MONDAY) DECEMBER 6 (TUESDAY) DECEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY) DECEMBER 8 (THURSDAY) DECEMBER 9 (FRIDAY) DECEMBER 10 (SATURDAY)

TIME

8 AM - 11 PM

8 AM - 11 PM

8 AM - 11 PM

8 AM - 6 PM

8 AM - 5 PM

8 AM - 6 PM

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MANAGEMENT TRAINING IS A MUST IN MODERN WORLD .................. 1

NEW HOME FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS ...............................  3

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS .................... 3

IMPORTANT ROLE OF NT SCOUTS STRESSED ........................... 4

SAFETY RULES IN SPORTS VITAL ..................................  5

MARKET STALLS FOR PUBLIC BIDDING ............................... 6

RESTRICTED ZONE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ............................... 6

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1983

1

MANAGEMENT TRAINING IS A MUST IN MODERN WORLD

*****

INCREASING EMPHASIS IS BEING PLACED ON MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS THROUGH SUSTAINED TRAINING IN MODERN MANAGEMENT TECHNI QUES.

THIS MAJOR PROGRAMME, DESIGNED TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING UNIT, WITH MR FRANK BOND AS THE PRIME MOVER FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS.

THE UNIT CONDUCTS COURSES FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RANGING FROM THE MIDDLE ECHELONS TO THE DIRECTORATE GRADES.

COURSES UP TO SIX WEEKS RUN THE GAMUT OF ESSENTIAL TOOLS TO EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT IN A FAST-CHANGING AND COMPLEX WORLD.

♦THEY INCLUDE COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIP, MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATION SKILLS, PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS, COUNSELLING SKILLS PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING, PUBLIC SPEAKING, STAFF SELECTION INTERVIEWING, STAFF MANAGEMENT AND STAFF RELATIONS TEAM BUILDING, MANAGEMENT STRESS AND GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES ....+ MR BOND, WHO HAS SERVED AS THE UNIT’S CHIEF TRAINING OFFICER, EXPLAINED.

SO SOPHISTICATED HAVE BECOME MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES THAT, NOWADAYS, EVEN TRAINERS THEMSELVES NEED TRAINING PERIODICALLY.

♦MOST OF OUR TRAINING OFFICERS HAVE MASTERS DEGREES WITH IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE IN VARIOUS MANAGEMENT FIELDS. BUT TO STAY ABREAST OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, THEY ARE SENT ABROAD FOR STUDY, INCLUDING ATTACHMENTS TO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS,^ MR BOND POINTED OUT.

♦AT THE SAME TIME, OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS ARE INVITED BY OUR UNIT TO PROVIDE US WITH DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVES AND TECHNI QUES,♦ HE ADDED.

BECAUSE OF THE CONSTANT CHANGES IN THE WORLD AT LARGE, TRAINING IS A NEVER-ENDING ENDEAVOUR IN WHICH, AS MR BOND PUT IT, +WE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND IF WE DON’T CONSTANTLY GO FORWARD+.

MR BOND IS AN EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT TRAINER, HAVING SERVED MANY YEARS WITH THE UK GOVERNMENT AND THE UK CIVIL SERVICE COLLEGE, AND THE LAST 10 YEARS WITH HONG KONG’S CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE, OF WHICH THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING UNIT IS AN IMPORTANT PART.

SPEAKING SHORTLY BEFORE HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE, W BOND SAID HE WOULD BE JOINING AN INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY’S FAR EAST HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG.

♦DURING THE PERIOD IN HONG KONG, I HAVE ACQUIRED WHAT TO ME IS AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE WHICH I WILL CONTINUE TO UTILISE,+ MR BOND SAID WITH REFRESHING ENTHUSIASM OVER A PROFESSION DESPITE HIS DECADES AT IT.

/MR BOND .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 198?

MR BOND REMINISCED THAT ON ARRIVAL HERE IN 197^, HE WAS INDELIBLY IMPRESSED WITH THE SPEED AND EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL OFFICERS, AND WITH THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND SELF-MOTIVATION FOR HARD WORK WHICH, HE ADDED, ARE VERY MUCH THE HALLMARKS OF HONG KONG.

DEALING AS HE DOES WITH PEOPLE OF CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE, MR BOND EMPHASISED THAT TRAINING IS DIFFERENT FROM TEACHING.

♦GOOD TRAINING SHOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND MEANS FOR TRAINEES TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES AND STIMULATE THEIR LATENT POTENTIAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME INTRODUCING THE LATEST RELEVANT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES,* HE SAID.

THE COURSES AND SEMINARS ALSO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OFFICERS IN DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS TO EXCHANGE MANAGEMENT IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES IN WHAT IS KNOWN IN THE TRADE AS *HIGHLY ACTIVE AND PARTICIPATIVE* ENVIRONMENT, MR BOND ADDED.

ON THE AVERAGE, THE UNIT CONDUCTS 90 TRAINING COURSES AND SEMINARS FOR 1 800 GOVERNMENT OFFICERS A YEAR.

+WE SEEK TO PROVIDE TAILOR-MADE COURSES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PARTICIPANT’S REQUIREMENTS AND ASPIRATIONS, AS WELL AS CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.

+THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ’SUPERMARKET APPROACH’ IN WHICH TRAINEES SELECT FROM WHATEVER COURSES ARE AVAILABLE,* HE EXPLAINED.

MR BOND SAID THE AIM WAS THAT SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST 10 DAYS OF TRAINING EVERY FOUR YEAR.

IN ADDITION, THE UNIT HELPS DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS SET UP THEIR OWN SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH ACTIVE SUPPORT FROM THE CENTRE.

AT PRESENT, ABOUT 10 OFFICERS OF THE UNIT HAVE BEEN SECONDED TO VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH, TRANSPORT AND URBAN SERVICES.

*ONE MAJOR DIFFICULTY IN THE FIELD OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD IS TO ENSURE THE MANAGERS WILL APPLY THEIR SKILLS LEARNED,* HE SAID.

TO THIS END, THE UNIT CARRIES OUT REGULAR EVALUATION WORK TO TRACK THE DEVELOPMENT OF EACH PARTICIPANT AFTER COMPLETION OF HIS COURSE. TRAINING OFFICERS ALSO VISIT THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSESS THE PRACTICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COURSE, AND TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TRAINING WHERE NECESSARY.

WHAT HAS KEPT HIS SPIRITS BUOYANT ALL THESE YEARS?

HIS UNHESITATING REPLY: +MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING HAVE THEIR BUILT-IN STIMULANTS. THE TECHNIQUES ARE EVER DEVELOPING AND CHANGING, AND DEALING WITH PEOPLE ALWAYS FASCINATES ME.*

AND WITH THAT REMARK, MR BOND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS IN THE PROFESSION, THIS TIME WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1983

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NEW HOME FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS *****

A NEW HOME FOR 40 FORMER MENTAL PATIENTS WAS OPENED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES.

BEFORE COMPLETION OF THE TWO-STOREY ROTARY HALL, AT THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION’S NEW LIFE FARM IN TUEN MUN, THE RESIDENTS WERE HOUSED IN TWO SMALL BUNGALOWS NEARBY.

THE BUILDING COST A TOTAL OF S340 000 DONATED BY 18 ROTARY CLUBS IN HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR AKERS-JONES SAID THE ROTARY HALL WAS YET ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PROJECT BROUGHT ABOUT THROUGH THE COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND GENEROSITY OF THE ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS.

♦THE COMPLETION OF THIS NEW TWO-STOREY HOUSE WILL INCREASE THE RESIDENTIAL CAPACITY AS WELL AS PROVIDE IMPROVED LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS.

♦THE NEW LIFE FARM WILL BE BETTER-EQUIPPED IN FULFILLING ITS TRIPLE FUNCTION AS A SHELTERED-WORKSHOP, A HALF-WAY HOUSE AND A PERMANENT HOME.+

MR AKERS-JONES ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE NEW LIFE ASSOCIATION, A VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION PROVIDING CARE FOR MENTAL PATIENTS IN NEED OF SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE.

♦THE ASSOCIATION HAS SET UP A VARIETY OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO SUPPLEMENT GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS IN SERVING THE MENTALLY-ILL,♦ HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES THEN UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE.

LATER, A KEY WAS PRESENTED BY THE DISTRICT 3*5 GOVERNOR OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, MR PHILIP LAI, TO THE PRESIDENT OF NEW LIFE ASSOCIATION. MR HO SAI-CHU.

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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS * * *

THE ANNUAL SPORTS AND ARTS FESTIVALS IN TSUEN WAN ARE TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH HIGH STANDARD OF SPORTING AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND BUILD UP THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT, THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAN CHAI DIRECTORS CUP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, MR HSU SAID TSUEN WAN WAS A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TOWN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE ID PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

TODAY’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

MR HSU NOTED THAT THE YAN CHAI BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAD, THROUGH THE YEARS, BEEN DOING A LOT OF COMMUNITY WORK.

/+THESE INCLUDE....

SUNDAY, DECBffiER 4, 198?

4

♦THESE INCLUDE THE PROVISIONS OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL, FIVE NURSERIES AND A HOSTEL FOR THE AGED. OTHERS BEING PLANNED INCLUDE A HOME FOR THE AGED AND A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED.

♦IN ADDITION, THE ANNUAL HEALTH WEEK DURING WHICH MEDICAL TEAMS WERE SENT OUT TO LOCAL FACTORIES AND SCHOOLS TO CARRY OUT FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS HAD WON HIGH PRAISE FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.

THIRTY-TWO TEAMS ARE TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, BEING HELD AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE YEUNG UK ROAD BASKETBALL COURTS UNTIL FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).

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IMPORTANT ROLE OF NT SCOUTS STRESSED

* * * *

POPULATION BUILD-UP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL CONTINUE AT A VERY RAPID RATE AND THE SCOUTS WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN FULFILLING THE NEEDS OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NT, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

♦BY THE END OF THIS DECADE, THE NT POPULATION WILL REACH 2.5 MILLION. MANY OF THESE PEOPLE WILL BE YOUNG AND ACTIVE. THEY WILL LOOK FORWARD TO VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES,* HE SAID.

MR MACPHERSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE NT SCOUT RALLY AS PRESIDENT OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION (NT REGION).

*THE SCOUTS HAVE LONG BEEN HIGHLY REGARDED BY THE COMMUNITY AS A WELL-ORGANISED AND WELL-TRAINED GROUP,* HE SAID.

+SCOUTING PROVIDES OUR YOUTHS WITH GOOD OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND MASTER VARIOUS SKILLS, ENABLES THEM TO BUILD UP THEIR CHARACTER IN A HEALTHY MANNER BY INSTILLING A SENSE OF DISCIPLINE AND TEAM-SPIRIT, AND OFFERS AN EXCELLENT TRAINING GROUND FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT THROUGH WELL-PLANNED PROGRAMMES.

♦SINCE THE NT REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED 14 YEARS AGO, THOUSANDS OF NT YOUTHS HAVE ALREADY BENEFITED FROM SUCH ACTIVITIES.

♦THE SPIRITED AND WELL-DISCIPLINED SCOUTS ON PARADE BEFORE US THIS AFTERNOON TESTIFY TO THE SUCCESS OF THE NT SCOUT MOVEMENT.

♦THIS YEAR IS THE LAST OF THE FIVE-YEAR EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR THE NT SCOUTS. ALTHOUGH THE TARGETS THAT WERE SET FIVE YEARS AGO HAVE LARGELY BEEN MET, THERE IS STILL A LOT TO BE DONE.+

FOLLOWING THE INSPECTION, MR MACPHERSON ALSO PRESENTED TROPHIES TO THE OUTSTANDING TEAMS AND LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO SOME OF THE MEMBERS.

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/5......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1983

5

SAFETY RULES IN SPORTS VITAL * * * *

YOUNGSTERS WERE WARNED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT WHILE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PROVIDED THRILLS, EXCITEMENT AND CHALLENGE TO THE PARTICIPANTS, THEY ALSO CARRIED AN ELEMENT OF DANGER.

♦IT IS THEREFORE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER THE SAFETY RULES SO THAT A HEALTHY AND HAPPY VENTURE WILL NOT END IN DISASTER,* MR P.J. WILLIAMSON, COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, SAID IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS AT THE LAND SPORTS SAFETY ACTIVITIES DAY.

THE ACTIVITIES DAY HELD AT SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE FORMED PART OF THE 1983 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, TOGETHER WITH RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ASSOCIATIONS.

ITS AIM WAS TO BRING HOME TO PARTICIPANTS THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISING COMMONSENSE AND THE NEED TO OBSERVE SOME BASIC SIMPLE RULES ON LAND SPORTS SAFETY THROUGH DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISPLAYS.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE MR CHAM SIU-LEUN, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, AND MR P.E. BIRNEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON THE 1983 LAND SPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN.

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS INCLUDED THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.

THE PROGRAMME CONSISTED OF DEMONSTRATIONS AND DISPLAYS ON POPULAR LAND SPORTS SUCH AS ARCHERY, CYCLING, HIKING, ORIENTEERING, ROLLER-SKATING AND TENT CAMPING BY RESPECTIVE SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.

SOME 700 WINNERS OF THE RECENT LAND SPORTS SAFETY QUIZ TOOK PART IN THE ACTIVITIES DAY AND LEARNED ABOUT BASIC SAFETY RULES FOR LAND-BASED SPORTS.

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/6........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1983'' 6 -

MARKET STALLS FOR PUBLIC BIDDING

* * * *

EIGHTEEN STALLS AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED TSI NG YEUNG COOKED FOOD MARKET AND 13 STALLS AT YAN 01 MARKET IN TUEN MUN WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC BIDDING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).

THE BIDDING WILL START AT 10.30 AM AT THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL IN TUEN MUN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

SIXTEEN OF THE STALLS AT TSI NG YEUNG MARKET ARE FOR SELLING COOKED FOOD, WITH THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTALS RANGING FROM $5 700 TO $6 250. THE OTHER TWO STALLS WITH THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL OF $1 200 EACH ARE FOR SELLING FRUITS.

OF THE 13 STALLS AT YAN 01 MARKET, FIVE ARE FOR SELLING DRY GOODS, SEVEN FOR SELLING WET GOODS AND ONE FOR SELLING ICE. THEIR UPSET MONTHLY RENTALS RANGE FROM $700 TO $900.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, AND ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE RENT QUARTERLY.

BIDDERS MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820600. EXT. 231.

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RESTRICTED ZONE IN TSIM SHA TSUI H M

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6), THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE INNERMOST CARRIAGEWAY OF SALISBURY ROAD, BETWEEN THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AND THE TAXI STAND AT TSIM SHA TSUI FERRY CONCOURSE, WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.

WITHIN THIS ZONE, MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PEKING TOMORROW ........................... 1

BIG EFFORT PUT INTO LONG-TERM WORKS ............................ 1

GIS BRINGS OUT THE FACTS — TSAO ................................ 4

TRIBUTE PAID TO SALVATION ARMY ................................. 5

JAPANESE INDUSTRALISTS STUDYING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES .... 6

EIGHT MORE DAYS TO APPLY FOR GOLD COINS ........................ 7

NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE ON THE WAY................................. 8

ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN YUEN LONG ........................... 8

TECHNOLOGISTS BEING SURVEYED ................................... 9

LOK SIN TONG DIRECTORS VISIT SWD .............................. 1°

BRAVERY COMMENDATION FOR 22 ................................. 10

S27M IN NARCOTICS TO BE BURNED ..............................

USE OF TRANSPORT BY DISABLED STUDIED .......................... 11

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AWARDS ....................................

WORKSHOP ON REMEDIAL TEACHING ................................. 12

WATER FIGURES ...............................................

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

1

NOTE TO EDJTORSi

GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PEKING TOMORROW *****

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE DEPARTURE OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, FOR PEKING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

SIR EDWARD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, WILL BE LEAVING ON FLIGHT CA 102, ETD 12.45 PM.

PLEASE ADVISE THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE DEPARTURE TO ASSEMBLE IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 11.30 AM TOMORROW. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

_ _ 0 - -

BIG EFFORT PUT INTO LONG-TERM WORKS K X £

CONSIDERABLE EFFORT IS BEING PUT INTO PREPARATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE 199OS AND INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.

SPEAKING TODAY AT THE INNAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE SECOND SOUTH-EAST ASIAN SURVEY CONGRESS, MR NICKY CHAN, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, SAID THAT THIS WAS A GENERAL REFLECTION OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

MR CHAN TOLD THE CONFERENCE, HOSTED BY THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS (HONG KONG BRANCH), AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF LAND SURVEYORS, THAT IT HAD BEEN SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE VAST CONSTRUCTION SITE.

THERE WERE A NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN HAND SUCH AS THE PUBLIC HOUSING AND NEW TOWN PROGRAMMES, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECTS, THE SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL BUILDING PROGRAMMES, AND THE HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, HE SAID.

♦THESE VAST DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WILL CARRY US THROUGH TO THE END OF THE 1980S AND A LITTLE FURTHER, BUT THE TASK OF SUSTAINING GROWTH IN THE PROVISION OF LAND FOR HOUSING, INDUSTRY AND ALL THE OTHER SOCIO-ECONOMIC REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE RELATED TO OUR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL NEEDS, IS OF SUCH A MAGNITITUDE THAT WE MUST DECIDE NOW HOW TO PROCEED IN THE 1990S IF OUR PLANS ARE TO COME TO FRUITION IN TIME.+ HE SAID.

/♦FOB. THE..........

MONDAY, DBOEMBER 5, 1983

2

♦FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS. THEREFORE, WE HAVE BEEN ENGAGED IN A STUDY PROCESS WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO MAKE THESE MAJOR DECISIONS IN THE SOUNDEST POSSIBLE WAY AND IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE APPROACH WE HAVE ADOPTED, I BELIEVE, PUTS US IN THE FRONT RANK OF THOSE ENGAGED, WORLDWIDE, IN THAT MOST DIFFICULT AND COMPLEX OF TASKSi LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.+

MR CHAN SAID THE PROCESS BEGAN WITH A DEFINITION OF THE PRIMARY GOAL. THIS WAS TO FORMULATE A LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY WHICH WOULD ENABLE OUR NEEDS AS A COMMUNITY TO BE MET UP TO THE TURN OF THE CENTURY. THE STRATEGY WAS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS.

MR CHAN CONTINUEDi +NEXT WE CONSIDERED VARIOUS OBJECTIVES WE MIGHT SEEK TO ACHIEVE THROUGH OUR STRATEGY. THESE OBJECTIVES FALL INTO TWO BROAD CATEGORIES. ONE CATEGORY COVERS INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES WHICH AIM AT THE MINIMISATION OF COSTS AND THE MAXIMISATION OF BENEFITS.

♦FOR EXAMPLE, ONE SUCH OBJECTIVE MIGHT BE TO KEEP PUBLIC SECTOR COSTS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE. ANOTHER MIGHT BE TO MINIMISE THE NET COSTS OF TRANSPORT OPERATIONS. IN FACT SIX OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR QUANTITATIVE EXAMINATION.

♦THE OTHER EQUALLY IMPORTANT CATEGORY OF OBJECTIVES COVERS A RANGE OF SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, THE EXTENT TO WHICH A GIVEN STRATEGY WOULD ENHANCE THE PRIMARY ECONOMIC ROLES OF THE TERRITORY IN THE WIDER REGION. ANOTHER MIGHT BE TO HAVE A STRATEGY WHICH WILL PROVIDE A CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN THE FACE OF CHANGING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

♦NOT ONLY DOES THE SETTING OF GOALS AND OBJECTIVES IN THIS WAY GIVE DIRECTION TO DEVELOPMENT STUDIES, IT ALSO ASSISTS THE PROCESSES OF SHAPING AND EVALUATING OPTIONS, AND, THEREFORE, THE ULTIMATE SELECTION OF THE PREFERRED STRATEGY.♦

WHAT +DEMAND SIDE+ STUDIES HAD SHOWN, WAS THAT BY THE YEAR 2001 THE POPULATION OF THE TERRITORY WOULD BE ABOUT 7.1 MILLION, COMPARED WITH ABOUT 5.3 MILLION NOW. ABOUT 6.2 MILLION SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED IN DEVELOPMENT AREAS ALREADY EXISTING OR PLANNED NOW. THE SIZE OF THE POPULATION FOR WHICH NEW AREAS WOULD HAVE TO BE DEVELOPED WOULD THEREFORE BE ABOUT 870 000 PEOPLE.

AS REGARDS EMPLOYMENT, THE WORKFORCE WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM ABOUT 2.4 MILLION IN 1981 TO ABOUT 3.4 MILLION IN 2001. WHILE A SHIFT TOWARDS MORE EMPLOYMENT IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR WAS EXPECTED, HEAVY DEPENDENCE ON MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY JOBS WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE. THERE WERE ALSO REASONABLY CLEAR NEEDS FOR THE EXPANSION OF OUR CONTAINER PORT, THE PROVISION OF AN ADDITIONAL RAIL TERMINAL, INCREASED AIRPORT CAPACITY AND BETTER CROSS-BORDER LINKS WITH CHINA.

/+ANOTHER MAJOR........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

- 3 -

♦ANOTHER MAJOR FIELD FOR STUDY HAS BEEN THE POTENTIAL SUPPLY OF LAND,* MR CHAN SAID.

♦WHAT WE HAVE DONE, WITH THE AID OF CONSULTANTS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING IS TO EXHAUST THE SEARCH FOR POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR URBAN GROWTH VIRTUALLY THROUGHOUT THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF THE TERRITORY.

STUDIES SHOW THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS OPTIONS OPEN TO US, VARYING IN CAPACITY FROM ABOUT 100 000 TO 700 000 PEOPLE.

IN AGGREGATE THEY PRESENT A HYPOTHETICAL TOTAL CAPACITY OF ABOUT 3 MILLION PEOPLE, TO MEET, IF YOU REMEMBER FROM WHAT I SAID EARLIER ABOUT DEMAND, A REQUIREMENT IN THE 1990’S OF ONLY ABOUT 870 000 PEOPLE. SO, THEREFORE, WE HAVE A PROBLEM, NOT OF FINDING A SOLUTION BUT OF CHOOSING ONE FROM A CONSIDERABLE RANGE OF OPTIONS.

INITIAL INDICATIONS WERE THAT OUR BASIC CHOICES COULD BE BETWEEN A HARBOUR-ORIENTED STRATEGY, WHICH SOUGHT TO CONSOLIDATE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT AROUND THE HISTORICAL HEART OF HONG KONG, AND ONE WHICH CONTINUED THE DECENTRALISATION PROCESS WHICH HAD BEEN THE BASIS OF OUR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT MOST OF THE 1970*S AND THE 1980’S.

A MIDDLE COURSE BETWEEN THE TWO EXTREME APPROACHES SEEMED A LESS LIKELY OUTCOME AT PRESENT.

IT IS BECOMING CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT IT WOULD BE PRUDENT IF WE WERE TO BUILD INTO OUR STRATEGY THE FLEXIBILITY TO ENABLE US TO SWITCH FROM AN INITIAL APPROACH IN FAVOUR OF KEEPING THE AIRPORT AT KAI TAK TO ONE WHICH ALLOWS FOR ITS RELOCATION,♦ MR CHAN CONTINUED.

WE MUST ALSO KEEP IN MIND THE NEED TO ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY CF THE PORT. THE PROCESS OF LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PLANNING MUST INEVITABLY HAVE REGARD TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESOURCES ARE LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE TO IMPLEMENT A CHOSEN STRATEGY.

THERE WOULD BE LITTLE POINT IN PRODUCING PLANS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PUT INTO EFFECT. GIVEN THE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE TO WHICH I HAVE ALREADY REFERRED, PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT WE WILL HAVE THE RESOURCES TO MEET OUR PREDICTED NEEDS FOR URBAN GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.

BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR OUR STUDY PROCESS WILL HAVE REACHED A POINT AT WHICH THE DIRECTION OF THE BROAD THRUST OF DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN DECIDED, ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO OUR PROGRAMMES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 1980'S TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND INITIAL OUTLINES OF OUR PROGRAMMES FOR THE EARLY 199O’S HAVE BEEN PRODUCED.♦

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

4

GIS BRINGS OUT THE FACTS — TSAO

* * * *

THE CHIEF TASK OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IS ♦ESSENTIALLY TO BRING OUT THE FACTS AND LET THEM SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES*.

THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY, +WE BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE CREDITED WITH ENOUGH INTELLIGENCE TO DRAW THEIR OWN CONCLUSIONS.*

SPEAKING ON THE ROLE OF HIS DEPARTMENT, AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ROTARY CLUB, MR TSAO SAID THAT IN HIS EXPERIENCE THE- PUBLIC GENERALLY BELIEVED WHAT THEY READ IN THE NEWS COLUMNS, IN PREFERENCE TO WHAT THEY SAW IN THE ADVERTISEMENTS.

FOR THIS REASON, THE BULK OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS, BOTH FERE IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS, WENT INTO SUPPLYING INFORMATION DIRECT TO THE NEWSPAPERS AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA.

GIS COUNTED ON THESE PROFESSIONALS TO CONVEY THE FACTS ON HONG KONG TO THEIR READERS AND VIEWERS.

IN DEFINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLICITY AND PROPAGANDA, MR TSAO SAID +LET ME SIMPLY PARAPHRASE THOSE FAMOUS WORDS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN.*

+YOU MAY BE ABLE TO FOOL ALL OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME AND SOME OF THE PEOPLE ALL OF THE TIME, BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FOOL ANY OF THE JOURNALISTS ANY OF THE TIME.*

♦IN SHORT, IF WE IN GIS CAN GET THE PRESS TO PRINT THE INFORMATION WE PRODUCE - WHICH IS THE REAL BRUNT OF OUR EFFORT BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS - WE CAN’T BE DOING TOO BAD A JOB.*

TURNING TO THE WORK OF GIS’ PUBLICITY DIVISION, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS ’THE THIRD ARM’ OF HIS DEPARTMENT, MR TSAO POINTED OUT THAT ITS ’PRODUCT’ WAS KNOWN TO ALL IN SOME FORM OR OTHER *EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NOT BE CONSCIOUS OF ITS SOURCE.*

THIS WAS ONE AREA OF GIS’ ACTIVITIES THAT, BY VIRTUE OF THE MORE SUBTLE, LONG TERM MESSAGES TO BE CONVEYED, DEPENDED HEAVILY UPON ADVERTISING.

FOR EXAMPLE, FEW PEOPLE REALISED THAT GIS RANKED AS THE BIGGEST ADVERTISING AGENCY IN HONG KONG, HANDLING THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ACCOUNTS.

THIS DISTINCTION HAD ARISEN BECAUSE OF THE STRIKING PROGRESS MADE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION ON MATTERS OF CIVIC IMPORTANCE.

MOST PEOPLE WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE VARIOUS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS ON CRIME AND NARCOTICS PREVENTION, ROAD SAFETY, FIRE PREVENTION AND THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.

WHAT THEY MAY NOT REALISE WAS THAT ALL OF THESE CAMPAIGNS WERE PLANNED AND EXECUTED 'IN HOUSE’- A PHRASE WHICH MEANT THAT GIS DID ALL THE WORK WITHIN ITS OWN RESOURCES.

/ITS BUDGETS .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

- 5 -

ITS BUDGETS HAD SOMETIMES BEEN CRITICISED AS INADEQUATE. ONE LOCAL NEWSPAPER HAD DISMISSED ITS $400 000 FOR THE ANT I-SMOKING CAMPAIGN AS INSIGNIFICANT ALONGSIDE THE BUDGETS OF THE MAJOR TOBACCO IMPORTERS.

COMMENTED MR TSAOt ♦MAYBE IT DID LOOK LIKE PEANUTS AT THE TIME, BUT WE MUST ASK OURSELVES 'HAS IT ACHIEVED AN IMPACT? HAS IT ACHIEVED AWARENESS?’ UNLESS YOU WERE LIVING IN TIMBUCTOO FOR THE LAST SIX MONTHS THE ANSWER TO THAT MUST BE YES.+

♦THERE MAY BE SOME DEGREE OF CONTROVERSY AS TO HOW WE ARE RUNNING THE CAMPAIGN. A FEW PEOPLE SEEM TO THINK WE ARE TOO STRONG, TOO HARD IN OUR ANTI-SMOKING MESSAGE. SPEAKING AS AN EX-SMOKER DELIVERED FROM SLAVERY TO THE NOXIOUS WEED, MY OWN FEELING IS THAT WE ARE PERHAPS NOT HARD ENOUGH. BUT WHATEVER YOU MAY THINK OF OUR MESSAGE, CAN YOU HONESTLY SAY YOU WERE UNAWARE OF IT?+

ON THE QUESTION OF HOW TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CAMPAIGNS, MR TSAO SAID THIS WAS BY NO MEANS A SIMPLE MATTER BECAUSE, UNLIKE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS WHICH SOLD CONSUMER PRODUCTS, GIS HAD NO SALES TRENDS TO INDICATE WHETHER ITS STRATEGY HAD WORKED.

ONE MEANS OF CHECKING WAS TO CARRY OUT A SAMPLE SURVEY, COMMISSIONING ONE OF THE INDEPENDENT MARKET RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS OPERATING IN HONG KONG.

HE REMARKED I +1 AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THE RESULTS HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY ENCOURAGING. THERE IS INVARIABLY A HIGH LEVEL OF RECALL FOR OUR CAMPAIGN TOPICS AND THE PUBLIC RECOGNISE, AND SYMPATHISE WITH, WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO PUT ACROSS.+

- - 0 --------

TRIBUTE PAID

TO SALVATION ARMY ft * ft X

THE SALVATION ARMY HAS MADE MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE TOPPING-OFF CEREMONY OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S NEW COMMAND HEADQUARTERS AT WING SING LANE IN YAU MA TEI.

HE SAID THE SALVATION ARMY HAD STARTED ITS WORK IN HONG KONG OVER 50 YEARS AGO AND DEVELOPED INTO +A MULTI-FACETED ORGANISATION, PROVIDING NOT ONLY PASTORAL CARE BUT ALSO A RANGE OF WELFARE AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.*

MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT WORK ON THE NEW COMMAND HEADQUARTERS STARTED IN 1980 AND WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.

/the new........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

THE NEW HEADQUARTERS WILL INCLUDE A YOUTH HOSTEL, A TRAINING COLLEGE FOR OFFICERS AND A CHURCH COMPRISING A HALL FOR RELIGIOUS SERVICES AND ROOMS FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES.

IN ADDITION, A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, PROVIDING HOME HELP AND LAUNDRY SERVICES AND SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR 300 ELDERLY PEOPLE, AS WELL AS A CHILD CARE CENTRE FOR 100 CHILDREN, WERE PLANNED.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE NEW BUILDING WOULD STAND AS A ^FITTING MONUMENT* TO THE ARMY’S ACHIEVEMENTS.

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

JAPANESE INDUSTRIALISTS STUDYING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES * * * * M

A NINE-MEMBER JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL MISSION, ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, IS IN TOWN TO EXAMINE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES HERE.

THE MEMBERS REPRESENT FOUR JAPANESE COMPANIES ENGAGED IN THE PRODUCTION OF QUALITY LABELS AND TAPES FOR APPARELS, NEWSPAPER PRINTING INK, ADHESIVES AND HIGH-QUALITY PLASTIC-COATED ROOFING MATERIALS.

THEY VISITED THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT THIS (MONDAY) MORNING AND WERE WELCOMED BY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, W JOHN YAXLEY.

THEIR FIVE-DAY FACT-FINDING ACTIVITIES BEGAN WITH A BRIEFING BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY. MR PETER JOHNSON, WHO EXPLAINED TO THEM THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARD OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, AND WHAT HONG KONG OFFERED AS A MANUFACTURING BASE.

THE GROUP THEN HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF AT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND LATER TOURED THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CALLING AT A PACKAGING FACTORY THERE.

TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THEY WILL MEET WITH THE HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JAPAN TRADE CENTRE (JETRO) AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WORKING COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG-JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPEftATION COMMITTEE.

IN THE AFTERNOON, THEY WILL VISIT Y.K.K. ZIPPER COMPANY (HK) LTD. OWNED BY JAPANESE INTEREST IN TUEN MUN.

ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, THEY WILL BE BRIEFED BY HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC STAFF AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM THE INDUSTRY, INLAND REVENUE AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

THEY WILL ALSO HOLD TALKS WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON FINANCE, LABOUR MANAGEMENT, SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION.

/TO give.......

MONDAY, DECEMBER j, 1?83

- 7 -

TO GIVE THE MISSION A BETTER INSIGHT INTO THE OPERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY. THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS FOR THEM TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE BUSINESS COOPERATIONS WITH HONG KONG COMPANIES.

BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG, A ROUND-UP SESSION WILL BE HELD AT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WHERE MISSION MEMBERS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS AND EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS AND FINDINGS.

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

EIGHT MORE DAYS TO APPLY FOR GOLD COINS

* * X *

COIN COLLECTORS HAVE EIGHT MORE WORKING DAYS TO APPLY FOR THE YEAR OF THE RAT GOLD COINS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

THE COIN, BEARING A PORTRAIT OF THE QUEEN ON THE OBVERSE SIDE AND A SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED DESIGN OF A RAT ON THE REVERSE SIDE, IS THE NINTH IN THE SERIES OF LEGAL TENDER COINS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO DEPICT THE 12 ANIMALS OF THE CHINESE LUNAR CALENDAR.

THIS YEAR, 8 □□□ PROOF COINS AND 12 OOO UNCIRCULATED COINS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SUBSCRIPTION BY HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS. OFFICIAL APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY, +ALL APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE DESIGNATED OFFICES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION BEFORE 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1983.

METICULOUS CARE IS TAKEN AT EVERY STAGE OF PRODUCTION OF THE COIN. DURING THE INITIAL STAGE, THE DESIGN IS FAITHFULLY COPIED AND ENGRAVED BY HAND ONTO THE COINING DIE, AND SPECIAL POLISHING AND BURNISHING ARE APPLIED IN PREPARING THE COIN BLANKS.

COINS COMING OUT FROM THE COINING PRESS ARE CAREFULLY INSPECTED TO ENSURE PERFECTION.

THE COINS HAVE A LEGAL TENDER VALUE OF $1 000, AND SELL AT S3 300 FOR THE PROOF VERSION, AND $2 200 FOR THE UNCIRCULATED VERSION.

♦ALTHOUGH THE PROOF VERSION, WITH ITS SPECIAL HAND SELECTED BLANK, THE FINE DETAIL OF THE IMPRESSED DESIGN AND THE MIRROR-LIKE FINISH, COMMANDS A HIGHER PRICE, IT IS ALWAYS THE FAVOURITE AMONG COLLECTORS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SUCCESSFUL SUBSCRIBERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY REGISTERED MAIL EARLY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE ABLE TO COLLECT THE COINS BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR ON FEBRUARY 2 1984.

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

/s........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

8

NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE ON THE WAY * * *

A NEW COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR TSIM SHA TSUI RESIDENTS WILL SOON BE READY THANKS TO A $9-MILLI0N DONATION BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO THE DISTRICT’S KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, DURING A VISIT TO THE ASSOCIATION THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.

HE SAID THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ASSOCIATION’S PREMISES HAD LONG BEEN A SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION, AND THE S9-MILLI0N DONATION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRE WAS A STEP CLOSER TO THIS.

I AM CERTAIN THAT, WITH BETTER PREMISES AND FACILITIES, MORE BENEFITS CAN BE BROUGHT TO THE TSIM SHA TSUI COMMUNITY IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS IN LOOKING AFTER THE WELFARE OF LOCAL PEOPLE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT IN PAST YEARS, YOUR ASSOCIATION HAS NEVER STOPPED SEEKING TO IMPROVE THE VARIOUS SERVICES YOU PROVIDE TO THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.

I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THESE SERVICES HAVE INDEED BROUGHT A GREAT DEAL OF BENEFIT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY*.

THE ASSOCIATION RUNS A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A KINDERGARTEN, AND OFFERS EVENING CLASSES FOR ADULTS AND FACILITIES FOR INTEREST GROUPS.

- - 0 - -

ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN YUEN LONG ft ft ft ft

THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG DRUG ADDICTS IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN AND GREATER EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE.

THIS WAS SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR MA NING-HEI.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A TWO-WEEK ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN YUEN LONG, HE NOTED THAT OF THE 3 400 NEW DRUG ADDICTS REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE LAST YEAR, 26.8 PER CENT WERE BELOW THE AGE OF 21.

THIS WAS AN INCREASE OF 23 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE IN 1981, AND DOUBLE THAT OF 1980,* HE SAID.

/+0UB MAIN

MONDAY , j ,

- 9 -

♦OUR MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ENLIST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG, AND DISSUADE YOUNG PEOPLE FROM EXPERIMENTING WITH ILLICIT DRUGS OR TAKING PART IN DRUG TRAFFICKING,* HE SAID.

THE TWO-WEEK CAMPAIGN FEATURES SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS, FILM SHOWS. BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS, SLOGAN AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITIONS.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, M? JAMES WILSON.

FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, A 9O-MINUTE POP CONCERT WAS STAGED AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM.

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

TECHNOLOGISTS BEING SURVEYED

* * M *

FIELD WORK OF A FIVE-WEEK SURVEY ON THE EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT OF TECHNOLOGISTS EMPLOYED IN MAJOR INDUSTRIES BEGAN TODAY.

THE SURVEY, WHICH IS SUPPLEMENTARY TO EXISTING MANPOWER SURVEYS, IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON MANPOWER ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

♦INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED WILL BE VITAL IN FORMULATING TRAINING AND EDUCATION PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY,♦ A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID.

EMPLOYERS WERE REQUESTED TO COOPERATE BY FURNISHING INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF TECHNOLOGISTS EMPLOYED AND THEIR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT.

THE SPOKESMAN GAVE ASSURANCE THAT ALL DATA COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT, QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES WERE SENT TO EMPLOYERS SELECTED FROM RANDOM SAMPLING.

OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE FIRMS TO COLLECT AND HELP COMPLETE THE FORMS.

ALSO HELPING IN THE SURVEY IS THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY.

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

/10 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

10

LOK SIN TONG DIRECTORS VISIT SWD

* * *

FIFTEEN MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY THIS (MONDAY) MORNING PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS.

THE GROUP, LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY, MR HUI IN-YING, WAS MET BY MR CHAMBERS; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS), MRS EVELYN DOE? THE REGIONAL OFFICER (WEST KOWLOON), MR ALEXANDER FUNGI AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS.

IN A WELCOMING SPEECH, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE SOCIETY WAS DIVERSIFYING ITS SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

♦A MOST SIGNIFICANT EXAMPLE HAS BEEN THE SOCIETY’S CHU TING CHEONG HOME FOR THE AGED, WHICH STARTED OPERATION IN JULY,* HE POINTED OUT.

IN RECENT YEARS, THE SOCIETY HAD EXTENDED ITS ACTIVITIES BEYOND KOWLOON CITY TO OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE URBAN AREA AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE ADDED.

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

NOTE TO EDITORSi

BRAVERY COMMENDATION FOR 22 ft ft ft

TWENTY-TWO PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE FOR THEIR BRAVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION IN RESCUING PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WATERS.

THE RECIPIENTS ARE SIX MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, FIVE CREW MEMBERS CF THE STAR FERRY CO. LTD., TWO CREW MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. LTD., ONE CREW MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG MACAU HYDROFOIL CO. LTD. AND EIGHT POLICEMEN.

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR PERCY DAVY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CERTIFICATE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY IN THE EXAMINATION HALL, EXAMINATION CENTRE, MARINE DEPARTMENT, 10TH FLOOR, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, RUMSEY STREET, HONG KONG.

- - 0

/11

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

11 -

S27M IN NARCOTICS TO BE BURNED * * * *

ABOUT $27 MILLION WORTH OF NARCOTICS DRUGS SEIZED BY THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WILL BE DESTROYED AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT, VICTORIA ROAD, HONG KONG AT 11 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7).

SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), WILL SPEAK ON THE OCCASION.

OTHER GUESTS WHO WILL BE PRESENT INCLUDE DR K.L. THONG, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES; MR R.H. ANN ING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF POLICE (OPERATION); MR D.A. JORDAN, COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE; SISTER MAfeY AQUINAS AND MR MICHAEL CHENG, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF ACAN; AND MR GORDON MORTIMER, COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PtANT ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT 11 AM. TRANSPORT FOR THE PRESS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AT 10.15 AM. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE PLANT NOT LATER THAN 10.45 AM.

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

USE OF TRANSPORT BY DISABLED STUDIED * * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONDUCTING A SURVEY ON THE TRANSPORT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISABLED FROM DECEMBER 7 TO 15.

THE SURVEY AIMS TO COLLECT DATA ON THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS, HOUSEHOLD BACKGROUND AND TRANSPORT CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BLIND, THE DEAF, THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THESE PERSONS HAS BEEN DRAWN FROM GOVERNMENT RECORDS FOR THE PURPOSE.

THE SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH.

ENUMERATORS WHO WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BY CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THE SELECTED DISABLED PERSONS AND CONDUCT THE INTERVIEWS.

THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED THAT IN CASE OF DOUBT, ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE THROUGH TELEPHONE AT 5-439189.

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

/12 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1983

12

NOTE TO EDITORSi

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AWARDS * * * *

MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY AWARD SCHEME AT THE I CLUB, IN THE BANK OF AMERICA TOWER, CENTRAL, AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

ORGANISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, THE AWARD SCHEME IS AIMED AT MAKING EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES MORE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AT WORK.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.

- - 0 - -

WORKSHOP ON REMEDIAL TEACHING * * *

THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE TWO IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON REMEDIAL TEACHING FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

THESE WORKSHOPS, EACH CONSISTING OF TWO MEETINGS, WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 17. 1984 TO FEBRUARY 16 IN THE CENTRE’S HONG KONG AND KOWLOON OFFICES.

EACH WORKSHOP WILL BE LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS.

SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG BY JANUARY 5, 1984.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENTRE ON 5-482537.

- - 0 - -

WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 93.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 550.071 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 456.158 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 77.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING ..................................

SIR PHILIP VISITS TVB .......................................... 1

JOINT EFFORT HELPS LESSEN CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS ............

CIVIL DEBTORS REFORM BILL FOR LEGCO .........................

GOVEBNIENT'S COMMUNITY-BUILDING ROLE DESCRIBED ................. 4

HANDY ALMANAC TELLS ABOUT WEATHER, TIDES ....................

STUDENTS URGED TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS .............

JAPANESE MISSION VISITS JETRO OFFICE HERE ...................

DB MEMBERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ................................

ATHLETIC MEET FOR ISLANDERS .................................

AIRLIFT FOR HOLIDAY CAMPERS .................................

AIR BUBBLE PROTECTS WINTER SWIMMERS ........................

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN AND SHAU KEI WAN ...............

ROAD CLOSURE ...............................................

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

1

GOVERNOR LEAVES FOR PEKING

* * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, LEFT FOR PEKING TODAY (TUESDAY) TO ATTEND SINO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

SEEING HIM OFF AT THE AIRPORT WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY,

SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, W ROGER LOBO, AND THE VICE-CHIEF EDITOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR TAN GAN.

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

SIR PHILIP VISITS TVB * * *

THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SPENT THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING THE STUDIOS OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD.

ACCOMPANIED BY LADY HADDON-CAVE, SIR PHILIP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE TELEVISION STATION BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, SIR RUN RUN SHAW? THE GENERAL MANAGER, MR ROBERT CHAN? AND THE CONTROLLER, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, MR CLARENCE CHANG.

SIR PHILIP WAS FIRST BRIEFED ON THE OPERATION OF THE STUDIOS AND THE HISTORY OF THE TV STATION, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1967.

OVER THE PAST 16 YEARS, TVB’S STAFF HAD GROWN FROM A FEW HUNDRED TO THE PRESENT COMPLEMENT OF ABOUT 2 000.

SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD THAT THE STATION’S TRANSMISSIONS AVERAGED 164 HOURS A WEEK ON ITS CHINESE CHANNEL AND 100 HOURS ON ITS ENGLISH CHANNEL.

HE THEN TOURED THE STUDIOS AND THE NEWS DEPARTMENT, AND MET A NUMBER OF ARTISTES AND OTHER STAFF.

BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, SIR PHILIP WAS PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR BY SIR RUN RUN TO COMMEMORATE HIS VISIT TO THE STATION.

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/2 ........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

2

JOINT EFFORT HELPS LESSEN CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS

*****

LESS WORKERS WERE KILLED OR INJURED IN ACCIDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, DISCLOSED TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY AWARD SCHEME AT THE I CLUB, MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 12 118 ACCIDENTS, INCLUDING 46 FATAL CASES, IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 10 PER CENT IN INJURY CASES AND 19 PER CENT IN FATAL CASES, COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES LAST YEAR.

♦THIS IMPROVEMENT IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE RESULT OF THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE THREE PARTIES DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, NAMELY THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS, TO CONTAIN THE SPATE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,+ HE SAID.

CAUTIONING AGAINST SELF-COMPLACENCY, MR CHAN SAID THAT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WAS STILL THE MOST HAZARDOUS INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND CONTINUED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN ANY SINGLE INDUSTRY.

THE PREVENTION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, HE ADDED, WAS A MATTER IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS ALL HAD AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENACTING AND ENFORCING SAFETY LEGISLATION AS WELL AS PROPAGATING, THROUGH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY MEANS, THE IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF SAFETY AT WORK.

THE EMPLOYERS’ ROLE WAS TO PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT WHILE THAT OF THE WORKERS WAS TO OBSERVE AND FOLLOW SAFETY REGULATIONS.

THE ESSENCE OF SAFETY PROMOTION LAY IN THE VOLUNTARINESS ON THE PART OF ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED TO CO-OPERATE AND ACT IN GOOD FAITH. IN THIS CONNECTION, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE THREE PARTIES, WAS DOING AN ENVIABLE JOB IN PROMOTING THIS VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT.

APART FROM TWO RECENTLY-HELD SAFETY SEMINARS, MR CHAN CONTINUED, THE SAFETY AWARD SCHEME WAS YET ANOTHER PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE WITH A VIEW TO DISSEMINATING THE SAFETY MESSAGE TO THE INDUSTRY AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.

♦I THINK THE SCHEME HAS FULLY ACHIEVED ITS PURPOSE. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THROUGH THE BEST EFFORTS OF ALL CONCERNED, SUFFICIENT IMPETUS WILL BE GENERATED WHICH IN TIME WILL HELP TO MAKE THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY A SAFE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG,+ HE CONCLUDED.

/tetr scheme.......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 198J

3 -

THE SCHEME CONSISTED OF THREE AWARDS! +SAFETY CONTRACTOR*, ♦SAFETY EMPLOYEE* AND +SAFETY SLOGAN*.

THE +SAFETY CONTRACTOR* AWARD WAS WON BY GAMMON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION LTD.’S TA I KOO SHING STAGE VIII CONSTRUCTION SITE.

THE +SAFETY EMPLOYEE* AND +SAFETY SLOGAN* AWARDS WERE WON BY SHEK SHING OF GAMMON (HK) LTD. AND MR KWONG LAI-CHUEN OF OKUMURA CORPORATION RESPECTIVELY.

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

CIVIL DEBTORS REFORM BILL FOR LEGCO * * * *

PROPOSALS TO REFORM THE LAW GOVERNING THE IMPRISONMENT OF CIVIL DEBTORS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.

THE BILL PROVIDES THAT A PERSON FROM WHOM MONEY IS CLAIMED WILL ONLY BE IMPRISONED AFTER HE HAS BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE A COURT AND ONLY BY ORDER OF THE JUDGE.

IT WILL BE AMONG 11 BILLS (INCLUDING TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ BILLS), AND 14 QUESTIONS TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE COUNCIL TOMORROW.

ANOTHER BILL, TO BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, IS THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 5) BILL 1983, PROVIDING FOR SEPARATE ASSESSMENT OF TAX FOR MARRIED WOMEN.

IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THIS YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSALS, IF ENACTED, WOULD MEET COMPLAINTS THAT THE PRESENT LEGISLATION WAS AN AFFRONT TO WOMEN IN THAT IT RENDERED THEM SECOND CLASS CITIZENS.

TWO OTHER BILLS TO BE READ A SECOND TIME ARE THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE OF THE CENTRE’S FINANCIAL YEAR, AND THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1983, WHICH WILL CLARIFY HOW TERMS DESCRIBING VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED.

DEBATE ON THE FOUR BILLS WILL BE ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

AMONG THE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING ARE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH ENSURE THAT LEGISLATION CONTINUES TO PROVIDE AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF PROTECTION TO DEPOSITORS AND INVESTORS.

/THE OTHER.......

TU£^I, DECEMBER 6, 1°83

THE OTHER THREE BILLS DUE FOR FINAL READING AREj

* ENTERTAINMENT TAX (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) BILL 1983, MAKING CLEAR THAT ADMISSION TO A RACE COURSE FOR CROSS BETTING IS SUBJECT TO TAX,

* TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH TAKES INTO ACCOUNT RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, AND

* HOLIDAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, WHICH SIMPLIFIES THE OPERATION OF THE ORDINANCE.

TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ BILLS WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE TO DECEMBER 21.

THEY ARE THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG, INCORPORATION BILL 1983 WHICH WILL BE READ BY THE HON MARIA TAM, AND THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS BILL 1983, WHICH WILL BE READ BY THE HON HU FA-KUANG.

IN ADDITION, 14 QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED, COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS. FROM THE STANDARD OF AUDITING OF COMPANY ACCOUNTS, THE SALE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS, TO TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND URBAN RENEWAL.

- - 0 - -

GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNITY-BUILDING ROLE DESCRIBED

******

THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ATTACHING GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE INTO COMMUNITIES IN NEW TOWNS, APART FROM PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR IAN MACPHERSON, AT A LUNCHEON GATHERING OF THE TUNG WAH ASSOCIATION OF PAST AND PRESENT DIRECTORS.

♦WHAT GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THESE TOWNS ARE NOT JUST TALL BLOCKS FULL OF PEOPLE, BUT COMMUNITIES j REAL COMMUNITIES WITH LIFE AND SPIRIT, COMMUNITIES IN WHICH PEOPLE SHARE MUTUAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY, WHICH PEOPLE TAKE PRIDE TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH AND TO PARTICIPATE IN, IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN LIVE AND WORK HAPPILY,* HE SAID.

MR MACPHERSON NOTED THE POPULATION IN THE NT HAD INCREASED FIVE-FOLD WITHIN 30 YEARS — FROM 600 000 AT THE END OF THE 60’S TO OVER 3 000 000 BY THE END OF THE CENTURY.

+IT IS ALL VERY WELL FOR US TO DESCRIBE THE NT POPULATION BUILD-UP IN TERMS OF NUMBERS AND STATISTICS, AND THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMMES IN TERMS OF UNITS OF HOUSING, NUMBERS OF SCHOOLS AND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS SPENT, AND TO CONGRATULATE OURSELVES OF HAVING DONE A GREAT JOB IN SUCCESSFULLY MOVING SO MANY PEOPLE FROM THEIR UNSATISFACTORY CROWDED AND NOISY URBAN DWELLING INTO NICE NEW HOUSING ESTATES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

- 5 -

♦ BUT WE HAVE TO LOOK BEYOND THE FIGURES AND IF WE GO DEEPER WE MUST SURELY REALISE THAT THERE IS A LOT MORE TO BE DONE AFTER THE HOUSING AND SCHOOLS AND CLINICS AND ROADS AND DRAINS AND WATER AND TELEPHONES AND SO ON HAVE BEEN PROVIDED AND THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF REAL PEOPLE HAVE MOVED IN.

♦THEREFORE, APART FROM THE VISIBLE PHYSICAL EFFORTS IN BUILDING HOUSES, ESTATES AND ALL THAT GOES WITH THEM, GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO BEEN BUSILY, ALBEIT A BIT QUIETLY, ENGAGED IN ANOTHER ASPECT OF BUILDING — THE BUILDING OF COMMUNITIES,♦ HE SAID.

MR MACPHERSON SPOKE ABOUT THE VARIOUS AREAS OF COMMUNITY BUILDING IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS ENGAGED. THESE ARE s

* THE SETTING UP OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN PRIVATE HOUSING, SO THAT THE RESIDENTS CAN HELP THEMSELVES TO SOLVE THEIR OWN LOCAL PROBLEMS;

M THE ORGANISING OF FUN AND GAMES, INTEREST GROUPS AND CLASSES, TO HELP RESIDENTS BUILD UP NEIGHBOURLINESS AND DEVELOP COMMUNITY IDENTITY;

* THE SETTING UP OF DISTRICT SUB-OFFICES IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS TO HELP RESIDENTS TO ADAPT TO THE NEW TOWNS MORE EASILY, AND TO GAUGE THEIR REACTION TO VARIOUS LOCAL ISSUES SO THAT ADJUSTMENTS CAN BE MADE; AND

* THE SETTING UP OF CONSULTATIVE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES — THE MOST NOTABLE ONES BEING THE DISTRICT BOARDS — TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF AND UNDERSTANDING ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PUBLIC ISSUES, AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE ACTIVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE DISTRICTS.

MR MACPHERSON SAID IT WAS SO EASY FOR RESIDENTS TO +LOCK+ THEMSELVES IN, UNLESS GOVERNMENT TOOK AN ACTIVE ROLE TO HELP THEM TO DEVELOP NEW COMMUNITIES RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING.

THIS ROLE IS GREATLY SUPPLEMENTED BY THE WORK OF THE MANY VOLUNTARY GROUPS AND AGENCIES WHO PLAY SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART IN SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS,+ HE SAID.

DESPITE ALL GOVERNMENT EFFORTS, THERE ARE ALWAYS THE GAPS AND SHORTCOMINGS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE AND ESPECIALLY WHEN FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS BITE.

THE VOLUNTARY GROUPS HAVE DONE MUCH TO MAKE GOOD SUCH DEF IC IENCIES,+ HE SAID.

MR MACPHERSON MENTIONED FOR EXAMPLE THE 12 TUNG WAH GROUP PROJECTS UNDERWAY IN NT DISTRICTS, AND THE MANY OTHERS ALREADY COMPLETED.

THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES THAT YOU PROVIDE RANGE FROM DAY NURSERIES AND HOME FOR THE AGED TO PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS,* HE ADDED.

0---------

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

6

HANDY ALMANAC TELLS ABOUT WEATHER, TIDES * * * *

A HANDY Bl-LINGUAL ALMANAC FOR 1984, USEFUL FOR STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS, BOATING ENTHUSIASTS AND THE SEAFARING COMMUNITY, HAS JUST BEEN PRODUCED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

IT CONTAINS TIMES OF DAILY SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOONRISE, MOONSET, HIGH AND LOW TIDES ARRANGED ON A MONTH BY MONTH BASIS.

NOW ON SALE AT $8 A COPY, THE 3O-PAGE BOOKLET, LISTS OUT THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS OF THE YEAR AND PROVIDES THE METEOROLOGICAL (AIR TEMPERATURE, AMOUNT OF RAIN, NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS) NORMALS OF ASIAN CITIES.

A TABLE SHOWING MONTHLY AVERAGES OF SELECTED METEOROLOGICAL ELEMENTS IN HONG KONG FROM 1951 TO 1980 IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE ALMANAC, WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE WORK DONE BY VOLUNTARY WEATHER OBSERVERS AND STORM SIGNAL OPERATORS.

THE TIME SCALE USED THROUGHOUT THIS ALMANAC IS EIGHT HOURS AHEAD OF CO-ORDINATED UNIVERSAL TIME (UTC), WHICH FOR MOST PRACTICAL PURPOSES IS THE SAME AS GREENWICH MEAN TIME (GMT).

TIMES OF SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOONRISE AND MOONSET ARE DERIVED FROM PRELIMINARY DATA AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF COMPILATION OF THIS ALMANAC AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE FINAL COMPUTED VALUES BY ABOUT ONE MINUTE.

TIDAL PREDICTIONS ARE BASED ON DATA SUPPLIED BY THE INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHIC SCIENCES, AND THE PREDICTIONS ARE FOR VICTORIA HARBOUR.

THE BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, G.P.O. BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

--------Q ----------

STUDENTS URGED TO TAKE PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS * * * *

STUDENTS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY BY PARTICIPATING MORE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

ADDRESSING GRADUATES AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE TSUEN WAN PUBLIC HO CHUEN YIU MEMORIAL COLLEGE. HE SAIDi +THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY PROMOTING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND YOU CAN AT LEAST FULFIL THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A CITIZEN BY REGISTERING AS A DISTRICT BOARD ELECTOR.

♦BUT I HOPE YOU WILL INVOLVE YOURSELVES MORE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BY DIRECTLY TAKING PART IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF LOCAL PEOPLE.♦

/MR HSU........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

7

MR HSU SAID THE WORK OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE FIRST IN THE TERRITORY, INCLUDED THE ORGANISATION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT.

THE BOARD ALSO LOOKS INTO, AND DISCUSSES IN DEPTH, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AFFECTING THE PUBLIC, AND THEN REFLECTS ITS VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.

♦THEREFORE THE DISTRICT BOARD IS CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY TO BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT, AND IT IS VERY MEANINGFUL TO PARTICIPATE IN ITS WORK,-* HE SAID.

AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THE LLEWELLYN REPORT ON HONG KONG’S EDUCATION, PUBLISHED IN MAY THIS YEAR, ATTRACTED WIDESPREAD ATTENTION FROM ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

♦THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED IN DEPTH THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT. AN OPEN FORUM WAS HELD TO COLLECT PUBLIC OPINION WHICH WAS LATER SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH FOR CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.

HE SAID HE TRUSTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DRAW UP A SUITABLE EDUCATION POLICY FOR HONG KONG ACCORDING TO PUBLIC VIEWS AND FUTURE NEEDS.

MR HSU ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE WOULD BE FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, NINE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND

TSUEN WAN, PROVIDING MORE THAN 10 000

TWO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN PLACES FOR LOCAL CHILDREN IN TIME.

ORDER TO SAVE THEM A LOT OF TRAVELLING

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

JAPANESE MISSION VISITS JETRO OFFICE HERE * * * *

THE NINE-MEMBER JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL MISSION NOW IN HONG KONG TO LOOK INTO POSSIBLE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES, VISITED THE JAPAN TRADE CENTRE (JETRO) OFFICE HERE TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF JETRO IN HONG KONG, MR Y. KUWAMURA BRIEFED THEM ON BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AND THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF JETRO, MR S. SAITO; CONSUL OF THE JAPANESE CONSULATE, MR M. UTSUGI’ AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JAPANESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR M. NISHIMURA ALSO ATTENDED THE MEETING, EXPLAINING THE ASSISTANCE WHICH THEIR ORGANISATIONS COULD PROVIDE TO JAPANESE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.

THE GROUP LATER HAD A LUNCHEON MEETING WITH MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WORKING COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG-JAPAN BUSINESS CO-OPERATION COMMITTEE BEFORE VISITING Y.K.K. ZIPPER COMPANY (HK) LTD. IN TUEN MUN.

THE MISSION IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO PROMOTE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG

- - 0 - -

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

8

NOTE TO EDITORS* X

DB MEMBERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS K X * *

A GROUP OF YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL CALL ON THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN KWUN TONG ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND PROBLEMS.

IN THE MORNING, THE PARTY WILL VISIT THE TAI SHING VILLAGE SQUATTER AREA AND THE SHUN LEE ESTATE.

THE ITINERARY IN THE AFTERNOON WILL INCLUDE A TOUR TO THE NGAU TAU KOK MARKET COMPLEX, THE DISTRICT’S INDUSTRIAL AREA, AND YUE MAN SQUARE WHERE MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 9.45 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.

- - 0 - -

ATHLETIC MEET FOR ISLANDERS

* * * *

THE SIXTH ISLANDS DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET, FEATURING 62 FIELD-AND-TRACK ITEMS, WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 18.

THE ANNUAL EVENT, TO BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTSGROUND, WILL HAVE A LONG RUN, HURDLE, HIGH JUMP, LONG JUMP, SOFT BALL, RELAY AND TRIPLE JUMP.

THE COMPETITIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS COVERING SIX DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.

WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL REPRESENT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IN THE THIRD NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET ON JANUARY 22, 1984.

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (ISLANDS OFFICE) ON THE SECOND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT BUILDING, CENTRAL, OR FROM ANY OF THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE DECEMBER 12.

SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD. THE ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, AND THE DISTRICT’S EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES.

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

/9.........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

9

NOTE TO EDITORSi

AIRLIFT FOR HOLIDAY CAMPERS * * * *

ROYAL AIR FORCE HELICOPTERS WILL BE AIRLIFTING 48 CAMPERS TO A CAMPING HOLIDAY AT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT’S CHONG HING WATER SPORTS CENTRE IN SAI KUNG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

SEEING THE CAMPERS OFF WILL BE THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON — BOTH OF WHOM WILL ALSO CUT A RIBBON TO MARK THE START OF THE +FLY CAMP CRUISES+ ACTIVITY.

THE SERIES OF +FLY CAMP CRUISES+, WHICH LASTS UNTIL FEBRUARY 22 NEXT YEAR, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE BRITISH FORCES.

AT THE WATER SPORTS CENTRE, NEAR THE SCENIC HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR, THE CAMPERS WILL ENJOY TWO NIGHTS AND THREE DAYS OF ACTIVITIES RANGING FROM CANOEING, SAILING TO LAND EXPEDITION.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO FLY TO THE CAMP AFTER THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY SHOULD SUPPLY THEIR NAMES TO MISS VALENTINA CHAN BY TELEPHONING 5-734952 BEFORE 5 PM TODAY (TUESDAY).

AS SPACE ON THE TWO FLIGHTS IS LIMITED TO A TOTAL OF 20 PERSONS, bEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

THOSE COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ARRIVE BY 11.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE HMS TAMAR ENTRANCE, WHERE THEY WILL BE MET BY GIS OFFICERS.

- - 0 - -

AIR BUBBLE PROTECTS WINTER SWIMMERS * * * *

THE COVERED FAN LING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION CF AN AIR BUBBLE OVER THE MAIN POOL OF THE COMPLEX.

HEATED WATER WILL BE SUPPLIED TO THE MAIN POOL TO ENABLE SWIMMERS TO ENJOY WINTER BATHING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE AIR SUPPORT STRUCTURE ERECTED OVER THE MAIN POOL WILL PROVIDE A SHELTER TO WINTER BATHERS. IT IS AN IDEAL SWIMMING FACILITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY AN INDOOR ENVIRONMENT IN THE COLD SEASON.

LAST WINTER SEASON, THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX ATTRACTED ABOUT 7000 BATHERS EVERY MONTH, WHICH REPRESENTED A 17-FOLD INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHEN THE POOL WAS NOT COVERED.

THE SWIMMING POOL WILL BE OPENED FOUR SESSIONS DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM; 12.30 PM TO 3 PM; 3.30 PM TO 6 PM AND 7 PM TO 9 PM.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1983

10

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN AND SHAU KEI WAN

x x x

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED IN ABERDEEN AND SHAU KEI WAN LATER THIS WEEK.

ALL LEARNER DRIVERS IN ABERDEEN, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ID AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) FROM ENTERING AP LEI CHAU MAIN STREET AND ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD.

THE EXISTING PROHIBITIONS ON LEARNER DRIVERS AT AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE WILL BE LIFTED AT THE SAME TIME.

ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (DECEMBER 9, 10 AND 11), VEHICLES ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO HOI FOO STREET. THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.

- - 0 -

ROAD CLOSURE * * *

THE SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD, BETWEEN ROAD D14 AND BUTTERFLY ESTATE ACCESS ROAD IN TUEN MUN, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOOT BRIDGES.

DURING THE HOURS OF CLOSURE, GENERAL TRAFFIC AND KMB ROUTES 99, 59A AND 59M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA BUTTERFLY ESTATE ACCESS ROAD, ROAD D13 AND D14.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

AMENDMENTS TO DTC, BANKING BILLS MOVED ................ 1

SELF CONTROL PREFERABLE:' SIR JOHN .................... 5

COURT DECISION ON JAILING OF DEBTORS PROPOSED ......... 6

BILL ACCORDS WOMEN LEGaL IDENTITY...................... 7

POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION IN LRT SYSTEM v................ 8

TEAM TO LOOK OVER URBAN RENEWAL PLANS ................. 9

AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING PRODUCTION RISES ............. 10

BIG DRIVE TO BEAT DRY SEASON FIRES .................... 11

EARLY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE URGED .................. 12

TRIAD PROBLEMS BEING STUDIED .......................... 13

+N0 BEAT. SIGN OF YOUTH ALCOHOL PROBLEM* .............. 14

HELP OFFERED TO STREET SLEEPERS ....................... 14

NO PLANS TO RAISE ABERDEEN TUNNEL TOLL ................ 15

HOLIDAYS SAFEGUARDED .................................. 15

RTT.T. TO CLARIFY BUILDING TERMS ...................... 15

BOARDS BRING CONSULTED ON ERPS ........................ 16

REFUSE CHAMBERS TO BECOME MANDATORY.................... 1$

LACK OF PASSENGERS CANCELS FERRY RUN .................. 17

FIGURES GIVEN ON OVERSTAYERS .......................... 17

/SINGLE ENTITY .......

SINGLE ENTITY PROPOSED FOR METHODIST BODIES .................. 18

SEA CADET CORPS SEEKS INCORPORATION .......................... 19

DISTRICT COURTS' MONETARY LIMITS RAISED ...................... 20

300 000 VISIT JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE........................... 20

LEGCO APPROVES FIVE BILLS .................................... 21

MARKET FORCES ROLE STRESSED BY SIR JOHN .......................... 22

•••*.• .MM*. •.«>

PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT ON FRIDAY....................... 23

N.T. TAXI BOUNDARY TO BE RELAXED ................................. 24

REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME STARTING..................................... 25

KOWLOON TO GET NE.7 LIBRARY....................................... 25

SEIZED NARCOTICS BURNED .......................................... 26

SOUVENIR PRESENTATION ............................................ 2?

MEET THE MEDIA.................................................... 27

RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED ............................................ 27

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

1

AMENDMENTS TO DTC, BANKING BILLS MOVED * * * *

FIVE AMENDMENTS TO THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WERE MOVED BY ' THE HON BILL BROWN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.

THE BILLS HAD BEEN STUDIED BY THE LEGCO MONETARY POLICY GROUP WHICH HAD ALSO HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED BY UMELCO. un

MR BROWN IS THE CONVENER OF THE GROUP WHICH COMPRISES THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG THE HON MARIA TAM AND THE HON PETER POON.

SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BILLS, MR BROWN STRESSED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO REAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN HIS ROLES AS THE CONVENER OF THE GROUP AND AS AN EXECUTIVE WITH BOTH A BANK AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SINCE THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY GENERALLY SUPPORTED THE AIMS OF THE BILLS AND HAD NO OBJECTIONS TO ANY OF THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED.

♦ALTHOUGH BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES RAISED NO OBJECTIONS TO ANY OF THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN THESE BILLS, OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY DID HAVE SOME RESERVATIONS,+ HE ADDED.

HE WENT ON TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE AMENDMENTS THAT HE WOULD BE PROPOSING AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

HE MENTIONED THE STRONG OBJECTIONS RAISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS ON BEHALF OF AUDITORS THAT THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED UNDER CLAUSES 17 AND 13 RESPECTIVELY OF THE AMENDMENT BILLS WOULD REPRESENT A BREACH OF THE NORMAL AUDITORCLIENT RELATIONSHIP.

♦THE SUBJECT CLAUSES PUT THE AUDITOR IN THE DIFFICULT POSITION OF BEING UNDER A DUTY TO REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONER ON MATTERS WHICH MAY INVOLVE QUESTIONS OF OPINION, AND IN REGARD TO POSSIBLE CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE SPECIFIED PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCES THE AUDITOR MAY NOT BE QUALIFIED OR IN A POSITION TO DECIDE ON WHAT IS OFTEN A QUESTION OF LAW,+ MR BROWN SAID.

HE SAID HE WAS HAPPY THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO MODIFY THE ORIGINAL REQUIREMENTS.

♦THE REVISED AMENDMENTS PROVIDE THAT THE COMMISSIONER MAY REQUIRE AT ANY TIME FOR RETURNS TO HIM FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, SUBMITTED UNDER SECTIONS 20(3) AND 38(2A) OF THE RESPECTIVE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES, TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATE SIGNED BY BY THE AUDITOR NOT ONLY TO THE EFFECT THAT THE RETURNS ARE CORRECTLY COMPILED FROM THE BOOKS AND RECORDS, BUT ALSO THAT IN THE OPINION OF THE AUDITOR THERE IS NO APPARENT CONTRAVENTION OR OTHER MATTERS WHICH MATERIALLY AFFECTED THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION,♦ HE EXPLAINED.

/the second........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

2

THE SECOND AMENDMENT CONCERNS THE DUTY OF CERTAIN STATED PARTIES TO PRODUCE ALL BOOKS, PAPERS OR INFORMATION RELEVANT TO THE INVESTIGATIONS TO AN INSPECTOR APPOINTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY UNDER SECTION 39 AND 57B RESPECTIVELY OF THE AMENDMENT BILLS.

THE STATED PARTIES INCLUDE ANY AGENT OF A COMPANY UNDER INVESTIGATION, AND THE TERM AGENT IS SUBSEQUENTLY DEFINED AS INCLUDING SOLICITORS.

MR BROWN SAID, +WHILE IT IS QUITE PROPER THAT A SOLICITOR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE BOOKS AND PAPERS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREPARED IN THE COURSE OF THE BUSINESS OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, IT IS THOUGHT THIS SHOULD NOT EXTEND TO INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO THE SOLICITOR BY HIS CLIENT.*

HE SAID THAT HE WOULD THEREFORE MOVE AMENDMENTS TO INCORPORATE IN THE BILLS A PROVISION SIMILAR TO SECTION 131(1) OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE WHICH READSi

♦AN INSPECTOR SHALL NOT REQUIRE DISCLOSURE BY A SOLICITOR

OR COUNSEL OF ANY PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, MADE TO OR BY HIM IN THAT CAPACITY, EXCEPT AS REGARDS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF HIS CL I ENT.♦

THE THIRD AMENDMENT DEALS WITH THE DEFINITION OF +RELATIVE+.

MR BROWN SAID WHILE HE WELCOMED THE ATTEMPT TO DEFINE THE TERM IN THE AMENDMENT BILLS, THE DEFINITION AS PROPOSED WAS TOO WIDE AND WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO ENQUIRE INTO THE PERSONAL AFFAIRS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS BEYOND WHAT WAS EITHER REASONABLE OR PRACTICABLE.

HE WOULD THEREFORE PROPOSE TO DELETE SUB-SECTION (C) (♦ANY RELATIVE BY AFFINITY OR CONSANGUINITY WHO IS ONE OF THE HOUSEHOLD^) IN THE DEFINITION OF RELATIVE APPEARING IN CLAUSES 11(D) AND 8(B) RESPECTIVELY OF THE AMENDMENT BILLS.

MR BROWN ADDED THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD ACCEPTED THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEW THAT IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE DEFINITION OF ♦RELATIVE+ TO INCLUDE ANY ASCENDANT OR DESCENDANT AND THE SPOUSE AND THE PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE SPOUSE OF ANY SUCH ASCENDANT OR DESCENDANT AND ON THE BASIS THE ORDINANCES PROVIDED THAT DUE DILIGENCE SHOULD BE A GOOD DEFENCE IN THE EVENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CONTRAVENED THIS RESTRICTION.

IN CONNECTION WITH LIMITATION ON ADVANCE TO DIRECTORS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED INTERESTS, MR BROWN SAID THAT HE WOULD PROPOSE AMENDMENTS SO THAT ADVANCES COVERED BY BANK GUARANTEES WOULD NOT BE SUBJECTED TO LIMITATION.

REFERRING TO THE CONCERN THAT TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED UNDER CLAUSES 11 AND 8 OF THE RESPECTIVE AMENDMENT BILLS, MR BROWN SAID, ^AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROPOSED, ACCORDINGLY, TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THESE CLAUSES WILL NOT APPLY TO PRE-EX 1STIkJG CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS ENTERED INTO PRIOR TO THE BILLS’ COMMENCEMENT.♦

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

3

♦CONCERN HAS ALSO BEEN EXPRESSED REGARDING THE ADEQUACY OF THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT PRESCRIBED IN CLAUSES 9(B) AND 6(2A) RESPECTIVELY, BUT WE ARE SATISFIED THE COMMISSIONER WILL INTERPRET THESE IN A SENSIBLE MANNER AND THE THE PROVISIONS AS THEY STAND WILL IN PRACTICE MEET THE CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE ADDED.

MR BROWN THEN RAISED TWO MATTERS WHICH WERE NOT SUBJECT TO AMENDMENTS BUT ON WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION HAD PROMISED CERTAIN ASSURANCES.

ON THE PROPOSED POWERS FOR THE COMMISSIONER WHERE MONEYS HAVE BEEN PLACED WITH A FOREIGN BANK, HE SAID, +l AM PERSONALLY HAPPY WITH THE PROPOSAL BUT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF THE ADMINISTRATION COULD RECONFIRM THAT THE COMMISSIONER WOULD NOT NORMALLY USE SUCH POWERS IN RESPECT OF BANKS WHICH ARE ADEQUATELY SUPERVISED IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY.*

THE SECOND POINT CONCERNS THE DEFINITION OF A +NON-LISTED COMPANY*.

MR BROWN SAID THAT AT PRESENT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE REFERENCE TO THE STOCK EXCHANGES IN HONG KONG TO BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE STOCK EXCHANGES RECOGNISED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD DUE TO THE RESTRICTIVE DEFINITION OF +COMPANY* IN THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES.

♦IN THE EVENT, HOWEVER, THAT THIS RESTRICTIVE DEFINITION -WHICH FOR CLARIFICATION I WOULD MENTION INCLUDES BROADLY SPEAKING ONLY COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG OR INCORPORATED ELSEWHERE BUT WHICH HAVE COMPLIED WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE HONG KONG COMPANIES ORDINANCES - IS CHANGED, THEN IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THE ADMINISTRATION WILL RE-EXAMINE THE NEED TO EXTEND THE REFERENCE TO STOCK EXCHANGES TO INCLUDE SPECIFIED OTHER EXCHANGES OVERSEAS.

♦THIS MAY SOUND PEDANTIC BUT A NUMBER OF COMPANIES WHO USE HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE FOR THEIR REGIONAL ACTIVITIES WOULD FACE PRACTICAL PROBLEM IN THE EVENT LIMITATIONS WERE PUT ON THEIR TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PUBLIC COMPANIES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD,+ MR BROWN SAID.

HE ALSO REFERRED TO THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED BY THE ADMINISTRATION IN REGARD TO HIRE PURCHASE AND CONDITIONAL SALES AGREEMENTS, LENDING TO SUCH PUBLIC STATUTORY BODIES AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAY DESIGNATE AND LETTERS OF COMFORT PROVIDED TO THE COMMISSIONER.

HE SAID THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD ALSO CONSIDERED THESE ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE DEALING WITH LETTERS OF COMFORT FOR THESE HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF REPRESENTATIONS FROM SOME AFFECTED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

MR BROWN ADDED THAT THE LEGCO MONETARY POLICY GROUP HAD CONSIDERED THE AMENDMENTS RELATING TO LETTERS OF COMFORT AND AGREED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION THAT AS BANKS WERE GENERALLY SUBJECTED BY THEIR SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES TO THE SPECIAL SUPERVISION RELEVANT TO BANKING, IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR THEM TO BE SUITABLE ISSUERS OF LETTERS OF COMFORT.

/♦THESE AMENDMENTS.........

WEDNESDAY, DEC5?'JER 7, 1983

- 4 -

♦THESE AMENDMENTS, THEREFORE, TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER TO BE PROPOSED BY THE ADMINISTRATION ARE CONSIDERED SENSIBLE MEASURES AND THEY HAVE OUR SUPPORT,* HE ADDED.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, WELCOMED THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY MR BROWN, THANKING HIM AND OTHER UNOFFICIALS FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION TO THE BILLS AND TO THE MANY REPRESENTATIONS MADE.

SIR JOHN ALSO CONFIRMED THAT EXCEPT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE COMMISSIONER WOULD NOT EXERCISE HIS NEWLY CONFERRED AUTHORITY TO LIMIT PLACEMENTS BY BANKS OR DTC’S WITH FOREIGN BANKS, IN RESPECT OF ANY FOREIGN BANK WHICH HE CONSIDERED TO BE ADEQUATELY SUPERVISED BY THE RELEVANT AUTHORITY IN ITS PLACE OF INCORPORATION.

HE ADDED THAT SHOULD THE ADMINISTRATION IN THE FUTURE PROPOSE ANY CHANGES TO THE DEFINITION OF A COMPANY IN THE TWO PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES, IT WOULD CAREFULLY EXAMINE THE NEED FOR CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS ELSEWHERE IN THE ORDINANCES, NOT LEAST IN RESPECT OF NON-LISTED COMPANIES.

SIR JOHN ALSO SPOKE ON VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE TWO BILLS WHICH HE MOVED TODAY.

UNDER PRESENT ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS SOME DTC’S AND BANKS HAVE IN EFFECT BEEN ALLOWED TO LEND WITHOUT LIMIT TO A SINGLE CUSTOMER OR SINGLE CUSTOMER GROUP.

THIS HAS BEEN BASED ON THE STRENGTH OF A LETTER OF COMFORT FROM ITS PARENT, BY VIRTUE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR HISTORICAL REASONS REGARDING THE LETTER OF COMFORT AS AN ACCEPTABLE FORM CF GUARANTEE.

SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENTS MOVED BY HIM WOULD, HOWEVER, ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO RAISE THE LIMIT ON LENDING TO SINGLE CUSTOMERS OR GROUPS BEYOND 25 PER CENT OF CAPITAL AND RESERVES, IF THE COMMISSIONER IS IN POSSESSION OF A LETTER OF COMFORT WHICH CONFORMS TO CERTAIN CRITERIA.

ONE OF THESE CRITERIA WOULD BE THAT THE LETTER MUST BE ISSUED BY A BANK.

IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AS A MATTER OF ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICE WOULD REQUIRE THE COMMISSIONER TO DISCUSS WITH THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS ALL PROPOSALS TO SET A LIMIT HIGHER THAN 25 PER CENT.

♦CONSEQUENTLY THERE WILL BE AN END TO THE PRESENT SITUATION WHEREBY A BANK OR DTC CAN, UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF A LETTER OF COMFORT, LEND AS MUCH AS IT LIKES TO SINGLE CUSTOMERS.

♦THIS IS AN OPEN-ENDED CAPABILITY WHICH HAS LED TO A NUMBER CF SERIOUS PROBLEMS, EVEN THOUGH DEPOSITORS’ INTERESTS MAY HAVE BEEN SAFEGUARDED,+ SIR JOHN EXPLAINED.

/SIH JOHN .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 5 -

SIR JOHN ALSO PROPOSED TWO OTHER AMENDMENTS, BOTH PROMPTED BY REPRESENTATIONS.

ONE WILL ENSURE THAT A BANK OR DTC WILL NOT BE RESTRICTED IN THE EXTENT TO WHICH IT MAY LEND UNDER HIRE PURCHASE OR CONDITIONAL SALE AGREEMENTS SOLELY BECAUSE THERE IS A SINGLE GUARANTOR.

THE SECOND WILL ALLOW THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO EXEMPT SPECIFIED PUBLIC STATUTORY CORPORATIONS FROM THE LIMITATION OR LENDING BY A BANK TO A NON-LISTED COMPANY WHICH HAS A DIRECTOR IN COMMON WITH THAT BANK.

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

SELF CONTROL PREFERABLEi SIR JOHN ft ft ft ft

INTERNAL SELF-CONTROL IS MUCH TO BE PREFERRED TO FURTHER LEGISLATION, WHICH IS A FINAL STEP ALWAYS TO BE HELD IN ABEYANCE AND USED ONLY IF OTHER MEASURES DO NOT PROVE SUCCESSFUL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.

SIR JOHN WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN, AS TO WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH THE STANDARD OF AUDITING IN HONG KONG — + IN THE LIGHT OF SOME RECENT COMPANY FAILURES, WHICH MIGHT HAVE INVOLVED THE FALSIFICATION OR INADEQUACIES OF ACCOUNTS.♦

SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, IN ITS LAST ANNUAL REPORT, EXPRESSED GREAT CONCERN ABOUT COMMENTS IN THE MEDIA IMPLYING THAT AUDITORS MAY HAVE BEEN NEGLIGENT IN CERTAIN CASES IN WHICH COMPANIES ENGAGED IN PROPERTY SPECULATION AND FINANCE HAD COLLAPSED IN SPECTACULAR FASHION.

IN ADDITION TO ITS INTERNAL REVIEW, THE COUNCIL WAS DETERMINED TO EMPHASISE THE PROFESSIONALISM OF MEMBERS, THE REPORT POINTED OUT.

SIR JOHN SAID HE SHARED THE CONCERN OF THE RESPONSIBLE COUNCIL, WHOM HE HELD IN HIGH REGARD. *1 WISH THEM WELL IN THE EXERCISE OF THEIR DETERMINATION, WHICH I SHALL OBSERVE WITH GREAT INTEREST,* HE ADDED.

SIR JOHN SAID HE DID NOT INTEND TO GENERALISE FROM ONE OR TWO PARTICULAR INCIDENTS, AS THIS WOULD BE +UNFAIR, MISLEADING AND QUITE DETRIMENTAL TO HONG KONG*.

♦BUT THERE DO APPEAR TO ME ARGUABLY TO HAVE BEEN ISOLATED LAPSES BELOW THE HIGH STANDARDS THAT THE COMMUNITY RIGHTLY RESPECTS — AND INDEED MUST REQUIRE.

♦THERE MAY OF COURSE ALSO BE LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THE FORTHCOMING INSPECTORS’ REPORTS INTO THE AFFAIRS OF EDA AND CARR I AN,♦ HE SAID.

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

/6........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

0

COURT DECISION ON JAILING OF DEBTORS PROPOSED * * * *

THE ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLE CONTAINED IN THE DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983 IS THAT IN THE FUTURE NO CIVIL DEBTOR WILL BE IMPRISONED WITHOUT A COURT ORDER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR THOMAS SAID:

+1 BELIEVE STRONGLY THAT IT IS FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG THAT DEBTORS SHOULD BE SENT TO PRISON AT THE MERE BEHEST OF JUDGMENT CREDITORS.*

MR THOMAS SAID THAT DEVELOPMENTS AND LEGAL UNCERTAINTIES THAT HAVE BEEN AIRED IN THE COURTS MADE IT URGENT THAT FRESH LEGISLATION BE BROUGHT FORWARD.

♦THE FIGURES SHOW THAT ABOUT HALF THE DEBTORS WHO GO TO PRISON ARE THERE FOR BETWEEN TWO WEEKS AND TWO MONTHS. ALTHOUGH THE COURT MAY RELEASE THEM IF THE JUDGMENT CREDITOR IS UNABLE TO SHOW THAT THE DEBTOR’S INABILITY TO PAY IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO UNJUSTIFIABLE EXTRAVAGANCE, WILFUL CONCEALMENT OR REMOVAL OF HIS PROPERTIES OR OTHER ACT OF BAD FAITH, THERE ARE SERIOUS DELAYS IN PRACTICE IN OBTAINING A RELEASE AND THERE ARE PUNITIVE ELEMENTS IN THIS PROCEDURE WHICH ARE INAPPROPRIATE IN THIS CONTEXT,* HE SAID.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE PROCEDURES PROPOSED IN THE CASE OF JUDGMENT DEBTORS WILL ENABLE JUDGMENT CREDITORS TO OBTAIN A SUMMONS OR, IN APPROPRIATE CASES, AN ORDER FOR THE ARREST OF A CIVIL DEBTOR TO SECURE HIS ATTENDANCE BEFORE A JUDGE FOR AN EXAMINATION. AT THAT HEARING THE DEBTOR WILL BE REQUIRED TO DISCLOSE HIS ASSETS AND EXPLAIN HIS CIRCUMSTANCES, GIVE FULL DISCOVERY OF HIS FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS, AND ANSWER ALL RELEVANT QUESTIONS.

IF THE JUDGE IS SATISFIED AFTER HEARING THE JUDGMENT CREDITOR THAT THE DEBTOR IS, IN EFFECT, ABLE TO MAKE SOME PAYMENT, OR IS DELIBERATELY AVOIDING HIS OBLIGATION, HE MAY ORDER HIS IMPRISONMENT FOR NO LONGER THAN THREE MONTHS.

+AT PRESENT, THE LIMIT IS ONE YEAR,* SAID MR THOMAS.

♦BUT THIS IS FAR TOO LONG AND CAN ONLY BE PUNITIVE. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO IMPRISONMENT, THE JUDGE MAY ORDER HIM TO SATISFY THE JUDGMENT AND, THEREAFTER, IF HE FAILS TO DO SO, WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE, ORDER HIS IMPRISONMENT. THE COURT WILL HAVE THE POWER TO SUSPEND OR VARY ITS ORDERS AND MAKE THEM SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.*

NOTE HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN OF JUDICIAL CRITICISM OF THE PROCEDURE UNDER ORDER 44 A OF THE RULES OF COURT BY WHICH A PERSON CLAIMING HE IS OWED MONEY CAN ARREST THE ALLEGED DEBTOR IF HE APPEARS LIKELY TO LEAVE HONG KONG. THIS HAS ITS USES, AND MAY NOT BE UNFAIR TO THOSE WHO LIVE OR CARRY ON BUSINESS HERE, AT ANY RATE WHERE LIABILITY FOR THE DEBT IS BEYOND DISPUTE. BUT, IN THE LIGHT OF TRENCHANT JUDICIAL COMMENTS, SAID MR THOMAS, THE BILL PROPOSES IT SHOULD NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE AGAINST VISITING FOREIGNERS. MOST COUNTRIES HAD SATISFACTORY PROCEDURES FOR SUING DEBTORS IN THEIR COURTS AND FOR ENFORCING A HONG KONG JUDGMENT, HE SAID.

/MR THOMAS .......

jyfiCEMBEH 7, 198J

7

MR THOMAS SAID THAT AS THE MEASURE WAS BEING BROUGHT FORWARD AS A MATTER OF URGENCY HE APPRECIATED THAT THERE MAY WELL BE SCOPE FOR IMPROVING DETAILS OF PROCEDURES PROPOSED. TWO PARTICULAR MATTERS WERE IN HIS MIND AS THE SUBJECT OF AMENDMENTS AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.

FIRSTLY, SO FAR AS ORDER 44A IS CONCERNED, IN ORDER TO PROTECT DEBTORS FROM BEING IMPRISONED IN RELATION TO DISPUTED CLAIMS, THE CREDITOR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO TURN HIS CLAIM INTO A JUDGMENT WITHIN A SHORT TIME OF OBTAINING A RESTRAINING ORDER. THERE IS A PROCEDURE FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND IF THE CREDITOR IS UNABLE WITHIN A FEW DAYS TO SATISFY THE COURT THAT HE HAS A VALID CLAIM, THE DEBTOR SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO HIS RELEASE.

SECONDLY, THERE SHOULD BE SOME ALTERNATIVE TO ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER JUDGMENT. IT WOULD OFTEN BE JUST AS VALUABLE TO THE CREDITOR, AND FAR LESS ONEROUS TO THE DEBTOR, IF THE COURT HAD THE POWER TO MAKE AN ORDER PROHIBITING THE DEBTOR FROM LEAVING HONG KONG WHICH COULD BE ENFORCED WITH THE AID OF THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES, SAID MR THOMAS. THE AMENDMENT HE IS CONSIDERING WOULD HAVE THIS EFFECT.

STATING THAT» + IT SHOULD BE THE COURT, AND NOT THE CREDITOR, WHO DECIDES IF A DEBTOR SHOULD BE JAILED,* MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE PROCEDURES PROPOSED WOULD BE OF CONSIDERABLE VALUE TO CREDITORS IN DISCOVERING WHETHER DEBTORS HAVE ASSETS OR INCOME FROM WHICH PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE, AND TO ENSURE THAT DEBTORS MEET THEIR DEBTS SO FAR AS THEIR RESOURCES PERMIT.

THE REFORMS WERE LONG OVERDUE, SAID MR THOMAS.

♦MANY COUNTRIES DO NOT TOLERATE IMPRISONMENT FOR CIVIL DEBT. THESE MEASURES ARE THEREFORE A COMPROMISE WHICH GO FAR TO MEET THE LEGITIMATE NEEDS OF THE FINANCIAL AND TRADING COMMUNITY IN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG WHILST RECOGNISING THAT THE LIBERTY OF THE PERSON IS AN IMPORTANT FREEDOM WHICH ONLY THE COURTS SHOULD TAKE AWAY.+ HE SAID.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

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

BILL ACCORDS WOMEN LEGAL IDENTITY # * * *

THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1983 GIVES MARRIED WOMEN THE LEGAL IDENTITY THEY HAVE SOUGHT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR JOHN SAID THAT WHILE THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS UNDER THE BILL WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY SAVINGS IN THE TOTAL TAX PAYABLE BY THE FAMILY UNIT, THEY WERE NOT SIMPLY COSMETIC.

♦THEY ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE COMPLAINT THAT THE PRESENT LEGISLATION IS ARCHAIC AND OFFENSIVE TO WOMEN, IN THAT IT MAKES THEM SECOND CLASS CITIZENS? AND THEY WILL THUS ACCORD MARRIED WOMEN THE LEGAL IDENTITY WHICH THEY HAVE PROPERLY SOUGHT,+ SIR JOHN EXPLAINED.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1^83

- 8 -

THE PROPOSED PROVISIONS AREi

FIRST, THE REMOVAL OF THE PROVISION IN THE PRESENT ORDINANCE WHICH DEEMS A WIFE TO BE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON AS HER HUSBAND.

SECOND, THE REMOVAL OF THE PROVISIONS WHICH DEEM THE INCOME OF A WIFE TO BE THAT OF HER HUSBAND.

THIRD, PERMISSION FOR HUSBANDS AND WIVES TO ELECT A JOINT RETURN AND THE SEPARATE PAYMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SHARES OF THE TAX BILL.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

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

POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION IN LRT SYSTEM * * * *

THE LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT SYSTEM AS NOW DESIGNED WOULD PROVIDE NOT ONLY AN INTERNAL NETWORK FOR TUEN MUN BUT ALSO A LINK BETWEEN THIS NEW TOWN AND YUEN LONG, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

AND THE SYSTEM HAD THE POTENTIAL FOR EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN WHERE AN INTERCHANGE WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH THE MTR, MR SCOTT SAID.

SINCE THE ORIGINAL LRT STUDY IN 1977, DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES HAD ADDED YUEN LONG TO THE LIST CF NEW TOWNS, AND TIN SHU I WAI HAD BEEN INCLUDED AS A DEVELOPMENT FOR 136 000 PEOPLE INITIALLY, MR SCOTT TOLD THE COUNCIL.

WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES WOULD CONTAIN OVER 800 000 PEOPLE IN AN AREA LARGER THAN THE KOWLOON PENINSULA, HE ADDED.

♦THUS THE CHARACTER OF THE ORIGINAL LRT HAS BEEN CHANGED FROM A LOCAL TOWN SYSTEM TO A REGIONAL RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM FOR THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES,+ HE SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SCOTT EXPLAINED THE CHOICE BETWEEN A LIGHT AND A HEAVY RAIL SYSTEM WAS DETERMINED BY REFERENCE TO PASSENGER VOLUMES AND TO COSTS.

♦A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM SUCH AS THE ONE UNDER DISCUSSION COULD CARRY UP TO 35 000 PEOPLE PER HOUR. HEAVY RAIL SYSTEMS, SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CAN CARRY UP TO 60 000 PEOPLE PER HOUR.

♦A GROUND-LEVEL HEAVY RAIL SYSTEM WOULD COST ABOUT 2-1/2 TIMES AS MUCH PER KILOMETRE AS AN LRT, AND AN UNDERGROUND HEAVY RAIL SYSTEM WOULD COST MORE THAN THAT,* MR SCOTT SAID.

AS THE PREDICTED MAXIMUM VOLUME FOR THE FULL POTENTIAL LRT NETWORK DID NOT EXCEED 35 000 PEOPLE PER HOUR, LRT WAS CHOSEN AS PROVIDING AN ^ADEQUATE AND ECONOMIC HIGH QUALITY+ SYSTEM FOR THE AREA, HE SAID.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 9 -

TEAM TO LOOK OVER URBAN RENEWAL PLANS

* * * *

A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A CO-ORDINATING URBAN RENEWAL TEAM TO IMPROVE PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING OF URBAN RENEWAL IN HONG KONG WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON CHAN NAI-KEONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAN, WHO WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID THE TEAM, TO BE SET UP WITHIN THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, WOULD PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS.

IT WOULD IMPROVE CO-ORDINATION OF THE EFFORTS OF VARIOUS AGENCIES INVOLVED AND HELP ADVANCE THE PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS.

HE SAID THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY HAD ALREADY GIVEN SUPPORT TO THE PROPOSAL AND IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE SHORTLY.

MR CHAN SAID URBAN RENEWAL, BY ITS VERY NATURE, WAS A LONG TERM AND THEREFORE A CONTINUOUS PROCESS.

♦IMPLEMENTATION, WHETHER BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, DEPENDS ON DEMAND, OPPORTUNITY, SIZE AND RELATIVE DIFFICULTY OF THE PROJECT, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES,♦ HE SAID.

A FLEXIBLE RATHER THAN A FIXED TIME FRAME HAD THEREFORE TO BE ADOPTED.

ON THE SUBJECT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS, MR CHAN SAID A CONSULTANTS’ REPORT ON THE CONCEPT HAD RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED. HE SAID THE STUDY HAD CONFIRMED THAT THE MAIN OBSTACLE WAS THE DIFFICULTY OF ASSEMBLING SITES OF A SUFFICIENT SIZE TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT GAINS, WITH PARTICULAR PROBLEMS BEING CAUSED BY MULTIOWNERSHIP, ABSENTEE OWNERS, AND THE POTENTIAL BARGAINING POWER OF THE OWNER OF THE LAST TITLE TO BE ACQUIRED.

MR CHAN SAID, IN GENERAL, THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENCOUNTERED IN ATTEMPTING TO IMPLEMENT ITS OWN URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES HAD BEEN THE HUMAN PROBLEMS, SUCH AS RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AND DISRUPTION, PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF PROVIDING HOUSING AND OTHER FACILITIES, AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS OF RELATING RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMES AND OVERALL CO-ORDINATION.

EARLIER, MR CHAN BRIEFED THE COUNCIL ON THE HISTORY OF THE URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMMES WHICH STARTED WITH A PILOT SCHEME IN SHEUNG WAN IN 1969.

/IN 1973..........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

IN 1973. FOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AREAS WERE DEFINED WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF UPGRADING ENVIRONMENT IN THESE AREAS BY OBTAINING MORE LAND FOR GOVERNMENT, COMMUNITY, AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AS AND WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE MR CHAN TOLD THE COUNCIL.

AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES FOR INDIVIDUAL SITES WERE ALSO UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY.

MR CHAN REFERRED TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AND THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIAVTE SECTOR.

- - 0 -

AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING PRODUCTION RISES ft ft ft ft

OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE VALUE IN REAL TERMS OF AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING PRODUCTION HAS BEEN INCREASING AT AN ANNUAL AVERAGE RATE OF 1.7 PER CENT AND 3.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THIS COMPARES WITH THE AVERAGE GDP GROWTH RATE OF 9.6 PER CENT A YEAR OVER THE SAME PERIOD, MR JACOBS SAID.

IN 1982, THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHING INDUSTRIES HAD A NET OUTPUT OF Si 300 MILLION WHICH REPRESENTED JUST UNDER ONE PER CENT OF THE GDP.

WHILE THE PROPORTION OF THE GDP ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE TWO SECTORS HAD BEEN FALLING, THEIR GROWTH RATES WERE +N0 MEAN ACHIEVEMENT* IN THE FACE OF THE CONTINUAL LOSS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND THE RESTRICTIONS ON FISHING GROUNDS IMPOSED ON THE LOCAL FISHING FLEET, HE SAID.

MR JACOBS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO, WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S GDP WAS DUE TO THE TWO SECTORS AND WHAT ASSISTANCE HAD BEEN OFFERED TO THEM TO INCREASE THEIR OUTPUT AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, PROVIDED THROUGH THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL ADVICE AND SERVICES, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, CREDIT FACILITIES, EFFICIENT WHOLESALE MARKETING AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTION METHODS.

MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT SEVEN LOAN FUNDS FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND FACILITATING DEVELOPMENT WORK ARE AVAILABLE To LOCAL FARMERS AND FISHERMEN.

THE CURRENT CAPITAL OF THE FUNDS IS $12.2 MILLION FOR AGRICULTURE AND $19.2 MILLION FOR FISHERIES.

MR JACOBS REPORTED THAT IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, 1 167 LOANS TOTALLING $12.7 MILLION WERE GIVEN TO FARMERS AND 113 LOANS TOTALLING $8.17 MILLION TO FISHERMEN.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

11

BIG DRIVE TO BEAT DRY SEASON FIRES * * *

MAJOR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REDUCE THE DANGERS OF SQUATTER AND HILL FIRES DURING THE DRY SEASON, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON MR DA IVD JEAFFRESON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM, WHO ASKED WHAT HAD BEEN DONE TO PREVENT SUCH FIRES.

DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, SAID MR JEAFFRESON, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT MADE OVER 1 200 VISITS TO SQUATTER AREAS TO PUBLICISE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES. AT THE SAME TIME THEY ENCOURAGED THE FORMATION OF FIRE WATCH TEAMS AND GAVE ASSISTANCE TO THEM. THERE ARE NOW 33 NEw FIRE WATCH TEAMS IN SQUATTER AREAS WHICH HAVE UNDERGONE, OR ARE UNDERGOING, TRAINING BY FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS.

+ IN ADDITION, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS THIS YEAR CARRIED OUT 12 LARGE-SCALE EXERCISES IN SELECTED SQUATTER AREAS POTENTIALLY VULNERABLE TO FIRE,* HE SAID.

THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO IMPLEMENTED IMPROVEMENTS IN 17 SQUATTER AREAS, PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO FIRE SAFETY, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF FIREBREAKS AND WATER PIPE LINES WITH HYDRANTS. ALL SQUATTER AREAS ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH SUCH FACILITIES.

ONE OF THE MAIN CAUSES OF FIRE IN SQUATTER AREAS IS THE ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY, SAID MR JEAFFRESON. POLICE ARE ACTIVE IN DETECTING AND PROSECUTING OFFENDERS, AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TO PROVIDE LEGAL SUPPLIES WHEREVER PRACTICABLE.

ON HILL FIRES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT A JOINT WORKING PARTY, wITH FIRE SERVICES, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND POLICE REPRESENTATIVES HAD BEEN OPERATING SINCE 1980. THIS GROUP CO-ORDINATED EFFORTS TO COMBAT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES. THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAD INTRODUCED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT MEASURES TO IMPROVE FIRE FIGHTING CAPABILITIES.

PUBLICITY WAS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE EFFORT TO REDUCE SQUATTER AND HILL FIRES, HE SAID.

THE SUBJECT IS ACCORDED MAJOR CAMPAIGN STATUS AND DURING THE CURRENT YEAR $600 000 IS BEING SPENT TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS. POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WERE BEING WIDELY DISTRIBUTED, IN SQUATTER AREAS, COUNTRY PARKS, AND AT OTHER LOCATIONS AROUND HONG KONG AND DAILY WARNINGS WERE BEING BROADCAST BY RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.

♦I MUST EMPHASISE,* HE SAID, +THAT ALL THESE EFFORTS wILL ONLY BE EFFECTIVE WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC AND I WOULD APPEAL TO ALL RESIDENTS IN SQUATTER AREAS AND TO ALL VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, TO EXERCISE PARTICULAR CARE AND VIGILANCE AND TO OBSERVE BASIC FIRE PRECAUTIONS DURING THE CURRENT DRY SEASON.*

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

/12 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 12 -

EARLY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE URGED * * * *

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSPECTED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE BEING REPORTED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE CANNOT BE EMPHASISED TOO STRONGLY, SAID THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR BARNES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOw. SHE ASKED WHETHER CHILD ABUSE IS DEVELOPING INTO A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM, WHAT IS BEING DONE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND WHAT ACTION IS THE GOVERNMENT TAKING TO ASSIST VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PREVENTING AND CONTAINING THE PROBLEM.

♦EVEN ONE INSTANCE OF CHILD ABUSE IS ONE TOO MANY,* SAID MR BARNES, ADDING THAT THE ISSUE IS A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM. STATISTICS SHOW THAT AT SEPTEMBER 30, THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 316 ACTIVE CASES OF CHILD ABUSE, OF VARYING DEGREES OF SERIOUSNESS, KNOWN TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT - COMPARED WITH 315 AT THE SAME DATE LAST YEAR. IN 1982 THERE WERE 300 NEW CASES REPORTED, AND IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1983, THERE WERE 205 NEW CASES.

ALTHOUGH THESE FIGURES DID NOT INDICATE ANY INCREASE IN CHILD ABUSE, HE SAID, THE ADMINISTRATION WAS CONCERNED THAT THEY MIGHT REPRESENT ONLY PART OF THE WHOLE PROBLEM. THERE IS NO WAY, REGRETTABLY, OF DISCOVERING THE FULL EXTENT OF UNREPORTED CASES.

♦WHAT HAS DEVELOPED IS THE GOVERNMENT’S AWARENESS OF CHILD ABUSE, AND WITH THIS HAS COME INCREASED PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY,♦ SAID MR BARNES.

AS A RESULT WE CAN EXPECT AN INCREASE IN REPORTS OF SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE, AS WELL AS GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM AND BETTER METHODS OF MONITORING AND CO-ORDINATING REPORTED CASES.

IN THIS CONNECTION, I CANNOT EMPHASISE TOO STRONGLY THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSPECTED CASES BEING REPORTED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.*

MR BARNES DESCRIBED MONITORING PROCEDURES, WHICH INVOLVE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. MORE SERIOUS INDIVIDUAL CASES ARE MONITORED AND HANDLED BY THE CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT - ESTABLISHED IN JUNE THIS YEAR. AT THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS UNIT WAS DEALING WITH 102 CASES, OF WHICH 84 INVOLVED STATUTORY INTERVENTION.

PUBLIC EDUCATION IS AN IMPORTANT PREVENTIVE MEASURE, HE SAID, AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE WELL PLACED TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE THROUGH FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES. GOVERNMENT GAVE SUPPORT TO SUCH ACTIVITIES.

IN THE ACTUAL HANDLING OF CASES, HE SAID, THERE WERE CLEAR PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES TO BE FOLLOWED AND VARIOUS AVENUES OPEN.

THE ADMINISTRATION INTENDS THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD TO BE THE MAIN CONSIDERATION IN EACH CASE,* MR CHING SAID.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 13 -

TRIAD PROBLEMS BEING STUDIED * * * *

THE PROBLEMS POSED BY TRIADS ARE NOW BEING STUDIED BY THE RECONSTITUTED FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, SAID THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS RESPONDING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO, WHO ASKED FOR A STATEMENT ON CURRENT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND ON THE ACTION BEING TAKEN TO COMBAT THIS FORM OF ORGANISED CRIME.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE QUESTION WAS NOT PARTICULARLY EASY TO ANSWER.

♦THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IN 1977 TOOK A CERTAIN VIEW OF TRIADS. THE RECONSTITUTED FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IS NOW HAVING ANOTHER LOOK AT THE PROBLEM TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT THE DECISIONS OF ITS PREDECESSOR WERE BASEJON AN ASSUMPTION THAT TRIADS WERE LESS SIGNIFICANT THAN THEY ARE NOW,* HE SAID.

♦THUS THE ANSWER I GIVE TODAY WOULD NOT NECESSARILY BE THE ONE I WOULD GIVE AFTER THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAS CONCLUDED ITS DELIBERATIONS. BUT ANY DIFFERENCES ARE LIKELY TO BE ONES OF DEGREE.

+1 THINK IT IS A WELL ESTABLISHED FACT THAT TRIADS ARE ACTIVE IN HONG KONG AND HAVE GOT THEMSELVES INVOLVED IN A CRIMINAL WAY IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITY, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, EXTORTION AND THE CONTROL OF VICE.*

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THEY WERE INVOLVED IN VARIOUS RACKETS, WITH THE MAIN SOURCES OF INCOME INCLUDING THE CONTROL OF PROSTITUTION, ILLEGAL GAMBLING AND LOAN SHARKING.

♦I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THEY WERE NOT ALSO INVOLVED IN THE NARCOTICS RACKETS,* HE SAID.

ACTION AGAINST TRIADS WAS TAKEN ON A BROAD FRONT AND IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO REDUCE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GANGS TO OPERATE, HE SAID.

EFFORTS WERE MADE TO PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE TURNING TO CRIME IN GENERAL AND BECOMING INVOLVED WITH TRIADS IN PARTICULAR, HE REPORTED

CO-ORDINATION OF THE FIGHT AGAINST TRIADS IS FULFILLED BY TWO SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

THE CO-ORDINATING GROUP AGAINST TRIADS DETERMINES SPECIFIC PROBLEM AREAS AND RECOMMENDS ACTION.

THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS KEEPS UNDER REGULAR REVIEW ACTION AGAINST THE ACTIVITIES OF CRIMINAL GANGS IN SCHOOLS.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

14

♦NO REAL SIGN OF YOUTH ALCOHOL PROBLEM* * * *

THERE IS NO EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT LOCAL TEENAGERS ARE OBTAINING AND DRINKING LIQUOR IN EXCESSIVE QUANTITIES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID TODAY IN REPLY TO A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW.

MRS CHOW WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER PRESENT LAWS ARE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT THE SALE OF ALCOHOL TO MINORS AND WHETHER THEY ARE BEING ENFORCED.

MR THOMAS SAID IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR A LICENSEE TO PERMIT YOUNG PERSONS TO DRINK INTOXICATING LIQUOR IN LICENSED PREMISES BUT THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE OF ALCOHOL TO YOUNG PERSONS IN RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS.

HE SAID THAT NO REPRESENTATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED THAT THE LAW SHOULD BE AMENDED OR STRENGTHENED.

♦ENQUIRIES HAVE REVEALED NO REAL EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT LOCAL TEENAGERS ARE OBTAINING AND DRINKING LIQUOR IN EXCESSIVE QUANTITIES,* SAID MR THOMAS.

- o -

HELP OFFERED TO STREET SLEEPERS

BOTH IMMEDIATE OFFERS OF HELP AND OFFERS TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING FOR THE LONGER TERM ARE USED TO ENCOURAGE STREET SLEEPERS TO ACCEPT GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE, SAID THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-lUN, WHO WISHED TO KNOW, GIVEN THAT A NUMBER OF STREET SLEEPERS DIE EACH WINTER FROM THE COLD, WHAT POSITIVE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN THIS YEAR TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO ACCEPT GOVERNMENT HELP.

MR BARNES SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SEEK OUT AND INFORM STREET SLEEPERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSISTANCE.

IN ADDITION, SOCIAL WORKERS PERSUADE THEM TO ACCEPT HELP, AND TO RECEIVE GUIDANCE ON MATTERS SUCH AS OBTAINING HOUSING, ID CARDS, JOBS, BATHS, HAIRCUTS AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.

GENERAL FORMS OF ASSISTANCE, SUCH AS THE OPENING OF COMMUNITY CENTRES IN WHICH STREET SLEEPERS CAN TAKE SHELTER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE FALLS, AND THE PROVISION OF BLANKETS, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE, SAID MR BARNES.

/FIELD UNITS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

15

FIELD UNITS KEEP A WATCH ON THE MOST VULNERABLE CASES, HE SAID.

SOME STREET SLEEPERS WERE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ASSISTANCE, PARTICULARLY WHERE MENTAL ILLNESS WAS INVOLVED.

♦SUCH PERSONS ARE SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH IF THEY ARE NOT CAUSING ANY OBSTRUCTION OR DISTURBING THE PEACE. I AM CONSIDERING WHAT DIRECT ACTION CAN BE TAKEN WITH REGARD TO THIS PARTICULAR GROUP,+ SAID MR BARNES.

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

NO PLANS TO RAISE ABERDEEN TUNNEL TOLL * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT CONSIDERING AN INCREASE IN TOLLS FOR PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLES USING THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.

BUT IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO KEEP CHARGES UNDER REGULAR REVIEW, HE REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

MR SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C. WONG.

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

HOLIDAYS SAFEGUARDED * * * *

AN AMENDMENT WAS PASSED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE LOSS OF A DAY’S HOLIDAY DUE TO THE COINCIDENCE OF TWO GENERAL HOLIDAYS FALLING ON THE SAME DAY IS AVOIDED.

THE AMENDMENT WAS CONTAINED IN THE HOLIDAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, MOVED THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEAL HENDERSON.

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

BILL TO CLARIFY BUILDING TERMS

XXX

THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983, WHICH SEEKS TO ELIMINATE DOUBTS ABOUT HOW TERMS DESCRIBING VARIOUS TYPES OF BUILDINGS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON CHAN NAI-KEONG, SAID IT WOULD MAKE CLEAR THAT BUILDINGS SUCH AS HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES USED FOR TRANSITORY OCCUPATION WERE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AS DOMESTIC PREMISES.

MR CHAN SAID THE AMENDMENT WOULD ALSO TRANSFER THE DEFINITIONS OF +DOMESTIC BUILDINGS+ AND ASSOCIATED EXPRESSIONS FROM SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION INTO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21. ---------------------------0--------

/16 .....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

16

BOARDS BEING CONSULTED ON ERPS

* * *

ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PILOT ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SCHEME WAS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC FULLY AND TO ASSESS HOW DRIVERS AND THE PUBLIC WOULD REACT TO A FULL SCHEME, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSULTING DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE MATTER AND AN INFORMATION PAPER ON THE SCHEME HAD BEEN SENT TO THE BOARDS, MR SCOTT SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG.

MR SCOTT SAID THAT SO FAR, FOUR BOARDS HAD DISCUSSED THE PAPER, EITHER AS FULL BOARDS OR IN THEIR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES.

♦THE NEED TO TACKLE CONGESTION AND THE NECESSITY FOR MEASURES TO RESTRAIN PRIVATE CARS, BALANCED BY IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND IN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ARE GENERALLY ACCEPTED,+ MR SCOTT POINTED OUT.

BUT HE ADDED, +IT WOULD REGRETTABLY NOT YET BE CORRECT TO SAY THAT EVERYONE IS PERSUADED OF THE VIRTUES OF ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING AS THE MOST ACCEPTABLE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THIS.*

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

REFUSE CHAMBERS TO BECOME MANDATORY * * * *

REGULATIONS WHICH WILL REQUIRE NEARLY ALL NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS TO INCLUDE PLANS FOR REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS SHOULD HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND IMPROVE HYGIENE.

THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM THE HON ANDREW SO WHO ASKED WHAT WAS THE POSITION REGARDING THE PREPARATION OF LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE THE CHAMBERS IN NEW MULTI-STOREYED BUILDINGS.

MR BARNES SAID THAT A BILL HAS BEEN DRAFTED TO AMEND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS RELATING TO MANDATORY PROVISION OF SUCH FACILITIES IN NEW MULTI-STOREYED BUILDINGS AND IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE AMENDMENT BILL SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1984.

IN ADDITION, AND FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION, HE SAID, REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN DRAFTED TO REQUIRE ALL NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, TO INCLUDE PLANS FOR REFUSE STORAGE CHAMBERS IN WHICH ALL REFUSE FROM THE BUILDINGS MAY BE STORED PENDING COLLECTION.

♦THE INTENTION IS TO MINIMISE THE NUMBER OF ON-STREET COLLECTION POINTS AND TO IMPROVE THE HYGIENE CONDITIONS IN MULTI-STOREYED DEVELOPMENTS,♦ SAID MR BARNES.

/17 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 17 -

LACK OF PASSENGERS CANCELS FERRY RUN

X * X

DECLINING USE LED TO THE CANCELLATION OF THE LONG-STANDING FERRY SERVICE SERVING TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0, SAID THE HON ALAN SCOTT, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR SCOTT WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE DIFFICULTIES THE CANCELLATION CAUSED TO VILLAGE AND WHAT STEPS COULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE INTER-VILLAGE KAI-TO SERVICE OPERATES ON A REGULAR BASIS AND AT REASONABLE COST. IN ADDITION, MR CHEUNG WISHED TO BE ASSURED THAT ROAD CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE VILLAGES WOULD BE IMPROVED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.

MR SCOTT ACCEPTED THAT THE CANCELLATION OF THE FERRY SERVICE DID, INDEED, CAUSE INCONVENIENCE BUT SAID THAT IT HAD COME ABOUT THROUGH DECLINING USE.

♦WHEN RECENTLY SURVEYED, THE FERRY WAS CARRYING LESS THAN 100 PASSENGERS PER DAY ON WEEKDAYS. ITS CAPACITY IS FOR OVER 500 PASSENGERS. IT HAS, OBVIOUSLY, BEEN OPERATING AT A CONSIDERABLE LOSS. THE PROPOSAL TO CANCEL IT WAS GIVEN VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND WAS DECIDED WITH THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE,* HE SAID.

THE DECLINE IN USE REFLECTS, TO SOME EXTENT, THE INCREASING USE OF OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORT, SAID MR SCOTT. BOTH TAI 0 AND TUNG CHUNG ARE CONNECTED BY BUS TO MUI WO, WHICH PROVIDES FREQUENT FERRY SERVICES TO CENTRAL.

STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE ROAD SYSTEM LINKING OTHER VILLAGES TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS TO THE BUS NETWORK ON LANTAU.

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

FIGURES GIVEN ON OVERSTAYERS X X M

THERE WERE 2 356 OVERSTAYERS DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI HE SAID THAT, OF THESE, ABOUT 1 620 HAVE BEEN REPATRIATED SO FAR. THERE WERE ONLY TWO CASES OF OVERSTAYERS BEING CONVICTED OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES, OTHER THAN IMMIGRATION OFFENCES, DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS.

ONE WAS CONVICTED OF WASTEFUL EMPLOYMENT OF POLICE RESOURCES AND THE OTHER FOR USING ANOTHER PERSON’S IDENTITY CARD, HE SAID.

0---------

/18 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 18 -

SINGLE ENTITY PROPOSED FOR METHODIST BODIES

* * *

THE METHODIST ORGANISATIONS HAVE FOR OVER A HUNDRED YEARS BROUGHT FAITH, CHARITY AND COMFORT TO THEIR CONGREGATION IN HONG KONG, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.

I BELIEVE THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG, INCORPORATION BILL WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE WORK OF THE METHODIST CHURCH IN HONG KONG IN THE DAYS TO COME*, SHE SAID WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.

THE BILL PROPOSES TO INCORPORATE AN UNINCORPORATED CHRISTIAN ORGANISATION KNOWN AS + THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG* AND CREATES A NEW LEGAL ENTITY WHICH WILL UNITE VARIOUS *METHODIST* ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG IN THEIR STATEMENT OF FAITH, RECOGNITION OF SACRAMENTS AND IN THE OWNERSHIP, CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THEIR ASSETS, PROPERTIES OR TRUST PROPERTIES.

MISS TAM LISTED THE METHODIST ORGANISATIONS WHICH FORMED THE EXISTING UNINCORPORATED + THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG* THE METHODIST CHURCH (UNITED KINGDOM), THE HONG KONG CHINESE DISTRICT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH (UNITED KINGDOM) COMMONLY KNOWN AS ♦TSUN TO KUNG WOO I*, AND + THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG* KNOWN IN HONG KONG AS +WEI LI KUNG HUI*.

SHE SAID THAT THE PROPERTIES HELD BY THESE ORGANISATIONS WERE SET OUT IN THE SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO THE BILL.

UNDER CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL, ALL OF THESE PROPERTIES IN

THE SCHEDULE WILL BE VESTED IN THE NEW +THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG* WITHOUT ASSIGNMENT OR CONVEYANCE OR PAYMENT OF STAMP DUTY*, SHE EXPLAINED.

ALSO, THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WILL EFFECT A VALID

VESTING OF THE LEGAL ESTATE OF PROPERTIES TO +THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG* WHICH ARE AT PRESENT HELD UNDER NEW GRANTS, CONDITIONS OF GRANT AND CROWN LEASES SOME OF WHICH CONTAIN SPECIAL CONDITIONS AGAINST ASSIGNMENT OR ALIENATION BY THE EXISTING GRANTEES OR LESSEES.

CLAUSE 6 OF THE BILL PROVIDES FOR MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION WHOSE POWERS ARE DESCRIBED UNDER CLAUSE 4+, MISS TAM ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

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

/19........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

19

SEA CADET CORPS SEEKS INCORPORATION * * * *

THE INCORPORATION OF THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS WOULD MAKE A MATERIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF THE CORPS’ WORK FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, THE HON F.K. HU SAID TODAY.

HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORES BILL 1983 WHICH SEEKS TO INCORPORATE THE AREA COMMITTEE OF THE CORPS.

TRACING THE HISTORY OF THE SEA CADET CORPS, MR HU SAID THAT IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1968, ON THE DEMISE OF THE ROYAL NAVAL VOLUNTEER RESERVE IN HONG KONG.

♦THE INTENTION WAS TO USE THE ENTHUSIASM AND THE DEDICATION OF SOME OF THE FORMER OFFICERS TO PROVIDE A SERVICE TO YOUTH IN HONG KONG, WITHOUT ANY MILITARY OVERTONES BUT WITH THE GENEROUS ASSISTANCE OF THE ROYAL NAVY,* HE EXPLAINED.

HE SAID THAT THE SEA CADET CORPS HAD COME A LONG WAY SINCE THEN.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE CORPS NOW PROVIDED ORGANISED ACTIVITIES FOR SOME 750 CADETS IN 11 TRAINING UNITS, MR HU ADDED.

ON ACCOMMODATION, MR HU POINTED OUT THAT THE CORPS HAD A SITE AT STANLEY ON A CROWN LAND LICENCE AND A GRANT OF LAND IN SAI KUNG WHERE A SEA ACTIVITIES TRAINING CENTRE HAD BEEN BUILT THROUGH A MUNIFICIENT DONATION FROM SIR SHIU-KIN TANG.

HE SAID THAT TWO FURTHER UNITS WERE BEING SET UP THIS YEAR AND THE CORPS HAD BEEN TOLD THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO GRANT A SITE IN KOWLOON FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HEADQUARTERS AND AS A HOME FOR SEVERAL UNITS.

♦WITH ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TO SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, AND ITS GROWING PROPERTY HOLDINGS, THE CORPS HAS NOW FOUND IT NECESSARY TO SEEK INCORPORATION TO GIVE IT APPROPRIATE LEGAL STATUS,* MR HU SAID.

THE DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

0 -

/20 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 20 -

DISTRICT COURTS’ MONETARY LIMITS RAISED * * * *

A MOTION WAS APPROVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO INCREASE THE MONETARY LIMITS ON CLAIMS THAT CAN BE b£ARD AND DETERMINED IN THE DISTRICT COURT.

THE NEW LIMITS WILL COVER CASES INVOLVING UP TO $60 000 IN ACTIONS IN CONTRACT AND TORT AND $45 000 RATEABLE VALUE IN RELATION TO DISPUTES ABOUT LAND.

MOVING THE RESOLUTION THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID THAT THE EXISTING LIMITS OF $40 000 AND $30 000 RESPECTIVELY, WERE SET BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ORDINANCE 1981. THIS ORDINANCE GAVE EFFECT TO RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN 1979 BY A WORKING PARTY CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE SILKE.

THE PARTY, HAD IN FACT, RECOMMENDED LIMITS OF $50 000 AND $40 000, BUT FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, THE EXISTING LIMITS WERE INTRODUCED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1983.

ALTHOUGH THEY HAD BEEN SET COMPARATIVELY RECENTLY, SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THERE WERE TWO REASONS FOR THEIR REVISION.

FIRSTLY INFLATION SINCE 1979, WHEN THE WORKING PARTY REPORTED, MEANT THAT THE CURRENT LIMITS WERE, IN FACT, MUCH LESS IN REAL TERMS THAN THE GROUP ORIGINALLY PROPOSED.

SECONDLY, PRESSURE ON THE HIGH COURT WOULD BE EASED BY TRANSFERRING SOME OF THE MINOR CLAIMS TO THE DISTRICT COURT WHERE THERE IS SOME SPARE CAPACITY.

AN ADDED BENEFIT WOULD BE A REDUCTION IN COSTS AND DELAYS IN LITIGATION, SINCE THE DISTRICT COURT PROCEDURES ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE SPEEDIER AND LESS EXPENSIVE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

MR THOMAS SAID THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAD PROPOSED THE INCREASE IN LIMITS, TO $60 000 AND $45 000, AND THAT THESE WERE NO HIGHER IN REAL TERMS THAN THOSE RECOMMENDED FOUR YEARS AGO. THE LAW SOCIETY AND THE BAR ASSOCIATION BOTH SUPPORTED THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DISTRICT COURT, HE SAID.

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

300 000 VISIT JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE * * *

THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE HAS ATTRACTED SOME 300 000 VISITS FROM HONG KONG SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN, SAID THE HON DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, IN TABLING THE CENTRE’S 1982/83 ANNUAL REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR BRAY SAID THAT AS WELL AS CATERING FOR TOP SPORTSMEN, THE CENTRE HAS INAUGURATED SEVERAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND HAS HOSTED A SERIES OF INTERNATIONAL EVENTS.

/+THE USE........

WEDNESDAY, DESEMBER 7, 1983

- 21 -

♦THE USE OF BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND SPORING FACILITIES IS BUILDING UP. SOME 300 000 VISITS TO THE CENTRE HAVE BEEN MADE BY HONG KONG SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN. THE CENTRE IS ALSO ATTRACTING OVERSEAS INTEREST AND WAS SPOKEN HIGHLY OF BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE, MR JUAN SAMARANCH, WHEN HE CALLED,* HE SAID.

MR BRAY SAID THAT CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE CENTRE’S COACHES AND THE GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORTS, FROM NATIONAL TO JUNIOR LEVEL, WAS CLEARLY PAYING DIVIDENDS IN TERMS OF IMPROVED INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCES.

HE PRAISED THE SPORTING GROUPS, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE FOR THEIR SUPPORT.

ALL RUNNING COSTS ARE MET BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE GENEROUS FINANCIAL ALLOCATIONS AND PROVIDED MUCH ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.

MR BRAY ALSO MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (AMENDMENT) BILL OF 1983, CHANGING THE CENTRE’S FINANCIAL YEAR TO FIT IN WITH THAT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

THE NEW YEAR WILL RUN FROM JULY 1 TO JUNE 30 EACH YEAR -INSTEAD OF APRIL 1 TO MARCH 31. THE CHANGE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JULY 1 NEXT YEAR WITH THE INTERIM PERIOD BEING ADDED TO THE 1983-84 YEAR.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

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

LEGCO APPROVES FIVE BILLS * * * *

FIVE BILLS WERE APPROVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THEY ARE THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE ENTERTAINMENTS TAX (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE TELECOMMUNICATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE HOLIDAYS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.

SIX BILLS - INCLUDING TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS BILLS - WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED TO DECEMBER 21.

THEY AREs THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1983, THE DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 AND THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983, THE METHODIST CHURCH HONG KONG INCORPORATION BILL 1983, AND THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS BILL 1983.

o --------

/22 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

22

MARKET FORCES ROLE STRESSED BY SIR JOHN * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT FUNDAMENTALLY BELIEVES THAT IT IS NOT ITS BUSINESS TO BE DAILY IN THE MARKET PLACE. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG STOCKBROKERS ASSOCIATION, SIR JOHN SAID, *WE EXPECT THAT INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE APPRECIATE THAT THIS LACK OF INTERFERENCE HELPS THEM TO GET ON WITH THEIR JOB OF PRODUCING AND BUYING AND SELLING.

+AND WE ALSO EXPECT THAT INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE ACCEPT THAT MARKET FORCES MEAN REWARD FOR THE SUCCESSFUL AND NO RETURN FOR THE FAILURES — WITH NO LAME DUCK POLICY BY GOVERNMENT.*

HE SAID THAT TWO MAIN FACTORS GOVERN WHEN AND WHY THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENES IN THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SCENE.

AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE FIRST FACTOR, SIR JOHN REFERRED TO HONG KONG’S LATEST SUCCESS IN EXPORTS WHICH WAS BEING THREATENED BY FACTORS OUTSIDE THE MARKET MOVING TO UNDERMINE THE LOCAL CURRENCY.

♦THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT HESITATE TO ACT. WHEN WE ACTED, WE ACTED DECISIVELY AND WE HAVE RESTORED THE BASE THAT INDUSTRY AND PARTICULARLY OUR EXPORTERS NEEDED,♦ HE STRESSED.

ON THE HANG LUNG BANK AND THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, SIR JOHN SAID, THERE WAS A NEED TO MOVE TO AVOID UNACCEPTABLE COLLAPSE.

THE SECOND GOVERNING FACTOR IS WHEN SELF REGULATION UNDER HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION IS FLOUTED AND THE LAWS AND GOOD NAME OF THE TERRITORY ARE THROWN INTO DISREPUTE.

♦THAT IS WHAT WE CLEARLY DID OVER CARRIAN. AND I DO NOT THINK THAT ANY OF YOU WOULD DOUBT ANY LONGER THAT WHEN WE DECIDE WE MUST ACT, WE ACT WITH VIGOUR,* HE SAID.

BUT THE GOVERNMENT STILL BELIEVES IN THE MERITS OF SELF DISCIPLINE AND REGULATION.

*THAT IS WHY WE HAVE CHOSEN THE PATH TOWARDS DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY COMPANIES TO THEIR SHAREHOLDERS AND THE MARKET.

♦THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT THE FLOW GETS STARTED AND THAT IT IS PROPERLY MONITORED TO ENSURE THE CONTINUANCE OF THE FLOW,* SIR JOHN SAID.

HE PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR WORTHWHILE SERVICE TO THE MANY PRIVATE INVESTORS OF HONG KONG.

NOTING THAT HAPPY STOCKBROKERS WERE GENERALLY A SIGN OF AN ECONOMY WHICH IS DOING WELL, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE TERRITORY’S EXPORTS WERE BOOMING SO MUCH THAT TRANSPORT JUST MANAGED TO COPE.

HE DESCRIBED THE INCREASE IN MOVEMENT OF HONG KONG—MADE GOODS TO BE +LITTLE SHORT OF FANTASTIC* AND SAID THAT THE TERRITORY HAD AGAIN SHOWN ITS RESILIENCE AND ITS SPEED OF RECOVERY.

----o-----

/23.......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 23 -

PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION RESULTS OUT ON FRIDAY ft ft ft ft ft

RESULTS OF THE ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO GO THE THE SCHOOL, TO WHICH THEIR CHILDREN HAVE APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE, ON FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM, OR ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON, TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION.

THIS APPLIES TO ALL PARENTS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL OR NOT, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE NOTED THAT OF THE 77 000 CHILDREN WHO HAD APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS, ABOUT 45 000 WOULD BE OFFERED A PLACE.

REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WITH ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 12 AND 13 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.

PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE SHOULD NOTE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS STIPULATED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.

IF PARENTS ACCEPTED AN OFFER OF A PRIMARY ONE PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN, IT WOULD BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH A SCHOOL ON DECEMBER 12 OR 13 FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT (5-724383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

THOSE WHO FAILED TO DO SO WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM, A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL CAN ACCEPT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 65 PER CENT OF ITS PRIMARY ONE PLACES AS DISCRETIONARY PLACES. THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE.

AS SOME SCHOOLS ARE OVERSUBSCRIBED FOR THEIR DISCRETIONARY PLACES, A NUMBER OF CHILDREN MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATION.

BUT HE ASSURED PARENTS THAT THESE CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH THOSE WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE, WOULD BE CENTRALLY ALLOCATED A PLACE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

/THEY WILL .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7> 1983

- 24 -

THEY WILL BE INFORMED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY LETTER TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DI STR I BUTION/COLLECTI ON CENTRE IN MARCH 1984 TC COLLECT A +CHOICE OF SCHOOLS* FORM AND A LIST OF ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT.

IF A PARENT HAS APPLIED UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE AT A SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT IN WHICH HE LIVES, HE IS STILL ELIGIBLE TO INCLUDE THAT SCHOOL IN HIS PREFERENCE LIST.

OTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WOULD BE ANNOUNCED LATER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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

N.T. TAXI BOUNDARY TO BE RELAXED

*****

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED LIMITED RELAXATION OF THE OPERATIONAL BOUNDARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THE NEW BOUNDARY LIMITS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE EFFECT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR, PENDING COMPLETION OF ALL RELATED WORKS.

UNDER THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY EXTENSIONS, THE ROUTE TWISK AND TUEN MUN ROAD BOUNDARIES WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALLOW N.T. TAXIS TO ENTER THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION.

FROM TAI PO ROAD, N.T. TAXIS WILL BE ABLE TO GO AS FAR AS THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.

IF ACCESS TO TSUEN WAN MTR STATION PROVES SATISFACTORY, A FURTHER EXTENSION INTO SHA TIN AS FAR AS THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN IT OPENS IN 1984.

THE CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BOUNDARY WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED WESTWARD TO COVER TSENG LAN SHUE.

FURTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO ANOTHER PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THIS BOUNDARY EVEN FURTHER TO PROVIDE A STILL MORE CONVENIENT INTERCHANGE POINT FOR RESIDENTS OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT.

COMMENTING ON THE NEW BOUNDARY LIMITS, THE SPOKESMAN SAIDi

♦THIS WILL PROVIDE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI PASSENGERS WITH A BETTER TRANSPORT ACCESS TO THE URBAN AREA AND INTERCHANGE FACILITIES LIKE THE MTR STATIONS.*

♦THESE ADDITIONAL N.T. TAXI ACTIVITIES ALONG THE SPECIFIC ROUTES SHOULD NOT IMPOSE SERIOUS IMPACT UPON THE URBAN TAXI TRADE AS INDICATED BY A SURVEY REPORT RECENTLY CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.

+THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWS THAT N.T. TAXIS WILL NOT OVERLOAD THE ROAD NETWORK IN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.

♦APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED ON THE ROADS ADJOINING THE TERMINI IN THE ABOVE AREAS,* HE SAID.

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/25 .....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

NOTE TO EDITORS:

REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME STARTING * * *

A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME IN SHA TAU KOK, WHICH INCLUDES A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO ACCOMMODATE RESIDENTS AT YIM LIU HA, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND A CROSS-BORDER ROAD LINK, WILL BEGIN IN MAY NEXT YEAR.

DETAILS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TAU KOK RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, SHA TAU KOK.

THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE TAI PO AND FANLING NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR BOB HANNA, AND THE FRONTIER DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR GWYNN LLOYD, WILL BE PRESENT.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.

AS THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE IS IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA, PRESS MEMBERS MUST OBTAIN A CLOSED AREA PERMIT. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICER, MR TONY CHAN, AT 0-6584370 BEFORE FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9) FOR THE REGISTRATION CF THEIR IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS AND NAMES.

A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5617, WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 1 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14) FOR SHA TAU KOK.

- - 0 - -

KOWLOON TO GET NEW LIBRARY * * *

A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A 12-STOREY LIBRARY BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF PUI CHING ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD IN KOWLOON.

THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT $12.4 MILLION, WAS SIGNED BY A CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR EDWIN LI, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF HOI SING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.

MR LI SAID THE UPPER STOREYS OF THE NEW BUILDING WOULD ACCOMMODATE A CENTRAL LIBRARY FOR KOWLOON AND THE DISTRICT LIBRARY WHICH WOULD BE MOVED FROM LEASED PREMISES AT CAMBRIDGE COURT IN WATERLOO ROAD.

FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ON THE LOWER FLOORS WILL INCLUDE A PUBLIC TOILET, TOGETHER WITH A TOILET FOR THE HANDICAPPED, A COVERED SITTING-OUT AREA AND LIBRARY RECEPTION AREAS.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL START NEXT WEEK AND BE COMPLETED IN MAY, 1985.

0 - -

/26

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

26

SEIZED NARCOTICS BURNED * * *

ABOUT 446.5 KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS, WORTH ABOUT $26.7 MILLION

AT STREET PRICES, WERE DESTROYED IN THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT A CEREMONY HELD AS PART OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.

THE DRUGS HAD BEEN SEIZED BY THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND LATER RELEASED BY THE COURTS FOR DESTRUCTION.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS EXPLAINED THAT SUCH BURNINGS WERE REGULARLY CARRIED OUT UNDER STRICT SECURITY, AND IN PRIVATE.

TODAY’S PUBLIC BURNING SERVED TWO PURPOSESi TO IMPRESS ON THE COMMUNITY THE MENACE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE, ESPECIALLY TO THE YOUNGER MEMBERS AND TO THANK AND SHOW CONFIDENCE IN THE POLICE FORCE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.

SIR ALBERT SAID THAT, WITHOUT THE VIGILANCE OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE NARCOTICS THAT WERE BURNED WOULD HAVE GONE INTO THE VEINS OF THOSE ON THE LOWEST RUNGS OF SOCIETY, WHO FORMED THE BULK OF HONG KONG’S ADDICTS.

HE PRAISED THE TWO SERVICES FOR THEIR SUCCESS IN THE ANTI-DRUG FIGHT AND SAID THEY WORKED UNDER GREAT DIFFICULTIES IN HONG KONG’S FREE PORT AND EXCHANGE SYSTEMS.

SIR ALBERT SPOKE OF THE +ENORMOUS PROBLEM* OF LOOKING

FOR DRUGS IN THE 28 MILLION TONS OF CARGO ARRIVING EVERY YEAR AND AMONG THE EIGHT MILLION INCOMING PASSENGERS, REPRESENTING 97 000 SHIP AND AIRCRAFT MOVEMENTS.

♦YET AGAINST THESE ODDS, +OUR TWO SERVICES HAVE ACHIEVED SUCCESSES WHICH, OVER THE YEARS, HAVE EARNED FOR THEM AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION FOR OUTSTANDING EXPERTISE, COMPETENCE AND DEDICATION,+ HE SAID.

DESPITE THESE ENCOURAGING ACHIEVEMENTS, HOWEVER, HONG KONG WAS NOW FACING YET ANOTHER CHALLENGE, HE WARNED.

♦FOLLOWING THREE SUCCESSIVE BUMPER OPIUM CROPS IN

THE ’GOLDEN TRIANGLE* SINCE 1981, AND THE LOSS OF MUCH OF THEIR FORMER LUCRATIVE MARKETS IN EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA TO HEROIN FROM SOUTHWEST ASIA, DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA ARE MARKETING THEIR EVIL PRODUCTS MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVELY IN THIS REGION, IN AUSTRALASIA AND IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

SIR ALBERT POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS SEIZED MORE DRUGS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE WHOLE OF 1982.

♦DESPITE THIS SUCCESS, THERE IS NOW A GREATER AVAILABILITY CF DRUGS ON THE STREETS, AND PRICES ARE AT A VERY LOW LEVEL,+ HE SAID.

/♦AGAINST THIS........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1983

- 27 -

♦AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, THE DECLINING TREND IN DRUG ADDICTION SINCE 1974 WAS REVERSED IN 1981, AND ALL DRUG-RELATED INDICATORS ARE SUCH THAT THE SITUATION MUST CAUSE CONCERN TO ALL OF US,+ HE CONTINUED.

♦WE MUST THEREFORE CONTINUE TO STEP UP OUR ANTI-NARCOTICS EFFORTS IN ALL FIELDS - LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT, PREVENTION AND INTERNATIONAL ACTION,♦ SIR ALBERT STRESSED.

SIR ALBERT ALSO APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO REPORT TO THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS SERVICE ANY SUSPICIONS THEY MAY HAVE CONCERNING NARCOTIC DRUGS.

NOTE TO EDlTORSi

SOUVENIR PRESENTATION

* * ft ft

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS OF THIS YEAR’S CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 6 PM IN THE ISLAND ROOM OF HOTEL FURAMA IN CENTRAL.

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NOTE TO EDITORS i

MEET THE MEDIA ft ft ft

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, AT 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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

RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED ft ft ft ft

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9), RIGHT TURN MOVEMENT FROM THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD NORTH INTO SAN LAU STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED.

MOTORISTS USING THIS SECTION OF ROAD ARE ADVISED TO PROCEED VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, SAN WAI STREET, GILLIES AVENUE AND SAN LAU STREET.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIR PHILIP LOOKS OVER PO LEUNG KUK'S WORK .................... 1

A YEAR OF CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY AHEAD .................... 1

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW .................................. 3

GOVERNOR TO OPEN SPORTS FESTIVAL ............................. 3

CONTRACTORS' ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR OBJECTIVES .............. 4

SEPTEMBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE........ 5

BOARD MEMBERS DISCUSS DISTRICT PROBLEMS ...................... 9

STEPS TAKEN TO EASE PROPERTY MARKET PROBLEMS ................. 9

FIGHT CRIME EFFORT TO BE STRENGTHENED ........................ 11

MORE CARE COULD PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ................. 12

HISTORICAL BULLETIN ON CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLISHED.......... 13

NEW CODE ON WIND EFFECTS INTRODUCED .......................... 13

COUNTRY PARKS TO REMAIN CLOSED ............................... 14

SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH .............................. 14

TENNET INSTRUCTORS' COURSE OFFERED ........................... 15

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT ALDRICH STREET ........................ 15

MOVING OFFICE ................................................ 16

TV AUDIENCE SURVEY RESULTS ................................... 16

FIRE SERVICES TO RUN ......................................... 1$

NEW KAITO SERVICE FOR VILLAGERS .............................- 17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

1

SIR PHILIP LOOKS OVER PO LEUNG KUK’S WORK

* * * *

THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY SCHOOL AND THE PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP TO SEE SOME OF THE KUK’S WORK.

SIR PHILIP, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE SCHOOL IN CHOI WAN ESTATE BY THE KUK’S CHAIRMAN, MR NG SHUI-CHIU, AND THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

SIR PHILIP THEN TOURED THE SCHOOL PREMISES AND SAW THE WORKSHOPS, CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS FOR VARIOUS SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.

HE WAS TOLD THAT THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED IN 1978 AS A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED SCHOOL FOR MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN FROM SIX TO 15 YEARS OF AGE. SINCE THEN IT HAS EXPANDED TO ITS PRESENT FULL CAPACITY OF 100 PUPILS AND IS OFFERING COURSES FOR BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS.

BEFORE LEAVING, SIR PHILIP WAS PRESENTED BY A STUDENT WITH A PIECE OF POTTERY AS A SOUVENIR.

SIR PHILIP AND MRS WONG THEN PROCEEDED TO THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG. THEY WERE GREETED BY THE DIRECTORS OF THE KUK, AND WERE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS FACILITIES OF THE CAMP WHICH IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON A BOOKING SYSTEM.

THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE CAMP TO SEE SOME OF THE FAMILY AND GROUP HOSTELS, THE-SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AND THE GYMNASIUM.

THE CAMP SITE WAS GRANTED FREE TO THE KUK, AND THE CAMP STARTED OPERATING ON A NON-PROFIT-MAKING BASIS IN 1979. IT CAN NOW ACCOMMODATE UP TO 320 OVERNIGHT CAMPERS AND 250 DAY CAMPERS AT ANY ONE TIME, EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 200 000 CAMPER-TRIPS ANNUALLY.

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A ROLLER SKATING RINK, AN ARCHERY YARD, CANOES, BOATS, BICYCLES, BADMINTON COURTS AND ACTIVITY ROOMS. QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS ARE HIRED TO LEAD RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES.

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A YEAR OF CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY AHEAD X * * *

THE YEAR 1984 FOR HONG KONG IS A YEAR OF CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY, FURTHER CHANGE AND FURTHER PROGRESS! IT IS NOT THE WORLD OF GEORGE ORWELL’S +NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR+.

THIS WAS PREDICTED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT A LUNCHEON GATHERING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN.

+THE WORK OF THE 10 YEARS BEFORE 1984 SET THE TASKS FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS. MUCH OF THE WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN, HOW MUCH MORE THERE IS STILL TO D0,+ HE SAID.

/looking back........

THURkuMi, DECEMBER 8, 1983'

- 2 -

LOOKING BACK AT THE WORK AND CHANGES ACCOMPLISHED, HE SAID: +THE PAST 10 YEARS SAW GIANT STRIDES IN OUR SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND THE PUBLICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPERS ON EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES, TRANSPORT AND DISTR ICT ADMINISTRATION.

♦THE LAST 10 YEARS SAW THE OPENING OF THE COUNTRY PARKS, OCEAN PARK, THE ARTS CENTRE, AND THE SPACE MUSEUM, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, KO SHAN THEATRE, AND THE COLISEUM.

♦HOW EMPTY THE YEARS BEFORE THE 1970’S SEEM WITHOUT THESE GREAT IMPROVEMENTS.’*

(

MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE FOUR MAJOR RECLAMATIONS IN KOWLOON AND EIGHT ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE PAST DECADE.

♦URBAN GROWTH SAW THE DEVELOPMENT OF EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF ALMOST THE WHOLE OF THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN SHORES OF HONG KONG ISLAND,+ HE SAID.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF MAJOR FACILITIES, SUCH AS THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE COAL-BURNING POWER STATIONS AT CASTLE PEAK AND LAMMA AS WELL AS THE CONTAINER PORT IN KWAI CHUNG, WERE ALL COMPLETED IN THE PAST DECADE.

♦IN 1973, WE BUILT 8 000 HOUSING UNITS, IN 1983, 38 300, PROVIDING HOMES FOR ABOUT 200 000 PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.

SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND ADMINISTRATION DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS THE SETTING UP OF DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE ALSO OPENED NEW HORIZONS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, WHICH HAS GROWN FROM FOUR MILLION IN 1973 TO THE PRESENT 5.2 MILLION.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID PERHAPS THE MOST DRAMATIC CHANGES HAD TAKEN PLACE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, +BUT THESE CHANGES WILL NOT STOP IN 1984 AND WHAT WAS BEGUN IN THE SEVENTIES WILL NOT BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF THE EIGHTIES.+

HE CITED THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO NEW TOWNS - SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN - TO ILLUSTRATE THE KIND OF CHANGES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.

♦YUEN LONG, FAN LING AND TAI PO ARE ALL IN THE MIDST OF DEVELOPMENT WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL 1990 AND BEYOND AND WILL TAKE THE POPULATION OF EACH OF THESE TOWNS ABOVE THE TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND MARK,+ HE SAID.

HE NOTED THAT IT WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO SPEAK OF SEPARATE GEOGRAPHICAL REGIONS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IN VIEW OF THE NUMEROUS SINEWS OF ROADS, RAILWAYS AND WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY LINES BUILT IN THE LAST DECADE LINKING DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY TOGETHER.

/♦AND, JUST.........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

♦ AND, JUST AS THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE HAS INTEGRATED THE GEOGRAPHICAL PARTS INTO ONE UNIFIED URBAN ENTITY, SO, TOO, SOCIAL PROGRAMMES AND ADMINISTRATION DEVELOPMENT HAVE PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PARTICIPATION IN THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH WERE UNKNOWN 10 YEARS AGO,+ HE SAID.

♦NOW EVERYONE OVER THE AGE OF 21 WITH SEVEN YEARS RESIDENCE HAS A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE THROUGH ELECTIONS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THEIR DISTRICTS.

♦THERE ARE A MILLION PEOPLE ON THE ELECTORAL ROLE AND MORE WILL JOIN THEM FOR THE ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN 1985 TO DECIDE THE COMPOSITION OF THE BOARDS FOR THE YEARS AHEAD,+ HE SAID.

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NOTE TO EDITORSi

GOVERNOR RETURNING TOMORROW

* * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL RETURN FROM PEKING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTER ATTENDING ANOTHER TWO DAYS OF SI NO-BRITISH TALKS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

HE WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 103, ETA 1.55 PM.

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER SIR EDWARD’S RETURN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM NOT LATER THAN 12.45 PM. 6 IS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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

NOTE TO EDITORSi

GOVERNOR TO OPEN SPORTS FESTIVAL SIX

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF TAI PO’S FIRST DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL AND THE PURPOSE-BUILT LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10).

THE CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE SITUATED AT ON CHEUNG ROAD OPPOSITE THE NO. 2 CARPARK IN TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER FOR TAI PO AT 9.45 AM.

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

/4 .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198.3

- 4 -

CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION PRAISED FOR OBJECTIVES * * * *

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE RECENTLY-FORMED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION WERE PRAISED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION MARKING THE FORMATION IN OCTOBER OF THE ASSOCIATION, WHOSE FIRST PRESIDENT IS MR F.K. HU.

HE SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD INCLUDED AMONG ITS OBJECTIVES THE ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS FOR THE CONDUCT OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTING IN HONG KONG, PROMOTING THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE PROFESSION OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS AND PREPARATION AND PUBLICATION OF MODEL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT.

+1 BELIEVE THAT THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE AIMS WILL NOT ONLY BRING ABOUT A GREATER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN YOUR MEMBERS AND THE GOVERNMENT, BUT WILL SIMILARLY LEAD TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING WITH CONSULTANTS AND CLIENTS IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY THE LATTER, WITH WHICH YOUR BUSINESSES ARE CLOSELY RELATED,+ MR CHAN SAID.

HE SAID CONTRACT MANAGEMENT HAD ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE WORKS DEPARTMENTS FOR WHICH HE HAD POLICY RESPONSIBILITY.

AS WITH ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF CONSTRUCTION, CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT HAD TO BE REGULARLY UPDATED.

AS LONG AGO AS 1965, A STANDING COMMITTEE ON ARCHITECTURAL AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT WAS ESTABLISHED IN WHAT WAS THEN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

ALTHOUGH THE P.W.D. HAD DISAPPEARED, AND ITS CONSTITUENT PARTS HAD EMERGED AS INDEPENDENT DEPARTMENTS, THIS COMMITTEE CONTINUED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH ADVICE ON THE REVISION OF CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT, NOT ONLY FOR ARCHITECTURAL WORKS AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION, BUT ALSO FOR ISSUES ARISING FROM THE CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING WORKS.

♦ IT IS THEREFORE ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT YOUR MEMBERS ARE NOW WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME END AS THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS RESPECT,* CHAN SAID.

HE SAID THE ASSOCIATION’S OFFER TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS CURRENT AND FUTURE WORK HAD BEEN NOTED.

♦IN TURN, I HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSIST YOUR ASSOCIATION IN ACHIEVING ITS OBJECTIVES BY PROVIDING A GOOD COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN US,+ HE SAID.

TO THIS END, HE SAID THAT, FOLLOWING A MEETING IN OCTOBER BETWEEN THE ASSOCIATION AND THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, A NEW COMMITTEE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND BUILDING SERVICES CONTRACTORS’ CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WAS FORMED.

/THREE MEMBERS .......

1HUBSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

- 5 -

THREE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION WOULD SIT ON THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEETINGS WOULD BE HELD QUARTERLY.

THE SETTING UP OF THE COMMITTEE WAS MADE KNOWN TO ALL ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND BUILDING SERVICES CONTRACTORS ON THE LANDS AND WORKS APPROVED LISTS, AND TO OTHER ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN HONG KONG.

♦I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THIS CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, BY EXCHANGING VIEWS ON MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST BETWEEN YOUR ASSOCIATION AND GOVERNMENT, WILL ACHIEVE MUCH FOR THE BENEFIT OF PUBLIC WORKS IN HONG KONG,+ MR CHAN CONCLUDED.

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

SEPTEMBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE

*****

THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 14 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY SO THAT, FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY 14 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1983, AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1982, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

MEANWHILE, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 19 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) DROPPED BY FOUR PER CENT. •

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 20 PER CENT SO THAT AN 18 PER CENT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.

MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT.

SINCE THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY SEVEN PER CENT IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1983, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 12 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

AS THE PRICES OF IMPORTS WERE 10 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE SAME PERIOD, IMPORTS RECORDED A SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH IN VOLUME TERMS.

WHEN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IS COMPARED WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1982, THE PRICES OF IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY SEVEN PER CENT AND THOSE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY SIX PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS BOTH INCREASED BY EIGHT PER CENT, THUS GIVING AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILE, A FIVE PER CENT INCREASE WAS RECORDED IN THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS.

/PRICES Aiffi......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

6

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.

AS SEEN FROM TABLE 1. THE EXPORT PRICES OF ALL COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, FROM THREE PER CENT FOR FOOTWEAR TO 23 PER CENT FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP.

DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+188 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+60 PER CENT), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+50 PER CENT), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+40 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE FABRICS (+38 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, MODERATE DECREASES IN EXPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-5 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-14 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED, FROM 13 PER CENT FOR FUELS TO 22 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS.

MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECREASED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING VEGETABLES, FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS, RICE AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AMD COFFEE AND SUGAR INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.

IN THE CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES, RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS, MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS AND CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED FOR PASSENGER MOTORCARS.

THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE.

AMONG THEM, SILK FABRICS, WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR, BASE METALS EXCLUDING IRON AND STEEL, LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS, THERMIONIC, CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS, COTTON YARN AND THREAD, PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS AND YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.

HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND BUILDING MATERIALS EXCEPT GLASS, FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AND WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK, DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.

/IMPORTS OF .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

- 7 -

IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE INSIGNIFICANTLY IN VOLUME TERMS.

IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL TYPES DECREASED MODERATELY. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY WERE RECORDED.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

AS SHOWN IN TABLE 3, RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF NEARLY ALL ENDUSE CATEGORIES (EXCEPT FUELS) INCREASED, FROM SEVEN PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 34 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1983 ISSUE OF THE + HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$2 PER COPY.

TABLE 1 l CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1983 WITH SEPTEMBER 1982

COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME

CLOTHING (EXCEPT FUR) * 31% ♦14% ♦ 15%

TEXTILE FABRICS ♦ 53% + 11% ♦ 38%

textile YARN AND THREAD ♦ 55% *10% + 40%

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES * 54% *18% + 30%

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS * 2% ♦ 7% - 5%

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS ♦ 78% *11% + 60%

FOOTWEAR + 26% + 3% ♦ 22%

METAL MANUFACTURES + 33% ♦ 4% ♦ 28%

METAL ORES AND SCRAP *253% ♦23% + 188%

WATCHES AND CLOCKS INSIGNIFICANT ♦ 16% - 14%

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES ♦ 19% + 14% + 5%

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES * 67% ♦ 11% + 50%

ALL COMMODITIES * 34% ♦14% + 17%

/TABLE 2 .........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

8

TABLE 2 i CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1983 WITH SEPTEMBER 1982

END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME

FOODSTUFFS ♦ 11% ♦15% - 3%

CONSUMER GOODS ♦ 30% +22% ♦ 6%

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ♦48% ♦ 18% ♦ 25%

FUELS + 13% +13% INSIGNIFICANT

CAPITAL GOODS - +17% ♦ 20% - 2%

ALL COMMODITIES +31% ♦ 19% ♦ 10%

TABLE 3 » CHANGES COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1983 WITH SEPTEMBER 1982

END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE VOLUME

FOODSTUFFS ♦ 22% ♦15% + 7%

CONSUMER GOODS ♦ 34% ♦ 14% ♦ 18%

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES + 51% ♦ 13% + 34%

FUELS -69% + 19% -74%

CAPITAL GOODS ♦ 25% ♦ 12% + 12%

ALL COMMODITIES ♦36% ♦ 13% ♦ 20%

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

/9 ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

BOARD MEMBERS DISCUSS DISTRICT PROBLEMS *****

MEMBERS OF KWUN TONG AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS TODAY (THURSDAY) EXCHANGED EXPERIENCES IN TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, 11 YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CALLED ON THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN KWUN TONG TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT’S RECENT DEVELOPMENTS.

FOLLOWING A BRIEFING BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, KEVIN MAK, THE VISITING PARTY FIRST HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE ROOF OF A BUILDING IN SAU MAU PING ESTATE.

THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE 1 600 RESIDENTS IN THE ON LOK VILLAGE SQUATTER AREA, INCLUDING THE SETTING UP OF FIRE-BREAKS AND PROVISION OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

THEY THEN TOURED THE SHUN CHI COURT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME IN SHUN LEE ESTATE AND PAID A FRIENDLY VISIT TO A FAMILY.

IN THE AFTERNOON, THE VISITORS LOOKED AT THE MARKET AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE NGAU TAU KOK MARKET COMPLEX.

THEY LATER VISITED THE DISTRICT’S INDUSTRIAL AREA WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE BOARD’S EFFORTS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION AND ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF REAR LANES.

THE VISITING PARTY WAS ALSO TOLD OF THE PROBLEMS OF OBSTRUCTION BY HAWKER ACTIVITIES, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN YUE MAN SQUARE.

- - 0 - -

STEPS TAKEN TO EASE PROPERTY MARKET PROBLEMS *****

AN OUTLINE OF SOME MEASURES THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS TO ALLEVIATE PROBLEMS ARISING IN THE DEPRESSED PROPERTY MARKET WAS GIVEN TODAY BY THE CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR (VALUATION) OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR THOMAS HO.

MR HO TOLD THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH THAT ONE OF THE MEASURES HAD BEEN .THAT APPLICATIONS FOR MODIFICATIONS AT PREMIUM COULD BE MADE ON A SITE-BY-SITE BASIS TO REDUCE LARGE FLAT SIZES AS STATED IN THE ORIGINAL SALE CONDITIONS OF THE LOT.

EACH CASE WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS IN THE LIGHT OF PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, TRAFFIC AND OTHER NECESSARY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.

/IN THE

THURSDAY, DECiJMBEH 8, 1983'

10

IN THE CASE OF A LARGE INDUSTRIAL SITE CAPABLE OF SUB-DIVISION WHERE THE LESSEE WAS REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT SUBSTANTIAL INFRASTRUCTURAL WORK WHICH WOULD ULTIMATELY BE HANDED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND WHERE THE LESSEE FAILED TO KEEP UP INSTALMENT PAYMENTS, IT MIGHT NOW BE POSSIBLE FOR HIM TO APPLY TO RETAIN A PORTION OF THE SITE AND SURRENDER THE REMAINDER TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR DISPOSAL, PROVIDED THAT THE LESSEE UNDERTOOK TO COMPLETE THE INFRA-STRUCTURAL WORK.

IN RECOGNITION OF THE SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES CURRENTLY BEING EXPERIENCED BY DEVELOPERS, A FIRST-YEAR FREE BUILDING COVENANT EXTENSION IN RESPECT OF COVENANTS EXPIRING ON OR AFTER JUNE 30, 1983, WOULD BE ALLOWED WITH CORRESPONDING ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO THE PREMIA PAYABLE FOR SECOND YEAR AND SUBSEQUENT EXTENSIONS,* MR HO SAID.

IN CASES OF DELAY WHICH HAD OCCURRED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE DEVELOPER, THE DEVELOPER WOULD BE GRANTED WHATEVER PERIOD OF ’FREE’ EXTENSION WAS RELEVANT AS IF IT WERE PART OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING COVENANT. THEN, ON EXPIRY, THE PRESENT NEW POLICY WOULD APPLY. THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD BE IN FORCE FOR TWO YEARS FROM JULY 1, 1983, AND A REVIEW THEN UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS THE NEED FOR IT TO CONTINUE.

MR HO SAID FAILURE TO PAY AN INSTALMENT WAS A BREACH OF LEASE CONDITIONS AND RENDERED THE LOT LIABLE TO RE-ENTRY. HE SAID A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED REQUESTING EXTENSION OF TIME FOR PAYMENT OF INSTALMENTS.

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED THE FLEXIBLE APPROACH OF ALLOWING INSTALMENTS TO BE DEFERRED - ON APPLICATION AND WITH JUSTIFICATIONS - GENERALLY FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS,♦ MR HO SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT, WHICH WOULD ALLOW DEVELOPERS TO ESTABLISH A CASH FLOW OR RAISE NECESSARY FINANCE, WOULD NORMALLY APPLY TO THOSE CASES IN WHICH DEVELOPMENT WAS PROCEEDING WELL ON THE SITE.

OTHER MEASURES, MR HO SAID, HAD BEEN THE ♦MONET I SATION+ OF LETTERS B AND THE SUSPENSION OF THE REQUIREMENT TO INCLUDE A PROPORTION OF SMALL UNITS WHEN SELLING CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL LOTS OF UP TO 3 000 SQUARE METRES IN AREA.

MR HO RECALLED +A COUPLE OF POSITIVE APPROACHES* IN THE DISPOSAL OF LAND.

HE SAID THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAD RE-ADJUSTED THE PLOT RATIOS AND SITE SIZES OF INDUSTRIAL LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES; LETTERS A/B TENDERS FOR LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL LAND WERE OFFERED WITH THE CONVERSION RATIO OF Hl ON THE BASIS OF THE SURRENDER OF THE HIGHEST AMOUNTS OF LETTERS B; AND, CONCERNING THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME, THE PUBLIC WERE BEING OFFERED TWO SETS OF SALE ITEMS. AS REGARDS ONE, ON THE ACTIVE LIST, GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO ARRANGE PUBLIC AUCTION OR TENDERS, AND IN REGARD TO ANOTHER ON THE APPLICATION LIST, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY TRANSFER THE SITE TO THE ACTIVE LIST ON APPLICATION.

IN SHORT,+ MR HO SAID, +THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE A FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE TO COPE WITH THE EVER-CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS.

/+THE LANDS........

THURSDAY, DECSHB2R 8, 1983

11 -

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL ALWAYS LISTEN TO ADVICE FROM PEOPLE IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE SO THAT WE WILL NOT LOSE SIGHT OF ANY ASPECT WHILST DEVISING THE APPROPRIATE POLICIES.+

MR HO SAID THE LAND AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR REPRESENTED A CERTAIN PROPORTION OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. ITS ACTIVITIES WERE BOUND TO HAVE INTER-RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE OF OTHER SECTORS.

IT IS CONSTANTLY SAID WE ARE ADVOCATING A LAISSEZ-FAIRE ECONOMIC POLICY,♦ MR HO SAID.

WE ARE. NEVERTHELESS, THE PROPERTY MARKET HAS BEEN OPERATING WITHIN A LEGAL, INSTITUTIONAL AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK WITH GOVERNMENT’S INTERVENTION BEING KEPT TO THE MINIMUM.

GOVERNMENT SEES IT AS A DUTY TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH, SO AS TO ALLOW THE PROPERTY SECTOR TO RESPOND TO CHANGING DEMAND SO THAT ITS TRANSACTIONS TEND TO BENEFIT THE ECONOMY AT LARGE*.

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

FIGHT CRIME EFFORT TO BE STRENGTHENED

*****

A SEPARATE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl WILL SOON BE SET UP, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TAM WINGPONG SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

AT A MEETING WITH 150 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICE-BEARERS AND LOCAL LEADERS, MR TAM POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THERE WAS ONLY ONE SUCH COMMITTEE SERVING THE THREE DISTRICTS OF TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl.

DUE TO THE POPULATION GROWTH IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl, PROBLEMS RELATING TO LAW AND ORDER HAVE BECOME MORE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT,♦ HE SAID.

IT IS FELT THAT A SEPARATE COMMITTEE IS NEEDED FOR KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl TO HANDLE FIGHT CRIME WORK MORE EFFICIENTLY. THE PROPOSAL HAS BEEN AGREED BY THE POLICE.♦

BUT MR TAM STRESSED THAT EVEN IF A SEPARATE COMMITTEE WAS TO BE SET UP, SUPPORT FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS WAS STILL NEEDED.

HE SAID THE WORK OF THE DFCCS, WHICH HAD BEEN SET UP IN ALL THE 18 DISTRICTS, WAS COORDINATED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.

THE MAJOR TASKS OF THESE COMMITTEES ARE TO REVIEW REGULARLY THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE DISTRICTS, TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC'S POINT OF VIEW, TO COORDINATE THE VARIOUS RESOURCES IN THE DISTRICTS TO HELP POLICE FIGHT CRIME, AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE REGARDING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN FIGHT CRIME WORK.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

- 12 -

MORE CARE COULD PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS * * * *

INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE COSTLY NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF LARGE MONETARY COMPENSATIONS, DAMAGED MACHINERY AND DISRUPTIONS TO PRODUCTION, BUT MOST REMORSEFUL OF ALL, THE LOSS OF HUMAN LIVES, WONG LAA, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR FOR EMPLOYEES IN HONG KONG ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION.

HE SAID THAT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE UNNECESSARY BECAUSE MOST OF THEM COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH MORE CARE AND PATIENCE AND THE UNDERTAKING OF SIMPLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES.

♦THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 30 678 ACCIDENTS IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1983, INCLUDING 67 FATALITIES, REPRESENTING A DROP OF SIX PER CENT IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND A FALL OF 16 PER CENT IN FATAL CASES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR.*

♦THIS IMPROVEMENT IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE RESULT OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY,♦ MR WONG POINTED OUT.

HE ALSO TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS THAT THEY SHOULD, APART FROM LISTENING TO GUEST SPEAKERS, EXPRESS THEMSELVES AND EXCHANGE VIEWS DURING THE DISCUSSION SESSIONS.

THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR, AN ANNUAL EVENT IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, ATTRACTED 300 SUPERVISORS AND FOREMEN IN THE INDUSTRIAL CONCERN.

SAFETY PROFESSIONALS, ACADEMICS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE AMONG THE GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR.

THEY INCLUDEDi MR CHAN TAT-KING, DEPUTY CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR) DR CHAN KAI-MING, LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF ORTHOPAEDIC AND TRAUMATIC SURGERY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’ DR MA PO-LING, SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH OFFICER} MR LAM TAI-HING, LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG) MR LAN YUK-KEUNG, LABOUR OFFICER! AND MR DOMINIC LAI OF TAI KOO ROYAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

13

HISTORICAL BULLETIN ON CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLISHED

* * *

A COMMEMORATIVE BULLETIN ON THE HISTORICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WAS PRESENTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

THE 96-PAGE BULLETIN, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO MARK THE FIRST FESTIVAL HELD IN THE DISTRICT A MONTH AGO.

THE BULLETIN IS ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND MAPS AND OUTLINES THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES, THE HISTORY OF NAM PAK HONG AND TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, RETAIL BUSINESS IN THE DISTRICT AND DEVELOPMENT OF GOLD TRADING IN HONG KONG.

OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE A REVIEW ON SOME TRANSPORT ISSUES IN THE DISTRICT, URBAN RENEWAL AND HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

AT THIS EVENING’S CEREMONY, MR AKERS-JONES PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS OF THE FESTIVAL.

- - o - -

NEW CODE ON WIND EFFECTS INTRODUCED * * *

A NEW CODE OF PRACTICE ON WIND EFFECTS CAME INTO FORCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR NG SAI-HO, REVEALED AT A ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON MEETING.

MR NG SAID A CODE ON THIS TOPIC WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG IN 1959.

IN 1968, IT WAS EXTENDED TO INCLUDE WIND LOADS FOR TALLER BUILDINGS AND THE CORRESPONDING METRIC VERSION WAS PUBLISHED IN 1976.

HE SAID THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE IN THE NEW CODE WAS THE ADOPTION OF GUST VELOCITY AS THE BASIS FOR DESIGN AND THE ASSESSMENT OF PROBABLE WIND SPEEDS ON A STATISTICAL BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECORDS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

♦THE NEW EDITION TREATS WIND LOADING IN A MORE REALISTIC AND MORE PRECISE MANNER, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION TOPOGRAPHICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS,+ MR NG SAID.

HE SAID THIS MOVE FOLLOWED A SIMILAR APPROACH TO THAT ADOPTED BY BRITAIN AND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES.

♦IN ESSENCE IT FOLLOWS THE LATEST BRITISH STANDARD CODE OF PRACTICE, BUT GIVES WIND PRESSURES RELATED TO THE LOCAL TOPOGRAPHY CF HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY OVER STEEP SLOPES AND IN BUILT UP AREAS,* MR NG SAID.

/HE POINTED

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

- 14 -

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW EDITION ALSO USED WIND DATA THAT HAD BECOME AVAILABLE SINCE 1976 FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

WHEN FURTHER DATA BECAME AVAILABLE, HE ADDED, THE CODE WOULD BE REVIEWED AND POSSIBLY UPDATED.

MR NG SAID THE NEW CODE HAD BEEN PREPARED BY A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE WORKING PARTY REVIEWING THE BUILDING (CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS, WHICH INCLUDED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS REPRESENTING PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

THE WORKING PARTY HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION VIEWS OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING ESTABLISHMENTS IN AND PRIVATE SECTORS.

THE COMMENTS AND BOTH THE PUBLIC

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

COUNTRY PARKS TO REMAIN CLOSED

* * * *

THE TAI LAM, SHING MUN, TAI MO SHAN AND POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE PARKS WERE CLOSED LAST WEEK BECAUSE OF THE FIRE RISK AND THE ORDER WAS RECONFIRMED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN.

—OFFICIALS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMFNt and Jac uATrn OBSERVATORY MET TODAY TO RECONSIDER THE POSITION IT WAS NOTED AT THE MEETING THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO RAIN FOR DAV<? AND THERE WAS STILL A LOT OF VEGETATION FUEL IN THE VULNERABLE ’

PARKS.

THE CLOSURE ORDER ALSO INCLUDES THE RESERVOIRS IN THE AFFECTED PARKS AS WELL AS STAGES SEVEN TO 10 OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL.

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

SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

* * *

TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN FOUR IDENTICAL SEMINARS ON THE USE OF THE WIRELESS INDUCTION LOOP SYSTEM IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, AND WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRE’S OFFICE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG FROM JANUARY 23 TO 27.

EACH OF THE SEMINARS IS OF TWO HOURS’ DURATION. THERE WILL BE SHORT TALKS ON THE DIFFERENT MODES OF UTILISING THE SYSTEM TO PROMOTE PUPILS’ LISTENING SKILLS, MAINTENANCE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND ADMINISTERING A TAPED PROGRAMME IN AN ENGLISH LESSON.

/TH3RE WILL .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

15

THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR 40 TEACHERS AT EACH SEMINAR. APPLICATIONS WILL THEREFORE BE TREATED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO SEND IN THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 12.

ALL ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CENTRE ON TELEPHONE NO. 5-482537.

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TENNET INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE OFFERED * * * *

THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TENNET ASSOCIATION ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A TRAINING COURSE FOR TENNET COACHES, STARTING FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

THOSE AGED 21 OR ABOVE AND WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE IN PLAYING TENNET ARE URGED TO APPLY BEFORE DECEMBER 15.

’THE COURSE IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE SPORT THROUGH TRAINING MORE COACHES,’ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR RSS.

CERTIFICATES WILL BE GIVEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE REGULARLY ATTENDED THE CLASSES AND HAVE PASSED AN EXAMINATION.

CLASSES WILL BE HELD EVERY SATURDAY FROM JANUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 18, NEXT YEAR AT LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.

INSTRUCTORS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE ASSOCIATION SPORTS CLOTHES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.

SUITABLE

UMIT^W ™E C0URSE ,S *20 AND THE NUMBER 0F PLACES IS

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE 11/F WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL OR ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT the territory.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE TELEPHONE 5-458511.

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT ALDRICH STREET * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10), THE SECTION OF ALDRICH STREET BETWEEN FACTORY STREET AND NAM ON STREET WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORK.

DURING THIS PERIOD, A TEMPORARY ROAD CONNECTING FACTORY STREET AND NAM ON STREET WILL BE PROVIDED.

ALL VEHICLES INCLUDING CMB BUSES ON ROUTES 9 AND 84 WILL BE DIVERTED FROM FACTORY STREET VIA THE TEMPORARY ROAD TO REJOIN NAM ON STREET.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1983

16

MOVING OFFICE * * *

FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 12), THE BIRTHS REGISTRIES AT KWUN TONG AND SAN PO KONG WILL MOVE TO 14, SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, TOWER A, SECOND FLOOR, MANDARIN PLAZA, EAST TSIM SHA TSUI.

AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED PARENTS THAT THEY NEED NOT BRING ALONG THEIR NEW-BORN BABIES FOR BIRTH REGISTRATION FORMALITIES.

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 3-7333111.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

TV AUDIENCE SURVEY RESULTS * * *

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE FINDINGS OF THE 1983 TELEVISION AUDIENCE ATTITUDE SURVEY, AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) IN THE GIS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MR ROBERT SUN, COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AND THREE OTHER PANELLISTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

FIRE SERVICES TO RUN XXX

THE ANNUAL FEI NGOR SHAN MOUNTAIN RUN ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE 2.2 KILOMETRE RUN WILL START FROM FEI NGOR SHAN ROAD ABOUT 200 METRES FROM THE CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD JUNCTION, TO THE GILWELL CAMP SITE.

MORE THAN 100 UNIFORMED AND CIVILIAN STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE RUN. THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, MR M. KINGDOM, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AFTER THE EVENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. REPORTERS SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT NGAU CHI WAN FIRE STATION BEFORE 2.15 PM, FROM WHERE THEY WILL BE TAKEN TO THE STARTING POINT.

- - o - -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1983

17

NEW KAITO SERVICE FOR VILLAGERS * X X *

A NEW KAITO SERVICE WILL LINK THE LANTAU VILLAGES OF TAI 0. SHA LO WAN AND TUNG CHUNG WITH TUEN MUN. THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO VILLAGERS' DEMANDS FOLLOWING THE CURTAILMENT OF THE HYF CENTRAL TO TAI 0 FERRY SERVICE.

THE NEW SERVICE WILL OPERATE TWO DAYS A WEEK ON A TRI AL BASIS.

AGREEMENT TO INTRODUCE THE NEW KAITO SERVICE WAS REACHED TODAY (DECEMBER 3) AT A MEETING BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, KAITO OPERATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF TAI O’S NEIGHBOURING VILLAGES. THE MEETING WAS HELD TO REVIEW THE PRESENT KAITO SERVICES IN THE AREA.

MR JAMES SO, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, TOLD

VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE MEETING THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BE ASKED TO ARRANGE TEST SAILINGS FOR THE NEW SERVICE.

THE KAITO COULD CARRY 56 PASSENGERS.

SINCE JUNE LAST YEAR, KAITO SERVICE HAD BEEN BROUGHT UNDER THE CONTROL OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT SERVICES PROVIDED BY KAITO OPERATORS FOLLOW THE TIMETABLE SET BY THE DEPARTMENT.

COMMENTING ON THE CURTAILMENT OF REGULAR HYF SERVICES, MR SO EXPLAINED THAT VERY CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN BY BOTH THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE APPROVING THE CANCELLATION OF THE ROUTE ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS. BUT THE FERRY SERVICES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPERATED.

MR SO RECALLED THAT UMELCO MEMBERS HAD ALSO TAKEN A TOUR OF THE ROUTE BY FERRY LAST MONTH TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE STATE OF THE SERVICE. UMELCO MEMBERS AGREED THAT THE SERVICE SHOULD BE CANCELLED AND REPLACED BY SUITABLE KAITO OPERATION TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS.

IN RESPONSE TO VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES WHO REQUESTED THAT REGULAR HYF SERVICE BE RESUMED, MR SO SAID ALTHOUGH THIS SERVICE UNDER PRESENT PATRONAGE LEVEL COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED, THE DEPARTMENT WOULD PURSUE THE RESUMPTION OF THE CENTRAL TO TAI 0 SERVICE ON SATURDAYS WITH THE COMPANY.

MR SO ALSO EMPHASISED THAT RESIDENTS OF TAI 0 ARE SERVED BY BUS TO MUI WO AND FROM THERE THEY COULD TRAVEL TO CENTRAL BY FERRY.

MR SO NOTED THAT IN THE LONG TERM, RESIDENTS OF SHA LO WAN WOULD BE BETTER SERVED BY A DIRECT ROAD LINK WITH SHAM WAT ROAD AND OTHER PARTS OF LANTAU ISLAND. STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE ROAD SYSTEM LINKING THE OTHER VILLAGES TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS TO THE BUS NETWORK.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

4'

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR PERCY ......................

POSSESSION OF HANDCUFFS TO BE ILLEGAL ................... 2

16 MORE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES PUT ON SCHEDULE............ 3

QJ3SJ1S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYS NEXT YEAR CHANGED ............. 4

CONTRACT GRANTED FOR CAR PARK OPERATION ................. 4

PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS1 VITAL ROLE STRESSED ............. 5

VALUE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STRESSED ................. 6

KWUN TONG BOARD TO EVALUATE WORK ........................ 7

PRESS CONFERENCE ON CONTAINER PORT ......................

U.S. CARE LABELLING RULE................................. 8

SPREADING THE ANTI-DRUGS MESSAGE ........................

PERMANENT RATI,WAY STATION FOR TAI WAI ..................

INTER-SCHOOL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD ....................... 10

BILL PROVIDES FOR PROFESSIONAL FEE PAYMENT ..............

500 TO COMPETE IN TUEN MUN ATHLETICS ....................

FESTIVAL TO END WITH MUSIC, DANCING ..................... 11

KNITTING FOR THE ELDERLY ................................

TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK STARTS MONDAY...................... 13

OVERSTAYING PENALTY - J2 ................................ 13

MOVING TO NEW PREMISES .................................. 13

ROAD CLOSURE............................................. 14

CAUSEWAY BAY MAINS TEST ................................. 14

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

1

GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR PERCY ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE. TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO SIR PERCY CRADOCK, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO PEKING, FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM PEKING, SIR EDWARD SAID THE LATEST TALKS WERE THE LAST ROUND FOR SIR PERCY AS HEAD OF THE BRITISH DELEGATION.

♦AND I TELL YOU NO SECRET WHEN I SAY THAT AT THE DINNER LAST NIGHT SOME WARM TRIBUTES WERE PAID TO HIM.

I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY OWN TO THE VERY GREAT CONTRIBUTION WHICH SIR PERCY HAS MADE IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG DURING THE TIME HE HAS BEEN AMBASSADOR TO PEKING, AND PARTICULARLY AS LEADER CF THE DELEGATION.

HE IS NOW RETURNING TO LONDON AND WE ARE FORTUNATE THAT HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS WHILE HE IS THERE,♦ HE SAID.

ON THE LATEST ROUND OF TALKS, SIR EDWARD SAIDi +WE HAD ANOTHER USEFUL SESSION AND THIS TIME WE REVIEWED THE COURSE OF THE TALKS AND THE PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE SO FAR.

THE NEXT ROUND ON THE 25TH AND 26TH (JANUARY) MEANS A SLIGHTLY LONGER GAP THAN IS USUAL, BUT THAT IS ENTIRELY BECAUSE CF THE CHANGE OF AMBASSADORS.

MR EVANS WILL BE GETTING TO PEKING IN THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY. HE NEEDS A LITTLE TIME TO SETTLE IN AND THEN WE SHALL START AGAIN,♦ HE SAID.

IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM A REPORTER, SIR EDWARD SAID THE USUAL INFORMAL CONTACTS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES WOULD CONTINUE FROM NOW TO THE NEXT ROUND OF TALKS.

THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT HE UNDERSTOOD SOME JOURNALISTS HAD BEEN ASKING ABOUT HIS TRAVEL PLANS.

I AM DELIGHTED TO SAY THAT I WILL BE IN HONG KONG OVER CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.

THEN I AM GOING, AS ANNOUNCED, TO NEW YORK, BUT MY PLANS AFTER THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FINALISED.^ HE SAID.

SIR EDWARD'S RETURN FLIGHT FROM PEKING WAS DELAYED FOR ABOUT THREE HOURS BECAUSE OF FOGGY WEATHER CONDITIONS IN TIANJIN.

ACCOMPANYING SIR EDWARD ON THE FLIGHT WERE THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF INTERPRETER, MR Y.P. CHENG.

THEY WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ROGER LOBO, AND THE VICE-CHIEF EDITOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR TAN GAN.

------o ------- /2 ...................

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

2

POSSESSION OF HANDCUFFS TO BE ILLEGAL

* * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO INTRODUCE A FURTHER CRIME PREVENTION MEASURE WHICH WILL MAKE IT ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE TO POSSESS HANDCUFFS CR SIMILAR ARTICLES WITHOUT LAWFUL EXCUSE.

UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 PUBLISHED TODAY, IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS HANDCUFFS, THUMBCUFFS, A WRIST RESTRAINT OR ANY OTHER ARTICLE MANUFACTURED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PHYSICALLY RESTRAINING A PERSON WITHOUT LAWFUL EXCUSE. THE POSSESSION OF ARTICLES OF RESTRAINT BY POLICE AND SECURITY OFFICERS FOR LAWFUL PURPOSES WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED, HOWEVER.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES IN WHICH HANDCUFFS WERE USED IN COMMITTING CRIME. THERE WERE 10 CASES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1982, 30 IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1982, AND 17 IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

ALTHOUGH NO PRECISE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE, THE POLICE HAVE FOUND THAT THUMBCUFFS AND WRIST RESTRAINTS HAVE ALSO BEEN USED FOR CRIMINAL PURPOSES, HE SAID.

♦UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, IF AN ACTUAL CRIME SUCH AS ROBBERY OR KIDNAPPING IS COMMITTED, A PROSECUTION CAN FOLLOW. HOWEVER, DIFFICULTY ARISES IN PROSECUTING CASES WHEN THE POLICE STOP A PERSON IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, SEARCH HIM, AND FIND HIM TO BE IN POSSESSION OF HANDCUFFS OR SIMILAR ARTICLES FOR WHICH HE CANNOT GIVE A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED. THE BILL NOW PUBLISHED IS INTENDED TO REMEDY THAT SITUATION.

HE ADDED THAT CONCERN OVER THE PROBLEM OF HANDCUFFS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED BY A DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE MAIN FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE LAW.

THE BILL WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 21 AND IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON JANUARY 11, 1984.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY WRITE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

3

16 MORE OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES PUT ON SCHEDULE *****

THE NUMBER OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE FOR WHICH EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS, HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 21 TO 37.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE SCHEDULE HAS BEEN RESTRUCTURED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE COMBINING THE EXISTING AND THE 16 ADDITIONAL DISEASES.

AN ORDER, MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, AMENDING THE SCHEDULE, IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

THE NEW SCHEDULE WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1, NEXT YEAR.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION, AND THE FOUR MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS HAD BEEN CONSULTED AND ALL SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL TO UPDATE THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE WAS UPDATED TO BRING IT MORE INTO LINE WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION AND THE PRACTICES IN INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.

HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE POSSIBILITIES OF SOME OF THE ADDITIONAL DISEASES OCCURRING IN HONG KONG WERE EXCEEDINGLY REMOTE.

EVEN UNDER THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE, HE ADDED, MANY PRESCRIBED OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES HAVE NEVER BEEN DIAGNOSED IN HONG KONG.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE ORIGINAL SCHEDULE, WHICH CONTAINED 21 OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES, HAD NOT BEEN ALTERED SINCE THEY WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE ORDINANCE IN 1964, ALTHOUGH PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM SILICOSIS AND ASBESTOSIS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.

IN THE LAST TWO DECADES, HOWEVER, ADVANCES IN MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE HAD MADE IT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH MORE FIRMLY THE CAUSAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CERTAIN DISEASES AND CERTAIN TYPES OF OCCUPATION AND THE NUMBER OF OFFICIALLY-RECOGNISED OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES HAD INCREASED. MANY DEVELOPED OR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY DURING THE LAST DECADE, HAD ADDED TO THEIR LISTS OF SUCH DISEASES.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE NEW SCHEDULE, OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES WERE GROUPED UNDER FOUR CATEGORIES OF CAUSATION, NAMELY PHYSICAL AGENTS, BIOLOGICAL AGENTS, CHEMICAL AGENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS AGENTS.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

4

QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYS NEXT YEAR CHANGED X ft * *

THE DATES OF NEXT YEAR’S QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAYS HAVE BEEN CHANGED, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

THE CHANGE TO HONG KONG’S LIST OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS HAS BEEN MADE NECESSARY BY THE DECISION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THAT NEXT YEAR’S QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY WILL BE CELEBRATED ON THE THIRD SATURDAY IN JUNE INSTEAD OF, AS NORMALLY, THE SECOND SATURDAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE ACTUAL SATURDAY BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY WILL THEREFORE FALL ON JUNE 16 AND THE FOLLOWING MONDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY ON JUNE 18 - RATHER THAN ON JUNE 9 AND JUNE 11 RESPECTIVELY.

THIS CHANGE WILL HAVE TO BE MADE BY AN ORDER UNDER THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE, WHICH HAS BEEN AMENDED TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT AN ALTERNATIVE DATE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY.

THE LIST OF HOLIDAYS FOR 1984, INCORPORATING THIS REVISION, IS EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE IN THE NEW YEAR.

- - - - 0 ----

CONTRACT GRANTED FOR CAR PARK OPERATION X ft ft ft

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) PTY. LTD. HAS BEEN GRANTED A CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ALL TEN GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS IN THE TERRITORY.

WILSON PARKING’S TENDER WAS ACCEPTED BY THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD FROM AMONG 42 TENDERS SUBMITTED BY 21 OPERATORS.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTRACT WOULD COMMENCE ON MAY 1 NEXT YEAR, BUT THAT THE COMPANY WOULD START TO TAKE OVER SOME OF THE CAR PARKS IN MARCH, THE FIRST ONES BEING THE YAU MA TEI AND MIDDLE ROAD CAR PARKS FOLLOWED BY OTHER CAR PARKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND A MONTH LATER.

ALL TEN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS - AT STAR FERRY, CITY HALL, GARDEN ROAD, RUMSEY STREET, MURRAY ROAD, ABERDEEN, MIDDLE ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KWAI FONG, AND TSUEN WAN STATION - WOULD BE UNDER PRIVATE MANAGEMENT AS FROM MAY 1.

INITIALLY, THE CONTRACT WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS AND THE EXISTING PARKING FEES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR THREE MONTHS AFTER THE AGREEMENT COMMENCES. SUBSEQUENT REVISIONS TO THE FEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO AGREEMENT BETWEEN WILSON PARKING AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MONITOR THE STANDARDS OF SERVICE BEING OFFERED AND ANTICIPATED THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD BE MORE THAN SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE THEY WOULD RECEIVE WHEN THE CAR PARKS WERE UNDER SPECIALIST MANAGEMENT.

HE ADDED THAT ONE OF THE OTHER ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATISING THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS IS THAT PRIVATE MANAGEMENT CAN RESPOND MORE QUICKLY TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

- 5 -

PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS’ VITAL ROLE STRESSED * * * *

PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FORMED AN IMPORTANT PART OF HONG KONG’S SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION ON STUDENT PROJECTS FOR PRACTICAL SUBJECTS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS COUNCIL, MR HAYE ALSO HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HERE. HE SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THESE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD MAKE PARENTS EVEN MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT THIS TYPE OF SCHOOL.

HE NOTED THAT PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ORIGINALLY OFFERED ONLY THREE YEARS OF JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.

♦HOWEVER, AS A RESULT OF RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE 1978 WHITE PAPER ON SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, FORM FOUR AND FIVE CLASSES WERE INTRODUCED IN 1981 TO PREPARE A PROPORTION OF THEIR STUDENTS FOR TECHNICIAN COURSES IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.+

♦FORM FIVE STUDENTS FROM THESE SCHOOLS TOOK THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR AND I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THEIR PERFORMANCE WAS PROMISING, ESPECIALLY IN THE TECHNICAL AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS,+ HE SAID.

BETWEEN 70 PER CENT AND 90 PER CENT OF THE STUDENTS TAKING ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICITY, ENGINEERING METALWORK AND TECHNICAL DRAWING, PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AND TYPING OBTAINED GRADE E OR ABOVE, MR HAYE ADDED.

DESCRIBING THESE RESULTS AS ENCOURAGING, MR HAYE NOTED THAT THEY CONFIRMED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S BELIEF THAT PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FORM AN IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE PART OF THE SECONDARY EDUCATION SYSTEM.

IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY STARTED TO BUILD 12 MORE NEW PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AND THE FIRST OF THESE WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1984.

THIS IS THE CMA CHOI CHEUNG KOK PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN. IT WILL BE A STANDARD PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL WITH 16 CLASSROOMS, NINE WORKSHOPS AND SEVEN SPECIAL ROOMS AND WILL EVENTUALLY OPERATE 25 CLASSES FROM FORM ONE TO FIVE ACCOMMODATING 1 000 STUDENTS. THIS SCHOOL WILL OFFER AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION, AND LIGHT METALWORK AND FINISHING AS SPECIAL SUBJECTS.

IT WILL COST $20 MILLION TO BUILD AND EQUIP THE SCHOOL.

THE OTHER 11 NEW PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED FROM 1985, WILL BE OF A SIMILAR HIGH STANDARD, MR HAYE SAID.

HE SAID TWO NEW SUBJECTS - LIGHT METALWORK AND FINISHING, AND MARINE ENGINEERING - WILL BE INTRODUCED IN NEW PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.

/♦ffiEY ARE..........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 19&3

♦THEY ARE THE RESULT OF THE VERY HARD WORK THAT HAS BEEN AND WILL BE DONE ON MARKET RESEARCH AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.

♦THESE SUBJECTS WILL FORM AN IMPORTANT OPTION IN THE BALANCED CURRICULUM OF THE PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AND WILL NO DOUBT OPEN UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR STUDENTS IN THESE SCHOOLS,+ ttt HAYE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE OVERALL REVIEW OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM, bR HAYE SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM, OF WHICH PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WERE AN IMPORTANT PART, WAS DEVELOPING ON THE RIGHT LINES.

THE EXHIBITION OPENED BY MR HAYE MARKS THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OPEN DAYS OF THE EXISTING 12 PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS. IT WILL EE HELD AT THE C.C.C. ROTARY PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT WANG TAU HOM, KOWLOON, UNTIL DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY).

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VALUE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION STRESSED

* * * *

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION WAS STRESSED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS.

SPEAKING AT THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE FAMILY WAS THE KEY UNIT IN SOCIETY.

♦FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE AND TO PREVENT FAMILY PROBLEMS FROM DEVELOPING,* HE ADDED.

♦TO SOME EXTENT, IT ACTS AS A SCHOOL IN WHICH WE DEVELOP OUR HUMAN PERSONALITIES.

♦MOREOVER, IT IS WITHIN THE FAMILY THAT EACH NEW GENERATION LEARNS HOW TO BALANCE THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE INDIVIDUAL WITHIN THE FAMILY GROUP AND IN A SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.♦

BUT THIS WAS NOT ALWAYS EASY WHEN RAPIDLY CHANGING SOCIAL CONDITIONS IMPOSED GREAT STRAINS ON THE FAMILY STRUCTURE.

♦BECAUSE OF THIS, IT IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD MAINTAIN OUR EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN AND ENRICH THE FAMILY LIFE OF OUR PEOPLE,♦ HE EMPHASISED.

MR CHAMBERS DESCRIBED THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SURVEY, WHICH STUDIED THE ATTITUDES OF YOUNG PEOPLE TOWARDS FAMILY LIFE, AS +A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT DURING THE YEAR+.

HE SAID THE REPORT WAS PARTICULARLY VALUABLE AND HELPED CORRECT THE OFTEN DISTORTED PICTURE OF WHAT HONG KONG YOUTH WERE LIKE AS PROJECTED BY THE MASS MEDIA.

/IT also .......

fklday, dscekbeb 9, 1983

- 7 -

IT ALSO INDICATED THAT ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF SEX WAS SELDOM PROVIDED WITHIN THE FAMILY AND THAT THE TRADITIONAL SOCIAL BIAS AGAINST GIRLS STILL SURVIVED TO SOME EXTENT.

MR CHAMBERS PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF FAMILY PLANNING AND ITS PROVISION OF VARIOUS SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.

ITS SLOGAN +TWO IS ENOUGH* HAD BECOME A HOUSEHOLD WORD, AND A REMARKABLE FALL IN BOTH THE BIRTH RATE AND AVERAGE FAMILY SIZE HAD TAKEN PLACE, HE SAID.

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KWUN TONG BOARD TO EVALUATE WORK X X X X

THE WORK OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND WORK PLANS FOR EACH OF ITS SIX COMMITTEES WERE BEING EVALUATED, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

HE SAID THE EVALUATION SHOULD IDENTIFY NOT ONLY ITS ACHIEVEMENTS BUT ALSO AREAS WHERE EFFORTS SHOULD BE STEPPED UP OR A CHANGE IN EMPHASIS WAS NECESSARY.

THE WORK PLANS SHOULD SET THE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS FOR THE BOARD FOR THE REMAINDER OF ITS CURRENT TERM, AND PROVIDE THE YARDSTICK AGAINST WHICH ITS FUTURE PERFORMANCE WILL BE MEASURED.

MR MAK WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG.

THIS WOULD RESULT IN GREATER INVOLVEMENT AND COMMITMENT TO THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD BY ALL THE MEMBERS, AND PROVIDE FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, HE SAID.

MR MAK NOTED THAT THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT PEOPLE WERE LOOKING MORE AND MORE FOR SUBSTANTIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.

♦AND TO REFLECT THIS CHANGING PATTERN OF DEMAND, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD INCREASED ITS ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS FROM $250 000 IN 1982-83 TO $600 000 IN 1983-84,♦ HE SAID.

♦AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS, TOO, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE DEALING WITH MORE HARD-CORE COMMUNITY PROBLEMS.+

MR MAK DISCLOSED THAT THE BOARD WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSIDERING WHETHER A WORKING GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP TO LOOK INTO THE YOUTH PROBLEM IN THE DISTRICT AND RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.

/+TEE BOARD.......

FRIDAY, D33EMBER 9, 1963

8 -

♦THE BOARD WILL ALSO BE CONCERNED WITH THE DETERIORATING HAWKER SITUATION,♦ HE SAID.

THE ORGANISATION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WOULD REMAIN AN IMPORTANT TASK FOR THE BOARD, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF THEIR COMMUNITY BUILDING ROLE, HE ADDED.

♦THE DISTRICT BOARD CONCERNS ITSELF WITH PRACTICALLY EVERYTHING IN THE DISTRICT, SMALL OR BIG, ROUTINE OR NON-ROUTINE, AND HAS DULY EXERTED ITS INFLUENCE IN EACH AND EVERY CASE,+ SAID W MAK.

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NOTE TO EDITORSl

PRESS CONFERENCE ON ft ft ft

CONTAINER PORT ft

A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT EXPANSION PROJECT WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS MR JOHN TODD, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS, MR J.e! MEREDITH, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SEA-LAND ORIENT LIMITED, MR M.M. PORTER, WILL BE PRESENT.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

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

U.S. CARE LABELLING RULE ft ft ft ft

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED FURTHER DETAILS CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES AMENDED CARE LABELLING RULE FOR TEXTILE WEARING APPAREL AND CERTAIN PIECE GOODS WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1984.

COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO. 60/83 ISSUED TODAY MENTIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THAT THE AMENDED CARE LABELLING RULE WILL APPLY TO PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED AFTER JANUARY 1, 1984, REGARDLESS OF THE SOURCE OF SUPPLY! AND THE U.S. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION RATHER THAN THE U.S. CUSTOMS, WILL BE THE ENFORCEMENT AGENT OF THE AMENDED RULE.

COPIES OF THE CIRCULAR MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NORTH AMERICA DIVISION OFFICE OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, OCEAN CENTRE, 14TH FLOOR (ADJACENT TO ROOM 1443). ENQUIRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO MR R.M. LAI AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7222446.

o -------

/9........

FHIDAY, DECBMBER 9, 1983

9

SPREADING THE ANT I-DRUGS MESSAGE * * * *

1 ABOUT 550 KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A 4 000 METRE ROUND-THE-DISTR ICT WALK TO PUBLICISE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).

WEARING TRACK SHIRTS WITH ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES, THE PARTICIPANTS WILL START FROM SUNG WONG TOI PLAYGROUND VIA TAM KUNG ROAD, MOK CHEONG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, WUHU STREET, YAN FUNG STREET, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND CHUNG HAU STREET TO 01 MAN ESTATE PLAYGROUND.

THE WALK WILL LAST ABOUT 90 MINUTES. BRASS BAND PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED BY THE LOK SIN TONG KU CHIU MAN SECONDARY SCHOOL BEFORE AND AFTER THE PARADE.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL AND RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AS PART OF A TWO-WEEK ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3.

THE STARTING-OFF CEREMONY WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, AND CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, WONG SIK-KONG, AT 3.30 AM IN THE SUNG WONG TOI PLAYGROUND.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0 - -

PERMANENT RAILWAY STATION FOR TAI WAI HMM

WORK WILL START SOON ON CONSTRUCTING A PERMANENT RAILWAY STATION AT TAI WAI, SHA TIN.

THIS FOLLOWS THE AWARD OF A S38-MILLI0N CONTRACT TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY LTD.

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER-RAILWAY, MR LEUNG MIN SUN, AND MR JOHN HAMILTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW UNDERGROUND STATION BUILDING, A SINGLE-STOREY RAILWAY MAINTENANCE BUILDING, A SUBWAY AND REMOVAL OF THE TEMPORARY RAIL DIVERSION.

A TEMPORARY STATION AT TAI WAI HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE AUGUST.

WORK ON TAI WAI STATION WILL START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THERE WILL EVENTUALLY BE THREE RAILWAY STATIONS IN SHA TIN. BESIDES THE ONE IN THE TOWN CENTRE AND THE ONE TO BE BUILT AT TAI WAI, ANOTHER IS BEING CONSTRUCTED AT FO TAN WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1986. BY THE END OF THE DECADE SHA TIN’S POPULATION WILL BE 730 000.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983 ’

10

INTER-SCHOOL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD * * * *

WILL TAKE PART IN THE

STUDENTS FROM 124 SECONDARY SCHOOLS

PRELIM NARY ROUNDS OF THE FIRST HONG KONG MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD TO BE HELD AT THREE SCHOOLS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IS TO PROMOTE, ENCOURAGE AND SUSTAIN STUDENTS’ INTEREST In THE STUDY OF MATHEMATICS.

A TOTAL OF 40 TEAMS WILL BE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN A FINAL COMPETITION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE VENUES FOR TOMORROW’S PRELIMINARY ROUNDS ARE CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL AT FORTRESS HILL ROAD, NORTH POINT; WONG TAI SHAN MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT NAM CHEONG STREET, SHAM SHU I PO; AND PUI SHING MIDDLE SCHOOL AT OXFORD ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.

BILL PROVIDES FOR PROFESSIONAL FEE PAYMENT ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO INTRODUCE A BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH AMENDING THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FEES INCURRED By OWNERS WHERE THE GOVERNMENT PURCHASES PROPERTY BY AGREEMENT FOLLOWING POSTING OF A RESUMPTION NOTICE.

A NOTICE OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WOULD BE AMENDEDi

(I) TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT LIABILITY FOR PROFESSIONAL FEES WHERE IT PURCHASES LAND UNDER SECTION 4A!

(II) TO ALLOW OFFERS OF AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION TO TAKE PROFESSIONAL FEES INTO ACCOUNT; AND

(III) TO ENABLE OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF ANY PREMISES ON RESUMED LAND TO RECOVER EXPENSES INCURRED IN MOVING TO OR ACQUIRING ALTERNATIVE LAND OR LAND AND BUILDINGS AND REMUNERATION PAID TO PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS.

A NEW SECTION WOULD ALSO BE ADDED TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PROVISIONAL PAYMENTS OF COMPENSATION PENDING DETERMINATION BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL OF DISPUTED CLAIMS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST READING AND COMMENCEMENT OF THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL WOULD BE ON DECEMBER 21. THE RESUMED SECOND READING, THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING WOULD TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 11, 1984.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

500 TO COMPETE IN TUEN MUN ATHLETICS * * * *

MORE THAN 500 ATHLETES IN TUEN MUN WILL COMPETE IN THE DISTRICT’S EIGHTH ATHLETIC MEETING ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).

STARTING AT 9 AM AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, THE CONTESTANTS WILL TAKE PART IN 55 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, INCLUDING LONG JUMP, HIGH JUMP, TRIPLE JUMP, DISCUS, SHOT PUT, JAVELIN AND RELAY.

THE COMPETITIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN'S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS AND SIX DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.

TROPHIES AND MEDALS WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS WHO WILL LATER REPRESENT TUEN MUN IN THE THIRD NT INTER-DISTRICT ATHLETIC f€ET NEXT MONTH IN SAI KUNG.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, AND THE NT SCHOOL SPORTS ASSOCIATION (TUEN MUN BRANCH).

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG; THE PRESIDENT OF THE TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAU WONG-FAT; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR TANG TUNG-CHIU; AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR CHOW KAI-MING, WILL OFFICIATE.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EIGHTH THEN MUN DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN TUEN MUN.

- - 0 - -

FESTIVAL TO END WITH MUSIC, DANCING

*****

THE TWO-MONTH WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL END ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) EVENING WITH A SHOW FEATURING SYMPHONIC BAND AND HARMONICA PERFORMANCES, A CHILDREN’S BALLET AND MODERN DANCES.

WINNERS OF THE FESTIVAL’S SINGING CONTESTS WILL ALSO PERFORM THEIR FAVOURITE NUMBERS FOR ABOUT 1 000 PEOPLE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE TWO-HOUR SHOW, TO BE HELD AT THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR CLIVE OXLEY, WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS CONTESTS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME.


FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

* 12 “

THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

MORE THAN 30 ITEMS OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM. FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 161 LOK SIN ROAD, SAN PO KONG.

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

KNITTING FOR THE ELDERLY

* M * *

A SCARF FOR EACH OF 1 500 PEOPLE AGED OVER 65 IN WAN CHAI IS THE AIM OF THE DISTRICT’S ♦KNITTING FOR THE AGED* CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGINS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

AS A START, MORE THAT 150 PARTICIPANTS FROM NINE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE KNITTING SCARFS TOMORROW AFTERNOON AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE.

♦HOWEVER, WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF OTHER CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG,* SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN, MR HO FOOK-CHU.

♦THEY CAN KNIT THE SCARFS AT HOME AND HAND THEM TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE ELDERLIES.♦

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS LOLLY CHIU, AND A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MRS GRACE WAN, WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN TOMORROW’S KNITTING CAMPAIGN.

THE EVENT IS A PRELUDE TO NEXT MONTH’S CARE FOR THE AGED WEEK WHICH, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WILL INCLUDE FILM AND VARIETY SHOWS AND HARBOUR TOURS.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER TOMORROW’S (SATURDAY) +KNITTING FOR THE AGED+ CAMPAIGN AT 3 PM AT THE LILYVALE COMMUNITY COFFEE HOUSE, GROUND FLOOR. TANG SHIU KIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, 36 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.

o --------

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

13

TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK STARTS MONDAY

* ft * ft

ABOUT 2 000 PEOPLE IN TSUEN WAN ARE EXPECTED TO BENEFIT FROM FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS DURING THE TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK WHICH WILL START FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).

MEDICAL TEAMS FROM THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL CARRY OUT THE CHECK-UPS AT 11 VENUES, INCLUDING LOCAL FACTORIES, SCHOOLS AND A CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE HOSPITAL WILL ALSO TAKE UP CASES REQUIRING FOLLOW-UP ATTENTION.

ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT AND SPONSORED BY THE YUEN YUEN

THE HEALTH WEEK IS JOINTLY BOARD AND THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL,

INSTITUTE.

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

OVERSTAYING PENALTY - S2

KOK

A PENALTY OF *2 WILL BE LEVIED ON CARS OVERSTAYING IN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER PAYMENT OF THE PARKING FEE, IT IS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS MEANS THAT FOR THE PERIOD OF OVERSTAYING, THE ORDINARY HOURLY FEE WOULD BE CHARGED TOGETHER WITH A PENALTY OF S2 FOR EACH HOUR OR PART THEREOF.

UNDER THE EXISTING REGULATIONS, A MOTORIST WHO HAS PAID THE PARKING FEE, HAS AN ALLOWANCE OF 15 MINUTES TO REMOVE HIS VEHICLE.

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NOTE TO EDITORSi

MOVING TO NEW PREMISES * ft * ft

THE KWUN TONG WEST DISTRICT OFFICE AND KWUN TONG CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, BOTH SITUATED AT 9 HONG NING ROAD, 9TH FLOOR, MORNING LIGHT BUILDING, WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES IN HIU KWONG COURT, 3RD FLOOR, 26-38 HIU KWONG STREET, KWUN TONG, TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

IN THE KWUN TONG WEST DISTRICT OFFICE, THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTOR IS 3-497184 AND FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES, 3-497926j WHILE THE KWUN TONG CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE’S NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 3-497754 FOR THE SENIOR LABOUR INSPECTOR AND 3-497058 FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES.

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/U.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1983

ROAD CLOSURE

M M M

HOK TAU ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 12 NOON ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11), IN CONNECTION WITH THE PAT SIN RANGE WALK FOR A MILLION.

AND THE TWO CAR PARKS AT BRIDE’S POOL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM.

CAUSEWAY BAY MAINS TEST

M M M M

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY AREA WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD AND WILL INCLUDE 482 HENNESSY ROAD, AND 1 AND 3 JARDINE’S CRESCENT.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR OPENS TWO 'FIRSTS' IN TAI PO ...................... 1

SURVEY STUDIES VIEWERS ATTITUDES TO TELEVISION ...........

WRE APPEALS RECEIVED OVER SOCIAL SECURITY CASES ............ 3

AMENDMENTS TO DEBTORS BILL ................................. 4

MORE DEGREE COURSES FOR HK POLYTECHNIC ..................... 5

HK-NORWAY TEXTILES TALKS ADJOURNED .......................

NEW COMMUNITY HALL FOR AP LEI CHAU .......................

1984 STAMP ISSUES ANNOUNCED ..............................

WOMEN PRAISED FOR PUBLIC WORK............................... 8

METRIC SCALE COUNTER MOVES TO CENTRAL ....................

ROSARYHILL REFLECTS EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HK ........

ANTI-SMOKING DRIVE IN KWUN TONG............................ 1°

TOTAL SCHEME ON REEUSE DISPOSAL ..........................

FOOD HYGIENE COURSE FOR RESTAURATEURS IN TUEN MUN ......... 12

SEVEN MODEL NEIGHBOURS GET AWARDS ......................... 12

FREE CHECK-UPS FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS .....................

CHINESE GYMIASTS TO HOLD COACHING SESSION ................. 13

FOSTER CARE UNIT OPENING .................................. 14

YOUTHS HELP BEAUTIFY ESTATE................................ 14

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO BE BUILT .................. 15

EUN AND GAMES AT FUND-RAISING WALK.......................

FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK .................. 16

ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAM SHUT PO ............................

MAXICaB service to be withdrawn .........................

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

1

GOVERNOR OPENS TWO 'FIRSTS’ IN TAI PO * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (SATURDAY) STRESSED GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION OF PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES AND FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSMEN TO ENJOY THEIR DAILY LIVES AND CONDUCT THEIR BUSINESS WITHIN NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

♦AND THERE MUST BE GOOD TRANSPORT FACILITIES TO PROVIDE EASY MOVEMENT TO AND FROM THE HUB OF HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.

CITING TAI PO AS AN EXAMPLE, SIR EDWARD SAID: +WHAT USED TO BE A QUIET, RURAL MARKET CAN NOW BE REACHED IN COMFORT IN LESS THAN HALF AN HOUR BY ELECTRIFIED TRAIN FROM THE HEART OF KOWLOON.

♦WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, THE PRESENT BUSY WORK SITES IN TAI PO WILL HAVE BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A MODERN TOWN CENTRE LINKED BY A NETWORK OF PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND A LANDSCAPED RIVERSIDE PROMENADE.

IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME, THE TRUNK ROAD TO KOWLOON WILL BE COMPLETED.

A FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN TAI PO IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO CATER FOR ITS GROWING POPULATION WHICH WILL RISE FROM THE PRESENT FIGURE OF 100 000 TO 280 000 BY 1990 ON FULL DEVELOPMENT.♦

SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF TAI PO’S FIRST SPORTS FESTIVAL AND THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE, THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT SPORTS CENTRE IN THE DISTRICT.

HE SAID THESE TWO +FIRSTS+ DEMONSTRATE VIVIDLY THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE IN TAI PO.

EXACTLY FOUR WEEKS AGO, THE SPORTS CENTRE AT TUEN MUN.

♦THE OPENING OF THIS CENTRE OF THE PACE OF CHANGE IN THE NEW

GOVERNOR OPENED A COMMUNITY AND

TODAY IS A FURTHER INDICATION TERRITORIES,♦ SIR EDWARD SAID.

IT SHOWS WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH CLOSE COOPERATION AND ENTHUSIASM AMONGST ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY*.

REFERRING TO THE DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED SPORTS FESTIVAL, HE SAID IT AIMED AT +STIMULATING LOCAL INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS AND PHYSICAL RECREATION ON THE PART OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

♦AGAIN, THIS FESTIVAL PROVIDES YET ANOTHER CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION AMONGST VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN BUILDING A HAPPY AND HEALTHY COMMUNITY AND FOSTERING COMMUNITY SPIRIT.*

/the two-week .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1963

THE TWO-WEEK SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE 16 SPORTS EVENTS, INCLUDING A MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATION, AND COMPETITIONS OF TABLE TENNIS, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, ORIENTEERING, BOWLING, TENNIS, BADMINTON, FlVE-A-SIDE SOCCER AND LONG RUN.

SIR EDWARD ALSO WATCHED A DISPLAY BY A CHINESE GYMNASTICS TEAM — THE OPENING PROGRAMME OF THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE WHICH CAN BE USED AS AN OLYMPIC-SIZE GYMNASTICS HALL, OR AS THREE BASKETBALL COURTS, NINE BADMINTON COURTS OR THREE VOLLEYBALL COURTS.

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A BOWLING ALLEY, A DANCE STUDIO, A FITNESS ROOM AND TWO SAUNA BATHROOMS.

0 - -

SURVEY STUDIES VIEWERS ATTITUDES TO TELEVISION * * * *

OVER HALF THE PEOPLE POLLED IN A SURVEY ON ATTITUDES OF TELEVISION COMMISSIONED BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY FEEL THAT HEALTH WARNINGS IN CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE.

THE SURVEY WAS CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY IN JULY THIS YEAR, AND OVER 2 600 HOUSEHOLDS WERE INCLUDED TO GIVE A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF THE GENERAL POPULATION, MR ROBERT SUN, COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, SAID TODAY.

THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION CONSIDER ADVERTISEMENTS FOR CIGARETTES, LIQUOR, PERSONAL PRODUCTS AND SANITARY NAPKINS TO BE ACCEPTABLE.

HOWEVER, MANY ALSO CONSIDER THAT TIME RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR THESE ADVERTISEMENTS.

ALTHOUGH THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE BELIEVE IN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CIGARETTE ADVERTISEMENT HEALTH WARNINGS, 38.1 PER CENT SAID THEY DO NOT REGARD THEM AS EFFECTIVE.

THE INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT 95.7 PER CENT OF HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG OWN ONE OR MORE TELEVISION SETS.

THE SURVEY FOUND THAT A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE, 70.6 PER CENT, SAID THAT TOO MUCH TIME WAS ALLOTTED TO TELEVISION COMMERCIALS. LESS THAN ONE PER CENT SAID THE PROPORTION WAS TOO LITTLE, WHILE ABOUT A QUARTER THOUGHT IT WAS ABOUT RIGHT.

PEOPLE ARE PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE ABOUT VARIOUS SUPERLATIVE AND HEALTH CLAIMS IN TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS.

TWO-THIRDS OF THE POPULATION SAID THEY DISBELIEVED ’SUPERLATIVE’ CLAIMS.

IN THE CASE OF MEDICINES, 65 PER CENT DISBELIEVED HEALTH CLAIMS MADE AND AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY, 91.3 PER CENT, DID NOT BELIEVE THAT ADVERTISED MEDICINES ARE EFFECTIVE INSTANTLY.

/ABOUT ITO-THIhDS

SATURDAY, DECE13ER 10, 1983

3

ABOUT TWO-THIRDS CONSIDERED THE PRESENT CENSORSHIP STANDARDS FOR COMMERCIALS TO BE JUST RIGHT.

THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT ON AVERAGE EACH VIEWER SPENT MORE THAN THREE HOURS A DAY WATCHING TELEVISION, MAINLY FOR PASSING THE TIME, ENTERTAINMENT, AND NEWS.

HALF OF THE RESPONDENTS FELT THAT TELEVISION PROGRAMMES INFLUENCED THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS LIFE.

THERE WAS GENERAL SATISFACTION OVER THE EXISTING NUMBER OF CHANNELS.

AND PEOPLE WERE, IN GENERAL, HAPPY WITH THE FREQUENCY OF MOST TYPES OF PROGRAMME, SUCH AS SPORT, WOMEN’S PROGRAMMES. KUNG-FU SERIALS, CONTEMPORARY ACTION SERIALS AND VARIETY SHOWS.

NEVERTHELESS, THERE WAS A SIZEABLE DEMAND FOR MORE DOCUMENTARIES, FROM 60 PER CENT OF THOSE POLLED, AND FOR MUSICAL PROGRAMMES, FROM 53.2 PER CENT.

OVER ONE THIRD ALSO FELT THAT PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES, MAGAZINE PROGRAMMES AND WESTERN DRAMA SERIALS WERE NOT FREQUENT ENOUGH.

THE REPORT SAYS THAT IT IS COMMON PRACTICE FOR OVER HALF OF ALL CHILDREN TO WATCH TELEVISION AFTER 10 PM, ALTHOUGH THE YOUNGER THE CHILD THE GREATER DEGREE OF PARENTAL CONTROL WAS EXERCISED.

OVER HALF OF THE PEOPLE QUESTIONED SAID THEY FELT THE CURRENT DURATION OF FAMILY VIEWING HOURS WAS JUST RIGHT AND 65.3 PER CENT SAID THE QUALITY OF CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMES WAS SATISFACTORY.

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MORE APPEALS RECEIVED OVER SOCIAL SECURITY CASES

*****

Ml SECURITY APPEAL BOARD RECEIVED 93 APPEALS IN 1982-flT

AN INCREASE OF 33 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.

_IT? 1982-83 ANNUAL REPORT JUST PUBLISHED THE BOARD NOTPS THAT OF THE 93 APPEALS, 26 CONCERNED PUBLIC ASSISTANOF oasfq c-j

cciDeiT"v“Tii!sU“‘isT*SJeEtcSeNElHE "EMAINI"S F0UR THE Wf,c

the°precedihg ?e»EALS’ “hich included 14 CASES

SOCIALFWELFARFPn?P«?MpJ?’A?LB?AeceCONFIRMED THE DECISIONS OF THE

™e decTE|ohsEwereAchanged?N 60 CASES “HILE IN THE 0THER 22 CASES'

/+THE HAKDLE.'G.........

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

- 4 -

♦THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS LODGED BY THE PUBLIC IN RESPECT OF SOCIAL SECURITY HAS CONTINUED TO REMAIN AS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT ROLES OF THE BOARD,♦ THE REPORT SAYS.

THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT ALL BECOME APPEALS BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS OF SOME COMPLAINANTS MAY BE SOLVED AFTER THE STAFF OF THE BOARD HAVE TAKEN APPROPRIATE ACTION.

DURING THE YEAR, 137 COMPLAINTS WERE LODGED AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOARD, A 33 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.

OF THESE, 63 WERE REGARDED AS SETTLED, THREE WERE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES FOR ATTENTION AND 71 EVENTUALLY BECAME APPEALS.

DURING THE YEAR, THE BOARD MADE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICES.

THE SUGGESTIONS RELATE TO THE CALCULATION AND RECOVERY OF OVERPAYMENT, THE TREATMENT OF APPLICATIONS BY REFERRAL, AND EFFORTS TO TRACE THE APPLICANTS BEFORE CASES ARE CLOSED.

WELCOMING THESE SUGGESTIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID, *WE WILL CERTAINLY CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR IMPROVEMENTS*.

THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD, AN INDEPENDENT BODY ESTABLISHED IN APRIL 1978, RECEIVES APPEALS FROM SOCIAL SECURITY APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS AGAINST DECISIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN RESPECT OF ELIGIBILITY AND PAYMENT.

THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ARE ALL UNOFFICIALS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE CURRENT CHAIRMAN IS MR CHIU CHUN-BONG, J.P.

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

AMENDMENTS TO DEBTORS BILL * * *

DETAILS OF AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO THE DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983 WERE RELEASED TODAY.

IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THIS BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS SAID THAT HE WAS CONSIDERING AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL, TO BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE ON DECEMBER 21.

ONE AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE THE COURTS TO MAKE AN ORDER PROHIBITING THE DEBTOR FROM LEAVING HONG KONG. THIS ORDER WILL, UNLESS RENEWED, LAPSE ON THE EXPIRY OF ONE MONTH. IF THE DEBTOR ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE HONG KONG IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE ORDER, HE MAY BE ARRESTED IF THIS IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT HIS DEPARTURE.

/ANOTHER AMESDUENT .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

- 5 -

ANOTHER AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE A DEFENDANT, AGAINST WHOM AN ORDER HAS BEEN OBTAINED COMMITTING HIM TO PRISON OR PROHIBITING HIM FROM LEAVING HONG KONG, TO APPLY PROMPTLY FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THE ORDER. IN THIS APPLICATION, IF THE DEFENDANT SHOWS THAT THERE IS A GENUINE DISPUTE OVER THE PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM, THE ORDER WILL BE DISCHARGED.

THE EFFECT OF THIS AMENDMENT WILL BE TO RESTRICT THE ARREST AND PROHIBITION PROCEDURES, BEFORE JUDGMENT, TO THOSE CLAIMS THAT THE COURTS CONSIDER CANNOT BE DISPUTED.

UNDER THIS PROCEDURE, THE DEFENDANT WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO CONSENT TO JUDGMENT AND, THEREAFTER, HE WILL BE EXAMINED AND DISCHARGED FROM IMPRISONMENT IF HE CANNOT PAY THE DEBT OR MAKES A REASONABLE OFFER TO PAY. IN MOST CASES. AN ORDER COMMITTING THE DEFENDANT TO PRISON WILL LAPSE ON THE EXPIRY OF ONE MONTH.

OTHER AMENDMENTS WILL BE MOVED ON DECEMBER 21, BUT THESE WILL NOT AFFECT THE SUBSTANCE OF PROVISIONS OF THE BILL PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 2.

ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS MAY WRITE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.

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

MORE DEGREE COURSES FOR HK POLYTECHNIC * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR TWO MORE DEGREE COURSES TO BE CONDUCTED AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC FROM THE 1984-85 ACADEMIC YEAR.

THEY ARE FOUR-YEAR +SANDWICH+ COURSES (WITH TWO YEARS OF ACADEMIC STUDIES, FOLLOWED BY ONE YEAR OF SUPERVISED INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND ONE FINAL YEAR OF ACADEMIC STUDIES) IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING WHICH WILL LEAD TO A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING DEGREE.

THE CIVIL ENGINEERING COURSE WILL INITIALLY CATER TO 60 STUDENTS, AND THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING COURSE TO 30 STUDENTS, WITH THEIR INTAKE RISING TO 70 IN 1985-66 AND 60 IN 1986-87 RESPECTIVELY.

THE DEGREE PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE U.K. COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS.

THEIR INTRODUCTION HAS BEEN AGREED TO ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT APPROVAL WILL LAPSE AUTOMATICALLY AFTER SIX YEARS UNLESS THE COURSES ARE REVALIDATED.

/FIVE DEGREE .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

6

f IVE DEGREE COURSES STARTED AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN SEPTEMBER 1983.

THEY COVER SOCIAL WORK, COMPUTING STUDIES, APPLIED SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS, ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING.

IN ADDITION, APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR A DEGREE COURSE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN TO BE OFFERED FROM 1984-85.

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

HK-NORWAY TEXTILES TALKS ADJOURNED * * * *

CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN NORWAY AND HONG KONG REGARDING HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO NORWAY, RESUMED IN HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 30, WERE ADJOURNED TODAY (SATURDAY).

CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS WAS MADE BUT THE POINT HAS BEEN REACHED WHERE TIME FOR FURTHER REFLECTION IS REQUIRED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE TWO SIDES PROVISIONALLY AGREED TO RESUME THE CONSULTATIONS AT A MUTUALLY CONVENIENT DATE IN EARLY 1984.

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NEW COMMUNITY HALL FOR AP LEI CHAU * * *

THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ARE AIMED AT PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION SO THAT SOCIAL PROBLEMS ARE SOLVED. OR AT LEAST ALLEVIATED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (HONG KONG), MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

♦IN THIS WAY, THE QUALITY OF LIFE WILL BE IMPROVED NOT JUST FOR INDIVIDUALS BUT ALSO FOR GROUPS AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.+ SHE SAID.

MRS GOODSTADT WAS SPEAKING AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL AND THE INAUGURATION OF ITS FIRST MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

♦IN PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY,♦ SHE SAID, +THE GOVERNMENT DEPENDS HEAVILY ON THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY.*

SHE NOTED THAT THERE WAS A WIDE RANGE OF WELFARE SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS OF AP LEI CHAU WHICH CATERED FOR THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS, INCLUDING BOTH ABLE-BODIED AND THE DISABLED.

/she said .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1963

- 7 -

SHE SAID THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF A COMMUNITY HALL HELPED TO ENSURE THAT THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES WERE GEARED TO THE NEE£S OF THE RESIDENTS.

THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE DRAWN FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WHO KNOW WELL ABOUT LOCAL RESOURCES AND CAN REPRESENT LOCAL OPINION.

THE NEW PURPOSE-BUILT COMMUNITY HALL, THE FIRST ONE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, PROVIDES THE 20 □□□ RESIDENTS WITH A MUCH-NEEDED VENUE FOR CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

IT HAS BEEN ORGANISING A LARGE NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HOME WORK GUIDANCE SESSIONS, FAMILY CAMPS, CULTURAL COMPETITIONS, MUSIC PROGRAMMES AND YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING.

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

1984 STAMP ISSUES ANNOUNCED

* * * *

THE POST OFFICE TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS 1984 PROGRAMME OF NEW STAMP ISSUES.

ON MARCH 7. A SET OF FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS DEPICTING THE HISTORY OF AVIATION IN HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED.

THESE STAMPS, DESIGNED BY MR MEL HARRIS, WILL ALSO BE REPRODUCED ON POSTCARDS FOR SALE AT ALL POST OFFICE COUNTERS.

THE SECOND SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE WILL BE ON JUNE 21, WITH OLD MAPS OF HONG KONG AS ITS THEME.

THESE MAPS REPRESENT INTERESTING PHASES IN THE HISTORY OF HONG KONG AND WERE CHOSEN BY MR REDGE SOLLEY WHO DESIGNED THE STAMPS.

CHINESE LANTERNS WILL BE THE THEME FOR A SET TO BE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 6.

THESE STAMPS, DEPICTING THE LANTERNS SEEN DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG, WERE DESIGNED BY MR JOHNNY YIM.

THE LAST SPECIAL ISSUE IN 1984 WILL BE ON NOVEMBER 21 TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. A MINIATURE SHEET OF THESE STAMPS, WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY MR MEL HARRIS, WILL ALSO BE SOLD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS ISSUE.

MORE DETAILS OF THESE STAMPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE TIME OF ISSUE.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

- 8 -

WOMEN PRAISED FOR PUBLIC WORK K * * *

THE VALUE OF YIN NGA I SOCIETIES IS THAT THE MEMBERS CAN HELP CHANGE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FROM A GROUP OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS INTO A FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

♦WOMEN ARE NATURALLY PEACEMAKERS, AND WITH THE BONDING TOGETHER OF MEMBERS OF THE ALREADY 15 YIN NGA I SOCIETIES IN EXISTENCE AND WITH A FURTHER 13 SOCIETIES IN THE PLANNING STAGE, THIS FORCE FOR GOOD CITIZENSHIP, ACTIVE, INTERESTED AND CONCERNED WOMEN, AND LIFE IN THE NEW TOWNS AND IN tHE OLDER PARTS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WILL ALSO TAKE ON A DIFFERENT DIMENS ION,♦ SHE SAID.

MRS AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT THE JOINT INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE CHING HONG AND FUK LOI MOON LOK YIN NGA I SOCIETIES AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

♦YIN NGAI ARE ALREADY MAKING THEIR MARK IN THE COMMUNITY WITH SOCIAL SERVICE, INTEREST CLASSES, ORGANISED PICNICS AND VISITS TO PLACES OF INTEREST,♦ SHE SAID.

♦STRANGERS MOVING FROM DISTANT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY WILL BE HELPED SETTLE INTO THEIR NEW LIVES AND MADE WELCOME, AND IN THEIR TURN WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE LIVELINESS AND INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY^.

SINCE THE FORMATION OF THE CHING HONG AND FUK LOI MOON LOK YIN NGAI SOCIETIES IN JANUARY AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR, A LOT OF FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THEIR 172 MEMBERS.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 2 000 MEMBERS IN THE 15 YIN NGAI SOCIETIES.

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

METRIC SCALE COUNTER MOVES TO CENTRAL * * *

BETWEEN NOVEMBER 28 AND DECEMBER 10, MORE THAN 13 000 PEOPLE VISITED THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER AT NGAU TAU KOK MARKET IN KWUN TONG.

CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR JAMES WU DISCLOSED THE FIGURE TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN REVIEWING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION LAST MONTH.

♦THIS COUNTER HAS PROVED JUST AS POPULAR AS THE ONE SET UP BY THE COMMITTEE AT BOWRINGTON MARKET IN WAN CHAI FROM NOVEMBER 11 TO 26,♦ MR WU SAID.

AS FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 12), THE COUNTER WILL BE MOVED TO CENTRAL MARKET FOR ANOTHER TWO WEEKS.

/APART PBOIi.......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

9

APART FROM A DEMONSTRATION ON THE USE OF WEIGHING SCALES WITH DUAL SCALE CALIBRATION, PUBLICITY MATERIALS SUCH AS METRIC CONVERSION CARDS, STICKERS, METRIC DIALS AND FACT SHEETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE COUNTER.

THE SETTING UP OF METRIC SCALE COUNTERS IN MARKET PLACE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG IS PART OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE’S NEW PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO INTRODUCE THE METRIC SYSTEM TO PEOPLE AT THE GRASS ROOTS LEVEL.

AFTER DECEMBER 24, THE COUNTER WILL BE MOVED TO YAU MA Tl MARKET, ABERDEEN MARKET AND FINALLY, MONG KOK MARKET.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MR JAMES WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, WILL VISIT THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER AT CENTRAL MARKET (QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL ENTRANCE) AT 12 NOON ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO SEE PEOPLE’S REACTION TO THE SCHEME. HE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRESS INTERVIEWS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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

ROSARYHILL REFLECTS EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HK ft ft ft ft

THE DEVELOPMENT OF ROSARYHILL SCHOOL OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS HAS MIRRORED THE GENERAL PATTERN OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, SAID AT THE SCHOOL’S OPEN DAY TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR HAYE SAID ROSARYHILL SCHOOL AT FIRST CONCENTRATED ON PRIMARY EDUCATION, AND EXTENDED INTO SECONDARY EDUCATION LATER ON.

♦THE SECONDARY SECTION OF THE SCHOOL, LIKE THE PRIMARY, STARTED AS A PRIVATE SCHOOL, BUT JOINED THE RANKS OF THE PER CAPUT GRANT SCHOOLS IN 1974, ENTERED THE GOVERNMENT’S SCHEME OF PHASED CONVERSION TO FULLY AIDED STATUS IN 1979, AND ATTAINED THAT STATUS IN 1982.

♦THIS DEVELOPMENT REFLECTS THE PATTERN OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS - THE EARLY CONCENTRATION ON THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY EDUCATION, THE RAPID EXPANSION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION AND, MORE RECENTLY, THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS INCLUDED IN THE FULLY AIDED SECTOR,♦ MR HAYE SAID.

/THE DECISION .......

Saturday, decembee 10, 1983

- 10 -

THE DECISION BY THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE FULLY AIDED SECTOR REFLECTED A REALISATION OF THE INCREASING DEMANDS PLACED ON SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION AND WITH INCREASED PARTICIPATION IN SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, HE SAID.

COMPARED WITH THE SITUATION 25 YEARS AGO, MR HAYE NOTED, ♦TODAY WE HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR THE FULL RANGE OF ABILITY AND FOSTER INTERESTS AND PURSUITS OUTSIDE BUT COMPLEMENTARY TO THE MORE FORMAL CLASSROOM TEACH I NG.♦

♦AND EVEN THIS MORE FORMAL TEACHING HAS BECOME MORE COMPLEX AS IT STRIVES TO KEEP UP WITH THE RAPID ADVANCES BEING MADE IN ALL FIELDS OF KNOWLEDGE.

♦ALL THIS HAS MEANT THE NEED FOR GREATER AND IMPROVED RESOURCES IN THE SCHOOLS, IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY IN BOTH TEACHING STAFF AND FACILITIES,* MR HAYE ADDED.

HE NOTED THAT THIS NEED COULD ONLY BE MET THROUGH A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE BODIES OPERATING THE SCHOOLS AND THE GOVERNMENT.

♦THIS IS THE PARTNERSHIP WHICH EXISTS IN WHAT IN HONG KONG WE CALL THE AIDED SCHOOLS.

♦IT IS A PARTNERSHIP WHICH ENSURES THE MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS OF PROVISION BUT LEAVES SUFFICIENT FREEDOM TO SCHOOL BODIES TO RETAIN THEIR INDIVIDUALITY AND THEIR FREEDOM TO INITIATE.

♦ROSARYHILL SCHOOL OFFERS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF A NONGOVERNMENT BODY RECOGNISING A NEED TO BE MET, TAKING THE INITIATIVE TO MEET THAT NEED BUT, RECOGNISING THE LIMITATIONS OF ITS OWN RESOURCES, ENSURING THAT IT CONTINUES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ITS PUPILS THROUGH ACTIVE CO-OPERATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT,♦ MR HAYE SAID.

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

ANTI-SMOKING DRIVE IN KWUN TONG

* * * *

AN ANT I-SMOKING EXHIBITION-CUM-CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN KWUN TONG TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE OF THE HEALTH RISKS FROM SMOKING.

THE EVENT WILL MARK THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S ANT I-SMOKING CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL LAST TILL THE END OF NEXT MONTH.

THE CARNIVAL, FEATURING A CHILDREN ART GALLERY, A QUIZ, GAMES STALLS, SLIDE AND VARIETY SHOWS AND A DISPLAY OF ANTI-SMOKING MESSAGES, WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM AT THE MAIN SQUARE OF THE TELFORD GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY.

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK-UPS AND LUNG FUNCTION TESTS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

/OFFICIATING at .......

UA'PURx-.

DECEMBER 10, 1983

- 11 -

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AND CARNIVAL WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON ANT I-SMOKING PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, DR JUDITH MACKAY! THE COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN (KOWLOON REGION) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. DR LAI SAU-SHUE; THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CLAYMON LAI; AND THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT. MISS MONA LO.

OTHER PROGRAMMES TO PUBLICISE THE ILL EFFECTS OF SMOKING INCLUDE SPEECH, DRAWING AND SLOGAN COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS.

ALSO. A TWO-DAY CAMP FOR 50 VOLUNTEER WORKERS BEGAN TODAY AT THE YUEN LONG HOLIDAY HOUSE OF THE HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE AS HEALTH ADVOCATES FOR THE CAMPAIGN.

THE CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (ESTATE MANAGEMENT) LIMITED.

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

TRIAL SCHEME ON REFUSE DISPOSAL

* * * *

A TRIAL SCHEME ON REFUSE DISPOSAL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN WAN CHAI ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) WHEN 12 □□□ PLASTIC LITTER BAGS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE OF- CHARGE TO 644 HOUSEHOLDS IN 12 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.

CO-ORDINATED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE TRIAL SCHEME IS A JOINT VENTURE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE WAN CHAI EAST AREA COMMITTEE.

THE FIVE-WEEK SCHEME IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO ADOPT THE HABIT OF USING PLASTIC BAGS TO DISPOSE OF REFUSE.

A PRESS BRIEFING WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY MORNING AT THE LUARD ROAD REFUSE COLLECTION POINT (NEXT TO SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND) WHEN DETAILS OF THE TRIAL SCHEME WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING GROUP, MRS PEGGY LAM, WHO ALSO HEADS THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.

FOLLOWING THE BRIEFING, MRS LAM AND OTHER GUESTS WILL DISTRIBUTE LITTER BAGS TO HOUSEHOLDS IN A NEARBY BUILDING AND EXPLAIN THE USAGE TO THE RESIDENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS BRIEFING

AT 11 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT THE LUARD ROAD REFUSE COLLECTION POINT (NEAR SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND) IN WAN CHAI.

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

/12 .......

caTURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983 -

12

FOOD HYGIENE COURSE FOR RESTAURATEURS IN TUEN MUN * * * * *

A FOUR-SESSION FOOD HYGIENE COURSE IS BEING HELD IN TUEN MUN FOR PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH RESTAURANT OPERATIONS IN THIS NEW TOWN.

THE COURSE, ARRANGED FREE OF CHARGE BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING GENERAL HYGIENE IN FOOD PRODUCTION AT RESTAURANTS.

THE COURSE COVERS PREVENTION OF FOOD POISONING, PRINCIPLES OF MICROBIOLOGY AND OTHER ASPECTS OF FOOD HYGIENE AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESS LAWS.

AT THE END OF THE COURSE, PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF RESTAURANT SANITATION WITH HEALTH INSPECTORS.

SIMILAR COURSES WILL BE HELD IN OTHER DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NEXT YEAR.

-----0-----

SEVEN MODEL NEIGHBOURS GET AWARDS * * ft *

SEVEN CITIZENS WERE THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING GIVEN AWARDS FOR THE CARE AND CONCERN THEY SHOWED TO THEIR FELLOW NEIGHBOURS.

THE THREE MEN'AND FOUR WOMEN WERE CHOSEN FROM 78 NOMINATIONS FOR THE MODEL NEIGHBOUR AWARD.

THEY COME FROM VILLAGES, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, SQUATTER AREAS AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN DISTRICTS.

SPEAKING AT THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID THE MODEL NEIGHBOUR AWARD PROJECT HELPED STRENGTHEN THE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS.

HE SAID THE MODEL NEIGHBOURS, ALONG WITH A LOT MORE OTHERS, HAD MADE THE COMMUNITY A MUCH BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.

♦IN THIS DENSELY POPULATED CITY, ATMOSPHERE OF FRIENDLINESS, CONCERN AND CARE FOR NEIGHBOURS IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT TO BUILD A HARMONIOUS, HAPPY AND HEALTHY SOCIETY,* HE SAID.

THE MODEL NEIGHBOUR AWARD PROJECT, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WAS INITIATED BY THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

13

NOTE TO ED I TORSt

FREE CHECK-UPS FOR TSUEN WAN WORKERS * * *

THE FIRST FREE «ALTH WEEK SCHEME,

MEDICAL CHECK-UP SESSION, UNDER THE TSUEN WAN . WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT THE GARDEN COMPANY LIMITED IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD *----- -----

SHAM TSENG

MEDICAL TEAMS FROM THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL CARRY OUT CHECKUPS FOR WORKERS AT THE COMPANY.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TSUEN WAN), MISS ELAINE CHUNG; DISTRICT OFFICER (KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl), MR TAM WING-PONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, DR CHEUNG SAU-CHING; CHAIRMAN OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, MR ANTHONY HO; AND A BOARD MEMBER, MR FU YUEN-HUNG, WILL VISIT THE MEDICAL TEAMS THAT MORNING.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE IN FOU WAN CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT 10.30 AM FOR SHAM TSENG.

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

CHINESE GYMNASTS TO HOLD COACHING SESSION * ft * *

MORE THAN 500 STUDENTS IN SHA TIN WILL BE TREATED TO A WORLD STANDARD PERFORMANCE BY THE VISITING CHINESE GYMNASTICS TEAM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE FREE DEMONSTRATION SESSION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 2 PM AND 5 PM AT THE CHALLENGE GYMNASIUM HALL OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.

MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE GYMNASTICS TEAM REPRESENTED GUANGDONG PROVINCE IN THIS YEAR’S CHINA NATION-WIDE SPORTS MEET. TOGETHER WITH EIGHT COACHES FROM THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION, THEY WILL ALSO OFFER BASIC TECHNIQUE TRAINING LESSONS TO YOUTHS.

THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTICS ASSOCIATION, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (SHA TIN), IS AIMED AT PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN GYMNASTICS.

THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED MORE THAN $6 000 TOWARDS ORGANISING THE EVENT.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983 ,

14

NOTE TO EDITORS!

FOSTER CARE UNIT OPENING Mil

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MR JOHN CHAMBERS, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND (HONG KONG), MRS CAROLINE ICWBIGGING, WILL JOINTLY OPEN THE SWD’S CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT AND THE FUND’S FOSTER CARE SERVICE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT 4 PM.

THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT ROOM 1102, TUNG SUN COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 194-200 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. AFTER THE CEREMONY, bEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO INTERVIEW MRS SHIRELY FOZZARD DIRECTOR OF FOSTER CARE SERVICE, SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND, AND MISS MOLLY WONG, HEAD OF THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT.

- 0 - -

YOUTHS HELP BEAUTIFY ESTATE X £ £

YOUNG PEOPLE AND RESIDENTS OF UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE IN KWUN TONG WILL JOIN HANDS TO BEAUTIFY, AND CLEAN UP, THE ESTATE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.

FORTY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE SHIU ON SEAGULL CLUB WILL PAINT A MURAL ON A RETAINING WALL ADJACENT TO BLOCK FIVE OF THE ESTATE.

ABOUT 100 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL CLEAN UP THE MAIN STREETS.

MEANWHILE, SOME 200 PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL CAPTURE THE CLEAN-UP AND MURAL-PAINTING SCENES IN PICTURES BY TAKING PART IN A DRAWING COMPETITION.

TOMORROW’S EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE EAST NGAU TAU KOK AREA COMMITTEE.

- - o - -

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

15

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO BE BUILT H I x

TWO NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE BUILT SHORTLY IN MONG KOK AND LEI YUE MUN TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS CALLING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECTS.

THE REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IN MONG KOK COVERING ABOUT 173 SQUARE METRES WILL BE SITUATED AT DUNDAS STREET.

THE LEI YUE MUN COLLECTION POINT, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 216 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE AT YAN YUE WAI.

WORK ON BOTH PROJECTS WILL START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS.

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

FUN AND GAMES AT FUND-RAISING WALK ft ft ft ft

THAN 800

MORE

STAFF AND FAMILY MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TOOK PART TODAY (SATURDAY) IN A FUND-RAISING WALK IN TAI LAM CHUNG, TO SUPPORT THE DEPARTMENT’S WELFARE FUND.

THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, OFFICIATED AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY STARTING OFF THE SIX-KILOMETRE WALK, FROM TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, THROUGH THE SCENIC TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR AND BACK.

AFTER THE WALK, A BARBECUE PARTY AND AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME WERE HELD FOR PARTICIPANTS. THERE WERE A TELE-MATCH, GAME STALLS, CAMEL RIDES, AN ARMY DOG DEMONSTRATION, A LUCKY DRAW, AS WELL AS PERFORMANCE^ BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF BAND AND THE TAI TAM GIRLS PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM.

THE ANNUAL FUND-RAISING OUTING, WHICH ALSO PROVIDED A DAY OF FUN FOR THE WALKERS, WAS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

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/16 .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1983

16

FIRING PRACTICE AT HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK * ft * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR SIX DAYS NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.

THE PRACTICE WILL BE HELD ON THE COMING MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12, 14, 15, 16 AND 17) FROM * AM TO 5 PM.

- - 0 - -

ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAM SHU I PO ft ft X

THE SECTION OF NAM CHEONG STREET BETWEEN BERWICK STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC ON DECEMBER 12, 16, 19 AND 22 BETWEEN 1 AM TO 5 AM.

DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS HEADING FOR LUNG CHEUNG ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE BERWICK STREET, SHEK KIP MEI STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET.

- - 0 - -

MAXICAB SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN ft ft ft ft ft

SERVICES ON MAXICAB ROUTE 17 BETWEEN CHAI WAN AND PAK SHA WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WILL BE WITHDRAWN AS FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HK TEAM VISITS DAYA BAY SITE................................. 1

DISTRICTS FESTIVAL WELL RECEIVED ............................ 2

COMPULSORY INSURANCE NOTICES AVAILABLE ...................... 3

FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM TO BE BUILT IN KWAI CHUNG ................. 4

ADDICTS URGED TO TAKE METHADONE TREATMENT ................... 5

STUDY TOUR FOR SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS .......................... 6

PROJECT COMPETITION ON COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS .................. 7

NEW MARKET FOR YUEN LONG READY SOON ......................... 8

BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS 'ERPS' ............................. 8

DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS POSTINGS ............................. 9

POPULAR SPORTS CENTRE OPEN AGAIN ............................ 10

SOCCER PITCHES FOR TSING YI ................................. 11

SLIP ROAD TO BE CLOSED

11

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

1

HK TEAM VISITS DAYA BAY SITE *****

A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER A TWO-DAY VISIT TO GUANGDONG WHERE THEY HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH CHINA’S VICE MINISTER FOR WATER RESOURCES AND ELECTRIC POWER, l« PENG SHI LU, ABOUT THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION IN GUANGDONG AND VISITED THE SITE OF THE PROJECT AT DAYA BAY.

THIS WAS THE FIRST CONTACT BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF THE TWO SIDES SINCE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ITS WILLINGNESS TO ENDORSE A SUITABLE OFFTAKE AGREEMENT AND SINCE THE FORMATION OF HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY.

COMMENTING ON THE VISIT, MR JACOBS SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO HAVE MET MR PENG AND HIS TEAM AND THAT THE DISCUSSIONS WERE RELAXED AND FRIENDLY. DURING THE MEETING IT WAS AGREED THAT LIAISON SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS ON THE CHINESE SIDE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RADIATION MONITORING FACILITIES.

♦VICE MINISTER PENG SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THE CONCERN OF HONG KONG PEOPLE ABOUT SAFETY AND REAFFIRMED THAT THE STATION WOULD BE BUILT TO THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,♦ HE SAID.

MR JACOBS SAID DISCUSSIONS WOULD CONTINUE BETWEEN CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND THE GUANGDONG GENERAL POWER COMPANY AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY WHICH WOULD BUILD AND OPERATE THE STATION WOULD BE FORMED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THE VISIT WAS AT THE INVITATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE OF THE GUANGDONG NUCLEAR POWER STATION, MR SHEN JIAN SHENG, WHO CONDUCTED MR JACOBS AND HIS COLLEAGUES ON A TOUR OF THE SITE. MR JACOBS WAS GIVEN A FULL BRIEFING ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE CHOICE OF THE SITE.

♦WE WERE TOLD THAT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF EXPERTS FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES, THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAD LOOKED AT ABOUT A DOZEN SITES BEFORE DECIDING ON DAYA BAY. THE SITE WAS CHOSEN AS IT IS IN A STABLE ZONE, IS BY DEEP WATER WHICH PROVIDES THE NECESSARY COOLANT AND FACES A MOUNTAIN RANGE OF ABOUT 800 METRES WITH A WIND FACTOR WHICH WILL KEEP EMISSIONS AWAY FROM BOTH SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG,* MR JACOBS EXPLAINED.

IN ADDITION, THE SITE IS OVER 50 KILOMETRES FROM HONG KONG WHICH IS COMFORTABLY IN EXCESS OF INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE.

♦IT IS CLEAR THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAVE TAKEN HONG KONG’S INTERESTS VERY MUCH INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE ARRIVING AT THEIR FINAL CHOICE,♦ HE SAID.

MR JACOBS EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE TO THE CHINESE OFFICIALS FOR THEIR HOSPITALITY AND FOR DEMONSTRATING THE RESULTS OF THE SEVERAL YEARS OF PREPARATORY WORK WHICH HAD GONE INTO THE PROJECT.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983 •

2

DISTRICT FESTIVAL WELL RECEIVED ft ft ft ft

A HIGH STANDARD OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT WAS SHOWN BY THE 60 000 PARTICIPANTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ALBERT LI SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.

♦MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES WERE WELL RECEIVED BY THE RESIDENTS AND THIS HAS CERTAINLY HELPED TO PUT ACROSS THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL — ’WONG TAI SIN IS MY HOME’ — TO EVERYONE,* HE SAID.

♦THIS IN TURN WILL FURTHER CONSOLIDATE THE DISTRICT IDENTITY BROUGHT ALONG BY THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.♦

MR LI WAS SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF THE TWO-MONTH FESTIVAL HELD AT THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL.

THIRTY-THREE ACTIVITIES, FEATURING A BALANCED MIXTURE OF PERFORMANCES BY OVERSEAS AND LOCAL ARTISTS, WERE ORGANISED DURING THE FESTIVAL TO CATER FOR EVERY SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY.

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA, THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY, THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND THE CHOR FUNG MING OPERA TROUPE, A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY THE RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER MR WATER POON, AND PERFORMANCES BY VISITING GROUPS.

THERE WERE ALSO VISITS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.

MOST OF THE ACTIVITIES WERE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE OR AT NOMINAL ADMISSION FEES.

THE FESTIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, ■AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

TONIGHT’S CLOSING CEREMONY INCLUDED A TWO-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FEATURING A SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE, A CHILDREN’S BALLET SHOW, MODERN DANCE AND SINGING BY TV ARTISTES AND WINNERS OF THE FESTIVAL’S SINGING CONTESTS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, AND THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR CLIVE OXLEY, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF COMPETITIONS HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL.

- 0

/3 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

3

COMPULSORY INSURANCE NOTICES AVAILABLE

MM*

WHEN THE LEGISLATION ON COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES INJURED OR KILLED AT WORK COMES INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1, AN EMPLOYER MUST DISPLAY AT A CONSPICIOUS PLACE ON HIS PREMISES A NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, GIVING DETAILS OF HIS INSURANCE POLICY.

COPIES OF SUCH NOTICE ARE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM OFFICES OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT REITERATED THAT THE NOTICE SHOULD CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION!

M THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYER;

M THE NAME OF THE INSURER;

M THE POLICY NUMBER;

M THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES INSURED; AND

M THE EXTENT OF THE LIABILITY INSURED.

THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO PUT UP THE NOTICE IS $10 □□□, HE SAID.

THIS NOTICE REQUIREMENT, HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYING DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE REQUIRES AN EMPLOYER TO BE INSURED IN RESPECT OF ALL HIS EMPLOYEES FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF HIS LIABILITIES FOR BOTH COMPENSATION UNDER THE ORD I NACE AND COMMON LAW DAMAGES FOR INJURIES AND DEATH AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT AT WORK.

EMPLOYERS MUST BEAR THE FULL COST OF THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DEDUCT THE COST FROM THE EARNINGS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

♦THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING AN EMPLOYER TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY IS TO ENSURE THAT AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS INJURED OR KILLED AT WORK WOULD OBTAIN COMPENSATION TO WHICH HE IS ENTITLED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.

♦AN EMPLOYER WHO EMPLOYS ANYONE WITHOUT AN INSURANCE POLICY AFTER JANUARY 1, NEXT YEAR, COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.

/under the........

SUNDAY, DECEK33R 11, 1983

W ■

4

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT ARE EMPOWERED TO ENTER AND INSPECT PREMISES, OTHER THAN DOMESTIC PREMISES, TO TAKE COPIES OF RECORDS, AND TO REQUIRE INFORMATION TO BE GIVEN FOR ENSURING THAT EMPLOYERS HAVE TAKEN OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

EMPLOYERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO PRODUCE FOR INSPECTION THE POLICY OF INSURANCE AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THEIR EMPLOYEES ON RECEIVING A WRITTEN NOTICE FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID A LEAFLET ON THE PROVISIONS OF COMPULSORY - THE NOTICE OF INSURANCE, ARE NOW AVAILABLE OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION:

INSURANCE, TOGETHER WITH AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES

HONG KONG ISLAND

7TH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY-

KOWLOON

9TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 395 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA Th AND 100 TUNG FU STREET, 3RD FLOOR, YEU HAN BUILDING, KWUN tong;

NEW TERRITORIES

EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 1ST FLOOR, TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN-AND 167-173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, CHEUNG YIU BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.

HE ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO CONSULT THEIR INSURERS OR GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DIVISION BY TELEPHONE 5-7955920, 3-688466 OR 0-4677776 IF THEY HAVE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THEIR INSURANCE POLICIES.

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

FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM TO BE BUILT IN KWAI CHUNG * * *

CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IN FEBRUARY ON A FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM OVER WO Yl HOP ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG WING ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT ONLY PROVIDE A SAFE MEANS OF CROSSING WO Yl HOP ROAD/BUT WOULD ALSO BE LINKED WITH A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE TWO ROADS. t

/THE FOOTBRIDGE........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

- 5 -

THE FOOTBRIDGE WOULD BE COVERED TO GIVE PROTECTION AGAINST THE WEATHER, HE ADDED.

UNDER THE PROJECT, THE ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE LANDSCAPED AND MODIFIED.

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE WORK WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.

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

ADDICTS URGED TO TAKE METHADONE TREATMENT

*****

DRUG ADDICTS ARE URGED TO MAKE USE OF THE METHADONE TREATMENT WITH THE ULTIMATE AIM OF GETTING RID OF THE ADDICTION HABIT.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR WONG SIK-KONG, AT A ROUND-THE-DI STR I CT WALK ORGANISED TO PUBLICISE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THREE OF THE TERRITORY’S 24 METHADONE CLINICS ARE LOCATED IN KOWLOON CITY.

A DAILY AVERAGE OF 333 PEOPLE SOUGHT METHADONE TREATMENT FROM THE THREE CLINICS LAST MONTH, REPRESENTING ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE 482 REGISTERED PATIENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

♦THESE PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP UP THEIR FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS TO CREATE FOR THEMSELVES A BETTER AND HAPPIER FUTURE,♦ HE SAID.

ABOUT 550 RESIDENTS WEARING TRACK SHIRTS WITH ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGES JOINED TODAY’S PARADE AS PART OF A TWO-WEEK KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3.

THE PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM 30 LOCAL .ORGANISATIONS, BEGAN THE 4 OOO-METRE WALK FROM SUNG WONG TOI PLAYGROUND VIA TAM KUNG ROAD, MOK CHEONG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD, MA TAU WAI ROAD, WUHU STREET, YAN FUNG STREET, VALLEY ROAD ESTATE AND CHUNG HAU STREET TO 01 MAN ESTATE.

THE EVENT WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, AND RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

- 6 -

STUDY TOUR FOR SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS * * * *

SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL NEXT WEEK BE ABLE TO SEE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF JAPAN’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND COMPARE THEM WITH THE ELECTIONS OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARDS.

LED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR K.C. KWONG, FIVE OFFICIAL AND NINE UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS LEFT FOR JAPAN THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON FOR A ONE-WEEK STUDY TOUR.

THE VISITING PERIOD FALLS JUST BEFORE JAPAN’S PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS WHICH WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 18.

THE PARTY WILL SPEND THE FIRST THREE DAYS IN OSAKA WHERE THEY WILL VISIT AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION MONITORING CENTRE AND BE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PROTECTION MEASURES.

THEY WILL ALSO VISIT THE FERN I NEW TOWN, ADJACENT TO OSAKA, TO SEE HOW A BALANCED TOWNSHIP IS PLANNED, DEVELOPED AND MANAGED, AND HOW PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEVELOPMENTS ARE DEALT WITH.

AT HYOGO PREFECTURE, MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE PREFECTORAL OFFICE AND THE HYOGO ASSEMBLY AND BE BRIEFED ON THE MACHINERY OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, THEIR ELECTORAL SYSTEM, COMMUNITY BUILDING EFFORTS, COLLECTION OF PUBLIC OPINION AND DISSEMINATION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC, RUNNING OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.

THEY WILL ALSO TOUR KOBE AND HIMIE TO SEE THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TWO CITIES.

♦THE TOUR WILL PROVIDE BOARD MEMBERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BROADEN THEIR OUTLOOK AND ENRICH THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON HOW THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ELECTORAL SYSTEM IN OTHER COUNTRIES WORK.+ MR K.C. KWONG SAID.

♦IT WILL ALSO ENABLE MEMBERS TO OBSERVE, LEARN AND COMPARE HOW PROBLEMS OF A COMMUNITY ARE TACKLED,+ HE ADDED.

THE PARTY WILL RETURN ON DECEMBER 17.

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/7 ........

r *

••

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

- 7 -

PROJECT COMPETITION ON COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS * * * *

STUDENTS TAKING COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A PROJECT COMPETITION FEATURING ’BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG’.

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AIMS AT AROUSING THE INTEREST OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN VARIOUS BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.

THERE WILL BE TWO DIVISIONS FOR THE COMPETITION.

DIVISION ’A’ WILL BE FOR F.4 AND 5 STUDENTS TAKING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS i COMMERCE, PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS, SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING.

DIVISION ’B’ WILL BE FOR STUDENTS TAKING BUSINESS STUDIES AND/OR PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AT F.6, M.6 AND F.7 LEVELS.

PARTICIPANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG — PRIMARY AND MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION, COMMERCIAL SERVICES OR DIRECT SERVICES.

THE PROJECT MAY BE PRESENTED IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE IN THE FORM OF ESSAY, SLIDES, SOUND TAPES, MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS OR A COMBINATION OF THESE METHODS OR ANY OTHER METHODS WHICH MAY BE APPROVED BY THE ORGANISERS.

THE PROJECT MAY BE DONE BY ONE STUDENT OR A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM ONE OR DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BEAR THE NAME AND THE CLASS OF THE PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS THE NAME OF THEIR SCHOOL.

ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA I EVIDENCE OF CAREFUL AND RELEVANT RESEARCH AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PRESENTATION METHOD.

THE WINNER WILL BE AWARDED 81 OOO, WHILE THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL BE GIVEN $500 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY.

MERIT PRIZES OF $200 EACH WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR OUTSTANDING SUBMISSIONS.

IN ADDITION, ALL PRIZE-WINNERS WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR ENTRY FORMS TO THE COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY BY MARCH 15, 1984 AND THEIR ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE SECTION BEFORE MAY 1.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 5-8392434.

- - 0 - -

/8

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

- 8 -

NEW MARKET FOR YUEN LONG READY SOON *****

THE FIRST PERMANENT PUBLIC MARKET IN YUEN LONG IS BEING GIVEN FINISHING TOUCHES AND WILL SOON BE OPENED.

THE^TAI KIU MARKET IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF A 15-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES COMPLEX AT SAU FU STREET IN THE HEART OF THE NEW TOWN.

THE S6O-MILLION COMPLEX WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

ON COMPLETION, THE MARKET FACILITIES ON THE GROUND FLOOR, IWO SQUASH COURTS ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR, AND AN OPEN SPACE WITH FLOWER BEDS, ARBOURS, TENNIS TABLES AND TWO BADMINTON COURTS ON THE FIRST FLOOR WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT.

THE MARKET WITH A FLOOR AREA OF 4 300 SQUARE METRES WILL PROVIDE NEAT PREMISES FOR SOME 420 STALLS COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF TRADES.

BESIDES EIGHT ENTRANCES, THE MARKET HAS THREE RAMPS FOR HANDICAPPED SHOPPERS IN WHEELCHAIRS.

THE MARKET WILL TAKE IN ALL TRADERS NOW OPERATING IN PAU CHEUNG STREET TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAAR.

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

BOARD MEMBERS TO DISCUSS ’ERPS’ *****

ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SYSTEM AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13).

AT THE MEETING, THEY WILL ALSO REVIEW THE +MEET-THE—PUBLIC+ SCHEME ON CHEUNG CHAU.

A TOTAL OF 32 CASES HAS BEEN HANDLED BY UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS SINCE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN JULY THIS YEAR.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR CHEUNG CHAU, AS WELL AS THE LAYOUT PLANS FOR THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE ISLAND.

/OTHER topics .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1?£3

- 9 -

OTHER TOPICS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE NAMING OF A ROAD AT NGONG PING ON LANTAU, THE QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES, AND THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR A NUMBER OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 16TH FLOOR OF SINCERE BUILDING, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.

---0------

DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS POSTINGS

* * * X

THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS DECEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

POSTINGS AFTER THIS DATE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO SEND THEIR CARDS EARLY TO AVOID LAST-MINUTE RUSH.

THERE WILL BE DELIVERIES OF LETTERS AND PARCELS ON DECEMBER 18 (SUNDAY) AND 26 AND JANUARY 2. BUT THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERY ON DECEMBER 25 AND 27 AND ON NEW YEAR’S DAY.

ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAYS EXCEPT ON DECEMBER 26 AND JANUARY 2 WHEN 36 OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON.

THESE 36 OFFICES INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICES AND TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO POST OFFICES.

DETAILS OF POST OFFICES WHICH WILL BE OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD CAN BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUAL POST OFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-2671222.

0 -------

/10 ........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983-

10

POPULAR SPORTS CENTRE OPEN AGAIN ******

THE CITY LIONS SPORTS CENTRE IN HAPPY VALLEY — OPERATED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT -- IS THE MOST POPULAR CENTRE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.

THIS WAS SAID THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON DURING A CEREMONY TO MARK THE RE-OPENING OF THE CENTRE NOW HOUSED UNDER THE NORTH STAND OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL CLUB’S STADIUM.

THE SPORTS-AND-FITNESS CENTRE WAS PREVIOUSLY LOCATED UNDER THE STADIUM’S SOUTH STAND WHICH WAS DEMOLISHED RECENTLY FOR REDEVELOPMENT.

ALSO TAKING PART IN THE CEREMONY WERE THE WIFE OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FOOTBALL CLUB, MRS EVE DUNCAN AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB, DR H.W. FUNG.

MR WILLIAMSON SAID THAT FROM MARCH 1981 TO AUGUST 1983, BEFORE THE SOUTH STAND WAS DEMOLISHED, THE CENTRE ENROLLED 34 833 PARTICIPANTS WHO TOOK PART IN A VARIETY OF COURSES WITH A TOTAL SESSIONAL ATTENDANCE RECORD OF 227 928.

THESE FIGURES SHOW THAT, IN SPITE OF THE SIZE OF THE CENTRE, IT IS BEYOND DISPUTE THE MOST POPULAR CENTRE OF ITS KIND THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

NOR DID ENTHUSIASM WANE DURING THE SHORT PERIOD WHEN ACTIVITIES HAD TO BE SUSPENDED PENDING THIS PRESENT MOVE TO THE NORTH STAND, HE SAID.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FITTING OUT WORK HAD BEEN COMPLETED, OLD AND NEW PARTICIPANTS FLOODED BACK TO THE CENTRE, HE POINTED OUT.

IN NOVEMBER, WE RECORDED AN ALL-TIME HIGH FIGURE OF 4 155 PARTICIPANTS WHOSE SESSIONAL ATTENDANCE REACHED 10 202.

THIS INDEED IS A FORMIDABLE FITNESS WORKSHOP CHURNING OUT FIT CITIZENS AT MASS PRODUCTION RATES.♦

MR WILLIAMSON ALSO THANKED THE FOOTBALL CLUB FOR SUGGESTING TO THE DEPARTMENT TO UTILISE THE SPACE UNDER THE SOUTH STAND AT THE END OF 1980 WHEN ITS PREVIOUS OCCUPANTS, THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, MOVED OUT.

HE THANKED THE CITY LIONS CLUB AS WELL FOR ITS GENEROUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FOR DESIGNING THE INTERIOR OF THE CENTRE.

MR WILLIAMSON SAID TWO MORE LARGER CENTRES WILL COME INTO OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THEY ARE THE NEW TO KWA WAN SPORTS CENTRE, WHICH WILL REPLACE THE FORMER HUNG HOM CAR PARK SPORTS CENTRE, AND THE CHEUNG WAH ESTATE SPORTS CENTRE IN FANLING.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1983

11

SOCCER PITCHES FOR TSI NG Yl * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $2 MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING AN OPEN SPACE WITH TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES ON TSING Yl ISLAND.

THE OPEN SPACE, MEASURING ABOUT 4 800 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE BUILT ON THE DECK OF TSING Yl EAST SERVICE RESERVOIR NEAR CHING HONG ROAD.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL TAKE 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

BESIDES THE SOCCER PITCHES, THERE WILL BE EIGHT SPECTATOR STANDS AND NINE OVERHANGING FLOODLIGHTS.

OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE AN OFFICE, A STORE ROOM, A CHANGING ROOM AND A TOILET.

THE OPEN SPACE HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

IT WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

- - 0 - -

SLIP ROAD TO BE CLOSED * * *

FROM 0.01 AM TO 5 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13), THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM GARDEN ROAD NORTHBOUND TO COTTON TREE DRIVE NEAR HELENA MAY INSTITUTE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ROAD WORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD OUTSIDE MURRAY BUILDING.

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONTAINER PORT TO BE VASTLY EXPANDED ........................ 1

OCTOBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND .... 2

NEW TECHNIQUE USED IN TUMOUR REMOVAL ........................ 5

LAST DAY TO REGISTER, PARENTS TOLD .......................... 5

FOSTER CARE CALLED FOR ...................................... 6

FANLING TO HAVE WIN TOWN CENTRES ............................ 7

FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR ORGANISED ...............................

YOUTHS TO HEAR ABOUT SMOKING HAZARD ......................... 9

SRI LANKAN PRISON OFFICIAL VISITING ......................... 9

YOUTHS GOING ON UK STUDY TOUR ............................... 10

AIDED + SKILLS COURSES* AVAILABLE NOW ....................... 10

METRIC SCALE COUNTER DRAWS CROWDS ........................... 11

WORKERS GET FREE CHECK-UPS .................................. 11

MOVING TO OWN OFFICE ........................................ 11

WATER FIGURES ...............................................

TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK .......................... 12

KEEPING HK CLEAN - +A BASIC, VITAL TASK* .................... 12

REFUSE DISPOSAL SCHEME BEING TRIED .......................... 13

SWAGE WORKS TO BE EXPANDED

14

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

1

CONTAINER PORT TO BE VASTLY EXPANDED

M * * X

A LONG-TERM THREE-PHASE EXPANSION PROGRAMME FOR THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S PROMINENT POSITION IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TRADE.

THIS WAS SAID TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE EXPANSION PROJECT.

+SPEEDY DELIVERY OF GOODS IS ONE KEY ELEMENT IN THE SUCCESS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE. SO, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT OUR CONTAINER PORT GROWS TO MEET THE DEMANDS MADE UPON IT,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS THUS BEEN NEGOTIATING WITH TWO CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATORS, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL LTD (HIT) AND SEALAND ORIENT LTD, TO EXPAND THE KWAI CHUNG PORT TO MEET THE NEEDS THROUGH THE REST OF THIS DECADE AND THE NEXT, HE SAID.

UNDER THE FIRST PHASE, SOME 25.5 HECTARES OF SEABED IN THE KWAI CHUNG CREEK WILL BE RECLAIMED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, INCREASING THE PORT’S WORKING CAPACITY FROM ITS PRESENT 1.4 MILLION TWENTY-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS (TEUS) BY 57 PER CENT TO 2.2 MILLION TEU’S BY 1986, HE SAID.

MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE PROJECT IS THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE EXPANSION OF THE PORT SINCE THE MID-1970S.

HONG KONG IS THE THIRD LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD AFTER NEW YORK AND ROTTERDAM, NOT ONLY HANDLING ITS OWN GROWING EXTERNAL TRADE BUT ALSO SERVING AS THE LARGEST CONTAINER TRANSHIPMENT CENTRE IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, HE SAID.

LAST YEAR, HONG KONG HANDLED A TOTAL THROUGHPUT OF SOME 1.7 MILLION TEUS OF CONTAINER CARGO, 89 PER CENT OF THEM THROUGH THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT AND THE REST ACCOMMODATED ELSEWHERE IN THE PORT OF HONG KONG.

MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ARE SHIPPED BY CONTAINER, WHILE SOME 30 PER CENT OF ITS CONTAINER CARGO REPRESENT TRANSHIPMENT GOODS.

UNDER THE FIRST PHASE, THE TWO COMPANIES WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMING AND RECLAIMING THE LAND, WITH HIT ACQUIRING AN ADDITIONAL AREA OF 11.7 HECTARES FOR INTEGRATION WITH TERMINAL 4 AND SEALAND AN ADDITIONAL 3.7 HECTARES FOR INTEGRATION WITH TERMINAL 3, W JACOBS POINTED OUT.

THE REMAINING 10.1 HECTARES WILL BE HANDED BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT, WITH PART OF IT TO BE USED FOR A NEW AND BETTER CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND PART TO BE RESERVED FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, IE ADDED.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SPENDING $104 MILLION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROAD AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA, HE SAID.

/MR JACOBS .......

MONDAY, DEEJMBER 12, 1983 ‘

2

MR JAC SA IF T -T THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROJECT WILL COMPRISE A NE TERMINAL WITH THREE BERTHS TO THE SOUTH OF THE RECLAMATION.

CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PHASE WILL START IN 1986 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1988, RAISING THE CONTAINER PORT’S CAPACITY BY ANOTHER 45 PER CENT.

CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ADDITIONAL TERMINALS IS BEING PLANNED UNDER THE THIRD PHASE OF THE EXPANSION, MR JACOBS REPORTED.

+THE INVESTMENT IN THIS EXPANSION IS UNDOUBTEDLY A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE BY THE TWO COMPANIES AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KCNG,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

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

OCTOBER

SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND

******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED STATISTICS FROM THE MONTHLY SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND ORDERS-ON-HAND FOR OCTOBER 1983.

ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED AT A RELATIVELY IIGH LEVEL ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A MARGINAL DECREASE IN OCTOBER COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER.

WHILE ORDERS-ON-HAND IN THE TEXTILES AND THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES INCREASED, THOSE IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AN_ ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECREASED.

THERE WAS A MILD INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE.

THERE WERE MIXED REPORTS BY RESPONDENTS IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

THOUGH THE OVERALL AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS FOR THIS INDUSTRY DECLINED SOMEWHAT, SOME FACTORIES HAD INCREASED ORDERS SO THAT THE OVERALL ORDERS POSITION OF THIS INDUSTRY REMAINED STRONG AND EMPLOYMENT ALSO SHOWED SOME INCREASE.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTOR REMAINED STABLE.

HOWEVER, !N THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES SURVEYED, THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ?E-L AGAIN ON COMPLETION OF SOME PROJECTS.

PAYROLL AND PEF CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED IN ALL THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, EXCEPT THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY.

THE HC EASE *AS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO SALARY REVISIONS AND MORE OVERTIME WORK PERFORMED DURING THE MONTH.

THE DECREASE N PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY WAS, HOWEVER, SEASONAL.

/IN the.....

MONDAY, DJBEMBER 12, 1983

IN THE SERVICES SECTOR, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN PUBLIC UTILITIES DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF ANNUAL BONUS AND BACK-PAY BY SOME FIRMS IN SEPTEMBER.

THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLES.

WHEN RELEASING THE SURVEY RESULTS, THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN MARCH 1983.

AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT RESULTS ON MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 1983 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, AT $1.5 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT 3-7212832).

A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING

(PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH)

AUG. SEP. OCT.

INDUSTRY 1983 1983 1983

ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR OCTOBER 1983

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL

PLASTIC PRODUCTS

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS

ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

OTHERS

ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES

2-13

-2 1 -2

5 8*

* * -1

4.90

2.50

3.75

3.11

5.24

4.09

4.42

/B. affLOYSEMT AND.........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

4

B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS

PERSONS ENGAGED BY

THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA ----------------------- -------------------- EARNINGS

(PERCENTAGE CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) FOR

INDUSTRY/ AUG. SEP. OCT. AUG. SEP. OCT. OCT. 1983

SERVICE 1983 1983 1983 1983 1983 1983 (HK$)

MANUFACTURING -2-3 1 4 M 1 2 395

FOOD AND DRINKS -1 M * -1 2 -7 3 226

WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -2 -4 M 5 -2 2 2 128

TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL -1 -1 * 5 -5 5 2 449

PLASTIC PRODUCTS -3 -15 -1 8 5 4 2 243

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 -3 * 4 2 2 2 □□9

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 -2 3 2 * 1 2 193

OTHERS -1 M 1 2 -1 4 3 294

CONSTRUCTI0NMM -3 -4 -2 1 1 -1 3 653

SERVICES 1 * * -3 6 -4 4 446

BANKS * M * -3 * * 3 965

HOTELS * * * * -1 1 2 793

PUBLIC UTILITIES * * * -5 15 -7 4 653

OTHERS 5 M M -4 -4 -1 5 355

M CHANGES WITHIN + 0.5 PER CENT

MM

PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.

MUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

5

NEW TECHNIQUE USED IN TUMOUR REMOVAL

* * * *

SURGEONS IN HONG KONG HAVE FOR THE FIRST TIME SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED A BRAIN TUMOUR THROUGH THE EAR.

THE OPERATION, KNOWN AS TRANSLABYRI NTH I NE REMOVAL OF ACOUSTIC NEUROMA, WAS PERFORMED ON A 52-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ON NOVEMBER 29, AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.

THE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT CONSULTANT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT THE PATIENT WAS SUFFERING FROM A BENIGN TUMOUR OF THE AUDITORY NERVE, SITUATED INSIDE THE SKULL AND CLOSE TO THE BRAIN STEM.

THE PATIENT IS RECOVERING SATISFACTORILY, HE ADDED.

THE CONSULTANT SAID THAT THE TECHNIQUE WAS DEVELOPED IN THE UNITED STATES AND AMONG THE ADVANTAGES IT HAS OVER OPERATIONS THROUGH THE SKULL ARE THATi

* THE PROCEDURE IS QUICKER,

* THERE IS LOWER MORTALITY RATE, AND

M IT REQUIRES A SHORTER CONVALESCENCE PERIOD.

THE CONSULTANT ADDED THAT NOT TOO MANY HOSPITALS IN ASIA HAVE PERFORMED THIS TYPE OF SURGERY.

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

LAST DAY TO REGISTER, PARENTS TOLD

* X *

PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM ARE REMINDED THAT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WILL BE THE LAST DAY FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL.

IN DOING SO, PARENTS SHOULD NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS AS STIPULATED BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS, AuD PARENTS’ COPY OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION APPLICATION FORM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

IF PARENTS ACCEPT AN OFFER OF A DISCRETIONARY PLACE, IT WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT, HE NOTED.

PARENTS WHO CANNOT REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH A SCHOOL TOMORROW FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED DIRECTLY OR THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT (5-724383) TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.

/PAR31TS WHO........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

6

PARENTS WHO FAIL TO DO SO WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO GAVE ASSURANCE THAT CHILDREN WHO FAIL TO SECURE A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE GIVEN A PRIMARY ONE PLACE WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT BY CENTRAL ALLOCATION NEXT MARCH, TOGETHER WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE.

SUCH ALLOCATION, HE SAID, WILL BE BASED PRIMARILY ON PARENTAL CHOICES.

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

FOSTER CARE CALLED FOR * * * *

FOSTER CARE IS A SERVICE TO WHICH THOSE WITHOUT LARGE FINANCIAL RESOURCES COULD CONTRIBUTE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THEY COULD DO SO IN TERMS OF THEIR TIME, LOVE AND ABILITY TO CARE FOR CHILDREN WHO, THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, WERE UNABLE TO LIVE WITH THEIR OWN FAMILIES, HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS WAS SPEAKING AT THE JOINT OPENING OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT AND THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND’S FOSTER CARE SERVICE IN WAN CHAI.

♦THERE ARE ALREADY SIGNS THAT THE FOSTER CARE SERVICE IS BEGINNING TO FLOURISH WITH NEARLY 100 ENQUIRIES BEING RECEIVED FROM PROSPECTIVE FOSTER PARENTS FOLLOWING THE FIRST MAJOR PUBLICITY PROGRAMME EARLIER THIS YEAR,* HE SAID.

STAFF OF THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT AND THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND ARE CARRYING OUT HOME STUDIES OF THESE FAMILIES AND ARRANGING ACTUAL PLACEMENTS FOR CHILDREN.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE PRESENCE TODAY OF A FOSTER FAMILY SURNAMED MAK AND LITTLE WAI-LING, WHO WAS PLACED WITH THEM AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, PROVIDED A LIVING PROOF OF THIS.

HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE MESSAGE +FOSTER CARE: A GIFT OF LOVE+ WOULD REACH THE MANY CARING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.

HE SAID HE WAS SURE THAT THE OPENING OF THE TWO NEW OFFICES WOULD PROVIDE STILL GREATER IMPETUS TO THE DRIVE TO RECRUIT MORE FOSTER PARENTS.

♦THEY WILL PROVIDE A CONVENIENTLY LOCATED CENTRE FOR HANDLING ENQUIRIES AND FOR DISSEMINATING PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION.

♦THEY WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO DROP IN AND TALK TO THE STAFF ABOUT WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT,♦ HE SAID.

/THE TWO.......

MONDAY, DECEUBEfi 12, 1983

7

THE TWO OFFICES ARE LOCATED ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF TUNG SUN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 1R4-200 LOCKHART ROAD, WAN CHAI. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL FOSTER CARE UNIT ON TEL. 5-8938121.

THE IDEAL FOSTER PARENTS WOULD BE A HUSBAND AND WIFE WITH A HAPPY AND STABLE MARRIAGE, BETWEEN THE AGES OF 25 AND 60.

SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN COULD ALSO BECOME FOSTER HOMES.

FOSTER PARENTS WILL RECEIVE A MONTHLY ALLOWANCE OF $1 220, COMPRISING $916 AS MAINTENANCE GRANT FOR EACH FOSTER CHILD AND $304 AS INCENTIVE PAYMENT FOR BOTH FOSTER PARENTS. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SET-UP FEE OF $458.

MR CHAMBERS PAID SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE FOR ITS PIONEER WORK IN HONG KONG’S FOSTER CARE SERVICE.

+THEIR COMMITMENT TO THIS SERVICE OVER MANY YEARS HAS PROVIDED THE BASE FROM WHICH WE HOPE TO BUILD AN EXPANDED FOSTER CARE PROGRAMME OF WHICH WE CAN ALL BE PROUD,+ HE SAID.

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

FANLING TO HAVE TWIN * * * *

FANLING NEW TOWN WILL EVENTUALLY DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER NORTH, MR ALAN

TOWN CENTRES

HAVE TWO TOWN CENTRES, THE HAY, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR HAY TOLD MEMBERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB THAT, IN THIS RESPECT, FANLING IS UNIQUE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO TOWN CENTRES AROUND SHEK WU HUI AND LUEN WO HUI WILL EVENTUALLY INVOLVE REDEVELOPMENT OF BOTH THESE EXISTING TOWNSHIPS.

THE CENTRAL AREA REDEVELOPMENT, HE SAID, WAS BASED ON A RECENTLY COMPLETED CENTRAL AREA STUDY WHICH HAD PUT FORWARD SUGGESTIONS FOR DESIGN OF THE TWIN TOWN CENTRES TO PROVIDE AREAS WHICH WOULD NOT ONLY BE PLEASANT TO LIVE IN BUT WOULD BE VIRTUALLY TRAFFIC FREE FOR PEDESTRIANS AND SHOPPERS.

LANDSCAPING WOULD BE INCORPORATED INTO THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THESE AREAS TO ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT. CAR PARKING WOULD BE ON THE PERIPHERY FOR GENERAL SHOPPERS AND ON PODIUMS FOR RESIDENTS.

MR HAY SAID FANLING NEW TOWN IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MAJORITY CF THE OTHER NEW TOWNS IN THAT IT IS NOT A COASTAL TOWN AND THEREFORE CANNOT RELY ON RECLAMATION FOR EXPANSION.

INSTEAD LARGE AREAS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND LAND BEING USED FOR TEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES MUST BE CLEARED, HE ADDED.

IT IS SITUATED WITHIN A FLOOD PLAIN SO THAT GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN IN THE FORMATION OF THE VARIOUS AREAS TO ENSURE THAT THE DRAINAGE FULLY TAKES INTO ACCOUNT FACTORS NECESSARY TO ALLEVIATE FUTURE FLOODING PROBLEMS.

/he said.........

HUkJAV JJXk 1 , xiiKhidBKH 12, 1983

8

HE SAID A STEERING GROUP ON WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE WAS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED.

IN TURN EACH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WOULD ESTABLISH A DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING GROUP WHICH WOULD BE REPORTING BACK TO THE STEERING COMMITTEE WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO TACKLE PROBLEMS WITHIN ITS OWN PARTICULAR DISTRICT.

IT WAS QUITE LIKELY THAT FOR SUCH A PURPOSE A PRIORITY RIVER OR WATERCOURSE WOULD BE IDENTIFIED IN EACH DISTRICT, HE SAID.

MR HAY SAID FANLING IS THE NEWEST OF THE NEW TOWNS, AND IS GROWING RAPIDLY WITH TWO LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES NEARING COMPLETION.

THE FIRST ESTATE IN THE NEW TOWN, CHOI YUEN, IS ALL BUT COMPLETE, CURRENTLY HOUSING 20 000 PEOPLE.

THE OTHER, CHEUNG WAH, IS EXPECTED TO START TAKING PEOPLE IN EARLY NEXT YEAR.

AN AREA FOR A THIRD PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE HAS BEEN CLEARED AND IS AT PRESENT BEING FORMED.

MR HAY SAID NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE IS NOT IN A CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR MOST PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT.

IT IS HOPED THE SITUATION WILL BE REMEDIED BY MID-1984 WHEN BOTH THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE MOVE INTO TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION IN FANLING.

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

NOTE TO EDITORSi

FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR ORGANISED * * *

A FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT YUEN LONG TOWN HALL STARTING AT 3 PM, TO KEEP THE PUBLIC POSTED OF SECURITY MEASURES AGAINST ROBBERIES.

THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, YUEN LONG MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION AND THE LOCAL POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

PARTICIPANTS WILL INCLUDE BANK OFFICIALS AND OPERATORS OF GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.

THE SPEAKERS WILL BE THE YUEN LONG POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, M? TSANG KING-KAI, AND THE STATION SERGEANT OF THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU, MR LAU CHIU-MAN.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR, WHICH BEGINS AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AT 4 TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.

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

/9......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

- 9 -

YOUTHS TO HEAR ABOUT SMOKING HAZARD * * * *

ABOUT 1 200 LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL ATTEND TWO ANT I-SMOKING SEMINARS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT CF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THERE WILL BE TALKS, SLIDE AND FILM SHOWS, ARRANGED BY THE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL, FOCUSING ON THE BAD EFFECTS OF SMOKING TO HEALTH.

THE SEMINARS, AIMED AT DISCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM TAKING UP THE SMOKING HABIT, ARE PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ANTI-SMOKING WORKING GROUP OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD. OTHER EVENTS, INCLUDING ESSAY AND SLOGAN COMPETITIONS, ARE NOW IN PROGRESS.

TOMORROW’S SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 AM AND 1.30 PM RESPECTIVELY AT TUNG WAH GROUPS OF HOSPITAL NUMBER 11 AND 12 SCHOOLS IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU I.

- - 0 -----

SRI LANKAN PRISON OFFICIAL VISITING * * *

SRI LANKA’S DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR C.T. JANSZ, TODAY VISITED SIX INSTITUTIONS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

HE IS CURRENTLY ON A STUDY TOUR TO LOOK OVER VARIOUS HONG KONG CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES AND FACILITIES.

EARLIER TODAY, MR JANSZ TOURED THE LAI CHI KOK RECEPTION CENTRE, PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, PIK UK PRISON, STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, STANLEY PRISON AND TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE SUPERINTENDENTS IN CHARGE OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND SHOWN THE VARIOUS FACILITIES.

HE SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THE MULTI-STOREY LAUNDRY OF PIK UK PRISON, WHICH IS MANNED BY PRISONERS. THE LAUNDRY CAN HANDLE 50 000 PIECES OF SOILED LINEN A DAY FOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.

TOMORROW, MR JANSZ WILL CALL AT THE HEI LING CHAU ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, LAI SUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND LEI KWU CHAU ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE.

DURING HIS STAY, HE WILL ALSO BE HOLDING DISUCSSIONS WITH THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES.

0 --------

/10 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

10

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOUTHS GOING ON UK STUDY TOUR * * * * *

TWELVE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN BRITAIN BETWEEN DECEMBER 20 AND JANUARY 2, 1984.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CAROLINE ROOM, LEE GARDENS HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION AND WILL ALSO PRESENT A MEMBERSHIP CARD TO THE 100 OOOTH CYC MEMBER.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TEA RECEPTION AND THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

- - 0 - -

AIDED +SKILLS COURSES* AVAILABLE NOW ******

APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTED +SKILLS COURSES* TO BE HELD AT THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG, STARTING NEXT MONTH, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NOW, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY AIDED PLACES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SEVEN COURSES, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SCHOOL AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

THERE ARE TWO INTERMEDIATE CANOEING AND TWO ADVANCED CANOEING COURSES, ONE INTERMEDIATE SAILING AND TWO ADVANCED SAILING COURSES.

THERE ARE 40 AIDED PLACES AVAILABLE FOR THE TWO INTERMEDIATE CANOEING COURSES, AND THE STARTING DATES ARE JANUARY 11 AND 20.

THERE ARE 40 PLACES IN THE TWO ADVANCED CANOEING COURSES AND THE STARTING DAYS ARE JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 17.

THE OTHER 60 PLACES ARE FOR AN INTERMEDIATE AND TWO ADVANCED SAILING COURSES WHICH BEGIN ON JANUARY 20, JANUARY 14 AND FEBRUARY 17.

EACH COURSE WILL LAST THREE DAYS AND COST $200 PER PERSON.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE HEAD OFFICE AT WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL, OR FROM ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

- 0 -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

11

METRIC SCALE COUNTER DRAWS CROWDS * * *

THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER SET UP BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE IN MARKET PLACES HAS PROVED VERY POPULAR WITH THE GRASS ROOTS LEVEL.

♦SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SCHEME ON NOVEMBER 11, AN AVERAGE OF 1 OOO PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE COUNTER EVERY DAY,+ SAID MR JAMES WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE WHEN HE VISITED THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER AT CENTRAL MARKET TODAY.

THE METRIC SCALE COUNTER PILOT SCHEME IS PART OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE’S NEW PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO INTRODUCE THE METRIC SYSTEM TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

THE COUNTER AT CENTRAL MARKET WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR TWO WEEKS, AFTER WHICH IT WILL BE MOVED TO YAUMATI MARKET, ABERDEEN MARKET AND FINALLY, MONG KOK MARKET.

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

WORKERS GET FREE CHECK-UPS

XXX

THE TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK BEGAN TODAY WITH MEDICAL TEAMS FROM THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL CONDUCTING FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS FOR WORKERS AND STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE HEALTH WEEK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AND SPONSORED BY THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE.

SOME 2 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO BENEFIT FROM THE CHECK-UPS DURING THE SIX-DAY PERIOD.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS I

MOVING TO OWN OFFICE

M K M

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL TOMORROW (TUESDAY) HOLD A CEREMONY MARKING THE MOV I NG-IN TO ITS OWN OFFICE AT SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN.

THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 1 PM IN THE CAR PARK AT THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, AND SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, W ROGER NISSIM, WILL OFFICIATE.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

-----0-----

/12 .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

- 12 -

WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (DECEMBER 12, 1983) STOOD AT 92.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 544.626 MILLION CUBIC PETRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 450.602 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 76.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

-----o-----

TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK X K X

THE SECTION OF KOWLOON BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD, BETWEEN PUI TO ROAD AND ROAD D8 WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 AM TO 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 14 AND 15), TO FACILITATE FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.

DURING THE HOURS OF CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD WHICH RUNS PARALLEL WITH TUEN MUN ROAD OUTSIDE WALDORF GARDEN.

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

KEEPING HK CLEAN - +A BASIC,VITAL TASK+

KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN IS A BASIC AND MOST IMPORTANT TASK, A MEMBER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, MR CARLOS CHEUNG SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

MR CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING AFTER SEEING THE STATE OF CLEANLINESS AND THE BEAUTIFICATION OF AMENITY PLOTS IN VARIOUS AREAS IN TAI PO.

ACCOMPANYING MR CHEUNG ON HIS VISIT WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PR HUGH BOYLE, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TAI PO, PR PONG KIN-HONG.

THE PARTY STARTED THE TOUR AT THE CO-OPERATIVE FOR AMERICAN RELIEF EVERYWHERE (CARE) VILLAGE IN TAI PO AND SAW THE RESULT OF THE CONTRACTING OUT OF CLEANSING SERVICES AT THE VILLAGE.

MR CHEUNG WAS TOLD THAT MANUAL CLEANSING SERVICES IN THE VILLAGE OF 1 500 PEOPLE HAD BEEN CONTRACTED OUT TO THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OF THE VILLAGE SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR.

/he next .......

MOSAIC, DECEMBER 12, 1983

- 13 -

HE NEXT VISITED MUI SHUE HANG VILLAGE TO SEE THE SANITARY STANDARD OF A NEW FIBRE-GLASS REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITY PROVIDED FOR THE 300 VILLAGERS THERE.

MR CHEUNG LEARNED THAT THE PRE-FABRICATED REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITY ACCOMMODATES EIGHT 200-LITRE BINS, AND MEETS THE SPECIAL DEMAND FOR CLEANSING SERVICES IN THE RURAL AREAS.

HE LATER ARRIVED AT TAI PO KAU REST GARDEN TO INSPECT FOUR FIBRE-GLASS CHEMICAL TOILETS RECENTLY INSTALLED THERE.

MR CHEUNG ALSO VISITED TWO NEWLY-COMPLETED ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS AT 12-1/2 MILESTONE OF TAI PO ROAD AND TAI PO MEI TO SEE THE RESULTS OF TREE PLANTING UNDERTAKEN DURING THE KI FA PHASE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE.

MORE THAN 70 000 TREES, SHRUBS, SEASONAL FLOWERS AND BAMBOOS HAVE BEEN PLANTED AT VARIOUS AMENITY PLOTS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN TAI PO DURING THE CURRENT PLANTING SEASON, HE WAS TOLD.

----0-----

REFUSE DISPOSAL SCHEME BEING TRIED MX*

SIX HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR HOUSEHOLDS FROM 12 BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI EAST SUB-DISTRICT WERE GIVEN 12 000 PLASTIC LITTER BAGS THIS (MONDAY) MORNING TO PROMOTE PROPER MEANS OF REFUSE DISPOSAL.

THE HOUSEHOLDS WERE CHOSEN FOR A FIVE-WEEK TRIAL SCHEME ON REFUSE DISPOSAL WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, AND THE WAN CHAI EAST AREA COMMITTEE.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME TODAY, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING GROUP AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS PEGGY LAM, SAIDi +THE BOARD IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE VARIOUS METHODS OF REFUSE DISPOSAL BY INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS.*

THE DRIPPING OF DIRTY MATERIALS AND SPILL-OVER AND EXPOSURE OF REFUSE DURING TRANSPORTATION OR WHILE WAITING FOR COLLECTION AT REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITIES, EASILY GIVE RISE TO UNHYGIENIC SITUATION.

+REFUSE DISPOSAL BY PLASTIC BAGS SEEMS TO BE A POSSIBLE SOLUTION,* SHE SAID.

EXPLAINING WHY WAN CHAI EAST WAS CHOSEN FOR THE TRIAL SCHEME, SHE SAIDi +THE SUB-DISTRICT IS DENSELY POPULATED AND FULL OF OLD TENEMENT BLOCKS.*

/STRETCHING from .......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1983

- 14 -

STRETCHING FROM MARSH ROAD AND TIN LOK LANE IN THE EAST TO O’BRIEN ROAD IN THE WEST AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND KENNEDY ROAD IN THE SOUTH, IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 49 HECTARES WITH A POPULATION OF 50 000.

AFTER THE TRIAL PERIOD, THREE MODEL BUILDINGS WILL BE SELECTED AND THE SCHEME WILL BE ASSESSED.

♦IF THE TRIAL SCHEME IS SUCCESSFUL, AND IF SUFFICIENT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE, WE WILL CONSIDER EXTENDING THE REFUSE DISPOSAL METHOD TO OTHER SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, SUCH AS RESTAURANTS AND THE CATERING BUS INESS,+ MRS LAM SAID.

-----0-----

SEWAGE WORKS TO BE EXPANDED

X X X X

WORK ON EXTENDING TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL START SOON WITH THE AWARD OF A SHO-MILLION CONTRACT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

IT WAS SIGNED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER, TAI PO-FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR DEREK TAYLOR, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTRACTOR, SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE MAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILDING WORK FOR STAGE 4A OF THE TREATMENT WORKS AND WILL TAKE 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

UPON COMPLETION STAGE 4A OF THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE SEWAGE DISCHARGE FOR A POPULATION OF ABOUT 150 000.

THE COMPLETE WORKS REPRESENTS PART OF THE CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES OVER DISCHARGE INTO TOLO HARBOUR BY PROVIDING FULL SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR DOMESTIC AND TRADE WASTE FROM TAI PO NEW TOWN.

THE TOTAL COST OF STAGE 4A OF THE PROJECT IS S225 MILLION.

-----0-----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION STABILISES ...........................

YOUNG +ENVOYS+ HEADING FOR UK................................

OVER 120 NURSERIES PLANNED..................................... 2

NOVEMBER WAS DRIEST ON RECORD ................................. 3

ANOTHER LIAISON COMMITTEE BEING SET UP ......................

NE.7 FISH MARKET FOR KWUN TONG...............................

'TEAMWORK BEHIND SHA TIN'S SUCCESS' ........................... 6

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

NEW DRAMA GROUP TO STAGE PERFORMANCES ..................  • • •

EXTRA-MURAL COURSES FOR TEACHERS .............................. 7

NSff YEAR SOCCER COMPETITION FOR THEN MUN ...................

PHOTOS GOING QI DISPLAY .....................................

'MERT THE MEDIA' ...........................................

RACE DAY TRAFFIC PLAN CHANGE................................

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983

1

UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION STABILISES

* * * *

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION HAS STABILISED SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1983 WAS 4.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 3.9 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JULY 1983 AND 3.8 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1983. CHANGES OF THIS ORDER ARE NOT STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT. THE RATE FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER LAST YEAR WAS 3.8 PER CENT.

THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1983 WAS PROVISIONALLY ESTIMATED TO BE 103 000, AS COMPARED WITH 99 900 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING JULY 1983, AND 96 200 FOR THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1983 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 1.6 PER CENT? THE RATE FOR MAY - JULY 1983 WAS 1.7 PER CENT. THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF THE NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS WAS 40 000 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER, AS COMPARED WITH 42 400 FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING JULY 1983.

CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

IN COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, 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 WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.

THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1983 WAS 4.5 PER CENT.

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 HOUSEHOLD SAMPLED.

DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.

THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1983 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TEL. NO. t 5-452586.

------o ------ /2 ...................

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1^83 '

2

YOUNG +ENVOYS+ HEADING FOR UK * * *

TWELVE YOUNGSTERS WILL LEAVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM ON DECEMBER 20 FOR A TWO-WEEK TRIP AS HONG KONG’S AMBASSADORS.

THE YOUNGSTERS — EIGHT GIRLS AND FOUR BOYS -- ARE OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.

IN A CEREMONY HELD THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, PRESENTED A BANNER AND AIR TICKETS TO THE AWARD WINNERS.

♦THESE 12 OUTSTANDING CYC MEMBERS WILL, ON BEHALF OF THE 100 000 CYC MEMBERS, BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF PASSING ON THE MESSAGE OF THE CYC MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG TO YOUTHS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHOM THEY WILL MEET DURING THE TRIP AND BRINGING HOME THE

VALUABLE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE TOUR SAID.

THE WINNERS WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR IN THE CYC MERIT AWARD SCHEME.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

MR HAYE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN OCTOBER, 1978 WITH THE AIM OF ENCOURAGING MEMBERS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS AND TO TAKE A PERSONAL INTEREST IN COMMUNITY PROBLEMS AND WELFARE.

♦WHAT THESE MEMBERS GET IN RETURN ARE THE POINTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. AFTER MUCH PERSEVERANCE AND INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES, THEY MANAGED TO RISE FROM THE BASE OF LEVEL 1 TO THE PEAK OF LEVEL 3,+ HE SAID.

DURING THEIR TRIP, THE STUDENTS WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS IN ADDITION TO SCENIC RESORT CENTRES.

MR HAYE THANKED THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LIMITED FOR ITS GENEROUS FUNDING OF CYC ACTIVITIES.

ALL THE EXPENSES FOR THE U.K. TRIP ARE BEING BORNE BY THE CLUB.

IN THE CEREMONY. HE ALSO PRESENTED A MEMBERSHIP CARD TO THE IDO OOOTH MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.

0 --------

OVER 120 NURSERIES PLANNED * * * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS PLANS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 123 NURSERIES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT A PARTY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND THE 20TH YEAR OF THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB NURSERY IN KOWLOON CITY.

THREE OF THE NEW NURSERIES WOULD BE IN KOWLOON CITY, HE ADDED.

/HONG KONG, ....

TU.eS.UY, PSCS&ffiEK 13, 1^83

- 3 -

HONG KONG, HE SAID, IS A FAST-DEVELOPING CITY WHERE SMALL FAMILIES ARE DEVELOPING.

♦THIS HAS RESULTED IN A LARGE NUMBER OF WOMEN TAKING UP JOBS OUTSIDE, MAKING CHILD CARE SERVICE ESSENTIAL,* HE ADDED.

MR CHAMBERS PAID WARM TRIBUTE TO THE CLUB FOR ITS 20 YEARS OF SERVICE.

♦THIS WELL-ADMINISTERED NURSERY HAS GAINED THE CONFIDENCE OF MANY PARENTS AND HAS INDIRECTLY CONTRIBUTED TO SOCIAL STABILITY,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE CLUB WAS A PIONEER IN THE PROVISION OF SUCH SERVICES IN KOWLOON CITY.

THE NURSERY, LOCATED AT SHING TAK STREET, HAS CAPACITY FOR 70 CHILDREN, AGED FROM TWO TO SIX.

-----o-----

NOVEMBER WAS DRIEST ON RECORD

X X X *

LAST MONTH WAS THE DRIEST NOVEMBER SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.

FOR MOST OF THE MONTH, A CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE COVERED CHINA, AND PROLONGED DRY AND SUNNY WEATHER WAS FELT IN HONG KONG -WITH ONLY A TRACE OF RAINFALL.

HOWEVER, ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR, AT 2 886.4 MM WAS STILL 31 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL.

THE MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 59 PER CENT RANKED SECOND LOWEST FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, THE LOWEST BEING 58 PER CENT IN 1971.

THE MONTHLY MEAN CLOUDINESS OF 25 PER CENT WAS ALSO THE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH. (THE RECORD LOw MEAN CLOUDINESS FOR NOVEMBER, 9 PER CENT, WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1893).

THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE, 252.2 HOURS, WAS ABOUT 32 PER CENT ABOVE AVERAGE WHILE THE MONTHLY MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE, 1 019.7 MILLIBARS, WAS THE FIFTH HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.

SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES DEVELOPED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.

TYPHOON MARGE FORMED NEAR GUAM ON NOVEMBER 1. IT RECURVED ON NOVEMBER 5 AND BECAME AN EXTRATROPI CAL CYCLONE EAST OF JAPAN ON NOVEMBER 7.

TROPICAL STORM NORRIS FORMED EAST OF IWO JIMA ON NOVEMBER 8 AND DISSIPATED OVER THE OCEAN THREE DAYS LATER.

/TYPHOON ORCHID .......

TUES71 Y, DECEMBER 13, 1983

4

TYPHOON ORCHID ORIGINATED NEAR YAP ON NOVEMBER 17 AND MOVED wEST-NORTHWEST TOWARDS THE CENTRAL PHILIPPINES. ABOUT 170 PEOPLE WERE DROWNED OR MISSING WHEN THE 500-T0NNE PHILIPPINE FERRY, ’DONA CASANDRA’, CAPSIZED ABOUT 400 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OF MANILA ON NOVEMBER 21. THE FERRY WAS CARRYING ABOUT 400 PEOPLE AND BOUND FOR CEBU CITY. ORCHID REMAINED SLOW-MOVING EAST OF LUZON FROM NOVEMBER 23 TO 26 AND DISSIPATED ON NOVEMBER 26.

SEVERE TROPICAL STORM PERCY FORMED NEAR NANSHA ON NOVEMBER 18 AND MOVED SOUTH-WESTWARDS AT FIRST. THE 300-TONNE SINGAPOREAN FREIGHTER, ’JOTUN’, WAS REPORTED MISSING ON NOVEMBER 20 DURING THE STORM. PERCY LATER TURNED BACK AND MOVED EAST-NORTHEASTWARDS. IT DISSIPATED NEAR PALAWAN ON NOVEMBER 25.

A TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMED ON NOVEMBER 21 AND DISSIPATED ON NOVEMBER 24.

TROPICAL STORM RUTH DEVELOPED NEAR THE PHILIPPINES ON NOVEMBER 27 AND DISSIPATED EAST OF LUZON ON NOVEMBER 30.

DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 AND 20 WHILE THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1, 2, 16 TO 18 AND 22 TO 30.

THERE WERE 845 HILL FIRES, WITH MORE THAN 87 000 TREES DESTROYED, NEARLY THREE TIMES THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TREES DESTROYED FOR THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR.

SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS: WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME

OF HOISTING

WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON NOV 25 11.15 PM WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON NOV 26 11.15 PM

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WER SUNSHINE 252.2 HOURS - 60.7 HOURS A

RAINFALL TRACE - 34.7 MM BELO

CLOUDINESS 25 % - 27 % LESS TH

RELATIVE HUMIDITY 59 % - 10 % LOWER

MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 24.6 DEGREE C - 0.2 DEGREE C

MEAN TEMPERATURE 21.5 DEGREE C - 0.2 DEGREE C

MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 19.1 DEGREE C - 0.2 DEGREE C

bEAN DEW POINT 12.4 DEGREE C - 2.5 DEGREE C

TOTAL EVAPORATION 147.9 MM - 7.2 MM ABOVE

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.7 DEGREE C WAS RECORDED

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 12.8 DEGREE C WAS RECORDED

NOVEMBER 27. n

DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

NOV 26 4.00PM

NOV 27 6.10AM

BOVE NORMAL

W NORMAL

AN NORMAL

THAN NORMAL

ABOVE NORMAL

ABOVE NORMAL

ABOVE NORMAL

BELOW NORMAL

NORMAL

ON NOVEMBER 5.

ON

/5 ......

juECEI'iBER 13, 1983

NOTE TO EDITORS

ANOTHER LIAISON COMMITTEE BEING SET UP * * * *

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE COMMITTEE, THE EIGHTH BEING FORMED IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS, COMPRISES SCHOOL PRINCIPALS FROM 147 KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN WONG TAI SIN.

IT WILL SERVE AS A LINK AMONG THE SCHOOLS, THE DISTRICT BOARD, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, WITH A VIEW TO ACTIVELY INVOLVING THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR IN COMMUNITY WORK.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY AT 4.30 PM IN THE FUNCTION ROOM OF THE REGAL MERIDIEN AIRPORT HOTEL.

- - 0 - -

NEW FISH MARKET FOR KWUN TONG * * * *

A NEW WHOLESALE FISH MARKET WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN KWUN TONG.

IT WILL BE THE EIGHTH WHOLESALE FISH MARKET OPERATED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANIZATION, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

EXISTING MARKETS ARE IN ABERDEEN, SHAU KEI WAN, CHEUNG SHA WAN, SAI KUNG, SHA TAU KOK, TAI PO AND CASTLE PEAK.

THE NEW MARKET WILL SERVICE THE POPULATION IN EAST KOWLOON AND WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SALES OUTLET FOR THE FISHING FLEET BASED AT SHAU KEI WAN.

OCCUPYING A WATERFRONT SITE OF ABOUT 4 200 SQUARE METRES ON TUNG YUEN STREET IN YAU TONG, THE MARKET WILL BE DESIGNED FOR A THROUGHPUT OF 10 000 TONNES OF FISH EVERY YEAR. ADEQUATE LORRY PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITHIN THE COMPOUND FOR THE SINGLE-STOREY MARKET.

THE COST OF LAND, CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPPING THE MARKET IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT $25 MILLION. THE FULL COST OF THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE MET FROM THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANIZATION.

CONSTRUCTION WILL START NEXT YEAR AND THE COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL IN 1985.

WHEN COMPLETED, THE NEW MARKET WILL SPEED UP THE DISTRIBUTION OF MARINE FISH TO THE EAST OF THE KOWLOON PENINSULA THUS REDUCING DISTRIBUTION COSTS AND FISH PRICES.

- - 0 - -

ESF'V .'"CEHBER 13, 1983

- 6 -

'TEAMWORK BEHIND SHA TIN’S SUCCESS’ * * *

TEAMWORK WAS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR SHA TIN’S SUCCESS, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LAND OFFICER, MR ROGER NISSIM, SAID TODAY.

CONTRIBUTING TO THIS TEAM WORK WERE ENGINEERS AND THEIR CONSULTANTS, PLANNERS, ESTATE AND LAND SURVEYORS, LAND STAFF, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND RURAL COMMITTEE, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

MR NISSIM WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEPARATE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, INCLUDING ITS SURVEY OFFICE, WHICH BEGAN OPERATING TODAY AT 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN.

MR NISSIM SAID THE ADVANTAGE OF THE TEAM WORK APPROACH WAS THAT NO ONE DISCIPLINE WAS ALLOWED TO DOMINATE THE OTHERS IN THE REALISATION THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE TEAM HAD A CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE. IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT NO MEMBER OF THE TEAM LOST SIGHT OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVE, WHICH WAS THE SUCCESSFUL CREATION OF A BALANCED NEW TOWN.

♦AS YOU WILL RECALL,* HE SAID, +THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, WITH ITS 12 TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, WAS ONLY CREATED AS RECENTLY AS APRIL 1 LAST YEAR, BUT I NOW FEEL THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH OUR OWN IDENTITY.

+THE FACT THAT WE WILL NOW OPERATE FROM OUR OWN OFFICES IN SHA TIN STRENGTHENS THIS IDENTITY AND, TO MY MIND, REPRESENTS OUR COMING OF AGE.*

MR NISSIM PLEDGED CONTINUED AND VIGOROUS SUPPORT OF HIS OFFICE TO THE +SHA TIN TEAM*.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ON LAND MATTERS IN SHA TIN SHOULD CALL 0-617111, EXTENSION 234.

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

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *

THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHAN CH I—CHIU ON JANUARY 7, 1983 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

CHAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER ON MAY 16, 1982 OF A MAN, LAU WAI-LUEN, AGED ABOUT 28.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983

- 7 -

NEW DRAMA GROUP TO STAGE PERFORMANCES * * * *

THE KWUN TONG REPERTORY THEATRE WILL MAKE ITS DEBUT BY PRESENTING A SERIES OF JOINT PERFORMANCES WITH THE YAU MA TEI -TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT THEATRE COMPANY.

THE JOINT PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED AT 8 PM FROM WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14 TO 17) AND AT 10 AM AND 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) IN THE STUDIO THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.

TICKETS AT $15 EACH ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE ARTS CENTRE.

THE 200-MEMBER KWUN TONG REPERTORY THEATRE wAS FORMED EARLIER THIS MONTH TO PROMOTE DRAMA ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

IT IS ADMINISTERED BY THE DRAMA SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REPERTORY THEATRE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN, WHO IS ALSO A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, SAIDt +THE JOINT PERFORMANCt SIGNIFIES THE BOARD’S EFFORTS IN PROMOTING RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENTS, AND PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DRAMA GROUPS TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES.+

A FOUR-MONTH TRAINING IS BEING PROVIDED BY THE REPERTORY THEATRE EVERY SATURDAY FOR 50 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT TO LEARN VARIOUS DRAMA AND STAGE TECHNIQUES THROUGH SEMINARS, LECTURES AND PERFORMANCES.

THE PARTICIPANTS MAY JOIN THE THEATRE AS MEMBERS WHEN THEY COMPLETE THEIR TRAINING IN FEBRUARY.

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

EXTRA-MURAL COURSES FOR TEACHERS * * * *

TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A NUMBER OF COURSES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

THE COURSES INCLUDE HUMAN BIOLOGY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, TEACHING ART TO YOUNG CHILDREN, ADMINISTRATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THE USE OF GROUPS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND MORAL EDUCATION.

TEACHERS WISHING TO ATTEND ANY OF THE COURSES SHOULD APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE DEPARTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AT POKFULAM ROAD OR EXTRA-MURAL TOWN CENTRE AT WING ON CENTRE, 8/F., Ill CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.

ON BEING ACCEPTED TO ANY OF THE COURSES, TEACHERS MAY APPLY TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR REFUND OF HALF OF THE COURSE FEE.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COURSES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING -5-4097307 OR 5-450321.

TUES .Y, DECEMBER 13, 1983

E -

NEW YEAR SOCCER COMPETITION FOR TUEN MUN * * *

A SOCCER COMPETITION FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD ON NEW YEAR DAY AND JANUARY 2.

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE STAGED AT THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON BOTH DAYS.

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO AN ADULT INVITATION SECTION AND A JUNIOR OPEN SECTION FOR YOUNGSTERS BELOW THE AGE OF 18, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN THE OPEN SECTION. EACH TEAM SHOULD COMPRISE NOT MORE THAN 12 PLAYERS.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF ’TOP COURT’, 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, OR THE TUEN MUN OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IN ROOM 012, GROUND FLOOR, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING.

COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE TUEN MUN OFFICE CF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE BEFORE FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16), THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

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PHOTOS GOING ON DISPLAY * * *

AN EXHIBITION OF 100 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, TAKEN AT A RECENT SAND SCULPTURING COMPETITION AT CLEAR WATER BAY IN SAI KUNG, WILL BE HELD AT LANDMARK FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO DECEMBER 31.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FROM 8.30 AM TO 6.30 PM DAILY AT KINGSBURG GALLERY, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNITED ARTIST PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION, THE CHAMPION CLUB, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE NTSD. MORE THAN 2 000 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983

9

NOTE TO EDITORS:

’MEET THE MEDIA’ * * *

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL MEET THE MEDIA IN THE GIS THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT 4 PM.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.

-----0-----

RACE DAY TRAFFIC PLAN CHANGE * * * *

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN HAPPY VALLEY FROM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 14) FOR EVERY DAY OR NIGHT RACE MEETING THE RACE COURSE THROUGHOUT THE CURRENT RACING SEASON.

AT

_ SOON AS THE LAST RACE IS OVER, THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WITH WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND MORRISON HILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, AND EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE DIRECTED TO TURN LEFT INTO MORRISON HILL ROAD VIA A SLIP ROAD

THE MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL RACEGOERS HAVE DISPERSED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO,.

GOVERNOR INSPECTS PRISONS ..................................

SIR PHILIP SEES PHAB CENTRE WORK ...........................

HK-SHENZHEN GROUPS REVIEW PROGRESS .........................

TDC INVITED TO TAKE ON EXHIBITION CENTRE........................ 3

DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES BEING REVIEWED .................. 4

DEBTORS BILL PINAL STAGES DUE JANUARY 11 ...................

FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY ..............................

TENDERS INVITED FOR TAXI LICENCES ..........................

NET/ PLAYGROUND OPENED......................................

SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS ..................... 7

PEOPLE PRAISED FOR CHARITY WALKS ...........................

IMPROVED AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS ...........................

DISABLED TRAINEES TO SHOW WORK..............................

YOUTH BANDS TO PERFORM......................................

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS ......................... 11

RUNNERS INVITED TO SHA TIN EVENT ...........................

BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT TAI PO ..............................

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON SALE ............................

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

1

GOVERNOR INSPECTS PRISONS ft * * * ft

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THREE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO SEE AT FIRST HAND THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.

SIR EDWARD FIRST WENT TO STANLEY PRISON, AND INSPECTED THE ACCOMMODATION FOR PRISONERS, INCLUDING THE SEGREGATION UNIT AND THE AREA WHERE PRISONERS UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH ARE NORMALLY DETAINED.

HE TOURED THE KITCHEN, HOSPITAL, AND SAW PRISONERS AT WORK IN THE PRINTING, ENVELOPE MAKING, SHOE MAKING, CARPENTRY, GARMENT MAKING AND SILK-SCREENING WORKSHOPS.

HE ALSO VISITED THE RADIO AND TELEVISION WORKSHOP AND SPOKE WITH THE PRISONERS WHO HAD RECENTLY SAT FOR THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON TELECOMMUNICATIONS EXAMINATIONS.

HE ALSO TOOK A LOOK AT A NEW WORKSHOP COMPLEX DUE TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.

SIR EDWARD THEN VISITED TUNG TAU CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND SAW THE VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE DORMITORY, HOSPITAL, KITCHEN, DINING HALL, TAILORING AND CARPENTRY WORKSHOPS, AND THE CHAPEL.

THE GOVERNOR CONCLUDED HIS VISIT AT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR GIRLS, WHERE HE WAS JOINED BY LADY YOUDE.

TOGETHER, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE INSPECTED THE CENTRE AND SAW THE GIRLS ATTENDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES IN TAILORING, HAIRDRESSING, ENGLISH AND CHINESE TYPING, EMBROIDERING, COOKING AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE. THEY ALSO SAW OTHER GIRLS HAVING LESSONS IN THE EDUCATIONAL CLASSES.

SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE STAYED FOR LUNCH AT THE CENTRE’S TRAINING RESTAURANT. THEY HAD A MEAL PREPARED AND COOKED BY THE DOMESTIC SCIENCE CLASS AND SERVED BY GIRLS UNDER TRAINING FOR THE CATERING SERVICE.

THE VISIT ENDED WITH SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE COMPLIMENTING THE GIRLS FOR THEIR COOKING AND SERVING SKILLS.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

2

SIR PHILIP SEES PHAB CENTRE WORK

* * *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, VISITED THE LADY MACLEHOSE POKFULAM PHAB CENTRE TODAY.

HE WAS WELCOMED BY THE HON PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION M? LI KWAN HUNG, THE CHAIRMAN, DR RICHARD BUTLER, DIRECTORS. STAFF AND PHAB MEMBERS.

SIR PHILIP WAS SHOWN AROUND THE CENTRE AND WAS INTERESTED IN THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES IT PROVIDES TO INTEGRATE THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE ABLE BODIED IN THE COMMUNITY.

DR BUTLER SAID THAT THE CENTRE HAD COME INTO BEING WITH THE STAUNCH SUPPORT OF LADY MACLEHOSE, AFTER WHOM THE CENTRE WAS NAMED. IT WAS PURPOSE-BUILT FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ON LAND GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. FACILITIES INCLUDE A 1OO-BED DORMITORY, A HALL, A SWIMMING POOL, AN ARCHERY RANGE, A BARBECUE AREA, A PLAY AREA, A DINING HALL AND AN OUTDOOR BASKETBALL COURT. THE CENTRE WAS OPENED BY LADY MACLEHOSE IN 1979.

SIR PHILIP SAID THAT THE CENTRE EXEMPLIFIED HONG KONG’S CONCERN TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE IN THE COMMUNITY. ITS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WOULD STAND COMPARISON WITH THOSE PROVIDED FOR THE HANDICAPPED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AND OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED TO PARTICIPATE FREELY IN MANY ACTIVITIES ALONG WITH THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS.

PHAB OFFICIALS UNDERLINED THE ASSOCIATION’S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE INTEGRATION OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE ABLE-BODIED IN THE COMMUNITY AND DECLARED THEIR APPRECIATION OF THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN THE 1981 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS. THE MOMENTUM BUILT UP THEN WOULD BE CARRIED ON THROUGH THE YEARS AHEAD.

DR BUTLER SAID THAT THE ASSOCIATION WOULD MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S DYNAMIC SOCIETY. A NEW CENTRE WOULD BE OPENED IN 1984 IN THE GROWING NEW TOWN OF TUEN MUN WHERE, ACCORDING TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF THE DISABLED, A NUMBER OF PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ALREADY LIVE. SIR PHILIP ASSURED THE ASSOCIATION OF CONTINUED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR INTEGRATING THE DISABLED IN THE COMMUNITY.

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/3

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

HK-SHENZHEN GROUPS REVIEW PROGRESS * * *

THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, AND HIS DELEGATION HAD A MEETING WITH THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR ROBIN MCLAREN, AND OTHER HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS THIS MORNING TO REVIEW THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE FOUR HONG KONG/SHENZHEN JOINT WORKING GROUPS SET UP IN APRIL 1982.

BOTH SIDES WERE PLEASED WITH THE CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS IN THE JOINT PROJECTS AND LOOKED FORWARD TO FURTHER PROGRESS TO BE MADE. FURTHER REVIEW MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN DUE COURSE.

THE JOINT WORKING GROUPS WERE SET UP TO IMPROVE ROAD AND FERRY LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN, AND FLOOD AND POLLUTION CONTROL OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER.

- - 0 - -

TDC INVITED TO TAKE ON EXHIBITION CENTRE * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS INVITED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TO CONSIDER PUTTING TOGETHER A PACKAGE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPOSED EXHIBITION CENTRE.

IT HAS TOLD THE TDC THAT A 20 OOO-SQUARE METRE SITE ON THE WAN CHAI WATERFRONT WHICH HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS APPROPRIATE FOR THE PROJECT WILL BE GRANTED, FREE OF PREMIUM, ONCE A SUCCESSFUL PACKAGE IS ACCEPTED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE DECISION TO INVITE THE TDC TO ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR TAKING THE PROJECT FORWARD HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.

IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF A SUCCESSFUL PACKAGE, THE SITE WOULD BE GRANTED TO THE TDC, OR A SEPARATE ENTITY SET UP BY THE TDC, OR A COMMERCIAL CONSORTIUM BROUGHT TOGETHER BY THE TDC WHICH WOULD RESULT IN THE DESIRED EXHIBITION CENTRE COMPLEX BEING BUILT IN THE CONTEXT OF AN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE.

MR MICHAEL SANDBERG, CHAIRMAN OF THE NON-STATUTORY BODY IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT, TODAY WELCOMED THE DECISION.

HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE RANGE OF OPTIONS SET OUT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION OFFERED THE BEST OPPORTUNITY TO BRING THE PROJECT TO FRUITION.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TDC, MISS LYDIA DUNN, SAID THE TDC WAS GLAD TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION.

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983-*

4

DB CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES BEING REVIEWED * * * *

A REVIEW IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON THE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES OF THE 18 DISTRICT BOARDS IN PREPARATION FOR TSE BOARD ELECTIONS IN 1985.

DISTRICT OFFICERS ARE CONSULTING THE PUBLIC WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS AND WILL COMPLETE THEIR REVIEWS BEFORE THE END OF THE MONTH.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE MATTER, AND MAPS ILLUSTRATING i'HE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE ’’I STR I CT OFFICES.

♦ANY COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES MAY BE ADDRESSED TO THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICER OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AT WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, 13/F,+ A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

HE SAID THE REVIEW WILL TAKE ACCOUNT OF POPULATION GROWTH AND MOVEMENT AND AIM AT OBTAINING A BETTER MIX OF HOUSING TYPES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN EACH CONSTITUENCY.

THERE ARE NOW 122 CONSTITUENCIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, 76 IN THE URBAN AREA AND 46 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE PROPOSED CHANGES WILL INCREASE THE TOTAL NUMBER TO 135, 78 IN THE URBAN AREA AND 57 IN THE NT.

THE EXISTING DISTRICT BOARDS CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES WERE APPROVED IN 1981 AND A GREAT DEAL OF DEVELOPMENT HAS TAKEN PLACE SINCE THEN.

AS A RESULT, PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN MADE TO CHANGE CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES IN EIGHT OF THE 18 DISTRICTS, NAMELY: EASTERN, SOUTHERN, WONG TAI SIN AND KWUN TONG IN THE URBAN AREA- AND TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO AND SHA TIN IN THE NT.

A MAJOR CHANGE PROPOSED IS TO SPLIT EACH OF THE EXISTING DOUBLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES INTO TWO SINGLE-MEMBER ONES. THERE ARE AT PRESENT FOUR SUCH DOUBLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES IN TUEN MUN AND FOUR IN SHA TIN, AND TWO IN TAI PO.

THE NUMBER OF CONSTITUENCIES AT TSUEN WAN WILL BE INCREASED FROM 10 TO 11.

IN EASTERN DISTRICT, THE PRESENT QUARRY BAY CONSTITUENCY WILL BE SPLIT INTO TWO AND THE EXISTING TWO CONSTITUENCIES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE.

THE OTHERS ARE MINOR CHANGES SUCH AS TRANSFERRING CERTAIN BUILDINGS OR AREAS FROM ONE EXISTING CONSTITUENCY TO ANOTHER.

/5 .......

;.»URSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

5

DEBTORS BILL FINAL STAGES DUE JANUARY 11

*****

THE REMAINING STAGES OF THE DEBTORS (ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT) BILL 1983 WILL NOW BE TAKEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 11 NEXT YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS SAID TODAY.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 7, IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE REMAINING STAGES WOULD BE COMPLETED ON DECEMBER 21.

♦HOWEVER, IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT THIS PROGRAMME MAY NOT ALLOW THOSE INTERESTED IN THE MEASURE TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS ADEQUATELY IN ORDER TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS,♦ HE SAID.

♦THE BILL DOES MAKE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN PRACTICES WHICH HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR A LONG TIME AND IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THOSE CONCERNED SHOULD HAVE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN,+ HE ADDED.

A COPY OF THE BILL, INCORPORATING THE AMENDMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF DECEMBER 23.

ANY REPRESENTATIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE UMELCO OFFICE OR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 30, 1983, HE SAID.

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FIREMAN COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY

* * * *

FIRE SERVICES PERSONNEL ARE OFTEN INVOLVED IN DANGEROUS RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR WHICH LITTLE PUBLIC RECOGNITION HAS BEEN GIVEN.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, MR M. KINGDOM WHEN HE PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATION TO FIREMAN KWOK CHI-KEUNG FOR HIS COURAGE, SKILL AND DEVOTION DURING A RESCUE OPERATION RECENTLY.

MR KWOK SUCCEEDED IN RESCUING A PATIENT WHO THREATENED TO JUMP FROM THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.

THE PRESENTATION, MADE AT YAUMATI FIRE STATION, WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY STAFF FROM KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS

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/$........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

6

TENDERS INVITED FOR TAXI LICENCES * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE INVITING TENDERS FOR 300 URBAN AND 150 NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCES.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (DECEMBER 15), A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TENDER FORMS FOR THE NEW LICENCES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION IN ROOMS 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, CENTRAL, OR FROM THE SECTION’S KOWLOON OFFICES ON THE 9TH FLOOR OF PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.

TENDER FORMS FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES WILL BE PINK IN COLOUR AND THOSE FOR NT TAXI LICENCES LIGHT GREEN.

TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $25 000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE AND $15 000 FOR EACH NT TAXI LICENCE THEY SEEK.

ONE TENDER FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR UP TO 300 LICENCES IN THE CASE OF URBAN TAXIS AND UP TO 150 IN THE CASE OF NT TAXIS.

A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WHICH OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES, ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1984.

NEW PLAYGROUND OPENED K K K

THE TSUEN KING CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN ADJACENT TO TSUEN WAN CENTRE, WAS O°ENED TO THE PUBLIC TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE OPEN FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM DAILY, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.

IT HAS FOUR FLOODLIT TENNIS COURTS, AND CHANGING ROOMS WITH HOT AND COLD SHOWERS AT A SERVICE BUILDING.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO USE THE COURTS SHOULD MAKE THEIR BOOKINGS IN PERSON AT THE PLAYGROUND OFFICE DURING WEEKDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. ADVANCE BOOKINGS WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY FOR SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.

/other facilities

Thuas^.x, DSEiMBSR 15, 1?83

- 7 -

OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WlTH MODERN PLAY EQUIPMENT SUCH AS A SPIRAL SLIDE, A +wOM CLIMBER+, A WHIRLING PLATFORM AND A +SADDLE MATE+, wITH SAFETY MATTING.

THERE ARE ALSO A MODERN BOATING POOL AND A LANDSCAPED REST GARDEN. ' ' •

THE PLAYGROUND COST 36 MILLION, OF WHICH $1 MILLION WAS PROVIDED BY THE SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES GROUP.

DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THE PLAYGROUND IS NOW UNDcR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE NTSD.

A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 18, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS * * * *

HEADS OF ABOUT 40 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN YAU MA TEI WILL DISCUSS LOCAL PROBLEMS AT THE THIRD MEETING OF THE SCHOOL IEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

, THE CONFERENCE, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL STARTING AT 3.30 PM, IS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR THE SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS DISTRICT MATTERS AND TO PROMOTE AN EFFECTIVE NETWORK BETWEEN THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SCHOOLS.

GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE MRS ENA CHAN, A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, WHO WILL SPEAK ON +PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNGSTERS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE YOUTH ON THE VERGE OF GOING ASTRAY+ AND MR NG TAK-LEUNG, CHIEF INSPECTOR, CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WHO WILL SPEAK ON THE +YOUTH CRIME SITUATION IN YAU MA TEI*.

THE SPEECHES WILL BE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSION AND A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE THIRD MEETING OF THE YAU MA TEI SCHOOL HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM IN CALIPH ROOM, 16/F, AMBASSADOR HOTEL.

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/B........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

8

PEOPLE PRAISED FOR CHARITY WALKS

* * * *

HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALKS FOR MILLIONS WHICH ARE LISTED IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS AS THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE SAID THE SUCCESS OF THESE WALKS HAD DEMONSTRATED LOCAL PEOPLE’S HIGH DEGREE OF SOCIAL AWARENESS AND CONCERN TOWARDS THE LESS fortunate.

MR LAM WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST'S KOWLOON WALK 1983-8* COMMITTEE OF WHICH HE IS THE CHAIRMAN.

EVERY HONG KONG CITIZEN SHOULD TAKE PART IN THIS MEANINGFUL CAMPAIGN WHICH WOULD BENEFIT MORE THAN 80 WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE, HE SAID.

MR LAM NOTED THAT LAST YEAR MORE THAN $7 MILLION WAS RAISED FROM THE SERIES OF WALKS, OF WHICH $2 MILLION WAS FROM THE KOWLOON WALK WITH 35 000 PARTICIPANTS.

THIS YEAR’S KOWLOON WALK WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 15, AND COVERS A 15-KILOMETRE ROUTE FROM KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND VIA LEI YUE MUN ROAD, RENNIE’S MILL, PO LAM ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD BACK TO THE RECREATION GROUND.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL START THE WALK AT 9 AM.

MR LAM APPEALED TO MEMBERS OF ALL THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, SCHOOLS, ASSOCIATIONS, KAIFONGS AND EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN KOWLOON TO TAKE PART IN THE WALK.

HE SAID THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND ITS DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD RENDER FULL SUPPORT TO THIS WALK.

♦LET US DO THE FIRST MOST MEANINGFUL THING IN THE FIRST MONTH OF THE NEW YEAR — TAKE PART IN THE KOWLOON WALK FOR MILLIONS,+ HE SAID.

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/9.........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

- 9 -

IMPROVED AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS

* * * X

STAFF AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS WILL BE ENHANCED FROM APRIL NEXT YEAR UNDER A REVISED CODE OF AID, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

CIRCULARS DETAILING THE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO GIVE THEM AMPLE TIME TO INTRODUCE THE NEW PROVISIONS.

UNDER THE REVISED CODE, THE TEACHER-TO-CLASS RATIO FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 1.33 i 1 FOR PRIMARY CLASSES AND 1.4 : 1 FOR SECONDARY CLASSES TO A UNIFORM RATIO OF 1.5 i 1 FOR BOTH.

SPECIAL SCHOOLS WITH JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO EMPLOY MORE GRADUATE TEACHERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

GRADUATE POSTS IN THE TEACHING ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE SECONDARY SECTION OF THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 12.5 PER CENT TO A MAXIMUM OF 30 PER CENT.

THE CODE ALSO PERMITS CERTAIN TYPES OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS TO EMPLOY MORE STAFF FOR SPEECH THERAPY, BOARDING CARE AND MENIAL WORK.

UNDER THE NEW CODE, A CLASS LIBRARY GRANT OF $300 PER ANNUM WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ALL SPECIAL SCHOOLS.

HOWEVER, SECONDARY SPECIAL SCHOOLS WITH CLASS SIZES EXCEEDING 15 WILL CONTINUE TO BE PAID A LIBRARY GRANT AT THE PRESENT LEVEL OF $20 PER PUPIL PER ANNUM.

THIS WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT LIBRARY GRANTS PROVIDED ON A PER CAPITA BASIS.

THE PARAMEDICAL GRANT OF $1 910 PER CLASS PER ANNUM FOR CONSUMABLES AND MINOR ITEMS OF FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CURRENTLY PROVIDED IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED WILL BE EXTENDED TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.

TWO NEW GRANTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR BLIND STUDENTS TO INTEGRATE INTO ORDINARY SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.

THEY INCLUDE AN ANNUAL RESOURCE MATERIAL GRANT OF $100 PER PUPIL REGISTERED WITH A SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND FOR RESOURCE TEACHING, AND A TRAVELLING GRANT OF $500 PER ANNUM FOR EACH RESOURCE TEACHER OF INTEGRATED BLIND STUDENTS.

COPIES OF THE REVISED CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS AS SOON AS THEY ARE READY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SPECIAL SCHOOL HEADS OR TEACHERS WHO HAVE ANY QUERIES MAY CONTACT THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (SPECIAL EDUCATION), MR C.K. LAM, ON 5-8392524.

------o - ylQ .....

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1983

10 -

DISABLED TRAINEES TO SHOW WORK * * * *

ABOUT 2 000 ITEMS OF FINISHED PRODUCTS MADE BY TRAINEES FROM KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED WILL BE DISPLAYED AND PUT ON SALE ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).

THE OCCASION WILL ALSO BE THE FIRST OPEN DAY OF THE CENTRE SINCE THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TOOK OVER ITS MANAGEMENT IN APRIL LAST YEAR.

♦ THE PURPOSE IS TO LET THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT DISABLED PERSONS CAN OBTAIN EMPLOYABLE SKILLS, PROVIDED TRAINING IS MADE AVAILABLE FOR THEM,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

ABOUT 230 FULL-TIME TRAINEES HAVE MADE A VARIETY OF PRODUCTS RANGING FROM TEAK CABINET, CLOTHES, STATIONERY TO ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES OVER THE LAST 10 MONTHS.

EMPLOYERS FROM THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, REHABILITATION WORKERS, EDUCATORS AND THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVITED TO VISIT THE CENTRE AND GIVE AN APPRAISAL ON THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE PRODUCTS THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL TRAINING SUCH SUBJECTS AS DRESS MAKING, BUSINESS PRACTICE, ELECTRICAL WORK ELECTRONICS, AND FABRICATION IS OFFERED BY THE CENTRE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE KWUN TONG SKILLS CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16), FROM 10 AM TO 12.30 PM, AND 1.30 PM TO 4 PM AT 487, KWUN TONG ROAD, KWUN TONG.

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

YOUTH BANDS TO PERFORM * * *

THE ANNUAL HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, NOW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 23 TO 31, PRESENTING A WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS AND CONCERTS.

ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, UNDER THE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME, THE FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT STIMULATING INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL PLAYERS.

A JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL BAND, WHICH HAS WON ONE SILVER AND TWO GOLD PRIZES IN THE ALL JAPAN BAND CONCERTS DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS, WILL ALSO BE PERFORMING AT THE FESTIVAL.

/ths music .......

THURSDAY, uiCfflaER 15, 1983

11 -

THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR CLIVE OXLEY, SAID TODAY THAT THE EVENT WILL BE THE MOST AMBITIOUS BAND FESTIVAL ORGANISED SO FAR.

A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL BE THE SIX-DAY RESIDENTIAL COURSE TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 26 TO 31 AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN SAI KUNG, WHICH IS RUN BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, ANOTHER DIVISION OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.

THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, AT SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK IS EQUIPPED WITH ALL MODERN FACILITIES AND IS AN IDEAL VENUE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES TO GET TOGETHER TO EXCHANGE MUSICAL EXPERIENCES.

THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE AN OPENING CEREMONY AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON DECEMBER 23, CHRISTMAS TOURING CONCERTS IN HOSPITALS AND PUBLIC SPORTS GROUND ON DECEMBER 24 AND 26, A MARCHING BAND DISPLAY AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON DECEMBER 28, AND A FESTIVAL CONCERT AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 29.

THE FESTIVAL WILL CONCLUDE WITH A NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA FINALE, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL, AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON DECEMBER 31.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIV FC SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL ON DECEMBER 23, AND MR WONG LAM, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 6TH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD AT KO SHAN THEATRE AT 8 PM ON DECEMBER 23, AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM ON DECEMBER 31.

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

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS

* * * *

A SERIES OF CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE TOGETHER WITH VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO BRING FESTIVE JOY AND ENTERTAINMENT TO RESIDENTS.

A * HAPPY FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL* FOR ABOUT 2 000 PEOPLE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) AFTERNOON AT 2.30 PM IN THE SHEUNG WAN BLAKE GARDEN.

/JOINTLY OBGANISED........

jj±xJS31BER 15, 19^3

12

jointly organised by the government information services, THE SHEUNG WAN (WESTERN) AREA COMMITTEE AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, AND PERFORMANCES BY A CARTOON CHARACTER +UNCLE MCDONALD*.

AT 7.30 PM THE SAME DAY, A +YOUTH CONCERT* FOR SOME 700 PEOPLE WILL BE HELD AT LOKE YEW HALL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, FEATURING CHOIR, PIANO AND INSTRUMENT PERFORMANCES.

ALSO, AN OPEN AIR CONCERT SPONSORED BY ST PAUL’S CHURCH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AT 2.30 PM.

PERFORMERS WILL INCLUDE CHURCH CHOIRS, CHILDREN CHOIRS, A SCHOOL BRASS BAND, AND SCHOOL FOLK GROUPS.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE THREE EVENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.

A +MERRY CHRISTMAS GATHERING*, WITH A SELF-SERVICE DINNER AND VARIETY SHOW, WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) AT 7 PM AT CARITAS IN CAINE ROAD.

DINNER COUPONS AT $35 EACH FOR ADULTS AND $15 EACH FOR CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.

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

RUNNERS INVITED TO SHA TIN EVENT * * * *

A SEVEN-KILOMETER RACE AROUND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE WILL BE HELD IN MID-JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

APPLICATIONSENOWNNERS WH° WISH T° TAKE PART SH0ULD SUBMIT THEIR

crQk, ,™E ,S J0,NTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WITH THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AS THE SPONSOR.

TWO POTRHEHe»UMiiL0LNfEFS1!VioD5E>,lNTO TH’EE G"°UPS °F “WET1T‘>RS ■

THE RACE WILL START AT 9 AM FROM THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.

THE TOP THREE RUNNERS OF EACH GROUP WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVA OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

ILABLE FROM ALL THE 19 DISTRICT SPORT SERVICE AND FROM THE SHA T

N

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

/13........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1993

- 13 -

BOARD MEMBERS TO VISIT TAI PO

*****

rtONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT TAI PO TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MEET THEIR COUNTERPARTS AND SEE THE NEw TOWN’S LATEST DEVELOPMENT.

THE MEMBERS WILL FIRST TOUR THE NEWLY-COMPLETED LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AND THE KWONG FUK ESTATE WHERE THEY wILL HAVE A BRIEFING ON THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

FOP THEN CALL 0N THE L0CAL D,STRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT

run U lOUUOO IUHO,

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD .ASSEMBLE AT 1.30 PM AT THE WONG TAI SIN DI STR ICT OFF ICE,

KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.

SAN PO

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

HOUSEHOLD SURVEY REPORT ON SALE *****

THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR THE SEPTEMBER QUARTER CONTAINING STATISTICS ON UNEMPLOYMENT UNDEREMPLOYMENT, IS NOW ON SALE.

JULY TO AND

IT ALSO CONTAINS A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR at^^TERISTICS, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL oeoAler£NTAi/CTIvITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT cce3coeUNEMPL0YED AND MA1N ACTl0N TAKEN TO LOOK FOR WORK BY JOB oE E K En S •

FORCE

♦FINDINGS OF THIS SURVEY FROM THE SURVEYS IN PREVIOUS SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND

ARE COMPARED WITH THOSE OBTAINED QUARTERS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE,* A STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE REPORT MAY BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $7 A COPY.

PUBLICATIONS

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE MO.

GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON .................................. 1

GIS COMPUTERISATION JELL IN HaND .......................... 1

ADMIRALTY II SITE CAN BE DEVELOPED AS HOTEL ............... 2

$J?M WATER PUMPING STATION READY NEXT YEAR ..............

MORE VICTIMS SEEK COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES ............. 4

SHIPPING ACTIVITY DETAILED ..............................

GOOD PROGRESS IN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER ................... 7

COURT INQUIRY ON LOSS OF 'OSPREY' PROPOSED .............. 8

LIGHTING UP EX)R CHRISTMAS ..............................

NEW ROAD FOR SHA TAU KOK ................................ 9

VALUE OF +UOKMON SENSE+ MANAGEMENT STRESSED ............. 10

BOARD MEMBERS LEARN MORE ABOUT TAI PO.................... 12

CAMPAIGN MEMBERS VISIT DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE ..........-• 12

PARTY FOR REHABILITATION TRAINEES ....................... 1?

CARGO PARTICULARS REQUIRED...............................

DISCO FUN FOR 10 000 IN TSUEN WAN ....................... 1^

MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS ...................... 15

PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT HOURS EXTENDED ...................... 16

ONE-HOUR ROAD CLOSURE ................................... 16

TUEN MUN SALT WATER MAINS WORK .......................... 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

1

GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON *****

IT HAS ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNOR, WITH SOME OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE VISITING NEW YORK IN THE WEEK BEGINNING JANUARY 9. THEY WILL BE RETURNING TO HONG KONG VIA LONDON AND WHILE IN LONDON WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY OF FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH MINISTERS ON THE QUESTION OF THE FUTURE. THEY WILL BE JOINED IN LONDON BY THE OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THIS PURPOSE.

- 0 -

GIS COMPUTERISATION WELL IN HAND *****

THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTERS INTO THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IS NOW WELL IN HAND, SAID THE DIRECTOR, MR PETER TSAO, TODAY.

MR TSAO WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF ’PERCOM '83' AN EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR WHICH AIMS TO POPULARISE THE USE OF COMPUTERS, PARTICULARLY IN MODERN TRADING COMMUNITIES. THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION AND SERIES OF MEETINGS WILL RUN FROM TODAY (FRIDAY) UNTIL MONDAY. IT IS BEING HELD AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

+ IN MY LAST JOB AS DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, I PLACED GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE NEED TO IMPORT HIGH TECHNOLOGY INTO HONG KONG IN ORDER TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF OUR OWN INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION*, SAID MR TSAO.

+ IN MY PRESENT JOB, AS DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, I AM TRANSLATING THAT MESSAGE INTO ACTUAL PRACTICE. I AM OF THE VIEW THAT IN DEALING WITH INFORMATION INPUTS AND OUTPUTS, COMPUTERS ARE A GREAT AND VITAL TOOL. THEREFORE, AFTER I TOOK OVER THIS JOB, STEPS WERE TAKEN TO INTRODUCE COMPUTERISATION INTO GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES. I AM DELIGHTED TO SAY THAT THIS EXERCISE IS NOW WELL IN HAND.*

MR TSAO SAID THAT HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE CALIBRE AND HIGH STANDING OF THE PANEL OF SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR.

♦I AM SURE AS A RESULT OF THIS EVENT, EVEN GREATER ATTENTION WILL BE DRAWN TO THE NEED FOR COMPUTERISATION. IT IS ONLY BY A CONTINUING PROCESS OF UPGRADING THE TOOLS OF OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL CONCERNS CAN WE HOPE TO KEEP UP WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD AND KEEP OUR POSITION AS ONE OF THE LEADING BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRES,* HE SAID.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

2

ADMIRALTY II SITE CAN BE DEVELOPED AS HOTEL * * * *

THE PURCHASER OF THE ADMIRALTY II SITE WILL BE ABLE TO DEVELOP IT AS A HOTEL, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD, SAID THE CONDITIONS OF SALE WOULD BE AMENDED SO THAT A HOTEL COULD BE BUILT ON THE SITE.

HE SAID THIS HAD BEEN DECIDED BECAUSE THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL ENQUIRIES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR EXPRESSING PARTICULAR INTERST IN HOTEL DEVELOPMENT.

ON DECEMBER 2, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD OFFER THE ADMIRALTY II SITE FOR SALE BY AUCTION NEXT MONTH.

IT SAID THEN THAT THE 6 312 SQUARE METRE SITE, AT THE JUNCTION OF COTTON TREE DRIVE AND QUEENSWAY, WAS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

MR TODD SAID WHEN MAKING THE SALE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE DECISION TO AUCTION IT HAD BEEN TAKEN BECAUSE INTEREST HAD BEEN SHOWN IN IT.

HE SAID TODAY THAT THE CONDITIONS OF SALE WOULD ALSO BE ALTERED TO PROVIDE FOR ADEQUATE BUS AND TAXI PARKING WITHIN THE LOT IF IT WAS TO BE FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT.

CONCESSIONS NORMALLY GIVEN BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY FOR HOTEL DEVELOPMENTS WOULD ALSO APPLY, HE ADDED.

MR TODD SAID DETAILED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONDITIONS OF SALE WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 23. COPIES OF THE AMENDMENTS WERE BEING SENT SEPARATELY TO INTERESTED PARTIES AND FURTHER COPIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

- - 0 -

$37M WATER PUMPING STATION READY NEXT YEAR X * * *

A NEW WATER PUMPING STATION AND ASSOCIATED RECEPTION FACILITIES AT MUK WU ON THE BORDER ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

THIS WAS SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) B* THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, TOM TOMLINSON, DURING A VISIT TO WORK SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. HE WAS LOOKING OVER PROGRESS BEING MADE ON VARIOUS PROJECTS IN THE SI.75 BILLION SCHEME TO RECEIVE AND.DI STR I BUTE ADDITIONAL WATER FROM CHINA.

THE NEW PUMPING STATION AND THE ASSOCIATED RECEPTION FACILITIES, COSTING ABOUT $37 MILLION, FORM PART OF STAGE ONE OF THE THREE-STAGE SCHEME. THE STATION WILL HOUSE 10 SETS CF PUMPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 1.4 MILLION CUB i 0 METRES PER DAY.

/MR TOMLINSON

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198j

3

MR TOMLINSON SAID WHEN COMPLETED IT WOULD BOOST DAILY RECEPTION CAPACITY AT MUK WU TO 2.1 MILLION CUBIC METRES WHICH WOULD MORE THAN DOUBLE EXISTING CAPACITY.

HE SAID THAT FROM MUK WU, CHINESE WATER IS PUMPED THROUGH AQUEDUCTS COMPRISING TUNNELS AND PIPELINES TO TAI LAM CHUNG AND PLOVER COVE RESERVOIRS.

+UP TO NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, HONG KONG HAS RECEIVED ABOUT 175 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER FROM CHINA OUT OF A TOTAL OF 255 MILLION CUBIC METRES SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUPPLY PERIOD,*

TOMLINSON SAID.

WATER FROM CHINA AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF TOTAL ESTIMATED DEMAND FOR 1983/84, HE SAID.

THE 12-YEAR SCHEME, WHICH COMMENCED IN 1981, INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN PUMPING STATIONS, 32 KILOMETRES OF TUNNEL, AND THE LAYING OF 31 KILOMETRES OF PIPELINE.

STAGE ONE, COMPRISING 12 MAJOR CONTRACTS, WILL COST $724.5 MILLION. SEVEN OF THE CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, AND WORK IS PROGRESSING ON THE REMAINING FIVE.

THE LARGEST ELEMENT IN STAGE ONE IS A S220-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTING A LARGE DIAMETER AQUEDUCT SYSTEM FROM MUK WU TO TAI LAM CHUNG.

UPON COMPLETION EXPECTED TO BE IN EARLY 1986, THE SYSTEM WILL COMPRISE 14 KILOMETRES OF TUNNELS, LARGE ENOUGH FOR INSPECTION VEHICLES TO PASS THROUGH, A FOUR-KILOMETRE ACCESS ROAD AND A 5.5-KILOMETRE PIPELINE 2.2 METRES IN DIAMETER (THE LARGEST IN HONG KONG).

THE SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL CAPACITY OF 910 000 CUBIC METRES DAILY TO THE WESTERN REGION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, DELIVERING WATER FROM CHINA TO TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.

STAGE TWO OF THE SCHEME IS ESTIMATED TO COST $725 MILLION. MAJOR WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT YEAR AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1987.

IT WILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PUMPING STATIONS AT PLOVER COVE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUEDUCT BETWEEN PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR AND PAK KONG, INCLUDING A SUBMARINE PIPELINE ACROSS TOLO CHANNEL, TO SUPPLY MORE WATER TO JUNK BAY, SAI KUNG AND THE EASTERN PART OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG.

AN AQUEDUCT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FROM TAI PO TAU TO NGAU TAM MEI AND A PIPELINE LAID BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND TAU.PASS.

STAGE THREE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 1988 AND 1992 AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $300 MILLION.

WORK IN THIS STAGE INCLUDES PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PUMPING PLANT AT THE NEW STATIONS.

0 -------

/4.......

rRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

4

MORE VICTIMS SEEK COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES *****

STATISTICS FOR 1982/83 SHOW A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION FOR CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJUR IES.

ACCORDING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS IN THE YEAR WAS 1 300 - COMPARED WITH 997 IN 1981/82.

THERE HAS ALSO BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE RECEIVING CRIMINAL INJURIES WHO APPLY FOR COMPENSATION. OF THE 7 210 PEOPLE WHO WERE THE VICTIMS OF SUCH INJURIES LAST YEAR, THE 1 300 WHO APPLIED FOR COMPENSATION REPRESENT A PROPORTION OF 18.03 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL - COMPARED WITH 16.6 PER CENT LAST YEAR.

AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ROBBERY, THEFT, BURGLARY AND ASSAULT/WOUNDING CASES ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE ■TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION.

TwENTY-FOUR VICTIMS OF RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT CAME FORWARD TO CLAIM THEIR ENTITLEMENTS, AGAINST 12 IN THE PRECEDING YEAR.

OF THE 1 300 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 560 WERE DIRECTLY SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS WHILE 688 WERE REFERRED BY THE POLICE.

THE REST WERE REFERRED BY HOSPITALS, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.

+THE SHARP INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DIRECT APPLICATIONS WAS PROBABLY THE RESULT OF GROWING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE CLEIC SCHEME AND CONTINUED EFFORTS MADE BY THE BOARD’S STAFF TO LOCATE INNOCENT VICTIMS THROUGH POLICE AND OTHER SGURCEi,+ THE REPORT SAYS.

THE BOARDS HAVE DISCRETIONARY POWER TO INCREASE AN AwAPD BY UP TO 100 PER CENT.

IN EXERCISING THIS DISCRETION, THE BOARDS INCREASED 29 AWARDS IN VIEW OF THE VICTIMS’ EFFORTS TO FIGHT CRIME.

THE YEAR SAw THE HIGHEST SINGLE AWARD OF $42 150 GO TO THE WIDOW AND DAUGHTER OF A FOODSTALL OWNER WHO WAS KILLED IN A ROBBERY. THE BOARD INCREASED THE AinARD BY 50 PER CENT ON ACCOUNT OF THE VICTIM’S EFFORTS TO RESIST THE ROBBERS.

DURING THE YEAR, PAYMENTS AMOUNTING TO MORE THAN $2.6 MILLION WERE MADE IN 536 CRIMINAL INJURY APPLICATIONS, ONE LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURY APPLICATION AND 156 REVIEw CASES.

/THE REPORT .......

FRIDaZ, DECEMBER 16, 1983

5 -

THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE MOST TRAGIC CASE EVER DEALT wITH BY THE BOARDS WAS THE UN CHAU ESTATE INCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED IN JUNE 1982 AND WHICH LED TO 48 CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION. FORTY-SIX CLAIMS WERE SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED.

UNDER THE EXISTING RULES OF THE SCHEME, NO COMPENSATION COULD BE AWARDED TO A VICTIM WHO WAS INJURED BY THE OFFENDER WHO WAS LIVING WITH HIM AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AS MEMBERS OF THE SAME FAMILY.

AFTER A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION BY A MAN wHOSE WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE KILLED BY HIS SON IN THE UN CHAU ESTATE INCIDENT wAS REJECTED, THE BOARDS MADE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE RULES.

REVISED RULES, WHICH WERE APPROVED IN DECEMBER 1982, EMPOWER THE BOARDS TO EXTEND COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE ON THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

* THE OFFENDER HAS BEEN PROSECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFENCE EXCEPT WHERE THE BOARD CONSIDERS THAT THERE ARE PRACTICAL, TECHNICAL OR OTHER GROUNDS FOR NOT PROSECUTING THE OFFENDER;

* THE BOARD IS SATISFIED THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE APPLICANT OR THE MINOR OR OTHER PERSON ON WHOSE BEHALF THE APPLICATION IS MADE, AS THE CASE MAY BE, TC MAKE AN AWARD.

DURING THE YEAR, THE CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARD ALSO DEALT WITH CLAIMS ARISING FROM A CASE IN WHICH FOUR WOMEN WERE STRANGLED AND LATER DISMEMBERED BY A TAXI DRIVER BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND JULY IN 1982.

THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS WERE INVITED TO FILE CLAIMS UNDER THE SCHEME. THE BOARD PROMPTLY APPROVED COMPENSATION TOTALLING MORE THAN it2O 330 FOR EACH FAMILY.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR ROBERT wtI, QC, JP RETIRED IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND WAS SUCCEEDED BY MR MARTIN LEE, QC, Jr.

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

/6.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

6

SHIPPING ACTIVITY DETAILED * * *

MORE THAN 2 800 SHIPS ARRIVED IN HONG KONG IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983, ACCORDING TO THE SECOND QUARTERLY HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS REPORT.

THE REPORT, PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, COVERS THE PERIOD FROM APRIL TO JUNE 1983, AND GIVES THE ARRIVALS FIGURE AS 2 814. THESE SHIPS HAD A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17 110 000 NET REGISTERED TONNAGE (NRT).

IT ALSO REPORTS THAT OF SHIPS ARRIVING, 20 PER CENT SET OUT FROM CHINA, 43 PER CENT WERE CONFERENCE LINERS, AND 31 FLEW THE PANAMANIAN FLAG.

OVER HALF OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED BY SHIPS COMING FROM JAPAN, USA AND CHINA, 40 PER CENT WAS CARRIED BY TRAMPS, AND 29 PER CENT BY CONTAINER SHIPS.

IN THE SAME PERIOD, DEPARTING SHIPS NUMBERED 2 821 WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17 117 000 NRT. OF THESE, 19 PER CENT LEFT FOR TAIWAN, CARRYING 17 PER CENT OF CARGO LOADED IN HONG KONG.

OVER 95 PER CENT OF CARGO LOADED IN HONG KONG WAS CARRIED BY LINERS, AND 70 PER CENT WAS CARRIED BY CONTAINER SHIPS.

ABOUT 55 PER CENT OF DEPARTING VESSELS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN 1-1/2 DAYS.

IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT, 91 PER CENT OF INWARD SEABORNE CARGO WAS SEABORNE IMPORTS, AND NINE PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT. FOR OUTWARD SHIPMENTS, THE PERCENTAGES WERE 60 PER CENT AND AO PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS WERE JAPAN (21 PER CENT), CHINA (16 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (14 PER CENT)} AND THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE USA (23 PER CENT), TAIWAN (15 PER CEWT) AND INDONESIA (EIGHT PER CENT).

TRANSHIPMENT CARGOES WERE MAINLY LOADED FROM CHINA AND USA FOR TRANSHIPMENT TO USA, PHILIPPINES AND SINGAPORE.

THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG BY SEA WERE PETROLEUM AND PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (22 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT), COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (16 PER CENT), AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURES OF METAL AND NON-METALLIC MINERALS (INCLUDING CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER) (14 PER CENT).

HONG KONG’S SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE MORE DIVERSIFIED, THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES BEING CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (NINE PER CENT), METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (SIX PER CENT), TOYS (FIVE PER CENT), AND COTTON GARMENTS (FOUR PER CENT).

THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS SYSTEM, TERMS AND CLASSIFICATIONS, A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983, AND 13 STATISTICAL TABLES ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS. /STATISTICS ARE....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198j

7

STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIP MASTERS OR SHIPPING AGENTS, AND FROM CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A 20 PER CENT SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFESTS IS USED FOR COMPILING PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS. HOWEVER, THE SHIPPING STATISTICS COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT, ON A FULL ENUMERATION BASIS.

MORE DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* QUARTERLY REPORT FOR APRIL TO JUNE 1983, NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $12 A COPY.

- - o - -

GOOD PROGRESS IN FIGHT AGAINST CANCER M * * *

TWO OF THE MOST PREVALENT CANCERS IN HONG KONG HAVE VERY HIGH SURVIVAL RATES, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY, HE SAID THAT HIS DEPARTMENT NOW HAS TESTS FOR DETECTING THE TWO DISEASES - UTERINE CERVICAL AND NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA - IN THEIR VERY EARLY STAGES, THUS PROMISING EVEN HIGHER CURE RATES WITH TREATMENT.

+FOR THE FORMER, THE FIVE-YEAR SURVIVAL RATE IS ABOUT 90 PER CENT FOR EARLY DISEASE AND THAT FOR THE LATTER 80 PER CENT,* DR THONG SAID.

+FOR TREATMENT FAILURES THERE ARE NOW ADEQUATE METHODS TO PREVENT THE PAIN THAT ACCOMPANIES THE TERMINAL STAGE OF CANCER, AND THERE IS NO MORE DISTRESS ACCOMPANYING IT THAN THAT ACCOMPANYING OTHER CHRONIC DISEASES.

♦THUS, ALTHOUGH CANCER IS OUR LEADING HEALTH PROBLEM THE PICTURE IS MUCH MORE ROSIER THAN WHEN THE SOCIETY WAS FOUNDED IWO DECADES AGO,* DR THONG SAID.

FORTY YEARS AGO, HE SAID, CANCER WAS THOUGHT TO BE A DEGENERATIVE DISEASE AND WAS REGARDED AS THE NATURAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE AGEING PROCESS.

+AS A RESULT OF THE GRADUAL ACCUMULATION OF EVIDENCE, CLIMAXED BY THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES THAT IMPLICATED CIGARETTE SMOKING AS A CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER, A MAJOR CONCEPTUAL CHANGE REGARDING THE NATURE OF CANCER OCCURRED, WHICH HAS PROFOUND IMPLICATIONS.

+WE BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND THAT MANY CANCERS MAY BE PREVENTABLE, AND, INDEED, THE SPECIALIST ON THE SUBJECT NOW THINKS THAT ABOUT 00 PER CENT OF THEM ARE PREVENTABLE,* DR THONG SAID.

FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, JUST A DECADE AGO, THE WHISPER OF THE WORD +CANCER* EVOKED FEAR AND DESPAIR, AS IT WAS ALMOST SYNONYMOUS WITH AN INEVITABLE DEATH SENTENCE.

+MOST OF US NOW KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS ALIVE AND WELL WITH CANCER WHICH HAS BEEN CURED,* HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, vtCEMBER 16, 1983

8

COURT INQUIRY ON LOSS OF ’OSPREY’ PROPOSED * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE HAS RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNOR THAT A MARINE COURT BE APPOINTED TO CONSIDER THE LOSS OF THE 'BARQUENTINE OSPREY’.

A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT A PRELIMINARY INQUIRY HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND A REPORT COMPILED. HAVING CONSIDERED THE REPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE MR P.E.J. DAVY, HAS RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNOR THAT’THE MARINE COURT BE APPOINTED, UNDER SECTION 52 OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 281, OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.

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

LIGHTING UP FOR CHRISTMAS

* * * K

COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS AND AN ARRAY OF DECORATIONS WILL ADD A FESTIVE SPIRIT TO BOTH SHA TIN AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING FOLLOWING SWITCH-ON CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAYS.

IN SHA TIN, LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, WILL SWITCH ON MORE THAN 10 000 LIGHT BULBS ALONG THE TWO MAIN BRIDGES OVER THE SHING MUN RIVER.

A 100-MEMBER CHOIR FORMED BY LOCAL CHURCHES WILL SING CAROLS AT THE CEREMONY AT 6.30 PM ON THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD BR IDGE.

THE SEASONAL LIGHTING WILL BE ON UNTIL JANUARY 4, AND AGAIN FOR 10 DAYS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

THE DECORATIONS COST ABOUT $400 000, OF WHICH $300 000 CAME FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REST FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS.

IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, FESTIVE DECORATIONS ARE ON DISPLAY ALONG SALISBURY ROAD AND MODY ROAD, AND OUTSIDE HOTELS AND COMPLEXES IN THE AREA.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WILL PERFORM THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT 6 PM AT THE COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, NEXT TO THE EAST OCEAN CENTRE.

THE LIGHTING IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE ON FROM 6 PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY UNTIL JANUARY 2, EXCEPT ON DECEMBER 24, 25, 31 AND JANUARY 1 WHEN THE LIGHTING WILL BE ON UNTIL 2 AM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SWITCH-ON CEREMONIES AT 6 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY)- AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AND AT 6.30 PM ON THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD BRIDGE.

A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 5.30 PM FOR SHA TIN. ___________Q _______ /C)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

9

NEW ROAD FOR SHA TAU KOK

M * * *

SHORT SECTIONS OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND THE BORDER FENCE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN CONNECTION WITH A NEW ROAD PROJECT.

THE NEW 800-METRE LONG ROAD WILL LINK UP WITH A NEW SHA TAU KOK BRIDGE.

IT CROSSES SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND THE BORDER FENCE ROAD WHICH WILL BE CLOSED AFTER THE NEW ROAD WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. SOME FOOTPATHS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.

THE NEW ROAD WILL HAVE TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTPATHS ON EACH SIDE.

ABOUT HALF ITS LENGTH WILL BE 7.3 METRES WIDE AND THE REMAINING HALF WILL WIDEN TO 70 METRES TO CATER FOR CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION FACILITIES.

IT WILL BE ENCLOSED BY A 3.5 METRES HIGH SECURITY FENCE.

WHEN COMPLETED THE NEW ROAD WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER BORDER CROSSING FACILITY IN ADDITION TO THE MAN KAM TO CROSSING.

THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING TWO VEHICLE HOLDING AREAS, LAYING ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND MODIFYING LIN MA HANG ROAD FOR EMERGENCY USE.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START EARLY NEXT YEAR.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE ROAD CLOSURES IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) UNDER THE ROAD (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE AFFECTED ROADS CAN BE INSPECTED AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG 5 AS WELL AS NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, OLD DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, TAI PO MARKET, NEW TERRITORIES.

ANYONE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE CAN WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MURRAY BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

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/1O........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

10

VALUE OF +COMMON SENSE* MANAGEMENT STRESSED

*****

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMON SENSE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EDUCATION WAS STRESSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR COLVYN HAYE, TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING UNIT, MR HAYE SAID THAT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION PROVIDED IN SCHOOLS DEPENDED MUCH ON HAVING +PEOPLE IN MANAGEMENT POSITIONS IN THE SCHOOLS POSSESSING THE QUALITIES NEEDED FOR EFFECTIVE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP*.

THIS WAS WHY THE DEPARTMENT’S RECENTLY ESTABLISHED TRAINING UNIT WAS GIVING SUCH URGENT PRIORITY TO MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR HEADS OF SCHOOLS, HE SAID.

♦THE UNIT CONCENTRATED INITIALLY ON RUNNING A SERIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION COURSES BUT NEVER LOST SIGHT OF THE NEED FOR DETAILED PLANNING FOR MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS AND POTENTIAL HEADS,* MR HAYE SAID.

SCHOOL HEADS WERE INVOLVED IN A GREAT VARIETY OF WORK INCLUDING FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, SOCIAL WORK, COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE AS WELL AS INTERVIEWING, INVOLVEMENT WITH LEGISLATION AND IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES EVEN TEACHING, HE SAID.

+PREPARATION FOR THESE MANAGEMENT AND PASTORAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN SKILLS AND COMPETENCES ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT.

+THESE ARE MADE EVEN MORE URGENT BY THE RAPID EXPANSION OF SECONDARY PROVISION OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS WHICH HAS SEEN THE COMPLETION OF SOME 98 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND WITH IT THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW HEADS,* HE SAID.

IN THIS RESPECT, MR HAYE SAID, HONG KONG EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS - SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND THE OFFICE - TEND TO BE TRADITIONAL AND HIERARCHICAL.

+THIS ’MECHANISTIC’ TYPE OF ORGANISATION HAS BEEN THE PRODUCT OF LARGELY STABLE CONDITIONS.

+BUT IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAS BEEN EVIDENCE OF A RAPID RATE OF CHANGE WHICH SUGGESTS THAT A NEW 'ORGANIC' TYPE OF ORGANISATION IS REQUIRED TO MEET SITUATIONS IN WHICH NEW AND UNFAMILIAR PROBLEMS CONTINUALLY ARISE WHICH CANNOT BE BROKEN DOWN AND DISTRIBUTED AMONG THE EXISTING SPECIALIST ROLES,* MR HAYE SAID.

/+DURING THIS.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198?

- 11

+DURING THIS PERIOD OF TRANSITION, CARE MUST BE TAKEN NOT TO ABOLISH THE FORMAL, TRADITIONAL STRUCTURE WHICH HAS BEEN INHERITED TO MAKE CHANGES TANTAMOUNT TO KNOCKING AWAY A LAME MAN’S CRUTCHES.

+BETTER TO WALK ON CRUTCHES THAN TO FALL FLAT ON ONE’S FACE.+

MR HAYE ALSO SAID THAT MANAGEMENT + GETS EFFECTIVE RESULTS FROM RESOURCES AND PEOPLE*.

HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED THAT THERE WERE DANGERS IN THE WHOLESALE APPLICATION OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT THEORY AND TECHNIQUES TO EDUCATION.

♦MANAGEMENT THEORY CAN BE OF VALUE TO EDUCATION IF IT IS FIRST ASSIMILATED AND THEN APPLIED,+ MR HAYE STRESSED.

MANAGEMENT, HE ADDED, IS LARGELY A MATTER OF COMMON SENSE AND EXPERIENCE.

TRY NOT TO BE CONFUSED BY THE JARGON OF PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT,* HE URGED.

HE SAID HE USED SOME OF IT TODAY TO INTRODUCE TO THE BASIC CONCEPTS.

BUT NEVER, NEVER FORGET THAT COMMON SENSE AND COMMON SPEECH ARE YOUR BEST WEAPONS AS MANAGERS.+

IMPORTANT ALSO, WERE - SYMPATHY, TACT, GOOD TEMPER AND UNDERSTANDING - ALL THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE FOR GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PEOPLE.

BECAUSE IN THE END MANAGEMENT IS GETTING OTHER PEOPLE TO HELP YOU TO DO THE JOB,+ MR HAYE SAID.

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

/12.....

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983 •

12

BOARD MEMBERS LEARN MORE ABOUT TAI PO

*****

TWENTY-TWO WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS INSPECTED THE OLD AND THE NEW TAI PO DISTRICT DURING A VISIT THERE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR CHAIRMAN, MR PHILIP CHOK, BOARD MEMBERS FIRST CALLED ON THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE FOR A BRIEFING BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN ON THE NEW TOWN’S HISTORY, POPULATION GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS.

THE PARTY THEN VISITED THE PURPOSE-BUILT LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE WHICH WAS OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR LAST WEEK.

MEMBERS LEARNED THAT THE DISTRICT’S FIRST SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS BEING HELD AT THE CENTRE.

THE SPORTS CENTRE, BUILT AT A COST OF $15 MILLION, HAS AN OLYMPIC-SIZE GYMNASTICS HALL, A BOWLING ALLEY, A DANCE STUDIO, A FITNESS ROOM AND TWO SAUNA BATHROOMS.

AT KWONG FUK ESTATE, MEMBERS WENT TO THE ROOF OF A BUILDING WHERE THEY WERE ABLE TO SEE THE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF SOME DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN PROGRESS, THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AS WELL AS SOME VILLAGES WHICH ARE MORE THAN 200 YEARS OLD.

BEFORE DEPARTING, THEY HELD A DISCUSSION WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN TAI PO TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND SHARE EXPERIENCES ON PROBLEMS IN THEIR DISTRICTS.

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

CAMPAIGN MEMBERS VISIT DRUG TREATMENT CENTRE * * *

ABOUT 20 MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE SHEK KWU CHAU TREATMENT CENTRE TO LEARN ABOUT REHABILITATION WORK FOR ADDICTS.

THE VISIT ALSO ROUNDED OFF A TWO-WEEK ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTR ICT.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, AND PARTY ARRIVED AT SHEK KWU CHAU AT AROUND 1.30 PM AND WERE GREETED BY RESIDENTS OF THE CENTRE WITH A LION DANCE PERFORMANCE AT THE PIER.

AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY OF A NEW LION, PERFORMED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR WONG SIK-KONG, WAS ALSO HELD.

PRIOR TO A TOUR OF THE CENTRE, MEMBERS HAD A BRIEFING ON ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ADDICTS, MR JAMES CH’IEN, AND THE CENTRE’S MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT, DR B.J. HORLLINRAKE.

/THERE ARE .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

13

THERE ARE ABOUT 400 MEN RESIDENTS IN THE SHEK KWU CHAU TREATMENT CENTRE WHICH IS MANNED BY A 60-MEMBER VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCY.

DURING THEIR SIX-MONTH STAY, RESIDENTS UNDERGO THREE STAGES OF TREATMENT; WITHDRAWAL FROM ADDICTION USING METHADONE, PHYSICAL TRAINING AND VOCATIONAL WORK, AND COUNSELLING BY SOCIAL WORKERS TO PREPARE THEM FOR REINTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY.

MR WONG SAID THE CAMPAIGN IN KOWLOON CITY MIGHT HAVE COME TO AN END BUT THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS WOULD GO ON.

+AND I HOPE PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND THE ANTIDRUG MESSAGES,+ HE SAID.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PARTY FOR REHABILITATION TRAINEES

XXX*

THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A CHRISTMAS PARTY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FOR THEIR 270 TRAINEES.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR.

PROGRAMMES FOR THE DAY WILL INCLUDE A MAGIC SHOW, SINGING AND PERFORMANCES BY THE TRAINEES, A LUCKY DRAW AND A DINNER RECEPTION. ROUND TABLE NO. (VICTORIA) IS CONTRIBUTING $10 000 TOWARDS THE DINNER.

THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE PROVIDES SERVICES FOR THE SOCIAL AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE SERVES AS A RESIDENTIAL CENTRE FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN UNDER 16.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT, WHICH TAKES PLACE IN THE HALL OF THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, WELFARE ROAD WONG CHUK HANG, STARTING AT 4.30 PM.

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/14.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

14

CARGO PARTICULARS REQUIRED

*****

FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, ALL IMPORT AND EXPORT MANIFESTS MUST CARRY PARTICULARS OF CARGO AS PRESCRIBED BY THE IMPORT AND EXPORT MANIFESTS NOTICE 1983 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE NOTICE SPECIFIES THE PARTICULARS TO BE LODGED IN RESPECT OF CARGO BOTH IN PACKAGES AND IN BULK AND REQUIRES THE INCLUSION OF THE SERIAL NUMBERS OF CONTAINERS IN RESPECT OF CONTAINERISED CARGO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE EXISTING NOTICE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR CARGO IN PACKAGES AND MADE NO REFERENCE TO BULK CARGO SUCH AS LOOSE ORE AND GRAINS, AND GOODS IMPORTED IN BUNDLES, TRUSSES, OR BALES OR WHICH ARE SIMILARLY UN-ENCLOSED.

♦ IN THE CASE OF CONTAINERISED CARGO, THE SERIAL NUMBER OF CONTAINERS IS ESSENTIAL FOR LOCATING AND ASCERTAINING THE GOODS INSOFAR AS CUSTOMS CONTROLS ARE CONCERNED,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE NOTICE CAN BE DIRECTED TO MR S.B. LEE OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AT TEL. 3-677246.

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DISCO FUN FOR 10 000 IN TSUEN WAN ******

TWO DISCO DANCE PARTIES FOR A TOTAL OF 5 000 COUPLES AND FESTIVE LIGHTING WILL BE THE MAJOR ATTRACTIONS OF THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN.

THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD IS CONTRIBUTING $115 000 FOR THE LIGHTING DISPLAY AND DANCE PARTIES WHICH WILL BE HELD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS NIGHT, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY.

THE DISCO PARTIES, BOTH STARTING AT 8.30 PM AND LASTING FOR THREE HOURS AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, WILL ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY A BAND AND POPULAR SINGERS, DISCO DANCE DEMONSTRATIONS AND A RAFFLE DRAW WITH ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.

+WE HAD A SPECTACULAR TV SHOW LAST YEAR AND WE LIKE SOMETHING DIFFERENT THIS YEAR,* SHE SAID.

♦THEY WILL BE THE FIRST GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED DISCO DANCE PARTIES OF SUCH A SIZE AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL BE WELCOMED BY RESIDENTS.

/THE WO.......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198?

THE TWO PARTIES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NT DIVISION), THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

ADMISSION TICKETS AT $10 PER COUPLE ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE TSUEN WAN SUB-DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AT HOI PA STREET DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS, AND AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE FROM 5 PM TO 9 PM BETWEEN MONDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

ON THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS, MISS CHUNG SAID THE DISPLAY LAST YEAR PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR.

+THIS YEAR’S LIGHTS WILL ALSO BE CONCENTRATED AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD-CASTLE PEAK ROAD ROUNDABOUTS, AND ON THE SECTION OF SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN BO SHEK DAI HA AND HEUNG SING STREET,+ SHE SAID.

THE LIGHTS DISPLAY USING 9 000 BULBS WILL STRETCH FOR THREE KILOMETRES.

THE LIGHTS WILL BE SWITCHED ON BY MRS VICTORIA HSU, WIFE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 6 PM ON DECEMBER 22 AT THE FIRST-FLOOR PODIUM OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

MISS CHUNG SAID THAT DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT WOULD ALSO ORGANISE ABOUT 40 ACTIVITIES SO THAT PEOPLE WOULD NOT NEED TO TRAVEL TO OTHER DISTRICTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT.

THESE WOULD INCLUDE A WESTERN FOLK DANCE NIGHT, CONCERTS, A CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, DRAMA PERFORMANCES, A FAMILY GAMES DAY, YOUTH PARTIES AND CAMPING.

o--------

MENTAL HEALTH SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS

MH * *

ABOUT 300 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON MENTAL HEALTH AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 42 GASCOIGNE ROAD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12.30 PM.

THE SEMINAR AIMS AT INTRODUCING TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS TEACHERS GENERAL INFORMATION ON MENTAL HEALTH AND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THEM ON MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE TALKS, SLIDE SHOWS AND PANEL DISCUSSION. UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR HO KAM-FAI WILL SPEAK AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

-------0-------- /16..................

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1983

16

PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT HOURS EXTENDED

X X X X

AS PART OF THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, OPENING HOURS OF THE CENTRAL PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 6 AM ON MONDAY.

THE PRECINCT WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO PEDESTRIANS FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23) DAILY BETWEEN 9 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE MEASURE INVOLVES THE CLOSURE OF CHATER ROAD BETWEEN PEDDAR STREET AND JACKSON ROAD, AND ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.

DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON ICE HOUSE STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, PEDDAR STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND.

DETAILS OF THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TRAFFIC PLAN WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK.

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

ONE-HOUR ROAD CLOSURE

* * * *

THE SECTION OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD BETWEEN YUEN WO ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD NEAR P5 BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 6 PM TO 7 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO SHING MUN RIVER MAY USE EITHER P6 BRIDGE OF FO TAN ROAD OR P4 BRIDGE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.

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TUEN MUN SALT WATER MAINS WORK X * X *

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE TUEN MUN AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR TEN HOURS — FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM -- ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) FOR MAINS WORK.

AREAS AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY THE WHOLE TUEN MUN AREA, FROM FU TEI CHUNG TSUEN TO SAM SHING ESTATE, INCLUDING SIU HONG COURT, SIU ON COURT, TAI HING ESTATE, SAN FAT ESTATE, ON TING ESTATE, YAU 01 ESTATE, SHAN KING ESTATE. ALSO, AREA 4B, AREA 10, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, MELODY GARDEN, CHINA CEMENT CO., CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD TAP SHEK KOK STATION, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, TUEN MUN CLINIC, YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, AREA 37A, AREA 37B, INDUSTRIAL ZONE AREA 9, AREA 12 AND ALL VILLAGES, SAM SHING ESTATE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNOR VISITS RHKAAF CAMP ................................. 1 SERVICES TO HELP REHABILITATE HANDICAPPED ................... 1

KEEPING HK CLEAN IS AN ON-GOING EFFORT ...................... 2 pes handling wide range of enquiries ........................ 2 NEW TRANSPORT LICENSING OFFICE IN SHA TIN ................... 3 COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR HANDICAPPED URGED .....................

NEW MARKET AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX FDR EASTERN WONG TAI SIN 5 YOUTH GROUPS PRAISED FOR ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK ................ 6 HORTICULTURE CLASS FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS ................... 7 SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT STARTS ............................... 7 «5M DONATION FOR REHABILITATION PROJECT .....................

SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PICTURE-MAKING.................... 9 FUN DAY EDR ELDERLY PEOPLE .................................. 9 POSTER DESIGNS ON DISPLAY ................................... 10

LEAKAGE TEST IN KENNEDY TOWN

10

uATURDA , uECEMBER 17, 1983

1

GOVERNOR VISITS RHKAAF CAMP

* * * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY VISITED THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AT THEIR ANNUAL CAMP IN SEK KONG.

SIR EDWARD WAS FLOWN BY AN RHKAAF DAUPHIN HELICOPTER TO THE SEK KONG AIRSTRIP, WHERE THE UNIT IS AT ANNUAL CAMP AND CARRYING OUT INTENSIVE FLYING.

HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY WING COMMANDER A.P. ASPREY, COMMANDING OFFICER; SQUADRON LEADER J.G. SHAWCROSS, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER AND SQUADRON LEADER P.D. YIP, O.C. FLYING.

SIR EDWARD PRESENTED AIR EFFICIENCY DECORATIONS TO SIX MEMBERS WHO BETWEEN THEM HAD PUT IN MORE THAN 80 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE. HE ALSO MET MEMBERS OF THE FLYING, ENGINEERING AND ADMINISTRATION SQUADRONS.

SIR EDWARD THEN HAD LUNCH ON THE AIRSTRIP WITH A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS OF VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD RELEASED THEIR STAFF MEMBERS FOR DUTY WITH THE UNIT DURING THE YEAR TO ENABLE THE RHKAAF TO RESPONSE WITH ALL ITS SEVEN AIRCRAFTS FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.

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SERVICES TO HELP REHABILITATE HANDICAPPED * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S REHABILITATION SERVICES WAS TO HELP HANDICAPPED PEOPLE DEVELOP THEIR CAPABILITIES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT AND TO INTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE.

HE SAID, +CHRISTMAS INDEED IS A SEASON OF JOY, A TIME WHEN PEOPLE SHOULD THINK MORE OF OTHERS THAN OF THEMSELVES, AND MORE OF GIVING THAN OF RECEIVING.+

IN THE PAST YEARS, HE SAID, THE TWO CENTRES HAD HELPED MANY DISABLED PEOPLE GAIN THEIR CONFIDENCE AND DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS.

+THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES, THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP, THE WORK ACTIVITY GROUPS AND THE RECREATIONAL, COUNSELLING AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, ALL WORK TO THIS END,+ HE SAID.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY INCLUDED AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME AND A DINNER RECEPTION FOR THE 270 TRAINEES AT THE CENTRES.

MR CHAMBERS THANKED ROUND TABLE NO. 3 (VICTORIA) FOR THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE DINNER AS WELL AS THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION, WHICH HE SAID, +DEMONSTRATES THEIR GENUINE CONCERN FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.+

------0------- /2 ...............

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1983

2

KEEPING HK CLEAN IS AN ON-GOING EFFORT * * * *

KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN AND GREEN IS AN ON-GOING COMMITMENT BY BOTH THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT, SAID AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE NE* TERRITORIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, MR WAI HON-LEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY).

MR WAI MADE THIS REMARK AFTER SEEING SOME OF THE CLEANSING SERVICES IN SHA TIN AND THE PLANTING PROJECTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE NEW TOWN DURING A TWO-HOUR TOUR.

ACCOMPANYING MR WAI ON THE TOUR WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (OPERATIONS) OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR DAVID WEEKS, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SHA TIN, MR NG YING-NEEN.

THE PARTY FIRST VISITED SIU LEK YUEN TO SEE A CONCRETE VILLAGE FOOTPATH BUILT IN OCTOBER 1981 TO FACILITATE REFUSE COLLECTION.

MR WAI WAS BRIEFED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 12OO-METRE FOOTPATH IN KEEPING SIU LEK YUEN AND SIX ADJACENT VILLAGES CLEAN.

AT NGAU PEI SHA, MR WAI WAS IMPRESSED WITH ITS REFUSE COLLECTION AND OTHER RELATED FACILITIES.

LATER HE VISITED PEI TAU VILLAGE AND SAW THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS.

MR WAI URGED VILLAGERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF A TEMPORARY REFUSE AND JUNK COLLECTION FACILITY SET UP THERE RECENTLY.

THE PARTY THEN TOURED FOUR NEWLY-BUILT ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS WHERE MORE THAN 60 000 PLANTS HAD BEEN GROWN.

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

PES HANDLING WIDE RANGE OF ENQUIRIES * * * *

MATTERS CONCERNING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TOPPED THE LIST OF ENQUIRIES MADE AT THE 59 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE (PES) CENTRE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY HOUSING, RATING AND VALUATION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS.

A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID THE PES CENTRES HANDLED 449 105 ENQUIRIES ABOUT EDUCATION, 23 PER CENT OF WHICH CONCERNED OVERSEAS STUDIES AND 25 PER CENT ON PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION.

AMONG THE 339 209 ENQUIRIES ON THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MORE THAN 45 PER CENT WERE ABOUT APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND 24 PER CENT ON THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.

/FOR THE .......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1983

FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT, 18 PER CENT OF THE 289 280 ENQUIRIES CONCERNED RENT INCREASES AND 17 PER CENT ON EVICTION AND RECOVERY OF PREMISES.

OF THE 271 479 ENQUIRIES ON GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 68 PER CENT RELATED TO JOBS AND VACANCIES, 5.5 PER CENT ON VERIFICATION OF MARITAL STATUS AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, AND 26.5 PER CENT ON MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

THERE WERE 270 067 ENQUIRIES ABOUT IMMIGRATION MATTERS, WITH 12.6 PER CENT ON EMIGRATION AND OVERSEAS VISITS, AND 9.7 PER CENT ON MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF PES CENTRES HAD NOW BEEN INCREASED TO 63 THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF FREE SERVICES, SUCH AS DISTRIBUTION OF GOVERNMENT AND SOME NON-GOVERNMENT FORMS, GENERAL PUBLIC ENQUIRIES, ADMINISTERING OF STATUTORY DECLARATIONS AND FREE LEGAL ADVICE.

IN ADDITION, CONSUMER COUNCIL’S ENQUIRY COUNTERS AND RENT OFFICERS ARE ALSO ATTACHED TO SEVERAL OF THE PES CENTRES.

ANY ENQUIRIES ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PES CENTRES CAN BE MADE AT THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD OR ON TELEPHONE 3-692255.

NOTE TO EDITORS 1

NEW TRANSPORT LICENSING OFFICE IN SHA TIN * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT 11 AM AT K.C.R. HOUSE, 5/F, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.

THE NEW OFFICE WILL START OPERATION AT 2 PM ON THE SAME DAY.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.

- - 0 - -

SATL'K.-Y, DECEMBER 17, 1983.

4

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR HANDICAPPED URGED

* * *

A SENIOR OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO HELP THEM GAIN COMPLETE REHABILITATION.

THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE REGIONAL OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON), W KWOK KA-CHI, WHEN HE OPENED A SEMINAR ON +INTEGRATION OF THE HANDICAPPED* AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.

MR KWOK SAID SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE DISABLED BY BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH.

+TO HELP THEM TOWARDS COMPLETE REHABILITATION, WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY TO TREAT THEM EQUALLY AND TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.

HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT QUITE A NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAD BEEN HELP

NG THE DISABLED BY GIVING THEM JOBS OR BY PLACING ORDERS WITH SHELTERED WORKSHOPS. NR KWOK EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT MORE EMPLOYERS WOULD FOLLOW SUIT.

A COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION HAD BEEN SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT AFTER THE 1981 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS, HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE SEMINAR TODAY WAS TO PROMOTE THIS WORK.

THE SEMINAR FORMS PART OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATED BY THE COMMITTEE.

FIVE SPEAKERS, FROM THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL WORK, PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOLOGY, INCLUDING A MEMBER OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, GAVE TALKS ON THE DISABLED PEOPLE.

THE PANEL DISCUSSION, CHAIRED BY DR NELSON CHOW, A SENIOR LECTURER IN SOCIAL WORK, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WAS FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN FORUM.

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

/5........

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 1983

5

NEW MARKET AND RECREATIONAL COMPLEX FOR EASTERN WONG TAI SIN *****

A NEW MARKET TO BE BUILT OVER CHOI HUNG MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION WILL INCLUDE FACILITIES FOR SPORT, RECREATION AND CULTURE.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING TENDERS FOR THE COMPLEX WHICH WILL BE BUILT ON A 4 300-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, NGAU CHI WAN.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SIMILAR COMPLEXES IN HONG KONG, THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TO HAVE AN AUDITORIUM.

THERE WILL BE A 397-STALL MARKET RETAILING MEAT, FISH, POULTRY, VEGETABLES, FRUIT AND DRY GOODS.

IT WILL ACCOMMODATE ELIGIBLE HAWKERS FROM THE VICINITY wHO HAVE BEEN SURVEYED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A REFUSE COLLECTION CHAMBER, AN ICE STORE, OFFICES AND PUBLIC TOILETS.

BESIDES THE TWO-STOREY MARKET PODIUM, THERE WILL BE AN AUDITORIUM BLOCK, A MAIN BUILDING AND, ON TOP OF THE PODIUM, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL.

A COOKED FOOD CENTRE WITH 17 STALLS WILL BE HOUSED IN THE MAIN BUILDING AND WILL BE LINKED TO THE MARKET BY ESCALATORS.

UPPER FLOORS OF THE MAIN BUILDING WILL BE OCCUPIED BY A LIBRARY, OFFICES AND SPACE FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

THERE WILL BE A LECTURE HALL, FOUR MUSIC PRACTICE ROOMS, A PAINTING STUDIO AND AN EXHIBITION HALL.

ADJACENT TO THE MAIN BUILDING WILL BE THE AUDITORIUM WHICH WILL BE SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE CITY HALL. IT WILL HAVE 430 SEATS.

THE INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF MORE THAN 720 SQUARE METRES.

IT WILL HAVE A STANDARD VOLLEYBALL OR BASKETBALL COURT AND FOUR BADMINTON COURTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE FACILITIES FOR GYMNASTIC ACTIVITIES.

RAMPS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED SO THAT THE DISABLED WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE MARKET.

A FOOTBRIDGE WILL ALSO BE BUILT TO CONNECT PING SHEK ESTATE AND THE MARKET AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START NEXT FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN MID-1986.

THE MARKET COMPLEX WILL SERVE FOUR ESTATES IN EASTERN WONG TAI SIN WHICH HAVE A COMBINED POPULATION OF ABOUT 80 000.

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

/6......

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 1983

6

YOUTH GROUPS PRAISED FOR ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK

* K * *

MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) WERE PRAISED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK.

THE TRIBUTE WAS PAID BY THE PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER CF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, MR HANDRICK NG WHILE SPEAKING AT THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CREATIVE ACTIVITIES 1983 PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY-CUM-VARIETY SHOW HELD AT THE WO CHE COMMUNITY HALL IN SHA TIN THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

+THROUGH DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN ACAN’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WORK AND THEIR SELF-INITIATED PROJECTS OVER THE PAST YEARS, THE YOUTH VOLUNTEERS HAVE CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS A WORTHY SOCIAL CAUSE,+ MR NG SAID.

THEY HELPED SPREAD THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST AT RISK OF BEING LURED INTO TAKING DRUGS OR TRAFFICKING IN DRUGS, HE ADDED.

THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CREATIVE ACTIVITIES 1983, SPONSORED MAINLY BY THE LIONESS CLUB OF MT. PHOENIX, HONG KONG, WAS ORGANISED BY THE ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP AS ITS MAJOR PROJECT FOR THE YEAR.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT WAS TO SPREAD THE ANTI-NARCOTICS NESS AGES THROUGH PROMOTION OF HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE TWO-MONTH LONG PROJECT WAS LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER WITH A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS, INCLUDING BOOKMARK AND SLOGAN DESIGN, DRAMA SCRIPT WRITING, LYRIC WRITING AND ON-THE-SPOT DRAWING. THE THEME OF THE COMPETITIONS WAS ’STRIVE FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE, DONT’T TAKE DRUGS’.

THE COMPETITIONS WERE OPEN TO YOUTHS RESIDING IN SHA TIN, TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I DISTRICTS. ABOUT 500 ENTRIES WERE RECEIVED.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THESE COMPETITIONS, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND WILL STEER AWAY FROM THEM,+ MR NG SAID.

THE VARIETY SHOW, WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 400 YOUTHS, FEATURED LION DANCES, A PIANO SOLO, FOLK DANCING AND SINGING.

WINNERS OF THE DRAMA SCRIPT AND LYRIC WRITING COMPETITIONS ALSO STAGED PERFORMANCES AT THE SHOW.

0 - -

/7........

SATUKuh!, biCEMBER 17, lq83

- 7 -

HORTICULTURE CLASS FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS ******

A FREE HORTICULTURE CLASS COVERING A BROAD RANGE OF PLANTING TECHNIQUES WILL BE HELD IN TUEN MUN, STARTING FROM THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THIS IS THE SECOND HORTICULTURE CLASS IN THE NEW TOWN ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR.

LOCAL RESIDENTS AGE 16 OR ABOVE ARE WELCOME TO APPLY, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

AMONG OTHER TOPICS, THE FIVE-SESSION COURSE WILL COVER BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF SOIL, SEED SOWING, CUTTING AND FERTILISING, PROPAGATION NETHODS AND GENERAL PLANT MAINTENANCE.

EXPERTS OF THE HONG KONG ORCHID CLUB WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE TALKS DURING THE COURSE WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 12 NOON ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS, STARTING ON DECEMBER 31.

FIELD VISITS AND PRACTICAL WORK WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED.

TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFF I 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, WITH THE HUNG CHEUNG ROAD SITTING

THE CLASS WILL BE HELD AT THE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 'TOP COURT’, PRACTICAL WORK TO BE CONDUCTED AT

CE

OUT AREA.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR THE OFFICE OF THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, AND SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).

--------c----------

SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT STARTS * * * *

THE THIRD SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES BY FOUR LOCAL PERFORMING GROUPS AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.

TAKING PART IN THE OPENING SHOWS WERE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHILDREN’S CHOIR, THE SHA TIN CHINESE ORCHESTRA, THE CANTONESE OPERA TRAINING CLASS AND A LOCAL DANCE GROUP.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE OFFICIATING GUEST, SIR RUN RUN SHAW, SAID THIS ANNUAL EVENT COULD HELP PROMOTE CULTURAL INTERESTS AMONG SHA TIN RESIDENTS.

+IN THIS TIME OF DEVELOPMENT AND CHANGES, I HOPE THE EVENT WILL ALSO HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING TO, AND COMMON IDENTITY WITH, THE DISTRICT,+ HE SAID.

/FOR THE ....

.AIX'.RDAY, DECEMBER 1?, 1985 '

8 -

FOR THE COMING TWO WEEKS, THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION HAS WORKED OUT A FULL PROGRAMME OF 23 PERFORMANCES OF SINGING, DANCING AND DRAMA FOR THE RESIDENTS.

THE PERFORMING GROUPS WILL INCLUDE THE POP ORCHESTRA, HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA, HONG KONG REPERTORY THEATRE, HONG KONG ACADEMY OF BALLET AND THE PAN-ASIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.

THE ARTS FORTNIGHT WILL COST 5500 000, WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTING 8300 000.

IT IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE CULTURAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ARTS FORTNIGHT’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR BENJAMIN NG, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:

$5M DONATION FOR REHABILITATION PROJECT

* * * *

THE WING LUNG BANK, TO MARK ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, HAS MADE A DONATION OF 85-MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF A GOVERNMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT.

A PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, 22/F, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.

MR FRANCIS H.B. WONG, REPRESENTING THE BANK, WILL PRESENT THE CHEQUE FOR $5 MILLION TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER.

0 -

/9

SATuRLm., DECEMBER 17, 1983

9

SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PICTURE-MAKING * * * *

ART AND CRAFT TEACHERS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PICTURE-MAKING, TO BE HELD IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.

THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ART SECTION, WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.

MISS CHAN MEI-IOC OF PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION) WILL GIVE A TALK ON +TEACHING CHILDREN COLOUR AND FORM+-AND MR FONG SUN-FAI OF HEEP YUNN SCHOOL WILL SPEAK ON +SUBJECT MATTER AND COMPOSITION*.

THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN OPEN FORUM IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS MAY DISCUSS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PICTURE-MAKING.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNING OF JANUARY 14 AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 42 GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.

OWING TO THE LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY, SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE ONLY ONE TEACHER FROM EACH SCHOOL TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.

ALL NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE INSPECTOR (ART).

ART SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 6.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 5-621967.

FUN DAY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE * * * *

A FUN DAY FOR MORE THAN 1 OOQ ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SAI KUNG WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHENG CH IK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HANG HAU.

THE FOUR-HOUR PROGRAMME, STARTING AT 10.30 AM, WILL INCLUDE GAMES, A CANTONESE OPERA, AND A BANQUET FOR ALL THE PARTICIPANTS.

AN EXHIBITION ON THE WINNING ENTRIES OF CHINESE PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY AND KNITTING COMPETITIONS WILL ALSO BE STAGED.

TOMORROW’S FUN DAY ALSO MARKS THE END OF A MONTH-LONG ELDERLY FESTIVAL IN SAI KUNG WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

A CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12 NOON WHEN PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE COMPETITIONS.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL EE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHENG KIN-MOU» THE EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR KWOK KA-CHI; THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG; AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE SAI KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES, MR CHUNG POON AND MR YAU KEI.

- 0 -

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1983

10

POSTER DESIGNS ON DISPLAY * * * *

WINNING ENTRIES OF A REHABILITATION POSTER COMPETITION WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE COMPETITION, AIMED AT PROMOTING POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARDS DISABLED PERSONS IN THE COMMUNITY, IS ONE IN A SERIES OF EVENTS COORDINATED BY COMPERE (COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION).

DR HARRY FANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE; MRS JENNIFER YU OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE! AND MRS HUNG LEUNG WAI-CHING, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISABLED COMMUNITY WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

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

LEAKAGE TEST IN KENNEDY TOWN * * * *

-n,OMrnALJ WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN i;Z;,;,ZL. 7v«n, W TURNED OFF FROM 4 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) TO 4 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS. E

KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE

nr, r-.,™ILAFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY FORBES STREET ,^b^ER $ STREET, DAVIS STREET AND SAI NING STREET INCLUDING andNi-7 v?ctoria,roadT°R’ KA WAI MAN R0AD’ sai WAN’ESTATE

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG'S JANUARY - OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE............

+M0DIFIED FACTORt- RENT SYSTEM STARTS ..................... 7

PROGRAMME TO CLEAR UP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES .................. 8

FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN FOR SQUATTER AREAS ............... 9

IMPORTANT WEEKEND FOR REHABILITATION ..................... 10

YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ENDS ................... 11

ABERDEEN SITE FOR TENDER................................

HOME SECURITY EXHIBITION IN SHAM SHUI PO ................. 12

REFRESHMENT KIOSKS FOR TENDER ..........................

DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED PLB BAN ........................... 13

LUNAR NE7 YEAR FAIR SITES FOR BIDDING .................... 14

FUN DAY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE................................ 14

PUPILS' CREATIVE WORKS ON DISPLAY......................... 15

TENNIS COURSES FOR CHILDREN .............................. 15

LANTAO BUS FRANCHISE EXTENDED ............................ 16

RESTRICTED ZONE ON CANTON ROAD ........................... 18

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

1

HONG KONG’S JANUARY - OCTOBER EXTERNAL TRADE ******

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY - OCTOBER 1983, VALUED AT $266 908 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 21 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1982 ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 23 PER CENT TO $83 091 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 20 PER CENT TO $139 486 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 23 PER CENT TO $44 331 MILLION.

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY 37 PER CENT IN VALUE.

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $3 576 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 761 MILLION OR 103 PER CENT); AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 429 MILLION OR 109 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $271 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND TRANSISTORS AND DIODES (BY $94 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT).

INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $634 MILLION OR 1 723 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $154 MILLION OR 265 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $106 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $30 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $20 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT).

MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED IN VALUE, INCLUDING CLOTHING (BY $148 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $147 MILLION OR 344 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF DECREASED BY $25 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS

TO CHINA OF TEXTILES (BY $516 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $105 MILLION OR 228 PER CENT); AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY ©94 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES ARE PRESENTED IN

THE CHANGES IN TABLE 3.

IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS TABLE 2.

IN IMPORTS FROM THE 10 MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARISED

/DEMAND FOH........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

2

DEMAND FOR IMPORTED GOODS FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG.

INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN TEXTILES (BY $2 002 MILLION OR 43 ?ER CENT); CLOTHING (BY 51 254 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT); VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $265 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $229 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT); AND CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $216 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).

AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 775 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT); AND TEXTILES (BY $1 157 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY $446 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $175 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 $1 249 MILLION OR 91 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $546 MILLION OR 629 PER CENT) 5 AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $341 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $144 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT); AND PEARLS, PRECIOUS AND SEMIPRECIOUS STONES UNWORKED OR WORKED (BY $96 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF IRON AND STEEL (BY $20 MILLION OR 6 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $953 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY $369 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT); AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FROM SINGAPORE ALSO INCREASED (BY $365 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT).

TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS

BY COMMODITY SECTIONS.

INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $2 454 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); U.S.A. (BY $1 651 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT); SINGAPORE (BY $759 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT); REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $603 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT); TAIWAN (BY $524 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT); SAUDI ARABIA (BY $386 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT); JAPAN (BY $351 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AND THAILAND (BY $286 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA (BY $448 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT) AND NIGERIA (BY »282 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 5.

/MOST COMMODITIES .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

3

MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING CLOTHING (BY SI 198 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY SI 020 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $817 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS (BY $751 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).

DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN THE RE-EXPORTS OF ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY $324 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT)J METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $146 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT); AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $18 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 6.

THE OCTOBER 1983 ISSUE OF +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS - SUMMARY* ARE NOW 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 OCTOBER 1983, WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JANUARY 1984 AT THE CENTRE AT HK$10 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-214375). FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TCL. NO. i 5-444436).

TABLE 1 DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET JAN.-OCT. 1983 ($ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

U.S.A. 35 061 25 514 +9 548 +37

U.K. 6 746 5 727 +1 019 + 18

F.R. OF GERMANY 6 211 5 544 + 667 +12

CHINA 4 809 3 051 +1 758 + 58

JAPAN 3 102 2 646 + 456 + 17

CANADA 3 028 2 132 + 896 +42

AUSTRALIA 2 231 2 350 - 119 - 5

SINGAPORE 1 783 1 590 + 192 +12

NETHERLANDS 1 530 1 321 * 210 *16

FRANCE 1 313 1 203 * 110 + 9

/TABLE 2 : .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

- 4 -

TABLE 2 s DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOA COMMODITY DIVISIONS

JAN.-OCT. JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

COMMODITY DIVISIONS 1983 ($ MN)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSOR IES 27 351 23 394 +3 957 +17

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS, JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS) 13 487 13 030 + 457 + 4

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 7 535 6 389 +1 146 +18

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6 617 4 727 +1 890 +40

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY TRANSISTORS AND DIODES AND HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES) 6 527 4 954 +1 573 +32

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5 576 4 032 +1 545 +38

/TABLE 3 s .......

SUNLIT, DECEMBER 18, 1983

TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES

JAN.-OCT. JAN.-OCT. 1982 (3 MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (3 MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MAJOR SOURCES 1983 (3 MN)

CHINA 33 198 26 581 +6 618 +25

JAPAN 32 034 25 719 +6 314 +25

U.S.A. 15 542 12 675 +2 867 +23

TAIWAN 9 869 8 397 +1 471 + 18

SINGAPORE 8 432 8 548 - 116 - 1

U.K. 6 051 5 627 + 425 + 8

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 3 991 3 703 + 289 + 8

F.R. OF GERMANY 3 726 2 833 + 893 +32

SWITZERLAND 2 571 2 149 + 422 +20

AUSTRALIA 2 197 1 911 + 287 +15

TABLE 4s IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS JAN.-OCT. JAN.-OCT. COMMODITY 1983 1982 INCREASE/ DECREASE PERCENTAGE

SECTIONS (3 MN) (3 MN) (3 MN) CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 38 992 32 563 +6 429 +20

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 31 534 26 394 +5 139 +19

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 25 247 20 013 +5 234 +26

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 14 958 13 090 +1 867 +14

/CHEMICALS aND .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

- 6 -

CHEMICALS AND RELATED

PRODUCTS, N.E.S. 10 299 7 778 +2 522 +32

MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 9 583 9 491 +91 + 1

TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-OCT. 1983 (S MN) JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

CHINA 9 004 6 550 +2 454 +37

U.S.A. 6 273 4 622 +1 651 +36

SINGAPORE 3 643 2 884 * 759 +26

INDONES IA 3 231 3 679 - 448 -12

TAIWAN 2 734 2 211 + 524 +24

JAPAN 2 455 2 105 + 351 +17

REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 1 973 1 370 + 603 +44

MACAU 1 515 1 270 + 245 + 19

PHILIPPINES 1 393 1 190 + 204 + 17

SAUDIA ARABIA 1 137 751 + 386 + 51

RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS

TABLE 6

COMMODITY DIVISIONS JAN.-OCT. 1983 ($ MN) JAN.-OCT. 1982 ($ MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 6 118 5 367 + 751 + 14

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES 3 792 2 772 + 1 020 +37

/articles of

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

- 7 -

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3 638 2 439 +1 198 +49

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 3 377 2 559 + 817 +32

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 2 490 1 896 + 594 +31

NON-METALL IC MINERAL MANUFACTURES 2 □91 2 108 18 - 1

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

+M0DIFIED FACTOR* RENT SYSTEM STARTS * * *

AS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE +MODIFIED FACTOR SYSTEM* REGULATING RENT INCREASES BECOMES OPERATIVE AND DOMESTIC TENANCIES OF PREMISES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE OF $50 000 AND ABOVE ARE EXCLUDED FROM PART II OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.

THESE AMENDMENTS WERE ENACTED IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 19, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY.

HE SAID THAT PRIOR TO DECEMBER 19, THE PERMITTED INCREASE IN RENT, DETERMINED BY THE FACTOR SYSTEM, IS HALF OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT AND THE CURRENT RENT, LIMITED TO 30 PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RENT.

THIS SYSTEM IS NOW MODIFIED TO THE EFFECT THAT ANY INCREASE IN RENT SO CALCULATED SHOULD RESULT IN A NEW RENT OF NOT LESS THAN 30 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT OF A FLAT IS $5 000 AND THE CURRENT RENT $1 000, THE INCREASE DETERMINED BY THE FACTOR SYSTEM WOULD BE LIMITED TO 30 PER CENT OF $1 000, THAT IS, $300. UNDER THE MODIFIED SYSTEM, THE PERMITTED INCREASE IN THIS EXAMPLE WOULD BE $500 WHICH IS THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO BRING THE CURRENT RENT ($1 000) UP TO 30 PER CENT OF THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT ($1 500).

THE MODIFICATION WILL AFFECT ONLY ABOUT FIVE PER CENT OF PROTECTED TENANCIES, BEING THOSE WHERE THE TENANTS ARE PAYING RELATIVELY LOW RENTS. THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT APPLICATIONS FOR A CERTIFICATE OF RENT INCREASE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE DECEMBER 19 WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

/the spokesman .......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

8

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER COMMENTED THAT ABOUT 1 100 DOMESTIC TENANCIES OF PREMISES WITH A RATEABLE VALUE OF S50 000 AND ABOVE WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM RENT INCREASE CONTROL UNDER PART II. THEY WILL, HOWEVER, BE PROTECTED UNDER PART IV WHICH AFFORDS SECURITY OF TENURE AT THE PREVAILING MARKET RENT. UNDER PART IV, A SIX-MONTH NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN BY THE LANDLORD BEFORE HE MAY TERMINATE A TENANCY BUT THE TENANT CAN SEEK A RENEWAL IF HE DOES NOT INTEND TO LEAVE.

IF AGREEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED BETWEEN THE PARTIES, THE TENANT CAN APPLY TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR THE GRANT OF A NEW TENANCY. WITH AN IMPROVED SUPPLY OF LARGE FLATS AND THE SOFTENING OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, SUCH TENANTS SHOULD NOW HAVE A FAIRLY GOOD CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION AT RENTS CONSIDERABLY BELOW THAT OBTAINING 2-3 YEARS AGO.

ANY PERSON WHO HAS QUERIES ON THESE AMENDMENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE RENT OFFICERS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT OR THE STAFF AT ANY OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

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

PROGRAMME TO CLEAR UP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES

* * * *

A MAJOR THREE-YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME TO CLEAR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).

THE PROGRAMME, CODE-NAMED +OPERATION FAR-FLING+, WILL INVOLVE THE REMOVAL OF SOME 1 100 STRUCTURES ON PAVEMENTS AS WELL AS SIDE AND REAR LANES.

CLEARANCES WILL BE CONDUCTED ABOUT TWICE A MONTH IN THE 11 OPERATIONAL AREAS COVERING THE WHOLE DISTRICT.

OPERATION FAR-FLING IS INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOLLOWING FULL CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD.

IT WILL BE A JOINT EFFORT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE POLICE AND VARIOUS OTHER DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING HOUSING, LANDS, FIRE SERVICES, CITY SERVICES, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR KEVIN MAK, POINTED TO TWO MAIN PROBLEM PLACES: THE TING HONG AREA WITH 339 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, AND THE TOWN CENTRE AREA WITH 334.

+THEREFORE, THE TWO AREAS WILL BE TACKLED FIRST AND THESE STRUCTURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CLEARED WITHIN 18 MONTHS,+ HE SAID.

THE OTHER NINE OPERATIONAL AREAS ARE EAST NGAU TAU KOK, INDUSTRIAL AREA, WEST NGAU TAU KOK, YAU TONG, SZE SHAN, SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN, PING SHEK AND TSUI PING.

/to staht .......

SUN JAY, NEC SUBER 18, 1983

- 9 -

TO START OFF THE OPERATION, 23 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE TING HONG AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF KWUN TONG ROAD AND TING ON STREET AND AT THE REAR LANE OF 19-21 TING ON STREET WILL BE DEMOLISHED ON TUESDAY MORNING.

MR MAK NOTED THAT APART FROM BEING A SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CAUSE OBSTRUCTION AND POSE FIRE RISKS.

IN VIEW OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM, THE DISTRICT BOARD IS GIVING FIRM SUPPORT TO THE OPERATION, WHICH WILL COST THE BOARD ABOUT $200 000 A YEAR.

MR MAK POINTED OUT THAT ABOUT 1 200 PEOPLE FROM SOME 400 STRUCTURES WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE OPERATION.

+DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WILL OFFER MAXIMUM ASSISTANCE POSSIBLE: TO THE CLEAREES+, HE SAID.

HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT, WITH THE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE 16-MONTH OPERATION TORCH LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY 1982, AND GIVEN THE STAUNCH SUPPORT OF THE RESIDENTS, OPERATION FAR-FLING WOULD ALSO BE A SUCCESS.

DURING OPERATION TORCH, ABOUT 240 REAR-LANE STRUCTURES IN KWUN TONG’S INDUSTRIAL AREA WERE CLEARED.

NOTE TO EDITORS :

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FIRST CLEARANCE OF OPERATION FAR-FLING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT THE JUNCTION OF TING ON STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

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

FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN FOR SQUATTER AREAS

* * * *

A FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN FEATURING TALKS, A QUIZ AND REFRESHER COURSES FOR FIRE-WATCH TEAMS HAS BEEN LAUNCHED FOR SQUATTERS IN 13 HILLSIDE VILLAGES IN SHAU KEI WAN.

ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DRIVE AIMS AT PASSING ON TO THE RESIDENTS KNOWLEDGE OF FIRE FIGHTING AND PREVENTION. RESIDENTS WILL ALSO BE TOLD OF THE HIGH FIRE RISKS DURING THE DRY SEASON.

A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL EFFORTS WERE NECESSARY IN ORDER TO HELP PREVENT HILL AND SQUATTER FIREb IN THE DRY WEATHER.

+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, HILLSIDE VILLAGERS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND EXERCISE SPECIAL CARE AND VIGILANCE,+ HE SAID.

/+'.?£ ALSO....

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

10 -

+WE ALSO HOPE TO ORGANISE SIMILAR FIRE PREVENTION ACTIVITIES FOR CHAI WAN AND CAUSEWAY BAY SQUATTER RESIDENTS SOON,* HE ADDED.

POSTERS AND BANNERS WITH FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGES HAVE BEEN MOUNTED AT VARIOUS VANTAGE POINTS IN THE VILLAGES.

A SERIES OF REFRESHER COURSES FOR THE AREA’S 12 FIRE-WATCH TFAMS AT THE SHAU KEI WAN FIRE STATION HAVE BEEN ORGAINSED FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS, BEGINNING ON NOVEMBER 27.

THE COURSES WILL BE REPEATED ON ANOTHER FOUR CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS, STARTING ON JANUARY 8, 1984.

ALSO OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL GIVE EIGHT TALKS ON FIRE PREVENTION AT VARIOUS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICES, STARTING AT 8.30 PM NIGHTLY ON DECEMBER 19, 20, 22, 23, 28, AND 29, AND ON JANUARY 3 AND 4.

ADMISSION TO THE TALKS IS FREE OPEN TO ALL VILLAGERS.

A QUIZ ON FIRE PREVENTION WAS HELD LAST WEEK AT THE YMCA WONG CHUEN KIN CENTRE FOR MORE THAN 30 VILLAGERS.

IN ADDITION, FIRE PREVENTION HANDBOOKS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS OF EACH EVENT AND TO OTHER RESIDENTS THROUGH VARIOUS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

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

IMPORTANT WEEKEND FOR REHABILITATION

*****

DR HARRY FANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THIS WEEKEND HAD BEEN IMPORTANT FOR REHABILITATION GENERALLY.

+YESTERDAY, WE ORGANISED TWO SEMINARS, ONE ON MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND ANOTHER ON THE CONCEPT OF INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED INTO OUR COMMUNITY. THIS MORNING, WE WITNESSED THE EFFORT OF A PERSON WHO HAS SINGLE-HANDEDLY RAISED A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR DISABLED ATHLETES BY RUNNING FROM BEIJING TO HONG KONG.

+WE CAN SAFELY SAY THAT MOST PEOPLE IN HONG KONG THIS WEEKEND WILL BE AWARE OF THE NEED TO INTEGRATE HONG KONG’S DISABLED INTO OUR SOCIETY,* HE SAID.

DR FANG MADE HIS OBSERVATION AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A REHABILITATION POSTER COMPETITION CO-ORDINATED BY COMPERE (COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION).

OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED MRS JENNIFER YU OF THE BANK OF CREDIT AND COMMERCE AND MRS HUNG LEUNG WAI-CH I NG, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISABLED COMMUNITY.

0 -

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

11

YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN ENDS

HMM

MORE THAN 1 OOO PEOPLE THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING ATTENDED A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND LOCAL YOUNGSTERS WHICH MARKED THE END OF A TWO-WEEK YUEN LONG ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR MA NING-HEI, SAID THAT THROUGH A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE WERE NOW BETTER EDUCATED TO STAY AWAY FROM, OR EXPERIMENTING WITH, DRUGS.

+APART FROM DRIVING HOME THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE, WE HAVE ALSO PUBLICISED TREATMENT FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO DRUG ADDICTS,* HE ADDED.

AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, WINNERS OF THE ANT I-NARCOTICS SLOGAN COMPETITION AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND THE CHAMPION TEAM OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CUP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WERE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES.

PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, AND THE DISTRICT COMMANDER, YUEN LONG POLICE DISTRICT, MR M.J. WATSON.

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

ABERDEEN SITE FOR TENDER * * * *

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS TO OFFER A SITE IN ABERDEEN FOR HANDLING AGGREGATE AND CEMENT.

THE SITE, MEASURING 3 528 SQUARE METRES, IS IN TIN WAN PRAYA ROAD AND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.

IT CAN ALSO BE USED FOR BATCHING READY-MIXED CONCRETE AND FOR CONSTRUCTING ANCILLARY STORAGE SPACE AND AN OFFICE.

THE BUILDING COVENANT IS $1.5 MILLION TO BE MET BEFORE MARCH 31, 1988.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF TENDERS IS JANUARY 27.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5Th FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG5 DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG, AND ISLANDS.

TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

--------o -

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

- 12 -

HOME SECURITY EXHIBITION IN SHAM SHU I PO * * *

SHAM SHU I PO RESIDENTS TODAY (SUNDAY) WERE SHOWN PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST CRIME IN THEIR HOMES AND BUILDINGS THROUGH AN EXHIBITION ON HOME SECURITY.

THE EXHIBITION, TOGETHER WITH A VARIETY SHOW, WAS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE POLICE AT A BASKETBALL COURT IN UN CHAU ESTATE.

SPEAKING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXHIBITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ENG SOON-CHAO, SAID THE THEME OF THE EXHIBITION WAS SPECIALLY DIRECTED AT THE RECENT SPATE OF MASS HOLD-UPS IN MULTI-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.

+APART FROM PROBLEMS ARISING FROM DEFECTIVE LAYOUTS AND INEFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF SOME OF THE BUILDINGS, RESIDENTS’ NEGLIGENCE AND CARELESSNESS ARE ALSO A SIGNIFICANT CAUSE TO DOMESTIC CRIME,+ MR ENG SAID.

+WHILE IT IS NECESSARY TO STEP UP POLICE EFFORT, RESIDENTS’ SELF-VIGILANCE CAN ALSO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE PREVENTION OF SUCH CRIME,* HE SAID.

ON DISPLAY AT THE EXHIBITION WERE A SELECTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH ILLUSTRATED VARIOUS MEASURES OF DOMESTIC SECURITY, AND SOME PAMPHLETS TEACHING THE PUBLIC THE PROPER PROCEDURE TO REPORT CRIME.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (SHAM SHUI PO), MR PETER LEE; THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS REBECCA KO; AND AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS SOPHIA HO.

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

REFRESHMENT KIOSKS FOR TENDER

* * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF TWO LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND.

THE MULTI-PURPOSE MODERN RECREATION FACILITY WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).

BUT THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER MAY START BUSINESS ON MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND PROVIDES THE FIRST FULL-SIZE TURFED SOCCER PITCH IN THE NEW TOWN.

SURROUNDING THE PITCH IS A 400-METRE ALL-WEATHER ATHLETIC TRACK WITH EIGHT LANES.

/ths gbound........

SON^Y, DECEMBER 18, 1?83

- 13 -

THE GROUND CAN ALSO ACCOMMODATE LARGE-SCALE FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS.

A COVERED STAND FOR 3 OOQ SPECTATORS IS PROVIDED.

TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON LEVEL 4, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY).

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

DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED PLB BAN * * * *

TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) WILL REVIEW A TRIAL SCHEME BANNING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM RUNNING ALONG TING KOK ROAD.

AS THE THREE-MONTH TRIAL ENDED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS MONTH, NEMBERS WILL BE REQUESTED TO ENDORSE A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO DESIGNATE TING KOK ROAD A PERMANENT RED PLB PROHIBITED ZONE.

AT THE MEETING, THE PROJECT MANAGER OF TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR BOB HANNA, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE +TAI PO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 1983+ AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TWO ROADS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS.

NOTE TO EDITORS i

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, TAI PO. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.30 AM FOR TAI PO.

- 0

/14........

DECEMBER 18, 1983

- 14 -

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES FOR BIDDING * * * *

A TOTAL OF 922 SITES FOR ERECTING STALLS TO RETAIL FLOWERS, DRY GOODS, SNACKS AND BOTTLED DRINKS AT SEVEN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC BIDDING ON SEVEN SEPARATE DAYS, STARTING MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).

THE SEVEN FAIRS WILL BE HELD AT YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, SHA TIN, SHEUNG SHU I AND KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

TOMORROW (DECEMBER 19), 209 DRY GOODS AND FLOWER STALLS FOR THE YUEN LONG FAIR WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING AT THE PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE AT ON NING ROAD.

BIDDING FOR 100 STALLS FOR WET AND DRY GOODS AT THE TUEN MUN FAIR WILL BE HELD AT TA I HING COMMUNITY HALL IN TAI HING ESTATE ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).

ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30), 208 STALLS FOR THE TSUEN WAN FAIR WILL BE OPEN TO BIDDING AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITY HALL OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

ALL THESE BIDDINGS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 4.30 PM, AND THE UPSET RENTAL WILL BE $100 FOR EACH STALL.

BIDDING FOR THE REMAINING 405 STALLS AT THE FOUR FAIRS IN TAI PO, SHA TIN, SHEUNG SHUI AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH, STARTING ON JANUARY 4. DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

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

FUN DAY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE

* H *

THE CHINESE TRADITIONAL RESPECT FOR AGED PEOPLE WAS MANIFESTED TODAY (SUNDAY) AT A FUN DAY WHICH BROUGHT HAPPINESS AND JOY TO MORE THAN 1 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SAI KUNG.

THE FUN DAY, HELD AT THE CHENG CH IK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HANG HAU, ALSO MARKED THE CLOSING OF THE MONTH-LONG ELDERLY FESTIVAL WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

TODAY’S PROGRAMME BEGAN WITH A SERIES OF GAMES, IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANTS PROVED THEMSELVES AS ENERGETIC AND RESOURCEFUL AS YOUTHS.

THEY WERE ALSO TREATED TO A FREE MEAL AND A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW.

AT THE SAME TIME, AN EXHIBITION WAS STAGED AT THE SCHOOL, DISPLAYING WINNING ENTRIES OF THREE COMPETITIONS - CHINESE PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY AND KNIT WORKS - WHICH WERE ORGANISED AS PART OF THE ELDERLY FESTIVAL.

DURING THE FESTIVAL, FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS WERE PROVIDED FOR OLD PEOPLE, AND VOLUNTEERS ALSO HELPED TIDYING UP THE HOMES OF ELDERLY SINGLE PERSONS.

SUrtim >, ucCEMBER 18, 1983

- 15 -

PUPILS’ CREATIVE WORKS ON DISPLAY * * * * *

TEACHERS AND PUPILS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT AN EXHIBITION OF CREATIVE WORKS BY STUDENTS OF FORM OR MIDDLE 5.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO JANUARY 7 AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFT CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.

THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ART SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THE ART WORKS ON DISPLAY SHOULD BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TEACHERS AND TO PUPILS PREPARING FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN ART, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS.

IT WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE EXHIBITION MAY BE MADE AT THE ART SECTION ON 5-621006.

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

TENNIS COURSES FOR CHILDREN

*****

ELEMENTARY TENNIS COURSES FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 14 WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, THE +LEARN TO PLAY TENNIS+ COURSES WILL BE HELD DURING THREE WEEKENDS, STARTING FROM JANUARY 7.

A TOTAL OF NINE CLASSES, EACH CONSISTING OF 12 PLAYERS. WILL BE CONDUCTED.

THREE CLASSES WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM, AND THE REST FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM.

THE FEE FOR A COURSE IS $20 PER PERSON.

ENROLMENT IS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HEAD OFFICE AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY DIALLING 5-458511. 5-741546 OR 0-6051212.

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1983

16

LANTAO BUS FRANCHISE EXTENDED * * *

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPROVED EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY LIMITED FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF TWO YEARS UNTIL MARCH 31, 1989, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE COMPANY’S PRESENT FRANCHISE EXTENDS TO MARCH 31, 1987.

FOUNDED IN 1973, THE COMPANY NOW OPERATES SIX ROUTES FROM MUI WO, SERVING TAI 0, NGONG PING, TUNG CHUNG, TONG FUK, SHEK PIK AND PUI 0.

IT HAS A LICENSED FLEET OF 47 SINGLE-DECK BUSES AND NINE DOUBLE-DECK BUSES.

- - 0 - -

RESTRICTED ZONE ON CANTON ROAD * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20), THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES TO THE SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEKING ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.

EXCLUDED FROM THIS ZONE IS A SHORT SECTION ON THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF CANTON ROAD FROM BUILDINGS NOS. 68 TO 112.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE AUTHORISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 198J

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HONG KONG PRESS CONSCIOUS OF FREEDOM : BRaY ............... 1

BANK GIVES FOR WELFARE PROJECT ............................ 3

FROM CONTROLLED TIPS TO LEISURE PARKS ..................

SOMETHING FOR CAR LICENCE BUFFS ........................... 5

COMMUNITY BUILDING BEHIND SOCIAL PROGRESS ................. 6

DISTRICT BOhRD TO DISCUSS ERP SCHEME ...................... 7

aVIATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT CARGO TERMINAL ............... 8

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES AUCTIONED ....................... 8

CHAI WAN LIGHTS UP FOR FESTIVE CHEER....................... 9

FESTIVE LIGHTING DETAILS ................................. 10

OLD 1O-CENT COIN NOT LEGAL NEXT YEAR ..................... 10

TENDERS AWARDED FOR SITTING-OUT AREAS .................... 10

FIREMEN TO HOLD RELAY RACE ............................... 11

ARCHERY INSTRUCTORS' COURSE .............................. 11

tai po markets launch clean-up ........................... 12

ARTS FESTIVAL DETAILS .................................... 12

WATER FIGURES ............................................ 12

ONE TRAFFIC LANE ONLY

12

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

1

HONG KONG PRESS CONSCIOUS OF FREEDOM : BRAY * * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY POINTED OUT TODAY THAT MEMBERS OF THE PRESS IN HONG KONG ARE CONSCIOUS OF THEIR FREEDOM AND VERY SENSITIVE TO INTERFERENCE.

♦IT FOLLOWS THAT, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT MAY STRIVE HARD TO CHANNEL INFORMATION TO THE MEDIA, AND TO ARGUE ITS CASE, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO THE PUBLIC, AND IF IT IS THAT IT WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE FORM WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF CONSIDERS BEST OR WHICH IS FAVOURABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT.

+IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT IS EDITORIAL JUDGEMENT AND EDITORIAL OPINION THAT HAS THE FINAL SAY,+ HE SAID.

MR BRAY WAS SPEAKING TO THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS ACTIVITIES.

+IT IS OUR JOB TO ENSURE THAT THE MEDIA UNDERSTAND WHAT WE ARE SAYING. IT IS UP TO THEM TO REPORT ACCURATELY AND SAY WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY,+ HE SAID.

MR BRAY GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH CF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, WHICH HAS OVERALL POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONS WITH THE MEDIA, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING THE WORK OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND MUCH OF THE WORK OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY.

+OUR FUNDAMENTAL OBJECTIVES ARE TO PROMOTE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS PEOPLE- TO MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR AND CONFIDENCE IN THE GOVERNMENT AND TO PROJECT AN ACCURATE IMAGE OF HONG KONG BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS,+ HE EXPLAINED.

+WE ARE TASKED WITH INFORMING THE PUBLIC, THROUGH THE MEDIA, OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PHILOSOPHIES, POLICIES AND PLANS, AND EXPLAINING THE REASONS FOR THEM. WE RESPOND TO CRITICISM AND MISLEADING COMMENTS, WE ASSESS PUBLIC OPINION AND ANTICIPATE ISSUES WHICH ARE OF PUBLIC INTERESTS. WE DO ALL THIS BECAUSE WE CARE,+ HE SAID.

MR BRAY LISTED THE DIFFERENT WAYS BY WHICH THE OBJECTIVES ARE PURSUED:

* PRESS RELEASES AND PERSONAL PRESS CONTACTS

* PRESS ENQUIRY SERVICES

* PRESS CONFERENCES, BRIEFINGS AND INTERVIEWS

* MEDIA RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

* OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY

* PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMES, AND

X SURVEYS ON PEOPLE’S ATTITUDES AND PERSONAL CONTACTS

WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS.

/HE EXPLAINED ...

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1985

2

HE EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS A 24-HOUR ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR THE PRESS AT GIS HEADQUARTERS AND IN THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BUREAU. EETwEEN THEM AND THE 22 DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION UNITS, UP TO 50 □□□ QUESTIONS ARE ANSWERED EACH MONTH.

THE NETWORK OF DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION UNITS ALSO PROVIDES THE GOVERNMENT WITH A MEANS OF OBTAINING FEEDBACK AND INFORMATION ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS.

+THIS IS AN AREA WHERE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SHOULD BE OF HELP. WE SHALL PROBABLY NEED A COMPUTER BASED DATA LIBRARY FOR OUR OWN USE BEFORE LONG.

+IF WE DO GO FOR THIS -- AND WE HAVE ONLY RECENTLY STARTED A STUDY — THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE MEDIA SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR OWN TERMINALS AND GET DIRECT ACCESS TO THE LIBRARY AND I HOPE THIS WILL BE POSSIBLE,+ MR BRAY SAID.

ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS EFFORTS, MR BRAY POINTED OUT THAT MEDIA SUMMARIES AND ASSESSMENTS ARE ONLY THE OUTWARD EVIDENCE OF WHAT IS PRODUCED.

+THE CONTENTS OF THE NEWS MEDIA ARE CAREFULLY ANALYSED EACH DAY- THE SUMMARIES PREPARED DO NOT JUST PROVIDE THE BASIS OF PAPERS INTENDED TO GIVE ASSESSMENTS OF MEDIA REACTION AND LIKELY PUBLIC OPINION. THEY DO A GREAT DEAL MORE- THEY FORM THE BASIS ON WHICH POLICY-MAKING WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT IS FORMED,+ HE SAID.

ELABORATING ON OVERSEAS PR AND PUBLICITY, MR BRAY EXPLAINED THAT GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE IN TWO FIELDS, LOCALLY AND THROUGH HK GOVERNMENT OFFICES OVERSEAS.

THE OVERSEAS PR DIVISION OF GIS ASSISTED SOME 600 VISITING JOURNALISTS IN 1982. A PRESS RELATIONS OFFICE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR SOME TIME IN THE LONDON OFFICE AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN SET UP RECENTLY IN THE UNITED STATES AND IN EUROPE. GIS ALSO HAS A PR CONSULTANT IN JAPAN AND AN EXECUTIVE PR CONSULTANT IN SAN FRANCISCO.

+COORDI NAT ION WITH ORGANISATIONS LIKE THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION, THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON OVERSEAS PR IS ALSO CARRIED OUT BY A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY MYSELF.

+ IN ADDITION THE VISITS SECTION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH BRIEFS PERSONALITIES OF INFLUENCE FROM OVERSEAS SO THAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE MOOD AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ MR BRAY SAID.

0 -

/3

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

3

BANK GIVES $5M FOR WELFARE PROJECT

* * * *

WING LUNG BANK HAS MARKED ITS 5OTH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR BY DONATING S5-MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF A HOME FOR MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS WHICH IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1988.

THE HOME, WHICH IS A MAJOR GOVERNMENT REHABILITATION PROJECT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON A SITE AT RAZOR HILL IN SAI KUNG, AND WILL BE NAMED +WING LUNG BANK GOLDEN JUBILEE SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND HOSTEL*.

IT WILL PROVIDE 100 RESIDENTIAL PLACES AND 140 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES FOR MODERATELY MENTALLY RETARDED ADULTS.

WHEN COMPLETED, THE HOME WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR BOOST TO THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO EXPAND SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY DISABLED, A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THERE IS AT PRESENT A SHORTFALL OF NEARLY 2 000 RESIDENTIAL PLACES FOR THE MODERATELY MENTALLY RETARDED GROUP, AND AN EVEN GREATER SHORTFALL OF SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES.

TO LESSEN THE SHORTFALL, THE GOVERNMENT HOPES TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 200 RESIDENTIAL PLACES EACH YEAR AND AN ADDITIONAL 550 SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES.

THE CHEQUE FOR $5 MILLION WAS PRESENTED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.

IT WAS HANDED OVER BY MR FRANCIS H.B. WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE WU YEE SUN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LTD. AND THE WU JIEH YEE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LTD, BOTH OF WHICH JOINED THE BANK TO CONTRIBUTE THE SUM.

THE TWO CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS ARE NAMED AFTER THE DONORS, NR WU YEE SUN, FOUNDER AND FORMER CHAIRMAN OF WING LUNG BANK AND HIS YOUNGER BROTHER, MR WU JIEH YEE, WHO RETIRED IN APRIL 1982 AS CHAIRMAN AFTER SERVING THE BANK FOR 46 YEARS.

THE BANK AND THE TWO CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE OTHER DONATIONS TO COMMUNITY PROJECTS, INCLUDING CLINICS IN TSZ WAN SHAN AND LEI MUK SHUE AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS NRS WU YORK YU MEMORIAL COLLEGE AT KWAI CHUNG.

ON THE BANK’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY, IT MADE DONATIONS OF 51 MILLION EACH TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO ESTABLISH THE +WING LUNG BANK MEDICAL RESEARCH FUND*, AND TO THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO ESTABLISH THE +WING LUNG BANK FUND FOR PROMOTION OF

CHINESE CULTURE*.

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

/4........

I

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

4

FROM CONTROLLED TIPS TO LEISURE PARKS * * *

TODAY’S CONTROLLED TIPS WILL BE TOMORROW’S LEISURE PARKS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID TODAY.

DR REED WAS GIVING HIS KEYNOTE SPEECH TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL, WHICH STARTED TODAY AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

+TO ACHIEVE THIS, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE AFTERUSE OF CONTROLLED TIPS IS TREATED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PLANNING OF SUCH WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES RIGHT FROM THE INITIAL SELECTION OF THE SITE THROUGH TO THE TIME WHEN IT IS COMPLETELY FILLED AND HANDED OVER FOR ITS EVENTUAL BENEFICIAL USE,+ DR REED SAID.

+THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN THE WASTE MANAGEMENT FIELD.+

MANY OF THE PAPERS AT THE CONFERENCE DEAL WITH NEW METHODS OF WASTE TREATMENT, THE RESTORATION OF LANDFILL SITES AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY ILL-CONSIDERED DISPOSAL OF WASTES.

IN THIS CONTEXT, DR REED STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF THOROUGH AND CONTINUING MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR WASTES OF ALL TYPES AND THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM PLAN.

+THESE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROVIDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH NOVEL TREATMENT PROCESSES CAN BE INCORPORATED, AS WELL AS BASIS FOR AVOIDING MANY OF THE PROBLEMS THAT CAN BE CREATED BY POOR PLANNING.* HE SAID.

REFERRING TO THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WASTE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING IN THE OVERALL WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DR REED POINTED OUT THAT RECOVERED AND RECYCLED WASTES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED BENEFICIAL ONLY IN TERMS OF ECONOMY OF RESOURCES. SUCH RECOVERY OF MATERIALS MEANS ALSO THAT FACILITIES DO NOT HAVE TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THESE WASTES.

♦INVESTIGATIONS BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE SHOWN THAT HONG KONG IS INDEED VERY EFFICIENT IN REUSING WASTE MATERIALS AND OVER 1 OOO TONNES OF PAPER, METAL AND GLASS ARE RECOVERED EACH DAY FROM THE WASTE STREAM IN HONG KONG.*

+THE DANGER HERE*, DR REED WARNED, +IS THAT IF SUCH RECOVERY BECOMES UNPROFITABLE BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN MARKET CONDITIONS, WE WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE WASTES INVOLVED.*

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

/5........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

5

SOMETHING FOR CAR LICENCE BUFFS * * * *

VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS 1997 AND HK 1997 WERE BEING CONSIDERED FOR AUCTION, MR PETER LEEDS, COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW LICENSING OFFICE AT SHA TIN, MR LEEDS SAID THE TWO REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE NOT ALLOCATED AT THE MOMENT AND HE WAS CONSIDERING PUTTING THEM UP FOR AUCTION IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

+ONE ASPECT OF VEHICLE LICENSING IN HONG KONG WHICH NEVER FAILS TO INTRIGUE NEW-COMERS OR VISITORS IS THE POLICY OF AUCTIONING LUCKY NUMBERS, WITH THE PROCEEDS GOING TO THE LOTTERIES FUND. DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR A TOTAL OF $3 225 400 WAS HANDED OVER FROM THIS SOURCE,* HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE HIGHEST AMOUNT PAID SO FAR FOR ANY NUMBER WAS Si.03 MILLION. THAT NUMBER WAS NO. 3.

REFERRING TO THE NEW SHA TIN OFFICE, MR LEEDS SAID THAT IT WAS THE DEPARTMENT’S FOURTH LICENSING OFFICE AND THE FIRST IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+ AT PRESENT THE DUNDAS STREET OFFICE BEARS THE BRUNT OF THE DEMAND FOR LICENSING SERVICES FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE OPENING OF THE OFFICE WILL ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE THERE,* HE SAID.

THE NEW OFFICE WILL CATER FOR THE FULL RANGE OF DRIVER AND VEHICLE LICENSING TRANSACTIONS.

+HERE WE HAVE FOUR COMPUTER TERMINALS GIVING ACCESS TO THE VALID (VEHICLE AND DRIVER LICENSING INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM),* SAID MR LEEDS, ADDING THAT WHEN STAFF RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE, WRITTEN TESTS AND DRIVING TEST APPOINTMENTS WILL BE PROCESSED THERE.

HE RECALLED THAT WHEN THE FIRST TRANSPORT OFFICE WAS SET UP IN 1966/1967, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES WAS ABOUT 90 000 AND THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DRIVERS ABOUT 200 000. BUT BY THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 328 987 VEHICLES AND 804 425 LICENSED DRIVERS.

o---------

/6.......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

6

COMMUNITY BUILDING BEHIND SOCIAL PROGRESS * * * *

COMMUNITY BUILDING AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL WILL BECOME THE DOMINANT FORCE PROPELLING SOCIAL PROGRESS IN THE YEARS TO COME, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DONALD TSANG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HE STRESSED THAT COMMUNITY BUILDING IS AN AREA TO WHICH ANY SELF-RESPECTING CIVIL SERVANT, SOCIAL WORKER IN THE WIDEST SENSE AND FAR-SIGHTED POLITICIAN SHOULD PAY UNDIVIDED ATTENTION.

SPEAKING TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR TSANG NOTED THAT COMMUNITY BUILDING AT THE DISTRICT AND NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVELS FORMED THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE MISSION OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

LORD MACLEHOSE HAD DEFINED COMMUNITY BUILDING SIMPLY AS BUILDING A SOCIETY IN WHICH THERE WAS MUTUAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY, HE SAID.

A HAPPY COMMUNITY, HE ADDED, PROVIDES NOT ONLY THE FULL RANGE OF SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, BUT ALSO UNDERSTANDS THE ASPIRATIONS AND FEARS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

+ IT IS THE TASK OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO GUIDE THE PUBLIC, THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARD AND OTHER FORUMS, TO MONITOR THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES.

+THE ACHIEVEMENTS AND FAILURES OF THE PHYSICAL ASPECT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IS READILY MEASURABLE BY SIMPLY COUNTING THE ROADS, BUILDINGS, CEMENT AND MORTAR AGAINST POPULATION BUILDUP.

+QUALI TAT IVELY, ONE GETS A FAIRLY ACCURATE ASSESSMENT IN

HONG KONG THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA.*

MR TSANG EMPHASISED INTERACTION OR TRANSACTION AS THE HUMAN ASPECT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING.

AS A SIMPLE EXAMPLE, HE SAID: +COMMUNITY BUILDING TAKES PLACE WHEN A HOUSEWIFE DISCUSSES A DISTRICT MEASURE IN A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE (MAC) MEETING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.

+THIS SIMPLE EXERCISE, IF DONE WELL, ACCOMPLISHES THE OBJECTIVES OF BOTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.*

MR TSANG ALSO SAID THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD MUST BE VERY SELECTIVE AND NOT DUPLICATE WORK MORE ABLY PERFORMED BY OTHERS IN THE AREA OF +CULTURE, FUN AND GAMES*.

THUS IN SHA TIN, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS SUPPORTED NEW ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CYCLING AND LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL THIS YEAR AND IS THINKING OF EMBARKING ON ARCHERY AND HOCKEY FOR GIRLS NEXT YEAR.

/The right

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 198?

7

THE RIGHT FUN AND GAMES ARE ESSENTIAL CATALYST TO COMMUNITY BUILDING, BUT ARE NOT THE PERMANENT COMPONENTS OF THE COMMUNITY STRUCTURE, HE SAID.

MR TSANG SAID HE BELIEVED THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD GO ON CHANGING STEADILY, IN THE FUTURE.

+ w |TH AN UNOFFICIAL CHAIRMAN ON THE DISTRICT BOARD, MORE CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE.

+I AM A STRONG ADVOCATE OF MOVEMENTS TOWARDS GIVING THE PEOPLE A COMMANDING VOICE ON THE DISTRICT BOARD AND A STRONGER INFLUENCE IN THE MANAGING OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

+MY COLLEAGUES AND I IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL REVIEW AND ADJUST OUR WORK AND PRIORITIES TO SUPPORT THESE

CHANGES,+ HE ADDED.

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

DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS ERP SCHEME * * *

DETAILS OF THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING TRIAL SCHEME WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21).

CENTRAL AND THE ADMIRALTY VICINITY HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS A TEST AREA FOR THE TRIAL SCHEME WHICH WILL BE INSTALLED NEXT SUMMER.

AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ADVISE ON THE PRIORITIES OF PROVISION OF VARIOUS PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT BEFORE ENDORSING A PROPOSED DISTRICT STRATEGY.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME AND POLICY, AS WELL AS THE LATEST POSITION OF THE CLEARANCE OF HOI PONG VILLAGE SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE EARLY NEXT YEAR.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE A SECOND REVIEW OF THE +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME, AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO ATTEND THE MEETING SHOULD CONTACT THE BOARD’S SECRETARY AT 5-450868 FOR SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF WILLIE BUILDING, 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

_ _ _ _ o-------- /8........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

8

AVIATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT CARGO TERMINAL * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED THE AIR CARGO COMPLEX AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO SEE THE OPERATION OF THE CARGO TERMINAL AND THE EXPANSION WORK WHICH IS FORGING AHEAD.

ACCOMPANIED BY MR BRIAN KEEP, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, AND MR A.C. CHARTER, GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LTD., THE MEMBERS - MR ALEX WU, MR JOHN PAIN, MR MARTIN BARROW, MR H.M.P. MILES AND MRS MAXINE KWOK -SAW HOW CONSIGNMENTS OF PREPACKED CARGO WERE LOADED AND UNLOADED AT THE TRUCK DOCK AND PROCESSED IN THE CARGO TERMINAL.

THEY ALSO VISITED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE WHERE A THREE-STOREY EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING CARGO COMPLEX IS TAKING SHAPE.

THIS NEW EXTENSION WILL BE COMMISSIONED IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS, PROVIDING ABOUT 32 000 SQUARE METRES OF ACCOMMODATION FOR FUTURE EXPANS ION.

OPERATED BY HACTL, THE CARGO TERMINAL HANDLES OVER 350 090 TONNES OF FREIGHT ANNUALLY, OR NEARLY 1 000 TONNES A DAY, WHICH RANKS IT ONE OF THE BUSIEST TERMINALS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.

IT WILL EVENTUALLY BE DEVELOPED TO A THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF 700 000 TONNES OF CARGO ANNUALLY, BRINGING IT TO PAR WITH THE LARGEST SINGLE TERMINALS IN THE WORLD.

FOLLOWING THE VISIT, THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD HELD ITS QUARTERLY MEETING AT THE AIRPORT’S PASSENGER TERMINAL, WHERE THE CHAIRMAN, MR KEEP WELCOMED MR BARROW, MR MILES AND MRS KWOK TO THEIR FIRST REGULAR BOAD MEETING.

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

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES AUCTIONED

* * * * *

MOST OF THE 209 STALL SITES TAKEN UP BY TRADERS FOR THE FORTHCOMING YUEN LONG LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR FETCHED HIGHER THAN THE UPSET PRICE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (MONDAY).

THE HIGHEST PRICE PAID FOR A FLOWER STALL WAS $1 450 WHILE THE LOWEST WAS $100, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE HIGHEST PRICE FOR A DRY GOODS STALL WAS $180 AND THE LOWEST WAS ALSO $100.

THE AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE STAFF OF YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, WAS HELD AT THE OFFICE OF PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE.

/TRADERS WHO ......

MONDAY, DECJMBER 19, 1983

TRADERS WHO WISH TO TAKE UP THE SIX UNSOLD STALL SITES SHOULD CONTACT THE YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, MAIN ROAD, YUEN LONG, DURING OFFICE HOURS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COMING NEW YEAR FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG SPORTS GROUND AND THE OPEN CARPARK IN FRONT OF YUEN LONG STADIUM BETWEEN JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR.

MEANWHILE, 100 STALLS TO BE ERECTED AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND FAIR SITE WILL BE AUCTIONED AT THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL AT TAI HING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW (TUESDAY) STARTING 9.30 AM.

- - 0 - -

CHAI WAN LIGHTS UP FOR FESTIVE CHEER

K * *

A SMILING SNOWMAN FLANKED BY TWO LARGE GLOWING CHRISTMAS TREES, SEASONAL GREETINGS AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD LOGO, FORM THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATIONS IN THE HEART OF CHAI WAN.

THE COLOURFUL DISPLAY WENT AGLOW THIS EVENING, AFTER BEING SWITCHED ON BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN NG.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AT 530 000, THE DECORATIVE LIGHTS CONCENTRATE MAINLY ON THE NEWLY-BUILT PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS WAN TSUI ROAD AND WILL CONTINUE TO ILLUMINATE THE AREA FOR 17 DAYS UNTIL JANUARY 4.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID SIMILAR DECORATIONS LAST YEAR HAD PROVED EXTREMELY POPULAR AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.

♦TOGETHER WITH A SERIES OF LOCAL ACTIVITIES, THE RESIDENTS NEED NOT TRAVEL LONG DISTANCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT DURING THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD.*

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS WILL INCLUDE TWO EVENINGS OF ENTERTAINING PROGRAMMES, FEATURING SINGING OF CAROLS, MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES, MAGIC SHOWS AND ACROBATICS ON DECEMBER 24 AND 25.

ORGANISED BY THE CHAI WAN NORTH AND CHAI WAN SOUTH AREA COMMITTEES, IN CONJUNCTION WITH SCHOOLS, RELIGIOUS BODIES AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, THE SHOWS WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY HALL EACH NIGHT.

+APART FROM VIVIDLY INSTILLING A FESTIVE MOOD IN THE DISTRICT, THE LIGHTING DISPLAY AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME WILL HELP PROJECT THE IMAGE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

0 - -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

- 10

NOTE TO EDITORS :

FESTIVE LIGHTING DETAILS * * *

DETAILS OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL LIGHTING AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, AND SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE AT 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL CHAIR THE CONFERENCE WITH CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, ffiS DOROTHY CHAN.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.

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

OLD 10-CENT COIN NOT LEGAL NEXT YEAR * * * *

THE PUBLIC WERE REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE OLD TEN-CENT COIN WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER AS FROM NEXT MONTH (JANUARY 1984).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FROM JANUARY 1, THERE WILL BE NO LEGAL OBLIGATION TO ACCEPT THESE OLD COINS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO EXCHANGE THEIR OLD TEN-CENT COINS AT BANKS.

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

TENDERS AWARDED FOR SITTING-OUT AREAS

* * * *

TWO CONTRACTS FOR BUILDING SITTING-OUT AREAS WERE AWARDED TODAY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

ONE AREA, AT FUNG WONG NEW VILLAGE, MEASURES 520 SQUARE METRES AND IS SITUATED AT KAM FUNG STREET.

IT WILL INCLUDE TREES, BENCHES, CONCRETE FLOWER BEDS, AN ORNAMENTAL RAILING AND WOODEN ARBOURS, AND COST $334 000.

THE OTHER AREA IS TO BE BUILT AT SHEK 0 ON A 190 SQUARE METRE SITE NEAR MAN SUN SCHOOL. IT WILL INCLUDE A REST GARDEN WITH AND°COST $231IOOQAND PLANT,NG AREAS and CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT

WORK ON BOTH PROJECTS WILL TAKE FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE. ---------------------------o--------

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1933

11

FIREMEN TO HOLD RELAY RACE

THE FIRE SERVICES’ ANNUAL PEAK RELAY RACE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG FIRE COMMAND WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

SOME 200 OFFICERS AND MEN AS WELL AS CIVILIAN STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT STARTING FROM HARLECH ROAD NEAR THE PEAK CAFE AND FINISHING AT THE STARTING POINT.

THE RUNNERS WILL EACH HAVE TO COMPLETE 3.5 KILOMETRES AROUND THE PEAK.

THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS, MR JOHN MARCH, WILL START OFF THE RELAY RACE AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, WILL PRESENT TROPHIES AND BANNERS TO THE WINNERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT, WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM. THE FIRE SERVICES’ INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE MEDIA.

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

ARCHERY INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE * * * *

A COURSE FOR ARCHERY INSTRUCTORS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM JANUARY 4 NEXT YEAR.

ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ARCHERY ASSOCIATION, THE COURSE IS FOR THOSE AGED 18 AND ABOVE.

A TOTAL OF 10 TRAINING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 9.30 PM ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS.

THE FEE IS $20 PER PERSON AND THE CLASSES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.

THOSE WHO HAVE ATTENDED THE CLASSES REGULARLY, PASSED AN EXAMINATION AND HAVE COACHED BEGINNERS IN ARCHERY FOR MORE THAN 20 HOURS WITHIN A YEAR WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HEAD OFFICE AND FROM ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, TELEPHONE 5-458511.

------o------- /12......

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1983

12

TAI PO MARKETS LAUNCH CLEAN-UP * * * *

MORE THAN 500 STALL HOLDERS AT FOUR MARKETS AND HAWKER BAZAARS IN TAI PO DISTRICT STARTED A THREE-DAY CLEAN-UP EXERCISE TODAY (MONDAY).

THE FOUR MARKETS ARE TAI PO GOVERNMENT MARKET, TAI PO TEMPORARY MARKET, KUK TENG MARKET AND CHE PING HAWKER BAZAAR, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE CLEAN-UP HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE NTSD AND SPONSORED BY ALL FOUR TAI PO HAWKER AND TRADER ASSOCIATIONS TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTUM OF THE CURRENT CLEAN HONG KONG DRIVE.

A STREET WASHING VEHICLE WAS SENT TO HELP WITH THE WASH UP.

PEST CONTROL STAFF OF THE NTSD ALSO JOINED IN THE EFFORT, TO CLEAR POTENTIAL MOSQUITO AND RODENT BREEDING NUISANCE AT THE MARKETS.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS:

ARTS FESTIVAL DETAILS

* * * *

DETAILS OF THE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD IN MID-FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 2 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KWOK CHEONG WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE IN THE CHING ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR OF THE SHERATON

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.

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

WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 92.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 539.170 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 444.251 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 75.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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

ONE TRAFFIC LANE ONLY

* * *

TAI HANG ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 10 TO 26 WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE FOR TWO WAY TRAFFIC FROM 9 PM TO 11 PM TOMORROW AND ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21), TO FACILITATE ROAD WIDENING WORKS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198}

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR YOUNG AND OLD ........................ 1

VALUE OF DB IN NEW TOWN PLANNING STRESSED ..............

INVOLVING PEOPLE IN LOCAL AFFAIRS ......................

EXTENDED TRANSPORT FOR HOLIDAYS ........................

TRAFFIC PLAN FOR NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY CONCOURSE ........... 6

SEPARATE TAX BILL DUE FOR FINAL READING ................

DRUG FIGHTERS NOT DETERRED BY BUMPER CROPS .............

RESIDENTS WARNED ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES ............... 11

REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY ..........................

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES AUCTIONED ....................

ARTS FESTIVAL FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ...............

NTSD THANKED FOR PROMPT HELP ........................... li+

FORTRESS HILL ROAD WORKS ...............................

HAPPY VALLEY, TAI PO WATER MAINS WORK

15

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

1

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR YOUNG AND OLD

*****

FUN-FILLED ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG AND OLD AND A DISPLAY OF GLITTERING FESTIVE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG TO ADD SPARKLE TO THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.

+THE ACCENT WILL BE ON LIGHT-HEARTED RELAXATION SO AS TO ENABLE RESIDENTS IN BOTH THE URBAN AREAS AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SHARE IN THE JOY AND GOODWILL OF THE FESTIVE SEASON WITHOUT HAVING TO TRAVEL TOO FAR AWAY FROM THEIR HOMES,* THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY.

+WITH OVER 100 ACTIVITIES ORGANISED OR SPONSORED BY VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN COUNCIL, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.*

THE CHRISTMAS PACKAGE OF FUN INCLUDES A RANGE OF FUN FAIRS AND CARNIVALS FOR ALL AGES, PARTIES FOR THE ELDERLY, DRAMA AND PANTOMIMES, VARIETY SHOWS, DISCO NIGHTS AND A LASER SHOW.

+AND THE FACT THAT THEY WILL BE STAGED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY -FROM CHAI WAN, KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN TO SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN - MEANS THAT PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE IN THE FUN NEARER HOME,* HE SAID.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MRS DOROTHY CHAN, WHO DETAILED SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS TO COPE WITH EXPECTED HEAVY DEMAND DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.

MRS CHAN SAID ALL THE MAJOR TRANSPORT COMPANIES WOULD BE RUNNING EXTRA OR EXTENDED SERVICES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE STRONGLY ADVISED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE ROADS.

ON CHRISTMAS EVE, WHEN DEMAND IS EXPECTED TO BE HEAVIEST, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WOULD OPERATE TRAINS UP TO ABOUT 3.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY UP TO 1 AM, THE PEAK TRAM UP TO 3 AM, WHILE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS WOULD BE RUNNING ALL NIGHT SERVICES BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN.

+FERRIES, BUSES AND MAXICABS WILL ALSO BE RUNNING EXTENDED SERVICES,* SHE ADDED.

MRS CHAN SAID SPECIAL PEDESTRIAN SCHEMES IN CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN WORKED OUT BY THE POLICE TO ENSURE MAXIMUM CONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.

MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT APART FROM THE MAJOR DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS PUT UP BY PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, THOUSANDS OF COLOURFUL BULBS AS WELL AS GARLANDS AND BANNERS OF SEASON’S GREETINGS WOULD BRIGHTEN UP VARIOUS AREAS IN CHAI wAN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.

/AS IN .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

2

AS IN PAST YEARS, HE SAID, A PHASED SWITCH-OFF PROGRAMME OF LIGHTS HAD BEEN WORKED OUT FOR CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE, STARTING FROM 0.30 AM AND ENDING AT 1.30 AM.

+THIS SHOULD GREATLY ASSIST PEOPLE IN TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTENDED TRANSPORT SERVICES AND MAKE THEIR WAY HOME IN AN ORDERLY AND UNHURRIED MANNER,* HE SAID.

MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE LIGHTS IN CENTRAL AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI WOULD REMAIN ON VIEW UNTIL JANUARY AND THERE WAS AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO ENJOY THEM.

+AS LARGE CROWDS CAN BE EXPECTED TO CONVERGE IN THESE TWO AREAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE IT WOULD BE ADVISABLE FOR FAMILIES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND ELDERLY MEMBERS, TO AVOID THE CRUSH ON THAT DAY AND ENJOY THE LIGHTS MORE COMFORTABLY BEFORE OR AFTER DECEMBER 24,+ HE SAID.

+THERE IS CERTAINLY MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM IN THE WIDE RANGE OF DISTRICT ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES LAID ON BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO MAKE THIS A HAPPY AND RELAXED CHRISTMAS FOR ALL,+ HE SAID.

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

VALUE OF DB IN NEW TOWN PLANNING STRESSED * * * *

THE DISTRICT BOARD PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT, WHERE RESIDENTS CAN ENJOY GOOD LIVING CONDITIONS, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RICKY FUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

GOVERNMENT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE ABLE TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD BECAUSE OF TERRITORY-WIDE POLICY IMPLICATIONS, BUT RESPECTS SUCH ADVICE, HE SAID.

MR FUNG WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA ON THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

GENERALLY, HE SAID THE BOARD IS GREATLY INVOLVED IN MANY ASPECTS OF WORK TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF LOCAL PEOPLE, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY BUILDING, PROMOTION OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

MR FUNG SPOKE PARTICULARLY OF THE ROLE PLAYED BY BOARD MEMBERS IN NEw TOWN PLANNING.

SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN 1981, UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS REGULARLY TAKE PART IN DISCUSSION^ OF PLANNING DOCUMENTS IN THEIR DRAFTING STAGE.

/+THIS PROCEDURE .......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198?

5

♦THIS PROCEDURE ENABLES PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS TOWN PLANNERS, ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS TO APPRECIATE OTHER FACTORS WHICH ONLY PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIVING IN THE VARIOUS PLANNING AREAS COULD BE AwARE OF,* HE SAID.

+THIS INPUT IS OFTEN VERY PRACTICAL AND ADDS A HUMAN TOUCH TO THE DRAFT PLANS, WHICH ARE BASICALLY DRAWN UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH PLANNING GUIDELINES AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS,* HE SAID.

HE STRESSED THAT VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED, AND THEIR OPINIONS ARE PARTICULARLY VALUABLE AT A TIME OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCY.

IN THE CASE OF TUEN MUN, WHERE THE PACE AND SCALE OF DEVELOPMENT ARE DEMANDING, CO-ORDINATION OF THE WORKS PROJECTS IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EFFICIENCY AND MINIMUM DISRUPTION AND INCONVENIENCE TO RESIDENTS.

MR FUNG POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN IS TO SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS TO COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES.

MR FUNG CITED TWO TYPICAL EXAMPLES WHEN THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD EFFICIENTLY REACTED TO AND TACKLED PROBLEMS.

THE FIRST ONE WAS THE BUS SERVICE PROBLEM A FEW YEARS AGO IN TAI HING ESTATE - THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN WITH OVER 40 OQO PEOPLE - WHERE QUEUES WERE SEEN AT THE BUS TERMINUS AS EARLY AS 4.30 AM.

AS A RESULT OF ACTION BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THEN KNOWN AS THE DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD, IN NEGOTIATING WITH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE BUS COMPANY, A FOUR-MINUTE WAITING TIME FOR SERVICE WAS WORKED OUT. THIS WAS THEN CLOSELY MONITORED TO ENSURE THAT THE SCHEDULE WAS ADHERED TO.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR CHILDREN IN TUEN MUN. AS 37 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION WAS UNDER 14, THERE WAS A BIG DEMAND FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES THERE, AND COVERED PLAYGROUNDS OF SOME SCHOOLS HAD TO BE CONVERTED INTO CLASSROOMS.

AGAIN, HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS QUICK TO REACT TO THIS SITUATION, AND MADE SUGGESTIONS TO GOVERNMENT ON HOW TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM. THE SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE:

(A) IN THE SHORT-TERM, PROVISION OF REPLACEMENT COVERED PLAYGROUNDS FOR THE AFFECTED SCHOOLS IN NEARBY OPEN SPACES ;

(B) IN THE LONG-TERM, CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS?

(C) RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SCHOOL CATCHMENT SYSTEM TO CREATE A BALANCE OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND OF SCHOOLS IN EACH CATCHMENT? AND

(D) CONSTRUCTION OF +FLEXI-SCHOOLS* WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF BEING CONVERTED INTO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FUTURE.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 19§3

4

INVOLVING PEOPLE IN LOCAL AFFAIRS * * *

THE EIGHT-MONTH OLD WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION REPRESENTED A MAJOR STEP IN INVOLVING RESIDENTS IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

THIS WAS IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, HE ADDED.

SPEAKING AT THE ORGANISATION’S FIRST ANNUAL BALL, HE SAID: +THE ASSOCIATION IS INSTRUMENTAL IN INSTILLING A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AND IN OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES, IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS.

♦THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS SAW THE ASSOCIATION GRADUALLY BUILDING UP ITS MOMENTUM, AND IT HAS WORKED CLOSELY WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.*

MR LAM ALSO CITED THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT DANCE TROUPE AND A CHILDREN’S CHOIR AS EXAMPLES OF SOME OF THE ASSOCIATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS.

THEY HAVE INVOLVED THEMSELVES ACTIVELY NOT ONLY IN DISTRICT RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, BUT TERRITORY-WIDE PERFORMANCES AS WELL, SUCH AS THOSE ORGANISED UNDER THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY PROGRAMME AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALK FOR A MILL ION.

+ 1 AM PLEASED THAT THEY HAVE SERVED TO PROJECT THE IMAGE OF THE DISTRICT, AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT BOARD.

+NOTWITHSTANDI NG THE FACT THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS STILL NEw, THROUGH THE ENTHUSIASM AND HARD WORK OF ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, THE ASSOCIATION HAS CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE RECENT HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WAN CHAI DISTRICT FESTIVAL,* HE SAID.

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/5........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983 -r.

5

EXTENDED TRANSPORT FOR HOLIDAYS * * *

EXTENDED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED OVER CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (DECEMBER 20).

APART FROM ADDITIONAL BUSES, THE FREQUENCY OF RUNNING SCHEDULES FOR BUSES, TRAMS, TRAINS, MAXICABS AND FERRIES WILL BE INCREASED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE UNTIL EARLY THE FOLLOWING MORNINGS, THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

DETAILS OF THE EXTRA SERVICES ARE:

* THE STAR FERRY’S KOWLOON POINT TO EDINBURGH PLACE ROUTE WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.

* HYF’S CENTRAL TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM.

* THE MTR’S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 3.30 AM ON CHRISTMAS DAY. ITS NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICES WILL FINISH BY 1.30 AM ON NEW YEAR’S DAY.

M KCR SERVICES ON CHRISTMAS EVE WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL

1 AM

* PEAK TRAM SERVICES ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 3 AM.

* TRAM SERVICES, EXCEPT AROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP AND BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN, WILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE. ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, IT WILL RUN UNTIL 3 AM.

* CMB WILL EXTEND SERVICES ON SEVEN MAJOR ROUTES - NOS. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 38 AND 72.

THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 2 FROM SHAU KEI WAN AND MACAU FERRY WILL BE AT 1.30 AM AND 2.15 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 4 FROM WAH FU AND CENTRAL WILL BE AT 0.30 AM AND 1 AM; NO. 7 FROM SHEK PAI wAN AND CENTRAL AT 2.30 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 13 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND KENNEDY TOWN AT 1 AM AND 2 AM ; NO. 23 FROM NORTH POINT FERRY AND POKFIELD ROAD AT 0.30 AM AND 1.15 AM; NO. 38 FROM NORTH POINT AND CHI FU FA YUEN AT MIDNIGHT AND 1 AM; AND NO. 72 FROM ABERDEEN AND CAUSEWAY BAY AT 0.50 AM AND 1.30 AM.

X KMB WILL ALSO BE EXTENDING SERVICES.

/the last

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198j '

6

THE LAST DEPARTURES OF ROUTE 1 FROM WAN TAU HOM AND STAR FERRY

WILL BE AT 0.51 AM AND 1.25 AM RESPECTIVELY; NO. 1A FROM SAU MAU

PING AND STAR FERRY WILL BE AT 0.43 AM AND 1.40 AM; NO. 5 FROM

CHOI HUNG AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 2.25 AM AND 3 AM 5 NO. 5C FROM TSZ WAN

SHAN AND TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.20 AM AND 2 AM; NO. 6 FROM LAI CHI KOK AND STAR FERRY AT 2.26 AM AND 3 AM; NO. 7 FROM KOWLOON TONG AND STAR FERRY AT 0.30 AM AND 1 AM; AND NO. 66M FROM TAI HING AND TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AT 0.30 AM AND 1.15 AM.

* MANY MAXICAB ROUTES WILL ALSO FINISH LATER THAN USUAL: NO. 1 (PEAK TO HMS TAMAR) AT 4 AM; 30 (CAUSEWAY BAY TO ADMIRALTY MTR STATION) AT 3 AM 5 32 (NORTH POINT TO CENTRAL) AT 3 AM; 3 (TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN) AT 2 AM; 7 (KOWLOON CITY TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST) AT 3 AM ; 30M (ARGYLE MTR STATION TO CALDECOTT ROAD) AT 1.30 AM ; 61M (KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION TO LEK YUEN) AT 3.30 AM.

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

TRAFFIC PLAN FOR NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY CONCOURSE * * * *

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY CONCOURSE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 22).

THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE. ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ACCESS ROAD.

THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH YEUNG UK ROAD TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE BUS TERMINUS, EXCEPT FOR A 40-METRE LONG SETTING DOWN AND PICKING UP AREA, ABOUT 130 METRES SOUTH OF YEUNG UK ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE.

THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS, FROM THE EXIT OF THE TERMINUS TO ITS JUNCTION WITH YEUNG UK ROAD, WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS AND LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.

/HOVERFERRY ......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198} ..

7

HOVERFERRY SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND CENTRAL AND ORDINARY FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND TSING Yl, WILL OPERATE FROM THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER FROM 2 PM ON THURSDAY. THE EXISTING FERRY PIER WILL BE CLOSED UPON THE OPENING OF THE NEW PIER.

AND FROM THURSDAY, THE FOLLOWING BUS SERVICES WILL DEPART FROM THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS:

NO. 31 TO SHEK LEI,

NO. 32B TO CHEUNG SHAN,

NO. 34A TO KWAI SHING EAST,

NO. 35 TO SHEK YAM,

NO. 36 TO LEI MUK SHUE,

NO. 39M TO CHAI WAN KOK WEST,

NO. 43 TO CHEUNG CHING, AND

NO. 46A TO LAI YIU.

THE FOLLOWING BUS SERVICES WILL REMAIN IN THE EXISTING TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS:

NO. 33 TO SHAM SHU I PO FERRY,

NO. 33A TO TAI KOK TSUI FERRY,

NO. 40 TO KWUN TONG,

NO. 48 TO SHA TIN, AND

NO. 52 TO ON TING.

AND NEW TERRITORIES MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 95 TO TSUEN WAN CENTRE WILL DEPART FROM THE NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY BUS TERMINUS.

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/8........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

8

SEPARATE TAX BILL DUE FOR FINAL READING

*****

A BILL PROVIDING FOR SEPARATE TAX ASSESSMENT FOR MARRIED WOMEN WILL BE AMONG FIVE BILLS ON WHICH DEBATE WILL RESUME PRIOR TO FINAL READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW. IT IS THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1983.

FOUR OTHER BILLS, INCLUDING A SERIES OF AMENDMENTS AIMED AT PROTECTING HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS, WILL BE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, PRIOR TO ADJOURNMENT OF DEBATE TO JANUARY 11.

IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 18 QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF SESSIONAL PAPERS AND MOTIONS TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE COUNCIL.

DUE FOR RESUMED DEBATE AND COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READINGS IN ADDITION TO THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL, ARE:-

* THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AMENDING THE CENTRE’S FINANCIAL YEAR TO RUN FROM JULY 1 TO JUNE 30,

* THE BUILDING (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL, CLARIFYING BUILDINGS TERMS,

AND TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ BILLS:

* THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG, INCORPORATION BILL 1983, CREATING A NEW LEGAL ENTITY WHICH WILL UNITE VARIOUS METHODIST ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, AND

* THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS BILL 1983, INCORPORATING THE AREA COMMITTEE OF THE CORPS.

AND UP FOR SECOND READING ARE.--

* THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, ADDING HANDCUFFS AND WRIST RESTRAINTS TO THE LIST OF ILLEGAL INSTRUMENTS,

* THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983 AND

* THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, BOTH PROVIDING MORE PROTECTION FOR HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS, AND

* THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL, PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FEES INCURRED BY OWNERS OF PROPERTY PURCHASED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON A RESUMPTION NOTICE.

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

/9.......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

9

DRUG FIGHTERS NOT DETERRED BY BUMPER CROPS

* * * *

THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS ABUSE KEPT UP ITS MOMENTUM LAST YEAR, DESPITE AN INCREASE IN THE SUPPLY OF ILLICIT DRUGS AND A FALL IN THEIR PRICE.

THIS IS STATED IN THE HONG KONG NARCOTICS REPORT 1982 ' (ENGLISH EDITION) PUBLISHED RECENTLY BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS. THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE NUMBER OF ADDICTS WHO SOUGHT TREATMENT REMAINED HIGH AND DRUG SEIZURES EXCEEDED THOSE OF PREVIOUS YEARS BY A SIGNIFICANT MARGIN. THE INCREASE IN SUPPLY AND THE FALL IN PRICE RESULT FROM THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE BUMPER OPIUM CROP IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE DURING 1982.

THE REPORT SAYS, HOWEVER, THAT ALMOST ONE-THIRD OF THE 42 OQO PERSONS RECORDED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSf BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1976 AND DECEMBER 1982 WERE RECEIVING SOME. FORM OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION EVERY DAY. IN A FOREWORD THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN, DOCTOR SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES DESCRIBES THIS AS +A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT BY WORLD STANDARDS*.

HE ALSO PAYS TRIBUTE TO POLICE AND CUSTOMS AND TO THOSE WORKING IN TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES.

SIR ALBERT SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO ENCOURAGE MORE DRUG ADDICTS TO ACCEPT TREATMENT, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR ILLICIT DRUGS AND LIMIT THE SPREAD OF DRUG ADDICTION.

EXPANSION OF TREATMENT FACILITIES CONTINUED IN 1982. DURING THE YEAR, THREE NEW OUT-PATIENT METHADONE CLINICS WERE OPENED AT YUEN LONG, SHA TIN AND HUNG HOM. THE DAILY AVERAGE ATTENDANCE WAS 6 976, OR AN INCREASE OF 3.9 PER CENT OVER 1981.

IN MARCH 1982, AN AVERAGE OF 8 317 ATTENDANCES, AN ALL-TIME HIGH, WAS RECORDED.

ON LAW ENFORCEMENT, THE REPORT NOTED THAT DRUG SEIZURES) IN 1982 AMOUNTED TO 595 KG, EXCEEDING THE 1981 FIGURE OF 310 KG BY 92 PER CENT.

DURING THE YEAR, 14 HEROIN LABORATORIES WERE SUCCESSFULLY NEUTRALISED. OF THESE, 13 WERE FOUND WITH EVIDENCE OF THE ’CUTTING’ OR ’DILUTING’ OF HEROIN BASE.

THE REPORT ALSO REVEALED THAT DURING 1982, A TOTAL OF 9 625 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR DANGEROUS DRUGS OFFENCES, AN INCREASE OF 22.4 PER CENT OVER THE 1981 FIGURE OF 7 866.

IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A 23.1 PER CENT RISE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 21 NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CRDA — FROM 753 IN 1981 TO 927 IN 1982. THERE WAS ALSO AN INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF FEMALE DRUG ABUSE.

SIR ALBERT EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE INCREASING NUMBER OF DRUG OFFENCES AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS. HE NOTED THAT VIGOROUS COUNTERMEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM IN ALL AREAS.

/DURING THE........

TTO HAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

10

DURING THE YEAR, A WHOLE SERIES OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES, TARGETTED MAINLY AT YOUNG PEOPLE, WAS ORGANISED AND SUPPORTED. THERE WAS ALSO UNRELENTING EFFORTS BY THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS TO DISRUPT AND HARASS THE ACTIVITIES OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS, MORE STRINGENT LEGAL MEASURES AND EXPANSION OF TREATMENT FACILITIES.

DURING 1982, THERE WERE STRONG INDICATIONS OF A RESURGENCE IN BULK IMPORTATION, THROUGH THE RESUMPTION OF THAI TRAWLER TRAFFIC, BULK SHIPMENTS IN CONTAINER CARGO AND OCEAN-GOING VESSELS AND THROUGH THE KAI TAK AIRPORT, THE REPORT REVEALED.

UPON THE ADVICE OF THE ACAN, FOUR AMENDMENTS TO THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED. UNDER ONE OF THESE AMENDMENTS, owners of ships, caught smuggling excessive quantities of drugs TO HONG KONG ON TWO OCCASIONS WITHIN 18 MONTHS ARE LIABLE TO A PENALTY OF UP TO $5 MILLION, AND THE SHIP LIABLE TO FORFEITURE IF THE OWNER FAILS TO PAY THE FINE.

+ IT IS HOPED THAT THIS MEASURE WILL BE AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT,* SIR ALBERT SAID IN THE FOREWORD.

+ IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUED TO EXPLORE THE FEASIBILITY OF MAKING LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SEQUESTRATING THE ASSETS OF CONVICTED DRUG TRAFFICKERS,* HE ADDED.

THE 110-PAGE REPORT GIVES A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE CHANGING CHARACTERISTICS OF HONG KONG’S NARCOTICS SCENE DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW AND RECORDS IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE VARIOUS MAJOR PROGRAMMES BEING UNDERTAKEN.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID THE REPORT IS AN INFORMATIVE AND HIGHLY READABLE DOCUMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF NARCOTICS ADDICTION IN HONG KONG AND WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO COMBAT IT.

THE REPORT IS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE EDITIONS. THE CHINESE EDITION IS BEING PRINTED AND WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.

/11

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

- 11 -

RESIDENTS WARNED ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES

*****

STUFFED SEA TURTLES, PURCHASED AS SOUVENIRS BY HONG KONG RESIDENTS VISITING SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES, ARE STILL BEING SEIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO IMPORT THEM.

SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS PROSECUTED 20 PEOPLE FOR ILLEGALLY IMPORTING SPECIMENS OF SEA TURTLE, WHICH ARE LISTED AS ENDANGERED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY WARNED RESIDENTS NOT TO BUY THE SPECIMENS.

+SEA TURTLES ARE HIGHLY ENDANGERED TO THE POINT OF EXTINCTION, THAT IS WHY HONG KONG HAS IMPOSED THE CONTROL MEASURES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 43 CASES OF ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES CF ANIMALS AND PLANTS.

FINES TOTALLING $19 100 WERE IMPOSED AND GOODS VALUED AT $322 000 WERE CONFISCATED BY COURTS.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SEIZED SEVEN PIECES OF PYTHON SKIN, SEVEN PIECES OF CROCODILE SPECIMENS, 70 OUNCES OF AMERICAN GINSENG AND ABOUT 1 200 KILOGRAMS OF ELEPHANT TUSKS.

IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT OR POSSESS ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS, INCLUDING THEIR PARTS, WITHOUT AUTHORISATION.

UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE. A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 MAY BE IMPOSED FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, AND A FINE OF $10 000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT, FOR A SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.

THE ORDINANCE GIVES EFFECT TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITIES) WHICH IS A TRADE AGREEMENT ENFORCED AT INTERNATIONAL BORDER CROSS INGS.

-------c ---------

/12........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198

12

REMINDER ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY

* * * *

A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1) IS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $8 500 A MONTH.

AS NEW YEAR’S DAY FALLS ON SUNDAY, EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE GIVEN A HOLIDAY ON THE FOLLOWING DAY (JANUARY 2), IF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY HAPPENS TO BE THEIR NORMAL REST DAY.

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

HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO THE EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY. WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE OF THE DAILY EARNINGS DURING A PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY. PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE ON THE NORMAL PAY DAY.

IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.

IF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GRANTED BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST NOTIFY THE EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. IN THE CASE WHERE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE NOTIFIED OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.

IF BOTH EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

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

THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE : FOR KOWLOON EAST 3-205638 KOWLOON WEST 3-201652 KOWLOON SOUTH 3~319454 KWUN TONG 3-898520 TSUEN WAN 0-422096 TAI PO 0-6577111 EXT. 114 TUEN MUN 0-818443 HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST) 5-268671 AND HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST) 5-282213.

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/13........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

13

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR SITES AUCTIONED * * * *

ALL 100 STALL SITES FOR THE FORTHCOMING TUEN MUN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WERE SOLD AT ABOVE UPSET PRICE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE HIGHEST PRICE FOR A FLOWER SITE WAS $1 350 AND FOR A SITE SELLING DRY GOODS WAS $470, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE LOWEST PRICE FOR THE STALLS WAS $200, AS AGAINST THE UPSET PRICE OF $100.

TODAY’S AUCTION TOOK PLACE AT THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL IN TAI HING ESTATE AND WAS CONDUCTED BY STAFF OF THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE.

THE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND BETWEEN JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR, AT THE SAME TIME AS SIX OTHER FAIRS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

AUCTIONING OF 208 STALL SITES FOR THE TSUEN WAN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 30 AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITY HALL AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE VENUE AT 9 AM.

- - 0 -

ARTS FESTIVAL FOR SHAM SHU I PO RESIDENTS

*****

THE LARGE SCALE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS FESTIVAL, FEATURING MORE THAN 30 ITEMS OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, CONCERTS, DRAMA AND FILM SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS AND COMPETITIONS, WILL BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 18 AND MARCH 4 NEXT YEAR.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMMES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KWOK CHEONG, SAID THE FESTIVAL AIMS AT PROVIDING A COLOURFUL AND HEALTHY VARIETY OF LOW-COST ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE DISTRICT’S 500 000 PEOPLE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, FOSTERING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN ART AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, W SYLVESTER TSE, SAID THE FESTIVAL IS IN LINE WITH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME’S OBJECTIVE OF PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE AT DISTRICT LEVELS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FESTIVAL WILL ALSO PROVIDE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE MANY RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL GROUPS AND CLASSES NOW ACTIVE IN SHAM SHU I PO TO MAKE PUBLIC APPEARANCE.

MORE THAN $960 000 WILL BE SPENT ON THE FESTIVAL — $150 000 FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, $150 000 FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REST FROM LOCAL DONATIONS AND TICKET INCOME.

/THE FESTIVAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

14

THE FESTIVAL, A JOINT VENTURE BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS ASSOCIATION, WILL HAVE A GALA OPENING AT THE PO ON ROAD PLAYGROUND ON FEBRUARY 18.

THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WILL COMPRISE LION AND DRAGON DANCES, MARCHING BAND DISPLAYS, DRUMS AND PIPERS PERFORMANCES, ORIENTAL DANCES, AND A MASS DRAWING AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITIONS.

FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL INCLUDE CHOIR SINGING, CANTONESE OPERAS, CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTINGS EXHIBITIONS, PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITIONS, PUPPET THEATRES, MODERN DANCES, A GUITAR CONCERT, AN INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA NIGHT, A SELECTION OF OVERSEAS FILMS AND VARIOUS COMPETITIONS TO BE STAGED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

ABOUT 50 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND VARIOUS INDOOR PERFORMANCE PROGRAMMES. THE FREE OUTDOOR PROGRAMMES AND COMPETITIONS ARE LIKELY TO DRAW MORE THAN 100 000 PARTICIPANTS.

POSTAL BOOKING FOR MOST OF THE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES AND ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS CAN BE MADE BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY 7. BOOKING FOLDERS AND OTHER DETAILS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES. COUNTER BOOKING WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 15.

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

NTSD THANKED FOR PROMPT HELP

* * * *

STALL HOLDERS OF PAU CHEUNG STREET TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAAR IN YUEN LONG TODAY PAID TRIBUTE TO STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THEIR PROMPT ACTION IN HELPING RE-BUILD THEIR STALLS DESTROYED IN A RECENT FIRE.

THE FIRE, WHICH BROKE OUT AT MIDNIGHT OF DECEMBER 5, DAMAGED 90 STALLS AT THE TEMPORARY MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAAR.

WITHIN THREE DAYS, ALL STALLS WERE RE-BUILT WITH THE HELP OF THE YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OFFICERS.

AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE TEMPORARY MARKET, THE STALL HOLDERS THANKED THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF YUEN LONG, MR WILLIAM KWONG, AND HIS STAFF FOR THEIR HELPFUL EFFORT.

A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STALL HOLDERS, MR NG HUNG-PEI, THEN PRESENTED A BANNER TO MR KWONG ON BEHALF OF THE TRADERS.

BANNERS WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO THE SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR (HAWKERS AND MARKETS), MR KONG WAN-FEE, AND THE SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR (CLEANSING), MR FUNG KWOK-LAU.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1983

15

FORTRESS HILL ROAD WORKS * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON FIRDAY (DECEMBER 23), THE SECTION OF FORTRESS HILL ROAD FROM 45 TO 155 METRES SOUTH OF KING’S ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO UPHILL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FOR BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 27, FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.

DURING THE CLOSURE, OTHER UPHILL VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND AND TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD.

ALSO FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23), THE EXISTING PROHIBITION ON ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AT THE TEMPORARY CHAI WAN FERRY CONCOURSE WILL BE LIFTED.

- - 0 - -

HAPPY VALLEY, TAI PO WATER MAINS WORK *****

WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY AND IN TAI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

IN HAPPY VALLEY THE SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM, AND IN TAI PO IT WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.

THE AFFECTED AREAS IN HAPPY VALLEY ARE BOUNDED BY BROADWOOD ROAD, HOLLY ROAD, GREEN LANE, BROOM ROAD, BRIAR AVENUE, BLUE POOL ROAD BETWEEN CHEONG MING STREET AND TAI HANG ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND HOUSE NO. 148-150 TAI HANG ROAD.

IN TAI PO, THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY i PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN SHAM TO HANG AND KAU LUNG HANG, INLCUDING HONG LOK YUEN, TAI HANG, TA WO AND NAM WAH PO. AREAS AFFECTED ALSO ARE : PREMISES ALONG LAM KAM ROAD, ALL VILLAGES OF LAM TSUEN FROM SAM TO HANG TO PING LONG.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 198}

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;

NEW CUBRENCY .PLAN AD) FULFILLED SO FAR : SIR JOHN ....... 1

COMPUTER DATA PROTECTION UNDER STUDY ...................   2

+OEFSUSIVE+- TAX .PROVISIONS REMOVED...................... 3

FUTURES MARKET PROPOSALS STUDIED ......................... 6

• • • »

NEW RULES ON HANDCUFFS PROPOSED .......................... 7

SHOPLIFTERS MOSTLY YOUTHS ................................ 7

BIIL PROVIDES FOR PAYMENT OF ADVISERS FEES ............... 8

- « w

PLOT RATIO CRITERIA EXPLAINED ....................’••• 9

HIGHER PENALTY NEEDED FOR TRADE CONTROL: HO ............. 10

.... - ■

AID FOR WOMEN AT RISK ................................... 11

FIRE SAFETY INVOLVES EVERYONE ........................... 12

ROAD WORKS TO TAKE TWO YEARS ............................. U

NEW RULES ON COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS ..................... 1't

NEED FOR CANTEENS RECOGNISED ............................ 15

BOARD AND COMMITTEE PARTNERSHIP STRESSED ................ 15

ACTION TAKEN ON PRIVATE STREET PROBLEM .................. 16

FERRY SERVICE NEED CAREFULLY STUDIED .................... 17

COMPLAINTS ON MONEY-CHANGERS RAISE CONCERN ............   18

OYSTER FARMERS IGNORE RESEARCH FINDINGS ................. 18

/ANOTHER CLINIC .....

4

ANOTHER CLINIC FOR TAI PO ................................... 19

PLANS TO FIGHT NT WATER POLLUTION ........................... 20

POOR CAN GET HELP IN COLD WEATHER ........................... 21

PUBLIC HOUSING INQUIRY SERVICES ADEQUATE ..................   21

PENALTIES TO BE DOUBLED ......’.............................. 22

MORE MONEY FOR WITNESSES ...................................  25

PHONE WEATHER SERVICE FEE INCREASED ......................... 25

LANTAU TAXIS ............-................................... 24

FIVE BILLS APPROVED ......................................... 24

CLOSURE OF BUILDINGS SOUGHT.................................... 25

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT ................................   25

DB LOOKING AFTER DISTRICT WELL-BEING .......................... 26

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ...........................................    26

TIMPORARY TRAFFIC PLANS......................................   26

MODY ROAD PROHIBITED ZONE ..................................... 27

' WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983^

1 -

NEW CURRENCY PLAN AIM FULFILLED SO FAR i SIR JOHN ******* THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS NOT DEPRECIATED SINCE THE CURRENCY STABILISATION SCHEME WAS ANNOUNCED ON OCTOBER 15, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PETER C WONG, SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT THE EFFECTIVE INDEX RATE AGAINST A BASKET OF CURRENCIES HAD ACTUALLY APPRECIATED FROM 63.9 TO 68.6.

AGAINST THE LINKED RATE OF HKS7.8O TO US$1, HE SAID, THE MOVEMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BEEN LIMITED TO 0.25 PER CENT.

THIS IS REMARKABLE, GIVEN THE EXTRAORDINARY RECENT STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, WHICH HAS CREATED HAVOC WITH OTHER MAJOR INTERNATIONALLY-TRADED CURRENCIES,♦ SIR JOHN SAID.

IN OTHER WORDS, SO FAR OUR NEW CURRENCY ARRANGEMENTS HAVE FULFILLED THEIR PURPOSE.♦

BUT DAMAGE WAS DONE EARLIER, HE SAID, AND THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR UP TO THE LOW POINT IN SEPTEMBER 24 RESULTED IN HIGHER IMPORT PRICES.

THE RATE OF INFLATION, IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, STAYED AT AROUND 9 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, BUT PICKED UP TO 12.7 PER CENT IN OCTOBER. THE AVERAGE FOR 1983 AS A WHOLE IS LIKELY TO BE AROUND 10 PER CENT, ROUGHLY THE SAME AS IN 1982.

BECAUSE IT TAKES TIME FOR HIGHER IMPORT PRICES TO WORK THROUGH THE ECONOMY, RETAIL PRICES TO CONSUMERS ARE AFFECTED ONLY AFTER A TIME LAG OF SEVERAL MONTHS.

♦THUS, THE RATE OF INFLATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF NEXT YEAR IS LIKELY TO RISE HIGHER AS A RESULT OF THE RAPID DEPRECIATION IN SEPTEMBER.♦

BUT THE EFFECT OF THE DEPRECIATION OF THE EXCHANGE RATE ON PRICES WAS LIKELY TO BE DAMPENED BY A NUMBER OF OTHER MORE FAVOURABLE FACTORS, SIR JOHN POINTED OUT.

♦LOCALLY, AGGREGATE DEMAND FOR RESOURCES IN THE ECONOMY IS NOT IMPOSING MUCH PRESSURE ON AGGREGATE SUPPLY AND THE GENERAL PRICE LEVEL- AND THE UNDERLYING GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY IS MODERATE. EXTERNALLY, THE RATE OF INFLATION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS HAS SLOWED DOWN.

♦MOREOVER, THE CURRENCY STABILISATION MEASURES WILL CERTAINLY HAVE A DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE RATE OF INFLATION IN DUE COURSE.

♦MOREOVER, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS ENHANCED HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS AND HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE OF THE EXPORT SECTOR THIS YEAR.

/♦ANOTHER MAJOR .......

WEDNESDAY, DEOEMBER 21, 1983

2

♦ANOTHER MAJOR SECTOR IS THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE U.S. AND SEVERAL OTHER EXPORT MARKETS. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ACCELERATED TO 18 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER, FROM THREE PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 14 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.

♦WITH DOMESTIC DEMAND STILL RELATIVELY WEAK, THE RECOVERY OF THE EXPORT SECTOR HAS PROVIDED THE MAIN IMPETUS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HAS RESULTED IN MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, SO THAT UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES ARE NOW CONSIDERABLY BELOW THEIR PEAKS RECORDED EARLIER THIS YEAR.

♦THE OUTLOOK FOR 1984/85 IS THUS ENCOURAGI NG,+ HE SAID.

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

COMPUTER DATA PROTECTION UNDER STUDY ft ft ft ft

THE WORKING GROUP ON PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION, SET UP IN JUNE THIS YEAR, HAS BEEN MEETING REGULARLY SINCE THEN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SIR PHILIP SAID, HOWEVER, THAT DATA PROTECTION IS A COMPLEX SUBJECT WHICH HAD BEEN STUDIED IN BRITAIN FOR 10 YEARS BEFORE THE DATA PROTECTION BILL REACHED PARLIAMENT.

HE EXPECTS THAT IT WILL BE SOME TIME YET BEFORE THE WORKING GROUP WILL BE IN A POSITION TO PRESENT ITS FINAL REPORT.

SIR PHILIP SAID THE WORKING GROUP IS CONDUCTING THE EXERCISE IN THREE STAGESi STAGE ONE, AN EXAMINATION OF THE PRESENT POSITION IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS; STAGE TWO, AN EXAMINATION OF THE PRESENT POSITION IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR; AND STAGE THREE, IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THESE RESEARCH EXERCISES, AN EXAMINATION OF THE NEED FOR LEGISLATION COVERING BOTH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

HE SAID STAGE ONE IS WELL IN HAND AND A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED BY THE WORKING GROUP ABOUT THOSE COMPUTER SYSTEMS CONTAINING PERSONAL DATA WHICH ARE BEING OPERATED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

THE WORKING GROUP HAS COMMISSIONED THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY TO DETERMINE JUST HOW PERSONAL DATA IS HANDLED AT PRESENT BY COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN SELECTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

AT THE SAME TIME, SIR PHILIP SAID, THE WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN COLLECTING INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACTION THAT IS BEING TAKEN IN THIS FIELD IN OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHERE A DATA PROTECTION BILL IS NOW BEFORE PARLIAMENT.

♦AND, IN THE LIGHT OF THIS INFORMATION, THE WORKING GROUP HAS BEEN CONSIDERING WHAT GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DATA PROTECTION MIGHT BE SUITABLE FOR ADOPTION IN HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.

SIR PHILIP SAID FOR STAGE ONE, THE WORKING GROUP CONSISTS SOLELY OF OFFICIALS. HOWEVER, WHEN THE WORKING GROUP MOVES ON TO STAGE TWO, WHICH WILL BE FAIRLY SOON, IT WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.

------o ------ /3.....................

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

3

+OFFENSIVE+ TAX PROVISIONS REMOVED

M M M X

THREE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL REMOVED THE PROVISIONS DEEMED TO BE OFFENSIVE TO WOMEN FROM THE ORDINANCE BUT FAILED TO MEET THE REQUEST FOR SEPARATE TAXATION.

THE THREE - DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON MARIA TAM AND THE HON PETER POON - WERE SPEAKING ON THE PROPOSALS INTRODUCED BY THE BILL THEY, HOWEVER, SUPPORTED THE MOTION.

DR HO SAID, +THEY SEEK TO REMOVE THE PROVISIONS DEEMED TO BE OFFENSIVE TO WOMEN FROM THE ORDINANCE AND PERMIT SPOUSES TO MAKE TAX RETURN JOINTLY WITH EACH SPOUSE BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR h£R SHARE OF THE TAX LIABILITY.*

+THE EFFECT WILL BE TO REMOVE THE STIGMA AND SEEMINGLY SECOND-CLASS STATUS HITHERTO ATTACHED TO THE WORKING WIFE. SHE WILL IN THE FUTURE FUNCTION AS A FULL-FLEDGED INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE FAMILY, BEING FULLY RECOGNISED FOR HER ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HER FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.*

THESE CHANGES, DR HO ADDED, WOULD MEET THE ASPIRATIONS OF WOMEN IN PARTICULAR AND BRING THE ORDINANCE IN LINE WITH DEVELOPMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL, BUT WOULD STILL PRESERVE THE TRADITIONAL CONCEPT OF THE FAMILY UNIT AS THE FISCAL UNIT OF CHARGE.

ON THE POTENTIAL FINANCIAL GAIN DERIVED FROM SEPARATE ASSESSMENT, DR HO NOTED THAT THE BILL DID NOT ADDRESS ITSELF TO IT.

HE SAID THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD MADE IT LOUD AND CLEAR IN HIS INTRODUCTORY SPEECH THAT THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT GIVE RISE TO ANY SAVINGS IN THE TOTAL TAX PAYABLE BY THE FAMILY UNIT.

♦HOWEVER, IF THE HUSBAND AND THE WIFE WERE TAXED SEPARATELY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS ESTIMATED IN MARCH 1983 THAT IN THE YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION, THE COST COULD BE IN THE ORDER OF $285 MILLION,* HE SAID.

DR HO - SUPPORTING THE MOTION - ADDED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT SUM TO FOREGO FOR THE ANNUAL BUDGET, AND WAS ALMOST EQUIVALENT TO THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS TO SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR 1983-84.

THE SHORTFALL IN REVENUE MIGHT HAVE TO BE RECOUPED EITHER BY INCREASES IN TAX RATES OR BY NEW TAXES, WITH THE EFFECT OF PASSING THE TAXATION BURDEN BACK ONTO THE TAX-PAYING PUBLIC, HE WARNED.

+THEREFORE ANY SUCH PROPOSALS HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE WIDER PERSPECTIVE, WITH DUE REGARD TO THE PREVAILING FISCAL CONDITIONS AND THE LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.

/recalling her .......

.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 19tj

- 4 -

RECALLING HER REMARKS ON THE SUBJECT IN THE BUDGET DEBATE, MISS TAM SAID, ♦ A'S I HAVE EXPLAINED IN MARCH THIS YEAR DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THIS COUNCIL, THE REASON WHY A MARRIED WOMAN TAKES EMPLOYMENT IS EITHER BECAUSE THE FAMILY NEEDS THE SECOND WAGE PACKET SHE EARNS, OR THAT SHE HAS THE ABILITY TO WORK SO AS TO FULFIL HER ASPIRATION, OR BOTH.

♦ IT IS PROBABLY FOR THE SAME REASON THAT HER HUSBAND TAKES EMPLOYMENT, AND HENCE THERE IS NO REASON TO DENY HER THE RECOGNITION OF HER OWN IDENTITY, HER CONTRIBUTION TO THE FAMILY OR SOCIAL ECONOMY.+

SHE SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS ANSWERED THE CRITICISM BASED ON THE +NARROW VIEW+ THAT OUR LAW FAILED TO MOVE WITH THE CHANGES CF TIME.

♦HOWEVER, AS I HAVE EXPRESSED IN THE SAME BUDGET DEBATE, A BROADER VIEW OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SEPARATE TAXATION FOR MARRIED WOMEN IS THAT, IF THE WIFE’S TAX LIABILITY IS ASSESSED ON HER INCOME INDEPENDENTLY OF THAT OF HER HUSBAND, THERE CAN OFTEN BE A SAVING ON THE TAX PAYABLE ON THE TOP SLICE OF THE COUPLES’ INCOME,+ SHE ADDED.

SHE BELIEVED THAT THE EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY WOULD WELCOME THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN THAT IT RECOGNISED THE WIFE’S SEPARATE IDENTITY. BUT THE CHINESE COMMUNITY HAD BEEN FAR MORE INTERESTED IN THE TAX SAVINGS WHICH THE BROADER INTERPRETATION OF THE CONCEPT OF SEPARATE TAXATION MIGHT OFFER.

♦ACCEPTING THE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS THAT WE ARE AT PRESENT UNDER AND THAT IT IS UNREALISTIC THEREFORE TO ASK FOR THE TAX CONCESSION THE GOVERNMENT HAS TO MAKE IN A TRULY SEPARATE ASSESSMENT OF THE WIFE’S INCOME, AND HOPING THAT THIS PROPOSED BILL INDICATES ONLY THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS FURTHER REFORMS AND TAX CONCESSIONS WHEN POSSIBLE, I SUPPORT THE MOT ION,+ SHE CONCLUDED.

MR POON SAID THAT THE BILL +GIVES IDENTITY TO THE MARRIED WOMAN, REMOVES THE PROVISIONS DEEMED TO BE OFFENSIVE TO WOMEN AND GIVES HUSBANDS AND WIVES AN OPTION TO MAKE AN ELECTION FOR A JOINT RETURN WITH SEPARATE PAYMENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SHARES CF THE TAX BILL.+

♦THUS MANY WILL WELCOME THE PROPOSAL OF SEPARATE ASSESSMENT BUT SOME MAY STILL BE UNHAPPY THAT SUCH APPLICATION CAN ONLY BE MADE JOINTLY BY BOTH SPOUSES AND NOT BY EITHER INDIVIDUAL AS PERMITTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,+ HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT SOME LONG-SUFFERING HUSBANDS HAD COMPLAINED THAT THEY HAD BEEN PAYING THEIR WIVES’ TAXES WITHOUT EVER ENJOYING THEIR WIVES’ SHARES OF INCOMES.

TURNING TO +SEPARATE TAXATION*, HE SAID, +THERE WILL STILL BE A LOT OF OUTCRY FROM WOMEN ABOUT DISCRIMINATION AND THAT FOR TAX PURPOSE, IT IS BETTER TO LIVE IN SIN THAN TO BE MARRIED.*

/♦THIS HAS .......

aSDNESDAY, 2WSUBEH 21, 1983

- 5 -

+THIS HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO BE SOMEWHAT OVER-DRAMATISED. THE EFFECT UNDER OUR PRESENT SYSTEM OF LOW TAX RATE AND ’FAMILY UNIT’ OF ASSESSMENT IS NOT AS GREAT AS IN THOSE COUNTRIES WHICH ADOPT SEPARATE TAXATION,* HE NOTED.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TAX ADVANTAGE WOULD NOT ARISE IN ALL CASES. + IN THE CASE OF HIGH INCOME COUPLES, THE CEILING IS THE STANDARD RATE OF 15 PER CENT, SEPARATE TAXATION OR OTHERWISE.*

+ALSO, UNDER OUR EXISTING LAW, A MARRIED MAN GETS TWICE THE 'ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE’ AS A SINGLE PERSON, I.E. 315 003 INSTEAD CF $7 500. THIS HELPS IN SOME WAY TO ALLEVIATE THE INEQUITY,* HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE COMPLICATIONS IN +SEPARATE TAXATION* BUT ONE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION NOT OFTEN MENTIONED WAS THE +PRESERVATION OF FINANCIAL SECRECY BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE*.

+THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES WITH JOINT RETURN. NEVERTHELESS, IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE APPROPRIATE AT THIS TIME TO CONSIDER SUCH BASIC CHANGE IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE,* HE SAID, SUPPORTING THE MOTION.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE CONSTRUCTIVE AND WISE COMMENTS OF DR HO, MISS TAM AND MR POON.

+THIS BILL IS DESIGNED TO REMOVE WHAT SEEMED TO ME QUITE OFFENSIVE PROVISIONS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO ALTER OUR BASIC SALARIES TAX STRUCTURE.

+THE CONTENTIOUS ISSUES INVOLVED HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTIVELY, INDEED VEHEMENTLY, DEBATED FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND MAY WELL AGAIN FEATURE IN NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET DEBATE,* HE SAID.

THE GOVERNMENT, SIR JOHN SAID, RAISES REVENUE TO MEET EXPENDITURE SANCTIONED BY THE COUNCIL.

+IT IS ENTIRELY PROPER THAT THE METHODS ADOPTED SHOULD BE CRITICALLY EXAMINED. I BELIEVE MYSELF THAT TAX ON THE FAMILY UNIT IS APPROPRIATE IN HONG KONG. I RESPECT OTHER OPINIONS.

+IF, HOWEVER, WE DO ONE DAY DECIDED TO CHANGE TO SEPARATE TAXATION, HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE BURDEN REMOVED FROM A FEW WOMEN MUST BE TRANSFERRED ELSEWHERE. AND THE COMPLICATIONS AND COST WOULD BE GREAT INDEED,* HE ADDED.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

6

FUTURES MARKET PROPOSALS STUDIED KOO

A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET AND COMMODITIES TRADING, WITH COMMUNITY, TO EXAMINE VARIOUS STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET IN

UP BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONG KONG.

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER POON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SAID STOCK INDEX FUTURES HAD BEEN FOUND ELSEWHERE TO BE OF VALUE IN PROVIDING HEDGING FACILITIES FOR UNDERWRITERS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS.

HOWEVER, HE SAID, A MARKET OF THIS NATURE MUST BE REGULATED TO PREVENT ABUSE, AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECT OF A STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET MUST BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED TO ENSURE THAT IT DOES NOT LEAD TO UNDESIRABLE CONSEQUENCES.

MR JACOBS SAID TWO SETS OF PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH A STOCK INDEX FUTURES MARKET IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING. ONE PROPOSAL WAS PREPARED BY THE CONSORTIUM OF TEN BANKS AND THE OTHER BY THE HONG KONG COMMODITY EXCHANGE LIMITED.

ON DECEMBER 1, 1983, HE SAID, THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION SITTING TOGETHER CONSIDERED IN PRINCIPLE WHETHER A MARKET IN STOCK INDEX FUTURES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG.

THE COMMISSIONS WERE ASKED WHETHER THEY WISHED TO MAKE A JOINT RECOMMENDATION TO THE GOVERNMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH A MARKET WOULD BE GOOD FOR HONG KONG.

+IT WAS FELT BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSIONS THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE MADE, AND TO THIS END THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING IS CARRYING OUT STUDIES WITH THE INTERESTED PARTIES,+ MR JACOBS SAID.

ONCE THE COMMISSIONER HAS COMPLETED HIS FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS, THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED BACK TO THE TWO COMMISSIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.

MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT HONG KONG IS A FREE ECONOMY AND IF THERE IS A DEMAND FOR A PARTICULAR TYPE OF INVESTMENT WHICH IS NOT OPPOSED TO COMMUNITY WELL-BEING, THEN GENERALLY IT IS ADVANTAGEOUS IF THAT DEMAND CAN BE MET BY THE LOCAL MARKET.

7

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

NEW RULES ON HANDCUFFS PROPOSED * * * *

HANDCUFFS HAVE BEEN USED IN 57 CRIMES COMMITTED IN 1982 AND IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR THOMAS WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983 WHICH AIMS TO FORBID THE POSSESSION OF HANDCUFFS AND SIMILAR RESTRAINTS.

♦THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES OF PEOPLE BEING FOUND BY THE POLICE IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, CARRYING ARTICLES WHICH COULD BE USED TO RESTRAIN A VICTIM WHILE HE IS ROBBED OR KIDNAPPED OR HIS HOME IS BURGLED,♦ HE SAID.

♦IT IS THOUGHT DESIRABLE THAT THE POLICE SHOULD HAVE POWER TO ARREST AND CHARGE A PERSON FOUND IN POSSESSION OF SUCH ARTICLES WITHOUT LAWFUL EXCUSE.♦

MR THOMAS SAID THE USE OF HANDCUFFS IN SOME 57 CRIMES LAST YEAR AND THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR SUPPORTED THIS VIEW: IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENVISAGE ANY LAWFUL EXCUSE FOR THEIR POSSESSION. THE NEW RULES WILL ALSO COVER THUMBCUFFS AND OTHER ARTICLES MANUFACTURED FOR RESTRAINT.

IF SECTION 17 OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE IS AMENDED AS PROPOSED, IT WILL MEAN THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS IN HIS POSSESSION ANY SUCH ARTICLES INTENDING TO USE THEM FOR AN UNLAWFUL PURPOSE, OR WHO IS UNABLE TO GIVE A SATISFACTORY EXPLANATION OF HIS POSSESSION, WILL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5 000 OR TO IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED UNTIL JANUARY 11.

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

SHOPLIFTERS MOSTLY YOUTHS * * *

SHOPLIFTING IS A CRIME PRIMARILY COMMITTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR JEAFFRESON WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON ANDREW SO.

HE SAID THAT, FROM JANUARY 1 TO NOVEMBER 30 THIS YEAR, 2 744

PEOPLE HAD BEEN PROSECUTED FOR THE OFFENCE - COMPARED WITH 2 142 IN 1982 AND 2 216 IN 1981.

STATISTICS ON THE AGE DISTRIBUTION OF THOSE ACTUALLY FOUND GUILTY ARE NOT READILY AVAILABLE, HE SAID. THE DISTRICT POLICE SUPERINTENDENT’S DISCRETION SCHEME ALLOWS SUCH OFFICERS TO CAUTION FIRST OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN SEVEN AND 16, PROVIDED THEY ADMIT THE OFFENCE AND PARENTS, OR GUARDIANS, AND THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM THE OFFENCE WAS COMMITTED, AGREE. IF THESE STATISTICS ARE ADDED TO THOSE FOR THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ACTUALLY PROSECUTED, THEN, BETWEEN JANUARY AND NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, 48 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED, OR CAUTIONED FOR SHOPLIFTING, WERE BETWEEN 12 AND 20 YEARS OF AGE.

/MR J2AJFRESCN .......

WEDNESDAY, DECELIBER 21, 19^3

- 8 -

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS INVOLVED IN A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AIMED AT EDUCATING THIS AGE GROUP ABOUT THE SERIOUSNESS OF BECOMING INVOLVED IN CRIME IN GENERAL. AND IN SHOPLIFTING IN PARTICULAR. THE POLICE, EDUCATION AND SOICAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS, TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, ARE ALL CONCERNED IN THIS EFFORT.

DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE YOUNG, AND PUBLICITY, ALSO HELPED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS TYPE OF CRIME. AS STATISTICS INDICATE THAT IT IS MORE PREVALENT DURING DECEMBER, AND THE EARLY PART OF EACH YEAR, PARTICULAR EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS.

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

BILL PROVIDES FOR PAYMENT OF ADVISERS FEES * * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE THAT NO ONE SHOULD SUFFER A FINANCIAL LOSS AS A RESULT OF RESUMPTION OF PROPERTY.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, WHEN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983.

MR CHAN SAID, THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BILL, WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE FEES OF PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS ENGAGED BY OWNERS WHOSE LAND IS THE SUBJECT OF RESUMPTION UNDER THE CROWN LANDS ORDINANCE TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND PAYMENTS.

HE SAID ONE SECTION OF THE ORDINANCE WAS ALSO AMENDED TO ENABLE ALL OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF PROPERTY WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF RESUMPTION TO CLAIM RELOCATION EXPENSES REASONABLY INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE RESUMPTION.

♦AT PRESENT, CLAIMS CAN ONLY BE SUBMITTED WHEN BUSINESSES ARE AFFECTED,* HE SAID.

♦THIS WILL ENABLE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS UNDER WHICH EX-GRATIA ’SETTING-UP’ ALLOWANCES ARE PAID TO BE DISPENSED WITH.*

HE SAID THE AMENDMENTS BROUGHT THE ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH OTHER LEGISLATION WHICH PROVIDED FOR THE RESUMPTION OF LAND.

AS A RESULT OF ANOTHER AMENDMENT INTRODUCING A REFERENCE TO +A WILLING SELLER* IN RELATION TO VALUATIONS, THE ORDINANCE WOULD CORRESPOND WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM’S LAND COMPENSATION ACT 1961. THIS, MR CHAN SAID, WOULD GIVE GREATER CERTAINTY TO THE LAW AND REMOVE ANY DIFFICULTY IN APPLYING DECIDED CASES TO THE ORDINANCE.

MR CHAN SAID AN ADDITION TO THE ORDINANCE WOULD ENABLE PROVISIONAL PAYMENTS OF COMPENSATION TO BE MADE WHILE CLAIMS WERE BEING DETERMINED BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL, AND THERE WOULD BE AN AMENDMENT GIVING STATUTORY BASIS TO THE LONG-STANDING PRACTICE OF PAYING INTEREST WHERE CLAIMS WERE SETTLED BY AGREEMENT.

DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 11.

------o------- /9......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 9 -

PLOT RATIO CRITERIA EXPLAINED * * * *

THE CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING PLOT RATIO WAS EXPLAINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO, HE SAID THE PLOT RATIO OF A PARTICULAR SITE WAS NORMALLY DETERMINED BY APPLYING THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS. HOWEVER, IN SOME CASES, THE MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO MAY BE DETERMINED BY APPLYING OTHER LIMITS SUCH AS THOSE LAID DOWN UNDER RULES GOVERNING DENSITY ZONING, TOWN PLANNING, BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT, AND LEASE CONDITIONS.

UNDER THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS, HE SAID, PLOT RATIO WAS DETERMINED BY DIVIDING THE GROSS FLOOR AREA OF A BUILDING BY THE AREA OF THE SITE ON WHICH IT WAS BUILT.

THE TWO MAIN FACTORS WHICH DETERMINED PLOT RATIO UNDER THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS WERE THE HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING AND THE CLASS INTO WHICH THE SITE FELL.

♦WHETHER DEVELOPMENT ON A SITE IS TO BE DOMESTIC OR NON-DOMESTIC ALSO AFFECTS THE EXTENT OF PLOT RATIO PERMISSIBLE,* MR CHAN SAID.

HE SAID DENSITY ZONING RULES, WHICH WERE BASED ON POLICY DECIDED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, RESTRICTED THE INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITTED ON A SITE HAVING REGARD TO ITS URBAN, SUBURBAN OR RURAL LOCATION AND USE.

MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE PLOT RATIOS WERE PRESCRIBED IN SOME STATUTORY TOWN PLANS, FOR EXAMPLE THOSE COVERING THE PEAK AREA AND KOWLOON TONG. THE REASONS WERE GENERALLY TO PRESERVE OR ACHIEVE A CERTAIN STANDARD OF AMENITY OR ENVIRONMENT, TO PREVENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES BECOMING OVERLOADED, OR TO AVOID GEOTECHNICAL PROBLEMS.

IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, LIMITATIONS ON PLOT RATIO MAY BE PRESCRIBED IN LEASE CONDITIONS TO ACHIEVE DEVELOPMENT OF A CERTAIN TYPE AND LIMITED DENSITY BELOW WHAT WAS PERMISSIBLE UNDER OTHER MEANS OF RESTRICTION ALREADY MENTIONED.

MR CHAN SAID THE CRITERIA GOVERNING PLOT RATIO EMBODIED IN THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS HAD NOT BEEN REVIEWED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN 1962 AND THE DENSITY ZONING RULES DATED FROM (APRIL) 1966.

AS REGARD STATUTORY PLANS, AIRPORT-RELATED RESTRICTIONS AND LEASE CONDITIONS, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BE PRECISE ABOUT THE FREQUENCY CF REVIEW IN EVERY CASE, BUT IT COULD BE SAID THAT ALL RESTRICTIONS WERE SUBJECT TO REVIEW FROM TIME TO TIME.

/?ZR CHAN ...........

uEDN^SDiiY, JSCEMBErt 21, 19c 3

10

MR CHAN ALSO SAID THE BUILDING REGULATIONS AND DENSITY ZONING RULES, WHICH APPLIED GENERALLY, DATED FROM 1962 AND 1966 RESPECTIVELY.

♦HOWEVER, THE OVERRIDING RESTRICTION ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT OF THE SIZE OCCURRING IN TSIM SHA TSUI NOWADAYS AND THEREFORE ON PLOT RATIO WHICH CAN IN EFFECT BE ACHIEVED, IS THAT RELATING TO THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT,+ MR CHAN SAID.

♦SO LONG AS KAI TAK AIRPORT CONTINUES IN OPERATION THIS RESTRICTION IS MOST UNLIKELY TO BE CHANGED,+ HE CONCLUDED.

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

HIGHER PENALTY NEEDED FOR TRADE CONTROL: HO * * * *

AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM CUSTODIAL SENTENCE FOR IMPORTING AND EXPORTING UNMANIFESTED CARGO WAS NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM, THE HON E.P. HO, SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983, MR HO EXPLAINED THAT IT SEEKS TO INCREASE THE CUSTODIAL PENALTY FROM SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS, BRINGING IT IN LINE WITH LICENSING OFFENCES.

HE SAID THAT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT OR TO ALTER A LICENCE. TO FACILITATE THE ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSING AND DECLARATION REQUIREMENTS, THE BILL WOULD MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO CAUSE A FLASE STATEMENT TO BE MADE, TO FORGE A LICENCE OR TO USE A FORGED OR ALTERED LICENCE.

♦FINALLY, THE BILL SEEKS TO EXTEND THE LIABILITY FOR LICENSING AND DECLARATION OFFENCES COMMITTED BY A CORPORATION TO THE DIRECTORS AND MANAGER OF THAT CORPORATION, UNLESS THEY CAN PROVE THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW THE OFFENCE WAS BEING COMMITTED, OR DID ALL THEY REASONABLY COULD TO PREVENT IT,+ MR HO SAID.

♦THE PROPOSALS ARE SUPPORTED BY THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD AND THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, AND I CAN ASSURE COUNCIL THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BILL ARE NECESSARY FOR THE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR IMPORT AND EXPORT CONTROL SYSTEM, AND WILL STRENGTHEN OUR ABILITY TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S INTEGRITY AS A RESPONSIBLE TRADING PARTNER WITHOUT DISRUPTION TO THE LEGITIMATE TRADE,♦ MR HO CONCLUDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 11.

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

/11 ........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

11 -

AID FOR WOMEN AT RISK

* * *

A RECEPTION CENTRE WHERE WOMEN AT RISK, INCLUDING BATTERED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN, CAN OBTAIN SHELTER IS TO BE OPENED NEXT YEAR, SAID THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR BARNES WAS RESPONDING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW WHO WISHED TO KNOW WHETHER THERE WAS AN ESTIMATE AVAILABLE OF THE PERCENTAGE OF CASES OF BATTERED WIVES BEING REPORTED. SHE ALSO ASKED WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING TO ASSIST VICTIMS AND TO REDUCE THE PROBLEM.

MR BARNES SAID THAT NUMBER OF UNREPORTED CASES IS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE AND IT IS THEREFORE DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE A PERCENTAGE FIGURE. IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1983, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 42 CASES AT ITS FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE.

THE ACTUAL INCIDENCE OF ABUSE IS PROBABLY HIGHER, HE SAID, DESCRIBING THE PROBLEM AS i +SAD, DEPLORABLE AND OFTEN DIFFICULT TO RESOLVE, AND, FOR THE ABUSED PERSON, SOMETHING WHICH CAN BE A PAINFUL, FRIGHTENING AND DEGRADING EXPERIENCE.+

♦NEXT YEAR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO OPEN A RECEPTION CENTRE WHERE WOMEN AT RISK, INCLUDING BATTERED WOMEN, AND THEIR CHILDREN, CAN OBTAIN SHELTER UNTIL LONGER TERM ALTERNATIVES CAN BE ARRANGED,* SAID MR BARNES.

♦VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS ARE ALIVE BOTH TO THE PROBLEM OF SPOUSE ABUSE AND THE NEED FOR REFUGE FACILITIES, AND HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN BECOMING MORE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROVIDING ASSISTANCE. THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ANY VOLUNTARY AGENCY WITH THE NECESSARY EXPERTISE WHICH MIGHT COME FORWARD WITH A PROPOSAL TO RUN A SHELTER FOR BATTERED WOMEN.♦

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

/12 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

12

FIRE SAFETY INVOLVES EVERYONE * * *

SATISFACTORY LEVELS OF FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED ONLY WITH EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND WITH THE FULL COOPERATION CF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY.

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON MRS RITA FAN WHO WISHED TO KNOW WHAT ACTION IS TAKEN TO REMOVE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS WHICH POSE A FIRE HAZARD AND WHAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD DO IF THEY DETECT SUCH OBSTRUCTIONS.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS DEAL WITH SUCH FIRE HAZARDS UNDER THE ABATEMENT PROCEDURE LAID DOWN IN THE FIRE SERVICE ORDINANCE. THEY FIRST CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO FIND OUT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HAZARD AND, IF THEY CANNOT FIND THE PERSON CONCERNED, THEY ASKED THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER OF A BUILDING TO REMOVE IT. IN ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF CASES THIS BRINGS RESULTS.

IN THE OTHER 60 PER CENT A FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICE HAS TO BE SERVED. THIS GIVES A TIME LIMIT FOR THE DANGER TO BE REMOVED. AFTER THIS PROSECUTION FOLLOWS. HOWEVER, PROSECUTION IS NECESSARY ONLY IN ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF SUCH CASES.

WHERE THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE THREAT TO LIFE, OR A PERSON REPEATEDLY OFFENDS THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IS EMPOWERED TO REMOVE THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS - THOUGH THIS POWER IS RARELY USED.

THE BEST ANSWER IS FOR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND OBSTRUCTIONS TO BE DISCOURAGED IN THE FIRST PLACE, HE SAID. PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS PUT THIS MESSAGE ACROSS TOGETHER WITH VISITS BY CREWS AND OFFICERS OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.

♦DESPITE ALL THESE EFFORTS, SATISFACTORY LEVELS OF FIRE SAFETY IN BUILDINGS CAN BE ACHIEVED ONLY WITH EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND WITH THE FULL COOPERATION OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* SAID NR JEAFFRESON.

♦THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON) HAS SET UP A COMMITTEE TO SEE HOW MANAGEMENT COULD BE IMPROVED.+

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO COME ACROSS OBSTRUCTIONS CAUSING FIRE HAZARDS SHOULD REPORT THEM TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT THROUGH ANY FIRE STATION OR VIA THE FIRES SERVICES HOTLINE 5-281224 WHICH OPERATES 24 HOURS A DAY.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

13

ROAD WORKS TO TAKE TWO YEARS * * * *

WORK ON STAGE I OF WIDENING TING KOK ROAD, TAI RO, WILL START AROUND APRIL, 1985, AND BE COMPLETED JUST OVER TWO YEARS LATER.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM THE REV HON P.T. MCGOVERN.

FATHER MCGOVERN ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SAY WHAT HAD HAPPENED SINCE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WAS GIVEN AN UNDERTAKING IN JANUARY, 1982, THAT THE PRIORITY OF CERTAIN PROJECTS, INCLUDING WIDENING TING KOK ROAD, WOULD BE REVIEWED.

MR CHAN REPLIED THAT THE PROGRAMME FOR WIDENING TING KOK ROAD WAS REVIEWED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING IN JANUARY, 1982, BUT, DUE TO THE NEED TO CLEAR SOME 3 OOO SQUATTERS IN ORDER TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME AND THE LACK OF A SUITABLE RESITE FOR THESE SQUATTERS, EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF THE WORK WAS NOT POSSIBLE.

THIS PROJECT, AND OTHER CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN TAI PO, WERE INCLUDED IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN, WHICH WAS PREPARED AND UPDATED ANNUALLY AFTER CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND POLICY BRANCHES, AND THE VIEWS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD HAVING BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, MR CHAN SAID.

FULL CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE PRIORITY OF INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS WITHIN NORMAL ENGINEERING, PLANNING AND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS, AND WITH DUE REGARD TO THE NEED FOR THE OVERALL BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.

♦THE REVIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS AN ON-GOING PROCESS, AND WHERE CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE A REVIEW OF THE PRIORITY OF ANY INDIVIDUAL PROJECT WITH A VIEW, PERHAPS, TO ADVANCING THE START DATE, THIS IS DONE,+ HE SAID.

HE SAID TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S VIEWS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT, THEREFORE, WHEN THE 1982 EDITION OF THE TAI PO PROGRAMME WAS PREPARED, AND THE BOARD WAS APPRISED OF THE OUTCOME WHEN IT REVIEWED THIS PROGRAMME IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.

THE 1983 EDITION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TOWNS WAS EXPECTED TO BE REVIEWED BY DISTRICT BOARDS NEXT MONTH.

MR CHAN SAID, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE TAI PO PROGRAMME, WHICH HAD BEEN NOTED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE (PWSC) OF FINANCE COMMITTEE, WORK WAS DUE TO START ON DETAILED DESIGN AND THE PREPARATION OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TING KOK ROAD UPGRADING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

/THIS wohk .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 14 -

THIS WORK HAD NOT ACTUALLY COMMENCED, BUT THE PWSC HAD ALREADY RECOMMENDED THE UPGRADING TO CATEGORY A OF AN ITEM FOR IT, AND A START WAS ANTICIPATED VERY SHORTLY ON THIS DESIGN WORK WHICH WOULD NOW COVER THE WHOLE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE SECOND STAGE OF THE UPGRADING AS FAR AS TAI MEI TUK.

+IT IS EXPECTED THAT TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE I FROM TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO SHUEN WAN WILL BE INVITED BEFORE THE END OF NEXT YEAR AND THAT WORK ON SITE WILL START ABOUT APRIL, 1985, AND BE COMPLETED BY MID-1987, AS PROGRAMMED,* MR CHAN SAID.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND STAGE FROM SHUEN WAN TO TAI MEI TUK WAS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE IN 1988, WITH COMPLETION DUE BY 1991.

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

NEW RULES ON COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS * * *

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE NEW STYLE OF COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS, DESIGED TO SAVE TIME AND UNNECESSARY EXPENSE, WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, MR GERALD NAZARETH, EXPLAINED THAT, IN AUGUST, AN ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE VIRTUALLY AUTOMATIC COMMITTAL FOR TRIAL BY THE HIGH COURT OF A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN SERVED WITH A COPY OF THE CHARGE AND EVIDENCE.

MR NAZARETH EXPLA I NED 1 +BUT THIS, IN EFFECT, WOULD ONLY BE WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THAT PERSON AS HE IS GIVEN A RIGHT TO ELECT FOR AN OLD STYLE PRELIMINARY ENQUIRY. EVEN IF AN ACCUSED PERSON DOES NOT ELECT FOR AN OLD STYLE PRELIMINARY ENQUIRY, HE WILL NOT LOSE HIS VALUABLE RIGHT OF APPLYING FOR A DISCHARGE ON THE BASIS THAT THERE IS NO CASE TO ANSWER.

♦THE LEGISLATION ENACTED IN AUGUST EXPRESSLY PROVIDES A PERSON COMMITTED UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURE WITH A RIGHT TO APPLY TO A HIGH COURT JUDGE FOR A DISCHARGE. IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR SUCH A DISCHARGE TO OPERATE AS AN ACQUITTAL. ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, THE LEGISLATION PROVIDES THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH A RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE COURT OF APPEAL AGAINST SUCH AN ACQUITTAL.*

MR NAZARETH SAID THAT THE MAIN LEGISLATION ONLY CONTAINS FUNDAMENTAL PROVISION FOR THESE MATTERS, WITH MATTERS OF PROCEDURE AND DETAIL TO BE PROVIDED BY SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. THE CHIEF JUSTICE HAS NOW MADE THE NECESSARY SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION IN THE FORM OF TWO SETS OF RULES - THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (APPLICATION UNDER SECTION 16) RULES 1983 AND THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (APPEAL AGAINST DISCHARGE) RULES 1983. THE FORMER PROVIDES FOR APPLICATIONS FOR DISCHARGE WHILE THE LATTER MAKES PROVISION FOR APPEALS.

♦IT IS INTENDED TO BRING THE NEW PROCEDURE INTO OPERATION WITHOUT DELAY, THAT IS, TO APPLY IT TO ALL COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS THAT COMMENCE ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1984,* HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER RI, 1983

15

NEED FOR CANTEENS RECOGNISED

* * *

GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING EATING FACILITIES FOR FACTORY WORKERS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAN, ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM, SAID SINCE THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO CANTEENS IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WERE REVIEWED IN DETAIL BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IN 1981, THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING EATING FACILITIES FOR FACTORY WORKERS. IT ALLOWED CANTEENS, SUBJECT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIRMENTS BEING MET AND THERE BEING NO CONFLICT WITH INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS, INCLUDING VEHICULAR ACCESS AND EGRESS AND RELATED LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES.

♦THE LICENSING AUTHORITY WILL NORMALLY ISSUE A LICENCE PROVIDED THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE MET,* MR CHAN SAID.

HE SAID IN SOME CASES CANTEENS WERE NOT PERMITTED UNDER THE LEASE CONDITIONS,BUT THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WAS NORMALLY PREPARED TO MODIFY THE CONDITIONS TO ACCOMMODATE CANTEENS PROVIDED THE AREA THEY WOULD OCCUPYi

DID NOT EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF THE PREMISES ON THE LOT,

WAS NOT REQUIRED FOR VEHICULAR ACCESS, PARKING, LOADING OR UNLOADING, AND

WAS NOT AT OR NEAR GROUND FLOOR LEVEL WITH EXCLUSIVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE STREET OTHER THAN FOR EMERGENCY USE.

♦THESE RESTRICTIONS WERE NECESSARY PRINCIPALLY TO AVOID INCREASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND PARKING PROBLEMS IN INDUSTRIAL AREAS AND BECAUSE CANTEENS WERE ONLY INTENDED TO SERVE WORKERS IN FACTORIES IN THE PARTICULAR BUILDING AND NOT THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* MR CHAN TOLD THE COUNCIL.

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

BOARD AND COMMITTEE PARTNERSHIP STRESSED * * * *

THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ARE PARTNERS IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ONE BEING SUPERIOR THAN THE OTHER, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, STRESSED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

♦ONE ADVISES WHILE THE OTHER RESPONDS TO THAT ADV ICE,+ HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY REV. THE HON PATRICK MCGOVERN.

MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS PERCEIVED THE DMC AS ASSUMING A MORE IMPORTANT POSITION THAN THE DBS IN THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS.

/but he .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 16 -

BUT HE BELIEVED THAT IT AROSE FROM A MISCONCEPTION OF THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE TWO COMPONENTS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

♦SOME MATTERS ARE RESOLVED QUICKLY AND RESULT IN EXECUTIVE ACTION BEING TAKEN BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WITHOUT REFERENCE OUTSIDE THE DISTR ICT,+ HE SAID.

♦OTHER ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARDS MAY HAVE WIDER IMPLICATIONS AND REQUIRE REFERENCE TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.♦

MR AKERS-JONES EMPHASISED THAT IF, AFTER THIS CONSIDERATION, THE DISTRICT ADVICE COULD NOT BE ACCEPTED BECAUSE OF THE WIDER PUBLIC INTEREST, THE BOARD WOULD BE INFORMED WITH SUPPORTING REASONS.

♦HOWEVER, IF PARTICULAR MEMBERS OF A DISTRICT BOARD ARE DISSATISFIED IN ANY WAY WITH THE RESPONSIVENESS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OR IN THE MANNER IN WHICH MATTERS ARE REFERRED TO THE BOARD BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THERE CAN BE NO BETTER PLACE TO RAISE IT THAN IN A MEETING OF THE BOARD.

♦RATHER THAN HAVE A SPECIAL REVIEW OF THIS WORKING RELATIONSHIP, I WOULD TRY TO IMPROVE AND CORRECT AS IMPERFECTIONS AND OMISSIONS AR ISE,+ HE ADDED.

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

ACTION TAKEN ON PRIVATE STREET PROBLEM # * * #

A PILOT SCHEME WILL SOON BE LAUNCHED TO RESUME SEVEN PRIVATE STREETS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON FOR BETTER MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DAVID AKERS-JONES, TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS WELL AWARE OF THE SERIOUS SANITARY, ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS RESULTING FROM THE LACK OF MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE STREETS.

♦WE ARE CURRENTLY CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF RESUMING PRIVATE STREETS AND MAINTAINING THEM THEREAFTER AS PUBLIC ROADS.♦

IN ORDER TO TEST THE PRACTICABILITY OF THIS PROPOSAL, THE PILOT SCHEME WOULD BE EMBARKED ON SHORTLY UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, HE SAID.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HO KAM-FAI ON STEPS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT SUCH STREETS ARE MAINTAINED IN A CLEAN AND SANITARY CONDITION.

♦THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES A DAILY CLEANSING SERVICE TO PRIVATE STREETS WHICH ARE NOT MAINTAINED IN A CLEAN AND SANITARY CONDITION BY THE OWNERS OR THE DEVELOPER,♦ W AKERS-JONES SAID.

♦IT MUST BE APPRECIATED THAT ITS ACTIONS IN THIS RESPECT ARE RESTRICTED BY THE FACT THAT THESE STREETS ARE PRIVATE LAND.+

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

/17 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

17

FERRY SERVICE NEED CAREFULLY STUDIED

MMX*

WITHDRAWAL OF A SCHEDULED FERRY SERVICE IS NOT CONSIDERED UNLESS IT IS LOSING MONEY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHARLES YEUNG, MR SCOTT SAID THE DESIRABILITY OF PROVIDING TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR WHAT ARE USUALLY SMALL OUTLYING COMMUNITIES HAS TO BE WEIGHED CAREFULLY AGAINST THE NEED TO ENSURE SENSIBLE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATIONS.

WHEN THE WITHDRAWAL OF SUCH A SERVICE IS SUGGESTED, HE SAID, A SURVEY IS CONDUCTED TO ESTABLISH THE TRAVEL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PASSENGERS USING IT.

THIS SURVEY INCLUDES DETERMINING THE PASSENGERS’ POINTS OF ORIGIN AND DESTINATION, THE PURPOSE OF THEIR TRIPS AND THE FREQUENCY OF TRAVEL. ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE ALSO EXAMINED TO ESTABLISH THEIR USE AND ADEQUACY.

♦IF, AFTER THIS PROCESS, THERE APPEARS TO BE A REASONABLE CASE FOR THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SERVICE, THE PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT BOARD FOR DISCUSS ION,+ MR SCOTT SAID.

♦AFTER THIS CONSULTATION, THE PROPOSAL IS PUT TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. IF TAC IS SATISFIED, THE PROPOSAL IS THEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR A DECISION.

♦THE SITUATION AFTER THE WITHDRAWAL OF A SERVICE IS MONITORED CLOSELY TO ENSURE THAT THE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT SERVICES ARE ADEQUATE, OR IMPROVED, TO REDUCE THE INCONVENIENCE TO THE TRAVELLERS CONCERNED,♦ HE SAID.

/18........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

18

COMPLAINTS ON MONEY-CHANGERS RAISE CONCERN KO*

THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION TO GIVE CUSTOMERS OF MONEY CHANGERS A FAIR CHANCE OF DECIDING IN ADVANCE WHETHER THEY WISH TO DO BUSINESS ON THE TERMS OFFERED, SAID THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

MR THOMAS WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WHO ASKED IF THERE ARE ANY PLANS TO REGULATE MONEY CHANGERS IN VIEW OF DISPUTES WITH CUSTOMERS WHICH HAVE ARISEN ABOUT THE LEVEL OF THEIR CHARGES.

MR THOMAS SAID THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS FROM TOURISTS THAT SOME MONEY CHANGERS DO NOT SUFFICIENTLY ADVERTISE THE +VERY SUBSTANTIAL* COMMISSIONS THAT THEY CHARGE.

*BY THE TIME CUSTOMERS DISCOVER JUST HOW MUCH THEY ARE, THE CURRENCY HAS BEEN EXCHANGED. SHARP PRACTICES OF THIS KIND, ARE NOT, OF COURSE, CONFINED TO HONG KONG,* HE SAID.

ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION, IT IS CONCERNED AT THE COMPLAINTS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE. THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION IS WARNING TOURISTS, SAID MR THOMAS.

♦ALTHOUGH MONEY-CHANGERS ARE CARRYING ON A LAWFUL BUSINESS, AND IT IS A FACT THAT SINCE 1978 THEY HAVE NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO ANY CONTROLS, THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR LEGISLATIVE INTERVENTION TO GIVE CUSTOMERS A FAIR CHANCE OF DECIDING IN ADVANCE WHETHER THEY WISH TO DO BUSINESS ON THE TERMS OFFERED,* HE SAID.

- - 0 - -

OYSTER FARMERS IGNORE RESEARCH FINDINGS ft ft ft ft

THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES OFFERS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO OYSTER FARMERS IN DEEP BAY TO IMPROVE FARMING TECHNIQUES AND TO IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE SITES SUITABLE FOR OYSTER FARMING.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG CONCERNING ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO OYSTER FARMERS IN DEEP BAY TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF POLLUTION ARISING FROM RAPID URBANISATION OF YUEN LONG.

/MR JACOBS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEB 21, 1983

19

MR JACOBS SAID RESEARCH UNDERTAKEN BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN THE EARLY 197O’S SHOWED THAT FARMING OYSTERS IN CAGES SUSPENDED WELL CLEAR OF THE SEA BOTTOM WOULD IMPROVE YIELD BY HALVING THE GROWTH CYCLE AND WOULD REDUCE THE RISK OF THE OYSTERS BEING CONTAMINATED BY THE SILT AND OTHER POLLUTANTS SUSPENDED CLOSE TO THE SEA BOTTOM.

AN ALTERNATIVE SITE SUITABLE FOR OYSTER FARMING AND RELATIVELY FREE FROM POLLUTION WAS ALSO IDENTIFIED IN TUNG CHUNG BAY ON LANTAU ISLAND. HOWEVER, NO OYSTER FARMERS HAD MOVED THERE.

MR JACOBS SAID THE RESULTS OF THE RESEARCH HAD BEEN PASSED TO THE OYSTER FARMERS IN DEEP BAY.

♦IT SEEMS, HOWEVER, THAT FEW, IF ANY, OYSTER FARMERS HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THIS RESEARCH,♦ HE ADDED.

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

ANOTHER CLINIC FOR TAI PO * * *

TAI PO IS TO HAVE ANOTHER OUT-PATIENT CLINIC FOR ITS GROWING POPULATION, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

WORK ON THE CLINIC IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MR CHAN YING-LUN, CONCERNING MEDICAL AND OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES IN THE AREA.

DR THONG SAID THAT THE DISTRICT IS AT PRESENT SERVED BY THE TAI PO JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, WHICH PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF FACILITIES.

OUT-PATIENT, EYE, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, FAMILY PLANNING, CHEST AND SPECIAL SKIN SERVICES ARE INCLUDED, HE SAID.

♦IT ALSO PROVIDES FACILITIES TO CATER FOR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CASES ON A 24-HOUR BASIS, AND ONE ADDITIONAL CONSULTING ROOM, MAKING A TOTAL OF FOUR, HAS BEEN PUT INTO OPERATION IN THIS CLINIC SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR.

♦THUS. IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THE EXISTING FACILITIES, TOGETHER WITH THE SCHEDULED IMPROVEMENT IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ARE ADEQUATE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AT TAI PO,+ HE SAID.

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

/2O .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 20 -

PLANS TO FIGHT NT WATER POLLUTION ft ft ft ft

THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED THE PROBLEM OF POLLUTION TO THE STREAMS AND RIVERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES BY SETTING UP A CENTRAL STEERING GROUP TO CO-ORDINATE REMEDIAL ACTION.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID THIS TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-LUN.

MR CHAN WANTED TO KNOW WHAT WAS BEING DONE TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF POLLUTION IN STREAMS IN THE TAI PO AREA, PARTICULARLY AS THESE STREAMS ALL RUN INTO TOLO CHANNEL WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED A WATER CONTROL ZONE UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE.

MR BARNES SAID THAT IN RECOGNITION OF THE POLLUTION PROBLEM WITH STREAMS AND RIVERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING THOSE AROUND TAI PO, A CENTRAL STEERING GROUP ON WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN SET UP.

♦THE FIRST TASK OF THE GROUP HAS BEEN TO IDENTIFY PRIORITY AREAS,♦ HE SAID.

♦FIVE RIVERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED INCLUDING THE LAM TSUEN RIVER, WHICH RUNS INTO TOLO HARBOUR THROUGH TAI PO, AND THE SHING MUN RIVER, WHICH ALSO ENTERS THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL ZONE AT SHA TIN.+

PLANS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THESE WATERCOURSES ARE BEING STUDIED, HE SAID. THESE WILL COVER MATTERS SUCH AS THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION DISCHARGES, TOGETHER WITH REMEDIAL MEASURES, SUCH AS DESILTING AND DREDGING, REFUSE CLEARANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE FLOW.

IN ADDITION LEGISLATIVE MEASURES ARE BEING DEVELOPED.

♦REGULATIONS UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE TO CONTROL DISCHARGES INTO THE WATER CONTROL ZONE ARE BEING PREPARED AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE PUT BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984,+ SAID MR BARNES.

♦THESE WILL BE AIMED INITIALLY AT DISCHARGES FROM INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES. COMPLEMENTARY CONTROLS ON THE DISPOSAL OF AGRICULTURAL WASTES ARE ALSO BEING DEVELOPED.♦

THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED UPON A MAJOR PROGRAMME FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS AT SHA TIN AND TAI PO, HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

21

POOR CAN GET HELP IN COLD WEATHER * * * *

__f ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO THE POOR DURING COLD WEATHER WAS n the legislative council today by the acting secretary FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES.

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW WHO SfeTsHOULD°SE?e£e CSOLRDV'sIt°%!SS'STANCE ™E S0VE"""E"T *o6lD

THE ' ?NDC$LTDTSfLEGC° MEET' *

SUCH ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF SHELTER, BLANKETS HOT DRINKS AND SO ON IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO ANYONE ELSE WITH LITTLE OR NO who might be without clothing or shelter in very cold ■A/t A i HER•

ocnoAMoU?!’1IC?SSISTANCE WOULD ALSO NORMALLY BE AVAILABLE TO SUCH

«b™%s^a^El7:;er2eu^«^St"fo^„'^^?iLehe^u^ne^d:rov,ded

DIRECTLYEBY THEEDEPARTMENT^UHE°Sa'|,D^M CL0THING CAN BE ARRANGED

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

PUBLIC HOUSING ENQUIRY SERVICES ADEQUATE

* * * *

THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY ENQUIRY SERVICES ON PUBLIC HOUSING FOR TENANTS AND PROSPECTIVE TENANTS WERE ADEQUATE.

♦DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WE HAVE RECEIVED MORE THAN

A MILLION ENQUIRIES ABOUT PUBLIC HOUSING, OF WHICH ABOUT ONE-THIRD WAS THROUGH THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS AND TWO-THIRDS THROUGH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AND ESTATE OFF ICES,♦ HE SAID.

REPLYING TO THE HON W.C.L. BROWN, MR LIAO SAID THE MANAGEMENT OFFICES IN THE HOUSING ESTATES MAINTAINED CLOSE CONTACT WITH TENANTS TOTALLING 2.3 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION, AND HANDLED ALL ENQUIRIES CONCERNING INDIVIDUAL TENANCY PROBLEMS.

♦A LARGE NUMBER OF SUCH ENQUIRIES ARE RAISED WITH THE MANAGEMENT STAFF DURING THEIR MONTHLY DOOR-TO-DOOR RENT COLLECTION ROUNDS.

♦WHEN TENANTS MOVE INTO NEW ESTATES, THEY ARE BRIEFED ON THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE AREA.

/♦IN ADDITION.......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

22

♦IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS, SINCE 1981. SET UP TENANT’S ADVICE CENTRES IN A NUMBER OF NEW ESTATES TO HELP FAMILIES TO SETTLE DOWN IN THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT ♦

AS TO MORE GENERAL ENQUIRIES, MR LIAO SAID MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE DEALT WITH BY THE RESPECTIVE OFFICES IN THE HEADQUARTERS REGARDING INFORMATION ABOUT HOUSING SERVICES WHICH WERE CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED, SUCH AS APPLICATION REHOUSING0 H0USING’ H°ME 0WNERSHIP SCHEME AND CLEARANCE

CAN BE AND

+AND, OF COURSE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE IS ALSO AVAILABLE d,str,ct OFFICES, WHERE ADVICE AND INFORMATION OBTAINED ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES PROCEDURES INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUS I NG.♦

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

PENALTIES TO BE DOUBLED

* * O

A BILL WHICH WILL DOUBLE THE MAXIMUM FINE AND THE MAXIMUM SURCHARGE THAT MAY BE IMPOSED ON AN EXPORTER WHO MAKES A FALSE DECLARATION, OR WHO FAILS TO LODGE SUCH A DECLARATION, WAS READ A SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THE BILL IS THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND IT SEEKS TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM FINE AND THE MAXIMUM SURCHARGE FROM $5 OOO TO $10 000.

MOVING THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, E.P. HO EXPLAINED THAT SIMILAR PROVISIONS EXIST IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, AND THIS PROPOSAL WILL REMOVE THE INCONSISTENCY BETWEEN SEPARATE PLACES OF LEGISLATION FOR THE SAME OFFENCE.

♦THE BILL FURTHER SEEKS TO PROVIDE GREATER RELIEF TO TRADERS INVOLVED IN THE SHIPMENT OF CLOTHING SAMPLES. UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, THE EXPORT OF SAMPLES WITH A VALUE BELOW $500 IS EXEMPTED FROM THE DECLARATION REQUIREMENTS. TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF PRESENT DAY COSTS, THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE THIS VALUE LIMIT FROM $500 TO $1 000.

♦THE OPPORTUNITY IS ALSO TAKEN TO AMEND THE REFERENCE TO THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL TO THE NAME OF ITS SUCCESSOR BODY, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL,+ MR HO ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 11.

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

/23........

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

23

MORE MONEY FOR WITNESSES * X X

WITNESSES IN CRIMINAL CASES ARE TO RECEIVE INCREASED COMPENSATION, UNDER A RESOLUTION APPROVED TODAY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

MOVING THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (WITNESSES’ ALLOWANCES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1983, THE LAW DRAFTSMAN, MR GERALD NAZARETH, SAID THAT, AT PRESENT, CRIMINAL CASE WITNESSES RECEIVE A MAXIMUM OF $50 PER DAY, OR $25 WHERE THE ABSENCE FROM HOME OR WORK DOES NOT EXCEED FOUR HOURS.

♦ BOTH THESE AMOUNTS WERE FIXED IN 1978,+ HE SAID.

♦SINCE THEN INCREASED REMUNERATION RATES AND INFLATION HAVE MADE THEM INCREASINGLY UNREALISTIC.+

THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE NEW RATES OF $90 AND $45 RESPECTIVELY.

THE NEW LIMITS DO NOT AFFECT ALLOWANCES FOR PROFESSIONAL AND EXPERT WITNESSES, FOR WHICH SEPARATE PROVISION IS MADE, W NAZARETH EXPLAINED.

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

PHONE WEATHER SERVICE FEE INCREASED * X *

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION SEEKING INCREASES IN CHARGES FOR WEATHER WARNING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.

IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID THE COMPANY OFFERED ITS SUBSCRIBERS A THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING SERVICE AT A CHARGE OF $50 FOR INITIAL REGISTRATION AND AN ANNUAL CHARGE OF $144.

THE SAME SCALE OF CHARGES APPLIED ALSO TO THE COMPANY’S TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SERVICE. o

-,THE ^CREASES WOULD RAISE THE REGISTRATION FEE IN EACH CASE BY $40 TO $90.

IN ADDITION TO THE REVISION OF REGISTRATION FEES, THE TELEPHONE COMPANY ALSO PROPOSED TO BREAKDOWN ITS THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNING SERVICES INTO TWO NEW, SEPARATE SERVICES — A THUNDERSTORM WARNING SERVICE AND A FLOOD WARNING SERVICE.

MR JACOBS SAID THE CHANGE WOULD REFLECT A SIMILAR DISTINCTION WHICH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY INTRODUCED IN MAY THIS YEAR IN ITS OWN WEATHER INFORMATION WARNINGS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN TWO RELATED BUT DISTINCT WEATHER CONDITIONS.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 24 -

THE FEE FOR THE NEW THUNDERSTORM WARNING SERVICE WOULD BE $240 PER ANNUM COMPARED WITH THE ANNUAL CHARGES OF $144, WHICH REMAINS THE SAME, FOR OTHER SERVICES.

MR JACOBS SAID THE PROPOSED CHARGES WERE BASED DIRECTLY ON THE COST OF HANDLING REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND RUNNING THE SERVICES. HE ADDED THAT THE POSTMASTER GENERAL CONSIDERED THE NEW CHARGES REASONABLE.

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

LANTAU TAXIS ax#

THE PERIOD LIMITING THE NUMBER OF MOTOR VEHICLES WHICH MAY BE REGISTERED AS LANTAU TAXIS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 23, 1984.

MOVING THE MOTION AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT SAID THE PRESENT LIMIT ON LANTAU TAXIS LICENCES IS TWENTY.

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

FIVE BILLS APPROVED MMX

FIVE BILLS WERE APPROVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

THEY ARE THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 5) BILL 1983, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE BUILDINGS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1983 AND TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS BILLS -THE METHODIST CHURCH, HONG KONG, INCORPORATION BILL 1983 AND THE HONG KONG SEA CADET CORPS BILL 1983.

FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED TO JANUARY 11, 1984.

THEY ARE i THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1983, AND THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1983.

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/25 .......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

25

CLOSURE OF BUILDINGS SOUGHT * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO. 17 GRAHAM STREET, HONG KONG TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND NOS. 122, 124 AND 126 WELLINGTON STREET, HONG KONG LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.

IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE THREE STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED WITH LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS AND TIMBER FLOORS AND ROOFS HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

A RECENT INSPECTION OF THESE BUILDINGS INDICATED FRESH MOVEMENT IN THE ALREADY FRACTURED AND WEAK ENCLOSING WALLS OF NO. 17 GRAHAM STREET, ESPECIALLY THE PARTY WALL COMMON WITH NOS. 122, 124 AND 126 WELLINGTON STREET. AS THERE IS NOW A RISK CF A COLLAPSE OF NO. 17 GRAHAM STREET IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING.

THE FRACTURES AND OUTWARD MOVEMENT IN THE PARTY WALL COMMON WITH NO. 17 GRAHAM STREET AND NOS. 122, 124 AND 126 WELLINGTON STREET IS SUCH THAT NOS. 122, 124 AND 126 WELLINGTON STREET COULD NOT WITHSTAND THE DEMOLITION OF NO. 17 GRAHAM STREET.

IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE BUILDINGS AT THE SAME TIME.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 8, 1984 WERE POSTED TODAY.

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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT * * *

AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GALA NIGHT TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF THE RTHK RADIO PROGRAMME, +MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK+ WILL BE HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNGHOM, AT 8 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NIGHT.

THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING LOCAL SINGERS KEN CHOI, SAM HO, WONG YEE-KA, CHEUNG SUK-LING, HA MIU-YIN, LAM CHI-MEI AND THE TOPNOTES.

DR J.W. HAYES, ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SLOGAN COMPETITION WHICH FORMED PART OF THE SERIES OF THE 26 HALF-HOUR RADIO PROGRAMMES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY RTHK AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE ENTERTAINMENT SEGMENT OF THE GALA NIGHT WILL BE RECORDED BY RTHK AND BROADCAST ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 24) FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM ON RADIO 2 WHILE ATV WILL TELEVISE THE SHOW AT 7.30 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GALA NIGHT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW NIGHT AT KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNGHOM.

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/26......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983-'-

- 26 -

DB LOOKING AFTER DISTRICT WELL-BEING

* * * *

THE ENTHUSIASM OF PEOPLE SUCH AS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE WELL TAKEN CARE OF, SAID THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY.

IN A BRIEF ADDRESS TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING, HE SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED BY THE DYNAMISM OF THE BOARD WHICH, SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN MARCH LAST YEAR, HAS CHARGED FULL STEAM AHEAD WITH ITS TASK OF LOOKING AFTER THE WELL-BEING OF THE DISTRICT.

♦WE HAVE JUST HAD THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, AND NO DOUBT IT HAS FURTHER ENHANCED THE SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE TOLD THE BOARD MEMBERS.

DESCRIBING THE BOARD AS +VERY ACTIVE*, MR WIGGHAM SAID IT HAD SET UP VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS TO LOOK INTO THE SHORTFALL OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, TO IMPROVE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY, AND TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ALONG THE KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA.

+THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE CLEARANCE OF HOI PONG VILLAGE ON TODAY’S AGENDA REMINDS ME OF THE TIME AND EFFORT MEMBERS HAVE DEVOTED IN ASSISTING THE VICTIMS OF TYPHOON ELLEN,* HE ADDED.

0-------

NOTE TO ED I TORSt

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS * * *

THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT TSUEN WAN WILL BE SWITCHED ON BY MRS VICTORIA HSU, WIFE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, AT 6 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE FIRST FLOOR PODIUM OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A PERFORMANCE BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AND THE PERFORMANCE.

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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC PLANS * * *

FROM 10.30 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23), SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TSZ WAN SHAN AREA FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORKS.

THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAN WAH STREET BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO TSZ ON ESTATE WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.

/WAN WAH ....

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

- 27 -

WAN WAH STREET SECTION BETWEEN SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND WAI WAH STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

GENERAL TRAFFIC TO AND FROM TSZ WAN SHAN ARE ADVISED TO USE TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.

THE FOLLOWING BUS DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:

ROUTE NO.

ON JOURNEY TO TSZ WAN SHAN

ON JOURNEY FROM TSZ WAN SHAN

3A, 3B, 15A

NO CHANGE

VIA TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, YUK WAH STREET AND WAN WAH STREET TO RESUME NORMAL ROUTING

THE FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTED»-

ROUTE NO.

20

DIVERSION OF MAXICAB SERVICE WILL BE

ON JOURNEY TO TSZ WAN SHAN

ON JOURNEY FROM TSZ WAN SHAN

VIA SHEUNG FUNG STREET, WAN WAH STREET AND TSZ ON ESTATE ACCESS ROAD

NO CHANGE

THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT WILL BE EFFECTED UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE ROAD WORKS.

AND FROM THE SAME DAY AT 10 AM, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY:-

* KAU PUI LUNG ROAD BETWEEN CHI KIANG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES NORTH OF THE JUNCTION OF KAU PUI LUNG ROAD AND LOK SHAN ROAD.

* LOK SHAN ROAD BETWEEN KAU PUI LUNG ROAD AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.

WITHIN THESE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE AUTHOSIRED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.

--------0 -

MODY ROAD PROHIBITED ZONE K K X #

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23), THE OUTER BAY OF THE LOADING AND UNLOADING LAYBY ON MODY ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 68 AND 70, WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE.

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED BAY.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRICE INDEXES FALL ..........................................• 1

TAXPAYERS REMINDED TO PAY IN TIME .............................. 3

FESTIVAL LIGHTING IN TSUEN WAN ...............................

FARE INCREASES APPROVED.......................................

TREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS ...............................  -......... 5

EARLY CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR AGED................................   6

TUEN MUN ROAD PROJECT CONTRACT SIGNED .......................... 6

NEW FERRY PIER FOR TSUEN WAN .................................

BIRTHS REGISTRATION ............................................ 8

SHORT-TERM TENANCY OFFERED ..................................... 8

TYPEWRITING CERTIFICATES FOR GIRLS ...........................   8

DANCE PERFORMANCES..........................................     9

SHIP STREET CLOSURE ..........................................   9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1983

1

PRICE INDEXES FALL * * * *

BOTH CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FELL DURING NOVEMBER, STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY SHOW.

THE A AND B INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, WERE 150 AND 149 RESPECTIVELY, EACH BEING ONE POINT, OR 0.7 PER CENT, LOWER THAN THE PRECEDING MONTH. COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, CPI A ROSE BY 16 POINTS, OR 11.9 PER CENT, AND CPI B BY 15 POINTS, OR 11.2 PER CENT.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI A INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.9 PER CENT EACH MONTH, AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI B AT 1.7 PER CENT.

DURING NOVEMBER, FOOD PRICES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND SALT-WATER FISH, WERE LOWER. ON THE OTHER HAND, CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT INCREASED. PRICES OF NEWSPAPERS, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ALSO WENT UP.

THE CPI (A) AND CPI (B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, OR URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CPI (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH, AND THE CPI (B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.

THE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1983 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR OCTOBER 1983 AND NOVEMBER 1982.

SECTION (OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)

NOV 82 CPI(A) OCT 83 NOV 83 NOV 82 CPI(B) OCT 83 NOV 83

FOODSTUFFS 138 155 151 138 155 151

HOUSING 129 140 140 129 139 140

FUEL AND LIGHT 140 154 152 140 154 152

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 125 204 206 124 195 198

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 137 144 149 137 145 150

DURABLE GOODS 108 123 123 110 126 126

/MISCELLANEOUS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1?8j

2

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 126 139 144 125 138 141

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 145 158 159 146 161 162

SERVICES 140 160 162 139 158 160

ALL ITEMS 134 151 150 134 150 149

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1983, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED

BY FOUR POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND SALT-WATER FISH WERE LOWER AS THERE WAS ADEQUATE SUPPLY. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF PORK ALSO WENT DOWN. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF EDIBLE OILS INCREASED. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY ONE POINT IN CPI (B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF MATERIALS FOR HOUSE MAINTENANCE.

THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT DECREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CIP (B) DUE TO LOWER PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, AS WELL AS LOWER FUEL COST ADJUSTMENTS IN ELECTRICITY AND TOWNGAS CHARGES.

THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) ROSE BY TWO POINTS IN CPI (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN CPI (B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF BEER AND CHINESE WINES.

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ROSE BY FIVE POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B) FOLLOWING HIGHER PRICES OF WINTER OUTERCLOTHING WHICH CAME ONTO THE MARKET DURING THE MONTH.

HIGHER PRICES OF NEWSPAPERS CAUSED THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS TO INCREASE BY FIVE POINTS IN CPI (A) AND BY THREE POINTS IN CPI (B).

THE ONE-POINT INCREASE IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B) WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER AIR FARES.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY TWO POINTS IN BOTH CPI (A) AND CPI (B) DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN THE DURABLE GOODS SECTION WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT+ FOR NOVEMBER 1983. BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THIS REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT $3 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.

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.

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5 _ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198}

TAXPAYERS REMINDED TO PAY IN TIME

* * M M

TAXPAYERS ARE URGED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK THEIR DEMAND NOTES TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRST INSTALMENT OF THE TAX DUE IS PAID ON OR BEFORE THE SPECIFIED DUE DATE.

IF THE FIRST INSTALMENT IS NOT SO PAID, THE SECOND INSTALMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BECOME DUE IMMEDIATELY. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY APPLIED AND PLEAS FOR OVERSIGHT WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED, A SPOKESMAN FDR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

IN ADDITION TO BOTH INSTALMENTS BECOMING IMMEDIATELY PAYABLE TOGETHER, WHERE TAX IS NOT PAID BY THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE THE COMMISSIONER MAY ORDER A SUM NOT EXCEEDING FIVE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL TAX BE ADDED. THIS SURCHARGE WILL ALSO BE IMMEDIATELY DUE FOR PAYMENT.

THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATE HOW THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL OPERATEi

EXAMPLE 1

TOTAL TAX DUE 6.1.84 $22 OOO

PAYABLE ON 6.1.84 $17 000

PAYABLE 6.4.84 $ 5 000

IF $17 000 IS PAID ON 6.1.84, THE SECOND INSTALMENT OF $5 000 IS PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE 6.4.84.

EXAMPLE 2

TOTAL TAX PAYABLE $22 000

PAYABLE ON 6.1.84 $17 000

PAYABLE ON 6.4.84 $ 5 000

IF $17 000 IS NOT PAID BY 6.1.84, THE WHOLE AMOUNT OF $22 000 PLUS SURCHARGE $1 100, TOTAL $23 100 IS IN DEFAULT AND ACTION TO RECOVER THE TOTAL AMOUNT WILL BE TAKEN SHORTLY AFTER 6.1.84.

IT IS EMPHASISED THEREFORE THAT TAXPAYERS WHO WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TWO INSTALMENTS SHOWN ON THE NOTE MUST ENSURE THAT THE FIRST PAYMENT IS MADE ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE SHOWN ON THEIR DEMAND NOTES. PAYMENT MAY BE MADE AS FOLLOWSs

AT COLLECTION OFFICESi

HONG KONG - WINDSOR HOUSE, 3RD FLOOR, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

KOWLOON - PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.

TSUEN WAN - FOU WAH CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, N.T.

OR PAYMENT MAY BE MADE BY POST BY SENDING A CROSSED CHEQUE, PAYABLE TO HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, ATTACHED TO YOUR DEMAND NOTE.

TOi COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE,

WINDSOR HOUSE,

311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1983


FESTIVAL LIGHTING IN TSUEN WAN

* * * *

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS HAS COME TO TSUEN WAN WITH THE SWITCHING ON OF THE COLOURFUL LIGHTS DISPLAY BY MRS VICTORIA HSU, WIFE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON UNTIL JANUARY 4 AND HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT A COST OF $65 000 PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

AS IN LAST YEAR, THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS ARE MAINLY AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD/CASTLE PEAK ROAD ROUNDABOUTS, AND ON THE SECTION OF SHA TSUI ROAD BETWEEN BO SHEK DAI HA AND HEUNG SING STREET.

THE 9 000 BULBS USED FOR THE LIGHTING STRETCH ABOUT THREE KILOMETRES.

THE DISPLAY AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ROUNDABOUT FEATURES A SANTA CLAUS, A SANTA CLAUS ON A SLEIGH AND A FAIRY, WHILE AT THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD/CASTLE PEAK ROAD ROUNDABOUT IT TAKES THE FORM OF A CHRISTMAS TREE.

FOR THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE ORGANISED SOME 40 ACTIVITIES FOR THE LOCAL PEOPLE.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE TWO DISCO DANCING PARTIES FOR A TOTAL OF 5 000 COUPLES TO BE HELD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS NIGHT AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.

APART FROM PERFORMANCES BY A BAND AND POPULAR SINGERS AND DISCO DANCE DEMONSTRATION, THERE WILL ALSO BE A LUCKY DRAW WITH ATTRACTIVE PRIZES INCLUDING RETURN AIR TICKETS FOR TWO TO JAPAN.

ADMISSION TICKETS AT $10 PER COUPLE ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS, AND AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE FROM 5 PM TO 9 PM.

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

FARE INCREASES APPROVED * * *

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY CONFIRMED THAT THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO AND CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY HAD BEEN GIVEN APPROVAL TO INCREASE THEIR FARES FROM JANUARY 1, 1984.

HYF LAST REVISED ITS CHARGES IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND CMB IN APRIL 1981.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE FARE APPLICATIONS BY THE TWO COMPANIES WERE CLOSELY EXAMINED BY THE GOVERNMENT THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND FINALLY APPROVED BY ’ THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ONLY AFTER THEY WERE VERIFIED TO BE JUST IF I ED •

/THE APPROVAL ......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198?

5

THE APPROVAL FOR HYF WAS BASED ON A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE LOCAL FERRY OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. IT FOUND THAT THE COMPANY WAS EFFICIENTLY RUN AND THAT THERE WAS LITTLE WASTAGE IN MANPOWER.

♦HOWEVER, COMPETITION FROM OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE LOW OFF-PEAK DEMAND, AND THE RESITING OF PIERS IN NEW RECLAMATIONS AWAY FROM ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AREAS, HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO DECLINING PATRONAGE.

♦FERRY PATRONAGE IS PREDICTED TO DECLINE FURTHER, IN PARTICULAR AFTER THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE MTR ISLAND LINE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THE CASE OF CMB, GOVERNMENT EFFORTS IN URGING THE COMPANY TO IMPROVE ITS SERVICES THROUGH THE BUS OPERATIONS REVIEW HAD SHOWN RESULTS, WHICH INCLUDED AN EXPANSION OF BUS SERVICES IN ACCORDANCE WITH A ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AGREED WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS THAT BOTH COMPANIES SHOULD NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION FOR A GENERAL INCREASE IN FARES DURING THE NEXT TWO YEARS UNLESS UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE.

- - - - 0 ----

TREAT FOR YOUNGSTERS * * X *

THOUSANDS OF WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO AN Entertainment-packed Christmas eve variety show at morse park on SATURDAY (DECEMBER 24).

THE SHOW, FEATURING A CONCERT BY POPULAR SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO II.

JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND COMMERCIAL RADIO, THE PROGRAMME BEGINS AT 8 PM AT THE PARK’S OPEN-AIR THEATRE.

MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF GAMES WITH THE ORGANISERS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE EVENT WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING SOME FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR LOCAL YOUNGSTERS ON THIS FESTIVE OCCASION.

♦THIS IS ALSO IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMME TO STRENGTHEN THE SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS,+ HE ADDED.

A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MRS PAULINE NG, AND THE COMMERCIAL RADIO PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, MR ROKS LAM, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE ORGANISING BODIES.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE SHOW ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1983 ’

6

EARLY CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR AGED * * * *

CHRISTMAS CHEER WILL COME EARLY TO OLD FOLK AND SOME LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN IN KWUN TONG.

A GROUP OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISTRIBUTE GIFTS AND SING CAROLS TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN THEY VISIT SEVERAL CENTRES AND HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN.

LED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, THE PARTY WILL VISIT THE LAM TIN SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, THE SALVATION ARMY YAU TONG HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, THE PO LEUNG KUK KO CHIU ROAD CENTRE AND THE SAGE KAI YIP HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.

ELSEWHERE AT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S KAI FUK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, SOME 6 □□□ RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR CONCERT CF POPULAR MUSIC AND SONGS.

THE CONCERT, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA COMMITTEE, WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE OPEN SPACE OUTSIDE THE THA OFFICE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A QUIZ CONTEST AND A LUCKY DRAW.

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

TUEN MUN ROAD PROJECT CONTRACT SIGNED OK*

A S52-MILLI0N CONTRACT FOR A ROAD PROJECT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WAS AWARDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR C.K. LAM, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LEIGHTON CONTRACTORS PTY. LTD.

IT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A SECTION OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATES BETWEEN A NEW RIVER BRIDGE, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND THE JUNCTION OF TSING WUN AND LUNG MUN ROADS.

WHEN IT IS COMPLETED, THE NEW SECTION, TOGETHER WITH OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, WILL PROVIDE DIRECT ACCESS FROM TUEN MUN ROAD TO THE WESTERN PART OF THE TOWN, INCLUDING BUTTERFLY AND WUKING ESTATES AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT THE JUNCTION OF TSING WUN AND LUNG MUN ROADS, TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS AND AN ELEVATED WALKWAY WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1983

7

NEW FERRY PIER FOR TSUEN WAN

* * * M

THE S50-MILLION NEW TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER COMPLEX IS FULLY INTEGRATED WITH THE NEW BUS STATION AND OTHER PUBLIC ROAD TRANSPORT FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PIER, HE SAID IT IS THE FIRST COMPLEX TO BE BUILT ON THE NEW TSUEN WAN RECLAMATION WHICH WILL DRAMATICALLY CHANGE THE NEW TOWN’S COASTLINE IN 1986 WHEN ALL WORKS ARE COMPLETED.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS ON THE RECLAMATION WILL INCLUDE A HOUSING ESTATE AND A RECREATION GROUND.

IT REPRESENTS NOT ONLY A VAST IMPROVEMENT ON THE OLD PIER WHICH HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR MANY YEARS BUT ALSO AN ESSENTIAL PART OF TSUEN WAN’S MODERN TRANSPORT LINKS WITH HONG KONG ISLAND AND TSING Yl,+ HE SAID.

MR AKERS-JONES NOTED THAT FERRY SERVICES CONTINUED TO BE ONE CF THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK.

HE WAS GLAD THAT THE COMPLETION OF THE PIER CAME NOT SOON AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY OF ITS DETERMINATION TO REDEVELOP THE JUBILEE STREET PIER.

AND I SHOULD LIKE TO PAY A TRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY WHICH HAS HAD TO FACE MANY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS,+ HE SAID.

AS A COMMUNITY, WE MUST RECOGNISE THAT INCREASING COSTS AND COMPETING MODES OF TRANSPORT HAVE CREATED THESE PROBLEMS FOR THE FERRY COMPANY.

IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT UNNECESSARY OBSTACLES SUCH AS LACK OF PIER FACILITIES, DO NOT PLACE ARTIFICIAL RESTRAINTS ON OUR ABILITY TO MAKE USE OF THIS PLEASANT AND DIRECT MEANS OF TRAVELLING BETWEEN THE HONG KONG TERMINALS, THE MAINLAND AND THE ISLANDS.

IN THIS REGARD, THE IMPORTANCE OF BUS AND MINIBUS SERVING THE PIERS IS ALSO MOST IMPORTANT,+ HE ADDED.

-----0-----

/8........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1983’

8

BIRTHS REGISTRATION * * *

FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, BIRTHS WHICH OCCUR IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE REGISTERED AT THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE, 92 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, 2ND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

+DEATH REGISTRATION IN HONG KONG ISLAND WILL CONTINUE TO BE PROVIDED AT THE CENTRE POINT REGISTRY SITUATED AT 181 GLOUCESTER ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, WAN CHAI ON WEEKDAYS AND AT THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES SHOULD TELEPHONE 3-7333111.

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

SHORT-TERM TENANCY OFFERED

X * X X

THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY ON A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF WAI YIP STREET AND SHUN YIP STREET, KWUN TONG.

THE 1 150 SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

THE TENANCY WILL BE FOR ONE YEAR, AND QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS, AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 6.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON EAST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 9TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON- AND FROM THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

TENDER PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

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

TYPEWRITING CERTIFICATES FOR GIRLS

K X X X

FOUR GIRLS WHO RECENTLY PASSED THE PITMAN ELEMENTARY TYPEWRITING EXAMINATION WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE RECIPIENTS, WHO ARE BETWEEN 15 AND 18 YEARS OF AGE, SAT FOR THE ELEMENTARY TYPEWRITING OF THE PITMAN EXAMINATIONS INSTITUTE IN JUNE THIS YEAR WHILE RECEIVING TRAINING AT TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION. ALL OF THEM HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED FROM THE INSTITUTION.

/THEY WERE.....

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198j

- 9 -

THEY WERE THE FIRST GROUP OF INMATES TAKING THE PUBLIC EXAMINATION IN TYPEWRITING, MORE WILL BE SITTING FOR SIMILAR EXAMINATIONS IN THE COMING MONTHS.

THE TYPEWRITING COURSE HAS BEEN OFFERED AT THE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THREE YEARS, IN LINE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR YOUNG INMATES.

THE DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED OTHER COURSES SUCH AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, BOOKKEEPING AND ENGLISH FOR YOUNG INMATES.

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

DANCE PERFORMANCE * * *

A VARIETY OF ORIENTAL AND WESTERN DANCES WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON THE EVENING OF JANUARY 15.

EIGHTEEN GROUPS OF PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR DANCERS WILL DEMONSTRATE ETHNIC AND MODERN DANCES.

PEOPLE WISHING TO SEE THE +DANCE PERFORMANCE EVENING* SHOULD FIRST OBTAIN TICKET VOUCHERS FROM THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HEAD OFFICE OR FROM THE HONG KONG DANCE FEDERATION.

THE VOUCHERS CAN BE EXCHANGED FOR TICKETS BETWEEN 5 AND 7.30 PM AT THE BOOKING OFFICE OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 15.

THE SHOW IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG DANCE FEDERATION.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM TELEPHONE 5-458511.

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

SHIP STREET CLOSURE

IKK

THE SECTION OF SHIP STREET SOUTH OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM, AND BETWEEN 7 PM AND 11 PM, FROM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 23) TO SATURDAY WEEK (DECEMBER 31) TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROJECTS WILL BOOST CHINA WATER SUPPLY ........................ 1

GOVERNMENT ACTS ON PRIVATE STREET MESS ........................ 1

ADVISORY SERVICE GETS MORE SCHOOL SUPPORT ...................

MEN REMINDED ABOUT NEV ID CARDS ............................... 3

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL STARTS .................................... 4

DAIRY PRODUCTS GO METRIC ...................................... 5

GOVERNOR'S COMMENDATION FOR SWD DRIVER......................... 6

FIVE SITES TO BE OFFERED....................................... 6

RULES MAKE CARGO CHECKING EASIER............................... 7

CERTIFICATES FOR SUPERVISORS .................................. 8

TRAM ISLANDS TO BE MOVED ...................................... 8

CHOIR TO CELEBRATE............................................. 9

TRAFFIC CHANGE ..............................................

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

1 -

PROJECTS WILL BOOST CHINA WATER SUPPLY

* * *

TWO MAJOR PROJECTS IN CONNECTION WITH STAGE II OF THE SCHEME TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF WATER FROM CHINA WILL START NEXT YEAR.

CONTRACTORS WITH SPECIAL EXPERTISE ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY TO BE INCLUDED ON LISTS TO PREQUALIFY TO TENDER FOR THE PROJECTS.

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SAID ONE PROJECT IS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-METRE DIAMETER TUNNEL, WHILE THE OTHER IS MAINLY FOR BUILDING TWO PUMPING STATIONS.

THE FIRST PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 5.3 KILOMETRE LONG TUNNEL FROM SAI 0 IN TOLO HARBOUR TO PAK KONG NEAR SAI KUNG.

FROM SAI 0 A SUBMARINE PIPELINE WILL BE BUILT ACROSS TOLO CHANNEL TO LINK WITH PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR. THIS WILL BE INCLUDED IN A LATER CONTRACT.

THE WORK WILL INCREASE WATER SUPPLY TO JUNK BAY, SAI KUNG AS WELL AS EASTERN PARTS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND.

THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE OTHER CONTRACT WAS FOR BUILDING PUMPING STATIONS AT TAI MEI TUK AND HARBOUR ISLAND.

THE STATION AT TAI MEI TUK WILL BE OFF-SHORE AND THE PROJECT WILL REQUIRE CONSTRUCTION OF A 3OO-METRE BRIDGE LINKING IT TO THE SHORE.

THE CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR BOTH STATIONS AND OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS.

THE TWO PROJECTS WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.


GOVERNMENT ACTS ON PRIVATE STREET MESS

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO RESUME AND RECONSTRUCT A 50-METRE LONG SECTION OF SAM PAN STREET IN WAN CHAI AS PART OF A PILOT SCHEME TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS SURROUNDING PRIVATE STREETS.

THE STREET IS AT PRESENT NOT BEING PROPERLY MAINTAINED BECAUSE IT IS UNDER MULTIPLE SUB-DIVIDED OWNERSHIP, AND IS DILAPIDATED.

THE SITUATION HAS GIVEN RISE TO SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS.

OBSTRUCTIONS COMMONLY FOUND IN THE STREET HAVE POSED SAFETY RISKS BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY OF ACCESS FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

/effective street ......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

2

EFFECTIVE STREET MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS TO ALLEVIATE THESE PROBLEMS CANNOT BE UNDERTAKEN BECAUSE OF THE STATUS OF THE STREET AS PRIVATE LAND.

IT IS PROPOSED THEREFORE TO RESUME A SECTION OF THE STREET SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN FIRST REPAIR AND THEREAFTER MAINTAIN THE STREET AND DRAINS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

THE PROPOSED REPAIR WORK WILL INVOLVE RECONSTRUCTION OF PARTS OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTPATHS AND DRAINS.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED PROJECT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A PLAN SHOWING THE WORK AND LAND TO BE RESUMED CAN BE SEEN AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (HONG KONG NORTH), 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

ANYONE OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY FEBRUARY 21.

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

ADVISORY SERVICE GETS MORE SCHOOL SUPPORT X X X X

SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS HAVE BEEN GIVING GROWING SUPPORT FOR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, DR JAMES HAYES, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF A CAREERS QUIZ COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ITS CAREERS '84 EXHIBITION HELD IN THE CITY HALL LAST MONTH.

DR HAYES POINTED OUT THAT 75 000 STUDENTS FROM 157 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE QUIZ COMPETITION THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 60 000 FROM 104 SCHOOL LAST YEAR.

♦WE CERTAINLY FIND THE INCREASE ENCOURAGING, AS IT REFLECTS THE GROWING SUPPORT FROM SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS FOR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SERVICE,* HE SAID.

DR HAYES STRESSED THAT THE QUIZ WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SERVICE TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE A CAREER BEST SUITED TO THEIR TALENTS, INTERESTS AND ABILITIES.

/HE thanked .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1?83

3

HE THANKED THOSE WHO HAD ASSISTED IN ORGANISING THE QUIZ, INCLUDING WANG PACIFIC LTD, WHICH HAD SPONSORED ALL THE PRIZES.

AFTER THE SPEECH, DR HAYES PRESENTED TROPHIES TO THE THREE SCHOOLS WHICH SCORED THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MARKS IN THE FIRST LEG OF THE QUIZ - PHC WING KWONG COLLEGE, CARITAS GODFREY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS NO. 12 COLLEGE.

THREE STUDENTS WHO SCORED HIGHEST MARKS IN THE QUIZ’S SECOND LEG WERE EACH PRESENTED WITH A BOOK ALLOWANCE OF $2 OOO BY MR JUSTEIN WONG, MARKETING MANAGER OF WANG PACIFIC LTD. THEY ARE LAU FAT-CHEUNG FROM PUI SHING MIDDLE SCHOOL; TONG KIN-CHAU, BETHEL HIGH SCHOOL; AND YUEN WAI-CHING, ST. TERESA SECONDARY SCHOOL.

- - 0 - -

MEN REMINDED ABOUT NEW ID CARDS

MM*

MEN BORN IN 1955 AND 1954 ARE REMINDED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BEFORE JANUARY 7, 1984.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY), +THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 26 AND 27, AND ALSO ON JANUARY 2, 1984. SO THERE ARE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LEFT FOR THEM TO MAKE THEIR APPLICATIONS.*

♦FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THOSE WHO ARE BUSY ON WEEKDAYS, THESE OFFICES WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 9.30 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR’S EVE,* HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE START OF THE CURRENT PHASE ON DECEMBER 5, 73 000 OUT OF AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 110 000 MEN HAVE TURNED UP FOR THEIR NEW I.D. CARDS, LEAVING 37 000 MORE TO COME.

♦THOSE YET TO COME SHOULD DO SO NOW, TO AVOID RUSH,* HE SAID.

APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS TO THE ISSUE OFFICES.

THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THEY CAN MAKE USE OF THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM.

ANYONE WISHING TO VISIT THE ISSUE OFFICE AT A PRE-ARRANGED TIME, NEED ONLY FILL IN A FORM OBTAINABLE FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICE, AND MAIL IT TO THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICE OF ONE’S CHOICE. BUT THE COMPLETED FORM MUST REACH THE OFFICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE JANUARY 7, HE SAID.

APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR ANY TIME BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5.30 PM ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY, EXCEPT MONDAYS.

THOSE AWAY FROM HONG KONG WHO WILL NOT BE BACK BEFORE THE DEADLINE SHOULD APPLY FOR THEIR NEW CARDS WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

4

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL STARTS * * * *

THE 6TH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, STARTED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING AND WILL LAST UNTIL NEW YEAR’S EVE.

A SPECIAL FEATURE OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS THE SIX-DAY RESIDENTIAL COURSE TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 26 TO 31 AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN SAI KUNG.

THE JAPANESE NARASHINO HIGH SCHOOL BAND, WHICH WON THE ALL-JAPAN SCHOOL BAND COMPETITION LAST YEAR AND AGAIN THIS YEAR, WILL TAKE PART IN THE FESTIVAL AND THE RESIDENTIAL COURSE IN SAI KUNG.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY HELD AT KO SHAN THEATRE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID THE BAND FESTIVAL AIMS AT STIMULATING INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND TO RAISING PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

♦THAT THESE AIMS ARE BEING ACHIEVED IS EVIDENCED BY THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOW MAKING MUSIC, THE QUALITY OF THEIR PLAYING, AND THE GROWING EXTENT OF COMMUNITY INTEREST IN THIS ACTIVITY,* HE ADDED.

+THE RECENT RECRUITMENT OF TRAINEES TO JOIN NEW MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CLASSES HAS HAD AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE WITH OVER 8 OOO APPLICANTS FOR 2 000 PLACES. OF THESE, MORE THAN A THOUSAND HAVE OPTED FOR WIND INSTRUMENTS AND IT IS CLEAR THAT IN THE YEARS TO COME WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE CREATION OF MANY MORE BANKS, AND WITH REGULAR LESSONS AND REGULAR PRACTICE, A VERY REAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE STANDARD OF WIND INSTRUMENTAL PLAYING,* MR ROWLANDS SAID.

IN A WELCOMING ADDRESS, MR C.K.K. WONG, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, SAID THE FESTIVAL OFFERED A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES TO MEET AND EXCHANGE MUSICAL EXPERIENCES THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF THE YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME.

+SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1978, THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL ATTRACTION TO BANDS AND BAND MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS,* HE ADDED.

REFERRING TO THE INTENSIVE SIX-DAY RESIDENTIAL MUSICAL TRAINING COURSE, MR WONG SAID THE PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A BALANCED PROGRAMME OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN THEIR MUSICAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983"*

5

DAIRY PRODUCTS GO METRIC ft ft ft ft

THE DAIRY PRODUCTS TRADE WILL COMPLETE ITS METRICATION PROGRAMME THIS YEAR, THE METRICATION COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED TODAY (DECEMBER 23).

AFTER THAT, THE VOLUME OF MILK AND ICE-CREAM WILL BE MEASURED IN ’LITRE’ AND ’MILLILITRE’ INSTEAD OF ’GALLON’, ’QUART’, ’PINT’ OR ’FLUID OUNCE’.

TO PUBLICISE THE CHANGE 10 000 POSTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FOR DISPLAY BY DAIRY PROCESSORS, SUPERMARKETS AND GENERAL FOOD STORES.

A METRICATION COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE DAIRY PRODUCTS TRADE WAS ONE OF THE PRIMARY TARGETS OF OUR CAMPAIGN.*

AS A RESULT, THE COMMITTEE FORMED A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES SECTOR, IN JUNE 1979, TO COORDINATE THE TRADE’S CONVERSION PROGRAMME. THE WORKING GROUP CONSISTED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM MAJOR DAIRY PROCESSORS.

♦THE WORK OF THIS GROUP WAS BASICALLY CONFINED TO THE METRICATION OF DAIRY PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED OR PACKED IN HONG KONG FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION, IN PARTICULAR MILK AND ICE-CREAM,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THE TRADE WAS GIVEN A THREE-YEAR ’SOFT CONVERSION’ PERIOD STARTING 1980, DURING WHICH A DUAL LABELLING SYSTEM WAS ADOPTED AND LOCAL DAIRY PROCESSORS WERE ASKED TO DESIGN NEW METRIC PACKS, MAKE OPERATIVE AND MARKETING ADJUSTMENTS AND LAUNCH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO PREPARE FOR THE HARD CONVERSION TARGET DATE OF JANUARY 1983,* HE ADDED.

HARD CONVERSION MEANS THAT SOLE METRIC UNITS ARE TO BE USED THROUGHOUT THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND EVENTUALLY IN PACKING AND LABELLING SO THAT THE PRODUCTS CAN BE EXPRESSED IN A UNIFIED AND SYSTEMATIC SET OF FIGURES.

♦CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE NO DIFFICULTY IN ADAPTING TO THE NEW SYSTEM SINCE THEY HAVE ALREADY BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO IT THROUGH DUAL LABELLING OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS,♦ HE ADDED.

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

/6 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

6

GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR SWD DRIVER M * * *

A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT DRIVER HAS BEEN AWARDED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR INITIATIVE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY DURING TYPHOON ELLEN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

MR FUNG KAR-LIM, 42, WHO IS ATTACHED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON KITCHEN, RECEIVED THE COMMENDATION TODAY (FRIDAY) FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY.

THE GOVERNOR PRAISED MR FUNG FOR +LOYALTY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY OF A VERY HIGH ORDER RESULTING IN THE RAPID DISTRIBUTION OF COOKED FOOD AND RELIEF SUPPLIES IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS DURING TYPHOON ELLEN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1983.♦

MR FUNG JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1971.

--------o -

FIVE SITES TO BE OFFERED

M M M

FIVE SITES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE AT AN AUCTION ON JANUARY 18 AT THE JADE BALLROOM, FURAMA HOTEL.

TWO OF THE LOTS ARE IN KOWLOON AND THE OTHERS ARE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

ONE OF THE KOWLOON LOTS IS ON LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR WONG TAI SIN AND OCCUPIES 2 616 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR NONINDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING A GODOWN.

THE OTHER LOT IN KOWLOON IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR CARGO HANDLING AND CONCRETE BATCHING USE.

THE SITE, COVERING 4 115 SQUARE METRES, IS ON KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.

OF THE THREE NEW TERRITORIES SITES, TWO ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, WHILE THE OTHER IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN USE.

THE TWO PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOTS ARE IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN AND MEASURE 8 196 AND 2 900 SQUARE METRES.

THE REMAINING INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN SITE, MEASURING 6 400 SQUARE METRES, IS IN SHA TIN.

EARLIER THIS MONTH, THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD OFFER THE ADMIRALTY II SITE FOR SALE AT THE SAME AUCTION.

/FULL PARTICULARS .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR THE FIVE SITES MAY BE OBTAINED FROM 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; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, (KOWLOON WEST), KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1OTH FLOOP, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.

SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED LOCATIONS.

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

RULES MAKE CARGO CHECKING EASIER ft ft ft ft

REGULATIONS AIMED AT FACILITATING THE EXAMINATION OF IMPORTED CARGO FOR THE PROTECTION OF HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS, WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

REFERRING TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REMOVAL OF ARTICLES) REGULATIONS, 1983, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE, MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAVE THE POWER TO SERVE NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE REMOVAL OF IMPORTED CARGO FROM THE CARGO CARRIER IF THERE IS A NEED TO IDENTIFY OR VERIFY THE PARTICULARS OF THE CONSIGNEE.

THE ORDINANCE ALSO EMPOWERS MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO REQUIRE THE TRANSFER OF THE IMPORTED CARGO TO AN AGREED LOCATION IF IT IS CONSIDERED MORE CONVENIENT TO EXAMINE THE CARGO AFTER IT HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE CARRIER.

♦THE NEW REGULATIONS PRESCRIBE FORMS OF NOTICE AND SPECIFY THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH NOTICE IS TO BE SERVED,♦ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

ANY FURTHER ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE REGULATIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO MR S.B. LEE OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AT TELi 3-677246.

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

/8 .......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1903

8 -

CERTIFICATES FOR SUPERVISORS * ft * *

AT A CEREMONY HELD THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING, 216 SUPPLIES SUPERVISORS WERE PRESENTED GRADUATION CERTIFICATES BY THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR ROY KILVERT, IN THEIR HEADQUARTERS.

THE SUPPLIES SUPERVISORS HAD SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED 26 WEEKLY EVENING TRAINING SESSIONS, COVERING STORES REGULATIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS, PROCEDURES AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED ON THEIR JOB.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR KILVERT SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO IMPROVE SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT AT THE POINT OF DELIVERY THROUGH ORGANISED TRAINING PROGRAMMES. -

THE SUPERVISOR COURSE, IS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR BOTH SERVING AND NEWLY RECRUITED STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT, HE EXPLAINED.

BESIDES PROVIDING IN-SERVICE AND BASIC INDUCTION COURSES, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO SPONSORS STAFF MEMBERS ATTENDING COURSES IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.

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

TRAM ISLANDS TO BE MOVED * * * *

TWO SHELTERED TRAM ISLANDS ON KING’S ROAD ARE TO BE RELOCATED AND LINKED BY A STAIRCASE TO A PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE.

THEY WILL BE MOVED FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD AND Fl NN IE STREET TO THE NORTH SIDE.

THE RELOCATION IS NECESSARY IN CONNECTION WITH PROPOSED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT THIS JUNCTION WHEN THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR OPENS.

WORK ON THE PROJECT IS DUE FOR COMPLETION BY MID-1985.

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED PROJECT, A NOTICE OF WHICH HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 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, HONG KONG NORTH, HARBOUR CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR ROAD; AND EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 884-886, KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG.

ANY OBJECTION MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY FEBRUARY 21.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1983

CHOIR TO CELEBRATE * * *

THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, WHICH HAS WON ACCLAIM IN MANY PUBLIC APPEARANCES, WILL HOLD A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION PARTY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL JOIN THE PARTY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE NORTH POINT KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.

THE CHOIR, SET UP IN MAY THIS YEAR, WILL PERFORM FOR THE GUESTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A LUCKY DRAW AT THE PARTY.

- - 0 -

TRAFFIC CHANGE XXX

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 26), PRIVATE MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO USE HING FONG ROAD, OUTSIDE THE KWAI HING MTR STATION FOR PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, INSTEAD OF THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE.

THIS CHANGE IS TO ALLOW FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK INSIDE THE INTERCHANGE AND WILL LAST ABOUT ONE MONTH.

0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, DECMER 2<t, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

'MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME WELL RECEIVED ........................... 1

TWO LITTER WARDENS COMMENDED FOR WORK ........................... 1

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ..................................... 2

PARK ROAD TO MAKE HIKING EASIER ................................. 2

KUI WO TO BE LANDSCAPED ......................................... J

BEACH SOUVENIR STALLS FOR LEASE

3

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1983

1

’MEET THE PUBLIC’ SCHEME WELL RECEIVED

* * * *

THE YUEN L0N6 DISTRICT BOARD’S +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SCHEME HAS PROVED A SUCCESS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

♦THE UNOFFICIAL BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN THE SCHEME AND THEY WILL CONTINUE TO HELP PEOPLE WITH PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.

♦THEY MEET THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ONCE A WEEK IN THE EVENING. HOWEVER, SOME ENTHUSIASTIC UNOFFICIALS ARE ALSO MEETING PEOPLE IN THE MORNING FROM MODAY TO SATURDAY.♦

HE POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN 2OO CASES WERE RECEIVED SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED A YEAR AGO AND THAT MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THEM WERE QUICKLY DEALT WITH.

STATISTICS SHOWED THAT ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE TOTAL CASES RECEIVED CONCERNED LAND MATTERS AND CLEARANCES. THE OTHERS WERE MATTERS RELATING TO TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY SERVICES, HOUSING AND HAWKER PROBLEMS.

♦ALL CASES RECEIVED BY THE BOARD MEMBERS ARE REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR ACT ION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦AND THE RESPONSE FROM CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS TOWARDS THE REFERRALS HAS BEEN VERY SATISFACTORY. OF THE 94 CASES RECEIVED IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, ONLY 15 ARE STILL OUTSTANDING*.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS CAN TELEPHONE THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT 0-792261 EXTENSION 145 FOR APPOINTMENTS.

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

TWO LITTER WARDENS COMMENDED FOR WORK OHM

TWO SUPERVISORS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY COMMENDED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, FOR THEIR WORK IN HELPING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.

RECEIVING THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATIONS FROM MR HEYWOOD AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS TODAY WERE FOREMAN LI KWONG-KAN AND GANGER LAU CHUN-LOI, BOTH OF THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE.

MR LI WAS COMMENDED FOR BRINGING 199 LITTERBUGS TO COURT FOR DISCARDING LITTER AND RUBBISH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS BROUGHT BY A LITTER OFFICER OF THE NTSD IN THE SIX MONTHS UP TO OCTOBER.

MR LAU EARNED HIS AWARD FOR ACTING AGAINST A LITTER OFFENDER WHO WAS LATER TO PAY THE HIGHEST FINE IMPOSED BY A COURT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/ON AUGUST .......

SATURDAY, D3C2MBSR 24, 1?83

2

ON AUGUST 25 THIS YEAR CF TIMBER BEING DUMPED NEAR

MR LAU HAD SEEN A FULL LORRY LOAD TAI KIU TAU VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN.

THE GOODS

ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER OF

TOOK DOWN THE VEHICLE NUMBER AND THIS BEING FINED $1 500 FOR THE OFFENCE AT

MR HEYWOOD CONGRATULATED THE TWO VIGILANCE AND FOR THE RESOLUTE WAY IN THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT WORK.

VEHICLE SPED AWAY, MR LAU LATER LED TO THE OWNER THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY.

OFFICERS FOR THEIR WHICH THEY PURSUED

----0------

NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT * * * *

A NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IS TO BE BUILT AT PORTLAND STREET, MONG KOK, TO HELP IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.

WORK WILL START NEXT MARCH AND BE COMPLETED IN NINE MONTHS.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. THE TWO-STOREY OFFICE OF BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 150 SQUARE-METRE

INCLUDE A REFUSE LOADING AREA WITH SPACES FOR A PUBLIC TOILET AND A TOILET FOR THE DISABLED.

REFUSE COLLECT SITE, AND WILL HANDCARTS, AND

THERE ARE KOK DISTRICT.

AT PRESENT 13 REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS

IN MONG

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

PARK ROAD TO MAKE HIKING EASIER * * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A |2.5 MILLION ACCESS ROAD DESIGNED TO HELP OPEN UP THE NORTHERN PART OF TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK FOR PUBLIC RECREATION.

THE TRACK WILL PROVIDE A LINK FROM THE TAI LAM CHUNG MANAGEMENT CENTRE TO A NEW PROPOSED MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF THE PARK.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT WITH THE GROWING POPULATION OF YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN SEEKING INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION, THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY SEES THIS AS AN AREA WITH CONSIDERABLE POTENTIAL FOR USE.

HE SAID THE PROPOSED MANAGEMENT CENTRE WOULD PROVIDE A BASE FOR STAFF ENGAGED IN FIRE FIGHTING, TREE PLANTING, FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT AND SETTING OUT OF PICNIC AND BARBECUE PLACES IN THE NOW FAMILIAR COUNTRY PARKS STYLE.

+THE NEW ROAD LINK WILL ALSO GIVE RAPID FIRE-FIGHTING BACK-UP AND PROVIDE A NEW EASY HIKING ROUTE FROM TAI TONG TO THE HEART OF TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK,* HE SAID.

0

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1983

- 3 -

MUI WO TO BE LANDSCAPED * * * *

ABOUT 12 □□□ TREES AND SHRUBS WILL BE PLANTED AT MUI WO TO PROVIDE A MORE PICTURESQUE AND PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.

PLANTING WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE NEW RECLAMATION WEST OF MUI WO FERRY CONCOURSE, ALONG THE SOUTH BANK OF THE MAIN RIVER CHANNEL AND ON PROMENADES AT THE WATERFRONT.

THE NEW RECLAMATION, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MARCH UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT, WILL BE USED FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, A CLINIC, A FIRE STATION AND A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION.

THE PLANTING PROJECT WILL INCLUDE PROVISION OF FLOWER BEDS AND PERGOLA AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.

DUE TO THE EXPOSURE OF THE RECLAMATION TO THE SEA, PLANTS WHICH CAN WITHSTAND SALT-LADEN WINDS WILL BE SELECTED.

WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MARCH AND TAKE FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE. SPECIALIST CONTRACTORS ARE BEING INVITED TO TENDER.

THE PLANTING AND LANDSCAPING WORK WILL BE DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED BY AN ENGINEERING CONSULTANT FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

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

BEACH SOUVENIR STALLS FOR LEASE * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF FIVE SOUVENIR STALLS AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH IN TUEN MUN.

ROWING FACILITIES AND BARBECUE PITS ARE PROVIDED AT THE CASTLE PEAK BEACH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.

THE BEACH IS ALSO A POPULAR NEW TERRITORIES TOURIST SIGHTSEEING SPOT.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START THEIR BUSINESSES ON MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR. THE CONTRACTS FOR FOUR OF THE STALLS WILL EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 28, 1986 AND THE FIFTH ONE ON DECEMBER 31 THAT YEAR.

TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF ’TOP COURT’ 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820800 EXT. 221.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 198}

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS BEING IMPLEMENTED......................... 1

COMPULSORY INSPECTION OF VEHICLES ............................. 2

TUEN MUN CARNIVAL FOR 10 000 .................................. 3

ANNEX FOR MAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE....................... 3

S3 000 PRIZE OFFERED FOR BEST STUDENT MURAL..................... 4

LIFE-SAVING COURSE OFFERED ..................................... 4

KIOSK OPERATORS WANTED.......................................    5

NEW HORTICULTURAL COURSE ....................................... 6

BUS-ONLY LANE SUSPENSION ....................................... 6

LEAKAGE TESTS .................................................. 6

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1983

1

SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS BEING IMPLEMENTED * * * *

FOLLOWING EXTENDED EXPERIMENTATION, THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS NOW CARRYING OUT A SERIES OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS TO REDUCE FUEL CONSUMPTION.

THE DEPARTMENT STARTED EXPERIMENTAL SCHEMES IN LATE 1980 TO TEST THE FEASIBILITY OF SOLAR POWER AS AN ALTERNATIVE OR SUPPLEMENTARY SOURCE OF ENERGY.

THE SCHEMES WERE TRIED OUT AT THE STANLEY BATHHOUSE AND THE SHEK KONG ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT DEPOT WHERE THEY NOW PROVIDE HOT WATER FOR SHOWERS.

+AT THE STANLEY BATHHOUSE, AN ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT THE SCHEME SAVED 1 646 LITRES OF DIESEL OIL, OR ABOUT $2 350, FOR THE FOURMONTH PERIOD FROM DECEMBER 1980 TO MARCH 1981,* SAID MR MAK WOON-CHUNG, SENIOR BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEER OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

THE NEW PROJECTS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED AT A TOTAL COST OF $4.8 MILLION FOR A VARIETY OF HEATING PURPOSES IN SHEK PIK MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON, LAI SUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN HEI LING CHAU, MORSE PARK, SHEK KONG MILITARY CAMP AND THE TAI NAN STREET BATHHOUSE, AMONG OTHER PLACES.

THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM EMPLOYED CONSISTS PRINCIPALLY OF A HEATABSORBING COLLECTOR - A SERIES OF SOLAR PANELS - A CIRCULATING PUMP, A HOT WATER STORAGE TANK, A HEAT EXCHANGER AND PIPING, TOGETHER WITH INSTRUMENTS TO ASSESS THE TEMPERATURE AND WATER FLOW, MR MAK EXPLAINED.

+THE SOLAR PANEL AREAS FOR THESE PROJECTS MEASURE FROM 45 TO 480 SQUARE METRES. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT WITH OPTIMUM PANEL AREAS, THE PAY-BACK PERIODS RANGE FROM SEVEN TO 11 YEARS ON THE BASIS CF RECENT FUEL PRICE TRENDS,* MR MAK SAID.

*AS THE SYSTEM HAS NO MOVING PARTS OTHER THAN THE CIRCULATION PUMP, MAINTENANCE COSTS ARE MINIMAL,* MR MAK EXPLAINED.

THE SOLAR PANELS ARE INSTALLED ON THE ROOF AND TILTED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREES FACING SOUTH TO CATCH MAXIMUM HEAT FROM THE SUN.

ACCORDING TO MR MAK, HEAT PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM CAN REACH 50 TO 60 PER CENT OF THE INCIDENT SOLAR RADIATION WHICH IS CONSIDERED BY ENERGY SCIENTISTS AS A HIGH EFFICIENCY RATE.

*WE BELIEVE THAT THE SOLAR SYSTEM WILL BE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE FOR INSTITUTIONS LIKE PRISONS, BARRACKS, ABATTOIRS, CLINICS AND HOSPITALS WHERE HOT WATER IS NEEDED ALL YEAR ROUND,* HE SAID.

THE PROJECT IN SHEK PIK PRISON ON LANTAO ISLAND WITH A PANEL AREA OF 480 SQUARE METRES IS THE GOVERNMENT’S LARGEST SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM WHICH HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED AT A COST OF S2 MILLION.

/+UNLIKE MOST........

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1983

2

UNLIKE MOST OTHER PLACES IN HONG KONG WHERE THE SYSTEM IS BEING INTRODUCED. THE PRISON BUILDING HAS A SPACIOUS ROOFTOP WHICH WAS FOUND TO BE SUITABLE FOR THE SOLAR INSTALLATION.

ALSO, THE PRISON IS FAVOURABLY LOCATED FOR TAPPING SOLAR ENERGY, WITH ITS SOUTH SIDE CLEAR OF ANY TALL BUILD INGS,+ MR MAK SAID.

THE MAJOR SOLAR PROJECTS INSTALLED SO FAR ARE USED ALONG WITH OIL-FUELED BOILERS.

ON CLOUDY OR RAINY DAYS WHEN SUNSHINE IS INSUFFICIENT, BOILERS MUST BE USED TO MEET THE ADDITIONAL THERMAL DEMANDS,+ HE SAID.

MR MAK STRESSED THAT SOLAR ENERGY APPLICATION IN HONG KONG IS STILL VERY YOUNG AND IS CURRENTLY USED FOR HEATING PURPOSES ONLY.

THE APPLICATION OF SOLAR ENERGY FOR AIR-CONDITIONING, INVOLVING COMPLEX AND EXPENSIVE TECHNOLOGY, FOR INSTANCE, WON’T BE PRACTICAL FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.

BUT AT LEAST, THE DEPARTMENT HAD NOW ACQUIRED SOME EXPERIENCE, AND IF THE APPLICATION WAS CORRECTLY SELECTED THE ULTIMATE COST SAVING SHOULD BE CONSIDERABLE, MR MAK SAID.

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

COMPULSORY INSPECTION OF VEHICLES

*****

ALL GOODS VEHICLES AND TRAILERS MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1976 WILL HAVE TO UNDERGO EXAMINATION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BEFORE THEIR VEHICLE LICENCES CAN BE RENEWED.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE VEHICLES WILL REQUIRE INSPECTION ONLY IF THE NEW LICENCES COMMENCE ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1984.

VEHICLES AND TRAILERS WHICH HAVE PASSED EXAMINATION AT THE DEPARTMENT’S VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT CHEUNG YIP STREET,, NGAU TAU KOK, WILL BE ISSUED WITH A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS.

THE CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE PRODUCED DURING RELICENSING, BUT ONLY CERTIFICATES ISSUED DURING THE FOUR MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW LICENCE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR EXAMINATION ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL LICENSING OFFICES AND VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES, AND VEHICLE OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE EARLY APPOINTMENTS TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE WHEN THEIR LICENCES EXPIRE.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7597505.

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

/3......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1983

TUEN MUN CARNIVAL FOR 10 000 * * * *

MORE THAN 10 000 PARENTS AND CHILDREN SPENT A HAPPY CHRISTMAS DAY AT A CARNIVAL IN TUEN MUN TODAY.

THEY WERE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW, MUSIC PERFORMANCE, DRAMA, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, AND SINGING AND DANCING AT AN OPEN SPACE IN ON TING ESTATE.

PACKED WITH CHILDREN WERE 23 GAMES STALLS SET UP BY MORE THAN TEN ORGANISATIONS AND TWO SANTA CLAUSES WERE BUSY DISTRIBUTING GIFTS.

THE CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ON TING-YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE, YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE, ICAC (TUEN MUN OFFICE), ON TING AND YAU 01 ESTATE OFFICES AND THE TWO ESTATES’ 17 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

0 - -

ANNEX FOR HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE * * *

THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT LAI CHI KOK ROAD IS TO HAVE AN ANNEX TO PROVIDE MORE TRAINING FACILITIES FOR VARIOUS COURSES.

THE ANNEX WILL BE A FIVE-STOREY BLOCK CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING MAIN BUILDING BY BRIDGES AT EACH LEVEL.

WHEN COMPLETED, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL HAVE SPACE FOR NINE MORE CLASSROOMS, TWO TECHNICAL DRAWING ROOMS AND A LECTURE THEATRE.

OTHER ADDITIONS WILL INCLUDE ELECTRICAL AND WELDING WORKSHOPS, A MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY, A LANGUAGE LABORATORY AND TRAINING FACILITIES FOR HOTEL AND CATERING COURSES.

A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED AS A WING TO THE NEW ANNEX TO PROVIDE STORAGE SPACE FOR VEHICLES WHICH WILL BE USED FOR TRAINING PURPOSES.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING CALLED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY AND TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1933

$3 000 PRIZE OFFERED FOR BEST STUDENT MURAL * * * *

STUDENTS ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR THE SHEK KIP MEI WALL-MURAL DESIGN COMPETITION BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31).

A GRAND PRIZE OF A $3 OOO-GIFT COUPON IS OFFERED FOR THE BEST WORK.

A $1 000 COUPON WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH OF THE FIRST TWO RUNNERS UP.

THE DESIGN ENTRIES SHOULD SERVE TO MANIFEST THE DEVELOPMENT CF THE SHEK KIP MEI AREA FROM ITS POST-WAR YEARS TO THE PRESENT, PREFERABLY WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY INTEGRITY.

THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, AND THE SHEK KIP MEI AND PAK TIN AREA COMMITTEE.

THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE REPRODUCED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ON A FLANK WALL MEASURING 2 M BY 6 M AT AN EXHIBITION SITE IN THE LAST PHASE OF THE ESTATE’S REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE PAINTED ON CARDBOARDS OF 400 MM BY 1 200 MM, IN POSTER COLOUR OR OIL PASTEL, WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S NAME AND ADDRESS, AND SUBMITTED TO THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE.

A SELECTION OF HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY IS NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE OFFICE, WHILE BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTES AND INFORMATION HANDOUTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES TO HELP THE CONTESTANTS.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.

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

LIFE-SAVING COURSE OFFERED * * *

YOUNGSTERS WISHING TO TAKE UP LIFE-SAVING MAY JOIN ONE OF THE TWO TRAINING COURSES AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL EARLY NEXT YEAR.

ENTRIES FOR THE TWO FREE TRAINING COURSES ARE BEING INVITED AND ENROLMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

ORGANISED BY THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, THE COURSES wlLL BE HELD AT THE BUBBLE-COVERED AND HEATED MAIN POOL OF THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL.

/the first .......

SUNDAY, DECIMBER 2>, 1983

- 5 -

THE FIRST COURSE WILL BE HELD EACH MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY BETWEEN JANUARY 4 AND FEBRUARY 8, WHILE THE SECOND COURSE WILL BE HELD EACH TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY BETWEEN FEBRUARY 14 AND MARCH 17.

ALL CLASSES WILL COMMENCE AT 6.30 PM AND LAST FOR TWO HOURS.

INSTRUCTORS FROM THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB WILL BE INVITED TO GIVE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS DURING THE COURSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

TOWARDS THE END OF THE COURSE, ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL SIT FOR AN EXAMINATION LEADING TO THE AWARD OF THE BRONZE MEDALLION BY THE ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY, ENABLING THEM TO BECOME QUALIFIED LIFEGUARDS.

APPLICANTS FOR THE FREE TRAINING COURSE SHOULD AGED 14 OR ABOVE AND CAPABLE OF SWIMMING 50 METRES BY BREAST STROKE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL AND THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GARAGE NO. 1, TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI PO.

FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DUTY OFFICER OF THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL ON TELEPHONE 0-916951.

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

KIOSK OPERATORS WANTED * * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR OPERATION OF KIOSKS SELLING LIGHT REFRESHMENTS, HANDLING OF TENTS HIRE AND THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES AT FIVE GAZETTED BEACHES ON OUTLYING ISLANDS.

THE BEACHES ARE THE SILVERMINE BAY BEACH,UPPER CHEUNG SHA BEACH AND PUI 0 BEACH ON LANTAU ISLAND, KWUN YUM WAN BEACH AT CHEUNG CHAU AND LO SO SHING (WEST) BEACH ON LAMMA ISLAND, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE CONTRACTS FOR THE KIOSK AT SILVERMINE BAY AND KWUN YUM WAN ARE FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AND THE HANDLING OF TENTS FOR HIRE TO THE PUBLIC, AND THE THREE CONTRACTS FOR THE KIOSKS AT UPPER CHEUNG SHA BEACH, PUI 0 BEACH AND LO SO SHING (WEST) BEACH INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MAY START BUSINESS FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR. ALL CONTRACTS WILL EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 30, 1986.

TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AT ROOMS 2101-2103 OF INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, BEFORE JANUARY 20 (FRIDAY).

INTERESTED BIDDERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE ISLANDS URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 5-452442 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES.

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

/6......

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1983

NEW HORTICULTURAL COURSE K K K

A NEW HORTICULTURAL CLASS FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH.

ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE FREE COURSE AND ALL YUEN LONG RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND FOLLOWS THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO AN EARLIER CLASS.

IT WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN LONG STADIUM ON TEN CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS, BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 3 PM STARTING JANUARY 8 (SUNDAY) NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

LECTURES WILL DEAL MAINLY WITH MIXING OF SOIL, SEED SOWING, GRAFTING, TRANSPLANTING AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF PLANTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE PRACTICAL PLANTING, DEMONSTRATIONS AND SLIDE SHOWS.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE YUEN LONG STADIUM OR THE YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING, MAIN ROAD, YUEN LONG.

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS JANUARY 3 (TUESDAY), THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

- - 0 - -

BUS-ONLY LANE SUSPENSION * * * *

FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27), THE EXISTING BUS-ONLY LANE ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN TAI CHEONG STREET AND TAI HONG STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK WORK.

LEAKAGE TESTS * * X

WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND WAN CHAI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON DECEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY GLOUCESTER ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD, CANAL ROAD WEST AND MARSH ROAD, INCLUDING JAFFE ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1983

CONTENTS PACE NO.

TO KWA WAN OFFICE BUILDING READY SOON ................. 1

LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FETED ...........................

CATHOLIC BISHOP VISITS HALF-WAY HOUSE ................

FEW MORE DAYS FOR JOINING CONTEST ..................... 2

TENDERS FOR KIOSKS SOUGHT ............................. 3

IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR 10 NT PLAYGROUNDS ............... 4

STUDENTS ASKED TO WRITE ON CONSUMER'S RIGHTS .......... 4

DB TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS .......................... 5

1°84 DANCE CONTEST SEI’ FOR JANUARY 29 ................ 5

CHILDREN'S CHOIR TO PERFORM ..........................

STUBBS ROAD WORKS

6

MOND A '. DECEMBER 26, 1983

1

TO KWA WAN OFFICE BUILDING READY SOON X X X

A NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND MARKET BUILDING IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN ABOUT A MONTH.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) STRUCTURAL WORK ON THE BUILDING HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND INTERIOR FINISHING WORK WAS NOW AT AN ADVANCED STAGE.

THE 11-STOREY COMPLEX, COSTING ABOUT $27 MILLION TO BUILD, IS SITUATED ON A 3 4OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT KOWLOON CITY ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LOK SHAN ROAD.

THE BUILDING WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND ALSO MORE MODERN MARKET FACILITIES BY REPLACING THE EXISTING ONE NEARBY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE UPPER NINE FLOORS WILL BE FOR AN URBAN COUNCIL LIBRARY AND OFFICES FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

PART OF THE SECOND FLOOR WILL BE USED FOR A REPROVISIONED AND ENLARGED HUNG HOM CLINIC, TO PROVIDE BETTER MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE DENSELY-POPULATED AREA.

THE MARKET WILL OCCUPY PART OF THE BASEMENT AND THE WHOLE OF THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS. IT WILL HAVE 492 STALLS OF VARIOUS SIZES FOR MEAT, FISH, POULTRY, VEGETABLES AND FRUIT.

THIRTY-EIGHT CAR PARKING SPACES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN THE BASEMENT FOR GOVERNMENT VEHICLES.

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

LABOUR LAW OFFENDERS FINED XXX

A TOTAL OF 630 PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACHES OF LABOUR LAWS TAKEN OUT BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RESULTED IN CONVICTION BY THE COURTS LAST (NOVEMBER) MONTH, WITH FINES IMPOSED AMOUNTING TO $706 000.

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 PERSON^ (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS.

CASES CONCERNING VIOLATIONS Or SAFETY REGULATIONS TOTALLED 223, WITH $445 450 IN FINES. THESE INCLUDED 98 CASES (WITH $246 500 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS AND 45 CASES (WITH $115 550 IN FINES) FOR BREACH OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.

CASES RELATING TO BREACHES OF THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR 324, WITH $199 975 IN FINES.

OF THE OTHER PROSECUTIONS, SEVEN CASES WERE RELATED TO FAILURE TO KEEP RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES, LEADING TO $5 150 IN FINES.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1983

- 2 -

CATHOLIC BISHOP VISITS HALF-WAY HOUSE

X * * *

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE MOST REV JOHN BAPTIST WU, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED PHOENIX HOUSE, A HALF-WAY HOUSE CF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TO WISH THE RESIDENTS THERE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

BISHOP WU SAW SOME 60 RESIDENTS HAVING FUN AT A CHRISTMAS PARTY ORGANISED BY THE STAFF THERE. HE SPOKE TO SOME OF THEM AND GAVE THEM CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

BISHOP WU ALSO LOOKED OVER VARIOUS FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE DORMITORIES, DINING HALL, KITCHEN, SICK BAY, LIBRARY, PLAYGROUND, CLASSROOMS.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CHAPLAINS, FATHER STEPHEN EDMONDS AND FATHER SHAW DURKE.

THE BISHOP VISITS CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT INSTITUTION EACH YEAR AT CHRISTMAS.

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

FEW MORE DAYS FOR JOINING CONTEST * * *

ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS ARE LEFT FOR REGISTRATION IN THE +CLEAN AND GREEN* COMPETITION SCHEME DEVISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE FOR A CLEANER AND GREENER COUNTRYSIDE.

THE SCHEME OFFERS A FREE CAMPING TRIP TO AUSTRALIA, A CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES VALUED AT $3 000, CAMPING EQUIPMENT AND HIKING GEAR AS PRIZES.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR REGISTRATION IS MONDAY (JANUARY 2), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

NOT MORE THAN 10 000 PARTICIPANTS, WHO MUST BE AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF AGE, WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE SCHEME. INFORMATION LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OUTLETS AND COUNTRY PARKS MANAGEMENT CENTRES.

♦THERE HAS BEEN KEEN RESPONSE, AND THE FINE WEATHER HAS BEEN AN ADVANTAGE IN BOOSTING ATTENDANCE IN THE COUNTRY PARKS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

REPORTING AND REGISTRATION POINTS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN 10 COUNTRY PARKS — SHING MUN, PLOVER COVE, PAT SIN LENG, KAM SHAN, SAI KUNG WEST, SAI KUNG EAST, CLEAR WATER BAY, ABERDEEN, QUARRY BAY AND LANTAU SOUTH.

/participants will .......

XC'NDA , DECEMBER 26, 1983

3 -

PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVE PROJECTS IN DESIGNATED COUNTRY PARKS IN FIVE STAGES DURING THE NEXT TEN MONTHS, INCLUDING LITTER COLLECTION, FIRE PREVENTION AND OTHER RELATED WORK GEARED TO A THEME OF PROPER CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

A QUIZ CONTEST IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE COMPETITION, AS WELL AS CHOICES IN PHOTOGRAPHY, CALLIGRAPHY AND DRAWING.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED SOUVENIRS DURING THE VARIOUS STAGES REACHING THE GRAND FINALE IN AUTUMN NEXT YEAR.

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

TENDERS FOR KIOSKS SOUGHT * * *

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR OPERATION OF KIOSKS SELLING LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT NEW CAFETERIA BEACH, OR KADOORIE BEACH, OR THE ROOF-TOP PLAYGROUND AT SAN HUI MARKET IN TUEN MUN.

THE CONTRACT FOR OPERATING A KIOSK AT THE NEW CAFETERIA BEACH ALSO INCLUDED THE PROVISION OF CHANGING FACILITIES, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START THEIR BUSINESS ON MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR. THE CONTRACTS FOR THE TWO BEACH KIOSKS WILL EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 28, 1987, THE ONE FOR THE ROOF-TOP PLAYGROUND WILL END ON FEBRUARY 28, 1986.

TENDER FORMS FOR THE THREE CONTRACTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF 'TOP COURT’, 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS FOR THE CONTRACT FOR THE NEW CAFETERIA BEACH KIOSK SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING). LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG <ONG, BEFORE 12 NOON ON JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY) NEXT YEAR.

TENDER FORMS FOR THE TWO OTHER KIOSKS AT KADOORIE BEACH AND SAN HUI MARKET MUST BE RETURNED TO THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE JANUARY 20 (FRIDAY) NEXT YEAR.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-820800 EXT. 301.

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

V /4........

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1983

IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR 10 NT PLAYGROUNDS *****

THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO SPEND 81.2 MILLION IN INSTALLING FLOODLIGHTS AND PARK LIGHTINGS AT PLAYGROUNDS AND AMENITY AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.

THE PROJECT IS AIMED AT IMPROVING AND CREATING THE RIGHT VISUAL ENVIRONMENT AT THE PUBLIC RECREATIONAL VENUES TO EXTEND THE HOURS OF PLAY AND ACTIVE LEISURE, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD.

INSTALLATION WORK WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY AT FIVE PLAYGROUNDS IN WANG TOI SHAN PLAYGROUND IN YUEN LONG, SHEK PIK RESETTLER’S PLAYGROUND AND SAM PEI SQUARE PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN, SHA KOK MEI CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IN SAI KUNG AND PUI 0 PLAYGROUND ON LANTAU ISLAND.

WORK IS GOING ON AT THE FOLLOWING OTHER PLAYGROUNDS OR AMENITY AREASs SOK KWU WAN BASKETBALL COURT ON LAMMA ISLAND, PENG CHAU CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, TUNG CHUNG FORT SITTING-OUT AREA AND PUI 0 CAMP SITE ON LANTAU ISLAND, AND SHEUNG TSUEN PARK IN YUEN LONG.

- - 0 - -

STUDENTS ASKED TO WRITE ON CONSUMER’S RIGHTS *****

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN ESSAY COMPETITION FEATURING THE CONSUMER RIGHTS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, IS TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG STUDENTS.

IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS, CATERING FOR PRIMARY, JUNIOR SECONDARY, AND SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS.

THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF WORDS FOR EACH ESSAY IN THE PRIMARY SECTION WILL BE 400, THE LIMIT FOR THE JUNIOR SECTION WILL BE 800 AND FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SECTION 1 200 WORDS.

THE WINNER OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED A BOOK OR STATIONERY TOKEN WORTH $300. THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE BOOK OR STATIONERY TOKENS OF $200 AND $150.

MERIT PRIZES OF BOOK OR STATIONERY TOKENS EACH WORTH $50 WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO 20 OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS IN EACH SECTION.

ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB

SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 437, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY, 1984.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE TO THE SECTION ON 5-8392380.

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1983

5

DB TO DISCUSS YOUTH PROBLEMS * * *

KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER FORMING A WORKING GROUP ON PROBLEM YOUTHS AT MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28).

THE GROUP, TO BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE BOARD, WILL STUDY AND QUANTIFY THE PROBLEMS OF YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 12 AND 21, AND RECOMMEND SOLUTIONS TO ANY PROBLEM INDENTIFIED.

AT THE MEETING, A PAPER OUTLINING THE URBAN COUNCIL’S REVISED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR 1983/84 TO 1987/88 WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.

BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROVISION OF SEWAGE FACILITIES FOR NORTH EAST KOWLOON WHICH COVERS THE SEWERAGE DISTRICTS OF KOWLOON EAST, KWUN TONG, AND SAM KA TSUEN/YAU TONG.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME.

NOTE TO EDITORS*

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING AT 6 TUNG YAN STREET.

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

1984 DANCE CONTEST SET FOR JANUARY 29 X X X

AN OPEN 1984 DANCE CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT THE STADIUM ON JANUARY 29.

OPEN TO AMATEURS AGED 18 OR

ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (RSS) RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOC I AT ION.

MACPHERSON

IS JOINTLY

OF THE DANCING

ABOVE, THE CONTEST

THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL TEST COMPETITORS IN WALTZ QUICK STEP AND TANGO IN THE MODERN GROUP OF DANCES CHA CHA, JIVE AND SAMBA IN THE LATIN GROUP. ’

, FOXTROT, AND IN RUMBA,

ta eAOTrnS? SP<?KESMAN SAID THE EVENT AIMS TO PROMOTE DANCING AND TO FOSTER A CLEARER CONCEPT OF SOCIAL DANCE AMONG THE PEOPLE.

/PRIZES ’.TILL......

MONDAY, DBCaffiEH 26, 1983

- 6 -

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH CATEGORY.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE AND ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES, THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION AND ITS AFFILIATED TEACHERS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION TELEPHONE 5-458511 OR 0-295949.

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

CHILDREN’S CHOIR TO PERFORM

* * *

THE 120-MEMBER TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL STAGE TWO CONCERTS THIS WEEK TO CELEBRATE ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY.

THE CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) AND AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30).

TICKETS AT $2 AND $10 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, THE YAN 01 TONG CENTRE AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

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

STUBBS ROAD WORKS * * *

STUBBS ROAD, FROM 110 METRES TO 160 METERS SOUTH OF SHIU FAI TERRACE, WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR ABOUT EIGHT DAYS FOR ROAD WORKS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LARGE-SCALE SURVEY ON CONSTRUCTION NOISE......................... 1

PEAK ROAD TO FULLY OPFN BY LUNAR NEff YEAR....................

SUPPORT FOR +CLEAN AND GRESN+ URGED ............................. 3

STEPS TAKEN TO CURB MASS HOLD-UPS ............................... 4

'CORRIDOR' FIRST SECTION OPINING MID-1$84 ....................... 6

RABIES GUARD MUST BE RENEWED .................................... 7

SURVEY OF ECONOMY STARTING SOON ................................. 7

SPORTS GROUND, BEACH KIOSKS OFFERED ..........................

SEMINAR ON CLASS LIBRARIES ...................................

GARDFN TO BE BUILT IN KOY/LOON CITY ............................. 9

ONE-LANE TRAFFIC

9

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

1

LARGE-SCALE SURVEY ON CONSTRUCTION NOISE

* * * *

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS COMPLETING ITS COMPILATION OF PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A LARGE-SCALE SURVEY ON HO'w TO CONTROL THE CONSTRUCTION NOISE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

THE FINDINGS ARE INTENDED FOR USE IN DEVELOPING GUIDELINES BY THE AUTHORITIES IN AMENDING EXISTING NOISE CONTROL LEGISLATION AND DRAFTING NEW ONES.

THE AMENDMENTS AND NEW CONTROLS WOULD THEN BE INCORPORATED IN A NEW NOISE CONTROL BILL.

THE SURVEY, THE LARGEST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE SURVEY SECTION OF THE NOISE AND VIBRATION GROUP, EPA.

DR ANDREW KWAN, SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER WHO HEADS THE SECTION, SAID THE SURVEY BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER 1981 WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HIS UNIT AND WOULD CONTINUE IN THE YEARS TO COME AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

DR KWAN POINTED OUT THAT A SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST YEAR INDICATED THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG CONSIDERED ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION, IN PARTICULAR, DREW MUCH PUBLIC CONCERN, HE ADDED.

THE SOUND LEVEL OF THE AVERAGE BEDROOM IN SOME MORE NOISY LOCATIONS IN HONG KONG CAN BE AROUND 60 DB(A) — AN AUDIO-MEASURING UNIT — WHICH HE CONSIDERED TO BE ON THE HIGH SIDE.

AN INCREASE OF EVERY 10 DB(A) MEANS THAT THE NOISE HAS DOUBLED, HE EXPLAINED.

AS AN EXAMPLE, HE SAID THAT ON A BUSY STREET WITH 80 DB(A) PEOPLE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HEAR EACH OTHER.

AMONG THE FIRST PROBLEMS COVERED BY THE SURVEY IS PILING AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WHICH DR KWAN DESCRIBED AS +UNQUESTI ONABLY THE MOST INTRUSIVE AND PREVALENT NOISE SOURCE* IN HONG KONG.

HE CONCEDED THAT THIS WAS A DIFFICULT PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE TERRITORY’S SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

♦HONG KONG IS A HIGHRISE CITY DUE TO LAND SHORTAGE. MANY BUILDINGS HAVE TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON RECLAIMED LAND OR SITES CARVED OUT OF HILLS SO THAT CONSIDERABLE PILING IS REQUIRED TO STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATION FOR THE HEAVY LOADING,♦ HE SAID.

THE INVESTIGATION COVERS NOISE CAUSED BY PILING AND ROCK-BREAKING EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS TECHNIQUES COMMONLY USED IN HONG KONG, +SILENCED* PILING DEVELOPED IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND POSSIBLE CONTROLS.

/ONE P0S3IBILIPY........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

2

ONE POSSIBILITY WOULD BE TO SET A MAXIMUM NOISE CRITERION AND PRESCRIBE THE USE OF DIFFERENT PILING METHODS DEPENDING ON THE

DISTANCE BETWEEN THE SITE AND THE-NEAREST BUILDING, PARTICULARLY A NOISE-SENSITIVE RES IDENTI AL IjUOCK, DR KWAN SAID.

GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF THEi ,;i?fD I V IDUAL SURVEY PROJECTS CARRIED

OUT SO FAR, DR KWAN SAID THEY BEGAN WITH TWO STUDIES TO DETERMINE THE SOUND RATING OF DIFFERENT PILING AND EARTH-BREAKING TECHNIQUES.

THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY COfiSULTAT I ON WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS

INVOLVED IN PUBLIC WORKS, INCLUDING THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.

OPINION WAS SOUGHT FROM PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS, PILING CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.

INFORMATION HAS ALSO BEEN GATHERED FROM OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS OF LOW-NOISE PILING MACHINES.

IN ADDITION, STUDIES HA'VE BEEN CONDUCTED AT MORE THAN 150 CONSTRUCTION SITES TO DETERMINE THEIR NOISE IMPACT ON RESIDENTS IN NEIGHBOURHOOD BUILDINGS.

THE SECTION IS NOW ASSESSING THE RESULTS OF ALL THESE PROJECTS AND WILL COMPILE IN-DEPTH TECHNICAL REPORTS.

♦ AS WE GO ALONG, WE WILL ATTEMPT TO SURVEY THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF CONSTRUCT'ON NOISES,* HE SAID.

CURRENTLY, PILING NOISE IS CONTROLLED BY THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE WHICH BANS PILING WORK FROM 7 PM TO 7 AM ON WEEKDAYS AND ROUND-THE-CLOCK ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE ORDINANCE ALSO REGULATES THE ISSUE OF PERMITS UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES.

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

PEAK ROAD TO FULLY OPEN BY LUNAR NEW YEAR * * * *

THE SECTION OF PEAK ROAD WHICH DISAPPEARED IN A LANDSLIDE IN JUNE FOLLOWING A MASSIVE DOWNPOUR SHOULD BE FULLY RESTORED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC BY LUNAR NEW YEAR.

THIS WAS SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE PROJECT HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.

THIS INVOLVED HAND DIGGING 15 CAISSONS, SOME OF WHICH wERE OVER 37 METRES LONG. GOOD ROCK FOUNDATION TURNED OUT TO BE DEEPER THAN ANTICIPATED, DESPITE SITE INVESTIGATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/TRAFFIC PLC?. ......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2?, 1983

- 3 -

TRAFFIC FLOW HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN THE AREA THROUGH USE OF A TEMPORARLY SINGLE-LANE STEEL BRIDGE WHICH wAS PUT INTO PLACE wITHIN A WEEK OF THE LANDSLIDE OCCURRING. IT HAS BEEN TwO-WAY, LIGHT CONTROLLED AND THERE HAVE HAD TO BE SOME DIVERSIONS IN THE AREA.

THIS ARRANGEMENTS CONTINUED UNTIL YESTERDAY WHEN THE NEWLY-CONSTRUCTED, SINGLE-LANE BRIDGE DECK OPENED IN THE EARLY HOURS. TRAFFIC WAS DIVERTED ON TO IT AND THE TEMPORARY BRIDGE DEMOLISHED.

THE PERMANENT STRUCTURE TO BE PUT IN ITS PLACE IS A RELATIVELY SIMPLE PART OF THE PROJECT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦WE HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT A FULL OPENING SHOULD BE POSSIBLE IN TIME FOR THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY AT THE BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS,+ HE ADDED.

THE NEW BRIDGE DECK, TOGETHER WITH LINKING BEAMS, WAS CAST UNDERNEATH THE TEMPORARY BRIDGE AND HAS BEEN LAID AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME LEVEL AS THE ORIGINAL ROAD.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE WORK WILL BE £7.5 MILLION. THE PROJECT USED A TOTAL OF 450 METRES OF 1 800 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER CAISSON, WHICH HAD BEEN REINFORCED AND CONCRETED BY THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH.

-----o-----

SUPPORT FOR +CLEAN AND GREEN+ URGED * * *

SCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE URGED TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN SUPPORTING THE CLEAN AND GREEN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.

THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND IN OUTLYING ISLANDS WERE TOLD THAT GOOD HABITS, SUCH AS KEEPING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN AND GREEN, ARE BEST CULTIVATED FROM THE EARLIEST AGE IN THE HOME AND SCHOOL.

THE MESSAGE WAS BROUGHT TO THEM BY VISITING HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE BEEN CALLING AT SCHOOLS SINCE EARLY THIS YEAR.

AIMED AT STIMULATING INTEREST AND AWARENESS AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, THE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF PRINCIPALS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, INCLUDING THOSE IN REMOTE AREAS, MORE THAN 300 TALKS HAVE BEEN GIVEN SINCE EARLY THIS YEAR.

/THE YOUNGSTERS .......

[This page is blank in the original document]

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

HE ALSO L STED SOME POSSIBLE MEASURES:

* KEEPING IRON GATES AT THE MAIN ENTRANCES OF BUILDINGS PROPERLY LOCKED AND ADMISSION CHECKED BY CARETAKERS IF POSSIBLE?

M INSTALLATION OF SAFETY MIRRORS AT CORNER AREAS TO ENSURE VISIBILITY OF THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CORRIDOR;

* INSTALLATION OF CLOSE CIRCUIT TELEVISION IN THE LIFT LOBBY SO THAT RESIDENTS CAN CHECK FROM THEIR OWN TV SET AT HOME THE SITUATION IN THE LIFT LOBBY BEFORE COMING DOWN; AND

* FOR BUILDINGS WITH DOOR PHONES, RESIDENTS CAN MAKE IT A PRACTICE TO CALL THEIR FAMILIES UPSTAIRS, SIGNALLING THEIR SAFE DEPARTURE FROM THE BUILDING.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT WHERE POSSIBLE CARETAKERS OR WATCHMEN SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A SECURED OFFICE WITH AN ALARM CONNECTED FROM THE OFFICE TO THE OUTSIDE ENTRANCE OF THE BUILDING.

HE ALSO SAID THAT MANY BURGLARIES WERE THE RESULTS OF CARELESSNESS ON THE PART OF THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES.

THE SOLUTION IS, THEREFORE, OBVIOUS,* HE ADDED.

HE STRESSED THAT TIMELY REPORTS OF CRIMES WOULD ENABLE THE POLICE TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS.

HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO HELP FIGHT CRIME AND REPORT TO THE POLICE ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTS OR PERSONS BY DIALLING 999 OR THE POLICE HOTLINE 5-277177.

PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO REPORT MINOR CRIMES IN PROGRESS, FEARING THAT IT MIGHT CAUSE THEM INCONVENIENCE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE UNCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT THE CASE IS A GENUINE ONE,+ HE SAID.

THE PUBLIC MAY REST ASSURED THAT ANY MISJUDGEMENT ON THEIR PART IN THE USE OF THE 999 FACILITY WOULD NOT RENDER THEM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, SO LONG AS THE REPORT IS MADE IN GOOD FA I TH.+

THE 999 FACILITY IS BASICALLY FOR USE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING URGENT POLICE ASSISTANCE, HE SAID.

HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT IN LESS URGENT MATTERS, THEY SHOULD DIAL THE POLICE HOTLINE OR THE LOCAL POLICE STATION.

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

/6.......

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

6

’CORRIDOR’ FIRST SECTION OPENING MID-1984

*****

THE FIRST SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST AMBITIOUS ROAD PROJECTS, IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS CFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID THE SECTION, STRETCHING FROM CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAIKOO SHING, COVERS STAGE I AND PART OF STAGE I I OF THE PROJECT.

WORK ON THIS SECTION IS PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY AND IS NOW OVER 85 PER CENT COMPLETE.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID PILING AND SUB-STRUCTURE WORKS HAS BEEN FINISHED AND CASTING OF THE BRIDGE DECKS IS NEARLY COMPLETE.

+WE ARE NOW CONCENTRATING ON THE SLIP ROADS CONNECTING TO THE EXISTING ROADS AT DIFFERENT JUNCTIONS - AT VICTORIA PARK ROAD, TONG SHU I ROAD, HEALTHY STREET EAST AND TAIKOO SHING.+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE OPENING OF THIS SECTION TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN KING’S ROAD BETWEEN TAIKOO SHING AND CAUSEWAY BAY SHOULD EASE, ESPECIALLY DURING PEAK HOURS.

+WORK ON PHASE II OF STAGE II OF THE PROJECT, RUNNING FROM TAIKOO SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN, IS ALSO PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND WILL BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF 1985,+ HE SAID.

I

REFERRING TO STAGE I I I OF THE CORRIDOR - FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CHAI WAN - THE SPOKESMAN SAID WORK HAS ALREADY COMMENCED FROM THE CHAI WAN END.

THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AWARDED A $41.8 MILLION CONTRACT IN

THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN 809-METRE DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN WING TAI INTERCHANGE AND CHAI WAN ROUNDABOUT, AS PART OF STAGE III.

THIS CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES AN EXTENSION TO WING TAI ROAD AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CHAI WAN ROUNDABOUT.

THREE FOOTBRIDGES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS THIS SECTION OF THE CORRIDOR, ONE NEAR HING WAH TSUEN AND TWO AT CHAI WAN ROUNDABOUT TO PROVIDE SAFECROSSINGS FOR PEDESTRIANS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION OF THE FINAL SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM WING TAI ROAD TO SHAU KEI WAN WOULD START AT A LATER DATE AND COMPLETION IN 1987 WAS PLANNED.

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

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

7

RABIES GUARD MUST BE RENEWED * * *

SINCE THE LAST MAJOR RABIES OUTBREAK AT THE END OF 1980 MANY THOUSANDS OF DOGS HAVE BEEN INOCULATED AGAINST THE FATAL DISEASE.

BUT A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY: +THE INOCULATION PERIOD IS GOOD FOR THREE YEARS -AND AFTER THEN THE DOG MUST BE RE-INOCULATED.+

HE ADDED THAT ALL DOGS WHICH WERE INOCULATED IN LATE 1980 AND EARLY 1981 ARE NOW DUE FOR RE-1NOCULATI ON.

INFORMATION LEAFLETS ABOUT THE DISEASE, AND A LIST OF ABOUT 25 INOCULATION CENTRES, ARE AVAILABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND LEADING PET SHOPS.

THE INOCULATIONS, GIVEN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, ARE FREE AND AT THE TIME OF INOCULATION DOG OWNERS ARE PRESENTED WITH A DOG LICENCE WHICH IS VALID FOR THREE YEARS.

THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR NOT HAVING A VALID DOG LICENCE IS $5 000 AND 12 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.

- - 0 - -

SURVEY OF ECONOMY STARTING SOON * * *

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL NEXT MONTH BE CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 48 000 ESTABLISHMENTS DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION: FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES) AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS).

INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 30 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT.

/SOME 10 000

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983

8 -

SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1983.

QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON 5TH MAR. 82), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.

SHOULD RESPONDENTS HAVE DIFFICULTY IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS (PRINTED AT THE BACK OF QUESTIONNAIRES):

5-436551

5-455661

5-444301

5-455668

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

SPORTS GROUND, BEACH KIOSKS OFFERED * * * *

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS OPERATORS ARE BEING INVITED TO BID FOR THE KIOSKS AT YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, GEMINI BEACH AND APPROACH BEACH IN TSUEN WAN.

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR THE KIOSK AT YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND CAN START BUSINESS ON MARCH 1 NEXT YEAR FOR THREE YEARS, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE OTHER TWO CONTRACTS FOR KIOSKS AT GEMINI BEACH AND APPROACH BEACH, BEGIN ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR AND EXPIRE ON NOVEMBER 30, 1986.

TENDER FORMS FOR ALL THREE CONTRACTS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, AUSTIN CENTRE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE*, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, 135 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE JANUARY 20 (FRIDAY).

POTENTIAL TRADERS ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-444281 FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THE CONTRACTS.

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

/9........

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1983

- 9 -

SEMINAR ON CLASS LIBRARIES X X X

THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD TWO IDENTICAL SEMINARS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 1984 TO ACQUAINT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WITH THE RECENTLY-INTRODUCED CLASS LIBRARY PILOT SCHEME IN PRIMARY 5 AND 6 LEVELS.

TEACHERS OF TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE PILOT SCHEME WILL GIVE TALKS IN THE SEMINARS ABOUT THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS IN STARTING CLASS LIBRARIES IN THEIR SCHOOLS.

THE FIRST SEMINAR WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 21 AT THE ST JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WOOD ROAD, WAN CHAI, WHILE THE SECOND ONE WILL TAKE PLACE ON FEBRUARY 25 AT THE LA SALLE PRIMARY SCHOOL IN LA SALLE ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.

OWING TO LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY, SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE ONE TEACHER TO ATTEND ONE SEMINAR. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

NOMINATIONS SHOULD REACH THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE LIBRARY SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AT 5/F., HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 9, 1984.

ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE SEMINARS CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 5-8392258.

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

GARDEN TO BE BUILT IN KOWLOON CITY XXX

RESIDENTS OF KOWLOON CITY WILL SOON HAVE A NEW GARDEN COVERING 1.1 HECTARES.

A Si.7 MILLION CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE GARDEN AT THE JUNCTION OF JUNCTION ROAD AND TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD WAS RECENTLY AWARDED TO HUNG KEE COMPANY BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE SAID THE GARDEN, FORMING PART OF CARPENTER ROAD PARK, WILL HAVE SITTING-OUT AREAS WITH ARBOURS AND SEATS, CHINESE PAVILIONS AND PLAY AREAS.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN EARLY JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.

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

ONE-LANE TRAFFIC

MH*

FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29), FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS, ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NEAR TSING LUNG TAU BETWEEN MILESTONE 13-1/2 AND MILESTONE 14 TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

YOUTHS WARNED NOT TO TAKE DRUGS ............................... 1

PARK WORKERS BaTTLE FIRE MENACE................................ 2

DB TO HEAR ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION .............................. 4

NEW QMH VISITING HOURS FROM 1984 .............................. 4

COOKED FOOD BAZAAR FOR YAU MA TEI ............................. 5

TSUEN WAN FAIR STALLS FOR AUCTION ............................. 5

LANTAU TO HAVE PAVILION ....................................... 5

HEAVY VEHICLES TO BE DIVERTED ................................. 6

NO U-TURNS .................................................... 6

WATER FIGURES

6

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983

1

YOUTHS WARNED NOT TO TAKE DRUGS M * * *

THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST TREASURE THEIR YOUTH AND HEALTH AND NEVER BE TEMPTED INTO DRUG ABUSE, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES COMMISSIONER, MR ROGER LOBO, WARNED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1983 ANT I-NARCOTICS YOUTH CAMP, MR LOBO, SAID, + IN THE YEARS AHEAD WHEN THE TIME COMES FOR YOU TO TAKE YOUR PLACES IN THE ADULT WORLD, YOU WILL MEET DIFFERENT PROBLEMS, AMONG WHICH MAY BE DRUGS.

♦IN THE ANTI-NARCOTICS YOUTH CAMP YOU WILL LEARN A LOT ABOUT THE EVILS OF DRUGS. ARMED WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE YOU WILL NO DOUBT BE ABLE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM AND BE READY TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY WELL,* HE SAID.

THE 1983 ANT I-NARCOTICS YOUTH CAMP, SPONSORED BY THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AS PART OF THE ACAN’S TERRITORY-WIDE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME THIS YEAR.

THE FOUR-DAY CAMP BEGAN YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE. IT HAS ATTRACTED ABOUT 820 YOUTH LEADERS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18 FROM 11 UNIFORMED YOUTH GROUPS.

THEY WERE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS, HONG KONG RED CROSS, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CADET SCHOOL, ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (JUNIOR LEADERS), ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE, BOYS BRIGADE OF HONG KONG, AIR CADET CORPS, SEA CADET CORPS AND SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.

THE ORGANISERS HOPE THAT THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF YOUNG CAMPERS IN HEALTHY AND CONSTRUCTIVE PURSUITS, AND THROUGH THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION DURING THE CAMP, THE ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE WILL REACH NOT ONLY THE CAMPERS BUT WILL BE DISSEMINATED BY THEM AMONG THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES, PARTICULARLY THOSE OF THEIR OWN AGE GROUPS WHO ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO THE RISK OF DRUG ABUSE.

APART FROM THE ANTI-NARCOTICS SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION, THE ACTIVITIES ALSO INCLUDED TELE-GAMES, SPORTS, FILM SHOWS, A CAMP FIRE AND A VARIETY SHOW IN WHICH MISS FRIENDSHIP 1983, SYLVIA CHUNG SANG.

ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HONOURABLE D.G. JEAFFRESON! THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE OF ACAN, MR K.L. STUMPF; THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR G.L. MORTIMER! MR Y.C. PI, DISTRICT GOVERNOR LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS COMMANDANT, MR HOWARD YOUNG.

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

/2 .......

[Typographical errors in the original document]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983

3

THAT HILL FIRE WAS ONLY ONE OF THE HUNDREDS OF HILL FIRES THAT RAVAGED OUR COUNTRYSIDE THIS YEAR. ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE PROTECTION OFFICER, MR PAUL CHEUNG, THERE HAS BEEN A FOUR-FOLD INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HILL FIRES THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.

+THE REASON IS BECAUSE WE HAVE HAD THE DRIEST NOVEMBER, AND ONE OF THE WETTEST SUMMERS, IN THE LAST TWO DECADES,* MR CHEUNG SAID. *THE WET SUMMER YIELDED AN ABUNDANT COVER OF GRASS AND UNDERGROWTH WHICH, TOGETHER WITH THE NUMEROUS TREE BRANCHES FELLED BY TYPHOON ELLEN, PROVIDED VERY GOOD FUEL FOR FIRES.+

FROM THE START OF THE DRY SEASON IN SEPTEMBER UNTIL THE END CF NOVEMBER, 499 HILL FIRES BROKE OUT, DESTROYING 92 976 TREES AND 1 760 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND AND FORESTRY AREAS. DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, 139 FIRES WERE RECORDED AND 48 HECTARES CF COUNTRYSIDE WERE AFFECTED.

IN VIEW OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK, THE TAI LAM, SHING MUN, TAI MO SHAN AND POKFULAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC SINCE EARLY NOVEMBER.

DESPITE THE BAN, FIVE FIRES HAVE OCCURRED IN TAI LAM AND TAI MO SHAN.

+WHILE CARELESS PICNICKERS WERE TO BLAME FOR MOST OF THOSE FIRES, THERE WERE STRONG INDICATIONS THAT SOME WERE STARTED DELIBERATELY,* MR CHEUNG SAID.

♦WE ARE TREATING THE MATTER AS A TOP PRIORITY AND A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION IS BEING CARRIED OUT TO TRACK DOWN THE OFFENDERS,* MR CHEUNG SAID.

HE WARNED THAT THE ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.

THE DEPARTMENT URGED THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE EXTREME CARE DURING THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS AND TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE:

* EXTINGUISH CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES PROPERLY,

* LIGHT FIRES ONLY IN DESIGNATED BARBECUE PITS; OR, BETTER STILL, BRING PRE-COOKED FOOD.

M DON’T LITTER THE COUNTRYSIDE.

+WE WOULD LIKE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE CAREFUL, MORE THOUGHTFUL AND A BIT MORE CIVIC-MINDED WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRY PARKS,* SAID MR CHEUNG.

+LET US HAVE A FIRE-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR A CHANGE SO THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE TO THE FULL.*

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

/4.......

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983 "“T

4

DB TO HEAR ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION

* * * *

A SPECIAL TALK ON +FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE FIGHTING* WILL BE GIVEN AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE TALK, TO BE GIVEN BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT COMMANDER FOR HONG KONG EAST, MR CHAN WAH-DING, WILL BE PRECEDED BY A SHORT FILM SHOW ON THE TOPIC.

DURING THF MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO PUT UP DISTRICT BOARD DISPLAY PANELS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, AND ALSO WAYS TO HELP REDUCE LITTERING.

OTHER TOPICS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE URBAN COUNCIL'S REVISED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR 1983-84 TO 1987-88 FOR EASTERN DISTRICT AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORSt

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF 884-886 KING’S ROAD.

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

NEW QMH VISITING HOURS FROM 1984 * * * *

n I«E QUEEN MARY H0SP,TAL IS TO INTRODUCE NEW VISITING HOURS

FOR ITS GENERAL AND PAEDIATRIC WARDS AS FROM JANUARY 1, NEXT YEAR.

FROM SUNDAY, VISITING HOURS FOR THE GENERAL WARD WILL BE FROM £.PM 19 7,30 PM’ WH,LE THE NEW MURS f0R THE PAEDIATRIC WARDS WILL BE +ANY TIME BEFORE 8 PM+.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOSPITAL SAID THAT THE NEW AND LONGER VISITING HOURS FOR THE ADULT GENERAL WARD WOULD HELP THE WORKING PUBLIC TO VISIT THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AFTER OFFICE HOURS.

HE ADDED THAT THE NEW HOURS WOULD ALSO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION WITHIN THE HOSPITAL COMPOUND.

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983

- 5 -

COOKED FOOD BAZAAR FOR YAU MA TEI * * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT TO TAI HING (ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS) LTD. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY COOKED FOOD BAZAAR AT THE JUNCTION CF TEMPLE, PAK HOI AND WOOSUNG STREETS IN YAU MA TEI.

THE BAZAAR WILL OCCUPY AN 890-SQUARE-METRE SITE AND ACCOMMODATE 24 COOKED FOOD STALLS.

TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT, THE PRESENT ON-STREET COOKED FOOD STALLS IN THE AREA ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE TO THE NEW BAZAAR.

WORK ON THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT $298 OOO, WILL START IN EARLY JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN THREE MONTHS.

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

TSUEN WAN FAIR STALLS FOR AUCTION

MMM

A TOTAL OF 208 STALLS FOR THE SALE OF FLOWERS, DRY GOODS, BOTTLED DRINKS OR ICE CREAM AT THE FORTHCOMING TSUEN WAN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR, WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30).

THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITY HALL CF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, STARTING 9.30 AM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE STALLS WILL AGAIN BE ERECTED AT THE FAIR SITE AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF RESIDENTS.

THE UPSET PRICE FOR EACH STALL IS $100, AND ALL HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO HAVE ATTAINED 21 YEARS MAY BID AT THE AUCTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TSUEN WAN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR, TOGETHER WITH SIX OTHER FAIRS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

------o - - - -

LANTAU TO HAVE PAVILION

M M M

A CHINESE-STYLE PAVILION IS TO BE BUILT AT THE POPULAR SILVERMINE WATERFALL AREA ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.

BESIDES THE PAVILION WHICH WILL PROVIDE SHELTER FOR VISITORS, THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE A PUBLIC TOILET.

WORK WILL START IN MARCH AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1983

G

HEAVY VEHICLES TO BE DIVERTED

* * * *

FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30), ALL VEHICLES OVER 2-1/2 TONS UNLADEN WILL BE BANNED FROM THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN HOLY CROSS PATH AND HOI NING STREET DAILY FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE MEASURE, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS, IS TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, HEAVY VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HOLY CROSS PATH AND HOI NING STREET.

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

NO U-TURNS

* *

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31), U-TURNS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN TONKIN STREET, FROM THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY TO THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.

AND FROM THE SAME DAY, THE SECTION OF NAM CHEONG STREET FLYOVER ABOVE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE EXCEPT FOR THOSE BUSES AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

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

WATER FIGURES * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 90.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 532.013 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 437.072 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 74.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NOVEMBER EXPORTS SHOW BIG RISE................................. 1

SOCIAL SECURITY RATES TO GO UP ................................ 3

EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT COMPULSORY INSURANCE.................. 5

DB TO DISCUSS SIGNBOARD PROBLEMS .............................. 6

PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL SEEN IN PRISONS .......................... 7

RESIDENTS ADVISED ABOUT PORK PURCHASE.......................... 7

NE.7 PIER FOR FERRY SERVICES TO SHENZHEN ...................... 8

TEN LOCAL OFFICERS PROMOTED TO SURVEYOR ....................... 9

SAI KUNG BAZaaR CONTRACTS SIGNED

9

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

NOVEMBER EXPORTS SHOW BIG RISE * * * *

DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AT $10 393 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1983, WERE 45 P R CENT OR S3 245 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME MONTH A YEAR AGO, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

RE-EXPORTS ALSO INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 46 PER CENT OR SI 809 MILLION, TO REACH $5 749 MILLION.

TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS ROSE BY 46 PER CENT OR $5 054 MILLION TO S16 142 MILLION IN NOVEMBER.

IMPORTS REACHED $17 036 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 40 PER CENT OR S4 837 MILLION. THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WAS $894 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $1 111 MILLION IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND Si 425 MILLION IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.

AS A RESULT, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, NARROWED CONSIDERABLY TO FIVE PER CENT, FROM NINE PER CENT IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.

PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF 1983 WAS 25 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR. THIS OVERALL INCREASE WAS MADE UP OF AN INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND AN INCREASE OF 26 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.

AS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS LOWER, AT 21 PER CENT, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP IN THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, AT EIGHT PER CENT, WAS NARROWER THAN THAT IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1982, AT 11 PER CENT.

COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS EXCEEDED THE $10 000 MILLION MARK FOR THE SECOND MONTH RUNNING. HE ALSO SAID THA~ the SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN IMPORTS IN NOVEMBER, WHICH WAS ROBABLY LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO AN INCREASE IN IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES, IN ENCOURAGING AND INDICATES CONTINUED GOOD SHORT-TERM PROSPECTS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

FOLLOWING ARE THE PROVISIONAL FOR NOVEMBER 1983t

MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES

MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS $10 393 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS $ 5 749 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS X $16 142 MILL ION

IMPORTS i $17 036 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE X $ 894 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)

/COUPAxUTIVS 5TGUJUS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

2

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

SEPT.-NOV. SEPT.-NOV. INCREASE OR

LASTEST 3 MONTHS 1983 1982 DECREASE

DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ MN. 30 505 8 MN. 21 414 $ MN. % ♦ 9 091 +42.5

RE-EXPORTS 16 531 11 258 + 5 273 +46.8

TOTAL EXPORTS 47 036 32 672 +14 364 +44.0

IMPORTS 50 145 36 230 ♦13 915 +38.4

TRADE BALANCE - 3 109 - 3 558 + 449

SAME MONTH NOVEMBER NOVEMBER INCREASE OR

LAST YEAR 1983 1982 DECREASE

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8 MN. 10 393 S MN. 7 148 $ MN. % + 3 245 +45.4

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (64.4%) 5 749 (64.5%) 3 940 + 1 809 +45.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 16 142 11 088 + 5 054 +45.6

IMPORTS 17 036 12 199 + 4 837 +39.7

TRADE BALANCE 894 - 1 111 + 217

LAST MONTH NOVEMBER 1983 OCTOBER 1983 INCREASE OR DECREASE

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8 MN. 10 393 $ MN. 10 478 $ MN. % - 85 - 0.8

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS (64.4%) 5 749 (64.7%) 5 715 + 34 +0.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 16 142 16 193 51 - 0.3

IMPORTS 17 036 17 618 - 582 - 3.3

TRADE BALANCE - 894 - 1 425 531

YlsAa ........

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

3

CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN.-NOV. 1983 JAN.-NOV. 1982 INCREASE OR DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 93 484 74 641 ♦18 843 +25.2

(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (65.1%) (65.2%)

RE-EXPORTS 50 080 39 857 +10 223 +25.6

TOTAL EXPORTS 143 564 114 498 +29 066 +25.4

IMPORTS 156 522 128 849 +27 673 +21.5

TRADE BALANCE - 12 958 - 14 351 + 1 393

DEC. 1982 DEC. 1981

LAST TO TO INCREASE OR

12 MONTHS NOV. 1983 NOV. 1982 DECREASE

$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 101 875 82 423 +19 452 +23.6

RE-EXPORTS 54 576 43 756 +10 820 +24.7

TOTAL EXPORTS 156 451 126 179 +30 272 +24.0

IMPORTS 170 566 141 846 +28 720 +20.2

TRADE BALANCE - 14 115 - 15 667 + 1 552

* - 0

SOCIAL SECURITY RATES TO GO UP * * * *

THE BASIC SCALE RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WILL BE INCREASED BY ABOUT 13 PER CENT FROM FEBRUARY 1, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE LEVELS OF CASH BENEFITS UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WERE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOVEMENT OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE INDEX.

♦THE PRESENT ADJUSTMENT IS INTENDED TO RESTORE THE REAL VALUE OF THE BASIC RATE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE,* HE SAID.

THIS WILL BE

THE NINTH INCREASE IN PAYMENT RATES SINCE THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WAS EXPANDED IN 1972. THE LAST REVISION WAS MADE IN JUNE 1982 WHEN THE BASIC SCALE RATES WERE RAISED BY 29 PER CENT TO MAINTAIN THEIR PURCHASING VALUE.

THE INCREASES WILL MEAN AN ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF $160 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

/the ns«v.......

THURSDAY, DDCEffiSR 29, 1983

THE NEW PAYMENT RATES PER MONTH ARE AS FOLLOWS:

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE

BASIC RATES

FOR A SINGLE PERSON

LIVING ALONE

FOR A FAMILY:

EXISTING RATE

NEW RATE

$450 $510

FIRST THREE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS NEXT THREE ELIGIBLE MEMBERS EACH ADDITIONAL ELIGIBLE MEMBER THEREAFTER

SUPPLEMENTS

$325 EACH

$280 EACH

$215

$370 EACH

$315 EACH

$245

EXISTING RATE NEW RATE

XD AGE SUPPLEMENT (FOR ANY RECIPIENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AGED 60 AND ABOVE) $225 $255

DISABILITY SUPPLEMENT (FOR ANY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT WHO IS PARTIALLY DISABLED) $225 $255

ANNUAL, LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT (FOR THOSE IN RECEIPT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR 12 MONTHS OR MORE)

(A) FOR A SINGLE PERSON $570 $645

(B) FOR A FAMILY $1 140 $1 290

SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES

XD AGED ALLOWANCE $225 $255

DISABILITY ALLOWANCE $450 $510

AT THE SAME TIME, THE SAVINGS LIMIT UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL GO UP BY THE SAME PERCENTAGE. IT WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE $5 700 TO $6 450 FOR A SINGLE PERSON, AND FROM $3 800 TO $4 300 FOR A PERSON IN A FAMILY.

EXPLAINING HOW NEEDY PEOPLE ARE ASSISTED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING RATES, THE BASIC RATE FOR AN ELIGIBLE FOUR-MEMBER FAMILY IS $1 255 A MONTH. WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW RATES, IT WILL BECOME $1 425 A MONTH. INCLUDING RENT, SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL EXPENSES WHICH ARE PROVIDED SEPARATELY, A FOUR-MEMBER HOUSEHOLD ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CAN RECEIVE UP TO ABOUT $2 540 A MONTH.

AT THE END OF NOVEMBER, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD 54 428 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 194 831 OLD AGE ALLOWANCE CASES AND 38 673 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES ON ITS BOOKS.

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

/5 .....

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

5

EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT COMPULSORY INSURANCE

-a SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE LEGISLATION ON COMPULSORY INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES INJURED OR KILLED AT WORK COMES INTO OPERATION ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 1).

HE WARNEDi +AN EMPLOYER WHO EMPLOYS ANYONE WITHOUT AN INSURANCE POLICY COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $50 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.+

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER HAD TO TAKE OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY IN RESPECT OF ALL HIS EMPLOYEES FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF HIS LIABILITIES FOR BOTH COMPENSATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND COMMON LAW DAMAGES FOR INJURIES AND DEATH AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT AT WORK.

+THE PURPOSE OF REQUIRING AN EMPLOYER TO DO THIS IS TO ENSURE THAT AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS INJURED OR KILLED AT WORK WILL OBTAIN COMPENSATION TO WHICH HE IS ENTITLED UNDER THE ORDINANCE,* HE STRESSED.

HAVING TAKEN OUT AN INSURANCE POLICY, THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED, AN EMPLOYER MUST DISPLAY AT A CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON HIS WORK PREMISES A NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, GIVING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATIONi-

* THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYER;

* THE NAME OF THE INSURER;

M THE POLICY NUMBER!

M THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES INSURED; AND

* THE EXTENT OF THE LIABILITY INSURED.

THE PENALTY FOR FAILING TO PUT UP THE NOTICE IS $10 000.

THIS NOTICE REQUIREMENT, HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO HOUSEHOLDS EMPLOYING DOMESTIC SERVANTS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID COPIES OF SUCH NOTICE WERE NOW AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION DIVISION AT THE FOLLOWING OFF ICESI-

HONG KONG ISLAND

7TH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY;

/ko.vloon.........

THURSDAY, DEC3MBEH 2$, 1983

6

KOWLOON

QTH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAUMATI» AND 100 TING FU STREET, 3RD FLOOR, YAN HAU BUILDING, KWUN TONG;

THE NEW TERRITORIES

EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 1ST FLOOR, TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN; AND 167-173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, CHEUNG YIU BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.

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

DB TO DISCUSS SIGNBOARD PROBLEMS X * * X

THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON PROBLEMS RELATED TO OVERHANGING SIGNBOARDS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE NINTH YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A SCHEME INITIATED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR BED-SPACE LODGERS IN THE DISTRICT, SPECIALLY SINGLE PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN SUB-STANDARD HOSTELS.

THE BOARD’S +MEET THE PUBLIC* SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED AND MEMBERS’ ADVICE WILL BE SOUGHT ON POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SYSTEM, PARKING OPERATION ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN YAU MA TEI AND NOISE POLLUTION AT PRUDENTIAL CENTRE.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT AT MAN CHEONG STREET VEHICULAR FERRY PIER LANDING, WOOSUNG STREET COOKED-FOOD BAZAAR AND URBAN COUNCIL CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR YAU MA TEI BETWEEN 1983-84 AND 1987-88.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NINTH YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF 490-492, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

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/7 .......

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

7

PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL SEEN IN PRISONS

THERE IS +ENORMOUS PRODUCTIVE AND LEARNING POTENTIAL* IN THE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, THE ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR HORACE KNIGHT, SAID TODAY.

THE +WORKFORCE+ THERE CAN PRODUCE PRODUCTS AND ACQUIRE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. INSTEAD OF WHILING THE TIME AWAY IN BITTERNESS AND HOPELESSNESS, HE ADDED.

MR KNIGHT WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION DURING WHICH HE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO EIGHT YOUNG PRISONERS WHO PASSED THE CITY AND GUILDS EXAMINATION WITH HONOURS.

ELEVEN DISTINCTIONS, NINE CREDITS AND ONE PASS WERE OBTAINED BY THE EIGHT PEOPLE WHO SAT FOR THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE’S TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS LEVEL ONE EXAMINATION IN MAY THIS YEAR.

THE TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS COURSE COMPRISES CLASSROOM LECTURES AND WORKSHOP PRACTICE, COVERING PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND ELEMENTARY TELECOMMUNICATION PRACTICE.

IT WAS INTRODUCED IN PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN 1978, AND SOME 60 PRISONERS HAVE SINCE THEN TAKEN THE EXAMINATIONS.

THE

FOUR-YEAR

MOST OF THE DISCHARGED PRISONERS ARE NOW EMPLOYED IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY. SOME HAVE CONTINUED THEIR STUDIES AT HIGHER LEVELS AND ONE OF THEM HAS EVEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE COURSE.

- - 0 -

RESIDENTS ADVISED ABOUT PORK PURCHASE * * * *

TUEN MUN RESIDENTS WERE ADVISED TODAY IN THEIR OWN HEALTH INTERESTS TO BUY PORK ONLY FROM PROPER MARKET STALLS OR LICENSED SHOPS.

GIVING THE ADVICE, A NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT ALL THE 11 +TOLERATED+ UNLICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTER HOUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING FROM THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE 11 UNLICENSED PRIVATE SLAUGHTER HOUSES AT TUEN MUN HAD BEEN TOLERATED SINCE JANUARY 1979, AS THEY HAD BEEN LONG-ESTABLISHED, BUT ONLY ON CONDITION THAT THEY COMPLIED WITH CERTAIN BASIC HEALTH REQUIREMENTS.

/+au JITIONALLY, ............

THURSDAY, MMffiER 29, 1983

♦ADDITIONALLY, THEY CATERED FOR THE NEEDS OF THE THEN MUN RESIDENTS BY MAKING UP FOR THE SHORTFALL IN SUPPLY OF PORK FROM THE LEGAL SLAUGHTERING FACILITIES,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT THE NEWLY-LICENSED TUEN MUN PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSE HAS BEEN OPERATING SMOOTHLY SINCE LAST NOVEMBER, AND THERE HAS BEEN AMPLE FRESH MEAT FOR THE NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN, INCLUDING TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.

THE TOLERATED SLAUGHTERHOUSES HAD BEEN ADVISED SINCE APRIL 1980 THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE AFTER THE TSUEN WAN PRIVATE SLAUGHTER HOUSE BEGAN TO OPERATE FULLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

MEANWHILE, ALL 73 FRESH MEAT RETAIL OUTLETS, INCLUDING MARKET STALL AND FRESH PROVISION SHOP OPERATORS, HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE MEAT THEY SELL MUST COME EITHER FROM GOVERNMENT ABATTOIRS OR LICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSES.

- 0 -

NEW PIER FOR FERRY SERVICES TO SHENZHEN * * *

WORK HAS STARTED ON A TEMPORARY FERRY TERMINAL NEAR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AT SHA TIN TO RUN SERVICES LINKING HONG KONG WITH HOLIDAY RESORTS AT DAI XIAO MEI SHA, SHENZHEN.

THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A SINGLE-STOREY TERMINAL BUILDING WITH OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE POLICE AND IMMIGRATION. MARINE AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENTS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALL AS WELL AS A BUS AND TAXI LAY-BY AREA IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING.

THE WORK IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN MAY NEXT YEAR.

THE PROJECT COSTS $4.2 MILLION.

- - 0 -

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1983

9

TEN LOCAL OFFICERS PROMOTED TO SURVEYOR

X X X

TEN LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PROMOTED TO THE FULL PROFESSIONAL RANK OF RATING AND VALUATION SURVEYOR.

THE OFFICERS, ALL FORMER VALUATION ASSISTANTS, PASSED THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS FINAL EXAMINATIONS IN 1981 AND UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE INSTITUTION’S TEST OF PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE WERE ELECTED ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE INSTITUTION EARLY THIS YEAR.

ELEVEN OTHER LOCAL OFFICERS IN THE DEPARTMENT ARE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. IT IS EXPECTED THAT, WHEN ELECTED TO MEMBERSHIP OF THE INSTITUTION, THEY WILL ALSO BE RECOMMENDED FOR PROMOTION TO FULL SURVEYOR STATUS NEXT YEAR.

+FOR MANY YEARS NOW THE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD A TRAINING PROGRAMME TO ENABLE LOCAL OFFICERS TO QUALIFY AS CHARTERED SURVEYORS. DURING THIS TIME A TOTAL OF 91 OFFICERS HAVE QUALIFIED, AND OF THESE 68 ARE STILL WITH THE DEPARTMENT, AND 11 HAVE TRANSFERRED TO OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.

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

SAI KUNG BAZAAR CONTRACTS SIGNED M K * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED TWO CONTRACTS WORTH ABOUT $1 MILLION IN CONNECTION WITH THE SAI KUNG MARKET BAZAAR PROJECT.

THEY ARE FOR INSTALLING LIGHTS AND AN ESCALATOR, PLUS A LIFT FOR USE BY THE HANDICAPPED AND FOR CARRYING GOODS.

THE TWO-STOREY MARKET IS LOCATED ON A 2 200-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT Yl CHUN STREET.

THERE WILL BE 70 STALLS AND 150 MINI-STALLS.

OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A REFUSE COLLECTION CHAMBER AND AN ICE STOREROOM.

RAMPS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED SO THAT THE DISABLED WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE MARKET.

WORK UNDER THE TWO CONTRACTS WILL START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 10 MONTHS.

THE TOTAL COST OF THE BAZAAR IS S6.6 MILLION.

- a

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198?

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR ............................   1

NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST .......................................

LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ...................................

U.S. EXERCISES TEXTILE CONVERSION RIGHT ......................... 2

NEW I.D. CARD SCHEME ENTERING EIGHTH PHASE ...................... 4

HK FIRST FOR TAI PO BYPASS BRIDGES ..........................

RADAR TOWER FOR HK AIRPORT ...................................... 6

INTELPOST EXTENDED TO SEOUL ..................................... 6

AMENDED SAI YING PUN PLAN PUBLISHED ............................. 7

NEED FOR VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE STRESSED .........................   7

CATHOLIC BISHOP VISITS REFUGEES ...............................   8

REPORT GIVES SOME SOCIAL FACTS ABOUT HK PEOPLE..................  9

ALL TSUEN WAN FAIR SITES SOLD .................................  10

PROJECTS HELP IMPROVE YUEN LONG ................................. 10

HK GIRL TOPS IN BRITISH ACCOUNTANCY EXAM ....................... 11

CNTA STAFF SHOW OLYMPIC SPIRIT ................................. 12

INSTRUCTORS COURSE ON SAILING ................................   12

800 TAKING PART IN SUNDAY RUN .................................. 13

NEW ROAD TO BE BUILT ........................................... 13

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983

1

NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR * * *

FOLLOWING IS THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNORi

+1983 HAS BEEN AN EVENTFUL YEAR FOR HONG KONG, PUNCTUATED BOTH BY ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AND BY AN ADMIRABLE RECOVERY FROM THE IMPACT OF THE WORLDWIDE RECESSION. THE STRENGTHS OF THE ECONOMY AND OF OUR HARDWORKING COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN AMPLY DEMONSTRATED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

♦GIVEN THE QUALITIES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE GOVERNMENT TO GO ON INVESTING VIGOROUSLY IN THE FUTURE, I AM CONFIDENT THAT IN 1984 HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW ITS TRADITIONAL RESILIENCE AND ITS ABILITY TO MEET SUCCESSFULLY THE CHALLENGES WHICH FACE IT.

+MY WIFE JOINS ME IN WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR.+

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

NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

* * *

COPIES OF A SUPPLEMENT TO TODAY’S DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN CONTAINING A LIST OF HONG KONG RECIPIENTS OF NEW YEAR HONOURS, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE BRITISH FORCES, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS BOXES THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

THE CONTENTS MUST NOT BE PUBLISHED IN NEWSPAPERS BEFORE 0001 HOURS LOCAL TIME SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, AND MUST NOT BE BROADCAST BEFORE 8 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31.

ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS OR FOR INFORMATION RELATIVE TO THEIR CAREERS OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARD BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.

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

LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE * * *

THE KING AND QUEEN OF NEPAL ATTENDED A LUNCH TODAY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE HOSTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE.

ALSO AT THE LUNCH WERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE AND LADY HADDON-CAVE ; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL DEREK BOORMAN AND MRS BOORMAN; BRIGADIER C.J. PIKE, BRIGADE OF GURKHASt AND LT. COL. R.K. CHHETRI, ROYAL NEPALESE LIAISON OFFICER FOR HONG KONG.

------0 ------- /2 ..............

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983

2

«AJ.S. EXERCISES TEXTILE CONVERSION RIGHT M * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT HAD EXERCISED ITS RIGHT UNDER THE HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT TO CONVERT 13 CATEGORIES OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS +CALLED+ DURING 1983 INTO SPECIFIC-LIMIT CATEGORIES IN 1984.

THE 13 CATEGORIES, AND THE 1984 RESTRAINT LIMITS, AREi

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION 1984 LIMIT

313 COTTON SHEETING 51 527 028 SQ. YD.

315 COTTON PRINTCLOTH 7 611 932 SQ. YD.

319 COTTON DUCK 31 620 000 SQ. YD.

336 COTTON DRESSES 140 458 DOZ.

352 COTTON UNDERWEAR 4 539 000 DOZ.

434 OTHER WOOL COATS 8 833 DOZ.

(MEN AND BOYS)

442 WOOL SKIRTS 63 854 DOZ.

604 MAN-MADE-FIBRE SPUN 349 304 LBS.

NON-CELLULOSIC YARN

631 M.M.F. GLOVES 432 480 DOZ. PAIRS

636 M.M.F. DRESSES 204 000 DOZ.

642 M.M.F. SKIRTS 131 762 DOZ.

644 M.M.F. SUITS (WOMEN, 25 500 DOZ.

GIRLS AND INFANTS)

647 M.M.F. TROUSERS, ETC. 280 908 DOZ.

(MEN AND BOYS)

♦THE LIMITS FOR 1984 ARE IN EVERY CASE GREATER THAN ACTUAL TRADE IN 1983. NEVERTHELESS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE U.S. HAS EXERCISED ITS RIGHT TO CONVERT, AND CONVERSION MEANS THAT THE CATEGORIES WILL BE SUBJECT TO QUOTA FOR THE REST OF THE AGREEMENT, I.E. UNTIL DECEMBER 1987.

♦THIS IS CLEARLY A SIGN OF A MORE RESTRICTIVE U.S. ATTITUDE TOWARDS TEXTILE IMPORTS AND, AS SUCH, IS OF CONSIDERABLE CONCERN TO HONG KONG,+ MR MACLEOD SAID.

/MR MACLEOD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 198}

3

MR MACLEOD ALSO DISCLOSED THAT, IN ADDITION, A REQUEST HAD JUST BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE U.S. GOVERNMENT FOR CONSULTATIONS ON A FURTHER NINE CATEGORIES NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO QUOTA, WITH A VIEW TO SETTING SPECIFIC LIMITS FOR 1983.

♦THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT EA (EXPORT AUTHORISATION) CALLS HAVE BEEN MADE SO LATE IN THE YEAR,+ MR MACLEOD SAID.

♦WE ARE STILL ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS MOVE WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING ON OUR RESPONSE.+

MEANWHILE, IN VIEW OF THE DANGER OF SPECULATION, AND TO PROVIDE NECESSARY CERTAINTY FOR THE TRADE, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED, AFTER CONSULTING THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, TO INTRODUCE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR REGULATING EXPORTS IN 1984 IN THE CATEGORIES CONCERNED.

DETAILS OF THESE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TO THE TRADE IN THE USUAL WAY.

THE NINE CATEGORIES INVOLVED AREi

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION

314 COTTON POPLIN AND BROADCLOTH

318 COTTON YARN-DYED FABRIC

337 COTTON PLAYSUITS, SUNSUITS, WASHSUITS, ETC.

361 COTTON SHEETS

359 OTHER COTTON APPAREL

369 OTHER COTTON MANUFACTURES

649 M.M.F. BRASSIERES, ETC.

669 OTHER M.M.F. MANUFACTURES

459 OTHER WOOL APPAREL

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

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983^*

4

MEW I.D. CARD SCHEME ENTERING EIGHTH PHASE « * * *

THE EIGHTH PHASE OF THE NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE SCHEME WILL START ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS PHASE, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 11, IS TARGETED AT ABOUT 104 200 MEN BORN IN 1953 AND 1952.

♦OF THIS NUMBER, ABOUT 97 200 ARE EXPECTED TO TURN UP FOR THEIR NEW CARDS DURING THE FIVE-WEEK PERIOD. THE REMAINING 7 000 HAVE ALREADY OBTAINED THEIR NEW CARDS AT THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES AS A RESULT OF LOSS, DAMAGE OR CHANGE OF PARTICULARS ON THEIR OLD CARDS,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

APPLICATIONS FOR NEW CARDS SHOULD BE MADE IN PERSON TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES WHICH ARE OPEN BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. *

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS TO BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS WHEN THEY REPORT TO THE ISSUE OFFICES.

♦THE OLD CARDS WILL HAVE TO BE SURRENDERED WHEN NEW ONES ARE ISSUED AFTER 18 WORKING DAYS.

♦THOSE WHO ARE BUSY ON WEEKDAYS CAN EITHER COME FORWARD IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS. THEY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SYSTEM.

♦APPOINTMENTS CAN BE MADE TO VISIT ANY ONE OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ON ANY NORMAL WORKING DAY, EXCEPT MONDAYS, BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5.30 PM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦TO FIX UP AN APPOINTMENT, THE APPLICANT HAS TO COMPLETE A FORM OBTAINABLE FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICE AND RETURN IT BY MAIL TO THE ISSUE OFFICE OF ONE’S CHOICE. IT MUST REACH THE OFFICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THIS PHASE.*

THOSE WHO ARE AWAY FROM HONG KONG AND WILL NOT BE BACK DURING ADV'SED T° APPLY F0R NEW CARDS wT?h?n ,NG -aj : “’O vr I nt IK KclUKNa

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

HK FIRST FOR TAI PO BYPASS BRIDGES

* M * M M

FOUR OF THE FIVE TAI PO BY-PASS BRIDGES ARE BEING BUILT BY USE OF A TECHNIQUE NOT EMPLOYED BEFORE IN HONG KONG.

THROUGH USE OF THE ♦INCREMENTAL LAUNCHING TECHNIQUE*, THE BRIDGES ARE BEING BUILT IN SHORT SEGMENTS AND LAUNCHED OUT OVER THE VALLEYS IN SUCCESSIVE STAGES ACROSS PREVIOUSLY CONSTRUCTED COLUMNS.

DURING LAUNCHING THE BRIDGES ARE SUPPORTED AT THE COLUMNS ON TEMPORARY BEARINGS, WHICH ARE STAINLESS STEEL AND TEFLON SURFACES THAT ENABLE THE STRUCTURES TO MOVE FORWARD SMOOTHLY.

/THE RESIDENT ......

fSIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 198J

THE RESIDENT ENGINEER FOR THE PROJECT, MR EDWARD ROBLIN, SAID THE TECHNIQUE WAS DEVELOPED BY THE GERMANS AND FIRST USED IN VENEZUELA 20 YEARS AGO.

HE SAID ITS MAIN ADVANTAGE IS THAT IT ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR TEMPORARY SCAFFOLDING AND THEREBY MINIMISES ENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE.

THE TAI PO BYPASS PROJECT IS DESIGNED AND IS BEING SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. THE ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE BRIDGES PREPARED BY THE STRUCTURAL DESIGN DIVISION WAS TO USE PRECAST, PRESTRESSED CONCRETE BEAMS WITH CAST-IN-SITU CONCRETE DECKS.

HOWEVER, THE CONTRACTOR, KUMAGI GUM I (HK) LTD, PROPOSED INSTEAD USING THE INCREMENTAL LAUNCHING TECHNIQUE WHICH WAS ACCEPTED AT A SAVING OF $10 MILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT.

MR ROBLIN SAID EACH COMPLETED STRUCTURE CONSISTS OF TWO BRIDGES. DURING LAUNCHING A 1.2-METRE WIDE GAP WAS MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE TWO BRIDGES INTO WHICH THE DIVIDER WOULD EVENTUALLY BE PLACED.

SEGMENTS VARY FROM 10.50 METRES TO 10.85 METRES IN LENGTH.

A 21-METRE-LONG STEEL +NOSE+ IS BUILT ON THE FRONT STRUCTURE TO REDUCE BENDING WHEN BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE COLUMNS.

THE MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN COLUMNS USING THIS TECHNIQUE IS 42 METRES, MR ROBLIN SAID.

TAI PO BYPASS IS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM. IT WILL RUN FROM ISLAND HOUSE TO NORTH TAI PO AND COST MORE THAN $200 MILLION. WORK ON THE PROJECT STARTED IN MARCH, 1982, AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN THE MIDDLE OF 1985.

THE SECTION ON WHICH THE NEW BRIDGE BUILDING TECHNIQUE IS BEING USED IS 2.9 KILOMETRES LONG. IT IS DUAL THREE-LANE AND THE PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF 0.7 KILOMETRES OF DUAL TWO-LANE LINK ROAD CONNECTING THE TRUNK ROAD TO THE NORTH TAI PO DEVELOPMENT AREA THE LINK ROAD PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF AN +ORDINARY+ BRIDGE TO CROSS THE RETRAINED LAM TSUEN RIVER.

MR ROBLIN SAID THE ROADWORKS PASSED THROUGH RUGGED TERRAIN AND INTERSECTED A NUMBER OF VALLEYS. NEARLY ONE MILLION CUBIC NETRES OF ROCK AND SOIL WERE BEING EXCAVATED WITH CUTTING SLOPES TO A DEPTH OF 60 METRES. THE FIVE BRIDGES VARIED IN LENGTH FROM 109 METRES TO 276 METRES WITH COLUMNS UP TO 30 METRES HIGH.

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

76.......

FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 1903

6

RADAR TOWER FOR HK AIRPORT

* * * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A TOWER TO ACCOMMODATE SURFACE DETECTION EQUIPMENT AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

THE EQUIPMENT CONSISTS OF A SHORT RANGE RADAR SYSTEM WITH SIGNAL PROCESSING AND DISPLAY FACILITIES WHICH WILL CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR AND SHOW THE POSITION AND MOVEMENTS OF ALL AIRCRAFT, VEHICLES AND OTHER POTENTIAL OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE AIRFIELD AND OF SHIPS IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN APPROACHES TO HONG KONG.

THE TOWER WILL BE ABOUT 40 METRES HIGH.

OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CONTRACT INCLUDE A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, AN OIL TANK, A STANDBY GENERATOR ROOM, A RADAR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ROOM, AN AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT ROOM, A CARBON DIOXIDE ROOM AND BATTERY SWITCH ROOMS.

THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE NEXT MARCH AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY, 1985.

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

INTELPOST EXTENDED TO SEOUL H M K M

INTELPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO SOUTH KOREA FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 4) BUT INITIALLY TO THE CITY OF SEOUL ONLY, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ANNOUNCED TODAY.

INTELPOST, CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, USA, FRANCE AND WEST GERMANY, 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, PUBLIC RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING AND THE EXTENSION OF FAC' ‘TIES TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WILL PROVIDE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE RANGE OF DESTINATIONS AVAILABLE,♦ HE SAID.

THE CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA WILL BEi

FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $45

FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME $25 ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME

CUSTOMERS WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE MAY POST THEIR DOCUMENTS AT EITHER THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OR TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10 MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.

FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST REPRESENTATIVE ON TELEPHONE 5-2671148.

------o------- /7......

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983

7

AMENDED SAI YING * *

TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PUN A..D SHEUNG WAN ARE PUBLISHED

PUN PLAN PUBLISHED

M * *

OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR SAI YING IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY

(FRIDAY) BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.

ONE AMENDMENT IS TO REZONE THREE GOVERNMENT-INSTITUTION-COMMUNITY (QIC) SITES ON WESTERN RECLAMATION TO OTHER SPECIFIED USES AND EARMARK THEM FOR A NEW FERRY CONCOURSE TO INCLUDE GIC AND COMMERCIAL USES.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS TO EARMARK THE OPEN SPACE SITE TO THE EAST OF THE NEW FERRY CONCOURSE FOR PARKLAND.

THE AMENDED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), 222-224, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, AND ITS PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS SHOULD SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING.

COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT $10 PER UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 PER COLOURED COPY.

o -

NEED FOR VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE STRESSED K M K M M

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE WAS NECESSARY TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE CAREERS, MR BRIAN FRENCH, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER) SAID THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.

SPEAKING AT THE 8TH SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR FRENCH SAID THAT IT WAS VERY ,MP0,}TANT THAT SCHOOLS HAVE STAFF TRAINED IN CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE PROPER ADVICE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ADDITIONAL TEACHER PROVIDED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER WAS INTENDED TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO ALLOCATE MORE NON-TEACHING PERIODS TO CAREERS TEACHERS TO COPE WITH STUDENT ENQUIRIES.

/THE SUMMER .......

FIRDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1983

8

THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME, HAD CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATED ITS VALUE AS A COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME TO THE WORK OF CAREERS GUIDANCE IN SCHOOLS IN THAT IT HAD PROVIDED STUDENTS WITH THE OPPC TUNITY FOR GAINING DIRECTLY AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF WORK, HE SAID.

♦CLEARLY TOO, SUCH ATTACHMENTS ASSIST STUDENTS IN LEARNING ABOUT THEMSELVES AND ABOUT THEIR POTENTIAL, THEREBY, PERHAPS, LEADING THEM ULTIMATELY TOWARDS SOUND CAREERS CHOICES.+

THIS YEAR SOME 122 STUDENTS AND 14 ORGANISATIONS TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME.

IN THANKING THE PARTICIPATING FIRMS FOR THEIR SUPPORT, NR FRENCH ALSO PRAISED THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREER MASTERS AND MISTRESSES FOR ITS HARD WORK OVER THE YEARS IN THE INTEREST OF ALL SECONDARY STUDENTS.

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

CATHOLIC BISHOP VISITS REFUGEES

M * * *

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE MOST REV JOHN BAPTIST WU, TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID HIS FIRST VISIT AND HELD MASS FOR THE REFUGEES AT THE CLOSED CENTRES ADMINISTERED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON HEI LING CHAU AND CHI MA WAN.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM AND DEPARTMENT’S CHAPLAINS, FATHER STEPHEN EDMONDS AND FATHER NEWBERY.

BISHOP WU FIRST CALLED AT HEI LING CHAU AND HELD A MASS FOR THE REFUGEES THERE. HE TALKED TO SOME OF THE REFUGEES WHILE TOURING THE FACILITIES, WHICH INCLUDE A CLINIC, A DINING HALL AND DORMITORIES. THERE ARE NOW OVER 2 600 REFUGEES LIVING ON THE ISLAND.

HE NEXT WENT TO THE CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE WHERE SOME 2 100 REFUGEES ARE STAYING.

AFTER HOLDING A MASS FOR THE REFUGEES, HE TOURED THE VARIOUS FACILITIES IN THE CENTRE.

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

/9........

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198}

9

REPORT GIVES SOME SOCIAL FACTS ABOUT HK PEOPLE M * M *

ONE IN EVERY FIVE PERSONS AGED 15 AND OVER IN HONG KONG IS A SMOKER, ACCORDING TO A SPECIAL REPORT PUT OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

SPECIAL QUESTIONS ON A VARIETY OF SOCIAL TOPICS ARE INCLUDED REGULARLY IN THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY, WHICH IS A CONTINUOUS SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE AIM IS TO COLLECT SOCIAL DATA REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENT FOR THE PLANNING OF SERVICES AND FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SOCIAL CONDITIONS.

THE FIRST REPORT ON THESE IS NOW AVAILABLE AND INCLUDES EIGHT TOPICS. NAMELY DOCTOR CONSULTATIONS, AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY ON SMOKING AND DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM, SPORTS AND COUNTRYSIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, TIME SPENT ON HOME STUDY BY ‘ STUDENTS, LABOUR MOBILITY, PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT, GAS SAFETY, AND THE NUMBER OF CATS-DOGS KEPT BY HOUSEHOLDS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE FACTS REVEALED BY THE REPORTi

ONE IN EVERY FIVE PERSONS AGED 15 AND OVER IN HONG KONG IS A SMOKER. FOR EVERY SEVEN MALE SMOKERS THERE IS ONE FEMALE SMOKER. THE ESTIMATED TOTAL NUMBER OF SMOKERS IS 865 000.

ON AVERAGE, KINDERGARTEN PUPILS SPEND AN HOUR A DAY ON HOME STUDY- PRIMARY PUPILS SPEND MORE TIME, ABOUT TWO AND A HALF HOURS WHILE SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS SPEND ABOUT THREE TO FOUR HOURS PER DAY.

MORE PEOPLE CONSULT DOCTORS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS AND THE MOST COMMON COMPLAINTS ARE DISEASES OF THE RESPISYSTEM, ACCORDING TO THE ENQUIRIES. THE RATE OF CONSULTING DOCTORS WAS HIGHEST FOR CHILDREN UP TO FOUR YEARS OF AGE, AND IT DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FOR THOSE IN THE 5-44 AGE GROUP.

THERE ARE NOT MANY WORKERS IN HONG KONG WITH PART-TIME JOBS IN DDITION TO FULL-TIME JOBS, OR WITH PART-TIME JOBS ONLY. THE NUM--R OF PART-TIME JOB-HOLDERS IS ESTIMATED AT AROUND 53 000, OF HIGH ABOUT THREE-FIFTHS ARE FEMALES. ON AVERAGE, THEY WORK 4.5 HOURS PER DAY.

THE REPORT CONTAINS MANY MORE FINDINGS AND DETAILED TABLES ON THE SUBJECTS SURVEYED.

SPECIAL TOPICS REPORT I IS NOW AVAILABLE AND COPIES ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.

- - 0 - -

/10

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983

10

ALL TSUEN WAN FAIR SITES SOLD

ALL 208 STALL SITES AT THE FORTHCOMING TSUEN WAN LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WERE SOLD AT ABOVE THE UPSET PRICE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY (FRIDAY).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE HIGHEST PRICE BID FOR THE 172 FLOWER STALLS, WAS $2 650 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS 1400. THE UPSET PRICE WAS $100.

THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1 400 WAS BID FOR ONE OF THE 34 DRY GOODS STALLS AND THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $850.

TWO STALL SITES FOR SALE OF BOTTLED DRINKS OR ICE CREAM WERE SOLD FOR $3 500 AND $1 550. '

TODAY’S AUCTION, CONDUCTED BY STAFF OF THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, WAS HELD AT THE CULTURAL ACTIVITY HALL OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

ALL THE STALL SITES WILL AGAIN BE ERECTED AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND BETWEEN JANUARY 26 AND FEBRUARY 2 NEXT YEAR.

SIX OTHER LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE HELD DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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

PROJECTS HELP IMPROVE YUEN LONG

X X X X X

PUBLIC FACILITIES AND THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN YUEN LONG HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED THROUGH VARIOUS PROJECTS OF THE DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

HE POINTED OUT THAT $6 MILLION WERE ALLOCATED TO

THE PROGRAMME THIS YEAR, INCLUDING $3.64 MILLION FROM THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS VOTE AND $1.36 MILLION FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD’S MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT VOTE.

♦MORE THAN 190 PROJECTS HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED AND 130 OF THEM COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR.

♦AMONG THE COMPLETED PROJECTS ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A

VAN TRACK FROM LOK MA CHAU TO YAN SAU WAI IN SAN TIN, THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT TUNG TAU TSUEN IN HA TSUEN, AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A MOTORABLE BRIDGE AT NGAU TAM MEI IN SAN TIN AND A FOOTBRIDGE AT WONG CHUK YUEN IN PAT HEUNG.

♦OTHER PROJECTS ARE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VILLAGE ROADS, FOOTPATHS. PLAYGROUNDS, LATRINES, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS,+ HE ADDED.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

F3IDAT, DECEMBER JO, I98J

the spokesman said the programme WHO LIVE IN THE 138 VILLAGES, BUT ALSO CENTRE.

BENEFITED NOT ONLY THOSE PEOPLE IN YUEN LONG TOWN

♦LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING STANDARD CAN THE DISTRICT OFFICE,+ HE SAID.

MAKE USE OF THE PROGRAMME TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN APPLICATION TO

^VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES, CHAIRMEN OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WILL BE ABLE TO HELP IN SUBMITTING SUCH APPLICATIONS.* N

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

HK GIRL TOPS IN BRITISH ACCOUNTANCY EXAM

* M M

A 21-YEAR OLD WOMAN GRADUATE OF A HONG KONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE SCORED THE HIGHEST AGGREGATE MARK IN A BRITISH PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY EXAMINATION HELD IN JUNE THIS YEAR.

AS A RESULT, MISS CHIU SAU-CHUN, WHO TOOK COMMERCIAL STUDIES AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (MHTI), ALSO RECEIVED A CHEQUE FOR STERLING 50 AND A CONGRATULATORY LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS (AAT).

THE NEWS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ISSUES OF THE AAT JOURNAL.

THE AAT IS A PROFESSIONAL BODY RECOGNISED BY MANY PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, SUCH AS THE ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (ACCA), AND WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE AAT MEMBERSHIP EXAMINATION CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS, AND THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS ARE EXEMPTED FROM PAPERS OF PART I AND I I.

♦OUR LECTURERS ALWAYS ENCOURAGE US TO TAKE THE AAT EXAMINATION PAR’, III AS THE QUALIFICATIONS ACCREDITED ARE CONDUCIVE TO OUR CARL ■; IN THE ACCOUNTING SECTOR,+ MISS CHIU SAID.

SINCE GRADUATING FROM MHTI THIS SUMMER, SHE HAS BEEN WORKING AS AN AUDIT CLERK IN A FIRM.

SHE HAS ALSO ENROLLED IN THE PART-TIME EVENING COURSE FOR THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNTANCY RUN BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

BECAUSE OF HER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN THE AAT EXAMINATION, SHE HAS BEEN EXEMPTED FROM PART I PAPERS IN THE ACCA EXAMINATION.

MISS CHIU EXPLAINED SHE HAD DECIDED TO STUDY ACCOUNTANCY IN HiTI AFTER COMPLETING FORM SIX BECAUSE SHE HAD GREAT INTEREST IN FIGURES AND IN COMPUTING.

THE DIPLOMA COURSE IN ACCOUNTANCY IS ALSO OFFERED IN THE LEE WAI LEE AND KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

------0 ------ /12 ..............

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983 '

12

CNTA STAFF SHOW OLYMPIC SPIRIT

* * * X

MORE THAN 500 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DONNED SPORTSWEAR AND SHOWED THEIR ATHLETIC SKILLS TODAY (FRIDAY) TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR.

THEY TOOK PART IN 23 FIELD AND TRACK EVENTS ORGANISED FOR THE CNTA ANNUAL SPORTS DAY HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICT OFFICES ALSO TEAMED UP, INCLUDING A TEAM FROM HEADQUARTERS, AND WRESTLED FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE INTER-DISTRICT TUG-OF-WAR. THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS’ TEAM WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE FINAL.

ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WAS WHEN DISTRICT OFFICERS AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICERS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN REGIONS FLEXED THEIR MUSCLES IN THE INTER-REGIONAL TUG-OF-WAR. THE URBAN OFFICERS WON THE +WAR+.

OTHER EVENTS INCLUDED INVITATION RELAYS INVOLVING SEVEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FUN GAMES FOR THE CNTA STAFF.

ADDRESSING THE GATHERING BEFORE THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR IAN MACPHERSON, SAID l€ WAS GREATLY ENCOURAGED TO SEE SO MANY STAFF MEMBERS IN SUCH COLD WEATHER AT THE SPORTS GROUND.

+THIS IS A GOOD DEMONSTRATION OF THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT.

+THIS IS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DEMONSTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TEAM SPIRIT WHICH IS AN ESSENTIAL FACTOR IN A HAPPY AND SMOOTH WORKING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR DAILY WORK,+ HE ADDED.

MR MACPHERSON AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.

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

INSTRUCTORS COURSE ON SAILING X * * *

A COURSE FOR INSTRUCTORS TO TEACH SAILING TO BEGINNERS WILL BE HELD IN FEBRUARY IN SAI KUNG.

PEOPLE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE FIVE-DAY COURSE SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS NOW.

THE COURSE, WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM AT THE LITTLE PALM BEACH ON FEBRUARY 11, 12, 18, 19 AND 25, IS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SAIL ASSOCIATION.

APPLICANTS MUST BE AGED 18 AND ABOVE. ENTRY FEE IS $20 PER PERSON.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IN WING ON CENTRE, CENTRAL.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, TELEPHONE 5-458511.

) - - - _ o ----- /1J................

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1983Sssfc

- 13 -

800 TAKING PART IN SUNDAY RUN * * * M

ABOUT 800 OVERSEAS AND LOCAL ATHLETES WILL TAKE PART IN A 5.5-KILOMETRE RUN DURING THE 1984 NEW YEAR INTERNATIONAL HARRIER ROAD RACE TO BE HELD IN KOWLOON CITY ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 1).

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE ANNUAL EVENT IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS - MEN’S OPEN, WOMEN’S OPEN, MEN STUDENT AND WOMEN STUDENT.

THE CONTESTANTS WILL START FROM SHEK KU STREET, PASSING PERTH STREET, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, SHEUNG HING STREET, SHEUNG SHING STREET, SHEUNG LOK STREET, FAT KWONG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET, KO SHAN ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TIN KWONG ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, GULLANE ROAD AND TWEED ROAD, AND WILL FINISH THE RACE AT THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND.

THE RUN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, AND LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, AND CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING-OFF CEREMONY AT 9 AM IN THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND.

NOTE TO EDITORSi

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

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

NEW ROAD TO BE BUILT

* * * K

A NEW ROAD IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR TSENG TAU TSUEN HA TSUEN IN THE NORTHERN PART OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVE °MENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

WORK WILL START IN APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.

WHEN FINISHED, THE SOO-METRE-LONG NEW ROAD WILL SERVE THE PROPOSED TUEN MUN WATER TREATMENT WORKS EXTENSION, A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.

I

- 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HONG KONG TEL 5-233191

Friday, December 30, 19$3

EMBARGOED NWS ITEM:

NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES, AND BROADCASTING STATIONS:

The following announcement on the Queen’s New Year Honours List is being made simultaneously in London at 0001 hours GMT on Saturday, Decemb er 31•

Publication is not permitted in Hong Kong newspapers before 0001 hours local time Saturday, December 31•

Radio and Television stations must ncx broadcast the contents before 0800 hours, Saturday, December 31•

On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.

HONOURS

CBE - Commander, Order of the British Empire OBE - Officer, Order of the British Empire ISO - Companion, Imperial Service Order MBE - Member, Order of the British Empire

BETA - British Empire Medal

QFSM - Queen’s Fire Service Medal

GPM - Colonial Police Medal

Badge of Honour

New Year Honours 1984

C.B.E.

The Hon. CHEN Shou-1 urn, OBE, JP

Mr Chen has been an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council since 1976 and is now a member of Executive Council. He was Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council from 1977 to 1981 during which time the work of the Council and its subordinate Centre changed in scope, sophistication and content, thereby making the Centre into the leading infrastructural support organisation for manufacturing industry in Hong Kong.

Mr Gordon Menzies MACWHINNIE, OBE, JP

Mr Macwhinnie has made an important contribution to public life by his membership of the following bodies : the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, the Hong Kong Polytechnic Council, the Securities Commission, the Board of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Hong Kong Arts Centre, the Deposit-Taking Companies Advisory Committee and the Corruption Prevention and Operations Review Committees of the ICAC.

Mr Peter Barry WILLIAMS, OBE

Mr Williams joined the Hong Kong Government as a Cadet Officer in 1953 and finally retired from the Service in the post of Commissioner of Labour. He returned to Hong Kong in mid 1979 to become the first Secretary General to the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, and in October 1980 assumed the post of Commissioner Against Corruption .

/O.B.E.


Mr Duncan Robert Yorke BLUCK, JP

Mr Bluck has a long and distinguished record of public service. His experience in public affairs is well evidenced by the list of boards, committees and organisations, both governmental and otherwise, on which he presently serves.

Mr John Edgar PEACOCK, JP

Mr Peacock joined the Royal Observatory as a Scientific Officer in April 1950. He was promoted to Deputy Director in August 1965 and acted as the Director on numerous occasions until his substantive promotion to Director in January 1981.

Mr Nigel Anthony RIGG, JP

Mr Rigg has contributed through his special expertise and knowledge to the development of the insurance industry in Hong Kong and is a past Chairman of the Marine Insurance Association of Hong Kong. He is also a past Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and during this period of 2 years as Chairman and two additional years as Vice Chairman, Mr Rigg was extremely active in assisting the Government with specialised advice and support on a variety of appointments to important advisory boards and committees.

The Hon. Andrew SO Kwok-wing, JP

Mr So is the managing director of the Credit Union League in Hong Kong and has achieved an international standing in credit unions. His public service includes work with the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries, but he is most notable as an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, which he became in 1978.

/Mr Sung ......

3

Mr Leslie Lothian SUNG, JP

Mr Sune was made an Unofficial Justice of the Peace in 1976 and was appointed to the Public Service Commission in 1978. He has acted as Chairman on several occasions. Mr Sung has also served on other public bodies and is currently Chairman of the Police Cadet School Advisory Board and a Member of a Sub-Committee of the Law Reform Commission.

Mr TANG Hsiang-chien, JP

Mr Tang has had a long period of public service, first as a member of the Textiles Advisory Board and secondly as Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. Mr Tang is also a Council Member of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Member of the Boards of Trustees of New Asia College.

I.S.Q.

Mr CHAN Pak

Mr Chan joined the former Resettlement Department in 1956 as an Area Officer and reached his present rank of Assistant Director of Housing in 1978. He has played a key role in the introduction of new management standards in the administration of public housing estates and is at present responsible for the day-to-day administration of all the Housing Department’s estates which now house 2 million of Hong Kong’s inhabitants.

Mr John Hogarth GRIEVE, CPM

Mr Grieve first saw service in Palestine and then in Malaya, followed by a brief spell in the Paisley Burgh Police in Scotland. He then joined the Royal Hong Kong Police in December 1951 and was promoted through the ranks to Chief Superintendent in 1976. He retired in November 1983.

/Mr Illingworth

4

Mr Michael Clafton ILLINGWORTH

Mr Illingworth joined the RHKPF in March 1949 and was promoted to his present rank of Assistant Commissioner in 1971. He has commanded the N.T. Region with distinction since July 1972. He has copied with these problems in a professional manner and has displayed a high degree of leadership and devotion to duty throughout.

Mr Dennis Robert RICK

Mr Rick joined the Hong Kong Government as a Police Sub-Inspector in 1955. He transferred to the Printing Department as Assistant Superintendent in 1961. He was promoted to the rank of Printing Superintendent in 1965 z Assistant Government Printer in 1974 and Government Printer in 1978.

M.B.E.

Mr CHAU How-chen^jp

Mr Chau has been a member of the Tsuen Wan District Board since 1979. He is very active in promoting sports and recreational activities in the Tsuen Wan District. He was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yan Chai Hospital in 1981/82 and is now an Adviser to the Hospital. He has held the post of Acting Regional Commander for New Territories Civil Aid Services since 1982.

Mrs CHOY PUN Siu-funz JP

Mrs Choy has been actively involved in social work for the past 20 years and has contributed positively to the overall development and expansion of social services to the community. As Director of the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society for 13 years until her recent resignation, Mrs Choy helped to develop the Society as a well established voluntary body offering a variety of much needed services.

Mrs Ruth FRASER

Mrs Fraser is the Administrator of Red Cross Blood Collection Service. As the Administrator of the Service, Mrs Fraser has played a very important role in the expansion and development of the Blood Transfusion Service in Hong Kong. /Mr Hui.....

5

Mr HUI In-yinc

Mr Hui is a highly respected community leader. He has been, for some years past, a member of several boards and committees dealing with public affairs in Kowloon. He is also a Lay Assessor at North Kowloon Magistracy.

Mr Stephen LAU Ka-men

Since his appointment as Data Processing Manager in July 1978, Mr Lau has been responsible for the provision of a wide range of general purpose computer facilities to a considerable number of Government departments by the Government Data Processing Agency, and for the development of many specialised computer projects within individual departments including a computer with Chinese processing capability to produce the register of electors and poll cards for District Board elections;and computerised facilities for the issue of new identity cards for the whole population of Hong Kong.

Mr Ernest Richard MAYCQCK

Mr Maycock joined the Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps in 1939. He fought in the defence of Hong Kong and was taken prisoner at Chung Hom Kok on Hong Kong Island on Christmas Eve 1941. He was a prisoner of war in Sham Shui Po Camp between 1941 and late 1943, and in Japan from 1943 until the liberation of Hong Kong in 1945. He joined the Government service in November 1946 and is due to retire at the end of January 1984.

Mr Paul TSANG Whan

Mr Paul Tsang joined the Civil Aid Services in 1953 as a Senior Operator in the Hong Kong Command Headquarters and was promoted to the officer rank in 1963. He is now the Recruiting Officer for the Service.

/Mr Diamond

’.r Arthur Ian DIAMOND

Mr Diamond joined the Hong Kong Government as Archivist in 1971, having had 16 years previous experience as an official Archivist in Australia, Fiji and the Western Pacific High Commission. He was the first Archivist to be appointed in Hong Kong and has been successful in establishing a modern and efficient Public Records Office which now provides a very valuable service to both the Hong Kong Government and the public of Hong Kong.

M.B.E. (Mil)

Major IP Tai-tung

Major Ip Tai-tung joined the Regiment in June 1953 and rose through the ranks until he was commissioned in October 1970. He was promoted to his present rank in June 1979. His work with the Junior Leaders Squadron has been particularly outstanding.

B.E.M.

Mr LIN Teh-min

Mr Lin joined the public service in 1951 as a clerk. He joined the Building Supervisor grade as an ’Assistant Building Supervisor’ in 1969 and was subsequently promoted Building Supervisor Class II and Class I in 1971 and 1978 respectively.

Mr WONG Mang-kuen

Mr Wong has served with ability in an important section of the Urban Services Dept, for the past 32 years. He has also been a volunteer member of the Civil Aid Services for 29 years.

Mr LEUNG Yee-kau

Mr Leung joined the Civil Service as a Labourer in 1947 and has risen through the ranks to his present rank of Senior Foreman, Public Cleansing. He has been repeatedly commended for his exemplary performance by his senior officers. /Hr Lee ....

Mr LEE Shi-chi

Mr Lee was first appointed as a Sanitary Coolie in 1954 and posted to the By-Products Plant. He was promoted to Foreman Butcher-in December.]978. Since he joined he joined the Department, he has been performing highly unpleasant but exceedingly important tasks of a public health nature.

Mr FAN Nai-fuen

Mr Fan joined the Prisons Deptas a Warder in Sept. 1953. He was promoted to Assistant Principal Warder in 1958, appointed Junior Prison Officer in 1962 and promoted to Officer in 1963. He has served in both prisons and training centres and has at all times set an excellent example to his colleagues.

Mr CHAU Yiu-hung

Mr Chau first joined Government as a Temporary Clerk in 1951. He rose to the rank of General Clerical Service Class II in June 1966, and to Clerical OfficerI in 1974 . Throughout his Iona service he has proved himself to be loyal, hardworking, responsible a>nd conscientious.

Mr LEE Po-ming

For 29 years Mr Lee has rendered outstanding service in the Auxiliary Medical Services. He is not only keenly interested in the expansion and development of the Services, but also in the general welfare and well-being of its members.

Mr LO Kam-shing

Mr Lo first joined the Medical & Health Department as Labourer in 1949 and was subsequently promoted to the grade of Watchman 1955, and Head Watchman in 1958. In 1963 he was promoted to the rank of Foreman III and has been serving as Steward I (retitled to Chief Hospital Foreman) since December 1980.

/Mr Chan ....

Mr CHAN Fui-kv>an

Mr Chan joined the Electrical & Mechanical Office of Public Works Dept as an Apprentice in 1945 and eventually transferred to the Education Department in 1972 as a Workshop Instructor in which role he was particulary effective.

Mr CHEUNG Pinc-leung

Mr Cheung is reaching the end of a career of thirty years of commitment to the public service in Hong Kong. He has shown considerable dedication to his work in the Operations Division of the Housing Department.

Mr CHIK Kwai-ting

Mr Chik joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Police Constable in July 1951. He later transferred to the Immigration Service where his loyalty and devotion to duty have been of a high order.

Mrs HO LAI Pui-yee

Mrs Ho joined the Government service in 1955 as a temporary clerk and was promoted to Senior Clerical Officer in Nov. 1978. She has served in the Registration of Persons Division of Immigration Dept for 28 years. Her work in connection with the introduction of the new Identity Card system was particularly praiseworthy.

Mr FUNG Shiu-kit

Mr Fung was first appointed to the civil service in April 1956 and transfrred to the Crown Lands and Survey Office of the Public Works Dept a year later. He has been of considerable assistance to senior and junior officers alike and, though his Chairmanship of the Lands and Works Group of Departments Sports Committee, has contributed immensely to staff morale.

Mrs Jean BOLTON

Mrs Bolton served as a Confidential Assistant, in particular for 15 years in the Quartering Office where her performance of duty was always of a hiah order.

A.f.s.m......

9

Q.F.S.M.

Mr LAM Lok-bun

Mr Lam is in his 30th year of service with the Hong Kong Fire Services having joined as a Sub Officer. He has served in all branches of the service incluidng the post of Commandant, Training School and his present position of head of tihe Fire Protection Bureau. His performance in these two difficult posts has contributed a great deal to the development of the Fire Services and steady improvements in public safety in Hong Kong.

C.P.M.

Mr WONG Tsan-kwong

Mr Wong joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1963 as an Inspector and was promoted to his present rank of Senior Superintendent- in 1979. Since June 1982 Mr Wong has served as District Commander of Mongkok

Mr Michael George Frith PREW

Mr Prew joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1963 as an Inspector. He was promoted to his present rank of Senior Superintendent in 1982. He has served in a number of district, staff and Criminal Investigation Dept posts. He assumed the role as Senior Staff Officer, Complaints Against Police Office in 1981. Mr Prew has also made valuable contributions to the sporting activities of the Force, having been a member of the Police Sports Council for the past 6 years.

Mr Christopher John Westaway BAGLEY

Mr Bagley joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as an Inspector in 1962 and was promoted through the ranks to Senior Superintendent in 1979. He has served in the Uniform Branch, Marine, Special Branch and Criminal Investigation Dept and the Narcotics Bureau.

/Mr Tsung ...

10

Mr TSUNG Yung-ming

Mr Tsung joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Constable in 1949 and was promoted through the ranks to Station Sergeant in 1972. He was posted to take command of the Government House Police Post in April 1981. In discharging his duties at Government House he has displayed tact and diplomacy of a high order in dealing with visitors, petitioners and demonstrators.

Mr FUNG Yiu-wing

Mr Fung joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a Constable in 1952 and was promoted to his present rank of Station Sergeant in 1979. He has spent virtually all his service in the Uniform Branch in Kowloon and New Territories Regions. He has received 22 commendations from Magistrates and his Commanding Officers.

Mr NGAI Ki-shung

Mr Ngai joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1951 and for the past 26 years has served in the Criminal Investigation Department. H6 was promoted to Detective Sergeant in 1971. He has provided an excellent example to his subordinates by his display of initiative, ability and devotion to duty.

Mr CHAU Cham-chiu, Peter

Mr Chau joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1962 and resigned to assist in the family business in 1974. On resigning from the regular Force Mr Chau joined the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force where his previous Police experience proved to be invaluable. He advanced through the ranks and was promoted to Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary) in 1980 and is presently Deputy District Commander (Auxiliary), New Territories.

/Mr Ohan .......

1 1

Mr CHAN Yip-kun

Mr Chan joined the Hong Kong Police Reserve in December 1953 and on amalgamation of the Reserve with the Hong Kong Special Constabulary in 1959 became a member of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force and was appointed Chief Inspector (Aux) in Nov. 1981. At present Mr Chan is second in command Yaumati (Aux) Police formation.

Mr CHAN Shing-cheong

Following 10 years full time service in the Public Works Dept., Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and Hong Kong Defence Force, Assistant Divisional Officer Chan joined the Fire Services in 1962 and has served in the Transport/ Workshop Division since then. His work under dangerous conditions has on many occasions been instrumental in keeping equipment functioning efficiently and so contributing a significantly to the saving of lives and property from fire.

Mr LI Sik-tim

Principal Fireman LI Sik-tim joined the Hong kong Fire Brigade as a fireman 35 years ago and rose through the ranks to the most senior non officer rank. Serving consistently with loyalty, courage and determination of a high order he has risked a great deal for the protection of the lives and property of the people of Hong Kong.

Mr CHEUNG Ping

Principal Fireman Cheung Ping has served with skill, courage and determination throughout his 26 years of service and his above normal performance, leadershio and determination at many fires and emergencies has been an example to his subordinates and instrumental in the saving of many lives and much property from fire. He has also served in the underwater diving unit and has taken part or commanded many underwater rescue operations at considerable personal risk.

/Badges of Honour.......

- 12 -

Badaes of Honour - New Year 1984

Mr CHOW Kwan-sing

Mr Chow is a Founder Member of the Tsuen Wan Trade Association and was its first Treasurer. He later became its Vice-chairman and has been Chairman since 1981. Mr Chow also founded the N.T. Chamber of Commerce in 1959 and founded the first Western style clinic in Tsuen Wan in 1953. The clinic offers entirely free services to the poor and needy.

Mr LEE Kae-bun

Mr Lee has played an active and important part in the fields of education, recreation, arts and sports promotion in Yuen Long where he is a primary school headmaster. He has served as the Vice-Chairman of the N.T. District Schools Sports Association, Yuen Long Branch since 1974 and is now the current Chairman; he is also the current Chairman of the Main N.T. District Schools Sports Association.

Mr TONG Kwok-wah

Mr Tong’s achievements lie in the work he does as Chairman of the HK Taoist Association and of the Yuen Yuen Institute, posts which he has held for the last 12 years. He is active in the ecumenical movement where his contributions have been noteworthy.

Mr CHENG Po-hong

Mr Cheng is an active social worker in the rehabilitation of delinquent children. He is a Lay Assessor in the Magistrates Courts and is Chairman of the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Sham Shui Po District Board.

/Mr Wan ....

13

Mr WAN Hon-cheung

Mr Wan is an indigenous villager of Tai Po Tsai, Sai Kung. He has been a member of the Sai Kung District Board since 1981 and has been closely associated with the Boys' and Girls' Club Association since 1975. He has also been a Member of the Antiquities Advisory Board and Lay Assessor since 1979 and a Member of the Country Park Board since 1982.

Mr MAN For-tai

Mr Man is a Village Representative of Fan Tin Tsuen Ming Tak Tong and has been Chairman of San Tin Rural Committee since 1978. He is Chairman of the Transport and Traffic Committee of Yuen Long District Board and was President of the Scout Association of Hong Kong Yuen Long (East) District in 1981/82 and 1982/83.

Mr TANG Po-sang

Mr Tang has been the Village Representative of Tai Pu Shui Wai since 1955 and a member of the Tai Po Rural Committee Executive Committee since 1959. He has been the Chairman of the Tai Po Rural Committee’s Mediation Committee for many years.

Mr CHOY Wjng-on

Mr Choy's record of community services started 9 years ago as a Mutual Aid Committee and later Owners' Corporation Chairman. He later served the Eastern District Federation of Multi-Storey Building Organisations, Eastern District Recreation and Sports Advancement Association and two Area Committees in Eastern District. He has been an Eastern District Board member since 1981.

Dr LEUNG Ding-bong

Dr Leung is Chairman of the Kwong On Bank and has been a Mong Kok District Board Member since 1981. He is active in the Auxiliary Medical Service and the St John's Ambulance Brigade. He is also a Council Member of the HK Medical Association, serving on the Licentiate Committee and Medical Laboratory Training Board. /14 .....

- 14 -

Ng./ YEhR HONOURS LIST 1,964

(British Forces)

O.B .3.

Lt Col E D Povzell-Jones MBS 7 OR

Now in UK

M.B.E.

Maj (QQO) Piarelal Thapa 6 GR

Maj (QPO) Lalbahadur Rai MVO 7 GR

B.3.M.

SSgt R M Horlor REME

A/W02 (now Mr) LIN Hung Yee HKMSC

Record Office Bde of Gurkhas

1/7 GR

Cony Ord Depot Wksp REMS

Discharged and living in Hong Kong

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1983

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SIR PETER BLAKER ARRIVING WEDNESDAY ............................ 1

FURTHER PROJECT TO BOOST CHINA WATER SUPPLY .................... 2

EXPANSION OF TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS .........................  2

WORKSHOPS ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION ........................... 3

TUEN MUN HOLDING SOCCER CONTEST ................................ 3

BAZAAR HAWKERS HAPPY OVER CLEAN-UP ..........................

ARTS FORTNIGHT ENDS WITH CONCERT ............................... 4

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL CLOSES ..................................... 5

PARTY FOR 'MODEL WORKERS'

5

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1983

1

SIR PETER BLAKgR ARRIVING WEDNESDAY

*'* * * *

SIR PETER BLAKER, CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP. WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG FOR AN 11-DAY VISIT ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 4).

DURING HIS STAY. SIR PETER WILL HAVE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS WELL AS UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS. HE WILL ALSO MEET URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES.

HIS PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE VISITS TO NEW TOWNS, COMMUNITY AND WELFARE FACILITIES, SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, A JUNIOR POLICE CALL CLUBHOUSE, THE BORDER AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CAMPS.

HE WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON JANUARY 14, BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG THE SAME EVENING.

SIR PETER, WHO WAS BORN IN HONG KONG 61 YEARS AGO, WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP IN JULY 1983. HE HAD ALSO CHAIRED THE GROUP FROM 1970 TO 1972.

HE HAS TAKEN A KEEN INTEREST IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS OVER MANY YEARS AND HAS VISITED THE TERRITORY A NUMBER OF TIMES.

SIR PETER’S PARLIAMENTARY INTEREST IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS STRETCHES BACK MORE THAN 20 YEARS. AS EARLY AS 1962 HE WAS PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE THEN MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

HE WAS JOINT SECRETARY OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARLIAMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE IN 1965, OPPOSITION WHIP THE FOLLOWING YEAR. JOINT SECRETARY OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARLIAMENT TRADE COMMITTEE FROM 1967 TO 1970, AND PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER FROM 1970 TO 1972.

FROM 1972 TO 1974, SIR PETER WAS PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE (ARMY) AND IN 1974 WAS PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS.

HE WAS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARLIAMENTARY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE FROM 1974 TO 1979, AND BETWEEN MAY 1979 AND JJNE 1981, HE WAS MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. FROM 1981 TO 1983, HE WAS MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE ARMED FORCES.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

SIR PETER BLAKER IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 4) BY FLIGHT BR 382, ETA 6.20 PM.

A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL. THOSE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM NOT LATER THAN 5.20 PM.

GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1983

2

FURTHER PROJECT TO BOOST CHINA WATER SUPPLY

* * * * *

ANOTHER MAJOR PROJECT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SCHEME TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA WILL START NEXT YEAR.

IT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUEDUCT FROM TAI PO TAU TO NGAU TAM MEI IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS WITH SPECIAL EXPERTISE TO APPLY FOR INCLUSION IN A PRE-QUALIFIED LIST TO TENDER FOR THE PROJECT.

THE PROJECT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTING A SIX-KILOMETRE-LONG TUNNEL CF 2.5 METRES DIAMETER AND LAYING ONE KILOMETRE OF STEEL PIPELINE.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE AQUEDUCT WILL ENABLE AU TAU TREATMENT WORKS AND TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR TO RECEIVE WATER FROM PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR DURING THE TWO-MONTH PERIOD WHEN THE SUPPLY OF CHINA WATER IS CUT OFF.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES ALL ASSOCIATED PORTAL WORKS, ACCESS ROADS, EARTHWORKS AND LANDSCAPING.

IT FORMS PART OF THE $725 MILLION SECOND STAGE OF THE CHINA WATER SUPPLY SCHEME AND WILL TAKE THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.

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

EXPANSION OF TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS

*****

THE TUEN MUN TREATMENT WORKS AT FU TEI IS TO BE FURTHER EXPANDED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY.

THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH STAGE FIVE OF THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME.

WHEN THE WORK IS COMPLETED THE EXISTING CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED BY 150 000 CUBIC METRES TO A TOTAL OF 273 000 CUBIC METRES A DAY.

THIS WILL COPE WITH INCREASED DEMAND GENERATED BY THE ANTICIPATED FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN MARCH AND TAKE 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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

/J......

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1983

3

WORKSHOPS ON LISTENING COMPREHENSION *****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE WILL ORGANISE THREE IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON THE TEACHING OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH NEXT YEAR.

THESE WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE SHORT TALKS AND DEMONSTRATION OF EXERCISES. PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DESIGN A LISTENING COMPREHENSION EXERCISE SUITABLE FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.

THE WORKSHOPS, EACH OF WHICH WILL LAST FOR THREE AFTERNOONS, WILL BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD AND ITS KOWLOON OFFICE IN MA TAU KOK ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

EACH WORKSHOP CAN ACCOMMODATE 20 TEACHERS. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO TEACHERS WHO HAVE NOT ATTENDED ANY SUCH WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO HAVE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED A WORKSHOP.

SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THE NAMES OF TEACHERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 25, 1984.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE CENTRE ON 5-482537.

- - 0 - -

TUEN MUN HOLDING SOCCER CONTEST * * * *

TWENTY-FOUR YOUNG TUEN MUN TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN A TWO-DAY DISTRICT-WIDE SOCCER COMPETITION FROM NEW YEAR’S DAY.

THE +NEW YEAR YOUTH SOCCER MARATHON KNOCK-OUT COMPETITION*, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND ON NEW YEAR’S DAY AND ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2).

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - AN ADULT INVITATION SECTION FOR PLAYERS ABOVE 18 AND A JUNIOR OPEN SECTION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.

EIGHT LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE OPEN SECTION.

THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR CHOI YING-WAI, AND THE TUEN MUN RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, MR CHAU KAI-MING, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT A KICK-OFF CEREMONY AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY), STARTING OFF THE EVENT.

A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AFTER THE COMPETITION AT THE SPORTS GROUND AT 5 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2). THE SENIOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT AMENITY OFFICER, MR WONG WINE-YUEN, WILL OFFICIATE.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1983

4

BAZAAR HAWKERS HAPPY OVER CLEAN-UP * * * *

MORE THAN 200 STALL HOLDERS OF LUEN WO HUI HAWKER BAZAAR ■ IN FANLING TODAY THANKED STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR HELPING TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THEIR TRADING AREAS.

THE IMPROVEMENT WORK WAS CARRIED OUT ON THE BAZAAR JOINTLY BY THE NTSD AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS.

FUNDED BY THE NTSD, THE WORK INCLUDED RE-CONSTRUCTION OF THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM, RE-PAVING THE FLOOR SURFACE AND LIME-WASHING THE BAZAAR WALLS.

STAFF OF THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE AND THE STALL HOLDERS ALSO HELPED CLEAN-UP THE BAZAAR.

AT A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT THE HAWKER BAZAAR TODAY, THE STALL HOLDERS THANKED THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, NORTH, MR LAW WAI-MING, AND HIS COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR EFFORTS.

A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE STALL HOLDERS, MR LAI CHUNG-MAN, PRESENTED A SOUVENIR PLATE TO MR LAW ON BEHALF OF OTHER TRADERS.

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

ARTS FORTNIGHT ENDS WITH CONCERT

# * * M *

ON THE HAPPY NOTE OF A NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT FEATURING THE HONG KONG POP ORCHESTRA, THE THIRD SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT CONCLUDED TONIGHT (SATURDAY).

DIRECTED BY MR AMBROSE LAW, THE 65-MEMBER ORCHESTRA PLAYED A SERIES OF LIGHT-HEARTED CLASSICS, MOVIE THEMES, FOLKS AND OPERA MUSIC FOR AN AUDIENCE OF 1 500 PEOPLE AT THE SIR RUN RUN SHAW HALL, CHINESE UNIVERSITY.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE OFFICIATING GUEST W LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, PRAISED THE ANNUAL EVENT WHICH HELPED PROMOTE, LOCAL RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN, AND APPRECIATION OF, ARTISTIC ACTIV(TIES AND PERFORMANCE.

DURING THE PAST TWO WEEKS, MORE THAN 50 000 PEOPLE HAD ATTENDED 25 EVENTS HELD AT 12 VENUES IN SHA TIN.

THE $500 000 FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE CULTURAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, DONALD TSANG AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN ARTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WONG PO-MING.

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

/5......

5 SATURDAY, DECIXBER J1, 1983

YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL CLOSES KM**

FESTIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE ENDED TODAY (SATURDAY) AFTER

THE 6TH HONG KONG YOUTH BAND RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, NINE DAYS OF ACTIVITIES.

WAS HELD THIS EVENING AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH THE AUDIENCE WITH SOME SPLENDID ENTERTAINMENT

A GALA FINALE STADIUM PROVIDING ON NEW YEAR’S EVE.

THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL FEATURED A SIX-DAY RESIDENTIAL COURSE OF INTENSIVE MUSICAL TRAINING AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, GIVING PARTICIPANTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE A BALANCED PROGRAMME OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, MR WONG LAM, AN UNOFFICIAL .MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID THE VARIED PROGRAMME OF BAND MUSIC WITH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL BANDS, YOUNG MUSICIANS AS WELL AS THE VISITING JAPANESE NARASHINO HIGH SCHOOL BAND, DEMONSTRATED THE DEDICATION OF ALL PARTICIPANTS TO BAND MUSIC, AND OF THE ORGANISERS IN PROMOTING MUSIC.

♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT MANY OF YOU WILL HAVE GAINED MUCH THROUGH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES AND WILL HAVE EMERGED AS BETTER MUSICIANS,* HE ADDED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, THANKED THE PERFORMING TEAMS, WHICH INCLUDED THE WINNERS OF THE SYMPHONIC BAND PERFORMANCE AND THE MARCHING BAND DISPLAY, THE VISITING JAPANESE NARASHINO HIGH SCHOOL BAND, THE CHEER LEADERS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE DANCE TROUPE OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND THE FESTIVAL BANDS, FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND DEDICATION IN MAKING THE FESTIVAL A SUCCESS.

ADDRESSING THE JAPANESE BAND, MR WILLIAMSON SAIDi +WE VALUE YOUR FRIENDSHIP, WE HAVE FOUND YOUR PARTICIPATION VERY STIMULATING, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO CLOSER CO-OPERATION WITH YOU IN THE FUTURE.*

-----0-----

PARTY FOR ’MODEL WORKERS’

MMX*

A +WORKERS NIGHT* FEATURING A VARIETY SHOW BY POPULAR SINGERS ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2) WILL MARK THE COMPLETION OF TSUEN WAN’S MODEL WORKERS AWARD SCHEME.

TEN MODEL WORKERS SELECTED FROM THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES DURING THE *WORKERS NIGHT* WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE AWARD SCHEME WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE, THE FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIES IN TSUEN WAN AND COMMERCIAL RADIO 1.

CHINESE CHESS AND SINGING COMPETITIONS WERE ALSO HELD, AND THE WINNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES.

THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL BE THE GUEST OF HONOUR, AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY.

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


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