DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK NEEDS YOUR VOTE -- LIAO................................... 1
PEOPLE URGED TO VOTE......................................... 2
CANDIDATES TO SPEAK AT FORUMS ............................... 3
DRIVE TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO POLLS ............................ 3
CARNIVAL TO HELP ELECTION DRIVE ............................. 4
DB ELECTIONS GALA AT VICTORIA PaRK .......................... 5
ELECTION FAIR IN HUNG ROM.................................... 5
TREE-PLANTING TO MARK BOARD TERM............................. 6
ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVE 3NDDIG................................... 6
BILL PROVIDES CHANGES IN CO1MERCIAL CRIME TRIALS ............ 7
ECONOMICS BRANCH OFFICERS VISIT SHENZHEN .................... 8
REFUGEE CAMP COMBS INTO USE..................................
NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN 1945-47 ........................... 9
SITE SOLD FOR TWICE UPSET PRICE.............................. 10
JAPANESE BANK GETS LICENCE................................... 10
GOVERNOR TO PRESENT 'GOOD CITIZEN' aWARD..................... 11
NEW AIRPORT POLICE STATION OPENED............................ 11
COVERED MOTORCYCLES CAUSE CONCERN • • • ..................... 12
STUDY OF BUILDING INDUSTRY MANPOWER DUE.............•........ 13
TUIN MUN FAST BECOMING POPULAR AMONG HOME-SEEKERS............ 14
REMINDER ON RATEABLE VALUES ................................. 15
LECTURERS WANTED FOR EVENING COURSES ........................ 1$
TRAINING DANCE INSTRUCTORS . OR HANDICAPPED.................. 16
WELFARE HELPERS THANKED...................................... 1?
ZONING PLAN NOTES REVISED ................................... 17
MOVE TO CLOSE ILLEGAL ROOF STRUCTURES ....................... 17
RADIO CAR RACING Di TUDJ MUN ................................ 18
MECHANICAL HOPPER A BOON TO FRUSTRATED TENNIS PLaYERS........ 18
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS......................................... 19
MAXICAB SERVICE EXTENDED .................................... 19
SHARE DISCLOSURES ........................................... 20
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1935
1
HK NEEDS YOUR VOTE -- LIAO
******
WITH ONLY SIX DAYS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO TODAY URGED REGISTERED VOTERS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
+FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, 1985 IS A YEAR OF NEW POLITICAL INITIATIVES AND REFORMS. IN SIX DAYS’ TIME, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE ELECTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, + MR LIAO SAID.
IN SIX MONTHS’ TIME, IN SEPTEMBER, THE FIRST INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE CENTRAL LEGISLATIVE ORGAN OF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE PLACE, HE ADDED.
♦THE RESPONSIBILITY FALLS ON ALL OF US TO BUILD A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THAT HAS ITS ROOTS OF AUTHORITY IN THE PEOPLE OF OUR SOCIETY AND THAT WILL PRESERVE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG,+ MR LIAO TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB.
MR LIAO NOTED THAT IT WAS SAID IN THE PAST THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE NOT PARTICULARLY ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THE IDEA OF VOTING. +BUT IF THE RECORD OF THE PREVIOUS ELECTIONS IN 1982 IS ANYTHING TO GO BY, THE AVERAGE 38 PER CENT VOTER TURNOUT RATE HAS INDICATED THAT THIS ATTITUDE IS CHANGING,+ HE SAID.
♦WE SHOULD, OF COURSE, TRY HARDER AND I WOULD HOPE THAT FOR THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS, THERE WILL BE AN EVEN HIGHER RATE OF VOTER TURNOUT.
MR LIAO SAID THAT DISTRICT BOARDS HAD CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THEIR VALUE IN REFLECTING PUBLIC OPINION ON BOTH LOCAL AND TERRITORY-WIDE AFFAIRS, AND HAD OFFERED SOUND AND SENSIBLE ADVICE ON A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS THAT WERE CLOSE TO THE HEART CF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN POSITIVE IN ITS RESPONSES.
+TOGETHER, DISTRICT BOARDS CONSTITUTE THE LARGEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE ORGAN IN VOICING THE VIEWS AND WORRIES OF THE MAN IN THE STREET IN HONG KONG.+ HE SAID.
APART FROM THEIR ADVISORY ROLE, MR LIAO SAID DISTRICT BOARDS HAD ACHIEVED REMARKABLE RESULTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS AS WELL. THEIR IMPRESSIVE RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WAS THE BEST INDICATION OF THE BOARDS’ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
AFTER THREE YEARS OF OPERATION, DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAD NOW BECOME AN INALIENABLE PART OF LIFE IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND OPENED UP FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MORE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT.
/IT ALSO .......
raiwr, 2ibch 1, 1985
2
IT ALSO PROVIDED A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR OUR GOVERNMENT SYSTEM AND WOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BY A NUMBER OF INNOVATIVE FEATURES TO BE INTRODUCED AS FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE DOUBLING THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS ON DISTRICT BOARDS TO 2375 RESTRUCTURING THE BOARDS SO THAT THEY COMPRISE SOLELY OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS; ELECTION OF BOARD CHAIRMEN AMONG UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS IN THE RUNNING OF COMMUNITY CENTRES AND MANAGING RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWNS.
+WITH THESE CHANGES, I BELIEVE THAT THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE ABLE TO BROADEN THEIR SCOPE OF INITIATIVE EVEN FURTHER, AND THEY WILL BECOME MORE DYNAMIC AND FORTHRIGHT IN THEIR ROLE AS REPRESENTATIVE BODIES OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE,+ MR LIAO SAID.
+HONG KONG NEEDS YOUR VOTE — VOTE FOR YOUR HONG KONG,+ MR LIAO SAID.
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PEOPLE URGED TO VOTE * * * *
LOCAL LEADERS WERE URGED TODAY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS SO THAT THE BOARD COULD REPRESENT AND REFLECT THE VIEWS OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
ADDRESSING REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AT A SPRING RECEPTION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO DEVELOP A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
+EVERY CITIZEN HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP REALISE THIS SYSTEM BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS ALWAYS WILLING TO LISTEN TO PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT ITS POLICIES,* HE ADDED.
MR WOTHERSPOON SAID HE HOPED THERE WOULD BE A HIGHER TURN OUT IN THE ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 THAN IN THE PREVIOUS ELECTION, AND THAT ALL REGISTERED VOTERS WOULD CAST THEIR VOTES.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
CANDIDATES TO SPEAK AT FORUMS K H * * *
THE FIRST OF EIGHT FORUMS FOR SHA TO MEET THE PUBLIC WILL START TOMORROW
TIN DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES (SATURDAY) AT 2.30 PM.
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 32 ELECTION CANDIDATES.
THE CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 15 SEATS WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
4TH ARE
ALL THE FORUMS WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN FLOOR, EXHIBITION HALL AND THE DATES, TIMES AS FOLLOWS:
NEW TOWN PLAZA, AND CONSTITUENCIES
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY
TOMORROW 2.30 PM CHE KUNG MIU
(SATURDAY) 3.45 PM SHA KOK
5.30 PM TAI WAI
MARCH 3 10.30 AM SHING MUN EAST
(SUNDAY) 12.00 NOON TOWN CENTRE
2.00 PM TSANG TAI UK
3.15 PM YUEN WO
4.45 PM TIN SUM
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DRIVE TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO POLLS
X * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
TWO MARINE LAUNCHES WILL SPREAD ELECTION MESSAGES TO THE CAUSEWAY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN TYPHOON SHELTERS AND BROADCASTING VANS WILL TRAVEL THROUGHOUT EASTERN DISTRICT WITH THE SAME MESSAGES ON POLLING DAY AND THE PREVIOUS DAY.
REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT WILL, BY NOW, HAVE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF ELECTION PUBLICITY MATERIALS INCLUDING AN APPEAL LETTER FROM EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, INFORMATION PAMPHLETj INTRODUCING THE CANDIDATES, A MAP OF THE POLLING STATIONS AND NOTES ON THE VOTING PROCEDURE.
/CARTOON LEAFLETS,
?aiDAY, JdlRCH 1, 1965
CARTOON LEAFLETS, BOOK-MARKS AND SHOPPING BAGS, ALL PRINTED WITH THE ELECTION MESSAGE, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS
THROUGHOUT ELECTION DAY.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALREADY DISTRIBUTED ABOUT 5000 TOOTHPICK CONTAINERS WITH THE ELECTION MESSAGE TO RESTAURANTS AND FAST FOOD SHOPS IN THE DISTRICT.
OPEN FORUMS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE PUBLIC TO MEET THE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE ELECTIONS AND BANNERS AND POSTERS HAVE BEEN ERECTED AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS TO URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE
ON MARCH 7.
CARNIVAL TO HELP ELECTION DRIVE
* * * *
A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN KOWLOON PARK THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 3) TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE CARNIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, IS ALSO PART OF THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES.
THE DAY’S EVENT WILL START OFF WITH A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING SINGING, MAGIC PERFORMANCES AND ACROBATICS. GAMES STALLS WILL BE SET UP BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE FOUR AREA COMMITTEES OF THE DISTR ICT.
AND FREQUENT ELECTION MESSAGES WILL BE BROADCAST TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO VOTE ON MARCH 7.
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG- URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR DENNY HUANG AND THE YAU MA TEI POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR B.W. MUNFORD WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CARNIVAL OPENING.
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4
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
- 5 -
DB ELECTIONS GALA AT VICTORIA PARK * * * *
A SPECIAL GALA WILL BE STAGED AT VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) AFTERNOON TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE GALA WILL FEATURE VARIOUS PERFORMANCES INCLUDING LION DANCES BY MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
COMMUNITY LEADERS AND OFFICERS OF EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL DISTRIBUTE ELECTION PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS BOOKMARKS, A GUIDE ON VOTING PROCEDURES, CARTOON LEAFLETS, SHOPPING BAGS AND POSTERS TO SPECTATORS AND PASSERS-BY TO REMIND THEM TO GO TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN NG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE GALA.
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ELECTION FAIR IN HUNG HOM
X * * *
A GIANT BALLOON WITH THE ELECTION MESSAGE WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ELECTION FAIR TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK IN HUNG HOM.
PARTICIPANTS AT THE FAIR WILL BE GREETED BY A TEAM OF ELECTION AMBASSADORS DRESSED AS ANGELS, BEES, GRASSHOPPERS AND OTHER FANCY COSTUMES, AND WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT.
THE 30 CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL SET UP INDIVIDUAL BOOTHS AT THE FAIR TO ATTRACT POTENTIAL SUPPORTERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND, MIME SHOWS AND A MUSICAL BY MEMBERS OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL FRINGE AND SINGING BY FIVE LOCAL FOLK GROUPS.
VIDEO AND SLIDE SHOWS ON THE FUNCTION AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE SHOWN AND THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL EXHIBITION SET UP BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
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TREE-PLANTING TO MARK BOARD TERM * * * *
ABOUT 30 MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL PLANT TREES IN ELECTRIC ROAD IN NORTH POINT THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 3) TO MARK THE CURRENT TERM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
EIGHT TREES WILL BE PLANTED ON THE PAVEMENT OUTSIDE THE DA DA DEPARTMENT STORE ON ELECTRIC ROAD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID TODAYt +THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS DONE MUCH TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT, SUCH AS CLEARANCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN BACKLANES, BUILDING CF RAINSHELTERS, PAVILIONS, SITTING-OUT AREAS, REPAIRING FOOTPATHS AND THE PROVISION OF GUARDRAILS, COMMUNAL LETTERBOXES IN SQUATTER AREAS.+
IT HAD ALSO CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS TO PROVIDE RECREATION AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS, SUCH AS ORGANISING DISTRICT ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVALS, AND INTRODUCING A COMMUNITY SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY.
IT HAD ALSO ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT ON EDUCATION, TRANSPORT, HAWKING AND OTHER ISSUES THAT AFFECT RESIDENTS’ WELL-BEING.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVE ENDING
X X *
A THREE-MONTH LONG ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN IN MONG KOK WILL COME TO A CLOSE AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE KEI CHUEN PRIMARY SCHOOL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3).
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STANLEY WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL FEATURE A LION DANCE AND SINGING PERFORMANCES.
A PHOTO DISPLAY OF THE WORK OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY’S EVENT.
THE WINNING ENTRIES OF VARIOUS PAINTING, ESSAY AND HOME BEAUTIFICATION COMPETITIONS ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
- 7 -
BILL PROVIDES CHANGES IN COMMERCIAL CRIME TRIALS *****
A BILL BASED ON EARLIER PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY AND WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 13.
THE BILL TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC AND IN PARTICULAR THOSE OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THE COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ON THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION PAPER PUBLISHED IN JULY LAST YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, GENERALLY, THE PUBLIC AGREED THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM WAS NOT SATISFACTORY AND RECOGNISED THAT LAY JURORS AND JUDGES WITHOUT COMMERCIAL EXPERIENCE DID NOT HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY TO ASSESS THE EVIDENCE IN COMPLEX BUSINESS CRIMES.
THERE WERE DIFFERENT DEGREES OF SUPPORT FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE TACKLED, BUT ON THE WHOLE THE PROPOSALS ADVANCED IN THE DISCUSSION PAPER FOR A COURT CONSISTING OF A JUDGE AND COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS, APPOINTED BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WERE STILL CONSIDERED THE BEST SOLUTION.
THERE WERE SOME CRITICISMS OF THE DETAILS OF THE DRAFT LEGISLATION ATTACHED TO THE PAPER, WHICH HAD NOW BEEN MODIFIED TO FORM THE PRESENT BILL, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE ORIGINAL DRAFT PROVIDED FOR TWO ADJUDICATORS TO SIT WITH THE JUDGE, A UNANIMOUS VERDICT, AND DID NOT PROVIDE FOR THE JUDGE TO SUM UP OR TO GIVE REASONS FOR THE VERDICT. THE NUMBER OF ADJUDICATORS IS NOW PROPOSED TO BE THREE, PROVISION IS MADE FOR A MAJORITY VERDICT, AND THE JUDGE WILL HAVE TO SUM UP THE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT RETIRES TO CONSIDER THE VERDICT.
THE PRESENT BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN AN ORDER FOR TRIAL BY JUDGE AND COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS WHERE ALL THE PARTIES CONSENT.
INSTEAD OF ALLOWING UNRESTRICTED QUESTIONS BY THE ADJUDICATORS, WHO MIGHT BE IGNORANT OF LEGAL PROCEDURE, THE BILL NOW GIVES THE JUDGE DISCRETION TO DISALLOW QUESTIONS.
THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985 IS SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON MAY 15, 1985. ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON ITS PROVISIONS MAY WRITE TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, OR TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
8
ECONOMICS BRANCH OFFICERS VISIT SHENZHEN
* * # *
SIX OFFICERS FROM THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, LED BY THE SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, LEFT THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING FOR A DAY-TOUR OF THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
THEY TRAVELLED THERE BY TRAIN AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG THIS AFTERNOON BY HOVERFERRY FROM SHEKOU.
WITH MR JACOBS ARE THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION, DR ALAN MCLEAN, THREE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARIES AND AN ECONOMIST.
THE GROUP WILL BE BRIEFED ON GENERAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE ZONE BY OFFICERS OF THE SHENZHEN FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE, WILL TOUR THE SHEKOU INDUSTRIAL ZONE AND WILL VISIT THE OIL AND HELICOPTER BASE, ALSO IN THE SHEKOU REGION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY’S FAMILIARISATION VISIT WOULD BE FOLLOWED UP BY ANOTHER GROUP, TO BE LED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY OF THE ECONOMIC SERVICES DIVISION, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, IN ABOUT A WEEK.
. - _ - O - -
REFUGEE CAMP COMES INTO USE
K K I
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) OPENED A NEW REFUGEE CLOSED CENTRE IN TUEN MUN TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN EXISTING CLOSED CENTRES.
THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE, WHICH HAS A SITE AREA OF 1.43 HECTARES AND WHICH COST THE GOVERNMENT $10 MILLION TO BUILD, WAS CONVERTED FROM AN EX-ARMY CAMP.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CENTRE CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 1 400 PERSONS. HOWEVER, ONLY 1 100 REFUGEES, SELECTED FROM BOTH CAPE COLLINSON AND CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRES, WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE NEW CENTRE.
THIS INITIAL INTAKE WILL COMPRISE MAINLY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN, SINGLE FEMALES AND UNACCOMPANIED MINORS, ALL OF WHOM HAVE ESTABLISHED A GOOD RECORD OF DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR IN CLOSED CENTRES.
THE ENTIRE CENTRE IS ENCLOSED BY A DOUBLE PERIMETER FENCE AND IS VERY SECURE.
/THE CENTRE.......
FHIDA.Y, MUCH 1, 1985
- 9 -
THE CENTRE WILL BE MANAGED, AS ARE ALL OTHER CLOSED CENTRES, BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND A VOLUNTARY AGENCY. IN BOWRING, THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND WILL PROVIDE SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES TO THE REFUGEES.
REFUGEES ARE ALLOWED TO MOVE FREELY WITHIN THE CENTRE, BUT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE, UNLESS ESCORTED BY CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF.
UNDER EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF ALL VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG. THE UNHCR ALSO PROVIDES FUNDS FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RUNNING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IN THE CENTRES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 2 230 REFUGEES HAD ARRIVED IN 1984 AND A FURTHER 129 THiS YEAR. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT IF THE ARRIVAL RATE CONTINUES AT ITS PRESENT PACE, THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE MAY HAVE TO BE FULLY UTILISED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HONG KONG HAS ACCEPTED ITS INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE PEOPLE BY OFFERING THEM TEMPORARY ASYLUM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT IS UP TO THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO HELP ENSURE THAT THE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG DO NOT BECOME THE FORGOTTEN PEOPLE.
HE ADDED, THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF REFUGEES IS RESETTLEMENT IN A THIRD COUNTRY.
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NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN 1945-47 M * * *
MEN BORN IN 1945, 1946 AND 1947 WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM MARCH 11 TO APRIL 13 THIS YEAR, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THEY ARE THE FIRST AGE-GROUP TO BE AFFECTED BY THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE NEW ID CARD ISSUE SCHEME FOR MEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID 100 000 APPLICATIONS WERE EXPECTED DURING THIS PHASE.
APPLICANTS MAY CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, WITHIN THE FIVE-WEEK PERIOD.
FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SERVICE, APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM DISTRICT OFFICES AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT NO AMNESTY WOULD BE GRANTED TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
+ONCE DETECTED, THEY WILL BE REPATRIATED,* HE SAID.
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______________________________/1Q ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
10
SITE SOLD FOR TWICE UPSET PRICE
* * * *
A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO, LANCASHIRE AND CAMBRIDGE ROADS, KOWLOON, WAS SOLD FOR $20 MILLION AT AN AUCTION TODAY (FRIDAY) -- TWICE THE UPSET PRICE.
KNOWN AS NEW KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 6004, THE 2 843-SQUARE-I^ETRE SITE WAS SOLD TO LAI SUN GARMENT CO. LTD.
THE DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 2 814.57 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL ^COMMCDATI ON BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1988.
COMMENTING ON THE SALE, THE AUCTIONEER, MR C.M. MO SAID THE PRICE FETCHED INDICATED HONG KONG’S DEVELOPERS CONFIDENCE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
MEANWHILE, THE SALE OF A SITE AT STANLEY MARKET ROAD, WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR AUCTION TODAY, HAS BEEN DEFERRED.
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JAPANESE BANK GETS LICENCE
* * *
AN APPLICATION FROM A JAPANESE BANK, THE YASUDA TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY LIMITED, FOR A BANKING LICENCE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
THIS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG TO 141, OF WHICH 18 ARE JAPANESE BANKS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
INCORPORATED IN JAPAN, THE YASUDA TRUST AND BANKING COMPANY LIMITED HAS AT PRESENT A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE AND A WHOLLY OWNED REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY SUBSIDIARY IN HONG KONG.
♦THE CONTINUING INTEREST BY FOREIGN BANKS IN ESTABLISHING BRANCHES IN HONG KONG IS A DEMONSTRATION OF OVERSEAS CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE, PARTICULARLY AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE.
♦A TOTAL OF 27 BANK LICENCES HAVE BEEN GRANTED SINCE MAY 1981 WHEN THE MORATORIUM ON NEW LICENCES WAS LIFTED,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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-'HLi>AY, LARCH 1, 1965
- 11
GOVERNOR TO PRESENT ’GOOD CITIZEN’ AWARD
* * * *
THE FIRST PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW GOOD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD WILL BE HELD AT THE JADE BALLROOM OF FURAMA HOTEL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
RECEIVING THE AWARD WILL BE 11 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAVE ACTED WITH EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY OR INITIATIVE WHICH LED TO THE ARREST AND CONVICTION OF THE CULPRITS IN SIX CRIME CASES.
THE SPECIAL AWARD IS GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE POLICE AND ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED.
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE NOT LATER THAN 9.30 AM.
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NEW AIRPORT POLICE STATION OPENED ******
THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND THE ROLE OF THE FORCE IN ITS POLICING HAS NECESSITATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LARGE, MODERN AND WELL EQUIPPED STATION TO HOUSE THE UNITS THAT COLLECTIVELY MAKE UP THE AIRPORT POLICE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT DISTRICT POLICE STATION TODAY (FRIDAY), THE REGIONAL COMMANDER, KOWLOON, MR JOHN SHEPPARD SAID THE NEW ACCOMMODATION WILL PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC, AIRPORT USERS AND POLICE ALL NECESSARY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND AMENITIES.
THESE INCLUDE A REPORT ROOM, INTERVIEW ROOMS, COMMUNITY AND STAFF RELATIONS OFFICES, SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION, FACILITIES FOR CATERING AND RECREATION AND A FULLY EQUIPPED FITNESS TRAINING ROOM. THERE ARE ALSO SOME CELLS.
MR SHEPPARD SAID WHEN THE BUILDING IS FULLY OCCUPIED IT WILL ALSO HOUSE THREE OF THE KOWLOON REGIONAL CRIME UNITS, A COMPANY OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND A RADIO WORKSHOP.
/"1 i».....
VRIBAY, MARCH 1, 1985
12 -
• * I DO HOPE THAT MEMBERS REPORTING FACILITIES SITUATED
OF THE PUBLIC WILL MAKE FULL USE OF THE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE STATION”.
"BUT LET ME AT THE SAME TIME MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A FULL SERVICE FROM THE REPORT ROOM IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING,” HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE NEW DEVELOPMENT IS IN FACT ONLY ONE OF THE THREE PROJECTS AT THE AIRPORT IN WHICH THE POLICE FORCE IS INVOLVED.
NEXT MONTH THE JOINT POLICE/CI VIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY ROOM WILL BE READY, AND EARLY NEXT YEAR THE AIRPORT POLICE COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE WITH ITS OWN SOPHISTICATED COMMUNI CAT IOONS
NNETWORK WILL BE FINISHED.
THESE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS CLEARLY IDENTIFY THE IMPORTANCE WITH WHICH POLICE VIEW THEIR ROLE AT THE AIRPORT, MR SHEPPARD SAID.
THE AIRPORT DIVISION IS RE-ORGANISED AS AIRPORT DISTRICT TO FOLLOW THE GENERAL FORCE PATTERN. IT IS A RESULT OF A REVIEW ON POLICE COMMAND STRUCTURES AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF UNIFORMED BRANCH PERSONNEL AND CID.
- - - - o
COVERED MOTORCYCLES CAUSE CONCERN ******
A TRAFFIC POLICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (FRIDAY) EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE PRACTICE ADOPTED BY MANY MOTORCYCLISTS OF COVERING THEIR PARKED MACHINES IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE VEHICLE LICENCE AND THE REGISTRATION PLATE ARE OBSCURED.
HE SAID THAT SUCH A PRACTICE HAD PRESENTED CONSIDERABLE PROBLEMS TO POLICE OFFICERS WHO ENFORCE ROAD TRAFFIC LAW. IT IS ALSO A HINDRANCE TO OFFICERS SEEKING TO LOCATE MISSING VEHICLES.
’’WHILE IT IS APPRECIATED THAT THE CYCLISTS WISH TO PROTECT THEIR MACHINES FROM THE SUN AND THE RAIN, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THERE IS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS THAT THE VEHICLE LICENCE AND REGISTRATION PLATE BE DISPLAYED”, HE POINTED OUT.
REGULATION 25 REQUIRES THAT THE LICENCE MUST BE DISPLAYED "IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE VEHICLE IN SUCH A MANNER THAT IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE FROM THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE”. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE IS A FINE OF 32,000 AND 3 MONTHS IMPRISONMENT ON FIRST CONVICTION.
/LIKEWISE REGULATION .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
LIKEWISE REGULATION 8(3) REQUIRES THAT NO PERSON SHALL ’•USE OR KEEP A VEHICLE ON WHICH THE REGISTRATION MARK IS IN ANY WAY OBSCURED OR NOT EASILY DISTINGUISHABLE.” THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THIS OFFENCE IS A FINE OF $2,000.
’•BOTH REGULATIONS APPLY WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS MOVING OR PARKED,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT IF MOTORCYCLISTS WANT TO COVER THEIR MACHINES, THE DESIGN OF THE COVER SHOULD BE SUCH THAT THE LICENCE AND REGISTRATION PLATE ARE CLEARLY VISIBLE.
’’ONE SUGGESTION IS TO FIT CLEAR WINDOWS IN THE APPROPRIATE PARTS OF THE COVER SO THAT THE VEHICLE LICENCE AND REGISTRATION PLATE CAN BE SEEN FROM THE OUTSIDE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENFORCEMENT ACTION FOR THE ABOVE OFFENCES WILL COMMENCE ON APRIL 2, 1985. IF A VEHICLE CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED SUCH ACTION MAY INCLUDE ITS REMOVAL TO A POLICE POUND, WHICH WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO REMOVAL CHARGES IN ADDITION TO ANY FINES INCURRED.
------o-------
STUDY OF BUILDING INDUSTRY MANPOWER DUE
* * * *
A TWO-WEEK SURVEY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION IN THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY WILL EE CONDUCTED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL STARTING MARCH 14.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID QUESTIONNAIRES, EXPLANATORY NOTES AND JOB DESCRIPTION HAD BEEN SENT OUT TO OVER 2 000 EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY.
INTERVIEWERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT BUILDING SITES, OFFICES OF MAJOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS, ESTATE DEVELOPERS, OFFICES OF CONSULTANTS, PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND CENTRES TO HELP WITH THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE BY SUPPLYING ACCURATE INFORMATION INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF PERMANENT AND CASUAL EMPLOYEES, THE NUMBER OF TRAINEES AND VACANCIES.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DATA OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY WOULD BE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD FOR FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/14........
F . ■ Y, MARCH 1, 1985
- 14 -
TUEN MUN FAST BECOMING POPULAR AMONG HOME-SEEKERS
******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MODERN HOMES IN THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO KEEP PACE WITH THE POPULATION, WHICH WILL GROW TO 500 000 IN THE MID-1990’S.
'S
BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY , MR CHARLES C.C. SIN, AT A TOPPING-OUT SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PRIME VIEW
THIS WAS SAID TODAY HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE CEREMONY AT THE PRIVATE GARDEN IN TUEN MUN.
UNDER THE RECENT SPATE OF DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID, THE POPULATION IN TUEN MUN HAD JUMPED FROM 20 000 PEOPLE IN 1971 TO 100 000 PEOPLE IN 1981, AND AGAIN TO THE PRESENT’S 270 000 PEOPLE.
♦THE POPULATION GROWTH, ESPECIALLY DURING THE LAST THREE YEARS, CLEARLY INDICATES THE GREAT POPULARITY OF THE NEW TOWN AS AN IDEAL HOME FOR MANY PEOPLE,+ HE ADDED.
MR SIN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN 160 000 PEOPLE, OR
60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION IN TUEN MUN, WERE LIVING IN EIGHT RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHILE ANOTHER 45 000 PEOPLE WERE WELL SETTLED IN THREE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATES AND TWO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS.
♦AMONG ALL THE NEW TOWNS, TUEN MUN ALSO HAS THE GREATEST NUMBER OF HOS FLATS •— MORE THAN 11 000 UNITS ALTOGETHER.
♦THE RELATIVE EASE WITH WHICH HOS FLATS WERE MARKETED IN TUEN MUN SHATTERED TO PIECES PREVIOUS RUMOURS OF SLUGGISH HOS FLAT SALES THERE.
♦EVEN WITH SIU HONG COURT IN NORTHERN TUEN MUN, THE LARGEST HOS PROJECT EVER DEVELOPED, ITS SOME 4 600 FLATS WERE ALL SOLD OUT WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. A RECORD OF 196 FLATS SOLD IN A SINGLE DAY WAS ONCE CHARTED.
♦PLANS ARE ALREADY IN HAND FOR A NUMBER OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS WHICH INCLUDE A CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX, TOWN SQUARE AND TUEN MUN REGIONAL HOSPITAL. WORKS ON THE PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WILL ALSO COMMENCE TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
♦ALL THESE MODERN FACILITIES WILL SURELY BRING GREATER CONVENIENCE AND ENJOYMENT TO RESIDENTS IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IN TUEN MUN WHICH WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS.+
/PRIME VIEW .......
FRIDAY, KARCH 1, 1985
PRIME VIEW GARDEN, THE THIRD PSPS PROJECT IN THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, IS SITUATED AT TUEN MUN SAN HUI AND IS CLOSE TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD WHERE BUS AND MINIBUS SERVICES TO VARIOUS PARTS OF KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE READILY AVAILABLE.
THE ESTATE COMPRISES FIVE 30/31-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS CONTAINING ALTOGETHER 1 520 TWO-BEDROOM FLATS. FLAT SIZES RANGE FROM 42.4 TO 52.9 SQUARE METRES.
IT WILL ALSO HAVE ITS OWN KINDERGARTEN, SHOPPING CENTRE, MULTI-STOREY CARPARK, REST GARDENS, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS AND MULTI-PURPOSE RECREATIONAL GROUNDS TO PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS.
- - 0 -
REMINDER ON RATEABLE VALUES * * * *
A NOTICE REMINDING THOSE WHO WISH TO PROPOSE CHANGES TO THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTY FOR THE FORTHCOMING YEAR TO DO SO THIS MONTH IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID RATEABLE VALUES FOR NEXT YEAR WOULD BE THE SAME AS FOR THIS YEAR.
♦ANY ALTERATIONS MADE TO THE RATEABLE VALUE AS A RESULT OF A PROPOSAL LODGED IN 1984 WILL APPLY NEXT YEAR AND NO FURTHER PROPOSAL IS NECESSARY,+ HE SAID.
FORMS FOR MAKING PROPOSALS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG AND THE VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES.
PROPOSALS MUST BE LODGED WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE MARCH 30.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT NOTWITHSTANDING THE LODGING CF A PROPOSAL OR APPEAL, RATES MUST STILL BE PAID BY THE DUE DATE.
- - 0
FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985
16
LECTURERS WANTED FOR EVENING COURSES * * * *
QUALIFIED TEACHERS AND PEOPLE SKILLED IN SPECIAL HOBBIES CAN APPLY FOR A NUMBER OF LECTURER POSTS IN EVENING COURSES RUN BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN 1985/86.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID APPLICANTS FOR TEACHING POSTS IN THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES, TEACHERS’ COURSE. ENGLISH COURSE, THE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSES AND ADULT EDUCATION COURSE (GENERAL BACKGROUND) SHOULD BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS.
THOSE APPLYING FOR TEACHING POSTS IN DRESSMAKING, SEWING AND KNITTING. COOKERY AND WOODWORK OF THE ADULT EDUCATION COURSES (PRACTICAL BACKGROUND) SHOULD BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH SPECIAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN THE RESPECTIVE SUBJECT, HE SAID.
APPLICANTS FOR POSTS OF HOBBY INSTRUCTORS IN SINGING, MUSICAL INSTRUMENT PLAYING, FOLK DANCE, PAINTING, DRAMA, JAPANESE, PUTONGHUA AND HANDICRAFTS IN THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES SHOULD BE AT LEAST FORM 5 GRADUATES OR EQUIVALENT, WITH SPECIAL SKILLS IN THE RESPECTIVE SUBJECT OR HOBBY, HE ADDED.
FINAL YEAR STUDENTS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES MAY ALSO APPLY BUT THEIR APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THEIR DEGREE COURSES.
EXISTING REMUNERATION FOR PART-TIME LECTURING ARE $120 PER HOUR FOR POST-SECONDARY LEVEL COURSES? $100 PER HOUR FOR SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL COURSES J $80 PER HOUR FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL COURSES? $70 PER HOUR FOR PRIMARY LEVEL COURSES AND $65 PER HOUR FOR HOBBY INSTRUCTORS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION AT 1 HENNESSY ROAD, 12TH FLOOR, ASIAN HOUSE, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SECTION ON OR BEFORE MARCH 30. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 5-295708.
- - - - 0 ----
TRAINING DANCE INSTRUCTORS FOR HANDICAPPED X * X *
PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN WESTERN FOLK DANCE ARE INVITED TO JOIN A COURSE TO BECOME DANCE INSTRUCTORS FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG REHAB AID AND HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD AT LADY MACLEHOSE POKFULAM PHAB CENTRE ON MARCH 9 AND 16 FROM 2 TO 4 PM.
APPLICATI ON ■ FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSS HEAD OFFICE IN WING ON CENTRE/ CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL OR ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE SERVING T/£ HANDICAPPED.
FOR FURTHEF INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 5-415037.
/17 .......
Fa IDA I, MARCH 1, 1985
17
WELFARE HELPERS THANKED * * * *
TWENTY-NINE CITIZENS WHO VOLUNTARILY HELPED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROBATION OFFICERS IN REHABILITATING PROBATIONERS, WILL BE THANKED AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SEVENTEEN OF THOSE WHO TOOK PART IN THE DEPARTMENT’S
VOLUNTEER SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS FOR THE FIRST TIME WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FROM SIR ALAN HUGGINS, VICE-PRESIDENT,
COURT OF APPEAL.
THE 12 OTHERS, WHO SERVED MORE THAN ONCE, WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (OPERATIONS),
MRS EVELYN DOE.
- - - - 0 -------------
ZONING PLAN NOTES REVISED K * * *
NOTES ATTACHED TO THE DRAFT MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN HAVE BEEN REVISED, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDED PLAN AND THE REVISED NOTES MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD- THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE- AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (KOWLOON CITY), 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE MAY SUBMIT AN OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MARCH 21, 1985.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN, AT $10 PER COPY, IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
--.-0---------
MOVE TO CLOSE ILLEGAL ROOF STRUCTURES
4 4 4
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL BE APPLYING FOR CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF AREA OF TWO PREMISES IN KOWLOON TO ENABLE DEMOLITION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS CR THE PUBLIC.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 18, WAS POSTED ON THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF THE 5TH FLOOR OF NO. 631 FUK WA STREET, KOWLOON TODAY (FRIDAY).
/ANOTHER NOTICE........
. ?.i: .Y, . ABCE 1, 1985
- 18 -
ANOTHER NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 19 WAS POSTED ON THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF THE 5TH FLOOR OF NO. 1078 CANTON ROAD IN KOWLOON TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CLOSURE APPLICATIONS ARE PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE CRDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN APRIL AND AUGUST LAST YEAR, REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AS A RESULT OF THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.
THE DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE.
------0--------
RADIO CAR RACING IN TUEN MUN * * *
THIS YEAR’S RADIO CONTROLLED ELECTRIC RACING CAR COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND AT HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3).
ABOUT 120 PARTICIPANTS WILL JOIN IN THE COMPETITION WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG RADIO MODEL ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FIVE SECTIONS AND THREE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM EACH SECTION.
-----o------
MECHANICAL MOPPER A BOON TO FRUSTRATED TENNIS PLAYERS * * * *
FOR TENNIS PLAYERS, THERE IS NOTHING MORE FRUSTRATING THAN HAVING A GAME SPOILT BY WET WEATHER.
BUT THEIR FRUSTRATION WILL SOON BE PARTLY ALLEVIATED WHEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT PUTS A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED MOPPING MACHINE INTO SERVICE THIS COMING SUMMER.
THE MOPPER CAN SOP UP A WATERLOGGED TENNIS COURT IN MINUTES, AT A MOP-UP RATE OF 3 000 GALLONS OF WATER PER HOUR.
RESEMBLING A LARGE LAWN-MOWER, THE BRITISH-MADE MOPPER IS POWERED BY A FIVE HORSE-POWER MOTOR, SERVING A BUILT-IN PUMP AND A SYPHON SYSTEM.
WITH A LARGE SPONGE ROLLER IN THE FRONT, THE MOPPER SOAKS UP THE SURFACE WATER WHICH GOES INTO A HOLDING TANK. WHEN THE TANK IS' FULL, THE WATER IS PUMPED INTO NEARBY
DRAINAGE HOLES.
/+WS ARE .......
FkUAY, MAKCH 1, 19»5
- 19 -
+WE ARE VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THIS MACHINE, WHICH IS WIDELY AND SUCCESSFULLY USED OVERSEAS,+ SAID A USD SPOKESMAN TODAY. +IT WILL SAVE A LOT OF TIME AND MANPOWER IN THE MOPPING PROCESS, WHICH AT PRESENT IS PERFORMED MANUALLY.
♦WHEN SHOWERS PASS, IT IS HOPED THAT DRENCHED TENNIS COURTS CAN BE MADE READY FOR PLAY IN A SHORT TIME, THUS IN TURN MAXIMISING THE USAGE OF THESE POPULAR SPORTING FACILITIES.*
IF THE $30,000 MACHINE PROVES SUCCESSFUL, AND FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, OTHERS WILL BE PURCHASED TO PROVIDE MOPPING-UP SERVICES AT THE MAIN TENNIS COURTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR.
----o------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * * *
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON TSI NG Yl BRIDGE AND TAI PO ROAD FROM MONDAY (MARCH 4) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE TSI NG Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 12 MIDNIGHT AND 5.30 AM FROM MONDAY (MARCH 4) TO WEDNESDAY (MARCH 6).
IN ADDITION, THE BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS FOR THREE ONE-HOUR PERIODS ON MARCH 24 (SUNDAY). THESE ONE-HOUR PERIODS WILL START FROM 12 MIDNIGHT, 6.30 AM AND 3 PM.
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION AND SOUTH WEST LOOP ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FOR 30 MINUTES FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 4).
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION.
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MAXICAB SERVICE EXTENDED
*****
MAXICAB ROUTE NO. 64K OPERATING BETWEEN TAI WAI KCR TEMPORARY STATION AND LOWER SHING MUN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN SHA TIN WILL BE EXTENDED TO LOWER SHING MUN ROAD TO REACH FU SHAN CREMATORIUM FROM MONDAY (MARCH 4).
THE FARE WILL REMAIN AT $1.
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/20 ..
FJUjMY, 2SOCH 1, 1985
- 20 -
SHARE DISCLOSURES * X * If X
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS UNDER RULE 29 OF THE HONG KONG CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS ADVISES THAT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERS TO BE MADE TO ACQUIRE THE WHOLE OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF WHEELOCK MARDEN AND CO. LTD. (’WHEELOCK MARDEN’), THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES HAVE BEEN MADE TO HIM:
(1) N M ROTHSCHILD AND SONS (HONG KONG) LIMITED HAVE PURCHASED 79 721 ’B’ SHARES AT $0.60 PER SHARE.
(2) WARDLEY LTD ADVISES THAT A TOTAL OF 5 423 000 ’A’ SHARES AND 599 625 ’B’ SHARES IN WHEELOCK MARDEN WERE PURCHASED ON FEBRUARY 28, 1985 ON BEHALF OF THE HONGKONG AND KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN CO. LTD. AT PRICE RANGES OF $7.10 - 7.15 PER ’A’ SHARE AND $0.73 PER ’B’ SHARE.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
Saturday, march 2, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DOWN .................................... 1
GOVERNOR TO VISIT NANKING, SHANGHAI .......................... 2
+GOOD CITIZENSt- GET AWARD PROM GOVERNOR........... .......... 3
TEXTILE REPORTS 'LARGELY ACCURATE' ........................... 5
VOTING POR HONG KONG'S FUTURE................................. 6
BOARDS' GREATER FUTURE ROLE STRESSED ......................... 6
CARNIVAL FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN RESIDENTS ...................... 7
BRIEFING ON MTR ISLAND LINE................................... 8
MEDICAL CARE HOME FOR AGED OPENED ............................ 8
BE POLITE, CUSTOMS RECRUITS TOLD ............................. 9
RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS ...................... 9
SLIP ROAD CLOSURE............................................. 10
HAPPY VALLEY SITE FOR SALE BY TENDER ......................... 11
TWO MORE SQ£JASL COURTS FOR KWAI CHUNG ....................... 12
MODULAR INCINERATOR FOR MUI WO ............................... 12
LANDS AND WORKS OFFICER RETIRES .............................. 13
YUEN LONG FOOT, CYCLE LINK PLANNED ........................... 13
MEET-THE-MEIWA ............................................... 14
TSING YI TAPS OFF ............................................ 14
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
1
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS DOWN
* * *
THERE WAS A DROP IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECORDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT IN THE OCTOBER TO DECEMBER QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 1 228 COMPLAINTS WAS RECEIVED, 16 PER CENT LESS THAN THE 1 459 COMPLAINTS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE FIGURE ALSO REPRESENTS A SIMILAR PERCENTAGE DECREASE AS COMPARED WITH THE 1 443 COMPLAINTS RECORDED IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1983.
IN THE LATEST QUARTERLY REPORT OF THE TCU RELEASED TODAY, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MR STEPHEN PANG SAID THERE WAS A DECLINE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. HOWEVER, PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WERE STILL THE MAIN TOPIC OF CONCERN. THERE WERE 581 CASES OF THIS NATURE, REPRESENTING 47 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
+THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DROPPED FROM 157 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 122. THE DROP WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IMPROVEMENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE 1984-86 KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, ESPECIALLY FOR THE NEW TOWNS,+ SAID MR PANG.
HOWEVER, COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND INCREASED FROM 32 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 49. MOST CF THE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED FROM RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTR ICT.
MR PANG SAID THAT ALTOGETHER 104 COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE WERE RECEIVED. THE FIGURE SHOWS LITTLE VARIATION WHEN COMPARED TO THE 100 CASES RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 103 CASES IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR. COMPLAINTS CONCERNING BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY INCREASED FROM 30 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 41. OVER 50 PER CENT CF ALL THE COMPLAINTS IN THIS CATEGORY WERE MADE BY RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
+CASES CONCERNING CLEANLINESS OF CMB BUSES AND GENERAL STANDARD WERE ALSO ON THE INCREASE. TWENTY-ONE CASES WERE RECORDED AS AGAINST 17 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND SEVEN IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR. COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB BUS DRIVERS, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO DECREASE WITH 35 CASES RECORDED AS COMPARED TO 42 IN THE PRECEDING THREE MONTHS,* PANG SAID.
+THERE WAS A GENERAL DECLINE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT KMB BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY, THE CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF BUS CAPTAINS AND CLEANLINESS OF BUSES. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT KMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE WENT DOWN FROM 99 IN THE,PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 46, A DECREASE OF 54 PER CENT. THE FIGURE ALSO REPRESENTED A DROP OF 45 PER CENT OVER THE TOTAL OF 83 COMPLAINTS IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR,* MR PANG ADDED.
S1TOBJUY, MlfiCH 2, 1985
2
IN THE 12 MONTHS PRECEDING THE LAST QUARTER OF 1984, THE TCU RECEIVED 33 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING KCRC. HOWEVER, AT THE END CF THE QUARTER, A TOTAL OF 26 COMPLAINTS WERE ALREADY RECORDED. THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DISRUPTION OF TRAIN SERVICES (SIX CASES) AND THE DISCONTINUATION OF MONTHLY TICKETS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF COMMON STORED VALUE TICKET EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 1984 (EIGHT CASES).
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT MAX I CABS NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCIES AND ROUTE INGS INCREASED FROM 26 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 42. ABOUT THREE IN FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED FROM RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MAXICAB ROUTES WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO MORE COMPLAINTS WERE NT ROUTES 6OK (SHA TIN KCR STATION - FO TAN COTTAGE AREA), 61M (TAI WAI - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) AND 88M (KWAI FONG MTR STATION - TSI NG Yl ROAD). THESE THREE MAXICAB ROUTES ATTRACTED 19 OR NEARLY ONE-HALF OF ALL COMPLAINTS IN THIS CATEGORY.
FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WERE RECORDED -289 CASES IN THE QUARTER AND 383 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THERE WERE 123 CASES (43 PER CENT) ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION WHILE THE REMAINING CASES WERE MAINLY ABOUT TRAFFIC AIDS, PEDESTRIAN AND PARKING FACILITIES.
ALTOGETHER 168 COMPLAINTS ON ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS WERE REGISTERED, A DECREASE OF 26 CASES FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. MOST OF THESE CASES WERE ABOUT ILLEGAL PARKING (29 PER CENT). PLB OBSTRUCTION (23 PER CENT), LORRY OBSTRUCTION (8 PER CENT) AND TAXI OBSTRUCTION (8 PER CENT).
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING ABANDONED VEHICLES CONTINUED TO DECLINE. ONLY FOUR COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED AS OPPOSED TO 10 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 21 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR, MR PANG SAID.
- - - - 0 ----
* * * * *
GOVERNOR TO VISIT NANKING, SHANGHAI
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TOLD REPORTERS THAT HE WOULD PROBABLY BE VISITING NANKING, WHERE HE HAD LIVED +FOR QUITE A LONG TIME*, BEFORE GOING TO SHANGHAI THIS SUMMER.
REPLYING TO REPORTERS’ QUESTIONS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE +GOOD CITIZENS OF THE YEAR* AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY, SIR EDWARD SAID: +1 HAVEN’T FIXED THE EXACT DATE ON WHICH I AM LEAVING, BUT I EXPECT I SHOULD PROBABLY GO TO NANKING FIRST AND THEN TO SHANGHAI.*
/SIH KDWAHD .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT HE HAD BEEN INVITED TO GO ON THIS TRIP, AND SAID: +AS YOU KNOW, I WAS THERE FOR YEARS, SO IT WILL BE LIKE GOING TO VISIT ONE OF THE PLACES WHERE I LIVED FOR QUITE A LONG TIME.*
ASKED TO COMMENT ON PRESS REPORTS THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE MIGHT EE INCLUDED IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, SIR EDWARD SAID: +ONE OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS IS THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WISH TO BE CONSULTED VERY WIDELY, AND YOU MAY REMEMBER WHEN THE PRIME MINISTER CAME BACK, SHE SAID SHE BROUGHT BACK WITH HER AN UNDERTAKING FROM THE CHINESE LEADERS THAT THEY WOULD CONSULT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ON A VERY WIDE BASIS. SO THAT’S FINE BY
US.+
- 0 -
♦GOOD CITIZENS* GET AWARD FROM GOVERNOR * * *
ELEVEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO HAD SHOWN HOW EFFECTIVELY POLICE AND THE PEOPLE CAN FIGHT CRIME TOGETHER RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
OFFICIATING AT THE FIRST PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE GOOD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD IN FURAMA HOTEL, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THE NEW AWARD HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO SUPPLEMENT THE LONG-RUNNING AND HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME.
HE SAID: ” TO QUALIFY FOR THE AWARD, RECIPIENTS MUST HAVE ACTED WITH EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY, COURAGE, RESOURCEFULNESS OR INITIATIVE IN PREVENTING OR DETECTING CRIME, OR IN APPREHENDING CRIMINALS.
"WHAT IMPRESSED ME MOST WHEN I READ DETAILS OF WHAT THEY HAD DONE WAS THE FACT THAT THESE WERE ORDINARY MEN AND WOMEN, YOUNG AND OLD, FROM ALL WALKS OF SOCIETY, AND FROM ALL AREAS OF HONG KONG WHO WERE DETERMINED TO PLAY THEIR PART IN COMBATTING CRIME.
’’THEY WERE READY TO STAND UP ON THE SIDE OF LAW AND ORDER TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS. THEY WERE READY TO ATTEND IDENTIFICATION PARADES AND GO TO COURT TO GIVE EVIDENCE. THEY WERE BRAVE, HONEST AND READY TO ASSIST POLICE IN HELPING TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER AND A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE IN.”
WHEN THE GOOD CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE POLICE IN 1973, CITIZEN ARRESTS MADE UP ABOUT THREE PER CENT OF ALL ARRESTS.
SINCE THEN THE NUMBER OF CITIZEN ARRESTS HAS RISEN DRAMATICALLY. LAST YEAR, IT ACCOUNTED FOR 11.7 PER CENT OF TOTAL ARRESTS, SIR EDWARD NOTED.
/' 'THE FORMULA
SATUHDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
’’THE FORMULA OF THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC FIGHTING CRIME TOGETHER IS CLEARLY WORKING,” THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
GUESTS AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY INCLUDED MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS. THEY SAW A FILMED RECONSTRUCTION OF THREE OF THE SIX AWARD CASES.
IN THE FIRST CASE, MR LEE HE I-YUEN(35), A CANTEEN WORKER, HELPED SUBDUE A MAN WHO SUDDENLY SNATCHED THE SERVICE REVOLVER FROM A POLICE CONSTABLE TAKING A REFRESHMENT BREAK AT A CANTEEN IN KWAI CHUNG ON FEBRUARY 22, 1984.
THE ARRESTED MAN, AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, WAS CONVICTED IN HIGH COURT AND ORDERED TO BE DETAINED IN CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL.
IN THE SECOND CASE, MR CHEUNG KAM-HUNG(24) AND MR TANG WAI-LEUNG(25) WITNESSED A GOLDSMITH SHOP ROBBERY IN NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI ON FEBRUARY 23, 1984. THEY IMMEDIATELY GAVE CHASE IN A TAXI AND LATER LOCATED THE CULPRITS’ CAR. TWO SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED NEXT DAY AND BOTH MR CHEUNG AND MR TANG ATTENDED AN IDENTIFICATION PARADE AND SUBSEQUENTLY GAVE EVIDENCE IN THE HIGH COURT.
ONE ROBBER WAS SENT TO PRISON FOR 12 YEARS, WHILE THE OTHER JUMPED BAIL AND IS STILL BEING SOUGHT.
IN THE THIRD ONE, THREE SISTERS CHAN KAM-CHEE(25), CHAN KAM-LING(23), CHAN KAM-MING(19) AND THEIR BROTHER CHAN KW0K-0N<14) WERE WAKENED BY AN ARMED BURGLAR IN THEIR HOME IN HOMANTIN AT 5 AM ON APRIL 29, 1984.
AFTER CONVINCING HIM NOT TO TIE THEM UP, THEY SEIZED AN OPPORTUNITY TO JUMP ON THE ROBBER WHEN THEY REALISED THE MAN’S GUN WAS AN IMITATION.
CHAN KAM-CHEE THEN THREW A VASE AT HIM AND IMMEDIATELY THE OTHERS GRABBED AND OVERPOWERED HIM. THE ARRESTED MAN, WHO WAS WANTED FOR ANOTHER ROBBERY, WAS LATER SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
THE AWARDEES IN THE FOURTH CASE ARE HUI WING-KA(32) AND HIS SISTER HUI LAI-KA(17). AT 3 AM ON FEBRUARY 18, 1984, A MAN BROKE INTO THEIR FLAT IN SHEUNG SHUI. WHEN THEIR MOTHER RAISED THE ALARM, BOTH AWARDEES CHASED THE INTRUDER FOR A DISTANCE OF SOME 400 METRES AND SUBDUED THE MAN AFTER A STRUGGLE.
THE ROBBER, WHO WAS ALSO WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH 15 OTHER CASES, WAS SENT TO PRISON FOR SEVEN YEARS.
A ROBBER WAS ARRESTED AND $880,600 WORTH OF STOLEN GOLD ORNAMENTS WERE RECOVERED AS A RESULT OF THE HONESTY AND SWIFT REPORT MADE BY THE AWARDEE IN THE FIFTH CASE.
/LEE SHKK-LUNG(38), .......
SATUBDAY, MlfiCH 2, 1985
5
GOLD TONG
LEE SHEK-LUNG(38), A CLEANER, FOUND A LARGE QUANTITY OF ORNAMENTS IN A CANVAS BAG IN A REFUSE COLLECTION ROOM IN YAU ESTATE ON MAY 31, 1984. HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO KWUN TONG POLICE STATION AND, AS A RESULT OF A POLICE AMBUSH, ONE MAN WAS ARRESTED. THE GOLD ORNAMENTS WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN STOLEN IN A GOLDSMITH SHOP ROBBERY WHICH OCCURRED IN KWUN TONG EARLIER THAT DAY.
THE ARRESTED MAN WAS CONVICTED OF ROBBERY AND SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
IN THE SIXTH CASE, MR LI CHl-SANG(23), A POLICE INTERPRETER, SAW SOMEONE BREAKING INTO A NEIGHBOUR’S FLAT ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND ON OCTOBER 26, 1984. HE IMMEDIATELY TELEPHONED THE POLICE BUT BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF EXACTLY PIN-POINTING THE LOCATION, HE RUSHED TO THE POLICE STATION AND LED OFFICERS TO THE SCENE.
TWO SUSPECTS WERE ARRESTED AND WERE FOUND TO BE CONNECTED WITH 16 CASES OF BURGLARIES AND SEVEN OTHER RELATED OFFENCES. THEIR CASE HAS STILL TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE DISTRICT COURT.
THE AWARDEES IN THREE CASES EACH RECEIVED A CASH AWARD OF <10 000 GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. IN THe’oThER THREE CASES WITH MORE THAN ONE AWARDEE, RECIPIENTS SHARED A COLLECTIVE AWARD OF $10,000.
THE n «*«■>€« «RE ‘ESO,|'*eN(;S_GOLDeNs<H1SoTLEKAMARDs|YTTHEoN
ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED WHICH CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS MR ROY HENRY J THE CHAIRMAN OF MR JACK TANG AND THE CHAIRMAN
WERE THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, OF ATV, MR DEACON CHIU.
SOME 60 MEMBERS OF THE YIP’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMED AT THE CEREMONY.
- - 0
TEXTILE REPORTS 'LARGELY ACCURATE’ *****
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (SATURDAY) COMMENTED ON PRESS REPORTS THAT FINAL REGULATIONS ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN ISSUE WOULD SHORTLY BE ISSUED BY THE USA, AND THAT THEY DIFFER ONLY SLIGHTLY FROM THE INTERIM REGULATIONS AGAINST WHICH HONG KONG AND MANY OTHERS HAD BEEN PROTESTING.
+WHILST MORE DETAILED AND CONSIDERED COMMENT MUST AWAIT RECEIPT OF THE WORDING OF THE FINAL REGULATIONS, FROM OUR SOURCES WE BELIEVE THE REPORTS TO BE LARGELY ACCURATE. NATURALLY IF IT IS INDEED THE CASE THAT NO CHANGE HAS BEEN MADE IN THE RULES CONCERNING KNITWEAR, WE SHALL BE BITTERLY DISAPPOINTED. WE SHALL BE CONSULTING THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD AS SOON AS WE HAVE THE DETAILS.+
-----o------
/6........
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1^35
6
VOTING FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE
******
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON UONES TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT TO SHOW CONCERN FOR THE DISTRICT AND HONG KONG’S FUTURE POLITICAL SYSTEM BY VOTING ON MARCH 7.
SPEAKING AT AN ELECTION FAIR ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, MR UONES SAID THAT HONG KONG’S DEVELOPING SYSTEM CF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAD PROGRESSED GREATLY OVER THE PAST YEAR.
+HOWEVER, NO SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WOULD EXIST WITHOUT ACTIVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, AND PEOPLE CAN ONLY PARTICIPATE IF THEY VOTE,* HE SAID.
HE URGED RESIDENTS TO LISTEN TO THE POLITICAL PLATFORMS CF CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTIONS SO THEY COULD DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHO WOULD BEST REPRESENT THEIR INTEREST.
AT TODAY’S ELECTION FAIR, THE 30 CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION SET UP INDIVIDUAL BOOTHS TO PUBLICISE THEMSELVES AND PRESENT THEIR ELECTION PLATFORM.
VISITORS TO THE FAIR WERE TREATED TO PERFORMANCES BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND, MIME SHOWS AND A MUSICAL BY THE ARTS FESTIVAL FRINGE AND FOLK SINGING.
A GIANT BALLOON WITH A MESSAGE REMINDING PEOPLE TO VOTE ON MARCH 7, WAS THE MAIN ATTRACTION AT THE FAIR.
AN EXHIBITION, VIDEO-TAPE AND SLIDE SHOWS AT THE FAIR ALSO PROVIDED VISITORS WITH INFORMATION ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
------0 ------
BOARDS’ GREATER FUTURE ROLE STRESSED
*****
FUTURE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD HAVE A GREATER ROLE TO PLAY IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES DR U.W. HAYES, SAID TONIGHT (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL, DR HAYES SAID:
+THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 WILL OPEN A NEW CHAPTER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.*
/+! THEREFORE........
□JU.U£UMlXj MJUU/X1 C, 1702
+1 THEREFORE CALL ON EACH AND EVERY REGISTERED VOTER TO SHOW CONCERN FOR DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND SUPPORT THE ELECTIONS BY CASTING THEIR VOTE.+
DR HAYES SAID THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD HAD FULLY REFLECTED THE SPIRIT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE FESTIVAL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23 HAD PROVIDED SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WITH MORE THAN 10 ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.
IT INCLUDED GAMES DAYS, TELEMATCHES, MUSIC NIGHTS. SOCCER MATCHES AND MARATHON.
THE GRAND CLOSING WAS MARKED BY TONIGHT’S VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY NINE FAMOUS ARTISTS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE VARIETY SHOW,, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE FESTIVAL’S CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WOULD BE BROADCAST ON TVB ON MARCH 9.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY ARE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR CLIVE OXLEY.
-------0 - - - -
CARNIVAL FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN RESIDENTS
*****
A LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD FOR RESIDENTS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY), AT THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN SAI YING PUN.
THE TWO-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE CANTONESE OPERA, CHINESE DANCING, FOLK SINGING, A DRAMA PERFORMANCE AND A LION DANCE. THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS AND A DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE CARNIVAL.
IT WILL BE OPENED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG.
THE CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
-----0------
/8 .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 198’5
8
BRIEFING ON MTR ISLAND LINE
*****
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE BY THE PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER OF THE MTR CORPORATION, MR MARTIN EVAN-JONES AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (MARCH 4) AFTERNOON.
A SPECIAL TALK WILL ALSO BE GIVEN BY MR HENRY CHIU, A CONSULTANT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ON HOW THE CENTRE COULD ASSIST COMPANIES TO CONTROL POLLUTION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A REVIEW OF PROGRESS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS CARRIED OUT IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 4) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
- - 0
MEDICAL CARE HOME FOR AGED OPENED
*****
LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, TODAY (SATURDAY) OPENED A MEDICAL INSTITUTION COSTING $8.8 MILLION FOR THE ELDERLY IN YUEN LONG.
THE POK 01 HOSPITAL YEUNG CHUN PUI CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS HAS 140 BEDS - 42 FOR THE POK 01 HOSPITAL AND 98 FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
ADMISSION TO THE NEW INSTITUTION IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN THREE PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE BEGAN RECENTLY, THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE IN APRIL AND THE FINAL STAGE IN JUNE.
THE INSTITUTION IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL IN AUGUST.
AFTER TURNING THE KEY TO OPEN THE MAIN DOOR OF THE HOME AND UNVEILING A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE, LADY YOUDE TOURED THE INSTITUTION TO SEE THE FACILITIES THERE.
- - 0
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
BE POLITE, CUSTOMS RECRUITS TOLD
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR HARNAM GREWAL TODAY REMINDED SOME 70 NEW RECRUITS OF THE SERVICE THAT THEIR ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR WOULD REFLECT ON BOTH THE SERVICE ITSELF AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A WHOLE.
+IT IS THEREFORE INCUMBENT UPON YOU THAT YOU SHOULD, IN THE COURSE OF DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT, DEAL WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC POLITELY, PATIENTLY, FAIRLY AND HELPFULLY,+ MR GREWAL SAID.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF THE OFFICERS, HE SAID: +1 HAVE BEEN DEEPLY IMPRESSED WITH WHAT I HAVE SEEN AND UNDERSTAND WHY THE SERVICE IS HELD IN SUCH HIGH REGARD LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS FOR ITS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION. I AM PROUD, AS I AM SURE YOU ARE, TO BE PART OF THE SERVICE.+
HE SAID THAT FROM ITS BEGINNINGS 76 YEARS AGO WHEN IT HAD 26 OFFICERS ENFORCING ONE PIECE OF LEGISLATION, THE SERVICE HAD EVOLVED INTO A SOPHISTICATED, FORWARD-LOOKING CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ADMINISTRATION WITH 2 600 MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL RANKS HAVING ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITY UNDER 28 SEPARATE PIECES OF LEGISLATION.
+APART FROM ITS TRADITIONAL ROLE OF PROTECTING AND COLLECTING REVENUE FROM DUTIABLE COMMODITIES NOW RUNNING AT SOME $3 BILLION ANNUALLY, THE SERVICE IS CHARGED WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR INTERDICTING NARCOTIC DRUGS, PROTECTING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ENFORCING A WIDE RANGE OF TRADE, SECURITY AND HEALTH-RELATED MEASURES FOR THE SECURITY AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING CF THE COMMUNITY,+ SAID MR GREWAL.
- - - - 0 ----------
RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS XXX
FOUR RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BETWEEN THIS SEPTEMBER AND JULY 1986.
THE EIGHT-WEEK COURSES AIM AT ACQUAINTING SERVING TEACHERS WITH MODERN METHODS AND APPROACHES TO TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTRODUCING NEW CONCEPTS OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND PROMOTING* FURTHER UNDERSTANDING OF THE USE OF RESOURCES.
/EMPHASIS WILL .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
10
EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON PRACTICAL ASPECTS, HELPING TEACHERS TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH AND DEVELOPING MODERN METHODS IN PROGRAMMED LEARNING, TEAM TEACHING AND MIXED ABILITY GROUPING.
.THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN CLASSROOM SITUATIONS, TO CONSTRUCT AND DESIGN TEACHING AIDS, AND TO VISIT VARIOUS TEACHING CENTRES AND SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.
THERE WILL BE NO CHARGE FOR THE COURSE.
ATTENDANCE WILL NOT LEAD TO ANY QUALIFICATIONS, BUT CERTIFICATES WILL BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WITH SATISFACTORY ATTENDANCE.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD EACH NOMINATE FOUR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSES. THE TEACHERS NOMINATED SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING THEIR INITIAL TRAINING.
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO SCHOOLS INTENDING TO ADOPT OR ALREADY ADOPTING THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.
NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SENT BY MARCH 29 TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (FURTHER EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, > ' LEE GARDENS, 2ND FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON 3-910043 OR 3-957609.
------0--------
SLIP ROAD CLOSURE
* * *
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 5), FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, GENERAL TRAFFIC AND KMB ROUTES 86A, 87A, 87B AND 848 LEAVING FROM LION ROCK TUNNEL ON JOURNEYS TO WEST KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN AREAS WILL BE DIVERTED TO WATERLOO ROAD, CORNWALL STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - 0 -
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
11 -
HAPPY VALLEY SITE FOR SALE BY TENDER * * * *
A 2 516-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT SING WOO ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, KNOWN AS INLAND LOT. 8601, IS BEING PUT UP FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE USED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, THE UPPER PODIUM FLOORS FOR USE AS A CAR PARK, AND THE FLOOR AREAS ABOVE THE PODIUM WILL BE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 15 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA WITHIN 48 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF AGREEMENT.
THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 29.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND SALES CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND THE PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG} '
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
MEANWHILE, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR LETTING THE GROUND FLOOR, YARD AND COCKLOFT OF A GOVERNMENT-MANAGED THREE-STOREY BUILDING AT 19 LI CHIT STREET, HONG KONG.
THE PREMISES, TOTALLING 58 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE ON MONTHLY: BASIS THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS MARCH 22.
I
TENDER FORMS, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 10TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE PREMISES WILL BE OPEN FOR VIEWING FROM 10.30 AM TO i
12 NOON ON MARCH 6 AND MARCH 13. I
I
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/12 .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985 ‘
12 -
TWO MORE SQUASH COURTS FOR KWAI CHUNG
******
TWO NEWLY-COMPLETED, AIR-CONDITIONED SQUASH COURTS WILL BE OPENED IN KWAI CHUNG ON MONDAY (MARCH 4).
THEY ARE THE SECOND EXTENSION TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SQUASH COURTS, ADJACENT TO THE KWAI SHING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL, AND BRING THE NUMBER OF SQUASH COURTS THERE TO SIX.
THE EXTENSION WORK COST $800 000, ALL PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID SQUASH WAS BECOMING MORE POPULAR AMONG YOUNGSTERS IN KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, AND THE EXISTING FOUR COURTS AT THE COMPLEX WERE ALWAYS FULLY USED DURING THE DAY.
THE TWO NEW COURTS WERE A VERY WELCOME ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
------o-------
MODULAR INCINERATOR FOR MUI WO *****
A MODULAR INCINERATOR FOR THE DISPOSAL OF COMBUSTIBLE WASTE MATERIAL ON LANTAU ISLAND IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT MUI WO AS PART CF THE TOWNSHIP’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT.
IT WILL REPLACE MOST OF THE EXISTING 18 OBSOLETE VILLAGE INCINERATORS ON THE ISLAND WHICH ARE CONSIDERED INEFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY UNDESIRABLE.
THE ALL-PURPOSE INCINERATOR IS CAPABLE OF COMPLETE COMBUSTION CF MOST TYPES OF WASTE AND OF MEETING HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STANDARDS.
ANOTHER ADVANTAGE OF THE PLANT IS THAT ITS CAPACITY CAN BE INCREASED BY INSTALLING ADDITIONAL MODULES.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FIRST STAGE IN THE INSTALLATION OF THE INCINERATOR WHICH WILL SERVE THE REQUIREMENTS OF MUI WO AND SOUTH LANTAU.
WORK ON STAGE I IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND TAKE 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IT WILL INCLUDE FOUNDATION WORK, ERECTING ONE MODULAR UNIT, A CONCRETE REFUSE RECEPTION SHED, AN OFFICE AND WORKSHOP, A LOADING MACHINE, OIL STORAGE FACILITIES, STAFF QUARTERS AND BASIC ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
DEPENDING ON THE SUCCESS OF THE FIRST STAGE, STAGE II WILL CONSIST OF SETTING UP A SECOND MODULAR UNIT, THE PROVISION CF AN ADDITIONAL OIL STORAGE TANK AND THE PAVING OF MOST OF THE AREA.
- _ - _ 0 ----
/U.......
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
13
LANDS AND WORKS OFFICER RETIRES *****
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR JOHN MARSHALL IS RETIRING AFTER 19 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, W NICKY CHAN, THIS AFTERNOON PRESENTED HIM WITH A DINNER SERVICE SET AND A CHAFING DISH ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE ERANCH AND THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
MR CHAN SAID THAT MR MARSHALL JOINED THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE CF THE THEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN FEBRUARY 1966 AS A QUANTITY , SURVEYOR AND HAD BEEN WITH THE PWD HEADQUARTERS AND THE BRANCH.
MR MARSHALL WAS APPOINTED TO HIS PRESENT POST IN MARCH ,1983.
MR CHAN SAID THAT MR MARSHALL WAS +VIRTUALLY A FIXTURE IN MURRAY BUILDING* AND WAS THE LONGEST SERVING OFFICER ON THE 2OTH FLOOR.
MR MARSHALL, WHO WILL BE PROCEEDING ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE SHORTLY, HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED WITH THE HONG KONG SINGERS.
A KEEN SUPPORTER ALSO OF THE RED CROSS, HE HAD DONATED BLOOD 53 TIMES.
------o-------
YUEN LONG FOOT, CYCLE LINK PLANNED
*****
’ THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO PROVIDE A PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE LINK IN YUEN LONG, BETWEEN LONG PING ESTATE AND YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE WORKS INVOLVE BUILDING A PEDESTRIAN - CYCLE BRIDGE FROM LONG PING ESTATE IN THE NORTH, TO THE PEDESTRIAN LANE ADJOINING PING CHEONG PATH IN THE SOUTH.
THE EXISTING BRIDGE ACROSS THE NULLAH WHICH LIES ALONG THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSED BRIDGE WILL BE DEMOLISHED TOO.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG-THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE WORKS OR USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY APRIL 30.
-----o----------
SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 1985
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEET-THE-MEDIA * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR COLIN GREENFIELD, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON MONDAY (MARCH 4) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
- 0 - -
TSI NG Yl TAPS OFF * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSING Yl ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS - FROM 10 AM TO 7 PM - ON TUESDAY (MARCH 5) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE TSING Yl TOWN AND TSING Yl NORTH, INCLUDING CHINA RESOURCES OIL DEPOT.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY......................... 1
1984 EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED ........ 3
PROTECTION FOR CHEUNG CHAU SEAWALLS .......................... 6
NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL BEING BUILT ............................ 7
SAI KUNG BOARD TO DISCUSS WORK ............................... 7
SINGLES APPLY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING....................... 8
MARKET RATE FOR OVERSEAS HELPERS REVISED ..................... 9
REPORT MISSING HIKERS EaRLY, PEOPLE TOLD...................... 9
MUTUAL AID GROUP’S CIVIC ROLE STRESSED ....................... 10
CHILDREN HELP PUBLICISE ELECTIONS ............................ 10
SHA TIN BOARD MEMBERS GO ON WALK.............................. 11
RECLAMATION AND ACCESS ROAD FOR JUNK BAY...................... 11
BEACH KIOSK OPERATOR NEEDED .................................. 12
MODEL RADIO CARS COMPETE ..................................... 12
WATER MAINS WORK ............................................. 13
ROAD WORK IN WAN CHAI ........................................ 13
SUNDAY, MaRC.- 3, l3n-.
1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY ******
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1985 GREW BY FOUR FER CENT OR $375 MILLION OVER THE FIGURE FOR JANUARY LAST YEAR, TO REACH .11 166 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 50 PER CENT OR $2 982 MILLION TO 38 958 MILLION.
THUS, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $20 124 MILLION, wAS 23 PER CENT OR $3 357 MILLION HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARLIER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS REACHED $19 119 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT OR $3 220 MILLION OVER THE VALUE FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS wAS GREATER THAN THAT OF IMPORT THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS OF $1 005 MILLION.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT COMPARING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1985 WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1984, OVERALL TRADE HAD GROWN BY 30 PER CENT. FURTHER, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT 34 PER CENT, WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, AT 26 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS) NARROWED TO ONE PER CENT IN THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1985, FROM SEVEN PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD.
COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TRADE FIGURES FOR THE BEGINNING MONTHS OF THE YEAR ARE, AS USUAL, INFLUENCED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH IN THE VALUE CF IMPORTS IN JANUARY 1985 (OVER JANUARY 1984) WAS IN PART DUE TO ANTICIPATION OF HIGHER RETAIL SALES DURING THE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1985:-
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $11 166 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $ 8 958 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $20 124 MILLION
IMPORTS : $19 119 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $ 1 005 MILLION
( IN SURPLUS)
/COMPARATIVE FIGURES
SUNDAY, MARCH J. 1965
2
COMPARATIVE F IGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS NOVEMBER 1984 TO JANUARY 1985 NOVEMBER 1983 TO JANUARY 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
3 MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 34 740 32 105 + 2 635 + 8.2
RE-EXPORTS 25 985 17 939 + 8 046 +44.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 60 725 50 044 +10 681 +21.
IMPORTS 59 796 51 856 + 7 940 +15.3
TRADE BALANCE + 929 -1 812 + 2 741
INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR JANUARY 1985 JANUARY 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11 166 10 791 + 375 + 3.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.5%) (64.4%)
RE-EXPORTS 8 958 5 976 + 2 982 *49.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 20 124 16 767 + 3 357 +20.
IMPORTS 19 119 15 899 + 3 220 +20.3
TRADE BALANCE +1 005 + 868 + 137
INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH JANUARY 1985 DECEMBER 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 11 166 11 873 707 - 6.0
(96 OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.5%) (56.8%)
RE-EXPORTS 8 958 9 020 62-0.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 20 124 20 893 769 - 3.7
IMPORTS 19 119 20 930 - 1 811 - 8.7
TRADE BALANCE *1 005 - 37 + 1 042
/LAST 12 MONTHS
n 3, 1985
FEBRUARY 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1983 TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS JANUARY 1985 JANUARY 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. 8 MN. 8 MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 138 311 108 757 +29 554 +27.2
RE-EXPORTS 86 487 58 552 +27 935 +47.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 224 798 167 309 +57 489 +34.4
IMPORTS 226 590 179 804 +46 786 +26.J
TRADE BALANCE -1 792 -12 495 +10 703
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1984 EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN RELEASED
******
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF THE VALUE CF 1984 DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE -- ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, AND METAL PRODUCTS.
TOGETHER, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE CF MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THE INDUSTRIES ALSO RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER 1983: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ROSE BY $8 493 MILLION, WEARING APPAREL BY 87 684 MILLION, TEXTILES BY q>6 471 MILLION, PLASTIC PRODUCTS BY $4 402 MILLION, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT BY 81 057 MILLION, AND METAL PRODUCTS BY $933 MILLION.
IN RELATIVE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES OVER 1983 WERE PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL (+806%)? MINING AND QUARRYING (+177%); ELECTRICITY (+95%); MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (+73%) ; NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+72%); AND TOBACCO (+69%).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN THE VALUt OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FROM 1983 WERE RECORDED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-8278 MILLION OR -65%), AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION (-$5 MILLION OR -31%), AND LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (-$101 MILLION OR -17%).
/THE ABOVE .......
1985
THE ABOVE ARE SOME OF THE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 1984. THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY RE-GROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED. TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.l.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT WHEN INTERPRETING THE RE-CLASSIFIED FIGURES, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE OVERALL VALUE OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM REQUIRING SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT IS FINALLY PRODUCED, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE VALUE.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES, HE SAID.
FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN MAY BE SEEN IN THE ATTACHED TABLE, WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION CF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (AT TEL. NO. 3'7224504). A TABLE ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, DECEMBER 1984+.
VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MERCHANDISE, RECLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR 1983 AND 1984
(VALUES IN HK$ MILLION)
MERCHANDISE DOMESTIC EXPORTS
INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN OF THE COMMODITIES EXPORTED
1983 1984 VALUE CHANGE % CHANGE
AGRICULTURAL, FORESTRY AND
FISHING
AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK 18
AND POULTRY PRODUCTION
12
/FORESTRY AND
SUNDAY, MARCH J, 1985
5
FORESTRY AND LOGGING — 0.007 0.007 —
OCEAN AND COASTAL FISHING 180 241 61 34
MINING AND QUARRYING 2 4 3 177
MANUFACTURING
FOOD 1 252 1 219 -33 - 3
BEVERAGES 97 137 40 41
TOBACCO 310 522 213 69
TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 18 810 25 281 6 471 34
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR AND KNITWEAR 23 979 31 663 7 684 32
LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS 589 488 -101 -17
FOOTWEAR 343 522 178 52
WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES 610 779 169 28
PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS, PRINTING AND PUBLISHING 1 619 2 144 525 32
CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 1 097 1 433 336 31
PRODUCTS OF PETROLEUM AND COAL 0. 222 2 2 8 J6
RUBBER PRODUCTS 154 200 46 30
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 7 416 11 819 4 402 59
NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 327 563 236 72
BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 5 644 6 577 933 17
/Machinery, except........
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 1 119 1 932 813 73
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 24 928 33 421 8 493 34
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 427 149 -278 -65
PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT 9 514 10 571 1 057 11
OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 5 727 7 881 2 154 38
ELECTRICITY 160 312 152 95
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
(E.G. DEVELOPED 83 64 -18 -22
PHOTOGRAPHIC PLATES AND FILM, ANTIQUES, AND WORKS OF ART)
TOTAL 104 405 137 936 33 531 32
INDIVIDUAL ENTRIES THE CORRESPONDING TOTAL
OF A COLUMN MAY NOT ADD UP EXACTLY TO DUE TO ROUNDING.
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PROTECTION FOR CHEUNG CHAU SEAWALLS * X X X
ADDITIONAL MARINE PROTECTION WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO THE SEAWALLS IN CHEUNG CHAU.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF ADDED PROTECTION AGAINST THE EFFECTS OF STORM WAVES ON SEAWALLS SURROUNDING THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED INCINERATOR AT TAI KWAI WAN, AND ON THE SEAWALLS ON THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED ABATTOIR AND FUTURE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
FURTHER SLOPE PROTECTION WORK WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO THE SLOPES BENEATH THE CHEUNG KWAI PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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n.......
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
- 7 -
NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL BEING BUILT * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS IN TUEN MUN.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORK, BEING PART OF THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL PROJECT, WILL INCLUDE :-
* A 17-STOREY BUILDING WITH A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL, A STUDENT’S QUARTERS AND A TUNNEL LINK TO THE HOSPITAL ?
* A 17-STOREY BUILDING WITH COMMUNAL FACILITIES AND QUARTERS FOR NURSING STAFF ;
* A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING WITH BARRACKS ACCOMMODATION FOR MINOR STAFF; AND
* CAR PARKING AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND STAFF QUARTERS wILL BE BUILT ON A SITE ADJACENT TO THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE ABOUT
27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE TENDER DEADLINE IS MARCH 29.
-----o------
SAI KUNG BOARD TO DISCUSS WORK
* * *
A REVIEW OF THE PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION BY BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (MARCH 5).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF AN ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL FOR EXPATRIATE PRIMARY STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.w. HAYES, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG TOWN.
SA I KUNG DISTRICT BOARD
5) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
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/8.........
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
8
SINGLES APPLY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ******
A TOTAL OF 2 391 SINGLE PERSONS HAVE REGISTERED WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE FIRST MONTH SINCE A SEPARATE WAITING LIST WAS OPENED FOR THEM IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
+DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 2 402 TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS HAVE ALSO REGISTERED ON THE GENERAL WAITING LIST UNDER REVISED ALLOCATION POLICIES,+ SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN TODAY.
HE SAID THEIR APPLICATIONS WOULD BE PROCESSED WHEN THEIR TURN CAME UP ON THE WAITING LISTS.
+AT PRESENT, PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS CONTINUES FOR THOSE SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-PERSON FAMILIES WHO LIVE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND IN MARK l/lI ESTATES AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT. PRIORITY IN THE ALLOCATION OF HOUSING IS BEING GIVEN TO THESE TWO GROUPS OF SMALL FAM I LIES.+
PREVIOUSLY APART FROM FAMILIES OF THREE OR MORE PERSONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ONLY MARRIED COUPLES AND ELDERLY PERSONS COULD APPLY FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING.
♦UNDER ALLOCATION POLICIES REVISED LAST YEAR, SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS MAY ALSO APPLY PROVIDED THEY SATISFY OTHER ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
♦THESE TWO-PERSON FAMILIES MAY COMPRISE TWO RELATED PERSONS SUCH AS PARENT AND CHILD, BROTHER AND SISTER LIVING AWAY FROM PARENTS, OR THE APPLICANT AND A RELATIVE WHO IS DEPENDENT ON AND LIVING WITH HIM.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OF AGE AND HAVE AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR FLAT ALLOCATION.
♦THE TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE SET LIMITS AT THE TIME OF INVESTIGATION. THE CURRENT LIMIT IS $2 700 A MONTH FOR SINGLE PERSONS AND 34 000 A MONTH FOR TWO-MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS.
+OWNERS OF DOMESTIC PROPERTY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING.*
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/9........
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
- 9 -
MARKET RATE FOR OVERSEAS HELPERS REVISED * * * *
WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 11, EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS ATTESTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MUST CARRY A MONTHLY WAGE OF NOT LESS THAN THE $1 800 TO 51 950 RANGE.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION WOULD, FROM THAT DATE, ONLY CONSIDER THE ENTRY OF FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS WHO WERE PAID AT THIS MARKET RATE.
RE-ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS ATTESTED BEFORE MARCH 11 MAY CARRY THE OLD RATE OF $1 650 TO 51 800 IF THEY TAKE EFFECT ON CR BEFORE APRIL 4, 1985, HE SAID.
--------0---------
REPORT MISSING HIKERS EARLY, PEOPLE TOLD
*****
DELAYED REPORTS OF PEOPLE FAILING TO RETURN FROM MOUNTAIN WALKS OR HIKES COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH, THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, MR J.A. FORTUNE, SAID TODAY.
THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENTS THIS WINTER WHEN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS FOR LOST GROUPS OF PEOPLE HAD BEEN DELAYED BECAUSE GROUP LEADERS OR ORGANISERS NOT TAKING PART IN THE ACTUAL WALKS OR HIKES HAD DELAYED MAKING REPORTS TO THE AUTHORITIES, HE SAID.
IN SOME CASES LATE REPORTS HAD DELAYED FOR SEVERAL HOURS THE START OF EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND IN PARTICULAR, THE WORK OF THE CAS MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE UNIT, HE SAID.
HE URGED PEOPLE TO CALL THE POLICE BY DIALLING 9Q9 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ABOUT OVERDUE GROUPS.
HE ALSO URGED ORGANISERS OF WALKING GROUPS TO REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING BASIC SAFETY POINTS :
* PLAN THE ROUTE CAREFULLY
* INFORM RELIABLE PERSONS OF WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND THE EXPECTED TIME OF COMPLETION OF THE JOURNEY
* WEAR CORRECT CLOTHING AND CARRY CORRECT EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS i SOME EMERGENCY FOOD, TORCHLIGHT, WHISTLE, A WARM WIND-PROOF JACKET, SOME THIN NYLON ROPES, WATER, MAP AND COMPASS, A NOTE-BOOK, AND SOME MONEY.
* ALWAYS KEEP A COOL HEAD.
------o-------
/10.....................................
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
10
MUTUAL AID GROUP’S CIVIC ROLE STRESSED * * * * *
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND REFLECTING VIEWS OF RESIDENTS ON PROBLEMS AFFECTING THEIR WELL-BEING, ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MS ANISSA WONG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE KWONG FUK GALA AND THE OPENING OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICES IN KWONG FUK ESTATE, MS WONG SAID MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES HAD AN EVEN MORE IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY, AS HONG KONG MOVED TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID THE NEW MAC OFFICES WOULD +ENHANCE THE RELATIONSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE ESTATE*.
MS WONG SAID THAT SHE HOPED THE COMMITTEES WOULD CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, AND ENCOURAGED REGISTERED VOTERS +T0 GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7 TO CHOOSE A DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATE WHO CAN GENUINELY REPRESENT THE PEOPLE*.
THE KWONG FUK GALA IS PART OF THE TWO-WEEK TAI PO LUNAR NEv> YEAR PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY 13 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
CHILDREN HELP PUBLICISE ELECTIONS
* * * *
MORE THAN 100 000 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KWUN TONG WILL HELP PUBLICISE THE ELECTION MESSAGE BY BRINGING HOME A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, W KEVIN MAK, CALLING ON THEIR PARENTS TO VOTE ON THURSDAY (MARCH 7).
+APART FROM BRINGING A REMINDER TO THE PARENTS, THE EXERCISE WILL ALSO BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR THE STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS,* MR MAK SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
IN THE LETTER, PARENTS WILL BE GIVEN A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
MEANWHILE, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE PAMPHLETS CONTAINING THE SLOGAN OF THE DISTRICT’S ELECTIONS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS.
MORE THAN 70 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION IN KWUN TONG LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
+0N POLLING DAY, FOUR BROADCASTING VANS WILL TOUR KWUN TONG FROM 7 AM TO 10.30 PM TO URGE RESIDENTS TO VOTE,* MR MAK SAID.
------0 ------
/!-> .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1935
11
SHA TIN BOARD MEMBERS GO ON WALK
* * * *
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, WILL TAKE A WALK ALONG THE NEWLY-COMPLETED ASSESS PATH LEADING FROM THE TOWN CENTRE TO THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK TOMORROW (MONDAY) MORNING.
INFORMATION BOARDS AND MARKERS, AS WELL AS BENCHES AND OTHER RECREATION FACILITIES, ARE PROVIDED ALONG THE SEVEN-KILOMETRE ROUTE.
THE WALK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE WALK SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 6TH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
-----o------
RECLAMATION AND ACCESS ROAD FOR JUNK BAY
* * * *
FOURTEEN HECTARES OF LAND IS TO BE RECLAIMED AND AN ACCESS ROAD BUILT AT AP TSAI PENINSULA IN THE NORTHERN SIDE OF JUNK BAY AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHILE THE 600-METRE-L0NG ACCESS ROAD WILL CONNECT THE ESTATE WITH THE REST OF THE ROAD NETWORK SYSTEM IN THE AREA.
DRAINAGE WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECLAMATION, WHICH IS ALSO PART OF THE PROJECT, WILL INCLUDE THE LAYING OF 550 METRES OF STORMWATER CULVERT, 1 500 METRES OF TRUNK SEWER, 400 METRES CF WHICH WILL BE A SUBMARINE PIPE.
THE SUBMARINE PIPE ACROSS HANG HAU BAY WILL CONNECT TO A SEWAGE TUNNEL AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN..
SLOPES OF AP TSAI PENINSULA ADJACENT TO THE RECLAMATION WILL BE LANDSCAPED AND SHAPED TO FORM PART OF A PROPOSED FRINGE PARK IN THE AREA.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH 1985 AND TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------o-------
/12......
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
12 -
BEACH KIOSK OPERATOR NEEDED * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FOR OPERATION OF A LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT KADOORIE BEACH IN TUEN MUN FROM APRIL 1.
KADOORIE BEACH, LOCATED AT THE WESTERN COAST OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, ATTRACTED MORE THAN 130 000 BEACH-GOERS IN THE LAST SWIMMING SEASON, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NTSD SAID.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON OR THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF ’TOP COURT’, 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.
THE TENDER DEADLINE IS 9 AM ON MARCH 15.
FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR TELEPHONE 0-820800 EXT. 301, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
MODEL RADIO CARS COMPETE
* * *
MORE THAN 100 MODEL CARS TOOK PART IN THE 1985 RADIO CONTROLLED ELECTRIC RACING CAR COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG RACING MODEL ASSOCIATION, IN TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND TODAY.
THE AIM WAS TO FURTHER BOOST THE SPORT AND PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT TO RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF TUEN MUN, MR CHOI YING-WAI, SAID.
BUILT TO A SCALE OF 1:12, THE RADIO CONTROLLED MODEL RACING CARS RACED OVER A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 145 METRES IN THE PLAYGROUND, RINGING NO LESS THRILL AND FUN TO BOTH THE RACERS AND AUDIENCES.
AFTER THE EVENTS, TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS PRESENTED AWARDS TO THE WINNERS.
------c-------
/13........
SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 1985
13
WATER MAINS WORK M * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN LAMMA ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 6) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE ALL PREMISES IN HUNG SHING YE WAN AND SOK KWU WAN, INCLUDING LAMMA ISLAND POLICE POST AND FAR EAST CEMENT CO.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 9 PM TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM WAN TAU STREET TO TAI PO KAU, INCLUDING KWONG FUK ESTATE, WANG FUK COURT, WONG Yl AU, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, YIN TZE LANE, STRAFFORD HOUSE, TAI PO KAU, TAI PO KAU SAN WAI, LOOKOUT LANE, ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME AND ISLAND HOUSE.
ROAD WORK IN WAN CHAI * * *
STONE NULLAH LANE BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND CROSS STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 6) FOR ROAD REPAIRS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING BULLETINS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR VISITING TWO SCHOOLS ................................. 1
PRESS VISIT TO POLLING STATION ................................ 1
COMMITTEE MEETINGS ON EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS ................... 2
PUBLIC HELP IN SURVEYS URGED .................................. 3
'MODEST GROWTH' IN AUTO WORKERS................................
'STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS' ...................................... 5
PARENTS MAY SOON TRY FOR PRIMARY PLACES ....................... 5
JOINT EXERCISE ................................................ 6
LITTERBUGS PAY $6 MILLION IN FINES ............................ 6
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS TO MEET ................................. 7
BOARD TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENT REPORT ........................... 7
AUXILIARY AIR FORCE SEEKS NURSING RECRUITS .................... 8
SPRING RECEPTION .............................................. 8
NEW AIR COMPRESSOR HOUSE FOR ABATTOIR ......................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ......................................... 9
REPULSE BAY TAPS OFF .......................................... 9
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
1
GOVERNOR VISITING TWO SCHOOLS X * X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL VISIT TWO SCHOOLS ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 6) AFTERNOON.
HE WILL ARRIVE AT THE SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 2.20 PM AND THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATION AL SCHOOL -CHAI WAN AT 2.55 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, WHERE TWO VANS WILL LEAVE AT 1.30 PM SHARP.
GIS OFFICERS WILL ASSIST.
THE SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL IS AT 42 CHAI WAN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATION AL SCHOOL - CHAI WAN IS AT 330 SAN HA STREET, HONG KONG.
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PRESS VISIT TO POLLING STATION
If * M *
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE PRESS TO VISIT THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE POLLING STATION AT 44 01 KWAN ROAD IN WAN CHAI, ON HONG KONG ISLAND TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, MR LEE LAP-SUN WILL BE AT THE POLLING STATION TO ANSWER ANY QUERIES FROM THE PRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT.
PRESS MEMBERS WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CENTRE AT JOHNSTON ROAD AT 2.45 PM SHARP.
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MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
2
COMMITTEE MEETINGS ON EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS M * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BEGIN THE FIRST OF ITS FOUR SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE IN PUBLIC THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1985-86 ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6.
THE MEETING WILL CONSIDER PROVISIONS SOUGHT FOR LAW AND ORDER ITEMS.
A LEGCO UNOFFICIAL LAW AND ORDER ESTIMATES STUDY TEAM HAS BEEN FORMED UNDER THE CONVENORSHIP OF HON PETER C WONG TO SCRUTINISE THE EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS.
OTHER MEMBERS IN THE TEAM ARE HON DR HO KAM-FAI, HON ANDREW SO, HON WONG PO-YAN, HON J J SWA INE, HON STEPHEN CHEONG, HON MARIA TAM, HON MRS PAULINE NG, HON YEUNG PO-KWAN AND HON KEITH LAM.
THE TEAM HAS PUT UP A TOTAL OF 41 QUESTIONS FOR ORAL REPLIES AND ANOTHER 27 QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLIES BY THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS.
THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS EXPECTED TO APPEAR IN PERSON BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ARE THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES; THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION? THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ; THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ? REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT ; THE SOLICITOR GENERAL AND THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
ITEMS TO BE COVERED INCLUDE EXPENDITURE ON MANAGING CLOSED CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES; THE REASONS FOR OPENING A NEW CENTRE WHEN SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN REFUGEE POPULATION IS NOT EXPECTED; CREATION OF NEW POSTS IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT? MAINTENANCE OF GARRISON PROPERTY; EXPENDITURE FOR IDENTIFYING AND REPATRIATING OVERSTAYERS FROM CHINA; IMPROVEMENTS AND EXTENSIONS OF EXISTING CUSTOMS FACILITIES AT MAN KAM TO AND LO WU? MANPOWER INVOLVED IN ISSUING NEW ID CARDS; PROVISIONS FOR THE NEW UNIT IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO LOOK INTO THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AFFECTING HONG KONG ; AND THE DRAFTING OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION AS WELL AS THE TRANSLATION OF ALL HONG KONG LAWS INTO CHINESE.
OTHER QUESTIONS CONCERN THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRATION STAFF DEPLOYED TO ENSURE THAT TWO-WAY PERMIT HOLDERS FROM CHINA DO NOT OVERSTAY. STAFF REDEPLOYMENT TO COPE WITH AIRPORT PEAK HOUR DEMANDSDECREASE OF ICAC PUBLICITY VOTE; INCREASE OF ICAC CASES REQUIRING OVERSEAS INVESTIGATION AND EXPENDITURE ON THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL.
THREE OTHER SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE FI NANCE COMM 11 TEE ARP 'SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 8, 11 AND 12 ON EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, AND GENERAL SERVICES.
ALL MEETING" ' ILL START AT 2.30 PM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
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MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
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PUBLIC HELP IN SURVEYS URGED
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR COLIN GREENFIELD TODAY (MONDAY) CALLED FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION IN TWO MAJOR SURVEYS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST SURVEY IS THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY (HES) WHICH STARTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
+A MAJOR USE OF THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE TO UP-DATE THE WEIGHTS AND BASKET OF GOODS AND SERVICES OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES (CPI) A AND B, AND THE HANG SENG CPI,+ MR GREENFIELD EXPLAINED, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE.
+THE RESULTS ARE OF IMPORTANCE TO EVERYONE AND SO WE ALL HAVE AN INTEREST IN MAKING THEM AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE,* HE ADDED.
THE TARGET SAMPLE SIZE FOR THE WHOLE SURVEY IS 4 700 HOUSEHOLDS, OUT OF WHICH SOME 1 800 HAD SO FAR TAKEN PART IN THE SURVEY.
+IT IS PLANNED TO RELEASE NEW CPI SERIES BASED ON THE SURVEY RESULTS IN APRIL 1986,+ HE SAID.
THE OTHER SURVEY IS THE 1985 PILOT POPULATION CENSUS.
+THIS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM MARCH 8 TO 17, WITH THE PURPOSE CF TESTING ALL ASPECTS OF A CENSUS OPERATION IN PREPARATION FOR UNDERTAKING A BY-CENSUS IN MARCH 1986,+ MR GREENFIELD SAID.
A SAMPLE OF 12 000 HOUSEHOLDS HAD BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM EIGHT DISTRICTS.
+AGAIN, THE COOPERATION OF HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED IS SOUGHT.
CENSUS DATA IS FUNDAMENTAL IN PLANNING HOUSING, MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND MANY OTHER FACILITIES. IT IS THEREFORE IN THE INTEREST OF ALL THAT THE CENSUS SHOULD BE A SUCCESS,* HE EXPLAINED.
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
4
’MODEST GROWTH’ IN AUTO WORKERS * * * *
THE WORKFORCE IN THE COMMERCIAL AND PASSENGER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SECTOR WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW AT A MODEST RATE, ACCORDING TO THE 1984 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY.
AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS AND BETTER ROAD SYSTEMS, THE INCREASING USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THE INCREASE IN HONG KONG-BASED COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES OVER THE BORDER WOULD RESULT IN GREATER DEMAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, SAID THE REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
HOWEVER, THE MANPOWER REQUIRED IN THE PRIVATE CAR MAINTENANCE SECTOR WOULD REMAIN STAGNANT IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE BECAUSE OF THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF THE PRIVATE CARS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRAINING BOARD SAID.
THE SURVEY REVEALED THAT SINCE THE GOVERNMENT TOOK MEASURES TO CURB THE GROWTH OF PRIVATE CARS IN 1982, THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DECREASED FROM 13 300 IN 1982 TO 12 200 IN 1984.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, THE BOARD ALSO FORECAST THAT AN ADDITIONAL 370 CRAFTSMEN, 40 TECHNICIANS AND SIX TECHNOLOGISTS WOULD BE REQUIRED EACH YEAR UP TO 1990 TO MEET THE MANPOWER DEMAND FOR THE INDUSTRY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, ADMINISTERED BY THE BOARD, WOULD PROVIDE ONE-YEAR BASIC SKILL TRAINING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR TO SOME 310 CRAFT AND 30 TECHNICIAN TRAINEES ANNUALLY.
THE BOARD CONSIDERED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TRAINING CENTRE WOULD BRING ABOUT A REGULAR SUPPLY OF PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT TRAINEES, HE ADDED.
THE 1984 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $9.50 A COPY.
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
5
’STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS’ * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, NR KARL STUMPF WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT+ PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT, AT A PRESS CONFERt-NCE AT 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 6) AT ROSE ROOM, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
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PARENTS MAY SOON TRY FOR PRIMARY PLACES
* * * *
PARENTS WISHING TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO PRIMARY 2 TO 6 IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN 1985-86 MAY APPLY BETWEEN MARCH 8 AND 15.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CHILDREN AGED EIGHT YEARS SIX MONTHS AND ABOVE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1985 MAY BE ADMITTED TO THE PRIMARY 2 TO 6 LEVEL.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE MADE AT INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SEE WHETHER THERE WERE VACANCIES, HE SAID.
THE LEVEL OF CLASSES OPEN TO APPLICATION WILL BE CLEARLY SPECIFIED IN A NOTICE POSTED AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS.
CHILDREN WILL NORMALLY BE ADMITTED TO SCHOOLS WHICH SERVE THE DISTRICT IN WHICH THEY LIVE, AND CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THOSE FROM THE SAME FAMILY ARE NOT SEPARATED.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THOSE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH VACANCIES FROM MARCH 8 TO 15, EXCLUDING GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH ADMISSION IS DESIRED.
SELECTION OF PUPILS WILL BE CONDUCTED ON MARCH 22.
THE APPLICATION FORMS ARE FREE AND NO ENTRANCE FEE IS CHARGED FOR ADMISSION TO ANY GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.
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MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1935
6
JOINT EXERCISE * * *
A JOINT GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 6, 13, 14 AND 15. THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ROUTINE EXERCISES DESIGNED TO TEST THE USE OF GOVERNMENT, POLICE AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.
THERE WILL BE NO DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE OR MILITARY UNITS ON THE GROUND DURING THE EXERCISE, AND THERE WILL BE NO INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC OR INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
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LITTERBUGS PAY $6 MILLION IN FINES
* * *
A TOTAL OF 38 282 LITTERBUGS WERE CONVICTED BY COURTS FOR VARIOUS LITTER OFFENCES LAST YEAR RESULTING IN FINES OF MORE THAN $6 MILLION. THIS COMPARED WITH 42 820 AND 42 065 IN 1983 AND 1982 RESPECTIVELY.
♦WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED BY THE FIGURE, AS IT SHOWS THAT OUR MESSAGE TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN IS GETTING ACROSS TO THE PUBLIC AND THAT BAD HABITS CAN BE BROKEN,+ SAID A USD SPOKESMAN.
since the Records of litter offenders were COMPUTERISED IN SEPTEMBER 1982, THE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME 6 000 RECIDIVISTS WERE REGISTERED AND MORE THAN $1.6 MILLION IN FINES COLLECTED.
APART FROM PROVIDING ACCURATE DATA OF THOSE BROUGHT UP BEFORE THE COURTS, THE COMPUTERISED RECORDS ALSO THREW UP MANY INTERESTING POINTERS OF THE +REPEATING OFFENDERS.+
ONE RECIDIVIST WHO HAD A RECORD OF 12 CONVICTIONS HAD BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $4 635 SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982.
THE BULK OF RECIDIVISTS ARE MEN AND ALMOST HALF THE REPEATER OFFENDERS ARE THOSE AGED BETWEEN 40 AND 59, FOLLOWED BY THE 30-39 AGE GROUP.
AND MOST OF THE REPEATER OFFENDERS ARE FROM THE SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICTS.
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MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
7
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS TO MEET * * * *
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT GIS TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG BETWEEN MARCH 18 AND 22.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, WHO IS THE CONVENOR OF THE MEETING; ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM, THE SECRETARY; AND SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, l*R PI WING-LEE, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERECE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 3 PM.
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BOARD TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENT REPORT
* X X *
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT STUDY AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE TSING Yl TOWN/CENTRE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN- THE IMPROVEMENT TO THE INTERSECTION OF CASTLE PEAK AND KWAI CHUNG ROADS AND THE WORK ON ROUTE 5 (TSUEN WAN SECTION) WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PAPERS ON A SURVEY ON UNRULY YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT, THE PROVISION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES AND REPORTS FROM VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES (NEXT TO THE MTR KWAI HING STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1985
8
AUXILIARY AIR FORCE SEEKS NURSING RECRUITS X * * * *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE IS SEEKING WOMEN VOLUNTEERS FROM AMONG REGISTERED — OR REGISTRABLE -- NURSES BETWEEN 25 AND 35 YEARS OF AGE TO SERVE IN ITS MEDICAL SECTION.
THE RECRUITS WILL BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO TRAINING OVER THE WEEKENDS. AFTER THEIR TRAINING, THEY WILL BE GIVEN THE JOB OF RUNNING THE FORCE’S MEDICAL CENTRE, KEEPING MEDICAL RECORDS, PROVIDING FIRST AID TREATMENT, AND ASSISTING MEDICAL OFFICERS IN THE AIRCREW MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS.
IN ADDITION TO BEING ABLE TO PUT IN THE TRAINING TIME NECESSARY FOR THEM TO ATTAIN THE HIGH STANDARD OF PROFICIENCY REQUIRED FOR THE JOB, THE RECRUITS MUST ALSO HAVE A GOOD COMMAND OF ENGLISH, AN RHKAAF SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY SHOULD ALSO SHOW AN INTEREST IN AVIATION, HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS SHOULD SUBMIT FULL PERSONAL DETAILS WITH PHOTOGRAPH TO THE COMMANDING OFFICER, RHKAAF, HONG KONG AIRPORT, AIRPORT TUNNEL EAST EXIT, KOWLOON.
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SPRING RECEPTION
XXX
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOST A SPRING RECEPTION AT THE MAXIM’S RESTAURANT TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPRING RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM AT MAXIM’S RESTAURANT, BASEMENT 1, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
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MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1935
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NEW AIR COMPRESSOR HOUSE FOR ABATTOIR *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN AIR COMPRESSOR HOUSE AT THE KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR.
WORK ON THE SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND TAKE FIVE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOX AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY MARCH 22.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURES
* * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 67.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 393.867 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 476.562 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 81.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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REPULSE BAY TAPS OFF * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN REPULSE BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 7).
ALL PREMISES ALONG SOUTH BAY CLOSE, INCLUDING SOUTH BAY VILLAS, AND 101 - 119A REPULSE BAY ROAD WILL BE AFFECTED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: S-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ESSENTIAL TO HK'S FUTURE - AKERS-JONES 1
LAW OFFICER APPOINTED ...................................... 2
NEW WATER CHARGES FROM APRIL 1 ............................. 3
+HK - UNIQUE PLACE WITH UNIQUE SITUATIGN+ .................. 3
TAG ENDORSES REPORT ON CMB MAINTENANCE...................... 5
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS ...............................
COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL CHIEFS TO MEET HERE............... 7
SPECIAL TEXTAB MEETING ON U.S. ORIGIN RULES ................ 8
PRESS FACILITIES ON ELECTION DAY ........................... 9
PRESS CONFERENCE ON ELECTIONS ............................. 13
VOTING'S QUITE SIMPLE, PEOPLE TOLD ........................ 14
TV, RADIO BOOST FOR ELECTIONS ............................. 15
PROPOSALS ON PLB'S ............................... 16
GOVERNME.iT HOUSE GARDENS OPQJ SUNDAY ..................... 17
DECEMBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ............. 17
THREE CHOSEN TO REPRESENT COUNCIL ......................... 19
REGISTRATION SUSP SIDED ................................... 19
TEMPORARY SUSPHISICN OF PERMANENT QUOTA TRANSFER........... 19
BUS DRIVES HOME ELECTIONS MESSAGE.......................... 20
KO SHAN THEATRE TAKES PANT IN DB ELECTION ................. 20
MAIL TO URUGUAY RESUMES .................................. 21
MOVE TO CLOSE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE........................... 21
CARNIVAL TO MARK FESTIVE PROGRAMME CLOSURE................. 21
PASSING-OUT PARADE ....................................... 22
BRIDGE CLOSURE............................................ 2 3
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAU KEI WAN .................... 23
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ESSENTIAL TO HK’S FUTURE - AKERS-JONES * * * *
ENGLISH IS THE LANGUAGE OF HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL LINKS BY WHICH THIS COSMOPOLITAN CITY DRAWS ITS STRENGTH, ITS TRADE AND ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY.
♦ IT TRANSCENDS NATIONAL BARRIERS AND IS MORE ESSENTIAL TO OUR FUTURE PROSPERITY THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE FACTOR,+ HE TOLD THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA LUNCHEON MEETING.
IT HAD ASSUMED, HE SAID, AN IMPORTANCE AS A LANGUAGE GREATER THAN ENGLAND AS A NATION.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE DREW PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THIS BECAUSE HE BELIEVED HONG KONG MIGHT BE +IN SOME DANGER OF LOSING SIGHT OF ITS IMPORTANCE IN OUR VERY PROPER DESIRE TO USE THE MOST EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION AS WE REFORM OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM+.
HONG KONG, HE SAID, HAD TO CONTINUE WITH THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO SUSTAIN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND, IF NECESSARY, SACRIFICES HAD TO BE MADE TO ACHIEVE THIS.
OTHER +ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF ENDURING VALUE TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY+, HE SAID WERE — TOLERATION OF RACE AND RELIGION, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, MIXING OF CULTURES AND LANGUAGE, PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMMES OF DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL IMPROVEMENT AND REFORM, EXPANDING EDUCATION, A WILLINGNESS TO INNOVATE, SOCIAL MOBILITY AND HARD WORK.
♦ THESE ARE SOME BUT NOT ALL THE QUALITIES THAT HAVE CREATED THIS REMARKABLE CITY,+ HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES ALSO SPOKE OF THE CHANGES THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE SINCE HE WENT TO LIVE AT ISLAND HOUSE, TAI PO, 11 YEARS AGO.
♦ IF YOU LOOK BACKWARD OVER YOUR SHOULDERS INTO THE PAST TWENTY, OR EVEN TEN, YEARS, YOU SEE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT LANDSCAPE FULL OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE, DIFFERENTLY EMPLOYED.
♦ WE LOOK BACK AT THE YEARS OF TYPHOON AND DROUGHT, AT GREAT SURGES OF IMMIGRATION, TEXTILE QUOTA PROBLEMSt CHALLENGE UPON CHALLENGE TAKEN UP AND THROWN BACK IN THE FACE OF FORTUNE,* HE SAID.
HONG KONG, HE SAID, FACED ITS BIGGEST CHALLENGE TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS AGO WHEN IT BEGAN +THE JOURNEY TO FIND A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO THE GREAT UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE*.
+NOW THOSE YEARS ARE BEHIND US AND WE PREPARE FOR THE CHANGES THAT THE YEARS AHEAD WILL BRING,* HE SAID.
/WHAT HAD .......
TUESDAY, MA.HCH 5, 1985
2
WHAT HAD BEEN CALLED A +BORROWED PLACE+, NOW HAD +A GUARANTEED AND DISTINCT EXISTENCE UNTIL THE YEAR 2047+, HE SAID.
+HOWEVER.+ HE ADDED, +SO MUCH WILL DEPEND UPON HOW WE INTERPRET AND USE THE OPPORTUNITY THAT LIES BEFORE US.
+WE MUST NOT ENDANGER, BY OVER-CONFIDENCE, THE PROSPERITY CREATED DURING THE PERIOD WHEN WE HAD NO IDEA OF WHAT FUTURE WAS IN STORE FOR US,+ HE SAID.
BUT THIS DID NOT MEAN, HE SAID, THAT, WITH THIS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE OF COPING WITH CHANGE, HONG KONG MUST NOW LOSE ITS NERVE WHEN FACING THOSE CHANGES WHICH WOULD BRING THE GOVERNMENT CF HONG KONG MORE DIRECTLY INTO THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE.
HE SAID THAT ELECTIONS WOULD TAKE PLACE IN TWO DAYS WHICH, AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WOULD RESULT IN NEW MEMBERS TAKING THEIR PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
REPRESENTATIVE
IN SEPTEMBER OTHER MEMBERS WOULD BE ELECTED BY SECTORS OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN IT TOOK ITS SEAT AT THE END OF OCTOBER WOULD THAN EVER BEFORE 22 APPOINTED AND
WITH 56 MEMBERS, COMPRISING 24 ELECTED, 10 OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
BE LARGER
LAW OFFICER APPOINTED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THE APPOINTMENT OF MR FRED BURROWS AS LAW OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES).
THE POST OF LAW OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES) WAS CREATED RECENTLY TO DEAL WITH THE MANY LEGAL MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION CF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
MR BURROWS WILL TAKE UP THE APPOINTMENT IN MID-MAY 1985.
MR BURROWS, CMG, AGE 59 IS A LEGAL COUNSELLOR IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED TO THE FCO IN 1956 AS AN ASSISTANT LEGAL ADVISER, AND HAS SINCE SERVED AS LEGAL ADVISER IN VARIOUS POSTS.
HE HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE UK NEGOTIATING TEAM ON THE FUTURE CF HONG KONG, AND ALSO THE UNITED KINGDOM REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LEGAL STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE.
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..JtSDAY, MARCH 5, 1*8:
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NEW WATER CHARGES FROM APRIL 1 * * * *
WATER CHARGES WOULD BE INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT FROM APRIL 1, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR TOMLINSON SAID THE INCREASE COVERED INFLATIONARY TRENDS IN OPERATING COSTS AND THE REVISION OF WATER CHARGE RATE BY THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE OVERALL INCREASE WAS VERY MODEST AND WOULD HAVE MINIMAL EFFECT ON THE MAJORITY OF THE CONSUMERS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT 20 PER CENT OF ALL DOMESTIC CONSUMERS WOULD CONTINUE TO PAY NOTHING FOR THE WATER THEY CONSUMED- A FURTHER 72 PER CENT WOULD PAY AN EXTRA SUM OF LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR PER WEEK AND ONLY EIGHT PER CENT WOULD PAY MORE THAN ONE DOLLAR PER WEEK.
WITH REGARD TO TRADE CONSUMERS, ABOUT 73 PER CENT WOULD PAY LESS THAN ONE DOLLAR PER WEEK EXTRA AND A FURTHER 25 PER CENT WOULD PAY LESS THAN $15 PER WEEK MORE.
OF THE REMAINING TWO PER CENT, ONLY 25 PER CENT WOULD PAY MORE THAN $135 PER WEEK EXTRA.
♦MAY I ALSO EMPHASISE THAT WATER CHARGES REPRESENT A SMALL PART OF THE OPERATING COSTS OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY- THEREFORE THE INCREASE IN WATER CHARGES WOULD NOT HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THEIR BUSINESS OPERATIONS,+ MR TOMLINSON SAID.
HE SAID THAT CHARGES FOR CONNECTIONS AND OTHER SERVICES HAD ALSO BEEN REVISED TO REFLECT THE CURRENT COST.
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+HK - UNIQUE PLACE WITH UNIQUE SITUATION* * * *
HONG KONG IS A UNIQUE PLACE, WITH A UNIQUE SITUATION THAT REQUIRES A UNIQUE SOLUTION, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE CITY LIONS CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING ON THE SUBJECT +HONG KONG AND ITS OVERSEAS IMAGE*, MISS CHEUNG SAID THE TERRITORY IN THE YEARS TO COME WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ATTRACTIVE TO BUSINESSMEN AND TRADERS AS A HIGH-TECH LIGHT INDUSTRIAL CENTRE AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
BUT AS A LOCAL REPORTER ONCE SAID, +IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL, BUT HONG KONG MAY BE LABELLED 'FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE’,* SHE ADDED.
+THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE DOING BOTH INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY, TO ENHANCE THE IMAGE OF THIS PLACE WE CALL HOME,* MISS CHEUNG SA. D.
/SHE SAID .......
xUjSSDAY, MARCH 5, 1985 •
SHE SAID THAT THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF IMPROVING HONG KONG’S IMAGE ON THE WORLD STAGE, IN ADDITION TO THE NO LESS IMPORTANT ROLE OF DISSEMINATING AND EXPLAINING GOVERNMENT’S POLICIES AND ACTIONS IN HONG KONG.
QUITE UNDERSTANDABLY, SHE SAID, THE 1997 TALKS AND BUILDUP TO THE AGREEMENT HAD THRUST HONG KONG INTO UNPRECEDENTED INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION.
INTERNATIONALLY, THERE HAD BEEN POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THE AGREEMENT, AN AGREEMENT THAT MANY OVERSEAS AS WELL AS LOCAL COMMENTATORS HAD THOUGHT COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED IN SUCH DETAIL, MISS CHEUNG SAID.
HAD ANYONE THOUGHT THAT THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WOULD LOWER THE MEDIA CURTAIN ON HONG KONG, THEY WOULD BE GREATLY MISTAKEN. THERE HAD BEEN VIRTUALLY NO LET-UP IN THE NUMBER OF JOURNALISTS, TV AND FILM CREWS COMING HERE SINCE THE S.IGNING.
ONLY THE EMPHASIS ON STORY ANGLES HAD CHANGED. FROM THE SPECIFICS OF THE AGREEMENT, TO HOW HONG KONG WAS GEARING UP FOR THE 12 YEAR TRANSITION AND THE WAYS IN WHICH BUSINESSMEN AND THE POPULATION GENERALLY WERE ADAPTING TO THEIR PLANNED FUTURE.
+THE RESURGENT ECONOMY AND BOOMING TRADE, AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S VITAL ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA, HAVE ALSO COME IN FOR WIDE AND IN-DEPTH COVERAGE IN VIRTUALLY ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD,+ SHE SAID.
MISS CHEUNG SAID THAT THE LINCHPIN THAT ENSURED VISITING JOURNALISTS HAD THE WIDEST ACCESS TO INFORMATION WAS THE OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS SUB-DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BETTER KNOWN AS O.P.R.S.
♦THIS SMALL BUT COMPACT UNIT PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN GIVING THE WORLD AN UP-TO-DATE AND BALANCED PICTURE OF WHAT MAKES THE TERRITORY TICK,* SHE SAID.
DURING 1984, SHE SAID, O.P.R.S. ASSISTED 210 I ND IV(DUAL.NEWS WRITERS AND 78 TV, RADIO OR FILM TEAMS FROM OVERSEAS. OF THESE VISITORS, 27 WERE GUESTS OF G.I.S. COVERING INFLUENTIAL MEDIA IN NORTH AMERICA, THE U.K. AND OTHER E.E.C. COUNTRIES.
O.P.R.S. ALSO OFFERED ASSISTANCE TO THE 40 JOURNALISTS ACCOMPANYING THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, ON HIS TWO VISITS IN APRIL AND JULY, THE 11 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ACCOMPANYING PRIME MINISTER MRS MARGARET THATCHER’S HISTORIC VISIT AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND THE PRESS PARTIES ACCOMPANYING THE VISIT OF THE AMERICAN SECRETARY OF STATE GEORGE SHULTZ IN JULY, AND SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR DIANA FEINSTEIN IN NOVEMBER.
HELP WAS ALSO GIVEN TO MEDIA GROUPS FROM WEST GERMANY, AUSTRALIA AND FRANCE, AND BRIEFINGS ARRANGED FOR NON-JOURNALI ST GROUPS SUCH AS THE 12-MEMBER LOS ANGELES TRADE AFFAIRS COUNCIL PARTY AND THE 47-MEMBER BELGIAN TRADE COMMISSION, SHE SAID.
/WHILE A .......
iUiouAY, MBCH 5, 1985
5
a/HILE A NUMBER OF VISITING JOURNALISTS CONCENTRATED ON THE I ’ AREAS OF SPECIALITY, MISS CHEUNG SAID, OTHERS COVERED A WIDE SPECTRUM OF STORIES AND THERE WAS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS PRODUCED ON THE TERRITORY. AMONG PUBLICATIONS EITHER WRITING OR PLANNING SUPPLEMENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE WERE LE FIGARO CF FRANCE, AND UP TO NINE SUPPLEMENTS IN THE U.K.
MISS CHEUNG SAID THE O.P.R.S. ALSO SHOULDERED THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KEEPING TRACK OF ALL THE MEDIA COVERAGE WORLDWIDE. +O.P.R.S. COLLATES AND ANALYSES THE FEEDBACK TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WITH A READY PULSE ON INTERNATIONAL REACTION AND ATTITUDES TO MATTERS AFFECTING THE TERR I TORY,+ SHE SAID.
THE UNIT WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PRODUCING FEATURES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, LIFESTYLE AND ACHIEVEMENTS. +THESE ARE DISTRIBUTED WORLDWIDE TO SPECIALIST MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS,+ SHE SAID.
♦ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL TELEVISION NEWS AGENCIES DISTRIBUTES THESE CLIPS ON ITS INTERNATIONAL SATELLITE NETWORK. AS A BACK-UP, O.P.R.S. ALSO DISTRIBUTES DIRECTLY TO STATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA BY MAIL OR THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERSEAS OFFICES AND AGENTS,+ SHE SAID.
+THESE OVERSEAS OFFICES - IN LONDON, NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, BRUSSELS AND GENEVA - FORM A VITAL LINK IN KEEPING HONG KONG INTEREST AND INTERESTS ALIVE IN THEIR AREAS OF INFLUENCE.
♦WHILE THE GREATEST CONCENTRATION HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN TOWARDS THE U.K., THE GREAT INTEREST BEING TAKEN IN OUR FUTURE BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MEANS THAT WE NEED TO SUPPLEMENT OUR EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE U.S., AS OUR CHIEF TRADING PARTNER,+ SHE ADDED.
------o-------
TAC ENDORSES REPORT ON CMB MAINTENANCE
* * *
MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY ENDORSED THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCE, AFTER HAVING FURTHER CONSIDERED THE COMMENTS OF THE BUS COMPANY ON THE FINDINGS OF THE REPORT. THEIR ADVICE WILL BE REFERRED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
TAC MEMBERS ALSO EXAMINED A REPORT BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP IN JUNE LAST YEAR TO REVIEW CURRENT PRACTICES ON THE REGULATION CF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES NOTED IN ITS REPORT THAT THERE WAS SCOPE FOR REVIEWING STOPPING RESTRICTIONS FOR PLBS IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS WHERE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED.
IN ITS REGULAR MEETING TOAY. THE COMMITTEE ALSO TOOK NOTE CF THE WORK OF ITS TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT WHICH RECENTLY ISSUED ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 83*84.
------0--------
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
- 6 -
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL EXAMINE IN PUBLIC THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1985-86 AT FOUR SPECIAL MEETINGS ON MARCH 6, 8, 11 AND 12.
THE FOLLOWING WILL BE BOXED IN RELATION TO THESE MEETINGS!
TUESDAY, MARCH 5
1. COPIES OF THE ORAL QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED ON WEDNESDAY.
2. COPIES OF THE QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY ON WEDNESDAY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
1. COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES RELATING TO WEDNESDAY.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
1. COPIES OF THE ORAL QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED ON FRIDAY.
2. COPIES OF THE QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY ON FRIDAY.
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
1. COPIES OF THE ORAL QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED ON MONDAY.
2. COPIES OF THE QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY ON MONDAY.
3. COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES RELATING TO FRIDAY.
MONDAY, MARCH 11
1. COPIES OF THE ORAL QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED ON TUESDAY.
2. COPIES OF THE QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN REPLY ON TUESDAY.
3. COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES RELATING TO MONDAY.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
1. COPIES OF THE WRITTEN REPLIES RELATING TO TUESDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE A SHORT PHOTOCALL INSIDE THE LEGCO CHAMBER BEFORE THE FIRST OPEN FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM. PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN MUST LEAVE THE CHAMBER BEFORE THE MEETING STARTS.
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/7 .......
ESDAY, MARCH 5, 19 = c
- 7 -
COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL CHIEFS TO MEET HERE * * *
MORE THAN 30 DELEGATIONS FROM 25 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AND THREE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS WILL MEET IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 18 TO 22 FOR THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR T.G. GARNER, SAID THE AIM OF THE MEETING WAS TO FACILITATE EXCHANGES OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE IN THE VARIOUS AREAS IN WHICH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WERE INVOLVED.
MR GARNER IS THE CONVENOR OF THE MEETING, AND THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM, THE SECRETARY. THE DIRECTOR CF THE LEGAL DIVISION, COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, MR JEREMY POPE, IS THE CO-SECRETARY. PROFESSOR WILLIAM CLIFFORD, FORMERLY THE DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY, HAS BEEN INVITED TO ACT AS CONSULTANT AND RAPPORTEUR.
DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, BERMUDA, NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, FIJI, KIRIBATI, LESOTHO, MALAWI, MALAYSIA, MAURITIUS, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, REPUBLIC OF INDIA, REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, SEYCHELLES, SIERRA LEONE, SINGAPORE, SOLOMON ISLANDS, SRI LANKA, ST. VINCENT AND GRENADINES, SWAZILAND, TANZANIA, THE BAHAMAS, TONGA, UGANDA, UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY AND THE UNITED NATIONS ASIA AND FAR EAST INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENT CF OFFENDERS (UNAFEI) WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MARCH 18.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, WORKING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB IN STANLEY.
TOPICS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TRANSFER OF CONVICTED PRISONERS BETWEEN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIESj THE USE OF IMPRISONMENT
FOLLOWING RECENT TRENDS IN CRIME IN THE COMMONWEALTH} ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE PENAL POPULATION; TRAINING CF CORRECTIONAL STAFF TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS; THE MANAGEMENT OF OR ISES IN PRISONS.
DELEGATES WILL ALSO VISIT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING MAXIMUM, MEDIUM AND MINIMUM SECURITY PRISONS, A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, A TRAINING CENTRE AND THE DETENTION CENTRE FOR YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
/THE MEETING........
rUBbiXY, ftAKCH 5, 1985
8 -
THE MEETING WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 22 WITH THE ANNUAL INSPECTION CF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 22. SUBJECT TO THEIR AGREEMENT, A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS DELEGATES MAY ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ALSO ORGANISING
AN EXHIBITION SHOWING THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 38 YEARS. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY BETWEEN MARCH 18 AND 21. IT WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM ON MARCH 19 AND 20 AND FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON MARCH 21.
THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, SITUATED AT THE END OF TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, IS ACCESSIBLE BY BUS ROUTES NOS. 6 AND 260 (STARTING FROM CENTRAL), 73 (FROM WAH FU ESTATE), 63 (FROM NORTH POINT) AND 14 (FROM SAI WAN HO).
0 --------
SPECIAL TEXTAB MEETING ON U.S. ORIGIN RULES * * * *
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, HELD A SPECIAL MEETING THIS EVENING TO DISCUSS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ON THE U.S. ORIGIN ISSUE.
AFTER THE MEETING, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT UNDERSTOOD THAT THE FINAL REGULATIONS ON THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RULES WERE LIKELY TO BE PUBLISHED IN WASHINGTON TUESDAY (U.S. TIME), AND THAT SO FAR AS KNITWEAR WAS CONCERNED THEY DIFFERED ONLY SLIGHTLY FROM THE INTERIM REGULATIONS WHICH HONG KONG AND MANY OTHERS HAD BEEN PROTESTING AGAINST.
+MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED OVER THE U.S. GOVERNMENT’S DECISION,+ MR MACLEOD SAID.
HE ADDEDi +0N THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, WE HAVE DECIDED THAT THE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE U.S. FROM MARCH 12 TO 14 IN WASHINGTON SHOULD PROCEED AS PLANNED. THE U.S. DECISION, IF CONFIRMED, CALLS FOR AN EARLY AND FORMAL EXPRESSION OF DISSATISFACTION BY HONG KONG - HONG KONG IS ALSO ENTITLED TO A RESPONSE FROM THE U.S. TO THE TEXTILES SURVELLIANCE BODY RECOMMENDATIONS AND HONG KONG’S TWO PROPOSALS MADE AT THE PREVIOUS CONSULTATIONS. MOREOVER, WE HAVE A NUMBER OF OTHER ASPECTS TO RAISE, INCLUDING THE NEED FOR CLARIFICATION OF PRECISELY WHAT THE FINAL REGULATIONS MEAN.+
MR KENNETH FANG, A MEMBER OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, WHO IS IN NEW YORK, WILL JOIN THE HONG KONG DELEGATION AS INDUSTRIAL ADVISER.
IUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
- 9 -
PRESS FACILITIES ON ELECTION DAY
* * * *
THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO FACILITATE PRESS COVERAGE CF THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 7).
A PRESS CENTRE AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS WILL BE OPEN TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES FROM 7 AM UNTIL ALL VOTES ARE COUNTED.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO ENABLE PRESS COVERAGE OF VOTING BY A NUMBER OF CELEBRITIES IN KOWLOON, HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. THE PRESS CENTRE, LOCATED ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE AT 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, WILL OPEN FROM 7 AM ON THURSDAY UNTIL THE ELECTIONS AND THE COUNTING OF VOTES ARE OVER. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION SUCH AS THE HOURLY VOTER TURNOUT IN ALL DISTRICTS AND THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS. ALL TELEPHONE PRESS ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO INFORMATION OFFICERS ON DUTY AT THE CENTRE AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS: 3-680446; 3-686441; 3-7236554; AND 3-7236743.
2. FIGURES OF VOTER TURNOUT WILL BE TELEPHONED TO THE PRESS CENTRE AT REGULAR INTERVALS THROUGHOUT THE DAY. THE FIGURES WILL BE COLLATED AND PASSED TO GIS FOR ISSUE OVER THE TELEPRINTER AND FACSIMILE SERVICES. THE COUNTING OF VOTES WILL BEGIN SHORTLY AFTER 10.30 PM, AND SIMILARLY THE RESULTS WILL BE PASSED TO GIS FOR RELEASE AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
3.
PRESS MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS INSIDE A POLLING STATION, OR TO ENTER IT OTHER THAN AS A REGISTERED VOTER OR ELECTION OFFICIAL. HOWEVER, ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO A NUMBER OF POLLING STATIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES, WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/(I) US KOWLOON..........
14AHCH 1985
10
(I) IN KOWLOON, A PRESS VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE TOURIST COACH CARPARK, OPPOSITE HARBOUR CITY ON CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 7 AM FOR FIVE POLLING STATIONS. THE FIRST STOP WILL BE AT THE NEW METHOD COLLEGE POLLING STATION WHERE THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL CAST HIS VOTE. OTHER CELEBRITIES WILL INCLUDE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR WONG LAM; AND MISS LISA WANG OF TVB. THE PRESS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO A POLLING STATION IN KWAI CHUNG WHERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WILL BE VISITING. THE TOUR WILL END AT ABOUT 12 NOON WHEN THE PRESS COACH RETURNS TO TSIM SHA TSUI.
(II) ANOTHER PRESS COACH WILL ALSO LEAVE AT 7 AM FROM THE SAME CARPARK FOR SIX POLLING STATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHERE THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, PROFESSOR MA LIN; AND MISS MA MAN-YEE OF ATV WILL BE CASTING THEIR VOTES. THE PRESS TOUR WILL INCLUDE POLLING STATIONS IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN WHICH WILL BE VISITED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, AND A VISIT TO A POLLING STATION IN TAI PO BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NE* TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES. THE TOUR WILL END AT ABOUT 1 PM WHEN THE PRESS COACH RETURNS TO TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON.
(Ill) TWO VEHICLES WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT 7 AM FOR FIVE POLLING STATIONS ON HONG KONG SIDE WHERE A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND CELEBRITIES WILL CAST THEIR VOTES. THE VEHICLES WILL THEN TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE TO COVER TV ARTISTES DISTRIBUTING HANDBILLS AND OTHER ELECTION ACTIVITIES. THE TOUR WILL END AT ABOUT 12.45 PM. THOSE WHO WILL BE CASTING THEIR VOTES ON HONG KONG SIDE INCLUDE UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS LYDIA DUNN; THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM; THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES; BUDDHIST LEADER, REV. SIK KOK-KWONG; AND POPULAR SINGER, MR MICHAEL KWAN.
(IV) IN THE AFTERNOON, A SECOND TOUR WILL BE ARRANGED ON HONG KONG SIDE STARTING AT 3 PM FROM THE C.G.O. CARPARK, TO COVER VOTING BY THE FORMER SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY AND THE CATHOLIC BISHOP, REV. JOHN BAPTIST WU. THE PRESS WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO A POLLING STATION IN NORTH POINT WHERE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WILL BE VISITING.
INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED POLLING STATIONS TO ASSIST PRESS MEMBERS COVERING THE VOTING.
/VOTE COUNTING .......
^ia.Y, MARCH 5, 1985
11
VOTE COUNTING WILL TAKE PLACE AT 17 CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AFTER 10.30 PM WHEN ALL THE POLLING STATIONS WILL CLOSE. ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS TO TAKE PICTURES OF VOTE COUNTING AT THREE COUNTING CENTRES IN KOWLOON CITY, EASTERN DISTRICT AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
DFTAILS OF THE TIME AND VENUES OF PRESS VISITS TO THE POLL I N|G STATIONS WHERE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND CELEBRITIES WILL BE CASTINu THEIR VOTES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
KOWLOON
(THE PRESS VEHICLE WILL LEAVE AT 7 AM SHARP FROM THE TOURIST COACH CARPARK OPPOSITE THE HARBOUR CITY, CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI)
ARRIVE
(A)
7.30 AM
SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, NEW METHOD COLLEGE, 219 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
(B)
8.30 AM
SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, MA TAU CHUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 1 FUK CHEONG STREET, MA TAU WAI.
(C) 9 10 AM MISS LISA WANG OF TVB, KOWLOON BAPTIST CHURCH, 300 JUNCTION ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.
(D) 10
AM
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, KONG AND KOWLOON CHIU CHOW SCHOOL, MONG KOK.
MR WONG LAM, HONG 150 SAI YEE STREET,
(E) 11.30 AM
CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE
POLLING STATION AT SHEK LEI COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHcK LEI ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG.
N^^TORiejtTH^PRESS^^ACH^ILL^LSO^^AVe^T^^AM SHARP
ARRIVE
(A) 7 30 AM MISS MA MAN-YEE OF ATV, PO LEUNG KUK NG TOR TAI KINDERGARTEN, SUI WO COURT, SHA TIN.
(Bl 8 15 AM PROFESSOR MA LIN OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, BENJAMIN ' ' FRANKLIN CENTRE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
/(C) 9.25 AM...........
xi*OJL)Ai, MAitCn 19&5
- 12 -
(C) 9.25 AM VISIT TO POLLING STATION AT TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE (EXHIBITION HALL), HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO MARKET BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES.
(D) 11 AM SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO TO VISITING POLLING STATIONS AT YUEN LONG LUTHERAN MIDDLE 11.45 AM SCHOOL, ON NING ROAD, YUEN LONG AND AT THE TAI HING COMMUNITY HALL, TAI HING ESTATE, TUEN MUN.
HONG KONG (PRESS VEHICLES WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT --------- 7 AM SHARP)
ARRIVE
(A) 7.30 AM REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, THE HERMITAGE, 75 MACDONNELL ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
(B) 8.45 AM SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO, GERMAN SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, 11 GUILDFORD ROAD, THE PEAK.
(C) 9.30 AM UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS LYDIA DUNN, PARK ROAD POLICE INSPECTORATE QUARTERS, 25 PARK ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
(D) 11 AM REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, LINGNAN COLLEGE, AUDITORIUM, 15 STUBBS ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
(E) 11.30 AM BUDDHIST LEADER, REV. SIK KOK-KWONG AND SINGER, TO MR MICHAEL KWAN, HAPPY VALLEY AND CANAL ROAD
12 NOON DISTRICT KAIFONG ASSOCIATION SCHOOL, 14 KING KWONG STREET, HAPPY VALLEY.
(F) 12.30 PM
THE VEHICLES WILL ARRIVE AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE IN CENTRAL FOR PRESS MEMBERS TO COVER THE DISTRIBUTION OF HANDBILLS BY TV PERSONALITIES.
AFTERNOON (THE PRESS VEHICLES WILL LEAVE THE C.G.O. CARPARK AT --------- 3.15 PM SHARP)
(G) 3.45 PM FORMER SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DENIS BRAY AND CATHOLIC BISHOP, REV. JOHN BAPTIST WU, RAIMONDI COLLEGE, 2 ROBINSON ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
(H) 4.50 PM CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE WILL VISIT THE POLLING STATION AT NORTH POINT ESTATE ASSEMBLY HALL, WEST MAIN BLOCK, NORTH POINT ESTATE, 31 SHU KUK STREET, NORTH POINT.
/COUNTING CENTRES .......
TUESDAY, MAUCH 5, 1985
COUNTING CENTRES
ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE FOR PRESS MEMBERS TO VISIT THREE COUNTING STATIONS AT ABOUT 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 7).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REMINDED THAT THEY WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN SPECIAL FORMS, FROM INFORMATION OFFICERS AT THE RESPECTIVE COUNTING CENTRES, BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CENTRES.
PRESS MEMBERS WISHING TO VISIT THE COUNTING CENTRES IN THE URBAN DISTRICT SHOULD ASSEMBLE EITHER OUTSIDE THE EASTERN DISTRICT CENTRE AT THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB COLLEGE AT 2B TAI CHEONG STREET, QUARRY BAY, OR THE KOWLOON CITY CENTRE AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE, KO SHAN ROAD, HUNG HOM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO VISIT THE SHA TIN COUNTING CENTRE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE TOURIST COACH CARPARK, OPPOSITE HARBOUR CITY ON CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 10.15 PM WHERE A PRESS VEHICLE WILL TAKE THEM TO THE KIANGSU CHEKIANG COLLEGE IN WO CHE ESTATE.
PRESS CONFERENCE ON ELECTIONS * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE COMING TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES HEADQUARTERS, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 12TH FLOOR, 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
- 0
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
- 14 -
VOTING’S QUITE SIMPLE, PEOPLE TOLD
******
VOTING IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 7) IS A SIMPLE PROCEDURE THAT TAKES ONLY A FEW MINUTES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.
POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR 15 HOURS, STARTING AT 7.30 AM AND CLOSING AT 10.30 PM.
VOTERS WILL BE ELECTING 237 REPRESENTATIVES TO 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, AND SOME 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE, INCLUDING THOSE WHO REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE 1982 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN 1983, ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THURSDAY’S ELECTIONS.
ELECTIONS ARE ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS AND OF THE 145 CONSTITUENCIES, 92 ARE DOUBLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCIES AND 53 SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES.
ORIGINALLY, THERE WERE 501 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 145 CONSTITUENCIES, BUT BECAUSE 15 CONSTITUENCIES WITH 24 SEATS WERE UNCONTESTED, THERE ARE NOW 477 CANDIDATES VYING THE REMAINING 130 CONSTITUENCIES.
THIS MEANS ABOUT 150 000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE UNCONTESTED CONSTITUENCIES DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE POLLS ON THURSDAY, LEAVING ABOUT 1.27 MILLION REGISTERED ELECTORS WHO MAY CAST THEIR VOTE ON POLLING DAY.
^ELECTORS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD VOTE AT THE POLLING STATION INDICATED ON THEIR POLLING CARD, AND THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARD AND POLLING CARD,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ALTHOUGH THE POLLING CARD IS NOT ESSENTIAL TO VOTE, IT WOULD SAVE TIME AND AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAYS,* HE ADDED.
NOTICES WILL BE POSTED AT ALL POLLING STATIONS INDICATING WHETHER THEY ARE DOUBLE-MEMBER OR SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES.
COLOURED BALLOT PAPERS, PINK FOR DOUBLE-MEMBER CONST ITUENCIES AND GREEN FOR SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES, WILL ALSO GIVE ELECTORS AN IDEA OF WHETHER THEY CAN VOTE FOR ONE OR MORE CANDIDATES.
+IN OTHER WORDS, ELECTORS MAY VOTE FOR NOT MORE THAN TWO CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE IN A DOUBLE-MEMBER CONSTITUENCY, AND NOT MORE THAN ONE CANDIDATE IN A SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+VOTERS SHOULD MARK AN ’X’ IN THE SPACE PROVIDED NEXT TO THE CANDIDATES’ NAME ON THE BALLOT PAPER,* HE ADDED.
+IF AN ELECTOR VOTES FOR MORE CANDIDATES THAN ENTITLED TO, OR WRITES ANYTHING ON THE BALLOT PAPER BY WHICH THEY MAY BE IDENTIFIED, THE BALLOT PAPER WILL BE VOID AND THE VOTE WILL NOT EE COUNTED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/*1F IN .......
TUESDAY, MAHCH 5» 1985
- 15 -
♦IF AN ELECTOR INADVERTENTLY SPOILS A BALLOT PAPER, HE MUST REPORT TO THE PRESIDING OFFICER WHO WILL ARRANGE TO GIVE HIM A FRESH BALLOT PAPER,+ HE SAID.
THE PRESIDING OFFICER OF A POLLING STATION WILL ASSIST ELECTORS WHO ARE ILLITERATE, BLIND OR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, AND ALL PRESIDING OFFICERS ARE BOUND BY OATH TO MAINTAIN SECRECY OF THE VOTING.
VOTING IS BY SECRET BALLOT, AND BY LAW, ELECTORS SHOULD NOT TELL ANYONE FOR WHOM THEY HAVE VOTED.
+ELECTORS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO TALK TO ANYONE INSIDE THE POLLING STATION EXCEPT THE PRESIDING OFFICER AND HIS STAFF,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ELECTORS OBSERVE THESE RULES, BECAUSE BY LAW, THEY MAY BE ARRESTED FOR BREACH OF THE RULES,+ HE WARNED.
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TV, RADIO BOOST FOR ELECTIONS * * * *
TELEVISION AND RADIO PERSONALITIES WILL BE APPEARING AT MAJOR TRANSPORT TERMINUSES IN THE NEXT TWO DAYS TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THEY WILL BE JOINED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB IN DISTRIBUTING ELECTION HAND-BILLS TO THE PUBLIC DURING LUNCH HOURS, URGING THEM TO VOTE ON MARCH 7.
SIX DISC-JOCKEYS FROM RTHK AND A DOZEN ARTISTES FROM ATV WILL MAN THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE IN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
PROMOTION EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY WITH THE APPEARANCE OF TVB ARTISTES AT THE MTR CENTRAL STATION AND COMMERCIAL RADIO DISC-JOCKEYS AT THE MTR MONGKOK STATION.
BROADCASTING VANS WILL BE TOURING VARIOUS DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO DISSEMINATE ELECTION MESSAGES.
TWO HELI UM-INFLATED BALLOONS CARRYING ELECTION BANNERS WILL BE FLOWN OVER THE STATUE SQUARE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDENS IN KOWLOON TO ADD TO THE ELECTION ATMOSPHERE.
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/16........
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
16 -
PROPOSALS ON PLB’S X X X X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REVEALED THE RECOMMENDATIONS CF A WORKING GROUP ON THE REGULATION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FOR POLICY CHANGES.
THE WORKING GROUP HAVING CONSIDERED THE VIEWS OF THE PLB TRADE AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES RECOMMENDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’o MAXICAB SELECTION CRITERIA BE IMPROVED AND STOPPING RESTRICTIONS FOR PLBS BE LIFTED WHERE PRACTICABLE.
♦APPLICANTS FOR FRANCHISED MAXICAB SERVICE WILL BE ASSESSED OBJECTIVELY BY A POINTS SYSTEM ON THEIR ABILITY TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN AN EFFECTIVE SERVICE,+ SAID MR JAMES SO, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
♦MARKING WILL BE BASED ON SUCH FACTORS AS THE APPLICANT’S EXPERIENCE IN THE PLB AND- MAXICAB TRADES, PAST PASSING RATE OF MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATION, FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND THE PERCENTAGE OF THE REQUIRED PLB FLEET OWNED BY THE APPLICANT OR HIS SPOUSE,+ HE SAID.
MR SO EXPLAINED THAT EXPERIENCE IN THE MAXICAB AND PLB TRADES HAD BEEN INCLUDED IN THE SELECTION CRITERIA BECAUSE IT GAVE AN INDICATION OF THE APPLICANT’S POTENTIAL AND SUITABILITY AS AN OPERATOR OF THE ROUTES APPLIED FOR.
♦ON THE OTHER HAND, HIGH PASS RATE IN PREVIOUS VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS ENSURES SAFE AND QUALITY SERVICE WHILE SOUND FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY AND HIGH FLEET OWNERSHIP PERCENTAGE ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO ENSURE CONTINUITY OF SERVICE,+ HE SAID.
AFTER THE PREQUALIFICATION ASSESSMENT BASED ON POINTS MARKING, A SUBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT WOULD BE MADE BY THE MAXICAB OPERATORS SELECTION BOARD, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION RELATING TO THE APPLICANT’S SUITABILITY FOR WHICH NO POINTS WEIGHTING WAS GIVEN, SUCH AS ADVICE FROM THE RELEVANT DISTRICT OFFICE REGARDING THE APPLICANT’S LOCAL EXPERIENCE AND INTERESTS.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD ALSO FOUND SCOPE FOR REVIEWING CURRENT PLB STOPPING RESTRICTIONS IN CERTAIN LOCATIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHERE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED. THESE AREAS WOULD BE LOOKED AT ON AN INDIVIDUAL CASE BASIS RATHER THAN A GENERAL LIFTING OF RESTRICTIONS.
♦IN THE COURSE OF THE REVIEW, ESTABLISHING SPECIFIED STOPPING PLACES WITHIN MAJOR RESTRICTED AREAS FOR PLBS AND OTHER VEHICLES SHOULD ALSO BE EXAMINED,* MR SO ADDED.
THE GROUP SUPPORTED THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO PROHIBIT PLBS FROM ENTERING NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
♦HOWEVER, IN THE OLDER ESTATES WHERE PLB SERVICES ARE ALREADY WELL ESTABLISHED, SUCH PROHIBITIONS SHOULD NOT BE IMPOSED UNLESS ALTERNATIVE ROUTES OR ACCESS TO FACILITATE PLB OPERATIONS CAN BE PROVIDED,* MR SO SAID.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1935
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GOVERNMENT HOUSE GARDENS OPEN SUNDAY * * * *
THE GARDENS OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY (MARCH 10) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM TO ENABLE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SEE THE AZALEAS IN BLOOM.
THIS IS THE TIME OF THE YEAR WHEN THE FLOWERS ARE THEIR COLOURFUL BEST.
THE ANNUAL OPEN DAY HAS BEEN HELD SINCE 1968.
VISITORS ARE REQUESTED TO ENTER BY THE MAIN GATE AND LEAVE BY THE SIDE GATES SO THAT ALL CAN ENJOY THE FLOWERS WITHOUT CAUSING INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS.
THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT ONLY THE GARDENS WILL BE OPEN AND THEY SHOULD NOT ENTER THE HOUSE ITSELF.
SCOUTS AND POLICEMEN WILL BE PRESENT AND VISITORS ARE ASKED TO CO-OPERATE WITH THEM TO AVOID OVERCROWDING.
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DECEMBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
* * *
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES IN DECEMBER 1984, ESTIMATED AT $6 146 MILLION, WAS 13 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1983, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 10 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
RETAIL SALES ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983.
COMPARING DECEMBER 1984 WITH NOVEMBER 1984 FIGURES, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
IN DECEMBER 1984, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 18 PER CENT IN VOLUME WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1983.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ALSO INCREASED, BY 14 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILST THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME. HOWEVER, FUELS RECORDED A DROP OF 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT REMAINED UNCHANGED IN SALES VOLUME.
/COMPARING THE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 5. 1985
- 18 -
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, AT 26 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. CONSUMER DURABLES ALSO REGISTERED LARGE INCREASES OF 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS ALSO INCREASED, BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILST THOSE OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 7 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. ON THE OTHER HAND, FUELS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT REMAINED UNCHANGED IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME. THOSE OF OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILST THOSE OF FUELS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. HOWEVER, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES RECORDED NO CHANGE IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN DECEMBER 1984 IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1983.
SUPERMARKETS ALSO SHOWED LARGE INCREASES, WHILE CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDED MODERATE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. THOSE OF SUPERMARKETS AND DEPARTMENT STORES ALSO SHOWED LARGE INCREASES, WHILST CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDED MODERATE INCREASES, IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
WHEN COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. SUPERMARKETS ALSO SHOWED LARGE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES, WHICH SHOWED NO CHANGE IN SALES VALUE, RECORDED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME. RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES, HOWEVER, RECORDED A SLIGHT DECREASE IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURE FOR NOVEMBER 1984 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR DECEMBER 1984.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF DECEMBER 1984 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF NOVEMBER 1984 AND DECEMBER 1983, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1984 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1983 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
/(Tables and .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
- 19 -
(TABLES AND GRAPHS ARE BEING SENT BY FACSIMILE AND WILL BE BOXED SEPARATELY.)
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE DECEMBER 1984 SURVEY RESULTS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1.00 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3-7216024).
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THREE CHOSEN TO REPRESENT COUNCIL it * it
THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY AGREED THAT MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, MR PETER C.K. CHAN AND MR STEPHEN LAU SHOULD REPRESENT THE COUNCIL ON A JOINT WORKING PARTY WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS THE COUNCIL’S FUTURE FINANCIAL SITUATION. MR KWAN LIM-HO WAS ALSO NOMINATED AS AN ALTERNATIVE MEMBER.
MR FORSGATE, BESIDES BEING VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF ITS FINANCE SELECT COMMITTEE.
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REGISTRATION SUSPENDED
* * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY SUSPENDED THE REGISTRATION OF PRODUCERS FINANCE AND INVESTMENT, LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, ON THE GROUND THAT THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY IS BEING CARRIED ON IN A MANNER DETRIMENTAL TO THE INTERESTS OF ITS DEPOSITORS.
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TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PERMANENT QUOTA TRANSFER X * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND PERMANENT TRANSFER OF QUOTAS IN RESPECT OF BENELUX CATEGORY 6 (TROUSERS/SHORTS) AND CATEGORY 6P (TROUSERS) FROM 8.45 AM TOMORROW (MARCH 6) UNTIL 5.15 PM ON APRIL 4.
HOWEVER, APPLICATIONS FOR TEMPORARY TRANSFERS OF QUOTAS IN RESPECT OF THESE TWO CATEGORIES WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
/2o .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
BUS DRIVES HOME ELECTIONS MESSAGE * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES, AND HIS STAFF WILL BOARD A PUBLICITY BUS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DRIVE HOME THE ELECTIONS MESSAGE TO REMIND ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
THEY WILL HAND OUT ELECTION PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS TO PASSERS-BY AT VARIOUS PLACES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
MESSAGES AND MUSIC WILL BE BROADCAST THROUGH-OUT THE JOURNEY WHICH WILL LAST FROM 11 AM TO 7 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 8 AM TO 10 PM ON MARCH 7.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TRAVEL ON BOARD THE BUS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN AT 11 AM.
KO SHAN THEATRE TAKES PART IN DB ELECTION *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KO SHAN THEATRE, APART FROM BEING A SEMI-OPEN-AIR THEATRE FOR THE MANY-FACETED CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, WILL PLAY ITS ROLE IN THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION SERVING AS A COUNTING CENTRE ON MARCH 7 AND 8. THE THEATRE WILL BE CLOSED TO PUBLIC ADMISSION ON THESE TWO DAYS.
FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK, THE THEATRE IS FULLY ENGAGED IN A HOST OF ACTIVITIES, PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. THE CHINESE ARTISTS ASSOCIATION WILL STAGE TWO CANTONESE OPERAS TONIGHT AND TOMORROW EVENING (WEDNESDAY), IN CELEBRATION OF THE SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL.
IN THE EVENINGS OF SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, THE HARA NATION SINGING AND DANCING GROUP WILL GIVE TWO PERFORMANCES OF CHINESE MUSIC AND TRIBAL DANCES IN THE THEATRE.
TICKETS FOR THE CANTONESE OPERAS AND PERFORMANCES BY HARA NATION, BOTH PRESENTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL THE URBTIX BOX OFFICE FROM $10 TO $25.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 1985
- 21 -
MAIL TO URUGUAY RESUMES * * * *
ALL POSTAL SERVICES TO URUGUAY, WHICH HAD BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE JANUARY 23 HAVE NOW BEEN RESUMED, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES TODAY.
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MOVE TO CLOSE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE
* * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES USED AS COMMERCIAL CARPARK AT THE REAR YARD OF NOS. 70, 70A-D, TAI PO ROAD, KOWLOON. t
THE PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES WITHOUT DANGER TO PEOPLE.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 26, 1985 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JUNE 1984 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AS A RESULT OF THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, ONE THREE-STOREY HIGH AND ONE ONE-STOREY HIGH, WERE AFFECTED.
THESE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES HAD A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 900 SQUARE METRES FOR COMMERCIAL CARPARKING AND ANCILLIARY FACILITIES.
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CARNIVAL TO MARK FESTIVE PROGRAMME CLOSURE
* X X
AN EVENING CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME.
THE CARNIVAL, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL POPULAR SINGERS AND BANDS, AND FORTUNE-TELLING, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD.
/in addition.........
TUESDAY, MAUCH 2, 1985
22
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE STALLS DEMONSTRATING TRADITIONAL CHINESE ART AND CRAFTS SUCH AS CALLIGRAPHY, SILHOUETTE CUTTING, SPINNING OF STRAW GRASS-HOPPERS, AND THE MAKING OF FLOUR DOLLS AND +DRAGON BEARD+ CANDIES.
THE ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A SENSE OF BELONGING AS WELL AS TO CULTIVATE A FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
APART FROM THE CARNIVAL, VARIETY SHOWS, DRAMA AND ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES, SPORTS COMPETITIONS, GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCES, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND ARTS EXHIBITION, AND A FEAST FOR MORE THAN 1 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HELD DURING THE TWO-WEEK LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME.
* TOMORROW’S CARNIVAL WILL START AT 7.30 PM AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL AND CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, MS ANISSA WONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CARNIVAL AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY CF THE TAI PO DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 7.30 PM IN THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO MARKET.
- 0 -----------
PASSING-OUT PARADE * * * *
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES THIS FRIDAY (MARCH 8) AT 10.30 AM.
THE PARADE WILL BE REVIEWED BY SIR SHIU-KIN TANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE PARADE. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF FIRE SERVICES TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION AT CANTON ROAD AT 9 AM. FIRE SERVICES INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
TUESDAY, MARCH 5,
1985
- 23 -
BRIDGE CLOSURE H * *
BAILEY BRIDGE N168 AT ROBINS NEST ROAD NEAR SHA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR REMEDIAL WORKS ON MARCH 8, 10 AND 13 FROM 7 PM TO 4 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
THE BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED ON MARCH 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 AND 16 FROM 10 PM TO 3 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHAU KEI WAN
XXX
THE TEMPORARY ROAD LINKING ALDRICH STREET WITH NAM ON LANE IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 8) FOR WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND FACTORY STREET HEADING FOR NAM ON LANE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ALDRICH STREET, KAM WA STREET, SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, NAM HONG STREET AND NAM ON STREET.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
FOR THE INTEREST OF MOTORISTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
.■WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1?85
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COME OUT AND VOTE, GOVERNOR URGES PEOPLE...................... 1
HONG KONG GOES TO POLLS TOMORROW.............................. 2
FINANCE COWITTEE TASK EXPLAINED .............................. 3
URBCO CHAIRMAN URGES VOTERS TO VOTE .......................... 5
ARTS FESTIVAL NOW A WORLD EVENT - GOVERNOR.................... 7
PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF 1984 EXTERNAL TRADE................ 8
AUTOMATION BENEFITS STRESSED ................................. 12
PEDESTRIANS' NEEDS IN FOCUS .................................. 12
ALL 5 904 FLATS IN PSPS RICHLAND GARDENS SOLD ................ 14
36 SITES FOR SALE IN SIX MONTHS .............................. 15
ELECTION POSTERS ON THE MOVE.................................. 1$
TRADE DIRECTOR VISITS GUANGZHOU .............................. 17
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES............................... 17
STUDENTS URGED TO SERVE COMMUNITY ............................
GOOD RESPONSE TO ANTI-DRUG EFFORT ............................
LADY YOUDE TO VISIT SCHOOLS ..................................
TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HOLD OPEN DAYS .......................... 20
SHIP STREET CLOSURE........................................... 20
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
1
COME OUT AND VOTE, GOVERNOR URGES PEOPLE
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY THAT HE HOPED VERY MUCH THAT ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS WOULD +COME OUT AND VOTE* TOMORROW.
SIR EDWARD SAID: +1 WOULD LIKE TO SEE AS BIG A TURNOUT AS POSSIBLE, FOR I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG, AND THIS ELECTION, OF COURSE, IS MORE IMPORTANT EVEN THAN EARLIER ELECTIONS.
+SO WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SA'j TO ALL IS, COME OUT AND VOTE.*
HE WAS HOPING, HE ADDED, FOR A MUCH BETTER TURNOUT THAN BEFORE.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL - CHAI WAN.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS ABOUT PRESS REPORTS ON GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN, SIR EDWARD SAID: +WE ARE CONSIDERING THAT. THAT’S QUITE A PROBLEM AND IT’S, AS YOU KNOW, A DELICATE PROBLEM. BUT WE HAVEN’T COME TO ANY CONCLUSIONS YET. ONCE IT HAS BEEN FULLY STUDIED, THEN IT WILL HAVE TO GO TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. BUT THAT IS NOT IMMEDIATE.*
EARLIER, SIR EDWARD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, hfi MICHAEL LEUNG, VISITED THE TWO SCHOOLS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT CF HONG KONG ISLAND.
AT THE SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, SIR EDWARD WAS MET BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR T.L. LAM, AS WELL AS THE HEADMISTRESS, MRS FUNG CHOY YUK-NGAN AND TWO SENIOR TEACHING STAFF.
SIR EDWARD THEN WENT TO THE COMPUTER ROOM TO WATCH STUDENTS DOING PRACTICAL WORK IN COMPUTER STUDIES.
FROM THERE, THE GOVERNOR PROCEEDED TO THE MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL - CHAI WAN, WHERE HE WAS MET BY fRS J.L. MARDEN, OF THE FOUNDATION, AND THE SCHOOL SUPERVISOR, THE REV. JOHN TSANG, THE SCHOOL MANAGER, MR PETER LEE AND THE PRINCIPAL, MR WONG PO-LAM.
AT THIS SCHOOL, SIR EDWARD SAW THE CLOTHING AND TEXTILE WORKSHOP, THE ELECTRICAL AND PRINTING WORKSHOPS AND THE COMMERCIAL AND RETAILING WORKSHOP.
- 0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
2
HONG KONG GOES TO POLLS TOMORROW X * * *
TOMORROW IS POLLING DAY, AND THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL PROVIDE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING A STRONGER VOICE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
VOTERS WILL BE GOING TO THE POLLS TO ELECT 237 REPRESENTATIVES TO 19 DISTRICT BOARDS.
+THESE ELECTIONS ARE BY FAR THE BIGGEST HONG KONG HAS SEEN SO FAR, AND THE MOST IMPORTANT AT THIS STAGE IN OUR HISTORY,* NR LIAO SAID.
+THEY OPEN A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH HAVE BECOME AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT BY CONSULTATION AND CONSENSUS,* HE SAID.
+WITH THREE YEARS OF SOLID WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS BEHIND THEM, THE BOARDS HAVE PROVEN THEIR WORTH AND CAN LOOK FORWARD TO EVEN MORE EXCITING TIMES AHEAD,* HE ADDED.
SOME 1.27 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY CF CASTING THEIR VOTES AT THE 288 POLLING STATIONS OPEN THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR 15 HOURS TOMORROW, STARTING FROM 7.30 IN THE MORNING UP TO 10.30 IN THE EVENING.
+TOMORROW BELONGS TO THE VOTERS,* SAID MR LIAO.
+IT IS THEIR TURN TO SHOW IN A POSITIVE WAY, THEIR CONCERN FOR THEIR COMMUNITY, THEIR COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, AND THEIR SUPPORT FOR THOSE THEY WISH TO REPRESENT THEM,* HE ADDED.
+THE SIMPLEST AND MOST DIRECT WAY TO DO SO IS TO VOTE,* l£ SAID.
MR LIAO SAID AFTER ALL THE PUBLICITY AND CAMPAIGNING IN THE ELECTIONS DRAW TO A CLOSE, IT IS FITTINGLY LEFT TO THE VOTERS TO MAKE THEIR CHOICE AND MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD.
+NEXT MONTH, THE BOARDS WILL TAKE ON A NEW DIMENSION IN THAT NEMBERS THEMSELVES, ELECTED AND APPOINTED, WILL BE RUNNING THE BOARDS AND ELECTING THEIR OWN CHAIRMEN,* HE SAID.
+THEY WILL THUS BE SETTING THEIR OWN PACE AND DECIDING THEIR OWN PRIORITIES,* HE ADDED.
THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL ALSO BE ASSUMING A GREATER MANAGEMENT ROLE IN THE RUNNING OF COMMUNITY CENTRES AND MANAGING RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWNS.
/MH LIAO .......
WEDNJSSDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
- 3 -
MR LIAO SAID IN SEPTEMBER, THE BOARDS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHICH WILL HELP ESTABLISH A DIRECT LINK WITH THE CENTRAL ORGAN OF GOVERNMENT.
+FOR ALL THESE REASONS, IT IS INCUMBENT ON US AS VOTERS TO EXERCISE OUR RIGHT AND VOTE FOR THOSE WE FEEL ARE BEST QUALIFIED TO REPRESENT OUR INTERESTS,* HE SAID.
+VOTING IS A SIMPLE PROCESS AND TAKES ONLY A FEW MINUTES, BUT THE SIGNIFICANCE IS GREAT,* HE ADDED.
MR LIAO ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS TO ALLOW THEIR STAFF SOME TIME TO VOTE TOMORROW, EVEN IF IT MEANS BEING AWAY FROM THEIR WORK PLACES ABOUT HALF-AN-HOUR OR SO EARLIER OR LATER THAN USUAL.
+FOR THEIR PART, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE EXERCISING THEIR DISCRETION TO ENABLE NON-ESSENTIAL STAFF SOME TIME TO GO AND CAST THEIR BALLOTS DURING OFFICE HOURS,* MR LIAO SAID.
+THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE COME A LONG WAY, AND AS WE CLOSE THE OLD TERM WE LOOK BACK WITH SATISFACTION ON THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS,* HE ADDED.
+TOMORROW, WE BEGIN A NEW PHASE WHICH BRINGS A WIDER PERSPECTIVE TO THE BOARDS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL SHOW THEIR CONCERN AND SUPPORT BY TURNING OUT TO VOTE,* MR LIAO SAID.
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FINANCE COMMITTEE TASK EXPLAINED
******
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S TASK IS TO EXAMINE THE PROPOSALS FOR EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY JUSTIFIED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.
IN HIS INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AT THE PUBLIC MEETING OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, SIR PHILIP SAID:
+AS THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND YEAR IN WHICH THE DRAFT ESTIMATES CF EXPENDITURE ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SERVICES FOR THE FORTHCOMING FINANCIAL YEAR ARE TO BE EXAMINED IN PUBLIC, PERHAPS I MIGHT REMIND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND OF THE PRESS OF THE BACKGROUND TO OUR PROCEEDINGS.
/+21CH YEAJi........
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 6, 1985
- 4 -
+EACH YEAR, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE ARE FORMALLY LAID ON THE TABLE AT THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL. THE PRESIDENT THEN REFERS THEM TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR DETAILED EXAMINATION BEFORE CONSIDERATION CF THE SCHEDULE TO THE APPROPRIATION BILL IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL.
♦THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S TASK IS TO EXAMINE THE PROPOSALS FOR EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY JUSTIFIED. THAT IS TO SAY, THAT THE VOTE PROVISION SOUGHT IS NO MORE THAN IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY INTENTIONS TO BE FULFILLED. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE COMMITTEE MAY CALL BEFORE THEM THE PUBLIC OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SERVICE OR SERVICES SHOWN UNDER ANY PARTICULAR HEADS AND SUBHEADS OF THE ESTIMATES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS PUT TO THEM. THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS WILL NEED TO SATISFY MEMBERS THAT NO MORE VOTE PROVISION THAN IS JUSTIFIED IS BEING SOUGHT, AT ANY RATE IN THE ABSENCE OF CHANGED CIRCUMSTANCES.
+MEMBERS REQUIRE ANSWERS TO TWO GROUPS OF QUESTIONS: FIRST, THERE ARE THOSE REQUIRING WRITTEN REPLIES FROM THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS OF THE HEADS OR SUBHEADS OF EXPENDITURE TO WHICH THEY RELATE) AND SECOND, THERE ARE THOSE FOR WHICH THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO GIVE ORAL REPLIES.
+MEMBERS ARE GIVEN COPIES OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES TWO WEEKS BEFORE BUDGET DAY. DURING THE PAST THREE WEEKS, THEY FORMED WORKING GROUPS TO STUDY THE PROPOSALS FOR EXPENDITURE IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES. AS I HAVE JUST SAID, THEY WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON THOSE PROPOSALS, BUT QUESTIONS ON THE UNDERLYING POLICIES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. THE PROPER TIME AND PLACE FOR QUESTIONS OR CRITICAL COMMENT ON THOSE POLICIES IS IN THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ITSELF.
♦THERE WILL BE FOUR MEETINGS OF THE COMMITTEE: TODAY AND ON THE AFTERNOONS OF 8TH, 11TH AND 12TH OF THIS MONTH. THE AGENDA FOR EACH AFTERNOON WILL BE DEVOTED TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES. THESE ARE LAW AND ORDER! SOCIAL SERVICES: ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND GENERAL SERVICES.
+EACH MEETING WILL COMMENCE WITH A BRIEF CONSIDERATION OF THE REPLIES TO QUESTIONS FOR WHICH WRITTEN RESPONSES WERE REQUESTED. IF MEMBERS WISH TO RAISE FURTHER QUESTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE WRITTEN REPLIES, THEY WILL SIGNIFY THEIR INTENTIONS TO ME AS THE CHAIRMAN. I WILL THEN ARRANGE FOR THE RELEVANT CONTROLLING OFFICER TO ATTEND LATER, IF HE HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN ASKED TO DO SO TO ANSWER ORAL QUESTIONS.
/♦EACH CONTHOLLING .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
5
+EACH CONTROLLING OFFICER TO WHOM QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED FOR ORAL REPLIES WILL BE CALLED BEFORE THE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PRE-ARRANGED TIMETABLE. I SHALL THEN INVITE MEMBERS TO PUT THEIR QUESTIONS TO HIM. AFTER HE HAS ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS OF WHICH HE HAS BEEN NOTIFIED, HE MAY BE REQUESTED TO ANSWER FURTHER QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO HIS FUNCTIONS AS CONTROLLING OFFICER.
+ THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COMPILATION OF THE DRAFT ESTIMATES, AND SOME OF HIS STAFF WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE TO PROVIDE FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF THE ISSUES UNDER DISCUSSION AT MY REQUEST, SHOULD THE NEED ARISE.
+WHEN THE MEETINGS ARE CONCLUDED, THE DEPUTY CLERK WILL PREPARE A REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS, WHICH WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE THIRD BUDGET SITTING, THAT IS TO SAY, WHEN THE APPROPRIATION BILL HAS REACHED THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THE THIRD READING.
+WITH THIS BRIEF INTRODUCTION, I SHALL NOW PROCEED WITH TODAY’S AGENDA.*
- - - - 0 -----------
URBCO CHAIRMAN URGES VOTERS TO VOTE X X * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, TODAY CALLED ON ALL VOTERS TO SUPPORT THE TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS BY TURNING UP AT THE POLLING STATIONS AND CASTING THEIR VOTES TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
HE SAID THIS WOULD HELP UPHOLD THE TERRITORY’S EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS IN GIVING THE MAN IN THE STREET A BIGGER SAY IN HOW IMPORTANT POLICIES ARE SHAPED IN FUTURE.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THAT WITH THE TERRITORY’S LONG-TERM POLITICAL FUTURE HAVING BEEN CLEARLY SPELT OUT IN THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG IS NOW BEGINNING ITS PROCESS OF DEMOCRAT I SAT ION CF GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO MAKE ITSELF READY FOR SELF-ADMINISTRATION AFTER 1997.
+LAST NOVEMBER’S PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STARTED THE BALL OF DEMOCRAT ISATION ROLLING, AND TOMORROW’S ELECTIONS WILL BE A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD TOWARDS A MORE REPRESENTATIVE FORM OF GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
/+ALTOGETHER 501 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
6
+ALTOGETHER 501 CANDIDATES WILL CONTEST 237 ELECTED SEATS IN THE 10 URBAN AND NINE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT BOARDS. WE SHOULD FEEL PROUD THAT SO MANY MEN AND WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE COME FORWARD AND ARE WILLING TO GENEROUSLY DEVOTE THEIR LEISURE TIME TO THE WORTHY CAUSE OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
+TOMORROW, IT WILL BE THE TURN OF OUR ELECTORATE TO DO THEIR PART BY CASTING THEIR BALLOTS.+
TURNING TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO THE FULLEST CO-OPERATION WITH THEM EVER SINCE THEY WERE SET UP IN 1982.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE COUNCIL FORMED A DISTRICT RELATIONS SELECT COMMITTEE IN EARLY 1981 TO PRODUCE AND KEEP UNDER REVIEW AN OVERALL URBAN COUNCIL POLICY ON RELATIONS WITH DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO FORMULATES GUIDELINES FOR URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS ON THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AS COUNCILLORS WHEN INVOLVED IN DB WORK EXAMINES DISTRICT BOARD PROPOSALS WHICH HAVE DIRECT BEARING ON THE POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCIL AND CO-ORDINATES THE VIEWS CF COUNCILLORS ON SPECIFIC PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH AFFECT THE COUNCIL.
ON THE WORKING LEVEL, AT LEAST TWO URBAN COUNCILLORS SIT ON EACH OF THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS AS MEMBERS TO PRESENT THE COUNCIL’S WORK AND POLICIES TO BOARD MEMBERS. THIS ARRANGEMENT ALSO ENABLES THE COUNCILLORS TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS THAT GOVERN THE DAILY LIVES OF DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
IN ADDITION, THE DISTRICT BOARDS ARE CONSULTED ON MAJOR MATTERS AFFECTING THEIR OWN DISTRICTS INCLUDING THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME IN RESPECT OF A DISTRICT AND THE HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES.
THE COUNCIL HAS ALSO VIGOROUSLY SUPPORTED THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE PROMOTION OF A BALANCED DISTRIBUTION OF RECREATIONAL, ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES, AND PROVIDED CASH SUBSIDIES, VENUES OR PROGRAMMES TO DBS TO HELP ORGANISE THEIR OWN DISTRICT CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS.
+AS A RESULT OF THESE LONG-STANDING EFFORTS, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE CLOSE TIES AND ENJOY A QUITE HARMONIOUS UNDERSTANDING WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS,* SAID MR CHEONG-LEEN.
/+BUT OUR........
WEDNESDAY, MAHCH 6, 1985
+BUT OUR RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED BEGINNING FROM APRIL THIS YEAR WHEN THREE LEISURE SERVICES OFFICES WILL BE SET UP AS PART OF THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
+THIS RE-ORGANISATION WILL BE FOR THE BETTERMENT NOT ONLY OF OVERALL RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, BUT FOR SIMPLER AND SMOOTHER RUNNING OF THESE IMPORTANT FIELDS OF ACTIVITY.
+IN THE COMING YEARS, THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROVIDE TOGETHER WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS AN EVEN WIDER RANGE OF GAINFUL ACTIVITIES IN CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS.+
-----o------
ARTS FESTIVAL NOW A WORLD EVENT - GOVERNOR *****
THAT THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL IS NOW AN EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING IS A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID AT A DINNER HOSTED BY SIR RUN RUN SHAW TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE 1985 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
SIR EDWARD ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO SIR RUN RUN FOR +HIS DEDICATION AND HIS OUTSTANDING WORK WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR SO MUCH OF THE SUCCESS OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL SINCE ITS EARLY DAYS.
+IT HAS BEEN UNDER HIS GUIDANCE THAT IT HAS REACHED ITS PRESENT EMINENT POSITION IN THE CALENDAR OF INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD ALSO THANKED THE MANY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO CONTRIBUTED IN CASH OR IN KIND.
IN ADDITION TO THE OFFICIAL SUPPORT RECEIVED BY THE ARTS FESTIVAL, IT BENEFITTED GREATLY FROM THESE SUPPORTS, HE ADDED.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH i-
SIR RUN RUN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
SIR RUN RUN HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IN ADDITION TO THE OFFICIAL SUPPORT RECEIVED BY THE ARTS FESTIVAL, IT BENEFITS GREATLY FROM THE SUPPORT OF MANY INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO CONTRIBUTE IN CASH OR IN KIND. TO ALL OF THEM I ADD MY THANKS.
/that this.......
'ffEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
8
THAT THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL IS NOW AN EVENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING IS A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED. BUT THERE IS ONE GLARING OMISSION IN THE LIST OF SUPPORTERS WE HAVE HEARD THIS EVENING. I REFER, OF COURSE, TO OUR HOST SIR RUN RUN SHAW HIMSELF. IT IS HIS DEDICATION AND HIS OUTSTANDING WORK WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR SO MUCH OF THE SUCCESS OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL SINCE ITS EARLY DAYS. IT HAS BEEN UNDER HIS GUIDANCE THAT IT HAS REACHED ITS PRESENT EMINENT POSITION IN THE CALENDAR OF INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS.
I SPEAK FOR EVERYBODY HERE THIS EVENING IN THANKING HIM MOST WARMLY NOT ONLY FOR HIS HOSPITALITY BUT FOR ALL HE HAS DONE FOR HONG KONG AND THE ARTS FESTIVAL.
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PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF 1984 EXTERNAL TRADE ******
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 17 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 31 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN 1984 AS COMPARED WITH 1983, SO THAT TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 14 PER CENT IN 1984 COMPARED WITH 1983, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY 13 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 11 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS CF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY TWO PER CENT.
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.
AS SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE EXPORT PRICES OF MOST OF THE COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN 1984 COMPARED WITH 1983, RANGING FROM TWO PER CENT FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS TO 21 PER CENT FOR TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN EXPORT PRICES WERE REGISTERED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-4%) AS WELL AS WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1%).
/THE DOMESTIC .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985 - 3 -
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+54%), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+31%), FOOTWEAR (+24%), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+20%) AND CLOTHING (+13%). HOWEVER, SLIGHT DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-5%), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-3%) AS WELL AS METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-1%).
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN 1984 COMPARED WITH 1983, RANGING FROM FOUR PER CENT FOR FUELS TO 14 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; VEGETABLES; ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES AS WELL AS SUGAR. HOWEVER, INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE; MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS AS WELL AS LIVE POULTRY.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MAJOR CONSUMER GOODS ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS, PASSENGER MOTOR CARS, HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, CLOTHING AS WELL AS CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR WATCHES AND MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST OF THE RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR MAN-MADE FIBRES; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRIC FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS AS WELL AS PAPER AND PAPERBOARD. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS AS WELL AS YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE SLIGHTLY BY ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL THE COMMODITIES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY, THE MORE REMARKABLE ONES BEING CFFICE MACHINES, TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN 1984 COMPARED WITH 1983J RANGING FROM FOUR PER CENT FOR FUELS TO 55 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS DROPPED BY SIX PER CENT.
/FURTHER DETAILS
WEEKBSDAY, MAB.CH 6, 1985
10 -
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE DECEMBER 1984 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON MARCH 12, 1985 AT HK$2 PER COPY.
TABLE 1 I CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
(COMPARING 1984 WITH 1983)
COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING +36% ♦20% +13%
TEXTILE FABRICS +24% + 17% + 6%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD + 8% ♦13% - 5%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES +29% ♦17% ♦ 10%
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS +32% +11% +20%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS +57% + 2% +54%
FOOTWEAR +38% ♦11% +24%
hETAL MANUFACTURES +27% ♦ 15% +10%
NETAL ORES AND SCRAP - 4% - 4% - 1%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS + 7% - 1% + 8%
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMHAR ARTICLES +17% +21% - 3%
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES +42% + 9% +31%
ALL COMMODITIES +32% +13% +17%
/TABLE 2 i ......
WETNESDAY, MOCH 6, 1985
11
TABLE 2 :
CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
(COMPARING 1984 WITH 1983)
END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS + 5% + 19% - 5%
CONSUMER GOODS $ +25% + 10% + 14%
RAW MATERIALS AND +33% + 14% + 16%
SEMI-MANUFACTURES FUELS + 5% + 4% + 1%
CAPITAL GOODS +45% + 7% +35%
ALL COMMODITIES +27% +11% +15%
TABLE 3 s CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY (COMPARING 1984 WITH 1983)
END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS 9 + 6% +13% - 6%
CONSUMER GOODS +34% + 12% + 19%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +62% +15% +41%
FUELS + 14% + 10% + 4%
CAPITAL GOODS +77% +14% +55%
ALL COMMODITIES +48% + 14% + 31%
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
- 12 -
AUTOMATION BENEFITS STRESSED * * * *
ENTREPRENEURS MUST STRIVE TO CONSTANTLY FIND WAY TO IMPROVE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER AGAINST AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE MARKET ENVIRONMENT, BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG '85 AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, MR HO STRESSED THAT THE APPLICATION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN MANUFACTURING PROCESSES WAS A KEY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.
♦AUTOMATED MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT IS NO LONGER A TOOL FOR THE PRIVILEGED FEW. COMPUTERS AND MICROPROCESSORS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT PRICES AFFORDABLE TO SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES. THIS CHANGE HAS BROUGHT ABOUT NEW OPPORTUNITIES WHICH INDUSTRY SHOULD FULLY EXPLOIT.
♦THE WIDE RANGE OF AUTOMATION MACHINES TOOLS AND SYSTEM IN DISPLAY HERE TODAY SHOULD ENABLE THE ENTERPRISING MANUFACTURERS TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE LATEST IN AUTOMATION MACHINERY AND TO REALISE WHAT ADVANTAGES THESE CAN BRING TO THEIR OWN OPERATIONS,+ MR HO SAID.
COMMENDING THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (HKPC) IN ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE USE OF AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY, MR HO SAID: +WITH ITS SUPPORT AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES, THE COUNCIL IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO HELP EVEN SMALL ENTERPRISES TO CROSS THE TECHNICAL AND SCALE BARRIERS TO ENABLE THEM TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF AUTOMATION.
♦FOR ITS PART, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE THE ACCESSARY SUPPORT TO THE HKPC TO ENABLE IT TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SERVICE TO ASSIST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
-----o------
PEDESTRIANS’ NEEDS IN FOCUS * * *
PEDESTRIANS’ NEEDS WILL BE GIVEN MORE ATTENTION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN FUTURE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE ROTARY CLUB HONG KONG ISLAND EAST, MR LEEDS DESCRIBED THE USE OF FEET AS +A FORM OF TRANSPORT WHICH HAS THE LONGEST HISTORY, WHICH IS UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE AND HAS AN ADAPTABILITY IN USAGE WHICH CANNOT BE SURPASSED.*
/♦AND YET .......
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 6, 1?85
- 13 -
+AND YET IT IS THE ONE THAT IS MOST EASILY OVERLOOKED,+ l€ SAID.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, WAS PLANNING TO EXAMINE THIS YEAR A NUMBER OF AREAS WHICH HAD PARTICULAR PEDESTRIAN FLOW PROBLEMS, SO AS TO RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENT AND THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS. BUT, IN VIEW OF THE CONFLICT BETWEEN PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, THE DEPARTMENT WAS UNDER NO DELUSIONS THAT CHANGE WOULD BE EASY.
ON THE ONE HAND, IN SUCH AN ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE CITY AS HONG KONG, THERE WAS ALWAYS A GOOD CASE FOR PROVIDING A FREE FLOW CONDITION FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, MR LEEDS SAID. UNFORTUNATELY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FLOW NEARLY ALWAYS WERE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF PEDESTRIANS. OFTEN FOOTPATHS HAD TO BE NARROWED, CORNERS SHAVED, TRAFFIC ISLANDS REMOVED, PEDESTRIAN BARRIERS RAISED AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT GUIDED INTO A MORE LIMITED NUMBER OF CROSSING POINTS, WHICH COULD TAKE THE FORM OF DREARY TUNNELS OR HIGH FOOTBRIDGES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, ESPECIALLY IN THE OLD URBAN AREAS, COULD SOMETIMES BE MADE ONLY BY INCREASING THE CAPACITY OF THE SIDEWALKS AND THE ROAD CROSSINGS THEREBY REDUCING THE CAPACITY OF ROADS FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
+WHEN THERE ARE CONFLICTING NEEDS BY EQUALLY WORTHY CLAIMANTS, FAIR JUDGMENT IS UNLIKELY TO GIVE ANYONE FULL SATISFACTION,* MR LEEDS SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS MUCH EASIER TO CATER FOR PEDESTRIAN NEEDS IN NEW TOWNS THAN IN ESTABLISHED URBAN AREAS.
THIS WAS CLEARLY BORNE OUT BY THE NEW TOWNS BUILT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WHERE THE SEPARATION OF PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC HAD PRODUCED ENVIRONMENTS WHICH WERE MUCH SAFER, ECONOMICALLY MORE EFFICIENT, AND CONSIDERABLY MORE PLEASANT TO LIVE AND WORK IN.
IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC IN ESTABLISHED URBAN AREAS COULD BE MADE WHEN LARGE-SCALE REDEVELOPMENT TOOK PLACE.
A CASE IN POINT WAS THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF HONG KONG, WHERE AN ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION SYSTEM RAPIDLY DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT. IN OTHER LOCATIONS, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS HAD ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE NEW SUB-SURFACE PEDESTRIAN LINKS.
WHILE AGREEING THAT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, BOTH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN A HIGHER PRIORITY TO THE USE CF THE FEET AS AN IMPORTANT MODE OF TRANSPORT IN THE URBAN AREA, MR LEEDS STRESSED THAT THERE WAS STILL MUCH TO BE DONE.
,«F * ■
/HE LISTED .......
MARCH o, 1985
- 14 -
HE LISTED OUT THE GOALS FOR PEDESTRIANS AS FOLLOWS :
* TO ENSURE SAFETY BY AVOIDING AS FAR AS POSSIBLE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR CONFLICT;
* TO STEP UP SECURITY SO THAT PEDESTRIANS CAN MOVE WITHOUT RISK;
* TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE BY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF OBSTRUCTIONS;
K TO ENSURE CONTINUITY IN THE PEDESTRIAN SYSTEMS AND SEE TO IT THAT THEY ARE PROPERLY LINKED;
* TO ACHIEVE COMFORT BY PROTECTING PEDESTRIANS FROM THE WEATHER WHEREVER POSSIBLE;
* TO ENSURE COHERENCE SO THAT PEDESTRIANS CAN EASILY FIND THEIR WAY ABOUT; AND
M TO MAKE THE PEDESTRIANWAYS LOOK MORE ATTRACTIVE.
-----0------
ALL 5 904 FLATS IN PSPS RICHLAND GARDENS SOLD X * * X
THE SALES EXERCISE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME RICHLAND GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY CLOSED TODAY, WITH ALL ITS 5 904 FLATS ON 22 BLOCKS SOLD.
+SINCE THE SALES EXERCISE BEGAN THREE MONTHS AGO UNDER PHASE VIB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, AN AVERAGE OF SOME 100 FLATS HAD BEEN SNAPPED UP IN EACH WORKING DAY,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HE SAID THE POPULARITY OF RICHLAND GARDENS SHOWED THAT ASPIRING HOME-OWNERS WERE VERY MUCH INTERESTED IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
+RICHLAND GARDENS, THE LARGEST PSPS DEVELOPMENT, WILL BE FULLY COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR.
+THE FLATS ARE DESIGNED WITH TWO BEDROOMS OR THREE BEDROOMS, WITH GROSS AREAS RANGING FROM 43.7 TO 57.9 SQUARE METRES, AND THEY ARE PRICED BETWEEN $188 300 AND $377 000.+
/15 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 19^5
- 15 -
36 SITES FOR SALE IN SIX MONTHS
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SELL A TOTAL OF 36 SITES IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS BEGINNING APR IL 1.
THIS COMPARES WITH 25 SITES FOR THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS BETWEEN OCTOBER AND MARCH.
A GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR DUNCAN SCOTT-WILL, SAID THE PROVISIONAL LAND SALES FORECAST FOR THE COMING SIX MONTHS TOTALLED 18 HECTARES WITH A FURTHER 36 HECTARES AVAILABLE ON THE APPLICATION LIST.
THREE SITES IN THE URBAN AREA WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ARE IN QUEENSWAY (VICTORIA BARRACKS), HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AND AT THE JUNCTION OF CANTON ROAD/PEKING ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. THEY WILL BE SOLD BY AUCTION.
THE QUEENSWAY SITE IS ABOUT ONE HECTARE AND IS PROPOSED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESI DENT I AL PURPOSES (INCLUDING HOTEL), IS THE SAME SITE THAT FAILED TO ATTRACT SATISFACTORY TENDERS IN NOVEMBER 1982 AT A TIME OF FALLING LAND PRICES BUT WHICH IS NOW THE SUBJECT CF SEVERAL ENQUIRIES FROM INTERESTED DEVELOPERS, ESPECIALLY AS PAYMENT FOR THE SITE MAY BE MADE IN MONETISED LETTER B.
THE HARBOUR ROAD LOT ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION IS PROPOSED FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND, IN ADDITION, MAY INCLUDE A HOTEL. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3 400 SQUARE METRES.
THE CANTON ROAD/PEKING ROAD SITE, COMPRISING ABOUT 6 400 SQUARE METRES, IS THE LAST PRIME COMMERCIAL SITE AVAILABLE IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA AND IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT STRONG INTEREST. THIS SITE MAY ALSO BE PAID FOR IN MONETISED LETTER B.
A TOTAL OF 13 SITES IN THE NEW TOWN AREAS WILL BE OFFERED UNDER THE +VINTAGE+ LETTER B SYSTEM WITH THE ALTERNATIVE OF TENDERING MONETISED LETTERS B ON A CASH EQUIVALENT BASIS, IN KEEPING WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO REDEEM OUTSTANDING LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
MOST OF THESE NEW TOWN SITES ARE FOR COMMERCIAL OR HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN.
APART FROM SPECIAL USER SITES AT TUEN MUN AND TAI PO (BOATYARD, SAWMILL, FUEL DEPOT, MARINE WORKSHOP) ONLY THREE INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE, TWO OF WHICH ARE IN THE URBAN AREA.
MR SCOTT-WILL SAID IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISIONAL SALES FORECAST THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 80 SITES INCLUDED ON THE APPLICATION LIST WHICH COULD BE PROCESSED FOR SALE IF GENUINE INTEREST WAS EXPRESSED. THIS WAS IN LINE WITH AN AIM TO CONDUCT A DEMAND-LED PROGRAMME.
/+A PROSPECTIVE ......
’-UHCH o, 1985
16
+A PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER SHOULD INITIALLY APPROACH EITHER THE CHIEF ESTATE SURVEYOR/DISPOSAL IN LANDS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTER^ CR THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE IN WHICH THE RELEVANT SITE WAS LOCATED,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE APPLICATION LIST, FIRST INTRODUCED TWO YEARS AGO, INCLUDED SITES FOR WHICH THERE WAS LITTLE ESTABLISHED DEMAND IN THE PRESENT MARKET OR WHICH HAD BEEN OFFERED UNSUCCESSFULLY IN THE PAST.
A LARGE PROPORTION ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE OR FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE CURRENT POLICY IS TO PROCESS THESE FOR SALE ON A SITE-BY-SITE BASIS ON RECEIPT OF A GUARANTEED MINIMUM BID FROM AN INTERESTED PARTY.
♦ALTHOUGH SITES FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL USE ARE STILL NOT IN GENERAL DEMAND, THERE HAD RECENTLY BEEN ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT SOME INTEREST IN THESE SITES WAS REVIVING,+ MR SCOTT-WILL SAID.
HOWEVER, MR SCOTT-WILL WAS PROVISIONAL AND SUBJECT
EMPHASISED THAT THE SALES PROGRAMME TO CHANGE.
SALES DETAILS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND MAJOR NEWSPAPERS IN THE USUAL WAY.
COPIES OF THE LAND SALES FORECAST ARE AVAILABLE FROM LANDS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MURRAY BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- OR AT ANY OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
PLANS INDICATING THE LOCATION OF THE VARIOUS LOTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THESE OFFICES SHORTLY.
-----0------
ELECTION POSTERS ON THE MOVE * * * *
AND LORRIES WILL BE CARRYING THE THE ROADS TOMORROW (THURSDAY)
HUNDREDS OF GOVERNMENT VANS ELECTION POSTER WHEN THEY TAKE TO TO REMIND THE PUBLIC TO VOTE.
THE 288 POLLING OPEN FROM 7.30 AM TO ADVISED TO GO TO THE
STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL BE 10.30 PM TOMORROW. REGISTERED VOTERS ARE STATIONS SPECIFIED ON THEIR POLLING CARDS.
ELECTION MESSAGES WILL ALSO APPEAR ON TWO HELI UM-I NFLATED BALLOONS OVER STATUE SQUARE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDENS IN KOWLOON TOMORROW.
TV AND RADIO PERSONALITIES WILL BE JOINING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB IN DISTRIBUTING ELECTION HAND-BILLS AT MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUSES DURING LUNCH HOUR.
- - - - 0 ----
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
- 17 -
TRADE DIRECTOR VISITS GUANGZHOU
* * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE. MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TODAY (MARCH 6) LEFT HONG KONG BY THROUGH TRAIN TO GUANGZHOU FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR SZE CHO-CHEUNG. THEY WERE INVITED BY THE HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG FOREIGN ECONOMIC AND TRADE COMMISSION, MR FENG XUE-YAN, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND DISCUSS TRADE MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST BETWEEN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG.
THE HONG KONG OFFICIALS WILL LEAVE GUANGZHOU FOR SHENZHEN ON MARCH 8 AND ARE DUE BACK ON MARCH 9.
-----0------
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES X X * * X X
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF FOUR SITES.
TWO OF THE SITES ARE ON THE RECLAMATION AT MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND. ONE OF THEM HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 540 SQUARE METRES, AND IS FOR THE HANDLING OF BUILDING MATERIALS INCLUDING CEMENT, BUT NOT FOR CONCRETE OR ASPHALT BATCHING PURPOSES.
THE HANDL ING BATCHING
OTHER SITE MEASURES 1 700 SQUARE METRES, AND IS FOR THE OF BUILDING MATERIALS INCLUDING CEMENT AND CONCRETE
AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING PURPOSES.
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH SITES, WHICH SHALL NOT BE USED AS STONE OR ROCK CRUSHING PLANTS, IS FOR TWO YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE NEXT SITE IS AT WING YIP STREET, KWAI CHUNG. COVERING 4725 SQUARE METRES, IT IS FOR THE PARKING OF GOODS VEHICLES, CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE LAST SITE, MEASURING 1.02 HECTARES, IS AT TAI WAN ROAD, HUNG HOM. IT IS FOR THE STORAGE OF GOODS AND VEHICLES.
THE TENANCY FOR THE TWO SITES IS ONE YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE FOUR SITES IS MARCH 22.
/TOiDEtt FUKMS, .........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
- 18 -
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND RELATED PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
* ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 4TH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG FOR THE MUI WO SITES; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE TSUEN WAN SITE.
-----0------
STUDENTS URGED TO SERVE COMMUNITY X * *
STUDENTS MIGHT START SERVING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR
THE COMMUNITY BY ORGANISING
Plln ---- SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES,
SAID MR DICKEN YUNG, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (RECREATION AND SPORT) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE SUNG LAN MIDDLE SCHOOL, YUNG SAID RECREATION AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES GAVE THE PARTICIPANTS HAPPINESS AND A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT.
♦STUDENTS WHO ORGANISE RECREATION OR SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR OTHERS CAN ALSO GAIN SUCH SAT ISFACT I ON,+ HE ADDED.
IN FACT, GOVERNMENT, SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COUNTED ON THE CONTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTEERS, HE SAID.
♦THE GOVERNMENT, THE SPORTS GOVERNING BODIES AND VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE BEEN CO-OPERATING IN PROVIDING SPORTS TRAINING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
STUDENTS COULD IN TURN APPLY THEIR ORGANISATION SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP TO SERVE THEIR SCHOOLS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS BRINGING HAPPINESS TO MORE PEOPLE, MR YUNG ADDED
- - - - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 19oJ
- 19 -
GOOD RESPONSE TO ANTI-DRUG EFFORT * * *
THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* HAS RECEIVED ENCOURAGING RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN CF THE STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KARL STUMPF, SAID THAT THERE WERE 143 TEAMS FROM 84 SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY PARTICIPATING IN THE MOVEMENT.
THE MOVEMENT, LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER 1984, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL RADIO, AS THE MAJOR PUBLICITY EVENT FOR 1984/85.
+THE MOVEMENT HAS LASTED SIX MONTHS, DURING WHICH PERIOD ANTINARCOTICS MESSAGES HAVE BEEN SPREAD AMONG STUDENTS THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION, GENERAL PUBLICITY AND MANY OTHER OCCASIONS CONNECTED WITH THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT,* SAID MR STUMPF.
+1 HOPE THAT ALL STUDENTS OF HONG KONG ARE NOT ONLY AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE BUT WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN SPREADING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES AMONG THEIR FRIENDS,* HE ADDED.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE MOVEMENT ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS WITH THE ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME.
MARKS SCORED IN THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS WILL BE ACCUMULATED AND THE TEAMS WITH THE OVERALL HIGHEST SCORES IN SENIOR AND JUNIOR DIVISIONS WILL BE CHAMPIONS.
EACH MEMBER OF THE CHAMPION TEAMS OF BOTH DIVISIONS WILL BE AWARDED A FULL SET OF LASER 3000 COMPUTER WORTH ABOUT $6 000.
THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT ON SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985 AT ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN ANTI-NARCOTICS CONCERT, PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO, AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE.
------0-------
LADY YOUDE TO VISIT SCHOOLS * X X X
LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, WILL VISIT TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON FRIDAY (MARCH 8) MORNING.
SHE WILL FIRST TOUR THE KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT AT 9.30 AM AND THEN THE VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IN CAUSEWAY BAY AT 10.30 AM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TwO EVENTS.
--------o
/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 1985
20
TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HOLD OPEN DAYS * * *
THE FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL BE HOLDING THEIR OPEN DAYS OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
THE HAKING WONG AND KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY (MARCH 8).
VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO SEE THE FACILITIES OF THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM.
THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM ID AM TO 4.30 PM, IS ALSO INVITING FORM 3 LEAVERS TO ATTEND CAREER TALKS.
OPEN DAYS OF THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ARE SCHEDULED ON FRIDAY (MARCH 8) FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AND ON SATURDAY (MARCH 9) FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
MANY ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT AND TEACHING RESOURCES WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES. A 20-MINUTE FILM ON TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL ALSO BE SHOWN TO VISITORS AT HOURLY INTERVALS AT THE INSTITUTE.
OPEN DAYS OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 9) FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON AND ON MONDAY (MARCH 11) FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM WILL MARK THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INSTITUTE.
IN ADDITION TO DISPLAYS OF STUDENTS’ WORKS, THE INSTITUTE wILL FEATURE A COMPETITION OF SKILLS IN MACHINING AMONG STUDENTS FROM ALL FIVE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
A FASHION SHOW IS A MAIN FEATURE OF THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OPEN DAY WHICH WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15) FROM ID AM TO 5 PM. THE SHOW IS ORGANISED BY THE STAFF AND STUDENTS OF THE INSTITUTE’S CLOTHING DEPARTMENT.
SHIP STREET CLOSURE * * X
SHIP STREET, BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST IN WAN CHAI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM TOMORROW (MARCH 7) IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS. >
ALL METERED PARKING SPACES IN THE ROAD SECTION WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED DURING THE PERIOD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GO OUT AND VOTE - GOVERNOR................................... 1
ORGANISATION OF ELECTIONS A CREDIT TO ALL ................... 1
HE'S ECONOMY HELPED BY CHINA’S POLICIES - FS................. 2
HK NOW LEADING DIAMOND CENTRE................................ 6
SIR PHILIP VISITS POLLING STATIONS .......................... 7
LADY YOUDE TO PRESENT PRIZES ................................ 8
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WAGES FUND .............................. 8
STUDENTS DESIGN ANTI-DRUGS DISPLAY........................... 9
CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY.................................... 9
MORNING BRIEFING ON VOTER TURNOUT ........................... 10
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1985
1
GO OUT AND VOTE - GOVERNOR X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS EVENING MADE A LAST MINUTE APPEAL TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TO COME OUT AND VOTE.
+THERE IS A FEW HOURS LEFT, GO OUT AND VOTE. I WANT AS MANY REGISTERED VOTERS AS POSSIBLE TO VOTE THIS EVENING,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS BEFORE ATTENDING THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS ANNUAL BALL AT THE REGENT HOTEL.
ASKED WHY HE DID NOT VISIT ANY OF THE POLLING STATIONS TODAY, FE SAID: +1 THOUGHT SERIOUSLY OF VISITING THE VOTING CENTRES. BUT IF I GO TO A VOTING CENTRE, THERE WILL BE QUITE A LOT OF TELEVISION LIKE THOSE NOW AND SOME CANDIDATES MIGHT FEEL I GIVE THEM MORE PUBLICITY THAN OTHER CANDIDATES.
+SO WE DECIDED TO BE SCRUPULOUSLY FAIR AND I WOULD STAY AWAY,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
0 - -
ORGANISATION OF ELECTIONS A CREDIT TO ALL * * *
THE ORGANISATION AND EFFORTS IN MOUNTING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, INVOLVING SOME 5 OOO GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, IS A CREDIT TO ALL CONCERNED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
HE WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS WHILE VISITING THE ELECTIONS PRESS CENTRE IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AT THE WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE.
+THE WHOLE PROCESS HAS GONE SO FAR VERY SMOOTHLY AND THERE HAS BEEN NO UNSEEMLY EVENTS OF ANY KIND THAT I KNOW 0F,+ HE SAID.
SIR PHILIP SAID HE WAS SATISFIED WITH THE VOTER TURN-OUT SO FAR.
+ONE SHOULD ALSO REMEMBER THAT IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS, PEOPLE ARE NOT ONLY ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER, THEY ARE POSITIVELY ASSISTED IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS BY DOOR TO DOOR CALLS AND SO ON.
+S0 IN A SENSE THERE IS A CERTAIN PASSIVE REACTION TO APPROACHES TO REGISTER.
♦ BUT WHEN IT COMES TO VOTING THEY HAVE TO MAKE A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO GO AND DO IT THEMSELVES.
/♦I DON'T
x’HUESDAY, MA.BCH 7, 1985
2
+l DON’T FIND IT SURPRISING THAT THE NUMBER WHO VOTE IS LESS THAN THE NUMBER WHO REGISTER. AND IN ADDITION, OF COURSE, YOU KNOW, A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE DAY FIND THEY HAVE OTHER THINGS TO DO AND ALL SORTS OF EXCUSES.*
ASKED HOW GOVERNMENT COULD INCREASE VOTER AWARENESS AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING FORWARD AS CANDIDATES, SIR PHILIP SAID THIS WAS AN INCREMENTAL PROCESS AND THAT ONE COULD NOT EXPECT GREAT LEAPS FORWARD.
+PROVIDED THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VOTERS WHO TURN OUT THIS TIME AND THE PROPORTION OF THE ELECTORATE THAT TURNS OUT HAS INCREASED --THAT IS IT HAS INCREASED IN BOTH SENSES -- THEN WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS,* HE SAID.
+WHETHER YOU REGARD THE PROGRESS AS SATISFACTORY OR OTHERWISE IS A MATTER OF OPINION.
+l DON’T THINK ONE CAN POSSIBLY SAY IT’S BEEN A FAILURE, AT LEAST AT THIS STAGE, BUT WHETHER THE RESULTS ARE THOUGHT TO BE, BY SOME PEOPLE, DISAPPOINTING, OR NOT, THAT IS A MATTER OF OPINION.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON WHY GOVERNMENT WAS AGAINST A VOTE CF CONFIDENCE FOR CANDIDATES WHO WERE BEING RETURNED UNOPPOSED, SIR PHILIP SAID THIS SEEMED TO HIM A POINTLESS EXERCISE AND WOULD BE A UNIQUE PROCEDURE COMPARED WITH PROCEDURES ELSEWHERE.
A CANDIDATE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO BE RETURNED WITHOUT A CONTEST IF THERE WAS NO ONE WILLING TO STAND AGAINST HIM, HE SAID.
-----o-----
HK’S ECONOMY HELPED BY CHINA’S POLICIES - FS ******
APART FROM THE RECOVERY IN THE U.S. ECONOMY, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS HAD BEEN CHINA’S SWITCH TO MORE LIBERAL ECONOMIC POLICIES AND ITS REOPENING TO WORLD TRADE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE ZONTA CLUB OF KOWLOON LUNCHEON MEETING '•'N THE SUBJECT OF +THE HONG KONG ECONOMY FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS,* SIR JOHN SAID CHINA HAD BECOME AN EXPANDING MARKET FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS WITH MANY INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS.
♦THIS IS IN ADDITION TO ITS MORE ESTABLISHED ROLE AS AN IMPORTANT SUPPLIER OF GOODS AND AN INVESTOR IN VARIOUS LOCAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES,* SIR JOHN SAID.
/HE SAID ........
Ti: 7J5MY, MARCH 7, 1985
HE SAID THAT ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA HAD ALREADY DEVELOPED IN AREAS BEYOND MERCHANDISE TRADE.
+CO-OPERATION IN SUCH MATTERS AS JOINT VENTURES, DIRECT INVESTMENT, PROVISION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, IS ALREADY FIZZING WITH VITALITY, AND WILL FURTHER BENEFIT BOTH ECONOMIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
+IN PARTICULAR CLOSE CO-OPERATION IS ALREADY WELL DEVELOPED AND SHOULD DEVELOP FURTHER IN THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE.+ IE ADDED.
SIR JOHN EXPECTED THAT THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A RAPID INCREASE IN EXPORTS TO CHINA OF BOTH GOODS AND SERVICES, ESPECIALLY BUSINESS-RELATED SERVICES.
HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT IN GENERAL ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA WOULD GROW STRONGER IN THE FUTURE AND THAT, RATHER THAN SUPPLANTING EXISTING LINKS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, THESE EXPANDED LINKS WOULD ADD A VALUABLE NEW DIMENSION TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE ECONOMY WAS DOING WELL AT PRESENT. DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW RAPIDLY IN 1983 AND 1984, WHICH HAD LED TO A RESURGENCE OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. BY THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 3.8 PER CENT AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.8 PER CENT. THIS COMBINATION PROBABLY REPRESENTED EFFECTIVE FULL EMPLOYMENT. THE INFLATION RATE HAD ALSO DECREASED TO A LOW LEVEL — IN TERMS OF CPI (A), FROM A YEAR-ON-YEAR OF 12.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1984 TO 3.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1985.
TURNING TO LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS IN MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE GDP IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SIR JOHN SAID EXPORTS OF GOODS, WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A MAJOR DETERMINANT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH, WOULD INEVITABLY STILL BE SUBJECT TO THE INFLUENCE OF THE VARIABLE WORLD DEMAND FOR OUR GOODS, PARTICULARLY FROM THE U.S.
THE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE U.S. IN 1984 WAS EXTREMELY GOOD BUT MIGHT NOT BE SUSTAINABLE. AN AVERAGE OF SEVERAL FORECASTS WAS THAT THEIR GNP WOULD GROW AT BETWEEN THREE PER CENT AND FOUR PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1985, HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS AT PRESENT OF ANOTHER SEVERE RECESSION, SUCH AS THAT EXPERIENCED IN 1982, SIR JOHN SAID THIS REPRESENTED A SLOWING DOWN COMPARED WITH THE MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE.
/+PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE,
♦PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE, HOWEVER, SUGGESTS THAT IT SHOULD NOT AFFECT OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS SERIOUSLY. THUS I BELIEVE THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THIS MARKET WILL GROW AT A MODERATE TO HIGH RATE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 198OS, DESPITE THE CONTINUED POSSIBILITY OF INCREASED PROTECTIONISM. AT THE SAME TIME SOME RECOVERY IN THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S OTHER TRADITIONAL MARKETS SEEMS LIKELY,+ HE SAID.
THEREFORE, SIR JOHN DID NOT EXPECT THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF GOODS IN REAL TERMS IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THAT RECORDED BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984, WHICH WAS ABOUT 10 PER CENT.
A SIMILAR CONTINUATION OF RECENT TRENDS, THOUGH WITH PERHAPS SOME SLOWING DOWN, SEEMED LIKELY FOR RE-EXPORTS, WHICH GREW BY 21 PER CENT PER ANNUM BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984.
♦ALTHOUGH THIS EARLIER PERIOD INCLUDES THE VARY RAPID GROWTH RATES AS CHINA’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE OPENED UP, THERE IS CONSIDERABLE POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER EXPANSION AND I EXPECT HONG KONG’S UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES IN RELATION TO CHINA TO ENSURE IT A SHARE IN THIS EXPANSION,+ HE SAID.
♦THERE SHOULD ALSO BE A HEALTHY GROWTH IN EXPORTS OF SERVICES, BOTH TO CHINA AND TO OTHER ECONOMIES IN THIS REGION,+ HE ADDED.
ON INVESTMENT, SIR JOHN SAID 1984 WAS A GOOD YEAR FOR PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PLANT, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND FOR THE TAKE-UP OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, REFLECTING THE STRONG RECOVERY IN EXPORT GROWTH.
♦FOR MY PROGNOSIS ABOUT OUR EXPORT TRADE IN THE FUTURE TO BE BORNE OUT, CONTINUED INVESTMENT, BOTH IN PLANT AND MACHINERY, AND IN BUILDINGS AND WORKS, WILL BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY,* HE SAID. +HERE AGAIN THE PROSPECTS ARE FAVOURABLE.*
AS FAR AS THE INVESTMENT INTENTIONS OF PROPERTY DEVELOPERS WERE CONCERNED, SIR JOHN SAID THERE WERE CLEAR INDICATIONS THAT CONFIDENCE WAS REVIVING TOWARDS THE END OF 1984, AS PRICES BECAME FIRMER AND THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF BUILDING PLANS WITH CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK BEGAN TO INCREASE.
THE FALLING VACANCY RATES FOR MOST MAJOR TYPES OF PROPERTY SEEN IN 1984, ALLIED WITH A GROWING ECONOMY, SHOULD FURTHER STIMULATE DEVELOPERS TO UNDERTAKE NEW PROJECTS.
+THUS I LOOK FOR A STEADY, THOUGH NOT SPECTACULAR, RECOVERY IN THIS AREA,* HE SAID.
THE PAINFUL LESSONS OF THE SLUMP, WHICH FOLLOWED THE LAST PROPERTY BOOM, SHOULD ENSURE THAT THERE WOULD BE NO RETURN BY BAD MANAGEMENTS TO THE EXCESSES SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS UPSWING.
/♦THE GOVEHNMBiT........
- 5 -
+THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE f£CESSARY FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. CHANGING ECONOMIC AND FISCAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAY AFFECT THE TIMING OF THE INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES, BUT THE COMMITMENT REMAINS,* HE SAID.
♦BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984 GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION GREW AT FOUR PER CENT PER ANNUM IN REAL TERMS. I AM CONFIDENT THAT, BARRING UNFORESEEN SHOCKS, THE GROWTH RATE OF INVESTMENT DURING THE REST OF THE 1980S WILL BE AT LEAST AS HIGH AS THIS,+ HE ADDED.
COMMENTING ON GROWTH RATE, SIR JOHN SAID IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE COULD BE EXPECTED TO GROW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE IN REAL TERMS SIMILAR TO, IF NOT GREATER THAN, THE EIGHT PER CENT RECORDED BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984, GIVEN GOOD GROWTH RATES IN THE OTHER EXPENDITURE COMPONENTS OF THE GDP.
♦THIS GROWTH RATE, ALTHOUGH HIGH BY WORLD STANDARDS, IS ON THE LOW SIDE COMPARED WITH EARLIER EXPERIENCE,* HE SAID.
THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE FOR THE 10 YEARS BETWEEN 1975 AND 1984 WAS OVER NINE PER CENT.
+THE REAL GROWTH R‘ATE OF PUBLIC SECTOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN THE REST OF THE 1980S WILL, AS ALWAYS, BE THE OUTCOME OF A COMPROMISE BETWEEN DEMANDS FOR DESIRABLE ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, THEMSELVES DEPENDENT ON THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS,* HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, GIVEN THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO PERMIT FULL USE TO BE MADE OF THE STEADILY INCREASING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND THE STRONG TENDENCY’FOR INCREASED PROSPERITY TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY DEMANDS FOR EXPANDED AND IMPROVED PUBLIC SERVICES, I EXPECT FURTHER STEADY GROWTH IN EXPENDITURE BUT WITHIN THE CONFINES OF BALANCED BUDGETS,* HE ADDED.
GIVEN THE LIMITED SCOPE IN HONG KONG FOR SUBSTITUTING LOCALLY-PRODUCED GOODS FOR IMPORTS, THE GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS OVER THE REST OF THE 1980S WOULD REFLECT THE GROWTH RATE OF FINAL DEMAND.
COMBINING THE GROWTH RATES OF THE VARIOUS EXPENDITURE COMPONENTS OF THE GDP AND MAKING ALLOWANCE FOR LIKELY CHANGES IN THE SUPPLY SIDE COMPONENTS SUGGESTED THAT THE GROWTH RATE F THE GDP IN REAL TERMS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1980’S SHOULD ROUGHLY IN LINE WITH THAT IN THE FIRST HALF, THAT WAS TO SAY ABOUT 7.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
+BUT ROUGHLY MEANS ROUGHLY; THIS IS A HEROIC GUESS,* SIR JOHN CAUTIONED.
/ON INFLATION.........
- ... •'..H /, 1985
6 -
ON INFLATION, SIR JOHN SAID THE INFLATION RATE IN HONG KONG TENDED TO MOVE BROADLY IN LINE WITH THAT IN THE U.S. UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
SEVERAL INTERNATIONAL FORECASTS SUGGESTED THAT CONSUMER PRICES IN THE U.S. WOULD INCREASE BY FOUR PER CENT TO SIX PER CENT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, SIR JOHN SAID. THUS THE OUTLOOK FOR INFLATION IN HONG KONG WAS ENCOURAGING. ASSUMING NO RESURGENCE IN WORLD INFLATION AND A REASONABLY STABLE U.S. DOLLAR, THERE SHOULD BE ONLY LIMITED IMPORTED INFLATION.
IN CONCLUSION, SIR JOHN SAID THE PROSPECTS FOR THE REST OF THE 198OS WERE GENERALLY FAVOURABLE.
+BUT THIS FORECAST IS TOTALLY SUBJECT TO EXTERNAL EVENTS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL,* HE SAID.
ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA SHOULD BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED. THESE LINKS WOULD THUS BECOME A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO ECONOMIC GROWTH AS WELL AS HELPING TO STABILISE POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY.
THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF BUSINESS-RELATED SERVICES, INCLUDING FINANCIAL SERVICES, IN THE ECONOMY SHOULD CONTINUE TO INCREASE, WHILE THAT OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR MIGHT TEND TO BE SMALLER IN RELATIVE EXTENT. DOMESTIC DEMAND SHOULD GROW AT LEAST AS RAPIDLY AS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 1980S.
+AS A RESULT, THE ECONOMY IS EXPECTED TO GROW MORE STEADILY WITH RELATIVELY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND CONTAINED INFLATION,* HE SAID.
0 --------
HK NOW LEADING DIAMOND CENTRE X M X X * *
AS A FREE PORT WITH ADVANCED BANKING AND COMMUNICATION .AGILITIES AS WELL AS EXCELLENT HUMAN RESOURCES, HONG KONG. HAD NOW EMERGED AS ONE OF THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL DIAMOND TRADING AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST DIAMOND BOURSE IN ASIA, SIR JOHN SAID IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT THE FORMATION OF HONG KONG DIAMOND BOURSE WOULD PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN STRENGTHENING THE LOCAL DIAMOND TRADE AS WELL AS PROMOTING aND DEVELOPING THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD.
/HE NOTED.......
.f, JUiiCd 7, 1985
- 7 -
HE NOTED THAT THE DEMAND FOR DIAMONDS HAD BEEN STEADILY INCREASING OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. THE NET RETAINED IMPORTS OF POLISHED DIAMONDS IN HONG KONG AMOUNTED TO $2.4 BILLION IN 1982 AND $2.7 BILLION IN 1983. FOR 1984, THE FIGURE WAS OVER $2.9 BILLION.
THE BOURSE WOULD ALSO BE AN IDEAL VENUE FOR ORGANISING AUCTIONS, EXHIBITIONS, AND SEMINARS FOR THE INDUSTRY, HE ADDED.
+THE HONG KONG ECONOMY HAS SHOWN STRONG SIGNS OF RETURNING VIGOUR AND I AM SURE THAT THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY WILL SHARE THE SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG IN THE YEAR OF THE OX,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID THAT DIAMOND EXCHANGES HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN LONDON, NEW YORK, ANTWERP, TEL AVIV AND JOHANNESBURG.
------o-------
SIR PHILIP VISITS POLLING STATIONS X X X X
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED FIVE POLLING STATIONS FOR A FIRST HAND LOOK AT VOTING IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
STARTING AT 11 AM, SIR PHILIP, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, MR TONY HAMMOND, VISITED POLLING STATIONS IN THREE DISTRICTS — KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl , MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI.
AT EACH STATION, SIR PHILIP WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE DISTRICT CONCERNED, AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE LATEST SITUATION THERE.
SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD THAT THE POLLING STATION AT THE SHEK LEI ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SERVING THE KWAI CHUNG EAST CONSTITUENCY, HAD EIGHT CANDIDATES VYING FOR TWO SEATS.
THE POLLING STATION AT CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA MONG KOK CHURCH KAI 01 SCHOOL SERVED 15 985 REGISTERED VOTERS, THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTERS AMONG POLLING STATIONS.
SIR PHILIP THEN WENT TO THE POLLING STATION AT THE URBAN COUNCIL PERFORMING COMPANIES OFFICE, AT YAU MA TEI.
HERE, HE LEARNED THAT ONE PAKISTANI AND TWO INDIAN RESIDENTS WERE AMONG THE SIX CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE TWO SEATS IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI CONSTITUENCY.
/JU THE .......
THURSDAY, I'LRCH 7, 1985
IN THE AFTERNOON, FROM ABOUT 4.30 PM, SIR PHILIP VISITED THE POLLING STATIONS AT THE NORTH POINT ESTATE ASSEMBLY HALL SERVING THE NORTH POINT WEST CONSTITUENCY, AND AT THE HENNESSY CENTRE, SERVING THE CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY.
SEVEN ’CANDIDATES WERE CONTESTING TWO SEATS IN NORTH POINT WEST, WHILE FIVE CANDIDATES WERE VYING FOR THE TWO-SEAT CONSTITUENCY OF CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL.
IN THE ELECTIONS TODAY, IN WHICH 477 CANDIDATES ARE CONTESTING 213 SEATS ON 19 DISTRICT BOARDS, A TOTAL OF 288 POLLING STATIONS ARE BEING KEPT OPEN FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM.
LADY YOUDE TO PRESENT PRIZES * * * #
LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985 AT ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BY 7.40 PM. G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE ASSISTANCE.
PRESS CONFERENCE ON WAGES FUND * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE WILL CHAIR A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS ON THE OPERATION OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ALSO PRESENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DAVID LIN AND SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER. ffiS ANGELA HO.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1935
9
STUDENTS DESIGN ANTI-DRUGS DISPLAY X * * *
A LARGE SCALE ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION CREATED AND DESIGNED BY STUDENTS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON SATURDAY (MARCH 9) AND SUNDAY (MARCH 10).
THE +ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION STALL DESIGN COMPETITION* IS THE FINAL COMPETITION OF THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT*, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGA IN 1ST NARCOTICS (ACAN), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL RADIO.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KARL STUMPF WILL BE AMONG THOSE PRESENT.
THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER 1984, AIMS AT HEIGHTENING AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS, THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN COMPETITIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY AND 10 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 -
CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY XXX
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS AWARDING A $160 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ELEVATED ROADS FOR THE STAGE I I I OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
A CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10.30 AM IN ROOM 911, 9TH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, 64 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAYS ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF LEIGHTON CONTRACTOR’S PTY LIMITED, MESSRS. J.J. MCNAUGHT AND J.G. HAMILTON, WILL SIGN THE CONTRACT.
THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1985
10
MORNING BRIEFING ON VOTER TURNOUT * * * *
A BRIEFING FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ON THE MORNING VOTER TURNOUT SITUATION WILL BE GIVEN AT 11.30 AM TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, KR ALBERT LAM, AT THE CNTA PRESS CENTRE ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE AT 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PLEASED WITH VOTER TURNOUT .......................... 1
MORE THAN 4?O OOO PEOPLE CAST VOTES .......................... 2
ELECTION RESULTS ENCOURAGING, SAYS GOVERNOR .................. J
ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL PUBLISHED .......................... 4
SOCIAL WORK GROWTH MATCHED BY CIVIC SPIRIT - GOVERNOR ........ &
WAGE SECURITY FUND SCHEME .................................... 9
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1985 ........................ 10
TWO NEW MEMBERS FOR URBAN COUNCIL ........................... 1J
LORD YOUNG ARRIVING TOMORROW ................................ 14
A CHAT WITH THE CHILDREN - IN PUTONGHUA ..................... 14
PRESS CONFERENCE ON AIDS .................................... 15
DRAFT ZONING PLAN FOR CENTRAL AMENDED ....................... 16
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 4 120 HOS FLATS ....................... 17
TOPPING-OUT FOR PSPS PROJECT IN SHA TIN ..................... 18
CHANCE SEEN FOR SOLVING HOUSING PROBLEM ..................... 19
WORK TO START ON ELEVATED ROADS ............................. 21
JOINT EFFORTS HELP SOLVE TAXI, PLB PROBLEMS ................. 21
CJ TO STaRT OFF CIVIL SERVANTS RUN .......................... 2J
SPEEDPOST GOES TO PORTUGAL .................................. 2?
ANOTHER GOOD YEAR FOR FISHERMEN ............................. 24
FIRE OFFICERS TOLD OF NEED FOR PaTIEMCE ..................... 25
STALLS AT FLOWER SHOW FOR LEASE ............................. 25
TENDERS INVITED TO OPERATE KIOSK ............................ 26
TEACHING COURSE FOR PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY ...................... 26
POLICE TRAINING CAMP REDEVELOPMENT .......................... 27
MEDAL FOR MARINE SUPERVISOR ................................. 27
TUEN MUN SITE OFFERED ....................................... 28
STREET CLOSING FOR ROAD WORK ................................ 28
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR WATER MAINS WORK ......................... 29
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
1
GOVERNOR PLEASED WITH VOTER TURNOUT
* * *
THE TOTAL TURNOUT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS TO THE GOVERNMENT TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YMCA HONG KONG CENTRE.
+1 WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE VOTER TURNOUT. THE TOTAL NUMBER WAS VERY GRATIFYING. I THINK THE FACT THAT WE HAD SO MANY MORE THAN WE HAD IN THE PREVIOUS ELECTIONS IS AN INDICATION THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE BEGINNING TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTICIPATING,+ HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON THE TURNOUT IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, SIR EDWARD SAID: +THE NUMBER OF VOTERS HAS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY SINCE LAST TIME. THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS INCREASED DRAMATICALLY, AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY CAME OUT TO CAST THE VOTE.
+SO I DON’T THINK YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR MIND TOO MUCH ON PERCENTAGES. YOU SHOULD KEEP YOUR MIND ON THE ABSOLUTE NUMBERS AND THE ABSOLUTE NUMBERS ARE MUCH HIGHER.
+1 THINK THAT’S A GREAT SUPPORT TO THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE A WIDER RANGE OF SUPPORT THIS TIME THAN THEY WOULD HAVE HAD LAST TIME. IT WILL BE A GREAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO THEM AS IT IS CERTAINLY AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO US TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE.+
ON THE ROLE OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN FUTURE, SIR EDWARD SAID: +1 DON’T THINK THEIR ROLE WILL BE CHANGED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I THINK WHAT THEY WILL DO IS THEY WILL GROW IN EXPERIENCE, AND THEREFORE THE CONTRIBUTION THEY CAN MAKE WILL INCREASE.
+THEY ARE ALREADY MAKING QUITE A CONTRIBUTION. SO WHAT IT NEEDS NQW IS A DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROLE THAT THEY ARE ALREADY PLAYING.*
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE FUTURE CHALLENGES FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, SIR EDWARD SAID IT WAS TO MAKE SURE THEY REPRESENTED THE CONTITUENTS WHO HAD ELECTED THEM.
+AND THEN THERE WILL BE THE CHALLENGE OF TAKING PART IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE LATER IN THE YEAR. BUT THAT WILL ONLY BE ONE CF THE CHALLENGES.
/♦THE MAIN .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
2
+ THE MAIN CHALLENGE, I THINK, WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT THE FEELINGS IN THE I ft DISTRICTS ARE FULLY REFLECTED BOTH TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE AND TO THE GOVERNMENT, BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY MUCH NOW THE ORGANISATIONS TO wHICH WE LOOK TO REFLECT PUBLIC OPINION BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS.
♦THEY UNDERSTAND WHAT’S GOING ON. SO I THINK THEY WILL HAVE QUITE A ROLE IN SHAPING POLICY IN THE FUTURE,* HE ADDED.
ASKED IF THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE GIVEN MORE POWER SOME YEARS LATER, HE SAID: +WE WILL HAVE TO SEE HOW THE SYSTEM IN HONG KONG DEVELOPS, BUT I THINK THERE IS ALREADY A PRETTY OF DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT -------------------------------------------------- ‘ TO NEXT
AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG. THAT YEAR AND THE REVIEW OUR PLATE ALREADY.*
STRETCHES US THROUGH THIS YEAR ON IN 1987. I THINK WE HAVE QUITE A
LOT ON
ON A PROVISION IN THE ELECTORAL BILL ON ABSOLUTE MAJORITY, SIR EDWARD EXPLAINED:
+THE REASON FOR THAT IS WE ARE LOOKING FOR A WIDE RANGE OF SUPPORT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE, RATHER THAN FRAGMENTED SUPPORT, AND THE ADVANTAGE OF THAT SYSTEM IS THAT IT WILL SHOW A WIDE RANGE.
I
+BUT IT IS NOT TOO DIFFICULT TO ENSURE BY A VARIETY OF MEANS WHICH WILL COME OUT IN THE REGULATIONS HOW THAT WILL BE DONE.+
------0--------
MORE THAN 470 000 PEOPLE CAST VOTES i
* * *
ii •
A TOTAL OF 476 530 PEOPLE CAST THEIR VOTES IN HONG KONG'S FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THIS SURPASSES THE 1982 ELECTION FIGURES BY 133 905?
6
VOTING, PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST FEW HOURS OF POLLING, WAS HECTIC, AND IN SOME DISTRICTS VOTERS JAM PACKED THE POLLING STATIONS.
Z
MANY, WHO WAITED UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO VOTE, COULD NOT
GET INTO THE POLLING STATIONS WHEN THE GATES CLOSED AT 10.30 PM.
C-
COMMENTING ON THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS, TftE
SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID: +THE FIGURES ARE A VERY SATISFACTORY ONE, WHICH WE ALL IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE DUELY PROUD 0F.+
+THIS IS A GOOD INDICATION THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN CHOOSING PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT ONLY REPRESENT THEM ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS, BUT MANY OF WHOM WILL BE THEIR SPOKESMEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
+IT HAS BEEN A VERY EXCITING AND INTERESTING DAY,* MR LIAO SAI D.
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/3......
r K I U> , riHhlri t), 19b 5
ELECTION RESULTS ENCOURAGING, SAYS GOVERNOR * * * *
THE ENCOURAGING RESULTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS HAVE SHOWN THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE RECOGNISING EVEN MORE THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING PART IN ELECTIONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID LAST (THURSDAY) EVENING.
HE MADE THESE REMARKS TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS ANNUAL FUND-RAISING BALL AT THE REGENT HOTEL.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE TURNOUT OF THE ELECTIONS, SIR EDWARD SAID: +1 THINK IT IS A VERY ENCOURAGING RESULT. I THINK IT IS A TRIBUTE BOTH TO THE VOTERS WHO HAVE RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTIONS AND TO THOSE WHO ORGANISED IT.
♦ IT IS A MUCH LARGER NUMBER OF VOTERS THAN WE HAD LAST TIME, BUT THAT IS ONLY RIGHT BECAUSE THESE ELECTIONS ARE OF COURSE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE LAST TIME ROUND.
♦ SO I THINK, ALL IN ALL, IT IS A VERY ENCOURAGING ELECTION DAY FOR HONG KONG.+
SIR WAS THAT
EDWARD ALSO SAID THE IMPLICATION OF THE ELECTION RESULTS THE PEOPLE WERE RECOGNISING EVEN MORE THE IMPORTANCE OF JOINING IN ELECTIONS AND OF CASTING THE Ik VOTES SO THAT THEY GOT THE CANDIDATES WHICH THEY WISHED TO SERVE THEM.
* 1 THINK THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS. BUT NOW WE HAVE THIS KIND OF ELECTIONS, THEY CAN EE GIVEN MUCH MORE OF AN OPPORTUNITY THAN THEY HAD IN THE PAST TO EXPRESS THEIR WISHES,+ HE SAID.
ASKED IF THIS COULD BE REGARDED AS A GOOD START FOR A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID: +YES. WE HAD A START ■HEN WE STARTED WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS FIRST TIME ROUND AND WE HAVE DONE EVEN BETTER THIS TIME. SO WE HAVE MADE A GREAT DEAL OF PROGRESS IN THE FEW YEARS IN WHICH WE HAVE BEEN GOING, AND I AI-1 SURE THIS PROGRESS WILL BE CONTINUED IN THE FUTURE.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION IF THIS WOULD HAVE ANY EFFECT ON FORMULATING GOVERNMENT POLICIES, HE SA ID:*IT W ILL BE OF A GREAT HELP TO US, BECAUSE WHEN YOU HAVE AN EXPRESSION OF PUBLIC VIEW OF THIS KIND IT IS VERY HELPFUL AND VERY USEFUL TO GOVERNMENT, AND WE VERY WARMLY WELCOME THIS KIND OF INCREASED TURNOUT.*
SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS VERY SATISFIED WITH WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED.
+BUT HAVING NOW BEEN SATISFIED WITH WHAT HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED TONIGHT, WE MUST NOW MAKE SOME FURTHER PROGRESS SO THAT WE DO EVEN BETTER NEXT TIME,* HE ADDED.
/TO THE........
rl<i 'I, AKUi 6i 1965
TO THE NEWLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, SIR EDWARD SAID: •I WOULD SAY YOU HAVE TAKEN ON A GREAT RESPONSIBILITY TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE *HO HAVE VOTED YOU IN.
+1 AM SURE THEY WILL ALL ACCEPT THAT RESPONSIBILITY AND WILL DO THEIR BEST TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE PEOPLE WHOM THEY WILL COME TO REPRESENT.
*AND OF COURSE LATER IN THE YEAR THEY WILL HAVE AN EVEN GREATER RESPONSIBILITY WHICH IS TO TAKE PART IN THE INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+SO ALL IN ALL, I AM SURE THEY ARE VERY SATISFIED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ELECTED. BUT AT THE SAME TIME, I LOOK FORWARD TO THEM MOULDERING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF REPRESENTATION.+
-------o - - - -
ELECTORAL PROVISIONS BILL PUBLISHED * * * *
A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 13).
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1985, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, SEEKS TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PLANS DESCRIBED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
IT IS BASED BROADLY ON THE EXISTING ELECTORAL LAW FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS. IT IS IN EIGHT PARTS AND CONTAINS TWO SCHEDULES, THE LATTER SETTING OUT IN DETAIL THE VARIOUS ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE CATEGORIES OF PERSONS ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS ELECTORS, AND THE NUMBER OF SEATS FOR EACH CONSTITUENCY.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE BILL DEALS WITH THE PROPOSED ELECTORAL COLLEGE. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES, EACH MEMBER WILL HAVE ONE VOTE. URBAN COUNCILLORS AND PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCILLORS WHO ARE ALSO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO VOTE IN THEIR URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCIES; THEY WILL NOT HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE OR ADDITIONAL VOTE IN THEIR DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY AS WELL. THE CHAIRMAN AND TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL VOTE IN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CONSTITUENCY.
/NINE FUNCTIONAL
NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE. THESE ARE : THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND LABOUR CONSTITUENCIES ^HICH WILL EACH RETURN TWO MEMBERS- AND THE FINANCIAL CONSTITUENCY, THE SOCIAL SERVICES CONSTITUENCY, THE hEDICAL CONSTITUENCY, THE TEACHING CONSTITUENCY, THE LEGAL CONSTITUENCY AND THE ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING CONSTITUENCY, WHICH WILL EACH RETURN ONE MEMBER.
THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTITUENCIES HAVE BOTH BEEN DIVIDED INTO TWO ELECTORAL DIVISIONS, WITH EACH DIVISION PROVIDING FOR ONE MEMBER TO BE ELECTED BY ELECTORS FROM ONE OF THE FOUR REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS I.E. THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
THE LABOUR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY COMPRISES THOSE REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS WHOSE MEMBERS ARE ALL EMPLOYEES. IT IS ALSO DIVIDED INTO TWO ELECTORAL DIVISIONS, AND EACH REGISTERED EMPLOYEE TRADE UNION WILL BE ABLE TO CAST A VOTE IN BOTH DIVISIONS.
MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, WHO MAKE UP THE FINANCIAL CONSTITUENCY, ARE EXCLUDED FROM BEING ELECTORS IN EITHER OF THE INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL CONSTITUENCIES- THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ONLY IN THEIR OWN (THE FINANCIAL) CONSTITUENCY.
ELECTORS IN THE SOCIAL SERVICES FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ARE THE MEMBER AGENCIES OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICEWHILE THOSE IN THE MEDICAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ARE MEMBERS CF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND OTHER REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN THE CASE OF A COMPANY OR OTHER CORPORATE ORGANISATION WHICH WAS A MEMBER CF A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ORGANISATION, PROVISION WOULD BE MADE FOR IT TO APPOINT +AN AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE* TO VOTE ON ITS BEHALF.
THE TEACHING FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY GENERALLY COMPRISES REGISTERED AND PERMITTED TEACHERS AND THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED FULL-TIME, OR PRINCIPALLY, IN TEACHING IN TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, SUCH AS THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, TOGETHER WITH TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
THE LEGAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY IS BASED SPECIFICALLY ON THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, THE TWO REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN HONG KONG, AND LAWYERS WITHIN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AND REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT.
/THE +ENGINEERS......
o
FKlbAf»
THE +ENGINEERS AND ASSOCIATED PROFESSIONS* CONSTITUENCY MENTIONED IN THE WHITE PAPER HAS BEEN RETITLED THE +ENG I NEER I NG, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING* FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY TO INDICATE MORE CLEARLY THE FOUR PROFESSIONS IT COVERS. THIS CONSTITUENCY IS BASED ON THE FOUR MAIN LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS OF THESE PROFESSIONS IN HONG KONG, NAMELY, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS.
THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT UNDER PART I I I OF THE BILL, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ELECTORAL FRANCHISE, A PERSON OR CORPORATE ORGANISATION MAY REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR IN ONLY ONE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY, EVEN THOUGH THAT PERSON OR ORGANISATION MAY BE QUALIFIED TO BE A MEMBER OF MORE THAN ONE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY ORGANISATION. ALSO, A PERSON MAY REGISTER AS AN ELECTOR IN ONLY ONE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCY.
+A PERSON WILL BE ABLE TO VOTE ONLY ONCE IN HIS OWN RIGHT. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON TO CAST A MAXIMUM OF TWO ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVE VOTES; FOR EXAMPLE, A LAWYER WHO IS A MEMBER OF A DISTRICT BOARD AND WHO IS ALSO APPOINTED AS THE AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE OF A CORPORATE ASSOCIATION OR COMPANY, WILL HAVE ONE VOTE IN HIS OWN RIGHT IN THE lEGAL CONSTITUENCY, PLUS A REPRESENTATIVE VOTE IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ON BEHALF OF HIS CONSTITUENCY IN THAT DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY AND ANOTHER REPRESENTATIVE VOTE ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY BY WHOM HE HAS BEEN APPOINTED AN AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVE, WHICH HE WOULD CAST IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THAT COMPANY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A PERSON MUST APPLY AND BE REGISTERED ON THE FINAL ELECTORAL REGISTER OF HIS CONSTITUENCY BEFORE HE CAN VOTE ON POLLING DAY-AND TO BE SO REGISTERED, HE MUST GENERALLY BE REGISTERED ALREADY ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS. HOWEVER, THIS LATTER REQUIREMENT WILL BE WAIVED, IN 1985 ONLY, FOR THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO BE REGISTERED AS ELECTORS ON THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL, BUT WHO HAVE OMITTED TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION.
THIS WAIVER WILL ALSO APPLY, AGAIN IN 1985 ONLY, TO CANDIDATURE REQUIREMENTS FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, WHICH ARE SET OUT IN PART V OF THE BILL, SO THAT A PERSON WHO IS ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE BUT FAILED TO REGISTER DURING THE LAST REGISTRATION PERIOD, WILL BE ABLE TO RUN AS A CANDIDATE THIS YEAR.
/IN BOTH
FRIDAY, MARCH fe, 19*55
IN BOTH THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, A CANDIDATE MUST HAVE A RESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATION OF 10 YEARS. A CANDIDATE FOR A FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY MUST IN ADDITION HAVE A +SUBSTANTIAL CONNECTION* WITH THAT CONSTITUENCY. FOR EXAMPLE, HE SHOULD BE A MEMBER, DIRECTOR, PARTNER OR OFFICER OF A COMPANY IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTITUENCIES, OR BE ENGAGED IN THE BUSINESS OF BANKING IN THE FINANCIAL CONSTITUENCY. IN THE CASE OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, THE MEMBERS WILL BE FREE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FROM OUTSIDE THE COLLEGE CONSTITUENCY, IF THEY SO WISH. A PERSON WHO HOLDS PUBLIC OFFICE E.G. IS EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STAND AS A CANDIDATE- AND NO PERSON MAY STAND AS A CANDIDATE IN MORE THAN ONE CONSTITUENCY.
IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THOSE CANDIDATES WHO ARE ELECTED TO BE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE CONSENSUS OF THE VOTERS IN THEIR CONSTITUENCIES, AN ABSOLUTE MAJORITY VOTING PROCEDURE WILL BE USED, RATHER THAN THE SIMPLE MAJORITY PROCEDURE USED IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS. UNDER THE ABSOLUTE MAJORITY PROCEDURE A CANDIDATE MUST SECURE MORE THAN 50% OF THE VOTES CAST IN ORDER TO WIN. THE DETAILS OF THE VOTING PROCEDURE WILL BE SET OUT IN THE SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS WHICH WILL BE MADE AFTER THE BILL HAS BEEN ENACTED.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1985 ALSO PROVIDES FOR DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS USED (PART I), THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE AND FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND GENERAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE ELECTION OF MEMBERS (PART II), THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS (PART ’V), THE SUPERVISION OF . ELECTIONS (PART VI), ELECTION PETITIONS (PART VII) AND VARIOUS MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS (PART VIII), INCLUDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING TO BE IN SECRET.
SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS CONTAINING DETAILED PROCEDURES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS, THE APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SUPERVISION OF THE ELECTIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED SEPARATELY, AS SOON AS THEY HAVE BEEN FINALISED AND APPROVED.
THE FIRST ELECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, IN A SIMILAR FASHION TO THAT IN WHICH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED AT PRESENT.
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/8 .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
8
SOCIAL wORl. CnEL BY CIVIC SPIRIT - GOVERNOR
* * * *
SOLID PROGRESS I in IMPROVING HONG KONG’S SOCIAL SERVICES IN RECENT YEA- . HAD BEEN MATCHED BY A STEADY GROWTH IN COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND PARTICIPATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN ORDER TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN, SIR EDWARD SAID AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YMCA HONG KONG CENTRE AT HARBOUR ROAD IN WAN CHAI.
HOWEVER, HE CAUTIONED THAT GOVERNMENT EFFORTS ALONE WOULD NOT BE SUFFICIENT. VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND ORGANISATIONS LIKE THE CHINESE YMCA PLAYED A VITAL SUPPORTING ROLE.
♦THIS FINE CENTRE IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF THE CONTRIBUTION THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR CAN MAKE,+ HE ADDED.
SIR EDWARD SAID THIS NEW HONG KONG CENTRE WAS AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT. THE BUILDING, WHICH WOULD BE 21 STOREYS WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD SERVE ?OTH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND VISITING YOUNG PEOPLE FROM OVERSEAS.
THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CENTRE WOULD GREATLY BENEFIT CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS. THE AVAILABILITY OF THESE SERVICES WOULD ENCOURAGE A HEALTHY USE OF LEISURE TIME AND PROMOTE A WIDER AWARENESS OF THE WAY IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A BETTER COMMUNITY.
THE CENTRE WOULD ALSO HOUSE A 3OO-ROOM HOSTEL PROVIDING REASONABLY PRICED ACCOMMODA" On -OR TRAVELLERS FROM MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD; AND "HEREBY PROMOTE GREATER GOODWILL AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT" INTERNATIONAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION’S FORMIDABLE FUND-RAISING ACHIEVEMENT WH'Cr HAD ENABLED IT TO FINANCE THIS PROJECT THROUGH ITS OWN E-FORTS AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF MANY GENEROUS DONORS.
THE TOTAL BUILDING COST IS ESTIMATED TO BE $70 MILLION.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
9
WAGE SECURITY FUND SCHEME * * *
WORKERS IN COMPANIES TriAT BECOME INSOLVENT MAY SOON BE ABLE TO RECEIVE WAGES DUE TO THEW FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY BILL, WHICH GIVES EFFECT TO THE FUND SCHEME, IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE BILL ESTABLISHES A FUND BOARD WHICH ADMINISTERS THE FUND AND EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO INVESTIGATE WAGE CLAIMS AND MAKE PAYMENT FROM THE FUND.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR RON BRIDGE SAID WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, EMPLOYEES WHO WERE OWED WAGES AND WHOSE EMPLOYERS BECAME INSOLVENT MIGHT APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FROM THE FUND.
HE SAID THE WAGES INCLUDE ALL REMUNERATIONS AND EARNINGS, STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY, ANNUAL LEAVE PAY, END OF YEAR PAYMENT, MATERNITY LEAVE PAY AND SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.
♦PAYMENT FROM THE FUND IS LIMITED TO FOUR MONTHS’ WAGES NOT EXCEEDING $8 000,+ MR BRIDGE ADDED.
ALL EMPLOYEES WERE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY EXCEPT THOSE WHO WERE MEMBERS OF THE EMPLOYER’S OWN FAMILY LIVING WITH HIM.
MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON FOR SETTING UP THE FUND WAS TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM LOSS OF EARNINGS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH QUICK RELIEF WHEN A FIRM BECAME INSOLVENT.
♦ TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE HAS BEEN KEPT AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE AND PAYMENT WILL BE MADE AS SOON AS THE WAGE CLAIM CAN BE VERIFIED,+HE SAID.
IN MOST CASES, HE SAID, THE PRESENTATION OF A WINDING-UP OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION WOULD BE A PRE-CONDITION FOR PAYMENT.
HOWEVER, MR BRIDGE SAID THE REQUIREMENT FOR PRESENTATION OF A PETITION MIGHT BE WAIVED IF THE FIRM WAS VERY SMALL AND THE ASSETS WERE LIKELY TO BE TOO SMALL TO JUSTIFY THE COST INVOLVED.
HE SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT PAYMENT COULD BE MADE WITHIN ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
ONCE AN EMPLOYEE HAD BEEN PAID FROM THE FUND, HIS RIGHTS TO PREFERENTIAL PAYMENT IN RESPECT OF THAT AMOUNT OF WAGES WOULD BE TRANSFERRED TO THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD.
/♦THIS WILL ......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
IO
♦ THIS WILL NOT, HOWEVER, AFFECT HIS RIGHTS UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY AND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCES TO PREFERENTIAL PAYMENTS IN RESPECT OF OTHER DEBTS SUCH AS WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND ACCRUED HOLIDAY REMUNERATION.*
MR BRIDGE SAID HE EXPECTED MORE THAN 10 000 CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT FROM THE FUND WOULD BE RECEIVED EACH YEAR.
AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ABUSE, HE ADDED, APPLICATIONS
WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE IN A PRESCRIBED FORM SUPPORT BY A STATUTORY DECLARATION AND EMPLOYERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE WAGES AND EMPLOYMENT RECORDS.
♦ WAGE CLAIMS WILL BE INVESTIGATED AND EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS,* HE SAID.
THE FUND IS FINANCED BY AN ANNUAL LEVY OF 5100 ON ALL BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES AND IS EXPECTED TO HAVE AN INCOME CF ABOUT $35 MILLION IN ITS FIRST YEAR.
TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE WORKING OF THE FUND, A GUIDE, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
MR BRIDGE ADDED HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE BILL WOULD BE WELCOMED BOTH BY WORKERS WHO WOULD BENEFIT AND BY THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL.
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY 1985 * * * * *
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO GROW ALBEIT AT A LESS RAPID RATE IN JANUARY, ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS SHOWED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE IN THE MONTH AFTER HAVING REGISTERED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. REFLECTING THESE CHANGES, BOTH THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENTS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY AND THE TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY SHOWED SOME INCREASE DURING THE MONTH.
DEMAND FOR LOANS CONTINUED TO BE SLACK. LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE FELL FURTHER BUT OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG RECORDED SOME INCREASE.
/DEPOSITS .......
PH IDA Y, MARCH 8, 198?
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY, CSS THAN THE P.3 PER CENT RISE IN DECEMBER. THESE DEPOSITS Increased by per cent in the three months to January, and -Y EC.'- °EF CENT IN THE TWELVE MONTHS. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS SHCwED NO INCREASE IN JANUARY, AFTER A RAPID INCREASE OF 4.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. THESE DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.8 FER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY AND BY 25.1 PER CENT IN THE TWELVE MONTHS.
TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS REGISTERED THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY INCREASE, RISING BY 1.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY COMPARED WITH 4.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, HOWEVER, FELL BY 5.9 P.ER CENT, FOLLOWING A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 0.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY, DEPOSITS WITH BANKS GREW BY 9.0 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DROPDED BY 6.1 PER CENT. THE SHIFT OF DEPOSITS THUS CONTINUED IN FAVOUR OF BANKS AS THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES AND HKAB DEPOSIT RATES, ALTHOUGH INCREASING DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE MONTH AS HKAB RATES WERE CUT TWICE, REMAINED RELATIVELY SMALL.
STATISTICS ON SWAP DEPOSITS COLLECTED FROM BANKS INDICATE SOME INCREASE IN JANUARY. AT THE END OF JANUARY, 522.7 BILLION OR 16.1 PER CENT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH BANKS WERE HELD ON A SWAP BASIS, I.E. wHERE THE CUSTOMER HAS CONTRACTED ,JTH “HE BANK TO PURCHASE HONG KONG DOLLARS AT A PRE-DETERMINED RATE WITH THE PROCEEDS OF THE FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSIT AT MATURITY. THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE AT THE END OF DECEMBER WAS 320.1 BILLION OR 14.6 PER CENT.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE FURTHER IN JANUARY. HK3M1 (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION) ROSE STRONGLY BY 5.1 PER CENT. THE BROADER DEFINITIONS HK3M2 AND HK$M3 ALSO ROSE, ALBEIT LESS RAPIDLY, BY 1.5 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN DECEMBER WERE 4.2 PER CENT, 4.5 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY, HK$M1 ROSE BY 14.2 PER CENT, FKSM2 BY 12.8 PER CENT AND HK»M3 BY 8.5 PER CENT. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES WERE 5.2 PER CENT, 17.2 PER CENT AND 16.7 PER CENT.
/TOTAL MONEY .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
12
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY oUPPLY ALSO ROSE ON All DEFINITIONS. TOTAL Ml ROSE BY 3.9 PEP CENT, REFLECTING THE SIGNIFICANT RISE IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENT. TOTAL M2 WAS 2.0 PER CENT HIGHER AND TOTAL M3 3.5 PER CENT. THE GROWTH RATES IN DECEMBER, WHICH WERE SUBJECT TO SEASONAL INFLUENCES, WERE 5.3 PER CENT, 4.6 PER CENT AND 3.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY WERE 14.0 PER CENT, 9.0 PER CENT AND 6.0 PER CENT, AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS WERE 6.3 PER CENT, 19.2 PER CENT AND 20.6 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW ONLY MARGINALLY, BY 0.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY FOLLOWING 0.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY, THESE GREW BY 1.5 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 7.5 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE FELL FURTHER BY 6.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY, AFTER A DECREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. WHILE THEY FELL BY 6.6 PER CENT OVER THE LATEST THREE MONTHS, THEY WERE STILL 4.3 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS. HOWEVER, WHEN LOANS IN THE FORM OF BANK ACCEPTANCES AND BANK BILLS OF EXCHANGE TO FINANCE EXPORTS FROM HONG KONG ARE INCLUDED, THE DECREASE IN JANUARY WAS LESS, AT 4.6 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO GROW SLOWLY, BY 0.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO JANUARY, THEY ROSE BY 3.0 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 6.5 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHOWED NET ASSETS AT $4.6 BILLION AT THE END OF JANUARY, ROUGHLY THE SAME AS AT THE END OF DECEMBER. SIMILAR STATISTICS COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) SHOWED NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $3.7 BILLION AND NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $21.5 BILLION, BOTH MARGINALLY HIGHER THAN CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN DECEMBER 1984.
/LIQUIDITY ratio ......
fHIDAi, MARCH 8, 1985
LIQUIDITY RATIO
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S.18 OF THE BANKING OrSI NANCE) FOR ALL BANKS REMAINED VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED at ha q ppp rPMT COMPARED WITH 49,6 PER CENT IN DECEMBER* I nt AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (as DEFINED IN S.2AA OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE TO 48.3 PER CENT FROM 43.8 PER CENT A MONTH EARLIER.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
tmf NUMBER OF OPERATING LICENSED BANKS AND THE NUMBER OF OPERATING LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BOTH REMAINED UNCHANGtD, AT 140 AND 33 RESPECTIVELY. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL TO 307.
---------0 - - - -
TWO NEW MEMBERS FOR URBAN COUNCIL * * *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED TWO NEW MEMBERS AND REAPPOINTED THREE SERVING MEMBERS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THREE YEARS FROM APRIL 1, 1985, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO NEW MEMBERS ARE MR FAN KAM-PING, A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL AND MR MARVIN CHEUNG KIN-TUNG, AN ACCOUNTANT. SERVING MEMBERS REAPPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL ARE MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, MR STEPHEN LAU MAN-LUNG AND MR HOWARD YOUNG HOW-WAH.
MR FAN, AGED 40, IS THE PRINCIPAL OF THE CMA PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL. HE IS AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD D A MEMBER OF THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL AND THE PANEL OF ASSESSORS. HE ALSO CHAIRS THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE O' THE DISTRICT.
MR CHEUNG, AGED 38, WAS TRAINED AS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT IN UK AND IS NOW WITH THE ACCOUNTANT FIRM PEAT, MARWICK AND MITCHELL. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD AND THE PANEL CF THE PERFORMING RIGHT TRIBUNAL. UNTIL APRIL 1984, HE ALSO SERVED ON THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
IN ANNOUNCING THE APPOINTMENTS, THE GOVERNOR ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO TWO MEMBERS WHO WILL BE RETIRING, MR KENNETH T.C. LO AND MR SHUM CHOI-SANG FOR THEIR VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNCIL.
+1 AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME AND ENERGY THEY HAVE DEVOTED TO THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL OVER THE YEARS, AND THE EXPERIENCE THEY HAVE BROUGHT TO ITS DELIBERATIONS,* SAID THE GOVERNOR.
MR LO WAS FIRST APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL IN 1966 AND FR SHUM IN 1974.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
14
LORD YOUNG ARRIVING TOMORROW
* * *
LORD YOUNG, MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO, WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AFTER LEADING A TRADE MISSION TO CHINA.
LORD YOUNG AND HIS PARTY ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT QUEEN’S PIER AT 5 PM BY HOVERFERRY.
THEY WILL BE MET BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
LORD YOUNG WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT 4 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12) BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OF LORD YOUNG AND HIS TRADE MISSION TOMORROW AFTERNOON. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT QUEEN’S PIER BY 4.45 PM AT THE LATEST.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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A CHAT WITH THE CHILDREN - IN PUTONGHUA
*****
LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, HAD A CHANCE TO PRACTISE HER PUTONGHUA WHEN SHE CHATTED WITH CHILDREN AT THE KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL DURING HER VISIT THERE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
ON ARRIVAL, LADY YOUDE WAS GREETED BY THE HEADMISTRESS, JEANNIE SUN CHOW, AND THE CHILDREN IN PUTONGHUA. THE SCHOOL PUTONGHUA AS A MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND IS ONE OF THE FIRST ADOPT THE NEW ACTIVITY APPROACH EDUCATIONAL METHOD.
MRS USES
TO
LADY YOUDE WENT TO THE KINDERGARTEN, WHERE SOME CHILDREN WENT UP TO HER WITH PRESENTS, AND THE BRAVER ONES, A FEW WORDS OF PUTONGHUA.
/THEN, TOURING .......
S-’KlDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
THEN, TOURING THE REST OP THE SCHOOL, SHE WENT TO THE ART AND CRAFT ROOK, THE COMPUTER ROOM, THE SCHOOL LIBRARY AND A CLOSED CIRCUIT TV ROOM FOR PRODUCING THE SCHOOL’S OWN EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
SHE ALSO SAW CHILDREN IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION, MUSIC AND BALLET CLASSES.
LATER IN THE MORNING, LADY YOUDE VISITED THE VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SCHOOL’S SUPERVISOR, MISS KATHLEEN BARKER AND THE PRINCIPAL, MISS AMY TSO, LADY YOUDE SAW HOW DEAF PUPILS LEARN TO SPEAK IN SPECIAL CLASSES.
BEFORE CONCLUDING HER VISIT, LADY YOUDE WAS TREATED TO A PERFORMANCE BY THE SCHOOL PERCUSSION BAND.
-----o------
PRESS CONFERENCE ON AIDS * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING A PRESS CONFERENCE ON AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10.30 AM AT SUNNING PLAZA, 13TH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF I'EDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S H. LEE AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (MEDICAL SERVICES), DR RUDY KHOO.
-----o------
FRIdAY, MARCH 8, 1985
DRAFT ZONING PLAN FOR CENTRAL AMENDED M * * X * M
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED FOUR AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CENTRAL DISTR ICT.
THE FIRST AMENDMENT INVOLVES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PROPOSED ELEVATED ROAD ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BY THE 'UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME’.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT INCLUDED IN THE SCHEME WERE A FLYOVER AT RUMSEY STREET. AN UNDERPASS AT PEDDER STREET AND A NEW FLYOVER AT HARCOURT ROAD.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD PROJECTS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 1986/87 AND TO BE COMPLETED BY 1989/90.
THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS TO REZONE A SITE OF 1 290 SQUARE f€TRES IN GARDEN ROAD FROM ’GOVERNMENT/INSTI TUT ION/COMMUNITY’ TO ’COMMERCIAL’ USE.
+ THE SITE WAS ORIGINALLY RESERVED FOR A FIRE STATION WHICH HAS NOW BEEN RELOCATED TO A SITE FRONTING COTTON TREE DRIVE IN VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE THIRD AMENDMENT IS TO ADJUST THE ZONING BOUNDARIES CF THE ’OPEN SPACE’ AND ’COMMERCIAL’ SITES AT THE JUNCTION OF GARDEN ROAD AND QUEENSWAY. THE ’COMMERCIAL’ SITE IS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BANK OF CHINA BUILDING.
THIS AMENDMENT ALSO INVOLVES THE REALIGNMENT OF THE ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THESE TWO SITES.
THE FOURTH AMENDMENT IS TO EXTEND THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE PLANNING AREA BY INCLUDING THE AREA TO THE NORTH AND wEST OF FENWICK PIER STREET INTO THE PLANNING AREA.
THE AMENDMENT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, AND 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 NO LATER THAN MARCH 28, 1985.
COPIES OF THE AMENDMENT 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.
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/17......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
17
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 4 120 HOS FLATS
*****
APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FROM NEXT TUESDAY (MARCH 12) FOR 4 120 FLATS UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY THE FLATS FOR SALE WERE ON FOUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS -PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN, SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHI WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN.
THERE ARE 1 520 TWO-BEDROOM FLATS ON FIVE 30/31-ST0REY BLOCKS IN PRIME VIEW GARDEN. WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 42.4 AND 52.9 SQUARE METRES, THE FLATS ARE PRICED FROM $103 500 TO $166 100 EACH.
LOCATED AT A FOOTHILL CLOSE TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN SAN HUI, PRIME VIEW GARDEN ENJOYS A NICE VIEW OF THE EXTENSIVE YUEN LONG PLAIN.
THE 800 FLATS IN HOLFORD GARDENS HAVE SIZES BETWEEN 42.9 AND 53.1 SQUARE METRES, EACH HAVING TWO BEDROOMS.
THEY ARE ON THREE BLOCKS OF 25 TO 30 STOREYS AND ARE PRICED FROM $164 200 TO $267 100 EACH.
HOLFORD GARDENS IS LOCATED AT TAI WAI IN SHA TIN, OPPOSITE TO THE NEW TAI WAI RAILWAY STATION NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
SUN LAI GARDEN AT HAMMER HILL IN NGAU CHI WAN HAS THREE 25-STOREY BLOCKS CONTAINING 600 FLATS.
WITH GROSS AREAS VARYING BETWEEN 41.5 AND 54.0 SQUARE METRES, THE FLATS HAVE EITHER TWO OR THREE BEDROOMS AND ARE PRICED FROM $180 900 TO $320 900 EACH.
THE FIRST PHASE OF GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE HAS FOUR 30-ST0REY BLOCKS WI TH 1 200 FLATS.
MOST FLATS VARY IN GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 54.1 AND 69.4 SQUARE METRES AND HAVE TWO OR THREE BEDROOMS EACH.
FLAT PRICES RANGE FROM $233 500 TO $380 000.
ANOTHER TYPE OF THREE-BEDROOM FLATS, WITH A SIZE OF 81.3 SQUARE METRES, HAS AN ADDITIONAL BATHROOM ATTACHED TO THE MASTER BEDROOM AND IS PRICED FROM $340 800 TO $403 600.
GREENWOOD TERRACE IS JUST WITHIN MINUTES’ WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION TO BE OPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF the YEAR.
MEANWHILE, SAMPLE FLATS WILL BE OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE FOUR PSPS PROJECTS.
/THEIR OPSHINO........
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
18
THEIR OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 12 NOON TO 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
FOR PRIME VIEW GARDEN, SAMPLE FLATS ON SITE WILL ONLY BE OPEN ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 5.30 PM, WHILE MOCK UP FLATS OF THE PROJECT AT THE-GROUND FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHITE-FORM APPLICANTS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR MUST HAVE A FAMILY INCOME NOT EXCEEDING S7 500 A MONTH AND SATISFY THE NORMAL HOS ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.
+TWO-PERSON FAMILIES MAY ALSO APPLY.
+PUBLIC HOUSING AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TENANTS, RESIDENTS OF COTTAGE AREAS MANAGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, WAITING LIST APPLICANTS, CLEAREES AND DISASTER VICTIMS AND JUNIOR CIVIL SERVANTS MAY APPLY USING THE GREEN FORM.
+THERE WILL BE NO LIMITS ON INCOME OR PROPERTY OWNERSHIP FOR GREEN-FORM APPLICANTS FROM PUBLIC HOUSING AND THA TENANTS.*
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM NEXT TUESDAY (MARCH 12) AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S APPLICATIONS SECTION AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, ESTATE OFFICES OF HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 25.
- 0 - -
TOPPING-OUT FOR PSPS PROJECT IN SHA TIN
*****
OWING TO THE DEMAND, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF 5 000 HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS PER YEAR, SUPPLEMENTED BY 5 000 PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD, AT A TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE FIRST PSPS PROJECT IN SHA TIN, HOLFORD GARDENS, WHICH IS ALSO THE FIRST INVOLVEMENT OF A MAINLAND CHINA-BASED ORGANISATION IN THE PROVISION OF PSPS HOUSING.
HE SAID THE FIGURE IN THE COMING YEAR WOULD BE HIGHER AS IT WAS PLANNED TO COMPLETE 8 700 HOS AND 11 900 PSPS FLATS.
+BUT THIS IS AN UNUSUAL YEAR AND THE AVERAGE PRODUCTION OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL BALANCE OUT TO OUR ANNUAL TARGET OF 10 000 FLATS FOR HOS PLUS PSPS TOGETHER.
/♦THE HONG
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
- 19
♦THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN TAKING OVER FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCTION WHICH IT CAN WELL DO ITSELF. SO WE LOOK FORWARD TO A CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION OF SMALL FLATS BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.+
MR FORD SAID THE PSPS WAS DEVISED AS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS AND THE GOVERNMENT WITH THE SOCIAL OBJECTIVE OF OFFERING MORE LOW-PRICED HOMES TO EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AND TO OTHER LOWER-MIDDLE-INCOME FAMILIES WISHING TO ACQUIRE THEIR OWN HOMES.
+WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN SUCH A GOOD RESPONSE FROM DEVELOPERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PSPS PROGRAMME.+
HE DESCRIBED THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THESE MUCH-NEEDED HOMES AS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.
+SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME IN 1978, OVER 44 OOO HOS AND PSPS FLATS HAVE BEEN SOLD.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS JUSTLY PROUD OF THE HIGH STANDARD OF ITS HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND I AM SURE WE CAN RELY ON PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO MAINTAIN AN EQUALLY HIGH STANDARD IN PSPS SCHEMES.*
THREE BLOCKS AT HOLFORD GARDENS, CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE FAST-DEVELOPING NEW TOWN, WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE NEXT WEEK, TOGETHER WITH THREE OTHER PSPS PROJECTS.
EARLIER IN THE CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME COMMITTEE, MR CHARLES SIN, SAID THAT THE PROJECT INDICATED A DEEPER INVOLVEMENT OF MAINLAND CHINA-BASED ORGANISATIONS IN THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
+THIS CERTAINLY BRINGS ABOUT GOOD EFFECT IN HELPING MAINTAIN THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.+
-----0------
CHANCE SEEN FOR SOLVING HOUSING PROBLEM
******
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY NOW HAD THE OPPORTUNITY NOT ONLY TO CLEAR SQUATTERS FROM URBAN HILLSIDES FOREVER, BUT ALSO TO FIND A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM.
HE SAID THIS HAD RESULTED FROM THE FACT THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR MANY DECADES, THE AUTHORITY COULD NOW LOOK FORWARD TO LOW POPULATION GROWTH.
/fiPEAKING AT.........
FRIDAY, MARCH fe, 1985
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A CENTRE RUN BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION IN KAI CHEUNG TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, MR FORD SAID: +WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE THEREFORE WITH CONFIDENCE.*
+OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS OR SO A PROPER HOME FOR EVERYONE IN HONG
WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE KONG WHO NEEDS ONE.+
MR FORD STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF POPULATION TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE SIZE OF HONG KONG’S
+WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN HONG KONG 17 YEARS AGO, THERE WERE OVER 400 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN SQUATTER HUTS. SINCE THEN WE HAVE HOUSED OVER 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE.
+OUR LAST SURVEY SHOWED THERE WERE STILL 500 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN SQUATTER HUTS. SO WE HAVE BEEN RUNNING VERY FAST BUT STANDING STILL.+
HE SAID IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA WAS A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN THE ' ZE CF HONG KONG’S POPULATION, BUT THE EFFORTS OF THE FAMILY ^LANNING ASSOCIATION HAD ALSO BEEN A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION.
+OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE BIRTH RATE HAS DECLINED FROM
PER THOUSAND TO 16 PER THOUSAND THANKS LARGELY TO THE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMME, AND OUR COMMUNITY OWES A SINCERE DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION FOR THIS ACHIEVEMENT.
+THE MOVE TOWARDS SMALLER FAMILIES AND OUR HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTION OF FLATS HAS OTHER EFFECTS TOO.
-•■FAMILIES CAN EXPECT TO STAY IN THA’S FOR SHORTER PERIODS OF TIME- WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXTEND THE ELIGIBILITY OF HOUSING TO TWO-PERSON FAMILIES AND INDEED TO SINGLE PEOPLE AS WELL.
+ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS PLANNING TO BUILD AND MANAGE ITS OWN HOSTELS FOR THE OVER 5O’S IN MANY OF OUR ESTATES.+
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS NOT ONLY BUILDING HOMES BUT COMMUNITIES.
♦ AND WE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY BELIEVE THAT COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE ESTATES ARE AS IMPORTANT AS THE FLATS THEMSELVES. THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IS VITAL IF WE ARE TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM.+
-----0------
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
21
WORK TO START ON ELEVATED ROADS
* * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A $160 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ELEVATED ROADS FOR THE STAGE I I I OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT'HIGHWAYS ENGINEER, MR HAROLD BEATON SIGNED THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND MR J. J. MCNAUGHT AND MR J.G. HAMILTON FOR LEIGHTON CONTRACTOR’S PTY LIMITED.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 500-METRE DUAL TWO LANE ELEVATED ROAD FROM YEN CHOW STREET TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD NEAR CHEUNG MOU STREET.
ANOTHER 450-METRE ELEVATED ROAD WILL ALSO BE BUILT FROM TUNG CHAU STREET TO TONG MEI ROAD.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY NEAR KIU KIANG STREET AND A DOWN-RAMP NEAR BUTE STREET.
WORKS WILL START THIS MONTH.
ON COMPLETION TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS LATER, TRAFFIC ACCESS
ALONG ROUTE 2 BETWEEN SOUTH KOWLOON AND THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES wILL BE IMPROVED AND CONGESTION IN NORTH-wEST KOWLOON WILL BE EASED.
-------o ----------
JOINT EFFORTS HELP SOLVE TAXI, PLB PROBLEMS
******
CLOSE CO-OPERATION AND CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE TAXI AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TRADES IN THE PAST YEAR HAD HELPED RESOLVE MANY OF THE DIFFICULTIES AND PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY THESE TRADES, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPRING RECEPTION OF THE TRANSPORT CITY ASSOCIATIONS, MR SO SAID THE TAXI OPERATORS CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE AND THE PLB/GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE WERE VENUES FOR +FRANK AND OPEN+ DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND TAXI AND PLB TRADES RESPECTIVELY.
THROUGH THESE CONFERENCES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT wAS ABLE TO EXPLAIN GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO THE TRADES AND TO CONSULT THEM ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTERESTS. AT THE SAME TIME, MEMBERS OF THE TRADES WERE ABLE TO RAISE ANY MATTERS THAT AFFECTED THEIR OPERATION FOR DISCUSSION, SO SAID.
/+IT IS
r RlDA’l, MARCH £, 1985
- 22 -
+ IT IS THROUGH THE CONGE.IAL, FRIENDLY AND CO-OPERATIVE DISCUSSIONS -ELD AT THESE CONFERENCE THAT MANY PROBLEMS ARISING FROM CHANGING TRANSPORT PATTERNS *'ERE RESOLVED, BETTER UNDERSTANDIN. ACHIEVED AND IMPROVEMENTS INTRODUCED.*
MR SO CALLED ON TAXI AND PLB OPERATORS TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE CONFERENCES AS A FORUM FOR MORE OPEN DISCUSSION ON TRANSPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN THE FUTURE.
+YOUR ACTIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THESE CONFERENCES WILL ENSURE THAT THE FORMULATION OF ANY FUTURE TRANSPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE DONE WITH BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND WITH THE BEST COMPATIBLE INTEREST OF THE TRADES AND THE PUBLIC IN MIND,* HE SAID.
REVIEWING TAXI AND PLB OPERATIONS IN THE PAST YEAR, MR SO SAID THAT BOTH TRADES HAD MADE STEADY PROGRESS. THE IMPROVEMENT IN TAXI SERVICES IN RECENT MONTHS WAS EVIDENCED BY THE LETTERS OF APPRECIATION FROM THE PUBLIC TO THE PRESS WHILE THE IMPROVEMENT IN PLB SERVICES WAS OBVIOUS FROM THE FACT THAT BIGGER, MORE COMFORTABLE AND EVEN AIR-CONDITIONED PLBS WERE RUNNING ON THE ROADS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAVING REVIEWED ITS TAXI POLICY AND HAVING ACCEPTED THE USEFUL ROLE OF TAXIS AS AN ADJUNCT TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, NAD STABILISED THE FUTURE OF THE TRADE BY WAY OF A MODEST INCREASE IN ANNUAL TAXI LICENCE FEES, A LIMIT ON THE FURTHER ISSUE OF LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS AND A MORATORIUM FOR T TAXI LICENCES, UP TO 1986.
OTHER MEASURES TO HELP THE TRADE CONSOLIDATE ITS OPERATION INCLUDED THE EXTENSION OF THE NT TAXI BOUNDARY AND THE MOVE TO ALLOw TAXIS CARRY ADVERTISEMENTS.
ON PLBS, MR SO SAID THAT THERE «ERE PROBLEMS LAST YEAR ARISING FROM PLB OPERATIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND FROM THE SELECTION OF GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS ON CERTAIN ROUTES. HOWEVER, THESE WERE IRONED OUT AND THE TRADE HAD EMERGED STRONGER AND BETTER IN THE FACE OF A CHANGING TRANSPORT SCENE.
A REVIEW OF PLB AND GREEN MINIBUS OPERATIONS WAS CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR AND FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW HAD BEEN NOTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY, MR SO SAID.
HE HOPED THAT RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REVIEW REPORT COULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AS MANY OF THE PROPOSED MEASURES WOULD HELP THE PLB TRADE ADJUST ITSELF TO THE IMPENDING CHANGE IN THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT PATTERN WITH THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE IN LATE MAY.
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/23........
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
- 25 -
CJ TO START OFF CIVIL SERVANTS RUN
* * *
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, * ILL START OFF A LONG DISTANCE RUN IN WHICH ABOUT 700 CIVIL SERVANTS FROM 36 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE TAKING PART TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10 AM..
THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL START AND FINISH AT TAI TAM TUK RESERVOIR AT TAI TAM ROAD. THE EVENT WILL BE IN TWO DIVISIONS, WITH THE MEN COVERED 10 KILOMETRES AND THE WOMEN SIX KILOMETRES..
SIR DENYS WILL ALSO PRESENT THE +ROBERTS SHIELD* TO THE WINNER OF THE MEN’S DIVISION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM.
-----0------
SPEEDPOST GOES TO PORTUGAL * * * *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO PORTUGAL FROM MONDA (MARCH 11), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THERE WILL THEN BE 28 COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG, HE SAID.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS WOULD BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO LISBON, OPORTO AND COIMBRA IN PORTUGAL.
ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG WOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEES IN LISBON ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY, AND IN OPORTO AND COIMBRA ON THE FOLLOWING WORKING DAY.
BOTH +CONTRACT+ AND +0N DEMAND* SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT PER ITEM IS 15 KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G $70
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250 G AND 500 G $80
EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500 G $25
/+THi SPEEDPOST ....
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
24
♦ THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS.
♦CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ■-EQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON —2671108,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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ANOTHER GOOD YEAR FOR FISHERMEN
******
HONG KONG FISHERMEN HAD ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR LAST YEAR WITH CATCHES INCREASING IN BOTH QUANTITY AND VALUE.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER PARTY FOR LEADING FISHERMEN TODAY (FRIDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, SAID THIS WAS DUE, IN NO SMALL MEASURE, TO THEIR HARD WORK AND TO THE INCREASING ADOPTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT POND FISH FARMERS WERE LESS FORTUNATE AS A PROLONGED COLD SPELL TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR HAD ADVERSELY AFFECTED PRODUCTION.
ALSO, DUE TO CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE TOTAL AREA OF FISH PONDS DECLINED FURTHER.
MARICULTURISTS, HOWEVER, DID VERY WELL AND THE YIELD OF CULTURED MARINE FISH INCREASED BY OVER 30 PER CENT IN WEIGHT COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ASSIST THOSE WORKING IN THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
TO COPE WITH NEW URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND TO PROVIDE BETTER MARKETING FACILITIES, THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION REPROVISIONED ITS MARKETS AT SHAU KEI WAN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN IN THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR.
A LARGE MARKET AT YIM TIN TSAI, TAI PO, WAS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN THE COMING SUMMER AND PLANNING FOR NEW MARKETS AT YAU TONG AND TUEN MUN WAS IN PROGRESS, HE SAID.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN THANKED THE LEADING FISHERMEN FOR THE CO-OPERATION THEY GAVE TO BOTH THE DEPARTMENT AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION DURING THE PAST YEAR WHICH, HE ADDED, wAS INVALUABLE IN THE JOINT ENDEAVOURS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.
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/25........
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
25
FIRE OFFICERS TOLD OF NEED FOR PATIENCE
* * * *
SIR SHIU-KIN TANG TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON A GROUP OF NEWLY GRADUATED FIRE OFFICERS TO SHOa UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE TOWARDS VICTIMS GF FIRE AND OTHER CALAMITIES.
SIR SHIU-KIN WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF FIVE PROBATION STATION OFFICERS AND 42 FIREMEN AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
+1 HAVE LONG ADMIRED THE DEDICATION TO JOB, THE COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC FOR WHICH THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES IS SO RENOWNED. THE PUBLIC HOLDS YOU IN HIGH REGARD. WE ADMIRE YOUR COURAGE AND ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SERVICES YOU RENDER,+ SIR SHIU-KIN SAID.
HE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEIR CHOSEN CAREER DEMANDS TOTAL COMMITMENT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
♦IT IS A HIGHLY DISCIPLINED AND DANGEROUS ONE,+ HE SAID.
SIR SHIU-KIN LATER PRESENTED BEST RECRUIT AWARDS TO PROBATION STATION OFFICER CHEUNG KAR-WAI AND FIREMAN CHOI WING-CHEONG.
-------o --------
STALLS AT FLOWER SHOW FOR LEASE X * * *
A TOTAL OF 24 COMMERCIAL STALLS FOR THE SALE OF FLOWERS, PLANTS AND HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW TO BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL 19 AND 21 IN EDINBURGH PLACE.
OF THE STALLS, 17 WILL MEASURE ABOUT NINE SQUARE PETRES EACH WHILE THE REST WILL MEASURE ABOUT 18 SQUARE METRES EACH.
A SMALL STALL CARRIES AN UPSET PRICE OF $200 AND A LARGE ONE, $400.
AUCTIONING OF THE STALLS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE VICTORIA PARK TENNIS CENTRE IN CAUSEWAY BAY AT 9.15 A.M. ON MARCH 20.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO BID FOR A STALL SHOULD BRING ALONG WITH THEM THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS, TWO PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS, AND SUFFICIENT MONEY TO COVER THE BID AS WELL AS $135 FOR THE ISSUING OF A TEMPORARY LICENCE.
OTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKER RECORD OFFICES OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND AT SAI YEE STREET DEPOT IN KOWLOON.
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/26......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
26
TENDERS INVITED TO OPERATE KIOSK * * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF A FAST FOOD KIOSK IN CENTRAL.
THE KIOSK IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT CENTRAL PROMENADE, HARBOUR VIEW STREET.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE AWARDED A THREE YEAR CONTRACT FROM THE DATE OF SIGNING THE CONTRACT. AT PRESENT, THE KIOSK CARRIES A MONTHLY RENTAL OF $33 300.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL MARKET BUILDING.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE AND PLACED BY HAND IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEPTION COUNTER. 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG BEFORE 9 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 12). LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
-----o - -
TEACHING COURSE FOR PEOPLE IN INDUSTRY
* * *
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL ORGANISE A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME TEACHER TRAINING COURSE THIS SEPTEMBER FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME YEARS OF INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING UP TEACHING AS A PROFESSION.
SUBJECTS BEING OFFERED INCLUDE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND NECHANICAL ENGINEERING.
INDUCEMENT GRANTS BETWEEN $1 650 AND $2 500 PER MONTH WILL EE GIVEN TO STUDENTS TAKING THE COURSE. GRANTS WILL BE CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF YEARS OF RELEVANT POST-QUALIFICATION INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE.
APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS EITHER A HIGHER DIPLOMA, ORDINARY DIPLOMA. HIGHER CERTIFICATE OR EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS AWARDED BY THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE, THE POLYTECHNIC, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES CR AN EQUIVALENT EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE BY
MARCH 25. _____0________
/27......
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
21
POLICE TRAINING CAMP * * * *
REDEVELOPMENT
REDEVELOPMENT WORK ON THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT TRAINING CAMP AT FANLING WILL BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND SHOULD 8E COMPLETED IN 1987/88, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY, SAID LAST (THURSDAY) NIGHT.
SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE CAMP, MR HENRY SAID THE PROJECT WILL COST ABOUT 395 MILLION. DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, THE PTU WILL MAKE A TEMPORARY MOVE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES DEPOT.
MR HENRY SAID THE BLUE BERETS HAD MADE THEIR MARK, INDELIBLY, IN HONG KONG ANNALS NOT ONLY THROUGH HELPING IN THE MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER BUT ALSO FOR THEIR INVALUABLE ASSISTANCE DURING TIMES OF CRISIS.
’’AS A RESULT, FEW PEOPLE IN HONG KONG HAVE NOT HEARD OF THE FINE REPUTATION THAT OUR BLUE BERETS HAVE, AND ALL WHO HAVE PASSED THROUGH THESE PORTALS ARE WELL DESERVING OF THE HIGH ESTEEM IN WHlCh OUR PTU OFFICERS ARE HELD BY THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
ON PARADE YESTERDAY WERE 170 MEMBERS OF '’FOXTROT” COMPANY, HAVE JUST COMPLETED 10 WEEKS’ TRAINING TO EQUIP THEM FOR A 20-WEEK ATTACHMENT TO WEST KOWLOON.
-----0-----
MEDAL FOR MARINE SUPERVISOR * * *
vlldC Au*?RnLuU^E^,S0R 11 0F THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR TANG SHIU-™NulcH£c-r?£riL^ARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN
AFTER 36 YEARS 0F SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE , MR CHAN YUE-YAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
may iqLTANG J0,NED THE DEPARTMENT AS A LIGHTHOUSE MECHANIC IN
I in T X _7*tO ,
THROUGHOUT HIS YEARS OF SERVICE, MR WITH COMPLETE DEVOTION AND HIS EFFICIENT BY THE DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SAID.
TANG PERFORMED HIS DUTIES SERVICE WAS MUCH VALUED
-----0------
/28........
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
28
TUEN MUN SITE OFFERED
* * *
A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE IS OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE SITE, ABOUT 3 552 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN.
THE DEADLINE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON APRIL 12, 1985.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS AND TENDER PLANS CAN
BE OBTAINED AND INSPECTED AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG-
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
-------0 ---------
STREET CLOSING FOR ROAD WORK * * * *
ABERDEEN STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND GAGE STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MARCH 11 UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON MARCH 24, FOR ROAD WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, SHING WONG STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND WHILE GOUGH STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY EASTBOUND. VEHICLES ON ABERDEEN STREET HEADING FOR WELLINGTON STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND WYNDHAM STREET.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
-----o------
/29........
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 1985
29
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR WATER MAINS WORK
******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL EE IMPLEMENTED AT THE JJNCTION OF JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD -Jr Six WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 11) TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATERMAINS:-
* JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* '_EFT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD WILL BE BANNED.
* RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD NORTHBOUND INTO JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD WILL ALSO BE BANNED.
* MOTORISTS ON NGAU TAU KOK ROAD HEADING FOR JORDAN
VALLEY NORTH ROAD WILL EE DIVERTED VIA NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, CHUN WAH ROAD, JORDAN VALLEY SOUTH ROAD AND JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
S1 500 MILLION FOR TRhNSPORT PROJECTS ........................ 1
NEW DEPARTMENT STARTS WORK ON APRIL 1 ........................ 2
SCHOOLS MUST APPLY NOW FOR JSEA............................... 5
NEW BLOCK FOR NURSING SCHOOL ................................. 4
LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL ...................................... 4
FUN FAIR FOR CHILDRIM ........................................ 5
CROSS COUNTRY RACE IN NT .................................. 5
WOMAN HEALTH INSPECTOR JOINS h MAN'S WORLD ................... 6
TAPS OFF IN CHAI WAN ......................................... 6
NO U-TURNS HERE .................................... •....... 7
RESTRICTED ZONES ............................................. 7
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ....................................... 8
FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 9
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
31 300 MILLION FOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS * * *
GOVERNMENT
wILL BE PRESSING AHEAD *I TH DEVELOPMENT BY
SPENDING SI 300
Qrt.„VI„a MILLION ON TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IN
FISCAL 1985-86, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT, HE SAID THAT THIS SUM WOULD ENABLE A START TO BE MADE ON A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT PROJECTS. THESE INCLUDED $745 MILLIuN FOR THE SHA TIN TO TSUEN WAN ROUTE LINK, $101 MILLION FOR AN ACCcoa TO THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION, AND $160 MILLION FOR THE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK AT LOK MA CHAU.
MR CHAN SAID THAT DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT OVER $9 BILLION FOR THE COMPLETION OF MANY TRANSPORT PROJECTS.
A NUMBER OF MAJOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS IN PARTICULAR HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING THE LEVEL OF CONGESTION IN CERTAIN AREAS.
THPSE WERE THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS STAGE I, THE TWIN-TUBE ABERDEEN TUNNEL, WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR BETWEEN TAI KOK TSUI AND SHAM SHUI PO, THE CAUSEWAY BAY TO TAIKOO SUING SECTION OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE SHA TIN TO TAI PO COASTAL ROAD AND THE CORNWALL STREET FLYOVER.
♦GOVERNMENT'S OBJECTIVE IS CLEAR: IT IS TO ENSURE THAT THE MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND THE MASS TRANSPORT SERVICES, WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S WELL-BEING, ARE AS UNHINDERED AS POSSIBLE AND, IF NECESSARY, GIVEN PREFERENCE,+ MR CHAN &AID.
IN PLANNING THE LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, ONE OF THE MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD BEST MATCH FUTURE POPULATION DISTRIBUTIONS.
SUCH AN ANALYSIS WAS COMPLEX, PARTICULARLY IN A CROwDED CITY LIKE HONG KONG.
-------0----------
SATURDAY, MARCh -, 1985
2
NEW DEPARTMENT STARTS WORK ON APRIL 1
*****
A NEW GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON APRIL 1, AND WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, CULTURE, SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE RSD WILL TAKE ADVICE FROM THE NEW PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL IN DISCHARGING ITS RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE RSD WILL BE MADE UP OF THE PRESENT NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH PART OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY PROVIDING RELATED SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, APART FROM ADVISING THE RSD ON DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES, WILL ALSO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PERMANENT REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH FULL FINANCIAL AUTONOMY, WILL BE ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1 1996. <.
THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH, R TONY HAMMOND, WILL ASSUME HIS OFFICE AS THE DIRECTOR OF ■EGIONAL SERVICES ON APRIL 1.
MR MICHAEL SUEN WILL BECOME THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE EGIONAL SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE.
THE RSD COMPRISES SIX DIVISIONS - THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, HE RECREATION AND CULTURE, THE TRANSPORT, THE ACCOUNTS AND SUPPLIES, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE HEADQUARTERS DIVISIONS.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE DIVISION I S TO BE HEADED BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR LI TIN-MING. HE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTING, CO-ORDINATING AND MONITORING THE WORK OF THE NINE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SECTIONS AS WELL AS PROVIDING v^ERATlONAL SERVICES FOR LICENSING, PROSECUTION, MANAGEMENT OF CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA, HAWKERS AND MARKETS, PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES AND CENTRALIZED MECHANIZED CLEANSING SERVICES.
MR DAVID WEEKS WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DIVISION. HE WILL LOOK AFTER The work OF RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS SECTION IN THE NINE DISTRICTS AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVISION OF CENTRALISED RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVI CES INCLUDING THE MANAGEMENT OF OLIDAY CAMPS, SPORTS AND WATER SPORTS CENTRES, LIBRARIES, CIVIC CENTRES, MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS.
/THE HEADQUARTERS .......
ri/LrtUa . 19c5
3
THE HEADQUARTERS DIVISION aILL DIRECTOR, MR GEOFFREY ORR. HE WILL AND DEVELOPMENT.
BE HEADED BY ANOTHER ASSISTANT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING
AN OFFICE IN EACH OF THE
U,NE J;3?ifi?s"NLTS|LNeIHTE“R?TSS?ES - ISLANDS, NORTH, KWAI, rumr SAI KUNG SHA TIN TAI PO, TSUEN .'AN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG PROVIDING THE FULL RANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, CULTURAL, °EGREATI ON AND SPORTS SERVICES OF THE RSD.
- - 0 - -
SCHOOLS MUST APPLY NOW FOR JSEA ******
SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE 1986 JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM SHOULD APPLY TO THc EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY MARCH 30.
PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS NOT IN THE BOUGHT PLACE ‘^THEME WHICH CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE PART MUST NOTIFY PARENTS
THEIR CHILDREN WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR ALLOCATION TO SUBSIDISED FORM 4 PLACES.
ALL GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, AIDED SCHOOLS, NON-PROFIT-MAKING PRIVATE SCHOOLS AND INDEPENDENT PRiVATE SCHOOLS IN THE |OUG_ PLACE SCHEME WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE PART IN THE JSEA SYoTt. NEXT YEAR.
SCHOOLS WHICH TOOK PART THIS YEAR ARE REQUESTED TO REAFFIR WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO IN 1986.
SINCE THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF EACH PART IC I RATING STUDENT WILL BE PRINTED ON His CERTIFICATE, STUDENTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THEIR PERSONAL IDENTITY CARD BEFORE THxY ENTER FOR THE SCALING TEST, THAT IS, dcFORE SEPTEMBER OF 1H_ CAR THEY ENTER FORM 3.
- - 0 -
A
SATURDAY, KARCH 1985
NEW BLOCK FOR NURSING SCHOOL
XXX
TENDERS FOR BUILDING AN EXTENSION BLOCK FOR THE CASTLE PEAts HOSPITAL PSYCHIATRIC NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE THREE-STOREY BLOCK WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 1 895 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR AREA FOR TWO CLASSROOMS, TWO DEMONSTRATION ROOMS, A LECTURE THEATRE, A SEMINAR ROOM, A DISPENSARY, A LIBRARY, OFFICES AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL * * X *
A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TOMORRO.v (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN MONG KOK.
PROGRAMMES IN THE CARNIVAL INCLUDE A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING SINGING, MAGIC SHOW AND ACROBATICS GAMES STALLS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE FUN AND GAMES FOR PARTICIPANTS.
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TRUSTEES OF THE HONG KONG BANK FOUNDATION.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, vp LAM KIN-MING AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE HONG KONG BANK FOUNDATION WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF The CARNIVAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE SAI YEE STREET MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND AT 1.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
- - 0 -
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
5
FUN FAIR FOR CHILDREN
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER'SUPPL IES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S 23RD LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN’S FUN FAIR TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE ANNUAL EVENT, WHICH FEATURES LION DANCES, ACROBATICS AND MAGIC SHOWS, SONGS AND DANCES AND A VARIETY OF GAMES STALLS, WILL BE HELD AT THE WAH YAN COLLEGE IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.'
i
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 12.30 PM AND 3.45 PM.
------o-------
CROSS COUNTRY RACE IN NT * * * *
MORE THAN 600 ATHLETES WILL COMPETE IN A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVITIES.
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SECTIONS. THE wOMEN WILL RUN AN EIGHT-KILOMETRE ROUTE AND THE MEN TEN KILOMETHEo.
THE WOMEN PING CHE ROAD,
WILL START THE RACE AT 3.15 PM AT A JUNCTION OF
. TA KWU LING WHILE THE MEN WILL START AT 3.30 PM AT SING PING PUBLIC SCHOOL, TA KWU LING.
THE FINISHING POINT FOR THE RACE IS AT SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND. SHEUNG SHU I.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE SHEUNG SHU I SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, WILL PRESENT PRIZE.. TO THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY AT 4.45 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RACE AND THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY.
-------o----------
/6.......
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
- 6 -
wOMAN HEALTH INSPECTOR JOINS A MAN’S WORLD
****** '
A WOMAN HEALTH INSPECTOR HAS JOINED THE CLEANSING SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MISS WONG CHING-CHING, WHO IS ATTACHED TO THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, HAS TAKEN A JOB WHICH HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN REGARDED AS A MAN’S WORLD.
MISS WONG, WHO OBTAINED A DIPLOMA IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC LAST YEAR, SAID IT WAS OUT OF CURIOSITY THAT SHE HAD DECIDED TO JOIN THE CLEANSING SECTION.
+THE COURSE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT WHICH I TOOK IS A VERY CHALLENGING ONE BECAUSE THE PASSING RATE OF THE EXAMINATION IS RATHER LOW,+ SHE SAID.
+IT IS COMPETENCE WHICH COUNTED MOST IN THE JOB REGARDLESS CF THE PERSON BEING A MAN OR A WOMAN,+ SHE SAID.
+WOMAN CAN BE MORE CAREFUL IN DEALING WITH CERTAIN THINGS UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES,* MISS WONG SAID.
THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR LEE SHEUNG-YEE, COMMENTED THAT MISS WONG CARRIED OUT HER JOB AS EFFICIENTLY AS HER MALE COUNTERPARTS.
-------o----------
TAPS OFF IN CHAI WAN
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY WING TAI ROAD, SHEUNG ON STREET, KA YIP STREET, FUNG YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET, ON YIP STREET AND 391-399 CHAI WAN ROAD.
--------o----------
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985 - 7 -
NO U-TUR^S HERE * * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12), TRAFFIC ON JORDAN ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM MAKING U-TURNS INTO JORDAN ROAD WESTBOUND AT THE JUNCTION OF SHANGHAI STREET.
THE PROHIBITION IS INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SAFETY.
NOTE TO TV NEWS ED,I TORS:
FOR THE INTEREST OF MOTORISTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
I ----------------------------------0 ----------------------------------------------
RESTRICTED ZONES
* * * *
TWO ROADS IN KWUN TONG AND ONE IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12).
IN KwUN TONG, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES:
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON SHIN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
K THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON SHIN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
/IN SIAM........
>AV HARO. 9, -I9»5
IN SHA.' SHUI PO, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PO ON ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 43 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION * I TH HING wAH STREET TO A POINT ABOUT: 60 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS- OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - 0 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * *
A SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 6 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 11) UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR ROAD WORK.
DURING THE PERIOD, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WONG NA I CHUNG ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- 0 -
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1985
- 9 -
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SIX DAYS NEXT WEEK. k •
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED fLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE PRACTICE WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 11), FRIDAY (MARCH 15) AND SATURDAY (MARCH 16); AND FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12), WEDNESDAY (MARCH 13) AND THURSDAY (MARCH 14).
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
QUEEN URGES YOUTH TO KNO.i OTHERS .......................... 1
NO RELAXATION IN ANTI-DRUG EFFORT — LADY YOUDE.............. 2
I .D. CARD SCHEME REACHES HALF-WAY MARK .................... 3
LICENCES REQUIRED FOR COSMETICS AND BEVERAGES TRADE ........ 4
URBCO TO MEET IN PUBLIC .................................... 4
SEMINAR TO DISCUSS BUILDING MANAGEMENT ..................... 5
CARNIVAL FOR CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS ......................... 6
CHILDREN'S FUN FAIR......................................... 6
ZOO DRAWS LARGE CROWDS AT WEEKENDS ......................... 7
1 216 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE ............................ 9
BLOCK-BY-BLOCK CLEANUP STARTS .............................. 10
ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN SAI KUNG ....................... 10
MARKET STALLS FOR LEASE
11
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
QUEEN URGES YOUTH TO KNOW OTHERS
******
THE QUEEN TODAY URGED YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH +TO GET TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE DIFFERENT AND INTERESTING CULTURES+.
DELIVERING HER COMMONWEALTH DAY MESSAGE, SHE SAID: +SUCH CONTACTS AMONG YOU, THE YOUTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH, ARE A VITAL ELEMENT IN CREATING UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE BETWEEN DIFFERENT PEOPLES AND COUNTRIES.*
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE QUEEN’S MESSAGE:
+IN THIS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR I AM THINKING PARTICULARLY OF THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD WHO LIVE IN THE FORTY-NI.,-COUNTRIES OF THE COMMONWEALTH. I HOPE THAT TODAY ESPECIALLY THEY WILL BE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THIS REMARKABLE ORGANISATION AND THE CONTRIBUTION IT CAN AND DOES MAKE. IT IS A PARTNERSHIP WHICH PROVIDES ALL OF ITS MEMBERS WITH THE REASSURANCE WHICH COMES FROM BELONGING TO A FAMILY; AND IT PROVIDES EVERY ONE OF THEM WITH HELP TOWARDS MEETING THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. IT IS FOUNDED ON A COMBINATION OF IDEALISM AND REALISM, ON A SPIRIT OF SERVICE AND ON PRACTICAL HELP.
+TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH I WOULD SAY THAT IT IS REWARDING TO GET TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAVE DIFFERENT AND INTERESTING CULTURES. MODERN COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES EACH YEAR WHICH WE SHOULD ALL SEIZE SO AS TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER BETTER, THUS HELPING TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS. SUCH CONTACTS AMONG YOU, THE YOUTH OF THE COMMONWEALTH, ARE A VITAL ELEMENT IN CREATING UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE BETwEEN DIFFERENT PEOPLES AND COUNTRIES.
+IT IS YOU WHO HAVE THE IMAGINATION, THE ENERGY AND THE ENTHUSIASM TO SEEK OUT NEW AND PRACTICAL WAYS TO SHOW THAT WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS AND THEIR NEEDS. SHOW THAT SORT OF EXAMPLE AND YOU WILL DO MUCH TO ESTABLISH THE COMMONWEALTH AND ITS VALUES IN THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE — YOUR WORLD.
+1 SEND TO YOU AND TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMONWEALTH MY REST WISHES FOR THAT FUTURE IN WHICH WE MUST ALL BELIEVE, SHARE AND SERVE.*
U
Sunday, march id, •
2 _
NO RELAXATION IN ANTI-DRUG EFFORT -- LADY YOUDE
******
ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF NEW DRUG ADDICTS IN HONG KONG WAS LESS IN 1984 THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, wE COULD NOT AFFORD TO RELAX OUR EFFORTS, LADY YOUDE SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.
♦IT IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE THAT THE COMMUNITY IS MADE FULLY ALIVE TO THE DANGERS OF DRUGS, + SHE SAID AT THE STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL.
ABOVE ALL, LADY YOUDE SAID, THE YOUNG MUST BE MADE TO REAL IS WHAT A TERRIBLE FUTURE THEY WOULD BE FACING IF THEY GAVE IN TO ANY TEMPTATION TO START TAKING DRUGS.
♦THIS IS THE MESSAGE WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO PUT ACROSS IN THE STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT,+ SHE SAID.
*WE NEED THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE HELP OF ALL T14OSE WHO CARE FOR THE YOUNG IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THIS MESSAGE HOME TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, AND OUR DECLARED AIM OF ..RADICATING DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG,+ SHE ADDED.
-r-.r- JU! STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) THE EDUCATION
G0VERWENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND THE COMMERCIAL
RADIO, AIMEE AT ENCOURAGING SCHOOL STUDENTS TO JOIN IN
ACTIVITIES WHICH WOULD INCREASE THEIR AwARENESS OF THE DANGERS
CF DRUG ABUSE.
SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE MOVEMENT LAST OCTOBER, 143 TEAMS ~RO’< 84 SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE TAKEN PART IN A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS wITH AN ANT I-DRUG THEME. THE COMPETITIONS ARE DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR DIVISIONS. THE WINNER OF cACH DIVISION WILL BE GIVEN A PERSONAL COMPUTER LASER 3000 DONATED BY VIDEO TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS LIMITED.
LADY YOUDE PRESENTED TROPHIES AND PRIZES TO THE WINNERS ANu RUNNERS-UP. ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI’S COLLEGE IS THE WINNER OF T i_ SENIOR DIVISION AND PRECIOUS BLOOD GIRLS’ MIDDLE SCHOOL IS THE WINNER OF THE JUNIOR DIVISION.
ALSO PRESENT AT TONIGHT’S CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN, PROFESSOR GERALD CHAO? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACAN SUB-COMMITTEE ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, vr KARL STUMPF; THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRES0N5 'HE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER; THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG; AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING LIMITED, MR GEORGE HO.
- - 0
SUNDAY, MARCH
’ ^35
- 3 -
I.D. CARD SCHEME REACHES HALF-WAY MARK ******
A TOTAL OF 935 700 WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1947 AND 1965 HAD OBTAINED THEIR NEW IDENTITY CARDS WHEN THE FIRST CYCLE OF THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME FOR WOMEN ENDED YESTERDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID, +THIS CYCLE WAS CARRIED OUT VERY SMOOTHLY, WITH FULL COOPERATION AND SUPPORT FROM THE TARGET GROUPS.
+ONLY ABOUT 17 700 WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUPS FAILED TO RESPOND TO OUR APPEAL.+
HE URGED THOSE PEOPLE TO COME FORWARD IMMEDIATELY, AS THEIR OLD CARDS WOULD SOON EE DECLARED INVALID.
ANYONE FOUND IN POSSESSION OF AN INVALID I.D. CARD WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, HE WARNED.
THOSE WHO WERE AWAY FROM HONG KONG DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS SHOULD APPLY wITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN.
SINCE THE START OF THE NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE SCHEME IN
VAY 1Q33, A TOTAL OF 2 302 730 NEw I.D. CARDS HAD BEEN ISSUED, Or zHICH 1'067 303 WERE FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1948 AND 1965.
+WE ARE NOW HALF WAY THROUGH THE SCHEME WITH TWO MORE CYCLES TO BE COMPLETED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SECOND CYCLE FOR MEN WHICH STARTS TOMORROW (MONDAY) WILL COVER MEN BORN IN 1947 OR BEFORE, AND THE FIRST GROUP TO BE CALLE1 FORTH ARE THOSE BORN IN 1945, 1946 AND 1947.
THEY SHOULD TAKE ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS TO ANY OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND APRIL 13. THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY.
THIS CYCLE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY 1986 WHEN IT WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY THE SECOND CYCLE FOR WOMEN, wHlCH wILL ALSO BE THE LAST CYCLE OF THE FOUR-YEAR SCHEME.
_ NDAY, MARCH 1 J, 1 '■>
- 4 -
LICENCES REQUIRED FOR COSMETICS AND BEVERAGES TRADE *
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED
FOR LICENCES FROM THE DEPARTMENT WOULD EXPIRE ON MARCH 14.
A CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES COULD EE MADE AT THE DUTIABLE COMMODITI__> OFFICE 2 RUMSEY STREET, 1OTH FLOOR, HONG KONG, OR AT THE CANTON.. ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
+ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR MANUFACTURES SUCH GOODS WITHOUT OBTAINING A LICENCE BEFORE MARCH 14 a ILL BE COMMITTING AN CFFENCE UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE,* HE SAID. +CQR THOSE KEEPING WAREHOUSES FOR THE STORAGE OF SUCH GOODS ARt. ALSO REQUIRED TO OBTAIN LICENCES FROM THE DEPARTMtNT.*
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED CIRCULAR LETTE-j TO ALL KNOWN IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF COSMETICS AND NCC- — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONCENTRATES, REMINDING THEM OF THEM OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.
THOSP WHO ARE IN THESE LINES OF BUSINESS BUT DO NOT RECEIVE SUCH A CIRCULAR LETTER OR HAS ANY FURTHER QUERY SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-757265.
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URBCO TO MEET IN PUBLIC
******
THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS MONTHLY MEETING AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS IN EDINBURGH PLACE ON TUESDAY (MARCH 12).
DURING THE MEETING, THE COUNCIL’S ACTING CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, WILL MAKE TwO STATEMENTS. MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW HAWKER AND RELATED POLICIES, WILL ALSO MAKE A STATEMENT TO CLARIFY THE ACTUAL POSITION CONCERNING THE WORK OF PARTY.
DR DENNY HUANG, CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE. wILL MOVE A MOTION TO AMEND THE SwIMMING POOLS (AMENDMENT) BY-LAWS.
THERE WILL BE EIGHT QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLORS. MR SAMUEL WONG WILL ASK WHETHER THE HONG KONG COLISEUM IS SUITABLE FOR HOLDING LARGE-SCALE CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS. HE ALSO WANTS TO KNC'a WHETHER THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AND THE COLISEUM ARE ?OPERLY AND PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED SC. THAT Th Y wOU. NOT BE FINANCIALLY A BURDEN TO ’ E URBAN COUNCIL.
/MH SHUM........
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985
••IR SHUM CHOI-SANG W ILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE COUNCIL’S PRESENT AND FUTURE PLANS ON THE PROVISION OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN WAN CHAI AND EASTERN DISTRICTS.
MR STEPHEN LAU WISHES TO KNOW WHAT PLANS ARE IN HAND TO PROVIDE CULTURAL CENTRES IN UC MARKET COMPLEXES TO MEET DEMANDS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS. HE FURTHER WANTS TO KNOW THE GUIDELINES FOR ENGAGING PERFORMING GROUPS AND ARTISTS FROM .VERSEAS.
NOTING that LAWN BOWLS HAS ACHIEVED AN OUTSTANDING VTERNATIONAL REPUTATION FOR HONG KONG, MRS NELLIE FONG .ILL ASK WHAT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE HERE FOR INDIVIDUALS HO WOULD LIKE TO TAKE UP THE SPORT.
ON NEWSPAPER HAWKER STALLS, MRS MARGARET LI WISHES TO FIND OUT IF THE COUNCIL WILL LOOK INTO THE SALE AND PLACING "F +ADULT+ PUBLICATIONS ON SUCH STALLS SO THAT THEY ARE '-SS ACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN. SHE WILL ALSO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE OOS I’ ION IN RESPECT OF THE FREQUENT ALIENATION OF COUNCIL CONTROLLED OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC UTILITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A
REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 P.M ON TUESDAY, MARCH 12.
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SEMINAR TO DISCUSS BUILDING MANAGEMENT
* * * *
ABOUT 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND owners corporations in the eastern district will take part in A SEMINAR ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT ENABLING PARTICIPANT^ TO HAVE A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
A GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, OF THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE MR CHENG WAI-DART WILL SPEAK ON THE INSTALLATION OF IRON GATES, WHILE POLICE SENIOR INSPECTOR, MR IP CHUNG-NIN, AND SENIO STATION OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR LEE CHUN—a WILL SPEAK ON BUILDING SECURITY AND FIRE PREVENTION JN MULTISTOREYS BUILDING.
/AN assistant .......
SUNDAY, MAHCH 10, 1985
AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN NG, wILL OFFICIATE AT THE SEMINAR AT THE NORTH POINT ESTATE ASSEMBLY HALL.
TOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT 7 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE NORTH POINT ESTATE ASSEMBLY HALL AT SHU KUK STREET.
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CARNIVAL FOR CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS * * *
HUNDREDS OF CHEUNG CHAU RESIDENTS HAD AN ENTERTAINING AFTERNOON AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT NEW YEAR CARNIVAL HELD AT THE PAK Tl RECREATION GROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE FOUR-HOUR CARNIVAL INCLUDED SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND STALu •GAMES. LAI-SEE PACKETS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO ABOUT 609 ELDERLY PEOPLE AT THE CARNIVAL.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND CHEUNG CHAU RURAL LEADERS OFFICIATED AT A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY.
THE FUNCTION WAS SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD AND WAS ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICu, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
CHILDREN’S FUN FAIR * * *
MORE THAN 4 500 CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS ATTENDED THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT’S k3RD ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN’S FUN FAIR THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, OFFICIATED ■T THE OPENING CEREMONY .HELD AT WAH YAM COLLEGE, KOWLOON.
HE wISHED ALL HIS STAFF AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS A PROSPEROUS 'EW YEAR.
/ENTERTAINMENT n.J-UDE
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1/65
- 7 -
-NTERTAINMENT INCLUDED A LION DANCE, BAND PERFORMANCES, -CROBATIC ANL MAGIC SHOWS, SONGS AND. DANCES.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE ’CANNON BALL EXPRESS’ WAS THERE . “AKE CHILDREN ROUND THE FUN FAIR GROUNDS.
THERE WERE 16 GAMES STALLS ORGANISED BY VARIOUS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
EACH CHILD WAS GIVEN A GIFT PARCEL AND RED PACKET.
THE AFTERNOON FUN FAIR CONCLUDED WITH A RAFFLE DRAW.
- - - - 0 -
ZOO DRAWS LARGE CROWDS AT WEEKENDS
DESPITE THE COOLER -INTER WEATHER THE ZOOLOG ICx- AND BOTANICAL GARDENS ARE STILL ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO THE GARDENS AT WEEKENDS FDR MANY -EASONS. SOME, PARTICULARLY THE MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY, JUST wANT TO HAVE A QUIET PLACE WHERE THEY CAN SIT AND CHAT SURROUNDED BY GREENERY.
OTHERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER VISITOR, ARE KEEN TO TRY OUT A NEW CAMERA AND TO ADD SHOTS OF FAMILY GROUPS, GIRLFRIENDS AND BOYFRIENDS TO THEIR PHOTO-ALBUMS.
AND THERE ARE THOSE WHO TAKE A KEEN INTEREST •*■ TREYS, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS AND WHO COME TO THE GARDENS REGULARLY TO -TROLL AROUND AND ENJOY THE EVER-CHANGING SHAPES AND COLOURS OF THE FLORAL SCENE.
YET THE BIGGEST SINGLE ATTRACTION, UNDOUBTEDLY, IS THE COLLECTION OF wILD ANIMALS AND BIRDS - A SOURCE OF ENDLESS FASCINATION FOR YOUNG AND OLD ALIKE.
THE ZOOLOGICAL SCENE TOO IS, LIKE THE PLANTS, A CONSTANTLY CHANGING ONE, AS NEW BIRDS AND BEASTS ARE ADDED TO THE COLLECTION AND AS EXISTING ANIMALS BREED AND HAVE THEIR OFFSPRING TO DISPLAY AS WELL AS THEMSELVES.
PERSUADING ANIMALS ’0 BREED IN CAPTIVITY IS N ’ Af EASY BUSINESS, BUT THE ZOOLOGICAL oTAFF IN THE GARDEN^ HAVE ACHIEVED MANY SUCCESSES f^roUGH PATIENCE AND SKILL. IN -AC’ HONG KONG’S MlN 1 -ZOO HAS NOW .ARNE. ITSELF -CONSIDERABLE REPUTATION -OR BREEDING FT-3>v- RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.
/COB i CP ..........
SUNDAY, MkBCH 10, 19&5
8
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CROWD-PULLERS IN RECENT WEEKS HAS BEEN THE YOUNG MALE BORNEAN ORANG-UTAN WHO WAS BORN LAST JULY 4 AND WHO, BECAUSE OF THE DATE, WAS GIVEN THE NAME +MERDEKA+ (THE MALAY WORD FOR INDEPENDENCE). HE IS NOW ABLE TO CLAMBER AROUND THE ORANG ENCLOSURE ON HIS OWN, BUT HIS MOTHER WHO IS STILL REARING HIM WITH GREAT AFFECTION AND PATIENCE, KEEPS A CLOSE EYE ON HIM.
OTHER MONKEYS AND APES HAVE ALSO BEEN PRODUCTIVE. YOUNG HAVE BEEN BORN THIS WINTER TO THE COMMON MARMOSETS, THE GOLDEN-HEADED LION TAMARINS, THE CELEBES BLACK APE AND THE RED-CHEEKED CRESTED GIBBON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID THAT THE BIRTHS CF THE LION TAMARIN AND GIBBON BABIES WERE PARTICULARLY WELCOME SINCE BOTH ANIMALS WERE EXTREMELY RARE.
AMONG OTHER NEWCOMERS WHICH ARE PROVING OF GREAT INTEREST TO VISITORS ARE A FI NE MALE RED-CROWNED CRANE FROM THE PEKING ZOO AND A PAIR OF SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNAS FROM THE ROYAL MELBOURNE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID THE RED-CROWNED CRANE WAS RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE TO PROVIDE A MATE FOR THE FEMALE RECEIVED IN 1983 WHILE THE ECHIDNAS WERE GIVEN TO HONG KONG AS A GIFT.
+IN THE WILD, ECHIDNAS SUBSIST ENTIRELY ON ANTS AND OTHER INSECTS AND FOR THIS REASON THEY ARE ALSO KNOwN AS SPINY ANTEATERS,+ HE SAID.
+IN CAPTIVITV THEY THRIVE ON A ’SOUP’ MADE FROM MANY DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS. THIS GIFT WAS IN APPRECIATION OF HELP GIVEN TO MELBOURNE BY THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS STAFF OVER MANY YEARS, IN ASSISTING THE TRANSHIPMENT OF ANIMALS THROUGH HONG KONG ON BEHALF OF THE MELBOURNE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.*
- - — u - - —
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1^85
- 9 -
1 216 YEARS OF COMBINED SERVICE
* * * *
WITH A COMBINED LENGTH OF SERVICE TOTALLING 1 216 YEARS BEHIND THEM, 56 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT RETIRED JANUARY THIS YEAR.
IN THEIR LONG SERVICE WHICH AVERAGED 20 YEARS, THEY HAD WORKED IN ESTATES, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND SQUATTER CONTROL FORCE AS FOREMEN, WORKMEN, ARTISANS AND ESTATE CARETAKERS.
SOME OF THEM HAVE SEEN THROUGH THE DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME SINCE ITS BIRTH IN 195^ AFTER A BIG FIRE IN SHEK KIP MEI.
AMONG THEM WAS 55-YEAR-OLD MR SIU FOOK-CHUEN WHO RETIRED AS A FOREMAN OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER CONTROL FORCE.
+IT’S SIMPLY AMAZING THAT TODAY MORE THAN 2.35 MILLION PEOPLE ARE ALREADY LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES,+ HE SAID.
MR SIU WAS AWARDED BEM IN 1979 IN RECOGNITION OF HIS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.
+AS A SQUATTER CONTROL FOREMAN, MY JOB WAS TO CO-ORDINATE PATROL TEAMS GOING AROUND SQUATTER AREAS TO PREVENT ILLEGAL SQUATTING ACTIVITIES.
+1 WAS SOMETIMES INVOLVED IN DEMOLITION WORKS OF DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE AS WELL.
+T0 HELP MAKE THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME A SUCCESS, I THINK IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT THE PROBLEM OF SQUATTERS IS CONTAINED AND DEALT WITH.*
OWING TO THE NATURE OF HIS JOB, MR SIU SAID HE HAD HAD A NUMBER OF +UNFRIENDLY OCCASIONS* WHILST CARRYING OUT HIS DUTIES.
+IT REQUIRES PATIENCE AND TACTS TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF SITUATION AND TO AVOID UNHAPPY INCIDENTS. WE DID JUST THAT AND THINGS EVENTUALLY WENT SMOOTHLY.*
MR SIU FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1951 AS A GANGER AND HAD BEEN WITH THE SQUATTER CONTROL FORCE FOR MOST OF HIS 33 YtARS SERVICE. HE WAS PROMOTED TO FOREMAN IN 1963.
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/1O .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1935
10 -
BL0CK-BY-BL0CK CLEANUP STARTS * * * *
THE UREAN COUNCIL IS CARRYING OUT AN INTENSIVE BLOCK-BY-BLOCK CLEAN-UP IN EIGHT URBAN DISTRICTS - CENTRAL, WESTERN, WAN CHAI, SOUTHERN, SHAM SHU I PO, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND KOWLOON CITY.
EACH DISTRICT IS DIVIDED UP INTO SECTORS IN WHICH CLEANSING TEAMS WILL SPEND AT LEAST ONE FULL WORKING DAY.
THE NUMBER OF DAYS DEVOTED TO EACH DISTRICT WILL DEPEND ON ITS SIZE AND STATE OF CLEANLINESS.
FIFTY DAYS WILL BE SPENT, FOR INSTANCE, IN KOWLOON CITY, WHILE ONLY 16 WORKING DAYS WILL BE GIVEN TO YAU MA TEI AND SHAM SHU I PO.
TEMPORARY JUNK AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CLEAN-UP.
RESIDENTS MAY CALL THE LITTER HOTLINE - 5~95555 OR THEIR LOCAL URBAN SERVICES OFFICE TO FIND OUT THE OPENING HOURS OF THE RCPS AND JCPS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS.
THE BLITZ WILL BE COMPLETED IN ALL EIGHT DISTRICTS BY THE END OF APRIL.
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ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS * * * *
IN SAI KUNG
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN RECLAMATION AREAS.
THIS CONTRACT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUS, MAXICAB AND PLB TERMINUS TO REPLACE EXISTING FACILITIES, TOGETHER WITH THE EXTENSION OF A NEW ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAI KUNG SPORTo GROUND.
IN ADDITION, IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE EXISTING ROADo AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE JUNCTION OF PO TUNG ROAD AND THE NEw ROAb.
ANOTHER NEW ROAD WILL BE CONSTRUCTED RUNNING BETWEEN THE NE.. SAI KUNG MARKET/BAZAAR AND HOUSES 94 TO 120 IN MAN NIN STREET, TO -NABLE MAN NIN STREET TO BECOME A CAR PARKING AND LOAD ING/UNLOADI Nb AREA. THE ROAD WILL ALSO BE LANDSCAPED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MAY 1985 AND WILL TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) REGION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WILL SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION CF THE WORKS.
0 --------
SUNDAY, MARCH ID, 1935
11 -
MARKET STALLS FOR LEASE ******
FORTY-SIX VACANT STALLS AT TAI KIU MARKET, KAM TIN MARKET, AND K IK YEUNG ROAD COOKED FOOD MARKET IN YUEN LONG WILL BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15).
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE OF PING SHAN RURAL COMMITTEE AT ON NING ROAD IN YUEN LONG AT 9.30 AM. THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL RANGES FROM $500 TO $4 200.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START THEIR BUSINESS ON APRIL 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT AND THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PAY THE BID RENTAL ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
BIDDERS MUST BE AGED OVER 21 AND ARE REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND FIVE PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE AUCTION.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-753914.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ESTATE RESIDENTS TO CHOOSE OTO PLATS ..................... 1
APPLICATIONS OPEN TOMORROW FOR 4 120 HOS FLATS............ 2
OVERSEAS OFFICES HEADS HERE FOR TALKS .................... 3
ABSENCE OF RED TIDE NOTED................................. 3
'METEOROLOGY AND PUBLIC SAFETY' ON DISPLAY................ 4
13 500 COMPLETE APPRENTICE COURSES ....................... 6
PIK UK YOUTHS GET EKAM HONOURS............................ 7
FORM FIVE BOY WINS TOP POSTER PRIZE....................... 7
YOUNG MJSICIANS TRY FOR AWARDS .......................... 8
FORESHORE WORK STARTS SOON ............................... 9
CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER WORKS PLANNED ..................... 10
OUTFALL FOR SEWAGE DISCHARGE ............................. 10
PEAK TRAM WORK ........................................... 11
WATER MAINS WORK ......................................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE...................................... 11
ROAD CLOSURE.............................................. 12
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
ESTATE RESIDENTS TO CHOOSE OWN FLATS * * * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY REITERATED THAT FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT OF KWAI FONG ESTATE WOULD BE REHOUSED ACCORDING TO THEIR PREFERENCE.
+THEY CAN CHOOSE TO MOVE TO OTHER ESTATE FLATS OF THEIR OWN CHOICE AND AT A TIME THEY DEEM DESIRABLE BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE STATED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE BLOCK.
+SINCE BLOCKS IN THE ESTATE EARMARKED FOR REDEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PROGRESSIVELY REPLACED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS CONFIDENT THAT SUITABLE ARRANGEMENT CAN BE MADE TO MEET TENANTS’ REASONABLE REQUIREMENTS.*
HE SAID ALL THESE FAMILIES, EXCEPT THOSE IN BLOCK 5 WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED THIS SUMMER, COULD STAY IN THEIR FLATS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE IF THEY WISHED.
HOWEVER, IN ORDER THAT FAMILIES WISHING TO MOVE EARLIER CAN DO SO, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TRANSFER EXERCISE WAS UNDERWAY FOR THESE FAMILIES TO APPLY TO MOVE TO SUITABLE FLATS LOCALLY OR IN OTHER ESTATES.
+IN RECEIPT OF THEIR APPLICATIONS AND SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FLATS, AN OFFER LETTER WILL THEN BE SENT TO THE APPLICANTS TELLING THEM WHEN AND HOW TO SIGN UP TENANCY FOR THE NEW ACCOMMODATION.
+SHOULD THE DATE OF INTAKE BE NOT CONVENIENT TO TENANTS OR IN CASE THEY WISH TO WITHDRAW THE APPLICATION FOR THE TIME BEING, THEY CAN APPROACH THE ESTATE MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENT.
+THE TRANSFER EXERCISE IS VOLUNTARY, AND WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATIONS WILL NOT AFFECT THEIR EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING TENANCY AND SUBSEQUENT REHOUSING.
+HOWEVER, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT FAMILIES WHO HAVE REFUSED AN OFFER CANNOT EXPECT THAT THE SAME FLAT WOULD BE RE-OFFERED TO THEM AGAIN IN FUTURE IF THEY CHANGE THEIR MIND, UNLESS IT IS STILL AVAILABLE.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ESTATE STAFF WOULD VISIT THOSE APPLICANTS WHO HAD RECEIVED OFFER LETTERS AND NOTICES WOULD BE PUT UP IN THE ESTATE TO EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE TRANSFER EXERCISE.
+DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED BETWEEN ESTATE STAFF AND OFFICE BEARERS OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.*
-----O------
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
2
APPLICATIONS OPEN TOMORROW FOR 4 120 HOS FLATS
* * * *
APPLICATIONS FOR 4 120 FLATS AT FOUR PROJECTS WILL BE INVITED FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY: + T0 COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF APPLICATIONS, AN EXHIBITION ON DETAILS OF THE FOUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS FOR SALE WILL BE STAGED FROM TOMORROW AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.*
IN ADDITION TO A VIDEO PRESENTATION, HE SAID THE EXHIBITION WOULD ALSO INCLUDE MODELS, PLANS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHER DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS.
♦ THE FOUR PSPS PROJECTS ARE AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN, SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHl WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN.
♦ FLATS ARE PRICED FROM $103 500 TO $380 000, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 41.5 AND 69.4 SQUARE METRES.
♦PRICES FOR THE 81.3-SQUARE METRE FLATS AT GREENWOOD TERRACE RANGE FROM $340 800 TO $403 600 EACH.
♦COPIES OF A COLOURFUL SALES BROCHURE AND APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE WHICH WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD.
♦APPLICATION FORMS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW AT OTHER OUTLETS INCLUDING THE APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AT MA TAU KOK ROAD, ALL HOUSING AUTHORITY AND HOUSING SOCIETY ESTATE OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.+
TO ENABLE HOME-SEEKERS TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE VARIOUS PROJECTS, SAMPLE FLATS ARE CURRENTLY OPEN ON SITE FROM NOON TO 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
♦BUT FOR PRIME VIEW GARDEN, SAMPLE FLATS ON SITE WILL ONLY BE OPEN IN WEEKENDS BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 5.30 PM, WHILST MOCK UP FLATS ARE OPEN DAILY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦EXHIBITIONS ON THE PROJECTS FOR SALE ARE BEING STAGED AT THE .VONG TAI SIN SHOPPING CENTRE AND SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE EXHIBITION HALL, AND FROM TOMORROW AT THE MTR MONG KOK STATION AND TAI HING ESTATE.
♦HOUSING STAFF ARE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC AND TO DISTRIBUTE APPLICATION FORMS AND COPIES OF AN INFORMATION PAMPHLET.+
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 25.
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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
- 3 -
OVERSEAS OFFICES HEADS HERE FOR TALKS *****
THE HEADS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERSEAS OFFICES IN EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES ARE IN HONG KONG FOR A WEEK-LONG SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS AND CONSULTATIONS TO BRIEF THEIR COLLEAGUES IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND DEPARTMENTS ON THE SITUATION IN THEIR REGIONS AND TO UPDATE THEMSELVES ON DEVELOPMENTS LOCALLY.
MEETINGS OF HEADS OF THESE OFFICES WHICH ARE LOCATED IN LONDON, BRUSSELS, GENEVA, NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON WILL BE HELD ANNUALLY FROM NOW ON AND WILL REPLACE INDIVIDUAL FAMILIARISATION VISITS, ALTHOUGH THESE MAY ALSO BE NECESSARY FROM TIME TO TIME.
WHILE HERE THEY WILL MEET WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND TOUR THE NEW TERRITORIES. BUT MOST OF THEIR TIME WILL BE SPENT IN PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS. THE OPENING AND CLOSING MEETINGS WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
THEY ALSO WILL HAVE EXTENSIVE BILATERAL CONSULTATIONS WITH SECRETARIES OF THE VARIOUS BRANCHES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT AND WITH SOME HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS.
SOME MEMBERS WILL ALSO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY GROUP OF UMELCO.
THE HEADS OF THE HONG KONG’S GOVERNMENT OFFICES OVERSEAS ARE« MR COLVYN HAYE (COMMISSIONER, LONDON), MR DEREK JONES (MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND MEMBER STATES, BRUSSELS), MR MICHAEL CARTLAND (COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS, GENEVA), MR BILL DORWARD (COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, NEW YORK) AND MR PETER LO (COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON).
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ABSENCE OF RED TIDE NOTED * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, WHICH REGULARLY MONITORS WATER QUALITY IN TOLO HARBOUR HAS NOTED THAT THE ABSENCE OF RED TIDES DURING THE LAST QUARTER OF 1984 IN THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE WAS REMARKABLE, WHEN COMPARED WITH SEASONAL RECORDS FOR THAT AREA.
A REPORT ON THE MONITORING PROGRAMME WAS ONE OF THREE PAPERS STUDIED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) AT A MEETING TODAY.
/HOWEVER, THE .......
MONDAY, MAUCH 11, 1985
- 4 -
HOWEVER, THE EPA NOTED THAT DECLINING WATER QUALITY IN THE FO TAN NULLAH AND SHING MUN RIVER WAS DISAPPOINTING, ALTHOUGH IT EXPECTED THAT COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA WOULD IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO DISCUSSED A PAPER ON THE ’SEWERAGE, SEWAGE TREATMENT AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME’ WHICH SET OUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES, AND THE POLICIES GOVERNING THE PLANNED PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY TREATMENT FACILITIES OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
THE PAPER ALSO GAVE AN UPDATED PROGRAMME OF RELEVANT CAPITAL WORKS AS AT DECEMBER 1984 AND A NEW METHOD FOR MONITORING PROGRESS.
THE AIM OF THESE WORKS IS TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SEWERAGE AND f€ANS OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH. ITS TARGET IS DEFINED IN TERMS OF THE PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION +ADEQUATELY PROVIDED WITH SEWAGE DISPOSAL* AT SPECIFIED DATES.
EPCOM MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THE CONTENTS OF A THIRD PAPER ON THE PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH SPECIFICALLY COVER SIX MAJOR AREAS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING: AIR QUALITY, WATER QUALITY, NOISE, WASTE MANAGEMENT, URBAN LANDSCAPE AND RURAL ENVIRONMENT.
THE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES ARE USED TO GUIDE THE PREPARATION OF STATUTORY AND NON-STATUTORY LAND USE PLANS, AND THE PLANNING OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. THEY ARE USED PRINCIPALLY BY GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNERS, ARCHITECTS, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.
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'METEOROLOGY AND PUBLIC SAFETY’ ON DISPLAY ******
♦METEOROLOGY AND PUBLIC SAFETY+ WILL BE THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S +WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY+, WHICH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE CELEBRATING ON MARCH 23, TOGETHER WITH METEOROLOGICAL BODIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN HONG KONG, THE EVENT WILL BE MARKED BY THE OPENING OF A PUBLIC EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBER CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS SELINA CHOW AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON.
FOLLOWING THE MORNING CEREMONY, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR TWO DAYS, ON SATURDAY, MARCH 23 BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 5.30 PM AND ON SUNDAY, MARCH 24 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
/in addition
MONDAY, MABCH 11, 1985
5
IN ADDITION TO A PERMANENT DISPLAY OF VARIOUS TOPICS OF METEOROLOGICAL INTEREST, THE BI-LINGUAL EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, AND A SLIDE SHOW OF ALL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES CF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. A FACT SHEET ON THE OBSERVATORY WILL ALSO BE HANDED OUT TO ALL VISITORS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A QUIZ FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT THE DISPLAY, AND PRIZES IN THE FORM OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOK ON THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, ENTITLED +FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK*, WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS.
IT WILL BE THE SECOND WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY CELEBRATED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY. THE LAST ONE WAS HELD IN 1973.
DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, ADMITTANCE TO THE PUBLIC EXHIBITION WILL BE BY TICKET ONLY. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION SHOULD OBTAIN THEIR TICKETS IN ADVANCE BY SENDING A SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE INDICATING THEIR PREFERRED DATE TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON BEFORE MARCH 18. THE WORDS -►EXHIBITION TICKET* SHOULD BE MARKED ON THE ENVELOPE CONTAINING THE REQUEST FOR TICKETS. TICKETS WILL BE LIMITED TO TWO PER REQUEST ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED BY CALLING TEL. NO. 3-7329200.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON MARCH 23, STARTING AT 10 AM AND LASTING TILL ABOUT 11.15 AM.
SPEECHES WILL BE DELIVERED BY MRS SELINA CHOW AND MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, AND TEXTS AND OTHER MATERIAL RELATING TO THE DISPLAY WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING, MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WILL BE TAKEN ON A 15-MINUTE TOUR OF THE EXHIBITION BY MRS ELAINE KOO, SENIOR SCIENTIFIC OFFICER.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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/6........
MONDAY, MARCH 11, lyo5
6
1? 5OO COMPLETE APPRENTICE COURSES * * * * *
SOME 13 530 YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AWARDED COMPLETION CERTIFICATES OF APPRENTICESHIP SINCE THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE CAME INTO FORCE IN 1976.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT ABOUT 8 500 REGISTERED APPRENTICES UNDER THREE OR FOUR YEARS TRAINING IN MAJOR INDUSTRIES, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE, wHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING AND REGULATING THE EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OF APPRENTICES, IS ENFORCE-BY THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT EMPLOYERS OF 42 DESIGNATED TRADES CAN EMPLOY YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18 AS APPRENTICES UNDER A CONTRACT OF APPRENTICESHIP REGISTERED WITH THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, A SPOKESMAN OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION SAID.
CONTRACTS FOR APPRENTICES WHO ARE 19 OR OVER, OR WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN NON-DESIGNATED TRADES MAY ALSO BE REGISTERED ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
REGISTERED APPRENTICES WILL BE GRANTED PAID LEAVE BY THEIR EMPLOYERS TO ATTEND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OR THE POLYTECHNIC.
INSPECTORS FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT PAY REGULAR VISITS TO EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES TO MONITOR THE IF. TRAINING PROGRESS AND TO ASSIST EMPLOYERS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE TRAINING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPRENTICE TRAINING OR THE ORDINANCE
CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE FIVE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION ON 5-8932341 EXT. 351 FOR THE HONG KONG OFFICE; 3-71516?? T9 KWA WAN OFFICE; 3-667612 TSIM SHA TSUI OFFICE; Q-297908 TSUEN WAN OFFICE; 3-7561418 KWUN TONG OFFICE.
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/?........
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 19to
- 7 -
RIK UK YOUTHS GET EXAM HONOURS
X * X
TWENTY-NINE YOUNG PERSONS FROM THE PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION WHO HAD DONE WELL IN TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS AND ELEMENTARY BOOK-KEEPING EXAMINATIONS RECEIVED THEIR CERTIFICATES TODAY FROM THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK.
TWELVE OF THEM HAD TAKEN THE SECOND YEAR CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS EXAMINATION LAST JUNE, OBTAINING 29 DISTINCTIONS, FOUR CREDITS AND TwO PASStu.
THE OTHERS HAD TAKEN THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ELEMENTARY BOOK-KEEPING EXAMINATION, EARNING 14 DISTINCTIONS AND THREE PASSES.
ALL THE YOUTHS WERE BETWEEN 19 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE.
OF THE CERTIFICATE RECIPIENTS, SIX HAD ALREADY BEEN DISCHARGED, WHILE THE OTHERS WERE SERVING SENTENCES RANGING FROM THREE TO 11 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR CHAN SAID THAT SINCE THE LAUNCHING OF THE FIRST TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS COURSE AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION IN 1977, 81 YOUTHS HAD TAKEN A TOTAL OF 237 PAPERS, OBTAINING 118 DISTINCTIONS AND 63 CREDITS.
IN ADDITION, 41 PERSONS HAD TAKEN THE BOOK-KEEPING COURSE IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, EARNING 21 DISTINCTIONS.
MR CHAN SAID THEY HAD ALL SUCCEEDED THROUGH THEIR OWN EFFORTS, AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT, TUITION AND COUNSELLING OF MASTERS, INSTRUCTOR AND CUSTODIAL STAFF.
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FORM FIVE BOY WINS TOP POSTER PRIZE
* * * *
A FORM FIVE STUDENT OF NEW METHOD COLLEGE, FUNG YIU-TUNG, WON A $2 000 SCHOLARSHIP TODAY FOR PRODUCING THE BEST POSTER IN THE METRICATION POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED AT AROUSING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN METRICATION.
THE POSTER WAS SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES FROM A TOTAL CF 966 ENTRIES.
/among the........
MONDAY, MABCH 11, 1?85
AMONG THE ADJUDICATORS WERE MR S.S. TAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE WEIGHING EQUIPMENT WORKING GROUP, METRICATION COMMITTEE;
NR YEUNG WAI-FUNG AND MISS LO SIU-NGAN, ARTS INSPECTORS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT; AND MRS BETTY SHUM, PRIhfclPAL INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
THE SECOND PRIZE WAS WON BY WONG KING-CHONG OF ST. TERESA’S COLLEGE, WHO GAINED A BOOK TOKEN WORTH $1 500. AND THE THIRD PRIZE WAS WON BY LAU HING-KUEN OF SHAU KEI WAN GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHO WON A $1 000 TOKEN.
IN ADDITION, 10 OTHER PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE MERIT PRIZES OF $200 BOOK TOKENS EACH.
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YOUNG MUSICIANS TRY FOR AWARDS
* * * *
THE FINALS OF THE 1985 HONG KONG YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS WILL EE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON TWO COMING SUNDAYS, AFTER TWO MONTHS OF KEEN COMPETITION.
THE CHINESE MUSIC FINAL WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 17 AND THE WESTERN MUSIC FINAL ON MARCH 24.
TICKETS FOR THE FINALS AT $10 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE COMPOSERS AND AUTHORS SOCIETY OF HONG KONG (CASH).
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARDS ARE TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF COMPOSING AND PERFORMING SERIOUS MUSIC AMONG YOUNG AMATEUR MUSICIANS, TO PROVIDE A CHANCE FOR THEM TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND TALENTS THROUGH OPEN COMPETITIONS AND TO AROUSE INTEREST IN SERIOUS MUSIC.
THERE ARE TWO COMPETITIONS ON MUSICAL COMPOSITION AND TWO ON ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE OF BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $6 000, S3 000 AND $1 000.
/TO GIVE........
MObMY, MAKCd 11, 1?85>
TO GIVE
POSITIVE ENCOURAGE■ENT TO THE COMPET I T I ON, Trit
GF HONG KONG HAS DOUBLED THE CAoH
CC''= S"RS AND AUTHORS SOCIETY PF. I ZES FCr THE WINNERS OF THE
A>.ARDS TO m TOTAL
OF 443 330.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CHINESE MUSIC JESTER N MUSIC FINAL AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT AND 24.
FINAL AND THE 8 PM ON MARCH 17
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRSi-SERVED BASIS BY CALLING 5-735334 OF THE RCD INFORMATION UNIT.
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FORESHORE WORK STARTS SOON K * * *
GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 21.4 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED NEAR AP TSAI wAN HEADLAND AND HANG HAU TOWN, JUNK BAY.
THE RECLAMATION IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, S ■ ERCI AL-RESIDENT I AL DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE RESITE, GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL USES AND OPEN SPACE.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MID-1985. DURING THE RECLAMATION PERIOD, NORMAL SEA ACCESS TO HANG HAU TOWN AND TriE INDUSTRIAL AREAS NEAR JUNK BAY OPPOSITE TO AP TSAI PENINSULA WILL BE MAINTAINED.
ALL OBJECTIONS TO THIS PROPOSAL AND/OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS wITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM MARCH 8.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SAI KUNG, NEa TERRITORIES.
0
/1O........
. t WDAi , 11, a?35
10
CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER aORKS PLANNED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENT WORKS ' - CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER WITHIN AN AREA OF 1 540 SQUARE OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE PIER.
THE WORKS, WHICH WILL START AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND •r£ TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE, WILL INVOLVE THE EXTENSION OF THE WENGER WAITING AREA, INSTALLATION OF A LIFT AND PROVISION CF RAMPS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE SARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, , VEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, NG KONG; AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, SINCERE BUILDING, -•TH FLOOR, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION .JLD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS . iTHIN TWO MONTHS.
- 0 -
OUTFALL FOR SEWAGE DISCHARGE
X * * *
A u40-METRE SUBMARINE SEwAGE OUTFALL WILL BE LAID WITHIN AIEA OF ABOUT 2.535 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED IN INNER -;T shelter, south of sai kung.
IT WILL BE CONNECTED TO A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO BE INSTRUCTED ON A RECLAMATION AREA IN TUI MIN HOI AND WILL BE USED IF THE DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE INTO THE WATER CHANNEL IN INNER PORT SHELTER.
WORK WILL START IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST £XT YEAR.
OBJECTIONS TO THIS PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION HOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM MARCH 8.
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS LEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND I-- SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT FFICES BUILDING, SAI KUNG, Nc> TERRITORIES.
- 0 -
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
11
PEAK TRAM WORK * * *
PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL END EARLIER THAN USUAL ON THURSDAY (MARCH 14) EVENING FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE LAST TRAMS WILL DEPART FROM BOTH TERMINUSES AT 9 PM.
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WATER MAINS WORK X. X X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TWO AREAS WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY (MARCH 14) FOR MAINS WORK.
IN PENG CHAU THE WATER WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM ON THURSDAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY 1-105 WING ON STREET, CHI YAN LANE, HO KING TOI, TAI LANE, WING TSUN STREET, TAI LUNG TSUEN, AND TSUNG YUEN, INCLUDING HONG KONG TUBE AND METAL PRODUCTS LTD.
ON THE SAME DAY, FRESH WATER TO SOME PREMISES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TSUNG PAK LONG TSUEN TO LOK MA CHAU, INCLUDING TSUNG PAK LONG TSUEN, YIN KONG TSUEN, HANG TAU TSUEN, KAM TSIN TSUEN, KW'U TUNG TSUEN, HO SHEUNG HEUNG TSUEN, CHAU TAU TSUEN, LOK MA CHAU AND PAK SHEK AU.
- 0 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 65.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 382.433 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 465.264 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 79.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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MONDAY, MARCH 11, 1935
- 12 -
ROAD CLOSURE * * *
THE SECTION OF KWONG FUK ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO TAU AND ROAD A WILL BE CLOSED FROM 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 13) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO A NEW ROAD RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE CLOSED ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING WILL BE CHANGED TO TWO-WAY ROADS, TO FACILITATE LOCAL ACCESS:
* THE SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WO ROAD.
* THE SECTION OF KWONG FUK ROAD WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TING KOK ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1985
COMMITS RAGE NO.
LEGCO TO HEAR ABOUT ROWER MONITORING SCHEME STUDY........... 1
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET REGULARLY IN PUBLIC .............. 2
KMB FRANCHISE EXTENDED ..................................... 2
NEED TO UPGRADE PRODUCTS STRESSED .......................... 3
MINISTER RETURNING TO UK ................................... 4
GOVERNMENT'S GOODWILL NEEDED IN FINANCIAL TALKS ............ 4
uc bids farewell to wo councillors.......................... 5
POLICY ON CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS EXPLAINED ................. 6
PROVISION OF AUDITORS TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS................... 7
LIBRARY PLANS FOR EASTERN, WAN C.LAI ....................... 7
COST-EFFECTIVENESS STRESSED IN STADIA MANAGEMENT............ 8
MAXIMISE USAGE OF COLISEUM BEING EXPLORED .................. 9
COUNCIL NOT AUTHORITY TO CENSOR MATERIAL .................. 10
ALIENATION OF UC FACILITIES SATISFACTORY .................. 11
PUBLIC BOWLING GREENS UNDER-UTILIZED ...................... 12
HA.7KER POLICIES NOT FINALISED, SAYS MRS ELLIOTT .......... 12
SWIMMING POOL LICENCE FEE REVISED ......................... 13
AN ABNORMAL FEBRUARY FOR HONG KONG ........................ 14
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE OUT THURSDAY .......................... 17
35 MORE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS OFFERED........................ 18
BOARD TO HOLD IND-OF-TERM MEETING ......................... 19
ANOTHER BIG PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR TAI PO .............. 19
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KWAI CHUNG ............... 20
SUNDAY FUN FOR 1 500 CHILDREN ............................. 20
IMMIGRATION INCREASES VISITS TO TUEN MUN .................. 21
DRAINAGE WORK IN YUEN LONG . .............................. 21
D'AGUILAR STREET TRAFFIC CHANGE ........................... 22
TRAFFIC CHANGES .......................................... ( 22
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1935
1
LEGCO TO HEAR ABOUT POWER MONITORING SCHEME STUDY * * * * *
A STATEMENT ON THE CONSULTANCY TO REVIEW THE GOVERNMENT MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS OF THE POWER COMPANIES WILL BE MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OTHER STATEMENTS, ONE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ON THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE IN RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE REPORT AND THE OTHER BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON JOHN SWA I NE, ON THE REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, WILL ALSO BE MADE. BOTH DOCUMENTS WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
IN ADDITION, FOUR MOTIONS WILL BE DEALT WITH. TWO OF THEM, DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE AND THE RATING ORDINANCE, WILL BE MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE DEALT WITH INCLUDED 12 QUESTIONS FROM UNOFFICIALS AND FIVE BILLS - THREE TO BE INTRODUCED AND TWO DUE FOR RESUMED DEBATE AND FINAL READING.
THE QUESTIONS WILL COVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS, INCLUDING U.S. OFFICIALS’ REQUESTS TO INSPECT FACTORY DOCUMENTS, GUIDANCE ON DISCLOSURE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, THE EFFECT OF INCREASES IN ANNUAL LICENCE FEES AND FIRST REGISTRATION TAX AND THE PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT THE KOWLOON-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL.
THE THREE NEW BILLS ARE:
* THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1985
* THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985
* THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY BILL 1985
DUE FOR COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READINGS ARE:
* PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (CUSTOMS OFFICERS) BILL 1985
* THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
- - 0----------
/2........
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1935
2
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET REGULARLY IN PUBLIC * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST REGULAR MEETING^ IN PUBLIC TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
IT HAS UUST CONDUCTED FOUR SPECIAL MEETINGS TO EXAMINE IN PUBLIC THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE 1985-86.
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KMB FRANCHISE EXTENDED
* * *
THE FRANCHISE GRANTED TO THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY HAS BEEN EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER TWO YEARS TO AUGUST 31, 1991.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE, FRANCHISES FOR BUS COMPANIES ARE NORMALLY ONLY EXTENDED FOR UP TO TWO YEARS AT A TIME SO THAT THEIR PERFORMANCE CAN BE CLOSELY MONITORED.
A REPORT ON THE PERFORMANCE HAS COMPLIED SATISFACTORILY WITH PROGRAMMES.
OF KMB SHOWS THAT THE COMPANY THE AGREED ROUTE DEVELOPMENT
BY THE COMPANY IN COMPLYING WITH
IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE
THE SCHEDULES OF SERVICE, IN MAKING AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC aN ADEQUATE FLEET OF BUSES, AND IN SETTING UP DEPOT FACILITIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN KOWLOON AND
TRAVELLING ADDITIONAL IN THE NEW
TERR ITOR IES.
THE COMPANY HAS ALSO STEPPED UP ITS TRAINING OF DRIVERS AT VARIOUS LEVELS AND HAS EXPANDED ITS ENQUIRY HOT-LINE AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1935
3
NEED TO UPGRADE PRODUCTS STRESSED * * * *
HONG KONG MUST UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTS, METHODS AND SKILLS FOR ITS INDUSTRY TO SURVIVE, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR YAXLEY SAID: +1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT OUR INDUSTRIAL INVESTORS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, RENOWNED FOR THEIR FORESIGHT, RESILIENCE, RESOURCEFULNESS AND FLEXIBILITY WILL RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO THIS NEW CHALLENGE BY CONTINUING TO EXPAND THEIR PRODUCT BASE AND BY INCORPORATING NEW TECHNOLOGIES INTO THEIR PRODUCTION PROCESSES.+
GIVING ASSURANCE OF GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PLAY ITS PART IN THIS PROCESS, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE APPLICATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN INDUSTRY WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT IN THE FUTURE.
+ NOT ONLY ARE WE CONCERNED WITH ENSURING THAT THERE IS, IN THE CONVENTIONAL SENSE, AN APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN WHICH INDUSTRY CAN PROSPER BUT ALSO THAT CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AT PUBLIC EXPENSE.
+AS A RESULT OF THE DELIBERATIONS OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1980, A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES AND TECHNICAL BACK-UP FACILITIES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
-THESE INCLUDE A SERIES OF TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES IN THE FIELDS OF ELECTRONICS, METALS PROCESSING, TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND AUTOMATION. THEY ARE LIKELY TO RESULT IN INCREASED LEVELS OF SUBVENTION TO THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL WHICH IS THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN EXECUTIVE ARM IN TERMS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.
+IN ADDITION, WE ARE FUNDING THREE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AT OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, TWO IN RESPECT OF INTEGRATED CIRCUIT MANUFACTURING PROCESSES AND THE THIRD IN THE FIELD OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE.+
MF YAXLEY SAID THAT TO IMPROVE QUALITY CERTIFICATION SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT OPENED A STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY LAST OCTOBER AT A CAPITAL COST OF &29 MILLION, AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR wILL ESTABLISH A LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SYSTEM WHICH JLL ENABLE COMMERCIAL TESTING LABORATORIES TO GAIN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.
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A....
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1985
A
MINISTER RETURNING TO UK * * * *
LORD YOUNG, MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO, WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING AFTER A FOUR-DAY STAY IN HONG KONG.
LORD YOUNG WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT BR 381, ETD 8.50 PM.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL SEE HIM OFF.
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GOVERNMENT’S GOODWILL NEEDED IN FINANCIAL TALKS
******
MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, TODAY CALLED ON THE GOODWILL OF THE GOVERNMENT TO F€LP THE COUNCIL REMOVE THE FINANCIAL CLOUD NOW HANGING OVER IT.
MR. FORSGATE, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE SELECT COMMITTEE, IS TO LEAD A THREE-MAN TEAM TO JOIN IN TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON THE FUTURE OF THE COUNCIL’S FINANCES. THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS ARE MR. STEPHEN LAU AND MR. PETER C.K. CHAN.
MR. KWAN LIM-HO HAS AGREED TO ACT AS AN ALTERNATIVE ^MBER ON BEHALF OF THE ELECTED COUNCILLORS SHOULD THE NEED AR ISE.
ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY, MR. FORSGATE SAID: +1 AM SURE WE WILL BE OF ONE MIND IN TRYING TO PROVE TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE PRESENT FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, DRAWN UP IN THE EARLY 70’S, MUST BE STREAMLINED AND UPDATED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL REALITIES OF THE MID—80’S, PARTICULARLY AS THE COUNCIL’S COMMITMENTS HAVE FOR SOME YEARS EXCEEDED ITS INCOME.
+WE HAVE SO FAR MANAGED TO MAINTAIN AND IN SOME CASES UPGRADE SERVICES, AND TO CONTINUE OUR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME OF BUILDING MORE FACILITIES AND AMENITIES, SOLELY BY DIPPING INTO OUR RESERVES.
+BUT THESE RESERVES ARE SHRINKING FAST, AND IT IS ONLY PLAIN COMMONSENSE TO ACT NOW BEFORE WE FIND OURSELVES IN THE RED, WITH NO RESERVES BUT STILL WITH OUR COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE THE SERVICES THEY EXPECT AND ARE ENTITLED T0.+
/MR FOASGATE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1985
5
MR. FORSGATE REMARKED THAT TO WHAT EXTENT THE FINANCIAL TALKS WILL RESULT IN ALTERATION TO THE MEMORANDUM OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENT WHICH GOVERNS THE COUNCIL’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE GOVERNMENT, REMAINS TO BE SEEN.
BUT HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE THREE-MAN TEAM WILL USE EVERY VIABLE ARGUMENT TO GET A PRACTICAL AND WORKABLE ARRANGEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
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UC BIDS FAREWELL TO TWO COUNCILLORS ******
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE GREATLY BENEFITTED FROM THE LONG YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE OF URBAN COUNCILLORS MR KENNETH ^0 AND MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, SAID THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, TODAY.
ON BEHALF OF ALL URBAN COUNCILLORS, MR FORSGATE OFFICIALLY BADE FAREWELL AND PAID TRIBUTE TO MR LO AND MR SHUM, WHO WILL STEP DOWN FROM THE COUNCIL BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
+KENNETH LO IN HIS 19 YEARS ON THE COUNCIL HAS GIVEN UNSTINTINGLY OF HIS TIME IN MANY ROLES AND ON MANY SELECT COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMM ITTEES.+ SAID MR FORSGATE.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH MR LO IS STEPPING DOWN FROM THE COUNCIL, HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN +SINCE THE MANY SPORTS AMD RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO BE FOUND ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR WILL SERVE AS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THE DRIVING FORCE HE DISPLAYED IN PUSHING THROUGH WITH THESE PROJECTS THAT HAVE DONE SO MUCH TO IMPROVE THE LIFESTYLE, NOT ONLY OF OUR YOUNG, BUT OF OUR OLDER CITIZENS, T00.+
TURNING TO MR SHUM, MR FORSGATE COMMENDED HIM FOR HAVING DEVOTED 11 YEARS OF SERVICE TO TACKLING THE HAWKER PROBLEM.
+MR SHUM THREW HIMSELF INTO THE TRIALS AND TURMOIL OF THE HAWKER SITUATION, AND STANDING AS MILESTONES TO HIS DEDICATED SERVICE ARE THE MANY NEW MARKETS TO BE FOUND IN OUR URBAN AREA, SOME OF THEM IN THE MOST MODERN MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDINGS,* HE SAID.
HE DESCRIBED MR SHUM AS A VERY COMMUNITY-CONSCIOUS PERSON WHO HAS FOR MANY YEARS FOUND PRACTICAL wAYS IN WHICH TO DEMONSTRATE HIS GENUINE CIVIC MINDEDNESS.
+1 AM SURE HE WILL LONG CONTINUE TO GIVE UNSPARINGLY CF HIS TIME IN THOSE MANY OTHER WORTHY FIELDS IN WHICH HE STILL SERVES,* MR FORSGATE ADDED.
MR BROOK BERNACCHI WHO ALSO SPOKE ON THE OCCASION, WELCOMED THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF MR FORSGATE, MR STEPHEN LAU AND MR HOWARD YOUNG TO THE COUNCIL FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS.
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/6......
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 1985
- 6 -
POLICY ON CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS EXPLAINED ******
THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE, MR FREDERICK FUNG, SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL IN DRAWING UP THE ANNUAL CULTURAL PROGRAMMES HAS PLACED EMPHASIS ON DIFFERENT PERFORMING ARTS AS WELL AS A BALANCE BETWEEN OVERSEAS AND LOCAL PPESENTATIONS.
THIS IS AIMED AT INCREASING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES TO THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR STEPHEN LAU, MR FUNG SAID THAT IN 1983/84, 283 OR 71.3 PER CENT OF THE REGULAR CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS WERE BY LOCAL PERFORMERS WHILE 114 OR 28.7 PER CENT WERE BY OVERSEAS ARTISTS.
AS FOR 1984/85, 357 EVENTS OR 80.4 PER CENT ARE LOCAL PROGRAMMES AND 87 OR 19.6 PER CENT ARE OVERSEAS ONES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT IN SELECTING OVERSEAS PERFORMING GROUPS AND ARTISTS, SEVERAL FACTORS HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED. THESE INCLUDE THEIR ARTISTIC MERITS, THE LIKELY AUDIENCE APPEAL OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAMMES, THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY CF BRINGING THEM TO HONG KONG AND THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE VENUES DURING THE PROPOSED PERIOD.
+IT HAS BEEN THE NORMAL PRACTICE TO CONSIDER ONLY THOSE OVERSEAS GROUPS AND ARTISTS ON ASIAN TOUR AS THE Sharing OF EXPENSES ON AIR PASSAGE AND FREIGHT AMONG PRESENTERS IN THE ASIAN REGION WOULD REDUCE COSTS TO THE COUNCIL,+ MR FUNG SAID.
♦BUT HIGH ARTISTIC STANDARD AND A WELL-BALANCED OVERALL PROGRAMME REMAIN THE DOMINANT FACTORS IN DETERMINING THE ENGAGEMENT OF PERFORMING GROUPS AND ARTISTS.
♦EFFORTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE SUBSIDY LEVEL OF THE OVERALL CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS PROGRAMME WILL NOT EXCEED 30 PER CENT.+
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/7........
7
PROVISION OF AUDITOR! A TO MEET LOCA, ’;EE';3 X X X X
TO CATER FOR LOCAL NEEDS FOR CULTURAL CE .
AUDITORIUM WITH 400-500 SEATS WILL BE PROVIDED IN -ACI ■ HE FIvE URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEXES NOW UNDER CONSTRI Ori I
.VAN, WESTERN, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO AND HUNG r .
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY MR FREDERICK FUNG, .
CF THE CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE, WHEN REPLYING TO EY MR STEPHEN LAU AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODA
MR FUNG ALSO TOLD THE MEETING THAT THE FEAS IB IL IT PROVIDING CULTURAL CENTRES IN KWUN TONG AND EASTtn DISTRICT IS NOW BEING STUDIED AND THAT REPORTS ■_ TO BE READY FOR DISCUSSION BY HIS COMMITTEE IN TH-FUTURE.
+THESE CULTURAL CENTRES UNDER PLANNING OR STUDY, COUPLED WITH EXISTING FACILITIES AND THOSE UNDt CONSTRUCTION, WILL PROVIDE AN EVEN SPREAD OF PERFORM VENUES SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL URBAi. DlSTRICTS,+ HE SAID.
+THE ABOVE PLANS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CCY' DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME FOR REGULAR CONSULTA,.> DISTRICT BOARDS.+
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LIBRARY PLANS FOR EASTERN, WAN CHAI X * X * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE TWO L .. >
LIBRARIES AND A SMALL LIBRARY FOR THE EASTERN DI S‘L;
A FUuL SCALE DISTRICT IBRARY FOR WAN CHAI, SAID MrS E ELLIOTT, CHAIRMAN OF THE LIBRARIES SELECT COMMIiTEt
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR SHUM CHOI-SANG ■ v~;:
URBAN COUNCIL OPEN MEETING TODAY, MRS ELLIOTT THAT THE PLANS ARE MAPPED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WIT COUNCIL’S POLICY TO PROVIDE A DISTRICT LIBRARY OF . SQUARE METRES FOR EVERY 200 000 PEOPLE.
+AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, ALL PERMANENT ... I BR •’ IE HOUSED IN COUNCIL BUILDINGS AND THE INTENT!. OUT INTERIM LIBRARIES IN RENTED PREMISES,* Ss.
/MHS
LOTT
9fe5
MRS ELLIOTT NOTED THAT THE EASTERN DISTRICT, d TH .... POPULATION OF ABOUT 439 OOO, IS NOW SERVED BY A DISTRICT LIBRARY IN COUNCIL PREMISES IN CHAI WAN AND TwO SMALL LIBRARIES, ONE IN COUNCIL PREMISES AT THE NORTH POINT MARKET BUILDING AND THE OTHER IN RENTED PREMISES IN TA I ;'.0C SHING.
THE CHAI WAN LIBRARY WILL BE RETAINED AND REFURBISHED AS A PERMANENT DISTRICT LIBRARY AND THE ONE IN TAI KOO SHING WILL BE REPLACED BY A FULL SCALE DISTRICT LIBRARY AT THE QUARRY BAY UC COMPLEX IN 1987. THE NORTH POINT LIBRARY WILL ALSO BE KEPT TO SUPPLEMENT THE SERVICES OF THE DISTRICT LIBRARIES IN CHAI WAN AND QUARRY BAY.
TURNING TO WAN CHAI WHERE THERE ARE SOME 226 000 PEOPLE, MRS ELLIOTT SAID IT IS AT PRESENT SERVED BY A DISTRICT LIBRARY OF ABOUT 1 100 SQUARE METRES AND A SMALL LIBRARY, BOTH OF WHICH ARE IN RENTED PREMISES.
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO REPLACE THESE TWO INTERIM LIBRARIES BY A FULL SCALE DISTRICT LIBRARY AT THE LOCKHART ROAD UC COMPLEX IN 1986.
+IT IS FELT THAT THE PLANNED PROVISION FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT AND WAN CHAI IS COMPARABLE TO THAT FOR THE OTHER EIGHT URBAN DISTRICTS, AND THERE ARE NO PLANS AT PRESENT TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL STATIC LIBRARIES IN SHAU KEI WAN AND CAUSEWAY BAY,+ MRS ELLIOTT ADDED.
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COST-EFFECTIVENESS STRESSED IN STADIA MANAGEMENT X X X X X X
TO FURTHER ENHANCE EFFICIENCY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS l\ THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 3 500-SEAT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AND THE 12 500-SEAT HONG KONG COLISEUM, A PROPOSAL HAS RECENTLY BEEN DRAWN UP TO POOL THEIR STAFF TO FORM ONE +STADIA OFFICE+.
THIS WILL NOT ONLY RESULT IN AN ANNUAL SAVING OF NEARLY HALF A MILLION DOLLARS IN STAFF COSTS AND BETTER DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER RESOURCES BETWEEN THE TWO VENUES BUT WILL ALSO ENABLE PLANNING OF MARKETING STRATEGY FOR BOTH STADIA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF ENTER TA. '(ME MT SELECT COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN LAU, WHEN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR SAMUEL WONG AT TODAY’S OPEN MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
A THE CULTURAL......
.• . u'r. ’ , MARCH 121
- 9 -
+ THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO COST-EFFECTIVENESS IN THE OPERATION OF THE STADIA AND BE ALERT TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR OPENING UP NEW MARKETS FOR HIRING, ADVERTISING AND OTHER REVENUE-GENERATING FACILITIES,* SAID MR LAU.
+MEASURES ARE ALSO IN HAND TO PROMOTE AND PUBLICISE THEM MORE WIDELY HERE IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.*
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, THE HONG KONG COLISEUM WILL ACHIEVE A USAGE RATE OF ABOUT 45 PER CENT AND A BREAK-EVEN FINANCIAL SITUATION IN 1984/85. THE USAGE OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM WILL BE AROUND 51 PER CENT, WITH A SUBSIDY LEVEL IN THE REGION OF 58 PER CENT.
MR LAU SAID THE EXISTING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE TWO STADIA ARE LARGELY BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EXPERTS ENGAGED BY THE COUNCIL IN 1982 FROM THE CAPITAL CENTRE OF U.S.A.
VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN IMPLEMENTED TO IN IM I ZE EXPENDITURE AND MAXIMISE REVENUE. BUT THESE WILL -E KEPT UNDER REGULAR REVIEW TO CATER FOR THE DEVELOPING CIRCUMSTANCES, HE ADDED.
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MAXIMISE USAGE OF COLISEUM BEING EXPLORED X X X X X
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE HIRINb POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE HONG KONG COLISEUM WITH A Vi£W TO PROMOTE GREATER OVERALL USAGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, WAYS AND MEANS OF ATTRACTING MORE INGS FOR CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS, INCLUDING TRADE FAIRS, ARE ALSO BEING ACTIVELY EXPLORED.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR STEPHEN LAU, CHAIRMAN OF THE “ERTAINMENT SELECT COMMITTEE, WHEN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR SAMUEL WONG AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY.
MR LAU SAID THE COLISEUM WHICH HAS A 1 680-.. J ARE-METRE ARENA AND A MAXIMUM SEATING CAPACITY OF 12 500 IS SUITABLE FOR BOTH LARGE-SCALE CONFERENCES AND E/HiEITIONS.
IN ADDITION, THE 2 875-SQUARE-METRE PIAZZA THAT ,.:'OUNDS IT ALSO OFFERS AN IDEAL OUTDOOR DISPLAY SPACE.
/BUT HE .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 196?
10
BUT HE ADMITTED THAT THE USAGE OF THE VENUE FOR K'-DING CONVENTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS HAS 50 FAR BEEN LOW.
♦ TH IS IS PROBABLY BECAUSE GREATER EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS EVENTS AS THE PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE VENUE, AND WITH REGARD TO EXHIBITIONS BECAUSE OF THE RELATIVELY LOW PROPORTION OF EXHIBITION SPACE IN RELATION TO THE SEATING AREA.+ HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, MR LAU SAID THE COLISEUM HAS BEEN BOOKED FOR A TRADE FAIR TO PROMOTE THE EXPORT OF GIFTS AND HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS OF HONG KONG IN APRIL NEXT YEAR - THE FIRST EVER TO BE HELD AT THE VENUE SINCE IT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN APRIL 1983.
THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION WHICH HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING A LARGE NUMBER OF INTERESTED OVERSEAS VISITORS TO THE COLISEUM WILL ALSO HOST A SEMINAR ON CONVENTION FACILITIES THIS MONTH IN WHICH THE COLISEUM AND OTHER COUNCIL FACILITIES WILL BE COVERED.
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COUNCIL NOT AUTHORITY TO CENSOR MATERIAL
******
IT WOULD BE BEYOND THE POWERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO CENSOR THE MATERIAL EXPOSED FOR SALE BY LICENSED NEWSPAPER ■AwKERS, SAID THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MRS MARGARET LI AT THE OPEN FEETING, MR SHUM POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE OBLIGATIONS ORDINANCE, ONLY THE POLICE HAVE THE DUTY OF TAKING ACTION AGAINST THE SALE OF ANY MATERIAL OF AN INDECENT, OBSCENE OR REVOLTING NATURE FROM A LICENSED NEWSPAPER HAWKER STALL OR ELSEWHERE.
+THE COUNCIL’S ONLY DUTY IN SUCH CASES IS TO URGE ALL CITIZENS TO OBEY THE LAw,+ HE SAID.
AS FOR MATERIAL WHICH IS NOT ILLEGAL UNDER THE SAME ORDINANCE, BUT MERELY TASTELESS, OR OF A GENERALLY EROTIC Jr. SENSUOUS FLAVOUR, THERE ARE NO LEGAL CONTROLS ON THE SalE OR EXPOSURE FOR SALE OF SUCH MATERIAL.
TO INITIATE LEGAL AMENDMENTS TO ACHIEVE SUCH CONTROL /.CULD BE EXTRMEMELY DIFFICULT.
+ IT IS IN PARTICULAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DEFINE ADEQUATELY /.'HAT DOES OR DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ’ADULT PUBLICATION’ aHICH IS UNDESIRABLE, BUT NOT ACTUALLY INDECENT,+ MR SHUM ■OTEE.
/+EV£2i, .........
J
MARCH 12, 1985
11
+EVEN, HOWEVER, F ADEQUATE DEFINITIONS COULD BE /.CRDED, IT aOULD APPEAR INAPPROPRIATE FCF SUCH CONTROLS TO BE EXERCISED BY THE COUNCIL.
+CONTROL COULD ONLY BE IMPOSED BY THE COUNCIL IN THE FORM OF ADDITIONAL STATUTORY LICENSING CONDITIONS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.
+THAT ORDINANCE IS CONCERNED wITH PUBLIC HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY, AND TO EXTEND ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THE SAFEGUARDING OF THE MORAL FIBRE OF YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD SEEM TO CONSTITUTE AN EXTENSION OF THE COUNCIL’S AUTHORITY AS FRAMED IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE AND EXTENSION OF THE COUNCIL’S AUTHORITY INTO AREAS QUITE OUTSIDE ITS HISTORIC AREAS OF CONCERN.+
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ALIENATION OF UC FACILITIES SATISFACTORY
THE PRESENT PROCEDURES FOR THE ALIENATION OF URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES, INCLUDING OPEN SPACE, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS, ARE SATISFACTORY.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR KENNETH LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE F CREATION SELECT COMMITTEE AT TODAY’S OPEN MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WHEN REPLYING TO MRS MARGARET LI’S QUESTIONS.
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURES, MR LO SAID: +EACH CASE IS CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE OVERALL INTEREST Or THE PUBLIC, THE EFFECT OF THE ALIENATION ON THE FACILITIES, THE SUITABILITY OF THE COMPENSATORY LAND GRANT, IF ANY, AND THE PERIOD OF THE AL I ENATION.
+i- THE COUNCIL IS SATISFIED THAT THE ALIENATION IS JUSTIFIED, THEN THE REQUEST IS ALLOWED.+
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT, ANY ALIENATION THAT INVOLVES THE FELLING OF TREES OR THE LOSS OF GREENERY, WILL BE EXAMINED MOST CAREFULLY BY THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT AS FEW TREES AS POSSIBLE ARE LOST.
WHERE POSSIBLE, TRANSPLANTING OF THE TREES OR rt-FOVIS ION OF THE GREENERY IS REQUIRED AS A CONDITION FOR THE ALIENATION.
THE EFFECT SUCH ALIENATION HAS ON KEEPING HONG KONG GREEN IS THEREFORE KEPT TO A MINIMUM, MR SAID.
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/12 .....
TUi. MARCH 12, IRC
12 -
PUBLIC BOWLING GREENS UNDER-UTILIZED * * * * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL DOES NOT PRESENTLY SEE THE PROVISION CP ADDITIONAL PUBLIC LAWN BOWLING GREENS AS A HIGH PRIORITY ITEM FOR USE OF ITS SCARCE RESOURCES, SAID MR KENNETH LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE.
BUT IF THERE IS AN INCREASE IN THE USE OF THE EXISTING TwO GREENS AT VICTORIA PARK, HE SAID, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO DEVELOPING MORE OF THESE FACILITIES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MRS NELLIE FONG, MR LO NOTED THAT THE TWO GREENS ARE AT PRESENT UNDER-UTILIZED. STATISTICS SHOW THAT DURING THE PERIODS SEPTEMBER 1982/AUGUST 1983 AND SEPTEMBER 1983/AUGUST 1984 WHEN ONLY ONE GREEN WAS AVAILABLE, THE USAGE RATE RECORDED WAS 44.41 PER CENT AND 29.15 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
AND BETWEEN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND JANUARY THIS YEAR WHEN ANOTHER GREEN WAS OPENED, THE USAGE RATE OF THE TWO GREENS WAS 11.51 PER CENT.
+ THE USAGE PATTERN WILL BE CAREFULLY MONITORED,+ SAID LO.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG LAWN BOWLS ASSOCIATION, IS AT PRESENT LOOKING INTO MEANS TO PROMOTE THE USAGE OF THE TwO GREENS INCLUDING THE NEED FOR INSTALLING FLOODLIGHTING AT THE EXISTING GREENS TO EXTEND THE HOURS OF USE AFTER DUSK.
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HAWKER POLICIES NOT FINALISED, SAYS MRS ELLIOTT
******
THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORKING PARTY T REVIEW HAWKER AND RELATED POLICIES, MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT. SaID TODAY THAT NO DECISIONS HAVE YET BEEN TAKEN ON THE COUNCIL’S FUTURE POLICIES ON HAWKERS.
♦ANYTHING THAT HAS BEEN SPECULATION,* SHE STRESSED.
SAID SO FAR IS PURE
CLARIFYING THE ACTUAL POSITION CONCERNING THE WORK OF THE WORKING PARTY AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY, MRS ELLIOTT POINTED OUT THAT THE PARTY COULD ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND NOT FINAL DECISIONS, ON HAWKER MATTERS.
/AND BEFORE
TUESD. t. MARCH 12, 198$
- 13 -
AND BEFORE MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS, THE WORKING PARTY wlLL PRESENT A COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAwKER ISSUES TO SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE b£w DISTRICT BOARDS, THE HAWKER ASSOCIATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
+ WE HAD HOPED TO REPORT OUR FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL PROPER AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, OR EARLY THIS YEAR, BUT THE HAWKER PROBLEM IS A COMPLEX ONE AND WE HAVE BEEN AT PAINS TO STUDY IT FROM EVERY ANGLE, AND TO CONSULT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT,+ SHE SAID.
+IN SHORT, THE MORE WE STUDIED THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE PROBLEM, THE WIDER WE HAD TO CAST OUR NET TO ENSURE THAT ALL RELEVANT POINTS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
+BECAUSE WE MUST NOW ENTER A FRESH ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH THE NEWLY ELECTED DISTRICT BOARDS, OUR FINDINGS WILL NECESSARILY BE FURTHER DELAYED -- BUT THE HAwKER PROBLEM HAS BEEN WITH US FOR MANY DECADES, AND IN THE LONG TERM A FEW MONTHS EITHER WAY WILL NOT MATTER MUCH IF THE END RESULT IS A SATISFACTORY ONE WHICH, HOPEFULLY, IT WILL BE.+
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SWIMMING POOL LICENCE FEE REVISED
******
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, DR DENNY HUANG, MOVED A MOTION AT THE URBAN COUNCIL OPEN MEETING TODAY TO INCREASE THE ANNUAL LICENSING FEE FOR SWIMMING POOLS.
THE NEW FEE WHICH WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON APRIL 1, wl_L BE $2 OOO AS COMPARED WITH THE EXISTING $1 680.
DR HUANG SAID THE SWIMMING POOL LICENCE FEE WAS LAST REVISED IN APRIL 1983.
+SINCE THEN, THE FEE FOR TESTING WATER SAMPLES FOR MONITORING POOL WATER QUALITY, WHICH IS CHARGED TO THE COUNCIL BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HAS RISEN BY 240 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
♦THIS HAS RESULTED IN A SUBSTANTIAL DEFICIT IN THE COST FOR ADMINISTERING THIS TYPE OF LICENCE.*
DR HUANG SAID THAT DUE CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ALL THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE INCREASE BY HIS COMMITTEE AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE URBAN COUNCIL.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 19 5
14
AN ABNORMAL FEBRUARY FOR nONG KONG * * *
FEBRUARY WAS ABNORMAL, CHANGEABLE AND UNSETTLED, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
nA IL wAS REPORTED ON FEBRUARY 7, WHICH wAS THE EARLIEST DATc CL RECORD FOR HAIL OCCURRENCE IN HONG KONG.
THE MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OF 1 013.9 MILLIBARS WAS THE LOWEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY. THE MONTH’S RAINFALL OF 218.8 MM WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY COMPARED WITH THE HIGHEST RECORD OF 241.0 MM SET IN FEBRUARY 1983.
DURING THE MONTH, RAIN OCCURRED ON 25 DAYS WHICH wAS ALSO THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY, AFTER THE RECORD NUMBER OF 26 SET IN 1959.
THE MONTH’S MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 86 PER CENT AND THE I'tAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD OF 92 PER CENT RANKED THE SIXTH AND THE EIGHTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY RESPECTIVELY.
THE TOTAL DURATION OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE wAS 27.9 HOURS WHICH RANKED THE SIXTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR FEBRUARY.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY ON THE FIRST TwO DAYS OF THE MONTH UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE OVER CHINA. AS THE ANTICYCLONE MOVED EAST ACROSS THE EAST CHINA COAST ON FEBRUARY 3, THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY ALTHOUGH THERE WERE STILL SUNNY INTERVALS.
FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH, THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST MOST CF THE TIME AND THERE WERE LESS THAN 10 HOURS OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE IN 25 DAYS.
AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER SOUTH CHINA ON FEBRUARY 4 AND WAS ALMOST STATIONARY FOR THE FOLLOWING TwO DAYS. LEATHER ON FEBRUARY 4 WAS CLOUDY wITH LIGHT RAIN AND PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS SET IN ON FEBRUARY 5.
AS A RESULT, A SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR TAI LAM WAS CLOSED IN THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 5 DUE TO A LANDSLIP NEARBY. FLOODING wAS REPORTED IN TSI NG LUNG TAU AND SHA TIN.
ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AGAIN OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY 6.
THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE STARTED TO MOVE SOUTH ON FEBRUARY 7, AND FOG FORMED IN THE EARLY MORNING LASTED UNTIL LATE IN THE EVENING. MORE WIDESPREAD THUNDERY SHOWERS WERE EXPERIENCED ON THAT DAY, CAUSING LANDSLIPS IN SAU MAU PING AND KWUN TONG, WHERE 40 RESIDENTS WERE EVACUATED. MINOR FLOODING WAS REPORTED IN WAN CHAI. THERE WERE ALSO REPORTS OF MARBLE-SIZE HAILSTONES IN KWUN TONG AND THE EASTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING SAI KUNG, HIGH ISLAND, SHAP SZ HEUNG ANG TAP MUN, AND MIRS BAY.
/THUNDERY fcHCWERb ......
- 15 -
fOESU
March t:, 19^5
SHOWERS CONTINUED ON FEBRUARY 8, GIVING Rl-.c ' LOODING l\ YAU TONG AND WONG TAI SIN WHERE 20 PEOPLE WERE cVACUATEL.
THERE -.ERE PRESS REPORTS THAT SEVERE wEATHER WITH THUNDERSTORMS, SQUALLS, TORNADOES AND EGG-SIZE HAILSTONES OCCURRED IN THE WESTERN PART OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND HAINAN ISLAND ON FEBRUARY 7 AND 3. THERE WERE ALSO REPORTS OF HAIL TO THE SOUTH OF TA I BE I.
THE ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE EVENTUALLY PASSED TO THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG EARLY ON FEBRUARY Q AND THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST aITH THUNDERSTORMS AND FOG IN THE MORNING. THE TEMPERATURE rOS=. TO A MAXI-uM OF 21.7 DEGREES CELSIUS IN THE AFTERNOON, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.
A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON FEBRUARY 13 AND THERE WERE PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN. HOWEVER, THE RAIN BECAME LIGHT AND INTERMITTENT ON FEBRUARY 11 AND 12.
ANOTHER SURGE OF THE wINTER MONSOON ARRIVED EARLY ON FEBRUARY 13 AND PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN AGAIN OCCURRED.
A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE BECAME ESTABLISHED OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST OF CHINA ON FEBRUARY 14, THE WEATHER IMPROVtD-SLiSHTLY AND RAIN BECAME LIGHT.
ALTHOUGH MIST WAS REPORTED IN THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 15, JOM7 ; ,NNY INTERVALS OCCURRED IN THE AFTERNOON. HOWEVER, FOG AND DR!E_£ SET IN DURING THAT EVENING.
■ ■ O BECAME . IDESPREAD ON FEBRUARV 16, DISRUPTING BOTH FERRY A: . I- :C SERVICES, AND THERE WAS ALSO SOME RAIN.
- - • COLD FRONT WAS FORMING OVER SOUTH CHINA ON FEBRUARY 17, , wEaTHER WITH DRIZZLE CONTINUED LOCALLY.
THE COLD FRONT PASSED HONG KONG EARLY ON FEBRUARY 18, CLEARING < T0G BIT BRINGING RAIN WHICH WAS HEAVY AT TIMES.
TCHES Or LIGHT RAIN CONTINUED ON FEBRUARY 19 AND 20.
- GE ■" THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED EARLY ON FEBRUARY 21 '■ THE LEATHER BECAME COLD WITH PERIODS of RAIN FROM FEBRUARY 21
7 E TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 8.° DEGREES CELSIUS
FEBRUARY 23, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.
IT .AS CLOUDY WITH DRIZZlE FROM FEBRUARY 25 TO 2b. ADDITION THE-.; WERE ALSO MIST AND FOG ON FEBRUARY 26 AND 28.
TriE-E WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN . ’ . ClF'iC . “riE 3 DOTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONT: .
/dur;?.
TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 19*5
16
DURING Tut MONTH, 10 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FROM FEBRUARY 7 TO 9. A FLOOD WARNING WAS ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 8. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WAS IN EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1, 2, 3 AND 20.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF DATE AND TIME OF
— ————— —————— HOISTING LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEBRUARY 10 11.15 PM FEBRUARY 11 10.15 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEBRUARY 16 7.40 PM FEBRUARY 17 9.05 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON FEBRUARY 25 1 AM FEBRUARY 25 9.10 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE 27.9 HOURS- 80.8 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 218.8 MM» 176.9 MM ABOVE NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 92 PER CENT- 21 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 86 PER CENT- 8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN NORMAL
.MEAN MAXIMUM 17.6 DEGREES CELSIUS- 1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS
TEMPERATURE BELOW NORMAL
MEAN TEMPERATURE 15.8 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.1 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM 14.2 DEGREES CELSIUS- 0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE
TEMPERATURE NORMAL
l^EAN DEW POINT 13.4 DEGREES CELSIUS- 1.7 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOV NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 35.8 MM- 48.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 21.7 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 9
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 8.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON FEBRUARY 23
-----0------
/17 .......
TUESL'Y, MARCH 12, 1985
- 17 -
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE OUT THURSDAY
******
THE POST OFFICE WILL BE SETTING UP ADDITIONAL COUNTERS FOR NORMAL BUSINESS WHEN THE SPECIAL SET OF STAMPS WITH THE THEME ■►HISTORICAL BUILDINGS OF HONG KONG+ ARE ISSUED ON THURSDAY, MARCH 14.
ADDITIONAL COUNTERS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING CFF ICES:
POST OFFICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND
GENERAL POST OFFICE
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE
CAUSEWAY BAY
HENNESSY ROAD
MORRISON HILL
NORTH POINT
QUEEN’S ROAD
SHEUNG WAN
POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES
KOWLOON CENTRAL
CHEUNG SHA WAN
GILLIES AVENUE
KOWLOON CITY
KWUN TONG
MONG KOK
SHAM SHU I PO
TSIM SHA TSUI
TSUEN WAN
/A POST .....
- 18 -
TU.^nV, Mx»Ch , -.985
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT FOR THE FIRST TIM-IN riONG KONo THE ARTWORK USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF THESE STAMPS HAVE ALSO aEEN REPRODUCED IN SETS OF HIGH QUALITY A4 SIZE PRINTS WITH MATCHING STAMPS.
EACH SET is CONTAINED IN A LUXURIOUS RED AND GOLD P-TAT■ . FOLDER AMD . 'LL BE ON SALE AT $50 PER SET AT THE PHILATELIC CCUITErio OF GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAD, BEACONSFIEL^ HOUSE, PEAK AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES AS FROM MARCH 15.
-------0 ---------
35 MORE SPECIAL CAR * *
NUMBERS OFFERED *
t-IRTY-FIVE MORE SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS wILL BE OFFERED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IN AN AUCTION ON SATURDAY (MARCH 16), STARTING AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALl.
THEY ARE:
DD 6686 DD 3218 DE 2800 DD 9188 AB 500
AZ 6636 DD 3231 AS 14 AS 738 DD 6838
DC 8 DD 8288 DE 1638 DE 118 DE 1118
DD 6663 DD 69 DD 6338 HK 808 DD 9951
DD 3928 DD 8983 280 DE 6838 CH 38
DE 501 DD 100 DD 9668 AT 8722 DD 8863
DC 888 DE 280 DE 233 DD 7187 DB 18
PAYMENT MUST BE IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER ’HE BIDDING, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AND THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY - VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER
12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION, HE SAID.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL, AS USUAL, GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 96TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT _E°ARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-------0 ---------
/19
TU_jyA
Ch 12, 1985
BOARD TO HOLD END-OF-TERM MEETING
* * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FINAL No CF THE CURRENT TERM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 14) AFTERNOON.
AT THE MEETING, HANDOVER STATEMENTS OF THE BOARD’S Six COMMITTEES, AND THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE BOARD FOR THE TEAR 1984-85 WILL BE TABLED.
A LIST OF PROJECTS TO BE CARRIED OVER TO THE NEXT TERM WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO THE BOARD MEMBERS.
ANOTHER ITEM FOR DISCUSSION IS A 1O-KILOMETRE FITNESS TRAIL TO BE BUILT IN KWUN TONG, FOR WHICH ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB DONATED $2.5 MILLION.
NEWLY-ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THURSDAY’S MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ■•EETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROON. ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
- 0 -
ANOTHER BIG PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR TAI PO
******
ANOTHER LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IS TO RISE IN TAI PO NE* '•^H, PROVIDING MODERN HOMES FOR 40 000 MORE PEOPLE ON FULL COMPLETION BY 1989.
TA! *0 ESTATE, THE FOURTH PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT IN ThE DISTRICT, WILL BE DEVELOPED IN FOUR PHASES ON A SITE COVERING 15.7 HECTARES TO THE NORTH OF TAI PO OLD MARKET.
♦ THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS NOW INVITING PILING TENDERS FOR ITS FIRST PHASE,* SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN TODAY.
HE SAID WORKS WOULD INCLUDE PILING TO FOUNDATIONS pV ThREE --STOREY TRIDENT BLOCKS, A 20-STOREY SLAB BLOCK, A PRIMARY SCHOC.. .... A COMMERCIAL CENTRE, AS WELL AS FOOTBRIDGE SUPPORTS.
THE. I'OUR
TUEfc’JAY, MARCH 1t, 1985
- 20 -
♦ The four residential blocks * ill ACCOMMODATE 13 37: PEOPLE IN 2 942 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS WHEN THEY ARE READY BY 1988.+
AT PRESENT, CONSTRUCTION WORK IS WELL UNDERWAY ON THE THIRD RENTAL ESTATE IN TAI PO, FU SHIN ESTATE, WHICH WILL BECOME HOMES FOR 28 000 PEOPLE ON COMPLETION BY 1986.
THE FIRST TWO RENTAL ESTATES IN THE NEW TOwN, TAi YUEN AND KWONG FUK, ARE NOW HOUSING 40 000 PEOPLE, AND KWONG FUK ESTATE WILL SOON TAKE IN ANOTHER 10 000 PEOPLE WHEN ITS FINAL PHASE IS READY.
-----0------
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KWAI CHUNG * * * * *
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS IN THE KWAI CHUNG AREA.
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BASKETBALL AND VOLLEY BALL COURT, SKATING RINK AND PLANTING AREA ON A 5 360-SQUARE METRE LOCAL OPEN SPACE IN WO Yl HOP ROAD.
WORK IS TO START IN MAY AND TAKE ABOUT TEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS MARCH 29.
-----o------
SUNDAY FUN FOR 1 500 CHILDREN
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING J«RTY FC- MORE THAN 1 500 CHILDREN OF STAFF ON SUNDAY (MARCH 17. .
THE PARTY WILL BEGIN WITH THE DOTTING OF A LION’S EYES BY HE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR ROY KILVERT, FOLLOWED - A LION DANCE BY MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE SIDE-SHOWS, GAME STALLS, A TRAP 'IDE, • ’.GET SHOOTING, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, AS WELL AS a - 3L uu .GOG DEMONSTRATION.
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES BAND AND THE TAi TAM .. 1RLS ->I9ERS AND MARCHING TEAM WILL PROVIDE MUSIC THROUGHOUT '-ARTY.
MR KILVERT ..ILL LATER PRESENT PRIZES AND CONiv--' DRAW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YC: . INVITED TO COVER THE PARTY, WHICH v. ILL THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT COMPOUND AT 12, UI NORTH POINT.
-------o ---------
IMMIGRATION INCREASES VISITS TO TUEN Ml * * * *
FRC"'-‘ "’ARCH 20, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S MOB I!
WILl BE MAKING THREE — INSTEAD OF TWO — VISITS A MUN, TO M-ET DEMAND FOR SERVICES THERE.
WHO WISHES TO USE THE SERVICES MAY CAL; , DISTRICT OFFICE AT ON TING ESTATE BETWEEN 13.15 AM AND 12.30 AND BETWEEN 2 PM AND 3.30 PM EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY 'EpT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS*, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTME
W ’iLE OFFICE’S VISITING SCHEDULE TO OTHER DI REMAINS UNCHANGED.
R‘ IRIES MAY BE DIRECTED TO TELEPHONE 3-73.
-----0------
DRAINAGE WORK IN YUEN LONG
* * * *
'■'BOUT METRES OF BOX CULVERTS, 400 METRES OF f? 5 0F CHANNELS WILL BE BUILT AT YAU TIN AND ...
IN YutN LONG.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL IMPROVE STORMWATER DRAINAGE THE LOW-LYING PLACES IN THE AREA, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JUNE AND E COMPLETED IN 17 MONTHS.
ERR(TORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH OF THE ' vc/tLOPMtNl .'■ •iAR’MENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE
.. Dl !o MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 29.
- 0 -
TUF AY, MARCH 12, 1985
22
D’AGUILAR STREET TRAFFIC CHANGE * * * *
D’AGUILAR STREET BETWEEN WYNDHAM STREET AND WELLINGTON STREET IN CENTRAL wILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS, FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15).
THE CLOSURE IS FOR ROAD WORK.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *
TRAFFIC ON THE UNNAMED STREET JOINING NAM SHING STREET AND WAI Yl STREET IN TAI PO MARKET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, -ROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15).
AT THE SAME TIME, TRAFFIC ON YAN HING STREET AND SHUN TAK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAYS, WHILE N.T. MAX I CAB 22K WILL EE RE-ROUTED VIA YAN HING STREET AND SHUN TAK STREET ON JOURNEYS TO TAI PO KCR STATION.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
’LEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MOR ING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
_ _ 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1985 ......................... 1
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE COMMENTS NOTED ................ 10
MONITORING SCHEME ACHIEVES AIM, CONSULTANTS SAY.......... 11
BILL PROVIDES ADDITIONAL MODE OF TRIAL .................. 13
BILL TO PROTECT WORKERS' WAGES........................... 16
AUTONOMY FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS URGED ................ 17
CHARGES FOR MOBILE TELEPHONES APPROVED .................. 19
PLAN TO REVIEW CHARGES WELCOMED ......................... 21
KCR BY-LAWS APPROVED..................................... 22
PHASING IN OF NT GENERAL RATE............................ 23
UNOFFICIALS BACK EXPANSION OF TAX REVIEW BOARD .......... 23
FUNDS ON ACCOUNT APPROVED ............................... 24
PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE MEETS ........................ 24
•U.S. OFFICIALS HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO INSPECT FACTORIES' .. 25
ASSURANCE GIVEN ON DB WORK............................... 26
ACTION TAKEN AGAINST FIRMS FOR ACCOUNTS OFFENCE ......... 26
MINIMISING NOISE LEVEL ON ROAD WORKS .................... 27
EFFORTS TO REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS GO ON ............ 27
PT,AN DEVISED TO IMPROVE RADIO RECEPTION - TSAO.......... 29
FEE RISE, TAX BRING DOWN CAR NUMBERS..................... 31
OVER MILLION USE KOWLOON-MACAU FERRY IN YEAR............. 31
ROAD DEFINITION - A MOOT POINT .......................... 32
MORE THOUGHT GIVEN TO BANYAN TREE REQUEST ............... 32
TWO BILLS PASSED ........................................ 33
SGHOT.ARSHTPS OFFERED FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDIES ........... 34
STUDENTS PLANTS ON.. SHOW.-................................. 35
CULTURE, ARTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISED .......................... 36
YOUTHS' LEISURE ACTIVITIES STUDIED ......................... 36
RESTRICTED ZONES IN YUEN LONG .............................. 37
TURN MUN WATER WORKS ....................................... 87
MEET THE MEDIA ............................................. 37
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
1 -
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1985
* X X X *
Sir,
I move that the Legislative Council (Electoral Provisions) Bill 1985 be read a second time.
The purpose of this Bill is to provide for the election of 24 members to the Legislative Council in September as envisaged in the White Paper on the Further Development of Representative Government in Hong Kong which was laid on the table on 21 November last year. The Bill seeks to provide for the establishment of twelve electoral college constituencies and nine functional constituencies which will return, between them, a total of 24 members to the Legislative Council. The Bill also prescribes the relevant electoral procedures, which are based, as far as possible, on those already well tried procedures, recently tested again with success, contained in existing legislation applicable to the Urban Council and District Board elections.
I think it would be helpful to remind Members, at this stage, of the objectives of the plans for more representative government set out in the White Paper. As I said in my speech to this Council on 9 January this year, these objectives can be stated quite simply: the first objective is that the future system of representative government in Hong Kong should be rooted firmly in the community and thereby be directly
/accountable to .......
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 13, 1985 *
- 2 -
accountable to the people of Hong Kong. The second objective is to provide for changes in the composition and method of selection of the Legislative Council which will ensure that it is broadly based, and which will minimise any tendency to factional politics and divisiveness. The third objective is to provide a foundation for further developments in the composition and method of selection of the membership of the Legislative Council, in the light of experience gained. Of course, the ultimate objective of our present plans and any later extensions and modifications of those plans is, to ensure that a system of government is firmly established during the next twelve years which will preserve and enhance the essential features of our present society. If this is achieved then we can be hopeful of a smooth transition for Hong Kong from its present status as a British Dependent Territory to that of a Special Administrative Region of China, with a high degree of autonomy. With effect from the 1985-86 Session, the total membership of the Legislative Council will comprise 56 members: 12 will be drawn from the electoral college
constituencies (i.e. 10, from the district board level and two from the regional council level), 12 from functional
constituencies, 22 will be appointed by the Governor and 10 will be selected civil servants.
The Bill is structured in eight parts with two separate schedules which set out details of the various constituencies, the categories of persons who are eligible to be registered as electors in each of them, and the number of members to be elected in each constituency.
Part I of the Bill is largely preliminary and calls for little elaboration. However, it does introduce two new concepts in the context of functional constituencies: that of an "electoral division1’ and of a “substantial connexion”.
/The concept.........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 3 -
The concept of an "electoral division11 has been adopted as a means of providing for the electors from each of the nominated representative organizations within the commercial and industrial constituencies to return their own representative, rather than to elect jointly, two representatives which could result in both coming from one organization. It is also designed, as in the case of the labour constituency, to enable the result of an election to be determined on the basis of absolute majority, a procedure about which I shall be saying more in a few moments.
The concept of a "substantial connexion" has been introduced to help achieve one of the main purposes of having functional constituencies, namely, that candidates for election to the Legislative Council are properly qualified, that is to say, competent by virtue of their own personal experience, to represent the interests of the particular constituencies in which they stand but with the ultimate purpose, of course , of serving the interests of the community as a whole.
Part II of the Bill sets out the general provisions relating to the holding of elections and the establishment of constituencies. It provides for the first elections to be held in 1985 and in every third year thereafter, or otherwise within three months of a dissolution of the Legislative Council; for the actual establishment of electoral college and functional constituencies and the number of seats; for the tenure of office of members; for the circumstances in which an elected member’s seat shall become vacant; and for the declaration of casual vacancies and the holding of elections to fill casual vacancies. In Part II it is also provided that an elected member who fails to attend sittings of the Legislative Council for a period of three consecutive months shall cease to hold office unless his absence has been excused by the Governor. This is similar to a provision already contained in the Urban
/Council and ....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
Council and District Boards Ordinances. There is a special provision in Clause 5(b) for the tenure of office of the member elected by the members of the Provisional Regional Council in 1985 to end when the Provisional Regional Council ceases to exist in 1986. A new member will be elected by the members of the full Regional Council when it has been established.
Part III of the Bill deals with the electoral franchise and with the question of eligibility to register as an elector. In the case of the twelve electoral college constituencies, eligible electors are the members of the District Boards and the Urban Council and Regional Council. As a result of views expressed by a number of representative organisations making up certain functional constituencies, there is one Important exception to the rule announced in the White Paper, namely, that in order to qualify as an elector in a functional constituency a person must also be registered as an elector on the general electoral roll under the Electoral Provisions Ordinance. Clause 13(3) provides, for the purpose of the 1985 elections only, that a person shall be eligible for registration as a functional constituency elector whether or not he is registered on the general electoral roll, provided he is duly qualified and eligible to be so registered. This will enable those persons who failed to register on the general electoral roll last year, despite the intensive publicity which was devoted to this point at that time, to apply for registration on their functional constituency electoral roll. This special provision has been Introduced to enable as many members of the various functional constituencies as possible to register as electors for these first elections to the Legislative Council, so that the representative quality, as It were, of elected members of functional constituencies is not suspect. Thus we have met the views of those who petitioned us on this point. But we have done so having regard to the public
I /interest, not ........
WEDNESDAY, MAfiCH 13> 1985
- 5 -
interest, not out of sympathy for those who failed to register on the general electoral roll. The public interest clearly requires that we must do what we reasonably can to avoid putting at risk the whole concept of functional constituencies, which concept the Government regards as an important element in the process of producing a blend of membership which is appropriate to Hong Kong’s circumstances. I do hope that those concerned will take full advantage of the opportunity now open to them.
There are two further provisions in Part III to which I would also invite the attention of Members. Clause 14 provides that no person shall be eligible to register as an elector in more than one electoral college constituency. Nor may he register, in his own right, in more than one functional constituency of his choice. Clause 15 provides that those who have been so registered shall be disqualified from voting in the event of their ceasing to be a member of the constituency in question. In practice, this means that a person who is qualified will be able to vote once in an electoral college constituency, that is to say, in his capacity as a member of a District Board, the Urban Council or the Provisional Regional Council and once in a functional constituency in his own right as an individual. In addition, that person will be able to cast a vote on behalf of a corporate elector in a functional constituency if he is appointed as the authorised representative of that corporate elector. However, he would cast that vote in accordance with the instructions of the corporate elector and not on his own behalf.
Part IV contains the conventional provisions for the registration of electors for both the electoral college constituencies and the functional constituencies. It provides for the appointment of a registration officer by notice in the Gazette; for the final register of electors to be published
/and to .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 6 -
and to remain in force until the publication of the next register; and for the Chief Justice to appoint a magistrate or other legal officer to act as a revising officer. And Clause 19 confers, for the purpose of Parts III and IV of the Bill certain regulation making powers upon the Governor in Council. There will be two sets of regulations: one covering the detailed procedures for the registration of electors and the other the detailed arrangements for the nomination of candidates and supervision of the elections. These regulations will be published as soon as possible after this Bill has been enacted.
Part V of the Bill sets out the qualifications for candidature. It requires that a candidate must have been ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for the 10 years immediately preceding the date of his nomination and must have been registered as an elector on the general electoral roll under the Electoral Provisions Ordinance. There is, however, an exception to this latter qualification which matches the compromise solution proposed for 1985 only in respect of electors. In the case of a functional constituency for the 1985 elections only, it shall be sufficient for a candidate to show, if he is not so registered, that he is duly qualified and eligible to be registered as an elector and, of course, he must have a substantial connexion with that constituency. In Clause 22, it is provided that no candidate may be nominated or stand for election in more than one constituency. Finally, in Clause 21, are prescribed the grounds for disqualification from being nominated as a candidate, which include the holding of any public office and membership of any parliament, assembly or council of any place outside Hong Kong.
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 13, 1985
Parts VI and VII deal respectively with the appointment of returning officers, the supervision of elections and with election petitions. They repeat, generally, the provisions already contained in the legislation dealing with Urban Council and District Board elections. Finally, Part VIII covers a number of miscellaneous matters, including the very important requirement that voting shall be in secret.
Sir, I mentioned earlier the intention to use the absolute majority system in the determination of election results. This system is proposed, rather than the simple majority procedure currently used in the Urban Council and District Board elections and certainly will be used for the Regional Council elections. An absolute majority system is a more effective way of ensuring the election of candidates with a large degree of consensus support in the electoral college and functional constituencies. The detailed procedures will be spelt out in the subsidiary regulations to be made under the Bill, but, in essence, the system is designed to provide that no candidate may be declared elected until he has secured more than 50Z of the votes cast in the election.
In the case of the electoral college constituencies, where the numbers of voters will be relatively small, it is proposed to adopt a system of repeated ballots, whereby\ voting is continued through a series of ballots until one candidate secures an absolute majority of the votes cast. In the case of functional constituencies, where there will be greater numbers of voters, it is proposed to adopt a preferential voting system under which electors record their votes for the candidates in order of preference. This system calls for repeated counts of the votes, with lower preference votes being added at each count to the first preference votes. The candidate securing the lowest number of votes on each count is eliminated, until a single candidate emerges with the support of more than 50Z of the voters. It is to accommodate this procedure that the labour functional constituency has been divided into two
electoral divisions.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 8 -
As I mentioned in a reply to a question by Mr CHAN Ying-lun in this Council on 6 February, consultations have been held with the representative organisations making up the various functional constituencies on the principles now embodied in this Bill. Meetings have been held with the principal officers of each of these organisations, and careful and detailed consideration has been given to their views. It has been possible to meet some of these views, but not all of them. However, as was stated in the White Paper, a review of the arrangements will be conducted in 1987 to identify any desirable improvements in present arrangements; and, of course, to decide whether any further constitutional changes are indicated at that time to be effective from the 1988-89 session or later. I have no doubt that any improvements which may be identified ad interim will be fully considered in the course of that review and that ideas as to further constitutional developments will be floated and debated in readiness for the review. Meanwhile, Sir, may I suggest that we should all concentrate on the immensely important task of assembling the new style Legislative Council for the next three years, 1985-88, and here time is of the essence if we are to complete all the necessary practical arrangements in time for the 1985 elections to be held in September of this year.
Sir, this Bill, which implements the plans in the White Paper, represents an extremely significant development in the constitutional history of Hong Kong. For the first time, elections are to be held for seats in the Legislative Council. We are experimenting with a unique mix of systems designed to assemble a Legislative Council consisting of (1^ what one might describe as populist elected members, (2) representatives elected by interest groups, (3) appointed members carefully selected on the basis of their track record in public life and their invaluable experience of government and to cover elements in our society which may not otherwise be satisfactorily
/catered for.....
WEDNESDAY, MAfiCH 13, 1985
- 9 -
catered for and (4) a few civil servants to provide, for the time being at least, that necessary link with the Administration. I have not listed these four groups in any particular order of importance, obviously, for I have mentioned civil servants last. So we are about to embark on a major step in the process of developing, through this mix of systems, our own unique legislature, one which has a diversity of roots in the community and one which will be seen to be directly accountable to the people of Hong Kong.
I sincerely hope that all those people who will be enfranchised by this Bill will take the opportunity to register as electors or establish their claim to be electors for mere membership even of a District Board, let alone a functional constituency will not obviate the necessity to do this. I sincerely hope that they realise that, by the act of registering, they will demonstrate their understanding of the need to develop mechanisms to assemble the membership of the Legislative Council and that they will express their confidence in the future of Hong Kong by casting their votes, and standing as candidates, when the elections are held.
Sir, I move that the debate on this motion be adjourned.
/10 ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985 •
10
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE COMMENTS NOTED *****
THE ADMINISTRATION HAD TAKEN PARTICULAR NOTE OF THE OBSERVATIONS SET OUT IN THE GENERAL CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS SECTION OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 7 TABLED ON JANUARY 23, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS MAKING A STATEMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE IN RESPONSE TO REPORT NO. 7 OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND SECRETARIAT BRANCHES HAD BEEN REMINDED OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF AD HOC WORKING GROUPS AND STEERING COMMITTEES, WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO OVERCOME THE CO-ORDINATION PROBLEMS REFERRED TO BY THE COMMITTEE, WERE CAREFULLY DRAFTED AND PROPERLY APPROVED TO ESTABLISH CLEAR LINES OF RESPONSIBILITY, SIR PHILIP SAID.
MOREOVER, SIR PHILIP SAID, CONTROLLING OFFICERS HAD ALSO BEEN REMINDED THAT THEY REMAINED AT ALL TIMES FULLY RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE PROPER DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS UNDER THEIR CONTROL.
SIR PHILIP SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE WAS TWOFOLDi FIRST. TO COMMENT AS APPROPRIATE ON THE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE AND, SECOND, TO INDICATE WHAT ACTION THE ADMINISTRATION HAD TAKEN, OR PROPOSED TO TAKE, TO REMEDY IRREGULARITIES AND TO IMPROVE PROCEDURES AND, IF NECESSARY, TO EXPLAIN WHY IT INTENDED THAT NO ACTION SHOULD EE TAKEN.
ON THE SUGGESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN FOR A COURSE IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FOR DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, SIR PHILIP SAID STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING DIRECTOR TO DEVELOP A FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR SENIOR OFFICERS.
♦THE COURSE WILL BE IN THE FORM OF REGULAR SEMINARS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE AWARENESS OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS AND OTHER DIRECTORATE OFFICERS AS TO CURRENT BUDGETARY STRATEGY AND THE POLICY DECISIONS AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THAT STRATEGY,* HE SAID.
♦WHILE THE TIMING OF THE COURSE HAS NOT YET BEEN DECIDED, CERTAINLY HOPE TO BE ABLE TO HOLD THE FIRST ONE BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR,+ SIR PHILIP SAID.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE, WHICH COMMENCED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, HAD ON ITS PROGRAMME A FULL SESSION DEDICATED TO FINANCIAL POLICY AND BUDGETARY MANAGEMENT.
/THESE COURSES.........
MARCH 13. 1985
11
THESE COURSES TOGETHER WITH THE RESPONSE CONTAINED IN THE GOVERNMENT MINUTE, DEMONSTRATED CLEARLY THE ADMINISTRATION’S CONVICTION THAT, ALTHOUGH STEPS WERE CONTINUALLY BEING TAKEN TO DEVELOP BETTER FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE AIM.
♦THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE INTEND TO TURN ALL OUR CONTROLLING OFFICERS INTO COST OR MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS AS THEY HAVE BROADER RESPONSIBILITIES.
♦THE OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE THEM MORE AWARE OF THEIR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE ROLE THEY ARE MEANT TO PLAY AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH AN IMPROVED CAPABILITY TO MONITOR EXPENDITURE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND BETTER PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING SUPPORT,♦ HE SAID.
TO THIS END, SIR PHILIP SAID, THE LEDGER ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM WAS BEING EXTENDED WITH THE AIM, EVENTUALLY, OF COVERING ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
ECHOING MR CHEN’S REMARKS, SIR PHILIP SAID THE PUBLIC MEETINGS CF THE COMMITTEE HAD BEEN AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS.
♦I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO PLACE ON RECORD THE ADMINISTRATION’S APPRECIATION OF THE WORK OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE,* « SAID.
-----0------
MONITORING SCHEME ACHIEVES AIM, CONSULTANTS SAY X M M X M
7HE GOVERNMENT’S MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS OF THE POWER COMPANIES Hi. F BEEN SUITABLE AND HAVE ACHIEVED THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY WERE DESIGNED.
THIS IS THE CONCLUSION DRAWN BY INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS FOLLOWING A DETAILED 13-MONTH EXAMINATION OF THE ARRANGEMENTS.
THE REPORT OF CONSULTANTS, MESSRS ERNST AND WHINNEY, WILL BE PUBI ISHED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC.
H A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. TODAY, THE SECRETARY FCR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE CONSULTANTS HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE PAST HAD BEEN Sitable, given the emphasis on ensuring a reliable supply of ELECTRICITY AT a COST THAT WAS COMPARABLE WITH, OR LESS THAN, THE CUST OF ELECTRICITY IN OTHER PLACES IN THE REGION.
/MH JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 13, 1985
- 12 -
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT THE ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE COMPREHENSIVE AND HAD FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS SET DOWN IN THE SCHEME OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
♦TO THIS END I BELIEVE THAT THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT SHOULD GIVE CONSIDERABLE ASSURANCES TO THE PUBLIC THAT THE MONITORING PROCESS SO FAR HAS BEEN PROPER AND ADEQUATE,♦ HE SAID.
BUT WHILE THIS WAS SO, MR JACOBS SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ASKED THE CONSULTANTS FOR SUGGESTIONS AS TO HOW THE MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED IN FUTURE.
IT HAD AS A RESULT BEEN RECOMMENDED THAT EXISTING PROCEDURES SHOULD BE PLACED ON A MORE FORMAL BASIS AND THAT A TASK FORCE BE SET UP TO OVERSEE IMPLEMENTATION. A TASK FORCE WILL BE FORMED AND WILL BE CHARGED WITH DRAWING UP THE RECOMMENDED FORMAL PROCEDURES.
MR JACOBS SAID ERNST AND WHINNEY HAD COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME FOR MONITORING IN THE FIELD OF SYSTEM PLANNING AND LOAD FORECASTING, AND SUGGESTED THAT THE TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED FOR SYSTEM PLANNING BE RETAINED TO EXAMINE THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF FUTURE FINANCING PLAN SUBMISSIONS.
+WE WELCOME THESE RECOMMENDATIONS,♦ HE SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO EXAMINED THE MONITORING OF THE OPERATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE POWER COMPANIES’ ACTIVITIES. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES SAID THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD RESULT IN +A MUCH GREATER LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE POWER COMPANIES THAN AT PRESENT.+
IT WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO DRAW A LINE BETWEEN THE MONITORING PROCESS ITSELF AND INTERFERENCE IN THE COMPANIES’ INTERNAL MANAGEMENT, HE SAID.
MR JACOBS GAVE HIS ASSURANCE THAT HE WOULD INFORM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 12 MONTHS OF THE PROGRESS MADE AND THE CONCLUSIONS REACHED.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT IN THE COURSE OF THE REVIEW THE CONSULTANTS EXAMINED LONGER TERM CONSIDERATIONS AND THE NEGOTIATING POSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT VIS A VIS THE COMPANIES. WHILE NO FIRM RECOMMENDATIONS WERE PUT FORWARD, IT WAS INTENDED TO GIVE THE VARIOUS POINTS MADE FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
MR JACOBS SA IDi +WE CONSIDER THAT OUR MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS HAVE PROVIDED PROPER AND ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS. BUT WE HAVE ALWAYS SOUGHT TO IMPROVE OUR PROCEDURES, AND THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS WILL ASSIST US IN THIS PROCESS.♦
NEVERTHELESS, HE CAUTIONED THAT THE BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS MUST BE COMMENSURATE WITH THE COST OF MAKING THE IMPROVEMENTS.
-----0------
/13........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 13 -
BILL PROVIDES ADDITIONAL MODE OF TRIAL * ft * * * *
THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985 WOULD PROVIDE THE COURTS WITH AN ADDITIONAL MODE OF TRIAL SPECIFICALLY FOR THE CASES OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR THOMAS SAID IT WAS AN INEVITABLE PART OF THE ON-GOING PROCESS OF STRENGTHENING OUR CRIMINAL PROCEDURES TO SERVICE NEW DEMANDS.
EXPLAINING THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL, MR THOMAS SAID ANY COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME MIGHT PRESENTLY GO TO THE HIGH COURT FOR TRIAL BY HIGH COURT JUDGE AND JURY OR TO THE DISTRICT COURT FOR TRIAL BY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE ALONE.
UNDER THIS BILL, MR THOMAS SAID, THE PROSECUTION OR THE DEFENCE WOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO HAVE THE CASE TRIED INSTEAD BEFORE THREE COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS SITTING WITH THE JUDGE.
♦IN THE HIGH COURT THIS WOULD RELIEVE THE ORDINARY JURY OF THE HEAVY BURDEN OF ADJUDICATION. IN THE DISTRICT COURT, THIS WOULD ASSIST THE JUDGE IN HIS BURDEN OF ADJUDICATION,* HE SAID.
+IN BOTH COURTS, THE JUDGE WOULD ENJOY THE ADVANTAGE OF SHARING IN THE SPECIAL EXPERTISE AND SKILLS OF THE ADJUDICATORS TO UNDERSTAND AND EVALUATE THE EVIDENCE,* MR THOMAS SAID.
HE SAID HE DID NOT SUPPOSE THAT MORE THAN TEN CASES A YEAR WOULD QUALIFY AS COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, LONG AND HEAVY THOUGH THEY MIGHT BE.
*ONLY WHERE THE CHIEF JUSTICE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE EVIDENCE WAS LIKELY TO BE DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND OR APPRECIATE BECAUSE OF ITS TECHNICALITY OR QUANTITY, AND THAT THE JUSTICE CF THE MATTER WOULD BE BEST SERVED BEFORE A TRIAL BY COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS WOULD THIS PROPOSED MODE OF TRIAL TAKE EFFECT,* « SAID.
MR THOMAS STRESSED THAT THE BILL DID NOTHING TO ABOLISH ANY MODE OF TRIAL, STILL LESS TO ABOLISH TRIAL BY JURY. +IT PROVIDES AN ADDITIONAL MODE OF TRIAL FOR THE CHIEF JUSTICE TO USE WHEN APPROPRI ATE,* HE SAID.
BOTH THE PROSECUTION AND THE DEFENCE WOULD, OF COURSE, BE ENTITLED TO BE HEARD ON THE MATTER AND TO RAISE OBJECTIONS TO THE PARTICULAR ADJUDICATORS PROPOSED FOR APPOINTMENT.
JUST AS WITH JURORS, MR THOMAS SAID, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY AXE TO GRIND, NOR SHOULD THEY BE PREJUDICED BY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRANSACTION.
/+! kM........
WEDNESDAY, MArtCh 13, r-H"
14 -
♦I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS LARGE ENOUGH TO ENABLE ADJUDICATORS TO BE SELECTED WHO HAVE NO PREVIOUS INVOLVEMENT IN THE CASE,+ HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE MERITS OF THIS PROPOSAL, MR THOMAS SAID IT ROVIDED AN ELEMENT OF LAY PARTICIPATION IN JUSTICE WHICH TRIAL BY JUDGE ALONE DID NOT.
♦IT ALSO ENABLES THE JUDGE TO SHARE WITH THE ADJUDICATORS THEIR SKILL AND EXPERTISE WHICH IS NOT POSSIBLE IN A TRIAL BY JURY.
+THE PROPOSAL INDEED HAS ALL THE FEATURES OF A SPECIALIST JURY, AND IN ADDITION GIVES THE LAY ADJUDICATORS DIRECT ACCESS TO THE JUDGE’S GUIDANCE IN ALL MATTERS OF LAW, PROCEDURE AND EVIDENCE.
♦IT ALSO HAS THE ADVANTAGE OVER THE SPECIAL JURY THAT ONLY THREE RATHER THAN SEVEN BUSINESSMEN ARE REQUIRED TO DEVOTE THEIR VALUABLE TIME TO ASSISTING IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE,* MR THOMAS SAID.
REFERRING TO CRITICISMS THAT THE BILL WAS AN ATTACK ON THE JURY, WHICH WAS SEEN AS ONE OF THE BULWARKS OF LIBERTY, THOMAS SAIDi +1 CANNOT ACCEPT THE ARGUMENT THAT THIS MODEST PROPOSAL TO GIVE THE CHIEF JUSTICE THE POWER TO ORDER THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BEFORE A TRIBUNAL MORE SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE THAN THE ORDINARY JURY, REPRESENTS A THREAT TO THE TRADITIONAL AND WELL-ESTABLISHED ROLE OF THE JURY.
♦WE SHOULD NOT BE CLINGING TO JURY TRIAL FOR ITS OWN SAKE WHERE THE JURY IS NOT THOUGHT SUITABLE.*
IT COULD NOT BE SERIOUSLY REPRESENTED THAT THE FREEDOM OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WAS THREATENED BY PERMITTING A NEW MODE CF TRIAL FOR THIS HANDFUL OF COMPLEX CASES.
+ON THE CONTRARY,* HE SAID, +IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WE ARE DOING NO MORE THAN ENSURING THAT THE COURTS ARE DEVELOPED TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF A MORE COMPLEX SOCIETY.
+BY ADAPTING TO CHANGE, PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE LAW AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE WILL SURELY BE ENHANCED,* HE SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THERE HAD BEEN OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS.
WHERE BOTH PROSECUTION AND THE DEFENCE AGREED THAT THE CASE WAS SUITABLE FOR TRIAL BY ADJUDICATORS, THE BILL AVOIDED THE NEED FOR A REFERENCE TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE.
THERE WERE SOME WHO THOUGHT THAT THE PROVISION FOR A JUDGE SITTING WITH TWO COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS REACHING A UNANIMOUS VERDICT WAS UNSATISFACTORY BECAUSE A SINGLE ADJUDICATOR COULD EASILY FRUSTRATE A LONG AND EXPENSIVE TRIAL.
/*! AGREE .......
tfaWSSDAY, MA.itJr. 13, iyfe->
- 15 -
A£REE */,TH THIS AND 80 THE BILL N0w provides FOR A JJDGE TO SIT WITH THREE COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS AND FOR THE VERDICT TO BE REACHED, IF NECESSARY, TO ONE.
BY A MAJORITY OF THREE
♦THE ORIGINAL DROPOSALS ALLOWED THE ADJUDICATORS TO ASK QUESTIONS WITHOUT RESTRICTION. THIS WAS THOUGHT BY SOME TO EE UNDESIRABLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD BE IGNORANT OF LEGAL CONSTRAINTS.
+1 ACCEPT THIS TOO AND SO THE BILL NOW GIVES A DISCRETION TO THE JUDGE TO STOP LEGALLY IMPROPER QUESTIONS FROM BEING ASKED,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO QUESTIONS AS TO WHETHER THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT INTEREST IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR TO SUPPORT THIS PROPOSAL BY MAKING AVAILABLE THE SERVICES OF A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF SUITABLE ADJUDICATORS. MR THOMAS SAID A NUMBER OF LEADING COMPANIES AND BANKS HAD EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT IT WAS ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD SUPPORT THE EFFICIENT PROSECUTION OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BY MAKING THEIR EXPERTISE AVAILABLE AS A MATTER OF PUBLIC DUTY.
+ONE INDUCEMENT TO THEM WILL BE AN EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO ALLOW THEIR NAMES TO BE PUT UPON A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS WHICH WILL BE DRAWN UP UNDER THIS BILL BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT,* HE SAID.
IN PRACTICE, HE SAID, THEIR CONVENIENCE WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE. SUITABLE FEES WOULD BE PAID FOR THEIR SERVICES ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD HAVE TO REFLECT THE FACT THAT THEY WERE BEING CALLED UPON TO PERFORM A PUBLIC DUTY.
GIVEN THE LIMITED NUMBER OF CASES EACH YEAR, HE DOUBTED IF ANY ADJUDICATOR WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO SIT MORE THAN ONCE IN A DECADE.
+IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG TO HAVE 150-200 NAMES ON A LIST OF ADJUDICATORS FROM WHICH THE CHIEF JUSTICE CAN DRAw WHENEVER HE DECIDES THAT A CASE IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE PROPOSED MODE OF TRIAL,* HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THE BILL HAD GIVEN RISE TO A GOOD DEAL OF PUBLIC INTEREST. FROM THE BUSINESS SECTOR THE RESPONSE HAD BEEN GENERALLY FAVOURABLE. THE REACTION AMONG THE LAWYERS HAD BEEN MIXED. THE LAW SOCIETY SUPPORTED THE PROPOSALS. SOME t-EMBERS OF THE BAR HAD RAISED THEIR VOICES AGAINST IT ALTHOUGH SOME HAD EXPRESSED SUPPORT.
♦I SHALL BE CAREFUL TO NOTE ANY FRESH VIEWS WHICH COME FORWARD,* HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THERE WOULD BE PLENTY OF TIME FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER THE BILL AND.FORMULATE THEIR VIEWS, BECAUSE IT WAS PROPOSED THAT THE REMAINING STAGES OF THE BILL IN THE COUNCIL SHOULD TAKE PLACE ON MAY 15.
- - 0
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985'
BILL TO PROTECT WORKERS’ WAGES * * * *
THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY BILL IS TO ENSURE THAT WORKERS OF COMPANIES THAT BECOME INSOLVENT RECEIVE WAGES DUE TO THEM AND RECEIVE THEM MUCH MORE QUICKLY THAN UNDER EXISTING PROCEDURES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON RON BRIDGE, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦IF THE BILL IS ENACTED IT IS INTENDED TO START MAKING PAYMENTS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1985 AND THAT PAYMENTS WILL NORMALLY BE MADE WITHIN ONE MONTH OF APPLI CAT ION,+ HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT MANY WORKERS HAD TO WAIT SEVERAL MONTHS BEFORE RECEIVING WAGES OWED TO THEM BECAUSE CF THE COMPLICATED AND TIME-CONSUMING NATURE OF INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS, AND MIGHT NEVER RECEIVE THE FULL WAGES IF THEIR EMPLOYER’S ASSETS WERE INSUFFICIENT TO COVER THEM.
THE BILL, HE SAID, PROVIDED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND BOARD WITH POWER TO ADMINISTER THE FUND AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE RATE CF LEVY.
IT ALSO EMPOWERED THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO INVESTIGATE WAGE CLAIMS AND MAKE PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND.
WHEREAS THE FUND IS FINANCED BY A LEVY OF $100 ON ALL BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES WHICH HAD BECOME PAYABLE ON OCTOBER 1, 1984 AS A RESULT OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984.
MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED THAT TO ACCUMULATE FUNDS BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF THE MAIN LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING THE FUND BOARD WOULD AVOID DELAY IN MEETING DEMANDS FOR PAYMENT.
THE FUND STOOD AT ABOUT $10 MILLION AT THE END OF JANUARY AND WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE INCREASED TO ABOUT $16 MILLION BY THE TIME PAYMENTS START BEING MADE IN APRIL.
AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY WORKERS OF COMPANIES IN RECEIVERSHIP, THE PRESENTATION OF A WINDING UP OR BANKRUPTCY PETITION WOULD NORMALLY BE A PRECONDITION FOR PAYMENTS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THIS REQUIREMENT MIGHT BE WAIVED FOR SMALL CONCERNS EMPLOYING LESS THAN 20 PEOPLE, IF THE AMOUNT OF WAGES CLAIMED OR THE VALUE OF UNSECURED ASSETS WERE INSUFFICIENT TO COVER THE COST INVOLVED.
/+UNGE A .......
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 13, 1985
- 17 -
♦ONCE A WORKER HAS BEEN PAID WAGES FROM THE FUND, HIS RIGHTS IN RELATION TO THOSE AES WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE FUND, BUT HIS OTHER RIGHTS TO PRIORITY PAYMENT OF OTHER DEBTS, SUCH AS SEVERANCE PAY, WILL NOT BE AFFECTED,+ HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE AND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0-----------
AUTONOMY FOR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS URGED
******
WITHIN NORMAL BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS, AND SAFEGUARDS AS TO THE EFFICIENT EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS, LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE FREE TO DEVELOP AND TO MANAGE THEIR OWN AFFAIRS, THE HON JOHN SWAINE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦THIS WILL HELP TO PROVIDE THE UNDERPINNING OF THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONO Y THAT IS THE AGREED AIM FOR HONG KONG ITSELF,* MR SWAi <E -.AID WHEN TABLING THE REPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE FOR 1983 AND 1984 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO RESIST THE TEMPTATION, WITH THE INCREASING DEPENDENCE OF THE INSTITUTIONS ON PUBLIC FUNDS, TO ENCROACH ON THE AUTONOMY OF THESE INSTITUTIONS.
♦SELF-REGULATION IN THIS FIELD AS IN OTHER FIELDS OF ENDEAVOUR IS THE HALL-MARK OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM.
♦BUT WHERE PUBLIC FUNDING IS INVOLVED, OF COURSE, THERE LIES A POSITIVE DUTY ON THE PART OF THE INSTITUTIONS TO ENSURE THAT SELF-REGULATION WORKS,+ HE SAID.
REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) IN 1983 AND 1984, MR SWAINE NOTED THAT TWO EVENTS OF MAJOR SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE COMMITTEE WERE: THE DECISION THAT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE SHOULD BECOME A PUBLICLY FUNDED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION FROM NOVEMBER 1983; AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN JANUARY 1984.
THE COMMITTEE, THEREFORE, NOW ADVISED ON THE FUNDING OF FIVE INSTITUTIONS — THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, MR SWAINE SAID.
/THIS FUNDING........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, ’985
- 18 -
THIS FUNDING TOOK THE FOR- OF BOTH RECURRENT' AND CAPITAL .-RANTS, AND TOTAL GRANTS IN THE LAST COMPLETE FINANCIAL YEAR, ENDING -lARCH 31, 1984, AMOUNTED TO Si 039 272 938 FOR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND «159 168 703 FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, HE SAID.
THE ESTIMATED STUDENT POPULATION AT ThE FIVE INSTITUTIONS A DECEMBER 31, 1984, THE END OF THE PERIOD COVERED BY THIS REPORT, .UMBERED APPROXIMATELY 27 460.
THIS NAS MADE UP OF 6 550 STUDENTS AT THE HONG KONG UNI VEH. Y, 853 AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, 12 200 AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECH.IC, T THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND 2 100 AT THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
FIRST YEAR DEGREE PLACES PROVIDED REPRESENTED 3.1 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP (THE MEAN OF THE 17 TO 20 YEAR OLDS) AND THE PRESENT TARGETTED GROWTH WAS FOR THE PROVISION OF FULL TIME -IRST YEAR PLACES FOR SIX PER CENT OF THAT AGE GROUP BY 1989-90 AND FOR EIGHT PER CENT BY 1994-95.
+AS THE AGE GROUP STARTS TO RISE TOWARDS THE END OF THE CENTURY, A FURTHER INSTITUTION WILL BE REQUIRED AND THE UPGC HAS ALREADY RECOMMENDED THAT THIS BE A NEW UNIVERSITY, CENTRED ON PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS, AND WITH A STRONG POSTGRADUATE AND RESEARCH EMPHASIS,* -.R SWAINE SAID.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE OVERSEAS MEMBERS OF THE UPGC. THEY WERE DISTINGUISHED ACADEMIC PERSONALITIES DRAWN FROM THE U.K., AUSTRALIA AND, UNTIL A RECENT RETIREMENT, FROM CANADA.
MR SWAINE SAID WITH THE INCREASING PACE OF LOCALISATION, THERE WOULD BE GROWING LOCAL REPRESENTATION ON THE UPGC, BUT IT WAS ESSENTIAL that AN OVERSEAS ELEMENT SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE THAT THIS BROUGHT TO THE COMMITTEE, AND IN ORDER THAT A CORRECT BALANCE COULD BE MAINTAINED.
>A STRONG UPGC IS ESSENTIAL IF THE AIMS AND ASPIRATIONS OF ARTICLE FIVE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND ITS ELABORATION AT SECTION X ARE TO BE ACHIEVED,* HE SAID.
+THIS PROVIDES FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THE PRESENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM AND FOR AUTONOMY OF DECISION IN THE FIELDS OF CULTURE, EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS THE SYSTEM OF ACADEMIC AWARDS AND THE RECOGNITION OF EDUCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL QUALIFICATIONS,* HE ADDED.
MR SWAINE SAID THE MOVE TOWARDS LOCALISATION WAS REFLECTED IN THE PROPOSALS NOW UNDER STUDY BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHING OF A LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF NON-UNIVERSITY DEGREE COURSE.
SUCH ACCREDITATION HAD BEEN PROVIDED UP TO NOW, BY THE U. . COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS, WITH A MEASURE OF LOCAL PARTI CIPATiON.
/♦THE COMPOSITION .......
ASDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
♦THE COMPOSITION ur THE NEW LOCAL BODY WILL REQUIRE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WITH SOME PROVISION FOR OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION, PARTICULARLY IN THE EARLY STAGES,+ HE SAID.
MR SWAINE SAID THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF-OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR GROWTH IN PARTICULAR IN THE FIELD OF POSTGRADUATE WORK REQUIRED THAT DUE RECOGNITION BE GIVEN TO THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH WITHIN THESE INSTITUTIONS.
THE UPGC RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY LORD FLOWERS FOR A PHASED INCREASE IN FUNDS FOR RESEARCH WERE ALREADY WITH GOVERNMENT.
A START HAD BEEN MADE BY THE UPGC WITH A MODEST PROVISION OF FUNDS IN THE BLOCK GRANTS FOR 1934-85 FOR RESEARCH, AND A FURTHER ALLOCATION HAD BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR THE 1985-38 TRI ENNI UM.
IN CONCLUSION, MR SWAINE SAID THE EMPHASIS IN RECENT TIMES HAD BEEN ON EDUCATION, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WAS A CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUBJECT IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
ONE PARTICULAR TOPIC THAT WOULD NEED TO BE FURTHER ADDRESSED WAS THAT OF OPEN EDUCATION, HE SAID.
+THE UPGC HAS ALREADY FORWARDED ITS VIEWS TO GOVERNMENT AND ITS DIALOGUE WITH THE INSTITUTIONS IS CONTINUING,+ MR SWAINE SAID.
- - 0 - -
CHARGES FOR MOBILE TELEPHONES APPROVED ******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION FOR THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED TO LEVY INTERCONNECTION CHARGES FOR PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES.
THE MOTION WAS THAT THE SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED BY ADDING AFTER PART VII THE FOLLOWINGi
/♦PART VIII
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1j, ‘..‘C?
- 20 -
♦PART VIII
public switched telephone network (pstn) and PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES (PMRS) INTERCONNECTION CHARGES
ITEM PARTICULARS OF CHARGE
AMOUNT OF CHARGE
(1) FOR AN INTERCONNECTION
LINE BETWEEN PMRS AND PSTN
(2) ASSOCIATED CHARGE FOR ITEM 1 -
(A) INSTALLATION OR REMOVAL OF AN INTERCONNECTION LINE BETWEEN PMRS AND PSTN
(B) REMOVAL OF AN INTERCONNECTION LINE WITHIN THE SAME BUILDING
(3) FOR USAGE OF AN INTERCONNECTION LINE BETWEEN PMRS AND PSTN
$60 PER MONTH (SEE NOTE 1)
$525
(SEE NOTE 1)
$200
(SEE NOTE 1)
7 CENTS PER MINUTE SUBJECT TO NOTES 1 AND 2
NOTE: 1. ALL CHARGES ARE RAISED AGAINST THE PROVIDER OF PMRS AND NOT CUSTOMERS OF PMRS.
2. IN ITEM 3, THE USAGE CHARGE IS CALCULATED MONTHLY ON THE ACCUMULATED NUMBER OF MINUTES FOR WHICH THE INTERCONNECTION LINE IS USED, ROUNDED UP TO THE NEAREST MINUTE.*
IN MOVING THE MOTION EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, EXPLAINED THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE DETERMINATION OF THE NEW CHARGES. I£ SAID THAT INTERCONNECTION CHARGES SHOULD BE LEVIED ON THE BASIS THAT THERE WOULD BE NO SIGNIFICANT CROSS-SUBSIDISATION BETWEEN THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S VARIOUS SERVICES, AND THE CHARGES SHOULD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE REFLECT THE COST OF PROVIDING WE USE OF THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE SYSTEM TO EACH TYPE OF SUBSCRIBER.
THUS, MR JACOBS SAID, THE INTERCONNECTION CHARGES SHOULD COMPRISE FIRST, A FIXED RENTAL COMPONENT TO COVER THE CAPITAL COST OF THE INTERCONNECTION LINE, AND ITS INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE COSTS, AND SECOND, A USAGE CHARGE COMPONENT TO COVER THE AVERAGE COST OF SWITCHING AND JUNCTION CIRCUITS.
♦THERE IS INCLUDED THE APPROPRIATE PERMITTED RETURN UNDER THE SCHEME OF CONTROL,♦ HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS .......
ASDMSDAY, MAxtCH 13, 1?c>
MR JACOBS SAID THESE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES HAD BEEN APPLIED IN DETERMINING THE LEV-. OF CHARGES SET OUT IN THE RESOLUTION, *HICH SOUGHT TO AMEND ' *E SCHEDULE TO THE TELEPi'JNE ORDINANCE BY ADDING AFTER PART Vf A NEW PART VIII.
THIS NEW PART CONTAINED THE PARTICULARS AND AMOUNTS OF INTERCONNECTION CHARGES BETWEEN THE PUBLIC SWITCHED TELEPHONE NETWORK AND PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES, HE SAID.
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE USAGE CHARGE AMOUNTED TO SEVEN CENTS A MINUTE.
IN NOVEMBER 1982, CERTAIN TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED, INCLUDING PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES, WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE COMPANY’S SCHEME CF CONTROL.
AMONG THE CONDITIONS IMPOSED ON THAT OCCASION WAS ONE REQUIRING THE TELEPHONE COMPANY TO PROVIDE A CONNECTION FOR THESE DEREGULATED SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE NETWORK, SUBJECT TO A FEE OR CHARGE TO COVER THE COST AND THE TELEPHONE
COMPANY’S PERMITTED RETURN.
FOLLOWING DEREGULATION, MR JACOBS SAID, LICENCES FOR OPERATING PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICES WERE GRANTED TO COMMUNICATION SERVICES LIMITED, HUTCHISON RADIO TELEPHONE LIMITED, AND CHINA TELECOM SYSTEMS LIMITED.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE WAS NEW TO HONG KONG, IT WAS DESIRABLE THAT A REVIEW OF CHARGES SHOULD BE CONDUCTED 12 MONTHS AFTER THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE THREE LICENSES HAD COME INTO OPERATION.
-----o------
PLAN TO REVIEW CHARGES WELCOMED ******
GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO CONDUCT A REVIEW ON PRICING STRUCTURE CF THE PUBLIC MOBILE RADIOTELEPHONE INTERCONNECTION CHARGES ONt YCAR AFTER THE SERVICE HAS COME INTO OPERATION WAS WELCOMED BY LEGCO UNOFFICIALS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION ON THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID THAT AFTER DETAILED DELIBERATIONS, THE UNOFFICIALS WERE GENERALLY SATISFIED THAT THE PRINCIPLES APPLIED IN DETERMINING THE PRICING STRUCTURE WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE ADMINISTRATION’S POLICIES ON CHARGES LEVIED BY UTILITIES.
/♦WE ABE, .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 19&5 - 22 -
+WE ARE, HOWEVER, CONCERNED THAT WITHOUT PAST EXPERIENCE TO GUIDE US, THE IMPLICATIONS AND EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED LEVEL OF CHARGES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY APPRECIATED AT THIS STAGE,* HE ADDED.
THEREFORE, MR LEE SAID, IT WAS FELT THAT A REVIEW ON THE PRICING STRUCTURE AT A LATER STAGE WOULD SEEM APPROPRIATE AND HE WAS DELIGHTED TO HEAR ABOUT THE PLAN TO CONDUCT SUCH A REVIEW.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE MATTER HAD BEEN CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED BY THE LEGCO ECONOMIC SERVICES WORKING GROUP.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION HAD BEEN TWICE DEFERRED TO ENABLE NEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE, INTER ALIA, THE REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.
*WE ALSO MET ON TWO OCCASIONS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION TO STUDY THE PRINCIPLES EMPLOYED IN DETERMINING THE PRICING STRUCTURE,* MR LEE ADDED.
--------o----------
KCR BY-LAWS APPROVED M # M * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION BY-LAWS 1985, MADE BY THE CORPORATION ON JANUARY 25, 1985, WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE MOTION EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID THAT SECTION 31 OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE CAP. 372 EMPOWERED THE CORPORATION TO MAKE BY-LAWS AND PROVIDED THAT THEY SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE NEW BY-LAWS REPLACED THOSE MADE IN PRE-ELECTRIFICATION DAYS AND SET OUT THE CONDITIONS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, LUGGAGE AND GOODS, FOR THE ISSUE OF PASSENGER TICKETS, AND FOR VEHICLES ON RAILWAY PREMISES, MR MACPHERSON SAID.
THEY PRESCRIBED THE AUTHORITY OF CORPORATION STAFF, THE CONDUCT OF PERSONS ON THE RAILWAY PREMISES, RESTRICTED AREAS, AND THE PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE BY-LAWS, NR MACPHERSON ADDED.
+THE ADMINISTRATION HAS EXAMINED THEM CAREFULLY AND CONSIDERS THEM ACCEPTABLE,* HE SAID.
-----o-----
/23........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 23 -
PHASING IN OF NT GENERAL RATE * * * *
Tl-E LEGISLATIVE UNCIL TODAY APPROVED * MOTION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE GENERAL RATE PERCENTAGE CHARGES FOR THE RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIEGE, SAID, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED POLICY, THE FULL GENERAL RATE CHARGE FOR NEWLY ASSESSED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS PHASED IN OVER A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.
IN THE FIRST YEAR OF ASSESSMENT THE ACTUAL CHARGE APPLIED WAS 50 PER CENT OF THE FULL CHARGE, IN THE SECOND 60 PER CENT, AND SO ON UNTIL THE FULL CHARGE WAS LEVIED IN THE SIXTH YEAR.
SIR JOHN SAID THE FULL GENERAL RATE CHARGE OF 5.5 PER CENT ALREADY APPLIED TO ALL BUT FOUR RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN 1985-86 THESE FOUR AREAS (AREAS P, Q, R AND S COMPRISING CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, LANTAU AND MA WAN, AND LAMMA ISLANDS) WOULD BE IN THEIR SIXTH YEAR OF ASSESSMENTi THE FULL CHARGE OF 5.5 PER CENT SHOULD THEREFORE BE APPLIED TO THEM.
THE PERCENTAGE CHARGES FOR THE OTHER RATING AREAS WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED AT THIS YEAR’S LEVEL, SIR JOHN SAID.
♦IN ORDER THAT THE PERCENTAGE CHARGES FOR APRIL 1, 1985 ONWARDS MAY TAKE EFFECT, A RESOLUTION IS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 18 (1) OF THE RATING ORDINANCE, WHICH IS THE SOLE OBJECT OF THIS MOTION,♦ HE ADDED.
--------0 ---------
UNOFFICIALS BACK EXPANSION OF TAX REVIEW BOARD
******
THE EXPEDITE BOARD OF
INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WOULD HOPEFULLY THE LARGE BACK-LOG OF OUTSTANDING CASES BEFORE THE REVIEW, THE HON PETER POON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
.SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, MR POON SAID THE INCREASE 12nT?McNHA^L2Fo?!£UIY CHAIRMEN ON THE BOARD FROM TWO TO SIX MUM S,ZE 0F THE paNEL FROM 75 TO 100 MEMBERS WOULD RESULT IN THE EARLIER SETTLEMENT OF REVIEW CASES.
- ..!ETTLEMENT 0F SUCH CASES, AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY
aitREijUSUALLY DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF THE INLAND REVENUE Sn«Tn^L’lTe,LLu?E^.2UICKER COLLECTION OF REVENUE FROM TAX UNUtK UlorUlt;+ HE SAID.
/as the .......
aSDNSSDAX, MAAOH 13, 19c-'
- 24 -
AS THE ENACTMENT OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985 ENABLED THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, IN OBJECTION CASES, TO REQUIRE THE PURCHASE OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES OR IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES TO CHARGE INTEREST IF THE DECISION WAS IN FAVOUR OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT, TAXPAYERS WOULD ALSO WELCOME SPEEDY SETTLEMENT, MR POON SAID,
HE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THE GRANTING OF THESE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
--------o ----------
FUNDS ON ACCOUNT APPROVED
* * * *
A MOTION BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SEEKING FUNDS ON ACCOUNT TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY ON EXISTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE START OF THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR ON APRIL 1 AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL, WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
- 0 ----------
PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE MEETS * * * *
THE PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR GORDON MACWH INNIE CF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS CF SERVICE, MET ON MARCH 8 AND 13 TO CONSIDER THE FINDINGS OF THE 1984-85 PAY TREND SURVEY. THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF REPRESENTATIVES CF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS CF SERVICE, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL, AND CF THE STAFF SIDES OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL AND THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SURVEY, WHICH IS CARRIED OUT BY THE PAY SURVEY AND RESEARCH UNIT MEASURED PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR DURING THE YEAR FEBRUARY 1, 1984 TO JANUARY 31, 1985. IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT ONLY THOSE INCREASES WHICH RELATE TO COST OF LIVING, COMPANY PERFORMANCE AND GENERAL CHANGES IN MARKET RATES. THE COMMITTEE ACCEPTED THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WHICH INDICATED THAT THE FOLLOWING AVERAGE PAY INCREASE WERE AWARDED BY THE COMPANIES INCLUDED IN IT:
/10.77^ ......
AEDhfcSDAY, MAxtOr. 13, 19^5
13.77% pOR EMPLOYEES EARNING LESS THAN 54 000 PER MONTH;
9.12% FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING BETWEEN 34 000 AM $12 994 PER MONTH; AND
8.77% FOR EMPLOYEES EARNING BETWEEN $13 000 AND $23 555 PER MONTH.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THE CONCERN OF THE STAFF SIDE REPRESENTATIVES OVER THE MERIT ELEMENT IDENTIFIED IN SOME OF THE REPORTED PAY INCREASES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE EMPHASISED THAT THESE FIGURES ARE ONLY THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY'OF PAY TRENDS IN THE PRIVATn SECTOR. THE LEVEL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT, IF ANY, IS A SEPARATE MATTER AND WILL BE DECIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN DUE COURSE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE THREE STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCILS.
-----o------
’U S OFFICIALS HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO INSPECT FACTORIES’ * * * * *
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS HAD NO AUTHORITY UNDER HONG KONG LAW TO ENTER ANY FACTORY OR OFFICE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT ITS OWNER’S PERMISSION OR TO DEMAND TO INSPECT ITS DOCUMENTS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON E.P. HO, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE THAT A MEMBER OF THE U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE HAS RECENTLY VISITED SOME HONG KONG FACTORIES, BY APPOINTMENT, REQUESTING TO SEE DOCUMENTS AND PRODUCTION RECORDS RELATING TO CERTAIN APPAREL CONSIGNMENTS FOR THE U.S.A.,* MR HO
SAID.
♦MANAGEMENTS ARE NOT OBLIGED TO RECEIVE SUCH VISITORS OR TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION AGAINST THEIR WILL.
♦HOWEVER, IN THE CASES WHICH HAVE COME TO NOTICE THE MANAGEMENTS CONCERNED WILLINGLY RECEIVED THE VISITORS AND VOLUNTARILY PROVIDED THE INFORMATION OR CLARIFICATION SOUGHT.*
-------0 - - - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
26
ASSURANCE GIVEN ON DB WORK * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO TODAY ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT DISTRICT BOARDS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY.
♦DISTRICT OFFICERS HAVE A DUTY TO PROVIDE UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WITH ALL THE NECESSARY INFORMATION ON ANY MATTER THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE BOARD,* MR LIAO SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, ON THE DISCLOSURE OF BOTH CLASSIFIED AND UNCLASSIFIED GOVERNMENT INFORMATION TO UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR LIAO SAID: + IT WOULD DEPEND ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT IN GENERAL, SUCH INFORMATION WOULD BE PROVIDED WHERE IT WAS NECESSARY, AND WHERE THE PUBLIC INTEREST WOULD NOT BE PREJUDICED.*
-----o------
ACTION TAKEN AGAINST FIRMS FOR ACCOUNTS OFFENCE
* M M *
EIGHT PUBLICLY LISTED COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES DURING THE PRESENT FINANCIAL YEAR FOR NOT SUBMITTING THEIR ACCOUNTS OR REPORTS IN TIME, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.
THERE HAD BEEN CONVICTIONS IN FIVE CASES, COMPRISING IDA SUMMONSES. ONE CASE HAD BEEN WITHDRAWN, AND TWO CASES WHICH WERE BEING DEFENDED, HAD BEEN ADJOURNED, HE SAID.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON KEITH LAM AS TO WHAT ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN TO SANCTION PUBLICLY LISTED COMPANIES THAT DID NOT SUBMIT THEIR ACCOUNTS OR REPORTS, AND WHETHER ANY COMPANY OFFICIALS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED OR ANY COMPANY HAD BEEN SUSPENDED FROM TRADING FOR THE OFFENCE.
THE SANCTIONS AVAILABLE, MR JACOBS SAID, WERE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND ENFORCED BY A PROSECUTION SECTION IN THE COMPANIES REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
♦ IN THE EVENT OF A COMPANY’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS BOTH THE COMPANY ITSELF AND THE DIRECTORS ARE PROSECUTED.
♦ THE MAXIMUM PENALTY NOW PROVIDED BY THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IS A FINE OF $10 000 OR SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
♦ THE SANCTION OF SUSPENSION FROM TRADING IS NOT AVAILABLE,* rt- SAID.
--------o
/27 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
- 2? -
MINIMISING NOISE LEVEL ON ROAD WORKS
X * X M
THE INTRODUCTION OF NOISE BARRIERS WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A PRACTICAL NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURE IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
BY ERECTING NOISE BARRIERS AT THE EDGES OF AN ELEVATED ROAD, A MEASURE OF NOISE ALLEVIATION COULD BE ACHIEVED AT FLOOR LEVELS CLOSE TO THE LEVEL OF THE ROAD, ALTHOUGH THE NOISE AT THE HIGHER FLOORS MIGHT BE INCREASED, MR CHAN SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON KIM CHAM.
♦ IN THIS CONTEXT, THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE IS EXAMINING VARIOUS TYPES OF ACOUSTIC BARRIERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE RECENTLY USED IN JAPAN WHICH APPEAR TO BE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE AND VISUALLY MORE ACCEPTABLE, TO SEE WHETHER THEY CAN BE APPLIED IN HONG KONG,* bfi CHAN SAID.
♦ OTHER MEASURES INCLUDE TUNNELLING OR COMPLETE ENCLOSURE OF ELEVATED ROADS, BUT THESE MEASURES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
REFERRING TO A QUESTION FROM MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG CONCERNING THE RECENTLY OPENED SHA TAU KOK VEHICULAR CROSSING LINK, MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE TWO ITEMS OF CAPITAL WORKS IN CATEGORY A FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FROM FANLING TO SHA TAU KOK.
THEY AREi
X CONSTRUCTION OF A $10 MILLION DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO LUNG YEUK TAU TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1986;
X IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD FROM LUNG YEUK TAU TO SHA TAU KOK. COSTING $12.3 MILLION, THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE COMPLETED IN MID-1986.
-----o------
EFFORTS TO REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS GO ON
M K * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO TRY TO REDUCE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN ALL SECTORS OF INDUSTRY, BY INSPECTION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BY ENCOURAGING SAFETY AWARENESS AMONG EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON RON BRIDGE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, WHO ASKED WHETHER THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN PLASTICS FACTOR IES.
/MR BRIDGE .......
WEDNESDAY, MA3CH 13, 1985
28
MR BRIDGE SAID FROM 1980 TO 1983, THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY REMAINED FAIRLY CONSTANT AT ABOUT 1 500 A YEAR; IN 1984 IT INCREASED FROM 1 518 TO 2 196.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE INCREASE WAS DUE PARTLY TO THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY LASf YEAR AND PARTLY TO THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM FOR SETTLING MINOR INJURY CLAIMS.
HE SAID 1984 WAS *A BUSY YEAR FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY*, PARTICULARLY IN THE SECOND AND THIRD QUARTERS.
♦UNFORTUNATELY ECONOMIC RECOVERY ALWAYS SEEMS TO BRING WITH IT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AT WORK.
♦THIS IS PARTLY A DIRECT RESULT OF THE INCREASED VOLUME CF WORK, PARTLY BECAUSE THE URGENT NEED TO COMPLETE ORDERS ON TIME Puts PRESSURE ON BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO SKIMP ON SAFETY AND PARTLY BECAUSE NEW WORKERS ARE TAKEN ON AND THESE ARE LACKING IN EXPERIENCE AND THEREFORE PARTICULARLY ACCIDENT PRONE.*
MR BRIDGE SAID ANOTHER POSSIBLE REASON FOR THE SHARP INCREASE IN REPORTED ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR WAS THE INTRODUCTION IN JULY 1983 CF A NEW SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF MINOR EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION CASES AND THE ENFORCEMENT IN JANUARY 1984 OF THE JEW LAW ON COMPULSORY COMPENSATION INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES.
♦THESE CHANGES HAVE LED TO A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MINOR ACCIDENTS BEING REPORTED,* HE SAID.
IN 1984, HE POINTED OUT, THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THE CATEGORY ASSESSED UNDER THE NEW SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE INCREASE BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT AND MUCH OF THE INCREASE IN ACCIDENTS REPORTED IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY CONSISTED OF COMPARATIVELY MINOR ACCIDENTS.
♦IN PREVIOUS YEARS THESE MAY WELL HAVE GONE UNREPORTED BECAUSE THE COMPLICATED ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES AT THAT TIME MADE THEM NOT WORTH REPORT I NG,♦ HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE HAD BEEN REVIEWING ITS PRIORITY SO AS TO GIVE GREATER PRIORITY TO THE MORE HAZARDOUS WORKPLACES AND MORE INSPECTORS HAD BEEN DEPLOYED TO ACTIVITIES LIKELY TO HAVE A DIRECT AND EFFECTIVE IMPACT IN THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS.
AMENDMENTS TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, HE ADDED, WERE NOW BEING DRAFTED I CH, IF ENACTED, WOULD ENABLE THE INSPECTORATE TO SPEND LESS TIME ON COMPARATIVELY
UNPRODUCTIVE WORK.
ON SAFETY EDUCATION, MR BRIDGE SAID OVER 24 000 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN COURSES AND TALKS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR.
/HE SAi^ ........
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 43, 1985
- 29 -
HE SAID THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGAN SIX YEARS AGO WOULD CONTINUE NEXT YEAR AND THE FULLEST POSSIBLE USE OF TELEVISION, RADIO AND NEWSPAPERS WOULD BE MADE.
♦WE ARE DISCUSSING WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG JOINT PLANS TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROGRAMMES ON TELEVISION AND RADIO. OTHER PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE SAFETY EXHIBITIONS, POSTERS AND TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS. ♦
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID THAT THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND ITS FIVE INDUSTRY-BASED SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEES PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN BRINGING TOGETHER ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SUB-COMMITTEE, HE ADDED, HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MORE ACTIVE AND ITS PROGRAMME LAST YEAR INCLUDED A VERY SUCCESSFUL SAFETY SEMINAR AND THE PRODUCTION OF A CODE OF SAFETY PRACTICE FOR THE INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS NOW MAKING ITS PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
-------0 ----------
PLAN DEVISED TO IMPROVE RADIO RECEPTION - TSAO *****
A PLAN HAD BEEN DEVISED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RADIO RECEPTION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TSAO SAID THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S FORMAL ENDORSEMENT OF THE PROPOSALS WOULD SHORTLY BE SOUGHT.
HOWEVER MR TSAO SAID THAT IMPLEMENTATION HAD TO BE PHASED OVER SEVERAL YEARS AND, AT LEAST AS REGARDS RTHK, WOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
DETAILED PROPOSALS WERE CURRENTLY UNDER DISCUSSI ON WI TH FINANCE BRANCH AND IT WAS HOPED TO PLACE THESE BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, MR TSAO SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, MR TSAO SAID, UNDER THE NEW FREQUENCY ALLOCATION PLAN A NUMBER OF INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE POSSIBLE AND HE HAD DIRECTED THAT THESE BE PUT IN HAND.
/BY USING .......
WOiESDAY, MAHCH. 13, 1985
BY LINING MODEST STANDBY FACILITIES, RTHK WOULD BE ABLE
TO DUPl I CATE ITS RADIO 1 SERVICE IN FM TO COVER WHAT BROADCASTERS CALLED THE *G0LDEN BOWL*, THAT IS THE NORTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOOF AND TSUEN WAN, AS WELL AS SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, AND THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE EXISTING RTHK RADIO 2 FM SERVICE WOULD BE SIMILARLY EXTENDED AND SOME IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE PROVIDED IN FM FOR RADIO 3 LISTENERS LIVING ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
THESE IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE MADE BY THE COMING SUMMER, NR TSAO SAID.
♦DISCUSSIONS ARE UNDERWAY WITH COMMERCIAL RADIO AIMED AT FACILITATING SIMILAR INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR SERVICES -IMPROVEMENTS WHICH COMMERCIAL RADIO ARE, I KNOW, MOST ANXIOUS TO MAKE,* HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID AS EARLY AS 1979 THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAD INSTRUCTED THAT PLANS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF RADIO RECEPTION FOR BOTH RTHK AND COMMERCIAL RADIO BE DEVELOPED.
THAT THESE HAD NOT SO FAR REACHED FRUITION RESULTED FROM THREE PRINCIPAL CONSTRAINTS.
FIRST, THE FREQUENCY SPECTRUM AVAILABLE FOR HONG KONG’S USE WAS NARROWER THAN ORIGINALLY ENVISAGED. IN DRAWING UP A FREQUENCY ALLOCATION PLAN THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO TAKE PARTICULAR CARE TO ENSURE BOTH THAT THIS LIMITED RESOURCE WAS USED EFFICIENTLY AND THAT OUR PLAN DID NOT INTERFERE WITH THE PLANS OF NEIGHBOURING TERRITORIES. THIS HAD PROVED COMPLICATED.
SECONDLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE LARGE NUMBER CF NEW TRANSMITTERS AND FREQUENCIES REQUIRED WOULD IN NO WAY INTERFERE WITH THE CRITICAL AERONAUTICAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
THIRDLY, IT WAS CLEARLY DESIRABLE THAT ANY PLAN DEVISED SHOULD MINIMISE EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT OR MODIFICATION TO EXISTING INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT.
*A PLAN HAS NOW BEEN DEVISED WHICH MEETS THESE CONSTRAINTS AND WE WILL SHORTLY SEEK THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S FORMAL ENDORSEMENT CF THE PROPOSALS,* HE ADDED.
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/31 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1935
- 31 -
FEE RISE, TAX BRING DOWN CAR NUMBERS * * * *
THE 1982 INCREASES IN LICENCE FEES AND FIRST REGISTRATION TAX WERE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO A FALL OF OVER 17 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS FROM 217 945 IN MAY 1982 TO 180 084 IN FEBRUARY 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID TODAY.
THE DROP IN THIS CATEGORY WAS THE MAIN ELEMENT IN A DECREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES FROM 338 571 TO 308 864 OVER THE SAME PERIOD, MR MACPHERSON SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦TRAFFIC CONDITIONS HAVE EASED PARTLY AS A RESULT OF THIS DROP IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REGISTERED AND PARTLY AS A RESULT OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, SUCH AS THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, AND THE CORNWALL STREET FLYOVER, AND TO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, FOR EXAMPLE THE EXTENSION OF AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL TO THE ISLAND,* MR MACPHERSON SAID.
WITH REGARD TO MR CHEN’S SECOND QUESTION ON THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES AT THE END OF EACH OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS, MR MACPHERSON PROVIDED A STATISTICAL TABLE SHOWING THE BREAKDOWN FIGURES AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ALL
VEHICLES.
AT THE END OF 1984, THERE WERE 311 850 VEHICLES, BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS I MOTOR CYCLES (22 417), PRIVATE CARS (182 985), TAXIS (15 984), PUBLIC BUSES (5 787), PRIVATE BUSES (186), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (4 350), PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES (1 886), GOODS VEHICLES (72 469), AND CROWN VEHICLES (5 186).
- 0 ----------
OVER MILLION USE KOWLOON-MACAU FERRY IN YEAR * * *
LAST YEAR, 1.1 MILLION PASSENGERS USED THE KOWLOON TO MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON F.K. HU, MR MACPHERSON SAID THAT SEAL INK FERRIES LTD., WHICH WAS MANAGED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY, HAD A THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, EXPIRING IN SEPTEMBER 1986, TO OPERATE KOWLOON-MACAU FERRY SERVICES.
WHETHER THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL WOULD CONTINUE IN OPERATION WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL ON HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD BE A MATTER FOR REVIEW TOWARDS THE END OF THE CURRENT THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT, MR MACPHERSON SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1985
ROAD DEFINITION - A MOOT POINT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES TO BE COVERED BY THIRD PARTY INSURANCE ON PRIVATE AS WELL AS ON PUBLIC ROADS IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THAT DOUBTS AROSE ABOUT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIRD PARTY INSURANCE ON PRIVATE ROADS BECAUSE THE DEFINITION OF +ROAD+ IN THE MOTOR VEHICLES INSURANCE (THIRD PARTY RISKS) ORDINANCE RELATED TO A ROAD TO WHICH THE PUBLIC HAD ACCESS, AND THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES IN INTERPRETING THIS.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, HAD ANNOUNCED LAST MONTH THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION WHICH RELATED TO SAFETY (INCLUDING INSURANCE, LICENSING, AND CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) SHOULD APPLY TO ALL ROADS IN THE TERRITORY, OTHER THAN INDUSTRIAL AND WORK SITES.
♦A WORKING GROUP IS NOW CONSIDERING LEGISLATION TO GIVE EFFECT TO THIS DECISION IN PRINCIPLE,* HE SAID.
-----o------
MORE THOUGHT GIVEN TO BANYAN TREE REQUEST *****
IT WAS DECIDED THAT A FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE LIGHT OF EXPRESSED PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE FATE OF A BANYAN TREE IN STANLEY MARKET ROAD, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY.
MR CHAN WHO WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SO, SAID THAT AFTER CONSULTATION WITH DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED THE LOT ON WHICH THE TREE IS PERCHED WAS INCLUDED IN THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME AND WAS SCHEDULED FOR AUCTION ON MARCH 1.
♦SUBSEQUENTLY, PETITIONS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE TREE
WERE RECEIVED WHICH WOULD IN EFFECT MEAN THE LOT COULD NOT BE SOLD,+
HE SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH THE BACKGROUND HAD BEEN CAREFULLY LOOKED INTO, IT WAS DECIDED A FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN THE LIGHT OF EXPRESSED PUBLIC CONCERN.
♦TO ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR THIS REVIEW, SALE OF THE LOT HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO APRIL 18,+ MR CHAN SAID.
/IN REPLY .......
tfEDNSS^u, MA.BCE 1j, 19&5
- 33 -
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY MR SO, CONCERNING THE INCONVENIENCE CAUSED BY CONSTANT ROAD REPAIR WORK, MR CHAN SAID THAT TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ROAD OPENINGS TO A MINIMUM AND TO MINIMISE DISRUPTIONS, THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE VARIOUS UTILITY COMPANIES WERE CO-ORDINATED THROUGH MONTHLY ROAD OPENING COORDINATING COMMITTEE MEETINGS ON WHICH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, ------------------------ CQMpAN|ES WERE REPRESENTED.
THE POLICE AND THE UTILITY
HE SAID THERE WAS ONE NAMELY, HONG KONG, KOWLOON +BEFORE NEW ROADS ARE
SUCH COMMITTEE FOR EACH HIGHWAY REGION, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
CONSTRUCTED AND EXISTING ROADS RECONSTRUCTED, ALL THE UTILITY COMPANIES ARE NOTIFIED OF THE IMPENDING ROADWORKS SO THAT THEY MAY PUT IN NEW SERVICES OR MAINTAIN EXISTING SERVICES IN PHASE WITH THE ROADWORKS,* MR
CHAN
SAID.
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TWO BILLS PASSED * * * *
TWO BILLS, THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS)(CUSTOMS OFFICERS) BILL 1985 AND THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
1985,
THREE BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE» THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BIIL 1985, THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985 AND THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY BILL 1985.
- - 0 ------------
/34 .......
W CH 13, 19 .
- 34 -
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDIES * * X *
A NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING OFFERED TO HONG KONG STUDENTS FOR A TWO-YEAR MATRICULATION COURSE AT THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES LEADING TO THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE.
DONATED BY LEADING LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TENABLE AT ATLANTIC COLLEGE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, PEARSON COLLEGE IN CANADA, AMERICAN WEST COLLEGE IN THE UNITED STATES AND ADR i AT IC COLLEGE IN ITALY.
THESE FOUR COLLEGES TOGETHER MAKE UP THE UNITED WORLD COLLEGES, WHICH HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH EDUCATION.
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE IS RECOGNISED FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRY PURPOSES IN HONG KONG AND IN MOST OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE COLLEGES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND WILL TAKE THE FULL TWO-YEAR COURSE.
THE ACADEMIC AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAMMES IN THE COLLEGES ARE INTERWOVEN AND FORM JOINTLY THE BASIS FOR STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENT. STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL AND AESTHETIC IN NATURE.
EACH SCHOLARSHIP WILL NORMALLY COVER PART OF THE TUITION AND BOARDING FEES DURING THE TWO YEARS. HOWEVER, IT WILL NOT BE ADEQUATE TO COVER OTHER NECESSARY EXPENSES SUCH AS AIR FARES TO AND FROM THE COLLEGE, MAINTENANCE DURING LONG VACATIONS AND PERSONAL ALLOWANCE.
INTENDING APPLICANTS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE SUFFICIENT ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO MEET THESE EXPENSES.
APPLICANTS MUST BE OVER 16 AND UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1985. THEY SHOULD ALSO POSSESS A HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION WITH AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE C OR ABOVE, INCLUDING GOOD RESULTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, OR ITS GCE EQUIVALENT; OR HAVE A GOOD CHANCE OF OBTAINING SUCH RESULTS IN THE 1985 HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
SELECTION CRITERIA WILL INCLUDE PAST ACADEMIC RECORDS, EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PRINCIPALS, PERSONALITY AND PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH.
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS. SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW.
/SUCC3SSFUL CaNDIi)A23S ......
WEDN lSDaY
1’, 1985
- 35 -
SUCCESSFUL Cmi iua . aRE Ea- .CTEL Vv RET..- N TO HONG KONG ON COMPLETION OF Tix COl'kot.
APPLICATION -CRMS ,.r... AVAiLl LE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS :CTIOK OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 1522. LEIGHT C- 77 . IGHTON 'OAD, CAUSEWAY BAY,
HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS Ml " BE RETURNED BY HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO THE SECTION ON OR BEFORE APRIL 13.
STUDENTS PLANTS ON SHOW
* * * *
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION OF HORT I CULT .E WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN CONJUNCTION WiTH THE 1985 NEW TERRITORIES STUDENTS POTTED PLANT COMPETITION.
THE COMPETIT.ON AND THE EXHIBITION, SPONSORED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES, ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE POTTED PLANT COMPETITiLi S TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT PLANTS, AND TO APP: .CiATE THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT, SAID A SOKESImJ FOR THE NTSD.
SIXTY-FIVE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS 'N THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE ENTERED THE COMPETITION, PROVIDING 600 POTTED PLANTS FOR THE EXHIBITION.
BOOK TOKENS AND PRIZES WORTH ABOUT 14 500 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST THREE WINNERS OF EACH GROUP. MERIT PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO SOME OTHERS.
THE NTSD WILL BE DISPLAYING A WIDE VARIETY OF SEASONAL FLOWERS IN THE EXHIBITION UNDER THE THE OF +SE»SONAL FLOWERS IN SPRING*, AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHS INTRODUCING PROPAGATION METHODS BY SEEDS.
TO HIGHLIGHT THE EVENTS, CEREMONIES WILL BE HELD TO MARK THc PRIZE-GIVING FOR THE COMPETITION AND THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION AT TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR PtTER NG, THE FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN OF NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK, M? LIU CHING-LEUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB CENTRAL COMMITTEE MR POON CHUN-PONG, AND THE PRESIDENT OF NEw TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB, MR *ONG TAK-YAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTIONS.
.■> • , MARCH 13, 19b f ‘
CULTURE, ARTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISED * * * *
i PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FIRST CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE UNITED CENTRE RESTAURANT IN ADMIRALTY.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS.
SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER,- MR KIM SALKELD? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CjNTRAL AND WESTERN CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR YUEN BUN-KEUNG! AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR WU CHOR-NAM.
YOUTHS’ LEISURE ACTIVITIES STUDIED
* * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY), TO GIVE DETAILS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY A WORKING GROUP ON HOW YOUTHS SPEND THEIR LEISURE IN THE DISTRICT.
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE BOARD TO COINCIDE wI TH INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR WILL ALSO BE REVEALED AT THE CONFERENCE.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HOSTED BY MR LmM KWOK-KWONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON + HOW YOUTHS SPEND THEIR LEIS.A TIME+, AND MR PAUL YOUNG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE IYY.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1°35
37
RESTRICTED ZONES IN YUEN LONG * * *
FROM 13 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 16), THE FOLLOWING ROADS IN YUEN LONG WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONESt-
X THE WESTERN KERBSIDE OF TUNG LOK STREET BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND SAU FU STREET.
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE OF SAU FU STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG LOK STREET AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE OF SAU FU STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG LOK STREET AND A POINT APPROXIMATELY 50 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, DRIVERS OF ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS= OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- 0 - -
TUEN MUN WATER WORKS
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM NOON ON SATURDAY (MARCH 16) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD, FROM TUEN MUN KAU HUI TO TAP SHEK KOK, INCLUDING: PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, wU KING ESTATE, SIU SHAN COURT, MELODY GARDEN, AREA 44, TAP SHEK KOK POWER STAiIu.m, Chl'-A CEMENT COMPANY AND ALL CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE AREA.
MEET THE MEDIA
XX*
THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR MARTIN LlaIS, a ILL >EET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 10.30 AM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, ^I^TH ^LOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WORK BEGINS ON REVIEW OF TREATIES, ACCORDS ................... 1
JANUARY EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED ................... 7
S6J5M PUBLIC HOUSING TENDERS ACCEPTED ........................ 13
OLD LADY OF THE SEA RETIRES .................................. 13
COMPUTER STUDIES PILOT SCHEME EXTENDED ....................... 15
SURVEY SHOWS YOUTHS NEED MORE SPORTS FACILITIES .............. 16
FESTIVAL ORGANISED FOR YOUTH YEAR ............................ 17
ONE MILLION PLANTS A YEAR .................................... 18
TRAINING SCHEME FOR INSURANCE EMPLOYEES ...................... 19
HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT WINNERS TO RECEIVE PRIZES FROM COUNCILLOR .................................................... 20
AWARDS FOR POSTER DESIGN WINNERS ............................. 20
RENDEZVOUS FOR MUSIC LOVERS .................................. 21
CONFERENCE ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING ............................ 22
WORKFORCE BEING SURVEYED ..................................... 22
UC BATHING SHEDS FOR HIRE .................................... 23
APPRENTICES GRADUATE ......................................... 23
PRESS VISIT ARRANGED.......................................... 24
ROAD WORK IN CENTRAL ......................................... 24
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
WORK BEGINS ON REVIEW OF TREATIES, ACCORDS ******
MUCH PRELIMINARY WORK HAD BEEN DONE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS TO GATHER TOGETHER AND TO REVIEW THE 300 MULTILATERAL TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS WHICH APPLIED TO HONG KONG AND ABOUT 160 BILATERAL AGREEMENTS AS WELL. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ADDRESSING THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ON THE SUBJECT OF +LEGAL REFORM IN HONG KONG PRIOR TO 1997,+ MR THOMAS SAID HE EXPECTED THIS WORK WOULD CONTINUE IN ORDER TO ASSIST THOSE WHO WERE MEMBERS OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN CARRYING OUT THE TASKS ASSIGNED TO THEM.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT BY THESE TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS, HONG KONG ENJOYED BENEFITS AND RIGHTS ON THE ONE HAND, AND INCURRED DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS ON THE OTHER.
SOME OF THESE TREATIES AND ARRANGEMENTS WERE VERY OLD, PERHAPS IN SOME CASES OF LITTLE VALUE NOW. OTHERS WERE VITALLY IMPORTANT IN MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE. SOME OF THEM ALSO APPLIED TO CHINA, BUT MANY DID NOT.
+THE WORK THAT WILL SOON HAVE TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL INVOLVE EXAMINATION OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THESE INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS WITH A VIEW TO DECIDING HOW BEST ITS VALUE CAN BE PRESERVED AFTER THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997,+ HE SAID.
+THIS WILL DEPEND UPON A CASE BY CASE EXAMINATION OF THE TERMS OF EACH AGREEMENT,* MR THOMAS SAID. +EACH WILL HAVE TO EE EXAMINED TO SEE WHETHER THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR IT TO APPLY TO AN SAR OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC.
+THE WORK WILL INVOLVE CONSULTATION WITH THE OTHER COUNTRIES WHO PARTICIPATE IN THOSE AGREEMENTS SINCE THEY MAY WISH TO VARY THEIR TERMS TO ENSURE THAT ITS APPLICATION TO HONG KONG IS NOT AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY,* HE SAID.
EARLIER, DESCRIBING THE POLITICAL SETTLEMENT ON THE FUTURE CF HONG KONG AS +AN ACT OF GREAT STATESMANSHIP ON THE PART OF BOTH GOVERNMENTS,* MR THOMAS SAID IT GAVE THOSE INVOLVED IN GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION *CLEAR AND SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES, NOT ONLY TO MAINTAIN THOSE SYSTEMS UPON WHICH HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY DEPEND, BUT AT THE SAME TIME A NUMBER CF SPECIFIC TASKS TO CARRY OUT IN ORDER TO PREPARE HONG KONG FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REG ION.+
/♦THOSE OF
THU: DAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 2 -
♦THOSE OF US IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT MUST BEND OURSELVES TO THE WORK WHICH IS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND TO ENSURE THAT THE LEGAL SYSTEM OF HONG KONG AND THE LAWS IN FORCE IN 1997 WILL BE FIT FOi USE BY THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FOR THE PERIOD OF 50 YEARS FOLLOWING 1997.*
HE FELT THAT THE TASKS AHEAD COULD BE LOOKED AT FROM FOUR DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, HE SAID.
FIRSTLY, THERE WERE SPECIFIC TASKS WHICH AROSE FROM THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. HERE AND THERE WERE PASSAGES WHICH POINTED TO SPECIFIC CHANGES MUST BE MADE IN THE LAW TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE DECISIONS OF THF U.K. AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS.
SECONDLY, THERE WERE TASKS WHICH WERE lb LICIT FROM THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. IN TL7 MELD JF LAW, THESE FLOW FROM THE COMMITMENT TO END BRITISH RULE IN 1997. IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT WHEREVER THE LAWS PRESE’.TLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG DERIVED AUTHORITY FROM BRITISH ' ■ , " NECESSARY
CHANGES MUST BE MADE TO ENABLE THE LAWS OF ONi ■ ONG TO BE FREE-STANDING WITH A VITALITY AND AUTHORITY C- HEIR OWN.
THIRDLY, THERE WERE CHANGES AFFECTING THE LAW, THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES WHICH WERE AT LEAST HIGHLY DESIRABLE IN A TERRI JRY WHICH WOULD BECOME CHINESE RATHER THAN BRITISH IN 1)97.
AND LASTLY, THERE WAS THE LEGAL WORK THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE IN SUPPORT OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH WOULD BE SET UP BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS AFTER THE JOINT DECLARATION 1WD BEEN RATIFIED THIS SUMMER.
OF TASKS EXPRESSLY MENTIONED, MR THOMAS SAID IT WOULD BE APPARENT THAT A NUMBER OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION MUST BE IMPLEMENTED BY MEANS OF LEGISLATION.
TAKING THE MOST OBVIOUS EXAMPLE, MR THOMA. SAID PARAGRAPH IWO OF THE JOINT DECLARATION STATED THAT THE U.K. GOVERNMENT DECLARED THAT IT WOULD RESTORE HONG KONG TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CF CHINA WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1997.
♦THAT REQUIRES THE LAW TO BE CHANGED TO TERMINATE SOVEREIGNTY WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1997 AND TO TERMINATE vURISDICTION OVER THE TERR I TOR IES,+ HE SAID.
LEGISLATION TO ACHIEVE THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD TO THE U.K. PARLIAMENT IN THE HONG KONG BILL WHICH TONIGHT WOULD GO THROUGH ITS COMMITTEE STAGE IN THE HOUSE CF LORDS.
/+IT IS
MiCH 14, 198^
- 3
♦IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS BILL WILL BECOME AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT WITHIN A FEW WEEKS. THE U.K. GOVERNMENT BY THAT MEANS WILL HAVE SECURED PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL WHICH WILL ENABLE IT TO RATIFY THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN DUE COURSE,* MR THOMAS SAID.
TURNING TO TASKS IMPLICIT IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, MR THOMAS SAID THAT AFTER 1997, THE LAWS IN HONG KONG WOULD DERIVE THEIR AUTHORITY FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW, THE CONSTITUTIONAL INSTRUMENT BY WHICH THE SOVEREIGN BODIES OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA UNDER ITS CONSTITUTION WOULD ESTABLISH THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND PRESCRIBED THE SYSTEMS TO BE INSTITUTED THERE.
♦THE PROBLEM ARISES FROM THE FACT THAT TODAY MANY LAWS WHICH ARE PART OF THE LAW OF HONG KONG ARE STILL IN THE FORM OF U.K. ACTS OF PARLIAMENT AND U.K. ORDERS IN COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
SOMETIMES THIS WAS FOR HISTORICAL REASONS. MUCH OF U.K. LEGISLATION WAS NOT MADE SPECIALLY FOR HONG KONG BUT WAS EXTENDED TO THIS AND MANY OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES WITH NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS.
IN OTHER CASES, THIS WAS BECAUSE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CF HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE UNLIMITED POWERS OF LEGISLATION. IN PARTICULAR, THERE WAS ORDINARILY NO POWER IN A DEPENDENT TERRITORY TO PASS LAWS THAT APPLIED BEYOND THE LIMITS OF THAT TERRITORY.
SO HAVING REGARD TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES MENTIONED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, MR THOMAS SAID, THE PROGRESSIVE LOCALISATION OF ALL LEGISLATION THAT AT PRESENT DERIVED FROM THE U.K. WOULD BE ESSENTIAL.
*THIS WILL RESULT IN HONG KONG’S LAWS BEING SELF-STANDING AND WHOLLY INDEPENDENT OF U.K. LEGISLATION BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY TAKES PLACE.
+IN THAT WAY THE HONG KONG SAR CAN EXPECT TO INHERIT THE LAWS PRESENTLY IN FORCE IN HONG KONG IN A FORM THAT WILL NOT CONTRAVENE THE BASIC LAW,* HE SAID.
AREAS IN WHICH HONG KONG MUST LOCALISE ITS OWN LAWS AND CEASE TO RELY UPON U.K. LEGISLATION WERE TO BE FOUND IN THE FIELDS OF MERCHANT SHIPPING, CIVIL AVIATION, PATENTS AND COPYRIGHT.
♦ THESE SUBJECTS HAVE ALL BEEN MARKED DOWN BY THE ADMINISTRATION AS MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION,* HE SAID.
WHILE THESE WERE SOME OF THE MAJOR TASKS AHEAD WHICH COULD BE FORESEEN, MR THOMAS SAID HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT A FURTHER SERIES CF REFORMS WOULD BE REQUIRED WHEN THE BASIC LAW WAS PUBLISHED, WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO BE BY THE 199OS’.
/+! FORESEE .......
WCH '4, 1985
4
♦ I FORESEE THAT IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REMOVE FROM OUR LAWS BY 1997 REFERENCES TO THE PRESENT CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH CANNOT SURVIVE BEYOND 1997.
+REFERENCES TO ’COLONY’ OR ’THE CROWN’ OR ’THE SECRETARY OF STATE’ ARE OBVIOUS EXAMPLES OF WHAT I HAVE IN MIND. OFFENCES SUCH AS TREASON WHICH REFLECT THE BRITISH CONCEPT OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE SOVEREIGN MAY NEED TO BE CONSIDERED.
♦ AGAIN, DEPENDING UPON THE BASIC LAW REFERENCES IN OUR LAWS TO POSTAGE STAMPS AND COATS OF ARMS WILL DOUBTLESS NEED SOME AMENDMENT. IN RELATION TO LAND, THE POSITION OF THE CROWN AS THE PROPRIETOR OF ALL CROWN LAND WILL HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED.
+IT MAY BE APPROPRIATE FOR ITS TITLE IN LAND TO BE VESTED INSTEAD IN SOME CORPORATION WHICH IN ITS STYLE AND FORM WILL NOT BE INCONSISTENT WITH CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AND THE PROVISIONS CF THE BASIC LAW.
♦ OATHS AND DECLARATIONS PROVIDED UNDER THE LAW MAY ALSO NEED TO BE LOOKED AT AND PROBABLY CHANGED TO REFLECT THE NEW POLITICAL ARRANGEMENTS,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT IT WAS PROVIDED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT THE POWER OF FINAL JUDGEMENT AFTER 1997 WOULD BE VESTED IN THE COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN THE HONG KONG SAR, WHICH MIGHT AS REQUIRED INVITE JUDGES FROM OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS TO SIT ON IT.
♦ IT FOLLOWS THEREFORE THAT CHANGES MUST BE MADE TO THE LAWS CF HONG KONG IN ORDER TO CONSTITUTE A FINAL COURT OF APPEAL IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT BOTH WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW,+ HE SAID.
HE AGREED WITH THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND OTHERS THAT IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE TO ESTABLISH THIS COURT OF APPEAL WELL BEFORE 1997 IN ORDER TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
♦ IT WOULD BE MUCH TO THE ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG IF ITS JURISDICTION AND JURISPRUDENCE COULD BE ESTABLISHED WELL BEFORE 1997 SO THAT THE AUTHORITY OF ITS JUDGEMENTS CAN BE APPRECIATED, ESPECIALLY BY THE IMPORTANT FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS INTERESTS BOTH HERE AND ABROAD,+ HE SAID.
AS TO THE THIRD CATEGORY OF TASKS, NAMELY THOSE WHICH WERE HIGHLY DESIRABLE GIVEN THE PROSPECT OF IMPORTANT POLITICAL CHANGES, KR THOMAS SAID IT WAS DESIRABLE THAT THE PEOPLE OF THIS TERRITORY, MOST OF THEM CHINESE SPEAKING, SHOULD BE ABLE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE TH . ?UBL 1AND ADMINISTRATIVE. LAW WHICH IN SO MANY RESPECTS GOVERNED HEIR >VES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE.
/+WHATHVER THE
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 5 -
♦WHATEVER THE MERITS OF THAT IN PRINCIPLE, I AM CONVINCED THAT IN THE NEW POLITICAL SITUATION WHERE HONG KONG WILL BECOME A PART OF CHINA, IT BECOMES A POLITICAL NECESSITY FOR HONG KONG’S LAWS TO BE INTELLIGIBLE TO THOSE WHO ARE UNABLE TO READ ENGLISH AND THAT IT IS NOW IMPERATIVE TO PROMOTE THE USE OF CHINESE IN OUR LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.
♦MY OWN VIEW IS THAT BOTH LANGUAGES, CHINESE AND ENGLISH, SHOULD HAVE EQUAL STATUS IN THE LEGISLATION OF HONG KONG AND IN ITS INTERPRETATION IN THE COURTS.
♦THIS WILL, HOWEVER, REQUIRE A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF LEGAL DRAFTSMANSHIP IF THE TWO LANGUAGES ARE TO CONVEY AN IDENTICAL OR NEAR IDENTICAL MEANING,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR THOMAS SAID, WE HAD BEGUN TO CONSIDER THE WAY IN WHICH THIS WORK COULD SOON BE UNDERTAKEN. +WE ARE LOOKING AT SKILLED INTERPRETERS WHO CAN BE TRAINED IN BASIC LEGAL DRAFTING TECHNIQUES, AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR LAWYERS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN JOINING CHAMBERS AS DRAFTSMEN.
+IF IT IS DECIDED TO GO AHEAD, WE HOPE THAT IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE A START ON PRODUCING SELECTED PIECES OF NEW LEGISLATION IN BOTH LANGUAGES IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION,* FE SAID.
ANOTHER TASK WHICH WAS HIGHLY DESIRABLE WAS THAT OF CODIFICATION, MR THOMAS SAID. CODIFICATION OF THE ENTIRE LAW, INCLUDING ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMMON LAW, WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR EVEN THE PEOPLE OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TO UNDERTAKE.
+IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE, IN MY VIEW FOR US TO TACKLE A FEW SELECTED AREAS OF THE COMMON LAW, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH AFFECT ORDINARY PEOPLE WHEN THEY COME UP AGAINST AUTHORITY,* HE SAID.
PRELIMINARY WORK WAS BEING DONE ON THE CODIFICATION WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING HOW EASILY, GIVEN OUR RESOURCES, USEFUL CODIFICATION COULD BE UNDERTAKEN TO CLARIFY THE LAW AND THEREBY TO MAINTAIN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE LAW.
+THIS WILL MAKE IT MORE DURABLE IN THE YEARS BEYOND 1997,+ IE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THE LEGAL SYSTEM. WHILE RETAINING ALL ITS FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES WHICH HAD SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL IN THE PAST, MUST BE APPLIED IN A MANNER THAT RETAINED THE CONFIDENCE OF CHINESE SPEAKERS.
/+IT IS .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
6
♦ IT IS PLAINLY DESIRABLE THAT THERE SHOULD BE MORE HONG KONG CHINESE LAWYERS AS JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE ABLE PRACTITIONERS COMING FORWARD FOR JUDICIAL SERVICE AS THE NUMBER OF CHINESE SPEAKERS IN THE JUDICIARY WAS STILL FAR TOO LOW.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF HONG KONG CHINESE LAWYERS.
IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ARGUE THAT THE SHORT TERM REWARDS OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE FOR YOUNG LAWYERS WERE AS GOOD AS THOSE AVAILABLE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BUT, MR THOMAS SAID, HE HOPED SOON TO BE ABLE TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR YOUNG HONG KONG CHINESE LAWYERS BY ACCELERATING THEIR PROGRESS THROUGH THE SALARY SCALE.
MR THOMAS CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT ANOTHER IMPORTANT THEME WAS TO MAINTAIN AND UPDATE THE EXISTING COMMON LAW AND STATUTE LAW FRAMEWORK IN THE YEARS BEFORE 1997.
♦ IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TAKE CARE OF THE LAW AND ITS PROCESSES, NOT AS SOME MUSEUM EXHIBIT OR FOSSIL, BUT AS A PUBLIC SERVICE, RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS THAT SOCIETY PLACES UPON IT AND GIVING VALUE FOR MONEY.
♦ WE MUST SUCCEED IN PRESERVING THE BEST FEATURES AND DISCARDING THE WORST, SO THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY AFTER 1997 ALL THOSE ADVANTAGES FROM ITS LAWS AND LEGAL INSTITUTIONS TO WHICH BRITAIN AND CHINA ATTACHED 30 MUCH IMPORTANCE IN THEIR RECENT POLITICAL ACCORD.
♦ THE LAW’S REPUTATION MUST STAND ON ITS MERITS, NOT ITS HISTORICAL RESPECTABILITY. WHATEVER WE MAY SUCCEED IN DOING IN PREPARING LEGISLATION TO MEET THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997, WE WILL FAIL IN OUR DUTY AS GUARDIANS FOR THE FUTURE IF WE DO NOT ENSURE THAT OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IS SUFFICIENTLY RATIONAL AND COST-EFFECTIVE TO STAND UP TO CRITICAL OBJECTIVE PUBLIC SCRUTINY,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
- 0 -
n
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
7
JANUARY EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED * * * * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY 1985, VALUED AT $39 243 MILLION, SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1984 TRADE, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT TO $11 166 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 20 PER CENT TO $19 119 MILLION, AND RE-EXPORTS BY 50 PER CENT TO $8 958 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT.
COMPARING JANUARY 1985 WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY LESS THAN ONE PER CENT IN VALUE. ANALYSED BY COMMODITIES, INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $211 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT), BABY CARRIAGES. TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $25 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $13 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $97 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $92 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
INCREASED IN VALUE,
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA
PARTICULARLY OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $205 MILLION OR 2 579 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $158 MILLION OR 167 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACH INERY. APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $75 MILLION OR 232 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $3 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $2 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $29 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT). METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $21 MILLION OR $4 PER CENT), AND PRINTED MATTER (BY $5 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $33 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT} AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $23 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $14 MILLION OR 2 018 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $13 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT)- AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA CF CLOTHING (BY $24 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT).
/DEMAND FOR .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 8 -
DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG. INCREASES WERE RECORDED MAINLY IN CLOTHING (BY $157 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $99 MILLION OR 80 PER CENT), BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $53 MILLION OR 111 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $51 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $47 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $248 MILLION OR 82 PER CENT) AND ROAD AND AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $205 MILLION OR 96 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $20 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) AND IRON AND STEEL (BY $15 MILLION CR 7 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $121 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT), TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $97 MILLION CR 85 PER CENT), AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $58 MILLION OR 234 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN ORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $43 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $33 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT).
MEANWHILE, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $19 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD AND AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $28 MILLION OR 99 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY $156 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT), AS DID IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS FROM SINGAPORE (BY $179 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $2 415 MILLION OR 149 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $243 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $212 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $92 MILLION 6R 56 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (BY $52 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $52 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $32 MILLION ___ ----------> AND FRANCE (BY j18 M|Ll|0N OR 49 PER CENT). ON
THE OTHER HAND, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA (BY $127 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (BY $34 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
OR 41 PER CENT
/most commodities .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 1U, 1985
- 9 -
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $482 MILLION OR 210 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $413 MILLION OR 309 PER CENT), TEXTILES (BY $334 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $251 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS CF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $45 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $39 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS) (BY $21 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT).
THE JANUARY 1985 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE ON SALE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH ADETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1985 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY APRIL 1985 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $12 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-214375).
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 1 5-444436).
FOLLOWING ARE STATISTICAL TABLESf
TABLE 1 1 DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JANUARY 1985 ($ MN) JANUARY 1984 ($ MN) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
U.S.A. 4 769 4 753 ♦ 15 ♦ *
CHINA 1 410 670 ♦740 *111
U.K. 749 791 - 42 - 5
F.R. OF GERMANY 726 889 -162 - 18
CANADA 349 344 * 5 * 1
AUSTRALIA 340 359 - 19 - 5
JAPAN 330 369 - 39 - 11
/SINGAPORE
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 10
SINGAPORE 223 233 - 10 - 4
NETHERLANDS 204 211 - 7 - 3
SWITZERLAND 160 181 - 22 - 12
* LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 2 «
DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JANUARY JANUARY INCREASED)/ PERCENTAGE
COMMODITY 1985 1984 DECREASE(-) CHANGE
DIVISIONS ($ MN) ($ MN) (S MN) (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 4 132 3 989 +143 + 4
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS, JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND PLASTIC ARTICLES) 1 505 1 525 - 20 1
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES AND SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS) 977 846 ♦131 ♦ 15
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 809 842 - 33 — 4
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 762 721 ♦ 41 ♦ 6
CFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 665 595 ♦ 70 12
/TABLE 3 : .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
11
TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES
MAJOR SOURCES JANUARY 1985 ($ MN) JANUARY 1984 ($ MN) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 4 840 4 508 + 331 + 7
JAPAN 4 094 3 048 *1 046 * 34
U.S.A. 2 050 1 628 + 422 ♦ 26
TAIWAN 1 623 1 242 + 382 + 31
SINGAPORE 1 266 946 + 320 * 34
U.K. 747 728 ♦ 19 + 3
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 673 459 * 214 * 47
F.R. OF GERMANY 511 401 + 110 * 28
FRANCE 311 242 + 69 ♦ 29
AUSTRALIA 270 283 - 13 - 5
TABLE 4 x IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMOD ITY SECTIONS
COMMODITY SECTIONS JANUARY 1985 (S MN) JANUARY 1984 (« MN) INCREASE (-••)/ DECREASE(-) (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 5 325 3 643 ♦1 681 + 46
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 4 948 4 513 * 435 ♦ 13
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 3 340 2 616 + 724 + 28
/FOOD AND .........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
12
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 1 671 1 808 - 137 - 8
CHEMICALS AND RELATED
PRODUCTS 1 228 1 182 + 46 + 4
MINERALS FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERIALS 1 200 948 + 252 + 27
TABLE 5 : RE- EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
JANUARY JANUARY INCREASE^)/ PERCENTAGE
1985 1984 DECREASE(-) CHANGE
MAJOR MARKETS (1 MN) (« MN) ($ MN) (%)
CHINA 4 038 1 623 ♦2 415 +149
U.S.A. 1 202 959 + 243 + 25
JAPAN 527 315 + 212 + 67
SINGAPORE 366 400 - 34 - 8
TAIWAN 348 358 10 - 3
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
(SOUTH KOREA) 302 251 + 52 + 21
MACAU 255 163 + 92 + 56
INDONESIA 215 342 - 127 - 37
PHILIPPINES 147 95 + 52 + 55
AUSTRALIA 111 124 - 13 - 13
TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
JANUARY JANUARY INCREASE^)/ PERCENTAGE
COMMOD1TY 1985 1984 DECREASE(-) CHANGE
DIVISIONS ($ MN) (S MN) (5 MN) (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND
RELATED PRODUCTS 1 215 881 + 334 ♦ 38
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND
APPLIANCES 822 572 ♦ 251 + 44
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS .....
tiiursd;.-:, kahch 12*, 1985
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 712 230 + 482 +210
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 618 546 ♦ 72 ♦ 13
CFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 546 134 * 413 *309
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 525 324 ♦ 201 + 62
-------0---------
«633M PUBLIC HOUSING TENDERS ACCEPTED * * * *
TENDERS TOTALLING MORE THAN S633 MILLION WERE APPROVED TODAY 3Y THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE FOR YET ANOTHER BATCH OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF TWO NEW ESTATES -- TSUI LAM IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN AND CHEUNG ON ON TSING Y| ISLAND, THE BUILDING OF MORE BLOCKS IN LEI TUNG ESTATE. ON AF LEI CHAU, AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION OF LIFTS/ ESCALATORS ON NEW STRUCTURES IN THE HlN KENG AND LEI TUNG ESTATES.
T'i7- MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR H.M.Q. FORSGATE.
------0-------
OLD LADY OF THE SEA RETIRES * * * *
AS THE MARINE POLICE REGION UNDERGOES EXPANSION AND PROGRESS, MORE AND MORE OF THE OLD POLICE LAUNCHES, ARE HAVING TO RtTIRt.
POLICE LAUNCH 33, ”SEA RESCUER”, WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE i-ODERN AND SOPHISTICATED PL 71, KING YEE, IS NO EXCEPTION. thE SEA RESCUER WILL SOON BE BURIED IN MARINE HISTORY AS IT GOES ON TO AN UNKNOWN FUTURE AFTER BEING HANDED OVER TO THu. GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD.
;HE LAUNCH .'/AS ONE OF THE LEGENDARY 70-F00TERS, THE OLDEST OF WHICH HAVE BEEN IN SERVICE WITH MARINE SINCE 1953. DURING HER 23-YEAP SERVICE IN MARINE, SHE SERVED-IN WEST AND NORTH SECTORS BEFORE SHE CAME TO EAST DIVISION BEFORE HER RETIREMENT.
/SHE HAS .......
MARCH 14, 19bi>
14
SHE HAS RENDERED A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO ANTI-ILLEGAL
n-u GRANT OPERATIONS AND PROVIDED CONVEYANCE SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE THE RESIDENTS OF THE ISLANDS IN TIME OF EMERGENCY. SHE
aLSO ASSISTED THE COMMAND LAUNCH NO. 1 IN A RESCUE OPERATION FOR AN AIRCRAFT CRASH WHICH OCCURRED IN THE PORT SHELTER LAST SUMMER.
PL 33 WAS BUILT IN 1956, ORIGINALLY FOR THE THEN CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT PREVENTIVE SERVICE. SHE PATROLLED HONG KONG WATERS IN PREVENTIVE SERVICE COLOURS FOR THE FIRST SIX YEARS OF HER LIFE UNTIL IN 1962 CAME ’OPERATION HAZLEMERE’ . THIS WAS THE HUGE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, WHICH BECAME KNOWN AS THE 'EXODUS’.
ALONG WITH HER SISTER VESSELS IN THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE — ...HI CH BECaME PLS 32 AND 34 — SHE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE MARINE POLICE vHERE SHE WAS TO STAY FOR THE REMAINING 23 YEARS OF HER LI FE.
FOR MUCH OF THE 6O’S AND THE FIRST PART OF THE 7O’S SHE WAS A RELIEF LAUNCH, CALLED INTO SERVICE WHEN OTHER VESSELS WENT INTO DOCK. SHE THEREFORE BECAME SOMETHING OF A TRAMP, MOVING FROM SECTOR TO SECTOR AS REQUIRED.
WHEN THE DUTY SYSTEM CHANGED IN THE MID 1970’S ”SEA RESCUER” ..AS ONE OF THE VESSELS MANNED ON THE SO-CALLED GANG OF FOUR SYSTEM OF ONE INSPECTOR AND FOUR MEN AND DURING THIS PERIOD, MOSTLY SPENT IN NORTH SECTOR, SHE BECAME KNOWN AS A VERY SMART VESSEL.
IN RECENT YEARS WITH INADEQUATE FUNDS SPENT ON HER MAINTENANCE, THIS OLD LADY HAS BEGUN TO SHOW HER AGE. HER SERVICE IN MARINE WAS FINALLY TERMINATED WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE NEW -L71, KING YEE, WHICH HAS TAKEN OVER THE SEA RESCUER’S DUTIES.
INSPECTOR LEUNG SHEUNG-TAI, COMMANDER OF PL 71, POINTED "JT THAT MORE STAFF WERE REQUIRED FOR THE NEW LAUNCH IN ADDITION TO THE OLD CREW FROM THE ’SEA RESCUER’ IN VEIW OF ITS IMPROVED , ACILI TlES AND CAP ABI LITY.
”0 R SPEED HAS INCREASED TO 26 KNOTS COMPARED WITH THE
KNOTS OF PL 33. THE NEW LAUNCH IS AlR CONDITIONED AND INSTALLED TH- ALL SORTS 0~ MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES WHICH ARE SURE TO HELP IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR SERVICE.
”TQ ENSURE ALL OLD AND NEW STAFF ARE WELL PREPARED FOR
-,|R JOBS ON THE NEW LAUNCH, THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN ON BOARD ' ;A NING PEC OD OF ONE AND A HALF MONTHS BY THE TRAINING UNIT . *D 3Y MR DETER WYATT, STAFF OFFICER, NAVIGATION AND SEAMANSHIP, MARINE,” HE ADDED.
ALTHOUGH THE OLD SEA RESCUER’S CREW ARE PLEASED WITH ALL HE NEW AND IMPROVED CONDITION ON THE KING YEE WHICH THEY REGARD A SYMBOL OF MODERNISATION, SOME OF THEM ADMIT THEY DO MISS 'HEIR DAYS ABOARD THE ’’OLD _ADY” .
------c-------
/15......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 15
COMPUTER STUDIES PILOT SCHEME EXTENDED
******
THE PILOT SCHEME ON COMPUTER STUDIES WILL BE EXTENDED TO A FURTHER 105 PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS THIS SEPTEMBER AND SCHOOLS WISHING TO JOIN SHOULD APPLY BEFORE MARCH 29.
MORE THAN $12 MILLION WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE YESTERDAY TO COVER THE COST OF EQUIPMENT AND RELATED EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXTENSION.
THE PILOT SCHEME STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1982 WHEN COMPUTER STUDIES WAS INTRODUCED IN FORM 4 OF 30 SCHOOLS AND THE STUDENTS SUBSEQUENTLY SAT THE FIRST HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN COMPUTER STUDIES LAST YEAR.
IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE SCHEME, A FURTHER 75 SECONDARY SCHOOLS INTRODUCED THE NEW SUBJECT IN THE 1984-85 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THIRD PHASE THIS SEPTEMBER WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS TO 210.
PENDING FINAL APPROVAL AND PROVIDED FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLANS TO ALLOW ALL PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT COMPUTER STUDIES IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS IF THEY SO WISH.
SCHOOLS WISHING TO JOIN THE PILOT SCHEME THIS SEPTEMBER SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (COMPUTER EDUCATION), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.
THOSE SCHOOLS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME AT A LATER DATE SHOULD ALSO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE MARCH 29 TO FACILITATE FUTURE PLANNING.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, SCHOOL HEADS CAN CONTACT THE COMPUTER EDUCATION SECTION ON 5-8392478 OR 5-8392479.
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/ife..........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
16
SURVEY SHOWS YOUTHS NEED MORE SPORTS FACILITIES *****
A RECENT SURVEY ON HOW YOUTHS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME HAS FOUND THAT YOUNG PEOPLE FAVOUR OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, BUT THAT THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH FACILITIES TO MEET THE DEMAND.
THE SURVEY, FUNDED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, RECOMMENDS THAT MORE RECREATION FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FAVOURITE PASTIME OF THE PERSONS INTERVIEWED, WHOSE AGES RANGE FROM 12 TO 24, WERE BALL GAMES, SWIMMING, CYCLING AND WATCHING TELEVISION. ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE FAVOURED GAMBLING ACTIVITIES.
WHILE MOST YOUTHS LIKE ACTIVE RECREATION, THEY PREFERRED TO ARRANGE ACTIVITIES NEAR THEIR HOME AMONG THEMSELVES OR WITH FRIENDS. SOME OF THE YOUTHS INDICATED THEY PREFERRED ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY SCHOOLS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
ABOUT HALF OF THE YOUTHS INDICATED THAT THEY HAD NOT BEEN ‘ABLE TO TAKE PART IN ACTIVITIES THEY LIKED, BECAUSE THE FACILITIES WERE INADEQUATE OR THEY EITHER HAD NO TIME, OR NO MONEY.
MOST OF THE YOUTHS SUGGESTED THAT MORE SPORTS, ACADEMIC AND CRAFTSMANSHIP CLASSES AND SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT.
SOME OF THEM ALSO FELT THAT MORE LIBRARIES, SPORTS GROUNDS, PARKS, CAMP SITES, SWIMMING POOLS AND VENUES FOR STAGING SHOWS, SHOULD BE BUILT.
THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD ARRANGE MORE SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES TO INSTILL SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG YOUTHS, AND TO HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR KNOWLEDGE BY ORGANISING MORE ACADEMIC AND CRAFTSMANSHIP CLASSES.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES SHOULD ALSO BE PUBLICISED IN SCHOOLS THROUGH VARIOUS CHANNELS, SUCH AS THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP AND COMMUNITY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS SHOULD STEP UP EFFORTS IN FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TO HELP PARENTS LEARN HOW TO ESTABLISH CLOSER LINKS WITH THEIR CHILDREN.
THE SURVEY WAS INITIATED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S PROGRAMME TO COINCIDE WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
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/17......
' • r.;--. MARCH 14, 1935
17
FESTIVAL ORGANISED FOR YOUTH YEAR * * * * *
A YOUTH FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD THIS SUMMER IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY TVB AND THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR, WILL INCLUDE A NUMBER OF EVENTS WHICH WILL BE FEATURED IN A TELEVISION SERIES OF FIVE ONE-HOUR PROGRAMMES.
LADY YOUDE WILL BE THE HONORARY PATRON OF THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF SIR RUN RUN SHAW, CHAIRMAN OF TVB, FIVE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*. THE AWARDS AND THEIR PATRONS ARE i
AWARD PATRON
IYY 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL YOUNG DESIGNER AWARD
YOUNG MUSIC PERFORMER AWARD
INTER-DISTRICT STUDENT TEAM CHAMPION AWARD
APPRENTICE TEAM CHAMPION AWARD
TOUR CO-ORDINATOR AWARD
MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN
DR PHILIP KWOK
MR DONALD LIAO
MR ALLEN LEE
MRS SELINA CHOW
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), MRS SELINA CHOW, CHAIRPERSON OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR REITERATED THE IYY THEME - ^PARTICIPATION,
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE+.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE IYY COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, SHE SAID.
+TVB WAS ONE OF THE FIRST MAJOR ORGANISATIONS TO RESPOND TO OUR CALL. THEY INVITED OUR COMMITTEE TO JOINTLY PRESENT THE 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL AND CREATED AN EXCITING MASTER PLAN WHICH WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE WELCOMED BY OUR YOUTH COMMUNITY.
+1 HOPE THIS FESTIVAL WILL INSPIRE OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO CREATE THEIR OWN PROGRAMME FOR THE IYY TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF OUR YOUNG ’EOPLE NOT ONLY DURING 1985 BUT INTO THE FUTURE,* SHE SAID.
/KB ROBERT .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 18
MR ROBERT H.C. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CF THE 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL, SAID THAT TVB’S INTEREST IN YOUTH WENT BACK TO 1980, WHEN IT LAUNCHED ITS FIRST YOUTH PROGRAMMING.
+WE BELIEVE THAT THE FESTIVAL SHOULD HIGHLIGHT THE DEVELOPMENT CF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO RECOGNISE AND DEVELOP THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS TO THE FULLEST,* HE SAID.
OTHER EVENT CO-ORGANISERS OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE) AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
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ONE MILLION PLANTS A YEAR
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANTS MORE THAN 1 000 000 PLANTS A YEAR TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 1985 NEW TERRITORIES STUDENTS POTTED PLANTS COMPETITION, MR SUEN SAID THE PLANTS COULD BE FOUND AT ROADSIDES, HOUSING ESTATES AND AMENITY AREAS IN THE NEW TOWNS.
MR SUEN SAID IT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT THIS YEAR’S POTTED PLANTS COMPETITION WAS WARMLY SUPPORTED BY BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.
A TOTAL OF 65 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION INDICATING THAT MORE STUDENTS WERE AWARE OF THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME.
HE ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC TO COOPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WERE LATER PRESENTED WITH BOOK TOKENS TOTALLING $14 500 CONTRIBUTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERR ITORIES.
ALL THE POTTED PLANT ENTRIES HAVE BEEN PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL FROM TODAY UNTIL SATURDAY (MARCH 16).
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/19........
i •: RCH 14, 1935
17
FESTIVAL ORGANISED FOR YOUTH YEAR * * * * *
A YOUTH FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD THIS SUMMER IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY TVB AND THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR, WILL INCLUDE A NUMBER OF EVENTS WHICH WILL BE FEATURED IN A TELEVISION SERIES OF FIVE ONE-HOUR PROGRAMMES.
LADY YOUDE WILL BE THE HONORARY PATRON OF THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*.
WITH THE SUPPORT OF SIR RUN RUN SHAW, CHAIRMAN OF TVB, FIVE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE +1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL*. THE AWARDS AND THEIR PATRONS ARE i
AWARD
PATRON
IYY 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL YOUNG MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN DESIGNER AWARD
YOUNG MUSIC PERFORMER AWARD DR PHILIP KWOK
INTER-DISTRICT STUDENT TEAM MR DONALD LIAO
CHAMPION AWARD
APPRENTICE TEAM CHAMPION AWARD MR ALLEN LEE
TOUR CO-ORDINATOR AWARD MRS SELINA CHOW
SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), MRS SELINA CHOW, CHAIRPERSON OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR REITERATED THE IYY THEME - +PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE*.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE IYY COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, SHE SAID.
+TVB WAS ONE OF THE FIRST MAJOR ORGANISATIONS TO RESPOND TO OUR CALL. THEY INVITED OUR COMMITTEE TO JOINTLY PRESENT THE 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL AND CREATED AN EXCITING MASTER PLAN WHICH WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE WELCOMED BY OUR YOUTH COMMUNITY.
♦I HOPE THIS FESTIVAL WILL INSPIRE OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO CREATE THEIR OWN PROGRAMME FOR THE IYf TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NOT ONLY DURING 1985 BU1 INTO THE FUTURE,* SHE SAID.
/MR ROBERT .......
THURSDAY? MARCH 14, 198?
- 18
MR ROBERT H.C. CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CF THE 1985 YOUTH FESTIVAL, SAID THAT TVB’S INTEREST IN YOUTH VENT BACK TO 1980, WHEN IT LAUNCHED ITS FIRST YOUTH PROGRAMMING.
♦WE BELIEVE THAT THE FESTIVAL SHOULD HIGHLIGHT THE DEVELOPMENT CF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO RECOGNISE AND DEVELOP THEIR TALENTS AND SKILLS TO THE FULLEST,♦ HE SAID.
OTHER EVENT CO-ORGANISERS OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE) AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
-----o------
ONE MILLION PLANTS A YEAR
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANTS MORE THAN 1 000 000 PLANTS A YEAR TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 1985 NEW TERRITORIES STUDENTS POTTED PLANTS COMPETITION, MR SUEN SAID THE PLANTS COULD BE FOUND AT ROADSIDES, HOUSING ESTATES AND AMENITY AREAS IN THE NEW TOWNS.
MR SUEN SAID IT WAS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT THIS YEAR’S POTTED PLANTS COMPETIT.ON WAS WARMLY SUPPORTED BY BOTH THE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.
A TOTAL OF 65 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE COMPETITION INDICATING THAT MORE STUDENTS WERE AWARE OF THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME.
HE ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC TO COOPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WERE LATER PRESENTED WITH BOOK TOKENS TOTALLING S14 500 CONTRIBUTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL THE POTTED PLANT ENTRIES HAVE BEEN PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL FROM TODAY UNTIL SATURDAY (MARCH 16).
- - o ---------
/19........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
19
TRAINING SCHEME FOR INSURANCE EMPLOYEES
* * * *
EMPLOYERS FROM THE INSURANCE SECTOR CAN NOW UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF THEIR STAFF THROUGH PROPER TRAINING BY JOINING THE INSURANCE TRAINEESHIP SCHEME.
THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD.
UNDER THE SCHEME, EMPLOYERS OF INSURANCE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SEND THEIR TRAINEES WHO POSSESS FORM 5 EDUCATION LEVEL TO ATTEND COMPLEMENTARY THEORY COURSE AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ON PART-TIME BASIS.
THE COURSE AIMS AT PREPARING TRAINEES FOR THE DIPLOMA EXAMINATIONS HELD BY THE AUSTRALIAN INSURANCE INSTITUTE.
IN ADDITION, A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME DAY RELEASE INSURANCE COURSE BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IS BEING ORGANISED FOR TRAINEES FROM INSURANCE ESTABLISHMENTS.
♦ADMISSION OF TRAINEES TO THE SCHEME AND THE INSURANCE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.
TO JOIN THE SCHEME, HE SAID, EMPLOYERS AND TRAINEES ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT TO ENSURE THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES ARE PROTECTED AND FULFILLED.
EMPLOYERS CAN ALSO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICE OF THE COUNCIL’S PLACEMENT UNIT TO RECRUIT YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED TO START THEIR CAREER IN THE INSURANCE FIELD.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCHEME AND THE PLACEMENT SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 258.
- 0 -
/2O........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 20 -
HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT WINNERS TO RECEIVE PRIZES FROM COUNCILLOR K * * *
WINNERS OF THE 1985 SCHOOLS’ HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS FROM URBAN COUNCILLOR FREDERICK FUNG AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ALTOGETHER 24 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
ALL WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE EXHIBITION HALL. IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AFTER TOMORROW’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY UNTIL MARCH 18. ADMISSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS* YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL AT 3 P.M TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
-----0------
AWARDS FOR POSTER DESIGN WINNERS * * * *
STUDENTS FROM THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION SCHOOL LIMITED LAU WONG FAT SECONDARY SCHOOL WON TOP PRIZES IN THE 17TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF DESIGN OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE DESIGN DEPARTMENT OF LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THE CREATIVE SUB-DIVISION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - ’A’ SECTION FOP STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ’B’ SECTION FOR THOSE IN POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTES.
MORE THAN 450 ENTRIES FROM 52 SCHOOLS WERE SUBMITTED AND SELECTION OF THE BEST ENTRIES FOR BOTH SECTIONS WAS HELD LAST WEEK.
/IN SECTION .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
- 21
IN SECTION ’A’ THE FIRST PRIZE OF A CASH COUPON OF $1 500 GOES TO KWOK TIN-WAI OF LUNG KONG WORLD FEDERATION SCHOOL LTD. LAU WONG FAT SECONDARY SCHOOL, WHILE THE *B‘ SECTION FIRST PRIZE CF A $3 000 CASH COUPON GOES TO LIU SUK-FAN OF LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
IN ADDITION, 10 ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION WILL GET AWARDS CF CASH COUPONS OF $300 AND $600 RESPECTIVELY.
THE PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED BY MR A.J. BISLEY, PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AT A CEREMONY AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, IN CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AT 10 AM ON APRIL 1 (MONDAY).
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RENDEZVOUS FOR MUSIC LOVERS * * * *
THREE +RENDEZVOUS BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF
FOR MUSIC LOVERS+ HAVE BEEN ORGANISED THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
THEY WILL BE HELD ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SATURDAYS STARTING ON MARCH 23, FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM AT THE YAUMATEI MUSIC CENTRE.
PIANIST MISS TERESITA BOTELHO, WHO TEACHES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, WILL SPEAK ON THE +ART OF PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT (WOODWIND, BRASS, STRING AND VOCAL)+ AND ON +HOW TO PREPARE FOR EXAMINATION, COMPETITION AND PERFORMANCE.+
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE YAUMATEI MUSIC CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 138, AUSTIN ROAD.
TICKETS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CAMBRIDGE COURT, 84 WATERLOO ROAD AND THE KWUN TONG MUSIC CENTRE, THIRD FLOOR, 100 TING FU STREET, YAN HAU MANSION, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON.
FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL AT 3-7149255 AND 3-7226240.
c -
/22........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
22
CONFERENCE ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING ft ft ft ft
MORE THAN 50 MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS WILL ATTEND THE THIRD ANNUAL CO-ORDINATION CONFERENCE ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15) FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM.
THE THEME FOR THE ONE-DAY CONFERENCE IS +THE DEVELOPMENT CF MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND MANAGEMENT TRAINERS IN HONG KONG+.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) AND THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE CONFERENCE IS TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR ALL MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO IDENTIFY AREAS OF CO-OPERATION AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE’S OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY THE HON ALEX WU, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE VTC ON FRIDAY (MARCH 15) AT 9.30 AM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG, 17TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE, MR P.F. BARRETT, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING, WILL SPEAK TO THE PRESS ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
WORKFORCE BEING SURVEYED ft ft ft
FIELD WORK TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE LATEST MANPOWER SITUATION AND TRAINING NEEDS OF THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY BEGAN TODAY.
THE TWO-WEEK SURVEY, ORGANISED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WOULD HELP THE BOARD TO FORMULATE MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT, HE ADDED.
SURVEY INTERVIEWERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT 2 000 EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO COLLECT AND HELP COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
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/23 ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1985
23
UC BATHING SHEDS FOR HIRE * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE HIRE OF SEVEN BATHING SHEDS AT SOUTH BAY BEACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE SHEDS MEASURING 28, 33 AND 56 SQUARE METRES, WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FOR USE BETWEEN MAY THIS YEAR AND MARCH 1986.
THE RENTS FOR THE SHEDS FOR THE 11-MONTH PERIOD ARE $4 OOO, $4 800 AND $6 400 RESPECTIVELY.
ALL REGISTERED FIRMS, COMPANIES, CLUBS AND CRGANI SAT IONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.
APPLICATION FORMS, AT $100 EACH, WILL BE AVAILABLE AS FROM MONDAY (MARCH 18) UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH AT THE HONG KONG REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 6TH FLOOR, CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, ELECTRIC ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS APRIL 15, 1985 AND A BALLOT, TO DECIDE THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS, WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 22.
APPRENTICES GRADUATE * * *
THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICES’ GRADUATION CEREMONY, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT MD WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 5.30 PM AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN WOOD ROAD, WAN CHAI.
MRS SELINA CHOW WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND PRESENT THE CERTIFICATES.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/24........
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1935
24
PRESS VISIT ARRANGED
* * *
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR A PRESS VISIT TO THE PHYSIOTHERAPY UNIT OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ON MONDAY (MARCH 18) AFTERNOON.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE NEAR THE ADMISSION OFFICE OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL BY 2 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL ASSIST.
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ROAD WORK IN CENTRAL * * *
GAGE STREET AND A SHORT SECTION OF ABERDEEN STREET BETWEEN GAGE STREET AND GOUGH STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 16) UNTIL 8 AM NEXT MONDAY (MARCH 18) FOR ROAD WORK.
ONE-WAYRNORTHBOUND°ANDEGOUGHNSTREET WHRlEERErZbr BE REROUTED
NOTE TO TV NEWS ED I TORSt
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TALKS ON U.S. ORIGIN RULES END .................................. 1
NT HAWKER LICENCE, PITCH FEES REVISED ........................... 2
S16OM IN 14 PUBLIC HOUSING CONTRACTS SIGNED...................... 5
DELEGATES TO GATHER IN HK....................................... 6
CONCESSIONS FOR TRAVELLERS TO BE REDUCED ........................ 6
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS ........................ 7
MORE MEMBERS FOR BOARD........................................... 8
SHARE DISCLOSURE................................................. 9
MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROJECTS LAUNCHED............................ 10
A CLOSER LOOK AT CAS TRAINING................................. 11
GOOD HEALTH AND HYGIENE - PREREQUISITE FOR A DYNAMIC SOCIETY . 11
SKILLED LABOUR IS HK’S INVALUABLE ASSETS ....................... 12
COVERED FOOTBRIDGE FOR TUEN MUN HOSPITAL........................ 13
REFRESHER COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ................. 13
NEW SUB-OFFICE FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS........................... 14
SAMPLE FLATS OPEN ON WEEKEND ................................... 15
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING NEEDS STUDIED ..................... 16
PLANT LOVERS URGED TO GET IN ENTRIES EARLY FOR FLOWER SHOW ... 16
SAI KUNG RECLAMATION TO BE EXTENDED............................. 18
YOUTHS INVITED TO JOIN TRAINING CAMP........................... 18
MUSIC, DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED .............................. 19
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO PHILIPPINES .............................. 20
TRAFFIC CHANGE IN KOWLOON CITY ................................. 21
FRESH, SALT WATER MAINS WORKS .................................. 21
TRAFFIC RESTRICTION ............................................ 22
NO RIGHT TURNS HERE...............................,............. 22
FRIDAY, MAhCh 15, 1?,
1
TALKS ON U.S. ORIGIN RULES END * * * *
CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG OVER THE RULES OF ORIGIN CONTROVERSY ENDED ON THURSDAY, (MARCH 14, U.S. TIME), AFTER THREE DAYS OF TALKS.
THE TALKS WERE A RESUMPTION OF EARLIER CONSULTATIONS IN FEBRUARY, HELD TO FOLLOW UP A RULING BY THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) IN GENEVA. THE TSB HAS RULED THAT HONG KONG’S COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES’ UNILATERAL CHANGE IN THE RULES OF ORIGIN OF KNITWEAR ARE JUSTIFIED.
+THE CONSULTATIONS CONFIRMED OUR FEARS THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS NO INTENTION OF SOFTENING THE EFFECT OF THE FINAL REGULATIONS ON HONG KONG’S KNITWEAR INDUSTRY. DESPITE THE CLEAR FINDING BY THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY IN GENEVA THAT THE U.S. ACTION HAS UPSET THE BALANCE OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT*, SAID THE LEADER OF HONG KONG’S DELEGATION, DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, ON THURSDAY (U.S. TIME) IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
+WHILE THE PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL REGULATIONS ON MARCH 5, INVOLVING NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OVER THE INTERIM REGULATIONS, HAD SIGNALLED NO COMPROMISE WAS LIKELY, WE ARE NEVERTHELESS MOST UPSET THAT REASON HAS NOT PREVAILED,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
+EVEN OUR PROPOSAL THAT TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS BE AGREED TO GIVE INDUSTRY TIME TO ADJUST, UNDER PROTEST, BROUGHT NO POSITIVE RESPONSE.*
+THE U.S. HAD NO PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD ADDRESS THE TEXTILE SURVEILLANCE BODY’S RECOMMENDATIONS, NOR WAS IT ABLE TO ACCEPT H.K.’S PROPOSALS FOR IMPLEMENTING THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS.
+HONG KONG INDICATED ITS STRONG DISSATISFACTION WITH THE FINAL REGULATIONS. IN PARTICULAR HONG KONG EXPRESS SERIOUS DISAPPOINTMENT AND CONCERN AT THE ABSENCE OF ANY U.S. PROPOSALS TO IMPLEMENT THE TSB RECOMMENDATIONS.
*HONG KONG MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT DID NOT ACCEPT THAT THE U.S. HAD THE RIGHT TO MAKE UNILATERAL CHANGES TO RULES OF ORIblN WHICH AFFECT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE H.K./U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT AND THE BALANCE OF RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS THEREUNDER.*
MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT H.K. COULD NOT ACCEPT THE FINAL REGULATIONS, AND RESERVED ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT, THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT AND THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
/ .'ujR ..•••••
2
♦CLEARLY OUR MAIN AIM NOW MUST BE TO ENSURE OUR INDUSTH-: ’UT IN THE BEST POSITION TO ADJUST QUICKLY TO THE NEw SITUATION.
♦WHILE WE SHALL AND MUST CONTINUE TO ARGUE OUR CASE IN THE TEXTILE SURVEILLANCE BODY. THERE IS A PRACTICAL LIMIT TO HOW MUCH LONGER OUR INDUSTRY CAN BE EXPECTED ’0 CONTINUE TO TRY TO OPERATE UNDER TWO DIFFERENT SETS OR RULES.
♦ANY CHANGE IN THIS DIRECTION SHOULD IN NO WAY BE INTERPRETED AS ACCEPTING THE U.S. POSITION. WE DO NOT, AND WE HAVE MADE Tn I .> VERY CLEAR.
♦WE SHALL NOW BE CONSIDERING THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE SITUATION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRY AND THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOAR'., wt SHALL THEN ISSUE AN EXPLANATORY CIRCULAR TO THE INDUSTRY,* NR MACLEOD SAID.
PREVIOUSLY, UNDER BOTH HONG KONG AND U.S. RULES, SWEATERS ASSEMBLED IN HONG KONG FROM CHINESE PARTS WERE REGARDED AS OF HONG KONG ORIGIN, AND WERE EXPORTED TO THE U.S. UNDER HONG KONG QUOTA. z
UNDER INTERIM TEXTILE IMPORT REGULATIONS PUBLISHED IN AUGUST 193A, THE U.S. UNILATERALLY REVERSED ’HIS RULE, SO THAT THESE PRODUCTS WOULD IN FUTURE REQUIRE CHINESE QUOTA. SOME 70 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S SWEATER EXPORTS TO THE U.S. WERE AFFECTED.
- - 0 -
NT HAWKER LICENCE, PITCH FEES REVISED ******
HAWKER AND PITCH FEES IN THE wlTH EFFECT FROM TODAY, UNDER THE ordinance.
NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN REVISED PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVIC-S
NOTICE OF THIS IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, A SPOKESMAh FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE REVISED FEES APPLY TO ALL ITINERANT HAWKERS AND FIXED PITCH OPERATORS TRADESMEN, TEMPORARY LICENCE HOLDERS^ OPtRA OF COOKED FOOD STALLS, LIGHT REFRESHMENT STALLS AND NEWSPAPER PITCHES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FEES WERE LAST REVISED TWO YEARS AGO, IN THE Nt-TERRITORIES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THGX.
THERE ARE NOw 5 000 LICENSED HAWKERS AND PITCH TRADERS IN TH= NEw TERRITORIES COMPARED WITH 7 303 TWO YEARS AGO. NOT ALL 0?"THESE WERE ACTUALLY TRADING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, AS SOME HOLDERS OF ITINERANT HAWKER LICENCES HAD OTHER JOBS AND DID NOT CARRY ON BUSINESS AS HAWKERS.
THE DECREASE OF LICENSED NT HAWKERS AND ON-STREET =>ITCH OPERATORS DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT MANY OF THEM HAD MOVED INTO NEW MARKETS AND COOKED FOOD MARKETS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REFERRING TO THE REVISION OF FEES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WOULD BE THE LONG-TERM AIM TO COVER THE FULL COST TO THE PUBLIC CF ADMINISTERING THE LICENSING SYSTEM AND MANAGING AND CLEANSING LICENSED HAWKER AREAS, WHICH STOOD AT AROUND $17 MILLION.
THE PRESENT INCREASES, WHICH WOULD BRING IN A TOTAL REVENUE CF ABOUT $5 MILLION, MUST BE SEEN AS A REASONABLE STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.
THE LEVEL OF FEES WOULD BE REVIEWED ANNUALLY, AND EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO KEEP THE LICENSING AND OTHER COSTS DOWN TO A MINIMUM, HE SAID.
WITH THE FEE INCREASE, IT WOULD COST A COOKED FOOD STALL OPERATOR $5.5 MORE THAN THE OLD FEE EACH DAY, 40 CENTS TO S1.2A MORE FOR A FIXED PITCH TRADER AND 13 CENTS TO 38 CENTS MORE FOR AN ITINERANT HAWKER DEPENDING ON THE DIFFERENT KINDS Or TRADE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMOUNT OF THE INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS WAS THUS SMALL, HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN REVEALED THAT A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR INDICATED THAT THE AVERAGE COOKED FOOD STALL OPERATOR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES EARNED A PROFIT OF $5 980 A MONTH.
THE AVERAGE EARNING OF A FIXED PITCH TRADER WAS AT ABOUT $2. 810 WHILE AN ITINERANT HAWKER NETTED $2 190.
THE LICENCE AND PITCH FEE INCREASES SHOULD HAVE LITTLE EFFECT ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF MOST HAwKERS, THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE REVISED AND OLD FEES OF VARIOUS HAWKER LICENCES AND PITCHES:
OLD FEES
(1) FIXED PITCH HAWKER LICENCES
300
NEW FEES
S
ulO
J FRIJAY, ARC • * ' 985
4 ITINERANT HAWKER LICENCES — (A) MOBILE VAN (B) FROZEN CONFECTIONARY (C) TRADESMAN (D) OTHER CLASSES AND NEWSPAPER (3) TEMPORARY LICENCES (4) CONSENT FOR DEPUTY 5 730 400 400 150 50 ONE HALF 7 700 540 540 203 70 ONE HALF
(5) DUPLICATES LICENCE OR PITCHCARD (6) COOKED FOOD PITCH OF THE FEE OF HIS PRINCIPAL’S LICENCE 50 5 400 OF THE FEE OF HIS PRINCIPAL’S LICENCE 70 7 290
(7) LIGHT REFRESHMENT PITCH 5 400 7 290
(8) NEWSPAPER PITCH (9) TRADESMAN PITCH (10) BARBER PITCH (11) BOOTBLACK PITCH (12) WALL STALL — (A) NOT EXCEEDING 1.1 SQUARE METRES (B) EXCEEDING 1.1 SQUARE METRES (13) OTHER CLASSES- —' (A) NOT EXCEEDING 1.1 SQUARE METRES (B) EXCEEDING 1.1 SQUARE METRES BUT NOT EXCEEDING 1.7 SQUARE METRES (C) EXCEEDING 1.7 SQUARE METRES BUT NOT EXCEEDING 2.2 SQUARE METRES c - - 300 300 100 100 160 1 580 480 * 720 960 2 X 410 410 135 135 220 130 650 973 300
FRIDAY, -'ARCH 15, 1955
- 5 -
“160M I? 14 PUBLIC HOUSING CONTRACTS SIGNED
******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY SIGNED 14 CONTRACTS TOTALLING >VER MILLION FOR VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING WORKS INCLUDING CONSTRUCTION, PILING, SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS, LIFT INSTALLATION AND LANDSCAPING.
OF THE CONTRACTS SIGNED BY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING ('CONSTRUCTION), MR DEREK NESSLINC, THE LARGEST IS A 3O-MCMTH TERM CONTRACT WORTH S52.8 MILLION FOR IPROVEMENT WORKS TO UPGRADE l'VING CONDITIONS AT SQUATTER AREAS.
THE WORKS COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIREBREAKS AND THE INSTALLATION OF FIRE-FIGHTING 'INS, STREET-LIGHTING AS WELL AS DRAINAGE AND WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS AT SQUATTER AREAS.
THE SECOND LARGEST CONTRACT IS VALUED AT ■"'32.5 MILLION ,,'NDEP WHICH AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, A CARPARK AND TWO FOOT?-IDGE WILL BE BUILT AS ADDITIONAL FACILITIES IN THE FINAL PHASE OF MEI LAM ESTATE.
FOUR -OTHER CONTRACTS, TOTALLING OVER 932.6 MILLION, ARE FOR PILING WORKS FOR NINE DOMESTIC BLOCKS AND FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE ^STATES OF LEUNG TIN, YIU ON, TAI HANG TUNG AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SIU HEI COURT.
TOGETHER THESE NINE BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE MODERN HOMES FOR 24 ODO PEOPLE IN 5 100 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS WHEN THEY ARE READY BY 1°87-38.
IN THREE OTHER CONTRACTS WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF 523 MILLION, 42 PASSENGER LIFTS AND 13 ESCALATORS WILL BE INSTALLED ON SEVEN NEW BLOCKS AND TWO COMMERCIAL CENTRES AT LAM TIN NORTH EXTENSION PROJECT, HOS PO LAI COURT AND HANG ON ESTATE.
ANOTHER CONTRACT OF 514.7 MILLION IS FOR THE SUPPLY AND I STR I BUT I ON OF PIPED LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS FOR THE NEW BLOCKS •T TIN -ING ESTATE, WHICH WILL BECOME A SELF-SUPPORTING COMMUNITY FMR ‘2 PEOPLE UPON FULL COMPLETION BY 1987.
THE LAST FOUR CONTRACTS TOTALLING OVER a3.5 MILLION ARE FOF IANDSCAPING WORKS, SITE INVESTIGATION A'.D INSTALLATION OF ;EwT; LA^ION SYSTEM AT VARIOUS ESTATES, AS .'ELL AS FOR THE DEMOLITION OF A MARK II BLOCK AT LOWER VONG TAI SIN ESTATE FOR F’RTHER REDEVELOPMENT.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 198r>
DELEGATES TO GATHER IN HK * * *
THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON MONDAY (MARCH 18) MORNING.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS? THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MICHAEL THOMAS; AND THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
OVER 60 DELEGATES FROM 28 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THREE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS WILL ATTEND THE MEETING, TO BE HELD HERE BETWEEN MARCH 18 AND 22.
CONCESSIONS FOR TRAVELLERS TO BE REDUCED * ** *
LOCAL RESIDENTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO BRING IN ONE LITRE OF STILL WINE AND 100 CIGARETTES OR 25 CIGARo OR 125 GRAMS OF TOBACCO FREE OF DUTY FROM APRIL 1.
HOWEVER, THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR PERFUME AND TOILET WATER WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN STILL BRING IN 60 MILLILITRES OF PERFUME AND 250 MILLILITRES OF TOILET WATER FREE OF DUTY AS BEFORE.
THIS NEW MEASURE WILL APPLY TO LOCAL RESIDENTS ONLY. VISITORS COMING TO HONG KONG CAN STILL CLAIM THE ENTITLED DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR LIQUOR, TOBACCO, PERFUME AND TOILET WATER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID, +THE PERMITTED DUTY FREE STILL WINE INCLUDES WHITE WINE, RED WINE, PORT, SHERRY, ROSE, ETC.
+CHAMPAGNE AND OTHER SPARKLING WINES AND BRANDY, WHISKY, GIN ETC. CARRIED BY RETURNING RESIDENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO DUTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE FROM APRIL 1.+
HE EXPLAINED THAT A LOCAL RESIDENT WAS ANY PERSON WHO HAD THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG AND TO REMAIN FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY, OR WHO HAD BEEN PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG FOR SIX MONTHS OR MORE, OR WHO IS A HOLDER OF IDENTITY CARD OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE.
PERSONS WHO CLAIM TO BE VISITORS AND w|SH tq HAVE ENTITLEMENT TO FULL DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE TRAVEL vOCU-iENTS FOR INSPECTION BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS, .E SAID.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15,
- 7
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS
*****
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION IMPROVED w/HILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE IN THE QUARTER NOVEMBER 1984 - .■ .ARY
1985, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 198- -JANUARY 1985 WAS 3.3 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.8 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1984. THE RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1983 - JANUARY 1984 WAS 3.7 PER CEN’. DECREASES OF 0.5 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 0.4 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE YEAR WERE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, THAT IS, THEY ARE GREATER THAN MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO ARISE FROM SAMPLING ERROR.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1985 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 86 300, AS COMPARED WITH 99 900 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1984 AND 95 200 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1984.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1984 - JANUARY 1985 JAS 1.: PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 1.0 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1983 - JANUARY 1Q8^ WA; 1.5 PER CENT. THE INCREASE IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER WAS NOT STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1985 WAS 27 700, AS COMPARED WITH 26 500 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING OCTOBER 1984.
THE NUMBER FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JANUARY 1984 WAS 38 700.
CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A wEEK rtERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
/THE COMMISSIONER .......
r'RIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
8
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST MOVING THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY. THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR DECEMBER 1984 -FEBRUARY 1985 WAS 3.0 PER CENT, AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.3 PER CENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR NOVEMBER 1984 - JANUARY 1985 WAS 3.4 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 14 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 53 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-1NSTI TUT I OnAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG. PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS 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 DECEMBER 1984 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH.
-------0----------
MORE MEMBERS FOR BOARD * * X X
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE USERS AND COMPETITIVE SUPPLIERS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT, AND HK MANUFACTURERS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT TODAY THAT THE ENLARGED MEMBERSHIP WOULD ENSURE THAT THE INTEREST OF THESE GROUPS, WHOSE ACTIVITIES HAVE GREATLY EXPANDED IN RECENT YEARS, WOULD BE REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD.
AT PRESENT THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, HAS SIX EX OFFICIO MEMBERS: THE MANAG NG DIRECTORS OF CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED AND THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, THE DIREC’OR CF CIVIL AVIATION, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT SIGNALS BOARD AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BRITISH FORCES.
/THERE WILL .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 1?, IQ85
9 -
THERE WILL NOW BE FOUR ADDITIONAL MEMBERS, REPRESENTING THE MAJOR SUPPLIERS OF HIGH-QUALITY AND SOPHISTICATED TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT; THE COMPANIES WHICH PROVIDE COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC MOBIL-RADI OTELEPHONE AND PUBLIC PAGING SERVICES; THE TELECOMMUNICATE'. USERS GROUP OF THE HK MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, WHO ARE MAll.'i-Y BUSINESS EXECUTIVES OF COMPANIES WHICH USE THE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES? AND THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
UNDER ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING THE OPERATION OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO CO-ORDINATES CIVIL AND«MILITARY TELECOMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS, PARTICULARLY THE ASSIGNMENT OF RADIO FREQUENCIES AND SITES, AND ADVISES ON THE USE OF ALL RADIO FREQUENCIES IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES, WHICH HAS NOT MET SINCE 1977, HAS BEEN DISBANDED.
-HOWEVER, SHOULD MATTERS OF SIGNIFICANCE CONCERNING THE TELEPHONt SERVICE ARISE, THEY COULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE TELECOMMUNI CATlONo BOARD,* HE SAID.
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SHARE DISCLOSURE X X X X
THE ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS UNDER RULE 29 OF THE HONG KONG CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS ADVISES THAT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERS TO BE MADE TO ACQUIRE THE WHOLE OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF WHEELOCK MARDEN AND CO LTD (’WHEELOCK MARDEN’), THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES HAVE BEEN MADE TO HIM:
WARDLEY LTD ADVISES THAT A TOTAL OF 6 514 744 ’A’ SHARES
IN WHEELOCK MARDEN WERE PURCHASED ON MARCH 14, 1985 ON BEHALF OF THE HONGKONG AND KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN CO LTD AT PRICE RANGE OF 57.35 - 7.40 PER ’A’ SHARE.
- - 0 -
/IO
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
10 -
MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROJECTS LAUNCHED * * * *
THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS LAUNCHED A SERIES OF PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES TO MEET THE TRAINING NEEDS OF MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS, GENERAL MANAGERS AND OWNER-MANAGERS IN PARTICULAR.
OUTLINING THE WORK OF THE CENTRE AT THE THIRD ANNUAL COORDINATION CONFERENCE ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING, MR PETER F. BARRETT, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT ONE 6f THE PRIME CONCERNS OF THE CENTRE WAS TO ORGANISE PROJECTS AND SEMINARS TO HELP DEVELOP SKILLS AND TEACHING MATERIALS FOR MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS.
THE PROJECTS AND SEMINARS, PROMOTED BY THE CENTRE SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN JUNE LAST YEAR, INCLUDE TOPICS ON DISTANCE LEARNING, ACTION LEARNING AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH, MR BARRETT SAID.
THE CENTRE ALSO OFFERED PROGRAMMES FOR THE TRAINING OF GENERAL MANAGERS AND OWNER-MANAGERS FROM ENTREPRENEURIAL FIRMS, HE SAID.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE, ALEX WU, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL TOLD SOME 50 REPRESENTATIVES OF 18 EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS THAT THE COUNCIL FULLY SUPPORTED THE VIEWS THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO UPDATE AND EXPAND MANAGEMENT TRAINING, IF HONG KONG WAS TO REMAIN A THRIVING MANUFACTURING, COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
ALTHOUGH CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT IN MANAGMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN RECENT YEARS, MUCH WAS STILL LEFT TO BE DONE FOR THE TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS, MR WU SAID.
♦MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS NEED TO KEEP ABREAST OF DEVELOPMENTS IN NOT ONLY THE SUBJECTS OF MANAGEMENT BUT ALSO IN THE TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING MANAGEMENT.
♦ONE AREA OF CO-OPERATION THAT THE CONFERENCE HOPES TO EXPLORE IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM BY WHICH INFORMATION THAT IS IMPORTANT AND RELEVANT TO MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS CAN BE AVAILABLE TO THEM,* HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1935
11
A CLOSER LOOK AT CAS TRAINING ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS TODAY TOOK A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE STAFF ON THEIR WORK AND WELFARE.
MR ROWLANDS TOURED THE CAS’S KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE WHERE THE TRAINING STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE UNDERGOING REFRESHER COURSES.
THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR JOHN FORTUNE, TOLD MR ROWLANDS THAT THE TRAINING STAFF BESIDES RECEIVING TRAINING LOCALLY, ALSO ATTENDED COURSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IN AUSTRALIA TO LEARN THE LATEST CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND ADVANCED RESCUE TECHNIQUES. AT PRESENT, THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING THE 3 600 ADUL.S AND 2 600 CADETS IN THE SERVICE.
IN 1QR4 THE CAS PERFORMED 289 OPERATIONAL DUTIES RANGING FROM FIGHTING FOREST FIRES TYPHOON DUTIES, CROWD CONTROL DURING PURI IC FUNCTIONS AND MOUNTAIN RESCUES, TO PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO cl$icUHh"s1t‘oJs IH THEIR CHARITY DRIVES, SPORTING EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES.
- - 0 - -
GOOD HEALTH AND HYGIENE -PREREQUISITE FOR A DYNAMIC SOCIETY * * *
URBAN COUNCILLOR MR FREDERICK FUNG TODAY CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR HEALTH AND WORK TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1985 SCHOOLS’ HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION AT THE CITY HALL TODAY, MR FUNG SAID THAT AFTER A PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY, HONG KONG NOW KNOWS WHERE ITS FUTURE WILL LEAD.
+FROM NOW ON, WE SHALL HAVE TO PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE, TO CONTINUE TO SHOULDER THE MISSION OF BRIDGING THE EAST AND THE WEST,* HE SAID.
*IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THIS GRAVE CHALLENGE, WE NEED TO HAVE A SOCIETY FULL OF VITALITY AND DRIVE. THIS DYNAMIC SOCIETY HAS TO BE BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD HYGIENE.*
AS A RESULT OF INCESSANT EFFORTS MADE BY THE AUTHORITIES IN THE PAST TO IMPROVE OUR CONDITIONS, MR FUNG SAID, HONG KONG IS NOW A MUCH CLEANER PLACE.
/HE ATTRIBUTED .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
12
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE WORK OF THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AS WELL AS TO THE FACT THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE ATTACHING MORE AND MORE IMPORTANCE TO PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.
HE EXPRESSED HOPES THAT THROUGH THE ANNUAL HEALTH PROJECT COMPETITION, SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE MADE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THIS YEAR 24 SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE EVENT.
YUEN LONG MERCHANTS ASSOCIAITON SECONDARY SCHOOL, WINNER OF LAST YEAR’S COMPETITION, AGAIN TOPPED THE WINNING LIST THIS YEAR. THE SECOND AND THE THIRD PRIZES WENT TO HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND VALTORTA COLLEGE RESPECTIVELY.
A JOINT EXHIBITION OF THE WINNING ENTRIES IS NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL UNTIL MARCH 18. ADMISSION IS FREE.
------0-------
SKILLED LABOUR IS HK’S INVALUABLE ASSETS * * * *
A SKILLED WORK FORCE IS THE INVALUABLE ASSETS ACCOUNTING FOR THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG, SAID MRS SELINA CHOW TODAY.
MRS CHOW WAS SPEAKING AT THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE’S GRADUATION CEREMONY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ELECTRICAL AND f-ECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMEN .
SHE TOLD THE 104 GRADUATES THAT THEY WERE THE LUCKY MEMBERS CF A MINORITY WHO WERE ABLE TO JOIN A SCHEME WHICH OFFERED THEN THE OPPORTUNITY OF A JOB AS WELL AS RECEIVING THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING.
♦THE EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE GAINED IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS HAS BEEN UNIQUE IN THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY AND OFFICIAL SUPPORT TO COMBINE WORK AND STUDY. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS HELPED YOU TO BECOME HIGHLY IN DEMAND IN THE JOB MARKET,* SHE SAID.
MRS CHOW LATER PRESENTED THE AND THE HOWES PLAQUE TO THE THREE
BROWN CUP, THE LAISHLEY CUP, MOST OUTSTANDING GRADUATES.
THE GOVERNMENT APPRENTICE SCHEME, A FOUR-YEAR TRAINING COURSE DESIGNED FOR CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP, HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN THE 1950’S AND WAS OVERHAULED AND EXPANDED IN 1969.
SINCE THEN, 1 445 APPRENTICES HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING.
-----0------
/15........
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
15
COVERED FOOTBRIDGE FOR TUEN MUN HOSPITAL * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A 140-METRE-L0NG COVERED FOOTBRIDGE RUNNING FROM THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, ACROSS THE TUEN MUN NULLAH AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO TSENG TAU TSUEN HA TSUEN.
THE PROPOSED WORK WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE BUS BAYS WITH FOOTWAYS LEADING TO THE RAMPS AND STAIRS OF THE FOOTBRIDGE.
THE NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, HONG KONG* AND TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, 231 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY MAY 14.
- - o - -
REFRESHER COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
*****
GRADUATE AND NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A BLOCK-RELEASE REFRESHER TRAINING COURSE TO BE CONDUCTED AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION BETWEEN THIS SEPTEMBER AND JUNE 1986.
THE AIMS OF THE COURSE ARE TO ACQUAINT SERVING TEACHERS ITH CONTEMPORARY METHODS AND APPROACHES TO TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND TO PROMOTE FURTHER UNDERSTANDING OF THE USE OF RESOURCES AND A KNOWLEDGE OF NEW CONCEPTS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
THE COURSE WILL BE SUBJECT BASED AND OPERATED IN FIVE BLOCKS EACH SPANNING SEVEN CONSECUTIVE WEEKS.
CONTENTS WILL INCLUDE LECTURES, GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND SEMINARS.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED ARE TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS, ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT, CURRICULUM PLANNING AND INNOVATION, CHILD GUIDANCE, VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE AND STUDENT COUNSELLING, MORAL EDUCATION, CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE.
/THE ELJMENTAKY
\ IDAY MARCH 15, 1985
14
THE ELEMENTARY USE OF THE MICROCOMPUTER WITH POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS IN EDUCATION WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE PROJECTS AND ASSIGNMENTS AND TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS. THOSE WHO SHOw SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THE COURSE WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE.
TO NOMINATE TEACHERS WHOSE
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED
BASIC TRAINING WAS COMPLETED AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AGO
TO ATTEND
THE COURSE.
NOMINATIONS SHOULD REACH THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (FURTHER EDUCATION), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 2ND FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE APRIL 17.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON 5-6171281.
-----0------
NEW SUB-OFFICE FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS ******
A NEW SUB-OFFICE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS BEEN OPENED TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF KWONG FUK ESTATE AND WANG FUK COURT.
LOCATED AT THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL IN KWONG FUK ESTATE, THE SUB-OFFICE PROVIDES SUCH SERVICES AS ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, GIVING ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS, HANDLING OF ENQUIRIES AND COMPLAINTS, AND REFERRAL OF CLIENTS WHO REQUIRE FREE LEGAL ADVICE.
THE SUB-OFFICE IS OPEN FROM 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM ON MONDAYS, TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS; FROM 1.45 PM TO 10.15 PM ON THURSDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE SUB-OFFICE IS 0-6586520.
APART FROM THE NEW SUB-OFFICE, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS A SUB-OFFICE IN TAI YUEN ESTATE, AND A PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE IN THE SHUEN WAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
THE KWONG FUK ESTATE SUB-OFFICE REPLACES THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE IN WANG FUK COURT.
-----o------
/15........
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1935
- 15 -
SAMPLE FLATS OPEN ON WEEKEND ******
PROSPECTIVE HOME-BUYERS WILL BE ABLE TO GET FULL DETAILS OF AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES DURING THE WEEKEND THE FOUR PROJECTS CURRENTLY ON SALE UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY: + THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN, WHERE AN EXHIBITION ON FULL DETAILS OF THE FOUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS FOR SALE ARE BEING STAGED, WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY.
♦APPLICATION FORMS AND COPIES OF A COLOURFUL SALES BROCHURE WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE,♦ HE ADDED.
WITH A TOTAL OF 4 120 FLATS, THE FOUR PSPS PROJECTS ARE AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN, SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHI WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN.
FLATS ARE PRICED FROM $103 500 TO $380 000, WITH GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 41.5 AND 69.4 SQUARE METRES.
PRICES FOR THE LARGEST TYPE OF FLATS AT GREENWOOD TERRACE, WITH A SIZE OF 81.3 SQUARE METRES, RANGE FROM $340 800 TO $403 600
EACH.
MEANWHILE. SAMPLE FLATS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN ON SITE IN THE WEEKEND TO ENABLE ASPIRING HOME-OWNERS TO TAKE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE PROJECTS.
♦THEIR OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY AND BETWEEN NOON AND 5.30 PM ON WEEKDAYS,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦IN ADDITION TO THE OPENING OF SAMPLE FLATS AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN WEEKENDS, MOCK UP FLATS ARE OPEN DAILY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.
♦A NUMBER OF VENUES ARE ALSO OPEN UP FOR ESTATE TENANTS AND THE PUBLIC TO GET DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS CURRENTLY ON SALE.
♦FEATURING A VIDEO PRESENTATION, EXHIBITIONS WILL BE STAGED IN THE WEEKEND AT 7 HE WO CHE COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN SHA TIN, WAN TSUI COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN CHAI WAN, LUNG HANG ESTATE IN SHA TIN AND THE MTR MONG KOK STATION BETWEEN 10 AM AND 7 PM.+
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 25.
- - 0 --------
/16........
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
16 -
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING NEEDS STUDIED
* * * *
A MANPOWER SURVEY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY BEGAN TODAY (FRIDAY) AND WILL LAST TILL MARCH 28.
THE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BASED ON THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE TRAINING BOARD WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAIN INo TO BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
SOME 900 ESTABLISHMENTS FROM THE INDUSTRY WILL BE COVERED IN THE SURVEY.
DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD, INTERVIEWERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT EMPLOYERS AND HELP COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WiLL BE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
----o------
PLANT LOVERS URGED TO GET IN ENTRIES EARLY FOR FLOWER SHOW
******
HORTICULTURISTS ARE REMINDED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR ENTRY INTO THIS YEAR’S URBAN COUNCIL ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW WILL CLOSE NEXT FRIDAY (MARCH 22).
LAST YEAR, THE SHOW ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 1 345 ENTRIES OF COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS FROM 553 INDIVIDUALS.
TO AVOID A LAST MINUTE RUSH, ALL ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND SENT BACK TO THE SECRETARY FLOWER SHOW ORGANISING COMMITTEE, CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ICE HOUSE STREET, BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE.
+AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, PARTICIPANTS MAY CALL THE gardens section of the department at 5-95598 or 5-95741 to BE REGISTERED FIRST BEFORE SENDING IN THEIR ENTRY FORMS,* SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN.
/ENTRY FORMS .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 1?, 1985
- 17 -
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING!
♦ CITY SERVICS DEPARTMENT, 13/F, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET
♦ URBAN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CLUB LUS ITANO BUILDING, ICE HOUSE STREET
♦ RECREATION AND AMENITIES TRAINING SCHOOL, BLOCK S4, KOWLOON PARK,. HA I PHONG ROAD
+ GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, G/F,
GPO BUILDING, CENTRAL AND
+ ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THIS YEAR’S FLOWER SHOW, THE 18TH TO BE HELD, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MEMORIAL GARDEN AND THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL BETWEEN APRIL 19 AND 21.
THERE WILL BE 13 COMPETITIVE SECTIONS PROVIDING PLANT LOVERS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS IN THE ART OF CULTIVATION.
THEY INCLUDE CUT FLOWERS, SCENTED CUT FLOWERS, ORCHIDS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, POT PLANTS, BONSAI TYPE PLANTS, FLORAL ARRANGEMENT, FLORAL ART BY CHILDREN, USD GARDENS COMPETITION, SCHOOLS CHILDREN POT FLOWER GROWING COMPETITION AND SCHOOL GARDEN COMPETITION.
TO ATTRACT INTEREST AMONG PARTICIPANTS, THE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SECTION WILL BE SPLIT INTO WESTERN AND ORIENTAL STYLES.
FURTHERMORE, A +MINIATURE BONSAI+ CLASS IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BONSAI TYPE PLANTS SECTION.
EXCEPT FOR THE USD GARDENS SECTION AND COMPETITIONS IN THE SCHOOL SECTIONS, CASH AWARDS UP TO $200 WILL BE GIVEN TO PRIZE WINNERS.
ALL SECTION WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED A CHALLENGE CUP WHILE THE OVERALL BEST EXHIBIT WILL BE PRESENTED THE URBAN COUNCIL CUP.
---0------
/18
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
18
SAI KUNG RECLAMATION TO BE EXTENDED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO USE THE MATERIAL EXCAVATED FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SITE OF THE PROPOSED PAK KONG WATER TREATMENT WORKS AS FILL MATERIAL TO EXTEND THE RECLAMATION AREA ON THE NORTHEASTERN SIDE OF SAI KUNG TOWN.
TO PREVENT ANY POSSIBILITY OF POLLUTING THE SURROUNDING WATERS DURING RECLAMATION, THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY ROCK BUND IS ALSO PROPOSED TO ENCLOSE THE DUMPING AREA.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL WILL BE THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING SEAWALL ON THE NORTH-EASTERN SIDE OF THE NEW SAI KUNG PUBLIC PIER FOR A DISTANCE OF 260 METRES, AND THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE.
IN ADDITION, THE EXTENSION OF A SEAWALL AND THE PROVISION CF A MAN-MADE BEACH TO THE NORTH-EAST OF THE RECLAMATION AREA ARE PROPOSED. THE WORKS ARE PLANNED TO START TOWARDS THE END OF 1988.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA, WHICH WILL INVOLVE ABOUT 6.8 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED, IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 2ND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSAL AND/OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BY MAY 15.
-----o------
YOUTHS INVITED TO JOIN TRAINING CAMP * * * *
YOUTHS 15 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON MARCH 23 AND 24, AT THE HONG KONG PHAB CENTRE IN POK FU LAM.
HANDICAPPED YOUTHS AT THE CENTRE WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CAMP, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, AND IS ONE OF THE MANY INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 IYY.
/TH£2E WILL ......
fBIDAY, MARCH 15, 1985
- 19 -
THERE WILL BE TALKS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, GROUP DISCUSSIONS LED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS MARCH 20. APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN WAH FU ESTATE AND STANLEY.
THE FEE, FOR THE OVERNIGHT CAMP IS $25 PER PERSON, AND FOR THE DAY CAMP $19.
PARTICIPANTS MAY
APPLY IN PERSON AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT
OFFICE AT 7-11, NAM NING STREET, 2ND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE OR RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS TOGETHER WITH CROSSED CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO THE +SOUTHERN DISTRICT COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR+ AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
-----0------
MUSIC, DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED
* * * *
YOUNG MUSICIANS AND DANCERS MAY NOW APPLY FOR OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND FOR THE YEAR 1985-86.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE INTENDED FOR EXCEPTIONALLY TALENTED CANDIDATES TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDIES OR BALLET AT OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC FUND SAID THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL COVER TUITION FEES AND INCLUDE A TECHNICAL ALLOWANCE. A MONTHLY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE MAY ALSO BE GRANTED ACCORDING TO INDIVIDUAL NEED.
CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR ADVANCED INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC STUDIES SHOULD NOT BE OVER THE AGE OF 23 ON SEPTEMBER 1, AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY STUDIED MUSIC UP TO THE STANDARD OF THE DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR EQUIVALENT.
AS FOR THE BALLET SCHOLARSHIPS, CANDIDATES SHOULD BE AT LEAST 16 YEARS OLD ON SEPTEMBER 1, AND SHOULD HAVE ALREADY STUDIED BALLET UP TO THE STANDARD OF THE DIPLOMA GRANTED BY THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF BALLET OR EQUIVALENT.
IN ADDITION, ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ONE YEAR’S RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
/APPLICATION .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1965
20 -
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
A) HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUE MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT, 11/F., HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAt-
B) MUSIC OFFICE HEADQUARTERS, 11/F,, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL; AND
C) MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE (FOR ADDRESSED, PLEASE CALL 5-740409)
RETURNED BY THE
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE .
APPLICANTS IN PERSON TO THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MUSIC FUND SECRETARIAT. THE CLOSING DATE IS MARCH 23.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 5-740409.
--------0--------
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO PHILIPPINES * * * *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE PHILIPPINES FROM MONDAY (MARCH 18), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO MANILA, MAKATI (METRO MANILA), SAN JUAN (METRO MANILA), MANDALUYONG (METRO MANILA), QUEZON CITY, PASAY CITY AND CALOOCAN CITY.
ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEES ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY. BOTH ’CONTRACT’ AND ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
THE SERVICE WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ITEMS ACCEPTED IN THE LETTER POST SERVICE WITH A MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT PER ITEM OF 2 KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G $55
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN
250 G AND 500 G $65
EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500 G $10
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, l^E
21
TRAFFIC CHANGE IN KOWLOON CITY
* * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING IMPLEMENTEE Al THE JUNCTION OF NGA TSIN LONG ROAD WITH CARPENTER ROAD II KOWLOON CITY FOR WATER MAIN REPAIRS.
THE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS, ARE:
* NO VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM CARPENTER ROAD EASTBOUND INTO NGA TSIN LONG ROAD.
* NGA TSIN LONG ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD HAS BEEN REROUTED TWO WAYS. MOTORISTS HEADING FOR THE REROUTED ROAD SECTION SHOULD PROCEED VIA NGA TSIN WAI ROAD.
-------o----------
FRESH, SALT WATER MAINS WORKS
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL ' TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 18) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAV FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SHING WONG STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET AND CIRCULAR PATHWAY, INCLUDING 270-276 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND 1-2 TSUI ON LANE.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME AREAS IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 48 HOURS BETWEEN 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 18) AND 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE: HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, LOK FU, FUNG WONG VILLAGE, TSZ WAN SHAN, KAI TAK, WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TAU ESTATE AND WONG TAI SIN.
-----0------
/22 .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1935
22
TRAFFIC RESTRICTION * * * *
SPRING GARDEN LANE BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND JOHNSTON ROAD IN WAN CHAI WILL BE PROHIBITED TO ALL VEHICLES OVER 4 TONNc (J(OSS FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 18).
THE BAN IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK THERE.
NO RIGHT TURNS HERE * * *
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) IN TUEN MUN, THE FOLLOWING RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENTS WILL BE BANNED FROM 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 18) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH :
* FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI) SOUTHBOUND INTO YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT WESTBOUND;
* FROM YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT EASTBOUND INTO
CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
-----0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MEETING OF OVERSEAS OFFICES HEADS ............................. 1
DELEGATES TO DISCUSS ELECTRONIC MAIL .......................... 1
ACCESS FOR DISABLED IN NEW BUILDINGS .......................... 2
SPECIAL CaR NUMBERS SOLD....................................... 3
SEMINAI? TO STRENGTHEN TIES ................................... 4
POSTER CONTEST TO MARK YOUTH YEAR ............................. 4
NEW ROADS FOR HOUSING ESTATE .................................. 5
CARNIVAL TO START OFF ARTS FORTNIGHT .......................... 5
SEVEN-HOUR WATER CUT .......................................... 6
RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED ...................................... 6
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................... 7
1
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1985
MEETING OF OVERSEAS OFFICES HEADS * * H *
THE WEEK-LONG SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS AND CONSULTATIONS AMONG THE HEADS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S OVERSEAS OFFICES WILL COME TO A CLOSE WITH A FINAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (MARCH 18).
THESE MEETINGS WILL BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT TO ENABLE HEADS CF OVERSEAS OFFICES TO BRIEF THEIR COLLEAGUES HERE ON THE SITUATION IN THEIR REGIONS AND TO UPDATE THEMSELVES ON DEVELOPMENTS LOCALLY.
THEY ARE DESIGNED TO REPLACE INDIVIDUAL FAMILIARISATION VISITS, ALTHOUGH THESE MAY STILL BE NECESSARY FROM TIME TO TIME.
NEXT MONDAY’S FINAL MEETING WILL BE HELD TO DISCUSS COMMERCIAL RELATIONS AND WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY. IT WILL REPLACE THE USUAL ANNUAL MEETINGS BY TRADE OFFICERS TO DISCUSS THE MATTER FORMERLY HELD IN LONDON.
DURING THE PAST WEEK, THE HEADS OF THE FIVE OVERSEAS OFFICES — LOCATED IN LONDON, BRUSSELS, GENEVA, NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON — HAD MET THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AND HAD LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
THEY HAD ALSO TOURED THE NEW TERRITORIES BUT MOST OF THEIR TIME HAD BEEN SPENT IN PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS.
THE HEADS OF OVERSEAS OFFICES WHO ARE HERE FOR THE MEETINGS ARE MR COLVYN HAYE (COMMISSIONER, LONDON), MR DEREK JONES (MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND MEMBER STATES, BRUSSELS), MR MICHAEL CARTLAND (COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS, GENEVA), MR BILL DORWARD (COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, NEW YORK), AND MR PETER LO (COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON).
------0 -
DELEGATES TO DISCUSS ELECTRONIC MAIL * * * X
ELECTRONIC MAIL SERVICES WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD HERE ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY, (MARCH 18 AND 19), BY DELEGATES FROM POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE UNITED STATES, FRANCE, WEST GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS AND AUSTRALIA.
THE DELEGATES WILL DISCUSS WAYS OF CO-ORDINATING THE PROMOTION OF ELECTRONIC SERVICES, IMPROVING SYSTEMS AND NETWORK EFFICIENCY, AND DEVELOPING MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON MONDAY MORNING BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR HUGH ARDLEY.
------o--------
/2.......
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1935
2
ACCESS FOR DISABLED IN NEW BUILDINGS * * * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED A BOOKLET DETAILING THE ARCHITECTURAL PROVISIONS THAT SHOULD BE INCORPORATED IN NEW BUILDINGS TO MAKE THEM AS CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE FOR THE DISABLED TO USE.
CALLED THE DESIGN MANUAL ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED 1984, THE BOOKLET SUPERSEDES THE CODE OF PRACTICE - ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN 1976.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BOOKLET INCORPORATED A NUMBER CF AMENDMENTS TO THE LEGISLATION MADE UNDER SECTION 38 OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (CAP. 123). RECOMMENDATIONS WERE ALSO MADE AS TO OTHER FACILITIES WHICH WOULD ENSURE INCREASED MOBILITY, ESPECIALLY FOR THE LESS SEVERELY DISABLED.
+THE PUBLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS AND THIS DESIGN MANUAL RESTS ON THE BELIEF THAT A DISABLED PERSON HAS THE SAME RIGHT AS ANY INDIVIDUAL - THE RIGHTS TO MEDICAL AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES, EDUCATIONS, HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, TRANSPORT, CULTURAL, SPORTS AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL HASTEN THE PROCESS OF HIS SOCIAL INTEGRATION OR REINTEGRATION,* HE SAID.
BARRIERS SUCH AS STEPS OR STAIRS WITHOUT ADEQUATE HANDRAILS AND INCONVENIENT DOORWAYS HAVE PROVED A GREAT HINDERANCE NOT ONLY TO DISABLED PEOPLE BUT ALSO TO THE ELDERLY AND PREGNANT WOMEN.
+THE FITTEST PERSON TODAY MAY FIND HIMSELF ON CRUTCHES TOMORROW,* HE SAID.
ARCHITECTS WITH A LITTLE FORETHOUGHT AND INITIATIVE COULD, BY DESIGNING BARRIER-FREE BUILDINGS, HELP CONSIDERABLY TOWARDS THE GREATER INDEPENDENCE OF THE DISABLED IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIVES AND THEIR INTEGRATION WITH THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE STANDARDS WILL NOT DETRACT FROM THE NORMAL USE OF THE BUILDINGS BY THOSE WHO ARE NOT HANDICAPPED, BUT WILL MAKE BUILDINGS MORE ACCESSIBLE AND SAFER FOR ALL WHO USE THEM,* HE SAID.
THE 24-PAGE BOOKLET IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT S1O PER COPY.
-----o----------
/3 .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1935
3
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD
*****
THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $490 800 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, 8TH FLOOR, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 280 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $105 033.
ANOTHER NUMBER DC 8 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $50 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR DD 9951, DD 7187, DD 3928 AND AZ 6636.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES:
$ $ $
DD 6686 3 500 DD 100 12 000 HK 808 34 000
DD 6663 3 500 DE 280 15 000 DE 6838 3 500
DE 501 1 200 DE 2803 4 000 AT 8722 3 803
DC 888 41 000 AS 14 9 500 AB 500 38 000
DD 3218 4 000 DE 1638 11 000 DD 6838 4 500
DD 3231 3 500 DD 6338 5 200 DE 1118 4 800
DD 8288 10 000 DD 9668 4 600 CH 38 31 000
DD 69 12 000 DE 233 6 200 DD 8863 3 200
DD 8983 2 000 DD 9188 2 600 DB 18 42 000
AS 738 8 000
DE 118 8 200
TODAY’S SALE, THE 96TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $33 424 432.
-----o------
A....
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1985
SEMINAR TO STRENGTHEN TIES * * * *
A SEMINAR AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE WORKING RELATIONS BETWEEN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
PRIOR TO THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, A SLIDE SHOW ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN MONG KOK WILL BE SHOWN TO PARTICIPANTS.
PANELISTS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE MONG KOK ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STANLEY WONG, MEMBERS OF THE TAI KOK TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
_ _ 0 -
POSTER CONTEST TO MARK YOUTH YEAR # * * *
SCHOOL CHILDREN, RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE WORKING IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A POSTER COMPETITION IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROJECT THE IYY THEME OF ♦PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE+ AS WELL AS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, ON 35 CM X 55 CM DRAWING PAPER.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE COMPETITION IS APRIL 30. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR ENTRIES WITH THEIR NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 IYY, WHICH IS ORGANISING THE COMPETITION.
THE ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE IS 7-11 NAM NING STREET, 2ND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, HONG KONG.
A GOLD AND A SILVER MEDAL WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TWO BEST ENTRIES, AND WINNING POSTERS AND OTHER ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1985
5
NEW ROADS FOR HOUSING ESTATE * * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A NUMBER OF ROAD WORKS TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE TIN PING ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN SHEK WU HUI.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTPATH AND A NEW SUBWAY RAMP AT A NEW ROAD, THE COMPLETION OF THE JUNCTION OF TWO OTHER ROADS TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
AN EXISTING FOOTPATH IN THE AREA WILL BE CLOSED AND REPLACED BY PERMANENT FOOTPATHS ALONG FUTURE ROADS.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, AND AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE MAY 14, 1985.
- o - -
CARNIVAL TO START OFF ARTS FORTNIGHT *****
A CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN CHATER GARDEN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON TO LAUNCH THE FIRST CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW BY TELEVISION ARTISTS, SINGERS AND DANCERS. THERE WILL BE ALSO A YOUNGSTERS’ DRAWING CONTEST AND A CHESS COMPETITION.
PROGRAMMES TO BE STAGED DURING THE CULTURE AND ARTS FORTNIGHT INCLUDE PUPPET SHOWS, VARIETY SHOWS, A CARNIVAL, CONTEMPORARY DANCING, A PAINTING EXHIBITION, A CALLIGRAPHY EXHIBITION, A PHTOGRAPH EXHIBITION, DRAWING CONTESTS, A SINGING CONTEST, CONCERTS, DRAMA PERFORMANCES AND A CHESS COMPETITION.
/SPONSORED BY
SATiraDAY, KARCH 16, 1985
6
SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG; THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR, MRS SELINA CHOW? EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS MARIA TAM; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FORTNIGHT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, M? YUEN BUN-KEUNG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR WU CHOR-NAM.
-----0------
SEVEN-HOUR WATER * * *
AT CHEUNG HANG VILLAGE IN HOURS BETWEEN 10 AM AND
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN 5 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 19).
THE STOPPAGE IS TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK IN THE AREA.
-------0---------
RESTRICTED ZONE EXTENDED
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 19), THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM RESTRICTED ZONE ON NATHAN ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED INTO HUMPHREYS AVENUE FOR ABOUT 20 METRES.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
-----0--------
/7......
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1985
7
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
5 PM.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, 1.1ABCH 17, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH STARTS APRIL 1 ................. 1
RECORD $60M RECOVERED BY LEGAL AID ....................... 2
YEARBOOK RECORDS a MOMENTOUS YEAR........................ 4
$35 MILLI® FOR DISTRICT BOARD PROJECTS ................... 5
30 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY..................... 6
POST OFFICE PUTTING OUT THREE NEW ITEMS................... 7
1984 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ANALYSED ..................... 8
PRIME VIEW GARDEN AND HOLFORD GARDENS READY SO®........... 9
NEW PERMIT OFFICE FOR 'WEST KOWLOON ..................... 10
SERVICES HELP SOLVE FAMILY PROBLEMS...................... 11
CORRECTI®AL SERVICES WORK ON DISPLAY .................... 14
CHILDREN'S LIBRARY FOR SAN PO KONG....................... 15
ORIENTAL STYLE GARDENS IN SEA TIN OPEN................... 15
SQUASH - A SPORT FOR THE MASSES ......................... 15
SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY.......................... 17
URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHAU KEI WAN .......................... 18
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
- 1
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH STARTS APRIL 1 *****
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL ON APRIL 1.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE HEADED BY A NEW SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES. THE PRESENT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, J.P., HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO TAKE UP THIS POST ON APRIL 1. HE WILL BE ASSISTED BY TWO DEPUTY SECRETARIES, MRS MABEL HAYES AND MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, J.P., AND MR WILLIAMSON’S POST WILL BE STYLED COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE.
STAFF OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE RE-DEPLOYED MAINLY FROM THE EXISTING URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL ASSUME POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MATTERS FROM THE hEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS, COUNTRY PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION, LIQUOR LICENSING, AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES AT THE TERRITORIAL LEVEL FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL ALSO ASSUME FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT POLICY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS RELATING TO THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE PRINCIPAL SPORTING AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS. THESE *ILL INCLUDE THE SERVICING OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONS WITH THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, AND SPORTING AND CULTURAL RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE BRANCH WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE FUNCTIONS IN PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION WHICH DERIVE FROM THE NEED TO MAINTAIN COMMON DEPARTMENTAL GRADES FOR THE TWO DEPARTMENTS SERVING THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, I.E. THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE ACCOMMODATED AT 10/F AND 11/F OF HARBOUR CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
--------0
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
2
RECORD S6OM RECOVERED BY LEGAL AID
* * * *
A RECORD SUM IN EXCESS OF $60 MILLION HAD BEEN RECOVERED THROUGH LEGAL AID FOR PERSONS WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PURSUE THEIR CLAIMS IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1984-85, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID, MR PATRICK MOSS SAID.
DURING THE YEAR, MR MOSS ADDED, LEGAL AID WAS GRANTED TO OVER 6 700 CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASE APPLICANTS, REPRESENTING OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE TOTAL NUMBER WHO APPLIED.
MR MOSS EXPLAINED THAT IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID, AN APPLICANT MUST PASS A MEANS TEST AND A MERITS TEST.
AT PRESENT, A PERSON HAVING A DISPOSABLE INCOME OF NOT MORE THAN $1 500 PER MONTH AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL NOT EXCEEDING $15 000 IS FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE.
DISPOSABLE INCOME AND DISPOSABLE CAPITAL ARE CALCULATED AFTER ALLOWANCES HAVE BEEN DEDUCTED FROM ACTUAL EARNINGS AND CAPITAL. SUCH ALLOWANCES INCLUDE A DEDUCTION OF UP TO $300 000 IN RESPECT OF AN OWNER OCCUPIED DWELLING.
A PERSON MAY QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID FREE OF CHARGE OR MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS HIS OWN LEGAL COSTS DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF HIS DISPOSABLE INCOME AND CAPITAL.
ANY CONTRIBUTION WILL, HOWEVER, BE REFUNDED IF THE PROCEEDINGS ARE SUCCESSFUL AND THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT ARE RECOVERED FROM THE OPPOSING PARTY.
IF THE AIDED PERSON IS UNSUCCESSFUL HIS LIABILITY TOWARDS THE COSTS OF THE PROCEEDINGS INCLUDING THOSE OF THE OTHER PARTY IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF CONTRIBUTION, IF ANY, THAT HE IS REQUIRED TO PAY AT THE OUTSET OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
IN ADDITION TO THE MEANS TEST, MR MOSS SAID, AN APPLICANT MUST SATISFY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID THAT HE HAD REASONABLE PROSPECTS OF SUCCEEDING IN HIS CASE TO QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS.
IN FACT, HE SAID, A MAJORITY OF THE UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS FAILED IN THE MERITS TEST RATHER THAN THE MEANS TEST.
+IF AN APPLICANT IS REFUSED LEGAL AID IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS, HE IS ENTITLED TO APPEAL SUCH REFUSAL TO THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, OR IN THE CASE OF A PROPOSED APPEAL TO THE JUDICIAu COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL TO A SPECIAL TRIBUNAL,* HE SAID.
♦THE DECISION OF THE REGISTRAR OR OF THE SPECIAL TRIBUNAL IS FINAL,* MR MOSS SAID.
/ONCE LEGAL .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 19&5
ONCE LEGAL AID IS GRANTED, THE DIRECTOR I* ILL ASSIGN THE CASE EITHER TO A PRIVATE SOLICITOR OR A BARRISTER EXPERIENCED IN THE CONDUCT OF SUCH CASES, OR TO ONE OF HIS OWN PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS.
AN APPLICANT FOR LEGAL AID IN A CIVIL CASE CAN NOMINATE THE LAWYER OF HIS OWN CHOICE TO REPRESENT HIM AND PROVIDED THAT THAT LAWYER IS ON THE LEGAL AID PANEL AND IS AVAILABLE TO CONDUCT THE CASE, HE WOULD BE ASSIGNED TO ACT FOR THE AIDED PERSON. THE LAWYER THUS ASSIGNED IS PAID BY THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID FOR ALL FEES INCURRED ON BEHALF OF THE AIDED PERSON.
+THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT KEEPS UNDER REVIEW THE LEVEL OF ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL AID WHICH WAS LAST AMENDED IN JANUARY 198? BUT ANY INCREASES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND PRIORITY OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS,* MR MOSS SAID.
LEGAL AID IS AVAILABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CIVIL PROCEEDINGS IN THE DISTRICT COURTS, HIGH COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN TENANCY MATTERS IN THE LANDS TRIBUNAL AND FOR APPEALS TO THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN LONDON.
CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION ARISING OUT OF ACCIDENTS AT WORK, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION AND ROAD ACCIDENT CLAIMS TOGETHER WITH EVERY BRANCH OF FAMILY LAW, RANGING FROM DIVORCE, SEPARATION, MAINTENANCE AND CUSTODY OF CHILDREN ALL LIE WITHIN THE SCOPE AND JURISDICTION OF THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT.
ACTIONS IN BANKRUPTCY AND COMPANIES WINDING-UP PROCEEDINGS ARE ALSO UNDERTAKEN AND THE MAJORITY OF THESE CASES ARE OF CONSIDERABLE SOCIAL IMPORTANCE SINCE THEY DEAL IN THE MAIN WITH EMPLOYEES’ WAGES AND SEVERANCE PAY CLAIMS.
FOR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, LEGAL AID IS AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT COURTS, THE HIGH COURT AND THE COURT OF APPEAL AND IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO THE JUDICIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL IN LONDON.
INVARIABLY, LEGAL AID IS GRANTED FOR HIGH COURT CRIMINAL TRIALS SUBJECT TO THE MEANS TEST BECAUSE OF THE SEVERITY OF THE CHARGES, COUPLED WITH THE GRAVITY OF THE SENTENCE UPON CONVICTION. LEGAL AID CAN ALSO BE GIVEN TO CONDUCT PLEAS IN MITIGATION OF SENTENCE.
FOR APPEALS AGAINST CONVICTION FOR MURDER LEGAL AID IS MANDATORY BUT FOR ALL OTHER CRIMINAL APPEALS INCLUDING THOSE FROi-THE DECISIONS OF MAGISTRATES, THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID WILL PROVIDE REPRESENTATION SUBJECT TO THE MEANS TEST AND TO THE EXISTENCE OF ARGUABLE GROUNDS OF APPEAL.
/MR MOSS........
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
MR MOSS SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS IN AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE) ORDINANCE 1983 HAD EXTENDED THE SCOPE OF LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS TO INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF ADVICE TO FINANCIALLY ELIGIBLE DEFENDANTS PRIOR TO COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS AND TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION IN THE PROCEEDINGS LEADING TO THEIR COMMITTAL TO THE HIGH COURT FOR TRIAL.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING EXTENDING LEGAL AID TO INCLUDE THOSE PERSONS CHARGED WITH PERJURY AND CONTEMPT OF COURT IN THE DISTRICT COURT AND FOR THOSE BROUGHT BACK TO COURT AFTER BREACH OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER.
A SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER 1984 TO ENABLE THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE FINANCIALLY INELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID UNDER THE EXISTING LIMITS BUT WHO ARE UNABLE TO AFFORD THE SERVICES OF PRIVATE LAWYERS TO BRING PROCEEDINGS IN THE HIGH COURT FOR DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES OR DEATH.
AT THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF SUCH A CASE A PERCENTAGE OF THE DAMAGES THAT THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN AWARDED WILL BE PAID BACK TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY LEGAL AID SCHEME FUND SO AS TO PROVIDE MONIES TO ENABLE OTHER CLAIMANTS TO PURSUE THEIR CLAIMS IN A SIMILAR MANNER.
APPLICATION FOR LEGAL AID MAY BE MADE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S CFFICES AT SINCERE BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, NO. 173 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG OR AT RITZ BUILDING, 8TH FLOOR, NO. 625 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, BUT APPLICATIONS FOR LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES MAY ONLY BE MADE AT THE HONG KONG OFFICE.
THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG ALSO PROVIDES FREE LEGAL ADVICE IN CIVIL MATTERS BEFORE PROCEEDINGS HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED AND FREE LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO DEFENDANTS IN CERTAIN CRIMINAL CASES IN THE MAGISTRATES’ COURTS AND FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES IN THE JUVENILE COURTS. THESE SCHEMES ARE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION WHICH IN 1984 TOTALLED $14.83 MILLION.
-------o---------- »
YEARBOOK RECORDS A MOMENTOUS YEAR
* * * *
THE OFFICIAL YEARBOOK, HONG KONG 1985 — WHICH GIVES A HISTORICAL RECORD OF A MOMENTOUS YEAR IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY, IS NOW AVAILABLE.
PRICED AT $32 A COPY, THE YEARBOOK IS AVAILABLE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH EDITIONS FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL- LEADING BOOKSHOPS AND DISTR ICT OFF ICES.
/THE FIRST .......
SUNDAY, MAUCH 17, 1985
- 5 -
THE FIRST CHAPTER PROVIDES A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF THE SINO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE, RIGHT UP TO THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT ON DECEMBER 19.
IT ALSO COVERS THE WORK OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE WHICH COLLATED PUBLIC OPINION IN HONG KONG AFTER PUBLICATION OF THE DRAFT AGREEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 26, AND THE ROLE PLAYED BY UMELCO. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE COLOUR PICTURES OF THE CEREMONIES IN WHICH THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED AND THE DRAFT AGREEMENT WAS INITIALLED.
HONG KONG 1985 RUNS TO MORE THAN 350 PAGES WITH 10 SECTIONS OF COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, IN ADDITION TO DETAILED APPENDICES.
AN AUTHORITATIVE REFERENCE BOOK, THE YEARBOOK PROVIDES A COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE OF MATERIAL FOR ANYONE WANTING UP-TO-DATE AN DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE TERRITORY.
THIS YEAR THE YEARBOOK HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO 23 CHAPTERS, INSTEAD OF THE USUAL 22, AND AMONG THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN DETAIL IS THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE TERRITORY. THE ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE AND LAW AND ORDER ARE ALSO DEALT WITH COMPREHENSIVELY.
THE MORE THAN 90 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS COVER HEALTH, THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES, COMMUNICATIONS, NEW TOWNS, INDUSTRY, HONG KONG IN 1984, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CENTENARY, AND EARLY PHOTOGRAPHERS IN HONG KONG.
HONG KONG 1985 IS PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, ASSISTED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, AND PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
--------o-----------
$35 MILLION FOR DISTRICT BOARD PROJECTS
******
A SUM OF $35 MILLION HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOR THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CITY AND NEw TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, NR C.M. LEUNG SAID TODAY.
THE AMOUNT, IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL EE $1.14 MILLION OVER LAST YEAR’S FIGURE.
MR LEUNG SAID THE FUNDS WOULD BE SHARED BETWEEN THE NINE NEw TERRITORIES BOARDS AND THE 10 URBAN BOARDS.
/OF THE .......
SUNDAY, MAfCH 17, 1?85
6
OF THE TOTAL, $19.72 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE NEw TERRITORIES BOARDS AND $15.35 MILLION TO THE URBAN BOARDS.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES REGION, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl WILL GET THE BIGGEST SHARE OF $3.34 MILLION, FOLLOWED BY YUEN LONG $3.01 MILLION, SHA TIN $2.6 MILLION AND TUEN MUN $2.51 MILLION.
TSUEN WAN WILL RECEIVE $2.23 MILLION? NORTH DISTRICT $1.56 MILLION; ISLANDS DISTRICT $1.51 MILLION; TAI PO $1.5 MILLION, AND SAI KUNG WILL GET $1.46 MILLION.
IN THE URBAN AREAS, KWUN TONG WILL RECEIVE $2.24 MILLION AND WONG TAI SIN $2.19 MILLION.
SHAM SHUI PO AND EASTERN WILL BOTH GET $1.76 MILLION; KOWLOON CITY $1.74 MILLION; SOUTHERN $1.42 MILLION; CENTRAL AND WESTERN $1.07 MILLION; WAN CHAI AND MONG KOK WILL EACH RECEIVE $1.06 MILLION, AND YAU MA TEI wILL HAVE $1.05 MILLION.
MR LEUNG SAID THE ALLOCATIONS WERE MAINLY DETERMINED EY THE SIZE OF THE POPULATION, PAST EXPENDITURE PATTERN AND THE INCREASED DEMAND FOR ACTIVITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE DISTRICTS.
-----o------
30 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JANUARY * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED 30 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN JANUARY 1985.
THESE INCLUDED A CLUB HOUSE AT THE JUNCTION OF CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD, 10 THREE-STOREY RESIDENCE BLOCKS AT DEEP WATER BAY ROAD, OUTDOOR SPORT FACILITIES FOR THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, A 22-STOREY HOTEL BUILDING IN MONG KOK, AN 11-STOREY FACTORY BUILDING IN KOWLOON BAY AND A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN SHA TIN FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 13 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN IN KOWLOON AND 10 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 36 PROJECTS, NINE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN IN KOWLOON AND 20 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE INCLUDED A SCHOOL AT RENFREW ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG, AN OFFICE IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, 39 RESIDENCES IN HONG LOK YUEN IN TAI PO, A FOOD FACTORY AT HA HANG IN TAI PO AND TWO ELECTRICITY SUBSTATIONS, ONE IN SHA TIN AND THE OTHER IN TSUEN wAN.
/THE TOTAL .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THESE 36 PROJECTS WAS 339 881.3 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 209 095.5 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NONDOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
A TOTAL OF 24 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
THESE INCLUDED THREE 13-STOREY APARTMENT BLOCKS AT WONG NAI CHUNG GAP, TWO COMMERCIAL TOWER BLOCKS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, A SCHOOL BUILDING IN TIN KWONG ROAD, EIGHT RESIDENCES AT PAN LONG WAN IN SAI KUNG, AND THREE APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL BLOCKS IN SHA TIN.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA FOR ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 172 263.2 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 140 967.6 SQUARE NETRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COSTS OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS ABOUT SI 331.2 MILLION.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ISSUED 16 DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 19 BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
-----o-----
I
POST OFFICE PUTTING OUT THREE NEW ITEMS
*****
THE POST OFFICE WILL BE PUTTING THREE NEW PRODUCTS ON SALE FROM APRIL 1.
ONE OF THESE IS A NEW, ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED A4 SIZE PICTORIAL AEROGRAMME WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, SUPPLEMENTING THE EXISTING AEROGRAMME FEATURING THE CLOUD FORMATION.
THE NEW AEROGRAMME DESIGNED BY MR D.J. LEONARD AND PRINTED ON BEIGE COLOUR PAPER BY MCCORQUADALE ENVELOPE LTD. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FEATURES THE BAUHIN IA BLAKEANA, FLOWER OF HONG KONG.
+AT A PRICE OF Si.10, THIS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMME PROVIDES AN IDEAL WAY TO COMBINE A PERSONAL LETTER WITH A FORM OF GREETING FROM HONG KONG AS FEATURED IN THE FLOWER THAT TYPICALLY REPRESENTS OUR TERRITORY,* A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE SAME DAY, A SPECIALLY DESIGNED STAMP FOLDER WHICH HOLDS TEN SI.30 STAMPS WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES, AT $13.
/the folder, ........
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
8 -
THE FOLDER, ON WHICH IS PRINTED RELEVANT AIRMAIL POSTAGE INFORMATION, IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT MEANS TO STORE AND PROTECT STAMPS CARRIED IN WALLETS OR HANDBAGS ETC. TO MEET FUTURE POSTAL USE REQUIREMENTS AND AS A NOVEL PHILATELIC ITEM FOR TOURISTS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
AND TWO NEW, ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED PACKS CONTAINING THE CURRENT ISSUE OF DEFINITIVE STAMPS, WILL ALSO BE ON SALE.
THESE PACKS, WHICH CAN BE SENT AS GIFTS TO FRIENDS AND RELATIVES OVERSEAS, WILL BE OF INTEREST TO PHILATELISTS, AS THEY SERVE AS VALUABLE COLLECTIONS OF THE HONG KONG POSTAGE STAMPS.
THE LARGE PACK CONTAINS FULL SET OF 16 DEFINITIVE STAMPS WHILE THE SMALL PACK CONTAINS THE LOW VALUE STAMPS UP TO $2.
THE LARGE PACK WILL BE SOLD FOR 595 AND THE SMALL PACK
FOR $10. THESE WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, PEAK, TSIM SHA TSUI, AIRPORT AND GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE.
-----o------
1984 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ANALYSED X * *
AN ANNUAL REPORT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR 1984, PUBLISHED RECENTLY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, GIVES A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF THE MOVEMENT OF CONSUMER PRICES AND DETAILED ANALYSES OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES DURING THE YEAR.
INCLUDED IN THE REPORT ARE FOUR CHARTS AND 10 TABLES SHOWING MOVEMENTS OF BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BY SECTION AND GROUP OF COMMODITY-SERVICE AS WELL AS THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OVERALL CHANGE IN THE INDEXES.
THE REPORT IS ON SALE AT HK$7 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, 19TH FLOOR, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THIS REPORT CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216512.
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/9 .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 17, 1985
- 9 -
PRIME VIEW GARDEN AND HOLFORD GARDENS READY SOON
******
TRANQUILITY, SPACE AND LANDSCAPE ARE FAST BECOMING COMMON FEATURES AMONG THE LATEST GENERATION OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE NEW TOWNS.
BEING OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE SCHEME, BOTH PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN AND HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN HAVE ALREADY CAUGHT THE EYE OF MANY HOME-SEEKERS ASPIRING FOR A COMFORTABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE TWO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR.
LOCATED AT A FOOTHILL CLOSE TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN SAN HUI PRIME VIEW GARDEN IS SET AMID QUIET AND GREEN SURROUNDINGS, WITH NICE VIEWS OF THE EXTENSIVE YUEN LONG PLAIN AND THE HILLS AROUND.
SPACIOUS LANDSCAPED REST GARDENS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN THE ESTATE, ADDING A SPLASH OF COLOUR TO THE FIVE 3O/31-STOREY DOMESTIC BLOCKS WHICH ARE ALL LINKED UP BY COVERED WALKWAYS.
THE 1 520 TWO-BEDROOM FLATS ON THE ESTATE HAVE GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 42.4 AND 52.9 SQUARE METRES AND ARE PRICED FROM 8103 500 TO >166 100.
APART FROM CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS AND A MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS FIELD, THE ESTATE WILL ALSO HAVE A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND MULTISTOREY CARPARK.
A NURSERY AND A KINDERGARTEN WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED, WHILE A PRIMARY SCHOOL HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED NEXT TO THE ESTATE.
IN ADDITION, WIDE-RANGING COMMERCIAL FACILITIES ARE READILY AVAILABLE AT SAN HUI, INCLUDING A MARKET NEARBY.
PRIME VIEW GARDEN IS WELL SERVED BY A VARIETY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. A NUMBER OF BUS AND MINIBUS ROUTES TO TSUEN WAN AND KWAI FONG MTR STATIONS, KOWLOON, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN FERRY PIER ARE READILY AVAILABLE JUST OUTSIDE THE ESTATE AND ALONG THE NEARBY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WHILE IT ONLY TAKES ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO TRAVEL BY HOVERCRAFT FROM TUEN MUN TO CENTRAL DISTRICT. THE PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WILL ALSO HAVE A ROUTE PASSING BY THE DEVELOPMENT.
LOCATED AT A PRIME SITE ALONGSIDE TAI PO ROAD IN TAI WAI, HOLFORD GARDENS IS THE FIRST PSPS DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
/'WITH A .........
l r/, 1965
10 -
WITH A RANGE OF HILLS BEHIND IT, HOLFORD GARDENS ENJOYS UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF THE SCENIC SHA TIN VALLEY AND THE TRANQUILITY OF A RURAL SETTING.
ITS THREE 25/3O-STOREY DOMESTIC BLOCKS, COMPRISING 800 TWO-BEDROOM UNITS, ONLY TAKE UP A SMALL PORTION OF ITS 1.32 HECTARE SITE, LEAVING THE REST FOR VARIOUS COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
A SPACIOUS COMMERCIAL CENTRE-CARPARK BLOCK IS PROVIDED IN THE ESTATE, WITH AMPLE SPORTS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS AROUND THE DOMEST’lC BLOCKS.
BOTH THE NEW TAI WAI RAILWAY STATION NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND THE TAI WAI BUS TERMINUS ARE LOCATED OPPOSITE TO THE ESTATE. IT ONLY TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO TRAVEL BY TRAIN FROM THE NEARBY TAI WAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION TO KOWLOON.
SIZES OF THE HOLFORD GARDENS FLATS VARY FROM 42.9 TO 53.1 SQUARE METRES, WITH PRICES RANGING FROM $164 200 TO $267 100.
APPLICATIONS FOR FLATS AT THE TWO PROJECTS TOGETHER WITH THOSE AT SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHl WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN WILL CLOSE ON MARCH 25.
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NEW PERMIT OFFICE FOR WEST KOWLOON * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A NEW RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE ON THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS OF THE SUMMIT INSURANCE BUILDING, 789 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON MONDAY (MARCH 25).
THE NEW OFFICE - WEST KOWLOON RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE -CAN HANDLE MORE THAN 1 OQO RE-ENTRY PERMIT APPLICATIONS A DAY OR ABOUT THREE TIMES MORE THAN THE CAPACITY OF EITHER THE CENTRAL RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND OR THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI RE-ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE SAID THAT WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME DATE, BOTH THE EXISTING MONG KOK OFFICE AND SHAM SHU I PO OFFICE WOULD BE CLOSED.
APPLICANTS WHO HAD APPLIED FOR BRITISH PASSPORTS OR CERTIFICATES OR IDENTITY AT THESE TWO OFFICES SHOULD APPROACH THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS COLLECTION OFFICE AT IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS, MIRROR TOWER, GROUND FLOOR, 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON TO COLLECT THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
/APPLICANTS WHC .......
AY, MABCH 17, 1985
- 13 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAJORITY OF CASES BECAME KNOWN TO THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AS A RESULT OF DIRECT APPROACH BY PEOPLE.
♦OTHER CASES ARE REFERRED TO US BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS LIKE THE POLICE, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HOUSING, MEDICAL AND HEALTH AND LEGAL AID DEPARTMENTS,+ VE SAID.
♦ REFERRALS ARE ALSO RECEIVED FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE COURTS.+
♦ SOME CASES BECOME KNOWN TO US THROUGH PUBLICITY IN THE MASS MEDIA,+ HE SAID.
♦ IN SUCH CASES, WE WILL REACH OUT TO THESE PEOPLE TO OFFER OUR HELP.*
SINCE OCTOBER 1980, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN OPERATING A HOTLINE (3-432255) TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC ON SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS.
♦ THE HOTLINE IS ANOTHER IMPORTANT CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH WE GET TO KNOW OF CASES REQUIRING OUR ASSISTANCE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS MANNED BY TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS FROM 9 AM TO 10 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS, AND FROM 1 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. OUTSIDE THESE HOURS, MESSAGES ARE RECORDED FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION. THE HOTLINE HANDLES ABOUT 20 000 CALLS EACH YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE SEEKING HELP FROM FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES TO GIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION ON THEIR PERSONAL AND FAMILY SITUATION SO THAT THE MOST APPROPRIATE SERVICES COULD BE RENDERED.
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ALL INFORMATION WOULD BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE AND TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIPS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, HAS BEEN MOUNTING ANNUAL PROMOTIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS SINCE 1978.
♦ONE OF THE AIMS OF THESE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS IS TO PREVENT FAMILY PROBLEMS WHICH MAY LEAD TO SOCIAL PROBLEMS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUI
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WORK ON JlSPL-Y
******
AN EXHIBITION GIVING A COMPREHENSIVE PICTURE OF THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (MARCH 18) UNTIL THURSDAY (MARCH 21) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
THE FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION, THE LARGEST EVER TO BE HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT ITSELF, WILL FEATURE ITS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF WORK SUCH AS THE DIFFERENT CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES ADMINISTERED AT DIFFERENT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS; THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING, EDUCATION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES PROVIDED} THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES; THE AFTER-CARE SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AND DRUG DEPENDENTS ON DISCHARGE; THE MANAGEMENT OF CLOSED CENTRES FOR REFUGEES} AS WELL AS THE STAFF TRAINING FACILITIES AND THEIR WELFARE.
IN ADDITION, HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OVER ITS PAST 38 YEARS WILL BE DISPLAYED.
SOME OF THE PRODUCTS AND HANDICRAFTS MADE BY PRISONERS WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW AFTERNOON BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO AND WEDNESDAY (MARCH 19 THURSDAY (MARCH 21).
THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM ON TUESDAY AND 20) AND FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM ON
THE STAFF TRAINING ROAD, MAY BE REACHED BY
NOS. 6 AND 260 63 (FROM NORTH
INSTITUTE, AT THE END OF TUNG TAU WAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT INCLUDING BUS ROUTE (STARTING FROM CENTRAL), 73 (FROM WAH FU ESTATE) POINT) AND 14 (FROM SAI WAN HO).
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT ITS STAFF TPA ININS INSTITUTE. 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY, AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (MARCH 18).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND WILL LEAVE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 3.30 PM SHARP.
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/15........
,, i<
.OPEN’?. -iBRARY FOR SA\ 3O KONG
' - 7 E CHILDREN’S LIBRARY WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AT
J(. ' 0.3 u-. - - Th; STAGE II OF CHOI HUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND
DE-. E- 1'PMENT.
FHE .IBRARY, LOCATED AT CHOI HUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND, IS A SIN'! r-~"REY 1-UILDI ,G -vlTH FACILITIES SUCH AS READING AREA, ■- sqom, .-RICE, STOREROOM AND "OILET.
’’’HERE ■ ILL -LSC EE AN OPEN COURT. * I TH TREES AND FLOWERS AT THE CENTRE OF THE LIBRARY.
Bl DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR
>IS ■ JECT <UIC- S EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 1985.
ORIENTAL STYLE GARDENS IN SHA TIN OPEN
******
--ARDENS BUILT IN JAPANESE AND CHINESE STYLE NEXT TO THE ■ 2’- CREMATOR IU.-'1 IN SHA TIN WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (MONDAY).
- L" THE RECREATION AND AMENITIES SECTION OF THE SHA TIN -,.i. -/■•:' OFFICE, THE GARDENS COMPRISE THREE SECTIONS — A
-!v-SE ADJACENT T. A PUBLIC CAR PARK, A CHINESE MEMORIAL
c.-■ COLUMBARIUM AND SOME LANDSCAPE PLANTING AT
T- .- TRANCE OF "HE CREMATORIUM COMPLEX.
T - THA DO PLANTS, INCLUDING 33 SPECIES OF TREE AND i.. SPECIES Oc SHRUB AND 13 SPECIES OF GROUND COVER,
WANTED IN THE TWO GARDENS.
SQUASH - A SPORT FOR THE MASSES * * * *
.JASH IN HONG KONG CAN NO LONGER BE REGARDED AS A $PQ T FOR FOREIGNERS AND WEALTHY PEO°LE.
AND THE URBAN COUNCIL IS PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN PROM. -:vS THE SPORT AMONG THE PUBLIC BY PROVIDING THE NFCC-.S‘-Y VENUES THROUGHOUT THE URBAN ARcAS.
;JRI NG THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, MOK THAN 108 -DOO PLAYERS VADE USE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S ' J ASF COURTS.
/THIS HHPHESilJTS.........
THIS REPRESENTS A FIvEFOLD INCREASE OVER THE FIGURES CORDED IN THE 1080/8’ FINANCIAL YEAR, WHEN ONLY 21 900 AYERS MADE USE OF THE COUNCIL’S SIX SQUASH COURTS.
VIRTUALLY ALL URBAN COUNCIL SQUASH COURTS ARE FULLY SED DURING WEEKENDS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. EVEN THROUGHOUT THE wEEK, THE USAGE RATE IS AS HIGH AS 80 PER CENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID TODAY THAT t-OCAL SQUASH ENTHUSIASTS NEED NOT WORRY ABOUT MISSING SOME CF THE ACTION FOR WANT OF A COURT TO PLAY IN AS 39 ADDITIONAL SQUASH COURTS WILL BE COMPLETED OVER THE NEXT THRE' YEARS TO MEET THE GROWING DEMAND FOR SUCH FACILITIES.
+THE LARGEST SQUASH CENTRE, ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT «22 M'LL I ON, WILL BE LOCATED AT A 2 000 SQUARE-METRE SITE -Ci’.G COTTON TREE DRIVE IN VICTORIA BARRACKS,+ HE SAID.
♦WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1986, THE TWO-STOREY SQUASH -nr - .-III. HOUSE 18 COURTS, ONE OF WHICH WILL BE USED AS AN EXHIBITION COURT FOR MAJOR TOURNAMENTS.
+Tr>E EXHIBITION COURT WILL HAVE GLASS WALLS ON THREE SIDES AND A STAND -OR SOME 350 SPECTATORS. IT WILL BE THE CIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG AND THE SECOND IN ASIA AFTER BRUNE I. •>
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL IS PLANNING TO BUI-j => TO 200 SQUASH COURTS IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS IN LINC ■ THE STANDARD PROVISION OF ONE SQUASH COURT TO 10 □DC <E AS LAID DOWN IN THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
AS PROPER VENTILATION IS NEEDED FOR THIS
HIGHL/-VI' DROUS GAME, ALL FUTURE SQUASH COURTS TO BE BUILT Y Td: COUNCIL WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED. MEANWHILE, PLANS ARE ADY UNDERWAY TO AIR-CONDITION THE EXISTING ONES.
AT PRESENT, CHARGES FOR AN AIR-CONDITIONED COURT ARE 18 PEP -'U.F-AN-HOUR SESSION AND $12 PER SESSION.
LOOKING BACK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT IN THE TERRITORY THE SPOKESMAN SAID SQUASH WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TD T-E _OCAL CHINESE COMMUNITY IN I960 WHEN THE FIRST TWO SQUASH COURTS WERE BUILT IN VICTORIA PARK.
IT AS NOT UNTIL THE 70S WHEN MORE URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED THAT SQUASH BECAME MORE POPULAR AMONG THE LOCAL CHINESE COMMUNITY.
+TODAY, SQUASH IS REALLY CATCHING ON IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THE SPORT, BEING TIME AND SPACE EFFICIENT, SUITS -F TASTF OF LOCAL SPORT ENTHUSIASTS,* SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
/♦BVE» SINCE
KAXJa , . 1%-.
- EVER SINCE 1981, THE COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE 'NG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION (SRA), ORGANISES AN
ANNUAL SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP FOR MEN AND LADIES UNDER 23
VEA-.S OF AGE.
- IN ADDITION, THE SRA ALSO SPONSORS A SCHOOL
TW -NAMENT EVERY YEAR TO STIMULATE YOUNGSTERS’ INTEREST IN THE SPORT, AND A SQUASH LEAGUE BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND MARCH E’.CH year, WINNERS OF WHICH WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE m'.tHEAST ASIAN SQUASH CHAMPIONSHIP.-
LOCAL PROMOTERS ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN
A I‘TA IN ING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE SPORT BY ATTRACTING SOME > THE WORLD’S TOP-CLASS SQUASH PLAYERS TO COMPETE HERE.
* I TH MORE MODERN SQUASH COURTS COMING ON STREAM IN THE FUTURE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL ALSO CONSIDER INVITING INTERNATIONAL SQUASH PLAYERS TO HOLD ExriBITION MATCHES IN HONG KONG.
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SCHEME TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY * * * * *
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS TIME . A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN KAI TAK NULLAH AND KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR "HE CONSTRUCTION WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE POLLUTED CONDITION OF KAI TAK NULLAH AND KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER NEAR THE AIRPORT HAS REACHED AN UNSATISFACTORY STATE WITH THE RELEASE OF OBNOXIOUS HYDROGEN SULPHIDE GAS.
AS PART OF AN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, ■MR'E PUMPING STATIONS, AN OXYGEN STORAGE COMPOUND, A CONTROL HOUSE, A TRANSFORMER HOUSE AND ASSOCIATED PIPEWORKS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED NLER THE PRESENT CONTRACT.
THESE WORKS WILL BE BUILT ON LAND ALONG THE SEAWALL AT THE .-STREAM END OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER FOR INJECTING PURE OXYGEN INTO HE wATER TO REDUCE OXYGEN DEPLETION AND TO RAISE THE OXYGEN ITENT ■ THE wATER, THUS PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF THE FOUL - ELL I NG GAS.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE PLANNING DIVISION AND INSTRUCTION WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION DIVISION c ’•£ LI .J ID AND SOLID WASTES SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
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/18 .......
17, 178
- 18 -
URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHAU KEI WAN
* * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 20), A SHORT SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FACTORY STREET AT THE JUNCTION WITH TAI TiK STREET IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORN IN TRAFF IC BULLETINS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
CONTENTS PAGB NO.
CJ STRESSES INFLUENCE OF JUDICIARY .......................... 1
PRISONERS' SCHEME BEING PREPARED - AG ....................... 3
COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS MEETING OPENS....... 4
SHENZHEN OFFICIALS TO VISIT HK............................... 6
INTELPOSP SERVICE TO GUANGZHOU DISCUSSED .................... 6
11 480 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS COMPLETED ....................... 7
BUSY YEAR FOR RENT OFFICERS ................................. 7
TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC OPENS TOMORROW........................... 9
DB MEMBERS TO VISIT RURAL HOUSING ESTATE..................... 10
CLEAN VICTORIA PARK CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY ................... 10
BURSARIES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS .................. 11
WORK TO BOOST WATER SUPPLY .................................. 11
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KWAI CHUNG .......................... 12
YAU TONG ROAD RE-ROUTED...................................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ....................................... 13
WATER CUT.................................................... 13
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1935
CJ STRESSES INFLUENCE OF JUDICIARY * * * *
THE INFLUENCE OF THE JUDICIARY AND THE ATTITUDE OF JUDGES WERE IMPORTANT TO THE USE OF IMPRISONMENT AND ITS ALTERNATIVES AS WELL AS THEIR EFFECT ON PRISON POPULATION, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS, SIR DENYS SAID: +TU COMMON LAW SYSTEM, WHICH IS ONE OF THE STRONGEST LINKS BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES OF THE COMMONWEALTH, IS FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF THAT JUDGES MUST BE INDEPENDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR JUDICIAL TASKS, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OF WHICH IS PASSING SENTENCE.*
BECAUSE A JUDGE WAS INDEPENDENT, NOBODY COULD GIVE HIM INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW HE SHOULD EXERCISE HIS POWER TO SENTENCE, WHICH WAS LEFT, WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, WHOLLY WITHIN HIS DISCRETION, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THERE WERE SOME EXTERNAL INFLUENCES AND PRESSURES WHICH MIGHT AFFECT THEIR MINDS, WHEN THEY APPROACHED THE QUESTION CF SENTENCE, WHICH, AS SIR DENYS DESCRIBED, WAS THE HARDEST ASPECT OF THEIR WORK.
SUCH EXTERNAL INFLUENCES AND PRESSURES ALL URGED HIM IN THE DIRECTION OF SEVERITY, WHICH IN PRACTICAL TERMS, MEANT LONG SENTENCES OF IMPRISONMENT, HE SAID.
ONE OF THESE INFLUENCES WAS HIS MIDDLE-CLASS PERSONAL BACKGROUND, WHICH WAS DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF HIS DEFENDANTS, AND IT WAS THEREFORE NOT EASY FOR HIM TO APPRECIATE FULLY THE MOTIVES AND TEMPERAMENT OF THOSE WHOM HE SENTENCED, SIR DENYS SAID.
IN HIS SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, HIS FRIENDS WITH SIMILAR BACKGROUND AND INTEREST WOULD ALSO GIVE HIM THEIR VIEW OF PREFERRING HEAVY PENALTIES FOR CRIMES WHICH WOULD UNDERMINE THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY HAD PROSPERED, HE ADDED.
♦HOWEVER IMPARTIAL A JUDGE MAY BE, IN RELATION TO AN INDIVIDUAL CASE, HE CANNOT ESCAPE THE INFLUENCE OF PRESS, RADIO AND TELEVISION, AND THE PUBLIC UTTERANCES OF THE MAIN SELF-APPOINTED EXPERTS WHO INSIST ON THE NEED FOR STERN TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS,+ HE SAID.
IN SPITE OF THESE PRESSURES, SIR DENYS SAID, MANY JUDGES MANAGED TO PRESERVE A REMARKABLE DEGREE OF DETACHMENT AND WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO GIVE TO THE OFFENDER THE PROPER DEGREE OF CONSIDERATION FOR THE MORAL CONTENT OF THE OFFENCE AND FOR HIS PERSONAL BACKGROUND.
NEVERTHELESS, A JUDGE COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO REMAIN OBLIVIOUS TO THE DEMAND FOR SEVERITY, WHICH MIGHT IMPEL HIM TO ADD TO THE PRISON POPULATION, WHEN OTHER METHODS MIGHT BE BETTER BOTH FOR SOCIETY AND FOR THE OFFENDER, HE SAID.
/+FOR TH3SE........
MONDAY, MAHCH 18, 1985
2
+FOR THESE REASONS, IT IS NOT EASY FOR A JUDGE TO BE ACTIVE IN PROMOTING THE USE OF ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT, SINCE HE IS LIKELY TO BE SUBJECTED TO STRONG CRITICISM FOR ADOPTING WHAT IS SEEN AS A WEAK CONCESSION TO WOOLLY-MINDED THINKING,* HE SAID.
SIR DENYS SUGGESTED THAT SOCIAL REFORMERS OR PENOLOGISTS, WHO SOUGHT TO ACHIEVE A CHANGE IN THE BALANCE OF PUNISHMENT, WITH IMPRISONMENT BEING USED ONLY AS A GENUINE LAST RESORT, SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON ALTERING THE ATTITUDES OF JUDGES, THOUGH THEY WOULD NOT FIND THIS AN EASY TASK.
ON THE ROLE OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS, HE SAID THEY DID NOT REGARD IT AS THEIR PRIMARY DUTY TO PUNISH AN OFFENDER, SINCE HIS MERE PRESENCE IN THE INSTITUTION WAS ITSELF THE REAL PUNISHMENT, BUT TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT, WHEN HE RETURNED TO SOCIETY, THE PRISONER WOULD MERGE INTO IT SUCCESSFULLY AND WOULD NOT TRANSGRESS ITS RULES AGAIN.
TO MANAGE A MIXTURE OF PRISONERS, A CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR MUST POSSESS MANY QUALITIES, SUCH AS SHOWING COMPLETE IMPARTIALITY BETWEEN ONE PRISONER AND ANOTHER- HAVING AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF PATIENCE- AND HAVING CHARITY, AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE FACT THAT A PRISONER, ALTHOUGH HE HAD OFFENDED SOCIETY, REMAINED AN INDIVIDUAL, ENTITLED TO A MEASURE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND HUMANITY, HE SAID.
+ANYONE WHO BECOMES A CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR HAS CHOSEN A CAREER, WHICH WILL STRETCH HIS MORAL AND PHYSICAL STRENGTH TO ITS LIMITS, AND WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO THE HEALTH AND STABILITY OF SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
SIR DENYS SAID THE CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR HAD TO SERVE TWO AIMS. +ON ONE HAND, HE MUST ENSURE THAT PRISON REMAINS A DETERRENT TO OTHERS, AND AN EXPERIENCE WHICH NO PRISONER WISHES TO REPEAT- ON THE OTHER HAND, HE MUST HELP THE PRISONER TO AVOID BITTERNESS AND HOPELESSNESS, SO THAT HE WILL MAKE A DECENT LIFE FOR HIMSELF ON HIS RELEASE.*
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CONVENOR OF THE MEETING, MR THOMAS GARNER, WHO WILL BE RETIRING SHORTLY FROM THE POST OF COMMISSIONER CF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG, AFTER 13 YEARS IN THIS EXACTING OFFICE AND OVER 37 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE DEPARTMENT.
SINCE MR GARNER JOINED WHAT WAS THEN CALLED THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, IT HAD CHANGED RADICALLY IN NATURE. FROM BEING A SERVICE WHICH WAS INTENDED ONLY TO PROVIDE PRISON ACCOMMODATION, IT HAD BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO ONE WHICH PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENTS AND HAD BECOME, IN THE FULL SENSE, A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION.
+IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, HE HAS PLAYED A LEADING PART IN THE ESTABLISHMENT, OR DEVELOPMENT, OF DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES, DETENTION CENTRES, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS AND IN THE MOVEMENT TO INTRODUCE A LIMITED FORM OF PAROLE,* SIR DENYS SAID.
/+HE HAS .......
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1985
3 -
+HE HAS STRIVEN SUCCESSFULLY TO MAINTAIN, IN ALL INSTITUTIONS UNDER HIS CHARGE, BOTH A HIGH STANDARD OF DISCIPLINE AND EFFICIENCY AND AN ATMOSPHERE OF GENUINE CONCERN FOR THEIR INMATES,+ HE SAID.
+HE HAS DEVELOPED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICE INTO A BODY OF DEVOTED, COMPETENT AND LOYAL OFFICERS, WHO ARE PROUD OF THE SERVICE TO WHICH THEY BELONG,* HE SAID.
+AND HE WILL BE MISSED FOR HIS PERSONAL QUALITIES, OF INVARIABLE COMMON SENSE, OF UNCHANGING GOOD HUMOUR AND OF AN ACUTE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONDUCT AND MOTIVES OF HIS FELLOW IO.+ SIR DENYS SAID.
- - 0 -----------
PRISONERS’ SCHEME BEING PREPARED - AG *****
A PILOT SCHEME FOR EARLY RELEASE OF PRISONERS UNDER SUPERVISION IS NOW IN THE COURSE OF PREPARATION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+THIS WILL ENABLE PRISONERS APPROVED BY AN INDEPENDENT BOARD TO BE SENT HOME OR INTO HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION TO COMPLETE THE LAST PART OF THEIR SENTENCES,+ MR THOMAS SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS CONFERENCE.
LAST YEAR, MR THOMAS SAID, A BILL ENABLING COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS TO BE MADE HAD BEEN ENACTED FOLLOWING A STUDY BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION OF SIMILAR SCHEMES IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
+THESE ARE MEASURES THAT WILL, I HOPE, ASSIST HONG KONG TO KEEP UP WITH DEVELOPMENTS ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD IN ITS TREATMENT CF OFFENDERS,* HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF PENOLOGY AND PENAL ADMINISTRATION WERE IMPRESSIVE, ALTHOUGH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, WITH A POPULATION CURRENTLY OF EIGHT THOUSAND PRISONERS, WAS ONE OF HONG KONG’S LESSER KNOWN ACHIEVEMENTS.
♦IT IS A TRIBUTE TO PAST ADMINISTRATIONS AND ADMINISTRATORS THAT DURING TIMES WHEN HONG KONG HAD DEVELOP SO RAPIDLY TO HOUSE, EDUCATE AND EMPLOY THE WAVES OF IMMIGRANTS WHO CROWDED INTO HONG KONG IN THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES, SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES WERE NONETHELESS ALLOCATED AT THE SAME TIME TO HOUSE, EDUCATE AND EMPLOY THOSE IMPRISONED FOR BREAKING THE LAWS,* HE SAID.
/MR THOMAS .......
r. 18. 198?
- 4 -
MR THOMAS SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE HIGH MORALE OF THE PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS, THE MODERN STANDARDS OF CELLS AND WASHING ACCOMMODATION, AND THE STRIKING RANGE OF WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR PR ISONERS.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK WHICH THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, HAD UNDERTAKEN FOR THE DETENTION AND SUPERVISION OF MORE THAN 5 OOO VIETNAMESE IMMIGRANTS IN CLOSED CAMPS.
♦THE PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENT OF THE MEN AND WOMEN OF HIS STAFF IS WORK WELL DONE EVEN IF THEIR PRAISES ARE RARELY SUNG,* HE SAID.
♦THESE UNFORTUNATE VIETNAMESE PEOPLE HAVE ASPIRATIONS FOR RESETTLEMENT THAT ARE VERY DIFFICULT FOR GOVERNMENTS TO SATISFY HERE. IN COMPETITION WITH THE SPLIT CHINESE FAMILIES SEPARATED BY THE GUANGDONG BORDER OR ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD, IN COMPETITION WITH THE RANKS OF THE UNEMPLOYED AND OTHER IMMIGRANTS,* MR THOMAS SAID.
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COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS MEETING OPENS
* M * * *
THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, SAID THAT THIS MEETING WAS THE FIRST CF ITS KIND FOR THE MOST SENIOR ADMINISTRATORS IN CHARGE OF PRISONS AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WITHIN THE COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS COMING TOGETHER TO DISCUSS VARIOUS MATTERS RELATING TO PRISON ADMINISTRATION AND THE OTHER AREAS IN WHICH THEY WORKED.
HE SAID THE MEETING WAS ALSO THE LARGEST EVER OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS ON A WORLD-WIDE BASIS COMMONWEALTH OR OTHERWISE OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONGRESS WHICH TOOK PLACE EVERY FIVE YEARS.
HE THANKED THE PARTICIPANTS FOR CHOOSING HONG KONG TO HOST THIS FIRST MEETING FROM MARCH 18 TO 22.
MR GARNER IS THE CONVENOR OF THE MEETING, AND ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM, THE SECRETARY? THE DIRECTOR OF THE LEGAL DIVISION, COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, MR JEREMY POPE, THE CO-SECRETARY; PROFESSOR WILLIAM CLIFFORD, FORMERLY THE DIRECTOR OF THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY, IS THE CONSULTANT AND RAPPORTEUR.
/THE MEETING........
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
- 5 -
THE MEETING IS BEING ATTENDED BY OVER 60 DELEGATES FROM 28 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT, THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY AND THE UNITED NATIONS ASIA AND FAR EAST INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS (UNAFEI).
MR GARNER EXTENDED A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE UNAFEI MR HINO AND HIS ASSOCIATES. THIS INSTITUTE HAS PLAYED A MAJOR TRAINING ROLE IN THIS SPECIALISED FIELD IN ASIA AND THE FAR EAST OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS AND MORE RECENTLY WORLD-WIDE. IT HAS HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN A LARGE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES.
HE ALSO THANKED MR JEREMY POPE AND MEMBERS OF THE STAFF OF THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE TO PUT THIS FETING TOGETHER.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DELEGATES BEGIN THEIR WORKING SESSIONS AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS’ CLUB IN STANLEY. TOPICS OF THE AGENDA INCLUDE TRANSFER OF CONVICTED PRISONERS BETWEEN THE COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES? THE USE OF IMPRISONMENT FOLLOWING RECENT TRENDS IN CRIME IN THE COMMONWEALTH; ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE PENAL POPULATION; TRAINING OF CORRECTIONAL STAFF TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS; AND THE MANAGEMENT OF CRISES IN PRISONS.
DELEGATES WILL ALSO VISIT VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING A MAXIMUM AND A MEDIUM SECURITY PRISONS, A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE, A TRAINING CENTRE FOR GIRLS AND A DETENTION CENTRE FOR YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE MEETING, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PUT UP AN EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE FORMALLY OPENED THIS AFTERNOON SHOWING THE SCOPE AND EXTENT OF ITS ACTIVITIES.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION, HELD IN THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT THE END OF TUNG TAU WAN ROAD IN STANLEY, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY). ADMISSION IS FREE.
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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
6
SHENZHEN OFFICIALS TO VISIT HK * * * M
A DELEGATION OF SHENZHEN OFFICIALS, LED BY THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, WILL VISIT HONG KONG AT THE INVITATION OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER FROM MARCH 19 TO 23.
THE PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS TO REVIEW PROGRESS MADE IN THE HONG KONG SHENZHEN JOINT EXPERT WORKING GROUPS WHICH WERE SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AGREEMENT SIGNED IN APRIL 1982.
THE REVIEW MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 20 AND IS THE LATEST IN A REGULAR SERIES OF SUCH MEETINGS.
IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING THE REVIEW MEETING, THE SHENZHEN DELEGATION WILL BE VISITING PLACES OF INTEREST IN HONG KONG.
INTELPOST SERVICE TO GUANGZHOU DISCUSSED * * * *
THE FEASIBILITY OF INTRODUCING AN INTELPOST SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU WAS DISCUSSED AT MEETINGS BETWEEN A DELEGATION OF POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATION OFFICIALS FROM GUANGZHOU AND HONG KONG POST OFFICE OFFICIALS.
THE EIGHT-MEMBER DELEGATION, HEADED BY THE DEPUTY POSTMASTER OF GUANGZHOU POST OFFICE, MR ZHANG QUAN-BANG, VISITED HONG KONG BETWEEN MARCH 8 AND 14.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN MOST FRUITFUL AND INTERESTING.
HE SAID THAT THE DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE AND GUANGZHOU POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY WERE PART OF AN ONGOING DIALOGUE THAT HAD EXISTED BETWEEN THESE TWO ADMINISTRATIONS OVER THE PAST NINE YEARS.
DURING THEIR WEEK-LONG VISIT, THE GUANGZHOU DELEGATION STUDIED THE SOPHISTICATED POSTAL MECHANISATION FACILITIES AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE AND AIRMAIL CENTRE.
+WE HAVE BROUGHT A TEAM OF ENGINEERS AND POSTAL EXPERTS ON THIS VISIT. WE ARE GENERALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE EFFICIENT POSTAL SYSTEM ADOPTED IN HONG KONG AND FEEL THAT THERE IS AN EVEN GREATER SCOPE OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND GUANGZHOU POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE,+ SAID MR ZHANG QUAN-BANG.
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
7
11 A80 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS COMPLETED
* * X
ANOTHER BATCH OF 11 480 FLATS HAVE JUST BEEN COMPLETED AT FIVE PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ESTATES PROVIDING HOMES FOR ABOUT 50 000 PEOPLE.
TENANTS ARE SIGNING UP FOR THE NEW FLATS ON 12 MODERN BLOCKS IN THE ESTATES OF MEI LAM AND POK HONG IN SHA TIN, KWONG FUK IN TAI PO, LOK WAH IN NGAU TAU KOK AND SHEK LEI EXTENSION IN TSUEN WAN.
IN MEI LAM ESTATE, 1 224 FLATS ON A 35-STOREY TRIDENT BLOCK ARE COMPLETED UNDER ITS SECOND PHASE, WHILE AT POK HONG ESTATE 778 MORE FLATS ARE AVAILABLE FOR LETTING.
AT KWONG FUK ESTATE, THE LAST THREE BLOCKS ARE NOW READY FOR OCCUPATION, MARKING THE FULL COMPLETION OF ALL ITS THREE PHASES.
IT IS THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT BUILT BY SEMI-MECHANISED METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION.
ALSO COMPLETED UNDER ITS THIRD PHASE ARE VARIOUS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDING A FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, A ROLLER-SKATING GROUND, A VOLLEY-BALL PITCH AND BADMINTON GROUNDS.
WITH ALTOGETHER EIGHT DOMESTIC BLOCKS PLUS SOCIAL AND OTHER FACILITIES, KWONG FUK IS BECOMING A SELF-CONTAINED ENTITY FOR ABOUT 30 000 PEOPLE WHEN FULLY OCCUPIED.
IN LOK WAH ESTATE AND SHEK LEI EXTENSION, INTAKE IS PROGRESSING FOR THE 7 149 FLATS NEWLY COMPLETED ON SEVEN BLOCKS.
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BUSY YEAR FOR RENT OFFICERS * * * *
RENT OFFICERS OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HANDLED 33 700 INQUIRIES ON LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS LAST YEAR.
RECOVERING POSSESSION OF LETTED PREMISES, RENTS AND PERMITTED INCREASES, TENANCY AGREEMENTS AND DISPUTES WERE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN EXPRESSED BY PEOPLE SEEKING FREE ADVISORY AND MEDIATORY SERVICES FROM RENT OFFICERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE SAID THAT RENT OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAY TO DAY WORK STEMMING FROM THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE AND OTHER LEGISLATION AFFECTING LANDLORD AND TENANT RELATIONSHIPS.
/♦THEY ARE .......
MONDAY, MAHCH 18, 1985
- 8 -
♦TH^Y ARE READY TO ADVISE LANDLORDS AND TENANTS THE PROVISIONS CF THE LEGISLATION AND TO ASSIST THEM IN RESOLVING PROBLEMS CONCERNING TENANCY MATTERS,+ HE SAID.
RENT OFFICERS ALSO OFFERED MEDIATION SERVICES IN DISPUTES BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS TO TRY TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS WITHOUT HAVING TO RESORT TO FORMAL PROCEDURES OR LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT RENT OFFICERS COULD NOT EXPRESS OPINIONS ON LEGAL MATTERS AND IN CASES OF DOUBT IT MIGHT BE NECESSARY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SEEK EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE.
RENT OFFICERS ALSO DEALT WITH APPLICATIONS AND ISSUED CERTIFICATES UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
LAST YEAR, THEY HANDLED 27 900 CERTIFICATES OF RENT INCREASE, 13 600 NOTICES OF NEW LETTING OR RENEWAL AGREEMENT, 5 400 NOTICE CF ALTERATION IN RENT BY AGREEMENT, 1 100 REVIEW OF CERTIFICATES CF RENT INCREASE AND 200 CERTIFICATES OF PRIMARY USERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME, WHICH STARTED IN APRIL 1978 AT FOUR CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS, HAD EXPANDED TO COVER 12 DISTRICT OFFICES AT PRESENT.
RENT OFFICERS ATTENDED THE FOLLOWING DISTRICT OFFICES AT SET TIMES EACH WEEK TO HANDLE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES ON LANDLORD AND TENANT MATTERS:-
HONG KONG: CENTRAL AND WESTERN (TUESDAY AFTERNOON);
WAN CHAI (THURSDAY MORNING);
EASTERN (THURSDAY AFTERNOON);
SOUTHERN (TUESDAY MORNING);
KOWLOON: YAU MA TEI (TUESDAY AFTERNOON);
MONG KOK (TUESDAY MORNING);
SHAM SHU I PO (WEDNESDAY WHOLE DAY);
HUNG HOM (THURSDAY MORNING);
WONG TAI SIN (FRIDAY MORNING);
KWUN TONG (FRIDAY AFTERNOON);
NEW TERRITORIES: KWAI CHUNG (THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH);
TSUEN WAN (FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH).
/♦MEMBERS OF........
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO SEE THE RENT OFFICER AT ONE OF THESE DISTRICT OFFICES SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM DIRECT OR WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RENT OFFICERS COULD ALSO BE CONTACTED DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE RENT CONTROL DIVISION OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, 17TH FLOOR, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONE 5-7957888.
♦THE RENT OFFICER RESPONSIBLE WILL BE GLAD TO ASSIST YOU AND ANSWER YOUR ENQUIRIES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC OPENS TOMORROW
*****
MORE AND BETTER MEDICAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR TUEN MJN RESIDENTS WHEN THE NEW TUEN MUN POLYCLINIC OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE NEW SEVEN-STOREY CLINIC, SITUATED NEXT TO THE YAN Ol POLYCLINIC, PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALIST SERVICE.
THE EYE CLINIC, WHICH IS NOW OPERATING IN YAN Ol POLYCLINIC, BEGINS ITS SERVICE TOMORROW IN THE NEW BUILDING.
HOWEVER, THE GENERAL CLINIC WILL NOT COMMENCE OPERATION UNTIL A DAY LATER. IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY MORNING. THE SURGICAL UNIT WILL BE OPEN EVERY WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY AFTERNOON.
THE SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINIC, WHICH IS NOW OPERATING IN THE YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, WILL ALSO MOVE TO THE NEW CLINIC ON MARCH 22, AND WILL BE OPEN EVERY FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
OTHER SPECIALIST SERVICES OFFERED BY THE NEW CLINIC INCLUDE ENT (EAR, NOSE AND THROAT), OBSTETRIC AND GYNAECOLOGY, PAEDIATRICS, GERIATRICS, ORTHOPAEDIC, A PSYCHIATRIC OUT-PATIENT AND DAY CENTRE AND A RENAL DIALYSIS CENTRE. THE OPENING DATE FOR THESE SERVICES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
- 0 - -
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
10 -
DB MEMBERS TO VISIT RURAL HOUSING ESTATE * * * X
YUEN LONG AND SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT TUI MIN HOI RURAL HOUSING ESTATE IN SAI KUNG TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ASSEMBLE AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAMBERS ARRIVE AT 9 AM AND ARRIVE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SAI GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN SAI KUNG TOWN AT 10.30 AM.
KUNG
AFTER EXCHANGING VIEWS, MEMBERS OF THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS WILL PROCEED TO THE HOUSING ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE FOR SAI KUNG AT 9.10 AM OUTSIDE THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAMBERS, AT 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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CLEAN VICTORIA PARK CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY * * *
A CLEAN VICTORIA PARK CAMPAIGN REMINDING VISITORS TO THE PARK NOT TO FOUL THE PLACE WITH LITTER OR OTHER FORMS OF RUBBISH, GETS OFF THE GROUND TODAY (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE TWO-WEEK CAMPAIGN AIMS AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS TO KEEPING THE PARK CLEAN WHILST ENJOYING THE GREENERY OF THE PARK OR MAKING USE OF THE VARIOUS RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES THERE.
DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE CAMPAIGN, COLOURFUL PAMPHLETS CONTAINING THE MESSAGE OF KEEPING VICTORIA PARK CLEAN TOGETHER WITH OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION INCLUDING A LAYOUT PLAN OF THE PARK, OPENING HOURS AND CHARGES FOR VARIOUS SPORTS FACILITIES, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC.
STARTING FROM THE SECOND WEEK, SUMMONSES WILL BE SERVED ON ANYONE WHO IS FOUND LITTERING INSIDE THE PARK.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AN AVERAGE OF NINE TONNES OF RUBBISH ARE COLLECTED IN THE PARK EVERY WEEKEND. AND A RECORD OF MORE THAN 23 TONNES OF RUBBISH WERE CLEARED UP ON THE FOLLOWING DAY OF THE LAST MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
+WE HOPE THAT THE CAMPAIGN WILL DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP THE PARK CLEAN NOT ONLY DURING THE NEXT TWO WEEKS BUT ALSO IN FUTURE WHENEVER THEY VISIT THE PLACE,* HE SAID.
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/11 ........
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1935
11
BURSARIES FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS * * *
TWENTY-SIX STUDENTS FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAVE BEEN AWARDED BURSARIES TOTALLING $52 OOO BY THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC HOLDINGS LIMITED.
THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HELD A BURSARIES PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY), IN WHICH 13 STUDENTS STUDYING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION RECEIVED BURSARIES OF $2 000 EACH.
ANOTHER 13 RECIPIENTS STUDYING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND MARINE FABRICATION AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC BURSARIES OF THE SAME AMOUNT ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 20).
THESE STUDENTS ARE ALL FROM NEEDY FAMILIES AND HAVE GOOD ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES.
THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD THIS AFTERNOON WAS OFFICIATED BY MR M.C. LAU, PRINCIPAL OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTt. REPRESENTING THE BURSARIES DONOR WAS MR W. HUDDLESTON, GROUP SAFETY, TRAINING AND SECURITY MANAGER, HONG KONG ELECTRIC HOLDINGS LIMITED.
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WORK TO BOOST WATER SUPPLY * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR LAYING ABOUT 4 000 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND PING CHE ROAD IN FANLING.
THESE WATER MAINS, RANGING IN DIAMETER FROM 150 MILLIMETRES TO 800 MILLIMETRES, FORM PART OF A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM BETWEEN LUEN WO MARKET AND SHA TAU KOK.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1935
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KWAI CHUNG * * *
THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT .v ILL INSTALL 66 TWO-HOUR PARKING ^TERS FOR PRIVATE CARS AT SHEK PUI STREET AND THE TwO CAR PARKS OFF TAI LOONG STREET IN KwAI CHUNG ON THURSDAY (MARCH 21).
PARKING FEES WILL EE El FOR 30 MINUTES.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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YAU TONG ROAD RE-ROUTED X X X
YAU TONG ROAD BETWEEN YAN WING STREET AND CHA KWO LING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FROM !□ AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 21) FOR ROAD WORKS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- 0 ----------
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 1985
- 13 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURES
* * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 63.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 370.462 MILLION CUBIC NE TRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 453.587 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 77.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN AP LEI CHAU AND SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 20) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN KOWLOON TONG, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY BEACON HILL ROAD, EDE ROAD, BROADCAST DRIVE, WATERLOO ROAD, AND RHONDDa ROAD, INCLUDING MARCONI ROAD, FESSENDEN ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD AND ALNWICK ROAD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS TO OPEN LARGEST HOS PROJECT ................................... 1
QUOTA REVIEW IS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE - HO ........................ 1
URBCO TO STEP UP RELATIONSHIPS WITH DB'S ......................... 2
JOINT FORUM TO ASSESS OFFENDERS' NEEDS ........................... 3
HK COMPARES WELL IN LABOUR MATTERS ............................... 5
ORCHESTRA GAINS WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION ............................ 6
LATEST REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE SURVEY OUT ......................... 7
NEW LAB HOLDS FIRST MEETING ...................................... 7
120 HOS FLATS TO BE SOLD EQUALLY ............................... 8
JOINT RECITAL TO MARK YOUTH YEAR ................................. 9
EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND ....................... 10
ROAD CLOSURES ................................................... 10
CLEARWAY HOURS TO BE REVISED .................................... 11
IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR POLICE STATIONS ..............•........- 12
taps off in wan chai ............................................ 12
PARCH 19, 1965
1
CS TO OPEN LARGEST HOS PROJECT * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL ON THURSDAY (MARCH 21) OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF SIU HONG COURT IN TUEN MUN, THE LARGEST HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECT EVER DEVELOPED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM, DURING WHICH SIR PHILIP WILL ALSO PRESENT A SOUVENIR TO THE 40 OOOTH HOS FLAT OWNER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. A COACH (CZ 4759) TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO SIU HONG COURT WILL DEPART FROM THE OPEN AIR CARPARK NEXT TO SILVERCORD TOWER ON CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9.30 AM SHARP ON THURSDAY.
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QUOTA REVIEW IS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE - HO * K- * *
THF CURRENT TEXTILES QUOTA REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE REGARDED AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO THE RAPIDLY GROWING PROTECTIONISM IN THE U.S., THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
+THE CONSULTATIVE PAF R ISSUED BY ’JE TRADE DEnARTMENT LAST DECEMBER ATTRACTED A DIVERSITY OF COMMENTS FROM MANY PEOPLE IN THE TRADE,+ MR HO TOLD THE ANNUAL SPRINb DINNER OF THE FEDERATION CF HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS.
+TRE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO HANDLE THIS MATTER WITH EXTREME CARE AND THE FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS WILL REFLECT THE OVERRIDING INTEREST OF OUR EXPORT TRADE,+ MR HO SAID.
MR HO ALSO SAID THAT WHILE DEMAND FROM THE EUROPEAN MARKET FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS WOULD PROBABLE CONTINUE TO BE SOFT THIS 'iCAR IN VIEW OF THE STRONG LOCAL DOL’.AR, OUR TRADE WITH CHINA WAS FORECAST TO MAINTAIN ITS PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN 1985.
♦ALTHOUGH GROWTH OF THE U.S. MARKET WOULD PROBABLY SLOW DOWN IN 1^85, MOST ECONOMISTS ARE SAYING THAT THERE WOULD BE A RESPECTABLE REAL GROWTH OF THREE TO FOUR PER CENT. HONG KONG WILL THUS CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM THIS GROWTH,+ HE SAID.
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/2.......
Vj, '<3&5
URBCO TO STEP UP RELATIONSHIPS WITH DB’S * * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO PURSUE AN EVEN MORE ACTIVE DIALOGUE WITH ALL 10 URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS NOW THAT THEY ARE TO HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTED CHAIRMEN.
BOTH OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL CONTACTS WILL BE STEPPED UP TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNCILS HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIPS ARE MAINTAINED WITH DISTRICT BOARDS AS A WHOLE, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS INDIVIDUALS.
THIS FIRM POLICY LINE WAS AGREED AT TODAY’S MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE Of THE WHOLE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE MEETING UNANIMOUSLY RATIFIED A RECOMMENDATION TO HOLD EARLY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE NEWLY ELECTED URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS T0 ESTABLISH IF AND HOW COUNCIL SERVICES TO THE DISTRICTS MIGHT BE IMPROVED.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS MADE TO TODAY’S MEETING BY THE COUNCIL’S WORKING PARTY ON FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION, CHAIRED BY DR KIM CHAM.
♦COUNCILLORS TODAY EXPRESSED A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS ON THE ONGOING EVOLUTION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND THE COUNCIL’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS,* SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN.
♦NOW THAT DISTRICT BOARDS WILL HAVE THEIR OWN CHAIRMEN TO REPLACE THE FORMER GOVERNMENT CHAIRMEN, THE COUNCIL IS MORE ANXIOUS THAN EVER TO WORK IN AS MUCH AS IT CAN WITH THu DISTRICT BOARDS W>TH THE COMMON AIM OF IMPROVING DISTRICT SERVICES AND PROVIDING A BETTER LIFESTYLE FOR ALL.*
- - 0 - -
TOESLAY, MARCH 19, 1985
JOINT FORUM TO ASSESS OFFENDERS* NEEDS
******
ONE AREA IN THE FIELD OF SERVICES FOR OFFENDERS THAI DESERVEo ~ 'SER SCRUTINY IS THE SCOPE F R CLOSER CO-OPERATION AMONG VARIOUS ERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVE , THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL a-LFARE (OPERATIONS), MRS EVELYN DOE, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SNEAKING AT A LIONS CLUE LUNCHEON MEETING, SHE SAID AT PRESENT A PRESIDING JUDGE MIGHT CALL FOR REPORTS ON AN OFFENDER FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES.
THERE MIGHT BE MERIT IN ESTABLISHING A FORUM WHICH WOULD BRING TOGETHER THE SKILLS OF SOCIAL WORKERS, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS, CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PEOPLE FROM OTHER PROFESSIONS TO JOINTLY ASSESS THE NEEDS OF AN OFFENDER, SHE SAID.
♦THIS WOULD NOT ONLY AVOID DUPLCATION OF EFFORT BUT ■IRE IMPORTANTLY, THE PRESIDING JUDGE COUI D BE ASSURED OF RECEIVING ■'HE BEST ADVICE POSSIBLE ON THE BASIS OF WHICH HE CAU DECII.' ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE TREATMENT,* SHE ADDED.
MRS DOE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS, IN THE FIELD OF SERVICES TOR OFFENDERS AS IN OTHER WELFARE FIELDS, THERE HAD BLEN A SHIFT IN EMPHASIS FROM RESIDENTIAL CARE AND TRAINING TO MORE +C MMUN TY-BASED+ TREATMENT PROGRAMMES.
SEVERAL COUNTRIES HAD SUCCESSFULLY INTRODUCED A COMM' ’ ’ SERVICE ORDERS SCHEME AS A "URTHER OPTION TO CUSTODIAL SEN L‘ rS, she said.
in HONG KONG, THE COMMUNITY SER -ICE ORDERS ORDINANCE WAo ENACTED LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY LEGAL FRAMEWORK .TO.< TOH A SCHEME TO BE STARTED HERE, FOLLOWING A PILOT PROJECT OF IMITED DURATION.
MRS DOE SAID THAT BEFORE SU! H A PILOT SCHEME COULD BE LAUNChtu, : >T WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO SEND FICER ABROAD TO STUDY THE MODUS OPERAND! ASSESS THE RESOURC: .-'•PLICATIONS AND DECIDE HO* IT COULD BEST BE APPLIED TO MEET OUR NEEDS.
+WE HOPE TO EE IM A POSITION TO DO THIS AS SOON AS RESOURCES PERMIT,* SHE SAID.
ON THE DEPARTMENT’S USE OF VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST IN THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDER V, MRS DOE SAID THA i SINCE THE । T 10 < iF THE SCHEME IN 1978. MORE T.-’l, _7 VOLUNTEERS HAD PARTICIPATED.
/♦THIS IHVOU-AJ-".
1
TV" -w - 10, 1985
4
+ THIS INVOLVEMENT HAS PROVED TO BE HIGHLY SATISFYING TO BOTH 1HE VOLUNTEERS AND THE PROBATIONERS,* SHE SAID.
COMMENTING ON CRITICISM OF THE SOCIAL WORK APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS AS TOO SOFT AND LENIENT, MRS DOE SAID THERE WOULD PROBABLY NEVER BE A UNANIMITY OF VIEW ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE TREATMENT.
BUT SHE SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WORK APPROACH +IS BY NO MEANS A SOFT OPTION.+ +THE PROBATIONER,* SEE SAID, +IS STILL SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION AND AUTHORITY, HIS LIBERTY IS CURTAILED AND HE KNOWS THAT IF HE BREACHES HIS PROBATION ORDER, HE IS LIABLE TO MORE SEVERE PUNISHMENT.*
MRS DOE NOTED THAT STATISTICS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS INDICATED THAT THE COURTS TENDED TO MAKE WIDER USE OF THE PROBATION SERVICE.
’ IN 1981/82, THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED 8 310 SOCIAL ENQUIRY
REPORTS ON OFFENDERS, THERE WERE 3 245 PROBATIONERS UNDER SUPERVISION AND 2 231 NEW PROBATION CASES. IN 1984/85, THESE FIGURES HAD INCREASED TO 8 788, 3 468 AND 2 681 RESPECTIVELY.
+THIS UPWARD TREND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE,* SHE SAID.
MRS DOE SAID THAT THE FIVE RESIDENTIAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD COME UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE IN RECENT YEARS.
TO COPE WITH DEMAND, A NEW BOYS' HOME WAS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION LAST NOVEMBER FOR 60 PROBATIONERS UNDER 14.
+THIS PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED RELIEF,* SHE SAID, +T0 THE CONGESTED TRAINING SECTION OF OUR BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME AND ALLOWS US TO SEPARATE YOUNGER BOYS FROM OLDER ONES FOR THE PLR-’OSE CF MORE EFFECTIVE TRAINING
*OUR REMAND CAPACITY HAS PROVED TO BE PARTICULARLY INADEQUATE IN RECENT YEARS,* SHE SAID. +MAKE-SHIFT ARRANGEMENTS ARE HARDi.Y SATISFACTORY.*
TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE RELIEF, THE DEPARTMENT WAS REPOSSESSING THE OLD MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME PREMISES TO OPERATE A TEMPORARY REMAND HOME FOR 36 GIRLS AND 24 BOYS.
+THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY OCTOBER THIS YEAR,* ffiS DOE SAID.
IN THE LONGER TERM, THERE WERE PLANS TO BUILD ANOTHER GIRLS’ HOME OF 120 PLACES IN TUEN MUN AND TO REPROVISION THE CASTLE PEAK BOYS’ HOME AND BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME IN TUEN MUN AND THE PLANNED JUNK BAY NEW TOWN RESPECTIVELY.
0 -
/5
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
5
HK COMPARES WELL IN LABOUR MATTERS
* * * M
OUR COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS IN LABOUR MATTERS WAS ONE OF THE BEST POSSIBLE DEFENCES IN THE FACE OF INCREASING PROTECTIONISM AND ALLEGATIONS OF UNFAIR COMPETITION, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
+AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING FRATERNITY, HONG KONG HAS TO LIVE UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHER MEMBERS IN THE AREA OF LABOUR LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF PENINSULA, MR CHEN SAID HONG KONG COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH ITS NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES IN THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD UP TO NOW APPLIED 49 CONVENTIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, 30 IN FULL AND 19 WITH MODIFICATIONS- JAPAN HAD APPLIED 37 AND SINGAPORE 21, WHILE TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREA WERE NOT MEMBERS OF THE ILO.
+ALTHOUGH SIMPLE NUMERICAL COMPARISON IS BY ITSELF PERHAPS NOT SIGNIFICANT, WE CAN NEVERTHELESS ASSURE OUR TRADING PARTNERS THAT OUR EFFORTS IN RECENT YEARS ARE WELL IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY,* MR CHEN SAID.
THE POLICY, STATED BY THE FORMER GOVERNOR AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1976, WAS THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ACHIEVE A LEVEL OF LABOUR LEGISLATION GOVERNING SAFETY AND HEALTH IN WORK AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AT LEAST BROADLY EQUIVALENT TO THE BEST IN OUR NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WHOSE STAGES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS WERE SIMILAR TO OUR OWN, HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY SINCE THIS POLICY WAS STATED AND, AS MIGHT BE SEEN BY THE COMPARISON ON THE APPLICATION OF ILO CONVENTIONS WITH OUR NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, WE WERE APPROACHING THE TARGET THAT WE HAD SET FOR OURSELVES.
ON LABOUR MATTERS, HONG KONG HAD ALSO APPLIED THE RELEVANT ARTICLES OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, HE SAID. THESE COVENANTS AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG WILL REMAIN IN FORCE AFTER 1997, AS STATED IN SECTION XIII CF ANNEX 1 OF THE SINO-BRITISH DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
THESE INCLUDED THE RIGHT TO WORK, THE RIGHT TO THE ENJOYMENT CF JUST AND FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS OF WORK, THE RIGHT TO FORM AND JOIN TRADE UNIONS, AND THE PROTECTION OF WORKING MOTHERS, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PROVIDED VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE TO YOUNG PEOPLE, HELPED JOB-SEEKERS OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AND ENFORCED THE VARIOUS LEGISLATION WHICH PROTECTED WORKERS, SUCH AS THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE, MR CHEN SAID.
o /6.......
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1935
6
ORCHESTRA GAINS WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION
XXX
THE hong KONG philharmonic orchestra has gained worldwide RECOGNITION AS A PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA AND HAS SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING THE SOUND OF MUSIC TO VIRTUALLY EVERY CORNER OF THE TERRITORY, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUCNIL MR GERALD FORSGATE SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT AN URBAN COUNCIL RECEPTION TO MARK THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORCHESTRA, MR FORSGATE SAID THAT WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF ITS POP AND COMMUNITY CONCERTS, THE PHILHARMONIC IS NOW PLAYING FOR LARGER AND MORE APPRECIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASTIC AUDI ENCES.
+THE 1933-84 SEASON SAW AN INCREASE OF ALMOST 300 PER CENT IN THE PHILHARMONIC’S AUDIENCE OVER THE PREVIOUS SEASON,* HE NOTED, ADDING THAT SOME 231 000 PEOPLE ATTENDED LAST SEASON’S CONCERTS AND THAT INCOME FROM TICKET SALES ALSO DOUBLED THAT OF THE PREVIOUS SEASON.
NOTING THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS REMAINED THE PHILHARMONIC'S CHIEF SPONSOR SINCE ITS DEBUT AS HONG KONG’S FIRST PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRA, MR FORSGATE HOPED THAT THE COUNCIL AND THE ORCHESTRA WILL CONTINUE TO SHARE CLOSER AND STRONGER RELATIONS AND WILL JOIN HANDS IN BRINGING PRIDE AND JOY TO THE LOCAL POPULATION.
HE IS CONFIDENT THE ORCHESTRA WILL BRING MUSIC TO AN EVER-GROWING CIRCLE OF ENTHUSIASTS AS PLANS ARE UNDERWAY TO EXPAND THE COMMUNITY CONCERT PROGRAMME.
+ SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE PAID TO STUDENTS,* HE SAID. +IT IS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT SOME 17 000 STUDENTS ATTENDED THE FREE PHILHARMONIC SCHOOL CONCERTS DURING THE LAST SEASON.*
MR FORSGATE ALSO PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA FOR +TAKING ON THE NOBLE CAUSE OF PASSING ON THEIR MUSICAL SKILLS AND TALENTS TO OUR YOUNG BUDDING MUSICIANS*.
+THEY HAVE GENEROUSLY DEVOTED THEIR LEISURE TIME TO TEACHING AT THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THUS PLAYING A VALUABLE ROLE IN THE TRAINING OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG MUSICIANS,* HE SAID.
0 -------
/? .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
7
LATEST REPORT ON LABOUR FORCE SURVEY OUT * * * *
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR OCTOBER -DECEMBER 1984 IS NOW AVAILABLE.
IT CONTAINS STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER.
IT ALSO PROVIDES A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT OF THE UNEMPLOYED.
THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AT $7 PER COPY.
------o-------
NEW LAB HOLDS FIRST MEETING * X * *
MEMBERS OF THE NEWLY-APPOINTED LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HELD THEIR FIRST MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS SEVERAL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO EXISTING LABOUR LEGISLATION.
THE PROPOSALS INCLUDED AN AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR A LONG SERVICE GRATUITY TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WITH THE REQUIRED QUALIFYING LENGTH OF SERVICE WHOSE CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT WERE TERMINATED FOR REASONS OTHER THAN RESIGNATION OR DISMISSAL FOR CAUSE.
DISMISSALS BY REASON OF REDUNDANCY WERE COVERED BY SEPARATE PROVISIONS ON SEVERANCE PAY.
THE BOARD WAS SYMPATHETIC TO THE IDEA OF THE LONG SERVICE GRATUITY SCHEME, BUT ADVISED THAT IT SHOULD BE DEFERRED FOR DISCUSSION IN THE NEXT MEETING SO AS TO ALLOW MEMBERS MORE TIME TO STUDY THE SCHEME.
THE BOARD ALSO DISCUSSED PROPOSALS TO MAKE MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (FIRE PRECAUTIONS IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES) REGULATIONS TO REMOVE SOME AMBIGUITIES IN THE WORDING OF EXISTING REGULATIONS.
A PAPER ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WAS ALSO TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
/These amendments .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
- 8
THESE AMENDMENTS AIMED AT STATING MORE CLEARLY THE INTENTION CF THE LAW REGARDING THE PRINCIPLES FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO EMPLOYEES INJURED AT WORK, I.E. THE PHYSICAL LOSS OF A PART OF THE BODY, THE LOSS OF THE FUNCTION CF A PART OF THE BODY, AND THE LOSS OF PHYSICAL OR MENTAL FACULTY SHOULD BE COMPENSATED.
THE BOARD REVIEWED PROGRESS OF SEVERAL PIECES OF PROPOSED LABOUR LEGISLATION AND THE WORK OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF LABOUR STANDARDS.
THE BOARD ALSO REVIEWED THE COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AND ADVISED THAT THE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CHAIRED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER AND THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO EMPOWER THE COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON EMPLOYMENT MATTERS IN HONG KONG IN GENERAL AND ON THE VARIOUS EMPLOYMENT SERVICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN PARTICULAR.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, NR RON BRIDGE, AND WAS ATTENDED BY FIVE EMPLOYERS’ AND SIX EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES.
- - 0 --------
4 120 HOS FLATS TO BE SOLD EQUALLY * * * *
THE 4 120 FLATS AT FOUR PRIVATE SECTOR PART IC I PAT ION SCHEME PROJECTS NOW BEING OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WILL BE SOLD TO GREEN FORM AND WHITc. FORM APPLICANTS AT A RATIO OF 50 : 50, AS IN PREVIOUS SALES EXERCISES.
HOWEVER 75 PER CENT OF THE 2 600 FLATS AT HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHI WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN WOULD BE SOLD TO GREEN FORM APPLICANTS.
♦ THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE BETTER-OFF PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS TO PURCHASE FLATS AT MORE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS AND TO MOVE OUT OF THEIR LOW-RENT UNITS, THUS MAKING WAY FOR FAMILIES IN GREATER NEED OF SUBSIDISED HOMES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY
SAID TODAY.
UNDER THIS ARRANGEMENT, A MAXIMUM OF 1 950 FLATS AT HOLFORD GARDENS, SUN LAI GARDEN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE, TOGETHER WITH 110 OUT OF 1 520 FLATS AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, WILL BE OFFERED TO GREEN FORM APPLICANTS.
/♦TENANTS OF .......
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
+TENANTS OF MARK l/ll ESTATES WILL BE GIVEN HIGHER PRIORITY OVER OTHER GREEN FORM APPLICANTS IN CHOOSING THE FLATS.
+THEREAFTER FLAT SELECTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BASIS OF THREE GREEN FORM APPLICANTS ALTERNATING WITH ONE WHITE FORM APPLICANTS UNTIL THE QUOTA ALLOCATION FOR GREEN FORM APPLICANTS IS FILLED,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED PROSPECTIVE HOME-PURCHASERS THAT SAMPLE FLATS WERE CURRENTLY OPEN ON SITE FROM 12 NOON TO 5.30 PM DURING WEEKDAYS AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM ON COMING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY.
+ BUT FOR PRIME VIEW GARDEN, SAMPLE FLATS ON SITE WILL ONLY BE OPEN ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 5.30 PM, WHILST MOCK UP FLATS ARE OPEN DAILY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.
+ASPIRING HOME-OWNERS CAN ALSO SEE FOR THEMSELVES DETAILS OF THE FOUR PROJECTS AT EXHIBITIONS AT THE MTR TSUEN WAN STATION AND NORTH POINT ESTATE, AS WELL AS TWO OTHERS AT YAU 01 COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND BUTTERFLY COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).*
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY (MARCH 25), AND A BALLOT WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
- - 0 -
JOINT RECITAL TO MARK YOUTH YEAR * * * *
A JOINT RECITAL WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS IN SUPPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE RECITAL WILL BE PERFORMED BY A CLARINETTIST AND RECORDIST, HARRY WONG AND A TENOR, MR DAVID LUI AT 8 PM THIS THURSDAY (MARCH 21) AT THE RECITAL HALL, CITY HALL, 9/F, HIGH BLOCK.
MR WONG IS THE INSTRUCTOR OF THE CHILDREN’S OPERATIC CLASS IN HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND MR LUI IS A CONDUCTOR OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE 5-283257.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
10
EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO MEET PUBLIC DEMAND
* X X X X
AS PUBLIC RESPONSE FOR ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON MARCH 23 - 24 HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING, THE OBSERVATORY HAS DECIDED TO EXTEND THE EXHIBITION TO MARCH 25.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SATURDAY, MARCH 23 BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 5.30 PM, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 24 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM AND MONDAY, MARCH 25 BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID THAT ALL REQUESTS RECEIVED AT THE OBSERVATORY ON OR PRIOR TO MARCH 19 WOULD BE MET. UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, NO NEW REQUESTS COULD BE ENTERTAINED, HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION MARKS THE OPENING OF +WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY+, WHICH THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE CELEBRATING ON MARCH 23, TOGETHER WITH METEOROLOGICAL BODIES IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
--------o ---------
ROAD CLOSURES
XXX
ONE ROAD IN KOWLOON AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 22) FOR ROAD WORKS
k?w1-00N, THE SLIP ROAD LINKING THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY *-A_! CH* KOK BRIDGE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.45 AM FROM MARCH 22 TO 29.
THE CL0SURE’ KMB NO 59S HEADING FOR MONG KOK WILL
V,A K*AI CHUNG R0AD’ LAI CHI K0K BRIDGE AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD HEADING FOR MEI FOO SUN CHUEK *“-L BE ?IVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE, LA I CH I KOK ROAD, CHEUNG LAI STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD WESTBOUND.
da a n TERR|TORIES, THE NORTHBOUND ENTRANCE OF THE SERVICE
ROAD BETWEEN HO KA YUEN AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD IN FANLING WILL BE CLOSED FROM MARCH 22 UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE •'^INu WILL Be
/TRAFFIC HiADIhG .......
TUESDAY, MA.TCH 19. 1985
11
TRAFFIC HEADING FOR HO KA YUEN WILL HAVE TO DIVERT VIA THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT.
KMB ROUTES 69, 70 AND 73 WILL NOT STOP ON THIS SERVICE ROAD BUT WILL STOP AT THE BUS STOP WEST OF THE WO HOP SHEK MINIROUNDABOUT.
ALSO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD OUTSIDE SHA TIN RACECOURSE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5 AM ON MARCH 22.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS!
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - - - 0-----
CLEARWAY HOURS TO BE REVISED * * * *
CLEARWAY HOURS AT THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING’S SOAD FROM 43 METRES EAST TO 50 METRES WEST OF PAN HOI STREET IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE REVISED FROM 7 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 22), FOLLOWING .rE COMPLETION OF SLOPE WORK.
THE NEW CLEARWAY HOURS WILL BE 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM ,C PM DAILY, DURING WHICH NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES wIl bt <U.LOW£d TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RUAD SECTION.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
-----o------
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1985
12
IMPROVEMENT WORKS FOR POLICE STATIONS X * * X
IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY POLICE STATION AND THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION.
WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY POLICE STATIC!. INCLUDE RE-ALLOCATION OF OFFICES, IMPROVEMENT TO THE REPORT ROOM, THE OFFICERS’ MESS, CANTEEN AND KITCHEN FACILITIES CONVERSION OF THE ADJACENT INSPECTORATE QUARTERS BLOCK INTO BARRACKS, PROVISION OF THREE COVERED CARPARKS, DEMOLITION OF A GARAGE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE STOREY BLOCK TO °ROVIDE ADDITIONAL OFFICE ACCOMMOIAT I ON AND STORAGE SPACE.
AT THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION, THE WORK WILL MAINLY BE CONVERSION OF OFFICES, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CANTEEN AND KiTCn FACILITIES.
WORK ON THE TWO STATIONS IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1986.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. THE DEALINE IS 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 12.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- - 0 - -
TAPS OFF IN WAN CHAI X * * X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHA1 W Ki. ■£ TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 22) -Oh EAKAGE TESTS.
THF AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY GLOUCESTER ROAD, STEWART ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD AND MARSH ROAD.
- - c -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPOINTED DB MEMBERS ANNOUNCED SOON - GOVERNOR ............... 1
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT VILLAGE LIFE ............................... 2
HK'S ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW ....................... J
WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW JSEA SYSTEM .......................... 5
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PUCES ...................... 7
WORKING GROUPS PROGRESS REVIEWED ............................. 8
UTEST STATISTICS ON ORDERS-ON-HAND OUT ....................... 9
ROLE OF KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS STRESSED ........................ 12
SEMINAR ON CAREERS IN FREIGHT INDUSTRY ....................... 1J
UDY YOUDE TO OPEN FLOWER SHOW ................................ 1}
PRESS CONFERENCE ON METRICATION .............................. 14
CAS PASSING-OUT PARADE ....................................... U
PUBLIC HOUSING DRAWS WORDS OF PRAISE ......................... 15
EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS OF RED LINEN SUSPENDED ................. 16
URBCO INVITES TENDERS FOR RESTAURANTS ........................ 16
FLOWER STALLS SNAPPED UP ..................................... 17
APPOINTED D3 MEMBERS ANNOUNCED
******
SOON - GOVERNOR
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE NAMES OF APPOINTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS wILL BE ANNOUNCED
SIR EDWARD WAS REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS WHEN HE VISITED PENG CHAU THIS AFTERNOON.
ON THE SUBJECT Or THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL, SaId THAT ONE OF THE OBJECTS OF PUTTING THINGS INTO Trie LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS THAT THEY SHOULD RECEIVE FULL PUxu IC DEBATE ON A VERY WIDE BASIS FOR +ThlS KIND OF MEASURE AFFECTS .LITE A WIDE GROUP OF PEOPLE, NOT ONLY LAWYERS*.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT wAS A GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO HAD MADE A VERY REASONED ACCOUNT AND EXPLANATION FOR THE BILL.
+IF YOU LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE STATEMENT HE MADE THEN, HE HAS ALREADY ANSWERED MANY OF THE POINTS WHICH HAVE BEEN RAISED IN RECENT DAYS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
ASKED IF HE CONSIDERED AS AN ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT THE RECENT EMERGENCE OF TWO BROADLY-BASED POLITICAL PARTIES, HE REPLIED! +1 WOULD NOT CALL THEM POLITICAL PARTIES YET. I THINK THEY ARE ASSOCIATIONS Oc PEOPLE WHO HAVE GOT TOGETHER AND WHO HAVE SIMILAR VIEWS CN MANY ISSUES. I THINK THAT IS QUITE A rEALTHY DEVELOPMENT.
+IT IS NOT A SORT OF DUAL-PARTY SYSTEM. IT IS STILL, THINK, A DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN GOING ON IN HONG KONG FOR SOME TIME.
+IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THERE HAS BEEN A POL. ICAL ASSOCIATION THERE ARE SOME QUITE OLD-ESTABLISHED POLITICAL. ^SOCIATiONS. IT IS VERY NATURAL THAT PEOPLE SHOULD GET TOGETHER WHEN THEY HAVE SIMILAR VIEWS.*
ON A PROPOSAL TO ALLOw CIVIL SERVANTS TO STAND FOR ELECTIONS, I-*-' SAID: *WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT, BECAUSEJT I? VERY XPOPTANT TO MAINTAIN A NON-POL IT I CAL CIVIL SERVICE. ri - v -t ONE OF THE FEATURES OF TnE F ■ KONG SYS , li IN TH- SYoTc.-.
OF MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD.*
AS PAC " Or HIS TOUR SIR EDwARD ME RJ'-' ''’‘MIT-TEE MEMBERS MD wAS ALSO HANDED A PETITION BY A GROu^ X R~ SI DFTFb. '
TOLD.......
MARCH 20, 1985
2
HE TOLD REPORTERS THAT HE HAD A USEFUL DISCUSSION ON THE THINGS HIGH WERE OF CONCERN TO THE PEOPLE OF PENG CHAU. +...THE OLDER ^C-LE WANT A CEMETERY HERE ON PENG CHAU, OTHERS WANT MORE SITTING OUT FACILITIES AND THEY WOULD LIKE A FULL TIME DOCTOR IF THAT COULD BE ARRANGED.
♦WHAT I HAVE TOLD THEM IS THAT SOME OF THESE THINGS ARE OF COURSE THE CONCERN OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND SOME OF THE LOCAL COMMITTEE AND SOME OF THE GOVERNMENT. BUT I ALWAYS LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY TO WHAT THEY SAY ON THESE OCCASIONS AND I WILL ENSURE THAT THEY GET AN ANSWER TO ALL THE POINTS THEY HAVE RAISED IN DUE COURSE. I WILL GET A REPORT ON EACH OF THEM AND THEN I WILL MAKE SURE THEY GET AN ANSWER TO ALL OF THEM.+
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THEY WERE TOLD AN ADDITIONAL PUBLIC CEMETERY WAS BEING PLANNED AT MUI WO AND WOULD BE OPENED TO PENG CHAU VILLAGERS, THEY STILL WISHED TO HAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN.
+IT IS NOT POSSIBLE OF COURSE TO HAVE CEMETERIES EVERYWHERE IN THE TERRITORY BUT THEY HAVE GIVEN ME A PETITION AND THEY WILL RECEIVE A REPLY TO THAT PETITION WHEN IT HAS BEEN STUDIED IN DU^ COURSE.+
-------0---------
GOVERNOR LOOKS AT VILLAGE LIFE *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOURED THREE OUTLYING ISLANDS TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT AND MEET LOCAL RESIDENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, NF DONALD LIAO, SIR EDWARD PLEW BY HELICOPTER FROM CENTRAL TO MA WAN, PENG CHAU AND LAMMA.
AT MA WAN, HE VISITED THE HOME OF MR CHAN KAM-KONG WHO, AT THE AGE OF 71 YEARS, IS ONE OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS ON THE ISLAND.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR S.J. CHAN, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR K.K. FUNG, LATER INTRODUCED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MA WAN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWONG-CHUEN, AND OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR A BRIEF MEETING.
/SIH fDWARD .......
V. ,.S>LaY, K -h 20, 1965
- 5 -
SIR EDWARD THEN FLEW TO PENG CHAU WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, AND THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER, NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, •h NG YEE-YUM, ON VARIOUS PROJECTS RECENTLY COMPLETED.
THESE INCLUDE THE NEW PENG CHAU FERRY PIER, THE RECLAMATION AND FORMATION OF LAND TO PROVIDE SITES FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING, A SECONDARY SCHOOL, AND INDUSTRIAL, GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDINGS, AS WELL AS A BRIDGE LINKING TAI LEI ISLAND TO PENG CHAU.
THE GOVERNOR LATER WENT TO CHI YAN SCHOOL WHERE HE MET THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PENG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM WAI— KEUNG, AND OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
SIR EDWARD ALSO TOURED THE SCHOOL AND TALKED TO TEACHERS AND PUPILS BEFORE LEAVING THE ISLAND FOR YUNG SHUE WAN ON LAMMA.
AFTER LANDING ON LAMMA, MR YAP AND MR NG BRIEFED THE GOVERNOR ON GENERAL FEATURES AND THE DEVELOPMENT ON THE ISLAND.
SIR EDWARD LATER MET THE CHAIRMEN OF THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEES, MR FONG LOI AND MR CHAU YUK-TONG, AND EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE TWO COMMITTEES.
-------0 - -
HK’S ECONOMY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW K K K
THE ECONOMY OF HONG KONG WILL GROW STEADILY WITH RELATIVELY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND CONTAINED INFLATION DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER JOHNSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THIS AT THE ARIZONA WORLD TRADE ASSOCIATION IN PHOENIX DURING HIS PROMOTIONAL VISITS TO THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS PROMOTIONAL OFFICES IN THE U.S. AND JAPAN.
MR JOHNSON SAID THE SI NO-ERI TISH AGREEMENT PROVIDED A CLEAR AND COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK ON WHICH HONG KONG COULD HAVE CONTINUOUS STABILITY WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
ON HONG KONG THE BASIS OF AND PROSPERITY
/THE AGREEMENT, ........
WLUi-.k.wA;. .AfiGH 20, 19&5
4 -
THE AGREEMENT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDED FOR THE MAINTENANCE CF HONG KONG’S EXISTING ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL, AND LEGAL SYSTEMS FOR 53 YEARS’ THAT IS THE RETENTION OF THOSE FEATURES OF THE PRESENT HONG KONG SET-UP WHICH HAVE HELPED IT TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL.
MR JOHNSON SAID HONG KONG’S DEVELOPING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA WAS ALSO OF PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THIS CONTEXT.
+THE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IS A LONG-STANDING ONE WHICH HAS BROUGHT SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS TO BOTH SIDES,+ HE SAID.
+CHINA DERIVES SOMETHING LIKE ONE-THIRD OF ALL HER FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS EITHER FROM OR THROUGH HONG KONG AND IT IS NOW THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AFTER THE U.S. TAKING US$1.45 BILLION OF SUCH EXPORTS IN 1984.
♦ON THE INDUSTRIAL FRONT, A LARGE NUMBER OF HONG KONG COMPANIES, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OWNED, HAVE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN CHINA. IN THE OTHER DIRECTION, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT DURING THE PAST FOUR YEARS CHINA HAS INVESTED SOMETHING LIKE US$4 BILLION IN HONG KONG IN A NUMBER OF FIELDS, INCLUDING TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, CONSTRUCTION, REAL ESTATES, MANUFACTURING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.*
ON OTHER OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, MR JOHNSON SAID OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAD CONTINUED AT A GRATIFYINGLY HIGH LEVEL DESPITE THE POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES OF THE PAST FEW YEARS.
+THIS WAS CONFIRMED BY A SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG WE CARRIED OUT IN SUMMER 1984, WHICH REVEALED THAT DURING THE PRECEDING THREE YEARS SUCH INVESTMENT HAD INCREASED FROM UNDER US$1 BILLION TO US$1.5 BILLION, AND THAT THE NUMBER CF COMPANIES INVOLVED HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY AS WELL.*
+MY OWN OBSERVATIONS IN THE COURSE OF MY DAY-TO-DAY WORK INDICATE THAT INTEREST INCREASED IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, AND HAS BEEN MATCHED BY A RESURGENCE IN INVESTMENT BY THE LOCAL, HONG KONG CHINESE MANUFACTURERS WHO ACCOUNT FOR THE BULK OF THE MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG,* MR JOHNSON SAID.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1935
5
WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW JSEA SYSTEM * * *
A WORKING PARTY HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE DI RECTOR OF EDUCAT ION। TO UNDERTAKE AN OPERATIONAL REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 1.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE THE JSEA SYSTEM HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR ALMOST FIVE YEARS, IT WAS NOW TIMELY TO REVIEW IT IN THE LIGHT OF PAST EXPERIENCE.
♦ THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE JSEA SHOULD BE PHASED OUT BY 1991. THE WORKING PARTY WILL EXAMINE THE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING WAYS AND MEANS OF LIGHTENING THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN ON PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS,+ HE SAID.
THE WORKING PARTY WILL ALSO CONSIDER A NEW METHOD OF PLACEMENT FOR FORM 3 LEAVERS AFTER THE JSEA HAS BEEN PHASED OUT.
THIS NEW METHOD IS NECESSARY BECAUSE SOME SCHOOLS HAVE FEWER PLACES IN FORM 4 THAN IN FORM 3. A NEW PLACEMENT SYSTEM WILL THEREFORE BE NEEDED AFTER 1991 TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION CF STUDENTS FROM FORM 3 TO FULL-TIME GENERAL OR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OR INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE WORKING PARTY WOULD NOT BE CONCERNED WITH JSEA POLICY, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY REVIEWED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND WHOSE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS REGARD HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY IS THE SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT), MR JOHN WINFIELD.
MEMBERS INCLUDE PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS OF PUBLIC AND
PRIVATE SECTOR SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE JSEA SYSTEM AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS CONCERNED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SYSTEM.
THE WORKING PARTY WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING LATER THIS MONTH AND MEET THEREAFTER ONCE A MONTH. IT IS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ITS TASK IN ABOUT ONE YEAR.
ITS UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, ARE:
MR DAVID C.K. CHEUNG, PRINCIPAL, CARMEL ENGLISH COLLEGE
MR HO CHAK-KIN, TEACHER, PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL
MR HO KWOK-KEUNG, PRINCIPAL, CHINESE YMCA COLLEGE
/Hr Peter........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
b -
MR 5ETER S.T. LEE, PRINCIPAL, CARITAS ST. FRANCIS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL
MR ALBERT LI SZE-BAY, PRINCIPAL, LOK SIN TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL
MR PAUL LUI, PRINCIPAL, TANG SHIU KIN VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL
MRS SUEN CHUNG SIU-FAN, TEACHER, ST. FRANCIS CANOSSIAN COLLEGE
MR M.K. TAM, PRINCIPAL, YUEN LONG PAK KAU ENGLISH SCHOOL
SR. MARGARET WONG, PRINCIPAL, ST. PAUL’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
ITS OFFICIAL MEMBERS, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, ARE:
MR W.C. CHAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY, HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY
MR T.Y. CHUI, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (INDUSTRIAL TRAINING)
MR W.K. KWOK, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (JSEA)
MR T.L. LAM, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS)
MR PAUL LEE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT)
MR ROBERT LO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PLANNING AND BUILDING)
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING PARTY ARE:
(1) HAVING REGARD TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 1, THE EXPERIENCE GAINED TO DATE AND THE VIEWS OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM, TO REVIEW THE OPERATION OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM; AND HAVING REGARD TO THL NEEDS AND LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS, TO RECOMMEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ANY IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM, PRIOR TO ITS BEING PHASED OUT . IN 1991;
(2) TO RECOMMEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION A NEW MEANS OF PLACEMENT FOR FORM III LEAVERS AFTER THE JSEA SYSTEM IS PHASED OUT ; AND
(3) TO MAKE SUCH OTHER OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS THE WORKING PARTY MAY CONSIDER RELEVANT TO THE ABOVE.
0 -------
/?.......
wc
, YaSC- 2 3, 1?35
7
CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES * * * *
CHI OREN WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY ONE =* AC'^EUT HAVE NOT SECURED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE WILL BE CENTRALLY ,luuCATED A PLACE IN A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PARENTS WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE pc MARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REQUESTING Them TO GO TO A SPECIFIED D I STR I BUT ION/COLLtCTI ON CENTRE TO COLLECT A +CHOICE OF SCHOOLS* FORM AND A LIST OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THEIR OWN SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM MARCH 24 (SUNDAY) TO MARCH 27 (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN 9 AM AND a 3M.
♦COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SAME CENTRE . I Th IN THE SAME PERIOD+, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE REMINDED PARENTS THAT IF THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED THE LETTER FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BY MARCH 24, THEY SHOULD CO (TACT THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT ON 5~724383 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
DUE TO THE UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, A NUMBER OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS WHICH DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT PLACES HAD BEEN ASSIGNED PLACES FROM SCHOOLS IN NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS TO MAKE GOOD THE SHORTFALL, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED PARENTS THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT wAS NECESSARY AND PLANNED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ENABLE CHILDREN TO Et ALLOCATED TO A SCHOOL AS NEAR TO THEIR HOME AS POSSIBLE.
THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WAS SOLELY BASED ON PARENTS’ CHOICES WITH NO REFERENCE TO THE POINTS SYSTEM, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, WHEN A SCHOOL WAS OVERSUBSCRIBED, A RANDOMISATION METHOD WOULD*PE USED TO ENSURE FAIRNESS TO ALL.
PARENTS WHO HAD MOVED HOUSE RECENTLY OR WERE PLANNING TO MOVE HOUSE IN THE NEAR FUTURE MUST INFORM THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT SO THAT ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE ’'FADE TO ALLOCATE A PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THEIR NEW HOME DISTRICT.
RESULTS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION OF PLACES ..OULD BE VINO NCED IN JUNE, THE SPOKESMAN -ID.
; t v \_• A Y , MARCH 2 J, 13 3
8 -
WORKING GROL'°S PROGRESS REVIEWED X * * *
DELEGATIONS REPRESENTING THE HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN GOVERNMENTS, LED RESPECTIVELY BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, m. JOHN BOYD, AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, NET THIS AFTERNOON.
THE MEETING WAS THE LATEST IN A SERIES WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE OVER THE THREE YEARS SINCE THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT EEKEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN IN 1982, ON THE OPENING OF NEW LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.
THE MEETINGS TAKE PLACE AT APPROXIMATELY SIX-MONTHLY INTERVALS, ALTERNATIVELY IN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN.
THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETINGS IS TO REVIEW THE PROGRESS MADE IN THE JOINT EXPERT WORKING GROUPS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1982 AGREEMENT. THESE WORKING GROUPS COVER: LAND TRAFFIC LINKS; FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND ME I SHA ; CONTROLS AT E’.TRY/EXIT POINTS? AND REGULATION OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER.
AT THIS AFTERNOON’S MEETING, BOTH SIDES EXPRESSED THEIR SATISFACTION WITH THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE WORKING GROUPS SINCE LAST REVIEW.
THEY WELCOMED THE OPENING OF THE NEW BORDER CROSSING AT SHA TAU KOK, AND THE SECOND BRIDGE AT MAN KAM TO. THE TWO SIDES REVIEWED THE PROGRESS OF REDEVELOPMENT AT LOWU AND AT MAN KAM TO, AND LOOKED FORWARD TO THE EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF WORK ON A NEW BORDER CROSSING AT LOK MA CHAU.
THE DELEGATIONS FURTHER WELCOMED THE PROGRESS MADE IN FORMULATING PLANS TO CONTROL FLOODING OF THE SHENZHEN RIVER, AND TO CONTROL POLLUTION OF THE RIVER.
THE DELEGATIONS NOTED THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE SHA TIN-I'tlSHA FERRY SERVICE LAST AUGUST. THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT THEIR WORK WAS A CONTINUING PROCESS AND THEY IDENTIFIED FURTHER AREAS OF WORK IN THE VARIOUS FIELDS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE CROSS-BORDER MOVEMENTS IN A PRACTICAL WAY.
BOTH SIDES WELCOMED THE FRIENDLY AND COOPERATIVE MtLATI 'N EXISTING BETWEEN THE MEMBERS OF THE VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS, AMD LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT FEVIEw MEETING TO BE HELD IN SHENZHEN IN DUE COURSE.
C
aLD SDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
LATEST STATISTICS ON ORDERS-ON-HAND OUT * * *
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DEC-1 NED SLIGHTLY IN JANUARY 1935 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE FIGURES RELEAocj TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WHILE A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN ORDERS WAS REPORTED IN THE FABRICATED METAL INDUSTRY, SOME DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE REMAINED STABLE. A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS REPORTED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY. HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE REPORTED IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE REPORTED BY ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES BECAUSE OF THE PAYMENT OF ANNUAL BONUS AND DOUBLE PAY.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY WHILE THAT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS REMAINED UNCHANGED.
INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE ALSO REPORTED BY RESPONDENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICbS SECTORS BECAUSE OF DOUBLE PAY AND YEAR-END BONUS. WITHIN THE SERVICES SECTORS, HOWEVER, REPORTED DECLINES IN BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS BECAUSE SOME BANKS SURVEYED HAD ALREADY DISTRIBUTED THEIR BONUS IN DECEMBER.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR THE LAST THREE MONTHS ARE SHOWN IN THE TABLES BELOw.
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 AvUlSEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION JF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN TE ECONOMY IN 'IE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR JA'UAR'935 ‘' NOW C‘l SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBL IC.'TIONS SALES CE T E, GE'E AL POST OFFICE BUILDI'G, A'D THE CENSUS and STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COT 'RCI L rU '-DING, A 7 1.50 PER COPY.
/ENQUIRIES ABOUT
. riAiiCii 20, 1965
10 -
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE DUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION Or THE DEPARTMENT AT -7212768.
A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
(% CHANGE OVER THE
PRECEDING MONTH) ORDERS-ON-HAND
INDUSTRY NOV 1984 DEC 1984 JAN 1985 (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR JANUARY 1985
WEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR EXCEPT -1 -2 -2 4.55
TEXTILES, EXCEPT APPAREL WEARING -2 * -4 2.16
PLASTIC PRODUCTS * 5 -1 4.22
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 1 1 6 3.51
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 2 -2 * 5.45
OTHERS -1 * * 4.33
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES * -1 -1 4.45
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES SURVEYED PER CAPITA EARNINGS PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR JANUARY 1985
(96 CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH)
1NDUSTRY/SERVICES NOV 1984 DEC 1984 JAN 1985 NOV 1984 DEC 1984 JAN 1985 HK 3
~ ———
MANUFACTURING -2 -1 * -1 8 15 3 380
- ■ r—- — •••
FOOD AND DRINKS -1 * 1 -4 6 48 5 414
/WEARING APPAREL.........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
11
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -1 * -1 -1 6 13 2 806
TEXTILE, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL * * -1 -1 14 2 3 141
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -2 1 -2 -3 -3 10 2 743
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -5 -1 * 1 2 30 3 122
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 -2 * * 10 12 3 176
OTHERS * * 2 * 10 20 4 967
CONSTRUCTION * * 1 * -1 * 6 13 4 871
— — — — •• —— ———
SERVICES * * * -2 28 17 7 439
— — — —— — ——————
BANKS * * -1 * 71 -7 6 993
HOTELS * * 32 58 6 630
PUBLIC UTILITIES * * * -3 7 35 7 375
OTHERS 1 * 1 -1 28 11 8 488
* CHANGES WITHIN + 0.5$
* * PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY- SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.
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/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
12
ROLE OF KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS STRESSED
X X X X
KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT POLICY AND MANAGING DISTRICT AFFAIRS, THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+THEY HAVE ACHIEVED THIS BY ACTIVELY INVOLVING THEMSELVES IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WHICH WAS LAUNCHED THREE YEARS AGO,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE 20TH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHUI PO KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, MR TSE SAID MORE THAN HALF OF THE INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WERE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS.
HE SAID THAT REPRESENTATIVES OF KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS ACCOUNTED FOR ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE NEWLY ELECTED LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
MR TSE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SHAM SHUI PO KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS LONG TIME CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY INTEGRITY AND RESIDENTS’ WELL-BEING.
THE SHAM SHUI PO KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION WAS THE FIRST KAI FONG ASSOCIATION ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG 35 YEARS AGO AND IS NOW OPERATING A SCHOOL, A HEALTH AND DENTAL CLINIC AND AN ELDERLY CENTRE, AS WELL AS PROVIDING VARIOUS SERVICES TO RESIDENTS.
THERE ARE A TOTAL OF EIGHT KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, WHOSE MAIN OBJECTIVES ARE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND PROMOTION OF RESIDENTS’ WELFARE.
ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS, MR TSE SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO REJUVENATE THE LEADERSHIP TO KEEP IN LINE WITH CHANGING TIMES.
+THE ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD AIM AT ABSORBING NEW BLOOD AND POTENTIAL SUCCESSORS SO THAT THE FUTURE LEADERSHIP COULD BE FILLED BY ENERGETIC YOUNG PEOPLE AS WELL AS RESOURCEFUL VETERANS,+ HE SAI D.
MR TSE CALLED ON THE ASSOCIATIONS TO BROADEN THEIR GRASSROOTS BASE BY STRENGTHENING THEIR CONTACTS WITH RESIDENTS.
- o-----------
/13
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
13
SEMINAR ON CAREERS IN FREIGHT INDUSTRY
* * *
THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION TRAINING BOARD CF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR ON CAREERS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY ON MARCH 30 AT THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THE SEMINAR IS INTENDED TO BRIEF CAREERS TEACHERS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON JOBS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FREIGHT TRANSPORT INDUSTRY, AND THAT RELEVANT INFORMATION ON CAREERS PROSPECTS IN THIS FIELD CAN BE DELIVERED TO SECONDARY SCHOOL-LEAVERS.
THE BOARD HAS INVITED FIVE EXECUTIVES AND EXPERTS OF FREIGHT TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENTS TO SPEAK ON THE OPERATION CF SHIPPING AND CARGO HANDLING TERMINALS, THE BUSINESS OF FORWARDING AGENTS, TRUCKING AND WAREHOUSING AS WELL AS THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE IN THE INDUSTRY.
CAREERS TEACHERS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SEMINAR, PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD MR N. WONG ON 5-8932341 EXT. 254.
-----o-------
LADY YOUDE TO OPEN FLOWER SHOW
*****
A WIDE VARIETY OF FLOWERS, SOME OF WHICH ARE RARE IN HONG KONG WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE 9TH ANNUAL NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW TO BE HELD AT THE FANLING PLAYGROUND BETWEEN MARCH 23 AND 25.
LADY YOUDE, THE WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SHOW AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 23).
DETAILS OF THE SHOW WILL BE GIVEN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 22) IN THE FANLING PLAYGROUND.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHOW’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, WILL BE PRESENT.
THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF THE SHOW IS ABOUT $200 000, OF WHICH $110 000 COMES FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 22) IN THE FANLING PLAYGROUND. -------------------------------o-------
.....
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
14
PRESS CONFERENCE ON METRICATION * * * K
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF A METRIC TV GAMES SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR JAMES M.H. WU, AND HEAD OF GENERAL PROGRAMMES, TELEVISION DIVISION, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MISS MARIA WAN WILL BE PRESENT.
MR WU WILL ALSO GIVE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PROGRESS MADE BY VARIOUS TRADES IN THE CONVERSION PROGRAMME AND THE PUBLICITY EFFORTS DURING THE PAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE. PRESS MEMBERS WILL BE MET BY GIS OFFICERS IN THE LOBBY OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AT 2.15 PM.
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CAS PASSING-OUT PARADE
* * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES. WILL INSPECT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES 31ST RECRUITS PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 23) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN AT 8 PM.
OVER 250 MEN AND WOMEN RECRUITS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING IN FOOT DRILL, DISCIPLINE, FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE, FOREST FIRE FIGHTING, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND TYPHOON DUTIES, WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE.
THE NEW RECRUITS WILL BE POSTED TO VARIOUS CAS UNITS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/Dr HAZES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
DR HAYES WILL ALSO PRESENT SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THREE OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE CLASPS TO 19 SERVING CAS MEMBERS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, SIR ROGER LOBO, WILL PRESENT THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO EIGHT CAS VOLUNTEER OFFICERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CIVIL AID SERVICES PASSING-OUT PARADE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 23) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN AT 8 PM.
- 0 - -
PUBLIC HOUSING DRAWS WORDS OF PRAISE
*****
THE STANDARD OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING TODAY DREW WORDS OF PRAISE FROM A VISITING DELEGATION FROM CHINA DURING ITS TOUR OF MEI LAM ESTATE AND SUI WO COURT IN SHA TIN.
+THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS ARE SIMPLY AMAZING,+ SAID MR HU LI JI AO WHO HEADED THE DELEGATION FROM THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS. HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE.
HE SAID HE WAS NOT SURPRISED WHEN TOLD THE TWO ESTATES HAD WON AN AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE.
+THE ESTATES HAVE WIDE-RANGING FACILITIES AND AMPLE OPEN SPACES AND THEY ARE CERTAINLY NICE PLACES TO LIVE IN.+
BEFORE THE TOUR, THE VISITORS FIRST CALLED ON THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FRED PANG, AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE EXHIBITION HALL.
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
16
EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS OF RED LINEN SUSPENDED
* * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT PENDING CONSULTATION WITH THE SWEDISH GOVERNMENT, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SUSPENDED WITH EFFECT FROM 2 PM TODAY THE ISSUE OF FURTHER EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS IN RESPECT OF RED LINEN (GROUP 13).
THE DEPARTMENT WILL HOWEVER CONTINUE TO APPROVE AND ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FOR THE ABOVE GROUP AGAINST VALID EXPORT AUTHORISATIONS APPROVED PRIOR TO THE SUSPENSION.
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URBCO INVITES TENDERS FOR RESTAURANTS * * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF TWO LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANTS AT KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND AND SHEK KU LUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KOWLOON.
THE TWO PLAYGROUNDS PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE 1.52-HECTARE KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND IS BOUNDED BY TSAT PO STREET, LUK HOP STREET AND KING FUK STREET IN SAN PO KONG WHILE THE 1.3-HECTARE SHEK KU LUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND, DUE TO BE OPENED SOON, IS BOUNDED BY LOK SIN ROAD, TUNG LEI ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST IN KOWLOON CITY.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR THE KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND RESTAURANT WILL BE GIVEN A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT AND THAT FOR THE SHEK KU LUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND RESTAURANT WILL BE AWARDED A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT, BOTH STARTING FROM JUNE 1, 1985.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, 3RD FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEPTION COUNTER, 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG, BEFORE 9 A.M. ON FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
— o-
/17........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 1985
17
FLOWER STALLS SNAPPED UP K * * *
ALL 24 COMMERCIAL STALLS FOR THE SALE OF FLOWERS, PLANTS AND HORTICULTURAL PRODUCTS AT THE FORTHCOMING URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW WERE SOLD OUT THIS MORNING AT HIGH PRICES.
ABOUT A HUNDRED POTENTIAL BIDDERS PACKED THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE VICTORIA PARK TENNIS COURT WHERE THE AUCTIONING OF THE STALLS TOOK PLACE.
THE UPSET PRICE FOR A NINE-SQUARE-METRE STALL WAS $200 AND THAT FOR AN 18-SQUARE-METRE ONE WAS $400.
HOWEVER, BIDS OFFERED RAN EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH ONE AFTER ANOTHER WITH THE RESULTANT PRICE FOR A SMALL STALL RANGED BETWEEN $1 600 AND $3 000, AND FOR A LARGE ONE BETWEEN $2 900 AND $8 500.
MEANWHILE, PLANT LOVERS ARE REMINDED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S URBAN COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY.
THE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MEMORIAL GARDEN AND THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL BETWEEN APRIL 19 AND 21.
LAST YEAR, A RECORD NUMBER OF 32 482 PEOPLE VISITED THE SHOW AND 1 345 COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS FROM 553 INDIVIDUALS WERE PUT ON DISPLAY.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAW REFORM CRUCIAL TO CHANGES - GOVERNOR ...................... 1
DEMAND FOR FLATS PICKING UP - CS ............................... 2
GOVERNOR TO INSPECT CSD PARADE ................................ 3
LADY YOUDE VISITS YUEN LONG ................................... 4
URBCO CHAIRMAN POINTS TO INCREASING CHINA TENDER .............. 5
PRESS CONFERENCE............................................... 6
ANTI-DRUG FIGHT REAPS RESULTS ................................. 6
MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR MATRICULANTS ............................ 8
TRAINING GUIDELINES FOR JEWELLERY INDUSTRY .................... 9
NEW POSTER ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURE HAZARDS ....................... 9
GAMES DAY TO PROMOTE METRICATION .............................. 10
JUDO TRAINING COURSE FOR CHILDREN ............................. 11
SINGING CONTEST ENTERS FINAL PHASE ............................ 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL .................. 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL .................... 15
ROAD CLOSURES ................................................. 16
PARKING METERS TO OPERATE ON SUNDAYS .......................... 17
SEVEN-HOUR WaTER CUT .......................................... 17
_ SCh 21, 1 > 3;
RErORN CRUCIAL TO CHANGES - GOVERNOR > f k >
“b- A/ORK QC- the la* reform commission was doubly important AS ’’’HE CO^UN^ PREPARED ITSELF fqr THE POLITICAL CHANGES *nlCH , "-E GOVERNOR, SIR EDwARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO MARK the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT NEVER HAD THE *ORK EEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN IT WAS AT ■^E “RESENT TIME.
♦SOCIETY IS CHANGING FAST AND SO ARE ITS PROBLEMS. WHETHER I'. THE FIElD OF CRIME, CIVIL LIBERTIES, OR FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIPS, NEW ATTITUDES ARE EMERGING AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS A:-.j DISCOVERIES CALL FOR A CONTINUOUS WILLINGNESS TO CONTEMPLATE
a NE* APPROACH.
♦ONLY IF THE LA* IS REGARDED BY THE COMMUNITY AS MEETING THE NEED.', NOT OF YESTERDAY, BUT OF THE wORLD A.' IT IS TODAY .. ILl IT RETA I’ THE RESPECT AND THUS THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY ,-T LARGE,
♦ TO PROVIDE FOR REFORM WITHOUT CF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IS A TASK WHICH JUDGMENT BASED ON wIDE EXPERIENCE,*
DETRACTING FROi THE ESSENCE CALLS FOR GREAT SKILL AND SIR EDwARD SAID.
SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD SOMETIMES BE:;. SAID THAT LAW REFORM WAS TOO IMPORTANT A SUBJECT TO BE LEFT TO THE LAWYERS.
*NO SENSIBLE REFORM COULD EE CONSIDERED WITHOUT THEM.
+ BUT IN HONG KONG MANY DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE FROM All aALKS CF LIFE HAVE ALSO VOLUNTEERED THEIR VALUABLE TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION,* HE SAIL.
SIR EDWARD PAID TRIBUTE TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SHOULDER HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES A^D TnilR READINESS TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR KNOWLEDGE, TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO THE TASK WHICH WAS SO VITAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF HONG ^CI.G.
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS AN IMPORTANT ALVISO-" BODY IN HONG KONG. IT REVIEWS THE PRESENT LAw IN PARTIJ.,AREA; IN THE LIGHT OF THE CHANGING NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES J- OUR SOCIETY, UNDERTAKES WIDE-RANGING CONSULTATIONS, Av L NECESSARY, MAr\E PROPOSALS FOR RE- TRM.
AT THE RECEPTION, - :R EDwAPi 'ELCO ED . ISITl . DELEGATION FROM THE LA* RiFOR OOv,*,tSSI ri’ A, 'HOM HONG KONG SHARED IN-' ’ANO: OF T-E .
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1995
2
DEMAND FOR FLATS PICKING UP - CS
4 X X X X
THERE ARE NOW FIRM INDICATIONS THAT DEMAND FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE FLATS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IS PICKING UP, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY IN WHICH HE UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO OFFICIALLY OPEN SIU HONG COURT IN TUEN MUN, THE LARGEST HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SO FAR DEVELOPED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
SIR PHILIP SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THIS TREND WOULD CONTINUE AS THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD REMOVED THE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES OF THE PAST TWO YEARS.
. +SO, AS THE PROPERTY MARKET HAS BEGUN TO RECOVER, HONG KONG RESIDENTS HAVE REASSESSED THE WISDOM OF INVESTMENT IN HOME PURCHASE.+
SIR PHILIP SAID THE I DtA OF A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WAS FIRST EXPLORED A MERE NINE YEARS AGO, AND SO FAR 45 000 FAMILIES FROM BOTH PUBLIC HOUSING AND PRIVATE HOUSING HAD DIRECTLY BENEFITED FROM THE SCHEME.
+A FURTHER 17 000 FAMILIES HAVE BENEFITED INDIRECTLY, THAT
IS TO SAY, BY THE RELEASE OF RENTAL HOUSING FLATS BY PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS WHO CHOSE TO UPGRADE THEIR ACCOMMODATION BY MOVING INTO HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.+
THE CHIEF SECRETARY DESCRIBED SIU HONG COURT AS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S VISION OF HOW BEST TO SATISFY MODERN DAY ASPIRATIONS.
♦THIS SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY HAS 20 DOMESTIC BLOCKS WITH HOMES FOR OVER 4 500 FAMILIES, A MODERN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, A SECONDARY SCHOOL AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A KINDERGARTEN AND A NURSERY.+
THERE ARE ALSO COVERED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO CATER FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, AS WELL AS BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPED GARDENS, HE ADDED.
+IN ADDITION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT DURING THE NEXT W YEARS TO ENSURE THAT ALL THESE FACILITIES ARE KEPT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE CONDITION.
+THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAS THUS BECOME A PACE-SETTER In HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEXES AND MANY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS NOW FOLLOW THE COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO DESIGN PIONEERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.+
/SIR PHILIP .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
SIR °HILIP SAID TUEN MUN WAS A NEW TOWN FAST GROWING IN POPULAR!Ty.
+ N ADDITION TO THE WIDE-RANGING FACILITIES ALREADY AVAILABLE, PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND FOR A REGIONAL HOSPITAL, A TOWN PARK AND A CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX AND LATER THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM -JILL COME ON STREAM. ALL OF THIS MAKES TUEN MUN A VERY ATTRACTIVE AND ENJOYABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.+
DURING THE CEREMONY, SIR PHILIP ALSO PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO THE 40 OOOTH HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLAT OWNER, MR AND MRS YIP HO-KAY AND VISITED THEIR FLAT. THE FOUR-PERSON FAMILY BOUGHT THEIR THREE-BEDROOM FLAT OF 63.7 SQUARE METRES LAST YEAR FOR '192 700 BY USING THE WHITE APPLICATION FORM IN THE FOURTH PHASE OF SIU HONG COURT.
EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD, SAID IT WAS VERY FITTING THAT SIR PHILIP OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY BECAUSE HE WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORIGINAL WORKING PARTY ON HOME OWNERSHIP.
+THIS GROUP MET AT FREQUENT INTERVALS FROM 1976 TO 1979 TO MAP OUT A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR A SCHEME DESIGNED TO FIT THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG.
+NINE YEARS HAVE PASSED, AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME WHICH WAS A GERM OF AN IDEA IN 1976 HAS SPROUTED, GROWN FIRM AND EXTENSIVE ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND FLOURISHED. THIRTY ESTATES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AND MORE ARE IN THE PIPELINE.
+ 1 HOPE THAT SIR PHILIP WILL SHARE OUR SENSE OF PRIDE AND ACHIEVEMENT IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND HAS PROVED VERY POPULAR WITH LOWER MIDDLE INCOME FAMILIES.+
- - 0 - -
GOVERNOR TO INSPECT CSD PARADE * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL INSPECT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNUAL PARADE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE PARADE GROUND OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
HE WILL PRESENT COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO 40 STAFF CF THE DEPARTMENT FOR 18 YEARS’ EXEMPLARY SERVICE.
/THE INSPECTION
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
THE INSPECTION ALSO MARKS THE CLOSING OF THE FIRST MEETING > COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS WHICH COMMENCED HERE FROM MARCH 18.
NOTE. TO EDITORS*.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE PARADE GROUND OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 3.10 PM SHARP.
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LADY YOUDE VISITS YUEN LONG * * * *
LADY YOUDE TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED YUEN LONG TO SEE VARIOUS FARMING INDUSTRIES AND THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON AND LOCAL LEADERS, LADY YOUDE WENT TO PING SHAN, WHERE SHE VISITED A PIG-BREEDING FARM, WHICH HAD A STOCK OF FOUR DIFFERENT BREEDS IMPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES.
SHE ALSO VISITED AN ANIMAL FEED MILL WHICH WAS THE FIRST IN HONG KONG TO USE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING TO CALCULATE LOW COST FEED FORMULAS.
AT PAT HEUNG, LADY YOUDE VISITED A POULTRY FARM WHICH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST LOCAL PRODUCERS OF CHICKEN FOR THE HONG KONG MARKET. IT SUPPLIES ABOUT 1 250 CHICKENS FOR DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION PER DAY, OR 40 000 PER MONTH.
LATER SHE VISITED A NUMBER OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN KAM TIN INCLUDING THE SZE SHING TONG, THE MAU KING TONG AND THE CHAU WONG YEE KUNG SUE YUEN.
LADY YOUDE ALSO VISITED THE YUEN LONG MORNINGLIGHT SCHOOL WHICH IS ONE OF THE 13 SPECIAL SCHOOLS RUN BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
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7 HUP
'.RCH ’I, 198 5
5
UR: CHAIRMAN POINTS TO INCREASING CHINA TENDER
4 4 4 4 ft 1
HONG KONb’S RAPIDLY INCREASING TR DE 41 TH CHINA IS ONE CF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS OF RECENT YEARS ACCORDING TO MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
SPEAKING TONIGHT TO THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION FOR EXECUTIVES ON +BUSINESSMEN AND 1997,+ MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THAT CHINA LAST YEAR OVERTOOK BRITAIN TO BECOME HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST DOMESTIC EXPORT MARKET AFTER THE UNITED STATES.
+THIS IS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT SINCE JUST BACK IN 1978, CHINA WAS ONLY IN 15TH PLACE AMONG OUR MARKETS.+ HE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, CHINA WAS RE-EXPORT MARKET LAST YEAR. NOTE THAT OVER THE PAST FIVE HAVE JUMPED NINEFOLD.*
ALSO HONG KONG’S _«RGESY IT IS ALMOST ASTONISHING TO YEARS, OUR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA
MR CHEONG-LEEN POINTED OUT that CHINA TOOK 7.* =>-R CENT CF HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS LAST YEAR, AS AGAINST 3.6 PER CENT IN 1981, AND ONE-THIRD OF OUR RE-EXPORTS IN 1984, AS AGAINST ONE-FIFTH IN 1981.
HE ADDED: +IN FACT, CHINA IS NOw PLAYING Ar. INCREASINGLY SIGNIFICANT ROLE AS OUR HUGE NEIGHBOURING TRADING PARTNER. SINCE THE S INO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION HAS IN EFFECT PROVIDED A FRAMEWORK WHICH wILL ENSURE HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO PROSPER IN THE FUTURE AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATION REGION UNDER CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY, THE HINA FACTOR WILL BECOME EVEN MORE CRUCIAL IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE TERRITORY’S LONG-TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.*
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THAT IN ThE YEARS AHEAD, TnEFE WOULD BE LOTS OF ROOM FOR CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, '-ilNA BEING A SOURCE OF CHEAP LABOUR AND RAW MATERIALS AND HONG KONG A SOURCE OF CAPITAL, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND LOGISTICAL SERVICES.
+THEREFORE, IT WILL WORK TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE OF THE TWC TERRITORIES IF THE CHINESE SIDE SUPPLIES COMPONENT.-. AND LABOUR AND THE HONG KONG SIDE QUALITY CONTROL. ASSEMBLY, SOPHISTICATED DESIGN AND SHIPMENT. SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT , ILL FACILITATE HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT INTO A HIGH TECHNOL. V-' INDUSTRIAL CENTRE.*
HE ADDED THAT CHINA’S LARGE-SCALE EXPLORATION PROGRAMME FOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS wAS LIKELY TO BRING HONG KONG AN ONGOING ANNUAL SPIN-OFF OF TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLA-WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, ADDING: +ALREADY THER'7 ARE INDICATIONS THAT CHINA IS TO BECOME ONE OF THE Wu=LD’S MAJOR ■■FFSHORE OIL THEATRES BY THE 19QQ’S, NO DOUBT BRINGING IN ITS WAKE A BOOM TO EQUAL THAT TOUCHED OF-- BY THE NORTH SEA DISCOVERIES.* ---------------------------------0--------
/6.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1933
6
PRESS CONFERENCE
*****
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT the CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB IN STANLEY TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE FIRST MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS HELD HERE FROM MARCH 18 TO 22.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, WHO IS THE ELECTED CHAIRMAN AT THE MEETING.
THE CONSULTANT AND RAPPORTEUR OF THE MEETING, PROFESSOR WILLIAM CLIFFORD" THE CO-SECRETARY, MR JEREMY POPE" AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE UNITED NATIONS ASIA AND FAR EAST INSTITUTE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS (UNAFEI), AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF CRIMINOLOGY" AND DELEGATES FROM AUSTRALIA, THE BAHAMAS, BERMUDA, LESOTHO, MALAYSIA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, SINGAPORE, TONGA, UNITED KINGDOM, GHANA AND INDIA WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB, 51 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD WAN CHAI, AT 10.30 AM SHARP. ’
ANTI-DRUG FIGHT REAPS RESULTS
*****
HONG KONG’S EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS IN 1984 REAPED ENCOURAGING RESULTS.
THIS WAS REVEALED AT THE 56TH MEETING OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN 1984, 880 PERSONS UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE WERE NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA) FOR INVOLVEMENT IN DRUGS, THIS SHOWED A DECREASE OF 21 PER CENT COMPARING WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR WHEN 1 121 YOUNG PERSONS WERE NEWLY REPORTED.
/THE TOTAL
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
- 7 -
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED IN 1984 WAS 3 377, WHILE IN 1983 THE NUMBER WAS 3 964. THIS REDUCTION, AT A RATE OF 15 PER CENT, WAS THE FIRST RECORDED SINCE 1980.
1984 WAS ALSO A RECORD YEAR FOR THE SEIZURES OF ILLICIT HEROIN. A TOTAL OF 1 341 KILOGRAMS OF ILLICIT OPIATES, MAINLY HEROIN BASE WERE SEIZED, ALMOST TWICE THE QUANTITY OF 714 KILOGRAMS SEIZED IN 1983.
A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS OF ALL AGES PROSECUTED FOR MAJOR AND MINOR DRUG OFFENCES WAS ALSO RECORDED. IN 1984, 11 206 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR DRUG OFFENCES, DOWN BY 0.2 PER CENT FROM 11 229 PERSONS IN 1983.
INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS AGED UNDER 21 IN DRUG OFFENCES DECREASED FROM 1 222 PERSONS IN 1983 TO 1 080 PERSONS IN 1984 REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 12 PER CENT.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, ATTRIBUTED THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, NE/.LY REPORTED FOR DRUG ABUSE IN 1984, TO THE LARGE SEIZURES MADE BY THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS AND TO INTENSIVE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WITH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
HE SAID THAT MORE EMPHASIS WAS BEING GIVEN TO PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION. HONG KONG’S ACTIVITIES IN THIS ASPECT CONTINUED TO ATTRACT CONSIDERABLE OVERSEAS INTEREST.
AT A RECENT MEETING OF THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON NARCOTIC DRUGS IN VIENNA, A RESOLUTION DRAFTED IN HONG KONG URGING OTHER GOVERNMENTS TO GIVE PRIORITY TO PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WAS CO-SPONSORED BY 26 COUNTRIES AND WAS UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE COMMISSION.
HONG KONG IS FREQUENTLY ASKED BY THE UNITED NATIONS TO ASSIST IN THE TRAINING OF PERSONNEL IN PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES. MR HANDRICK NG, THE PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER IN THE NARCOTICS DIVISION HAS RECENTLY BEEN INVITED BY THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA TO UNDERTAKE A CONSULTANCY VISIT TO THE COUNTRY.
IN HONG KONG, STUDENTS, YOUTH GROUPS, SOCIAL WORKERS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
ACAN LAUNCHED THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM IN FEBRUARY, 1984 TO
GIVE DRUG EDUCATION TALKS TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THE TEAM HAS VISITED 155 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND GIVEN 194 TALKS TO SOME 83 000 STUDENTS UP TO MARCH 15, 1985.
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/6........
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
8
MAINTENANCE GRANTS FOR MATRICULANTS * * * K
STUDENTS INTENDING TO ATTEND MATRICULATION COURSES CAN APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE GRANTS IN THE 1985/86 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE GRANT AMOUNTS TO ABOUT $900 PER ANNUM PER STUDENT, AND AIMS TO HELP NEEDY STUDENTS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE WITH FULL-TIME ADVANCED LEVEL OR HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATIONS STUDIES, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
NEEDY STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM/MIDDLE 5 OR FORM 6 WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, ROOM 1522, LEIGHTON CENTRE, 15TH FLOOR, HONG KONG FROM JUNE 1.
FOR STUDENTS NOW STUDYING IN FORM/MIDDLE 5 WHO INTEND TO STUDY FORM 6 NEXT YEAR, THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED THROUGH HEADS CF SCHOOLS TO THE SECRETARY, MAINTENANCE GRANTS COMMITTEE, NOT LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION RESULTS.
STUDENTS IN FORM 6 WHO ARE PROMOTING TO FORM 7 NEXT YEAR MUST RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOL TO THE SECRETARY NOT LATER THAN JULY 20.
+GRANTS ARE AWARDED ON A YEARLY BASIS AND RENEWAL IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IF A RECIPIENT IN FORM 6 WISHES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A GRANT ON PROMOTION TO FORM 7 HE MUST APPLY AGAIN,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
STUDENTS IN FORM 6 WHO ARE NOT RECEIVING GRANTS IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR ARE ALSO ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR GRANTS TO ENABLE THEM TO COMPLETE THE ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION COURSE IN 1985/86, HE SAID.
GRANTS WILL BE PAID THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS IN THREE INSTALMENTS AT THE END OF DECEMBER, MARCH AND JUNE. THERE WILL BE NO PAYMENTS FOR JULY AND AUGUST.
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/9........
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1H5
3
TRAP' ING GUIDELINES FOR JEWELLERY INDUSTRY * * *
A MANUAL TO HELP EMPLOYERS OF JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TO DRAw UP SYSTEMATIC ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR THEIR TRAINEES AND -’PRENTICES HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR NINE PRINCIPAL JOBS AT TECHNOLOGIST, TECHNICIAN AND CRAFTSMAN LEVELS IN THE INDUSTRY ARE SET OUT IN DETAILS IN THE MANUAL.
+THE PURPOSE OF PUBLISHING A MANUAL IS TO ESTABLISH AN ACCEPTABLE AND UNIFORM STANDARD OF SKILLS FOR EACH PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY,* SAID MR HUI CHECK-wING, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.
BY FOLLOWING THE SKILLS SPECIFICATIONS IN THE MANUAL, EMPLOYERS COULD ASSESS THE COMPETENCE OF THEIR WORKERS AS wELL, HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THAT THE MANUAL ALSO SERVED AS GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN PLANNING RELEVANT THEORY COURSES FOR STUDENTS OR APPRENTICES.
THE MANUAL, ENTITLED + JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY*, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT HK$6.00 A COPY.
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NEW POSTER ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURE HAZARDS * * * *
+ ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CREATE DANGER* IS THE MESSAGE OF A NEWLY PRODUCED GOVERNMENT POSTER TO WARN THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE HAZARDS POSED BY SUCH STRUCTURES.
THE POSTER, PRINTED IN TWO SIZES, AIMS AT STEPPING UP PUBLICITY ON THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND 25 OOO COPIES HAVE BEEN PRODUCED.
IT DEPICTS A LIVELY CARICATURE SHOWING THE TYPES OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SUCH AS CAGES, ROOFTOP STRUCTURES, CANOPIES, PODIUM EXTENSIONS ETC WHICH ARE MOST COMMONLY FOUND OUTSIDE BUILDINGS.
COPIES OF THE POSTER ARE NOW ON DISPLAY ON NOTICE BOARDS AND GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, BUS STOPS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS, WALK-WAYS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, AND DISTRIBUTED TO OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
/GOVERNMENT
-AriCH 1985
10
GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR CHENG WEI-DART, SAID STAFF 1- HE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WOULD ALSO PUT UP THE POSTER ■IT PROMINENT LOCATIONS WHILE MAKING PATROLS IN NEW BUILDINGS TO ADVISE TENANTS AND OWNERS.
♦ ANY QUERIES REGARDING ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SHOULD BE DIRECTED K THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE BY TELEPHONING 5-26702340. OUR STAFF WILL BE GLAD TO GIVE ADVICE IN ALL CASES,* MR CHENG SAID.
MEANWHILE, AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST (API) IS CONTINUING TO BE BROADCAST ON RADIO TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC NOT TO INSTALL OUTWARD SWINGING GATES BECAUSE THESE GATES OBSTRUCT CORRIDORS AND PASSAGEWAYS WHICH SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAR AT ALL TIMES.
TO FURTHER STEP UP PUBLICITY ON THE ISSUE, A TV API WITH THE SAME WARNING IS ALSO BEING PREPARED.
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GAMES DAY TO PROMOTE METRICATION
X * * *
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN PROMOTING THE USE OF METRIC UNITS IN CONSUMER GOODS AND IN THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES IN THE PAST YEAR, MR JAMES WU, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE YEAR 1984 SAW THE SUCCESSFUL CHANGE-OVER TO METRIC UNITS OF BILLING OF WATER CHARGES, LIQUID MEDICINE DOSAGE AND ROAD SPEED LIMIT.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR WU SAID AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE WORK OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE DURING THE PAST YEAR WAS THE PROMOTION OF METRIC WEIGHT MEASUREMENT AND THE USE OF METRIC WEIGHING MACHINES.
A NUMBER OF PROJECTS, INCLUDING A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION, NEWSPAPER AND RADIO QUIZ, AND A RECIPE COMPETITION, WERE ORGANISED.
THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ROUNDED OFF BY A METRIC GAMES DAY TO BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM 1.30 PM TO 3.30 PM.
THE GAMES DAY IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG. IT WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB JADE AT 4.30 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 23).
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE METRIC GAMES DAY AT VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM 1.30 PM TO 3.30 PM.
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/11 ......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
11
JUDO TRAINING COURSE FOR CHILDREN * * * *
A SIX-MONTH JUDO TRAINING SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND HONG KONG JUDO ASSOCIATION.
TWELVE ELEMENTARY COURSES WILL BE HELD AT INDOOR GAMES HALLS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, WITH EACH TAKING 30 YOUNGSTERS AGED BETWEEN 10 AND 14. COURSE FEE IS $10.
MOST OF THE CLASSES WILL BE HELD IN THE EVENING WHILE A FEW IN THE AFTERNOON. THE FIRST COURSE WILL START ON APRIL 1 AND ALL CLASSES WILL FINISH BY SEPTEMBER 23.
AFTER COMPLETING THE ELEMENTARY COURSES, PARTICIPANTS MAY ATTEND A QUALIFYING EXAMINATION FOR ORANGE BELT TRAINING.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE RSS HEADQUARTERS ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, AND AT ITS 19 DISTRICT OFFICES OR SPORTS CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 5-224415.
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SINGING CONTEST ENTERS FINAL PHASE
* * * X
THE FINALS OF THE THIRD CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 23) AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF HONG KONG CARITAS CENTRE, CAINE ROAD.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ARTS FORTNIGHT.
DURING THE PRELIMINARY AND SEMI-FINAL ROUNDS HELD IN FEBRUARY, ABOUT 400 PARTICIPANTS COMPETED IN TWO CATEGORIES -SOLO SINGING AND GROUP SINGING. SIX FINALISTS WERE SELECTED FROM EACH CATEGORY.
THE CONTEST WILL ALSO FEATURE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY THE MUSIC LOVERS’ CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND POP-SINGER, MISS CARMEN WONG. . I
ADJUDICATORS WILL INCLUDE MISS WEI SAU-HANG, MISS CHAN WAI-HANG, MISS CARMEN WONG AND DR ENOCH YOUNG.
/CASH PRIZES .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
12 -
CASH PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS OF EACH CATEGORY.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WESTERN YOUTH COMMUNITY OFFICE AND HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 5-283257.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FINALS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST TO BE HELD AT 8 PM THIS SATURDAY (MARCH 23) AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF HONG KONG CARITAS CENTRE, CAINE ROAD.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL * * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS
(1) EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES, WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES), BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYSs-
MARCH 24 (SUNDAY)
MARCH 30 (SATURDAY)
MARCH 31 (SUNDAY)
APRIL 5 । (CHING MING)
APRIL 6 1 SATURDAY)
APRIL 7 1 SUNDAY)
APRIL 8 1 (MONDAY)
APRIL 14 (SUNDAY)
APRIL 21 (SUNDAY)
EXCEPT KMB BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES, WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION (SOUTHBOUND) BETWEEN NORTHEAST SLIP ROAD AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD FROM TAI PO ROAD TO WO HOP SHEK ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES) ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:-
/MaRCH 24
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
MARCH 24 (SUNDAY) MARCH 31 (SUNDAY) APRIL 5 (CHING MING) APRIL 6 (SATURDAY) APRIL 7 (SUNDAY) APRIL 8 (MONDAY) APRIL 14 (SUNDAY) APRIL 21 (SUNDAY)
(2) FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD (THE ROAD LEADING FROM TAI PO ROAD TO FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT AND PAK FUK TSUEN) WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC EXCEPT KMB BUSES, MAXICABo, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND RESIDENTS FOR LOCAL ACCESS BETWEEN 6 A' AND 6 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
MARCH 24 (SUNDAY)
MARCH 31 (SUNDAY)
APRIL 5 (CHING MING)
APRIL 6 (SATURDAY)
APRIL 7 (SUNDAY)
APRIL 8 (MONDAY)
APRIL 14 (SUNDAY)
APR IL 21 (SUNDAY)
DURING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DATES, THE FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5 TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT KMB BUSES, MAXICABS AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
(3)
(4)
(5)
NO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT BUSES, EMERGENCY V£H*CLES, HEARSES AND VEHICLES WITH CLOSED ROAD PERMITS, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MAN KAM TO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH SAN FUNG AVENUE IN SHEUNG SHUI FROM 6 AM TO 6 PM ON THE DATES LISTED IN (2). THE SAME PROHIBITION WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED TO LO WU STATION ROAD.
THE ACCESS ROADS TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO III vehicular traffic, except hearses and emergency vehicles FROM 8 AM TO 7 PM ON MARCH 31, APRIL 5, 6, 7, 8 AND 14 AND ON ANY OTHER DAYS DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD IF THE TRAFFIC SITUATION SO REQUIRES.
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL EE MAINTAINED ON TAI PO ROAD THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL PERIOD. HOWEVER, THE FOLLOWING PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IMPOSED TO GOODS VEHICLES OVER 5.5 TONNES ON THE DATtS LISTED IN (2):
/sections of .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
14
SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD
TRAFFIC DIRECTION
PROHIBITION PERIOD
BETWEEN FANLING BOTH DIRECTIONS 6 AM - 6 PM
ROUNDABOUT AND
LAM KAM ROAD
BETWEEN LAM KAM ROAD NORTH-BOUND 6 AM - 12 NOON
AND SHA TIN RACE (
COURSE
BETWEEN LAM KAM ROAD SOUTH-BOUND 12 NOON - 6 P..
AND SHA TIN RACE COURSE
(6) MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE CEMETERIES AS THERE WILL BE NO PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE VICINITY OF WO HOP SHEK. PARKING SPACES In SHEUNG SHU I, FANLING AND AROUND TSUEN WAN CEMETERY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED. VEHICLE PARKED ILLEGALLY ON THE ROAD OR PAVEMENT WILL BE TOWED AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
PRIVATE VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN OR PICK UP PASSENGERS WITHIN TWO KILOMETRES ON TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION CF WO HOP SHEK ROAD.
(7) KCR SERVICE WILL BE STRENGTHENED AT FANLING AT FIVE-MINUTE FREQUENCY DURING PEAK PERIODS (7 AM - 9.45 AM ; 4 PM - 7 PM); AND AT 1O-MINUTE FREQUENCY DURING OFF PEAK PERIODS ON:
MARCH 31 (SUNDAY) APRIL 5 (CHING MING) APRIL 6 (SATURDAY) APRIL 7 (SUNDAY) APRIL 8 (MONDAY) APRIL 14 (SUNDAY)
(8) SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE 70 R WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK ON THE DATES MENTIONED AT (2) AT A THREE-MINUTE FREQUENCY.
(9) GRAVE-SWEEPERS GOING TO SANDY RIDGE CAN TAKE EITHER THE REGULAR BUS SERVICE, 73K, OPERATING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND SAN UK LING OR THE ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU. DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIODS, PLBS AND TAXIS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN AND PICK UP PASSENGERS AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS AND WAITING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. PLB AND TAXI DRIVERS SHOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND MUST OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS BY THE POLICE OFFICERS ON SITE.
/(1O) GRAVE-SWEEPERS .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
' I GRAVE-SWEEPERS are advised not to USE THE VILLAGE FOOTPATho SOUTH OF THE FANLING STATION AS THESE ARE NOW PART OF A CONSTRUCTION SITE AND ARE NOT SAFE FOR PUBLIC USE. IF PASSENGERS WISH TO WALK TO THE CEMETERY, THEY ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE FROM FANLING KCR STATION TO FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, TAI PO ROAD, ^0 HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AND WO HOP SHEK ROAD. APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE PEDESTRIANS.
U) AS SEVERE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ARE EXPECTED ON TAI PO ROAD DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIODS, GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO VISIT THE CEMETERIES EARLY OR ON OTHER NON-FESTIVAL DAYS. THOSE GOING TO THE NORTHERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE ROUTE TwISK AND FAN KAM ROAD OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AS ALTERNATIVE ROUTES IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE CONGESTION ON TAI ?0 ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL *****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 24), TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORK AT QUEEN VICTORIA STREET.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE:
* QUEEN VICTORIA STREET WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTION.
* A 140-METRE SECTION OF THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, EAST OF HARBOUR VIEw STREET, WILL BE DESIGNATED AS BUS-ONLY LANE. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WIlL EE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD SECTION BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
* CMB ROUTE 720 WILL BE EXTENDED TO TERMINATE AT
JUBILEE STREET.
/• CMB
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
16
¥■ CMB ROUTES 20 AND 22 WILL TERMINATE AT THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL BUS STATION.
•DTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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ROAD CLOSURES * * *
CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT 31-3/4 MILESTONE NEAR LOK MA CHAU WILL EE CLOSED BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND 12.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 24) AND THURSDAY (MARCH 28) FOR BRIDGE WORK.
CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT 31 MILESTONE NEAR TING LUNG TSUEN v, ILL BE ALSO CLOSED BETWEEN 12.45 AM AND 1.15 AM ON THE SAME DAYS.
DURING ROAD CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING AND YUEN LONG MAY USE FAN KAM ROAD AND KAM TIN
BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
17
PARKING METERS TO OPERATE ON SUNDAYS * * * *
PARKING CHARGES AT 41 METERED PARKING SPACES ALONG VILLAGE ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL EE EXTENDED TO SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 24).
THE METERS WILL ONLY OPERATE BETWEEN 10 AM AND 10 PM ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, CHARGING THE SAME FEES AS ON WEEKDAYS.
THEY WILL BE DISTINGUISHED BY THEIR POSTS, THE UPPER PARTS CF WHICH WILL BE PAINTED WHITE.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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SEVEN-HOUR WATER CUT * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS rROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (MARCH 25) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SING WOO ROAD, SHAN KWONG ROAD AND HOLLY ROAD, INCLUDING YUK SAU STREET, TSUI MAN STREET, KWAI FONG STREET, MUI HING STREET, HAWTHORN ROAD, SING WOO CRESCENT, TSUN YUEN STREET, LUN HING STREET, SHING PING STREET AND CHEONG MING STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
APPOINTMENTS TO 1? DISTRICT BOARDS .......................... 1
REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS - AN IMPORTANT TASK.............. 2
'HOTLINE' ON AIDS PROVED SUCCESSFUL ......................... 3
MONEY CHANGERS ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT ON APRIL 1 ............ 5
LADY YOUDE OPENS VISITOR CENTRE ............................. 5
NEW EX-GRATIA RATES FOR RESUMED LAND ........................ 7
CROWN LAND FOR AUCTION ...................................... 7
SPEEDPOST REACHES NEW ZEALAND................................ 8
WANG TAU HOM ESTATE MAKING WAY FOR MODERN HOMES ............. 9
SEMINAR FOR NEWLY ELECTED DB MEMBERS......................... 10
HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE OPENS ON WEEKEND ...................... 11
TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMIN I STRATI ON ................. 12
GRANT FOR CYCLING ASSOCIATION ............................... 13
TOILET, BATHHOUSE PLANNED FOR LEI YUE MUN ................... 13
COMPETING DI METRIC ......................................... 14
LIFE SAVING COURSE FOR TEACHERS ............................. 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ........................................ 15
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
- 1 -
APPOINTMENTS TO 19 DISTRICT BOARDS X X X * X
A TOTAL OF 132 PEOPLE WHO REPRESENT A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE APPOINTED MEMBERS WILL SERVE THE BOARDS FOR THREE YEARS ALONGSIDE THE 237 NEWLY-ELECTED MEMBERS FROM NEXT MONTH.
SEVENTY-ONE MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 61 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE 30 URBAN COUNCILLORS WILL CONTINUE TO SIT ON THE URBAN BOARDS AND THE 27 RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN ON THE NT BOARDS AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, NOTED THAT THE APPOINTMENTS WOULD COMPLETE THE FULL COMPOSITION OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE NEW BOARDS WHICH WOULD BE RUN ENTIRELY BY UNOFFI Cl AL MEMBERS.
+THE NEW STYLED DISTRICT BOARDS ARE NOW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING INITIATIVE AND DYNAMISM IN THEIR WORK,* HE SAID.
THE APPOINTMENTS WERE MADE WITH THE AIM OF PRODUCING BALANCED AND EFFECTIVE BOARDS WHICH WOULD COMMAND THE CONFIDENCE OF THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVED, MR LIAO ADDED.
OF THE APPOINTEES, 59 (OR 44.7 PER CENT) ARE NEW MEMBERS WHO COME FROM A DIVERSE RANGE OF BACKGROUND AND OCCUPATION, INCLUDING THOSE WITH EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY AND CIVIC AFFAIRS.
THE REMAINING 73 HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED AND THEIR EXPERIENCE WILL BE AN ASSET TO THE CONTINUITY IN THE NEW BOARDS.
LIKE THEIR ELECTED COUNTERPARTS, THE MAJORITY OF THE APPOINTEES ANNOUNCED TODAY ARE YOUNG, WITH 33.3 PER CENT IN THE 31 TO 40 AGE GROUP AND 28.8 PER CENT IN THE 41 TO 50 GROUP.
AMONG THE APPOINTED MEMBERS, 21 ARE WOMEN AND 111 ARE MEN.
OF THE APPOINTEES, 31 PER CENT COME FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, 18.9 PER CENT FROM THE EDUCATIONAL SECTOR, 14.4 PER CENT FROM INDUSTRY AND 13.6 PER CENT ARE PROFESSIONALS.
0
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
- 2 -
REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS - AN IMPORTANT TASK *****
HONG KONG ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE TASK OF CORRECTION AND REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS WHICH WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SYSTEM OF LAW AND ORDER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE PARADE GROUND OF THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY. THE PARADE ALSO MARKED THE CONCLUSION OF THE FIRST MEETING OF COMMONWEALTH CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID, OPERATED A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF CORRECTIONAL AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF OFFENDERS.
+THESE PROGRAMMES ARE CONSTANTLY REVIEWED AND BROUGHT UP TO DATE TO INCLUDE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN CORRECTIONAL THINKING AND TECHNIQUES,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID 1984 SAW THE COMPLETION OF A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE LAI SUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS, A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT SHEK PIK, THE STANLEY WORKSHOP COMPLEX AND HOSPITAL EXTENSION, AND BAUHINIA HOUSE - A HALF WAY HOUSE FOR GIRLS.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES HAD ALSO CONTINUED TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY. TWO NEW TRADES, LEATHER WORK AND KNITTING, WERE ADDED IN 1984 TO THE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES AND THE TOTAL COMMERCIAL VALUE OF GOODS AND SERVICES AMOUNTED TO $99 MILLION, WHICH MEANT AN INCREASE OF NEARLY 50 PER CENT OVER 1983.
+THESE INDUSTRIES PROVIDE INMATES WITH SKILLS WHICH WILL HELP THEM TO FIND WORK WHEN THEY ARE RELEASED,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT GREAT IMPORTANCE WAS ATTACHED TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS.
LAST YEAR, 19 OF THE 20 INMATES WHO SAT FOR THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE EXAMINATION FOR TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS PASSED AND MOST OF THEM WITH DISTINCTIONS.
IN ADDITION, 17 INMATES PASSED THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY BOOK-KEEPING EXAMINATION, AND 14 FEMALE OFFENDERS PASSED THE PITMAN’S TYPE-WRITING EXAMINATION.
SIR EDWARD ALSO PRAISED THE DEPARTMENT FOR PERFORMING THE ONEROUS AND THANKLESS TASK OF MANAGING CLOSED CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
+GREAT CREDIT IS DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE WAY IN WHICH IT HAS ADAPTED ITS METHODS TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE,+ HE SAID.
/NOTING x'nAT ......
FHXDAY, MAUCH 22, 1985
NOTING THAT TODAY’S PARADE WAS THE LAST ONE WHICH MR THOMAS GARNER ATTENDED AS COMMISSIONER, THE GOVERNOR PAID TRIBUTE TO HIM FOR HIS GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG.
+MR GARNER HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SHAPING THE DEVELOPMENT CF THE DEPARTMENT AND MAKING IT WHAT IT IS TODAY.
+THAT THE HONG KONG CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HAVE SUCH A HIGH STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY, AND INTERNATIONALLY AMONG FELLOW PROFESSIONALS, OWES MUCH TO HIS DEDICATION, HIS INSISTENCE ON HIGH STANDARDS AND HIS CONSTANT READINESS TO PROMOTE PROGRESS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR INSTITUTIONS,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
MR GARNER WOULD BE RETIRING SOON AFTER 38 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 13 OF THEM AS COMM ISSI ONER.
DURING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION, SIR EDWARD PRESENTED COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO 40 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF FOR 18 YEARS’ EXEMPLARY SERVICE.
SEVEN CONTINGENTS COMPRISING 196 OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT TOOK PART IN THE ANNUAL PARADE, COMMANDED BY SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT WONG HON-CHUNG.
LIGHT AND MARCHING MUSIC WAS PROVIDED BY THE CAPE COLLINSON MARCHING BAND. THE TAI TAM GAP GIRLS’ PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM ALSO GAVE A PERFORMANCE.
--------o-----------
’HOTLINE’ ON AIDS PROVED SUCCESSFUL
* * * *
THE INFORMATION ’HOTLINE’ ON AIDS HAD ACHIEVED ITS OBJECTIVE TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON THE DISEASE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR CF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION CF PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, DR LEE SAID THAT A TOTAL OF 500 CALLERS WERE RECORDED TO HAVE MADE USE OF THE SERVICE DURING THE FIRST 12 DAYS OF THE OPERATION OF THE ’HOTLINE’ SINCE MARCH 9.
OF THE CALLS RECEIVED, 44 HAD RAISED QUESTIONS AND ANOTHER 43 HAD MADE COMMENTS AFTER LISTENING TO THE RECORDED PROGRAMME. A TOTAL OF 18 CALLERS HAD LEFT THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR FURTHER CONTACT.
+IN THE LIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED AND IN VIEW OF THE DEMAND FOR INFORMATION, ACTION IS NOW BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE INFORMATION ’HOTLINE’ BY SPLITTING THE EXISTING BILINGUAL PROGRAMME INTO TWO SEPARATE LINES, ONE WILL BE ENTIRELY IN ENGL I Sri AND THE OTHER IN CHINESE,* DR LEE SAID.
/A HUNTING-LIl.E........
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
- 4 -
A HUNTING-LINE SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE INSTALLED SO THAT MORE PEOPLE COULD HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION AT THE SAME TIME. THE OPERATION OF THIS INFORMATION ’HOTLINE’ WOULD BE RE-ASSESSED AGAIN IN ONE MONTH’S TIME. ANY USEFUL SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE WERE WELCOME.
+ALTHOUGH SOMEONE HAS SAID THAT THE ’HOTLINE’ IS NOT ’HOT’ ENOUGH, THE GENERAL COMMENTS THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED INDICATE THAT THE 'HOTLINE’ IS A GOOD SOURCE OF INFORMATION WHICH HELPS TO CLARIFY MISCONCEPTIONS AND ALLEVIATE UNDUE ANXIETY OF THE PUBLIC,+ DR LEE SAID.
+THE AIM OF THE 24-HOUR INFORMATION ’HOTLINE’ IS TO ENABLE THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO HAVE ACCESS TO ACCURATE AND UPDATE INFORMATION ON AIDS.+
DR S.H. LEE SAID THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR FEARING THAT AIDS COULD BE CONTRACTED THROUGH DONATING BLOOD.
+DONATING BLOOD IS A SAFE PROCESS AND THE FEAR IS TOTALLY UNFOUNDED.
+SINCE JUNE 1983, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS INTRODUCED A SCREENING PROCEDURE TO EXCLUDE PERSONS BELONGING TO HIGH RISKS GROUPS, SUCH AS HOMOSEXUALS AND DRUG ADDICTS, FROM DONATING BLOOD. THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN WORKING SATISFACTORILY,* HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAD ALL ALONG BEEN EMPLOYING DISPOSABLE SETS IN BLOOD COLLECTION, AND NEEDLES WERE USED ONCE ONLY AND NOT SHARED BETWEEN TWO DONORS.
TURNING TO THE RISK OF CONTRACTING AIDS BY HEALTH CARE AND LABORATORY WORKERS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID THAT IF PROPER PRECAUTIONS WERE FOLLOWED THERE SHOULD BE NO UNDUE RISK OF DEVELOPING AIDS THROUGH OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE.
RECENTLY THREE HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN REPORTED THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE SPECIMEN CF AN AIDS PATIENT. SOME PEOPLE SUGGESTED THAT THESE WORKERS SHOULD BE SUSPENDED FROM THEIR DUTIES UNTIL THEY WERE CONFIRMED TO BE NON-CARRIERS.
+SUCH A SUGGESTION IS IRRATIONAL, DISCRIMINATING AND IS OF NO SCIENTIFIC BASIS,* DR S.H. LEE SAID.
AT THE LUNCHEON, DR LEE ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE MODE OF TRANSMISSION OF AIDS, THE GENERAL SITUATION OF THE DISEASE IN U.S.A. AND U.K., THE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM ADOPTED IN HONG KONG AND PROGRAMMES LAUNCHED TO EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON AIDS.
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1385
MONEY CHANGERS ORDINANCE TAKES EFFECT ON APRIL 1 *****
THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) ORDINANCE 1985 WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE CONSUMER PROTECTION IN CURRENCY EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS WILL COME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1, 1985.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MONEY CHANGERS IN HONG KONG WILL EE REQUIRED TO GIVE THEIR CUSTOMERS A NOTE WHICH SETS OUT CLEARLY THE DETAILS OF THE TRANSACTION INCLUDING THAT OF ANY CHARGE OR COMMISSION, AND OBTAIN THEIR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE TERMS BEFORE ENTERING INTO THE EXCHANGE TRANSACTION. IF A MONEY CHANGER FAILS TO DO SO, THE CUSTOMER MAY RESCIND THE TRANSACTION WITHIN THREE DAYS.
SUCH A FAILURE WILL ALSO BE AN OFFENCE WHICH IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF ®2 OOO FOR A FIRST OFFENCE AND A FINE OF $5 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE.
THE NOTE TO BE SIGNED BY THE CUSTOMER SHOULD CONTAIN A PROMINENT STATEMENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, EXPLAINING THAT THE CUSTOMER HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE DETAILS OF THE TRANSACTION SET OUT IN IT.
IF A MONEY CHANGER MAINTAINS A BOARD OR SCREEN TO DISPLAY THE CURRENT RATES OF EXCHANGE, HE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO DISPLAY CLEARLY THE NATURE AND AMOUNT OR THE METHOD OF CALCULATION OF THE CHARGE OR COMMISSION.
THE ORDINANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO A HOTEL IF ONLY A LIMITED SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY THE MANAGEMENT PRIMARILY FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF ITS GUESTS. FURTHERMORE, THE ORDINANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO A LICENCED BANK, A REGISTERED OR LICENCED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, OR TO AN EXCHANGE TRANSACTION WHERE THE AMOUNT OF THE CURRENCY TENDERED FOR EXCHANGE EXCEEDS rt<$100 000 OR ITS EQUIVALENT.
LADY YOUDE OPENS VISITOR CENTRE * * *
THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE, THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY LADY YOUDE.
THE 400 SQUARE METRE CENTRE CONSISTS OF A RECEPTION HALL, AN EXHIBITION AREA AND AN AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM.
/THE DISPLAY .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
6 -
THE DISPLAY MOUNTED AT THE CENTRE PROVIDES VISITORS WITH INFORMATION ON THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT CF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA, LOCAL PLANTS AND ANIMALS, HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AND OTHER COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.
IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, DR RIDDELL-SWAN, DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, SAID THE OPENING OF THE VISITOR CENTRE MARKED AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY PARKS PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMED TO PROVIDE FACILITIES THROUGH WHICH THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER ACTIVE MEMBERS, COULD ENJOY THEIR COUNTRYSIDE.
+THIS ENJOYMENT CAN BE CONSIDERABLY ENHANCED BY A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND OF ITS PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE.
+THIS INCREASED UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS AS WELL AS MAKING VISITS MUCH MORE INTERESTING ALSO LEADS TO A GREATER APPRECIATION CF THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION! FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND ITS INHABITANTS AGAINST DESPOLIATION, ESPECIALLY FIRE, AND FOR GREATER EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE PROBLEM OF LITTER,+ HE SAID.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THE MAIN FUNCTION OF A VISITOR CENTRE WAS TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION TO THIS END, INCLUDING DETAILS OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF WALKS, LOCATION OF POINTS OF INTEREST, LOCAL HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND BASIC DESCRIPTIONS OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS TO BE SEEN.
+l AM SURE THAT MANY VISITORS WILL MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY AND THAT IT WILL CONTRIBUTE CONSIDERABLY TO THEIR ENJOYMENT, WELL BEING AND INDEED SAFETY,+ HE SAID.
SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK IS AMONG THE MOST POPULAR OF THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS DEVELOPED AND MANAGED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE MORE THAN TWO MILLION VISITORS LAST YEAR.
THE LATEST ADDITION WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES TO THREE. THE OTHER TWO IN ABERDEEN AND TAI NE I TUK ARE SMALL AND WERE CONVERTED FROM OLD OFFICE BUILDINGS.
AFTER UNVEILING THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE, LADY YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY DR RIDDELL-SWAN, TOURED THE CENTRE.
PRIOR TO HER DEPARTURE, LADY YOUDE AND DR RIDDELL-SWAN EACH PLANTED A CEREMONIAL TREE AT THE GARDEN OF THE CENTRE.
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/7
PR I DAY, MARCH 22, 1985
NEW EX-GRATIA RATES FOR RESUMED LAND
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED NEW EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATES FOR RESUMED LAND.
THE RATE FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WILL BE $40.80 PER SQUARE FOOT. THE OLD RATE WAS $38.40 PER SQUARE FOOT.
THE RATE FOR BUILDING LAND WITHIN THE NEW TOWN AREAS WILL BE $66 PER SQUARE FOOT, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS RATE OF $60 PER SQUARE FOOT.
THE RATES FOR LAND RESUMED OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE THE APPROPRIATE PERCENTAGE CF THE BASIC RATES OF $34 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR AGRICULTURAL LAND AND $55 PER SQUARE FOOT FOR BUILDING LAND.
THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, WHICH PUBLISHED THE NEW RATES, ALSO CONTAINS A LIST OF REVISED CURRENCY VALUES OF NEW TERRITORIES LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B).
ACCORDING TO A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN, THE NEW VALUES REPRESENTED INCREASES BETWEEN 10 TO 25 PER CENT OF THE PRESENT CURRENCY VALUES, DEPENDING ON THE YEAR OF THE LETTER B WAS ISSUED.
♦THE MONETISATION OF LETTER B HAS PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL AND THAT SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY ON APRIL 1 LAST YEAR, ABOUT 10 MILLION SQUARE FEET OR 30 PER CENT OF THE OUTSTANDING LETTERS B HAVE BEEN REDEEMED,+ HE SAID.
BOTH THE NEW EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION RATES FOR RESUMED LAND AND CURRENCY VALUES FOR LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS, WHICH IS REVIEWED EVERY SIX MONTHS, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1.
CROWN LAND FOR AUCTION X * *
FIVE PIECES OF CROWN LAND, ONE IN HONG KONG AND FOUR IN SHA TIN WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AT AN AUCTION ON APRIL 18.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE, STARTING AT 2.30 PM.
THE QUEENSWAY PLOT, NAMELY INLAND LOT NO. 8571, IS RESTRICTED TO NON-INDUSTRIAL, INCLUDING HOTEL PURPOSES AND MEASURES ABOUT ID 690 SQUARE METRES.
THE DEVELOPER
FKIJAY, MAJRCh 22, 1985
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 96 210 SQUARE METRE GLOSS FLOOR AREA ON OR BEFORE JUNE 30, 1991.
OF THE FOUR SITES IN SHA TIN, THREE OF THEM, KNOWN AS SHA TIN TOWN LOT NOS. 194, 225 AND 252, ARE LOCATED AT AREA 41A SHA TIN.
MEASURING ABOUT 11 710 SQUARE METRES, 9 515 SQUARE METRES AND 960 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, THESE LOTS ARE TO BE USED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PUR°OSES.
THE LAST MEASURING ABOUT 4 915 SQUARE METRES AT AREA 14B, IS COR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND PLANS INSPECTED AT, 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, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 13TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE OF SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, NORTH, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
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SPEEDPOST REACHES NEW ZEALAND * * * X
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO NEW ZEALAND FROM MONDAY (MARCH 25), A ?OST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS WOULD BRING TO 30 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG, HE SAID.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO ALL AREAS IN NEW ZEALAND.
ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEES IN WELLINGTON, CHRIST-CHURCH AND AUCKLAND ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY, AND OTHER DESTINATIONS ON THE THIRD wORKING DAY.
ONLY +0N DEMAND* SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
/THE MAXIMUM
•ILDAY, MiiCH 22, 1985
9
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT PER ITEM IS 10 KG AND THE i”'aGE °A~£S ARE A; FOLLOwS:-
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G $60
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250 G $70
AND 500 G
EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500 G $25
+THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR -'DRWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS.
+CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES 5-2671108,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
WANG TAU HOM ESTATE MAKING WAY FOR MODERN HOMES
******
MORE THAN 2 000 OVERCROWDED FAMILIES IN SIX OLD BLOCKS IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REALLOCATED LARGER SELF-CONTAINED FLATS IN ESTATES OF THEIR OWN CHOICE.
+BLOCKS 10, 11, 15, 16, 21 AND 22 WILL SOON BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR MODERN, HIGH-RISE BLOCKS TO HOUSE 6 000 PEOPLE UNDER A REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE ESTATE,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID THESE BLOCKS WERE NOW PRACTICALLY EMPTY AS OVER 95 PER CENT OF 9 650 PEOPLE IN 2 126 FAMILIES INVOLVED HAD ALREADY MOVED OUT.
+MOST OF THEM HAVE TO THE NEARBY CHUK YUEN
MOVED TO NEW BLOCKS IN THE SAME ESTATE OR ESTATE.
+ALSO GONE ARE 264 SHOP TENANTS AND 202 HAWKERS WHO HAVE COLLECTED CASH COMPENSATION TOTALLING $17 937 000.
+SOME HAVE SUCCESSFULLY BID SHOP PREMISES IN OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES THROUGH RESTRICTED TENDERS SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THEM.+
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE FEW REMAINING TENANTS TO VACATE THEIR Fi-:i MSES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENABLE DEMOLITION WORK TO PROCEED NEXT MONTH AS SCHEDULED.
+THEIR CO-OPERATION WILL NOT ONLY HELP FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, BUT ALSO RESULT IN EARLY REHOUSING FOR THEIR NEIGHBOURS.*
/HE SAID .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
10
HE SAID THE SITE WAS NEEDED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIX HIGH-RISE BLOCKS WHICH UPON COMDLETION WOULD PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 1 347 MODERN FLATS.
♦THESE NEW FLATS WILL BE ALLOCATED TO FAMILIES IN WANG TAU HOM AND NEARBY ESTATES AFFECTED IN LATER PHASES OF REDEVELOPMENT.+
WANG TAU HOM ESTATE IS ONE OF THE FOUR MARK l/lI PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN CENTRAL KOWLOON BEING REDEVELOPED UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY TRANSFORM THE DISTRICT INTO A MODERN URBAN COMMUNITY.
SO FAR IN THE ESTATE, THREE OLD BLOCKS HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED AND REPLACED WITH SEVEN NEW BLOCKS PROVIDING COMFORTABLE HOMES FOR ABOUT 10 000 PEOPLE.
THE POPULATION IN THE ESTATE HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 64 100 PEOPLE IN 1976 TO THE PRESENT 35 500 PEOPLE, THUS GREATLY RELIEVING OVERCROWDING.
------0 ------
SEMINAR FOR NEWLY ELECTED DB MEMBERS * * * * *
VETERANS AND NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) MET AT A SEMINAR TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID: +THE SEMINAR IS A FAMILIARISATION AND AN ORIENTATION COURSE FOR THE NEWLY-ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND DISCUSS HOW THEY ARE GOING TO HANDLE DISTRICT MATTERS.*
AT THE SEMINAR, A 30-MINUTE FILM ON +HOW TO CONDUCT A MORE PRODUCTIVE MEETING* WAS SHOWN. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION LED BY THE CHIEF TRAINING OFFICER OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE, MR CHAN WING-KWAI.
A TALK ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVEN BY A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR LEUNG CHIN-MAN, WHO ALSO BRIEFED THEM ON THE FORMATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BOARDS AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES, AS WELL AS THE CHANNELS FOR COLLECTING VIEWS AND OPINIONS FROM INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS.
0
F AY, MARCH 22, 1985
HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE OPENS ON WEEKEND
* * * * *
THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN WILL REMAIN OPEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY TO RECEIVE APPLICATIONS FOR THE 4 120 FLATS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY (MARCH 25) AND A BALLOT WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY: + T0 AVOID THE EXPECTED LAST-MINUTE RUSH FOR THE FLATS, APPLICANTS SHOULD HURRY UP AND SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY TO THE CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE.*
♦MORE THAN 12 000 APPLICATIONS HAVE SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED,* HE ADDED.
+ THE OPENING HOURS OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP CENTRE, WHERE AN EXHIBITION ON THE FOUR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS FOR SALE IS BEING STAGED, WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.+
THE FOUR PROJECTS ARE AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN, HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN, SUN LAI GARDEN IN NGAU CHI WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN.
FLAT PRICES RANGE FROM $103 500 TO $380 000 AND GROSS AREAS VARY BETWEEN 41.5 AND 69.4 SQUARE METRES.
PRICES FOR THE LARGEST TYPE OF FLATS AT GREENWOOD TERRACE, WITH A SIZE OF 81.3 SQUARE METRES, RANGE FROM $340 800 TO $403 600 EACH.
TO ENABLE PROSPECTIVE HOME-BUYERS TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE PROJECTS, SAMPLE FLATS WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN ON SITE IN THE WEEKEND FROM 10.30 AM TO 5.30 PM.
IN ADDITION, MOCK UP FLATS OF PRIME VIEW GARDEN ARE ALSO OPEN FOR PUBLIC VIEWING DAILY ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 01 MAN COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM 9 AM TO 7 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICANTS COULD ALSO OBTAIN DETAILS OF THE POUR PROJECTS IN THE WEEKEND FROM EXHIBITIONS BEING STAGED AT THE MTR TSUEN WAN STATION, TELFORD CENTRE IN KOWLOON BAY, BUTTERFLY COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND YAU 01 COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN TUEN MUN.
MEANWHILE, ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE 3 776 FLATS BEING SOLD :NDER PHASE VI IA OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAVE ALREADY BEEN SELECTED BY ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS IN THE PAST 24 WORKING DAYS.
/THE HOUSING........
..VILA., MAUCH 22, 1985
12 -
THE HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID: +AMONG THE 2 981 FLATS SELECTED, 2 M5 APE AT FUNG SHING COURT IN SHA TIN AND THE REST AT CHING SHING COURT ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND AND CHOI PO COURT PHASE II IN SHEK WU HU I .
+ |T IS EXPECTED THAT THE REMAINING 33 FLATS AT FUNG SHING COURT WILL BE SOLD OUT WITHIN ONE OR TWO DAYS WHILE THE SALES 3OOKS ON CHING SHING AND CHOI PO COURTS WILL BE CLOSED WITHIN TWO WEEKS.*
TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR WILL HOLD A YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OVER THE WEEKEND AT THE HONG KONG PHAB CENTRE IN POKFULAM.
MORE THAN 100 YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMP, WHICH IS AIMED AT HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS ASPECTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME THROUGH TALKS, DISCUSSIONS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CAMP TOMORROW, DR HUANG CHEN-HA OF THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY WILL SPEAK ON +THE ROLE OF YOUTHS IN SOCIETY UNDER THE PRESENT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT*. SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, WILL SPEAK ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT OFFICE.
A NUMBER OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PARTICIPANTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO BE HELD TOMORROW •SATURDAY) AT 3.45 PM IN THE GYMNASIUM OF THE HONG KONG PHAB CENTRE, NO. 75, POKFULAM RESERVOIR ROAD, HONG KONG.
0
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
GRANT FOR CYCLING ASSOCIATION * * * *
THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION AWARDED A GRANT CF ABOUT S95 OOO TO THE HONG KONG CYCLING ASSOCIATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NUMBER OF TRACK BICYCLES, ARTISTIC CYCLES AND EQUIPMENT TO HELP PROMOTE THE SPORT.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE VELODROME TODAY (FRIDAY), MR C.C. LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND COMMITTEE, HANDED OVER THE BICYCLES AND EQUIPMENT TO MR LEUNG SIK-..AH, CHAIRMAN OF HKCA.
GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY THEN WATCHED A TRACK CYCLE RACE, AN INDOOR CYCLING DEMONSTRATION AND A VIDEO DISPLAY OF CYCLE RACING.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BOARD, SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES, WAS ALSO PRESENT.
_ — - o — —
TOILET, BATHHOUSE PLANNED FOR LEI YUE MUN * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC TOILET AND BATHHOUSE IN LEI YUE MUN TO MEET THE DEMAND OF THE VILLAGE RESIDENTS.
THE PROJECT, ESTIMATED TO COST $1.8 MILLION, WILL BE BUILT ON A 445-SQUARE-METRE SITE ADJACENT TO THE LEI YUE MUN REST GARDEN.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A MALE AND FEMALE TOILET EACH WITH 12 COMPARTMENTS, A MALE AND FEMALE BATHHOUSE EACH WITH 10 COMPARTMENTS AND A UNISEX TOILET FOR THE DISABLED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN NINE MONTHS’ TIME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID THERE ARE AT PRESENT 7000 PEOPLE LIVING IN RURAL BRICK HOUSES AND SQUATTER HUTS IN LEI YUE MUN VILLAGE WHERE ABLUTION FACILITIES ARE VERY
SUBSTANDARD.
AND MOST OF THE TOILETS IN THE DWELLING HOUSES AND RESTAURANTS THERE ARE VERY PRIMITIVE AND WITHOUT A PROPER SEWER SYSTEM.
+THE PROVISION OF PROPER TOILET FACILITIES WILL NO DOUBT BE WELCOMED NOT ONLY BY THE LOCAL RESIDENTS BUT RESIDENTS BUT ALSO THOSE WHO VISIT THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS IN LEI YUE MUN EVERYDAY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, HE ADDED, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED 16 FIBRE-GLASS TO^ETS AT THREE DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE OF THE VILLAGE.
- 0 -----------
/U.....
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
U -
COMPETING IN METRIC * * *
A TV GAMES SHOW TO ROUND OFF A SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON METRICATION ORGANISED IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS WAo HELL AT VICTORIA PARK TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, CHAIRMAN OF THE METRICATION COMMITTEE, MR JAMES WU SAID, +OUR AIM IS TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE CF WEIGHING IN METRIC TO ALL AGES.
+ wH ILE PARTICIPANTS ARE ENJOYING FUN AND GAMES, THEY ARE AT THE SAME TIME LEARNING MORE ABOUT METRIC UN ITS.+
THE SHOW WAS ORGANISED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE MESSAGE WOULD REACH PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGES AND BACKGROUNDS. THEY INCLUDED KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN TAKING PART IN A SINGING COMPETITION; PRIMARY STUDENTS PERFORMING IN A RHYME COMPETITION; AND HAWKERS COMPETING wI TH HOUSEWIVES IN A +JUDGEMENT ON WEIGHT* CONTEST.
THE CLIMAX OF THE DAY WAS A TELEMATCH IN WHICH SEVEN REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT TRADES PLAYED METRIC GAMES WITH SEVEN CELEBRITIES.
THE LATTER INCLUDED POP SINGERS, TV ARTISTES, FILM STARS, DANCERS AND DISC-JOCKEYS SUCH AS MISS ELIZA CHAN, MISS BRENDA LO, MR LEE LUNG-KEE, MR LAU WING, MR WAN CHI-KEUNG, MR KWOK KA-MING AND MR ROBERT MAK. THEY WERE BACKED UP BY CHEERING TEAMS WHICH ADDED MUCH COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT TO THE COMPETITION.
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDED A SINGING PERFORMANCE BY MISS CONNIE MAK AND A PUPPET SHOW ABOUT WORLD RECORDS AND INTERESTING FACTS RELATING TO METRICATION.
THE TV GAMES SHOW, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB JADE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 4.30 PM.
--------o
/K ....
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1985
- 15 -
LIFE SAVING COURSE FOR TEACHERS * * * *
'•A.HERS wILL HAVE A CHANCE TO OBTAIN A ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY BRONZE MEDALLION BY ATTENDING A COURSE STARTING IN APRIL.
THE LIFE SAVING COURSE WILL CONSIST OF 12 TWO-HOUR SESSIONS AT THE LAI CHI KOK PARK SWIMMING POOL IN KOWLOON. THERE WILL dE ' MORNING SESSION AND AN AFTERNOON SESSION.
BRONZC MEDALLIONS WILL BE AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE AND THE EXAMINATION GIVEN BY THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY.
THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 30 FOR EACH SESSION, AND THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.
TEACHERS WISHING TO JOIN THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY ON OR BEFORc APRIL 4 TO THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCA .ION DEPARTMENT.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 278.
-----o------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* K * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 25) IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF SHU I CHE KWUN STREET EXTENSION IN YUEN LONG.
* SHU I CHE KWUN STREET WILL BE EXTENDED TO JOIN KUK TING STREET AND WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY.
* A NEW PLB STAND WILL BE PROVIDED ALONG THE SOUTHERN KERB OF THE EXTENDED SECTION OF SHU I CHE KWUN STREET.
* THE PLB STANDS IN KUK TING STREET AND TAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE CANCELLED AT THE SAME TIME.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LADY YOUDE OPENS FLOWER SHOW ..................................... 1
RO TAKEN ON EDUCATIONAL ROLE - JEAFFRESON ........................ 2
MODERN DESIGN FOR 1ATEST PSPS PROJECTS ......................... 5
YOUTH CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ............................ 5
CAS - FRIENDS IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD........................... 6
MULTI-STOREY DEPOT FOR NT ........................................ 7
MEAT SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION ...................................... 7
EUN DAY FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN ON LANTAU ............................ 8
RECRUITMENT OF LIFE GUARDS ....................................... 8
TEACHING TIPS FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS ............................... 9
MORE 'WELFARE SERVICES FOR SHA TIN ............................ 10
RECLAMATION AT AP LEI CHAU NORTH ................................ 11
SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR JUNK BAY ................................ 11
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUBLIC TOILET ............................... 12
RESTRICTED ZONES ............................................. 12
AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................ 1?
TAPS OFF IN KOWLOON CITY ....................................... 13
FIRING PRACTICE ................................................ 11*
POSTER SHOW TO MARK YOUTH YEAR ................................ 11*-
HALLEY: BRIGHTEST NEXT MARCH................................... 15
MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS AT IFF ............................-......... 16
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
1
LADY YOUDE OPENS FLOWER SHOW * * * *
THE ANNUAL NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW, THE BIGGEST FLOWER SHOW IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WAS OPENED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY LADY YOUDE, AT THE FANLING PLAYGROUND.
AMONG THE 2 OOO EXHIBITS WERE SOME NEW BLENDS OF ORCHID FROM JAPAN, SPECIAL FLOWERS FLOWN IN FROM HOLLAND, NEW GUINEA AND AUSTRALIA, JAPANESE GARDENING SCULPTURES AND CHINESE BONSAI INCLUDING A DRAGON-LIKE STALACTITE.
ALSO ON DISPLAY WERE WINNING AND OUTSTANDING ENTRIES OF A RECENT FLOWER CONTEST WHICH INCLUDED SEVEN CATEGORIES: CUT FLOWERS, SCENTED CUT FLOWERS, POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, ORCHIDS AND BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS.
OTHER NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS WERE PROVIDED BY INDIVIDUAL FLOWER EXPERTS AND 20 LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE KADOORIE EXPERIMENTAL AND EXTENSION FARM AND OTHER FLOWER FARMS.
THE SHOW WOULD BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM UNTIL MONDAY (MARCH 25). ADMISSION IS $2 FOR ADULTS BUT FREE FOR CHILDREN.
TALKS ON BONSAI, IKEBANA AND POT PLANT CULTIVATION WOULD BE GIVEN DAILY AT THE SHOW.
-mr- ^V.’.?/TORS WOULD BE given a booklet containing details of
THE EXHIBITS AND ARTICLES ON THE TECHNIQUES OF FLOWER PLANTING.
SPONSORED BY NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHOW WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE TAI PO AND FANLING DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG BONSAI TYPE-PLANTS ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG AFRICAN VIOLETS SOCIETY, THE HONG KONG FLOWER CLUB AND THE HONG KONG BRANCH, IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
2
RO TAKEN ON EDUCATIONAL ROLE - JEAFFRESON * * * *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAD TAKEN ON THE ROLE OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE WEATHER AND ITS EFFECTS IN ADDITION TO ITS FUNCTION OF PROVIDING WARNING TO THE COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION ON +METEOROLOGY AND PUBLIC SAFETY+ HELD AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN CELEBRATION OF THE +WORLD METEOROLOGICAL DAY*.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE THEME THIS YEAR, +METEOROLOGY AND PUBLIC SAFETY*, WAS MOST APPROPRIATE TO A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO SUCH HAZARDS AS TYPHOONS AND HEAVY RAINSTORMS EVERY YEAR.
HE RECALLED MANY CALAMITIES SUCH AS TYPHOONS, LANDSLIDES, RAINSTORMS AND FLOODINGS IN THE PAST WHICH HAD CLAIMED MANY LIVES AND CAUSED COLOSSAL DAMAGES TO CROPS, CIVIL WORKS AND PROPERTY.
+THE FACT THAT HONG KONG’S POPULATION IS SO CLOSELY PACKED TOGETHER AND SO NEAR THE SEA CREATES SERIOUS PROBLEMS OF SAFETY WHENEVER HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS APPROACH AND AFFECT THE TERRITORY.
+FOR THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IN HONG KONG, UNLIKE MANY OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD, RUNNING AWAY FROM SEVERE WEATHER IS HARDLY POSSIBLE.
+THE BEST PRACTICAL REMEDY IS TO HEED WARNINGS, AND TO TAKE APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS,* HE SAID.
ALSO, THE PROBLEMS OF PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM DANGEROUS WEATHER WOULD BECOME MORE ACUTE AS HONG KONG CONTINUED TO DEVELOP WITH MORE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, MORE MOVEMENTS OF TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE, AND HOLIDAY-MAKERS SPENDING MORE TIME IN WATER SPORTS AND IN OUT-LYING ISLANDS.
+THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY RESTS WITH BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
ON THE ONE HAND, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ENSURE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE HAD BEEN DONE TO REDUCE THE CONSEQUENCES OF BAD WEATHER, TO HAVE AN ADEQUATE WARNING SYSTEM TO ALERT THE PUBLIC TO THE DANGERS AND TO DEVELOP A WELL-REHEARSED EMERGENCY RESCUE AND RELIEF SYSTEM TO DEAL WITH NATURAL DISASTERS WHEN THEY OCCURRED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES MUST REALISED THE POTENTIAL DANGER TO THEIR LIVES AND PROPERTY AND REACTED PROPERLY AND SENSIBLY TO THE WARNINGS ISSUED, HAVING PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE CONDITIONS TO WHICH THEY WERE INDIVIDUALLY EXPOSED.
/IN THIS .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
IN THIS RESPECT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD THE ADDED RESPONSIBILITY OF EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAD TAKEN ON THIS ROLE.
IN RESPONSE TO THESE REQUIREMENTS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE EVERYTHING IT COULD.
+FOR EXAMPLE IT HAS BUILT TYPHOON SHELTERS AND STABILISED THE HILLSIDES. IT HAS DEVELOPED AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM FOR WARNING THE PUBLIC THAT HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS APPROACHING.
+ IT HAS WELL REHEARSED SYSTEMS AND ORGANISATIONS FOR DEALING WITH DISASTERS WHEN THEY DO HAPPEN, AND AT THIS POINT I MUST MAKE PARTICULAR MENTION OF THE EXCELLENT WORK OF THE VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
ALSO ADDRESSING THE OPENING WAS THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS SELINA CHOW. SHE RECALLED HER INTERESTING EXPERIENCE OF PRESENTING THE WEATHER ON TELEVISION, PARTICULARLY WHEN TYPHOON WANDA HIT HONG KONG AND SHE BROKE ALL RECORDS BY REMAINING ON AIR FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS TO DO THE WEATHER REPORT.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR JEAFFRESON AND MRS SELINA CHOW, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR PATRICK SHAM, SAW THE DISPLAYS ON VARIOUS TOPICS OF METEOROLOGICAL INTEREST.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TODAY TILL MONDAY. HOWEVER, DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, ADMITTANCE IS BY TICKET ONLY.
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MODERN DESIGN FOR LATEST PSPS PROJECTS * * X X * X
PROSPECTIVE HOME-PURCHASERS WILL, FOR THE FIRST TIME UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, BE GIVEN A WIDE CHOICE OF FLATS RANGING FROM MEDIUM-SIZED TWO-BEDROOM UNITS TO DELUXE THREE-BEDROOM FLATS WITH AN ADDITIONAL BATHROOM ATTACHED TO THE MASTER BEDROOM.
WITH ITS WIDE-RANGING FLAT DESIGNS AND ABUNDANT FACILITIES, GREENWOOD TERRACE AND SUN LAI GARDEN, THE TWO URBAN PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS CURRENTLY ON SALE, HAVE ALREADY CAUGHT THE EYE OF THE MOST DEMANDING HOME-SEEKERS.
/CONVENIENTLY
SATURDAY, MARCH 2J, 198$
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT A PRIME SITE IN CHAI WAN, GREENWOOD TERRACE INCORPORATES THE LATEST CONCEPT IN HOUSING DESIGN AND OFFERS A GREAT VARIETY OF HIGH QUALITY FLATS.
ITS SEVEN 3O-STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS, TO BE SOLD IN TWO PHASES, WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 2 100 TWO-BEDROOM OR THREE-BEDROOM FLATS ON FULL COMPLETION LATER THIS YEAR.
THE FIRST PHASE, NOW ON SALE, COMPRISES 1 200 UNITS ON FOUR DOMESTIC BLOCKS WHICH COMMAND NICE SEA VIEWS OF LEI YUE MUN FROM THE UPPER FLOORS.
THE LARGEST TYPE OF FLATS, WITH A SIZE OF 31.3 SQUARE METRES, HAVE A LIVING ROOM, A DINING-ROOM AND THREE BEDROOMS, AS WELL AS A SECOND BATHROOM ATTACHED TO THE MASTER BEDROOM. THEY ARE PRICED FROM $340 800 TO $403 600 EACH.
THE REST OF THE FLATS HAVE GROSS AREAS BETWEEN 54.1 AND 69.4 SQUARE METRES AND ARE PRICED FROM $233 500 TO $380 000.
DOMESTIC BLOCKS ARE METICULOUSLY PLACED ON THE PERIPHERY OF THE ESTATE AND THE CENTRAL SPACE THUS CREATED WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A LARGE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED COURTYARD. ADDITIONAL SITTING-OUT AREAS AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE BLOCKS.
A SIX-STOREY COMMERCIAL CENTRE/CARPARK ACCOMMODATING A
3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SHOPPING ARCADE IS LOCATED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE ESTATE WHILE A KINDERGARTEN WILL ALSO BE OPEN WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT.
IN ADDITION, A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ARE READILY AVAILABLE AT THE NEARBY TOWN CENTRE.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE IN MAY, RESIDENTS OF GREENWOOD TERRACE CAN OBTAIN EVEN MORE CONVENIENT TRANSPORT SERVICES FROM THE MTR CHAI WAN STATION JUST WITHIN MINUTES’ WALKING DISTANCE.
THE OTHER URBAN PSPS PROJECT, SUN LAI GARDEN, IS DEVELOPED ON AN ELEVATED SITE IN NGAU CHI WAN, NEXT TO FU SHAN ESTATE AND HOS KING SHAN COURT.
ON COMPLETION LATER THIS YEAR, IT WILL HAVE THREE 25-STOREY DOMESTIC BLOCKS CONTAINING ALTOGETHER 600 TWO-BEDROOM OR THREE-BEDROOM FLATS, WHICH ENJOY UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OF EAST KOWLOON AND THE VICTORIA HARBOUR.
FLATS VARY IN SIZE BETWEEN 41.5 AND 54 SQUARE METRES AND ARE PRICED FROM $180 900 TO $320 900 EACH.
A LANDSCAPED PODIUM WITH REST GARDENS AND COURTS FOR VOLLEY BALL AND BADMINTON WILL BE PROVIDED ON TOP OF A CARPARK WITHIN THE ESTATE.
/IN ADDITION .......
, KC<CH 23, 1985
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. *5* ADDITION TO ITS OWN SHOPPING FACILITIES WIDE—PANCiMr
v\ciNITYAL AND EDUCATI0NAL SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE
j •'£ TWO PROJECTS. TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHFR nrvci admcmt iiNrWnFFCocn TUEN MUN AND HOLFORD GARDENS IN SHA TIN ARu. BE I KG OFFERED FOR SALE UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THF home aumfpquid SCHEME, FOR WHICH APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY (MARCH 25).
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YOUTH CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION * * * *
MORE THAN 1Q0 YOUTHS HAD A DAY OF FUN AND LEARNING TODAY (SATURDAY) AT A YOUTH TRAINING CAMP ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TO COINCIDE WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
APART FROM SPORTS AND GAMES, THE PARTICIPANTS WERE ABLE TO WIDEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES SUCH AS SLIDE SHOWS, TALKS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS AT THE TWO-DAY CAMP HELD AT THE HONG KONG PHAB CENTRE IN POKFULAM.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TOWARDS SOCIETY AND COMMUNITY BUILDING BY JOINING SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SCHOOLS.
+1 AM ALSO PLEASED TO SEE THAT MANY STUDENTS HAVE SHOWN INTEREST IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ACTUALLY ATTENDED CANDIDATES’ FORUMS AND WRITTEN REPORTS ON THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AS PART OF THEIR SCHOOLWORK.
+THESE ACTIVITIES WILL DEFINITELY BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE AND ENHANCE THEIR CIVIC-RESPONSIBILITY,* MR CHAN SAID.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, SAID THAT IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DB MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD ORGANISE SEMINARS AND FORUMS FOR BOARD MEMBERS TO MEET THE PUBLIC, AND ARRANGE REGULAR MEETINGS BETWEEN AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING committee on the 1985 iyy said the committee hoped to spread 3r-_ KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THROUGH DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES ORGANISED.
+FOR EXAMPLE, THE COMMITTEE WILL ARRANGE SECONDARY STUDENTS TO ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS AND PUBLISH TEACHING MATERIALS CN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OVER THE NEXT FE*f MONTHS,* HE SAID.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1935
6
CAS - FRIENDS IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD ******
COULD NOT FUNCTION SO WELL WITHOUT THE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW
St PARADE THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
+YOU ARE OUR FRIENDS AND HELPERS IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD,*
DR FAYES SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE CAS, WHICH WAS FIRST FORMED IN 1952 AS A CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANISATION, HAD CHANGED ITS ROLE OVER THE YEARS TO KEEP IN STEP WITH HONG KONG’S CHANGING SITUATION AND THE NEEDS CF THE COMMUNITY IN THAT FIELD.
♦TODAY, CAS MEMBERS ARE TRAINED TO PERFORM A VERY WIDE VARIETY OF TASKS,* HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, CIVIL SERVANTS AND ALL PERSONS ENGAGED IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WERE WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE CAS.
+ YOUR OFFICERS ARE PRESENT YEAR IN YEAR OUT AT ALL TIMES OF THE DAY OR EVENING, ON WEEK DAYS, WEEK ENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, SO MUCH SO THAT ONE IS APT TO TAKE YOU AND THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE WHICH YOU PROVIDE ALMOST FOR GRANTED,* DR HAYES SAID.
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR THE BLUE-UNIFORMED, BLUE-BERETED MEMBERS OF THE CAS WHEN THEY SAW THEM IN ATTENDANCE AT FUNCTIONS OR HELPING THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES DURING EMERGENCIES.
OVER 250 MEN AND WOMEN RECRUITS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED TRAINING TOOK PART IN THE PARADE.
DR HAYES LATER PRESENTED SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THREE OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE CLASPS TO 19 SERVING CAS MEMBERS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CAS, SIR ROGER LOBO, ALSO PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO EIGHT CAS VOLUNTEER CFF ICERS.
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MULTI-STOREY DEPOT FOR NT
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY DEPOT TO BE BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS NOW IN FULL SWING AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
THE SIX-STOREY DEPOT, AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI LIN PAI ROAD AND SAN KWAI STREET IN KWAI CHUNG, WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE $50.3 MILLION DEPOT WILL PROVIDE PARKING SPACES FOR 120 VEHICLES, OFFICE ACCOMMODATION, STAFF QUARTERS, REST ROOMS FOR DRIVERS AND A STAFF CANTEEN.
MEANWHILE, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE STAFF CANTEEN AT THE DEPOT.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDER CAN START BUSINESS ARUUND MAY OR JUNE FOR A CONTRACT PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS SHOULD BE PLACED INTO THE TENDER BOX AT NTSD HEADQUARTERS BEFORE APRIL 19 (FRIDAY). LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE TELEPHONE 3-677200.
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MEAT SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION * * * *
ONLY ABOUT 0.36 PER CENT OF THE 218 000 PIGS SLAUGHTERED IN THE URBAN COUNCIL’S TWO ABATTOIRS IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN LAST MONTH WERE FOUND UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND DESTROYED.
AT THE SAME TIME, ONLY SOME 0.20 PER CENT OF THE 10 400 HEAD OF CATTLE SLAUGHTERED WERE REJECTED AND DESTROYED.
MEANWHILE, OF THE 2 151 030 KILOGRAMMES OF IMPORTED PEAT AND POULTRY INSPECTED DURING THE SAME PERIOD, LESS THAN 300 KILOGRAMMES WERE FOUND UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
THE FOOD INSPECTION IS CARRIED OUT BY HEALTH INSPECTORS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO ARE SPECIALLY TRAINED IN MEAT INSPECTION. THEY EXAMINE ALL FOODS, WHETHER LOCALLY PROCESSED OR IMPORTED, TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE UP TO THE REQUIRED STANDARDS AND FIT ^OR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
SATUftl AY, HARCH 23, 1985
FUN DAY FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN UN LANTAU
* * * *
IT WAS A DAY OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR SOME 700 SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM 30 SCHOOLS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, IN THE FIRST ISLANDS DISTRICT +SCHOOL GET TOGETHER DAY* HELD THIS MORNING IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
THERE WERE MUSIC, DANCING AND MAGIC PERFORMANCES AT THE FUNCTION, WHICH WAS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING TIES BETWEEN SCHOOLS IN THE SCATTERED AREAS OF THE DISTRICT.
THE FUNCTION WAS ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, DISTRICT OFFICER, WILLIAM YAP SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE WAS FORMED ONE YEAR AGO, IT HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
+THE COMMITTEE HAS PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO GET TOGETHER AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST,* HE SAID.
+SOME OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL AND AREA COMMITTEES OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH HAS HELPED TO STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN SCHOOLS, THE DISTRICT BOARD AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+THE COMMITTEE HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROMOTION CF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT,* MR YAP SAID.
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RECRUITMENT OF LIFE GUARDS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING PART-TIME LIFE GUARDS FOR THE CITY SERVICES AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THE LIFE GUARDS WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR DUTY AT GAZETTED BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS.
APPLICANTS, PREFERABLY AGED 35 OR UNDER, SHOULD HAVE AT LEmST PRIMARY 6 EDUCATION AND HOLD A BRONZE MEDALLION CERTIFICATE ISaUc.3 BY THE ROYAL LIFE GUARD SOCIETY AND A VALID FIRST AID CERTIFICATE.
THE JOB, WHICH OFFERS A MONTHLY SALARY OF $2 755, OR A DAILY WAGE OF $109, IS OPEN TO BOTH MEN AND WOMEN.
THOSE INTERESTED IN THE POST MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT TELEPHONES: 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123, 0-420154 OR 5-270622.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
9
TEACHING TIPS POR ENGLISH TEACHERS * * * * *
A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS AND REFRESHER COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT MONTH FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH TO FURTHER THEIR TEACHING SKILLS.
THREE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 23, 24 AND 25 AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE ON BONHAM ROAD FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL DISCUSS DIFFERENT KINDS OF MATERIALS FOR TEACHING READING AND WRITING TO REMEDIAL GROUPS, AND THE TEACHING CF LISTENING AND ORAL SKILLS.
THEY WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO DESIGN OR ADAPT TEACHING MATERIALS FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO SEND THEIR TEACHERS TO THE WORKSHOPS SHOULD APPLY ON OR BEFORE APRIL 10 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO COMMISSIONED THE BRITISH COUNCIL TO RUN REFRESHER COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PR IMARY SCHOOLS.
TWO COURSES, ONE IN THE MORNING AND ONE IN THE AFTERNOON, WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 15 TO JULY 4 AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL, 253-261 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
AS A FOLLOW-UP TO FURTHER IMPROVE PARTICIPANTS’ ORAL PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR TEACHERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE REFRESHER COURSE TO ENROL, FREE CF CHARGE, FOR A TERM OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS IN THE ENGLISH CLASSES AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR NOMINATIONS BEFORE MARCH 29 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (ENGLISH) CF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5/F, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
10
MORE WELFARE SERVICES FOR SHA TIN * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING MORE SERVICES TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS IN SHA TIN AS MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO MOVE IN.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN SHE OPENED THE SHENG KUNG HUI SHA TIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, DAY NURSERY AND HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE PODIUM OF SUN TIN WAI ESTATE.
SHE SAID THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN HAD GROWN FROM ABOUT 50 000 TO 300 000 IN THE PAST DECADE AND THEREFORE, THERE WERE GREAT DEMANDS FOR VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES.
+ IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PROVIDING A RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES, SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS, COMMUNITY HALLS AND ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES, THE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY SCHEME IN SHA TIN CITY ONE WITH A CAPACITY OF 480 AND THE MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE UNIT IN THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL,* MRS CHAN SAID.
+THE PARTICIPATION OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE PROVISION CF WELFARE SERVICES IN SHA TIN HAS ALSO INCREASED,* SHE ADDED.
THERE WERE 11 YOUTH CENTRES, EIGHT NURSERIES, THREE NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAMS OPERATING IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, FOUR HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY AND FIVE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE SAID THE SHENG KUNG HUI DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL HAD MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN.
THE THREE WELFARE FACILITIES OPENED TODAY INCLUDED THE SHENG KUNG HUI SHA TIN SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, WHICH WAS A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF 1 500.
THE S.K.H. DAY NURSERY WAS A SUBVENTED NURSERY WITH A CAPACITY OF 1Q0 FOR CHILDREN AGED TWO TO SIX.
THE S.K.H. HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY HAD A CAPACITY OF 85 FOR AGED MEN AND WOMEN.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
11
RECLAMATION AT AP LEI CHAU NORTH
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 8.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED AT THE NORTHERN SHORE OF AP LEI CHAU FOR VARIOUS USES.
RECLAMATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE CARRIED OUT IN PHASES COMMENCING IN LATE 1986.
ON COMPLETION AROUND MID-1992, THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, GOVERNMENT USES, BOATYARDS, A PUBLIC LANDING POINT, OPEN SPACES AND ROADS.
DURING THE RECLAMATION PERIOD, THE EXISTING LICENSED FERRY SERVICE FROM AP LEI CHAU TO ABERDEEN WILL BE MAINTAINED, AND SUITABLE RELOCATION OF THE LANDING POINT ON AP LEI CHAU WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN IT IS NECESSARY.
ALL OBJECTIONS TO THIS PROPOSAL AND/OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM MARCH 22.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, SHOP 25, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN, HONG KONG.
SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR JUNK BAY
*****
A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY WEST HIGH LEVEL FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO THE NEW TOWN.
THE WORK INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 7 OOO CUBIC METRES NEAR PO LAM ROAD.
ABOUT 2 000 METRES OF DUCTILE IRON WATER PIPES WILL ALSO EE LAID ALONG PO LAM ROAD TO TSEUNG KWAN 0 VILLAGE IN THE HEAD CF THE BAY DISTRICT.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985 - 12 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR PUBLIC TOILET * * * *
A PUBLIC TOILET IS TO BE BUILT AT PICNIC BAY, LAMMA ISLAND.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH 10 TOILETS CUBICLES, STORE-ROOMS AND WATER STORAGE TANK.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, THE WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN MAY AND COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 1985.
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RESTRICTED ZONES
* * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 26), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS CF ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILYs-
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHUN WAH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHUN WAH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* JORDAN VALLEY NORTH ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR GOODS AND PASSENGERS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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/13........
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
13
AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN AUSTIN ROAD FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 26) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM AUSTIN ROAD EASTBOUND INTO CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH SOUTHBOUND WILL BE PROHIBITED.
TRAFFIC ON EASTBOUND AUSTIN ROAD HEADING FOR CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SALISBURY ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG WING PATH, HONG TAT PATH, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH.
KM3 ROUTE 2C ON JOURNEYS TO THE STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA AUSTIN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG WING PATH, HONG TAT PATH, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH BEFORE RESUMING THE NORMAL ROUTE.
MAXICAB ROUTE 31M ON JOURNEYS TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE VIA AUSTIN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG WING PATH, HONG TAT PATH AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD BEFORE RESUMING THE NORMAL ROUTE.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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TAPS OFF IN KOWLOON CITY X X X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL be TURNED OFF BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON TUESDAY (MARCH 26) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY MA TAU KOK ROAD, TAM KUNG ROAD, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, FU NING STREET AND SHING TAK
STREET.
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/14 .......
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
- 14 -
FIRING PRACTICE
MX*
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY (MARCH 25) TO FRIDAY (MARCH 29) BETWEEN 8 AM TO 5 PM.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
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POSTER SHOW TO MARK YOUTH YEAR XXX
. THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MUSEUM OF ART WILL HOLD A POSTER DESIGN EXHIBITION IN AUGUST TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE 1935 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE +HONG KONG 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR POSTER DESIGN EXHIBITION*, WHICH IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 25, WILL CARRY A THEME OF +PARTIClPAT I NG, DEVELOPMENT, PEACE.+
ENTRIES ARE NOW INVITED AND MUST INCLUDE THE TEXT +HONG KONG 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.* THEIR SIZE SHOULD BE 76 CM X 51 CM. THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE MEDIA AND TECHNIQUES TO BE EMPLOYED BUT THE POSTER MUST BE SUITABLE FOR DISPLAY.
ALL OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A FIRST PRIZE OF S4 000 IN CASH, A SECOND PRIZE OF S3 000, AND THREE THIRD PRIZES OF $1 000 EACH.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUSEUM OF ART ON THE 10TH FLOOR, CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK. THEY CAN BE OBTAINED ALSO BY SENDING A SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE MARKED + IYY-PD+ TO THE MUSEUM.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5 PM ON MAY 7 AND 8 (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY) AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY, 7/F., CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK.
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/15
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
15
HALLEY: BRIGHTEST NEXT MARCH
* * *
COMET HALLEY, WHICH CAN BE SEEN FROM THE EARTH ONCE EVERY 76 YEARS, WILL STAGE A COMEBACK FROM MID-NOVEMBER.
BY LATE MARCH NEXT YEAR, THE COMET WILL SHINE IN ALL ITS GLORY WITH ITS TAIL STRETCHING FOR MORE THAN 10 DEGREES, EQUIVALENT TO SOME 20 MOONS LINING UP IN THE SKY. THUS IT CAN BE SEEN WITH UNAIDED EYES.
IN FACT, IT IS POSSIBLE TO TRACK HALLEY IN SEPTEMBER WITH A TELESCOPE OR SPECIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES.
ACCORDING TO CALCULATIONS, HALLEY’S TAIL WILL BE SUFFICIENTLY CONSPICUOUS BY CHRISTMAS. HOWEVER, IN THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE END OF NEXT JANUARY, THE COMET WILL BE TOO NEAR THE SUN TO ALLOW OBSERVATION.
HALLEY’S RETURN HAS CAUSED MUCH EXCITEMENT ALL OVER THE WORLD. AN INTERNATIONAL HALLEY WATCH HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY NASA OF THE US TO CO-ORDINATE THE EFFORTS OF PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR ASTRONOMERS. THE COLLATED DATA WILL FORM CONTINUOUS AND DETAILED RECORDS FOR THE CHANGING POSITIONS AND SHAPES EXHIBITED BY THE COMET UPON ITS RETURN.
IN ADDITION, FIVE SPACE PROBES WILL BE DESPATCHED BY RUSSIA, FRANCE, JAPAN AND THE EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY TO GET A CLOSER EXAMINATION OF HALLEY.
IN HONG KONG, THE URBAN COUNCIL’S SPACE MUSEUM WILL LAUNCH A NEW SKYSHOW +THE RETURN OF COMET HALLEY+ FROM MARCH 27 (WEDNESDAY). IT WILL GIVE A DETAILED INTRODUCTION ON THE HALLEY’S COMEBACK AND THE OBSERVATION PLANS OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES.
THERE WILL BE FIVE SCREENINGS OF THE SKYSHOW ON WEEKDAYS : AT 2.30 PM, 4 PM, 5.30 PM, 7.30 PM AND 9 PM. TWO ADDITIONAL SHOWS AT 11 AM AND 12.30 PM WILL BE STAGED ON SUNDAY AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON TUESDAYS.
TICKETS ARE PRICED AT $15. CONCESSIONARY TICKETS AT $10 EACH WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 15 AND TO STUDENTS WITH IDENTIFICATION. THEY ARE ON SALE AT THE BOX OFFICES OF THE SPACE MUSEUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM, CITY HALL AND QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A SPECIAL SCREENING OF THE NEW SKYSHOW t-THE RETURN OF COMET HALLEY+ WILL BE PRESENTED AT 11.30 AM ON MARCH 29 (FRIDAY) IN THE SPACE THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG SPACE MUSEUM.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO WISH TO ATTEND ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MUSEUM FOYER NOT LATER THAN 11.20 AM THAT DAY.
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/16......
SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 1985
16
MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS AT IFF * * * *
AUDIENCE WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY FIVE MIDNIGHT SCREENINGS SCHEDULED FOR THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 11.30 PM DURING THE NINTH HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
THE FILMS, PRODUCED BY VARIOUS COUNTRIES, INCLUDE SOME STUNNING THRILLERS.
A SCIENCE-FICTION HORROR, +DEATH WARM UP* SETS OUT TO BOTH SHOCK AND ENTERTAIN. THE PLOT INVOLVES A GENETIC SURGEON, WHO ELIMINATES HIS RESEARCH PARTNER BY PROGRAMMING THE VICTIM’S SON TO KILL HIS PARENTS. AFTER SEVEN YEARS IN AN ASYLUM, THE YOUNG AVENGER TRACKS DOWN THE MAD DOCTOR ON AN ISOLATED ISLAND, WHERE HE EXPERIMENTS ON TURNING HUMANS INTO MUTANT KILLING MACHINES.
LATE ASIAN MASTER GERARDO DE LEON’S +48 HOURS* IS ABOUT A MAN UNJUSTLY CONVICTED OF HAVING MURDERED HIS WIFE ESCAPES FROM PRISON. SEVERELY WOUNDED AND HUNTED BY THE POLICE, HE SETS OUT TO TRACK DOWN HIS WIFE’S MURDER AMIDST THE RUINS OF POST-WAR MANILA.
WITH VISUAL BRAVURA, BLACK HUMOUR AND A SERPENTINE PLOT, +BLOOD SIMPLE* TELLS OF A WEALTHY TEXAN WHOSE WIFE HAS AN AFFAIR WITH A BARTENDER. WHEN HE HIRES A SLEAZY DETECTIVE TO KILL THE RUNNAWAY COUPLE, THE PERFECT MURDER BACKFIRES HORRIBLY.
WINNER OF GRAND PRIX TECHNIQUE, CANNES; JOSEF VON STERNBERG PRIZE, MANNHEIM; AND SILVER HUGO, CHICAGO, +THE ELEMENT OF CRIME* WAS MADE IN ENGLAND BY A YOUNG DANISH FILM-MAKER. IN THEIR FUTURISTIC THRILLER, DETECTIVE FISHER HAS BEEN SOUGHT TO SOLVE CRIME BY ASSUMING THE CRIMINAL MIND. RETURNING TO CAIRO AFTER A TRAUMATIC ASSIGNMENT, HE CONSULTS AN ARAB DOCTOR, AND UNDER HYPNOSIS, RETURNS TO A DECAYING EUROPE.
EX-FILM CRITIC CHRIS PETIT’S +FLIGHT TO BERLIN* IS FULL OF REFERENCES TO OTHER THRILLERS BY GODARD AND FASSBINDER. WITH A JAZZ SCORE BY IRWIN SCHMIDT AND STYLIST LOCATION CAMERAWORK BY MARTIN SCHAFER, THE FILM TELLS OF A WOMAN WHO TRIES TO ESCAPE HER PAST BY RUNNING TO BERLIN BUT WRITES HERSELF INTO ANOTHER STORY.
THE FILMS WILL BE SCREENED ON MARCH 30, APRIL 4, 5, 6 AND 7 RESPECTIVELY.
TICKETS AT #20 ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE CITY HALL, SPACE MUSEUM, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM AND KO SHAN THEATRE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR DE' S .................................... 1
HIGH RISK OF TETANUS AMONG HEROIN ADDICTS ...................... 2
STUDY SHOWS WIDESPREAD USE OF AUTOMATION ....................... 4
FUNDS FOR SUMER YOUTH PROGRAMME................................. 6
MAINTENANCE WORKS AT NT BEACHES ................................ 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR TWO BUILDING PROJECTS ...................... 7
ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN STEPPED UP .............................. 8
STUDY ROOMS TO BE OPENED ON WEEKENDS............................ 9
COURSES ON USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT ...................... 10
FIELD STUDIES DAY ON COUNTRY PARKS ............................ 10
SEVEN-HOUR WATER CUT .......................................... 11
HALF-HOUR ROAD CLOSURE ........................................ 11
SAFETY FROM CRIME +D0V7N THE TUBESf .........................
12
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1485
1
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR DB’S
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE ALL STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INTERNAL DYNAMICS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE SUSTAINED, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
AND HE ASSURED THAT THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WOULD CONTINUE TO RESPOND PROMPTLY AND POSITIVELY TO THE ADVICE OF THE BOARDS.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION, MR LIAO SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW STYLE DISTRICT BOARDS, WITH THEIR OWN CHAIRMEN, WOULD WANT TO TAKE EVEN (ORE INITIATIVES AND WORK IN HARMONY TOWARDS THE COMMON GOAL OF ENHANCING THE WELFARE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
♦MUCH OF THE FUTURE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL HINGE ON THE CONSCIENTIOUS AND POSITIVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS IN THE FORTHCOMING YEARS,+ HE SAID.
♦LET THERE BE DIFFERENCES BUT NO CONFRONTATION; LET THERE BE DISAGREEMENT BUT NO CONFLICTS, AS THE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF ANY ASSEMBLY LIES IN THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ITS MEMBERS,* HE SAID.
IT WOULD ALSO DEVOLVE ON BOARD MEMBERS TO FURTHER DEVELOP AND CEMENT THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS, HE ADDED, SO AS TO MAKE THE BOARDS AN EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE ORGAN IN REFLECTING THE VIEWS AND WISHES OF THE PEOPLE.
MR LIAO SAID A SIGNIFICANT DIMENSION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AT THIS STAGE WAS ITS FURTHER INTEGRATION WITH THE OTHER COMPONENTS CF OUR POLITICAL SYSTEM — THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN SEPTEMBER, THE DISTRICT BOARDS AS WELL AS THE REGIONAL AND URBAN COUNCILS WOULD ELECT MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+TOGETHER WITH THE 35O-STRONG ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, THESE BOARDS AND COUNCILS WILL CONSTITUTE A UNIQUE AND SOPHISTICATED POLITICAL MACHINERY PROVIDING FOR BOTH CONSULTATION AND REPRESENTATION.*
NOTING THAT THERE WAS NO SIMILAR SYSTEM ELSEWHERE, MR LIAO SAID, +THIS IS A HONG KONG PRODUCT INGENIOUSLY DESIGNED TO SUIT OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES, OUR OWN SOCIETY, WHICH IS A COMBINATION CF PRAGMATISM AND PROGRESSIVENESS.*
MR LIAO SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN STEADY BUT PROGRESSIVE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND A SOLID FOUNDATION HAD BEEN LAID BY THE PEOPLE AND THE GOVERNMENT.
/+WE have........
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
2
+ wE HAVE INDEED COME A LONG wAY IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS, DURING wHICH THE REGISTERED ELECTORATE HAD INCREASED FROM LESS THAN 40 000 TO MORE THAN 1.4 MILLION,* HE SAID.
THE RECENT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, HE SAID, CLEARLY INDICATED THAT THE PREVIOUS CRITICISM OF POLITICAL APATHY AMONGST THE PEOPLE CF HONG KONG WAS NO LONGER VALID.
♦WHATEVER INTERPRETATION ONE MAY MAKE OUT OF THE TURNOUT FIGURES, THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR ENOUGH AND THAT IS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE PLEDGED GREATER SUPPORT TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.
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HIGH RISK OF TETANUS AMONG HEROIN ADDICTS
* * * *
A RECENT STUDY BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT REVEALED THAT OF ALL THE 67 PERSONS IN HONG KONG wHO CONTRACTED TETANUS BETWEEN APRIL 1981 AND SEPTEMBER 1984, 54 OR 81 PER CENT OF THEM WERE HEROIN ADDICTS AND FOR 46 OR 85 PER CENT OF THESE ADDICTS, THE TETANUS PROVED FATAL.
THESE GRIM STATISTICS TOOK NO ACCOUNT OF THE RUINED LIVES, CRIMINAL ACTS AND OTHER SOCIAL EVILS WHICH ACCOMPANIED HEROIN ADDICTION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE +DRUG AWARENESS FORTNIGHT*.
+HEROIN ADDICTION CONTINUES TO BE A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM,* MR MORTIMER SAID. +THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS, WHICH CAN BE JUST AS HARMFUL AS HEROIN, IS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT INDICATIONS.
+WE ARE NOT EXPERIENCING AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES ADMITTED TO THE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. THERE IS NO PERCEPTIBLE DRUG RELATED DETERIORATION IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE SCHOOLS, AND THERE IS NO UPSURGE IN ABSENTEEISM AT SCHOOL OR IN THE WORK PLACE,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE HOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT BE ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS ON AN OCCASIONAL OR CASUAL BASIS AND WHO HAD NOT YET FELT IN NEED OF MEDICAL TREATMENT.
THE NARCOTICS DIVISION CONTINUED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CAREFULLY THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF REPORTS TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA), THROUGH SPECIAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY CERTAIN OF THE REPORTING AGENCIES, AND THROUGH SEIZURES OF ILLICIT PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.
THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE WERE INCLUDED IN THE DRUG EDUCATION TALKS CONDUCTED BY THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE WERE URGED TO SAFEGUARD THEIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL wELL-BEING.
/MH MDHTIMER........
SUNDAY, MAHCH 24, 1985
- J -
MR MORTIMER SAID THAT IN 1984, THERE wAS A 14.8 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED FOR DRUG ABUSE COMPARED WITH 1983 AND A 21 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21.
+HOWEVER,* HE ADDED, +THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.*
REFERRING TO THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, MR MORTIMER SAID IT WAS GROWING STRONGER AS THE WORLD DRUG ABUSE SITUATION DETERIORATED.
+NO SINGLE COUNTRY CAN WIN THIS BATTLE ALONE,* HE SAID. *DRUG TRAFFICKERS HAVE NO RESPECT FOR NATIONAL BOUNDARIES. A CONCERTED EFFORT IS THEREFORE REQUIRED TO COMBAT AN INTERNATIONAL MENACE.
+HONG KONG HAS FOR MANY YEARS PAST RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION IN THIS FIELD.* Nf? MORTIMER SAID.
IN MAY LAST YEAR, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MADE ITS TENTH ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION OF HK$1OO 000 TO THE UNITED NATIONS FUND FOR DRUG ABUSE CONTROL, MAKING A TOTAL CONTRIBUTION OF l-KSl MILLION SINCE 1975. THE FUND UNDERTOOK DRUG ABUSE CONTROL ACTIVITIES IN SEVERAL REGIONS OF THE WORLD, INCLUDING A POPPY CROP SUBSTITUTION PROGRAMME IN THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE.
IN ADDITION, HONG KONG MADE FREELY AVAILABLE ITS EXPERTISE IN ANTI-NARCOTICS LAW ENFORCEMENT, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY FOR THE TRAINING OF OVERSEAS OFFICIALS. IN 1984, 158 OVERSEAS OFFICIALS VISITED HONG KONG TO STUDY OUR ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK.
MR MORTIMER ALSO PRAISED THE LIONS INTERNATIONAL FOR THEIR SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE WORLD-WIDE.
+IN HONG KONG, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LIONS DRUG AWARENESS COMMITTEE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DIRECTIVE OF LIONS INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, HAS LED TO A STRENGTHENING CF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PLACING FORMER ADDICTS IN GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT AND TO INCREASING COMMUNITY AWARENESS TO THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE,* HE SAID.
THE +DRUG AWARENESS FORTNIGHT*, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303 AND THE LEO DISTRICT COUNCIL 303, THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA) AND THE KwUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN SERVICES, AIMED AT PROMOTING AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE CAMPAIGN, BEGINNING TODAY, WOULD INCLUDE A SERIES OF ANTI-NARCOTICS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS EXHIBITIONS, SEMINARS, MEDICAL CHECKS AND VARIETY SHOWS.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
STUDY SHOWS WIDESPREAD USE OF AUTOMATION
******
THE USE OF AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG CAN BE REGARDED AS FAIRLY WIDESPREAD, WITH THE VALUE OF SUCH EQUIPMENT IMPORTED SHOWING RAPID INCREASES YEAR BY YEAR.
THIS IS ONE OF THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY CARRIED OUT BY TH TOWN PLANNING DIVISION OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AT THE REQUEST CF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY.
KNOWN AS THE +STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF OFFICE AUTOMATION*, A TOTAL OF 488 FIRMS WERE CANVASSED ON THE USE OF VARIOUS EQUIPMENT RANGING FROM COMPUTERISED TELEPHONE SYSTEM TO WORD PROCESSORS.
THE SURVEY SHOWS THAT 42 PER CENT OF ALL SURVEYED FIRMS USED COMPUTERISED EQUIPMENT OF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER. THE PROSPECT IS ALSO GOOD AS 66 PER CENT OF THESE FIRMS INDICATED THEY INTEND TO UNDERTAKE FURTHER AUTOMATION IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
IT HAS ALSO FOUND THAT LARGE FIRMS HAVE A HIGHER DEGREE AS WELL AS A LONGER HISTORY OF AUTOMATION THAN MEDIUM AND SMALL FIRMS.
IN TERMS OF TRADE, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, COMMUNICATION, AIR AND WATER TRANSPORT FIRMS HAVE USED MORE AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT THAN OTHERS.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY, WHICH STARTED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, ARE:
* IDENTIFYING THE TRENDS OF OFFICE AUTOMATION IN HONG KONG;
* ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENT ;
* EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON EMPLOYMENT;
* FINDING OUT THE FLOOR SPACE ALLOCATION PER OFFICE WORKER; AND
* APPRAISING THE EFFECT OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON THE LOCATION OF OFFICES.
ON THE IMPACT OF AUTOMATION ON FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENTS, THE MAJORITY OF THE SURVEYED FIRMS EITHER REPORTED NO CHANGE IN SPACE REQUIREMENTS OR THAT THEY COULD NOT ATTRIBUTE THE INCREASE TO AUTOMATION OR GENERAL EXPANSION. ONLY 13 PER CENT ATTRIBUTED THEIR INCREASE IN SPACE REQUIREMENTS (MOSTLY 10 PER CENT OR LESS) DIRECTLY TO OFFICE AUTOMATION.
/THE AitEA. .............
SUNDAY, MABGH 24, 1985
THE AREA OCCUPIED BY COMPUTERS AND AUTOMATIC EQUIPMENT -OR THE MAJORITY OF THE SURVEYED FIRMS IS LESS THAN EIGHT PER CENT OF THEIR OFFICE AREAS.
IN FACT, SOME 21 PER CENT OF THE FIRMS HAVE NO SPECIFIC AREAS DESIGNED FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AUTOMATIC MACHINES. FURTHERMORE, OFFICE AUTOMATION HAS STREAMLINED OFFICE OPERATIONS AND REDUCED SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR INFORMATION STORAGE.
THE STUDY SUPPORTS THE RESULTS OF OVERSEAS RESEARCH THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SINGLE OUT THE IMPACT OF OFFICE AUTOMATION ON SPACE REQUIREMENTS FROM OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS EXPANSION OR CONTRACTION OF BUSINESS.
IN THE CONTEXT OF OVERALL DEMAND FOR OFFICE SPACE, NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS CREATED NEW TRADES AND EXTENDED THE SCOPE •T EXISTING TRADES WHICH MAY OFFSET THE SPACE SAVING EFFECT CF AUTOMATION ON INDIVIDUAL FIRMS.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE STUDY SHOWS THAT AUTOMATION HAS SAVED LABOUR, ESPECIALLY IN ROUTINE CLERICAL FUNCTIONS. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT REDUNDANCIES HAVE NOT OCCURRED DUE TO REDEPLOYMENT, RETRAINING AND NATURAL WASTAGE.
IT IS, NEVERTHELESS, ENVISAGED THAT AUTOMATION MAY HAVE A DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE GROWTH RATE OF OFFICE EMPLOYMENT IN THE LONG RUN.
BUT, ACCORDING TO SOME OVERSEAS RESEARCH, IT HAS BEEN POSTULATED THAT THE LABOUR SAVING EFFECT OF AUTOMATION WILL BE OUTWEIGHED BY NEW JOBS CREATED. TO WHAT EXTENT THIS PHENOMENON IS TAKING PLACE IN HONG KONG HAS YET TO BE ASCERTAINED.
TURNING TO FLOOR SPACE ALLOCATION, IT SHOWS THE AVERAGE OFFICE FLOOR SPACE ALLOCATION RATIO FOR THE TERRITORY IS 13.15 SQUARE METRES PER WORKER. THE RATIO FOR FIRMS WITH AND WITHOUT AUTOMATION ARE 13.65 SQUARE METRES PER WORKER AND 12.96 SQUARE RETRES PER WORKER RESPECTIVELY.
IT HAS ALSO BEEN FOUND THAT FIRMS WITH A LONGER HISTORY OF AUTOMATION HAVE A SLIGHTLY HIGHER RATIO THAN THOSE UNDERTAKING OFFICE AUTOMATION FOR A SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME.
ACCORDING TO SOME OVERSEAS RESEARCH, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY -.AS ENABLED DECISION-MAKERS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, CONTROL AND COMMAND DIRECTLY wITH BRANCH OFFICES OVER LONG DISTANCES.
IN THIS STUDY, IT HAS BEEN NOTICtD THAT A FEW LARGE COMPANIES HAVE DECENTRALISED PART OF THEIR OFFICE OPERATIONS WHICH REQUIRE LITTLE DIRECT CONTACT WITH CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS.
/WHETHER OTHER........
SUMAY, MHCH 24. 1985
6 -
WHETHER OTHER LARGE COMPANIES wILL FOLLOW SUIT DEPENDS ON ' . INTEPPLAY OF SEVERAL FACTORS SUCH AS RENTAL, COST OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMPANY STRATEGY.
IN CONCLUSION, THE STUDY INDICATES THAT THE ADOPTION OF OFFICE AUTOMATION BY FIRMS IN HONG KONG IS GATHERING PACE.
+OFFICE AUTOMATION DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE FLOOR SPACE ALLOCATION RATIO AND THE FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL FIRMS. HOWEVER, IT IS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS IN QUANTITATIVE TERMS ITS EFFECT ON BOTH EMPLOYMENT AND FLOOR SPACE REQUIREMENTS,+ IT SAID.
+THIS MAY POINT TO THE NEED THAT OFFICE AUTOMATION SHOULD BE STUDIED WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE ECONOMY AND NOT TO BE CONSIDERED IN ISOLATION SO FAR AS FORECASTS OF FLOOR SPACE AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS ARE CONCERNED.
♦OFFICE AUTOMATION PLAYS A FACILITATING ROLE IN DECENTRALISING CERTAIN OFFICE OPERATIONS WHICH REQUIRE LITTLE DIRECT CONTACT WITH CLIENTS/CUSTOMERS. THE EXTENT TO WHICH LOCAL FIRMS WILL CAPITALISE ON THIS ASPECT, HOWEVER, REMAINS TO BE SEEN,* IT SAID.
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FUNDS FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * * * *
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO ORGANISE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT, SHOULD MAKE USE OF THE LAST 10 DAYS TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE LOCAL DISTR ICT BOARD.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALWAYS ASSISTED LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING MEANINGFUL YOUTH ACTIVITIES DURING SUMMER, AND ENCOURAGING MORE LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION FOR FUNDS IS APRIL 4.
THE SAI KUNG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC, WOULD BE SET UP NEXT MONTH TO PROCESS THE APPLICATIONS.
MR HO SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE OBJECTIVES” THE EXPECTED TURNOUT- DETAILS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID THE THEME OF THE LOCAL SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, HELD FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER, WOULD BE IN LINE WITH THAT OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR 1985 WHICH IS +PARTICI PAT I ON, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE*.
/+THKCUGH THESE .......
STJAY, MAhCH c4, 1985
♦THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, *E HOPE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES -OP YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 6 AND 24 TO EXPRESS THEIR TALENTS, CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS, HELP THEM GAIN EXPERIENCE IN HUMAN R'-lATIONSHIP, AND TO INSTILL IN THEM, A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY -wards the community,+ mr ho said.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS SHOULD CONTACT MISS VIKKI YIU AT ^-2814455 EXT 24.
MAINTENANCE WORKS AT NT BEACHES * * * *
LIFE-GUARDS OF THE NEw TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT MAINTENANCE wORKS AT THE 29 GAZETTED PUBLIC BATHING BEACHES IN THE NE* TERRITORIES BEFORE LIFE-SAVING SERVICE RESUMES ON APRIL 1.
THROUGHOUT THE WINTER SEASON WHEN THEY WERE NOT REQUIRED FOR PEPFORMING LIFE-SAVING DUTIES, THEY REPAIRED BEACH FACILITIES AND CLEARED AWAY PEBBLES, REFUSE AND DEBRIS AT THE BEACHES.
THEY ALSO PLANTED TREES AND SHRUBS AND CUT AWAY THE WILD VEGETATION.
AT LIDO BEACH IN TSUEN WAN, LIFE-GUARDS PUT UP A NEw WOODEN LOOKOUT POST AT THE BEACH.
MORE BARBECUE PITS, PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES ARE ALSO BUILT AT LIDO BEACH, CASAM BEACH, GEMINI BEACH, NEW CAFETERIA BEACH, BUTTERFLY BEACH AND HUNG SHING YEH BEACH.
- - 0 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TwO BUILDING PROJECTS * 4 * X
THP ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT i'S INVITING TENDERS -OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO LOCAL OPEN SPACco - tai pei JAU °ATH AND SAI CHING STREET, YUEN LONG.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE PAVILIONS, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, ARBOURS, PLANTERS, BENCHES AND STORE ROOMS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
/MEANWHi: I, THE
SW.SUY, MARCH 24, 19»5
0
MEANWHILE, the office IS INVITING TENDERS FOR building an 'NDOC- GAMES UALL AT BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON.
the TWO-STOREY HALL BUILDING WILL COMPRISE A BASKET-CUM--ADMINTON COURT, FOUR SQUASH COURTS wITH VIEWING GALLERY, CHANGING ROOMS AND .A RECEPTION AREA AND LOBBY.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE AND WILL TAKE A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
_-----o-------
ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN STEPPED UP * * H
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE WARM AND HUMID MONTHS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO STEP UP ITS WAR AGAINST MOSQUITOES IN ALL 11 URBAN DISTRICTS.
BEGINNING NEXT MONTH, AN ANT I-MOSQUI TO CAMPAIGN WILL GET OFF THE GROUND TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL MOSQUITO BREEDING PLACES INCLUDING ALL HILLY STREAMS AND SEEPAGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND ALONG THE SLOPES OF THE KOWLOON HILL RANGE. THIS WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY REGULAR APPLICATION OF LARVICIDAL OIL AND I NSECTICIDES.
+IN THE MEANTIME, LETTERS ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND MANAGEMENTS OF LARGE HOUSING PROJECTS TO AROUSE THEIR ATTENTION AND CO-OPERATION,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT.
+EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL SUCH AS ANT I-MOSQUI TO POSTERS AND HANDBILLS ARE ALSO BEING SENT TO SCHOOLS AS WELL AS DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR DISPLAY AND FREE DISTRIBUTION.*
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT HEALTH STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO THE PUBLIC CONCERNING MOSQUITO NUISANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MOSQUITOES BREED ONLY IN STAGNANT wATER AND THE FOLLOWING MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING:
+ PROPERLY DISPOSE OF ALL USELESS TINS, JARS, BOTTLES AND OLD TYRES
+ KEEP ALL WATER STORAGE TANKS AND WELLS COVERED
+ ENSURE THAT SHADES ARE CLEAR OF REFUSE AND wASTE WATER
KKEP DRAINS
SUNDAY, MAKOH 24, 198?
9
KEEP DRAINS AND ALL DRA R INLETS CLEAR OF REFUSE AND
CHANGE w>iTER IN FLOwEP VASES FREQUENTLY AND SEt HAT NO wATE-. ACCUMULATES IN THE TRAYS OF FLOwER POTS.
HE WARNED THAT UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN
-E-v CES ORDINANCE, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO ALLOW THE BREEDING '■OSjU i TOES. OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF
•1? DOO.
DURING LAST YEAR, THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 472 SUMMONSES, RESULTING IN TOTAL FINES OF MORE THAN A4O1 QOO.
STUDY ROOMS TO BE OPENED ON WEEKENDS
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE wILu EXTEND A PILOT SCHEME TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENT^ ON WEEKENDS, DURING THE EXAMINATION PERIOD.
TWO STUDY ROOMS, ONE AT THE HOK SHAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN wAH FU ESTATE AND THE OTHER AT THE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE wILL BE OPENED FROM 1 PM TO 6 PM ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND JUNE 30.
A SPOKESMAN POR THE COMMITTEE SAID THAT TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT PRESENT, WERE OPENED ON WEEKDAYS ONLY.
+ THE COMMITTEE STARTED A PILOT SCHEME OVER THE SAME THREEMONTH PERIOD LAST YEAR, WITH TWO TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS IN THE DISTRICT WHICH WERE OPEN ON WEEKENDS.
+THE UTILISATION RATE wAS FOUND TO BE SATISFACTORY AND IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD CONTINUE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD AGREED TO FINANCE THE SCHEME. IF THE SCHEME WAS SUCCESSFUL, THE COORDINATION COMMITTEE OF STUDY ROOM PROVISION COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TmE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING IT ON A PERMANENT BASIS, HE SAID.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1995
10 -
COURSES ON USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT * * * * *
A SER . 0" COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN APRIL 24 AND jii>- -> FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON THE USE OF -ON AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT,
THE AIM OF THE COURSES IS TO ACQUAINT PARTICIPANTS WITH THE ASIC TECHNIQUE OF HANDLING AND MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT SUCH AS '-’M FILM PROJECTORS, F ILMSTR IP/SL I DE PROJECTORS, OVERHEAD ^CJECTOPS AND PORTABLE AMPLIFIERS wITH BUILT-IN CASSETTE - "RDERS.
ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD AT ROOM 330, LEE GARDENS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, HONG KONG.
CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR 12 TEACHERS IN EACH CLASS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND SHOULD SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE APRIL 2 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 3/F, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
0
FIELD STUDIES DAY ON COUNTRY PARKS
*****
EIGHTY IN-SERVICE TEACHERS WILL ATTEND A FIELD STUDIES DAY AT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ON TUESDAY (MARCH 26) TO GET FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS.
THE EVENT IS ARRANGED BY GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN CONJUNCTION wITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE FIELD STUDIES DAY, WHICH FORMS PART OF AN EIGHT-WEEK PRIMARY RETRAINING COURSE, WILL ENABLE THE TEACHERS TO HAVE AN INSIGHT OF THE WORK OF THE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS ERANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE USE OF COUNTRY PARKS FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A GUIDED TOUR OF THE NEWLY OPENED SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE AND THE PAK TAM CHUNG NATURE TRAIL, A TALK ON +COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES*, AND A GENERAL DISCUSSION SESSION.
THE TEACHERS WILL MEET AND DISCUSS WITH OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS RELATING TO COUNTRY PARK FACILITIES FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AS WELL AS COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION.
0
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
SEVEN-HOUR *ATER CUT * * * X
FRESH rtATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN WONG CHUK HANG AREA .ILL EE SUSPENDED PQR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 27) FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY WONG CHUK HANG ROAD FROM ABERDEEN SPORTSGROUND TO SHOUSON HILL ROAD, OCEAN PARK ROAD, NAM FUNG ROAD AND WONG CHUK HANG PATH INCLUDING OCEAN PEAK.
- 0 -
HALF-HOUR ROAD CLOSURE * * * *
THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME AT
13 MILESTONE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 2 AM ON wEDNESDAr (MARCH 27), POR BRIDGE WORKS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
- 12 -
SAFETY FROM CRIME +DOWN THE TUBES+ * * * *
CRIMINALS JUST LOATrE HONG KONG’S UNDERGROUND RAILWAY.
AND WITH GOOD REASON. ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT THE TERRITORY’S SIX-YEAR—OLD MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, IS POSITIVELY REPULSIVE TO IM INAL ACTIVITY.
YET, THERE COULD HAVE BEEN VAST CRIME POTENTIAL IN A SYSTEM •HICH, IN TERMS OF PASSENGER DENSITY PER KILOMETRE OF TRACK, IS •Y FAR THE WORLD’S BUSIEST.
ON A NORMAL DAY, THE MTP CARRIES 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE. BUT TH I j '3 EXPECTED TO SOAR SOON TO TwO MILLION PER DAY.
’’THE POLICE WERE IN ON THE PLANNING STAGES OF HONG KONG’S UNDERGROUND PROJECT VERY EARLY ON, SO WE WERE ABLE TO DESIGN-OUT THE POTENTIAL CRIME TROUBLE SPOTS. AND IT WORKS, WE’VE PROVED IT,’’ EXPLAINS THE COMMANDER OF THE MTR DISTRICT OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, SUPERINTENDENT JAMIE CLEMENTS. ”OUR UNDERGROUND’S CRIM^ SCENE IS VERY PETTY AND VERY, VERY LOW.”
TO DEMONSTRATE, HE POINTS TO THE WALL CHARTS IN HIS HEADQUARTERS AT KOWLOON BAY, WHICH ARE DRAWN TO AN ASTONISHINGLY SMALL SCALE IN ORDER TO PRODUCE ANYTHING VISIBLE AT ALL. THE COLUMN GRAPH REPRESENTING PETTY THEFTS OF MTR EQUIPMENT FOR THE MONTH LOOMS LARGEST. IT LOOKS SINISTER — BUT IT REPRESENTS ONLY FIVE CASES.
”IN ANY CATEGORY,” SAID MR CLEMENTS, ” SIX, TO ME, IS A CR IME WAVE.’’
IN 1984, WELL OVER 413,PEOPLE USED THE RAILWAY AND THERE WERE 213 CASES OF CRIME. OF THESE, 129 WERE SOLVED — GIVING A DETECTION RATE OF 60.6 PER CENT.
THREE
THERE WERE FIVE CASES OF ROBBERY, FOUR SNATCH INGS, AND THREE CASES OF INDECENT ASSAULT ON A FEMALE (IN WHICH ALL THREE CULPRI To aFRE CAUGHT). PICKPOCKETTI NG ADDED A FURTHER 41 CASES (13 DETlCTcj) AND THERE WERE 31 THEFTS OF MTR EQUIPMENT. POSSESSION OF FORGED l-o CR TRAVEL PASSES, POSSESSION OF DRUGS, DISORDERLY CONDUCT AND RESISTING ARREST wERE AMONG OTHER CRIMES WHICH GAVE MINOR BOOSTS TO THE FIGURES, AND MANY OF THE ARRESTS MADE IN THE MTR RELATED
CRIMES COMMITTED ELSEWHERE.
STRIKINGLY, MOST OF THE CRIMES DID NOT INVOLVE OTHER MTP ASSENGERS AS VICTIMS.
/IN CONTRAST .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
IN CONTRAST TO UNDERGROUND RAIL SYSTEMS IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, A PASSENGER ENTERING ONE Op HONG KONG’S 25 TUBE STATIONS IMMEDIATELY FEELS SAFE. THEY ALL LOOK SAFE, AND IT IS REASSURING TO KNOw THAT THEY ARE SAFE.
FOR A START, THEY ARE SPACIOUS, BRIGHTLY-LIT, AND SO PAINSTAKINGLY MAINTAINED THAT, SIX YEARS DOWN THE LINE, THEY STILL LOOK BRAND NEW. THERE ARE NO BLACK SPOTS, BLIND SPOTS, OR NICHES WHERE ANYONE CAN HIDE. THE SLEEK, AIR-CONDITIONED CARRIAGES ARE OPEN-ENDED, GIVING UNIMPAIRED VISIBILITY FROM ONE END OF THE TRAINS TO 'HE OTHER. THE STAINLESS STEEL SEATS ARE VANDAL-PROOF.
MOREOVER, THERE ARE NO PUBLIC TOILETS IN THE SYSTEM, NO LEFT-LUGGAGE LOCKERS, AND NO FOOD STALLS WHERE EATING IS ALLOwED. THE KIOSKS ON STATIONS ARE ALL CONSTRUCTED AS SMALL, STANDARD MODULES AND PARKED FLUSH WITH THE WALLS. CLOSE SUPERVISION IS MADE OF THE TYPES OF BUSINESS ALLOWED AND THERE IS A CEILING ON THE AMOUNTS OF CASH THEY ARE PERMITTED TO HOLD AT ANY TIME.
’’THERE IS SIMPLY NO REASON FOR ANYONE TO BE HANGING AROUND DOWN THERE,” SAID MR CLEMENTS. ’’THE MTR ENABLES PEOPLE TO GO FROM A TO B AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, AND THAT’S WHAT THEY DO”.
CERTAINLY, THE ATMOSPHERE IS BUSINESSLIKE AND BRISK. THIS, IN ITSELF, HAS LED TO THE BONUS DETECTION OF A TYPE OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH THE RAILWAY’S OPERATION — ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
LAST YEAR, THE MTR POLICE CAUGHT 56 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROh CHINA. ” MOST WERE CAUGHT TRYING TO PUT MONEY INTO THE AUTOMATIC TURNSTILES, WHICH TAKE ONLY TICKETS,” SAID MR CLEMENTS. ’’THE '' LOOK SO OUT OF PLACE AS THEY TRY TO OPERATE THE MODERN MACHINERY. STANDING AMONG HONG KONG’S SOPHISTICATED CROWDS, THEY JUST DON’T FIT.’’
RESPONSE TIME FOR THE POLICE TO ANY INCIDENT IS AN ALMOST MIRACULOUS 60 SECONDS — MAXIMUM — ON A STATION, OR TWO AND A HALF MINUTES IF THE OFFICER HAS TO COME BY TRAIN FROM ANOTHER STATION.
THE COMMANDER GIVES FOUR BASIC REASONS FOR THIS LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE — THE ORGANISATION OF THE POLICE TERRITORY, COMPUTERISED CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION, AN INDISPENSABLE AND PERVASIVE ’BEAT RADIO’ SYSTEM, AND SPECIALISED TRAINING.
HONG KONG’S UNDERGROUND IS UNIQUE IN THAT IT IS THE ONLY SUB-SURFACE RAILWAY IN THE WORLD WHERE THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS A SINGLE POLICE DISTRICT OF THE REGULAR POLICE FORCE. THIS ENABLES POLICE OPERATIONS TO BE TOTALLY CO-ORDINATED UNDER ONE COMMAND STRUCTURE AND ONE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM. THE WHOLE NETWORK O' TUNNELS, TRACKS AND STATIONS IS THEIR OYSTER, THEIR RESPONSIBILITY
/AT PRESENT.........
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 1985
AT PRESENT, THE STRENGTH OF THE MTR FORCE STANDS AT 200 --UP TO ONE-SIXTH OF WHOM ARE IN PLAINCLOTHES RIDING THE RAILS.
A FURTHER 140 ARE ABOUT TO EE TAKEN ON FOR THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND LINE ON MAY 31.
THE NEW SECTION OF LINE WILL BRING TO THE SYSTEM 12 EAGERLY-AWAITED STATIONS AND A WHOLE RANGE OF NEW STRUCTURAL FEATURES WHICH WILL SOON PUT TO TEST ALL THE ACCUMULATED EXPERTISE OF THE MTR FORCE.
FOR GEOTECHNICAL REASONS, THE ISLAND LINE HAS REQUIRED DEEPER TUNNELLING AND STATION CONFIGURATIONS WHICH ARE QUITE DIFFERENT ^ROM THE FAMILIAR PATTERN OF THOSE ON THE EXISTING LINES.
CAUSEWAY BAY, FOR EXAMPLE, WILL HAVE EIGHT LEVELS. WAN CHAI WILL HAVE SIX.
FORTUNATELY, MODERN POLICE INGENUITY AND TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN MANY JUMPS AHEAD OF THE LAW AND ORDER PROBLEMS THIS COULD POSE. CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION IS ALREADY USED EXTENSIVELY THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM, TO THE EXTENT THAT POLICE ON DUTY IN THE COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE CAN CUE THE CAMERAS TO SHOW THEM ANY PART, OR ANY LEVEL, OF ANY STATION.
IN ADDITION, POLICE ON BEAT DUTY AT STATIONS (WHERE THERE IS ALWAYS ONE PC) OR ON THE TRAINS, EACH HAVE A WALKIE-TALKIE WITH WHICH THEY KEEP IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THEIR BASE. THANKS TO EARLY INITIATIVE, THE RADIOS ARE EFFECTIVE IN ALL PARTS OF THE SYSTEM — EVEN ON TRAINS — DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF A MASSIVE, LEAKY COAXIAL CABLE DURING TUNNELLING WORK.
AS THE PATROLMEN CALL IN , THE CCC COMPUTER IDENTIFIES AND LOGS THEIR EXACT LOCATION AUTOMATICALLY AND THEIR OBSERVATIONS AND INTENDED MOVEMENTS ARE ENTERED ON VISUAL DISPLAY TERMINALS.
ANYONE THINKING OF COMMITTING A CRIME IN THE UNDERGROUND HAS MUCH TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. CONDITIONS ARE NOT AT ALL CONDUCIVE TO NEFARIOUS WORK. ’’THEY DON’T KNOW WHETHER THEY ARE BEING WATCHED ON CLOSED-CIRCUIT TV. THEY DON’T KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST PC IS. AND THE MTR IS NOT A GOOD PLACE FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO TRY TO ESCAPE FROM WITHOUT BEING CAUGHT,” SAID MR CLEMENTS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE UNDERGROUND IS A VERY GOOD PLACE FROM WHICH TO BE EVACUATED, IF NEED BE. -AND IT IS HERE THAT SPECIALIST TRAINING COMES IN.
/POLICE ON .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 24. 19&5
POLICE ON TRANSFER FROM SURFACE FORMATIONS MUST FIRST ACCEPT TnE IDEA OF DEPTH AS A M£w DIMENSION IN THEIR NORMAL ACTIVITIES. IN HONG KONG'S HIGH-RISE AREAS, POLICE ARE ALREADY WELL-ACQUAINTED WITH VERTICAL BEATS. BUT WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY IN THE MTR TERRITORY, PEOPLE HAVE TO BE RESCUED OR EVACUATED UP.
"THEY ALSO HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT CROWDS ON AN UNDERGROUND ARE IN AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT MENTAL STATE TO THOSE ABOVE GROUND AND APE LIKELY TO BE MORE NERVOUS IF SOMETHING UNUSUAL HAPPENS,” SAID NR CLEMENTS.
"IN SUCH CASES, POLICE ARE UNDER ORDERS TO IMMEDIATELY TELL PASSENGERS WHAT IS WRONG,” HE SAID. "AS A GENERAL RULE, IF YOU’Vc GOT PEOPLE WHO ARE TOLD *HY THEY ARE BEING MOVED AROUND, THEY ARE MUCH EASIER TO MOVE AROUND. THEY DON’T PANIC.”
ON AN AVERAGE TRAIN, THIS WILL INVOLVE AROUND 3,000 PEOPLE.
THE POLICE ARE TRAINED TO EVACUATE SUCH NUMBERS FROM ONE STATION LEVEL TO THE NEXT IN ONE AND A HALF MINUTES. SIMILARLY, THEY CAN CLEAR A WHOLE STATION IN FOUR AND A HALF MINUTES.
THE HONG KONG POLICE ARE COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THEIR FIRM CONTROL OVER LAW AND ORDER, WHETHER IT IS ABOVE OR BELOW THE GROUND SURFACE.
THAT’S WHY ITS QUITE SAFE TO SAY THAT, WHEN IT COMES TO HONG KONG’S UNDERGROUND, POLICING IS GOING RIGHT ’DOWN THE TUBES’ — IN A MOST DETERMINED AND POSITIVE WAY.
- 0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FULL PUBLIC DEBATE SOUGHT ON BILL - GOVERNOR...................... 1
ST JOHN COUNCIL PRAISED FOR WORK ................................. 3
SIR PHILIP WATCHES SEAMEN TRAINING ............................... 4
JPC MEMBERS BID FAREWELL TO CP.................................... 5
EASTER HOLIDAY MAIL .............................................. 5
JSEA WORKING PARTY INVITES PUBLIC VIEWS .......................... 6
SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR JUNK BAY........................ 7
24 OOO APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR FOcR PSPS PROJECTS.........7
RATEPAYERS REMINDED ..................................-........... 8
TUNNEL TOLLS UP FROM APRIL 1 .«................................... 8
IFF FEATURES OLD-TIME CANTONESE COMEDIES ......................... 9
SEMINARS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS ........................ 10
YOUNG MUSICIANS GET AWARDS ...................................... 11
POSTER COMPETITION FOR BUILDING ARTISTS ....................... 15
ELEVATED WALKWAY FOR MONG KOK.................................... 14
HANDBOOK ON NORTH DISTRICT ...................................... 14
NOT FOR LEARNER DRIVERS ......................................... 15
WATER CUT ....................................................... 15
WATER STORAGE FIGURES
16
I
J,
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1935
FULL PUBLIC DEBATE SOUGHT * * * * *
ON BILL - GOVERNOR *
THE PURPOSE OF INTRODUCING THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE FULL PUBLIC DEBATE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE,,SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
♦IT IS NOT TO BE EXPECTED THAT EVERYBODY WILL HAVE THE SAME VIEW ON ISSUES OF THIS KIND, AND I AM VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS INTEND TO CONDUCT A WIDE RANGE OF CONSULTATIONS THEMSELVES AND SEE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE MATTERS,+ HE SAID.
+AND THAT I THINK IS ENTIRELY RIGHT BECAUSE THE PROPOSALS AND THE ISSUES ARE OF IMPORTANCE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.*
THE GOVERNOR WAS REPLYING TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE FAR EAST SEMINAR AT THE LEE GARDENS HOTEL.
SIR EDWARD SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE OVER THE WEEKEND THAT THERE WAS NOW A DISPOSITION TO CONSIDER THESE ISSUES RATHER MORE DISPASSIONATELY.
+THERE IS OF COURSE NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE PROCEDURE WHICH HAS BEEN ADOPTED FOR THIS BILL, NOR — AS I NOTICED WAS CLEARLY NOTED IN THE PRESS OVER THE WEEKEND — ON THE GOVERNOR COMMENTING ON THESE MATTERS,* HE SAID.
♦YOU MAY RECALL THAT I SPOKE ABOUT THIS PROPOSAL IN MY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER.
+AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WAS AT THAT TIME CONDUCTING CONSULTATIONS, AND AS THE RESULT OF THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT WHICH CAME AT THAT TIME, THE PROPOSAL WAS PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
♦AND WITH THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, IT WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦THAT IS ALL A VERY NORMAL PROCEDURE,♦ HE SAID.
ON WHETHER LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BENEFIT IF THE SUBJECT WERE PUT BEFORE THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FIRST, SIR EDWARD SAID.+ THERE HAS BEEN A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS AS TO PROCEDURE, AND ANOTHER ONE IS THAT WE SHOULD WAIT UNTIL THE ROSKILL COMMISSION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS CONSIDERED THIS ISSUE.+
♦BUT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS ARE NOW, OF COURSE, ENTIRELY FREE — AS THEY ALWAYS ARE WHEN MATTERS ARE PUT BEFORE THEM — TO CONSIDER THE ISSUE ITSELF ON ITS MERITS AND CONSIDER THE PROCEDURE BY WHICH IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
/♦IT IS .......
+ |T IS NOW FOR THEM TO DECIDE, OR AT LEAST TO PROPOSE, HO1* THE ISSUE SHOULD BE CARRIED FORWARD AND WHEN IT SHOULD BE CARRIED "ORWARD.
+LET ME MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THERE IS NO INTENTION TO RUSH ANYTHING THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND EVEN IF THERE WAS, I AM SURE THAT LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WOULD SAY THEY WISH TO HAVE MORE TIME TO CONSIDER IT,* HE SAID.
ON THE SETTING UP OF HONG KONG NEWS AGENCIES IN PEKING, SIR EDWARD SAID HE SAW THE REPORT IN THE PRESS THIS MORNING.
+1 THINK THERE IS GREAT INTEREST IN HONG KONG IN WHAT HAPPENS IN PEKING AND IN THE REST OF THE MAINLAND, AND I AM SURE THAT IF THAT HAPPENS, IT WOULD BE A VERY HELPFUL DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON WHEN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WOULD BE ANNOUNCED, SIR EDWARD SAID +THERE IS STILL NO DATE FOR THAT CONSULTATIONS ARE CONTINUING AND IN DUE COURSE I AM SURE THAT HMG WILL ANNOUNCE THE MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH SIDE.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION GIVEN TO THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT GAVE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL SUBVENTION TO A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
+WE VALUE VERY HIGHLY THE WORK OF THESE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. I THINK IT IS A VERY FINE FEATURE OF HONG KONG LIFE THAT WE HAVE THE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
+ON THE QUESTION OF THE LEVEL OF SUBVENTIONS, IT IS LIKE OTHER MATTERS, IT IS NOT A QUESTION ON WHICH EVERYBODY ALWAYS HAS THE SAME VIEW.
+BUT I THINK THAT IN GENERAL THERE IS REASONABLE SATISFACTION WITH THE LEVEL, ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE DISCUSSION ON ITS LEVEL FROM TIME TO TIME,* HE SAID.
0 -
/3
i ^5,
S" JOr... COUNCIL PRAISED FOR wORK * * ■* W
THE ST JOi- ■ COUNCIL IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PARTNERSHIP -vHICH STS IN HONG KONG BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE SUBVENTED „U TAPY SECTOR IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+ THE GOVERNMENT LOOKS cORwARD TO THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF THIS PARTNERSHIP IN THE YEARS AHEAD,+ HE SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FAR EAST REGIONAL SEMINAR OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE COUNCIL RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO MEET THE COST Op ITS MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES. BUT IT ENJOYED A HIGH DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE AND wAS THUS ABLE TO MAINTAIN ITS UNIQUE TRADITIONS OF WHICH IT COULD BE JUSTLY PROUD.
HE SAID THE ORDER OF ST JOHN HAD A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
+IT IS THROUGH THE WORK OF THE AMBULANCE BRIGADE THAT IT IS BEST KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC.
+THE UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE, EVER READY TO GIVE FIRST AID TO THOSE IN NEED, ARE SEEN REGULARLY AT RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING EVENTS HELD THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
+THE BRIGADE ALSO HAS A SMALL BUT MODERN FLEET OF AMBULANCES WHICH PROVIDED A 24-HOUR SERVICE,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
LESS WELL KNOWN PERHAPS WAS THE WORK OF THE AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, WHICH PROVIDED INSTRUCTION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF FIRST AID, HOME NURSING, HYGIENE AND OTHER RELATED SUBJECTS.
♦OVER THE YEARS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE BENEFITED* FROM THESE COURSES OF INSTRUCTION AND HAVE CAUSE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THE KNOWLEDGE THEY HAVE RECEIVED,* HE SAID.
THE REGIONAL SEMINAR, HOSTED BY THE ST JOHN COUNCIL, WOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO ALL THOSE PARTICIPATING, SIR EDWARD SAID.
-----o------
A....
Mt
MARCH 25, 1°9
SIR PHILIP WATCHES SEAMEN TRAINING * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING TEMPORARY CENTRE AT LITTLE SAI WAN 70 SEE HOW LOCAL SEAMEN RECEIVE SPECIAL TRAINING WHICH ENABLES THEM TO ATTAIN INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.
THE CENTRE OCCUPIES 8.5 HECTARES OF GROUND AT THE EASTERN END OF HONG KONG ISLAND AND HAS EXTENSIVE WATER FRONTAGE. AMONG ITS FACILITIES ARE A STEEL MOCK-UP SHIP, A SEA SURVIVAL TRAINING POOL, CARGO HANDLING GEAR AND A RANGE OF FIRE-FIGHTING AND LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT.
IT CAN ACCOMMODATE AND TRAIN 240 SEAMEN AT ANY ONE TIME. AT THE END OF A MONTH-LONG FREE TRAINING PROGRAMME, SUCCESSFUL TRAINEES RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT INDICATING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO THE STANDARDS REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION.
DURING THE VISIT THIS AFTERNOON, SIR PHILIP WATCHED TRAINEES LEARNING SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES, PRACTISING FIRE-FIGHTING, AND LAUNCHING LIFEBOATS. SIR PHILIP ALSO SAW TRAINEES ACQUAINTING THEMSELVES WITH THE OPERATION OF A LOOKOUT SIMULATOR AND WORKING IN THE ENGINE MODEL ROOM AND THE RIGGING ROOM.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR FRANK CHAO, CHAIRMAN OF THE fOCANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD 5 MR MORRIS MORGAN, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND CAPTAIN J.E. HAWORTH, MANAGER OF THE TRAINING CENTRE.
THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING TEMPORARY CENTRE WAS SET UP BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL LAST YEAR AT THE REQUEST OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE TRAINING TO LOCAL SEAMEN TO ENABLE THEM TO MEET THE MANDATORY STANDARD REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON THE STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS (1978).
THE CENTRE WILL TRAIN ABOUT 5 000 SERVING LOCAL SEAMEN OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS BEFORE IT MOVES TO A PERMANENT CENTRE AT TAI LAM CHUNG IN 1987. THE PERMANENT CENTRE WILL ALSO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING FOR NEW ENTRANTS.
-----o------
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
5
JPC MEMBERS BID FAREWELL TO CP * * * *
JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS THIS AFTERNOON (MONDAY) BADE ■-PEWTL. TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY ON HIS RET REMENT FROM THE FORCE NEXT MONTH.
JPC MEMBERS QUEEN IE LO, JUSTY TING AND PHOEBE YAU CALLED AT THE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE AND PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO MR HENRY. THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY MR A.C. RENNIE, CHIEF STAFF OFF ICER/PUBLIC RELATIONS, WHO IS ALSO THE FOUNDER OF JPC.
EXPRESSING THEIR GRATITUDE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR HIS SUPPORT MISS QUEENIE LO SAID : "DURING YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE FORCE, PARTICULARLY IN THE PAST SIX YEARS AS THE COMMISSIONER, YOU HAVE SHOWN MUCH INTEREST IN JPC ACTIVITIES, AS EVIDENCED BY YOUR PRESENCE IN MANY OF OUR EVENTS.
"WE WISH YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH OUR MEMBERS APPRECIATE YOUR VISITS TO JPC SUMMER CAMPS GRILLING IN THE HOT SUN OR DISRUPTING YOUR OWN SUNDAY ROUTINE JUST TO SEE US IN OTHER ACTIVITIES.
"ON BEHALF OF ALL JPC MEMBERS, WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS IN YOUR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS."
THEY PRESENTED THE COMMISSIONER A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING HIM CUTTING A BIRTHDAY CAKE TO CELEBRATE THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF JPC AT THE FINAL OF THE VOICE OF JPC SINGING COMPETITION LAST YEAR.
- - 0 - -
EASTER HOLIDAY MAIL * * *
THERE WILL BE MAIL DELIVERY ON TWO DAYS - SATURDAY (APRIL 6) AND MONDAY (APRIL 8) - DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
AND ON SATURDAY AND MONDAY, 38 POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO POST OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
NAMES OF THE OTHER POST OFFICES WHICH WILL BE OPEN DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LOCAL POST CFFICE OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071/2.
_ _ 0 - -
r
i i
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1Q8
- 6 -
JSEA WORKING °ARTY INVITES PUBLIC VIEWS * * * *
FORKING PARTv reviewing THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) SYSTEM IS INVITING COMMENTS ON THE OPERATIONAL AS C". " THE CURRENT SYSTEM AND SUGGESTIONS ON A NEW PLACEMENT
STEM TO BE INTRODUCED WHEN THE JSEA IS PHASED OUT IN 1991.
♦ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS ON THESE TWO MATTERS WILL BE aELCOMED BY THE WORKING PARTY, «■ THE CHAIRMAN MR JOHN WINFIELD, St 0^ ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EDUCATION (PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT) SAID TODAY.
HE STRESSED THAT THE WORKING PARTY WOULD NOT BE CONCERNED ,-ITH JSEA POLICY, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN THOROUGHLY REVIEWED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
+THE ADVICE OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND SCHOOLS COUNCILS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT,* HE ADDED.
PARENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OR THE WORKING PARTY AT THE JSEA SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LUI KEE EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, 4TH FLOOR, 269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985.
MR WINFIELD URGED THAT ALL COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS BE SENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO THAT THE WORKING PARTY COULD TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THEM IN ITS DELIBERATIONS.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE WORKING PARTY ARE:
(1) HAVING REGARD TO THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S REPORT NO. 1, THE EXPERIENCE GAINED TO DATE AND THE VIEWS OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE SYSTEM, TO REVIEW THE OPERATION OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM? AND HAVING REGARD TO THE NEEDS AND LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS, TO RECOMMEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ANY IMPROVEMENTS OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM, PRIOR TO ITS BEING PHASED OUT IN 1991 ?•
(2) TO RECOMMEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION A NEW MEANS OF PLACEMENT FOR FORM I I I LEAVERS AFTER THE JSEA SYSTEM IS PHASED OUT?
(3) TO MAKE SUCH OTHER OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS AS THE WORKING PARTY MAY CONSIDER RELEVANT TO THE ABOVE.
0 --------
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
7
SECOND PJBLC HOUSING ESTATE FOR JUNK BAY
******
another public -fusing project will be getting off the -’OUNC IN junk 3AY FOLLOa .mg -HE acceptance OF a 5157.3 million -CNDEP cv THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE AT ITS LAST MEETING.
■^CONSTRUCTION WILL START SOON ON THE FIRST PHASE OF TSUI LAM ESTATE, THE SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUDDING NEW TOWN,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY.
HE SAID WORK WOULD INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF TWO 35-STOREY TRI DENT AND TWO 22-STOREY SLAB BLOCKS, A COMMUNITY HALL AND A 'WO-STOREY CARPARK, AS WELL AS ELEVATED WALKWAYS AND AN INTERNAL ESTATE ROAD.
+THE FOUR RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS WILL HAVE ALTOGETHER 2 460 FLATS FOR ABOUT 10 800 PEOPLE IN 1987.
-••COVERING A 15.6-HECTARE SITE IN THE NORTH-WESTERN PART 0^ JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, TSUI LAM ESTATE WILL BE DEVELOPED IN THREE PHASES OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WITH ALTOGETHER EIGHT RENTAL AND THREE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS.
+UPON FULL COMPLETION BY 1989, THE ESTATE WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF 26 000 PEOPLE IN 4 984 RENTAL AND 1 050 HOS FLATS, WELL SERVED BY WIDE-RANGING COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.*
MEANWHILE, WORK IS WELL UNDERWAY ON THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT IN THE NEW TOWN, PO LAM ESTATE, WHICH IS BEING BUILT IN THREE PHASES AND WILL PROVIDE MODERN ACCOMMODATION FOR ANOTHER 28 800 PEOPLE BY 1988.
- - 0 - -
24 000 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR FOUR PSPS PROJECTS * * *
SALES OF THE 4 120 FLATS UNDER PHASE VI IB OF THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME HAVE ATTRACTED MORE THAN 24 000 APPLICATIONS BY THE DEADLINE
+0F THEM, ABOUT 20 000 ARE FROM WHITE-FORM PRIVATE SECTOR APPLICANTS AND 4 000 FROM VARIOUS CATEGORIES OF GREEN-FORM APPLICANTS,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY
/+HOWEVER,
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
8 -
+ L|^-.'CVER the final figure is still not yet available as '■'ORE ALLIGATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO COME IN BY POST IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
+A BALLOT VILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH TO DECIDE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS.+
THE FLATS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE ARE AT PRIME VIEW GARDEN IN TUEN MUN HOLFORD GARDENS IM SHA TIN, SUN LAI GARDENS IN NGAU CHI WAN AND GREENWOOD TERRACE IN CHAI WAN, ALL OF THEM ARE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME PROJECTS.
------o-------
RATEPAYERS REMINDED
* * *
RATEPAYERS WERE TODAY REMINDED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT THAT THIS IS THE LAST WEEK IN WHICH THEY CAN MAKE PROPOSALS TO ALTER THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTY FOR THE YEAR COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1985.
FORMS FOR THIS PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICES AT HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG AND FROM DISTRICT OFFICES.
PROPOSALS MUST BE LODGED WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE •MARCH 30, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT RATE DEMANDS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER’S RATES WOULD BE ISSUED BY THE TREASURY NEXT wEEK.
♦THESE MUST BE PAID ON OR BEFORE APRIL 30 WHETHER A PROPOSAL IS LODGED OR NOT,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
TUNNEL TOLLS UP FROM APRIL 1
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM APRIL 1, TOLL CHARGES FOR LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS WILL GO UP FROM $2 TO $3, AS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON BUDGET DAY (FEBRUARY 27).
A SPOKESMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM APRIL 1, FOUR TOLL BOOTHS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL ACCEPT ♦EXACT TOLLS+, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH TOLL BOOTHS.
/THERE will
MONDAi, MARCH 2^, 1985
- 9
THERE WILL BE IQ TOLL BOOTHS OPERATING DURING PEAK HOURS, * OF WHICH WILL NOT GIVE AW CHANGE. TWO SUCH BOOTHS WILL SERVE NEW TERRITORIES BOUND TRAFFIC, AND TWO WILL SERVE KOWLOON BOJND VEHICLES.
MEANWHILE WORK IS CONTINUING TO ADD TWO MORE TOLL BOOTHS FOR THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, TO BRING THE NUMBER TO 12 BY THE END CF THE YEAR.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THESE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING BULLETINS.
-----0------
IFF FEATURES OLD-TIME CANTONESE COMEDIES * * * *
A PROGRAMME OF CANTONESE COMEDIES PRODUCED IN THE POST-WAR YEARS UP TO THE LATE 60S WILL BE FEATURED AT THE NINTH HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 29 (FRIDAY).
DURING THE 16-DAY FILM EXTRAVAGANZA, 19 TITLES OUT OF 700 COMEDIES MADE DURING THAT PERIOD WILL BE PRESENTED. THEY INCLUDE A COMET OF LAUGHTER LANDS OF EARTH, CROSSROADS, AND TWO FOOLS IN PARADISE, ALL OF THEM STARRING VETERAN COMEDIAN TANG KEI-CHAN; IN ADDITION, ALL-TIME FAVOURITE TSE YIN APPEARS IN INTIMATE PARTNERS AND ONE MILLION DOLLAR INHERITANCE WHILE THE THEN SUPERSTAR CHAN PO-CHU IS THE LEADING ACTRESS IN YOUNG, UNMARRIED AND PREGNANT.
THE FILMS WILL BE SHOWN IN THE SPACE MUSEUM AND KO SHAN THEATRE DURING THE FESTIVAL.
TICKETS AT $15 AND $20 ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE CITY HALL, SPACE MUSEUM, QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, HONG KONG COLISEUM AND KO SHAN THEATRE.
16
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
SEMINARS EQr owySICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
* * * *
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAN ATTEND a ■ -1BEC Oc SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR THEM BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
ON APRIL 23 THERE WILL BE A SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS DEALING WITH THE SCHEME OF WORK, TEACHING METHODS AND ASSESSMENTS.
IT WILL BE CONDUCTED AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12.30 PM.
THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR 500 TEACHERS IN THE SEMINAR.
A SERIES OF REPEATED ONE-DAY SEMINARS WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM APRIL 25 TO JUNE 20 TO PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH CONCEPTS ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND TO INTRODUCE SUITABLE PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS FOR PR IMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
EACH SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM AT SAN WUI COMMERCIAL SOCIETY SCHOOL IN LEI CHENG UK ESTATE, KOWLOON.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 40 TEACHERS PER SEMINAR.
ALL THE SEMINARS WILL BE IN CANTONESE.
SCHOOL HEADS SHOULD SEND IN THEIR NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEMINAR ON THE TEACHING OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS APRIL 2, AND THAT FOR THE SERIES OF SEMINARS ON PHYSICAL FITNESS IS APRIL 4.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION ON 3-884111 EXT. 278 OR 283.
-------o---------
YOUNG MUSICIANS GET AWARDS * * * *
THE 1935 HONG KONG YOUNG MUSICIANS’ AWARDS, A MAJOR ANNUAL
\ -CTH WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSIC, ENDED LAST (SUNDAY) NIGHT, i~TER SEVERAL MONTHS Oc KEEN COMPETITION.
THE WESTERN MUSIC FINALS WERE STAGED LAST NIGHT AT THE CITY HAL THEATRE. THE CHINESE MUSiC FINALS HAD BEEN HELD ON THE PREVIOUS SUNDAY (MARCH 17).
THE CONTEST, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE COMPOSERS AND AUTHORS SOCIETY OF HONG KONG (CASH), IS AIMED AT UNCOVERING YOUNG TALENT AND AT RAISING THE „TANDARD OF COMPOSITION AND “PERFORMANCE OF SERIOUS MUSIC.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD LAST NIGHT, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, SAID THAT THE COMPOSITIONS AND PERFORMANCES PRESENTED AT THE FINALS WERE FINE EXAMPLES OF THE MUSICAL TALENT THAT ABOUNDS IN HONG KONG.
THE ORGANISERS WERE KEEN TO PROVIDE YOUNG MUSICIANS WITH THE CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENTS AND TO STIMULATE THEIR INTEREST IN COMPOSITION OR IN PERFORMANCE, HE SAID.
+OUR INTEREST IS IN RAISING STANDARDS AND WE WILL DO OUR PART TO PROVIDE THE INCENTIVES,+ HE SAID.
CHIEF ADJUDICATOR OF THE (WESTERN MUSIC) COMPOSITION CATEGORY, PROFESSOR DAVID GWILT SAID THAT THE GENERAL STANDARD OF COMPOSITION WAS HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR’S BUT MORE ORIGINALITY, INVENTION AMD PERSONALITY WAS NEEDED.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS OF BOTH CATEGORIES - COMPOSITION AND ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE OF WESTERN MUSIC RECEIVED CASH PRIZES OF $6 OOO, $3 000 AND $1 000 RESPECTIVELY FROM MR STUART WILKINSON, THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING AND MR MALCOLM BARNETT, CHAIRMAN OF CASH. SIMILAR PRIZES HAD BEEN GIVEN TO WINNERS OF THE CHINESE MUSIC FINALS LAST WEEK.
FULL RESULTS OF THE WINNERS AND WINNING PIECES WERE AS FOLLOWS
COMPOSITION (CHINESE MUSIC)s
1. +HOPE+ BY LEUNG CHI-CHEUNG
2. +TRIO FOR HSIAO, SHENG AND YANG-CHIN+ BY LAI SHEUNG-PING
3. +JUBILATION+ BY CHEUNG KWOK-CHUNG
/ENSEMBLE .......
MONDAY, BakCH 25* 19&5
12
'■ *'EVBLE PERFORMANCE (CHINESE MUSIC):
-iTUAL FIRE DANCE (PERFORMERS: YAO YEH CHINESE ORCHESTRA)
SHADOWS UNDER THE MOONLIGHT (PERFORMERS: LI YING-WAI, FUNG LAI — Y-- SIU MAN-CHING, PANG YUI-SHING, CHAN SHUK-HA, LAM KING-TIM, WONG KA-WAI, LIANG WAI-MAN, SUN SIU-LING AND TSANG MAN-FEI)
3 TRIPLE FOLDS OF THE GATE OF YANG CITY (PERFORMERS: SHU I YIN, *U YUEN-FAN, CHAN HING-YAN, HUI PANG, CHOI CHI-YAN, LEY PUI— CHUN, LEY YU-CHUNG, WONG KA-WAI, CHAN YAT-PING, CHAN YAT-CHING, LEUNG FOR-SING AND CHOW MAN-SUI)
COMPOSITION (WESTERN MUSIC):
1. A LUNATIC’S MONOLOGUE (LAI SHEUNG-PING)
2. STRING QUARTET (WONG BON-YIN)
3. JOINT: SUITE FOR FLUTE AND PIANO (MAK YUNG-CHEUNG) AND MUSIC FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO (KOO CHAT-PO)
ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE (WESTERN MUSIC):
1. FIRST MOVEMENT FROM STRING QUARTET NO. 6, OP. 96, DVORAK (PERFORMERS: WONG SZE-HANG, WONG FUNG, IU YUEN AND FONG YOU-FEN)
2. FIRST MOVEMENT FROM TRIO FOR VIOLIN. VIOLINCELLO AND PIANOFORTE IN D MINOR, MENDELSSOHN (PERFORMERS: KWAN LAP-HOK, LILY YEUNG, CHENG HOI-LAN)
3. CONCERTO IN A MINOR FOR TWO VIOLINS AND PIANO, VIVALDI (PERFORMERS: WONG FUNG, WONG SZE-HANG AND CHENG WAI).
----0------
/->5...........
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
13
POSTER COMPETITION FOR BUILDING ARTISTS * * * * *
BUDDING ARTISTS ARE NOW GIVEN A CHANCE TO EXERCISE THEIR TALENTS AND CREATIVITY.
ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF 21 ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A WATER SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB, THE COMPETITION AIMS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF WATER SAFETY IN THE CURRENT SWIMMING SEASON.
THE BEST ENTRY WILL BE USED AS NEXT YEAR’S WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN POSTER WHICH WILL BE DISPLAYED ALL OVER THE TERRITORY.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS* THE SENIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21 AND THE JUNIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED UNDER 14.
THE SIZE OF EACH ENTRY SHOULD NOT BE SMALLER THAN 2D CM BY 30 CM.
THERE WILL BE SEVEN PRIZES IN EACH SECTION. FOR THE SENIOR SECTION, THE FIRST PRIZE IS $800, SECOND PRIZE $600, THIRD PRIZE $300 PLUS FOUR CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $100 EACH. FOR THE JUNIOR SECTION, THE FIRST PRIZE IS $400, SECOND PRIZE $200, THIRD PRIZE $100 PLUS FOUR CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $50 EACH. A CERTIFICATE WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO EACH WINNER.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD SEND THEIR ENTRIES TO THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, 12TH FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, BEFORE JULY 27, 1985.
RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
- - 0
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
14
ELEVATED WALKWAY FOR MONG KOK * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT AN ELEVATED WALKWAY AT BUTE STREET THAT WILL LINK UP WITH THE NEW TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE BEING BUILT AT PODIUM-LEVEL AT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY’S MONG KOK STATION.
THE STRUCTURE WILL SPAN SAI YEE STREET AND BUTE STREET AND FORM PART OF THE STATION’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE SCHEME WILL BE OF PARTICULAR SAFETY BENEFIT TO STUDENTS CF TWO SCHOOLS IN THE VICINITY WHO CROSS THE BUSY JUNCTIONS OF SAI YEE STREET.
WORK ON THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS, ASSOCIATED ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS AND THE INSTALLATION OF A NUMBER OF ESCALATORS AT THE JUNCTIONS OF THE TWO STREETS.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT A CONCRETE SCREEN BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE SIDE OF THE FOOTBRIDGE CLOSE TO ADJACENT PROPERTY, AS AN AMELIORATING MEASURE.
THE MODIFIED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG? AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, TUNG PING BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, KOWLOON DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION UNDER THE ORDINANCE MAY SERVE A WRITTEN CLAIM UPON THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS.
-----o------
HANDBOOK ON NORTH DISTRICT * * * * *
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED A RESIDENT’S HANDBOOK ABOUT VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE 32-PAGE HANDBOOK, PRINTED IN CHINESE, CONTAINS CHAPTERS ON THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE RURAL COMMITTEES.
THE HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT, LOCAL FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES, A DESCRIPTION OF THE BORDER AREA AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
/The handbook .......
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
THE HANDBOOK ALSO CONTAINS A MAP ILLUSTRATING THE DISTRICT’S BOUNDARY, CHARTS, COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
ABOUT 20 000 COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A COPY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT HANDBOOK WILL BE BOXED IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES FOR YOUR COLLECTION.
----0------
NOT FOR LEARNER DRIVERS
* **
FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 28), LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN THE CUL-DE-SAC OF BERWICK STREET SOUTH OF SHEK KIP MEI STREET.
----0------
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE TURNED CFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 28) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
ARE BOUNDED BY KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ---------------- o
ROAD AND HONG NING ROAD FROM KUNG LOK ROAD TO HIP WO STREET, INCLUDING LOK WAH ESTATE PHASE I, II AND III, ON TAK ROAD, ON SHIN ROAD AND BLOCKS 1-5 AND 9~12 OF UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATt.
-----0------
/16........
MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1985
16
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 61.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY, OR 358.165 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 442.529 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 75.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
28 UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON BUDGET .............................. 1
HK ON SHOW TO BRITISH BUSINESS ................................. 1
GOVERNOR CONFERS HONORARY DEGREES .............................. 2
FEBRUARY CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES RELEASED ....................... 3
PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE.................................. 5
TRAVELLERS REMINDED ABOUT LOTTERY .TICKETS ..................... 6
RECRUITS SOUGHT FOR ANTI-DRUG FIGHT ............................ 7
LETTING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE FURTHER STREAMLINED.................. 8
33 000 ANTI-MOSQUITO INSPECTIONS IN MONTH....................... 9
NEW DB MEMBERS GET TOGETHER..................................... 9
TEA RECEPTION FOR NE?/ DBS..................................... 10
DISTRICT CLINIC FOR LAM TIN ................................... 10
FANNING AMBULANCE DEPOT TO BE OPENED........................... 11
GALA FOR MUSIC TRAINEES ....................................... 11
BOARD TO CONSIDER NEW LIQUOR LICENCE........................... 12
LOOKING INTO AMENITIES......................................... 12
STREET TO BE OPENED............................................ 13
WATER CUT...................................................... 13
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
1
28 UNOFFICIALS TO SPEAK ON BUDGET * * *
DEBATE ON THE BUDGET WILL RESUME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW AND CONTINUE ON THURSDAY, WHEN 28 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING OVER THE TWO DAYS.
FOUR MOTIONS WILL ALSO BE DEALT WITH.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL MOVE A MOTION UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE FOR THE TRANSFER FROM APRIL 1, OF CERTAIN FUNCTIONS EXERCISABLE BY VARIOUS OFFICERS, FOLLOWING THE RECENT REORGANISATION OF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND SECRETARIAT BRANCHES.
THREE OTHER MOTIONS WILL BE MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE. THEY DEAL WITH BETTING DUTIES, AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX, AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION.
UNOFFICIALS SPEAKING TOMORROW WILL BE: DR THE HON HARRY FANG,
THE HON FRANCIS TIEN, THE HON ALEX WU, THE HON S.L. CHEN, THE HON
LYDIA DUNN, THE HON PETER C. WONG, THE HON WONG LAM, DR THE HON
HO KAM-FAI, THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON ANDREW SO, THE HON F.K. HU,
THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN AND THE HON STEPHEN
CHEONG
SPEAKING ON THURSDAY WILL BE: THE HON J.J. SWA I NE, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON SELINA CHOW, THE HON MARIA TAM, DR THE HON FENRIETTA IP THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, THE HON RITA FAN, THE HON PAULINE NG, THE HON PETER POON, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, THE HON KIM CHAM, THE HON KEITH LAM, THE HON CARL TONG AND THE HON SIR ROGER LOBO.
HK ON SHOW TO BRITISH BUSINESS * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS l€XT MONTH TO PROMOTE HONG KONG TO THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN ERITAIN.
A GRAPHICS DISPLAY ENTITLED +HONG KONG - INTO THE FUTURE*, WILL BE MOUNTED FIRST AT THE LONDON HEADQUARTERS OF THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND 4.
USING COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND OTHER GRAPHIC MATERIAL, THE DISPLAY WILL SHOW BRITISH BUSINESSMEN THAT HONG KONG OFFERS THEM MANY OPPORTUNITIES - AS A PLACE TO INVEST, AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR TRADE WITH CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION, AND AS A MARKET IN ITS OWN__RIGHT.
/THE subjects
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
THE SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE DISPLAY INCLUDE THE AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, INDUSTRY, TRADE, HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL CENTRE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, LONG TERM PLANNING AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
EACH SUBJECT IS ILLUSTRATED WITH COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, AND STATISTICS ARE PRESENTED IN THE FORM OF GRAPHS SHOWING THE MAIN AREAS OF GROWTH IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
THE INTRODUCTORY SECTION DEALS WITH THE AGREEMENT AND INCLUDES QUOTES BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE PRIME MINISTER, ffiS MARGARET THATCHER AND THE CHINESE LEADER, MR DENG XIAOPING.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION IN THE CITY OF LONDON BETWEEN APRIL 5 AND 26, AND AT THE OFFICES OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS IN CENTRAL LONDON FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FROM APRIL 27. AFTER THAT IT WILL BE MOVED TO OTHER LOCATIONS IN AND OUTSIDE LONDON OVER THE HEXT FEW MONTHS.
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GOVERNOR CONFERS HONORARY DEGREES X X X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY CONFERRED HONORARY DEGREES AT THE 124TH CONGREGATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
A LEADING INDUSTRALIST, MISS PAULINE CHAN, WAS AWARDED THE HONORARY DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LAWS, WHILE A RENOWNED ACADEMIC IN CHINA PROFESSOR ZHU GUANGQIAN, WAS CONFERRED THE HONORARY DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF LETTERS AND AN OUTSTANDING MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER, DR EDWARD HAMILTON PATERSON WAS MADE AN HONORARY DOCTOR OF SOCIAL SCI ENCES.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
3
FEBRUARY CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES RELEASED * * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 2.8 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 3.4 PER CENT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1984 AND FEBRUARY 1985, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) FOR FEBRUARY 1985 WERE 157.9 AND 158.0 RESPECTIVELY, OR 4.3 POINTS AND 5.2 POINTS HIGHER THAN THOSE FOR FEBRUARY 1984. COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.4 POINTS OR 0.8 PER CENT AND CP I(B), BY 1.0 POINT OR 0.6 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CP I(A) AND AVERAGE CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1985, AT 155.7 AND 155.6 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 6.7 PER CENT AND 7.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 1984.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 1985, BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP 1(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.1 PER CENT EACH MONTH.
DURING FEBRUARY, FOOD PRICES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES, WERE HIGHER. CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, HAIRDRESSING CHARGES AND BUS FARES ALSO WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECREASED.
THE CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS CF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CP I(A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH, AND THE CP 1(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR FEBRUARY 1985 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR JANUARY 1985 AND FEBRUARY 1984.
/(OCTOBER 1979 .......
TUESDAY, MAfiCH 26, 1985
SECTION (OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE = 100)
FEB. 84 CP 1(A) JAN. 85 FEB. 85 FEB. 84 CPI(B) JAN. 85 FEB. 85
FOODSTUFFS 156.0 153.4 155.6 156.3 154.3 156.5
HOUSING 142.0 153.2 153.3 142.7 152.8 152.8
FUEL AND LIGHT 151.2 146.8 146.8 151.0 146.7 146.7
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 207.6 208.5 209.3 199.9 201.0 201.6
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 149.4 165.2 161.4 149.3 166.7 161.9
DURABLE GOODS 123.9 124.2 123.8 127.1 128.6 128.3
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 147.5 149.5 150.3 144.5 145.4 146.2
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 167.3 173.0 175.1 169.1 175.5 177.0
SERVICES 165.3 179.4 182.6 163.7 175.5 178.5
ALL ITEMS 153.6 156.5 157.9 152.8 157.0 153.0
COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY 2 2 POINTS IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES ff LIVE POULTRY, FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH-WATER FISH, PORK, SHRIMPS AND CRABS WENT UP DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES ALSO ROSE. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INS 1 GN IFICANT.
IMPORTED TOBACCO, RETAIL PRICES CONSEQUENTLY,
DUE TO INCREASED DUTY ON CF CIGARETTES WERE RAISED AT THE END OF FEBRUARY. -------- -
THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) WENT UP BY 0.8 POINT IN CPI(A) AND 0.6 POINT IN CP I(B).
HOWEVER, LOWER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING CAUSED THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR TO FALL BY 3.8 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 4.8 POINTS IN CPI(B).
/THE INDEX
TUESDAY, MUCH 26, 1985
- 5 -
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS ROSE BY 0,8 POINT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF FRESH FLOWERS AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WENT UP BY 2.1 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 1.5 POINTS IN CPI(B) DUE TO INCREASE FARES FOR BUS AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS, HIGHER PRICE OF GASOLINE, AND HIGHER FEES FOR DRIVING AND VEHICLES LICENCES.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 3.2 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 3.0 POINTS IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, FOR PACKAGE TOURS AND FOR ADMISSION TO NIGHT CLUBS AND DISCOTHEQUES AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, AND FOR ADMISSION TO AMUSEMENT PARKS.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
(NOTES FIGURES REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TO TWO DECIMAL PLACES.)
DETAILS OF THESE PRICE MOVEMENTS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR FEBRUARY 1985, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT S3 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG, OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, 19TH FLOOR, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES MAY BE MADE WITH THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE 3-7216512.
PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD IS TAKING A CRITICAL LOOK AT HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREPARE FOR THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ BUTTERFLY CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, HE SAID THAT OF THE 250 000 POPULATION IN TUEN MUN, 21 PER CENT WERE AGED BETWEEN 6 AND 15.
+THIS SECTOR OF THE POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO GROW TO NEARLY 25 PER CENT OF THE PROJECTED TOTAL OF 400 000 IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME,* DR HAYES SAID.
/+THK TASK........
TUESDAY, MABCH 26, 1985
- 6
♦THE TASK OF KEEPING OUR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE RIGHT TRACK IS NOT AN EASY ONE. THEY NEED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND HELP IN VARIOUS FORMS FOR THEIR MORAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SO THAT THEY MAY BECOME CARING AND RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.
♦WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD’S LEADERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION FROM MANY QUARTERS, SERVICES FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN TUEN MUN WILL CERTAINLY BE BETTER CO-ORDINATED AND EXPANDED,+ IE SAID.
DR HAYES ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS OF THEIR STRONG SUPPORT AND ACHIEVEMENTS TOWARDS COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE NEW TOWNS.
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TRAVELLERS REMINDED ABOUT LOTTERY TICKETS * * * * */
PEOPLE RETURNING FROM MACAU ARE- REMINDED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE UNDER THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE TO BE IN POSSESSION OF MACAU LOTTERY TICKETS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON FOUND IN POSSESSION OF A TICKET RELATING TO AN UNLAWFUL LOTTERY COMMITS AN OFFENCE, AND IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION BY THE COURTS, TO A FINE OF $10 000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
+WE BELIEVE THAT SOME HONG KONG RESIDENTS RETURNING FROM MACAU MAY HAVE THE MACAU LOTTERY TICKETS IN THEIR POSSESSION WITHOUT KNOWING THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO DO S0,+ HE SAID.
POSSESSION OF THESE LOTTERY TICKETS WHILE IN HONG KONG IS UNLAWFUL, AND RENDERS THE PERSON LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
0 --------
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
7
RECRUITS SOUGHT FOR ANTI-DRUG FIGHT * * * * *
THEYOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) IS SEEKING MORE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE GROUP IS TO ASSIST IN IMPLEMENTING PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS ORGANISED BY ACAN.
THE YOUTHS ARE TRAINED TO HELP SPREAD THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
♦THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ACAN’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SELF-INITIATED PROJECTS, THE VOLUNTEERS CAN LEARN MANY NEW THINGS WHICH THEY CANNOT NORMALLY ACQUIRE FROM THEIR DAILY WORK OR FROM BOOKS. THE ACTIVITIES WHICH VOLUNTEERS ARE EXPECTED TO UNDERTAKE ARE VARIED AND MEANINGFUL.
♦ANOTHER FEATURE IS THAT THE VOLUNTEERS ARE OF THE SAME AGE LEVEL AS THE YOUTHS AT RISK. THEY SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE AND CAN THUS SPREAD THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE MORE EFFECT IVELY,+ HE SAID.
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1981, THE VOLUNTEER
GROUP HAS ENGAGED IN SOME 100 ANTI-NARCOTICS EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS CONCERTS, SPORTS MEETS, SEMINARS, TRAINING CAMPS, WATER CARNIVALS AND OTHER OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN AND WIDELY RECOGNISED VOLUNTEER GROUPS IN THE TERRITORY.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP ARE ALL HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. THEY MAKE USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME IN THE EVENINGS OR DURING HOLIDAYS TO CARRY OUT THE WORK.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR NEW MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNIQUES IN CARRYING OUT THE WORK. ON COMPLETION OF ONE FULL YEAR’S SERVICE, MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION.
RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO ALL YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 28 YEARS OF FORM FIVE LEVEL.
EACH APPLICATION WILL BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY A SELECTION BOARD.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES; THE DRUG EDUCATION/LIA I SON CENTRE, NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, UNITED CENTRE, 31ST FLOOR, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG; AND THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AT ROOM 602, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG OR AT ROOM 439, TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON.
/COMPLETED FbxiKo ......
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
8
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DRUG EDUCATION/ LIAISON CENTRE, NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, ON CR BEFORE APRIL 13, 1985.
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 5-295140.
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LETTING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE FURTHER STREAMLINED
******
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TO FURTHER STREAMLINE ITS LETTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR VACANT UNITS IN FACTORY ESTATES.
AS FROM APRIL, NOTICES OF CASUAL VACANCIES WILL BE PUT UP ON TUESDAY, AND LETTING WILL BE PROCESSED ON THURSDAY, IN THE ESTATES CONCERNED IN THE FIRST WEEK OF EACH MONTH.
+SHOULD THE FIRST TUESDAY OR THURSDAY OF THE MONTH FALL ON A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THESE WILL BE DONE IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY TODAY.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THE DATES FOR LETTING VARY WITH DIFFERENT FACTORY ESTATES, AND THE NEW MOVE IS INTENDED TO FACILITATE POTENTIAL APPLICANTS.
+VACANT FACTORY UNITS WILL CONTINUE TO BE LET BY DIRECT APPLICATION, A STREAMLINED LETTING SYSTEM WHICH HAS MET WITH ENTHUSIASTIC RESPONSE.
+UNDER THE SYSTEM, ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS ARE IMMEDIATELY GRANTED, ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS, TENANCIES OF FACTORY UNITS SELECTED.
+AND THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE NUMBER OF UNITS EACH ELIGIBLE APPLICANT CAN RENT.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE THE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 6 367 UNITS HAD BEEN LET, RESULTING IN A VIRTUALLY FULL OCCUPATION OF ALL THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S 17 FACTORY ESTATES.
+THERE ARE NOW ABOUT 60 CASUAL VACANCIES AVAILABLE FOR RE-LETTING, MOST OF WHICH ARE SURRENDERED BY TENANTS AFTER THEY HAVE BOUGHT THEIR OWN FACTORY PREMISES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
*THESE VACANT UNITS ARE EACH OF 25 SQUARE METRES AND SUITABLE FOR VARIOUS SMALL OR MEDIUM TRADES.*
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/9........
1 • -JAY, USCH a-o, 1985
9
33 000 ANTI-MOSQUITO INSPECTIONS IN MONTH * * *
A£ PART 0F THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING M0SQUIT0 BREEDING, THE DEPARTMENT’S o CONTROL STAFF INSPECTED 29 4^7 HOUSES AND
3 974 BUILDING SITES AND OPEN SPACES LAST MONTH.
T.„-..A^ A RESULT, 479 BREEDING PLACES WERE FOUND AND ACTION THESE SOURCES, A SPOKESMAN ?0R THE
r An | Mt IM I o A I D •
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 13 COMPLAINTS OF MOSQUITO BREEDING PLACES WERE RECEIVED RESULTING IN THE ISSUE OF THREE SUMMONSES AGAINST THE OFFENDERS.
MEANWHILE, THE DISTRICT PEST CONTROL STAFF ALSO POISONED 2 440 RODENTS AND TRAPPED SOME 1 883 RODENTS LAST C0MPLAINTS OP RODENT INFESTATIONS WERE nLoU ntCtIVtD.
and IN A BID TO ELIMINATE RODENTS, 60 BLOCK ° 1NFECTATIONS AND 43 HOLE-BAITING TREATMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT PEST CONTROL STAFF.
- - 0 -
NEW DB MEMBERS GET TOGETHER * * *
. JJEW MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL GET TOGETHER A A MEETING ON THURSDAY (MARCH 28) AFTERNOON.
DURING THE CLOSED-DOOR MEETING, THE DISTRICT OFFICER W LU I HAU-TUEN, WILL BRIEF THE BOARD ON ELECTION PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING A NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.
-> A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MEETING a- ?/c° QanALJHE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE Ai 1/F, 880-886, KING’S ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE TEA RECEPTION AT 3.30 PM ON THURSDAY (MARCH 28) IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
0
/50
10
DAY, MARCH 26, 1985
TEA RECEPTION FOR NEW DBS * * *
NEW MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET EACH OTHER AT A TEA RECEPTION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE RECEPTION WILL ALSO BE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE TEA RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM IN THE CONSTABLE AND GAINSBOROUGH ROOMS ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF THE HOLIDAY INN HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL AT 70 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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DISTRICT CLINIC FOR LAM TIN * * *
WORK WILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH ON A J13-MILLI0N DISTRICT CLINIC COMPLEX IN LAM TIN.
THE EIGHT-STOREY CLINIC BUILDING AT KAI TIN ROAD WILL PROVIDE 14 500 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR AREA, MAINLY FOR AN OUT-PATIENT CLINIC, A FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES CLINIC AND A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A PSYCHIATRIC DAY CENTRE, A COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES CENTRE AND OFFICES.
THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY JULY NEXT YEAR.
T!J£SDA', '-■ARCH 26, 1985
FANLING AMBULANCE DEPOT TO BE OPENED * * *
THE $4 MILLION FANLING AMBULANCE DEPOT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR H. KENYON TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 10.30 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. THE NEW DEPOT IS OPPOSITE THE FANLING MAGISTRACY NEAR THE FANLING RAILWAY STATION.
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GALA FOR MUSIC TRAINEES * * * *
ABOUT 1 000 YOUNGSTERS WILL DISPLAY THEIR MUSICAL SKILLS AT THE 1985 ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM FROM 3.30 PM TO 5.30 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31).
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE FOR ITS TRAINEES UNDER THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
OUTSTANDING TRAINEES WILL BE GIVEN AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES AT A CEREMONY AFTER THE CONCERT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR TELEPHOTO LENS AND WIDE-ANGLE LENS.
MARCH 26, 1985
- 12 -
BOARD TO CONSIDER NEW LIQUOR LICENCE *****
THE LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL bEET AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS IN EDINBURGH PLACE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR PETER C.K. CHAN, WILL CONSIDER THE APPLICATION FOR THE NEW ISSUE OF A LIQUOR LICENCE BY CITY GARDEN LOUNGE AT ELECTRIC ROAD, NORTH POINT.
NOTE TO EDITOR: YOU ARE INVITED
REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER WHICH WILL BE HELD AT (WEDNESDAY).
TO SEND A
TO COVER THE MEETING
8.30 A.M. TOMORROW
-----o------
LOOKING INTO AMENITIES * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL VISIT SEVERAL AMENITY AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT TOMORROW MORNING.
THEY WILL VISIT THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, BOTH UNDER CONSTRUCTION, A NURSERY AND A BICYCLE TRACK AT THE BUTTERFLY BEACH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEMBERS WILL LEAVE THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD OFFICE AT FOO YICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN SAN ON CIRCUIT AT 10.30 AM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1985
- 13 -
STREET TO BE OPENED * * * *
THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WAN WAH STREET BETWEEN wA I WAH STREET AND YUK WAH STREET WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MARCH 27), UPON COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTES 3A, 3B AND 15A AS WELL AS KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 20 AND 37M WILL RESUME THEIR ORIGINAL ROUTE INGS VIA WAI WAH STREET AND WAN WAH STREET.
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WATER CUT * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG AND NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR NINE HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 29) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
IN KwA I CHUNG, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY WO YI HOP ROAD, TA CHUEN PING STREET, CHUN' PIN STREET AND LEI MUK ROAD, INCLUDING ALL PREMISES OF LAM TIN STREET, 103-131 WO Yl HOP ROAD, 64-90 LEI MUK ROAD, 1-19 CHUN PIN STREET AND 81-105 TA CHUEN PING STREET.
IN THE NORTH DISTRICT, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TSUNG PAK LONG TSUEN TO LOK MA CHAU, INCLUDING TSUNG PAK LONG TSUEN, YIN KONG TSUEN, KAM TSIN TSUEN, HANG TAU TSUEN, KWU TUNG TSUEN, HO SHEUNG HEUNG TSUEN, CHAU TAU TSUEN, LOK MA CHAU AND PAK SHEK AU.
ALL PREMISES ALONG FAN KAM ROAD FROM PING KONG TSUEN TO PANG UK TSUEN, INCLUDING PING KONG TSUEN, ON PO TSUEN, TONG KUNG LENG TSUEN, YEE ON SAN TSUEN, CHEUNG LEK TSUEN, TSIU KENG TSUEN, YING PUN TSUEN AND PUN UK TSUEN WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: MOTION MJ TRANSFER OF POWERS APPROVED...................... 1
MOTIONS TO INCREASE FEES, DUTY, TAX DEFERRED ............. 2
BIG SPENDING ON EDUCATION WELCOMED ....................... 3
FULL STATEMENT OF FINANCES CALLED FOR .................... 4
PRIVATISATION OF MEDICAL SERVICES URGED .................. 6
RESERVATIONS FELT ABOUT CAR LICENCE FEE RISE.............. 9
UPDATE BUDGET GUIDELINES - STEPHEN CHEONG................ 11
CLOSER LOOK AT SUBSIDY POLICIES PROPOSED ............... 14
AVOID DEVIATION FROM LONGSTANDING PRINCIPLES ............ 16
FISCAL POLICY SERVES HK WELL - PETER WONG ............... 18
WONG LAM OPPOSES DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES......... 21
REVIEW OF PUBLIC UTILITIES MONITORING POLICIES .......... 23
S.L. CHEN PROPOSES TAX ON ADVERTISING ................... 25
MORS SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR INDUSTRIAL GROWTH ............... 26
-t-DON'T NEGLECT NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES,+ — ALEX WU..... 28
GIS SEES NEED FOR COMPUTERS ............................... 3°
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1985 ............... 31
PRESS FACILITY FOR HK BILL DEBATE.......................... 34
NT AMBULANCE CALLS RISE SHARPLY ........................... 35
BOE MEMBERS VISIT TEACHING CENTRES ........................ 35
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL HOLDING INAUGURATION ................. 36
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT ................. 36
BOARD TURNS DOWN APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENCE............ 37
SHORT TERM TENANCIES CALLED FOR FOUR SITES ................ 38
TWO SLIP ROADS BEING CLOSED FOR WORKS ..................... 39
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL .............. 40
SHAU KEI WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.......................... 42
SALT WATER CUTS ........................................... 42
MEET THE MEDIA............................................. 42
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
MOTION ON TRANSFER OF POWERS APPROVED *****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A MOTION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE DEALING WITH THE NECESSARY TRANSFER OF STATUTORY POWERS, FOLLOWING CERTAIN CHANGES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
MOVING THE MOTION EARLIER, SIR PHILIP REMINDED MEMBERS THAT A PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE ESTABLISHED ON APRIL 1 TO COVER THOSE AREAS NOT UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
A NEW DEPARTMENT, TO BE CALLED THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WOULD BE CREATED TO SERVE THE NEW COUNCIL. IT WOULD BE MADE UP OF THE PRESENT NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THOSE ELEMENTS OF THE PRESENT RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDED SERVICES AT THE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT LEVELS OUTSIDE THE URBAN AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, SIR PHILIP SAID, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD REORGANISED SO AS TO OFFER THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICE TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.
+ON THE SAME DATE, THAT IS TO SAY, APRIL 1, 1985, TWO NEW BRANCHES WILL BE CREATED AND A NUMBER OF RESPONSIBILITIES TRANSFERRED BETWEEN OTHER POLICY BRANCHES IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,* HE SAID.
A NEW BRANCH IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT ENTITLED THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TO BE HEADED BY A SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL AND ADVISING ON THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES BY THE TWO COUNCILS TO ENSURE CONSISTENCY IN THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
THE NEW MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WOULD ASSUME POLICY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE MATTERS (REFUSE COLLECTION, CEMETERIES, ABATTOIRS, MARKETS AND THE LIKE) FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, AND FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS, COUNTRY PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION, LIQUOR LICENSING, RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES AT TERRITORIAL LEVEL, U.S.D.
----------- MATTERS> AND urban COUNCIL
LICENSING OTHER THAN HEALTH RELATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WOULD ALSO ASSUME FROM THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT POLICY AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS RELATING TO THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE PRINCIPAL SPORTING AND CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS.
/SIK PHILIP .......
WEDL'SSDAY, M1RCH 27, 1985
2
SIR PHILIP SAID THE OPPORTUNITY HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO TRANSFER RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE COLLATION OF COMMUNITY INFORMATION, LIAISON WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE ORGANISATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS, MANAGEMENT OF TRUST FUNDS AND PROPERTIES, AND MANAGEMENT OF CHINESE TEMPLES AND CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES FROM THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS TO THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE RESIDUE OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, WHICH INCLUDED POLICY MAINLY RELATING TO INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS, CHINESE LANGUAGE, AS WELL AS REGISTRATION OF NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS, GAMBLING AND PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT WOULD BE COMBINED WITH THE PRESENT FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH TO FORM A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH HEADED BY A SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION.
THE PRESENT HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, THE PRESENT COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH AND THE PRESENT RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WOULD THEN CEASE TO EXIST AS WOULD SUCH POSTS AS THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH.
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO EFFECT THESE CHANGES, CERTAIN STATUTORY POWERS HAD TO BE TRANSFERRED TO, AND FROM, THE VARIOUS OFFICERS CONCERNED AND THESE WERE SET OUT IN THE MOTION AND THE ATTACHED SCHEDULES.
--------o ---------
MOTIONS TO INCREASE FEES, DUTY, TAX DEFERRED * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED THE DEFERMENT UNTIL TOMORROW OF MOTIONS BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN EREMRIDGE, FOR INCREASES IN BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES, BETTING DUTY AND AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX TO COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1.
EXPLAINING HIS REQUEST FOR DEFERMENT, SIR JOHN SAID, + IN THE BUDGET SPEECH I SAID THAT MY PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES, BETTING DUTY AND AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX WERE DESIGNED TO COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, AND THAT THE CHANGES WOULD BE ACCOMPLISHED BY WAY OF RESOLUTIONS UNDER THE RELEVANT ORDINANCES.
♦THIS WOULD NECESSITATE THE PASSING OF THE RESOLUTION DURING THE COURSE OF THE RESUMED DEBATE,+ HE SAID.
/HOWEVER, IT .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
- 3 -
HOWEVER, IT WOULD NOT BE PROPER TO MOVE THE RESOLUTIONS UNTIL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD SPOKEN ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
ON THE OTHER HAND, SIR JOHN SAID, STANDING ORDERS 11 AND 12 AND THE PRACTICE OF THIS COUNCIL REQUIRED MOTIONS TO BE LISTED AND TO BE TAKEN BEFORE BILLS.
+THEREFORE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 68, WITH YOUR CONSENT, I MOVE THAT STANDING ORDER 11 (1) BE SUSPENDED SO THAT THE MOTIONS STANDING IN MY NAME IN THE ORDER PAPER MAY BE DEALT WITH TOMORROW, AFTER THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAVE FINISHED SPEAKING ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRI AT ION BILL,* HE SAID.
- - - - 0 -----------
BIG SPENDING ON EDUCATION WELCOMED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMENDED TODAY BY DR THE HON FRANCIS TIEN FOR ALLOCATING +MASSES OF PUBLIC MONEY* FOR EDUCATION.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR TIEN SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS BEING SPENT ON EDUCATION.
HE NOTED THAT TEN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS WELL AS NUMEROUS OTHER ELEMENTS WERE PROPOSED IN EDUCATION.
+IN ALL THIS FIGURE IS 7.81 BILLION - A SUM MORE THAN OUR ENTIRE BUDGET A FEW YEARS AGO,* HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT IN CONSIDERING HOW THE MONEY COULD BEST BE SPENT, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER THE PROPER NEEDS OF THE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL SECTOR OF EDUCATION, UPON WHICH HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY DEPENDED.
+1 THEREFORE URGE THAT THE GRANTS TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SHOULD BE KEPT AT AN ADEQUATE LEVEL,+ HE SAID.
DR TIEN ECHOED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT TWO QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED FOR EACH VOTE : +WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES? WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM?*
+IF WE FAIL AT EVERY POINT TO ASK THESE QUESTIONS WE MERELY GET BIGGER GOVERNMENT. BIG GOVERNMENT COMES ABOUT WHEN THE DEMAND FOR SERVICES EXPANDS,* DR TIEN SAID.
HONG KONG SHOULD HEED THE WARNING OF BUGETS OUT OF CONTROL IN A NUMBER OF STATES IN WESTERN EUROPE, HE OBSERVED.
/+WHAT IS .......
WED..3SDAY, MABGH 2?, 1985
+WHAT IS NEEDED IS ADEQUATE, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE, GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC MONEY,+ HE SAID.
NOTING THE PRESENT BUDGET HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED IN A CLIMATE (F HOPE AND AN ALMOST 10 PER CENT EXPANSION, HE SAID: *WE MUST ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT WE MUST PAY FOR OUR HOPES. NOTHING IS FOR NOTHING - WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS.*
+WE ARE NOW A MORE CARING SOCIETY THAN WE WERE, BUT WE MUST RETAIN OUR SENSE OF COMPETITIVE REALISM,* HE SAID.
EARLIER, COMMENTING ON THE REVENUE PROPOSALS, SAID THAT ON ANALYSIS THEY INTENDED +T0 TURN US OR APPEAR, INTO A COMMUNITY OF SAINTS.*
DR TIEN SO IT WOULD
-----o------
FULL STATEMENT OF FINANCES CALLED FOR * * *
THE HON LYDIA DUNN SPEAKING IN THE BUDGET DEBATE CRITICISED THE +MISLEADING+ INFORMATION IN THE BUDGET AND ITS RELATED PAPERS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S TRUE FINANCIAL PICTURE. SHE CITED AS EXAMPLES GOVERNMENT’S EQUITY HOLDINGS IN THE MTR, LIABILITIES REPRESENTED BY LETTERS B, EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE AND OTHER CONTINGENT LIABILITIES WHICH WERE NOT CLEARLY PRESENTED IN THE BUDGET DOCUMENTS.
SHE SAID MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEEDED, AND THE PUBLIC WAS ENTITLED TO, A FULL STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL POSITION WHICH SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE SOME INFORMATION ON THE DIVERSIFIED ASSET PORTFOLIO OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AND SOME INDICATION OF THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE VALUE OF THE ASSETS IN THE FUND EXCEED LIABILITIES.
THE FORM AND CONTENT OF ALL THE TABLES, APPENDICES, AND STATEMENTS OF FUNDS THAT SUPPORT THE BUDGET SHOULD BE EXAMINED WITH THE AIM OF MAKING THEM AS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE AND PRESENTING THEM AS SIMPLY AND CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE, SHE SAID.
♦I ACCEPT THAT MUCH OF THE INFORMATION IS FOR THE RECORD, BUT LITTLE EFFORT IS MADE TO OFFER IT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PRESENT A CLEAR PICTURE, OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TRUE FINANCIAL POSITION LET ALONE WITH PROJECTIONS OF FUTURE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AND INFORMATION ABOUT ALL ITS ACTUAL AS WELL AS ITS CONTINGENT LIABILITIES,* MISS DUNN SAID.
WHILE WELCOMING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S INTENTION TO PRESENT A BALANCED BUDGET IN A YEAR’S TIME, MISS DUNN SAID SHE WONDERED WHETHER HE FULLY COMPREHENDED THE TASK FACING HIM.
/she said .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
SHE SAID THAT DESPITE THE TAX INCREASES IN THE 1983 AND 1984 BUDGETS, RECURRENT EXPENDITURE HAD SINCE 1981-82 BEEN GROWING MUCH FASTER THAN RECURRENT REVENUE, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT HAD SHRUNK FROM $7.7 BILLION IN 1981-82 TO $4 BILLION IN 1984-85.
♦BUT FOR THE NEW REVENUE PROPOSALS FOR THE COMING YEAR, IT WOULD SHRINK FURTHER,+ SHE SAID.
STRESSING THE NEED FOR A SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT, MISS DUNN THEN ASKED THE QUESTION AS TO HOW A SUFFICIENT RECURRENT SURPLUS COULD BE OBTAINED.
+1 BELIEVE WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GO ON INCREASING TAXES EVERY YEAR TO DO IT BUT I FEAR THAT THIS IS WHAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MIGHT HAVE IN MIND+, SHE SAID.
SHE SAID SHE DID NOT NECESSARILY OPPOSE THE TAX MEASURES PROPOSED IN THIS BUDGET BUT BELIEVED THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF A LOW TAX ENVIRONMENT WAS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE.
♦ AS I SAID LAST YEAR, WE SHOULD GET BACK TO CUTTING OUR COAT ACCORDING TO OUR CLOTH.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, THE BUDGET SHOULD BE REVENUE-BASED AS IT USED TO BE, NOT EXPENDITURE-BASED, AND THE RESERVES SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR CLASSIC ROLE, THAT IS, TO MEET UNFORESEEN DEF IC ITS,+ SHE SAID.
MISS DUNN SAID THAT NO PROJECT WAS SACROSANCT JUST BECAUSE IT ONCE GOT INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME NOR WAS IT ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT IT SHOULD GO AHEAD THIS YEAR RATHER THAN NEXT YEAR OR EVEN LATER.
♦IF AN EXPENDITURE-BASED BUDGET WILL BALANCE IN 1986-87, FINE.
♦IF NOT, NEW REVENUE MEASURES ARE NOT INEVITABLE. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE,* MISS DUNN STRESSED.
SHE SAID THE REASON WHY ALL THIS WAS SO SPECULATIVE WAS THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD FAILED AGAIN TO PROVIDE FIGURES FOR THE FORECAST PERIOD.
SUMMING UP, MISS DUNN SAID THAT THE BUDGET STATEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS WERE NEITHER SELF-EXPLANATORY NOR SELF-CONTAINED AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD GIVEN NO PROJECTIONS EVEN FOR 1986-87.
SHE ADDED THAT SHE HOPED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD ACCEPT THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TAKE A DEFINITIVE VIEW OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1985 AS SUCH IN THE ABSENCE OF ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS:
/* WHAT IS .......
W_.'ESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
6
* WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S TRUE FINANCIAL POSITION?
* WHAT IS THE TRUE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR?
# WHAT ARE THE LIKELY FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE MTRC AND OTHER STATUTORY CORPORATIONS?
M WHAT ARE THE PROJECTIONS OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FORECAST PERIOD?
* WHAT WILL BE OR ARE LIKELY TO BE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ANNEX I I I OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON OUR AVAILABLE CAPITAL REVENUE?
* CAN WE MAINTAIN OUR RECURRENT SERVICES INTACT AND AVOID STOP-GO IN OUR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME WITHOUT RECOURSE TO HIGHER TAXATION?
* IF NOT, THEN WHAT?
-----0------
PRIVATISATION OF MEDICAL SERVICES URGED * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ASKED TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE POSSIBILITY OF PRIVATISING ITS HOSPITALS AND CLINICS.
DR THE HON HARRY FANG MADE THIS PLEA DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY,
HE SAID THAT THE PRESENT UNFAVOURABLE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS AS WELL AS THE DISCONTENT CF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH STAFF WERE NOT NECESSARILY DIRECTED AT THE ADMINISTRATION WHICH HAD DONE A MOST ADMIRABLE JOB IN MAINTAINING HONG KONG AT A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
+THEY COULD BE THE RESULT OF THE RAPID INCREASE OF OUR POPULATION, THE INCREASING AFFLUENCE AND ASPIRATIONS OF OUR PEOPLE, AND THE FACT THAT OUR PRESENT SYSTEM OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS NEEDS CHANGING,* HE SAID.
DR FANG SAID THAT IT WOULD BE QUITE IMPOSSIBLE TO IMPROVE MEDICAL CARE FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL AS IT WOULD HAVE TO COMPETE WITH OTHER SERVICES FOR THE LIMITED FUNDS.
HE BELIEVED THAT BY CHANGING THE PRESENT SYSTEM AND ALLOWING GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS TO BE MANAGED INDEPENDENTLY, EACH WITH ITS AUTONOMOUS BOARD OF GOVERNORS AND A BLOCK GRANT, A GREAT DEAL OF IMPROVEMENT COULD BE ACHIEVED.
/+BECAUSE EACH .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
♦BECAUSE EACH HOSPITAL WILL THEN BE MADE DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS OPERATION AND COMPETITION WILL INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVE STAFF ATTITUDE AND PERFORMANCE.
+MONEY WILL BE SAVED, FOR EXAMPLE, BY PUTTING STAFF, ESPECIALLY DOCTORS, ON CONTRACT TERMS ON FULL TIME OR PART TIME (SESSIONAL) BASIS. THEY NEED NO LONGER BE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE,+ DR FANG SAID.
HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE HOSPITALS WOULD BECOME NON-PROFIT-MAKING INSTITUTIONS, ADDITIONAL FUNDS COULD BE GENERATED FROM MODEST INCREASES IN FEES FOR VARIOUS SERVICES WHILE KEEPING THEM WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE AVERAGE WAGE EARNER.
LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND DISTRICT BOARD OR URBAN/REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS COULD BE INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUCH INSTITUTIONS, THUS IMPROVING FURTHER THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CLINICS, DR FANG SUGGESTED THAT THE SPECIALTY CLINICS WHICH WERE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENTS OF VARIOUS HOSPITALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE SO ATTACHED WHILE THE GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINICS COULD BE RUN BY THE COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS ON A RENTAL BASIS OR AT AN AGREED RENT.
♦THE COLLEGE COULD BE DELEGATED WITH THE DUTY OF PROVIDING INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH SAMPLING PURPOSES OR GOVERNMENT COULD RETAIN SOME OF THE STRATEGICALLY PLACED CLINICS FOR THOSE FUNCTIONS,+ HE SAID.
DR FANG STRESSED THAT HE WAS NOT TRYING TO STRIP THE DIRECTOR CF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND HIS DEPARTMENT OF THEIR ESSENTIAL DUTIES.
♦QUITE THE CONTRARY, BY RELIEVING THE DEPARTMENT OF DIRECT PRIMARY (OUTPATIENT) AND SECONDARY (HOSPITAL) MEDICAL CARE, GREATER EMPHASIS AND EFFORT CAN BE SPENT THAN AT PRESENT ON ®IlIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, POLICY AND PLANNING, SUBVENTING AND MONITORING THE MEDICAL SERVICES AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SUCH A SYSTEM WAS BEING PRACTISED OVERSEAS AND IT HAD BY AND LARGE BEEN THE BASIS OF OTHER SERVICES SUCH AS EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG.
HE CONCEDED THAT THERE WOULD BE LOTS OF DIFFICULTIES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS NEW CONCEPT BUT A SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE COULD BE DRAWN FROM THE PRIVATISATION OF THE KCR.
+IF THE PRINCIPLE CAN BE ACCEPTED WE CAN WORK IN STEPS GRADUALLY TOWARDS THE GOAL. PERHAPS WE COULD MAKE A START WITH THE NEW TUEN MUN OR SHAU KEI WAN HOSPITALS,* HE SAID.
/another suggestion ........
WEDNESDAY, MAHCH 27, 1985
8
ANOTHER SUGGESTION MADE BY DR FANG WAS THAT PATIENTS SHOULD BE CHARGED A MODERATE SUM FOR ITEMS SUCH AS X-RAY, LABORATORY TESTS, PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES CONDUCTED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
♦OF COURSE, THOSE PATIENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD MAY HAVE THE FEES WAIVED OR REDUCED.
+THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS CONTRIBUTING TO THE FUTURE EXPANSION OF OUR MEDICAL SERVICE AND ALLOWING NECESSARY INCREASES IN THE MEDICAL BUDGET,* HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON PROPOSED TAXATION ON DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, DR FANG SAID HE WISHED TO SEEK CLARIFICATION FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT BESIDES MILK, PURE FRUIT JUICE AND DISTILLED WATER, OTHER HEALTH DRINKS SUCH AS SOYA BEAN MILK WERE EXEMPTED FROM TAX.
HE SAID HE SUPPORTED THE REPRESENTATION Bf*THE HONG KONG SOYA BEAN PRODUCTS CO LTD TO UMELCO THAT ITS PURE SOYA BEAN MILK PRODUCT SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED UNDER FOOD AND MILK AND NOT UNDER NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
+EVEN WHEN TABLE WATERS WERE SUBJECTED TO DUTY PRIOR TO 1973. SOYA BEAN MILK WAS NOT TAXED.
+IN RE-INTRODUCING THE TAX ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES THIS YEAR I THINK SOYA BEAN MILK SHOULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY EXEMPTION AS IT CLEARLY IS A HEALTH ITEM RATHER THAN A 'PLEASING INDULGENCE’.* DR FANG SAID.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD ALWAYS BE A DISTINCT DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE PRICES OF SOFT DRINKS AND THAT OF BEER SO THAT GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SEEN TO BE ENCOURAGING THE YOUNG INTO OPTING FOR THE STRONGER DRINK CONTAINING ALCOHOL.
ON COSMETICS, HE HOPED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY COULD DRAW A CLEAR LINE BETWEEN LUXURY ITEMS AND ITEMS WHICH WERE FOR HYGIENE AND THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES SUCH AS SOAP, SKIN LOTION OR CREAM, ADDING THAT THE LATTER SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM TAX.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, DR FANG RECOGNISED THE NEED TO RESTRAIN THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE BUT HE SAID IT WAS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT THOSE IN THE SERVICE WERE PROPERLY AND ADEQUATELY REMUNERATED AND THEIR PENSION SCHEMES REASSURED IF WE WERE TO HAVE CONTINUED STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN HONG KONG FOR THE NEXT 62 YEARS AND BEYOND.
+1 WISH TO SUGGEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT ISSUE AN ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCUMULATED PENSION TO ALL ELIGIBLE OFFICERS SIMILAR TO THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS ON THE WIDOWS AND CHILDREN PENSION SCHEME,* HE SAID.
-------0
/9........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
9
RESERVATIONS FELT ABOUT CAR LICENCE FEE RISE ******
DR HON HO KAM-FAI SAID THAT THOUGH HE SUPPORTED THE BUDGET PROPOSALS AS A WHOLE, HE HAD RESERVATIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSED 10 PER CENT INCREASE IN ANNUAL VEHICLE LICENCE FEES AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. DR HO SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF HEFTY INCREASES IN ANNUAL LICENCE FEES AND FIRST REGISTRATION TAX IN MAY 1982, THE NUMBER OF LICENSED PRIVATE CARS HAD DROPPED FROM 217 945 IN MAY 1982 TO 180 084 IN FEBRUARY 1985.
CONSEQUENTLY, HE SAID, ROAD CONGESTION HAD +BEEN RELIEVED TO SOME EXTENT*.
+THERE IS NOW NO JUSTIFICATION TO USE FISCAL MEASURES TO BRING CAR OWNERSHIP FURTHER DOWN,* HE SAID.
DR HO ALSO SAID THAT AS THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEES AND FIRST REGISTRATION TAX COULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED IF THE PRESENT ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING PILOT SCHEME PROVED SUCCESSFUL, HE FELT THERE WAS NO URGENT NEED NOW TO INCREASE THOSE FEES.
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID, PRIVATE CAR OWNERS AS A GROUP HAD ALREADY CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE TO THE PUBLIC COFFERS, AND THEY +DESERVED A BREAK, AT LEAST PENDING A DECISION ON THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SYSTEM.*
+MOREOVER, THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE THIS SUMMER MIGHT FURTHER ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO LEAVE THEIR CARS AT HOME IN FAVOUR OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT,* DR HO SAID.
DR HO ALSO ASKED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO CONSIDER SOME CF THE REPRESENTATIONS MADE TO UMELCO AGAINST THE IMPOSITION CF A 25 PER CENT AD VALOREM DUTY ON COSMETICS AND PERFUMES.
*THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DUTY ON COSMETICS IS TOO ABRUPT, CAUSING POSSIBLE FINANCIAL LOSSES AND DISRUPTION TO THE COSMETICS BUSINESS.
*HENCE IT IS PROPOSED THAT SHIPMENTS OF COSMETICS PRODUCTS FOR WHICH ORDERS HAVE BEEN PLACED BEFORE FEBRUARY 27 SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM THE DUTY,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE FOB VALUES OF THE IMPORTED COMMODITIES SHOULD BE TAKEN AS THE BASE FOR CALCULATING THE TAX PAYABLE, RATHER THAN CIF PRICES.
/ER HO .......
WEWESJMY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 10 -
DR HO ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SHOULD RE-CONS IDER HOW MUCH COSMETICS AND PERFUME A VISITOR OR LOCAL RESIDENT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BRING INTO HONG KONG DUTY FREE FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY, POINTING OUT THAT THE CURRENTLY PERMITTED AMOUNT WAS +SOMEWHAT GENEROUS AND MIGHT AFFECT GOVERNMENT REVENUE.+
HE FURTHER URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVISE THE CLASSIFICATION CF COSMETICS SO THAT TRADERS IN THE INDUSTRY WOULD KNOW CLEARLY WHICH COSMETIC AND TOILET ITEMS WERE DUTIABLE.
COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE, DR HO RAISED THREE MATTERS +0F PUBLIC CONCERN.*
ONE OF THESE CONCERNS, HE SAID, WAS RELATED TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTS ARISING FROM THE USE OF CHEMICALS IN INDUSTRY.
HE CALLED FOR SUFFICIENT PROVISION TO BE MADE SO THAT MORE FACTORY INSPECTORS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF NEW CHEMICALS AND THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY MIGHT BE AVAILABLE.
DR HO ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE RECENT RETIREMENT OF SEVERAL EXPERIENCED FACTORY INSPECTORS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECT THIS COULD HAVE ON THE STANDARD OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MIGHT WELL BE ADVISED TO LOOK INTO WAYS TO RETAIN MUCH NEEDED EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE CF FACTORY INSPECTORS AT THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT LEVEL,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS +THE PLIGHT* OF SINGLE ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN BOARDING HOUSES IN SUB-STANDARD PRIVATE TENEMENT BLOCKS, OR THE +CAGED MEN AS DESCRIBED BY THE MEDIA,* DR HO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ACTION TO MOVE THEM TO PROPER HOUSING.
THE JOINT EFFORTS OF SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS WERE REQUIRED TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, INCLUDING THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, HE SAID.
+l HOPE THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE THE LEAD IN CO-ORDINATING THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROGRAMME TO REHOUSE THESE ELDERLY PEOPLE,* DR HO SAID.
WITH REGARD TO EDUCATION, DR HO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A BACHELOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE COURSE IN PRIMARY EDUCATION.
*BOTH THE PANEL OF VISITORS AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION SUGGESTED THAT SUCH A COURSE SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF PRIMARY EDUCATION.
/+THE COURSE .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
+THE COURSE WILL ALSO HELP TO TRAIN SENIOR TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS FOR LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT ROLES IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.
DR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE COST FOR THE PROGRAMME IS QUITE MODEST. +IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, THREE INSTRUCTORS AND ONE SUPPORT STAFF ARE REQUIRED AT THE COST OF $1.7 MILLION. AS THE COURSE GROWS TO MATURITY IN ITS THIRD YEAR, AN ESTABLISHMENT OF SIX INSTRUCTORS AND A SMALL SUPPORT STAFF IS NEEDED AT A COST OF $3.5 MILLION.*
THE PROPOSED COURSE, HE SAID, MIGHT UPSET THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATIVE DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN GRADUATE TEACHERS AND NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS.
+HOWEVER, FROM THE EDUCATIONAL POINT OF VIEW, THE MERITS CF THE COURSE FAR OUTWEIGH ANY ADMINISTRATIVE INCONVENIENCE,* HE SAID.
+HONG KONG HAS NO MAJOR NATURAL RESOURCES EXCEPT FOR ITS PEOPLE AND A MAGNIFICENT HARBOUR.
+WE NEED TO INVEST IN OUR HUMAN RESOURCES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR POSITION AS A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL, FINANCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE,* HE SAID.
- - - - o - *
UPDATE BUDGET GUIDELINES - STEPHEN CHEONG * * * * *
IT WAS SUGGESTED TODAY BY THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG THAT THE TIME MIGHT HAVE COME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW AND, IF NECESSARY, UPDATE THE BUDGETARY GUIDELINES STATED IN THE BUDGET SPEECH.
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE, MR CHEONG SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE GUIDELINES RATIONALISED DE NOVO AND PROJECTED FORWARD AS MEDIUM-TERM OBJECTIVES WHICH COULD BE PURSUED WITH A DEGREE OF CONTINUITY BY WHOEVER MIGHT BE STEERING THE COURSE OF OUR BUDGETARY POLICIES.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COULD THEN BE CONFIDENT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT ONLY BE WORKING TOWARDS ACHIEVING A BALANCED BUDGET IN 1986-87 BUT WOULD ALSO STAY ON THE COURSE IN THE YEARS TO COME, WITHOUT HAVING TO INCREASE TAXES YEAR AFTER YEAR, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, HE SAID.
HE HAD EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SUCCEED IN HOLDING DOWN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
/♦•HOWEVER, I ........
WEIiliidDAY, MAHCH 2?, 1985
- 12 -
+HOWEVER, I AM LESS CONFIDENT ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BEING ABLE TO ACHIEVE SUFFICIENT REVENUE WITHOUT SUBSTANTIALLY WIDENING OUR TAX BASE,+ HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO INCREASE PUBLIC REVENUES SUBSTANTIALLY, MR CHEONG SAID, HE BELIEVED THE TIME HAD COME TO FACE UP TO THE HARSH REALITY THAT THE TAX BASE HAD TO BE WIDENED BY INTRODUCING A NEW TAX OR NEW TAXES.
HE SUGGESTED A TAX THAT COULD LEAD TO A BALANCED BUDGET THIS YEAR COULD BE A FLAT HALF A PER CENT LEVY ON THE VALUE OF ALL IMPORTS, EXCLUDING FOODSTUFFS.
♦SUCH A TAX WOULD BE ONLY MILDLY INFLATIONARY. IT WOULD BE EASY AND INEXPENSIVE TO COLLECT AND ADMINISTER, FOR WE ALREADY HAVE THE MECHANISM OF TRADE DECLARATIONS. IT SHOULD BEAR EQUITABLY ON ALL SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
+AND, GIVEN THE SIZE OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS, THIS IS THE SORT OF TAX THAT IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE INCREASING YIELDS,+ MR CHEONG SAID.
HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFUL THAT THE YIELD FROM THIS TAX WAS NOT UNWITTINGLY PASSED ON TO THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY THE IMPLICATIONS OF SUCH A TAX ON OUR OFT-PRONOUNCED STATUS IN THE GATT AS A FREE PORT.
HE SAID IF THERE WERE COMPELLING REASONS AGAINST HAVING AN IMPORT TAX, WE SHOULD AT LEAST BE CONTEMPLATING THE INTRODUCTION OF A TAX, SAY, ONE PER CENT ON SALES AT WHOLESALE LEVEL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY COMMUNITIES, NOTABLY THE UNITED STATES AND PRACTICALLY ALL EEC COUNTRIES, HAD BEEN TAXING SALES CF ONE KIND OR ANOTHER FOR YEARS.
THERE WAS NO GOOD REASON WHY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT SEEK TO LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER ADMINISTRATIONS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1985, MR CHEONG SAID HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OVER HIS FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF 11 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
+WITH ADVERSE EXCHANGE RATES, AND WITH PROTECTIONISM BEGINNING TO RENDER OUR BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS SOMEWHAT INSECURE, MY EXPECTATIONS FOR THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WOULD BE MUCH LOWER THAN 10 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEONG THEN EXAMINED THE REPRESENTATIONAL ROLE OF GOVERNMENT’S OVERSEAS OFFICES AND THE SCOPE FOR IMPROVING THE OUTPUT OF VARIOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
/C0M1BNTING ON .......
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 27, 1985
- 13 -
COMMENTING ON THE OVERSEAS OFFICES, MR CHEONG SAID WHILE HE CONSIDERED THE LEVEL OF OUR REPRESENTATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MULTILATERAL ISSUES BOTH LAUDABLE AND ADEQUATE, HE DID NOT THINK THAT ENOUGH WAS BEING DONE WITHIN THE UNITED STATES AND THE EEC.
♦WE NEED MORE MANPOWER OF SUFFICIENTLY HIGH CALIBRE TO INFLUENCE NATIONAL OPINION, WHICH HAS A MARKED EFFECT ON COMMUNITY POLICY, IN OUR FAVOUR,+ HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WAS A CASE FOR DOING MUCH MORE THAN W'E HAD DONE IN THE WAY OF PROMOTING HONG KONG'S CASE, WHATEVER THE ISSUE MIGHT BE, PARTICULARLY AS WE DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POLITICAL CLOUT TO RETALIATE, OR EVEN THREATEN TO RETALIATE.
HE SUGGESTED THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISING THE OVERSEAS CFFICES SHOULD CLEARLY AND FIRMLY BE VESTED IN THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
AS REGARDS THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, MR CHEONG SUGGESTED THAT A REVIEW SHOULD BE MADE FOR EACH MAJOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO ASSESS THE SIZE OF THEIR PROBLEMS, TO ASCERTAIN THEIR IMPORT GROWTH PROSPECTS AND TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT LEGITIMATELY CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS IMPROVING THE VOLUME AND QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCT.
HE SAID THIS EXERCISE SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN WITHIN THE EXISTING MACHINERY OF THE GOVERNMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
♦I BELIEVE THIS EXERCISE WOULD BE WELL WORTH OUR WHILE : THERE IS NEVER ANY HARM IN TAKING STOCK, IN THE SENSE OF RE-EXAMINING THE MEASURES THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS INTRODUCED,+ HE SAID.
IN MAKING THE SUGGESTION, MR CHEONG EMPHASISED THAT HE WAS NOT SEEKING TO UPSET OR REPLACE THE GOVERNMENT’S TRADITIONAL ROLE OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTION.
THE QUESTION HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ANSWERED WAS GIVEN A POSITIVELY NON-1NTERVENTION I ST STANCE, WHETHER THE MEASURES AND SERVICES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD DIRECTLY PROVIDED HAD BEEN EFFECTIVE AND WHETHER THE ESSENTIAL BUSINESS SERVICES FOR WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS INDIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE WERE AS EFFECTIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE, IN THE LIGHT OF THE CHANGING ECONOMIC AND TRADING ENVIRONMENT OF THE 198QS.
FINALLY, MR CHEONG SAID HE SUPPORTED THE SETTING UP OF A COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY AND ADVISABILITY OF THE BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE AS ADVOCATED BY THE HON SIR S.Y. CHUNG AND THE HON ALLEN LEE.
HE FELT THAT THIS CONCEPT COULD BE OF VITAL LONG-TERM IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG AND SHOULD NOT BE DISMISSED AS JUST A NEANS THROUGH WHICH INDUSTRIALISTS WOULD SIMPLY MAKE MORE PROFITS WITHOUT DUE CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO THE WELFARE OF THE WORKFORCE.
/♦GIVEN HONG .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 198$
- 14 -
+GIVEN HONG KONG’S FULL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION AND HOPEFULLY, WE WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN AT THIS SATISFACTORY STATE OF AFFAIRS, ANY FURTHER LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MANUFACTURING BASE WILL NEED TO LOOK SERIOUSLY INTO FINE TUNING OF OUR PRODUCTION METHODS,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG CITED THE KNITTING OF PANELS FOR THE SWEATER INDUSTRY AS A CASE IN POINT.
HE SAID NOW THAT THE UNITED STATES HAD CHOSEN TO CHANGE THE RULES UNILATERALLY WITHOUT REGARD TO THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS, OUR WORKFORCE WOULD DEFINITELY BE FACED WITH ADJUSTMENTS PROBLEMS WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THEIR EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
+SURELY, UNDER SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE WOULD BE A CASE FOR SERIOUS THOUGHTS ON HOW BEST HONG KONG CAN DO IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SOME STABILITY TO THE SITUATION.
+WE ASK NO MORE THAN THE SETTING UP OF A COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE CONCEPT SERIOUSLY,* HE SAID.
+l SINCERELY HOPE THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD BE OPEN MINDED ENOUGH TO REFRAIN FROM TORPEDOING THE CONCEPT WITH JUST A STEREOTYPE RESPONSE,* MR CHEONG CONCLUDED.
CLOSER LOOK AT SUBSIDY POLICIES PROPOSED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS .TODAY URGED TO LOOK FOR WAYS AND MEANS TO REDUCE EXPENDITURE WITHOUT AFFECTING THE LONG TERM GOAL OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
SPEAKING AT THE FIRST DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HON F.K. HU SAID WE MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO WERE LEAST ABLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES BUT HE SAW NO REASON TO CARRY ON POLICIES WHICH ALLOWED FOR ACROSS-THE-BOARD SUBSIDY INCLUDING SUBSIDISING THOSE WHO COULD AFFORD TO PAY FOR THE FULL COST.
+THIS IS AN AREA WHERE THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO AS CONSIDERABLE SAVING CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT SACRIFICING THE PRINCIPLE OF CARING FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT CARE FOR THEMSELVES,* HE SAID.
CITING THE CASE OF PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS, MR HU SAID IT WAS EVIDENT SOME OF THEM HAD PROSPERED OVER THE YEARS SINCE THEY MOVED INTO PUBLIC HOUSING.
/HE SAIL ........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1?8t>
- 15 -
HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN A GROWING TREND OF OPINION THAT THESE TENANTS SHOULD MOVE OUT OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO ALLOCATE HOUSING TO THOSE WHO REALLY NEEDED SUBSIDY.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD RECENTLY SET UP A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO FIRSTLY THE QUESTION OF IDENTIFYING THOSE TENANTS WHO DID NOT NEED HOUSING SUBSIDY AND SECONDLY WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING REDUCTION OF SUBSIDY, MR HU SAID.
MR HU FORSAW THAT THIS ARRANGEMENT WOULD INEVITABLY INCREASE RENT FOR CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS.
■►HIGHER RENT WILL MEAN LESS SUBSIDY FROM OTHER TAX-PAYERS AND INDEED WILL BE AN INCENTIVE FOR THESE TENANTS TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY TO BUY H.O.S. FLATS WHICH ARE LESS SUBSIDISED.
+SUCH ARRANGEMENT WILL ENABLE THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TOWARDS CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR RENTAL HOUSING AND TO BE MORE INDEPENDENT IN CARRYING OUT ITS AMBITIOUS AND LONG TERM PLANS,-*- HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION COULD BE GIVEN TO RENTING OUT H.O.S. FLATS WHICH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOUGHT BACK OR COULD NOT DISPOSE OF AT UNSUBSIDISED RENT TO TENANTS WHO COULD MEET SET CONDITIONS, BUT FOR VARIOUS REASONS PREFERRED TO STAY IN RENTED FLATS.
MR HU BELIEVED THE SAME ARGUMENT FOR REDUCING HOUSING SUBSIDY COULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO THE STUDENT TRAVEL SCHEME WHICH WOULD COST S248 MILLION IN 1985-86.
HE CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS ABOUT TIME FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO RE-EXAMINE THE CONTINUED JUSTIFICATION FOR THE SCHEME SO AS TO DECIDE WHETHER THE SCHEME SHOULD BE TERMINATED OR ALLOWED TO CONTINUE BUT WITH REVISED ARRANGEMENTS.
MR HU ALSO SAID HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE IDEA OF REGULAR UPDATING OF ALL GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES AS SERVICES SHOULD BE PAID BY THOSE WHO USED THEM.
BESIDES CONSIDERING VALUE FOR MONEY FOR THESE SERVICES, CONTROLLING OFFICERS SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER SUCH SERVICES COULD BE PROVIDED MORE COMPETITIVELY THROUGH CONTRACTING OUT, AS IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR FOR THOSE WHO PAID FOR SERVICES TO PAY EXORBITANT FEES OR CHARGES BECAUSE OF GOVERNMENT’S OWN PROVISION CF THESE FACILITIES AT A HIGHER COST WHILE AN ALTERNATIVE CHEAPER ARRANGEMENT WAS AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR HU DID NOT BELIEVE MONEY SAVING SHOULD BE APPLIED RIGIDLY.
/IN SOME .......
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 27, 1?85
16 -
IN SOME AREAS OF SOCIAL SERVICES WHICH REQUIRED PERSONAL ATTENTION, HE SAID, FLEXIBILITY WAS NEEDED TO ENFORCE THE POLICY CF STABILISING THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN ORDER THAT EFFECTIVE WORK COULD BE MAINTAINED TO COPE WITH INCREASED
INCREASED
ACTIVITIES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT FOR SOCIAL WORK PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, INCREASES SHOULD BE ALLOWED IN MANPOWER WHERE THEY WERE JUSTIFIED AND WHERE IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION OF FACILITIES HAD ALREADY BEEN PLANNED FOR.
♦THERE ARE BOUND TO BE SITUATIONS WHERE PRODUCTIVITY CANNOT BE FURTHER STRETCHED AND THE CURRENT TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT CEILING ►EEDS TO BE EXCEEDED,* HE SAID.
IN SUCH CASES, HE HOPED THE CONTROLLING OFFICERS CONCERNED WOULD BE ALLOWED TO EXERCISE FLEXIBILITY AND DISCRETION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS POLICY.
-----o-----
AVOID DEVIATION FROM LONGSTANDING PRINCIPLES
*****
WE MUST AVOID ADOPTING ANY THAT WE HAVE FOLLOWED ALL ALONG INCREASING OUR REVENUE, THE HON
MEASURES CONTRARY TO THE PRINCIPLES AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE IN BAD NEED OF WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, PR WONG SAID IF WE HAD ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THE INTERPRETATION OF THE BILLS WHICH HAD BEEN PASSED, WE MUST REMAIN +CALM AND STEADY* AND TRIED OUR BEST TO AVOID ADOPTING ANY MEASURES WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO LONG-TERM LOSSES THAT HAD SO FAR NOT YET SHOWN FOR THE TIME BEING.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, IF, IN THE MATTER OF BASIC PRINCIPLES OR ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES, WE NEED TO DEVIATE FROM OUR LONGSTANDING PRINCIPLES IN THE INTERPRETATION OF CERTAIN LEGISLATION, WE SHOULD CONSIDER AND ANALYSE IT MORE CAREFULLY AND SERIOUSLY AND IN GREAT DETAIL AND HASTY DECISIONS ARE TO BE AVOIDED,* HE SAID.
MR WONG BELIEVED THAT IN RAISING REVENUE, WE SHOULD STICK TO THE LONGSTANDING +SOURCE RULE* IN THE IMPOSITION OF TAX AND ONLY LEVY TAXES ON PROFITS GENERATED WITHIN THE TERRITORY.
HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD GIVEN SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO CERTAIN VIEWS CONCERNING THE ENACTMENT CF THE 1984 AMENDMENT ORDINANCE RELATING TO INTEREST.
/♦THE STATUS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 17 -
+THE STATUS OF HONG KONG IS UNIQUE. CLOSE LINKS AND ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES WITH PURPOSE OF PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE. EXCHANGE OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT FACTOR FOR THE SURVIVAL AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
*E HAVE TO ESTABLISH OTHER COUNTRIES FOR THE
BESIDES, THE INTERNATIONAL
+THE INFLOW AND OUTFLOW OF CAPITAL AND ITS MANAGEMENT, VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM, ARE INTERWOVEN WITH THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG. AND HONG KONG THUS DERIVES BENEFITS IN VARIOUS SPHERES,* HE SAID.
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, MR WONG SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TRIED VARIOUS MEANS TO INCREASE SOURCES OF REVENUE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED BUDGET.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE PROPOSAL IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET TO RE-INTRODUCE THE DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES HAD AROUSED MUCH PUBLIC OUTCRY, MR WONG SAID IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FIND VERY LIMITED NEW SOURCES OF REVENUE WHICH WERE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
+l HOPE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WOULD IN FUTURE SPEND HIS EFFORTS ON CUTTING EXPENDITURE INSTEAD OF FURTHER TAPPING NEw SOURCES OF REVENUE,* HE SAID.
NOTING THE PROPORTION OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE TO GDP HAD DROPPED 16.4 PER CENT LAST YEAR AND IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THIS WOULD FURTHER FALL TO 16 PER CENT IN 1985-86, MR WONG CONSIDERED THIS TO BE A GOOD STEP FORWARD IN THE BETTER UTILISATION CF PUBLIC FUNDS.
*ON THE OTHER HAND, WE SHOULD NOTE THAT THE GROWTH RATE, IN REAL TERMS, OF GNP WAS 9.6 PER CENT LAST YEAR, WHICH WAS VERY REMARKABLE INDEED,* HE SAID.
HE SAID IF THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WAS NOT HELD AT BAY, THE PERCENTAGE MIGHT RISE AGAIN.
+1 CONSIDERED THAT WE SHOULD CONCENTRATE OUR EFFORTS ON TWO ASPECTS, NAMELY, TO APPLY APPROPRIATE RESTRAINT ON EXPENDITURE AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, TO SPARE NO EFFORTS IN INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A BETTER GROWTH IN GDP,+ HE SAID.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR WONG SAID THAT WHILE THERE SHOULD BE NO INCREASE IN ITS SIZE, THERE WERE INDEED MANY AREAS WHERE ADDITIONAL STAFF WERE NEEDED TO DO THE JOB.
♦PRIORITY WILL BE A VERY IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IF THIS GOAL IS TO BE ACHIEVED,* HE SAID.
/HE NOTED ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
- 18 -
HE NOTED THAT AMONG THE GOVERNMENT’S MANY AND DIVERSE DUTIES, WASTE CERTAINLY EXISTED WHILE CERTAIN UNNECESSARY WORK MIGHT ALREADY BE THERE FOR QUITE A LONG TIME, BUT THEY HAD NOT DISAPPEARED WITH CHANGES IN BOTH ENVIRONMENT AND WORK.
HE QUESTIONED HOW THEN WERE WE GOING TO PINPOINT THESE PROBLEMS AND TRY TO SOLVE THEM.
+ IN MY OPINION, APART FROM FREQUENT, THOROUGH AND SERIOUS REVIEWS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF, AND BECAUSE GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE PUBLIC, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WIDELY HEED OR EVEN MAKE AN EFFORT TO FIND OUT THE VIEWS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE AND TO ACCEPT THEIR CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS WITH AN OPEN MIND.
+THUS, WE CAN EXPECT TO HAVE FRUITFUL RESULTS,* HE SAID.
MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ANY WORK ASSOCIATED WITH HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THE CONDUCT CF THE IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADE, WAS NOT UNDULY HINDERED BY INSUFFICIENT MANPOWER, HE SUGGESTED.
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID THE POSITIVE INVESTMENT ATTITUDE SHOWN BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAD CONVINCED HIM THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS WOULD MOVE AHEAD ALONG THE SAME TRACK AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
+ALTHOUGH THERE MAY BE UPS AND DOWNS, BUT THE TREND WILL DEFINITELY BE AN UPWARD ONE.
+OUR BUDGET HAS IMPROVED BETTER THAN EXPECTED. IF WE ARE CAUTIOUS ENOUGH, IT WILL NOT BE TOO HARD TO RETURN TO THE PEAK PERIOD WE USED TO HAVE, AND EVEN MORE THAN THAT, IN THREE TO FIVE YEARS’ TIME,* HE SAID.
-----0------
FISCAL POLICY SERVES HK WELL - PETER WONG *****
IT IS REASSURING THAT GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY WHICH HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL OVER THE YEARS, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, NR WONG SAID HE FULLY ENDORSED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BASIC PHILOSOPHY THAT EQUITY AND EFFICIENCY SHOULD BE THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES.
HE NOTED THE DEFICITS HAD DWINDLED FROM S3.5 BILLION IN 1982—83 TO THE PLANNED DEFICIT OF $1 BILLION FOR 1985-86 AS A RESULT OF THE SKILFUL HANDLING OF PUBLIC FINANCES AND THE RESILIENCE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
/BARRING UNFORESEEN ........
WKIHESDAY, MARCH 2?, 198^
- 19 -
BARRING UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, WE SHOULD BE WITNESSING A BALANCED BUDGET IN 1986-87, HE SAID. SOME HAVE EVEN PREDICTED THAT WE MIGHT NOT BE IN THE RED IN THE COMING FISCAL YEAR. AJDGING FROM OUR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE DURING 1984, THIS MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE CORRECT.
ON THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF $38.4 BILLION FOR 1985-86, HE SAID THIS REPRESENTED ONLY A MODERATE INCREASE OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.
♦THIS IS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF RIGID DISCIPLINE AND INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY,* HE SAID.
MR WONG WELCOMED THE ADMINISTRATION’S AIM NOT TO PERMIT ANY INCREASE IN THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1985.
THIS WAS TO BE ACHIEVED BY CUTTING OUT WASTE, BY INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND BY ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY WORK, BUT NO CUT BACK ON THE VARIOUS SERVICES BEING PROVIDED, HE SAID.
♦INDEED, SOME SERVICES, SUCH AS EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL ENJOY A MODERATE INCREASE.
+IT APPEARS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS BEGINNING TO APPRECIATE THAT SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE IS BY NO MEANS INFERIOR TO BUREAUCRATIC INFLEXIBILITY,* MR WONG SAID.
ON EDUCATION, MR WONG SAID ITS IMPORTANCE WAS UNDERLINED BY THE FACT THAT $7.81 BILLION HAD BEEN EARMARKED FOR IT AS AGAINST $4 BILLION FOR MEDICAL SERVICES AND $2.53 BILLION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.
+THE AMOUNT FOR EDUCATION REPRESENTS 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE AND A 10.7 PER CENT RISE OVER 1984-85,* HE SAID.
HE REFUTED CRITICISM THAT NOT ENOUGH WAS BEING PROVIDED IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION BY GIVING SOME FACTS AND FIGURES.
♦GOVERNMENT’S STATED POLICY IS TO PROVIDE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITHIN A REASONABLE WALKING DISTANCE FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN* TO PROVIDE A SUBSIDISED PLACE FOR ALL PRIMARY 6 LEAVERS, TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN SCHOOLS AND PLACES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES TO MEET THE FULL DEMAND FOR FORM III LEAVERS WHO ARE SUITABLE FOR THE COURSES PROVIDED; AND TO PHASE OUT THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA) BY 1991.
+T0 HELP MEET THESE OBJECTIVES, 10 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, PROVIDING 19 200 PLACES MAINLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, AND FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING INITIALLY 1 280 FORM I AND 640 FORM IV PLACES WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1985-86.
/♦AS fiSCABDS .........
WEDNESDAY, MABCH 27, 1985
- 20
+AS REGARDS VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND TERTIARY EDUCATION, AN IMPRESSIVE PROGRAMME IS IN TRAIN. EXPANSION WILL CONTINUE SO THAT HOPEFULLY THE APPARENTLY INSATIABLE DEMAND WILL BE MET IN THE NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, IN THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS WORK, WOULD HAVE TO REVIEW AMONG OTHER THINGS THE MODES OF FINANCING EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE FINANCING CF SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS CONTAINED IN ITS NO. 1 REPORT TO DETERMINE ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS BY WHICH THESE AND ANY FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS MIGHT BE FINANCED.
WHILE CONCEDING THAT EDUCATION WAS EXPENSIVE, MR WONG SAID IF WE WERE TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF OUR GROWTH AND TO NEET THE CHALLENGES THAT LAY AHEAD, + IS THERE ANY DOUBT THAT OUR BEST BET IS TO PUT OUR MONEY ON EDUCATING THE YOUNGER AND PERHAPS EVEN THE OLDER MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY?*
REFERRING TO REVENUE PROPOSALS, MR WONG SAID HE ACCEPTED THE FIVE REASONS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY GAVE FOR HIS PROPOSALS FOR RAISING THE $1.2 BILLION NECESSARY TO MEET THE ESTIMATED REVENUE SHORTFALL BY SELECTIVE INCREASES IN INDIRECT TAXATION.
HE CONSIDERED THE FOUR CONCESSIONS ON PERSONAL TAXATION IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES AS GENEROUS AND SAID THESE SHOULD BE VIEWED AS AN ATTEMPT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO REDUCE FURTHER ANY INEQUITY THAT MIGHT BE INHERENT IN OUR EXISTING SYSTEM.
+IF THE FORECAST FOR 1985 IS NEAR ITS MARK, PERHAPS IN THE NEXT BUDGET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MIGHT FIND IT POSSIBLE TO RE-CONS IDER THE QUESTION OF SEPARATE ASSESSMENT FOR MARRIED WOMEN.
+EVEN A PHASED PROGRAMME WILL SURELY BE HAILED AS A VICTORY FOR THE FAIR SEX AND FOR COMMON SENSE,* HE SUGGESTED.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO RE-INTRODUCE DUTY ON COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, HE SAID THIS WAS NOT COSMETIC.
♦NATURALLY, CERTAIN SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE NOT AMUSED, BUT IT MUST BE REMEMBERED THAT REVENUE HAS TO BE RAISED,* HE SAID.
IT WOULD BE WRONG TO ASSUME THAT THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE WERE NECESSARILY ALWAYS FREE, MR WONG SAID.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S INTENTION TO INTRODUCE ANT I-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION, HE SAID IF OUR TAX WAS TO BE KEPT AT A LOW RATE, IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT LEGISLATION SHOULD BE REINFORCED SO THAT THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ABLE TO COLLECT TAXES WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE ESCAPE PAYMENT THROUGH LOOPHOLES IN THE LAW.
/TUBNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
- 21 -
TURNING TO THE GROWING TREND OF PROTECTIONISM, MR WONG SAID AS HONG KONG WAS VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL FACTORS, THE RECENT UNILATERAL ACTION BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OVER THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN RULES IN RESPECT OF KNITWEAR MUST BE VIEWED WITH THE UTMOST CONCERN.
+IN THE MEANTIME, NO EFFORTS SHOULD BE SPARED IN FINDING A SOLUTION TO AN INTRACTABLE PROBLEM, WHICH LEAVES US WITH FEW OPTIONS.
+ THE APPEAL BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG KNITWEAR ASSOCIATIONS DESERVES SUPPORT AND MERITS CAREFUL CONSIDERATI ON,+ hE SAID.
MR WONG ALSO SAID THAT A BILL WHICH SOUGHT TO IMPOSE QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON ALL TEXTILE ITEMS, INCLUDING THOSE NOT COVERED BY THE MULT I-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA), WAS NOW BEFORE THE US CONGRESS.
+AND THERE IS SUGGESTION TO REPLACE THE EXISTING QUOTA SYSTEM BY AN IMPORT LICENCE SYSTEM.
+ IF THAT HAPPENS, EFFECTIVE CONTROL WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE EXPORTING COUNTRY,* MR WONG SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT PROTECTIONISM IN ANY FORM MUST BE DEPLORED.
♦FOR OUR PART, WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT AND FLEXIBLE AND BE PREPARED TO ADAPT OURSELVES TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AT SHORT NOTICE,* HE SAID.
-----0------
WONG LAM OPPOSES DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
******
THE HON WONG LAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ON THE IMPOSITION OF DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET DEBATE.
+WHILE STRONGLY SUPPORTING THE PRINCIPLE OF TAXING INDULGENCE, I AM AFRAID I DO NOT CONCUR THAT NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WERE THE BEST TARGETS FOR RAISING REVENUE.
+MANY NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS SUCH AS AERATED WATERS HAVE ALREADY BECOME PART OF OUR DAILY LIFE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS.
/+! DO .......
WEDNESDAY, MAHCH 27, 1985
22
*l DO NOT BELIEVE THAT HAVING A SOFT DRINK ON A HOT SUMMER DAY IS A LUXURY,+ HE SAID.
ON THE CONTRARY, MR WONG SAID, MANY OTHER COMMODITIES BETTER NET THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PRINCIPLES FOR THE IMPOSITION OF DUTY.
EXAMPLES INCLUDED AIR-CONDITIONERS, HIGH-QUALITY CLOTHES, EXPENSIVE FAMOUS BRAND WATCHES, GOLD ORNAMENTS, HI-FI SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT.
+COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING, THESE ARE THE MERCHANDISE OR NON-ESSENTIALS FOR THE HIGHER INCOME GROUP AND ARE BETTER TARGETS THAN BEVERAGES SUCH AS SOFT DRINKS FOR THE IMPOSITION CF THE DUTY WITH EQUALLY CONSIDERABLE POTENTIAL YIELD,+ HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR WONG COMMENTED ON THE INCREASE IN SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE HOUSING POLICY.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS ABSOLUTELY REASONABLE AND NECESSARY FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO CONTINUE HIS EFFORTS IN CONTROLLING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND ESPECIALLY THE INCREASE IN SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
+HOWEVER, IN RESTRAINING THE GROWTH OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS GIVEN PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT TO THE REQUEST OF DISCIPLINARY DEPARTMENTS, ESPECIALLY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE,+ MR WONG NOTED.
HE SAID THAT PART OF THE JUSTIFICATIONS OF STAFF INCREASE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WAS MERELY THE INCREASE IN WORKLOAD WHICH WAS MORE OR LESS SIMILAR TO THE JUSTIFICATIONS PUT UP BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
IN RECENT YEARS, HE SAID, AUTOMATION HAD BEEN INTRODUCED IN THE POLICE FORCE WITH ADVANCED EQUIPMENT TO HANDLE THE WORK, BUT THE DEMAND ON STAFF RESOURCES HAD NOT DROPPED BUT RATHER HAD INCREASED.
♦THIS IS WORTH A CAREFUL STUDY AND REVIEW,* HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HE DID NOT MEAN AT ALL TO PINPOINT THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND HE UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING LAW AND ORDER.
HOWEVER, AT A TIME WHEN FRUGALITY WAS VIGOROUSLY PURSUED, ANY PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT ENJOYED BY A PARTICULAR DEPARTMENT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND A BLOW TO STAFF MORALE GENERALLY.
TURNING TO THE HOUSING POLICY, MR WONG SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS STILL VIGOROUSLY BUILDING PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.
/HE FELT .......
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 2?, 1985
- 23 -
HE FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY SHOULD BE AIMED AT ENABLING THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING CR TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE HOS FLATS.
+BUT ONCE THIS IS DONE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO TAKE EXCESSIVE CARE OF THESE PEOPLE BUT SHOULD INSTEAD CONCENTRATE ITS ATTENTION ON OTHERS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION OR THOSE WHO HAVE NO CHANCE OF BUYING HOS FLATS,+ MR WONG SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE CONTINUED EXCLUSION OF THE LAND VALUE (OR PART OF IT) IN THE SELLING PRICES OF HOS FLATS IN THE FACE OF DECREASED LAND VALUES AND CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE REAL INCOME OF THE CITIZENS WAS OPEN TO QUESTION.
♦EVEN IF THE LAND VALUE IS INCLUDED, I BELIEVE THAT THE PRICE FOR THE HOS FLATS ARE STILL FAR BELOW THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS LONG AS THE PROFIT ELEMENT IS EXCLUDED, AND THEY WILL REMAIN ATTRACTIVE TO THE MIDDLE AND LOWER INCOME GROUPS,+ MR WONG SAID.
THOUGH THE PRICING POLICY OF EXCLUDING LAND VALUE HAD BENEFITED THOSE WHO PURCHASED THE HOS FLATS, MR WONG SAID IT REDUCED GOVERNMENT REVENUE AND THUS HAMPERED ITS FINANCIAL -ABILITY TO CONSTRUCT MORE HOS FLATS.
+THIS IN TURN REDUCES THE OPPORTUNITY OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET BOUGHT HOS FLATS TO PURCHASE ONE IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THE PRESENT POLICY SO AS TO VALUE IN THE SELLING PRICES FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION OF LOWER INCOME GROUPS.
THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVISE INCLUDE AT LEAST PART OF THE LAND AND USE THE INCREASED PROCEEDS TO MORE HOS FLATS FOR THE MIDDLE AND
--------0 -
REVIEW OF PUBLIC UTILITIES MONITORING POLICIES * * * *
™ GOVERNMENT.SHOULD CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE POLICIES MONITORING OF ALL PRIVATELY-OWNED PUBLIC UTILITIES AND
^?ok.ATE-rAr-UNIF0RM AND COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM FOR NEW SCHEMES OF CONTROL, THE HON ANDREW SO SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
mr..^RE0VER’ F0R THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY, EITHER A won utc£OtM,TTEE SH0uld be set up Or UMELCO MEMBERS SHOULD BE APPO NT£D TO ASSIST IN THE REVIEW AND MONITORING OF PUBLIC UTILITIES, MR SO SAID AT THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/this would .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1?85
- 24 -
THIS WOULD HELP TO REMOVE EXISTING ANOMALIES AND TO RELIEVE CONSUMERS OF THEIR WORRIES, HE SAID.
ON THE EXISTING POLICIES TOWARDS PUBLIC UTILITIES, MR SO NOTED THAT THERE WERE SEVEN COMPANIES WHICH HAD ENTERED INTO SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS WITH THE GOVERNMENT WHILE OTHERS WERE UNDER THE CONTROL OF LAW OR FRANCHISE CLAUSES.
+HOWEVER, IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE NO CRITERIA GOVERNING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON WHICH COMPANIES SHOULD BE BROUGHT UNDER A SCHEME OF CONTROL OR BE GRANTED A FRANCHISE,* HE SAID.
HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THAT NEITHER THE CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED NOR THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LIMITED WAS UNDER A SCHEME OF CONTROL THOUGH THEY WERE PRIMARILY OPERATING ON A MONOPOLY AND SEMI-MONOPOLY BASIS.
+AS THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO OPERATE ON A FRANCHISED BASIS, WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN SO WITH THE CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED?* HE ASKED.
+THESE ANOMALIES AND THE DEALINGS BETWEEN UTILITY COMPANIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES ARE ALL VERY PUZZLING,* HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THAT GOVERNMENT HAD A SET OF GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE CHARGES OF THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, THE PRINCIPAL ONE BEING THAT CHARGES MUST BE ABLE TO COVER OPERATING COSTS.
+HOWEVER, THERE ARE NO STANDARD RULES FOR DETERMINING WHICH AUTHORITY SHOULD DETERMINE OR APPROVE CHARGES,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SOME COMPANIES HAD TO SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OR A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT ON MATTERS CONCERNING THEIR CHARGES WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND, THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF SOME COMPANIES WERE EMPOWERED TO REVISE CHARGES FOR THEIR SERVICES.
+SUCH BEING THE SITUATION, THERE IS NO WONDER THAT SOME INTERESTED BODIES AND PRESSURE GROUPS FIND THEMSSELVES ALWAYS ’CLAMOURING AT THE WRONG DOORS OR PETITIONING THE WRONG DEPARTMENTS,* HE SAID.
AS FOR THE MOST CONTENTIOUS ISSUE OF +PERMITTED RETURN*, MR SO SAID THERE WERE SEVEN DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PERMITTED RETURN FOR THE EXISTING SEVEN SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT UNIT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MONITORING CF PUBLIC UTILITIES HAD A WORKFORCE OF ONLY FIVE.
+GIVEN THE DIFFERENCES IN THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL AND IN THE MONITORING PROCEDURES, STRICT ENFORCEMENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE EVEN IF THEY WERE SUPERMEN,* HE SAID.
-----o------
/25 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
S.L. CHEN PROPOSES TAX ON ADVERTISING *****
TAX ON ADVERTISING EXPENDITURE WAS PROPOSED BY THE HON S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGCO BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ELABORATING ON HIS SUGGESTION, HE SAID THAT ADVERTISEMENT DID NOT INCREASE THE REAL VALUE OF THE PRODUCTS IT REPRESENTED.
IT ONLY CREATED IMPRESSIONS, HE SAID.
SOCIETY WOULD NOT SUFFER, NOR THE GENERAL STANDARD OF LIVING BE LOWERED, IF ADVERTISEMENT EXPENDITURE WAS REDUCED AS A RESULT CF THE PROPOSED TAX, HE SAID.
+ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO OFFICIAL STATISTICS ON THE TOTAL ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON ADVERTISING IN HONG KONG, I THINK THE REVENUE POTENTIAL OF THE PROPOSAL IS HUGE,* MR CHEN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAD RECORDED A TOTAL TURNOVER OF $2 600 MILLION FOR THE PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKET RESEARCH, AND ADVERTISING TRADE AS A WHOLE IN 1982.
+EVEN ASSUMING THAT HALF OF THE EXPENDITURE IS FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES, AND WITH AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF AROUND 25 PER CENT WHICH A UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER HAS DISCOVERED RECENTLY, THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ON ADVERTISING IS $2 000 MILLION IN 1984,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT SINCE ADVERTISING EXPENDITURE WOULD GENERALLY GROW WITH CONSUMPTION, TAX REVENUE WOULD GROW WITH FURTHER INCREASES IN OUR GDP.
HE ADDED THAT IF ADVERTISEMENT WAS REDUCED AS A RESULT OF THE PROPOSED TAX, THE SELLING COST OF THE COMMODITIES, FOR EXAMPLE SOFT DRINKS, COULD BE LOWERED TOWARDS HELPING TO OFF-SET THE PROPOSED TAX ON SOFT DRINKS.
MR CHEN FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION TO TAXING THE USE OF AIR SPACE OVER ROADS BY ADVERTISING SIGNS PROTRUDING FROM BUILDINGS.
SUCH A PROPOSAL WOULD NOT ONLY RESULT IN REVENUE ACCRUING TO THE PUBLIC PURSE, BUT ALSO MIGHT RESULT IN A TIDIER AND POTENTIALLY SAFER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE CITY, HE SAID.
MR CHEN’S NEXT PROPOSAL WAS FOR GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE A MORE EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF TAXING SELF-EMPLOYED PROFESSIONALS.
+WE ALL KNOW THAT TAX AVOIDANCE OF UNSALARIED PROFESSIONALS IS PRACTISED WIDELY AND AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM AGAINST AVOIDANCE WOULD NOT ONLY BE FAIR BUT ALSO HELP SUBSTANTIALLY TOWARDS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S EFFORT IN ATTAINING A BALANCED BUDGET AT AN EARLY DATE,* HR SAID.
/HE THEREFORE........
WEINESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
HE THEREFORE EXPRESSED HIS STRONG SUPPORT FOR ANTI-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION.
FINALLY, MR CHEN SAID HE FULLY ENDORSED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S AIM TO STABILISE THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COUPLED WITH HIS TOUGH VALUE FOR MONEY CRITERION.
♦THIS IS ACHIEVED BY CUTTING OUT WASTE AND BY INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY,* HE SAID.
HE REITERATED A POINT MADE BY HIM EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH REGARD TO THE NEED OF A TRAINING SCHEME WHEREBY ALL OFFICERS RISING TO THE DIRECTORATE RANK IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WERE REQUIRED TO BE TRAINED IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.
♦THIS IS ESPECIALLY RELEVANT GIVEN THE NO GROWTH POLICY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE,* HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR CHEN SAID HE WAS GRATIFIED TO NOTE THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD TURNED TO INDIRECT TAXATION IN THIS YEAR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS.
HOWEVER, HE FELT THE PROPOSALS HAD NOT GONE FAR ENOUGH TOWARDS +FALL ING MORE HEAVILY ON THE BETTER OFF*.
+WHAT I AM REALLY SAYING IS THAT THE WELL-OFF HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TO THE PUBLIC COFFERS, GIVEN THE LOW TAX BASE IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
- 0 -
MORE SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
******
THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WAS BASICALLY SOUND BUT NEEDED REFINEMENT TO FURTHER DEVELOP INDUSTRY, THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID AT THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THERE WERE MANY AREAS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD ENHANCE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND HE FOCUSED HIS DISCUSSION ON THREE TOPICS WHICH HE CONSIDERED IMPORTANT — PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN, AUTOMATION AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROMOTION.
ON PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN, MR LEE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO GO AHEAD AND ESTABLISH A PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN UNIT (PIDU) AS DESIGN AND QUALITY WERE IMPORTANT TO THE EXPORT ORIENTATED ECONOMY.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 27 -
HE SAID THAT DURING THE LATTER PART OF 1979, A PROPOSAL WAS PUT FORWARD TO GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH A PIDU.
+THIS PROPOSAL WENT THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT’S BUREAUCRATIC MACHINERY AND TO THIS DATE, I UNDERSTAND IT IS STILL IN THE DISCUSSION STAGE, WITH NO DEFINITE COMMITMENT.
♦ WE CONTINUE TO HEAR OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITIVE NONINTERVENTION POLICY, YET GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
♦ TO ESTABLISH A PIDU IS CERTAINLY IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT POLICY OF PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT.
♦ WE MUST MOVE AHEAD AS WE HAVE ALREADY LOST VALUABLE YEARS PONDERING OVER THE PROPOSAL,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD PROGRESSED FROM THE LARGELY LABOUR INTENSIVE STAGE OF PRODUCTION, AND, HAVING MADE SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN BOTH THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FRONTS, SHOULD NOW BE +TAKING A STEP IN THE DIRECTION OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMAT I ON.+
HE NOTED THAT A PROPOSAL HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE TO ESTABLISH AN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION UNIT WITHIN THE CENTRE TO CATER FOR THE REQUIREMENTS OF INDUSTRY, TO ASSIST INDUSTRY REGARDLESS WHETHER IT WAS LARGE OR SMALL, TO MOVE TOWARDS AUTOMATING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE AND TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT QUALITY AND DELIVERY OF OUR PRODUCTS.
+1 HOPE TO HEAR A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM GOVERNMENT TOWARDS THIS PROPOSAL AND THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR FIVE YEARS AND END UP IN THE DISCUSSION STAGE,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO PROMOTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT, MR LEE REFERRED THE POINTS RAISED ON THIS TOPIC BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS DURING A FINANCE COMMITTEE SESSION EARLY THIS MONTH.
♦ FIRSTLY, WE ARE CONCERNED WITH GOVERNMENT’S ACTIVITIES IN THE PROMOTIONAL ASPECTS OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT.
♦ SECONDLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO ENQUIRE IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER AVENUES WHICH THE GOVERNMENT MAY HAVE POSSIBLY OVERLOOKED,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS NOT THE $19 MILLION THAT HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT BUT IT WAS THE RESULT, THE BOTTOM LINE THAT COUNTED.
♦ HAS THE GOVERNMENT LOOKED FOR OTHER AVENUES THAT MIGHT BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN THE PROMOTION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT,* HE ASKED.
WEDNESDAY, MUCH 27, 1985
28
SINCE THE GOVERNMENT HAD FOUR OVERSEAS OFFICES, WITH A FIFTH ONE TO BE ESTABLISHED SHORTLY, MR LEE ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT COULD UTILISE, FOR INSTANCE, THE SERVICES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WHICH HAD A MUCH WIDER COVERAGE AROUND THE WORLD. THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, COULD THEN +PLAY THE ROLE OF A CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING FUNCTION IN ENHANCING FOREIGN INVESTMENT.+
+ l AM IN NO WAY SAYING THAT CIVIL SERVANTS ARE INCAPABLE, I AM MERELY ASKING IF WE CAN DO BETTER. HOW CAN WE ATTRACT MORE FOREIGN INVESTMENT INTO HONG KONG?* HE SAID.
ON THE CONCEPT OF ESTABLISHING A BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE, MR LEE URGED GOVERNMENT +NOT TO CLOSE THE DOOR IN A NEGATIVE FASH ION.+
+THERE ARE PROS AND CONS OF A BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE, PERHAPS A STUDY TEAM COULD BE SET UP TO INVESTIGATE THE IMPLICATIONS,* HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE CARED ABOUT EDUCATION, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PROGRAMMES, TRANSPORTATION, AND HOUSING AS WELL, BUT FELT ALSO THAT PRIORITIES HAD TO BE SET CORRECTLY.
+THE PRIORITY MUST BE WITHIN THE SPHERE OF FURTHER STRENGTHENING OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN THE EXPORT OF GOODS SO THAT OUR PEOPLE MAY CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE HIGH STANDARD CF LIVING THAT THEY DESERVE.
+THEREFORE, WE MUST STRIVE VIGOROUSLY TOWARDS OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM WHICH HAS CARRIED US THIS FAR, FOR A BRIGHTER AND PROSPEROUS FUTURE,* HE SAID.
-----o------
+DON’T NEGLECT NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES,* — ALEX WU * * * *
THE LEVELS OF PROVISION MADE AVAILABLE IN 1985/86 FOR THE NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES SHOULD NOT IMPLY CONTINUED UNDERFUNDING IN THE FUTURE, THE HON ALEX WU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGCO BUDGET DEBATE, MR WU SAID HE CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS NO MEAN FEAT FOR THE BUDGET TO SUCCEED LARGELY IN MAINTAINING THE DELICATE BALANCE BETWEEN THE ASPIRATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE ON THE ONE HAND AND THE STARK REALITIES CF THE FISCAL POSITION ON THE OTHER.
HOWEVER HE FELT THAT CERTAIN AREAS OF ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN RATHER HARSHLY TREATED.
/WHILE CONCEDING .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
WHILE CONCEDING THAT IN TIMES OF FINANCIAL STRINGENCY, IT WAS DIFFICULT, EVEN IMPOSSIBLE, TO SATISFY THE MANY COMPETING CLAIMS FOR FUNDING, HOWEVER WORTHY THEY MIGHT ALL BE, HE SAID : +IN THE PROCESS OF ASSESSING PRIORITIES, ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE NOT CLASSIFIED AS ESSENTIAL SERVICES - THOSE WHICH DO NOT OBVIOUSLY CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS BUILDING THE ECONOMY - ARE INEVITABLY AND INVARIABLY BUDGETARY CASUALTIES.*
HOWEVER, MR WU SAID, EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF ALL KINDS WERE AS VITAL AS WERE ECONOMIC SERVICES TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR SOCIETY, AND TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE FULFILMENT OF GENERATIONS TO COME.
+WE HAVE PLANTED THE SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE. WE MUST AVOID DAMAGING THE GROWTH OF VIGOROUS YOUNG PLANTS FOR REASONS OF SHORTTERM EXPEDIENCY,* HE SAID.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES AFFECTED BY THESE MEASURES APPRECIATE GOVERNMENT’S DILEMMA. BUT GOVERNMENT IN TURN MUST RECOGNISE THAT IT HAS DEALT A HARSH BLOW WHICH WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT IN SOME CASES TO MAINTAIN THE ENVISAGED GROWTH,* MR WU SAID.
HE THEREFORE STRONGLY URGED THAT THE LEVELS OF PROVISION MADE AVAILABLE IN 1985/86 IN THESE AREAS WOULD NOT BE USED AS THE BASIS OF FUNDING IN THE FUTURE.
+LET US NOT BE SHORT SIGHTED, AND LET US BEAR IN MIND THAT THE QUALITY OF OUR HUMAN RESOURCES IS AT STAKE,* MR WU SAID.
--------o
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 30 -
GIS SEES NEED FOR COMPUTERS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE" NEED TO USE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND MODERN COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY TO ENABLE IT TO PERFORM MORE EFFICIENTLY AS A LINK BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA, THE DIRECTOR < OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE +PBC AND INFOTECH 85 EXHIBITION*, MISS CHEUNG SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS ENGAGED IN AN INTERNAL STUDY OF HOW IT COULD BEST LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS DEVELOPMENT IN THE FUTURE.
+THIS, I THINK, IS MOST IMPORTANT, FOR IT IS ALL TOO EASY TO RUSH INTO THE MARKETPLACE AND GO FOR THE SYSTEM WHICH SEEMS SUPERFICIALLY THE MOST ATTRACTIVE.
+WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW IS ANALYSING HOW WE OPERATE, THE DEMANDS THAT ARE MADE UPON US AND HOW WE CAN USE MODERN EQUIPMENT TO MEET THOSE DEMANDS,* MISS CHEUNG SAID.
DESCRIBING HOW SHE SAW THE FUTURE OPERATION OF COMPUTERISED GIS, MISS CHEUNG SAIDi +A REPORTER TELEPHONES A QUESTION TO OUR NEWS ENQUIRY DESK WHERE THE OFFICER ENTERS IT INTO THE GIS COMPUTER SYSTEM. THE REPORTER WISHES TO KNOW SOMETHING WHICH IS ON THE RECORD.
+THE OFFICER CALLS UP THE ANSWER FROM THE GIS DATABASE CONTAINING PRESS RELEASES, STATEMENTS, MEDIA CLIPPINGS, STATISTICAL-AND OTHER INFORMATION AND GIVES IT TO THE REPORTER.
+PAINSTAKING RESEARCH FROM MISCELLANEOUS FILES AND RECORDS IS ELIMINATED AND A LOT OF TIME IS SAVED. PERHAPS THE REPORTERS CAN EVEN ENTER THE DATABASE DIRECT AND GET THE ANSWER IN HIS OWN OFFICE.
+0R AN OFFICER IN A DEPARTMENT MAY PREPARE A PRESS RELEASE
ON A COMPUTER SCREEN. HE PUSHES A BUTTON AND THIS APPEARS IMMEDIATELY ON THE SCREEN OF AN EDITOR AT GIS WHO EDITS IT AND SCHEDULES IT FOR RELEASE.*
THE SYSTEM THEN ISSUES THE RELEASE DIRECT TO THE TERMINALS CF THE MEDIA. DELAY IS ELIMINATED, THERE IS NO PAPER INVOLVED AND LITTLE MARGIN FOR ERROR.
THE IMPACT OF COMPUTERISATION, SHE SAID, HAD ENABLE THE MOST COMPLEX TASKS TO BE COMPLETED IN SECONDS, AND IN THE YEARS TO COME THE PACE OF CHANGE WOULD BE EVEN FASTER.
BUT ALL THESE COMPUTERS AND THEIR RELATED EQUIPMENT WERE, IN FACT, MERELY MACHINES.
/+FAST AND........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 31 -
+F AST AND EFFICIENT MACHINES, I ADMIT - BUT THEIR PRIME TASK IN REALITY IS TO FREE HUMAN TALENT AND INGENUITY FROM ROUTINE DRUDGERY AND TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER TO IMPROVE OUR COMMON FUTURE,+ SHE SAID.
♦WE IN HONG KONG ARE THUS VERY WELL PLACED TO FACE THE FUTURE -FOR IT IS IN HUMAN RESOURCES THAT OUR TERRITORY IS RICHEST.
OUR POEPLE ARE NOT AFRAID OF HARD WORK, THEY ARE ADAPTABLE AND QUICK TO REACT,+ MISS CHEUNG SAID.
-----o------
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1985 * * * *
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN FEBRUARY 1985 GREW BY 38 PER CENT OR $2 558 MILLION OVER FEBRUARY 1984, TO REACH $9 380 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ALSO GREW RAPIDLY, BY 46 PER CENT OR $2 344 MILLION TO $7 437 MILLION. THUS, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $16 817 MILLION, WAS 41 PER CENT OR $4 902 MILLION HIGHER THAN A YEAR EARL I ER.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY TWO PER CENT OR $218 MILLION TO REACH $14 966 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS GREATER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS OF $1 851 MILLION IN FEBRUARY 1985.
COMPARING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1985 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1984, OVERALL TRADE GREW BY 29 PER CENT. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 35 PER CENT, WHILE THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 23 PER CENT. IN CONSEQUENCE, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $2 892 MILLION WAS RECORDED IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1985, EQUIVALENT TO ONE PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS DURING THIS PERIOD.
THIS WAS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS) OF EIGHT PER CENT RECORDED IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1984.
/COMMENTING ON .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 32 -
COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE BEGINNING MONTHS OF A YEAR WERE USUALLY INFLUENCED BY THE TIMING CF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, IT WAS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER JANUARY AND FEBRUARY FIGURES TOGETHER. ON THIS BASIS, THE VALUES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND OF RE-EXPORTS IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE 17 PER CENT AND 48 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT. AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS INCREASED AT A SLOWER RATE OF 11 PER CENT, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS OF $2 856 MILLION IN THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF 1985.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1985-
TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY, 1985
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOaING
PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY:-
MERCHANDISE! DOMESTIC EXPORTS s $ 9 380 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS • $ 7 437 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $16 817 MILLION
IMPORTS s $14 966 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $ 1 851 MILLION ( IN
SURPLUS)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
DECEMBER 1984 TO DECEMBER 1983 TO INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS FEBRUARY 1985 FEBRUARY 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 32 419 28 535 + 3 884 + 13.6
RE-EXPORTS 1 25 415 17 284 + 8 131 +47.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 57 834 45 819 +12 015 +26.2
IMPORTS 55 014 49 570 + 5 444 +11.0
TRADE BALANCE + 2 820 - 3 751 + 6 571
/same month
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 2?, 1985
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR FEBRUARY 1985 FEBRUARY 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 380 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.8%) 6 822 (57.3%) +2 558 +37.5
RE-EXPORTS 7 437 5 093 +2 344 +46.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 16 817 11 915 +4 902 +41.1
IMPORTS 14 966 14 748 + 218 + 1.5
TRADE BALANCE + 1 851 - 2 833 +4 684
LAST MONTH FEBRUARY 1985 JANUARY 1985 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S mn. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 380 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.8%) 11 166 (55.5%) -1 786 -16.0
RE-EXPORTS 7 437 8 958 -1 521 -17.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 16 817 20 124 -3 307 -16.4
IMPORTS 14 966 19 119 -4 153 -21.7
TRADE BALANCE + 1 851 + 1 005 + 849
JAN - FEB CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1985 JAN - FEB 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20 546 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (55.6%) 17 613 (61.4%) +2 933 +16.7
RE-EXPORTS 16 395 11 068 +5 327 +48.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 36 941 28 681 +8 260 +28.8
IMPORTS 34 085 30 647 +3 438 +11.2
TRADE BALANCE + 2 856 - 1 966 +4 822
/LAST_12 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAUCH 27, 1985
- 34 -
MARCH 1984 TO MARCH 1983 TO INCREASE OR
LAST 12 MONTHS FEBRUARY 1985 FEBRUARY 1984 DECREASE
S MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 140 869 110 010 +30 859 +28.1
RE-EXPORTS 88 831 60 209 +28 622 +47.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 229 700 170 219 +59 481 +34.9
IMPORTS 226 808 184 386 +42 422 +23.3
TRADE BALANCE + 2 892 - 14 167 +17 059
-----0------
PRESS FACILITY FOR HK BILL DEBATE *****
A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO ENABLE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO LISTEN TO THE DEBATE ON THE THIRD READING OF THE HONG KONG BILL IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NIGHT FROM 11 PM ONWARDS.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT +FEED+ TO THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FROM WHERE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO THE DEBATE. THE +FEED+ WILL COVER THE DEBATE FROM BEGINNING TO END.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA SHOULD NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THEY CAN RECORD THE DEBATE FROM THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, THE RECORDING CANNOT BE BROADCAST BECAUSE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS OF RTHK.
IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT RECORDINGS AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM CAN ONLY BE DONE BY HAND-HELD RECORDERS AND THERE WILL BE NO PLUG-IN FACILITIES.
-----0------
/35 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 35 -
NT AMBULANCE CALLS RISE SHARPLY * * * *
THE NUMBER OF AMBULANCE CALLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES INCREASED BY 140 PER CENT SINCE 1978, THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR H. KENYON"SA ID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE S4-MILLI0N FANLING AMBULANCE DEPOT, HE SAID:
+THIS REMARKABLE DEVELOPMENT HAS CREATED A GREATER DEMAND UPON GOVERNMENT FOR ADDITIONAL MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN WHICH THE AMBULANCE SERVICE PLAYS A VITAL ROLE.
+THE NEW AMBULANCE DEPOT OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY IS JUST ONE SMALL PART OF GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
THE NEW DEPOT IS SITUATED ON THE CROSS-ROADS TO FANLING, SHEUNG SHU I, SHA TAU KOK AND TAI PO.
♦THE FORESIGHT DISPLAYED BY GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING NEW AMBULANCE DEPOTS AT LEI MUK SHUE IN TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN, TSING Yl, SHA TIN AND NOW FANLING HAS PROVIDED MUCH-NEEDED ACCOMMODATION FOR THE AMBULANCE AND CREWS WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO MEET THIS ADDITIONAL DEMAND,* MR KENYON SAID.
THE NEW DEPOT HAS AN AREA OF 1 260 SQUARE METRES AND IS MANNED BY 100 AMBULANCEMEN HEADED BY AN AMBULANCE OFFICER. THE TWO-STOREY HIGH DEPOT CONSISTS OF AN EXERCISE ROOM, STAND-BY QUARTERS, CANTEEN, AND KITCHEN.
- - - - 0---------
BOE MEMBERS VISIT TEACHING CENTRES
* * * *
EIGHT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION THIS MORNING VISITED THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN NORTH POINT TO LOOK OVER IN-SERVICE TEACHER TRAINING COURSES AND FACILITIES THERE.
THE CENTRES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF TEACHING IN SCHOOLS.
MEMBERS WHO WENT ON TODAY’S VISIT WERE MRS RITA FAN, W CHARLES CHEUNG, PROFESSOR B.L. COOKE, MISS DEBRA CHOW, DR DANIEL LAM, MRS PEGGY LAM, MR ALBERT LI AND MR TAM MAN-KWAN.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY MRS RUBY LAU, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND MISS WINNIE TANG, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR.
------0-------
/36 .......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1935
36
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL HOLDING INAUGURATION
* * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL WILL HOLD AN INAUGURATION CEREMONY FOR ITS FIRST TERM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON FRIDAY (MARCH 29) EVENING AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
FORMED TO PROMOTE CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE ARTS COUNCIL HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF ABOUT 130, COMPRISING INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM IN THE CLUB MEMBERS’ ROOM ON THE 15TH FLOOR OF THE CENTRE.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A COCKTAIL RECEPTION STARTING AT 6 PM. THE LAM KEK HAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WILL PLAY POPULAR WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL PIECES DURING THE EVENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL.
0 --------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR RUGBY TOURNAMENT
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MARCH 30 AND 31) FOR THE RUGBY TOURNAMENT AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
ON SATURDAY (MARCH 30), THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 9 AM AND WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL THE CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED AT AROUND 7 PM. THE SAME MEASURES WILL BE EFFECTED AGAIN THE NEXT DAY (MARCH 31) FROM 8 AM TO AROUND 6 PM.
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LINK ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RESTRICTED TO VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS;
/* CAROLINE HILL ......
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2?, 1985
- 37 -
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND?
* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND
TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; BUT VEHICLES MAY STILL PROCEED TO ST. PAUL’S HOSPITAL CAR PARK FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD;
* VEHICLES ON EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD NORTHBOUND WILL BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO EASTBOUND TUNG LO WAN ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KA NING PATH? AND
* LINK ROAD BETWEEN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND HAPPY VIEW TERRACE WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY UPHILL. VEHICLES LEAVING HAPPY VIEW TERRACE, LEIGHTON HILL AND THE UPPER SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD SHOULD PROCEED TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD VIA BROADWOOD ROAD.
ON BOTH OCCASIONS, HOWEVER, COACHES AND BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD FOR STACKING PURPOSE ONCE THE LAST MATCH OF THE DAY HAS BEGUN.
CMB BUSES ON ROUTE 17 AND GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES
5 AND 14 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.
MATHESON STREET, RUSSELL STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST WILL BE PROHIBITED TO LEARNER DRIVERS BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8 PM ON THESE TWO DAYS. ALSO, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND INTO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND, OR TO ENTER TUNG LO WAN ROAD FROM CAUSEWAY ROAD.
ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON SUN WUI ROAD, STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO 8 PM.
-----0------
BOARD TURNS DOWN APPLICATION FOR LIQUOR LICENCE * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD TODAY TURNED DOWN THE APPLICATION FOR THE ISSUE OF A LIQUOR LICENCE BY THE CITY GARDEN LOUNGE IN NORTH POINT.
THE DECISION WAS REACHED AFTER THE BOARD, AT ITS MONTHLY bEETING TODAY, HAD TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE VIEWS OF THE VARIOUS PARTIES CONCERNED.
A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS THE POLICY OF THE BOARD NOT TO GRANT A LIQUOR LICENCE TO ANY PREMISES WHICH SHARED A COMMON ENTRANCE WITH THE RESIDENTIAL PARTS OF THE BUILDING.
/♦ALTHOUGH THE........
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1985
- 38 -
+ALTHOUGH THE ENTRANCE TO THE PREMISES IN QUESTION IS SEPARATE FROM THAT OF THE RESIDENTIAL BLOCK, BOTH OPEN ON TO A RELATIVELY SMALL CUL-DE-SAC WHICH HAS BEEN FURTHER NARROWED BY THE HOARDING OF A NEARBY CONSTRUCTION SITE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+AFTER LENGTHY DELIBERATION, THE BOARD FELT THAT IN THE INTERESTS OF RESIDENTS LIVING ON THE UPPER FLOORS, THE APPLICATION SHOULD NOT BE GRANTED.*
TODAY’S MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR PETER C.K. CHAN AND ATTENDED BY MR KWAN LIM-HO, DR KIM CHAM, MISS CECILIA YEUNG, M? TONG KAM-BIU AND MRS MARGARET LI.
-----0------
SHORT TERM TENANCIES CALLED FOR FOUR SITES ******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF FOUR SITES.
THE FIRST SITE MEASURES 700 SQUARE METRES AT SANDY BAY ROAD, POK FU LAM, AND IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSE.
MEASURING 6 000 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND SITE IS AT WONG CHUK YUEN, PAT HEUNG, YUEN LONG. IT IS FOR USE AS AN AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTION CENTRE AND PLANT NURSERY, EXCLUDING THE REARING AND SALE OF LIVESTOCK OR FISH.
THE TENANCY FOR BOTH SITES IS FOR TWO YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE LAST TWO SITES ARE IN KWAI CHUNG. ONE, WHICH IS FOR THE NURSERY AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS, IS SITUATED NEAR KWAI FUK ROAD. IT HAS AN AREA OF 4 100 SQUARE METRES. THE TENANCY IS FOR 18 MONTHS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE OTHER SITE MEASURES 1 380 SQUARE METRES AND IS AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE BUT EXCLUDING THE STORAGE OF CONTAINER AND/OR MOTOR VEHICLES PURPOSES. THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE ON MONTHLY BASIS ON EXPIRY.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THE FOUR SITES IS NOON ON APRIL 12.
/TENDER FORMS.........
WSDNE.OAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 39 -
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND PLANS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG FOR THE POK FU LAM SITE;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT-OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE YUEN LONG SITE; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN, 10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE KWAI CHUNG SITES.
-----0-----
TWO SLIP ROADS BEING CLOSED FOR WORKS
*****
THE SLIP ROAD LINKING THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE MORNINGS FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 30), BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM, FOR RESURFACING WORK.
MOTORISTS ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR KWAI CHUNG AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MEI LAI ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD WESTBOUND.
AND, THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD CONNECTING TAI PO ROAD WITH YUEN WO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 30), ALSO FOR ROAD WORKS.
MOTORISTS FROM TAI PO ROAD HEADING FOR YUEN WO ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE EITHER TAI PO ROAD AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD OR SHA TIN ROAD, SHA TIN WAI ROAD AND SAND MARTIN BRIDGE.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
40
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL
******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR THE CHING MING FESTIVAL.
THE MEASURES, WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY ON MARCH 31 (SUNDAY), APRIL 5 (CHING MING), APRIL 6 (SATURDAY) APRIL 7 (SUNDAY) AND APRIL 8 (MONDAY) UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ARE :
CHAI WAN
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS.
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM CAPE COLLINSON ROAD TO THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND CREMATORIUM WILL BE RESTRICTED TO HEARSES AND VEHICLES CARRYING PASSENGERS TO SERVICES AT THE CREMATORIUM.
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO CHAI WAN CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND SHEK 0 ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* LIN SHING ROAD BETWEEN WAN TSUI ROAD AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
* WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY ON MARCH 31, APRIL 5 AND APRIL 7.
* WAH HA STREET BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
* NO PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ALONG CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, WAH HA STREET AND THE SECTION OF SHEK 0 ROAD BETWEEN CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM ROAD.
POK FU LAM
* FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON APRIL 5, CONSORT RISE BETWEEN VICTORIA ROAD AND BISNEY ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
/ABERDEEN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAKER 2?, 1985
- 41
ABERDEEN
* FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON APRIL 5, PEEL RISE FROM ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD TO THE WESTERN BOUNDARY OF ABERDEEN CHINESE CEMETERY, ALONG WITH THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM SHEK PAI WAN ROAD TO THE SAME CEMETERY, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
* ON APRIL 5, CMB WILL OPERATE A COUPLE OF SPECIAL SERVICES. ROUTE 57 BETWEEN CENTRAL BUS STATION AND CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY WILL RUN FROM 7 AM UNTIL 5.52 PM AT SEVEN-MINUTE INTERVALS, WHILE ROUTE 89 BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN CEMETERY WILL OPERATE EVERY FIVE MINUTES FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM.
* FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON APRIL 5, THE BUS STOPS ON WAN TSUI ROAD NEAR WAN TSUI ESTATE WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ROUTE 89.
* FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY ON MARCH 31, APRIL 5 AND APRIL 7, A TEMPORARY BUS STOP WILL BE PROVIDED ON CHAI WAN ROAD EAST OF HONG MAN STREET FOR EASTBOUND BUSES.
* BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 80, 81, 81M, 82, 83, 83A, 84, 780, CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE 106 AND GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES 16 AND 18 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURE AND REROUTING MEASURES IN CHAI WAN.
CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON APPROACH ROADS TO CEMETERIES AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THESE AREAS IF POSSIBLE.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 1985
- 42 _
SHAU KEI WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAU KEI WAN TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
FROM 1.15 AM TO 5.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 30) AND 1.15 AM TO 6.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31), TRAFFIC ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD EASTBOUND AND SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST WESTBOUND NEAR CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE REQUIRED TO STOP AT INTERVALS. EACH STOP WILL LAST FOR FIVE MINUTES AFTER WHICH TRAFFIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED.
AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE MEASURES, TRAM SERVICES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL START LATER THAN USUAL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31) MORNING. THE DETAILS AREs
SERVICE FIRST DEPARTURE
SHAU KEI WAN TO WESTERN MARKET 7.09 AM
SHAU KEI WAN TO HAPPY VALLEY 7.11 AM
WESTERN MARKET TO SHAU KEI WAN 6.25 AM
HAPPY VALLEY TO SHAU KEI WAN 6.38 AM
BEFORE THE ABOVE TIMES, TRAM SERVICES TO SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE CUT OFF AT SAI WAN HO.
----o------
SALT WATER CUTS * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 30) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KUNG LOK ROAD, HONG LEE ROAD AND HONG NING ROAD FROM KUNG LOK ROAD TO HIP WO STREET. INCLUDING LOK WAH ESTATE PHASE I, II AND III.
MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, DR K.F. NIP, AND THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER, NR H.C. BEATON, WILL MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
0 - - - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
COICTWTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING; border industrial zone idea opposed....................... 1
REVIEW ON OVERSEAS EDUCATION FUNDING SCHEMES URGED..... 2
RELIEF URGED FOR IMMIGRATION WORK......................... 5
■NERD TO SUSTAIN CONFIDENCE STRESSED1 .................... 7
MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME PROPOSED ........................ 9
REAL LUXURIES SEEN AS REVENUE SOURCE..................... 13
TRAINING OF SCHOOL HEADS NEEDED.......................... 15
'DUTY FREE CONCESSION UNFAIR TO LOCAL RESIDENTS' ........ 18
'TAX LAW SHOULD NOT HURT INNOCENT' ...................... 19
GOVT TOLD TO CONSIDER CIVIL SERVICE PROBLEMS ............ 21
CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD HAVE FEEL OF FINANCE MARKET...... 23
GOVT ASKED TO CONTRACT OUT WORK TO CHINA ................. 25
CALL FOR SIMPLE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS .................... 27
BUDGET APPROACH LAUDED .................................. 28
REVENUE RESOLUTIONS PASSED ............................ 30
HK EXPERTISE SEEN OF VALUE TO CHINA......................... 31
DEBATE TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ..............................
SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STARTS ............. 33 x
RECRUITMENT OF TEMPORARY STAFF FOR SURVEY................... 34
FAMILIARISATION TOUR FOR NEW DB MEMBERS..................... 34
CAS OPENS DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN SAI KUNG .............. 35
CAREERS TALKS .............................................. 36
'CLEAN AND GRCTN SCHEME' TO INTER STAGE II ................. 37
TREE PT,ANTING SCHEME TC BE LAUNCHED ....................... 37
ACCESS ROAD TO LUNG KWU TAN REPAIRED........................ 38
TSU0J WAN ROAD CLOSURE...................................... 38
TH’."eDAY, MARCH 28, 1^35
1
BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE IDEA OPPOSED ******
THE HON K.C. CHAN VOICED HIS OBJECTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY TO THE SUGGESTION OF SETTING UP A BORDER INDUSTRIAL ZONE USING CHEAP LABOUR FROM CHINA.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE, MR CHAN SAID THAT SINCE THE POST-WAR YEARS, BOTH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND ITS VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES HAD LABOURED UNCEASINGLY TO GET RID OF THE IMAGE OF CHEAP LABOUR AND SWEATSHOP FOR HONG KONG.
+IF WE NOW ANNOUNCE A CHEAP LABOUR ZONE IN HONG KONG WE SHALL NOT BE POINTING OUR SWORD TOWARDS THE PROTECTIONISTS BUT GIVE THEM THE HANDLE SO THAT THEY CAN FINISH US OFF WITH THE ACCUSATION OF DUMPING AND UNFAIR COMPETITI ON,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID HE WAS ALL FOR RENEWED EFFORTS FOR NEGOTIATION THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY OUR EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, OUR LARGEST CONSUMER.
WE MUST BE SURE THAT OUR PRODUCTS WERE TRULY HONG KONG MADE OR CF AN AGREED PERCENTAGE LIKE JAPANESE CAR PARTS SENT TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES FOR ASSEMBLY BEFORE THEY WERE ACCEPTED AS LOCAL CARS MADE IN THAT COUNTRY, HE ADDED.
HE WAS SURE THAT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL COULD COME UP WITH SOME LABOUR-SAVING AND COST-REDUCING AUTOMATION I'tTHODS TO HELP THE INDUSTRY IN QUESTION.
TURNING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE SAID THE INCREASE IN ITS SIZE MIGHT BE DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THE TYPES AND VOLUME OF ACTIVITIES.
+HOWEVER, WE SHOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT OR START MAKING EXCUSES BUT WE SHOULD REVIEW ALL THE ACTIVITIES AND CUT OUT THOSE WHICH ARE NOT COST-EFFECTIVE OR OF MARGINAL VALUE,+ HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT EVERY OPPORTUNITY SHOULD BE TAKEN TO USE NATURAL STAFF WASTAGE, SUCH AS RETIREMENT, RESIGNATION, AND HIVE-OFF TO CUT DOWN GRADUALLY THE ACTUAL STRENGTH TO ONE COMMENSURATE WITH POPULATION GROWTH.
TURNING TO THE PROPOSED TAXATION MEASURES, MR CHAN oAID THAT A HEAVIER TAX ON CIGARETTES MIGHT BE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR THE SMOKERS.
IN ADDITION TO THE HARMFUL HEALTH EFFECTS OF SMOKING WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY SPOKEN OF, MR CHAN SAID, THERE WERE ALSO THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF SMOKING ON THE FAMILY AND THE COMMUNITY.
/MR chan .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 2
MR CHAN ALSO SUPPORTED THE TAX ON COSMETICS ITEMS.
+ AS THE TAX NET IS NOW DRAWN TIGHTER ON THIS DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, IT IS TIMELY TO ADD A WORD OF CAUTION ON SMUGGLI NG wHICH I AM SURE THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE PERSONNEL WILL BE ABLE TO CONTROL,+ HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, MR CHAN PAID TRIBUTE TO LOCAL PEOPLE, SAYING THAT +THEIR HARDWORK, CAPITAL AND TALENT HAVE hELPED TO BUILD UP HONG KONG.+
------0-------
REVIEW ON OVERSEAS EDUCATION FUNDING SCHEMES URGED
*****
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS OVERSEAS EDUCATION SUBSIDY SCHEMES TO SEE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS WERE PUT TO THE BEST POSSIBLE USE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (THURSDAY), MR CHEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK INTO THE SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR THE CHILDREN OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS OF THE APPROPRIATE RANK TO STUDY FROM LATE PRIMARY LEVEL TO THE AGE OF 19 IN BRITAIN.
HE BELIEVED THAT SOME FLEXIBILITY IN THE YEARS OF SUBSIDISED EDUCATION OVERSEAS FOR THESE STUDENTS WAS URGENTLY NEEDED OR THE SCHEME WOULD BECOME A WASTE OF MONEY.
ELABORATING, MR CHEUNG SAID LOCAL CHILDREN FINISHING PRIMARY SCHOOL HAD BECOME PROGRESSIVELY YOUNGER AND THEIR PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH HAD NOTABLY DECLINED.
+THESE TWO FACTORS MAKE IT UNDESIRABLE FOR THEM TO LEAVE HONG KONG SO SOON AND, INDEED, THEIR PARENTS ARE RELUCTANT TO LET THEM GO,+ HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, SINCE THE SCHEME BEGAN THE CHILDREN OF NON-BRITISH NATIONALS HAD BEEN REQUIRED TO PAY FULL UNIVERSITY FEES WHICH HAD INCREASED GREATLY IN RECENT YEARS WHILE THE CHILDREN OF BRITISH NATIONALS LIVING IN HONG KONG NEEDED PAY ONLY ’HOME’ FEES.
♦ THUS THE LOCAL STUDENTS WHO DO SECONDARY EDUCATION IN BRITAIN ARE VIRTUALLY EXCLUDED FROM ANY HIGHER EDUCATION.
+MOST OF THEM CAN NEITHER AFFORD TO PAY FULL FEES IN BRITAIN NOR CAN THEY HOPE TO GET A PLACE IN A HIGHER INSTITUTION IN HONG KONG AFTER SECONDARY SCHOOLING IN BRITAIN,+ HE SAID.
/ANOTHER SCHiXE
THURi. AY, MARCH 28, 1985
3 -
ANOTHER SCHEME WHICH NEEDED REVIEW WAS THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME, WHICH WAS INITIATED BY THE GOVERNOR TWO YEARS AGO AND JOINTLY FUNDED BY HONG KONG AND BRITAIN TO ASSIST CHILDREN OF NEEDY FAMILIES TO STUDY IN BRITAIN, MR CHEUNG SAID.
HE OBSERVED IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT MORE STUDENTS WENT OVERSEAS FOR STUDIES IN 1984 THAN EVER BEFORE, THE NUMBER RECEIVING SUBSIDIES FROM THIS FUND SEEMED TO HAVE ACTUALLY DROPPED.
+ IT IS A SITUATION THAT NEEDS INVESTIGATION TO SEE THAT GOVERNMENT FUNDS ARE USED IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY.
+ IT MAY BE THAT THE AMOUNT OFFERED TO EACH IS NOT ENOUGH TO ALLOW A STUDENT STUDY IN BRITAIN.
+ IT MAY BE THAT THE PARENTS ARE UNABLE TO GET FIRM ASSURANCES TO HELP IN TIME TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS.
+IT MAY BE THAT THE MAN-IN-THE-STREET THINKS THAT HE HAS LITTLE HOPE OF A SUBSIDY AND SO DOES NOT APPLY.
+IT MIGHT EVEN BE THAT HONG KONG PARENTS ARE SO WELL OFF THAT THEY DO NOT NEED A SUBSIDY,* HE SAID.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR CHEUNG SAID NOW THAT THE 1997 ISSUE HAD BEEN HAPPILY RESOLVED, PLANS SHOULD BE PUT IN HAND FOR THOSE AREAS CLOSED FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES TO BE SCHEDULED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
+THE SO-CALLED ’CLOSED-AREA* AT THE BORDER NO LONGER SERVED ITS ORIGINAL PURPOSE.
+THE PEOPLE LIVING THERE, WHO HAVE SO LONG BOWED TO THE OVERRIDING NEEDS OF FRONTIER DEFENCE, SHOULD NOW BE ABLE TO SHARE IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE SAID.
HE AGREED THAT IT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A CONVENIENCE TO KEEP THE AREA CLOSED BUT, IN VIEW OF THE NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO LIVED THERE, NO PART SHOULD ANY LONGER BE CUT OFF EXCEPT WHERE IT WAS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
+SO MUCH, INDEED, HAS THE AREA STAGNATED THAT, IT IS SAID, THE PEOPLE ON THE CHINESE SIDE AT SHATAUKOK, IN THEIR GLEAMING NEW HOUSES, LIKE TO TAKE VISITORS FROM ALL PARTS OF KWANGTUNG TO THE BORDER AND POINT ACROSS TO THE HONG KONG SIDE AT A WAY OF LIFE THAT HAS NOT CHANGED IN 50 YEARS,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS NOT GOOD FOR OUR IMAGE FOR THE SHATAUKOK AREA TO BE REGARDED AS A FOLK MUSEUM.
/GN THE.........
THURS If, MARCH 28, 1985
ON THE SETTING UP OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CHEUNG SAID BOTH THE ESTIMATE FOR EXPENDITURE AND THAT FOR MANPOWER COULD BE NO MORE, AT THIS STAGE, THAN REASONABLE ’GUESSTIMATES’.
+ IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS SOME DOUBT THAT THE MANPOWER PROVISION, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT EXPERIMENTAL NEW PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL BE COMPLETELY INEXPERIENCED, WILL MEET THE NEED.
+IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO STRETCH THE WHOLE ORGANISATION TO THE LIMIT OF ITS ACTIVITIES DURING THE PROVISIONAL TERM OF THE COUNCIL SO THAT ANY WEAKNESSES IN THE SYSTEM MAY BE REVEALED AND REMEDIED IN TIME.
+ONE YEAR MAY NOT BE ENOUGH FOR THIS EXERCISE. THE PROGRESS OF THE GREAT EXPERIMENT NEEDS CLOSE WATCHING,♦ HE SAID.
ON THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE AD VALOREM DUTY ON COSMETICS, CHEUNG CONSIDERED IT ACCEPTABLE IF VIEWED SOLELY AS A REVENUE PROTECTION MEASURE, BUT HE HOPED THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE POSSIBLE REPERCUSSIONS OF THIS MEASURE.
♦FIRST, THERE IS AT PRESENT NO CLEAR REGULATIONS ON HOW HJCH AN INDIVIDUAL PERSON CAN BRING BACK INTO HONG KONG UPON RETURN FROM A FOREIGN COUNTRY.
♦PEOPLE CAN EASILY AVOID THE DUTY BY BRINGING IN COSMETICS FROM DUTY FREE COUNTRIES THUS ADVERSELY AFFECTING LOCAL BUSINESS AND DUTY-COLLECTION.
♦SECONDLY, A LARGE PROPORTION OF IMPORTED COSMETICS AND PERFUME ARE FOR RE-EXPORT TO OTHER COUNTRIES.
♦WITH THE IMPOSITION OF THE AD VALOREM DUTY, HONG KONG WILL LOSE HER POSITION AS REGIONAL DISTRIBUTOR OF COSMETICS TO SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES.+ HE SAID.
IN ALL FAIRNESS, MR CHEUNG SAID, THE PROPOSED 25 PER CENT AD VALOREM DUTY SHOULD BE LEVIED ON THE FOB VALUE RATHER THAN THE CIF PRICE BECAUSE THE LATTER INCLUDED THE COST OF FREIGHT AND INSURANCE WHICH WAS NOT PART OF THE COST OF GOODS ITSELF.
CLEAR REGULATIONS MUST BE SET DOWN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM EXPLOITING DUTY-FREE CONCESSIONS AND THE AD VALOREM DUTY SHOULD NOT BE LEVIED ON SAMPLES AND GIFT ITEMS AS THESE WERE NOT FOR SALE, MR CHEUNG SAID.
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SD; /, MARCH 28, 1985
RELIEF URGED COP IMMIGRATION WORK
* *
IMMIGRATION FACILITIES AND PRIVATISATION OF CERTAIN GOVERNMENT SERVICES WERE IDENTIFIED BY THE HON SELINA CHOW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY AS TWO SUBJECTS TUAT SHOULD BE GIVEN IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
MRS CHOW SAID THAT THE SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT THE DIFFERENT POINTS OF ENTRY REQUIRED NOT ONLY LONG TERM PLANNING, WHICH HAD BEEN PROMISED, BUT ALSO SOME IMMEDIATE TEMPORARY RELIEF.
♦LINES AT KAI TAK COUNTERS ARE CONSIDERED LONG IF THEY ARE MORE THAN SIX OR SEVEN DEEP, WHILE TRAVELLERS ARE OFTEN REQUIRED TO WAIT FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR BEFORE THEY ARE PROCESSED AT TAI KOK TSUI AND MAN KAM TO,+ SHE SAID.
WITH LIKELIHOOD OF PRESSURE BUILDING UP AT THESE POINTS AS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA MULTIPLIED, SPECIAL ALLOWANCES MUST BE GIVEN TO THIS AREA OF ACTIVITY, SHE SAID.
TURNING TO PRIVATISATION, MRS CHOW SAID IN VIEW OF THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS OF THE HIVING OFF OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY AND THE LEASING OUT OF GOVERNMENT CAR-PARKS, OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICES SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED FOR SIMILAR TREATMENT WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
PRIVATISATION OF OTHER NON-REVENUE-PRODUCING GOVERNMENT SERVICES SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED AS FAR AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, SHE SAID.
+ 1 HAVE NO DOUBT THIS OVERALL POLICY OF DEGOVERNMENT I SAT I ON IS THE RIGHT PATH TO LESS BUREAUCRACY AND MORE FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY, IF NOT PROFITABILITY,* SHE SAID.
AS FOR THE REVENUE-RAISING PROPOSALS IN THE BUDGET, MRS CHOw REITERATED HER FIRM BELIEF THAT IT WAS ROAD USAGE BY MOTOR VEHICLES THAT NEEDED TO BE CONTROLLED, BY FISCAL MEASURES IF NECESSARY, AND NOT THE OWNERSHIP OF PRIVATE CARS.
+IT IS UNFAIR THAT THE PRIVATE MOTORIST SHOULD BE SINGLED OUT TIME AND AGAIN.
+1 THEREFORE SUPPORT THE INCREASE ON TUNNEL TOLLS wHlLE DEPLORING THE RISE IN FEES FOR VEHICLES AND LICENCES,* SHE SAID.
MRS CHOw ALSO SAID SHE COULD NOT SUPPORT THE PROPOSED WITHDRAWAL OF THE AVERAGE DUTY-FREE ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS OF ALMOST ALL OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
SHE SUGGESTED TnAT THE EXISTING ALLOWANCE SHOULD REMAIN FOR ALL THOSE WHO ENTER HONG KONG BY AIR, WHILE THE NEW RESTRICTION SHOULD APPLY TO ALL OTHER POINTS OF ENTRY.
/♦THOSE RESIDENTS........
THU jAY, MARCH 28, 1985
-►THOSE RESIDENTS wHC HAVE NOT AND ARE NOT LIKELY TO OVER EXPLOIT THE CONCESSION SHOULD NOT BE PENALISED.
+POR THOSE HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS WHO HAVE HITHERTO ABUSED THE SYSTEM, THIS PROPOSED ADJUSTMENT SHOULD MAKE THEIR EFFORTS TOTALLY UNVIABLE,* SHE SAID.
REGARDING THE PROPOSED TAX ON NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, MRS CHOW SAID THE CONTROVERSY RESULTING FROM THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REFERENCE TO SOFT DRINKS AS A PLEASING INDULGENCE AND NOT A NECESSITY SHOULD NOT BE MISTAKEN AS RESISTANCE TO THE DUTY.
REAL RESISTANCE, IF ANY, COULD ONLY BE ESTABLISHED BY MONITORING THE MARKET ACTIVITIES, SHE SAID.
SHE OBSERVED THAT ACCORDING TO SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, PRICES HAD REMAINED STABLE AND AT LEVELS PREDICTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID IT WAS ALSO INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT EVEN AFTER THE INCREASE WHICH TOOK IN THE PROPOSED DUTY, LEVELS WERE ABOUT TEN PER CENT LOWER THAN THE RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE IN THE TRADE.
+IT SEEMS TO INDICATE THAT PRICES AT THEIR PRESENT LEVEL ARE AFFORDABLE AND ACCEPTABLE,* SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, SHE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S COMPARISON OF SOFT DRINKS WITH BEER.
+HE HAS OVERLOOKED THE FACT THAT A CONSIDERABLE PROPORTION CF CONSUMERS OF SOFT DRINKS ARE MINORS. FURTHERMORE I REGRET THAT A DUTY THAT HIT YOUNG PEOPLE THE HARDEST HAD TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR,* SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE DUTY ON COSMETICS, MRS CHOW SAID THAT THE COSTS OF PRODUCTS GIVEN IN THE FOOTNOTE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH WERE MISLEADING, AS THEY HAD NOT INCLUDED MARKETING COSTS SUCH AS ADVERTISING AND PACKAGING.
SHE NOTED THAT NUMEROUS OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS wOULD NOW NEED TO BE RESOLVED BETWEEN THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS AND THE TRADE.
SHE URGED THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO BE RECEPTIVE AND RESPONSIVE TO PRACTICAL CIRCUMSTANCES ON THE GROUND, AND TO KEEP INCONVENIENCE TO THE LOWEST POSSIBLE LEVEL.
MRS CHOW ALSO SAID THE APPLICATION OF THE WHOLESALE PRICE AS THE BASE FOR LOCALl < PRODUCED COSMETICS WOULD INFLATE THE DUTY FOR THIS CATEGORY AS THIS PRICE WOULD HAVE INCLUDED Th£ hefty MARKETING COSTS AND PROF TS.
/Al ART FROM .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
7
APART FROM CREATING AN ANOMALY, SHE CONSIDERED IT MIGHT DROVE TO BE AN UNFAIR DISINCENTIVE FOR THIS LOCAL INDUSTRY.
FINALLY, MRS CHOW DISMISSED THAT ARGUEMENT THAT THE COSMETICS DUTY a AS DISCRIMINATIVE AGAINST THE FEMALE SEX SINCE SUCH ITEMS AS AFTERSHAVE LOTION AND HAIRSPRAY WERE INCLUDED.
♦NEVERTHELESS, JUST SO THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF ANY BIAS AGAINST WOMEN, THE DEFINITION OF COSMETICS MUST ALLOW -OR THE COVERAGE OF PRODUCTS CATERING TO BOTH SEXES,+ SHE SAID.
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’NEED TO SUSTAIN CONFIDENCE STRESSED’ ******
THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG HAD REMOVED A LOT OF SPECULATIONS AND UNCERTAINTIES ON WHAT SORT OF ECONOMIC SYSTEM WOULD BE PUT IN PLACE IN HONG KONG TO PRESERVE ITS VIABILITY FOR INVESTORS, THE HON MARIA TAM SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE BUDGET DEBATE, MISS TAM SAID THERE WAS A PR IMA FACIE RETURN OF CONFIDENCE HERE.
HOWEVER, SHE WARNED THAT SUCH CONFIDENCE MUST ALSO BE SUSTAINED BY CONCRETE EVIDENCE OF THE FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION BY BRITAIN AND CHINA, AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED.
♦SHOULD THE JOINT DECLARATION NOT BE PERCEIVED TO BE FAITHFULLY IMPLEMENTED, THE EROSION OF THE CONFIDENCE HERE WILL BE SERIOUS ENOUGH TO DEFEAT ALL THE EFFORT IN GOOD BUDGETING BY OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY,+ SHE STRESSED.
MISS TAM SAID IT WAS WIDELY REPORTED THAT THE +HONG KONG PEOPLE+ WOULD BE CONSULTED ON AND COULD PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW.
SHE BELIEVED THAT IF THIS WAS THE CASE, THE +PEOPLE OF HONG KONG+ WOULD WELCOME IT AS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA’S UNDERSTANDING OF OUR CONCERN, AND THAT CHINA WAS WILLING TO MEET THEM.
THIS WOULD BOOSTER BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE l\ THE TERRITORY, SHE SAID.
MISS TAM SAID THIS wAS THE SAME CASE WITH THE JOINT LIAISON
/SHE APPRECIATED .......
:huksday, march 28, 1985
8 -
3Hc APPRECIATED that as a diplomatic group it might not be □OSSIFi.E TO HAVE IN ITS NUMBERS NON-GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM HONG KONG.
HOwEVER, SHE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD DEFINITELY INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS COULD PARTICIPATE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DISCUSS ON, FOR EXAMPLE, INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS, AMONG MANY OTHER ISSUES WHICH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP MUST TACKLE UNDER ITS LIST OF PRIORITIES IN THE FIRST HALF j.- THE PERIOD FROM ITS FORMATION TO THE FIRST OF JULY 1997.
+AND AS FAR AS THE SPECIALIST SUB-GROUPS ARE CONCERNED, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WITH RELEVANT EXPERTISE MUST ALSO BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE, AND IN GENERAL, PREFERENCE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO HONG KONG CITIZENS OF CHINESE ORIGIN,* SHE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE PROPOSED LAND COMMISSION, MISS TAM SAID IT wAS CRUCIAL THAT NOT ONLY LOCAL LAND EXPERTS SHOULD BE MEMBERS, BUT ALSO THAT THE COMMISSION WAS SEEN TO BE ACCOMMODATING REQUESTS FOR FUNDS, AND, IF NECESSARY, REQUESTS FOR MORE LAND TO BE PUT FORTH ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG TO ENSURE PROPER DEVELOPMENT IN THIS TERRITORY.
SHE SAID THAT FROM TIME TO TIME THE PROGRESS ON ALL THE THREE BODIES — THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE LAND COMMISSION AND THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE — SHOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE TO ASSURE THEM THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS BEING UPHELD EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
COMMENTING MORE SPECIFICALLY ON THE BUDGET, MISS TAM SAID IT MIGHT BE CRITICISED FOR HAVING NO POSITIVE PROPOSALS TO SHOW THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO ENCOURAGE LONG-TERM INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO FURTHER TRIM DOWN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THUS REFLECTING THE ATTITUDE OF A CARE TAKING RATHER THAN CARING GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, JUDGING FROM THE FACT THAT 17 PER CENT OF THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE WAS SPENT ON EDUCATION, AND COUPLED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTANCE OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION NUMBER ONE REPORT, SHE FELT THAT THERE WAS CLEARLY THE WILL TO MAKE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT ON HUMAN RESOURCES.
MISS TAM CONSIDERED THAT THIS wAS THE RIGHT TIME TO RE-EXAMINE THE FRINGE BENEFIT PACKAGE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.
+1 BELIEVE, IN LA*, THERE ARE NO MAJOR OBSTACLES FOR GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE SCALE OF FRINGE BENEFITS BUT OFTEN THERE IS THE QUESTION " HOw TO ACHIEVE THIS WITHOUT AFFECTING THE MORALE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE,* SHE SAID.
ISS TAM SAID SHE HA: BEEN HAVING INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WITH LOCAL OFFICERS OF DIFFERENT RANKS SINCE SEPTEMBER 1984.
/SHE )Ii COVERED.......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
9
SHE DISCOVERED THAT THERE wAS NO MAJOR INDICATION THAT THE FREE PASSAGES TO ENGLAND, O» AN EXTREMELY SPACIOUS QUARTER UP THE °EAK, OR THE POSSIBILITIES OF THEIR CHILDREN STUDYING IN BOARDING SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND BEING IN ANY WAY A MAJOR CONSIDERATION OF THEIR COMMITMENT IN CONTINUING TO SERVE THE GOVERNMENT.
+l DON’T THINK IT WILL SERIOUSLY AFFECT MORALE IF ANY OF THE EXPATRIATE ORIENTATED TERMS OF SERVICE OR FRINGE BENEFITS IS GRADUALLY REMOVED. WE MAY IN FACT FIND THAT TO THE LOCAL OFFICERS THIS IS NO LONGER A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN THEIR DECISION TO STAY OR JOIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE,+ SHE SAID.
MISS TAM ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SPENT AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT EACH YEAR ON OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS FEES ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND ON IMPORTED COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
SHE URGED THAT WHERE ALL OTHER FACTORS WERE COMPATIBLE, GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER GIVING PRIORITY TO OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS .'TH A LOCAL BRANCH IN HONG KONG, OR OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS JTH LOCAL INVESTMENT.
THIS WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY COULD BENEFIT FROM THE MONEY THE GOVERNMENT SPENT ON PURCHASING OVERSEAS EXPERTISE AND EQUIPMENT, SHE SAID.
-----0------
MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME PROPOSED * * * *
A MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME WAS PROPOSED BY DR THE HON HENRIETT IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE TODAY.
DR IP NOTED THAT SOME $4 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN 1985-86, AND OF THIS SUM, THE PUBLIC PAID A MERE TWO PER CENT, OR $0.1 BILLION.
*1 CONSIDER THAT GOVERNMENT CAN AFFORD ONLY THE CAPITAL OUTLAY POR DEVELOPING ADEQUATE MEDICAL SERVICES, THE RECURRENT COST FOR THE OVERALL ADMINISTRATION IN THE CONTROL, SURVEILLANCE AND PLANNING, AND LASTLY THE RECURRENT COST IN GIVING FULL MEDICAL SUBVENTION TO THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY ON SOCIAL SECURITY, NAMELY THE OLD, THE HANDICAPPED AND THE VERY POOR,+ SHE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON MEDICAL SERVICES WORKED OUT TO SE >616 A PERSON A YEAR OR AROUND $50 A MONTH, DR IP SAID THA" |F EVERY ABLE-BODIED PERSON PAID AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT ON MEDICAL INSURANCE, IT WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO BALANCE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ON THIS HEAD.
/+A BASIC
THURSDAY, KARCH 28, 1985
10 -
+A BASIC MINIMUM PREMIUM CAN BE WORKED OUT WHICH EVERYONE MUST PURCHASE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY, ON BEHALF OF THE INSURED MUST REPAY GOVERNMENT, AT THE RATES OF CHARGES ESTABLISHED BY GOVERNMENT FOR THIRD CLASS SERVICE, AT COST SUCH THAT IN FACT, THE INSURED WILL RECEIVE FREE UNLIMITED CONSULTATIONS AND TREATMENT.
+ANYONE IS AT LIBERTY TO PURCHASE MEDICAL INSURANCE AT A HIGHER PREMIUM AND CAN ENJOY PRIVATE MEDICAL SERVICES OR FIRST AND SECOND CLASS SERVICES AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AT HIGHER RATES OF CHARGES,* DR l° ELABORATED.
♦THIS PROPOSAL IS A vAjoR CHANGE, THE FEASIBILITY WILL TAKE TIME TO WORK OUT AND IT MUST EE PHASED IN, BUT I SEE THIS AS BEING INEVITABLE,* SHE ADDED.
ON THE MERITS OF THE SCHEME, SHE SAID THAT OTHER THAN BEING A METHOD TO RAISE REVENUE FOR GOVERNMENT, IT WOULD ALSO OFFER THE OPTION TO THE BETTER-OFF PUBLIC TO GO FOR PRIVATE MEDICAL SERVICES THEREBY REDUCING THE OVERCROWDING THAT EXISTED IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
IT MIGHT ALSO BRING DECENTRALISATION, FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE, FLEXIBILITY AND COMPETITIVENESS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN THAT THEY COULD GENERATE THEIR OWN FUNDS THROUGH STANDARDISED PAYMENT OUT BY MEDICAL INSURANCE.
+MY PROPOSALS ARE IN LINE WITH THE CONCEPT OF MY HONOURABLE COLLEAGUE, DR HARRY FANG, NAMELY, THE INCREASE IN MEDICAL CHARGES, PRIVATISATION, BLOCK GRANTS TO HOSPITALS, FLEXIBILITY IN MANAGEMENT AND DECENTRALISATION.
+IN THE PHASING IN OF THIS, GOVERNMENT NEED NOT CHARGE THE FULL RATE, BUT AIM AT MEETING HALF ITS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. THE INSURANCE PREMIUM WILL THEN BE AT A LEVEL MORE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PUBLIC,* SHE SAID.
+LASTLY, A RECOGNISED MEDICAL INSURANCE SCHEME WHICH GOVERNMENT CAN INITIATE WOULD PAVE THE WAY TO A MORE STANDARDISED CHARGE BY PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS,* SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF FRINGE BENEFITS AND ITS METHOD OF TAXATION, DR IP SAID OVER THE YEARS, THE VALUE AND THE VOLUME OF THESE NON-TAXABLE FRINGE BENEFITS HAD GRADUALLY INCREASED TO A POINT WHERE IT WAS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT INEQUITY.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER TO TAX FRINGE BENEFITS AT THEIR TRUE VALUE WHEREVER THIS COULD BE WORKED OUT AND DONE SIMPLY, THUS BROADENING THE TAX BASE AND THROUGH THIS KEEPING THE OVERALL PERCENTAGE OF THE TAX RATE LOW.
/AS A
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
AS A START, SHE SAID, GOVERNMENT COULD CONSIDER TAXING EDUCATION ALLOWANCE, lEAVE AND PASSAGE ALLOWANCE AND FREE HOUSING ACCOMMODATION.
REGARDING THE DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DR IP SAID SHE WAS GLAD THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD CLARIFIED THAT PURE SOYA BEAN MILK WAS EXEMPTED FROM HIS DUTY PROPOSALS, THOUGH SHE WAS Aware that this concession might not entirely satisfy some COMMERCIAL FIRMS WHOSE SOYA PRODUCTS CONTAINED FLAVOURINGS.
DR IP WENT ON TO QUESTION SOME ESTABLISHED POLICIES WHICH HAD A FINANCIAL IMPLICATION TO THE BUDGET.
SHE ALSO QUESTIONED THE RATIONALE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR GRANTING OVERSEAS EDUCATION AND PASSAGES ALLOWANCE TO CHILDREN OF LOCAL SERVANTS WHEN THE USE OF CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF SPEECH IS BEING ENCOURAGED; THE GRANTING OF SIMILAR BENEFITS TO CHILDREN OF EXPATRIATE OFFICERS WHEN THE ENGLISH SCHOOL FOUNDATION SCHOOLS ARE NOT FULL ; THE GIVING OF LEAVE PASSAGES TO LOCAL OFFICERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHEN HONG KONG IS THEIR HOME’ FREE PASSAGE ALLOWANCE FOR EXPATRIATE OFFICERS WHEN THEY GO ON HOLIDAY RATHER THAN RETURN HOME AND THE ALLOCATION OF LARGE FLATS FOR SINGLE EXPATRIATE OFFICERS.
♦WOULD THE LACK OF INCENTIVES FOR THOSE WHO FORFEIT BENEFITS SUCH AS PASSAGE, LEAVE, HOUSING, OVERSEAS EDUCATION ALLOWANCES-OR THE LACK OF DISINCENTIVES FOR THOSE FULLY UTILISE THEM, ACTUALLY ENCOURAGE UNNECESSARY GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE?* SHE ASKED.
SHE WONDERED IF IT WOULD NOT BE OVERALL CHEAPER FOR GOVERNMENT AND MORE FLEXIBLE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS IF THEY WERE PAID MORE WITH A FRACTION OF THE FRINGE BENEFITS IN CASH INSTEAD.
ON THE ACCOUNTING PRESENTATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES, DR IP QUERIED THE PRACTICE OF PUTTING ALL PERSONNEL RELATED EXPENSES UNDER ONE HEAD RATHER THAN UNDER THE RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ALSO THAT OF DEPARTMENTALISING THE COST OF UTILITIES AND RENT WHEN DEPARTMENTS ARE HOUSED IN SHARED PREMISES.
SHE NOTED THAT THE ESTIMATES MADE NO MENTION OF THE PENSION BENEFITS WHICH WOULD BE EARNED BY THE CIVIL SERVANTS IN 1985-86 AND HENCE THE INCREASE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S LIABILITY TO MAKE FUTIRE PAYMENTS.
♦ IF GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO OFFER PENSIONS TO CIVIL SERVANTS, RATHER THAN DEVELOP TOWARDS THE CONCEPT OF GRATUITY, WOULD SETTING ASIDE A FUND, THE ANNUAL ADDITION TO IT BEING THE REAL INCREASE IN FUTURE COMMITTMENT FOR THIS YEAR, REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY OUR EXISTING EXPENDITURE?* SHE SAID.
ANOTHER PROPOSAL MADE BY DR IP WAS THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROMOTE CONTRACT TER'-'S a I TH GRATUITY FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.
/SHE SAID
ThUHJDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
12
SHE SAID CONTRACT ’ERMS wOULD REPLACE ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS, FRINGE BENEFITS, PENSIONS wI TH A TAXABLE GRATUITY, OFFER A HIGHER SALARY, ALLOw PREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND A FREE FLOW OF -XPERTISE BETWEEN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ATTRACT A HIGHER CALIBRE OF STAFF AND GENERATE THE BEST OUTPUT FROM STAFF BECAUSE NO REDUNDANT °ERSONS WOULD BE KEPT IN A POST.
+ I FEEL SURE THAT MANY RECENT RECRUITS AND POTENTIAL RECRUITS WOULD BE KEEN TO OPT FOR CONTRACT APPOINTMENTS,* SHE SAID.
+IF WITH GENTLE PERSUASION IN THE FORM OF TAXING FRINGE PENEFIFTS AND GRADUAL LOWERING OF SOME UNCALLED FOR FRINGES, GOVERNMENT SHOULD SUCCEED IN MAKING GRADUALLY ALL THOSE POSTS WHICH IT FEELS ARE UNNECESSARY TO BE PENSIONABLE, INTO CONTRACT APPOINTMENTS.
+l AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT THERE IS NO PLACE FOR PENSIONABLE TERMS. I ONLY ASK THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD REVIEW ITS POLICIES TO SEE WHETHER THE MAJORITY OF CIVIL SERVANTS NEED TO BE ON PENSIONABLE TERMS,* SHE SAID.
TURNING TO SQUATTER CONTROL, DR IP SAID SHE WAS CONCERNED WITH THE $184 MILLION SPENT ON THIS ITEM, WHICH WAS 64 PER CENT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S EXPENDITURE.
SHE STRESSED WE MUST FIND A CHEAPER METHOD FOR SQUATTER CONTROL.
+ IF IT IS CHEAPER TO REGIONAL ISE SQUATTER CONTROL TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS, LET’S DO IT.
+IF THERE ARE MODERN EQUIPMENT AND CHEAPER TECHNIQUES OF SURVEILLANCE, LET’S TRY OUT A PILOT SCHEME.
+IF BY PAYING FINANCIAL AWARD TO INFORMERS MIGHT SAVE GOVERNMENT’S MONEY ON SQUATTER CONTROL, LET US DO IT,* SHE URGED.
SHE WAS AWARE THAT A VALUE FOR MONEY EXERCISE WAS BEING DONE AND SHE SAID SHE LOOKED FORWARD TO SUCH A STUDY OFFERING A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE.
LASTLY, DR IP URGED GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER STANDARDISING METHODS OF FUNDING ON AS SIMPLE A BASIS AS POSSIBLE FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING HOSPITAL BEDS, WELFARE PROJECTS, SCHOOL PLACES, POLYTECHNIC, COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PLACES.
/CONCEDING THAT .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 13 -
CONCEDING THAT NO TwO ORGANISATIONS, HOWEVER SIMILAR, WOULD SE ABLE TO RUN ON AN EXACT BUDGET, SHE SUGGESTED THAT ALL ESTABLISHMENTS BE ALLOWED TO GENERATE MORE FUNDS TO MEET THEIR OWN EXPENDITURE BASED ON THEIR OWN ABOVE STANDARD SERVICES, PROVIDED THE EXTRA CHARGES FELL * I TH IN A CERTAIN SET AND REASONABLE LIMIT.
THIS WOULD GIVE MUCH HOPE FOR FLEXIBILITY TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS AND TO SOME EXTENT, ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO CHOOSE THE INSTITUTIONS ON A VALUE cOR MONEY BASIS, SHE ANALYSED.
*wlTH ADEQUATE PROVISIONS EUILT IN THE STANDARD FUNDING SYSTEM, PROVIDENT ^UNDS SnOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND NOT GOVERNMENT,* DR IP CONCLUDED.
------0-------
PEAL LUXURIES SEEN AS REVENUE SOURCE
* * * *
PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE REAL LUXURIES IN LIFE IF MORE REVENUE SOURCES ARE TO BE CONSIDERED, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
+ IF MORE SOURCES OF REVENUE WERE TO BE TAPPED, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO LUXURY ITEMS SUCH AS IMPORTED HIGH-QUALITY CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES, FURNITURE, JEWELS AND WATCHES, LUXURIOUS CARS AND PLEASURE CRAFT,* MR CHAN SAID AT THE ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+l UNDERSTAND THAT THE PROFIT MARGIN OF THESE COMMODITIES IS GENERALLY PRETTY HANDSOME AND THE TAX TO BE IMPOSED IS LIKELY TO EE READILY ABSORBED BY BOTH THE WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS AS WELL AS THE CONSUMERS,* HE SAID.
IN ANY CASE, MR CHAN SAID, FOR PEOPLE WHO PREFERRED THE FINEST IMPORTED DESIRABLES, +l DO NOT THINK A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TAX AND REVENUE FOR GOVERNMENT WILL HURT AT ALL.*
+AN ADDITIONAL TAX OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS LEVIED ON A LUXURIOUS CAR IS ALREADY EQUIVALENT TO THE COLLECTION OF TWENTY CENTS EACH FROM SAY, 5 000 BOXES OF MILK, BUT THE DISTINCTION IS OBVIOUS,* HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH INDIRECT TAXATION WAS MORE DESIRABLE THAN DIRECT TAXATION AND WAS LESS PAINFUL TO BEAR, IT MUST BE KEPT IN MIND THAT INDIRECT TAXATION MEASURES MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO HARM THE LIVELIHOOD OF OUR COMMUNITY, MR CHAN SAID.
WHILST THE INCREASES PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WERE FAIRLY MODEST AND THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE THEM IN THEIR STRIDE IN DUE COURSE, MR CHAN CAUTIONED THAT THERE MUST BE A LIMIT AS TO WHAT SHOULD BE MORE HEAVILY TAXED AND wHAT SHOULu BE THE MAXIMUM LIMIT.
/TOR EXAMFLE ,
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
1U
FOR EXAMPLE, MR CHAN SAID, IF MORE INCREASE ON AIRPORT TAX WERE TO BE CONTEMPLATED YET AGAIN, THIS WOULD ONLY HAVE A DAMPENING EFFECT ON THE TOURIST INDUSTRY AND ALSO REDUCE THE ENTHUSIASM OF OUR OWN PEOPLE IN SEEING THE OUTSIDE WORLD WHICH WAS SO IMPORTANT AN INCENTIVE FOR HARD WORK AND ALSO A PROCESS FOR THEM TO ACQUIRE A MORE COSMOPOLITAN OUTLOOK.
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHAN SAID HE WAS GLAD TO LEARN THAT THE POLICY OF ZERO GROWTH HAD BEEN CAREFULLY FOLLOWED AND THAT STAFF REQUIRED FOR THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES AND THE PROVISION OF NEW SERVICES WERE PROVIDED THROUGH REDEPLOYMENT, INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY AND ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY WORK THROUGH POLICY REVIEW.
WHILE HEARTILY ENDORSING THIS APPROACH, HE SUGGESTED THAT ALL CONTROLLING OFFICERS, IN PRESENTING THEIR ANNUAL ESTIMATES TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO OUTLINE THEIR EFFORTS MADE IN THE PRECEDING YEAR IN REDUCING COST AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IN THEIR DEPARTMENTS.
+IN THIS CONTEXT, AND IN ADDITION TO SENDING THEIR SENIOR OFFICERS TO ATTEND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSES APTLY ADVOCATED BY MY COLLEAGUE, MR S.L. CHEN, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT EACH CONTROLLING OFFICER SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED WILL BE PROPERLY PRACTISED AND IMPLEMENTED WITHIN HIS ORGANISATION AND THAT SPECIAL OFFICERS ARE ASSIGNED TO MONITOR THEIR PROGRESS IN THIS ASPECT,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT CONTROLLING OFFICERS SHOULD ALSO MONITOR THE PRODUCTIVITY AND COURTESY OF CIVIL SERVANTS, MANY OF WHOM STILL HAD THE +IRON RICE BOWL* MENTALITY.
MR CHAN ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWED CIVIL SERVANTS, NOT JUST THOSE WITH EXCEPTIONAL ' ABILITIES, TO CONTINUE WORKING BEYOND THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE AND RECEIVING THEIR PENSIONS AT THE SAME TIME.
WHILE HE DID NOT OBJECT TO THIS SYSTEM, HE QUESTIONED WHAT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S DEFINITION OF EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY, WHO DECIDED WHICH OFFICERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE BEYOND THE NORMAL RETIREMENT AGE AND WHAT HAD BEEN DONE TO ENSURE THAT YOUNGER OFFICERS WOULD BE ABLE TO SHOULDER FULLY THE RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN THEIR TURN EVENTUALLY CAME.
+WHILST I AGREE THAT WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST TO RETAIN THE EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED SUBSTANTIALLY TOWARDS THE SUCCESS OF OUR SOCIETY, I AM AFRAID I DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE IMPLICATION THAT THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH QUALIFIED CONDIDATES TO REPLACE THEM.
+IF SO, WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF SPENDING SO MUCH ON OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES?* MR CHAN ASKED.
/HE URGED
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
15
HE URGED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PRESENT POLICY BE CONDUCTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AIMING AT STRIKING A PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN RETAINING IRREPLACEABLE TALENTS WITH THE MOST ECONOMICAL AND PRACTICAL MEANS OF GROOMING UPCOMING OFFICERS TO SHOULDER HEAVIER RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE CRUCIAL YEARS LYING AHEAD OF US.
ON CONSIDERING FUNDING FOR NEW PROJECTS, MR CHAN SAID HE BELIEVED THE DISTRICT BOARDS WERE ONE OF THE MOST SUITABLE FORUMS FOR DISCUSSING THE PRIORITIES IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND WHERE THE MONEY SHOULD COME FROM.
HE WELCOMED GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE IN CONSULTING DISTRICT BOARDS ON MAJOR POLICY ISSUES SUCH AS THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SCHEME.
+THE VERY FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING RENTAL SUBSIDY IS NOW BEING STUDIED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND I AM SURE THAT DISTRICT BOARDS CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO SETTING THE PR I OR I TIES.
+ IT IS ONLY THROUGH PROCESSES LIKE THESE THAT GOVERNMENT GET TO KNOW BETTER HOW BEST TO SPEND PUBLIC MONEY.
+MOREOVER, PEOPLE NOT INVOLVED IN THE WORKING OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MAY GRADUALLY BE EDUCATED WITH A BETTER SENSE OF BALANCE AND NOT, AS SOME MAY THINK, JUST SHOUT FOR +FREE LUNCHES* OR SERVICES WITHOUT PAY,* HE SAID.
------o-------
TRAINING OF SCHOOL HEADS NEEDED * * * * *
MORE RESOURCES SHOULD BE DEVOTED TO THE TRAINING AND UPDATING OF SCHOOL HEADS, THE HON RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGCO ANNUAL BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE SAID IT WAS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO ASSESS WHETHER STUDENTS HAD ACQUIRED A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO WORK AND LIFE IN GENERAL THROUGH THE EDUCATION PROCESS.
+ESPECIALLY WORRYING IS THE UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR OF A SMALL MINORITY OF STUDENTS, WHICH MUST HAVE AFFECTED THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS AND EVEN THEIR TEACHERS,* SHE ADDED.
+ARE THE SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND THE TEACHING STAFF EQUIPPED TO HANDLE SUCH NASTY PROBLEMS AND CAN THEY FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF POSITIVE ATTITUDES AMONG STUDENTS?* SHE ASKED.
/Hrs fan
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 16 -
MRS FAN BELIEVED THE ANSWER LAY IN APPROPRIATE TRAINING FOR THE TRAINERS - THE TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.
IF FACED WITH LIMITED RESOURCES, MRS FAN SAID SHE WOULD GIVE PRIORITY TO THE TRAINING OF HEADS OF SCHOOLS, BECAUSE THEY WERE THE LEADERS, THEY TOOK DECISIONS AND MADE POLICIES.
MRS FAN ADDED THAT SHE WAS NOT TRYING TO BELITTLE THE IN-SERVICE TRAINING THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENTLY ENGAGED IN BUT SHE FELT THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING UNIT, WHICH WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS IMPORTANT AREA OF WORK WAS CLEARLY RESTRAINED BY THE LACK OF RESOURCES AND AS A RESULT, COULD ONLY OFFER TRAINING TO NEW AND INEXPER IENCED HEADS.
TURNING TO THE TAXATION SYSTEM, MRS FAN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PLACE PRIORITY ON MAINTAINING OUR CREDIBILITY IN PRESERVING THE BASIC FEATURES OF OUR TAX SYSTEM.
SHE REFERRED TO THE RESERVATIONS SHE EXPRESSED ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SUGGESTION IN THE 1984 BUDGET OF TAXING OFF-SHORE INTEREST WHICH COULD BE PERCEIVED AS A DEPARTURE FROM OUR TERRITORIAL SOURCE TAXATION CONCEPT.
+1 WAS AFRAID THAT THESE MEASURES MAY NOT BE ADVANTAGEOUS TO HONG KONG IN PRESERVING OUR REPUTATION AND POSITION AS BEING THE THIRD LARGEST FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE WORLD.
+IT IS WITH REGRET THAT I NOTED THE NUMEROUS REPRESENTATIONS AGAINST THE SAID BILL AFTER ITS ENACTMENT, AND THAT THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES REGISTERED IN HONG KONG BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE REVISED INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENTAL INTERPRETATION AND PRACTICE NOTES NO. 13 IN SEPTEMBER 1984,+ SHE SAID.
SHE THEREFORE WELCOMED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARK IN THE BUDGET SPEECH THAT +SOME OF THE REPRESENTATIONS HAVE MERITS AND MAY WELL REQUIRE FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW.*
+1 SINCERELY HOPE THAT THE NEW AMENDMENT WILL TAKE CARE OF THE VALID RESERVATIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC, AND WILL CLEARLY PRESERVE OUR TERRITORIAL SOURCE TAXATION CONCEPT,+ SHE SAID.
ON THE INTRODUCTION OF ANTI-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION, MRS FAN SAID SHE FOUND THE PHRASE +TOTALLY EFFECTIVE DEFENCE* WORRYING, NOT BECAUSE SHE DOUBTED WHETHER THIS OBJECTIVE WAS ATTAINABLE BUT RATHER BECAUSE IN THE COURSE OF TRYING TO ACHIEVE THIS, OUR COMPARATIVELY SIMPLE TAXATION SYSTEM MIGHT EVOLVE INTO A COMPLICATED MAZE WHICH HAD THE EFFECT OF FRIGHTENING AwAY THE GENUINE INVESTORS AND AT THE SAME TIME, CREATING OTHER LOOPHOLES FOR TAX AVOIDANCE.
/+IF EFFSCTJVB .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
17
♦IF EFFECTIVE ANTI-AVOIDANCE MEASURES CAN BE ARRIVED AT WHILE MAINTAINING A SIMPLE Tax STRUCTURE, IT SHALL HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT.
♦OTHERWISE, THE REVENUE GAINED THROUGH SUCH MEASURE IS NOT WORTH THE SACRIFICE,* SHE STRESSED.
COMMENTING ON THE TRAINING OF CIVIL SERVANTS, MRS FAN SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONDUCT AN IN-DEPTH REVIEW ON THE NEED AND VALUE OBTAINED ON ALL THE OVERSEAS TRAINING PROVIDED FOR MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SHE WONDERED IF TRAINING COULD NOT BE DONE LOCALLY, ADDING THAT SHE WAS MOST IMPRESSED BY THE PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE CENTRE.
TURNING TO ANOTHER ISSUE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, MRS FAN DESCRIBED AS +A SENSIBLE MANAGEMENT DECISION* TO TRANSFER INFORMATION OFFICERS GRADE POSTS TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SHE SAID TWO OTHER GRADES - THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS AND THE DATA PROCESSING STAFF DESERVED SIMILAR TREATMENT AND SUCH A MOVE COULD RESULT IN BETTER MANAGEMENT AND UTILISATION OF MANPOWER.
ANOTHER SUGGESTION MADE BY MRS FAN WAS THAT REVENUE SHOULD BE RAISED FROM THOSE WHO WERE USING THE HUNG HOM CONTROL POINT, THE LO WU CONTROL POINT AND MAN KAM TO.
SHE DISPUTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S ARGUMENT THAT THE FACILITIES PROVIDED WERE PATENTLY INADEQUATE.
SHE MAINTAINED IT WAS NOT FAIR FOR THE TAXPAYER TO SUBSIDISE THOSE WHO VISITED CHINA AND THAT IT SEEMED MORE PALATABLE TO CHARGE A SMALL FEE NOW, WHICH WOULD BE ADJUSTED STEP BY STEP WHEN THE FACILITIES IMPROVED.
+FIFTEEN MILLION PASSENGERS TRAVELLED TO CHINA BY LAND IN 1984. IF A $5 IS LEVIED, THIS WILL YIELD S75 MILLION IN REVENUE.
+PURELY ON FISCAL GROUNDS, IT SEEMS RATIONAL TO TAP THIS SOURCE CF INCOME,* SHE SAID.
-------o ---------
/18........
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 18 -
'DUTY FREE CONCESSION UNFAIR TO LOCAL RESIDENTS’
******
THE INTRODUCTION OF A MINIMUM PERIOD OF ABSENCE ABROAD BEFORE THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION APPLIED WAS SUGGESTED BY THE HON PAULINE NG AT THE BUDGET DEBATE TODAY.
NOTING THAT THERE WOULD BE NO INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXATION, SHE SAID INDIRECT TAX SEEMED INEVITABLE TO MAKE UP THE BUDGETARY DEFICIT, BUT FELT IT WAS UNFAIR TO LIMIT THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG.
OTHER COUNTRIES, SHE SAID, DID NOT IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON THE TYPES OF LIQUOR TO WHICH THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION APPLIED.
+IT IS KNOWN TO ALL THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DRINK MUCH MORE SPIRITS THAN WINE, YET IT WAS THE CANCELLATION OF THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR SPIRITS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS THAT WAS PROPOSED,+ SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THE MAIN AIM OF THE PROPOSAL WAS TO DETER THOSE TRAVELLERS WHO BRING DUTY FREE ITEMS TO HONG KONG AS A FULL-TIME JOB, AND PROPOSED THE INTRODUCTION OF A MINIMUM PERIOD CF ABSENCE ABROAD BEFORE THE CONCESSION APPLIED.
+l BELIEVE IT WILL NOT RESULT IN ANY SERIOUS CONGESTION AT THE CUSTOMS CONTROL POINTS AS THE DATES OF DEPARTURE AND RETURN ARE CLEARLY INDICATED IN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND ONLY SOME SIMPLE ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE PROCEDURE.
+l PROPOSE THE MINIMUM PERIOD OF ABSENCE BE SET AT 72 HOURS AND WITH IT, THE REVENUE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THIS REGARD WILL BE PROTECTED,+ SHE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE NEW TAXATION MEASURES, MRS NG SAID IN VIEW CF THE PECULIAR ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG, IT WAS DESIRABLE TO HAVE THE TAX RATE MAINTAINED AT A LOW LEVEL WHEREAS THE RATE OF DIRECT TAX HAD ALREADY BEEN INCREASED IN 1984.
SHE WAS PLEASED AT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL THAT THE BAND TO WHICH THE 20 PER CENT RATE OF TAX AT PRESENT APPLIED BE WIDENED FROM $10 000 TO $20 000, WHICH WOULD BENEFIT THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP.
SHE ALSO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER OFFERING CONCESSION IN PERSONAL TAXATION FOR SINGLE PERSONS AS WELL.
COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSAL TO LEVY TAX ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, MRS NG SUGGESTED THAT SUCH MILK-BASED DRINKS, LIKE MILK, SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE AMBIT OF THE DUTY.
/ON GOVEB.WJJCT.........
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 19 -
ON GOVERNMENT FINANCE, SHE SAID THE PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION OF OUR DEFICITS WAS A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT AND COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT FOR HAVING ADOPTED STEADY AND WELL-PLANNED MEASURES.
♦IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE RESTRAINT ON GROWTH OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE HAS PLAYED A VERY EFFECTIVE PART IN REDUCING THE DEFICIT AND SUPPRESSING INFLATION,+ SHE SAID.
TO HOLD THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WELL BELOW THE RATE OF GROWTH IN GDP, MRS NG SAID DEPARTMENT HEADS MUST HAVE MADE STRENUOUS EFFORTS TO RESTRICT THE DEPARTMENTAL EXPENDITURE AND THE GROWTH OF MANPOWER.
♦I AM VERY PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE CONCEPT OF VALUE FOR MONEY HAS BECOME A STRICT GUIDELINE FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR,* SHE SAID. THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RESTRICTED, AND WORK EFFICIENCY ENHANCED WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SHE SAID.
-----o------
'TAX LAW SHOULD NOT HURT INNOCENT’ X X X X
LEGISLATION AGAINST TAX-AVOIDANCE SHOULD AIM AT CASES WHERE THERE WAS AN INTENTION TO EVADE TAX AND SHOULD AVOID CATCHING THE INNOCENT AS WELL AS THE GUILTY, THE HON PETER POON SAID.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY), HE SAID HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION AGAINST TAX AVOIDANCE AND AGREED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD CLEARLY REQUIRE THE MOST CAREFUL DRAFTING AND SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF EQUALLY CAREFUL SCRUTINY BY THE LEGISLATURE.
MR POON ANALYSED THE THREE OBJECTIVES OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSALS AND PINPOINTED SOME OF THE DEFICIENCIES IN THE EXISTING ANTI-AVOI DANCE PROVISIONS IN THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE.
COMMENTING MORE SPECIFICALLY ON ANTI-AVOI DANCE LEGISLATION, HE SAID EVEN THOUGH LEGISLATION AGAINST TAX EVASION WERE CALLED ANTI-AVOI DANCE LEGISLATION, TAX AVOIDANCE, WHICH MIGHT BE LAWFUL, MUST BE CLEARLY DISTINGUISHED FROM TAX EVASION WHICH WAS ILLEGAL.
/♦IT US£D........
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
20
+ |T USED TO BE QUITE SIMPLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ’TAX EVASION' I.E. NON-DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FACTS OR THE PROVISION OF FALSE INFORMATION WHICH IS DEFINITELY ILLEGAL AND ’TAX AVOIDANCE’ I.E. PROPER USE OF RELIEFS AND OTHER LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS TO MINIMISE A PERSON’S TAX BILL WHICH IS LEGAL AND NOT CONSIDERED BY MANY AS MORALLY REPREHENSIBLE,* MR POON SAI D.
TO PUT IT SIMPLY, HE EXPLAINED, IF A PERSON COULD DO BUSINESS LEGALLY THROUGH EITHER METHOD A OR METHOD B, HE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE METHOD WHICH WOULD MINIMISE HIS TAX BURDEN.
+l AM REFERRING TO GENUINE BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS, LEGAL AND PROPERLY EVIDENCED, AS AGAINST ARTIFICIAL OR SHAM TRANSACTIONS.
+AS TAX RATES INCREASE AND Tax LAWS BECOME MORE COMPLICATED, SOME PEOPLE ARE TEMPTED TO ABUSE SUCH PRINCIPLE AND ENGAGE IN ARTIFICIAL SCHEMES, SOMETIMES DESCRIBED AS ’TAX AVOISION’ E.G. IMPOSING A SERIES OF ARTIFICIAL OR CONTRIVED PREORDAINED STEPS OR TRANSACTIONS, WHICH HAVE NO COMMERCIAL PURPOSE, TO AVOID OR REDUCE THE TAX BILL USING LOOPHOLES IN THE TAX LEGISLATION.
+THIS IS WHERE GOVERNMENT TAKES A SERIOUS VIEW AND PROPERLY REGARDS THEM AS UNACCEPTABLE,* HE SAID.
MR POON ADMITTED THAT THE LINE BETWEEN ’TAX EVASION’ AND ’TAX AVOIDANCE’ MIGHT SOMETIMES BE VERY THIN.
+ ANTI-AVOI DANCE LEGISLATION OUGHT TO AIM AT CASES WHERE THERE IS AN INTENTION TO EVADE TAX. I HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR TAX-DODGERS,+ HE SAID.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG IS NOW A WELL-DEVELOPED FINANCIAL CENTRE. MANY TRANSACTIONS CONDUCTED BY TAXPAYERS ARE COMPLICATED AND SOPHISTICATED BY THEIR VERY NATURE.
+ IN VIEW OF THIS, ANT I-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION SHOULD AVOID CATCHING THE INNOCENT AS WELL AS THE GUILTY,* HE ADDED.
MR POON SAID THAT EXPERIENCE OF ANTI-AVOI DANCE LEGISLATION ELSEWHERE HAD OFTEN SHOWN AN ’OVERKILL’ AND ULTIMATELY SUCH LAWS WERE SOMETIMES CONSIDERED INEFFECTIVE BY THE COURTS.
HE URGED THE ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS THE LEGISLATURE TO BEAR ALL TH!3 IN MIND.
+T0 ME, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ’RIGHT’ OR ’WRONG’ IN ANY PIECE OF TAX LEGISLATION, THE ONLY CONSIDERATIONS ARE WHETHER IT IS ’FAIR’ ’REASONABLE’ ’NECESSARY’ AND FINALLY ’WORKABLE’ ,+ HE SAI D.
/MCOGMSJNG IT......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
21 -
RECOGNISING IT WAS SELDOM ONE GOT TAX LEGISLATION RIGHT Tb£ FIRST TIME, MR POON SAID HE VAS GLAD THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD REITERATED GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING WILLINGNESS TO PAY HEED TO CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISMS AND WOULD GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO REPRESENTATIONS THAT HAD MERITS.
ON THE REVENUE PROPOSALS, MR POON SAID THE ONLY CONTROVERSIAL ITEM MIGHT BE THE NEW DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
♦THE NEW DUTY MAY BE REGARDED BY SOME AS THE FIRST INROAD TO A CONSUMER’S TAX AND UNDERSTAND! NGLY OBJECTIONS ARE BOUND TO COME FROM THE BUSINESSES AFFECTED THAT THE LEVY IS UNFAIR TO THEM BEING PURELY SELECTIVE,+ HE SAID.
LASTLY, MR POON SAID THAT WE HAD NOT SUFFERED THE HUMAN MISERIES OF POVERTY AND UNEMPLOYMENT, COMMON IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, WAS ITSELF A TRIBUTE TO THE RESILIENCE OF OUR ECONOMY AND THE VITALITY OF OUR PEOPLE.
HE AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT WE HAD
A REASONABLY GOOD PROSPECT OF BALANCING OUR BUDGET IN 1986/87.
+ l HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, DESPITE VARIOUS DIFFICULTIES SUCH AS INCREASED TRADE RESTRICTIONS OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS, WILL STRIVE HARD TO ACHIEVE THIS END,* HE SAID.
--------0 ---------
GOVT TOLD TO CONSIDER CIVIL SERVICE PROBLEMS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS URGED TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEMS CF THE CIVIL SERVICE, WHOSE GROWTH WAS AGAIN SEVERELY LIMITED.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN SAID ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID ESPECIALLY TO THE PROBLEMS OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER LEVELS, INCLUDING PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE INCREASE CF WORK PRESSURE AND DECLINING MORALE.
HE ADMITTED THE GOVERNMENT WAS ABOVE BLAME IN AIMING AT THE GOAL OF +LESS MONEY FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY*, BUT SAID THIS GOAL SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO SERVE ONLY THE PURPOSE OF CUTTING EXPENDITURE AND REDUCING DEFICIT.
+ INSTEAD, IT SHOULD WORK IN THE LONG TERM BY PLANNING ON INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND AVOIDING UNDUE WASTE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES,* HE SAID.
/MR YSUNG ........
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 22
MR YEUNG OBSERVED THAT STABILISING THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COULD CERTAINLY RESULT IN A MORE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER AND BETTER UTILIZATION OF ECONOMIC RESOURCES.
♦WHILE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO GRADUALLY DEVELOP A SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD ALSO MAKE CORRESPONDING REFORMS IN A BID TO CULTIVATE GOOD FRUGAL HABITS FOR THE NEW REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AS WELL AS THE FUTURE 'GOVERNMENT BY HONG KONG PEOPLE’ TO FOLLOW,+ HE SAID.
ON THE TAX PROPOSALS IN THE BUDGET, MR YEUNG CONSIDERED THE BALANCED AND PRUDENT APPROACH AS A +SENSIBLE MOVE* BECAUSE HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS IMPROVING BUT HAD YET TO RECOVER FULLY.
HE ALSO REGARDED IT AS SENSIBLE AND REASONABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RELY LESS AND LESS ON REVENUE FROM LAND SALES.
ON THE INTRODUCTION OF TAX-AVOIDANCE LEGISLATION, MR YEUNG WELCOMED SUCH A MOVE BECAUSE HE BELIEVED AVOIDANCE OF TAXES HAD BECOME A MAJOR PREOCCUPATION OF AN INCREASING NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS AND WAS AFFECTING REVENUE FROM DIRECT TAXATION.
MEANWHILE, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE RATE OF INFLATION SHOULD EE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN CONSIDERING THE INCREASE OF A FAMILY’S INCOME TAX ALLOWANCE.
HE ALSO PROPOSED THAT TO BENEFIT MORE TAXPAYERS, THE ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE FOR DEPENDENT PARENTS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO THOSE WHO WERE NOT ABLE TO RESIDE WITH THEIR PARENTS FOR VARIOUS REASONS BUT WERE ACTUALLY GIVING THEM FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
ON EXPENDITURE, MR YEUNG AGREED WITH THE ALLOCATION OF MORE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION, HOUSING, SOCIAL SERVICES AND MEDICAL SERVICES, BELIEVING THIS WOULD CERTAINLY CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE BUILDING OF A BETTER COMMUNITY.
♦ IT WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE INDICATIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION IN MAINTAINING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
♦THIS WILL DEFINITELY PROVIDE THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITH SOME ENCOURAGEMENT,+ HE SAID.
THURSDAY,MARCH 28, 1985
- 23 -
CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD HAVE FEEL OF FINANCE MARKET * * *
GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLACE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES AT MIDDLE MANAGEMENT LEVEL wiTH PORTFOLIOS IN FINANCE AND ECONOMIC MATTERS ON SECONDMENT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE ACTUAL ARENA OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS SUGGESTED TODAY BY DR THE HON KIM CHAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUDGET DEBATE.
HE SAID THAT IN THE AREA OF FINANCE, DEVELOPMENTS WERE MOVING FORWARD AT SUCH A RAPID PACE THAT EVERYONE ENGAGED IN THE FIELD HAD TO MAKE CONSTANT EFFORTS TO KEEP ABREAST WITH NEWLY CREATED OR MODIFIED FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS.
+IN THIS RESPECT, MIDDLE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT OPERATING DEPARTMENTS IS NO EXCEPTION,+ HE SAID.
DR CHAM BELIEVED THAT UPON COMPLETION OF THE SECONDMENT, THE SECONDED OFFICER SHOULD BECOME FULLY AWARE OF AND ACQUIRE THE FEEL OF THE +REAL-LIFE* FINANCE MARKET WHICH WAS ASSUMING GROWING IMPORTANCE AND VITALITY AS ONE OF THE PILLARS BEHIND HONG KONG’S FREE ENTERPRISE ECONOMY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THE MARKET, A CONCERTED EFFORT COULD BE MADE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MARKET MECHANISM IN HONG KONG.
+THE WARNING SIGNAL IS WRITTEN ON THE WALL. UNLESS WE ARE PREPARED TO ADVANCE, AND TO ADVANCE IN A WELL-CO-ORDINATED PACE GEARED TO THE MARKET ACTIVITIES, THE PERFORMANCE AND ATTRACTIVENESS OF OUR FINANCE ECONOMY TO INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE OUTSTRIPPED BY OUR NEIGHBOURING COMPETITOR, AS THEY STEP UP THEIR EFFORTS TO CHALLENGE OUR POSITION,+ HE SAID.
EARLIER IN HIS SPEECH, DR CHAM COMMENDED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR DISPLAYING WELL-BALANCED DISCRETION IN EXPLORING SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL REVENUE IN A POSITIVE ATTEMPT TO BROADEN THE EXISTING TAX BASE.
HE NOTED THAT MOST OF THE COMMODITIES RECEIVING THE BRUNT DID NOT BELONG TO THE CATEGORY OF +BASIC NECESSITIES* AND FOR THIS REASON, POSED LESS A THREAT IN INFLATING COST OF LIVING.
+HOwEVER, THE PROLIFERATION OF ITEMS NOW ON THE LEDGER CF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES INEVITABLY RAISES THE TECHNICAL ISSUE OF DEVISING AN EFFECTIVE AND ENFORCEABLE MACHINERY FOR COLLECTING THE DUTIES ON THE VARIETY OF TAXABLE CONSUMPTION GOODS,* HE SAID.
HE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR ANY LOOPHOLES OR DEFICIENCIES wHICH MIGHT EASILY BE EXPLOITED IN A MORE COMPLEX SYSTEM OF EXCISE, CUSTOMS AND DUTIES.
/DR
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 24 -
DR CHAM VOICED HIS CONCERN OVER THE ISSUE OF EQUITY IN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSAL TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN LOCAL RESIDENTS AND VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS IN HIS IDEA TO REFORM THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF DUTY-FREE CONCESSION TO BEARERS OF TOBACCO AT THE POINT OF ENTRY INTO HONG KONG.
HE FELT THAT VISITING NON-RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT BE PRIVILEGED UNDER A NEW PREFERENTIAL FORM OF DUTY ALLOWANCE.
♦THE VOLUME OF EXEMPTION PROEPOSED FOR VISITORS MAY BE TOO LENIENT IF SUCH CONCESSION IS MERELY TO ALLOW FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL CONSUMPTION DURING THEIR TEMPORARY STAY IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
QUOTING STATISTICS FROM THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION WHICH INDICATED THAT VISITORS TO HONG KONG LAST YEAR STAYED FOR AN AVERAGE PERIOD OF 3.62 NIGHTS, DR CHAM DOUBTED WHETHER THE CONSUMPTION OF 200 CIGARETTES WITHIN SUCH A SHORT INTERVAL *aS REALLY NEEDED.
+ | WOULD SUBSCRIBE TO THE RETENTION OF A UNIFORM SYSTEM OF CONCESSION TO BOTH VISITORS AND RESIDENTS ENTERING THE TERRITORY, WITH AN ALLOWANCE OF 100 CIGARETTES FOR BOTH CATEGORIES ON A COMPREHENSIVE NON-DI SCR IMINATORY BASIS,* HE STATED.
DR CHAM ALSO SAID HE AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT FEES AND CHARGES REQUIRED REGULAR UPDATING TO COVER COSTS.
+RECOVERING COSTS MUST BE AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CHARGES ARE RELATED TO NON-ESSENTIAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
HE WAS REFERRING PARTICULARLY TO THE PASSENGER EMBARKATION FEES AND BERTHING FEES FOR MACAU FERRY SERVICES AND SAID HE WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR THAT REVENUE DERIVED FROM THIS SOURCE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO COVER OPERATING COSTS LET ALONE TO PROVIDE ANY RETURN ON INVESTMENT.
+AS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE, THE GENERAL TAXPAYER SHOULD NOT SUBSIDISE VISITORS TO MACAU, WHICH IS MORE A LUXURY THAN AN ESSENTIAL ITEM,* HE REMARKED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT IF THE PRESENTLY PROPOSED INCREASES STILL COULD NOT COVER COSTS, SHARPER INCREASES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED UNTIL FULL COSTS WERE RECOVERED.
TURNING TO ECONOMY, DR CHAM SAID THE MOST ENCOURAGING EVIDENCE FOR GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY WAS THE HEALTHY GROWTH OF TRADE.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS LITTLE GROUND FOR COMPLACENCY, AT A TIME WHEN THE CURBING EFFECTS OF PROTECTIONISM WERE INCREASINGLY FELT.
/+OBVIOUSLY, FREE .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 25 -
♦OBVIOUSLY, FREE TRADE IS OF MUTUAL BENEFIT TO ALL TRADING PARTNERS, BUT SHORT-SIGHTED MEASURES OF RESTRICTIONS HAVE BECOME MORE *IDEl^ USED BY INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENTS IN ATTEMPTS TO APPEASE THE PAROCHIAL BUSINESS INTERESTS OF THEIR DOMESTIC INDUSTRY.
♦ NO DOUBT, THIS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT.
♦ IT IS CLEARLY OF URGENCY ON THE AGENDA OF OUR ECONOMIC POLICY TO COUNTERACT THE IMPEDIMENTS OF THESE DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES ON OUR TRADING POSITION,+ HE STRESSED.
DR CHAM THE SUGGESTED THAT WHILE WE MUST BE COMMITTED TO STRENGTHENING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR PRODUCTS IN THE WORLD MARKET, WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY AND REINFORCE OUR VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF OTHER SECTORS ESPECIALLY IN FINANCIAL SERVICES.
-----o-----
GOVT ASKED TO CONTRACT OUT WORK TO CHINA
******
THE HON KEITH LAM CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER CONTRACTING OUT SOME GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS TO CHINA SO AS TO HELP REDUCE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
DESCRIBING THIS AS +A BOLD SUGGESTION+, AT THE BUDGET DEBATE TODAY (THURSDAY), HE SAID THAT GOVERNMENT COULD CONSIDER SUCH A MOVE IN PURSUING THE PRINCIPLE OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND TO FURTHER PROMOTE CO-OPERATION WITH CHINA.
HE SAID ONE SUCH POSSIBILITY WAS TO MOVE STANLEY PRISON TO SHENZHEN, WHERE OVERHEADS WERE MUCH LOWER.
♦ AS STANLEY PRISON IS A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON, THE RECURRENT EXPENDITURE THERE IS VERY HIGH. IN THE FIRST HALF CF 1984-85, THE AVERAGE COST OF MAINTAINING ONE PRISONER WAS $144.00 PER DAY OR $4 320 PER MONTH.
♦ IF WE LAY DOWN OUR REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR A MAXIMUM SECURITY PRISON AND CONTRACT OUT THE MAINTENANCE CF SUCH A PRISON TO THE CITY OF SHENZHEN, I THINK THE COST PER INMATE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED WITHOUT LOWERING STANDARDS, FOR STAFF SALARIES AND PRICES OF FOOD AND MATERIALS THERE ARE MUCH LOWER THAN THOSE IN HONG KONG.
/♦TO ENSURE........
. 1
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 26 -
+T0 ENSURE THAT S’ -DARDS ARE MET, WE CAN SEND A FEW STAFF TO CARRY OUT PEPIODlC INSPECTIONS,* HE SAID.
MR LA6 SAID HE UNDE-STOOD THAT WHETHER THIS PROPOSAL COULD BE CARRIED OUT DEPENDED VERY MUCH ON CHINA, BUT AT LEAST WE COULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER AND CONSULT CHINA ABOUT IT.
+THIS PROPOSAL MAY ALSO BE TREATED AS A FORM OF EXPERIMENT, EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF THE ’ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT IN A SMALL SCALE BEFORE 1097 IN THAT THE PROJECT WITH HONG KONG SPEC IFICATIONS IS BEING CARRIED OUT UNDER CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY.
+FURTHERMORE, THE POSSIBILITY OF SERVING A SENTENCE IN SHENZHEN MAY PRODUCE GREATER DETERRENT TO POTENTIAL CRIMINALS OF SERIOUS CRIMES,* HE ADDED.
HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE LAND WHICH WOULD BE VACATED BY STANLEY PRISON COULD THEN BE USED AS OPEN SPACE OR RECREATION GROUND TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL RESORT AREA AND ENHANCE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF STANLEY TO TOURISTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ALIKE.
MR LAM ALSO CALLED FOR A REVIEW ON WHETHER IT WAS NECESSARY FOR BARRACKS TO BE SITUATED IN THE URBAN AREA.
+IT SEEMS TO ME THAT RELOCATING THOSE BARRACKS IN THE URBAN AREA TO THE BORDER REGION MIGHT INCREASE THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF THE TROOPS WHILE RELEASING THE URBAN SITES FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS COMMUNITY CENTRES, CARPARKS, SPORTSGROUND AND SITTING-OUT AREAS WHICH ARE BADLY NEEDED IN MANY URBAN DISTRICTS,* HE SAID.
MR LAM ADMITTED THIS PROPOSAL WOULD INVOLVE SOME MONEY, BUT HE FELT THAT SOME CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE GIVEN TO THIS POSSIBILITY AND CONSULTATIONS COULD BE HELD WITH THE UK GOVERNMENT SO THAT THE RELOCATION EXERCISE COULD START WHEN THE ECONOMY IMPROVED.
TURNING TO THE REVENUE SIDE, MR LAM FULLY AGREED WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THAT ALL WHO CREATED WEALTH FOR HONG KONG MUST NOT BE DISCOURAGED BY OUR TAXATION SYSTEM.
HE SAID THE COMMUNITY WAS RELIEVED THAT NO INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXES WERE PROPOSED AND THE RISE IN INDIRECT TAXATION WAS MODERATE AND WOULD NOT CAUSE UNDUE HARDSHIP TO THE PUBLIC.
MR LAM SAID HE DID NOT SUBSCRIBE TO THE VIEW THAT SOFT DRINKS, WHICH WERE MAINLY CONSUMED BY CHILDREN, SHOULD NOT BE TAXED.
ECHOING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S VIEW THAT SOFT DRINK WAS 'A PLEASING INDULGENCE NOT A NECESSITY’, HE SAID: +IT ONLY INVOLVES PAYING A LITTLE BIT MORE FOR SOMETHING WHICH IS BASICALLY NON-ESSENTIAL CONSUMPTI ON.*
/ON TH3
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1?8>
ON THE PROPOSED TAX CONCESSIONS, MR LAM CONSIDERED THEM AN INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE MIDDLE INCOME TAXPAYERS OR ’SANDWICH CLASS’ »ND HE HOPED FURTHER CONCESSIONS WOULD BE MADE ON RETURN TO A BALANCED BUDGET.
TURNING TO THE ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT RESIDING WITH THE TAXPAYER, HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE RATIONALE BEHIND IT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS UNFAIR TO PENALISE CHILDREN NOT LIVING WITH PARENTS BY GIVING THEM LESS ALLOWANCE UNLESS GOVERNMENT WAS DELIBERATELY ENCOURAGING THE FORMATION OF EXTENDED FAMILIES, I.E. FAMILIES WITH SEVERAL GENERATIONS LIVING TOGETHER.
+ AN ENLIGHTENMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THIS ISSUE WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATED,+ HE SAID.
FINALLY, MR LAM SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S DETERMINATION TO COMBAT TAX AVOIDANCE AND LOOKED FORWARD TO MEASURES WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE LOSS OF PUBLIC REVENUE TO A MINIMUM.
- - 0 -
CALL FOR SIMPLE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE A SIMPLE SET OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS WHICH PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND, THE HON CARL TONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE ALSO CALLED FOR +A SIMPLE TAX SYSTEM* TO MAKE LIFE SIMPLER FOR BUSINESS.
HE SUPPORTED FULLY THE VIEwS EXPRESSED BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN IN THE COUNCIL YESTERDAY ABOUT THE INADEQUACIES OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
+l BELIEVE FOR GOVERNMENT TO MAKE TIMELY AND PROPER DECISIONS, WE MUST HAVE AN INFORMATION DATA BASE AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM THAT CAN PROVIDE TIMELY AND ACCURATE INFORMATION,* HE SAID.
HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM WOULD BE MUCH STRENGTHENED WHEN THE LEDGER ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (LAFIS) PROJECT WAS FULLY IMPLEMENTED IN ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT PROGRESS IS SOMEWHAT HELD BACK BECAUSE OF THE OVERALL DEFICIENCY IN ACCOUNTANTS,* HE SAID.
/+! BELIEVE
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
+ l BELIEVE THAT THE AO3ARENT DEFICIENCY IN ACCOUNTANTS AND ACCOUNTING EXPERTISE MUST BE.MADE GOOD.
*l' THIS REGARD, I ALSO SIPPORT FULLY THE HON S.L. CHEN’S RECOMMENDATION IN THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE THAT ALL DIRECTOR GRADE CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD RECEIVE ADEQUATE FINANCIAL TRAINING,* HE ADDED.
MR TONG ALSO EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE HON SELINA CHOW, wHO HAD EARLIER SPOKEN IN FAVOUR OF PRIVATISATION.
WHERE PRIVATE ENTERPRISES COULD PROVIDE A PUBLIC SERVICE BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN GOVERNMENT, THAT SERVICE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR PRIVATISATION, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE BUDGET PROVISIONS, MR TONG SAID HE OBJECTED TO THE PROPOSED DUTY ON COSMETICS ON FINANCIAL GROUNDS.
HE SAID THERE WAS A RISK THAT THE YIELD FROM THIS NEW DUTY MIGHT BE MORE THAN OFFSET BY REVENUE LOSSES IN CONNECTION w ITH THE TOURIST TRADE.
ON THE EXPENDITURE SIDE, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CRITICALLY REVIEW ITS ENTIRE POLICY OF OVERSEAS TRAINING.
♦FROM THE REPLIES GIVEN TO MY QUESTIONS IN EXAMINATION OF THE BUDGET ESTIMATES, I AM NOT SATISFIED THAT ALL THAT CAN BE DONE IS BEING DONE TO ’LOCALISE’ TRAINING OF CIVIL SERVANTS.
+ l FAIL TO SEE HOW UK CAN TRAIN OUR ICAC OFFICERS BETTER THAN WE CAN,* HE SAID.
----o------
BUDGET APPROACH LAUDED
*****
IT IS HEARTENING TO SEE THAT GOVERNMENT REMAINS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO A FREE MARKET ECONOMY, TO THE PROVISION OF AN INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN WHICH ENTERPRISE CAN FLOURISH AND TO THE CARE OF THOSE WHO CANNOT CARE FOR THEMSELVES, THE HON SIP ROGER LOBO SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
WINDING UP THE UNOFFICIALS’ DEBATE ON THE BUDGET IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER SAID HE WAS GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE BUDGET WAS NOT + JUST A STRING OF FIGURES* AND THAT GOVERNMENT SAW EQUITY AND EFFICIENCY AS GUIDING PRINCIPLES, TO EE PURSUED WITH A +CALM AND REASONED APPROACH*.
/+U»FORrUNATaY, AT .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 29 -
♦UNFORTUNATELY, AT THIS TIME, INCREASES IN TAXES ARE INEVITABLE, BUT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK ARE STIMULATED BY LOW DIRECT TAXATION, AND HE HAS DECLARED THAT THOSE WHO CREATE WEALTH FOR HONG KONG ARE NEITHER UNREASONABLY PENALISED NOR DI SCOURAGED,+ HE SAID.
SIR ROGER WAS PLEASED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS ALLEVIATING THE BURDEN ON THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP OR THE +SANDWICH SOCIETY+.
♦THE TAX CONCESSIONS FOR THIS GROUP MAY NOT BE AS MUCH AS ONE MIGHT IDEALLY WISH; NONETHELESS, THEY ARE A POSITIVE INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT’S CARE FOR THOSE TAXPAYERS AND SHOULD BE WELCOMED ESPECIALLY AT THIS TIME OF UPWARD PRESSURE TO INCREASE REVENUE.
♦THIS CONCESSION MEANS GOVERNMENT GIVING $150 MILLIONS IN 1985-86 AND $210 MILLIONS IN HE SAID.
UP APPROXIMATELY A FULL YEAR.+
SIR ROGER NOTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD BALANCED THIS BY IMPOSING TAX ON SOFT DRINKS AND COSMETICS, ON WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS.
♦WE ARE TOLD THAT COSMETIC ITEMS AND PERFUMES ARE MORE POPULAR WITH VISITORS THAN TO OUR LOCAL FAIR SEX WHO OBVIOUSLY NEED LESS TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITIES; THAT SOME 80 PER CENT CF PERFUME AND 50 PER CENT OF COSMETIC ITEMS WERE PURCHASED BY TOURISTS THROUGH RETAILERS; THAT OUR NEIGHBOURING CITIES HAVE DONE AWAY WITH DUTY ON THESE GOODS; THAT HONG KONG HAS LITTLE TO OFFER OTHER THAN SHOPPING AND WE ARE TAKING YET ANOTHER ■ STEP TOWARDS DISCOURAGING VISITORS BY DIMINISHING THIS ATTRACTION,+ HE SAID.
ON THE SIZEABLE EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, SIR ROGER SAID IT BORE OUT GOVERNMENT’S STATED COMMITMENT TO CARE FOR THE LESS WELL-OFF MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, AND THOSE WHO WERE WAITING PATIENTLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING SHOULD BE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE PRODUCTION OF FLATS WAS PROGRESSING ON-COURSE AND THEIR DAYS OF WAITING WERE NUMBERED.
HE BELIEVED THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S BUDGET PROPOSALS WERE REASONABLE, ALTHOUGH SOME TRADES AND CERTAIN SECTORS OF OUR COMMUNITY WOULD BE AFFECTED AND THEY MIGHT NOT THINK IT SO.
HE TRUSTED THAT CAREFUL ATTENTION AND CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL THAT HAD BEEN SAID DURING THE TWO-DAY DEBATE, ADDING THAT THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD OFFERED SEVERAL IMAGINATIVE AND POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE AND WOULD KEEP ON MONITORING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE THROUGH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE AND OTHER FORUMS.
/EAHLIEH IN .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 30 -
EARL iER IN HIS SPEECH, NEMBERS TOOK MANY HOURS GO I TO THE POUR PUBLIC HEARINGS
SIR ROGER NOTED THAT THE UNOFFICI NG O'.'ER THE DRAFT ESTIMATES PRIOR
HELU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
AL
CHAMBER.
+THEY ASKED 221 ORAL AND 359 WRITTEN QUESTIONS WITH OVER 200 SUPPLEMENTARIES ARISING FROM REPLIES.
+i SHOULD ADD - THERE WERE MORE QUESTIONS WHICH MY
------ REASONS INCLUDING
COLLEAGUES WANTED TO ASK BUT FOR VARIOUS TIME CONSTRAINTS, THEY WILL PURSUE THESE AND AT ANOTHER TIME.+ HE SAID.
IN ANOTHER MANNER
- 0 ----------
REVENUE RESOLUTIONS PASSED * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED THREE RESOLUTIONS PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, FOR INCREASES IN BETTING DUTY, AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX AND BUSINESS REGISTRATION TAX * I TH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
RECAPPING DETAILS OF THE RESOLUTIONS, SIR JOHN SAID THE ONE ON BETTING DUTY PROVIDED FOR THE PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL BETS ALLOCATED AS PRIZE MONEY TO BE REDUCED TO 83 PER CENT FOR STANDARD BETS AND 77 PER CENT FOR EXOTIC BETS RESPECTIVELY.
IT INCREASES THE DUTY ON STANDARD BETS FROM NINE PER CENT TO NINE AND A HALF PER CENT, WITH THE INCREASE TO BE SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN THE JOCKEY CLUB AND THE PUNTERS, AND THE DUTY ON EXOTIC BETS FROM 15 PER CENT TO 16 PER CENT, WITH 0.6 PER CENT OF THE INCREASE TO BE BORNE BY THE PUNTERS AND 0.4 PER CENT BY THE JOCKEY CLUB.
UNDER ANOTHER RESOLUTION, THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX ON PASSENGERS AGED 12 YEARS OR ABOVE IS INCREASED FROM $100 TO $120 WHILE THAT ON CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF TWO AND 12 FROM $50 TO $60.
THE RESOLUTION ON BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES INCREASES ThE FEE FROM $350 TO $500.
♦ THE TOTAL ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL REVENUE AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASES PROVIDED FOR IN THE THREE RESOLUTIONS IS $265 MILLION PER ANNUM,+ SIR JOHN SAID IN MOVING THE MOTION.
- 0 ---------
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 31 -
HK EXPERTISE SEEN OF VALUE TO CHINA
* * * * *
THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES AND EXPERTISE WHICH HONG KONG WAS ABLE TO OFFER WOULD BE OF GREAT VALUE TO CHINA IN THE PURSUIT OF HER AMBITIOUS MODERNISATION PROGRAMME.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS AT 'HE OPENING OF THE +LEASE CHINA 1985+ CONFERENCE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HK EQUIPMENT LEASING ASSOCIATION AND THE INSTITUTE FOP INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A WORLD CLASS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE HAD BEEN THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN THE LAST TwELVE YEARS OR SO, HE SAID.
+1 SEE THIS CONFERENCE BOTH AS IMPORTANT EVIDENCE OF THE GROWTH OF OUR FINANCIAL CENTRE AND AS A VITAL SIGN THAT THE WILL AND ENERGY EXISTS TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING HONG KONG FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG AND CH INA,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
HE SAID THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CONFERENCE COULD BE SUMMED UP IN ONE WORD: +EXPERTISE+.
+EXPERTISE IN LEASING INVOLVES SPECIALIST LEGAL EXPERTISE AND SPECIALIST FINANCING EXPERTISE AS WELL AS A PENETRATING KNOWLEDGE OF MARKETS, TAX LAWS AND THE NEED OF CUSTOMERS.
♦ALONG WITH OTHER AREAS OF EXPERTISE IN MANAGEMENT FINANCE INVESTMENT, ACCOUNTANCY AND COMMERCIAL LAW, IT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE KIND OF EXPERTISE WHICH WILL ASSIST HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE,* THOMAS SAID.
HE BELIEVED THAT EXPERTISE WAS ALL IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE CF HCNG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAD BEEN A VITAL ELEMENT IN HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT.
THE GROWTH IN DIRECT AND ENTREPOT TRADE WITH CHINA HAD HELPED HONG KONG COME THROUGH WORLD WIDE RECESSION IN GOOD SHAPE.
♦ THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL SERVICES AND EXPERTISE WHICH HONG KONG IS ABLE TO OFFER NOw THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED INTO A WORLD CLASS LEGAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE WILL I AM SURE BE OF GREAT VALUE TO CHINA IN THE PURSUIT OF HER AMBITIOUS MODERNISATION PROGRAMME,+ fR THOMAS SAID.
♦THIS NEW SOURCE OF COOPERATION, ADDED TO THE TRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIP, WILL I AM SURE CONSOLIDATE HONG KONG’S POSITION AS A MAJOR ASSET TO CHINA,* HE CONTINUED.
AND THIS IN TURN PROVIDES A SOLID ASSURANCE OF SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY FOR HONG KONG OVER THE NEXT 62 YEARS.
/another aspjct .......
THUHSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
another aspect of expertise opened to conference participants
CAME -ROM THE PIONEERS OF LEASING IN CHINA, MR THOMAS SAID.
uc SAID PARTICIPANTS COULD LEARN FROM THE VALUABLE EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHTS OF THE ORIENT LEASING COMPANY LTD OF JAPAN vuiCH wAS THE FIRST TO SET UP A JOINT VENTURE COMPANY, THE CHINA ORIENT LEASING COMPANY, IN CHINA IN 1981.
AS FOR EQUIPMENT LEASING, MR THOMAS SAID, IT INVOLVED AN APPRECIATION AND APPLICATION OF THE TAX LAWS OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIto WHICH WAS SOMETIMES CONTROVERSIAL.
HE SAID, ^WHATEVER THE RULES THE SPECIALISTS IN COMPARATIVE TAX LA- wILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THE BEST ADVICE, AND IN INTERNATIONAL LEASING TRANSACTIONS THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ADVANTAGES.
+BUT WHERE THIS IS AT THE EXPENSE OF TAXPAYERS, THE RULES CF THE GAME ALSO INCLUDE THE RIGHT OF FINANCE MINISTERS TO PROPOSE CHANGES IN THE LAW.+
+ THE FASCINATION OF THIS PARTICULAR EXPERTISE SEEMS TO Be DEVISING THE RIGHT FINANCIAL PACKAGE TO MEET RAPIDLY CHANGING FISCAL AND ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THE NEW NEEDS ON THE PART OF CUSTOMERS,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRINCIPAL CHANGING NEEDS THE PARTICIPANTS WERE CONCERNED WITH WERE THOSE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA - IN AIRCRAFT, OIL RIGS, AND CAPITAL EQUIPMENT CF EVERY KIND.
+1 AM SURE THAT THE EXPERTISE TO MEET THOSE NEEDS BY LEASINb WHERE APPROPRIATE WILL BE DEVELOPED AT THIS CONFERENCE AND THAT IT WILL ASSIST CHINA’S DEVELOPMENT PLANS, WILL ASSIST HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT AS A CENTRE OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE LONG TERM PROSPERITY OF BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG,+ MR THOMAS saId.
--------0 ---------
NOTE TO EDITORS:
DEBATE TO BE BROADCAST LIVE *****
RTHK RADIO 3 WILL BROADCAST +LIVE+ TONIGHT’S DEBATE ON THE THIRD READING OF THE HONG KONG BILL IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
THE DEBATE IS EXPECTED TO START AT ABOUT 11.15 PM TODAY HONG KONG TIME.
IN VIEW OF THE DECISION TO BROADCAST THE DEBATE, THE FACILITY FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO LISTEN TO THE DEBATE THROUGH A DIRECT «FEED+ IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
------o ------
/33 .....
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
- 33 -
SURVEY OF EMPLOY>t\T, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STARTS * * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS NOW CARRYING OUT THE MARCH 1985 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PA YR !\ MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, COVERING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN “OR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AND INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 74 OOO ESTABLISHMENTS ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS, INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING, MANUFACTURING, ELECTRICITY AND GAS), WITH FULL ENUMERATION OF ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON MARCH 29 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10 000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE BEING RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE, TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF JANUARY -MARCH 1985.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. f
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID. i
RESPONDENTS WHO FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS: 5-436551, 5-444301, 5-455661 AND 5-455668'.
ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING JANUARY -MARCH 1985, WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED, TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE, HE SAID. FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, MAY BE DIRECTED' TO TEL: 5-444364.
/34........
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
• 34 -
RECRUITMENT C- TEMPORARY STAFF FOR SURVEY ft ft ft ft ft
THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING TEMPORARY STAFF FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LES SAID THE TEMPORARY STAFF WOULD BE REQUIRED TO VISIT BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT TO COLLECT COMPLETED SURVEY RETURNS DURING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 22 TO MAY .8. APPLICANTS SHOULD EE FORM FIVE GRADUATES.
THE JOE, WHICH OFFERS A DAILY wAGE OF $109, IS OPEN TO BOTH NEN AND WOMEN.
THOSE INTERESTED MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. ENQUIRIES CAN EE MADE AT TELEPHONES : 3-666615, 3-695525, 3-265123, 0-420154 OR 5-?73622.
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FAMILIARISATION TOUR FOR NEW DB MEMBERS
* * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A FAMILIARISATION TOUR FOR NEW MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE FULL DAY’S TOUR TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WILL BE LED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN AND HIS STAFF, WHO WILL BRIEF BOARD MEMBERS ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND PROJECTS CURRENTLY UNDERTAKEN IN VARIOUS AREAS.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE MA HANG SQUATTER AREA IN STANLEY; NAM FUNG SHEUNG VILLAGE AND THE FACTORY AREA IN WONG CHUK HANG; AP LEI CHAU AND WAH FU ESTATE. THEY WILL ALSO TOUR ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE, TIN WAN AND CHI FU FA YUEN.
THEY WILL INSPECT VARIOUS PUBLIC WORKS, RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AS WELL AS LUNCHEON FACILITIES FOR WORKERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S FAMILIARISATION TOUR TO BE HELD FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). THERE WILL BE SIX STOPOVERS DURING WHICH THE GROUP WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ON VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. THE TIME AND THE STOPOVER POINTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/TIME .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
STOPOVER POINT
TIME
3.10 AM - 10.50 AM
11.15 AM - 11.30 AM
11.35 AM - 12 NOON
12.10 PM - 12.30 PM
2.45 PM - 3.10 PM
3.30 PM - 3.50 PM
ROOFTOP OF SEA AND SKY COURT IN STANLEY (STANLEY VALLEY DEVELOPMENT), AND THEN PROCEED TO MA HANG SQUATTER AREA (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES).
NAM FUNG SHEUNG SQUATTER VILLAGE
IN WONG CHUK HANG (SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES).
COOKED FOOD BAZAAR AND MOBILE FOOD VANS IN YIP FAT STREET, WONG CHUK HANG, AND THEN PROCEED TO THE REFUGE FLOOR OF REMEX CENTRE, WONG CHUK HANG ROAD (COOKED FOOD CENTRE PROJECT).
ROOFTOP OF LIN FUNG BUILDING AT AP LEI CHAU MAIN STREET (NORTHERN AP LEI CHAU AND ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER RECLAMATION PROJECTS).
CARPARK PODIUM OF BLOCK 16, BAGUIO VILLA (TELEGRAPH BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT).
WAH FU ROAD OPPOSITE MATTEO RICCI COLLEGE (WAH FU ESTATE PLAYGROUND PROJECT).
-------0 -
CAS OPENS DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN SAI KUNG *****
THE SAI KUNG DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, WILL EE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31).
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 11.30 AM WHEN THE CHAIRMAN CF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WAN-HEI, WILL INSPECT A PARADE AT THE OPEN AREA ADJACENT TO SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AND GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS.
AFTER THE INSPECTION, THERE WILL BE A LION DANCE AND THE CAS REGIONAL COMMANDER OF KOwLOON, MR NORMAN LEUNG, WILL DOT THE EYES OF THE LION.
/IT WILL .......
THITHSMY, MARCH 28, 1985
- jo -
IT -.ILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY, PERFORMED THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO; THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG; THE CAS DEPUTY COMMANDER (ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT), MR SO YUN-LAM;
MR LAL WAN-HEI AND MR NORMAN LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CAS SAI KUNG DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31), ON THE FTH FLOOR OF THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204, mRGYLE STREET, AT 10.10 AM SHARP. REPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO REPORT TO THE TRAINING OFFICER, MR LEUNG CHI-TIM, ON THEIR ARRIVAL.
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CAREERS TALKS * * *
SOME 200 SECONDARY SCHOOLS CAREERS MASTERS AND STUDENTS wILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON CAREERS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY, ON SATURDAY (MARCH 30) MORNING.
THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 33 RENFREW ROAD, KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON FROM 10 AM TO 12.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR.
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/ 37 .......
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1985
’CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME’ TO ENTER STAGE II * H * * 4
JA'’ICIPANTS OF THE 1984/85 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME ARE INVITED TO T aART IN STAGE II OF THE SCHEME, WHICH IS DUE TO BEGIN THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 31).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WORKING GROUP SAIZ TODAY (THURSDAY): +A TOTAL OF 4 619 PEOPLE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED STAGE I OF THE SCHEME BY FEBRUARY 28, WHICH INVOLVED LITTER PICKING IN COUNTRY PARKS.+
+THEY CAN NOW MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STAGE WHEN EACH OF THEM v>. ILL. BE REQUIRED TO PLANT A TREE IN ONE OF THE SIX SPECIFIED COUNTRY PARKS,+ HE SAID.
T-ES'E COUNTRY PARKS ARE LOCATED IN QUARRY BAY, POKFULAM, BRIDE’S POOL, PAK TAM CHUNG, NAM SHAN AND THE TWISK.
A PARTICIPANT SHOULD GO TO THE REPORTING CENTRE IN THE PARK CF 'IS CHOICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4 PM ON ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DAYS: MARCH jl (SUNDAY), APRIL 5 TO 8 (EASTER HOLIDAYS), OR APRIL 14 (SUNDAY).
+HE MUST BRING ALONG HIS PASS CARD SO THAT IT CAN BE STAMPED, AND a1 ILL BE GIVEN A SEEDLING AND PLANTING EQUIPMENT AT THE CENTRE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE SECOND STAGE, THE PARTICIPANT wILL BE tNTITLED TO TAKE PART IN A LUCKY DRAW IN WHICH 250 PEOPLE wILL EE SELECTED FOR A FREE PICNIC AT CHEUNG SHEUNG IN SAI KUNG ON APRIL 28 THIS YEAR.
- - 0
TREE PLANTING SCHEME TO BE LAUNCHED * * *
THE 19«5 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL BE LAUNCHED AT A SIMPLE CEREMONY AT TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
DURING THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE +CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME*, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL LEAD OFF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME BY PLANTING THE FIRST TREES.
/THEY WILL
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 198?
THEY wlLL BE JOINED BY ABOUT 3OC STUDENTS, SCOUTS, PARTICIPANTS OF THE -CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME*, AND A GROUP OF RETIRED PEOPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING OF THE COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY ^ARK AT ABOUT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICE CAR PARK AT 2 PM SHARP. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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ACCESS ROAD TO LUNG KWU TAN REPAIRED
*****
RESIDENTS OF LUNG KWU TAN IN TUEN MUN WHO USED TO TRAVEL ON AN UNPAVED AND UNEVEN ROAD WILL NOW HAVE A NEWLY-REPAIRED ACCESS ROAD.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HAD SPENT NEARLY $300 000 TO IMPROVE THE ACCESS ROAD AT SHA PO KONG IN LUNG KWU TAN, WHICH HAD BEEN DAMAGED DURING A TYPHOON 18 MONTHS AGO.
ALTHOUGH EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK WAS MADE SOON AFTER THE TYPHOON, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HAD APPROVED WORK TO PAVE THE ACCESS ROAD AT SHA PO KONG FOLLOWING REQUESTS FROM VILLAGERS.
THE ACCESS ROAD IS ABOUT 700 METRES LONG, STRETCHING ALONG THE WESTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK. CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTED IN DECEMBER 1984 AND WAS COMPLETED THIS WEEK.
THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORK IS THE BIGGEST OF SEVERAL PROJECTS WHICH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE HAD APPROVED UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT.
TSUEN WAN ROAD CLOSURE i£ X X
THE SECTION OF LO WAI ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI BUS TERMINUS AND YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM ON MARCH 31 (SUNDAY), AND AGAIN ON APRIL 5 AND
DURING THE CLOSURE, N.T. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 81 AND 81M WILL TERMINATE AT THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1985 ........................ 1
SEVEN NEW APPOINTMENTS TO HOUSING AUTHORITY, COMMITTEES....... 4
GREEN LIGHT FOR TWO MORE INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS.................. 6
DB APPOINTMENTS NOT ARBITRARY - LIAO.......................... 7
MEETING HELD WITH MINIBUS OPERATORS .......................... 9
HI, UK VISA FEES RAISED ...................................... 10
NEW DB MEMBERS GET TOGETHER .................................. 11
LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT ........................... 12
APRIL 1 REMINDER FOR HK RESIDENTS ............................ 15
NEED SEEN FOR INDIGENOUS MANAGERS ............................ 11*-
SEVEN RESIDENTS COMMENDED FOR CIVIC WORK ..................... 15
A LOOK INTO IMMIGRATION WORK ................................. 16
EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT HOLIDAY ............................. 16
GRAVE SWEEPERS WARNED ABOUT FIRES ............................ 17
FIREMEN COMMENDED ............................................ 17
TAI PO ZONING PLAN AMENDED FOR HOUSING SITES ................. 18
LEARNING TO PROMOTE MORAL EDUCATION........................... 18
PLANT TREES FOR A GREENER HONG KONG, PUBLIC URGED ............ 19
EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL INAUGURATED .................... 20
WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCED .................................... 20
CHARITY WALKS RAISE FUNDS FOR ELDERLY ...................... 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TWO GAMES HALLS ......................... 22
ELEVATED ROADS BEING BUILT ................................... 22
TRAFFIC CHANGES .............................................. 25
TENDERS INVITED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK ........................ 25
WATER MAINS WORK FOR ESTATE................................... 24
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR FEBRUARY 1985 *****
MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN FEBRUARY, ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE INCREASE IN THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION (Ml), WHICH COMPRISES LEGAL TENDER NOTES AND COIN IN THE HANDS OF THE PUBLIC AND MONEY ON CURRENT ACCOUNT WITH BANKS, WAS PARTICULARLY RAPID, REFLECTING THE LARGE SEASONAL DEMAND FOR CASH AROUND LUNAR hEW YEAR.
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED. THE INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSIT WAS MORE RAPID, BUT PART OF IT REFLECTED THE CONTINUED EXPANSION IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FEBRUARY, AFTER DECREASING FOR FOUR CONSECUTIVE MONTHS. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ALSO SHOWED SOME INCREASE.
(A TABLE SETTING OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1985 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTH, IS BEING SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK. IT WILL ALSO BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION).
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 0.7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, FOLLOWING A RISE OF 0.5 PER CENT IN JANUARY. THESE DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 4.4 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, AND BY 13.7 PER CENT IN THE TWELVE MONTHS. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, AFTER SHOWING NO INCREASE IN JANUARY. THESE DEPOSITS WERE 6.5 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY AND 29.0 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS.
TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS CONTINUED TO GROW, ALBEIT AT A LESS RAPID RATE OF 0.9 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY. TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REGISTERED A MORE SIGNIFICANT RISE OF 2.6 PER CENT, AFTER A FALL OF 5.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE WIDER DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HKAB RATES AND MONEY MARKET RATES TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH WAS PROBABLY A CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR. HOWEVER, DEPOSITS WITH BANKS STILL GREW BY 7.6 PER CENT OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 3.2 PER CENT 0Vcr< THE SAME PERIOD.
/STATISTICS ON
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
2
STATISTICS ON SWAP DEPOSITS COLLECTED FROM BANKS INDICATE A FURTHER INCREASE TO $23.4 BILLION AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, FROM $22.7 BILLION AT THE END OF JANUARY. THE PERCENTAGE SHARE OF THESE DEPOSITS IN TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH BANKS REMAINED LITTLE CHANGED AT 16.3 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 16.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY CONTINUED TO GROW ON ALL DEFINITIONS IN FEBRUARY. HK$M1 (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION), AFFECTED BY THE SEASONAL INCREASE IN CASH DEMAND AROUND LUNAR f£W YEAR, ROSE BY 9.3 PER CENT. HK$M2 AND HK$M3 (THE BROADER DEFINITIONS) ALSO ROSE, ALBEIT AT MORE MODERATE RATES OF 1.8 PER CENT AND 2.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN JANUARY WERE 5.1 PER CENT, 1.5 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT.
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, HK$M1 ROSE BY 19.7 PER CENT, FKSM2 BY 7.9 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 5.9 PER CENT. OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES WERE 25.3 PER CENT, 12.9 PER CENT AND 14.1 PER CENT.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ALSO ROSE ON ALL DEFINITIONS. WHILE TOTAL Ml ROSE SHARPLY BY 9.6 PER CENT, THE INCREASE WAS LARGELY SEASONAL. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 ALSO GREW, ALBEIT LESS RAPIDLY, BY 1.7 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. IN JANUARY, THEIR GROWTH RATES WERE 3.9 PER CENT, 2.0 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY WERE 20.0 PER CENT, 8.6 PER CENT AND 6.5 PER CENT. AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS WERE 26.7 PER CENT, 19.4 PER CENT AND 20.7 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES CONTINUED TO GROW SLOWLY, BY 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY FOLLOWING 0.1 PER CENT IN JANUARY. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THESE GREW BY ONLY 1.0 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 7.6 PER CENT.
/WITHIN THE........
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 19&5
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE RECOVERED SOMEWHAT, GROWING BY 2.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY AFTER A DECREASE CF 6.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY. WHILE THEY FELL BY 4.7 PER CENT OVER THE LATEST THREE MONTHS, THEY WERE STILL 6.5 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG CONTINUED ID GROW SLOWLY BY 0.6 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 0.8 PER CENT IN JANUARY. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO FEBRUARY, THEY ROSE BY 2.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 6.5 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHOWED NET ASSETS AT $4.6 BILLION AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED FROM THAT AT THE END OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH. SIMILAR STATISTICS COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) SHOWED A RISE IN NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $4.3 BILLION TO $9.0 BILLION AND A FALL IN NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $6.0 BILLION TO $15.5 BILLION.
LIQUIDITY RATIO
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER, AT 49.1 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 49.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS 47.1 PER CENT, SOMEWHAT BELOW 48.3 PER CENT A MONTH EARLIER.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF BANKS LICENSED ROSE BY ONE TO 141, BUT THE NEW ONE WAS NOT YET OPERATING. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IN OPERATION STAYED AT 33. THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL TO 306.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
4
SEVEN NEW APPOINTMENTS TO HOUSING AUTHORITY, COMMITTEES * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED SEVEN NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND ITS COMMITTEES FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
THE NEW APPOINTMENTS COMPRISE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS AS WELL AS PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN HOUSING MATTERS AND A RECORD OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
OF THEM, FOUR ARE APPOINTED TO THE FULL HOUSING AUTHORITY. THEY ARE MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU, MR CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, MR PAO PING-WING AND MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG.
THE OTHER THREE WILL SERVE IN THE AUTHORITY’S COMMITTEES. THEY ARE MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG, J.P., WHO IS APPOINTED TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEES; MR THOMAS KWOK, TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE » AND MR FUNG KIN-KEE, TO THE MANAGEMENT AND THE APPEALS COMMITTEES.
ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, FIVE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAVE BEEN RE-APPOINTED. THEY ARE DR DENNY HUANG, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM, MR CHAN YING-LUN AND MR WAI HOM-LEUNG.
THE FOUR NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOLLOW THE RETIREMENT OF MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, MR GERALD FORSGATE AND MR KENNETH T.C. LO FROM THE AUTHORITY AND ITS COMMITTEES AFTER MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE.
CO-OPTED MEMBERS MR BROOK BERNACCHI, MR ALAN KWAN, MRS LEE KONG WAI-MUI AND MR DENIS S.T. WONG WILL ALSO BE RETIRING FROM THE AUTHORITY’S COMMITTEES.
AS A RESULT, MR CHARLES SIN WILL SUCCEED MR KENNETH LO AS CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. HIS CHAIRMANSHIP AT THE HOME OWNERSHIP COMMITTEE WILL IN TURN BE TAKEN UP BY DR PHILIP C.K. KWOK. MR LAU WAH-SUM WILL BECOME CHAIRMAN OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE SUCCEEDING MR FORSGATE.
ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MR PANG YUK-LING, SAID THE NEW APPOINTMENTS WOULD FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE UNOFFICIAL REPRESENTATION ON THE AUTHORITY AND ITS COMMITTEES, AND PROVIDE IT WITH THE NECESSARY EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE TO MEET THE IMPORTANT TASKS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
/♦•THROUGH THEIR .........
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
5 -
+THROUGH THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND THEIR WIDE CONTACTS, THE NEW MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE SOUND ADVICE AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE FORMULATION OF EFFECTIVE AND BALANCED DECISIONS.*
MR PANG POINTED OUT THAT OF THE AUTHORITY’S UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, MANY ALSO SERVED AS MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL, HEUNG YEE KUK AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
+TOGETHER, HOUSING AUTHORITY MEMBERS HAVE A BROAD BASE OF EXPERIENCE AND REPRESENTATION AND ARE ABLE TO APPLY A CRITICAL AND CONSCIENTIOUS PERSPECTIVE IN DETERMINING THE POLICIES OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.*
MR PANG PAID A WARM TRIBUTE TO ALL THE RETIRING MEMBERS AND SAID MANY OF THEM HAD SERVED THE AUTHORITY AND THE FORMER HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND HAD CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE AUTHORITY’S PHENOMENAL GROWTH AND SUCCESS.
+INDEED, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS VERY GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR THEIR WORK AND EFFORTS,* HE SAID.
THE FOLLOWING ARE BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES OF THE SEVEN NEW APPOINTEES:
MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU -- MR CHEUNG, WHO IS 47, HAS BEEN A CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE SINCE 1.4.1984. HE IS A STRUCTURAL ENGINEER BY PROFESSION AND A MEMBER OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
MR CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG -- MR CHEUNG, WHO IS 38, HAS BEEN A CO-OPTED MEMBER OF THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE SINCE 1.10.83. HE IS A TEACHER BY PROFESSION AND AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
MR PAO PING-WING -- MR PAO, WHO IS 37, IS A SOCIAL WORKER BY PROFESSION, AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND A MEMBER OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD. HE IS A CONSULTANT TO THE HOLY CARPENTER COMMUNITY CENTRE. HE HOLDS A MASTER DEGREE IN HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT FROM THE ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (BANGKOK).
MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG -- MISS LEUNG, WHO IS 39, IS A LECTURER IN SOCIAL GEOGRAPHY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. SHE IS CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY TO TENANTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING. SHE IS VERY ACTIVE IN HOUSING MATTERS AND HAS DONE A NUMBER OF STUDIES IN SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS, PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION, AS WELL AS RESIDENTIAL CHOICE AND SATISFACTION OF TENANTS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
/MR NORMAN .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
- 6 -
MR NORMAN LEUNG NAI-PANG, J.P. — MR LEUNG,' WHO IS 44, IS A PRACTISING SOLICITOR. HE IS THE KOWLOON REGIONAL COMMANDER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, A MEMBER OF THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD, THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW AND THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
MR THOMAS KWOK — MR KWOK, WHO IS 33, IS THE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW TOWN PROPERTIES LTD AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS’ ASSOCIATION. HE WAS TRAINED AS AN ARCHITECT AND AN ENGINEER AND HOLDS A MASTER DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON’S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDIES.
MR FUNG KIN-KEE — MR FUNG, WHO IS 33, IS AN ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLOR AND A MEMBER OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD. HE IS ALSO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG PEOPLE’S COUNCIL ON PUBLIC HOUSING POLICY. HE IS A SOCIAL WORKER HOLDING A DEGREE IN SOCIAL POLICY AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORD.
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GREEN LIGHT FOR TWO MORE INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS
*****
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB), CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, HAS RECOMMENDED THE GO-AHEAD FOR TWO MORE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROJECTS, AIMED AT PROMOTING ASPECTS CF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY SAID THAT THE FIRST CF THESE NEW PROJECTS IS A TECHNO-ECONOMIC AND MARKETING RESEARCH STUDY ON THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY. IT WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY STANFORD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL ASSISTED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.
HE SAID +THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IS VITAL TO HONG KONG AND IT MAKES GOOD SENSE FOR THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE GOVERNMENT TO BE BETTER INFORMED ABOUT THE INDUSTRY. THE STUDY WILL INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE INDUSTRY BUT ALSO RESEARCH ON THE MARKET SITUATION AND WORLD DEVELOPMENT TRENDS.
♦ IN ADDITION, THE STUDY WILL COVER ISSUES RELATING TO RAW MATERIALS SUPPLY, THE APPLICATION OF SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY, INTER-INDUSTRIES RELATIONSHIPS, INDUSTRY SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS AND THE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.*
/THE STUDY .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
- 7
THE STUDY WHICH WILL COST NEXT MONTH, AND TAKE ABOUT TEN
ABOUT $1.25 MILLION WILL START MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE SECOND PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR MOULD AND DIE DESIGN TO PROMOTE COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD) AND COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURE (CAM) FOR THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS ELECTRONICS, TOYS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS WHICH DEPEND HEAVILY ON PRECISION AND SPEED IN THE PRODUCTION CF TOOLING.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE AND WILL COST $1.97 MILLION.
MR YAXLEY EXPLAINED THAT THESE TWO PROJECTS ARE THE LATEST IN THE SERIES OF ON-GOING TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES OF THE MAJOR SECTORS OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND OF GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AT THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED TWO OTHER PROPOSALS. THE FIRST IS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPANY, INITIALLY SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN. THE SECOND PROPOSAL WAS IN RESPECT OF THE EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE TO ENABLE IT TO IMPLEMENT ON A UNIFIED BASIS CERTAIN ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ALREADY RECOMMENDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
MR YAXLEY STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT NO FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR EITHER OF THESE TWO PROJECTS AT THIS TIME.
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DB APPOINTMENTS NOT ARBITRARY - LIAO * * * *
THE PRIME OBJECTIVE IN THE SYSTEM OF APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BOARDS WILL BE ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE BI-WEEKLY ASSEMBLY OF NEW ASIA COLLEGE, HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ARBITRARY IN THE RECENT APPOINTMENTS OF THE 132 MEMBERS WHO WILL JOIN THE 237 ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE 19 BOARDS FROM MONDAY (APRIL 1).
/♦THE GUIDING .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 198$
8
+THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A BALANCED REPRESENTATION ON EACH BOARD, THAT IS, IT SHOULD CONSIST OF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE WHO ARE COMMITTED TO THE DISTRICT AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO WORK UNSELFISHLY FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS,+ HE SAID.
FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE SAID, BALANCE DID NOT MEAN PERFECT SYMMETRY OR NUMERICAL EQUALITY.
+BALANCE CAN ONLY MEAN A BALANCE OF ALL THE RELEVANT FACTORS SUCH AS OCCUPATION, AGE, SEX, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND, KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT, EXPERIENCE, PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE, EXTENT OF CONTACTS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE, AND ALL THOSE PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES THAT CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED.*
WHILE MEMBERS SHOULD COME FROM AS WIDE A RANGE OF SOCIAL SECTORS AS POSSIBLE, IT WAS OFTEN NOT POSSIBLE,’ TO HAVE AN EQUAL OR SIMILAR NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM ALL OCCUPATIONS OR PROFESSIONS.
NOR SHOULD IT BE UNEXPECTED, HE SAID, THAT THE BUSINESS SECTOR HAD PRODUCED THE MOST MEMBERS, BOTH IN THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP, GIVEN THE INDISPUTABLE IMPORTANCE CF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
MR LIAO STRESSED THAT THERE COULD NOT BE ANY RIGID CRITERION IN THE NOMINATION OF APPOINTED MEMBERS AS HEED MUST BE GIVEN TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS CF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS.
JUDGING FROM THE MORE EVEN SPREAD OF OCCUPATION AMONG THE ELECTED MEMBERS, HE SAID, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE WORK OF THE BOARDS DURING THE PAST YEARS HAD ATTRACTED CAPABLE PEOPLE FROM A WIDER SOCIAL SPECTRUM.
HE HOPED THAT THOSE WHO HAD BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE ELECTIONS EARLIER THIS MONTH WOULD NOT LOSE HEART, BUT CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
7
kcvt Z«EtSTUDY WHICH */,LL C0ST AB0UT SI.25 MILLION WILL START NEXT MONTH, AND TAKE ABOUT TEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE SECOND PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR MOULD AND DIE DESIGN TO PROMOTE COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD) AND COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURE (CAM) FOR THE HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, SUCH AS ELECTRONICS, TOYS AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS WHICH DEPEND HEAVILY ON PRECISION AND SPEED IN THE PRODUCTION CF TOOLING.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE AND WILL COST $1.97 MILLION.
MR YAXLEY EXPLAINED THAT THESE TWO PROJECTS ARE THE LATEST IN THE SERIES OF ON-GOING TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES OF THE MAJOR SECTORS OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES AND OF GOVERNMENT SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AT THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS.
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED TWO OTHER PROPOSALS. THE FIRST IS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPANY, INITIALLY SUPPORTED BY GOVERNMENT, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN. THE SECOND PROPOSAL WAS IN RESPECT OF THE EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE TO ENABLE IT TO IMPLEMENT ON A UNIFIED BASIS CERTAIN ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ALREADY RECOMMENDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
MR YAXLEY STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT NO FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR EITHER OF THESE TWO PROJECTS AT THIS TIME.
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DB APPOINTMENTS NOT ARBITRARY - LIAO * * * *
THE PRIME OBJECTIVE IN THE SYSTEM OF APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS TO ENSURE THAT THE BOARDS WILL BE ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE BI-WEEKLY ASSEMBLY OF NEW ASIA COLLEGE, HE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ARBITRARY IN THE RECENT APPOINTMENTS OF THE 132 MEMBERS WHO WILL JOIN THE 237 ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE 19 BOARDS FROM MONDAY (APRIL 1).
/♦THE GUIDING .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 198?
8
+THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A BALANCED REPRESENTATION ON EACH BOARD, THAT IS, IT SHOULD CONSIST OF PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE WHO ARE COMMITTED TO THE DISTRICT AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO WORK UNSELFISHLY FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.
FOR THIS PURPOSE, HE SAID, BALANCE DID NOT MEAN PERFECT SYMMETRY OR NUMERICAL EQUALITY.
+BALANCE CAN ONLY MEAN A BALANCE OF ALL THE RELEVANT FACTORS SUCH AS OCCUPATION, AGE, SEX, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL BACKGROUND, KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT, EXPERIENCE, PAST COMMUNITY SERVICE, EXTENT OF CONTACTS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE, AND ALL THOSE PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES THAT CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED.*
WHILE MEMBERS SHOULD COME FROM AS WIDE A RANGE OF SOCIAL SECTORS AS POSSIBLE, IT WAS OFTEN NOT POSSIBLE,' TO HAVE AN EQUAL OR SIMILAR NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM ALL OCCUPATIONS OR PROFESSIONS.
NOR SHOULD IT BE UNEXPECTED, HE SAID, THAT THE BUSINESS SECTOR HAD PRODUCED THE MOST MEMBERS, BOTH IN THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERSHIP, GIVEN THE INDISPUTABLE IMPORTANCE CF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
MR LIAO STRESSED THAT THERE COULD NOT BE ANY RIGID CRITERION IN THE NOMINATION OF APPOINTED MEMBERS AS HEED MUST BE GIVEN TO THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND NEEDS CF INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS.
JUDGING FROM THE MORE EVEN SPREAD OF OCCUPATION AMONG THE ELECTED MEMBERS, HE SAID, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE WORK OF THE BOARDS DURING THE PAST YEARS HAD ATTRACTED CAPABLE PEOPLE FROM A WIDER SOCIAL SPECTRUM.
HE HOPED THAT THOSE WHO HAD BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN THE ELECTIONS EARLIER THIS MONTH WOULD NOT LOSE HEART, BUT CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
11
THE FEES, WHICH ARE UNIFORM AND IMPOSED WORLDWIDE, ARE ID POUND STERLING FOR AN ORDINARY ENTRY CERTIFICATE, 20 POUND STERLING FOR A MULTIPLE-ENTRY CERTIFICATE AND EIGHT POUND STERLING FOR A TRANSIT ENTRY CERTIFICATE. THEY WILL BE CHARGED IN HONG KONG ALSO FROM MONDAY, AND WILL BE COLLECTED IN LOCAL CURRENCY AT AN OFFICIAL RATE OF EXCHANGE.
AN ENTRY CERTIFICATE IS AN ENDORSEMENT PLACED IN A COMMONWEALTH OR BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES PASSPORT. IT INDICATES THAT THE ENTRY CLEARANCE OFFICER AT OVERSEAS VISA POSTS (SUCH AS THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT) IS SATISFIED ABOUT THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM. BUT IT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT A TRAVELLER HOLDING AN ENTRY CERTIFICATE WILL BE ADMITTED TO THE UK.
ALTHOUGH PERSONS SEEKING TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR SETTLEMENT OR ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUSINESS MUST HAVE ENTRY CERTIFICATES, IT IS PURELY OPTIONAL FOR VISITORS, STUDENTS AND TRANS I TEES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OUT OF THE 16 000 ENTRY CERTIFICATES ISSUED EACH YEAR, ONLY 1 000 ARE MANDATORY.
DURING 1983, 50 900 HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS ENTERED THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE DEPARTMENT, HOWEVER, ISSUED ONLY 15 588 ENTRY CERTIFICATES. THIS MEANS THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS VISITED UK WITHOUT BOTHERING TO GET AN ENTRY CERTIFICATE.
♦GENERALLY SPEAKING, HONG KONG PASSPORT HOLDERS WHO ARE BONA FIDE VISITORS OR STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE UK WITHOUT ENTRY CERTIFICATES IF THEY ARE ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES REASONABLY CLEARLY IN ENGLISH,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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NEW DB MEMBERS. GET TOGETHER * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE NEW KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HELD THEIR FIRST INFORMAL GATHERING THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND EXCHANGE VIEWS.
THE 32 MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED BY THE OUT-GOING BOARD CHAIRMAN, WHO IS THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, ON PROCEDURES TO ELECT THEIR CHAIRMAN AT THE FIRST FORMAL BOARD MEETING, TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED ON MAY 6.
/THE BOARD .......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
12
THE BOARD MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED THE FUTURE FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD, SUCH AS DECIDING ON THE NUMBER AND NATURE OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS TO BE SET UP, THE DB STANDING ORDERS, AND THE SCHEDULE OF BOARD MEETINGS.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES FOR MEMBERS TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORK IN THE BOARD AND TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY AND THE DISTRICT AS A WHOLE.
EARLIER, NEWLY ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MET IN THE AFTERNOON AT A RECEPTION TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE NEW DB MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION OF THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE USE OF DB FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD IS SCHEDULED ON APRIL 12, IN WHICH THE ELECTION OF THE DB CHAIRMAN WILL TAKE PLACE.
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LEARNING MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT *****
NEWLY-ELECTED AND APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) WENT ON A TOUR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANS AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT, AND THE WORK ACHIEVED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, AND HIS STAFF, THE GROUP VISITED MA HANG SQUATTER AREA IN STANLEY AND NAM FUNG SHEUNG VILLAGE IN WONG CHUK HANG WHERE THEY INSPECTED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS UNDERTAKEN BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THEY LATER VISITED THE WONG CHUK HANG FACTORY AREA TO SEE THE OPERATION OF MOBILE FOOD VANS WHICH HAVE HELPED EASE THE CATERING PROBLEM FOR WORKERS, AND INSPECTED A SITE EARMARKED FOR A COOKED FOOD CENTRE.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR STANLEY VALLEY AND THE WAH FU ESTATE PLAYGROUND PROJECT.
THEY ALSO HAD A CLOSER LOOK AT THE PROGRESS OF SEVERAL MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES SUCH AS THE ABERDEEN AND NORTHERN AP LEI CHAU RECLAMATION PROJECTS, THE ABERDEEN THROUGH ROAD PROJECT AND THE TELEGRAPH BAY. AT THE END OF THE TOUR, THE NEW BOARD hEMBERS HAD AN INFORMAL GATHERING AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
13
APRIL 1 REMINDER FOR HK RESIDENTS *****
LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE REMINDED THAT FROM MONDAY (APRIL 1), THEY WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO BRING IN ONE LITRE OF STILL WINE AND 100 CIGARETTES OR 25 CIGARS OR 125 GRAMS OF TOBACCO FREE OF DUTY WHEN RETURNING TO HONG KONG.
AS FOR PERFUME AND TOILET WATER, THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN STILL BRING IN 60 MILLILITRES OF PERFUME AND 250 MILLILITRES OF TOILET WATER FREE OF DUTY AS BEFORE.
THIS NEW MEASURE WILL APPLY TO LOCAL RESIDENTS ONLY. VISITORS COMING TO HONG KONG CAN STILL CLAIM THE ENTITLED DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR LIQUOR, TOBACCO, PERFUME AND TOILET WATER.
A CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SPOKESMAN SAID; +THE PERMITTED DUTY FREE STILL WINE INCLUDES WHITE WINE, RED WINE, PORT, SHERRY AND ROSE.
+CHAMPAGNE AND OTHER SPARKLING WINES AND BRANDY, WHISKY, GIN CARRIED BY RETURNING RESIDENTS WILL BE SUBJECT TO DUTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE FROM APRIL 1.+
HE EXPLAINED THAT A LOCAL RESIDENT IS ANY PERSON WHO HAS
THE RIGHT TO LAND IN HONG KONG AND TO REMAIN FREE OF CONDITIONS OF STAY, OR WHO HAS BEEN PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG FOR SIX MONTHS OR MORE, OR WHO IS A HOLDER OF IDENTITY CARD OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION ISSUED UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE.
PERSONS WHO CLAIM TO BE VISITORS AND WISH TO HAVE ENTITLEMENT TO FULL DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS MAY BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR INSPECTION BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS.
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NEED SEEN FOR INDIGENOUS MANAGERS *****
HONG KONG NEEDED INDIGENOUS MANAGERS WITH THE RIGHT ACUMEN AND SKILLS FOR ITS CONTINUED COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS, MR HORACE KNIGHT, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, SAID TODAY.
HOWEVER, THE CONCEPT OF PLANNED TRAINING MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL WAS ACCEPTED BY ONLY A RELATIVELY FEW ORGANISATIONS^ HE SAID.
IN A TALK TODAY TO THE ROTARY CLUB, KOWLOON NORTH, MR KNIGHT POINTED OUT THAT LESS THAN 15 PER CENT OF ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED IN A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE COUNCIL HAD FORMAL TRAINING FOR MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.
FINDINGS OF ANOTHER SURVEY ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING NEEDS ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL DEMAND FOR MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN QUALITY AS. WELL AS IN QUANTITY, HE SAID.
THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG ESTABLISHED BY THE COUNCIL LAST YEAR HAD THE JOB OF IDENTIFYING HONG KONG’S CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS FOR MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND CO-ORDINATING THE EFFORTS AIMED AT MEETING SUCH NEEDS.
HIGHLIGHTING THE WORK OF THE CENTRE, MR KNIGHT SAID THAT IT HAD ALREADY UNDERTAKEN PROJECTS IN RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
♦ONE SUCH PROJECT IS THE SETTING UP OF A COMPREHENSIVE REPOSITORY OF MANAGEMENT LITERATURE AS WELL AS DETAILED INFORMATION ON HONG KONG BUSINESSES, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT COURSES, MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS, RESEARCH PROJECTS AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING MATERIALS INCLUDING FILMS AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS.
+THIS LIBRARY CUM INFORMATION UNIT IS OPEN TO ALL INSTITUTIONS, EMPLOYEES, MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS,* SAID MR KNIGHT.
THE CENTRE, STAFFED AND SUPPORTED BY MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE, WAS NOW OPERATING A GENERAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP A PROGRAMME TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF LOCAL GENERAL MANAGERS.
THE SIX-MONTH PROGRAMME USED ACTION LEARNING, PROJECT ORIENTATED TECHNIQUES WHICH WERE NEW TO HONG KONG, SUPPLEMENTED BY MORE CONVENTIONAL STUDY AND BRIEFINGS, MR KNIGHT SAID.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
SEVEN RESIDENTS COMMENDED FOR CIVIC WORK
******
TRIBUTE WAS PAID TODAY TO SEVEN RECIPIENTS OF THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR PETER TSAO AWARDED CERTIFICATES CF COMMENDATION TO MRS ADA CHUNG LAU SHIN-YEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG, REV. ISAAC LIU CHI-SAN, MR LAI CHI-KIN, MR WONG CHE-KEUNG, MR CHANG BUTE AND MR LU KWONG-FAI.
MRS ADA CHUNG, AN EMPLOYEE OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, WAS COMMENDED FOR HER OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AND HER ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY IN WAN CHAI.
MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG, HEADMASTER OF PO YAN PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS RECOGNISED FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY BUILDING IN WONG TAI SIN THROUGH THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION IN THE DISTRICT.
REV. ISAAC LIU, MINISTER OF THE CHINESE NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH AND SUPERVISOR OF THE CHINESE NATIONAL EVANGELICAL CHURCH TA TUNG PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF WELFARE FOR THE AGED IN KOWLOON WALLED CITY THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP HE PROVIDES TO A CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE AREA.
MR LAI CHI-KIN, A CARETAKER OF LOK SIN TONG PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS RECOGNISED FOR HIS ZEAL IN ASSISTING VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS AT A TEMPORARY SHELTER IN KOWLOON CITY AND THE ORGANISATION OF COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
MR LU KWONG-FAI, PRINCIPAL OF KEI KOK PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN SHA TIN, IN PARTICULAR HIS PROMOTION OF LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL AS A SPORT FOR SCHOOLS AND YOUNG PERSONS IN THE DISTRICT.
MR WONG CHE-KEUNG, AN ARTISAN OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WAS RECOGNISED FOR HIS SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN HANG HAU, SAI KUNG AND IN PARTICULAR FOR HIS EFFORT IN SETTING UP A YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE IN THE VILLAGE.
MR CHANG BUTE, A RETIRED VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WORKER, WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS UNTIRING EFFORT IN PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF THE AGED THROUGH HIS VOLUNTEER WORK IN THE ST JOSEPH OLD PEOPLE’S RECREATION CLUB AND THE MA ON SHAN HOME FOR THE AGED.
THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN 1982 TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO THOSE WORTHY MEMBERS CF THE COMMUNITY WHO MAKE OUTSTANDING AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION THROUGH THEIR PHYSICAL EFFORTS OR INNOVATIVE IDEAS. TWENTY PEOPLE HAVE RECEIVED THE COMMENDATION SINCE THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED.
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16
A LOOK INTO IMMIGRATION WORK XXX*
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS VISITED THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY TO MEET THE STAFF AND SEE THEM AT WORK.
MR ROWLANDS HAD AN HOUR-LONG DISCUSSION WITH STAFF REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE TOURING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE OVERSEAS VISA SECTION, THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS SECTION AND THE EXTENSION SECTION.
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER BRIEFED MR ROWLANDS ON WORKSHOPS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY AND COURTESY. MR ROWLANDS LEARNED THAT THE WORKSHOPS RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAD HELPED IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
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EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT HOLIDAY
* * * #
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED EMPLOYERS TODAY THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON APRIL 5, IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HE SAID UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES WHO ARE EARNING NOT MORE THAN $9 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST 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 AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY, AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS, SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY-TO-DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, bE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
17
GRAVE SWEEPERS WARNED ABOUT FIRES * * *
PEOPLE VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHING MING FESTIVAL WERE URGED TODAY TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO START ANY HILL FIRES.
MAKING THE REQUEST, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID THAT LAST YEAR 26 FIRES WERE RECORDED ON CHING MING DAY, DUE MAINLY TO THE CARELESSNESS OF GRAVE SWEEPERS AND PICNICKERS.
HE URGED WORSHIPPERS NOT TO LEAVE ANYTHING BURNING UNATTENDED AT THE GRAVE SITES.
WORSHIPPERS SHOULD BURN ALL ITEMS IN METAL CONTAINERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE, AND MUST MAKE SURE THAT ALL FIRES ARE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED, HE SAID.
AND PICNICKERS, HE SAID, SHOULD PUT OUT ALL BARBECUE FIRES AND CIGARETTE BUTTS BEFORE LEAVING.
ANYONE CAUSING A FIRE IN THE COUNTRY PARK IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION, HE SAID.
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FIREMEN COMMENDED * * *
A STATION OFFICER AND TWO FIREMEN WILL BE RECEIVING COMMENDATIONS AT A CEREMONY AT THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND FEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD, ON TUESDAY (APRIL 2) MORNING.
STATION OFFICER CHO WING-NIN WILL RECEIVE THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES’ HIGH COMMENDATION FOR HIS +LEADERSHIP AND FIRM CONTROL OF A DIFFICULT FIRE SITUATION,+ RESULTING IN THE RESCUE OF SIX PERSONS, ONE OF WHOM HE PERSONALLY RESCUED FROM A BLAZE AT A TSIM SHA TSUI FLAT ON FEBRUARY 20.
FIREMEN YU KWOK-FAI AND FUNG CHUNG-KAM WILL RECEIVE THE DIRECTOR’S COMMENDATION FOR THEIR +SKILL, INITIATIVE AND DEVOTION TO DUTY+ RESULTING IN THE RESCUE OF FOUR PERSONS STRANDED ON A CANOPY OUTSIDE THE 3RD FLOOR LEVEL OF A BURNING FLAT AT 11-A HAU FOOK STREET, TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE PRESENTATIONS WILL BE MADE BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, MR M. KINGDOM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD.
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18
TAI PO ZONING PLAN AMENDED FOR HOUSING SITES
X * * * #
TwO AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR TAI PO, TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING SITES.
THEY INVOLVE THE REZONING OF A SITE TO THE WEST OF TAI PO .MARKET, COMPRISING A GROSS AREA OF 15.7 HECTARES, FROM ’INDUSTRIAL’ AND ’OU’ (ANNOTATED ’FUNERAL PARLOUR’) TO 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’.
THE AMENDED PLAN MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR. MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE; CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TAI PO), TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET, NEw TERRITORIES.
PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY APRIL 18.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN NO. S/TP/1 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $60 EACH COLOURED.
---0------
LEARNING TO PROMOTE MORAL EDUCATION
* * * *
CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP ON MAY 25 TO HELP THEM PROMOTE MORAL EDUCATION THROUGH TEACHING.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES DURING THE WORKSHOP, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
THERE WILL BE A KEYNOTE SPEECH DURING THE SESSION, AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS TOUCHING ON THE PROMOTION OF MORAL EDUCATION THROUGH READING, WRITING, SUPPLEMENTARY READING AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE WORKSHOP HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE SECTION AND THE RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.
NOMINATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE APRIL 20 TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE RELIGIOUS-ETHICAL EDUCATION SECTION AT FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE SECTION ON 5-8392483.
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/19......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
19
PLANT TREES FOR A GREENER HONG KONG, PUBLIC URGED * * * *
A MASSIVE TREE PLANTING EFFORT BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, HELPED BY 6 OOO YOUNG PEOPLE, WILL GET UNDERWAY ON SUNDAY (MARCH 31), STARTING OFF THE 1985 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING SCHEME.
UNDER THE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, TREE SEEDLINGS WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE TO INTERESTED PERSONS FOR PLANTING AT SELECTED SITES IN SIX COUNTRY PARKS, HELPED, IF NECESSARY, BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF.
THE SEEDLINGS WILL BE GIVEN ON THREE CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS FROM MARCH 31, AND ALSO DURING THE EASTER HOLIDAYS ON APRIL 5 TO 8, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARK), MR K.C. IU, SAID TODAY.
HE INVITED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO JOIN IN THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING EFFORT, AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC INTEREST IN BEAUTIFYING HONG KONG’S COUNTRYSIDE, MAKING IT A NICER AND GREENER PLACE.
AMONG THE 6 000 YOUTHS WHO WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE SCHEME WILL BE MEMBERS OF SCOUT GROUPS, COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUBS, AND THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE +CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME+.
THE SIX PLANTING SITES ARE LOCATED AT TWISK, TAI MO SHAN ERIDE’S POOL IN TAI PO; QUARRY BAY AND POK FU LAM ON HONG KONG ISLAND, NAM SHAN ON LANTAU AND PAK TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR IU SAID, WILL UNDER ITS OWN PROGRAMME, BE PLANTING ABOUT 450 000 SEEDLINGS IN THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG THIS YEAR, AS AGAINST 330 000 PLANTED LAST YEAR.
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/20.......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
- 20
EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL INAUGURATED *****
THE PROMOTION OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY CF LIFE WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR TASKS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THIS WAS STATED THIS EVENING BY EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, 14? LUI HAU-TUEN AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE FIRST TERM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL.
HE SAID THAT THE COUNCIL’S FORMATION WAS TIMELY AND MARKED A MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, A CULTURAL ORGANISATION FORMED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS, HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS CF POOLING TOGETHER RESOURCES OF LOCAL ARTISTS FROM VARIOUS ARTISTIC FIELDS TO HELP PROMOTE CULTURAL LIFE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, 14? LUI SAID.
+1 AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT, WHO COME FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE JOIN TOGETHER TO PROMOTE CULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC, DANCE, FLORAL ARRANGEMENT, DRAMA, AND MANY OTHER FORMS OF ART,+ HE ADDED.
THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MADAM CHRISTINA TING SAID THE ARTS COUNCIL, A NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATION, SOUGHT TO PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURE IN THE DISTRICT, AND STRENGTHEN LINKS BETWEEN THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD. THE GOVERNMENT, AND OTHER CULTURAL AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS.
------o-------
WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCED
* * * *
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE EARLIER TO PERSONS WHOSE PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE EASTER HOLIDAYS.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT PERSONS DUE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS ON APRIL 5, 6, 7 AND 8 MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS ON APRIL 2, 3 AND 4 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER, AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES DUE ON APRIL 5 UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM WILL BE PAID ON APRIL 3.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
21
CHARITY WALKS RAISE FUNDS FOR ELDERLY * * * * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S +CHARITY WALKS FOR THE ELDERLY+ ORGANISED LAST NOVEMBER BROUGHT IN SOME $800 000 FOR PURCHASE OF ; '.IDE VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT FOR OLD PEOPLE.
THE EQUIPMENT, RANGING FROM WASHING MACHINES TO BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING APPARATUS, WILL BENEFIT SENIOR CITIZENS NOW IN THE CARE OF ABOUT 100 HOSTELS AND SOCIAL CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
AT A CEREMONY AT LUNG HANG ESTATE COMMUNITY HALL TODAY THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR FRED PANG, OFFICIALLY ’ HANDED OVER SOME OF THE ITEMS TO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RECIPIENT AGENCIES.
ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, MR PANG UNDERLINED OF CARE AND RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY AND SAID THE AUTHORITY’S POLICIES CATERED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING CITI ZENS.
THE IMPORTANCE HOUSING
FOR SENIOR
+WORTHY OF SPECIAL MENTION IS THE SPECIAL QUOTA UNDFR THF ELDERLY PRIORITY SCHEME WHERE RELATED OR UNRELATED PERSONS OVER THE AGE OF 60 CAN PAIR UP TO OBTAIN A FLAT.
+THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME 2 300 PERSONS HAVE SO QUALIFIED
S TWO YEARS AND TO DATE OVER
+APART FROM THIS HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED.+
, IN COLLABORATION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND RELATED SERVICES HAVE LONG SINCE BEEN
MR PANG WARMLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE +SPONTANEOUS AND OVERWHELMING* COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE CHARITY WALKS ORGANISED ON SEVEN ESTATES AS PART OF LAST YEAR’S HOUSING FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS.
+THE RESULT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF — IN OUR JOINT EFFORTS WE SUCCEEDED IN RAISING MORE THAN $800 000.
+THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THOUGHT THAT THE BEST WAY OF SPENDING THE MONEY WAS TO ASK WHAT THE ELDERLY PEOPLE, THEMSELVES, WHAT THEY REQUIRED. WE THEREFORE APPROACHED OVER 100 CENTRES AND HOSTELS.
♦THE RESULT: A LONG AND VARIED LIST INCLUDING FURNITURE, SEWING MACHINES, VACUUM CLEANERS, TV SETS, ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS, DEHUMIDIFIERS, WASHING MACHINES, SPOT-LIGHTS, SLIDE PROJECTORS, PHYSICAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, AND EVEN BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURING APPARATUS. SOME OF THE ITEMS BOUGHT ARE ON DISPLAY HERE.
+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE WALKS WILL AGREE THAT THE MONEY HAS BEEN WELL SPENT ON THESE ITEMS TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT, EXERCISE AND ENJOYMENT FOR THE ELDERLY.+ 0
/22......
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TWO GAMES HALLS * * * * *
TWO URBAN COUNCIL INDOOR GAMES HALLS IN KOWLOON WILL BE CLOSED FOR TWO DAYS EARLY NEXT MONTH FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE MORSE PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL WILL BE CLOSED ON APRIL 9 AND 10 AND THE KAI TAK EAST INDOOR GAMES HALL ON APRIL 11 AND 12.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO REPAINT THE LINE MARKINGS AT THESE VENUES WHICH HAVE FADED DUE TO NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.
- 0 - -
ELEVATED ROADS BEING BUILT * * * *
ROADWORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE ACCESS BETWEEN THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AND GLOUCESTER ROAD AND HARCOURT ROAD.
THE WORKS WILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELEVATED ROAD FROM FENWICK PIER STREET TO HARCOURT ROAD, AN ELEVATED ROAD FROM HUNG HING ROAD TO GLOUCESTER ROAD, A SEAFRONT ROAD FROM TONNOCHY ROAD TO FLEMING ROAD, AND THE EXTENSION OF FENWICK PIER STREET, LUNG KING STREET AND WAN SHING STREET.
A NEW TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING BUS TERMINUS AT THE WAN CHAI FERRY PIER.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
25
TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *
FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY (APRIL 1 TO 4) TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT INTERVALS BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 5.45 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
THIS IS TO ENABLE CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIVE WORK.
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE CARRIED OUT AGAIN FROM APRIL 9 TO 11, 15 TO 18, 22 TO 25, 29 TO 30, AND FROM MAY 1 TO 2.
AND FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS FROM MONDAY, TWO LANES OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD IN CHAI WAN KOK, TSUEN WAN WILL EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD WORKS.
----o------
TENDERS INVITED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK
*****
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF A LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT THE HONG NING ROAD RECREATION GROUND IN KWUN TONG.
THE RECREATION GROUND, LOCATED BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND SHUI NING STREET, PROVIDES BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE AWARDED A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT STARTING FROM AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR. AT PRESENT THE KIOSK CARRIES A MONTHLY RENTAL OF $6 280.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, 5TH FLOOR, GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES, TUNG YAN STREET, KWUN TONG.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE AND PLACED BY HAND IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEPTION COUNTER, 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, BEFORE 9 A.M. ON APRIL 19, 1985. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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/24........
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1985
2U
WATER MAINS WORK FOR ESTATE
* * * *
ABOUT 5 OOO METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID ALONGSIDE THE ACCESS ROAD BEING CONSTRUCTED FROM THE END OF TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD IN SHA TIN TO MA ON SHAN.
THE PROJECT MAKES UP THE SCHEME TO SUPPLY FRESH WATER FROM THE AH KUNG KOK SERVICE RESERVOIR TO THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN, AND IS PART OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE HANG ON ESTATE, NOW BEING BUILT, IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
WORK WILL START IN JUNE THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 13 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW DEPARTMENT STARTS WORK MONDAY ............................... 1
INDUSTRY CHIEF ON WORLD WIDE PROMOTIONAL TOUR.................... 2
EXTRA 'HOTLINE' ON AIDS ......................................... 3
TUNNEL TOLLS UP FROM APRIL 1 .................................... 4
MORE YOUTHS CENTRES BEING SET UP ................................ 5
MEN REMINDED ABOUT I.D. CARDS ................................... 6
SURFACE WORK TO START ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL ................. 7
FIVE NT SWIMMING POOLS OPEN MONDAY............................... 7
MORE CHLORINE STORES ............................................ 8
PROPOSED SUBWAY IN SHAM SHUT PO ................................. 9
MORE PARKING METERS ............................................. 9
FIRING PRACTICE................................................. 1°
WATER LEAKAGE TEST ...........................................
SATURDAY, MARCH 33, 1985
1
NEW DEPARTMENT STARTS WORK MONDAY *****
THE NEW REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL START OPERATIC 2 C MONDAY (APRIL 1), PROVIDI G A FULL RANGE OF MUNICIPAL AND AMENITIES SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL TAKE ADVICE FROM THE NEW PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, SET UP TO PROVIDE MORE EFFICIENT SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE LIVING ■ . THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE RSD WAS FORMED THROUGH AMALGAMATION OF THE NEW TERRITORY; SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ELEMENTS OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AD RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDED SERVICES IN THE NEW i ERR I TOR IES.
IT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND PUBLIC K LTH. MANAGEMENT Cc MARKETS, HAWKER CONTROL, MANAGEMENT OF .-'.BL IC AMENITIES, CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, LL SERVICES A .3 RECREATIO . «ND SPORTS PROGRAMMES.
IT WILL BE HEADED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, ASSISTED BY ONE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND THREE ASSISTANT DIRECTORS AT ITS HEADQUARTERS.
AT DISTRICT LEVEL, THE RSD HAS AN OFFICE IN EACH OF THE NINE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — ISLANDS, NORTH, KWAI CHUNG, SA' KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
THE DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT WILL TAKE OVER THE WORK OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES OFFICER AND HEAD THE ENVIRONME 'TAL HYGIENE SECTION OF THE OFFICE, WHILE THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL LOCAL RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICES.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MANAGERS TO LOOK AFTER THE TOWN HALLS, LIBRARIANS TO TAKE CHARGE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND A CURATOR TO AN THE MUSEUMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE CLEANSING SERVICE, THE RSD HAS A TASK FORCE OF 3 400 CLEANSING WORKERS.
IT WILL ALSO OPERATE A FLEET OF 135 REFUSE AND JUNK COLLECT 10’. VEHICLES, 36 STREET WASHERS, 16 MECHANICAL SUCTION SWEEPERS AD SCORES CF OTHER SPECIALISED SANITARY VEHICLES.
IT WILL CONTROL SOME 700 REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, 1 150 Eli SITES AND 63 PU.-lIC TOILETS AND BATHHOUSES.
IT WILL ALSO CONTROL 37 PUBLIC MARKETS AND COOKED FOOD ET3. TOGETHER THEY HOUSE 1 lo- aPKET STALLS, 2 773 MINI-STALLS A <D 33 COOKED FOOD STALLS.
/THE Rjj . • •. - o -
■u-TOBDAY, MARCH jO, 1987
THE RSD WILL MANAGE ALL PUBLIC RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES IK THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ORGANISE A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES.
THIS WORK WILL INCLUDE THE CONTROL OF 76 CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUNDS, 137 PARKS V'-JD GARDENS, NINE GRASS SOCCER PITCHES, 34 HARD-SURFACED MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, 61 BASKETBALL COURTS, 22 VOLLEYBALL COURTS, 13 BADMINTON COURTS, 23 TENNIS COURTS, NINE RUNNING TRACKS, FOUR ROLLER SKATING RINKS, 20 SQUASH COURTS AND TWO MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALLS, AND SIX SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES.
IT WILL ALSO MANAGE THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL AND THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, AS WELL AS 15 PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND CNE MOBILE LIBRARY IN THE REGION.
OTHER FACILITIES IT WILL MANAGE ARE: THE SHEUNG SIU FOLK MUSEUr IN SAI KUNG AND THE TUNG LUNG FORT ON TUNG LUNG ISLAND, FOUR HORTICULTURAL NURSERIES, THE MAIN PUBLIC CEMETERY AT WO HOP SHEK, TWO SMALLER CEMETERIES AT CHEUNG CHAU AND LANTAU ISLAND AND TWO PUBLIC CREMATORIA AT KWAI CHUNG AND SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE RSD WILL EE SERVED BY AN INFORMATION DIVISION LOCATED AT THE FIRST FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), ROOM 135, 10-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI. THE UNIT’S TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE 3'7213852, 3-7231528 AND 3-7231648.
- - 0
INDUSTRY CHIEF ON WORLD WIDE PROMOTIONAL TOUR * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON MONDAY (APRIL 1) ON A MONTH LONG PROMOTIONAL VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES.
IN LONDON, MR YAXLEY WILL BE TALKING TO THREE BRITISH ELECTRONICS COMPANIES WHICH ARE CONSIDERING INVESTING IN HONG KONG. IN ADDITION HE WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE STANDARDS \ND QUALITY POLICY UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND a IT- THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTE.
THE PURPOSE OF THESE TALKS IS TO HELP THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO CONS DE-- wHAT FURTHER ACTION IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE
■.NG GOVERNMENT TO TAKE IN ASSISTING HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS TO UPGRADE E QUALITY OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
/MR YAXLEY
Sa. .DAY, kARCE jj,
'■? YAXLEY WILL THEN GO ON TO BRUSSELS IMMEDIATELY AFTER EASIER, FOR DISCUSSION WITH MR DEREK JONES, THE MINISTER FOR HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES ABOUT -ITURE STRATEGY FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION WORK IN EUROPE.
ON APRIL 19, HE WILL TAKE PART IN THE HANOVER FAIR, IN WHICH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS AN EXHIBITION STAND. HE WILL ALSO SPEAK AT A SEMINAR ON HONG KONG, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.
MR YAXLEY WILL THEN GO ON TO NEW YORK. IN ADDITION TO MEETING REPRESENTATIVES OF A MAJOR UNITED STATES GROUP WHICH IS CONSIDERING AN EXPANSION IN HONG KONG, HE WILL BE DISCUSSING THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE OPENING OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S NEW OFFICE IN NEW YORK LATER THIS YEAR WITH MR BILL DORWARD, THE COMMISSIONER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS.
THE DIRECTOR WILL THEN FLY TO THE WEST COAST OF THE USA FOk A FOUR-DAY VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO. DURING HIS VISIT HE WILL VISIT THE STANFORD RESEARCH INSTITUTE, TWO ELECTRONICS COMPANIES IN THE SILICON VALLEY AREA AND ADDRESS A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG BAY AREA ASSOCIATION.
MR YAXLEY IS DUE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON APRIL 28.
- - 0 - -
EXTRA ’HOTLINE’ ON AIDS * * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP YET ANOTHER ’HOTLINE’ OFFERING GENERAL INFORMATION ON AIDS -- ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME.
FROM MONDAY (APRIL 1), AIDS INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TWO ’HOTLINES’ 5-724533 (IN ENGLISH) AND 5-8330111 (IN CHINESE) INSTEAD OF THE EXISTING SINGLE BILINGUAL ’HOTLINE’.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE FIRST ’HOTLINE’ SERVICE, WHICH HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC.
♦SINCE THE SETTING UP OF THE INFORMATION ’HOTLINE’ ON MARCH 9, 856 CALLERS MADE USE OF THE SERVICE,* HE SAID.
OF THE CALLERS, 89 HAD RAISED QUESTIONS AND 68 OTHERS HAD MADE COMMENTS AFTER LISTENING TO THE RECORDED PROGRAMME. THIRTY-NINE CALLERS HAD LEFT THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR FURTHER CONTACT.
/♦IN VIKA
U?3AY, I4UCH 30, 1965
, IEa GF 7<; FAVOURABLE RECEPTION AND TO ENABLE WORE
LE >0 HA.'E AC.-.2 TO ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION
2,3, ' ..'..c-.Ei/rS WERE THE.. MADE TO INSTALL A SECOND
’wO'l I. H7H A ’ _'.Ti'!G-LINE’ SERVICE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS HUNTING L E SERVICE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCEPT FIVE C/ .LERS SIMULTANEOUSLY, BUT CALLERS WILL ONLY HAVE TO DIAL ONE NUMBER.
A FIVE-"INUTE RECORDED PROGRAMME, OFFER CALLERS A GENERAL PICTURE OF AIDS, IT" DES GF TRANSMISSION, SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT , o-... --JTION '■ ETHODS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF AIDS PATIENTS.
TUNNEL TOLLS UP FROM APRIL 1
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM AP’iL 1, TO L CHARGES FOR LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS WILL GO UP FROM .2 TO .3, AS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON BUDGET D •/ (-EBRUARY 27).
A SDOKESMAN Or THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT FROM APRIL 1, FOUR TOLL BOOTHS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL ACCEPT +EXACT TOLLS+, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE TOLL BOOTHS.
THERE WILL EE 10 TOLL BOOTHS OPERATING DURING PEAK HOURS, FOUR OF WHICH WILL NOT GIVE ANY CHANGE. TWO SUCH BOOTHS WILL SERVE NEW TERRITORIES BOUND TRAFFIC, AND TWO WILL SERVE KOWLOON BOUND VEHICLES.
MEANWHI_E WORK IS CONTINUING TO ADD TWO MORE TOLL BOOTHS FOR THE LION TX TUNNEL, TO BRING THE NUMBER TO 12 BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
- 0 - -
-DAY, MARCH 33, 1985
MC'Z YOUTHS CENTRES BEING SET UP * * * * *
M'E ADDITIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CENTRES WILL BE SET UP DURING THE YE-* |\ LINE a I TH THE GREAT IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACnEo TO THESE FACILITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAi, SAID THIS TODAY.
OFFICIALLY OPENING THE SHUN TIN CHRISTIAN CHILDREN’S AND YOUT-CENTRE, MRS CHAN EXPLAINED THAT INTEREST CLASSES WERE PROVIDED IN THE CENTRES TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE SKILLS.
+BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THROUGH A VARIED AND IMAGINATIVE PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES, THESE CENTRES HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO WIDEN THEIR HORIZON AND BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE NARROW CONFINES OF FAMILY AND SCHOOL.
+THROUGH LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN ACQUIRE CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES, AS WELL AS LEARN TO CARE FOP THE LESS FORTUNATE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.
THE SHUN TIN CHRISTIAN CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE, SHE SAID, HAD ADOPTED A POSITIVE AND VIGOROUS APPROACH TO ITS wORKS SINCE i EEGAN IN JULY LAST YEAR.
SHE SAID IT WAS THE CENTRE’S AIM TO BUILD A *WHOLE MAN+, COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.
SHE SA IDs +ON THE ONE HAND, THE CENTRE ORGANISES A VARIETY CF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL PROGRAMMES SUCH AS LANGUAGE COURSES, COMPUTER COURSES AND MUSIC GROUPS TO ENSURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE A HEALTHY OUTLET FOR THEIR ENERGIES.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, VOLUNTARY AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION, FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO REALISE THEIR INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL AND TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS BUILDING A HEALTHY AND COMPASSIONATE SOCIETY.*
THE WORK OF THE CENTRE ECHOED THE THEME OF THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR - +PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT, PEACE*, SHE ADDED.
MRS CHAN THANKED THE SHUN TIN CHRISTIAN CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CE’TRE FOR THEIR GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1985
6
MEN REMINDED ABOUT I.D. CARDS *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1945, 1946 AND 1947 TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BEFORE APRIL 13.
SINCE THE START OF THIS PHASE, 75 841 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED LEAVING 34 05° MORE TO COME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET APPLIED SHOULD DO SO AS SOON AS POSS IDLE TO AVOID A LAST MINUTE RUSH, HE SAID.
THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG PC, STREET.
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.
SHEUNG SHU I
TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT MIRROR TOWER, TSIM SHA TSU1 EAST, DOES NOT PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOP NEW I.D. CARDS.
APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED OR LOST CARDS SHOULD BE mA'£ TO T1- REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFF'CE..
0
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1985
SURFACE WORK TO START ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL * * * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RECONSTRUCT A SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO IMPROVE THE SURFACE DRAINAGE CF THE AREA.
THE SCHEME INVOLVES THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAYS AND PART OF THE FOOTPATHS a I TH IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, THE SECTION EETWEEN WING *0 STREET AND MORRISON STREET, AND SECTIONS OF SIDE ROADS INCLUDING MORRISON STREET, CLEVERLY STREET, HILLIER STREET, MAN WA LANE AND PUMSEY STREET, TO A LEVEL ABOUT 300 MILLIMETRES HIGHER THAN THE EXISTING LEVEL.
THE STORMWATER AND SEWAGE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN THE AREA WILL ALSO BE RECONSTRUCTED AND UPGRADED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROAD WORKS.
MEANWHILE, THE SINGLE TRAM TRACKS ALONG CLEVERLY STREET AND MORRISON STREET WILL BE REPLACED BY DOUBLE TRACKS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY; AT THE HONG KONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 3RD FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 222-224 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND THE OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MURRAY BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE MAY 28, 1985.
- - 0 -
FIVE NT SWIMMING POOLS OPEN MONDAY *****
FIVE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON MONDAY (APRIL 1).
THE SWIMMING FACILITIES ARE THE KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL, NORTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL, TUEN MUN YAN 01 TONG SWIMMING POOL, YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL, AND SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC Swimming POOL, SAID a SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
/IHERE WIL.
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1985
e
THE'" ’■■■ILL 'E FIVE OPENING SESSIONS AT THE SWIMMING COMPLEXES '\’D THE ' ■ - OPENING HO. 3 ARE FROM 7 AM TO 9.15 AM, 9.45 AM TO \ l.P < TO 4 P PM TO 6.45 PM, AND 7.45 PM TO 10 PM.
■•“V ~HE HEATED MAIN POOL WITH AN AIR-SUPPORT STRUCTURE
AT THE FANLIxG SWIMMING POOL WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL MONDAY (APRIL 3) EEFC"-: IT IS CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.
THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL WILL AGAIN BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC Or, MAY 19, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
MORE CHLORINE STORES * * * *
TWO ADDITIONAL DANGEROUS GOODS STORES FOR CHLORINE ARE TO BE CONSTRUCTED T MORSE PARK SWIMMING POOL, WONG TAI SIN.
A CHLORINE DETECTION SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED IN EACH STORE TO ENSURE SAFETY.
THE TWO SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURES, SITED ADJACENT TO THE FOUR EXISTING PLANT ROOMS, IS 70 SQUARE METRES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND EE COMPLETED RY THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. TENDERS MUST EE SUBMITTED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 19.
--------0 - — -
/a
SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 1985
- 9 -
PROPOSED SUBWAY IN SHAM SHU I PO
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO BUILD A 115-METRE-LONG SUBWAY UNDER TAI PC FOAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH PEI HO STREET, SHAM SHU I PO.
~ E PROJECT, WHICH WILL TAKE ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE, IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR.
; NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND "FAM SHU I ?0 DISTRICT OFFICE, 37~39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY MAY 28.
-----o------
MORE PARKING METERS * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL INSTALL TWO-HOUR PRIVATE CAR PARKING METERS AND ONE-HOUR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING METERS IN TAI PO MARKET.
THE PARKING METERS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN STAGES TO ALL ONSTREET PARKING SPACES IN TAI PO MARKET.
PO HEUNG SQUARE AND HEUNG SZE WUI SQUARE WILL BE METERED ON TUESDAY (APRIL 2).
PARKING FEE WILL BE Si FOR 30 MINUTES FOR PRIVATE CARS AND 50 CENTS FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
- - 0 -
SATURDAY, MA: CH 33, 19d5
FIRING PRACTICE * X *
FIR I LG PRACTICE .ILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 19 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
-IRIN' .-.ILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
- 1 or !L 3; APRIL 9 TO APRIL 13; APRIL 15 TO
■ ' IL 2n • ‘ D IL 22 TO APRIL 26.
- 0 -
WATER LEAKAGE TEST * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (APRIL 2) TO € AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE A-FECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, EASTERN STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND WESTERN STREET.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SOUND BASIS FOR HK TO FACE FUTURE — FS ......................... 1
GOVERNMENT PLANNING AHEAD TO 21ST CENTURY....................... 4
CHINA TRADE ROLE FOR HK STRESSED ............................... 6
GATT, MFA AFFECT FUTURE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ................... 10
'NSW LOOK' LEGCO SET FOR SEPTEMBER............................. 11
THE MAN WHO TRACKS INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL ..................... 13
LICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ON THE UP ........................ 16
MEDICAL PLAN FOR ELDERLY EXTENDED.............................. 17
SPORTS GROUP OFFICE BEARERS CHOSEN ............................ 18
ACTION TAKEN AGAINST LIFT ENGINEER............................. 18
MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES FOR WONG TAI SIN ...................... 19
YOUNG MUSICIANS, PARENTS GET TOGETHER.......................... 20
CAS SETS UP OFFICE IN SAI KUNG................................. 21
TEACHING RESOURCES ON DISPLAY ...............................
PRIZES FOR POSTER DESIGN WINNERS .............................. 22
SPORTS GROUNDS FROM RESERVOIR ROOFS ............................. 2 3
NT LIFE SAVERS BACK CN APRIL 1 .................................. 2 3
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
1
SOUND BASIS FOR HK TO FACE FUTURE — FS ******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODAY (SUNDAY) EXPRESSED HIS FIRM BELIEF THAT A SOUND BASIS EXISTED FOR HONG KONG TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
+POLITICALLY, UNCERTAINTY HAS BEEN REMOVED. HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS HUGE MAINLAND NEIGHBOUR IS FLOURISHING” THE MOVES TOWARDS A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WILL ENABLE HONG KONG’S YOUTHFUL POPULATION NOT ONLY TO FEEL THAT THEY BELONG TO HONG KONG, BUT THAT THEY ARE ACTIVELY BUILDING ITS FUTURE,* SIR JOHN SAID AT THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE SOCIAL, MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER RESOURCES AS WELL AS TO MAINTAINING THE ECONOMIC AND FISCAL ENVIRONMENT REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.
+ AlL THE SIGNS ARE THAT DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS APPRECIATE THE UNIQUE STRENGTHS AND ATTRACTIONS OF HONG KONG AS A PLACE IN WHICH BUSINESS CAN BE DONE EASILY AND PROFITABLY, AND IN WHICH THOSE WHO TAKE THE RISKS AND DO THE WORK ARE ABLE TO RETAIN THE FRUITS OF THEIR SUCCESS,* SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS MAINLAND NEIGHBOUR HAD DRAWN MUCH ATTENTION IN RECENT YEARS, BUT THE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP HAD AT THE SAME TIME DEVELOPED DRAMATICALLY.
THE TRADITIONAL RELATIONSHIP, BASED ON THE SUPPLY OF FOOD
AND WATER TO HONG KONG AND THE PRESENCE IN HONG KONG OF CHINA-BASED BANKS, SHIPPING, RETAILING AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN SUPPLEMENTED BY RAPID GROWTH IN THE DIRECT AND ENTREPOT TRADE, AND BY EXTENSIVE HONG KONG INVESTMENT IN THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES AND FURTHER AFIELD.
WITH THE 60 PER CENT GROWTH LAST YEAR IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA, CHINA BECAME HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORT MARKET.
THE GROWTH IN THE ENTREPOT TRADE HAD BEEN EQUALLY REMARKABLE, SIR JOHN SAID. LAST YEAR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA SHOWED A 30 PER CENT GROWTH.
+IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE THE RATE OF GROWTH OF IWO-WAY TRADE IN THE YEARS AHEAD; I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE TREND WILL CONTINUE TO BE SHARPLY UPWARD,* HE SAID.
/HONG KONG........
SUNDAY, MAUCH 31, 1?85
2
HONG KONG INVESTMENT ACCOUNTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 90 PER CENT CF ALL INVESTMENT COMMITTED OR SPENT IN THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE: THERE WOULD IN THE YEARS TO COME NO DOUBT BE MANY FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE SEIZED BY HONG KONG IN THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES AND THE OTHER AREAS OF CHINA WHICH WERE OPENING THEIR DOORS TO OUTSIDE INVESTMENT.
AT THE OFFICIAL LEVEL, SIR JOHN SAID, THERE WERE ALREADY WELL ESTABLISHED LINKS, PARTICULARLY WITH NEIGHBOURING PROVINCES IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH.
+THESE ARE A REFLECTION NOT ONLY OF THE HUGE INCREASE IN THE FLOW OF GOODS AND SERVICES, BUT ALSO OF THE EQUALLY DRAMATIC INCREASES IN THE FLOW OF PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
OVER THE 10 YEARS TO 1984, THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL PASSENGER MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE BORDER AT LO WU HAD GROWN FROM JUST OVER ONE MILLION TO OVER 12 MILLION.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AND IMPROVED BORDER CROSSING POINTS, WHICH HAD NECESSITATED CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, WAS A REFLECTION OF THIS GROWTH.
APART FROM THE IMMEDIATE CONCRETE RESULTS OF THIS CO-OPERATION IN TERMS OF NEW BRIDGES, NEW STATION BUILDINGS AND SO ON, THESE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO MUTUAL COMPREHENSION AND A HABIT OF PRACTICAL CO-OPERATION WHICH WOULD PAY DIVIDENDS AS HONG KONG MOVED TOWARDS 1997.
HONG KONG HAD ALSO WELCOMED AN EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITORS FROM THE MAINLAND WHO COME TO STUDY OUR MODERN MANAGERIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PRACTICE AS PART OF CHINA’S AMBITIOUS MODERNISATION PROGRAMME, HE SAID.
+AS I HAVE INDICATED, HONG KONG IS A WORLD LEADER IN THESE RESPECTS. HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A SIGNIFICANT ASSET TO CHINA CANNOT BE DIVORCED FROM HER ROLE AS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING, COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL FORCE IN THE WORLD AS A WHOLE. THE ONE DEPENDS UPON THE OTHER. THIS TREND WILL NO DOUBT CONTINUE, TO OUR MUTUAL BENEFIT,* SIR JOHN SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT HAD REMOVED THE QUESTION MARK OVER THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG BUT IT HAD NOT REMOVED, +NOR COULD ANY PIECE OF PAPER EVER DO SO, THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO DEVOTE EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAINING ITS COMPETITIVENESS IN A DIFFICULT WORLD TRADING ENVIRONMENT.
+COMPETITION FROM SOME NEWLY-1NDUSTRI AL ISED ECONOMIES, PROTECTIONIST REFLEXES AND RECESSION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS POSE A CONSTANT THREAT TO THE MAINTENANCE OF EXPORT GROWTH, ON WHICH HONG KONG’S FUTURE WELL BEING DEPENDS,* HE SAID.
/FOK INVESTOaS........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
FOR INVESTORS AND BUSINESSMEN OPERATING IN HONG KONG, SIR JOHN SAID FUTURE SUCCESS WOULD DEPEND ON CONTINUED WILLINGNESS TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE BY CONTINUING TO WRITE OFF THEIR CAPITAL EQUIPMENT OVER ITS REALISTIC ECONOMIC LIFE J TO CONTINUE SEARCHING FOR THE NEW PRODUCTS AND INCREASED ADDED VALUE WHICH WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVE EDGE, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME MEETING THE EXPECTATIONS OF RISING LIVING STANDARDS AMONG HONG KONG’S POPULATION.
♦ THIS REQUIRES A JUDICIOUS MIXTURE OF PRUDENCE AND BOLDNESS, THE WILLINGNESS TO TAKE RISKS BASED ON SOUND MARKET AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH,+ HE SAID.
WHILE NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN THROUGH A DIFFICULT PERIOD IN THE LAST TWO TO THREE YEARS WHEN POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE AFFECTED CONFIDENCE, SIR JOHN SAID HONG KONG’S DIFFICULTIES HAD BEEN MODEST WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PROBLEMS OF TRADE DEFICIT, PUBLIC DEBT AND UNEMPLOYMENT WHICH HAD AFFECTED AND CONTINUED TO AFFECT MANY CF OUR TRADING PARTNERS.
IN SPITE OF A DRAMATIC DECLINE IN REVENUE FROM LAND SALES, SIR JOHN SAID HONG KONG’S BUDGET DEFICIT IN THE YEARS SINCE WE LAST ENJOYED A SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT HAD BEEN RELATIVELY MODEST AND HAD BEEN CONSTRAINED BY A SERIES OF MEASURES WHICH HAD NOT UNDERMINED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO MAINTAINING LOW TAXATION AND STEADY IMPROVEMENTS TO INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES.
♦ INFLATION HAS BEEN CONTROLLED, THE CURRENCY HAS BEEN STABILISED, ALMOST FULL EMPLOYMENT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND GROWTH IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT HAS AVERAGED 5.8 PER CENT EVEN DURING THE LAST THREE DIFFICULT YEARS,+ HE SAID.
♦ WE SHALL SOON AGAIN ENJOY BALANCED BUDGETS.
♦ IT IS A REMARKABLE TRIBUTE TO THE RESILIENCE AND DYNAMISM CF HONG KONG’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY THAT ALL THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED AT A TIME WHEN A QUESTION MARK HUNG OVER THE ENTIRE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS AND WE FACED BOTH THE COLLAPSE OF THE PROPERTY BOOM AND THE TAIL END CF THE WORST WORLD RECESSION SINCE THE 193OS.+ SIR JOHN SAID.
--------o - -
/4........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 198:
GOVERNMENT PLANNING AHEAD TO 21ST CENTURY *****
RECLAMATIONS AT YAU MA TEI, GREEN ISLAND, WAN CHAI AND HUNG HOM BAY? NEW TRUNK ROAD LINKING AREAS LIKE SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN; A ROAD TUNNEL FROM SHA TIN TO DIAMOND HILL; A SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING FROM QUARRY BAY TO CHA KWO LING ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR SCHEMES OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OUTLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SYMPOSIUM ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY, MR CHAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSCIOUSLY PLANNING AHEAD TO THE 21ST CENTURY FIRMLY INTENDING TO PROVIDE THE BASIC ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH HONG KONG COULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP AND PROSPER.
MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE WAS THE VERY LIFE BLOOD OF THE ECONOMY, AND INCLUDED LAND SUPPLY, TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC UTILITIES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS.
TWO MAIN PATTERNS FOR POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED, MR CHAN SAID, BOTH OF WHICH WOULD ACCOMMODATE AN ADDITIONAL 900 000 PEOPLE TAKING THE TOTAL POPULATION OF HONG KONG UP TO 7.1 MILLION.
THEY WERE IDENTIFIED FOLLOWING AN IN-DEPTH STUDY TO DETERMINE THE FORM OF DEVELOPMENT INTO THE 21ST CENTURY, WITH THE AIRPORT RETAINED AT KAI TAK.
THE PATTERNS CONTAIN SEVERAL COMMON COMPONENTS UPON WHICH EARLY ATTENTION WOULD BE FOCUSED IN THE SHAPE OF FURTHER FEASIBILITY STUDIES BEFORE THEY WOULD BE INCLUDED AS ITEMS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, MR CHAN SAID.
+RECLAMATIONS AT YAU MA TEI AND GREEN ISLAND TO ACCOMMODATE 310 000 PEOPLE AND AT WAN CHAI AND HUNG HOM BAY TO ACCOMMODATE A FURTHER 90 000 ARE COMMON TO BOTH PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENTS AS ARE SEVERAL TRUNK HIGHWAYS AND PASSENGER RAIL SYSTEMS.+
+ AT 1982 PRICES, BOTH PATTERNS ARE ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT 51220 BILLION - A CONSIDERABLE BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE SUM PROVIDED IT CAN BE EVENLY SPREAD,* HE SAID.
WHILE THESE WERE LONGER TERM PLANNING, MR CHAN SAID THERE WERE MORE IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR IMPROVING THE PRESENT INFRASTRUCTURE WHICH WOULD LINK WITH THE DEVELOPMENT BEING CONSIDERED FOR THE 1990S AND BEYOND.
/THE NEW.......
SUNJAY, klBCH 31, 1985
- 5 -
THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH HAD ALREADY BROUGHT ABOUT SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AND BY THE EARLY 1990S NEARLY THREE MILLION PEOPLE WOULD EE LIVING IN THE MODERN ENVIRONMENT OF NEW TOWNS. THE MAJORITY OF THESE WOULD BE IN TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, TAI PO AND FANLING WITH NEARLY 250 000 BEING HOUSED AT TIN SHUl WAI AND JUNK BAY WHERE DEVELOPMENT WAS JUST STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE.
BESIDES HOUSING, IT WAS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE WATER SUPPLIES, SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND ROAD SYSTEMS FOR THESE NEW DEVELOPMENTS PLUS IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FACILITIES LIKE SCHOOLS, CLINICS, FIRE STATIONS, POLICE STATIONS, MARKETS, PARKS, OPEN SPACES AND SPORTING FACILITIES WHICH MADE LIFE IN THE NEW TOWNS ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE MOVING FROM THE OLDER CENTRES OF POPULATION.
+GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY EXPENDITURE ON THE NEW TOWNS IS RUNNING AT ABOUT $5 BILLION PER ANNUM AND THIS IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE FOR MANY YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPENT OVER $9 BILLION ON TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING SUCH MAJOR NEW ROADS AS TUEN MUN ROAD, TSUEN WAN BYPASS AND THE SOON-TO-BE 'OPENED SHA TIN-TAI PO COASTAL ROAD.
MR CHAN SAID THAT THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WAS TAKING SHAPE AND WORK WOULD COMMENCE LATER THIS YEAR ON THE SECTION FROM PAK SHEK AU TO MAI PO. FURTHER PHASES WOULD EXTEND THE ROAD TO JOIN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT AU TAU, THUS COMPLETING THE CIRCLE.
WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS OF CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC WITH CHINA, IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO MAN KAM TO AND FANLING/SHA TAU KOK ROADS AND A NEW ROAD HAD BEEN PLANNED TO LINK THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD TO THE NEW CROSSING POINT AT LOK MA CHAU WHICH IN TURN WOULD JOIN THE HIGHWAY TO GUANGZHOU ON THE CHINESE SIDE OF THE BORDER.
ON IMPROVEMENT TO BE MADE TO THE ROAD SYSTEM IN THE URBAN AREA, MR CHAN SAID THAT IT WAS PLANNED TO COMPLETE THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR THROUGH TO CHAI WAN AND TO PROCEED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF CONNAUGHT ROAD SO THAT TRAFFIC WOULD BE ABLE TO FLOW FREELY ALONG THE NORTHERN SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
IN KOWLOON, THE COMPLETION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR WOULD PROVIDE A FREE FLOW THROUGH TO LAI CHI KOK AND THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG.
ALREADY UNDER PLANNING WAS A NEW ROAD - ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $1 BILLION - TO CONNECT SHA TIN WITH TSUEN WAN. A SECOND TUNNEL IN THE DIAMOND HILL AREA WAS BEING EXPLORED AND THERE WAS ALSO THE POSSIBILITY OF ANOTHER NEW ROAD LINKING TSUEN WAN WEST DIRECTLY WITH YUEN LONG.
/OTHER PLANS .......
SLTiJAY, MAfiCH 31, 1985
6
OTHER PLANS INCLUDED A SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING BETWEEN QUARRY BAY AND CHA KWO LING.
TURNING TO THE RAILWAY NETWORK, MR CHAN SAID THE POSSIBILITY EXISTED FOR A FREIGHT LINK FROM THE PRESENT KCR LINE TO THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG. ANOTHER POSSIBILITY WAS THE EXTENSION OF THE LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM FROM TUEN MUN TO TSUEN WAN AND TO THE MTR SYSTEM.
+WITH THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE FROM ADMIRALTY TO CHAI WAN SCHEDULED FOR MAY AND FROM ADMIRALTY TO SHEUNG WAN IN 1986, THE PRESENT PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF THE MTR WILL BE COMPLETED, BUT wITH THE SECOND HARBOUR CROSSING A POSSIBILITY EXISTS TO LINK THE ISLAND LINE DIRECTLY WITH KWUN TONG AND THE DEVELOPMENT AT KOWLOON BAY,+ MR CHAN SAID.
WITH MORE RECLAMATIONS, THE AREA OF THE PRESENT HARBOUR wOULD DECLINE AND TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS THE POSSIBILITY WAS BEING CONSIDERED OF BUILDING A BREAKWATER BETWEEN PENG CHAU AND KAU Yl CHAU TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SHELTERED ANCHORAGE.
ON OTHER AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE, wR CHAN SAID WORK CONTINUED ON THE MAJOR SCHEME TO BRING MORE WATER FROM CHINA TO MEET THE FUTURE THIRST OF HONG KONG. NEW SEwAGE TREATMENT WORKS, SCREENING PLANTS AND OUTFALLS WERE PLANNED WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE WATER QUALITY IN VICTORIA AND TOLO HARBOURS.
+ AS NEW DEVELOPMENT PROCEEDS SO PROPER FACILITIES FOR SEwAGE DISPOSAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND STEPS TAKEN TO OVERCOME POLLUTION PROBLEMS,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
CHINA TRADE ROLE FOR HK STRESSED * * * *
THE MAJOR FACTOR IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE INCREASED TRADE AND OTHER LINKS WITH CHINA, PARTICULARLY SOUTH CHINA, AND ESPECIALLY THE SHENZHEN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM, MR JACOBS SAID HE FELT THERE WOULD BE A CONTINUED INCREASE IN THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICES IN THE ECONOMY, AND THIS COULD DEVELOP HANDSOMELY IN THE AREA OF EXPORT OF SERVICES TO CHINA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE REGION.
/+IF MONG........
SUNDAY, NABOB 31, 1985
* IF HONG KONG HAS ANYTHING TO OFFER CHINA, IT MUST SURELY BE IN RELATION TO EXPERTISE IN SERVICES, PARTICULARLY FINANCIAL AND RELATED SERVICES. WE HAVE EARNED OUR POSITION IN THE WORLD, LET US MAKE USE OF IT,* MR JACOBS SAID.
HE BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG HAD TO TRY TO UPGRADE ITS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. THE LESS SKILL INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WOULD BECOME UNECONOMIC AND WERE LIKELY TO BE TRANSFERRED TO SHENZHEN AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA.
+ IF OUR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS TO SURVIVE, AND, GIVE ITS CONTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYMENT, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IT SHOULD, THEN WE MUST UPGRADE OUR PRODUCTS, OUR METHODS AND OUR SKILLS.
+WE MUST CONTINUE TO LEARN NEW METHODS AND NEW TRADES, TO TAKE RISKS, TO SAVE, TO INVEST AND TO RAISE THE QUALITY OF OUR OUTPUT,* HE SAID.
THERE WERE DANGERS. NEW AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES COULD TEND TO MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT THAN BEFORE FOR BUSINESS TO CHANGE THEIR PRODUCTS QUICKLY OR TO SWITCH THEIR MARKETS.
+1 CANNOT PRETEND THAT IT WILL NOT BE A TESTING TIME. I EEL I EVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A ROLE TO PLAY, NOT BY WAY OF SUBSIDY OR INVESTMENT IN UNPRODUCTIVE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, BUT RATHER BY PROVIDING TRAINING AND INDUSTRY RELATED RESEARCH,* EE SAID.
+THIS WE ALREADY DO THROUGH THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE. WE ARE IMPROVING,* HE ADDED.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE EXISTING ECONOMIC POLICIES HAD SERVED US WELL AND THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT HAD COMMITTED THE SAR GOVERNMENT TO KEEPING THE CURRENT SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS IN HONG KONG UNCHANGED, MR JACOBS SAID THE BEST INDICATORS OF FUTURE POLICIES WERE PRESENT POLICIES.
MR JACOBS BELIEVED THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THE INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER OF OUR CITY BECAUSE IT WAS THIS, PERHAPS M3RE THAN ANYTHING ELSE, THAT WOULD CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY THAT WAS PROVIDED FOR BY THE JOINT DECLARATION.
ECHOING THE CHIEF SECRETARY DESIGNATE, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES’ SENTIMENT THAT ENGLISH WAS THE LANGUAGE OF HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL LINKS, MR JACOBS SAID WE SHOULD NOT ABANDON THE USE OF ENGLISH.
+IT IS OFTEN SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS NO NATURAL RESOURCES EEYOND ITS FINE HARBOUR AND ITS HARDWORKING PEOPLE. I SUGGEST THAT THERE IS A THIRD ASSET AND THAT IS THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE,* HE SAID.
/+IT IS........
SUKjAY, idkfiCH 31, 1985
8
+ IT IS THE KEY TO OUR EXISTENCE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AND I BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD EE FOSTERED,* HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT HE WAS NOT UNAWARE OF THE ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE OF THE CHINESE CULTURAL BACKGROUND AND THAT THIS BACKGROUND WAS AND MUST ALWAYS BE A FEATURE OF HONG KONG’S LIFE.
♦ BUT WE CAN HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS, AND WE SHOULD CERTAINLY DO EVERYTHING IN OUR POWER TO ENSURE THAT WE DO SO IF WE WISH TO PRESERVE OUR WAY OF LIFE,+ HE SAID.
REVIEWING THE HONG KONG ECONOMY OVER THE PAST FEW DECADES, NR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT HAD GROWN ON AVERAGE AT OVER EIGHT PER CENT PER ANNUM IN REAL TERMS FROM 1961 TO DATE. GDP PER CAPITA HAD GROWN AT OVER SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM.
♦ GROWTH RATES OF THIS ORDER SUSTAINED OVER SUCH A LONG PERIOD ARE ALMOST WITHOUT PARALLEL,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD SEEN ITS ROLE AS BEING THE PROVIDER OF A FARMEWORK FOR HONG KONG’S ENTREPRENEURIAL FLAIR.
MR JACOBS SAID THE POLICY ROUTE CHOSEN AND CONSISTENTLY ADHERED TO HAD BEEN TO ALLOW, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE FREE OPERATION OF MARKET FORCES.
AND THE FISCAL SYSTEM, HE SAID, HAD BEEN DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO MINIMISE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE INTERNAL COST-PRICE STRUCTURE, ON THE SUPPLY OF HUMAN EFFORT AND ON PRIVATE INVESTMENT DECISIONS.
ANOTHER FACTOR RELEVANT TO HONG KONG’S SUCCESS WAS CONFIDENCE, MR JACOBS SAID.
♦ IT IS NOT ENOUGH MERELY TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK} PEOPLE MUST BE WILLING AND ABLE TO MAKE USE OF IT. THIS THEY WILL ONLY DO IF THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY ON THEIR BUSINESSES IN AN ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENT,+ HE SAID.
THERE WAS THEREFORE A NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ADHERE TO A STABLE POLICY WHICH INCLUDED A COMMITMENT TO THE MAINTENANCE CF THE FREE FLOW OF GOODS AND CAPITAL.
MR JACOBS FELT THAT THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE TWO SPECIFIC EFFECTS IN THE SHORT TERM AND PROBABLY BEYOND, BOTH WITH POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY.
THE ASSURANCES OF STABILITY AND CONTINUITY SHOULD HAVE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON THE PERCEPTION OF HONG KONG HELD BY INVESTORS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS.
SUNDAY, MUCH 31, 1985
AS A RESULT, MR JACOBS SAID HE WOULD EXPECT TO SEE HIGHER INVESTMENT BOTH IN PLANT AND MACHINERY, AND IN BUILDINGS AND WORKS.
+BEING SO CLOSE TO CHINA HAS OBVIOUSLY HAD AN EFFECT ON OUR PATTERN OF TRADE, CHINA HAS FOR SOME TIME BEEN THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S RETAINED IMPORTS, AFTER JAPAN, AND ALSO ITS MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF AND MARKET FOR RE-EXPORTS.
+IN ADDITION, IT HAS RECENTLY BECOME HONG KONG’S SECOND MOST IMPORTANT MARKET FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AFTER THE UNITED STATES. THIS GREATLY EXPANDED TRADE HAS HELPED MAKE HONG KONG LESS VULNERABLE TO THE VAGARIES OF TRADE IN THE REST OF THE WORLD,* HE SAID.
THE ROLE CHINA APPEARED TO ENVISAGE FOR HONG KONG WENT BEYOND DIRECT TRADE AND REQUIRED HONG KONG TO REMAIN SUCCESSFUL ^TfuElY COMPETITIVE PARTICIPANT IN WORLD TRADE IN GOODS AND SERV ICES.
MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO CHINA AND IN ITS CAPACITY AS A LINK BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT HE SAW SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE EVOLUTION OF OUR ECONOMIC POLICIES WOULD HAVE TO ALLOW FOR THE CHANGES IN THE PATTERN OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IMPLIC I TED IN THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CHINA.
tJOw THAT THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF
HONG KONG HAS BEEN SIGNED, THE SCENE IS SET FOR INCREASED INVESTMEN।
Xd a ^normal business climate, with all its opportunities, and
ITS CONSTRAINTS AND VAGARIES.
ALL
+WE WILL HAVE TO WEATHER THE BAD TIMES AS WELL AS ENJOY THE GOOD,* MR JACOBS SAID.
/1O .......
SUNl.mY, MARCH 31, 1985
10 -
GATT, MFA AFFECT FUTURE INTERNATIONAL TRADE * * * *
THE MAJOR FACTOR LIKELY TO AFFECT HONG KONG’S FUTURE INTERNATIONAL TRADE WAS THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) CHANGE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMIS. MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG AFFAIRS SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM, MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS ASSUMING HERE THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND AGREEMENTS, AS THIS WAS SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE GATT WAS QUITE WIDELY DISREGARDED, WE WOULD BE VERY MUCH WORSE OFF WITHOUT IT, HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID WE HAD BEEN ABLE TO RESIST ENTERING INTO ANY SO CALLED ’GREY AREA MEASURES’ - THAT IS, DISCRIMINATORY RESTRAINT AGREEMENTS NOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GATT; AND ONE OF THE REASONS THOUGH PROBABLY NOT THE ONLY REASON, IS THE EXISTENCE OF THE GATT.
ANOTHER REASON IS THAT HONG KONG HAS A UNIQUELY GOOD RECORD IN NOT ITSELF IMPOSING TARIFF OR QUANTITY RESTRAINTS ON TRADE, THOUGH SOMETIMES IT IS NOT AS APPARENT AS WE WOULD LIKE THAT WE ARE GIVEN FULL CREDIT FOR THIS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE MFA, WHICH EXPIRED IN MID-1986, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT wHAT HAPPENED IN TEXTILES AND APPAREL WAS OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG BECAUSE SUCH GOODS STILL CONSTITUTED OVER 40 PER CENT OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS DESPITE DIVERSIFICATION.
WHAT CONCERNED US PARTICULARLY, PERHAPS, WAS THE ABSENCE OF A REASONED DIALOGUE, BASED ON FACTS, IN CURRENT DEBATE ON THE GATT AND THE MFA, MR MACLEOD SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THIS WAS PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE IN THE U.S.A. AT THIS TIME. FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE RATIONALE FOR THE BILL BEING PUSHED BY THE U.S. TEXTILE LOBBY, REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE GROWTH IN ’IMPORTS’ TO JUSTIFY YET MORE CURBS ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
HOWEVER, MR MACLEOD SAID THE FIGURES USED WERE CLEARLY MISLEADING: THEY INCLUDED BOTH PRODUCTS WHICH FALL UNDER THE MFA AND PRODUCTS WHICH DID NOT, AND THEY INCLUDED PRODUCTS IMPORTED FROM SUPPLIERS WHICH WERE RESTRAINED AND FROM SUPPLIERS WHICH THE U.S. HAD CHOSEN NOT TO RESTRAIN, MOST NOTABLY THE EEC.
AND NEEDLESS TO SAY THEY USED AS A BASE FOR ESTABLISHING NEW, LOWER RESTRAINT LIMITS THE YEAR IN WHICH IMPORTS WERE THE LOWEST FOR YEARS, HE SAID.
STRESSING THAT ONE OF OUR IMPORTANT TASKS WAS TO CORRECT THIS SORT OF MISLEADING INFORMATION, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT U.S. IMPORTS OF MFA TEXTILES AND APPAREL FROM HONG KONG IN 19d4 WERE ONLY 7.6 PER CENT UP (IN VOLUME) OVER 1978, GIVING AN ANNUAL RATE CF AROUND ONE PER CENT, RATHER DIFFERENT FROM THE PICTURE GIVEN BY THE BILL’S APOLOGISTS OF ANNUAL GROWTH OF 19 PER CENT.
------o--------
/11 ......
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
11 -
'NEW LOOK' LEGCO SET FOR SEPTEMBER * * * *
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL UNFOLD THIS AUTUMN, WHEN INDIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS WILL JOIN THE DECISION-MAKING BODY FOR THE FIRST TIME.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE +NEW LOOK* LEGCO WILL CONDUCT ITS PROCEEDINGS IN ITS OWN PREMISES IN THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING JACKSON ROAD.
THE COUNCIL WILL THEN HAVE 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ELECTED FROM AN ELECTORAL COLLEGE, ANOTHER 12 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ELECTED FROM NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, 22 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND 10 OFFICIAL MEMBERS.
+IT WILL HAVE GONE A LONG WAY SINCE IT WAS FIRST CONSTITUTED IN 1843,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS THEN MADE UP BY THREE OFFICIAL MEMBERS, AND ITS FIRST MEETING WAS HELD, IN CAMERA, IN 1844.
+IT WAS SIX YEARS LATER - IN 1850 - WHEN THE FIRST TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WERE APPOINTED TO THE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
+THE NUMBER INCREASED TO THREE IN 1855, AND MEETINGS WERE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN 1858,+ HE ADDED.
MORE UNOFFICIALS JOINED THE COUNCIL STEADILY OVER THE YEARS, AND THEY OUTNUMBERED OFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 1976.
WHEN THE NEW LEGCO IS ASSEMBLED THIS AUTUMN, UNOFFICIALS WILL OUTNUMBER OFFICIALS BY MORE THAN FOUR TO ONE.
BUT ALTHOUGH ITS MEMBERSHIP WILL CHANGE, ITS PRIMARY FUNCTION WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION.
+LEGISLATION IS ENACTED IN THE FORM OF BILLS, WHICH GO THROUGH THREE READINGS AND A COMMITTEE STAGE WITH A QUESTION BEING PUT AT EACH STAGE AND DECIDED BY THE MAJORITY OF VOTES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IF A CLEAR MAJORITY EITHER FOR OR AGAINST ANY MOTION IS NOT APPARENT FROM A VOICE VOTE, THE PRESIDENT MAY ORDER THE COUNCIL OR THE COMMITTEE TO PROCEED TO A DIVISION, WHEN VOTES WILL THEN BE TAKEN FROM MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY AND RECORDED BY THE CLERK TO THE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
ALL BILLS, AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, RECEIVE THE ASSENT OF THE GOVERNOR AND ARE THEN GAZETTED AS ORDINANCES.
/APiBT FROM .......
SUBMY, 1IAHGH 31, 1985
12 ~
APART FROM THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDES TWO MAJOR DEBATES IN EACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION - A WIDE-RANGING DEBATE ON GOVERNMENT POLICY WHICH FOLLOWS THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SESSION OF THE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER EACH YEAR, AND THE BUDGET DEBATE ON FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS WHICH TAKES PLACE IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL.
+QUESTIONS MAY ALSO BE ADDRESSED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO THE GOVERNMENT RELATING TO PUBLIC ISSUES FOR WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE, EITHER SEEKING INFORMATION ON SUCH ISSUES OR ASKING FOR OFFICIAL ACTION ON THEM,+ HE SAID.
OTHER BUSINESS OF THE COUNCIL INCLUDES MOTIONS ON SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, STATEMENTS AND POLICY PAPERS FOR DEBATE.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS IN PUBLIC ONCE EVERY TWO WEEKS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, EXCEPT FOR A RECESS OF ABOUT TWO MONTHS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER. PROCEEDINGS ARE BILINGUAL AND MEMBERS MAY ADDRESS THE COUNCIL IN ENGLISH OR CANTONESE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANOTHER CONSTITUTIONAL FUNCTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TO CONTROL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, THROUGH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
♦ AT SPECIAL MEETINGS HELD IN MARCH AND AT REGULAR MEETINGS r£LD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, WITH ALL 29 UNOFFICIALS AS MEMBERS BUT ONLY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS FROM THE OFFICIAL SIDE, SCRUTINISE ALL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND VOTE OR REFUSE FUNDS AS IT WILLS,+ HE SAID.
UNDER THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THERE ARE THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, INCLUDES THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS AND 18 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REVIEWS THE PROGRESS AND PRIORITY OF CAPITAL WORKS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON PROPOSALS FOR CHANGES TO THE PROGRAMME.
THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF 13 UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ONE OF WHOM IS THE CHAIRMAN, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY. IT EXAMINES STAFFING PROPOSALS FOR DIRECTORATE POSTS AND FOR THE CREATION OF NEW RANKS OR CHANGES IN SALARY SCALES IN DETAIL, AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON THEM TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. IT ALSO EXAMINES REPORTS ON THE ESTABLISHMENTS OF DEPARTMENTS.
/THE LEGISLATIVE .......
SUL'DAY, MAfiCH 31, 1985
" U "
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ALSO QUESTIONS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GOVERNMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THROUGH THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL ON MAY 10, 1978, IT EXAMINES AND REPORTS ON THE FINDINGS IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF GOVERNMENT’S ANNUAL STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNT PREPARED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, AND +0N ANY MATTER RELATING TO THE PERFORMANCE CF HIS DUTIES AND THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS* UNDER THE AUDIT ORDINANCE.
- - o - - - -
THE MAN WHO TRACKS INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL
*****
HONG KONG IS NOT THE ’’BLACK SHEEP OF THE WORLD FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.” NOR CAN IT CLAIM MORE WHEELER-DEALERS PER SQUARE METRE THAN ANYWHERE ELSE.
SO SAYS A MAN WHO TRACKS INTERNATIONAL CRIMINALS THROUGH MILES OF DENSE PAPERWORK AND OFTEN CATCHES THEM RIGHT ON HIS DESK.
AS THE HEAD OF HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU, CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT MIKE FARNHAM HAS PROBED THE INNER WORKINGS OF SOME HUGE MULTI-NATIONAL FRAUDS. HE HAS ALSO SEEN THE AMOUNTS OF MONEY LOSSES SOAR IN RECENT YEARS.
IN 1980, HIS BUREAU WORKED ON CASES INVOLVING REPORTED LOSSES OF $108 MILLION. IN 1981, THIS JUMPED TO $151 MILLION* 1982 SAW IT TOP $258 MILLIONS 1983, $440 MILLION; AND LAST YEAR IT REACHED A STAGGERING $620 MILLION.
’’THIS WAS NOT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES,” HE QUICKLY ADDS ’’BUT ONLY IN THE AMOUNTS OF MONEY INVOLVED.”
SEVERAL YEARS AGO, THE COMMERCIAL CRIME SITUATION IN HONG KONG WAS ON A MUCH SMALLER SCALE. BUT TWO IMPORTANT FACTORS -- NEITHER CF THEM EXCLUSIVE TO THE TERRITORY — COMBINED TO BRING ABOUT A DRAMATIC CHANGE.
INCREASED CAPABILITIES IN TECHNOLOGY AND THE GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC ARE PROVIDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, WORLDWIDE, WITH NEW AND BIGGER HEADACHES EVERY DAY.
ADDED TO THIS, HONG KONG IS THE THIRD LARGEST FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE WORLD — AFTER ROTTERDAM AND NEW YORK — AND IT HAS THE LARGEST AIR-FREIGHT TERMINAL AND THE THIRD LARGEST CONTAINER PORT, IN TERMS OF THROUGHPUT.
/CONSIDEHXNG HONG
SLliDAY, MABCH 31, 1985
14 -
CONSIDERING HONG KONG’S SOPHISTICATED BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, IT WOULD BE SURPRISING INDEED IF MULTI-NATIONAL BUSINESS DEALS WITH OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES DID NOT INVOLVE HONG KONG IN SOME WAY.
’’THE SCOPE OF FRAUD IS VERY MUCH WIDER NOW AND ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS,” SAID MR FARNHAM. ”MY OFFICERS ARE FREQUENTLY TRAVELLING THROUGHOUT THE WORLD INVESTIGATING CASES, LOCATING WITNESSES AND ARRANGING EXTRADITION ORDERS.”
CO-OPERATION FROM THE 137 MEMBER-COUNTRIES OF INTERPOL ALSO PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THESE ENQUIRIES AND ENABLES INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHS AND FINGERPRINT IMAGES TO BE FLASHED AROUND THE WORLD VERY QUICKLY.
IN RECIPROCATION, ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE CCB’S WORKLOAD INVOLVES INVESTIGATING ENQUIRIES FROM ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OVERSEAS.
ANY COMMERCIAL FRAUD OF OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS SATISFIES THE BUREAU’S CRITERION FOR ACTION, EXPLAINED MR FARNHAM. ’’WE’RE REALLY LOOKING AT THE BIG STUFF.”
’’BUT FIRST WE HAVE TO PROVE THERE IS CRIMINAL INTENT. THE LINE BETWEEN FRAUD AND MISMANAGEMENT CAN BE VERY THIN.”
HE CITED BOUNCING CHEQUES AS AN EXAMPLE, BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THE COMMERCIAL CRIME LABEL COVERS A WIDE SPECTRUM OF OFFENCES, ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE BUREAU’S WORK INVOLVES DISHONOURED CHEQUES IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER.
UNFORTUNATELY, AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF HONG KONG’S FRENETIC BUSINESS ACTIVITY IS CARRIED OUT ON THE BASIS OF POST-DATED CHEQUES. AT THE TIME A CHEQUE IS MADE OUT, THE WRITER MAY BE UNDER THE LEGITIMATE IMPRESSION THAT HE WILL SOON HAVE FUNDS COMING INTO THE ACCOUNT TO COVER IT. IF THERE IS A DELAY OR DEFAULT BY ANOTHER PARTY IN PAYING HIM THESE FUNDS, THE WRITER OF THE CHEQUE COULD FACE A CLAIM FOR FRAUD.
”IN THAT SORT OF CASE THERE WOULD BE NO CRIMINAL INTENT,” SAID MR FARNHAM. ’’ALTHOUGH THAT WOULDN’T STOP A CIVIL ACTION BY THE CREDITOR TO SUE.”
THE SECOND BRANCH OF THE BUREAU’S CHARTER IS THE INVESTIGATION CF COUNTERFEIT, INCLUDING CURRENCIES OF ANY NATIONALITY, AND THE FORGERY OF OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES AND CREDIT CARDS.
COMMENTING ON THE UPSURGE OF CREDIT CARD CRIMES IN RECENT YEARS, MR FARNHAM SAID THAT KOST OF THIS ACTIVITY INVOLVED CARDS WHICH HAD BEEN STOLEN OR LOST, RATHER THAN FORGED. THERE HAD ONLY BEEN TWO CASES LAST YEAR IN WHICH COUNTERFEIT CARDS WERE USED AND BOTH RACKETS HAD BEEN SMASHED BY POLICE.
/AS IN .......
SUNDAY, :iAHCH 31, 1985
15 “
AS IN MANY FIELDS OF MODERN POLICING, VERY SPECIALISED TRAINING IS NEEDED FOR COMMERCIAL CRIME INVESTIGATION WORK.
’’PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN BANKS AND COMPUTERS IS HELPFUL, BUT NOT ESSENTIAL, AS WE RELY VERY HEAVILY ON OUR OWN IN-HOUSE TRAINING,” SAID MR FARNHAM. ’’ALL OF OUR OFFICERS ARE VOLUNTEERS AND THEY ARE ALL CAREFULLY SCREENED.
’’THIS WORK IS NOT EVERYONE’S CUP OF TEA.”
FOR ONE THING, CASES CAN BE EXTREMELY COMPLEX. UNRAVELLING A DEVIOUS CRIMINAL PATTERN CAN SOMETIMES TAKE UP TO TWO YEARS OF PAINSTAKING EFFORT.
OFFICERS PREPARE FOR THE WORK THROUGH INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSES HERE AND OVERSEAS. THE ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE COMPUTER INVESTIGATOR’S COURSE IN OTTAWA AND THE U.S. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION COURSE IN COMPUTER FRAUD ARE TWO WELL-KNOWN COURSES WHICH ARE HIGLY-VALUED BY THE HONG KONG BUREAU.
”WE ALSO HAVE EXCELLENT RELATIONS WITH THE MAJORITY OF HONG KONG BANKS AND THEY RUN COURSES FOR US AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR OWN IN-HOUSE TRAINING SESSIONS, SAID MR FARNHAM.
”WE MUST KEEP PACE WITH CHANGES IN SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES — AND I’M SURE THAT WE DO.”
BESIDES EXPERTISE, MANPOWER IS CRUCIAL AND HIS STAFF OF 164 POLICE OFFICERS HAS HAD TO KEEP DOUBLING, ANNUALLY, FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS IN ORDER TO KEEP UP WITH THE WORKLOAD.
ABOUT 1980, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REALISED THE GROWING POTENTIAL FOR COMMERCIAL FRAUD IN THE FAST-DEVELOPING REGION AND SET UP ITS STANDING LIAISON COMMITTEE ON COMMERCIAL CRIME TO DRA* TOGETHER ALL RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES.
THESE INCLUDED THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR BANKING, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
CONVENING EVERY TWO MONTHS, THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSES MATTERS OF POLICY AND NEW LEGISLATION, AND IS THE OVERALL WATCHDOG ON COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TERRITORY.
ON A LOWER RUNG IS THE OPERATIONAL TARGETTING COMMITTEE, WHICH DISCUSSES TACTICS AND TARGETTING. IT ALSO SUPERVISES THE *ORK CF THE TASK FORCES WHICH ARE SET UP WITHIN THE CCB WHEN A FRAUD CASE MERITS SPECIAL ATTENTION BY ITS COMPLEXITY, INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE, OR AMOUNTS OF MONEY INVOLVED.
AT PRESENT, FOUR TASK FORCES ARE OPERATING — THE LONGEST OF WHICH HAS BEEN CONCENTRATING ON ITS CASE FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS.
/additionally, a .......
CLTJDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
16 -
ADDITIONALLY, A COMMERCIAL CRIME UNIT OPERATES WITHIN THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND CONSISTS OF 16 LAWYERS DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO EXPOSING CASES OF FRAUD. THEY ARE AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU RIGHT FROM THE INCEPTION CF A CASE UNTIL THEY TAKE IT THROUGH COURT TO A CONCLUSION.
OFFICERS OF THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU HAVE ALSO BEEN ENCOURAGED BY A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO HONG KONG LEGISLATION IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. NOTABLE AMONG THESE WERE CHANGES IN THE DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND IN PROCEDURES TO MAKE IT EASIER TO SUBMIT OVERSEAS DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE IN COURT.
TWO WORKING PARTIES ARE PRESENTLY LOOKING INTO CONTROL OF TRAVEL AGENCIES (ON WHICH DRAFT LEGISLATION IS ABOUT TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL), AND LAWS TO PREVENT AND PROSECUTE COMPUTER FRAUD.
GIVEN HONG KONG’S FREE ENTERPRISE PHILOSOPHY AND
FORMAL SYSTEM OF LAWS (GENERALLY MODELLED ON THE COMMON LAW OF ENGLAND), A DEFT TOUCH IS NEEDED TO BALANCE THE TWO AND NOT TO OVERLEGISLATE AND STRANGLE THE ECONOMY.
MIKE FARNHAM AND HIS STAFF HAVE LONG YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OPERATING IN THE SENSITIVE HUB OF ASIA’S FINANCIAL, CULTURAL AND POLITICAL LIFE. THEY KNOW ALL ABOUT DEFT TOUCHES.
THEY ALSO KNOW THE COUNTLESS HOURS SPENT GATHERING AND EVALUATING EVIDENCE WILL ULTIMATELY PAY OFF. AND THAT PAPERWORK CAN PACK A DEVASTATING PUNCH.
-----o-----
LICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ON THE UP X X *
THE NUMBER OF LICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATING IN THE URBAN AREAS CONTINUES TO GROW THIS YEAR.
AS AT THE END OF LAST MONTH, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD ISSUED 3 047 GENERAL RESTAURANT LICENCES, COMPARED WITH 2 361 FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANT LICENCES WENT UP FROM 790 LAST YEAR TO 846 THIS YEAR.
OTHER FOOD BUSINESSES TO REGISTER AN INCREASE THIS YEAR, WITH LAST YEAR’S FIGURES IN BRACKETS, ARE: FRESH PROVISION SHOPS - 1 630 (1 534), FOOD FACTORIES - 750 (710), FACTORY CANTEENS - 172 (150), BAKERIES - 554 (522) AND FROZEN CONFECTION FACTORIES - 95 (61).
/there were........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
- 17 "
THERE WERE 316 SIU MEI AND LO MEI SHOPS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, THE SAME AS LAST YEAR.
APART FROM THE CATEGORIES LISTED ABOVE, PERMITS ARE REQUIRED FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE OPERATION OF MILK FACTORIES, COLD STORES, COMMERCIAL BATH HOUSES, PRIVATE SWIMMING POOLS, FUNERAL PARLOURS, UNDERTAKERS, AND OTHER OFFENSIVE TRADES. THE NUMBER OF SUCH PERMITS ISSUED TOTALLED 229.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID THAT ALL FOOD BUSINESSES MUST BE RUN UNDER AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUISITE LICENCE OR PERMIT FROM THE COUNCIL.
+A LICENCE OR PERMIT IS ISSUED ONLY AFTER THE PREMISES HAVE CONFORMED TO THE PRESCRIBED HYGIENE STANDARDS LAID DOWN IN THE VARIOUS BY-LAWS MADE UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE AND TO THE APPROVED LICENSING POLICY OF THE COUNCIL,* HE_ADDED,_
- - - - 0 ----------
MEDICAL PLAN FOR ELDERLY EXTENDED X * X # X
ELDERLY PEOPLE IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM A LOW-COST MEDICAL PLAN LAUNCHED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
THE +SHAM SHUI PO COMMUNITY MEDICAL SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY* WAS PROPOSED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD IN APRIL LAST YEAR, wITH THE IDEA OF PROVIDING PRIVATE MEDICAL TREATMENT AT REDUCED RATES TO AGED RESIDENTS.
DURING THE SIX-MONTH TRIAL PERIOD OF THE PLAN, 35 REGISTERED DOCTORS VOLUNTEERED THEIR SERVICES TO IT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS SINCE RECOMMENDED THAT THE PLAN BE SET UP ON A PERMANENT BASIS.
UNDER ANOTHER PROPOSAL, COLLECTIVE REGISTRATION WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OR WELFARE CENTRES WITH 30 OR MORE ELDERLY PEOPLE INTENDING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME.
ANY PERSON, AGED 60 OR ABOVE, LIVING OR WORKING IN SHAM SHUI PO IS ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE PLAN.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE OR SUB-OFFICES AT 3-704251, 3-7280283, 3-7775161, 3-7440o1j OR 3-7282301.
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/18 .....
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
- 18 -
SPORTS GROUP OFFICE BEARERS CHOSEN
*****
OFFICE-BEARERS HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CF THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WHICH A MS AT CO-ORDINATING AND PROMOTING SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AMONG NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS.
MR WONG YUEN-CHEUNG, WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND MR CHIU YUK-CHUEN, WERE ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMEN, MR TAN TUNG-CHIU, WAS ELECTED SECRETARY, AND MR LEE KWONG, TREASURER.
THE NT REGIONAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, AND IS MADE UP OF ALL THE DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION^ OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION IS DR JAMES HAYES, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE ORGANISING A NUMBER OF MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS DURING THIS YEAR.
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ACTION TAKEN AGAINST LIFT ENGINEER
*****
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DISCIPLINARY BOARD HAS TAKEN ACTION AGAINST A REGISTERED LIFT ENGINEER FOR MISCONDUCT.
IT WAS THE BOARD’S FIRST CASE AFTER IT WAS ESTABLISHED LAST OCTOBER UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE (CAP. 327) TO SANCTION THOSE FOUND TO BE NEGLIGENT IN THEIR WORK.
AT A RECENT HEARING THE BOARD WAS TOLD THAT MR WONG MING-LEE CF SANFORD ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED CLAIMED BY SIGNING THE APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATE'S THAT HE HAD EXAMINED AND TESTED THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT OF 33 LIFTS BETWEEN MAY 27, 1983 AND NOVEMBER 25, 1983 WHEN IN FACT HE WAS NOT IN HONG KONG.
HAVING BEEN SATISFIED THAT MR WONG WAS GUILTY OF THE MISCONDUCT, THE BOARD ORDERED THAT HIS NAME BE REMOVED FROM THE REGISTER OF LIFT ENGINEERS FOR A PERIOD OF 18 MONTHS.
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/19........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
- 19 -
MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES FOR WONG TAI SIN *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES IN WONG TAI SIN AS THE NUMBER OF NUCLEAR FAMILIES IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE WITH THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERAL HOUSING ESTATES AND A FEW OTHER AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.
THIS WAS MADE KNOWN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON), MR KWOK KA-CHI, WHEN HE OPENED THE W.F.B. WONG SHING TSANG NURSERY TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE WONG TAI SIN SHOPPING CENTRE.
HE SAID AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 246 CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG, PROVIDING MORE THAN 24 OOO PLACES.
IN WONG TAI SIN AND SAI KUNG, THERE ARE 17 AIDED DAY NURSERIES WITH A CAPACITY OF 2 314 PLACES.
MR KWOK SAID: +APART FROM PROVIDING PHYSICAL CARE, NURSERIES PLACE MUCH EMPHASIS ON THE EMOTIONAL AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN.
+THE SURROUNDINGS, THE FACILITIES AND THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN A NURSERY ARE ALL DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ABILITIES.+
MR KWOK SAID THAT THE NEWLY OPENED W.F.B. WONG SHING TSANG NURSERY, WHICH PROVIDED 100 PLACES FOR CHILDREN AGED TWO TO SIX, HAD BEEN SUPPORTED WITH A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AND WAS NAMED AFTER MR WONG SHING-TSANG, IN APPRECIATION OF HIS GENEROUS DONATION.
THE WORLD FELLOWSHIP OF BUDDHISTS (W.F.B.), HONG KONG AND MACAU REGIONAL CENTRE LIMITED, MR KWOK SAID, HAD A LONG HISTORY IN HONG KONG. IT STARTED TO PROVIDE CHILD CARE SERVICES IN 1981 BY RUNNING A DAY CRECHE IN KWAI CHUNG.
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/20 .......
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
20
YOUNG MUSICIANS, PARENTS GET TOGETHER * * * *
SOME 1 000 YOUNG MUSIC-MAKERS SHOWED THEIR MUSICAL TALENTS BEFORE PARENTS, TEACHERS. FRIENDS AND GUESTS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TODAY (MARCH 31).
PERFORMING AT THE SECOND CONCERT OF THE ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA 1985 THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON WERE TRAINEES UNDER THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
MRS DORIS HO, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR SAID IN HER WELCOME REMARKS THAT THE ANNUAL GALA WAS ORGANISED MAINLY AS A ’FAMILY GET-TOGETHER’ FOR PARENTS TO HEAR THEIR CHILDREN PERFORM AND TO SEE THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF MUSIC TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE MUSIC CFF ICE.
+WE ARE AT PRESENT CONDUCTING OVER 700 TRAINING CLASSES FOR OVER 4 000 TRAINEES AND THE GALA HAS HAD TO BE HELD IN TWO PARTS,+ ffiS HO ADDED.
A CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT HAD BEEN HELD LAST SATURDAY AT SHOUSON THEATRE OF THE ARTS CENTRE, FEATURING MORE ADVANCED LEVEL TRAINEES.
+THE PERFORMERS THIS AFTERNOON, THOUGH MOSTLY BY STUDENTS, ALSO INCLUDE YOUNG PEOPLE IN DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE, AND TOGETHER, THEY REPRESENT A FAIR CROSS SECTION OF OUR TRAINEES IN TERMS OF AGE, LENGTH OF MUSICAL TRAINING AND STANDARD OF ACHIEVEMENT,* SHE SAID.
MRS HO ALSO THANKED THE PARENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT AND INSTRUCTORS, TRAINEES, ORCHESTRAL AND BAND MEMBERS AND CHOIR MEMBERS FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
FIFTEEN OUTSTANDING TRAINEES WERE GIVEN AWARDS AND 200 OTHER TRAINEES WERE PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES OF MERIT AT A CEREMONY PRECEDING THE CONCERT.
SPEAKING AT THE AWARD-PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON SAID THAT THE OCCASION WAS IMPORTANT AS DILIGENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT WERE BEING GIVEN DUE RECOGNITION.
MR WILLIAMSON SAID THAT THE PRIZE-WINNERS WERE FINE EXAMPLES FOR OTHER TRAINEES BECAUSE THEY HAD CHOSEN FOR THEMSELVES VERY DEMANDING ACTIVITIES - LONG HOURS OF MUSIC PRACTICES AND REHEARSALS, IN PREFERENCE TO OTHER LESS DEMANDING PURSUITS.
+THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME IS NOW IN ITS EIGTH YEAR AND ATTRACTING GREATER INTEREST THAN EVER.
/+A H3CBUITMENT........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
+A RECRUITMENT EXERCISE CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR ATTRACTED OVER 4 OOO APPLICATIONS AND IT WAS UNFORTUNATE BUT UNAVOIDABLE THAT MANY APPLICANTS HAD TO BE DISAPPOINTED.
♦ THE LUCKY ONES NOW IN THE SCHEME MUST VALUE THE OPPORTUNITY AND DO THEIR PART TO JUSTIFY THEIR PLACE IN THE SCHEME,* HE SAID.
APART FROM PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR, THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, THE MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES’ CHINESE ORCHESTRA, AND VARIOUS DISTRICT-BASED YOUTH SYMPHONIC BANDS AND CHINESE ORCHESTRAS, THE CONCERT ALSO FEATURED A VIOLIN AND STRING CONCERTO BY A 300-MEMBER YOUTH STRING ORCHESTRA AND THE 'MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS’ THEME SONG BY ALL PERFORMERS.
MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE? AND MR GORDON SIU, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE; MR MICHAEL LEUNG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION; DR BASIL DEANE, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS; MR SAMUEL WONG, URBAN COUNCILLOR AND MR CLIVE OXLEY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING WERE AMONG SOME 2 000 PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED THE CONCERT.
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CAS SETS UP OFFICE IN SAI KUNG * * * * *
THE SAI KUNG DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE FIRST ONE IN THE NORTH DISTRICT OF KOWLOON, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY) MAKING IT EASIER FOR THE CAS TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO AN AREA WHICH HAS GROWN RAPIDLY.
THE CAS HELPS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF, CROWD AND TRAFFIC CONTROL, AND RESCUE WORK, DURING ITS VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
THERE ARE NOW 13 CAS DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WAN-HEI, INSPECTED A PARADE OF CAS MEMBERS AND THE CAS REGIONAL COMMANDER OF KOWLOON, MR NORMAN LEUNG, DOTTED THE EYES OF A LION.
OTHER GUESTS ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR KEVIN HO, THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWAI-SANG AND THE CAS DEPUTY COMMANDER (ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT), MR SO YUN-LAM.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
22 -
TEACHING RESOURCES ON DISPLAY
******
A DISPLAY OF TEACHING MATERIAL FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD AT THE KOWLOON UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE FROM APRIL TO AUGUST.
SAMPLED CHINESE LANGUAGE EXERCISES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE ON DISPLAY, TOGETHER WITH MATERIAL ON THE USE OF PICTURES IN THE TEACHING OF CHINESE LANGUAGE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO TEACHERS ON WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.30 PM, AND ON SATURDAYS FROM 9 AM TO 11.45 AM.
MEANWHILE, THERE IS ALSO A PERMANENT DISPLAY OF TEACHING MATERIALS ON SUPPLEMENTARY READING AND PUTONGHUA TEACHING AT THE HONG KONG UNIT OF THE CENTRE.
THIS DISPLAY IS OPEN ON TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.30 PM.
IF SCHOOLS WISH TO ARRANGE FOR VISITS OF LARGE GROUPS TO THE EXHIBITIONS AND HOLD ON-THE-SPOT DISCUSSIONS WITH PROFESSIONAL STAFF OF THE CENTRES, THEY SHOULD MAKE APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE KOWLOON UNIT IS 3-7128404, AND THAT FOR THE HONG KONG UNIT IS 5-485348.
THE KOWLOON UNIT IS LOCATED AT THE TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7/F, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD I AND THE HONG KONG UNIT IS AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, 1/F, HONG KONG.
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PRIZES FOR POSTER DESIGN WINNERS *****
WINNERS OF THE 17TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT 10 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY), IN THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, 3/F, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON.
THE PRESENTATION WILL BE MADE BY MR A.J. BISLEY, PRINCIPAL LECTURER OF SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
MORE THAN 450 ENTRIES FROM 52 SCHOOLS WERE SUBMITTED AUD SELECTION OF THE BEST ENTRIES WAS HELD EARLY THIS MONTH.
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/23........
SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 1985
- 23 -SPORTS GROUNDS FROM RESERVOIR ROOFS K * * *
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO CONVERT THE ROOFS OF TWO RESERVOIRS INTO SPORTS GROUNDS FOR TWO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON.
ONE OF THESE ROOFS, AT PIPER’S HILL, WILL BE SURFACED TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR TENNIS, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND HANDBALL COURTS.
THE OTHER ONE IS AT TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION OF CALDECOTT ROAD. IT WILL BE LEVELLED AND CONVERTED INTO A FOOTBALL FIELD WITH RUNNING TRACKS.
CHANGING FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SITES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON FRIDAY, APRIL 26. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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NT LIFE SAVERS BACK ON APRIL 1
* # * *
LIFE-SAVING AND FIRST-AID SERVICES WILL RESUME TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 26 GAZETTED BATHING BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
LIFE-GUARDS WILL BE ON DUTY DAILY AT THE PUBLIC BATHING BEACHtS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, HE ADVISED BATHERS TO SWIM WITHIN THEIR LIMITS AND STAY IN THE SAFE SWIMMING AREAS CLEARLY MARKED WITH BUOY LINES AND WITH LIFE-GUARDS NEARBY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BEACHES ARE APPROACH BEACH, TING KAU BEACH, CASAM BEACH, LIDO BEACH, GEMINI BEACH AND HOI MEI BEACH IN TSUEN WAN, NEW AND OLD CAFETERIA BEACHES AND KADOORIE BEACH IN TUEN MUN, FIRST AND SECOND BEACHES OF CLEAR WATER BAY, HAP MUN BEACH, KIU TSUI BEACH, PAK SHA CHAU BEACH, CAMPERS BEACH, SILVERSTRAND BEACH AND TRIO BEACH IN SAI KUNG, UPPER AND LOWER CHEUNG SHA BEACHES, PUI 0 BEACH AND SILVERMINE BAY AT LANTAU ISLAND, HUNG SHING YEH EEACH AND LO SC SHING BEACH AT LAMMA ISLAND, TUNG WAN BEACH AND KWUN YAM WAN AT CHEUNG CHAU AND TUNG WAN BEACH AT MA WAN ISLAND.
HOWEVER, HE ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO STAY OUT OF WATER AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH, ANGLERS’ BEACH AND THE NON—GAZETTED EEACH OF BUTTERFLY BAY IN TUEN MUN, WHICH WERE STILL NOT SUITABLE FOR SWIMMING.
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